Christy: Choices of the Heart

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.

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.

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.

As a fan of both the book and TV series (as well as a native Tennessean), I was very excited when I came across a continuation. I shouldn't have been, because this was nothing but a constant disappointment. Miss Alice had none of the strength of will that her character was defined by, Lauren Lee Smith was completely lacking in the sweetness and charm that made Kellie Martin in the title role, and the rest of the cast either over-acted so much that I actually winced or were simply forgettable. Even the cast members who returned from the TV series seemed as if they had lost all connection to the characters.

In perhaps one of the more offensive changes, all the effort that had gone into making the characters sound convincingly Appalachian was lost, leaving the cast with generic and fake 'southern accents'.

In short, this mini-series was terrible, the dialog was atrocious, plot contrived and the acting was painful to witness.

If you want to be entertained, this is a movie to see and enjoy. I didn't at first because it wasn't my original CBS series! That is still my favorite, and always will be...but these new movies have grown on me. We wanted more Christy and this is what we've gotten...we STILL want more Christy movies...and have our hopes that this will happen...SFM was wonderful in this...he is Doc MacNeill and it made the film so much better for me. Also having the original cast members playing Birds-Eye Taylor, Jeb Spencer, Tom and Opal McHone were a real boon to the film...All I can say in closing is that I liked it!