DVD Review: "A Young Doctor's Notebook"

"A Young Doctor's Notebook"

DVD Review
BBC Home Entertainment

Release Date: July 1, 2014
Source: DVD sent by publicist in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About the DVD: (from the publicist)

Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) star in this insanely dark, and brilliantly hilarious 4-part comedy noir from the BBC. It’s 1917, on the eve of the Russian Revolution, and a young doctor (Radcliffe) arrives in the middle of the night to lead an eerie, back-woods hospital. Fresh from med school, he is completely unprepared for the bizarre people and alarming medical maladies that face him, so, in an unexpected twist, he turns to his older self (Hamm) for advice. It’s a fascinating, dark and original comedy with two of Hollywood’s leading talents that surprises and entertains in a wholly unique way.

My Review: 

I honestly hadn't heard of this series before I received the DVD for review, but with Daniel Radcliffe and John Hamm in starring roles, I knew it would be great. It didn't disappoint, and my fiance and I really enjoyed this mini series and watched it all in one sitting. While I understand that the series may not be for everyone, I do highly recommend it as long as you know what is in store. There is a lot of gore, they don't hold back in showing exactly how bloody the medical field is in 1917. There is also (I hope this isn't too spoiler-ish) drug use, but it definitely isn't glamourized. So as long as you can handle those two aspects, this is really an excellent series!

Daniel Radcliffe is superb as the young doctor who has just graduated from medical school. All of his lofty dreams are given a fast dose of reality when he realizes just how much he still doesn't know about saving lives. John Hamm is wonderful in his role as the same doctor later in life. It's genius how the two men interact in real time and Hamm's character tries to save himself from a terrible fate.

The tone of the story darkens a lot as you continue through the four episodes. The series starts out so funny, it's truly hilarious. It's dark humor even in the beginning, but the series takes a much darker turn as the doctor begins to unravel. Between the isolation of the hospital, the stress of being responsible for whether patients live or die, and being physically unwell, it's understandable how he starts to lose control.


Bottom Line: This series is truly brilliant, with a fantastic story told in a new and inventive way, and exceptional performances by both lead actors.


Find out more and purchase the dvd here: http://shop.bbc.com/us/comedy/a-young-doctors-notebook/invt/18469
You can also purchase the dvd here: http://www.amazon.com/A-Young-Doctors-Notebook-Various/dp/B00D49YFLY

Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.

DVD Review: "When Calls the Heart-Lost & Found"

"When Calls the Heart - Lost & Found"

DVD Review
Word Entertainment

Release Date: Feb 25, 2014
Source: DVD sent by publicist in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About the DVD: (from the publicist)

“When Calls the Heart” tells the captivating story of Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow), a young teacher accustomed to her high society life, who receives her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley, a small coal mining town where life is simple, but often fraught with challenges. Lori Loughlin plays Abigail Stanton, a wife and mother whose husband, the foreman of the mine, along with a dozen other miners, has just been killed in an explosion.  The newly widowed women find their faith is tested when they must go to work in the mines to keep a roof over their heads. Elizabeth charms most everyone in Coal Valley, except Constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) who believes Thatcher’s wealthy father has doomed the lawman’s career by insisting he be assigned in town to protect the shipping magnate’s daughter. Living in a 19th century coal town, Elizabeth will have to learn the ways of the frontier if she wishes to thrive in the rural west on her own.

My Review: 

I'll admit it, I'm a Heartie. Yes, fans of this show have their own nickname and call themselves Hearties. You might remember my review of the movie pilot for this show. This DVD contains the first two episodes of the television series. I admit that was bewildered at the start of the first episode of the show, because I felt like a lot changed from the movie that I loved. But I quickly grew to love Elizabeth and Jack and their story and I've decided to look at the movie and the tv show as completely separate, and I love both versions.

This show reminds me so much of one of my favorite tv shows, "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." It's such a quality, feel-good family show. The setting of the western frontier has always been one of my favorites. I love that we really get to know all of the different citizens of the community as well as the main characters.

In these two episodes, we meet Elizabeth, a wealthy young woman who comes to Coal Valley to take the town teaching position. She is shocked to learn that there is no schoolhouse, so she will be teaching the children in the saloon. Most of the women in town are skeptical of the newcomer, except for Abigail, who is kind and even invites Elizabeth to stay in her own home after a series of mishaps. Abigail becomes a friend and even mentor to Elizabeth, and their friendship is great to watch.

Jack is the Canadian Mountie assigned to be Coal Valley's constable. He thinks that Coal Valley doesn't need a constable and he was only sent there on a mission from Elizabeth's wealthy father in order to protect her. At first, Jack is a bit standoffish, but soon he becomes a very likable character and he is very soft hearted under that prickly exterior. Elizabeth and Jack have a fantastic chemistry together, and you can't help but root for them to be together, and swoon over every tiny spark between them. I can't wait to see where their romance goes!


Bottom Line: This DVD is the first two episodes of a wonderful, good-hearted tv show and the introduction to the fantastic characters who have found their way into my heart. After watching this DVD, you will be waiting with baited breath for the rest of the series.



Purchase "When Calls the Heart-Lost and Found" here:

http://www.amazon.com/When-Calls-Heart-Lost-Found/dp/B00IJJBHW4/


Pinterest:
Since I am now a Heartie, I have made a pin board on Pinterest for the "When Calls the Heart" series. Check it out below if you would like to see some great photos from this beautiful show!

Follow In the Hammock's board When Calls the Heart on Pinterest.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.

DVD Review: "When Calls the Heart"

"When Calls the Heart"

DVD Review
Word Entertainment

Release Date: Nov 19, 2013
Source: DVD sent by publicist in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About the DVD: (from the publicist)

When Calls the Heart, directed by Michael Landon Jr. and based on the best-selling books by Janette Oke, tells the story of a young high society teacher receiving her first classroom post in a prairie town in the Western Frontier.  Determined to prove to her family that she is brave enough to live on her own,  Elizabeth (Poppy Drayton) struggles with her own fears and doubts until she discovers her late Aunt's diary.  Her aunt (Maggie Grace), also named Elizabeth, had set off on a similar adventure as a teacher into the frontier, where she struggled with prairie life and eventually met and fell in love with a Royal Canadian Mountie (Stephen Amell).  Reading her aunt’s words, the young Elizabeth decides to put her future in God’s hands and embark on her own adventure where she uses the diary as her guide as well as Edward, another Mountie (Daniel Sharman), sworn to see her arrive.

My Review: 

This is such a great movie, I really loved watching it! The story is so romantic, it is beautifully filmed and it's just a fantastic movie. It is a wholesome story, but not overly so. I think fans of inspirational historical fiction are going to love this movie as much as I did.

The movie tells the story of Elizabeth Thatcher, a somewhat spoiled young woman intent on becoming a teacher in the Canadian West. While her family strives to keep her from going into the dangerous country all by herself, she finds the diary of her aunt Elizabeth who also was a teacher in the west. As Elizabeth reads about her aunt's struggles on the frontier, the movie provides flashbacks to Aunt Elizabeth's story interwoven with young Elizabeth's current journey.

I have not read the book "When Calls the Heart," but from what I saw on the DVD extra features, "Aunt Elizabeth's" story is the one from the book and "young Elizabeth's" story is a new story for the movie and subsequent Hallmark TV series. I have also watched the TV series, and while both the series and movie are wonderful, they are very different. My heart broke a little when I first started watching the tv series because I didn't get to see the story continue in the way that it was told here. I would advise watching this movie with a completely separate mindset from watching the tv series and reading the book because they are very different.

This movie not only tells a wonderful story, but it is absolutely gorgeous to look at. The area where the fictional town of "Coal Valley" is set is spectacularly beautiful. The costumes are outstanding, I found myself distracted by the beautiful lacy details on the clothing. 

I found myself especially drawn into "Aunt Elizabeth's" story. I loved how she was so stubborn and independent, and wouldn't accept help even when she needed it. She got into some adorable, awkward scrapes being so stubborn. Then I couldn't help but get drawn into "young Elizabeth's" story too when she started on her journey to Coal Valley. The friendship and romance that developed between Elizabeth and her Canadian Mountie escort was just so swoon-worthy. I loved it!

Bottom Line: This is a wonderful film all around. The story is heart-warming, the romance is sigh-worthy, the acting is spot-on, the setting is gorgeous. I really enjoyed watching it and I can't wait for more like it.
 
Trailer:




Purchase "When Calls the Heart" here:

http://www.amazon.com/When-Calls-Heart-Maggie-Grace/dp/B00FRILRZC/



Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.

DVD Review: "The Confession"

"The Confession"

DVD Review
Sony Pictures

Release Date: June 11, 2013
Source: DVD sent by publicist in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

About the DVD: (from the publicist)

Raised by an Amish family, Katie Lapp (Katie Leclerc, TV's "Switched at Birth") always felt the call of another life. Now, her quest to find her birth-mother, Laura Mayfield-Bennett (Sherry Stringfield, TV's "ER"), has drawn her into world of the "Englishers." Along the way, two very different men try to help her overcome a devious scheme to steal her rightful inheritance. Business-minded but kind-hearted Justin Wirth (Michael Rupnow) reaches out to discover Katie's hidden secrets, while her childhood companion Daniel Fisher (Cameron Deane Stewart) sacrifices his own happiness for her future. Katie's heart is divided between two worlds as love reveals the truth in the moving saga based on the hit novel from New York Times bestselling author Beverly Lewis.

Based on the novel by Beverly Lewis and directed by Michael Landon Jr., the film has a screenplay by Brian Bird and Michael Landon Jr. The film was produced by David R. Kappes and executive produced by Brian Bird, Maura Dunbar and Michael Landon Jr.

My Review: 

This movie had the potential to be really spectacular, but unfortunately the focus and structure fell a bit short. I think with a little more planning and better pacing, this film could have hit it out of the park! The middle of the film has great intrigue and secrets, which creates so much excitement and build up! It's really hard to go into detail without spoilers, but not only does Katie have to find away to get her biological mother to see the truth, someone is also hiding the truth from her! Lots of secrets, and lots of drama that the movie could have drawn out more.

While watching this film, I didn't realize that it was part of a series. The prequel to this film is "The Shunning", which unfortunately, I haven't seen yet. That would explain why I felt a bit lost at the beginning. I felt like I was tuning in at the middle of a movie or a season of a tv show. While the beginning felt disjointed and confusing, once the real conflict of the film started, I was drawn in by all the excitement!

Unfortunately, the end is abrupt and falls flat. I honestly thought it must be a 'dream sequence' because everything happened so fast and was wrapped up so neatly. All that intrigue for a let-down at the end. But don't despair, the movie isn't a total bust at all. In fact, the cliffhanger at the end has me itching to see the third installment to see what happens!

The production itself is very high quality. The acting is great and I loved seeing the estate where the movie was filmed. Meant to be Laura's inherited estate, the house is stunning. It reminded me of a modern day Downton Abbey.

Perhaps I would have enjoyed the movie more if the story had focused more on Katie and her relationship with her birth mother, and the two boys you see on the cover of the dvd. It's actually a bit misleading with these three on the cover, because it seems like Laura and her husband take the lead in this installment. I would have preferred the story to focus more on Katie and her journey. A lot of time was spent building up the villain and his story. Maybe with more of a focus the film wouldn't have been spread so thin.  

Bottom Line: While this film did have a slow beginning and abrupt end, I still enjoyed the middle of the movie immensely. I do think it could have been more focused, but it was still enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next installment!

Trailer:




Purchase "The Confession" here:

http://www.amazon.com/Beverly-Lewis-Confession/dp/B00C4BDG7M/



Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.

"The Great Gatsby: Midnight In Manhattan" DVD Review

"The Great Gatsby: Midnight In Manhattan"

DVD Review
BBC
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Source: DVD sent by BBC in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the DVD: (from the publicist)

The novel The Great Gatsby has only increased in popularity since it was initially published in 1925, with its author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, holding nearly as much of the public’s fascination. An emblem of the roaring ‘20s, Fitzgerald’s personal story is as interesting as his writing. With narration from Tara Fitzgerald and featuring contributions by the author’s granddaughter Eleanor Lanahan, plus writers Hunter S. Thompson, George Plimpton, Jay McInerney, and more, this program presents a fascinating portrait of this enduring American icon.
The Great Gatsby: Midnight In Manhattan, produced in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of The Great Gatsby for the BBC’s acclaimed art series Omnibus, explores the life and dark creative spirit of its writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald. It examines his disappointing college days at Princeton, his difficult relationship with fellow author Ernest Hemingway, and his turbulent last days in Hollywood. It dispels the age-old mythology surrounding Fitzgerald, largely created by himself, which tends to glamorize the Jazz-Age and his alcoholism.

My Review: 

I have been a huge fan of the novel The Great Gatsby since the first time I read it in school, so I knew I had to see this documentary. It's hard not to be fascinated by F. Scott Fitzgerald himself when you are such a big fan of his writing. This documentary sheds more light on both the novel and the author. I think it's a great film for fans to add their collection and knowledge.

I loved seeing all the different experts (many you will recognize) give their opinions and dissections of one of my favorite books. Some of their opinions matched my own, but I had never put it into words as nicely as they did. Other times, they thought of the book in a totally different way than I had.

The documentary also shed a lot of light on Fitzgerald's life and career. A lot of this information was new to me. I had no idea that he didn't sell that many books during his lifetime. I suppose just because he was a celebrity didn't mean that people were actually reading his books! Shockingly, the film stated that more copies of The Great Gatsby are sold in one month in America now that sold during Fitzgerald's entire lifetime. 

There were signs that the documentary wasn't brand new, I later discovered the the film was actually made in 2000. This is somewhat interesting in itself, because they addressed the decadence of the 1920s before the stock market crash, and compared it to the decadence of 2000. The Great Gatsby is said to predict a fall after the lavish lifestyles of the 20s, and it was eerie to me that the documentary itself showed the Twin Towers many times, while saying that another crash was inevitable. Knowing what happened in the US in 2001, made the timing of the documentary a bit eerie.

Also included in the DVD is a short play featuring Fitzgerald, his wife, Zelda, and Ernest Hemingway as the main characters. The play adds a little bit of depth to the personalities we learned about in the main feature.

Bottom Line: This is definitely a great addition to a fan's collection. Even those who hadn't previously known a lot about Fitzgerald or his books would find this documentary engaging.


Purchase The Great Gatsby: Midnight in Manhattan here: 

http://www.bbcamericashop.com/dvd/the-great-gatsby-midnight-in-manhattan-17960.html

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Gatsby-Midnight-Manhattan-Various/dp/B00BQ47XKE

Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD from BBC in exchange for an honest review.

DVD Giveaway and Review: "Abel's Field"

"Abel's Field"
DVD Review
AFFIRM/Provident Films
Rated PG
Release Date: Jan 22, 2012
Source: sent by publicist

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About Abel's Field: (from the publicist)

Left motherless by tragedy and abandoned by his father, high school senior Seth McArdle (Samuel Davis) faces enormous pressure as he strives to support his little sisters. At school, he endures the daily bullying of the football team. But fighting back only finds him singled out for punishment and assigned to an after-school work detail under the supervision of the reserved groundskeeper, Abel (SOUL SURFER’S Kevin Sorbo). Much to his surprise, Seth discovers that Abel may be the only one who truly understands his struggles. As dark times lure Seth toward desperate measures, the reluctant Abel may be the one person who can point him back toward the light.

My Review:

I really enjoyed this movie about a young man struggling through hard times to do the right thing for himself and his little sisters. The film does feel a bit heavy at times, the subject matter here is tough. But with a good dose of humor and a lot of hope, the film is an uplifting one.

My favorite part of the film was the character of Seth and the actor (Samuel Davis) who portrayed him. It would have been easy in a faith-based film to make the lead character come across as too good to be true or a goody two shoes. But Seth is very believable as a high school senior who is just trying his best to do the right thing in a very rough situation. Davis' acting is spot on and I really think he holds the film together and gives it that special spark to make audiences really invested in his character, as well as the story.

The movie really does a great job of portraying Seth's relationship with his 7 year old twin sisters. The twins are really sweet without ever being used for the "aww" factor. They seem like real little girls who have some idea of the problems they face, even though Seth does try to protect them from as much as he can. You can almost feel the love between the siblings, their relationship seems so real.

This is a quality production, with great acting and film making. The story itself did have a few plot holes here and there and some aspects weren't as developed as I would have liked them to be. I enjoyed Seth's story more so than Abel's, so I would have liked to see some other aspects of Seth's storyline expanded. I would have liked the quarterback angle to have come full circle, I thought that some things were hinted at that never happened. I also liked the addition of Seth's girlfriend, but her character and the romance wasn't totally fleshed out like I thought it could have been.

This is a film based on faith, so there is a lot of talk of faith, church, and praying. I did not feel that the message was preachy though. It was never about preaching to do certain things or not do certain things, or anything with a political agenda. The message was simply that with God, we are not alone, and that it's okay to ask for help when you need it.

Bottom Line: An uplifting film about facing diversity, with great acting, characters you will root for, and a lovely production.

Website: http://www.abelsfield.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AbelsField

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbelsField

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Propeller has generously provided a DVD copy of "Abel's Field" for one lucky reader of my blog!

All you have to do is follow my blog publicly and fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Please follow publicly or I can't tell that you are following :)

Rules:

• International
• Must be a follower to enter
• DVD will be mailed out by the publicist, In the Hammock is not responsible for lost or missing DVD's or the time it takes to receive the DVD
• Must be 18 or over 

• Ends Feb 10

Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

DVD Review and Giveaway! "A Mile in His Shoes"

"A Mile in His Shoes"
DVD Review


Release Date: Jan 10, 2012
Source: sent by publicist

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars


My Review:

This sweet, family-friendly movie will appeal to fans of baseball and sports movies everywhere. But it's not just a baseball movie, it's a story about a boy overcoming life's obstacles and learning to believe in himself.

The movie is based on the story of Mickey Tussler, who played minor league baseball in spite of those who thought he couldn't do it due to Asperger's Syndrome. Murph, coach of the River Rats, has to do something to get his losing team back on track. Little does he know he will find a star pitcher on an obscure farm in Indiana throwing apples into a pig trough. Murph soon finds out that Mickey will help him with much more than just winning baseball games. The story that follows also shows the relationships and struggles that Mickey has with his parents, and with his new friends on the baseball team.

The movie was directed by William Dear, director of "Angels in the Outfield", so of course, it's a can't-miss for fans of baseball movies! Originally a made for tv movie, the strong directing and spot on acting by Dean Cain and Luke Schroder as the two leads make this film a much higher quality than your usual cable tv fare. Sure, some might see a few holes here or there due to budget, but most people would never notice because the story and acting are so engaging.

There are references to faith and church, but please don't let that make you think the movie is preachy, because it's a more subtle message here. It's a movie you can feel safe giving to your kids (or someone else's kids) to watch (and they will probably want to watch it over and over).


Bottom Line: A must see for baseball fans, but this story is much more than a sports movie, it's a great story about believing in yourself.


 

Website: http://www.watchgmctv.com/video/mile-his-shoes#biography

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Mile-In-His-Shoes/270101973014772?sk=wall

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev2T0BFetH4

Dove Foundation Review: http://www.dove.org/reviewmasterframe.asp

GIVEAWAY RULES:

Propeller has generously provided a DVD copy of "A Mile in His Shoes" for one lucky reader of my blog!

All you have to do is follow my blog publicly and leave a comment on this post with your email address! Please follow publicly or I can't tell that you are following :) Also, if you aren't comfortable leaving your email here, go ahead and leave a comment and then send me an email with your email addy

Extra Entries:
+1 Tweet this contest (leave link in comment)
+1 Post link in sidebar of your blog (leave link in comment)



Rules:

• US only
• Must be a follower to enter
• Extra entries are optional and can all be left in the same comment
• Leave a comment with your email address
• DVD will be mailed out by the publicist, In the Hammock is not responsible for lost or missing DVDs, or the amount of time taken to ship the DVD
• Must be 18 or over 

• Ends Tues Jan 31

Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”