pmac1978

My first introduction to the Narnia, (prior to reading and falling in love with the book) was through the 1979 cartoon. I had seen bits and pieces of the 1988 BBC production, and while it captured my attention I can't say I was ever really that crazy about it. I found it extremely slow paced. While a discussion has been on-going about the look of the Pevensie children in this current film version, it should be pointed out that the young girl playing Lucy in that version is Eleanor Roosevelt in training, sporting an over-bite that enters each frame before she does. Not exactly a pretty picture.

For years I had hoped someone would bring this tale to life on the big screen. It was rumored that the movie version would be updated and set in the city of Los Angeles. Why not?! Good idea! Let's take a story that children of all ages have loved for over 40 years and "improve it, by modernizing it and giving it that Hollywood touch!". Wonderful. While we're at it, let's remake "The Wizard of Oz" and cast Brittney Spears as Dorothy and Jim Carey as the wizard.

Producer Perry Moore and director Andrew Adamson should be praised and applauded for their beautiful, endearing , magical and most importantly, FAITHFUL film adaptation of a children's classic. Again, I highly disagree with the rantings of those attacking the children and their "looks", and let's not forget people they are just kids, ,so lay off, OK ? It's bad enough having bullies on the playground at a young and tender age, but to have the American public attack them on a message board, Come on! Personally, I think William Mosely is adorable as Peter Pevensie. Georgie Henely is the perfect choice for the wide and innocent Lucy. She is thoroughly believable as the little girl who stumbles upon the magical world of Narnia. Every giggle, every tear drop is right on the money and honest. I never once got the impression that this kid was forcing her performance. She could certainly be a model to most other child actors in Hollywood, and more then half of the adult's as well.

Tilda Swinton turns in a riveting, bravura performance as the White Witch. Aside from being stunning , she is deliciously wicked. Liam Neeson is the perfect choice for the voice of "Aslan", rightful ruler of the magical world. James McAvoy is a delight as Mr. Tumnus. Jim Broadbent deserves a nod in his small but pivotal and endearing role of Professor Kirke. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are a hoot!

I also found the movie visually stunning. In particular the moments at the castle of the White Witch, the children's journey with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver to the meet Aslan and of course the great palace of Cair Parevel. If you see anything this Holiday season , make it "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". You will not be disappointed.

Oh, yes...I do have one complaint. There is a marvelous moment between Lucy and the Professor at the end of the film, edited as it is, it shows up after some credits are rolling and so often times people miss out as they are leaving the theater . I have seen the film several times now. I hope when they release the DVD version, they will tag the moment between Lucy and the Professor on BEFORE they roll the credits.

My mom showed this to flick to my brother and I when were little kids. Growing up in catholic school , the film held a special place in her heart. From her recollections the movie really captures life with the sisters at that time .

I can't help watching the film whenever it's on . It also has a very special place in my home video library. Fast paced and with a stellar cast, the film is indeed very underrated and apiece of vintage comedic cinema. Roz Russell and Hayley Mills are perfect foils for each other. Russell states in her autobiography that they did not get on well. Perhaps that just added to the on-screen angst and tension between Mother Superior and Mary Clancey. June Harding is adorable as Mary's best gal pal and partner in crime. "Angels" really is a coming of age story. With lessons to be learned young and old alike.

Interestingnly enough, the courtyard exteriors for St. Francis are in fact Greystone Mansion in California. The house has been used in well over a hundred films and TV shows, most notably Jerry Lewis' "The Disorderly Orderly" and the 1991 remake of the Gothic soap,"Dark Shadows".

I had read several years back that Disney planned to remake this film and update it. I always say "if it's not broke, don't fix it". "Toruble" holds up very well. However, an updated version with the right cast and the right script might be a fun idea.

I saw this flick on video as a kid and just recently purchased a DVD copy. The film transfer to DVD is god awful proving grainy and scratchy. However, this film deserves it's place among the campy horror flicks of the 70's and early 80's. Along the lines of "The Monster Club" and "The Night Stalker" .

Starring The one and only Angel herself, Kate Jackson, this film is almost an exact replica of her earlier film debut, "Night Of Dark Shadows". Only better. I've always felt that Night of Dark Shadows is so lackluster because it never decides what it wants to be. Serious, Campy, artsy...you get the picture. Obscenely slow paced and with a rather mundane , molasses slow script.

Death At Love House moves at a much faster pace and is 10 times more entertaining . It is a kind of "House on Haunted Hill" of the 70's! (The Vincent Price version, not the terrible remake). Even with it's low budget and production values . Stars such as John Carradine, Dorothy Lamour and Joan Blondell make the most of their cameo appearances and add to the films charm. The brilliant Sylvia Sydney is the perfect choice for the creepy house keeper a la Judith Anderson and Grayson Hall. My main complaint is that she does not get enough screen time. Just like Hall in Night of Dark Shadows, Sydney is not utilized enough.

Robert Wagner phones in his performance as the doomed love interest of Lorna Love, played by Mariana Hill. I agree with the previous reviewer, Hill (while stunning) is about as convincing as silent film star as Brittney Spears. Kate is Kate. She may be thinking, "why the hell did i agree to do this?! But gives 200% as the tortured ingénue .

The film delivers the goods when it comes to entertaining. Now, don't misunderstand me. Death at Love House is never going to receive any great acclaim, it's not any great piece of cinema. It is what it is. A very enjoyable TV horror romp from yester-year. Check it out.