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marylou102
Reviews
Snow White (1987)
Delighfully Enchanting Entertainment!
A classic film in it's own right. Produced silently by Cannon Films in 1987, it is one of the best family musicals that has ever been made. Most saw this on the Disney Channel in the late 80's or mid- 90's. It has gained the reputation of cult classic and is possibly awaiting a new DVD release.
Starring Diana Rigg as the evil queen, this adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale is not only faithful to it's source( Right down the the eating of Snow White's liver), but tells it as a delightful family musical. Having this be a musical made the tone lighter, instead of dark and scary like the original fairy tale. Nicola Stapelton and Sarah Patterson are the embodiment of the character. Ms. Stapelton is exactly what I think of when I see Snow White as a young girl. Ms. Patterson is the total spitting image of the older Snow White. She is one of the most gorgeous actresses I have ever seen and it's a shame that she has drifted into oblivion.
This production is lavish to say the least. The settings and sets are unbelievable. The queen's room is especially beautiful and weird.It reminded me of a mix of Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast and Dario Argento's Suspiria. It is stunning. The costumes are no less inspired.
If you can find this great film, get it! You won't regret it!
Red Riding Hood (1987)
Terrific! A total charmer!
Brilliant acting, wonderful costumes, creepy atmosphere,tuneful songs! A true gem from the Cannon Movie Tales series. This film is the Red Riding Hood story, but it's slanted and broadened. There is a cool backstory about the wolf being the companion of an evil king, who's brother is Linet's(Red Riding Hood's) father. This king wants to marry Linet's mother(played wonderfully by the beautiful Isabella Rossolinni). To get rid of Linet, he makes his werewolf companion named Dagger kill her.
The atmosphere is bleak and dark, but it's a Grimm Fairy Tale so of course is should be. The atmosphere is lightened by the fun songs and sweet leading actress, Amelia Shankley as Linet.
This is a film that every family should own. So save a place for it between The Sound of Music and The Princess Bride!
Hansel and Gretel (1987)
Creepy!
I remember this being on the Disney Channel in the late 80's and mid 90's. It is the most terrifying version of the story that you will ever see. Based on the Brothers Grimm story, it follows two children named Hansel(Hugh Pollard) and Gretel(Nicola Stapelton). Theyb are sent out into the forest to pick berries and they stray from the "safe" woods and enter the forbidden North Woods were they meet a witch named Griselda (Cloris Leachman). They think they have found shelter, but have really landed in the liar of an evil witch who likes to eat children.
The opening is not faithful to the Brothers Grimm story, but it is forgivable, because of the terrifying last half, Cloris Leachman's performance, Nicola and Hugh as the two children, and some nice sets and music numbers.
Keep this one away from children under age 7.