The Night Train to Kathmandu (1988)

Thanks for the memories!

Sadly Over-hyped

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

Had Night Train To Kathmandu been made 40 years earlier this would have been a perfect film for Sabu. Sabu also would have had first billing in the credits as well instead of villain Pernell Roberts. Part Sabu adventure, part Lost Horizon, part Brigadoon, Night Train To Kathmandu has American visiting professor Robert Stoeckle taking his family to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital to teach at their university, the family consists of wife Jan Pesano also a professor and children Milla Jovovich and Trevor Eyster. The family meets up with young Eddie Castrodad who kind of attaches himself to the family to get where he has to go.Which is a mythical Brigadoon like city who we would say exists in another dimension. But every so often the ruler of the city has to venture forth into our world, but make sure to go back lest some dire consequences occur. What they are I won't tell, but even the scholars aren't quite sure. It's all part of Nepalese mythology. Pernell Roberts also a visiting professor publicly scoffs, but actually thinks it's real and he's determined to go there.So is young Milla Jovovich who likes what she sees in the boy who looks like a beggar, but says he's a prince. This is a Sabu plot if I ever heard one.But I'm not scoffing. Night Train To Kathmandu is a nice family style adventure. If your kids see this one, put a copy of Lost Horizon in their hands.You may inspire folks to see if there is a Shangri-La.

After the remarkable "Anna to the Infinite Power," writer-director Robert Wiemer goes wrong with "The Night Train in Kathmandu." The problem is that a story about an Indian prince (Eddie Castrodad) who is searching for his lost kingdom which appears or disappears depending on whether a certain jade medalion is in his possession is not really a good idea for a film. The plot is too basic and the strong suggestion of a love affair with Lily Macleod (Milla Jovovich) and the prince does not make the film any more interesting to watch. "The Night Train to Kathmandu" is the kind of film that is so puerile that you feel silly for having watched it. The opening sequences remind me of children trying and failing to put on a play in front of their parents who applaud anyway only because it is the polite thing to do. On the bright side, "The Night Train to Kathmandu" is probably entertaining for kids, though I cannot see it doing much for their imaginations. Instead the only thing this film is notable for is the beautiful, but very young Ukranian model Milla Jovovich. But Jovovich's acting unfortunately does not approximate her looks.

Lucky for me my video store carry's random movies, so I did manage to find this one. It was totally awesome. It was magically, memorable, romantic, and unforgetable. There were even a few little funny parts that I thought were adorable. I recommend it to anyone, and it gets a 10/10 from me.

Wow, it's been a long time since I've seen this movie. The pieces of it that I still remember were good enough that I'm thinking of buying it. It's time to see it again and re-live the magic.