Now, I haven't seen this movie in a while - so the story as i remember it is a daughter and her father somehow get involved with this ominous hotel and in there they uncover the secret of its history. Now there's an interesting plot idea! But, it is a kids' movie, so I guess that's its reasoning for being simple. I remember bits of the movie, but not much (mostly Kirsten Dunst!). I usually have a good memory for good movies, and I remember certain bits of this film. It will while away a wet afternoon. but don't expect to be enthralled by it. If you want enthrallment based on the same hotel - go to the theme park and ride the ride. No Kirsten Dunst, sadly, but it's still incredible. ** out of *****
Reviews
3 Reviews
Just William
(1994–1995)
Good try from the BBC, but not good enough.
12 March 2003
I can say that as a fan of the Just William Stories, by Richmal Crompton, I was happy to see some of the wonderful stories were made into a new TV series. It was disheartening to see the result! Don't get me wrong...some things were done to my satisfaction, but not many.
The plots revolve around a 10/11 year old, tyrannical, school boy and his boon companions the "outlaws", and their often attempts to help and entertain!
For example, the actor playing William, was just too upper class and not covered with enough dirt and mud (even when the producers put more mud on him for the second series, it didn't work!) Secondly, they got the character of Violet-Elizabeth Bott totally incorrect. In the novels, Crompton's detailed attention to dialect proves that Vioilet-Elizabeth has a lisp, and she does not in this production. Another mini flaw, is Ethel's hair colour in this production is black, and the short stories continually said her hair was golden and curly...not black and straight! Finally (phew) my biggest complaint is the fact that the stories were practically rewritten...which is a shame, because the original stories were usually much better than the ones in this TV series.
There are a few good points however, luckily. They got the characters of Mr John Brown and Mrs Mary Brown perfect! The outlaws too were perfect, but the acting was sometimes a bit too stiff...and very forced. The most perfect thing about this version was the scenery and locations...they were perfect! Also, Nigel Hess' score is very witty and intellegent, playing around endlessly with the main motif and theme in a variety of 20s and 30s styles - very enjoyable!
It's a shame the BBC messed it up so much...they should give it another try!
The plots revolve around a 10/11 year old, tyrannical, school boy and his boon companions the "outlaws", and their often attempts to help and entertain!
For example, the actor playing William, was just too upper class and not covered with enough dirt and mud (even when the producers put more mud on him for the second series, it didn't work!) Secondly, they got the character of Violet-Elizabeth Bott totally incorrect. In the novels, Crompton's detailed attention to dialect proves that Vioilet-Elizabeth has a lisp, and she does not in this production. Another mini flaw, is Ethel's hair colour in this production is black, and the short stories continually said her hair was golden and curly...not black and straight! Finally (phew) my biggest complaint is the fact that the stories were practically rewritten...which is a shame, because the original stories were usually much better than the ones in this TV series.
There are a few good points however, luckily. They got the characters of Mr John Brown and Mrs Mary Brown perfect! The outlaws too were perfect, but the acting was sometimes a bit too stiff...and very forced. The most perfect thing about this version was the scenery and locations...they were perfect! Also, Nigel Hess' score is very witty and intellegent, playing around endlessly with the main motif and theme in a variety of 20s and 30s styles - very enjoyable!
It's a shame the BBC messed it up so much...they should give it another try!
Little Shop of Horrors
(1986)
There are two people in this world...those who haven't seen Little Shop, and those who are going to see it.
1 September 2002
You know how you have a movie you remember all through your childhood? Well, for me, this is that movie. I remember watching it with my mother and laughing at the Dentist, tapping along to the tunes and just thoroughly enjoying it! Now, I am older, I can't say much has changed. It possesses all qualities of a musical, all the "cliche" of a ridiculous 50's Horror Movie and all the slick, dark (and somewhat disturbing) comedy of a black comedy. Many people will know the original stage show, from which this is based...but the ending is entirely different. Frank Oz re-shot it, because it is not a happy endng. You have two choices...see the movie with the original ending, and...well...say that you've seen the real ending, or watch the movie one, and get the showstopper of the whole movie - Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's Oscar Award Nominated "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space"...it's up to you. I know that people, when they see the stage show, are dissapointed that that song is not in it...as it is one of the best. All the songs are impressive...but that's normal for the Ashman-Menken partnership (who can't hum "Be Our Guest" or "Under the Sea"?) The movie, however, should have had more songs from the Broadway Musical. A good example would be "Mushnik and Son". This would have made the relationship between Seymour and Mushnik much stronger...and it would be funny to see Rick Moranis and Vincent Gardenia to the tango together. I also say this becuase the styles of music in the movie are all that of the 50s and 60s (Motown, Rock and Roll etc) But, if they used the songs from the stage show, they would have more varied music styles (examples include March and Tango) The cast in this movie is very strong, especially Rick Moranis, and his singing voice is pretty impressive for such a small stature. The most memorable role is Steve Martin's "Elvis" perona - of the sadist dentist. His song "Dentist" surely is one of the cleverest display of lyrical play I have ever heard (The Leader of the Plaque!) This movie is going to make a big come back, with a possible re-release in the near future (with the original ending), and a broadway revival for the first time in nearly 15 years in the summer of 2003, people will be hearing alot more of this movie...again! Go see it...or go see it again...and then probably again; Go "Downtown" to the "Little shop of Horrors", and "Suddenly Seymour" and the "Dentist" will provide you with "Some Fun Now"!
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