Customer Reviews

By Way of the Stars [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

FYI, the DVD for sale is not the entire story as it was originally shown. There is roughly about 20/30 minutes of footage that was cut, assumingly to make the movie fit onto one DVD. Keep this in mind when watching, then surf the net to fill in the gaps that are left where scenes were cut. The scenes that were cut are ones that really aren't essential to the plot, however it does leave a few things hanging as to where they are and how they went from New York City to near Niagra Falls.

Aside from the unintended extra plot twists, this movie is full of drama, action and plot twists that ARE intended. This movie starts out in 1860-era Prussia and ends in the Wild West. The story follows Lukas as he leaves Prussia to find his father and grandfather in the Canadas and he brings Ursula - the Baroness - along with him for the journey. There are some death scenes that may be a bit harsh for the wee ones, most over the age of 6 or so should be OK with it as they are all handled delicately and without much gore. You know they are dead but there is little violence in the fact. The scenery is also quite breathtaking in this film.

All in all, the movie is a good one to watch but not one for the nit-pickers that freak out when someone ends up here without an explanation. Enjoy the story and the scenes and read up on the rest.

Felix, Felicity, Gus Pike, and Chef Pierre La Pierre, visit the wild west (as different characters). Technically excellent in costumes, sets, attractive locations, by a good sized budget, with a steady pace,...yet unsatisfying without a good script.

Watchable, because it is visually appealing. If you are a "Road to Avonlea"-fan, you loyally work (sigh) at liking Felix and Felicity, though they make dumb decisions that are unlikely. You think the story is going to settle down, to a plot, develop likeable personality in the characters, build a believable relationship between two persons, and get better, throughout the two and a half hours,...but it never does. Young, female, fans of Zachary Bennett may enjoy it anyway.

Felix's father is unpleasant, and like most of the characters, is given no likeable personality. So the audience has no concern for him in his later imprisonment, or in his relationship with Felix. Too many disputes, without the balance of any fun, warmth, or charm. Felix is in hysteria through half the film. The script does not build a believable friendship between any two characters. There are no characters to admire, except briefly the peddler. There is no humor from the writer who created, so well, the melodramatic and humorous Ms. Pigeon Plumtree. The rescues are often convenient, and thus unbelievable. Several murders. There is no moral of the story. Not written to the audience of "Road to Avonlea", "Loves Comes Softly", or "Tom Sawyer". The writer has thought up scenes, and strung them together, which does not a plot make, and is without a target audience. Visually appealing, but no heart and soul. Hollow, without imagination, except the bird helping the imprisoned father, which is wasted, because we do not like the father.

"Road to Avonlea" is a series by people smarter than me. Walt Disney was a great story-teller. Walt knew he directed artists more gifted than himself. Yet, Walt never hesitated to pull their drawings off the story-board onto the floor if they did not work; and send brilliant people back to their drawing-boards to start all over again with some suggestions. The producer should have drawn from his contacts of excellent writers from "Road to Avonlea"; including Heather Conkie, Suzette Couture, and Hart Hanson for a story of interest.

I recommend instead: "Iron Will", "Wild America", "Newsies", "Tom Sawyer", "Road to Avonlea", and "Alaska" as better movies of children on adventure.

I am a big Eric Schweig fan, so naturally buying this product, I thought he'd be in it a lot! He is on the cover.... Well, no such luck, he is only in it for about 10 minutes total. Besides that, this movie is extremely long, boring, and cheesy. The plot is drawn out, and at times almot incomprehensible. I had to watch it in 2 segments because I almost fell asleep watching the first half. Tantoo Cardinal is funny but also hardly in it. Although I am overall content with it, I wish I had realised what I was getting before I ordered it.

By Way of the Stars has everything--action, adventure, murder, romance, runaways, survival, indians, family rivalry. It is a great movie the whole family can enjoy and understand. Gema Zamprogna, Zachary Bennett, and Michael Mahonen are greats from the television show "ROAD TO AVONLEA", and it is great to see them in a long-running movie! The movie starts with action and the characters are introduced right off. The movie is easy to get into, and before the first half hour is over, you'll be in tears (watch it and you'll know why). If you loved "AVONLEA" or if you just love great movies, watch this one! It is wonderfully written, directed, and acted. Give it a chance! You'll be glad you did! :)

This movie is a very touching, heartfelt movie. It's one the whole family could enjoy.

If you are looking for a family friendly, old-fashioned historical sort-of story of Old World to New World, this would be it. A very well written story, with absolutely great acting and fantastic scenery, combine to make a broad-spectrum story event. Was great from the beginning to the end. One that we saw on TV and have watched now on DVD and will watch again and again, as it is a favorite of everyone in the family from 12-51! Very highly recommended.

Great movie, excellent communication with seller, and prompt delivery from overseas. I am very happy. Kind regards, Valerie

I purchased this VHS because I am a big fan of Road to Avonlea and this movie stars Zachary Bennett (Felix) and Gema Zamprogna (Felicity) and Michael Mahonen (Gus)and a couple of other RTA cast members. The film starts in Prussia with Zach working as a blacksmith apprentice while Gema portrays a Prussian baroness. Through a series of tragedies this unlikely duo ends up in Canada and the US in one mishap after the other. The scenery is beautiful (typical of Sullivan Entertainment)and the non-stop adventure will delight the kids nd even the adults.

If u liked anne of green gables and road to avonlea, u will fall in love with this miniseries. Some of the main actors of road to avonlea have been taking out to make this movie: Zachary Bennett (Felix King), Gema Zamprogna (Felicity King), Michael Mahonen (Gus Pike)..ect.. The movie features Prussian - European 19th century living, Post American Civil War, wild Canadian prairies, American Indians, and so much more...full of adventure...Very nice, a must to see with all your familly member.

I watched this movie because I'm a huge Sullivan Entertainment fan. I was mildly disappointed because I didn't think that it quite met Sullivan's high standards, but nonetheless, it was entertaining. This movie can drag at times (it's quite long!), but I could watch some parts over and over again. I think that Zachary Bennett does a wonderful job in the lead role, and Gema Zamprogna is great as his snobby sidekick.

If you want to check out Sullivan at his best, watch any episode of "Road to Avonlea" or his great masterpiece "Anne of Green Gables" and the sequel. Now THAT's what I call spectacular entertainment!