Witch Hazel Reviews

Quest for Camelot (1998)

A really good flick

[16 January 2001]

I, personally, really enjoy Quest for Camelot. I think it has a very good plot, I love the music, the animation is pretty good, and the characters are likeable. Admittedly, it does have its flaws, and it's no Sleeping Beauty, but then again, what is?

I think many people don't give this and similar movies a chance because they're not Disney. But heck, Pocahontas was by Disney, and it sucked! So, don't judge a movie by its studio. You really should give this movie a try.

U-571 (2000)

One of the best movies of late

[10/10 · 14 January 2001]

U-571 is, without a doubt, one of the best movies I've seen in the past few years, if not ever. When I first saw it, I hadn't intended to watch it at all. I glimpsed a few moments, though, and couldn't leave.

I've always loved World War II movies, and personally think that U-571 ranks up there with the best of them. It was an action movie, but, unlike most, was not made just to be senselessly violent. It told a definite story. The production was remarkably well done. The acting was very good, too, and the characters well developed. They were honest, good, genuine people who you sympathized with. If anyone of them died or got injured, you felt bad for them. You missed them. When they were sitting in the water, listening for the depth charges, you leaned forward in your chair, listening with them. That is not a common trait of movies.

The story kept you involved and on the edge of your seat. There wasn't one moment I felt like I could leave, no matter how short, for fear I would miss something important. The living conditions on a submarine seemed to be accurate, too. Now, admittedly, it was the British, and not the Americans, who first captured the Enigma. However, not once does U-571 claim that historically it was, in fact, the Americans. They just wanted to tell the story of battles to capture Enigma equipment. Maybe they felt that the movie's predominantly American audience would sympathize better with an American sub. Besides, if they'd used a British submarine crew, people would just complain that their accents were too hard to understand. Believe me, I know.

All in all, I would give this movie my highest recommendation. If you want a documentary about exactly what happened in the war, go find one. If you want an tense, enthralling dramatization of World War II, see U-571.

The Borrowers (1997)

A good film

[14 January 2001]

I honestly don't understand all the bad reviews this show has gotten. I think it's a great flick. Their sets and props were amusing (i.e., using birthday cake candles for torches and credit cards for doors), and it was interesting to see the world from a little person's point of view. The plot was very good, as was the acting, and the Borrowers' accents just added to their charm. You really should give this film a try.

The Sandlot (1993)

A sweet, genuine movie

[14 January 2001]

The Sandlot is and always will be one of my favorite movies. Every time I see it, I'm reminded anew why I love this movie so much.

It's a great movie, for boys, or baseball players, or both. However, I didn't live in that time period, I don't play baseball, I'm not in the 5th grade anymore, and heck, I'm a girl. I still adore this movie.

If you didn't play baseball, you know someone who did. And no matter how old you are, you have to remember the neighborhood Fourth of July barbecue (you know, the one down on the McGuire's front lawn), or swimming, or the neighbor's evil giant dog (oh, do I remember -watch out for Mack).

One of the best things about this movie is that is so refreshingly different. Most movies about younger kids are about them rallying to beat out their competition. This is about kids being kids.

This movie is actually loved by a lot of people. I can prove it- just walk into a room of high school students, and somewhere in your conversation, start saying, "Forever . . . forever . . ." and see how many chime in.

All in all, this is not a movie to be missed. If you ever get the chance, see it; I can't imagine how you could be disappointed. So, if you ever want a sweet, nostalgic movie, look this one up.

ReBoot (1994–2001)

This show is the best.

[17 October 2000]

This is, undoubtedly, my favorite T.V. show. It is to die for. The animation is phenomenal, especially considering it was made before CGI became such a popular medium. The characters are well defined and have depth to them, showing that even heroes are human (or in this case, sprites). The voice actors behind the characters are amazing. As for the humor- well, if you don't use computers, you'll think the jokes are very funny. If you do use computers, you'll think they're hilarious. One of the best parts is their parodies of other shows, all of which are also hilarious. But, coming through the humor are their well written, sometimes serious and always interesting story lines. This is one show that will have you on the edge of your seat one moment and laughing hysterically the next.