Latest reviews about Phantom Tollbooth 1969

pelicanprincess says "Make childhood memories with a book everyone can enjoy." about Phantom Tollbooth 1969

pelicanprincess — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 01:49:51 GMT

I had this book read to me in 4th grade. I rediscovered it as an adult. I read it to my husband who enjoyed it as much as I. The pages sparkel with wit and word plays from the very beginning with a host of wonderful characters.

It starts with a package delivered to Milo. It is large for a small package and small for a large one and is for no special occasion. It contains 1 tollbooth with assorted precautionary signs,to be used in a precautionary manor,coins and a map.

Thus begins an adventure, a romp through make believe with a watch dog named tick who can only tock, a spelling bee who s-p-e-l-l-s- e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g,and a humbug.

The lands of AZAZ where they grow letters and words on trees in orchards, and the kingdom of the mathemagician where they mine # like gems are the first destinations,only reached after navigating out of the doldrums and off the mysterious island of conclusions. You arrive there by jumping of course. A stint in jail with a which (no not a witch,) and assorted...

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ChrisJarmick says "Close this Tollbooth; Love the book; Hated Movie - Worst Kids" about Phantom Tollbooth 1969

ChrisJarmick — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 03:03:15 GMT

Is this film awful?

No.

It should have been an excellent film.

The book by Norton Juster is a clever allegory creating a novel out of fanicful wordplay. So I want a movie that is nearly as good as the book. This doesn't come close.

MGM spent a few dollars on it (animated movies are never cheap) and hired one of the best, Chuck Jones, to direct it. He's one of the legendary animation directors who brought his own distinct style and grace to the Warner Brothers cartoons he was associated with (Bugs, Daffy, etc.). He also helped create the Roadrunner series. MGM let Chuck assemble perhaps the best living cartoon voice masters in the business... people like Mel Blanc, Dawes Butler Hans Conreid and June (Rocket J. Squirrel) Foray to work on this movie.

But the voices and the characters aren't cast well. Milo's companion, the watchdog Tock should not have the voice of a wise old man, but Tock does. The look of the film is barely one step above the Hanna - Barbara Saturday Morning cartoons...

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