The Women in Cages Collection (Roger Corman's Cult Classics Triple Feature) (The Big Bird Cage / Bi

For fans of '70s exploitation and women-in-prison flicks, Shout Factory's "Women in Cages" collection is a fun diversion that is well-assembled. We get three Roger Corman films from 1971-72 all shot in the Phillipines starring Pam Grier and other nubile honeys.

"The Big Doll House" features lots of torture scenes, fun performances from slimy Sid Haig (his scenes with Grier are priceless), and an almost unrecognizable Pat Woodell (the original Bobbie-Jo from the black-and-white "Petticoat Junction").

The best of the trilogy is "The Big Bird Cage" which throws more humor into the mix and the result is even more entertaining. The gay Phillipino prison guards are hysterical, as is the way the women shamelessly proclaim their sexual frustration (When they finally do get their hands on a man, he's forced at knifepoint to "Get it up, or I'll cut it off!"). The dialogue in this one just gets better with lines like ""You can't rape me, I love sex" and "Never mind the crotch cooties...they have to eat too!". And when an inmate slathers chicken fat all over her naked body so she can literally slip past the guards, "The Big Bird Cage" soars into camp movie heaven!

"Women In Cages" has Pam Grier in Sybil Danning-mode as the evil prison matron, rather than an inmate, and the results are not as good. The film seems to suffer from a smaller budget too, and despite encore performances from Roberta Collins and Judy Brown, isn't as fun as the first two flicks. I'd recommend watching "Women in Cages" first and saving the earlier but superior flicks til last.

There's a lengthy documentary about all three films featuring interviews with many of the actors and actresses that is worthwhile viewing as well as original trailers and TV spots. The picture quality is very good. They've done as best as possible with the original elements, but there are a few blotches on the prints here and there.

If you love bad movies from the early '70s with lots of poisonous snakes, catfights, mud wrestling and pre-silicone boobies, this collection is for you!

This 2-disc bargain offers two great Jack Hill classics--1971's THE BIG DOLL HOUSE, 1972's THE BIG BIRD CAGE and both feature commentary tracks by Hill (recorded about a decade ago) and a third film, WOMEN IN CAGES, that was shot in-between those two films (but by Gerry DeLeon, not Hill). BIRD CAGE and WIC share a disc while DOLL HOUSE is on another DVD with a wonderful new documentary, FROM MANILA WITH LOVE that features brand new interviews with writer/director Jack Hill, screenwriter James Gordon White, producers Roger Corman and Jane Schaffer and actors from both films including Sid Haig, Judy Brown, Anitra Ford, Roberta Collins, Candice Roman and Teda Bracci. Sadly, Pam Grier does not take part in the documentary. There is also one other special feature: a solo interview with Judy Brown (this set does not contain Leonard Maltin's interviews with Roger Corman).

All three films are presented in anamorphic widescreen. A note in an insert says that "Two separate film elements were used to put together a complete version of THE BIG BIRD CAGE--a CRI and the original negative, which had been cut at some point." Both DOLL HOUSE and BIRD CAGE look and sound sensational.

On the other hand, WOMEN IN CAGES (which reunited three of DOLL HOUSE's cast members--Grier, Judy Brown and Roberta Collins, but appears to have been shot with an even smaller budget and without any of the style Jack Hill brought to his two films) has muddy sound. The same booklet warns, "We used the only available source material for the audio on WOMEN IN CAGES, which was not in pristine condition. Much of the audio for these films shot in the Philippines was done later in post production, as you'll find that not all lip movements match the dialogue." WOMEN is the least fun of the trio. It does boast an over-the-top, nasty-as-hell villain performance by Pam Grier (in just her second role), but while the two Hill productions are beautiful to look at and take full advantage of shooting in the tropical paradise, WOMEN keeps its shots claustrophobic and close. The few outdoor shots are usually shot at night or nearing dawn (with smoke effects to further mask the cheap budget). One whole action sequence on the beach near the end is shot in silhouette, which makes it impossible to even see which of the women is being chased and shot at. There's such a lack of location footage that you'd almost think it was shot on a NY backlot! WOMEN plays almost like a horror film with Pam's torture chamber almost like out of a German S/M porn film.

But the reason to buy this set is the beautiful prints of BIG DOLL HOUSE and BIG BIRD CAGE and Jack Hill's informative commentaries (did you know that DOLL HOUSE's delicious villain, Barbara Loder, became ill and lapsed into a coma while making the film? She was finally diagnosed as being diabetic and was treated and came out of her coma to finish the film. She looks scary-thin in the film, but she's a wonderful villain--just as she would be a couple years later in FOXY BROWN). Both films are action-packed and have a sense of humor about themselves (especially BIRD CAGE, which is really a parody of DOLL HOUSE). These are not "so bad that they're good" movies...these are actually well-made, action-packed adventures with strong female characters. And they all show just how quickly Pam Grier was able to turn herself into a star with vibrant screen presence. Enjoy!

Buy The Women in Cages Collection (Roger Corman's Cult Classics Triple Feature) (The Big Bird Cage / Bi Now

All I can say is "this is exploitation heaven!". To me these Roger Corman drive-in classics are what prison flicks are all about! Shout has done one terrific job on this two disc triple feature. The three films are finally anamorphic widescreen and look great (especially Big Doll House) and this is a fantastic package! Always have enjoyed low budget drive in classics from the 70s, but these are the icing on the cake!! Women in Prison flicks from early 70s have always been my guilty pleasure.

The special features are numerous (love the from Manila with love doc.) for Big Doll House. Big Bird Cage has audio commentary from Jack Hill, trailers. Women in Cages only has trailer. But all in all, this is worth picking up if you enjoy these Pam Grier classics. Can't wait for the blu rays!

Read Best Reviews of The Women in Cages Collection (Roger Corman's Cult Classics Triple Feature) (The Big Bird Cage / Bi Here

Shout Factory continues to release the works from Director Roger Corman's New World Pictures where young directors were able to refine and mature their talents working in low budget conditions but receiving expert training to go on to the major studios. Because of hearing about the success of Director Jesus Franco's '99 WOMEN'-1969, writer/director Jack Hill pitched an idea to Roger Corman to do a woman in prison film of their own. Corman arranged to have the film made in the Phillipines where at that time they could get away with much more than by shooting it in the states. The rest was legend: 'THE BIG DOLL HOUSE' -1971 went on to incredible business making a star our of newcomer Pam Grier and elevated Jack Hill to cult action director status. The film , however ,was not the first to show tough women on the screen. Countless teenage fifties girl gang films leading up to Director Russ Meyer's classic 'FASTER, PUSSYCAT, KILL KILL'1965 is proof of that. 'DOLL HOUSE' was the first to show a gang of women struggling to survive within the prison system. Nine times out of ten, the main actress was incarcerated by accident or deliberately and spends the films running time revealing her innocence and taking the other girls with her. It was responsible for countless imitations from Director Don Edmond's 'ILSASHE WOLF OF THE SS'-1974 and it sequels plus may have influenced the Nazi Exploitation films which came from Italy in the late seventies. It also showed the underrated acting ability of Sid Haig who would be resurrected in the Rob Zombie duet 'HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES'-2003 and 'THE DEVIL'S REJECTS'-2005 and Roberta Collins who's matter of fact acting styles elevated the films to classic status . This collection contains the first three films which came out of the box office explosion of 'DOLL HOUSE'S' success. Each film has been released before in box sets and individually. I have not yet seen this release but I do have the box set that New World released in 2004 'PAM GRIER: UNLEASHED' which contains these three films along with her 1973 Roman epic guilty pleasure, Director Steve Carver's 'ARENA'-1973. The transfers are full screen and beautiful so Shout Factory may have the same transfers or may have improved on them. Hopefully, they also will retain the excellent audio commentary tracks by Director Jack Hill on both 'DOLL HOUSE' and its sequel 'THE BIG BIRD CAGE'-1972. The commentaries really give you an excellent behind the scenes look at location filmmaking and working and surviving in primitive conditions. 'WOMEN IN CAGES'-1971 was released immediately after the success of 'DOLL HOUSE' where actresses from the film decided to stay on in the Phillipines and you'll notice that Pam Grier goes from heroine to villain as the prison commandant. It is directed by Gerry De Leon who made some great cult classics such as 'TERROR IS A MAN'-1959 and was behind the scenes on the infamous 'BLOOD ISLAND' trilogy all made in the Phillipines. 'THE BIG BIRD CAGE' was made to continue the success of the first one and utilizes model Anitra Ford in the lead along with Pam. It contains more over the top sequences such as the simulated sex and rape scene of the gay prison guard which was incredibly daring for its time and just shows what liberties the filmmakers took with the genre. Director Hill directs so excellently that both films could easily be seen as a 3 hour epic. Where 'WOMEN IN CAGES' lacks humor and has more grisly moments in the torture department, its Jack Hill's stamp of humor and innovative direction that made his films groundbreaking in portraying women in tough situations and paved the way for female vigilante and super buffed babe films to come including 'SWITCHBLADE SISTERS'-1975. There was also a women in prison revival in the early eighties utilizing actresses Linda Blair and Sybil Danning but they never reached the exploitive heights of these three classics. Those films will have a future release. Knowing Shout Factory's past releases, this box set comes highly recommended if you have not yet seen these wonderful time capsules of low budget filmmaking. Watch Pam in her prime before she made 'COFFY'1973,'FOXY BROWN'-1974 both by Jack Hill and Director Quentin Tarrantino's 'JACKIE BROWN'-1997 and makes you see what all the fuss was about. Pambo Rules!!!

Want The Women in Cages Collection (Roger Corman's Cult Classics Triple Feature) (The Big Bird Cage / Bi Discount?

The machete maidens are indeed unleashed in this triple feature of philippine bamboo cage women in prison flicks, all staring a very young and captive-vating Pam Grier, 2 of the films also star Sid Haig who seems to pop up in every 70's movie I watch lately, but you may know as the menacing clown from House of 1000 Corpses and the Devil's Rejects. These are really more women empowerment movies then anything else, sure there are shower scenes and abusive prison guards, but these broads are tough and don't take no guff, there are lots of cat fights, mostly in the mud, and the films despite being low budget keep your interest and are well written and directed, not that this is exactly cinema verité, but if you like WIP, Grindhouse, Drive-in, Exploitation and or Pam Grier this is a must have.

Save 24% Off

Read More >>

American: The Bill Hicks Story (2011)

In the booklet included with the new Blu-ray "American: The Bill Hicks Story", Mary Hicks, Bill Hicks' mother, is quoted as saying "When he got sick, Bill wanted me to help him file all of his photographs, and he showed me Hendrix and Dylan documentaries. I said, 'Bill, why are you showing me all of this?' and he said 'In case someone comes mom, and they want to make one about me.'" After watching this documentary on the late and brilliant comedian one has to wonder if the film makers would have been better off consulting Mrs. Hicks on the basics of telling compelling stories. As fascinating a subject as Hicks unquestionably is, this documentary proves to be an extremely disappointing dusting over of Hicks' career combined with an irritating level of gloss and flashy editing techniques which show a lack of respect for the subject in favor of displaying art school editing prowess.

The problem in reviewing a documentary such as "American" is many fans of Bill Hicks already know the back story of his life and career. There have been very good documentaries and books focused on this subject that do a fine job of divulging personal stories and anecdotes, and there are many bootleg videos and even commercially available dvd's that show Hicks in action on stage. "American" chooses to pick from these readily available sources to show the viewer the kind of comedian and voice he was. There are a few more rare performances shown, and those clips are definitely the highlight in this film, but for the most part one can't help but feel that old news is being rehashed constantly.

All of the interviews in "American" are with Hicks' family, friends, and fellow local comedians at the time, and while they are all very eager to tell stories about Bill, it's hard not to notice the complete and total lack of attention that is paid to some of the bigger names that respected Hicks. People like David Letterman, Jay Leno, and the New Yorker's John Lahr are ignored in this documentary, and if anyone had a significant impact on Hicks' career it would be these three. This total lack of recognition of the bigger names surrounding Hicks' story make the interviews with his family and friends that much more vacant. Not to say that his family and friends are not interesting, because they are, but when there is so much more history and voices being ignored it makes it hard to counteract other points of view that may not be so biased.

What leaves the biggest distaste in the mouth about "American" is the crow-barring of the editing and graphical style. The film makers obviously had a gimmick up their sleeves with how they wanted to show this story, and it takes so much away from the subject that by the end of the film you're left wondering if they film was about Bill Hicks or this new and wacky editing tool. All of Hicks' family photos are interspersed with cartoony and slick visuals that flat out annoy. During the entirety of the film the viewer will desperately wait for a moment that is just raw video footage instead of Hicks being portrayed as a cartoon figure reciting his comedy. More than that, though, you really have a palpable feeling that more time was spent in the editing and animating room than focusing on Hicks and his legacy. There is a ton to be said about Hicks by many different voices, and when you gloss over this fact with flashy animations all substance goes out the window. It's hard to imagine Hicks would be happy if this documentary ended up being the only film based on his life.

Bill Hicks is a precious subject. There is a reason why more and more people each year flock to his mind and words. He was an incredibly sensitive, hilarious, thought-provoking, and engaged person. This documentary does little to reflect that, sadly. It's hard to give a two-star review to a subject that is so brilliant, but any time more attention is brought to Hicks can only be a good thing. There are many other ways to discover Hicks and what he had to say, and this documentary should not be one that you consider. Start with his albums. "Dangerous" first, then "Relentless", followed by "Arizona Bay", and finally "Rant In E Minor". These albums are the only introduction you will ever need. As far as other documentaries about Hicks go, the Comedy Central produced "It's Just A Ride" is far more competent and telling than "American". It features interviews with both his friends and family as well as the more famous names that were there as Hicks rose to fame. I will also point out that the blu-ray edition features hours of extra content including interviews and performances which make this purchase a little more justifiable.

Understanding Hicks is sitting down and giving him your full and undivided attention. Part of the problem with "American" is that Hicks is reduced to soundbites and one-liners that were never Hicks' forte. When Hicks came on stage he told stories, weaving them together with other stories, coming back to them, referencing earlier jokes, and accosting his audience with declarations of love and concern. You cannot wrap up the Bill Hicks experience in a soundbite. Experiencing Hicks live meant that you had to ingest, absorb, and ruminate. Otherwise you just wouldn't get it. The quality of "American" is on par of a passing fan without much interest in the comedian; someone who may chuckle a bit at his stories but hold no interest in Hicks beyond a surface level curiosity, and ultimately not understand the bigger picture. While I can accept this probably isn't the case with the film makers here, they certainly don't convince to the contrary. Bill Hicks' message deserves much more than that.

Writing from Austin, Texas (Bill Hick's home base), I must say I am saddened and outraged that this release has not been made available here in the land of the free and the home of the brave. It is no surprise that this is a UK import they appreciated him more over there then they ever did here. Jolly good! I doubt this will ever get a stateside NTSC release. If you have a way to play PAL DVDs, then this is manna from heaven for any Bill Hicks fan. Kudos to the film makers for this awesome tribute to Mr. William Melvin Hicks! The graphics are unique and the film is a true testament to the impact Bill Hicks has had and continues to have as his words ring truer everyday.

Buy American: The Bill Hicks Story (2011) Now

If you consider yourself a fan of the late Bill Hicks then this is a must see documentary. Very well put together as you get a chronological order of the events that took place on his rise to stardom. Included some early life and behind the scene details of Hicks' trials and tribulations. I thought the beginning of the film was a little slow but things quickly picked up as Hick's career started to bloom. Production did a good job including many of Bill's early and late footage of his shows. Fan or not, I think no one will be disappointed watching this film. Its unfortunate that we do not have enough people like Bill Hicks to invoke thought as well as put a comical light on issues that may normally bring about negative feelings. R.I.P.

Read Best Reviews of American: The Bill Hicks Story (2011) Here

I saw it tonight on its second US release after NYC and before LA, in a small bar in Denton, Texas, surrounded by about 50 Bill Hicks fans, and if you get a chance to see it like that, do so. Next best, invite a few fans over to watch it, and rent it as Video on Demand.

It is an outstanding documentary, and it deserves to win all sorts of awards. And for true fans who think they have all the CDs and videos, you'll find enough new material to satisfy you as well.

Where are you now, Bill, when we need you so much? You're in this movie, and maybe you can still inspire people to stand up and be counted.

Want American: The Bill Hicks Story (2011) Discount?

I am a very big fan of Bill Hicks, and I think that the man was a visionary years ahead of his time. This documentary however seemed to shed less insight into his past than it did give the opinions of his friends. I know that having read the book, seen the Sane Man and other Bill Hicks DVD and that there probably isn't a heck of a lot more to learn so my expectations may have been too high. I'd say that this is worth renting but I'd stray awy from purchasing it unless you are a mega-fan buying it to fulfill a completionist urge.

Save 27% Off

Read More >>

The Rules of Attraction (2002)

"The Rules of Attraction" is about rich kids, drugs, partying and a glimpse into college life. Since I've unfortunately known people just like this, it definitely scored with me. From beginning to end, this movie is fascinating and I couldn't pull myself away from it. Each scene is great and its a rare film that doesn't bore you. Its a very black comedy yet in many ways it hits on quite a few real issues. Sean is the main character, a drug dealing sociopathic character who falls for a virgin named Lauren who has a boyfriend named Victor. All the while Paul is in love with Sean. It sounds like a simple plot, but in the hands of Roger Avary its compelling. The backwards scenes, the suicide scene, the parties and the character interaction is disturbing yet intriguing. Of course, the book is better but that is generally the case. Still, I liked this better than "American Psycho" for some reason. It just seemed sadly real to me.

My favorite scenes are obnoxious Richard at the restaurant, Sean's excuse to Lauren for sleeping with her friend, the guy going on a debauched trip across Europe and his weird face to face moment with Lauren and the hospital scene.

This is a movie that isn't for everyone. Its a black comedy, but its peopled with strange characters and scenes that will stay with you long after. I loved it!

The Rules of Attraction might very well be the best comedy I saw in 2002. Yes, read this right. A comedy. I found myself laughing so hard at times that I had to watch the movie twice to make sure I hadn't missed anything. Only the twisted mind of Bret Easton Ellis could create the basis for this film.

On the other hand, this is also a dark, pessimistic film with very little hope in store for its characters. Here, we follow three young people who live their College years through drugs, parties and sex. They are all without an identity, all without a life so to speak. The only thing they love is feeling sorry for themselves and making everything seem worst than it is.

You can't care for these characters in a way that other movies will make you care. And yet, you can't help but feel sorry for this lot of blinded kids. They are so enthralled with their own little world that they forget about everything else that surrounds them in reality.

This is not a movie for that faint of hearts. But this little piece of cinematic genius (some of the shots are so brilliantly done they left me totally speachless) deserves to be seen by a wider audience. If only people could open up and admire something that is this dark and yet so extremely funny, they would discover a whole new cinematic world.

Buy The Rules of Attraction (2002) Now

Rules Of Attraction is one of those rare movies which doesn't seem to have an audience. Based on the Brett Easton Ellis (author of American Psycho) novel, the basic set-up is a group of college kids including James Van Der Beek as Sean Bateman, who is in love with the virginal Lara, who is also in love with him but wants to save herself for Victor. Oh, and Paul is in love with Sean too. This could well be the story for any good-natured quirky teen flick. However, the abandonment with which these kids snort cocaine, drink and have sex sets it apart as more akin to movies such as Go than She's All That.

The acting is all good, especially James Van Der Beek, completely ruining any illusions that Dawson will remain Dawson forever. As the carefree, cruel and narcisstic drug dealer Sean he is perfectly cast against type. There are also some much appreciated, though slightly pointless, cameos from Eric Stoltz as a corrupt tutor and Faye Dunaway as Paul's mother. Director Avery worked on the script to Pulp Fiction, and it shows. There are flashy narrative effects aplenty time runs backwards, speeds up and there's split-screen. Unfortunately this is nowhere as original as the Tarantino original and doesn't come close to the superior Go, the other teen movie to try and replicate the formula (which incidentally also starred Dawson co-star Katie Holmes). This being the case the drugs, sex, porn, masturbation and loud music come across as aiming to shock rather than the satire that you can't help but feel that the book contained. Brett Easton Ellis's satire was much better adapted to screen in American Psycho and The Rules Of Attraction just comes across as its junior brother that doesn't really know what it's doing but is more than happy to ape Tarantino's visual style and the shock imagery of American Psycho. It's just a shame that through such consistent repetition it just becomes dull.

This being the case it comes across not as a genuine effort to transplant the novel to the screen but as a vanity project for James Van Der Beek to show that he's not such a goody goody. That said, the movie is still enjoyable, even if most of the laughter is raised when we see Dawson doing something Dawson wouldn't do in the Creek, something that you see as being the movie's biggest asset or its biggest flaw. The end message, that no-one ever knows anybody really is impressive, although the characters don't seem to go through any emotional changes to realise this. In particular the ending will leave with that 'so what' feeling inside. Even so, the novelty value of this vacuous movie is higher than most, and it's never less than engaging. It's just that the story obviously has so much potential that you can't help but wish that something better had been done with it.

Read Best Reviews of The Rules of Attraction (2002) Here

THERE REALLY AREN'T ANY RULES THAT AREN'T MEANT TO BE BROKEN... The Rules Of Attraction pulls no punches when it comes to breaking almost EVERY sexual & social more known to man. A not so charming look at college life for the poor, spoiled, upper-middle class at it's seediest & most hedonistic. Suicide, bisexuality, masterbation, pornography, rape, & drug/alcohol abuse abound in this film. Along with some very cool cinematography & decent acting makes this film a great psudo-psycho-sexual shockumentary. Such things as split screens, freeze-frames, running the film backwards, & a very memorable & intense rapid editing scene make you feel as if you have just snorted coke with the cast. Weird and very trippy movie with a GREAT ENDING. This film, of course, will not appeal to all since it's frankness in the above mentioned topics will make some uncomfortable at best. If you can view objectively and appreciate Pulp Fiction, Requiem For A Dream, My Own Private Idaho, & other films in genres such as this, then you will appreciate this film.

Want The Rules of Attraction (2002) Discount?

What I have gathered from reading a number of these reviews is that many of the film's viewers have not read "The Rules of Attraction" by Bret Easton Ellis. First off, here's a little background on the novel:

The novel consists of mainly Sean, Paul, and Lauren; plus Victor, Mitchell, Judy (Lara is her name in the movie; I'm not sure why it was changed), and a number of other characters, who aren't featured in the movie. The novel takes place at Camden, a small liberal arts college where the students' mindless self-indulgence reigns supreme over their pursuit of knowledge. The book is a satirical look at the hedonism of college, but with much truth behind it as well. What makes the book interesting is that chapters are repeated, but, for instance, Sean will tell his side of the what happens in one chapter and Paul will tell his side in the next. For example, at a noisy party, during Sean's chapter, the keg goes dry and Sean complains and says he wants to get a case of beer, and that he'll buy. In Paul's chapter, however, he thinks Sean says they should get a quesadilla, and that he's bi. Case of beer=quesadilla; buy=bi; you get the idea. This whole ordeal makes Paul excited that the two will be going on a date, whereas Sean thinks nothing of it, except that he still wants beer. Each chapter begins with a character's name, and what they have to say about the scenarios they are a part of. Now on to the movie:

The movie illusrates the book's multi-perspective aspect with a few split-screen scenes, which doesn't translate perfectly, but are interesting, nonetheless. The main differences between the movie and the novel are that there are key scenes and chapters in the book which are cut out completely. Then, there are some scenes that are completely made up to make the movie more accessible to those who haven't read the novel. While I did find this problematic, the acting in the film is phenomenal. James Van Der Beek really shows that he has transcended the teen heart-throb status that "Dawson's Creek" plagued him with. While Sean Bateman is not nearly as slimy and intimidating in the book, nobody could have done a better job translating his character to film as Van Der Beek did. I never thought I would ever say it, but James Van Der Beek really is a great actor. I really enjoyed Kip Pardue (Paul Denton) as well. Paul actually got on my nerves a little in the book, but Pardue does a great job of exemplifying Paul's selfish, cynical, yet humorous attitude toward everything. While the movie isn't set in the 80s like the book is, Roger Avary did a wonderful job of creating what I pictured was going on in the novel.

I don't want to give too much away from either text, but if you truly want to enjoy "The Rules of Attraction" in film format, I highly suggest you read the book first. It's like an instruction booklet and a model airplane: if you don't read the instructions, you won't be able to figure out what to do. But if you do read them, it will make a lot more sense.

Save 16% Off

Read More >>

Bettie Page: Dark Angel (2004)

Bettie Page was the number one pin up model in the 1950's. Bettie Page: Dark Angel tells the story of the last three years of her brief career as a pin up model before she disappeared from the spotlight.

The bulk of the movie is told through a series of reenactments of some of Bettie Pages most famous bondage scenes. The dialog and story is not that fleshed out. Despite this minor flaw the films succeeds overall because of director Nico B.'s eye for detail in when recreating Page's Bondage segments. These segments are stylishly photographed in black and white. Nico B.'s direction is solid through out and it is obvious in every frame that this project was a labor of love.

The acting in this film is average at best with the exception of Paige Richards who plays the lead role Bettie Page. Paige Richards is a dead ringer for Bettie Page and she does an admirable job capturing the essence of Bettie Page. It is amazing just how much Nico B. is able to recreate with the limited budget he had at his disposal. Bettie Page: Dark Angel is a wonderful tribute to one of America's most icon pin up models whose popularity has not waned through the years

Bettie Page: Dark Angel comes on a 25 GB single layer BluRay. The film is presented in a 1080 progressive anamorphic widescreen. Though the transfer for the DVD was very good for the time when it was released. This new Hi Def transfer improves upon that aforementioned transfer in every way. It should be noted that the grain looks more pronounced in some scenes then in others and this is most likely due to the film's source materials. In all this is a strong transfer that does a very good job with the limitations of the source materials.

This release comes with one audio option, a Dolby Digital Stereo mix in English. The audio sounds clean, clear and balanced throughout. This release comes with four subtitle options, English, French, Spanish and Dutch.

Extras for this release include three `Making of' featurette's, the first one titled `Paige Richards as Betty Page Photo Shoot' (10 minutes 43 seconds anamorphic widescreen), the second one titled `Paige Richards as Betty Page Still Gallery' (4 minutes 13 seconds ) and the third one titled `Casting Call & Rehearsals' (16 minutes 27 seconds anamorphic widescreen), the uncut version of a scene from the film titled `Dominate Bettie in a Black Corset' (8 minutes anamorphic widescreen), a music video titled `The '57 Incident Teaserama' (2 minutes 19 seconds anamorphic widescreen), a documentary titled `In Search of Bettie Page' (10 minutes 10 seconds anamorphic widescreen) and a section titled `The Original Bondage Films of Bettie Page (1951-1956)', the total running time for the 11 short films (40 minutes 8 seconds anamorphic widescreen).

The titles of the 11 short films are as follows, `Untitled', `Bettie Paige and Her High Heel Shoes', `Untitled', `Bettie Gets Bound and Kidnapped', `Untitled', `Untitled', `Second initiation of a Sorority Girl', `Teaser Girl in High Heels', `Domineering Roz Strikes Back' and `Bettie Gets Dressed in Satin'. Overall Bettie Page: Dark Angel makes its way to Hi Def via an exceptional release from Cult Epics.

I honestly can't say how many folks will be won over by BETTIE PAGE: DARK ANGEL. Essentially, it's a fictional account of Page's life up until the point of her `mysterious disappearance' from society. Clearly, it's made on the cheap shot on video and 16 mm and it's helmed by Nico B, the founder of Cult Epics. Paige Richards does a respectable job in trying to recapture the pomp & circumstance that surrounded the original Bettie; however, while she captures the pinup queen's on-screen antics quite well, the smaller moments the ones trying to tell the story of Bettie's life fall mostly as flat as one expects from direct-to-DVD or Cinemax skin pics aired after hours.

As for the story, there really isn't all that much here. The narrative essentially serves to give license to re-capturing the substance of Bettie's bondage films, and these recreations are interspersed liberally throughout the 75 minute story. Instead of learning more about the starlet, we're basically given retreads of the shorts. Certainly, Bettie enthusiasts will be pleased, but folks expecting a story can only glean the bullet points already available from a Wikipedia entry.

The motion picture is the responsibility of Cult Epics for production and distribution. The image and sound are what we've come to expect in this era of homegrown production, and the disc is chocked with special features including: the original bondage films of Bettie Page (1951 1956); the 57" Incident Teaserama music video; In Search of Bettie Page (a nice little video of Nico B's attempt to achieve a greater insight into the model); some basic behind-the-scenes shorts including casting calls and some rather dubious attempts at what are called `rehearsals'; and the uncut short film of "Dominant Bettie in Black Corset."

As someone who loves history especially when it's given a face and a name, I expected more from this one, but I'd imagine it serves up exactly what its intended audience wanted. Given the fact the Ms. Page remained a recluse unwilling to speak about her past, this may be all we ever know.

RECOMMENDED only for fans of Bettie Page and maybe even folks who have an ongoing interest in pinups, cosplay, and adult films. There's not an awful lot of nudity here, but Page in many respects wasn't so much about bare skin as she was the playfulness of sexuality and fetishes. By comparison to so much of what's available on the web these days, so much of what she did was genuinely benign, and it's no wonder she's embraced by a legion of fans around the world.

In the interests of fairness, I'm pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Cult Epics provided me with a DVD screener of BETTIE PAGE DARK ANGEL by request for the expressed purposes of completing this review.

Buy Bettie Page: Dark Angel (2004) Now

Read More >>

Arthur / Arthur 2: On the Rocks (2-Movie Collection) (2011)

For the price this is definately worth it. It comes on 2 discs in one case, a must have for comedy fans like me. Dudley Moore is at his best in these to classic 80's comedy hits. This is a plus considering that it's on 2 discs and not on the single 2 sided disc that seems to get scratched all the time and you have to decide which side of the disc you want to keep in good mint condition.

This (Arthur)being a favorite from years gone by, was excited to see it ON BLU-RAY, and 'WIDESCREEN'! Yippee, until I started to watch it. I then compared it to my old "full frame" copy (blu and reg dvd machines, comparing back and forth). Funny what they consider widescreen now days. My original says "formatted to fit your screen". I beg to differ, but the newer "W/S" is. Case in point, I froze the screen at 1 min. 18 sec on both copies, the scene where the streetwalkers are standing in front of a store/restaurant. The full screen has so much more image than the newer wide: the signage is more complete top and bottom, as well as the characters' lower bodies. Left and right also has more picture. It's as if a w/s matte (rectangular shape) was placed over the full screen image, to create a "widescreen" image. Sorry, but I am not impressed. The blu picture (what image they left of it) IS of a brighter nature, and the signage in this particular scene IS now clear to read. The original dvd picture had looked like this scene was filmed in shadows, but the newer (smaller) image is clearer to make out. I have not watched entire film yet, perhaps update later. I, for one, do not mind side bars, if the original screen image is left intact. Still a fan of film, but am increasingly disgusted with modern film marketing tactics. (footnote: this film does not really 'need' to be widescreen, and newer fans will likely not know what they're missing with newer version. Is still head and shoulders above the dreck remake, but I'm an old guy, so what do I know!) UPDATE (4/20/11): Confusion and consternation abound! Comparing a later scene (office receptionist), w/s has more image to the right side of screen, but is cut-off at the bottom, from full screen! Oye! BOTTOM LINE: film is a hoot, in any format (Sir John Gielgud richly deserved his Oscar). The 1.0 audio is ok for a dialogue driven film, but at least stereo would have been nice. Blu-ray has audio dubs in German, French, Spanish; subtitles same, plus English. My opinion, film: 5 stars, blu video: 4 stars (cleaned up, but not 'eye-popping': it's an older film!), and 3 stars for overall blu-ray release (pluses for language options, picture improvement; negatives for 1.0 audio, zero extras, and weird formatting.) Bonus update #2: Finally watched A2. UGH! I lost count of how many none-too-subtle references/rip-offs to original film there are, and the delightfully scripted/acted original characters (Linda's Dad, A's grandmom, Burt Johnson) are dreadfully treated in #2. Almost tarnished my enjoyment of original (file under "What Were They Thinking?").

Buy Arthur / Arthur 2: On the Rocks (2-Movie Collection) (2011) Now

So i've always been a Dudley Moore fan, and I wanted to buy the classic Arthur before that idiot Russell Brand screws up the franchise by polluting it with vulgar humour and sleazy sex jokes (at least more vulgar and sleazy than the original). Dudley Moore just brings a level of class and sophistication and even sympathy to everyone's favorite drunken playboy!

Read Best Reviews of Arthur / Arthur 2: On the Rocks (2-Movie Collection) (2011) Here

'Arthur' is a true classic. After Dudley Moore's star rose , starting with 'Foul Play' and continuing with the great '10', 'Arthur' is a film with an almost perfect script, casting, music, production design and direction. It succeeds in pulling your heart strings and stands up as well today as it ever did, maybe even more so. 'Arthur 2On The Rocks' , while enjoyable, is an anemic squeal at best but at times succeeds in capturing some small glimpses of it's predecessors genius and warmth.

With that said, this review will focus on the actual video and sound quality rather than the film itself so you the reader can decide whether this Blu Ray disc is a good upgrade from your standard VHS or DVD versions.

This release of both the original 1981 'Arthur' and it's 1988 sequel 'Arthur 2-On The Rocks' is presented on one 50GB BD housed in yet another el-cheapo "eco case" with no real artwork on the disc itself other than the film's titles. No extras other than the original film trailers are included.

So how does 'Arthur' fare on Blu ray? Is it worth your hard earned cash and what should you expect? This movie is one of my all time favorites and I have to admit to being disappointed somewhat in this BD presentation.

For starters, both films have been cropped slightly from their original aspect ratios to fill our HDTV screens. It is nothing too drastic but I always prefer seeing films the way they were shot, not minding a bit of black border here and there.

Bottom line is this: For now, this is the BEST 'Arthur' has looked (or probably ever WILL look) on home video. Nevertheless, the original film sports a slightly troubled transfer. With a relative low bit rate and an apparent lack of caring on the Blu Ray authors part, 'Arthur' has trouble with both image stability (telecine wobble) and contrast issues, namely some major blooming with bright light sources. The wobble is nothing that should worry the casual viewer, but videophiles will notice it each time it happens. Check out the headlights on Arthur's limo as it is parked in front of the restaurant he has taken "Princess Gloria" to. The limo is parked, but the lights keep shifting position. And notice the massive blooming from any indoor scene that includes outside windows. YIKES! My display is properly calibrated so what you see is what you get here.

Fine detail is frequently obscured by something appearing to be an overzealous application of DNR, but it doesn't introduce any other negative artifacts into the picture such as smearing or blurring. It is obvious to me that this film was basically run thru the scanner set on "Auto" and no human being sat and watched the finished results because the blooming alone would have been reason enough to ADJUST the relative Bright/Contrast levels for a much better and pleasing result. As it is, at times the transfer looks pretty darn good (Arthur, Hobson and Linda at the City bus stop is a good example) and alternately pretty bad (Arthur in his father's office whenever the outside window is in the frame)

On the positive side, the colors are solid and the color timing is beautiful.

'Arthur 2On The Rocks' fares much better picture wise. The image is stable, the contrast levels are much better, for both day and night scenes and the color timing mimics that of the previous release.

If you LOVE the original 'Arthur' like I do, while being slightly disappointed with the original films treatment from this rather shoddy transfer, you will have to admit it is the best it has ever looked in your living room or home theater. If only it could have been brought up to the visual level of the 2nd film, I would have nothing to complain about regarding the picture quality.

How about the sound? 'Arthur' is presented in it's original mono, albeit in uncompressed DTS-HD Master Audio. While not demo material for your surround system, the sound is good with nice, crisp dialogue and decent sounding music. The audio is actually better than the visual. On the other hand with 'Arthur 2' , the picture is much better but the audio is NOT. In fact if you watch and listen carefully you will notice the entire first reel of 'Arthur-2' has been 'looped' in post production and sounds like it is coming out of a cardboard tube. This improves as the film progresses and the sound on this one is at least presented in it's original stereo mix and again using DTS-HD.

Even with a less than stellar transfer and shoddy sound on the 2nd film I still have given this product FIVE STARS and the reason is because of the content (2 films with one being a classic) and because of the current very low asking price.

To sum it up, if you are a fan of this film or it's sequel, then this purchase is a must have and should be a no brainer. While this is far from the ideal presentation and falls somewhat short of my expectations and what could have been achieved with even the slightest amount of human involvement in this transfer, it is pleasure to finally watch and enjoy 'Arthur' in High Definition.

Recommended for fans and the curious alike, just don't get your hopes up too high for a great transfer as it isn't there.

Want Arthur / Arthur 2: On the Rocks (2-Movie Collection) (2011) Discount?

It was a good deal for the money (two films on Blu-Ray for under $15). I watched the first movie and didn't feel ripped off like I did watching some other Blu-Rays (First Blood and Total Recall), but was not impressed. The video quality was okay, but not great (I suspect better than a standard DVD). There was little or no grain, but it just did not look that great. But, it was okay for a movie that old, and at that price. The audio was "DTS-HD Master Audio", but was in MONO! What is the point of that?

I put in the second movie (Arthur 2) and immediately noticed grain. I didn't think it looked as good as the first movie. I skipped through it, and there was grain throughout the movie. But still, probably better than a standard DVD, which I have never seen. Grain just bothers me. I don't think you should see it on a Blu-Ray disc. The second movie had stereo sound at least, which was still a disappointment, but better than the original Arthur (first movie).

Still a good deal at this price, unless you are a big fan of the "Arthur" movies.

Save 33% Off

Read More >>

Moonrise Kingdom (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012)

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

Heavy hitters include the brilliant Edward Norton (for once watching his language and holding his temper) as an anal but dedicated troop leader, Bill Murray who in stark contrast to the young stars in this film, fails to find any joy whatsoever in his work in the law profession, wealth, family or beautiful surroundings. His dissatisfied wife (Frances McDormand who was the psychiatrist in Norton's first film Primal Fear), is also an attorney (the lawyer banter are some of the funniest lines in the film). Bruce Willis (who plays very well with child stars as he has a bit of child still left in him) is the bachelor, island cop who goes head-to-head with the chilling Tilda Swinton (white witch from Narnia) known only as "Social Services," as she callously plans to put "the boy" in juvenile refuge to undergo shock therapy as needed.

Despite the exceptionally strong adult cast, the two main child stars Sam and Suzy not only keep pace, but outshine the grownups with their unfailing loyalty and unconditional love for each other, both express an unthinking complete giving of themselves to one other. The film captures beautifully in the persons of these two intriguing social outcasts the experience of moving from being trapped in isolation into discovering and developing a union with another. I love how the two of them are so adult and wise in one way and still very much children, with childlike reasoning and priorities, e.g., Suzy runs away and packs a suitcase full of books and her kitten but not a change of clothes.

The cast is rounded out by a boyscout troop with scouts having inappropriately derogatory names as we did in my youth such as lazy eye for the boy with the eyepatch. Also true to life was how dangerous and unsupervised our childhoods were then. Seeing the boy jump from two story height onto a trampoline without a surrounding net or a single spotter in sight, for example, really brought me back. And interactions with our parents really were pretty much restricted to being called to the table for dinner. I loved seeing Suzy's little brothers (Irish triplets) while away the time with all of the board and other none electronic games, fueled by a couple of dice or imagination.

Wes Anderson spins a simple, sweet story yet the viewer never knows exactly where it is headed. Throughout, the film is subtly hilarious. In trademark Anderson fashion, the lines are delivered in an almost deadpan way with all the characters completely oblivious to the irony and ridiculousness of the situation, dialog, and even their lives and themselves. I highly recommend purchasing this movie; it's one you'll want to watch again and again and share with other people. I've already seen it four times and it hasn't even opened in theaters in my state, yet.

IN A WORLD WHERE films must shock, where films must employ impossible stunts, extreme violence and outrageous characters, comes Moonrise Kingdom with none of it. This is a real STORY, with real characters, in which everything that happens is actually possible. What a concept. Told with humor and compassion, the film sweeps you along without the dreaded need for suspension of disbelief. The story is pure Americana life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Some do it better than others. Not everyone is a winner. Its stars seven of them! are all totally out of character. This is not a Bill Murray vehicle or an Edward Norton vehicle or a Bruce Willis vehicle. The stars fit in, almost as afterthoughts. It's the story that counts. Most impressively, it has style. From the opening shots of Susie, face on with her binoculars in various rooms of the house, you know this film will be stylish. And understated. It is worthy of any screen in the world, in a world where American films have become overpoweringly boring and repetitive and entirely predictable. This is the kind of film that France would have originated, and which Americans would have remade into a noxious overkill of action and adventure. It is therefore rare and precious. It will endure long after Transformers XXVII has faded. Kudos to Wes Anderson and team for resisting the urges that every other Hollywood production takes for a granted as a requirement. Bob Balaban as the narrator, making his own appearance in the story, is inspired, as is his framing in the shots. That kind of attention to style gives Moonrise Kingdom the ability to sweep you away. On these shores, this is the first must see in years.

Buy Moonrise Kingdom (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012) Now

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

Read Best Reviews of Moonrise Kingdom (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012) Here

I normally have a no-movie-buying policy. I love movies, but I don't need physical copies of them cluttering up the house. Downloads are too easily available, without any storage issues. But in this case, my son fell in love with this movie in the theater, and I loved that this is the first movie he truly loved. So this was a Christmas gift, and a much appreciated one. The fact that I broke the house rule for it made the gift doubly sweet. Kind of like the treat of getting to stay up past your bedtime (reason alone to have a strict bedtime).

Want Moonrise Kingdom (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy + UltraViolet) (2012) Discount?

It is something of a challenge to write a review of a Wes Anderson film. How do you explain a film where the soundtrack includes pieces by Hank Williams and Benjamin Britten and yet they both fit perfectly? Everything about Anderson's style is so unique, from the way the visual shots are composed and the way the dialogue is written to the way the actors deliver the dialogue, not to mention the myriad odd little background details that are worked in throughout. It's almost impossible to simply describe the film and still do it proper justice. The best I can really say about Moonrise Kingdom is that it's arguably the ultimate Wes Anderson film, his masterpiece at least to date. And I say that as someone who isn't or at least wasn't prior to this film a particular fan of his work.

Written by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola, Moonrise Kingdom takes place in the summer of 1965 on an island off the coast of New England, where two twelve-year-old misfits Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) and Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward) run off together into the wilderness because they've fallen in love. In flashback, we learn that Sam, an orphan who's a member of Khaki Scout Troop 55, which has its summer camp every year on the island, and Suzy, whose utterly dysfunctional family has a summer house on the island, met the previous summer and felt an instant affinity for each other, which resulted in their corresponding over the year and hatching a plan to run away together when the two of them would again be on the island the following summer. When they meet up, each brings what they think they'll need to survive. Sam brings camping equipment; Suzy brings six books, her cat, and a portable record player.

A search begins for the two runaways when their respective adults notice they're missing. In the case of Sam, this is Scout Master Randy Ward (Edward Norton), and in Suzy's case, her lawyer parents, Walt Bishop (Bill Murray) and Laura Bishop (Frances McDormand) , who in turn call in the island's local police chief, Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis), who we subsequently learn has been having a long-term affair with Laura that both realize is hopeless but neither has the strength to walk away from.

I don't want to give away any more about the plot as a lot of the enjoyment of a Wes Anderson film is simply watching things unfold in delightful, unexpected and sometimes simply weird ways, and Moonrise Kingdom is no exception. I will say that the ending was perfectly written and executed, bringing a number of plot threads and themes together in ways that you'll truly have to experience to appreciate. If nothing else, Moonrise Kingdom truly merits an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The dialogue, the originality and the way in which the themes are developed in in which all of the intricate elements are tied together as the story plays out is truly a work of art. Not to mention all of the myriad little cultural cues and references worked into the visuals and the dialogue, from the more obvious ones like Noah's Ark and Peter Pan to the more obscure like Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce.

The performances are all top-notch, to the point that it's difficult to single out any one as being superior to the rest. Newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward turn in particularly deft performances as Sam and Suzy, more than able to carry the film's center as events swirl around them. Bruce Willis does a particularly nuanced job as the island's police chief, trying to do the right thing by the two runaways even when he can't manage to do it for himself, his eyes and his pauses delivering volumes about the things he doesn't say. Bill Murray's Walt is a bleakly comic mix of bluster and despair, while Frances McDormand's Laura runs the family show, herding her kids around with a bull-horn (something apparently Anderson's mother actually did). Edward Norton's Scout Master Randy goes through one of the film's more interesting evolutions as events lead him out of his comfort zone of structure and order into swirling chaos and eventually to surprising self-discovery. The boys who make up the rest of the Khaki Scouts in Troop 55 make an excellent supporting group-think character, as do the boys who play Suzy's three younger brothers. In addition to the cast already mentioned, other notable actors who show up are Bob Balaban as the film's on-screen Narrator (who is also apparently the island's local historian and who gives a bizarre visual impression of having been one of Santa's elves in a past life), Jason Schwartzman as one of the scout's Cousin Ben, Harvey Keitel as Khaki Scout Commander Pierce, and Tilda Swinton as "Social Services" (it's one of the running jokes in the film).

A lot of themes run through Moonrise Kingdom, particularly with regard to the question of whether there is any real difference between adults and children. The adults in Moonrise Kingdom all experience private feelings of inadequacy in their roles as adults, and in fact act like children in their dealings with each other, but maintain the pretense nonetheless in the presence of the 'real' children. The children in turn act like little versions of the adults, the only difference being that they're not yet aware of their inadequacies and hence do not feel inhibited by them. A lot of this is played out in the dialogue and the way the actors deliver it, maintaining an even consistency in the level of vocabulary and in the rhythm of delivery, whether the words are coming from an adult or a kid, further erasing the boundaries we generally use to distinguish between the two. The adults sound like the children and the children sound like the adults, but without the doubts.

There are a number of memorable scenes in the movie, many humorous but some surprising in how they speak again to the issues of whether there really is any difference between adulthood and childhood. And in the inadequacies adults feel in their roles as adults. One of my favorites is a moment where Walt and Laura are lying awake in their summer house, unable to sleep with the two kids missing and the sound of the approaching storm beginning to rise outside. As they stare at the ceiling, Walt, in a moment of despondent candor, says "I hope the roof flies off and sucks me into space." When Laura reminds him "We're all they've got," Walt replies simply but tellingly "It's not enough." Another great scene occurs when the other Scouts in the troop go searching for Sam, but only after arming themselves with every weapon they can find or make. It's darkly comic and appalling at the same time when you realize that the boys are just mimicking what they think adults are like.

On a side note, the books in the film that Suzy takes with her and from which she reads to Sam and to the other Scouts are completely fictitious. Or at least they were. Anderson commissioned six artists to create jacket covers for the books, and then he wrote the passages for each of the books that Suzy ends up reading aloud. Anderson had considered creating animated segments to accompany the reading scenes, but in the end he chose instead to just have Suzy reading with the boys listening enraptured. After the film was completed and released though, Anderson decided to animate all six books and use assemble them in a video in which Bob Balaban, acting against as narrator, introduces the segment for each of the books. This video may appear in the DVD/Blu-ray release as bonus material.

All in all, I would highly recommend Moonrise Kingdom, both to fans of Wes Anderson as his best film to date, and to anyone else who enjoys quirky but highly engaging story-telling with masterful attention to every detail and fine performances by an extremely talented cast of actors.

Save 51% Off

Read More >>

We The Party (2012)

Hendrix (Mandela Van Peebles) is a high school student. He works at parties as a DJ to earn money to buy a car. He has done the guy thing and entered into a "first one to loose their virginity" contest with 4 friends. Meanwhile he wants to date Cheyenne (Simone Battle) the Phoebe Cates of this teen movie. Cheyenne's dad (Michael Jai White) is a policeman and won't allow his daughter to date anyone below a 3.5 grade average. Hendrix makes an arrangement to have Cheyenne tutor him so he can get his grade point average up and take her to the prom.

The film also has some party rappers, an up skirt cell phone cam, a school project that interfaces with poor people, and a token 20 year old near thug (Y.G. who pays C.C.) in class. Snoop Dog listed in the credits has a minor role.

Peebles has no problem quoting Malcolm X (just called Malcolm in the film to fool us white folk) and gives a grand lecture on consumerism, aimed at both Hendrix and the audience. The acting and story line were just fine, it just seems to be underdeveloped. Maybe I have just outgrown these films.

PARENTAL GUIDE: F-Bomb, off screen sex, no nudity. 2 1/2 stars

Great movie never a dull moment definitely one for the collection . We the party served as a look in to life nowadays and its right on.

Buy We The Party (2012) Now

The movie was good not only for myself but for my grandchildren as well. I have recomended it and will continue to do so Thanks

Read Best Reviews of We The Party (2012) Here

I truly enjoyed watching this movie. The mesage that it is sending out to our younger adults about the company you keep is important. To treat people the way you want to be treated at all times. I will watch again and share with others that visit me and want to watch movies.

Want We The Party (2012) Discount?

I enjoyed it i never saw it before i bought it and It was a great movie. I reccomend this movie to everyone!!

Save 40% Off

Read More >>

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) (2004)

When you hear the basic storyline of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," it sounds like another one of those "wacky" romantic comedies that they love to put out every month. However, when you realize that this is written by Charlie Kaufman (who also wrote "Adaptation" and "Being John Malkovich"), then you know that this will be a very different movie. This is such an enjoyable, hilarious and a brutally honest film that has immediately become a favorite of mine.

Jim Carrey plays "Joel;" a quiet and shy person who keeps to himself most of the time. He's bummed out when he discovers that his girlfriend had a new procedure done in where she has erased him from her memory. Not knowing what else to do, Joel decides that he must get the same thing done to him and goes to the clinic to have her erased from his memory, hoping that the pain and sadness will go away. When he's undergoing the procedure, unconscious and reliving the memories as they are being erased, Joel begins to realize that there were some very happy moments he had with her and he doesn't want to lose them after all.

It's really hard to categorize a movie like this. While it is indeed a comedy on some levels, it has a lot of dramatic elements to it, as well. Because of this, people will either fall in love with it or despise every minute of it. What really struck home with me is how honest and creative it really is. You'll find a lot more honesty and truth in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" than in most of the "cute" comedies that are out there today. It is extremely easy to relate to the characters, and that is what makes it all the more realistic for us. Jim Carrey is absolutely fantastic in this, as he is very controlled and doesn't try to steal the show. This is when you really get to see his acting skills shine. Kate Winslet takes the challenge of playing opposite of Carrey head-on and succeeds every single time. We cannot forget about Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, Kirsten Dunst and Tom Wilkinson, who also make the movie that much more entertaining.

What I really admire about the movie is the theme of it, and that is that just because a relationship doesn't work out in the end, it doesn't mean that it was time wasted. Sure, there are certain memories we wish would go away somehow, but how would that change us as a person if we could do such a thing? We learn from our experiences; from the good and the bad. That's how we mature as human-beings, and Kaufman's clever writing really establishes that perfectly. The DVD has some cool extras, such as behind-the-scenes documentaries, audio commentary from the writer and the director, deleted scenes and more.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" remains the best film to come out of 2004 for me. It's strange, yet clever; funny yet sad, and imaginative, yet honest. If you're looking for a risk-taking film that is like a breath of fresh air, then I highly recommend this excellent picture. This can possibly be the best movie of Jim Carrey's career. Take a chance and find out why so many people are raving about it in the first place. -Michael Crane

ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, which I saw tonight in an advance screening, is the most twisted, original romantic comedy I've seen in a long time. Coming from the mind of Charlie Kaufman, this film is luckily more in the vein of BEING JOHN MALKOVICH and ADAPTATION than HUMAN NATURE.

The film, which operates on the premise that people can delete bad relationships from their memories, travels essentially backward down its story's timeline. It examines several key themes regarding compatibility, fate and how our memories can make up who we are.

Jim Carrey, who plays his role of Joel straight rather than wacky, delivers his best and most human performance since THE TRUMAN SHOW. But the movie, thankfully, belongs to Kate Winslet. As Clementine, the girlfriend who Joel wants to either love or forget, Winslet is wacky, colorful and hilarious the sort of girl you want to either love or strangle.

While their central story plays out mostly within Joel's brain, several equally interesting subplots emerge involving the memory-erasing workers played by Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood and Tom Wilkinson.

The thing I like best about Charlie Kaufman scripts is that I don't always know where they're going but, in the end, they cover all their bases, address all the philosophical questions inherent in their twisted plots and always leave me entertained. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND is a terrific movie.

Buy Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) (2004) Now

Charlie Kaufman is known for creating films that bend the mind -"Being John Malkovich," "Adaptation," "Human Nature." But he takes a slightly different turn in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," a sort of romantic dark comedy that raises questions about memory and identity. It may not be the best of Kaufman's work, but it's in some ways the most endearing.

Uptight Joel (Jim Carrey) is shocked to learn that his likably flaky ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) has taken unusual measures, post-breakup. She's having her memories of him erased from her brain at Lacuna Inc. When he learns WHY she broke up with him (she thought he was boring), he gets mad and decides to have the same thing done to himself.

So a group of offbeat techies and doctors (Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood and Kirsten Dunst) begin to erase the memories of Clementine from Joel's brain (Wood's character also tries to use Joel's memories to seduce Clementine). Problem is, his brain doesn't want to let them go. It pokes Clementine into parts of his memory where she doesn't belong, so he won't have to let go. And viewing the memories makes him fall in love all over again...

"Dark romantic comedy" is the closest thing that "Eternal Sunshine" has to a description. Like Kaufman's other films, it's funny in a subtle way, and more obviously sweet and romantic. Not to mention thought-provoking. If you could erase unpleasant memories, would you do it, if it changed the person you were? If we get rid of the pain, do we also get rid of the joy?

Michel Gondry is best known for his work on Bjork, Radiohead and White Stripes music videos -deliciously strange ones. Somehow, he fits perfectly into directing "Eternal Sunshine." A trip through a person's brain is a hard thing to manage, but he does it -surreal little images like a teeny tiny Winslet and Carrey bathing in a kitchen sink, or lying on the ice. It's weird, and it works. At the same time, he can capture more mundane moments well.

Jim Carrey gives what may be his best "serious" role ever, as the conflicted, lovelorn Joel. Kate Winslet's Clementine breaks the mold of "romantic comedy heroine" with her free-spirited wackiness. Together, they make a flawed couple that you really want to see together. And Elijah Wood takes what could have been an empty role and turns Patrick into a rather pitiful, lonely figure, rather than a 2-D creep.

"Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" is not the best from Charlie Kaufman's fertile brain, but this melancholy dark comedy is well worth checking out. A wonderful, prismatic film.

Read Best Reviews of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) (2004) Here

I've never submitted a review before, cause I never had a reason to. I was lucky that I got a chance to see the sneak preview. I had no idea what it was about before seeing it. I think sometimes it's better that way. Nothing was given away before it was meant to, and you have no false expectations before seeing the movie.

It is, by far, one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. And there were some good ones in the past few years. It makes you really appreciate life, all the good and all the bad, and it will move you if you've ever been in a relationship. But in general anyone should and could appreciate this movie. It has some neat special effects that isn't over the top. Very appropriate and subtle that simply compliments the movie. It's a thinking movie, in that afterwards it gives you a different perspective on your current, past, and maybe future relationship (if you still remember by that time). And I think it's for the better.

I don't want to give anything away, and ruin your experience with the movie. Go with an open mind. You'll enjoy it, I promise.

Want Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) (2004) Discount?

If you've seen the trailer, you know the plot: Jim Carrey's Lowell discovers that his ex-girlfriend (Kate Winslet's Clementine) has had all memories of him erased by a company called Lacuna, Inc. So Lowell decides to get all of his memories of her erased, too. Then, during the procedure, he changes his mind and tries to save her from within literally vanishing memories.

This is not the whole plot, but it is enough to get by on--and saying anymore would give away too much: the movie is kingly in its execution of plot twists.

Other characters worth noting are the doctor who erases Lowell's memories, and his girlfriend Mary; and Patrick (Elijah Wood), who helps the doctor and gets himself rather thickly embroiled in another part of the plot as well; and the head of Lacuna Inc, who is definitely not the guy he appears to be.

Obviously, this film has an unusual premise. In fact, the entire film is unusual--and deliciously wonderful. Most of it takes place within Lowell's head, within warped memories in which fences and people vanish and people who don't belong appear; and oftentimes the settings change as swiftly and with as little fuss as scenery often does in our dreams. Yet it never becomes confusing and certainly never ridiculous: the movie sucks you in and the unreality of much of it seems oddly realistic, probably because it is the sort of unreality that we find in our heads and that we endure nearly every night when we dream. You don't even notice that the movie is particularly surreal: it feels far more realistic than your average romantic comedy or action movie, certainly!

Much of this film is not surreal in any way. We get many glimpses of Lowell's memories--obviously--and they are amazingly engaging, running the gamut of emotional extremes and not-so-extremes in Lowell and Clementine's relationship.

All of them actors and actresses do a marvelous job. Jim Carrey is especially wonderful; Elijah Wood, though with a fairly minor part, has one of the best entrances I have ever seen in a film. Kate Winslet's Clementine catches you off-balance when you realize how much you believe in her, with all her strangeness.

This is one of the most creative movies I have seen in a while. I worry about using words like "creative" and "surreal" in this review: they are accurate, but they arouse the wrong connotations. One hardly has to be a fan of abstract art to enjoy this film! Indeed, it should appeal to a wide range of audience types--it could be anything from a romantic comedy to an "arty" film to whatever you call poignant, realistic movies. It lets you do detective work, handing you clues subtly and without giving the best trick away until the end--but if you don't enjoy putting two and two together at the cinema, you aren't required to either.

This film is practically impossible to describe. If you find the trailer (go to the Focus Features website), that will give you a fairly good taste of it. But really good films should not be overly described, and I would hate to give away any of Eternal Sunshine's tricks. So forget descriptions: just go see it. In a time when a lot of movies start to look the same, Eternal Sunshine is unique and uniquely wonderful.

Read More >>