“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... 

“Lady & the Tramp” (1955)

Lady & the Tramp

Brief Description:

The romantic tale of a sheltered uptown Cocker Spaniel and a streetwise downtown mutt.

(from IMDb)

Date: 1955

Genre: American animated musical romantic comedy film

Running time: 1 hour 16 minutes

Cast: 

Peggy Lee: Darling; Peg; Si & Am

Barbara Luddy: Lady

Larry Roberts: Tramp

Bill Thompson: Jock; Joe; Bull; Dachsie; the policeman; Jim's friend

Bill Baucom: Trusty

Stan Freberg: the beaver

Verna Felton: Aunt Sarah

Alan Reed: Boris

George Givot: Tony

Dallas McKennon: Toughy; Pedro; the professor; the hyena

Lee Millar: Jim Dear; the dogcatcher; the man in the pet shop

Thurl Ravenscroft: the alligator

Thurl Ravenscroft, Bill Lee, Max Smith, & Bob Stevens: Dog Chorus

Donald Novis: lead vocals for the opening song

Director: Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, & Wilfred Jackson

Production company: Walt Disney Productions

Inspired by: Happy Dan, the Cynical Dog by Ward Greene

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I love the setting of Lady's side of town—it's so pretty and Edwardian! The Christmas beginning and ending are particularly charming and nostalgic. 

Characters: 4/5

Although I have a few bones to pick with Tramp, he's not half bad, and Lady's a little sweetheart. Jock is adorable and Trusty's amusing. Jim & Darling are nice enough too, and Aunt Sarah ends up sort redeeming herself. As for the dogs in the kennel, they're hilarious and heartbreaking all at once. (And I love their singing numbers.)

Plot: 4/5

Well-crafted plot, with plenty of tension and sweet moments, along with good humour. 

Romance: 4/5

Tramp & Lady are pretty cute together 😉 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Mild violence (dog fights, etc) 

Overall: 4/5

It's sweet, vintage, and very pretty :) 

“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. 

“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!

“The Great Discovery” (2008)

The Great Discovery

Brief Description:

Thomas rediscovers the long lost original station which in its day was called Great Waterton and he also becomes jealous of a new tank engine called Stanley.

(from IMDb)

Date: 2008

Genre: family animation 

Running time: 1 hour

Narrator: Pierce Brosnan

Director: Steve Asquith

Production company: 

Based on: the Railway Series by the Rev. W. Awdry

IMDb page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I have to admit, Sodor is super cute. And I love railways, and the English countryside and houses. And everything is so old-timey and cute. <3

Characters: 3/5

Thomas is an idiot. Except he’s meant to be a kid, so he’s realistic. He’s still an idiot though. Sir Topham Hat has no excuse. He’s also an idiot. Why on earth did he think he was making good decisions, putting and removing the trains in charge?? Like how did he not realise this was gonna make problems between Thomas and Stanley??? Anyways. I love Stanley. He’s so sweet.  

Plot: 3/5

Well, it’s a cute film. Kinda. It’s just really boring and drawn out, and very one-track (pun intended). It’s for kids, I get it… but… it’s still pretty boring for a kids’ film. My siblings liked it better than I did though, so I don’t know. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I got annoyed at Thomas’s brattiness and the conductor’s stupidity too much to enjoy everything else, maybe. I liked the little songs scattered throughout though. They use nice, big words. ;) 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

Good themes of actions have consequences, letting go of being in charge, not getting jealous, not worrying about your place being filled by someone else, and making friends.  

Content: 5/5 (low to none)

Some music I didn’t care for; maybe a euphemism or two? 

Overall: 3/5

I don’t know, I feel disappointed. I thought I’d like this more. I’ll give it another shot though, and see what I think that time. 

“The Little Bear Movie” (2001)

The Little Bear Movie

Also known as: Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear: The Little Bear Movie; Maurice Sendak’s Little Bear: The Movie; and Little Bear: The Movie.

Brief Description:

Little Bear meets a wild bear cub named Cub during a camping trip. Upon learning that Cub got separated from his parents, Little Bear and his friends embark on a journey to help him reunite with his parents while coming face-to-face with a ferocious mountain lion along the way.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 2001

Genre: Canadian-American direct-to-video children’s animated adventure film

Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes 

Cast: 

Kristin Fairlie (Little Bear)

Kyle Fairlie (Cub)

Amos Crawley (Owl)

Tracy Ryan (Duck)

Andrew Sabiston (Cat)

Elizabeth Hanna (Hen)

Wayne Best (Mountain Lion)

Ray Landry (Moose)

Janet Laine-Green (Mother Bear)

Dan Hennessey (Father Bear)

Max Morrow (Little Moose)

Catherine Disher (Mother Moose)

Cole Caplan & Ada Perlman (Poppy & Pete)

Maurice Dean Wint (Cub’s Father)

Alison Sealy-Smith (Cub’s Mother

Director: Raymond Jafelice

Production company: Nelvana Limited, Wild Things Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, & Alliance Atlantis.

Based on: The Little Bear series by Else Holmelund Minarik & Maurice Sendak

Wikipedia page

Watch on YouTube

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

If you’ve watched the Little Bear TV Show, this film fits perfectly into that world and setting. I love the portrayal of the Canadian-American wilderness. It’s all so nostalgic and simple, but also realistic. 

Characters: 4/5

Little Bear is a cutie, and Cub—well, I always love the “wild ones.” Duck is, as always, an adorable idiot; Owl is a hoot (no pun intended); Cat is highly amusing; and well, Hen is all right. She never was my favourite… I love Mother & Father Bear—they’re so lovely! And Moose from the show got a cameo! Little Moose reminds me of Franklin’s friend Moose. xD Poppy & Pete are cute, too. 

Plot: 4/5

I love how the film starts with Little Bear & his father heading out to Pudding Hill for a camping trip, harking back to a couple episodes in the show. The scene where he learns about the dangers of the wilderness, courtesy of the mountain lion and Cub, is pretty cool. I love the return home, and the patience of Mother & Father Bear with Cub. The children all play so nicely together—and I love the search party! There’s some anxious moments, but everything wraps up perfectly. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

Kids being separated from parents seems to be a small theme; otherwise, kindness, playing nicely, working together, and sensitivity are low-key messages. 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Storms, threat of being eaten by the mountain lion. 

Overall: 4/5

A very cute and well done little film! 

“Finding Nemo” (2003)

 Finding Nemo

Brief Description:

An overprotective clownfish named Marlin, along with a forgetful regal blue tang named Dory, searches for his missing son Nemo (taken by a dentist as a birthday present for his niece). Along the way, can Marlin learn to take risks and come to terms with Nemo taking care of himself?

(from Wikipedia, edited + added to by me)

Date: 2003

Genre: American animated drama comedy adventure

Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Cast: 

Albert Brooks (Marlin)

Elizabeth Perkins (Coral)

Alexander Gould (Nemo)

Ellen DeGeneres (Dory)

Willem Dafoe (Gill)

Brad Garrett (Bloat)

Allison Janney (Peach)

Stephen Root (Bubbles)

Austin Pendleton (Gurgle)

Vicki Lewis (Deb)

Joe Ranft (Jacques)

Geoffrey Rush (Nigel)

Andrew Stanton (Crush)

Nicholas Bird (Squirt)

Bob Peterson (Mr. Ray)

Barry Humphries (Bruce)

Eric Bana (Anchor)

Bruce Spence (Chum)

Bill Hunter (Philip Sherman)

LuLu Ebeling (Darla)

Jordy Ranft (Tad)

Erica Beck (Pearl)

Erik Per Sullivan (Sheldon)

John Ratzenberger (the moonfish)

Director: Andrew Stanton

Production company: Walt Disney Pictures & Pixar Animation Studios

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(film starts at 00:21:00)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I’ve always loved pictures of the ocean, with all its richness, so I loved this. It felt very realistic and very much like I was in a real ocean :P and there were so. many. fish!!! I loved how they all had different accents, based on where they were from…

Characters: 5/5

I loved the characters. Merlin I strongly related to, with his fear and his cynicism. The poor guy went through so much. I loved Dory, of course, because who doesn’t love Dory?? She’s so sweet. Nemo was adorable. Gill was awesome (reminded me of Doc Hudson from Cars <3) and everyone else in the tank was pretty great (especially Peach. And Jacques). Nigel was hilarious. Crush was sooo coool, and so was Squirt! Mr. Ray didn’t show up much but I loved him too. Bruce, Anchor, and Chum were… interesting. I liked them till I didn’t anymore XD The dentist was infuriating (I don’t think he was a good doctor at all, or even a good man, to be honest!). Darla was a surprise. When I read the books of Nemo, I thought she was horrid. She’s really just a typical kid… unless I missed something… and it’s neither her nor Nemo’s fault that Nemo doesn’t wanna be with her. The dentist is the real villain here!!! 

Plot: 5/5

I read a few books about Nemo as a kid, but I recalled 0 of the plot besides the fact that he does eventually get away… I thought. That was the only thing that brought me comfort at some points, haha. I also knew his mother died—fortunately, or I would have been crushed at the very beginning. It was sad enough as it was! The plot is a wild, wild ride. I was on tenterhooks the whole time as Merlin tries frantically to figure out where the dentist is from, and then to find Sydney, and all the while he has to handle obstacle after obstacle… while Nemo is stuck in an aquarium and told his fate is to be given to a “fish killer,” and escape is much harder than it seems (it seems impossible). It’s suspenseful right up to the final moments, and there are plenty of heartwarming bits… and really funny ones… and sad ones… it’s a rollercoaster of emotions and I love it. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Okay but WHY DID NO ONE TELL ME WHAT GREAT THEMES THIS FILM HAS???!!! It’s amazing!!! We have Merlin, learning to trust people, to make friends, to be understanding of those with disabilities, to loosen up and have fun, to give Nemo the chance to do things himself… just to become a better person and father and it is SO good. As someone who cares for a disabled sister, the part of Nemo hit me even harder than usual… And then Nemo, learning that can’ts just have to be tried over and over till they become cans, and that despite his difficulties he CAN do things. It’s hugely motivational and inspiring. I may have cried. 

Content: 5/5 (low/none)

euphemisms?

Violence: 4/5 (low)

I personally got a few jumpscares when things loomed out of the dark. Normally I’m not too scared of oceans/sharks, but I started to get definitely a bit antsy at suspenseful moments, so that’s something to keep in mind for young/sensitive viewers. 

Overall: 5/5

I absolutely loved this, and I need to rewatch it and appreciate it all over again. This is so so so good. <3

“And Then There Were None” (1945)

And Then There Were None

Brief Description:

Ten strangers are mysteriously tricked into coming to a lonely sequestered island off the British coast. Quickly they discover a ‘Ten Little Indians’ theme in the house… and then all ten are accused of some kind of murder that the law cannot touch. Every day one of them is murdered in a matter that fits with the song. Who will be left in the end? And which among them is the killer? 

(written by me)

Date: 1945

Genre: American crime drama mystery 

Running time: 1 hour 37 minutes 

Cast: 

Barry Fitzgerald (Judge Quinncannon)

Walter Huston (Dr. Armstrong)

Louis Hayward (Mr. Lombard)

Roland Young (Detective Blore)

June Duprez (Miss Claythorne)

Mischa Auer (Prince Starloff)

C. Aubrey Smith (General Mandrake)

Judith Anderson (Miss Brent)

Richard Haydn (Rogers)

Queenie Leonard (Mrs. Rogers)

Harry Thurston (Boatman)

Director: René Clair

Production company: 20th Century Fox

Based on: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

This is one of the most unique mystery films I have ever seen! The way the horror and confusion slowly grew upon you, sharpened by how normal the setting was and how likeable everyone seemed… it had me hooked and questioning the whole time. I loved it. 

Characters: 5/5

I didn’t believe that they were killers at first. I liked every one of them. The prince was hilarious; the judge was quaint; the doctor was genial; the detective was bluff; the general was poignant; Miss Brent was unusual; Rogers was the stereotypical butler, and his wife the stereotypical maid… and Lombard was epic. He was my favourite, I LOVED LOMBARD. He was so amusing and such a mixture of English and American. But as time went on and true colours were shown, my revulsion of feeling was instant and strong… except for Lombard and Vera. I loved them so much and it hurt so much to think of what they’d done! But every character was so alive and curious… 

Plot: 5/5

I already mentioned how tangled the plot was, and you’d better believe it. It’s so confusing, and I just couldn’t figure out who was the one killing for ‘true’ justice. Yet with all that mystery and anxiety was romance and humour and good-fellowship, and it just made it more striking. 

Romance: 5/5

Vera and Lombard are adorable. End of story. 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

I was too busy figuring it out, but after, this film still has me thinking about justice and what it means…

Content: 5/5 

I recall nothing. 

Violence: 5/5 

Off-screen murder, a few minutes of tension but nothing horrifying. 

Overall: 5/5

One of my top fav mystery films now. I know the book ends differently but I don’t care, I love this. I still wanna read the book though. 

“Bambi” (1942)

Bambi

Brief Description:

The life story of a young deer, who passes through springtime gambols with his young friends, autumn fears with other deer, winter struggles with his mother… and eventually, in the fullness of time,

springtime love. But Bambi’s trials aren’t over yet. Man is still his greatest enemy, and he will strike one last time… 

(written by me, obviously)

Date: 1942

Genre: American family animated drama adventure film 

Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes 

Cast: 

Bobby Stewart (Baby Bambi)

Donnie Dunagan (Young Bambi)

Hardie Albright (Adolescent Bambi)

John Sutherland (Young Adult Bambi)

Peter Behn (Young Thumper)

Tim Davis (Adolescent Thumper)

Sam Edwards (Young Adult Thumper)

Paula Winslowe (Bambi’s Mother / Pheasant)

Stan Alexander (Young Flower)

Tim Davis (Adolescent Flower)

Sterling Holloway (Young Adult Flower)

Will Wright (Friend Owl)

Cammie King (Young Faline)

Ann Gillis (Young Adult Faline)

Fred Shields (the Prince)

Margaret Lee (Mrs. Rabbit)

Mary Lansing (Aunt Ena / Mrs. Possum)

Perce Pearce (Mr. Mole)

Thelma Boardman (Girl Bunny / Quail Mother / Female Pheasant)

Directors: David Hand, James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Graham Heid, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, & Norman Wright

Production company: Walt Disney Productions

Based on: Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Salten

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(starts at 8:00)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Okay, so the setting here is adorable. So sweet and woodsy, with such poignant or delightful music! Very vintage (the voices are SO 1940s), and very cute. ;) And I loved the theme song when I figured out what it said. 

Characters: 5/5

Basically Bambi is so cute, his mother is darling, his friends are adorable, and his father is awesome. They’re not deep characters at all, but they’re so sweet. 

Plot: 5/5

The story starts off very sweet and slow with Bambi’s birth and slow development. Up to past the halfway mark it’s simple and happy. After that we have tragedy, then a jump forwards and more happiness and then tragedy again and yet more tragedy, followed by a bittersweet ending that tugs at the heartstrings. There’s quite a bit of comedy, both physical and spoken, and the young animals’ breathy voices and stumbling sentences are so cute and childlike! And the little romances are kinda adorable. ;) 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

I think this film strikes me most as an allegory of life. It speaks so poignantly about how great pain comes and suffering follows, but then time goes on, and new days come with new experiences, friends, and blessings. How death is followed by birth, heartbreak by elation, storm by peace. And, as my little brother said, “the forest has to burn to grow again.” 

Content: 5/5 (low)

One euphemism.

Violence: 5/5 (low)

A fire, and lots of hunting; birds are seen dropping dead.

MASSIVE SPOILERS!!! Bambi’s mother is killed off-screen, dogs attack Bambi and Faline but she escapes unhurt and he is only hinted as hurt. END OF MASSIVE SPOILERS!!! 

Ranged from not too intense to almost too much for my siblings (7-15), so it’s up to the individual viewer. 

Overall: 5/5

It’s sweet and vintagey and pretty and just a little heartbreaking… :’)

P.S. Bambi II (2006) falls in the middle of Bambi’s storyline, between his going to live with his father and his adult life. There’s a real cool fan-edited version on Archive with the two films spliced together.