The Shepherd is a beautiful production and a fitting tribute to Allied flyers in WWII. Ben Radcliffe and John Travolta play their roles well, as do the other members of the cast. The detail of the planes and CGI affects of them in the air is first rate. Radcliffe's portrayal of his anxiety is a masterful exhibition of his craft, and Travolta is equally skilled displaying his experience and skill as a mentor to other flyers. Unless viewers have read about pilots serving as pathfinders for bombers returning to base after missions over German occupied area of Europe, I doubt anyone knew of their service. All in all, it's a nice way to spend 40 minutes. Congratulations to all who brought this nice gem to Disney +'s catalog of shorts.
Reviews
33 Reviews
The Scarlet Pimpernel
(1934)
A Movie So Good Looney Tunes Releases a Parodies
29 December 2022
I love this movie so much, every time it's scheduled on TCM I DVR it. Leslie Howard, in the title role, is a natural for the more slippery than an eel Scarlet Pimpernel (1934). The rest of the cast is equally excellent. Overall, the production values are superior for the early 1930s. Where the movie really scores is in its popularity, leading to Warner Brothers and Looney Tunes production of a cartoon version, The Scarlet Pumpernickel (1950), with Daffy Duck stepping in as the elusive vigilante. True Looney Tunes' reputation, Pumpernickel is a parody that's been enjoyed for over 70 years. Sink me! If you don't like either of these productions, you need to improve your sense of humor!
Danny is one selfish man
22 August 2021
There are a lot of moving parts to this story, but the one that sticks out the most to me is Danny and his selfishness. I know many people will disagree with my assessment and that's as it should be.
Overall, the story is running down a melodramatic rabbit hole that leaves me wanting more science fiction. I''ll stock around for a few more ... it'll be a struggle and I'll give it my best shot.
Overall, the story is running down a melodramatic rabbit hole that leaves me wanting more science fiction. I''ll stock around for a few more ... it'll be a struggle and I'll give it my best shot.
Barbecue is a Noun, Not a Verb
24 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the best episodes in the series, though there is one minor error. Though if you're from the South, it's a big one.
In the closing scene, Brenda returns home to find all of Fritz's possessions scattered in every room. Including a "barbecue (gas grill) in the bathroom."
Any Southerner over the age of 35, and many younger Southerners, would never call a gas or charcoal grill a barbecue. To Southerners, barbecue is a noun, you eat it. Barbecue is slowly cooked in a deep pit or a lie arge smoker. Grills are used to prepare many types of food, including steaks, chicken, veggies, seafood etc.
Thank you for letting me bring this to your attention. Thank you.
In the closing scene, Brenda returns home to find all of Fritz's possessions scattered in every room. Including a "barbecue (gas grill) in the bathroom."
Any Southerner over the age of 35, and many younger Southerners, would never call a gas or charcoal grill a barbecue. To Southerners, barbecue is a noun, you eat it. Barbecue is slowly cooked in a deep pit or a lie arge smoker. Grills are used to prepare many types of food, including steaks, chicken, veggies, seafood etc.
Thank you for letting me bring this to your attention. Thank you.
The Deep
(1977)
A great yarn that never grows old
15 March 2021
Like many of the previous posts have stated, The Deep is a classic story that packs a lot of story telling punch. With the powerhouse cast of Robert Shaw, Jacqueline Bisset, Nick Nolte and Louis Gosset Jr, the story has it all: romance, searching for lost treasure and narcotics and all of it set on Bermuda and in the beautiful surrounding waters. I remember going to the movie with my girlfriend when it was released in 1977. Living in Savannah, Georgia, we often sailed around the area and spent time on the various islands looking for relics left behind from the Civil War and other historic items. The Deep brought such a level of romantic intrigue that we considered it one of our all time favorite movies. Much has changed in the 44 years since the release of this movie; however, like any good yarn it never grows old. And it never will.
An almost perfect episode, with one bad detail
4 February 2021
Offense is a well thought episode, with a lot of twists and turns to the story and good acting by the entire cast. That being said, there is a flaw. During the college football practice scene, the quarterback rolls out and throws the ball like a middle school player. On any level of college football, the QB would have a more fluid motion. This isn't the first time a TV show or movie production team made bad choices for athletes. Many of the baseball players in A Field of Dreams had terrible throwing skills. Again, it's a small detail, but it always makes production teams look like a group of sandlot players.
Seraphim Falls
(2006)
Almost Great
2 January 2021
All of the elements for a great movie are in place with Seraphim Falls: Great cast, beautiful, rugged scenery and, most of all, a genuine case for revenge. The slip-up is in the delivery, with too many allusions to previous westerns that should've been avoided during the production and screen writing process. Granted there only so many story lines for any story, but with the superior cast Seraphim Falls could've been been a classic.
The Book of Henry
(2017)
A Story of Life, Loss and Rebirth
8 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In many books and movies, the issues of life, loss and rebirth aren't connected in the well polished manner of The Book of Henry.. The story confronts the issues of a child's passing and a neighbor's child abuse is detail, with humanity, clarity and honesty. Having suffered the loss of a child, I relate to the struggles and erratic behavior grief creates. The beauty of this story is that friends, the child's Neoro-surgeon and the faculty and students of the community's elementary school assist in their grief journey. The issue of rebirth is often debated as a false narrative or too closely aligned with Christian theology, though in this instance, it is apparent for all to see. Following the suicide of the abusive father, the juvenile court awards his step-daughter's custody to the grief stricken mother and younger son. A bit of whimsical magic is conducted during the elementary school's talent show, when the younger brother of the older deceased child performs a magic trick proclaiming that his brothers returned. It's a humorous and touching scene ... but the return of the sibling is a sister ... and the family trio is reborn. As much as I enjoy The Book of Henry, it may not be appropriate for elementary school and possibly middle school children. I rate it a solid 10 out of 10.
Last Vermont Christmas
(2018 TV Movie)
All the Elements for Success Fall Flat
3 December 2020
I rarely, if ever, write negative reviews or post low star ratings. Like my headline states, this movie had all the components for a successful and entertaining story. That being said, a poor script, bad acting and Justin Bruening's hairstyle led me to stop watching Last Vermont Christmas. Turing off or leaving movies is a rarity for me as well. I understand that Bruening's hairstyle is popular; however, It is poorly done, with too much hair on top. Overall, I enjoy Hallmark's Christmas movies. They lift my spirit, inspire me to increase my charity during the Holiday and throughout the year. Indeed, life in this series is what life should actually be. Here's to the success and continuation of Hallmark Christmas movies and the joy they bring to millions of people year after year.
Ice Cold in Alex
(1958)
High Quality War Movie
1 October 2020
I've watched numerous war movies in the past, so it's interesting that I haven't seen this one until today. Despite the fact it's a low budget production, Ice Cold in Alex is a well made story with quality acting and on the edge of your seat scenes. The actors are first rate and deliver throughout the story. Anyone looking for a lot of explosions and firefights will be disappointed, but the should give it a try. It's well worth the time. I intend to watch it again in the future.
Richard Jewell
(2019)
Go See Richard Jewell - It's Story Telling at its Best.
29 December 2019
I can't comprehend the poor attendance for the opening weekend of this movie. It's a remarkable story told with precise skill of Clint Eastwood and actors.
The bombing at Centennial Park in Atlanta during the 1996 Summer Olympics was a shock to everyone attending the events and fans of the Olympics throughout the U.S. and all over the world. The need for the Atlanta and national media to "get the scoop", along with the FBI's quick investigation and arrest of Richard Jewell continues to baffle observers of their work.
Kudos to the actors, especially Paul Walter Hauser portraying the title role. Kathy Bates, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde and Jon Hamm work is spot on.
The production is first rate, presenting an accurate image of Atlanta during the '96 Olympics, with the athletes playing a secondary role as the dynamics of the bombing and investigation unfold.
Just a suggestion: if you're looking for great story telling, well acted and Eastwood at his directorial zenith, go to your local theaters and enjoy Richard Jewell. You won't be disappointed.
The bombing at Centennial Park in Atlanta during the 1996 Summer Olympics was a shock to everyone attending the events and fans of the Olympics throughout the U.S. and all over the world. The need for the Atlanta and national media to "get the scoop", along with the FBI's quick investigation and arrest of Richard Jewell continues to baffle observers of their work.
Kudos to the actors, especially Paul Walter Hauser portraying the title role. Kathy Bates, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde and Jon Hamm work is spot on.
The production is first rate, presenting an accurate image of Atlanta during the '96 Olympics, with the athletes playing a secondary role as the dynamics of the bombing and investigation unfold.
Just a suggestion: if you're looking for great story telling, well acted and Eastwood at his directorial zenith, go to your local theaters and enjoy Richard Jewell. You won't be disappointed.
The Goldfinch
(2019)
A Grand Disappointment
15 September 2019
I don't like writing negative reviews, but The Goldfinch is a grand disappointment.
With an all-star cast and intriguing premise, the failure isn't in the acting or delivery of dialog, locations or anything visual, Sad to say it's all in the overly long and melodramatic delivery.
Unlike other movies with similar themes - The Red Violin, The Postman ((Il Postino) and Shine - The Goldfinch lacks a tight script, leaving viewers languishing in front of the screen, hoping for the film's end or an excuse to slip out of the theater.
I really wanted to like this film, it's a grand disappointment. I give it four out of five stars.
With an all-star cast and intriguing premise, the failure isn't in the acting or delivery of dialog, locations or anything visual, Sad to say it's all in the overly long and melodramatic delivery.
Unlike other movies with similar themes - The Red Violin, The Postman ((Il Postino) and Shine - The Goldfinch lacks a tight script, leaving viewers languishing in front of the screen, hoping for the film's end or an excuse to slip out of the theater.
I really wanted to like this film, it's a grand disappointment. I give it four out of five stars.
The Mule
(2018)
Eastwood Does it Again!
16 December 2018
Clint Eastwood continues to excel as actor and director in his latest production, The Mule. The story appears simple: a 90-year-old man serves as a drug mole for the Mexican Drug Cartel. But as we all know, the real story is in the details and that's where Eastwood's craft shines. Issues of family separation, lost career, and maneuvering through the harsh realities of the underworld drug trade provide viewers with the winding road of a mule. The major cast members - Alison Eastwood, Dianne Weist ,Taissa Farmiga, Michael Pena, Laurence Fishburne and Andy Garcia - serve as major family, drug cartel and DEA functionary characters, with Bradley Cooper portrays the second male lead with quiet efficiency. The remaining cast appears as almost faceless characters conducting tedious details of life, work and drug world enforcement. The key to the success of The Mule is that we know the ending, but, again, the details are the magic attracting audiences. I'm sure viewers will thoroughly enjoy this new masterpiece from Eastwood.
Saving Grace
(1986)
Relatively Unknown Christian Classic
22 November 2018
It always disturbs me when I see and move and it all but disappears from the viewing public. Saving Grace is a rare gem that revealing the presence of God in an understated manner.Several scenes in this story come to mind from time to time. Some are more profound than others, though the message is clear: find your calling in life to change the world, even if it may seem to be of little value ... every small gift adds up to be more than we can ever imagine. Tom Conti delivers a strong performance as a young pop struggling with his own faith.
Hostiles
(2017)
A Parable of Our Times
30 January 2018
The violence in Hostiles is, at times, overbearing and incomprehensible to those who live in early 21st Century. The story takes place in the late 19th Century with the southwest and plains states serving as the backdrop for a series of vignettes transforming one time enemies to grudging acceptance and, finally, spiritual grace. A subtle allegory of racial stereotyping lends itself to our country's current conundrum of DACA and who is and who isn't accepted in our society. And who is and isn't morally sound in mind and spirit. Christian Bale's portrayal of a Cavalry officer burdened by his violent career, searching for a sense of peace and purpose is stoic, understated; perhaps too nuanced for some viewers to comprehend. Rosamund Pike is an accomplished actor who, much like Bale, steps into every role with the ease of Streep or Hanks. In this instance, Pike is rushed into a hellish nightmare anyone would struggle to overcome. Her quiet resilience is equally nuanced, and her ability to reach past obstacles with indomitable will is a haunting performance. Wes Studi's career is a consistent path on the exploration of strife and the interplay of Native Americans in an overwhelmingly white world. As Cheyenne Chief Yellow Hawk, Studi's stoicism is matched with a desire to end his days in his ancestral home, with family and tribe providing comfort. The story has links to previous works The Searchers, Stagecoach, Cold Mountain, The Outlaw Josey Wales, and The Road ... tales of long, violent, journeys with the end always over the far horizon. I'm disappointed Hostiles hasn't received the positive reviews it deserves, and I'm equally disappointed that Bale, Pike, and Studi did not receive well deserved Oscar nominations. Hopefully, that journey of Academy recognition will conclude in the near future. I give Hostiles 9 Yum's Up out of 10.
The English Patient
(1996)
A Devotion to the Emotions, Tragedy and Turbulence of World War II.
30 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The most impressive aspect of The English Patient is its devotion to the emotions, turbulence and tragedy of the time, World War II. With the world turned upside down by a war and the end of Europe's royal class, viewers are taken on a visually stunning journey of love, betrayal, constant loss and the ever-so-slow passing of the central character, Count Laszlo de Almasy, brilliantly played by Ralph Fiennes. Many reviewers term this a "reader's movie," and so it is. It's also a movie of the visual and musical arts, with scenes throughout the work stretching the bounds of fixed concepts. I often listen to the soundtrack by Gabriel Yared, with wide swaths of themes reveling in the adventures of archeologists in the Sahara and discoveries of Italian monastic art. Countering the classic themes are popular jazz and big band pieces from the 1930s and 40s, with de Almasy renowned for knowing the lyrics to every piece from the era. The characters throughout the story are classic, which weaves an enduring tableau of emotions, memories and the realization that as much as many view each era as different, there is always a sense of the retelling of stories, best stated with Casablanca's song, As Time Goes By. Lastly, there's a simple reason The English Patient earned nine Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Anthony Minghella: It's one of the best movies of all time.
Gabriel Yared, composer and wide range of popular pieces from the 1930s and 40s.
Gabriel Yared, composer and wide range of popular pieces from the 1930s and 40s.
The Accountant
(2016)
An Autistic Jason Bourne
6 November 2016
I have to admit, I am pleasantly surprised by The Accountant. Rather than just a quick lead up to multiple shoot-outs, there are a series of fully developed back stories that add depth to characters and foreshadow events throughout the production.
The father of Affleck's character is beyond abusive to the point that he makes Bull Meechum in The Great Santini look almost saintly. But the track he places his sons on is a brilliant mechanism for their adult lives.
We discuss the 1% often in our society. How the wealthy maintain sway over society with influence over our political system, use the tax codes to enhance their wealth and will use any means necessary to avoid responsibility for their missteps.
By directing the story's path to the climactic struggle, the production team connects many levels of familial love/devotion, divergent careers, new found friendship and a sense of thanksgiving for assisting children with autism provides powerful images of how we find positive messages in ways few can or will understand.
The depth, mix of action and family tragedy and foreshadowing combine to make this a compelling story to revisit in a sequel ... something I usually don't advise. But there's something here that is very slick and entertaining.
Let's hope it happens!
The father of Affleck's character is beyond abusive to the point that he makes Bull Meechum in The Great Santini look almost saintly. But the track he places his sons on is a brilliant mechanism for their adult lives.
We discuss the 1% often in our society. How the wealthy maintain sway over society with influence over our political system, use the tax codes to enhance their wealth and will use any means necessary to avoid responsibility for their missteps.
By directing the story's path to the climactic struggle, the production team connects many levels of familial love/devotion, divergent careers, new found friendship and a sense of thanksgiving for assisting children with autism provides powerful images of how we find positive messages in ways few can or will understand.
The depth, mix of action and family tragedy and foreshadowing combine to make this a compelling story to revisit in a sequel ... something I usually don't advise. But there's something here that is very slick and entertaining.
Let's hope it happens!
Interstellar
(2014)
Perfect example of filming making at its best!!
18 November 2014
This is what I'm always looking for in a movie: amazing and thought-provoking script, finely detailed and imaginative cinematography and CGI, inspired and believable acting and a soundtrack (Hans Zimmer) that connects viewers with the story, adding tension, passion, soul scouring drama and pause through well crafted music.
Unlike many science fiction movies, Interstellar goes the extra light year to bring home the themes of family, loss, unfathomable exploration and dimensions beyond our scope of reality.
Leave everything at home and experience this tremendous work of art!
Hell, make it a holiday present to yourself and everyone you know.
I know there are a lot of excellent movies that will be released between now and the end of the year, but this is an absolute must see!
Unlike many science fiction movies, Interstellar goes the extra light year to bring home the themes of family, loss, unfathomable exploration and dimensions beyond our scope of reality.
Leave everything at home and experience this tremendous work of art!
Hell, make it a holiday present to yourself and everyone you know.
I know there are a lot of excellent movies that will be released between now and the end of the year, but this is an absolute must see!
The Judge
(2014)
A Delicately Crafted And Brilliant Classic
13 October 2014
Movies like this are produced on very rare occurrences these days. Indeed, Hollywood has stepped beyond the realm of slumming to the lowest level of massive explosions and gratuitous sex that tight scripting, superior acting and natural cinematic technique have almost become exhibits at the Smithsonian.
I said "almost."
The Judge is that rare combination, with Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall turning in their – best and Oscar nomination worthy – performances. Billy Bob Thorton's work is equally compelling, with one personality trait in the court room leaving me with the question: "why in the hell does he do that?"
If you enjoy movies with stories that take time to develop, superior acting and understated family flare ups, then this is one for you!
I said "almost."
The Judge is that rare combination, with Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall turning in their – best and Oscar nomination worthy – performances. Billy Bob Thorton's work is equally compelling, with one personality trait in the court room leaving me with the question: "why in the hell does he do that?"
If you enjoy movies with stories that take time to develop, superior acting and understated family flare ups, then this is one for you!
The Monuments Men
(2014)
Not your average war movie
10 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the most rare war movies I've seen. I read Robert M. Edsel's book with the same title, so I was anxious to see the story on the screen. To be perfectly honest, I wasn't disappointed.
Just think, in the hell of WWII the President of the United States assigns a group of artists, art restorers, architects and a sculptor to save as much of the art stolen by Hitler throughout Europe. No small task, to be sure.
What George Clooney (writer, director, producer, actor) produced is a series of vignettes with team members seeking the stolen pieces and working to recover them, much like "The Longest Day" and "A Bridge Too Far" adaptations of Cornelius Ryan's non-fiction works with the same titles were produced as vignettes of various characters.
While the film does not focus on firefights, tactics and strategy, it does focus on the detailed search for Western Europe's most prized possessions, it's art. The story also provides insights into the friendships, humor and struggles encountered throughout The Monuments Men's pursuit of stolen art.
The acting is good to great, and the script, though scattered with vignettes, is solid. Some viewers may not connect with the stoic nature of the personalities. I can attest to its authenticity as my father served in the war and always maintained a quiet demeanor while describing his experiences even when there was humor to his tales, it was delivered in an understated manner. And many of his veteran friends had similar persona.
The story also provides a glimpse at the approaching Cold War with the Soviet Union, with a team from Russians seeking the same artistic treasures, with Clooney and Company scoring one for the good guys near the end of the movie.
Again, this isn't your average war movie. It's better; with a true story on one of the most under appreciated and unknown aspects of the European Theatre.
Just think, in the hell of WWII the President of the United States assigns a group of artists, art restorers, architects and a sculptor to save as much of the art stolen by Hitler throughout Europe. No small task, to be sure.
What George Clooney (writer, director, producer, actor) produced is a series of vignettes with team members seeking the stolen pieces and working to recover them, much like "The Longest Day" and "A Bridge Too Far" adaptations of Cornelius Ryan's non-fiction works with the same titles were produced as vignettes of various characters.
While the film does not focus on firefights, tactics and strategy, it does focus on the detailed search for Western Europe's most prized possessions, it's art. The story also provides insights into the friendships, humor and struggles encountered throughout The Monuments Men's pursuit of stolen art.
The acting is good to great, and the script, though scattered with vignettes, is solid. Some viewers may not connect with the stoic nature of the personalities. I can attest to its authenticity as my father served in the war and always maintained a quiet demeanor while describing his experiences even when there was humor to his tales, it was delivered in an understated manner. And many of his veteran friends had similar persona.
The story also provides a glimpse at the approaching Cold War with the Soviet Union, with a team from Russians seeking the same artistic treasures, with Clooney and Company scoring one for the good guys near the end of the movie.
Again, this isn't your average war movie. It's better; with a true story on one of the most under appreciated and unknown aspects of the European Theatre.
Labor Day
(2013)
A Journey Into Relationships and Haunting Dreams
3 February 2014
If you're interested in a good adult romantic drama, look no further than the movie "Labor Day."
Superior acting by Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and young Gattlin Griffith, this is a story with multi- layered depth and haunting flashbacks through dreams ... some viewers might become impatient as the various dream scenes flicker across the movie screen. Just wait, it's all done with amazing dramatic effect, and when the dream scape finally reveals itself, you'll be impressed with the final story.
More importantly, "Labor Day" displays the under utilized message of the impact of relationships, even though the positive results are revealed many years later.
The soundtrack is unusual and haunting, providing a surreal effect on the entire production.
Superior acting by Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and young Gattlin Griffith, this is a story with multi- layered depth and haunting flashbacks through dreams ... some viewers might become impatient as the various dream scenes flicker across the movie screen. Just wait, it's all done with amazing dramatic effect, and when the dream scape finally reveals itself, you'll be impressed with the final story.
More importantly, "Labor Day" displays the under utilized message of the impact of relationships, even though the positive results are revealed many years later.
The soundtrack is unusual and haunting, providing a surreal effect on the entire production.
The Waterboy
(1998)
Classic Comedy/Football Farce
6 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
It's obvious many people think too much of their film critic credentials, and they miss the overall point of "The Waterboy": There isn't a shred of "serious" to the story, simply a spoof of all things related to big time college football, the deep South and over-bearing mothers.
To see it as anything else is to lose grasp on the human comedy. Much like folks misunderstanding the camp nature of "Starship Troopers," "The Waterboy" is a classic in its own right, with a flip of the finger to anyone who doesn't comprehend the intentions of the production.
In fact, if they don't understand, they should take mama's place in the hospital bed!
To see it as anything else is to lose grasp on the human comedy. Much like folks misunderstanding the camp nature of "Starship Troopers," "The Waterboy" is a classic in its own right, with a flip of the finger to anyone who doesn't comprehend the intentions of the production.
In fact, if they don't understand, they should take mama's place in the hospital bed!
The Book Thief
(2013)
An Understated Classic
28 November 2013
No extended fight scenes. No unnecessary pyrotechnics. Simply a story of ordinary people conducting themselves in extraordinary fashion when faced with the hell of Hitler's Third Reich and World War II.
The literary vehicle of Death as the Narrator is a masterstroke, as is the overall emphasis of words/books/art overcoming evil.
And it's all done with compassion for children at their best and most vulnerable, and adults bypassing the convention of the era to display kindness, caring and understanding.
An understated classic, there aren't enough movies like this being produced.
And that's a damn shame.
The literary vehicle of Death as the Narrator is a masterstroke, as is the overall emphasis of words/books/art overcoming evil.
And it's all done with compassion for children at their best and most vulnerable, and adults bypassing the convention of the era to display kindness, caring and understanding.
An understated classic, there aren't enough movies like this being produced.
And that's a damn shame.
The Tall Man
(2012)
Insightful allegory of our times
17 August 2013
*Spoiler Alert*
I understand that many folks don't like or understand this movie. I really do.
However, from my perspective it's an amazing allegory providing details on the decay of our society, with a fictional source to solving part of the problem.
I live in an area of the country where there has always been terrible poverty and generation after generation of children are born into the cycle of physical/emotional/alcohol/drug abuse and all the lasting impacts. I have mentored numerous children, with a few going on to have good lives, but far too many sliding into an awful adult existence.
In working with these children, they often state or intimate that they want a different life. They want to escape. Granted, children from wealthy families say the same thing; however, the resources for recovery aren't as available for the poor as with the wealthy or upper middle class, and their life's path is often painted before they're out of elementary school.
As sick as the premise that there's an organization kidnapping (or switching roles) poverty- stricken children and giving them to well-educated wealthy families is, it's an often used literary vehicle, much like Pip in "Great Expectations," or the "Prince and the Pauper," or other similar stories.
But as Jessica Biel's character states, the system is broken. Jobs have disappeared. Communities are in decay. Families and children suffer.
This story is simply one writer/director's supposition of an organization trying to change children's lives for the better, and an agent for the organization standing by her commitment to maintain its secrecy ... and, in her opinion, its higher calling. Much like a spy for the CIA or KGB maintaining silence once they're captured ... another version of one higher calling over another.
Overall, the script is well written with plot twists worthy of Hitchcock. The depiction of a society in decline/disarray well produced, as are all other aspects of the production.
I don't support the idea of kidnapping children, or removing them from their families, regardless of how horrible their lives are. I believe in the hope that things can always change for the better. I just wish it happened more frequently ... I hate seeing so many lives wasted, generation after generation after generation.
I understand that many folks don't like or understand this movie. I really do.
However, from my perspective it's an amazing allegory providing details on the decay of our society, with a fictional source to solving part of the problem.
I live in an area of the country where there has always been terrible poverty and generation after generation of children are born into the cycle of physical/emotional/alcohol/drug abuse and all the lasting impacts. I have mentored numerous children, with a few going on to have good lives, but far too many sliding into an awful adult existence.
In working with these children, they often state or intimate that they want a different life. They want to escape. Granted, children from wealthy families say the same thing; however, the resources for recovery aren't as available for the poor as with the wealthy or upper middle class, and their life's path is often painted before they're out of elementary school.
As sick as the premise that there's an organization kidnapping (or switching roles) poverty- stricken children and giving them to well-educated wealthy families is, it's an often used literary vehicle, much like Pip in "Great Expectations," or the "Prince and the Pauper," or other similar stories.
But as Jessica Biel's character states, the system is broken. Jobs have disappeared. Communities are in decay. Families and children suffer.
This story is simply one writer/director's supposition of an organization trying to change children's lives for the better, and an agent for the organization standing by her commitment to maintain its secrecy ... and, in her opinion, its higher calling. Much like a spy for the CIA or KGB maintaining silence once they're captured ... another version of one higher calling over another.
Overall, the script is well written with plot twists worthy of Hitchcock. The depiction of a society in decline/disarray well produced, as are all other aspects of the production.
I don't support the idea of kidnapping children, or removing them from their families, regardless of how horrible their lives are. I believe in the hope that things can always change for the better. I just wish it happened more frequently ... I hate seeing so many lives wasted, generation after generation after generation.
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