Anne of Green Gables

I'm not going to tell anything as far as the story line because it would retract from the experience one gets from watching this movie. Just know to sit back and be ready to share in crying, laugh, worry and love with all the characters in this movie. Everything in this story spells family. Ella Ballentine did a superb performance bringing her character to life. She as well can lead an audience in any direction and not disappoint in any way or form. A human firecracker in the making and an array of feelings that will bring you back to childhood with a convincing connection, that's for sure. Sarah Botsford did an awesome job with her character. Her ways of motherhood and friend locks you into her character and takes you for a ride that will for sure not only get you thinking but I actually was hoping for acceptance from her character as if she was my own mother. Martin Sheen's character blended in so naturally that you forget while watching that it's a movie. He brought a as he put it a kindred spirit to the audience. If there were ever a dad figure you would want to grow up with, it would be with Matthew Cuthbert. You will not be disappointed with this movie. Great Sunday movie to watch with your family or friends. Be ready to shed some tears, that is, if you have a heart. I know I teared up and not ashamed to admit it.

This production has the misfortune of following the brilliant 1985 version. Marilla Cuthbert in 1985 was a solid, religious, grounded woman, who learns to love Anne. The present Marilla is merely cranky. The character of Matthew Cuthbert in 1985 was shy and deep. The present Matthew is a superficial fool. The 1985 Anne was passionate. The new Anne seems forced. The actress does not really inhabit the role -- but rushes through her lines and puts on laughter or tears as the script directs. In 1985, the characters interact and change each other. In this production, they seem to bounce off each other. They are not really present. I agree with other reviewers that the story was rushed.

Come to think of it, I don't believe the house had green gables -- or any gables at all. (Maybe I'm wrong about that.)

Maybe if the viewer has never seen this charming story before, the 2016 production would be good. Compared to the earlier version -- still easily available -- it is a great disappointment.

Siblings Marilla (Sara Botsford) and Matthew Cuthbert (Martin Sheen) are looking to adopt a boy to help out on their PEI farm. They are shocked to be given the talkative, precocious orphan Anne Shirley (Ella Ballentine). Marilla tries to send her back. Anne is haunted by abuses at the orphanage and unstable homes. She befriends Diana Barry and Josie Pye is the mean girl. Anne gets into a fight with Gilbert Blythe.

Megan Follows can't be replaced but this one does go a little darker. Anne starts off like a victim. The black and white flashbacks add to that sad and darker start. The well-worn story gets a condensed treatment. It ends when Marilla stops Anne from leaving. The rest is left on the budget cutting floor. Ballentine does a good job. She isn't quite as comical as Follows. This Anne has more feisty anger and bitter sadness.

I thought the first episode was lovely, and drew me into the scene. It depicted a charming setting on a rural farm in Prince Edward Island. I would not want to be overly critical for these young actors who put a great effort into their acting. The young girl who played Anne did a marvelous Job.

I am not sure why we have to compare each version and be so critical. I also saw the 1985 version and also enjoyed it but I was a teen then so it was awhile ago but I think Ella Ballentine and Martin Sheen did a great job. The friendship between her and Diana was so very sweet. I do agree it was a little rushed but was a very sweet story.

As someone whom grew up reading the entire series of Anne books, and having watched the TV Series, I was ready to be disappointed, but was not. Yes they changed things a little, but nothing intrinsic, I loved the moment Anne broke the the board over Gilbert's head. Yes it was an over reaction, and sadly as this only told a short part of the original first book, we never saw much of the make believe or dares she and Diana and the rest got up to. But the feel of the tale was there. If there was an adaption of the Little house books done in this way, I would be happy.