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Little Men (1998)
Released By: Warner Home Video   Rating: PG   In Theaters: N/A
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Studio: Warner Home Video
Genre: Family
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Rodney Gibbons
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Chris Sarandon, Mariel Hemingway, Ben Cook
Published ID: 7445
UPC: N/A
Plot: Canadian director Rodney Gibbons helmed this adaptation of the 1871 Louisa May Alcott classic, previously filmed in 1935 and 1940. Alcott followed Little Women (1868) and Little Men with a third book in the series, Jo's Boys (1866). This 1998 family film was evidently prompted by Gillian Armstrong's successful 1994 Little Women adaptation with its potent cast (Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst, Samantha Mathis, Christian Bale, Gabriel Byrne, Eric Stoltz, Mary Wickes, John Neville) and impressive production values. In Little Men, urban urchins Nat (Michael Caloz) and cocky Dan (Ben Cook) usually find trouble just around the corner. About to be nabbed for theft, Nat gets lucky after a kindhearted benefactor intervenes. While Dan continues to survive on the streets, Nat arrives at peaceful Plumfield -- the school managed by Jo (Mariel Hemingway) and Fritz Bhaer (Chris Sarandon) -- where he reforms and finds a new way of life. But then Dan arrives at Plumfield, the Bhaers take him in, and the tranquility is shattered. Dan has an immediate influence on life at the school after he introduces such activities as drinking, poker, and fights. Although Fritz objects, Jo decides to give Dan a chance. When problems persist, Dan is sent away -- and several ethical and moral lessons are underscored when Dan eventually rejoins the Plumfield camaraderie. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Nothing like Jo Bhaer.
Added 5/22/2003

This movie was a grave disappointment to me, but perhaps that is because I first saw the television series "Little Men" (now available here at amazon.com on VHS/DVD). I thought Mariel Hemingway's portrayal of Jo Bhaer was deplorable - no emotion, no spunk...no personality. The boys were entertaining at times, but with Jo being so bland and cardboard-like, the movie was terrible. I recommend purchasing the TV show "Little Men," but beware that there is no Fritz Bhaer on the show. Being a L.M. Alcott enthusiast, I actually did not mind the elimination of Fritz, especially since his "replacement" is a much better fit for Jo.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful.
Gotta recommend it
Added 6/11/2002

This should be three and a half stars, but I don't know how to do that :). Personally, I thought this was a good movie. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen. It did leave out a lot of important characters, so that when I read the book later I was a little confused. But the actors were great. Ben Cook did a great job with the movie's Dan (I say that to differentiate between the Dan portrayed in the movie and the slightly different Dan in the book). He is a good actor and I'm sorry to see he didn't go farther with his career. The girls were pretty good too, and the movie altogether caught a feel of innocence that the book also had, regardless of which characters were "perfect" for which roles. I gotta recommend this to you because, while the film wasn't fantastic, it really wasn't all that bad either.
2 out of 5 people found this helpful.
Doesn't Pass
Added 11/26/2001

I can't recommend this film. If you are expecting a continuation of "Little Women", you won't find it here. We learn nothing of Marmie, Laruie, etc. The movie focuses on ONE boy character (a 14 year old orphan from Boston) and all the mischief he gets into. How he hurts the other boys, burns down the house, plays with knives, etc. The ending is major cheese and Mariel Hemmingway as Joe? No. The film doesn't explore her relationship with her husband (German professor, what's his name). Was this film made for TV? Its of an average TV movie quality. On the other hand, it has no sex, language, etc. So if you are looking for something to watch with your 10 year olds, you might give it a whirl.
4 out of 8 people found this helpful.
very disappointing
Added 11/12/2001

Although I am a great fan of movie adaptations of books, this is one of the most disappointing of that genre that I have seen in a long time. It seems the author has gone out of her way to leave out some of the most endearing characters (the Lawrences are nonexistent, and the Brookes--especially Daisy&Demi--are shells of Alcott's characters), while Jack and Emil are central characters. Although the actors are entertaining, I have to wonder at the casting director's choices; not one character looks as they are described by Alcott. Additionally, crucial scenes (like Nat's entry to Plumfield and Dan's homecoming) lack that certain something, while precious minutes are spent on games of sticknife and boxing matches. Although the actors do their best, character development is almost nill--disapppointing when Alcott spent so much time on personalities in the book.
Basically, if you have never read "Little Men" you might enjoy this, but if you are expecting anything resembling the book--don't get your hopes up.

5 out of 7 people found this helpful.
Wow!
Added 10/9/2001

The Movie is very good. But READ THE BOOK. The movie left out lots of important people, and most of where Mr.Brooke comes, its actually, Laurie in the book. But the movie is superb!!! If you like the movie, you will definitly love the book. In the movie there is no Bess, Rob, Josie, Laurie, Amy....all the important people. I like the way the movie was produced. But I think my imagination was much better. I don't want to sound negative, this movie is worth more than 10 stars, but my personal opinion is of not of that deal. My Parents loved that movie, and I think they're ready to give thousand stars. Any ALCOTT books and movies are a great deal reading and watching!!!!!
0 out of 3 people found this helpful.
Nothing like Jo Bhaer.
Added 5/22/2003

This movie was a grave disappointment to me, but perhaps that is because I first saw the television series "Little Men" (now available here at amazon.com on VHS/DVD). I thought Mariel Hemingway's portrayal of Jo Bhaer was deplorable - no emotion, no spunk...no personality. The boys were entertaining at times, but with Jo being so bland and cardboard-like, the movie was terrible. I recommend purchasing the TV show "Little Men," but beware that there is no Fritz Bhaer on the show. Being a L.M. Alcott enthusiast, I actually did not mind the elimination of Fritz, especially since his "replacement" is a much better fit for Jo.
3 out of 4 people found this helpful.
Gotta recommend it
Added 6/11/2002

This should be three and a half stars, but I don't know how to do that :). Personally, I thought this was a good movie. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen. It did leave out a lot of important characters, so that when I read the book later I was a little confused. But the actors were great. Ben Cook did a great job with the movie's Dan (I say that to differentiate between the Dan portrayed in the movie and the slightly different Dan in the book). He is a good actor and I'm sorry to see he didn't go farther with his career. The girls were pretty good too, and the movie altogether caught a feel of innocence that the book also had, regardless of which characters were "perfect" for which roles. I gotta recommend this to you because, while the film wasn't fantastic, it really wasn't all that bad either.
2 out of 5 people found this helpful.
Doesn't Pass
Added 11/26/2001

I can't recommend this film. If you are expecting a continuation of "Little Women", you won't find it here. We learn nothing of Marmie, Laruie, etc. The movie focuses on ONE boy character (a 14 year old orphan from Boston) and all the mischief he gets into. How he hurts the other boys, burns down the house, plays with knives, etc. The ending is major cheese and Mariel Hemmingway as Joe? No. The film doesn't explore her relationship with her husband (German professor, what's his name). Was this film made for TV? Its of an average TV movie quality. On the other hand, it has no sex, language, etc. So if you are looking for something to watch with your 10 year olds, you might give it a whirl.
4 out of 8 people found this helpful.
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