MysticSongstress16

I entered the dark theater, and sat down for what I thought would be a very good film. But as the movie ended and I walked out of the theater I was left with such a feeling...such an unknown, yet exhilarating feeling.

Gerard Butler, where should I begin? He not only portrayed the Phantom, he became the Phantom. The phantom's tears of loneliness and longing are apparently a very real part of this incredibly beautiful actor. And as you watch this great man, you get the feeling of a longing to help him, to soothe the pains of his childhood and secluded yet genius life. He cascades through the film of lavish sets, with a regal air. His anger and dark nature is only a small part of the man. The man that is the phantom.

I must admit, I have fallen in love with the Phantom.

Emmy Rossum, is marvelous, innocent yet wise, she matures rapidly on the screen. Even after seeing the Phantom's true face, she is unable, as I would be, to deny the seduction of this powerful being. Her heart is true and real, and she indeed, is the only person who has ever loved the Phantom.

Please see this movie, and open your mind and heart, allow this great story and adaptation to overwhelm you and leave you...breathless.

When I was a little girl these type of period films about children and largely for children were very popular. And I haven't seen that many as of late, but I'm hoping that this light and heartwarming film might revive the genre. Samantha an American Girl Holiday was sweet, and light. Those two words are the perfect terms to me. The friendship between the fortunate orphan Samantha, and the unfortunate orphan sisters is fairly realistic, but lets not forget that the main actors in this movie are children. Mia Farrow has a pretty small, yet important part as the Grandmere of Samantha and the guardian for the little girl ever since the death of her mother. After going to visit her uncle and his new bride in New York, the story takes a slightly darker turn as she attempts to help the three girls escape from a local orphanage in which the lady over it is crooked and heartless. There is a scene inside of a factory which shows just a small portion of the horror of factory life for poor children. The end is incredibly happy, and her aunt and uncle could not be more perfect and loving. I adore her uncle. Stronger examples of the genre would be The Secret Garden (1993) and A Little Princess.

There isn't anything special about this story of this film. In fact for the most part you wander around through the film waiting for the end. But I must also add that the beautiful Dale Midkiff who plays the lead as Detective Steve Carella is much, much better suited for this role than Randy Quaid ever was. Not only is her perfect and should get more roles, he has a believable sympathy for the rape victims that are being preyed on for the second time by a serial rapist. The rapist is shown to us, but we do not know WHO he is, even though we see his face. I think that the last twist was fairly well thought out, and a nice touch. Erika Eliniak playing the only female detective we see in the whole film-rather unrealistic I think-does a very good job. She is a good actress, and very under-appreciated. The relationships between the detectives are realistic enough, also is the hatred for the media which ironically weaves into unlocking the riddle of who the rapist is. Motive is what is lacking. I suppose they were just going for the old "He's a psycho" reason. Good movie. If you get a chance to see it on TV watch it. If only to look at the gorgeous Dale Midkiff for two hours.