Mrs. Doubtfire.

Review #831: Mrs. Doubtfire.

Cast
Robin Williams (Daniel Hillard / Euphegenia Doubtfire), Sally Field (Miranda Hillard), Pierce Brosnan (Stuart Dunmeyer), Lisa Jakub (Lydia Hillard), Matthew Lawrence (Christopher Hillard), Mara Wilson (Natalie Hillard), Harvey Fierstein (Frank Hillard), Scott Capurro (Jack), and Robert Prosky (Jonathan Lundy) Directed by Chris Columbus (#038 - Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, #117 - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, #118 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, #304 - Home Alone, and #310 - Home Alone 2: Lost in New York)

Review
Honestly, I hadn't seen this movie in years, in fact it might have been on a VHS, actually. It wasn't for lack of interest, it just never came to me. There are numerous movies about cross-dressing (#084 - Tootsie, #106 - Some Like It Hot, #637 - The Birdcage) along with numerous comedy-dramas, but Mrs. Doubtfire manages to be a fine movie that doesn't veer too much towards standardization due to the energy of its main lead. Williams, alongside some really exceptional (and award winning) makeup, manages to make the role his own, with these two characters being very distinct and interesting. He just weaves into these characters and voices well, though it almost gets a bit tiring near the end, but the dinner sequence is adequate. Field also does pretty well, managing to be likable in a role that could've turned out one dimensional or not as memorable, with her scenes with Williams being well handled. The kids don't have much screen time, but they're pretty okay. The rest of the cast do fine. The balance of comedy and drama is well enough, neither intruding too much on the other. At just over two hours it may be a bit too long, but Williams is enjoyable enough that it works. It's not too sentimental nor cynical, having a ending message (by Williams) that is pretty poignant. Does it always work? No, but it works just enough in part due to its main character(s) and a quirky charm.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Miracle on 34th Street (1994).

Review #314: Miracle on 34th Street (1994).

Cast
Richard Attenborough (Kris Kringle), Elizabeth Perkins (Dorey Walker), Dylan McDermott (Bryan Bedford), Mara Wilson (Susan Walker), J. T. Walsh (Ed Collins), Simon Jones (Donald Shellhammer), James Remar (Jack Duff), Jane Leeves (Alberta Leonard), and Robert Prosky (Henry Harper) Directed by Les Mayfield.

Review

I wonder if there's a rule. A rule that if a film is from the 30's to even the 90's, it automatically gets remade entirely, even if there was nothing wrong with the original. I wonder who wrote this? Some no-John Hughes? The track record with him varies (In the six I've reviewed with him involved in some way with three directed (also written) by him and three written by him.), from fun to slightly too far. This sounds like one of those films people make when either they are bored or think "We need a new touch on a story that's been made for television and even a musical, no one will complain!", but is this really bad? Have I rambled on way too much? (Maybe) In some ways it looks different, but no exactly for the best. But what about Santa? Attenborough is allright, but I just can't stop thinking of comparing him with Gwenn's Santa. The other parts of the main cast (Originally played by Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, and Natalie Wood) are...okay. Wilson and McDermott do a reasonable job together though, kind of like with Payne and Wood in the original. This film decides to take a different approach with the ending, and it is one of those love it or groan it moments. For me, it's mild groan. It just feels out of place. While this film is not a horrible remake, it is keeps making you ask the same question: Why did this need to be made? But that happens for some remakes as well.

Overall, I give it 5 out of 10 stars.

Movie Night: Matilda.

Review #179: Matilda.

Cast
Mara Wilson (Matilda Wormwood), Danny DeVito (Harry Wormwood/Narrator), Rhea Perlman (Zinnia Wormwood), Embeth Davidtz (Miss Honey), Pam Ferris (Agatha Trunchbull), Brian Levinson (Michael Wormwood), Paul Reubens (FBI Agent Bob), Tracey Walter (FBI Agent Bill), Kiami Davael (Lavender), and Jacqueline Steiger (Amanda Thripp) Directed by Danny DeVito.

Review
This film was based of the book Matilda by Roald Dahl, who we have covered before (#131 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory). Anyway, this film is has some changes to the film from the book, but what book to film doesn't have these problems? The acting is decent, especially from Wilson, Ferris, and DeVito. Speaking of him, the directing is decent, but what I find a bit odd is the occasional close up shots. They only work if you have something to show, these are just plain weird by any standards. The film has charm that while being a bit off at points is still an entertaining film.

Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.