Lovesusti The Worst Film Ever

Casey Duggan It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

Donald Seymour This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Isbel A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

eannhart Of course, everyone has their own opinion about the best version of this film. To me, the 1962 version is the best. Anne Bancroft's performance as Anne Sullivan is nuanced and heartrending. Patty Duke manages to play a feral but brilliant Helen, who expresses rage, joy, fear, and sorrow without language. Even beyond those two, the cast is excellent. Kate is a loving mother, a picture of Southern gentlewomanhood. Captain Keller is the overbearing, short-tempered, but ultimately loving father. James is the contentious son who constantly challenges his father. And the audience can see them slowly coming apart at the seams as their pity for Helen turns her into their lord and master. I was surprised, watching the 1979 version, how much Patty Duke seemed to pale in comparison to Anne Bancroft as Anne Sullivan. She was still good, but somehow, there was less passion. Less of the obstinance and fury at the world that seemed to drive Bancroft's Sullivan. And Melissa Gilbert seemed afraid to emote as much as Duke had as Helen. In general, the cast seemed less sure of their parts, and much less subtle. However, both the 1962 and 1979 versions passed the ultimate test: when Anne Sullivan screamed, "She knows!" I wept. ...That I did not cry at the 2000 remake is the greatest of its failures, and I believe it the fault of the script's Disneyfication. All in all, the Disney script lacked the subtlety and nuance of the original. I will the give the benefit of the doubt to the actors involved, but their characters were not what I believe they were supposed to be, having read the original script. By the time they write to Perkins, the original play describes Kate as being worn and aged by her love for her wild, undisciplined daughter. This Kate is too earnest and optimistic. There is not enough desperation in her. I would say the same of Captain Keller, though I did appreciate that they included the scene where he waits with Helen for Kate to come back with Anne, and he laments the fact that Helen doesn't know he's her father. I think my biggest character complaint in this version is James. Previous versions of James were sympathetic in their way. He is the son of a forgotten mother, and his little sister is spoiled and pitied while he is constantly chided, no matter what he says or does. ...In this version, he seems cruel and vindictive.All in all, this version never captures the emotion and weight of the original.

Matt Kramer Obviously, everyone has their personal opinions on which version of The Miracle Worker is the best, the 1960s one, the 1970s one, or this 2000s one. The truth is, when you have such a moving, powerful story as the life of Helen Keller, then it can be filmed many times and each version will have its own quality and value to it. After all, great stories can be told more than once.This Wonderful World of Disney made-for-television version is lovely and handsome, with a charming "family film" quality that makes it a great version for kids, young and old, to view it and understand it. It accurately follows the true story of how Annie Sullivan taught communication to blind, deaf, and dumb Helen Keller. (Any strict comparisons to the stage play, upon which this is based, or the excellent 1960s film are not necessary; after all, if you want to view the 60s film or the stage play, go view them.) Hallie Kate Eisenberg is perhaps the most underrated little actress on the planet, giving a totally believable and intricate performance as Helen. Just watching her movements and body language in each scene makes you fully believe that she is a blind and deaf child. Patty Duke deservedly won an Academy Award for her performance as Helen Keller in the 60s film. I think Hallie Kate Eisenberg deserves an Emmy for this one! In addition, Hallie Kate is the first screen Helen Keller who is literally the spitting image of the real Helen Keller, both in age and in looks.Alison Elliott is very real and genuine as the plucky Annie Sullivan, as is the rest of the cast, which includes hard-working character actor David Strathairn as Helen's father. This is a lovely, well-made, believable version of Helen Keller's extraordinary story, and it stands completely on its own in comparison to previous versions. It is highly recommended for families, and could be a great version for children who have not yet heard about Helen Keller.

tedg This story is just screaming to be a fine movie. What is better subject matter for a presentation by signs, than a story of presentation by signs. And there has been a moderately successful film made in 1962, at least it had the weight of trembling actors.This version has been Disneyfied in predicable ways: dumbed, cleaned and sweetened accordingly. But oddly enough for a film about blindness, it is blazingly bright and colorful. I think this is a simple accident of what Disney knows about how TeeVee bleaches colors.And it has two actors who have done well in fine films. Nominally, they are supposed to have a huge metaphysical tussle, here more of a staring contest. David Strathairn's presence in 'Limbo' is really something you need to see. Any one of tens of thousands could have done what he does here.Alison Elliott just blew me away in 'Wings of a Dove.' This woman has enough power to suggest what is suspected of the 'real' Anne, that much of the intelligence of her student was imposed. This would have been fertile stuff for an intelligent film. Oh well, at least she does something.That can't be said for the Helen here who is little more than the dolls in this story. Would have made more sense if that Anne redactor layer was mined.Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 3: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.

TYCOLLECTOR This movie is so good. I have not yet seen the original but it cannot be any better than this is. Haley should have got some sort of award for her acting in the film. It will touch your heart and make you understand what a great gift Annie Sullivan gave Helen Keller! A must see.