Ericsson's Favorite Film List: Made Only For Television

Nothing on Earth could come between them, the passengers whose fate would be changed by a remarkable event. "Titanic" is a lavish-looking, star-studded TV miniseries (and story, of course) that few lived to tell the tale. We've all heard of one cruise ship called the Titanic and its sinking as well. On its maiden voyage, the Titanic leaves Southampton, England, for New York. Passengers included a first class family, a nanny, a stowaway, an immigrant, and the ship's crew itself. On the night of April 14, 1912, their fates are destined for doom into the icy waters of the Atlantic as the Titanic hits an iceberg. There is some character-to-character romance, but most importantly for the story is the event itself - I saw so much panic among the crowds who were awaiting for their rescue. While there were 700+ survivors, more than 1500 died because there were not enough lifeboats on board. How sad! I felt saddened with the third-class passengers especially since they were immigrants hoping for better life in America. Though they may look like cheap models, the special effects (SFX) of the ship and its interior - and its oceanic background, too - look very real to me, and I liked it.

"Titanic" was directed by Robert Lieberman and features good acting performances from cast members such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Peter Gallagher, Eva Marie Saint, George C. Scott, Tim Curry, Mike Doyle, and Sonsee Neu. Yes, I know that there is an orchestra playing when the Titanic went down, but no "Nearer My God To Thee"? Mournful music or not, the background instrumentals are still very strong to fit with the fates going down with the ship. As for the film's spoken dialogue, it is definitely excellent.

Although this is a 1996 release, "Titanic" was the same miniseries that I first saw on TV back in 1998 and divided into two separate parts that ran in a total of four hours (three if you don't count the commercials). I understand that there are some historical and factual inaccuracies here, including how the Titanic sank in one piece when it actually split. For that reason of errors that got me confused a bit, the moment I finished most of the miniseries, I would later watch the more superior theatrical version with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in it.

This is the best movie that captured the look of the 1970s decade, and I saw it probably back on its original airing on NBC seven years ago. "The '70s" shows it all that happened throughout the decade, including Kent State, disco, feminism, Watergate, and the oil crisis. I love the '70s decade, plus this miniseries as well, and I would like to see "The '70s" again when I find it on DVD.

I think I remember seeing a TV movie about Shirley Temple. Yeah, that's the one.

It was worth a view when I recently saw "Aftershock: Earthquake In New York". I saw all of what struck Manhattan: people die, families tear apart, and buildings collapse. This 1999 TV movie served as an example of how real-life New Yorkers would react if disaster strikes NY before the 9/11 terrorist bombings two years later.

Everyone has a breaking point. Pray that Carrie White doesn't reach hers. Carrie White is a lonely, awkward teenage girl who just doesn't fit in. At school, she endures her classmates' constant ridicule, and at home she suffers endless psychological torture at the hands of her fanatically religious mother. She's been cursed with the horrifying power of telekinesis, and when her tormentors commit an act of unforgivingly cruel humiliation at the prom, they'll soon learn one deadly lesson... If you mess with fire, you will get burned!

Carrie is directed by David Carson and features good acting performances from the following cast:
1.) Angela Bettis (Carrie White)
2.) Patricia Clarkson (Margaret White)
3.) Rena Sofer (Ms. Desjarden)
4.) Kandyse McClure (Sue Snell)
5.) Emile De Ravin (Chris Hargensen)
6.) Tobias Mehler (Tommy Ross)
7.) Jesse Cadotte (Billy Nolan)

We've all heard of the familiar horror tale of Carrie, originally penned by Stephen King: A girl is taunted by the kids at school and lives with a religious nut mom. She gains telekinetic powers and uses them to kill everybody at the school dance, the moment blood is spilled on her. While I'm pleased that this 2002 Carrie remake was mostly faithful to the original book, I found the events leading to prom night and after were mostly soap opera. But nevertheless, I think this is a good film worth watching. I never knew that I was actually watching a TV pilot of an actual series that never got off the ground, and I was glad to see the titular character wrecking destruction in town. The acting's good - I think Angela Bettis played a good Carrie character, although I prefer Sissy Spacek's role better. And so does the 1976 original film...let's not forget that.