Anya's Bell

Today was the second time I've been able to see this movie; I would see it, and recommend it, to anyone very highly! I haven't been able to find it on either VHS or DVD; however, when it does become available, I will be sure to add it to my video library!

I particularly enjoyed the performances of Della Reese and Mason Gamble. The rough beginning of their friendship rang a bell, if you'll forgive me this bon mot, in an experience I had as a lad. Watching their friendship grow, with the resulting deepening of their trust and love of each other, I felt a warmth that I haven't felt in years!

That this movie is "formula driven" does not matter - it is the way this story is told that makes it worth-while to watch. The cinematograpy, music, costumes, continuity were exceptional!

One final comment: It was refreshing to see a movie where no one was blasted into their component parts; where the strongest language used was "Dang!", (which is NOT a real "swear word"!), no blatant sexual content - in other words, a movie of a bygone age - a type of movie we could all enjoy!

One of those rare feel good films, no action, no swearing, no sex, just a family movie that tackles two subjects together in a film for the first time. The chemistry and interaction between Della Reese, and Mason Gamble is first class, and I challenge anyone to resist shedding a tear in the last 10 minutes.

Della has a long resume, and her gift as an actress allows her to pull off a difficult role, which shows how the world can hold so much fear for someone without sight. Young Mason has a future ahead of him in films, if he keeps his feet on the ground through his teens, and continues to put in performances as good as this.

No explosions, no gunfire, just good acting. It was nice to only have one named star in the movie. I found I could better concentrate on the plot than thinking about what this person had done, or what the other person had acted in. I liked this movie very much. I'd like to know if it's available for sale as I can't seem to find it anywhere.

When you think of all the movies we have grown to like, they usually involve someone being blown to pieces, or spectacular special effects, or various "four-letter words" every second word. Of course TV Movies can't meet these guidelines since they work on a relatively limited budget and reduced time frame. As a result we end up getting movies with cheesy plots (and sometimes no plots at all!) with lame acting and all we think to ourselves after two hours is "Could have gone bowlin' or something!"

Well after two hours of "Anya's Bell", I was not only impressed, but deeply moved. This is a heartwarming tale of a boy who befriends an old blind lady. Plot sound familiar? It probably does - young kid meets old man - they team up, start a wonderful friendship - man dies. Even though Anya's Bell follows this model plot, it still manages to keep the viewer interested.

The deeply emotional performances of Mason Gamble (Dennis the Menace) and Della Reese (Touched By An Angel) in the roles of Scott and Anya can't help but affect the viewer on an emotional level. The subplots I didn't care much for.

You may find it cheesy, unrealistic and way too familiar, but perhaps that's a good thing. Perhaps we need to get in touch more with our emotions. After all, this movie is a lot more realistic than "Terminator 2" or "Star Wars" (although Star Wars is one of my favourite movies of all time!).

Bottom Line - "Anya's Bell" isn't the best TV movie ever made, but it sure is a great, touching, and heartwarming film, that had my attention every step of the way. Good family entertainment stressing good moral values. It's more worth your time watching this movie than watching some ridiculous, crude sitcom. I give it an 8 out of 10 - my highest rating EVER for a TV Movie!

A sweet story about a boy who has dyslexia and a blind woman "Anya Hepick" Della Reese (Touched by an Angel) who was never introduced to some of the skills taught to the blind during the latter part of this last century, except for reading in Braille. She did not go outside on her own house. She meets little "Scott Rhymes" Mason Gamble (Rushmore), a delivery boy, after her mother who did everything for her died. Nothing spectacular but good solid story telling, a simple made-for TV movie. My favorite quote: Anya: "Is this a long story? I like coffee with my long stories. " My favorite scene: Anya crossing a street all by herself and her cane.