Tag: adaptation

Take 3: Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker Review

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Great American Family’s Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series has become a pleasant surprise for 18 Cinema Lane. My review of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker became one of my most popular movie reviews of all time, garnering over seven thousand views in almost two years. The positive reception of this review led me to cover the sequel, Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker. That review has also been well received, obtaining over two hundred views so far. When I discovered Great American Family was not only releasing a third chapter, they were also premiering the third chapter in January 2026, I knew that’d be one of the first movies to be written about in the New Year! Though there’s only been two movies in the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series, so far, the series as a whole has been quite enjoyable. What has worked in the series’ favor is improving upon the flaws of the previous chapter and providing consistent strengths. Will the third chapter, Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, continue this pattern? Let’s find out in this review!

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker poster created by Candy Rock Entertainment, Happy Accidents, Syrup Studios, and Great American Family

Things I liked about the film:

Subtle hints of Texas: When I reviewed Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker, I criticized the film for its constant reminders of the story’s Texas setting. To me, these reminders tried to make the movie’s setting a little too obvious for the audience. This flaw was remedied in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker! References to the series’ Sweet River, Texas setting were represented through some of the women’s wardrobe. One of the Book Club members, Maria, sometimes dons turquoise jewelry. Another Book Club member, Lily, wears a sweatshirt featuring a cowboy/cowgirl hat and cowboy/cowgirl boots. Even Ainsley herself can be seen wearing a blouse similar to those worn by country music stars. Besides the wardrobe, there were other subtle hints of Texas found in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker. A great example is when one of the Book Club members uses a pen shaped like a cactus.

Selecting a cold case: While seeking another mystery to solve, the Book Club decides on a cold case. As they mentioned in the movie, the cold case provided a nice change of pace for them. Not only did this decision benefit the Book Club, it also benefitted Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker! By having a cold case as the movie’s main mystery, it prevents the series from becoming repetitive, as the previous two chapters revolved around murder mysteries that happened in the present. This creative choice shows other ways mysteries can become solved as well. In the case of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, most of the clues were found within the dialogue. Selecting a cold case for the characters to solve was definitely an interesting decision for the third film in the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series!

Rance Moseby: A new character that was introduced in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker was Rance Moseby, the proprietor of a local pawn shop. At first, Ainsley and Jake believe Rance may be up to no good. But as the story progresses, Rance proves that looks can be deceiving. While I was watching Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, I grew to like Rance as a character. David Milchard, the actor who portrayed Rance, had great on-screen chemistry with the movie’s cast. The strength of David’s acting talents helped make Rance seem like he was always meant to exist in the world of the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series. Rance’s drier sense of humor nicely provided the film’s comic relief as well. If there are more Ainsley McGregor Mysteries movies in the works, I really hope Rance Moseby becomes a part of the series’ regular cast!

Pocket watch with confetti image created by Freepik at freepik.com. Christmas clock photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com

What I didn’t like about the film:

An unnecessary subplot: Throughout Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, a subplot revolved around Jake’s past romantic relationship with the mayor of Sweet River, Jane Reval. Even though it was interesting to see how this new character connected to an established character like Jake, I found this subplot unnecessary. Because Jake and Ainsley are currently dating, Jake has no interest in reuniting with Jane. This fact prevents the subplot from going anywhere. It also doesn’t help that the subplot has a loose connection to the main mystery. In my opinion, the least interesting part of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker was the subplot between Jane and Jake.

Inconsistent humor: In my review of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker, I praised the movie’s inclusion of humor. It was not only sprinkled throughout the story, it was also woven into the dialogue. While there was humor in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, it wasn’t consistently featured in the story. In fact, most of the movie’s humor was found in the second half of the film, when Rance becomes more involved in the mystery. This flaw kind of makes me wish Rance debuted in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker sooner.

Limited screen-time for George: One of the aspects I liked in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker was Ainsley’s dog, George. Moments where Ainsley talks to George gave viewers a break from the heaviness of the story’s murder mystery. Plus, his larger role in the first chapter gave the film a more unique identity. But in the second movie, Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker, George’s screen-time was reduced. I was hoping this flaw would be corrected in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker. But, unfortunately, George received even less screen-time, only appearing in two scenes. The reduction of George’s screen-time as the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series continues disappoints me, especially since George is one of my favorite parts of this series.

Magnifying glass image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/magnifying-glass-with-fingerprint-in-flat-style_2034684.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/flat”>Flat vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

When I talked about Mystery by the Book in my list of The Best and Worst Movies I Saw in 2025, I brought up how Great American Family’s Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series is growing stronger in quality. The third chapter, Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, proves my statement correct, as I found it the best movie in the series so far! Selecting a cold case as the movie’s main mystery prevented the overarching story of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries from becoming repetitive. The creative team behind the 2026 film improved upon flaws from the previous titles, such as making subtle references to the series’ Texas setting. Even though the acting was, once again, one of the strengths of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker, David Milchard’s portrayal of Rance Moseby stole the show. In fact, I’d say Rance was the MVP of this movie! Despite the film having its flaws, the film itself shows the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series is moving in the right direction. I do hope this series continues, as I believe there are many more stories to tell!

Overall score: 7.5-7.6 out of 10

Have you seen Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker? What would you like to see happen if the series continues? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II (1978) Review

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

As I explained in my recent review of A Circle of Children, I’m covering the sequel, Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II for the Film. Release. Repeat. Blogathon. Because I’ve been meaning to review the 1978 television film since 2022, I believed the blogathon was a great time to finally check the movie out! But as I also mentioned in my review of A Circle of Children, I haven’t found a made-for-tv movie from the 1970s I actually like. Whenever I’ve selected this particular type of film to write about, I find the film itself either fine, ok, or underwhelming. This is one of the reasons why I put “1970s Made-for-TV movie” on my Year-Long Bingo card, so I could, hopefully, find a television movie I enjoy from that decade. When I saw and reviewed A Circle of Children, I thought it was just ok. Will its sequel be better? Let’s begin this review to find out!

Lovey A Circle of Children, Part II title card created by Time-Life Television Productions and CBS

Things I liked about the film:

A smaller cast: In my review of A Circle of Children, I mentioned the film containing a large cast of characters. This is one of the reasons why the audience was forced to either only become familiar with the characters or not getting to know them at all. This flaw became remedied in Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II! In the 1978 sequel, the cast is much smaller. Even Mary’s class contains fewer students. Because the story has less characters to keep track of, it gives the audience an opportunity to truly get to know the characters. The audience also has more time to spend with characters like Mary’s students and even Mary’s boyfriend, Cal, because of a tightly written script.

Progression that’s written gradually: When I reviewed A Circle of Children, I talked about how Sarah’s sudden achieved progress taking place after being a static character for half the movie felt like it was written into the story for the sake of plot and time convenience. Even though I was happy to see Sarah achieving progress, I wish that progress was gradually woven into the script. It seems like the creative team behind Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II felt the same way I did, as Hannah’s/Lovey’s progression was gradual. Hannah/Lovey joins Mary’s class as an unruly child who is very unpredictable. But as the film goes on, Mary’s influence takes effect on Hannah/Lovey as she becomes more responsive, less violent, and even participates in class. The smaller cast size I talked about earlier certainly influenced this part of the story. It allowed Hannah’s/Lovey’s progression to receive emphasis instead of competing against other stories. The transformative power of Mary’s teaching abilities is also on full display because of the gradually written progression of Hannah/Lovey.

The dialogue: Like I said in my list of The Best and Worst Movies I Saw in 2025, how well-written the dialogue was in The Chalk Garden allowed me to remember what Laurel said about the term “good morning”. The quality of the screenwriting was also a strength in Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II! Some of the dialogue in the 1978 movie sounded profound without trying too hard to be philosophical. A great example can be heard during a conversation between Mary and a fellow teacher named Patty. Patty feels discouraged over the lack of progress from her students. Mary reassures Patty that her impact on the students has been positive, reminding Patty how hope comes from believing the children can learn something. Patty then tells Mary, “Yeah, but you can’t mop the floors with hope”. Mary experiences her own period of discouragement after Hannah/Lovey has an angry outburst involving paint. In a voice-over, Mary says, “For a moment, my dreams and plans for Hannah shattered. But paint is only paint and never worth a dream. Besides, a teacher’s dream dies hard”. The two examples I provided show how Mary’s and Patty’s frustrations and concerns were eloquently and thoughtfully written into the script.

The Film. Release. Repeat. Blogathon banner created by Quiggy from The Midnite Drive-In and Hamlette from Hamlette’s Soliloquy

What I didn’t like about the film:

How Hannah was introduced: As I’ve already said in this review, Hannah/Lovey joins Mary’s class as an unruly child who is very unpredictable. However, I found her introduction in Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II to be distasteful. As Mary walks down the hallway to retrieve Hannah/Lovey, suspenseful music plays over the scene. The music itself sounds as if it came straight out of a horror movie. The reveal of Hannah’s/Lovey’s face was prolonged because of specific camera angles that were utilized. When Hannah’s/Lovey’s face was finally revealed, a frozen close-up shot was presented to intentionally appear frightening. To me, the introduction I described felt sensationalized to the point of being counterproductive of what Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II was trying to achieve; making the audience feel empathetic toward Hannah/Lovey by looking past her horrific behavior. I truly believe there was a more tasteful way Hannah/Lovey could have been introduced in the story, especially compared to how some of the students were introduced in A Circle of Children.

Doris’ limited involvement in the story: A Circle of Children introduced Doris as the director of the Children’s School for Special Education. Though she appeared in only a handful of scenes, Doris’ role was pivotal as she literally and figuratively opened the door for Mary to the world of Special Education. Doris was one of the few characters from the first movie to return in the sequel. But she was given even more limited involvement in the second film. While she was still the director of the Children’s School for Special Education, her role in Mary’s story had a reduced significance. I wish Doris received more to do in Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II because I think she could have made a bigger impact.

Lack of further progression: I said earlier in this review how Hannah’s/Lovey’s progression was written gradually into the story. Even though this was one of the movie’s strengths, I didn’t like how there was a lack of further progression for two of Mary’s students. While Hannah/Lovey was improving her reading skills and Brian (from the first movie) was learning how to board the bus by himself, Rufus and Jamie were at a standstill in their education. With a smaller cast size I talked about in this review, there should have been room in the script to give Jamie and Rufus at least a small victory. At the end of Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II, Mary reveals through a voice-over what happened to her students. However, not showing Rufus and Jamie achieving further progression in the movie was a missed opportunity.

Preschool classroom image created by Vectorpocket at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by vectorpocket – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

Sometimes, a sequel ends up becoming better than its predecessor. Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II just so happens to be one of those films! Some of the flaws of A Circle of Children were improved upon in the second chapter, such as containing a smaller cast and the script featuring a gradual progression for Hannah/Lovey. The sequel even had its own unique strengths from its predecessor, like how well-written the dialogue was. But despite these positive aspects, Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II did have its flaws. I believe there are more respectful ways Hannah/Lovey could have been introduced into the story, as her debut in the film was too sensationalized for my liking. I not only wish Jamie and Rufus had received further progression in the movie, I also wish Doris was given a greater significance in the script. But similar to what I said in my review of A Circle of Children, I’m grateful Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II exists at all. The 1978 film gives the audience a glimpse into what Special Education was like in the 1970s. It’s a made-for-tv movie that was spared from getting lost to time as well.

Overall score: 7.2 out of 10

Have you seen Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II? Are there any made-for-tv movies from the 1970s you’d like to see me cover on 18 Cinema Lane? Please tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: A Circle of Children (1977) Review

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Back in 2022, I wrote a list of the Top 10 Movies I’d Love to Review. Each chosen film was categorized based on how accessible they are. Reflecting on this list, I realized that as of early January 2026, the only more “accessible” titles not yet covered on my blog were A Circle of Children and Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II. With the Film. Release. Repeat. Blogathon (an event about remakes and sequels) on the horizon, I finally found a reason to review the 1978 sequel. However, I’ve never seen its predecessor, A Circle of Children. So, in preparation for my review of Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II, I’m also writing about the first film. As I said in my list of the Top 10 Movies I’d Love to Review, both A Circle of Children and Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II are based on the true story of a teacher named Mary MacCracken. Like I also said in my list, Mary’s books were not only the source material for these movies, Mary was also one of the screenwriters for both films. But over these eight years of 18 Cinema Lane’s existence, I haven’t found a made-for-tv movie from the 1970s I actually like. Will A Circle of Children change that? Let’s begin the first movie review of 2026 to find out!

A Circle of Children (1977) title card created by Edgar Scherick Productions, 20th Century Fox Television, and CBS

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: In A Circle of Children, the protagonist, Mary, visits the mother of a student named Brian O’Connell. During Mary’s conversation with Mrs. O’Connell, Brian’s mother consistently has a worn look on her face. Not only did Mrs. O’Connell’s eyes look heavy, her mouth was set in a straight line as well. Her voice almost sounded monotone, lacking emotion over her situation. Though she admits to Mary that she’s tired, Mrs. O’Connell was able to express how tired she was without relying too much on dialogue. That’s because Judy Lewis, the actress who portrayed Mrs. O’Connell, effectively utilized vocal inflection, facial expression, and even her eyes to emphasize what her character was going through.

Speaking of Brian O’Connell, I want to talk about Matthew Labyorteaux’s performance! I am familiar with his portrayal of Albert on Little House on the Prairie. Therefore, Matthew’s acting capabilities are already known to me. Mary teaching Brian to speak presents a great display of Matthew’s acting talents. When Mary is using a tape recorder in order to help Brian learn to speak, Brian has a blank look on his face. But when a teacher named Dan sings a song to the students, he offers the microphone to Brian. This time, Brian has a determined look on his face, as he intensely looks at the microphone and makes a great effort of trying to repeat Dan’s song. The next scene shows Brian receiving a second chance to speak into the microphone. His eyes become really wide and a smile spreads across his face, excited by the opportunity given by Mary and Dan. As I watched A Circle of Children, it made me believe Little House on the Prairie’s creative team chose wisely when they cast Matthew as Albert!

Since A Circle of Children is based on the true story of Mary MacCracken, I must discuss Jane Alexander’s portrayal of Mary. Throughout the movie, Jane’s performance brought empathy and relatability to her role. One great example happens when Mary encourages Brian to say his name. Brian puts together a puzzle resembling a short story he was reading earlier in the film. Because one of the characters in that story was named Brian, Mary uses this fact to motivate Brian to say his name for the first time since coming to the Children’s School for Special Education. When this plan fails, Mary develops a look of defeat on her face. Her mouth is turned into a frown and her eyes present a mixture of sadness and concern. This medium shot of Mary’s face not only says so much without saying anything at all, it also shows the audience how much she cares about the students, especially Brian.

The chemistry of Mary and Dan: When Mary first visits the Children’s School for Special Education, she meets a teacher named Dan. Over the course of A Circle of Children, Dan and Mary develop a friendship that is shown in only a handful of scenes. Despite this, their chemistry highlights how the two have become kindred spirits, bringing thoughtfulness and understanding to their friendship. The chemistry between Mary and Dan works because the on-screen chemistry between Jane Alexander and David Ogden Stiers (the actor who portrays Dan) works! The strength of their acting abilities allows David and Jane to effectively present a friendship that looked and felt believable. Because of how well they seemed to get along, I was hoping Dan and Mary’s friendship would gradually become a romance. Mary and Dan’s chemistry was such a pleasant surprise in A Circle of Children!

Creating a complex character: One of the teachers at the Children’s School for Special Education is Helga. At first, she and Mary don’t see eye to eye due to how Helga treats the students. Some examples include making a child plunge the toilet and intentionally hiding a young girl’s (literal) security blanket. But as the story goes on, Mary, as well as the audience, learns Helga actually has good intentions for the students. In fact, she wants the children to succeed just as much as Mary does. It would have been so easy for A Circle of Children’s creative team to present Helga as a one-dimensional mean teacher. Instead, the screenwriting and Rachel Roberts’ performance created a character that was complex, representing how, sometimes, approaches to education aren’t straightforward. Helga’s complexity made her a memorable character as well!

Preschool classroom image created by Vectorpocket at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by vectorpocket – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Only becoming familiar with characters: A Circle of Children consists of a large cast of characters. That’s because most of the characters are students from the Children’s School for Special Education. But A Circle of Children has a run-time of an hour and thirty-six minutes, leaving the audience with not enough time to truly get to know the characters. The film’s run-time actually forces the audience to either only become familiar with the characters or not getting to know them at all. Had A Circle of Children received a longer run-time, more opportunities to show Mary getting to know her students and help them could have been provided in the story.

Scene transitions that weren’t smooth: If a movie features smooth transitions between scenes, they can not only help the audience process the story unfolding, they can also maintain the film’s overarching pace. But in the case of A Circle of Children, choppy scene transitions sometimes created emotional whiplash. In one glaring example, Mary and her husband, Larry, confess to their daughter, Liz, of their recent separation. This confession is so upsetting, Mary herself appears to be on the verge of crying. However, the very next scene shows Mary being interviewed for a teaching aide position at the Children’s School for Special Education. This scene is intended to be less sad than the scene I previously described. To me, the transition between these two scenes felt jarring because the transition itself was choppy and abrupt.

Solutions happening for the sake of plot and time convenience: Within the first fifteen minutes of A Circle of Children, a young girl named Sarah is enrolled at the Children’s School for Special Education. According to Sarah’s mother, Sarah is unable to stand or walk. She’s also so attached to a blanket that she continuously screams at the top of her lungs if the blanket is taken away from her. For half the movie, though, Sarah is a static character. She’s either shown lying on the floor sucking her thumb or screaming because she can’t find her blanket. But at a Christmas party that takes place a little more than halfway through the movie, Sarah not only randomly starts walking, she also willingly trades her blanket for a doll. While I was happy to see Sarah achieving progress, I wish this progress was gradually woven into the script. Because Sarah suddenly achieved progress after being a static character for half the movie, the moment itself felt like it was written into the story for the sake of plot and time convenience.

String of musical notes image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/pentagram-vector_710290.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com. 

My overall impression:

In the introduction of this review, I said I haven’t found a made-for-tv movie from the 1970s I actually like. Sadly, A Circle of Children will not be the film to change that. The 1977 production isn’t a bad movie. In fact, it has its merits, especially when it comes to the acting performances. But I found the story itself to be too “slice of life” for my liking. Plus, there were other flaws that stood out to me, such as the run-time and choppy scene transitions. Looking back on A Circle of Children, however, I will admit my gratitude for its existence at all. This movie is like a time capsule when it comes to Special Education, giving viewers a glimpse into how this specific topic was approached in the 1970s. Though the film only shares one teacher’s perspective, it does express themes of helping others reach their full potential, working together to achieve a common goal, and not giving up on others. The creative team behind A Circle of Children definitely had their hearts in the right place. Now that I’ve finally seen this movie, it’ll be interesting to see where the story in Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II goes from here.

Overall score: 6 out of 10

Have you seen A Circle of Children? Are you looking forward to my review of Lovey: A Circle of Children, Part II? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: The Innocents (1961) Review

On By 18cinemalane4 Comments

Film recommendations from my readers are welcomed here at 18 Cinema Lane. These suggestions are then placed on a Pinterest board, which I use as a reference for upcoming reviews. Some movies have been on the board for so long, they’re at the very bottom. One of these titles is 1961’s The Innocents. Recommended by Maddy (from Maddy Loves Her Classic Films), this is a Deborah Kerr starring production that is quite different from the other projects of hers I’ve reviewed on my blog. That’s because The Innocents is classified as a horror film. Because of this distinct, I’ve been trying to find the right opportunity to talk about the movie. Hoofers and Honeys’ 4th Annual Spooky Classic Movie Blogathon became that opportunity! Deborah’s films covered on 18 Cinema Lane have fluctuated in quality. While I liked titles like The Chalk Garden and The King and I, I wasn’t a fan of Marriage on the Rocks. What will my opinion be of The Innocents? Keep reading my review to find out!

The Innocents (1961) poster created by Achilles, Flair Communications, Twentieth Century Fox, and Twentieth Century Fox Film Company

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: A large portion of The Innocents prominently features two young characters: Miles and Flora, as Deborah’s character, Miss Giddens, believes they are in danger. In stories like this, where younger characters play a significant role, it’s important to cast actors and actresses that can, acting wise, carry some of the film. Flora reminded me somewhat of Eloise (from the 2003 adaptations, Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime), marching to the beat of her own drum with a bit of a mischievous spirit. Meanwhile, Miles possessed the precociousness of Cedric from Little Lord Fauntleroy and the sweetness of Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol. These concepts were displayed well through Pamela Franklin’s and Martin Stephens’ performance! Vocal inflections, facial expressions, and even body language worked in their favor, making Miles and Flora captivating characters. Because of Martin’s and Pamela’s acting talents, their convincing portrayals kept me invested in their characters’ story!

As I mentioned before, Deborah Kerr portrays Miss Giddens, who becomes Flora and Miles’ new governess. Looking back on her films, including The Innocents, I’ve noticed how expressive Deborah’s performances have been. Specifically speaking about the 1961 film, Deborah uses her eyes to display thoughts and feelings instead of just relying on dialogue. In one scene, Miss Giddens learns the truth about Miss Jessel and Peter Quint, the governess and valet who worked at the estate before Miss Giddens’ arrival. While she discovers this information from a housekeeper named Mrs. Grose, Miss Giddens’ eyes show concern, sadness, and even fear. She also raises her eyebrows from time to time, emphasizing how shocking the information about Peter Quint and Miss Jessel is. This example of Deborah’s expressiveness elaborates Miss Giddens adapting to the strange things she’s been seeing and hearing during her time at the estate. Similar to Martin’s and Pamela’s performance, Deborah’s portrayal of Miss Giddens was convincing!

The set design: The Innocents mostly takes place at the Bly estate, which belongs to Flora and Miles’ uncle. Though this story was character-driven, the set design was an underrated yet impressive component of the movie. The fireplace in the main sitting room appeared marble with a carved design. Each room features tall windows, implying the large scope of the rooms themselves. Though shown during brief moments, a detailed tapestry hung on a wall near the main stairway. Elaborate tapestry even covered a long seat in one of the rooms. Details like the ones I described emphasized how financially well-off Miles and Flora’s family is. They also helped make Bly estate visually appealing!

Mise-en-scène: In my recent review of 2010’s Let Me In, I talked about how the movie’s mise-en- scène (the way a film’s scene is presented to the audience) was one of the strengths of the movie. This was also a strength in The Innocents, as some scenes’ presentation added intrigue to the story! One evening, Miles confesses to Miss Giddens how his uncle doesn’t have time for him and his sister. At first, the conversation is shown in a medium shot. The very next shot is a close-up of Miles’ face, with light shining on his cheek to reveal a tear rolling down. Through this visual presentation, the audience is told how his uncle’s lack of acknowledgement deeply troubles Miles. It also provides possible motivation for Miles’ actions later in the film.

The 4th Annual Spooky Classic Movie Blogathon banner created by Kristen from Hoofers and Honeys

What I didn’t like about the film:

Limited horror elements: I mentioned in my review’s introduction how The Innocents is classified as a horror film. Because of this classification, I expected the script to emphasize the horror elements within the story. But these elements, like potential ghost sightings and unexplained noises, had such a limited presence in the film, they were featured in “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” moments. In fact, the script placed more emphasis on the “slice-of-life” parts of the story. As a movie blogger who doesn’t review horror movies often, I found this creative decision disappointing. Some of my interest in The Innocents waned because I don’t really find “slice-of-life” stories compelling.

Scenes that feel like padding: One evening at Bly estate, Miss Giddens stays up in the middle of the night in order to discover the cause of the strange happenings throughout the home. The majority of the scene takes place in the upstairs hallway. But the overall scene lasts over five minutes. Moments when Miss Giddens attempts to open doors and walks through the hall seem repetitive due the how long the scene is. With The Innocents having a run-time of an hour and thirty-nine minutes, some of those five minutes could have been trimmed to make the movie about an hour and thirty-four minutes. This is just one example of scenes feeling like padding.

Conclusion with little to no evidence: For this part of my review, I will spoil The Innocents. If you haven’t seen this movie and are planning on watching it, skip ahead to the part of my review titled “My overall impression”.

After witnessing what she believes is the ghost of Miss Jessel, Miss Giddens comes to the conclusion Flora and Miles are possessed by the spirits of Miss Jessel and Peter Quint. She even comes up with a plan to make the children admit this is true. But up until that point, the film doesn’t show how Miss Giddens reaches her conclusion. Little to no evidence is presented, denying the audience an opportunity to see Miss Giddens putting the pieces together. I, personally, couldn’t take her conclusion too seriously because of the lack of evidence. Miss Giddens’ weaker conclusion also added confusion to the overall story, leaving me wondering what I had just watched.

Image of ghost reading created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/book”>Book photo created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

I’m going to be brutally honest, The Innocents is one of the most confusing movies I’ve ever covered on 18 Cinema Lane. When the film ended, I audibly said, “What the heck did I just watch”? Without spoiling The Innocents, all I’ll say is I recognize how the movie’s creative team tried to give their project an ambiguous ending. But when the 1961 picture is also classified as a mystery film, that type of ending doesn’t work due to the genre being known for reaching definitive resolutions. Another flaw that contributes to The Innocents’ confusion is a conclusion with little to no evidence. That lack of evidence prevented me from taking the conclusion too seriously. Despite this confusion, the movie was intriguing enough to keep me invested in the story. The strength of the acting performances and the mise-en-scène are two factors that worked in the film’s favor. Out of Deborah’s films reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane, The Innocents was just ok. While there are things about the movie I liked, the overall execution could have (and should have) been stronger.

Overall score: 6.5 out of 10

Have you seen 1961’s The Innocents? What “classic” horror movies do you like watching? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker Review

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Last year, I reviewed Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker. At the time, I knew there would be people interested in the film, as Great American Family has found its audience over the past few years. But I was shocked by how popular that review became. In a year’s time, my review of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker has garnered over 6,000 views and counting! When I learned a sequel was on the horizon, I immediately made plans to write about it. Now that review has come to fruition, as I have recently seen Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker! In my review of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker, I said it looked like this series had the potential to tell many more stories. From exploring another artisan avenue to progressing Ainsley and Jake’s relationship, the sequel proved my statement right. But how does it compare to its predecessor? Keep reading my review to solve this mystery!

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker poster created by Candy Rock Entertainment, Happy Accidents, Syrup Studios, and Great American Family

Things I liked about the film:

The chemistry among the cast: If you’re creating a book, tv, or movie series, it’s important to maintain chemistry among the characters. If this chemistry is believable, interactions and relationships between characters become more enjoyable to watch unfold. A lot of the same cast members from Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker returned in the sequel. That worked in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker’s favor! The chemistry among the cast was so strong, it not only made every situation between the characters feel realistic, it also made their connections seem genuine! One of the best examples is the friendship of Jake and Ryan. Ainsley’s brother, Ryan, carries a serious, “business comes first” attitude due to being a police officer. Meanwhile, Jake’s personality is laid-back and a bit sillier. These characters’ differences allowed their friendship to be complimentary, especially when it came to Jake and Ryan’s comedic timing. This friendship was, honestly, one of the best parts of Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker!

Inclusion of humor: As I watched Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker, I took note of how the film’s creative team improved upon the flaws of the previous movie. One of those improvements was the inclusion of humor. Sprinkled throughout the story, humor was woven into the dialogue. How this humor was written and delivered prevented the story from becoming too dark. One great example is when Gladys, one of the members of the “book club”, is being questioned by the police. Because Gladys knew Ellie Mitchum (the murder victim), she is considered a potential suspect. During her interrogation, the police ask Gladys if she was aware of any allergies Ellie might have had, as allergies are ruled as a likely cause of death. In a sassy yet matter-of-fact way, Gladys tells the police, “She was allergic to being a nice person”. To me, this was one of the funniest lines in the movie, as it was a great comeback to the question!

Ellie Mitchum’s house: Ellie Mitchum is a successful businesswoman who visits her former school in Sweet River, Texas. But, unfortunately, she becomes the murder victim in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker. Ellie’s funeral reception takes place at her house, where Ainsley, Jake, and Ryan attend. While not much of the house’s exterior is shown, it did contain an impressive stone porte-cochère (covered entryway). That entryway made the house look like a castle. One of the interior spaces presented in the movie was the foyer. This space was circular, featuring intricately designed stained-glass windows, stone railings with carved designs, and a deep cherry-stained wood floor under an ornate rug. Even the house’s deck, though only shown in one scene, had a stone arch framing a beautiful view of the luscious green backyard and what appeared to be a lake. I wish more scenes had taken place at Ellie Mitchum’s house, as it was so gorgeous.

Heart of yarn image create by macrovector at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Learning very little about the protagonist: In the second movie of a film series, the project’s creative team can present more information to help the audience learn more about the protagonist. Whether in the form of dialogue or flashbacks, this information can expand the protagonist’s backstory, give them extra motivation to solve a problem, or provide an overarching component of a story. But in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker, very little new information was revealed about Ainsley McGregor herself. While her reason for leaving Chicago was given, Ainsley didn’t share this until almost an hour into the movie. That means the audience had to wait a long time to learn anything new about the titular character. Had more information been provided about Ainsley, the story would have become a bit more enriched.

Not enough George: When I reviewed Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker, I talked about how much I liked Ainsley’s dog, George. He played a larger role in the first movie, giving that film a more unique identity. While watching the sequel, Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker, I noticed George’s screen-time was reduced. Though I recognize how difficult it can be to incorporate an animal into a film production, I was disappointed by this creative decision. In my opinion, George steals every scene he’s in. Plus, times when Ainsley talks with George give the audience light-hearted moments that take a break from the heaviness of the murder mystery. Without George, the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries series wouldn’t be the same.

Limited time spent with the “book club”: I mentioned in my Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Winemaker review how Ainsley’s book club turns into an investigation club. The dynamic shared between Ainsley and these members is what encourages her to solve the mystery in the first film. Even though the “book club” still holds their meetings in Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker, Ainsley didn’t consult with them as much as she did in the first movie. In fact, there were only two scenes where a “book club” meeting was featured. In the sequel, Ainsley relied more on Ryan and Jake to help her solve the case. I hope Ainsley finds a balance between turning toward Jake and Ryan and discussing the mystery with the “book club” in future films, as each perspective makes a positive impact on the story.

Magnifying glass image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/magnifying-glass-with-fingerprint-in-flat-style_2034684.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/flat”>Flat vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

In some film series, the second chapter is better than the first one. Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker is a movie where that statement holds true! The sequel improved upon some of the flaws of its predecessor, such as including humor. Strong chemistry among the cast has become a consistent strength of this series, with Jake and Ryan’s friendship being one of the best parts of chapter two. While I won’t spoil the second film, I will say I liked how there were no obvious choices for the mystery’s culprit. That creative decision leaves the audience guessing whodunit. Though I liked Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker more than the first chapter, there is still room to grow. I wish the sequel gave the audience more information about Ainsley and showed George in a few more scenes. This film series is based on a book series, with one of those books titled A Case for the Toy Maker. Perhaps we could get a Christmas mystery movie from Great American Family?

Overall score: 7 out of 10

Have you seen Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker? Would you like to see Great American Family create a Christmas mystery movie? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (1973) Review

On By 18cinemalane14 Comments

All the way back in 2019, I reviewed the 1995 adaptation of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. After I shared my thoughts on the film, Gill, from Realweegiemidget Reviews, recommended the 1973 adaptation, which is sometimes titled The Hideaways. Whenever Virginie, from The Wonderful World of Cinema, has hosted the Ingrid Bergman Blogathon, I have wanted to check out the 1973 adaptation, due to Ingrid Bergman starring in the film. Now, for the 110 Years of Ingrid Bergman Blogathon, I finally received the opportunity to write about the movie! While I still haven’t read the book, I am familiar with the story because I covered the 1995 adaptation on 18 Cinema Lane. Back in 2019, I said the film was just ok, as one of my biggest criticisms was the underutilization of Lauren Bacall’s acting talents. Will I give similar criticisms to the 1973 adaptation of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler? To solve this mystery, keep reading my review!

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (1973) poster created by Cinema 5, Westfall Productions, and Cinema 5 Distributing

Things I liked about the film:

Sally Prager’s and Johnny Doran’s acting performance: Starring in From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler as the protagonists, Claudia and Jamie Kincaid, Sally Prager and Johnny Doran carry about 95% of the film. Because of how strong their performances were, they successfully carried the movie by presenting their characters believably! One example takes place toward the beginning of the film. Jamie is telling his sister, Claudia, about a movie he had recently seen. As he talks about the movie, his speech becomes increasingly animated. Even after Claudia kicks him out of her room, Jamie talks even louder, his excitement never faltering. After Jamie and Claudia arrive in New York City, they go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When Jamie asks her why she wants to go to the museum, Claudia enthusiastically describes the museum as a castle like the tales of King Arthur. This scene perfectly showcases how Sally effectively portrayed Claudia as precocious; containing enough self-awareness to know exactly what she wants, yet displaying that sense of wonder one would expect from a child her age.

The cinematography: When I reviewed the 1995 adaptation of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, I complimented the film’s cinematography. That adaptation’s creative team made some interesting choices when presenting certain scenes, like using close-ups to present the museum’s artifacts. The 1973 adaptation of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler features good cinematography as well! Similar to the 1995 adaptation, some scenes were shown from Claudia and Jamie’s perspective. While hiding on the school bus, Jamie constantly peeks from behind the seat to see if the bus driver has spotted them. A few shots look like they’re from Jamie’s point of view, with the camera peering around the seat to catch a glimpse of the bus driver. When Jamie and Claudia are at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they look over the railing at the museum’s employees and security guards in the lobby. Once again, the scene is presented from the point of view of the children. The camera peers over the museum’s railing, looking down at the security guards and employees. Shots like the ones I described make the audience feel like they’re with the characters, creating the illusion of immersion.

The dialogue: A pleasant surprise in 1973’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler was the dialogue! Some lines were so well-written, they became a memorable part of the movie. In one scene, as Jamie navigates through the museum, a janitor asks him where he came from. Speaking confidently in a matter-of-fact way, Jamie tells the janitor, “My mother said I came from Heaven”. I not only found this response a clever comeback, it was also a creative way to answer the question. Another scene shows Jamie sharing with Claudia one of the reasons why he ran away with her. While spending a night in the museum, Jamie tells his sister how concerned he was by the thought of her traveling alone, as he believed she would be afraid. Claudia responds to her brother’s belief by saying, “Being self-sufficient doesn’t automatically make a person brave”. This quote showcases an eloquent way of addressing how anyone at any age can be afraid of something.

Angelic statue image created by Marcelo Gerpe at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Marcelo Gerpe.”

What I didn’t like about the film:

Telling instead of showing: In both adaptations of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Jamie and Claudia go to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler’s house, searching for an angel statue’s legitimacy. From what I remember of the 1995 movie, a scene shows Claudia and Jamie looking for answers about the statue by rummaging through Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler’s mixed-up files. The 1973 version, on the other hand, has Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler telling the answer of the mystery instead of showing the children putting the mystery’s pieces together. Because the creative team behind the 1973 adaptation chose telling over showing, some of the excitement of seeing the protagonists achieve their goal was taken away.

Less emphasis on the mystery: An overarching part of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler’s story is the mystery surrounding an angelic statue. However, this mystery received less emphasis in both the 1973 and 1995 adaptations. Specifically speaking about the 1973 version, the story focused more on Claudia and Jamie’s adventures in New York City. In fact, the angel statue doesn’t make an appearance until 44 minutes in an hour and forty-five-minute film. Like I said in my review of the 1995 version, this creative decision took a lot of intrigue out of the film, causing the story not to be as engaging or interactive.

The underutilization of Ingrid Bergman: During this review’s introduction, I brought up one of my biggest criticisms of 1995’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler; the underutilization of Lauren Bacall’s acting talents. Sadly, I have the same criticism for the 1973 version. Just like the 1995 adaptation, Ingrid Bergman is the top-billed actor in the adaptation from 1973. Yet she doesn’t appear in the story until an hour and fourteen minutes in an hour and forty-five-minute movie. I recognize the 1973 version of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler premiered toward the end of Ingrid’s career. I also acknowledge the story prioritizes the adventures of Claudia and Jamie Kincaid. But as I said about Lauren Bacall in my review of the 1995 movie, this underutilization not only does Ingrid’s acting talents a disservice, it also comes across as misleading.

110 Years of Ingrid Bergman Blogathon banner created by Virginie, from The Wonderful World of Cinema

My overall impression:

For the 5th Annual Gold Sally Awards, I introduced the Nosferatu vs. Dracula Award. This award is given to two movies that feel like you’re watching the same one. Looking back on my experience watching the 1973 adaptation of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and reflecting on my review of the 1995 adaptation, the Nosferatu vs. Dracula Award will likely be brought back for 2026’s edition of the Gold Sally Awards. The 1973 movie shares a lot of the same strengths and flaws as the 1995 version. These similarities made me feel like I was watching the same film twice. I knew what to expect from the story, due to seeing From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler from 1995. However, I still wish both adaptations contained stronger differentiations between them. The films I’ve seen of Ingrid Bergman’s from the 1970s have, in my opinion, been underwhelming. While I found A Walk in the Spring Rain a flavorless picture, I think A Matter of Time and now From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler are just ok.

Overall score: 6 out of 10

Have you seen 1973’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler? Which book adaptation do you wish starred a “classic” film star? Tell me in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

The Top Ten Best Stand-Alone Films

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On this day in 2000, The Road to El Dorado made its official debut. While the movie didn’t meet or exceed DreamWorks’ expectations, it certainly found an audience, which stuck with the film for all these years. I once heard The Road to El Dorado was intended to be the first story in a trilogy. But fate decided it worked better as a stand-alone picture. This caused me to think about the other stand-alone movies I’ve come to love. So, in honor of The Road to El Dorado’s 25th anniversary, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the top ten best stand-alone films! For my list, the criteria for a stand-alone film is not only a title that didn’t receive a sequel, but also isn’t affiliated with a series/franchise. If I covered a film on 18 Cinema Lane, I will provide a link to that article or review in this list. Each title will be presented in order of release year and each choice is based on my opinion.

The Road to El Dorado poster created by Dreamworks Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and DreamWorks Distribution

1. Singin in the Rain (1952)

    I start my list with a classic I was introduced to because of my blog. Now that I have finally seen Singin in the Rain, I have an understanding and appreciation for why the movie is so beloved. Gene Kelly’s iconic musical number, “Singin in the Rain”, should provide enough explanation for why you should check the film out! The number itself feels immersive, as it takes place within the story’s context. Gene adds uniqueness to the number by jumping and splashing in puddles. “Singin in the Rain” successfully represents the spirit of the film, while also delivering the message of seeing the good in a not-so-good situation. That number is just one reason why Singin in the Rain is a solid musical!

    Watching ‘Singin in the Rain’ for the First Time

    2. Ben-Hur (1959)

    If you’re going to watch any classics, you have to see 1959’s Ben-Hur! Though the three-hour run-time can seem intimidating, that time flew by for me, as I was so engrossed in the story. The emotional intensity of Charlton Heston’s, Stephen Boyd’s, and Haya Harareet’s performance complimented the scope of the overall film. Ben-Hur contains other likable qualities as well, from the magnificent sets/scenery to the interesting cinematography. How Christianity/faith was incorporated into the story sets the 1959 production apart from other “sword and sandal” pictures. Those who celebrate Easter may find Ben-Hur an appropriate seasonal title.

    Take 3: Ben-Hur (1959) Review + 60 Follower Thank You

    3. To Kill a Mockingbird (1963)

    While the book, To Kill a Mockingbird, received a sequel, the film adaptation did not. The 1963 movie presents one of the few times where, in my opinion, the film was better than its source material. Getting straight to the point a lot sooner was a main focus for the creative team. The film’s visual nature worked in the favor of certain elements from the book. Showing suspenseful moments from the source material makes those moments seem real, as well as intensifies uncertainty. Leaving out scenes that feel like padding helps the movie maintain a steadier pace.

    Take 3: To Kill a Mockingbird Review

    4. The Boy Who Could Fly (1986)

    When I first saw The Boy Who Could Fly, it subverted my expectations. That’s because the 1986 picture aged surprisingly well! Through Milly and Eric’s friendship, the script shows how people with Autism can create and maintain meaningful relationships. Helping someone with Autism based on their personal preferences and accommodations may have seemed ahead of its time back in the mid to late ‘80s. Timeless messages and themes make up one of the reasons why I love the 1986 film. Showing compassion for others, dealing with grief, and understanding people’s differences take center stage.

    Take 3: The Boy Who Could Fly Review (PB & J Double Feature Part 2)

    5. The Bodyguard (1992)

    In 2022, I wrote an editorial explaining why The Bodyguard held up thirty years later. Because I love the 1992 film, finding explanations wasn’t difficult. “The kitchen scene” is, in my opinion, the best scene from any action movie. One reason why is how the kitchen’s smaller space is seen by the actors as a challenge instead of a hindrance. What also worked in The Bodyguard’s favor was Whitney Houston’s portrayal of Rachel Marron. Throughout the story, Whitney realistically showcases emotions and expressions. This helped Rachel become a multi-layered character.

    I Will Always Love You: ‘The Bodyguard’ at 30

    The Boy Who Could Fly poster created by Lorimar Motion Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Image found at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090768/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0.

    6. Swept from the Sea (1998)

    Swept from the Sea was one of the earliest hidden gems I discovered in 2019. It’s a movie that’s so great, I just had to include it on this list. There are so many things to like about Swept from the Sea. From Vincent Perez’s captivating performance to the beautiful scenery, the film’s components came together to create an endearing and emotional presentation! The 1998 film is a character-driven story, relying on on-screen chemistry in order to work. Because of Vincent Perez’s and Rachel Weisz’s differing acting styles, the on-screen chemistry between Yanko and Amy was very sweet and genuine.

    Take 3: Swept from the Sea Review (A Month Without the Code — #8)

    7. Phantom of the Megaplex (2000)

    This is another movie I just had to include on my list. But this time, it’s because Phantom of the Megaplex is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! The Disney Channel picture showed that the movie-going experience can be fun. As I explained in my editorial celebrating the film’s 20th anniversary, the made-for-TV movie also serves as a time capsule of how the cinema operated in the beginning of the millennium. Phantom of the Megaplex even shows how movies can influence our lives. Though I’m not sure if that aspect of the story was intentional, it makes the 2000 title, somewhat, thought-provoking.

    ‘Phantom of the Megaplex’ at 20: A Reflection on the Movie-Going Experience

    8. I Am David (2004)

    I Am David was the biggest pleasant surprise of 2024. It became the year’s best movie in March and stayed number one until the very end! What set I Am David apart was the film’s genuine emotion and sincerity. This was seen and felt through every aspect of the production. The 2004 movie emphasized visual depth. Achieved by exploring light and darkness, as well as showcasing Europe’s natural landscape, the creative team used the visual nature of film to their project’s advantage. Two effective plot twists are another reason why I liked I Am David. Their delivery in the story was well-written.

    Take 3: I Am David Review (Double Feature: 2004 Edition Part 1)

    9. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

    This 2011 presentation is one of Studio Ghibli’s stronger projects. A reason is one of the overarching themes; honoring the past. The film intelligently and creatively shows its audience how important history is in our lives and our world. Whether referencing the 1964 Olympics or focusing on the characters’ relationships, the theme of honoring the past acts as an umbrella sheltering Poppy Hill and its surrounding areas. Studio Ghibli’s signature colorful palette is consistently on display in the 2011 film. The strong understanding for how and when to use color makes scenes look like priceless pieces of art! Personally, I think movies like From Up on Poppy Hill present an argument why 2-D animation still has its time and place.

    Take 3: From Up on Poppy Hill Review + 200 Follower Thank You

    10. The Wild Robot (2024)

      I think it’s fitting to close this list with a DreamWorks movie, as a DreamWorks movie is the reason why I created this list in the first place. Though this was a recent watch for me, The Wild Robot is, so far, the best film I’ve seen this year! The animation itself is absolutely gorgeous! Sometimes, scenes look like paintings and other times, they look like priceless photographs. I was not expecting the story to contain as much emotional depth as it did. An abundance of good messages and themes add a sense of timelessness to the production. Though it’s unknown right now if The Wild Robot will gain an audience like The Road to El Dorado has, I can confidently say it was a really good movie!

      Phantom of the Megaplex poster created by the Walt Disney Company and Disney Channel. © Disney•Pixar. All rights reserved. Disney XD© Disney Enterprises, Inc.

      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Take 3: The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Review (Silent Pioneers Double Feature Part 2)

      On By 18cinemalane5 Comments

      In my review of 1920’s The Garage, I admitted silent films are rarely covered on 18 Cinema Lane. Acknowledging the one hundredth anniversary of a movie is even rarer. This is a reason why I selected 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera for the Silent Pioneers Blogathon! But reviewing this film also presents a full circle moment for me. Before 2025, I had seen pieces of The Phantom of the Opera from 1925. That’s because those pieces are featured at the beginning of Phantom of the Megaplex (which happens to be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year). As a fan of that movie, I felt I owed it to myself to finally check out the film that paved the way for countless cinematic projects. Though this is my first time seeing 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera in its entirety, I am familiar with its story. This is due to seeing parts of 2004’s adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera. So, without further delay, let’s start this review!

      The Phantom of the Opera (1925) poster created by Universal Pictures

      Things I liked about the film:

      Color coded film: Silent films have a reputation for appearing in black and white. But in The Phantom of the Opera, only the Phantom’s lair is presented in this hue. This is because the Paris Opera House is color coded based on where a scene takes place. Outdoor scenes appear in blue. Scenes taking place backstage, and even a ballet performance, are presented in pink. The only scenes fully in color are those during the Bal Masque de l’Opera. Color coding the movie’s scenery gives each part of the story its own distinct significance. It definitely gives The Phantom of the Opera a unique identity!

      The acting: When you think of 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera, you think of Lon Chaney. Though he spent the movie with his face covered by make-up or a mask, Lon utilized the use of his eyes and body language to give the Phantom emotion. During the Bal Masque de l’Opera, the Phantom discovers someone betrayed his trust. His eyes not only appear very wide, they even look pained. The Phantom falls back in his seat, emphasizing how shocked he is by the betrayal. Even though Lon stole the show, there are other performances I liked in The Phantom of the Opera! Mary Philbin portrays Christine Daae. Through a variety of acting techniques, Mary shows the audience what her character is thinking and feeling. A perfect example is when Christine meets the Phantom for the first time. Shocked by his appearance, she leans back against the wall, trying to move as far from him as possible. Christine’s eyes are wide and her jaw drops in horror, illustrating how unsettled she is by the Phantom.

      The on-screen chemistry: As I just said in this review, Mary Philbin portrays Christine Daae. Throughout The Phantom of the Opera, Christine shares romantic feelings with Raoul, portrayed by Norman Kerry. When these characters shared moments together, their interactions were romantically tender. The love between Christine and Raoul feels like it radiates off the screen. Mary and Norman’s on-screen chemistry was very sweet, making their characters’ scenes together feel genuine. Their performances, as well as the screenwriting, made Raoul and Christine’s relationship one of the best parts of The Phantom of the Opera! I wish Mary and Norman shared more scenes together.

      The Silent Pioneers Blogathon banner created by Maddy from Classic Film And TV Corner

      What I didn’t like about the film:

      Underutilized characters: There were a few underutilized characters in The Phantom of the Opera. Two of them are the new owners of the Opera House. At the beginning of the movie, the ownership of the Opera House changed hands. Not only are the new owners informed of the Phantom’s existence, they are presented with evidence he actually exists. Yet, these owners don’t do anything to remove the Phantom from the Opera House or protect their business from the Phantom. A major reason for this is how the characters were underutilized, making limited appearances throughout the story.

      Little sense of urgency: Like I said in my review, the new owners of the Opera House don’t do anything to remove the Phantom from the Opera House or protect their business from the Phantom. Any time the Phantom makes threats to ruin the show or even when Christine disappeared, there was little sense of urgency to prevent the Phantom’s chaotic plans. The day after Christine went missing, there was a newspaper article written about her disappearance. But no search party was organized to look for her. Even Raoul’s suspicions don’t appear raised when he receives a mysterious note from Christine. When Christine returns at the Bal Masque de l’Opera, no one notices except for Raoul. With all this said, the Phantom doesn’t seem as big of a concern to the Opera House’s community as he should be.

      Unanswered questions: For this part of my review, I will spoil The Phantom of the Opera. If you haven’t seen this film and are planning on watching it, skip ahead to the part of my review titled ‘My overall impression’.

      The 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera attempts to give the Phantom a backstory. But this attempt leaves the audience with more questions than answers. On a notecard addressing the Phantom’s history, it states he is a “master of Black Art”. This statement is never given an explanation, especially since the Phantom isn’t shown adopting magic or supernatural powers. The notecard also states the Phantom was “exiled to Devil’s Island for criminal insane” and that he “escaped”. No explanation is provided why he was taken to the island in the first place. Did the Phantom actually commit a crime or was he falsely accused, with taking over the Opera House and causing chaos his form of revenge? These are two examples of unanswered questions in The Phantom of the Opera.

      String of musical notes image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/pentagram-vector_710290.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com. 

      My overall impression:

      1925’s The Phantom of the Opera is considered a classic, not just from the Silent Film Era, but within film history. So, imagine my shock when I discovered the movie was never included on any of American Film Institute’s 100 movies lists. When this film was first released, it brought something new to cinema’s table. The Phantom of the Opera paved the way when it came to the power of make-up. The 1925 picture also showed the world the expansive nature of storytelling through a cinematic lens. This is why, in my opinion, the story of the Phantom and his opera house is better suited for film than the stage. Lon Chaney is one of the most celebrated actors of all time. His role as the titular character proves why that statement holds true. Lon’s ability to transform into the Phantom makes his performance captivating. Beyond the make-up, he effectively uses his eyes and body language to bring emotion to his character. Though the film has its flaws, The Phantom of the Opera still holds up, even a hundred years later. Color coding for each area of the Opera House gave the production a unique identity, as well as distinct significance to these spaces. In a world where silent films are not as common as they once were, I’m thankful for the restoration efforts made for The Phantom of the Opera.

      Overall score: 7.5-7.6 out of 10

      Have you seen 1925’s The Phantom of the Opera? Which story do you wish had been adapted into a silent film? Let me know in the comment section below!

      Have fun at the opera!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Take 3: Tarzan in Manhattan Review

      On By 18cinemalane9 Comments

      During my search for my “so bad, it’s good” movie, I’ve learned to find two things: a film that is built on a gimmick and a film that is unintentionally funny. Though these things have helped me get one step closer to finding my “so bad, it’s good” movie, a film has yet to earn that coveted title. For the annual So Bad It’s Good Blogathon, I had several selected movies to choose from. But, in the end, I picked the 1989 film, Tarzan in Manhattan! That title alone gives away the project’s gimmick; an iconic character existing in a more contemporary setting. Based on the movie’s synopsis, there seems to be elements that could be unintentionally funny, such as Jane becoming more street-smart when she’s usually known for being book-smart. But what made me ultimately select Tarzan in Manhattan for the So Bad It’s Good Blogathon were the reviews on IMDB. According to what I read, it seemed like the movie’s creative team didn’t take their project seriously because they acknowledged the film’s gimmick. With all of that said, let’s see if this movie could become my “so bad, it’s good” film!

      Tarzan in Manhattan poster created by American First Run Studios and CBS

      Things I liked about the film:

      The acting: When I reviewed The Chalk Garden earlier this month, I said I was invested in the story because of the acting performances’ quality. I also said each acting performance was good for different reasons. In Tarzan in Manhattan, the cast made a strong effort to make their performances as entertaining as possible. In my opinion, these efforts worked, as their performances kept me invested in the story! Joe Lara used emotion well while portraying the titular character. A great example comes from the first ten minutes of the movie. Tarzan experiences a tragedy, as he discovers someone close to him passed away. Upon making this discovery, Tarzan is understandably upset. His eyes are brimming with tears and his mouth presents a frown. Quickly realizing what possibly happened, Tarzan’s sadness turns into anger within seconds. He then grits his teeth and the rest of his facial features become tense.

      Kim Crosby portrays Jane in Tarzan in Manhattan. In my review’s introduction, I pointed out how Jane became more street-smart. Because of this creative decision, Kim adopts a down-to-earth, laid-back personality she consistently carried throughout the movie. When Jane meets Tarzan, she’s unfazed by the situation. Her whole persona presented the idea she, as a cab driver, has seen it all. Portraying Jane’s father, Archimedes, is Tony Curtis. Similar to Kim’s performance, Tony’s on-screen no-nonsense attitude was consistent. What also worked in Tony’s favor was how believable his on-screen interactions were. Anytime Archimedes and Jane shared a conversation, it felt like a realistic discussion between father and daughter. The strength of Kim’s and Tony’s acting talents helped make that possible!

      Respect toward the source material: While I haven’t read the book Tarzan in Manhattan is based on, I have seen another adaptation of the Tarzan story. Based on that experience, it appears the creative team of the 1989 film made efforts to respect the source material their project is based on. Remember when I said in this review’s introduction how Jane became more street-smart when she’s usually known for being book-smart? It is true she is street-smart in Tarzan in Manhattan. However, the book-smart aspect of her character actually worked in harmony with the street-smarts. Around the time she and Tarzan first meet, Jane shares how she has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from NYU. Her book-smarts, along with problem-solving skills, help Tarzan find an important clue in figuring out Cheetah’s whereabouts. Throughout his New York City trip, Tarzan carries a bag of expensive jewelry as a form of currency. It is revealed the collection of jewelry belonged to Tarzan’s parents, the Lord and Lady of Greystone, before they passed away.

      How humor was incorporated: I mentioned in my review’s introduction how Tarzan in Manhattan’s IMDB reviews were the reason I chose the film for the So Bad It’s Good Blogathon. Based on those reviews, it seemed the movie’s creative team didn’t take their project seriously because they acknowledged the film’s gimmick. As I watched the 1989 picture, I could detect a sense of self-awareness. From the dialogue to the “Easter Eggs”, it felt like the movie’s creative team recognized how much of a gimmick their project was built on. During the plane ride to New York City, Tarzan is reading a book about surviving in New York on five dollars a day. This “Easter Egg” calls out how expensive the Big Apple can be. After somersaulting his way into a locked room, Tarzan leaves that same room by escaping through an open window. This situation causes Archimedes to ask Jane why Tarzan can’t leave through the door like other people. The aforementioned self-awareness in Tarzan in Manhattan made comedic moments genuinely hilarious!

      The Seventh So Bad It’s Good Blogathon banner created by Rebecca from Taking Up Room

      What I didn’t like about the film:

      Things that don’t make sense: There were some parts of Tarzan in Manhattan that didn’t make sense. One example takes place toward the beginning of the film. Within the first five minutes of the story, Tarzan is shown living a secluded life from civilization, how Tarzan is usually portrayed in other adaptations. Then, all of a sudden, a man named Joseph shows up to give Tarzan and Cheetah a pair of books. Based on their interaction, it seems like Joseph and Tarzan’s friendship has lasted even before the events of the movie. If Tarzan lives close enough to civilization where walking to Joseph’s store is possible, why does he still live isolated in the jungle?

      Inconsistent sense of urgency: A reason why Tarzan travels to New York City is to rescue Cheetah. This part of the film’s synopsis would warrant a sense of urgency throughout the story. But Tarzan, along with Jane and Archimedes, don’t figure out what likely happened to Cheetah until more than twenty minutes into an hour and thirty-four-minute film. While there is a sense of urgency in Tarzan in Manhattan, it appears at certain moments in the movie. These creative choices made the story’s sense of urgency inconsistent.

      Part of the story that doesn’t lead anywhere: On more than one occasion, the audience is reminded how Tarzan is the son of the Lord and Lady of Greystone. Jane even purchases a book featuring his family’s portrait. I appreciate the creative team’s efforts to respect the source material their project is based on. However, the part of the film about Tarzan’s family history didn’t lead anywhere. The story’s main conflict had nothing to do with the Greystone estate. Tarzan’s family weren’t even featured in a subplot. I wish that part of Tarzan in Manhattan had a stronger connection to the overall story.

      New York City skyline with letters image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/new-york-skyline-typographic-silhouette_719554.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

      My overall impression:

      When I started this review, I said I learned to find two things when looking for my “so bad, it’s good” movie; a film that is built on a gimmick and a film that is unintentionally funny. Tarzan in Manhattan is definitely built a gimmick, with enough self-awareness in the movie to acknowledge this. But what the film isn’t is unintentionally funny. The way the story’s humor was written and delivered gave the audience a reason to laugh with the creative team, not at them. Humorous moments felt like they were intended to be comedic. This is one of the reasons why Tarzan in Manhattan was as entertaining as it was! Though there were flaws in the 1989 picture, there were aspects of the project I liked. A few examples are the acting performances and the on-screen chemistry between Joe Lara and Kim Crosby. Even though moments with high-stakes and a sense of urgency are sprinkled throughout the story, Tarzan in Manhattan is, for the most part, silly and goofy fun. Out of all the movies I reviewed for the So Bad It’s Good Blogathon, I’d say Tarzan in Manhattan is the best one. So, when it comes to finding my “so bad, it’s good” movie, I ended up taking a detour this time.

      Overall score: 7 out of 10

      Have you seen Tarzan in Manhattan? Which adaptation of the Tarzan story is your favorite? Please tell me in the comment section!

      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      It’s Time for the 7th Annual Gold Sally Awards!

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      Here at 18 Cinema Lane, I maintain several annual traditions to give my readers something to look forward to. One of those traditions is the Gold Sally Awards, which commemorates my blog’s anniversary! The award categories are created by me and based on topics I’ve brought up on my blog. With two new awards in 2025, I’ll explain the significance of those categories. Like in 2024, I will discuss why I chose each recipient. Now, let the 7th Annual Gold Sally Awards begin!

      7th Annual Gold Sally Awards Winners created by me, Sally Silverscreen.

      The Kay’s Costume Party Dress Award

      (Best Outfit from a Movie)

      Helen’s Christmastime Outfit from Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Pack of Lies

      When I thought about the various categories of the Gold Sally Awards, I realized there was no category recognizing the wardrobe department of the movie industry. To fix that, I created the Kay’s Costume Party Dress Award! The name of this award references the dress Kay (Joan Collins’ character) wore at a costume party in the 1983 tv movie, Making of a Male Model. I loved this dress so much, it was featured in 2021’s Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List! From the films I saw in 2024, there were several outfits I really liked. The one that was the most memorable, however, came from the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, Pack of Lies! The outfit in question was featured in my Movie Blogger’s Christmas Wish-List from last year; the black and blue ensemble Helen (portrayed by Teri Garr) wore during Christmastime. This timeless outfit was worn in only one scene. That fact is why Helen’s outfit earned the inaugural Kay’s Costume Party Dress Award!

      The Edward Boult Award

      (Missed Opportunity in Cinema)

      Not making Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters a Christmas movie

      Last June, I speculated how Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters could be a Christmas film. In my editorial about my speculation, I explained how the movie’s title could be a reference to either the Nativity story or A Christmas Carol. I also wondered if Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Moon and Back” could be a two-part adaptation of A Christmas Carol, with the rock star character intended to be a Marley-like character. The official marketing for Signed, Sealed, Delivered: A Tale of Three Letters proved my speculation wrong. But the more I think about how this movie could have been a Christmas picture, the more I wish it had been a Christmas production. As of early February, 2025, the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series has received only one Christmas movie. Plus, my aforementioned editorial provided ideas for a potential Christmas script. With Hallmark Mystery’s ‘Miracles of Christmas’ viewership numbers lower in 2024 than 2023, maybe the network will consider creating another Signed, Sealed, Delivered Christmas film.

      The They Deserve an Award Award

      (An Actor or Actress Who Deserves Recognition)

      Luke Goss (for his performance in Hallmark’s Frankenstein) and Badja Djola (for his performance in Christmas on Division Street)

      There were several good acting performances I saw in 2024. So, it was difficult to choose just one recipient for this year’s Gold Sally Awards. Both Luke Goss’ and Badja Djola’s performance was so impressive! In Hallmark’s Frankenstein, Luke’s use of emotion allowed The Creature to speak without actually speaking. An example I used in my review of the 2004 television film was when The Creature bursts into tears while seeking refuge in a barn. Luke’s acting skills made his character as complicated as he was in Mary Shelley’s source material. Badja made his character, Scorpio, so memorable, despite having limited appearances in Christmas on Division Street. With a consistently commanding presence, Scorpio was a character I looked forward to seeing on screen. That’s because Badja used his acting talents to give Scorpio captivating interactions with other characters. The scene where Scorpio shares some of his backstory with Cleveland is the example I used in my Christmas on Division Street review.

      The Cowboy Award

      (Character Who Makes an Unnecessary, Drastic Change)

      Sorsha from Willow

      You’re probably wondering why I gave Sorsha the Cowboy Award, even though I grew to like her as a character. While I found her transformation from villain to hero necessary, it was drastic. In my Comparing with the Critics review of Willow, I shared how Sorsha’s aforementioned evolution was too abrupt. The transformation gave Sorsha some character development, but it left some questions unanswered. For this flaw, blame lies in the screenwriting.

      Sally’s MVP Award

      (Character Who Left a Memorable, Showstopping Impression)

      Madmartigan from Willow

      When I watch a movie, there is, sometimes, a character who leaves such a memorable impression on me, they end up stealing the show. I have called these types of characters “MVP”. To acknowledge the “MVPs” of 18 Cinema Lane, I created the new Sally’s MVP Award! One of these “MVPs” was Madmartigan from Willow. In my Comparing with the Critics review of the 1988 film, I talked about how Madmartigan was the story’s comic relief. His personality and comedic timing captivated my attention and kept me invested in his story. What helped Madmartigan become the “MVP” of Willow was the screenwriting and Val’s performance.

      The “She Won’t Give Me My Chocolate” Award

      (Best Quote from a Movie)

      “Christmas is already a poem. It doesn’t need my help” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, I Heard the Bells (2022)

      In the 2022 movie, I Heard the Bells, Fanny (portrayed by Rachel Day Hughes) encourages her husband, Henry, to create a Christmas themed poem. Henry (portrayed by Stephen Atherholt) told his wife, “Christmas is already a poem. It doesn’t need my help”. When Henry said this, I started to think about what his quote meant. Poems require planning and putting the right pieces together, in order for that poem to have good flow and writing structure. Christmas festivities require a certain amount of planning, whether it’s a local church’s Nativity play or a family’s Christmas party. Using these two examples, finding the right pieces is important, such as who will portray the Three Wise Men or what will be the entrée of Christmas dinner. Poems can also tell stories. One classic example is ‘‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’. Christmastime is filled with stories, from the Nativity story to A Christmas Carol. Henry’s aforementioned quote made me see Christmas in a completely different way! Plus, a quote from a Christmas movie has never won the “She Won’t Give Me My Chocolate” Award before.

      The Honorable and Dishonorable Mention Award

      (Best and Worst Movie from the Honorable and Dishonorable Mention Category)

      Best – Interstellar

      Worst — The Reluctant Debutante

      For last year’s Gold Sally Awards, there was only the Dishonorable Mention Award. That’s because I didn’t see enough movies to include an honorable mention category. With the honorable mention category returning in 2024, the Honorable Mention Award is also coming back! Science fiction stories about space exploration will typically emphasize the thrills and wonder of the galaxy. This can make it easy for a movie’s audience to get caught up in how adventurous and exciting outer space can seem. In Interstellar, a major focus is space travel’s effect on human beings. So, themes of family, sacrifice, and the price of scientific achievement are woven into the script. That, along with quality acting performances and impressive special effects, is why I liked Interstellar!

      Out of all the movies that ended up in the dishonorable mention category, I had the highest expectations for The Reluctant Debutante. This is because I not only reviewed the film for The John Saxon Blogathon, there was some well-known talent involved with the project. Unfortunately, the 1958 movie fell short of those expectations. The Reluctant Debutante was a premise driven story that felt longer than one hour and thirty-four minutes, due to the jokes being drawn-out. It also didn’t help how some story ideas were overlooked. When I reviewed the 1958 film, I shared how movies from the 1950s are covered so infrequently on 18 Cinema Lane. So, it’s disappointing when a production from the ‘50s is weaker than expected.

      The Hallmark Hall of Fame Award

      (Movie That Feels Like It Belongs in the Hallmark Hall of Fame Collection)

      Hallmark’s Frankenstein

      There are different kinds of stories in the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection. One kind of story is adaptations of pre-existing literature. Sometimes, “classic” literature became Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations, like The Secret Garden and A Tale of Two Cities. When these adaptations are good, they can be an immersive experience. This is how I would describe Hallmark’s Frankenstein! Due to the combination of screenwriting, acting performances, set design, and costume design, the movie made me feel like I was transported to another time and place. I also appreciate how close to the source material the 2004 television film is. Looking back on Hallmark’s Frankenstein and the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection, I’m actually surprised Mary Shelley’s novel wasn’t adapted into a Hallmark Hall of Fame project. Everything I said is why I chose Hallmark’s Frankenstein for the Hallmark Hall of Fame Award!

      The “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” Award

      (Movie Based on Source Material I Have Not Yet Read)

      I Am David

      Movies that won the “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” Award were first placed on a best films of the year list. I Am David is continuing that tradition! The 2004 film earned the top spot on my best movies list of 2024. This is the second time a number one movie of the year received the “Based on a Book I Haven’t Read Yet” Award! After I reviewed I Am David, I learned the movie was based on a book. I’m not sure how affective the story’s plot twists will be, as I already know what they are because I saw the film. However, I’d still be interested in reading I Am David someday!

      The Standing Ovation Award

      (Character Most Deserving of Receiving Their Full Potential)

      Scorpio from Christmas on Division Street

      When the Gold Sally Awards presented the Standing Ovation Award, the recipients were characters who should have received their “standing ovation”, but were denied that for various reasons. Scorpio (from Christmas on Division Street) actively worked toward getting where he wanted to go. As I said during the They Deserve an Award Award, Scorpio had limited appearances in the 1991 made-for-TV movie. Despite that, the audience learned enough about him to know what he had gone through. During this limited period of time, Scorpio attempts to overcome his obstacles. While I won’t spoil Christmas on Division Street, I will say those attempts earned Scorpio the Standing Ovation Award!

      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen