1 Really Good Family Movie
Helen, a young child who has lost her sight and hearing, fumbles in the a silent and dark world until Annie Sullivan walks into her life and turns on the light by bringing language in her hands. This story is based on the true story of Helen Kellar and her remarkable teacher, Annie Sullivan. The story is beautifully told, depicting on one hand the power struggle of the wills between the two women as Annie seeks to bring language to Helen who doesn't even know what words are and on the other, showing a family's struggle to cope with a challenge they don't understand. I found certain scenes humourous and others poignant. The two actors that play Annie and Helen were perfect for the part. All in all a really good family movie.
2 Stands on its own as a very good movie
Is it possible to watch the 2000 version of The Miracle Worker and not compare it to the 1962 classic? Is it possible to not be a bit prejudiced in favor of the version we saw with our parents and treasured in our memories all of these years?
I very much liked this newer version. Does it lack some of the passion of the original? Maybe. But what it may lack in passion, it gains in clarity. Yes, the storyline is clearer. The dialogue is easier to understand. The goals of the characters are more concrete. The sign language is not as rushed. The stepson has greater depth. There are fewer rantings and ravings of the original's cartoonish father. Best of all, I feel like I learned more.
Having read the other reviews I was reluctant to rent this Disney version. But I am now happy that I did. And I hope this wonderful story is told and retold by future filmmakers - and I hope I'm around to learn even more about this remarkable student and her teacher.
3 I've played this role before and this movie lacks reality
I am 14 years old and have been acting singing and dancing since I was tiny. I do a lot of plays at the prestigeous(sp?) Grosse Pointe Theatre. Recentley (last febuary-march) the theatre decided to do William Gibson's play "The miracle worker". Of course I wanted to try out and I was desperate to get the role because its been a role I've wanted to play for a long time. I auditioned and ended up getting the part of Helen Keller. For four months we rehearsed and finally performed our 10 straight shows. It was the most rewarding experience of my young life. The standing ovations and tears that I saw every night really made me feel like I was doing justice to this fantastic woman by retelling her wonderful and inspiring story. We had a stunt choregraphor and yes we actually hit,pinched,kicked,and threw water on eachother. I had people telling me that I could give Patty Duke a run for her money (although I believe that noone could ever play the part as well as her)! I've seen all three movie versions and I must say that this movie through crumby acting and choregoraphy proved to be the worst out of all of them. The breakfast fight scene leaves much to be said. For performance after performance we smacked and kicked eachother and got many bruises and cuts. We ended up having to wear kneepads especially in the scene where we smashed the porcelian pitcher all over the stage. This girl (the pepsi kid) sat there in this scene like a dud! I'm not saying that she wasn't good in the part because she was and I know how hard it is to play that role so I know how much effort and concentration it takes. But she could have done soooooooo much more throughout the whole movie. Yes the may have been trying to put a modern twist on the movie but that was a bad move. This is one of the most inspiring stories in the world and they should have stuck to the facts and the oringal script! In the pump scene at the end we had a real working pump on stage (with a bucket under it!) and there were people in the audience crying! This girl just didn't do justice to the story. I did like the movie simply because its a wonderful story with or without good and skilled actors. So parents if you want to expose your kids to this uplifting story then wait until the kids are about 8,9,or 10 so you can show them the orginal Duke/Bancroft version. I know most younger children dislike black and white so if you really want them to understand and have a good grip on this story then wait until they are old enough to sit down and watch this movie without complaining of boredom just because it's not in technicolor.
If anyone has any questions about the theatre or Helen Keller feel free to email me..I may be young but I know a TON of facts about Miss Keller and her life from young to old.
~Danielle~
4 This movie totally sucks!
I cannot believe all the other positive reviews I'm seeing! As usual, Disney has taken a wonderful story and distorted it with fictional information. I am from Alabama and have visited Ivy Green twice. Aside from the obvious disregard for authenticity with the set, they also missed the mark on several facts. Just one example--the Kellers did not have slaves, they had sharecroppers. Slavery had been abolished by the time Helen was born in 1880! No wonder people have such warped images of the South, thanks to irresponsible filmakers like this. The story was great enough to stand on its own without all the changes, just as it has for many years. Disney changes it because they apparently aren't confident enough in their ability to produce a good film. This movie only further proves that. Don't waste your time on this one, parents. If you want your kids to know TRUE history, go for the other films about Helen Keller's life.
5 Very Heart Touching story
This story is soo sad about the girl who is deaf and can't see.But it's a great movie and I love it!This is such a great movie with a happy ending.
!@#$%^&*()Melissa!@#$%^&*()
6 This is a great remake
Tried to expose my kids to the original movie - they hated it. They can't stand black and white. Got this, and they love it! It's a beautiful and heart warming story. Haley Kate is a beautiful Helen Keller!
7 Great Job by Disney on this one!
Imagine the troubles one would experience trying to raise a child is unable to speak, hear or see; this movie does a great job bringing the struggles to your television screen. The Pepsi-girl, Hallie Kate Eisenberg, gives a fantastic performance as the famous Helen Keller. She managed to pull off one of the most difficult jobs for any actor or actress - playing a the role of a deaf-mute, not to mention the blind part.
Alison Elliott plays Annie Sullivan, a woman dedicated to teaching Helen more than anyone could have ever dreamed of; the two are amazing, and each actress played off each other's extreme professionalism in making this film work. It could have easily failed without these two in their respective roles.
To date, I have watched this movie four times; I think I enjoyed it the same each time. This is a movie that touches your heart, and if it doesn't, maybe you've misplaced it.
See ya next review!
www.theruninggirl.com
8 The Best Evee...r!
This is one of the best movies ever.People say the first one is better,but I don't know.I recommend this version especialy for kids...but also for adults.This is seriously one of the greatest movies ever.I've never seen the first version...but I think this one is still better.You should get this.It's about a girl,Helen,who is deaf,blind,and mute!Annie is hired to teach her good manners,because she eats with her hands,can throw things when she's angry,and can even knock down the babies crib.Annie agrees on teaching her but wants to teach her so much more.She strives to teach her sign language,and Helen turns into a very smart girl.This is a very compasionate story,so I recommend that you get it.
9 The Remake
After I watched this movie, I still like the original 1962 better. Why? Because it has more emotional impact in it, and it has really funny scenes like the "feeling emotions on faces" the original has. The "battle of wills" is more tame in this (the Disney version) one than the original. I've noticed they left out some really good scenes that was from the original.
This version from Disney is ok. The actress who played Anne Sullivan did good, but I like the original James (Helen's half-brother) better than this one. The little girl who played Helen in this version is not as good as Patty Duke, but she did well.
If I had a choice, I'd pick the original. But this is good to watch too, if you want to see both versions, even though it is MUCH different than the 1962 movie.
10 Very Impressive movie
This was a very impressive movie, it touched me, I am a 12 year old girl reviewer, I normally like funny movies, but certain ones really touch me. This was one of them. Hallie Kate Eisenburg did an outstanding job at this character, with the talents that she has and the age that shes at, along with the disabilities that Helen had and that she had to play, she did a terrific job! I do admit, it was not as good as the first one, but do you expect it to be? It's a disney classic! This movie was very well made and I would love to see it again, and again, and again.
11 Miracle Worker
...When I watch I saw Helen has no manner at all. and then this Annie taught her sign language. Helen's so smart. But at the end her bad manners came back but after that she was able to said water but not really water maybe wa.. wat...wa.. wate... and then no more. In our textbook the title is Out of Darkness. I wonder why??
12 Wow! Very impressive.
I was very impressed by this movie. I read the book and was inspired by it's message. I just had to see the movie! Okay, I'm an inspirational movie fanatic. My fave movies include The Miracle Worker; Selma, Lord, Selma; and Ruby Bridges, so you get the idea. This movie is truly a work of art, a must see for all. It is a great resouce for teachers who want their students to get an insight on the real Helen Keller story, not the souped-up version. This movie tells it like it is, and doesn't leave out important details, while also giving us a glimpse of Annie Sullivan's personal life. A very good and heart-warming tale.
13 Definitely didn't have the effect of the original
Okay, so I am sort of a Helen Keller fanatic and I love knowing a lot about her but Hallie Kate Eisenberg wasn't really as deep and emotional as Patty Duke was in the original 1962 version. I have yet to see the 1970 version Starring Patty Duke (as Annie Sullivan this time) and Melissa Gilbert. Allison Elliot was quite good at acting out the legendary Annie Sullivan, but like Eisenberg, she did not have the affect that Anne Bancroft had in the 1962 version. "The Miracle Worker" starring Alison Elliott and Hallie Eisenberg was a touching story, but I cannot give much credit on the acting.
14 Excellent movie!
This movie is great for young and old. My husband and I loved it, then my daughters, ages 3 and 6, watched it. My six-year-old was fascinated by it. Even my three-year-old liked it. My older daughter is learning sign language at school, so it was really fun for her to watch the movie. They thought it was hilarious to see the naughty things the young girl did, but they liked the end how she turned in to such a nice girl. I would recommend this to anyone.
15 Good representation of what probably happened!
Compelling!!! The actress who plays Annie was a good pick; I love that she had the same large brown eyes, pug flat nose, & big lips that the real Annie Sullivan had. Two things I'd change, though...the real-life Annie Sullivan was much shorter than the actress & the real Annie's hair was stick-straight rather than wavy like this actress's. The performances were great, esp. the actress who played Helen. Only thing on Helen's actress...the real Helen had blue-ish purple eyes & straight hair instead of the dark eyes & curly hair that the actress has here. The actress who played Kate was realistically depicted right through the coloring. They also left out several of the flashbacks that Annie experiences about her horrible childhood, but the flashback scenes that are shown were nice & vivid & the viewer can feel Annie's fear at each of these flashbacks. All in all, a fairly accurate representation of the play, as accurate as can be squashed onto a video.
16 My English students love it!
I teach English as a second language and I brought this movie to school for my students to view because we are studying the life of Helen Keller. Previously, I have seen the Melissa Gilbert and Patty Duke version and I loved it. I have to say that my students loved this movie (9th graders)and when the movie ended they were left with a desire to know more about Helen Keller and the manual alphabet. This movie had a great impact on me as well as my students so I have to say that it was great. I have yet to see the 62 version (which I have heard is excellent)But this movie served my purpose in class and I do recommend it to anyone.
17 This movie works
Ok, so maybe it doesn't have the same spark as the original "Miracle Worker" with Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft did, but it worked. There was nothing wrong with this movie. It's an extremely sensitive retelling of the classic story of a deaf, blind and mute little girl who learned to communicate through the tireless teachings of Annie Sullivan. This version was VERY different, and the acting was not quite as passionate as it was in the original movie, but what can I say? I still loved it. Hallie Kate Eisenberg is, without a doubt, absolutely adorable and Alison Elliott does an excellent job in her role as Ms. Sullivan. I do have to admit that it was quite a stretch to see Eisenberg, whom we all recognize as "The Pepsi Girl," taking on such a complex role. Portraying Helen Keller has got to be extremely difficult, and I'm sure many people feel that Eisenberg wasn't able to pull it off. But in my opinion, she did fine in the role. This movie profiles a more prim and graceful Helen who wears pretty dresses with laces and fancy shoes. It's quite a difference from Patty Duke and her more raggedy wardrobe, but who cares? They obviously wanted to give Helen Keller a different sort of style this time around, and hey, it works. And it isn't the clothes that matter in this case--it's the way the story is told. And this movie doesn't stretch or deface the facts, so it's good. Of course, this version didn't outdo the original--I have a hard time believing that anyone would expect it to, anyway. But that's not the point. This is merely just a modern-day retelling of a true story. Maybe this is the type of story that many people believe isn't a story of "sensitivity," but sensitivity is undoubtedly important. While the 1962 version was absolutely outstanding, there wasn't as much sensitivity in it as there could have been. This new version has more of that, and that's good. Eisenberg made the ending of the movie a thoroughly touching and unforgettable one. I liked seeing Mrs. Keller (Helen's mother) as a gentle woman who really flaunts her incredible amount of love for Helen. Helen's father, Captain James, was very tough and headstrong, and for some reason, that was the image I had painted in my head of Helen's father. Jimmy--the stepbrother of Helen--is charming, and the actor who played this character did a great job. It warmed my heart to see this young, hurting man guide his father to a transformation from anger to understanding. Basically, if you want to see a version of "The Miracle Worker" with basic historical accuracy and a fair share of sensitivity, then by all means buy this 2000 version. It doesn't equal the 1962 masterpiece that we all know and love, but it is still very good. It's also a WONDERFUL way to introduce younger children to the story of Helen Keller. The script is simple and straightforward, so if you are one of those people who does not know the story, this is a great movie to help you become better acquainted with Helen's unforgettable conversion to light and knowledge. My advice? Buy the movie--what's the harm? Just buy it and enjoy seeing a new version of the story.
18 an abomination
This is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The original Miracle Worker (1962) is one of my favorite movies of all time- I watch it over and over. Incredible. Simply one of the most perfect movies ever made, in my estimation. This one is GARBAGE. Everything about this movie is BAD- the only good thing about it was the original premise, the original story of Helen Keller. The little girl's acting is just unbelievably bad- you don't believe for a minute that she is deaf and blind. Save your money and buy the life-affirming, incredibly profound and powerful 1962 version!!!
19 THIS ONE IS WORTH EVERY PENNY! A MUST HAVE!
This movie is absolutely wonderful! I have seen the original with Patty Duke, and this one is just as compelling or more! The acting is incredible, the characters seem so real, and it even brought tears to my husband's eyes when Helen understands what water means! A must have for any family DVD collection - a wonderful inspirational film!
20 who ever thought of making a remake in this time?
THIS VERSION STINKS!!! Why do people get it in there minds to re-make classics. Okay remake horror movies. But not these kind of movies. Leave these alone. We were not suppose to feel sorry for Helen Keller. We are suppose to know that she needed to learn the meaning of words to understand that everything had a name. Excuse me are we not poisoned inough with feelings. Are we not feed endless junk about feeling sorry about everyone on screen. Hellen Keller needed to understand that to be a human being she needed to communicate with the outside world to be able to survive in the world. The older two versions of this story told us that. This movie only showed the feelings...EXCUSE ME, this is not what Ann Sullivan job was. She had to teach. And she had to teach an almost animal child the meaning of learning, under the most worst circumstances. The mother had her feelings in the way of feeling sorry for her child, the father was just a tyrant and Ann had her partial blindness to worry about. Ann Sullivan techniques were merrited when she had to beat the child to learn. There was nothing wrong with that. Helen Keller deserved it. That's why if you want a true film to portray the almost true story see the first two versions of this story. Don't waste your time with this Disney failure.
21 who ever thought of making a remake in this time?
THIS VERSION STINKS!!! Why do people get it in there minds to re-make classics. Okay remake horror movies. But not these kind of movies. Leave these alone. We were not suppose to feel sorry for Helen Keller. We are suppose to know that she needed to learn the meaning of words to understand that everything had a name. Excuse are we not poisoned inough with feelings. Are we not feed endless junk about feeling sorry about everyone on screen. Hellen Keller needed to understand that to be a human being she needed to communicate with the outside world to be able to survive in the world. The older two versions of this story told us that. This movie only showed the feelings...EXCUSE ME, this is not what Ann Sullivan job was. She had to teach. And she had to teach an almost animal child the meaning of learning, under the most worst circumstances. The mother had her feelings in the way of feeling sorry for her child, the father was just a tyrant and Ann had her partial blindness to worry about. Ann Sullivan techniques were merrited when she had to beat the child to learn. There was nothing wrong with that. Helen Keller deserved it. That's why if you want a true film to portray the almost true story see the first two versions of this story. Don't waste your time with this Disney failure.
22 the miracle worker
this is the best one of them all! this movie takes you back in the 1860's with annie she makes kids want to learn sign language! and with helen that makes kids want to have a deaf and blind, and mute person like helen you can learn to do some sogn language to!
23 Stale Acting! Not the spirited Annie and Helen that we love
I was very excited that there was another "Miracle Worker" coming out, but unfortunately I was very, very, disapointed! I have seen both of the first ones many times and I love them both! Patty Duke is amazing! I would not recomend this movie at all, yes, Helen is very cute in it but the acting is rigid and stale. I want the old spirit back!
24 Better Than The Original!
As soon as I found out it was comeing to DVD, I pre-ordered it on video and DVD! Thats how much I liked it! The acting was superb! Hallie Kate Eisenberg is perfect as Helen because I know a blind girl who walks the same way! But the real star is Alison Elliott as Annie! Helen Keller is a blind and deff girl. Her brother is jealous that she gets all the attention and her father is ready to send her to an assylum against her mothers wishes. They compromise and hire Annie Sullivan to teach Helen some manners. Not only does Annie teach her manners, but to speak through her hands, earning her title, The Miracle Worker! You'll laugh and cry for the characters! This price is great! I'm just upset that the only special features on this DVD are audio options!
25 Better Than The Original Version!
As soon as I found out it was comeing to video, I pre-ordered it on video and DVD! Thats how much I liked it! The acting was superb! Hallie Kate Eisenberg is perfect as Helen because I know a blind girl who walks the same way! But the real star is Alison Elliott as Annie! Helen Keller is a blind and deff girl. Her brother is jealous that she gets all the attention and her father is ready to send her to an assylum against her mothers wishes. They compromise and hire Annie Sullivan to teach Helen some manners. Not only does Annie teach her manners, but to speak through her hands, earning her title, The Miracle Worker! You'll laugh and cry for the characters! This price is great and the video is in a clamshell case that will last for years!
26 CALLING PATTY DUKE!!!!
At first it might not have seemed like such a bad idea to remake this movie again. Afterall the story of Annie Sullivan teaching Helen Keller communication is timeless and the 1979 version does prove that remakes can still work. So, if they had to do another one two decades later, why cast the Pepsi Girl in the coveted role as Helen?? I read a review that said her emotionless performance should be nicknamed "Frankenkeller", because she does indeed walk around like a robot! The only good thing about her performance is that she doesn't talk in the film! She is also too graceful a Helen. Patty Duke, and even Melissa Gilbert had a more wild animal like energy to their performances, while Ms. Pepsi seems bored as Helen (or is it that we are just bored at watching her? Would someone give her a Pepsi, please?? I was totally shocked that she didn't start singing at the pivotal water pump scene "The Joy of Wa-Wa"! However, she didn't say anything at all! Where is the emotional wallup that that scene has always brought to us?!
On some postive notes: The sets are grand and so are the costumes. Ms. Allison's performance as young fiest Sullivan can almost stand proudly besides Anne Bancroft's Oscar-winning turn as Anne Sullivan and Patty Duke's Emmy-winning interpretation of her. Do yourself a favor and watch the 1962 and 79 versions, ones that didn't rape such a gorgeous tale.
27 Miracle Worker
It is a very good movie, but it was actually different from the old film starring Patty Duke. Hallie did a great job to act as Helen Keller. According to the Story of Helen Keller, Hallie looks like young Helen Keller. It is great!!!!!
28 Horrible Horrible Horrible - Disney Ruins Another One!
As you can see by my review title, this movie left me with a wonderful feeling in my stomach...confused?? I was laughing the whole time, and as they say, "laughter is the best medicine." What made this movie so funny? The acting was horrible! Hallie Kate Eisenberg walked as if she was Frankenstien, and her acting in general was completely incompetent. She should stick with what she does best, which is being the Pepsi and Regal Cinemas girl. Alison Elliot tried (I loved her in "The Spitfire Grill" which I highly recommend to all who read this), but given the terrible direction, and the "We're Disney, let's make everything nice and child friendly" aspect of the movie, Elliot played Annie Sullivan as if she was a wimp. As a teacher of American Sign Language I show the original Miracle Worker with Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft to my class when we study Helen Keller and her life. My 12 year-old students as an assignment were to compare the movies. They were equally horrified with this version and begged me to only show the original to future classes which I must remind you is in BLACK AND WHITE!! I would like to rename this movie "Frankenkeller and The Miraculously Wimpy Worker" and end my disgust with this movie here. Please watch the original and discourage Disney from ruining our classics by updating them to meet the times. The Miracle Worker is a Period piece set in the late 1800's and should remain as such. If I had a choice this would receive no stars. I do give it one star for making me laugh. It felt good.
29 I saw it on TV and want it for myself!
In two words, I would say "Loved it." It was on ABC a while back, and wished I taped it. I caught the whole thing,and didn't expect it to be good, but really enjoyed it. Now it's finally coming out on tape, and I couldn't be happier. The Pepsi girl (she's a cutie) was very good, being Helen Keller. I read the story of Helen Keller and figured to watch the movie. I'm glad I did. :o)
30 =D
I thought that this was a great movie. I especially liked it because my one of my favorite actors, Lucas Black, is in it. He does not have a very big part, but his preformance was great with his adorable southern accent. This is a great movie for others to learn about Helen Keller. :)
