Groundhog Day (15th Anniversary Special Edition) (1993)

I'm going to forego a review of the movie. Let others do that. Here's my input on the bonus stuff:

What's good:

"The weight of time" documentary What makes this documentary somewhat unique, is that it allows the screenwriter some screen time to convey what his vision of the movie would have been. It's a gutsy move that Ramis allowed this on his film, since the original concept of Groundhog Day was far darker than the final product. It's an interesting watch, although it would have been nicer if Bill Murray made an appearance in the documentary.

Director's commentary: Ramis' approach is to tell small anecdotes about minor characters, how people were cast, how the scenes were filmed, etc. It's interesting and entertaining in its own right. He doesn't just drone on and on like many directors do. I think his acting and comedy background helps make him be more interesting, personable, and accessable for viewers to listen to.

What's lousy:

I'm probably alone on this, but the animated menus are annoying, silly, and slow. You have to wait for the animation to get going before you're allowed to make your choice. It'd be forgivable if there were any easter eggs hidden, but I know of none. So, it's just annoying.

I might be making a bold claim saying this is the best Bill Murray film of them all. Many people would call me on that with films that showcase his sophomoric hijinks like Stripes or Ghostbusters. Some may look at his more slightly more refined character works like What About Bob? and Scrooged as their hits. To me Groundhog Day tops them all. This is because not only do you have Bill Murray doing a perfect performance, but also because the content itself (and the writing behind it) takes this movie to the next level.

Groundhog Day is a morality piece done in the vein of a classic Rod Serling's Twilight Zone episode. I kind of "what if...?" sort of tale that puts a generally successful and selfish man (played by Murray) into a hopeless situation of never being able to escape a single day in a small town. On the surface the story it looks like a situation comedy with Murray's character living the same Groundhog Day over and over. However the further you go into the movie you get some true and believable character development. The fact Bill pulls it off convincingly as well as with his classic entertaining wit is what makes the movie shine.

Don't think of the movie as just some lesson to learn and take with you. While it does have that they don't preach it to you. You figure the lessons out along with Phil (Murray), and that makes for a rather deep experience. The movie at its core is a comedy, and it's such a good comedy it's rating among the top comedies of all time by various film associations. It's not just a comedy either as it also has a healthy dose of romance in it. So much romance that it can pass off as a "chick flick" for those who are into that. So I guess you can say Groundhog Day is a romantic comedy/Twilight-Zonesque/morality play.

The other actors do great as well, including co-star Andie MacDowell, supporting actors Chris Elliot (as the cameraman), Brian Doyle-Murray (mayor of the city) Stephen Tobolowsky (old high school associate) and others. The movie was directed by Murray's cohort in Ghostbusters and Stripes Harold Ramis, which makes me wonder if the role was made for Bill. Production itself is very solid. You won't find it winning awards for costumes, sets or special effects. At the same time you won't find any production values detracting from the story; they only serve to enhance it.

This 15th Anniversary Edition will be digitally remastered (overseen by Ramis himself) and will include a host of special features including:

Commentary by director Harold Ramis (not sure if it's a new commentary or if it will be the same commentary from the last Special Edition DVD)

The Study of Groundhogs: A Real Life Look at Marmots

A Different Day: An Interview with Harold Ramis

Making of Documentary

Weight of Time documentary

Newly discovered deleted scenes

The Weight of Time documentary was in the Special Edition DVD, but aside from that and the commentary this DVD has all new special features. The fact there are deleted scenes on this edition is enough to make me very curious on what we missed.

This movie is a must have. Any Bill Murray fan should be required to see this movie. As far as which version to get I would say the 15th Anniversary Edition, at it is the best bang for your buck. If only they didn't use such an overly airbrushed picture for the cover. That is about the only thing about this DVD that stinks.

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I'm a die-hard movie junkie and can say without reservation that this movie is among the most hilarious ever made.

The very simple story is one where Bill Murray plays a self-consumed, hyper-cynical, and arrogant weatherman with a mean streak who finds himself paying out some sort of karmic debt by having to live through the same day (Groundhog Day) again, and again, and again, and....

The phenomenon strikes him with terror (few play "overwhelmed" better than Murray) at first, which is very funny material, but it's when he becomes accustomed to his seeming immortality and liberty from consequence that things really get unbearably funny.

This movie is fantastic in that it can be watched casually, as it's chock full of slapstick style entertainment (no offense to Bill Murray, but just looking at his face makes me laugh, great expressions...); but what really endeared this movie to me was the lesson I think is wrapped up in all the humor. I think the movie is about "appreciation". Appreciation for the value of every days potential (I know that sounds cheesy), appreciation for those around you that so easily fall into the background from all the noise of our environment, but most of all, appreciation for the difference between doing the right thing and the wrong thing. This movie smartly creates a "clean A/B lab". In the first lab, you have a bunch of failed attempts to create the perfect day. And finally, all those attempts are contrasted against the control group...a perfectly lived day, one where all the latent opportunities we don't even see are exploited...

And what a difference a day can make.

I hope you enjoy as much as I did...

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"Groundhog Day" is a movie that's aged really well in the past nine years, and I think will be looked back on as a classic comedy in a few decades. Using a relatively simple plot device (Bill Murray's arrogant, pesudocosmpolitan character living the same day over and over in a small Midwestern town), Harold Ramis created a silly, sweet, touching romantic comedy that is endlessly rewatchable.

That said, though, I would've expected a great deal more from a 'Special Edition' of such a well-loved movie. The main differences between this release and the original DVD release of a few years ago are the addition of a commentary track by Harold Ramis and a half-hour or so behind-the-scenes documentary. The menus are also now animated and there are a few filmographies and trailers for other movies added, but these hardly help with the "Special Edition" status the disc is given. The commentary track gives some interesting info on the movie, but Ramis spends a lot of time talking about the background actors and eventually wears a bit thin on the anecdotes. If they could have gotten Bill Murray or Chris Elliott (or even Stephen Tobolowsky) to do the commentary track with him, it would've covered over a lot of the silences and helped with the narrative style, which Ramis keeps very light. Nonetheless, Ramis's fondness for the movie comes out quite cleary, and he's still fun to listen to. The documentary falls a bit flat in that in covers much of the same ground as the commentary track. Save the few behind-the-scenes photos and outtakes, there's little there that Ramis doesn't discuss in his commentary. Even more disappointing is that both refer to scenes that were shot and not used that do not appear in a 'Deleted Scenes' section.

If you liked the movie, but haven't picked the DVD up yet, I recommend getting this version over the original release. If you already own the original DVD, though, there's little reason to pick this one up unless you're a huge fan of the movie. I, for one, hope they eventually release a true 'Special Edition' with deleted scenes, press materials, the script (both Danny Rubin's original and with Ramis's revisions) and everything else we've come to expect from truly first-rate 'Special Editions' which this one sadly isn't.

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Arrogant and self centred TV weatherman Phil Connors is given a chance to fundamentally change himself in this reworked and updated version of Dickens a Christmas Carol.

What would you do if you had the gift (or more likely the curse) of immortality but were condemned to spend it in the same tiny provincial town and to re-live the events of one isolated day? Phil goes through the whole spectrum of emotions as he tries to come to terms with his unique predicament. Frustration, anger and rock bottom despair. Eventually he comes to accept his lot and starts to enthusiastically indulge himself in a completely selfish manner. He tries desperately to seduce Rita his producer, but she always manages to see through his veneer of pleasantness to the ugly character underneath. Its hard not to be moved by Phil's despair when the Ray Charles track `You don't know me' is played. Much much later on he stops thinking of himself and begins unselfishly to help the townspeople through their day. As in life we reap what we sow, and Phil is eventually rewarded for his new found humanity.

Groundhog Day is a truly great film and it works on many levels, as a black comedy, a love story, and a spiritual journey. It's one of those rare films that you can watch over and over and still feel it's impact. Bill Murray deserved an Oscar for his performance and the supporting cast were totally solid too. I defy anyone to see the Ned Ryerson character (needle nose Ned, Ned the head) and not feel the urge to damage him in some way. Buy this classic film and enjoy it forever.

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Four Weddings & A Funeral (1994)

This film starring Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell was quite a popular hit when released in theatres and was nominated for Oscars. The characters are well developed and the supporting cast is terrific. There are many great one-liners and the accompanying music is enjoyable. I consider this movie one of the best romantic comedies of the 90s. However, MGM has only occassionally produced outstanding DVDs. Unfortunately, this DVD has some artifacts, pixelation, and bare bones content. I was disappointed in the visual and sound quality for a film made so recently (within the last ten years). I would recommend this DVD only if you are a big fan of this film or don't demand quality and rich content in your DVDs.

"Four Weddings and a Funeral" may not be the greatest movie in the history, but it surely is the best modern romantic comedy I ever saw. The only film that can possibly surpass this delightful one is, perhaps, "When Harry Met Sally ..." Maybe tied.

Hugh Grant has starred in many films since then, but his best role is still Charles of this film, who unwittingly finds his love in Carrie, an open-hearted American played by beautiful Andie MacDowell at his friend's wedding. One miatake is, he foolishly couldn't realize it before he let her go after one-night stand. But as the number of ceremony goes up (including one funeral), he gradually comes to notice that he threw away the best thing in his life. And while he is wondering what to do, friends around him start to search for their real love, including his own brother David, his timid friend Tom, Tom's sister Fiona, and Charles's eccentric roommate Scarlet. But where should Charles go? Going back to his countless ex-girlfriends? Or, Carrie? But she got already married.

To be honest, a little abrupt ending of the film damages an entire movie's strength a bit, but all comedies have to pay the price to end the show within an appointed hour. What is incredibly splendid about "Four Weddings" is that the characters are all so lively and sparkling with witty dialogue that you think they are not acting at all. Actually, on top of Hugh Grant, many actors are still associated with the roles in this film even if they got more populality after this film; Kristin Scott Thomas is later to be nominated Oscar for her turn in "English Patient," but she will be remembered as deliciously aristocratic Fiona. John Hannah made his name popular through the Hollywood blockbuster series of "Mummy," but still he is kind-hearted Matthew to those who have seen him recite W H Auden (most touching moment) in "Four Weddings." This is that kind of film that changes the cast's life. It happens once in your lifetime.

With this great ensemble cast, we have fantastic script by Richard Curtis, filled with funny lines uttered by completely believable characters. He does not fail to take great care of minor characters, and give them equally good moments. Look how Serena, in love with handsome David who is hearing impaired, learns sign. Trying to impress him, she mixes up "nice" with "mice," but, you know, when boys and girls are in love. nothing can stop them from understanding each other. Cute.

Brilliantly written, "Four Weddings" is a superb model of romantic comedy. If you like this type of movie, you surely will fall in love with it; and if you're not, your mind will be changed just like mine (I didn't expected much from it, so I didn't go to theater until the last day). And the film never forgets the sad side of life as the title implies. Sad thing is one of the cast Charlotte Coleman, who played most unconventional bridesmaid Scarlett, has passed away recently. She is terrific.

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This was a very good movie. Hugh Grant is charming and funny in a clumsy way. Andie MacDowell is cute and charming as well. The cast as a whole is terrific. I recommend this movie to all. The DVD on the other hand, was very poor. I have watched a lot of DVDs in the past year and this was one of the worst. I felt like I was watching a VHS tape. The picture was very bland and the colors were muted. I know the English are pale, but this DVD transfer did not do them any justice. On top of the poor video quality, the sound was just as awful. The volume was very low, and jumpy at times. The dialog at times didn't come through clearly and there was no use of the surround channels. This movie could use a thorough update to the entire pakage. A new video transfer, a new audio 5.1 channel mix and some extras would have made this a top DVD. Instead MGM decided to skip all the goodies technology has to offer to keep the price of this DVD down. Too Bad, Its a Great Movie.

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As a movie I will rate it 4 stars, but the video quality is very bad, lot of artifacts, blury images, MGM transfer is really a big disappointment.

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The 1994 movie, "Four Weddings and a Funeral", was an international box office hit and the pioneer in the film genre known as the 'Romantic Brit-Com'. This is a genre of usually small budget, comedic films, that are about the romantic lives of good looking, young Brits (usually with a close group of witty, quirky, supportive friends), who must overcome self-doubt and bad timing to make true love happen. A good number of these films star British actor, Hugh Grant and have been written (and sometimes directed) by Richard Curtis ("Notting Hill" "Love Actually," "Bridget Jones"). Curtis has been so involved in this genre, that he's basically been annoited "King of the Romantic Brit-Coms". "Four Weddings" was pretty much the first of these films. This movie mostly takes place at public events, which are of course the "Four Weddings and a Funeral" in the title. In the film we meet Charles (Hugh Grant) and his close knit group of quirky, witty, supportive friends. We never find out what they do for a living, what their backgrounds are and only get hints of how they know each other. It's as though we are guests at a wedding meeting these people for the first time. What we do find out is that Charles seems to be a perennial wedding guest/Best-Man. He has great doubts about his troubled romantic life and wonders if he is ever destined to meet, that one special person, who he might actually marry. He also always seems to be putting his foot in his mouth and getting into embarassing comic situations (I love the scene, where he gets stuck at a table filled with all his ex-girlfriends!) At the first wedding he meets a glamorous American named, Carrie (played by a luminous, Andie MacDowell). They meet, flirt, even wind up in bed with each other over the course of the different public occasions. But of course because of self-doubt and bad timing, these characters can never really seem to get it together and declare their true love for each other. It's not hard to figure out how this all ends, but the long and winding road over the course of the four weddings and a funeral are quite funny, sad and interesting for all. This is due to the very funny and poignant script from Richard Curtis and sure direction from Mike Newell. The cast is top notch. Hugh Grant has a star making performance in the lead role. Other standout performances include actors Simon Callow as the gregarious, full of life, Gareth and John Hannah as Matthew, who just stops the film with an emotion filled eulogy. Kristin Scott Thomas is also very good as Charles' friend Fiona, who secretly pines for him. Finally, mention should be of British Comedian, Rowan Atkinson's short, but drop dead hilarious turn, as a very nervous, new Vicar, who can't seem to get the wedding vows right! ("Do you take Lydia Jane Hibbert to be your Awful wedded wife!") Originally, this film was released in a pretty primitive bare bones release. It has now been released in a newly minted, 'Deluxe Edition'. The picture is cleaned up and presented in widescreen. I thought the sound in this edition left a lot to be desired. The extras are wonderful. They include a full length commentary track from the filmmakers and a number of short documentaries and featurettes on the making of the film, that prove to be very interesting. But best of all are the deleted scenes (with commentaries), that flesh out the backgrounds of the characters a little more. This film is a wonderful romantic comedy, that leaves you wanting more. Great film! Highly recommended!

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Billy Madison (1995)

I've read every review of this movie quite thoroughly and I've noticed a common thread in each and every "bad" review given. All of Billy Madison's detractors say that the movie is stupid and childish. I suggest that these people stick to their "The English Patient", and leave this wonderful film alone. The movie's 'stupidity' as critics call it, is actually the essence of it's true genius. Billy Madison is ridiculous, illogical, and downright bizarre, but it is these elements that make this movie the most entertaining film I have ever seen. Sure, there are great, epic, emotional dramas that have the power to move you to tears, and these are exceptional films. Films can also be fun however, and Billy Madison is the most fun you will ever have from simply watching a movie. Doesn't this also make a film great? Why do critics always dismiss films such as these as "immature"? Billy Madison won't make you cry, but Gone With the Wind sure isn't gonna make you laugh either. Both emotions are important, and a film that makes you laugh uncontrollably (which I guarantee this film will) is just as effective as one that makes you weep, or feel warm and fuzzy inside. As far as Sandler's acting chops are concerned, he certainly wouldn't be considered a 'thespian', but his natural appeal is so exceptionally strong that it can carry a movie he is just that likeable. The man speaks pure gibberish and I laugh my fool head off, this is a talent that no other actor can match. I don't recommend that you see Billy Madison, I insist that you buy it, right now, from Amazon.com. The American Film Institute declared Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane" as the greatest film of all time? Just one question: where is the imaginary penguin, Mr. Welles? Where is the imaginary penguin? Peace, I'm outta here!

This is still my favorite of all of Adam Sandler's filmefforts. WHY, you ask? Because of it's LACK of a script. This moviedoesn't even try to create substance, character or plot! All it is, is Adam Sandler acting so lovably loopy that you can't help but crack a smile or let out a large guffaw. Sandler's other films (that I DIDN'T like) like "The Waterboy" and "Big Daddy" tried to be sort of serious in some parts and tried to be witty when in fact it wasn't.

"Billy Madison" is all about STUPIDITY. Heck, it's about a 28 year old guy going through grade school! Whatta ya expect, ya know! There are classically hysterical moments:

"O'Doyle rules! " "Shampoo is better! I help clean the hair! Conditioner is better! I make the hair silky and smooth! Oh, really fool! Really! . . .Stop looking at me swan." "No, I will not make out with you! "

And of course, who could forget Steve Buscemi putting on lipstick? Or the late great Chris Farley making out with a penguin. Or those stupid graduation parties! It's so stupid but sooooo funny for some reason. Watch this comedy today. END

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This movie is like -soo riotously funny. No bearing on relity, but you'll laugh your splitting sides off! See Adam Sandler before he became so well known. His comic genius was already showing big time. As an heir with whacky friends, he has to repeat all grades of school in just a few weeks to convince his dad that he's worthy of his inheritance. And he has a riotous good time in the process. He meets a teacher, Veronica Vaughan, played by Bridgette Wilson. This is her only lead role I know of -she's such an underrated actress who should have gone big places. See this underrated gem of a comedy!

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Is there a point to this story? No. Do you care? No. This is, in my humble opinion, Adam Sandler's best movie.

Adam(Billy Madison) plays a drunk, lazy, party going imbecile. His father is the proud owner of a big hotel chain. Billy wants nothing more than to take over this chain of hotels from his father. In order to do so he must graduate grades 1-12 in two weeks. He falls for his third grade teacher Veronica Vaughn. He actually has one of his third grade classmates call up his teacher to see if she likes anyone. That in itself is funny as I'm sure all of us guys and gals have had one of our friends call up someone we had a crush on to see if they liked us when we were younger. Billy, however is 28 years old.

Anyway, Billy Madison isn't for everybody. If you want a rich plot or great acting this is definitely not for you. This movie is for any Adam Sandler fan. It's that stupid, stupid humor that can make anyone crack a smile. If you want a movie to make you laugh see Billy Madison.

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Billy Madison is the most hilariously inane character that Adam Sandler has portrayed, and while I don't consider this one of Sandler's best movies, it is easily one of his funniest. A lot of the comedy seems to have come directly from the set of Saturday Night Live; it was funny there, and it is funny here. Even a few SNL buddies, namely Norm MacDonald and the late Chris Farley, turn up to revel in the infectiously entertaining silliness. Sandler plays Billy Madison (of course), the son of a filthy rich hotel magnate. He spends all of his time lazing around the pool, drinking copious amounts of alcohol, and pawing over nudie mags; his only hobby seems to be lighting bags of poo on fire on the front porch of people he doesn't particularly like. Even after his infantile behavior at a big business meeting, he is shocked to hear his father say he is giving the company to a particularly annoying executive rather than turning it over to him. He swears he will do anything, even go back to school and actually earn the diploma his father bought for him, to make his father change his mind. Monday morning finds him camped out in a first grade classroom, where he actually fits in pretty well. Every two weeks, he is tested and bumped up another grade. Billy really enjoys his time in third grade because he makes some good friends among the children and laps the elixir of knowledge from the fountain of the gorgeous Veronica Vaughn (Bridgette Wilson). As time goes by, Eric starts sweating and sets Billy up for a fall. Only the disciplinarian love of Veronica and the support of his new childhood friends can pick Billy up and get him back in the game.

I think Sandler is a comic genius, and few comedians could make such a silly, silly movie a real success. I mean, Billy does things like chase imaginary giant penguins around the house; that kind of thing just doesn't fly with any other actors. I should point out that there is actually a strong human element to this story as it progresses, though. Once all the alcohol is out of his bloodstream, Billy is a nice, good-hearted fellow, and the reliving of his old school days makes a profound impact on his character. I'm still not exactly sure what Veronica sees in him, but true success pretty much requires a good-looking woman to be there to kiss you at the end. Perhaps I should just say a final word to the parents of teenaged boys: while this movie does provide a strategy guaranteed to make any young man study his heart out, it is probably not something you will want to sanction in your own family life.

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Couples Retreat (2009)

This movie was not only funny, it was sweet and a visual treat with a good moral. That in itself is reason enough to watch it, in this day of selfishness and disrespect for marriage. It was a fun ride. Some near nudity, a man's butt was exposed for a moment but that's all. Nudity is implied at that point but it's for a funny reason and shows nothing else. No sexual implications at that time either.

Four couples take a trip to help one of the couples get some help for what they believe is their failing marriage. The other couples are just along for the ride but the tables are turned on them when they are told there is no free ride at this retreat. You either work on your relationship or you go home. Thinking they can just skate into and out of each "session" and then get back to the fun because their relationships don't need any work, the other three couples say surprising things to "fill in the time" and make it appear that they're living up to their end of the bargain. Their thoughtless comments lead to some pretty funny counseling sessions and, as expected, they learn a thing or two, not only about their spouses but about themselves. In the end, it's all "Encouragement!"

This is a funny movie about four couples going on a retreat. One couple went to fix their marriage. The other three couples were tricked into going. They thought it was going to be a lot of free fun. But after their first day they found out they had to fallow the program to fixing their marriage in order to stay. Fixing a marriage that they didn't know needed fixing. There is a lot of fun and laughs in this movie. But I just think the ending could have been better. It kind of sucked.

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Having read a handful of reviews prior to watching this, my bar was set pretty low but this failed to elicit even a chuckle. The movie rapidly sways between American Pie caliber phallic jokes (which fall flat) and painfully dry Lifetime-level relationship drama; I have no idea what kind of viewer they had in mind when they made this thing. Save your time and money, and watch any prime-time half hour comedy at random, which is sure to provide the same level of entertainment. The scenery was the single redeeming item here. Watching this during a sub-zero Northeast winter provided a bit of vicarious warmth.

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Great comedy. And oh, the beautiful, beautiful Bora Bora. A classic romantic comedy. We watch this regularly. Highly recommend owning a copy!

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This movie is hilarious and the price is even better, I highly recommending buying this DVD.it was shipped to me really quick

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Take This Waltz (2011)

Someone seems to say "life is between boredom and anxiety". People feel bored for what they already have and feel anxiety for what they don't. The process of knowing a new person or getting a new thing stirs the excitement. The excitement makes people feel delighted, happy and bold, which could lead to make a wrong decision and regret later. After a while, the excitement dies down, the new becomes the old, the boredom strikes again... I think the movie captures the idea very well. People who have the similar experience will find this movie is interesting and worth to watch. Otherwise, the movie might seems boring and slow.

The important thing in the life is to figure out what is really important and hold on to them. Rather than chasing the "mirage" created by the excitement, it is better to ride out the boredom by discovering new trait from old people or things, include ourself. So when you feel you will give in to the temptation, you can watch this movie and see whether you still want to do it or not.

Take This Waltz is a slow moving quirky movie. There was something unique about this film, something that caught my attention from the first moment.

The film opens with a beautiful song, light quirky words, slightly on the folk side. The opening montage is a set of close ups of Margot making cup cakes. One of the last shots is of her sitting in front of the oven, a man in shorts walks past and the montage ends with an out of focus shot of the man standing in front of a bright window. I describe this very carefully because the film closes with exactly this same series of shots. They are identical, except for one small detail; the man is wearing long pants.

The film then moves to a town on the east coast of Canada where Margot writes the new brochure copy for a Colonial town. A man taunts her to participate in a mock flogging. He ends up sitting next to her on the plane home. Turns out he lives across the street and they share a cab home, as they part ways she says under her breath, "I'm married." Margot is married to Lou, a chef writing a chicken cookbook.

This next paragraph has spoilers in it. If you would rather not know some details, skip this paragraph.

Ultimately, Margot ends up having an affair with Daniel. The literal interpretation of this affair is that she is a horrible person, doing what so many people do. She should be in love with her funny schlub of a husband. Her life is fabulous and she should be happy. Instead she falls for this handsome sexy guy across the street. I contend that there is another way to look at this film. Lou wore shorts a lot in this film. Daniel never wore shorts once, in fact the director made sure we got to see his Capri pants, they were always long pants; even at the beach. Margot never cooks in the whole film; in fact she hates the kitchen. The opening and closing montage style is completely different from the rest of the film. It is an intimate dance with Margot, the close ups of her bare feet moving gracefully. Throughout the film she wears funky sneakers, rarely barefoot. The opening and closing montage say that the affair was a fantasy. If I look back on the film with the idea that the affair was completely in Margot's head, the film takes on a completely different amazing turn. It all makes sense and is powerful.

The film is beautifully made. The interiors are full of stuff, bright colored stuff. Margot wears some of the funkiest unusual clothes. The exteriors portray a Toronto neighborhood so perfectly, open and green. The trips into the city are tight shots with all kinds of activity everywhere. Michelle Williams is absolutely radiant. She is bohemian, wears those unusual clothes perfectly. She as well as Sarah Silverman are never afraid to take off her clothes. They are both beautiful women comfortable with their bodies. Seth Rogan and Luke Kirby are also confident, but both stand to the side to let the women shine. This is a strong cast. I do have one complaint about the Montreal airport, it is not Dorval the chairs, halls, and doors are all wrong. Given the attention to detail in this film, I'm surprised that slipped in.

The film is almost two hours long. It does move along at about the same slow pace throughout. Frankly, I liked this pace. This isn't an action picture; it is a sort of romance or a slow slide into a fantasy world. I would guess it was too slow for a lot of viewers. This is an R rated film. There are several scenes with full frontal and rear female nudity. There is a scene in the middle of the film where Daniel describes what he wants to do to Margot. It is one of the most sensual scenes I have ever watched where nobody ever took off their clothes or even touched. There is an artistic scene of two people having sex, reasonably well covered. There is some strong language. The film is intended for mature audiences.

This film was less about betrayal and more about what boredom and fantasy will lead people to think. I loved the quirkiness of this film. The soundtrack was perfection. Sarah Silverman and Michelle Williams were amazing. Although slow moving, I was moved by this film.

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Margo (Michelle WIlliams) meets Daniel (Luke Kirby) on a Colonial tour, in which actors are put in stocks and whipped for committing adultery. This bit of foreshadowing (Daniel goads her into administering the lashing) is a clue as to the moral dilemma that involves Margo, Daniel, and ultimately Margo's husband, Lou (Seth Rogan).

The theme of marriage, temptation, boredom and adultery is hardly new fodder for exploration, but it does have an endless fascination. This tale of hipster attraction, lust and flirtation does not add anything particularly intriguing to the mix. Michelle Williams does a good job with the complicated character of Margo, who seems literally lost in her own neuroses and insecurities. She swings from childlike timidity to really bold flirting without much in between, and the instant hot attraction between she and Daniel leaves her understandably emotional and highly charged. Daniel, it turns out, lives right across the street from Margo and Luke (how did they not know this?) and he also veers from boldness he literally stalks her 24/7 -to suddenly turning morally righteous just as he's about to get what he wants. These two tease each other in a way that I found infuriating. Of course, they say and do things that real people operating under the conventions of civility would never say or do, but when it comes to pulling the trigger, they both back off.

Most puzzling to me was the character of Luke (Seth Rogan), Margo's husband. A writer of cookbooks involving chicken, he is a charming manchild with a strange distaste for touching his pretty wife. She, clearly in love with him, tries on countless occasions to "seduce" him (her words), only to be spurned with no explanation each and every time. They behave towards each other like kindergarten children with a crush. They "play" with each, tickle each other, he dumps cold water on her in her shower (why???) but he will not sleep with her. Is he gay? Asexual? At one point he mutters something about "not deserving her" which does nothing to clarify the situation.

My favorite performance in the movie was that of Sarah Silverman. She seems natural, is her usual bold, profane self, and adds a dimension of reality to a movie which is so subtle and nuanced it gets in its own way. "Everything new gets old" is hardly a startling new revelation, and unfortunately, this treatment of that theme ultimately fails to satisfy.

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This is not a light Hollywood RomCom. This story explores the chemistry of relationships. Margot is happily married to a good guy, a chef named Lou. They have fun and a nice life where their friends and family love them as a couple. Five years into a marriage, they do not have a deep connection, but a superficial one where they are content with the companionship that grows over time. There is a lot of nurture & familiarity in their relationship but no spark.

The two are different from each other. Margot feels the space between them but does not want to explore what is happening on a deeper level until she meets a carefree urban hobo / artist by chance when visiting a local landmark. She later realizes that he lives across the street from her. Daniel, the artist seems to see past her normal facade and made up excuses and stories. He calls it for what it is and makes her realize that she does not want everyday security but a raw deep connection with someone who feels her being deeply and allows her to be an individual.

The film is shot in beautiful urban Toronto. The backdrop and streets are full of color and life. The main characters of Margot and Daniel are played by the talented and adaptable Michelle Williams and hunky, deep and slightly mysterious Luke Kirby. Michelle gives a great performance of a young woman who is not sure what is lacking in her life. She tries to hold on to the things that others say are good for her and struggles with being pursued by a slightly obsessive suitor. The cerebral and sexual tension between the two actors heightens as the film progresses. One of the best non sex, erotic scenes happens in a cafe where Daniel tells Margot what he will do with her (this happens about 45 minutes into the movie). Luke Kirby looks at Michelle Williams as if he can see deep into her soul and Michelle looks increasingly like she has been carried away on a cloud when she looks at him. The acting is superb. Excellent performances are also seen by Sarah Silverman and Seth Rogen.

This is now one of my all time favorite movies. I hope to see more from Sarah Polley who wrote and directed this movie.

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I swear those Canadians can churn these kinds of movies out endlessly; and I can't say I'm sorry. I enjoyed watching this movie very, very much.

Here's the scoop. Margot (Michelle Williams) can probably write but uses her talent to write p.r. type stuff. She's married to Lou (Seth Rogen) who writes cookbooks featuring chicken and chicken only. They live in Ontario and are good together. They have a cool, interesting thing between them, but she has some issues, some voids that eat at her. She meets Daniel (Luke Kirby) on a flight. He paints, but is afraid to display his works. Turns out he lives across the street from her and therein lies the rub as the two become interested in one another.

The user reviews on this are lukewarm, but for me it was a great watch. First off, I like the set up. Of the three main characters, there are really no "bad" people. Rogen seems perfectly content though there may be something in the fact he doesn't want children. From the opening shot, when you see Margot out of focus, you know she will be the crux of the matter. She is generally happy but something is missing. The finger is pointed at her more than Rogen as being a villain. Daniel is a decent guy but has issues in fear and sees something in Margot. Though he respects the fact she's married, he still needs to be with her. They don't "cross the line" but they still do damage to the status quo.

Hat's off to the set directors here. Both Morgot's/Lou's place and Daniels place are cluttered, but it's a great clutter; filled with all sorts of odd stuff all over the place. The eye is constantly wandering over things, and the color scheme is great. Colors and things that normally would not occupy the same frame in most movies are at home here. Whoda thunk that Sarah Polley would go from child actor to such an astute writer/director. This is a woman's film to be sure (note the post aerobics shower scene) and she fills the circumstances with subtle nuance. For me there was only one clunky scene in the whole film. And she interjects certain plot points in surprising ways. Oh! The sound track is really nifty too. I liked the tunes a lot and I liked the way they underscored the content.

I must stop now or the length will put people off from reading it but I like this film a lot and would recommend it unhesitatingly to anyone fond of indy films.

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Tenchi Muyo!: War on Geminar, Part 1 (Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2009)

I've always been a big fan of the Tenchi Muyo cosmos (can't really say world or universe cause that still wouldn't encompass all the different story lines).

I can say without a doubt this very high on my list to purchase. I've watched the fansubs multiple times. The storyline is engaging, the characters are deep and well modeled. The episodes are a satisfying 40 minutes long.

I my only problem is that 130$ (10$ per episode) for both boxes seems to be rather steep. At 70$ I would snatch the series up, but for now, I'll wait and bide my time till the prices drop.

The Thing that this series has linked with tenchi muyo is the name and one or two character references from the other series otherwise its pretty much a stand alone series. I also believe that the animation in this series is the best out of all of the Tenchi series. I wish they wouldn't have split the series up like they did but you can't ask for everything.

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I'll be the first to say this is a great series. However, Funimation's translation contained a number of issues I found extremely frustrating. There weren't too many real errors, but some of the translation choices were annoying or worse. For instance, Funimation sometimes seems to want to overemphasize genre in their translation, made obvious here with their obsessive insertion of "mecha" wherever they think they can get away with it. "Holy Armor" suddenly becomes "Sacred Mechanoid", and "Holy Knight" turns into "Sacred Mechamaster", and largely unrelated devices like Wahan's robot are given almost identical names. The ultimate result to me was to make a lot of things sound silly.

What was far worse was the series description. Where in the world did these people get the idea of the conflicts being "intergalactic"? This'd be the first intergalactic battle I've seen that takes place entirely on one planet, involving people who don't appear to have ever even heard of space flight, with one single boy from another dimension(or something) stranded there whose civilization has barely managed to reach their moon. I've often felt that Funimation's descriptions and advertisements went a little overboard emphasizing specific aspects they thought would sell (in particular focusing entirely on fanservice regardless of the story that goes along with it), showing no interest in anything past the obvious, but this's the first time they seemed to create a description that makes up a completely different story altogether.

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Kenshi Masaki is the half brother of Tenchi Masaki. Somehow he was summoned to another planet called Geminar. He doen't know why or how he got there though. Fortunately, this planet is mostly inhabited by hot chicks that are all crazy about Kenshi. Kenshi enters a school for young mecha pilots. Part 1 of this series mainly covers his daily life and develops his relationship with the girls at the school. There is, however, trouble brewing on Geminar. A mysterious group has plans that threaten the people of Geminar, and somehow, Kenshi fits into their plan.

I expected a little more action from this series, because of the title, "War On Geminar". I think that the war actually starts in part 2. There are some major differences with this series and the original Tenchi Muyo series that this spins off of. The characters are the main difference. They are all good though. This set has 7-50 minute episodes. So it is actually a long as a 26-episode series if you include part 2. The situations are more suggestive than the original series, but there isn't any nudity. I think it should be rated PG-13, but whatever. The animation, voice acting and soundtrack are all top notch; as you probably expected from the Tenchi franchise. Although different from what I expected, this series did entertain me. I hope it picks up a bit in part 2, and I wish that it was a little cheaper. Other than those 2 little details, I think this is a good buy. If you like the older Tenchi series, you'll probably enjoy this one too.

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I first saw this series at an anime convention a few years back and was excited to see it picked up for official release on Blu-Ray/DVD in North America. I do have a few complaints. The biggest being that the audio mix seemed a bit off. The dialog and music tracks seemed a bit loud, while the sound effects seemed muted. I felt like I was watching the commentary of the episode with all of the action taking place in another room. I tried both the Blu-Ray version and the DVD on different players and audio receivers with the same results. The English soundtrack was a little better. I could hear most of the low range heavy explosions, but the midrange sound effects like gunfire and sword on sword clashing were still not very loud.

I mostly watched it in Japanese, but while comparing the soundtracks, I did notice that some of the English voice actors seemed to ad-lib or babble a bit, like they needed to fill up every bit of screen time with dialog. And some of the terms seemed overly translated like "Sacred Mechamaster" instead of Seikishi. Despite these things, I still enjoyed watching this anime again, and look forward to the second volume, where story plot picks up and the action gets more intense.

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Buck Privates (Blu-ray + DVD) (1941)

Okay, there're plenty of reviews for this film--on VHS-cassette; DVD; 12"-LASER-disc, but, those are like TEN years old...

here's a NEW one:

Okay, this isn't a one-hundred year old movie, but it is one of Abbott & Costello's first--and finest movies.

This 1941 movie is a mere seventy-one years old.

It made millions (that ain't hay!*) when THAT was lots of money.

So popular it prompted a film for the other branches: IN THE NAVY, and KEEP 'EM FLYING.

These three, and another one were all filmed the S-A-M-E YEAR the Pearl Harbor attack led us into World War II.

But that wasn't a big deal as "A'" & "C'"[also my favorite vitamins] o-f-t-e-n made at least two [of their (36)] films a

year.

I'm retired from the military, all of my older relatives fought in that war except two of them, and, t-h-e-y were in The

Cival War and The Spanish-American War. I was only in that Vietnam thing.

My dad grew up when they were popular. After I was born, 1949, this and AFRICA SCREAMS (not nearly as good, but ALSO

features Shemp) are the first few movies I can remember seeing on our small roundish black and white TV.

"The boys"---as some of us refer to A & C---raised millions of dollars for the War Bonds & Stamps effort, not to mention

saving Universal from going bankrupt.

Imagine, WWII is in full swing, and three of the movies you're likely to see star THESE guys IN/OUT/AROUND uniforms...

entertaining AND supporting the troops.

This duo was in the top-ten box office favorites for plenty of the '40s, and kept on keepin' on right through the '50s...

their movies were re-re-released for many years.

I feel it is my duty to tell you this movie is SUPER. It's got Boogie Woogie Rhythm [Bugle Boy] by the Andrews Sisters.

It's got Shemp(Stooge) Howard--brother of Moses and Jerry... You know, Moe, and Curly!

This film is SO old there ISN'T even an AIRFORCE yet, but the Army is doin' the best they can with those bi-planes and

tanks not much bigger than a modern HUMVEE.

Buy it; you'll LIKE it.

This folks will show you how it was when your older folks went to war.

This is on BLU-RAY fer crizakes!

And it's a two-disc set...

extras out the Bazookas:

40-page book... this SHOULD be what is known as a Blu-ray Book--I hope!

The extras include:

==> The theatrical trailer

==> It is restored from 35mm film stock.

==> "ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET JERRY SEINFELD"(televised special).

==> "100 YEARS OF UNFORGETABLE CHARACTERS"

==> "100 YEARS OF RESTORING THE CLASSICS"

==> "100 YEARS OF CARL LAEMMIE"[after just 9 years in the film business, he opened UNIVERSAL STUDIOS in 1915]

*= denotes an A&C film from 1943.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bud Abbott was born in 1897.

Lou Costello , born in 1906.

Universal Studios opens 1915. Where's this 100-year thing come from? Ooooo Ooooo Ooooo I know, I know...

The Universal Studios , 1912-1928 made 900 films.

THAT, my friend, is one-hundred years ago. Now, let's show tremendous support for this lest we forget that Universal owns

the rights for all the, so called UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS... all of 'em, and wouldn't all of these look GREAT in blu-ray?

Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection [Blu-ray]

{SON OF FRANKENSTEIN... I've seen [home] film footage of Boris in COLOR (great extra THERE!)

Thank you, thank you very much... "Big Mac" has left the theatre.

***************************************************************************************************

Made for peanuts, BUCK PRIVATES was a tremendous hit for Universal studios and firmly established Abbott and Costello as movie stars. Bud and Lou's routines are among their best; indeed, the film is really not much more than a string of burlesque routines held together by a simple plotline. "The Dice Game," "The Drill Routine," "You're 40, She's 10," and several others burlesque bits are here to keep you laughing. The romantic triangle plot is rather forgettable, although one can certainly understand why both Lee Bowman and Alan Curtis are pursuing lovely Jane Frazee. The Andrews Sisters contribute some great songs, including the immortal "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Dated but still very entertaining, BUCK PRIVATES delivered just what the movie going public needed in 1941. And it still delivers today.

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Absolutely outstanding Picture and Sound upgrade in Blu-ray. Of course the dynamic duo of Abbott and Costello will gather a few laughs but the Hi-Lights are the Andrew Sisters. They swing like no others back in 1941. Two thumbs up and 5 stars for this Blu-ray, regular DVD, Book and Extras the DVD provides.

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This old Abbott and Costello movie is a lot of fun to watch. It is a classic film with 2 of the best ever.

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Bud Abbott (1895-1974) and Lou Costello (1906-59) were comedy giants for two decades, wowing the public on screen from 1940 to 1956 and on TV from 1951 to 1953. They were the true successors to Laurel and Hardy. "Buck Privates" was their second film, and the one that propelled them onto the A list. They followed this with nearly 40 films, the best of which were such classics as "Hold that Ghost" (1941) and "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948). The "A & C Meet..." films alone spawned 7 films. By the mid 50s the comedic style of Martin and Lewis gained the upper hand and personal disputes between the partners brought the comedy to an end. As they had eclipsed Laurel and Hardy, Martin and Lewis stole their thunder, but even today one can't help but laugh at the gags.

"Buck Privates" is probably their best film, aided in no small part by the terrific songs and dances of the Andrew Sisters, who would join them in two more films ("In the Navy" and "Hold that Ghost") that same year. LaVerne, Maxene, and Patty not only worked with Abbott and Costello, but also with The Ritz Brothers ("Argentine Nights") and Crosby and Hope ("Road to Rio") and also appeared with the top musicians of the 40s and 50s. At the time of "Buck Privates" the sisters had already established a name for themselves with such big hits as "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen", "Hold Tight", "Roll out the Barrel", "Ferryboat Serenade", and "Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar". They perform four songs in the film "You're a Lucky Fellow Mr. Smith", "Apple Blossom Time", "Bounce me Brother with a Solid Four", and "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Boogie Woogie" was nominated for an Oscar as Best Original Song.

Abbott and Costello were originally a vaudeville act, and what they did was to bring their act to the big screen. Films were a series of smaller bits strung together with a plot. In this they copied the style of the Marx Brothers (even though their pedigree makes them look like successors to Laurel and Hardy, who used a completely different motif for their films) right down to the minor love plot, the menacing heavy, and the musical numbers.

There are so many funny bits in this film it's hard to list them all. Lou initiates his "I'm a bad boy" catchphrase that would last for more than a decade. The drill routine was originally scheduled for a few minutes but went nearly 5 due to the ad-libbing (watch closely for the reactions from the actors who participate). The verbal patter between the boys is priceless, as Bud convinces Lou that if he marries a younger woman she will eventually be older than he is. Here's a sample -

Bud You're 40 years-old and you're in love with this little girl that's 10 years-old. You're four times as old as that girl and you couldn't marry her, could you?

Lou Not unless I come from the mountains.

Nat Pendleton (1895-1967) plays the heavy who pursues the boys. Pendelton was famous for the "slow burn" and he appeared in over 100 films. He reprieved his role in 1947's "Buck Privates Come Home" his last film.

Look for Shemp Howard (1895-1955) for a minor role as a cook. Shemp had been acting since 1932 when he broke away from "Ted Healy and His Stooges". He appeared with W.C. Fields, Fatty Arbuckle, Lon Chaney, and even John Wayne, but was making no real headway. In 1946 when brother Curly had a stroke he re-joined the Three Stooges and they made 73 short films together.

1941 was a terrific year for films "Citizen Kane", "The Maltese Falcon", Sergeant York", "How Green Was My Valley", Meet John Doe", "They Died with Their Boots On", "The Sea Wolf" "High Sierra", "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", and "A Yank in the RAF". With such an impressive list, "Buck Privates" came in at #9 at the box office.

The NY Times called it "an hour and a half of uproarious monkeyshines." The film grossed a record $4 million, although some placed it as high as $10 million. It received 2 Oscar nominations but no wins "Boogie Woogie" lost to "The last time I saw Paris" from "Lady Be Good" for Best Song and "Dumbo" won for Best Music. The film was so popular it generated a radio show later that year on the Lux Radio Theater. The Japanese were so impressed they showed the drill scene to their troops to demonstrate how poorly trained US soldiers were.

This is a great film from a great comedy team.

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I Hate Valentine's Day (2010)

This was a cute movie a slower paced movie, If your looking for just something to watch on a lazy day; this would fit the bill (almost a hallmark channel sort of feel)

*** Refreshing to not hear the F word every minute.

If you go into this movie with the thought of comparing it to Greek Wedding you'll be disappointed. I watched this on IFC one night after reading who was in it; while the storyline left a little room to be desired I gave it a try because I like the players. I thought it was neat that they were teaming up again. It didn't bore me and I watched the entire thing. There aren't many movies-especially romantic comedies-that are not predictable. This one in my opinion was predictable. For the most part with predicatable movies it is how they tell the story and reach that predictability which would determine the level of awfulness or how cheesy the movie will be. I thought the delivery with this film was fine. Also, the dialog was okay and the humor was subtle but above average. I laughed out loud a few times and I don't always do that even if it is funny. Some of the jokes were corny so you had to laugh because it's almost as if it were corny on purpose.

I like indie movies in general and this one was pretty okay to me. Before buying try renting it or check your local listings. I may buy it one day if the price is right.

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In "I Hate Valentine's Day," Genevieve (Nia Vardalos) runs a flower show in Brooklyn, where she dispenses bouquets and advice to the love lorn with joyous abandon. Having been disappointed by the men in her life, from her estranged father to her first boyfriends, Genevieve has developed a iron-clad policy of only going on five dates. She tells all of her gal pals to do the same thing, and glares at them when they are tempted to deviate from her proscribed path, all the while smiling with an intensity that will make your teeth hurt. Genevieve even has a general description for each of the five dates, just so the guy knows how things are supposed to go. Then she meets Greg (John Corbett), who wants to open a tapas bar down the street. Obviously, this is a guy worthy of way more than a mere five dates, but just as obviously it is going to take Genevieve almost the entire movie to reach that conclusion. Part of the problem turns out to be that there is some confusion as to whether their last date was the fourth date or the fifth date. He thinks that it was and dutifully disappears from her life, while she thinks it was not and wonders why he is not calling her for their final date.

The fact of the matter is that she is right about it only being the fourth date, but, more importantly, she is wrong to have her five date plan, a conclusion that you pretty much reach as soon as Genevieve explains it for the first time. But what becomes so disconcerting is that the utter trivilaity of the former is such a stupid impediment to dealing with the stupid rules of the latter. Besides, I did not really pick up on the descriptions of the five rules when I watched the film (the trailer makes them a lot clearer), so I was trying to remember what they were to figure out why Greg thinks the fourth date became the fifth and final date. Meanwhile, we are only halfway through the film, so Genevieve and Greg are treading water in inane ways before we get to the requisite happy ending. By that point I was becoming convinced that these two were better off without each other and starting to get creeped out by Genevieve having that omnipresent smile plastered on her face. The plot was dictating these two should end up together, but the rightness of that was not resonating with me that much. The unhappy couple are surrounded by a rather forgettable set of friends and co-workers, despite having the likes of Ian Gomez, Rachel Dratz, and Judah Friedlander, amongst other semi-recognizable faces.

My favorite moment in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" comes when Ian and Toula are on their first date at a restaurant and Ian comes up with the idea of going out again to a Greek restaurant that he has been to, which happens to be the one owned by Toula's parents. In your average romantic comedy there would be a funny scene where the couple goes to the restaurant and everybody tries to pretend they do not know each other and at some point the comic confusion results in the revelation of the truth, so on and so forth. But instead writer and star Vardalos has Toula admit that it is her family's restaurant. Ian looks at her and remembers Toula from before. This was back when Toula was the frumpy ugly duckling, but this does not matter to Ian. "I remember you," he says, and it is clear that this does not change what he thinks about Toula one iota. It is a lovely scene, and Vardalos and Corbett had wonderful chemistry in both that moment and the entire movie. So when the two co-starred again in "I Hate Valentine's Day," not only written this time but also directed by Vardalos (who came up with the script when the studio handed her the title), I was hoping that lightning would strike twice. But there is nothing in this 2009 romantic comedy that holds a candle to the best moments in the film that still helds the record for grossing the most money ($241 million in North America) without ever hitting #1 at the box office. Consequently, this is not just a bad romantic comedy, it is quite a disappointing one as well because of our fond memories of that earlier movie.

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I enjoyed this movie! It was predictable and a bit drawn out, but very likable. This movie would be perfect for viewing on a lazy, rainy day.

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What do you get when you have "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and strip away the family which adds charm and personality, and then put the entire focus on just the two leads? An unfunny, insipid, character-less piece of affectionate schlock, aka "I Hate Valentine's Day". I rather see that N'Sync fellow make another dirty Greek joke.

Part of what makes this movie unfunny is the abundance of awkward silences. An awkward silence joke usually works when a character is outrageously goofy to begin with and the line is so panned out that the crowd's silence is actually funny; even dry, uncomfortable silence can be funny. However, when John Corbett's character, Greg, made a comment about 'Get On Tapas' and no one spoke, it's neither goofy nor dry-humor. It's just awkward, and the same joke's been used at least three more times; it wasn't funny the first time around. None of the cast tried to put in the effort to make the witty banter less bland than they already were, and how they deliever them were absolutely cringe-worthy, like how that girl was making a scrapbook for her stalkee of the day. What's really insufferable is the main character, Genevieve (played by director/co-star Nia Vardalos). It's irritating by the way she almost always smiled and has a cheerful outlook, even when she made a cynical comment; she's rather disturbing than wholesome, and come to think of, Nia's like that in all of her films. As for her love interest/trophy guy, Greg, well if you've seen "Greek" and "United States of Tara", you know Corbett is playing the same darn character.

I can enjoy a good romance now and then, but this film is a romcom to a soulless and manufactured degree. The only good thing I can say about the movie is it's harmless. In fact, it's so safe, I wonder why it's rated PG-13 in the first place? Okay, Genevieve showed her panties in a 'cheeky comedic' scene and a couple of comments on pregnancy were mentioned, but otherwise, I doubt these are something mid-west suburban housewifes would get into a fit. As I end this review, I have to ask, why is it called "I Hate Valentine's Day"? The whole hook of the title didn't happen until the last ten minutes, and even then, it's never really about the holiday. It's about not committing to relationships, so why wasn't it called "I Hate Relationships"? It makes a point, even if the story is inept, but I guess I shouldn't judge the workings of marketing.

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Secretary (2002)

The joy of SECRETARY lies in its characters, all of whom are quirky (to say the least). And if you leave the film thankful that you run with "normal" folks, then you probably just don't know the person in the adjacent work cube all that well.

As the film begins, Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has just been released from institutional therapy. Lee has a level of self-esteem that's abysmal to the point of involving self-mutilation with sharp objects. (She even has her own first aid kit to disinfect and treat the wounds as soon as she makes them!) And whatever therapy she got didn't stick. But, life goes on, so she takes a typing class, and subsequently lands a job as a SECRETARY for the perfectionist lawyer "Mr. Grey" (James Spader).

Mutual assessment soon reveals potential for an S&M relationship where Grey is the "S" and Lee the "M". Courting, so to speak, and foreplay involve the boss making increasingly difficult demands of Lee's job performance with the mutual understanding that the latter will fail and punishment will follow. And what's a poor girl to do when making deliberate spelling errors in legal correspondence just doesn't push Grey's lust button anymore?

Spader's Grey persona is so deliciously creepy not sinister, just creepy that his paralegal does her work in such an unusual hiding place that she's rarely seen, even by the audience. And the delightful Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Holloway is so otherwise girl-next-door, except for her preoccupation with cutting edges, that I'm now surreptitiously scrutinizing our office secretaries for barely-hidden scars. And Jeremy Davies is terrific as Lee's nominal boyfriend, the painfully pathetic Peter.

While SECRETARY was in the theaters, it probably wasn't a film that you would've taken your prim and proper grandmother to see for her day trip away from the assisted care facility. It has some artistically done full-frontal nudity and a couple scenes of X-rated heavy breathing. SECRETARY is a stylish and darkly humorous treatment of a delicate subject that allows the viewer to snicker without the guilty feeling of having been discovered with a dirty magazine. (Of course, if Granny finds it knee-slapping funny, you might want to rethink your assumptions about her younger years.) My only complaint was that the ending is perhaps a little too drawn out and tidy. A snappier, more edgy conclusion would have made the film a perfect gem.

Now, where did I stash those red, felt tip markers? I have to proof an associate's work.

Both characters in this first-of-it's-kind movie were well drawn. It's a first because it shows the S/M, D/s dynamic in a sympathetic, caring, humorous way; and it's a mainstream film ... not a parody or cautionary tale.

E. Edward Grey (an excellent James Spader reminiscent of "Sex, Lies and Videotape") could have used a little more background but that's quibbling. Lee's character was simply marvelous from start to finish. In my small hometown, a few people even applauded at the end. We've come a long way.

Love comes in all sizes, and the discovery of that love makes an engrossing 144 minutes of film time. I've heard people say these two are "damaged." Really? But aren't we all? And how lovely and whimsical to find another who understands us so well.

Lee (Maggie Gyllenhaal) blossoms from a repressed, obsessive, unhappy girl into a self-assured woman all because a strange, obsessive, largely unhappy man sees in her the need to be .... herself ... a submissively strong woman who likes to be spanked, restrained, and ordered around. As long as she knows her submission is understood, she is liberated in the true sense of that term. She becomes the powerful one ... all because she accepts who she is. Acceptance and love. Isn't that what most of us aspire to?

I loved the scene where Lee tries to do the impossible: make a cup of coffee for the new boss who casually demands it. A truly submissive person will understand that scene on a very deep level.

I'll see this again before it leaves my local theater. And can't wait to buy the DVD when it's available. It's a "feel good" movie with an irresistible twist! :)

This movie is not for everyone; but I wish I could say it was. It deals with all the relevant themes of a good, complex love story. It just adds a new level ---and one that's been around in the shadows for a few decades.

Buy Secretary (2002) Now

Secretary is absolutely the best film I have seen in a very long time, and one of the best I have ever seen. I won't spend any time going over the plot because, if you're reading this, chances are you already know it. This is the first Hollywood film I have seen that treats BDSM relationships in a realistic, and (most importantly) non-judgemental manner. Many scenes in this film will certainly ring true for anyone involved in the lifestyle.

The acting is, in a word, superb. James Spader turns in his usual high-caliber performance, and Maggie Gyllenhaal is stunning(and beautiful as well!) She conveys more emotion with a single glance than most actresses could in a lengthy monologue. Jeremy Davies also performs quite well in his rather small part. My only quibble with this film is a very minor one: it would have been nice if the story had given a little more background on Mr. Grey. All in all, a top notch film. I will watch it again and again, and I highly recommend it to all open-minded movie fans. Just keep the kids away from the set while you watch it!

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For some reason, I never wanted to see this film. The movie poster put me off somewhat. I figured it would be just another artsy sex film, but how I was wrong. Its starts as the story of a young woman emerging from a mental hospital and back into her life with a dysfunctional family that is all too real. Unsure what to do with her life, she applies for a job as a secretary at a law firm. But this is no ordinary office and Lee is no ordinary girl. Edward and Lee begin a strange and turbulent work relationship that later develops into a Dominant/Submissive relationship. As the film progresses, it becomes more bizarre. ...

What makes this film so great is Maggie. She is able to lend an innocent quality to Lee that makes her oddly enduring. Yes, she is submissive and a freak by normal standards, but she is also a demure quiet girl. James Spader is good as well in his role as the sadistic boss that oddly falls in love with her throughout the film. I have to say its one of the strangest romances captured on film and the characters are well-drawn and created in a way that makes them likeable in their own ways.

"Secretary" is a film some people will hate. Well, I loved it. Its strange and its fabulous. If you like really different movies, this is the one to see.

I give it two thumps up!

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As a woman who actually practices the fine art of D/s in my everyday life, I want to applaud the makers of this wonderfully warm film!! I have seen way too many movies that deal with the emotional aspects of submission as being ones that are entirely negative. This film hit the nail on the head when it showed that submissive women find strength in their surrender.

It also let the viewer see that Dominant men aren't monsters but just irregular regular guys trying to co-exist with their hidden desires to control their partners in ways that are beneficial to both. I'm no pro at writing so I hope I'm saying this well.....but simply, if you want to gain some understanding of people who choose this alternative lifestyle and how it changes them for the better, see this movie!!!

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Red Heat (1988)

Arnold Schwartzenegger in the role of humorless, ultra-disciplined Soviet police-captain Vanya Danko, teamed with Chicago PD screw-up Art Ritsek (Jim Belushi), to track a Georgean drug kingpin... this is one of Arnold's greatest, but least-appreciated, action-films. The best scenes take place in Russia, in the banya (public bath), over the rooftops around Red Square, in the mafiya cafe. Arnold's Russian, spoken with his Austrian accent, is pretty terrific! What impressed me was the film's close attention to detail: Even Danko's handwriting and numbers were authentically Russian-style. The machismo of the personal battle between Ivan Danko and the smuggler was intensely Russian, as was Danko's unswerving conviction of Soviet superiority. His terse correction of the hotel clerk's question "Is [Viktor] another Russian, like you?" Danko: "Soviet.", is right-on -Georgeans are not Russians, although many Americans don't know that. The scripting of a Georgean as the loathesome criminal is actually quite revealing, and surely a reflection of the film's "official" Russian input . Despite the grimness of the plot and Arnold's character, there is plenty of dark humor, mainly provided by Belushi's portrayal of undisciplined officer Ritsek. The humor frequently contrasts the strictly indoctrinated Soviet structure with the (to Danko) near-anarchy of American freedom. Much of the mayhem and carnage wrought during the process of Danko's personal war defies credibility; as Ritsek puts it: "Why aren't there any cops around when you need one!" The action genre's obligatory high-speed chase scene was ludicrous, yet appropriately Russian (everything Russian always seems so much "bigger"...). And the protagonists' exchange in the end, in which Vanya gets the better deal, is also typically Russian -and proves that Danko is not so humorless after all. By the way, this movie (like all of Arnold's action-films) is extremely popular here, where it has been dubbed into the Russian language. Ironically, in the russkiy version, all the obscenities have been deleted from the dialogue.

Don't bother wasting your money if you think you are upgrading like I did. The earlier ARTISAN release is still much better than this special edition. The image is better and ALSO the sound. I don't know what Lions gate thought they were doing, but remastered? no. I compared both several times before writing this even though I only had to compare once. Might as well wait for a HD DVD to come out, this is a waste unless you want the additional features.

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Schwarzenegger and James Belushi make a great team in this crazed action film. Schwarzenegger plays the serious Captain Ivan Danko, a Russian detective. Opposite him, James Belushi, is the comical cop, Art Ridzik, always good for a laugh. Who could guess what would happen when these two got stuck together?

On the downside of the film the beggining is all Russian. You'll be forced to read English subtitles not able to enjoy any of the visuals, until around ten to twenty minutes into the film. Unless of course you speak Russian.

The final word. If you're looking for something to do on a boring afternoon, I recommend sitting back and enjoying Red Heat.

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Cannot beat this deal for a fun 1980s film in BD that actually came across as good as can be without Lionsgate dumping too much money into it.

The clarity gave a decent showing even with the amount of skin tones being shown by our fearless leader in that beginning Russian spa scene. The color was vivid, maybe too much so once they hit the snow with the flesh tones and fake injuries contrasting against the white. But the credit (pink colors) looked clear with no grain at all, and admittedly that DNR thingy (or whatever they call the removal process for some of these upgrades) did not blur/fuzz things at all. The Chicago street scenes looked good and the background signs are actually readable now. The DTS is mostly channeled to the front three, but they managed to add some decent bass here and there.

The supplements are from the 2004 edition in low def, but it is always nice to see that stunt man memorial featurette, recommend that if you pick only one to watch. The included TV spots and such are always nice for a before and after comparison on quality. For what they put into this, and the price being offered I feel you won't be disappointed.

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The film was funny just before the fall of the Berlin Wall, but I must say it has become hilarious today after the fall. It is not even a real caricature because there is a nostalgic dimension to it. Nostalgic about a time when things were simple in the world where there was us and there was them. We were necessarily on the right side by identifying with the side we were geographically on. And the rest was only politics.

But with the distance, there is no us and no them, there is only one global mess and we all have to live in it, parakeet or not, East-German watch or not, Georgian mafia against Chicagoan mafia. And now this mafia or these mafias have turned into terrorist armies. All over the world the game because it is a game, a killing game is no longer Miranda versus totalitarianism. It is kill them first versus totalitarianism.

These mafiosi are choir boys when compared with the Ben Laden and the Prabhakaran of today, and note I took two dead examples for whom there were no Miranda rights. These people are responsible for thousands of people killed, hundreds of thousands of people mutilated by mines or other assault weapons. They have no rights any more. They lost them when they decided to enter a war against humanity, a war of pure violence and crime.

The film is showing that so well including with allusions to Dirty Harry or Dr Zhivago. These people do not sell drugs to make money but they are selling drugs to break the law, make money and kill anyone they can come across on their way. They kill for the pleasure of killing. When the Berlin Wall fell, the Soviet system came down, and we were liberated of the good terrorists who were fighting for the liberation of humanity. For those people who admired such "patriotic" heroes people like Gaddafi or Prabhakaran were revolutionaries. All that has changed and they have become what they were all the time, nasty terrorists.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, little by little all the self-calling "revolutionary" movements in the world have had to change identity and enter the political arena with only political weapons and drop the other weapons in some kind of ditch forever. The guerilla movements in Angola and Mozambique were forced to drop their weapons, the IRA was forced to move towards a political solution, the various diamonds wars in Africa were also forced to drop their weapons and their diamonds had to go back on the market without any blood stain, the Sandinistas were obliged to concede a defeat before then regaining power in elections.

We could multiply examples. The Basque ETA is a die-hard movement like the Corsican independence movement. The LTTE was in Sri Lanka the first major victory against that terrorism and since then many things have changed in the Arab world and as for Al Qaida. That's why this film has become so funny with years.

Some could have said it was a Cold War comic film at the end of those events. But now it is the most hilarious film on the subject of the end of a revolutionary vision that was not really revolutionary but just violent. But today it is the Soviet of the old days who are right: criminals may have Miranda rights, but that is only if they survive their arrest. If they don't they have no other right than to shut up. That's why these criminals are not supposed to survive their arrest. Just make sure they have the fair chance to shoot or try to shoot first and that they are the real big ones, not some manipulated non-entities.

In 1988 the film was advocating Dirty Harry's methods. Today it justifies the use of such methods: these scumbags have to be brought home, but in a corpse bag if possible. The bullets are already too much of an expense to bring them back home, so let's avoid the trial that would ensue if they were still able to speak or at least move one single toe. Something changed in 1989, even if the Bushes Sr. and Jr. did not understand it properly. I can imagine the mess the Bushes would have done in Libya sending the Cavalry for sure.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

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