Ballet Shoes (2008)

Ballet Shoes

This film is about 3 girls growing up in England in the 1930's and how they work to help support their household. I find that it is very well presented and the story line is great. I was impressed with the young girl acting in the film. They all where like watching a much older actor.

I don't think anyone would be disappointed in buying this film. October 6, 2008

"We Vow"

This is a perfect family movie that will cause little girls everywhere to fall in love with the Fossil sisters! A Paleontologist who travels the world ends up bring back three different little girls who's parents have each met their tragic ends (well except little Poise who was abandoned). Each of the little girls are left in the care of the scientists niece, Sylvia Brown (played by Emilia Fox) and Nana (Victoria Wood) who work tirelessly to care for Pauline Fossil (Emma Watson), Petrova Fossil (Yasmin Paige), and Pose Fossil (Lucy Boynton).

When money runs low, the sisters are sent to a dance school where they are taught free lessons that eventually lead them to paying parts in different theatrical productions. They also take in four different boarders, one mechanic, two women of academia, and a dancer who each add their own parts to the Fossil's story. The sisters take an oath, "We vow" to put their surname, "Fossil" in the history books. As Pauline and Pose excel in their talents (Pauline - acting, Pose - ballet), Petrova finds herself set aside due to her lack of theatrical talent. She holds her own, though, with a talent in mathematics, engineering and science (with dreams in aviation). We watch as the girls grow and learn important lessons (for example: Pauline gets caught up in being the lead in a successful play, and her arrogance and ego ends up causing her to lose the part).

The story is absolutely enchanting and entertaining, and I will defiantly be watching to see what these three young women will do next. Great acting, great story, set in the interesting time of the 1930's, even if you don't have any young children, you can still enjoy this delightful film! September 29, 2008

Good Movie for Mothers & Daughters

This movie isn't what I would call a "chick flick", but it is wonderful for Mothers and Daughters. This is a very sweet story of success if family and friends come together to support each other. It has some very purposeful messages, especially to young women, who allow their success in life to overcome who they really are. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and bought it the first day it came out. September 28, 2008

LOVED IT!

I bought this movie hoping to like it because of Emma Watson being in it. She is a great actress and this movie was wonderful with her in it. My daughter who is almost 4 didn't understand some of it, but she still enjoyed watching it with me. It is a movie we will enjoy over and over again! September 19, 2008

Overflow of Talent

What a delightful adaptation of Mary Noel Streatfeild's(1895-1986)story. She was an actress and prolific writer who very much wanted to provide children with worthwhile reading. J.K. Rowling is a fan, and there's a few Potter alumni actors in this entertaining fable.

A paleontologist(Richard Griffiths, who plays Harry Potter's dunderheaded relative) first adopts Sylvia(Emilia Fox, whom I'll always remember as Georgiana Darcy in 'Pride and Prejudice' and simply love). He complains about it but moves out some dinosaur bones to make room; however, "Great Uncle Gum" repeats the process, bringing home three more orphaned, baby girls from various expeditions. Sylvia cares for them in his museum-like home while he vanishes for twelve years. Move ahead to the 1930's. Money runs thin, and the girls make a pact to excel in their endeavors and to help their beleaguered, older sister save the home. They take in some eccentric boarders and attend a dance academy as they try to discover their gifts and means.

The ensemble cast shines. If you have ever watched BBC or Masterpiece Theatre you'll recognize many of these journeyman actors such as the great Gemma Jones(Dr. Jakes). In regards to the younger actors, obviously, there's Emma Watson(Pauline) from 'Harry Potter' fame who portrays the thespian talent of the family. Her character struggles with insecurity and pride, and Emma does a fine job expanding out beyond 'Hermione'. She candidly talks up a storm about the making of the film in the extras. She's a talented and bright, young woman. Yasmin Paige(Petrova) plays the Russian girl who struggles fitting in anywhere. Can't act or dance for the life of her, she wants to fly. It's a tougher role since it lacks the flamboyancy of the others. Finally, there's Lucy Boynton(Posy) whom we loved as Margaret in 'Sense and Sensibility(2007)'. What a growing star! Her timing and delivering are impeccable. Again, she's absolutely hilarious. Apparently, all the actresses enjoyed the dancing, but poor Lucy didn't much care for the red hair.

Sandra Goldbacher directs('The Governess'); Heidi Thomas wrote the screenplay(episodes of 'Cranford' and 'Lilies'- both excellent and a favorite of ours, 'I Capture the Castle').

It amazes me how the Brits put out films like this. It doesn't feel forced or contrived. It bounces between drama, comedy, with a bit of whimsy and a dash of suspense and romance all wrapped neatly without any nasty bits or nasty people. A family film geared for school-aged girls, but with enough to interest finicky adults.

The moral of the fable: Love and family are more important than accomplishment but still- go out and be all that you dream to be. Right on!


September 10, 2008

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