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Reviews
The Summer of Ben Tyler (1996)
A very satisfying drama; reminiscent of "To Kill a Mockingbird".
Atticus Finch, move over! There's another morally strong Southern lawyer, with a pretty wife and a rambunctious young daughter, and he's ready to take some of your case load!
"The Summer of Ben Tyler", set early during World War II, has a lot to say about love, honor, relationships, commitment and power. Keeping their promise to their dying black housekeeper, a white family takes in her teenage mentally-slow son. The movie details the joys and conflicts the family faces as a result of their decision.
Similarities to Atticus aside, I found this movie to be very emotionally satisfying. Everything in life may not turn out the way you expect, or the way you choose, but the difficult lessons you learn en route are "character building".
If you're seeking a strong drama that the whole family can watch, discuss and learn from, I heartily recommend this wonderful movie.
Disneyland: Sammy, the Way-Out Seal: Part 1 (1962)
Harmless slapstick fun!
I was reading the newspaper this evening when my daughters started viewing this video nearby. By the time I finished the paper, I found myself watching "Sammy" "full-time".
Sure, it's typical Disney animal fluff, but I enjoyed it none the less, and found myself laughing out loud with my children at some of the silly stuff the seal did. (I don't want to spoil it, but my favorite part involved a toy poodle and a pool.) It was also fun seeing the variety of cars and fashions from the early 1960s. (Yes, the mother/housewife does wear a skirt while she cooks breakfast!)
So, find some kids and check out this funny movie!
My Antonia (1995)
History, romance, propriety, prejudice and the inescapable pull of emotions.
This was a great movie. It worked as an intriguing slice of American history, as a drama of pure, youthful love and as a portrait of two grandparents' affection, pride and protection for their orphaned grandson.
Unlike some "made-for-TV" movies, the breaks for commercials were almost never awkward or noticeable, and production quality was worthy of the big screen. As an unexpected bonus, the rolling Nebraska landscape was surprisingly beautiful.
One of my great-grandfathers lived in a sod homestead in western Nebraska in the late 1800s, just like Antonia. I found it compelling to consider the contrasts between her existence in the movie, and my midwestern life in 1999.
"My Antonia" delivers a little heartbreak but lots of hope, and I rate it 9 out of 10 stars!
The Court Jester (1955)
Awesome alliterations, jovial jousting -- Got it? Good!
Full of regal romance, rambunctiousness and rewards, "The Court Jester" is a really hilarious family movie. Danny Kaye's comedic genius is on display throughout, particularly during the "brew that is true" highlight. It ranks in my mind with the famous "Who's on first?" and "Are you talkin' to me?" scenes of cinematic lore.
I enjoyed the delicious plot twists and turns, the songs and the colorful costumes. I highly recommend this romantic farce, giving it 9 out of 10 stars.
At War with the Army (1950)
Great musical comedy, featuring Jerry Lewis at his slapstick best.
This is a fun WWII-era B&W movie, full of Jerry Lewis and his ridiculous goofiness! Featuring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in their first collaboration, this film gave our family some wonderful laugh relief from our January, cabin-fever suffering.
Jerry is a hapless private and Dean is the bossy First Sergeant of a slipshod platoon at a stateside training base. Jerry and Dean were friends who grew up in the same neighborhood before Uncle Sam made GIs out of them. All of the stereotypical military comedy characters are present, including the loudmouth drill instructor, the conniving supply sergeant, the doting corporal and the bumbling, hen-pecked company commander.
Most of the action takes place in the orderly room, but our favorite scene involved Jerry singing a love song...I don't want to reveal any more details, but I think Jim Carrey may have studied acting by watching Jerry Lewis movies.
My kids liked this film more than (the original) "The Nutty Professor", because of its lighter tone. I rate this comedy "8" on a scale of 1 to 10, and highly recommend it!
Great Expectations (1946)
Adventures of an orphan boy in early 19th century England.
I enjoyed "Great Expectations", but it seemed a little dark and depressing at times, similar to other Charles Dickens movies. This isn't surprising, though, because life in the 1830s in England (or elsewhere) probably wasn't the easiest!
The story and characters are interesting. An orphan being raised by a kind blacksmith and a hateful woman (the boy's half-sister?) has an encounter with an escaped prisoner that changes his life forever. My family had a lot of fun trying to pick out a young actor named Alec Guinness, who became famous in 1977 playing Obi Wan Kenobi in "Star Wars"! And seeing "The Robe's" very pretty Jean Simmons at age 17 was interesting, as well.
I recommend this movie, and give it a 6.5 out of 10.