studioAT
Jonathan Taylor Thomas is a better actor than people give him credit for, and this was one of the few films to date that he's been given star billing on.In all fairness, we've seen this type of film many times before. But Thomas's charm and depth give it a bit more oomph than is on the page.It is quite slow to get started though, and that put me off a bit. The crucial scenes are the ones between the old woman and the young convict, anything other than that seems irrelevant.Is this a film i'd like to see again? Probably not. But for a different hour and a half it was an OK watch.
cheesepuffaddict
Having fallen in love with Clyde Edgerton's novel of the same title, I was apprehensive about watching Walking Across Egypt, keeping in mind the tendency of film adaptations to destroy their literary basis. If I had not read the novel I could possibly have viewed the movie and thought it 'cute', my typical verdict on films with passable acting and saccharine plot lines. As it was, I cannot confess to having enjoyed it much beyond chuckling at the horrific Southern accents of the lead actors.The screenwriter added plot devices, such as having an extra bonding scene between Mattie and Wesley and a vindictive boy at the YMRC that simply weren't necessary in the book.Also priceless is Jonathan Taylor Thomas's attempt at looking pensive in the boat scene by merely tilting his head to the side and having an unreadable expression.
mental_marci
This is truly a heart warming tale played very well by the handsome Jonathan Taylor Thomas and incredible Ellen Burstyn. It is a movie filled with faith, inspiration to not only help others but to see the good in people and to never give up one someone because everyone deserves a second chance.Through this movie i learned that a child needs to be loved, clothed, fed and educated and with those things they will aspire to be great. Ellen Burstyn's character does just that, she gives juvenile delinquent Wesley a chance because she knows in her heart that there is some good in him just like there is in everyone. I describe it as a forgotten movie that's not viewed by many but should be and is great for people like me who enjoy good dramas with a life changing message. It's truly a great movie where both characters truly develop and grow. It is not only the elderly woman (Burstyn) that helps the boy but also on a deeper level we're able to see how much the boy helps her and brings her back to life. A must see!
handspeak
I was sceptical when hiring this movie, it didn't seem like my thing. But it was very worth it. Ellen Burstyn plays the kind hearted, old women who decides to practice what she preaches on juevenile delinquent played by Jonathan Taylor Thomas. Sheading his good boy image of home improvement, he superbly plays Wesley Benfield. Wesley comes to live with Mattie who thinks he is on leave from the local prison. He takes advantage of her and eventually he steals a car to get away from the cops and she realises that he is not on leave and in fact a fugitive. There is a very moving scene involving Wesley and Mattie where Wesley is crying because he doesn't want to go back however he is arrested and taken back anyway. At the end of the movie we can see that Wesley has changed from the criminal he used to be and it is an all round happy ending for all. A wonderful performance especially from Jonathan Taylor Thomas.
AD
