Change Your Image
TonyTheBear
Reviews
Carrie (2002)
If You Have A Taste For Mediocrity, Take This Film To The Prom
Being a Stephen King Fan and a fan of the 1976 film "Carrie," I am glad that I found out (several hours prior) that a remake was being shown on TV. I will admit, I saw the trailer from the web site and was not highly impressed but, I gave it a viewing anyway. After seeing it, it was above average for a TV Film but in no way outshined or masked the brilliant DePalma Film from 1976.
*SPOILER*I had a severe problem with the character of Carrie who was constantly shaking as if she had a condition whenever she was about to make something move or when she became "upset." I also was not impressed by the "Gay" jokes that were used at the prom nor by the fact that Tommy had to pick Carrie up in a stretch limo. All these things may seem "hip and fashionable amongst some" but, it had nothing to do with the movement of the story. I also was not fond of the way Chris was portrayed nor with the way Billy seemed as though he needed to be admitted to an insane asylum. For some reason, I felt very uncomfortable with the character of Sue and also with the weak portrayal of Margaret White.
What I did like is how the film included some scenes that were more faithful to the book but, this did not make the film a masterpiece.
I will say that if you have the time and loved the book or the DePalma film, check this out but, if you want good chemistry, good acting and a touching film, stick with the DePalma Film.
Now, if they would only remake the musical "The Wiz" so it would be faithful to the stage show, that would be worth it.>
The Fantasticks (2000)
The Abridged Fantasticks
Upon hearing of the upcoming DVD Release of "The Fantasticks", I was overjoyed because the film ran for only one week in the theatres and was missed by many. So when I learned that this Special Edition DVD had numerous deleted scenes and excised songs, I was ecstatic. Well, upon seeing the DVD, I can say that someone at MGM Home Video had the sense to release all these extras in the DVD. Personally, had MGM/UA marketed this film properly instead of assuming it would fail and had they not foolishly re-edited it, the film might have fared better. One gripe I have is that the only use of "Try To Remember" is the reprise at the end of the film. Granted, the excised footage and alternate ending are extras on the DVD but, it would have been nice had the film been restored to the way it was originally intended to be seen and released on DVD. For some reason, after seeing "Try To Remember" as a bonus and watching the film minus the song, it seems empty. I will say that this DVD is worthy to add to your collection and a must for musical fans... On a last note, Ritchie's commentary is quite interesting but listen to it when you rewatch the film, not the first time you see it.
Gypsy (1962)
A Missing Piece
After seeing many productions and the remake, I have to say Roz was my favorite Rose. My biggest disappointment comes from the foolish excising of "Together" from the film.
Even though the "lost" footage is added as an extra after the film on the DVD and Video, there is a verse missing. I was told that there are no more 35 mm prints in existence of this film but, I do not have statistics or proof to back this up but, I am sure there must be a copy of this film with the entire song in tact and Karl Malden's Verse in "You'll Never Get Away From Me." I have no clear reason as to why "Together..." was cut and I would like to know why but, I am in hopes it can be found somewhere and added in another video release undamaged.-Tony