Great Expectations

V: We have unwittingly found ourselves on a Dickens kick. This is the Masterpiece Theater version, with Ione Gruffudd (Amazing Grace) and Justine Waddell (Wives & Daughters.) I thought it was pretty good, but not particularly compelling. If Pip fell into really foolish behavior, it wasn't developed well, except mostly to mention that some debtors were out for him. I didn't catch why he'd love (who he loved) except that, again, it was mentioned that he did. So, I think they could have done a better job showing rather than telling. Miss Havasham was aptly creepy. Could they have made the people look worse on the cover of the DVD? Pip looks like a different person! All in all, it was alright. (Watch for The Emperor.) 2 1/2 stars

M: I agree. A good looking show, but not my favorite. 2 1/2 stars

Tess of the D'ubervilles

V: Wow, what a downer!! I maintain that I hate Thomas Hardy. Didn't like him in High School and still don't like him. He's a cynic, a fatalist and a bad, bad man. His poor characters try and try and try and just keep getting knocked down by bad timing and unlucky circumstances. This is a tragically tragic tragedy. Just, please don't watch this - it will depress you. That having been said, I do think I have to rate this movie based on more than just the story. It was well acted, and it did affect me emotionally. I give it 2 1/2 stars.

M: Yea, its a downer. Tragedies are. But, my problem with this story is that in a tragedy, the main character should have a fatal flaw. Like V said, here, there was no flaw, Tess just didn't have the stars aligned for her I guess. It was her "fate" for her life to fall completely apart. It was mean spirited and not very enjoyable. 2 1/2 stars.