Tag: historical fiction

A Movie Blogger’s Ten “Hot Takes” on Film

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

Back in August, I published my review of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Face to Face. That article became my 425th published movie review. Then, when I published my review of Kind Hearts and Coronets, it became my 950th published post. To honor these milestones, I’m creating a type of list I have never written before. Over the seven years 18 Cinema Lane has existed, I have shared some of my “hot takes” on film. However, I haven’t created a list exclusively about movie “hot takes”. That is why, for this list, I will address my film related “hot takes” I didn’t previously discuss on my blog. This decision was made to keep the list itself fresh and interesting. I will also organize each “hot take” based on how “hot” each take could be perceived. Before I begin this list, I’d like to state how my list is not intended to be mean-spirited or negative. It’s just simply a way to express my opinion.

Campfire with marshmellows and shooting stars image created by macrovector at freepik.com.

10. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Should Have Been a Christmas Movie

I’m not saying Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit is a bad movie. I’m not even saying it’s a bad sequel, as I respect how the script tries to tell a new story instead of attempting to recapture the magic of the first film. However, I do believe it was a huge missed opportunity not to have Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit set during Christmas. I can picture Saint Katherine’s Parish, the church featured in the first movie, beautifully decked out in Christmas adornments. And can you imagine what Christmas songs like ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Away in a Manger’, and ‘Joy to the World’ would have sounded like under Deloris’/Sister Mary Clarence’s leadership? If those versions were even half as good as the songs were in Sister Act, the audience would have been in for a musical treat! Though there’s no guarantee making Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit a Christmas movie would have made it better or just as good as its predecessor. Therefore, this is the mildest “hot take” on my list.

9. Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones Should Have Shared More Screen-Time Together in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

One of my favorite movie scenes of all time is Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ interaction in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Not only does this scene recontextualize everything the audience knew about Calypso/Tia Dalma up until that point, Naomie Harris and Bill Nighy’s on-screen chemistry made the attraction between Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones believable. This attraction makes me wish they shared more screen-time together. Throughout Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ interaction, issues are left unresolved and words are left unspoken. Yet their love for each other is still evident. Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones should have received an opportunity to resolve their issues and honestly communicate with one another. But in a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End with so many moving parts to it, aspects of the story like Calypso/Tia Dalma and Davy Jones’ relationship were overlooked.

8. Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s Story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Should Have Been an Adaptation of Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex

For this year’s Eurovisionathon readathon, I read Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex. As I read the graphic novel, I couldn’t help but feel the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) missed a great opportunity to adapt this story. Based on what I know about the MCU, mentor figures aren’t common. Agatha Harkness could have provided mentorship to Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch like she did in the graphic novel, helping guide her throughout Phase 2 and beyond. Adapting Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex would have given the MCU a reason to weave Serbian and Roma culture into Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s, as well as Pietro Maximoff/Quicksilver’s, narrative. Themes of family, identity, and what it truly means to be a superhero could have also been explored. While I haven’t seen any of the MCU’s projects after Avengers: Endgame, I have heard of the directions Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch’s story have taken. Had Scarlet Witch, Vol. 3: The Final Hex been adapted, maybe her story would have been better than what the audience received.

7. Cheryl Frasier from Miss Congeniality is More Intelligent Than Most People Give Her Credit For

The “April 25th” scene from Miss Congeniality is one of the most quotable and meme-able moments in film history. This scene is how most people know Cheryl Frasier (a.k.a. Miss Rhode Island), one of the story’s key characters. The moment where Cheryl chooses “April 25th” as her answer for her idea of a perfect date is presented as giving the wrong answer. Though whenever I think of this scene, I see it very differently. In an interview/question segment of a pageant, contestants must utilize their time wisely to earn enough points to progress to the next segment. With that said, Cheryl utilized critical thinking skills, logic, and looking outside the box to not only select her iconic answer, but to also come up with an explanation for that answer all within a limited period of time. Plus, I can understand how she would describe a date on the calendar, as the question is vague enough to be interpreted in different ways. This is one of the best examples from Miss Congeniality of Cheryl being more intelligent than most people give her credit for.

6. Pennywise from Stephen King’s IT (1990) is More Annoying Than Scary

Years ago, I saw Stephen King’s IT for the first time. But I found the experience underwhelming. One contributor was how Pennywise was more annoying than scary. While there were horrifying moments involving Pennywise, these moments were far and few between. One scene that always comes to mind is when Pennywise is in a library. In this scene, he was so over-the-top, loud, and obnoxious, his act got old really fast. I couldn’t take Pennywise seriously as a horror movie villain, as his silliness made him less threatening. Even in the film’s climax, his role was such a let-down, sucking all the suspense out of that scene. Tim Curry, the actor who portrayed Pennywise, is not at fault because he tried his best with the acting material provided. The fault lies with the director and screenwriters of Stephen King’s IT.

Group of Christmas figures image created by Pikisuperstar at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Pikisuperstar – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-cute-christmas-character_3188970.htm’>Designed by Pikisuperstar</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

5. Gabby Gabby from Toy Story 4 is a Poorly Written Character

When I saw Toy Story 4 in 2019, I thought Gabby Gabby was a poorly written character. Six years later, I still feel this way about her. It seemed like the creative team behind Toy Story 4 couldn’t decide if Gabby Gabby should be the story’s villain, anti-hero, or simply misunderstood. So, instead of giving her one role and sticking to that creative decision, the creative team gave her all three roles. When Gabby Gabby received a redemption arc, I didn’t feel that was earned. How am I supposed to root for her when I don’t even know what her true role in this story is supposed to be? Last year, when I published my list of ten movie trends I don’t understand, I explained how adopting the ‘villains receiving the spotlight’ trend gives the audience mixed messages and makes villainous characters less straight-forward. Reflecting on that list and Toy Story 4, I wonder if how Gabby Gabby was written is the result of that trend?

4. ‘Elizabeth’ is the Most Overused Name in Historical Fiction/Period Drama Movies and TV Shows

In 2019, I created a list of the top ten worst clichés from Hallmark movies. The clichés featured in that list were those that were poorly or overly used. If I created a similar list about the worst clichés from historical fiction/period drama movies, characters named ‘Elizabeth’ would be near the top of the list. Personally, I find it hard to believe directors, producers, and screenwriters would keep selecting ‘Elizabeth’ despite having thousands of names at their disposal. The name, ‘Elizabeth’, keeps finding its way into scripts no matter the story’s time period. Some examples include Felicity: An American Girl Adventure, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, any version of Pride and Prejudice, and When Calls the Heart’s Christmas/seasonal films. This specific cliché is also present among historical fiction/period drama tv shows, ranging from Emily of New Moon to The Waltons. I don’t know when the cliché started being utilized or if it will ever stop. But if someone is considering creating a historical fiction/period drama movie or tv show, I hope they think outside the box when it’s time to name their characters.

3. I Don’t Find National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Funny

I’ve only seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation once. Though it’s been years since I’ve seen it, I didn’t find it funny. I don’t remember laughing at any joke. Even when I see clips of the movie in other pieces of media, it doesn’t get a reaction out of me. I’m aware how comedy, as well as film itself, is subjective. But I just don’t understand the hype around National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. If I revisited the movie, maybe I’d change my mind on it. For now, though, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is not a must-watch title for me this Christmas season.

2. Bucky Barnes Should Have Received His Own Superhero Title Instead of Becoming the Next Captain America

Around the time Avengers: Infinity War was released, I was one of those fans who wanted to see Bucky Barnes become the next Captain America. I even expressed this wish in my very first movie blogger’s Christmas wish-list. But looking back almost ten years since Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers:Endgame premiered, I believe instead of becoming the next Captain America, Bucky should have received his own superhero title. As he grew into it over time, Bucky could have shaped this brand-new title to become truly his. So, when people think of that specific title, they’ll think of Bucky and vice versa. There would be no preconceived ideas or expectations due to the lack of comparisons to measure Bucky to. With his own superhero title, he could have received official Avenger status as well, which is why I wanted Bucky to become the next Captain America in the first place. I know he took up Captain America’s shield in Marvel’s comics. However, Bucky adopting his own, unique superhero identity would have added a fascinating chapter to Phases 4 and 5.

1. The Breakfast Club and Clue are Two of the Most Overrated Movies of the 1980s

It’s been years since I’ve seen The Breakfast Club or Clue. But from what I remember, I wasn’t a fan of either title. The Breakfast Club contained way too much swearing for my liking and I found its story too simplistic. When it came to Allison Reynolds’ reason for being in detention, the script was building up to what ended up being an underwhelming revelation. Meanwhile, in Clue, I laughed at only one joke throughout the entire film. The movie prioritized showing the characters running around and yelling/screaming at each other, which I find less hilarious and more headache-inducing. Having multiple endings based on when and where someone saw the film might work at the movie theater. Including all three endings in Clue, however, not only felt overwhelming, it also felt like the movie’s creative team couldn’t decide which ending best fit their script, leaving that ultimate decision to the audience. Perhaps if I revisited The Breakfast Club or Clue, my opinion on these titles might change. As of the publication of this list, though, I find Clue and The Breakfast Club overrated.

Avengers: Endgame Bucky Barnes poster created by The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Studios. © Disney•Pixar. All rights reserved. Marvel and Avengers Characters: ©2017 Marvel. Image found at https://www.marvel.com/articles/movies/mcu-heroes-unveil-avengers-endgame-character-posters

What are your thoughts on my movie “hot takes”? Do you have a film related “hot take” you’d like to share? Please tell me in the comment section below!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: The Comedy of Terrors (1963) Review

On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

In my review of the Diagnosis Murder episode, “Guardian Angel”, I mentioned how I’ve accepted movie recommendations from my readers. These recommendations have, sometimes, made great selections for blogathons. Four years ago, when I reviewed House of the Long Shadows, Patricia (from Caftan Woman) suggested several films starring Vincent Price. One of those titles was 1963’s The Comedy of Terrors. Since then, I have been waiting for the right time to create a review for this movie. With The Comedy of Terrors fitting the criteria for the 3rd Annual Spooky Classic Movie Blogathon, I knew I had found a perfect entry for the event!It’s become an unofficial tradition on 18 Cinema Lane to review at least one of Vincent’s movies every year. Since 2019, when I wrote about The Whales of August, eleven of Vincent’s films have received a review on my blog. While some of his movies have been more enjoyable than others, I can honestly say I haven’t seen a movie of his that I would consider “bad”. So, how does Comedy of Terrors compare to Vincent’s other films? Find out by reading my review!

The Comedy of Terrors (1963) poster created by Alta Vista Productions and American International Pictures (AIP)

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: When you see Vincent Price’s name attached to a given film, there’s a chance you’re going to see Vincent give a solid acting performance. That was certainly the case in The Comedy of Terrors! What makes Vincent such a strong actor is his adaptability. Portraying an undertaker named Trumbull, Vincent successfully transformed his expressions and emotions based on his character’s situation. One evening, Trumbull was counting a large collection of coins. He displays a big smile on his face and also appears in a relaxed sitting position. When his wife, Amaryllis, comes into the room and asks him a question, Trumbull’s demeanor quickly changes. His sharp tone suggests deep irritation, with a disapproving frown to match. This change in attitude is consistent with Trumbull’s dislike for Amaryllis.

Prior to reviewing The Comedy of Terrors, I had seen two of Basil Rathbone’s movies; The Great Mouse Detective and Bathing Beauty. Because only one of these movies was a live-action production, I didn’t know what to expect from his portrayal of Mr. Black. However, I was impressed with Basil’s performance in The Comedy of Terrors! Some scenes show Mr. Black reciting one of Shakespeare’s plays. The first time the audience sees Mr. Black reciting Shakespeare’s work is when Felix (portrayed by Peter Lorre) breaks into Mr. Black’s home. In this particular scene, Mr. Black displays an animated demeanor throughout his reenactment. The way he confidently recited Shakespeare’s words gave this reenactment a sense of grandeur. Reflecting on Basil’s performance in The Comedy of Terrors and looking at his IMDB filmography, I wish he has starred in an adaptation of Shakespeare’s work.

An immersive world: A make-or-break factor of any movie is how that picture is presented. For period/historical fiction films, the accuracy and attention to detail can help that movie’s world feel immersive. Because The Comedy of Terrors takes place during the Victorian era, everything in the film has to appear accordingly. This was achieved in the 1963 film, as the aforementioned elements of attention to detail and accuracy were applied! When I talked about Vincent’s performance, I mentioned Trumbull was an undertaker. An ornate coffin was presented any time Trumbull hosted a funeral. The shiny, black coffin was constructed by sharp angles and was decorated with gold designs. This prop was a simple, yet visually appealing way of addressing the wealth of Trumbull’s clientele. One scene shows Trumbull and Felix breaking into someone’s home. Without meeting the homeowner, the audience can tell how this character lives a comfortable life. Decorative lamps and wall sconces are included in characters’ bedrooms. A series of statues make a strong appearance when Felix and Trumbull first walk into the house. There is even gold trim on one of the doors. From the set design to the costume design, the world within The Comedy of Terrors was immersive!

Peter Lorre and Joyce Jameson’s on-screen chemistry: Earlier in my review, I said Felix was portrayed by Peter Lorre. I also stated how Trumbull doesn’t like Amaryllis (portrayed by Joyce Jameson). Amaryllis is hurt by Trumbull’s negativity toward her. Meanwhile, Felix is upset by how Amaryllis is treated by Trumbull. The shared dislike Felix and Amaryllis have toward Trumbull create an affection for one another. Though they shared only a few scenes together, I was pleasantly surprised by Joyce and Peter’s on-screen chemistry! The warm, caring demeanor between Felix and Amaryllis came across as believable. This was made possible by the strength of Joyce’s and Peter’s performance. With that said, I think Peter and Joyce not receiving more scenes together was a missed opportunity.

The 3rd Annual Spooky Classic Movie Blogathon banner created by Kristen from Hoofers and Honeys

What I didn’t like about the film:

Jokes that are too long: Comedy, like film, is subjective. One aspect to this subjectivity is the length of the jokes. In my opinion, the jokes in The Comedy of Terrors were too long. It seems like the screenwriters had difficulty finding their intended punchline or realizing they reached their punchline long ago. A running joke in The Comedy of Terrors is how Amaryllis is a terrible singer, despite her claims of a possible opera career. Had she sung a portion of a song once or twice, it would have been enough to get the intended point across. But the fact Amaryllis almost sang whole songs three or four times caused the joke to last too long and quickly become old.

Parts of the story that don’t make sense: I mentioned earlier in this review how Felix broke into Mr. Black’s home. To get into Mr. Black’s house, Felix had to climb onto the roof and into an upstairs window. But during this excursion, a cat named Cleopatra joins Felix and Trumbull, watching Felix trespass into Mr. Black’s property. It’s explained in the film why Felix needed to find an alternative entrance. What isn’t explained is why Cleopatra didn’t enter the house. I’m not sure how Cleopatra could have assisted Trumbull and Felix. However, it would have been easier for a cat to climb on a roof and enter through a window. This is just one part of the story that, to me, didn’t make sense.

An underutilized cat: In past reviews, I have been critical when an actor or actress was underutilized. But in the case of The Comedy of Terrors, the creative team underutilized a cat. As I mentioned in my point about parts of the story that don’t make sense, a cat named Cleopatra joined Trumbull and Felix on their excursion. Even though Cleopatra was adorable, the cat was not a significant part of the overall story. There were even times when I wondered why a cat was included in the movie at all. Had Cleopatra been written out of The Comedy of Terrors, the story itself would not change much.

Orange cat image created by Freestockcenter at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/ginger-cat_883376.htm’>Designed by Freestockcenter</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/gold”>Gold image created by Freestockcenter – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

In this review’s introduction, I said I haven’t seen a movie of Vincent Price’s that I would consider “bad”. While this statement is still true, The Comedy of Terrors is one of his weaker pictures. The flaws of the 1963 production include jokes that are too long and parts of the story that don’t make sense. But there are aspects of the movie I liked. The Comedy of Terrors is an immersive film, making viewers feel transported to the Victorian era. Attention to detail and historical accuracy helped the creative team achieve that illusion. Vincent’s performance was one of the strongest parts of this film! His adaptability made his portrayal of Trumbull captivating to watch. Now that I’ve finally seen The Comedy of Terrors, I can, honestly, say this picture emphasizes style more than substance. Out of Vincent’s eleven movies I’ve seen, this one is just ok.

Overall score: 6.1 out of 10

Have you seen The Comedy of Terrors? Which film of Vincent Price’s should I review next? Please tell me in the comment section below!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers Review

On By 18cinemalane5 Comments

It’s been stated before on 18 Cinema Lane that my Hallmark related content is some of my most popular content. I’ve also mentioned how the mystery genre is the most popular one on my blog. Whenever Hallmark releases a mystery film through Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, that has, usually, been a recipe for success for my movie reviews. With all that said, I chose to write about the second Hallmark Movies & Mysteries film to premiere in 2024; Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers! In my review of True Justice: Family Ties, I brought up how Hallmark’s newest mysteries boasted distinct identities. With Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers, it is Hallmark’s first historical fiction mystery title! As I stated in my Word on the Street article about CrimeTime: Freefall, these new mystery movies from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have the potential to start a new series. So, let’s take a carriage ride and solve a mystery, as I review Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers!

Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers poster created by Front Street Pictures and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: Once upon a time, Ali Skovbye starred on When Calls the Heart, portraying Abigail’s daughter, Becky. By appearing on the show, Ali was given the opportunity the work alongside various actors and actresses. While watching Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers, I could tell Ali’s television experiences worked in her favor! Throughout the movie, Ali was able to maintain good on-screen chemistry and camaraderie with the other cast members! After Emma’s half-brother, Brady, is arrested, Emma visits Brady in jail. During their visit, Brady appears frightened, fear displayed in his eyes and concern woven into his speech. Not only is concern seen in Emma’s eyes, a mixture of concern and reassurance can be heard in her voice. Any time Brady and Emma interact, Ali Skovbye and James Drew Dean’s on-screen camaraderie shown through, thanks to their acting talents! In the film, Emma interacts with her friend, Harriet. Portrayed by Amira Anderson, Emma and Harriet’s friendship appears genuine, making the audience believe these characters were friends long before the events of the movie. Once again, the on-screen camaraderie worked because of Ali and Amira’s acting abilities!

The wardrobe: Attention to detail can make or break any movie, especially a historical/period film. One way attention to detail can be showcased is through the wardrobe. Emma is surrounded by elite society in Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers. This social status is reflected in the characters’ attire. However, how wealthy a character is can be found in specific details. While Emma is connected to the Vanderbilt family, she doesn’t enjoy the financial benefits of being a Vanderbilt. At a debutante party, Emma wears a simple blue gown, displaying smaller details such as a lace collar, sparkly appliqués, and a little diamond necklace. Emma’s cousin, Gertrude, is also a wealthy relative. But her dress is a light pink gown covered in lace and featuring bigger puffy sleeves. Gertrude not only wore a bigger diamond necklace, she also wore a diamond tiara.

The set design: Wardrobe is not the only department where a film’s creative team can display attention to detail. In historical fiction or period specific movies, the set design can give the audience the illusion they traveled back in time. A creative team’s attention to detail can successfully pull off this illusion, as well as feature interesting design choices! In some of the homes in Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers, stained-glass windows could either be seen in the background or in exterior shots. At Emma’s house, beautiful stained-glass windows featuring grapes were shown in the kitchen. Some homes also included fireplaces, boasting unique styles and designs. At Uncle Cornelius’ office, engraved wood patterns framed the fireplace. In another house, mosaic tiles surrounded the fireplace.

Hand-written letter image created by Veraholera at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Veraholera – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/love-letter-pattern_1292902.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Keeping track of who’s who: In any mystery story, there are a collection of characters. Most of these characters serve as potential suspects for the audience to speculate over. An abundance of characters were featured in Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers. But some of these characters did not make frequent appearances in the film, with their names being brought up more than they were shown on screen. It should also be noted how this movie had a larger cast. All this made it difficult to keep track of who’s who.

A dialogue heavy story: Dialogue is an important component of any film. For the mystery genre, dialogue can contain clues and necessary information about the film’s case. In Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers, there were few physical clues included in the story. This forced the characters to rely on dialogue to solve the mystery. The movie having a dialogue heavy story also forces the audience to pay attention to what the characters are saying. If an audience member misses one piece of dialogue, they will be confused by what is happening in the film.

A low sense of urgency: There is, typically, a sense of urgency in murder mystery stories. This is because the characters express desire to catch the guilty party quickly, in order to prevent more people from getting hurt. While there is a murder mystery included in Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers, the overall sense of urgency was low. Emma’s involvement in elite society is prioritized throughout the story. The low sense of urgency in the movie also caused the story to feel a bit drawn out.

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:

Because Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers is Hallmark’s first historical fiction mystery title, it allows the movie to stand out among the network’s other mystery programs. While this uniqueness can encourage viewers to check the movie out, the true question lies in if this uniqueness can serve a movie series. It’s unknown at this time if Gilded Newport Mysteries will inspire more than one film. But only speaking about Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers, the 2024 release emphasizes style over substance. It’s obvious the creative team behind the movie cared about the presentation of their project. The finer details of the set and costume design allowed the film to feel immersive, giving the audience the illusion they traveled back in time. When it comes to the mystery itself, however, it could have been stronger. Keeping track of who’s who and a dialogue heavy story could leave some viewers confused as the movie moves along. The low sense of urgency within the story makes the film kind of feel drawn out. If there is another chapter given to Gilded Newport Mysteries, I’d like to see a crossover between Gilded Newport Mysteries and A Biltmore Christmas! Since both titles have some connection to Vanderbilt, it would be interesting to see the protagonists of both movies interacting with each other!

Overall score: 6-6.1 out of 10

Have you seen Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers? Would you like to see Gilded Newport Mysteries develop into a series? Let me know in the comment section!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

The Top Ten Best Movies I Saw in 2023

On By 18cinemalane3 Comments

As I mentioned in my list of the top ten worst movies I saw in 2023, I saw enough films to create a best movies of the year list! But because I saw more movies I disliked than liked, there aren’t enough films to create an honorable mentions section. When I look back on the best films I saw this year, I realize the majority of the titles are made-for-TV productions. Looking specifically at the top three best movies of 2023, I noticed a shared theme; all of the movies contain historical fiction stories. Since I reviewed most of the films on this list, I will provide the links to those reviews in this article. So, as the sun sets on 2023, let’s start my list of the top ten best movies I saw this year!

Image by Freepik

10. Curious Caterer: Grilling Season

Out of all the movies in the Curious Caterer trilogy, I’d say Curious Caterer: Grilling Season is the best film! It improves on some of the predecessor’s flaws, like adding more humor into the script. The film also made different creative decisions, such as giving Marla more involvement in the mystery, that proved this series still has many ideas at the creative team’s disposal. One of the strengths of the Curious Caterer series, including the sequel, is the quality of the acting performances! From the main actors to the supporting talent, each on-screen interaction appeared so natural, it allowed the story to feel immersive. As of late 2023/early 2024, there have only been two mystery movies announced by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries; True Justice: Family Ties and Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers. Hopefully, the network will consider continuing the Curious Caterer series.

Take 3: Curious Caterer: Grilling Season Review + 455 Follower Thank You

9. Christmas Princess (2017)

Revisiting this film after seeing it for the first time six years ago, Christmas Princess still holds up! What works in this movie’s favor is how it focuses on Donaly’s journey to the Rose Court. This creative choice not only prevented the 2017 made-for-TV project from adopting several Christmas related tropes and cliches, it also gave the movie a chance to tell a more unique story for a Christmas production. Other good creative decisions include Donaly’s wardrobe and providing a thorough explanation of the Rose Court process. Looking back on Christmas Princess, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more movies made related to the Tournament of Roses. It’ll be interesting to see if a studio or network finds a story inspiring enough to adapt into a film!

Take 3: Christmas Princess (2017) Review

8. Frankenweenie (2012)

As I’ve said in past reviews, I rarely receive an opportunity to write about animated movies. So, it is even rarer for an animated title to appear on my best of the year list. What made 2012’s Frankenweenie so memorable was a collection of good creative choices. Some of them include the creatures within the story, presenting the film in black-and-white imagery, and sprinkling “Easter Eggs” throughout the movie. But another reason why Frankenweenie landed on my best movies of the year list is how much heart this story contained. Sure, I knew this project would be a cute take on Mary Shelley’s book. However, the heart-filled nature of the film’s story was such a pleasant surprise!

Take 3: Frankenweenie (2012) Review + 470 Follower Thank You

7. Mystery on Mistletoe Lane

After the release of Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery, I’ve always wondered why Hallmark Movies & Mysteries didn’t create more Christmas themed mystery films. Mystery on Mistletoe Lane proved that the network should, at least, consider making more mystery stories that take place around Christmastime. With festive clues and well-written riddles, the mystery itself left me on the edge of my seat, curious to see how the mystery would be resolved. I also liked the movie’s subplot, as it was interesting to see the creative ways Christmas activities were incorporated into the story. Another factor that worked in the favor of Mystery on Mistletoe Lane is how the mystery provided lower stakes. This allowed the movie to maintain the cheerful and light-hearted tone most viewers expect from Hallmark’s Christmas offerings.

6. RKO 281

Toward the end of my review of RKO 281, I said good films leave a lasting impression. Not only did the 1999 movie leave a lasting impression, it earned a spot on my best of the year list! There are many aspects of RKO 281 that are so good, you will find yourself saying, “Wait, this is an HBO film”? Every component of this movie goes above and beyond, looking and feeling like it should have received a theatrical premiere. For every “classic” or “iconic” film, there is a journey for how that film came to exist. The journey shown in RKO 281 made me appreciate the efforts taken to bring Citizen Kane to the big screen. Reflecting on both Citizen Kane and RKO 281, it makes me wonder if other well-known movies have an incredible behind-the-scenes story worthy of its own film?

Take 3: RKO 281 (1999) Review

Curious Caterer: Grilling Season poster created by Crown Media Family Networks and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

5. Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major

When I talked about Jesse Stone: Night Passage in my top ten worst movies I saw in 2023 list, I mentioned how, for me, 2023 was not the year for mysteries. However, there were a few stand-out mystery movies, with Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major being one of them. In the 2020s so far, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have premiered mystery films that lack the “coziness” viewers have come to expect from the network’s mystery projects. Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major brought that “coziness” back, filling a void Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have been abandoning. Because the story incorporates a ghost, it gives this movie a unique identity and adds more creativity to the realm of Hallmark’s mystery library. As I said earlier in this list, there have, so far, only been two mystery movies announced by Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Sometime in 2024, I hope Hallmark turns Haunted Harmony Mysteries into a series, as there is so much potential for this story to lend itself to a multi-chapter title!

4. The Great Muppet Caper

If I could describe The Great Muppet Caper in one word, it would be “joyful”. That’s because, as I said in my review, this movie exudes so much joy! Each Muppet character had a specific purpose within the story, making every Muppet feel important. The jokes were well delivered, thanks to clever writing and solid acting. The Great Muppet Caper contains a simpler story that is easier to follow. But because of how good other aspects of this film are, that simplistic story works in The Great Muppet Caper’s favor. Since I liked the 1981 movie, maybe, in 2024, I’ll check out other productions featuring the Muppets!

Take 3: The Great Muppet Caper Review (The Great Muppet Guest Star Caper Double Feature Part 1)

3. A Biltmore Christmas

Similar to Top Gun: Maverick, I had low expectations for A Biltmore Christmas. Hallmark’s decision to give the 2023 Christmas movie a lot of hype and publicity made me skeptical of the movie’s quality. When I finally checked the film out, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was! There was so many things Hallmark got right; from the strength of the cast to the attention given to historical accuracy. While this type of story is nothing new for romance films, it does provide Hallmark Channel with a different type of narrative for their Christmas pictures. Within the 2020s so far, I noticed how Hallmark is creating more projects that have historical fiction elements. I’m interested to see what the network’s next big, historical fiction, Christmas movie ends up being in 2024!

2. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities

When I shared my overall impression of A Tale of Two Cities, I stated how both Oliver! and Nicholas Nickelby found a place in my year-end best movies lists. I also stated how that tradition would continue, as the Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities left such a good impression on me. However, this is the first time a Charles Dickens adaptation has earned a spot in my best list’s top three! Even though this film is longer than most Hallmark productions, it never feels like two hours and thirty-six minutes. Instead, A Tale of Two Cities feels like a well-paced, well-written, and well-acted depiction of Charles Dickens’ work. The creative team’s attention to detail also added to the movie’s great quality. It showed me the people who created this adaptation cared about the project they were working on. I have said before how I wanted to see as many Hallmark Hall of Fame productions as realistically possible. I hope to find more Hallmark Hall of Fame movies that are just as good as A Tale of Two Cities!

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities Review

1. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline?

I know there’s no such thing as the “perfect” Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. But 1990’s Caroline? is the closest thing to it! The strengths of the project far outweigh the flaws, coming together to create a film that is intriguing, creative, and even thought-provoking. I liked seeing the characters’ interactions, as they made the movie captivating to watch. Similar to Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities, the creative team behind Caroline? gave attention to detail. In the case of the 1990 film, this attention to detail was placed in differentiating between the past and the “present”. In my opinion, Caroline? is one of the more underrated Hallmark productions. I also believe it should have been re-released on DVD.

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? Review + 460 Follower Thank You

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? poster created by Hallmark Hall of Fame productions, CBS, and Republic Pictures Home Video

Have fun in 2024!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Days of Heaven Review

On By 18cinemalane6 Comments

Have you ever stumbled upon a film that was “new to you” and think, “I’ve never even heard of this”? That was my experience discovering the 1978 movie, Days of Heaven. Prior to the Legends of Western Cinema Week Blogathon, I had never heard anyone talk about the aforementioned Western. With the blogathon fast approaching, Days of Heaven crossed my path at the right time! This is my fourth year participating in the Legends of Western Cinema Week. Looking back on the programs I reviewed for the event, I realized the stories fell into one of two categories: cowboys seeking justice or some aspect of farming. While Days of Heaven belongs in the latter category, the primary perspective focuses on the actual farming. This is different from a movie like O Pioneers!, where the story’s priority was the relationships between the characters. How does Days of Heaven rank among the films I reviewed for the Legends of Western Cinema Week? Before traveling on those “happy trails”, let’s read my review!

Days of Heaven poster created by Paramount Pictures

Things I liked about the film:

The scenery: The majority of Days of Heaven takes place in the wheat fields of Texas. Despite how monotonous that type of location may sound, the wheat fields offered up many glimpses of natural beauty! My favorite shot in the movie was when a storm cloud approached the story’s wheat fields. Large, gray clouds dominated the sky, appearing larger than life on screen. The presence of these clouds provided a small window into the blue sky above the fields. The golden yellow of the wheat was a pop of bright hue against the sky’s blue and gray palette. This shot was so beautifully captured, it, honestly, looked like a painting!

The historical accuracy: Days of Heaven is set in the 1910s. Like any historical period film, it’s important for the story to feel immersive due to its historical accuracy. Based on what the movie presented, the creative team behind Days of Heaven paid attention to how historically accurate their project looked! The finer details visually prove that point! In a scene where the story’s protagonists, Bill, Abby, and Linda, go swimming, their swimsuits are reflective of the clothing styles of the early 1900s. While Bill wore what would be described as a short-sleeved unitard, Linda and Abby wore swimming dresses, complete with stockings. When it came to transportation, the trains and tractors appeared to be coal powered. Even their exterior designs looked industrial, considered antique be the standards of today. The historical accuracy paired with the aforementioned scenery made Days of Heaven an appealing film to look at!

Richard Gere and Brooke Adams’ on-screen chemistry: As I mentioned in my previous point about the movie’s historical accuracy, Bill and Abby are two of the protagonists in Days of Heaven. Portrayed by Richard Gere and Brooke Adams, these characters are in a romantic relationship. When Abby and Bill are together in a romantic context, the on-screen chemistry between Brooke and Richard was sweet. It felt like the on-screen couple truly got along with one another. During their interactions, there was a gentleness shared and understood between them. Whether walking in the water or cuddling on top of a train, Abby and Bill’s relationship was pleasant to watch because of Brooke and Richard’s acting abilities. Without spoiling Days of Heaven, I will say Bill and Abby’s relationship was not consistent throughout the story. This is a shame, as I liked seeing these characters together.

Legends of Western Cinema Week 2023 banner created by Olivia from Meanwhile, in Rivendell, Heidi from Along the Brandywine, and Hamlette from Hamlette’s Soliloquy

What I didn’t like about the film:

An unclear motive: According to the film’s synopsis, Bill, his younger sister, Linda, and his girlfriend, Abby, plan to con a farmer out of his money and wheat fields. Throughout the movie, however, their motive for conning The Farmer (what Sam Shepard’s character is referred to) is not made clear. I understand Bill, Abby, and Linda don’t like working under someone’s thumb. But the man who they try to con doesn’t seem to deserve a comeuppance. In fact, The Farmer, more often than not, is respectful toward Abby, even going so far as to allow Bill and Linda to live in his house, in order to keep Abby’s “family” together. In a series of voice-overs, Linda claims The Farmer is dying of an unnamed illness. Later in the film, though, she states how The Farmer’s health is staying the same, neither improving or regressing. Yet again, it is never made clear if The Farmer’s health issues are the reason for the con. I wonder why I was supposed to care about Bill, Linda, and Abby’s conning scheme when I don’t even know why The Farmer was being conned in the first place?

A drawn-out story: Days of Heaven has a run-time of about an hour and thirty minutes. Yet the story itself was drawn-out longer than necessary. This issue was caused by establishing shots littered throughout the movie, which served as the production’s padding. I know establishing shots are meant to set up a given scene. But if the creative team of Days of Heaven had cut some of the film’s establishing shots, the run-time would have been trimmed down to about an hour and ten to twenty minutes.

Distance from characters: Through a combination of acting talent, screenwriting, and direction, a movie’s audience can not only be introduced to a character, they can also get to know that character as the story progresses. In Days of Heaven, however, it feels like the characters are kept at a distance from the audience. Sure, the characters share pieces of information about themselves. But this information only allows the audience to become familiar with them. Because of the aforementioned distance, the audience is prevented from connecting with the characters. That disconnection also prevents emotional investment in the story.

Image by Freepik

My overall impression:

The first movie I reviewed for a blogathon this year was Black Narcissus. In my review of the 1947 movie, I said that while Black Narcissus was a competently made film, it was one of the most confusing movies I’d ever seen, due to the story providing little to no explanations. I feel similarly about Days of Heaven. The film itself is very photogenic, from the scenery to the presentation of the story’s historical accuracy. But the story was confusing. No motive for why Bill, Abby, and Linda are conning The Farmer is made clear in the script. Emphasis on style over substance affected any connection the audience could have had with the characters. Throughout the movie, several questions arose that weren’t really answered, such as how The Farmer knew a group of circus performers who came to visit his home. This added to the story’s confusion. As a film, I thought it was just ok. But as a Western, it provides a perspective that is different from the typical cowboy or cattle farmer.

Overall score: 6 out of 10

Have you seen Days of Heaven? Which Westerns would you like to see me review? Tell me in the comment section!

Have fun in Texas!

Sally Silverscreen

Top 10 Christmas Movies I’d Love to Review

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

Last June, I published a list of the top ten movies I’d love to review someday. Since publishing that list, I have written about some of the films I talked about! Now that it is “Christmas in July”, it seemed like the perfect time to write about the top ten Christmas movies I’d love to review in the future! The films on my list were distributed through various studios and movie companies, varying in accessibility. But this time, I’ll be listing the movies based on the year they were released. While there are plenty of Hallmark productions I either have never seen or haven’t seen in years, I tried not to include too many Hallmark titles on this list. That’s because I could create a top ten list entirely comprised of Hallmark films. So, while Santa is checking which films are worthy of his nice list, let’s look at the top ten Christmas movies I’d love to review!

Santa stationary image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/creative-christmas-letter-and-envelope-template_3281562.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com. 

10. Holiday Inn (1942)

There are few very Christmas movies I’ve been recommended by my readers. 1942’s Holiday Inn is one of those films. I will admit I have heard of this movie over the years, but never checked it out. Now that I think of it, I’ve reviewed only a handful of Christmas movie musicals. Holiday Inn would definitely make up for that. Plus, it would give me an excuse to seek out more of Fred Astaire’s projects from his filmography. There is a part of the story that takes place during Thanksgiving, from what I’ve heard. So, I might review Holiday Inn around Thanksgiving!

9. Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977)

I brought up Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas in a past Word on the Street story. But while creating this list, I realized how I still haven’t seen this movie. I have written about some animated films on my blog. However, few of those films were animated through puppetry. This would make the 1977 film a more unique picture to write about. Back in January, I saw and reviewed The Great Muppet Caper, a film I genuinely enjoyed. Since Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas is a Jim Henson production, it makes me wonder if I’ll like this movie as much as The Great Muppet Caper?

8. Bush Christmas (1983) and Miracle Down Under (1987)

I stumbled upon Miracle Down Under (also known as Bushfire Moon or The Christmas Visitor) while searching for movies to review. When looking for more information on the 1987 film, I discovered the 1983 movie, Bush Christmas. Thinking about the Christmas productions I’ve seen, I tend to think of these stories taking place somewhere in the United States. If a Christmas film is set outside the United States, the location is typically Canada or Europe. Australia is a country rarely included in the Christmas movie landscape. Therefore, Miracle Down Under and Bush Christmas offers a yuletide perspective that is unique from other Christmas titles! This shared connection makes these movies perfect choices for a double feature!

7. Mrs. Santa Claus (1996)

As I was writing this list, I remembered how I’ve seen few of Angela Lansbury’s live-action projects from her filmography. Yes, I’ve seen my fair share of Murder, She Wrote episodes. But I’m talking about Angela’s live-action films. I have come across the poster for Mrs. Santa Claus on multiple occasions. Yet, I have never seen this movie. Because of this, I didn’t know that a) the 1996 film is a musical and b) it is a historical fiction story. When I talked about Holiday Inn, I mentioned reviewing only a handful of Christmas movie musicals on my blog. Not only would Mrs. Santa Claus make up for that, but it would also give me an opportunity to talk about a movie that seems underrated in the world of Christmas cinema.

6. Little Men (1998)

For years, I knew there was a continuation to Louisa May Alcott’s classic story, Little Women. I also knew this continuation was given a film adaptation. But the aforementioned continuation, Little Men, is one I haven’t seen or read. With that said, I was unaware the 1998 movie was a Christmas production. While creating my list, I noticed how a lot of the movies were made-for-TV or straight-to-video/streaming presentations. As Little Men was theatrically released, I thought it would add some variety to my list. Maybe I’ll write a double feature review for Little Men and Little Women. Question is, which version of Louisa’s story would pair well with the 1998 movie?

Holly berry Christmas wish-list image created by Freepik from freepik.com. Christmas vector created by freepik – www.freepik.com

5. Three Days (2001)

Three Days is similar to the 1999 film, If You Believe; these are Christmas movies that don’t rely on the tropes and cliches found in typical Christmas projects. In the 2001 story, a workaholic man is taking his life and wife for granted. After his wife dies, the man is given a second chance to re-live the previous three days of his life, in order to save his wife and turn his life around. I haven’t seen this movie in years, but I do remember liking it. As of the publication of this list, though, the only place Three Days is available is through the streaming service, Disney+. I hope Freeform (formerly known as ABC Family) airs this film again during their annual ‘25 Days of Christmas’ line-up. That way, I could talk about a film that is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated in Christmas movie history.

4. The Night Before The Night Before Christmas (2010)

The Night Before The Night Before Christmas is one of the first movies I was ever recommended by one of my readers. Since then, I have been trying to find the perfect opportunity to review the film. But as far as I know, the 2010 presentation isn’t airing on any of Hallmark’s networks during their ‘Christmas in July’ line-ups. So, I hope the film airs sometime during the Christmas season. I have found DVD copies of The Night Before The Night Before Christmas. Therefore, if Hallmark doesn’t air the movie again, I still have a chance to write about this production.

3. An Old Fashioned Christmas (2010)

I included this movie in my list of the top ten movies I’d love to review. In that list, I mentioned how I have come across a few DVD copies of An Old Fashioned Christmas. But these DVDs were included in Christmas movie box sets, which tend to be expensive. While this statement is still true, the movie has been uploaded on Youtube, as of mid-July, 2023. Now I might be able to review the film sooner than I expected! Similar to The Night Before The Night Before Christmas, An Old Fashioned Christmas isn’t airing during Hallmark’s ‘Christmas in July’ line-ups. So, I hope the 2010 movie makes an appearance during this year’s Christmas season.

2. Christmas with Tucker (2013)

Christmas with Tucker is a prequel to the 2009 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, A Dog Named Christmas. I have seen the latter film, which I remember liking. However, it’s been several years since I’ve seen the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation. Since I also haven’t seen Christmas with Tucker, I don’t know how the 2013 movie and the 2009 movie connect with each other. I might review these films in a future double feature in order to solve that mystery.

1. An American Girl Story: Maryellen 1955 – Extraordinary Christmas (2016)

Years ago, I wrote an editorial about how Jiggy Nye was not an effective villain in Felicity: An American Girl Adventure. Since publishing that editorial, I have not reviewed any of American Girl’s films. I did see some of their films, but An American Girl Story: Maryellen 1955 – Extraordinary Christmas was not one of them. When this film was released, it was only available on Amazon Prime. But American Girl’s Amazon Prime exclusive movies, including An American Girl Story: Maryellen 1955 – Extraordinary Christmas, were recently removed from the streaming service for reasons unknown. For the time being, this film is considered “lost media”. But I hope it either is re-released on DVD or available on another streaming service.

Group of Christmas figures image created by Pikisuperstar at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Pikisuperstar – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/hand-drawn-cute-christmas-character_3188970.htm’>Designed by Pikisuperstar</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities Review

On By 18cinemalane12 Comments

For this year’s edition of the Broadway Bound Blogathon, I wanted to write about a Hallmark film based on a pre-existing Broadway play. My original plan was to read a play and then watch its adaptation, creating an editorial on how these works are similar or different. But, to my surprise, the films I wanted to talk about were based on plays that premiered off-Broadway. During my search for another option, I learned the Charles Dickens story, A Tale of Two Cities, was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2008. For this review, I’ve decided to write about the 1980 Hallmark Hall of Fame version of the aforementioned story. Though I haven’t read A Tale of Two Cities, I have enjoyed seeing the adaptations of Charles Dickens’ literary work. In fact, I liked 1968’s Oliver! so much, I ended up reading Oliver Twist after seeing the movie! So, where does this Hallmark Hall of Fame production stand among other stories by Charles Dickens? Turn the page on this review to find out!

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s A Tale of Two Cities poster created by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, Marble Arch Productions, Norman Rosemont Productions, and Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: One of the strongest scenes in A Tale of Two Cities is when Lucie (portrayed by Alice Krige) reunites with her father, Dr. Alexander Manette (portrayed by Peter Cushing), for the first time in over ten years. After mistaking Lucie as the jailer’s daughter, Alexander goes to his bed, in an attempt to avoid Lucie. As Lucie slowly approaches her father, Alexander’s voice is shaky and he is flinching, unsure of what to make of this visitor. But as soon as he discovers Lucie’s hair matches a lock of hair he kept for many years, Alexander realizes Lucie is, indeed, his daughter. Alexander’s expression changes from fear to shock, as he is in awe about seeing Lucie again. He even gives his daughter a hug. Meanwhile, Lucie is overcome with emotion, tears falling down her face and her voice quivering. Both Alice and Peter were able to effectively sell this on-screen relationship as believable and genuine. The emotions expressed felt realistic as well, which allowed this scene to be so strong!

In A Tale of Two Cities, Chris Sarandon portrays both Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay. Out of these two characters, my favorite was Sydney Carton! Throughout the story, Sydney carried himself with a laid-back confidence that made his personality appealing. Yet, more often than not, he displayed a sad look on his face. Even his eyes looked sad, giving the audience an idea of what he wasn’t saying. This made Sydney brooding and mysterious, making me want to know more about him and curious to see where his story would go. The likability of Sydney Carton can be attributed to Chris’ strong acting talents!

Attention to detail: What can make or break a historical drama is a creative team’s attention to detail. This element in the film-making process can make that story’s world feel immersive, transporting the audience to a specific period in time. The Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities takes place in the late 1700s. Jarvis Lorry’s office provides a great example of this film’s attention to detail when it comes to historical accuracy. On a nearby table, there is a large book, boasting a weathered brown cover. Rolled up paper documents and more brown covered books are scattered in the office’s foreground. In the background, Jarvis can be seen working at a desk similar to that of Ebenezer Scrooge. Though the room invites natural light through a dome shaped window, a small candle chandelier and a multi-candle candle stick provide the office with additional light.

The pacing: The Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities is two hours and thirty-six minutes. This is longer than a typical Hallmark production, which is about an hour and thirty to forty minutes. But A Tale of Two Cities never felt like a long movie to me. That’s because I was so invested in what the characters were doing, as well as the story itself. Though this is a character driven film, there was a satisfying amount of suspense, intrigue, even action. Where these elements were placed in the story made the movie feel evenly paced. The way scenes were filmed, written, and edited also contributed to the overall pace, never making parts of the story feel drawn out or wrapped up too quickly. I was so engaged watching A Tale of Two Cities, the run-time was the last thing on my mind!

The Sixth Broadway Bound Blogathon banner created by Rebecca from Taking Up Room

What I didn’t like about the film:

Inconsistent inclusion of the French Revolution: An overarching conflict in A Tale of Two Cities is the rise of the French Revolution. In the first half of the movie, this conflict seemed like an afterthought, as the primary focus was placed on events happening in England, such as Charles’ court hearing. When a certain situation causes Charles to return to France, the French Revolution played a larger role in the film’s second half. The movie’s creative team built up to the event itself, visually presenting the harsh reality of the French public versus the upper-crust of French society. However, I wish this conflict had a more consistent presence within the story.

Lack of French accents: Because the French Revolution plays a role in A Tale of Two Cities, some of the story’s key characters are French. But the 1980 Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation is one of those films where every character speaks in a British accent, despite the cultural differences. After a while, I became used to the similarity in accents. I don’t blame the actors, as all I can expect from any actor or actress is for them to try their best with the material given. In my opinion, though, I fault the movie’s casting director for not encouraging the use of French accents.

Unexplained parts of the story: On a few occasions, there were parts of A Tale of Two Cities that confused me, due to their lack of explanations. One perfect example involves Monsieur Ernest Defarge’s wife, Therese. While a man is being guillotined, Therese tells her friend she has recorded the Evrémonde family in her stitching. After this scene takes place, Therese’s statement is never clarified. In fact, that particular stitching isn’t brought up again. Parts of the story like this one should have included explanations within the dialogue.

Hand-written letter image created by Veraholera at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Veraholera – Freepik.com</a>. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/love-letter-pattern_1292902.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

Most of Charles Dickens’ adaptations I’ve reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane have garnered favorable results. Both Oliver! and Nicholas Nickelby left such a good impression on me, they respectively found a place in my year-end best movies lists! Now that I have seen A Tale of Two Cities, I can honestly say that tradition will continue! The 1980 Hallmark Hall of Fame production tells an immersive story, taking the audience on a journey through time. What also adds to the experience is the strength of the characters, as the acting and the screenwriting worked well together. From the featured props to the costume design, the creative team’s attention to detail was on full display in this film, showing the care and effort that went into this project. Looking back on A Tale of Two Cities, I can see how the story could be adapted into a Broadway musical. As a matter of fact, I think a musical movie adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities would be very interesting to watch!

Overall score: 8.9 out of 10

Have you seen any adaptations of A Tale of Two Cities? Which story Charles Dickens’ is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section below!

Have fun on Broadway!

Sally Silverscreen

The Top Ten Best Hallmark Hall of Fame Movies from the 1990s

On By 18cinemalane6 Comments

Whenever I’ve been nominated for The Pick My Movie Tag, the theme has revolved around Hallmark movies. First, I wrote a list of the top five Hallmark films based on a true story. Then, I published an editorial why Francesca Quinn, PI is the worst Hallmark movie I’ve ever seen. Now, after being nominated for The Pick My Movie Tag for a third time, I’m creating another Hallmark related list! Tagged by Rebecca from Taking Up Room, I was given the option to either write about my first Hallmark film or a favorite Hallmark film from the 90s. While reflecting on all the Hallmark movies released during the 1990s, I realized I had seen enough presentations from the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection to curate a top ten list. So, with a gracious thank you to Rebecca, I will share my list of the top ten best Hallmark Hall of Fame films from the 1990s! Before I start this list, I’d like to remind my readers that this article is not only based on my opinion, it is also based on the Hallmark Hall of Fame projects I’ve seen. Each movie will be listed based on when they were released on television. Since this list was written for a tag, I need to include the official tag rules, which are featured below:

The Tag’s Rules

  • Nominate one or more people to review the film or films of your choice. Or you can request they review something from a certain year, genre, or star. Everyone can review the same thing, or you can request each person cover something different. As long as it’s something they haven’t written about yet, you’re good.
  • Nominees are allowed to request a different pick for whatever reason no more than five times. Stuff happens. We all know it.
  • Nominees must thank the person who nominated them and provide a link their blog.
  • Nominees may nominate others to keep the tag going. Picking the person who nominated them is allowed, or they can nominate someone else. Maybe both.
  • All participants need to include these rules in their post, whether they’re nominees or picking nominees.
  • All participants should use the “Pick My Movie” banner or something similar in their posts.
  • Have fun!
The Pick My Movie Tag banner created by Rebecca from Taking Up Room

1. Caroline?

Released April 29th, 1990

Two months ago, I reviewed Caroline? for a Blog Follower Dedication Review. When I chose to write about this film, it was an opportunity to share another VHS exclusive Hallmark Hall of Fame title with my readers. But after I saw Caroline?, it quickly became one of my favorite movies from the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection! The combination of strong acting performances and a mysterious plot made the story intriguing to watch! The inclusion of messages and themes such as learning from the past and respecting the wishes of others gave the story more depth. Even the creative team’s attention to detail was reflective in the set design, showcasing the differentiation of time within the story. If I were introducing someone to the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection, I would tell them about Caroline?!

2. Sarah, Plain and Tall

Released February 3rd, 1991

Hallmark Hall of Fame has a history of adapting pre-existing, literary source material. Based on the works I have read, these films are typically respectful toward the source material or better than the source material. From what I remember, Sarah, Plain and Tall belongs in the first category. Like Caroline?, the creative team’s attention to detail could be seen in the set and costume design. The cast as a whole was strong as well. The success of Sarah, Plain and Tall not only led to the start of the only trilogy in Hallmark Hall of Fame history, it also led to the adaptation of other stories from the Western genre within the 1990s. This is one of those titles from the collection that earned a “classic” status!

3. An American Story/After the Glory

Released November 29th, 1992

My review of An American Story/After the Glory is one of my popular movie reviews, garnering over a thousand views and counting! Looking back on my thoughts on this movie, I have an idea why it’s so popular. As I said in that review, An American Story/After the Glory kind of feels ahead of its time. That is due to the inclusion of veteran’s mental health within the story. The way veteran’s mental health, as well as the transition period from soldier to civilian, was written was done with reverence and realism. The script also emphasizes how each veteran is their own unique individual. Out of Hallmark’s miliary related projects, An American Story/After the Glory is one of their better ones!

4. Redwood Curtain

Released April 23rd, 1995

When talking about Sarah, Plain and Tall, I said Hallmark Hall of Fame’s adaptations are typically respectful toward the source material or better than the source material. In the case of Redwood Curtain, the 1995 film falls in the latter category. Hallmark Hall of Fame adapted this story from a pre-existing play. Redwood Curtain’s transition to the screen allowed the world surrounding the characters to expand, exclusively providing the Riordan landscape to the movie. Other changes in the script include a different personality for Gerri, the story’s protagonist. In the film, Gerri is a more empathetic and understanding character, which gives the audience a reason to want to root for her. Music plays a bigger role in Gerri’s life as well, showing her dedication toward her dreams.

5. The Boys Next Door

Released February 4th, 1996

Besides adapting pre-existing, literary source material, Hallmark Hall of Fame has a history of adapting pre-existing plays. 1996’s The Boys Next Door is one of those plays that made the transition to the screen. Similar to Redwood Curtain, the world surrounding the characters expands beyond the limits of the stage. This emphasizes the idea the men in the group home (Barry, Lucien, Norman, and Arnold) are trying to find their place in the world. What also works in The Boys Next Door’s favor is the strength of its cast. Through a blend of facial expressions, vocal inflections, and body language, each character is distinct from one another. These characters are also well written, which made them cherished individuals in the story!

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? poster created by Hallmark Hall of Fame productions, CBS, and Republic Pictures Home Video

6. What the Deaf Man Heard

Released November 23rd, 1997

It has been a while since I’ve seen What the Deaf Man Heard. From what I remember, I was impressed with the 1997 presentation! This is another film with a strong cast. The interactions between the characters felt believable, making the performances interesting to watch. What the Deaf Man Heard successfully presents the idea of appearances being deceiving, this idea given in a wholesome way. I would love to revisit this movie in the future!

7. Ellen Foster

Released December 14th, 1997

Ellen Foster is another Hallmark Hall of Fame production I haven’t seen in several years. However, this is a movie I highly regard! Like a lot of Hallmark Hall of Fame titles on this list, the cast in Ellen Foster was very talented. But Jena Malone, the actress who portrayed the titular character, stole the show, as she provided a versatile performance! Because this story discusses the subjects of child abuse and neglect, the nature of the film is going to be sadder. Therefore, those who are interested in watching the movie should approach it with the right mind-set. While I won’t spoil the story, I will say the story’s resolution feels earned.

8. The Love Letter

Released February 1st, 1998

Fantasy/Magical Realism is rarely incorporated into Hallmark’s films, let alone their Hallmark Hall of Fame projects. This makes 1998’s The Love Letter stand out among the collection! The idea of time manipulation adds creativity to the movie’s identity. Historical accuracy within the story embellishes the aforementioned identity of the film. Campbell Scott and Jennifer Jason Leigh succeeded in carrying this movie, as they sold the illusion their characters were attracted to each other. With the consistent focus in the character of Scott and Elizabeth’s graceful maturity beautifully paired with her “romantic dreamer” persona, it was fascinating to watch these two characters communicate with one another!

9. Grace & Glorie

Released December 13th, 1998

As I said in the past, I am not a fan of the Hallmark movie cliché where a woman from a big city moves to a small town. Grace & Glorie contains this cliché, but doesn’t emphasize its presence in the story. Instead, the film focuses on the friendship between the titular characters. The quality of Diane Lane and Gena Rowlands’ performances made their characters’ friendship feel realistic. This made their interactions interesting to watch. Grace & Glorie contains a simpler plot that ends up working in the story’s favor. All these factors come together to create a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that is an underrated gem!

10. Sarah, Plain and Tall: Winter’s End

Released November 21st, 1999

Between Sarah, Plain and Tall: Winter’s End and Skylark, I always thought the third movie in this trilogy was the more memorable sequel, even though I think this trilogy is one of the strongest ever made. Similar to Sarah, Plain and Tall, the 1999 film revolves around conflicts within the family, such as the arrival of Jacob’s father. However, there were moments of humor and joy that prevented the story from being too serious. The scene where Cassie says grace serves as a perfect example. It was nice to see the Witting family together again, as, from what I remember, the family was split up in Skylark. It almost feels like coming home after a long trip!

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for, the announcing of the nominees! As I share which bloggers will receive The Pick My Movie Tag, they will be asked to write about a movie from the 1990s they don’t like. So, these five nominees are:

Screenshot of The Love Letter‘s poster taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.

Rebecca from Taking Up Room

Hamlette from The Edge of the Precipice

MovieRob from MovieRob

Cameron from The Blog Complainer

Kim from Tranquil Dreams

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? Review + 460 Follower Thank You

On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

As I seek out Hallmark’s “older” content (“older” as in older than ten years old), I find myself gravitating toward Hallmark Hall of Fame’s VHS exclusive titles. For those who are not familiar with the history of Hallmark Hall of Fame, there are several movies from this collection that were only released on VHS. Caroline? from 1990 is one of those films. All I knew about this particular title was how the story revolved around a woman claiming to be a long-lost family member. Since I haven’t reviewed a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie in several months, I thought reviewing Caroline? for my latest Blog Follower Dedication Review would be perfect! Over my five years of movie blogging, I’ve noticed how my Hallmark related content has become some of my most popular content. In fact, one of my Hallmark Hall of Fame reviews, After the Glory, has garnered over a thousand views and counting! But will I like Caroline? as much as I liked 1992’s After the Glory? Keep reading my review in order to find out!

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s Caroline? poster created by Hallmark Hall of Fame productions, CBS, and Republic Pictures Home Video

Things I liked about the film:

The acting: When portraying a titular character, that movie’s actor or actress needs to use their talents to not only carry the production, but also shine on their own. While I’m not familiar with Stephanie Zimbalist’s filmography, she did succeed in this task! In Caroline?, Stephanie’s portrayal of the titular character was so naturally presented, her interactions with the other characters were fluid. One great example is when Caroline is being questioned about her past whereabouts. In a calm voice, she answers every question given to her. As she sits upright in her chair, Caroline recounts how she survived a plane crash, looking away from Grace and Paul Carmichael as she’s remembering what happened. When Paul confronts Caroline over her selfishness, her face effortlessly turns to sadness. Caroline’s mouth conforms into a frown and her eyes appear to be on the verge of tears.

While watching Caroline?, I was fascinated by the interactions among the characters. This was achieved because of the strength of the cast! But two performances that impressed me the most came from Shawn Phelan and Jenny Jacobs! When a younger character plays a significant role in a story, the likability of that character can depend on an actor or actress’ performance. With Heidi and Winston, their interactions felt so realistic! A perfect example is when Winston is looking through a family photo album. Curious about Caroline’s true identity, Winston sneaks into his father’s office in the middle of the night. Several minutes later, Heidi comes into the office, wanting to look at the photo album as well. Throughout this scene, there is tension between Winston and Heidi. Winston is frustrated by Heidi’s constant questions and comments about the photos. He also does not like the fact he can’t look at the photo album independently. Meanwhile, Heidi is frustrated at the idea of being left out of Winston’s activity. She even looks defeated after Winston doesn’t believe her claims that she can read. With a combination of vocal inflections, facial expressions, and emotions, both Shawn and Jenny were able to present a sibling relationship that felt believable!

The element of mystery: As I mentioned in the introduction, Caroline? is about a woman claiming to be a long-lost family member. Even though I wouldn’t consider this film as a part of the mystery genre, the mystery of Caroline’s identity is spread out throughout the story. This creative decision allowed the audience to witness the interactions between the characters. Through these character interactions, the audience is left guessing if Caroline is who she says she is. All I can about the mystery’s resolution is it ended on a plot twist I didn’t see coming. The combination of these creative decisions presented a movie that was captivating to watch!

The messages and themes: Hallmark films, especially Hallmark Hall of Fame productions, are known for featuring strong messages and themes that most people can support. Caroline? is no different, as this story contains a collection of great themes and messages! While in the Carmichael family’s attic, Winston and Caroline are talking about the past. During their interaction, Winston tells Caroline, “My history teacher tells me that the secret to the future is often found in the past”. This quote resonated with me, as I, more often than not, talk about films from the past on 18 Cinema Lane! Later in the movie, Winston is frustrated with Heidi because she won’t receive academic assistance from Caroline. When Winston comes to Caroline with his frustrations, Caroline tells him, “I can’t force her to. I can’t help her unless she wants me to”. That quote alone highlights the importance of respecting one’s wishes. At the same time, Winston’s desire to see his sister academically succeed shows how necessary it is to support those you care about.

The differentiation of time: The story of Caroline? features two time periods: the “present” (1990, when the film was released) and the past (late 1940s to early 1950s). Because of choices in styling and presentation, these time periods appeared distinct from one another. In one scene, Mr. and Mrs. Carmichael (Winston and Heidi’s parents) are debating the legitimacy of Caroline’s claims. This scene takes place in their bedroom, which contains two separate beds. That specific choice in the movie’s set design is a strong reflection of the ‘40s to ‘50s, as it was more common for married couples to have separate sleeping arrangements. It also boasts the historical accuracy between these aforementioned time periods.

Library image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/stack-of-books-on-library-desk_2509490.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/school”>School image created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about the film:

Questions left unanswered: Any story containing a mystery will raise some questions within the script. Usually, these questions are answered as the film progresses. But in Caroline?, there were some questions I wish were addressed. While shopping at a bookstore, Winston purchases a book of poems for Caroline. Yet, at Caroline’s party, he gives the book to Heidi. Speaking of Heidi, she is called “Heidi” by her mother, despite her name being Hilary. These are two examples of questions that weren’t explained.

Fancy jewelry image created by Freepic.diller at freepik.com. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/wedding”>Wedding photo created by freepic.diller – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

My overall impression:

The story of a character claiming to be a long-lost family member is nothing new. The ‘90s, the decade when Caroline? was released, saw the premiere of 1997’s Anastasia, which revolves around this same type of story. But Hallmark Hall of Fame’s presentation makes several creative decisions that allow their story to travel down different avenues. It goes beyond simply figuring out if the protagonist is the claimed long-lost family member, as the film discusses reaching one’s full potential and helping those that need help. As I mentioned in my review, I was fascinated by the interactions among the characters because of the strength of the cast. That combined with the intriguing nature of the story is what kept me invested in the film! Caroline? is a movie I was Hallmark had re-released on DVD. In fact, I wish more people knew about this movie. With that, I’d like to thank all of my followers, as you are the reason why this review exists!

Overall score: 9 out of 10

Have you seen or heard of Caroline? Which Hallmark Hall of Fame movie would you like to see reviewed on 18 Cinema Lane? Please tell me in the comment section below!

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen

A Movie Blogger Watches ‘Emily of New Moon’

On By 18cinemalane7 Comments

For three years, I have participated in blogathons hosted by Hamlette, from Hamlette’s Soliloquy. This is because the themes of these events have been, in my opinion, creative. When Hamlette announced the We Love L. M. Montgomery Week Blogathon, I, at first, had no idea what to write about. The only story by L. M. Montgomery I was familiar with was Anne of Green Gables. But I knew that story was not the “end all, be all” when it came to L. M. Montgomery’s work. So, I wanted to select a story I had never read or seen before. In the past, I have reviewed tv shows that were new to me. These reviews have consisted of one to four episodes per article. With everything considered, I chose to review the first season of Emily of New Moon! Since I’m writing about more than a few episodes of this show, my review will be longer than my other posts about television shows. I will discuss three aspects of Emily of New Moon I like and don’t like. Then, I will share some of my thoughts on the show, similar to my “Some thoughts to consider” section of my tv show re-caps. Finally, I will provide my overall impression on the show’s first season. Since I’m talking about a whole season of Emily of New Moon, there will be spoilers in this review.

Emily of New Moon season one poster created by CINAR, Emily III Productions, Salter Street Films International, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and Echo Bridge Home Entertainment

What I liked about this show:

Emily, Perry, and Cousin Jimmy: As I watched Emily of New Moon, Emily, Perry, and Cousin Jimmy became my favorite characters for different reasons! When it comes to storytelling, creating a younger, precocious character can be hit or miss. This is because writers can run the risk of inventing a character that is greater than who they really are. Even though Emily has a gift for writing, she is never presented as a “genius”. Instead, Emily is simply a child who is passionate about creating stories and poems. While attempting to figure out how to break the curse in “The Disappointed House”, Ilse, Emily’s friend, suggests writing about the deceased couple as a way of immortalizing them. Despite how much Emily likes this idea, she doesn’t feel her writing is good enough to bring this idea to fruition. Within Emily of New Moon, Emily is allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. In the episode, “The Ghost of Whyther Grange”, Emily cuts her hair, as she thinks she needs a new hair-do to impress Great Aunt Nancy and Great Aunt Caroline. The hair-do turns out terrible, leaving Emily with an embarrassing result. Along with a photograph of herself with the hair-cut, she sends a portrait drawn by her friend, Teddy, and a letter explaining the situation to her Great Aunts. Through this experience, Emily learns the importance of being your authentic self as well as honesty.

While watching Emily of New Moon, Perry reminded me of Tom Thornton from When Calls the Heart. What I mean by this is Perry is more willing to work toward his goals and dreams. Perry reveals to Ilse, in “A Child Shall Lead Them”, how his father died and his mother is in prison. When he is first introduced toward the beginning of season one, the audience is given the impression Perry is running away from home. But with his backstory and how determined he is to improve his life, Perry is instead running toward his future. His desire to learn and refusal to give up are admirable qualities. Each little victory, such as choosing to attend school, feel like earned stepping stones in Perry’s journey of success!

In some stories, there is a character who serves as the “voice of reason”. This character can help others make better choices and steer them in the right direction. In Emily of New Moon, the “voice of reason” is Cousin Jimmy. He is not afraid to speak his mind. At the same time, he always has a piece of wisdom to share with those around him. One day, after school, Miss Brownell pays the Murray family a visit. During this visit, she shares with Aunt Elizabeth how Emily “misbehaved” in class. Aunt Elizabeth orders Emily to get on her knees and beg Miss Brownell for forgiveness. Cousin Jimmy, who just so happened to be in the same room, tells Aunt Elizabeth how you should only get on your knees for God. Not only did Cousin Jimmy stand up to Aunt Elizabeth, he also reminded her how there are things in this world that are greater than ourselves.

A smaller cast: I said in my review of A Room with a View how I find myself gravitating toward historical fiction/period drama stories with smaller casts. This creative decision prevents storylines from competing for attention, as there are less characters to keep track of. Emily of New Moon adopts this model of storytelling, with Emily, Aunt Elizabeth, and Aunt Laura as the main characters of the show who consistently appear in each episode. The rest of the characters are secondary, meaning their appearances are rotated in a cycle. Because the episode “The Tale of Duncan McHugh” features a character around Emily’s age, Perry makes more appearances, as he and Emily attend the same school. While Perry does appear in the next episode, “The Wild Rover”, more emphasis is given to Uncle Jimmy, as he is providing guidance to Mr. Carpenter, Blair Water School’s new teacher. Because of the smaller cast, each character’s story is told to a satisfying extent. It gives the audience a chance to truly get to know the characters!

Emily’s monologues: Because Emily is passionate about writing, each episode contains a short monologue from Emily’s perspective. These monologues are eloquently written and spoken, in the imaginative style that is consistent with Emily’s part of the story. They also relate to events that took place within a given episode. A baby is born in “Falling Angels”. This makes Emily contemplate how fragile life can be. After meeting Mr. Carpenter in “The Wild Rover”, Emily realizes how some people can come into our lives at the right place and time. Because these monologues usually take place toward the end of an episode, they add depth to the episode’s story, as well as provide departing pieces of wisdom to the audience.

Old-fashioned books image created by Macrovector at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/books-seamless-pattern_1539033.htm’>Designed by Macrovector</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background vector created by Macrovector – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

What I didn’t like about this show:

Aunt Elizabeth: I recognize not every character is meant to be likable. A character’s unlikability can be the result of various factors. While I liked Susan Clark’s performance on Emily of New Moon, I was not a fan of her character, Aunt Elizabeth. The way she treated her family was horrid. In the very first episode, “Eye of Heaven”, Aunt Elizabeth expressed no empathy toward Emily after her father passed away. She dictates what Emily is and isn’t allowed to bring to New Moon. Aunt Elizabeth even throws Emily’s cat, Pandora, out of their carriage and leaves the cat on the side of the road to fend for herself. As the story progresses, Aunt Elizabeth does change some of her rigid ways. However, it seems like she wants to have her cake and eat it too. What I mean by this is, Aunt Elizabeth wants to continue controlling her household in a strict manner, yet is surprised when her family and even people not related to the Murray family turn on her as well as stand up to her. By the end of the first season, Aunt Elizabeth appears to be trying to turn over a new leaf. If I had to be honest, though, I’m not getting my hopes up.

Inclusion of ghosts and the supernatural: In the second episode, “Storms of the Heart”, Uncle Jimmy shares with Emily how her great-great grandmother had “the second sight”. This means she, as well as Emily, are able to see and communicate with spirits from the afterlife. The inclusion of ghosts and the supernatural provided a unique aspect to Emily of New Moon’s story, compared to L. M. Montgomery’s series, Anne of Green Gables. But the way this aspect was incorporated into the show was inconsistent and, as a result, confusing. The episode, “The Disappointed House”, included a curse on the titular location, an abandoned house built for a man and his fiancé. Due to a misunderstanding involving Aunt Laura, Emily’s second aunt, the man and his fiancé separate before ultimately passing away. After Emily finds a letter addressed to Aunt Laura and gives it to her, the couple is reunited in the afterlife, which lifts the curse. Three episodes later, in “Falling Angels”, Emily sees the spirit of a child wearing a red snowsuit. No explanations about who this child is or why Emily sees the child are provided.

Inconsistent storytelling: When I discussed the inclusion of ghosts and the supernatural on Emily of New Moon, I brought up how the delivery of this aspect was inconsistent. That’s not the only inconsistent part of the story, in my opinion. There are times when a secondary character is introduced in an episode, then disappears after that episode and isn’t heard from again. Duncan, a peer of Emily’s, goes to school for the first time in the episode, “The Tale of Duncan McHugh”. The very next episode, “The Wild Rover”, primarily takes place at Blair Water School. Yet, Duncan is nowhere to be found. At the end of “The Tale of Duncan McHugh”, Aunt Elizabeth agrees to make amends with Duncan’s mother, as they were friends in the past. Similar to Duncan, Duncan’s mother is never brought up again.

Canada postage stamp image created by Ibrandify at freepik.com <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/canadian-flag-stamp-template_836872.htm’>Designed by Freepik</a> <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/template”>Template vector created by Ibrandify – Freepik.com</a> Image found at freepik.com

Some thoughts to consider:

Why did Emily’s dad and Aunt Elizabeth not want Emily to read novels? I feel like the closest thing to an explanation provided in this season was Aunt Elizabeth believing novels were “fantastical”. To me, this wasn’t a satisfying answer. However, I did find the dissuasion of novels from both Emily’s dad and Aunt Elizabeth an interesting coincidence.

Out of all the episodes in season one, “Paradise Lost” was my least favorite. From a creative perspective, I can see what the show’s creative team was trying to accomplish; showcasing how some people are not who they seem. Compared to other stories with a similar concept, “Paradise Lost” was underwhelming. Personally, I didn’t feel like a conflict was resolved, especially in a way that felt satisfying. The inclusion of Lofty John’s mother’s spirit added to the inconsistency of ghosts and the supernatural.

In the 1990s, it seems like almost every scripted television show created at least one Christmas episode. So, I was surprised to discover Emily of New Moon didn’t acknowledge Christmas. Granted, I’ve only seen the first season of this show. Maybe a Christmas episode was created in another season?

The We Love L. M. Montgomery Week banner created by Hamlette from Hamlette Soliloquy

My overall impression:

I’d like to take the time to thank Hamlette for hosting the We Love L. M. Montgomery Week Blogathon. Because of this event, I was given the opportunity to check out Emily of New Moon! This is the first time I reviewed a full season of any television show, so this event also allowed me to have a new blogging experience! Looking back on Emily of New Moon, I am impressed with what I saw! Even though the show does have its flaws, I believe the overall production is solid! Each acting performance was strong, bringing to life characters the audience could become acquainted with as each episode carried to the next. The show’s historical accuracy gave viewers the illusion traveling back to a different time was possible. Having a smaller cast worked in the show’s favor, as it allowed each story to be told to a satisfying extent. Since I enjoyed watching season one, I do plan on checking out season two! Who knows? Maybe I’ll read L. M. Montgomery’s Emily trilogy someday?

Rating: A 4 out of 5

Have fun in New Moon!

Sally Silverscreen