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Reviews
Newsies (1992)
What a fine movie.
Having seen this movie in the theatres when it was released, at the age of eight, I have a real affection for it. I had the hugest crush on Spot Conlon. It's hard to find faults in a movie like that. How you feel about this movie will probably depend on how receptive you are to it. Chances are, you'll have one of two reactions while watching "Newsies". One: "I can't believe I'm watching a musical about newsboys." Two: "I freakin' *love* this movie."
Yep, I'm with the latter group. My interest in Newsies was revived when I picked up the soundtrack lately. The music is well written, and infectiously engaging. If you don't like musicals, you're not going to like this film. If you do like musical, I defy you to not like it.
Some parts, yes, are a bit hokey. It's a Disney flick, and by definition, is kid friendly. (A lyrics sampling: "And we'll kick their rear!" "They gave their word, but it ain't worth beans.") But the characters are great (and I'm not just talkin' 'bout Spot). The dynamic between Jack and Davey is great. And even though the cussin' is bland, it's still a story of young kids living in an adult world, facing adult problems with teen angst. That's good stuff. Plus, Robert Duvall's in it. Come on.
"Newsies" kind of got pushed aside after release. As an afterthought, it's interesting to wonder, with the new interest in musicals thanks to "Chicago", if the reception would be different if it were released today. No matter. As evidenced by the comments here, people enjoy it. Darn tootin'.
Today's Special (1981)
Hey, I remember that show...
Out to lunch today (in more ways then one) with some friends, we started discussing shows we watched growing up. We solemnly agreed that kids today are so sadly robbed of the quality of 80's TV. So we sat reminiscing, spouting lists of shows from He-Man to David the Gnome. Then I bring up: "Hey you remember this show about a mannequin, if you took his hat off he froze...and there was a mouse?" "Yes!", one says, "Today's Special!" And suddenly the memories come rolling in. Even when it was on the air, this show got a lot less credit than it deserved. Even I, who reveled in this show as a child, had forgotten its name, and basically its whole concept. But I do remember involving shows with emotional complexity, very rare in the world of children's programming. With humor, and Muffy! One of the Muppet-esque heroines of my developmental years! Plus, I think I may finally figured out what "demented puppet show" my older sister keeps telling me I forced her to watch. I obviously had no problem with it, she tells me I cried if I couldn't watch it. Say something about first exposure education, don't you think? Anyway, I can't in hindsight view it as anything other than a very happy memory of a really incredible show.
The Animated Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1998)
DO NOT expect 'Tom Sawyer'
If you watch this cartoon for the purpose of seeing 'Tom Sawyer' represented on screen, you won't like it. It is not for analytical study; it is a children's cartoon, and for this purpose it serves admirably. It's a great movie to show young kids. It provides a good enough background of the story for it's title. It has a lot of catchy sing-songs which kids will enjoy. It also goes out of its way to be mild an non-offensive (the character 'Injun Joe' is here renamed 'Tatoo Joe'), which is fine for its target audience. Sometimes, it seems to make the issues too subdued for the complex work of Tom Sawyer. The issue of slavery is brought up occasionally, but then only awkwardly. The cast does a fine job, Ross Malinger and Ryan Slater in particular as Tom and Huck are great fun to (hear). Remember that a waxed-over version of a story, for children, can still be enjoyable.
Die unendliche Geschichte III: Rettung aus Phantasien (1994)
Whoever is doing this, please, stop.
Before I commence, let me say how good a film The Neverending Story is. It is definitely worth watching. This film, however, is not. Personally, I'm taking it as an insult to the original that it was even made. This is the second time that a cheap, utterly perplexing imitation has been made. Anyone who has seen the original and enjoyed it is well advised to steer clear of this film. Familiar characters are reduced to empty roles and the plot seems so eerily familiar. One final note: The Nothing, interesting new concept. The Emptiness, I can't believe they tried to pull that one off. The Nastiness, stop, please. (And as to a rating, forget it.)