Now I realize that after reading this piece, some of my Canadian friends may just react by exclaiming "Wow, Spice, you need to get some help soon Buddy!" but while I was packing up my suitcase at my sister's place before flying back home to Boston late last night I happened to have the tv on and intermittently watched "Booky Makes Her Mark"(2006) on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's channel and I just loved that movie!! Whatta hoot! I love any storyline that has the 1930's era as its backdrop because it was one of the eras I studied fairly intensely during my college days. Plus, when I was there in the Michigan and Ohio areas this past Christmas, I also had the opportunity of watching both "Booky and the Secret Santa" (2007) and "Booky's Crush" (2009) and I gotta admit, I have fallen in love with all 3 films!
For those of you out there who aren't familliar with any of the films, nor the author who originally wrote them, Bernice Thurman Hunter, the best way to describe them is this - they're the stories of this little girl named Beatrice, "Booky," growing up in 1930's Depression-era Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who dreams of becoming a famous writer someday and each film involves storylines of the various experiences of her growing-up years. I guess the best way to describe the little heroine Booky and the films themselves to American audiences is that she's sorta the Canadian version of Laura Ingalls Wilder, only 1930's style, and the films would compare to the 1970's American tv series "The Waltons" - only, in my opinion, better, much better and certainly more enjoyable to watch. Of course, if storylines from that era in history bore you to no end, then naturally you probaly wont appreciate the Booky films but I definitely recommend checking them out anyways. In fact, I would like to go on record as stating that I think they are so good they really dont need to be compared to anything else, American or otherwise. I feel they have enough film merit to stand on their own and hats off to the Canadians for making them.
Naturally, I would like to comment on the casts of each of the 3 "Booky" films but I feel kinda uncomfortable doing so due to the fact that I am not familiar enough with the majority of the cast members in each film to even know how much of a following (or I suppose in some cases, the lack thereof) any of them has. I do know that the woman who plays the role of Booky's Mom in all 3 films is Canadian-born actress Megan Follows and is fairly famous because of the "Anne of Green Gables" series she did over in her native Canada; but, with the exception of her roles in the Booky films I just dont know enough about her to say anything else, except that I think she does an exceptional job as Booky's mom and I do think she's an excellent actress. The man who plays Booky's Dad, Stuart Hughes, who also happens to be Follow's real-life husband, does a great job in his role as well and I do know he's done alotta television and film roles too, even here in the States, but to recall which ones, I'm embarassed to say I simply cant remember! The young actress who plays Booky in the Secret Santa and Crush films is Rachel Marcus and I think she's a cute kid who does a fantastic job portraying Booky. This is one of those times when I wish I did know more about Canadian television and/or films (as well as theater for that matter too cause I guess Follows has done a good deal of stage-acting too) and could comment more.
I'm the type of person, who much to the annoyance of some of those around me, can watch any film and if I really really like it, I can watch it over and over again repeatedly and still garner something meaningful each time I view it; in other words, I'm the type of individual who for purchasing dvd's is an extremely cost-effective choice versus going to an actual movie theater to see a film. I must admit, all of this can be frustrating and downright excruciatingly boring for those who may watch a film just once or a few times and then be totally done with it for the rest of their lives. There are many films I simply never get bored with and I figure if you like doing something repeatedly and it's not hurting yourself or others, why give it up? And I equally realize that I just set up myself for a few innuendoes here-n-there! Getting back to that adorable little Booky...
I loved all 3 "Booky" films so much that I must admit I've sorta bonded with them in a way, especially "Booky & The Secret Santa" (2007). When I was visiting my relatives in the Midwest this last Christmas holiday season, I really loved watching that film. I always have a good time spending time with my Gram during those holiday visits; but, as for the other relatives? Let's just say that I had more fun watching Booky than spending time with most of them! I know, that sounds downright sad but it's true. As a matter of fact, from here on out, I plan to make it a point to watch "Booky & The Secret Santa" (2007) every Christmas season, no matter where I may be, along with my other older perennial favorites, such as "A Christmas Story" (1983) starring Peter Billingsley & Darren McGavin and "Christmas In Connecticut"(1944) starring Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan. There's just something about all of those films that not only provide comfort and enjoyment during the sometimes emotionally intense home-for-the-holidays crap that alotta us experience, but they also make me smile and simply feel good inside. Whether for escapism purposes or not, when any film serves a personal purpose in your life, I say go for it and keep it real Baby.
This is only the 2nd time I've written about my impressions of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's programming selections and I truly do not know what the majority of my Canadian friends think of any of the "Booky" films. Personally, I'm hoping they like them and have at least some degree of appreciation for them but just as I used to get teased alot for adoring "The Waltons" tv series when I was growing up, I suppose it's only fair to possibly expect one or more of my friends in London and/or Toronto, Canada to react with "What!?!? Are you cracked, Spice??" (actually, no, I'm not, that would be my cousin Pepper; sorry, couldnt resist!) Whether you're young at heart or not, I do recommend watching any and all of the "Booky" films, again, if you enjoy watching films with relevant storylines set during specific historical periods. I dont know if anyone over there in Canada plans on making any future "Booky" films but if they do, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for the next one as long as I have access to the CBC, which by the way, keep up the great job you guys & gals over there. Thank you for reading, everyone.
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