Rating: Summary: Not Twain's Huck, but lively and charming Review: Once you accept that Elijah Wood is several years too young for the role AND playing both Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn simultaneously (Tom is left out of the movie, but some of his character and the incident of his being shot remains), he does a bang-up job with the part and is surrounded by enough good character actors to bring off a plausible Classics Illustrated version of the great American novel. Certainly it moves at a fast pace, and does not shy away from some ugly scenes showing Pap's murderously abusive behavior, the tragic and pointless feud, and the sheer nastiness of the King and Duke. The race issue is glossed over much too easily - all Huck needs is a kind little heart to get beyond the prejudices of his entire society, and his new-found perspective seems to spread far too easily to everyone in his life. But this is Disney, so perhaps a full development of Twain's themes is hardly to be expected. Enjoy it for the colorful characters and for Wood's lively and charming performance as Huck.
Rating: Summary: A great retelling of a classic Review: The Adventures of Huck Finn takes us back to a time in American history that was almost barbaric. Don't get me wrong; this mid-late 1800s time period was a very important and crucial turning point in our country's history, but the values that were held by most were just plain dumb. That is why this movie is so poignant-it teaches many lessons along the way, while not being so sweetly sugarcoated. We see African-Americans being beaten. We see our mischievous main character, Huck, being abused by his alcoholic father. We see thieves lying to gain a family fortune. But yet, we seem to laugh and cry throughout Huck's many adventures. Huck was way ahead of his time for a young kid. He is a great liar, and very cunning. He evens goes so far to fake his death so that he can run away from his foster parents and abusive father. He coincidentally meets up with Jim, a friend of his whom happens to be a slave. Jim wants to escape to the free states to provide a better life for him and his family. Huck just wants to run amuck and experience life. Actually, it is thought that Jim murdered Huck. Together, they strengthen their friendship, and run into many colorful characters during their journey. ...
Rating: Summary: Excellent Movie; Horrible DVD Review: The movie: A+Elijah Wood is/was one of the greatest child actors in Hollywood history. His presence shines through even the most mediocre of films, and when he is given a good supporting vehicle, just sit back and enjoy the show. The Adventures of Huck Finn is one such vehicle--his best vehicle, in fact. While some will complain that Twain's classic has been Disney-fied, movie lovers will see past the sugar coating to find a gem of a movie about friendship and honor, about choosing good in a world that endorses evil. As Huck comes to respect Jim, we come to love them both, leading us to one of the greatest movie endings of all time. One of my all-time favorite movies, and hands-down the best movie soundtrack I have ever heard. The DVD: C- Disney is notoriously slow about releasing movies on DVD, but you'd think that after taking so long they would give the customers something worth waiting for. Not so, this time around. The only real difference between this and the LaserDisc (released in 1993) is the anamorphic video and behind-the-scenes featurette. Not only do we NOT get 5.1 sound, the Dolby Surround we DO get sounds terrible--as if it had been lifted straight from the LaserDisc (at best) or possibly even a video tape. It's especially noticeable after the crystal clarity of the Disney DVD trailer that immediately precedes the film. In short, Disney has released a terrible DVD of a terrific movie. Chose which is more important before you buy.
Rating: Summary: wonderful, wonderful movie Review: this film has heart. elijah wood is a beautiful actor. his emotions, facial features, movements, etc. all complement huck finn perfectly as that loveable, huggable mischief-maker all america knows and loves. some of twain's original storytelling has been deleted or enhanced, but overall, it improves the emotional effects of the movie. huck finn's character, i.e., is more playful than satirical, but he comes off better that way--wholesome, sweet, and the best little brother the mississippi ever had. wood truly brings life to this movie. his portrayal is brilliant. long live huck finn in the ages! vance is also a wonderful actor for the character of jim. compassionate, noble, caring...everything jim can be and more. i love how one simple facial expression can expose layers of underlying feeling. i love this actor. he definitely deserves more credit than what he's been given.
Rating: Summary: Fantastic Film Review: This is a first rate movie. Although the director takes artistic lisence with Twain's novel the message of right versus wrong and the triumph of good is delivered, and delivered well. Elijah Wood's tremendous acting coupled with the boyhood vision of the mighty Mississippi river really makes this movie worth while.
Rating: Summary: One of my very FAVORITE movies!!! Review: This is definitely an all time favorite of mine, up there with A Christmas Story, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Star Wars and Indiana Jones films, the Disney Animations, and a handful of other perfect films! I know this is not a perfect adaptation of the novel, but if you ask me, this film is far better than the novel! It moves faster than the novel, which sometimes drags! This film says all that needs to be said without waisting time. I suppose that's why I tend to prefer movies to books. The acting is superb, as is the casting! I've seen several versions of the Tom and Huck stories, and this is by far my fave! If you want more choices though, click on my name and look for my Tom and Huck list. But don't go without this version, because while the Patrick Day version is the most loyal to the book and my second fave to watch, this is by far the best! I LOVE this film and can't say it enough. It's perfect to watch on a cold rainy night while baking cookies. Ha ha! It's exciting and relaxing at the same time! Please Disney, give us the DVD!!!!
Rating: Summary: 10 stars!!! Review: This is one of the best movies ever made! It's definitely a top fave of mine! The casting is perfect, as is the story! I found it to be much more enjoyable than the book, which I also love. This movie is pure fun, with a valuable lesson or two along the way. I've watched it so many times my copy is worn out. I hope they release it on DVD!
Rating: Summary: DESTROYED MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Review: This movie is a second rate job given to a first rate book! There isn't a raft in the movie until after Huck and Jim meet the muderers from the wrecked ferry. Tom Sawyer is barely mentioned in the movie even though he plays an important role. He is the one who gets shot and frees Jim, NOT Huck. The Romeo and Juliet scence with the King and Dulphin is completly removed from the story. This scence shows the town that they are frauds. On a final note the dialect of the time was disregared in the lines of Jim, and Huck's lines were not much better!!!
Rating: Summary: Superb!! Every family should own it!! Review: This movie was absolutely superb!! The constant plot-twists, high level of adventure, acting, story-line, cinematography and statements about slavery and friendship are extraordinarily well-done. Kudo's to all involved!! I just wish Disney would release it on DVD. :) In short, it's so good that every family should own this film. I can see why Siskel & Ebert gave it "Two Thumbs Up!!" It's going to be recognized in later years as a true American Classic, right up there with "It's A Wonderful Life."
Rating: Summary: GO ELIJAH!!!!!!!! Review: THIS MOVIE WAS AWESOME!!!!!! Elijah Wood is my favorite actor; he's so cute! When he got shot, when Jim nearly got hanged and when Huck passed out, I bawled my eyes out 'cause I thought he was dead. GOOD JOB, ELIJAH!!! YOU'RE THE BEST! Oh- and if you ever wanted to see Elijah in a dress, a pink dress.....
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