i always find television movies interesting for the fact that they usually have to make do on far less than most major theatrical releases. often as good as they sometimes can be, their limitations can be apparent. as good as 'Roots:The Next Generation' was, that was obviously not the African continent that was depicted in the final scenes with Alex Haley. and anyone that has watched the sci-fi channel is familiar with the use of outdoor, forest locations, as settings for alien planets. i was really surprised at how good this Jim Henson production looked in comparison to most television epics. it truly looked of theatrical quality and rivaled, if not better, than most movies made for the theater.
i was equally surprised at the quality of it's story and how engrossing it was. i hardly moved the whole three hours. it also wasn't the usual revisionist tripe that is so popular these days with these stories. not only did the film contain a traditional telling of the story within it, it also embellished the legend quite effectively. it actually gave the old fairy tale some dimension and turned it into something compelling and even touching.
i also thought it had a interesting statement about wealth and how it isn't always honestly obtained.
i always expect the very best from anything Jim Henson's production company and name are associated with. i wasn't disappointed. this was of the top notch caliber of his 'Storyteller' series. i was hoping it was going to be good, but i was pleased to find it to be a minor family classic of sorts.
i was equally surprised at the quality of it's story and how engrossing it was. i hardly moved the whole three hours. it also wasn't the usual revisionist tripe that is so popular these days with these stories. not only did the film contain a traditional telling of the story within it, it also embellished the legend quite effectively. it actually gave the old fairy tale some dimension and turned it into something compelling and even touching.
i also thought it had a interesting statement about wealth and how it isn't always honestly obtained.
i always expect the very best from anything Jim Henson's production company and name are associated with. i wasn't disappointed. this was of the top notch caliber of his 'Storyteller' series. i was hoping it was going to be good, but i was pleased to find it to be a minor family classic of sorts.