theatre81 Reviews

Still Small Voices (2007 TV Movie)

Incredible!

[10/10 · 18 December 2010]

While I am a huge fan of Lifetime movies, they are usually completely predictable. I started watching this one thinking that it was going to be good (Catherine Bell is in it...of course it's good!), but as I kept watching, I was just amazed at the twists and turns that were in the movie! And the acting was superb, especially Catherine Bell. I saw her a few times on JAG and Army Wives and I love her acting. It's good to see her in a different kind of role.

To understand this movie you literally have to sit through the whole thing and pay close attention to every detail or else you'll miss something. I love that about mystery/thrillers. It's how they are supposed to be. And this one was definitely one of them.

I was not expecting the ending to be what it was. Loved that little plot twist. This is one of the few Lifetime movies that will not disappoint!

High School Musical (2006 TV Movie)

One of the best DCOMs!

[10/10 · 21 January 2006]

This DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) was great. I am a huge fan of musicals and therefore really liked this. Not only did I like the music, but the plot was fun. The actors really seemed to like what they were doing, from what I could see...there was a lot of chemistry there. Ashley Tisdale did a great job as sassy Sharpay. I really loved Lucas Grabeel as well--he was so funny! The singing and the dancing were definitely the best though. The best dance was the finale, "We're All in This Together." All of the dancing was great though.

I also liked the fact that there was comedy, drama, and an actual plot.

Kenny Ortega, the choreographer was awesome. I highly recommend this DCOM to anyone who like the Disney Channel!

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005–2008)

Great Disney Show

[1 January 2006]

I was a bit weary when I first heard that this show was coming to Disney Channel. There have been other shows in the past that haven't exactly worked out and I thought this was going to fit into that category. I was quite wrong! The boys who play the twins, Dylan and Cole Sprouse (Zach and Cody) are adorable. Ashley Tisdale (Maddie) is great as well as Brenda Song (London).

Kim Rhodes (Carey Martin) and Phill Lewis (Mr. Moseby) also star in the show. It is filled with humor and a couple of bittersweet moments here and there.

TSL was actually the "host" of this year's New Year's Eve count down. It was nice to see another show hosting for once. "That's So Raven" has hosted it two years in a row (for 2004 and 2005), but not 2006! :) This is a great show.

Ramona (1988–1989)

Great Family Show

[8 October 2005]

I remember watching "Ramona" when it was on TV back in the late '80s. I was about Ramona's age when I first saw the show and immediately fell in love with it. It was so true to real life. Ramona faced many challenges that I faced when I was a child (having horrible days and thinking my parents would get divorced, getting sick at school --only not in front of my entire class--, etc...). Even today I still enjoy watching one of the videos I have from time to time, even though I am far past from being 8 years old. Still, this is a show and probably one of the very few shows that kids can really relate to. And seeing Sarah Polley as a little girl--wow! She was so adorable back then and is just as gorgeous now.

Six Feet Under (2001–2005)

One of the Best Shows on TV

[10 September 2005]

I must admit that when I saw the first couple of episodes of SFU, I was a little disappointed. I had tuned in mainly because of Peter Krause since I was such a huge fan of "Sports Night." But then as I continued to watch (it's truly addicting!), the show grew on me. The stories that were played out were done in such a way that I would laugh, cry, and be in shock at the same time. Never have I seen a show that can do that. Alan Ball is a pure genius.

The actors on the show are what made SFU such a success (well, them and the producers, writers, etc...). Michael C. Hall is incredible as David Fisher, the younger brother who had been running the Fisher & Sons Funeral Home since he graduated college has so many different sides to him. Michael just made David seem so real.

Rachel Griffiths' character, Brenda was at first, to me, disappointing. I didn't really care for her, but as season 1 progressed, I saw the compassionate side to her and a need for love. At the end of the first season, she was one of my favorite characters! She remains one of my favorites today as a mother and wife. Bravo, Rachel!!! Lauren Ambrose (Claire Fisher) made her character so mysterious. We never really know how she is feeling about anything until the 3rd season (at least that is how I saw it). She is probably one of the most complex characters on the show.

Finally, Frances Conroy (Ruth Fisher). She is just amazing. That is the only word that comes to mind when I think of her as Ruth. She has so many buried secrets that eventually come out, but Frances did it in such a way that we really felt for her. She was having an affair while Nathaniel (Richard Jenkins) was still alive and when she told her sons about it...the way in which she delivered it floored me. When the fourth season came around, she continued to shine. I never got tired of her crying, venting her feelings, or anything.

I highly recommend this show to anyone who saw and loved "American Beauty" (even though the show is COMPLETELY different!) because Alan Ball did such a wonderful job with this. I am going to miss the show but I am so glad that I have the DVDs to watch.

Buffalo Dreams (2005 TV Movie)

One of Disney Channel's Better Movies

[10/10 · 13 March 2005]

I really enjoyed "Buffalo Dreams." It has been a while since Disney Channel has produced a movie that has focused on cultures. I really liked how they had a family who did not know much at all about Native Americans move into a town that was primarily Navajo. It also gave the viewers a little more knowledge on how some Navajo live.

The casting for this movie was excellent. No one could have played Thomas like Simon Baker. He did a GREAT job. And Grahme Greene was a very good choice for the role of the grandfather. He is such a wonderful actor.

This was very well done and I recommend it to anyone who likes Disney Channel original movies.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Magic Comes to the Screen

[10/10 · 30 January 2005]

I just recently saw this movie when I saw a commercial for it that it was going to be on TV, so I decided to rent it (since there are commercials on the TV version of it). I am SO glad I did! "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" has to be one of the greatest movies I have ever seen.

The casting is just terrific. I am really glad that they cast an all British cast, since the books are all taking place in the UK (or at Hogwarts) ;). What I especially loved about the casting was that the three main characters were all newcomers to the screen. Daniel Radcliffe was BRILLIANT as Harry Potter. I cannot think of another actor who could bring him to life. Rupert Grint was great as Ron. I loved all of his expressions. :) And Emma Watson is great as Hermione (spelling?).

As for the professors, the late Richard Harris was an excellent choice for Dumbledore. Maggie Smith seems as if she was meant for the part. Alan Rickman was born to play Professor Snape...he was really scary at times! His monotone voice was great. :) I now own all three movies on DVD (I bought the Prisoner of Azkaban without seeing it first and didn't regret it at all) and am so glad I did! So if you're a fan of Harry Potter, rent or buy this movie!

Category 6: Day of Destruction (2004 TV Movie)

TV-Movie Version of "The Day After Tomorrow"

[9/10 · 17 November 2004]

Okay, I watched this because I am a weather freak and I thought that maybe, just MAYBE the plot would be better than "Day After Tomorrow" or that it would have a plot for that matter and that the weather might be more realistic. Let's just say it's a much more low budget version of the film that was made for TV. Although I must admit that some of the special effects were all right. And the plots made some sense here and there.

Why have so many great actors (Thomas Gibson, Dianne Wiest, Randy Quaid) waiste their time on this??? Why not run some reruns of CSI or something like that instead? I wouldn't go out of my way to watch this if I were you.

Just my opinion though.

On Thin Ice (2003 TV Movie)

A Powerful and Risky Story to Tell

[10/10 · 10 November 2003]

Since this movie was based on a true story of a woman who had two children and was not very well-off, it was just scary as to how real it really was! The acting is what gave the movie that push to greatness.

Diane Keaton portrayed the main character, Patsy McCartle who had two sons whom she adored. Her performance is what made the real life story come to life on a television screen. It was very hard to watch some of the scenes since they were so real as to what happens when one becomes addicted to drugs.

Just watching this very loving mother go from sweet to not caring at all was hard, but so true. I have known people who have gone through withdrawl and it was very much like what happened in this movie, from what I remember.

I also thought that it was very risky for the director to want to make a movie out of what happened to this woman. Yet it was done so well. I applaud the director for making this movie.

I highly recommend this to anyone who has known someone who has ever been addicted to drugs or to just learn what can happen to you if you do become addicted to them.

Baby Boom (1987)

One of Diane Keaton's Finest Roles

[10/10 · 8 July 2003]

One of the main reasons I rented this movie is because I absolutely love Diane Keaton's work. Well I was very happy with her performance in this movie. I thought the plot was terrific. Charles Shyer and Nancy Meyers really do an excellent job with the writing and directing. Keaton brings life to the movie, not to mention humor and light drama.

The supporting cast, including Sam Shepard, Sam Wanamaker, James Spader, and Pat Hinkle are all outstanding. Yet their performances, in my opinion, are inferior to Keaton's. When she would enter the scene, she would bring the life into it.

I also loved the way too cute girls who played Elizabeth. Even though they were about two or younger at the time, they were precious!

I give this movie a 10/10.

Framed (2002 TV Movie)

Very Interesting Plot Twists

[9/10 · 13 April 2003]

I was not expecting this movie to be very good at all, to be quite honest. I thought it was going to be one of those 'one of them is good and one is bad' kind of movies. Here, we saw that Rob Lowe's character and Sam Neil's character sort of kept trading places, if you will.

Especially Sam Neil's character. It's like he was a good bad guy. I thought that the plot was really interesting. You thought it was going one way and then the next minute it's going another. It really kept me guessing! And TNT's slogan fit this movie: "We know drama."

Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004)

Don't Judge a Book by its Cover!

[9 February 2003]

I have read several of the comments for this show here, and I have to

say that a lot of people probably haven't given this show much of a

chance. How many scenes did you actually watch before jumping to the

conclusion that it was dumb and the characters and plots are totally

unbelievable? For one thing, it's a television show! It's not

supposed to be non-fiction! You're supposed to enjoy yourself while

watching it. But I cannot change your opinions, nor am I judging them.

I'm just saying.

Anyway, I really like this show. It has tendencies to be a bit over

the top at times, but it never goes too far. The characters are great!

I love the general goofines between Sam (Robert Carradine) and Jo

(Hallie Todd). They are hilarious. As is Matt (Jake Thomas)! His

antics are way too funny. I absolutely love his pranks that he and

Lanny or that he and Melina pull on Lizzie and others. Gordo and

Miranda (Adam Lamburg and Lalaine) are two people I'd love to have as

friends if I were back in the eighth grade.

All in all, it's a great show with great characters. Before dissing

it, watch the show for more than fifteen minutes. I'm not saying you

have to love it. I'm saying don't judge a book by its cover. :)

The Christmas Shoes (2002 TV Movie)

Miracles Really Can Happen

[10/10 · 3 December 2002]

When I heard this movie was coming out, I knew that I would love it. I

read the book, The Christmas Shoes and loved it. When I saw the movie,

I truly knew that it was just as good as the book.

The acting was just incredible. Rob Lowe did a great job of playing a

workaholic lawyer who barely spent any time with his family. What

really made me love this movie and book was Nathan (Max Morrow). When

he saw those Christmas shoes in the store, the look on his face was

priceless. When he helped Robert Layton (Lowe) discover what he was

missing, I simply burst into tears. I normally do not cry during a

movie this much, but this movie was so wonderful. All of those things

that kept happening to Layton and how he slowly saw what he was missing

out on was just so wonderfully written and acted out.

This movie and the book go to prove that miracles really do happen. My

favorite moment in the movie was near the end when Robert, his wife,

and his daughter were standing in front of Nathan's house. The

expressions on their faces was so sad but so real.

I highly recommend this wonderful holiday movie to anyone who believes

in miracles, and even to those who don't--this movie may change what

you think about miracles happening.

The Shining (1997)

Scarier than anything I've ever seen!

[7 November 2002]

Not only was this version of "The Shining" incredible, it was so true to the book. Stepehen King did a great job with the producing (since he did write the book!) and the acting was incredible. I have seen the 1980 Jack Nicholson version, and read the book afterwards, and was TOTALLY confused. I didn't see any similarities except for the fact that it was a family of three, same names, same hotel, same state, and there was a female ghost in one of the hotel rooms.

This re-take (yes, re-take, not re-make) of the movie was just so much scarier, probably because it was so true to the book. In the book, Wendy is not so wimpy, as Shelly Duvall portrays her as. Rebecca DeMornay does an excellent job of playing the worried, protective mother and wife and Steven Weber does a great job of playing Jack. It was nice to see that Jack was a good guy; that the hotel was the real 'bad guy.' The only thing I missed was the "Here's Johnny!" part. I must say, no one can say that like Jack (Nicholson, that is, not Torrence!).

I also loved Courtland Mead as Danny 'Doc.' He was so cute and could acutally act. I also liked the fact that he was so close to Jack throughout the movie. That was really nice to see.

All in all, if you're looking for a good adaptation of the book, then see this version! If you want to see a horror movie with Jack Nicholson, go see the other one! In my opinion, this one was true to the book, whereas the other one wasn't, but it had good moments.

The Scream Team (2002 TV Movie)

One of the Best Disney Halloween Movies

[14 October 2002]

Okay let me start out by saying that this isn't THE best Disney original Halloween movie (Halloweentown I has my vote), but it comes awfully close. The elements that really bring it together are the three main ghosts: Kathy Najimy, Eric Idle, and Tommy Davidson. They are way too funny! I loved Eric Idle's little jokes ("Oh and where is that, down Sewage Lane?"). The scary part was every time we saw Zachariah Kull. Now he was freaky. Especially in the beginning when the father was telling his kids about him and he looked directly at the camera. All in all, this was a really good Disney original movie. It certainly has the humour, just enough spookiness, and great actors.

A Ring of Endless Light (2002)

A Beautiful Movie

[23 August 2002]

I absolutely loved this movie. For one thing, dolphins are one of my favorite animals, and watching them actually not really being held in capivity was really nice.

The movie is about a girl, Vicky (Mischa Barton) who can tell what dolphins are thinking. She and her brother and sister are staying with their grandfather (James Whitmore) for the summer, where they meet Adam (Ryan Merriman). He is studying Marine Biology.

All in all, this movie is one of Disney's best. I thought it was very realistic and was a wonderful story.

Heidi (1993)

One of the Most Enlightening Family Films

[17 July 2002]

This version of "Heidi" is so beautiful. It makes you laugh, cry, and you simply love Heidi. Noley Thornton gives an excellent performance as Heidi, Jason Robards made a wonderful character out of Grandfather. Lexi Randall was outstanding as Klara. This movie is something that the whole family should see. Out of all the versions of "Heidi," this one has the most heart and is so beautiful.

Lizzie McGuire (2001–2004)

Very nice family show

[31 May 2002]

This show is not only very funny, but it also is a show that teaches what is the right thing and wrong thing to do. In my opinion, it's meant for families, not only kids. All in all, great show and very well cast. Hallie Todd and Robert Carradine do a great job of portraying Lizzie's parents and Hillary Duff does a great job portraying Lizzie. If you get a chance to, go and watch this show!

The West Wing (1999–2006)

The Best Show On Television

[17 April 2002]

Out of every television drama I have seen, "The West Wing" beats them all. It is so realistic to that of the real White House and yet it manages to have drama and humor mixed together. Aaron Sorkin is a true genius. The show is so eloquently written and acted out. Each actor has his or her own unique quality, making the characters perfect for them. I commend Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme for writing and directing such a wonderful show.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1999 Video)

Go, Go, Go, Joseph!

[10/10 · 14 February 2001]

This was a masterpiece! I have never seen Donny Osmond

perform the role of Joseph in person, but this version of Joseph

makes one feel as if he/she really is seeing him in person! I loved

Maria Freedman as the Narrator. Her voice is excellent. The

brothers were great, especially Judah in the Benjamin Calypso.

The whole cast was amazing. I have seen Joseph once in person

on Navy Pier in Chicago, but it wasn't half as good as this! I will

just say this--if you have not seen Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat yet, rent or buy this version and you will be

amazed at how much you will feel like you really are seeing it on

stage.

Peter Pan (2000 TV Special)

Just as great as 1955 version!

[10/10 · 8 January 2001]

This version of Peter Pan is almost exactly identical as Mary Martin's 1955 version. Cathy Rigby is excellent in the role of Peter Pan. I had no idea she could even sing! The children are adorable, as they were in the Mary Martin version. There are some differences, for instance, in this version, Liza, the maid is barely in it. I loved that about the 1955 version. The acting quality by everyone in this one is superb, as is the singing. The actor who played Captain Hook has an incredible singing voice, as does the actress who played Wendy. I was amazed at the similarities these two versions had in common. Those who are used to Mary Martin play Peter Pan may not enjoy this version as much because the two (Mary Martin and Cathy Rigby) get into the parts in their own ways. The comedic moments in this version are brought out a little more than they were in the 1955 version. In my opinion, both are ideal for the entire family.

Touched by an Angel (1994–2003)

Watch this show, and you will feel as if you were touched by an angel

[10/10 · 5 June 2000]

This is probably the best show on television. It is the only show I know of that does not use profanity, sex, or violence. Every time I watch TBAA, I get tears in my eyes. Anyone who believes in angels, or who just needs to be cheered up or feel better should watch this wonderful show. When you do, you will feel as if you have been 'touched by an angel.'

The Green Mile (1999)

A Once in a lifetime must see movie

[10/10 · 29 April 2000]

This movie was incredible. The actors, especially Michael Clarke Duncan, were excellent. No one would ever suspect that it came from a Stephen King novel. There was so much beauty in this movie and so much magic that went on, and much of it was from a little mouse, who I thought was a great 'character.' If anyone has not seen this movie yet, go see it! You will love it!

Alley Cats Strike (2000 TV Movie)

Great Movie!

[9/10 · 5 April 2000]

This movie was really good. I especially liked the fact that there was so much team effort and spirit in the movie. That gives people a good idea as to how one should play on a team with people they don't know very well. It was pretty funny too!

Return to Oz (1985)

An Excellent Film!

[24 March 2000]

I loved "Return to Oz." Many people do not like it because it is not a musical, like the first one was. This movie follows the books that L. Frank Balm wrote. This movie is not meant for small children, mainly because it may scare them. All of the characters are terrific and the special effects are magnificent. All in all, a great film.