text
stringlengths 17
32.5k
| label
class label 5
classes |
|---|---|
WHAT THE DUMP & STUPID GARBAGE!!
I cant believe the good director, and the great "Michael bay" they come up with this sloooww a** horror movie as they call it. I was sooo bored of that starring going back and forth with kid, same old paste over and over with cheap scare. Just the whole thing is mess, lame ands AWFUL! Most the strange scenes were in the "theater trailer" so U knew what's going to happen next!. Skip this garbage, NOT wroth it ! C | 12 stars
|
More balanced than the original
In 1997 the movie "Trekkies" caused outrage among many fans that felt that the film put too much emphasis on `extreme' fans to the detriment of all Star Trek fans. "Trekkies 2" provides a broader and more balanced look at fandom and it's lots of fun to watch. Sure the film introduces us to even more people who had me shaking my head in wonder but it also provides a fascinating look at the multicultural diversity within Star Trek fandom as the filmmakers travel around the world."Trekkies" focused on fans in the United States but as you watch "Trekkies 2" you get to globetrot with the filmmakers as they film at conventions in Europe, South America and Australia. The United States isn't neglected though and one of the things that director Roger Nygard choose to do is to revisit some memorable characters from "Trekkies" and see not only what they currently up to, but how appearing in "Trekkies" affected their lives. The memorable Gabriel Koerner, who is now in his early twenties with a wife and a successful career as a special effects modeler, took a lot of grief for his appearance but you can't help but admire his confidence. (Koerner did the opening graphics for the film.) `The Commander', Barbara Adams is back as well.One of the most amusing segments is the chapter on Star Trek themed bands whose music will be featured on the upcoming "Trekkies 2" soundtrack CD (due out Oct. 5th). Those bands are just as diverse as the fans themselves and play different styles of music but the one thing they all have in common is that they don't take themselves too seriously.Among the actors who comment on fandom in "Trekkies 2" are Nana Visitor, Cirroc Lofton and Casey Biggs from Deep Space Nine. Ethan Phillips is the lone Voyager regular but the cast of Enterprise is well represented with Vaughn Armstrong, Dominic Keating, John Billingsley and Connor Trinneer.This film has a much sleeker look than it's predecessor and the special features include almost an hour of deleted footage. Too bad some of this wasn't included instead of all the fan film stuff, my one grumble with this film was that it has too much about fan films. There is also an optional commentary track that features director Roger Nygard, Denise Crosby and producer Michael Leahy."Trekkies 2" is so fun and entertaining to watch because of the quirky and interesting personalities and individuals it allows us to meet. It's a shame that the more extreme is what some people will focus on and remember but that isn't what really stood out for me. What did stand out was the theme of acceptance and hope that those interviewed projected so well. One fans comments about Star Trek fans being like a big family sums it up perfectly, "Every family has the nutty Uncle you know. We just have a few more." | 34 stars
|
Awesome
Once again after dark films makes another great low budget movie. this one has to be the best out of series one. i really liked this one the most. this movie was freakin' awesome. i love these kind of movies. if you have not seen this movie then i recommend you do | 45 stars
|
Too Many Cliches. Not Impressed...
I'm generally a supporter of Tyler Perry productions. That being, the plays, and the TV shows. The movies for some reason never do it for me. Why Did I Get Married was not bad. The sequel for me, failed miserably. For one the intense comic relief along with the supercharged drama doesn't blend well for me (i.e. Madea Goes to Jail - the movie) The plot was all too predictable, ex wants the ex back, hubby and wife aren't happy, they argue and tragically one dies..meehhhh.... oh, let's not mention, one has cancer and it's not addressed at all other than when it's mentioned..It just seemed like a mash up of a bunch of recycled movie plots, all put together crudely. Hmm, just didn't sit well with me at all. Sorry. | 12 stars
|
A GREAT RETURN FOR JAMIE!!!
H20 has been slammed by so many people. Probably becuase they were excpecting it to be as good as the first. Of course it's not, but still is good. IT was great to see Jamie Lee Curtis back in horror after 15 years. They really made a good part for her and she still has her ability to be the rightful Scream Queen. The movie did ignore parts 4-6, but that was intentionally done to focus on Laurie Strode. It would take hours to fully explain what has been going on over 20 years. The movie has(as always) a great story line, and the actors where very good. It really captivates Lauries life after 20 years including flashbacks to the closet sceene in part 1. Rent this movie, it's very good and you should like it. But don't watchit excpecting something like the first, cause the you will be dissapointed. But it's entertaining and scary at several parts and Micheal still proves he's the man!!! And again Jami Lee Curtis is still hot at 40 and busted down all the pretenders to her "Scream Queen" Throne with this one!!! | 34 stars
|
I have to give this show 5 stars...it's that good!
So far I have watched only season 1 of Lark Rise to Candleford. At first I was somewhat hesitant, because my first impression was that this was going to be just a British "Ann of Green Gables." Once I watched the first few episodes though, I found myself truly enjoying this show.This is a BBC production, and is a period piece set in an out of the way corner of England someplace. Lark Rise is a small hamlet where tenant farmers and workers live their poor, day-to-day lives doing day labor or whatever they can to get by. The land is owned by the local squire, and he sees it as his duty to watch over and protect his people. Candleford is the local market town. People in Candleford consider themselves to be socially higher than those of Lark Rise, though their paths pass on a regular basis.The main story involves a young girl from Lark Rise who goes into a sort of appreticeship with the post mistress in Candleford. At first life in town is new and hard for her, but in time she finds her place. The post mistress is a woman who is wise and kind, with a spark of life that is easy to see. You will meet all the people who work for and with her in the post office, as well as other people in both Candleford and Lark Rise. I actually found myself liking most of the people in the story, and wondering about what was going to happen next.As one would expect, the BBC has done a fantastic job with casting, costuming, the script, acting, and story development. My family and I look forward to moving on to the other seasons of this fine show.5 solid stars! | 45 stars
|
Uneven but fun to watch.
Overall premise is a compelling what-if scenario. Worthy of a second season. Am very interested in the continuing reveal of back stories of the principle characters. | 34 stars
|
Just got bit
I'm Gunna bite you then stretch you. Mmmm I love being a zombie havin a tv show finally puts us in the spot light | 45 stars
|
Great film
This film got rave reviews from the New York Times, The LA Times, and The Wall Street Journal, but many reviewers from "the fly-over states" didn't seem to understand it. I thought it was brilliant. The actors are at their best, and the script is lively and original. It's more about characters than plot, and the marketing seemed to try to make it out to be a broad comedy--which it isn't. If you like intimate and funny movies, this is for you. If you want set-piece after set-piece and no real characters, this isn't for you. | 45 stars
|
A nice package...
This looks like an incredible package, and might, like the Twilight Zone Definitive Editions, become "the" set to have for Star Trek Fans - but the price, which has been cited in reviews, is definately a bit steep - I spent two birthdays and a Christmas getting the $124.99 sets in Standard Definiton only to watch the retail on all 3 drop the following year to half the price I was gifted for.At Amazon's discount price, it's definately THE way to buy the set. I've seen some of the remastered episodes as well and they're definately neat to watch.But at full price? I'd wait. | 23 stars
|
Hating John Malkovich
I wanted to like this film. Aww heck, I wanted to love it. I'm a big fan of black comedies in general. I've followed Spike Jonze's career for years, John Cusack is one of my favourite actors and Cameron Diaz... Well let's just say that my feelings towards Cameron Diaz are pretty much the same as every other hetrosexual male's. So this should have been a slam dunk. I liked the concept of the film (whatever else you think of it, you must give it kudos for its originality), the reviews were glowing. I was receptive, pumped and I was primed.Then I saw the film...And I did hate it with every fibre of my being.There was not a single character I felt any affinity to. I found the situations contrived and pointless. The ideas explored were either bland or annoying. Being John Malkovich left me with a general feeling of sliminess. I felt dirty. The acting was over the top and all I was left with was an uncomfortable desire to slap everyone involved.Was my reaction a little extreme? Perhaps, but don't let it get you down; I'm clearly in the minority here. People love this film. They go on and on about it, so if I've missed the point, well, my opinions are hardly going to drown out the true believers. But what if I'm right and they're the ones who are wrong? What if there are good, film-loving folks out there who are just embarassed to admit they don't get it? What if, as I suspect is true, there are vast hordes of BEING JOHN MALKOVICH haters out there, just waiting for someone to tell them that it's OK not to like this film?Rise up, Rise Up! You have nothing to lose but your pretensions!Its true, the Emperor has no clothes! | 01 star
|
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE !
Absolutely incredible dancing -- soulful. A bit fragmented at the beginning. Most viewers would benefit from more dialog rather than relying on movement to tell the story. If one is not a ballet dancer, he cannot grasp the artistic excellence of this film without viewing "Behind the Scenes" under "Special Features". Make sure you watch this FIRST so that you can appreciate the film. Then you will understand the story, characters, expertise, quality, depth and effort that went into this amazing project. | 34 stars
|
Great Moive
The "Occupy" groups could take a lesson from this movie. Great history lesson. Hard to think these people paved the way for so many others. | 45 stars
|
Always check both sides
I just attended a global warming debate staged by the Spectator in London, England, a professor from Austrailia came over to show the scientific evidence against man mad global warming. The UK "expert" who was supposed to debate him refused to attend to argue his case,low and behold there wasn't a single "expert " in the whole of the UK who was willing to come and argue the case for man amde global warming.It's all well an good making bogus propaganda videos and pumping the schools and media full of lies, but when it comes down to discusing the real science there seems to be few decievers who are willing to stand up to scruitiny. | 01 star
|
Harry Potter Collection - A Harry Must
This is a great set. I really enjoyed the series and anyone would likes these will enjoy buying the set. It's also very space saving. The discs are slim and fit nicely in the collection box which saves a lot of room instead of the individual discs which are bigger and take up a lot of space. I also like the design. | 45 stars
|
Just Right
I love this movie. That's all I can really say, the story line the actors, watching Common with his fine sexy self. This movie in my opinion is right up there with Queen's other cute movie Last Holiday. I loved that one too. | 45 stars
|
Great Movie, but not original
This was a great movie, especially when compared with most movies of the 21st Century, but it was not an original concept. I saw a very similar film years ago, whic was titled Internal Affairs. The plot was almost identical. I loved both movies, but I felt the acting was superior in this modern adaptation. | 34 stars
|
Funny and heartfelt comedy
While I don't usually go for modern, mainstream Hollywood comedy - it often feels too familiar and too obvious - this really worked for me.Funny and sweet, 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' film starts from a high concept premise, but adds heart and soul, along with a bunchof laugh-out-loud moments. The acting and writing, even in the small character roles, is excellent.A side note; I saw the 133 min unrated version and loved it, but many film savvy friends who have seen both actually feel this R-rated117 minute version actually flows better, and keeps a better pace.The blu-ray is a nice step up from the DVD, but this film isn't about the visuals, so if you're happy with yourDVD copy there's no big ned to double-dip. | 45 stars
|
great
Well the 1st movie just sucked, the 2nd one redemed the 1st one, and the 3rd one puts both to shame. I did not figure it could be better than the 2nd which was incredible, but damn was I suprised.However I must admit there some weak areas (when Inuyahsa's father says he has nothing left to teach him, he never did jack, others too). But of the Inuyasha movies, this one was the best. | 45 stars
|
Terrific Performance by Emma Thompson
When you break it down, life comes in stages; not just stages of development, but stages that can last for a moment, an hour, a day-- or indefinitely. And they come unbidden and unannounced, like an uninvited guest that drops by and burrows into your very soul to ferret out the deepest hopes, dreams, needs and desires which-- consciously or subconsciously-- are a part of everyone who draws a breath upon the planet. In spring, that guest may bring the joy of rebirth and life; in winter, it may bring a reflection of need and confusion, a feeling of loneliness and loss, the desperation of uncertainty or even despair, all born in that seemingly endless moment of searching and seeking out that elusive and intangible something that lies ahead, just out of reach. The winter guest you can neither refuse nor turn away that is desolation of spirit; a visitor to whom we are introduced in "The Winter Guest," directed by Alan Rickman.It's an especially cold February in a small village on the coast of Scotland; even the ocean is frozen for as far as the eye can see. And in the harsh wind that blows in from that frozen sea, we find Frances (Emma Thompson), a woman who has lost her husband, and visited by the winter of indecision is held fast in her confusion, unable to move on with her life. There to help her find the warmth of spring is Elspeth (Phyllida Law), her mother, who needs Frances as much as Frances needs her, though neither can find a way to break through the chill that has engulfed their souls. Then there is Alex (Gary Hollywood), Frances's son, still in school, but on the brink of maturity awaiting on the other side of his own winter, a taste of which he samples in the form of Nita (Arlene Cockburn), a local girl who takes a fancy to him.Before it's through, the winter guest will visit others, as well; those in every stage of life. At one end of the spectrum are Lily and Chloe (Sheila Reid and Sandra Voe), elderly friends who seem to stave off the inevitable by attending funerals. At the other end are Sam and Tom (Douglas Murphy and Sean Biggerstaff), boys on the cusp of adolescence, who during their visit will learn that being of a like age does not put them at the same stage of life. And as the story unfolds, in each relationship a different stage of life is revealed and examined, and we see the effects of this winter guest on each.Written by Rickman and Sharman Macdonald (adapted from Macdonald's play), this film is a study in contrasts, a pensive portraiture of life; sparse and reflective, Rickman captures in it the human condition at it's most fragile, and therein finds beauty. He uses the original music (written and performed by Michael Kamen) sparingly, opting instead for the sound of the wind, the cry of the gulls overhead or just a backdrop of silence to underscore the dialogue and the drama of the story, all to great effectiveness. By so doing, he allows the drama to speak for itself, to play out thoughtfully and in such a way that the audience is drawn in and included, very reminiscent of Ingmar Bergman's style, though perhaps a bit more wistful at times. And Rickman allows so many wonderfully telling moments in this film: The young boy, Tom, looking out at the vast frozen ocean that seemingly extends on and on forever, as if he is looking out upon his own life, which even now is extending on ahead of him, forever; or Frances, looking out upon that same ocean, a frozen sea reaching out into the unknown, even as her own life is moving on toward an unknown destination; Sam, the same age as Tom, yet younger, watching from the shore, not yet ready and therefore unable to follow as Tom ventures out into the mists that cover the frozen waters. And there's more: Alex and Nita embracing their passion; Chloe, falling and grabbing hold of a railing for support, then finally reaching out to Lily; Elspeth and Tom, sitting together on a rock and sharing a moment at the shore; Frances taking Elspeth by the arm and helping her. All moments that are profound in their simplicity, and all wonderfully presented by Rickman, with not only the eye, but the heart, of a true artist.Phyllida Law gives an especially engaging performance as Elspeth, as does Voe as Chloe; and Biggerstaff and Murphy are a delight to watch as Tom and Sam. But the lovely Emma Thompson steals the show as Frances, with a superb, introspective and reserved performance that is entirely captivating. She successfully conveys that deepest yearning that so readily identifies the winter into which Frances has entered in her soul, and her scenes with Law (her real life mother) are a subtle expression of reality, and a joy to behold. But again, it's the prolonged moments of silence--created and staged so well by Rickman-- that are beguiling, and say so much about who Frances really is. it's such a treat to find a film in which the director is wise enough and so willing to allow enough time for his performer to do what she does best-- as Rickman did with Thompson here-- the positive impact of which is certainly evident in the depth of Thompson's portrayal of Frances.The supporting cast includes Tom Watson (Minister) and Alan Rickman (Man in the Street). Rickman found beauty in the bleak, frozen landscape of that small, Scottish village, then translated it so well into a representation of those troubling and disorienting transitional periods that can visit us at any given stage of our lives. And, combined with his artistic eye and insight into human nature, it makes "The Winter Guest" a film to be embraced and cherished. It's an experience you'll long remember. | 45 stars
|
this is the best movie
I saw this movie when it was in the theaters and I fell in love with it. I have always been a big fan of the slasher movies and this one is the best one I've seen so far. When I was younger my mom never let me watch things like this and now that I'm older, I take advantage of it. I've seen about every teen slasher film or any movie like them but "VALINTINE" is the best one I've seen!I higly recomend this movie to anyone who liked the "SCREAM TRILOGY","I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER", and "URBAN LEGEND" | 45 stars
|
Still a great show, and looking to watch season 4.
This is one great fun show. I think Sky needs to go. She is good looking bad news. She will take him down. He needs to just give her some big money, and then move on. See the kids every other weekend. And get someone new. She is doing her boss anyway. It's time to end it with her, are get back with her. Not this bit like it is.It will be fun to see what happens in season (4). I do wish they would do more then just 13 a season. maybe 20 are so. More Drugs.. Ha! ha! ha! | 45 stars
|
True Loves Never Dies in the Hilarious "My Boyfriend's Back"
Growing up I would classify myself as a "pure" slasher fan. I didn't enjoy comedy mixed with my horror as I found that more often than not it diluted the effectiveness of the scares. That's not to say that I didn't ever enjoy the comedy-horror subgenre. "Night of the Creeps" and "Return of the Living Dead" were two of my favorites from the subgenre growing up. Maybe it has something to do with zombies. I never was able to take them very seriously so they seemed to mix well into the comedy format for me. All of this brings me to one of my favorite horror-comedies from the early 90's, the sorely underrated "My Boyfriend's Back." Hilarious from beginning to end with some of the driest dark humor to come out of the 90's, the film was a box office bomb on initial release making less than $4 million on a budget of $10 million. With an all star cast (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Matthew McConaughey, Renée Zellweger, and Matthew Fox all appear in small roles) let's dig into this film that deserved to be a hit.The film starts in a flashback as we meet the young Johnny Dingle at the age of 6, he has been in love with beautiful Missy McCloud for as long as he can possibly remember. For a 6 year old, this is a very, very long time. It is Missy's birthday and he plans to give her a heart shaped locket with the pictures of the two of them enclosed. This is the day where he finally is going to get up the courage to tell her how he feels. What do you know...he chickens out and keeps the locket safely tucked away in his bedroom closet. Someday will be the day, right?We flash forward ten years to high school where Johnny is still in love with the still beautiful Missy but Missy has a boyfriend: the typical jerk jock boyfriend played with swarmy perfection by Matthew Fox. Johnny finds out through the grapevine that the two have recently broken up so he decides to make his movie in the most drastic way possible. She works at a convenience store and he plans to have his friend Eddie "rob" the place while he heroically saves her. She will fall madly in love with him and they will live happily ever after. The plan doesn't go well and Johnny dies right after Missy says she will go to the prom with him. What's a guy to do? Come back from the dead for his girl of course.This results in some of the most delicious dark comedy I've ever seen in a wide release horror comedy as the town doesn't seem to react much to the fact that Johnny has come back from the dead (well, besides the ones that want to burn him at the stake but...). With a game cast and some off the wall humor, it just puts a smile on my face. I hope it also puts a smile on yours. | 45 stars
|
Innacurate but still good
I like the whole topic of the movie about the persona of rich and poor and the way its formed in the persepective of a teenager but I couldn't help but notice a certain innacuracy about the film. Finn said that his father worked with a tribe in South Africa when those natives looked like they were asian. It was clear to me when the native guy who appeared in Finn's dreams was speaking tagalog, I'm filipino so I would have noticed. Plus the natives they were watching in the video didn't even look black, just saying. Well other than that the movie was good, I love Chris Evans he's a cutie but it's sad he played the jerk in this movie. He played a lot of jerky roles before captain America :( | 23 stars
|
Better than medicine!
My husband and I love this show! He has a life-threatening illness and as many of us know, laughter is great! This fills the prescription. | 45 stars
|
Thin Plot, but Often Funny, with Great Cast!
Robert Luketic's spy comedy, "Killers", was pretty effectively vilified by critics when released, and quickly forgotten when Tom Cruise's similarly-themed, better-receivedKnight and Daywas released, three weeks later, but despite it's flaws, there are redeeming features to the film...First and foremost, is the cast. Katherine Heigl is one of the screen's great treasures, a beautiful, genuinely funny actress who can make you laugh and still care about her characters. As a recently jilted, slightly geeky young woman on vacation in Nice, with her overly-protective, mismatched parents (straight-arrow Tom Selleck and tipsy Catherine O'Hara, both terrific), she combines jaded self-depreciation with an almost desperate hope for a 'Prince Charming' to appear. Enter hunky (if miscast) Ashton Kutcher, who is introduced at the start of the film as a successful agent/assassin. He is the best, but increasingly disenchanted with his line of work, dreaming of a 'normal life'...so, naturally, when he and Heigl meet, in a hotel elevator, sparks fly. Their courtship in the south of France (still as magically beautiful a place as in the days of Cary Grant and Grace Kelly), interspersed with his last assignment, is quite effective, with terrific, slyly funny dialogue. Without revealing his past, Kutcher and Heigl marry...Jump ahead three years, and the couple are living an idyllic, 'Ozzie and Harriet'-style existence in a Southern suburb, with good jobs, and a large circle of friends. Then Kutcher's ex-boss (legendary comic actor Martin Mull) calls with an assignment...and suddenly, nearly everybody is trying to kill Kutcher, as he has a multi-million dollar bounty on his head...and Heigl, at last, learns his dark secret (and reveals a not-so-dark one of her own)...with the film sliding into a frenetic, frequently illogical slapstick comedy/chase adventure.While the silly, yet occasionally brutal fights throws the film's initial charm off-kilter, Heigl still manages to keep the story watchable, and the climactic revelations, while not terribly surprising, are played with humor and panache by the four leads.The special features are also entertaining, especially the 'Making Of' featurette (Heigl is as funny off-camera, as on), and the gag reel (offering more laughs than the film!)Ignore the critics..."Killers" won't win awards, but will bring some smiles! | 34 stars
|
The story of Herschel and Zerelda
The late Dudley Moore's film career was starting to strengthen in the late 1970's,starting with a supporting role in 1978's FOUL PLAY,then co-starring with Bo Derek in "10" the following year. However,this film was a box office disappointment despite the all-star cast. Moore is Harvey Orkin,a language professor at a New York college. Harvey is taking a trip to Jerusalem's Holy Land to recover from the break-up with his live-in girlfriend. Sitting next to Harvey on the bus is Zoey(Laraine Newman,late of TV's Saturday Night Live). Zoey introduces herself as "Zoey from Los Angeles"(Newman is a Los Angeles native). The Pilgrimage Tours bus is driven by an Israeli named Mohammed. When the bus stops and the passengers get off,Zoey's hat is blown by the wind off her head. She discovers a scroll which Harvey reads(obviously what was written on it was not in English). Moore and Newman play dual roles. Their respective others are Herschel and Zerelda. The biblical story begins with infant Herschel being set afloat upon the River Nile,taken into custody by an African-American woman. The late James Coco plays Herschel's father who works at Herschel's business,Semut & Sons. Herschel and Zerelda fall and love and get married. Their wedding gift from Zerelda's father is a tent(their own home). Zerelda and her six sisters are all talented dancers,according to the girls' father(Richard B. Shull). The all-star cast includes Dom DeLuise,the late Madeline Kahn,the late John Ritter as a devil and Richard Pryor as the Pharoah. The Pharoah,when he was a young kid,first met Herschel thus labeling him "Stargazer". Jeffrey Jacquet plays the young Pharoah. Zerelda is turned into a pillar of salt(that's how death occurs in Egypt). In a later scene the adult Pharoah sentences Herschel to the dungeon. When the story ends,Zoey and Zerelda,along with the other passengers re-board the bus and the end credits roll. Newman was still on SNL when this film was made. It was directed by her friend Gary Weis. Some of Weis's short films appeared in some SNL episodes that were filmed in L.A. featuring Newman. | 45 stars
|
Astounding
I loved this movie so much! It has motivated me to become an organic raw vegan. It's definetly an eye-opener. If you have common sense you will watch this movie. | 45 stars
|
Great Movie!
I love movies based on real things that have happened and this movie is great! I watch it often! Nicole Kidman & Hugh Jackman play great roles. | 45 stars
|
Shadows in the Sun
Having never heard of this little gem of a movie, I watches it in on flight and was completely captivated by it as a whole. Although the plot was somewhat predictable, I did not find the characters a cliche. Americans sometimes think that depicting women in patient or nurturing roles is politically incorrect. Having just returned from an extended trip to Italy myself, I found the women to be amazingly thoughtful, sensual, and yes, full of scrap and spirit. The feminine spirit can do amzing things to nurture and tend others and I applaud this movie for daring to portray it.I found the women in this movie the true support behind the journies of the "main" characters. I also enjoyed the evolving relationship between the older writer and the younger publisher. As the relationships took on meaning for both characters, their commitment to each others well fare grew. They were both passionately devoted and stuck around for the natural out-come. The final scene was somewhat predictable (we knew the girl would get the guy) and yet it seemed the only correct ending. My faith in mankind, my passion for relationships and the creative spirit were rekindled. This movie has it all; death, excentic artists, love, romance, anger, depression, etc,,, I loved it. | 45 stars
|
So-So Kid's Fodder....
I was disappointed with this show, especially the ending. There didn't seem to be a point to the story. Sure, Babe was cute, and it is kind of sweet to see the animals talk, but I don't think this movie would hold much interest to those over 10. If you want a really fantastic pig movie, watch Charlotte's Web. | 12 stars
|
Great routines
I love the matrix menu function. It allows me to customize my routine depending on my mood of the day. | 45 stars
|
Flesh Texas Review
This movie is a very very low budget movie. I almost laughed when I saw how bad the make-up was on the mentally handicapped son. The ending was anti-climatic. A horrible acted, directed and written lackluster film. I am curious why they even made this movie. | 01 star
|
OK, but... the movies are cut!
I have heard that Motel Hell is cut the (Brain Spoon part) is missing! And with Deranged Also Known As: Deranged: Confessions of a Necrophile(1974) has a real Runtime of 84 min in the UK, in the USA it was cut! I have a vhs copy that is longer than the USA version with more gore! So watch out for these dvds, To bad MGM did not go the extra mile...oh well | 12 stars
|
24: Season 7 Non-stop Action
This series is non-stop action from the first episode until the final minute on the last disc. Everything one expects from 24 is incorporated into this season. If you like action and suspense with constant twists and turns, this series is for you. To add to my collection, I purchased the seventh season and I am completely satisfied. | 45 stars
|
breaking bad: four seasons
excellent acting (jesse my favorite)facinating and authentic storieslove the musicskilled and talented people involved in thisdisturbing, funny | 45 stars
|
HE'S A BEAR!!
THE GANG IS ITCHING FOR THE COLD, WINTERY SNOW TO WITHDRAW, SO THEY INTEND TO CAUSE JANE & BRAD TO FIGHT TO HURRY ALONG SPRING . . . MAX IS IN BEAR MODE!! | 45 stars
|
Women ARE superior . . .
The beauty of this show is that it is so in line with the modern world. As humans get closer to cloning we get further from the need to put up with men. No more bald heads snoring beside us. No more Bushes dreaming of emasculating the Middle East. Apart from our plumbing and custodial needs, men are more or less superfluous. This is something that Michel Houellebecq understands (see "The Elementary Particles"). And so does Russell David Harper. His novel/memoir "Bald" is narrated by a man who meditates wisely on his predicament. At one point he even fantasizes about becoming a woman--clearly the only way to live in the modern world. But in the end he cannot: he is stuck being "bald" (from Middle English, "balled"). | 45 stars
|
Those are not some boring series
I thought the series would be disappointing, judging from the trailer. But the CGI, plot, acting was all done very well. One thing I hate about season 1, is that it on 10th episode it left me hanging with questions. I finished watching the whole season 1 without ever switching for another movie. I guess that must speak for the quality and level of interest of these series. Waiting for season 2! | 34 stars
|
Not Cutting Edge, But Good Enough
Difficult to find clarity of picture and sound in a DVD remastered from a Paleolithic movie, but this one's better than anything else of its age on the market. Clear enough to still bring tears.... | 34 stars
|
Decent thriller that tries a bit too hard
"The Recruit" is a decent spy thriller about an up-and-coming CIA agent (Colin Farrell) being mentored by an old veteran (Al Pacino) in the ways of being a spy. This movie packs in the plot twists, deceptions and misinformation, often leaving the audience as much in the dark as the characters. At times it seems like it almost tries a little TOO hard to be edgy and warped, with more twists than really seem necessary. It's kind of like taking a good stew and throwing in more ingredients than you really need, deadening the taste.Still, if you can put that past you, it's a pretty exciting movie, a decent action flick, and it really shows off the talents of Pacino and Farrel, who were both made to play the roles they've taken on. Definitely worth a rental, and even worth buying if you're really into spy movies that are a bit more realistic than James Bond. | 34 stars
|
Very well done
I was really surprised at what a great movie this was. Not necessarily in my genre but was really compelled and didn't want it to end. | 45 stars
|
manticore
this movie is awesome it has lots of gore,lots ofcreature violence,and lots of action-packed adventurealso it takes place in Iraq.this movie is cool. | 45 stars
|
Half and half
I rented holiday in the Sun like any other girl in high school would do over spring break. Okay, just kidding, but I am sure that many people secretly watch these videos and secretly like them, even at my age. In the case of holiday in the Sun, i am at a crossroads. I definitely liked this one better than Winning London. winning london had a good plot line, but I typically enjoy movies shot in sunny, happy locations, i.e. Australia or Bahamas, as opposed to foggy, dreary London--no offense to London--I would like to visit London myself! :) As I was saying (or is it typing?), Holiday in the Sun is stupid yet fun anyway. I enjoyed a few of the songs, okay, okay, I know you are tired of hearing this one, but I did like the twin's clothes, and i liked Scott; he was funny and cute. He said some pretty humorous things, and I thought it was cool how the girls talked about famous old sayings. But the rest was dumb. thats all I can say. Superficial, unrealistic, and well, not to be redundant, but dumb. I say, go out and rent the movie and judge it for yourself. have fun. | 23 stars
|
Paddy the Irishman
It was sad to witness Liam Clancy as a caricature of the drunken Irishman.His contribution was a negative. | 34 stars
|
Brilliant! Fanny Price was brilliant!
I konw the filming isn't that good but the acting is brilliant . Mrs. Norris played the part very well and made you really hate her. I think that all the people that think that it is pathetic, are pathetic. They just think that the acting is bad because the actors have never been in the latest movies so they must be bad.I think it deserves to have five stars | 45 stars
|
More than meets the eye (candy)
I saw that this series had just one review, and it wasn't a great one. So I had to chip in. I watched this on Netflix before getting Amzn prime. Really enjoyed it. Sure, it's no 24, Lost, or even Prison Break. BUT it's only a half-step below. Nikita is fairly well written, decent action sequences, got some atmosphere and suspense AND you can view it HD on Amazon. Wish I had waited! | 34 stars
|
One of the most powerful movies of all time
This movie has the power to completely bowl me over every single time I see it. | 45 stars
|
very forgettable..
This seems to be the most forgettable movie I have ever seen. And this is backed up by having friends who have also watched this movie, and everybody I know, could barely recall a single scene from the whole movie. It's quite a feat. I don't know how that is even possible. One thing that I do remember and want to mention is that Jackie Earl Haley, who has delivered good performances in the past, seems lifeless, and uninspired. He never seems liek athreat, but most of the time looks like alittle kid dressed up for halloween, with a hat and glove that seem comically large to his small frame. It might just be the worst remake I've seen yet. | 01 star
|
Take the Root Canal...
There's about two hours that I'll never get back. It was painful to watch and never seemed to end. Watching paint dry or grass grow would have been as beneficial. Not sure why that story was ever turned into a movie. | 01 star
|
A good war movie
I truely enjoyed this film. For the first hour and thirty minuets I thought it was about one thing only to find out that the introduction and complication were merely subterfuge. It was cleverly composed and very well acted. And Bruce Willis is one of my favorite actors. | 34 stars
|
Danny Trejo!
I could watch Danny Trejo read the phone book. That's how big a fan of his I am. This film will only make you appreciate him more. He is the true BAD ASS because he actually spent time in jail for manslaughter! | 45 stars
|
Flashback to the past!
I was SO excited to find this on the Amazon instant video marketplace. I watched this show when I was younger and I bought this season for my kids to watch the week of Halloween. Oh they were totally creeped out and wanted to watch more. (but not in the dark!) | 45 stars
|
Stands Alone
You don't have to be a big fan of BSG to enjoy this series. I myself am not and I was pulled into the storyline. The drama is literally set off with a terrorist bombing and in the aftermath the characters confront the role that technology, religion and culture play in their lives. As with some characters on the show you will find yourself swept into the "life" in V-World. The best part of the show evolves around that. The only downside to Caprica is the character of Sister Clarice. The upside is that you can fast forward the dvd through her scenes. | 34 stars
|
Kind of a mix of Hammer and Jean Rollin
A pair of bisexual women (Marianne Morris and Playboy playmate Anulka) living in a dark, decaying mansion have a craving for blood and sex. Hitchiking in long black cloaks, they lure men home and then take them to bed, slash them with knives, and dump the bodies, making it look like a car wreck. They like one guy so much they keep him around for days and he knows something bad is happening, but he's not sure what. Some people camping nearby also suspect that the women are up to strange things.... The violence is strong even though there's more blood than gore, plenty of sex and nudity, and some very lyrical, beautiful scenes. The ending throws a whole new, darker twist on the proceedings and ties it all together nicely. It has kind of a "Hammer Films" look to it, but the storyline is more along the lines of Jean Rollin. Even though the budget was small, this is a quality-looking film. The DVD looks great and contains a commentary track with producer Brian Smedley-Aston and director Joseph Larraz that's worth listening to - it's informative, and Larraz is hilarious and pulls no punches - ya gotta love the guy, even though he admits he's become a dirty old man (the comment during one of Anulka's nude scenes had me rolling on the floor). :) It's one of the most entertaining commentary tracks I've heard on a DVD, and a quality film besides. | 34 stars
|
Great!
This show is awesome! It made me want to start learing ASL, which I did and find this language so intuitive and beautiful. This show really does explore into the deaf culture, which is something that hearing people (unless they have someone deaf they know) never think about or know about. | 45 stars
|
Stupid, stupid , stupid
Stupid, stupid, stupid. Did I mention that this movie was stupid? If you are under 12 you will probably like this movie if not then forget it! Without a doubt this was one of the worst movies ever made (you can add Krull and Hercules to the list too). The acting (if you can call it that) was horrible and overplayed like I've never seen. The two main bad guys (Profion and blue lips) were way over dramatic with every sentence. It was horrible to watch and hear. The two main heroes (thief 1 and thief sidekick) were no better. Why did they have to act so silly the entire time, giggling and screaming like two little girls everytime they encountered problems. I was actually relieved when the sidekick thief got killed. The story made little sense and left many questions unanswered. Why did blue lips have blue lips? Why did blue lips take the mage-girl back to some castle somewhere instead of to Profion? If the princess was not going to surrender her scepter, then why did they need the 'rod of seville' or whatever it was called? And what was that crap at the end? Where did they go? Why? [...] | 01 star
|
Awesome
This movie was wonderful. Dean Cain should have won an award for this one. It's a true story, not just based on a true story. It was great hearing the real family interviews on the special features. People need to see this one. Make sure you have a lot of tissues when you watch it, it's a tear jerker. | 45 stars
|
Like giving poisoned candy to a baby ~ Awesome horror anthology
Michael Dougherty convinced me he should just stick with horror from now on. This ultra-slick, fast-paced, witty, original and funny anthology (with a twist, the stories and wrap-around are interwoven) is the best Halloween-themed film since John Carpenter's 1978 masterpiece but in the tradition of King/Romero's CREEPSHOW and TALES FROM THE CRYPT. Rocked by a hot soundtrack and backed by a twisted and smart script, exquisite art direction by Tony Wohlgemuth and lush visuals by cinematographer Glenn MacPherson (2008's Rambo, Final Destination) this is several stories that include ~ A high school principal moonlights as a killer; a bullied girl and victim of a cold prank gets the last laugh; an old hermit is visited by a unique trick or treater (I dubbed Jack O' Lantern); and, my favorite, a college virgin is stalked by a masked man while at a Halloween bonfire...which may not be a bad thing for her after all.Did I mention we get to see the fat kid from BAD SANTA again? TRICK R' TREAT brings back the classic horror anthology with true originality, fresh humor, and wit. I have to give it 5 stars. | 45 stars
|
Awesome
Hard janra to pull off, but these guys have done it with gusto! Definitely worth the price if you're a fan of good fantasy stories | 45 stars
|
One of my all time favorites
Not only extremely entertaining, but an important lesson in life. You owe it to yourself to watch this movie. If you have kids, every time they watch it (instead of ??? cartoons) they will be becoming better persons. | 45 stars
|
sick !!
this is a good DVD for those who want a precise lesson on the history of bboyin' and hip hop in general. this brought back so many memories from when i was in middle school, back in the early 80's. i remember carrying linoleum sheets on the bus going to pier 39 in frisco. for all you youngin's out there claimin' to be old skool, watch this DVD and it will show you how much you really know. | 45 stars
|
A modern ghost tale with a marvelous story line 4 1/2 stars.
This review may be a bit of a spoiler but since it takes half the movie to find out what's going on it may help those with less patience than I have.A woman who owns a restaurant and her husband the architect buy an abandoned brothel to turn into a bed and breakfast, but the husband commits suicide in the bath. The wife enters the bath just as Death who she refers to as "Thief" is leaving. She seduces Death in the hopes of regaining her husband. She fails.Unable to deal with being Death's mistress she flees to the brothel, and tries to rebuild her life. Upon finding a locked chest in the attic she opens it and awakens the ghosts of the brothel. The experiences she had with Death allow her to interact with the ghosts of the Brothel, who are a diverse group with whom she feels a bond. Through the ghosts help she learns lessons about herself, her dreams, and her life.Death pursues her to the Brothel where he tries to reclaim her, but in the end he releases her and helps her to come to terms with her husbands death.This movie starts a bit slowly and is a bit confusing until about halfway through, but the plot resolves solidly. The movie is filled with images and symbolism that allow the viewers hints as to what is really going on as well. The acting is superb all around and the characters do a wonderful job drawing you into the story.Warning-There are several sexual situations as well as nudity, but the movie is named Brothel...so what did you expect :) | 34 stars
|
A pleasant surprise for me....
Nothing much to add, as most reviewers have pointed out how "Stealing Home" came to touch our hearts in some way or another. Yet I want to express some of my feelings after watching this movie once again, this time on DVD. 1. The DVD itself kind of let me down due to its lack of so many features I'd expected (commentaries, producer's notes, deleted scenes etc...) Hopefully Warner Bros. will release a special or collector's edition to make up for that. 2. I may be wrong, but "Stealing Home" obviously tends to become a "classic" -- in the sense that it brings up a lot of memories or nostalgic sentiments to the viewer, just like what "Summer of '42" or "The Big Chill" always does to me. That being said, I got myself a pleasant surprise while going over all the reviews on Amazon.com and found one written by Katie Kampmann -- who played "baby Hope" and whom the main character played by Jodie Foster was actually named after. If this wonderful movie grows with the "real" Katie, well, it also grows with many other people -- no doubt about it. And whenever we feel lost in life ("... when things get confusing, and believe me Billy, they will"), we can always go back to the treasure chest of our memories to find a mystical face or smile that'd give us the strength to move on in the right direction... | 45 stars
|
Jet Li's no doubtedly worst film
Even Jet Li fans (including me) are disappointed by "High Risk", which held so bad a plot no one even remembers it. Sure, acting by Jet Li was superb - as always, but Heavenly King Jacky Cheung of Hong Kong is known as God of Singers, and should stay that way, as he is one of THE worst actors an audience could ever lay eyes upon! He proves my point the most with his acting performance in "High Risk". And even if the acting credibility was boosted by replacing Jacky Cheung (right on cover) with a fabulous actor, this movie would only gain another half a star. Plot was incredibly weak and inconsistent and almost typical of early 1990's Hong Kong cinema. Character development? None whatsoever. Camera angles and photography? That's probably the thing that gained one star for this film (The other being Jet Li.) The cover of this film makes special effects seem superb, but don't ever judge a film by its cover. Special effects did not impress.Out of all Jet Li's Hong Kong films, the kung-fu choreography and kung-fu scenes were the worst in this film, along with his 1993 film "The Master." Jet Li left his kung-fu and went to guns (contributing to typical early 1990's HK film).If you would like to see an awesome kung-fu film of Jet's, this is NOT the one. If you are a true kung-fu fan, Jet Li's best fight sequences are choreographed by Corey Yuen in "The New Legend of Shaolin" with Jet's best fight scenes in his entire acting career. If you like guns, see Chow Yun-Fat's "Hard-Boiled" or "A Better Tomorrow" series."High Risk", staring Jet Li and Jacky Cheung did have potential for a nice action film, but there is little kung-fu, almost no plot, non-impressive special effects, and no character development at all. ... | 12 stars
|
I liked it
It was a pretty good movie. i love Sandra Bullock in any movie. She is such a great actress. Thank you. | 34 stars
|
An Affirmation for Every Lonely Guy Who Never "Got There"
This movie is an excellent commentary about contemporary beliefs about sex and relationships, and aging nerdy guys who never had girlfriends, who are too depressed to bother to change things, who tacitly accept that they will never meet that special someone.Andy (Steve Carell) is a stock supervisor at an electronics store, and his best friends are three salesmen at the store, who frequently regale each other with tales of adventures with the opposite sex. At a poker game, Andy is challenged to tell a story of his own. Awkwardly he reveals that he has no sex stories, because he is a virgin-- at 40. Shocked and yet empathetic, his buddies all try to get him to get friendlier with women with the intent of becoming physically intimate-- his buddies are all horndogs (including recent comic star Seth Rogen), and a series of comic misadventures takes place, involving everything from drunken clubgoers to a speed-dating service to transvestites to... well, it may not be polite to print.Along the way, Andy meets a friendly single mother, and after much self-protest, Andy brings himself to talk to her and go on a series of dates-- she really likes Andy-- but his own fear of sex leads him to arbitrarily induce a 20-date minimum before they go any further than kissing-- which leads to some unforeseen complications.Despite the casual profanity and the juvenilia that permeates the entire film, there is an endearing message about "waiting" and the myriad frustrations of 'nice guys' that manages to come across. The very end of the moving is shocking and surreal, but in a good way.Bonus features include various scenes not already re-cut into the extended edition as well as other outtakes, and cast/filmmaker commentary. | 45 stars
|
Stone has done it again...
Actually more like 4.5 stars, but you can't rate halves.Oliver Stone is a great story teller. Either with a satirical film about excessive violence with "Natural Born Killers", or with one of the best movies about The Vietnm War with "Platoon". This film is about athletes, not just football players.The film starts out with a Steve Young kind of character played by Dennis Quaid that gets injured, and struggles throughout the rest of the movie to get better or retire. Al Pacino plays the coach that drinks to much, spends money on hookers (Elizabeth Berkley), and distances himself from anyone that care for him. He is the workaholic, and old-school coach that doesn't take "junk" from anyone. There is Cameron Diaz that is the General Manager of the team. Not a very nice person. Last, is Jaimie Foxx: he does an outstanding job of playing the rising star. He takes the game to his head, and makes enemies. He does a good job playing the emotions of his character. He was a great casting contribution to this all-star cast.There are a lot of quick roles played by big time actors.The DVD has some extra footage, most of it is just extra nudity. Locker room scenes. Not to graphic. The movie contains very explicit language. What Stone Film doesn't. The man can do a movie on Elementry teachers, and every other word would be profanity. The language is not insulting or really even unnecessary. I mean, it's footfall. Players talk junk all the time.A very enjoyable movie, something to watch any given Sunday (no pun intended). | 45 stars
|
MST3K Carried on with Rifftrax
These are 4 very good titles -- though none are my favorites. I'm particularly interested in the tin! For those MST3K fans, check out "Rifftrax", which are downloadable comment-tracks that you can synch up with popular movies. I've watched a handful and loved them. | 34 stars
|
unexpected
Anyone looking for the theatrical version needs to look elsewhere. There is so much different with this movie that it should have a different title. Yes it has Mel Gibson in it and he lost his half of the money, and that's it. The music, the inner monologue, even the outfit boss; all different. Maybe some will like it, but I can see why the movie studio did not let this director keep directing. | 01 star
|
A good movie that is worth seeing!!
I have to admit it this movie was way more than what I expected. Good acting all around, good soundtrack. I really like the character of Aimee Cucchiaro. This young woman made me laugh at almost every turn. Don't get me wrong the entire cast is very talented, but Aimee just stood out for me.The movie kind of starts out slow, but it soon picks up speed. When I first saw the title of the movie I was immediately curious. I watched the trailer and at the end it said, "Learn the reason behind the rhyme." That sold it for me. I had to know what was so important about this rhyme and by the time you finish this movie you will know the reason.Chester Jones III, has done a great job with his first movie!! I was impressed to find out Chester gained a lot of weight to shoot this movie and then lost it again. Not a lot of actors can say they can do that without a special trainer!Lastly, the bonus disc is a real thrill. It not a typical bonus disc, it has outtakes, pictures, cast talking about the process of making the movie and working with 1st time director Chester Jones III and more that I can't remember right now!!In short...just buy the movie, it worth it! | 45 stars
|
How very sad - do not watch this if you like the Cartoon
I was told by several fans of the cartoon series to stay away from this. I watched the entire series and then decided to give this a chance- what a sad mistake. THIS IS TERRIBLE! Yes, as a director you need to make changes to a story to adapt it for live action but this complete garbage. Add insult in injury, changing characters we know so well from the cartoon series from fat to thin, dark skinned Inuit to blond Caucasian, Chinese to Indian. Insulting and possibly racists.AVOID THIS | 01 star
|
Oh the Humanity........
Now see here. I appreciate sarcasm and I respect other peoples opinions, I freely admit to liking crappy films other people hate, but no one, under any circumstances for any reason should ever recommend this film, not to anyone for any reason, this is so bad it's bad. Rarely does a film deserve it's good or bad hype but this does. yes it is as bad as everyone says. There is not plot so I can't give it away, what was done here, is that every band from every stripe, Hard Rock (Aerosmith/Alice Cooper) R and B (Earth Wind and Fire) Old People (George Burns) and the biggest selling groups of the day (by the time the film came out Frampton's sales were sucking canal water) The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton were shanghaied into putting together the single greatest musical stink bomb ever. I record I hope will stand for all eternity, words fail me as I remember the way the Bee Gees win a fist fight with Aerosmith, they punch out Alice Cooper too (Alice was in rehab at the time so he is forgiven, I think Aerosmith were into the heroin, if not they should have been) the story was a meandering mishmash of songs done badly for no reason other then the band singing them was getting paid, oh the years that were spent on this monstrosity, the lives it touched, oh God will you ever forgive us, probably not. In one of the many, many mind boggling scenes of indescribable musical mayhem, Frampton is reduced to singing to a dead girl "Carry that weight" Frampton is a guitarist, not a singer, sure he sang but that was not his forte. Some of the best pop music ever written sung by genuinely talented people who surely must have known better each number was worse then the last, until it became a battle over what was worse, the horrible contrived "story" or the unfathomable renditions of Beatles songs. This film and the subsequent soundtrack will stick in the national conciseness like a splintered chicken bone in a dogs throught. I am compelled to address the individuals who have taken in upon themselves to defend and recommend this for reasons other then sarcasm or sick humor, shame on you. | 01 star
|
Good movie.
I only watched this movie one time, but it was over all a good movie. It could have been better. | 23 stars
|
Hard To Get Into - But Worth The Effort
I recently watched "Urbania" on DVD. After the first 15 minutes or so, I was ready to give up on it. I had no idea whatsoever what was going on. Even though I didn't understand it, I recognized that the acting was good, so I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did. As the movie went on, I gradually began to figure out what was happening. In addition, I began to see how some of the unconventional elements in the movie did serve the story and weren't just weirdness for its own sake. Once the movie ended, there are still some things I didn't understand, but that didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the movie. It's a heck of a story that was very well acted throughout. This is also a movie where the DVD format really has a chance to shine. The supplemental material on the DVD is excellent and helped to explain what the screenwriter/director was going for. Although not everything about the movie succeeded, it was still very good, and I applaud him for having the courage to go for soemthing out of the mainstream. I'll definitely be on the lookout for his future efforts. | 34 stars
|
Although without extras this is the version of "The Stranger" to get for Welles fans
**Please note: This review is for the MGM/Film Noir Series release of "The Stranger" NOT any of the public domain releases**"The Stranger" proves that Orson Welles could deliver a film on time and within budget. "The Stranger" almost seems like an answer to Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" in that it tackles many of the same themes from a different perspective. While Hitchcock's film "The Stranger" creates a complex villian in Franz Kindler/Charles Rankin. The MGM version is the one to get since it goes back to the RKO Vault (RKO which is a bit of irony considering that Welles made "Citizen Kane" for the studio and had his film "The Magnificent Ambersons" butchered by the studio while he was in South America partying and working on "It's All True"). Welles' original version can 115 minutes while the final version was recut by producers Sam Spiegel (the producer of "Lawrence of Arabia" working under the name S. E. Eagel) and Bill Goetz (who helped finace the project). If any of the footage cut still exists it is probably lost which is a pity as according to comments/notes that Welles made over the years the film had a much longer prologue.MGM delivers one of the better looking versions on DVD that I've seen. There are public domain DVD that are floating around but most of them I've seen have been from inferior 16mm or faded prints that don't do the moody cinematography justice. We do get alternate language tracks in French and Spanish for the film but no commentary track which is disappointing given that this is a Welles film. I'm sure that Simon Callow (who wrote the two excellent Welles biographies ORSON WELLES: THE ROAD TO XANADU and ORSON WELLES: HELLO AMERICANS) could have provided an excellent commentary based on his observations on the film in his second volume of his Welles' biographies. We don't even get a vintage trailer for the film. A featurette on the film's production (it was one of Welles' most profitable films which is important in and of itself), changes that Spiegel made to the film and Welles' own comments which have been videotaped/recorded over the years would have been valuable. Regardless, this is a fine film which finally looks excellent (with some minor flaws due to age and damage)that should have been treated better by MGM.**SPOILER ALERT**Welles plays Charles Rankin a man with a mysterious past . He's a history professor teaching and living in a small town marrying the daughter of a Supreme Court Justice Mary (Loretta Young). Just before the wedding Rankin's past comes calling with a visit by a man named Meinike (Konstantin Shayne). A former Nazi, Meinike has been released by a government agent named Wilson(Edward G. Robinson) in a game of cat and mouse. Wilson hopes that Meinike will lead him to an Franz Kindler a Nazi at large. He does just that but before Wilson can act Rankin murders Meinike to close off his past. Suddenly Rankin's carefully cultivated identity (and Mary's world)becomes unraveled as Wilson doggedly closes in on him.**END OF SPOILER ALERT**Welles had a troubled history for all of his films which often meant that the films were compromised. Nevertheless, "The Stranger" plays as a strong suspense thriller although the often shrill and over-the-top music score doesn't quite work for the film. This is another example where Bernard Herrmann would have added signficantly to the film if he had been hired to do the score. Film noir fans will enjoy this flawed Welles classic which has a number of dazzling set pieces particularly the stunning and unique conclusion at the clock tower.While this edition which is part of MGM's "Film Noir" series lacks any special features(the film could have used a commentary track from any one of Welles' fine biographers particularly Simon Callow), the film looks pretty good overall. It hasn't been restored and has some minor print damage but overall looks quite nice. 4 stars for the presentation 0 stars for the extras. Perhaps MGM will reconsider their decision to release this without extras when Warner releases "The Magnificient Ambersons" on DVD late this year (2007) or early next (2008--depends upon how quickly they can assemble the material now that they've found a good source print).Although a bare bones release, this is definitely the version to get for film fans. It's a pity though that MGM decided to treat the film with so little care given that it is a Welles film with a strong cast. Other Welles films worth getting:Citizen KaneTouch of Evil (Restored to Orson Welles' Vision)The Lady from ShanghaiDiscovering Orson WellesThis is Orson Welles | 34 stars
|
Forgotten Classics that are perfect for a stormy night.
I recall watching these two classic horror films on either Saturday night's Creature Feature or Saturday morning's equivalent and I enjoyed them every time I viewed them."The Return of Dracula" is by far the better film as a whole. The story of Dracula arriving in the states as a long lost European relative with "unusual" mannerisms is atmospherically filmed and solidly directed. Frances Lederer to sublimely perfect as Dracula and the supporting cast is terrific too. The film deals with surprisingly interesting themes outside of vampirism, such as longing to see and experience the outside world, what would be willing to exchange to overcome a handicap (blindness in this tale), ethnocentric conduct, and family loyality. For a 1950's film it is also surprisingly graphic with a staking in the heart that shifts the film from black and white to color with blood splashing on the camera lens to the terrific death of Dracula at the end which is my favorite of all Dracula slayings. Those two scenes are not for the faint of heart, even by today's standards.Now, "The Vampire" is the weaker of the two overall, but better acted and a bizarre twist on vampire folklore. John Beal plays a local family doctor who is accidentally poisoned by his own young daughter when she mixes up the pills he asks for when he has a headache. Unfortunately, she gives him the pills he picked up from a dead patient who was experimenting with vampire bats. The story then shifts to more of Jekyll and Hyde horror tale than a vampire one as he becomes a monster periodically while addicted to the pills. Even when no longer on the pills he becomes a monster. I sense a subplot about chemical dependency in this tight little tale that is short on thrills, but long on story and acting.This film relies much more on the actors and the scenes with John Beal and his nurse and with his daughter as they are very sensitively done. I was truly touched by a number of scenes. I think you will be very surprised at just how well acted this film is by all participants. Sadly, the make up is rather silly and takes away from the potential shock value the story could have had if the make up was done better.No matter how you slice it, either film still holds up very well today and if you are a horror fan, you won't regret finding a place on your shelf for these oldies, but goodies.06/08Steve Hedge | 34 stars
|
Great!
It was exactly what I wanted. The DVD was in the new condition I was specified and I have no problems with the order. | 34 stars
|
Jay and Silent Bob
I like this movie, but not as much as Mall Rats or Clercks. This movie is funny in its portrayal of the pursuit of the unattainable. Which, once it is attained, of course it is not fully appreciated. There is a lot of crude humor in this film, so it is definitely not appropriate for children. I enjoyed watching the cut scenes and the outtakes. A must see for Jay and "Silent" Bob fans. | 34 stars
|
Pathetic and atrocious
And so, we reach another 'final' Friday the 13th movie. This time round, after Jason's previous demise with toxic waste, rumour has it that he is not really dead. So, this time the FBI are called in, intent on killing Jason once and for all. Isn't it funny how it took the government 11 years to set up the operation?? Setting of Camp Crystal is once again revisited with an added bonus of the Voorhees house. A sting operation is set up and Jason is blown to bits by the FBI. However Jason is not really dead, oh no, his spirit still lives on. The coroner after completing an autopsy suddenly becomes possessed by his heart by eating it! And so, the film runs through with a lot of body hopping. The writers tried to give this plot some credibility by introducing the idea that Jason did have a sister ('Jason was my only child') Remember Mrs.Voorhees statment in the first? A bounty hunter, Creighton Duke, just happens to know the secret of Jason's mortality and its all connected to his sister. The only way, therefore, is to send Jason where he truly belongs- to hell! What a way to 'end' a franchise. On the plus side, Harry Manfredini does come back with his spine chilling musical score but unfortunatley it's not enough to save this instalment from being thrown in the thrash where it belongs. | 01 star
|
Loving you is like Loving the Dead - only leagal
Vampires have come out of the coffin and are asking for rights just like everyone else. This sparks one heck of a debate, but vampires are eventually seen as citizens and are given protection under the law. Enter Bill Compton into the fray, the first vampire that the town knows of) to reach a small town in the middle of Louisiana. This sparks quite a bit of anger amongst the people living here, and the protests grow louder as bodies begin to appear with fang marks on their necks. Even more complex are the things shared between Bill and one of the people living in town, who happens to reads minds and finds Bill refreshing because she can't read his. Add to this the fact that Sam, our local bar owner, isn't exactly what we think he is, that one of our cast is something other than the sweet person he appears to be, and that vampire bars seem to be kickin' hang-outs that humans seem to be dying to get into and you have yourself the tip of one gargantuan iceberg. And these little snippets are just small samples of a much bigger puzzle playing out in the Bayou.Of all of the things I have seen on True Blood, the backstory on Bill Compton is the one thing that intrigues me the most. In one of the issues he is asked to give a lecture about the town and what the Civil War period was like, and he tells us so much about himself and that world. He holds out some things, like the story of a soldier that meets his maker, but that also makes for great reading and great drama all around. Combined with that is the way the killings work their way into a story that is not really focused on them, how other things exist besides vampires, what rules apply to them and what rules apply to Christopher Lee, and you have yourself one beautiful paintbrush swirling out the colors of a story. I have to say that I became addicted to the show rather quickly, not really thinking it would be my flavor but finding that it was indeed something that I loved, and that everything from the song in the beginning to the little things hidden in each episode seem to call to me. I have even gotten in the habit of watching it more than twice, and that is because this isn't some disposable commodity. It has the ambiance that can be lovely and can be horrific, a nice way of getting vampires into a story that does not pollute the idea of what a vampire is, and it adds in a dimension to the new vampire shows by having rough edges that are fanged and not afraid to bite. i like this because I like to have the human element and the political reaction of a large stage and the small stage, and i like how things that happen in this season ripple through the storyline later. It is good stuff and it is hard not to become a fan of.If you find vampires appealing, this is obviously for you. The less obvious fans of the show would be people who enjoy political thrillers and even romantic settings, because this has all of that and a little bit more. Hearing Bill talk about love and how someone has touched him after so long is a beautiful thing, and seeing how horrible people are when he comes into town reminds one of what types of monsters really walk around. They don't have to be confined to the night or drink blood, either, or drink synthetic Tru Blood drinks (seeing as how i would be leaving out some vampires like Bill). All in all this is more than just a story with vampires trying to gain a foothold in the society we see, allowing one entry through doors that have been barred and secrets that have been buried. I love the show - i love it a lot - and I know many people would love it if they give it a chance. It isn't without a message or too preachy, isn't the romantic stories we have seen lately and yet it has love, and it isn't all fangs but it still has its bite. give it a chance - daylight isn't all its cracked up to be. | 45 stars
|
Fun series, Don't snack while watching.
A friend recommended this series. It was fun science-y and totally JJ Abrams style. If you like JJ Abrams work, this is just like all the rest of it. If not, move on. | 45 stars
|
The Unexpected Emergence of Tragedy...
As a child on a family trip in the 1970s, I saw a motorcycle speed past with a teenage couple. A car was making a u-turn and the motorcycle slammed into it, the teenagers taking flight onto the cement. I screamed and my parents stopped to assist the pair, who were sitting on the road, faces and jeans covered in blood. The kids were fine, but I have never forgotten the traumatic scene. I was reminded of this when watching "Margaret," Kenneth Lonergan's epic 2011 film, as seemingly out of nowhere a similar incident takes place on the streets of New York City. One of life's mysteries is the unexpected emergence of tragedy, appearing as rapidly as the funnel of a tornado. Sometimes no one is to blame, a terrible truth difficult to grasp.When viewing "Margaret" for the first time, I was fortunate to have no preconceived notions. Its unique structure created a rare sensation of being unable to predict the outcome. This is a brilliant masterpiece, audacious and deeply inspired. Longeran, the writer and director, has dared to be great with the kind of project reminiscent of filmmakers of the 1970s. As I later learned, "Margaret" was filmed in 2004, but Lonergan became obsessed in the editing room, unable to achieve a final cut. Lonergan was trapped by a maddening vision in the great tradition of Sam Peckinpah (Major Dundee), Francis Ford Coppola (Apocalypse Now [HD]) and Werner Herzog (Fitzcarraldo). Such a quest produces the kind of art "Margaret" represents. Ahab goes after a whale. Herzog transports a boat. Lonergan, an unlikely existential madman, goes after life's meaning in post-911 New York.Okay, so this film remained in hiatus for years, finally reaching theaters in 2011. I knew none of this when viewing it, and was stunned by unexpected greatness. Lonergan's previous film wasYou Can Count On Me, a wonderfully-acted independent drama perhaps a tad overrated. And then came "Margaret," and Lonergan may well have destroyed his career. No matter, this film plays like Chekhov, a visionary work with many questions and few answers. I'm amazed by the negative reviews and realize critics were aware of the film's troubled background. Luckily, I was blissfully ignorant.In one of the great performances, Anna Pacquin plays Lisa Cohen, a budding high school teenager who fatefully witnesses urban tragedy. She represses the trauma and for the remainder of the 150-minute film (another version runs three hours) she attempts to come to terms with its deadly consequences. The trauma festers, bubbling to the surface in fits of anguish. Pacquin's character, tortured by guilt, wants to do the right thing even if there is no clear answer as to what is "right." Lonergan is perhaps creating a parable for the New York terrorist attacks, followed by America's war with Iraq, or viewers can take it for something else -- a coddled though clever New York teen in serious need of therapy.But the film is so well made, I'm of the belief Lonergan was on to something. Perhaps one of the hard truths of life is our own insignificance within the universe, where unexpected tragedy can strike at any time. We have no power over such occurrences, and justice oftentimes does not exist. Once such a truth is realized, have we lost the innocence of childhood? If this sounds like a brooding novel, that's because "Margaret" plays like one.It's difficult to categorize this drama, but I was reminded of the works of Michael Haneke (The Michael Haneke Collection (The Piano Teacher/Funny Games/Code Unknown/The Castle/Benny's Video/The Seventh Continent/71 Fragments of a Chronology of Chance) (7pc),The White Ribbon [Blu-ray],Cache (Hidden)). One of our greatest living directors by way of Austria, his morose films never follow convenient paths, with shocking violence erupting at unexpected moments. His thought-provoking dramas are as unsettling as a Droog humming Beethoven. Lonergan has dared to tread similar turf."Margaret" is supported by an extraordinary ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Jean Reno, Matt Damon, Matthew Broderick, Kieran Culkin and Rosemarie DeWitt, each with crucial moments providing layers to this complicated film. An added note must be made about the performances of J. Smith Cameron, as Lisa's mother, and Jeannie Berlin, as an elder friend who becomes Lisa's uneasy confidante. These essentially unknown actresses give searing portrayals in difficult, unwieldy roles. Lonergan's film shocked me, not just because of its emotional truth, but because of its tenacious refusal to follow any kind of convention common in films today. "Margaret" is one of the great films of the 21st century. | 45 stars
|
Bring it on!
Although this movie was bought as a gift for my daughter, I totally enjoyed it. | 34 stars
|
Feel the Rush...
A sequel that exceeds its predecessor. That in itself is an anomaly these days, but Rush Hour 2 packs enough wallop for both movies. How about some of the best lines in an action comedy in recent years? From one liners to the chemistry that has evolved between Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, this movie will make you pause the scenes until you finish laughing. Hit play again and you'll be slapped with more humor. Carter runs through downtown Hong Kong, where no one knows what he is saying, yelling, "Get outta the way! L.A.P.D!" There's a moment in Hong Kong where Carter meets up with a chicken vendor and the laughs keep coming. Rush Hour 2 opts for a more sexy approach with the Chinese massage parlor scene, and the 2 main female characters who are sure to boggle the eyes of the male population. As for action, there's plenty of it to support the clever dialogue. The movie is so realistic and unrealistic at the same time, you'll be bringing the first movie back out and panting for Rush Hour 3. I can't leave out the fact that a story goes with this and it's told quite well, and for what this movie is, it doesn't burden the high-jinks, but supports it. Simply put, Inspector Lee has an old vendetta with the man who killed his father and Carter is pulled along from Hong Kong to L.A. A few plates need to be found from a counterfeit ring using them to make a "Superbill," which is identical to a real bill. Not quite an original story, right? Well, it's all in the way you tell it and Rush Hour 2 pulls off a good time and that's what we wanted to see.Robert Eldridge (...) | 45 stars
|
Disappointing...
This is not only Power Rangers & Matrix rolled together in a Godzilla flick, but also a bit of Star Wars too! I was disappointed that we didn't see that much of Godzilla and considering the effort put forth in Godzilla 2000, this at times is pretty hoaky. They could have left King Cesar & the Spider monster out and a few others. I like that monsters attack everywhere Bejing, Sydney, but the movie just lacked PUNCH! The script needed to be tighter (too many sub-plots). Effects were more impressive than previous outings, but did get over the top when trying to figure out what's happened. And why tell me why did we never hear Godzilla's main theme? It's not a Godzilla flick without it! | 12 stars
|
The most phenomenal movie I've seen
For me, a teen age girl still in high school who is not in the popular class this movie put everything in prospective. If the only people in this movie were other character such as Deana then the movie wouldnt have been so great.You dont realise what it is like to be another type of person, you dont realise how greatly other poeple have dealt with lose and why they are the way that they are. But in this movie you get to see both sides of two very different poeple and realise that they arent that different at all.I belive that this movie was made with very good intentions on how it was going to help people. I think that after the Columbine shooting adults more than anyone asked the question that the entire movie trys to answer... "why did it happen?" And the movie helps you to realise that there are so many different answers to that and even the people that comitted the shooting cant answer it.Its a wonderful movie full of mystery, love, hate, differences, pain, lose, and friendship. Theres something in there for everyone. I dont think that anyone should go without seeing it. | 45 stars
|
The Film is awesome, the dvd I got wasnt.
I didn't get the dvd I ordered, I ordered the one pictured above, but the copy I got of this amazing film sucked, the image was pixelated, overall, I was very dissatified with the product I got, not the film which I think is a masterpiece. | 01 star
|
this is not the "I Am" documentary from the Oprah Show
Oprah did a piece on Tom Shadyac's I Am which I was immediately interested in. I purchased this DVD thinking it was one in the same, but it clearly was not. This I Am was poorly scripted, poorly acted and, frankly not particularly relatable. I do applaud the effort to begin a dialog regarding this topic and hope it gets people thinking about their lives. | 12 stars
|
Soft-core porn with a weak plot.
This show is a terrible both as a translation of the books, and as a stand-alone show.Lots of gratuitous and pointless sex and nudity, very little advancement of the actual plot, and a cast full of entirely unlikeable characters.Also it seems ridiculous that they go through the trouble of figuring out how to get vampires and people to coexist and explain all that, but NO explanation for why the main character can READ MINDS, and NOBODY SEEMS TO COMMENT ON IT MUCH!!!! | 01 star
|
Once Upon a Purchase
This is a great series, at first I was spectacle but it quickly draws you in. My favorite character has to be Rumple and well everyone else is fun to. Granted at points it can be cheesy, for ex. how often Charming loses Snow, but the re-imagining of the stories you know themselves, is great. Beauty and the Beast and Red Riding Hood were so different, but it worked. You find yourself wondering about everyone's past and guessing who's who. Just overall a great series give it a chance. | 45 stars
|
Don't see this film.
First of all let me say Katharine Hepburn is my favorite actor of all time. Now let me say how much I despised this movie. I had high hopes for this film since I like Judy Holliday and Jean Hagen, however i cannot begin to describe to you how ludicrous this film is. If you have not seen this film save yourself see any other Katharine Hepburn film, or read a book, just don't watch this film. The plot is boring and contrived, and although this film is trying to make a statement about equal rights for women I think it fails. Katharine Hepburn relies too much on Spencer Tracy and the end of the film is a complete let down. | 12 stars
|
TWO PETER PANS' "QUIET DESPERATION"
I found BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN a painfully sad experience--wonderfully filmed, as Ang Lee's movies usually are, and well acted, but deeply depressing. It was comparable to watching a slow-motion train wreck on an ironically beautiful, bright sunny day--or reading one of Thomas Hardy's later novels.Neither Ennis Del Mar nor Jack Twist (played by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) was a character that most of us would admire or respect: both were like good-looking Lost Boys who never became responsible adults with the passage of time. Despite their differences in temperaments and experiences, they were like a pair of perpetual Peter Pans, poorly educated, pitifully below average intelligence, and morally irresponsible.Most would agree that our DNA and the vissitudes of life largely determine what handicaps or deficiencies our minds and bodies have, and these normally are factors that nobody ought to be blamed for. But our willpower (or "won't-power"), especially when it involves honest interactions with others, is usually seen as an entirely different matter. Throughout the film, both Ennis and Jack lead dishonest lives that harm their spouses, their children, themselves, and each other. (BTW, if you think this is harsh, ask yourself how vigorously you would defend a so-called straight married person who is leading a lie-based double life with one or more lovers outside his/her marriage.)If Ennis and Jack had been presented as malicious men, they would not deserve our pity. Instead, they come across as pitifully weak, essentially careless and thoughtless ageing adolescents. We watch their deceitful, destructive behavior with sorrow, knowing that they are incapable of changing for the better--perhaps foolishly hoping their lives will improve somehow but expecting them to worsen.As far as courage and integrity are concerned, the one bright spot in the picture was when Jack Twist stood up to his domineering father-in-law (ably played by L. D. Newsome); sad to say, immediately he fell back into spinelessness and deceit. And the low point for Ennis was when he became violent with his ex-wife when she revealed that she knew he and Jack did not do any fishing on their fishing trips. Perhaps the most poignant scene is when Ennis asks his daughter, Alma Jr. (Kate Mara), if the man she's engaged to marry is in love with her, and she says that he is.The murder of Jack was skillfully foreshadowed and resonates, of course, with events that occur in many U.S. communities today. Sadly coping with this misfortune, Ennis, in the process of trying to fulfill Jack's wish that his ashes be taken to Brokeback Mountain, learns that his lover had been cheating on him with another man. At the end of the film, we can feel certain that he will never find happiness of any sort in the remainder of his own life.Early in his book WALDEN (1854), Thoreau comments, "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. From the desperate city you go into the desperate country, and have to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats." The film BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN almost seems designed to illustrate that grim view of humanity. | 23 stars
|
Big Fan
I've always been a fan of tyler perry and this movie not only shows you how people are but life has a funny side to it. | 45 stars
|
Tom Green is a Genius.
Come on people. This movie is genius. The man does things no one would even dream of doing. And he makes it hilarious. He takes that typical idea of how a movie should be structured, and totally ruins it! Tom Green is an artist, and this movie proves it. (... deleted irrelivant paragraph)Look, here's the bottom line:If you like stupid, hilarious movies that tear apart the organized structure that we classify movies by today, then this is the movie for you.I laughed so hard I cried. That's the truth. | 45 stars
|
The Paper Chase!! a classic film
Hello everyone!! I chose to rate this film cause at the young age of 33 I have decided to try Law School. The film, while dated in the 70s, provides an excellent cast and a totally deserving Oscar winning performance by Houseman. When I show my friends the video, I alway tell them that Kingsfield is the "Hannibal Lecter" of any past, current, or future law school students! By the way, does anyone know if the TV series adaption is on VHS? Please email me if you have this knowledge!! | 45 stars
|
Very Funny
William Thacker is an English Man living in Notting Hill. He runs a travel bookstore. He has some friends and his sister, but since his wife left him for a man he claims looks exactly like Harrison Ford his life has been boring. Then one day things start to change.Anna Scott just happens to be in London doing a movie and stops into Williams bookstore to look around. After spilling orange juice on her shirt things start to heat up between the two of them with the help of Williams flatmate Spike until he realizes that there is no way that the two of them can be together because he lives in Notting Hill she lives in Beverly Hills, she is world famous and sometimes his mother does not even know his name.What happens between the two of them? Get Notting Hill and watch to see what happens | 45 stars
|
Best gay movie I have seen so far
I saw this movie @ the world famous CASTRO Theatre in San Francisco during the 2000 SF Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. When the movie ended, it received at least a 15 minutes standing ovation from the crowd. If you ever need a movie to cheer you up, that leaves you feeling happy and full of hope, this is the movie.The movie is about a man who lived in the big city, having to go back to his hometown in Big Eden, Montana to take care of his grandfather... and then coming to terms with his comfort level about his own sexuality... all the time not understanding and knowing that the town folks have no problems with it. | 45 stars
|
love it
I'm so obsessed. I can't believe I haven't been watching this show all along. It's been a little over a week and I'm almost caught up on all episodes. | 45 stars
|
Warren the Ape
I understand why this was cancelled. It's just way too good for tv. This is what happens to all the good shows, because this one is HILARIOUS! If you're not averse to laughing your butt off, then GET THIS. Period. | 45 stars
|