Mandice Reviews

Witch's Night Out (1978 TV Movie)

Halloween, Witch Magic...Halloween!

[17 October 2003]

I love, love, love this movie! I remember watching it as a kid. Then, when I was lucky enough to find a copy on a "bargain basement" online shop, I was thrilled! My three year old watched it 4 times, yesterday (It's 26 minutes long, so I suppose that wasn't long enough for her). The only questionable portion, for me, is the suggestiveness of the females in the animation. It's not terrible, but when one of the characters becomes a vampiress, It's kind of funny that her costume is a bikini.

A great holiday film!

Carrie (2002 TV Movie)

Sin Never Dies!

[3/10 · 5 November 2002]

Being a huge fan of the original 1976 version of Carrie, I was hesitant to see this one; however, curiosity got the better of me. So, I hunkered in for the three hour T.V. movie presentation of Carrie. Interestingly, some of the book has been included in this version, that did not appear in the 1976 Brian De Palma version, specifically, some of Carrie's childhood flashbacks. I also noticed that a lot of the dialogue was verbatim of the original, aside from a few modern day phrases like, "I read about it on the Internet." Some of the up-to-date effects were nice touches, while others came across as empty and somewhat phony. (Levitating tables....ooh, scary)

The acting was mediocre at best and paled in comparison to Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie and Amy Irving. And why did this poor child shake all the time? She had telekinesis not Parkinson's. The actress made me more nervous than scared. I found myself missing the great split-screen effects and ominous lighting that Brian De Palma uses so effectively.

Overall, this was worth seeing for the comparison, but it doesn't hold a candle to the original.

Maximum Overdrive (1986)

Clever Story Brought to the Big Screen

[6/10 · 5 March 2002]

Yes, it was made in the 80's and yes, there's not much in the way of acting, but there's really a clever tale to be told if you can get past all of the other stuff.

Paraphrased: Imagine if you were a race of Aliens, looking for somewhere to live. Just like anybody, you've got to clean your new house before you move in...that's what they're doing. They've sent their intergallatic broom to turn our own machines against us and sweep us all away.

With AC/DC's hard driving tunes to keep you going, you will be able to watch this movie and forgive the half-efforted acting. I believe Stephen King's work at directing was totally worth it, despite varying opinions. He brought his vision of how very terrifing it would be to have our own machines turn against us, to life. I remember seeing this movie when it came out, so I was about the same age as Deke. Something to note about Stephen King's young characters is that he almost always has one, and the one is usually sharp! The same was true for Deke. Although he obviously came from a not-so-brilliant family or location, he could hold his own with no problem.

If you love the 80's and your into horror flicks, check this one out! By the way, the annoying "Connie" (Yeardley Smith) is also the voice-actress for Lisa Simpson!

Cover Girls (1977 TV Movie)

Model Detectives, A La Charlie's Angels

[19 February 2002]

Home on a Saturday with nothing to do but laundry, I tuned into the Black Starz network to see a movie that I would only watch while bored. The premise features two, agency-owned models who moonlight with a detective agency. The music (sound-track), characters and acting were too reminiscent of Charlies Angels making one wonder, "why bother? This has already been done". In fact, Charlies Angels had (has, if you catch them in syndication) more to offer in that you get your set-up for the story right away, head straight for the action and within the hour, your done. Their acting is fairly decent and the characters are believable.

This made-for-TV movie drags the so-so plot entirely too long and the acting feels stilted, as if you're being read to; however, if you're a fan of Jayne Kennedy, she looks phenomenal in this movie as does her counterpart, Cornelia Sharpe. Due to the fact that they are models, there's lots of posing and cheesing for the camera. And for added bonus, you can see the future James 'Sonny' Crockett get his disco-grove on as the undercover agent (clearly one of Don Johnson's first films).

Overall, if you're a nostalgia 70's addict, then definitely add this to your collection. If you want a taste of what television movies were like before the 80's, based-on-a-true-story, and the 90's, based on-the-popular-novel genres took over? Then, check this one out.

The Thorn Birds (1983)

Beautiful, epic love story!

[8/10 · 3 January 2002]

I was only a child when this movie premiered on television for the first time. I remember, even at such a young age, the story grabbed me from just the first few moments.

This is the story of a young priest, Father de Bricassart, who takes on the paternal role of a young girl, Meggie Cleary (she being the youngest, and therefore useless, in a family of boys). The backdrop is a huge sheep farm in Australia, run by a stately matriarch, Mary Carson. As the young girl grows into a beautiful woman, so begins the priest's life-long, internal conflict.

This is, essentially, the meat of the story, but there are wonderful sub-stories that meld well with the plot. (Meggie's marriage to rough and tumble, Luke O'Neill, her children and their personal struggles, Father de Bricassart's ascension into Catholic hierarchy, etc...)

A terrific story with an all-star cast and beautiful cinematography, make this a must in any romance afficionado's collection.

Faerie Tale Theatre: Rapunzel (1983) Season 2, Episode 1

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.

[7 November 2001]

A hair-curling fairy tale brought to life by Miss Duvall, who saves a bit on expenses and takes on dual roles for the movie.

The story remains fairly faithful to the original Grimm Tale, so watching it with your children might not be such a bad idea. Comical moments and bits of magic truly make this worth the watch. (Most video stores keep a copy in their family or children sections.)

Carrie (1976)

"These are God-less Times, Mrs. Snell"

[8/10 · 7 November 2001]

One of the scariest most riveting movies ever made. Although many aspects of the book are not included in the movie, you will still understand the characters and enjoy the story.

Carrie White's religiously obsessed mother, portrayed by Piper Laurie, will send chills up your spine. Sissy Spacek herself portrays Carrie so believably, you'll find yourself emotionally involved in her plight. "How can I help this poor girl?"

Greatfully, Carrie figures out how to help herself, but at a huge cost.

Still a classic to this day and typically found on many a top-ten horror film list, Carrie will make your blood run cold. (For an equally scary film with the same great effects, check out Brian De Palma's Sisters.)

Jane Eyre (1943)

Beautiful, classic film!

[9/10 · 7 November 2001]

Reading the novel before seeing the movie, I had my own ideas about the characters of Miss Bronte's book. The movie leaves quite a bit of the story out, but dutifully makes up for it with a strong actors and incredible cinematography.

Joan Fontaine portrays the shy, demure Jane Eyre. (or is she?) I always believed this was the story of a woman forced to be what society felt a woman should be. Once Jane becomes the governess of Mr. Rochester's ward, she feels free to be the woman she truly is: strong-willed, opinionated and passionate.

Truly, they just don't make movies like this anymore. Not just a love story, this is a tale of finding oneself and realizing one's true destiny.