Dark Horse [HD]

Amazing. Hillarious. Thoughtfull. Better than The Master.
Yeah I said it. I enjoyed this more than The Master which I saw on the same day as this. The Master was beautiful in many ways but this movie leaves you with so much more. Justin Bartha deserves an Oscar nomination for bringing this miserable character to life with out making him annoying or any more ridiculous than he needed to be. Donna Murphy was also incredible and deserves all the supporting actress awards that will be bestowed upon others.

No one makes movies like Todd Solondz. One of the only true independent filmmakers out there. Shoe string budget, unconventional storytelling, great performances and respect for the audience. Check this out while you have the chance. I would love to see more films like this (that are only released in a handful of cities) receive the accessibility and cost effectiveness of the digital format. Doesn't replace seeing it in the theater but if you live in bum-f*** Utah this might be your only shot.

NO CREDIT, NO EXCHANGE, NO REFUND
There is nothing like getting two dysfunctional people together to create a successful quirky indie. What I liked about this film more than many of the others in this genre such as "Jack Goes Boating" or "Greenberg" is that I felt comfortable laughing at the plight of the main characters.

Abe (Jordan Gelber) works for his dad and lives at home with his parents (Mia Farrow/ Christopher Walken). He still collects toys and hasn't reached his maturity potential. He lives in the shadow of his successful brother (Justin Bartha). At a wedding, Abe meets Miranda (Selma Blair) a shy, overly medicated woman once married to Mahmoud (Aasif Mandvi). Abe is supported by his secretary (Donna Murphy) who becomes his imaginary conscience.

The setting takes place somewhere in New Jersey between Eagles and Giants country. The title "Dark Horse" is a reference to Abe. His dad likes dark horses. i.e. like the old days when the Giants would lose, but cover the point spread. Abe...

A Different Direction from Todd Solondz
Dark Horse is the latest film from Todd Solondz and is a markedly different animal from his previous films. It still maintains his misanthropic spirit but it's lacking much of the provocative material that so often brings attention to his work. That's not to say Dark Horse isn't provocative; it just shows Solondz at his most gentle and forgiving.

Solondz has long had a knack for great opening scenes and this is no exception. Abe (Jordan Gelber), an overweight and balding man, sits at a wedding next to Miranda (Selma Blair). He begins hitting on her, completely unaware of her disinterest. Following her outside, he asks for her phone number and seems oblivious to her obvious reluctance to give it. From here Abe goes home and we see he epitomizes arrested development. He lives with his parents (Christopher Walken and Mia Farrow) in a room filled with action figures, he works for his father but brings nothing to the company, he blames all of his problems on the failings of...

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The Walking Stick

Samantha Eggar Shines in Suspense Film
It was a stellar year for film as this film, "The Walking Stick" was released in 1969 or 1970 and the list of stunning films goes on almost as memorable as 1939. The difference was many of these films became classics without being good films. Films were looked at as art. It was quite a time for Samantha Eggar as well as she did "The Molly Maguires" opposite Sean Connery prior and followed this with one of her better performances as the heroine of the movie version of Sebastien Japrisot's book, "The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun" opposite Oliver Reed (who she later starred opposite in 1979 in a comeback in David Croenberg's "The Brood"). Her co-star in "The Walking Stick" is David Hemmings who was having surprising success in films as a leading man after Antonioni's "Blow-Up" considering his looks and build and their chemistry together is quite good. Written by George Bluestone, the film is based on a rather good Winston Graham novel (Graham was responsible for a number of...

Great!
This is a wonderful movie, although if you have read the book, you will have to put it out of your mind when you see the film. Thematically, the movie is not on very firm ground, relative to the book. However, Samantha Eggar is just great, and I wouldn't change the film because she is so good in it.

I really just wanted to write a review because this is an on-demand film, burned to order. The quality is fantastic. I was concerned at spending the asking price for burn-on-demand, but I couldn't ask for better. I played it on an HDTV, and it was film-quality. I don't know what technique was used to make the print, but it justifies the price.

The movie "The Walking Stick" involves a tragic love affair betrayal and a surprise ending.
The movie "The Walking Stick" is an intriguing story where a beautiful young women stricken with polio who is employed by a prestigious antique auction house, is coerced into participating in a robbery. Deborah Dainton is a crippled woman played by Samantha Eggar whose main purpose in life is her job, until a young man named Leigh Hartley played by David Hemmings comes into her life. Leigh proceeds to charm Deborah off her feet and she is happy for the first time, Leigh tricks her into getting involved in a robbery of the business where she works. She then discovers that Leigh has been lying to her all through the romance. The acting is excellent with Samantha Eggar giving an especially skilled performance. The movie is well worth watching.

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Passage through Chile's Tierra del Fuego around Cape Horn

Cape Horn video
Delightful overview of area around southern tip of South America. Good video primer for travelers and cruisers around Cape Horn.

like going there!
Like going there in luxury and comfort! Impressive to see the site of so many shipwrecks. Felt sorry for the cold birds though.



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Bots High

Educational, lighthearted and very real
Sometimes you think of a documentary as dry and simply informative. Not so in this case. It is very engaging as you get to watch all the characters in real life as they make it through a challenging time, juggling high school academics, robotics and teen age relationships. I loved it and my 32 year old niece who has never seen a robotics competition and not involved in the engineering world sat next to me and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is appropriate for all ages and all levels of "techno savvyness".

watched it 3 times, still great
This is hands down one of the most engaging and true to life documentaries I have ever seen. It's informative, enlightening, and hilarious. Not only does it show the world of engineering and robotics, it demonstrates the extraordinary capabilities of teenagers leading ordinary lives. I recommend this film because it's a great watch (no matter how many times you see it) but it also goes to show what kids these days can do.

Funny and Exciting
This movie is a great story of life in high school, balancing emotions and activities. And, there's fighting robots thrown in to boot! Great cinematography. I would say that this is one of the best documentary's I've seen in regards to picture quality and attention to detail. Clearly, hundreds of hours were put into editing this film. Sound is great. Overall a fun movie to watch.

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Katy Perry The Movie: Part Of Me [HD]

Made me cry!
Even though I love Katy Perry's music, I didn't expect to love her movie. There's a big difference between enjoying a five minute song and watching a two-hour movie. I only saw the movie because my two daughters wanted to see it.

As it turns out, I really loved the movie. Viewers get a unique glimpse not only into Katy's current pop star lifestyle and concert tour madness, but also into her struggle to get a music label in the first place as well as her efforts to hold together a failing marriage.

But the reason I really ended up loving this movie is because Katy the person (not Katy the pop star) really appears to be genuinely sweet and likeable. I loved seeing her interact with her siblings, her friends, her fans, her evangelist parents, and even her adorable grandmother. Katy's "realness" really touched my heart . . . and even watered my eyes more than once.

This is a touching movie about a charming girl!

The Pied Piper of Genuineness
"Katy Perry Part of Me" is a rare and unique glimpse into the life, childhood, upbringing, ups and down and tag along journey for the concert tour of a lifetime for Katy Perry. In the capable hands of producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, this isn't just your ordinary run-of-the-mill documentary/concert video, this is a story and a behind the scenes insight like I've never seen before.

A few things grabbed me as the movie starts with the preparation of her monster first world tour. They start with the setup for her first concert and her associating with her crew, dancers and staff before going into the opening number. She treats the people around her like gold. The people she hires to do her costumes, makeup, manage her schedule and organize her life aren't industry people. They are her friends. They were ordinary, run-of-the-mill people who Katy worked with when she was a nobody and she kept them. She loves them, and they love her and that is the nuts and bolts of "Part...

Fun but brand management-y
This is a fun movie. With a lavish concert in 3D plus the colorful personality of Katy Perry, it'd be hard to accuse this movie of being boring. It will certainly appeal to Katy's fans, and it will also appeal to non-fans for a peek at the life of one of the biggest musical celebrities since Michael Jackson.

The lead producer is Brian Grazer, who is one of the most prolific and successful producers of dramatic thrillers (The Da Vinci Code, American Gangster, Robin Hood, 24, Tower Heist, Cowboys & Aliens, etc.). I'm guessing that Katy picked him primarily because of his work on Eminem's "8 Mile."

I am calling this a "movie" instead of a "documentary" because Katy Perry is one of the producers, which means that it cannot honestly claim to be impartial or unbiased. Boxoffice Magazine criticized the movie for that reason, saying, "this supposedly honest behind-the-scenes look at Perry's 2011 world tour often feels more like sharp brand management." What's...

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Cinderella Liberty [HD]

One of Marsha Mason's Best
I remember watching this movie when it first came to the theater and thinking that the actors were exactly as I had envisioned them while I was reading the book. Great movie. Marsha Mason is a delight and deservedly got the Oscar nomination. James Caan is perfect as the put-upon sailor whose records have been misplaced causing him to be land-locked. Mason is wonderful as a hooker who is perpetually down-on-her-luck. This movie should be on DVD. I'll add it to my collection.

Love, with an Edge.
The uncertainty of life in the early 70's is on display in this movie and James Caan and Marsha Mason handle the tough assigment with outstanding performances. This is not a formula romantic comedy by any stretch of the imagination and thank goodness for that.

Caan stars as John Baggs Jr, a Navy man, who finds the freedom of life on the seas very much to his liking. That is, until he meets Marsha Mason's character Maggie (possibly named after Stephen Crane's charater Maggie: A Girl of the Streets) a troubled single mother and barfly. The two meet naturally enough in a bar, end up at Maggie's place for what both accept will be a one night stand, but turns into a real relationship soon afterwards. It's at this point when the movie really excels and allows the two stars to work their craft. Many issues are tackled and the director pulls no punches in illustrating life at the bottom of the socio-economic level.

This movie is a must see for anyone interested in seeing...

Realistic Navy Story
I enlisted in the Navy at age 17 in February, 1945 and became a "lifer," staying for over 20 years. This movie was made in the 70's but depicts much of what it was like when I was in. As I watched it I was reminded of the time I spent in the old Brooklyn receiving station waiting for transportation to a new ship, and the liberties in Brooklyn, New York in the early fifties.

I don't recall ever seeing a "bar girl" that looked like Marsha Mason but I have seen hundreds of them, not only on New York, but in seaport bars around the world, and miss Mason played the part as though she had lived it, with all the pathos and exuberance one would see in those sad and lonely women. She deserved her nomination and should have won.

James Caan could have been me or any number of sailors who found a home in the Navy and loved the life at sea. He was a Bos'n Mate First Class, the senior right arm rate when I entered the Navy, one that was all Navy and much admired by by the rest...

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The Chapman Report

Great Film Gets Warner Archive Treatment
First off, the "treatment" by Warner Archive is the cause of "The Chapman Report" not receiving the full five stars as the source material used is not up to their normal standards, which is usually truly remarkable, but, remember, "The Chapman Report" which they are bringing to home video for the first time was released in 1962. It was actually a bit of a milestone in bringing the new permissiveness to later become a norm in the cinema by filming Irving Wallace's sensational bestseller for the screen. Wallace was the author who had a knack for finding truly spectacular bestseller topics and plots and here turned his attention to the prospect brought to us by the people behind "The Kinsey Report." (Some so sensational they were unfilmable). The screenplay is by Wyatt Cooper and Don M. Mankiewicz with music by Leonard Rosenman and was directed by legendary George Cukor. It is one of his best films. The entire cast is top drawer, especially the centerpieces of Shelley Winters (the...

Sexual soap opera redeemed by two first rate performances
A researcher (Andrew Duggan) and his assistant (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) arrive in Los Angeles to conduct interviews with middle class women on their sex lives. The film focuses on four of the female subjects: an adulterous housewife (Shelley Winters), a frigid widow (Jane Fonda), a self destructive nymphomaniac (Claire Bloom) and a kooky artist (Glynis Johns). Based on the best seller by Irving Wallace, itself a barely disguised steal from the (then) controversial Kinsey reports, the director George Cukor has his hands tied due to studio interference and the early 1960s morality which prevents any honest examination of suburban sex. The film wants to be "daring" but is reticent to call a spade a spade. What we get is a glossy soap opera redeemed by two performances. Jane Fonda, looking Movie Star glamorous in her Orry Kelly wardrobe, has the worst written of the roles and goes down fast. Glynis Johns does her best but her character is too precious and underwritten. But Shelley Winters...

Good movie, DVD not
Lets face: its a nice movie (Soap Opera style) with a outstanding cast: Ty Hardin, Shelley Winters, Claire Bloom, Efrem Zimbalist jr., Andrew Duggan and a nice movie score. In other words: i like this movie.

But very dissapointing: the picture quality. Its very very corny (its grainy through the whole movie) and I would say not acceptable - the movie deserves a better quality.

Also there no subtitles.

In other words: I don't like the DVD

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Garden State [HD]

This movie is a must-own.
I found so much of this movie answered the questions i had been having in my life. It made me feel so good about what I have and ok with what I don't have. It made me see what is important in life. It sounds cliche to the maximum, but I laughed, I cried, and.....well I laughed more than I cried, but I left the theater (twice) with a complete and utter sense of awe. This is a spectacular movie.

just jump in...
this is definitely a movie to see if you've ever felt like screaming into "the infinite abyss." braff creates a story that is honest enough to be touching, quirky enough to be real. his imagery is both profound and effective, almost primarily because of the sometimes dry, sometimes laugh out loud silliness of the dialogue and situations used to carry it. if you like armor, or crazy motorbikes, or hamsters, or love, this is the movie for you. if you've ever felt trapped, or numb, or rejected, or odd, this is the movie for you. if you like amazing music, talented actors, and incredible cinematography, this is the movie for you.

when i left the theater, i felt humbled, and amazed, and a little less alone. stunning technical elements aside, i walked out of garden state feeling good.

Absolutely amazing.
My girlfriend and I became so obsessed with this film that we drove 100 miles to see it in Hollywood four times since it wasn't showing in our town. We then saw it two more times when our town finally began showing it. The film is one of the few movies I can watch over and over again and never tire of it. The soundtrack is also very well put-together and makes each scene that much more enjoyable.

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Sacred Science

A Believer
I have been a healthcare provider in the U.S. for over 10 years. I originally became interested in this topic years ago when I read an article in National Geographic about Peruvian purging ceremonies. I believe that western medicine is lacking significantly in treating the "whole" person. While meditation, yoga, acupuncture and other alternatives have not received (in my opinion) the attention and respect they deserve in the U.S., or worse have been labeled as fads, other parts of the world continue to practice these treatment modalities with significant success outcomes. Here in the U.S. medicine is pharmaceutically driven and large pharma is big business...but at what cost? Those that may label this documentary as crazy or silly (or worse) need only consider the rates at which our children are being prescribed ADHD drugs and antidepressant drugs and our elderly now bring in a list of drugs when filling out health questionnaires because they can't remember all of drugs they have...

Interesting, great info on treating diseases without horrible drugs
This movie is a MUST SEE for anyone who's on toxic drugs (as all our drugs are!) or who's coping with debilitating illnesses. It shows how we have herbs, plants, fruits and veg, all that nature provides, to heal our bodies. I work in healthcare, but I'm not a doctor, however it saddens me how many people would rather pop a pill than try to eat a more wholesome diet. Ailments like arthritis, diabetes, and even some types of cancer can be cured by changing our diets. A whole foods, natural, unprocessed, FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND HERBS, along with beans, nuts and seeds is the only way to go! Watch this movie, learn that there are alternatives, and then do your research! A vegetarian diet (minus the dairy) is the only diet that can beat many of these diseases. A great movie! I'll be watching it again!

Lovely, objective film
Beautiful movie that further illustrates our emotional and energetic connection with our overall health. Did not seem to force an agenda, but merely followed several individuals through their healing journey.

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Cure for Pain

Cure for Apathy
Beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring, and quite simply: worth watching. The real soul of music is not reflected in gold and platinum records but in the lives of authentic artists who actually create something (versus applying a proven, winning formula to get paid). Mark Sandman was one in a billion, baby.

I Wish I Could Do That
This was the best documentary I have ever seen. It came out of nowhere and im so glad I noticed it somehow on here. I used think my favorite was the Captain Beefheart doc until I just saw this one. Have tissues near by, this really woke me up and gave me hope as a musician. If you like this make sure you also get Sandbox - Mark Sandman Original Music [Box Set]. The dvd on that is sort of like this but not a documentary. It shows Sandman discussing how he crafted the first slide bass, which was great. I was so touched to find out some of the details about his death and it was heart wrenching to watch this but good at the same time. I was a big fan of Morphine, now Im an even bigger fan after watching this - a must have ! Thank you so much to all the individuals involved with making this. It will stand the test of time.

art, travel, an meetin people
well , even if you do not know anything about the band morphine, and even if you do not know anything about the creative process of creating art, you can enjoy this film, well done, keeps the beat, ritty tit tat, sit down and watch this film. real...real good.

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Gentlemen with Guns

"Buster Crabbe B-Western Series ... Gentlemen With Guns (1946) ... PRC"
Producers Releasing Corporation presents "GENTLEMEN WITH GUNS" (27 March 1946) (54 mins/B&W) (Dolby digitally remastered) --- American actor Buster Crabbe graduated from the University of Southern California and won the 400 meter freestyle in which he medaled in the 1932 Olympics, went to work for Paramount in "King of the Jungle" (1933), next role was "Tarzan the Fearless (1933), Crabbe returned to Paramount Pictures was featured in Zane Grey Westerns which were well received, then came the roles that made him a household word "Flash Gordon" and "Buck Rogers" at Universal Picture Serials (1936-1940), meanwhile PRC Studios was looking for a leading hero "Billy the Kid" and "Billy Carson" in the 1940's B-Western series and ran its course for six years, later made several televison appearances and appeared in a series "Captain Gallant and the Foreign Legion" (1955-1957) --- relive those thrilling days when Buster Crabbe took us down the dusty trails with hard riding and straight...





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Notorious [HD]

Great Music Biopic For the Hip Hop Genre
Saw this when it was in theaters, and was pleasantly surprised it did not disappoint. What put this film over the top was the excellent casting; the characters of Biggie, Faith Evans, Lil Kim, and even Tupac and Voletta Wallace (played by Angela Bassett) made this a believable account of what happened between these intersecting lives that left such a mark on musical history, and ultimately, a tragedy. You really felt for young Christopher as he grew up in the 80's admiring the rising hip hop stars of the day, and perfecting his rhyming skills on the street, while trying to avoid the perils of drugs and crime. What I liked most about this film was the humanity they brought to his character, making him seem like more of a real person than a musical icon. He wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but he was trying to be a good person, no matter what obstacles life threw in his way. Ultimately this is a tale of a flawed individual, as we all are, who was lucky enough to...

Well-cast, beautiful cinematography, very slick editing and simply an amazing release on Blu-ray!
The death of Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace in 1997 was a big shock to hip hop fans around the world.

The events preceding his death was well-known, well-documented in the media in regards to the major riff with the East Coast vs. West Coast hip hop feud.

Considered as one of the greatest hip hop artists ever, "Notorious" is a biopic that documents the life of Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace and grossing over $43 million worldwide.

The film was directed by George Tillman, Jr. ("Soul Food" and "Men of Honor") and a screenplay co-written by Reggie Rock Bythewood and Cheo Hodari Coker (the author of "Unbelievable: The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G.") which showcases and celebrates the rapper's life.

VIDEO & AUDIO:

The NOTORIOUS Unrated Director's Cut Collector's Edition Blu-ray Disc is presented in widescreen format (2.55:1 ration) with English 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio and Spanish 5.1 Audio with...

A disappointing portrayal of an amazing talent.
When this movie first came out, I was so excited to see a biography of such a talented artist. Boy, was I disappointed.
The movie was quite obviously engineered and manipulated by Puffy and Bad Boy Records. Throughout the film, Puffy was portrayed as a virtual saint--always "saving the day" with his words of wisdom and innocence. He was never shown doing drugs (despite nearly everyone else smoking blunts throughout the whole movie), participating in the sex-filled music scene, or doing anything that would shed even a hint of a shadow upon him. It was quite sickening how saintly he is portrayed, especially when we all know better.

Tupac's portrayal was also hard to believe. His character made odd appearances throughout the film, always appearing as a paranoid, hyper-acting, shallow punk. As a huge Tupac fan, I was quite offended by the way he is portrayed.

The east/west feud was knocked down to a simple misunderstanding fueled by Tupac's baseless...

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Woman In the Fifth

I EXIST AS MUCH AS YOU EXIST
Tom Ricks (Ethan Hawke) is an American novelist who goes to Paris in hopes of patching up his relationship with his ex-wife (Delphine Chuillot) and daughter (Julie Papillon). She wants nothing to do with him because of some event in their past, which is not fully explained. Through a series of bad luck he ends up working for a man named Sezer (Samir Guesmi) as a night time doorman, a job steeped with symbolism as he works on his second novel.

Meanwhile, Tom meets a mysterious older woman (Kristin Scott Thomas) who has taken a shine to him. She is the "Woman in the Fifth." He begins an affair with her about the same time he takes up with Sezer's girlfriend, his "Polish muse" (Joanna Kulig). We don't know how weird things really are until near the end of the tale.

If I told you I understood everything in this film, I would be lying. There is symbolism in his forest writing, the bugs, and the light which dims and goes bright, none of which I fully understood. Then...

A Labyrinth of Questions of Fantasy and Reality
Douglas Kennedy's perplexing novel THE WOMAN IN THE FIFTH has been further contorted by writer/director Pawel Pawlikowski for the film of the same name (aka La femme du Vème). If the viewer has read the novel then the confusion of the story will not be as surprising as it is to the novice viewer. In many ways this is a brilliant cinematic exploration of the fragility of the human mind, how events of the past can influence the manner in which we attempt to reconstruct a viable present. But in other ways this is a film that refuses to tell a story that is logical and will leave many viewers with some serious head scratching by movie's end.

Academic professor of literature and writer Tom Hicks (Ethan Hawke) seems to be fleeing America in the wake of a scandal simply because he wants to see his six-year-old daughter Chloé (Julie Papillon): Tom's estranged wife Nathalie (Delphine Chuillot) refuses to let Tom see his daughter, has a restraining order in place and...

A dark side of the City of Light
There is a lot to like about this film. The mood--the style! Much of the film is set in a dreadfully depressing part of Paris that is almost painful to see. And yet there are moments that are almost lovely. There is a scene near the end in the Arab's cafe, with an old man sitting alone at a table, all in shades of deep blues and grays that reminded me of some of Picasso's painting in his blue period. Then the camera moves back to include the kitchen area where the pretty blond Polish girl is working, a square of light in the darkness that reminded me of Edward Hopper. There are some other strangely lovely scenes too --the writer and the Polish girl, lit up by the midday sun in the grass, making love. Then the camera again pulls back and we see that they are not in a sweet country meadow, but only a few feet from a train track in an ugly slum.

There's another great scene, too, of a rooftop apartment right near the base of the Eiffel Tower. I've seen the Eiffel Tower...

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Independence Day [HD]

A movie that ENTERTAINS from start to finish!
I am not one who usually writes online reviews, but after reading several that have trashed this movie for being something more that what it is, I feel compelled to defend this entertaining and funny work.
I will be the first to admit that although there are several unrealistic, gaping plot holes and the dialogue is corny at times, anyone who looked for REALITY in this film is taking themselves too seriously. The very nature of the story's premise would suggest to anyone who has an IQ above that of an amoeba that this film is FICTION. I saw this film in 1996 in the theater, and have watched it several times at home on my 27 inch screen. Regardless of the setting, it is still fun to watch because (take note you 2004 social activists)...IT IS NOT MEANT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY! Yes, you too can enjoy the comedy, cheesy banter, and bombastic explosions this 2-hour film has to offer if you check your critical ego with the "power" button of your surround-sound home theater system...

An Outstanding DVD Package!
Studios are finally getting the whole DVD thing! This is a truly worth-your-money deal with lots of extras including two versions of the film; the first version is the original theatrical release and the second version is a directors cut featuring about 9 minutes of added footage not released in theatres. What's really great about this is they list what new scenes have been included and some of them are really funny and some of them make the story a lot more heartfelt. Also included is a second disc that includes a really cool mockumentary called "The ID4 Invasion" which is truly a priceless gem in this great collection. Also, there is commentary, lots of interviews with cast and crew, a special effects documentary on the making of the film and the original biplane ending which unfortunately looks really hokey and what I felt after watching it was-THANK GOD THEY DIDN'T GO WITH THAT ENDING-THAT ENDING WOULD'VE MADE THIS MOVIE A "REAL" DISASTER! For a...

Good transfer, but still disappointing
I have to say that I'm a big fan of this film, and I already own the DVD. Most of those wanting to buy this film on Bluray are those who have already seen it and liked it, so I won't comment on the movie content itself, but rather the technical and supplemental aspects of this release.

I borrowed a friend's copy of the BD version of ID4 just a few weeks ago, as I was contemplating whether to add this to my small but growing blu-ray collection. The picture and audio are superb, and watching this on my new LCD at 1080p with the lossless DTS-MA audio track really transported me back to the July of '96, when I watched this on the big screen. This movie has certainly aged well these thirteen years, and the special effects are still terrific even today. While watching, I was pretty much set on adding this to my collection.

That is, until after I finished watching the movie and wanted to see the extras in HD.

The DVD version I have contains two discs and a...

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Marvel Animated Features: 8-Film Complete Collection

Love Marvel Animated
All eight movies were great, can't wait for more ! Never knew anything about Dr. Strange but after watching the movie I like him and can't wait for the live action film of him.

Good deal
Eight Blu-ray movies for one really good price. Can't beat that. Granted some of the movies aren't that great, but it doesn't really matter.

Okay but too agreessive for kids
I would not recommend this video for small children as it has many scenes that are not suitable for them. Adults ok or Mature Teens OK.

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Katt Williams: Kattpacalypse [HD]

Katt's Celebratory Return Grows Progressively More Maudlin As The Evening Wears On
After a significant break, Katt Williams returned to the stage in this gala event on New Year's Eve 2011 at the packed Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. "Kattpacalypse" is the one hour special that captures this set. It begins with Williams' triumphant entrance that sends the 7000 plus members of the audience into a frenzy and it ends with the ringing in of 2012. Williams starts out like a powerhouse, full of energy and swagger. But as the hour progresses, he seems to get increasingly introspective, angry, and intimate. Williams has certainly seen his share of hard times, and I'd love to hear his story, his views and his perspective on what he's been through. But perhaps this big celebration was not the place. I think that he wanted to be personal and thankful, but the apparent bitterness and the lack of humor at the end of this set made me a little uncomfortable. This may not be your reaction, but I found "Kattpacalypse" to be unexpectedly awkward.

I won't say that most of the...

Call him Preacher Man!
I am mad that I didn't hear about this being on HBO when it initially came out. worth renting/buying he spoke truth in this one.

Wasn't Very Funny
This performance just wasn't up to the standard that Williams has done in the past. I was disappointed because I think he is a great comedian.

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Adventures in Plymptoons

Film Festival Favorite
Being Bill Plympton fans, my husband and I were excited when we saw that this film was going to be playing at the Tri-State film festival. It exceeded our expectations. The interviews were fun and informative, and the clips from the films just added to our enjoyment. This is a must-see for any fan of Bill Plympton.

An amazing documentary!
I've shown this film to people who had never even seen Bill Plympton's cartoons. Everyone agrees, it's really entertaining. Not only was this film put together with style, the substance within it is very informative. There are no "dead spots". It moves along at a great pace and you learn something new about Bill's interesting life at each turn. This film is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone interested in learning what goes on in the mind of a creative genius. If you are a filmmaker yourself, you really need to check it out. You'll find yourself refreshed and motivated watching Plympton's own "do it my way" independent attitude. Great stuff and a really funny piece of work (both the film AND Bill Plympton)!

A must see!

WELL DONE!
Just saw the doc on Netflix. What a wonderful job they've did with it.

Having first experienced Bill's stuff at the "Sick & Twisted Animation Festival" back in the late 80's, it was wonderful to see how far he's come thru the years. Great interviews and a great story thruline helped by the editing choices. Loved it!
M

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There's Something About Mary [HD]

The Perfect Comedy.
I really can't understand how this one didn't get five stars from everyone here. I mean I know that tastes differ, but I think people may have been expected something this one couldn't possibly deliver. As a comedy, it is absolutely phenomenal. I really have to say that it's the only movie of the nineties that can match up with Stripes or Animal House. It's utterly amazing.

There's Something about Mary is a mélange of every kind of comedy. There's slapstick, physical situation, and intellectual social satire. This movie made Ben Stiller and rightly so. I recall seeing it in the theatre and not being able to breathe at times due to the convulsions erupting from my abdomen. No time was this more true than when Stiller walks into the gay rest stop and gets busted, but there are a million scenarios that could be cited. All the actors were sensational. Matt Dillon's character is exquisite in his cheesiness and he really excels in his role especially when he's playing...

Nonstop humor!
You will laugh from begining to end with this movie. The humor is very crude at times, but not raunchy. I found myself saying,"oh my" and at the same time laughing out loud.
The storyline is unpredictable and extremely enjoyable.
It is a comedy and love story all in one, intertwined superbly.

I wouldn't recommend watching this with your mom and dad. I am 37 and would have crawled under the carpet if my mom and dad were in the room watching this movie during the scenes "before the big date."

What are they thinking??
I hate it when they don't create a Blu Ray with a proper master copy! Why the hell would they bother using a lower quality copy to create this??!?! It's just plain lazy. Don't bother buying, as it is obviously about the same picture quality as the DVD you already own!

WAKE UP MOVIE STUDIOS!! IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE HIGH DEF, FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER, WHY WOULD WE BOTHER BUYING IT IF THE PICTURE IS THE SAME AS DVD!!!

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Shining Through [HD]

One of my all-time favorites, at last on DVD in widescreen
This has always been one of my favorite films. Apparently it's supposed to be a guilty pleasure. I can't imagine why though. It's not a deep or socially important work of art, but it doesn't pretend to be. It's just a glorious, old-fashioned piece of entertainment, gorgeously shot on location in Germany, with one of the best scores the late Michael Kamen ever wrote.

Alright, so Melanie Griffith convinces Michael Douglas to send her as a spy into Nazi Germany because of her phenomenal streudel baking skills. It's that kind of movie. Either you let yourself be swept away by the storytelling, or it's just not for you.

The big news, however, is that this great movie is finally on DVD in the US. And it's in widescreen, a vital piece of information that was left off the listing here. I was really afraid I'd walk into Tower today and see a Pan and Scan atrocity and have to leave it there unbought. Worry not, the film is presented here as it was in theaters in 1992...

Doesn't fit into any specific category
This film could be labeled a drama, a romance or a suspense/thriller. It is all of that and more. It's the story of a movie junkie who joins the war effort and ends up a jewish spy in Germany. Her only qualifications are that she speaks German and that she's seen a bunch of war films.

I have seen this movie more times that I care to admit but it is one of my all-time favorites. The acting is great, the story is both touching and suspenseful and the plot is smooth. I'm not a big Melanie Griffith fan, but five minutes into the movie I forgot it was her and just enjoyed the film. She could have easily been docile and run to the big man to save her but her character is smart and sassy. The movie starts with Melanie's character telling the story in retrospect, yet the break in of the narrative is not obtrusive... just well done. On a side note, the love theme that runs throughout the movie is beautiful.

This is an excellent film and would be enjoyed by men, women and...

A true revelation---highly recommended
To be honest I am surprised that I have not managed to see this movie before now, considering my weakness for espionage movies and specifically World War II spy pictures (I list WHERE EAGLES DARE and THE MAN WHO NEVER WAS among my favorite 100 movies).

I did see parts of this movie before, as it played in the background of a house party I attended over a decade before. But it was perhaps the presence of Michael Douglas and Melanie Griffith as the leads that led me to think that it was just some lame action adventure that Hollywood sometimes has a tendency to unload on us.

Boy was I wrong!

My TiVo picked up the show as a suggestion when it played on HBO and as I sat down to watch it I realized that this movie was more drama than action and more suspense than adventure. A true revelation and factors that really heightened the quality and provided compulsive viewing for the next two hours-plus.

The story centers around a bilingual (English and...

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Come See The Paradise [HD]

A sobering portrayal of an American tragedy
Come See The Paradise is a film that looks deeply into cultural differences when a white Irish-American man becomes interested in, and ulitmately marries a Japanese-American woman. Dennis Quaid and Tamlyn Tomita portray their charecters extremely well. The movie looks at the impact of World War II on Japanese-Americans as they are sent to camp. The effect that this treatment has on the families is examined in great detail amd with great objectivity. It is a vivid lesson on emotion and hysteria overpowering logic and common sense. The impact of internment on the Japanese-Americans who underwent this violation of constitutional rights is still being felt today. It is a piece of American history that has been muted, if not ignored, for decades. This movie is an attempt at getting the story of Japanese-American internment out to a broader audience than those interested in constitutional law or domestic history. It is a movie that is well worth seeing, not once but...

Underrated, and Lesser Known, but Very Good!
When Come See the Paradise first came out late in 1990 in played in a very limited release. In it's first weekend it only played in 5 theaters, widening to a whopping 25 theaters by it's third week which ultimately led to a grand total of $947,306.00 at the box office in it's theatrical run. This one flew completely under the radar, and that's a shame.

Why? Because Come See the Paradise is a fine, well crafted movie with a subject matter that hasn't gotten much attention, even though it should have.

Dennis Quaid plays an Irish-American in trouble with the law who moves to Los Angeles and ultimately falls in love with a Japanese-American girl. This is just prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. The girl's father wants her to have nothing to do with Quaid, but Quaid's Jack McGurn (McGann while "hiding" from the law) persists and ultimately wins over the girl, if not her family.

The script is well written, touching on prejudice and...

An Absolute Must-See!!
This movie is an excellent introduction to a fairly recent period of American history-the internment of Japanese First Generation and Second Generation Americans in concentration camps.I loved the atmosphere of Little Tokyo as presented here. The love story which is at the heart of this movie is good. In the background WWII and how it changed the lives of Japanese Americans. How did this happen in a land which prides itself on being a symbol of democracy and freedom? The acting, photography, and story are all excellent. Truly a moving experience!

The included documentary, "Rabbit in the Moon," is a very personal memoir of living in the camps. It also explains why some first generation Japanese refused to give up their Japanese citizenship. They were NOT allowed American citizenship! They would have become stateless persons! Damned if you do! Damned if you don't! In addition, it explains the antagonism between the JACL(Japanese American Citizens League) and the older Issei...

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Dear Brigitte [HD]

Marvelous Fluff Starring Irrepressible Stewart
Henry Koster's (Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation) Dear Brigitte (1965) is an absolutely charming family chronicle of an acclaimed poet Professor Robert Leaf's (James Stewart) personal, family, and professional difficulties once he learns that his youngest son has turned out to be a mathematical prodigy unbeknownst to him. Devastated by the realization that his son has developed talents in the dreaded sciences and failed miserably in his endeavors in playing the Tuba (he's tone deaf) and painting pictures (he's color blind), Professor Leaf attempts to halt all of the publicity of his son's newly discovered gifts, pointlessly seeks to find another of his son's gifts in the area he wants him to, and desperately tries to find a way to cope with son's new found celebrity. Ironically at the same time, Stewart's young son is secretly writing love letters to French actress Brigitte Bardot.

However irrelevant and inane this plot may sound to you, Dear Brigitte delivers with winning performances...

Typical James Stewart, funny, heart warming, a MUST SEE!
Everything you love about James Stewart and more. Glynnis O'Connor is wonderful with James Stewart and Billy Mumy is the bright eyed innocence we all had once upon a time... Don't miss it. Watch with your family. It will touch one and all.

Funny with fine cast.
Dear Brigitte is one of the funniest comedies from the 1960s, about a tone-deaf, color-blind boy genius with one interest: Brigitte Bardot. James Stewart plays professor Robert Leaf, a typical college professor (when speaking of college professors typical means liberal, but this was 40 years ago and labels change). Leaf teaches poetry, lives in a houseboat in San Francisco, vocally opposes nuclear power and progress in general. He has an original way to make the family stick together - family concerts. His daughter calls him square. Leaf's 8-year old son Erasmus is played by Billy Mumy (Sammy the Way Out Seal, Lost In Space, Bless The Beasts & Children, Three Wishes). Leaf hopes to find artistic genius of some sort in his only son, and nurtures him in music, painting, literature, etc. But Leaf is disappointed, to put it mildly, when it turns out Erasmus has a gift for math, can out-think the colleges newest computer, instantly compute horse-race winners. I don't want to give...

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Ferngully: The Last Rainforest [HD]

All around great movie
I've remembered and loved this movie for years. It's got great a message for both kids and adults. Robin William's character is hilarious and unforgettable. Definetly watch. The music numbers and the final scene make it all the worthwhile.

FOUR STARS
This was the last movie that I ever watched with my father before he passed away. So this movie has alot of sentimental meaning but it's a great movie for children. I saved mine for my daughter to watch. Batty is so funny and the singing in this movie is great. Though Hexas used to scare me when I was younger I loved this movie and I'm in my 20s and I still know every word to it. For parents out there looking for a good movie with a good message, this is the movie you're looking for!

A Rare Gem
There are very few movies that we can watch more than once. Fern Gully is one of a handful of them, and it's great for the whole family! Wonderful catchy music, beautiful and clever animation, creative characters, classic lines, great voices, and a nice, relatively subtle environmental message. There are so many ridiculous movies out there for kids that have the same predictable plots. It's refreshing to have a movie like this come along. I can't wait to get it on DVD!

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Patton [HD]

Buyer Beware - Not All Blu-Ray Versions Are Remastered Version
Very first thing! There is only one version of Patton on Blu-Ray you should get if you want a proper transfer. Follow this link if you're not already on the correct product: Patton [Blu-ray]

If you're not sure you're linked on the correct one, it's the one with a full upper torso shot of Mr. Scott with the American flag hanging behind him. That's the remastered version. All versions with half his face off to the right with a gray/white background are the older, waxy transfer.

Second thing. To those who waited with me for the remaster, all I can say is WOW! It looks beautiful. Detail is strong and the image is once again alive. You can find comparison screen shots of the two version over at blu-ray.com. Their review of the remaster also explains their error in giving such high marks to the first blu-ray pressing of the film.

Only read on if you're either bored or don't...

Fox provides an Outstanding DVD Special Edition for "Patton"
"Patton" offers one of the great marriages of actor and role with George C. Scott's riveting portrayal of the notorious American tank commander. As a film biography "Patton" forgoes the rise of the celebrated general and merely hints at his ironic death because of injuries suffered in a traffic accident, focuses entirely on his military career commanding troops in North Africa, Sicily and France during World War II. The strength of the script by Francis Ford Coppola and Edmund H. North, as well as of Scott's performance, is that the paradoxes of Patton are completely embraced. Not even Patton's loyal cadre of staff officers can keep him from shooting off his mouth every time there are reporters around, but then neither German Field Marshall Rommel or English Field Marshall Montgomery can beat him on the battlefield. Karl Malden's performance as General Omar Bradley is just as solid as Scott's, presenting a man whose personality is the complete antithesis of...

Best DVD edition yet!
The Fox "Cinema Classic Collection" edition of PATTON offers a far superior picture transfer than the previous THX edition. The new image looks to be from actual 65mm elements and is far less grainy than the old transfer, which looks to have been from 35mm dupes. However, sometimes colors are a little unstable in new image, with often pinkish hues and reddish flesh tones, but most of the time the picture looks fine. The soundtrack seems the same as the old edition, which was just fine. All of the extras from the previous edition have been retained, and the new commentary by screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola is interesting.

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Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta!

Lives up to the original!
This movie was totally funny!

I'm a big-time fan of the original BHChichuahua, but I found part 2 lacking and forgettable. Part 3 is way better, almost as good as the original in terms of laughs, thanks in large part to newcomer scriptwriter Dana Starfield. There were certain music scenes that had me literally rolling on the floor with laughter, and a certain happy ending that appears halfway through the closing credits that had me in tears.

I feel like a lot of effort was put into this sequal; I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the original.

Better Than a Vacation to Fiji!
This charming film is delightful from the first bark to the last peanut butter pit! If you haven't seen the film and don't know what I'm talking about, let's just say that dogs and peanut butter is a more unbeatable combination than peanut butter and chocolate. George Lopez and the rest of the voice actors give real heart and soul to all the darling dogs, even the ones with bit (or bite sized) parts. And of course, Papi rules! This is Disney at its finest: whimsy, fun, beautiful production value and great animated magic that takes you to a happy, light-hearted place which is sometimes just what the doctor ordered during these stressful, difficult times. I felt like I was on a wonderful fantasy vacation with my lovely dog friends at the very posh Langham Pasadena. Not only five star accommodations, but a five star film all the way! The talking animal effects are the most effective to date and helped pull me into their idyllic, happy world. Felt as rested as if I went on a spa...

Disney classic!!
This is for sure a Disney classic, because this movie has everything a great disney classic needs, great characters, great/funny/sarcastic villians, and a great catchy song sung by rainia Rodriguez. The story was great the chihuahua animation was awesome really cool, good story and always kept everyone interested in the movie.

I highly reccommend if looking for a good family film!

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Terri [HD]

Another outcast school kid movie that is actually very good.More realistic then many of this type of movie.Worth seeing. I say B
"There's good hearted kids and there's bad hearted kids. When I look at you I see a good heart." Terri (Wysocki) is a larger then average 15 year old. Feeling like an out cast and having to take care of his sick uncle he seems to give up. After repeated tardiness to school and his new wardrobe of pajamas only, the school's principal (Reilly) decides to take Terri under his wing. This is a new take on the outcast school kid movie. The actor playing Terri does a fantastic job with this and even Reilly is subdued and adds a lot to the character. While the movie is not anything original you really feel for this character and want things to go his way. Unlike most other outcast movies like "She's The One" or even "Naploean Dynamite" this one seems much more realistic and that makes it better then most of the movies in this type of genre. The humor in this is more subdued but still a pretty funny watch. Overall, not a bad movie with the type of humor that not everyone will get. Worth...

Some pretty good elements
This is a contemplative film about an alienated teen with some new unlikely friends, including his school principal. There is a lot of sexual content that may make some uncomfortable and parents would not like to watch it with their kids, I imagine. Also, if you are looking for resolution and a lot of action, this is not the film for you.

Enjoyed it thoroughly
Pretty excellent melancholy comedy. Now here are the other sixteen words I need to write to make this comment public.

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Ice Age [HD]

Super cool movie the same as before
Another re-release for "Ice Age" (this is the third counting the single disc edition of the film) to coincide with the sequel, this edition essentially is the previous two disc edition with some minor features added that don't make it any more worthwhile to pick up. The DVD ROM printables and "Scrat's Frozen Facts" appear to be the newest features on this set. Most of the featurettes are recycled from the previous edition.

No issue with the transfer per se since it is a digital cartoon this edition appears to be from the same source as the previous edition. Should you upgrade? Not if you have the previous two disc edition but if you have the single disc edition and you want the extras, this is the way to go. Sound is crystal clear with nice use of 5.1 effects.

The DVD ROM printables and "Scrat's Frozen Fun Facts" an interactive feature that can be accessed during the film appear to be the newest features on this set. The latter has behind-the-scenes clips you...

This is as cool as it gets!
Here's why:

First, a great character driven story with a positive message. The heroes in this story don't start out as heroes at all. Sid is an annoying and rather pathetic sloth who is left behind when all his friends migrate. Manfred is a mammoth with "issues" who at the beginning is walking the wrong way for some reason. Why? Does the scene with the moving cave drawings explain this? Was his wife and offspring killed, and was he walking the wrong way to end his own life? Diego the sabertooth tiger is an order following killer on a mission.

Each of these characters grow beyond themselves to save a human baby. Sid assumes responsiblity and develops courage. Diego learns to think for himself and do the right thing. Manfred overcomes his grief and self-centerdness and endures all kinds of trials to save a baby who may grow up to be a hunter of mammoths. This is a story how anyone, regardless of how non-heroic they may be, can rise above themselves and...

Sub-Zero Heroes
Get ready to "chill-out" with the fun-filled 2002 animated family hit "Ice Age". During the great migration, a moody mammoth (Ray Romano, "Everybody Loves Raymond"), a dim-witted sloth (John Leguizamo, "Moulin Rouge") and a devilish sabre-toothed tiger (Denis Leary, "Rescue Me") become the unlikely guardians of a lost human child. Together, they will embark on a journey across icy glaciers and countless dangers to return the child to his tribe. Created by Blue Sky Studios, "Ice Age" is a remarkably entertaining family spectacle that ranks as one of the highest grossing films of 2002. The story is fast-paced, heartfelt and very funny. The computer-animated feature film contains some hilarious moments and memorable characters. The CGI animation is stunning with impressive landscapes. Ray Romano, Denis Leary and John Leguizamo deliver some fine comic performances. "Ice Age" also features the voice talents of Cedric the Entertainer, Stephen Root, Diedrich Bader, Alan Tudyk and Jack...

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Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs [HD]

3D Review by a 3D Connoisseur
My ratings are based mainly on the QUALITY OF THE 3D, not the video content.

There are a large number of out of screen effects that extend 10% of the way, from the screen to the viewer. 6 OOS effects reached 25%. The best two for Longevity & Depth are Skrat and his lady friend in tar bubbles reaching 25%, lasting for about a minute and very short lived anteater punching bag reaching an impressive 40%.

*** Funny with an enjoyable story line. Excellent graphics add to the 3D ***

MY 3D RATING = EXCELLENT (poor, fair, good, very good, excellent)

Note: As far as the percentages go, everyone's eyes are different. What I see at 25% you may see at 15% or 35%. To fully realize how far something is out of the screen for you, pause on an effect and direct a partner with an extended finger to the tip of what you are seeing. You may be surprised.

Click on `See all my reviews' for the lowdown on other 3Ds

Great movie!
Took my nephew to see it and he loved it. I thought it was hilarious as well. Why can't some of you people just enjoy the movie for its entertainment? Is there a need to pick everything apart? Wahhh waahhh just another sequel to make more money. Ok? Who cares. I thought the dinosaurs were extinct in the first one. Again who cares!! Enjoy the freakin movie!

Hilarious animated film
I have to disagree with reviewers who try to "see" too many things in a movie made mainly for (young) kids. This movie made my child and me laugh many,many times. In fact I think it is even funnier than Ice Age 1+2. It is just "clean" family fun. In this age of over-hyped animation from Walt Disney and Pixar, how refreshing to watch something without too many pretensions and not too much relation to today's world. Let the kids be kids,please.

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The Scarlet Coat

Revolutionary war and Cornel Wilde
Set during the Revolutionary War, Cornel Wilde plays a Major in the Continental army trying to uncover a British plot to get information from an American spy. The Scarlet coat is how that intrigue develops and the circumstances leading to Benedict Arnold's treason. A great movie and one of my favorites over the years. Seen rarely but now an addition to my collection, so I can see it when I want.

The Scarlet Coat was an un-expected historical gem.
This is a well told, equally well photographed story with a superb cast set during Benedict Arnold's defection to the British during the American Revolution. It was a find. I hope there are more movies like this waiting to be re-discovered.

Carl E. Ramsey

dorie
i simply love this movie for the actors always play their part so well. and even more so because it,s in color . Thank you for bringing out this movie on dvd.

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Hysteria (2012)

Pleasant romcom, and oh yea, it involves a vibrator
"Hysteria" (95 min.) brings the highly unlikely (but we are reminded at the beginning of the film that "This movie is based on true events. Really.") story of a young doctor Dr. Mortimer Granville (played by Hugh Dancy) in London, 1880, who is struggling but eventually finds a job with Dr. Robert Dalrymple (played brillantly by Jonathan Pryce) who is treating women for the so-called hysteria disease, really a catch-all for any and all things supposedly wrong with women in those days. The treatment is nothing else but to touch these women's private parts until they reach "paroxysmal convulsions" (wink, wink). The young doctor along with his buddy eventually come up with a mechanical device, which became the vibrator (still the number one sex toy in the world today, we are reminded at the end of the movie).

But the movie in fact is much more about Granville's romantic interplay with the 2 daughters of Dalrymple, Emily (played by Felicity Jones), who is "daddy's girl" and to...

Hysteria is hysterical!
Yes, Hysteria really is about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian England. And in my opinion it is adorable. Not everyone's cup of tea I realize. If the subject matter makes you a little uncomfortable, then give this one a pass. I can certainly see that certain conservatives would not be amused by this premise.

If however you find it amusing that someone made a romantic comedy about...well...you know what... then you will have a lovely light evening with lots of laughs.

Hysterical -- in the best possible meaning of the word
When, some time ago, I'd heard that Maggie Gyllenhaal was making a movie about the invention of the vibrator, I was excited. I mean, I love Maggie and I love vibrators so what more could I ask for in the way of entertainment? But time went by and I heard nothing about it. I'd almost forgotten it completely when, checking out the new offerings on Amazon (because as I've told you repeatedly for months now, NETFLIX SUCKS), there it was! Yippee!

I had fresh coffee, a French toast bagel with honey walnut cream cheese and a movie about vibrators. A near-perfect Saturday morning.

Honestly, I expected the movie to be interesting, perhaps even enlightening in an indie film kinda way, considered that it apparently got so little press I wasn't even aware it had opened. But what i got was a delighful little movie that had me chuckling and laughing out loud. Considering the subject, it gives the term "a feel-good movie" a whole new meaning.

Even better, the basic...

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Cheaper By The Dozen 2 [HD]

Let's hear it for a decent, clean, family film!
I truly enjoyed this movie - and wouldn't hesitate to allow some of my young children to see it! There is no foul language, and dating and first crush situations were handled very tastefully - and even with a flair of innocence about them! I happen to be the oldest of 7, my husband is one of 8, and together we have 5 children - so we are very much pro big families. It is very refreshing to see a positive story involving not one, but TWO large families! In this day and age where society pushes the idea that 1 or 2 children makes the perfect family, this movie gives the viewer a fairly accurate glimpse of what life can be like with many more siblings. Of course there will be times of difficulty and disagreements, but there is also plenty of love to go around, and this is the ultimate conclusion of this movie - in BOTH families! There are many lessons to be learned in this film - not the least of which is the need to have a clear vision of what is more important in life. Both fathers in...

a surprise sequel with great results!
I was basically shocked as all heck when I saw a trailer for this movie on TV over the holidays. Given the modest success of the first film, I was surprised they were going for a sequel. I was even more shocked that the bigger stars like Hilary Duff and Tom Welling returned for this, but somehow the timing was good enough for all fourteen original characters to reprise their roles.

After seeing "Cheaper by the Dozen 2" quite a few times in the theater this Christmas, I have to say that it was very nicely done and certainly outdid the 2003 film.

It's not anything that's going to win an Oscar or be discussed in passing years from now, but then again it wasn't trying to be either of those things. It was released as a clean, lighthearted movie, ideal for a day at the movies with the kids over the holiday break from school, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

Don't get me wrong, I watched the first "Cheaper by the Dozen" in 2003 and liked it well...

Yeah, it's funny! A movie for most of the family.
Depending where you at when you watch this flick, but if you're on your ski vacation, then watching this film you'll forget that your snowboard is outside and that it's cold, because the film concerns a family vacation at a lake around labor day.

Steve Martin is funny as always and there are a few new lines and ideas. And sure there are a couple of stupid scenes that should have been left out, but not too bad so that your 8-year old can probably still watch it without asking too many questions. Eugene Levy (probably not as well known by his name to too many folks) is excellent and I like him goofing off even more than Martin for the most part.

The storyline is about two extended families that apparently had a type of rivalry going on for many years, and now they meet at that particular lake again and on labor day they have a family competition there and so on. While Martin plays the loving Baker dad who's not too well off financially, Levy plays the now wealthy...

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Jumpin' At The Boneyard [HD]

A Great Overlooked Flick
I happened by this movie on cable last week, and when I went to order the DVD after all these years, I find that it's only available on VHS. Tim Roth portrays a down-on-his-luck man who tries to help his even worse-off, drug-addicted brother. This is a very moving movie that has been overlooked for too long.

Essence of New York
One of many interesting films starring the great Tim Roth using the inner city of New York as a character in itself to show the aggression and hopelessness caused by living in the concrete jungle. In some ways the film is a comic take on New York, in some ways has a tragic logic. Most interesting is how Roth's character relates to such negative circumstances, trying to surmount the negativity with aggressive will; the ending was obviously a product of a toss up: should we have him succeed or fail. Highly recommended.

Great movie!!
I simply loved this movie. Tim Roth is excellent in it, pulling of the New York accent perfectly. Very dramatic, very touching, great acting.

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Bloodhounds Of Broadway [HD]

It's Got Heart, Spunk, and Mitzi Gaynor. Ain't We Got Fun? YES.
If you're asking yourself "What the hell is BLOODHOUNDS OF BROADWAY?", I'll tell you: it is one hell of an entertaining movie musical. Inspired by the stories of Damon Runyon---as was "Guys and Dolls" (1955)--this 1952 Fox film stars Miss Mitzi Gaynor as backwoods-belle-gone-Broadway "Emily Ann Stackerlee." Southern-drawlin' Mitzi impresses a cynical, tough-talking set of New Yorkers with her unassuming charm, her spectacular song-and-dance talent, and her, um, bloodhounds. She ends up falling for one of the toughs; will he return her affection?

A Technicolor gem, BLOODHOUNDS enjoys: fine production values, fun songs ("Cindy," "I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'", "Eighty Miles Outside of Atlanta", "Jack of Diamonds", etc.), outstanding choreography by Robert Sidney, and a well-written screenplay winningly performed (and filmed).

Does it sound worth checking out? IT IS.

A buried treasure no more, BLOODHOUNDS OF BROADWAY is an example of American film...

Mitzi...a new fan.
I am a big film fan and especially of films of the fifties (my era) but I never knew of this film. When I learned of it I bought it straight away and what an excellent film it turns out to be. The young Mitzi Gaynor is such a star.Highly talented in all aspects -acting, singing and especially dancing. After this revelation I must see Golden Girl. Which I saw when I was about twelve and I remember being impressed then.I just hope that it is brought out in as good a version as this DVD. I was impressed also with Scott Brady - as it seems was Mitzi Gaynor in the extra interview.He comes over very stylishly and is another revelation. A very good understated (In the best possible way) performance. A fifties film experience that is a total pleasure.

great musical
this is a great musical from the time when movies were good. I saw it when it first came out & never forget about it. It is now on DVD & I am very pleased & bought it as soon as I found it.

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Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings [HD]

Lame
The Wrong Turn movies have always had a special place in my heart. The first film was glorified trash, but it was enjoyable despite its shortcomings. The second film was an ultra-bloody blast that was better than the original, while the third film had its share of good things, but was overall disappointing. This fourth entry, Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings, finds our favorite inbred hillbilly cannibals back to doing what they do, only this time it's in an abandoned mental ward where a group of sexy friends get stuck inside on a ski trip. While that sounds ripe for bloody fun, Wrong Turn 4 is sadly dull. The characters are unlikable (as are the actors playing them), the film is predictable, and there's a torture scene that seems to never end. There's some great gore effects on display though, and the hillbilly clan makeup is disgustingly well-made, so the film isn't a total loss all things considered. All in all, if you're a fan of the Wrong Turn franchise, give Wrong Turn 4 a...

LET'S HOPE THIS IS THE BLOODY END
A truly bizarre and disturbing opening in a West Virginia sanatorium sets the stage for this fourth entry in the WRONG TURN franchise. Writer/director Declan O'Brien pulls out all the stops in this derivative, bloodsoaked and ultimately revolting film.
Set in a beautiful snowbound setting, we get the expected group of stranded collegians whose primary focus in life is sex and booze and doing stupid things. O'Brien attempts dark humor to "lighten" things but to little avail. The three redneck cannibals are vile, disgusting and incredibly intelligent considering their uneducated background.
There's no real suspense since we know exactly where the movie's going as it IS a prequel. The gore is plentiful and nauseating, the prime ingredient in the deluged torture genre. Can we really call this "entertainment"?
I enjoy a good horror movie, but this one's just plain horrible!

Let's Hope This is the Last One
This was just stupid!

***SPOILERS***

You mean to tell me that in this sanitarium that there are no guards and that they have NO contingency plans for if the inmates get out of their cells? Okay, why not? But on top of that, NO ONE goes investigating when there is no word from the sanitarium, or when the people who work there don't come home at night? No one investigates this at all? Maybe if this was the 1700's that might be believable, but this is MODERN times.

So then our dumb main characters show up, and frankly I watched this 12 hours ago and as I sit here I can only remember ONE character's name, "Vincent" cuz they were yelling it over and over again. When I can't remember the characters names it's a real failure on the part of the writer because it means there is nothing memorable about them.

So they come across this abandoned nut house and they just decide to barge on in because it's getting cold out and there's no other place to...

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Like Mike [HD]

Like Mike-all you need is a hear and you'll love this movie
I saw Bow Wow's movie Like Mike on it's debut day,July 3rd.The movie defintely gets two thumbs up for me...too bad I wasn't born with an extra thumb because then it would get 3! The movie isn't all about basketball....Bow Wow also has his mind set on finding a family to adopt him in the movie so it's not all about ball!This movie is for kids and grown-ups(they thre Morris Chestnut in there!)The movie is funny,sad,and many more. Go see it for yourself.

Like Mike comes to video in ...
Like Mike is an excellent movie. It is hilarious. If you havent seen it yet, dont bother, because it comes to video & dvd in December, so then you can rent it or buy it.

Both Kids and Parents Will Enjoy!
What a great movie! This movie has a great story line, is very uplifting, and has a nice ending. I enjoyed the movie as much as the kids. Not only can Lil' Bow Wow sing but he can also act. Morris Chestnut also turned in a great acting job. He was extremely convincing as an NBA star. This is just an all around good movie! You won't be disappointed....

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The Onion Movie [HD]

Stereotypes; Where Would We Be Without Them?
The Good Things
*A great, varied assortment of comedic sketches that makes fun of many different aspects of modern-day society, culture, and politics. Topics include such issues as terrorism, sexuality in pop music, corporate greed, and so on.
*A few good parodies (most prominently, Steven Segal parodying himself!).
*Also a good number of original sketches.
*A few funny pieces of self-parody (ie, the scenes where film critics gather around and rate the movie).
*There is a very slight story arc that ties in many of the sktis together into a bizzare finale, and ultimately presents some major themes about journalistic ethics and corporate greed (although these themes are not very strongly developed).

The Bad Things
*No characters to develop, no story to tell (but hey, it's sketch comedy, so who cares?).

The Questionable Things
*A fair amount of perversity. Expect a lot of swear words and a little bit of graphicness. Some may...

Area Man Disappointed
As a more thorough review has already been posted here, I'll keep it brief when I say that I was fully disappointed by this film. I'm a huge fan of the Onion newspaper and the Onion online, especially when I rushed out to rent this movie the first day it was available (good thing I didn't buy it). The trailer that has been circulating the internet for some time is hilarious, but captures the only good scenes from the entire feature. Most segments are long, redundant, and unfunny, and although they are tied together in the end, the movie is missing the charm that I have come to expect from the Onion's caliber of work. Overall, rent this DVD if you have to, but it's something that should remain on the shelves.

Onion Movie-Kentucky Fried Movie for the new millenium
This movie is really really funny. It's not "the greatest thing ever made" but it's still pretty damned hilarious. It's a great parody. I rented it hoping it was exactly what it was: a variety of parodies with a plot mixed in. No, it's not the paper.........it's a movie based on the Onion style of viewing the world. If you have ever seen Kentucky Fried movie this will seem like an updated companion piece. You really need to go into watching this movie with these things in mind. It's just a good ride. The movie isn't high-brow humour that's meant to be the best in the world but you'll get a chuckle out of it. I've been waiting for this for a while since I saw a preview on another DVD I rented. I know all my friends who are ZAZ (Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker) fans will love this and I am going to buy it so we can all watch it.

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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Great Fun
"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" is great feel good film. I found it to be quite captivating and am very glad that I made the effort to see it. I recommend it to others.

In brief, the film revolves around the coming together of seven elderly and somewhat impecunious Britons who, of their own volition, and quite separately, decide to retire to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in Jaipur. They discovered the place on the internet and, as we all should know, the internet can sometimes be a bit misleading. Indeed, this is the case here. The hotel had been billed as a marvelous palace when, in fact, it was tired and chaotic.

The seven visitors form the key members of the cast and are led by Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy. Some can adjust to the way of life in India while others fail completely. Along the way, we are given a peek into daily life in India in all its colour and noise.

The movie is often funny but always enthralling. I will say no...

A thoroughly delightful film.
John Madden's "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" may not be a great film, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable one that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. It isn't challenging in the slightest, which has caused many critics to downgrade it, or damn it with faint praise. All I know is that the audience in the packed theater where I saw the film applauded at the end, and I applauded with them.

By now everyone knows the story of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." A group of English retirees decides for various reasons (mostly financial) to move to India. The retirement hotel they choose sounds glorious from the brochure, but turns out to be a rundown, if once-grand, hulk run by a young Indian with much more enthusiasm than skill. A lot of comedy ensues, and a little conflict and tragedy; attitudes are changed, old bonds broken, and new bonds forged.

The ensemble cast of British character actors ranges among the super-famous (Judi Dench, Maggie Smith), the...

Couldn't be better!
I saw TBEMH at a theater in a community well-known for its attractiveness to retirees. Most of the audience seemed to be over sixty. I am in my 70s. The reactions I heard were all about relating to the characters and the dialogue. Most of the dialogue was more original than Maggie Smith's comment about green bananas, which I've heard dozens of times before. Having visited northeastern India and felt its overwhelming splendor and squalor, I was reminded of much of what I saw there. India itself seemed to be one of the characters, and was ably supported by both young and old Indian characters but also stood on its own with the visuals and the cacophony. The Hindu funeral made me wish I could have one too when my time comes. This is a movie I will see again and again just for the pleasure of seeing people and places that make me feel that it's really OK to be 70 and "out there."

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A Good Year [HD]

A very 'Good' film indeed...
I really don't understand all the bad reviews from critics and reviewers alike for I personally loved this movie. Now, it's not the grandest spectacle to grace the big screen nor is it Russell Crowe's finest hour, but `A Good Year' is some quality entertainment and serves it purpose in the relaxed and happy season that is fall. Having just seen the poorly made and highly overrated `Catch a Fire' I was ready to relax and watch something entertaining and enjoyable, and being the Russell Crowe fan that I undoubtedly am I decided that `A Good Year' would be just that movie.

Max Skinner (Crowe) is a stuck up British stock broker who at one time was a kind hearted soul, and his fondest memories are littered with his Uncle Henry (Finney) and his Chateau in France. Upon his Uncles death Max is left the sole owner of Henry's estate, and in like fashion he flies out there in order to sell if for profit and make it back ASAP. What he doesn't bank on is Christie Roberts (Abbie Cornish)...

Under the French Provence Sun
"A Good Year" deals with the story of Max (Crowe), a heartless guy who doesn't "do weekends" and has "questionable" work ethics (you could say), who goes back to France to his recently deceased uncle's vineyards in Provence in order to sell the property. Of course the movie is completely predictable : he falls in love with the local georgeous girl (Marion Cotillard) and he changes back into this guy who loves life and is nice and all of that good stuff. But don't hold that against the movie, because you'd then be missing out on a really good one.

The movie's been described as "Under the Tuscan Sun" with a male lead, and I guess that's somewhat accurate but at the same time not really. It does play the same stories what with getting situated in a beautiful environment, but the two lead characters in both movies are very different from one another. Diane Lane's character just wanted to get away whereas Crowe's just wants to go back so it's not exactly the same...

Time for a French view on this film maybe ?
Oui, this is a "feel-good" movie. Oui, the script has almost no surprises in it. Oui, Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe and the rest of the cast must have had a great time shooting this.

Still, this movie delivers exactly what i expected. It made me smile, it made me laugh ("Lance Armstrong !"). It is a touch short on drama. Bon, to be honest the drama bit is poorly handled.

The actors are good and i did not feel i was making them a favour for paying to watch this movie. Ridley Scott delivers some nice views. Fair enough.

Relax, let the movie take you where you know it is going, and enjoy that simple pleasure. There are many movies out there with greater ambitions but that deliver far less.

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Detachment [HD]

Provocative And Unrelenting: A Bold Drama About Education That Is Uncompromising, If A Bit Heavy Handed
Controversial director Tony Kaye certainly doesn't play it safe. Notorious for "American History X," Kaye has proven himself both outspoken and challenging as a filmmaker (and as a person). Despite that film's positive reception by both audiences and critics (as well as its Oscar nominated leading performance by Edward Norton), Kaye publicly disavowed the movie after it was recut against his wishes. So it's no surprise that "Detachment," from a screenplay by Carl Lund, is like a brisk slap to the face. A bleak and depressing portrait of the American educational system, the film is unrelentingly dark. In its world view, it certainly has a refreshing candor and truth. At times, though, the stylized nature of the movie can detract from its essence. It is surely meant to provoke, which it does, but it also has the tendency to straddle the line of pushing over-the-top when a bit of restraint might have balanced the action. Still, though, it's hard to fault someone willing to make a...

Adrian Brody's best yet
To begin: the first third of the movie is out of synch which almost had me turn it off and ask for my money back. But I stuck with it, although it should be fixed, and am I ever glad I did.

This is a beautiful, and also a heartbreaking film. Adrian Brody has the most soulful eyes and is superb in this film.

The story is not very new, but it's approach is different.

I felt a lot of empathy for each character.

It is not for the faint of heart, for it has quite a few very difficult situations presented.

But it's not exploitative at all.

Rather it is tender. Yes, tender. And you feel for these people as if they were you and yours.

Finally , a teacher drama that tells it like it is
I related to this wonderful film as a 38 year teacher. I watched it twice on on demand, tried to VCR it the second time, but it didn't come out that well. I can't wait until the DVD is released. While the sub plot involving the teenage prostitute is a bit too much, the classroom scenes are haunting and frightfully real, particularly when it is the first day. The faculty burnout scenes are beautifully scripted as a consequence of students bad treatment of teachers. Those not in the profession who villify teachers constantly should see this film and maybe have a degree of sympathy for us.

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