I'll Be There

Why does every film have to have multiple meanings in order to be considered good?? This was a real surprise for me. Uncomplicated and fun, this Charlotte Church vehicle gave me 90 minutes of popcorn eating enjoyment. I felt Charlotte was perfect in this role and she acted with vetern-like ease.

The problem with critics these days is that they over-analyize every film to see if they meet some deep meanings. This was a film intended to be a feel good comedy and thats exactly what it does. The cast was great, and as an American I found some of the humor pretty funny. Lets not forget that the viewers get a chance to hear Charlotte's amazing voice, which is one of the most beautiful on earth.

I had heard nothing of this film until I saw it arrive at the video store. It was a cute movie and the casting was great. I enjoy all of Craig Ferguson's work and he did a wonderful job once again. I don't think acting will be Church's forte nor singing anything other than her main lineup of music (I realized while watching this how different singing styles vary and if they can be pulled off by one person) Catch this film if you enjoy a nice, pleasing film and a good soundtrack.

This movie had all of the elements of a good time. Wonderful cast, lots of laughing, music to tap your feet and terrific scenery. Craig Ferguson, did an outstanding tour de force with writing,acting etc. He's a joy to behold. Charlotte Church, moved me, she was just right, and her voice, like an angel. It's a movie for the whole family, without being a Disney movie. I am looking forward to seeing it again and again.

Olivia (Charlotte Church) is a sixteen year old with a heavenly voice. Her mother, Rebecca (Jemma Redgrave), however, will not allow her daughter to even imagine a career in music. That is because Olivia is the child of a weekend encounter Rebecca had with a rock star long ago. Voila. The rock star ends up in the hospital and soon after learns he has a lovely daughter. He never got Rebecca's letters of information, it seems. Can the aging rocker turn his life around and become a true father to his child? And, will Olivia be able to pursue a future that makes use of her stunning voice? This is a nice film in many ways. Church is great as the teenager and her voice is beyond compare. The other actors are also quite nice, the Wales setting is beautiful, and the movie's production values are more than adequate. Most important, the message of forgiveness resounds throughout the movie, a message that is needed by everyone. If you like music, romance, and humor, and who does not, get this very fine film at some point in the near future. It is a sweet movie that will make viewers everywhere feel on top of the world.

A better than expected "star" vehicle for Charlotte Church's film debut. She inevitably gets some criticism for just being herself in normal life but in this film she is at least as good as most 16 year old actresses with possibly rather more training would be albeit it's true that to some extent she is playing herself. I've always thought Jemma Redgrave to be a wooden actress but she isn't too bad here and does a good job of looking extremely proud of her daughter by the end. The flashback when she plays herself at 18 stretches the imagination though.

Joss Ackland is quite effective as the old rocker of a grandfather. He seems to be having a ball singing with the rock band and it is his own voice. I just about remembered he has sung in the past and played Juan Peron on the original album of Evita.

Craig Ferguson is in mixed form as the rock star. Early on he is a caricature and doesn't act very well in the attempt but as the character calms down he gives a better performance.

Overall a good family film - A predictable ending (It was obvious what Charlotte's closing song in the film would be from very early on - Anbd the title gave another clue) but none the worse for that.