“Max” (2015)

Max

Brief Description: 

A military dog that helped American Marines in Afghanistan returns to the United States and is adopted by his handler's family after suffering a traumatic experience.

Date: 2015

Genre: American family adventure war drama film 

Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Cast: 

Josh Wiggins (Justin Wincott)

Carlos (Max)

Dejon LaQuake (Chuy)

Thomas Haden Church (Ray Wincott)

Robbie Amell (Kyle Wincott)

Lauren Graham (Pamela Wincott)

Luke Kleintank (Tyler Harne)

Jay Hernandez (Sgt. Reyes)

Miles Mussenden (Maj. Miles)

Mia Xitlali (Carmen)

Owen Harn (Dep. Stack)

Joseph Julian Soria (Emilio)

Director: Boaz Yakin

Production/Distribution Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, Sunswept Entertainment, & Warner Bros. Pictures

Wikipedia Page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

Yeah, this film definitely had elements of the 2015 American summer vibes. It took me a while to figure out that although it appeared conservative, it wasn't religious; but it certainly was very stereotypical. 

Characters: 3/5

The only character I really liked was Carmen, although Chuy did redeem himself a tiny bit at the end, as did Justin. I hated Tyler; I disliked Ray except when he delivered an awesome speech to Justin; and Pam was okay. I liked the sergeant too, until he handed Justin classified military information... 

Plot: 3/5

I don’t know, it felt both predictable and startling? The ending especially didn't impress me. 

Romance: 2/5

Hint of romance between Carmen & Justin, culminating with Carmen giving Justin a big kiss. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 3/5

Renewed appreciation for war dogs & the PTSD fireworks can trigger. 

Content: 3/5

Mild euphemisms; teenage rebellion; Justin illegally rips and sells CDs; gun trafficking; drinking; a scene where American soldiers take over an Afghanistan town which I struggled with. 

Violence: 3/5

Shooting; car explosion causing a death; dangerous dogs. 

Overall: 3/5

It was okay, but I won't be rewatching it. 

“Franklin & the Turtle Lake Treasure” (2006)

Franklin & the Turtle Lake Treasure

Also Known As: “Franklin & le trésor du lac,” “Benjamin & le Trésor du lac”

Brief Description:

Granny falling ill during a visit from Aunt Lucy, who knows about a special talisman that may cure the illness. She joins Franklin on a quest to find it, along with his friends Bear, Beaver, and Snail, and Aunt Lucy's goddaughter, Samantha.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 2006

Genre: children's animated adventure drama film

Running time: 1 hour 25 minutes 

Cast: 

Cameron Ansell as Franklin

Marc McMulkin as Bear

Leah Cudmore as Beaver

Tajja Isen as Samantha & young Granny Turtle

Kristen Bone as Snail

Doug Murray as Grizzly

Corinne Conley as Granny Turtle

Shauna Black as Aunt Lucy

Hannah Endicott-Douglas as Little Crow

Elizabeth Saunders as Mrs. Turtle

Richard Newman as Mr. Turtle

Bryn McAuley as Harriet

Patricia Gage as the Old Turtle

Mari Trainor as Dr. Bear

Helen Taylor as Mrs. Falcon

Isaac Pustil, Emma Pustil, & Joshua Isen as the Baby Chicks

Director: Dominique Monféry

Production/Distribution Company: Alphanim, Les Studios DSO, Nelvana, StudioCanal, Europool, LuxAnimation, & Mars Distribution

Based On: Franklin the Turtle by Paulette Bourgeois & Brenda Clark

Wikipedia Page

Watch on YouTube

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5 

I watched this once many years ago and remembered nothing except that it was sad. Rewatching it this time, I liked how it captured the Franklin atmosphere (even if it's way too computer animated–y). I loved the classic Canadian summer family time this showcased 💙 

Characters: 3.5/5 

Because not all of the voice actors are the same as in the original Nelvana show, I did feel like some of the characters are different—Bear, for example, felt less wholesome (he's my favourite in the show, so I missed that!). Franklin is pretty good; Harriet sounds a bit too old but she barely shows up so it's fine; Snail is well done too; Beaver feels really lacking but she also has little screen time. Little Crow was super cute; and Samantha was okay... not my favourite, but I didn't dislike her. 

Plot: (2.5/5)

Granny's backstory was super interesting to see, since we saw Franklin's other grandma's backstory in Franklin's Magic Christmas. Unfortunately, this one has more magic involved. When Granny thinks of her lost time capsule and falls ill, the kids decide to go find the time capsule to make her feel better. Aunt Lucy suggests visiting "Old Turtle," whom Franklin's father calls a witch and Aunt Lucy calls a mystic, and that she has a talisman that turtle ancestors made and that they thought held life force. When they meet up with Old Turtle, who sends a bunch of butterflies to find them, she tells them she lived so long because of the talisman and that Granny's father had one too. She undergoes a sort of vision where she tells them how to find the talisman. This later comes true, and the talisman is returned to Granny. She doesn't react, but when a picture of her parents is put in her hands, she wakes up from her fever. Franklin's mother says the talisman really did help her; but Franklin says she was helped by "something stronger than magic." 

In short, though I enjoyed the rest of the film, the magical part was just too prominent. 

Romance: 4/5

Bear insinuates that Samantha might be Franklin's girlfriend. 

Content: 5/5

Mild euphemisms. 

Violence: 5/5

Baby chicks try to eat Snail. 

Overall: 2.5/5

It had so much potential but I just can't get past the magic. 🫤 

“One Hundred & One Dalmatians” (1961)

One Hundred & One Dalmatians

Also Known As: 101 Dalmatians

Brief Description:

When a litter of Dalmatian puppies are abducted by the minions of Cruella De Vil, the owners must find them before she uses them for a diabolical fashion statement.

Date: 1961

Genre: American animated adventure comedy film

Running Time: 1 hour 19 minutes

Cast: 

Rod Taylor (Pongo)

J. Pat O'Malley (Colonel/Jasper/Mechanic)

Betty Lou Gerson (Cruella De Vil/Miss Birdwell)

Martha Wentworth (Nanny/Queenie/Lucy)

Ben Wright (Roger Radcliffe/Man)

Cate Bauer (Perdita)

David Frankham (Sgt. Tibbs)

Frederick Worlock (Horace/Inspector Graves)

Lisa Davis (Anita Radcliffe)

Tom Conway (Quizmaster/Collie)

Tudor Owen (Towser/Percival Fauncewater)

George Pelling (Danny)

Ramsay Hill (Television Announcer/Labrador)

Sylvia Marriott (Countess)

Queenie Leonard (Princess)

Marjorie Bennett (Duchess)

Mickey Maga (Patch)

Barbara Beaird (Rolly)

Mimi Gibson (Lucky)

Sandra Abbott (Penny)

Thurl Ravenscroft (Captain)

Bill Lee (Roger Radcliffe's singing voice)

Max Smith (Pongo's barks)

Bob Stevens (Narrator)

Paul Wexler (Car Mechanic)

Mary Wickes (Freckles)

Barbara Luddy (Rover)

Lisa Daniels (Perdita)

Helene Stanley (Poodle dog owner)

Don Barclay (Truck Driver)

Dal McKennon (Barking Dogs)

Jeanne Bruns (Radio Singer)

Director: Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, & Clyde Geronimi

Production/Distribution Company: Walt Disney Productions & Buena Vista Distribution

Based On: The Hundred & One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith

Wikipedia Page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

Aw, I love the 1950s London aesthetic!! Also, the snowstorm made me more incredibly sad than I've felt for characters in a long time. Also, the marriage scene is GORGEOUS.

Characters: 4/5

Roger, though he shows spine when Cruella shows up, wasn't my favourite. Anita's sweet though, like Perdita. Pongo was definitely my fav, and I enjoyed meeting all the other animals—dogs, cats, and cows. 😉 Naturally, the villains are awful; but Nanny is fun! 

Plot: 4/5

Nice and exciting! Even though I'd already seen the film once and read the books several times, I was still excited by the chase and watched anxiously for the dogs to get home. Also, the scene where they almost lose a newborn pup and Roger keeps it alive was so surprisingly sweet and poignant 💙 

Romance: 4/5

Cute :) 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Smoking—I can't think of anything else. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Cruella wants to kill the dogs; Nanny gets knocked around. 

Overall: 4/5

Overall, this was a fun little vintagey Disney film that I quite enjoyed! 

“The Black Book” (1949)

The Black Book 

Also known as: Reign of Terror

Brief Description:

A powerful figure in the French Revolution desperately seeks his book listing those marked for death, thereby guaranteeing his rise to dictatorship.

Date: 1949

Genre: American historical adventure thriller film noir

Running time: 1 hour 29 minutes 

Cast: 

Robert Cummings as Charles d’Aubigny

Richard Basehart as Maximilien Robespierre

Richard Hart as François Barras

Arlene Dahl as Madelon

Arnold Moss as Fouché

Norman Lloyd as Tallien

Charles McGraw as Sergeant

Beulah Bondi as Grandma Blanchard

Jess Barker as Louis Antoine de Saint-Just

Wade Crosby as Danton

Wilton Graff as the Marquis de Lafayette

Mary Currier as Mme Duval

John Doucette as Pierre Blanchard

Russ Tamblyn as the Blanchards’ oldest son

Ellen Lowe as Marie Blanchard

Anthony Sydes as the Blanchards’ youngest son

Georgette Windsor as Cecile

Shepperd Strudwick as Napoleon Bonaparte (voice) 

Director: Anthony Mann

Production company: Eagle-Lion Films

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

Honestly, when I started this, I was emphatically not a fan. It's so extremely American. Everyone has the strongest American accents and pronounces all the French names in English. It's excessively jarring. It felt like a play about France, not a movie set in France. 

Characters: 3.5/5

I like d'Aubigny and Madelon... sort of. At least I didn't actively dislike them. I hated Robespierre, of course, and Fouché; and St. Juste, who completely baffled me because I kept thinking he was Armand St. Juste from The Scarlet Pimpernel. (Since Louis Antoine de St. Juste actually existed, I wonder why Baroness Orczy named her heroine's family the St. Justes???) The Blanchards were all nice people, and everyone else I was heartily indifferent towards.  

Plot: 3.5/5

So, first off, the film is so dark I had the hardest time figuring out what was happening 50% of the time. The dialogue, though I had captions, didn't help much. The basic premise, though—the loyal d'Aubigny taking the place of a famous executioner Robespierre called in from Stratsbourg, and trying to help stop him from being dictator by finding the little black book for Barras—was interesting, and by the mid-point I was invested. There were four specific points in the film that made me go from "meh" to "hm": the whole part about Madelon in Robespierre's power, which I felt had great potential as a storyline (I feel like it was underused in the film, though); the scene where St. Juste tries to convince the littlest Blanchard boy to spill the beans but kicks the cat and gets scorned for his pains; the scene where Robespierre almost talks himself out of trouble (reminded me of Mark Antony in Julius Caesar); and the ending with the Napoleon cameo. Also, the scene at the bridge did worry me, so I guess I was more invested than I thought. 

Romance: 3/5

The most passionate kisses I've seen in a black and white movie, lol. I didn't particularly care for d'Aubigny & Madelon's romance, especially since it's never explained why they quarrelled and broke up in the first place. 

Content: 2/5 (low)

Possibly language; drinking; low-necked dresses.

Violence: 3/5 (medium)

2 scenes of torture (a bare-chested man hung by his arms in Robespierre's room & screaming when he's hurt; Madelon hung in the same place & also screaming when hurt); someone is shot in the face; someone is choked out on screen; lots of fighting. 

Overall: 3.5/5

Though emphatically not the best—I'd call it "fluff" entertainment, but it's too grim to be fluff, so maybe just "shallow"?—it has potential and reminded me of some elements of the The Scarlet Pimpernel. I'm not sorry I watched it and I may even rewatch it sometime. 

“Treasure Island” (1972)

Treasure Island 

Brief Description:

Young Jim Hawkins has an unforgettable encounter with pirate Captain Long John Silver and his murderous mates.

Date: 1972

Genre: historical adventure film

Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes 

Cast: 

Orson Welles as Long John Silver

Kim Burfield as Jim Hawkins

Lionel Stander as Billy Bones

Walter Slezak as Squire Trelawney

Ángel del Pozo as Doctor Livesey

Rik Battaglia as Captain Smollett

Jean Lefebvre as Ben Gunn

Maria Rohm as Mrs. Hawkins

Paul Muller as Blind Pew

Michel Garland as George Merry

Aldo Sambrell as Israel Hands

Director: John Hough

Production company: National General Pictures

Based on: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

Having loved the book, I was eager to try this film and see what I thought of it. The aesthetic and setting was on point—I really enjoyed the island and the ship! 

Characters: 4/5

Jim Hawkins was adorable (I hadn't realized what a little kid he was!). I loved Dr. Livesay in the book, and I loved him here. I liked the Squire most of the time, though he also drove me crazy; but I was surprised by how much I loved the captain! As for Silver, I struggled a lot. Though Tubi has captions, they weren't very good, and I only got about 1 in 10 words he said thanks to his mumbling, so I missed out on a good deal since he's the main character. Ben Gumm was well done though, and so were the other sailors. 

Plot: 4/5

I honestly don't remember the book's plot very well, but what little I did meshed well with the film's plot. I really enjoyed the adventure/swashbuckling aspect and it certainly had my adrenaline and my heart going. I had to take a few breaks towards the end!! 

Content: 3/5 (medium)

Some language; drinking.

Violence: 3/5 (medium)

On-screen murder; habitual violence. 

Overall: 4/5

While probably okay for older kids, it's not quite as family friendly as I expected. But I enjoyed it; it made me want to reread the book; and I'm sure I will rewatch this! 

“Bulldog Drummond’s Peril” (1938)

Bulldog Drummond’s Peril

Brief Description:

Captain Bulldog Drummond finds himself searching for a serial killer who has chosen his targets based on a priceless diamond in high demand.

Date: 1938

Genre: American adventure crime mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 6 minutes

Cast: 

John Barrymore (Colonel Neilson)

John Howard (Captain Hugh 'Bulldog' Drummond)

Louise Campbell (Phyllis Clavering)

Reginald Denny (Algy Longworth)

E.E. Clive (Tenny)

Porter Hall (Dr. Max Botulian)

Elizabeth Patterson (Aunt Blanche Clavering)

Nydia Westman (Gwen Longworth)

Michael Brooke (Anthony Greer)

Halliwell Hobbes (Professor Bernard Goodman)

Matthew Boulton (Sir Raymond Blantyre)

Zeffie Tilbury (Mrs. Weevens)

David Clyde (Constable McThane)

Clyde Cook (Constable Sacker)

Austin Fairman (Roberts)

Director: James P. Hogan

Production company: Paramount Pictures

Based on: The Third Round by Herman C. McNeile

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

Very 1930s in feel, with an interesting change from a Swiss hotel to busy London to a quiet neighbourhood. 

Characters: 3/5

A new fiancée for Hugh, with Phyllis Clavering the (lucky or unlucky?) lady. Bulldog was all right; Algy was the right amount of stupid; and Gwen was sweet, while the villains were nicely scary. I was annoyed by the colonel, but he wasn't so bad. 

Plot: 3/5

I felt like the story switched directions in the middle, when the synthetic diamonds storyline was taken over by a rival academic storyline. Then again, I had a hard time following this plot in general, and it didn't interest it me much. 

Romance: 3/5

It was fine; kinda cute, nothing more. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild violence. 

Overall: 3/5

It was okay, and I'm not sorry I watched it, but I doubt I will again. Just kinda blah... 

“North & South” (2004)

North & South

Brief Description:

The love story of Margaret Hale, a middle-class southerner who is forced to move to the northern town of Milton.

Date: 2004

Genre: British television serial historical drama book adaptation

Running time: 3 hours 52 minutes

Cast: 

Daniela Denby-Ashe (Margaret Hale)

Richard Armitage (John Thornton)

Sinéad Cusack (Hannah Thornton)

Brendan Coyle (Nicholas Higgins)

Tim Pigott-Smith (Richard Hale)

Pauline Quirke (Dixon)

Jo Joyner (Fanny Thornton)

Kay Lyon (Mary Higgins)

Tom Charnock (Williams)

William Houston (John Boucher)

Emma Owen (Edith Lennox)

Lesley Manville (Maria Hale)

Anna Maxwell Martin (Bessy Higgins)

Brian Protheroe (Mr. Bell)

Jane Booker (Mrs Shaw)

John Light (Henry Lennox)

Will Tacey (Mr. Latimer)

Lucy Brown (Ann Latimer)

Tim Faraday (Watson)

Rupert Evans (Frederick Hale)

Caroline Pegg (Mrs Boucher)

Travis Oliver (Captain Lennox)

David Crellin (Slickson)

Spencer Wild (Tom Boucher)

Director: Brian Percival

Production company: BBC

Based on: North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I have heard about this show from several friends in the most glowing terms, and I am so happy I finally watched it, because it's amazing! I loved the book so much and this show complements it so well. I absolutely love the setting and gorgeous outfits; I could watch this over and over to enjoy the background. 💙 

Characters: 5/5

Daniela Denby-Ashe is a perfect Margaret Hale. She's so beautiful and innocent and sweet, and yet so fiery! I never thought of John Thornton as broody, but Richard Armitage plays him so well. Sinéad Cusack makes a most striking Mrs. Thornton; Brendan Coyle is the most charismatic and loveable Nicholas Higgins despite the character's flaws; and Mr. + Mrs. Hale are better than in the book, while Dixon is so sweet. I hated Fanny SO MUCH but the Higgins girls were sweet and so is Mr. Bell!

Plot: 5/5

I honestly don't really remember the plot of North & South but I think this changes the story just a tiny bit. I really don't care, though. It captures the reality of Victorian England well and mixed grief, humour, and sweetness so well. 

Romance: 5/5

While I HATED the misunderstandings and pride that kept them apart so long, the last few minutes of the last episode made up for everything. I never understood why everyone talks about The Hand Flex™️; but the Offering a Hedge Rose when she was grieving the fact that they were missing is The Sweetest Thing Ever and I grinned like a fool over it 💙 this story reminds me of Pride & Prejudice, kind of like a sort of retelling! Also, either this book or Jane Eyre has a very mouthy kiss. I forget which. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Just like the book, there's a lot of great thoughts about the mills and strikes. 

Content: 5/5 (low)

I think there's a few instances of swearing. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild violence when a mob tries to attack Thornton; a man is found suicided by drowning; mention of children starving.  

Overall: 5/5

This was such a beautiful experience and I love it so, so much 💙 

“Jane Eyre” (1983)

Jane Eyre 

Brief Description:

A young governess falls in love with her mysterious employer, but a terrible secret puts their happiness at risk.

Date: 1983

Genre: British television serial adaptation

Running time: 5 hours 11 minutes

Cast: 

Zelah Clarke (Jane Eyre)

Timothy Dalton (Mr. Rochester)

Carol Gillies (Grace Poole)

James Marcus (John)

Shady (Pilot)

Jean Harvey (Mrs. Fairfax)

Colin Jeavons (Briggs)

Damien Thomas (Mason)

Joolia Cappleman (Bertha)

Eve Matheson (Leah)

Morag Hood (Mary Rivers)

Blanche Youinou (Adèle)

Elaine Donnelly (Diana Rivers)

Kate David (Bessie)

Sian Pattenden (Young Jane)

Judy Cornwell (Mrs. Reed)

Andrew Bicknell (St. John Rivers)

Robert James (Brocklehurst)

Lockwood West (Wood)

Mary Tamm (Blanche Ingram)

Anne Dyson (Hannah)

Director: Julian Amyes

Production company: BBC 

Based on: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë  

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

This was my first time watching a Jane Eyre adaptation, and I was a bit anxious because JE is one of my top favourite books in the world. But within the very first episode I knew I'd absolutely love this. It was so detailed (11 episodes of ~30 minutes each) and captured the surroundings and atmosphere of the book SO well—especially the clothes and hair! 

Characters: 5/5

Jane is perfect. While not strictly pretty, she's little and fairylike and strong and passionate (and speaks french well enough to understand!). Rochester is a little bit too handsome, but he's brusque and impassioned and is big enough to emphasize Jane's smallness. Adèle (and her nurse!) is a french girl with a perfect accent, of course; and Mrs. Fairfax is so sweet. The other characters all play their parts well (St. John is perfect, but his sisters aren't pretty enough in my opinion) and overall I have no complaints for a single character here. 

Plot: 5/5

It follows the plot of Jane Eyre almost perfectly, and made me want to reread the book SO MUCH because of how accurate it is! 

Romance: 4/5

I would have preferred fewer kisses between Rochester & Jane, but otherwise it's good. (Either this show or North & South have a very mouthy kiss that made me uncomfortable. I forget which, unfortunately.)

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Less God than in JE, but still a lot more than I expected! 

Content: 3/5 (medium)

Several instances of swearing; Mason's shirtless following his attack for several minutes.

Violence: 3/5 (medium)

The scene after Mason is attacked is pretty gory. 

Overall: 5/5

I lost my heart to this adaptation and I already want to rewatch it 💙