dipschidt Reviews

Ella Enchanted (2004)

AWFUL!!! Rape of a perfectly good book.

[1/10 · 1 May 2004]

When I read the local paper's review of this movie, I was leery, especially at the mention of "medieval malls" and musical numbers. But my daughter is a big fan of the book, and I promised I would take her to see it. Be careful what you promise.

The book has a clever premise. Ella is given a "gift" by a fairy godmother--the gift of obedience. She must do whatever someone tells her. Fortunately, only Ella and her faithful house fairy know about this. The rest of the story roughly follows the story of Cinderella, but with Ella as a more resourceful heroine than the typical fairy tale damsel in distress.

This movie takes that basic premise, and the characters set forth in the book, and pretty much runs it own way with it, with disastrous results. When Viveca Fox showed up as Lucinda, I knew we were in trouble, and it just got worse. It's as if the producers decided you couldn't make a movie aimed at young girls without throwing in shopping malls, teen idols, or fart jokes. Loosely based on the book is about the only way you could describe this piece of garbage. It looked like rape to me. If I were the author, I'd be suing. I haven't wanted to walk out of a theatre this badly since the godawful "Neverending Story."

Read the book, and let this film die the quiet death it deserves.

To Serve Them All My Days (1980–1981)

One of my favorites

[12 November 2003]

When this series played on Masterpiece Theatre in the early 80s, I was fortunate enough to live in an area with two PBS stations, each of which played the show twice a week at different times, so was able to watch the series four times through. Several years ago, it was shown again, and my father video-taped it for me, so that when I get the urge, I plunk in my videos and fall in love all over again.

I have seen a number of Masterpiece Theatres over the years, but this one has to be my favorite. The characters are well acted, especially PJ, played by John Duttine (isn't he gorgeous!)--sensitive, passionate, and above all, a survivor. The cynical Howarth is a perfect foil (he reminds me of an old Latin teacher I once had), and the perfect best friend. Then there's the interplay between Algy Herries and his wife (a comfortable couple if I ever saw one). And can anybody help but cringe when the "Noble" Alcock comes aboard? (Hissss)

Although I have my own homemade tapes of this program, I would be happier with a professional set and agree with others who have posted that this one ought to be released. Masterpiece Theatre at its finest.

The Kids Are Alright (1979)

This movie got me into The Who...

[3 July 2002]

I was peripherally aware of The Who before viewing this movie in 1980, but other than a few stories I'd heard about Keith Moon, I didn't know much about them. This movie made me a Who fan forever. It is brilliant--a wonderful mix of concert footage, early rock videos, and interviews. I'm especially fond of the Russell Hardy bits in which the band members completely flip the interviewer.

I own this movie on video, but I have a major complaint about the video edition (keeping in mind it was purchased some 12 years ago). The bit of Who from the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, during which they perform A Quick One While He's Away is cut. In the original film, the entire song was shown, including the intro by Keith Richards (which is cut in the video, although he's still listed in the credits). I don't know if this has been rectified, but its truncation is a real pity.

If you know nothing about The Who, this is a good place to start. If you're looking to reminisce, especially in light of the recent loss of bassist John Entwistle, it's nice to have around, though, of course, most of the footage focuses on the more flamboyant members (Roger, Pete, and Keith).

A great film. One of my all-time favorites.