FEATURED ATTRACTION:

The great Rodgers & Hammerstein musical gets redone, for a whole new movie going generation to experience.


CAROUSEL is still one of my “top five” favorite movie musicals of all time, and I have been anticipating this motion picture release, since it’s initial announcement. It’s nice to see that this film stays a lot closer to the original stage production, as opposed to the original 1956 film.

Jim Carrey as Billy Bigelow, what a great casting choice here. This role just goes to prove the incredible range that he truly does have, as if films like THE TRUMAN SHOW, MAN ON THE MOON, and HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS didn’t already prove the extreme range that he does truly possess. All in all, this was indeed a great casting choice.

I originally had my doubts about Claire Danes in the role of Julie Jordon, but I must admit… this was a pleasant surprise. Musicals themselves have some of the most demanding roles, because it’s not just enough to work with the script, but you also have to possess singing ability and talent as well.

I must say… Claire Danes delivers way beyond expectations. As I said, this was indeed a pleasant surprise.

The story is just as captivating; the musical scores will have you humming (and perhaps even attempting to sing them as well), as you are leaving the theater, and all the way home. This is what makes a great musical, or more to the point, it is what makes a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical so great.

So, my ratings for CAROUSEL:

Originality of Screenplay




Interest of Storyline




Casting




Although CAROUSEL is not high on the “originality scale”, I did decide to give it “3 STARS” in that category, the reason I chose this was because the Ted Froats and Sam Mendes showed the courage to leave Billy Bigelow’s suicide in the film, and fighting the urge to go the original film versions route, and doing the film as one big flashback.

HOORAH! HOORAH! HOORAH! A very big, and appreciative “thank you” goes out to the films Screenwriter Ted Froats here. Thanks for helping me to enjoy this fine musical again, and to help to bring it to an all-new audience.

NEW ON DVD…

THE GREAT WAR SERIES: STORM BREAKS…

This continuance of the telling of World War I, as told through the eyes of the Armstrong family.

War takes its toll on us all, and a war on the scale of WWI is of no exception. With the success of this film, seeing the next in the saga will be a pleasure, and probably a profitable film venture for CRAZY MOON.

So, my advice to you, if you can…

BUY IT!!!

MCMILLAN & WIFE…

It’s nice to see this series get the big screen treatment… and it did it with a “BANG”. Harrison Ford and Rene Russo were positively “movie magic”, and made this film not just enjoyable to watch, but also give this DVD great replay value.

Kathy Bates as Mildred was great casting. Just the right bit of sarcasm and bravado, but a sense of vulnerability and depth as well to the character.

All in all, MCMILLAN & WIFE is just a fun film, especially if you like a good “who-dun-it”, tempered with a little bit of comedy. It will also probably get you interested in the original NBC-TV series (season one is available on DVD), which was great entertainment, in it’s own right.

My suggestion…

BUY IT!!! – Or – RENT IT!!!

At the very least though, try to see it if you can, but I warn you… you’ll get hooked, and it just might leave you wanting more (…like perhaps a sequel?).

ALSO COMING, TO A THEATER NEAR YOU…

Okay, this is probably the “creepiest” film concept ever. The great philanthropist and icon loved by all, the beloved Santa Claus, as a feral predator.

First, let me say that even though this initial concept can be considered extremely “disturbing”, to say the very least, it works so well in this suspense thriller/horror film.

That’s just plain and downright twisted. Buy then again; John Carpenter and Wes Craven have never actually been accused of being, for lack of a better term, “normal”. Screenwriter Marcus Trax seems to have a flare for the bizarre concepts, at least as it pertains to the horror genre.

The choice of actors for this film is rock solid, and the talent doesn’t go to waste either. Donald and Kiefer Sutherland together in a film!!! This is positively a great father and son pairing in a film, and it’s a great choice in my opinion.

I am a big fan of John Carpenter, and with THE GROTTO, he doesn’t disappoint me one bit with this film. When the action starts, I was on the edge of my seat.

Warning… this film is not for the “faint of heart”... but if you are not afraid to have your childhood memories turned upside-down, give THE GROTTO some of your time.

My ratings for THE GROTTO are as follows:

Originality of Screenplay




Interest of Storyline




Casting




ALSO AVAILABLE ON DVD, FROM CRAZY MOON PICTURES…

This is a gem of a thriller, and really deserves some consideration, for true fans of the horror genre.

This isn’t the “slasher” film that claims to be a “horror” film. When I think of horror & suspense films, the first name for me that always comes to mind is perhaps one of the true legends in filmmaking, and that name is… Alfred Hitchcock.

This film is truly on par with many of the collective works from the film vault of Alfred Hitchcock, and if you like a horror film that’s loaded with suspense… CURSED NEVERLAND is a fine choice, and it will make an extremely strong addition to your film library.

So, if you get the chance to, you should delve deeper into realm of your childhood heroes, take a look at the darker side of the Peter Pan story, and you will probably agree… this film is indeed a “must see”.

So, I recommend that you see this film sometime soon… IF YOU DARE!!!

WRAPPING IT UP…

On June 16, 2007… I will be announcing my predictions as to who I think is going to take home a GOLDEN MOON this year. I’ll break down all the categories, and I might even tell you how I’m voting, if you read between the lines. It will still be my usual article, but with a special expanded preview of my awards predictions.

Well, that’s all for now in this edition of PREVIEWING ATTRACTIONS, so go to the lobby, get yourself a large popcorn and a drink… and,

SEE YOU IN THE MOVIES!!!