*Phantom Chick*'s reviews

I went into this film with very high expectations, after reading about it extensively, looking at the casting, and having read the novel. I am happy to say that it did not disappoint in any way.

Neither is it quite what I expected. It pulls the viewer in from the very beginning, which is straight out of Barrie. "All children grow up, except one," emblazoned across the screen in gold - I knew I'd be in for some whimsical fun when I saw that. The Darlings are a charming family, more or less exactly as I pictured them from the book, even with the added twist that Mr. Darling is so shy he has trouble even making "small talk." There's an added character of Aunt Millicent, played by Lynn Redgrave, who is fortunately played as a kindly and sympathetic character instead of giving in to the formulaic overbearing-and- cruel elderly spinster model.

I enjoyed the interplay between the parents, children and aunt so much I almost didn't want Pan to show up and whisk them away - almost.

I needn't describe the plot after that, I don't think. Either the reader will have already seen one of the other versions of Peter Pan, or read the synopsis somewhere. The story is well played out for the most part, the only thing lacking is some development of the relationship between Peter and Wendy in the middle of the film. We are supposed to assume, I imagined, that Wendy has been in Neverland for some time, but it seems that she just arrived and snap, she's already trying to hook (forgive the pun) Peter into some sort of relationship.

This doesn't ruin the film, however, it only makes it feel a bit rushed. That was an hour and a half that went by very quickly for me - I would have gladly sat out another half hour or so of the film. (After seeing Return of the King three times, I suppose anything would seem somewhat short.)

All the actors are excellently chosen. I'd read that Jeremy Sumpter was somewhat lacking as Pan, but I found him entirely believable and impishly charming and somewhat graceful, without being "girly." Rachel Hurd-Wood is a treasure. I rarely enjoy the performances of young actresses in a predominately male driven film (for instance, Keira Knightly in Pirates of the Caribbean), but I thought she held her own well, without playing the role as too cutesy or fiesty. She was genuinely sweet and completely lovely, and I can understand how Pan's heart could be melted by her.

Jason Isaacs is absolutely brilliant as both Hook and Mr. Darling, who could not be any less alike. He never ceases to amaze me. Hook is no buffoon in this film, though he's played with a sense of humor. He has more depth than in other versions as well, not merely an over the top panto villian (which he could easily have been), but a sad man nursing an evil streak and with a wicked looking hook on his maimed hand. He lights up the screen - I found myself looking forward to the next scene he would be in. Truly marvelous.

The rest of the cast, including Nana the dog and Tinkerbell were also completely perfect and enchanting. Kudos to the casting director.

I heard from many sources that this film has a worrying undercurrent of sexuality, and even more frightening, homosexuality. Anyone worried about that may rest assured, it isn't really there. The film is sensual in a sweet way, vibrant with brilliant colors and deepened with dark starry nights and fairies dancing, but it only enhances the story, instead of drawing attention to anything inappropriate for the young viewers it's intended for. If an adult wants to see those things, I'm sure he or she may with a twist of the imagination. But a child will only see an excellent adventure story in a place every young person dreams of visiting.

Hey Mr. Producer is spectacular! It's also addictive. . .I got it from my library, and have watched it at least seven or eight times so far! It really grows on you.

The best performances of the evening are Johnathan Pryce. . . so versatile, and totally slimy in The American Dream. . . Michael Ball. . . my man, always good! In top form in this. . . Lea Salonga. . .what can I say? She just lights up the stage. . . Philip Quast. . . the best Javert. EVER. . . Bernadette Peters . . . looking rather tired, but still riveting. . . and most of all, Dame Judi Dench. Her performance of Send in the Clowns is amazing. I felt like crying after she sang it. She REALLY looks like she felt what she was singing. I never tire of watching her sing it. There are so many other great performances in this video, that I know I'm leaving out several that I'll regret later. Everyone does a great job.

My favorite musical numbers were, Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't?, Unexpected Song, the medley from Miss Saigon (that Lea Salonga, wow), You Could Drive a Person Crazy, You Gotta Picka Pocket or Two, the two songs from Martin Guerre, Losing My Mind (my Mikey, SO good), Send in the Clowns, and Memory (Elain Paige, fabulous!) The best part of the musical though, was the Les Miserables medley. Absolutely wonderful. Though, all of the performance was great (my least favorite part was the long My Fair Lady segment.) Other honorable mention is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim's duet. . . a really funny treat!

All musical fans must see this video. Five stars.

What can I say? *Another* version of Les Mis. Yikes. You would think they'd have done it enough by now! This version is OK if you haven't read the book, but it's pretty lame when compared with the musical. Liam Neeson is an excellent Valjean, and Geoffery Rush is pretty good as Javert, just that much makes this film worth watching, but the rest of the cast is not *quite* right somehow. Danes is too snippy as Cosette, not at all the sweet lovestruck Cosette of the novel, and Thurman as Fantine just seemed odd to me. I don't at all like Marius in this film. . . I just can't imagine him leading the insurrection! Where is Enjolras? Marius is no leader! And anyone would wonder, where is Eponine? She was one of the best parts of the story!

The barricade is absolutely *pitiful* in this movie. Where was the valor of the rebellion? One would not have any idea what the students were fighting for. . . and even less that they were students! Still, if you've never read the novel or seen the musical (which I'm sorry for you if you haven't done either), you'll probably like this film. It is alright, just as a film, the music is good, and the cinematography is beautiful. But, I would recommend reading the book afterwards!

I love Will Rogers. Living in Oklahoma near Claremore, his home town. . .I know just how to appreciate him. I've been to his museum/memorial many times. It's so sad to me that he couldn't have made MORE talkies. Silent picture are SO hard to watch! But A Connecticut Yankee is one of his best talkies. . . the jokes are still funny and relivent today. Who would have thought of Will Rogers as Mark Twain's American Yankee? This movie is timeless! I couldn't love it more. Having been to his museum, I've seen his costume for this film. It kind of made me realize that Will Rogers was a real person, and there was something of his that I get get close to. . . something he'd worn. It made this movie more interesting to me. Of course, not everyone can go see his costume. But at least you can watch this film, and remember one of the greatest Americans who ever lived. This movie is a must see for any Oklahoman, Will Rogers lover, or anyone who likes a good joke!

This video is a must see for all Andrew Lloyd Webber fans. Over all it is spectacular, with a few (small) exceptions. Donny Osmond does a triumphant reprise of his Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat role, Elaine Paige is riveting as Eva Peron singing Don't Cry for Me Argentina (made me want to run right out and buy the original London cast album!), and also singing Memory. To be honest, I was a little disappointed with Sarah Brightman's performance. . . don't get me wrong, she has a beautiful voice, but it lacks the energy of her younger years. Still, she did a lovely turn singing Pie Jesu. Antonio Banderas was very entertaining as Che, but I honestly thought that having him sing the part of the Phantom was a bad idea. . . Michael Crawford he is not.

I also thought the guy who sang Superstar seemed a little off key. Maybe it was just my hearing. However, the highlight of the evening for me, was Michael Ball. He has one of the most beautiful and powerful voices I have ever heard, capable of singing with great emotion . . .which he did in this performance. Michael is always best in front of a live audience, and this performance is no different (if you like this, get the concert video of Les Miserables, it is awesome.) Michael Ball's performance of Gethsemane is the very best I have ever heard. . . it is amazing. Even if the rest of the video had been bad, that song would have made it for me. He also does a lovely job on his trademark tune, Love Changes Everything, and The Vaults of Heaven. Over all, I give this video ***1/2 out of ****.

The Phantom of the Opera. . . a very interesting film. Lavish sets, fantastic costumes, lovely story, and great a performance (Lon Chaney). Definitely not as good as the book, or the beautiful Lloyd Webber musical, but worth viewing. However, I would highly recommend reading the book (which is my favorite novel, by the way) before seeing this film. The novel is one of the most lovely, romantic stories I have ever read, and while greatly portrayed in the musical. . . and well done in this film for the most part, the ending is all wrong. Still, if you are a fan of the book or musical (or a film student), this film is a must see. It is not in any way boring, but I would recommend (if you see the same version as I did) muting that awful music they decided to put on the video, and maybe putting on a CD of Faust, or another Opera appropriate to the period. I give The Phantom of the Opera **1/2 (out of ****.)