Prom Queen

Starring:Aaron Ashmore, Marie Tifo, Jean Pierre Bergeron, Mak Fyfe, Tamara Hope, Trevor Blumas, Fiona Reid, Scott Thompson, Dave Foley, Victoria Adilman, Nicholas Rose, David Ferry, Barbara Gordon (II), R.D. Reid, John White (III), Makyla Smith, Brittany Allen, Nicole Dicker, Gary Reineke, Tyler Kyte
Director: John L'Ecuyer
Studio: Wolfe Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Nobody would argue with the thought that Sissy Spacek is the perfect heroine of Stephen King's scary tale of teenage telekinesis. But in a pinch, Angela Bettis, the star of this 2002 TV remake, fills Spacek's bloody shoes very well. Bettis--who expertly plays a similar role in the indie horror pic May--gets all the loner pathos of poor Carrie White, equally tormented by her cool classmates and her religious-fanatic mom (Patricia Clarkson). Her transformation from doormat to vengeful prom queen remains surefire wish fulfillment for anyone who ever felt a misfit in high school. Despite Bettis's intensity, it's difficult to justify remaking Carrie when Brian De Palma's 1976 version is enshrined as a classic of its kind (especially given the pedestrian TV-movie production values on display here). This one delivers its jolts, but when you could just as easily spend time with Spacek and De Palma, why bother? --Robert Horton

Description

Everyone has a breaking point. Pray that Carrie White doesn't reach hers. Angela Bettis (Girl, Interrupted) stars in this bone-chilling update of Stephen King's legendary tale of horror and retribution, featuring eye-popping special effects and a shocking, all-new twist ending! Carrie White (Bettis) is a lonely, awkward teenage girl who just doesn't fit in. At school, she endures her classmates' constant ridicule, and at home she suffers endless psychological torture at the hands of her fanatically religious mother (Patricia Clarkson, "Six Feet Under"). But Carrie has a secret. She's been cursed with the terrifying power of telekinesis. And when her tormentors commit an act of unforgivably cruel humiliation at the prom, they'll soon learn a deadly lesson: If you mess with fire, you will get burned!

Customer Reviews:

Different ending is why I like the new version better.......2007-03-21

Despite the 1976 film being more skillfully directed by Brian DePalma, and despite its star-making performance by Sissy Spacek, its over-the-top hellfire and damnation ending completely lost me. It seemed to validate the mother's religious fanaticism, and I do not believe it was what Carrie, as a character, deserved. The 2002 remake reinforces my view on this, since it shows more clearly than did the 1976 film that Carrie's rage-driven power, when it reaches its full-blown form, is involuntary. One can argue that leaving the remake open-ended for a planned TV series, which never got off the ground, was a mistake that leaves it unsatisfying, but I still prefer this more humane take on the story to the religious cheap shots in the original.

Beauty, Dark Torments, Dark Tragedy, And Dark Retribution.......2007-03-17

Stephen King's "Carrie" is among the top tier of horror novels ever written, but the 2002 remake version of the tale surpasses the original novel. Not to mention soaring past the original filmed version from 1976, which was loaded with talent on both sides of the camera but just couldn't capture the tension or emotion of the novel.

This is actually one that I only saw fairly recently. With it being a made-for-network-tv movie, I always kind of assumed it was going to be 'horror-lite', like the style of theatrical movies that were so popular in the late 90s. There were only a few of those I really got into, so the "Carrie" remake, while not something I was trying to avoid, was just never very high on my to-see list; I ended up renting it on a day when there were virtually no other horror movies in the video store I hadn't already seen.

From the first few moments onward, it becomes clear that this isn't an ordinary tv movie or mini-series. It's not on the light side either; either the DVD is extended or the backwards slide in what gets on tv hadn't really started in 2002. With Angela Bettis giving a stunning, award-worthy performance in the title role, "Carrie" is a riveting, frightening, and visually awesome tour-de-force that strikes at the heart and mind in a way that I've seen very few made-for-tv movies do. The story of "Carrie" is well-known but it's deeper and more affecting than can be conveyed in a few short words. The dysfunctionally shy, lonely, and anguished - and secretly telekinetic - Carrie Whyte is scorned and tormented by her peers at school, and berated and shamed at home by a mother who's own interpretation of religion is so twisted up she makes the world's most conservative televangelists look like Marx-quoting happy-go-lucky hippies. The question isn't If the repressed rage in Carrie is going to become too powerful for her to contain, but when and how. And it's after her life starts to improve only to be plunged into an even deeper pit that it's likely to come out.

The movie follows the book in operating in two timeframes - the bulk of the story going through in normal linear mode, with occasional flash-forwards into the future to show an ongoing investigation into catastrophic events that occured on Prom Night. The climatic last twenty-five minutes is jaw-dropping, much better than the same period in the novel (the only significant flaw in the novel, I thought, was that the events of that night took a sudden drop in its climatic end chapters right when things should have been at their most mind-blowing). The last twenty-five minutes have to be seen to be believed. Another change is that the number of sympathetic characters has been upped a bit - and they've been made more credible - than in the book or the previous remake. Despite those changes, it's very faithful to the spirit of King's novel - more than a lot of adaptations - but it's got the different hooks to make it feel so fresh. Everyone involved in this did smashing work, and they've created an all-time great, far better than I ever anticipated.

A horror essential, and every iota as great as the movie version of King's "The Green Mile".

Not as good as the 1976 version........2007-02-19

Whereas I gave the 1976 version higher ratings, this one has to get a 1 star from me. This version is not at all as good as the version with Sissy Spacek. Granted, this version is closer to Stephen King's book, but it is very slow in its development, the acting is poor, plus Piper Laurie does a much better job in her role as the fanatical mother in the 1976 film.
In the 1976 film, the development is not slow but I find my nose hooked to the screen. In this version, I felt I had to wait a long time for all hell to break loose.
Are you deciding which "Carrie" to invest in? I'd choose to invest in the 1976 one with Sissy Spacek.

For Those Who THought THE ENDING WAS BAD - here's why it was what it was.......2007-01-02

For those who don't like how they changed the ending, the ending was changed because they were planning on making "Carrie" into a series if the made-for-TV-remake was successful - which it wasn't, hence the reason the idea was scraped. So that's why the ending is what the ending is.

And if you enjoyed Angela Bettis is this movie you must watch "May" - same character, better movie.

Not as GREAT as the original but not bad at all........2006-11-13

This is not as exellent as the original, but it's not bad either. I really enjoyed it.

Average customer rating:

it is a cute story
Gay Teen Activism
Touching and Moving Film About the Fight for Human Rights
Good and bad
"We may have to change with the times"

Prom Queen
Starring: Aaron Ashmore , Marie Tifo , Jean Pierre Bergeron , Mak Fyfe , and Tamara Hope
Director: John L'Ecuyer
Manufacturer: Wolfe Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Gay & Lesbian | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Gay & Lesbian | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Almost Normal
Dorian Blues
Everyone
Straight-Jacket
Another Gay Movie

ASIN: B0007R4TKI
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Description

PROM QUEEN is the story of Marc Hall, a popular, out gay teenager from Ontario. It's prom time, and Marc and his pals are making plans for the big dance. But their dreams of the big night come to a halt when the school tells Marc he can't bring his boyfriend, and the other kids rally behind him to protest this decision. To Marc's surprise, the media picks up the cause, and in time, the decision goes all the way to the Canadian Supreme Court.PROM QUEEN is based on a true story, but is framed as a teen comedy/drama. "Light and fun," says Jason Chow of the National Post, who calls the movie reminiscent of "The Breakfast Club" and "Three O'Clock High." Rising young star Aaron Ashmore stars as Marc, with "Kids in the Hall" veterans Scott Thompson and Dave Foley as Marc's lawyer and his school principal respectively. The film features 14 pop hits from such artists as Melanie Doane and Erasure.

Customer Reviews:

it is a cute story.......2007-06-27

a stroy based on true events that shows you there is something to fight for

Gay Teen Activism.......2007-05-30

"Prom Queen: The Marc Hall Story"

Gay Teen Activism

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

Made for television movies sometimes surprise. This is one of those. Canadian TV broadcast this uplifting comedy drama in 2004 and it is the true account of Marc Hall, a high school student who sued the Catholic church because he was not allowed to bring his boyfriend to his high school prom. Guided by a terrific cast, the movie looks at the homophobic state of affairs of the local school board and the church as well. The story teaches as it entertains and it gives us a look at heroic spirit of gay teen activism and the courage of Marc and his parents and friends as they come together to send Marc and his boyfriend to the prom.
The movie succeeds because of the direction and the good story, John L'Ecuyer directs with a light hand and the screenwriting team of Michael MacLennan and Kent Staines have done quite a job in writing a script that shows the challenge to Catholic school policies regarding homosexuality and trying to prevent a young man from bringing his boyfriend to his prom.
Aaron Ashmore is wonderful as blue-haired, blue-eyed fun-loving Marc Hall. He is gay and is somewhat comfortable with himself. He has a partner named Jason that he wants to bring to his prom. Marc is lucky to have friends who support and encourage him. Opposite him are the school board and his principal who remind him constantly that he is in a state of sin and refuse to allow Marc to bring Jason to the prom.
Marc turns to his family and they back him completely. With his friends and family on his side as well as a gay lawyer (Scott Thompson), Marc aggress to fight the school board and the church and when he pleads his case, there is hardly a dry eye on either side of the screen. That he wins his case is one thing but what makes this movie so good is the way the story is told.
Here is a tender movie that speaks to all ages and has a strong lesson. The acting is wonderful and the story touches the nerve. All of the characteristics of a good movie are there--cast wit, fun, drama and sensitivity.
Ashmore's captures the part. He has youthfulness in his eyes and possesses the spirit of youth. The movie inspires. It shows us that with the proper demeanor and the desire, there is little that we cannot do. It's a modern fairy tale replete with a happy ending. We see the bumps along the way to liberation and understanding and we see how they were surmounted. The only thing missing from the movie is an exploration of how it feels to be gay teenager who does not have support. Otherwise the movie is wonderful.

Touching and Moving Film About the Fight for Human Rights.......2006-01-10

A touching film about that battles the hierarchy of the Cathcolic Church and homosexuality. Based on a true story (I very much enjoy films based on fact), following the plight of a young Private School teenagers' quest to take his boyfriend to the prom. In taking his case public against the school (and Catholic church), and eventually to the courts, the young Marc Hall risks alienating friends, teachers, his family and the very partner he hopes to escort to his High School Prom.

All the actors in the film are excellent in their roles. It's a shame movies like this are not picked up by the major networks like ABC, NBC and CBS. This is a film about human rights, Catholic Church injustice, and believing in yourself and who you are as a person. The writing is outstanding, and while many scenes are dramatic and touching, there is ample humor to keep the movie light. The ending is uplifting, and gives us all hope that one day no one shall be persecuted for being themselves.

The movie hails from Canada, and while I would love to give this film 5 stars, it could be mistaken for an ABC Afterschool Special, Made-for-TV movie or an episode of DeGrassi Junior High (an excellent program in and of itself). A MUST SEE for a family, or anyone dealing with a youth coming to terms with their sexuality. When are we going to see films like this make mainstream TV? Thank goodness for cable channels like LOGO.

Good and bad.......2005-08-13

The story is good and the acting is ok for a made for tv movie. The edit is pretty bad and at some times looks like a high school project. An overall good movie with some really bad points.

"We may have to change with the times".......2005-08-08

Made for Canadian television obviously on a limited budget, and based on a true story, Prom Queen raises some interesting issues about the seemingly never-ending clash between religion and sexuality. As same-sex love and the Catholic Church are once again pitted against each other, Mark Hall, (played in the film by Aaron Ashmore), a fresh-faced, totally out teenager finds himself indelibly caught in the middle.

Mark wants more than anything else to go to his school prom, but there's just one problem: he wants to bring his boyfriend Jason (Mac Fyfe) to the dance. While the Catholic school he attends tolerates homosexuality, and openly accepts Mark as gay, they absolutely draw the line at allowing him to partner Jason.

The stage is set for a battle that reaches all the way to the Canadian Supreme Court as Jason, with the hidden strength of Superman, demands his Canadian Charter rights and fights the Local School Board, an institution that has for years lived by the rules of extreme religious doctrine. Instilled with an almost fairy tale like quality, Prom Queen paints a portrait of a young man who is determined to stand by the strength of his convictions while never reneging on his deeply held faith.

Mark is supported by his surprisingly understanding blue-collar parents, Emily (Marie Tifo) and Audy (Jean Pierre Bergeron). Emily, while deeply religious, decides to accept his son the way he is, and Audy - who works at the local mill where some of his co-workers are getting pink slips - is helped by local union organizer (David Ferry) to quietly and gently, support his son. Meanwhile, Mark's plucky and supportive school friends, Beau (a very attractive Trevor Blumas) and Carly (Tamara Hope) get a pair computer nerds, to start a set up a proactive website to "get Mark to the prom."

When the crusade goes public, and the media come up board, Mark gets the help of a publicity seeking highflying lawyer (Scott Thompson). But he finds his way stifled by the tight-lipped School Board Chair Lucinda Pilcher, (Fiona Reid) who is wonderfully controlling. Help for Mark comes in the form of As Miss Lawrence (Victoria Adilman), his liberally enlightened school teacher. But while the teacher does an excellent job of supporting human rights in the classroom, can she stop herself from caving to Catholic dogma in the courtroom?

Ever mindful of commercial breaks, director John L'Écuyer has done an admirable job trying to let the story flow, employing animated headings to bring the next scene back from black. And for the most part the pacing is good, although the story tends to lose a little steam at the end. We hear of Mark and Jason's breakup, but we never really see it and the eventual court ruling comes our way via fax. Also, the soundtrack often doesn't sit that well with the dialogue, with the often inappropriately placed dance music often coming across as over-loud and clangy.

Despite its shortcomings, Prom Queen is a delight to watch, and it shows just how much the world around us is changing. Gay teenagers are coming out at earlier ages, and are becoming increasingly politically active, and also more accepted by their peers - especially in enlightened countries like Canada. It's such a pleasure to see a film about the triumph of the "little man," a small town teenager who had the guts to take on a bigoted institution and risk his future for a slow dance with his boyfriend. Mike Leonard August 05.

Prom at the Palace - The Queen's Concerts, Buckingham Palace

Average customer rating:

IDEAL CLASSICAL MUSIC VIDEO & ENTERTAINING TOO
Interesting music, fascinating look at the Palace

Prom at the Palace - The Queen's Concerts, Buckingham Palace
Starring: Kiri Te Kanawa , Anthony Dowell , Thomas Allen (III) , Angela Gheorghiu , and Michael Parkinson (II)
Director: Bob Coles
Manufacturer: Opus Arte
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Last Night of the Proms
Party at the Palace - The Queen's Concerts, Buckingham Palace
Classics on a Summer's Evening / Sinopoli, Gheorghiu, Alagna
Rule Britannia and Other Music from Last Night of the Proms
Music from the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

ASIN: B0000687F3
Release Date: 2002-07-09

Amazon.com

One of the most remarkable things about this recording of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Prom at the Palace--quite apart from the musical goodies on offer--is the opportunity to glimpse inside the royal garden, and see what Her Majesty's principal home looks like from the back. Voyeurism aside, director Bob Coles also catches the palpable sense of occasion and excitement that surrounds the concert, with some swooping camera angles and exciting crowd shots. The music is a mix of classical favorites (Zadok the Priest, "Jupiter" from The Planets, Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks) and a few lesser-known items.

The outdoor acoustic is generally handled well, and the soloists all sound wonderful; Angela Gheorghiu stops the show with a passionate account of "Vissi d'Arte" (from Tosca) and 13-year-old clarinetist Julian Bliss gives a remarkably assured performance of Messager's Solo de Concours. Occasionally the BBC Symphony Orchestra loses concentration, but overall this is a fine souvenir of a historic concert. All profits from the sale of the DVD will be donated to the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Trust. --Warwick Thomson

Description

This spectacular DVD features highlights from the Queen's Jubilee Concert "Prom at the Palace" held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Featuring: Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Mstislav Rostropovich, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, The London Adventist Chorale, Sir Thomas Allen, Julian Bliss, Ashley Wass, Roberto Bolle, Zenaida Yanowsky, Sir Andrew Davis and more!

Customer Reviews:

IDEAL CLASSICAL MUSIC VIDEO & ENTERTAINING TOO.......2006-05-10

FIRST THOUGHTS: UNREAL ATMOSPHERE - BUT IT IS REAL!

All through this concert one could see both the grounds and surroundings of Buckingham Palace, as the sun set. Really pleasant to look at. There were interiors with the Ballet and outdoor fireworks in this eclectically balanced live presentation. Queen Elizabeth was our host too!

WHAT I LIKED MOST:

There was a lot to like and there was no time to yawn during this 2-hour program because the pieces were short and very varied.

The 12 year old Clarinetist Julian Bliss gives an amazing rendition of "Messager's Solo de Concours," which was my favorite.

"Jupiter" from "The Planets" by Holst was the reason I wanted this DVD and it was well done, but the entire work is 53 minutes compared to about 8 minutes for this movement.

Of course there were fireworks and ballet and choruses, all in a very well blended order.

ABOUT THE DVD: GREAT SOUND AND VIDEO

FEATURE: You can select scenes by artist or by the scene, which is very easy to use feature.

BOTTOM LINE: WORTH SEEING FOR THE SCENERY ALONE BUT THE MUSIC IS GREAT

Interesting music, fascinating look at the Palace.......2002-11-26

I got this one mostly for a look at the Palace and grounds, haven't listened to all of the program yet. The music is pretty much classical, seems well done, if you like that sort of thing you should find a lot to appreciate here. I found it interesting that a couple of selections were by a black choir (The London Adventist Chorale?), spirituals, I guess favorites of the Queen. I liked seeing inside, and out, of the Palace (unlike Elton John's Party at the Palace selection you could tell that these were live performances by seeing the crowds outside the windows), Swan Lake was done in the Ball Room and Bachianas Brasileiras no.1 was performed in The Music Room, my greatest complaint was that the cameras seemed to spend a lot of time examining the ceilings. If you buy both Prom at the Palace and Party at the Palace I think that you'll find this one to be the better arranged program although I think news reports said that the Party concert itself was actually better organized.

Average customer rating:

Prom at the Palace
Starring: Roberto Alagna , Mstislav Rostropovich , Queen Elizabeth II , Kiri Te Kanawa , and Anthony Dowell
Director: Bob Coles
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

DVD:

DVD List

DVD

DVD

Lady Day - The Many Faces of Billie Holiday

Pride and Prejudice

Little Princess

DVD: Damn Yankees

D-Tox - Im Auge der Angst