You have to wonder why some folks out in Hollywood try to remake a classic (well in most people’s eyes; not mine) that was done so very well the first time. If you were at my age when I first saw this film (still was in daycare), it wouldn’t really matter to you. The Preachers Wife is a definite exception and has become one of my favorite festive season viewing experiences (up until most recently). Based on the classic Samuel Goldwyn film The Bishops Wife, this 1996 effort has a charm and slant on the essentially same story all its own. Denzel Washington, who not kicking the ass of multiple baddies or playing an historical figure truly shines in the role of an angel sent down to earth to sort out the life of a preacher who has lost sight of what really is important. The late great Whitney Houston in the female lead displays a warm screen presence and great musical talent that couldnt be bettered in this type of story. Combining a traditional and much loved Christmas tale with some truly wonderful gospel singing gives this effort a really upbeat feel which however never sacrifices for one minute the more touching aspects of the story. Courtney Vance playing the role of Henry is also excellent and his performance contains a lot of the dramatic meat of the story as the essentially kind hearted preacher who is torn too many ways and sees himself losing his family. His work with Denzel Washington in particular is note worthy especially in the scenes when he cant seem to understand just where this mysterious helper has suddenly come from. Other standouts in the cast are Jenifer Lewis as Julias mother in a very funny performance full of great lines and wry observations about what is happening in the Biggs household, and Gregory Hines as sharp business man Joe Hamilton who in turn is also affected by Dudleys presence in his previously rather shallow life. The look and feel of the film makes it a wonderful newer Christmas viewing experience and much of the credit goes to the church scenes with the St. Matthews choir taking centre stage. Their singing and expert handling of all the gospel music is perfect and really gets you into the feel of the season. As a modern Christmas story, I personally feel The Preachers Wife is a most worthy successor to the well known and greatly loved earlier classics like White Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street. The Preachers Wife is a 1996 family Christmas film with elements of romance and dramedy directed by Penny Marshall (of Renaissance Man, Big, and A League of Their Own) and starring Denzel Washington, the late great songstress Whitney Houston, the late great actor/performer Gregory Hines and Courtney B. Vance. It is a remake of the 1947 film The Bishops Wife It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Music, Original Musical or Comedy Score. The film was nominated for five Image Awards, including Outstanding Motion Picture, and won two—for Best Actress (Whitney Houston) and Best Supporting Actress (Loretta Devine).
Posted on: Fri, 03 Oct 2014 23:23:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015