Wednesday, October 16, 2013
We Married Margo
cute independent movie
This was a clever movie; I saw it on IFC while clicking through the channels. It's not a high budget film but it is very cute and funny. The presentation is fresh, these guys definitely don't take themselves or their predicaments seriously. I even laughed out loud a couple of times, which almost never happens at movies nowadays. I would definitely recommend it. It's a buddy film that's undeniably appealing to the chick-flick crowd too. The chemistry and camaraderie between the two main characters (or maybe more accurately, the real-life friends who play them) is genuine and palpable. You'll be treated to a number of clever celebrity cameos, but mostly you should just expect to be hopelessly drawn to a couple of guys you've never seen or heard of before. The fact that Shapiro and Dozier are the same guys who wrote/lived the story undoubtedly contributes to the movie's charm, but who cares why it works...it just works!
Definately Put This One In Your Cart!
This is an excellent movie!!! I caught it on TBS a few years back and looked in vein to find a copy for myself....quirky....fun and ultimately entertaining. I was able to see it again again recently and shared it with a friend....they too were taken in by the story. Buy this movie...sit back and prepare to be engaged with Margo......put it in your cart now!
I really enjoyed this
This was one of those movies that you stumble on when you're trying to do something else, and end up not getting your original plan done. This movie was just captivating to me, in a very quirky way. It's got all the nice things about being an indie movie: a fresh plot, engaging characters, nonsequiteurs that become inside jokes ("Thanks, Margo!"), and more. But without taking itself too seriously, which I think is very important. And above all, it is funny. This movie gave me belly laughs. I was sad to see it wasn't on DVD to buy when I first saw it, but I'm glad it's around now. As was said when the Titanic came into port in Ghostbusters 2... "Better late than never."
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Christmas Snow / Family Holiday Favorites
Made for children TV movie
I found this DVD at Kmart for $3. It came with a dvd of Christmas music. I figured for the price I would take a chance.
It was a made for TV movie from 1986 based on the novelette "London Snow". It stars Katherine Helmond, veteran actor Sid Caesar, a very young Melissa Joan Hart, and Kimble Joyner. It won an Emmy in 1987 for cinematography and an ASC award in 1988. It's only 48 minutes long.
It seems to be set in the 1950's. Mrs Mutterance (Helmond)is a widow who runs a candy shop in the lower level of a building where she lives on the 2nd floor with her 2 adopted children (Joyner and Hart). Her mean spirited Landlord, Mr Snyder(Caesar)tells her she has two weeks to vacate the building 2 days before Christmas. After a blizzard, Mr. Snyder turns up missing. Mrs. Mutterance and children go looking for him. The moral of the story is helping others even when they are not nice to you.
Melissa Joan Hart is very cute in this movie and I thought all of the actors...
Christmas Snow
Excellent short story and great mini movie. I haven't noticed it on TV in recent years and wanted to purchase it on DVD (my VHS tape wore out). Great for the entire family with a worthy lesson. It's an annual must at our house for Christmas.
Christmas Snow
If you love old CHristmas movies that really touch your heart and get you in the Christmas mood then this is the movie for you. I love it.
Thank You
Mary D
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Terminator Salvation: The Machinima Series
A Zippy Prequel with Animated Style
Machinima, for those unaware (a group that included myself until a few moments ago) is the process of using a video game engine to produce cinematic visuals. Somehow this apparently red-hot trend has managed to completely elude me until my on-a-whim purchase of Terminator Salvation The Machinima Series on DVD; it was recommended at the time of purchase of the Terminator Salvation DVD so I figured what the hey...
Broken down into six individual episodes, Salvation the Machinima spans a single DVD packaged within a standard clamshell case and comes in at a runtime of 74 minutes. Extras include a Making Of featurette and a profile segment on lead character Blair Williams.
Though unrated, the picture consists of standard-fair science fiction action, violence and occasional blood splatter (all animated of course).
The story goes something like this: Two years before the events of the Terminator Salvation motion picture (2016), Resistance member Blair...
Seriously?
I just paid $3 for a 12 minute advertisement for a video game. Lame. I would have liked to know it was only 12 minutes. Video quality was OK, I could tell it was a game engine pretty early one when the characters where running. Story line was interesting and it might have been worth it for even a 30 minute episode. I would have preferred an hour. You can normally download 90-120 movies for $3, so I feel a bit ripped off.
Pre movie movie
Terminator Salvation - The Machinima Series... taking place about 2 years before the movie. I enjoyed the premise of following the missions of Blair Williams, encountering several Terminators and one `survivor'... determining whether he is
friend or foe. It's mainly cut scenes from the game put together and modified....
divided into 6 episodes. A full CGI movie would have been better. Still, seeing Moon Bloodgood is worth the whole DVD.
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Sand Serpents: Maneater Series
Sand Serpents
This is a really good creature movie. Contrary to what you might read from other people, the acting isn't bad at all. The special effects by far exceeded my expectations and were very impressive. The worms in the movie are very large too. The characters are actually very likeable as well. Overall I really enjoyed this movie, and I think if you don't expect some huge epic blockbuster or something, you will too.
Good ass movie
If your a sci fi nerd ( like me a doctor who lover) you'll like this movie because if gives you a scare knowing afterwords you can go to bed at night. Dont watch if your under 10. And remember this is a b movie so the effects are not going to be amazing but still pretty good. Watch if you like suspense horror and somewhat gore.
As the worm turns
Sand Serpents is actually about giant worms. "Sand Worms" doesn't quite have the alliterative quality to it, so Sand Serpents it is.
Like Manticore, horror filmmakers have found America's overseas operations a real goldmine of new settings to play in. Every ancient evil can be played out against a backdrop of conflict, which means there are plenty of soldiers with guns available to helplessly fire at the beast. Who needs the Colonial Marines from Aliens when we've got real Marines?
That's the sales pitch anyway. The truth is that director Jeff Renfroe just wants to remake Tremors.
Because it's Afghanistan (instead of Iraq, like in Manticore) there's lots of talk...
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Beau Jest
Very Funny Romantic Comedy
If you like romantic comedies, you will love BEAU JEST, which writer-director James Sherman has adapted from his long running off Broadway play of the same name. At a screening I caught of the film at a Chicago movie theater last year, the audience laughed almost non stop at Sherman's witty dialog and the sparkling performances of his cast.
The premise is clever: Sara Goldman's parents want her to marry a Jewish boy, but she's really in love with a Gentile. To get her parents off her back, she hires an actor she believes to be Jewish to pose as her boyfriend. Too late she discovers that the actor is also a Gentile, and the closest he has ever come to being Jewish is appearing in a production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. But, when Sara's parents fall for the masquerade and decide the actor would be their ideal son in law, that's when the fun really begins.
You don't have to be Jewish --- I'm Gentile - to enjoy BEAU JEST anymore than you have to be Jewish to enjoy ---...
Adorable romantic comedy
The plot has the feeling of being a pastiche of 1930s - 40s screwball comedies. Kindergarten teacher Sarah Goldman (Robyn Cohen) has Jewish parents who incorporate every stereotype that has appeared in a movie or novel since the beginning of time. Sarah has fallen in love with Chris, who isn't Jewish. Lainie Kazan plays Sarah's mother - and totally steals the show.
Sarah hires an actor, a gentile, to play Dr. David Steinberg, her new boyfriend and brings him to meet her parents. Greg Cromer plays Bob Schroeder (sp?) a/k/a Dr. Steinberg.
Well you know how these boy-girl things develop. You've got Chris, the boyfriend Sarah wants to hide; Bob, the imitation doctor, whom the parents fall in love with . . . and . . . well you can guess.
It is romantic. It is funny. It is lightweight, well done and thoroughly enjoyable. And the movie belongs to Lainie Kazan, though the entire cast performs well. It is her movie.
Jerry
Old fashioned comedy
Beau Jest is a light hearted comedy that is a pleasure to watch. No sex, no car chases, no special effects, no filthy language and no violence. Can it still be a good movie to watch? You bet! It works well when staged as a play or done as a movie because the basic premise is still there.... lying to someone, so as not to hurt them, but then realizing that the truth is usually best (though difficult to come out with). I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to laugh and enjoy seeing what love can do ... make us lie so as not to hurt. Love at First Lie! Yes, but only because she loved her parents! Enjoy!
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Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Naruto: Shippuden, Vol. 2
Shippuden Rocks!
Naruto Shippuden is a little different from the early Naruto years. But it is high octane adrenaline! The action and story line arc takes up to 30 episodes before Sai comes into the picture. The only dissappointment I feel is in Viz Media, why are they bothering to release Shippuden 1 disc (4 episodes) at a time? They should go directly to box sets! And by box sets I mean, they should carry at least 20 episodes or more. Shipuden season 1 is like 50 or more episodes, each season is huge! Viz Media, why must you milk us of our hard earned money and give us so little in return?! Anyone who buys this disc or the previous disc in this series, I suggest you hold off watching them until you have disc 10 in hand, these episodes catch you and never let you go, you will writhe in agony until the next release!
The Gara Rescue Quest Begins
These episodes will get to show us how much the other Konoha 11 have grown since Naruto has been away from his friends and teachers, as you see Naruto reuniting with his friends and finding out what has been happening Gara finds himself locked in battle with one of the elusive Akatsuki who have been sent to the hidden sand village to capture him. AS soon as Naruto finds out he of course rushes to aid his friend and fellow jinchuriki(A Person who has a sealed tailed demon in him/her)as he journeys to the sand village with Kakashi, Sakura, and Temari what is happening to Gara ignites his own anger as he knows the Akatsuki only see him and the other jinchuriki as nothing more than monster vessels to use in their insidious scheme. The series is still very entertaining and follows the manga series almost perfectly there are of course a few minor differences but nothing to big to worry about. I do hope that they'll release uncut box sets like they did with Naruto but I guess will just...
Love Naruto !!!
Great episodes in vol.2 . I love the 1st season of Naruto Shippuden~ No Filler episodes, which is the best part about it lol. Cant go wrong with buying it.
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Scrooge/Beyond Tomorrow / Greatest Christmas Collection V.2
Scrooge/Beyond Tomorrow
Picture quailty was very bad on Scrooge. Half of the time I could not make out the actors. Beyond Tomorrow was some better and it was a very moving story.
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Message in a Bottle (Keepcase)
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
I found this movie absolutely fascinating;the story was a typical romance. It explored the human emotion and curiosity that we all feel when we find an insight into another person's relationship. Kevin Costner was your typical man of the sea and portrayed a man not ready to move on with his life after the tragic loss of his partner. It took someone like Robyn Penn Wright to stir the deeply hidden emotions but even then she could not compare to his lost love. She gave him inspiration and made him dig deep to find his true self. Paul Newman was superb as the crusty kindly father and without his inclusion in the film, be it as a supporting role, a lot of the emotion would hasve been lost. The pain suffered by the inlaws at the loss of their daughter was so true to life when someone they love dies so tragically. All in all the scenery was superb and the DVD is recommended
A Treat For Romantics...and... Paul Newman As A Bonus!
This review refers to the DVD widescreen edition of "Message in a Bottle(Warner Bros)...
"Dear Catherine....You Are My True North...." Sigh...Who wouldn't want to hear those words?
The story is touching, romantic and spellbinding.Teresa is a single mother, doing her best to raise her son, still stinging form the infidelities of her ex-husband. She has a promising career as a journalist and her days are filled with work, and her young son. She isn't trying to find the love her her life, but perhaps it has found her. While jogging on a beach in Cape Cod, Teresa discovers..yes..a message in a bottle. She is so touched by the beautiful words of the sender, that she can't help but to try and locate him.(It helps being a journalist, and having lots of resources at your fingertips).Little did she know that finding the author of this beautiful letter would change her life forever.
"Message In A Bottle" is not only a beautiful story of real love, but one that...
"Jackets like that don't come along every week, you know..."
Message in a Bottle, brings to the screen the love story between a recently widowed man from a small fishing village in North Carolina and a divorced journalist out of Chicago.
It is a film about human relations, hope and second chances, but most importantly about trust, love, and inner strength.
Kevin Costner, Robin Wright Penn, Paul Newman, and the rest of the cast, have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are exceptional to say the least! All the actors, without exceptions, give it their 100% and it really shows (the chemistry is AMAZING)! Very well written and very well presented, the movie is without a doubt guaranteed to provide a few laughs, not to mention a few tears. The film is simple enough, but does a great job of describing people's every day lives and the problems they face. It just goes to show that simplicity is often far better than complexity, when trying to present issues of a human nature.
The only setbacks...
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Any Given Sunday (Special Edition Director's Cut) (Keepcase)
Any Given Sunday
This was truly an excellent film. This movie is Oliver Stone's best since Platoon. The fast-moving and dizzying cinemaphotography fits the high adrenaline atmosphere of the professional football world well. The film is also perfectly cast. Pacino gives life to the head coach, and Cameron Diaz's clearly most intense role as the team's owner is believeable. James Woods gives an excellent performance as the team doctor, who doesn't really seem to care about anyone but himself. Jamie Foxx has a breakthrough dramatic role as the new hotshot quarterback, whose ritualistic vomiting adds humor to the movie. With his performance, we find out Foxx really can act. LL Cool J, also puts through a convincing performance as the team's running back. Dennis Quaid doesn't really do much as the former QB with injury problems except help to develop Pacino's character. An outstanding cast, that features Charlton Heston as the football comissioner, and Ann-Margaret as Cameron Diaz's...
Football made interesting
Oliver Stone once again manages to put together an insightful masterpiece and despite American football as its main feature, this film is intensely entertaining and with a hot hip hop/rap/r&B soundtrack along with an impressive A list cast, Any Given Sunday can't go wrong. Al Pacino as the coach is godd, as he always is, but I found the real stars to be Jamie Foxx and the always goregeous Cameron Diaz. Foxx who usually is the comic relief, played it straight and gives in an oscar-worthy performance as Willy Beamen, the team's key player after favourite Dennis Quaid is injured. Although occasionally his character is a bastard, he serves up an hilarious music video, an intense performance and clearly has no problem getting his gear off, Foxx is bound to go places. Diaz was another key player in this flick, playing a tough as nails, take-no-crap owner of Pacino's team, and although usually sweet, the long smile is barely seen as she plays it straight and gets through...
Of course that's just my opinion. I could be wrong....
When this movie first came out to its slate of tepid reviews, I decided not to go see it. When the DVD came out, I decided not to buy it. When I recently received the DVD as a gift, I was surprised to find that I honestly couldn't wait to watch it. Admittedly, I have always found Oliver Stone's films to be entertaining. I am also a life-long Cowboys fan. And, truth be known, I was curious to see what Stone thought about the state of professional football, albeit via his mythical Miami Sharks. The best thing that I ever did was to quit reading reviews, and sat down with a bowl of popcorn to give this film its shot.
The verdict is that I really liked this film. Call it a guilty pleasure if you must, but I really enjoyed this movie. The screenplay is structured around some interesting and engaging characters, providing good insights into their individual experiences with the team. The cast is first rate and there are plenty of good performances. From the owner's box, to the...
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Two Weeks Notice (Widescreen)
The Furies
Good, Light Romantic Comedies are few and far between as are actors capable of pulling them off. The days of Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Hepburn, Carole Lombard, etc are long gone. Once in a while though, moviemakers come up with a good one and "Two Weeks Notice" is one of them: substantially helped along with the Charisma, Charm and talent of Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant.
Even though I was a fan of Bullock's "Murder One," most want to see her only in these light comedies as in her hit last year with "Miss Congeniality." And Bullock has the business-savvy and intelligence to hire the best writers and directors as in Marc Lawrence here.
The story of "Two Weeks Notice" is a trifle: filled with witty repartee between Grant and Bullock and involving a love/hate relationship standard in this type of genre film. With so many of last year's films turning out so deadly serious, this is a relief and a palliative to all that earnestness. Ditto with J-Lo's "Maid in...
A Fun Romantic Comedy For Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant Fans
This is a throughly enjoyable, light as air movie that you should go to see when you just want to relax, smile a lot and spend some time watching Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock have fun. No serious message, no real surprise twists and turns; but despite being totally formulaic it was a traet and we and the rest of the audience were often laughing out loud.
Sandra Bullock is Lucy, a dedicated environmental lawyer following in the "do good save the world" footsteps of her parents. Hugh Grant is the rich shallow playboy developer whose project she wants to halt. He shocks her by offering to hire her; they strike a deal to save her beloved Coney Island neighborhood center from the wrecker's ball in return for her becoming his counsel. Of course, she soon becomes his indispensable aide, eventually becomes disillusioned, and gives her TWO WEEKS NOTICE. Her relacement invokes jealousy in Lucy, the community center is about to be demolished due to George's brother's (and partner) efforts to...
Pretty Good, Star Power Carries it over the Finish Line
I will begin by issuing a disclaimer. Like probably a million other heterosexual American men below the age of 65, I have a bit of a crush on Sandra Bullock. To paraphrase the line from "Jerry Maguire," she had me from hello, or at least when I first saw her in "While You Were Sleeping."
So, I eagerly went to see "Two Weeks Notice." I had fairly high expectations given the charisma of Bullock and Hugh Grant. By and large, I wasn't disappointed. It was not side-splittingly funny, but there were a number of moments where I chuckled or laughed out loud. The other people in the audience seemed to enjoy it too. I thought that Sandra Bullock did her trademark performance very well, that of the lonely girl next door that steals our hearts. Hugh Grant came across as a sympathetic and charming rogue. As a couple, I thought they looked good together.
Where I felt the movie was weak was a little on plot. I'm not picky, like movie critics who seem to spend their careers sneering at...
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Beast Within
silly, but a great movie for it's time!
This was worth renting. The original box says: We dare you to sit through the last 30 minutes of this film without covering your eyes, screaming, or running from your seat! A good movie for its day. I added this one to my collection.
Lotsa Fun!!!
First caught this film on HBO some years ago. Loved it. Since then have had it on CED, Beta, VHS, and now I'm anxiously awaiting my copy on DVD -- 2:35 ratio and all! It's definitely not for the young ones -- it starts off with a rape scene. Some may consider it dated by today's standards, but it's just an old-fashioned horror movie which holds up very well. Eerie, scary fun with a few surprises. Would never expect the all mighty Leonard Maltin to like it -- actually, I wonder if he even has any taste in his mouth!
WOWSERS!!!!!!
This is the original frightfest that my sister and nephew bragged about sooo many years ago about. That was 1982 folks! i purchased this dvd a couple of years back just because i thought of them. I remember all the chats about how horrible the scary parts were. well, it was laughable now but i bet really gross then? this is the kinda flick designed to keep you company on a lonely Friday or Saturday night folks! the story involves a woman who had been raped one night and eventually got pregnant from her attacker...a weird bug cicada creature. The reason for the attack stemmed from him wanting to secure his revenge on his enemies. Only by returning via his offspring can he carry about his malevolent plan. Cicadas sleep under the earth for 17 years and then return in the summer to eat and spawn and that's the basis of the creature in this flick. Unfortunately for his son life will be shortlived and rather ugly since he never gets to live out his dreams, love his girlfriend nor get out of...
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G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
The Movie was an explosion of action and special effects! But......
Yesterday, I received my 2 disc edition of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, and I looked over the sleeve and it looked nice and got me all excited, reminded me of the G.I. Joe days of when I was a kid watching the cartoon! Then, I later last night put the second disc in to check out the extras! HA that was a joke! The only extras on this 2 disc is the making of the movie, and the special effects behind the scenes thing. Now granted those were cool, but the only real reason for the second disc is for the digital copy! I honestly think this movie is not worth [...] at all, maybe 16.99! Big deal you get the digital copy! How many of us out there really use the digital copy? Where was the deleted and alternate scenes? Is it really coming to the point where things are going to Blu Ray and not to regular dvd which their are a heck of a lot more dvd player owners then blu ray! I say if you are looking at this review on deciding whether to purchase the 2 disc, wait till it goes cheaper and...
guilty pleasure popcorn movie..
I am a fan of this director-Stephen Sommers...."Mummy", "Mummy Returns", "Van Helsing". He really knows how to direct an action pic.
Based upon, yes, the popular action figure for several generations. This film throws a lot of CGI effects (which are impressive) and good-looking actors on the screen. I enjoyed all the eye candy and the action scenes.
the story has something to do with good guys protecting an ultimate weapon from the bad guys; the usual chaos follows.
this movie is a nice way to warm up your cold winter days with heavy action.
recommended mood to be in when you are about to watch this movie: lethargic. You won't feel lethargic after watching it!
fun, energetic film..
Good, but not GI JOE
This is a good action movie, but it's not GI JOE. I don't know why they even bothered to call it GI JOE if they weren't going to stick closely enough to the original source material. Sure you can change things up a bit, but you don't need to go this far. The only time I got the chills at the sight of something that even vaguely represented GI JOE was when Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow were on screen, but that didn't make up for it. The other thing about this film is that it's for the kids. Gritty and real this is not. Some might say it's a bit harsh but I think it's only a hop skip and jump away from Power rangers territory. Even the Fantastic Four seems more serious, and more convincing, at times (much better acting played a big part in this) and even they stayed closer to the source material (Yes, even the one with Silver Surfer). So if you're looking for a good action movie this is good, but we've yet to see something that brings GI JOE to the screen. To be fair, the biggest...
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I Love You, Beth Cooper
A Pleasant Surprise
With the characteristics listed that led to its PG-13 rating you might think that I Love You, Beth Cooper would be piece of crap. But, the trailer had hooked me so I checked it our anyway. I was quite pleasantly surprised.
Denis Cooverman (Paul Rust) is the valedictorian of Buffalo Glenn High School. He is obviously a smart kid for in addition to his class standing as he has been accepted into a premed program at Stanford University and he is the captain of the debating team. On the downside he isn't very good looking, isn't an athlete, and isn't very successful with girls. He has had a long time crush on the head cheerleader, Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere), but has been too shy to speak to her. Besides she has a boyfriend in the army who perhaps just might be special forces material.
Denis has a very sexually confused friend, Rich (Jack Carpenter), who everyone else thinks is gay. Rich puts Denis up to telling Beth what he really thinks during his valedictory...
Now here if you like Hayden Panettiere
Surprsingly well written coming of age movie. Script and acting not bad at all. Not bad script as a unpopular guy gets the Hottest Girl thats very popular. High School at at Its best. Only buy if you like this type of movie but acting is great the script moves and this better one of thse movies need to watch.
Love this movie.
Great teen romantic comedy. The plot is predictable but the funny moments gets you through the experience with a smile on your face. Beth Cooper is every boy's high school crush they wished they had kissed.
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U.S. Marshals
A New Fugitive, A New Chase...
In 1993, Warner Brothers studios released an incredibly successful movie called "The Fugitive" starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, and based on the hit TV series of the same name. 5 years after the success of that film, the WB decided to release a semi-sequel/spin-off to the film focusing on the further exploits of the character of U.S. Marshal, Sam Gerard, played by Tommy Lee Jones. It was surprising that Warner Bros. wanted to explore this supporting character further, in fact it was just as surprising that they felt there could even be any chance of success with having a sequel/spin-off to a movie that was completely self-contained. But, the decision was made and Warner Bros. actually managed to re-sign Tommy Lee Jones, along with the rest of the actors that comprised his original crew of deputy U.S. Marshals, and adding Wesley Snipes and talented, yet troubled actor Robert Downey Jr. to the mix. With the cast all set, the story greenlit, and acclaimed editor turned...
So Much Like the Fugitive
They could have named this one the Fugitive II and gotten away with it. There was a slight lack of originality, but the spectacular cast pulls it off. Overall the movie was good. Tommy Lee Jones does a wonderful job and Robert Downey, Jr. was memorable as well. The comic relief was a must and was appreciated as it helped counterract the amazing suspense level present. I think I will add this one to my collection.
STARTS WITH A BANG, REST IS DECENT POPCORN YARN
If you're looking for more than cheap thrills and bravado, you may be disappointed as US Marshal drags for about half an hour or so more than it needs to. But it rises above its hackneyed chase routines with Jones' commanding screen presence. Some scenes, such as the opening plane crash, are exemplary cinematography. The soundtrack effectively complements the roller-coaster action sequences. There's a surprise twist in the tale too, but don't read too much lest you should spoil it. Recommended rental, for sure.
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A Time to Kill
Big-time drama
John Grisham novels are difficult to rate as movies. On one hand Grisham's work translates to well to pop culture that his books are almost cinematic. On the other, the "book-is-never-as-good-as-the-movie"-ism applies. Some of Grisham's books have been quite good- "The Firm" was a terrifically exciting movie (Tom Cruise was letter-perfect for the role of Mitch McDeere), and "The Rainmaker" (which gave Matt Damon his start) certainly surprised me with a touching story of an underdog who upsets the system. Some have been mediocre to bad- "The Pelican Brief" and "The Chamber" fit the latter category, "The Client" the former. "A Time to Kill", in my opinion, is the best of them all because the author gives his audience a tough choice to make about what justice is. Pack in some sterling acting performances and this is one pretty darn good movie.
The plot? After his young daughter is viciously raped and...
Gets better each time
I saw this movie shortly after it came to video and thought it was a pretty good movie. Then a couple years later, I saw it again. And it just kind of stuck in my brain. I'll be reading or listening to something, and it will remind me of the movie. In conversations I bring up this film all the time because it is so relevant to important issues of our time. Racism, vigilante action, legal issues, etc. The more you watch this movie, the more it makes you think.
And if you're not interested in thinking about some of the larger philosophical issues at hand, there's still plenty of stuff for you. You've got Matthew McConaughey who does a phenomenal job, and looks great while at it. Oliver Platt imbues his character with just the right amount of sleaze and charm that you can't help but love him. Donald Sutherland is absolutely lovable as the old-school gentleman (and you and your friends can argue over whether he's a lush or or a drunk/alcoholic). Sandra Bullock does a...
Incredible is an Understatement, Deeply Moving
John Grisham's tale of justifiable revenge was one of the best films of 1996. When a black man kills the two white rednecks who brutally raped and beat his daughter it seems his conviction of the murders will be cut and dry. So when the small town's lawyer is asked by the man (played with masterful skill by Samuel L. Jackson) to defend him it seems a hopeless cause. But when the klan gets involved the case becomes personal.
This film is entirely unsettling because it makes us realize that events like this still happen in small towns throughout America, especially in the South. The themes of racism, of overcoming racism, of justifiable homicide, of justice outside the law are so superbly represented in this film that it seems impossible to me that this movie wasn't nominated for many Academy Awards. But alas, the past is the past. Chock full of great performances (especially Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, and Kevin Spacey) and masterful direction by Joel Schumacher,...
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Monday, October 14, 2013
Fraggle Rock: A Merry Fraggle Holiday
TRICKED BY FRAGGLES!
I bought this dvd thinking it was a "christmas special" only to be tricked by the cover and title to find out its actually 3 episodes from the series that are already on the boxset I own. The episodes are "The Bells of Fraggle Rock", The Grapes of Generosity" and "The perfect Blue Rollie". As far as extras, i havent watched them yet but not only was I folled by the title, they add as an extra "Emmit Otter's Jug-band Christmas singalong"..umm anything original guys? Also included was an animated epiosde, "a look at Jim Henson's The Christmas Toy" and 2 games.
If you dont already own the seasons or the box set then get this dvd for holiday fun, But if you already own the series, you already have the episodes and we all have to come to the realization that there is no offical "Fraggle holiday special" :(
Not a very Merry Fraggle Holiday
I really loved the Fraggles from childhood, and I was trying to get in the Christmas spirit, but the DVD after the first episode did not really help me get there. The first one is very cool, and talks about the Winter Solstice and how different people around the world celebrate the holidays, but the other two episodes seem to just be filler!
However, my little cousins loved the games that are under the Bonus Features, and seeing an episode of the animated version on the DVD is also cool...so I can't be too hard on it. Just be advised...the DVD is not ALL about the holidays
Great show - but get the newer complete set
Recently, I was clearing my parents house out and found a box of old toys, including a bunch of Fraggle dolls that I had as a kid. When I mentioned this to my sister, she said she heard that Fraggles were making a comeback with a new movie coming out. Sure enough, when I checked Amazon, the complete series was available. It was such a joy to see this again. This is a great show for kids (or nostalgic adults). The puppetry is great. The show is very musical, but the songs (by and large) aren't corny or annoying. Some of them are actually a bit tender. The episodes often deal with themes like prejudice and the environment.
That being said, I'd recommend getting the newer Fraggle Rock: Complete Series Collection DVD set. It has the complete series (as opposed to just a few episodes as on this product). For the price, it's a steal. I hope you enjoy your time "down in Fraggle Rock"!
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Valerie Bertinelli: Losing It And Keeping Fit
Bait and Switch
I was excited to purchase this DVD because I adore Valerie Bertinelli but the DVD I purchased has one 20 minute workout and another barely 30 minute workout (not a 40 minute workout). During the DVD intro with Valerie and her trainer and during their separate interviews, portions of workouts are shown that are NOT in my DVD! For example, my DVD does not include exercises involving a chair (with additional triceps exercises) and it does not include any cardio bursts.
Who is responsible for this? Are there actually different versions of DVDs out there? And did I just pay full 'used' price for a partial product?
I suggest to anyone about to purchase this DVD to communicate with the seller and confirm it contains all the workouts - chair triceps and cardio bursts included.
Best workout DVD!
I truly believe that Losing it and Keeping Fit is the best workout DVD to come to market in many years. It is easy to follow, challenging and fun. Valerie's personality is so real and her relationship with the trainer (Chris)keeps the workout fun. Lastly, the workouts are very effective and full of variety. Chris does seem to like lower body type moves, which is great for the legs. Kudos to Gaiam for once again bringing a great product to market.
Im a beginner
I recently purchased this DVD because I was looking for something easy to follow as I've just decided to begin working out again and I need something to spark my movitation to become fit. I love Valerie, she's relatable and personable.Its like exercising with a girlfriend who has all the same gripes about exercising and keeps it real, unlike watching a Jillian Michael's dvd. I love the quips and banter between her and the trainer Chris. I just wish there were more workouts on the DVD. The workouts do concentrate more on legs and less on upper body. I agree with one of the reviewers that some of the exercises, like the chair bends shown in the preview and bonus material dont appear in the workouts. Perhaps these may be shown on future dvds if there are any to follow. All and all, this a good DVD for a beginner but eventually you will have to go on to an advanced dvd or a different workout to challenge your fitness and weightloss.
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Scruff: A Christmas Tale
Scruff A Christmas Tale
This was a cute movie. It was good to see scruff go from a bad puppy to a good dog.
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Gonzaga Basketball: A Decade of Excellence
Go Zags
Best movie of all time. Gonzaga is the best place on earth and their basketball program represents a perfect America.
Excellent
Seller got the purchase to me quickly and safely. I wouldn't hesitate to use this seller again. A good experiance.
Got it for my brother
My brother is a big Gonzaga fan, so I got it for him for Christmas. He loves it!
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Holiday Four-Film Collector's Set: Volume One (Angel in the Family / A Christmas Visitor / What I Did for Love / Silent Night)
Must Buy!
Four movies, one universal theme: Love.
For a light-hearted romantic comedy, watch: What I did for Love
For restoring your faith in the power of love and forgiveness: A Christmas Visitor
For a story about universal love (based on a true story): Silent Night
For the more traditional Christmas-miracle and family love: Angel in the Family
It doesn't get better than that for Christmas.
Great Family fun!
What's to say? These are Hallmark. Fit for the whole family and well made and acted. Not like the current Hollywood trash! Yeah Hallmark!
Best Holiday Set Yet!!
I was looking to expand my Christmas movies and found this four pack at a great price! I am so glad I purchased it, I've purchased others since but none beat this so far. The only one we are not crazy about (it's just ok) is Angel in the Family. As far as the other three movies they have quickly moved up with our other Christmas favorites!! You won't be disappointed with this pack, the stories, and the acting are all great in Christmas Visitor, What I Did for Love and Silent Night. Not to mention they are all family oriented so everyone can watch.
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The Incredible Mr. Limpet (Keepcase)
KNOTTS WITHSTANDING
After I watched this movie last night, I found out that Don Knotts had passed away. Kind of a creepy feeling! Anyway, Knotts who won five Emmys for his role as Barney Fife on THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW was certainly one of our most endearing clowns. With his trademark voice and bug-eyed delivery, Knotts is one of the true legends of our time, and in LIMPET, he shows us why. Although he has more screen time as the voice of the fishy Limpet, Knotts manages to create a loveable character. The plot's been rehashed in many other reviews, so I'll stick to what makes this animated/live action film such a pleasure. With the cartoon stylings of the early sixties, the movie gives us a dreamy undersea world populated with such creatures as Crusty the Crab and the lovely Ladyfish. On the human front, we're blessed with character actors Jack Weston, Larry Keating, and Andrew Duggan. And the delightfully underrated Carole Cook, whose last scene with Henry the fish is unexpectedly poignant and...
The INCREDIBALLY SUPERB Mr. Limpet!
Highly entertaining! Don Knotts gives his best performance in this picture. Kind of funny with the mix of animation and live action in a non-Disney film. With the animation, the singers, it's so lovely. I enjoy every second of this film. Too the people who highly dislike this movie, you're missing out on it. You don't have to be a child to enjoy it. "The Incredible Mr. Limpet" is the finest non-Disney animation/live action film.
Too bad this was one of the last films to be made before the Warner Animation Department in Burbank shut down.
"Das Limpet"
THE INCREDIBLE MR. LIMPET (1964) is one of the most underrated films of all time. Coming in at approximately #64 on my own personal Top 100, MR. LIMPET is a blend of live action and colorful animation, an impossible fantasy film which somehow manages to entice even the most sourpussed of viewers. Although it starts out a bit slowly, MR. LIMPET is irresistible, a pure entertainment experience.
The fishlike Don Knotts is perfectly cast as Henry Limpet, a nebbishy bookkeeper from Brooklyn, circa 1942. Walter Mitty-like, Henry dreams of being a war hero. His one other passion is his fish tank. When Henry is rejected from military service as a 4-F, he falls into a depression and escapes into unreality by wishing he was a fish.
Walking on the Coney Island pier one day with his wife, Bessie, Henry takes a misstep and falls into the briny Atlantic. Lo, and behold!---he is instantly transformed into a (cartoon) fish (complete with pince-nez glasses). Although Henry is...
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Aliens in the Attic
Awesome Family Fun!!!
I absolutely loved this movie! I loved the comedy, the storyline, the action, the effects, everything! This may be my 4th favorite movie of 2009 behind Friday the 13th, Land of the Lost, and Halloween II! I've seen a lot of negative reviews toward this movie, but some people take things a little too seriously. This movie is for the kid in all of us. While on summer vacation, the Pearson family go to three-story holiday house in the middle of nowhere. The kids; Hannah, Tom, and Bethany don't wanna go, but they are forced to. They meet more family members like Jake, Art, and Lee. When Bethany's boyfriend forces Tom to the roof, they see the aliens who want to take over the world. Throughout the day, the kids try to stop them, without their parents finding out. One alien, Sparks is not a threat to the humans and decides to become friends with Hannah. Sparks is a cute little alien, unlike Skip, Tazer, and Razor. Will the Pearson children stop the evil aliens from taking over the world? I...
We LOVED it
My almost 9 year-old son and I saw this together. It was VERY, VERY funny. We both thought so. (There were way too many male crotch gags, in my opinion, and of course, the law enforcement representative was an idiot. However, we didn't see his underwear; so, this movie was superior to other kid flicks.) Robert Hoffman is outrageously funny as Ricky the lying-loser boyfriend turned robot alien minion. Ashley Tisdale carries off another major role with credibility, humor, and grace. The DVD is already on my son's wish list for Christmas, and I will be recommending Aliens to my friends to watch with their kids. I will also recommend it to parents of teenage daughters who need a laugh, a break, or a reminder that Eddie Haskell didn't die with the Cleavers.
Aliens in the AtticAliens in the Attic[Blu-ray] [Blu-ray]
Surprisingly fun family entertainment
Before I saw this movie the previews gave me the impression that this was just another computer animated and effects driven films trying to exploit a kid's inherent interest in this stuff. It turns out this movie has more thought put into it and a good deal more heart than I assumed (that's what I get for assuming). Aliens in the Attic isn't an instant classic by any means. However it delivers on what you want in a family sci-fi film. Cute enough in some places, witty enough in others.
So yeah, the plot isn't Shakespeare. You have a family on vacation that gets visited by some diminutive (and not too bright) aliens bent on taking over the world. This plot is very close to the same vein as the 80's movie Spaced Invaders. The difference, and it is substantial enough to keep the two movies from being similar, is where the focus is. Where Spaced Invaders put all of its attention on the wacky Martians, Aliens in the Attic puts its focus on the kids and how they deal with the...
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The Last Samurai [Widescreen]
Five stars!
As a Japanese living in the United Staes, I can say totally, that this film is amazing. There're some critics says Tom Cruise's acting and so on, however, this film sucessfully depicts the history of Japan, and people's traditional lives and the end of samurai era.
This is a spectacular movie with sweeping sword actions and it is based on the true history events in japan, I've seen a lot of samurai movies(made in japan for japanese) but i can say this one is GREAT as the other movies, plus this is not usual hollywood movies that awfully depicts samurais and even Yakuzas and brush off the truth.
I can say, however, without Tom Cruise, this movie could have also been great as well. But i would guess that it is because of him, this movie gained more attention among people and so typical americans can get the idea of what samurai really is and what they really think.
so overall i gave this movie 5 stars. I plan to go watch it again.
Very moved and remind me somethig inportant thing
I am Japanease and live in Japan.
At first time,Tom Cruise decided to make Samurai movie,most of Japanese must be suspicious about it.
Because all hollywood movie about Japan and Japanese were really strange for us.
I always disappointed and felt didn't want to watch to the end.
But this movie was really great.
I can't belive this movie was made by another country except Japan.
It must be very difficult job and They did it.
Most of Japanese don't understand "samurai"spirit in these days.
And this movie was so fresh and felt like re-educated.
One of Japanese,I would like to say thank you to "The Last Samurai"
The last samurai
This film has been compared (a lot) to Dances with Wolves due to the fact that they both share similar themes. A Civil War era soldier who finds himself thrown in the middle of a different culture and ends up embracing it and becoming part of it.
However, Edward Zwick's film differs from the Kevin Costner Oscar winner in that the principal character, Lt. Nathan Algren (Cruise) is down on his luck, having become a drunken caricature of his former self, deeply regretful of his actions, who accepts a job as an instructor for an incipient Japanese army that needs to be prepared to fight against the Samurai.
As he arrives to Tokyo he starts training a useless bunch of would-be soldiers who are sent to fight even if they're not ready for it. As a result, the newly formed army gets butchered by the battle experienced Samurai. During that battle, Algren fights bravely and kills one of the highest ranking warriors, getting the interest of the famed Katsumoto, the last great Samurai...
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Polar Bear Alcatraz
A 'must see' documentary with up close footage!
This is a truly great, riveting documentary that explores the lives and plight of polar bears vis a vis climate change/global warming(in this case, the melting of the polar ice cap). It is clearly a labor of love and utmost concern, and the footage is phenomenal. The setting is Wrangel Island, a large polar bear breeding ground in the Arctic. It is amazing and humbling that the 2 explorers/scientists/cinematographers were able to get so close to the many wild bears that ventured into their geographical area where their research shack and grounds are located. Watch them fend off some of the more curious adult bears that they encounter with nothing more than a hearty shout, a large stick, and their dog! They also encounter an orphaned cub, who struggles to survive since it's mother was killed. The hungry cub often walks right up to the men and wants to stay close to them as well, for food and comfort! Just amazing!
If you like polar bears......
This DVD brings the polar bears right into your room. The photography is so real and close up. The people are so up close and personal I felt like I was out there with them on Wrangle Island. I highly recommend this DVD.
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KIDSONGS #209: Practice Makes Perfect
Good for younger kids
I recently got a few of the kids songs dvds and my 5 year old loves it. Its a lot of singing and dancing they teach different things, and she looks forward to watching it.
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ALFRED HITCHCOCK VOL. 2
"Comfort food" for the senses
Imagine .... a grey, rainy day, a warm cosy armchair, a cup of tea, a slice of cake and an old fashioned black and white movie on the t.v. by the master of suspense, Hitchcock. I love these old movies and they still hold up after all these years. You don't need blood and gore and graphically disturbing images to entertain. I love the actors in this and the whole nine yards. I went to see the '39 Steps' spoof on the stage in London - FANTASTIC! Lots of fun.
I have been admonished for not clarifying the content of this item. The film in the Vol. 2 is only 'THE 39 STEPS'.
Enjoy!
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Victory at Sea: Volume Two
victory at sea
Great product! Delivery was quick and easy.exactly what I was looking for. I would recommend it to others.very satisfied! I will continue to order.
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Sunday, October 13, 2013
Ed Wood Collection Vol One Bride of the Monster / Jail Bait
What is this?
It's called ED WOOD DOUBLE FEATURE. The only description is of the Ed Wood film BRIDE OF THE MONSTER. What's the second feature? And who on earth releases BRIDE OF THE MONSTER on the day AFTER Halloween? Stupid. Three stars for BRIDE OF THE MONSTER though.
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Fireside Reflections
real fireplace
I use this when I want a warm atsmophere in the room. I love the sound and the fact you can chose the music you want. My favorite is at Christmas time. It is very realistic. You can feel the heat. You also can let it burn with no sound but natural crackles.
Fireside Reflections CD
I got this because a friend of mine had one. It is very realistic and makes one feel warm just looking at it.
Peacefully fire
We use this especially around the holidays as we don't have a fireplace. It makes us feel warmer and gives a nice peaceful background.
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Avalanche Angels
Fantastic documentary on hero avalanche rescue dogs!
This excellent documentary is well worth your time. It is a moving account of avalanches and their victims, and how a typical search and rescue goes into planned action. The DVD revolves around highly trained rescue dogs and their handlers, and the often dangerous and risky rescue operations that often ensue after a fresh avalanche has buried it's victim(s). If you are a canine lover, you will especially be enamored of these 3 beautiful dogs featured in this documentary (a Lab, German Shepherd, and Austrian Shepherd?). Towards the end, Juergen, a young risk taking snowboarder who was rescued a year before, gets to meet the German Shepherd (and his handler) who found and rescued him! My only gripe based on an observaton was, that despite the dogs being handled with great love and respect, I would have hoped that they get a larger pen to sleep in at night, rather than the cramped crates that are shown in the film. Yes, I know that dogs like a contained, smallish area to settle in at...
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John Wayne: The Duke Collection, Volume One (West of the Divide / Winds of the Wastelands)
No, it's not possible for one man to make nine good movies a year.
So, there's no point in reviewing these four "Classic" John Wayne movies on their own, since they're all exactly the same thing. John Wayne comes into town, meets Gabby Hayes, gets into some shenanigans and then kisses some annoying girl.
I appreciate all the stunt riding and gun slinging that went into these 1930's Lone Star Productions films, but unfortunately they're so poorly produced it's hard to notice the good stuff. And Digiview piles some extra crap onto the last film on the disc by adding some unnecessary, hackey background synth music. If you're a huge John Wayne fan then this budget disc is a good way to see some of his early budget movies, but I can't think of another reason to reccommend this.
Here are the four movies on the disc:
The Dawn Rider (1935)
Blue Steel (1934)
The Lucky Texan (1934)
The Man from Utah (1934)
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Cheetahs Running for their Lives
Cheetahs Running for their Lives
This a MUST for all who love cheetahs and an insight as to what one woman can do to protect them, amazing how she also changed the attitude of farmers, to instead of shooting them, but to join her in making protective areas and respect the animals and their rights too! Incredible, much to be admired and yes to get people to help her keep those goals alive. Ilived in Africa for many years,also had a cheetah who roamed free, so now know where we can donate tp keep this project alive.
Love Cheetahs
Love Cheetahs and this is a good DVD showing them up close and personal. If you love the big cats of Africa, you'll love this.
Informative
This DVD covers the problem that is growing between human kind and their encroachment into the habitat of a natural predator forcing the Cheetah to live in smaller and smaller habitat.
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Food Network: Grilling Collection
Great tips
Good tips for grilling, and an all-star cast. This video is well worth the time if you just got a new grill and need some ideas.
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DEATH OF A PROPHET
TRUE STORY OF THE EVENS AFTER MALCOM X DEATH
This incredible film follows the events in the final twenty four hours of the life of controversial religious and political leader Malcolm X. Fanatics tried to firebomb his home. They tried to murder him white he slept. Why was he so hated? Where were the police on the day of his assassination? How did his killers manage to escape?
An agony to view
Don't be fooled into thinking that because Morgan Freeman is in this film that it has any quality -- it does NOT. One of the worst films I've ever viewed. Kept waiting for something redeeming to happen -- never did. It's far from a "gripping drama" as advertised. Don't waste your money.
Morgan handles the role of Malcolm as well as every role he encounters!
Literally follow Malcolm in his final steps that led up to the day of his death. He was respected of many and hated by a few - quite an interesting film and an accurate account of Malcolm's life. It will bring a sadness to watchers, but also leave a powerful impact of courage and realization of the fear that can stop forward movement in so many. Acting is superb by all in chosen roles.
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The Merry Gentleman
Low key hitman melodrama, a little holiday thrown in
Michael Keaton has one of the best hit man faces out there, and I enjoyed watching this slow paced tale unfold and in the end, embrace a certain ambiguity.
The story follows the unlikely crossing of paths between a professional hitter and a Scottish secretary who inadvertently sees Keaton after he has sniped someone. We never get too much background on him, nor why he does anything that he does, but we do get a relationship development theme. What made this stand out was the writing regarding the police, they were shown as actually figuring out the mysteries surrounding the story (instead of them being oblivious and looking dumb). Not the most conclusive ending for the characters, but I liked it.
The DVD clarity is good and the sound is adequate; the supplement is a 16 minute making-of that had some good behind the scenes about Keaton's thought process on both sides of the camera. 3.5 for the film and DVD quality, .5 for the supplement.
Michael Keaton, the Sleeping Giant
Those who know and admire Keaton's work will long have considered him both underappreciated and diverse. From madcap comedies like Night Shift and Mr. Mom to harrowing dramas like Clean & Sober and Game 6, Keaton is one of our most valued cinematic resources all but ignored in modern Hollywood. And yet, he was somehow able to secure financing and helm this touching character study about loneliness. It's a quiet film, the kind you have to lean into and meet on its own terms. While it may involve a hit man, an abused woman and a meddlesome policeman, The Merry Gentleman is independent to the bone. The pacing is very deliberate and static. And while it may not be for everyone, if you favor stillness over bombast, character over action, you should be pleasantly surprised by it.
A confused yet moderately entertaining Christmas noir.
The title of The Merry Gentleman, Michael Keaton's directorial debut, comes from the beginning of the film when hitman Keaton helps secretary Kelly MacDonald, who has fallen under a Christmas Tree she is trying to bring into her apartment. Earlier, MacDonald saw Keaton standing on the ledge of a building across from her office. Keaton had just made a "hit" and was contemplating suicide. It turns out that Keaton is a tailor who kills people on the side and hates himself for it. Does he show up at MacDonald's door to kill her because she might be able to identify him? After helping her bring her tree into her apartment, he walks away, only to return the next day to visit her. Unfortunately, he has pneumonia and falls senseless the ground outside her apartment. MacDonald finds him, gets him to the hospital, and a beautiful friendship is born -- on Christmas Day, no less.
All this described action takes place in the first few minutes of the movie. The rest of the film...
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Hurt
Above Average Psychological Thriller
This suspense drama immediately puts itself a cut above the average by being set in an auto junkyard. While most psychological thrillers set their struggling young families either in impossibly luxurious, spacious homes - or else in old isolated farmhouses that the family moves to in order to "get a new start" - "Hurt" takes a different tack. Here a newly widowed mother and her children go back and join her brother-in-law in his ramshackle auto salvage business out on the desert.
This makes for a complex, realistic setting with lots of sharp edges and shadows. There is also a pack of wolves prowling the property, adding an extra fillip of menace.
It becomes clear that not all the gears in this reconstructed family are meshing quite right. The brother-in-law broodingly takes refuge in restoring a Ford Fairlane in one of the sheds on the property. The young son takes refuge in welding old car parts together into works of modern art. The mother adds to this already...
Has its moments, but uninspired in general
"Hurt" reminds me of the Lifetime Movie Network's movies with its predictable plot twists, less than credible acting, and melodramatic scenes. It stars Melora Walters (Wanda in Big Love) as a widow who finds herself facing financial difficulties after the untimely death of her husband. With two teenagers to support, she is forced to rely on the charity of her brother-in-law, a reclusive character who reluctantly takes the family in. Despite living on someone else's charity, the widow decides to abide by her dead husband's wishes to take in a foster child, an orphan (Sofia Vassilieva of Medium)who seems harmless enough, yet also harbors a dark secret. The widow's teenage daughter who is finding it hard to deal with their diminished circumstances, takes an instant dislike to the young orphan, and when things start to rapidly deteriorate, she begins to suspect all is not well with the youngster.
There are some aspects in this movie that don't make much sense - the widow is...
A gripping and eerie saga to the very end
Hurt is a terror-inducing movie about a newly widowed single mother Helen Coltrane (played by Melora Walters of "Big Love"), her teenage son (Jackson Rathbone of "Twilight") and daughter, seeking aid from her hermit-like, gun-toting brother-in-law. As they struggle to come to grips with the drastic changes in their life, they cross paths with a foster child who claims that Helen's late husband pledged to take her in. They do so... with dire consequences as one by one lies, illusions, and darkness unravel. A gripping and eerie saga to the very end, especially recommended for fans of tense psychological thrillers. 97 minutes, rated R.
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Bad Guys
Awesome
Kate Del Castillo is great in any movie that she is in and I love this movie she shows that she can play any type of character. If you love Kate Del Castillo get this movie she has yet to disappoint
Not the best.
Wasn't really a dislike but not the most interesting, not a movie I'd keep to watch again, but that's my opinion.
Bad Guys
The reason why I purchase this film, I am a lover and supporter of independent films. The screen play was well written.I know it's not the usual film of more action vs. the dealers and mafia..etc But hey, I had to support.... especially when I have a MAJOR crush on Sherman Augustus.
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Hallmark Collectors Set
Now, this is the way to buy movies, but beware, there is a lot of duplication of titles in the various volumes!
I have been collecting Hallmark Hall of Fame movies & some other Hallmark movies lately. What attracted my attention was the cheap price! This is four movies - quite different in genrae, but all good movies. Thicker than Water is a modern-day western in which a city girl finds what could be her half-sister that her father did not know exited when he died. There is a land-squabble with a neighbor over water rights & the fate of a group of wild horses. The Colt is a few-days on the battlefield of the Civil War. Ordinary Miracles is a city-story in which a teenager is brought to the court by foster parents because she has gotten in some trouble, small thefts are blamed on her. The court has no place to send her except juvenile jail. The judge decides to take the girl into her own home & finds the girl's father & hires him to do some landscaping on her property. Fielder's Choice, I have not viewed yet. It looks like an 8 year old autistic boy is baby-sat by his uncle Chad Lowe,...
ka-CHING! What a bargain!
Four sweet and inspirational holiday films, and each and every one of them is worth buying individually -- AND, you can get them together in this set for what amounts to less than the cost of one! I can watch Christmas movies all year long for a little feeling of happiness that only the holidays can bring.
Hallmark movies never disappoint me, and this package is a deal I can't pass up!
Great Movies
These are great movies to watch with your family. No violence no drugs no cursing. Just good old fashion movies. My favorite was the one about horses. Little teary eyed but they are good. 4 movies for under 10 bucks is a deal.
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Summer's Moon
somewhat slow....
The movie starts off very slow. There isn't alot of tension or edge of your seat moments. There is not alot of gore or violence. Summer is looking for her father and ends up meeting a boy who she hooks up with and ends up spending the night with him. Things appear normal until his mother is outside his door listening to him fornicate with Summer. The "creepiness" the boy possesses is his love for gardening; however, it never really explains why he must have garden angels. It explains his reasoning for his garden but not the angels. The mother and son seem to have a "thing" going on between them (yes, they kissed). The father is more sadistic than the son and simply kills women for amusement. The twist was predictable since the film didn't focus on other characters. I did find the end rather amusing and ended up giggling since it had a somewhat happy ending.
flawed, extremely confusing... but improves by the end
Summer's Moon is a pretty strange movie. For one thing it's certainly not a horror. For 90% of the time, it's not really a suspense either. The storyline is a confusing mess beginning halfway through and never really making sense to me after this. Despite these flaws, it has a few surprisingly good moments so I'm sort of in between whether it's worth recommending or not.
The flaws are pretty obvious. For one thing, the character of Ashley Greene -attractive as she may be- presents herself as a hitchhiker that doesn't like perverts demanding sexual favors, but certainly desires lots of sleazy overnight sex with complete strangers. This means when she's eventually kidnapped, it's hard to sympathize with her character because of the kind of girl she is. It turns out the young man she's sleeping with secretly kidnaps women, takes them to his basement and ties them up so they can't see the light of day. So far pretty compelling (despite the low budget Ghost...
Ashley Greene rocks!
This is an awesome Horror movie. I loved it. It was great to see Ashley in something other than a Twilight movie.
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Saturday, October 12, 2013
Spread
Has potential but lacks depth
"Spread" is basically a grifter movie with Ashton Kutcher playing (rather credibly I might add) Nikki, an over-confident hustler who lacks both a home and a car, and thus resorts to preying on older, successful (yet attractive) women. One of these is Anne Heche, who plays a successful attorney, Samantha, and finding Nikki's brash overtures rather charming, takes him home to her posh pad in the Hollywood Hills. Both Samantha and Nikki have hot sex all over Sam's luxurious property, and the sex scenes are pretty explicit and creative. Nikki should be happy in this arrangement, yet the viewer senses Nikki's restlessness. Instead of cementing the 'deal', Nikki inexplicably resorts to reckless acts, like having sex with another woman in Sam's bed whilst he thinks she's out of town...well, the Nikki-Samantha coupling continues, even as Nikki finds himself increasingly attracted to a waitress, Heather (Margarita Levieva) who is also hustling for money and stuff.
This is where the...
You won't be young and handsome forever...
I don't know why...not a big Ashton Kutcher fan..in fact I think he is a fluke. Though I have to admit...I've never seem him give a bad performance...and DUDE WHERE'S MY CAR is still one of my favorite films to laugh till I cry over.
SPREAD is another re-telling of the broken dreams of those who move to LA or HOLLYWOOD to make it big and simply end up broke and on the streets...doing what ever they can to survive, another film that stands out with this theme is "WHERE THE DAY TAKES YOU"
Ashton Kutcher plays a penniless Lothario who seduces wealthy women to become a "kept" man. The character he plays is vacuous, egomaniac, and narcissistic,and Ashton knocks it out of the park. SPREAD at its very best is unpredictable. Though the themes and some of the characters may seem familiar the direction they take, and the development of them is refreshingly original. Ann Heitch, another Hollywood insider I don't care for is simply amazing in the role of an exceedingly rich...
Shallow, meaningless, but what a Blu
Some have written about how meaningful and articulate this film is, but once the credits roll it honestly feels like you just watched a soft core take on a few LA hedonists and nothing else.
Ashton and Heche signed on because of the "story" (making of docu) but considering every scene they have together involves the fun stuff, it makes you wonder. Anyway, we watch all of these shallow people muddle through their cons and bed campaigns as Ashton's character narrates his success strategy at this lifestyle, but in the end I really did not care about any of them. Apparently, (the cover art states) our main character is hoping to find something real, but that never happens as we hop from one party, bed conquest and sleepover to the next. But - they found a way to put 7.1 sound on this film - why of all films does this get the sound some strive to hear all year but only get once or twice?
The sound was outstanding. The opening sequence has a helicopter buzz hitting all...
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Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Vol. 2
Same "Pros"! Same "Cons"! Still worth it just for the Episodes!
Batman the Brave and the Bold: Volume Two
(Released November 10, 2009 by Warner Home Video)
Another Looong DVD Review by Joe Torcivia
Sometimes, these reviews just write themselves!
It's especially true when you've written a detailed review for "Volume One" of a series, and little or nothing changes in subsequent volumes. So it is for Batman the Brave and the Bold: Volume Two.
You can read most of the background in my review of Volume One elsewhere at Amazon.
Once upon a time, in the long-ago and far-away "Silver Age of Comic Books" (roughly defined by the 1960s), there was a notable series from DC Comics called The Brave and the Bold. It ran from 1955 thru 1983, and introduced us to the Justice League of America, the Suicide Squad, and the Silver Age version of Hawkman among others. Starting with its 59th issue in 1965, it became the "Batman Team-Up" book, pairing Bats with Green Lantern - followed by virtually every...
More Great Episodes from season 1
this second volum has more great episodes from season one on it. batman is still one of the greatest superheroes.
What I Hoped Saturday Morning Cartoons Would Be As I Approached My Forties . . .
As I find it only fair to the creators to review their work rather than how it's distributed, this is a review of the episodes themselves, not the marketing strategies behind their release. I'll talk more about marketing at reviews end, though, just to give the devil his duee. I have to go ahead and be honest: I love these episodes, but in the context of what I've seen before. Had I never seen Batman: The Animated Series, I'm not sure I'd be so happy with this series. Batman is nearly stoic in this series, always contemplative, often narrating through interior dialog, you know, we hear Batman talking inside his own head. The characters he is teamed with in volume two are, with the exception of one (Kamandi) quite manic and/or full of bravado bordering on manic (B'wana Beast, Green Arrow, Speedy, Guy Gardner); and one other (Deadman) is manic depressive. That being said, these are wonderfully real characters that have just as much (if not more) depth than what you'll see in any...
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SpongeBob SquarePants: Truth or Square
Best Adult Humor of all Spongebob DVDs
Lately the Spongebob DVDs have been less entertaining, but Truth or Square is without a doubt the best Spongebob DVD yet. I am a Patchy fan and Patchy anchors this DVD. The cameos are impressive. You will need to watch it more than once to catch all of the subtle humor. Thanks Nickelodeon for making a DVD that kids and their parents can watch together and both enjoy more than once.
BADDDDD
I do not like this movie at all. When i first saw it on nick for the world premire, i hated it. first they show too much of that dumb patchy the pirate. and the movie is so boring. all that happens is spongebob makes decorations, gets locked in a freezer, and stays in tunnels. and the secrets are so cheezy. i would not recomend getting this movie. i would recomend getting the first spongebob movie, which is 100% better. if you were planning on getting truth or square, i would watch it on nickelodian first.
Bad
As a long time supporter of SpongeBob, I was very excited to see this.
But when I actually saw it, I was shocked.
This was terrible- the jokes weren't funny, the plot was dry, the ending was terrible, and there was WAY too much Patchy The Pirate. All in all, skip this one. Your kids will hate it as much as you will.
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Kim Kardashian: Fit in Your Jeans by Friday - Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt
Don't purchase unless you have a step!
I purchased this dvd knowing that I needed a step to push the moves to an "advanced" level. Well, I got a stairmaster from a resale shop for 3 bucks and began the workout. After the warmout and workout 2, I still was not tired and wanted more! Workout two was not as difficult as I thought it would be. If you have ever taken a step class before, most of the moves performed were quite basic. This dvd is definately not for intermediate and above. This is a great dvd for beginners that want a fu, upbeat workout only!!!!
Good Workout
I am a pretty active person, and this workout really had me sweating! I thought it was really good for those days when you dont have much time to exercise. I would have really liked for it to be a bit longer (I am a sucker for punishment!). A couple of drawbacks; I did not know that you needed a step for this workout, also this workout is pretty fast paced. I do not mind a fast workout, but it was really hard to keep form when they were going fast.
Good but bad camera angles
I bought this DVD because I've worked out to one of her other DVD's and really liked. Yes it's irritating that she doesn't sweat or her hair isn't out of place, but if you honestly thought Kim Kardashian would let you see her look like a hot mess, then you are living in a fantasy world. I thought this was a descent workout and I did get a good workout, my only complaint is the shots of the camera. They are so focused on Kim's face that you miss the steps until they are on the 3rd step or so. I wish they would have focused more on the steps, form and transition instead of showing how cute Kim is. And before you buy any of her DVDs be sure to buy a step. I didn't know I needed one so it's hard to do some of the moves without the step.
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The Ugly Truth (Widescreen Edition)
Battle of the Sexes
"The Ugly Truth" represents something I never thought I'd see: A romantic comedy that both women and men will appreciate. Granted, it probably won't be for the same reasons. Women will like it because underneath it all, it's a fairly typical romantic comedy, the story of Girl Hates Boy, Boy Hates Girl, Boy and Girl Fall in Love Anyway. Men will like it because one of the main characters expresses much of what they think and feel on a daily basis. Everyone will like it because the story is engaging and the characters are not mere cardboard caricatures. You can actually invest in them, and you're able to care about what's going on. What could easily have been a routine date night movie is instead a surprisingly good movie that need not wait until date night. It's also genuinely funny--a bit raunchy, yes, but funny just the same.
Much of the film's success is due to the wonderful onscreen chemistry between Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler. They continuously make us laugh, yet...
very naughty, but extremely nice
this is a very raunchy right to the point film which is extremely hilarious as long as you have a very open mind and are not at all prudish. gerry and katherine play off each other with great ease and are very comfortable in this very funny sex comedy about how men really think about sex and relationships according to mike,gerrys character, against kathys character, who is a very uptight conventional chick. the film is all about their inevitable clashes against their varied opinions on this topic and how they survive working together on a early morning chat show. i thoroughly recommend this film for an extremely comedic time for both men and women. it is not your usual chick flick and most people will be able to connect with this film and its morales, even though they might not want to admit it.
Lots of fun
I really enjoyed this film. Saw it first as a rental and enjoyed it so much I had to buy it. Critics are being very unkind to it and it is ending up on many lists of the worst movies of the year. This really dumfounds me. Out of all the movies out there and all the trash that exists this movie is being picked out as a target. Don't listen to any of them. This sweet, fun comedy is a twist on your standard romantic comedy and is a laugh riot. When I started watching it I thought it was a little crass but I quickly got over that. I was thrilled. A comedy that didn't follow the traditional formula. I found the plot inventive and pretty realistic. Yes, our main character played by Katherine Heigl is beautiful, single and looking for love. But she is looking for Mr. Right and not seeing men for who they really are. She is obsessive, compulsive and definitely speaks her mind. Then we have Gerard Butler who plays a crude man's man with a local cable show who gets a spot on the...
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Maten a Leo Mendez
A movie full of fantastic acting performances
We enjoyed the movie's drama, suspense and comedy although we found the script a bit complicated. The highlight of the movie was undoubtedly the acting, from the performances of Carmen Salinas, Espinosa, to Ernesto Barquet, all of whom lived up to their reputations. But perhaps the best surprise of the production was the performance of the talented actor Horacio Castelo, who demonstrated an incredible ability to assume the personality of his character and display emotion, anger, and adventure with a most natural demeanor. With his performance Mr Castelo should look forward to a long and rewarding career as one of Mexico's most exciting new actors. Finally I found the cinematography very compelling and the camera work was original. A very good movie indeed, recommended for those interested of Mexico's complex cultural and social-economic realities.
Maten a Leo Mendez
In recent years, Mexican cinema has followed quite a curious trend, and one of its fashions is making movies with many plots, with all of them getting connected at the end. Many times these plots are confusing to the very end, and sometimes we are able to figure out what the hell is going on. It's quite a risky enterprise, which always reminds me of Pedro Almodovar's "Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakdown." Following this trend, Mexico succeeded, for example, with "Matando Cabos" and "Nicotina," which were also well-made. The gripping and delightful "Maten a Leo Cruz" can be added to this prestigious list.
The film stars Ernesto Barquet, who plays Leo Mendez, a wrestler who performs in clandestine matches, illegally handled by the mob. He is a decent fellow, who has aspirations of becoming a songwriter and singer, but makes a living performing at these fights, were he is very popular and unbeatable. However, because of many reasons - which comprise the twisted story, and...
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