Restless Spirits

I saw this as "Restless Spirits"...

And no, it has nothing to do with "Groundhog Day."

It involves a 12-year-old girl whose test-pilot father died in a crash a few years back and her kind-but-harried mother has moved on with her life, having fallen in love with another man.

While mom goes off to determine whether the romance is worth pursuing, the daughter is left with a relative (well-played by the versatile Marsha Mason)in seaside Newfoundland.

Some local girls let her in on a secret pond which (legend has it), when the fog rolls in, occasionally becomes haunted.

This leads to an imaginative series of mostly wonderful life-changing adventures for the young woman.

I loved this film.

4 of 4

Juliana Wimbles just steals this entire film. She is so compelling as a young girl trying to cope with the death of her father and the impending re-marriage of her mother. Her acting was studied, consistent and skilled at a level far beyond her age and experience. The rest of the cast is solid and entertaining too. The boy who helps her is also a capable, young actor; and enjoyable to watch. Both of the "French Ghost Pilots" were excellent characters. I thoroughly enjoyed them. But Juliana out-shines them all.

The element of the "Ghost Pilots" is a scintillating vehicle on which to hang the supernatural theme of the film; and to develop the character of a determined little girl. How she is able to resolve the issues facing her in life, and help the pilots reach their own destiny, makes for a thoroughly entertaining film. I can only offer praise for a film with a strong plot and development, no foul language and no real violence. It is dramatic, humorous, and intriguing; from start to finish.

I loved this film although I'm not a young girl.

I think quite a few people have difficulties in letting go.

This film tells the story of a twelve-year-old girl who learns to live with the untimely death of her pilot father through meeting two ghost pilots and helping them. On the way she also meets typical adolescent problems (conflicts with her mother and grandmother, other jealous? girls who try to sabotage her plans, a boy who might later on fall in love with her), makes mistakes and learns how to cope with them.

Just a lovely film about growing up and letting go.

This movie wasn't put together to win an Oscar, or profoundly move anyone, or blow anybody away with special effects. It's a low-budget "family" type film that succeeds in it's modest goals. The performances won't leave you stunned, but they're certainly not terrible either. The plot isn't revolutionary, but it is fairly novel. What few special effects there are don't amaze, but they don't make you groan either. Altogether, a fairly forgettable but nevertheless likable production.

If you want a break from all the sex and violence in most modern day movies, if you want to see a NICE story, if you want to feel good inside. then this is the movie for you. The premise may be far-fetched, but watch it with the kids and you'll all be smiling when it's over, and maybe wiping away a feel-good tear.