Christy: Choices of the Heart

Yuck and double yuck. They re-wrote "Christy" to make this lame movie. They made David and the old doctor best friends who fell in love with Christy. They replaced Kellie Martin, who was terrific, with Lauren Lee Smith. They added the flood of the century along with the typhoid epidemic. And, worst of all, they had Lauren Lee Smith lost in a rainstorm, instead of dying from typhoid. This scene brings about the doctor's confession and conversion to Christianity. Pathetic mess of a movie. The doctor looks too old to be Christy's husband. Don't waste your time with this junk.

CBS may have axed the delightful mid-1990s series based upon Catherine Marshall's beloved novel "Christy," but this movie and it's companions "Return to Cutter Gap" and "A New Beginning" are a welcome continuation of this family classic.

Newcomer Lauren Lee Smith gives just the right touch of grace and determination to the title role, David Waterston fills out the role of her suitor Minister David Grantland in ways the original series never reached, and Stewart Finlay-McLennan reprises his definitive portrayal of Christy's cantankerous yet captivating Dr. MacNeill. Sterling supporting performances by members of the original series' cast and additional newcomers round out a wonderful ensemble.

It is rare to find a film that is both high in filmmaking quality and in substance, yet also watchable by the entire family. This movie is all that and more.

With breathtaking cinematography, top-notch direction and editing, a musical score that suits the film to a T, and a screenplay that captures the very essence of the themes of Catherine Marshall's novel, this "Christy" is a worthwhile addition to any family's video library. My family has watched it again and again, and I am certain yours will love it too.

This continuation of COTH Part 1 begins 3 months after Dr. Neil MacNeill has left Cutter Gap, TN. Christy Huddleston is seen growing ever more conflicted over her engagement to David Grantland while preoccupied with a wedding that is two weeks away. Dr. MacNeill's unexpected return to the cove further complicates the young woman's emotional state.

A surprise invitation from one of the suitors is the prelude to an impassioned declaration as the skies break into what becomes a torrential rainstorm. The risk of traveling back to the mission house in Cutter Gap necessitates staying overnight in a nearby cabin. A dramatic confrontation leads to the most revealing, emotionally bare conversations of the movie.

Stewart Finlay-McLennan gives the single best, most affecting performance of the entire movie and possibly his career in a scene that is pivotal for his character, Dr. Neil MacNeill. Lauren Lee Smith remains luminescent and vivacious in her performance as Christy Huddleston. James Waterston plays an earnest and likeable David Grantland. Lush mountain scenery, a well-written script and extremely good acting from the cast make this movie a joy for the mind and heart.

The subtitle for the movie is "A New Beginning." By the end of the movie and of the storm, the viewer sees the seeds for renewal in the lives of several characters. The potential for continuation of this classic story is well worth the effort and more than worthy of the viewer's time.

At long last, an extremely satisfying and very romantic conclusion to the CBS series! Fans fought for over 5 years to bring back Christy after an abrupt cancellation in 1995 and their wish came true in 2001. Part 1 of Christy: Choices of the Heart deals with the typhoid epidemic and it's aftermath while Part 2 deals with a terrifying storm which affects the inhabitants of Cutter and also ultimately reflects the "storm" in Christy's heart over the two men in her life.

Lauren Lee Smith takes over from Kellie Martin in the title role and radiates both innocence and maturity as Christy. James Waterston takes over from Randall Batinkoff as gives a sympathetic performance as Reverend David Grantland. Stewart Finlay-McLennan returns as Dr. Neil MacNeill from the CBS series and is just totally, and I mean totally outstanding and at his "zenith" in the role! I don't wish to give away any plot details but you have to see parts 1 and 2 together to thoroughly enjoy this adaptation of CM's novel. Kudos especially to returning cast members Mike Hickman as Bird's-Eye Taylor, Dale Dickey as Opal McHone, Andy Stahl as Tom McHone, and Bruce McKinnon as Jeb Spencer.

I totally loved it!!!! Only four were there that I know of from the original cast, but it was still worth it. And this movie finally answers the question for many Christy fans, "Who will she marry?" Now the cast is different, but if you avoid the comparison between the two, it is an incredible movie. I also thought that Stewart Finlay-McLennan did a excellent job as Dr. Neil MacNeill. He played the role wonderfully in the original, and wonderfully here too. I totally recommend it, especially for any Christy fans out there.