nyknights45 Reviews

Mirror Mirror (I) (2012)

Not "The Princess Bride" But a Pretty Good Family Movie

[7/10 · 2 April 2012]

When I first saw the trailers for "Mirror Mirror" a few months ago, I was pretty excited. It seemed like a "Princess Bride" kind of movie that I could take my kids (ages 10, 8 and 6) to see without worry. Then I read the reviews, which were mostly negative and started to hesitate about spending the money to see the film. I finally thought that while adults might not like it, kids might, so I took them.

The result? They all loved it, and that's the most important thing.

The movie itself was pretty good, but I was a little disappointed that its not "The Princess Bride". Nowhere close, in fact. But Julia Roberts and Nathan Lane, both accomplished actors, were excellent in their scenes together, the seven dwarfs were funny and Lily Collins was very good as Snow White without overacting. In short, if you have pre-teen kids, especially girls, go see this movie. Its worth it.

Carter Country (1977–1979)

An Above Average, Lightweight Comedy

[6/10 · 8 April 2011]

I remember this show well from the late 1970's. It was a fairly lightweight sitcom, but as I recall, it was above average in both the quality of acting and writing. The interaction between Richard Paul as the Mayor and the great Victor French was the highlight of the series. Unfortunately, as President Carter's popularity started to wane by 1978, so did viewers' interest in this show and it ended after 2 seasons. Vernee Watson and Keene Holliday were believable as love interests and Guick Kook was also good for comic relief. The late 1970's was a period when ABC television specialized in "jiggle shows" like Charlie's Angels and Three's Company, among others, but "Carter Country" is good family fare without a jiggle in sight. If it comes up on TV Land, its worth watching, if for no reason other than nostalgia.

Thomas and the Magic Railroad (2000)

Not a Great Movie, But Baldwin Saves It

[6/10 · 5 August 2005]

I agree that the plot of the movie is very muddled and too complicated for small children. I also found it distressing to hear different voices for the engines than the ones heard in the videos. Peter Fonda looked like he was sleepwalking through his scenes; I have to believe that an accomplished actor like him did this film as a favor to someone. The child actors were stiff and wooden throughout. Didi Conn was charming in her scenes, as always.

All that being said, I still like this movie for one reason - Alec Baldwin. His acting is superb, but even better, he really looked like he was having fun doing this film. He pretty much steals every scene he is in. I also liked the scene when he is reading Sir Topham Hatt's note in Sir Topham Hatt's voice - you get an appreciation for all of the different voices he used in the videos.

Overall, if you ignore the holes in the plot and the wooden acting, and just enjoy the scenery, light comedy and Baldwin's performance, I think adults can enjoy this movie as well as children.