Rating: Summary: Gak! What IS this? Another ADAPTATION? Review: My favorite critique of this film stated "...[the director] nicks the title of Daniel Defoe's bawdy novel, and shucks the rest..." Shucks is right; there is little or nothing in this movie that resembles the wonderful tale that Daniel Defoe told. This is a bizarre American film that wants to make a silly love story with Hoke from Driving Miss Daisy as its narrator (yes, I know and like Morgan Freeman...but what on earth is he doing in this movie?). This decision was undoubtedly made to draw audiences, dumb sheep that they are, expecting another Freeman masterpiece. Instead, they get this tripe, and go away thinking that they "know" about Moll Flanders, even though they've never read a single word of it. I'd love to see the faces of students, assigned Moll Flanders, who saw THIS drivel before taking their tests. Sorry, you can go on and babble about your perceived "value" of this movie, but the fact remains: this is not Moll Flanders. (If I made a movie called the Bible and made up things, these same people would FLIP.) Be true to your literature...get the Masterpiece Theatre edition.
Rating: Summary: Ok Story, Talent Wasted Review: Never having read the original book, I won't comment on how this version compares to the actual story. Morgan Freeman gives a fine, if somewhat bored-looking performance, and the storyline is interesting, if not terribly inspired. The reason I (and likely many others) bought this film is because it contains the last film performance given by Jeremy Brett prior to his untimely death. Unfortunately, Brett's talents were wasted in this film - the man has only about a minute of screen time in an inconsequential role. Although his illness prevented him doing more, the question is why Brett bothered at all. Such a role is nearly an outrage for the man who gave us the definitive portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. Not a bad film, but not outstanding either. Good for Freeman, too bad about Brett.
Rating: Summary: An enjoyable film Review: Personally I prefer the masterpiece theater version to the Moll Flanders story, but I don't believe that this one should be cast aside. Yes it doesn't follow the book, but for what it was written to be, it was excellent. The acting, costumes, and sets were wonderful. I just watched it last night as a matter of fact. Stockard Channing brings radiance to the screen as always. There is much to be appreciated. If you want better accuracy to the story, buy the masterpiece theater version. If you have an appreciation for great acting and art direction, buy both.
Rating: Summary: LOVELY MOVIE, BEAUTIFUL Review: Robin Wright and Morgan Freeman are fabulous. The time period is captured beautifully with gorgeous imagery. The story is warm, tragic, yet happy and romantic and uplifting. Totally enjoyable.
Rating: Summary: This can easily become your favorite movie! Review: Robin Wright gives an outstanding performance as Moll Flanders. She portrays Moll as a strong, independent woman on the outside with a tender girl looking for love on the inside. The support of Morgan Freeman and Stockard Channing add the spice to the movie, as Hibble with a heart of gold and Mrs. Allworthy with a heart of ice. The cinematography sets the tone for the world that Moll lived in, the streets of 18th Century London, which was not pretty. This has a twist ending which you may not expect, which makes me love the movie even more.
Rating: Summary: Emotionally captures the essence of Flanders novel Review: The cast was selected very well and the story line, although a bit hollywood, captures the emotions of Moll and the characters. This movie was overlooked by the populace and is one of the greatest films ever made. definitely pull up a nice chardonay and a box of tissues (this is a guy talking). Robin Wright was exceptionally well and realistically pulled off Moll as if it was her herself. Self discovery, sacrifice and love sums up this wonderful film.
Rating: Summary: Pretty good movie... Review: The story was one we all knew well and loved. A girl in distress who deals with it herself. A strong movie about love and one womans determanation to be all she can be. More than enough nude seans...but don't let that stear you away from the movie! I would recomend it to all!
Rating: Summary: Not Really the One You Wanna See. . . Review: This adaption of Moll Flanders is only close to the book because of the main character. Robin Wright stars as the famous prostitute whom is married once, not seen as a murderous as Hibble (Morgan Freeman) tells us she was, only stole a ring, wasn't put in prison and she was mostly a nice woman through out. Trust me, you'll want to purchase the Masterpiece Theatre one. It is way, way better.
Rating: Summary: At this point, why not make it an original story? Review: This film has rather little to do with the novel it is supposedly 'based' on.
At this point, why not make it an original story? Why pretend that this has anything to do with Moll Flanders? To tap into an existing market because of its name recognition factor? Shameful.
If you are going to do your own thing, then do not pretend it is something else.
And having decided to do "something else", then do something that is actually worthwhile! This is a disappointing film. A predictable plot which does not stir much of anything. Truly shameful in the end - especially when considering that the novel is quite a masterpiece.
And lets not even get started about the abysmal soundtrack...
Rating: Summary: Heartwarming tale of the human spirit Review: This is a wonderful story of one woman's journey toward true understanding of love, of God, and of her place in the world. Robin Wright Penn, Morgan Freeman and Stockard Channing all give excellent performances, and the score, costumes and sets are a beautiful backdrop for this outstanding cast. I have never read the book, but this film has merit all its own. You will admire Moll for her unflagging courage, her pluck, and her devotion to those she loves. Moll Flanders is one of my favorite movies of all time.
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