The Five People You Meet at the Amusement Park

Did you see Sunday evening's broadcast of "The Five People You Meet in Heaven?" It was incredibly hokey and had all the sophistication of a Hallmark card. (Ironically, Hallmark produced and sponsored the made-for-TV movie.) But, it took place at a seaside amusement park (and "heaven"), and all the talk about roller coasters, Ferris wheels, drop tower rides (which figured prominently in the plot), and freak shows kept me watching. By the way, the movie was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the real Playland (tricked out with some special effects) stood in as the location for the fictional Ruby Park. Despite a tone that was sweeter than a jumbo cotton candy, I'll be damned if I didn't soak the proverbial three hankies before the tidy ending. If you missed it, ABC Family Channel is repeating the movie tonight from 8 to 11 (EST) and on Thursday, December 16 from 8 to 11 p.m. (EST). The best-selling Mitch Albom book on which the film was based, "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," would make a good holiday gift for park fans. Speaking of holiday gifts for park fans, you also might want to check out Atari's Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, the latest in the slick, build-your-own coaster series.
More Holiday Gift Ideas for Theme Park Fans
Canadian Theme Parks