lesley ann warren – Pop Culture Thoughts

It’s a shame that this beloved family show ended on this rather unfortunate episode. Although the Brothers Grimm fairy tale is lovely to read, it doesn’t translate very well to the screen, despite direction by the usually terrific Peter Medak (who directed “The Changeling” and “Romeo is Bleeding,” among others). Lesley Ann Warren makes for an intriguing leading lady here but unfortunately she’s matched with Peter Weller, who seems like he’d rather be anywhere else. It makes for a restrained, rather slow paced experience, and although the costumes and set design are both excellent, it’s not enough to rescue the episode from doldrums.

Rating: ★★ (out of 5)

A surprisingly touching and well-acted true-life drama, “I Am Michael” is an engrossing retelling of the story of Michael Glatze, a young gay activist who, over the course of a decade, rejected his homosexuality and embraced Christianity instead. In the titular role, James Franco gives one of his finest, most believable performances, managing to engross the audience with a touching, sympathetic portrayal of a complicated person. The movie lags once in a while, in particular while Glatze pin-balls from religion to religion until finally landing on Christianity, but with fine support from Zachary Quinto as Glatze’s boyfriend, there’s enough talent and charisma on-screen to reinforce the movie’s captivating story and all its strengths.

Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)