frankiemendel Reviews

Angel on Abbey Street (1999)

Heartwarming...and irresistible

[9/10 · 4 August 2008]

I tell you...you've got a lump of coal for a heart if you didn't find this tale absolutely inspiring and wonderful.

Since I'm certain the vast majority of you have not seen this film (yet another unnoticed gem out there!), let me just tell you the basic plot: A sweetly homeless man named Briefcase begins an awkward but poignant friendship with a sweetly little girl, who believes that Briefcase is The Tooth Fairy. Briefcase, determined to instill the little girl with the hopes and dreams that he has lost, becomes dedicated to keeping the guise alive, leading to some unexpectedly tragic repercussions.

A film with a tremendous amount of heart, Angel on Abbey Street is a triumph of the human spirit, and deserves an audience!

Joseph's Gift (1999)

Awe-inspiring Drama

[9/10 · 4 August 2008]

I've been watching a lot of movies as of late, and so it's very difficult for one to stand out amongst the others. So to say that I watched Joseph's Gift on the same day as three other movies and it's the only one I remember, that's saying something.

Joseph's Gift is a modern retelling of the classic Joseph bible story, but the film is never preachy, overly-melodramatic, or sentimental. The film's hauntingly subdued aura is courtesy of two things mainly: Phillipe Mora's keen understanding of his source material, and the devastating performance of Freddy Rodriguez in the title part.

Do yourself a favor: Watch Joseph's Gift today. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

The Blue Light (2004 TV Movie)

Great one for the kids!

[8/10 · 1 August 2008]

Enchanting fairy tale stuff here! Not for everyone, but for the ones it is for, it's perfectly executed.

This movie's got it all: A fairy king, some cool magic, a precocious tyke at the center of it all, phantasmagorical nymphs, real and pertinent lessons, etc.

Ernest Borgnine brings some real levity to the project as well. Just seeing him made me smile. And most importantly (should've mentioned this earlier), I watched this with my seven year old nephew and he couldn't take his off the screen. I gotta tell ya, he's a tough kid to impress, and he was definitely impressed with this.

Dark Honeymoon (2008 Video)

Underrated Thriller...Really, more people should watch this one!

[9/10 · 1 August 2008]

This film really took me by surprise. I caught this in a hotel room while vacationing with my brother and his awful girlfriend (needless to say, the vacation was a total bust and this movie was the highlight - I should re title this review "Better Than a Week in Cancun!).

Considering the cast and the unnerving suspense, I'm flabbergasted as to why this movie didn't reach a wider audience. I won't divulge any of the plot information, but I will say that there's a final act reveal that you will NOT see coming. My jaw hit the floor, and it's still there, actually (I think my jaw is broken - it's weird).

The acting is uniformly excellent all around. The writing was twisty and unexpected, and none of it felt scripted. The movie just moved...and it was pretty damn good. I highly recommend this one.