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prairiedog5413
Reviews
Deux frères (2004)
A beautiful film
I've loved tigers since I was about seven and saw one at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The placing of animals as the true stars of the movie reminded me of Mutual of Omaha's 'Wild Kingdom' on TV many years ago (remember Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler?). You've probably never seen tigers this close up and personal before. The sequences where the adults meet and mate was terrific and tastefully done. The cubs are adorable.
The movie doesn't make humans look too good when it comes to dealing with tigers, except for a young, innocent boy who only sees their beauty, and a hunter of game and ancient artifacts, who eventually sees 'the light'. That's OK, though, since humans are responsible for the drastic reduction in the number of tigers left in the world. While the tigers are revered in this movie, it's clear they are also dangerous, and the film isn't 'preachy'.
The movie was thought-provoking despite being arguably for kids (although perhaps not very young ones). There are lots of touching scenes, and the ending, while predictable, was nonetheless a rousing finale. Folks actually applauded. Perhaps you will, too.
Rating 8/10
Lassie (1994)
Loved it!
If you can't stand wholesome family entertainment, you should probably stay away from this one. As to the comment that "This one should be stuck in the back of the doghouse", by another "reviewer", consider it it just someone's toxic two cents that should be ignored. It's not titillating, or gory, or intellectually challenging, but it wasn't meant to be - it's a movie for kids.
It's a story about a boy and a dog, and it's done well. One should expect a bit of sentimentality in a movie called "Lassie", and it's appropriately there. It's uplifting and heartwarming (God forbid!). The scenery was great, as was the soundtrack. Mr. Guiry did a fine job as Matt, and Lassie was, of course, awesome.
Peter Pan (2003)
An unforgettable version of a timeless story ...
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS, BUT PROBABLY NOT**
I've never seen a movie quite like this one. It's a 100 year-old, live-action, big-budget ($100 million) fairytale that makes no attempt to pander to a mass audience in the name of financial success. On one level it's just a children's story, beautifully told. But it's more than that - much more.
It's about family, sacrifice, responsibility; the joys of childhood and the inevitability of leaving it behind; generational conflict, aging and loneliness; and the wonder, confusion, exhilaration and excitement of first love. It's a complex tale with elements of Greek mythology and Freudian psychology, but also a simple story of good versus evil.
At the ripe old age of 12 or so, Wendy Darling, who lives in Victorian London, is informed that it's time she became a young lady. She is displeased, and ends up flying off to Neverland with Peter Pan and her brothers, just like in the stories she tells them each evening (no electronic entertainment back then). In Neverland there are Indians and pirates and mermaids and the Lost Boys. There are fairies and castles and forests and the evil Captain James Hook. There is danger and adventure and yes, even romance. Of course, this is all really just Wendy's dream, isn't it?
The movie is beautiful to look at, and the orchestral score is just right. And then there's the cast ... ohh, the cast. Lynn Redgrave as Aunt Millicent is a scream (what WAS that book she was reading when Peter returned for his shadow?). Olivia Williams is a beautiful and touching Mrs. Darling. Richard Briers as Hook's right-hand man Smee (oops ... can Hook have one of those?) is very funny. Wendy's brothers, Tiger Lily, and the Lost Boys as a group are both hilarious and endearing. Ludivine Sagnier as Tink was appropriately jealous and naughty. Have I forgotten anybody? Hmmm... oh, of course!
Jason Isaacs is great as the unassertive Mr. Darling, and just out-of-this-world as the evil, dashing, depraved, pathetic and manipulative Captain James Hook. This IS a children's movie, and Isaacs walks a fine line perfectly. And he can play the harpsichord with a hand and a hook! Rachel Hurd-Wood as Wendy and Jeremy Sumpter as Peter are, well, ... amazing. It's truly a beautiful thing to watch them interact, and it's tough not to love them both before it's over. Together they embark on a little dance of internal discovery that is funny, cute, heartbreaking and ultimately life-affirming.
There are lots of terrific special effects, but the goal isn't Lord-of-the-Rings-type realism. The fairytale has jumped off the pages of a lushly illustrated book, and we are there. With a sprinkling of fairy dust together with happy thoughts, we can fly (and LIKE it!).
Finally, some parting thoughts. Except for Jeremy Sumpter as Peter, the cast is British and Australian, and they very much sound like it, so Americans may have to listen extra closely (I might just be getting old). Having a look at the book "Peter and Wendy" by J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan's creator) can refresh your memory if you don't know or have forgotten the story (like me). To really enjoy the movie, it's best to let down your defenses and become a kid again for a bit. In fact, if that idea is unappealing, you might want to pass on this film. However, if you like it the first time you see it, you may well LOVE it the second time ... and thank you director P.J. Hogan.
Rating: 9 out of 10