26 reviews
I was hoping the opening scene was not an indication of what we would see when we got to the main characters. The acting is horrible out of the gate. Sam Nisbett as Tom is bad just talking to his wife and again when he dies. At one point he reacts strongly to his wife's statement before she has said the words that cause the reaction.
Could Laura's appearance early in the film be any more geeky and plain Jane? Obviously there is some beauty in there, but they go overboard in trying to mask it. Sarah Navratil's acting is forced and stiff. She's obviously trying, but it just doesn't come naturally to her.
When Oliver first wakes up after his injuries, Paul D. Masterson doesn't act at all like someone that the others were just so worried about surviving. He appears normal, but nonchalant about what he is about to attempt. Even well after that, he just moves like someone who is perfectly healthy. This is true even in his physical therapy. He also doesn't physically show any of the emotion that his words convey. Later when circumstances and conversation is more normal, Masterson does better capturing that.
Sandra Rice is also stiff delivering lines. I do have to hand it to her that she did a good job of keeping a straight face, but not quite, when she sees his facial scars. The direction is poor in this scene because it took me three takes to realize when Oliver was showing his body scars. The angle made it hard to see.
Production is poor, especially the sound. The video isn't too bad.
The story is delivered very badly. The setup doesn't ring true as events leading up to Oliver actually coming to the cottage just don't make sense. And I'm betting that this is based on a short story because there are a lot of visuals and scenes that are obviously crammed in to fill time.
There is an absolutely incomprehensible segue later in the movie. You'll know what I mean if you watch that far. It's not that it is a surprise twist. The transition just makes no sense. One minute they said one thing and the next minute the results were the opposite.
There is a bit of a twist even later, but it was a slow journey getting there, even in a 90 minute movie.
Could Laura's appearance early in the film be any more geeky and plain Jane? Obviously there is some beauty in there, but they go overboard in trying to mask it. Sarah Navratil's acting is forced and stiff. She's obviously trying, but it just doesn't come naturally to her.
When Oliver first wakes up after his injuries, Paul D. Masterson doesn't act at all like someone that the others were just so worried about surviving. He appears normal, but nonchalant about what he is about to attempt. Even well after that, he just moves like someone who is perfectly healthy. This is true even in his physical therapy. He also doesn't physically show any of the emotion that his words convey. Later when circumstances and conversation is more normal, Masterson does better capturing that.
Sandra Rice is also stiff delivering lines. I do have to hand it to her that she did a good job of keeping a straight face, but not quite, when she sees his facial scars. The direction is poor in this scene because it took me three takes to realize when Oliver was showing his body scars. The angle made it hard to see.
Production is poor, especially the sound. The video isn't too bad.
The story is delivered very badly. The setup doesn't ring true as events leading up to Oliver actually coming to the cottage just don't make sense. And I'm betting that this is based on a short story because there are a lot of visuals and scenes that are obviously crammed in to fill time.
There is an absolutely incomprehensible segue later in the movie. You'll know what I mean if you watch that far. It's not that it is a surprise twist. The transition just makes no sense. One minute they said one thing and the next minute the results were the opposite.
There is a bit of a twist even later, but it was a slow journey getting there, even in a 90 minute movie.
I had hopes for this movie. It's relatively clean and the premise is sweet. But, ugh, it is terrible. The acting is so bad, the makeup is horrible, that it asks the viewer to suspend way too much reality to make it watchable. The original was probably charming. This remake is a train wreck. What a shame that it was one of Richard Hatch's last films before his passing.
- laughing_cat
- Sep 18, 2017
- Permalink
Someone died and then some people are at the door. All too quick too and unemotional and not making any sense. Gave it away.
- vortexspinner
- Apr 6, 2019
- Permalink
This is a film so bad that you can imagine it one day having a large cult following. It proceeds from one improbability to another with an almost charming nonchalance, as if to say,"Oh, never mind, you know what we mean." It is so filled with non-sequiturs that the occasional sequitur seems wandering and lost. The upshot of this is that the film keeps you so befuddled that you find yourself sticking around to see if it will finally unravel itself. It doesn't. It just smiles at the end and says, "So there you have it."
It is hard to imagine the director's excuse, given that he had the model of the successful 1945 film in front of him. Actually the film lists seven directors. It is hard to decide whether this was six too many or seven too many.
It is hard to imagine the director's excuse, given that he had the model of the successful 1945 film in front of him. Actually the film lists seven directors. It is hard to decide whether this was six too many or seven too many.
- half_monty
- Oct 28, 2017
- Permalink
What a shameful remake. Doesn't even come close. The acting is so bad. Nothing enchanting about this movie. The 1945 original is a masterpiece in every way.
THIS ...... is the best they can do .... Oh My God...!!
Everything in this is poor .... casting...acting.... music ..... And its poor on its own ....Then when you put it against the 1945 version with Dorothy McGuire, Robert Young and Herbert Marshall ....Music by Roy Webb ....You realize just how pitiful it is....!!!
NONE of the romance that exudes the 1945 version is translated in this film....No matter how sentimental or sappy you may think the 45 version is .... It does what it was meant to do ... It ss a fantasy drama ... and when you go outside of this idea you lose the sweeping emotion that the story intends to deliver...
If a studio is going to commit to a remake of this film ...... They better make a much more substantial commitment than THIS...!!!
Better yet ... DON'T remake this movie .... it probably belongs in a different time anyway.
Everything in this is poor .... casting...acting.... music ..... And its poor on its own ....Then when you put it against the 1945 version with Dorothy McGuire, Robert Young and Herbert Marshall ....Music by Roy Webb ....You realize just how pitiful it is....!!!
NONE of the romance that exudes the 1945 version is translated in this film....No matter how sentimental or sappy you may think the 45 version is .... It does what it was meant to do ... It ss a fantasy drama ... and when you go outside of this idea you lose the sweeping emotion that the story intends to deliver...
If a studio is going to commit to a remake of this film ...... They better make a much more substantial commitment than THIS...!!!
Better yet ... DON'T remake this movie .... it probably belongs in a different time anyway.
This movie is sooo bad. The cottage is pretty. That is the only good thing about this movie. I would suggest watching the classic 1945 version. One of my favorite movies!
- sharonrybinski
- Jul 4, 2021
- Permalink
- gjoseph-292-93633
- Oct 13, 2017
- Permalink
This movie is very lousy :( I was expecting so much. Great film location though, but the actors made the film so bad. Just sad..
- dennypoliquit
- Jul 3, 2019
- Permalink
I honestly do not remember a movie where the acting was so bad I honestly could not finish it. Even Hallmark movies at least have adequate, if not engaging, actors. The casting of Oliver, the hero was terrible. He is supposed to be handsome and charming. He is not. I will say no more about his looks. His horrible disfigurement is not so much at all and would be easily corrected. The female lead was cast pretty well, but her acting also left a lot to be desired. I feel a little bad that I am reviewing this without seeing the whole thing. But when the acting is bad, the whole movie is tainted, no matter how good everything else was. (Though it wasn't) My time is too precious. I was just so disappointed. I love remakes, and the older version with Robert Young and Dorothy McGuire is excellent.
- rebekahrox
- Sep 23, 2017
- Permalink
Ridiculously bad in every way. :DD Wtf did I watch it ?!
What a beautiful story. I was most impressed with the production design and locations. The cottage had a very warm atmosphere from all the props and furniture. It had very rich textures and tones. I especially loved the way the ending which I won't spoil for you. A movie for the whole family family. Absolutely brilliant! It's a must see.
- ChristopherButler
- Oct 23, 2017
- Permalink
The acting was bad. But, what really took the cake was one of the actors playing a Marine. First of all Marines do not have sideburns. The producers of this movie needed to do some research on how a Marine looks in uniform before they based this movie on a Marine. They disgraced the Corps with their crap.
Sarah Navratil's performance as a geek nurse is indeed too forced .... its hard to believe that a blonde looking as good as she does hasn't been hit on in the hospital where she works, at least by a few doctors ... enchanted house indeed ... this is exactly why the whole story doesn't work ... please watch something else
- sandcrab277
- Jun 9, 2018
- Permalink
- tiffanytallent1981
- Jun 21, 2021
- Permalink
- vincentlynch-moonoi
- Sep 24, 2024
- Permalink
The one star is for the location!
This movie would have to be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The script was appalling and the actors were dreadful. It unfolded like a slow moving catastrophe. With a skilled and decent director, actors and script, this could have been touchingly beautiful and poignant nod to the fact that true love is blind but beautiful and rare.
I hope this pile of manure is shown in film school and studied by students, so they learn what not to do to make a great movie. Dreadful, absolutely dreadful!
Using up my characters, got nothing more to say about this trash. All connected with this should hang their heads in shame. The great reviews of this movie must have been made by friends and family of the production, there can be no other reason!
This movie would have to be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. The script was appalling and the actors were dreadful. It unfolded like a slow moving catastrophe. With a skilled and decent director, actors and script, this could have been touchingly beautiful and poignant nod to the fact that true love is blind but beautiful and rare.
I hope this pile of manure is shown in film school and studied by students, so they learn what not to do to make a great movie. Dreadful, absolutely dreadful!
Using up my characters, got nothing more to say about this trash. All connected with this should hang their heads in shame. The great reviews of this movie must have been made by friends and family of the production, there can be no other reason!
- lyninbyron
- Oct 13, 2024
- Permalink
This movie was really interesting. I liked the idea of being somewhere that makes your best qualities shine. Too bad the whole world isn't like this! It would be cool to see some more magic happen out of the cottage. Kind of like Fantasy Island but a cottage. Maybe an Enchanted Khottage Part Deux?
- luigio-10899
- Oct 25, 2017
- Permalink
I was very impressed with this film. Loved the story. I wish that I could live in the cottage, it was so beautiful. Such a sensitive story. Ugly ducklings turning into swans for the win! I thought that the acting in this film was really good. I loved this film from beginning to end. I would watch it again. KH
- nicolemarinelli-14269
- Oct 23, 2017
- Permalink
Such a beautiful love story, in such a gorgeous location. The acting was superb and Richard Hatch's last appearance was excellent.This film gave me character to care for and by the end of the film I was rooting for the two main characters. Must watch.
- meghanacounts
- Apr 19, 2018
- Permalink
I loved the original Enchanted Cottage and was slightly wary of seeing this remake. But I really enjoyed it. The message is beautiful.
Watch it with an open mind and idealistic heart ... and you will like it.
- shanticlements
- Jun 20, 2018
- Permalink
The cinematography is well done and beautifully presented. The soft piano music is lovely and does not get in the way of the dialogue, so one can hear! Although some of the acting rang a bit hollow with some of the minor characters, the two main characters did well, especially the character & personality of Laura. What a kind quirky soul and sweet giggle she exudes. The script could have been a bit better written (more depth & detail), but this updated version is well thought out & the scenes/still shots from 9-11 were important and moving. The two stars had great chemistry. Treat yourself to a relaxing break away from a hectic world & enjoy this classic, sweet story about love, inside & out.
- kbsquared1961
- Oct 6, 2020
- Permalink
What a great story about loss and finding yourself. It was nice to see the character's blossom into their own brightness as humans. It's a shame that the cottage does not really exist. I would visit it too! Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder! It makes me want to see the original as this was a remake. I think this is a great film about love, loss, and redemption.
- joecalderonjc
- Oct 23, 2017
- Permalink