Phantom Tollbooth [VHS]
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VHS Movie Reviews of Phantom Tollbooth [VHS]
Movie Review: A good but imperfect adaptation
Summary: 4 Stars
The first thing to keep in mind is that the book was aimed at "ages 7 to 77," as the old slogan went, but the movie is aimed at ages 7 to 10, maybe, with only a few nods towards anyone older than that.
This is still a terrific film for its intended age group. It's not perfect; a few too many times thoughtful solutions to problems from the book were replaced with slapstick, the film stops dead every time it hits a song, and the ending was radically changed -- and that last was a huge, gasping mistake, because it removes the original story's catharsis. On the other hand, some of the visualizations are wonderful; the Lethargians and Digitopolis are drawn with wonderful insight.
I'd advise, though, presenting this movie to children as a companion to the book after they've already read it, not as a replacement and not by itself.
Additional note: freed from the yoke of established characters, Chuck Jones absolutely let his imagination run free here, the result sometimes approaching Tim Burton levels of surreality. Animation aficionados of any age should seek this film out for that alone.
Movie Review: Why are family movies disapearing today? Bring this one back
Summary: 5 Stars
My husband and I adore this movie. I grew up on it and we hoped to have it around for our kids. Now our tape copy is wearing out and we find that a dvd isn't available! Please help send word to the studios that these types of family shows are exactly what people what today. And if you can, see this movie. I think you'll know why it is so special to us.Movie Review: A valuable lesson
Summary: 2 Stars
I read the Phantom Tollbooth as a 4th grader, soon after it came out, and it was my favorite book. When the movie came out I rushed to see it, and it was the first time I"d seen a movie that had been made from a book I"d read. I was bitterly disappointed. The movie is a failed adaptation of the book. It taught me a valuable lesson- reading a book is always better than watching a movie.
Fast forward 30 years and this book is now my son's favorite. He's dying to see the movie, and will learn the same lesson- movies can never come close to creating the world that books allow us to enter.
Movie Review: Endlessly Entertaining and Educational
Summary: 5 Stars
As a child I enjoyed this movie immensely. I recognized some of the educational stuff that was mixed in, but would never had described it as "educational" because it was so silly and fun. Only as an adult to I appreciate all the subtle, intelligent humor, but I still enjoy it just as much. It has some good messages, too. I'm so glad to many older movies are making it to DVD, and I hope this one will soon join the ranksMovie Review: No surprise: not as good as the book
Summary: 3 Stars
Unsurprisingly not as good as the book on which it ostensibly is based, this film still offers lessons about life--and may be worth watching even if only as a precursor to later films in which real life and animation are mixed.
But do yourself a favor: for whomever you plan to buy this film, buy the book instead. It's worth rereading, even for the 100th time.