Little Women (Collector's Series)
The flaws are easily forgiven in this beautiful version of  Louisa May Alcott's novel. A stirring look at life in New England during  the Civil War,Little Womenis a triumph for all involved. We follow one family as  they split into the world, ending up with the most independent, the  outspoken Jo (Winona Ryder). This time around, the dramatics and  conclusions fall into place a little too well, instead of finding life's  little accidents along the way. Everyone now looks a bit too cute and oh,  so nice. As the matron, Marmee, Susan Sarandon kicks the film into a  modern tone, creating a movie alive with a great feminine sprit. Kirsten  Dunst (Interview with the Vampire) has another showy role. The young  ensemble cast cannot be faulted, with Ryder beginning the movie in a role  akin to light comedy and crescendoing to a triumphant end worthy of an  Oscar.--Doug Thomas