Every time I publish one hundred posts, I commemorate the achievement by creating a double feature; reviewing two films that have at least one thing in common. My 800th blog post was a Word on the Street story about the possibility of a sequel for The Polar Express. Since that movie was released in 2004, I chose two titles from that year to review in this double feature. Those titles are I Am David and Hallmark’s adaptation of Frankenstein. It’s been a while since I attempted to answer a question through my double feature reviews. So, this time, I will try to find an answer to the following question:
Based on these two movies, how has the cinematic landscape changed in twenty years?
For this Blog Follower Dedication Review, I wanted to step away from the realm of Hallmark movies. I do enjoy reviewing Hallmark productions and writing about Hallmark related topics. But with my recent review of True Justice: Family Ties, my list of the top ten Hallmark movies that should have received a sequel, and my Word on the Street story about CrimeTime: Freefall, I wanted to offer my readers other cinematic titles through my articles. I just checked out a movie titled A Horse Called Wish. Though I have written about “horse films” before, these types of films are rarely featured on 18 Cinema Lane. Another reason why I chose to write about A Horse Called Wish is because the story not only takes place in Mauritius, the movie was filmed there as well. I haven’t heard of many stories or movies from this African country. In fact, A Horse Called Wish is probably the first I’ve come across. With that said, I wanted to see how a more unique perspective would impact the landscape of the “horse film”!
Avoiding “horse movie” cliches: Within the realm of “horse movies”, there are certain cliches found within each story. While some of these cliches can be found in A Horse Called Wish, the creative team behind the film avoided other cliches. One cliché from “horse movies” is the “misunderstood horse” cliché, where the horse in question is either a wild horse that would rather be set free by the protagonist or the horse is a descendent of wild horses and has a spirit that can’t be tamed. While the titular horse, Wish, is misunderstood, he is perceived that way for different reasons. I won’t be discussing those reasons because I don’t want to spoil the movie for any of my readers who are interested in watching it. In “horse movies”, one of three landscapes will be commonly featured in the story. These types of landscapes are either desert, mountainous, or the “manicured lawn” (where riding academies or stables are surrounded by lawns and foliage that appear well-cared for). Since A Horse Called Wish takes place in and was filmed in Mauritius, the landscape surrounding the characters and horses is tropical. Through long and medium shots, volcanic mountains, green fields, and even glimpses of the ocean display the natural beauty Mauritius has to offer. This creative decision also gave A Horse Called Wish a unique identity among other “horse movies”!
Hannah Gonera’s performance: No matter the genre, it’s important for a story’s main character to be a likable individual with a good personality. Cindy Moreau, the protagonist of A Horse Called Wish, was able to be this type of character thanks to Hannah Gonera’s performance! Hannah’s expressions and reactions were fluid, appearing seamlessly throughout the movie. The strength of Hannah’s acting abilities made her portrayal of Cindy seem realistic! Cindy’s interactions with other characters proves this point. Sometimes, Cindy confides in her boss from the food truck where they work together. These scenes are reminiscent of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid, as Cindy is guided by her mentor. Whenever her boss gives useful advice or encouraging words, Cindy always looks appreciative. From being thankful over receiving a job interview to being disappointed by her mother’s refusal for Cindy to work at a local riding academy, Cindy’s emotions came across as genuine.
The messages and themes: “Horse movies” will typically include themes and messages that younger viewers can learn from and older viewers can appreciate. Within A Horse Called Wish, there are some good messages and themes that were incorporated in the story well! Cindy is passionate about equine sports, from constantly reading a book about horses to frequently visiting a local riding academy. Toward the beginning of the movie, she accepts a job as a stable-hand. I once heard a quote about dreams not working unless you do. As montages of Cindy cleaning the stables and taking care of the horses are shown on screen, she lives by that quote as she creates a good foundation of being a good equestrian. I also heard a quote about finding a job that makes you look forward to go to work. Through another montage, viewers can see Cindy excited to go to the riding academy, as she displays a smile on her face every time she wakes up in the morning. The message of actively working toward dreams and the theme of finding a job that makes you happy can give viewers advice to apply to their lives.
White horse image created by Gabor Palla at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Gabor Palla.”
What I didn’t like about the film:
Contradictory dialogue: In A Horse Called Wish, there were a few times when the dialogue contradicted the characters’ surroundings. Toward the start of the movie, two riding academy students (Elizabeth and Charlotte) visit the food truck Cindy works at. This food truck has restaurant space near the truck for patrons to sit down and eat their meal. While Cindy is waiting on their table, Charlotte claims the salt shaker has fallen on the floor. However, the restaurant space is outdoors, so the salt shaker fell on the ground. Later in the movie, Elizabeth is trying to have a conversation with her father. In order to quickly finish the conversation, he tells his daughter to go home and go to bed. Based on the lighting surrounding these characters, it appears this conversation took place in the afternoon.
Limited scenes of equine performance: One of the staples of a “horse movie” is the inclusion of equine performance. Whether it’s equine competitions, horses performing stunts, or simply seeing horses jumping, these types of equine performance can look impressive on screen and can provide a story with action and excitement. While there was equine performance found in A Horse Called Wish, these moments were far and few between. Since the story’s riding academy prioritizes the English riding style, there is a show-jumping competition featured in the film. However, this competition serves as the story’s climax, meaning it doesn’t take place until the movie is almost over. Most of the time, horses are shown trotting or walking in a canter.
Too many story elements: As I mentioned earlier in this review, Cindy is passionate about equine sports, willing to work to make her dreams a reality. But this serves as only one element of the overall story. Other story elements are included in the script, such as Cindy dealing with bullying and Cindy’s mother looking for employment. Because of how many story elements were featured in the film, some parts of the story happened too quickly. It also caused the overall story to feel bogged down. With that said, I wish A Horse Called Wish had one main plot and two subplots.
Before I share my thoughts on A Horse Called Wish, I want to thank every follower of 18 Cinema Lane! With these special Blog Follower Dedication Reviews, I always try to find movies that my readers will enjoy and films that expand their cinematic horizons. I look forward to finding more titles my readers are excited to read about! Now, back to talking about A Horse Called Wish. While watching this movie, I could tell the creative team behind the movie had their hearts in the right place. With some of their creative decisions, A Horse Called Wish brought a more unique perspective and identity to the world of “horse films”. But the 2019 film shared qualities of other “horse films”, such as good messages and themes. A Horse Called Wish does have its flaws. These flaws, like limited scenes of equine performance, held the movie back from being a stronger production. What I do appreciate is how this film gave me an opportunity to watch a piece of cinema created in Mauritius. With the Summer Olympics on the horizon, it makes me wonder if, one day, we’ll see an equestrian from Mauritius winning a medal on the Olympic stage?
Overall score: 6 out of 10
Have you seen A Horse Called Wish? Are there any “horse films” you’d recommend for a future review? Let me know in the comment section!
Back in August, Hamlette, from Hamlette’s Soliloquy, nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award! A month later, Rebecca, from Taking Up Room, also nominated me for this same award! Because I was nominated twice in a short amount of time, I’m accepting my eighth and ninth Sunshine Blogger Awards by answering half of Rebecca’s questions and half of Hamlette’s questions. Thank you, Rebecca and Hamlette for the nominations! It’s been over a year since I received a blogging award, so this was such a pleasant surprise for me! Before I start answering the award questions, here are the official award rules which are:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you in the blog post and link back to their blog.
2. Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
3. Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
4. List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.
1. What are your top five movies from this year? So far, anyway.
Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline?
Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities
The Great Muppet Caper
Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major
RKO 281
2. What’s the last movie you watched?
I recently saw the Lifetime movie, Stalked by My Stepsister. While the film was ok, even somewhat predictable, I was impressed with Eva Igo’s portrayal of Devon, the titular stepsister! In Lifetime movies, a villainous character will typically have a more over-the-top personality as their true colors start to show. Eva consistently carried her character with a poised seriousness, her performance reminding me of performances I’ve seen in period dramas/historical fiction projects. Therefore, I’d like to see Eva star in a period drama/historical fiction program some day!
3. Which movies do you think deserve the Broadway treatment?
With the entertainment industry capitalizing on ‘80s nostalgia, I’m surprised no one has thought of remaking the 1985 movie, Girls Just Want to Have Fun. It’s been years since I saw the film. But from what I remember, I liked it! Since the story revolves around a dance competition, there are plenty of performing and choregraphing opportunities for a Broadway show. Plus, there’s always the option of either retelling the story in the ‘80s or putting the story in a new era!
4. What’s the next movie you plan to watch?
For my Familyathon blogathon, I’m planning on watching and reviewing the 1979 made-for-TV movie, …and Your Name Is Jonah! I haven’t had the best of luck finding a television film from the ‘70s I like, so I’m hoping this one is good!
5. Which movies are you looking forward to seeing next year?
The recent writers and actors strike have caused several movies to be pushed back from their original release dates. However, most of the films that have 2024 release dates seem to be unnecessary sequels. I also don’t know what’s in store for Hallmark, as the network has not announced any upcoming movies for 2024. Despite all this, there are things I’m looking forward to next year, such as season eleven of When Calls the Heart and the Eurovisionathon readathon!
6. Pirates or vampires?
Since I’ve reviewed more movies featuring vampires, that’s what I’ll choose.
7. Which movies (if any) do you regret watching this year?
Honestly, I can’t think of any films I’ve seen this year that I’ve regretted watching and/or reviewing. I approach every movie I see hoping it is good. Even if one turns out less than stellar, I still try to find things about the film I liked. This is the reason why I start every movie review talking about what I liked about the movie. No matter how a film turns out, I’m grateful for the opportunity to receive my own, honest opinion on it.
8. What TV show(s) have you seen every episode of at least once?
Definitely When Calls the Heart! This includes the Christmas/holiday films and the Hallmark movie from 2013.
9. You have the chance to be a guest host on TCM. Which show do you host or which kinds of movies do you want to introduce?
During these five years of movie blogging, I have reviewed many made-for-tv movies. Some of these titles have been hidden gems, such as the aforementioned RKO 281. While I don’t know if made-for-TV films would be considered “classic” cinema, I would want to host a made-for-TV movie marathon!
10. What new movie release are you looking forward to?
As I stated in answer number five, the recent writers and actors strike have caused several movies to be pushed back from their original release dates. Not only do most of the films with 2024 release dates seem to be unnecessary sequels, Hallmark also hasn’t announced any upcoming movies for 2024. But based on the trailers I’ve seen, Napolean looks like it has potential to be an interesting period drama. I’ll wait until I’ve heard reviews of the movie before I decide to check it out.
11. Do you have a favorite silent movie? If so, which one?
I haven’t reviewed many silent films on my blog. But out of the ones I’ve written about, I liked both Sunnyside and Wild Oranges! Since I reviewed each movie for a Blog Follower Dedication Review, I’ll link these reviews below if you’re interested in reading my opinion on the films.
When I published my review for the adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath, that post became my 750th published article! Since then, I’ve been trying to find the right topic to write about to commemorate the milestone. My most recent re-cap of When Calls the Heart has, within a 24-hour period, become the most popular article I’ve ever written on 18 Cinema Lane, garnering over 8,000 views and counting! Since my readers have an interest in When Calls the Heart related content, I decided to create a list of the top ten characters I’d love to see return to the show! With the arrival of Rosaleen Sullivan, I wondered which other characters could come back. As the show is now is in tenth season, it wasn’t difficult to think of characters to include on this list. From characters debuting in one of When Calls the Heart’s seasonal films to beloved faces who have spent years in Hope Valley, here is my list of the top ten character I’d love to see return to the show!
I have mentioned in the past how Tom Thornton is my favorite character from When Calls the Heart. He was even included in my “Flaming Hot…5 Reasons Why” Tag post! Tom returned to the show in season five, attending Jack and Elizabeth’s wedding. But so much has changed since then, with Tom losing his brother and becoming an uncle. Since the end of season five, I have wondered how Tom has dealt with life after receiving both good and bad news. I also speculated how his life might have changed since his story was last included on the show. It would be nice to see Tom find true love again and maybe even get married on When Calls the Heart! With season ten still on television and season eleven on the horizon, only time will tell.
2. Carson Shepherd
Ever since Carson left Hope Valley, I feel like Faith’s story has been put on hold. While her career seems to be thriving, she hasn’t moved forward in the relationship department. There’s still so much left unsaid between Faith and Carson. I don’t feel like their conflict ever truly got resolved. Even though Hope Valley already has a doctor in town, it would be nice to see Carson and Faith work together again. Maybe they could rekindle their relationship as well.
3. Phillip
Phillip was one of Elizabeth’s students. He left Hope Valley in order to receive eyesight saving surgery. Since then, Phillip or his father have never returned to town. I always wondered if the surgery was a success. I also wondered what became of Phillip and his family. Did Phillip’s father remarry? Did Phillip remain an only child? Erin Krakow and Niall Matter, the actor who portrayed Phillip’s father, Shane, have worked together on several Hallmark projects. If Phillip couldn’t appear on the show, Niall could reprise his role as Shane. This way, Shane could give viewers an update on his son through dialogue.
4. Walter
Walter made his Hope Valley debut in the movie, When Calls the Heart: Home for Christmas. In that film, he was a traveling salesman, struggling to make money. Since the movie’s release in 2019, Walter hasn’t returned to Hope Valley. He hasn’t been brought up by any of the characters either. I do wonder if he is still a traveling salesman or if he found a new calling, similar to Joseph Canfield’s story. If Walter were to come back to town, the audience would receive some closure to his story.
5. Christopher and Rachel
In season eight, it was revealed Henry had a son named Christopher. That season showed father and son reconnecting. But Henry was not the only character Christopher connected with. Fans saw Christopher and Lee’s niece, Rachel, falling in love. The younger couple stayed on When Calls the Heart for one season. Early in season nine, Henry learns Rachel and Christopher plan to get married in the near future. However, these wedding plans haven’t been brought up since last season. Though Lucas and Elizabeth’s wedding will, hopefully, take place in season eleven, I hope Rachel and Christopher consider getting married in Hope Valley. Maybe they could be the first couple to host either an outdoor wedding or a Christmas wedding!
Since Tom Thornton is included in this list, I figured putting this picture of Tom and Jack in this article made sense. Image created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel.
6. Dottie
Dottie was one of the original residents of Coal Valley, losing her husband in the coal mining tragedy that took place prior to the show’s events. Over the course of the series, Dottie started her own business; a dress shop where Rosemary worked before creating the town’s newspaper. As the dress shop expanded outside of Hope Valley, Dottie left town to manage those stores. Because of her departure, the dress shop closed and became the ice cream parlor and pharmacy. Since Rosaleen Sullivan came back to the show, it would be nice to see Dottie return. I remember Dottie, Mollie, and Florence were good friends in When Calls the Heart’s earlier seasons, so it would be wonderful to see them reunite!
7. Hattie
Hattie is another student of Elizabeth’s that disappeared. When she and her mother moved to Hope Valley, Hattie was grieving the loss of her friend. During her time as a student of the Jack Thornton School, Hattie was one of the children who first brought up Hope Valley’s ice cream parlor. But she mentioned the ice cream parlor back in season five and since then, the story seems to have forgotten Hattie exists. I haven’t seen Hattie on the show in a long time. Plus, none of Elizabeth’s students bring Hattie up either. If Rosaleen can receive closure on her story, I think it’s only fair for Hattie to receive closure for her story too.
8. Cody and Becky
Cody and Becky were introduced to Hearties in the film, When Calls the Heart: New Year’s Wish. Since their introduction, Abigail adopted the siblings and the family lived in Abigail’s Café. Because of Lori Loughlin’s involvement in the infamous college admissions scandal, not only was Abigail written off the show, Becky and Cody were written off the show as well. Before this happened, Becky was attending college and Cody was still enrolled at the Jack Thornton School. Even if it was just for one episode, I would like to see Cody and Becky revisit Hope Valley. From what I remember, Cody and Robert were close friends. So, seeing them go on an adventure together would serve as a potential story for a future episode!
9. Laura
Besides Rosaleen Sullivan, Laura was one of Elizabeth’s first students back in season one. In recent seasons, Laura was not only attending college, but she was also babysitting Jack Jr. While watching this current season, I realized Laura hasn’t appeared in any scenes. Elizabeth didn’t mention her either. I’m curious about Laura’s whereabouts and how her story turns out. If both Laura and Rosaleen appeared on the show together, maybe the show’s fans could witness a school reunion in the future, especially since the Jack Thornton School never hosted a reunion before!
10. Charles Kensington
As I was creating this list, I thought about all the characters who could create drama in the town. The first character that came to mind was Charles Kensington. A childhood friend of Elizabeth, Charles came onto the show in season two. He only appeared in that season, never brought up or shown on screen again. I would love to see how his life turned out after Elizabeth refused his offers. An interaction between Charles and Lucas would be very interesting as well.
When Calls the Heartseason ten poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Channel
Last December, when I published my review of the 1981 made-for-TV movie, When the Circus Came to Town, it was my 700th post! For those who are not familiar with my annual double features, I commemorate the accomplishment of publishing 100 articles by hosting a special double feature, written in an interview style. In the past, my double features sought to answer a pre-selected question or see whether a prediction was correct. This time around, I will not include a pre-determined prediction or question. That’s because this double feature will correlate with The Great Muppet Guest Star Caper Blogathon! When I was invited by Gill (from Realweegiemidget Reviews) to join the event, I was told duplicates were not allowed. Keeping this in mind, I was surprised none of the Muppet movies had been chosen. I was also surprised to discover Big Bird (of Sesame Street fame) had been a guest star on The Muppet Show. With all of that said, I will be reviewing The Great Muppet Caper and Follow That Bird for the 700th double feature!
A few days ago, 18 Cinema Lane received its 450th follower! With that achievement comes a Blog Follower Dedication Review! A few of my recent movie reviews were for films released in the 2020s. I recently saw Top Gun: Maverick, the sequel to Top Gun. Therefore, I will continue this momentum by writing about the 2022 blockbuster! While I’ve only seen pieces of Top Gun, I am familiar with its general premise. I’m also aware of how Top Gun: Maverickis the second film about the United States Navy I’ve reviewed this month. About a week ago, I wrote about the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Christmas film, USS Christmas. In that review, I said the 2020 title was a nice, pleasant film. Even though USS Christmas was fine, it wasn’t an instant classic for me or a new favorite movie. How will Top Gun: Maverick compare to the aforementioned Hallmark project? Keep reading this review if you have a need, a need to find out the answer!
Top Gun: Maverickposter created by Skydance Media, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and Paramount Pictures
Things I liked about the film:
The acting: Jennifer Connelly portrayed Penny, a character who was not in Top Gun. Despite being a sequel exclusive character, it felt like Penny was always meant to be in the story. The on-screen chemistry between Jennifer and Tom Cruise is an example of this statement. When Maverick visits Penny’s bar for the first time in years, he reconnects with Penny. Their interactions are friendly, a camaraderie that appears natural between them. This on-screen chemistry was consistent, which allowed Maverick and Penny’s interactions to be pleasant to watch! Speaking of Maverick, let’s talk about Tom’s performance! Since the story of Top Gun: Maverick takes place over thirty years after its predecessor, Maverick’s personality has matured in that time. However, it still contained that “prove ‘em wrong” spirit that makes him such a beloved character. In a scene where Maverick is seeking advice from Iceman, he reflects on the loss of his friend, Goose. As the past collides with the present, Maverick becomes emotional, tears quickly filling his eyes and his bottom lip quivering. This scene shows how, even though Maverick carries himself with a sense of professionalism, emotion still shines through, thanks to Tom’s strong acting abilities!
I’m not familiar with Miles Teller’s filmography or acting talents. However, I really liked his performance in Top Gun: Maverick! Miles portrayed Rooster, Goose’s son. Rooster’s involvement with the Top Gun program causes tension between Rooster and Maverick. During a disagreement between these two characters, Rooster has a lot to get off his chest. He starts yelling at Maverick, the anger felt, seen, and heard in Rooster’s voice and face. Even though Rooster’s anger is explosive in this scene, Miles displays control over his character’s emotions. He also has potential to be the lead actor in a future film!
The cinematography: Sometimes, action films can be plagued with “shaky cam”. This causes the events on screen to be indistinguishable, which can impact an audience member’s enjoyment of a movie. Fortunately, this is not the case for Top Gun: Maverick! During the scenes where characters are flying, there are many shots of them within their respective planes. There are also shots of the planes in various positions, directions, and angles. These shots are captured with a steady camera, delivered with crisp precision and clarity. One of my favorite scenes was when Maverick is racing his motorcycle alongside a plane. Showcased in a medium shot, this race contains the spirit Maverick has exuded since the first film. With a steady camera, the shot is presented from Maverick’s right side, with Maverick in the fore-ground and the plane in the background.
Including a mission: From the pieces of Top Gun I’ve seen, I recall the story heavily revolving around the training within the Top Gun program. While there is training in Top Gun: Maverick, the story prioritized an overarching mission instead. Each step of the mission is presented with the use of modern technology, such as computerized images on a television monitor. The inclusion of this mission gave the characters something to work towards. It also gave them a conflict to resolve. From an audience perspective, the mission keeps them invested in the story as it unfolds.
No inclusion of the quote, “I have a need, a need for speed”: One of the most iconic parts of Top Gun is the quote; “I have a need, a need for speed”. That quote is not only the most recognizable one from the 1986 movie, it’s one of the most famous quotes of all time. With the amount of respect given toward the predecessor in Top Gun: Maverick, I expected the aforementioned quote to be included somewhere in the 2022 film. Unfortunately, this quote was never spoken or referenced. I know this seems like a trivial flaw. But I think not including the quote is a missed opportunity.
Iceman’s fate: For this part of my review, I will spoil Top Gun: Maverick. If you have not seen this movie and plan on watching it, skip this portion and go straight to where it says “A limited distribution of character development”.
Iceman makes an appearance in Top Gun: Maverick. Even though he has become an Admiral and the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Iceman is dealing with medical related issues. These issues lead to his death around the film’s half-way point. I am aware the story needed a conflict. But having one of the “legacy” characters die felt, to me, like the film was giving mixed messages. As I already mentioned, Top Gun: Maverick was respectful toward its predecessor, emphasizing the idea of honoring the past and respecting what came before you. If this sentiment is true, then why would the movie’s creative team allow Iceman to be written out the way he was? Couldn’t Iceman be allowed to live his life as peacefully as possible? I know the Top Gun story wasn’t intended to become a franchise. However, I don’t believe Iceman should have died, especially since Goose already died in the first film.
A limited distribution of character development: When a story involves a group of people, it can, sometimes, be difficult to evenly distribute character development to every character in that group. In Top Gun: Maverick’s case, this flaw wasn’t avoided. Among the group of young lieutenants, the two that receive the most character development are Hangman and Rooster. Some of the lieutenants get a little bit of character development, while the rest don’t receive any. Besides Rooster and Hangman, I felt like I truly didn’t get to know the lieutenants, just simply became familiar with them. Like I’ve mentioned before in this review, I have only seen pieces of Top Gun. Therefore, I don’t know if this flaw was in that film. But since a part of Top Gun: Maverick’s story focuses on a team working together, I wish I had gotten to know more than just two lieutenants.
During the overarching mission in Top Gun: Maverick, there are two miracles that are discussed. While I won’t be revealing these miracles, as I don’t want to spoil the film, I will be talking about the two miracles this movie produced. The first miracle is the amount of reverence and respect Top Gun: Maverick displayed for its predecessor. Creating a sequel to a beloved movie, especially after a thirty plus year time frame, is a challenging feat. I can only speak for myself, but I think Top Gun: Maverick’s creative team pulled off this feat better than expected! The second miracle is how successful Top Gun: Maverick has become since its release. In a post-pandemic cinematic landscape, having a film garner over a billion dollars has become rarer than it was a decade ago. Even if a movie does acquire that much money, it may not receive critical praise. Top Gun: Maverick not only acquired a large profit, but also achieved critical acclaim. With all that said, this movie truly pulled off the impossible. Before I end this review, I’d like to point out how this review represents a miracle. That miracle is the success of 18 Cinema Lane, which would not be possible without my blog’s followers. Therefore, I would like to thank each and every one of them!
Overall score: 8.3 out of 10
Have you seen Top Gun and/or Top Gun: Maverick? Which movie do you think deserves a sequel? Please tell me in the comment section below!
Originally, I was going to review The Princess and the Pirate for The Metzinger Sisters’ MGM Blogathon. This is because my DVD copy of the film features the MGM logo on the cover and the film was released in 1944. However, The Metzinger Sisters informed me that the movie was not an MGM picture. Even Wikipedia claimed it was an RKO Radio Pictures production. Confused by this, I chose to review The Princess and the Pirate as my next Blog Follower Dedication Review instead. Bob Hope is a comedian I have heard of over the years. But, up until this point, I had never seen any of his films. Meanwhile, pirate themed movies are no stranger to 18 Cinema Lane. As of late June 2022, I have reviewed Captain Sabertooth and the Treasure of Lama Rama and China Seas. While I found China Seas to be just ok, I wasdisappointed by Captain Sabertooth and the Treasure of Lama Rama. What do I think of The Princess and the Pirate? Get ready to set sail as we start this review!
Here is a picture of my DVD copy of The Princess and the Pirate. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.
Things I liked about the film:
The acting: As I said in the introduction, Bob Hope is a comedian I have heard of before. But because I had never seen his movies, I didn’t know what to expect. While watching The Princess and the Pirate, I found Bob’s portrayal of Sylvester pleasant to watch! His expressions, emotions, and body language were fluid, allowing Bob to adapt to any on-screen situation. Bob’s impersonations were also a memorable component to his performance. Among the silliness and humor, Bob also showed a romantic side. In a scene where Sylvester and Margaret are sailing in a boat, he learns more about Margaret’s identity. During their conversation, Sylvester’s demeanor is softer, lowering his guard. This sweetness in Bob’s character was nice to see, as it showed how multi-layered Sylvester was!
Virginia Mayo portrayed Princess Margaret. As I watched this movie, her performance reminded me of Elizabeth Swann from the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. This is because she wasn’t afraid to stand her ground and help save the day. Margaret encouraging Sylvester to be brave during an on-deck battle is one example. What made Margaret different from Elizabeth is how, like Bob, Virginia showed a romantic side. Her performance of ‘Kiss Me in the Moonlight’ showcases this well. Even though the singing was performed by Louanne Hogan, Margaret’s facial expressions and body movements embodied the feminine songstress that appeared in musicals of the time of the movie’s release. Virginia’s portrayal prevented her character from becoming one dimensional!
One aspect of The Princess and the Pirate I liked was how the film made fun of status quos in the world of pirate films. The character of Featherhead is one example of this. Portrayed by Walter Brennan, this pirate is seen by his peers as being “dumb”. However, Featherhead’s interactions with Sylvester goes against that aforementioned claim. Walter’s performance was consistent and went toe-to-toe with Bob’s talents. While Featherhead is a more comedic character, he was more than being the film’s “comic relief”. Walter’s talents allowed his character to be memorable. Featherhead also helped progress the plot forward.
The humor: At the beginning of the movie, on-screen text explains who a pirate named The Hook is and what his mission will be. During this collection of text, Bob Hope breaks the fourth wall by explaining how he’s not portraying the character of The Hook. I found this part of the movie hilarious because of its unexpected nature! At one point in the story, Sylvester swims in a bathing pool with a character named La Roche. During this scene, Sylvester is hiding a secret he doesn’t want La Roche to discover. So, while in the pool, Sylvester quickly pops in and out of the water so La Roche doesn’t see him. Because of the scene’s consistency and because of the scene’s length, it was, in my opinion, funny!
The costume design: In the pirate films I’ve seen, costume design seems to have been a top priority. The combination of historical accuracy and design detail have created costumes that were exquisite and aesthetically pleasing. Throughout The Princess and the Pirate, I loved Virginia’s wardrobe! Each dress boasted a pastel palette, from a coral and teal gown Margaret wore on the Mary Ann to a pink and purple dress she was seen wearing toward the end of the film. This pastel palette also complimented Virginia’s hair color and skin tone. While at La Roche’s house, Sylvester wore a fancy suit. The suit jacket’s primary colors were white and fuchsia, a costume piece boasting a bright, fun palette. Embroidered flowers covered the jacket, which added beauty to the piece. Like the other pirate films I’ve watched, it looks like the costume design in The Princess and the Pirate was a top priority as well!
The island of Casarouge: In The Princess and the Pirate, Sylvester and Margaret go to the island of Casarouge, which is inhabited by pirates. Personally, this location didn’t sit well with me. Throughout Margaret and Sylvester’s time on Casarouge, the pirates’ actions and behavior are unsavory. Acts like murder, thief, and even drunkenness are on full display. I know not every fictional pirate is as friendly as Captain Jack Sparrow. I’m also aware The Princess and the Pirate was released during the Breen Code era, a time where the inhabitants’ choices would not be celebrated or glorified on film. In fact, while on Casarouge, Sylvester questions everything taking place around him. But The Princess and the Pirate has a, mostly, light-hearted tone, with some situations being played up for laughs. Because of these factors, the actions and behaviors of Casarouge should have been toned down.
The Hook’s buried treasure: When The Hook is first introduced in The Princess and the Pirate, he and his crew were seen burying a chest full of treasure. Throughout the film, a subplot involved searching for a treasure map. Without spoiling the movie, I will say the aforementioned treasure was never physically brought up again in the story. More emphasis was placed on finding the map than reclaiming the treasure chest. This made me wonder why the film’s creative team would include this in their story if they had no intention to follow through on it?
A confusing time period: While watching The Princess and the Pirate, the costume and set designs felt reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. This led me to believe the story was taking place in the 1700s. Yet Bob Hope’s dialog mentioned things that came to be after the presented time period. When crossing paths with The Hook, Sylvester claims the pirate’s hook would make a great beer can opener. However, I know beer cans did not exist until the 18th century had concluded. I’m not sure if these references were the result of Bob Hope’s comedy or the screenwriters wanting the dialog to be more reflective of the time of the movie’s release. No matter the reason, I found it confusing.
The Princess and the Pirate is a movie I’ve been meaning to review. Ever since I acquired my DVD copy of the film, I have been trying to find the perfect opportunity to write about it. Thanks to you, my followers, that time has come! Thank you for taking the time to read what I have to say and for paying 18 Cinema Lane a visit! Your interest in my blog means a lot to me. Now, on to my overall impression of The Princess and the Pirate. There are pirate stories that are stronger than this one. But, for it was, I enjoyed the 1944 movie! While I won’t give anything away, I want to mention there is a “bait and switch” ending. But because The Princess and the Pirate made fun of status quos in pirate films, this type of ending worked. What also worked was the acting and the humor. Since this was my first time watching any of Bob Hope’s films, I found this to be a good introduction to his filmography. In the future, I’d like to check out more of his movies.
Overall score: 7.6 out of 10
Have you seen any of Bob Hope’s movies? If so, which ones would you recommend? Let me know in the comment section below!
To all 395 followers, thank you for helping make 18 Cinema Lane the success it is today! With a new blog follower milestone comes a new blog follower dedication review! I recently read Black Star, Bright Dawn by Scott O’Dell. After reading that book, I realized how rarely I review films revolving around Native American stories. The last one I reviewed was Luna: Spirit of the Whale, with that review published two years ago. To make up for that, I decided to select Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Child to write about and discuss! It also has been several months since I reviewed a Hallmark Hall of Fame production, with my review of Saint Maybe published last September. Within Hallmark’s library of films, those containing Native American stories are far and few between. These handful of movies have ranged in quality, with Dear Prudence being the best one, in my opinion. So, where does The Lost Child rank? The only way to find out is to keep reading!
Since I had The Lost Child recorded on my DVR, I took a screenshot of the film’s poster with my phone. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen
Things I liked about the film:
The acting: Mercedes Ruehl and Jamey Sheridan are no strangers to the world of Hallmark entertainment, as both actors have appeared in at least one Hallmark film besides The Lost Child. Back in 2013, Mercedes starred in Banner 4th of July, a film I haven’t seen. A movie I have seen is 2008’s Dear Prudence, which starred Jamey Sheridan. I don’t believe Mercedes and Jamey appeared in a movie together prior to The Lost Child. Despite this, they had really nice on-screen chemistry! Their characters, Rebecca and Jack, seemed like kindred spirits. The acting abilities of Jamey and Mercedes are part of the reason why this is the case! When Rebecca first meets Jack at a bar, the audience can tell how in sync these two characters are. Jack and Rebecca appear to enjoy each other’s company, with the body language and facial expressions of each actor showing how their characters feel. Mercedes and Jamey not only had good chemistry with each other, they had good chemistry with the other cast members as well! Even though they weren’t on screen together, the scene where Grace, portrayed by Irene Bedard, calls Rebecca is one of the strongest scenes in The Lost Child. Throughout their phone conversation, genuine emotions were shared between both women. The strength of Mercedes’ and Irene’s acting abilities elevated the scene itself, as their conversation revolves around a very emotional subject. A combination of facial expressions, tone of voice, and use of emotionality worked in the favor of each actress, as the scene felt believable!
The scenery: The Lost Child was filmed in Superior, Arizona, according to IMDB. This is because the majority of the story takes place on a Navajo reservation. At several moments in the movie, the film’s creative team took advantage of The Grand Canyon State’s beauty by incorporating the natural landscape within establishing shots or weaving them into the story. A woman named Aunt Mary gives Rebecca a tour of the reservation. During this tour, Aunt Mary takes Rebecca to the spot where Rebecca’s biological parents got married. It’s easy to see why they chose to get married in that spot, as a piece of canyon rock dominates the space. Set against a clear, blue sky, this rock contrasts beautifully with the sky’s hue, as well as the green of nearby cactus. Before Rebecca meets Aunt Mary, she watches the sun rise. The sky gives off hues of orange and yellow, which help the audience focus on this part of natural majesty. Scenes like the two I mentioned are examples of the creative team taking initiative to show how beautiful Arizona can be!
An introduction to Native American culture: As I previously stated, the majority of The Lost Child takes place on a Navajo reservation. Because of this, Rebecca and her family spend time interacting with other members of the Navajo community. Through these interactions, Rebecca’s family, as well as the audience, learn about some aspects of the Navajo culture. When she’s trying to learn how to weave, Aunt Mary tells Rebecca to make a break in her blanket design, in order to prevent losing her spirit in her work. This simple piece of advice teaches Rebecca and the viewers how blankets created by Navajo members carry a special meaning with each design. One evening, Rebecca’s biological family gather around a fire and dance around that fire together. When Rebecca arrives, she asks what her family is celebrating. Her cousin shares how there doesn’t need to be a celebration to have a good time. The Lost Child is not the “end all, be all” when it comes to Navajo culture. However, if one is interested in learning more, this movie provides a good starting point!
A not so compelling conflict: In The Lost Child, Rebecca not only learns she is a Navajo woman, her biological family having been looking for her as well. However, this conflict is resolved within the first thirty minutes of the movie. To make up for the short resolution, the rest of the story focuses on Rebecca and her family acclimating to reservation life. Without spoiling the movie, I can see why Rebecca would make the choices she did. But I didn’t find this overarching conflict to be as compelling as Rebecca’s search for her family. Part of this has to do with how I’m not a fan of “slice of life” stories. The Lost Child is based on a book I haven’t read. Therefore, I’m not sure which parts are straight from the source material and which are creative liberties.
A missing twin brother: When Rebecca is around the age of thirteen, she accidently finds out she has a twin brother. Years later, she posts notices on the internet, in an attempt to find him. These posts are what lead Rebecca to Grace, one of her sisters. But when Rebecca meets her biological family, she abandons the search for her brother. Throughout the story, this twin is brought up in passing. His whereabouts or his name are never mentioned. Like I previously stated, this movie is based on a pre-existing book. Despite that fact, I was frustrated by this huge loose end.
Too many story ideas: I know there is only so much story you can tell in two hours, the run-time for The Lost Child. Therefore, you need enough story material to not only satisfy that run-time, but also hold the audience’s attention. In the case of this movie, there are too many ideas found within the story. Some of these ideas could have warranted its own film. One of them revolves around Rebecca’s daughter, Caroline, being bullied at her new school. Because of how many story ideas were in this film, some of those ideas get lost in the shuffle. A good example is Rebecca’s youngest daughter being diagnosed with a food sensitivity. Looking back on The Lost Child, it felt like the creative team tried to tackle so much in a short amount of time.
White horse image created by Gabor Palla at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Gabor Palla.”
My overall impression:
The Lost Child is the forty-seventh Hallmark Hall of Fame movie I’ve seen in my life. At this point, I know what I like and expect to see in a film of this nature. Personally, I thought the 2000 production was just fine. But it didn’t leave a strong impression on me like other Hall of Fame titles have. I wish the story had focused more on Rebecca’s search for her family, as I found that more interesting than her reservation life. However, I recognize that the film is based on pre-existing material. As I said in the introduction, Hallmark movies revolving around Native American stories are far and few between. This can also be said for the coverage of these films on 18 Cinema Lane. When I do chance upon a movie containing Native American stories, I approach them in the hope they are good. For The Lost Child, it was about as enjoyable as Luna: Spirit of the Whale was, a movie I reviewed back in 2020. A good thing I can say about the Hallmark Hall of Fame project is how it does introduce the audience to the Navajo culture. Having beautiful scenery and containing strong acting performances also help its case. I happen to have other Hall of Fame titles on my DVR. The question is, which one will I review next?
Overall score: 7 out of 10
Do you watch Hallmark Hall of Fame movies? Are there any you’d like to see me review? Let me know in the comment section!
Earlier this month, 18 Cinema Lane received 340 and 345 followers! Before I continue, I’d just like to say thank you to each and every person who has chosen to follow my blog. I appreciate you taking the time to read my articles and listen to what I have to say. Speaking of articles, let’s back to the review! For April’s Genre Grandeur, the theme is “travel films”. Because this topic is so broad, it took me a while to figure out which film I would write about. Then I remembered I had the 1966 movie, Born Free, on my DVR. While Joy and George Adamson, the story’s protagonists, do travel within the movie, it is not the central component of the story. I also have participated in Thoughts From The Music(al) Man’s Star/Genre Of The Month Blogathon, with my review of China Seas being my first contribution. April doesn’t have a theme, so I thought Born Free would be the perfect choice for the blogathon! Prior to writing this review, I had heard of, but not seen, the 1966 picture. This is because I was familiar with the movie’s theme when it was featured on the soundtrack for the film, Madagascar. Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for; the start of this review!
Because I recorded this movie on my DVR, I took a screenshot of the movie’s poster from my phone. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.
Things I liked about the film:
How the animals were showcased: While I liked the acting in Born Free, it’s the animals that steal the show! Animals were showcased in a natural way, allowing them to be shown in situations that are more realistic. None of the animals were given voice-overs, giving the audience a chance to witness their authentic expressions. A great example is when Elsa, the lion Joy and George take care of, interacts with a male lion. Throughout the scene, Elsa and the male lion take turns roaring. They also can be seen fighting over food. The way these lions were presented made it look like they were having a conversation. The human characters’ conversations about these animals also gave them a humanistic quality. After Joy and George leave Elsa alone with the aforementioned lion, Joy compares the experience to waiting for a daughter to come home from a date. The cinematography and script gave the animals just as much importance as the human characters!
The scenery: The majority of Born Free takes place outdoors, as the African landscapes serve as the principal scenery for the story. Toward the beginning of the movie, Joy is painting in her front yard. A clear blue sky enveloped a large space of plains. This specific location appeared peaceful as long shots were used to capture it on film. Another impressive location was the beach that Elsa, Joy, and George visit. Once again, a blue sky is visible, soaring over the blue of the ocean and bright beige of the sand. The beach was very photogenic, with long and medium shots helping to showcase that location!
The music: I liked the use of music in Born Free! The pieces of instrumental tunes provided the tone for each scene it was included in. When a suspenseful and tense moment took place, the sound of beating drums could be heard. This sound elaborated on the seriousness of what was happening in that particular scene. One example is when, toward the end of the film, Elsa is fighting with another female lion. For more light-hearted, joyful moments, the movie’s theme played in the background. Some scenes that featured this piece of music revolved around Elsa and her sisters as lion cubs.
An inconsistent narrative: When a close friend named John suggests Elsa should be placed in a zoo, Joy is completely against the idea. This decision has even resulted in a heated argument between Joy and George. Joy’s decision for wanting Elsa to remain wild is understandable. However, earlier in the film, she doesn’t object to sending Elsa’s two sisters to a zoo. Joy also takes in a baby elephant that Elsa happened to be chasing one day. This specific narrative was inconsistent, which prevented me from getting fully invested in Joy’s side of the story.
The run-time: According to IMDB, Born Free is an hour and thirty-five minutes. But because the story is a simpler one, I don’t think this movie needed that run-time. While watching the film, I noticed how some scenes contained montages. For example, when Joy, George, and Elsa go to the beach, a montage lasting several minutes featured these characters playing on the beach and in the ocean. I feel these montages were placed in the film to satisfy its run-time. Had these montages been shortened, the movie could have had a run-time of an hour or less.
Unnecessary voice-overs: Throughout the film, Joy provides voice-overs to explain what is happening in the story. These voice-overs were beneficial in understanding Elsa’s journey. But there were some scenes where Joy’s voice-overs were not necessary. At the beginning of a scene where Joy, George, and Elsa are at a camp, Joy explains how, one night, she heard the roar of a lion who was eating the livestock of a nearby African village. If the voice-over had not been included in this scene, the on-screen event could have spoken for itself. Having the voice-over only reminded the audience of what they already knew.
When you think of “travel films”, a movie where the protagonist takes an extravagant and adventurous trip will likely come to mind. However, traveling can mean different things for various people. In the case of Born Free, Joy and George Adamson travel from England to Africa. Throughout the film, they also travel to town and several African villages. As I mentioned in the introduction, Born Free does not focus on the travels of Joy and George. Instead, it prioritizes the relationship these characters share with Elsa. While I liked the natural portrayals of the animals, these depictions are more suited for an older audience. This is also a simpler story, calling for a shorter run-time than the one it received. Not only were some of Joy’s voice-overs unnecessary, but her stance on keeping Elsa out of a zoo was inconsistent. Despite these flaws, I thought Born Free was a fine film! If you are interested in the subject of animals, I feel this is the movie for you!
Overall score: 7.1-7.2 out of 10
Have you seen any “travel films” lately? Do you have any films to recommend for the next blog follower dedication review? Let me know in the comment section!
For this blog follower dedication review, I was originally going to write about the PixL movie, The Cookie Mobster. However, that film became the worst one I’ve seen this year, so far. Because I feel my readers and followers deserve a better movie and because I just reviewed a bad movie two weeks ago (Chasing Leprechauns), I chose a different film for this post. Recently, I watched the 1987 TV movie, Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love, as it happened to be on my DVR. Mystery related media are some of my most popular content, so this review will be a treat for my readers! Even though some films are stronger than others, I have enjoyed the Perry Mason movie series. Three of these films have been covered on my blog, with all of them receiving good scores. Will Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love receive a similar score? Keep reading my review if you want to find out!
Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love poster created by Fred Silverman Company, Strathmore Productions, Viacom Productions, Dean Hargrove Productions, National Broadcasting Company, Starmaker Entertainment, and Viacom
Things I liked about the film:
The acting: Jean Simmons is an actress who I have talked about before, when I reviewed Howl’s Moving Castle two years ago. While that movie was the first of Jean’s I saw, she had a voice-acting role in that film. Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love contains the first live-action role of Jean’s I have seen! What I liked about her portrayal of Laura Robertson is how Jean carried a certain amount of grace throughout the movie. She also gave a different persona to a character of this nature. In films where a woman is involved with politics, the female politicians are usually portrayed with a “no nonsense” personality. Laura Robertson is different because she had a gentler personality, despite running for the United States Senate. Even though he appeared in the movie for a short amount of time, I liked Jonathan Banks’ portrayal of Luke Dickson! He was so expressive; he was like a chameleon. The meeting at the restaurant between Laura’s husband, Glenn, and Luke showcases a perfect example. Jonathan’s face displayed a variety of expressions. Toward the beginning of the meeting, Luke appears serious, as his face is set and he is glaring at Glenn. As he brings up some compromising information, Luke’s face brightens up and he becomes a bit animated.
The Robertson’s house: Despite appearing in the film for less than five scenes, I liked seeing the Robertson’s house in Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love! The house’s exterior was presented in the dark. But from what the audience can see, the house was covered in a gray stone brick. On the left side of the house, a stone cylinder was connected, making the house look like a castle. The most prominently featured part of the house’s interior is the staircase. Notable details are wrought-iron stair rails and a stained-glass window. These design details give subtle clues of how well off the Robertsons are.
The open discussion of mental health treatment: Because of Laura’s history with mental health, the subject of mental health treatment was briefly discussed in this film. While she is afraid this part of her life will prevent her from becoming a Senator, she still willingly brings it up. There is no shame detected in the voices and faces of the characters who address Laura’s mental health treatment. A debate about which kind of treatment is appropriate is even included in the script. This openness toward mental health treatment seems ahead of its time, as society is more aware of mental health now than four decades ago. It also highlights the importance of this particular subject.
Ignored story points: A few story points within Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love’s script were ignored throughout the movie. One example is mentioned toward the beginning of the film. When Luke first called Glenn, he mentions a long-lost son who lives in Arizona. But when Glenn meets up with Luke at a local restaurant, this son was never brought up. In fact, this son is never referenced again. I was disappointed because I was not only curious to see who would portray this mysterious character, but also discover what role this long-lost son would play in the overall mystery. It makes me wonder why this “scandal” was included in the first place?
A late start time for the mystery: As I have said before, I am not a fan of mystery films that start their mysteries at later times. Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love is a movie that does this. The murder victim wasn’t discovered until about twenty minutes into the film. While this timespan featured build-up to this discovery, I think the mystery could have started sooner. In my opinion, introduction of characters and their connections should have been taken care of in the movie’s first ten minutes. The discovery of the murder victim could have taken place at the movie’s fifteen-minute mark.
The closeness of Perry and Laura’s relationship: Within this story, Perry reveals how he and Laura used to be a romantic couple. When Laura’s husband, Glenn, asks Perry if he still has feelings for Laura, Perry says no. However, his and Laura’s actions say otherwise. When Laura and Perry have drinks at a local hotel, they hold hands at one point, with Laura kissing Perry on the cheek. Later that night, Perry brings Laura to her house. Before Perry leaves, he and Laura share a kiss. I found these romantic displays of affection unnecessary. With Laura married and Perry going his own separate way, it felt like the actions among the characters were chosen just to get a reaction from the audience.
Like I mentioned in the introduction, I have enjoyed the Perry Mason movie series. The films within this series I have reviewed received good scores, as I liked what I saw. However, Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love was weaker than those three movies. It definitely wasn’t bad, but I feel it could have been stronger. A long-lost son being briefly brought up, but never mentioned again took away some intrigue from this story. Similar to what I said in my review of Edward, My Son, the opportunity for an actor to achieve his “standing ovation” through this role was not available because this part of the story was abandoned. The film contained other flaws, like a later start time for the mystery and the unnecessary closeness of Perry and Laura’s relationship. But there are things about the movie I can appreciate. The openness of mental health treatment was a topic I never expected to hear addressed in a Perry Mason film. While there were advancements and progress made within the field of mental health in the ‘80s, society’s perceptions of this topic were not the same in 1987 as they are now. This reminded me of The Boy Who Could Fly, where the use of therapy was normalized. It was a pleasant surprise to see a Perry Mason film address this subject! Before I finish this review, I’d like to thank all of 18 Cinema Lane’s followers! My blog would have never reached this amount of success without you!
Overall score: 7.1 out of 10
Have you seen any of the Perry Mason films? Do you enjoy my mystery related content? Please tell me in the comment section!
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