camibear7 Reviews

The Secret Garden (1993)

A magical trip into a mysterious house and garden

[7/10 · 21 May 2002]

The Secret Garden is a classic with all ages. This version is best of all. Actors and scenery captures the story for us, of a little boy, motherless because of an accident and the garden that claimed her life. The boys father keeps the garden hidden from all. Over grown like that of in 'sleeping beauty' no one even knows it is there, till the boy's cousin comes to visit a little girl, who breathes life back into the home, the family and this poor crippled boy. Family entertainment to a "T". Might need one hankie, for it can be very heart rending at times. Great film to have in your movie library.

The Borrowers (1992)

Fanciful, delightful, adventurous tale of Little People

[10/10 · 21 May 2002]

Who doesn't love a story of little people living under the floorboards of an old English cottage? They are called Borrowers. They borrow from the people that live in the house. But they cannot be known to be in the house or their will be trouble. In this particular version there is a boy who is sent for the summer to stay in his aunt's house who is very ill and the housekeeper ends up taking care of him. He is lonely and one day meets up with Arrietti, one of the Borrowers, the daughter. She is very bold and brave almost too much for her own good. All she can think about is being able to be outside. But her Mom and Dad will not allow it because of the dangers of the outside world. There is always the fear of meeting up with one of the humans. You will be holding your breath as you see them almost get caught. The story is suspenseful, adventurous, and just plain fun! Family and friends will delight in the misadventures of this smallish family as they experience life under the floorboards, around a nosey housekeeper, and cat, and even a crow or two.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)

Climb Aboard the magical bed for a trip to Naboomboo

[9/10 · 21 May 2002]

Angela Lansbury plays Eglantine a middle aged lady in war torn England, during the WWI. She has been studying witchcraft by mail, and has been secretly learning it in her home, she is doing well, until three children who have been separated from their parents from the last air raid, are sent to stay in Angela Lansbury's huge house. She is not happy about having them, because of her secret. They only want to go back home. The oldest boy is very hard to get along with he is a brat. The other two a boy and a girl are just inquisitive about their new place to stay and the lady that is their hostess. The kids find out about her secret and that is when the fun begins. Fun and more of it. Family fun. Laughter, frolic, adventure, something for everyone. The special effects are quite good. This is a musical the tunes are every bit as catchy to sing later as any of the other Disney films. Add this to your Family Video Library. You will not be disappointed.

Peter Pan (1953)

This cartoon rocks!

[10/10 · 21 May 2002]

Peter Pan the boy who did not want to grow up. Wendy, John, and Michael children who know well who Peter Pan is. Wendy tells her little brothers stories of Peter Pan each night before bed.

One night Peter Pan and his little fairy Tinker Bell come to visit and hear the stories, and also to find his shadow. Wendy and the boys wake up to find Peter Pan in their room, when he finally asks them to come visit his Never Never Land. He shares with them the lost boys who need a mother and someone to tell them stories. Wendy and her brothers agree to come. With a pinch of pixie dust and good thoughts they begin to fly, following Peter, second star to your right and straight on till morning. The adventure begins, pirates, mermaids, Captain Hook, join in and enjoy the magical journey, that takes only one night. Fun for the whole family.

The Music Man (1962)

I bought the music before I ever saw the movie!

[8/10 · 18 May 2002]

Music Man has the best songs. They are all so catchy. Even now I can sing most of them all the way through. Music Man is a con game running through a great musical. Shirley Jones is as lovely as ever as the old maid school teacher. How anyone could think she looked old...well that is just the part she was playing. Her voice is wonderful to listen too. I liked her in all the other musicals she was in also. Ron Howard is so cute as her little brother who has quite a lisp and sings a song about the Wells Fargo Wagon. It is a pure delight. Robert Preston's song of Trouble is a classic. His singing and talking the song has become legendary when we think of this song. He is energetic and just loads of fun to watch, how he snows this whole town into wanting to be in a band with uniforms and all. The Mayors daughter colorful speech is a hoot, when her expressions include a declarative over and over of "Ye Gods!". I laughed so hard. Buddy Hackett as Robert Preston's accomplish is great as he sings Shupoopy. I can still recall the words as well. All the songs seem to dance through your head even after the curtain has come down. The traveling salesmen who sing as they walk along the sidewalk, is so classic. I bought this vinyl album back in the 60's. I had memorized all the songs before I ever saw the movie. But I knew I wanted to see it after

loving the music. Go see this movie. You will all have an great time.

It is the best!!

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

The Best Film

[10/10 · 18 May 2002]

This is the only make of the movie I have ever liked. James Mason and Pat Boone team up to go to the center of the earth. It is an adventure film, a little romance, and tons of fun. It is one movie I made sure I got on tape. Enjoying this kind of movie on a weekend, just cannot get any better. I believe it is a cult classic. Don't miss this film.

Gidget (1959)

We girls all wanted Moondoggie for our own.

[10/10 · 18 May 2002]

Gidget was a movie I saw when I was just going into high school. After I saw it I wanted to be Sandra Dee so badly. She was so perky and pretty, and just so naive. It was a great film set on the beach at Malibu. Young juniors in high school going to the beach to get the attention of the college men. Woo who! And all the antics that go with it. Including when Gidget meets James Darren and he is so very dreamy. He took my breath away. Wow that most handsomest man next to John Saxon. Yep I was taken with this young actor. Who was not only handsome, but he could sing too. That song Gidget I had on 45rpm as did all the girls after we all got a load of Sandra Dee and James Darren together. The story is not too complicated, girl likes boy, girl chases boy who is a surfer, girl learns to surf and tries to make boy jealous, boy pretends he is not interested, then comes unglued when she is with someone else. In the end the prettiest girl Gidget gets Moondoggie. This movie was legendary in 1959 and it made alot of girls want to be a surfer like Sandra Dee in the movie. She even shoots the curl with Moondoggie on his board with him. She tells him it is the ultimate! Cliff Robertson plays the Kahuna and the wisest of the group of surfers who sit on the beach all day sunning themselves and goofing off.

I liked this movie so much!

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Charming film makes everyone feel good just watching it.

[8/10 · 11 May 2002]

Great film. Cary Grant is charming as the angel sent down from heaven to help David Niven out after he prays a silent prayer to Almighty God to help him. David Niven is a minister with a lot on his hands. He wants to build a catherdral and he has to convince the richest woman in town to give them the funds. It has a charm and wit and comedy, along with a simple enjoyable movie. Loretta Young who is as beautiful as always,plays David Niven's wife who finds Cary Grant (Dudley) very charming and fun to be with. On one particular outing, Dudley and Loretta meet up with Monty Wooley( and old friend of the minister and his wife) who offers them a glass of wine. The fun part is that because Dudley blesses the wine quietly, the bottle of wine never runs out. It is continuely full. Miracles abound in this classic Christmas movie. Everyone of all ages will delight in watching it over and over again.

That Hamilton Woman (1941)

A bold romantic tale of stolen moments between star crossed lovers

[10/10 · 11 May 2002]

Vivian Leigh plays opposite her husband Laurence Olivier in this picturesque film set in the 1800's. Vivian plays Emma the part of a woman who has a rather unsavory past, who comes to Marsaille to live with the Ambassador there. Beautiful scenery sets the stage for a bold romantic tale of two people meeting quite by chance and how life changes for her as she is thrust into relationships with Royalty and a Captain Hamilton who's is fighting battles for the English Navy. It is a wonderful movie,exciting, extravagant, will hold your attention. Very enjoyable and will be a movie you will want to add to your library of films. I give this movie a "10".

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

A wonderful love story

[10/10 · 10 May 2002]

Love is wonderful when two people feel it for one another. But it seems we all have to go through the times when things just look like they won't work out. Two sisters opposite in how they view life. Their father died and left their mom and them with little to live on since the fortune follows the first born male of the family. Turned out of the only home they have known and made to go live in a country cottage is a rude awakening. With but 500 lbs between the 4 of them, 3 daughters and their grieving mother. Life will be much different for this once very happy family. Cast, sets and costumes lavish making the story come to life. One feels the sensitivity of the story, from the time that the younger sister falls in love with a man of no means who lives close to the country cottage, to the older sister pining for a man she thinks she has lost. Misunderstandings, misgivings, romance, excitement, you will need two hankies but don't be surprised at the most happiest of ending. Great film. Right up there with Pride and Prejudice. A real winner.

Joseph (1995)

I liked this film alot

[9/10 · 10 May 2002]

Godly principles shown in this story of Joseph. We all know the story of Joseph being favored of his father and given a coat of many colors. Then the jealousy of his brothers who ultimately sold him into slavery. A true story of how God made provision for Joseph's family during the famine so they would not starve. It will encourage you in your Faith in God. The whole story can be read in the Bible starting in Genesis 30. God did and does Provide for His own. Great film. I liked the cast. Sets were great. It made the whole story come to life.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Colin Firth won my heart in this rendition of Pride and Prejudice

[10/10 · 10 May 2002]

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy made my heart go pitterpat. Wow...so handsome. Miss Elizabeth Bennett and he go round and round through this story, of a very wealthy man who is so prideful and feels he is so above everyone till the day he sets eyes on Elizabeth. He makes fun of her at first then softens so much he falls for her. He says she has very fine eyes. She thinks him a bore and finds little to recommend him to anyone. In fact he is a horrid man. Instead she has set her eyes on a Mr. Wickham, a more charming fellow. But his shady past she is not aware of. A story of pride and prejudice on both sides of the fence, misunderstandings, and making up. Pretty much like it is in todays world when first strangers meet. Time will tell what will come of these two people on opposite sides of the scale. Of all the productions of Pride and Prejudice this one is by far the best. Lavish sets, and costumes. The cast impeccible. Each actor and actress seemed the best for the parts they played. Never have I watched a movie a much as I did this one.

China Cry: A True Story (1990)

Tremendous Faith in God

[10/10 · 10 May 2002]

Tremendous Faith shown by a woman who was not sure of how she felt about Jesus until the communist tried to beat it out of her. She had God's divine protection when a firing squad was ordered to shoot her. True story of God's Love in Action Everyone who is not sure that God is real needs to read the book or watch the movie. You will be moved to tears to see that God is still Alive and well and watching over His own. Inspirational, courageous, suspenseful. A great film I give it a 10+

Five Weeks in a Balloon (1962)

Adventurous Jules Verne Movie

[6/10 · 10 May 2002]

Barbara Eden is as beautiful as ever in this movie that reminded me a bit of Around the World in 80 Days. Mainly because of the group of people riding high over the country in a hot air balloon. They have many adventures as they land in different spots. Some are exciting some are hair raising. The whole movie is fun. Can't miss with this movie.

The Quiet Man (1952)

John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara make a movie great!

[10/10 · 10 May 2002]

One of the best films. Lots of action. Maureen O'Hara in a part she plays well. Fiery Irish colleen Maureen O'Hara, redhair and a temper to match. Strong willed and set on having what is hers at the expense of anything else. Her brother harsh and strong willed giving Maureen a bad time, tempers flare and there begins huge fights between sister and brother. Along comes Sean Thorton a prizefighter from America. Played by John Wayne, come home to buy the cottage where he was born and retire. Barry Fitzgerald the town matchmaker. Delightful,sometimes funny, excitement, great fight scenes, as John Wayne goes after a beauty Maureen O'Hara. Colorful scenery and country shots filmed in techicolor, even a horse race. Maureen and John give the movie romance that one won't forget. I liked this film. Seeing them fall in love, but also see the strength in the character that John Wayne displayed to hold on to Maureen a very strong willed girl. At times you will find yourself laughing as the tempers flare and none willing to give up their position for the other. Enjoy this Irish tale. It is wonderfully entertaining

Angel and the Badman (1947)

A movie to see over and over it is that good.

[10/10 · 10 May 2002]

John Wayne and Gail Russel as two people from opposite sides. She a Quaker and he a gunslinger. While being chased by a sheriff bent on capturing Quirt Evans (John Wayne) he is wounded in a bank robbery, he ends up knocking at the door of Penny's home (Gail Russell) and is nursed back to health by her. Action, romance, suspense all of it very entertaining. Good family movie. Gail Russell is so lovely with her dark brown hair, and John Wayne is so handsome. I had a hard time not falling for him myself.*S I must have seen this on the late night show about 100 times before I was able to buy it on VHS. Great for a Saturday afternoon, sit back and enjoy a great film.

Reap the Wild Wind (1942)

If you like John Wayne you will love this movie

[10/10 · 10 May 2002]

A great movie about high adventure on the seas, with ships being wrecked, pirating, and two beautiful women vieing for the love of two handsome and bold sailors. John Wayne and Robert Preston plays two brothers in love with two cousins Paulette Goddard and Susan Hayward. Action packed, even a scene of them going deep into the depths of the ocean. Scenes well done. Ray Miland plays a fop who is after Paulette Goddard who only has eyes for John Wayne. Susan Hayward plays a small part as the sweetheart of Robert Preston. Color is great, costumes very in tune with the period. This is another one of my favorites. One of John Wayne's best films.

Hellzapoppin' (1941)

Saw this as a kid on the old back and white screen

[9/10 · 10 May 2002]

Laugh your sides off. Plenty of comic talent in this movie. Just what the doctor ordered and plenty of it. Don't forget a hankie, because you are gonna laugh so hard you will be crying tears of joy. Non-stop zany gags, jokes you might have heard, but not like in this film. This is the bomb, and I mean that is the good sense of the word.

King Kong (1933)

Nobody doesn't like King Kong!

[10/10 · 10 May 2002]

Great Film.....timeless classic....cult classic.

Fay Wray is destitute when a movie producer helps her and asks her to be in a movie he is doing in the south seas. She is lovely but weak from hunger. She agrees. She meets a handsome sailor, they get to know each other well during their time at sea. The movie producer has a map of an island with something no white man has seen. A giant ape who the natives worship. Girl, Ape, Boyfriend, story is adventurous, scary at times, exciting, and very entertaining. I had heard years before that in Africa King Kong was their most favorite movie and was watched Every Saturday night for years. I know I liked it but if they like it It must be good!! Try it you will like it. As good as Tarzan.

DragonHeart (1996)

Great Adventure Film

[10/10 · 7 May 2002]

I was highly entertained by this movie. It was so unusual and it was so exciting as they brought all of our fantasies together in a rare way on the screen. Who would have thought of a Dragon as having a pure heart? I was astounded at the story, but equally enjoyed it as the story unfolded. It had a lot of body to the story. It was not just fluff. The story really made me feel as if I was experiencing this first hand. I found myself rooting for the dragon. When we usually think of dragons we think of them being bad. Quite the contrary this dragon is good and not only good but honorable. It was the best film I have seen of its kind. I was only sorry when it ended. I wanted more. I did notice that a sequel was made. I have watched that as well. It was very well done. High five to the writers of these tales. To the producers as well, this is one great film. It is excellent and all ages will enjoy it as well. Adventure, Excitement, Knights fighting, and a Dragon pursued for doing evil against a prince, but in the end found to be that the prince who became King had the evilness in his heart to begin with. And the Dragon played by Sean Connery was never evil, and observed the knights old code. Dennis Quade as the knight who protected the prince then who hunted down the dragon to kill him for what he called making the King's heart evil. The end is so unusal. This is a must see. A great film for your VHS library. You will want to see this one over and over again. Yes it is that good!

Braveheart (1995)

Spectacular

[10/10 · 7 May 2002]

This movie encompasses how we all feel when things in our lives do not go right and we want to avenge them. In the hearts of us all is a true spirit of wanting to gain Freedom from any sort of tyranny. William Wallace's life warranted that he become that person to lead the revolt against the evil in history through his wisdom gained from his

Uncle Argyle, the devastation of losing his father at an early age, finding his own true love, and from losing her as well. It made him fight and that is what they all wanted. War is never pretty. But it is necessary to gain victory and the rights of others to be Free. In watching this love story, and fighting for justice, honor and freedom for the Scots to wear their tartans and to overcome the injustices forced on them by this unfair government, one realizes how powerful men with rave hearts can be when they go to raise a standard up against the army of decaying monarchs. I was riveted to my seat. I loved the part where he and his true love became one, I cried with tears of how beautiful it was, so romantic. I cried as I saw her taken from her in a most unfair and cruel way. And I rallied with him as he defeated them in battles and took restitution for the evil deeds they did to the Scots. I was appalled to see how even their own noblemen turned towards the enemy at the beginning of the fights. I saw the real men fight and win against what looked like unbeatable odds. Braveheart is an epic movie with a message. Beware the men that fight for truth, righteousness and freedom, for in them lies the true Brave Hearts. Highly recommended for the whole family.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)

Worse movie I ever saw

[1/10 · 7 May 2002]

Johnny Depp must be hiding his face over this one. DeCaprio played the part of a retarded boy brilliantly. However hours of his portrayal were just a bit too much. It ceased to be entertaining and became instead something I could not wait to turn off. It did not entertain me. It made me wonder why they wasted film on such a story. I can see it labeled as an earpy classroom film, that students are made to watch for class credit. But what an awful way to have to earn a grade. Yuck!

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (1958)

Another Great Inspirational Film

[10/10 · 7 May 2002]

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** A wonderful true life story of a middle aged woman(a maid) in London that has it in her heart to go to china to become a Missionary. But the very people who have been in Missionary work try hard to discourage her by telling her she would never make it. She does not allow them to dissuade her, she quits her job and goes to work at a man's house that turns out to be a famous explorer. She works for him to earn the money to go to china. In the mean time she finds out who he is and even begins to read about china from his books in his library. Against many peoples wishes she earns the money for passage on a train to China. The famous explorer helping her by putting her in touch with a lady he knows there. The woman boards the train with very little in the way of belongings. She braves a lot of rough terrain and equally rough treatment by all kinds of soliders along the way, but perserves and trusts God to get her there. She makes her way from the train by mule pack through the mountains to the lady's place call The Inn of The Sixth Happiness. Meaning God is the reason for the Happiness. While working with the lady missionary she learns the ways and language of china. She takes over when the lady falls from a bacony and dies. Gladys (Ingrid Bergman) continues the lady's work and things get harder for her as the invasion of the country from the Japanese cause the people of china move to other parts of the country to stay safe from the war. The Mandarian of the village (Robert Donat) plays his part so well. He is very believable as the old chinese Mandarian who rules over this village in the mountains of China. He has a need for a foot inspector because the old ways of binding the feet of the rich females is being shown to make them crippled unable to walk. So the Mandarian comes to Ingrid Bergman and asked her to be the Offical Foot Inspector. God had a plan to use her to get closer to the people. Unbeknownst to many she comes to the office of Foot Inspector and with her interpreter she convinces the people to stop binding the feet. She is a success. She then is sent to a prison where the people are rioting. She is locked inside with them. She is afraid but she knows God will protect her. While in the prison their is another riot. But when the prisoners see her they recognize her as the one they call Genai, meaning "One who is Loved". The name they gave her is a testimony to her affect on them, because of God in her. They are astounded to see her but share with her that the only reason for their revolt is that they are starving. She leaves and goes to the Mandarian with this information and then the Mandarian makes it right by firing the warden and putting Genai as head of that also. She was sent by God to calm the sea. Her very presence makes all the difference in the little village. She meets a Captain who is part English and part Chinese. (Curt Jergens)He is to some an outcast because of it. Th ey fall in love. She still never allows her love for him to stop her from fulfilling that which is on her heart. She continues to collect refugee children and care for them and teach them about God. She is well loved by all who her life touches theirs. The Mandarian treasures her friendship, the Captain of the Chinese Army loves her, and the chinese people love her for her love of their country and the orphan kids. War breaks out closer to her and she gathers up her missionary kids, and decides to take them to the Missionary across the mountains. It is a perilous journey and she has some chinese men from the prison helping her to make the way through the mountains with these kids. They have little food, she gathers more kids as she goes along. Reaching her destination. The Missionary where she is to take the kids is the same one that denied her help back in England. But they see now that God made a way where there seemed to be no way. In the end the Mandarian gives his heart to Jesus. Gladys knew that this was why she had to come to China , for the kids. To get them to safety no matter what. I loved this movie. It Inspired me to not allow others to keep me from doing that which I knew in my heart that I needed to do. It is a 2 hanky movie but the tears are tears of joy and excitement seeing how God uses ordinary people to help others. I highly recommend this awesome film.

The Reluctant Debutante (1958)

Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall in the comedy of the Year!

[5 May 2002]

This is my favorite comedy. Rex Harrison plays a man in London remarried to a strikingly lovely Kay Kendall. His daughter comes to live with them from America, played by Sandra Dee. She is just the right age for a "Coming Out Party", so her step-mom Kay Kendall sets about to get her ready and invite all the eligible bachelors.John Saxons plays a young man named David. Sandra meets John Saxon and likes him immediately. But a friend of Kay Kendall's Angela Lansbury who also has a daughter coming out, tells her what a terrible person John Saxon is. Angela Lansbury's own daughter likes the palace guard David.Sandra cannot stand him. John Saxon is as always the handsomest man in the movie with his smoldering good looks. He is a drummer who plays at these coming out parties.Sandra likes David ( John Saxon ) but there is another David who is one of the Palace guards.This other David looks like and acts like Edgar Bergen's dummy Mortimer Snerd. He is the classic bore. With two young men with the same name you can just imagine all the fun of mistaken identity and misunderstandings. Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall are so hilarious as they go from party to party night after night, till they are not quite sure who's party they are at or why they are there. A laugh a minute. It all makes for loads of fun and laughs. Between going to all the parties Rex and Kay have to keep their eye on Sandra, which makes for more fun then I can relate. Sandra likes Saxon and sneaks out to see him. A wonderfully hilarious comedy~ Don't miss this movie. You will be glad you saw it. Go buy it because you are going to want to see it over and over again. I think I will slip my copy in the VCR now and enjoy this movie too. Enjoy!

The Big Fisherman (1959)

This is one of my favorite movies John Saxon made.

[1 May 2002]

I like the film the technicolor is bold, the scenery is so great. And the acting superb. I have it on tape and I watch it maybe twice a year. I saw it in the theater when it first came out. It made John Saxon one of my favorites. His smoldering good looks and the romance of his love for Fara make the story even more exciting. I liked the story line no one today wants to make an epic movie about the effects of Jesus on their lives. At the time this movie was made people enjoyed those types of movies and were not afraid to make them. I would recommend this movie to anyone. It has wonderful cast, and the story is quite believable. I have never gotten tired of watching it.