Fairy Tale - A True Story

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful and charming film
Review: I had my qualms about this film before I saw it( the unfortunately lame title didn't help!)-and how surprised and relieved I was to find myself enjoying it much, more than I expected. It's unjustly a "sleeper", as it's easily the best written, performed and mounted fantasy in quite some time. There isn't a false note in the entire film-which is based on true events of almost a hundred years ago, involving two young girls(very charming and real performances by the young actresses)who apparently managed to take some candid photographs of...fairies. Famous then as now as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, and an avowed spiritualist, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle involves himself with the girls(Peter O'Toole is wonderful, even if he looks nothing like the real Sir Arthur), and tries to discover the truth of their story,as well as the photographs. You're never quite sure just where the film is going next, and that's a plus, as it creates such a lovely mood getting there. Although the budget can't have been large, it looks perfect-one of the few period films of recent years to seem convincing. And there's a special treat in the performance of none other than Harvey Keitel-as Houdini! In a movie full of great performances, Keitel(believe it or not!)is a standout-he IS Harry Houdini-a character the actor had always wanted to play-and he's worked into the plot perfectly. Lastly, I would add that this is by no means a "kids only" film-any thoughtful, literate adult would be sure to enjoy it as well. A treasure.

Rating:
Summary: "If You Believe in Fairies...Clap Your Hands!"
Review: I saw "Fairy Tale - A True Story", when it had it's theatrical release and I was utterly charmed and moved by this wonderful movie. I am so glad that it has finally been released to the DVD format.The story is based upon the true life events surrounding the famous and sensational 'Cottingly fairies photographs'.The film takes place during the dark days of WWI Britain. A young Elsie Wright (Florence Hoath) is sent off to live with relatives, because her father is 'missing in action'.Elsie becomes fast friends with her twelve year old, cousin, Frances (Elizebeth Earl) both of whom seem to have a playful fascination with the subject of fairies. One day the girls borrow an old camera and go off to a local brook to take pictures. When the photographs are later developed, they show images of what seem to be real, live fairies!Through a series of events the photographs fall into the famous hands of Sherlock Holmes Writer, Sir Author Conan Doyle (Pete O'Toole) and Magician & Escape Artist, Harry Houdini (Harvey Keitel). Doyle publishes the photographs in a national magazine and causes a sensation throughout the country.Are the pictures real or did these two young girls pull off the hoax of the century? The movie puts it's own twist on the facts and attempts to come up with some very interesting answers.Director, Charles Sturridge and Screen Writer, Ernie Contreras have created a magical and moving film about the subject of faith. Sometimes if you believe in something hard enough, maby it can come true. This is found throughout the film. It applies to everything from the belief in the unseen (such as fairies, spirits of love ones), the return of a father, or even the faith needed to win a brutal war.The acting in this movie is splendid.I especially like the casting of the two girls (Florence Hoath & Elizebeth Earl). Even in the unusual situations, that occur, they both act like normal, everyday, children. Not a false note in their performances.The film's special effects are also great. They are well done and realistic (flying miniature fairies), yet do not overwhelm the story.This is greatly aided by cinematographer , Michael Coulter's beautiful photography, which highlights both the colors found in nature (the woods and brook) and the light and darkness of urban, Victorian England. All these elements come together to make a wonderful fantasy film, which I highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: The best movie I have ever seen!
Review: I think this is the best movie I have ever seen. It brings all the fantasy and playful imaginations out of you. My best friend and I saw it together and we both loved it. I think any girl or adult should see it. It will bring a new side out.

Rating:
Summary: exceptional,second copy for my daughter to own.
Review: I was captivated by this movie.The story was told with true English skepticism.I was pleased to learn that Mel Gibson did the cameo as suspected.He has a devilish aura about him in all his works.Now each of my children own this truelly awesome fairy tale as part of their English heritage inspired by their Pixilated mother!

Rating:
Summary: Enchanting!
Review: I was hesitant on watching this at first. I thought it was just going to be another sappy kids flick. I was genuinely surprised by its themes and the beautiful execution of them. I don't care if you are nine or ninety, you will adore it. A must have.

Rating:
Summary: HORRIBLE
Review: if youre getting this movie for your kid, or any kid, save them the misery. i remember seeing this movie the day it came out, and it was so awful i fell asleep, along with about 5 other kids in the theater. it was by far the WORST movie i have ever seen in my entire life, even worse than that planet of the apes movie. and trust me, i have seen almost every movie that comes out. spare your kids the pain and spare yourself some money. DONT get this movie for them.

Rating:
Summary: HORRIBLE
Review: if youre getting this movie for your kid, or any kid, save them the misery. i remember seeing this movie the day it came out, and it was so awful i fell asleep, along with about 5 other kids in the theater. it was by far the WORST movie i have ever seen in my entire life, even worse than that planet of the apes movie. and trust me, i have seen almost every movie that comes out. spare your kids the pain and spare yourself some money. DONT get this movie for them.

Rating:
Summary: Superbly entertaining with a magical quality
Review: Immediately after watching Fair Tale - A True Story, I personally brought the video to my grandchildrens home so they could "catch" the magic of this motion picture. They and their parents were in awe of the acting, the special effects and the quaint story of "real" heroic fairies. The surprise cameo only added to the magic and majesty of this epic film for the entire family. I now own the video and have made sure that all my grand-children have a copy. Every actor performed an Academy Award performance, as did every person who made this movie real.

Rating:
Summary: Fairy good
Review: It is the true story of 2 children(well,actually,I have read all about the Cottingly Fairies and the real girls were teens)who insist they have seen fairies.While nice,it was also rather boring.

Rating:
Summary: What a great movie!
Review: It was a real surprise to experience such a wonderful movie. It was just out of boredom that I watched it on cable..but to my surprise, it was excellent. It was warm and touching and sooo uplifting of spirit. It makes one feel like the magic is back in one's life. Good job to all who put the story together.