13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This movie needs more attention!, March 5, 2003
This review is from: Papa's Angels [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Just finished watching Papa's Angels and rushed to Amazon.com to read all the reviews for this excellent, poignant, made-for-TV movie. Imagine my disappointment when I only found one other review!
Scott Bakula and Cynthia Nixon give moving performances as Grins and Sharon Jenkins, a depression-era family living in deep Appalachia with their 4 children. Nixon expecially is ethereal as the dying wife and mother. She makes you really believe in her character.
Veteran-actor Eva Marie Saint does a tremendous job with her supporting portrayal of the mother of Grins. Her "granny" is tough, resilient and gruffly tender. She also has the "sight"- which plays a role in the movie.
The children were all well-cast, especially the mute daughter, and the oldest son, who tries hard to be the man of the family when he feels his father is letting go of his responsibilities to the family.
This story had me alternately weeping and smiling, although it was in no way saccharine sweet or maudlin.
The only thing I felt kept it from being more of a "family" movie was the degree of mild profanity sprinkled throughout. It was totally unnecessary and a disappointment in what was otherwise a wonderful holiday movie.
It's also a beautifully filmed movie, with the log cabin and surrounding mountain vistas giving warmth and character to the storyline as much as the actors themselves. The music was very appropriate for the time period and location, and I enjoyed hearing the old folksongs.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys movies of love, suffering and courage. It's on my wish-list already!
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Papa's Angels - you'll laugh and cry, July 25, 2002
This review is from: Papa's Angels [VHS] (VHS Tape)
If there ever was a movie to make you believe in miracles, then this is your movie. Scott Bakula is very believable father who goes from carefree and funloving to serious and depressed - with such ease that you forget he is the Captain in Enterprise.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A TRUE CHRISTMAS GEM!, December 4, 2007
This review is from: Papa's Angels [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is one of the most poignant and uplifting Christmas movies I have ever seen. I don't understand why this is not shown every year--it wears well. The music is inspiring and the scenery gorgeous!
Tina Bockrath
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