DVD Collectors Online

James and the Giant Peach, a review by Danae Cassandra

James and the Giant Peach
Year of Release: 1996
Directed By: Henry Selick
Starring: Simon Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Leeves, Susan Sarandon, Paul Terry
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Animation

Overview:
In an all-new digitally restored special edition from Tim Burton, the acclaimed director of Alice In Wonderland, comes the astounding film that captured the hearts of fans and critics all across the world. Inspired by Roald Dahl's beloved children's book, Burton, Denise Di Novi and Director Henry Selick combine a fascinating mix of live-action, stop-motion animation and computer-generated special effects to create a world beyond your imagination.

After the daring rescue of a spider, a young boy named James gains possession of some magic crocodile tongues. When James spills them in the garden, out sprouts an enormous peach! Climbing inside, he meets an astonishing cast of characters and embarks on a magical odyssey full of thrills and adventure. Voiced by an all-star cast, including legendary actors Richard Dreyfuss, Susan Sarandon, Simon Callow and Jane Leeves, and featuring the celebrated music of Randy Newman, this classic story is delicious entertainment for the whole family!

My Thoughts:
This is a whimsical, fantastical adventure, more than a bit absurd and bizarre, but if you put aside a need for it to conform to the real world, it's a fun story. 

I almost think that the over-exaggeration of things in the film reflects a child's mindset.  James is like 7, and the movie is taking you into the world as he sees it, where things are bigger, scarier, more colorful than they actually are. 

The animation and character designs are really outstanding.   The color, the designs, and the care put into the puppets is simply wonderful.  If you love stop motion the film is worth seeing simply for that.

There are also several good messages for kids:  Family are the people who love you.  The smallest acts of kindness, even to the smallest of creatures, may have consequences and benefits you cannot see.  Stand up for yourself and stand up to your fears - that which has power over you only has the power you give it. 

Recommended for animation lovers, folks who like the works of Tim Burton (he's a producer here), and older kids who won't mind things being a bit creepy or scary. 

Bechdel Test:  Pass

Overall: 3.5/5

(From Within My (Mom's) Lifetime Marathon on February 10th, 2015)

Lifeboat, a review by Dragonfire

Lifeboat

This was the first time I had seen this one, though I had heard of it before. 

The plot works well even though it isn't as complex as some of Hitchcock's other movies.  It is just dealing with the survivors in the lifeboat, but since one of them is German, that does add some issues that get dealt with.  There is a bit of mystery tied to if Willy is really trying to help or if he has something else in mind like at least one of the others believes.  There are a few confrontations that help to keep things interesting.  One rather drastic thing is done at one point, though nothing much is shown, it is still clear what is going on.  A few somewhat disturbing things happen, though they all make sense given what is going on in the movie.  There isn't as much shared about most of the characters.  Constance seems the most developed even though still many things remain a mystery about her. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the movie.

 

I even managed to review of it posted on Epinions.

Lifeboat

(From Alfred Hitchcock Marathon on August 27th, 2009)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

HEX - SERIES ONE - PILOT - THE STORY BEGINS



First aired: 10/17/2004
The shadow of the past is about to wreak havoc on a remote English school. Cassie`s legacy will stay silent no longer. The time has come to face her destiny. The time has come to make a choice: join the forces that claim her as their own, or find a way to fight them.
From the creators of As If comes a thrilling new series. Hex is a spine chilling journey into one girl`s experience of the supernatural. Cassie (Christina Cole, He Knew He Was Right) longs to be popular, but is only truly loved by her best friend, Thelma (Jemima Rooper, As If). But Cassie soon discovers her new powers come at a price: the thrill is too seductive, each hit drawing her deeper into a world beyond her control. And when the man she should fear most finds a way to her heart, it can only end in tragedy.

In Britains answer to Buffy, I found little potential and was left feeling disappointed after viewing the overly long pilot.
Tired old script, poor supporting cast, mediocre pace and a crap soundtrack.
I was bored watching this, and have little enthusiasm in returning to the series at any point.





(From My PILOT Marathon on May 22nd, 2008)