This is Fun!! Frankie is a bit old for the part at 48 tryin to be 35!! but always great to watch Frankie!! Lee J.Cobb as Dad is just Hysterical!! Cobb was
In case you got confused by all the controversial reviews...and can't decide to spend 84 minutes of your time on this film, here are some suggestions. DON'T WATCH IT IF: 1. you tend to pick movies with stylish cinematography that enhances dramatic or spectacular scenes; 2. you prefer movies with twists and turns woven into an elaborate screenplay; 3. you expect some sizzling scenes from the title or the NR-17 rating; 4. you are currently savoring your first love or consider yourself a hopelessly romantic person. But DON'T MISS IT IF: 1. you really enjoy dark comedy whether it's an indie or some Hollywood rare bird; 2. you love witty, sassy, sarcastic dialogue, and don't have a problem with profanities; 3. you readily accept any ludicrous circumstance as a natural facet of life; 4. you realize that it's common for couples to talk only on the surface about issues they're afraid to cope with, until a certain point where they must spill the beans to save the relationship or get it over with... Well, did I miss something? Oh yeah, 3 of my 4 stars go to Robert Downey Jr., simply because I believe any other actresses can carry the roles of Heather Graham and Natasha G. Wagner but nobody can do RDJr 's. He's really one of a kind.
Buy Two Girls and a Guy (1997) Now
First of all I'm surprised this went to Blu. I remember seeing this in the theater when it first came out and instantly liked it. Going in though, you have to be aware that this is a 100% dialogue driven film. There's no action really, there's only three actors in the movie (well five, if you count the two in the very beginning for about two minutes). If you go into this expecting anything but essentially a theatrical play, then you may be disappointed.Read Best Reviews of Two Girls and a Guy (1997) Here
The first time I watched "Two Girls and Guy", I had no idea what to expect. What I got was a movie that was fast paced, riveting and hilarious. RDJ is excellent as the self-absorbed womanizer who is caught having an affair with two different women at the same time. Heather Graham and Natasha Gregson-Wagner play the two girlfriends to perfection. What amazed me about this movie was RDJ's ability to take what appeared to be a one-dimensional character who you want to hate for being such a jerk, and turn him into a three dimensional character who you feel sympathy for, like it or not. My only complaint is that the movie is way too short at approximately 90 minutes. See this one!Want Two Girls and a Guy (1997) Discount?
This movie made me, an actor, not only look at myself, but look at others and wonder about lies and thier control of thier life. Downey Jr. Does an excellent job making you feel sorry for someone who doesn't deserve it. Heather Graham, shows just how easily we can become in need of someone. The whole cast portrays human conversation exceptionally well. I caught myself wondering about the script, if any of the movie was improvised. Good choice for a mature young adult.
Chick Flick Alert! "Den skaldede frisør" (English captions) is a Danish film about a hairdresser who has been fighting breast cancer. After a partial mastectomy and chemo, she gets the all-clear, but comes home only to discover her husband having a fling with a co-worker. Problem is, next week they are flying from Denmark to Italy for their daughter's wedding. Of course Dean Martin's "That's Amore" underscores the opening credits.
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I saw this movie at a screening and was able to speak with Pierce and Trine. It is a delightful story with one of the bravest performances I have ever witnessed from Trine Dyrholm. Yes, it's quiet and simple but it's ever so honest and beautiful. I have deep affection for both Denmark and Italy so this was a love letter for me, personally.Read Best Reviews of Love Is All You Need (2013) Here
How odd that this film is only available with Italian subtitles this summer-- even in Denmark (Susanne Bier's film)?? We have seen it at festivals with English subtitles and it was released months ago in Canada and Europe--why will it not be available until fall except with Italian subtitles????Want Love Is All You Need (2013) Discount?
This Italian-issued DVD is useless for English-speaking viewers. Much of the film is in Danish and Italian, and there are no English subtitles for these sequences. The only subtitles there are in Italian, and they are forced (unremovable), so the entire film is visually marred. A very unpleasant, disappointing experience--why don't sellers inform us up front about these shortcomings?
Update on 11/12/11: There is a comment posted to this review that explains that this Disc is actually the correct version of the movie. Please read it if this issue concerns you.
Buy Funny Farm (1988) / Spies Like Us (1985) (Double Feature) (2010) Now
These movies were originally filmed in and correctly framed for 4:3. A 16:9 pan & scan crop was shown in the theaters and is what you get in this bluray release. For me the 16:9 looks overly chopped and not polished at times. Movies the were originally filmed in a wide screen format normally have better framing. Also this release still only has stereo audio. Both the DVD 4:3 and the bluray 16:9 will get the job done but I prefer the un-cropped version.Read Best Reviews of Funny Farm (1988) / Spies Like Us (1985) (Double Feature) (2010) Here
Taken together, I almost have to give this a 3 "Funny Farm" is funny in its own way, but it will never measure up to "Spies Like Us," the movie that is caught between "us" and "them." My parents laugh out loud at "Funny Farm," and I can laugh at it, but they will never laugh so hard as I do at "Spies Like Us." It's so awesome. It's what 80s spy comedies were meant to be. If my parents don't get that, then that's because they grew up in the generation right between the two movies. I like them both, but "Spies Like Us" will always hold a special place in my heart. "Doctor, doctor, doctor, doctor..."Want Funny Farm (1988) / Spies Like Us (1985) (Double Feature) (2010) Discount?
Well, I haven't watched Funny Farm yet, I purchased this BD for Spies like US...a comedy classic as far as I'm concerned. :) So, in a way I feel like it deserves a BD of it's own, so that was kind of a bummer.. It was nice getting an extra ~i guess~ but feel like SLU would be nice with even a simple "making of" or behind the scenes featurette instead of just throwing in an extra movie that somehow makde it feel like it's status was lowered.
This is a dramatic piece originally written and directed by Gabriele Muccino under the title "The Last Kiss" (2001). A blockbuster in Italy and a much more intense and revealing experience than this Hollywood counterpart by Tony Goldwyn, who seems to have a penchant for appropriating scripts (million dollar baby and Crash) and legitimizing the depth that is therein displayed. Needless to say in this adaptation however direct transliteral carbon-copy may be a more accurate description something is lost. The cultural translation works only within a limited dress, disguising inability to commit with what may be "existential angst" in full swing. The Italian version adds intensity where the DreamWorks production carries a blunt tenderness, neither convincing nor endearing, but always aptly dramatized. The casting is excellent as we've come to expect of all of Tricia Wood's engagements, with Zach Braff and Jacinta Barrett and Rachel Bilson in leading roles supported with a surplus of talent in minor agents of definite weight.
Read Best Reviews of The Last Kiss Here
I saw the orignal Italian version of this movie and I hated it. Everything just seemed to fall flat. I never hated characters so much. I decided to give the remake a chance because I am so enthrawled with Zach Braff. I think when you hear 'Zach Braff' you automatically think 'funny' so people were disappointed with the overall tone of the movie. It isn't a romantic comedy. It is about the complexities of love and realizing that you are no longer a kid. Zach Braff proves he is so versatile and talented in every role. Jacinda Barrett was okay. I think they could have found someone better for this role. It was just easier to sympathize with Braff's character instead. (I heard that Rachel McAdams was considered for this role and I think she would have been amazing.)Anyway this is a great movie but don't expect big laughs. The soundtrack is really good too! I have to say that this film ranks among other romantic dramas that are realistic, that, instead of trying for the angst of courtship and happiness of ever after, depicts fallible human beings who make mistakes, who prosper and fail, who try and give up. It's definitely in the same vein as Garden State. By showing relationships in different stages, this movie points out the difficulties one faces when in a pair and the sacrificies one must make for either a partner or child. Much like Garden State, it provides an almost philosophy in the film, gives great quote after great quote, and, though it wraps up the storylines, doesn't necessarily give that swelling of orchestra happy ending that most romantic comedies do.
This comedy performance by Walter Matthou ranks with his best work, such as in The Odd Couple, Sunshine Boys etc. Unfortunately, not as many people have seen it, as this movie is a little-known gem.
Read Best Reviews of A New Leaf (1971) Here
That Elaine May has directed herself in a film only once bids fair to become one of the mythic disappointments of film history, like the hostile neglect visited upon so much of Orson Welles' work, like the fact that "Night of the Hunter" was Charles Laughton's only film as a director, like Oliver Stone having access to film-making equipment.Want A New Leaf (1971) Discount?
And what would this new life be for this small plastic encased fern of comic genius A Restored Director's Cut DVD!
I discovered this movie on cable quite by accident about 25 years ago and fell in love with it. The quirky screenplay by Scott Frank ('Get Shorty', 'Little Man Tate') under the skilled and well-thought-out direction of Martha Coolidge ('Real Genius', 'Valley Girl') made for a tight, yet low-key and funny-as-all-get-out movie that stands head and shoulders above a lot of the other films of its day that seemed somehow to garner more unwarranted attention.
Kitano's remake of the popular 1960's "Zatoichi-the Blind Swordsman" series (there were probably over two dozen of the original series) takes big risks but largely succeeds. Kitano is a darker, more sinister Zatoichi, and the action is a lot more Tarantino-esque. The sword action is first class but extremely violent, unlike the original series which, like the vintage Westerns, were mostly bloodless affairs. Blood squirts everywhere on the scale of "Kill Bill."
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Blending period drama, Shogun Assassin-style ultra-violence, comedy and Stomp-esque musical interludes, Takeshi Kitano's "Zatoichi" is probably the most audacious film to have come out of Japan so far this decade. Kitano a former comedian who divides his time between gameshow appearances and producing violent gangster flicks plays the eponymous hero, a blind but deadly samurai who gets off on gambling, chopping wood and putting wrongs to right. It's a masterful turn, and one that Kitano clearly relishes, twitching and chuckling to himself before dispatching enemies with a blink-and-you'll-miss-it flash of his blade.Read Best Reviews of The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi Here
ok, to be honest, i have not yet watched Zatoichi. i'm not here to review that. judging by the reviews of the others on here, you can see that you either love it or hate it. i'm here to recommend SONATINE.Want The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi Discount?
This is the type of Beat Takeshi film I have been yearning to see for a decade. It is a Japanese period film stylistically similiar to Kurosawa's Yojimbo and Sanjuro. Takeshi however has modernized the genre with the utmost taste and care. The music, the acting, the swordfights, the tap dances, the camerawork, the plot, the computerwork... all utterly amazing. Takeshi set out to make a "Big Screen" work to entertain the masses and he has far surpassed any expectations.
From my wife Sarah: An unsuspecting, nerdy and innocent but beautiful character played by Katherine Heigl and a government hit man played by Ashton Kutcher fall in love. Kutcher's character gives up the spy life to marry a woman he can trust, choosing a normal but blissful suburbian life. That is until Kutcher's handler tries to reactivate him three years later. Chaos insues in this fun and charming movie.
Read Best Reviews of Killers (2010) Here
If you've been married even for just a few years, get this movie. I've always liked the gal from Grey's Anatomy and never liked the guy from that 70's show. I have to tell you, he was fantastic, imo, in this movie. I didn't know he had it in him. The banter is so real between them. Sure I figured out the ending, but I do that a lot and the movie was so much fun, I didn't care. One poster said don't have a lot of expectations. I warned my wife and then we watched it. We've been married for over 31 years and I'm telling you, it was like watching ourselves years ago. We laughed and laughed at this movie. Very entertaining. The action is just right. The plot was just right. For once the trailers don't give it away and you can thoroughly sit back and enjoy! One that will be fun to watch again.This is a cute movie. My husband and I are so tired of the trash they call movies. These two are so cute. I realize he is a hit man gone good, then back again. But they do it so tastefully we both loved it. the only cursing is in the last scene, and tollerable.
In only his third film, Spike Lee created a classic that is both socially relevant and artistically accomplished. By focusing the actions at one location in one day, this film reminds us that race relation cannot be improved if we don't improve the way each one of us interacts with everyone else. The film's finale is notable for its echos of real events that occurred not long before the film was made, and its prescience of events to follow. It is an unforgettable movie scene that shows how intolerance can victimize everyone. Nevertheless, the apocalyptic vision of the final scene did not sit well with some critics. Is it a call to end violence or to start violence, they asked. In the film Lee seems to say there are no easy answers.
Buy Do the Right Thing (Blu-ray + DVD) (1989) Now
I remember a female friend of mine telling me she watched this film, and at the end stood up crying and yelling, "stop fighting! " This movie provokes you in that way. That Spike Lee managed to get these severe reactions from his actors even the ones opposed to him onscreen is brilliant. I doubt anybody in the cast completely agreed with his final product, but that is what makes this movie so moving. I wish other directors/producers would have the guts to tackle any subject as faithfully as Lee has here. I have followed John Turturro's career since "Do the Right Thing", and I'm barely able after all this time to forgive him for some of the things he says in this movie. Yes, it's only a movie. And Spike Lee is only a genius. To my friend who shouted in the theater, I can only say I wish this movie didn't have to be made.Read Best Reviews of Do the Right Thing (Blu-ray + DVD) (1989) Here
In all likelihood Spike Lee's most important achievement as director, writer and actor (though to my taste Mo' Better Blues is just as good a picture) and one of the strongest films you'll see about race relations, `Do The Right Thing' looks dated at times, but it lost none of its impact and relevance. The movie takes place in a particularly hot day in a primarily African-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, and follows the various personalities who live there throughout the day; the center of the story is Sal's Famous Pizzeria its owners, some of the few white people living in the neighborhood: Sal (Oscar nominated performance for Danny Aiello) and his two sons (John Torturro and Richard Edson), and Mookie (Spike Lee himself), the black delivery boy. What starts out as a light, entertaining movie with some amusing characters and light humor, gradually builds up tension to the point of being unbearable, up to the dramatic and tragic climax. Spike doesn't put as much emphasis on the characters themselves as he does on the relationships and the tension between them; and in this image of a very specific and small frame in time and place, makes a strong and important message about racism and race relations in general.Want Do the Right Thing (Blu-ray + DVD) (1989) Discount?
The first time I've seen Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" was at the theater and the movie refused to leave my mind for about several weeks. It just kept replaying itself constantly in my mind of the events and the turn a bouts of the story. The writing is so sharp and the movie is hilarious as well as the only movie to make Roger Ebert cry.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" Is a strong contender for the best teen movie from the eighties.
Buy Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Blu-ray + DVD) (1982) Now
One of the classic high school movies, Fast Times spawned a slew of teenage talent on the big screen, but no one was more memorable in this movie than Sean Penn as Spicoli. Amy Heckerling cuts out a slice of Southern Californian life from a San Bernardino high school that shows both honor students and misfits alike. While the signature moments belonged to Spicoli, there were many other great scenes such as the ongoing burger war in which Judge Reinhold finds himself on the short end of the spatula. Meanwhile his little sis, a seemingly innocent Jennifer Jason Leigh, experiments with dating and sex with an amusing pair of misfits, Brian Backer and Robert Romanus. Phoebe Cates tries to set her young prodigy straight but to no avail. Forest Whitaker even has a significant moment in this movie as the bruising defensive lineman who takes out the destruction of his prized car on the opposing team. Little did he know that Spicoli had a hand in it. But, it is the hilarious relationship between Spicoli and Mr. Hand (Ray Walston) that steals the show. Fast Times may appear a bit dated, but it hasn't lost any of its humor.Read Best Reviews of Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Blu-ray + DVD) (1982) Here
Fast Times At Ridgemont High is Cameron Crowe's first foray into the movie industry. He started out (as chronicled in Almost Famous) as a teenage reporter for Rolling Stone. After he left the magazine, he posed as a high schooler in a Southern California high school. The result was a book that was turned into this movie. Mr. Crowe wrote the screenplay and Amy Heckerling directed. The movie follows several different students and is one of the funniest movies ever made. Sean Penn stars as the stoner surfer Jeff Spicoli who only goal in life is to find some tasty waves and keep a cool buzz. His history professor, Mr. Hand (played with menacing glee by the late Ray Walston), provides an adversary for Spicoli to go up against. Judge Reinhold & Jennifer Jason-Leigh play brother & sister, Brad & Stacy. Brad is a senior who seems to have it all, cool car, good job at a burger joint and a perfect girlfriend. All of this collapses on him as his girlfriend breaks up with him, he's fired from his job and is forced to work a couple of embarrassing jobs. Stacy is a freshman and works at a pizza place in the mall (which is the center of alot of activity in the film) with the world wise Linda (played by Phoebe Cates). Linda is constantly giving advice to the naive Stacy. She meets an older guy and in one of the more poignant moments in the film, loses her virginity to him in a baseball dugout. Mark Ratner works at the movie theater in the mall and has a crush on Stacy. His friend, Mike Damone (played by Robert Romanus) is a hustler who scalps tickets to concerts and he, like Linda to Stacy, gives advice to "Rat". Stacy and Rat eventual go out, but Damone ends up sleeping with Stacy. A whole mess ensues, but in the end, every one makes up. The movie was a springboard to the careers of Mr. Penn, Ms. Cates, Ms. Leigh and Mr. Reinhold and is riff with future stars in small roles including Nicholas Cage, Anthony Edwards, Eric Stoltz & Forrest Whitaker. The movie has a great soundtrack and is a perfect snapshot of the fashions, trends and lives of teenagers in the early 80's. But throw away the different hairstyles, clothes, slang and music, the situations that the kids get into are the same for any generation and we can all relate.Want Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Blu-ray + DVD) (1982) Discount?
While the film itself is a bona fide classic, and the transfer is crisp and clear, this DVD production is sorely lacking. The extras are slim, and the bonus soundtrack featuring commentary from directory Amy Heckerling and writer Cameron Crowe is unenlightening. The original trailer (showing how the studio sold the film to audiences), and the documentary (including contemporary interviews with several of the players) are nice bonuses.
A bunch of people have said that Wimbledon was 'too predictable.' Well, it's a romantic comedy. Of course it's predictable: boy meets girl, they fall in love, trouble pursues, they get together in the end.
Read Best Reviews of Wimbledon Here
For me, there's nothing like a good romantic comedy, and when the story is set in the sports world, my interest level can be counted on to double. This one has a tennis theme, so naturally I checked it out as soon as it became available on DVD.
Sometimes a romantic comedy comes along that pulls at so many strings and is appealing on so many levels that you have to watch it at least once or twice a year...this movie happens to be one of those special treats.
Read Best Reviews of French Kiss (1995) Here
We've seen it before (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless In Seattle) and since (You Have Mail), but Meg Ryan is indisputably The Right One for this cutesy-yet-not-too-slushy romantic comedy lark.Want French Kiss (1995) Discount?
Despite the badmouthing this film receives from various "professional" critics, one would do well to ask a Meg Ryan or a Kevin Kline fan what THEY thought of the movie. As a fan of both actors, let me say this is one of my favorite films (as in I've watched it over 20 times). I liked the comedy, the development of characters, the story, Meg's facial expressions, Kevin's French accent... You name it, I thought it all added up to an enjoyable movie!
Dissatisfied at age 32 with the direction her life is taking, a young woman vows to make some changes, and to keep herself on track she decides to start a daily journal, hoping it will make her toe the line, in "Bridget Jones's Diary," directed by Sharon Maguire and starring Renee Zellweger. Bridget (Zellweger) begins with some New Year's resolutions that include no more drinking or smoking, not being paranoid about her weight, and developing poise. And-last, but not least-to avoid any romantic attachments to alcoholics, workaholics, peeping Toms or perverts. Of course she promptly falls for the one man she knows who embodies all of those characteristics: Her boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). In the meantime, her mother, Pam (Gemma Jones), continues to play matchmaker for her daughter. At a holiday gathering of friends and family, Pam nudges her in the direction of an old childhood chum, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), now a respectable attorney, and recently divorced. Their initial meeting, however, proves to be a less than monumental event, further complicated by the fact that Cleaver was Darcy's Best Man at his wedding, and has some tales-out-of-school to tell about the subsequently ill fated marriage that puts Darcy in a rather bad light. But Bridget could care less; she thinks Darcy is rude and a bore, and anyway, Daniel is her guy. Work is good, her life is going well and-as she is about to wake up and realize-she hasn't kept a single one of her resolutions. And, oh! she should have.
Read Best Reviews of Bridget Jones's Diary Here
I cannot rave enough about 'Bridget Jones' Diary'! It is so marvelous that finally there is a woman conveyed on film who's got a real body and has problems she's trying to control, and she can still get the man of her dreams.Want Bridget Jones's Diary Discount?
American Renee Zellweger did it. She made a convincing Brit. She also looked fabulous, even though she had to gain weight for the role. I loved this movie. The script was a well-done adaptation and it is very fun to watch.