“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.  

(from IMDb)

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. 

“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 Man Who Invented Christmas” (2017)

The Man Who Invented Christmas 

Brief Description:

In 1843 London, author Charles Dickens finds himself in financial trouble after writing three unsuccessful novels in a row. Desperate for a hit, Dickens relies on real-life inspiration and his vivid imagination to bring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters to life in “A Christmas Carol,” forever changing the holiday season into the celebration known today.

Date: 2017

Genre: Christmas biographical comedy-drama film

Running time: 1 hour 44 minutes 

Cast: 

Dan Stevens (Dickens)

Ely Solan (Young Dickens)

Mark Schrier (Presenter)

Patrick Joseph Byrnes (Stage Manager)

Miriam Margolyes (Mrs. Fisk)

Morfydd Clark (Kate Dickens)

Justin Edwards (John Forster / Ghost of Christmas Present)

Cosimo Massimo Fusco (Signor Mazzini)

Jasper Hughes Cotter (Walter Dickens)

James Heffernan (Charley Dickens)

Aleah Lennon (Mary “Mamie" Dickens)

Ella Mai Delaney (Katey Dickens)

Donna Marie Sludds (Maid)

David McSavage (William Hall)

Ian McNeice (Edward Chapman)

Miles Jupp (Thackeray)

Pat Mooney (Garrick Club Waiter)

Anna Murphy (Tara / Ghost of Christmas Past)

Jonathan Pryce (Dickens’ father)

Ger Ryan (Dickens’ mother)

Sam McGillicuddy (Young Charles’ Brother)

Rory O’Neill (Young Charles’ Brother)

Nancy Quinney (Young Charles’ Sister)

Alanna Manning (Young Charles’ Sister)

Glynis Casson (Society Lady)

Amelia Crowley (Mrs. Grimsby)

Bill Paterson (Mr. Grimsby)

Derek Hanna (Toothless Man)

Derek O’Sullivan (Grave Digger)

John Delaney (Grave Digger)

Christopher Plummer (Scrooge)

Gerard Lee (Cleric)

Stephen Ball (Clerk)

Martin Philips (Pawn Broker)

Donald Sumpter (Haddock / Jacob Marley)

Kevin McCormack (Bailiff)

Aideen Wylde (Charlotte Wigmore)

Simon Callow (John Leech)

Katie McGuinness (Fanny Dickens / Mrs. Cratchit)

Marcus Lamb (Rev. Henry Burnett / Cratchit)

Pearse Kearney (Henry Jr. / Tiny Tim)

Paul Kealyn (Warren’s Foreman)

Richard Coombs (Punch / Judy)

Michael Judd (Pie Man)

Eddie Jackson (Scam Artist)

Anthony Morris (Newsagent)

John Henshaw (Butcher / Mr. Fezziwig)

Annette Badland (Butcher’s Wife / Mrs. Fezziwig)

Linda Gough (Charwoman)

Jack Gunning (Cratchit Child)

Christina Martina (Cratchit Child)

Ava May Taylor (Cratchit Child)

Adam Dolan (Warren’s Factory Boy)

Cameron Simpson (Poll)

Degnan Geraghty (Christmas Tree Vendor)

John Colleary (Constable Copperfield)

Sean Duggan (Mr. Grub)

James Daniel Wilson (Grip the Raven)

Desmond Bird (Lover)

Fabiano Roggio (Ghost of Christmas Future)

Franco Moscon (Nobleman)

Mark Quigley (Middle Class)

Roisin Whelan (Maid)

Samantha Kelly (Minor Role)

Séamus Hanly (Audience Member)

Valeria Bandino (Tart)

Director: Bharat Nalluri

Production company: Parallel Films & Rhombus Media

Based on: The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Another film I watched in March with friends, and it stayed with me for weeks. I LOVED THIS. The 1843 aesthetic is ON POINT! The flashbacks to the past were super well done and the home & warehouse fit the scenes so well (and I want Dickens’ study). 

Characters: 5/5

Okay, Dickens was the absolute best. Dan Stevens CARRIED this film. He was the perfect Dickens. Such an amusing guy—such a writer—and yet very deep and complex. I never expected the analyzation and exploration of his childhood traumas, and how it would affect not just his relationships but his life habits and his writing. The writing portrayal here was absolutely legendary. I have never seen writing portrayed so well in any film, maybe even any book! So many little things, like not being able to find the character until you had the right name… or how books stall because they hold a message you are figuring out yourself just then… it was amazing. So amazing. 5/4ths of my favourite part of the movie. (Yes, I mean 5/4ths). 

All the other actors were great and played splendid supporting roles. All-around amazing cast. 

Plot: 5/5

It was fantastic. Hilarious. Deep. So, so writerly. Historical. Just checked all the boxes and made me understand Dickens so much better. I don’t remember much about it anymore but I know I loved it. 

Romance: 4/5

I felt like the romance between Dickens & Kate was a little lacking—he was very dismissive—but he realized his issues and did try to work on them. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

The messages of forgiving, especially one’s parents for the past, and understanding people’s personalities—amazing. I don’t recall others but I remember being VERY well satisfied with the messages. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

I don’t remember anything but these are the few notes I have: 

Language (Da**ed; Bl**dy; G**’s teeth; G**’s sake; D**il ; G**). Champagne, mentions of fairies & ghosts, drinking. 

Violence: 5/5 (n/a)

I can’t recall. 

Overall: 5/5

I need this film. I need to rewatch it every year. I. love. it. so. crazy. much. I cannot wait to rewatch it someday—hopefully soon!!! 

*To be updated upon rewatch. 

“I Heard the Bells” (2022)

 I Heard the Bells

Brief Description:

Known as America's Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life...until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it's the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet's lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith.

Date: 2022

Genre: Drama biographical family film 

Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes 

Cast: 

Stephen Atherholt (Longfellow)

Jonathan Blair (Charley)

Rachel Day Hughes (Fanny)

Zach Meeker (Ernest)

Carl Anderson (Josiah)

Jacob L.T Bates (Civilian on Porch)

Jared Frederick (Massachusetts Infantryman)

Jeremiah Hornbaker (Man at train station)

Daniel Stargel (Sumner)

Wes Wise (Richard)

Director: Joshua Enck

Production company: Sight & Sound 

IMDb page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Okay, so to be honest I watched this ages ago, back in March, with friends, and forgot to write a good review then. So I may have forgotten things. But I do remember I loved this! The setting was sooo 1850/60 and beautifulllll…. I loved the houses (and their details!) and the dresses, and the beautiful churches… it was amazing. 

Characters: 5/5

To be honest, I struggled with Longfellow’s character after he gave up on his kids. I realize the reason and empathize with him but he was their father. I felt a couple times that he could have exerted himself a little at certain places. I also felt the actor over-dramatized him at times? Be that as it may, he was a fantastic portrayal of a writer and this made me want to study up about him. And his arc was well done overall.

Fanny was the sweetest, prettiest, most amazing thing ever. <33 Enough said. 

Charles made me mad (hello, oldest sibling, YOU CAN’T JUST RUN FROM YOUR DUTY) but I couldn’t help linking him, overall. But my favourite was Ernest. HE WAS AMAZING. <33 Just an all-around amazing son and brother. Very, very responsible. 

Plot: 5/5

I don’t remember the plot all that well, but I remember absolutely LOVING the adorable home/daily life scenes (my heartttt) and then the drama ramped up during the Incident (which wasn’t too drawn out or too awful on screen, and fortunately I knew it was gonna happen or else I would have been SHATTERED) and the war and Longfellow’s depression and then the CLIMAX and the ending was sososososo well done and wrapped up perfectly and touched so many threads and YESSSSSS. 

Romance: 5/5

Fanny & Longfellow are the cutest thing ever. <3 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

UGH YES! Okay, I need to read Longfellow. First of all, I love I Heard the Bells and The Children’s Hour and several other of his poems, which I already knew. But this one introduced me to some new ones, like “the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts.” The messages on hope and forgiveness and Christmas and Christianity and salvation were all EPICCCCC and beautifully woven in. My favourite quotes were “The world need poets, not politicians” and “Look not mournfully into the Past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the Present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy Future, without fear, and with a manly heart.”

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Mild war violence & wounds, nothing graphic. 

Overall: 5/5

One of my top favourite films ever and I need my own copy so I can watch it again and again. <33

*Review to be updated when I rewatch!

“Wanted for Murder” (1946)

Wanted for Murder

Brief Description:

A classic Gothic thriller about the psychotic grandson of a Victorian-era hangman who copies him by strangling women and tries not to kill his new girlfriend.

(from Tubi)

Date: 1946

Genre: British crime film

Running time: 1 hour 42 minutes 

Cast: 

Eric Portman (Victor)

Dulcie Gray (Anne)

Derek Farr (Jack)

Roland Culver (Conway)

Stanley Holloway (Sullivan)

Barbara Everest (Mrs. Colebrooke)

Bonar Colleano (Mappolo)

Jenny Laird (Jeannie)

Kathleen Harrison (Florrie)

Bill Shine (Ellis)

Viola Lyel (Mabel)

John Salew (Walters)

John Ruddock (Glover)

Edna Wood (Miss Kemp)

George Carney (Boat Rental Agent)

Wilfrid Hyde-White (Guide in Madame Tussaud’s)

Director: Lawrence Huntington

Production company: Excelsior Productions

Based on: Wanted for Murder by Terence De Marney & Percy Robinson

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

Another classic 1940s films. I love that setting so much. And of course it’s London, and during the war, which is referenced slightly through things like soldiers everywhere, some of them foreign; or rationing, which causes people to finish unattended food, drink, and smokes. 

Characters: 4/5

Victor is… complex. I feel very sorry for him and like it’s not quite his fault. But I also think he refused to get any help, and he knew he was getting deeper into it. So I don’t know. I think it’s acted out quite well though. I quite liked Anne, and she was very fair and nice and honest, which is a huge relief! Jack is a great guy too, and was understanding of Anne’s wishes (something Victor wasn’t!). Conway was a great portrayal of the dry, clever inspector, and Sullivan was an amusing sidekick that wasn’t too dumb—Ellis, too. And I liked Mabel and Mrs. Colebrook, too… they were also well done. 

Plot: 4/5

You find out pretty early on who the bad guy is, but it’s very fun to see the cat-and-mouse game the Inspector and villain play—specially the coat scene. I enjoy the bits of humour scattered throughout, but it’s a more serious, sad film… the ending is pretty perfect in my opinion, but I do feel so sorry for Mrs. C! 

Romance: 4/5

Jack & Anne are the cutest! :) 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Smoking, drinking.

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Brief attempted onscreen murder. Partly onscreen murder (non-graphic, only choking heard). Mention by a guide at Mme Tussaud’s that someone “murdered her rival and the poor little baby.” 

Overall: 4/5

It’s rather a long film, but I haven’t much more to say that that… I like it, but it’s too saddening to rewatch often. It’s fascinating, though, hearing about the villain’s father and how they were both so heavily affected by their predecessor… 

“Lured” (1947)

Lured

Brief Description:

British police are after a serial killer who lures his female victims through newspaper personal ads and sends cryptic poem clues to the cops.

Date: 1947

Genre: American film noir 

Running time: 1 hour 42 minutes 

Cast: 

George Sanders (Fleming)

Lucille Ball (Sandra)

Charles Coburn (Temple)

Boris Karloff (Druten)

Sir Cedric Hardwicke (Julian)

Joseph Calleia (Moryani)

Alan Mowbray (Maxwell)

George Zucco (Barrett)

Robert Coote (Detective)

Alan Napier (Gordon)

Tanis Chandler (Lucy)

Ethelreda Leopold (nightclub singer; voice dubbed by Annette Warren)

Director: Douglas Sirk

Production company: Hunt Stromberg Productions

Based on: Pièges, a.k.a. Personal Column, 1939 French film

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

This is one of the best 1940 thrillers I’ve seen. The atmosphere is excellent. It’s humorous, romantic, suspenseful, and complex. I’m not a fan of the taxi-dancing and nightclub setting, but I love the 1940s aesthetic and feel, and the opera & rich homes as well. 

Characters: 4/5

Sandra is really a very fun female lead. She’s a very realistic girl, clever, strong, feminine, sassy—and very American. ;) I’m not a fan of her profession and some of her choices, but as a character she’s very well done. Fleming isn’t the best of male leads I’ve ever come across—he’s a playboy for sure—but he does thoroughly love Sandra (and came to her defence!) and I really enjoy his acting, so much so I’ve hunted up other George Sanders films. Julian did his job splendidly… I love Temple, he’s so grandfatherly and one of the best police inspectors I’ve seen in films… Maxwell and Moryani were  c r e e p y… so was Druten… My favourite person was hands down Barrett—he’s such a fatherly chap! I’m gonna watch many more films with George Zucco. 

Plot: 4.5/5

While the film does have some content and stuff I am not a fan of (see below), I really really enjoy it. I love how the mystery was handled here. Things weren’t explained too fast, and they made sense and were actually quite detective-y, and I wasn’t at all sure who the bad guy was until the very end, the first time I watched. I remembered who this time, but I still had plenty of suspenseful moments!! I love the bits of humour and the running joke about Barrett’s crosswords. I also loved seeing Sandra as an undercover policewoman. I love films that are mysterious and suspenseful without being freaky or gruesome, and Lured hits all the right boxes. 

Romance: 4/5

Okay, so Sandra & Robert are just romantic. Sue me. 

Content: 3/5 (medium)

Smoking, drinking, one euphemism, long kissing (between Fleming & his first girlfriend), low-necked dresses and shorts, a shot of a model in her undergarments, a couple shots of a showgirl in a skimpier outfit, belittling comments by Sandra’s boss and Fleming about/to women. Sandra & Lucy work at a taxi-dance place (aka, men come and pay so much to dance a dance with them). The inspector asks Lucy to show him her knees when he recruits her (to make sure she’s attractive enough for the spot). Sandra tells Barrett Maxwell is interested in her but “not that way, he hasn’t even held my hand yet.” 

Violence: 3.5/5 (low to medium)

Off-screen murders; scene where the killer tries to strangle Sandra.

Overall: 4.5/5

Again, one of my favourite classic mystery/thriller films!