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Reviews
Great Performances: 'South Pacific' in Concert from Carnegie Hall (2006)
Fresh, new version!!!
I came across this version while flipping through channels and almost didn't stop as I have seen the play and movie versions so many times.
I am glad I did as this is an excellent fresh version of the well-worn South Pacific. Produced without sets or backdrops, the cast appeared on a bare stage with just the orchestra. This really placed the focus on the cast and their performances and they carried it off beautifully.
Reba was great as Nellie, her singing and acting were superb--she was very believable. Brian Stokes Mitchell's deep, rich baritone gave new life to the part of Emile. His voice is so much better suited to the part than those recorded previously (i.e. Enzo Pinza). His rendition of "This Nearly Was Mine" was so true you thought his heart was really broken by Nellie's rejection.
Alec Baldwin was a delightful surprise as Luther Billis. Ray Walston left big shoes to fill and Alec filled them to a "T". It was great to see big John Schuck as the commander on prime time TV again. The rest of the cast delivered inspired performances.
If you want a truly entertaining and thought provoking musical experience don't miss this new version of South Pacific!
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
By Far the Best Ernest Movie!!
Wait, please don't judge this movie by the rest of the Ernest movie genre, this one stands on its own merits!
It is by far the funniest movie made in the 1980s. The old lady portrayed by Ernest is a real hoot. Ernest also helps the never seen Vern with an "electrical" problem which is without a doubt just about the funniest bit of physical, slap stick comedy filmed in the last 25 years.
It is great escapist entertainment and will definitely put you in a Christmas mood. Leave the CSIs and psychic shows for an evening and rent this movie (it's probably a 50 cent rental). If you like to laugh give it a try, you'll be glad you did.
How Green Was My Valley (1941)
A Human Face for the Working Class!
I have watched this masterpiece at least once a year for the past 30 years and each time I find another nuance I had not noticed before. This is a rich work of cinematic art from the great John Ford.
Growing up in a working class family I knew people very similar to the the Morgans and saw their struggles to earn a living. The characters are well-defined and you will be drawn to them. How refreshing to see the working class portrayed as admirable, intelligent people, deserving of so much respect. Kudos to the master John Ford for bringing such a true character study to life. Also Daryl Zanuck deserves credit for acquiring this property and guiding this project to completion.
This movie should be mandatory viewing for all high school or college students studying history, economics or sociology. During the last scene, no feeling person will be able to forget the look on young Huw's face as the lift rises from the pit. Huw gives a human face to the heavy sacrifices the working class sometimes have to make while earning a living.
As they say a picture's worth a thousand words! A digitally restored version of this movie is available on DVD. Rent it or better yet buy it and see for yourself. HGWMV will become one of your favorite movies, too.