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The National Tree, a review by addicted2dvd

The National Tree (2009/United States) Gaiam (United States) Director: Graeme Campbell Writing: David Kranes (Original Material By), Lloyd Fonvielle (Story By), J. B. White [J.b. White] (Screenwriter) Length: 87 min. Video: Anamorphic Widescreen :1 Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo Subtitles: None

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Stars:
Andrew McCarthy as Corey Burdock
Evan Williams as Rock Burdock
Kari Matchett as Faith
Paula Brancati as Katie
Jayne Eastwood as Lana

Plot:
Facing hardship and adventure as they travel America's heartland, father and son discover a bond they never knew existed and the true meaning of Christmas. Full of holiday spirit, The National Tree is a heartwarming and inspiring film for the entire family.

Extras:

• None

Another Hallmark Channel Movie.This one originally aired November 28th, 2009. While I am sure there is some notable names in this one.... none that I am familiar with. Out of the 4 movie box set I got this in... this is the one I was most concerned about enjoying. While it is a slow paced film... it is one that grew on me. The longer I watched t the more I liked it. So of you try this one, be sure you stick with it.



(From Christmas 2017 on December 1st, 2017)

True Grit, a review by Dragonfire

True Grit - 2010

I haven't liked a lot of westerns, though I haven't watched that in years.  I have liked the few newer ones that I've seen.  Anyway, after seeing the trailers for True Grit, I decided I wanted to see it.  I might have seen the John Wayne version before, but I couldn't remember if I did.  After seeing the new version, I saw the previous version.  Both movies are really good.  Also today, I bought the book.  I wasn't planning to, but I came across it in Walmart and I decided to get it.  Both versions of the movies are very similar, though there are a few differences here and there. 

The plot is very entertaining.  The story is sort of a revenge story, but it isn't just a revenge story.  Mattie wants justice for her father, not just revenge.  Time is taken early in the movie to set up everything and introduce the characters.  It doesn't take long for more to start happening.  The movie really isn't that violent, but one or two scenes are very violent, with one even being a tad gory.  Rattlesnakes also turn up at one point..I really could have done without that scene. 

While things look a bit more dirty and bleak in this version of the movie, the cinematography is gorgeous.  The sort of bleak look fits perfectly with what is going on.  There are a few hauntingly beautiful moments in the movie. 

The characters are wonderful and complex.  Mattie is one of the best characters I've seen in a movie in a long time. She is a very determined young woman who can talk her way through just about any situation.  She handles some kind of trade deal so well that the poor man looks ready to cry when he figures out she wants to trade again.  Cogburn is a marshal, though he does use some questionable methods.  He isn't a villain, but he isn't completely a hero type character either.  He is quick to shoot and likes to drink.  In fact he drinks so much, he falls of his horse at one point.  He seems incompetent at times, but he has moments that are brilliant.  When he decides on something, he doesn't stop.  He is not a man to cross.  Jeff Bridges is amazing in the part.  Matt Damon does really well as La Boeuf, the Texas Ranger who tends to clash with Cogburn.  Josh Brolin isn't in as much of the movie, but he is really good too.

I loved True Grit and I could see myself adding the movie to my collection.  I may even see it in the theater again.

I did get a review posted on Epinions.

True Grit

By the way, my mom and step dad have also seen this one.  They really like westerns, and have seen the one with John Wayne a lot of times.  My mom fully expected not to like this one...she felt they ruined 3:10 to Yuma in the remake.  Anyway, both of them loved the movie too and my mom actually wants to see it again in the theater.  She has only done that like 4 times total.

(From True Grit - 2010 on January 4th, 2011)

Charmed Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

"Witch Trial"
Original Airdate: September 30, 1999
When a demon steals the Book of Shadows, the Ha!liwell sisters have just one chance to recapture it or they will lose their powers forever.

My Thoughts:
A nice strong episode for the season premiere. We even get to see some of the demons they vanquished in the first season... as the demon undo the spells that The Charmed Ones casted in the first season. I also liked how they showed repercussions from the end of the first season... and showed Pru freezing up when she faced the first demon since what happen at the end of season 1.

"Morality Bites"
Original Airdate: October 7, 1999
Phoebe has a horrifying premonition of her own execution, so the sisters cast a one-time spell that catapults them into the future to try and change her fate.

My Thoughts:
Another really good episode... one that shows there can be serious repercussions even with minor acts of revenge and personal gain. And I liked how they showed the future if they were ever exposed. Makes you wonder if that is what it would be like if we never smartened up from the days of the Salem Witch Trials.

"The Painted World"
Original Airdate: October 14, 1999
The sisters are trapped in a painting by a warlock who plans to torch it and destroy them unless Phoebe can reverse their impending doom.

My Thoughts:
This is a basic filler episode... and nothing really all that special about it. But it was enjoyable.

"The Devil's Music"
Original Airdate: October 21, 1999
Leo returns to help the sisters save their young neighbor when the manager of a band scheduled to play Piper's nightclub makes a demonic deal.

My thoughts:
A music heavy episode... and you all know how I feel about music. But it was still enjoyable. In this one some band called Dishwalla comes to play at Piper's new club... that she finally gets open in this episode. As I said it was still an enjoyable episode... and I was able to basically tone out/ignore the music.   

(From Charmed Marathon on February 28th, 2008)