Books and movies are different mediums. I've read the book and loved it, I've seen the movie, and loved it. They should each be enjoyed for the medium that they're presented in. Movies can't be exactly like the book because it would be a 4-6 hour movie and as a movie, really slow and dull. Please watch this movie as a movie and enjoy it for what it is: A thoroughly enjoyable take on the idea of how life and love exist beyond death. It's a lovely movie and if you get the chance, read the book. You'll love that as well.
Reviews
8 Reviews
The Sarah Jane Adventures
(2007–2011)
Why compare to Doctor Who?
7 April 2019
This is a great show in its own right. It's geared towards younger people but it is not exclusive to them. It's a highly entertaining show with a lot of imaginative plots and great actors to see them through. It is a part of the Doctor Who world, but it's a separate entity and should be viewed that way. The Sarah Jane character comes to us from that Doctor Who world but she has been put in a position where she had to create a new life and this is what it turned out to be. The sets are good, the plots are new and there's lots of action. The only thing about it's "youthful" approach is that it makes me want to be that age again, because I live through these characters as if I were running alongside of them. Isn't that what we all what entertainment to do, to actually pull us in? Well, this show is a stunner at doing just that. Enjoy!
Not just a religious kids film -
7 April 2019
I'm about as far from religious as you can get and I'm certainly not a kid, but I like this movie. The kids in this movie are great (they've all gone on to be full-fledged movie actors) and you cannot beat James Hong and Mark Dacascos, both very accomplished actors themselves. The location filming in this is incredible, Indonesia is a beautiful and lush country. The story is set in an orphanage where the storyteller incorporates his audiences' own stories into the plot and even uses objects he sees around the room as props in the tale. This may seem corny to some but once you get into the actual body of the story, it can be as engaging for adults as it is for children. There's certainly no shortage of action, drama and even violence that you would not expect in a "religious kids story". It's a fun and engaging story that certainly can be seen with children, but the interactions between people, and yes the love that is brought out in this story can be quite enjoyable for adults too, if they're grown up enough to take the chance and watch.
JUST ENOUGH SWORD-AND-SORCERY!
6 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I love this episode. How can you not love it when you combine space wars, magic and magicians, nuclear weapons, a great evil world-sucking Destroyer, knights and even sword fights with aliens in medieval armor! And the doctor is Merlin? Come on, this is great fun. I have to admit I didn't like the last scene that according to the writer, was just added to stretch it out. The rest of the story though is interesting, it's well played by the actors, the scenery is great and tying it in with English folklore was an unusual and welcome change of routine Doctor Who stories. The DVD 2 disc set is great because it has wonderful special features. It was fun to see the original Brigadier again, I love Marcus Gilbert (check him out in Army of Darkness) and Jean Marsh is always a great addition to every Doctor Who story she's been in. I think this is a highly entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It really is just for fun.
Secret of the Cave
(2006)
For even godless sorts like me.
2 April 2019
You don't have to be religious to appreciate what this story actually is about. It certainly is concerning what a young boy with divorcing parents is facing, but it's also about our place in our families, our communities and in life. We all have to face the realities and setbacks that life throws at us, but this movie is a kind of "how to" instruction manual, and we sure don't get many of those along the way. I suppose that people who are religious see this movie as expressing "God's love" and how mankind benefits from it. What I see is the basic humanity of people and how it's up to us to make sure that is what we pass on to our children and to everyone we touch.
Death Valley Days
(1952–1970)
One of the best
11 February 2019
This is one of the few early Western shows that was more accurate about depicting actual Indians and Mexicans in a much more favorable light. Too many of it's contemporary westerns created and perpetuated stereotypes that are still believed to this day. No it's not completely accurate, but it's much more authentic the most series were at the time. It's 60 years on am I still enjoy itbecause it does show that people can be good even when times are bad.
Jack and the Beanstalk
(2009)
This is a funny and good movie
19 November 2018
This is one of those movies that both children and adults can watch and both will enjoy it on different levels. Full of nonsense, inside jokes, silly and highly watchable. The parts played by well known "adult" actors are frequently against type, and the child actors are the ones that bring the emotions and the story to life. Light-hearted and fun to watch for a so-called "kids" movie.
Much more than a "spiritual" movie
19 November 2018
Not only do I not have traditional views of God, I'm also an adult which makes me definitely not the target audience for this movie, but I thought it was a great movie for kids and adults to learn how to treat other people. None of the characters in this movie start out with a perfect kind of life or situation but they definitely learn how their interactions with other people can bring about significant changes in their own lives and how they view the world. I think everybody should see this movie, because the faith that is shown here goes way beyond what you can find in religion. I really enjoyed this movie.
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