Pleasantville

This directorial debut of Gary Ross is truly an absolute gem. Don Knotts (in his last big screen appearance) is a TV repair man with a twist. With a special remote he sends Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon into the black and white idealistic world of Pleasantville, a TV show based on the classics of the Fifties such as LEAVE IT TO BEAVER and FATHER KNOWS BEST. From there things begin to change as colour is introduced to their black and white world. Maguire is perfectly suited for this type of work and Witherspoon is top notchh here as well. Stunning supporting cast boasts the likes of William H. Macy, J.T. Walsh, Jeff Daniels and Joan Allen. As great as the acting is this really comes down to directing and Ross, who is scripting/producing THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON remake, pulls this one off with flying colours. Look for small parts from BECK's wife Marissa Ribisi, Danny Strong and Jeanine Jackson. Absolutely not to be missed. Sit back and be prepared to be amazed.