Struck by Lightning (2012)

A coming-of-age movie for all ages, Struck by Lightning is filled with dry humor and a message for anyone who watches it. Carson Phillips makes for a dynamic, morally ambiguous main character whose story strikes as realistic, emotional, and ultimately uplifting for a boy caught in a small town with little hope of escape. The supporting characters are just as fascinating, from Rebel Wilson's portrayal of Malerie, the high school student who records everything on tape, to Allison Janney's heartbreaking rendition of a struggling single mother trying to cope with depression and anxiety while raising her son. Heartfelt and filled with intertwining storylines that combine to a greater picture that is far larger than the sum of its parts, Struck by Lightning is the perfect film for anyone who has ever felt a little ostracized, a little hopeless, a little too small for their dreams.

I've been waiting... I don't even know how long anymore to see this movie, and I'm so glad I finally have been able to see it. Chris Colfer did a flawless job, and I highly suggest you watch this movie. Right now. Click rent. You won't regret it, I promise.

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This movie was written by and stars Chris Colfer, best known as Kurt from "Glee." It is an absorbing study of an overachiever and how whether or not you want it to the way we live our life, our choices, our decisions and our drive effect the others around us in both positive and negative ways. The acting in this movie is stellar, filled with both present and future stars (Rebel Wilson for one, filmed a year before she exploded) and the writing keeps you engaged from the first (literally shocking) first minutes until the end of the movie. I highly recommend this movie, for the smiles and for the moments that make you wince and for the way it makes you feel when it is over. Overachievers they rock.

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Chris Colfer from TV's "Glee" is certainly making the most of his fame by expanding his resume as an author and a screenwriter, and I have to admire this tenacity and ambition. As "Glee" winds down, the entire cast should be thinking about future career moves! Colfer has become something of role model in recent years. As an openly homosexual character on a popular television program, he has a platform that reaches millions of kids struggling with identity and/or bullying. With this work, he has twice been nominated for an EMMY and even won a Golden Globe award. "Struck by Lightning" is an adaptation of Colfer's popular teen novel, and its screenplay was penned by Colfer as well. Director Brian Dannelly has assembled an extremely immense and TV friendly cast for this production and it's fun to see just who might pop up next. Some of the notable actors in the ensemble include Allison Janney, Dermot Mulroney, Rebel Wilson, Polly Bergin, Sarah Hyland (Modern Family), Ashley Rickards (Awkward), Angela Kinsey (The Office), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Allie Grant (Suburgatory and Weeds), Graham Rogers (Revolution), Brad William Henke, and Ken Marino.

The film tells the story of Carson Phillips (Colfer), who in the opening sequence is quite literally struck by lightning. Through a series of flashbacks and a reflective voice over narration, Phillips recounts the days leading up to this event. While he deals with an unstable mother (Janney) and a father (Mulroney) who seems to be moving on, he throws himself into making a better life for himself through education. As the editor of the school paper, he is plagued by an unsupportive staff and an apathetic administration. His college dreams may be off track unless he can come up with a noticeable project to pad his application. Creating a literary magazine, he and his trusted sidekick (a remarkably restrained and quite good Rebel Wilson) use any means necessary to ensure the cooperation of all of the school's most influential students. Meant to be a comic romp, the movie degenerates into a rather mean spirited adventure that actually seems to support reverse bullying. As long as it isn't done by popular kids, does that make it defensible?

There are plenty of things to like about "Struck by Lightning." First of all, the cast is first rate. And the film has its amusing moments. Ultimately, though, Colfer's character is not someone that you can really root for and admire. He's not a lovable underdog, he's a judgmental bully. He's smarter than everyone else in the movie, quick to condescend and make fun. As such, he never elicited even one moment of sympathy from me. I know that's the point and that there are life lessons to be learned by all. You can make a terrific black comedy that is merciless (Heathers comes to mind), but "Struck by Lightning" seems to want to have it both ways. As Colfer bullies everyone and blackmails them to his own reward, the movie embraces a meanness that is a perfectly acceptable choice. But the movie also wants to have its share of "warm and fuzzies." After terrorizing everyone in his life, we're also supposed to embrace a positive message from the hero? "Struck by Lightning" isn't a bad movie, by any stretch, it just sends a few mixed messages and one of them seems to support bullying as long as it's done by the right people for the right motives. KGHarris, 5/13.

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I've been reading all these reviews on amazon about SBL (bad life choice I know) and so many people are missing the point of the movie. They're trapped in this idea that somehow we're supposed to love Carson and want him to succeed for nothing more than the fact that he's a creation of Chris Colfer and we should want him to get what he wants in life but it's so much more than that they seem to be missing the major underlying message of the movie itself which, to me, is incredibly disappointing.

Struck By Lightning isn't supposed to be some kid-movie where you see the backyard boy succeed and go to the college of his dreams no matter what obstacles he faces. We're not supposed to sit there and adore Carson in spite of the fact that he's kind of a jerk (in fact, most people I know adore him because he's kind of a jerk and doesn't give a crap what people think about him).

It's supposed to be a movie about dreams. Some of the major quotes in the film are centred around this idea: 'A life without meaning, without drive, without focus, without goals or dreals isn't a life worth living', and `In what grade do we stop believing in ourselves'? It's not about giving up everything for your dreams, I don't think, or the essence of blackmail to get what you want.

What Carson realises at the end of the film isn't that he's happy because his dreams are coming true or because he's made an effort. He's happy because he's realised all the amazing things he's done in his short life; he may not have gotten into the college of his dreams or gotten everything he wanted, but he did something amazing. He had lived his life up to that point dwelling on himself, his self-pity and waiting every day for his life to begin. By doing so he had completely ignored all his personal successes, the things he had accomplished and the good, joyful things in his life.

SBL isn't supposed to be some indie comedy about a kid who's dreams all come true. It's a movie about finding your dreams, finding yourself, and realising that, okay, not everything is perfect but you've accomplished something fantastic and amazing in your time on earth, even if, at first, it doesn't seem as fantastic.

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55 & Older

I actually was invited to the BayWalk Muvico Theater here in Saint Petersburg, Florida for a VIP private screening of this movie on April 6, 2012. One of my best friends, Allen Reynolds, was one of the main actors in this movie. The entire movie was great and I am very happy to see that it is now available on DVD. This is definitely a keepsake item for me because Allen is no longer with us. He lost his battle to cancer and I will forever have a keepsake of him. Thanks guys for making this movie available for the public!!! God Bless!!!

This is amazing Movie , loved the Story line , The '' older ladies were really funny Specially old, lady that ran into a Road Sign [ I hope that she was not hurt] Hope that they make a sequel

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Daniel Tosh: Completely Serious (2007)

4.8 stars

By far the best stand-up performance I've seen since Chris Rock's perfect Bigger And Blacker, this is one hour of extremely edgy yet somehow good-natured comedy. Tosh spares nothing and no one, least of all America in general. And he does it all so slyly, with that engaging grin and flashing eyes that say, yeah, you know I'm right, admit it.

The material here is twenty minutes longer than what the Comedy Chunnel shows from this dvd. They cut a lot of the best, most over the top bits, so it's a treat to see them here. What really distinguishes Tosh is the intelligence and subtlety of some of his lines. He's skewering all of us, and our selfish society, and does it with so much verve and bonhomie that you hardly notice how deep the cuts go.

I enjoy a comedian who can get straight to the heart of things, and Tosh is a master at that already on his first dvd. He's one of the few stand-ups I've seen in years who clearly has the goods in spades, and seems more interested in commenting on his version of the truth than getting easy laughs. He says things that seem so wrong at first, but one quickly realizes what's really wrong is how right he is about our complacency and prejudices.

His new show on CC, Tosh.0, is decent, but goes for easy laughs and is nowhere near as funny as this dvd and his earlier cd. Let's hope the tv stardom doesn't derail his excellent stand-up, and that he doesn't go the Rock route and release only one performance every five years. Truth is at a premium these days, and this guy is poised to be a prime conduit.

Absolutely recommended to any fan of Carlin, Pryor, Hicks, or Rock.

Just watched this free on Prime Instant Video and it was GREAT!!!! I have seen his Tosh.O show a couple times, but never thought that much of Tosh as a comedian. After this I am a HUGE fan. Everything he said was true, but offensive, which is ok. I think most people are too PC these days. It reminds me of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia", in that they say the things we are thinking, but are "ashamed" to say. I liked how he wasn't afraid to make fun of his crowd, and thought the jokes about the Midwest were hilarious (I live in Missouri). If you like shows like "Louie" or "It's Always Sunny", then you will LOVE this standup special. Give it a try.

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This is so amazing, I did like it better than happy thoughts. Just because you don't find him funny, doesn't mean he isn't, someone you know will find this funny. Would recommend for anyone, unless you can't sit back and just laugh away.

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As random and sarcastic as he is, this uncensored DVD captures Daniel Tosh at the very top of his game! Filmed two years before the bombastic rise of his hit Comedy Central series, "Tosh.0", he is given a mic, an hour of CC air time, and the green light to speak his thought-out, insane mind. Definitely a must-buy for any fan of comedy, :)

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First off, I would have to say that this type of humor isn't for all people. Daniel Tosh can be very crude. But if you like that type of humor, this special will not disappoint. For years, Eddie Murphy's RAW and Eddie Izzard's Dress To Kill were my two very favorite stand up specials. Now I would say Daniel Tosh's Completely Serious takes it's place at number 1. I've watched this special at least 10 times and I always laugh uncontrollably. It just never gets old!

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Office Space (Special Edition with Flair!) (1999)

I'm not sure it is essential to have worked in an office to enjoy this film, but I'm certain it will hit home for those who have. The movie was a complete bust at the box office, which utterly mystifies me, because it is hysterically funny and reflects the experience of millions of people across the United States (and I assume elsewhere). In an age where companies are seeking to lay off workers at any possible opportunity, this film has perhaps even more relevance now than it did when it came out in 1999.

The humor of the film works on multiple levels, but for me so much of it is funny with a twist of the knife, for much of the humor hints at a much more serious fact: modern work is genuinely dreadful and alienating. Perhaps many office workers love their job, but I hate mine, and I assume that I am merely one of millions. No one in this film has a meaningful job. Even Lumbergh, though the boss, has an absurd position. Peter Gibbons is at least able to be honest about the ridiculousness of his plight during the incredibly funny sequence in which he is hypnotized.

The film is a collection of many, many wonderful moments. I started laughing from the second that Peter Gibbons gets trapped in the traffic jam and is passed by an old man on a walker, and didn't stop until the very end. The film is a parade of very funny bits, from Michael Bolton and his passion for gangsta rap to Joanna's boss urging her to wear more flair (played by director Mike Judge) to Peter's neighbor who would yell at him through the walls to Peter's bizarre fantasy in which Lumbergh is making love to Joanna holding a cup of coffee in one hand and her ankle in the other to virtually any conversation involving Lumbergh and Milton. Some of the humor is a bit too broad. For instance, although I defy anyone not to find Milton's sequences funny as heck, they don't fit in quite as neatly with the satire of the rest of the film. I wouldn't, however, want to trade them in for a tighter movie.

In a way, this movie has made my life easier to live. I suspected my job was absurd before seeing this film. Now I know it is. But somehow knowing the truth makes it easier to get through the day.

I first watched "Office Space" on a laptop in a Tuscaloosa hotel with my future wife. We were on our way to a conference, and she suggested that we watch this movie. It wasn't too late in the evening, and the running time seemed reasonably short at approximately 90 minutes. I also figured that it would be pretty good, especially with Mike Judge as the writer and director. After having watched it several times since then, I am convinced that "Office Space" is one of the very best cinematic comedies made in recent years.

Watching "Office Space" seems especially therapeutic after dealing with craziness at work. This probably explains the film's broad appeal; it resonates with people who have needed to suffer bureaucratic B.S., the latest manifestations of "office speak," and arbitrary rules at some point in their working lives. Of course, Judge himself drew upon his own memories of work in an office, which he finally escaped after hitting upon the idea for "Beavis and B*tt-head." Although some people have criticized "Office Space" for not having enough "funny stuff," they don't seem to understand the subtlety of Judge's humor, which leans towards the dry and sardonic. One could almost imagine Billy Wilder feeling at home with the plot, though he might have needed a little extra nudging to include the gangsta rap songs.

With a cast that includes no "big-name stars" (except Jennifer Aniston), no central performer clamors for attention with cloying "hilarity." In fact, the quotidian nature of the characters actually enhances the humor. The characters in subordinate positions try to deal with inanities at work by stewing, fretting, and venting in private. Meanwhile, those with more power are content to reinforce the craziness because it guarantees their power, or because they are so entrenched in their positions that they don't recognize the arbitrary nature of the rules they enforce.

The characters are also funny because they remind me of people I have encountered throughout my life. Granted, they come across as caricatures to a degree, but the characters still seem more real than those conjured up for overly facile yuck-fests. In our own lives, many of us probably think that we are "normal," like the main character Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) or his girlfriend Joanna (Aniston). However, not everyone can be like Peter or Joanna... or at least our perceptions of them as "normal." Peter's sudden "transformation" into a quasi-Zen warrior, as well as Joanna's semi-stoner attitude, might just put them way outside the mainstream. In any case, I've seen enough people who share similarities with one, or even several, of these characters:

Bill Lumbergh (Gary Cole), Peter's passive-aggressive, narcissistic, and clueless Yuppie boss (complete with aviator glasses, power tie, and coffee mug) at Initech

Michael Bolton (David Herman), Peter's nerdy coworker who just itches to unleash his internal Navy SEAL and gangsta

Samir Nagheenanajar (Ajay Naidu), Peter's resourceful coworker who wants to "make it" in America

Lawrence (Diedrich Bader), Peter's no-nonsense, no-collar neighbor and de facto confidant at the thin-walled Morningwood Apartments

"The Bobs" (John C. McGinley and Paul Willson), coldly congenial external consultants hired by Initech to figure out how the company can "cut costs"

Tom Smykowski (Richard Riehle), the older Initech employee whose forced joviality barely disguises his anxiety about falling victim to The Bobs

Stan (a well-disguised cameo by Judge himself), Joanna's flair-obsessed boss at the T.G.I. Friday's-like restaurant Chotchkies, which provides a non-office doppelgänger for Peter's work environment

And yes, I've seen a few people who remind me of Milton Waddams (Stephen Root), the put-upon office gnome with his barely audible stream-of-consciousness mumbling, coke-bottle glasses, outdated sense of non-fashion, and a passive-aggressive attitude matching that of Lumbergh (and that Lumbergh ultimately underestimates). Peter may be the story's main protagonist, but one could see Milton as an odd sort of antihero as well. His almost incoherent mumbling, mainly consisting of requests to clarify matters regarding his salary, his desk, and his red Swingline stapler, acts as a more personalized counterpoint to the double-talk and nonsensical policies that drive Initech. Albeit in extreme fashion, Milton also demonstrates that greed can only propel a business so far, and that an ultimate moral obligation to one's shareholders doesn't always pay off.

For "Office Space" aficianados, the "Special Edition with Flair" includes a 30 minute documentary that provides some insights into the making of the movie. Some of it might not seem like news to hardcore fans, but I learned a few new things: how Gary Cole came up with Lumbergh's voice; the "bons mots" Diedrich Bader improvised as Lawrence; how Stephen Root got around in thick glasses; where Ajay Naidu learned his dance moves; and the origin of the word a**clown. It also includes eight deleted scenes (some of which you might miss if you blink) and computer downloads. Alas, it does not include the animated "Milton" shorts created by Mike Judge in 1991, which provided the original inspiration for "Office Space." That's about as disappointing as excluding "Hearts of Darkness" from the "Apocalypse Now Redux."

Whether one gets "Office Space" with or without flair, I can guarantee a good laugh to anyone who has had to deal with any kind of work-related nonsense at some point in their lives. It might not change the world, but "Office Space" will probably remain an effective purgative for anyone who has encountered such situations. If nothing else, one can at least hope that the insights of "Office Space" will inform the ethics of up-and-coming managers, and make them prioritize the things that really should matter at work.

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If you've ever worked in a tiny cubicle, pushed papers, and fought a worthless fax machine in an attempt to earn a living, you will love this movie. OFFICE SPACE is a hilarious movie that deconstructs everything that makes an office worker's life so miserable: from morning traffic, to catch phrases (it looks like somone has the Moondays), to bosses that totally ignore their workers. This movie had a low budget, but Mike Judge is a brilliant filmmaker. He takes a relatively unknown cast and is able to milk hilarious, yet totally lifelike performances from each actor and unites everything together in a coherent conceptually comedy masterpiece (e.g. the fax-beating scene with the ganster music playing is just pure brilliance). Of course, the film says a lot about the actors as well, they don't seem to be just characters or caricatures: they seem like real people. There is no sex, relative little violence (well, there is a lot of violence toward inanimate objects), and relatively little cursing words (most of the foul language comes from the film's soundtrack). A movie that's destined to become a modern comedy classic.

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After the hype that has been given to this release for months and months I am pretty dissapointed.

The title of this release is slightly misleading. What they should really call it released slightly updated edition. If you have seen or own the original DVD release of Office Space you aren't missing much.

What we have here is the same transfer and audio mix as in the first DVD, no commentaries or any other extras here. I would have liked to see a slightly better transfer done for this flick. Although this is not bad, there are some issues with it, mainly in the colors. The 5.1 track is still very nice by today's standards and if one of the best mixed soundtracks I have heard on DVD.

Now on to the "flair". What we have is a crappy documentary that is sorely lacking. So much more could have be done there and more information given. It seems like a waste. Instead of spending the money on that lets get everyone in the room and give us a commentary. I'd love to hear all these guys together just joking around, I read a magazine article a few months ago with them all talking about this release and that was better than what we got here.

The deleted scenes are nice to see, and a few give some more insight into the story. Although they mention scenes in the documentary that are not included here, which again makes little sense.

And that is it. Where are the Milton shorts that were supposed to be included? You see 5 second clips in the documntary but I want to see them all.

With the low pricepoint, if you don't own this yet it is worth the money. If you have the first release don't bother, you aren't missing anything.

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If you have ever worked in a cubicle farm for a technology company, or ROFL after reading Dilbert cartoons, and know what ROFL means, you will love this movie. Mike Judge (creator of Beavis and Butthead) digs into and makes fun of the things that people hate most about their jobs, with such accuracy that he must have consulted Scott Adams himself while developing the screenplay.

With company names like "Penetrode", this movie takes numerous humorous stabs at the idiocy foisted upon the modern working class by the "management class", those highly-compensated stuffed-shirts with no more qualifications than an MBA hanging on their wall. These are the people who abuse you every time you make a mistake, and try to convince you that they are really your buddy in a thinly veiled attempt to keep you submissive and cooperative. Office Space tears into the very heart of the manipulative phony friendship ploy that so many managers think of as their "brilliant" management technique.

So if you're tired of being shocked every time you touch a door knob, and sick of having half a dozen different "bosses" giving you conflicting work assignments, then I highly recommend that you buy this movie and blow off some steam, before it's too late!

This film is a lot of fun to watch, but if you're looking for an intellectually challenging work of art, this is not the film for you. The story is quite simple; it is a single-layer story that conveys the same information on subsequent viewing as it conveyed during the first viewing. The visual and audio elements are interesting and entertaining, but not artistic. This is a fun comedy that a lot of people can identify with, not deep social commentary. However, the social commentary that IS in the film couldn't be more timely.

The DVD itself is mediocre. No extras to speak of, other than cast bios and one trailer. Transitions from one menu to another are slightly animated, and the way the DVD starts up is cute, but overall the power of the DVD medium is not utilized.

Movie

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Originality: B+

Creativity: B+

Complexity/Depth: C+

Relevance/Message: A+

Artistic Merit: C

Overall Entertainment Value: A



DVD

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Transfer Quality: A

Extras: C-

Use of Medium: C+

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Evil Roy Slade & Brother's O'Toole - Double Feature (2012)

Okay, before I write any more here, I have to pass on a warning...

Evil Roy Slade makes this a fun little release, but, oh, attaching Brothers O'Toole to it makes you want to find a way to get through the protective Blu coating to scrape off that latter film.

Evil Roy Slade:

ERS was a 1972 TV-movie featuring John Astin as the most wonderfully nasty Westerrn bad guy. It's a funny 90 minutes, with an abundance of excellent supporting talent, including Mickey Rooney, Henry Gibson, and Dick Shawn...and the lovely Pamela Austin. who can make any man's heart beat faster. Basically, the story sets Slade as an orphaned baby in the Old West who even Indians and wolves refused to take in. He grows up not loving anything except his six guns. Until he falls in love with the prim and proper Pamela Austin, that is. At her urguing, he tries to give up his outlaw ways and go straight. John Astin (The Addams Family) had a field day with this role. Video is quite good (ranging from 3.5 to 4.0), but, considering its 1970s TV roots, will never be compared to any recent movies, please bear that in mind. Sound is clear. There are no extras. Movie: 3.5. Video 3.5. Audio: 3.5. Extras: 0. Overall: 3.5

And then we get to the second film on this disc...

Brothers O'Toole:

Now I must disclose I have not been able to sit through any more than the first 15 minutes of this film, but I could not take any more of it than that. Maybe I am wrong in being so negative about Brothers O'Toole, because I have come across a few reviews of the film by fans who rate it highly. I wanted to enjoy it, honestly, but after 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 15, I felt the remaining time in my life is much too valuable to use any of it watching it. The video for B.O. is abysmal, looking like a cheaply-made film that has come nowhere near being restored for DVD, let alone Blu-ray. Think bad VHS. Movie: 1. Video rating: 1. Audio: 3. Extras: 0. Overall: 1.5

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Suburban Girl (2007)

Suburban Girl reminds me a bit of Eric Rohmer films of the 70s and 80s and other French films that takes time exploring a relationship. The characters are so well played by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alec Baldwin that you can well imagine their lives will go on after the story ends; the young woman and the older man warmly recalling their love and of lessons learned.

Suburban Girl is so much better than the huge amount of drek in the cinema right now! If this is the fate of small, charming movies than I would highly recommend staying at home and buying/renting old Erich Rohmer, Claude LaLouche movies or if you don't care for subtitles than Howard Hawkes, Preston Sturges and the like.

There are many movies that are greenlit, production happens, and then by some weird command by the movie gods, isn't released. They hit DVD, and although you are somewhat intrigued to see it, still concerned, since it never got a proper distribution in theaters. I can honestly say, this film was better, stike that, way better than some of the crap that is getting a wide release and grossing little to none at the box-office. Sarah Michelle Gellar shines as Brett Eisenberg, an up-and-coming editor, and Alec Baldwin is perfect as her older mentor for whom she falls in love. It is a coming-of-age story, mixed with a great soundtrack, and the beautiful city of New York. The supporting cast, made up of, Maggie Grace (TV's "Lost"; "The Fog") and Chris Carmack (TV's "The O.C.") are great in their roles as well. All in all, go and get this movie, don't even rent it, BUY IT! You will want this for your collection.

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Though I did not think this movie was worthy of five stars, I did not think it was as awful as some of the reviews here made it out to be. The pairing of Alec Baldwin and Sarah Michelle Gellar was not altogether bad this was intentional in the movie. Alec Baldwin plays Archie, a sophisticated, older man who is also CEO of a successful publishing company who finds himself attracted to a much younger woman, Brett (Sarah Michelle Gellar)who is trying to establish herself in the cut-throat world of publishing. A May-December romance inevitably ensues with all the typical cliches Brett is initially flattered by Archie's persistent and charming ploys to gain her affection but as time passes and their relationship gets more serious, she begins to see the darker side of their romance. The typical stereotype of an older man trying to mold a younger woman to be his ideal partner is heavily conveyed here. Brett chafes at this but also craves his advice and mentoring a sort of mentor-mentee relationship.

Is this movie creepy? Not really, at least not for me the fact is such relationships are far more common these days, and the only thing I found wanting here was the lack of strong chemistry between the two leads. The romantic scenes (thankfully, the most these two get into in this movie is deep kissing) are subtly done without going over the top. No nudity or baring of parts here I do not believe it was the movie's intent to focus on the physical part of the relationship but more of the emotional connection Archie needs Brett not just for physical intimacy but more for the missing element in his life, and similarly Brett is attracted to Archie for his intellectuality and guidance. It's a sort of symbiotic relationship that gradually unravels as Brett matures and finds her own 'voice'. I liked the focus on the publishing world, and think this is worth a watch but this is not a romantic comedy.

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I just finished watching Suburban Girl, having waited to see it for several months now. A Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing is my favorite book, so naturally when they got my favorite actress (Sarah Michelle Gellar) to play the lead role I was so happy. Then it disappointingly went straight to DVD. After watching the movie, it is an absolute TRAVESTY that this movie was not in theatres. It has great dialogue, a well paced storyline, and both the actors (Gellar and Baldwin) were amazing! She is such an underated actress. What is refreshing is the way that the movie takes the same ending as the book, instead of making this a cookie cutter film with a happy ending. Don't get me wrong, there is a happy ending, it is just different that what you would expect. Definitely buy this: you will not be disappointed!!!!

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Three and a half.

I don't know that I would've picked this movie out at the video store. But since it was picked out for me I watched it.

Ambiguous is the word that comes to mind. Gellar as Brett is sweetly stumbling through life, attached to a boy and wanting a man, editing with angst, and completely unable to make a decision. Enter a man (Archie played by Baldwin) who knows what he wants (Brett) how to get it with the usual rich, charming, powerful man ploys but with a sweetness that almost brings Ahhh! moments. But the relationship is standardly Pygmalion and the end result is as expected.

What I liked: I'm a sucker for movies about writers, so two thumbs up there. Good acting and a nice range of opportunities to stretch with illness, tears, joy. Great writing, snappy dialogue. The sexual aspect of the romance is fairly low key and hidden and mentioned very little. Nasty language is refreshingly replaced with creativity.

What I didn't: Baldwin's character is creepy because there always seemed to be an agenda and an air of deception. It almost feels reptilian at times. The fact that he wants to shape Brett is okay but it doesn't always ring true. In a scene where Brett has too much to drink he actually finds her more appealing when she makes a scene. I also found that I didn't really care whether they stayed together or broke up. Brett's family didn't come off as multi-dimensional or dysfunctional as a family of origin so I didn't buy into her childhood issues as much as the script needed me to.

Overall, I think that if you can watch Alec Baldwin without shuddering at his personal life, you like the whole Pygmalion thing, chick-lit and/or Gellar, you might enjoy it.

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The Lost Boys (2008)

As one of two teenage vampire movies released in 1987, (the other was the miserable "Near Dark")"The Lost Boys," is a hip, modern retelling of the vampire myth set in a Southern California setting. Brothers Michael (Patric) and Sam (Haim) are the newcomers to the small seaside town of Santa Clara, which is known as the murder capital of the world due to the mysterious disappearances of many town residents.

At the town's amusement park, Michael gets himself involved with a gang of vampires, who appear as normal street punks. Meanwhile Sam, meets the Frog Brothers, who run a comic book store at night, but are vampire hunters by day. After Michael himself becomes a vampire due to drinking the blood of a vampire, he is determined to find a way to save himself, the girl he loves, and his family from the impending danger that lurks them.

Directed by Joel Schumacher ("Batman Forever," "Batman & Robin," "Flatliners," etc.), the film's appeal to teenagers is due to its young cast, great soundtrack, and great, yet campy storyline. Dianne Wiest is excellent as Michael and Sam's mother, and Kiefer Sutherland in one of his first major roles is wicked as David, the leader of the gang.

Keep an eye out for a pre-"Bill & Ted's Excellent Adveture" Alex Winter as Marco, one of the vampires. This film also marked the first collaboration of the two Cories, Cory Haim & Cory Feldman, in a string of movies they made together in the 1980's ("License to Drive," "Dream A Little Dream," etc.) that capitalized on their teen-idol status. Reportedley, Jason Patric (who is Jackie Gleason's grandson) hates it when fans mention this movie as one of his best works, but the truth is it still remains one of the late 1980's cult classics.

If you like a funny, yet scary movie in the same tradition as "Scram," then check out this movie. It gave me many memories watching it on DVD as it did when I first saw it at the theater.

When this movie came out in the eighties, I dont think many people realized that it would become a classic film from that decade. Its not just a good vampire movie, its a good movie...period.

Jason patric and Corey Haim are brothers whos mother has moved them to be with their grandfather. Their new home is Santa Clara, otherwise known as the murder capital of the world. While there the older brother Michael (Patrick) meets a gang of teenagers who just happen to be vampires responsible for most of the murders. The younger brother Sam (Corey Haim) runs into a couple of self professed vampire killers. The fact that they are twelve doesnt douse their intensity. Michael appears to be on his way to becoming a vampire and the only way to stop it from happening is to kill the head vampire (The identity of which is revealed at the climax of the movie)

The movie flows nicely with a good script. The acting is good, the effects are good, the music is great. The humor throughout the movie adds some chuckles without forcing it. It all gels together into the best vampire movie I have ever seen. (My humble opinion).

The movie is one of my top ten favorites, but I was a little dissapointed with the DVD. There are very few extras, just a trailer and some production notes. Still worth adding to your DVD collection, but I have my fingers crossed for a collector's edition.

Buy The Lost Boys (2008) Now

When a single mother (Dianne Wiest) and her two kids (Jason Patric, Corey Haim) pack up and move from Phoenix to southern California, more specifically, Santa Carla, "the murder capital of the world," they have more than a little bit of adjusting to do. The two teens and their mother move in with their quirky but loveable grandfather (Barnard Hughes), who has an inkling that there is more to this town than meets the eye. At first, things seem different but manageable, until Sam meets the "Frog brothers" at the local comic book shop. They hand him a horror comic about vampires and tell him to think of it as a survival manual. Are these two merely kids with an over-active imagination, or is there some supernatural cause for this odd little coastal town's nickname?

When the older brother, Michael, goes into town for a live concert, he runs into a rather attractive woman named Star (Jami Gertz). Star introduces Michael to her friends, who just happen to be vampires, and they decide to invite Michael to be one of them. Unbeknownst to Michael, he drinks the blood of David (Kiefer Sutherland), the leader of a band of motorcycle riding teenage vampires, thus giving Michael this supernatural dark gift. However, he must make his first kill before becoming a true creature of the night. Only one thing can save Michael from an eternity of bloodsucking. The head vampire must be killed. But who is the head vampire, and can he be found before Michael gives in to temptation? Will Sam and his newfound friends be willing and able to help Michael before it's too late?

This film is a classic, light-hearted 80's foray into the horror genre, complete with horrible wardrobe, glam rock, goofy humor, and a stellar cast performing a great screenplay with a cohesive plot. There are indeed some great lines in this film that are quite memorable. The Frog brothers, in particular, serve as some cute comic relief. The effects and make-up are outstanding, and this is really noticeable in the final, knock-down, drag-out fight in the end of the movie. The cinematography is also really well done (for example, the aerial shots when the vampires are flying towards the house).

This movie is not meant to be taken very seriously, and it is certainly not Anne Rice or Bram Stoker by any means, but it is some great old-fashioned weekend entertainment. Overall this is a great movie that everyone who grew up in the 80's should definitely own. Moreover, it's a great addition to anyone's vampire or horror collection. If you can enjoy a light-hearted romp through vampire mythology, then definitely pick this film up!

A small downside to this DVD is that there are few extras. If you merely want a great movie at a low price, then pick up this DVD. Otherwise, there is a two-disc set coming out soon that should be worth checking out!

Read Best Reviews of The Lost Boys (2008) Here

Flat out, the Blu-ray version of this classic movie is amazing, the picture and sound is as if this movie was just filmed. If you loved the movie back then, you will love it even more now....this is a no-brainer on blu-ray

Want The Lost Boys (2008) Discount?

The Lost Boys is a movie that could only work in the 80s; while sometimes called a classic I don't think I would go that far, but it is a cult classic and one of the most entertaining films I have ever seen. While it is a horror movie there is nothing really scary here. And despite the R-rating it's a very light one at that. The Lost Boys is very much a product of it's time and a damn good one at that. I figured with the release of the sequel The Lost Boys: The Tribe due out this summer I might as well revisit this cult classic.

The screenplay was written by Janice Fischer, James Jeremias & Jeffrey Boam; apparently Fischer & Jeremias wrote the first draft and it was more of a kid's movie that features pre-teens. Richard Donner was the original director, but when production was delayed he dropped out, but stayed on as executive producer, Joel Schumacher was than hired and wanted to make the characters older and I assume that is where Jeffrey Boam comes in. The screenplay though is excellent; the characters are great and almost all of them get enough screen time that we get to know them. Obviously some characters will be more developed than others, but none of them are just simply there.

Director Joel Schumacher who often gets a lot of heat for his work on Batman Forever & Batman & Robin does a great job with The Lost Boys, due to the two Batman movies he's often called a hack and one of the worst filmmakers. Joel Schumacher isn't a great director, but he has made some really enjoyable movies sure he made some mistakes with his Batman movies and even he knows that. But with The Lost Boys he delivers one hell of a fun ride. His scenes are well paced and there really is never a boring moment at all. The comedy works well and the action scenes are extremely well-done and are a lot of fun. There isn't much suspense and tension, but that wasn't the point with this movie.

If anything The Lost Boys is best described as a comedy/fantasy type movie, but since it includes vampires killing people it will throw it into the horror genre. I think every kid and even adults have that fantasy of killing vampires or zombies and The Lost Boys very much plays up to that. The movie runs at 97-minutes and you'll never be bored there's always something happening to hold your interest in the movie.

What The Lost Boys is best known for now is being the very first movie to feature both Corey Haim and Corey Feldman AKA the two Corey's. After this movie they would work together several times before fading away by the end of the 80s; both Corey's work great together here. This is more of a Corey Haim movie since he plays the bigger part and he's really funny, but Feldman possibly steals the show as Edgar Frog along with Jason Newlander as Alan Frog. The Frog Brothers are played straight and serious, which makes it even funnier.

Before he was Jack Bauer, Kiefer Sutherland was David the evil vampire. I'm a huge fan of Sutherland and this is one of his very best roles. He doesn't always have a lot of dialogue, but he has a great presence on camera and makes for one of the coolest vampires to ever appear in a movie. The rest of the cast is also excellent; Jason Patric puts in a solid performance as Michael Emerson trying to fight his vampire urges.

The Lost Boys easily rates as one of the most fun filled movies of the 80s and one of the most fun period; there's never a slow moment The Lost Boys is always funny and a lot of fun. The DVD is excellent with some great features on the 2nd disc. I've seen The Lost Boys several times, but this is the first time I've seen it on DVD and I know there was a DVD out before, but the new one features a brand new HD transfer and the picture quality is excellent. If you own the original disc it's more than worth the double dip for the 2-disc set if not for the extras that at least for the transfer.

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