“Togo” (2019)

Togo

Brief Description:

The true story of musher Leonhard Seppala and his sled dog Togo, who brave a brutal winter journey across Alaska to save lives against all odds.  

Date: 2019

Genre: American historical adventure film

Running time: 1 hour 54 minutes 

Cast: 

Willem Dafoe: Leonhard Seppala

Diesel: Togo

Riptide: adolescent Togo

Julianne Nicholson: Constance Seppala

Christopher Heyerdahl: Mayor George Maynard

Richard Dormer: Dr. Curtis Welch

Adrien Dorval: Bill Clark

Madeline Wickins: Sally Burdett

Michael Greyeyes: Amituk

Nive Nielsen: Atiqtalik

Nikolai Nikolaeff: Dan Murphy

Thorbjørn Harr: Charlie Olsen

Catherine McGregor: Sarah Foley

Michael McElhatton: Jafet Lindeberg

Brandon Oakes: Henry Ivanoff

Paul Piaskowski: Max Adams

Michael Gaston: Joe Dexter

Shaun Benson: Gunnar Kaasen

Zahn McClarnon: Tulimak

Jamie McShane: Scotty Allan

Steven McCarthy: Dev Burdett

Director: Kim Zubick

Production company: Walt Disney Pictures

Wikipedia page

Watched on Tubi

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

This came up on my Tubi and I flagged it as "interested in watching." Two days later Tubi told me it was leaving, so hurry up and watch, which I did. I enjoyed the Alaskan setting a lot. The music fit the scenes so well, and the cinematography was really nice, especially the ones where he crossed the strait.  

Characters: 4/5

I had a few miiiinor complaints against Seppala, but just personality-wise, haha. Probably because I'm a soft-hearted Celtic instead of a practical Scandinavian. I also really admired him and all the other mushers who did so much to save Nome. Basically everyone here was likeable. 

Plot: 4/5

I had heard the story of Togo before, but I didn't remember the specifics, so I enjoyed the story all over again. It's certainly dramatic and exciting, and I liked the flashbacks layering in to give Togo's backstory. It's somber, but still cheerful. 

Romance: 5/5

I loved Seppala's relationship with Constance; they were so sweet together. 💙 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Obviously the film is about courage and devotion. Personally I would have enjoyed more of a focus on the Lord who helped this rescue mission prosper, but even without that I was led to consider him.  

Content: 4/5 (low)

2 exclamations of "g*d"; a couple scenes where the Seppalas are in bed talking (I had 0 problem with it but just in case someone does).  

Overall: 4/5

It was a solid, enjoyable movie I'd watch again and would show my siblings, too. 

“The Railway Children” (2000)

The Railway Children

Brief Description:

Three children befriend locals as they try to learn what has become of their missing father.

Date: 2000

Genre: British drama television film

Running time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Cast: 

Jemima Rooper as Bobbie

Jack Blumenau as Peter

Clare Thomas as Phyllis

Jenny Agutter as Mother

Richard Attenborough as the Old Gentleman

Gregor Fisher as Perks

Michael Kitchen as Father

David Bamber as Dr. Forrest

Melanie Clark Pullen as Ruth

Georgie Glen as Aunt Emma

Velibor Topić as Mr. Szczepansky

Sophie Thompson as Mrs. Perks

JJ Feild as Jim

Clive Russell as the Station Master

Amanda Walker as Mrs. Ransome

Director: Catherine Morshead

Production company: Carlton Television

Based on: The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Y'all. The scenery is gorgeous. The town is perfect. The houses are lovely. The railway is beautiful. 10/10. 

Characters: 5/5

I know they're not 100% accurate. Peter is too young; Phyllis is too stupid; Bobbie is a bit too old; Perks is a bit too one-dimensional. But I really don't care. I think each of those actors captures the characters so well, and I had such fun seeing Clive Russell as the stationmaster and David Bamber as the doctor (too old, but that's fine). Also, Jim is super cute and Mrs. Perks is the sweetest! 

Plot: 4.5/5

While they do simplify the plot a little, tweak things, and remove storylines (the whole bargee part, namely) they do a pretty good job sticking to the original plot and script. 

Romance: 5/5

The tiiiiiiny thread of blossoming romance between Jim & Bobbie is SO cute!!! 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

Hope and be kind, basically like the book, I guess :) 

Content: 5/5 (low)

Maybe a handful of mild euphemisms? 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Someone throne a chunk of coal at Peter. 

Overall: 5/5

I think it's perfect. The book is still a thousand times better but I love the film so much. 

“Barbie & the Three Musketeers” (2009)

Barbie & the Three Musketeers

Brief Description:

It's "all for one and one for all" in this action-filled adventure as Barbie stars as Corinne, a young country girl headed to Paris to pursue her big dream—to become a Musketeer.

Date: 2009

Genre: animated American fantasy film

Running time: 1 hour 21 minutes

Cast: 

Kelly Sheridan: Corinne (Barbie)

Willow Johnson: Aramina (Summer)

Dorla Bell: Renée (Nikki)

Kira Tozer: Viveca (Teresa)

Tim Curry: Philippe

Mark Hildreth: Louis

Bernard Cuffling: Treville

Merrilyn Gann: Mme de Bossé

Kathleen Barr: Hélène

Nicole Oliver: Corrine's mother

Amelia Henderson: Miette

David Kaye: Alexander

Brian Dobson: Brutus

Director: William Lau

Production company: Mattel Entertainment & Rainmaker Entertainment

Based on: The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

Okay, this is about the un-Frenchiest thing I ever saw. It's worse than the Aristocats. It's so bad. If it was a fantasy kingdom, I could take it. As France, and Paris, it's just too much 😆 however, I did enjoy the palace itself, with all its secret rooms. That part really fired my imagination! 

Characters: 3/5

While I don't actively dislike the characters, except Philippe and Mme de Bossé, I also couldn't take any of them seriously. The girls were way over the top; Louis was an idiot—a sweet idiot, but still an idiot—and M. de Treville, though nice, was a bit stupid. Hélène was just confusing; Philippe actually had a good motivation, though.

Plot: 3.5/5

It's about as far as you can get from The Three Musketeers without removing the musketeers, but anyways, the plot is about the only part that redeems it. I enjoyed the last quarter of the movie despite its stupidity (Lady BBQ? Really?) because of all the drama and action. It inspired me heavily for my own fantasy retellings. But the first 3/4s are painful. 

Romance: 3/5

Nothing inappropriate, I just found it very blah.  

Theme/Message/Topics: 3/5

It's heavily "you can do whatever you set your mind on," and "all that matters is chasing your dreams" and "girls can be whatever they like" and "boys are stupid because they underestimate girls." Personally, I don't find any of inspirational. 

Content: 5/5 (low)

Can't recall any.

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Basically none. 

Overall: 3/5

The first time I watched it, I was appalled. The second time, I enjoyed parts. Mostly, I find it inspired me. 

“The Aristocats” (1970)

The Aristocats

Brief Description:

With the help of a smooth talking tomcat, a family of Parisian felines set to inherit a fortune from their owner try to make it back home after a jealous butler kidnaps them and leaves them in the country.

(from IMDb)

Date: 1970

Genre: American animated musical comedy film

Running time: 1 hour 19 minutes

Cast: 

Phil Harris: O'Malley

Eva Gabor & Robie Lester: Duchesse

Gary Dubin: Toulouse

Liz English: Marie

Dean Clark: Berlioz

Sterling Holloway: Roquefort

Scatman Crothers: Scat Cat

Paul Winchell: Shun Gon

Lord Tim Hudson: Hit Cat

Vito Scotti: Peppo

Thurl Ravenscroft: Billy Boss

Nancy Kulp & Ruth Buzzi: Frou-Frou

Pat Buttram: Napoleon

George Lindsey: Lafayette

Hermione Baddeley: Madame

Charles Lane: Georges

Roddy Maude-Roxby: Edgar

Monica Evans: Abigail

Carole Shelley: Amelia

Bill Thompson: Uncle Waldo

Peter Renaday: French Milkman, Le Petit Café Cook, Truck Movers

Director: Wolfgang Reitherman

Production company: Walt Disney Productions

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3/5

Okay, I know this is a little nitpicky, but... y'all. This is Paris. Why are Madame and Edgar (and Georges!!) English? Why is Duchess the only one with an accent, and why is it more German than French? Why are the hounds Southerners? Why do people even pronounce "le petit café" as "petite"? I love the scenery, but I can't take the dialogue, lol. 

Characters: 3.5/5

Roquefort is my favourite—he's so sweet. I'm not a fan of O'Malley; he's such a flatterer and so casual. Duchess and the kittens are cute though, and as much as I fundamentally object to them given the setting, the dogs are hilarious! 

Plot: 4/5

I enjoy the whole adventure/danger part of the plot, and the humour following Edgar's escapades. 

Romance: 4/5

O'Malley and Duchess are kinda cute, and I like how he steps up as a father for the kittens. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Not a fan of the drunken uncle, and I don't particularly care for the music sessions either. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild slapstick violence.

Overall: 3.5/5

It's just not my favourite, to be honest. 🤷🏻‍♀️

“The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)

The Great Mouse Detective 

Also known as: Basil the Great Mouse Detective; The Adventures of the Great Mouse Detective

Brief Description:

Basil of Baker Street undertakes to help a young mouse find and save her father from the criminal mastermind Professor Ratigan.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 1986

Genre: American animated mystery adventure film

Running time: 1 hour 14 minutes

Cast: 

Vincent Price: Ratigan

Barrie Ingham: Basil/Bartholomew

Val Bettin: Dr. Dawson/thug guard

Susanne Pollatschek: Olivia

Candy Candido: Fidget/reprobate in the pub

Diana Chesney: Mrs. Judson

Eve Brenner: Mouse Queen

Alan Young: Mr. Flaversham

Basil Rathbone: Sherlock Holmes

Laurie Main: Dr. Watson

Wayne Allwine, Tony Anselmo, Walker Edmiston: Ratigan's thug guards

Melissa Manchester: Miss Mouse

Director: John Musker, Ron Clements, Dave Michener, & Burny Mattinson

Production company: Walt Disney Feature Animation

Based on: The Basil of Baker Street Series by Eve Titus & Paul Galdone

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I love the classic Sherlock Holmes London vibes of this film! It's so deliciously creepy and gloomy. There's still a Disney atmosphere with the couple of party/musical scenes, but overall it feels pretty mysterious.

Characters: 5/5

Ratigan is so over-the-top and not very Moriarty at all, but he's fun to hate. Basil is perfect—he's so Sherlocky, right down to his eccentricity and little running commentary. Olivia is adorable; Dawson, while way stupider than the real Watson, is stereotypically film Watson and a great sidekick. Fidget is awful but also fun to hate; and Miss Mouse fascinates me (someone needs to write her story, and also, I confuse her terribly with Red from Tom & Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes). 

Plot: 4/5

It's extremely fast-paced, with sweet, sad, funny, and anxious moments. Some of my siblings found it too much, others enjoyed it. I've always enjoyed it, no matter how often I watch it! So much of the story parodies Sherlock Holmes stories, and the Big Ben fight is iconic.

Content: 3/5 (medium)

In a kids' film, I'm not the biggest fan of the musical scene in the beginning where the thugs are drunk and champagne flows, but I suspect most kids wouldn't know what's up and it is accurate. However, there's a scene further in the film where Miss Mouse sings, which is much more adult. It takes place in a tavern, and she dances (can-can?) with a couple other girls while singing a song about "let your baby be good to you," dresses in a garter and bodysuit. All the guys are obsessed, naturally; meanwhile, someone tries to drug Basil & Dawson's beer. This scene can be skipped, though you miss a bit of the storyline. 

Violence: 3/5 (medium) 

Some physical violence, including Ratigan feeding one of his mice to his cat. 

Overall: 4.5/5

I love it, and it's honestly a real comfort film for me. It's funny, sweet, mysterious, and Londony—what's not to love?! 

“A Little Princess” (1986–1987)

A Little Princess 

Brief Description:

Sara Crewe enters a London boarding school a wealthy lady when she bids her father farewell as he enters the British Army, but her lifestyle quickly vanishes when her father suddenly dies, and Sara must endure a life of servitude.

Date: 1986–1987

Genre: British-American period drama adapatation

Running time: 2 hours 43 minutes

Cast: 

Maureen Lipman as Miss Minchin

Amelia Shankley as Sara Crewe

Miriam Margolyes as Miss Amelia Minchin

Annette Badland as Cook

Natalie Abbott as Becky

Alison Reynolds as Ermengarde

Katrina Heath as Lavinia

Joanna Dukes as Jessie

Johanna Hargreaves as Henrietta

Jessica Simpson as Lottie

Nigel Havers as Carrisford

David Yelland as Ralph Crewe

John Bird as Mr Carmichael

Annie Lambert as Mrs Carmichael

Antony Zaki as Ram Dass

Meera Syal as Anna

Director: Carol Wiseman

Production company: LWT

Based on: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3.5/5

I grew up reading and rereading (and copying down) A Little Princess, so I am a tough critic. I think the book got the setting pretty well. I don't think it did very well getting the feel/vibe of the book, and I personally think the filming is terrible (everything is so yellow?!). 

Characters: 3.5/5

While the characters are somewhat accurate to the book's portrayal, they become their own new thing. Sara is not a storyteller, for example, and seems more 14 than 12. Ermengarde isn't bad, but Lottie isn't much herself, and Becky's more of a comic side character than the sweet, pathetic book character. Miss Minchin is both worse and better than she is in the book, at alternate times, and Miss Amelia is much more sympathetic, while the cook is horrid (accurate, but so grating!). Ram Das is fun, if wholly redone; Captain Crewe is horrid (way too old); the Carmichaels are pretty good, though the father's a bit too old; Lavinia & Jessie are both worse and dumber (Jessie is much less nice than she is in the book); and the Aya is a whole new invention. I was really confused by her position in the Crewe household—she seemed to be almost the mother/wife figure, and Captain Crewe treated her more like he owed an account to than a servant. 

Plot: 4/5

The plot follows the book's plot somewhat. Obviously it condenses/removes some things and other it stretches out into a whole new thing, which I suppose is to be expected. I felt it really skimped on the message/feel of the book and just delivered a drama instead of a sweet, encouraging story. At certain points it got harder to handle because of the injustice and cruelty, which is easier to read than to see. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 2/5

Literally none, unless it's be kind because you don't know when you'll need the kindness of others... 

Content: 1/5 (low)

A mention of "magic" and "magicians" when Sara tries to figure out how her room got redone; a few liberties of the imagination about heaven. 

Violence: 2/5 (low)

Mild violence (slapping); mild verbal violence; a scene where the girls twist Ermengarde's arm behind her back until she says mean things about Sara.

Overall: 3.5/5

It's not the worst thing ever, but to be honest I don't think I'll be rewatching it simply because it's so long and I don't like it enough to spend all that time on it. My little sisters liked it though.  

“Dragonwyck” (1946)

Dragonwyck

Brief Description:

A simple Connecticut farm girl is recruited by a distant relative, an aristocratic patroon, to be governess to his young daughter in his Hudson Valley mansion. 

(from IMDb)

Date: 1946

Genre: American period drama adaptation 

Running time: 1 hour 43 minutes

Cast: 

Gene Tierney as Miranda Wells

Vincent Price as Nicholas van Ryn

Walter Huston as Ephraim Wells

Glenn Langan as Dr. Jeff Turner

Anne Revere as Abigail Wells

Spring Byington as Magda

Connie Marshall as Katrine Van Ryn

Harry Morgan as Bleecker

Jessica Tandy as Peggy

Vivienne Osborne as Johanna Van Ryn

Trudy Marshall as Elizabeth Van Borden

Larry Steers as Servant

Grady Sutton as Hotel Clerk

Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

Production company: 20th Century-Fox

Based on: Dragonwyck by Anya Seton

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I originally watched this just after watching Rebecca and totally fell in love because it was very similar in vibe/aesthetic. I've never heard of the Hudson River patroons before, so I enjoyed that part of the setting immensely. Of course I also really enjoyed the luxurious setting of Dragonwyck and the gorgeous period dresses 😉 

Characters: 4/5

Miranda was a sweet, brave girl and I appreciated her faith. (Also, Gene Tierney reminds me insanely of Katherine Hepburn somehow?!) Nicholas reminded me of Max DeWinter from Rebecca at first, but he quickly disintegrated. Jeff was a much nicer fellow, naturally, and Katrine was cute, though I wasn't a fan of Johanna. Ephraim Wells frustrated me terribly at the beginning of the film, but towards the end I understood and appreciated him and his wife a little (little) bit more, though I still did not like his high-handed ways and roughshod Christianity.  

Plot: 4/5

I watched this film twice, and didn't remember much of it the second time I did. It's very romantic, with a backwoods country girl moving into the rich aristocrats' world and finding herself well out of her depth, while two handsome men interested in her. The story quickly progresses into drama, then tragedy, but ends with a note of hope. I liked it so much the first time—I was rather indifferent this time—so I think I need to try it a third time lol. 

Romance: 4/5

Obviously Nicolas' and Miranda's love is dangerous in the sense that he's clearly a terrible fellow for her to marry, but Miranda handles it well and I think that whole storyline does well as a message. I also wasn't a fan of the one or two insinuations that he fell in love with her while still married, but nothing happened and she certainly did not encourage him or even seem to realize what was happening. 

Theme/Message/Topics: /5

The storyline of Nicolas' passion of remaining in his ancestral land, and refusing to sell it to the tenants who farmed it for generations and more than paid for it, was very interesting. For a while I was on his side, because I couldn't see why they were any more right than he was... it gave me a lot to think of. It also reminded me a lot of the French Revolution... 

Anyways, I was a huge fan of the pro-life message as Miranda fights for her crippled maid and then her son.

Content: 4/5 (low)

A few kisses; a few low-necked dresses; a main character is revealed to be a drug addict; a ghost ancestor haunts the Van Ryn house and sings when a death comes to the household. Also Ephraim Wells is borderline verbally/spiritually abusive in a few scenes. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Attempted stabbing; murder; attempted murder; a man is shot + killed in self-defence. 

Overall: 4/5

It's a melodrama, but I like it. Again, it reminds me of Rebecca, though not as good, and I'd like to try the novel. 

“The Prince & the Pauper” (1996)

The Prince & the Pauper

Brief Description:

In this adaptation of Mark Twain's classic tale, a street urchin and a prince in Tudor England swap places to learn how the other half lives.

Date: 1996

Genre: British television period drama serial adaptation

Running time: 2 hours 51 minutes

Cast: 

Philip Sarson: Tom Canty/Prince Edward

John Bowe: The Duke of Somerset

Peter Jeffrey: The Duke of Norfolk

Elizabeth Ann O'Brien: Lady Elizabeth

Richenda Carey: Lady Milford

Rupert Frazer: Sir Thomas Seymour

Douglas Reith: Chamberlain

James Purefoy: Miles Hendon

John Judd: John Canty

Virginia Beare: Lady Mary

Max Johnson: Humphrey Marlow

Jenny McCracken: Mother Canty

Sophia Myles: Lady Jane Grey

Lucy Speed: Nan Canty

Paul Chapman: Father Thomas

Freddy White: Hugo

Janet Henfrey: Goody Watson

Keith Michell: King Henry VIII

Miranda Forbes: Widow White

Nick Smallman: Sir Hugh Hendon

Victoria Gay: Lady Edith de Bohun

Director: Andrew Morgan

Production company: BBC

Based on: The Prince & the Pauper by Mark Twain

IMDb page

Watched on Tubi

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Excellent! I felt completely transported to Tudor England, specifically in the costumes department. I thought the language was rather simplistic and not at all medieval—certainly not like Twain wrote it—but it didn't bother me. 

Characters: 4/5

Miles was perfect, so perfect. 💙 I think Tom & Edward were both fairly accurate, though neither fully as the book presented them (specially Tom). Elizabeth & Mary were well done; I liked the dukes and duchesses—except for the Seymour brothers, who were quite different from the book and much more intense, specifically Hartford. The Canty family was well done, and Father Thomas was awesome. Hugh was terrible, of course, and Edith pretty perfect :)  

Plot: 4/5

The plot only followed the book's plot about 50%, which left me wondering what would happen a lot more than I expected to. I didn't necessarily mind it, it just wasn't what I expected. I enjoyed the added political drama, which Twain really didn't go into at all.  

Romance: 5/5

Except for the Seymour brothers trying to force Elizabeth to marry the youngest brother, there was no romance besides Miles & Edith, who shared 1 kiss. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

There wasn't a huge theme, but like in the book, Edward learned to apply mercy in justice. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Maybe a handful of exclamations of "l*rd"? I can't recall, honestly. All I remember for content is a few shots of people drinking and a scene where Miles's shirt is half off when he wakes up. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Still violent, like the book, but not over the top. Not really family-friendly though, especially a scene where two baptist women are burned at the stake (non-detailed). 

Overall: 4.5/5

Overall I really enjoyed watching this show and I'm sad Tubi took it off because I'd love to rewatch it. Makes me want to write a P&tP retelling 😉