The Enchanted Cottage (2016) Poster

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4/10
Very bad Indie film
Jackbv12322 September 2017
I was hoping the opening scene was not an indication of what we would see when we got to the main characters. The acting is horrible out of the gate. Sam Nisbett as Tom is bad just talking to his wife and again when he dies. At one point he reacts strongly to his wife's statement before she has said the words that cause the reaction.

Could Laura's appearance early in the film be any more geeky and plain Jane? Obviously there is some beauty in there, but they go overboard in trying to mask it. Sarah Navratil's acting is forced and stiff. She's obviously trying, but it just doesn't come naturally to her.

When Oliver first wakes up after his injuries, Paul D. Masterson doesn't act at all like someone that the others were just so worried about surviving. He appears normal, but nonchalant about what he is about to attempt. Even well after that, he just moves like someone who is perfectly healthy. This is true even in his physical therapy. He also doesn't physically show any of the emotion that his words convey. Later when circumstances and conversation is more normal, Masterson does better capturing that.

Sandra Rice is also stiff delivering lines. I do have to hand it to her that she did a good job of keeping a straight face, but not quite, when she sees his facial scars. The direction is poor in this scene because it took me three takes to realize when Oliver was showing his body scars. The angle made it hard to see.

Production is poor, especially the sound. The video isn't too bad.

The story is delivered very badly. The setup doesn't ring true as events leading up to Oliver actually coming to the cottage just don't make sense. And I'm betting that this is based on a short story because there are a lot of visuals and scenes that are obviously crammed in to fill time.

There is an absolutely incomprehensible segue later in the movie. You'll know what I mean if you watch that far. It's not that it is a surprise twist. The transition just makes no sense. One minute they said one thing and the next minute the results were the opposite.

There is a bit of a twist even later, but it was a slow journey getting there, even in a 90 minute movie.
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3/10
So bad it's painful to watch
laughing_cat19 September 2017
I had hopes for this movie. It's relatively clean and the premise is sweet. But, ugh, it is terrible. The acting is so bad, the makeup is horrible, that it asks the viewer to suspend way too much reality to make it watchable. The original was probably charming. This remake is a train wreck. What a shame that it was one of Richard Hatch's last films before his passing.
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3/10
Annoyed from the beginning
vortexspinner7 April 2019
Someone died and then some people are at the door. All too quick too and unemotional and not making any sense. Gave it away.
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1/10
As Bad As It Gets
half_monty29 October 2017
This is a film so bad that you can imagine it one day having a large cult following. It proceeds from one improbability to another with an almost charming nonchalance, as if to say,"Oh, never mind, you know what we mean." It is so filled with non-sequiturs that the occasional sequitur seems wandering and lost. The upshot of this is that the film keeps you so befuddled that you find yourself sticking around to see if it will finally unravel itself. It doesn't. It just smiles at the end and says, "So there you have it."

It is hard to imagine the director's excuse, given that he had the model of the successful 1945 film in front of him. Actually the film lists seven directors. It is hard to decide whether this was six too many or seven too many.
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1/10
Remake so pathetic. Original was and is totally fantastic.
margins20 August 2020
What a shameful remake. Doesn't even come close. The acting is so bad. Nothing enchanting about this movie. The 1945 original is a masterpiece in every way.
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1/10
You Have Got To Be Kidding ......!?!??
jserrent20 October 2018
THIS ...... is the best they can do .... Oh My God...!!

Everything in this is poor .... casting...acting.... music ..... And its poor on its own ....Then when you put it against the 1945 version with Dorothy McGuire, Robert Young and Herbert Marshall ....Music by Roy Webb ....You realize just how pitiful it is....!!!

NONE of the romance that exudes the 1945 version is translated in this film....No matter how sentimental or sappy you may think the 45 version is .... It does what it was meant to do ... It ss a fantasy drama ... and when you go outside of this idea you lose the sweeping emotion that the story intends to deliver...

If a studio is going to commit to a remake of this film ...... They better make a much more substantial commitment than THIS...!!!

Better yet ... DON'T remake this movie .... it probably belongs in a different time anyway.
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1/10
A crime against the visual/performance arts. I am angry for having watched.
gjoseph-292-9363314 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Some people use their wealth to enhance life on the planet. Other people make terrible movies. I can only assume that whomever green- lit this movie a) was trying to end a hostage situation, b) was determined not to use anyone who might upstage Richard Hatch, and c) was Richard Hatch. If there was a lighting director, the position was part-time.

The writing would be mocked by moderately capable tweens. For instance, the movie opens with laborious exposition from the owners of the cottage about an awkward neighbor who can't get a boyfriend. Then the husband can't breathe so the wife calls the awkward neighbor who gives him CPR until they both spew water like a drowning rescue. The wife embraces him and he dies in her arms. The neighbor/nurse watches him die -- makes no attempt to resume CPR. Flash forward. An engaged couple arrives to view the cottage. The neighbor gushes over how handsome the man is. He is not. The owner explains (for no reason) that the cottage was moved from Europe-- taken apart in sections, shipped, reassembled.

Directing. Flash forward. Gratuitous use of 9-11 footage. Flash forward. The man is injured fighting the Taliban. He's then seen being dragged (not carried) into the cottage by two soldiers who then walk out of the cottage, stop and glare into the darkness (for no reason) then walk away. Later he's struggling with his disfigurement. He's not disfigured. Children would consider his scars a bad boo boo.

If anyone involved in the decision making for this film ran it by a friend, it would have been heavily edited and exponentially improved. Clearly they have no friends.

There are so many talented writers, directors, cinematographers, sound editors, lighting directors, actors, costume designers, set decorators… Why not hire them?
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1/10
Simply Atrocious
rebekahrox24 September 2017
I honestly do not remember a movie where the acting was so bad I honestly could not finish it. Even Hallmark movies at least have adequate, if not engaging, actors. The casting of Oliver, the hero was terrible. He is supposed to be handsome and charming. He is not. I will say no more about his looks. His horrible disfigurement is not so much at all and would be easily corrected. The female lead was cast pretty well, but her acting also left a lot to be desired. I feel a little bad that I am reviewing this without seeing the whole thing. But when the acting is bad, the whole movie is tainted, no matter how good everything else was. (Though it wasn't) My time is too precious. I was just so disappointed. I love remakes, and the older version with Robert Young and Dorothy McGuire is excellent.
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1/10
Horrible!
sharonrybinski5 July 2021
This movie is sooo bad. The cottage is pretty. That is the only good thing about this movie. I would suggest watching the classic 1945 version. One of my favorite movies!
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1/10
Lousy acting
dennypoliquit4 July 2019
This movie is very lousy :( I was expecting so much. Great film location though, but the actors made the film so bad. Just sad..
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The worst film ever :,D
ancollan9 February 2019
Ridiculously bad in every way. :DD Wtf did I watch it ?!
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10/10
Loved it
ChristopherButler24 October 2017
What a beautiful story. I was most impressed with the production design and locations. The cottage had a very warm atmosphere from all the props and furniture. It had very rich textures and tones. I especially loved the way the ending which I won't spoil for you. A movie for the whole family family. Absolutely brilliant! It's a must see.
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1/10
This Movie Stunk
ckatse14 December 2017
The acting was bad. But, what really took the cake was one of the actors playing a Marine. First of all Marines do not have sideburns. The producers of this movie needed to do some research on how a Marine looks in uniform before they based this movie on a Marine. They disgraced the Corps with their crap.
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2/10
Lord Almighty, this is bad!
ERSwens14 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The cinematography is decent enough I guess, but oh my God is the acting and writing something else. The pacing and editing is so off, it cut between scenes in such a strange way, and not like A Ghost Story or a Nolan film, there was no flow between scenes (except maybe a few) and it's really jarring.

The acting, I'm sure the actors aren't one hundred percent to blame for it, but Jesus it's so unnatural. Because the script is so bad that the no A List star could make it sound good.

I've mentioned the writing a few times, but there's more I have to say. How could someone make something sound so bizarre? The script is the foundation of the movie and if the script is bad, the acting and direction will follow. The writing has so clinical and boringly descriptive. The sex scene in particular is so drawn out and the absolutely RIDICULOUS conversation afterwards make me CRINGE!

Lastly, eight directors. With eight directors, this should've been much better. Better lighting, cameras and actors. Although I understand that the budget was only $250,000, I've seen movie that costed less and turned out much better (i.e A Ghost Story, the first Paranormal Activity, Super Size Me, Eraserhead, Primer etc.).

The only praise I can give is that the idea of them seeing each other as perfect while others see them as normal is a cool idea, but it sucks that the film is so overexposed in terms of lighting it gives it this extremely artificial and plastic feel, like a Lifetime or Hallmark movie.

Skip this one.
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2/10
The Cottage (....wait where'd the "Enchanted" part go?)
kkopan-126 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I was looking to find a the original "Enchanted Cottage" film to stream and all I could find was this version on Amazon Prime. I also noticed Randall Mantooth was in it just a year or so before he passed away. I am a huge Apollo from Battlestar Galactica fan. This film lacked what the original didn't and that was "Enchantment". The original was magical. The acting in the original was flawless and flowed effortlessly. The awkwardness in this version was almost palpable. 😳 The best acting goes to the blind Major from veterans department. There should be certain standards to be followed when you remake a classic film like this one. Pretty sure this will never do the original justice. I forced myself to watch the entire thing. It could have been way better and it just was not.
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5/10
half like it and the rest don't
sandcrab27710 June 2018
Sarah Navratil's performance as a geek nurse is indeed too forced .... its hard to believe that a blonde looking as good as she does hasn't been hit on in the hospital where she works, at least by a few doctors ... enchanted house indeed ... this is exactly why the whole story doesn't work ... please watch something else
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5/10
Beautiful Life Lesson, Poorly Executed
tiffanytallent198122 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I figured this movie would have a low score. The acting is not the greatest. Time jumps happen without notice. And the main couple aren't what you'd consider good looking, but I do think that's the point. The main guy, Oliver is average looking, but does have a good heart. The scars he has from war are bad, but don't really do much to detract from his looks. Isn't that the way with men? They look better with scars somehow. The main girl, Laura, is supposed to be plain. However, instead of making her homely, she appears sickly and dirty. Her hair is super greasy and she has zits on her chin. She dresses in clothes that are too big for her and wears the most awful beanies. She also has a pale complexion, like she never goes outside and has the worst dark circles under her eyes. I kept thinking all Laura needs is to start washing her hair and face because it's filthy. Then she could add some concealer under her eyes and she'd be gorgeous.

I was right about that. Oliver and Laura do fall in love, as she is mending to his wounds. It's a good friendship at first, but then the marriage part is so weird initially. He proposes shortly after breaking it off with his other fiancé, who he didn't even give a chance to accept his scars. Like chill dude. Your fiancé literally just saw you. You have to expect some shock. Oh and while proposing to Laura, Oliver basically tells her he is settling because there would be no way a pretty woman would ever want him. And Laura STILL married him!! At least she scolds him first. On the wedding night, they finally realize that they in fact both love each other. They were both afraid that the other could never love them because of their looks. So as they make love, their physical looks turn into what's inside their souls. Oliver's scars disappear and Laura looks like she washed her hair. They now see each other's internal beauty, instead of outwardly appearance.

All in all, it's a sweet lesson that when you truly love someone, they will always be beautiful to you. Because you know their heart and soul. I just wish the format and acting had been better.
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10/10
whoa
luigio-1089926 October 2017
This movie was really interesting. I liked the idea of being somewhere that makes your best qualities shine. Too bad the whole world isn't like this! It would be cool to see some more magic happen out of the cottage. Kind of like Fantasy Island but a cottage. Maybe an Enchanted Khottage Part Deux?
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8/10
beautiful
nicolemarinelli-1426924 October 2017
I was very impressed with this film. Loved the story. I wish that I could live in the cottage, it was so beautiful. Such a sensitive story. Ugly ducklings turning into swans for the win! I thought that the acting in this film was really good. I loved this film from beginning to end. I would watch it again. KH
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10/10
Such a lovely film
meghanacounts20 April 2018
Such a beautiful love story, in such a gorgeous location. The acting was superb and Richard Hatch's last appearance was excellent.This film gave me character to care for and by the end of the film I was rooting for the two main characters. Must watch.
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10/10
A solid remake of a wonderful classic movie
shanticlements21 June 2018
I loved the original Enchanted Cottage and was slightly wary of seeing this remake. But I really enjoyed it. The message is beautiful. Watch it with an open mind and idealistic heart ... and you will like it.
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10/10
Charming and calm about love, inside and out.
kbsquared19617 October 2020
The cinematography is well done and beautifully presented. The soft piano music is lovely and does not get in the way of the dialogue, so one can hear! Although some of the acting rang a bit hollow with some of the minor characters, the two main characters did well, especially the character & personality of Laura. What a kind quirky soul and sweet giggle she exudes. The script could have been a bit better written (more depth & detail), but this updated version is well thought out & the scenes/still shots from 9-11 were important and moving. The two stars had great chemistry. Treat yourself to a relaxing break away from a hectic world & enjoy this classic, sweet story about love, inside & out.
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9/10
nice film
joecalderonjc24 October 2017
What a great story about loss and finding yourself. It was nice to see the character's blossom into their own brightness as humans. It's a shame that the cottage does not really exist. I would visit it too! Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder! It makes me want to see the original as this was a remake. I think this is a great film about love, loss, and redemption.
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10/10
Heartwarming
shivysivarajah11 December 2023
This was a lovely movie that sparked hope and joy on watching it. The earnest performances given by all actors involved gave heart and soul to a truly touching story and message. Lovely setting and the everyday charm of the aesthetics were altogether a more meaningful and heartfelt voice than all the bells and whistles of the modern media. An approachable and engaging adaptation from the original play Sir Arthur Pinero. My family and I truly enjoyed watching this together in a world where magic is a rare commodity and hard to come by. Well done to both cast and crew and thank you for bringing this story to life.
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