Tag: double feature

Take 3: Mask (1985) Review (Golden Double Double Feature Part 2)

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Thanks for joining me for the second part of my Golden Double Double Feature! My review of 1985’s Mask is spoiler-free. If you’d like to learn more about why I chose this year’s double feature theme, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

Announcing The Golden Double Double Feature!

Mask (1985) poster created by Universal Pictures

1. Out of the movies from Estelle Getty’s filmography, why did you select Mask?

I had no idea Estelle had starred in Mask until I saw the movie listed on her IMDB filmography. Prior to selecting it for the Golden Double Double Feature, I had heard good things about the movie. In fact, I learned about Rocky’s story as I researched the film before this review. By choosing it for this year’s double feature, I found the perfect excuse to finally check Mask out!

2. In Mask, Estelle portrays Evelyn Steinberg. How is Evelyn Steinberg similar or different from Sophia?

In Mask, Estelle portrayed Evelyn Steinberg. Evelyn is not only Rocky’s grandmother, but also the mother of Rusty (Rocky’s mom). While Evelyn is the mother of a main character like Sophia on The Golden Girls, she isn’t as outspoken or a storyteller like Sophia. Instead, Evelyn tries to keep the peace within her family and doesn’t get involved in family conflicts. She ended up receiving less screen-time in Mask than Sophia did on a typical episode of The Golden Girls.

3. Mask is based on the real-life story of Roy L. “Rocky” Dennis. Can you think of a time on The Golden Girls when real-life stories, themes, or ideas were woven into the script?

Though The Golden Girls is classified as a sit-com, the overarching story is grounded in reality, meaning the situations depicted on the show seem realistic, more often than not. One classic example is the sixth episode from the third season, ‘Letter to Gorbachev’. Because the episode aired on Halloween in 1987, that could have given The Golden Girls’ creative team an excuse to make a Halloween-themed episode. Instead, the creative team crafted a story where Rose writes a letter to both President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev sharing her thoughts on nuclear war. Because nuclear war, as well as The Cold War, were two of the most discussed issues during the 1980s, fans of The Golden Girls were probably comforted by one of their favorite characters being just as concerned as they were about these real-life subjects. Rose’s decision to write the aforementioned letters also shows viewers how anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference.

4. Was there anything about Mask you liked or didn’t like?

I said in the past how I typically don’t gravitate toward “slice of life” stories. In my opinion, these types of stories are not as intriguing as other story types. But the “slice of life” approach to storytelling worked in Mask’s favor. It presented Rocky’s story as a glimpse into his life instead of the chronological presentation most biopics adopt. This creative decision brought something different to the biopic genre. What also worked in Mask’s favor was the strength of the acting performances. Each cast member, from Cher’s portrayal of Rusty or Eric Stoltz’s portrayal of Rocky, put genuine emotion behind their performance, finding the heart of the people they’re portraying and bringing the humanity to their names. That genuineness made me feel like I was watching people living their lives instead of actors portraying another person.

As I said in answer number two, Evelyn ended up receiving less screen-time in Mask than Sophia did on a typical episode of The Golden Girls. I was disappointed by her limited amount of screen-time, as Estelle is one of the reasons why I chose to watch Mask. According to Wikipedia, Evelyn “tries to mediate the tension between her husband and her daughter”. This statement made me believe she’d play a bigger role in the story. But as I already mentioned, Evelyn received a limited amount of screen-time. Her limited involvement in the story disappointed me as well.

5. Looking back on 1985’s box office, several movies, including Mask, feature younger protagonists (children, teenagers, young adults). Yet younger characters don’t often appear on The Golden Girls. If a younger character had been included within one of the show’s scripts, what kind of story would you have pitched?

One of the sweetest moments in Mask is when Rusty, her boyfriend, Gar, and their motorcycle friends help Rocky in his time of need. Rocky is worried about not having the appropriate attire for his upcoming junior high graduation. After hearing Rocky’s concern over what to wear, Gar tells Rocky to get him a beer from the refrigerator. When Rocky opens the refrigerator, he finds a brand-new suit his mom, Gar, and the rest of the motorcycle friends pitched in to pay for. Inspired by this moment, I would have advocated for a story on The Golden Girls where Dorothy helps one of her students attend either their graduation or prom by funding one of their expenses, whether it’s attire, a ticket, or a ride to the event. Blanche, Rose, and Sophia could also help Dorothy in her effort to assist her student.

Travel suitcase image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/water-color-travel-bag-background_1177013.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.

6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

Rocky volunteers at a summer camp for blind and visually impaired youth called Camp Bloomfield. While there, he falls in love with a camper named Diana. They attend a New Year’s Eve themed camp party, which was officially called ‘New Year’s Eve in July’. While I’m familiar with the concept of ‘Christmas in July’, I’ve never heard of ‘New Year’s Eve in July’ before. This makes me wonder why the concept of ‘New Year’s Eve in July’ didn’t catch on in pop culture, let alone entertainment media?

7. Throughout The Golden Girls, cheesecake became an iconic staple of the show. What would you say is the iconic staple of Mask?

There are several good answers I could choose for this question. But, if I can select only one “iconic staple” for Mask, it would have to be Rocky’s map of Europe. Throughout the film, Rocky dreams about taking a motorcycle trip across Europe with his friend, Ben. He even places pins on the map to keep track of which cities he’d like to visit. Rocky’s map of Europe is a perfect visual representation of why dreams are important. However, the map is also a good representation of a lesson Rocky learned from one of Rusty’s motorcycle friends, Red. Rocky shares with Rusty how Red said a person’s spirit is everywhere after they pass away. This lesson, along with the map, show just how powerful the human spirit can be, even long after a person’s death.

8. The Golden Girls takes place in Miami, Florida. This location has been referenced throughout the show, from mentions within the dialogue to an entire song about the city. Does the setting in Mask impact the film’s story like Miami impacted The Golden Girls? If so, how?

Mask not only takes place in California, it was also filmed there. But this location doesn’t impact the story like Miami impacted The Golden Girls. That is because the script prioritized the connections Rocky had with the people in his life. This creative decision was reminiscent of home being more about who you share it with.

9. Mask was released on March 22nd, 1985 (six months before The Golden Girls premiered). Was there any element from the movie you think could have impacted the show?

Throughout Mask, Rocky is concerned about Rusty’s addiction to drugs. He not only places pamphlets about the subject in his home, he also directly confronts his mom about her addiction. The topic of drug addiction was woven into Mask in an honest way, realistically showing viewers how it can affect the person with the addiction as well as their family. As I mentioned in this review, the overarching story of The Golden Girls is grounded in reality, with several episodes incorporating real-life topics into the script. One example is the eighth episode from the first season, ‘Break In’. In this episode, Rose is shaken after a burglary takes place in the home she shares with Dorothy, Blanche, and Sophia. It not only gets to the point where Rose’s sleep schedule is impacted, the other “golden girls” (Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy) encourage Rose to seek counselling. To answer question number nine, I believe Mask showed the creative team behind The Golden Girls how to honestly address real-life topics in their stories.

10. After watching Mask, is there anything you can take away from your movie-viewing experience?

Mask perfectly embodies the quote, “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”. The genuineness of the acting performances helped contribute to this embodiment, showing each actor’s and actress’s portrayal as someone realistically living their life. What also contributed to this embodiment was how Rocky’s story was told. Instead of adopting a chronological presentation, the creative team behind Mask chose the “slice of life” route, giving viewers a glimpse into Rocky’s life. Like I said in answer number one, I had heard good things about the movie. Now that I’ve seen Mask, I can honestly say this praise is warranted! In fact, I’d say this is one of the best biopics I’ve ever seen. Watching this movie reminded me of Amadeus, as both biopics brought something different to the genre’s table.

The Golden Double Double Feature banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original image created by Touchstone Television, Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, 20th Television, and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Thank you for being a friend!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine Review (Golden Double Double Feature Part 1)

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Thanks for joining me for the first part of my Golden Double Double Feature! The majority of my review of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine is spoiler-free. If you’d like to learn more about why I chose this year’s double feature theme, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

Announcing The Golden Double Double Feature!

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine poster created by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, Ridini Entertainment, and CBS

1. Out of the movies from Betty White’s filmography, why did you select Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine?

When I created my Hallmark Hall of Fame tier rank list in 2020, I not only placed The Lost Valentine in the “Get It On Sale for Half Off” (a.k.a. Good) tier, I also recommended the film because of the use of flashbacks and recognition of Valentine’s Day. But it’s been over eight years since I’ve seen The Lost Valentine. While selecting the 2011 Hallmark Hall of Fame picture for this review, I didn’t know if my opinion on the film would remain the same as it was years ago. On my Year-Long Bingo Card, three of the bingo squares are “Review at least 2 Hallmark Hall of Fame films”, “Revisit a movie you haven’t seen in over 5 years”, and “Review a holiday themed movie that isn’t Christmas”. So, when I saw The Lost Valentine on Betty’s filmography, I remembered liking the movie, as well as how the movie would complete those aforementioned bingo squares.

2. In Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine, Betty portrays Caroline Thomas. How is Caroline Thomas similar or different from Rose?

On The Golden Girls, Rose Nylund is known for her innocence and naivete. These qualities add charm to Rose’s character, as well as provide some of the show’s comedic moments. Betty’s character in The Lost Valentine, Caroline Thomas, lacks Rose’s naivete for two reasons. Caroline’s experiences during World War II and even afterwards give her an awareness of how unpredictable life can truly be. Her lack of naivete also makes sense with the story itself, as The Lost Valentine is a serious drama grounded in reality.

3. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine is based on a book by James Michael Pratt. What book adaptation would you have liked to see Betty star in?

    For 2024’s Eurovisionathon readathon, I read The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald. From what I remember of the book, I could picture Betty portraying a character from that story. Katarina crafted characters that sounded and felt distinct from one another. Plus, the small-town setting seemed Hallmark-esque, creating a sense of community through dramatic and comedic character interactions. The “golden girls” have distinct personalities on The Golden Girls, allowing each character to be unique. Even though the show is classified as a sit-com, there were emotional, serious moments woven into episodes. With all that said, I think a story like The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend would have complimented Betty’s acting talents, as The Lost Valentine perfectly showcased her comedic and dramatic timing.

    4. Was there anything about Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine you liked or didn’t like?

    As I mentioned in answer number one, I recommended The Lost Valentine because of the use of flashbacks. These flashbacks added context to the events presented on screen, especially when it came to Caroline’s part of the story. Meghann Fahy portrayed Caroline’s younger self while Billy Magnussen portrayed Caroline’s husband, Neil. Both Meghann’s and Billy’s acting performance was strong. But together, their on-screen chemistry effectively sold the believability of Neil and Caroline’s relationship! What works in the favor on this relationship is the emotional depth Billy and Meghann bring. A great example is how Caroline’s and Neil’s eyes possessed the pain of being apart from each other. Watching Meghann’s and Billy’s performance felt like witnessing a couple upholding their promise of love instead of two actors simply portraying characters. I wish Billy and Meghann had been cast in more Hallmark projects together.

    Jennifer Love Hewitt stars in The Lost Valentine as a television reporter named Susan Allison. Susan received a subplot where she contemplates her future with her boyfriend, Andrew. This is one of those subplots where you know the relationship isn’t going to last because the film’s female protagonist will eventually fall in love with the male protagonist, which, in The Lost Valentine, is Caroline’s grandson, Lucas. That creative decision led to Susan’s subplot being predictable. Instead, her subplot should have prioritized her reconciliation with her family, especially since Susan mentioned toward the beginning of The Lost Valentine how she doesn’t have a strong relationship with them.

    5. The Golden Girls didn’t receive any television films (like other shows such as Little House on the Prairie, Murder, She Wrote, etc.) In your opinion, why do you think this creative decision was made?

    A typical episode of The Golden Girls is about thirty minutes long. Meanwhile, most television movies receive a run-time between an hour and thirty minutes to two hours. If a tv show’s creative team chooses to make a made-for-TV movie, they need to create a story that justifies a longer length of time. So, I’m guessing the creative team behind The Golden Girls never figured out a story that couldn’t be told in half an hour.

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    6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

    Like I said in my number one answer, it’s been over eight years since I’ve seen The Lost Valentine. Because of this, I had completely forgotten the humor woven into the story. Comedic moments sprinkled throughout the film was such a pleasant surprise for me. One of my favorite scenes was when Caroline reads a sports magazine to a group of veterans at a local hospital. While she’s talking about the New York Yankees, Caroline says she doesn’t hate the team, she just doesn’t like it when they beat a team she likes more. How that piece of dialogue was written, as well as Betty’s sweetly honest delivery, created a scene that was genuinely hilarious. Moments like the one I described alleviated some of The Lost Valentine’s heavier scenes yet never overshadowed the story’s serious subject matter.

    For this part of my review, I will spoil The Lost Valentine. If you have not seen this movie and are planning on watching it, skip ahead to question number seven.

    Toward the end of The Lost Valentine, after Caroline welcomes Neil home, she discovers rose buds growing on a rose bush in her garden. That specific rose bush was not only the first plant Caroline and Neil planted when they moved into their home, the rose bush was believed to be dead for the majority of the movie. When Caroline discovers the rose buds, she reminisces about Neil as she dances to music from the past. All of a sudden, a man who I assumed was Neil’s ghost appeared behind Caroline. After that, the hose Caroline was holding falls to the ground. But the scenes that follow are flashbacks of Caroline and Neil and scenes featuring Lucas and Susan. Is the fallen hose implying Caroline passed away, joining Neil in the afterlife? Or was Caroline so caught up in remembering the past, she dropped the hose by accident? That part of the story was, in my opinion, too open-ended for a stand-alone film. But because The Lost Valentine is based on a book, maybe the source material would provide a clearer explanation than the adaptation did.

    7. Throughout The Golden Girls, cheesecake became an iconic staple of the show. What would you say is the iconic staple of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine?

    You’d think I’d pick the titular valentine, as it plays a significant role in The Lost Valentine. But, instead, I’m choosing the red rose. When it comes to growing roses, it takes time, patience, commitment, and care. Even as Lucas wants to uproot a rose bush he believes is dead, Caroline reminds her grandson how she doesn’t give up on things that easily. These aspects perfectly represent some of the major themes of The Lost Valentine; like serving others and putting your love toward something you believe matters. Caroline’s rose bush also provides the story with a nice full-circle moment.

    8. The Hallmark Hall of Fame collection overlapped with The Golden Girls (in terms of existence). Why do you think Hallmark Hall of Fame didn’t try to capitalize on the popularity of the “golden girls”?

    From 1979 to 2011, Hallmark Hall of Fame movies aired on CBS. The Golden Girls existed on NBC. While Hallmark Hall of Fame and The Golden Girls overlapped (between 1985 to 1992), there were two to four Hallmark Hall of Fame films released per year, implying tighter production schedules. Though a typical season of The Golden Girls ran from September to May, a certain amount of time needed to be set aside to film episodes, especially since The Golden Girls was filmed in front of a live studio audience. These factors may have made casting any of the “golden girls” in a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation difficult, but not impossible. However, trying to accommodate any of the “golden girls” schedules could have affected the schedules of the other cast and crew members of a Hallmark Hall of Fame project.

    9. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine was released in 2011 (19 years after The Golden Girls ended). Is there any element from the movie you wish was incorporated on the show?

      One of the overarching themes of The Lost Valentine is serving others. A great example is when Caroline visits veterans at a local hospital. On The Golden Girls, there were two episodes involving veterans; ‘From Here to the Pharmacy’ and ‘Charlie’s Buddy’. However, these episodes prioritized Rose’s and Blanche’s attempt to finding romance. As far as I know, there wasn’t an episode of The Golden Girls where the “golden girls” took the time to honor veterans. Therefore, I wish this type of story had been incorporated on the show. One example is the “golden girls” volunteering at an Honor Flight ceremony.

      10. After watching Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine, is there anything you can take away from your movie-viewing experience?

      For years, Hallmark’s motto has been “When you care enough to send the very best”. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine perfectly represents that motto! The amount of care that Caroline put into waiting for Neil is a beautiful display of putting the needs of others before oneself, one of the major themes of The Lost Valentine. Other parts of the story represent this theme as well, such as Susan’s quest to find the truth about Neil’s whereabouts. By revisiting the 2011 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, I was reminded why I like it. Strong elements, such as the acting performances and the screenwriting, made my movie-viewing experience enjoyable. I was also reminded of things I had completely forgotten, like the humor woven into the story. As I said in this review, the comedic moments alleviated some of The Lost Valentine’s heavier scenes yet never overshadowed the story’s serious subject matter. This is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that still holds up, even fifteen years later. Therefore, it will stay in the “Get It On Sale for Half Off” (a.k.a. Good) tier of my Hallmark Hall of Fame tier rank list!

      The Golden Double Double Feature banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original image created by Touchstone Television, Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, 20th Television, and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

      Thank you for being a friend!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Announcing The Golden Double Double Feature!

      On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

      When I publish one hundred posts, I create a double feature as one of 18 Cinema Lane’s traditions. My review of Autumn Sonata achieved the aforementioned milestone by becoming my one thousandth published post! But this was not the only milestone my Autumn Sonata review reached. That would also be becoming my four hundred and fiftieth published movie review! Because one post accomplished both milestones, I decided to do something different for this double feature. Instead of reviewing two movies, I’ll be reviewing four of them. As I thought about possible double feature themes, I came to a realization. Each of the “golden girls” (Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty) has a filmography. So, for this double feature, I will cover movies featuring the stars of The Golden Girls! These films will be Mame, Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine, The Little Match Girl, and Mask.

      The Golden Double Double Feature banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original image created by Touchstone Television, Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, 20th Television, and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

      Thank you for being a friend!

      Sally Silverscreen

      That’s a Wrap for my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      Now we’ve come to the end of another double feature, as both chosen titles, Young at Heart and An Old Fashioned Christmas, have been watched and reviewed! In the introduction, I brought up the following question:

      Did these two movies deserve a second chance?

      For my answer, I’ll say Young at Heart was more deserving of a second chance than An Old Fashioned Christmas. With Young at Heart, I not only received an opportunity to check out more projects from Frank Sinatra’s and Alan Hale Jr.’s filmography, I was also given an official introduction to Doris Day’s movies. I found a good excuse to see more musicals, as well as films from the 1950s. Overall, I enjoyed Young at Heart more than Hallmark’s 2010 presentation. As someone who loves An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, the sequel left a lot to be desired. Despite being titled An Old Fashioned Christmas, the film didn’t feel like a Christmas film. Instead of prioritizing the messages and themes of the holiday, the script primarily focused on stories that could have taken place any time of year. It also doesn’t help how so much of the story revolves around a love triangle. Looking back on An Old Fashioned Christmas, it makes me wonder if the sequel’s poorer quality, as well as becoming forgotten by time and Hallmark themselves, is the reason why I’ve, more often than not, seen DVD copies of the movie included in Christmas movie box sets?

      Christmas themed movie tickets image created by Kraphix at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/movie-tickets-christmas_971544.htm’>Designed by Kraphix</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Kraphix – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Take 3: An Old Fashioned Christmas Review (Second Chance Christmas Double Feature Part 2)

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      Thank you for joining me for the second part of my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature! Unlike my review of Hallmark’s Frankenstein, this review of An Old Fashioned Christmas will contain a few spoilers. If you’re curious about why I chose An Old Fashioned Christmas  for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

      Coming Soon to a Blog Near You; The Second Chance Christmas Double Feature!

      An Old Fashioned Christmas poster created by RHI Entertainment, The Government of Ireland, Parallel Film Productions, MNG Films, Muse Entertainment Enterprises, and Hallmark Channel

      1. How were you introduced to An Old Fashioned Christmas and why was it selected for this double feature?

      I have declared An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving as one of my favorite Hallmark movies. Years ago, when I discovered the 2008 film received a sequel, I was eager to check that movie out. But as time went on, Hallmark gave the sequel fewer airings during their Christmas line-ups, making it more difficult to watch the film. I’ve always looked for the right time to write about An Old Fashioned Christmas. I even included it on two lists; 2022’s top ten movies I’d love to review and 2023’s top ten Christmas movies I’d love to review. On both lists, I said I found a few DVD copies of the 2010 title. But, more often than not, these DVDs were included in Christmas movie box sets, which, typically, are expensive. Fortunately, An Old Fashioned Christmas was uploaded on Youtube, which is how I watched it.

      2. You’ve mentioned An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving being one of your favorite Hallmark movies. Did An Old Fashioned Christmas contain any elements that made you like the 2008 film?

      One of the reasons why I love An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving is how immersive the production is! The attention to detail and historical accuracy created the illusion of taking the audience to another time and place. This same strength was found in An Old Fashioned Christmas! One simple, yet effective, example were the props. Anytime Tilly and Isabella shared a meal with the Shannon family, the table was covered with fine china dishes, crystal goblet-style glasses, and even a shiny silver teapot. These specific props reflected the story’s time period, which appears to be the late 1800s. They also symbolized the prestigious family history of the Shannons.

      3. Is the theme of “second chances” incorporated in An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story? If so, how?

      One of the reasons why Tilly wanted to travel to Ireland was to meet her father’s side of the family. After she gets to know her paternal grandfather and uncle, Tilly writes a letter in the hopes Isabella will make amends with Sean (Tilly’s grandfather). So, in An Old Fashioned Christmas, not only is Tilly given a second chance to connect with her father’s side of the family, Isabella received a second chance to build a bridge between herself and Tilly’s grandfather.

      4. Was there anything about An Old Fashioned Christmas you liked or didn’t like?

      Similar to Young at Heart, the dialogue was one of the best parts of An Old Fashioned Christmas! Because of the thought and effort put into this film-making aspect, conversations between characters sounded intelligent and eloquent. During breakfast one morning, Lady Shannon asks, “Wouldn’t it be lovely for Americans to have titles”? This question relates to how her son, Cameron, will become an Earl someday. Isabella responds by saying, “Actually, we do. We all share the same title: American”. The way Isabella answered Lady Shannon’s question carried a sense of confidence and grace, simply stating a major difference between her world and the world of the Shannon family. I also thought Isabella’s response to Lady Shannon’s question was pretty clever.

      Speaking of Lady Shannon’s son, Cameron, I found him to be the worst character in An Old Fashioned Christmas. He always acted like he had something to prove. Plus, Cameron attempted to get the last word in every argument or conversation. The longer I watched An Old Fashioned Christmas, the more annoying Cameron became. I recognize the film’s creative team was trying to create a male character different from Gad (Tilly’s fiancé). However, this goal can be achieved without making that male character completely unlikable.

      Blue sparkly Christmas tree image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/frame”>Frame vector created by Macrovector – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/merry-christmas-card_2875396.htm’>Designed by Macrovector</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

      5. On 18 Cinema Lane, you’ve covered plenty of Christmas films. How is An Old Fashioned Christmas similar to or different from other Christmas pictures written about on your blog?

      As I answered for question number three, meeting her father’s side of the family was the reason Tilly wanted to travel to Ireland. Like I also answered for question number four, Isabella responded to Lady Shannon’s question by stating Americans share the same title: American. The story of an American protagonist traveling to Ireland to learn more about her father’s side of the family felt very reminiscent of Christmas at Castle Hart. Another similarity these films share is how a majority of their stories take place in an Irish castle.

      6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

      What makes An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving such a great movie is how the story embraces the Thanksgiving holiday. The film boasts a Thanksgiving dinner and showcases themed decorations, like a handmade blanket. But the 2008 picture also weaves the messages and themes of the holiday into the story and dialogue, truly making An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving feel like a Thanksgiving movie. An Old Fashioned Christmas definitely looked like a Christmas movie, as decorations and themed activities were sprinkled throughout the film. However, it did not feel like a Christmas picture. That’s because the majority of the story emphasized the love triangle between Tilly, Gad, and Cameron. An Old Fashioned Christmas is a Hallmark presentation where the protagonist says they are going to do something, but spends the majority of the film not doing what they said they were going to do. One of the reasons for Tilly and Isabella’s trip to Ireland was for the Earl of Shannon to mentor Tilly in her writing, in the hopes of getting Tilly’s work published. But throughout the one hour and fifteen-minute movie, Tilly barely accomplishes any writing goals. In fact, the only writing Tilly does is composing letters to her mother.

      7. How would the story of An Old Fashioned Christmas change if it revolved around another holiday?

      I just mentioned for question number six how the majority of An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story emphasized the love triangle between Tilly, Gad, and Cameron. Other stories, such as the Earl of Shannon mentoring Tilly, didn’t really have anything to do with the Christmas holiday. Therefore, changing the plot of An Old Fashioned Christmas to another time of year wouldn’t make a difference.

      8. Did An Old Fashioned Christmas deserve a second chance? If so, why?

      Now that I have seen An Old Fashioned Christmas, this is, honestly, a tough question to answer. On the one hand, I received some closure for how the story continues after An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving. I also developed my own, honest opinion about the sequel. But, on the other hand, An Old Fashioned Christmas, kind of, let me down. The Christmas holiday almost seems like an afterthought in the 2010 title. There were underutilized aspects of the story, like Tilly pursuing her writing dreams. So, to answer this question, I’m thankful I received an opportunity to check out An Old Fashioned Christmas. However, I don’t think it was worth the wait.

      9. After watching An Old Fashioned Christmas, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?

      If you ignore the fact An Old Fashioned Christmas was created as a sequel to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, this is an ok film. The attention to detail and historical accuracy create a visually immersive experience. The dialogue was also well written and delivered. But if you intend to watch An Old Fashioned Christmas as a sequel to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, you will be underwhelmed. With Tilly, Gad, and Isabella as the only returning characters, the family dynamic between Tilly’s family and Isabella is absent. Like I said for questions number six and seven, the majority of An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story emphasizes the love triangle between Gad, Tilly, and Cameron. It did not help that Cameron was such an unlikable character. Honestly, this movie will likely be a one-time watch for me. Since I still love An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, I’ll just stick with the 2008 picture.

      Irish heart image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/label”>Label vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Take 3: Young at Heart Review (Second Chance Christmas Double Feature Part 1)

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      Thank you for joining me for the first part of my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature! Similar to last year’s review of I Am David, my review of Young at Heart is spoiler-free. If you’re curious about why I chose Young at Heart for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

      Coming Soon to a Blog Near You; The Second Chance Christmas Double Feature!

      Young at Heart poster created by Arwin Productions and Warner Bros.

      1. How were you introduced to Young at Heart and why was it selected for this double feature?

      I was introduced to Young at Heart back in January of 2020, through a recommendation from Maddy (of the blog, Maddy Loves Her Classic Films). Several months later, I received another recommendation for Young at Heart. This time, the suggestion came from Moviecriticqueen (of the blog, Movies Meet Their Match). For five years, this movie has stayed on my movie recommendation board on Pinterest. But I have tried to find the right opportunity to write about the film. When I participated in the Sixth Annual Barrymore Trilogy Blogathon, I was originally going to review two movies; Young at Heart and Twentieth Century. Due to technical difficulties, I only had time to write about one film, which I selected the 1934 title. In 2021, I wanted to participate in the Star/Genre Of The Month Blogathon, as January’s featured star was Doris Day. But a busy schedule prevented me from joining the event.

      2. You discovered Young at Heart was a Christmas movie after you learned more about the film on IMDB. What else have you discovered about the 1954 picture?

      While watching Young at Heart, I discovered Alan Hale Jr. portrayed a character named Bob. Those familiar with their television history would recognize Alan from his starring role (‘Skipper’) on Gilligan’s Island. I will admit the only projects from his filmography I’ve seen are Gilligan’s Island and The North Avenue Irregulars. Even though I’m more familiar with Alan’s appearances on Gilligan’s Island, it was a pleasant surprise to see him star in a different medium!

      3. Is the theme of “second chances” incorporated in Young at Heart’s story? If so, how?

      Yes, specifically in Barney’s part of the story! When he’s introduced in Young at Heart, Barney (portrayed by Frank Sinatra) is a very pessimistic man. He feels no matter what he does, he will never find success. Throughout the film, one of the few people who believes in Barney is Doris Day’s character, Laurie. During their initial meeting, Laurie tells Barney how anyone can control their own fate. She also encourages him to complete one of his songs. By befriending Barney, Laurie gave him a second chance to prove how valuable he is. Without spoiling the movie, Laurie and Barney’s friendship pays off!

      4. Was there anything about Young at Heart you liked or didn’t like?

      One of the best aspects of Young at Heart was the dialogue! The writing and delivery were so sharp and witty, it made interactions between the characters interesting! When Barney first arrives at the Tuttle family’s house, he meets Aunt Jessie. During their conversation, Barney nonchalantly asks Aunt Jessie what kind of aunt she is. With a stern tone in her voice, Aunt Jessie promptly tells him her name came first and the curtains came later. This simple exchange between Aunt Jessie and Barney shows some of their character development, as well as the dynamic these characters share.

      As I answered for question number three, Barney is a very pessimistic man who believes he can’t find success. I recognize how overcoming insecurities and doubts takes time. But, in Young at Heart, Barney spends most of the movie being pessimistic. He doesn’t change his perspective until the end of the film. This creative choice made Barney a static character. I wish his transformation had gradually taken place over the course of the story.

      Adorable Christmas card image created by Rawpixel.com at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-greeting-card-vector_2824854.htm’>Designed by Rawpixel.com</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Rawpixel.com – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

      5. On 18 Cinema Lane, you’ve covered plenty of Christmas films. How is Young at Heart similar to or different from other Christmas pictures written about on your blog?

      It is true that Christmas has a place in Young at Heart. However, the story spans over the course of several months. This means only a portion of the movie is set during Christmas. So, if I had to compare Young at Heart to any of the Christmas films I’ve reviewed, it would be Meet Me in St. Louis. The 1944 movie not only takes place over a year, there is one scene set during Christmas.

      6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

      As I was watching Young at Heart, I found moments of irony when it came to Barney. When Barney first meets Laurie, he talks about serving in the military during World War II. This reminded me of how Frank’s character, Clarence “Brooklyn” Doolittle, was in the Navy in Anchors Aweigh. During his conversation with Laurie, Barney says he’s never created a hit song. Throughout Frank’s career, he had several hit songs to his name. One notable example is “New York, New York”, which has become the unofficial theme song for New Year’s in Times Square. Any time Barney performed at a restaurant, the patrons didn’t pay him any attention. I’d like to think if Frank had shown up at any restaurant, most of the patrons would have stopped what they were doing to focus on Frank.

      7. How would the story of Young at Heart change if it revolved around another holiday?

      Like I answered for question number five, Young at Heart spans over the course of several months, with Christmas playing a role in only a portion of the movie. Therefore, I don’t think the story would change much had another holiday served as the primary focus.

      8. Did Young at Heart deserve a second chance? If so, why?

      I do believe Young at Heart deserved a second chance! By finally checking this movie out, it gave me an opportunity to see more projects from Frank Sinatra’s and Alan Hale Jr.’s filmography. Young at Heart also became my introduction to Doris Day’s films, as I had never seen any of her movies before 2025.

      9. After watching Young at Heart, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?

      Young at Heart and The Chalk Garden share one thing in common; a character-driven story that works because of the strength of the cast. But a major difference between these films is how Young at Heart’s script is more “slice of life”. There were conflicts woven into the story. However, these conflicts were either abandoned or resolved at the very end of the movie. I wish Young at Heart had put a little more emphasis on problem-solving among the characters. Another thing The Chalk Garden and Young at Heart have in common is the dialogue, as it was well-written and delivered in both films. There was, clearly, thought and effort put into this film-making component, which made interactions between characters interesting. While I found The Chalk Garden good, Young at Heart was, in my opinion, just fine. The 1954 production could be used as an introduction to Doris Day’s filmography.

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Coming Soon to a Blog Near You; The Second Chance Christmas Double Feature!

      On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

      Whenever I publish one hundred posts, I commemorate the achievement by creating a double feature! The two movies are chosen based on a shared theme. My 900th post was a Comparing with the Critics introduction to 1976. But my review of The Chalk Garden is what inspired this edition’s double feature. When I reviewed the 1964 film earlier this month, I talked about receiving a second chance to write about the movie. This opportunity caused me to think about other titles I’ve been meaning to check out. Looking back on all the blogathons I participated in, I realized I still haven’t seen 1954’s Young at Heart. Upon discovering it was a Christmas movie, I immediately found the perfect excuse to finally see An Old Fashioned Christmas. After selecting and watching these films, I will try to answer the following question:

      Did these two movies deserve a second chance?

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Concluding my Double Feature: 2004 Edition

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      It’s time to wrap up another double feature, as both chosen titles, Hallmark’s Frankenstein and I Am David, have now been watched and reviewed! In the introduction, I brought up the following question:

      Based on these two movies, how has the cinematic landscape changed in twenty years?

      Looking back on each movie, a realization came to me. One thing I Am David and Hallmark’s Frankenstein have in common is the timelessness each story contains. It also helps how these stories are more straight-forward, which makes it easier for the audience to understand what is happening on screen. Realizing these statements could also be applied to The Polar Express, my answer to the aforementioned question is how, back in 2004, it seems like there was a desire on the cinematic landscape to create timeless entertainment. Now, twenty years later, studios and film companies are competing with one another to make the most relevant titles possible. On the current cinematic landscape, it’s all about capitalizing on trends and fads, creating titles for the here and the now. The problem with this film-making approach is how five, even ten plus years from that movie’s release, that movie will be dated on arrival. This film-making approach also makes movies seem more disposable instead of a long-lasting product with more opportunities to be revisited.

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

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

      On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

      Thank you for joining me for the first part of Double Feature: 2004 Edition! Similar to last year’s review of The Great Muppet Caper, my review of I Am David is spoiler-free. If you’re curious about why I chose I Am David for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

      Introducing my Double Feature: 2004 Edition!

      I Am David poster created by Walden Media, Film and General Productions, Lionsgate Films, Artisan Entertainment, and David Productions Ltd.

      1. What are your thoughts on 2004 as a cinematic year?

      When I look back on the cinematic landscape of 2004, my first thought is how studios and film companies were more willing to create stand-alone productions. Twenty years ago, about fifteen sequels were released in theaters. In 2024, that number has increased, with about twenty-three sequels scheduled to premiere. My second thought about 2004 is how creativity was celebrated at the box office. The Polar Express, the reason why this double feature exists, was the tenth highest grossing film of 2004. Even though that movie was based on a pre-existing book, the production was not a remake or a sequel of a preceding film. Plus, The Polar Express brought something new to the cinematic table, as the movie was created through motion-capture technology.

      2. I Am David was released on December 3rd, 2004 (around “award season”). Why do you think the film was overlooked on the award circuit?

      The 77th Academy Awards was a televised event. This means those involved with the creation of the show had to make decisions that would increase or maintain higher viewership numbers. Million Dollar Baby, the movie that won Best Picture, was a film the majority of the Academy Awards’ audience had either heard of or seen. The movie was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Hilary Swank, two actors this same Academy Awards audience were familiar with. Because I Am David premiered around the same time as Million Dollar Baby and lacked the star power Million Dollar Baby had, I Am David became overshadowed by a bigger, more popular production.

      2004 was when The Passion of the Christ made waves at the box office. Becoming the third highest grossing film of that year, it earned the distinction of being one of the most successful faith-based movies in history. Similar to Million Dollar Baby, The Passion of the Christ contained star power, directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel. I wouldn’t go so far as to call I Am David a faith-based movie. However, elements of faith are woven into the story. While Jim Caviezel stars in I Am David, his presence in this film is very limited. With all that said, I Am David became overshadowed by another big, more popular title.

      3. Is there anything about I Am David you liked or didn’t like?

      The story of I Am David revolves around the titular character escaping from a Bulgarian labor camp in 1952. Throughout his journey, David takes refuge in the natural landscape surrounding him. The natural environment in this film serves two purposes; protecting David and giving him a gateway to freedom. A peaceful scene where he casually walks through a tunnel of trees beautifully captures this idea, providing a symbolic light at the end of the tunnel. The importance given to Europe’s natural landscape allows it to become its own character, with the elements, more often than not, working in David’s favor. It also showcases a side of Europe that could be easily taken for granted.

      I Am David is a story where the audience learns more about David as the film progresses. While this keeps the audience invested in the film, this creative decision means answers aren’t provided until toward the end of the movie. On the one hand, I, kind of, wish some of the revelations about David were revealed sooner. But, on the other hand, major questions were answered within two plot twists that I found effective. Even though the longer wait for answers is a flaw, I was able to, for the most part, overlook it because of the strength of the plot twists.

      4. In your Word on the Street story about a potential sequel for The Polar Express, you mentioned the technology that was applied to the film. Could you detect any technology incorporated into I Am David?

      As far as I could tell, I didn’t sense any technology within I Am David other than cinematography, sound, and editing. Because of the nature of the movie, though, I don’t think technological film-making techniques were necessary.

      Italian countryside image created by Bill Silvermintz at freeimages.com. “FreeImages.com/Bill Silvermintz.” Photo by <a href=”/photographer/edudflog-58908″>Bill Silvermintz</a> from <a href=”https://freeimages.com/”>FreeImages</a&gt;.

      5. I Am David is based on a book published in the 1960s. Has the entertainment industry changed its approach to adapting pre-established stories?

      Throughout 2004, about twenty adaptations based on literature premiered in theaters. Out of those twenty, eleven adaptations contained a built-in audience for a variety of reasons. Observing which movies are scheduled to premiere in 2024, the entertainment industry is, once again, choosing source material with a built-in audience. But now this selection process has expanded beyond literature; with movies, tv shows, and popular characters receiving their own adaptations. Even though there were productions in 2004 based on popular IPs (intellectual properties), the number of adaptations based on IPs has doubled in twenty years, with about 44 of 2024’s films fitting this criterion. One of these films is the musical remake of Mean Girls. While the original movie was based on the book, Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, the remake is based on the 2004 film.

      6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

      I didn’t develop any questions while watching I Am David. But as I followed the story, I took note of the film’s exploration of light and darkness. When the film begins, David attempts his escape from the labor camp. This scene is intense, emphasizing David’s dire situation through limited lighting, cinematography, and music. Flashbacks are sprinkled throughout the story, showing only enough harshness to get the point across. When the lighter moments appear in the movie, they feel earned, taking place after David experiences a trial in his journey. Primarily showcased in bright lights and with peaceful, even cheery music playing in the background, these lighter moments address how our world can be a beautiful place. Showing the light and darkness taking place in the world, especially in Europe post World War II, is a more balanced way of presenting the environment surrounding David.

      7. On Ebert & Roeper, I Am David was not covered. Why do you think the movie was omitted from the show?

      Ebert & Roeper, one of the iterations of At the Movies, was a nationally televised program. Smaller titles with limited releases were sometimes featured on the show. But the types of movies that populated the program were mainstream productions with widespread releases. This decision was likely made to maintain the show’s viewership, similar to the aforementioned 77th Academy Awards. The choice to emphasize more mainstream films was also probably made to provide the show’s audience with a chance to check out the movies brought up on the show, as those titles would be showing in more theaters.

      8. Now that it’s been twenty years since I Am David premiered, has the movie stood the test of time or become a product of its time?

      This film has definitely stood the test of time! A major reason for this is due to the timeless, universal messages woven into the script. Perseverance, trying to find the goodness in our world, and kindness progressing the journey forward are messages most people can appreciate. These messages may also inspire audience members to apply them to their own lives.

      9. After watching I Am David, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?

      If I could describe I Am David in one word, it would be ‘genuine’. Every aspect of this film, from the acting performances to the screenwriting, allowed the story of David and his journey to be told with genuine emotion and sincerity! Creative decisions were delivered as pleasant surprises for me, such as the plot twists that caught me off guard. I was really impressed by the inclusion of Europe’s natural landscape, given enough emphasis to be its own character. The exploration of light and darkness provided a more balanced perspective on David’s world. I Am David is a movie I wish had been nominated during “award season”. In fact, I wish more people knew about this film! But if someone wanted to watch I Am David, I would suggest watching it knowing as little information about the story as possible, as I don’t want the film’s aforementioned plot twists to be spoiled for first time viewers.

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Introducing my Double Feature: 2004 Edition!

      On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

      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?

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen