SnoopyStyle Marvin (Dylan Baker) and his wife Doris (Sheila McCarthy) are trying to send his mother Hagar Shipley (Ellen Burstyn) to a nursing home. Hagar had signed over her house to her son and he has lost it all declaring bankruptcy. She runs away to her old childhood home. The movie flashes back to her life in the small town. Her mother had died giving birth to her brother Matt. Her father brought over a stone angel for her mother's grave. They're the rich family of the community. Her prideful father owns the local store and she has acquired lots of the same attitude. She picks on Lottie for being a bastard child. Her poor farmer husband Bram Shipley (Cole Hauser) becomes a drunk. Her father leaves all of his money to the town. She walks out on Bram to be a live-in maid taking her younger son John (Kevin Zegers). John dates Lottie's daughter Arlene (Ellen Page) and she disapproves.Ellen Burstyn is powerful in her role but the younger actors can't quite measure up. Christine Horne doesn't have the same boldness playing Hagar. Also there is simply too much story to fit into a simple movie. It feels more like highlights of a life rather than an in-depth character study. Any power in the movie comes mainly from Ellen Burstyn and the big secret at the end. The movie just doesn't have enough to lift up this personal epic.

agnats While researching a long road trip along the Yellowhead Route in Canada recently, I discovered the existence of Margaret Laurence's books (Canada's most famous female author). I located "The Stone Angel" book online -- and could NOT put it down! Next I traveled to Neepawa, Manitoba, and visited Margaret's actual house, where I purchased four more of her books. Finally, just this morning I watched "The Stone Angel" DVD. Everybody in the movie did an excellent job, especially Ellen Burstyn, and for the most part the movie stayed true to the book. I loved it.Next, I read "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" by another of Canada's famous female authors, Alice Munro. They made an excellent movie from this short story entitled "Away From Her", starring Julie Christie. You won't go wrong in checking this one out as well!

marissaptak I saw this movie last night after waiting ages and ages for it to be released here in Canada (still only in limited release). It was worth the wait and then some. I am a very avid reader of Margaret Laurence and was excited to see that this novel was being turned into a film. I actually ended up liking the movie better than the novel. I liked that the character of Bram Shipley was a bit less harsh, and that there seemed to be more of a love story between Hagar and Bram, which made the scenes at the end of Bram's life that much more moving. The loss seemed stronger. Hagar was not any more likable on film than in the book, but Ellen Burstyn was a genius in this role. She WAS Hagar through and through. Christine Horne was brilliant and has many more great things ahead I am sure. Her scenes with Cole Hauser were electrifying. I could go on and on, overall a 9 * out of 10. Fantastic and can't wait for it to come out on DVD, a must own for my collection!

sharonjsimpson I had a chance to see a screening of this movie recently. I believe that it will be in theaters in Canada some time around Mother's Day. If it is in a theater near you... GO! It's not a funny feel-good movie - it's more along the lines of a feel and think movie.The director does an excellent job of character development - letting you into the heart, mind and hurts of Hagar little by little. At first, her attitudes and behaviors don't make much sense. As her story unfolds, she becomes someone you can understand. As in life... understanding brings empathy. I found her likable by the end of the movie - particularly when she opens up her heart to the young man in the shack by the lake.Hagar's relationship with her two sons is painful - and reflective of so many of our own experiences in this world. Her youngest son, John, who is full of life and adventure takes the viewer to the very edge of their seat - and into the kind of raw emotion that is so authentic and rare.It's fun to see Ellen Page acting in this movie. She is so very different than the young woman that she plays in Juno. It gives me an even broader appreciation for her acting ability. If you loved her in Juno, you'll love her in The Stone Angel.Of course, there is Ellen Burnstyn as Hagar. There is likely no way of expressing the power of acting as strongly as the ability for the actor to make you forget every other character they have ever played. Never once in the course of this movie did I ever think of Ellen Burnstyn - I always and only thought of Hagar. She swept me into her character - hook, line and sinker.Kari Skogland's capacity to capture on film this renowned book by one of Canada's most cherished authors is impressive. She brilliantly brings to the screen both the stoney and angelic parts of this complex woman, Hagar - the stone angel.