dilone Reviews

The Year Without a Santa Claus (2006 TV Movie)

What the heck were they thinking?

[2/10 · 11 December 2006]

Acting=bland, storyline=contrived, pacing=dirge-like, charm=none. A live action "Year Without a Santa Claus" seems like a great idea, unless the people involved turn it into a remake of the Salkind's "Santa Claus: The Movie" instead. And that's what happened.

Not everything about this movie is worthless. The first Heat Miser/Snow Miser scene was well done, but then again it's the only thing left over from the original. At least the powers that be recognized the appeal of that number.

Everyone else was just sleepwalking through their parts, which is a shame. I was excited to see John Goodman as Santa, but he wasn't weary enough in the scenes where Santa is weary, and certainly wasn't jolly enough when Saint Nick needed to be his old self. And Delta Burke? Did she really have a part in this? Mrs. Claus was an important part of the original...here she just seemed like an observer.

I was looking forward to this...I'm no purist. I'm open for all kinds of remakes. But this just didn't cut it.

Watch the original instead. It's a classic, despite its age.

A Man Called Peter (1955)

A classic finally gets its due!

[10/10 · 11 August 2005]

For years it has amazed me that this film was not available on DVD, and now I see Fox has come around to correcting that mistake--bravo! Now the glorious CinemaScope picture can be enjoyed along with the note-perfect score by Alfred Newman and the amazing performance of Richard Todd.

"A Man Called Peter" charts the true story of Peter Marshall, a Scottish immigrant who became a nationally-known Presbyterian pastor in the US and eventually found himself chaplain of the US Senate. But don't let those accomplishments fool you--the story of Peter Marshall is, in its own words, the story of "one man's friendship with God," nothing more and nothing less. Not that it's a syrupy, sugar-coated look at faith, however. "A Man Called Peter" deals with the realities of life and the questions we often find ourselves asking, particularly with regards to suffering. It doesn't shirk these issues, doesn't provide pat answers...it just demonstrates Peter Marshall's simple trust in the one he called "The Chief."

One of the amazing things about "A Man Called Peter" is its attention to Dr. Marshall's amazing gift for preaching. Quite a bit of time is spent on his sermon material,expertly delivered by Richard Todd. The December 7th, 1941 scene is particularly moving. Overall, the sincerity of Peter Marshall's faith is evident, both in the highs and lows of his life. And despite his premature passing, the film still manages to end on a stirring note of hope. "See you in the morning" is a phrase that will never be the same for you after watching this film.

After Peter's death, Catherine Marshall had a dream she was visiting him in heaven, where she told him she was contemplating writing a book about his life. In the dream Peter said to her, "Go ahead and write it, Kate. Let the world know a man can love God and not be a sissy!" The movie version of "A Man Called Peter" demonstrates that with class, top-notch performances, and a heart sadly missing from many films today.

"A Man Called Peter" is a classic--and now it's available in the only format that can do it justice. I can't wait to experience it for the first time all over again!

Bill Bryson: Notes from a Small Island (1999– )

Not as good as the book, but...

[15 January 2005]

I love Bryson's books immensely. As a fellow American who has spent a few years living in Britain, he captures both cultures with wit and charm.

That said, this TV adaptation of his most popular book leaves something to be desired. It moves slowly, is nowhere near as funny as his books, and is far too subdued for my taste.

Part of the problem is that for a TV presenter, Bryson is a good author. He comes off as too bored, too bland...only occasionally does his true love for Britain shine through. Those moments that it does (episode three is the best example of this) are wonderful. The whole appeal of Bryson is the way he expresses his love for British culture with just enough detachment to be witty, and that is far too absent from this adaptation.

Still, as travelogues go, it's one of the better ones out there. It's a case of "better than the rest, not as good as it should have been." At least Bryson is willing to show us the "real Britain," not the tourism-centered part. He knows the places to explore and bring out the charm that most tourists miss. Too bad he's unable to couple it with the charm he finds on paper.

Cheers, mate.

Jurassic Park III (2001)

Better than the second, not as good as the first (and a correction)

[21 July 2001]

In brief, JP3 is solid popcorn entertainment. Everyone seems to throw around the opinion that 1) it has a sucky ending (I thought it was at least original, better than a retread of some tired idea), and 2) it has no character development (??? I'm convinced "character development" is the first phrase used by people who know nothing about film but want to sound like they do). Who expects character development in these films? It's a roller coaster ride. Do you go to Six Flags, get off the big nasty coasters and say "It was fun, but I expected more character development?" C'mon, people. Sit back and have fun. I did...a lot of it.

As for those who complain about (MINOR SPOILER) the lack of grief over a spouse's death, I just want to add that I don't remember the person ever referred to as a spouse...couldn't it have just been a boyfriend?

The Whole Nine Yards (2000)

C'mon people, lighten up!

[9/10 · 10 April 2000]

Those of you who feel the need to blast this film need to just take a pill and relax! "The Whole Nine Yards" is just plain popcorn fun--no substance, just harmless enjoyment. Matthew Perry and Bruce Willis work great together, and the screenplay is very funny. I didn't expect to enjoy this film, but I thought it was hilarious. So set aside your egos and higher-brain functions, folks, and just sit back and laugh. A lot.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

My wife hates Sci-Fi, and she loved it!

[10/10 · 30 December 1999]

Not only is it tremendously funny, but "Galaxy Quest" delivers a rousing adventure (plus a little romance) along the way! Tim Allen captures the swagger of a Shatner-wannabe just right, and Sigourney Weaver is spot-on perfect! The biggest laughs of the film come from Tony Shalhoub as Kwan/Chen-- he has the best line delivery I've seen in a long time (and they give him some wonderful lines). Alan Rickman is always a treat, and his performance as Dane/Lazarus combines exasperation, anger, resignation, and ego in just the right amounts. Great effects, a well-told story, and (best of all) the right amount of satire/respect for the fandom being parodied. My wife is not into Sci-Fi at all, and she can't wait to see "Galaxy Quest" again. Don't believe those who would say GQ is ONLY for fanboys. Fanboys will get an extra chuckle or two, but "Galaxy Quest" is great for everyone!

The Wonderful World of Disney: Annie (1999) Season 3, Episode 5

A classy musical that blows away its overwrought predecessor

[10/10 · 9 November 1999]

"Annie" is the musical that made me fall in love with Broadway. I saw it when I was in junior high, and listened to the original cast album constantly. I thought nothing associated with "Annie" could ever be bad. Then the 1982 film version came along and ruined everything. Overwrought, over-acted, over-produced, over-hyped...what a waste of celluloid. When Disney announced this version, I was hesitant and fearful. How gloriously wrong I was!! This new version is classy, well-produced, and features a wonderful cast. The producers recognized the charms of the Broadway show and managed a wonderful translation to the screen. For those who thought Kathy Bates was "too nice," I would counter that her Hannigan was a wonderful mix of meanness and pathos. Alicia Morton did a fantastic job, and has a great voice! Alan Cumming DID steal the show, which is what any good Rooster should do. Kudos to Victor Garber and Audra McDonald as well! Musical orchestration and technical credits are tops! And a big thanks to whoever decided to ditch the "fright wig" and the fire-red dress! While once an important part of "Annie" lore, they are outdated and would only serve to distract from the real charms of the show. Bravo Disney and ABC!