Director Herbert Ross (The Turning Point) pulled a winning movie out of this almost self-consciously archetypal tale of teenage rock rebellion. Kevin Bacon stars as a hip city kid who ends up in a Bible-belt town after his parents divorce. An ill fit for a conservative community where rock is frowned upon and dancing is forbidden, Bacon's character rallies the kids and takes on the establishment. Between a good cast really embracing the drama of Dean Pitchford's screenplay, and Ross's imaginative, highly charged way of shooting the dance numbers, you can get lost in this all-ages confection, and you won't even mind Kenny Loggins's bubbly pop. Bonuses include one of John Lithgow's best performances (a bit reminiscent of Jimmy Stewart), and Christopher Penn (who sure doesn't look the same anymore) as a good-natured hick who learns to boogie. --Tom Keogh
Holly Hobbie & Friends - Surprise Party is an hour-long animated feature starring Holly Hobbie's great-granddaughter, Holly, who is a modern woman in the making. Dressing in jeans, and sporting long, permed hair and a cool bike, Holly is a far cry from her homely relative who has long been adored for her country-style calico dresses and her ability to bake great cakes. In this episode, Holly is invited to her Aunt's birthday party, so she wants to learn how to make a cake. She takes baking lessons, in between nightly excursions during which she cuts fake crop circles in the neighbor's corn patch to trick her little brother into believing in aliens. Pranks continu until a guilt-ridden Holly confesses her dishonesty to Robbie, her brother, and her mother. As Holly seeks familial harmony and a sense of domesticity, she finds a treasure chest containing her great-grandma's memorabilia. Holly's rebellious feelings melt away as she discovers that her elder Holly also loved to party. In the end, the cake she makes is awesome and Holly is proud of both her heritage and of herself. Surprise Party seems made for little girls whose use of technology sets them apart from previous generations, but ladies who grew up with the original Holly Hobbie will prefer her humble pioneer look as a reminder of how much times have changed. Nevertheless, this lighthearted story will entertain kids everywhere. Trinie Dalton
Holly Hobbie & Friends - Surprise Party, Vol. 1 was desirable! You have to plumb this movie! A extraordinary performance by Diedrich Bader & Bill Mumy make Holly Hobbie & Friends - Surprise Party, Vol. 1 a "ought to pick out" movie!
The miraculous cast includes Diedrich Bader, Bill Mumy, Liliana Mumy, Jane Lynch, Alyson Stoner. This cast just make Holly Hobbie & Friends - Surprise Party, Vol. 1 the more awesome!