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paula122452
Reviews
Wild America (1997)
Wild America
Although this is an old movie, I just saw it on television for the first time. It is a great Saturday afternoon movie to watch with kids. I didn't remember Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Weiss) in any other shows, but he has a very commanding presence on screen. The director really knew how capture his very cherub face with his captivating blond hair and haunting blue eyes.For a while I was just mesmerized watching how he moved throughout the film. I could actually 'see' his maturity and growth as he encountered many antics with his brothers. It was very believable and the theme is definitely something I would encourage my students to evaluate and analyze as their own lives reflect some of the same things these young men experienced. It had action, adventure, love and caring parents -for once! The family structure was secure and I was happy to see that. Our kids see so much violence and family destruction- they need to see something positive. I will definitely add this one to my list of videos my students can watch.
Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)
The Funk Brothers
Jack Ashford, Hank Cosby, James Jamerson and Son, and all of the Motown FRONT OF THE SCENE musicians- you all exploded on this movie!!!! It was a long time coming. I am so elated and personally excited about the success for one main reason - I was musically and personally involved with the music and the fellows during this time. I was fortunate to have Jack Ashford produce several songs for my group, "Softouch". Jack is a wonderful man, as was Hank and many of the other gentlemen featured in this movie. What a history to have worked with these guys in my lifetime. There was so much soul and heart in this movie - it was more than musicians talking about their past and what they contributed - it was as if these guys were laying down the foundation and most important ingredients to a wonderfully baked cake with all the icing and toppings! I am now a teacher and I use this movie as a very important drop to my students who are so much into 'rap'and the like. When they see and hear where the music REALLY originated from, they are all in shock. This is a generation who is now being able to feel the heat and experience the explosion that I experienced. This feeling will never go away. I love this movie as much as I love the people whose lives this movie tells. Hey Charlene and kids! Opal, Alicia and I still talk about you guys! Memphis!