Lassie (B- or 3/4 stars)
You'll crave for a dog after viewing 'Lassie', a family film based on a 1938 novel by Eric Knight, and it is written & directed by Charles Sturridge. The story is set in pre-World War II England/Scotland. After losing his coal mining job, poor Mr. Carraclough (John Lynch) is forced to sell his sons' beloved 'Lassie' to a rich, high paying Duke (Peter O'Toole) for his little granddaughter, Cilla (Hester Odgers). But after Lassie repeatedly escapes back to his original owners (including little Joe Carraclough, played by a cute Jonathan Mason), The Duke relocates to Scotland to ensure Lassie's staying ground. Can Lassie escape again and travel 500 miles home? While the film certainly lacks some pizzazz, it begins & ends on such an extremely charming note, that portions of the middle barely matter.
Each time Lassie returns to her original family, little Joe gets sadder & sadder. Admirably, Mr. Carraclough keeps returning Lassie to the Duke because a deal is a deal. But once she arrives at the Duke's castle in scenic Scotland, Lassie has had it. She sets out on an amazing journey home. And, of course, she makes it back in time for Christmas ... barely. Lassie defies all odds and stumbling blocks along her adventure home. This includes friends and foes, various dangers, heroic women, villainous men, eager stray-dog catchers, carpetbaggers, dwarfs, treacherous lakes, ominous traffic, awful weather conditions, desperate hunger, thirst, & general weariness. 500 miles isn't a walk in the park, you know.
Several scenes in the middle of the film where Lassie has to dodge some bullets are not handled as well as they could be. A slow pace sets in and the movie could have benefited from a bit of 'zip' in the story. Otherwise, this is a heartwarming morality story, highlighting some authentic acting by the brilliant ensemble cast. Samantha Morton (as Mrs. Carraclough) does well at conveying frustration in some dire situations. Jonathan Mason, as Joe, is adorable. He generally acts as though there isn't ever a camera on him. And Peter O'Toole is quick-witted, tender, & grandfatherly-sublime. 'Lassie' thrives in its acting, basic plot, and absolutely stunning countryside landscapes. It's one of those movies that will make you want to jump on a plane & head over to Scotland for a vacation.
Each time Lassie returns to her original family, little Joe gets sadder & sadder. Admirably, Mr. Carraclough keeps returning Lassie to the Duke because a deal is a deal. But once she arrives at the Duke's castle in scenic Scotland, Lassie has had it. She sets out on an amazing journey home. And, of course, she makes it back in time for Christmas ... barely. Lassie defies all odds and stumbling blocks along her adventure home. This includes friends and foes, various dangers, heroic women, villainous men, eager stray-dog catchers, carpetbaggers, dwarfs, treacherous lakes, ominous traffic, awful weather conditions, desperate hunger, thirst, & general weariness. 500 miles isn't a walk in the park, you know.
Several scenes in the middle of the film where Lassie has to dodge some bullets are not handled as well as they could be. A slow pace sets in and the movie could have benefited from a bit of 'zip' in the story. Otherwise, this is a heartwarming morality story, highlighting some authentic acting by the brilliant ensemble cast. Samantha Morton (as Mrs. Carraclough) does well at conveying frustration in some dire situations. Jonathan Mason, as Joe, is adorable. He generally acts as though there isn't ever a camera on him. And Peter O'Toole is quick-witted, tender, & grandfatherly-sublime. 'Lassie' thrives in its acting, basic plot, and absolutely stunning countryside landscapes. It's one of those movies that will make you want to jump on a plane & head over to Scotland for a vacation.