Customer Reviews

Amazing Grace and Chuck [VHS]

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Amazing Grace and Chuck has remained one of my all time favorite movies after all of these years. It is simple and idealistic, but as a peace lover "wouldn't it be nice". I saw an interview with Gregory Peck talking to Johnny Carson, talking about the movie and waited and waited to see it. It never came to Wichita, but I saw it in Kansas City. I have used it at school on many occasions to teach students that it is important to have a cause - I don't care what it is, but something you are willing to make a sacrifice for. The acting was understated, the message loud and clear. I still recommend it.

This movie, in my opinion, is one of the most overlooked and unappreciated movies in film history. Most people have dismissed it as being unrealistic and far fetched. I think that they have missed the point. I don't think this movie was intended to be received as a potentially plausible solution to the menace of the Nuclear threat presented by the Cold War, but rather an idealistic fairy tale about how one, seemingly ordinary boy, could change the world.

This opinion is evident in the quote that is flashed on the screen stating "But wouldn't it be nice...". That quote is your cue that you are about to be drawn into a representation of a more perfect world; one where all people discover a way to lay down their arms and live together peacefully.

Granted, the actors that portray Chuck and Amazing Grace were both newcomers, so their performances are somewhat amaturish at times. Nonetheless, Alex English does a good job for his first (and I think only) turn at dramatic acting. And Joshua Zhulke absolutely shines in his portrayal of Chuck.

Then there are the wonderful pros as well. Jamie Lee Curtis is brilliant, as always, in one of her first dramatic, post Horror Genre, performances. Frances Conroy fits easily and seemlessly into her role as Chuck's mother. And William Petersen presents us with a glimpse of how he attained his future success through his spot-on performance as Chuck's Father. One of my favorite moments in this film is when Petersen's character swallows his pride and tells his son that he is proud of him in spite of the fact that Chuck's actions have caused a major disruption in the lives of his family, his community and his Father's career in particular.

Believeable or not, you cannot leave this move without having ridden a rollor coaster of emotions from joy to sorrow; amusement to greif; desolation to elation. You will laugh. You will cry and your faith in humanity will, in someway, be changed forever.

I highly recommend this movie for the entire family. I have watched it innumerable times and have never been disappointed. I don't think you will be either.

There have been many movies starring members of the Denver Nuggets - Blair Rassmussen's "Waiting For Lefty", Bill Hanzlick's "Ethan Frome", and Michael Adams's "Macbeth" are perhaps the best known - but "Amazing Grace and Chuck" is the best of the lot. Alex English turns in a woefully neglected performance as "Amazing Grace" Smith, a Boston Celtics player who hates nuclear war as much as a Montana Little League star named Chuck. Symbolism abounds in this film which, at its best, recalls Bergman's most challenging films. Were there only one film that I could select for future audiences to view, "Amazing Grace and Chuck" would be that film. And if I could select a book to save with this masterpiece, "The English Language" by Alex English would be that book. Remember how Adams could hit those three-pointers? Good God, he was amzazing.

As we approaced the Iraq war, the young people of our island community gathered in the chill of winter, in a pouring down rain to stand for peace. The adult community offered support. A grandmother offered the viewing of Amazing Grace and Chuck. She had lived through the Nixon years, when this film came out, and when it played only in "art" houses, because it was not allowed in SRO theaters. (that cant be true....we dont censor in America) But that is how it was, and it was that way because the concept that children might take their power in hand was frieghtening to our president. YES it is idealistic, but it is also a wonderful teaching tool. Open your minds and hearts and let it in! WONDERFUL film. One of my five all time favorites!

The Amazing Grace and Chuck is a feel good film that we need now in this time of bumbling policies and cynicism. Sure it is far-fetched, but so is Star Wars and The Wizard of Oz, and you don't see very many detractors of those classics.

The fact that the setting makes it seem real doesn't interpolate to actual reality, but there is a lot of morality to be learned from it in any case.

Then there is the splendid debut of the central Chuck, Joshua Zuehlk, who has never been seen again in anything of any substance. A shame, cuz the lad has chops. Haley Joel chops. And with the much-deserved not-so-overnight success of the fine Manhunting William L. Petersen (Mr. CSI himself), you'd think this hollers for release. Given all the bilge that DOES make the bins, this stuns me.

A great cast, funny, suspenseful, tender, current. And a bonus for fantasy hoops and Beantown fans, lotsa Garden footage of an erstwhile dream...Alex English donning the kelly shamrocks.

HBO/TriStar release this gem...NOW!!!!!

Life is Beautiful, Pay it Forward, I Am Sam, Braveheart....this movie is right there with them. I was cleaing the basement and thinking about a friend of mine and Pay it Forward came to mind and then this...Amazing Grace and Chuck.
I read a quote today...

The power of one is all we have, but we all have it.

That quote sums up this movie.

This is a film which, even in a post-Cold War world, has appeal by demonstrating the power of the individual to overcome the lethargy of governments. When a young boy decides that the world has no need for nuclear weapons and that he has give up 'his best thing' - baseball - as a step towards making them go away, he sets a ball rolling which has local, then national, then international implications.

The makers of this film recognised that the two things we care about most - our children and our sports - can really get our attention and maybe make a difference. This is a thought provoking film, with a cast which includes some notable stars (Jamie Lee Curtis, Gregory Peck). My children watch it frequently, and say it makes them feel as if maybe even they themselves might be able to change things.

Sure, it is pretty silly to think that a single child could start something that would massively change the world for the better. But, as the film concludes, 'But wouldn't it be nice'?
END

Will we ever have world peace because sports players quit playing? No, quite likely instead it would tick off the soccer fans so bad they'd start their own war. Is this movie entertaining, even if unrealistic? Absolutely. Take a boy who wishes for world peace, a supporting family, and a sports legend that believes his dream and you have an enjoyable family movie. I am surprised Disney didn't come up with this one.

Wonderful for kids and adults. beautiful and touching relationships. Kids standing up for principles. our family favorite!

A heartful journey into what the human heart can do as opposed to the mind alone. Wonderful performances.