jim-1225 Reviews

Secret Santa (2003 TV Movie)

Fluffy, a moral, and pretty predictable - I love it !

[10/10 · 25 December 2006]

So far this TV Christmas, 'Secret Santa' really stands out. The three films I watched involving Santa's marital status were okay if somewhat implausible (!) and I liked 'A Song for the Season' (aka 'A Holiday Romance') and 'A Christmas Gift', but Jennie Garth's performance as reporter Rebecca Chandler has been easily the best treat this holiday to date. If I like a piece of music, my pleasure and appreciation grows each time I hear it. Movies work the same way for me, and this is a movie that I will enjoy every time I watch it. Apologies to all those who belong to the 'seen that' brigade, who only live for what is novel.

It's personal taste, I know, but the humour tickled, the plot interested, the schmaltz was just right (I like sugar in my tea), the events believable and the ending was full of promise and hope. In the story, Rebecca was having quite a run of bad luck, as some would see it, and I could imagine certain folks regarding some of her reactions as unrealistic. For example, her behaviour on being splashed. Rebecca is resilient, and I identify strongly with her. Having dropped a case of 10pt Times type fifty odd years ago, all I said was "Bother!" and got busy sorting the type back into the tiny compartments. If there weren't ten thousand bits, it sure seemed like it. You can't change what's happened, so why not deal with it and carry straight on living. Another attractive trait to her character is that she's no fool, and all her dealings with the despicable Ryan are most pleasing. In fact, Rebecca seems a real person - not perfect, but the sort of girl you'd be really pleased to know.

Other performances in this title are also strong. The variety of characters ranges from the normal, through the competent and fulfilled Russell and John Martin Carter, to Rebecca's autocratic editor - all of them, with the possible exception of Ryan, having a thoroughly worthwhile side to their natures. Aren't actors and actresses blessed? They get to leave a snapshot of themselves which lives on as they age, and even after they've passed on. Secret Santa will stand as a memorial to Jennie Garth. Just in case Jennie consults the IMDb, I would like to offer her the link www.PleaseAskWhy.com (the secret of life, no less?) in appreciation of her gift to the world by taking part in this movie.

Isn't it sad how the nicer things in life seem so little valued? Even the TV guide only included this in the 'Also on today' section, dismissing it as 'intensely predictable Christmas fluff'. Not having a tragic ending does not equate to predictable in this case. I would love to buy a DVD of 'Secret Santa', but none is available. This is something I find frequently, and wish the TV companies were better geared to making their family films available in this format. Perhaps I'm part of a very small market, but I'm sure it isn't an insignificant one. There must be others like me who love people, love what is good and right, know the reality of happy ever after, value fidelity, and like their films to reflect these qualities. I heartily recommend this title, if you ever get the chance to come across it.

Virus (1995 TV Movie)

Some will find it well worth a look

[8/10 · 18 October 2006]

Maybe there's nothing special about this film. There is little originality in the plot and its treatment, good as they are, and if you wish to be hypercritical you can easily find a few flaws and implausibilities. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it, and am glad that the main character wasn't killed off at the end. Many seem to find ultimate tragedy obligatory to avoid predictability. The genre frequently has muscle-bound macho males (no names mentioned), sometimes toting improbable weapons, blasting everything in sight as they move mindlessly in and out of tight situations. This movie has a personable young female handling tight situations with little more than her extremely sharp wits, which I much prefer, and that's not due entirely to my own gender. There is a clear plot, which develops at a smart rate and holds the interest. There is also food for thought in this film, as there are real issues underlying the story, even though it is fictional.

While not an expert in these matters, I thought the direction and photography were above average for a TVM. I was delighted to find DVDs available on the Amazon Marketplace at extremely keen prices, and have ordered a copy of the Odyssey version (Region 2, 2002). There is also a Fremantle version (Region 1, 2006). They are listed under the title 'Formula For Death' which was the title as shown on TV yesterday. I look forward to watching this again. Incidentally, searching for the DVD title 'Virus' leads to an entirely different story featuring Jamie Lee Curtis.

More Sex & the Single Mom (2005 TV Movie)

Warner Home Video is slowing down

[8/10 · 29 September 2006]

As far as I am concerned, this is not a sequel, as some suggest, for that implies that 'Sex & The Single Mom' reaches a satisfactory conclusion, thereby making it stand-alone. Not subscribing to this viewpoint, I wish to pose that 'More Sex & The Single Mom' is Part 2 of a bilogy - a bilogy being one step short of a trilogy! I hasten to point out that any similarity in sound between bilogy and bilge is quite inappropriate in the case of these movies. Of course, there will be some who disagree. That is inevitable.

Circumstances have changed somewhat in the three years since Part 1. Sara has grown out of all recognition (!), but is still a nice girl (!), and Jake is now a lovable youngster. Ex husband, Nick, is out of the picture, having been replaced by Jess's colleague, Steve, who now fulfils the role of steady boyfriend. Friendly neighbour, Deena, doesn't seem to be about, but not to worry as friendly neighbour, Megan, is there to support as friend and confidante to Jess. Then guess what happens …..

Having bought the DVD to find out what occurred in Part 1, I am currently left with only half the story. Not a happy situation! It took just over sixteen months for Warner Home Video to bring out the DVD following the release of 'Sex & The Single Mom'. As Part 2 was released in early February 2005, I would have expected the DVD to have been available by mid-June this year. Come on, Warner Home Video! Don't drag your feet.

Sex & the Single Mom (2003 TV Movie)

Only half the story

[8/10 · 29 September 2006]

I watched 'More Sex & The Single Mom' on TV, and was curious about what went before. Fortunately, I was able to purchase 'Sex & The Single Mom' on DVD from the Amazon Marketplace at a reasonable price, which caused me no regrets after it was viewed.

This is not a salacious movie to titillate voyeurs. If I thought that was the case, the DVD would have been of no interest to me. Rather, it tells a tale of the natural desires and specific temptations faced by a divorced mother and her daughter. The key to my enjoyment of a movie of this nature is that the characters are both likable and plausible. Those criteria were more than adequately met. However, as a firm believer in marriage, no premarital sex and 'until death do us part', this movie does raise issues for me. Since judging others is not for us, but is God's prerogative, I will be pleased to watch this film again when time permits, especially as there was no noticeable bad language as far as I can remember.

I am glad I came to this after watching the subsequent events, as this film would have ended too inconclusively for my liking otherwise. 'Sex & The Single Mom' is clearly Part 1 of a bilogy. (! See my comment for 'More Sex & The Single Mom')

Brave New Girl (2004 TV Movie)

What price the DVD?

[7/10 · 5 September 2006]

This review owes its existence entirely to a review. We take a weekly TV magazine to see what is coming up, and duly decide what we will watch. Obligingly, there are brief reviews of most of the films scheduled to be shown on the five major terrestrial channels. In addition to the prose, each film is allocated a 1-5 star rating. 5 means Don't Miss (superior to 4 for Excellent!), down to 1 standing for Poor. We have learned from vast experience that, with few exceptions, stars are awarded for gross taste, foul language, offensive content, promiscuity, horror, blood & guts, and especially killing off the hero/heroine just when everyone was about to live happily ever after. (If that isn't done, the movie is denigrated as being 'predictable' - the worst insult imaginable!)

Brave New Girl was given only 1 star, thereby suggesting it was a candidate worthy of our time and attention. This was confirmed by the reviewer's description of the movie as being a "truly awful tale", and, "Stupid, just stupid". We watched it, and my wife and I were glad we did so. The TV magazine reviewer further stated that the movie was "not a reworking of War and Peace", with which we have to agree. Reading through the IMDb reviews for this title a day or two later, the urge to pick up my pen (so to speak) to add my halfpennyworth (pronounced harf'pen'uth (emphasis on the first syllable) for the uninitiated) became overwhelming.

Why did we take to this movie? Well, it's just a matter of taste. We like attractive characters, believable relationships between them, interesting situations, courtesy and respect, good triumphing over evil, and so on. We liked the integrity and personalities of Holly (Lindsey Haun), her Mum (Virginia Madsen), Ditz (Barbara Mamabolo), Grant (Nick Roth), Zoe (Joanne Boland) and the two male professors involved in the story. So what if the storyline includes a 'wicked witch of the west' in the form of Angela (Barbara Mamabolo), provided that she plays the part with some conviction. We appreciated the friendship depicted between the two room-mates, with one having a financially challenged upbringing by a loving single Mum, and the other having every material advantage but receiving little parental time and affection. Is it any wonder that Ditz felt the way she did about Holly's Mum? Is it surprising that Grant should take an immediate interest in Holly, considering the manner of their initial meeting, Holly's dazzling smiles and her lively self-possession? I think these issues and the events are believable enough, but it is necessary to pretend that the scholarship and other circumstances are realistic in order for the tale to have a setting.

My wife and I are greatly blessed by not having any significant musical education. This enables us to enjoy the sounds produced by instruments and voices without having our critical faculties intruding unduly on our listening, and thus spoiling the experience. We enjoyed both the classical pieces and the pop, which came over well on the TV, and we weren't struck by any lack of talent. Also, it mattered not that Holly's classical vocals were dubbed by someone else.

We enjoyed the movie enough to look for a DVD. The average delivered price we have paid per disk for the movies in our collection currently stands at £4.9484 (rounded to four decimal places). Brave New Girl was available from a trusted supplier on the Amazon Marketplace for £1.3516 (rounded to four decimal places) above this figure. Such a purchase would increase the average. Why I should resent this is a mystery to me, but it is a testimony to our enjoyment of this film that we placed an order anyway. I have awarded this film 7 IMDb stars out of ten, having docked one for overenthusiastic reception of the performances by the audiences, one for Britney advertising and one for something else I can't remember right now. (In case it hasn't tumbled, this review is an anthem in celebration of the use of brackets!)

The Wedding Dress (2001 TV Movie)

Great light entertainment

[10/10 · 19 August 2006]

This was screened on TV yesterday afternoon, and I thoroughly enjoyed an hour and a half of relaxed light entertainment. I am in full agreement with the great majority of reviewers of this title who indicate their strong approval. If your taste is for sexual promiscuity, foul language and tragedy, this is definitely not for you. It is not moralizing, but is strongly supportive of the sanctity of marriage with one exception. While it would be quite easy to find fault, you will be well rewarded if you concentrate on the cast of attractive and believable characters for whom you should feel a warm affection. There is an abundance of situations and dialogue which tie together beautifully in fairy tale fashion, which is the strength and charm of this delightful movie. It's a shame there's no Region 2 DVD at present, but do make an effort to watch it somehow if you have a romantic side to your nature.

Another Day (2001 TV Movie)

A movie of real quality

[10/10 · 15 July 2006]

If 'Another Day' is slow and drags for some, it certainly didn't for me. Perhaps I like slow - it allows opportunity to savour the developing plot, and to appreciate the varying relationships between the players. I've only seen this once on TV, but broadly agree with the accuracy of the competent plot summary submitted by Forest R. While I understand that the plot could appear confusing, I thought it made good sense and would reward anyone willing to put a bit of work into it.

There are quite a number of flashbacks, but they were used intelligently to link and illuminate points in the plot. My own feeling is that they were not overdone, and are a necessary part of the movie. One hears about 'out of body'/'near death' experiences, and I think this is what is being suggested happened to Kate after Meghan fell into the river, with the added twist of a time warp. This threw light on the truth about the fatal factory fire that occurred a few years previously, an integral part of the story. It was interesting to see two Kates at both showings of the fire - one outside and one inside the factory, each aware of the other. The Kate inside would presumably have coalesced with the Kate seen dragging herself out of the river at the end of her 'out of body' experience on the second showing of her rescue when she was found in 'reality' by the river patrol officer. At the start of the experience and its subsequent events, she was found by Paul as well, this being a mystery as we know Paul was dead years before the river incident. In passing, the duplication of the unique item made by mother and daughter in Meghan's craft class, worn by both David and Kate at the same time, struck me as very neat!

My main motivation for adding to the adequate reviews for this title is to put on record what a treat it is to watch a film of attractive characters working out a thoughtful storyline without resorting to foul language, smut or blasphemies. This is a wholesome offering, well acted and directed, and based on ideas which are cleverly presented. I can see no grounds for docking even one of its ten stars. Sadly, this is the real world, so there must be a fly in the ointment somewhere. I discovered the miserable insect when I searched for the DVD. There isn't one at this point in time! I was particularly hoping that there would be subtitles, clear but discreet, and possibly a director's audio commentary which would have been particularly pleasing. Why, oh why, don't film-makers give us the decent films on DVD besides showing them on TV and at the cinema? Reviewers of this title seem broadly agreed on its merits, so I would have thought it only sensible to make it available for home viewing. My wife and I would love to watch it again. This is a movie of real quality.

Wishful Thinking (1997)

This needed a second viewing

[5/10 · 1 July 2006]

'Wishful Thinking' was shown on TV last night, with more appearing after midnight than before. I'm afraid I was rather tired, and dozed off here and there. I do not recommend napping during this title, as there is so much of the content which the viewer needs to tie together. There isn't much padding. Fortunately, I was smart enough to record this title in case it was worth a review, and I'm glad I did. I watched it again this morning, and made so much more of it now that I'm in more awake mode.

The plot is based around a quintet's relationships: three guys and two girls. I found all of the characters interesting. True to real life, each displayed virtues and vices. As far as I'm concerned, this does qualify as a comedy. It is not the slapstick variety, but a quiet sense of humour, which amused me, pervades the movie. I'm not so sure that it is a romantic comedy, because the romance isn't really touching enough, but I wouldn't call it unromantic.

The whole quintet played their parts well, and which of them we prefer will depend on our outlook on life. Elizabeth (Jennifer Beals) was the character I liked best. There was something very charming and commendable about Elizabeth, and I will look forward to seeing Jennifer Beals again on my screen if she has done any similar work. I also enjoyed Henry (Jon Stewart), a character of depth whose company would be great fun and appreciated by everybody.

I'm no expert, so what I am about to say concerning the film's director, Adam Park, may reap disdain from those more knowledgeable than I, those having different tastes, or those who have a different understanding of life. I thought the director did a great job in many respects. Like 'Pleasantville', the clever use of colour and monochrome added an extra dimension. There were plenty of facial close-ups, which I need to get a good feel for a character. Continuity might seem somewhat disjointed, but that is the nature of this beast. In fact, the viewer is steadily gaining more of the overall picture throughout. I would like to make three points in particular: (i) This film is well structured, but demands intelligence and alertness from the audience. Other reviews indicate that it is easy to lose track of the action, and some will fail to make the necessary connections. (ii) The ending, shown concurrently with the credits, gives a strong indication as to how events pan out, but it wasn't sufficiently conclusive for me. As a person who loves everything properly wrapped up and with a happy-ever-after ending, I didn't have full confidence in the enduring quality of the suggested final relationships. I'm willing to grant that they might be promising, however. (iii) Particularly as the writing credits were attributed to the director, please take note that a significant minority of us don't like effing in the scripts, of which there were about five bouts in 'Wishful Thinking'. Also, cheap laughs might be had by demonstrating a lack of respect for God and religion, but the serious consequences of this will only be understood by many when they inevitably meet their Maker. The moral tone, language and respect for God in a film largely determines whether or not I am willing to buy the DVD, if there is one. In this case, it would need to be exceedingly cheap to tempt me, but by that I am not suggesting this movie is without merit.

To sum up, please don't judge this movie on a single viewing. It improves greatly on the second time around, and I would certainly be tempted to watch it again in a while, if and when it is re-shown.

Firelight (1997)

Opinions polarized by a good movie

[5/10 · 26 June 2006]

I greatly enjoyed this movie, and quite understand why reviews range from the euphoric to the vitriolic. Some will love it, and some will hate it. I have given it five stars out of ten, just to place myself precisely in the middle. For quality it is worth more, and because it may be construed as condoning aspects of immoral behaviour, less. Whether it does actually condone that which is wrong is open to debate. So, too, is the matter of predictability. Are you expecting blissful lovers to disappear into a glorious sunset?

For this period drama, you do have to suspend reality and accept the parameters required for the film to work. We are asked to believe that, way back in the first half of the nineteenth century, a comatose woman, seemingly unable even to blink, would have survived for years, and still have significant life expectancy. Medical science makes such a thing possible in our time, but how would the patient have been fed in those days? Don't let such considerations put you off. For other titles, we accept time travel, real people living inside computer memory, oriental gentlemen waving scimitars who run up vertical walls and jump over tall buildings, and still enjoy the show.

Sophie Marceau's acting was outstanding. Who would have thought that Elisabeth Laurier in 'Firelight' and Lila Dubois in 'Lost & Found' were played by the same person? Stephen Dillane, playing Charles Godwin, was more than adequate as the other main lead. The rest of the characters were well cast, each contributing significantly to this very moving tale. 'Firelight' covers part of the lives of two essentially principled people trying to find a way through the distressing circumstances with which each was faced. If they took a wrong turn, which of us is going to throw the first stone? Judgment of every individual is God's prerogative. If this film does nothing else, it does show why there is a debate about euthanasia. I had two special adult friends outside our immediate family early in life, one as a child and one as a youth. Both had flaws in their characters, but were excellent mentors. I chose to adopt some of their traits, but not others. A couple of years past retirement age, I bought my first television, and have since discovered films. I find these very instructive, giving me insights into the human condition which I would not have otherwise. As with my mentors, I am using my discrimination when assessing any messages suggested by each movie. I found 'Firelight' emotionally stimulating, its characters eminently admirable in many respects, but used my beliefs and discretion in determining the validity of any moral that may be inferred from its plot. Isn't this what we all do?

Some review comments seem to be denigrating Charles Godwin unfairly. It was Lord Clare who ruined the estate by his profligacy. Charles, on the other hand, was trying to keep the boat afloat as a sheep farmer. To suggest that Charles viewed Elisabeth as little more than a chattel doesn't ring true with me. I gained the impression that he was considering her as well as himself right from the beginning. I also felt that their motives tended towards the welfare of others rather than their own selfish ends. The firelight allegory might also be less simplistic than is being suggested. If I am recalling events correctly, I thought the initial use was to introduce a plot continuity. This was progressed to a vehicle used by Elisabeth to allow her daughter the opportunity to break free of her antagonistic attitudes. At some point, the firelight rekindled a significant memory. Finally, for Amy, the firelight was conspicuous by its absence. Were the words, "May God have mercy on us", just a common expression, or were they spoken from the heart? Judge for yourself.

I looked for the DVD, hoping that it would have an audio commentary. Guess what? Buena Vista has allowed the title to become currently 'out of print', so I couldn't even buy the film itself (!) That surprised me, considering the number of reviewers and the high average rating. I'm looking forward to seeing this film again, but will have to wait for it to come around once more on TV. Do keep an eye open for it in your programme guides. If and when it appears, it's well worth watching.

Perfect Friday (1970)

Not really my cup of tea

[3/10 · 23 June 2006]

Appreciation of this film depends very much on taste. Although it foundered for me, the plot was interesting and many might find it an enjoyable viewing. Mr Graham (Stanley Baker), Lord Nick (David Warner) & Lady Britt (Ursula Andress) all played their parts in an intelligent and consistent way, and Mr Smith (T P McKenna) stood out simply by good acting as a normal individual. Clearly, Lady Britt had few inhibitions, being quite happy to run around the house in the buff, and seeming equally at ease sleeping naked with both Mr Graham and her husband. Separately, I might add!

As a person who values integrity, commitment and knows the reality of 'happy ever after', it's hardly surprising that a film about deceit, theft, greed and infidelity doesn't grab me. While Lady Britt is undoubtedly physically attractive and has the warmest personality of the three lead characters, she just ain't my kinda gal. OK, I'm taking it all far too seriously, but my greatest enjoyment comes from entertainment that leaves me with a feeling of warmth, and a hope for the future for the principal characters. The most distasteful aspect of this movie for me were a couple of nasty blasphemies - bang went three of the ten stars straight away!

Altogether, an amusing and interesting film with a good plot that was cleverly revealed, but (Sorry!) not really my cup of tea.

The Steal (1995)

Enjoyable and rather fun

[8/10 · 22 June 2006]

This is definitely light entertainment, and the story so straight forward that by the end of the movie, all is clear. No replays needed, but I would be very happy to watch it again in a year or two if I'm still around. It's so pleasant not to have the ending twisted simply to make it unpredictable, nor to be hit in the face by a barrage of blasphemies and sexual expletives. (Blasphemies I find particularly offensive, but a small number of relatively mild examples of bad language doesn't faze me in the slightest.)

Alfred Molina (as Cliff) seems an unlikely romantic to me, but it would be hard to find any man uninterested in the attractive and competent character portrayed so well by Helen Slater (as Kim). Heathcote Williams struck me as ideally cast. So, too, did Peter Bowles and Dinsdale Landen who played deliciously stereotyped characters. The slapstick aspect was not overdone, so it was quite amusing when it occurred. The story moved forward without lulls, and although not taxing to the intellect, it held my interest throughout.

As usual, I did look for the DVD in case there was one at a bargain basement price, cheap being necessary for this title, but the search was in vain. Nevertheless, watching it on TV was enjoyable and rather fun.

Holiday in Your Heart (1997 TV Movie)

What about a DVD?

[10/10 · 19 June 2006]

I watched this movie on TV in the middle of summer, and really enjoyed the characters, narration, dialogue and songs. For me, the tone was spot on - neither light nor heavy. I thought the Grandma character was rather special. True, Father Christmas appears, but it will be a shame if showings are limited to the Christmas period. I found this title edifying and uplifting, and was most disappointed to find there was no DVD.

How about it, you folk who can correct this deficiency? I don't have a music collection, but did look on the Internet for LeAnn Rimes CDs to hear more of her work. These cost somewhat more than the average price I pay for a DVD, so I will be checking the sites at intervals for special offers.