 [Larger view] | Sarah, Plain & Tall Collection
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Average user rating:  | |
 Not up to par. | |
| The movie opens in March of 1918. The long, bitter winter has yet to come to an end. There is an epidemic of influenza in town and the war has taken Anna's boyfriend overseas. Much as Jacob and Sarah did, Anna waits for every letter from him while tending the sick in town. Back home on the farm, an unexpected visitor will soon rock Sarah's family to its core. Although 'Winter's End' sounds exciting, its frightfully dull and unprofessional. The acting is just not up to par with the first two. Glen Close, Christopher Walken and the entire cast shine in 'Sarah Plain & Tall' and 'Skylark.' After seeing those, I suppose I was spoiled. I expected that high quality when I bought 'Winter's End' and thus, I was shocked and dismayed by this poorly acted out movie. I've seen these actors/actresses at their best and they are very talented. Now, I am left baffled as to what happened here. Did they just not care this time around? Was it the director? A low budget? What? So many questions, so little answers. What really got me was when, 'Sarah' (Glen Close) was caught out in a blizzard and almost froze to death. The depth of emotion put into that scene wouldn't fill a tea spoon. 'Jacob' (Christopher Walken) put the most into it, but his acting was stilted, unreal and unnatural. Yet, the all time award for stiffness and unnatural acting would be a tie between, Jack Palance (Jacob's wayward father) and Christopher Bell (Caleb) They did a terrible job. To make matters worse, it looks as if the 'honeymoon' is over for Sarah and Jacob in 'winter's End.' There is no more of that 'spark' we enjoyed in, 'Sarah Plain & Tall' and 'Skylark.' There might be one or two scenes where they shine as they once did, but for the most part, the chemistry is dead. | |
 Sarah, Plain and Tall Trilogy | |
| These three movies are the best. The love and respect the characters have for each other should set an example for all of us. My family has also read the books and we have had many discussions about the problems the family faces. I would highly recommend the books and videos. Glenn Close and Christopher Walken are terrific together. The emotions and expressions of love are so pronounced. Excellent performances by Chris Bell and Lexi Randell. It is amazing to see the last video, Winter's End, and how the kids are all grown up. Time does march on. | |
| Excellent Family Viewing | |
| This is excellent family viewing. It gives one a sense of how tough it was to grow up in the 1800's and early 1900's. People had to work hard for everything, certainly much different than our world where people are pampered by modern-day conveniences. Glenn Close is one of the great actresses of all time, no question here. If you like Close, check out her excellent performance in "World According to Garp." She is also capable of playing evil as well...in "Fatal Attraction." Watching the Sarah Plain and Tall series is a great way to help your family grow closer together. Jeffrey McAndrew |
