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Mad Money (2008)

Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) suddenly finds herself out of money and upper class home when her husband Don (Ted Danson) gets downsized from his company. Unable to find a job, and out of desperation, she takes a job as a janitor at the Federal Reserve Bank, and as soon as she lays eyes on the vast fortune sitting around locked in plain sight, she starts hatching a plan to liberate some of it.

Her ingenious and simple plan requires the help of two other people, and soon she persuades the reluctant Nina Brewster (Queen Latifah) and the ditsy Jackie Truman (Katie Holmes) to aid and abet her scheme to steal worn out bills before they get shredded.

All together now:

And the money kept rolling in from every side

Jackie's pretty hands reached out and they reached wide

Now you may feel it should have

been a conscience-pricking scheme

But that's not the point my friends

When the money keeps rolling in, you don't ask how

Think of all the people guaranteed a good time now

Bridget called the needy to her, opened up the doors

Never been a fund like the Federal Reserve Bank plan*

After a while, there are thoughts of calling it a day, but Bridget pushes hard for milking it for all it's worth.

Short Attention Span Summary (SASS)

1. The lack of money is the root of all scheming

2. People who live with poor spouses shouldn't clean banks

3. A dollar saved is a dollar earned

4. Don't throw the money out with the trash paper

5. Money changes everything

6. Two things are certain theft and taxes

This is a light hearted comedy about three women from different backgrounds who come together to pull off an unlikely heist from a secure facility. Undeniably, there are more plot holes than plot, but who's counting? There are some funny moments, and some interesting twists, and even though the movie mostly misses the mark, Keaton and Latifah are as good as always. Wait for it on cable.

*Based on "And the Money Kept Rolling In (and Out)" Andrew Lloyd Webber "Evita"

Amanda Richards, March 21, 2008

Mad Money a brainy scheme of 3 women Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes try to smuggle millions of worn out currency that is headed for the Federal Reserve shredder. This movie is full of laughs and excitement and most of all lots of Mad Money. This in my opinion is a must see. I enjoyed these 3 actresses who are my favorite so much I now own it.

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This is a rare movie, where some of our favorite actors are involved in less than desired activities, and yet we found ourselves rooting for them. The movie is about three women in difficult situations, needing money and a change of perspective for their families.

Ted Danson delivers a great performance as the unemployed husband of Bridget, who not only lost his highly paid executive job, but is now depressed and confronting reality for at his age, he no longer feels confident enough to start again.

The three women work at what looks like Fort Knox, where money is disposed off by banks because it becomes too old to circulate. They simply shred millions every day. To support her family, Bridget, played by Diane Keaton, comes up with a rather ingenious plot that is both fun and believable.

In order to be successful in her plan to steal lots of money, Bridget enlists others. Nina, played by Queen Latifah, and Jackie, superbly played by Katie Holmes, become the other two in this trio of thieves. We found ourselves laughing, enjoying the suspense, and hoping that they get away with their creative money recycling business.

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I thought this was supposed to be a comedy. While the movie was good, I wasn't laughing much. It's full of excitment but no so much on the laughter.

MAIN STORYLINE : When her husband loses his job, Bridget (Keaton) need cash fast. When she lands a job as a jaintor at the Federal Reserve Bank, her plan : steal money going out of circulation. She enlists the help of 2 people : 1. The one who shreds the money (Latifah) and the woman who pushes the carts of money around (Holmes).

PROS

1. Overall, it's a great movie

2. great Casting

CONS

1. Not so comedic

2. Unoriginal storyline The movie is a remake of the British movie "Hot Money"

3. No Subtitles.

I just felt the movie could have been funnier and the dvd to have subtitles. I like to read what I am hearing. And while the movies gets a thumbs up, because I didn't laugh so much at this "comedy", it's not worth the whole 5 stars

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Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Mad Money accomplishes its goal of treating a serious topic in such a light hearted way that you actually enjoy watching the film. The acting is extremely convincing and the plot moves along at a good pace. It held my attention every step of the way!

The action starts when Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) finds out that she and her husband Don (Ted Danson) have finally gone broke after a year of his being unemployed after a "downsizing." Bridget tries in desperation to find work until her former maid gives her a tip that the Federal Reserve Bank is hiring--janitors. Bridget goes from being a wealthy suburbanite to a bank janitor very quickly as she attempts to save the house she has with her husband Don.

When she works at the bank, Bridget can't believe how much money she sees--and none of it, of course, is hers. They actually shred it! She soon concocts a plan to "recycle" some of the money and therefore steal it for herself and her husband. Yet Bridget knows she will need help; she can't do that big a job by herself. She eventually enlists "space cadet" Jackie Truman (Katie Holmes) who lives in a trailer with her husband Bob (Adam Rothenberg). She also gets help from an initially very reluctant Nina Brewster (Queen Latifah) who does the actual shredding of the money.

It isn't long before the women successfully make their first robbery--they pull it off! They're just beginning to celebrate when Bridget's husband Don walks into the room and there's some pretty big explaining to do. Bridget, no matter what, eventually convinces everyone with her aggressive attacks that more heists are necessary for them to have "what they want."

Of course, from here the plot can go anywhere. What happens when a security guard finds out what these three women are doing--will he go along with them and join them or will he turn them in? What about Bridget's plans to spend the money--that doesn't sit well with Nina who wants it very inconspicuous that there's been any changes in their financial situations--will Bridget or Nina win the tug of war? What about the management of the bank and the people they call in as advisers about theft--will THEY catch on and find that these women are stealing? No plot spoilers here, folks--watch the movie and find out! The ending has a few plot twists that may surprise you!

The DVD comes with a commentary; and you can watch it in either widescreen or full screen mode. There's also a cute but very brief "making of" featurette.

Overall, while Mad Money is not exactly going to win best comedy of the year, it isn't bad either. I recommend this movie for a few light hearted laughs and the acting is splendid. People who like Queen Latifah, Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes and Ted Danson will enjoy this movie, too.

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Trilogy of Life (The Decameron, The Canterbury Tales, Arabian Nights) (The Criterion Collection) (1

If you are planning to order these BDs, chances are you need no introduction to Pasolini's Trilogy of Life.(*1)

I first watched these films during my college years, and was immediately drawn to Pasolini's very unconventional film-making techniques.(*2) Thus, when these were up for sale last November from the redoubtable Criterion Collection, I preordered the blu-ray set. The "Criterion magic" does not disappoint, but.... If memory serves, there are more than 3 or 4 instances when vertical red straight lines appear prominently in the Canterbury Tales.(*3) So here is the puzzle: Why are they (still) there after the careful restoration?

I love Criterion Collection. Even though their products are more expensive, they are almost always worth the additional cost. In particular, these are great improvements from BFI's Region B (UK) blu-ray releases in terms of clarity, contrast, color scheme and especially naturality of the skin tone. So they are really currently the best transfer for these films. However, these vertical red lines are distracting, for me at least. I imagine one reason they are there (after the restoration) is that the current digital restoration technology is not advanced enough to remove these lines without compromising the entire frames. However, that theory doesn't seem convincing as Criterion Collection has in the past fixed tears and scratches more serious than these lines. An email inquiry to Criterion Collection did not produce a satisfactory answer. "The lines are in the source material" was all I was told.

If anyone has an answer, I'd be curious to know. In particular, if you happen to be or know one of the Criterion Collection's technicians in charge of the restoration, help us solve the puzzle!

Still very highly recommended, for the films and for the (otherwise excellent) transfer.(*4)

-----

(*1) In case of doubt, please consult either Wikipedia or Criterion Collection's website.

(*2) For example, the editing is not at all smooth or tidy (but quite effective). Nudities and sex are treated in a "casual" and "naturalistic" way, devoid of the usual sentimental eroticism.

(*3) They are played on an Oppo BD player connected via a HDMI cable to an 50-inch HD TV. So I think the playback equipment is adequate.

(*4) Pasolini edited Canterbury Tales and Arabian Nights more than once and the "final" cuts are shorter than the "original" cuts presented in Berlin and Cannes Film Festivals. The Criterion Collection films are the final cuts, which Pasolini preferred. (These are also explained in the documentaries in the box.)

An excellent new print of Pasolini's 'Decameron', crystalline compared to the version available previously, but purchasers should know that the 40-minute documentary about the episode of Alibech and Rustico, eliminated by Pasolini from the final version of the film, does not contain any actual footage of the episode.

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In a sentence: A cinematographic experience.

Pasolini takes you to beyond your imagination. Love the architecture and the spaces he creates. He approaches cinema as painting.

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I have been looking for these films for a long time. I've only seen a poor quality VHS of THE DECAMERON that I found in my local public library. Criterion Collection has done a great job compiling this collection together! The quality is top-notich and the booklet that comes with it is very informative. Thanks!

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I was so glad to get this series on Blu-ray. I could not believe that it was all three in a set together. We have these on VHS somewhere and we have not had a VCR in over a decade.

If you know about these movies, then you should buy them in Bluray format. Incredible find. If you do not know about the content of the films, I would look them up on IMDB first as they may not appeal to certain individuals.

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Someone's Knocking at the Door (2010)

This just isn't fair. There are certain parameters, guidelines, preconceived notions, or understood rules that any sensible polite filmmaker should adhere to. Psycho stud director Chad Ferrin (Easter Bunny Kill! Kill!) goes on a bareback'n mental rampage by violating both eye sockets and pummeling your ear canal with this disgustingly bizarre nightmare of a film, Someone's Knocking at the Door. For all you cute kids that enjoyed Zombieland or Shaun of the Dead, I'd think twice before you come walking in this neighborhood. For all you so-called seasoned gorehounds, go ahead and answer the door but be prepared to mentally grab your ankles.

Follow, if you dare, the drug-induced delirium of a group of med students that cross the line of reality and have their equilibrium shattered into tiny little worthless pieces. They all become targets for a couple of deranged serial rapists/murderers that somehow have returned from the 70's. Time to party, and it's BYOB (Bring Your Own Blood).

WARNING--Being horrificly raped to death is no way to go.

Someone's Knocking at the Door is a grindhouse throwback, a surreal headtrip that sets new standards for cinematic psychosis. It's one brutal, dirty, mind-infesting pathogen transferring sick elements of dark comedy, sex, flesh, blood, gore, super schlong nightmarish profanity insanity deep inside your vulnerable little wacked-out brains. Be careful.

It's funny cause it's true.

When I bought this film there was only two existing reviews, and both of those reviewers had rated it 5 stars and where raving about it. I thought that maybe this might be a modern exploitation gem. A day or so after I had already purchased the feature online I noticed that the 5 star rating that it once had, had suddenly and dramatically dropped sharply. Now there was four reviews about this film, only now these next two reviewers where rating it 1 star and warning people to stay away from it, while calling it a peice of dreck. If only I had waited an extra day or two, then I might of done the smart thing and researched this film a bit further before I committed to buying it. Still, it is pretty funny when you make a mistake of this kind in which there is a lesson to be learned about being too impulsive. Now I found myself stuck waiting for this product to arrive on my doorstep just to see which set of reviewers where going to be right. I guess at the very least, there was still some hope remaining at this point.

Well, I'm very sad to report to you, that all that remaining hope had melted away like a glob of icecream in a hot gutter, once the DVD did arrive, and I put it in the tray and pushed play.

What I will never understand about modern low budget exploitation movie makers is their complete utter lack of common sense. It just seems so obvious to me that if you want to make an exploitation film that actually works, and you don't have much of a budget or a professional production team backing you up, then you need to keep the story as concise and simple as possible. Some zany screw ball idea about some duel sexed wacky door to door demon with a huge wee wee that rapes MEN in the rear end over a pop song sound track, is only good for pointing your finger at and teasing. Worse still, is the waiting in between these corny assaults. It is then that you are stuck listening to the banter of a pack of unlikable next victim idiots who can't act, and are reading the dialogue of a person who can't write. This film doesn't fallow a blue print for success, it only fallows a blue print to expose every single weakness of its amateur production team.

Shades of Evil Dead and The Shining. No shades of glory.

Basically you have these young med students who horse play with a bad drug and this evil arcane taped hypnosis session that one of them had found in some corner of the med school warehouse. This taped session is like the translation tapes in Evil Dead that invoke demons when you play it. In this case, a mad doctor seemed to have accidentally conjured up Satan and got two of his patients, ( a man and a women ) possessed in the process. At least I think they where patients of his, they sure looked crazy, but it's hard to tell. My mind body and soul where already checked out of this stink bomb by this point. So now, after this arcane taped session gets played, this door to door silly Satan shows up as a naked chick and starts to make out with one of the unlikable male next victim idiots who can't act, and then like the pretty naked woman in room 239 of The Shining who before your eyes, turns into an old fossil covered in pizza cheese, our silly Satan turns into the male mental patient from the said arcane evil tape session, only now he is sporting a giant rubber willy. So, as the silly Satan attacks and chases people down freshly mopped hallways, the director plays one of his personal favorite pop songs as the back ground soundtrack rather then something that would of been actually menacing to back up the action. That's it in a nut shell, that's the high jinks you will be getting if you buy this DVD. A man raping another man like it is some prison shower scene. It's like falling asleep and waking up a moment later only to find yourself in the pokey.

The question is, now that I own this DVD, what do I use if for. I sure as heck won't be watching it again. I suppose if I find a short leg on a piece of furnature in my house, I can use this DVD to prop it up and even it out. Then again, this DVD is so absolutely wretched that maybe I should just break out the saw and get it over with by shorting a leg on something myself. I can always do what I did with the Sick Girl DVD that I wanted to get rid of last year, and stuff it into one of my coworkers stockings at Christmas time. The problem with that idea is, is that I don't know anyone who's been naughty enough all year round to deserve having to sit through this monstrosity. Maybe I will take the title of this DVD to heart, and turn it into a ninja star just in case someone creepy ends up knocking on my door. All I can tell you is that if you want to see a low budget oddity that is actually a good watch, then get a copy of Evil Aliens. And if you want to get a modern grizzly low budget exploitation shocker that doesn't mess around and delivers the goods, then find yourself the South American gem I'll Never Die Alone. If you do anything else in life, stay clear of this loser, it's not worth the price of the disc that it's printed on.

This has been a Krakatoa 1883 public service announcement.

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I gave this one 2/5 because it does have some original ideas, otherwise I would have given it lower. The movie has a great idea going...it's just not implemented well...or should I say, in a horror fashion. I know a lot of people in reviews like to say "the ideas weren't implemented well" but that's really the only thing I could think. Bulbous, protruding phallus members belonging to homicidal maniacs? Bring it on, I said. Unfortunately, this one has the vulgarity and nudity typical to most of my favorite horror movies, but not enough gore and too many alterations to make the reader try to feel the effects of whatever drugs these kids were on. So, while the film didn't "bring it on," per se, it'll definitely be one I'll be thinking about in the near future...so I'll know what to avoid.

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Its funny just beacuase a director puts out a film that everyone in the genre loves (Easter bunny kill kill) then they think all of a sudden the guys a genius and everything he does is gold, I thought easter bunny was ok but it wasnt great, and it sickens me that directors like this get so much praise, i mean this movies about a mutated penis creature that haunts dreams it has no class, you may like this movie if you like penis..? but as a horror fan raised on Vincent price ect id appreciate that if someone is to be praised i dont have to see monster peninses in their films..This is John waters class.

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This falls into the "rubber reality" category which I tend to like. "The Machinist", "The Jacket" and "Stay" are amongst my favorite movies, but this outing is terrible. It is one of the ugliest, most stupid, most mean spirited movies I've ever seen. Had it clocked in at one second more than its 78 minute running time I might have ended up sticking knitting needles through my eyes.

The story revolves around a close knit group of college students. All but one takes a particular drug used in some infamous psychology experiment that went south. Weird things happen and people start dieing.

This is gruesome and depraved. These are some of the most unlikeable people I've ever seen in film. Why would anyone want to watch a movie where only one character is even mildly likable. They are almost all terrible actors as well. The one actor playing Sebastian is the best of the bunch but he's such a disgusting individual I didn't care. And then there's Vernon Wells. He was one of the chief bad guys in "Road Warrior". Now, when he's your "draw" name in a movie, and you can only afford him for two scenes, you know you're in deep kimchi.

Unless you're an extreme masochist I wouldn't bother with this one.

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Life During Wartime (The Criterion Collection) (2010)

Without a doubt, Todd Solondz's creepy, disturbing, and subversively hilarious masterpiece "Happiness" was my favorite film of 1998. Savage, but divisive, I've discovered through the years that the film tends to engender strong feelings of either hatred or of adoration with little middle ground. To be fair, with its mature themes and aggressive frankness, it may be one of the most squirm inducing comedies of all time. And yet this tale of three sisters and their immediate family also resonates with a certain amount of truth. The world is how we construct it but, often times, that construction is nothing more than an illusion. And those closest to us are either complicit in that deceit or are the only ones who can see through the cracks. A skewering of middle class ideals and insecurities, "Happiness" was a pitch perfect blend of the outrageous and the macabre.

When I heard that Solondz intended to revisit this masterpiece, casting new actors, it seemed like an inspired addition to his increasingly non-conformist resume. Shirley Henderson, Allison Janney and Ally Sheedy now inhabit the roles originated by Jane Adams, Cynthia Stevenson, and Lara Flynn Boyle respectively. All three do an excellent job of recapturing the essence of their character's neuroses--Sheedy, unfortunately, has more of a cameo but her scenes are dead-on hilarious. The film begins with an absolutely perfect scene between Henderson and her husband that mirrors the first scene from "Happiness" in a sublimely funny way. When we move on to Janney, a control freak desperately looking for love, I knew that Solondz had done it again. The primary plot points involve Henderson dealing with a past lover's suicide (Jon Lovitz's ghost interpreted by Paul Reubens--inspired!), Janney's ex-husband (Ciaran Hinds) being released from prison, and Janney's son dealing with some pretty adult concepts.

However, as the film progresses, the very funny bits become overshadowed by bigger issues. Redemption and mortality end up being central themes--which I think is fantastic--but the blend between comedy and significance falls short of the delicately balanced "Happiness." The film loses a bit of its subversive edge and tone and by the end, I felt a little short-changed by the abrupt finale. I loved the actors--Janney and Henderson do most of the heavy lifting and are terrific. Young Dylan Riley Snyder, as Janney's son Timmy, carries much of the film and is an intriguing combination of creepy and sympathetic. I adored the first half of "Life During Wartime," but having a fresh viewing of "Happiness" under your belt will help you appreciate how great it really is. Ultimately, the second half wasn't as effective for me and I was left a little cold. About 3 1/2 stars overall, I'm rounding up for ambition. Go watch "Happiness!" KGHarris, 8/10.

DVD/Blu-ray specs:

New digital transfer, supervised and approved by director of photography Ed Lachman, with DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition

Ask Todd, an audio Q&A with director Todd Solondz in which he responds to viewers' questions

Making "Life During Wartime," a new documentary featuring interviews with actors Shirley Henderson, Allison Janney, Michael Lerner, Paul Reubens, Ally Sheedy, and Michael Kenneth Williams, and on-set footage of the actors and crew

New video piece in which Lachman discusses his work on the film

Original theatrical trailer

PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic David Sterritt

A more adult sequel to Happiness with a new cast reinterpreting the characters. Brings a new reevaluation of how we perceive them them and layers of complexity, especially with the actors baggage. Paul Reubens, Michael Kenneth Williams, Shirley Henderson & Ally Sheedy stand out.

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A few years ago I watched this film at a local art house. A few days ago I was making coffee and it must have been the swirling motion in my cup (as I stirred in the cream and sugar) that hypnotized me, causing the resurfacing of a few repressed memories namely from this film.

As I recall, there were about seven or eight other people in the theater, most of whom were sitting by themselves and probably not mentally prepared for the hour and a half long ride of horrifying abnormality and sheer discomfort that is typical of director Todd Solondz's films, which according to Wikipedia are inspired by his experiences growing up in New Jersey and I BELIEVE IT, wholeheartedly. So, why did I give five stars to this film? Mainly because of the circumstances under which I watched it. As I mentioned, Solondz's films are abnormal and discomforting, which made watching this film amongst complete strangers in a dark theater and from the back row quite amusing. Like in true horror movie fashion it was not uncommon to see people sinking down into their chairs, letting out sharp gasps and sighs, covering their faces, and turning their heads disapprovingly from side to side. As for myself, I too was taken by surprise, especially when the young boy (Timmy) cries out "I hope I NEVER get molested!" At that point I pretty much lost control and had to gag myself with my coat because I didn't want to appear rude and insensitive towards the subject matter or attract the glaring faces of the combined seven or eight people in the audience. I think this movie really got the better of some people.

Without question, this is the work of Todd Solondz.

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Todd Solondz' "Happiness" is one of the most disturbing films I'd ever seen. It's also excellent. It explores the ickiest, most pathetic and repulsive parts of modern human life, and deftly combines tragedy with pitch-black humor. Over a decade later, Solondz clearly felt the need to revisit the characters from that film, hence this sequel "Life During Wartime". Instead of trying to recruit the original actors to reprise their roles, Solondz chose to completely recast them, allowing a new cast to breath life into these characters.

As much as I wanted to love this film, throughout it I couldn't shake the feeling of it being a somewhat unnecessary sequel. The plot of "Happiness" loosely revolved around the stories of three sisters, and despite the years that have gone by, the characters haven't really changed much. Joy is still wimpy, optimistic, and drawn to self-destructive, damaged men. Helen is still arrogant and entitled. The only character who seems at least somewhat different is Trish. In the first film, before discovering her husband's pedophilia, she was a smug control freak. Years later, the character reeks of desperation while trying to recreate the "normal" life for herself that she thought she once had.

The themes of "Life During Wartime" are also mostly the same as those of "Happiness": trauma, shame, guilt, disappointment, and the part family plays in all of these things. The new film differs only slightly from its predecessor by also exploring the theme (or maybe just the possibility) of redemption. This exploration is apparent in the storyline of Bill Maplewood, Trish's ex-husband, just released from prison. Free, yet dazed and aimless, he wanders through the film like a ghost, having a strange dalliance with a nihilistic woman he meets at a bar (played by the always compelling Charlotte Rampling) and tracking his son down at College. Joy's character also seems to be looking for redemption; despite the fact that, unlike Bill, her guilt is completely unjustified, and she bears no real responsibility for those she feels she failed (two self-destructive, and ultimately suicidal, boyfriends).

Mostly, what saves the film from redundancy are the performers, and some of the casting choices are truly inspired. Shirley Henderson, Allison Janney, and Ally Sheedy all do well inhabiting, and breathing some fresh life into, the characters originally played by Jane Adams, Cynthia Stevenson, and Lara Flynn Boyle. And some of the choices made for the supporting cast are phenomenal ... one example being Paul Reuben's ghostly re-interpretation of the character originally played by Jon Lovitz.

Overall, I think Todd Solondz would have been better off exploring some new characters. But by bringing a fresh cast to the table, and at least trying to expand their horizons thematically, "Life During Wartime" manages to come across more as an interesting experiment by a talented director than a redundant rehash.

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How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)

This movie is half a century old and followed The Robe as the second Cinemascope feature. It's visually beautiful in the DVD widescreen version, evoking the thrill of first seeing Cinemascope in 1953 (which I'm old enough to remember). Though the story and humor are extremely dated and so many of its stars are now dead, the photography and sound are both so breathtakingly clear and beautiful, it makes one realize how advanced the technical side of filmmaking was that long ago. It's amazing how cinematographers of that day were able to adapt so quickly to the much wider screen and take full advantage of its sweep even during scenes filmed in close quarters, such as those on the airliner (which was a propeller plane, by the way). It's true that Lauren Bacall, though lovely in the film, looks much older than the "25" she's supposed to be. (I saw Ms. Bacall in person pitching her bio at a bookstore 45 years later and she looked un-surgically young and beautiful, so go figure.) While the movie is not great in terms of content or performances, it's worthwhile because it's a beautifully restored piece of movie history that recaptures a more innocent (?) age and preserves an important part of the Monroe legend.

HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE was the first non-musical comedy to be released in the CinemaScope ratio. The film was released in 1953, which proved to be Monroe's breakthrough, watershed year, with the success of MILLIONAIRE, GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES and NIAGARA cementing her place as one of the top box-office attractions of 1953.

MILLIONAIRE is one of Monroe's most delightful offerings. She plays the visually-challenged Pola, who, along with Chotzi (Lauren Bacall KEY LARGO, THE BIG SLEEP) and 'Loco' (Betty Grable MOTHER WORE TIGHTS) rents a Manhattan penthouse in the hopes of snagging rich husbands.

Of course, Fate often hands you things totally unexpected, and soon the girls realise that money can't be a substitute for happiness. There are plenty of pin-sharp observations about the opposite sex, a good 50-odd years before "Sex and the City" decided to make a whole TV show about women in the Big Apple.

Marilyn, Lauren and Betty make a colorful trio, and the CinemaSope picture is indeed a treat to the eyes.

The DVD includes restoration comparisons and trailers. Available separately or as part of the Marilyn Monroe Diamond Collection.

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Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe star in a Broadway play adaptation, as three New York models who together rent a Sutton Place apartment in order to attract rich husbands. Their plan appears to go awry when after a few months they are forced to sell the furniture in the lavishly appointed pad for living expenses.

The girls fortunes appear to turn when Bacall meets elderly Texas cattle baron J.D. Hanley played by the debonair William Powell. Grable gets lured to Maine by wealthy but married Fred Clark but winds up falling for and marrying penniless forest ranger Rory Calhoun. The visually challenged but super sexy Monroe winds up on the wrong plane when going to meet her prospective beau in Atlantic City. She winds up enamored with and marrying tax cheat and previous owner of their apartment David Wayne, who is equally blind.

Throughout the film Bacall is pursued by a Tom Brookman played by Cameron Mitchell. She dismisses him as being a poor gas station attendant. Bacall and Powell are all set to be married but at the last moment she can't go through with it. Mitchell, who Bacall really cares for, stands in for Powell and marries her. They are all shocked when they learn that Mitchell is actually worth 200 million.

The gals have their plans dashed but wind up marrying for the right reason...........LOVE.

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First of all, this movie is still hysterical. It is a work of art. Although Marilyn got top billing, she's clearly out-performed by both Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable.

Let me, for a brief moment talk about the "Diamond Collection" version of How To Marry A Millionaire. When you think of remastering, especially older films made on Cineascope or Technicolor, you think of rich, vibrant-colored stories in particular the Rogers and Hammerstein collection. Excellent. You, especially, think of the remastered Disney Collection. Excellent. Both of which, were competing genres at the time Marilyn was making a name for herself. You might even throw the remastered "The Wizard of Oz" (1937) in the fray. And yet, this "Diamond Collection" is barely passable as a DVD version. This isn't a distinct restoration. The images, even in the special feature section "Restoration Comparison" shows how little the previous version and the film version hasn't had much improvement with this collection. Don't get me wrong, the sound reproduction is superb, but this is comedy and a lot depends on visuals.

Recently, I started to repurchase the Disney collection-their "Platinum 2-disc" set. Cinderella, Peter Pan. And, there is a profound difference between the last version and this deluxe version. The Sound of Music, the same thing.

This isn't to say, it's not worth watching, but there's little to no improvement in picture quality. And, that's too bad, the technology is already here and their apology for "grainy film loss" is no excuse for not investing in a better color transfer system.

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Other reviewers do a fine job summarizing the plot and the reasons for viewing this film, so here's an overlooked morsel to savor: the opening orchestral number is the ultimate inside joke.

The number Alfred Newman conducts had been used as the title theme for the Oscar-winning movie "Gentlemen's Agreement" a half-decade earlier. While the plots of the two films are light years apart, the title of the earlier one (which had to do with anti-Semitism) addresses one of the final plot twists in "How To Marry..." In essence, the orchestra's opening performance represents a droll set-up to this delightful movie's windup, but so subtly that only Hollywood insiders would be aware of what was being done.

Funniest bit in the movie: a very lecherous Fred Clark foiled by a bridge tolltaker.

Innocent playfulness with a great Fifties cast and well worth a view.

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Flypaper (2011)

I've been disappointed with most movies I've seen recently. Nothing really captured my imagination or made me laugh--or think for that matter. I came across Flypaper by random chance, and its restored my faith in movies.

I don't want to spoil this movies many plot twists (some of which you saw coming) but the basic plot is as follow: Two opposing bank robber teams by chance rob the same bank at the same time. One team is pro with high tech gadgets, the other is a redneck duo that make you wonder if they should be in a mental institution. Instead of it being a quick smash and grab though, the bank is locked down until the next morning. In the meantime, both teams try getting into the vault/atms/getting money--but then things go terribly wrong. One by one, people die.

I realize that made it sound like it's a horror movie--its not. It's a quite above average darkish (it's neither fully black or light) comedy "whodunnit" with intricate plot twists and a unique main character. Imagine Agatha Christie's "And Then There Was None" mixed with "Inside Man" with a sprinkle of ADD.

I was absolutely shocked to go to rotten tomatoes and see this movie's very low reviews. The big criticisms were a lack of chemistry between the cast (which I completely disagree with) and an unfunny script. Honestly, I think it just comes down to what you think is funny. If your idea of funny is say "Knocked Up", this is not the movie for you. However, if "Wild Target" made you almost cry with laughter (yes, I am speaking about myself), then I would highly recommend this movie.

"Are you seriously suggesting that we rob the same bank?" While talking to a teller (Judd) about change (Dempsey) a bank robbery begins to take place. When signals get mixed Tripp realizes that there are two groups of robbers. After explaining to them they can rob the same bank right now he tries to figure out why two groups are there and who tipped them off. This is a very surprising movie. Full of action and very funny. The cast is great and for a little movie it pulls in some really big names. This is the most fun I've had watching a movie in a while and while it's not an amazing Oscar worthy movie it is very much worth watching. An updated action version of "Clue". Equal parts action, comedy & mystery with a great twist at the end. I recommend this highly. Overall, a very very exciting and fun way to spend an hour and a half. I give it a B+.

Would I watch again? I think I would.

*Also try Clue & Henry's Crime

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With its convoluted plot, manic energy, and slapstick shenanigans--the lightweight, but enjoyable, "Flypaper" plays like the equivalent of an elaborately staged murder mystery dinner. You're not really meant, however, to follow the clues to their logical conclusions or be able to deduce the central conundrum. No, it's best to just let the silliness unfold on and around itself. To thoroughly enjoy the comic mayhem, one has to let go of reason and go with the flow of the sitcom stylings. Most, I think, will be willing to do so as "Flypaper" certainly stacks the deck with an astute cast of notable performers--all gamely hamming it up to maximum affect. Patrick Dempsey and Ashley Judd headline this piece, but the impressive supporting roster includes Tim Blake Nelson, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Jeffrey Tambor, Rob Huebel (always a welcome presence), Octavia Spencer (ditto), Mekhi Phifer, and Curtis Armstrong. No one gets much actual characterization, really, more than a cursory quirk or two--most just exist to play a possible suspect in the overly-plotted comic thriller.

As "Flypaper" opens, we get a brief introduction to the varied members on staff at the quaintest little bank you're likely to encounter. Judd is a teller and Dempsey is a jumble of tics as a socially awkward customer, who happens to be a savant of sorts. Before you know it, the bank is raided by two distinct groups of bandits--one tech savvy (Phifer, John Ventimiglia, and a great Matt Ryan) and one bumbling idiots (Blake Nelson and Taylor Vince, no surprise there!). As everyone gets trapped in a lockdown (don't worry, police intervention is conveniently absent from the consideration), Dempsey starts to piece together that a more elaborate scenario is in play and the conflicting robberies are just part of something more nefarious. Before the night is out, there will be many secrets uncovered. As everyone scrambles around the bank in full slapstick mode, there is plenty of silly fun. But beware, there is also a surprising body count as we come closer and closer to the truth.

A movie like "Flypaper" certainly isn't meant to be taken seriously. It's a simple bit of fun. There is not much subtlety to be found. If you like over-the-top acting and outrageousness, this might be a fitfully diverting entertainment. If you are less keen on slapstick comedy, this might not be your first pick. I did enjoy "Flypaper," largely because of the talented and appealing cast. But I think the murder mystery theater comparison is apt. Lightweight and amusing, it's not necessarily something that will linger in your mind beyond watching it once. However, for something so frothy, there is a fair bit of strong language and an unexpected amount of violence. If you are more sensitive to these elements, you might take note. Part comedy, part mystery--this heist picture is an engaging and amusing romp. KGHarris, 11/11.

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A very large bank has the unlikely event of being robbed by two different gangs at the same time. One group is dressed as a swat team while a second gang appears to have been on "Deliverance." Patrick Dempsey stars as Tripp, a customer who is fascinated by bank teller Katlin (Ashley Judd) and attempts to keep her out of harm's way. Katlin is supposed to get married in 2 days to a rich man.

After shots are fired, Tripp (who is off his medication) acts as a mediator between the two gangs to work out a compromise. There are things about this robbery that don't add up in Tripp's mind and he wants to know why. Tripp has a mental condition which aids him to figure things out. He plays "Clue" as things turn into "10 Little Indians." The robbers are a good quirky bunch as are the hostages. Excellent use of characters. Funny. Fast paced. Kudos to Rob Minkoff.

F-bomb. No sex or nudity.

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I didn't bother to seek out critiques of Flypaper . . . it's obvious that something didn't gel in the kingdom of film critics. And I'm glad that I didn't let that stop me in this case. The plot sounded like it had potential, and I took a chance . . .

Flypaper is a refreshing bit of nonsense, cleverly directed and acted, with a little more violence than necessary (ask Hitch), but certainly not in-your-face like so much video now. It's not that far removed from a Coen Brothers piece, and while not as deep (a word questionably applicable to any of this genre) as "Burn After Reading," or maybe "Raising Arizona," it will probably find the same crowd. And there's some fun in being able to individually discover something that wasn't already hyped to death.

Is there enough substance to create a cult classic here? I'm not sure, but there's more here than met the critic's eye. It's not easy to take the terminal dumbness of Peanut Butter and Jelly, and make it work. I kept expecting it to slide into a groaner as the movie progressed, but the giggles kept coming. Patrick Dempsey is hysterical and convincing as an ADHD victim without his meds, and Ashley Judd still has the spark. The supporting cast was spot on, but the direction made it all work. It's a fast-paced show that depends largely on timing and dialogue to work, and apparently, many of us think that it does. These characters don't need any more depth for this type of project.

Fun to speculate how the Coen Brothers might have handled this one. "Burn After Reading" still hangs at 3 stars . . . people either get it or they don't. It's one of my all-time favorites.

Flypaper is an escapist flick that should deliver 87 minutes of fun if you're in the mood. It'll never win an award, but I give it 4 stars for its comparison in the genre. They didn't get enough credit for this one. A good example of the need to make up your own mind . . .

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Three Stooges (2012)

I just want to give a bit of information to anyone thinking of buying this because the official product description is a bit vague.

While the 3 Stooges did make a few films in 3D in the late '40s, none of them are included here. Instead, it has 4 shorts (Disorder In the Court, Brideless Groom,Sing a Song of Six Pants, Malice In the Palace) that have all been colorized and converted to 3D. The colorization is ok, but I would say that the 3D is actually very good.

If you're looking to expand your 3D library and just want a fun disc for a cheap price, then I would definitely recommend this. If you're a collector hoping to get the Stooges original 3D shorts in HD, then you'll have to keep waiting.

words cant describe how fun this was. amazing 3D depth like i was swept back into the 40s & 50s...worth every cent. they really just shat on the public with the DVD release in anaglyph 3D in the 90's. this makes up for it. Sick-Flix .com is where you can go for a sample of the 3D Bluray. they offer one short called Pardon My Backfire 3D which was actually filmed in stereoscopic 3D. go check it out !!!

Included Shorts in Real 3D & Color !

Disorder In The Court (1936)

Brideless Groom (1947)

Sing A Song Of Six Pants (1947)

Malice In The Palace (1949)

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I own several recent 3D blu-ray movies (Avatar, Avengers, etc), but I must proclaim that this colorized, 3D conversion of the classic "3 Stooges" is a masterpiece!

Reprocessed, from the original 2D, black-and-white videos, from the 1940's, I am simply amazed at the colorization quality, and the 3D rendering...

Moe, Curly, Larry, and Shemp, will live-on, and make us laugh, well into the next century!

:-)

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A great selection. Colour and 3D look great. Gives a new life to some funny short films. Thanks 3D classics.

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When I seen they converted these 2D episodes to 3D with colorization I didn't expect it to be that great in regards to quality, but to my surprise it was fantastic. The depth is is pretty awesome and I'd definitely recommend this to any 3 Stooges fan. I'm hoping they convert more, 4 just isn't enough. As other reviewers stated, this contains shorts Disorder In the Court, Brideless Groom,Sing a Song of Six Pants, and Malice In the Palace.

FYI: Many of the negative reviews I've read on Amazon for this are due to the buyers who thought this was the new The Three Stooges 2012 movie, the description is vague, but it does clearly state the Actors' names: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard, Shemp Howard. This should give the buyer a hint that it contains shorts with the Original Stooges.

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Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006)

For those of you not familiar with Troma,

don't be fooled by my 5 star rating.

This movie is horrible.

Horrible in the sleaziest, bloodiest, cheesiest way!

My wife left after 10 minutes (Wahoo!;)

Classic Kaufman.

Here's the plot if you need one--

A fast food chicken joint is constructed on an Native American burial ground. I guess, although I'm not really positive, that these native's spirits possessed the dead chickens and arose from the grave, seeking double revenge. Chicken zombies from hell!!! Bwaaaaahahahaa.....

Poultrygeist has the basic Troma stuff:

-more gratuitous nudity than a porno (almost)

-revolting projectile vomiting

-extremely disgusting turd spraying

-absurdily bloody decapitations

-outrageous satirical episodes slamming pop culture

-macaroni and cheesy acting

-excessive damage to the crotchal region

-ignoramus heroes that you gotta love

-tactless social commentary

-insane gore stuffed down your throat

Recommended to rednecks, retards, idiots, and people from Boise, Idaho.

Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (Lloyd Kaufman, 2006)

I'm not a big Troma fan. In fact, the last Troma film I remember actually liking was the original The Toxic Avenger. It's gotten to the point where even the Troma name on a movie will cause me to avoid it (even if they're just distributing--I've seen my share of Troma-distributed flicks, and to a one, they're hideous). But the concept behind Poultrygeist was just too plain old stupid for me to pass up, and I have to say, now that I've watched it, I can't remember the last time I was this surprised by a movie. I can't honestly say that I enjoyed it, but it's certainly the funniest movie I've seen this week.

We open with Arbie and Wendy (are you getting the joke yet?), a typical high school couple, making out in the local Indian burial ground, and Wendy promising that going off to college won't change her feelings for Arbie. Yeah, right. Fast-forward a semester, and Arbie has gone back to relive some memories, only to find that the burial ground has been bulldozed to make way for an American Chicken Bunker, a mega-fast-food-mart. It's on the verge of opening, but is under protest by a number of fringe groups, one of which happens to contain Wendy--who, much to Arbie's musical dismay, has become a lesbian and a vegan. To spite her, he decides to get a job at ACB, where he joins co-workers Denny, Paco Bell, Carl Jr. (okay, are you getting the joke now?), and Hummus. Problem is, interpersonal drama is not the only thing going on here, for those Indian spirits aren't too happy about being bulldozed, and have every intention of getting their revenge by possessing everything in sight. From there, the movie becomes a massive gorefest, but in such an over-the-top way that it seems even less like a gore film than, say, Dead Alive does. It's all just stupid fun. (And has a Ron Jeremy cameo!)

The pop culture references come thick and fast in this one, and there's very little that doesn't get skewered here. As well, if you have any aspirations to political correctness at all, you'll probably want to avoid this flick, which takes potshots at every race, creed, color, sexual preference, body type, etc. No matter who you are, there's something in this movie that's liable to offend you. If you like this sort of thing, however, it's great. I've seen more than one review that calls it Troma's best film ever; I'm inclined to agree. ***

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The title alone should have given me some idea what to expect, but nothing could prepare me for what I witnessed when I watched 'Poultrygeist'! Loving or hating this film is really a matter of taste, it's absurd and genius and the same time. Horrible over the top acting and gore make this film a must see for fans of such shocking yet hilarious satire.

The only problem with this film is it's length and the musical numbers are way too long! If this film had been edited better, it would be a masterpiece!

Warning this film is DISGUSTING!....so if you're squeamish don't even think about it! There is also lots of nudity, so if that bothers you......!? Well I don't think that will bother anyone interested in this film!

The two disc "EGG-DITION" has tons of extras to keep any fan busy, but the price is a bit much....although it's not much more than the single disc version.

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POULTRYGEIST is one of Troma's best films to date!! I love the gore and the pure un-PC-ness of everything! This fits nicely next to The Toxic Avenger, Citizen Toxie, Class OF Nuke'EM High and Mother's Day, these are all CLASSICKS in my opinion and POULTRYGEIST fits right in. The songs are AMAZING!! I highly recommend the soundtrack too, which I picked up right away as well!! Lloyd Kaufman really outdid himself on this masterPIECE!!

PICK THIS SUCKA UP!!!

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This is by far the best Troma film to date. Say what you will in argument, but only a select few can truly compare to this finger-licking masterpiece (of chicken). Not only is it a slapstick gore/comedy, but it also makes a tongue-in-cheek-yet-honest poke at the fast food industry. Vegans and PETA fans rejoice! Or at least appreciate. However, this is NOT for those who are easily offended (and really, why are you watching a Troma film if you are?!). A-pluses all around, and a big pat on the back to all of those who slept on basement floors, church floors, and ate cheese sandwiches.

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