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I watch this film whenever I need to clear my head.
Black Robe pulls you in. You don't feel like you're watching a movie. It flows like real life. I can't say enough about this movie. I'd say it's my favourite film ever. I read one review from a left-wing persepctive that claimed that BR was "neo-colonial propaganda". This person is an idiot. BR portrays the Natives in the same way it does the French: mostly as ignorant, superstitious brutes. La Forgue's fanatical belief in Catholic dogma at the most irrational moments is identical to the Indians' faith in Mestegoit, the Montaignes' shaman. The Europeans who killed the Indians weren't any more savage than the Natives they exterminated; they were just better armed. The Natives were killing each other long before Europeans showed up. BR captures that.Other examples are the quick contrasting scenes that cut between Champlain and the Algonquin chief Chumina putting on their ceremonial clothes before meeting to negotiate the escort of father La Forgue to the Huron. Another is the scene where La Forgue tells Daniel that the natives are "childish" because they believe in Algonquin religion and Daniel replies that their beliefs are no less "childish" than the Christian belief that in heaven we sit on clouds and look at God.This film isn't about colonialism. It's about the human condition. The message is: modern man is as savage on a global scale as aboroginal man was on a tribal scale. How are the Iroquois who tortured and raped father LaForgue and the chief's daughter different from the Iraqis who behead contractors, or the Americans who deport prisoners to countries for torture? That is the real message of BR. Take this film seriously. | 1positive
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HOW TO FIND JUST MOVIE!!
Go to the local WalMart store to find the movie only...without paying for all that garbage in the set. (Blu Ray) | 0negative
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no choice
Am I the only one who wishes those jerks making movies would give us a choice between widescreen or fullscreen versions of these new movies? | 0negative
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Hi-5...Great DVD
Hi-5 is a great DVD for kids. My 19 month old daughter cannot get enough. They are very educational and get the kids up and moving!!! | 1positive
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Emotional Apex
"Let's Go to Prison" is an artistic achievement unparalleled in recent filmmaking. It's subtext and deep philosophical underpinning moves the viewer to an emotional apex. Okay, so I'm pulling your leg.I didn't laugh much during this DVD. Director Bob Odenkirk who won an Emmy for "The Ben Stiller Show" probably will not win an award for this little turkey. Will Arnett who is currently wowing audiences as the pretentious dastardly skater Stranz Van Waldenberg who picks on Will Ferrell in "Blades of Glory" plays Nelson Biederman IV in this pic. He probably won't receive any awards nominations like he did for "Arrested Development," but he tries his best to transition from spoiled rich boy to white supremacist who is feared as the worst badguy on the cellblock. Unfortunately, although he does his best, getting shampooed in the outtakes by Chi McBride, it's just not that funny. Dax Shepard was on the "Punk'd" TV show and starred in "Idiocracy" & "Employee of the Month." As John Lyshitski, he has a megawatt-size chip on his shoulder on the judge who locked him away. Not able to avenge the deceased judge, he decides to pay back the judge's son. Shepard looks hard-edged, like he probably should be in prison. While he started out in improv with the Groundlings, this project just isn't funny. Chi McBride plays Barry. After the "Boston Public" TV series & parts in films like "The Terminal," "Annapolis" & "Gone in 60 Seconds," he fares the best as the macho inmate who wants to curl Biederman's hair. The candles and music set the ambiance in his cell. But it's a sad movie where the set designer is funnier than the script. While there may be movies that are side splitting, this isn't one of them. Taxi! | 0negative
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One of the best guy movies...
This movie is one of the best guy movies you will see, outside of "Diner". It is about guys that moved from New York to Hollywood and are trying to make it as actors. It portrays their struggles, and how they handle the un-written golden rule when you get a girls phone number at a club/bar and your friends tell you: "No, you must wait 3 days before you call her".... It is one of those movies that you can watch over and over even if you've seen it on cable like 30 times or so, it just gets better. The soundtrack is also good and makes you remember scenes from the movie. This movie is "money"... Chad Castorina | 1positive
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Buy ONLY the ~100 minute version
It is very important that you purchase the version of this film that runs about one hundred minutes. The 88-minute version ruins the full film's atmosphere, pacing and, to be honest, plot. Watching that shortened version first may well put you off of a film that is excellent in its intended form. It did with one of my friends; he watched the disjointed 88-minute cut and then wasn't willing to give the full film his time. | 1positive
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Dont waste your time or money on this one.
Waking up in Reno Directed by Jordan Brady is billed as a "feel good comedy" on the dvd but its anything but its a somewhat average, trashy soap opera of mishaps featuring one dishonest character after another. This one while it gave me three or four laughs are the kinda laughs you get when you see some get a pie in the face, that its cheap humor with limited value.A group of buddies on their way to Reno find out that one of their spouses has been cheating on one another, amist this dsyfuctions, accusations of infidelity are exposed and peoplesso called values are burned to the ground.The one actor that sticks out here as a sore thumb has to be Charlize Theron, which can be basically characterized as the "whore" of the movie. She has sex with her hubby Roy Kirkendall (Patrick Swayze) both in and outdoors. Roy is as dumb as they come, honestly, he cant even see her own cheating habits on him with his best friend, Lonnie Earl (Billy Bob Thornton) when the truth comes out.Billy Bob though gives the best acting here, playing a loney husband whose wife doesnt want to give him the love he so desires. The guy is an utter wreck trapped in a loveless marriageexplaning why he cheats with other women including prostitutes. Natasha Richardson as Lonnie's wife, Darlene isnt much better than Candy (Theron). In fact she is more SHALLOWthan her often complaining that her husband isnt romantic enough yet accepging superficial gifts likea diamond in exchance for love.As you can see its anything but a feel good comedy, a couple of laughs are very few and between the ugly characters and predictable storyline so dont waste your time. | 0negative
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Defective "Dumbo" DVD
The DVD that I received was defective. It would not play. I had to pay to send it back and I am STILL waiting for the seller to take it off my credit card. I am very dissatisfied. | 0negative
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Arnold far too old...
... to do this kind of stuff anymore. The story was intriguing, but no amount of panstick could hide the fact that the steroids had finally run out.It has to be said, however, that no matter how miscast Arnold was in this movie, he did a better job than his lousy efforts to be a Governor... | 0negative
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Worst Movie Ever
Holy sweet mother of mercy, this is quite simply the worst film ever made. It doesn't even qualify as mindless guilty pleasure. You will actually experience pain while watching this. The writing, direction and acting are all so far below par, you have to wonder if the Hollywood hasn't violated child labor laws (by employing 13 year-old writers, producers and directors).Yikes. | 0negative
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get a good edtion out
This is a great movie, But Just like Pulp Fiction it does not take advantage of the dvd format, Actaully the coen brothers would be one of the best people to do a commentery and it looks like there will be one on man who wasn't there. But back to this disc don't buy Mgm Please release a special Edtion, I mean we have a Usaul Suspucts S.E next month and that dvd had some cool features on the regular version. Fargo fans need a disc with tons of extras. Maybe Crirerion will release one I would glady pay the extra cash to have this movie on a qaulity dvd with tons of extras. | 0negative
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Trash posing as Blu-Ray
This supposed Blu-Ray disc of One-Eyed Jacks is nowhere near as good as my VHS version in EP. It is a joke. Amazon should remove this junk from its normal excellent selection. I'd prefer watching a full screen version on tv with commercials to this travesty. | 0negative
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The best movie I've ever seen...
And that is saying a lot...because I consider myself to be a lover of movies...This ranks right alongside if not above Braveheart, The Godfather, and E.T. I can't say it is the movie I liked the most...but it is SO well acted...so well directed...and the story, although seemingly contrived worked for me. Swank has proved that she is in a class all by herself, with her second Oscar and quite possibly the best female performance I can EVER remember...it is the subtleties of her portrayal that makes this performance work... I was wondering if my assessment of this flick was way off, so I started surfing reviews...and for once, | 0negative
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The Horror... The Horror...
Apocalypse Now is a masterpiece of filmaking and no film like it will ever be made again. I went to the theatrical premiere in '79 with my parents when I was a precocious seven years old. I remember my dad bringing home the press kit with the tickets inside and he had to explain to me what the Viet Nam war was all about before we went. My parents were afraid that I wouldn't understand and would be traumatized by what I saw. I was completely blown away by this film even at that innocent age and it burned a lasting impression into me like napalm. I got it.Apparently Paramount didn't. The Complete Dossier is anything but. If you don't already have the original (and far superior) 1979 theatrical film in your library that has been out-of-print and impossible to find since Redux has been on the market for the last 5 years, then by all means, buy it for that reason alone. For the aficionado, however, it's a money grab. First of all, I cannot understand why anyone would make such a boneheaded decision to put both versions of the film on the same dual-layer DVD-9 thus compromising bit rate quality and precious disc space requiring them to be interrupted onto two discs!?!?!? I haven't had to change a disc in the middle of a movie since the old Laserdisc days!This should easily have been a commemorative 6-disc box set:Disc 1: 1979 Theatrical CutDisc 2: 2001 ReduxDisc 3: Hearts of Darkness: A Filmaker's Apocalypse 1991 documentaryDisc 4: The rarely seen 5-hour workprintDisc 5: Special Features and InterviewsDisc 6: DVD-ROM content featuring Joseph Conrad's published 1902 novella Heart of Darkness and John Milius' complete annotated screenplay for Apocalypse NowOn VHS I have an amazing 5-hour cut of this film that blows Redux completely out of the water. Not only is it the most "Complete" document of the film ever seen but is a fascinating look at how the film was narratively improvised and constructed during production and in the editing room and would make an extraodinary archival examination in tandem with Eleanor Coppola's amazing 1991 documentary Hearts of Darkness: A Filmaker's Apocalypse which is the most candid look into the making of a film ever documented. It's a crime these aren't included.I wanted a DVD, and for my sins, they gave me one. | 0negative
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Great Movie
This Movie is the funniest I have seen in a long time. I loved the TV show and this movie just takes it to the next level. | 1positive
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I liked it... a lot!!!
I've watched the VHS version of this movie at least a dozen times. The DVd is even better. this is probably the best work by Lindsay Lohan, Herbie: Fully Loaded would be the second. | 1positive
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Dated but still holds its charm!
The montage when she is getting ready for the opera and the music for that scene really shows its movie age but this story ,some of the monologues and the great acting and characters will hold this film together forever! | 1positive
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WARNING!!!
There is absolutely NOTHING new in this DVD release as to extras - just the same old Tom Bosley "Making of..." and Frank Capra Jr.'s recollections. It is a total shame that for AFI's # 1 Most Inspiring Film of All Time that Paramount can't come up with NEW extras! There is so much that could be done - but isn't. The Tom Bosley featurette is centuries old - and was originally made for TV! And it isn't all that good to begin with. So ALL you get with this new packaging is...new packaging in a cheesy Christmas tree-backed box along with a cheap little bell with "It's a Wonderful Life" writ on it. How wonderful if they had an ornament such as the one released by Hallmark in 1996 - a small tableau of George and Mary and ZuZu beside a Christmas tree. That was a fantastic ornament! But a tinny little bell is all you will get with this re-packaging. So, if you have 2007's double disc set you have everything already - except for the tiny, tinny little bell.This year's release of "White Christmas" at least had the dignity to include several NEW extras. And as terrific as "White Christmas" is, it is nowhere near as beloved a film as "Wonderful Life." Anyway - happy holidays to one and all. | 0negative
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A disapointing war film from the master of action
Director John Woo, known for his talent in action films, creates what is probably his worst film with Windtalkers. The idea sounds great: A gifted director of action makes a war film full of battles. But the result is a mess of war clichés and run-of-the-mill action scenes.The film follows a sergeant (Nicolas Cage) in World War II on an assignment to protect a Navajo-code talker in the midst of taking control of a Japanese-held Island. But unfortunately the potentially interesting story never seems to break out from underneath the action.What most strikes a foul chord, though, are the terrible, corny war clichés. One soldier hands his wedding band to a friend with instructions to return it to his wife if he dies. The next scene he dies. A hardened soldier who doesn't seem to care about anyone helps a poor Japanese child when he thinks no one is looking. Another racist soldier finds out his ways are wrong. Not one scene in Windtalkers is original, they're just cringe worthy. It's all been done much better before.Of course, intellectual drama isn't Woo's strong point, his action is. So this war film must have great battle action scenes right? Wrong, wrong, wrong. They are boring, tired retreads of better action scenes from other war films. What was Woo doing here? Did he really direct this film?There were a few glimmers of hope during some scenes, but they didn't last long enough to ever make this film enjoyable. The masses may see this film and think it was decent, then quickly forget about it because it really wasn't. For World War II action, stick with Saving Private Ryan. | 0negative
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A fine, cold-blooded, violent film thanks to Graham Greene and Richard Attenborough
We make our own sordid hell and then we live in it, and the innocents among us deserve what they get because they can't tell the difference. Not exactly Graham Greene with his Catholic conflicts, but this excellent film written by Greene (and Terence Rattigan) from Greene's novel certainly sets up the issues. Brighton Rock is an excellent movie, scarcely dated, and features one of Richard Attenborough's most effective performances. His Pinkie Brown will wipe away all those avuncular grandfathers and Santas he's been playing the last few years. Please note that elements of the plot are discussedPinkie leads a small criminal gang in Brighton in the late Thirties. The gang's former leader was betrayed by a man named Fred Hale. When Hale is spotted in the guise of newspaper reporter Kolley Kibber passing out coupons near the Brighton pier in a promotion stunt for the paper, Hale's health is about to fail. Pinkie and the gang face Hale in a pub, then follow him through the streets of Brighton waiting for an opportunity to kill him. On the Brighton pier Hale meets Ida Arnold, a blowzy, cheery woman he encountered in the pub, and pleads with her to stay with him. She agrees, but then must leave him for a moment to retrieve a handkerchief. Frightened out of his wits, he gets on a tunnel of frights ride...and at the last moment Pinkie slips into the seat next to him. Hale is dead before the ride ends. Now Pinkie realizes there are a couple of loose ends. He kills one and marries the other, an innocent young waitress named Rose who saw more than she should have. A wife, after all, can't testify against her husband. Before long, Pinkie is plotting a double suicide for himself and Rose. Naturally, she'll go first. I'm not giving anything away, but things at last don't turn out Pinkie's way.Did I mention? Pinkie is a puritanical sociopath. He doesn't smoke, doesn't drink and prefers to use a straight razor. He's 17. His gang has only three other members, all older. He dominates them because he knows what he wants, he's calm and he doesn't hesitate to take action. He can become violent, but with all the emotion of a snake. He marries his young waitress to get an alibi. While she naively loves him with all her heart, he can barely keep from showing his impatience and revulsion for her. On the Brighton pier together she sees a recording kiosk where people can make a record of their voices. Make a recording for me, she begs Pinkie, so I'll always have something that tells me how you feel. While Rose, outside the booth and unable to hear, gazes at him through the glass, Pinkie speaks into the mike. "You wanted a recording of my voice, well here it is. What you want me to say is, 'I love you'. Well I don't. I hate you, you little slut... " They don't have a gramophone so Pinkie knows she can't play the record. Pinkie wants security and power. He sees both slipping away as stronger competition from another gang moves in, as his own gang starts to crumble and as the relentless Ida Howard dogs his steps, pulling the police behind her. It all comes together in the rain late at night on the pier.Attenborough was 24 when he played Pinkie. It was his breakthrough performance, and he's so good it's a wonder he wasn't typecast. Pinkie's age is not made much of; we learn it only when we learn he is underage, as is Rose, and must utilize a corrupt, aged lawyer to arrange the marriage ceremony. The off-hand way we realize how young Pinkie is makes his youth and his cold behavior even more disturbing. Hermione Baddeley as Ida, loud, vulgar and loving a drink and a good time, and William Hartnell as Dallow, the senior member of Pinkie's gang and a hard man with a certain degree of loyalty, are excellent. One of the major stars is Brighton, itself, and how it has been photographed. There's the pier and the rides and the beach chairs, of course, but this Brighton also has grubby and depressing boarding houses, loud pubs and narrow, dark streets and alleys. The location photography brings out all the grit and desperation.Graham Greene is even more worth reading as he is watching; try his novels and "entertainments," including Brighton Rock. Even so, these three movies with screenplays by Greene are great movies, produced in just three years: Brighton Rock (1947),The Fallen Idol - Criterion Collection(1948) andThe Third Man - Criterion Collection (2-Disc Edition)(1949). The Region two Optimum/Canal DVD of Brighton Rock, available from AmazonUK, is in fine shape. It's one more reason to have a region-free DVD player. | 1positive
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Dead on Arrival
You can always tell a Roland Emmerich movie from all others because his characters act like no human being on the planet earthWhen all hell is literally exploding around them, some idiot always races back to an inferno or the scene of a nightmare to retrieve something. In this case, while a plane is trying to take off from a landing strip while around are exploding fireballs and the ground caving in, John Cusack races back to a burning van to find some stupid map. The same thing happened in Emmerich's miserable Godzilla, where a photographer races back to grab his camera from the ground--although there are six monstrous dinosaurs racing to devour him.In this movie, while the earth is imploding, along with tidal waves and earthquakes galore, the president and his staff all move around as if life is still going on. Danny Glover as the US President acts like he's suffering from acute constipation in all his scenes, barely raising his voice above a pained whisper.Children shriek continuously and the main characters always have time to discuss life while the end of the world is occuring.At first, the spectacular destruction of Mother Earth was fun and exciting. After awhile mostly because of the idiocy of the characters, I just turned off the sound while flipping through my latest copy of National Enquirer.cCC | 0negative
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A lovely odd film that is a must see.
For those of you who love the odd and unusual in a film this is it. It uses puppetry and animation to distrubing effect. The puppets are amazing. There are very adult themes with some very twisted dream scenes,but it is done well. The characters are interesting and very human even though in appearance they are all animal. It is a very different view on the Marquis DeSade's life and fame. Most of the story is of his imprisoned and shows him sympatheticly. It is a film that you won't forget. | 1positive
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The Truth Shall Set You Free
Finally, some true, factual, objective information that looks at the reality of the terrible character assassination that Sports Illustrated and Bryant Gumbel of (then) CBS did, in a pathetic attempt to garner ratings for both.Their charges and innuendo are simply that. No proof, just suggestions not supported by facts.This DVD is the first to present factual information for the fans to digest and evaluate for themselves in an objective fashion, rather than the kind of knee-jerk reaction that Sports Illustrated and Bryan Gumbel can get by suggesting 'racism' which is a highly charged emotional topic that rarely produces facts to support that case.I would like to see Bryant Gumbel and Frank DeFord (of Sports Illustrated) respond to this factual information regarding Adolph.For anyone whom is interested in exploring the facts and not the innuendo of this emotional subject, this DVD is a must.Some of the facts of the matter are that Mr. Rupp did recruit the Great Wesley Unseld.........he expressed his concerns to Mr. Unseld's parents that the SEC was not integrated and that Mr. Unseld would be subject to the attitudes of the deep south when they traveled on the road games. Mr. Rupp felt he had an obligation for any of his recruits actual safety, and he told the Unseld's that things could be rough down there and that he couldn't guarantee anyone's safety.He also recruited Mr. Kentucky, Butch Beard (both Unseld and Beard went to Louisville, where they were consensus All-Americans), but the same kinds of issues existed for Mr. Beard that existed for Mr. Unseld.The SEC was not integrated at the time...........is that the fault of Mr. Rupp.........hardly.Mr. Rupp also points out that he would not take a team on the road that would not be allowed to eat in the same restaurant or stay together in the same hotel as a team. If any of you (that think Mr. Rupp was so bad) were coaching today, and were told that certain members of your team could not eat in the same restaurant as the rest of the team, or could not stay in the same hotel with the rest of the team, or would be taunted and threatened with their lives..........how would you handle it?It took a strong personality like that of Mr. Rupp to tell those recruits what they were going to be getting into and to not just recruit them for the sake of breaking the segregation barrier........he had a responsibility to tell the truth to those recruits and that is what he did.It was going to be pure hell for a person of color to break the color barrier of the SEC at that time. Just look at what the American Great Jackie Robinson had to endure........and that was in major cities in the Northern belt of America. In the 60's, maybe the rest of the country was coming around, but the SEC was having nothing to do with it.Mr. Rupp did not invent racism as many have seemingly implied...........he was forced to live in segregated conditions that existed in the SEC at that time, and this DVD goes a long way towards helping one to understand the circumstances of the word 'segregated in the SEC'.Both Mr. Gumbel and Mr.DeFord would do well to see this DVD before they open their mouths again for the sake of ratings. Mr. DeFord obviously only thought of himself at the time and did not say anything. If Mr.Rupp comitted such a moral sin as Mr. DeFord claims, then why did he keep his mouth shut for over 30 years? Mr. DeFord has no moral grounds to stand on.Shame, Shame, Shame on Mr. Gumbel and Mr. DeFord for playing the race card to garner ratings for themselves.Today in the media, the usage of the word racism, creates controversy, and controversy translates today into the word 'ratings', which means higher advertiser dollars, regardless of whether or not there is any truth or examination of the facts of the matter. In media.........dollars and profits are God, not the truth.For goodness sakes...........look at Professional Wrestling. It is all about the money, not about the truth. | 1positive
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Classic
Purchased for my husband, but I am a fan a well. Little to be said other than it is the best of John Wayne's movies. Timeless. Highly recommend. | 1positive
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Pure Brilliance
Before this movie was made in 1989, I had only seen Batman as nothing more than a peppy, corny superhero out to save the world from the likes of four hideous villains in the time span of a half-hour. But When "Batman" was introduced that year, my perception changed. Batman wasn't only trying to save the world, he was trying to save himself. The world made him a pained and meloncholy crusader. He was a lost soul, drenched in his own crushed dreams. "Batman" introduced a new world of reality. The super hero was just as troubled as the rest of society, yet he was the one who felt compelled to save everybody, and perhaps save himself while doing it. This is a very adult story. I wouldn't recomend this to children because the themes are so strong and tragic. It is a very adult movie. The villain isn't out for world domination, as in the comics, but he kills others for the sake of killing, as in reality. The villian is a serial killer. These aren't light issues usually put into kid movies. This movie is powerful and tragic. Scenes will move you to tears as he fights with the inner demons as well as the outer demons. The best Batman movie and the best Tim Burton movie. Enjoy. | 1positive
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zulu
zulu sorry would not play in my area I tried two but neither worked sorry | 0negative
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Great Series
SG-1 = Great SeriesIt was the same old thing week after week. But I loved it. :)Besides, who didn't like Sam? Giggity. :) | 1positive
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Phe...nominal...
Just as phenominal as the first. Parts of it are very funny too; I cracked up at the flying car scene! Poor Ron was sooo embarrassed to get that howler from his mum! It was nice meeting the Weasleys; I liked Molly esp. Daniel's almost two years older than Harry here because Daniel's voice is now very soft and a little husky here, even a bit musical at times. It sounds really beautiful, like it's really on the way to becoming deep and soft, even though in the books, Harry doesn't hit puberty until the fourth book when he's fourteen. Good suspense here. Boy, poor Harry had quite a rocky Diagon Alley trip; first he chokes on the floo powder and winds up in dark Knockturn Alley! Then the conceited new DADA professor, Lockheart, embarrasses Harry red in the face by wheedling him up with him to get pictures taken. I get the feeling Lockheart was really showing off being seen with Harry and I could tell Harry was nervous and uncomfortable with all the attention. Of course, that obnoxious brat Draco Malfoy shows up to taunt Harry cruelly. Malfoy gets worse in this movie. And here Harry and his friends have the misfortune of meeting Lucious Malfoy, who even WORSE than his son! It was sooo good when Lucious got his come-uppance in the end for his dirty little games in the Ministry and esp. with the Hogwarts board. Good thing Harry's very smart, so he figured out who was REALLY behind a mysterious sinister diary he finds. The ending might be too scary for small kids under ten, but is good in that Harry battles the evil basilisk, but his fear is visible; he's not some all-confident "hero", and he gets help in an unexpected way from a phoenix. At one point, he dashes away from the basilik and trips and falls flat on his face with his glasses flying off; that scene was so real and human. Ginny's there and I liked how they kind of hug, but Harry's very shaken and is near tears as he says something that he's physically slow and even feels a bit guilty. I liked also that even though Ginny's in danger, she's not hysterical or clinging to Harry, but is calmer than even Harry when she wakes up. I just LOVED that ending when Hagrid returns and Harry just leaps up and hugs him in front of everyone, not caring if Malfoy and his cronies laugh at him! It's also great that he hugs Hermione in the end too; not many movies show pre-teen guys hug a girl openly without sexual innuendo. Harry is so loving and sweet! He's so funny in that he's so reserved, serious, quiet, and a rather closed person, yet has an openly loving heart. Looking forward to #3! | 1positive
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Unpleased
Fellow Firefly fans watch out.I am a unshakable fan of Firefly and Serenity (show me a petition to bring it back or make another movie and I'll sign!). I already had the first release and I ordered this one based on the EXTENDED SCENES lure. If you are expecting a longer movie, more of a DIRECTOR'S CUT - this IS NOT IT. The movie is EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE FIRST RELEASE. The extended scenes are included as a separate item on the DVD. Whoppee.I AM feeling MORE a little ripped off. I now have 2 exactly the same Serenity movies! Joss, honey, you can do better than this. | 1positive
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Get up and dance!!!
Footloose is probably one of my favorite top 5 movies of all times. As soon as I pop in the tape, my bad move lifts, and I get inspired to go work out! The music, the man, the mood! How can you not love it! The performances are believable, and coming from a small town, I can totally understand the preachers daughter! If you've never seen it, rent it or buy it, TODAY! | 1positive
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THE STUPIDEST MOVIE EVER
This has got to be the worst movie I have ever watched. Granted, some parts are funny, but this movie just goes over the edge. One of my favorite movies is Spaceballs. It knows where to draw the line; The Holy Grail does not. If I had to sit through that much stupidity ever again in my life I would probably kill myself ten minutes into the movie. | 0negative
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Not the singers but the song
The famous actors are almost irrelevant to this tale although probably necessary to attract the investment. It is, quite simply, a film about miscommunication at all levels and the ways in which we can, and do, become isolated from each other.I found it incredibly moving and sad. It's like finding something that you can do little about other than to be aware that it's there. The message, I think, is that we should each try to make an extra special effort with each other. I recommend this to everyone - it tells much about the human condition. | 1positive
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No
This film is, largely speaking, nothing more than a limpid piece of sh*t. Sorry, all you people who found it "inspiring" etc., but to me some of the scenes were so corny I could barely watch. The scene where Billy is afraid to answer the panel, then, upon leaving, he is asked "How do you feel when you dance?" I could feel it, I was thinking 'please don't do it Billy, don't launch into cheesy sentimental crap'. But his response was worse than I had imagined. "I feel free...like a bird...I can spread my wings and fly." NO!! There is only so much tacky sentimentality you can take, (not much) and this film takes it much much too far. The sentiment may be all lovely and nice, but try to express it in a way which doesn't make me sink into my shoes with embarrassment. The reason I have given it 2 stars is that I thought the sub-plot (the miners' strike) was rather powerful and touching at times (Billy's dad in despair at the pit after crossing the picket line was genuinely moving) but this story was far too much in the background for me. Too much of the corny trash. Sorry. Not good. Watch the Shawshank Redemption for a truly inspiring tale of hope. | 0negative
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First Look Pictures DVD
First off I'd give 4 stars for the movie itself which is a fun & re-watchable movie but the First Look Pictures DVD is a 2 star at best. The movie is in fullscreen which is pointless nowadays I think everyone would want widescreen and the picture quality isn't very sharp. The title screen only offers 2 options "play movie" or "trailer" that's it no scene select! In the end I'd probably try another release of the film. | 0negative
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A fun movie.
This was a fun movie that I really liked. Tori Spelling was a hoot. Go buy or see this movie you won't be disappointed. | 1positive
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A must-have for those who could conceivably want it.
Reviewing this DVD set is simple. Basically, for someone who might at all wonder whether to buy it, it is a must-have. For anybody else, it won't mean anything and it is a waste of money.Okay, so I am a Blade Runner fan. I love just about everything about this movie, and seeing it back when it came out was a formative experience for a young movie fan. Consequently, I won't even attempt to review the movie as such, since it wouldn't be very even-handed or rational anyway. Bascially, if you are already a Blade Runner fan, you know, and if not, I suppose all I can say is that I kinda recommend to watch it at least once.So, now that we are among ourselves, what about this edition. Well, it's great, it's what fans have been waiting for, it's well-made, contains all the relevant editions of the movie that matter (including, of course, the "final" one), plus a few gimmicks that will only be appreciated by die hard fans. The quality of sound and video is what you would expect it to be, i.e. great.Anyway, I suppose most Blade Runner fans already have ordered this and only casually peruse the reviews to see what others think about it. I think it's a worthy edition for the 25th anniversary. Great for fans, too much of a good thing (and way too gimmicky) for more casual viewers. | 1positive
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Memorable Star, Brilliant Art Design--And Terrible DVD Transfers
Loosely based on the Rudyard Kipling "Mowgli" stories, the 1942 JUNGLE BOOK offered war-weary audiences brilliant Technicolor, elaborate sets, numerous action sequences, exotic animals, lost treasure, and a climatic firestorm--not to mention charismatic Indian-born star Sabu in a persistently and titillating half-naked state. It was easily one of the most popular films of the year, a two-hour respite from some of the darkest days of World War II, and its style was so admired it easily won two Academy Awards for best color cinematography and best art direction.Seen today, however, JUNGLE BOOK is considerably less enchanting. Much of the film's original appeal arose from audience interest in seeing "jungle beasts" in full color--and while several of the animal sequences (particularly those relating to tiger Shere Khan) are classics of their kind, most modern audiences have seen many such scenes in many later films. Further undercutting the animal-interest is the film's use of several animal "dummies" that seemed realistic in 1942 but which are now very obvious in their artificiality.What remains, however, are Sabu and the overall design of the film, both of which are quite remarkable. Sabu (1924-1963) was an extremely unlikely star, plucked from complete obscurity in India by the Korda brothers to star in the 1937 ELEPHANT BOY. Fluent in English, unexpectedly charismatic, and with a handsome face and impressive body that the Kordas displayed to great effect, Sabu's greatest success would come with the 1940 Korda brothers' production of THE THIEF OF BAGDAD, and he would remain a popular actor in exotic roles throughout World War II. Although not his best film, JUNGLE BOOK captures Sabu at the very height of his appeal--and that is saying a great deal indeed.The design of the film is equally notable and provides a perfect backdrop to Sabu's charms. Filmed largely on soundstages where producer Alexander Korda, director Zoltan Korda, and art director Vincent Korda could exercise absolute control over every aspect of the film, JUNGLE BOOK is a study in the art of the Technicolor process and easily ranks among the finest color films of that decade. The sets, particularly the complex jungle and "lost city" scenes, are both remarkably fine and beautifully photographed, and the firestorm that climaxes the film retains considerable power.Unfortunately, however, there doesn't really seem a single DVD edition of the film that presents the film in its full 1942 glory. JUNGLE BOOK is among a number of famous films that has fallen into public domain--and the result is a host of incredibly dire releases to the home market. I have seen, either in full or in part, at least a half-dozen DVD releases of the film, and in each instance the colors are extremely muddy and the picture very fuzzy, often to a point at which the movie is virtually unwatchable. And sadly, given the obscurity of the film in the wake of the popular Walt Disney animated feature, we are very unlikely to see anything better.GFT, Amazon Reviewer | 1positive
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Pure and simple: It's a wonderful movie!
I started my yearly ritual of wathcing this movie back in my teen years. While technically not a Christmas movie is has become adopted as one. The real point is that life is worth living and that everyone truly matters. George Biley had to find out the hard way - what becomes of life when only one person is not there to affect outcomes.This movie is wonderfully acted and the overall message is a beautiful one. I still make it part of my Christmas tradition.Interesting note: the kid that is talking to Mary in the gym dance - she's distracted from his story when she sees George: that kid played Alfalfa in the Little Rascals! | 1positive
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Quite a Flight into suspense
Flightplan is an edge-of-your seat thriller that actually sputters to life instead of just dropping everyone into the action. You get to see the event that leads up to the whole purpose of the story; Kyle (played multi-facettly by the always divine Jodi Foster) and her daughter, Julia (newcommer Marlene Lawston) get on a plane headed for New York, after the man in their life (daddy-husband) dies. It is a sad opening and even as the two try to make light of the situation, the curcumstances of their voyage hang above them like a heavy black cloud. So, it is no shock that Kyle ends up going to sleep, with Julia close by of course. When she wakes up, she discovers that Julia is missing and as any mother would in such a situation, she freaks out. She demands that the flight crew help her search for her little girl and when they say they have looked everywhere, the fact that she is an engineer for the particular plane they are on helps as she snaps out other places where children may hide. Of course, her duaghter is not found and as the tension progresses and a US Marshall gets involved, it becomes quite evident that the entire flight crew seems to be hiding something. Of course, the real twist and turn is not as easily explained and I will not reveal it for the sake of surprise. Needless to say, I only saw part of the big reveal comming and I was completely blown away when the big moment transpired... and it happens about an hour or so into the movie. Erika Christensen offers a solid performance as a flight attendant;however, the role could have gone to any actress. Aside from Jody Foster, the actor who owned the screen time they had was Sean Bean who came off as a blend between a take charge general and a firm huggable teddy bear. He really made his part work. Peter Sarsgaard was serviceable as the US marshall and did what he had to do. He was a good guy that everyone loves to hate because he thinks he is doing the right thing even though the viewers know the truth. Waht the film boils down to is: is the mother a delusioned woman, on the verge of a breakdown or is she seriously in trouble.Flightplan isn't overtly violent although there a couple of moments. Racial profiling comes into play as an Arab man is accused because Kyle swears she saw him the night before outside her daughters bedroom. The ending of the film is a little over the top but it isn't crazy enough to make you go "huh?". So, overall, this movie delivers on the thrills. Some compared it to Red Eye, but the films are nothing alike. This one has a lot of unkowns and there are doubts cast that even viewers start to question what they think they know. A worthy buy... for sure. | 1positive
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Terrible
Terrible movie. Bad animation, horrible character design, even worse story that couldn't decide if it was a teen angst comedy or military sci-fi. A real waste of a license with potential. Original mecha designs from the MOSPEADA series are good, but there is nothing worth while to see here. Robotech, despite its hacked pedigree, is ripe for some good story telling of what other people went through during the various alien invasions - but this movie is a feature length sophomoric fan fiction product. I cannot imagine ever wanting to watch it again. A shame, as being a mecha fan I would really like to see a serious effort homegrown in America. | 0negative
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THE VIRGIN QUEEN
A beautiful, well crafted cinematic work. At its heart, of course, is the talented array of actors who portray the most important roles. Of course, Cate Blanchett is startling and forceful in her portrayal as Elizabeth... expertly reflecting the naivete and loss thereof as Elizabeth matures and undergoes the changes that will facilitate her becoming the Queen of England. Shaping these changes, of course, are the times, but also the characters who populate her life. First of all, Joseph Fiennes character, Sir Robert, appears to be Elizabeth's one and only love, and when she feels that love is betrayed, she takes it to heart and declares that England will be her only husband. This is a turning point, according to the movie, in her life, in which she sees the power and need of deceit, cunning, and also of warfare. Geoffrey Rush is his reliably talented self as Elizabeth's most adept and trusted advisor. (Strangely, of course, Fiennes and Rush both figure prominently in the film Shakespeare in Love, which was released at approximately the same time as Elizabeth. Joseph Fiennes's character may as well be the same, apart from the fact that in one film he is Shakespeare and in another he is Elizabeth's lover. In both pictures he is a man who falls in love with and seduces a woman he should not while married to someone else). Elizabeth is a beautifully made film which will illustrate a turning point in English history. Cate Blanchett illuminates the way. | 1positive
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not a good version of my favorite story!!
i've always loved Peter Pan, and I grew up watching this cartoon along with the Mary Martin version. But after seeing the new live action Peter Pan, I have to conclude that this version is dull as dirt!!! First of all, Wendy and her brothers aren't SUPOPOSED to be telling stories ABOUT Peter Pan...the kids aren't supposed to have heard of him!! So when Peter flies in, it's very anti-climatic. Wendy is just like, Oh, Peter, you're here finally. Yawn!! I think Wendy had a lovely voice but the character is just annoying!! All she does is babble on while she sews Peters shadow. There is zero connection between Peter and Wendy, and that's a big problem. Tinkerbelle is the best character in this, but, she doesn't even get her famous death scene where everyone claps to bring her to life!! Hook using a bomb to hurt Peter instead of poisoning his "medicine" was really lame. Worst of all, with the exception of "You Can Fly!' all of the songs are lame. Do I even have to mention the idiotic "Red Man" song?? eww. Plus, the Lost Boys aren't supposed to be morons with retarded voices. Very dissapointing. This bland version is ok for little kids, but, to get the REAL story of Peter Pan, watch the NEW movie!!! | 0negative
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Worst movie I have seen in a while
How can I begin? I was so looking forward to this installment of the Shrek movies, that when I finally saw it, I was in shock! It was hands down the most terribly boring movie I had seen all year! I fell asleep about 30 minutes before it ended (something I never do watching a movie) so I asked my husband if I had missed anything good. He laughed. He thought it was as terrible as I did. Come to find out every single person I talked to after watching it said that it was as terrible as I did. Shame on the writers for making such a dull and boring movie after the first 2 were so lively and wonderful. Hopefully the next one will be more like the first 2, I would hate to see them end with such a horrible conclusion like number 3!! | 0negative
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johnny in black and white
johnny depp is wonderful, yes? and neil young doing all the music? who's ever had a greater idea? i wish more movies were still made in black and white; allows us to see the innocence and simplicity of everything. and why hasn't anyone mentioned crispin glover? the best train fireman ever, i'm sure. ("hey, mcfly, your shoe's untied...") and who better to play a freaky transexual woodsman than iggy pop? yes, this movie has the most fabulous combination of actors i believe i've ever seen. johnny's acting is exquisite, the direction is beautiful, the music is creepy and perfect. if you haven't seen it, please do. but, also, please watch out for the head-crushing scene . . . well, close your eyes if you anticipate a head-crushing coming on. i'm pretty darn sure, you will enjoy this movie. you'll atleast enjoy the preciousness that is johnny depp. | 1positive
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A devout purist and proud of it!
Listen, "Carl Haas", if that IS your real name, it's not Pippen, it's Pippin. An "i", not an "e". How can I trust anything you say after seeing such a glaring error? I've read the trilogy twice a day ever since the day I was born (I'm listening to the book-on-tape version as I write this), and if I say the movie's a failure, then it's a no-good stinking failure! Where was Tom Bombadil in the first movie? Where, I ask you? He was essential to the story, what with the happy jumping and singing! The Barrow-wights? NOT THERE EITHER! I soiled myself with rage and urine when the Two Towers ended with no Shelob scene! I wish Peter Jackson was here right now so I could relieve myself on his shoes. I think that if a successful movie version is to be made, it should follow the book EXACTLY, with every boring bit of dialogue from every minor character spewing out their boring family history for pages and pages and pages. It should be at least 150 hours long with no breaks, and be shown only on airline planes that have been painted bright green, if they want to try to capture a mere sliver of what Tolkien was trying to convey through his works. | 1positive
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Great
I bought for my daughter, She loved Disney growing up and want to start a collecton for her own family | 1positive
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Too much Compression
I really enjoyed the movie. My complaint is the poor video quality for the mobile device. I would have liked the option to play the PC version on my mobile device, an Archos 504 160GB. When compressing videos to small file sizes, Divx should be used instead of WMV. For the price payed for the down load, I would rather buy the DVD and make my own video file, as I have done many times before, to insure good quality....JimNext | 0negative
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This is a Good Movie! Suspenseful and Chilling!
I watched the movie The Bad Seed and it was the first time I ever saw it and I think it's a great movie and very chilling! It is about an angelic looking 8 year old girl who appears to be polite and perfect but who is in fact a cold blooded murderer and her loving mother soon realizes that her little girl is evil it frighten her and I think Nancy Kelly who played Christine was great and Patty McCormack was great too and gave a very chilling performance as Rhoda the bad seed and I highly recommend this movie! This is without a doubt one of the most chilling movies I have ever watched! I haven't seen the play this movie was based on and I never read the book but I hear that the ending of the play and movie were very different and that the movie studio made them change the ending of the movie becasue they felt that that ending wasn't appropiate. I did see the made for TV remake that I think was made in the 1980's and it wasn't very good though it did contain the ending that was changed in this movie but even with that ending the remake wasn't good and the original is alot better! | 1positive
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Dissapointing... Sony Pictures better listen this time!
I'm a native French speaker and it hurts everytime I buy a DVD without the french language track; it hurts even more when a respectable studio as Columbia keeps a mistake on their package. The aspect ratio for Ghostbusters 1 is 2.35:1. Not 1.33:1 as the cardboard says.This being the 20th (actually, considering the movie was released in 1984, that would make it the 21st anniversary... can you spell late?) There are no more theatrical trailers on either DVDs and instead of a full-fledged boosted DVD edition with the special edition of Ghostbusters II we, ghostfans, thought we'd get, it was alas, no more than a dream. We have two RGB episodes (which are merely related to one or the other GB movie) on GBII's disc. The menus are, this time, static, no animation whatsoever and even worse, the GB II menu screen is STILL the one used for GB I. Is it my imagination, but I thought Dana Barrett's apartment building in GB II was NOT the Shandor building? The only thing remembering us that we're on the GBII DVD is when the Statue of Liberty passes by the screen instead of the Marshmallow Man. Can you spell lazy?Here's what we, ghostfans, wanted to see on the GBII DVD (maybe this way we can hope to get it on time for the 36th anniversary: Deleted scenes, making of featurettes, interviews, animated menus RELATED to the respective movies (as if you would use a chocolate factory for the E.T. DVD menus (see the link? Didn't think so)), before and after SPFX, Dan Aykroyd commentaries on BOTH movies, a GB documentary relating the difficulties of shooting BOTH movies, you know, having a 4 disc edition like the Indiana Jones and Star Wars... the way we're meant to be treated as fans who grew up waiting for such a thing to happen...Although the rest is pretty shameful, the transfer is spotless. It even gives me the feeling of being in that dark theater back in 1989 when I first saw GB II. Still, it's not much to bite on when fans are hungry for more. most studios have understood that if you want to sell many units, you have to include MORE bonuses (Rule #1 in finances: in order to make money, you have to spend money). And that is where the money for the bonuses went North.With a little help from real fans of the movies, they can actually get a nice edition done by the end of 2010... the 26th anniversary of Ghostbusters.Columbia, if you're reading this, contact me and I will gladly send you a photoshop DVD cover I made of the first GB movie (form scratch) that would finally give the series a much needed new look and something truly faithful to its source rather than the guys in front of the city with clouds and lots of colors or the GB logo over a slime spot. (and when you look behind the GB II DVD cover, you can see Peter Venkman, 1983... didn't GB II happened in 1989? or 1988?)After all these ups and downs, us ghost fans, will certainly be more cautious when we see the Ghostbusters logo on a media product. It seems to be synonym of lazy in the media industry. | 0negative
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Terribly overrated...
In my opinion this movie is one of Hitch's worst. The movie has an incredibly pointless plot which kept me completely disinterested. Also, the acting is fairly low par at times, especially from Tippi Hedren. But, the movie isn't a complete loss. The story could be probed a little deeper, as could any movie. However, I wouldn't suggest this movie to most people. If your going to watch a Hitchcock movie, check out something like Vertigo, Rebecca, or The Man Who Knew Too Much. Those are true classics. | 0negative
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Enjoyable for young kids
I purchased this without having viewed it first based on favorable reviews by others. I wasn't disappointed. It is a very cute story and keeps the attention of both my 3 year old daughter, and surprisingly, my 4 1/2 year old son. I specifically bought Best Pets Yet because I thought the animals would appeal to both boys and girls and it does. This is currently one of my daughter's top 3 favorite videos (along with Barbie Nutcracker and Cinderella). | 1positive
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A Beautiful, Touching Movie
I first saw this movie back in 1996 on a trans-atlantic flight from Italy to Toronto. While mostly everyone else on the plane was sleeping, I was bored and decided to take a chance on watching what I thought would be yet another boring, stiff, English movie. I couldn't have been more wrong. Three minuites into the movie I was already laughing and smiling in my seat. For the next two hours I was swept into the glorius tale of two very different, but very lovely sisters. Unlike other British movies I have seen, I found the dialogue easy to comprehend and the subtle humor very funny. Every aspect of the movie was magnificent. The writing, acting, directing were all superb and you couldn't have asked for a better cast. Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet were amazing and perfect in the roles of the two Dashwood sisters. They were surrounded by a magnificent supporting cast, every actor performing his/her role to perfection. By the end of the movie I was bawling and smiling at the same time. The woman beside me thought I was nuts and I had to excuse myself to cry my eyes out in the bathroom. Back home the following week I purchased the movie and have since watched it too many times to count. The movie is firmly situated in my top three favourite movies of all time. It is truely a stunning and amazing movie. | 1positive
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These Rebels DID have a cause
For all that the title is such a classic one, it is rather inaccurate. And possibly, it was meant to be. Maybe a catchy title to draw in the crowds or a deliberate lie to show later that their cause, seeming meaningless, was a valid one. And in the end, this film is so poignant! Not a "dated" film at all, but a lesson to the generations of teenagers before and afterwards. Teenage angst has not changed in the last 50 years, and the reasons have not become any less meaningful. "Rebel Without a Cause" offers a very truthful look into the lives of teenagers, the reasons they rebel and gives a reason to why rebeliousness should not be taken so lightly.The movie begins with all three of the main characters Jim (James Dean) Judy (Natalie Wood) and Plato (Sal Mineo) in a police station in the wee hours of the morning. All are dressed in obviously middle and upper-class clothes but have been picked up on the street for wandering, drunkeness and violence. The title of the movie immediately gives itself away, Judy is upset because her father was rough with her, Plato's father left him and his mother is never at home...Then we meet Jim's parents. A submissive father, sharp-tongued mother and uptight grandmother. True, they may give him "many things" but the tension, strain and ignorance of Jim's needs are, as he says, "tearing me apart!"We find out in the course of the movie, as Jim, Judy and Plato come together, that they are really good kids who are only looking for love and acceptance. We see how little their parents understand of them and how they are rebelling against the ignorance that has been starving them for years!And truly, this is my FAVORITE James Dean movie, I think his portrayal of Jim is really a mirror of his own life with his biological Dad and some of the kids he grew up with. His acting is just so true, real, passionate and believable. This movie is my reasoning for why he is still such a legend. Truly, one of the greatest actors of all time. And a fantastic movie to boot!And get this, the extra disc has all kinds of wonderful things the VHS tape had. Cast interviews, screen tests, alternate endings, black and white clips, film changes! On my old tape, I always watched the prelude to this with the outtakes, alternate endings, screen tests and James Dean interview. Ooh, plus the trailer! I HAD to see these before the movie began. So, it's great to see all that footage included on this DVD as well! | 1positive
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My IQ just dropped after seeing this
I tried to watch this because I was soooo bored. I couldn't stand it for more than 10 minutes. They're so stupid to a point its not even funny. Somehow these people out-stupid Jackass, and I've had my share of laughs watching Jackass from time to time.How do I describe these people? Shallow, too stupid to live, but to my amazement... arrogant. It is seriously like watching a bunch of 10 year olds socializing but with alcohol and sex. I can't believe these people are role models to children... and I'm 22 years old, not some old prude.Ladies and gents... our culture has hit a new low. | 0negative
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A Fantastic Triumph!
Tim Burton and Lewis Carrol's "Alice" books seemed, when this project was announced, to be a perfect combination. I waited with great anticipation to see the result and I know many others did too - and I was not disappointed.The story follows an adult Alice, who is at a crossroads after being proposed to her by a wealthy heir, but one whom she feels nothing for. At just this moment, she espies the White Rabbit, who leads her into Wonderland, a strange land that she visited in her childhood, but believed to be just a dream. There she meets the familiar characters of the Mad Hatter and his tea drinking posse, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Caterpillar and the Cheshire Cat. They have been waiting hopefully for her return, as she is the one who will end the rule of the paranoid and violent Red Queen, a character amalgam of the Red Qeen from "Through the Looking Glass" and The Queen of Hearts from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". She eventualy becomes the champion of the benevolent but exiled White Queen and is set on a collision course with the Red Queen and her forces, including the sly and mean-spirited Knave of Hearts (who seems to amalgamate The Knave of Hearts from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and The Red Knight from "Through the Looking Glass") and the fearsome Jabberwocky, the dragon that protects the Red Queen from challenges.Many, it sems, were disappointed with this. Some complain that it eschews the books fragmented plot in favour of a quest structure, while others complain of the lack of storyline. Burton, by his own admission focuses on characters and imagery rather than story. This is a valid approach as cinema is a visual medium - not like a novel. This being said, I was surprised that Burton was more interested in a version with a story than the fragmented original, although this may not have been his decision alone. The result, however, works. There is just enough of a story to give the characters more of a history and motivation - a feature of Burton's previous film adaptations of "Sleepy Hollow" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" - in which characters were given more depth by introducing more of a back story. Yes, as many have pointed out, the film does utilise the monomyth structure as many other recent fantasy epics have - but stories do tend to use it - and this is not the first "Alice" adaptation to do so. The film has to be judged on the merits of how it achieves its own goal, and Burton's key is in using his distinctive imagination to give this "Alice" and this monomyth its own peculiar feel. Some may miss elements of Carrol's nonsensical wit that are not here, but there is sufficient essence of Carrol in the language of the characters and the confusion Alice faces in dealing with many of them. It must be remembered that much of the plot is derived from "Through the Looking Glass" which has more structure than "Alice in Wonderland". The story of "The Jabberwocky", a poem from "Through the Looking Glass" is also used in the plot structure - introducing the key folkloric motif of the special weapon - the Vorpal Sword. The brilliant result of this is in creating a new, surreal version of the monomyth filtered through the sensibilities of Carrol and Burton.The CGI I is used sparringly and has the weighted feel of Burton's stop motion work, making it feel more real and much warmer than much of the cold, slick CGI of other films. Some say that the 3D was tacked on and not integral, I offer other adjectives: unintruseive and understated. I ddo not want to walk away from a film with my memory focused on the special effects - to me there is a great failing in the characters if this is the case. Burton's brilliant visual quality stands out in every frame of the film - beautifully tonal and detailed. Slightly gothic and with a wonderful technicolour palette.All actors are outstanding. The CGI characters are voiced to perfection. Wasikowska is a curious and assertive presence without gushing at her surroundings like an Alice from a bad panto adaptation. Depp is a delighfully nuanced, bi-polar Mad Hatter with the right blen of whimsy and psychological damage. Bonham-Carter is a wicked Red Queen, delightfully spoiled and OTT, but also showing the damage that made her a monster. Ann Hathaway is a warm but motivated presence who has done exceelent work in the building of her character. Some find the characters a little cold - I find an emotional honesty rather than the sentimental syrup many expect from family fantasy and Hollywood movies in general.This is a wonderful fantasy that harkens back to great fantasy films like "Labrynth", The Dark Crystal", "The Princess Bride", "Return to Oz" and even Disney's earlier animations such as "Sleeping Beauty" "Snow White" and their original "Alice in Wonderland" - that were unafraid to be stylistically bold, slightly wierd, a bit scary, very whimsical and a lot of fun! | 1positive
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Elegant, "tough times on the frontier" western
No, this isn't an action-comedy with Chris Rock and Anthony Hopkins. This is a little-known Western from the early 1970s that deserves a revival of interest. It's gritty, realistic, often funny, well-acted, and unlike most people's expectations of what the Western should be. Fans of the genre, as well as those to claim not to like Westerns at all, should give it a try."Bad Company" shows how the American Western was changing in the early 70s. The influence of the Italian Westerns of the 60s caused American directors to take a fresh look at the genre, and by the time of "Bad Company" some excellent directors were finding a new, unique voice in the old world of the horse operas. Robert Benton, who co-wrote "Bonnie and Clyde" and would later helm "Kramer vs. Kramer," makes his directorial debut here and does a teriffic, low-key job. The film shows the irony of "go west, young man" through its story of a band of young toughs who venture into the promise of the frontier only to find deprivation, cruelty, and death. It's a grim and realistic premise, devoid of old-fashioned Western heroics, but the movie has a certain lightness and joy as well. The recent smash hit "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" had a definite influence on the relationship between the leads here, Jeff Bridges and Barry Brown.Bridges is superb and convincing in his part, and David Huddleston has great presence in his unusual villain role. The photography is glowing and romantic despite the gritty story, but it works wonderfully at evoking the time period. A highly recommended film for people who want something a bit different with their Western. | 1positive
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Best adaptation yet
I'm a big fan of Lewis Carroll and this is one of the truest and best adaptations so far. This is definitely a buy. | 1positive
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Fun For the Whole Family!
Being a middle aged soccer mom, I'm not interested in taking my kids to the very violent minority reports, or the insulting scooby doo. Basically that meant I was at a loss in that entertainment field. The kids wanted to see a movie, but nothing out there appealed. Then, I was invited to a screening of Hey Arnold! The blissful innocence that inhabit these kids remind us of all our own childhood and kids. I recommend this film to families who are out of options at the cinema. This is the perfect family flick! | 1positive
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So sad..
I love Star Trek. But, this is the worst Star Trek movie ever made | 0negative
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Looney toon or boogeyman?
Did the retired cartoonists from Bugs Bunny and the Looney Toons have their hand in making this film? It is certainly a salient feature. For example, in the beginning of the show, the kid's father is hurled up and down the parameters of the closet space with such force and animation similar to the old cartoons. It is more comical than terrifying. And the ghoul, whose motives are left unstated, seems merely to be a mischievious character reminiscent of bugs bunny or daffy duck, or, better yet, woody the wood pecker of Mel Blanc lore. Except, instead of the humor resuting from that head banging lunacy of Melanerpes formicivorus, we have the same mischief combined with unadulterated malcontent. The acting seems to involve lots of young people with pensive faces trying to imitate how young people talk and act. The theater does have as its goal the imitation of real life, but not verbatim. Improvization and poetic liberty seem to be a foreign concept to many of these young actors. The plot? There wasn't any. No punch line. The producers apparently thought that putting a kid in a haunted house of his youth, embellishing the spook with special effects, and adding a minor subplot of his social life would make for great movie making. It fails miserably. Why this immaterial being is able to bring about physical effects, and why, in the end, he is finally subject to being hit over the head with a common table lamp, begs the question. | 0negative
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Pagan Roots of European Holocaust
I owned the 4-tape VHS version by Madacy since about 1999, and consider David Flitton's work to be a masterful tracing of the steps, the influences, the convergence and the culminating rise to power of one of the most sophisticated yet pagan regimes in the history of western culture.As an historian, I confess to taking detailed notes on about the third round of watching these films, and traced person-to-person, philosophy-to-philosophy, publication-to-publication, movement-to-movement, and link-to-link, and found myself with a veritible map of converging streams of influence which became the flood-tide of Naziism.I have a personal library of over 3,000 volumes collected over 25 years of professional career, with about 25% dedicated to Theology, 25% to Jewish/Church/Religious history, 25% to American and World history, and about 25% to Military history, with other subjects tangent to all these. My WWII and related items number in the hundreds, and the subject of the Third Reich and the Holocaust number in scores.I relay all that book blather to assure the reader here that I have found these videos to be an accurate presentation of the subject matter, making many obscure and little-known documented FACTS not only come to light, but to be placed in a very proper context for the understanding of the subject.In addition, the treatment of the matter is succinct in comparison to what enormity of evidence exists, so it is easy for a novice to view these films and get a good handle on the subject of the "spirituality" behind the rise of the Nazis.On the other hand, scholars who have researched the matter for years as I have will thoroughly enjoy seeing what will likely be new film footage for them---footage which I was pleasantly surprised to discover still existed. Scholars will also appreciate the interesting and commendable way the producers of these films crafted them, so as to be reminded of a multitude of the most important points from the various books and records in print one has already researched.I highly recommend these films to every high school and college in America and Europe, and for all historians to view these films and refresh themselves as to the reasons, thought-patterns, and movements which led to the national decay of one of the most sophisticated and cultured peoples on earth, and led them to blindly submit to pagans leading them to complete disaster.The lessons of history can only be learned if one seeks to discover them and then seeks wisdom to discern them. | 1positive
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Worst Ever!
I saw this in the theatre back in 1982 and it is the worst movie I have ever seen...still to this day! I'm shocked it's on DVD.If you want to see a great horror/science fiction film watch THE THING by John Carpenter. | 0negative
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A classic
A great movie everyone should see. One of the best endings of all time. | 1positive
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PAINFULLY BAD
If Ed Wood was still alive he couldn't even get excited about the new scenes in this film. If you are a fan of night of the living dead buy the elite dvd but stay far away from the special edition. The new scenes add nothing to the story and actually detract from it. Russo's direction in the new scenes is about as exciting and creative as a wet sponge. The new scenes are poorly written and the acting is even worse. I was really looking forward to this and was terribly disappointed. View at your own risk - stomach aches, nausea, vomiting could be the result at seeing a master piece of a horror movie butchered courtesy of Russo and friends. | 0negative
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From social worker to Schwarzenegger
Chains of Gold is one of those movies John Travolta did during his career slump. This one has Travolta as Scott Barnes, a social worker who rescues a kid from a drug-running street gang. Hector Elizondo has a part as Lieutenant Ortega. Silly plot certainly doesn't help this forgettable action movie. Director Rob Holcomb moved on to direct the excellent TV movie 'Finding the Way Home'. | 0negative
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Cult classic
Romeo is Bleeding is a modern film noir - a true classic that is on a par with any of the classic film noirs from the 50s. It has all the right ingredients - treacherous femme fatales (more than one, in fact), a cast of sleazy characters, a protagonist who gets drawn into a situation from which he can't excise himself, and lots of death and destruction. All this, and an all star cast that includes Gary Oldman, Lena Olin, Juliette Lewis, Anabella Sciorra, and Roy Scheider.Gary Oldman is one of the best actors around these days. He can be outrageously over the top ("Sid & Nancy", "The Professional", "Bram Stoker's Dracula", "Hannibal") or understated ("The Dark Knight", "Batman Begins", "JFK") in the more than 50 films he's appeared in since 1982. His role as the crooked cop Grimaldi is one of his finest performances ever.The only thing outshining Oldman is Swedish actress Lena Olin who plays a Russian assassin with more than a few tricks up her sleeve. Olin has been nominated for an Oscar ("Enemies"), a Golden Globe ("Unbearable Lightness of Being") a BAFTA ("Chocolat"), and an Emmy ("Alias"). For her role in this film she received a, MTV Movie Award nomination for "Best Action Sequence" for her fight in the car.Sexy Annabella Sciorra plays Oldman's suffering wife. We know her best as the Emmy nominated depressed and ultimately suicidal girlfriend of Tony Soprano, but she's been in a few dozen films ("Cadillac Man", "Cop Land", "Above Suspicion", "Jungle Fever") as well as recurring roles in other TV series (e.g., Detective Barek on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent", Nora Skoff on "Mental").Sciorra does a terrific job in this film, a quiet counterpoint to her more flamboyant co-stars.Talking about flamboyant, Juliette Lewis turns in another stunning performance in this film as Oldman's mistress. Probably best known for her early work as the child in "Cape Fear" (1992) for which she received an Oscar nomination, Lewis has given great performances in films like "Kalifornia" (1993), "Natural Born Killers" (1994), and "From Dusk Til Dawn" (1996). Personally I think her best role was in "What's Eating Gilber t Grape" (1993).Roy Scheider has given so many great performances it's hard to know where to start. He was the detective in "The French Connection" (1971) and the director in "All That Jazz" (1979) - getting Oscar nods for both roles. He was also the police chief in "Jaws" (1975) and the police helicopter pilot in "Blue Thunder" (1983) and for two years played Captain Bridger in TV's "Sea Quest". In this film he plays a Mafia don who orders Oldman to kill Olin.The film is directed by Peter Medak who is best known for "The Ruling Class" (1972), "A Day in the Life of Joe Egg" (1972), and "The Krays" (1990). Medak works mainly on episodic TV, usually on cop shows like "Cold Case" and "Homicide". Medak's films often deal with dysfunctional relationships and often display a quirky black humor. Those qualities are clearly on display in "Romeo".Hillary Henkin wrote the screenplay and co-produced. Henkin is best known for her work on "Wag the Dog" (1997) for which she received an Oscar and a Golden Globe nomination. Her other screenplays include "Road House" (1989) and "Prisoners" (1981), but nothing in any of her other works will prepare you for "Romeo is Bleeding".Co-producer Paul Webster has a long list of quirky films in his history - "Little Odessa" (1994), "Sexy Beast" (2000), "Invincible" (2001), and "Eastern Promises" (209097) to name a few. Webster received an Oscar and a BAFTA nomination for "Atonement" (2007) as well as a BAFTA nomination for "Pride and Prejudice" (2005).The film was a commercial and a critical failure. It grossed less than $4 million worldwide on a $10 million budget. Roger Ebert said it had "overwrought style and overwritten melodrama". Over time it has achieved cult status as a modern film noir.Film noir fans should be required to see this film. Fans of great acting will enjoy the film, and the film has equally impressive direction, photography, and music. But it isn't for the faint of heart. | 1positive
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High Speed and High Quality
Thank you for your business! Not only did the dvds arrive more promptly than expected in they were in great condition and have provided the family with great entertainment. Thanks again for your service!!! | 1positive
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Aweful waste of time and money...
This is the worst dvd I have ever bought about cars and corvettes,its nothing but ad,and you see only two in the whole film,thats it it s all ads and hype,no gm,chevy or corvette person should buy this,garbage and very outdated,buy the history channel corvette vid instead. | 0negative
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American Heroism at its Best!
I've been a student of US military history all my life, and yes some will say Wayne's version of the Alamo is not the most historically accurate----and they are correct. But that is not the point that Wayne was trying to make! In 1960 Wayne was trying to keep Americans focused on US military heroism as the US was starting to become bogged down in the Vietnam War. This film is a Masterpiece to the US Soldier and what he is willing to sacrifice to keep his Freedom! I highly recommend this movie to all Young Americans! | 1positive
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This is the most heartbreaking movie since the color purple
This movie touched my heart in so many ways. The way I felt was indescribable. The movie was exellent and the actors were great. I could feel myself in the movie. I cried my heart out throug almost the whole thing. It was a very moving movie about black and white prejeduce. | 1positive
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Perfectly understated
Stephen Rae's character carries the burden of the Soviet Union's inefficiencies as he is put in charge, as a forensic scientist, of a serial murder case. "There are no serial killers in the Soviet Union!" snarls the character from Joss Ackland, suitably intransigent in his Party apparatchik role. Donald Sutherland's character (as well as his acting) is a revelation. He understands the forensic scientist's burdens and frustrations as the body count increases. He becomes an ally, weaving his way through the machinations of the supervising committee to the investigation. The film conveys the crumbling urban physical reality of the Soviet Union, portrayed as provincial Rostov. The murderer `can't get it up' for his wife. "Pathetic" she says after (obviously) another failed attempt. Five years on, the scientist breaks down; never having had leave in that time. Perestroika erupts. Resources suddenly become available. He suggests a psychiatrist's intervention; more Soviet obstruction until on the last day before the suspect has to be released, if not charged, he is given his chance. It's a tour-de-force of a cameo role by Max von Sydow but does he succeed in unmasking the true killer? The script is precise. There is not one redundant scene. The acting of Rae and Sutherland is perfectly understated. It is based on a true story. It is a film to watch!Ian Hunter.Author of `e-Love'. | 1positive
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Lost Christmas classic.
Good Sam is a charming Capra-esque Christmas classic directed by Leo McCarey (The Bells of St. Mary's, Going My Way). It's about a family man whose generosity to friends, relatives, neighbors, and strangers exceeds all normal expectations, apparently at the expense of his own immediate family, reaching a crisis at Christmas. See the movie to find out if what goes around comes around and it all works out. Gary Cooper is always fun to watch in this type of comedy drama, as he was in Capra's Mr. Deeds Goes To Town and Meet John Doe, and Howard Hawke's Ball of Fire. | 1positive
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Behold, The Grandaddy of ALL Contemporary Romantic Comedies!
This movie clearly exemplifies why Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts were at the top of their game for so many years. It's not just a chick flick-- guys can get into this too!! It's an intelligent film with wonderful character development and lots of light-hearted fun as these two actors are always good at pulling off. I really want to see this pair together again someday! | 1positive
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Face down in the dirt...
To say that I have never seen `Midnight Cowboy' until this past weekend is rather embarrassing since, well, it is highly considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. Alas, it has taken me some time to track it down and delegate time to soak it in, and now that I have done that I have to say that I am simply awe-struck.This film is marvelous.First of all, I want to make a quick note to the fool who lambasted this for having a `sad ending'. I understand that people like to watch films for entertainment value, but to downgrade this film's overall impact because you don't like the downer ending is rather ignorant. Yes, the `gay for pay' scene (as you put it) was groundbreaking and even watching it all these years later it holds a very distinct impact. And, so you are `corrected', even Joe makes it clear that he is "not a real cowboy". He went to New York for the strict reason to capitalize on his good looks and get `paid for a lay', and his confused sexual past would make it rather understandable that he was `looser' with his `tricks'.Anyways.The film centers around two `losers', Joe and Rizzo who bond over their shared loneliness. Joe moves from Texas to New York, planning on becoming a hustler to make a living. Upon a chance meeting with Rizzo (that doesn't go so well), the two wind up wallowing in their solitude together, working hard to exploit each other to make a living. While the majority of the films center seems to go no where (climactically), it serves to build a tragic portrait of two wasted lives. In many ways, the film reminds me of John Huston's tragically underrated `Fat City'. In fact, the endings are similarly tragic, especially when you consider the emotional weight it carries for the characters. Throughout the film Rizzo is dying to reach Florida, a place he considers a safe-haven. It is only appropriate that Florida bring with it insurmountable pain (or would that be a welcomed release?).The performances by the two stars is nearly otherworldly, especially Dustin Hoffman, who chews up every scene. Many may label his performance `gimmick', but there is so much earnest heart and drive in his every tick that he bleeds forth a reality that surpassing mere cliché. Voight is a perfect compliment here, serving up a more subdued and `observational' character.I do want to note that Sylvia Miles cameo performance as Cass shockingly received an Oscar nomination. If ANYONE from this film deserved a nomination for illuminated her few scenes, it would have been Brenda Vaccaro!Many have noted the homosexual connotations and insinuations surrounding this film and its treatment of the two main characters. While this is surely no `Brokeback Mountain' in that area (nor is it as `good' a film, if we're being honest) it definitely earns the speculation on the subject, especially when you consider how wildly defensive both characters are about their sexuality. While I would never jump the gun and label either of them `gay', I must say that the film likes to tote the line so-to-speak with its own understanding of the characters `preferences'. In the end, there is a love between these two men that transcends the boundaries of sexuality, and for that I am truly grateful.Few films can capture the desperation that simmers under the skin of the lonesome, and `Midnight Cowboy' (while subjectively dated) refuses to date itself. This is one for the ages. | 1positive
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left behind movie 3
hated it!!! it made the Christians look really stupid & unmatched to the challenges at hand. it seemed to ignore the whole purpose of the book series - the fight to save mankind from the antichrist by ordinary believers left behind after the Call [the Rapture]. this was the worst movie in the series followed closely by the second movie. i think cloud 10 should just call their movies something else but NOT say they have ANYTHING to do with the left behind series. maybe i wouldn't have been as offended if it was just marketed as science fiction and NOT like its end time fiction like the book series... | 0negative
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Of poor quality
This is a very poor quality DVD. (In fact, one of the star's names is spelled wrong in the credits. Yikes.) This is two "Great Performances" from PBS that have been mushed together to create one movie. The two stories are not related, and it is jarring to jump back and forth between the two. | 0negative
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One of the best musicals ever
Ever wonder what the big deal is about watching movies in widescreen? Get this movie and go directly to the Marian the Librarian scene. Notice all of the people on the stairs? They aren't in the other versions. It's nice to see a movie as it was originally filmed.More than that, the movie is simply awesome. It's a slice of Americana set to music that everybody in the family can watch. Even my cats like it. | 1positive
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Titanic Panic
A very well done movie with two of Hollywoods finest actors. Gives you the feel of being there. I can watch this over & over. | 1positive
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Not the Original
If you are looking for a colorized version of the original 1947 classic -- THIS IS NOT IT! This is a "new" remake of the original. | 0negative
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Don't waste your money
If you see this in a store and think it looks good, whatever you do, resist the urge to buy. It was probably the beautiful cover art that seduced me into buying this, and it turns out that the cover art is probably the best thing about it. I really wish I'd spent my money on something more worthwhile, and now I'll try to warn others from making the same mistake.To start with, the characterization is awful, or non-existent to be more accurate. The characters had so little personality that I honestly couldn't have cared less whether they lived or died. Add to that a thoroughly dull and uninspiring plot involving a person turning into a monster, and you've got one of the worst animes out there. As if all that weren't bad enough, it's crammed into a mere fifty minutes which prevents any sort of meaningful ending.The DVD has pretty good picture quality, and the extra features are pretty decent, but take my word for it: none of it is worth submitting yourself to this garbage. So whoever you are, stay away. I like most anime, but this is just ugly. | 0negative
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Colossal waste of time
This movie was, without a doubt, the worst movie I have seen in almost 20 years! It was a complete and utter waste of time. It took three days and three attempts to finish it. I kept giving it a chance, hoping it would finally get better, but it just got worse. | 0negative
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Glad I rented it first
I would have to go along with those who said they were glad they did not buy this. Not exactly horrible, but an hour and a half or so of my life I will not get back. Scenery was nice, but I could not hear half the dialog, and what I did hear was nothing to write home about. Do yourself a favor; save your money for something better. | 0negative
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Quills
Pure class!Each of the four leading actors; Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Michael Caine and Joaquin...(the guy from Gladiator!) were outstanding! The plot was intriguing, language accurate and the realism seemed brutal.Just watch it if you like classy films. | 1positive
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Samuel Burl Kinison: 12/8/53 -- 4/10/92
In Sam Kinison's highly un-P.C. "Family Entertainment Hour," he starts by insulting M.C. Hammer (remember him?) and suggests that serial killers target all rappers, then things soar from there. A few dozen F words, coke humor, urinating in a suitcase, swallowing (you know what), blasphemy, Richard Simmons-- it all goes parading rapidly by in a demented stream of consciousness punctuated every so often by Sam's trademark screeches. The finale is Kinison's phone call to an audience member's ex-girlfriend. He loudly abrades her for sleeping with the guy's brother. Maybe the brother was a better lay, Sam.The real question is: what family was Sam trying to entertain here? The Mansons?This is not my preferred brand of stand-up. Maybe it's yours.(Note: Kinison claims during this performance to finally be clean and sober. Maybe so, however, after that drunken teen plowed headlong into Sam's Grand Am barely a year later and killed him instantly, the autopsy revealed his drug of choice was present in the unfortunate comic's bloodstream. RIP to a most unusual, scatologically verbose proponent of humor's angrier side.) | 1positive
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A charming little film
Not terribly original I guess, but very sweet. I like the actors, and I am a sucker for films that depict the many ways that people who would seem to have nothing in common, form deep friendships. The performances are very broadly drawn ( forget subtiley ), but to great affect. I lived in South Philly for a number of years and this film made me feel right at home. | 1positive
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Prisoner of Azkaban rocks! It's supreme!
Absolutely the best Potter movie yet. Cheers to Alfonso Cuaron for turning the increasingly bland Potter franchise to scale new heights in technical achievement and cinematography. This feature film differs from its predecessors by being less slavish to Rowling's sprawling universe. Klose have done a great job this time around by just concentrating on the essentials: Harry's journey through puberty and of course the truth behind the fate of his parents. Not forgetting the young stars of the film. Radcliffe, Rupert and Emma have truly shown great acting prowess. They seem to be growing more comfortable with their respective roles. Though with Cuaron's guidance, they had in fact sparkled their performances to breath new life in the characters. Yes, excellent marks to the supporting cast. As always Rickman as the wonderful Snape. Good work to Gary and David for the new roles. Gambon does a splendid portrayal of Dumbledore. Superb CGI-effects with the Dementors, Knight Bus and advanced magic 'expecto patronum' as stand-outs. I love Cuaron's camera-takes in this film: close-up shots of objects and a much darker cinematography. He and Serensin should be commended for their excellent work. All in all a great movie to watch and likely one of the best films of the summer! | 1positive
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A TIMELESS CLASSIC
MY CHILDREN REMEMBER THIS MOVIE SO I THOUGHT MY GRANDCHILDREN WOULD LIKE IT AND THEY DO. CONFESSION: REALLY BOUGHT THIS FOR ME. THE INTERACTION OF THE ANIMATION AND ACTORS IS WONDERFUL NO ONE CAN SING LIKE JULIE ANDREWS AND DICK VAN DYKE'S DANCING FANTASTIC. BRINGS OUT THE CHILDREN IN US ALL. | 1positive
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Jillian Michaels Shred it with Weights -
Jillian is the best trainer ever. I look forward to more exercise dvds from her. This one was as good as the other ones I have bougth. Everyone should have this at home. | 1positive
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Didn't Like it
Maybe it was just not the type of Anime I was looking for. Went off a friend who said they liked it, but turns out, not my style. | 0negative
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Great Movie :4 1/2 stars!
Ok, virtually everyone on the planet couldn't wait to see Spiderman (the sales from the weekend shows:$114million!!). The graphics were tight, the Green Goblin was just like he was in the cartoons (outside of the lifeless Goblin mask he wore in the movie), but otherwise, excellent fight scenes and special effects. there were only 2 complaints i had with this movie: 1-Why didn't the classic Spiderman song play at all in the movie???:-( and 2. some of the storytelling pauses in between the fight scenes were a little too long (my son started shifting around in his chair and so did other kids) but otherwise, it was a great movie and a recommended must-see!! | 1positive
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Welles' Mesmerizing Turn as Rochester Makes This Version the One to Savor
According to IMDB, there are at least a dozen versions of "Jane Eyre", an obvious testament to the durable appeal of Charlotte Bront's Gothic novel, but the 1944 version is the one to which I always seem to return again and again. Having played a similar "ugly duckling" role in Alfred Hitchcock'sRebeccafour years earlier, Joan Fontaine is in her element in the title role and performs with her impeccable restraint intact. However, it's Orson Welles who generates all the fascination about this particular adaptation. Coming off of his twin masterpieces,Citizen KaneandThe Magnificent Ambersons, he is officially just the leading man here, and he almost overwhelms the film with his outsized performance as Edward Rochester, generating a brooding sensuality with his surly charisma and stentorian baritone voice. Even though he is not credited as the director (that was Robert Stevenson who later madeMary Poppins), Welles' distinctive filmmaking style is prevalent everywhere.From the gloomy ambiance that seems to whisper "Rosebud" to the heavy use of shadow, the distorted camera angles, the moody black-and-white cinematography from George Barnes who lensed "Rebecca", and the evocative score by Bernard Herrmann - this feels like an uncredited Orson Welles production. Adapted by an impressive group of writers - John Houseman, Aldous Huxley (Brave New World), Henry Koster and Stevenson - the story follows Jane from her desolate childhood as an orphan raised by an insensitive aunt, Mrs. Reed, through her lonely years at the Lowood Institution, a charitable school where she was a headstrong pupil whom the school offers to hire as a teacher when she comes of age since she would be a cheap hire. However, she can't wait to escape and leaves to become the governess to an excitable French child named Adele Varens, the ward of Rochester, a tortured, imperious man who lives as a near-recluse at his estate, Thornfield Manor. Jane immediately falls in love with the sullen Rochester, but to the manner born, she cannot admit this to him.He dallies with an avaricious socialite but eventually finds himself reciprocating Jane's feelings for him and proposes to her. In the middle of their wedding ceremony, it comes to light that Edward is already married to a violently insane woman locked in the tower of his estate. The rest of the Victorian-era story deals with how Jane responds to this most unfortunate situation which of course, means a lot of sturm und drang. During the prime phase of her lengthy career, Fontaine was at her most effective in conveying a coiled passion under a becalming veneer, and that's what makes her an ideal Jane. There are excellent supporting turns from Henry Daniell as Mr. Brocklehurst, the cruel headmaster of Jane's school; Agnes Moorehead, one of Welles' most valued Mercury Players, as Mrs. Reed; Margaret O'Brien sprightly as Adele just before her more memorable turn as Tootie inMeet Me In St. Louis; and Peggy Ann Garner genuinely spirited as the younger Jane. It's also hard to miss an unbilled Elizabeth Taylor, striking as ever at ten, as the doomed orphan Jane befriends as a child.The one flaw with the 97-minute film is the truncated ending which resolves everything far too quickly. But watch this classic for Welles' mesmerizing performance. It's a knockout. The 2007 DVD has a superb restoration and contains some solid extras such as two audio commentary tracks. The first is with Welles biographer Joseph McBride lending insight and O'Brien (she must have been around 70) providing personal recollections of the production. It's more interesting that than the second commentary track which has film historians Nick Redman, Steven Smith, and Julie Kirgo trading trivia about the source novel and the film. Also included are a musical-score-only track; an eighteen-minute, behind-the-scenes featurette, "Locked in the Tower: The Men Behind Jane Eyre", which has film historians and others discussing the production from various angles; a 42-minute U.S. War Film Department propaganda piece directed by Stevenson called "Know Your Ally Britain"; an interesting restoration comparison; and galleries of production stills, storyboards, and film posters. It's an excellent package for collectors of classic films. | 1positive
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Friday the 13th
You'll wish it were only a nightmare.This movie is good. I didn't think it was scary as everybody says. I didn't think it was graphic like everybody said it was. My favorite death was Kevin Bacon's death. Which was fun and great to watch. Sean Cunningham did do a great job with making this movie. There is no real big feature in this 1-disc dvd.This film is presented in a widescreen presentation | 1positive
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Enjoyable yet a little dark and creepy
This movie came in 12th of 41 but there was a distinct divide by age. The strong characters and emotional music that the adults liked were a little intimidating for the younger children. There was a darkness and a creepy feel to the movie that made it less popular with some in the family, especially the devilish song sung by a church leader. One sometimes wonders about Disneys motives since the storys that have emerged about some of its management. But all in all this was an extremely well done movie, that you may want to hold back until the kids are well past their Barney phase. Had the younger childrens vote been the only ones counted this movie would have finish more like 20th, instead of 12th.We had a lot of fun by gathering the family together to rank the 41 Disney movies we have that include some cartoon work. All the kids, ages 6 to 27, participated along with mother and dad. Lion King was selected number 1 of the 41 as the family favorite, but narrowly. Peter Pan was 2. Pete's Dragon 3, Beauty & the beast 4, Sleeping Beauty 5, Snow White 6, Robin Hood 7, 101 Dalmatians 8, Fox and the hound 9, Cinderella is 10th and Rescuers 11. | 1positive
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Whether this is an accurate portrayal or not......
I couldn't tell you if this is a truly accurate portrayal of Hughes' adventures and accomplishments, I just know that this movie rubbed me the wrong way. The last hour is excruciating to watch, with seemingly endless descents into madness that were shown in such graphic detail the audience becomes bored long before they could become fascinated or shocked. DiCaprio did indeed deliver a rather dramatic performance (if not a little too prima donna-ish), but it is painfully obvious that Hughes is a broken man less than an hour into the movie-why they insisted on showing each and every mental breakdown he had and then ending it abruptly on a note so sour the viewer is in desperate need of palette refreshment-I have no clue. Gwen Stefani's short but quirky little appearance might be the biggest highlight of the movie, which I found just plain bizarre. And after experiencing a plane crash so disturbingly jarring, a self-destruction was obviously imminent for Hughes, particularly when everything he'd already undergone is taken into account. And yet.....it dragged on for almost another hour. He deserves the recognition for his accomplishments in the air, but digging this deep into his ghastly personal life seems unnecessary. This movie wants him remembered as the brilliant psycho, which is not how he should be remembered. All in all, the first hour was tolerable, but as the movie goes on...and on....and ON.....it becomes agonizing. I do not recommend viewing this at all, unless you want to spend two or three hours watching a deeply disturbed man slowly destroy himself, and at one point rolling around nude in an empty room, screaming in agony and urinating in milk bottles for 20 to 30 minutes. | 0negative
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The reviews are funnier than the DVD.
Save your $15 and buy your wife a bouquet of flowers.Instead, I recommend getting yourself a bowl of popcorn and reading the reviews, they are MUCH funnier than the DVD itself. One would think Will Ferrell would give his stamp of approval in some way to this joke they call a DVD. This disappointment is going to take up a lot of space in our countries landfills. | 0negative
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Don't waste your time, UNHHHHHHH!
If you like poor acting, glorification of "ghettoes and gangsters and guns" (oh, my), outrageously dated dialougue, crude sexuality, and needless violence (as well as hard core gagster-rap), then throw your money away on this mess. ... As Master P (Percy Miller) himself would say, UNHHHHHHHH! | 0negative
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U.S. Marshals
I have to say that when I first saw this movie on VHS I was amazed. Now that I have seen this movie on DVD I must say I have been blown away. The action does not stop and the movie keeps you on the edge of your seat through out the entire film. | 1positive
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bad acting
a movie made for tv more than anything else. kristen stewart does not come off as a new more powerful snow white. | 0negative
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Very, Very, Very Funny!
I loved the Season One Series and I am looking forward to the Season Two Series.It is by far the most funniest Serie I have seen for a long time.John Lincoln - IT Director - Saudi Arabia | 1positive
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