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Love's Abiding Joy By Harry Forbes Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- Fans of author Janette Oke's "Love Comes Softly" -- and there would appear to be many as the first three films in the series got the best ratings ever on cable's Hallmark Channel -- will happily embrace this new one, which comes courtesy of the new FoxFaith initiative from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "Love Comes Softly" (Fox) focuses on pioneer rancher couple Missy (Erin Cottrell) and Willie (Logan Bartholomew) LaHaye, circa 1885, who, already struggling with financial hardships, must cope with the sudden loss of their little girl, who dies in her sleep. The villainous mayor, Samuel Doros (John Laughlin) -- who practically has "bad guy" branded on his forehead, favoring a black wardrobe as he does -- offers Willie the job of sheriff (more lucrative than ranching, it seems), but only to manipulate him for his dastardly purposes. Doros' daughter, Collette (Mae Whitman), who shows up in someone's peculiar idea of fashion for a well-bred young lady, is home from school and soon falls for Willie's adopted son, Jeff (Drew Tyler Bell), a fellow bookworm, but their budding romance is soon to be thwarted by Daddy. There's also former preacher Henry (James Tupper), whose land is about to be seized by Doros, and Missy's overly moist father (Stephen Bridgewater), who provides a shoulder to cry on when tragedy strikes. Michael Landon Jr. directs the leisurely tale capably; Niko Vilaivongs' production design, Brian Shanley's cinematography, and Kevin Kiner's music are assets, but both the script (by Landon, Douglas Lloyd McIntosh and Bridget Terry) and performances are bland and way too contemporary: "I need you to put your shirt on," "Have a nice day," "Sleeping in." There was more period flavor in old TV Westerns like "Bonanza" and "Gunsmoke" than you find here. The faith elements, though admirable, are heavy-handed. For those not bothered by the somnolent pace, this is an unobjectionable 90 minutes, but one hopes FoxFaith will find a way to merge Christian themes with higher artistic vision. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. - - - Forbes is director of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office for Film & Broadcasting. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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