It Came from Outer Space [HD]

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...

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Iron Sky

Accept it for what it is... and it excels at that!
Face it, this wasn't meant to be the next grade 'A' MEGABLOCKBUSTER. This is a lower budget, independently made 'B' movie.... but what a 'B' movie it is. All things considered, it has great spacial effects, decent actors, a good script.... One of my favorite 'B' Sci Fi films of all time!

B-movie fun, you'll enjoy every minute as long as you realize it's not trying to be Scorcese or Speilberg...
Very silly, a tad forced in places, and who gives a crap? Pure, B movie fun, as was intended. Amazing effects considering their $10 million budget. This movie was silly, had a message but delivered it with the subtlety of a giant rubber mallet. It was the funnest load of crap I've ever watched. Highly recommended.

(Note: this review was originally a reply to Hydra's review, but I decided to post it on its own.)

5 stars for originality and entertainment value
Many reviewers have referred to this movie as "camp" which I think belittles it unnecessarily. Rocky Horror Picture Show was camp. This is clever. Would I recommend it to absolutely everyone without reservation? No, it depends on your sense of humor. But these days when all Hollywood spews out are screenplays based on a novel, or a comic book, or a sequel or a reboot or a remake, I found this wonderfully refreshing. (When Fifty Shades of Gray comes out we can look forward to a movie that was based on an atrocious novel that was adapted from a fan fiction that was inspired by the equally atrocious Twilight novels...ugh.)

Keep in mind I only watched this to humor my husband, fully expecting to roll my eyes and scoff the entire time. Instead I found myself highly entertained for the full 90 minutes. Personally I enjoyed the special effects, realistic when appropriate and other times quite lyrical. And the direction overall generated lots of energy. I thought the...

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A Cadaver Christmas

GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!!
I saw this movie in the theater when it was privately released by the director in the Quad City area. Going into the showing, I had no idea what to expect, but I walked out a *HUGE* fan of Zerull and this film. His vision for the film is spectacular; he uses camera angles to create a texture to the piece that is hard to come by. There is a grainy, old-time feel to the movie that is somewhat cliche at the start, but then I got into the storyline, and loved how the "scratchiness" of his filming lent to the overall feel. Though I don't watch too many zombie movies, I loved this one! I don't know how much humor is typically included in the zombie genre, but I found myself laughing so hard at times that I couldn't breathe. Additionally, there is one scene that pulls at your heartstrings almost to the point of tears. I can't wait for Oct 9, so I can get my hands on a copy of this film!

A Christmas Classic
A Cadaver Christmas is the rare movie that manages to mix gory horror, humor, and genuine sweet holiday sentimentality and sadness into a film that is far more than the sum of its parts. Composed of two sides, each distinct is a film that amply satisfies both. On one hand you have a film that shows the down sides to the season with people having to work through it while others drown out their troubles at a bar and with out family. On the other side of the coin you have a great horror romp that never allows itself to be taken too seriously. I definately recommend this film for those who like a little heartfelt sentiment with their irony or a little humor with their horror.

Not A Pretender
Recently there have been a lot of new Zombie fans brought about by bigger budget movies like Zombieland and movies of that nature. But Cadaver Christmas is a true, low budget indie zombie movie, the kind that makes the genre great. It knows what it is and it embraces it and the entirety of its genre. If you don't like B-movies you may not fully grasp the humor of Cadaver Christmas. But if you love witty humor, zombies, and B-movies make you feel all warm inside, then Cadaver Christmas might be for you.

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Scooby-Doo: Big Top Scooby-Doo [Blu-ray]

Tons of fun; a classic direct-to-video Scooby adventure with the whole gang!
Scooby and the gang help solve the mystery of werewolves terrorizing a traveling circus. Loads of fun. One of the best direct-to-video adventures with the entire gang. Check out Daphne's amazing motorcycle riding, Velma being shot through the air as a human cannonball, Shaggy and Scooby are... Scooby and Shaggy trainers, and Fred is a second assistant safety net watcher - just don't let him up on the trapeze. The kids loved it!

Fun Scooby Movie
We ordered this for family movie night. My two girls enjoyed it a lot and my husband and I had fun with it too. It is about on the same level as Legend of the Phantasaur (which was really funny). This one is not quite as good, but still very enjoyable with some good lines. Recommended!

Hilarious. WAY! better than Music of the Vampire!
Probably one of the funniest Scooby Doo movies I have seen in a long time. Especially after the horrible "Music of the Vampire" movie...which was aweful, awkward, and left me feeling very uncomfortable...almost queasy inside. This movie is what I love about the Scooby franchise. There were several times when My son and I were laughing so hard we had to rewind to catch the next joke. The script is a typical Scooby Doo type show....after a little while it is obvious who the villains are, but this one had a bit of a twist...not gonna spoil it. Totally enjoyed this one and hope that they continue to make more Scooby Doo movies like this instead of experimenting with idiotic ideas like the Music of the Vampire...I just cannot express how much better this is than Music of the Vampire. Did I say that hated Music of the Vampire? Well, I did hate Music of the Vampire. I didn't really like the Goblin King either....actually never finished the Goblin King because every time I watched it...I...

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Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman

Great Movie for Animation Fans and Students
I grew up watching the series in the 80s, and wasn't really a huge fan- it was just one of the shows in the Saturday morning lineup. The movies were made to much higher standards than the TV show, and this one is no exception. The backgrounds are nicely detailed, camera angles are varied and effective, and the lighting is suitably dramatic when the story calls for it. The Wolfman story pretty much revolves around shy Theodore, and the situations that arise from his becoming a werewolf after being bitten. The animation is leagues beyond pretty much every children's film being released today, with surprisingly high production values for a straight to video. Cushioning, lines of action, squash and stretch, kinematics- everything missing from the typical insipid productions of today, is all here. The characters actually exist in their world, rather than looking like something dumped off of a screenshot from a bad video game. The dialogue and body language the siblings have with one...

AWESOME!
Everytime I watch this movie I like it more and more! It has both the Chipmunks and the Chipettes in it! Cool huh? It also has awesome songs in it too! Munks on a mission, The Monster is in you (I think that is what this one is called) and Everything is going to be alright. Everything is going to be alright is my personal favorite. The Chipmunks and Chipettes sing this one at a dance. I've played this song again and again. The only disapointment I had was there was only three songs. The Chipmunk Adventure had 8! But besides that this movie is AWESOME! I suggust buying it, if you love the Chipmunks and Chipettes! =)

A Fun Halloween Treat
This DVD contains two movie-length "Alvin and the Chipmunks" monster adventures. The first, "Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet Frankenstein". Originally released in 1999 this is a wonderful animated film that will delight adult fans who grew up with the chipmunks (there's even a roller-coaster scene that shows the Chipmunks as they appeared in the 1950's and 1960's) and will also be fast-paced and contemporary enough for twenty-first century kids. Parents need not worry about language, there is cartoon violence, and some scenes may be too scary for very young children (especially the opening sequence in black and white). On the upside there are nice lessons about friendship and not judging by the cover. I give this one five stars.

The second monster mash, entitled "Alvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman", features three lively songs, but the story doesn't move quiet as well and the appeal for an older audience isn't as strong as the first feature. Nevertheless, parents...

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Die Another Day (50th Anniversary Repackage) [Blu-ray]

An homage to the past...
One thing for sure about "Die Another Day": the writers well understood (and paid tribute to) the great Bond movies of the past. The end result is a movie that, while not perhaps as great as the films it honors, certainly takes its place as one of the best modern Bond films made.

Nearly every previous Bond classic is represented here: there is, of course, the acknowledged nod of the head to Dr. No and the famous bikini sequence. But you don't have to look very hard to see many other references. There are depressuring fights on a plane ("Goldfinger"), a great car chase on ice sequence ("The Living Daylights"), Bond leaving the service as a rogue ("License to Kill"), diamond weapon in the sky ("Diamonds are Forever"), the list goes on and on (I would even venture to say there is a tribute of sorts to the foolishness that went on during Roger Moore's Bond days; the unbelievable wind surfing stunt Bond pulls about halfway through is exactly the sort of silliness that Moore did all...

Looks and Sounds better, BUT..........
The second DVD of "Special Features" doesn't have near as much as the regular release on DVD. The packaging says this DVD has the "Ministry of Propaganda" with original trailers, TV Spots, and Radio Communications.

NEWS FLASH: IT DOESN'T !!!

How annoying !

James Bond...40 Years Later, And Still Going Strong!!
People, from one "veteran" Bond fan to another, let me just say that if you felt any reservations concerning "Die Another Day" whatsoever, rest your minds at ease...Bond #20 is in a word...AWESOME!!

Brosnan is at his best as agent 007, John Cleese appears to be a worthy successor to the role of Q (made famous by the beloved Desmond Llewelyn...who will forever be missed), Judi Dench and Samantha Bond have by now firmly rooted themselves as the perfect choices to bring the characters of M and Money Penny into the new millennium, and lets not forget the ever important "icy" villains and ever alluring women that complete the tried and true formula that is the classic Bond film!

Throw in a wonderful title song performed by Madonna, another amazing score by composer David Arnold, delightful references to the Bond films of the past, and what you get is simply the best Bond movie to be released in nearly 20 years!

"Die Another Day" is everything that 007 fans have come to expect, and...

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Dino Dan: Dino Trackers

Full of episodes already shown on Nick Jr.
I bought this thinking it was going to be a movie or combination of episodes not shown on Nick Jr. I was wrong. There was only one episode on this DVD that my son hadn't seen 100 times on our DVR. He does LOVE all of the episodes, so if your child doesn't have episodes on DVR or has never seen one......this is a must. My son is captivated through all of the episodes. He started loving dinosaurs because of this show. It is very educational and worth the money, if your child hasn't already seen all of the episodes.

Good if you don't have Nick Jr
I agree with another reviewer--- If you DON'T have Nick Jr and your child hasn't already seen all of the episodes a million times, this is a good DVD. But this has been my son's favorite show since it came out, so he already knew all but one episode. We were both pretty disappointed. They should have a list of what's on the dvd... I assumed it was new stuff.

My boys love it.
We don't have cable so my boys have never seen it. It is a great show, terrible acting, but the kids love it.

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Red Lights

`the whole playing with your mind thing'
In the film a psychologist and paranormal investigator, played by Sigourney Weaver, and her physicist assistant, played by Cillian Murphy, investigate a famous psychic.
This movie attacks the tired old idea of 'is ESP real? With those who need to believe as opposed to those that see naivety at best, or a down right con at worst' with new dynamism, new concepts and explanations. Not a single shot of the movie is redundant or a 'filler' shot. There are none of the 'excessive scary movie' theatrics to keep you on edge of your seat.
It has the right narrative, with what I believe to be the right actors and the right scenes to take you where it wants to take you. There is misdirection and the odd McGuffin peppered here, and there has some clever twists in the tale.
This is a 'clever' movie, doesn't spell out everything for you, and makes you want to watch it carefully so as to not miss a thing. I had not heard much about this before it came out, and I was enticed by the...

Riveting Command of Your Attention from Start to Finish
You know how when you are watching a magic trick or slight of hand how your focus is heightened watching like a hawk for each nuance to catch how they did that? Red Lights (DVD + Digital Copy) compels the viewers attention to that heightened extent from beginning to end. Not one second is boring. One dare not turn one's attention elsewhere for one second.

The acting I found to be top notch. I think this is Robert DiNero's best acting ever and each and every other actor delivered some of their best performances.

Action.

Suspense.

Is there such a thing as paranormal or can it all be debunked upon close scientific examination? To know the answer in really examining this and its possibilities in other humans, one must first examine and know oneself (according to DeNiro, Weaver, and Murphy's characters) which is dangerous in itself...

The most underrated film in years.
Let me start this review by saying I went into this movie thinking it might be pretty good, I was excited to see Cillian Murphy because I love the man, but coming out of this film I was in complete shock at how good it was.

The thing that makes this thriller so great, is that unlike most of the movies made under the genera, the first half doesn't suffer to make the final half that much more shocking/amazing. This movie had me hooked from the start until the end without wasting a moment. Each scene was tense and did its job. The concept alone was enough to get me interested but they throw curve ball after curve ball to keep you that much more invested and it worked without fault. Nothing in the movie felt at all cheesy or forced. It had a very natural flow about it.

Now if you have heard anything about the movie you probably know that some people are loving the ending and others are hating the ending. I am without a doubt one of the people who love it. Not just...

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Crawl

CHOCOLATE
George Shevtsov plays a slow and methodical Croatian hitman. Through circumstances he ends up broken down at Marilyn's (Georgina Haig) house. She is an employee of Slim (Paul Holmes) who hired "the Croat" to perform the hit. At this point we have the home break-in formula.

The film utilizes a 1950's suspense thriller soundtrack. There are attempts at dark comedy and symbolism that doesn't work too well. A quirky film that misses the mark.

Worth a rental.

Parental Guide: F-bomb. No sex. Blurred shower nudity, spanking. Drug use.

Excellent movie.
This is one great Movie. The story is good and it got a good flow all the way thru. AAAAAA++++++++

Purpose of Purchase Fulfilled
The only reason I purchased this video was because I like to see performances by actor George Shevtsov. Otherwise I do not usually purchase horror films.

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The Hole [HD]

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.

Horror For the (W)Hole Family!
Joe Dante has always had a touch with horror, making it funny as well as scary, and he has always had a way with young people in his movies as well, treating them as adults instead of idiots. Both of the director's skills are on ample display in a horror movie that is aimed at the 8 to 16 year old set. The movie itself remains intelligent and even challenging while being age appropriate. That, my friends, is a rarity today.

'The Hole' is as much about a dysfunctional family struggling through hard times and facing new challenges as it is about horror. Gore hounds will be disappointed with the plot, but there is plenty of creepiness, suspense, and shocks to satisfy all but the most jaded. Special notice must be given to Bruce Dern's cameo in the movie, which absolutely warmed my heart.

So if you are in the market for a decent scary movie that isn't rated R, 'The Hole' is perfect. The acting, especially by the three young leads, is excellent, and the plot...

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.

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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.

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WWE: Cm Punk: Best In The World [HD]

Best in the World
This is the official match listings for the DVD and my own personal reviews for each match. I've been a huge fan of CM Punk from the very beginning, so this set is like a dream come true. The matches on the set are ones that I had predicted would be on this set, which makes it a must have for any true Punk fan!

Brent Albright vs. CM Punk
OVW 3/1/06
This was the finals of the OVW Heavyweight title tournament after the title was vacated. This was a good bout, but I think that their rematch with Punk coming out on top would have been a better choice but either way it's a great opportunity to see Punk pre-WWE.

CM Punk's WWE in Ring Debut vs. Justin Credible
ECW 8/1/06
This match introduces the WWE Universe to CM Punk and give us a sneak peek as to what we would all expect from him as he progressed...

CM Punk vs. John Morrison
ECW 9/4/07
This was Punk's last chance at Morrison's ECW title after chasing the belt the last three...

The "Eulogy" Of Phillip Jack Brooks
I'll be like Punk himself & be blunt honest in that this day & age, WWE hasn't had a good track record of creating & establishing top name main event caliber talent (another subject for another time) but in over the past year, there has been one name who broke through the "glass ceiling" to become currently one of the longest reigning WWE Champions in history & the one guy who actually brought back old fans to the promotion they left once the "Attitude Era" was over for doing one thing...just speaking his mind & being his "straight edged" himself. That man is C.M. Punk & this is his story which he was personally was hands on with in regards to how it would be presented (or as he's called it in interviews, his eulogy) from his childhood to paying his dues, earning his reputation in the independent scene, and fighting for the proper respect in the WWE. This documentary is different than most of the previous WWE sets in that not only was footage used that WWE owns but also footage from...

CM Punk: Best in the World Listing
Disc 1

A New Day

Spaceboy

Backyard Fame

Taking to the Road

Launching Pad

Constantly Learning

Dark Cloud

Not The Prototype

Outcast Champion

Having Fun

A Challenge

Saving Society

Frustrated Beyond Belief

Hometown High-Pressured Situation

The MAN

Special Features

High School Sports

CM Punk - The Name

Scull Fracture

OVW vs. Albright

From Extra to Champion

December to Dismember

The Hat

"The Most Insulting Thing You Could Say To Me"

A Conversation with Liars

Title in the Fridge

Natalie's T-Shirt

"Teenage Anarchist"

Disc 2

Finals Match in the OVW World Heavyweight Tournament
Brent Albright vs. CM Punk
OVW 3/1/06

CM Punk's WWE in Ring Debut vs...

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Flesh & Blood

Please read Amazons details before complaining
I'm tired of folks who complain in their reviews of this when if they had just read the Amazon reviews as well as the comment that this film is for viewers 18 and over they may have not had to bother seeing this film.
Don't blame the other positive reveiws or even Amazon for your inability to read all about it before renting/buying this film.
This film is very brutal,it is very dark and it is one of the the most brilliant portrayals of the the period ever made...Errol Flynn films are fun but this is NOT an Errol Flynn film. Heck if you've seen Robocop you know how brutal Verhoeven can get!
This film is amazing I saw it ages ago and at first I also found the graphic parts a bit much then I sat down actually watched what was happening, it is a amazing story extremely well acted and brilliantly filmed.
Jennifer Jason Leigh may have a bigger name for herself now but this is still on of her best films to date. Hauer is always interesting in his films and this is a real...

Not your typical swordslinger movie!
One of the most outstanding performances in this film is that of Jason-Leigh, who plays Agnes. While Agnes grew up in a convent, unaware of the ways of the world, she's a damned fast study, and manages to pit Steven against Martin, Martin against Steven, and, finally, the remaining mercenaries against both. The character of Agnes would put any fantastic wicked queen to shame. She's regarded as a defenseless damsel, but, truth be told, she's probably the most lethal of the lot, having learned quickly what weapons were afforded her sex. In the end, she's had two men fight to kill for her, betrayed both horribly, and managed to walk away from the event exonerated and to a future of apparent happiness. The antics of Agnes are worth seeing this film for. Hauer, one of cinema's favorite villains, also turns in a stellar performance, however, and the whole historical setting of the film, from the superstition and ignorance mixed with religious fervor, Machiavellian politics, stunning late...

Historically accurate? No. Entertaining? Yes.
As a longtime Rutger Hauer fan, I knew I would get around to watching Paul Verhoeven's medieval epic "Flesh + Blood" sooner or later. Thanks to DVD, it's sooner. True Hauer fans appreciate seeing him in anything, which is saying a lot considering the immense number of low budget schlock films he starred in over the last couple of decades. No matter how many times he plays a cranky cop embittered with the march of technology, or a fugitive on the run from justice, we diehards always refuse to change the channel. One reason I appreciate Hauer is that his performance is never anything less than wonderful even in the worst of films. Take a film like "Arctic Blue," for example. It plods with the speed of a snail caught in molasses, looks like the filmmakers used a chainsaw as an editing tool, and boasts a script riddled with cliches. O.k., it isn't that bad, but you get the idea. The only good thing in the entire film is this actor. That's the only reason to watch the film entitled "Arctic...

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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.

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People Like Us (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Heartwarming - There ARE People Like Us
When you grow up in a family that society doesn't consider to be "normal" you may wonder if there is anyone else like you. It often comes as a surprise that there are indeed People Like Us.

Initially I looked forward to seeing Chris Pine (he's a cutie and I liked him in Star Trek) and Elizabeth Banks (she's pretty and funny in Zack and Miri and a few other comedy roles) but didn't expect such phenomenal acting. I figured it'd be "okay" but not moving. I was pleasantly surprised!

At the start of the film, we meet Sam (Pine) who's a young hot shot driven by money but kind of a jerk. He gets into a jam when a business deal goes wrong (and violates a few laws) and is in desperate need of money to make things right. As he struggles to save his job, he finds out his father has died. His girlfriend expects him to be upset and fly across the country to be with his mother for the funeral.

However, Sam doesn't think much of his father. When they arrive, the...

More movies like this one need to be made.
I've seen lots of movies in my short 25 years. I just gotta have the 60s,70,80 and the 90s movies and music because most of everything they make today is...well lets just say,''Not For Me.'' ''People Like Us'' is the kind of movie that really wakes you up inside, and makes you remember that you actually have a pulse. I was overpowered by the story and was hypnotized by how full of life this movie is. I promise that if you buy it, you will not regret it. If you crave movies, music, or anything that can make you feel the emotions of the heart like I do, you've gotta have this movie. ''people Like Us'' is the best movie of the year, if not the best movie you've seen since the ''Notebook.'' Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks gives the very best of themsevles, I don't care what anyone says. I won't tell you to much about the movie because I want you to see for yourself. Trust me!! Its a must have!!

Heartwarming film about finding yourself - and connecting through 70s pop music. Bluray has lots more bonuses.
Heartwarming film about finding yourself - and connecting through 70s pop music. Bluray has lots more bonuses.

Writers Alex Kurtzman and Jody Lambert are best know for their work on Star Trek and Transformers films than "human personal dramas" but, when Kurtzman learned that he had a cousin he never knew existed it sparked an idea which became this film which the package promotes as "from the studio that brought you THE HELP". Like that film, this one will will generate a lot of "referrals from friends" and by word of mouth. While not - as the package also states - "one of the Year's Very Best" (hey there's a lot of competition out there), it is engrossing and takes some interesting twists and turns, even when the ending seems almost certain.

I see someone prior to me has already posted a "spoiler" which not stating that as their title. But, trust me, there's still another "turn of events" after that - which I didn't see coming. I will say no more about...

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The Raven [Blu-ray]

Literary or Thriller Fans This Movie is For You!
On October 3, 1849 Edgar Allan Poe was found wandering the streets of Baltimore, delirious, calling out the name Reynolds. There have been lots of theories as to what Poe died of, from tuberculosis, rabies or to a drunken bender. "The Raven" puts forth a more romantic theory and a detective story for the man who invented the modern detective novel.

"The Raven" as a movie demonstrates that you can make a movie that bridges the biographical facts of Poe's life and its own artistic vision and still make an interesting movie. The movie is driven by the premise, a serial killer starts a series of killings in Baltimore that emulate some of the more gruesome murders in Poe's stories. When the first murder is done inside a locked room, police detective Fields (Luke Evans) recognizes it as the setting of an Edgar Allan Poe story. Fields brings in Poe (John Cusack) at first as suspect, but when another murder occurs Poe quickly becomes the first criminal profiler and consultant. Poe...

Quoth the raven: Wait for the DVD
"The Raven", a fictional horror thriller featuring the non-fictional literary figure Edgar Allan Poe, was well crafted and never less than adequately watchable, but I really expected more. While calling the film cartoony and childish would be way too critical, I thought there was a broadness and simplicity to the proceedings that made the movie veer away from some potentially very interesting waters.

I'm just thinking aloud here, but I would have loved to see a fictional Poe film set in the months prior to his death in 1849, one that made a genuine attempt at showing viewers what Poe was like, what demons bedeviled him, that sort of thing. The device of the fictional detective story involving Poe could have illuminated the non-fictional aspects of his life, aspects that contributed to his tragic, premature death.

But, no, here we get a sanitized, generally likable Poe with only the barest nods to the man's excesses, depression, and hardships. To be fair here,...

Much better than I expected
All of the actors in this do an excellent job!
The story was really interesting, even though I didn't know very much about Edgar Allen Poe to start with.
The movie keeps you guessing through the entire thing. Great story line with great twists and turns.

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Programming the Nation

Interesting
I enjoyed this film although it was not as hard hitting as I expected. It presents a balanced view of the use of subliminal messages by those who desire to influence our thoughts, habits, and actions.

A Master Piece
One of the most greatest documentaries ever made, revealing many scary secrets that in my opinion everyone must know about, and the movies proves them too.
To most people,this movie would be like a wake up call, or like a new mysterious door, once its opened, its so hared to close.

Subliminal control
The end is especially good because it starts to examine the government and subliminal influence; everyone should see this movie to stay informed.

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We Are the Hartmans

A Funny Movie about a Group of Friends
We Are the Hartmans is an odyssey of redemption, centered around a group of friends and a bar. It is a fun movie to watch, and features some hilarious cameo appearances.

Comedy with an Important Point
We Are the Hartmans is many films in one: comedy, romance and social commentary. I liked the multiple story lines and ensemble cast. Also the "Dude You're Getting a Dell!" guy is in it too. The seductive access is funny when she tries to seduce a famous rock star as well.

This comedy is better than many comedies I've seen with wide releases. It's a shame that it never got to the big theaters.

Quirky
This movie was off beat and had it's moments. Richard Chamberlain as always doesn't disappoint. I think the problem is the writer of this movie had too many messages that was being sent. From the message of big box stores, to hippies, to family dynamics, to love, to liberalism...it all kind of just jumbled together and was never really clarified. Despite all of that I still enjoyed it. It had moments of hilarity coupled with some moments of regrets on the part of the family dynamic.

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Blood Moon/Blood Moon Rising

Hell On Wheels is outstanding
Since Dish Network cannot provide me with my weekly fix of Hell On Wheels, I really appreciate the ability to get it on Amazon. This series is one of the best written series about the western migration and the people who made it possible with the building of the transcontinental railroad. It also shows how government corruption has existed for a LONG time.

hell on wheels
i discovered this series recently and am thoroughly enjoying it. I look forward to seeing it each week and am quite sure there are many people who do not know about it but would love it as i do. Great casting for lead roles.

HELL ON WHEELS: An Oater Gone South?
As I hope I was clear when I reviewed HELL ON WHEELS first season, I enjoy the classic Western and even these new-fangled ones wherein the heroes aren't always as heroic as old Hollywood types would have you believe. Based on circumstances (some of their own creation), these characters don't always do what's right, but they inevitably do what's just for the situations they face. That might mean picking up a gun and putting it to good use. It may mean shooting a man dead in order to stop some greater misdeed from occurring. Whatever the case, HELL ON WHEELS makes great hay in exploring character who, while flawed, have shreds of common decency buried somewhere beneath their dusty exteriors, and they're all willing to ignore them if it gets them what they need.

(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and characters. If you're the kind of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I'd encourage you...

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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.

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How to Scale, Fillet & Can Fish

Watch You Tube Instead
This video is just okay. What you see here on scaling and filleting is extremely basic, and the video appears to be homemade, although in a well done fashion. That isn't to say it is not informative, but what you find here you can find on You Tube for free. The segment on canning fish was the most informative for me, but that wasn't really why I was renting it. I wanted to learn more about cleaning and filleting; and this video does not provide any more information on those subjects than is already provided for free on You Tube.





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Living In The Material World [HD]

Still A Dark Horse
A documentary on a music celebrity can be measured by content and insight - what footage did they access and who was willing to contribute and what new light did it shed on the subject? On the first point Martin Scorsese knocks the ball out of the park. Though I didn't feel I knew George any better than before by the end, I was treated to nearly four hours of dazzling and emotionally moving entertainment.

I watched both parts of the film at UK preview and at no point did my attention or enthusiasm flag. In fact I would have happily sat through any outtakes! This beautifully crafted film is packed with concert footage, home movies, press conferences, interviews, photos and documents that I've never seen before, even though I've been researching the Beatles quite heavily for several years for Beatles Songwriting Academy. There are interviews with (or at least footage of) everyone you would hope to see. Beatles, wives, brothers, son, Pythons and peers. Everyone from Eric...

George Harrison: Portrait of a Human Being.
I just finished watching this on cable over the span of the last two days, parts 1 and 2, but as far as I'm concerned they could have run the entire documentary in one day, and I would have sat through the entire 5-hour uminterrupted run. A nicely done biography courtesy of Martin Scorsese on the life, music, and personality of "the quiet Beatle." Although some of the editing was a bit choppy on some of the musical footage, I found the biography to be a fascinating look into a performer I didn't really know about as much as I thought I did.

One thing you come away with is that George, in his aspiration to spread love, was greatly loved in return by friends and family for a lot of obvious reasons. What was really nice to see is that he was accepted with his moody side as well, something lots of people look at in others first, disregarding the rest. Of all the people interviewed for commentary, the most inciteful ones seemed to be Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, and wife...

Still A Dark Horse
A documentary on a music celebrity can be measured by content and insight - what footage did they access and who was willing to contribute and what new light did it shed on the subject? On the first point Martin Scorsese knocks the ball out of the park. Though I didn't feel I knew George any better than before by the end, I was treated to nearly four hours of dazzling and emotionally moving entertainment.

I watched both parts of the film at UK preview and at no point did my attention or enthusiasm flag. In fact I would have happily sat through any outtakes! This beautifully crafted film is packed with concert footage, home movies, press conferences, interviews, photos and documents that I've never seen before, even though I've been researching the Beatles quite heavily for several years for Beatles Songwriting Academy. There are interviews with (or at least footage of) everyone you would hope to see. Beatles, wives, brothers, son, Pythons and peers. Everyone from Eric...

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Mayan Renaissance (Home Use)

A beautiful, Strong Documentary
This documentary really blew me away! With all the 2012 nonsense going on right now, I admittedly was not the most thrilled to watch this movie. But as I began to watch, I saw an untold story of the past, present, and future of the Mayan people. I grew up in Central America and learned so much watching this film.

I actually loved this movie so much I shared it with my church. We do mission trips to Guatemala every summer. We screened it at our church and had all of the young people that have gone or are interested in going to Guatemala watched it. Those that had never been were more impassioned to go than ever before, and those who had already been kept saying how much they learned and how this movie challenged some of the beliefs that they had held about Mayan culture.

A really great documentary and I can't wait to see the other ones that the PeaceJam foundation will be putting out over the years! You've got a fan in me!

Thought provoking
Very thought provoking film. I must say that I found the 'newsreel' section very informative as well. The historical and political views were particulary interesting.

The Real Story
Excellent film, check it out! Makes me want to learn more about the Mayan culture. Enjoyable and informative, well directed!

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Riot Acts

Well Worth the Cost
This documentary addresses the challenges and joys experienced by transgender musicians. It is very well produced and includes great artists such as Coyote Grace, Kelly Moe and others.





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The Lady

With Powerful And Dignified Performances, An Epic International Story Loses Some Insight Due To A Focus On Family
The story of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi has surely got to be one of the most compelling, fascinating, and inspirational tales of fortitude and commitment in the arena of international politics. Winning the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggles to bring democracy to her war-torn land, Suu Kyi gave up everything (including family and freedom) for a cause and a country. It is an epic ongoing tale, one that would surely make an incredible film. Luc Besson, perhaps best known for his flair for stylistic action, takes on "The Lady" and it is a real change-of-pace from his usual fare. The wisest decision that Besson made was casting Michelle Yeoh in the leading role. She brings a tremendous dignity to the proceedings and her calm AND gravitas make her quite believable as Burma's national heroine. "The Lady" doesn't play as a straight-up biography, though. The focus of the film is Suu Kyi's family. I think this is an interesting idea to explore, but also one that I didn't think truly...

(3.5 STARS) Luc Besson's Bio-pic of Aung San Suu Kyi Looks More Like a Love Story
"The Lady," a biographical picture of Aung San Suu Kyi, is directed by Luc Besson, best known for his "La Femme Nikita," "Léon: The Professional" and "The Fifth Element." Michelle Yeoh plays the role of Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese political and human rights activist. David Thewlis is her husband Dr. Michael Aris. (Thewlis also plays his twin brother Anthony.)

"The Lady" starts in 1947. General Aung San was assassinated when his daughter Aung San Suu Kyi was only two years old. About forty years later, Aung San Suu Kyi, now living in Oxford with her husband and two sons, receives a call from Burma. Her mother is ill and in hospital. Aung San Suu Kyi flies back to Burma, where, witnessing the student protests and the bloody suppression of it, she decides to stay and become a leader of the movement for democracy.

Yes, it's Luc Besson and his usual collaborators cinematographer Thierry Arbogast and composer Eric Serra. Unlike in most of his films (including his...

With Powerful And Dignified Performances, An Epic International Story Loses Some Insight Due To A Focus On Family
The story of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi has surely got to be one of the most compelling, fascinating, and inspirational tales of fortitude and commitment in the arena of international politics. Winning the Nobel Peace Prize for her struggles to bring democracy to her war-torn land, Suu Kyi gave up everything (including family and freedom) for a cause and a country. It is an epic ongoing tale, one that would surely make an incredible film. Luc Besson, perhaps best known for his flair for stylistic action, takes on "The Lady" and it is a real change-of-pace from his usual fare. The wisest decision that Besson made was casting Michelle Yeoh in the leading role. She brings a tremendous dignity to the proceedings and her calm AND gravitas make her quite believable as Burma's national heroine. "The Lady" doesn't play as a straight-up biography, though. The focus of the film is Suu Kyi's family. I think this is an interesting idea to explore, but also one that I didn't think truly worked. By...

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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.

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Abducted: The Carlina White Story

Lifetime Gets It Right: A Compelling True Life Tale With One Of The Year's Most Electric Performances
I can, and have been, critical of Lifetime made-for-TV movies for ripping "based on actual events" cases from the headlines and turning them into rather lurid fodder for fictionalized dramatic recreations. It is one of their go-to genres. Sometimes you don't need all the sensationalistic melodrama when the tale itself is both compelling and fascinating. And in the simplicity of its presentation, "Abducted: The Carlina White Story" is one of the network's more heartfelt entries into this overstuffed format. Level-headed and real, this accounting benefits from an understated tone and (at least) one truly dynamic performance. While the screenplay sometimes takes some major shortcuts which sacrifice significant parts of the actual story, it is still one of the better efforts from Lifetime that I've seen in quite some time. And, in all candor, it is a film that I had almost no interest in seeing! Well, I'm glad I didn't listen to myself. What do I know anyway?

"Abducted" tells...

Ok
This movie is good, I liked how the Carlina found out that she was kidnapped, and got in touch with her real parents. Great True Story

Great flic
What an wesome movie, can't wait to get it on dvd. Acting is also incredible. Sherrie Sheppard at her best.

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Knowland

Money against Nature
THis is a story of how financial considerations can cause the loss of a natural environment that contains important animal and plant habitat right on our doorstep. It tells how misguided decisions can be made that change forever places that we know and love.





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Exit [HD]

I thoroughly enjoyed the film
I thoroughly enjoyed the masterful use of sound, imagery, and character development in this film. A modern take on Plato's Allegory of
the Cave, this is a classic story of the transforming power of belief. As an old soul on the path to liberation, the main character Alice has renounced everything -- all worldly relationships, possessions, attachments and supports -- to devote her life to following the truth, to ending the cycle of reincarnation, to finding the doorway to a higher dimension and greater consciousness.

Pretty good but slow.
I gave this 4 stars but almost gave it 3. I gave it 4 stars for the creativity but some might find it really boring. I had to watch it a couple times just to make sure I wasn't missing anything. I wasn't but somehow it kept me interested enough to watch.

If you like odd sci-fi flicks, you might get some enjoyment out of it but for me, it just didn't have enough umph!



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Decoding Deepak

Amazing movie!
This is not the new age documentary you might expect- it's a moving father/son story that follows a year in the life of the global guru Deepak Chopra as told by his filmmaker son Gotham. It's got appearances by everyone from Russell Simmons to Lady Gaga, Lucy Liu, Darren Aronofsky, and Diane Von Furstenberg(!?). Along the way Deepak gets ordained as a Thai Buddhist monk, picks a fight on air with Bill O'Reilly, and develops his own XBox game. At one point Deepak even attempts to take over directing the film. So you could say he's all over the map- literally.

The movie generated a lot of buzz as one of the headlining films at this year's SXSW festival.

worthy endeavor but ran out of steam in the middle
In my opinion the film started out in an honest way but changed it's tone in the middle and lost its pep. It seemed that the film maker who is Deepak's son, lost his courage as his father seemingly became more annoyed having his flaws pointed out to him. Towards the end, Deepak states that he is becoming more detached from his immediate family and connected to his grand children. The son is visibly crushed by this statement of rejection as any son would be and that concludes the film. To me, the kernel of light within the film shows how fame, adoration, power and riches can cause addiction in those entrapped therein. Sometimes only those closest to us can see the truth.

Movie review
I was very anxious to see this movie, hoping I guess for some insight into Deepak's life. I was a bit disappointed. While there were some revelations I really did end with a sense that I knew any more than I did before watching.

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Pocahontas II: Journey To A New World [HD]

Oh man...
First off, I loved the first Pocahontas. That is, until I saw this one. Now I can never really enjoy it to the same level again, at least not until a few years from now when I've forgotten about this awful thing.

While it's wonderful that Disney attempted to set things right, they couldn't have done it in any worse way. I hated Rolfe from the beginning; he never develops once. That's pretty tough considering that he's the "romantic hero"... and pretty much having a romance is an easy way to develop someone. Not this guy, though, he's about as endearing as a steel pole.

I hate the tea chick, which is what I'm going to call her for lack of knowing her name. The woman, to whose charge Pocahontas is placed, seems like a feeble attempt to make me like John Rolfe: "Oh, he and this sweet if blundering old lady have an affectionate relationship! He's a good guy after all! Oh Pocahontas, soon you'll see that!" BLECH, it was so painfully obvious that she was...

who is this guy, and what did he do with John Smith!
When I first heard that Disney was making a sequel to "Pocahontas", I wondered if they would do it jusice, or butcher it. Obviously, they got themselves in quite a predicament here. They couldn't be true to the original without murdering history and they couldn't be true to history (what gave them the urge to suddenly be loyal to history, anyway?) without murdering the original. The brilliant solution: murder both! Okay, let me put in more detail. First of all, they took John Smith, who was my favorite of Disney's male heros, and not only drained his brain, but drained his heart. He doesn't even care when he finds out that Pocahontas fell for John Rolfe! Honestly! And what's the big idea of making Pocahontas fall for him anyway! The Rolfe guy is a total jerk,and suddenly Pocahontas loves him!They didn't want us to like John Smith anymore, that's what it is! They didn't want us to say "Come on, Pocahontas, you know who you really love!" No, they...

AAAHHH!! HORRIBLE SEQUEL!!!!
THIS IS THE MOST AWFUL MOVIE EVER!!!!

I LOVE the original Pocahontas and that is probably one of my favorite Disney movies. But I DID NOT LIKE THIS MOVIE!!!!! DON'T EVER SEE THIS MOVIE!!! AAHH!!! Save yourself the torture!!!

The songs were obviously pathetic seeing that I can't remember any of them, whereas I remember the songs from other good Disney movies that I haven't seen in years! They totally botched the original characters, drew them awfully, and the ones they added were disgusting. John Rolfe is definitely a creep, but apparently he's "historically accurate." To heck with historically accurate! Who CARES? It's a Disney movie!!! NONE of them are historically accurate, and nobody cares!

So here's the storyline: Pocahontas goes to England as "an ambassador of peace" to stop the British king from attacking her people. There she meets John Rolfe, they fall in love. Then they go to an English ball where Pocahontas will prove to the king that she and...

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The Details

love, love, love this movie
Thoroughly enjoyable dark comedy that keeps you on edge with plot twists and turns. Great cast and performances. Toby Maguire plays a genuinely nice guy who makes bad decisions that have consequences way beyond what you'd expect. It's a downward spiral that gains momentum with every scene. Laura Liney plays the crazy neighbor and delivers an amazing performance that had me cringing more and more with every scene she was in. All in all this was one of the best comedies I've seen in a long time. A beautiful departure form usual hit and (mostly) miss slap stick fare has become so popular. Great for the whole family. Our teenager liked it just as much as we did.

Dark, dark, dark comedy
Tempted to rate this higher because of all the hate it's getting on here. It is a very dark comedy, really bordering on not being a comedy because it's so twisted and tragic. Basically the story of a man who keeps making the wrong decisions, digging himself into a deeper and deeper hole with his ethical misfires. Makes you wonder how the story would have developed with different choices made along the way. Wouldn't recommend if you're looking for Seabiscuit or Spider-Man Tobey Maguire. I've never cared for "TMag" anyway, but Laura Linney is wonderfully insane, and Elizabeth Banks and Dennis Haysbert are excellent in small supporting roles. Worth a viewing even if you wait til DVD release.

Interesting Plot
This movie shows how the tiny things can become HUGE things seeminly overnight. Great dark comedy!! I Would recommend it highly...

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About Schmidt [HD]

A movie for grown ups that packs an emotional wallop
Jack Nicholson shines in his sensitive, tour de force performance as Warren Schmidt, the vice president of an insurance company who finds retirement anything but fulfilling. In fact, his world starts to crumble in short order, along with his relationships, his priorities and his very sanity. A superficial reading would pigeonhole Schmidt as Willy Loman retread, minus the heart condition, but Alexander Payne plumbs deeper emotional currents with this wonderful film - the sort of film that reminds you why you go to movies in the first place. To the director's credit, the film never crosses the line (so common in today's Hollywood "output") of ridiculing its characters and their sensibilities. Make no mistake: Midwestern middle-class values go under the magnifying glass, but just when the viewer starts to feel superior, zing! Payne pulls you back from the brink, and you find yourself caring deeply about Warren Schmidt and his universal predicament. The editing, the supporting cast...

THE UNEXAMINED LIFE IS NOT WORTH LIVING...
This film is about Warren Schmidt, a Nebraskan in his mid sixties, who is newly retired from his job as assistant vice president for an insurance firm. He is clearly a man who is not in touch with his feelings or his life, living it by the book, so to speak. He is disconnected from the reality around him, living as unobtrusively as he can. This is evident right from the beginning of the film.

His life really begins when he retires, as a series of life jarring changes occur. His wife of forty two years, Helen (June Squibb), suddenly dies. She is a domineering woman whom he loved on some level but for whom he was unable to express much feeling while she was still living, even though there were many things about her that irritated him. She, however, managed to have had a secret life of which he had not been a part. It seems that she was not all that satisfied with Schmidt, herself. It is an unwelcome surprise that colors his world when he discovers it but, at the same time, serves...

Facing the "golden" years with sorrow.
"About Schmidt" is a wonderful movie starring the great Jack Nicholson, who plays the hapless retiree, Warren Schmidt. Warren lives in Omaha, Nebraska, and he is put out to pasture after a long career with an insurance company. Warren hates retirement, for which he is ill-prepared. In addition, Helen, Warren's wife of forty-two years, irritates him with her annoying habits and idiosyncrasies. Worst of all, Jeannie, Warren's beloved only child, is engaged to a man whom Warren cannot stand.

When Warren suddenly becomes a widower, he takes stock of his life, and he is appalled at how empty it is. In desperation, Warren starts to write rambling letters to his Tanzanian foster child, Ndugu. (Warren sends the child twenty-two dollars a month in response to a television appeal). Even though Ndugu is six years old and cannot read, Warren pours his heart into these letters as a means of venting his anger and frustration.

Alexander Payne, who directed "About Schmidt" and shares...

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The Last Exorcism

She's Got the Devil In Her Heart
A little light on the action and (very) long on the story, The Last Exorcism is still a pretty effective Horror movie. While the trailer gives the impression that the movie will be entirely about a demon-possessed young lady on a rampage (I think there's a pretty famous movie like that out there already), it is equally about the final exploits of one of those hoaxy healing ministers who after years of performing (fake) exorcisms starts feeling guilty and decides to expose himself and the trade for what it is through a documentary.

While the movie clocks in at under 90 minutes, it's still a little long and could have been done in a half hour episode of Tales from the Crypt. That format unfortunately is not available for filmmakers anymore (and certainly wouldn't have been as profitable). So little known Director Daniel Stamm found a cast of little known actors and created a full length feature that for...

Personally, I wouldn't drive out the Devil, but I'd buy him a bus ticket.
THE LAST EXORCISM is a "mockumentary" in the style of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, chronicling the last exorcism performed by Preacher Cotton Marcus (Patrick Fabian), a televangelist who has made himself famous by performing psychosuggestive exorcisms on credulous subjects. After reading of the death of a child by exorcism, the Preacher renounces his stage-managed performances and embraces medical science. During the course of the film he demonstrates his "demonic" sound-producing equipment and a battery operated smoking crucifix.

Marcus brings a camera along to the home of his last "possessed" adherent, a young girl named Nell, who lives on an isolated farm with her hostile brother and gun-toting father. Farm animals have been found mutilated on the premises. The father is convinced that Nell has killed them. He wants to shoot Nell in order to stop any more evil from occurring, but Preacher Marcus convinces him to allow the exorcism. Although it initially seems to work, soon...

Honestly, I don't understand why so many people disliked it.
I saw this movie with a buddy shortly after getting back from a couple differant flights. I was pleased with the movie(Being an avid non theater kinda guy, 9.75 for one ticket!?!) and felt it was well worth the 10 bucks. My buddy didn't like it, Upon questioning later he said in so many words "Because I didn't want that to be the ending, I wanted to see more". I agree, If there is a sequel I will definatly see it if I'm not busy. I'll elaborate on what some of the other negative reviews said.

-Shakey Camera and Dizzyness. I had absolutly no problem with it, I hardly noticied it after awhile into the film. Though, I have been drown proofed, water boarded, jumped out of helicopters 70 feet above the river, done the "run and puke", etc. I don't have a problem with dizzyness unless I am severly dehydrated. I felt the camera shakeing that was there really added to the "realism" of what the story was trying to convey onto how "We" see it. And, for your typical movie goer, I would...

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Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide - Night 2 [HD]

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...

Must see
A few times in your life, something will forever change you to your core. This was one for me and a film every person should see. Not to just see the film, but in order to see the world.

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!

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

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!

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The Brothers Warner

A great documentary on four founders of the film industry
Cass Warner, producer of this film, is actually the granddaughter of Harry Warner, one of the four original Warner Brothers. This DVD is not a retread of "You Must Remember This", the documentary which focused on the studio. This is the story of the four Warner Brothers themselves, starting back in the 19th century and their ventures into the entertainment industry that predate the forming of Warner Brothers the company by twenty years. It goes forward past the time that they exited the running of Warner Brothers the company and talks about the lives of the brothers themselves. Although Ms. Warner is a descendent, she doesn't get overly sentimental about her subject nor does she try to smooth over the real problems that the brothers had in their own private lives and with each other. The book by the same name has much more detail, of course, but this is still a very fascinating documentary for those interested in film history.

WONDERFUL BOOK AND NOW A DVD IS AVAILABLE TOO!
Recently (on ebay) I was very fortunate to win a 1994 copy of CASS WARNER's beautifully written story of her family's Motion Picture and Television empire.

Jack Warner's "betrayal", as chronicled in the later Chapters was a real eye-opener for an interested reader not aware of all this previously "unaired" background history.

Being at the final couple chapters this afternoon, I was curious to check the IMDB Site to learn about the current story of the lady and the background of other original contributors to the book.

Having just learnt then, that a wonderful (Award winning) program had been recently made was an extra bonus. The DVD has now been ordered and is awaited with eager interest.

That such books and programs are still being produced is so special in that younger readers and filmgoers - as well as those of us born in earlier times - can learn even more about the basic background of what was entailed, and went on "behind doors" in...

A great Hollywood documentary!
I can't say enough about this wonderful film by Cass Warner, and ironically I can't add much to what has already been said: fascinating, illuminating, entertaining - especially to those of us who worked there at any time in the studio's history. A must-see!

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Cat Chaser

DVD buyer beware
Viewers hoping to see the controversial "pistol" scene, in which McGillis's character is forced by her jealous husband to open her legs for his gun will be disappointed to find that it has been cut from the R-rated DVD version. For that, you'll apparently have to stick with the unrated VHS tape. Other than that, the movie is a decent if unspectacular B thriller, and the digital transfer is pretty good.

a good movie lessened by censorship
This DVD is 7 min. shorter than the previously released VHS version. Most of the steamier scenes have been cut
completely or edited for content.While these scenes are not crucial to the plot,they were part of the original presentation and should have remained as they aided in character developement.A good movie lessened by censorship.

Nothing, done well
A thin story of intrigue and desire in Miami is made very watchable by a good director and a superb collection of actors. Weller and McGillis are thoughtful and convincing as reluctant lovers trying simply to be left in peace. Frederick Forrest provides strong support. Charles Durning, in a small role, walks away with the movie. The character he plays is smart, cunning and, by turns, endearing and brutal. Durning is the reason I've watched this film three or four times since it first appeared in 1990, and I recommend you give it a try.

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Shuffle

Moving themes and a plot that makes you think
To provide full disclosure about this review, I am huge fan of Kurt Kuenne's films. If you haven't yet seen Dear Zachary - you need to. In any case, Shuffle was a well-paced movie that kept me thinking and trying to solve the mystery of lost time. I don't want to give away spoilers but the back and forth through different aspects of the main character's life provided a wonderful mosaic into the life choices he made and how funny fate is in terms of changing the game on people. Kurt's signature film style comes through with light and dark moods supported by outstanding orchestral overtones that are always well timed for big emotional crescendos.

This is one of those movies that will spark more questions at the end in terms of understanding the journey you have been on the whole time as a participant in the protagonists puzzle. The film is really trying to make a point around how we step through life and what each of the moments mean ultimately. There are several emotional...

Fantastic Film!
I love this film! I have seen it twice on the big screen. First at The Phoenix Film Festival where it won Best Picture and Best Director! Very well deserved prizes I might add. Then at Phoenix Comicon where it was the opening night film of the Comicon Film Festival!

The film makes me think of a cross between an episode of The Twilight Zone and the film: Memento! The theatrical version was in Black and White. It was truly meant to be seen in Black and White. The DVD has both a black and white and color version. I recommend watching the black and white first!

The Writer, Director, Composer Kurt Kuenne is extremely talented at what he does. He pays a great attention to detail. Additionally, T.J. Thyne is perfect as the lead actor in Shuffle.

Amazing Film!
Feels like Frank Capra meets Twilight Zone. Favorite film from the festival circuit this year. Must see! Epic score, beautifully shot, tight script.

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Alice in Wonderland (Animated)

OK for an Off-Brand A in W
My kids did enjoy this version of Alice, but for those parents used to the Disney version, this one is a little weird. At the time, the traditional Alice version was not available, and this one did the trick though I would probably not get it again unless in a pinch.





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Grassroots

Slapstick
Not my type of comedy, but I had to see it to support my client who was involved in production.

Great Movie!!
Very entertaining movie, reminds me of why I moved to Seattle as it brings the true nature of the things we can accomplish if we put our minds to it.

Grassroots
Grassroots is a great movie. The cinematography is wonderful. It makes you want to move to Seattle or at least visit the city.

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