mctheimer

This is, without question, my Favorite Bad Movie. I first saw it about 20 years ago as a college midnight movie, and it stayed with me. I finally found it on tape at and actually bought it, which is something I rarely do. However, this film is so memorably and ineptly hilarious, I had to get it.

It's a silent British film which is to Mormonism as "Reefer Madness" is to marijuana usage. The plot -- what there is of it -- is of a Mormon polygamist luring small-town English girls to forced marriages, upon which they are sent off to Salt Lake City. Needless to say, the heroine, played by Evelyn Brent, is saved by her poor, wheelchair-bound father and her dashing sailor boyfriend.

This film is best experienced with the soundtrack turned off and about 42 beers, with a group of friends who are all able to come up with alternative voiceovers. If it had been science fiction, this would have been a prime MST3k flick. Trust me; it's worth every penny of the $9.99 plus shipping you'll pay for it.

This film is typical of many European films; it's large on character and acting skills, and small on special effects. That is a good thing.

The story revolves around two chronically unemployed 20-ish French women who meet almost purely by accident. While they are common in their socioeconomic backgrounds, their personalities differ greatly, but in such a way that it allows them to become best friends. When the major differences arise in their romantic needs and their ability to ride out emotional storms, the differences become too much.

This movie works for two main reasons. First, the two actresses are highly believable in their parts; the remainder of the cast is also very good. Second, I realized at the end of the film how my general initial perception of the two characters was wrong. The film shows the importance of truly getting to know someone before you judge them.

If you want an action flick, this is not the film for you. However, if you want an intelligent script and an excellent study of humanity, you should see this film.

This is an absolutely wonderful movie that's aimed for children, but will probably be even more loved by adults.

In 1942, a 10-year-old boy who is more intellectual than athletic and is constantly teased by others finds solace in the puppy given to him on his birthday. The dog helps him make friends and grow up.

That's the capsule of the plot. This movie is much more than that. The acting all around is excellent, but special credit must be given to Frankie Munoz (as the boy) and Moose, the dog from "Frasier" as...the dog.

"My Dog Skip" does a wonderful job of showing all of the joys and agonies of changing from a child into a young adult. It's hard not to recognize yourself in the episodes.

While this movie is sentimental, it's not played for sentimentality. That's much of why it works so well. You won't feel like you're being manipulated as you watch.

Be forwarned: some of the scenes might be rather intense for children under the age of seven. You, as an adult, will probably want to bring along some hankies. >