wcsa Reviews

If You Believe (1999 TV Movie)

Similar theme - better than most

[8/10 · 30 August 2005]

It is Christmas time and someone is unhappy with their life. Something out of the ordinary happens and forces them to change and with the change comes some sense of redemption.

OK, you've seen this dozens of times, I could name several movies where the same thing happens, why is this movie any different and any better? The answer is the wonderful chemistry between Ally Walker and Hayden Panettiere. They argue, they fight, they come together. Can you believe it! I am recommending a classic chick flick to everyone. But I have to admit it, I am sending a copy of this film to all my brothers and sisters for Christmas.

Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man (1962)

Oddly Familiar

[6 August 2004]

This film attempts to compile all or most of Hemingway's Nick Adams stories into one complete whole. The effect is a coming of age story that ends on a bitter/semi-sweet note. Along the way you see a series of stories populated by well known actors and actresses.

There is a sequence that reminds one of Farewell to Arms (wounded ambulance driver falls in love with nurse, who eventually dies in his arms).

There is the overbearing, controlling, religious mother and the anguished father (who eventually takes his own life).

There is the hard boiled newspaper editor, who gives sound hard boiled advice.

I liked the movie, but I am unsure whether I would recommend it to someone else.