Con gli occhi del cuore

"Anya's Bell" was somewhat disappointing in how the story was quite predictable, from beginning to end, but thankfully I was very happy (or sad if you will) to discover that it still managed to do what it's supposed to: jerk around the tear canals, and it does so very well.

But then again it's hard to go wrong when you got Della Reese, one of the best African American actresses of her generation and Mason Gamble, one of the best Caucasian child actors of his generation. They make such a wonderful and touching pair I would have liked to see them in an entire mini-series exploring their unique relationship even more so, and following them through several years (all though it would probably be physically impossible with a 13 year old in one of the leads).

Very formulaic but still very beautiful, touching and heartwarming, and a TV-movie not easily forgotten.

And what a touching last scene, when Scott makes sure Anya will always be with him, flying like the wind...

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.

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!

This Movie Is A Must For Any Fan's Of The Tv Show Touched By An Angel Or Fan's Of Della Reese & Mason Gamble This Movie Is About This Young Boy Scott (Mason Gamble) Develops A Relation Ship With A Blind Women Anya (Della

Reese) Great Movie For Kids And Parents! It Is A Very Enjoyable! Recommend It 10 Stars! -Jeremy (14 Years Old)

CBS Did A Good Job On This Tv Movie!