Dos Corazones Films, NewLand Films,

Andy Garcia, Oscar Isaac, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Santiago Cabrera, Eva Longoria, Peter O’Toole

This historical movie is the story of the reign of President Calles in the late 1920’s in Mexico where he instituted a vicious ban on Catholicism. What followed is known as the Cristeros War (1926-1929) where the people rose up and fought against the atheistic government. Knowing they were severely outnumbered, they were able to convince retired general Enrique Gorostieta (Andy Garcia) to join them in the fight.

This was a very interesting film. It was actually pretty well done, and was certainly able to grab my attention and hold it throughout the whole movie. It was a story that I was not familiar with at all, and I was surprised that I had never heard of this particular war. As with any historical film, of course, there is a lot of debate over what is true history and what is poetic license. I’m not in a position to judge that, so I am taking the story as a movie that covers historical events, with a few liberties here and there I’m sure. Still, the story is good, and the acting is very good. It is a bit odd to have a film set in Mexico starring a lot of Mexican actors that is completely in English, but I guess many historical films have gone that route. Peter O’Toole has a very important but minor role as a priest who stands up for the church and refuses to bend to the restrictions placed upon it by the government. This story reminds me of movies from many years ago specifically 1964’s Becket, which also starred Peter O’Toole along with Richard Burton. The movie really reminded me of that, probably due to the O’Toole connection. Though there are bound to be many critics specifically hating on the religious persecution focus of the film, I really enjoyed this. I was able to stream this from Netflix “Watch Instantly” and it made for a very enjoyable afternoon watching a movie like movies used to be made. I found it very enjoyable.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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** The Christmas Cottage (2008)

Sterling Media, Birch Grove Films, Firm Films

Jared Padalecki, Marcia Gay Harden, Peter O’Toole, Aaron Ashmore, Richard Burgi, Geoffrey Lewis, Chris Elliott, Richard Moll, Kiersten Warren, Gina Holden, Edward Asner, Chelan Simmons, Tegan Moss, Nancy Robertson

Most of us know Thomas Kinkade (Jared Padalecki) as a great painter. But the year is 1977. In this story he is a student who comes home from UC Berkely to Placerville and finds his mother (Marcia Gay Harden) is in danger of losing her home. Young Thomas and his brother take on work. In the process he learns some lessons about love and friendship and loyalty. Artist Glen Wessler (Peter O’Toole) is his mentor and takes the lead in the project to save the house while helping Thomas to find his style and technique which led to his famous work.

This is a touching heartfelt Christian film, and it’s a Christmas movie, so you can expect it to be very saccharine. That it is. But what do you expect for a Christmas movie? There are a lot of sub plots going on, so it’s pretty busy, but the prime relationship between Thom and his mentor Glen is the most significant. Peter O’Toole is very good in his role, and he gets better and better as the film goes on. He is very good. Jared, as Thomas Kincaid is also very good. Basically the whole story is a lot of fun, and it’s very touching. I enjoyed this film quite a bit when I first saw it in 2008, and watching it again was very worthwhile.

Throughout there is a light hearted humor to the film, and we find a lot to laugh at. But as it winds down, it goes straight to your heart and Peter O’Toole brings it to an amazing level. This is one that you don’t want to miss.


EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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