satterwh Reviews

Here Come the Munsters (1995 TV Movie)

Wish It Had Gone to Series

[7/10 · 22 August 2008]

OK, it wasn't the original series. *NOTHING* will be the original series. That said, it was a worthy followup.

Let's get the honesty part out of the way. I am a major fan of The Munsters. I thought the update "The Munsters Today" was horrible - because it violated the basic premise of the show. In "The Munsters Today", a good part of it had to do with the Munsters wanting to be "normal" - Eddie even changing his clothes and hairstyle. The main premise of The Munsters is that the family believed that they *WERE* "normal". That was it's charm.

In this version, the Munsters were what we knew and loved. They saw themselves as the average family. It gave us a bit of background to their being here. I *LOVED* Eddie actually changing into a werewolf - and Lilly biting someone on the neck.

I wish this had gone to series - it would have almost made up for "The Munsters Today". I wouldn't have had the chemistry of the original cast - but it did have a good one of it's own.

The Munsters aren't dead ... they're just waiting to rise again - and I can hardly wait.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Fails on So Many Levels

[3/10 · 21 March 2008]

First, I want to say that I really like historical dramas. This leads me to a bias, however. A good historical drama needs the feel of the period it represents.

Marie Antoinette completely fails at this. Costumes were good, but there was no real feel of the excesses of the French court that led to its downfall. The score was - in my opinion - an unmitigated disaster. It didn't know what it was trying to be. Ranging from anachronistically modern to occasional strains that *MIGHT* have been intended for a past period, it detracted rather than enhanced the experience.

Ms. Dunst is a good actress - but she wasn't allowed to show it here. She looked like she was sleep-walking through the film.

Not surprisingly, it took great liberties with history. Certainly not unusual in such a piece, but the inaccuracies seemed to be based in an attempt to show Louix XVI in a poor light. The sad part is that he *WAS* a poor king. It would have been better to properly portray him.

I give it a 3 out of 10.

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Disappointing production based on great play

[6/10 · 21 May 2005]

Phantom is one of my favorite plays of all time. The story and music are nothing less than breathtaking. As a result, I was thrilled when I heard it was going to be on the large screen. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I was disappointed with the translation.

I thought the time split between the Paris of 1907 and 1870 was unnecessary. It was established in the opening scene, and that was sufficient. I know they did it to lead up to the ending which was modified from the play ... but that was the part that I found most disappointing.

I thought the ending from the play to be much more satisfying. To me, the play's ending kept the mystery alive; the ending in the film had the air of finality - if only because it was 30 years after the events in the film. It might work well for those who haven't seen Phantom on stage, but it simply didn't work for me. The mystery was over.

I find this to be a common fault of plays that are translated to film. Those translating seem to think they need to make changes to the play - forgetting that the very reason they're making the film is that it's *ALREADY* a great story. No one takes a mediocre or bad play to make a film. More often than not, their changes take away from the story instead of adding to it.

I gave Phantom (the film) a 6; Phantom (the play) is an easy 10++

The Yearling (1994 TV Movie)

Good adaptation

[9/10 · 24 April 2004]

Another user compared this to the original. Actually, I think this adaptation of "The Yearling" is better than the original ... but the original is by far the better film. While the acting in this version is very good - superior to many films made today - there is simply nothing to compare to Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman from the original. It is not that this version is in any way lacking, it is that the original set the bar so high that it's not really fair to compare the two.

I thought Wil Horneff captured the part of Jody very well. I thought he was absolutely believable. Peter Strauss was very good as his father, but I thought Jean Smart was lacking as his mother. She had the emptiness that the part calls for, but needed a little more of the coldness that Ora Baxter showed in the book.

Jared Blancard completely missed the target as Fodderwing, in my opinion. The character should have a sense of mystical wonder and awe at nature which Jared simply didn't show. The part isn't large (relatively), but it is pivotal. Don Gift had it down perfectly in the original.

All in all, this is a very good film. It's great for the family and stands on its own.

A Rumor of Angels (2000)

Touching, uplifting film

[10/10 · 6 July 2002]

This film is one that can touch the heart if you're open to it. Well acted and carried by the combination of Redgrave and Morgan (Trevor deserves better billing here) who have a wonderful chemistry together. Redgrave's character comforts Morgan simply by letting him be open - and true - to himself. It left me with a very good feeling inside ... and an urge to tell those close to me that I love them.

The Ride (I) (1997)

Predictable, but enjoyable

[7/10 · 23 June 2002]

At the beginning, I had no expectations. When I identified it as a religious film, my expectations came in low. I found the film to be quite enjoyable, however ... even though I was predicting events before they were shown. This is definitely a film the entire family can watch together, and those are rare today. Performances aren't Academy Award material, but they fit the film quite well. Enjoy.

Escape to Grizzly Mountain (2000)

Entertaining Family Film

[5/10 · 2 March 2002]

It stars Dan Haggerty, which should go a long way toward defining the genre. He's made a career from working with bears, so here they are. He's almost created a sub-genre of family film in his own right.

That said, this one fits the mold very well. If you want something you can watch with your kids, this might just be the ticket. The main characters played by Haggerty and Miko Hughes are well acted. Some of the minor characters go over the top, but that's not going to bother the kids.

Keep your expectations reasonable (it's not "Casa Blanca"!) and you'll have an enjoyable evening. I give it a 5.

Flood (1976 TV Movie)

Watchable, but could use more disaster

[6/10 · 2 March 2002]

Irwin Allen was the king of disaster movies. It's not a surprise that he would base one around a flood. The film was OK, but the disaster wasn't the main thrust of the film.

From the beginning, the story line revolves around Paul Blake (Martin Milner) trying to convince the mayor that the town dam was unsafe. Richard Basehart as the mayor did a good job in the mayor's role. Probably the best performance was given by Robert Culp as helicopter pilot Steve Branagan.

My main criticism is that for a film built around the disaster, the disaster itself seemed underplayed. Stock footage of floods (it was a TV movie, so probably not big FX budget), and a brief time for its depiction.

Watch for 70's teen idol Leif Garrett to have a small part in this.

I'm a fan of the genre, so I gave it a 6. Your mileage may vary.

Star Kid (1997)

Sorta Fun, but poor use of talent

[5/10 · 28 February 2002]

I liked this film; it's fun to watch. It's not a great film, but how many are? The computer graphics are good, the story is familiar but well handled. What makes it work is Joseph Mazzello. I really haven't seen him give a weak performance in anything, and he definitely carries this film.

That's also what I consider the film's greatest weakness. Joseph has to do most of his acting from the inside of a helmet using only his face and voice. He handles it well, but it's a shame we don't get to see more of what he can do.

It's a good film to watch with the whole family. I gave it a 5.

The Jungle Book (1994)

Watchable, but there are better versions

[4/10 · 23 February 2002]

There's a little problem with "truth in advertising" here. The only thing this film has in common with Rudyard Kipling's book is the title and the name of the principle character (Mowgli). After that, there is no similarity.

It's a decent adventure story, but if you're wanting to watch "The Jungle Book", you're going to be disappointed. For that, I might suggest the 1942 version with Sabu or the 1967 animated version.

Jason Scott Lee acts the part very well, but I simply couldn't believe him as Mowgli. He just didn't fit that part. Most of the other characters were fine ... but, of course, they weren't characters from the book. I gave it a 4.

Rookie of the Year (1993)

Good family film

[8/10 · 19 February 2002]

OK, it's not the Wizard of Oz, but this is a fun film. Henry (I'm not even going to *TRY* to spell the last name) lives every boy's dream - playing major league baseball. In some ways, though, the *WAY* he played was what made the film. At no point did he become a 30 year old in a 12 yr old body... he behaved like a 12 year old on the field, having the fun that a kid would have. In some ways, this is the dream of the adults - to play the game like a kid again. I think that's what makes this film work. Thomas Nicholas was absolutely believable as the 12 yr old with the fast arm. Daniel Stern did an excellent job of directing this, keeping the fun in the film as well as the game. Watch Robert Gorman as Henry's friend; he's the loyal friend every kid wants. Stereotypes? You betch'um Red Ryder. Doesn't matter, they work in this context. Recommended; I gave it an 8.

God's Gun (1976)

Not bad at all for a '70s western

[5/10 · 16 February 2002]

The votes seem rather low for this; my guess is that those voting aren't familiar with (or fans of) westerns from the 1960's / 1970's. As they go, this one isn't bad at all.

Lee Van Cleef was excellent; Leif Garrett went from underplaying to overplaying in some scenes, but that was probably what the director was wanting. Jack Palance was the surprise to me; he is usually the epitome of a villain. Here, I thought that the menace was a bit overdone to the point of being lost.

My vote was 5, could have been better, but is quite watchable.

Jeepers Creepers (2001)

Not bad as such films go

[6/10 · 3 February 2002]

In most modern horror films, the filmmakers seem to have lost the distinction between scaring someone and shocking someone. Blood and guts are for shock value, fright comes from suspense. While not Hitchcock, this film seemed to lean more toward the suspense side than just shock. It's certainly worth watching if you like a bit of a fright. It could have been done better, though, and I really didn't like the ending (I won't spoil it for you).

Pay It Forward (2000)

Sometimes you gotta take a chance

[8/10 · 24 June 2001]

If you want to change the world for the better, you have to take a chance. Maybe the best chance to take is to hope for goodness in mankind. This is a very well acted piece that revolves around this premise. The main actors (Spacey, Hunt, Osment) do an excellent job here. Like all good films, it has a "magic moment"; not one I particularly liked, but important nonetheless.

Critics disliked it. Well, that's why they're called critics. A very sentimental piece with a message of hope. Highly recommended.

Silent Fall (1994)

Not great, but worth a watch

[7/10 · 15 June 2001]

First, let's admit that we're not watching this to learn the medical characteristics of autism. The purpose of watching the film is for entertainment.

That said, this film held my attention. I *DID* figure it out shortly before the end and admit that the clues were there all the way through, some pretty strong. Personally, I think that's what makes a good mystery, that it *CAN* be figured out.

Performances: I always enjoy Richard Dreyfuss' work. While he has done better, he didn't disappoint me. John Lithgow was completely believable as always. The real star, though, was Ben Faulkner as Tim, the autistic boy. Ignoring the voice dubbing for the adults (part of the script), he did a wonderful job in a part that had to be difficult at best. I find it strange that this is the only acting job he held. Hopefully, it's because he decided that he wanted to be a kid rather than an actor. Hollywood's loss.

Flowers in the Attic (1987)

Good film, easy not to like

[8/10 · 4 June 2001]

I'm not sure that I liked this film. I think it's an excellent film, but it's not easy to like.

I thought that it was well acted, directed and written. Characters were believable and easy to empathize with. The problem is that the film is INCREDIBLY dark. Even with a dark film, I like to walk away with a good feeling. I just couldn't do that this time. Even as they rolled the closing credits, it felt oppressive, with no hope of coming back up.

Worth watching? Absolutely. I do suggest that you make it a double feature, though ... and have something happy to cap the evening. You're going to need it.

Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

Film doesn't know what it's trying to be

[5/10 · 3 June 2001]

I'm not quite sure what this film was trying to be. The answer to that question would determine its rating.

If it's trying to be a visual showcase, it's wonderful.

If a symbolic entry, it's overdone ... somewhat like trying to use a sledgehammer to swat a fly.

If a retelling of the Dracula legend, it completely misses. Read the book, watch the film, there's nothing in common other than a few names.

If purely a remake of the silent entry, nice try, but no cigar. The original actually benefitted from the refusal of the Stoker estate to use the Dracula story. The changes made to prevent copyright enfringement actually made it the masterpiece that it became;.

Because of this uncertain purpose of the film, you will either love it or fall asleep - and either way you're right.

I would recommend seeing the film - if only to determine your own response to it.

I'll Remember April (1999)

Humanizes a bad situation

[9/10 · 1 May 2001]

Film brings to life a very bad point in our history, the internment of Americans of Japanese descent. Excellent performances by all 4 kids also showed that not all soldiers on the enemy side were monsters. It could have used a *LITTLE* balance (e.g. references to the atrocities being committed that caused the sentiment that the film shows), but the point made in the film was quite valid regardless. Recommended.

The Little Vampire (2000)

Couldn't help enjoying it

[9/10 · 2 April 2001]

First, let me say that I was determined to dislike this film. Premise seemed childish, obviously aimed at children (and I ceased being one of those *MANY* years ago). Despite my best efforts, I found that I really liked this film. It's certainly not "Gone With the Wind", but it's good entertainment and definitely worth a viewing. At the end, I found myself feeling good about it, which is refreshing today. Even better, it gave me an evening's entertainment without profanity, sex or senseless violence. Lipnicky is (as always) cute and charming. I'd like to see more of Weeks on screen, but don't know if that's feasible as he's a British kid actor.

Don't expect a deep message - it's not there. For a delightful evening's entertainment (with the ENTIRE family!) it's highly recommended. Just sit back and enjoy!

Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)

A classic needed today

[10/10 · 21 January 2001]

While watching this film, I couldn't help wondering where the likes of George M Cohan are today. From the news stories seen daily, we've allowed the overriding pride in being American to slip away. This is a film that can restore that pride, if we'll only let it. From the opening scene to the end, the flag waves proudly ... and invites every viewer to join in the pride. Cagney gives a masterful performance as George M Cohan. The script invites everyone to join the "ordinary guy like me" in setting aside differences - real and imagined - and take pride in the Grand Old Flag.

Sentimental? You bet! Corny? Absolutely! Square? Without a doubt, but remember that being square (honest) used to be a compliment. This film can't receive too many compliments or too much praise. Recommended for all - and especially recommended to be shared with our young.

Left Behind: The Movie (2000)

Better than expected

[8/10 · 4 January 2001]

While I have some problems with the theology behind the film, this was a very well done apocalyptic piece. It had a good story line behind it, characters were believable, and it presented its message without trying to ram it down the viewer's throat. I enjoyed it very much ... to my surprise.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Waste of Time

[2/10 · 16 September 2000]

I saw this film long after the hype was over. If it hadn't been for the jumpy photography, I would have fallen asleep. No discernable plot, gratuitous profanity - which added absolutely nothing to the film - and poorly acted.

I know they're making a sequel, but I have to ask why? I think I'll wait for it to come out on video - then spend the time reading a book. My rating was 2.