On Golden Pond (2001)

Must See Movie...

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

This live production of Ernest Thompson's classic "On Golden Pond" was a refreshing experience. Its good to see culture on network television again. That being said,I must say that although billed as a live version of the play,its not quite a correct statement to make. Act II features several changes in the material (I.E. Bill returning with Chelsea to the lake,an absurd altercation between Bill and Charlie).The changes do not, for the most part, effect the plot all that greatly,however. The only exception(although the actor is talented) is the treatment of Charlie the mail man..he becomes too obsessed and less fun.As performances go...Plummer leads the pack..he gives a completely sincere performance and stays clear of any hint of Fonda's famous screen portrayal. Andrews is also fine as Ethel,equally acerbic and loving...again,not a hint of Hepburn.The only supporting actor I though weak was Glenn Headley as daughter Chelsea,she seemed to lack any sense of fire or assertiveness.She should be as the character says 'In Charge in Los Angeles" but feeling like the little fat girl at home...we only glimpse the fat girl..even with Bill.Over all OGP was a strong production. Hopefully the Networks will show more live on stage productions of classic plays in the future.

On Golden Pond is a timeless classic and the 1981 movie is one of the greatest films ever made. So it was very difficult for this version to come close to the movie. Andrews and Plummer are fantastic together and I can't believe they waited 36 years to do something together again. They are brillant as usual but the rest of the cast is way out of their league and look very unconfortable. This is a good try but it comes nowhere near the emotional resonance of the movie. Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda are unforgetable in these roles and it's hard to picture anyone else comparing to them.

If you missed this live production of the wonderful play "On Golden Pond" don't worry. From the miscast leads to the strangely incompetent camera work, this became unwatchable after about 15 minutes. I kept thinking it had to get better, but it didn't. I admit to switching back and forth between this play and other television, but no matter when I watched it, the same problems were there. Julie Andrews still sounds English. She does not sound like someone who has spent every summer for 50 years in a New England cottage. Christopher Plummer looks like an aging leading man, not a grumpy old coot like Norman Thayer should look. He is not a character actor and was not able to pull it off. Add to this huge problem the jiggling cameras and poor editing the whole effect was poor. If you like this play - wait for a local stage production - it will probably be better, or rent the movie with Hepburn & Fonda.

Chris and Julie... together again. And Julie is still as beautiful as ever. This movie was very cute! It was done live and there were FEW mistakes! The movie had the odd boring patches, but all in all was pretty wonderful. I recommend it if it comes on TV again. Out of 10, I rate is 7.