Sarah, Plain and Tall

Nice little movie about life in the Prairie and about how a young widower can make a new life, and how his two children can relate to a new women coming to their home to "replace" their mother. No clichés (there could have been scores of them), sensitive story, good casting. Never before that movie had I sensed how Kansas and Maine, two states in the same country, can be so far apart, geographically and culturally.

I had always heard good things about this film but never got around to seeing it. My 8 year old daughter loves books on the prairie life and we saw the video at the library so we watched it and we were both so moved, so impressed. A lovely film, wonderfully acted - Walken is a nice surprise - after a long, Hollywood career playing weirdos and sickos - he gives a fully realized, delicate, heartbreaking performance as a widower Kansas farmer. The children stay away from cliched, hammy acting and the whole thing is touching and sweet.

What a nice movie! In this day-and-age, a movie this low-key and simply nice is refreshing to see. It's almost shocking, especially with Christopher Walken, playing against type. He and Glenn Glose end up being an inspiring romantic couple.

What I think I enjoyed best was the wonderful cinematography. With all the beautiful rural scenery, it was pretty to see. It was also nice to see Walken play a role this sedate and a pleasure to see a modern film that featured well-mannered kids, not spoiled brats. In fact, there are no nasty people nor bad language is this film, either.

Unlike many films which call themselves "family-oriented," this one truly lives up to that billing. It's not anything super dramatic that will knock your socks off, but a pleasant, very nice low-key 98 minutes to kick back and relax watching.

Based on Patricia MacLachlan's novel which won the prestigious Newbery Award, given to the author of the year's finest children's book. Jacob, (Walken) a widowed father, still mourning his wife's death, decides to place an advertisement for a new wife, for his own sake and for his two children. Sarah, (Close) a "plain and tall" woman from Maine answers. She promises to stay for a trial period of thirty days to see if she can "maks a difference" for this family. Jacob must come to peace with his wife's death in order to allow Sarah into his life. Sarah must overcome homesickness and learn the ways of prairie life. The chemistry between Walken and Close onscreen is phenomenal. This is a very touching story and the casting is absolutely perfect.

They had a real nice feel for the time and place with this one....I remember enjoying it alot. Oceans of grass to replace the Maine woods and shore, different mores and a different way of thinking. Walken really plays against type here, he is quiet and turned inwards...Little House on the Prairie done by Hallmark, if you will.

*** outta ****