Thursday, October 10, 2013

Demetri Martin: Standup Comedian



Just ok
I loved Demetri's previous programs and own them for repeated viewing; this one I watched once and gave away - just kinda "eh". It had some great moments, but I feel like he's kinda losing his niche a little bit by getting a little ruder with his jokes. He is truly funny - he doesn't need to do that.

GREAT!
I am madly in love with Demetri Martin. His performances and writing are the best!
He never dissapoints - disipoints -disappoints ....me. I love his humor and this dvd is no disa- dissa- let down.
He always makes me laugh and, in my opinion, he just keeps getting better - I mean, funnier. What TALENT!!!!

Funny
I have always loved Demetri Martin, he doesn't have to resort to swearing to get a laugh. His simple and humours observation of everyday laugh gets me laughing every time. I thoroughly This DVD and would recommend it to my friends. Particularly loved the audio commentary on the audio commentary.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Pure



A Child's Unwavering Protectiveness of His Troubled but Loving Mother.
"Pure" could be viewed simply as a drug addiction movie, but I was relieved to find that it isn't simply that, as I've seen too many overwrought addiction movies at this point. "Pure" is the story of a 10-year-old boy trying to save his mother -save her from heroin, from her dealer, and from the law. Mel (Molly Parker) has been overwhelmed by life's demands since the death of her husband left her with 2 young boys to raise. She turned to heroin for consolation, but it got the best of her. She can no longer hold down a job or meet her children's needs. Young Paul (Harry Eden) knows only that his mother is sick, and he will do anything to help her -the household chores, look after his little brother, even prepare the "medicine" that makes Mel feel better. But Paul slowly realizes that something is not quite right with his mother. He doggedly tries to understand and resolves to help his mother kick her habit. But Paul finds himself navigating a complicated world of conflicting interests...

"I just know I can kick it!"
Socially conscious and beautifully acted, director Gillies MacKinnon sets his tale of junkies and young boys and wayward mothers in the working class housing estates of Northern England. This film has a gritty, uncompromising sensibility that is certainly going to repel some viewers, while attracting others and it mostly works until the end, when the film tends to replace hard-nosed and obdurate realism with contrived sentimentality.

Pure is a cautionary tale, a look at the world of suburban heroin abuse through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy. Paul's (Harry Eden) dad has died of a heart attack and now he heads his household, looking after his younger brother Lee (Vinnie Hunter), and smack-addicted mother Mel (an absolutely terrific Molly Parker). Paul's grandmother (Geraldine McEwan) is not happy about this situation at all and has been trying desperately to keep Mel's addiction problem within the family.

Paul doesn't know what a "junkie" is and resents the...

Pure
I probably shouldn't review it so soon after watching it, because my "intellectual side" probably isn't online right now. This is a powerful drama, flawless in conception and execution, about a ten-year-old boy with a dead father, a mother addicted to heroin, and various and sundry other problems to deal with. I've watched two British films about heroin addiction this year and been moved to tears by both, but I've never met a heroin user in my life. We don't have heroin in Watha. We probably don't have British DVDs in the stores either. We don't even have stores. But I digress. If you see this one, grab it. I know I'll watch it again. I just don't know how many times. Oh, and if you're an author, consider this. "There are no minor characters." If you'd like to see this premise in action, get this film. After all the crap I've reviewed this week, you don't know how happy it makes me to cite an instance where a novelist can learn from a filmmaker.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted



A lot of fun and a 3D extravaganza!
Sequels generally have a tendency to be half as good as the original, but in this case Madagascar 3 has a refreshingly new look, same level of energy and humor with its cast of characters, and a vibrant backdrop of a circus.

The cast of characters - Marty, Alex, Gloria, and and Melman - decide to leave Africa and go back to New York, but need the penguins help to fly back, the penguins are as hilarious as they have been. With the penguins in Monte Carlo, there begins their adventure. They run into the devious Captain Chantal Dubois is the head of animal control in Europe who is called for help. She is a little too serious about her job and wants to mount the heads of the animals, particularly Alex the lion's, on her wall as trophies. She brings delightful humor with her ways! In a way she reminded me of the "Bad Kitty" eastern European lady from NY in part 2. The scenes with her are very funny. The lemur king Julian falls in love with the bear at the circus and he is...

Subreference Spectacular!
I'm the dad reviewing here: Super fun, ridiculous movie. Story line was so-so. That's okay though. Why? Because the characters both old and new were so endearing and well-developed that it doesn't really matter. No kid says "I love the continuity in that subplot about the relationship between King Julien and the bear." No. It's more like "It was funny. Polka-dot Polka-dot Polka-dot Afro!" and it was way funnier than I expected for installment 3. The subreferences to The Matrix, Bond films, and Cirque de Soleil, and zillions of other little things, I was in stitches several times. Actually my kids looked at me sideways wondering what the heck. In addition, the incredible fine details make it worth getting HD, or Bluray. I know I'm gushing, but I don't care -- this series has given me so many good laughs they deserve it. Basset hound!
Update 10/17/2012-- I watched it again, on my little Kindle screen, to recover from an episode of Walking Dead. It did the trick, but was so funny I...

FYI - Digital Copy
Just an FYI - the insert on the DVD asks you to go to a Paramount web site, where you will asked for your code, email address, DOB, etc. Ignore it - they just want to add you to their database. Just launch iTunes, click "Redeem", enter the code on the insert - the movie will download to your iTunes library.

Click to Editorial Reviews

First Christmas: Story of First Christmas Snow



Good News: Its Finally Out on DVD / Bad News: Everything Else
You really have to hand it to Warner Brothers for the sheer audacity they have with these Rankin/Bass titles. It's been about 2 decades since the incarnation of the DVD. By now, you would think that all of the titles from this well-known and much-loved company would be readily available for the public to purchase. But they aren't. Instead Warner trickles out a title every year or so, first releasing them in so-called "Deluxe Editions" before adding them into yet another slightly revamped "Christmas Classics" boxed set.

Now, the only thing which makes these releases "deluxe" is they have that emblazoned across the top of the cover. There are absolutely NO special features here, save for a "Holiday Cards That Kids Can Make" thing?! You've got to be kidding me!! I find it very hard to believe that Warner Brothers doesn't know that most of the sales of these shows are by ADULTS who grew up on them! But maybe they don't - so that means they are either really really stupid or...

Finally released, but alone?
I'd guess we'd all have to say "It's about time". Finally getting around to releasing some of the last remnants of the Rankin/Bass animations, but the ridiculously odd thing of them releasing this exceptionally short work ALONE? It's only getting a 3 star rating because of this (not to mention that it's under a Warner Bros. label), it actually deserves a 5 for the production itself.

You can't honestly expect me to even think about purchasing this at a $14.95, let alone a suggested retail price of $19.95? I think you'd be hard pressed to even have a standard SRP of $9.95, at least then you can have the typical store mark down a few bucks to a more proper price point.

Anyway, at least there's been an effort to at least put one of my most favorite pieces (in the top 3) of Rankin/Bass out for the general public to own on DVD. Only being a ridiculoulsy old copy that was briefly released on VHS oh so long ago, and probably hardly anyone even knew about...

First time on dvd but Deluxe edition??? I don't think so.
Here we go, another year and another so called " deluxe edition " from Warner bros. The only good thing about this dvd is that this is the first time this Rankin Bass classic has been on dvd. Deluxe normally means great extras, here we have none. Deluxe edition means a great remastered picture, bearing in mind the other deluxe editions had no noticeable visual improvements over their regular dvd counterparts, one best be going in with low expectations. Here is what Warner Bros should have done, released " The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus " in a deluxe edition with " The First Christmas " as an extra, this special it's only about 23 mins long so no need charging this high price when it's nothing added with any value. I guess as Rankin Bass fans we should be some what happy that Wb even bothered to release this long lost Christmas special however.

I give this Rankin Bass special 5 stars, it's adorable and heart warming. The cover art and the nerve to be charging this...

Click to Editorial Reviews

It Came from Outer Space



An early Sci-Fi Gem from the fifties...
The great thing about 1950's sci-fi movies is the way in which they took the psychological fallout from the Soviet-USA Cold War confrontation that dominated the decade (paranoia, McCarthyism and the "Red Scare", fear of the atomic bomb), and turned it into edgy science fiction that's unlike any present-day moviemaking. Some of these relatively low-budget films were awful, but others have stood the test of time to become classics of the genre. One of the best is 1953's "It Came From Outer Space", which features a great plot, solid acting, and is based on a story created by the great Ray Bradbury, one of the best sci-fi writers of his generation.

Richard Carlson - who also starred in another 50s sci-fi classic, "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" - plays John Putnam, an amateur astronomer and scientist who lives in the desert outside a small town in Arizona. The townsfolk consider John to be a loner and something of an oddball, but he does enjoy the love of Ellen Fields...

3D Or Not 3D, That Is The Question
In the 1970s I had the privledge of seeing IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE on the big screen in its original 3D format, and as such it was a visually fascinating film. But like all 3D films, IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE suffers in the translation from big screen 3D format to a standard television screen: the special effects, which seemed so spectacular in 3D, seem only so-so. And that is truly regrettable, for in its original format IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE is a classic of 1950s science-fiction.

The story, created by Bradbury, concerns an amateur astronomer who discovers that aliens have crashlanded in the desert--but no one will believe him. Although the basic premise has been done to death, at the time OUTER SPACE was released it was still fresh, and Bradbury gives the tale an unusual spin that lifts it out of the realm of later 1950s and 1960s teenybopper flicks. But shorn of its 3D effects, the film lacks impact, and the creatures that were so impressive on the big screen become literal...

The DVD Falls Just Short of Meteoric
This is a wonderful movie, even in the flat 2-D we are offered on this DVD. I've actually never seen this movie in its original 3-D splendor, but I've been told it was stunning.

The story is, by today's standards, typical for the 1950's science fiction film. Handsome, rugged scientist (Richard Carlson of Creature From The Black Lagoon fame) and beautiful girlfriend (Barbara Rush) witness a meteor crashing to ground in the Arizona desert, only to learn it is a spacecraft from another world. No one believes them until people begin to disappear, and later return as almost robotic zombies. But this story was based on a Ray Bradburry short story, and that story, combined with wonderful script writing, takes this from a bland sci-fi popcorn muncher to a thinking man's (at least on the B-grade movie level) story of paranoia and terror that ultimately shows the weaknesses, and the strenths, in humankind.

What most young people today don't realize is that this film was a first of...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Three Texas Steers



Good early John Wayne
This is a good DVD incarnation of an early John Wayne Republic B western. Well-done and enjoyable. Good, clean copy.

excellent quality of BR disc.....
I just received this and the other three new BR discs from the John Wayne Three Mesquiteers era. The Amazon.com review of the story almost takes longer to read than the movie is long. I'm just kidding but its a 56 minute film as they all are and I surmise the reason they are on separate discs and so expensive is because the market is small. On all films the picture quality is sharp and stunning at times and the sound is robust. These are fun films and its a hoot to see young Duke riding a big white horse with his oversized white hat. Some of the horse chase scenes in all the films is really stirring as the camera is just ahead of the horses and to see them charging at full speed in HD is pretty cool. These are sort of silly/stupid scripts and sadly Duke Wayne isn't the main star...he is co starring so he's not on camera as much as I'd like but I am a fan and am glad I picked them up. This will be my review for all four films as they were all made within a couple year period all...

Three Texas Steers
We love John Wayne! We have lots and lots of his movies. I am thankful that we had a John Wayne in this world.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Mr. Nanny



Good not great, read the book instead
While I certainly believe that Hulk Hogan has screen presence surpassed only by a select few, this was a project that was somewhat troubled from the beginning. Hogan shows his full theatrical arsenal as Sean Armstrong in this adaptation of "Mr. Nanny" but the end result comes up a bit short.

Creating a screen translation of William Burroughs' brilliantly intricate novel was a daunting task, and while the effort put forth in writing "Mr. Nanny" for the screen by Michael Gottlieb (who also directs) and Edward Rugoff was a noble one, it still falls short of Burroughs' wild vision. Burroughs himself, a key uncredited contributor to the film, was opposed to key casting decision. For instance, Gottlieb had his heart set on Sherman Helmsley for the role of Burt Wilson, Armstrong's manager. Burroughs remarked that Helmsley's work in the TV series "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons" was nothing more than "visual...

Czos Review
Mr. Nanny starring Hulk Hogan is quite literally so stupid it is funny. Really bad acting and a totally off the wall storyline make this worth viewing. If you like movies that you think are so bad their good you will like this one.

Mr. Nanny Rules!
What can I say, Christians have their bible, and I have Mr. Nanny. This has to be one of the greatest movies ever made. It takes the "AMAZING" acting skills of Hulk Hogan (the GREATEST wrestler of all time) with a plot that's undeniably sidsplittingly funny and you have a winner. The story is basically about how Hulk was at the top of the mountain in the wrestling world when one day, everything fell apart. While walking through the valley of the shadow of death, he winds up getting the job of Nanny for some problem children. Will Hulk get his wrestling career back on top? Will he turn these kids around? Buy it and find out! (As an added bonus, you get to see Hulk in a tutu!)

Click to Editorial Reviews

Tom and Jerry: Robin Hood and His Merry Mouse



Good for kids and adult
Good. My daughter laughed a lot. It is not as good as the wizard of oz, but its not far off. Great for kids nd the adult comdy wa more subtle.

Love Tom & Jerry
We received a free copy of this DVD in exchange for an honest review, and it was definitely a load of fun. It combines two of my favorite stories since I've always been a fan of Tom and Jerry's cat and mouse games, and also love Robin Hood. Tom is on the side of the devilish sheriff and Jerry is supporting the merry men in this fun tale of robbing to the rich and giving to the poor. Its a great film for family movie night.

Got what I wanted
My girls played it many times on tv and mobile devices. So they're happy and I'm happy too. Thank you.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Overland Stage Raiders



excellent quality of BR disc.....from an owner
I just received this and the other three new BR discs from the John Wayne Three Mesquiteers era. The Amazon.com review of the story almost takes longer to read than the movie is long. I'm just kidding but its a 56 minute film as they all are and I surmise the reason they are on separate discs and so expensive is because the market is small. On all films the picture quality is sharp and stunning at times and the sound is robust. These are fun films and its a hoot to see young Duke riding a big white horse with his oversized white hat. Some of the horse chase scenes in all the films is really stirring as the camera is just ahead of the horses and to see them charging at full speed in HD is pretty cool. These are sort of silly/stupid scripts and sadly Duke Wayne isn't the main star...he is co starring so he's not on camera as much as I'd like but I am a fan and am glad I picked them up. This will be my review for all four films as they were all made within a couple year period all...

"The Three Mesquiteers Series ... Overland Stage Raiders (1938) ... Republic"
Republic Pictures presents "OVERLAND STAGE RAIDERS" (20 September 1938) (54 mins/B&W) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) -- The series was based on a series of western novels by William Colt MacDonald, which began with "Law of the .45's" in 1933 --- The Three Mesquiteers is the umbrella title for a series of 51 western B-movies released between 1936 and 1943, including 8 films starring John Wayne --- The name was a play on The Three Musketeers, and each film featured a trio of stars --- The series blended the traditional Western period with more modern elements, which was not unknown with other B-Western films and serials --- Towards the end of the series, during World War II, the trio of cowboys were opposing Nazis --- The Three Mesquiteers series was extremely popular at the time of its release --- The series was the only one of its kind to be specifically named and ranked in contemporary polls of the top western film stars --- For example, from 1937 to the end of the...

The Old West Was Never Like This!
Grade B Western starring a very young John Wayne. The Three Mesquiteers take time out from punching cattle and go into the transport business. The bad guys running the local stage-line take issue with their potential loss of business, and try to sabotage our heroes' enterprising efforts. This is one of those old Western movies that confuses the Old West with modern times (circa. 1938). The cowboys wear boots, carry guns, and ride horses, just as usual. But the Oro Grande Stage Company "stagecoach" is really a bus. Besides that, there are radios and telephones around town. Even more shocking, the new express company that the Mesquiteers help establish is really an airline! They only have one airplane, but, by golly, it's an airline! This creates an amusing "other worldly" quality that takes some adjustment time for the unwary viewer. One scene shows John Wayne unloading gas cans from a mule pack train and gassing the grounded airplane while...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Clancy



Movie with a Message
Jefferson Moore's best film to date. This is a story of personal redemption through faith; basically an Iraq War Veteran feels that he has done an unforgivable wrong, so he does not believe that anyone, including God, could ever forgive him. His "Angel" comes in the form of a young girl who is stranded into homelessness because of a drug-addicted mother. This is a well-done film on many levels. The power-hungry mayor of a large Midwestern town, for all practical purposes the only villain, is a realistic caricature of a small-town politician whose ambition and ego grow way too large. The lesson about faith is not couched in milk-toast terms; this is actually the film's greatest strength. Would recommend it for families; very very young children might not get all the details, but this is safe fare for Christian viewers and non-Christian viewers alike. However if the viewer has no belief in or faith in God, this film may well challenge that assertion!!

A Must Have for Jefferson Moore Fans
I have not seen anything by Jefferson Moore that I have not liked yet. Clancy does not disappoint. It took me a little while to get used to seeing Moore not playing his role of The Perfect Stranger, from his other 2 movies and television miniseries. A must have!!!! The caption of the film sums it up best : "Pain is inevitable. Misery is Optional." This film while a "Christian film", does not go the way of most films in the genre. Most Christian movies have a "and then they all lived happilily ever after" theme to them. This movie is more reality based, with a surprising ending.

Clancy
This is a very sweet story about God's love as seen through the eyes of a child. It also tells that as a bad guy you get what you deserve, but through
forgiveness you will get rewarded too.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Cinderella(Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (Spanish Version)



Keep your VHS tapes, folks!
I looked forward to this DVD release for months and snagged a copy the first day it was available. My excitement turned to dismay, however, as I began to watch it. From the moment the birds open the curtains to reveal Cinderella in her bed, it became painfully obvious that Disney truly had "enhanced" the picture to within an inch of its life. Instead of restoring this beloved classic film, the images have been changed; this is NOT Cinderella as she was first seen in 1950. Just to make sure I wasn't mistaken, I did a comparison between my parents VHS tape (the original video release) and the DVD. True, the picture on the DVD was much sharper and the sound was crystal clear, but Cinderella's hair was NEVER that color of yellow, and lines that were part of the original animators drawings, faithfully inked and painted onto the original cells, are no longer visible. For instance, right at the beginning of the film, when Cinderella turns over in her bed to shut out the sun, there were...

Magical
In an effort to revive his sagging animation department, Walt Disney turned once again to a fairy tale. This time around, he chose one of the best known and oldest of them all, Cinderella.

The tale is familiar. A beautiful girl is abused by her stepmother and stepsisters and forced to work as their slave. When a ball is given for all the eligible maidens in the kingdom, Cinderella dreams of going too, only to have her hopes dashed at the last minute. With a gift of magic, she is able to go, but only until the stroke of midnight.

The story is so well known, if fact, that any story about an underdog coming from behind and winning is called a Cinderella story. Disney's job here was to make the story entertaining for 75 minutes. The solution here was creating the animals. Mice Jaq and Gus and their constant struggle against the evil cat Lucifer is funny and tying this sub-plot to the ultimate outcome is brilliant. The other standout character is the...

Cinderella sparkles like never before
Stunning new 2-disc `Platinum Edition' of Disney's 1950 fairytale confection CINDERELLA. The story is as old as the hills: Cinderella is mistreated horribly by her cruel Stepmother and stepsisters Anastasia and Drisella. Her only friends are some pet mice, the birds and her faithful dog and horse. When the Prince invites all the eligible maidens in the land to his grand ball, Cinderella is heartbroken when her Stepmother forbids her to go. Enter the magical Fairy Godmother, who, with a little "Bibiddi Bobiddi Boo" magic, enables Cinderella to live out her happily-ever-after dream.

From a historical perspective, the Disney studio was pinning it's future on the success of CINDERELLA. World War II had virtually wiped out the studio's international market and films like PINOCCHIO, BAMBI and FANTASIA had lost a lot of money on their initial releases.

Disney has performed a complete restoration on the film, including an extensive frame-by-frame cleanup of the...

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Hole



WATCH OUT FOR THAT HOLE
THE HOLE is one of those "kid-friendly" horror films that's light on gore and other R-rated entrapments. Helmed by Joe Dante (GREMLINS), the story focuses on two brothers who discover a strange ominous hole in the basement of their new house. We soon learn there are nasty beings dwelling in the hole...can't tell you more to avoid spoilers.
The movie looks like it was a 3-D flick, but my copy isn't officially 3-D.
The acting is average, with Chris Massoglia and Nathan Gamble as the brothers, Hayley Bennett, cute neighbor....Bruce Dern is the town looney and Teri Polo once again plays the harried single mom.
THE HOLE would make a good rental for a kids Halloween party but adults may find it a little lame.

If you grew up with 80's and 90's horror/thrillers you'll love it!
It's like a much improved upon 80's/90's thriller. I was surprised its rated PG-13 since it is a lot scarier then today's r rated thriller/horrors. Instead of focusing on random nude scenes that distract from how terrible the movie is, like most of today's horror films, they decided to focus on the actual story. I really enjoyed it.

Joe Dante Delivers!
NICE to see Dante back in the groove again, this picture deserves a much wider audience. It's simply a rock solid preteen scare flick with great humor, design, and efficiency. Would have loved to see it in 3D, but even flat it is a terrific treat. If you like Saw, avoid. If you like Explorers, come on in.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Singin in the Rain 60th Anniversary



Review of the 2012 Single-Disc Blu-ray of this American movie classic!
First off, I need to point out that Amazon does have this odd policy of grouping ALL reviews of ALL versions and editions of a film in one place. So when a film is restored or reissued the reviews are grouped with the others. There are over400 reviews for "Singing in the Rain" here and they stretch back as far as 1998 and as recent as July 2012. Reviews are automatically sorted by the "Most Helpful" first and - while I hope you will find my review helpful - I do encourage you to look at the date of any review you read and compare it with the "release date" of the edition you are looking to purchase. With that said, I'll move on to my review.

I'll go along nearly everyone who treasures "Singin in the Rain" in saying it is probably one of the most important films ever made and the top musical. It's also the most entertaining 103 minutes you'll se on the screen. Sure there is smart dialogue, but the film boasts a compendium of wonderful "hit songs" that were all succeses even...

Like seeing it again for the first time
Most people who are reading this review know how awesome "Singin' in the Rain" is, so I won't review the film, but rather I'll limit the review to the 60th Anniversary Blue-ray disc. I watched this on a 70" Sharp Aquos HDTV. What an experience! In a darkened room, with a giant bucket of coronary-inducing self-popped (not microwave) buttered popcorn (with real butter, thank you) and an enhanced sound system, I was transferred to a time that I hadn't experienced since I was a little kid. The blue-ray transfer is breathtaking with the brillant color, clarity, and sound. It was like watching a brand new film. This is how audiences originally saw the film 60 years ago. The commentary track was very informative, though it was recorded a few years ago, since some of the contributers are now deceased. The added features are excellent. I like the 'jukebox' feature, which allows you to watch just the musical numbers of your choice. If you only have a little time, but you need a quick uplifting...

WOW
If they would ever give out awards for Blu-ray.....This would be the one to take it.
I have a couple hundred Blu-ray discs and I, personally, think this is the best disc that was ever pressed. I've seen Singing In The Rain in the theater, on VHS, on Bata Max, CED videodisc, Laser Disc and DVD. But, WOW, I have never seen this movie look and sound so good. You've got to see it! WOW!

Click to Editorial Reviews

Free Men



Survival and Honor in Time of War
Isma

Moonrise Kingdom



Stirs the memory of adolescent first love
Set in 1965, Moonrise Kingdom is a stylized coming of age film that delivers on its promise to bring the viewer of any age back to the intensity of just-entering-adolescence love. That alone makes this an extraordinary film. In addition, the music and imagery are beautifully orchestrated to delight the senses. The casting, characters, and acting are superb. It is rare to have a film that puts together this much talent and then taps it to the fullest.

Heavy hitters include the brilliant Edward Norton (for once watching his language and holding his temper) as an anal but dedicated troop leader, Bill Murray who in stark contrast to the young stars in this film, fails to find any joy whatsoever in his work in the law profession, wealth, family or beautiful surroundings. His dissatisfied wife (Frances McDormand who was the psychiatrist in Norton's first film Primal Fear), is also an attorney (the lawyer banter are some of the funniest lines in the film). Bruce Willis (who plays...

Swept away by style and story
IN A WORLD WHERE films must shock, where films must employ impossible stunts, extreme violence and outrageous characters, comes Moonrise Kingdom - with none of it. This is a real STORY, with real characters, in which everything that happens is actually possible. What a concept. Told with humor and compassion, the film sweeps you along without the dreaded need for suspension of disbelief. The story is pure Americana - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Some do it better than others. Not everyone is a winner. Its stars - seven of them! - are all totally out of character. This is not a Bill Murray vehicle or an Edward Norton vehicle or a Bruce Willis vehicle. The stars fit in, almost as afterthoughts. It's the story that counts. Most impressively, it has style. From the opening shots of Susie, face on with her binoculars in various rooms of the house, you know this film will be stylish. And understated. It is worthy of any screen in the world, in a world where American films...

"REMARKABLE IN EVERY WAY!"
It's 1965, and this mystical-magical story will tug at the heartstrings as it entertains with delight for the entire family. Sam and Suzy are both age twelve, neither one of them is popular and they both have their own issues outside of their charming relationship. However, they are appealing to each other in a unique friendship when they decide to run away together in their own great adventure. Bruce Willis can play the role of just about anything, and in this captivating story, his acting performance is excellent, along with all the other characters. The heart-warming story is touching, enjoyable from start to finish, and very funny. A Magnificent fun-filled movie for the entire family. Highly Recommended!

Click to Editorial Reviews

Death Warrant [Blu-ray]



whoa flashy new cover
Classic B movie action. A good transfer to blu-ray but did anybody notice that the new cover has a scene from lion heart on it. seems like a pretty big mistake i mean come on its an entirely different movie.

Was a good Van Damme
What can I say if you like Van Damme you will like this movie most likely. It has the usual guns, blood, fighting, I think a sex scend or two if I remeber I am writing this a month or two after I watched it, and roundhouses, lots of roundhouses.

Solid Action from the past
First off, the film is an classic to me. Grew up on this. One thing i don't understand about MGM is...the box art is wrong.

Bottom of the cover shows Van Damme kicking Attila from "Lionheart". Not the Sandman. Attila.

How could they mess that up? To put a bad guy from a previous Van Damme on this is a slip.

Still classic Van Damme

Click to Editorial Reviews

Chained



PEOPLE ARE LIKE CEREAL BOXES. FACES ON THE OUTSIDE, PIECES INSIDE.
Bob (Vincent D'Onofrio aka "Gomer Pyle" from "Full Metal Jacket) is a cab driver who has bad dreams about his past. To compensate his hobbies include kidnapping, rape, and killing young women. One of the women he has killed has a son who he maintains as a slave, hence the title. Needless to say, Tim (Eamon Farren) grows up rather abnormally.

Unlike other rape/slasher films this one isn't after cheap thrills and effects. Instead it concentrates on the unusual relationship between Bob and Tim, that of captor and captive who develops a slight case of Stockholm Syndrome.

The film trudges along and then at the end Jennifer Lynch reveals her genius with a surprise ending that well, frankly should not have been a surprise. It is a film that leaves you feeling weird. The film continues with sound through the final credits.

Parental guide: F-bombs, no intense sex/rape scenes, or nudity. Male torso nudity. Blood and gore is less graphic than most films of this...

Does For cabs ,What Jaws did for The water
Chained was much better and had more guts that I thought it would,not literally because it wasn't extremely gory but there was a nice amount of blood letting .I meant there were more layers to this film than the trailer leads one to believe,Vincent D'Onofrio was amazing as Bob the serial killer/cab driver who kills women of course because of some daddy and mama trauma. Eamon Farren was pleasantly restrained as the captive in which Bob captures and renames Rabbit.
Nine years earlier at about the age of ten while rabbit was on an outing to the movies with his mom Bob abducts both Rabbit and his mother. Then while locked in the cab Rabbit who's real name is Tim listened while Bob killed and raped his mother.After that rabbit is chained and confined to the house to do Bob's bidding and is being told to take heed because this is what life is about and he will be doing this one day because basically it's his lot in life,the house in itself is gloomy ,depressing and reeks of insanity...

Awesome
I saw this film during a small horrorfilm festival in Vienna in a likewise small cinema with 250 other people. We all were blown away by the sheer force of nature Vincent D'Onofrio delivered with his performance. He already played a similar and also quite impressive role many years ago in The Cell, but in this movie he even topped his performance from back then. The picture was dark and brooding and Jenny Lynch showed once again that she is more than capable to fill the shoes of her father. All actors played their roles great. The only flaw the film may have is the "surprise ending", which seemed a little forced, but makes sense, if you think about it.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Scary Movie Triple Feature



Not What I Expected
When I ordered the Scary Movie Triple Pack, I was expecting one DVD case containing all three DVD's. I was wrong. All three movies come in separate DVD cases, which are the ones that you would get if you were to buy each movie separately. Also, I wasn't sure if the DVD's were going to be in widescreen (which is my preference), but they are.

This is a great deal. You are getting three movies each for five dollars, and I think that if you were to buy these three movies separately, you would end up paying more. I recommend this to anyone who wants to pay less for good quality.

Scary Movie Triple Pack(Scary Movie/Scary Movie 2/Scary Movie 3)
Of these three movies I like the first Scary Movie since it's a knock off of the original Scream movies which is funny. Scary Movie 2 is somewhat gross since everyone act like there sick and vomit. Scary Movie 3 is another good movie which is funny and good to watch.

My Fiancees belated gift for Christmas.
got this for my fiancee and he just loves scary movie 2, just hilarious!!! thanks for delivering in timely fashion.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Chained [HD]



PEOPLE ARE LIKE CEREAL BOXES. FACES ON THE OUTSIDE, PIECES INSIDE.
Bob (Vincent D'Onofrio aka "Gomer Pyle" from "Full Metal Jacket) is a cab driver who has bad dreams about his past. To compensate his hobbies include kidnapping, rape, and killing young women. One of the women he has killed has a son who he maintains as a slave, hence the title. Needless to say, Tim (Eamon Farren) grows up rather abnormally.

Unlike other rape/slasher films this one isn't after cheap thrills and effects. Instead it concentrates on the unusual relationship between Bob and Tim, that of captor and captive who develops a slight case of Stockholm Syndrome.

The film trudges along and then at the end Jennifer Lynch reveals her genius with a surprise ending that well, frankly should not have been a surprise. It is a film that leaves you feeling weird. The film continues with sound through the final credits.

Parental guide: F-bombs, no intense sex/rape scenes, or nudity. Male torso nudity. Blood and gore is less graphic than most films of this...

Does For cabs ,What Jaws did for The water
Chained was much better and had more guts that I thought it would,not literally because it wasn't extremely gory but there was a nice amount of blood letting .I meant there were more layers to this film than the trailer leads one to believe,Vincent D'Onofrio was amazing as Bob the serial killer/cab driver who kills women of course because of some daddy and mama trauma. Eamon Farren was pleasantly restrained as the captive in which Bob captures and renames Rabbit.
Nine years earlier at about the age of ten while rabbit was on an outing to the movies with his mom Bob abducts both Rabbit and his mother. Then while locked in the cab Rabbit who's real name is Tim listened while Bob killed and raped his mother.After that rabbit is chained and confined to the house to do Bob's bidding and is being told to take heed because this is what life is about and he will be doing this one day because basically it's his lot in life,the house in itself is gloomy ,depressing and reeks of insanity...

Awesome
I saw this film during a small horrorfilm festival in Vienna in a likewise small cinema with 250 other people. We all were blown away by the sheer force of nature Vincent D'Onofrio delivered with his performance. He already played a similar and also quite impressive role many years ago in The Cell, but in this movie he even topped his performance from back then. The picture was dark and brooding and Jenny Lynch showed once again that she is more than capable to fill the shoes of her father. All actors played their roles great. The only flaw the film may have is the "surprise ending", which seemed a little forced, but makes sense, if you think about it.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Snow on tha Bluff



Reality is awarness. Awarness is change.
This movie came across as a hard pill to swallow. I've lived in Atlanta for the past 15 years and the reality of it is, there are places like that, and people like these. The film goes into the life of a young man by the name of Curtis. He's a product of his environment and runs with his crew of young brothers. I have to point out, that while Curtis seems to be at least 27 in this movie, he's seldom found around kids 10 years younger than him. Basically he leads his team of misfits ass they run around the hood and pull licks (thefts) and celebrate with the team. The actions are usually reckless and leave you wondering if these guys are ignorant or just not afraid of jail- or death for that matter. However, the display of karma in the movie is well placed and recognized throughout the entire film. Curtis does suffer the repercussions for his actions. But with a lack of resources to even begin to straiten up, plus drug addiction fueled by emotional aggressive whims, we learn that our...

"Tha Bluff" or a bluff???
I watched the movie and felt uneasy seeing that this was on film because this lifestyle does relate to many "real ni**as" who do what they do for survival, and growth but I kept on watching. This is raw and interesting footage, and it does leaves viewers questioning its validity.

The Bluff may be a project that is rough for folks from Atlanta but me being from Miami, this film felt real light. After watching it twice over, I did realize that a lot of it was fictional, but it was done extremely well. I hope that there is a superior motive for the release of this film and that Curtis may handle the forthcoming successes with a strategic plan to better himself and his community.

I gave the film 5 stars because it relates to me, and my community. I wish the best for Curtis Snow.

The Family Is Made (Part 1) (Thuggin In Miami)

A Gritty, Realistic Crime Drama...
Snow On Tha Bluff is a crime/drama that plays out as a documentary (think "found footage" with a twist). The story follows Curtis Snow's life as a drug dealer after he steals a camera from some naive college kids. I highly recommend Snow On Tha Bluff.

What did I like? I enjoy the innovation this film brings to the found footage genre. It really feels like a realistic crime/drama film. It's a gritty and authentic portrayal of their lives. It's only an hour and 20 minutes, but it packs so much and it goes by fast; we see drug deals, robberies, and murders. It's has some powerful moments as well, like when Curtis Snow explains how the drugs have been in his family for a very long time and how his 2 year old son is in the same position as him. It's a controversial film because of how realistic it feels, so the actors did an amazing job.

What did i dislike? The ending was a little unfulfilling and abrupt. Some actions and dialogue felt off/forced.

Overall,...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Headshot [Blu-ray]



Buddhist Noir
Fon Tok Kuen Fah (Rain Falling Up the Sky)
Pen-Ek Ratanaruang

There are dark movies whose darkness is purposeful. Noir films that are moving more than mysterious. Sad endings that are good endings. Suffering that teaches rather then thrills. Humor that is wicked but inevitable. The dark that is beautiful, regardless it's depths of hopelessness. These are the kinds of films that Pen-Ek Ratanaruang specializes in.
Fon Tok Kuen Fah, which translates to Rain Falling Up the Sky, but is named sensationally Headshot for westerners, is the third film of his I have had the pleasure of viewing. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name written by award winning author Win Lyovarin. Pen-Ek's two earlier works that I have viewed left lasting impressions on me. Ruang Talok 69, or 6ixtynin9 as released in the US, was a dark comedy on level with Pulp Fiction, but more believable. Last Life in the Universe became one of my all time favorite films, one that still haunts me...

Very nice artsy camera work -- story no so.
Very moody, very cool camera work, very moody sound, but the story is disjointed and becomes tedious. It's better than a 2 star but I sure can't give it a three. Good action, when there is any action.

Surprising
Stumbled upon this film and found it very entertaining. I recommend watching. While the plot was a bit predictable about half way through, that doesn't take away from the fact that it is a good movie.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Monday, October 7, 2013

Kennedy/Reagan



Totally Entertaining ...I'll watch it again
This is a must see. It's an amazing portrayal of these iconic characters in American history. Never a dull moment; absolutely riveting. I never looked away for 97 minutes !!!

John Kendall pulled it off with historically accurate, educational, lively, and uplifting dialog. The voices and mannerisms were captured to perfection. Kennedy and Reagan not only delivered their political positions on many issues, but also added friendly but firm digs on each others positions. They were confrontational but never arrogant, and often humorous.

The real genius of this script was in their prompting of each other to give an account of their most significant accomplishments...leading to amazing stories and quotes from each of them.

I can't remember more than a handful of Hollywood movies that captured my attention and entertained as much as Kennedy/Reagan did.

Kennedy/Reagan
I've written this review to start things off in hopes that others will see my movie and enjoy it. Much research went into writing Kennedy/Reagan so that I could stay true to history. I was looking for a vehicle for myself as an actor so I first decided to write the piece as a one man play. It went over well in New York and at the same time I was encouraged by people in SAG-AFTRA to get a New Media contract to produce the movie. Therefore, along with my associates, Matthew Bowen(Assistant Director/Camera/Editor)and Angelo R. Parker Sr.(Director)and my wife,Debra Kendall and son Jason Kendall(Production Assistants)and Josh Valleley(performed music),I made my dream come true. Kennedy/Reagan has been brought forth to the public. I hope that I've made a fun tribute to Senator Kennedy and President Reagan. As my High School History teacher told me,"Imitation is the highest form of flattery". I hope that you'll enjoy the movie and spread the word for others to enjoy.

Kennedy Reagan
John Kendall is a wonderful actor. the film is great...This is a must see...Anita [...]

The film has good direction, action and production.. An hour or so film that shows the Kennedy Reagan connection and similarities...

I like the background and the way he portrayed him

Click to Editorial Reviews

Rihanna: Good Girl, Bad Girl



Good Girl, Bad Girl Worth Watching
It seems like everyone is making a DVD or major motion picture about their rise to fame from Justin Bieber and Katy Perry to country superstar Taylor Swift. Good Girl Bad Girl was a pleasant surprise in that it wasn't self involving at all. It details the rise to fame of pop sensation Rhianna, who was born impoverished in Barbados. She literally made her way into the spotlight kicking and scratching, and this DVD does a wonderful job in telling that story. Heartwarming, funny, entertaining and most of all - full of hope, Good Girl, Bad Girl is definitely worth watching.

No Respect
2012NR: If the producers/directors don't have enough respect for this natural star to edit out her cracked nails from a non-essential still photo 9 minutes into the production, I don't have enough respect to give it a complete viewing.

Rihanna is a star. Treat her like one, or find another line of work. Keep your head up Sister. MFJLabs 1x

Terribly Made
It consisted solely of media interviews on read carpets from Rihanna, a
few choice critic's interviews, and one completely unnecessary Sex
Therapist's irrational opinion. All of the clips and photos used are out of order and
misinterpreted throughout the entire film. The film is overall an awful
mess of poorly used interviews and indifferent narrations.

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Dish and the Spoon



Sincere and Unhindered
Alison Bagnall brings her 2nd feature length film, The Dish & The Spoon, with shameless intimacy.

After discovering her husband has cheated on her, Rose (Greta Gerwig) goes on a beer-drinking rampage, pulling the young, mysterious vagabond (Olly Alexander) in on her plan for revenge against the bitch who put her in this position.

The two share an undeniable - often cute and occasionally awkward - on screen chemistry.

Their unique and intimate relationship develops in an interesting balance of sexual tension, bare emotions and twisted manipulation.

Bagnall sincerely seems to be an actor's director, where playfulness and experimentation is balanced with an emotional depth.

The film is sincere and reckless, letting the characters lead the narrative. Rose wants to scream, Rose will scream. Rose wants to cuddle, Rose will cuddle. Rose wants to steal, Rose will steal.

The characters really seem free to act how they want and...

A little treasure
I took the opportunity to watch this during the 2011 SF International Film Festival. This is a well acted character study about a seriously depressed 20 something who develops a bond with a teenager.
The chemistry between Gerwig and Alexander is credible and the story never strains to push them into a romantic tryst. I was also impressed by the Delaware setting. Too many movies want to stick with NYC/LA or other big cities, while ignoring the rest of the country.
I'm looking forward to revisting this one on DVD

The dish and the spoon
I loved this film. I found it so poetic, involved in the pairing of two unlikely people who in ordinary circumstances would never have been involved in each other. They are both in pain. She as the result of an adulterous husband. He, having traveled all the way from England to meet a girl he met in London who dumped him. The acting of both Greta Gerwig and Olly Alexander are gripping...so believable. (disclosure: I am the screenwriter/directors Mother)

Click to Editorial Reviews

Caught Inside



YOU'RE AN ANIMAL
6 young adults charter a boat to a remote island. Alex (Leeanna Walsman) and her boyfriend Toobs (Simon Lyndon). Sam (Daisy Betts) comes along as a friend to Alex. Rob (Sam Lyndon), Archie (Harry Cook) and Bull (Ben Oxenbould) round out the surfers. The captain is Skipper Joe (Peter Phelps).

Sam shows a preference to Rob to the dismay and rage of Bull. Bull's inappropriate high testosterone conduct lands him a "time out" by himself on Gilligan's Island while the rest of the party remains on the boat. Bull plans and then takes his revenge as this turns into an abduction film. Ben Oxenbould plays the role of Bull very well. He could well be on his way to being the Australian "David Hess" of abduction terror. Outside of Bull's character, the film really doesn't take off.

F-bombs, sex, no nudity.

Not A Good Movie!
I am sorry to say that this movie is awful, completely not interesting and not grabbing your attention. I rented it on Instant Video , I didn't even finish watching it that's how bad it is.
The actors keep mumbling throughout the whole movie, it is hard to understand what they are saying. One of the guys keeps getting mad and lose his temper, that's the whole movie. The only plus is that there are beautiful scenes of the ocean and waves, that's about it! I don't recommend this movie !!

Psychological thriller on the high seas
"Caught Inside" (2010) is an Australian psychological thriller about a group of surfers who sail to a remote island paradise for vacation. A couple of women join the expedition at the last moment and they bring out the animal in one particular surfer and the holiday turns into a torturous adventure.

What I liked about this film, aside from the professional fimmaking and paradisical locations (Maldives), was the realism of the story and characters. The film skirts the borders of the slasher genre and I'm sure it was tempting for the writers to have the psycho (Ben Oxenbould) morph into Jason Vorhees, but they wisely resisted.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Someone complained on the IMDb message board about how unbelievable it was at one point when a group of four or five from the expedition "cowardly" put up with the psycho's tormenting antics when he doesn't even have a weapon. But this is where the film shines as a PSYCHOLOGICAL thriller and not just a thriller...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Don Knotts Reluctant Hero Pack



Four classic Don Knotts comedies from the late 1960s
Don Knotts is a national treasure, one of the most naturally gifted comic actors the world has ever seen. As big a Don Knotts fan as I have always been, and as many times as I have seen all of the old episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, I had actually never seen any of Knotts' classic comedies from the late 1960s. This Reluctant Hero Pack has helped alleviate this problem. Sure, I could have spent four times as much money and acquired each of these four films on individual DVDs, but frugality is one of the many small-town American virtues Don Knotts' characters usually embodied. These films have been compressed so that they will all fit on one double-sided DVD, but there is nothing wrong with the picture quality of this disk whatsoever. It's not like you're missing out on any special features on the individual offerings, either; unfortunately, there are also next to no special features on this Reluctant Hero pack - all you get are three of the four films' trailers. Still, what...

Don't be reluctant about grabbing up the Don!
This DVD is a true bargain compiling 4 of Don Knotts' most popular films onto one nicely priced disc! This DVD collects 4 of the 5 films that Knotts made in the 60s where he had the lead role (the exception being 1964's "The Incredible Mr. Limpet"). The DVD is a flip disc with two films on each side. Side A has "The Ghost & Mr. Chicken" and "The Reluctant Astronaut", while side B has "The Shakiest Gun in the West" and "The Love God?". Another great aspect is that these films are in chronological order of original release from 1966-1969. In other words, these 4 films were released back to back. For those that are fans of Knotts' films or the live action Disney films of the 60s & 70s, these will be a rare treat to own. Great fun, exceptable for the entire family (with the possible exception of "The Love God?" which contains some mild adult humor, obviously tame by today's standard, but still maybe inappropriate for some ages). Knotts plays almost the same character in every film...

Great bargain with minor snags
This set is bargain-and-a-half for anyone who grew up watching these silly but charming comedies on Saturday afternoon TV.

For a ridiculously low price, you get 4 films with astonishingly good quality picture and sound (sound is mono but the video transfers are bright, colorful and sharp as a tack). True, they are all on a single "flipper" disc, but for this price it's a small qualm at best.

The only thing I would mention to parents buying these for their children (which I assume many of you are), is the 4th film in this set, "The Sex God", is a PG-13 rated sex comedy made in 1969, and as such is a strange inclusion in a set of movies more-or-less made for children. It's pretty tame by modern standards (and not terribly funny either), but all the same I doubt you'd want your 8-yr old watching it. Still, a killer bargain on films I wanted, but didn't want to spend 20$ apiece for. Recommended.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Atomic Brain Invasion



Nicely done send-up of 1950s-era Sci-Fi
OK, just so you know, I'm a HUGE fan of both 1950s science-fiction movies, as well as modern-day "homages" or parodies. Also a big fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000; so when I saw the listing for Atomic Brain Invasion, (and subsequently checked out the trailer on YouTube) I got pretty darn excited - it's exactly what it appears to be - a low-budget, but surprisingly well-produced take on those wonderful films of the Fifties. Starting off with a hammy introduction (a la "Plan 9 From Outer Space [Blu-ray]") by an earnest, redundant "scientist" on grainy black and white film, the movie switches to color, and introduces us to all the stock players who populate these kinds of films: the nerdy, intelligent kid; the girl who secretly loves him; the bully/jock (who harbors his own secret passion), the clueless townsfolk, and the HOO-RAH Army General, all of whose lives are altered forever when not one, but TWO alien...

Cult-Classic Movie
I can't get enough of these Grade B (Cult Classic) Movies. This one ranks with the Troma Series and The Incredible Melting Man. Great to laugh with and unwind!!!

"ELVIS MEETS THE SLIME-BRAIN CREATURES!"
Yes, B~Movie-Within-A-Movie Fans, grab your girl and head on down to the Malt Shop at 5th and Nowhere Street. Elvis is coming to sing his Rock-A-Billy heart out-but first must stop those slimy,icky,dangerously hilarious Atomic Brain Creatures! Do not let the cover fool you: It is NOT as GRAPHIC as it appears. More slimy,drippy oozy than gory. Besides, the romp 'N stomp dance number will distract you and make you roll over with laughter at the zany proceedings! The Movie Sp00F is out to pay tribute to every B~Movie Horror/Sci-Fi Movie it can cram in! So curl that lip, Elvis! It's time to get all shook up as the Atomic Brain Invaders come to a Town near you!

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Fifth Cord



A Beautiful Wedge of Giallo Eye Candy
With Franco Nero as the lead and cinematography by the multiple Oscar-winning Vittorio Storaro you'd be a fool not to expect an extremely good looking film. And if you're a fan of murder mysteries--especially the Italian variety known as gialli--then you'll probably eat this one up. The story is pretty thin and it's not gore soaked like many others, but it's really thick with a somber, tense, shadow-filled atmosphere and it's well acted by the jaw droppingly handsome Nero, Rosella Falk and Sylvia Monti. The climax, which begins in a fantastic modern house and ends in an abandoned factory is, for once, well choreographed and exciting. Good score by Ennio Morricone and did I say it's gorgeous to look at? Well, it is.

nero stands out.
Giallos are great type of thriller to enjoy , not all of them have
superbloody gory killings. Some like 'knife of ice" barely show any killing. Film noir and the films of Alfred Hitchcock also can be within this genre as well as splatter flicks that are decended from mario bava's "bay of blood." This is a story driven giallo in which the hero of the story only becomes less of a drunken loser through trying to find out who this killer is. At first he doesn't care and he's not a nice person , in fact he slaps around one of his girlfriends while drunk. But by the end of the movie he's ready to risk his life for others. Franco Nero, who is a fantastic actor who pulls this transformation off nicely. Blue Underground cleaned this movie up too. I always buy blue underground movies because you know that they care about making a movie look good.
Of late the major studios have also been cleaning up their movies on blu ray, a field that blue underground is also entering...

And You Though The First Four Were Scary!
Giallo fans need only apply. And giallo fans will know what to expect from this one. There's akilla on the loose and he's hinting that there will be five murders. What's the connection with the victims? Like I'm gonna tell you, you'd just better see it. The man hot on the killer's trail is alcoholic reporter Franco Nero! There were about eight billion giallos around at this time, and The Fifth Cord stands above many of them. It's got a great look and a very good performance from Nero. Nero is a very good actor, probably one of the best to come out of Italy, and because of this he gives his character more depth than the average giallo hero. Not much for gore, but this film really doesn't need it. Yet again, Blue Underground has done us all a favor by releasing this film and cleaning it up as good as possible. They also give us a 16 minute interview with both Nero and director, Luigi Bazzoni, who apparently was a really cool guy. Giallo fans should be pleased.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Mamitas



Mamitas
Outstanding love story - new age movie. Acting is superb. We prefer this type of non-violent drama. This is a high quality film and a must see. Should have been rated PG13 instead of R.

Absolutely loved it!
The sweet story that unfolds in Mamitas dramatizes the relationships that many people encounter, making the movie relatable for anyone. The great cast, under amazing direction, really brought the characters to life. There are numerous magical moments in the movie that sneak up on you, tug on your heart strings, and then play an entire ballad. Don't want to spoil anything but you'll know it when they come up. Absolutely loved it. Don't miss out! Get it now!

really good
enjoyed the movie, still watching it. E.J Bonilla is one fantastic
actor, looking forward to seeing more of him the the future. Can't
wait for Musical Chairs

Click to Editorial Reviews

Moses in Egypt, Told by Danny Glover with Music by The Sounds of Blackness



Slide Show
reminded me of slide shows that I used to see in Sunday School. I didn't enjoy it, but it has a good function

Wonderful
Wonderful illustrations and narration! I would recommend this for children and adults. It was an interesting look at a familiar Bible story.

"Read" this to your children's
Drawings and reading are well-timed and excellent. The singing is superb. I'd recommend this highly for a teacher wishing to share the Exodus story in a positive and captivating way.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Breakaway



Breakaway review
I liked this movie directed by Akshay Kumar. It has a nice mix of international actors. The story line was thin in spots but overall it was an enjoyable movie.

A+++ Love this movie
Great movie, very funny and great music. Watch the music video at the end of the credits too. I would highly recommend it whether or not you like Ice Hockey!!!

good time
its I funny movie that shows that the underdog can win and you should get some laughs from it as I did.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Anniversary at Shallow Creek [HD]



The Anniversary at Shallow Creek
We were looking forward to receiving this DVD movie since we know the primary actors who are also the writers and producers of this independent film. It arrived in good time and was packaged nicely. We thought the movie was very well done. It's also very scary (a horror thriller) so probably isn't appropriate for young children.





Click to Editorial Reviews

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Jonah and the Whale, Told by Jason Robards



Not for young kids
I watched this with my 2 1/2 year old to have a sunday appropriate activity after church. The drawings of God were very scary to him and we stopped after only a few minutes. I didn't enjoy watching it, so I can't imagine a kid of any age would.

Jonah And The Whale
My granddaughter love it, she is five years old. She watch the whole movie until it was finish. She did not move. The voice was great the story was told at a good pace. My grand daughter was able to tell me the whole story she did not miss a beat.

jonah and the whale
Got this book for my son, great book, easy to read. He reads a little every day, at 6yrs old, this was the best starter book for his new kindle fire.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Tim Tebow: On a Mission



A mediocre documentary about the most interesting man in the NFL
Tim Tebow is a fascinating guy for lots of reasons-- his personality, his life story, his career thus far, the media hype-- and this documentary tries to cover it all, from his birth in the Philippines in 1987 to the trade to the Jets in March 2012. It consists mainly of the following:

1) Interviews with several sports reporters who've followed his career, as well as a few high school teammates, and the athletic director and assistant coach from his high school.
2) A bit of footage from high school and college games (I liked the clip of him running for a touchdown on a broken leg in high school!)
3) Voice-over narration.
4) Visual filler. There's no NFL footage and not much footage of Tebow in general, so instead we see an anonymous football player dressed in vague approximations of Tebow's uniforms, who runs around a field with a football striking Tebow-esqe poses. There are also a few still photographs of Tebow that pop up again and again, with pans...

Not All That I Had Hoped For
I appreciated Rachel Gray's review of this video as it pretty much sums it up nicely and reflects most of how I felt. In terms of my contribution to critiquing this video, I suppose the over-riding thought as I watched it was, "What was the point of making this?" Mainly, I wondered why it was made at probably the most uncertain point of his NFL career, that being just after his trade to the New York Jets. I think that a documentary should only be made about an athlete after he has retired after an exceptional career and/or reached the high point, in this case a Super Bowl championship.

I was going to conclude that it was made solely for the $ame rea$on other Tebow production$ are being made the$e day$. However, I realized that it was more likely made to inspire younger people to aspire to more noble things in life, like good character, hard work, and commitment instead of going after money and things or, conversely, expecting life to be handed to you on a silver...

Disappointing for a true Tebow fan
This documentary was a major disappointment for someone who is a true Tebow fan. There was no new information, no new stories, and there weren't even any interviews with Tim, his family, or those closest to him. There were interviews with a couple reporters, a high school football teammate and assistant coach, amongst others. It seemed as if the film company didn't have rights to use a lot photos or video of Tim as there were actors pretending to be Tim playing football. My husband and I have followed Tim for years and were excited that there was a new video, however we almost had to laugh at how bad it was. Glad we only spent $7 on this. I guess you get what you pay for though!

Click to Editorial Reviews

Inkubus



Robert Englund is back and scary as ever!
I wasn't expecting much from "Inkubus," so was pleasantly surprised (or is the right word, "horrified!") to see Robert Englund turn in an incredible performance which left me looking away from the screen only a couple of times (o.k., there are a couple of rather gross scenes in the film).

I recommend "Inkubus" for any fan of the Nightmare on Elm Street Films and horror flicks in general!

Robert Englund Returns to the Sadistic
I know what you are thinking. How good can a horror film be with Joey Fatone from N'Sync being in it. Let me tell you it can be one of the most original and fun horror films you can see in years. The film revolves around Robert's character who has just walked into a police station carrying a severed head. This happens in the first 10 minutes. It gets much much better from there. The amazing dynamic is seeing Robert go toe to toe with William Forsythe who portrays a retired police officer chasing after Robert from the old days. Well written and sharply acted (even by Fatone), this is one of those horror gems that comes once in a great while. Robert is hasn't been this sadistic since the first Nightmare on Elm Street. Truly one for the ages check it out.

HOW YOU FEELING TODAY, TOM?
The movie opens with a weird "It's Alive" scene. A creature that should only inhabit Sigourney Weaver is performing its own c-section. After the credits we see Detective Tom (Joey Fatone) who is in a straight jacket telling us about what happened that night at the police station...even the stuff that happened when he wasn't present. Tom makes love to fellow officer Erin Cole (Michelle Ray Smith) a woman who keeps her bra on while love making, apparently something she learned from watching Natalie Portman films. During the course of a homicide investigation, the Inkubus (Robert Englund) shows up with the victim's head and confesses to gruesome crimes that date back 100's of years.

He tells us the In>lubus story and why he is there. Then things get weird, but not intense or frighting. If you have enjoyed the cocky supernatural bad guy Robert Englund before, by all means check it out. What is unfortunate is that the supporting cast really didn't have any decent lines or...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide - Night 1



Six Stories From Around The Globe That Both Disturb And Inspire
Note: This is being sold in two different parts for instant viewing.

"Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worldwide" made its broadcast premiere as a part of PBS's Independent Lens series and was introduced by George Clooney. Although gender inequality is certainly not a new topic, New York Times reporters (and Pulitzer Prize winners) Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDann explored the globe while writing the acclaimed 2009 bestseller on which this four hour presentation is based. They covered stories both harrowing and heartfelt. Encountering seemingly hopeless situations, they met courageous individuals who worked within the system (or oftentimes against it) to help affect positive change. They attracted enormous media attention upon the book's publication, so the expectations for this documentary series were high. Kristof is a major face in this production and he has enlisted some famous names to participate in the various segments of the film...

Most excellent!
Half the Sky is inspiring, intelligent and informative. I have recommended this two-part series to many people since viewing it, and will probably purchase a copy for review from time-to-time. Excellent project!

Life wouldn't be full without seeing this documentary!
Loved the book, even listened it it on audio & am so glad to have seen the documentary (s)...I've shared with one of my daughters & we have both benefited from the ongoing dialogue it has sparked!

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry [HD]



Okay In Spots
You do get some decent background here on Perry's roots, particularly in the film's first part. But the makers don't manage to put the music's history into realistic perspective. The narration (and much of Scratch's talking himself) would lead you to believe that he created reggae and dub, which is hardly the case. Nor did Bob Marley owe him his career. I would like to know more about why he thinks The Congos are the worst of all devils ... I would like to know more about his breakdown in the late 70's (to include burning down his studio) rather than just accepting that he had to get rid of bad spirits. I do get a partial answer here on some of that though, because there's some old footage and some newer footage here of Perry that demonstrates what I realized already ... he's pretty far gone towards nuts.





Click to Editorial Reviews

A Happy Event



(3.5 STARS) French Romantic Comedy with a Difference
"A Happy Event" ("Un heureux événement") is a French romantic comedy with a difference. The story centers on a young couple, Barbara (Louise Bourgoin, "Les aventures extraordinaires d'Adèle Blanc-Sec"), a graduate student of philosophy, and Nicola (Pio Marma

The Assault



Gripping Dramatization of One of the Greatest Hostage Rescue Operations in History
Even if you didn't have any knowledge that the events depicted in the film "the Assault" were real, I think you could appreciate this movie as a very well-made action story. But the thing is...it really did happen the way the film showed it (albeit I'm sure with slight fictionalization to compress the story which unfolded over several days in an action packed 90 minutes). Islamic terrorists hijacked a French airliner in 1994 in Algeria, murdered three hostages, and threatened to kill the rest if their demands were not met. And French intelligence agencies came to the sickening conclusion that the terrorists didn't plan to bargain for the release of prisoners or for a ransom. Rather they planned to fly the fully fueled jetliner into Paris and crash it into the Eiffel Tower (an eerie foreshadowing of 9/11). Were it not for the elite French police commando unit storming the aircraft in Marseilles, there could have been a far, far worse tragedy.

<spoilers...although...

Voice-overs the only downside
I enjoyed the movie and am happy I purchased it. The only downside is that the movie has voice-overs in English that detract from the movie as a whole. Whether the character is French, Algerian, etc., they all have American sounding voices and the sound quality with the voice-overs is not what it should have been. If more care had been taken in putting an appropriate voice with each character, it would have made for much better viewing. Fortunately, in the set up section of the Main Menu you can play it using the French soundtrack with English subtitles. I want to thank the first reviewer of this film for cluing me in to that fact. I was so excited to watch the movie when I got it that I just popped it in my DVD player and started watching it. Watching it in French was much better.

That being said, I thought every aspect of the assault phase of the movie was incredibly filmed and is very intense. The attention given to events leading up to the assault was well done...

SOX THE FOX THROWS SOME ROCKS
This is the story on how France in 1994 was able to avoid their "9-11" tragedy. Unfortunately the lessons learned from this incident didn't prevent our 9-11 as some critics have claimed it should have done. This story is told from 3 points of view. One is from the action on the plane itself in the runway in Algeria. The second is told from the story of Thierry (Vincent Elbaz) the French GIG (SWAT team) leader. The third and most important is the story of Carole (Mélanie Bernier) an assistant in the foreign minister's office. She was the one who realized this was really a suicide mission and there was no negotiating with the GIA terrorist group. She oversteps her authority and steps on a few toes in order to prevent a take off. I believe her role was a bit of a dramatization, but it made the film watchable as we end up with a woman, who is given no credit, saving Paris from burning.

The story was good paced drama-thriller. The voice overs were no better than 1960...

Click to Editorial Reviews

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet)



Great movie, great set
Let me explain something that I feel a lot of people are forgetting. This set doesn't only include the new version, but the old as well. That's a great deal, since you can choose which one you would like to see. If you hate the new effects and CGI, don't watch it. It's that simple.

Now don't get me wrong. I think the newer version is very silly, and I wonder if Spielberg really thought it looked good when he did it. Maybe if he were to do it in around 10 years, it wouldn't look so animated.

I did like the deleted bathroom scene though, even though it was done with CGI. It would have been nice to have seen that in the original, but I guess that would be having my cake and eating it too.

There is nothing flawed about this set, it simply just gives some options that not everyone will want to choose. If you enjoy the movie, you will enjoy this set. It's a classic that hasn't lost it's flavor after all these years.

E.T
Both versions of Steven Spielberg's masterpiece are available on this limited edition DVD of E.T- THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL. The original 1982 and the 2002 re-mastered version are equally impressive. The minor cuts and restored footage doesn't add much. Sure, the CG E.T is impressive and there are some great moments put back in that make the film feel more complete. But the heart of the film stays the same. Differing from Spielberg's more strident films (JAWS, the INDIANA JONES films and JURASSIC PARK), E.T is the simple story of Elliot (Henry Thomas) who finds a friend from space and helps him to find his way home, hence the oft-quoted line "E.T phone home!". The iconic image of Elliot riding past the moon is one of the most memorable movie moments in cinema history, accompanied by John William's whimsical score (Another coup-de-grace par-excellence). The film itself is still emotionally involving and the peformances of the principal actors, especially Henry Thomas and Drew...

... ruined a classic
First, I want to make it clear that I'm reviewing the DVD here, not the original film. I liked the original; it's a good movie. Not as fantastic as it is hyped to be, but good enough to have on DVD for an occasional viewing. I give the film 4 stars.

I have BIG problems with what's behind this DVD, and the "special edition" of ET that's on it.

The 2002 edition of ET is just absurd. As others pointed out, CGI ET looks silly, and isn't consistent with the "old" scenes that include ET. His stiffness was part of his physical character. Making him more "jar-jar" just doesn't make sense. It's an example of "lets do it because we can". There are lots of thing we "can" do that we "should not" do, and this is one of them.

But much worse than this is the digital removal of the guns. Not only was this poorly done (from a technical point of view), but it's an example of Political Correctness(tm) gone mad. Guess what: government agents and cops carry guns, and they point them at...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Courage



Sophia Loren, Hector Elizondo, Billy Dee Williams...
The real life story of a woman (Sophia Loren) who risks her life by taking part in an undercover operation. Her son's life is being destroyed by his dependency on drugs. With the help of drug agent (Billy Dee Williams), they start a battle against the cruel world of cocaine & heroin.
Originally shown as a mini-series. Approximately 133 minutes.

Courage and character
Too simplistic? Maybe, in comparison to all of today's technology both in film making and in drug busting and business, and in spite of the lack of endless blood and gore to drive home the content. But seeing it for the first time 20 years after it was made still kept me entirely in the moment of the movie. Sophia wasn't an unrealistic beauty queen for this movie. Her character was that of a proud, intelligent and dignified mother. The casting of key characters such as Hector Elizondo was on target, and Billy D Williams brightened this family movie without ever overwhelming the contrast of the quiet determination of Sophia's role.

TV Movie "Courage" starring Sophia Loren
The acting in this made-for-TV film is faultlessly superb, particularly that of Sophia Loren, who plays the role of a mother whose son has become a cocaine addict.
I would unhesitatingly rate the production with five stars; however, the copy I received with my purchase, manufactured by Hollywood DVD, #HOLDD010, had poor video quality and was a disappointment in that regard. My original impression caused me to wonder whether I should be wearing 3D glasses for viewing. Although advertised as "fullscreen," my copy had wide left and right margins.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Monster High: Ghouls Rule [HD]



A One Hour Commercial
I'm old enough to remember when the activists who would go on to ruin broadcast television for children first sounded warnings against half hour or one hour commercials, that is animated children's TV shows based upon an existing line of toys. Frankly, I never understood the alleged vast moral difference between doing this as opposed to creating the TV show FIRST and only THEN merchandising the crap out of it with dolls, action figures, boardgames, Underoos, etc., but I DID find the designations useful because in those bad old days, the toy-based TV shows tended to be just awful, and I studiously avoided them.

Well, time has passed, and would be creators of children's videos with even an ounce of controversy or creativity have largely abandoned broadcast TV, first for cable and then for the Internet, and somewhere along the way toy companies figured out that more was required in an era when watching commercials required making a positive choice. As a father of young...

MH DVD
Pre ordered this DVD for my daughters 10th bday. Received it just in time to. My daughter loves MH. My hubby and I love what MH stands for. We both enjoy watching it with her. Great for self esteem. Made my daughters Birthday. Great gift, great price.

A Ghoul Movie!
This movie was really pretty good. I didn't expect much from it but the kids and my wife and I all enjoyed it. We watched it after we got back from Trick R Treating as the kids ate some of their candy. They are already wanting to see the next Monster High Movie, or should I say two as it is supposed to be a double feature! Pick this one up, as you can tell from the other reviews you won't be disappointed!

Click to Editorial Reviews