Reviews (2)

Really Weird Tales is Really worth the hassel
This is on of the best multi story movies I ever seen. The first story includes one of Martin Short's best preformances. Short plays the roll of a 80's lounge singger, Who is employed by a Playboy to provide entertainment for a party that simmular to a Playboy mansion party. Little does Short Know that he's in for a hilarious, but Really Weird night. Next John Candy play a terrific role as a con man who only want whats "not rightfully his" from the town and its Really Weird characters. Lastly Catherine O'heras Really Weird Tale has elements that may ruin the story so you must see for yourself. All in all this is a truly classic comedy Staring and writin by members of the great comedy troop of Secound City Tv. Eventhough I think this film is a classic, this film is not for everyone. If you enjoy SCTV this movie was made for you, But if you don't enjoy SCTV, its increadibly talented cast, or other hilarious films by the flaughtry Bros, (misspelled) like Going Beserk,or 80's comidies in general, then you may just think that Really Weird Tales is better of being a Really rare and out of print film. I Myself think of this as a crime, But since this was a low budget made for HBO film, it probly means this treasure's master copy will stay hidden in HBO's movie vault, and loyal fans will never see this classic cult film rerealeased, like dozens of classic's that seem to be suffering the same dark fate.

Overlooked Gold!
I wish I could find this movie again! It's the funniest, cutest, most unforgettably endearing flick ever made! I showed this movie to everyone I know when it was first available and still today we find it in our conversations and we still find it hilarious! If you were a fan of the Second City TV show, you would find it a necessary component of your library!Please bring this back! It's a classic! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent movie!
The movie took me inside the Underground Railroad and showed how people of all walks of life were involved in assisting African-Americans in helping them cross into Canada.

Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad
I just watched this movie for a study in my history class, and was completely captivated. I thought it was going to be a boring
school movie, but was amazed to find otherwise. After the film ended, I was heartbroken because I wanted to watch it again. Fortunately, I know that it is available on video so I might purchase it in the near future. RACE TO FREEDOM is a superbly acted, well dramatized historical film that displays the horror
of slavery with great intelligence. This film is well scripted
and well laid out. The ending, though being very fairy-taleish
is extremely happy and when it ended, our class clapped. Hehe, and when Solomon shot the bounty hunter (from 'Cowboys Don't Cry'), our class cheered. An excellent film.

Excellent and spell-binding movie.
This video is an excellent addition to anyone's library. It follows the journeys of four runaway slaves to the promised land in Canada. The filming is beautiful and the story heartrending and powerful. Shows the difference that human beings can make by helping one another against the odds. I would definitely recommend this movie.

Good but still Hollywood
This is a film demonstrating the frustrating experiences and heroic attempts of abolitionists and fugitive slaves. It is a great introduction to the subject for younger viewers. Some scenes are graphic in violence (true to life). Other sequences are little more than stereotypical vehicles for a storybook happy ending. The cruelty of slavery is minimized, yet the terror of attempted escape is portrayed intensely. The streamlined representation of the Underground Railroad is romantacized and not enough credit is given to the initiative of the runaways themselves. As a film it is engaging. As a representation of history it needs a clarifying introduction.

Excellent Movie For The Family/Youngest
This movie explain what it was like in those days and how they plan to escape to freedom. And what they had to go through in search of freedom.

This movie is sad and also has joy and happiness,when they found freedom.

I have watch this movie and enjoyed it very much and it teaches the youngest today about what slavery was like and how today we should love one another, no matter what colour we are...... One movie to be watched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Living a CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES
This lovely, sensitive interpretation of Dylan Thomas's poem is loyal to the original, but adds appropriate dialogue and a wonderland of touching pictures and characters. We have viewed it for the first time and are drawn into the film at every new frame. It seems just right for all ages and makes one quite nostalgic for the days of our youth and those special times with family and friends when small towns and simple acts meant love was every where around us. We recommend it.

A "must see" each Christmas
This is a delightful story of a young boy in Wales. It commences with the grandfather and his grandson at the home of the child's parents on a Christmas Eve.(The narrator and grandfather played by Denhom Elliott) The child is given a beautiful snowglobe by his grandfather as a Christmas gift. The grandfather had received the snowglobe many, many years earlier when he was a boy and the child asks "tell me about your life when you were young, Grandad" -- so the story begins of Christmas's long gone by in Wales, Gt. Britain. The story is simple, Dylan Thomas' words are beautiful, and this is a video that can be watched every holiday season by all the family. I encourage everyone with young children to see it. Life was much simpler in those days. Hopefully it will never go out of print.

It's Good But...
This film version of Dylan Thomas's Christmas story is very good. BUT...the audio recording read by the author is truly an aural pleasure! Also, years ago I saw a TV production of this story by the National Theater for the Deaf that was beyond words. Please contact them and encourage them to make this simple, stunning, and (in my opinion) superior presentation available.

A Christmas gem!
This is a beautifully realized film of Dylan Thomas's prose poem, "A Child's Christmas in Wales." The poem, wonderfully narrated by Welsh actor Denholm Elliott, is set within a framing story of a grandfather (Elliott) telling his young grandson about his own childhood Christmasses. The casting is marvelous and the cinematography is good, but it is Dylan Thomas's words and Elliott's narration of them that lifts this film into the ranks of Christmas classics. I saw it first on PBS, and was delighted to see it come out on video. Watching it each year has become a family tradition.

Lovely little film
This beginning to be one of my favorite Christmas movies. When I'm getting too overwhelmed with a modern Christmas - the consumerism, the excessiveness of it all - I can put this movie on and get swept back to a time when Christmas was simple and, as seen through a child's eyes, wonderous. This movie captures the book's charm and expands upon it. The one downside is that it is a bit slow-paced, however, that might make it the perfect movie to show the children Christmas Eve to make them sleepy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Really Weird Tales is Really worth the hassel
This is on of the best multi story movies I ever seen. The first story includes one of Martin Short's best preformances. Short plays the roll of a 80's lounge singger, Who is employed by a Playboy to provide entertainment for a party that simmular to a Playboy mansion party. Little does Short Know that he's in for a hilarious, but Really Weird night. Next John Candy play a terrific role as a con man who only want whats "not rightfully his" from the town and its Really Weird characters. Lastly Catherine O'heras Really Weird Tale has elements that may ruin the story so you must see for yourself. All in all this is a truly classic comedy Staring and writin by members of the great comedy troop of Secound City Tv. Eventhough I think this film is a classic, this film is not for everyone. If you enjoy SCTV this movie was made for you, But if you don't enjoy SCTV, its increadibly talented cast, or other hilarious films by the flaughtry Bros, (misspelled) like Going Beserk,or 80's comidies in general, then you may just think that Really Weird Tales is better of being a Really rare and out of print film. I Myself think of this as a crime, But since this was a low budget made for HBO film, it probly means this treasure's master copy will stay hidden in HBO's movie vault, and loyal fans will never see this classic cult film rerealeased, like dozens of classic's that seem to be suffering the same dark fate.

Overlooked Gold!
I wish I could find this movie again! It's the funniest, cutest, most unforgettably endearing flick ever made! I showed this movie to everyone I know when it was first available and still today we find it in our conversations and we still find it hilarious! If you were a fan of the Second City TV show, you would find it a necessary component of your library!Please bring this back! It's a classic! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent movie!
The movie took me inside the Underground Railroad and showed how people of all walks of life were involved in assisting African-Americans in helping them cross into Canada.

Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad
I just watched this movie for a study in my history class, and was completely captivated. I thought it was going to be a boring
school movie, but was amazed to find otherwise. After the film ended, I was heartbroken because I wanted to watch it again. Fortunately, I know that it is available on video so I might purchase it in the near future. RACE TO FREEDOM is a superbly acted, well dramatized historical film that displays the horror
of slavery with great intelligence. This film is well scripted
and well laid out. The ending, though being very fairy-taleish
is extremely happy and when it ended, our class clapped. Hehe, and when Solomon shot the bounty hunter (from 'Cowboys Don't Cry'), our class cheered. An excellent film.

Excellent and spell-binding movie.
This video is an excellent addition to anyone's library. It follows the journeys of four runaway slaves to the promised land in Canada. The filming is beautiful and the story heartrending and powerful. Shows the difference that human beings can make by helping one another against the odds. I would definitely recommend this movie.

Good but still Hollywood
This is a film demonstrating the frustrating experiences and heroic attempts of abolitionists and fugitive slaves. It is a great introduction to the subject for younger viewers. Some scenes are graphic in violence (true to life). Other sequences are little more than stereotypical vehicles for a storybook happy ending. The cruelty of slavery is minimized, yet the terror of attempted escape is portrayed intensely. The streamlined representation of the Underground Railroad is romantacized and not enough credit is given to the initiative of the runaways themselves. As a film it is engaging. As a representation of history it needs a clarifying introduction.

Excellent Movie For The Family/Youngest
This movie explain what it was like in those days and how they plan to escape to freedom. And what they had to go through in search of freedom.

This movie is sad and also has joy and happiness,when they found freedom.

I have watch this movie and enjoyed it very much and it teaches the youngest today about what slavery was like and how today we should love one another, no matter what colour we are...... One movie to be watched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In A Change of Seasons, Christy returns to Cutter Gap with heradult daughter, Catherine, and narrates an episode in her life as a youngschoolteacher. The story picks up where the PAX production, Return to CutterGap, left off. In this recollection, typhoid sweeps the region, andChristy's faith is tested when her best friend succumbs to the disease. Christy(Lauren Lee Smith), Alice (Diane Ladd), Dr. MacNeill (Stewart Finlay-McLennan),and David (James Waterston), the local preacher, do what they can to save therest of the inflicted, but they can only do so much. Towards the end, Christygets engaged to one of the men, but then he contracts the disease. Fortunately,he recovers, but things end on an ambiguous note as Christy appears to have lostthe friendship of the man whose affections she spurned. This dilemma will beresolved in A New Beginning. Ages 8 and older. --Kathleen C.Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Wonderful! Just Wonderful!
Christy: A Change of Seasons is just a wonderful movie for both children and parents. I just love the whole Christy series, movie and mini-series. The story was aired on PAX tv in a two part series starring Lauren Lee Smith as Christy Huddleston. The story starts out on a wonderful night in Cutter Gap. All the residents in Cutter Gap gather to the Mission House to watch a movie which Christy (Smith) borrowed for Miss Alice Henderson's birthday. But as the story moves on not everything is so peaceful and happy. A few days later, after Doctor Neil MacNeill (played by Stewart Finley McLannen from the orginal series) exames some residents, he discovers that typhoid has come to the good people of Cutter Gap. Almost everyone becomes ill, encluding David Grantland, (played by James Waterston, son of actor Sam Waterston)the young mission preacher. Christy is devistated by the death of her dear friend Fairlight Spencer (played by Ingrid Torrance) and begins to question her belief in God. Christy throws herself into help Dr. MacNeill care for the ill and tries not to think about her loss. But David offers her hope and his heart to her. So she accepts his proposal. Miss Alice also tries to help Christy through her troubles, but she is also battling problems of her own. Dr. MacNeill soon finds out about Christy's choice to marry David and decides to leave the Cove, rather then see the woman he loves marry another. To find out what happens next and see who Christy marries check out Christy: A New Beginning.

Extremely good movie of love, redemption and renewal
This continuation of COTH Part 1 begins 3 months after Dr. Neil MacNeill has left Cutter Gap, TN. Christy Huddleston is seen growing ever more conflicted over her engagement to David Grantland while preoccupied with a wedding that is two weeks away. Dr. MacNeill's unexpected return to the cove further complicates the young woman's emotional state.

A surprise invitation from one of the suitors is the prelude to an impassioned declaration as the skies break into what becomes a torrential rainstorm. The risk of traveling back to the mission house in Cutter Gap necessitates staying overnight in a nearby cabin. A dramatic confrontation leads to the most revealing, emotionally bare conversations of the movie.

Stewart Finlay-McLennan gives the single best, most affecting performance of the entire movie and possibly his career in a scene that is pivotal for his character, Dr. Neil MacNeill. Lauren Lee Smith remains luminescent and vivacious in her performance as Christy Huddleston. James Waterston plays an earnest and likeable David Grantland. Lush mountain scenery, a well-written script and extremely good acting from the cast make this movie a joy for the mind and heart.

The subtitle for the movie is "A New Beginning." By the end of the movie and of the storm, the viewer sees the seeds for renewal in the lives of several characters. The potential for continuation of this classic story is well worth the effort and more than worthy of the viewer's time.

A tad disappointed
The 1 star is for the cast who returned from the CBS series, especially Steward Finlay-McClennan's Dr. MacNeil! Having loved the series & the book, I was a bit disappointed with Lauren Lee Smith, Tyne Daly & Sam W. portrayals of key characters. The original series' cast (Kellie Martin, Tyne Daly & Randall Batinkoff) were much more realistic & believable (the movies sometimes had over-acting... ah, what could have been!). All in all, perhaps 'newbies' could start with the series before seeing the movies. For Christy fans who have a hard time swallowing Smith's performance over Kellie Martin's (or Miss Alice & David), I'd think twice before buying the movies.

Not the best...
I love the book Christy and though I think it's usually hard for a tv or movie version of a book to totally live up to it's namesake, the first series did this job pretty well I think. This version, however, was overacted (Other than Dr. McNeil's character which I still think was acted pretty well),and the characters didn't have the heart and spirit that they did in the book. The overacting and poorly done camera work make what is a great story seem hokey and dumbed down. Also many of the characters aren't very well cast either. I don't recommend this version at all but still recommend the book and the other television version of this story.

Great Family Movie
I am a fan of the Christy series, and this movie is faithful to the original theme and spirit.

I highly recommend getting it if you want to find out who Christy ends up marrying..Dr. MacNeil or David...:) I won't spoil the surprise. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Christy (Lauren Lee Smith) and the rest of the Cutter Gap community arejust beginning to recover from a typhoid epidemic when a storm hits the ruralalcove. In A New Beginning, the second of a two-part PAX production thatbegan with A Change of Seasons, she gets stranded in the forest with Dr.MacNeill (Stewart Finlay-McLennan), and her fiancé David (James Waterston) riskslife and limb to rescue her. Despite a loss of property, the town makes itthrough the storm relatively intact, but many have been changed by theexperience. Christy, for instance, has come to see Dr. MacNeill in a new light,thus questioning her engagement to David. Will she marry the preacher or breakoff the engagement? Marriage is on the minds of several characters in thisengaging recollection by the elderly Christy about her experiences as a youngschoolteacher in the Smoky Mountains. Age 8 and older. --Kathleen C.Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Stewart Finlay-McLennan is fantastic in this movie!
I have to say that I did enjoy the movie, but found it difficult to believe in its realism (in comparison to the television series).

Certain actors seemed to be either overacting or just not right for their parts. Dr. Neil McNeill (played by SFM)is one of five returning actors to the movie and he hold's the most realism in his character and acting. He is believable as the doctor, and although he appears as though he has aged considerably since the original series, he performance is flawless and enjoyable.

Lauren Lee Smith who plays Christy was also pretty good. I found the transition from Kellie Martin to Smith was a bit difficult for me to accept, but in the end I was pleased with her performance. The character of Miss Alice was probably the most disappointing. She seemed the most fake and overacting to me, and although I'm sure the actress is top-notch, this part wasn't quite right for her.

In the end, this mini-series combines a fantastic story with beautiful scenery and unforgettable characters. It's worth buying.

Ok...
The new "Christy" was ok. But the original cast with Kelly Martin and Tyn Daly will alway be Christy and Miss Alice. I just thought that the girl they got to play Christy was so bland and calm when the Character was actually a little more fiesty. But that wasn't even my main problem with it. My problem was that they had replaced all the character's which is fine, but if your going to do that. Then replace all that characters. Dr.Mcneil is played by that same actor that was in the telvision series. He had chemistry with Kelly Martin. You knew those two. They had no history with him and "NEW CHRISTY". It just didn't seem right to have him played by the same man and everyhting around him different. I might have enjoyed it more if they had gotten a different actor b/c then I wouldn't thought through the whole thing, NO THIS WRONG. We watched the series as him and Kelly battled and domewhat flirted and You were so upset when they left you hanging. But to add new people and then keep him. Just wasn't right...

a bit disappointed
Having read the book many times growing up & seen the CBS series, I was a bit disappointed with the movies. While great for loyal Christy fans who're familiar with the characters & the incredible story, I agree with some other reviewers that 'newbie' fans shouldn't start with the movies. The original CBS series was great!!! Although Lauren Lee Smith, Diane Ladd & Sam W. are commendable, I think Kellie Martin's Christy, Tyne Daly's Miss Alice & Randall Batinkoff's David were MUCH MORE believable. At times, the acting came off a bit overly done or not enough & unfortunately, Lauren's Christy struck me as a bit...bland. The saving grace: 3 cheers though for Stewart Finlay-McClennan's returning performance as Dr. MacNeil! Hope this helps: I'd try to get the whole series 1st, and then these movies.

at least she marries the right one...
This mini-series takes advantage of the fans' interest in the love triangle. Two different endings were shot, so that not even the actors knew who Christy would choose. Unfortunately, this decision to keep the viewer guessing until the final scene makes Christy looks like a flake. By the time this soap opera ended, I didn't care about Christy's fate; I was feeling too sorry for both the men in her life. Catherine Marshall's characters deserve better. Stewart Finlay McLennan is excellent as Neil; I wish he had an experienced actress playing Christy and a script worthy of his talent.

better than the original series
i was never able to get into the regular series with kelly martin and tyne daly. not that i don't like their acting, it just always seemed that they were not right for the roles that they were playing. i grew up reading catherine marshalls books and lauren just fit my image of what christy would have looked and acted like. and tyne daly definately was no miss alice!!! ... Read more

Description

Life has been idyllic for Jo March.Happily married, she has been overseeing the rough-and-tumble atmosphere of Plumfield, a boarding school for boys in rural Massachusetts.Then her charmed world explodes around her and she finds herself scrambling to keep some part of her dream alive.In an uphill battle for a woman alone, Jo must call on all the courage, boldness and daring of her youth to keep Plumfield going...and to survive.Out of desperation, she turns to an unlikely source of help - with no idea of the surprising impact it will have on the school, the boys of Plumfield and her own life. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

One of the Best Family-Oriented Series
I watched "Little Men" for 2 years on PAX TV when it originally aired and fell in love with this delightful, heartwarming family drama. Safe for the entire family to enjoy, "Little Men" will warm your heart with valuable lessons, charming anectdotes, and a house of boys and girls tumbling through life's many adventures.

In addition to the rambunctions children of the series, is the burgeoning relationship between Jo Bhaer and the new caretaker of Plumfield, Nick Riley. After the unexpected death of her husband Fritz, (which may alarm many L.M. Alcott fans) Jo finds herself torn between her past and her future. The addition of Nick Riley to the story-line, though a major change in the original plot of the novel, is pivotal to the series. He adds the charm, roughness, and tenderness of a man wrestling with his own past as he quickly falls in love with a woman of strength and courage unlike any he has ever known.

Anyone who purchases this series on DVD (the first 2 include the first 4 episodes) will undoubtedly enjoy it....

A treasure for the whole family
This series was based upon the classic Louisa May Alcott book "Little Men". Although it does move away from the book in certain ways, the series still brings the charm of Alcott's novel to the small screen. The scripts are well written, the acting superb, and the stories are timeless. This DVD, containing the first 4 episodes of the series, will be something to treasure and which can be shared with children and adults alike for many years to come.

I loved the book but the movie......
They killed off Joe's husband so she could have a romance? Oh sure no problem.NOT! Also I missed Meg's kids being in the story.Oh yeah and Joe's other son. The acting wasnt the best either. If you are looking for a movie that will bring the book you read to life do not count on this movie.

An Outstanding Release That Leaves You Wanting More
I can't say enough about this series that unfortunately ran for only 2 seasons. I recently bought the two DVD set of the first 4 episodes, and the picture & sound quality are excellent. Sorry, but I'm dying to say this - Spencer Rochfort's (Nick) eyes are incredible! This series is well acted with good stories appropriate for the whole family. Although it is an extention of LM Alcott's work and includes invented characters such as Nick, the romantic interest for Jo, it seems realistic and in keeping with the flavour that Miss Alcott was trying to portray through her writings. The romance between them is very sweet and is in no way "over the top". It isn't one of those productions that leaves purists such as myself feeling betrayed by the presentation of the story or characters, and now I wouldn't want to be without those new characters! My favourite actors are Trevor Blumas who plays Nat and Robin Dunne as Franz Bhaer. The DVD includes bios of some of the characters and also there are extra features for those who have a DVD-ROM. It is interesting to note that one of the executive producers, Carl Binder, (who also produced Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman for 3 years), is Canadian as well as most of the actors/actresses. It seems to be a joint production between Canada and the United States. It is very much in the flavour of other outstanding Canadian productions such as Road to Avonlea by Sullivan Entertainment. Those of you who like those shows will definitely like this as well. I was also amazed when reading the bios, how much the teenagers have in common with one another in real life. They are a very athletic and musical group of individuals. Together they made an excellent team in this outstanding family show. My biggest disappointment of course is that there are not more episodes available on DVD. I'm presently ordering copies of this release for my friends. I am hoping that since this DVD was just released last year (2003) there is still a chance that they will release the rest. I hope the producers are reading this!! Also it would be good if any future releases were closed captioned or subtitled for the hard of hearing, as these were not included in this edition.

Family Entertainment at it's Best
I agree with the other reviews. This is a great family series. I happened across it on PAX before I received my Dish network. I was only able to get poor reception and it was on the weekends so I rarely was able to see it. When I came across the DVD, I couldn't wait to order it. I then shared it with other family members and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. From the youngest to the oldest, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, neices they all wanted to get the DVD and are begging for more.

The only thing that could be better than this DVD is the release of the whole series on DVD. Hurry, the sooner, the better. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Low budget film but worth watching
An extremely low budget and cheap film. It is divided into 5 mini stories based on Bradburys Martian Chronicles. It is no where near as good as the original Chronicles starring Rock Hudson.

Cheap and unnecessary
I remember the "Martian Chronicles" with Rock Hudson, Maria Schell and others and I'm still waiting for a re-release of this mini-series. I bought "The Martian episodes" instead and it's nothing but a cheap and unnecessary remake. Sci-Fi Fans will maybe enjoy it, but there is certainly better stuff on the market !

Awful. Worst movie ever.
This movie kills the objective of the boo

This TV movie is a very good presentatio of Bradbury's book.
I remember seeing the Martian chronicles when first it aired on Television as a mini-series. I never thought that any one could accurately put Bradbury's poetic vision of Martian colonization and the end of the earth on celuloid. This film does an admirable job of presenting Bradbury's vision. Although there are a few scenes that some might consider to be slightly campy, overall, the film is haunting and poetic. The mini-series does what no single movie could have. For any Bradbury fan, it is a welcome gift to see his words translated to screen, as they have rarely been done in the past. ... Read more