Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 27, 1991 TAG: 9103270141
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Mike Mayo
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
\ "Twice Upon A Time" is a delightful 1983 animated film that has to be one of the best kept secrets in kidvid. Full animation, collage and live action are combined in a process called "Lumage" to tell wild story about dreams and nightmares. It's probably too complex for some younger viewers. But in terms of style, detail and craftsmanship, this movie can't be compared to the usual Saturday morning fare. The humor is equal parts Stan Freeberg and Monty Python. Visually, director John Korty's work recalls "Yellow Submarine" and Ralph Steadman's cartoons and drawings.
The 1982 production of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" was made for television and so it's not as lavish as the 1939 Charles Laughton film, but it's still terrific. The key is the brilliant casting of several actors who are familiar to Masterpiece Theater fans. Lesley-Anne Down is at her loveliest as the gypsy Esmeralda. Derek Jacobi's Dom Claude Frollo has the right combination of villainy and love. Anthony Hopkins, nearly unrecognizable under the makeup, is a memorable Quasimodo.
The ending is weak, but most of the script stays close to Victor Hugo's romantic masterpiece. This is a grand story of love and adventure in an exotic medieval setting. It's probably too complicated for very young viewers, but kids who enjoy spectacle and can understand the emotions involved will be fascinated.
\ "Michael Jordan's Playground" became a video bestseller as soon as it hit the shelves. And why not? It's an inoffensive collection of basketball highlights that are slipped inside a thin storyline about a kid who gets cut from a team, and tries again next year. That part avoids preachiness, but just barely. As for Jordan himself, his enthusiasm and love of the game come through on the tape; his fans will be pleased. But before Air Jordan takes off, they have to sit (or fast-forward) through two Wheaties ads and promos for an airline and a car rental agency.
\ "Backstreet Dreams" is one of those well-intentioned movies that ought to be better than it is. Star Jason O'Malley also wrote and co-produced this story of an autistic boy, his shady dad and the dedicated social worker who triumphs over all adversity. Dean (O'Malley) is an enforcer for a loan shark. He refuses to accept the fact that his young son is autistic. When his wife (Sherilyn Fenn) leaves, Stevie Bloom (Brooke Shields) takes over.
The writing is stiff and saccharine, and the characters are two-dimensional. Brooke Shields comes off better than anyone else. As an actress, she seems to be developing some range, but she had so little to begin with it's difficult to tell. I don't know how realistically autism is presented here, but the film makes it look like it's fairly easy to treat.
\ "The Road to Hong Kong," made in 1961, was the last of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby's road pictures. It's not the best, but it certainly has its moments and these light comedies are easy to take. The plot has to do with amnesia, secret formulas, spies and spaceships. The jokes are fast-paced and fairly funny. The breezy banter between the stars was the best part of the road movies, anyway, and it's up to standard. Joan Collins, looking just like she does now, was the co-star, with cameos by Peter Sellers and other famous folk.
New release this week
The Hot Spot: Starring Don Johnson, Virginia Madsen, Jennifer Connelly. Directed by Dennis Hopper. 129 min. Rated R for nudity, strong sexual content, violence, profanity. Buried deep inside "The Hot Spot" there's a fine sleazy film noir struggling to get out. The movie has all the right elements: greedy, lustful characters; a sleepy small town filled with secrets; a bank full of money; an older, wealthy husband; and an assortment of crimes including blackmail, arson, robbery, and murder. Unfortunately, director Dennis Hopper gave free rein to his taste for excess and forgot that films noir are supposed to be fast, sharp and lean. At two hours plus, this one is slow, indulgent and flabby. It also has a hard R-rating and is not meant for kids. THE ESSENTIALS:\ Twice Upon A Time Warner. 74 min. Rated PG for a little strong humor.
\ The Hunchback of Notre Dame Vidmark. 94 min. Unrated, contains no objectionable material.
\ Michael Jordan's Playground CBS/Fox. 40 min. Unrated, contains no objectionable material.
\ Backstreet Dreams 1/2 Vidmark. 104 min. Rated R for strong language, some violence.
\ The Road to Hong Kong 1/2 MGM/UA. 92 min. Unrated, contains no objectionable material.
by CNB