Ron Howard's Masterpiece

This was just a sweet sweet movie about young love, growing up, and adventure in 1890 America. It's one of the only films I saw multiple times at the theater. I've had it on disk the past 20 years, and will still dust it off every few years.

Yes, there are one or two unlikely moments where the fates align and paths cross for the characters, but having had a few of those moments in my life, I really can buy it happening in the movie. The visuals and settings are so realistic, often times you'll feel like you are looking into a crystal ball at the past. There's a touch of mellodrama to keep it fun, but the story is gripping and rings true as something that could have happened.

Sure, maybe Tom's and Nicole's accents aren't perfect (or good even), but their on-screen chemistry more than makes up for it. I believe I read that Cruise and Kidman kept their then new off-screen romance a secret from Howard during casting, and it only came to light during production when Howard pulled them aside and asked something to the effect, 'Come clean, I've never seen performances on flim like you are turning-in, are you two in love?'.

Coming from Opie Taylor, who started on screen at age 4, that's saying something - and the innocent on-screen portrayal of their love would have fit perfectly in Mayberry.

The movie's magic. It is what it was meant to be, a story of young love, growing-up, and an exciting adventure in 1890 America. It is perfect for couples and families, and I think it is one of Ron Howard's best. It's the perfect movie to curl-up with on the couch with the fireplace going on a cold winter night.