Jack Goes Boating (2009)

Jack Goes Boating marks the directorial debut of one of America's most accomplished and one of my personal favorite actors, the brilliant Philip Seymour Hoffman. The man has been a spark in such films as Spike Lee's touching 25th Hour and the Charlie Kaufman-helmed surrealist mind-bender Synecdoche, Ny. His direction here is understated, his film shambling but not entirely bleak. Jack Goes Boating is a drifting picture, but it is a winner because of its heart. It could have, given the subject matter, a relentlessly dour experience. Instead, Hoffman incorporates both the happy and the sad in mostly equal measures. A small film, but a success.

The film centers on a neurotic, rasti-loving New York limo driver with a penchant for pot and a nearly overwhelming sense of day-to-day isolation. He latches onto a couple whose marital fabric is stretching from past indiscretions, through whom he is introduced to an equally neurotic young woman named Connie who seems to have a good if oft-trampled heart.

In some ways, Jack Goes Boating feels a lot like a Cheever or a Raymond Carver short story. There is not a lot of action, the story centering mainly on character interactions. It is plodding but never dull. There are many surprises, actually, such as a weird subway scene and a dinner party climax for the ages. Despite what its detractors will no doubt claim, the film strikes a resonant tone. It seems "real", for lack of a better word. Hoffman's performance is understated but always reliable and Amy Ryan is excellent as the damaged Connie. The two leads are ultimately a conjoined foil for the other couple whose marital pains provide the film's moral center, as well as dramatic tension.

Indie enthusiasts take note, the soundtrack is also quite interesting. Though the song choices are generic, the bands represented are some of my favorites, Grizzly Bear and Fleet Foxes among them. Ultimately, this is a soft film with a lot of memorable scenes, snappy dialogue and while it may meander, that is its charm. Very poignant.

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program Every year, there are a fair share of idiosyncratic character pieces that pop up in the indie film scene that are loaded down with critical hyperbole proclaiming them as comedic masterworks. And nine out of ten times, these films (marketed as comedies) leave mainstream audiences perplexed. "Jack Goes Boating" is a prime example of just such a film--albeit one with a pretty impressive pedigree. Directed by and starring the great Philip Seymour Hoffman with the terrific Amy Ryan providing support, let me make one thing clear before I go any further--I am EXACTLY the audience for this film. In fact, when it was in town theatrically, I was going to go but it only lasted one week in our local movie houses. So I knew what this film was, had my expectations firmly in check, and was eager to jump right in! Well, truth be told, Hoffman's work left me a little cold with its remote awkwardness.

I appreciate films that can mine comic inspiration from the world's disconnectedness. "Jack Goes Boating" assembles the requisite damaged oddballs and brings them together to achieve maximum quirkiness. I'd describe the plot, but it is really rather superfluous. In summary, Hoffman and Ryan play an unlikely pair brought together by their married, but increasingly troubled, friends (John Ortiz and Daphne Ruben-Vega). That's about it. Will the pair be able to overcome their own problems to unite as a post modern example of healthy couple-hood? Or will you care? That might be a far more astute question. On some level, the viewer must be able to connect with the characters--preferably to like them, but absolutely essentially to understand them. Here, the characters stand as constructs--bits of weirdness with no real world explanation to their social deficiencies. If you knew the central characters in your real life, you would run in the opposite direction so as not to be sucked into their unexplained and self-imposed misery.

I didn't hate the movie, per se, I was just completely removed from it. Anyone, however, judging the marketing campaign and picking this up as a robust comedy might feel a bit betrayed. I knew what to expect. Still, Ryan is glass menagerie brittle while Hoffman is monosyllabic awkwardness. Neither character is developed much beyond superficial qualities that would brand them social pariahs. Ortiz stands as the only member of the cast that possessed an iota of joy or genuine warmth--and the film progressively makes him less and less palatable. At the end, I didn't care about anyone in the film and in a program billed as "heartfelt"--this is a major stumbling block. There were moments I quite liked, but as a whole, the picture never gelled to be anything other than odd. KGHarris, 5/11.

Buy Jack Goes Boating (2009) Now

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program This film was exactly what I thought it would be, and more.

Philip Seymour Hoffman directs and stars in this quiet, quirky film about a man named Jack. Jack and Connie are set up on a blind date by their married friends, Clyde and Lucy. Clyde and Lucy seem very together and ambitious, while Jack and Connie are basically loner losers.

But from this humble, awkward first date emerges a real relationship and passion for life. Throughout the film we see very little of Jack and Connie, or Lucy and Clyde, together, but we really get to know them as individuals and couples.

The perfection Clyde and Lucy exude quickly diminishes to show the tarnished dysfunction they actually inhabit together. The denial and lack of love is painful to watch, while Jack's hopefulness and devotion are truly touching. The lesson this film taught me made it worth watching (the last line is so beautiful).

Some pretty scary and violent (more verbal than physical) moments show the depth of the actors in this film. This is definitely an offbeat film, so it may not be for you.

And the soundtrack is amazing!!

Very quirky and dark, but with enough sentimental moments to endear you, Jack Goes Boating is a good film.

Read Best Reviews of Jack Goes Boating (2009) Here

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program In his directorial debut, Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman also stars as the shy and simple Jack. Bob Glaudini adapted his acclaimed off-broadway play for this movie, where Hoffman reprised his role on stage.

Set in New York City, Jack drives a limo for his uncle. Jack's sole friends, Clyde and Lucy, have their own problems and ambiguities. They set up Jack on a blind date with Connie (Amy Ryan) that ignites a narrative comprised of a series of drab superfluous occurrences. The underlying theme seems to be misery and monotony. Jack and Connie are two uncommitted single individuals with their own personal and social issues, and are unconsciously yet successfully withdrawing into the urban background of anonymity. Together and in each other they discover the desire to begin a burgeoning relationship. Ironically, the friends who brought them together are battling the crisis of a failing and unsettled marriage.

So, Jack goes boating because... well, I suppose I shouldn't spoil it here. Let's just say he wants to rise above his fears and deficiencies. He overcomes his fear of water, as well as his lack of skills in the kitchen, in the very basic interest of self-improvement. Oh, and he also wants to impress his newfound love interest.

Love and friendship, lies and betrayal, achievement and collapse. "Jack Goes Boating" is casually situated in a slice of working-class New York City life. The writing and acting is brutally genuine. Hoffman demonstrates his versatile talents behind the camera and in front of it. Quixotic and exquisite, the movie is an informal tale of love that comes and goes like a snowflake in winter. Depending on your taste, you will either hate it or appreciate it.

Highly recommended.

Want Jack Goes Boating (2009) Discount?

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program (DVD review)

Philip Seymour Hoffman directs and plays the lead character in a screen adaptation of Bob Glaudini's play "Jack Goes Boating." There are a lot of things to like about this film, including the "ordinary guy" aspect of the character Jack. He's somebody who's struggling with many of the same things the rest of us are, such as relationship issues and getting a better job, but he works hard to maintain a "positive vibe." The story is about two couples, all four people portrayed very well by the actors who played them, especially John Ortiz as Clyde. But it's a lot of the smaller things that made me like "Jack Goes Boating," including the effective use of music, both songs and score; plus such storytelling touches as the way Jack tries to visualize the things he is learning. The central scene in the movie, the dinner party, was a bit hard to watch. Still, I acknowledge its importance and saw how it ties into the rest of the story, how it is both the outcome of what came before it and affects what comes after it.

The extras on the disc are fairly minimal, with two short featurettes and two even shorter deleted scenes.

Save 25% Off

Read More >>

Seven Chances (Ultimate Edition) (1925)

Buster Keaton movies have a similar formula; naïve young man gets thrown into a situation where his ultimate manhood is put to test. Most classic Keaton films are written specifically for him, however "Seven Chances" is an exception in this area. Adapted from a 1916 stage play by Roi Cooper Megrue, "Seven Chances" puts Keaton to the task of finding a bride and getting married by 7:00pm that day, or else lose claim to a 7 million dollar inheritance. Before the plot, it is known that Keaton and his stockbroker business partner are very much in debt and the will face public disgrace and even jail time if they do not find much needed capital. So not only is Buster wanting the 7 million dollars, he needs it to keep his freedom.

Without giving away too much of the plot, the rest of the movie involves his unsuccessful pursuit of an immediate bride. He can't seem to get a break, when all of a sudden the news of his inheritance breaks and sends a mob of brides chasing him through the streets & country. It's the classic "Buster-Vs-The Elements" chase that Keaton is so well known for.

"Seven Chances" is an excellent film, although historically it was one of Keaton's least favorites. Keaton was initially perturbed by his producer, Joe Schneck, purchasing the play rights and 'Keaton-izing' it, rather than starting from material originated by Keaton himself. From viewing this film, I am stumped to see any inferiority and consider the end result to signify a very wise and entertaining move on Joe Schneck's part. "Seven Chances" ranks with some of Keaton's best work, including "Streamboat Bill Jr." & "The Navigator".

The 2 shorts included with this DVD are "Neighbors" and "The Balloonatic", both of them absolutely hilarious. "Neighbors" has some of the most inventive high-action scenes in any of the Keaton films, and "The Balloonatic" has some excellent scenes as well.

It's hard to go bad with a Buster Keaton silent movie and "Seven Chances" is no exception. The Kino/David Shepard duo does it again, by preserving a marvelous copy of this excellent film and by packing and distributing it with 2 excellent shorts. You and your family will like this DVD.

Seven Chances is just below Keaton's very best work in The General and Our Hospitality, but is still easily worth its five star rating. All that I will say about the plot of the film is that it is consistently funny with many laugh out loud moments. Moreover, some of Buster's stunts are truly frightening and they do not appear to have been faked. One of the great pleasures of this film is to catch a fleeting glimpse of a very young Jean Arthur. She is the receptionist who turns down Buster's marriage proposal by showing him her ring. Also, for Keaton fans, it is worth noting that the lawyer with the rubber face is the Principal in College. The print on this DVD is very fine. It has an introductory series of episodes in early two-strip technicolor, which is interesting even if the colour is somewhat bleached and damaged round the edges. The main body of the film however is in wonderful sepia. The music has some fine themes and adds to the livliness of the action. It is well played on what sounds like a cinema organ. Of the two short films on this DVD, I will just say that I prefer Neighbors to the Balloonatic. Both are funny, but do not rank with the best Keaton shorts.

Buy Seven Chances (Ultimate Edition) (1925) Now

SEVEN CHANCES (1925): Buster is to inherit $7 million on his 27th birthday, providing that he is married before 7:00 p.m. Through a misunderstanding about how worthy she is to him, his girlfriend, at first, turns his marriage proposal down, and this sends Buster on a crusade to hurry and seek a bride in a race against time.

The best scenes in "Seven Chances" occur in the last third of the movie, where athletic, speeding Buster is being chased by a thousand angry potential brides, and we get to see the actual houses, shops, cars, gas stations, banks, signs, etc., of 1925 Los Angeles and the Hollywood hills. During the silent era, filmmakers were able to film out of the studio and onto the actual street. With the emergence of sound, outside scenes had to be made using what little acreage the studio had on their back lot, or the use of (phony-looking) rear projection (that sometimes moved way too fast). Another reason the last third of "Seven Chances" is so good is because it contains one of Buster's most famous scenes: being chased down a mountain by an avalanche of gigantic boulders.

"Seven Chances" is a story that was bought by Buster's boss, who expected Bus to mold it to his style of comedy. The script is credited to someone else, but I spotted that Buster probably wrote at least one of the title cards because it contains Keatonese grammar: "It don't matter who I marry".

NEIGHBORS (1920): This is a great 2-reeler that starts off as a Romeo and Juliet kind of story, then veers off into Bus getting into silly situations using blackface and being chased by cops, then goes back to the Romeo and Juliet theme. Some of the funniest (and dangerous) gags of his career are shown here between Bus and his father, played by his real father Joe, like Bus being hung by his toes on a clothesline with Joe accidentally whacking him with a carpet beater that throws Bus into a spin-around. "Neighbors" continues with the title card "that afternoon, the inventor tries his patent fly-swatter". The fly-swatter is just a big board that teeter-totters on the fence that separates the sweethearts' backyards. Weeeeee! ....a disoriented Joe Keaton is flipped into the neighbors' backyard by the fly-swatter, and with this, I noticed that a very funny (and very stiff) dummy was used in the long shot.

THE BALLOONATIC (1923): Buster's first era of his 2-reelers is nearly coming to a close. In a few months, success will demand that he start filming more elaborate features (5-7 reels). This 2nd to last 2-reeler starts off at an amusement park where Buster is trying to pick up girls. He proceeds to a balloon launching where he accidentally is launched with it into the air. After traveling for a while, he is shown idiotically playing hunter (with duck decoys hanging from the balloon) and shoots at a bird that is resting against the side of the balloon. The blast plummets him to the earth, where a series of gags follow with Bus in the wilderness, including the use of lots of animals and a canoe named Minnie-Tee-Hee.

Read Best Reviews of Seven Chances (Ultimate Edition) (1925) Here

In 1925, Buster Keaton created a film adaptation of Roi Cooper Megrue and David Belasc0 play "Seven Chances". His fifth feature film and identified by many of his fans as possibly his best romantic comedy film ever made.

While film critics were a bit split because it was an adaptation which featured several writers responsible for the screenplay, while a simple story that is introduced in the beginning and concluded at the end, it's the middle...the main storyline which features one of the craziest chase scenes ever featured onscreen at the time, and quite timeless even today nearly 90-years later.

While the film would also feature a cameo role by future screwball comedy princess Jean Arthur, the film is also quite notable for its use of a very early Technicolor process at the beginning of the film which was recently restored by Kino for this 2011 Blu-ray release.

VIDEO:

"Seven Chances" is presented in 1080p High Definition and the film looks absolutely beautiful on Blu-ray! But first, let first preface with discussion of the introductory Technicolor scene.

"Seven Chances" was a film that utilized early Technicolor for the introduction and before this Blu-ray release, the Technicolor portion was in bad shape and degraded to the point that many people who saw the film felt it was color tinting combined with Nitrate damage on the sides. And then the US Registry has their own version of the intro which is in black and white, so there were people who were unaware of the Technicolor process that was used and thought it was just bad color tinting and Nitrate issues with the original print.

For this 2011 Blu-ray release, according to a special feature included with this Blu-ray release, film historian Eric Grayson talked about how the scene was remade by Kino to keep it as close as what people have watched back in 1925. With newer technology, they were able to restore the early Technicolor introduction and it literally took 80 hours to fix 3 minutes of footage. Sure, the Nitrate damage is still there in the introduction but now you can tell it is an early Technicolor process and not bad color tinting. But it's great to see Kino having redo those scenes, especially utilizing the best source material out there to recreate it.

With that being said, "Seven Chances" uses the restoration mastered from 35 mm materials preserved by the Library of Congress. While there are a few white specks from time-to-time, the clarity of the film is absolutely beautiful and for those who owned Kino's "The Art of Buster Keaton" DVD box set and watched "Seven Chances", there were many scenes, especially during the outdoor sequences that really never registered to me as a viewer because it looked quite blurry, but with this Blu-ray releae, you can actually make out grass, leaves, water, etc. Especially the contour of objects. The detail of this Blu-ray release compared to the older Kino DVD release is noticeable and definitely an example to silent film fans of why upgrading to Blu-ray from the older DVD is worth it!

There is a good amount of grain on video but its the detail and clarity that is possibly the highlight of this Blu-ray release. The contrast is great and black levels are deep and for the most part, the film via HD looks fantastic!

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

For the release of "Seven Chances", Kino has kept to the wonderful score by Robert Israel and we are given the LPCM 2.0 stereo score (which was featured on the original DVD release) but also a brand new DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack. The score actually sounds wonderful via lossless, absolute clarity and definitely a major difference from the original stereo track that I watched the film on DVD nearly a decade ago.

SPECIAL FEATURES

"Seven Chances" comes with the following special features:

Audio Commentary Audio commentary by film historian Ken Gordon and Bruce Lawton who give us an idea of the time period that "Seven Chances" was shot in and comparisons to Chaplin and Harold Lloyd films.

A Brideless Groom (16:48) In 1947, the "Three Stooges" remade Seven Chances, not surprising as "Seven Chances" co-writer Clyde Burkman worked on this "Three Stooges" short.

How a French Nobleman Got a Wife Through the New York Herald Personal Columns (9:44) A 1904 Edison short showcasing a similar style of story to "Seven Chances".

Tour of Filming Locations (10:17) John Bengston, author of "Silent Echoes" and well-known for visiting filming locations for Keaton, Chaplin and Lloyd films, showcases how various locations where "Seven Chances" was shot looks like now.

About the Technicolor Sequence (6:15) Film historian Eric Grayson talks about the restoration process of the early Technicolor scene for "Seven Chances".

Stills Featuring a gallery of 16 stills.

EXTRAS:

"Seven Chances" comes with a slipcase.

JUDGMENT CALL:

I can remember the first time I watched "Seven Chances" and literally seeing hundreds of women out on the street of Los Angeles as they tried to chase down and catch the character of Jimmy, played by Buster Keaton.

For the most part, Keaton's classic film "Seven Chances" can be seen as not deep as his previous films because the premise of the story is rather easy to follow. Man needs money, many has a chance of inheritance but must get married, so man needs to find a wife to get inheritance before 7:00 p.m.

Keaton's style of making sure the beginning and the end were worked out by the writers, what he needed to complete on his own was the entire middle section of the film. Where people would gasp at the stunts or whatever he would bring to the big screen.

While D.W. Griffith was a filmmaker who loved using hundreds of extras in his film, Buster Keaton loved utilizing masses. As he did in "Go West" with dozens upon dozens of cattle walking through the streets of Los Angeles, this time around, it's over a hundred women who wanted to marry the character Jimmy.

And like other Keaton films shot around that time, as a filmmaker and actor trying to raise the bar of how much risk he can take in creating the best stunts on film, one stunt featured Keaton dangling from a mechanical fork lift, another featuring the actor jumping from short cliffs to a large tree that falls to the ground after being cut by a logger.

But possible the most visual scene in cinema was Keaton running downhill but this time not being chased by women, but boulders. Sure, the boulders were specially made but according to Buster Keaton, these boulders were so large that they could hurt someone if they weren't being careful. According to Robert K. Klepper, "The Golden Era of Silents 1877-1996', Keaton's body was covered by bruises for weeks because of the filming of this chase sequence.

While film critics were inundated with actors doing these stunts, while Buster Keaton was a marvel in doing his own stuntwork, it was part of the banality of silent films as others like Chaplin, Lloyd, Fairbanks and others were doing physical work onscreen in order to entice their viewers.

And suffice to say, the stunts done by Buster Keaton were risky but how awesome do they look onscreen. Wonderful, physical comedy, risky and amazing and from the hundreds of women in the chase scene, to those hundreds of boulders falling down hill and heading towards Keaton's character, how thrilling was a scene like that. And the fact that it does last a long time, it's definitely one of my favorite chase scenes in a film!

And I believe that is why a film like "Seven Chances" is so intriguing for us today. Unlike those filmmakers who were bombarded with action sequences in silent cinema back in the day, for us, many of these scenes are done via stunt men and large crowds are now created in CG. Watching "Seven Chances" was intriguing in the fact that you see so many people utilized in one film but also, to see a part of Los Angeles that while the streets and some buildings are still around, they looking nothing like what we see in this film.

This film is a great time stamp to an era of what once was of early Hollywood or Los Angeles. "Seven Chances" for me, was more than just a comedy film but that captured the look and feel of Los Angeles in 1925 but also the pop culture fashion and hairstyles of women during the 1920's. And because there were a good number of women featured in this film, it was rather interesting to see those styles come to play. May it be the dapper teen that was about to get married to Jimmy, to the women with the Louise Brooks hairstyle. For me, as a silent film fan, I'm drawn into the historic pop culture of that era and "Seven Chances" does capture that moment in time quite well.

As for the Blu-ray release, the picture quality of "Seven Chances" is fantastic. Especially if you compared it to the original DVD release, watching the film in HD definitely made a big difference that I feel that for many silent film fans who have not wanted to stray from Blu-ray because they can't see a difference, well...watch this film and compare it to the older Kino DVD and you can see a difference in quality! As for the lossless audio, Robert Israel's score is magnificent via DTS-HD MA 5.1 but it would have been nice to have another musical score.

But I'm quite appreciative of the special features included with this release. I would have never expected to see a "Three Stooges" short on Blu-ray let alone on this Blu-ray release, but I was pretty happy about that. Also, for a film that showcases so many locations, I am so grateful that Kino once against featured John Bengston's visual essay. And of course, you get more features including audio commentary as well.

Overall, "Seven Chances" may be a shorter Buster Keaton feature film than others that were previously released on Blu-ray, but it's definitely one of his most delightful romantic comedies that he had partaken in. Also, for those who love Buster Keaton's risky stunts, "Seven Chances" doesn't disappoint in that either because this film required a lot from Buster Keaton in terms of physical comedy. And last, "Seven Chances" features one of the coolest chase scenes ever featured in early American cinema.

Once again, another magnificent Buster Keaton on Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber!

Want Seven Chances (Ultimate Edition) (1925) Discount?

The biggest improvement of the Blu-ray disc over the old DVD is the 80 hours of work done by Eric Grayson to improve the deteriorating technicolor sequence. In the old DVD it just looked like a red-tinted film with possibly a hint of another color. Now it is clearly a 2-color sequence. There is a demonstration in the bonus materials showing you the evolution of this restoration.

The remainder of the film was always very good on the old DVD, now the Blu-ray technology brings out sharper details and a bit more picture around all four sides. The tinting is different, the old DVD was presented with an AMBER tint through out the film while the Blu-ray has a mild BROWN tone giving it an almost monochrome look.

The Bonus Shorts on the old DVD are already on the Buster Keaton Shorts Blu-ray collection Buster Keaton Short Films Collection: 1920-1923 (Three-Disc Ultimate Edition) [Blu-ray], so no need to present them here. But with a feature running under an hour Kino needed to add some time with new bonus material.

Bonus Material:

A BRIDELESS GROOM (The Three Stooges) probably the biggest waste of time including this public domain 16mm film transfer here. It is presented because Clyde Bruckman wrote both the screenplay for SEVEN CHANCES and this 3-Stooges short. Too bad they could not get access to the 35mm material used for Sony's Three Stooges Collection release. 16mm in Hi-Def?

HOW A FRENCH NOBLEMAN GETS A WIFE FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES PERSONAL COLUMNS try to say that title fast! A novel short that is fun to see, still a 16mm transfer but not as common.

FILMING LOCATIONS More great then & now scenes to show you where SEVEN CHANCES WAS SHOT.

ABOUT THE TECHNICOLOR SEQUENCE a brief documentary about how 1925 Technicolor was shot & what a poor state the footage was in. A 4 way split frame shows you the progression of the restoration work.

PRODUCTION STILLS

Bottom line question: Is it worth it to upgrade the old DVD with this new Blu-ray? I would say "YES". Wile most of the old DVD does look good, it is a big upgrade for the technicolor sequence.

Save 52% Off

Read More >>

Sarah Michelle Gellar Collection (Suburban Girl/ The Air I Breathe) (2007)

I bought the Sarah Michelle Gellar Collection for my daughter. She LOVES it. But then she LOVES anything with Sarah Michelle Gellar in it. The movies are cute and good teenage fare as teenage movies go. I like the nonviolence better, the romantic comedy was sweet. It provided a totally different side of Sarah Michelle Gellar than I've ever seen. I have to admit, beyond Buffy and I Saw What You Did Last Summer I'm not exactly a Gellarphile. If you have a teen who's a fan, this collection will have you on the A list for at least a little while!

I have become a huge fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar's because of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and I was curious about other movies and work she has done over the years. I bought the Sarah Michelle Gellar Collection because it contained a drama as well as a comedy and I figured this would give me a pretty good idea of her range as an actress. One of the movies is called "Suburban Girl" which I guess could called a romantic comedy of sorts. The movie is good and a little offbeat which I liked and I loved the character she played in it. Sarah really makes her believable and likable and you find yourself hoping it all works out in the end which of course it does. The other movie is called "The Air that I Breathe" which is a drama. This movie was definitely a little different, it has an excellent cast including Sarah and is well written if strange. It's a series of short tales involving the same characters in different scenarios. One review I saw compared it to "Crash" which seems pretty accurate. While watching it I found myself wondering what the stories had in common, the segment which features Sarah's character is kind of depressing in places but highlights her ability to do dramatic roles. The end of the movie ties everything together very neatly and closes the circle. This is an excellent movie and I think Sarah Michelle Gellar is very underrated as an actress. I highly recommend this movie collection to anyone who is already a Buffy fan.

Buy Sarah Michelle Gellar Collection (Suburban Girl/ The Air I Breathe) (2007) Now

Read More >>

Boogie Woogie (2009)

This is a dark, dark look at the world of artists and those who deal in art. Calling this a black comedy is a gross understatement. Essentially everyone in this armpit of existence is in it for themselves. All are jockeying for position to get more, more, more for themselves. And they'll screw or screw over whomever they have to to get what they want.

There are a couple of stories running throughout this film. On one end you have Stellan Skaarsgard (an art collector) and Danny Huston (his art broker) trying to screw each other by outbidding each other to buy a piece of art (The Boogie Woogie of the title) which the owner, Chrostopher Lee, doesn't even want to sell. Meanwhile, Skaarsgard's assistant, Heather Graham, wants his backing to open her own gallery and start with a show by a maybe up and and coming video artist. To do so she will screw said artist's current promoter and screw Skaarsgard out of his cut. And Skaarsgard's wife, Gillian Anderson, will fool around with another up and comer and then want a divorce which will lead to more people screwing other people. You get the picture.

This is an acerbic view of how this part of society works. Everyone's disregard for the feelings of the people around them is unbelievable. There is a scene where Skaarsgard presents a "gift" to his new assistant. How, in anyone's world, this would be considered an appropriate gift is way beyond me.

The director, Duncan Ward, does a great job of giving you the look and feel for that part of London. The beauty, the hipness, the wealth and the attitude. All the acting is good and the writing is, for the most part, outstanding. Some might consider it "too", and they're probably right which is why I didn't give this the big FIVE stars. But all in all this is a great ride. It moves at a quick pace and doesn't linger on anything too long. I can recommend this to anyone who is even remotely interested in this part of existence.

This movie snuck up on me....I knew the loveyly Heather Grahmn was in it but that was it. Let me say that it was very funny and Heather looked amazing....She always brings something new to the table in each of her movies.

All I can say is that you won't be bored and that you may be surprise by how much you like it....

No spolilers here.....just my opninon....

Get this movie for your collection.

Buy Boogie Woogie (2009) Now

I know critics and fair share of movie fans didn't like this movie. I don't think it was bad in my opinion. I find if you are a person who loves your art cinema, you will excuse most of the inconsistent plotting and find a lot the subject matter related to the art world and its artists quite relateable. The acting is enjoyable and made the plot work despite its choppiness. All in all, I believe the movie worked thanks to actors involved and the art gallery finale had alot of a life imitating art that saved the flim.

Read Best Reviews of Boogie Woogie (2009) Here

it was perfect just as i have thought , absolutely recomended.

i will buy more products, totally reliable , very goos

Want Boogie Woogie (2009) Discount?

a fun and entertaining art house film about the art world with a great ensemble cast playing the most interesting characters you'll see.

Save 77% Off

Read More >>

Die Hard (Blu-ray / DVD Combo) (2013)

At the end of the Eighties the action movie genre, which had flourished throughout the decade, began to stagnate. Cinema goers had seen enough explosions and gunfights cloned from the same formula made popular by Arnie and Sly. Both of these men were moving in the direction of comedy and action movies needed something new.. something fresh. In stepped John McTiernan and Bruce Willis with DIE HARD. Willis, most famous at the time for the comic T.V. Series 'Moonlighting', made a perfect ordinary-man-in-an-extraordinary-situation action hero. He was believeable as John McClane and not immune to being hurt. He blead and felt pain, a first for the genre. And yet his cool confident delivery of a great wisecracking, intelligent script made him all the cooler. But most credit should go to Director John McTiernan, king of the sophisticated action flick. He made action movies slick, smart and full of pace and wit while never letting up on the bullets, cars and bombs front. Special praise must go out to Alan Rickman too whose performance as chief baddie Hans is to this day one of cinemas finest, moving convincingly from cool, calm and collected to desperate and nervous, never once seeming anything less than utterly ruthless and calculating. Die Hard is a great movie for a number of reasons but adding three dimensions to the action genre is this films finest achievement and anyone who has not sampled its delights before now would be wise to get a copy as soon as possible. But don't see it on T.V. oh no, because it is never without significant and completely unnecessary extra editing for violence and language. Enjoy it on video or DVD if you can, see it in all its original splendor, it is arguably the greatest action film ever made. And then go see the sequels.. they rock too!

Because of the fact that the new Die Hard movie is coming out, 20th Century Fox has discontinued the GREAT Special Edition DVD's of the first three Die Hard DVD'S, and are replacing them with newly-packaged one-disc versions with only half of those original DVD's features. This DVD, the Special Edition Steelbook, is the only DVD that Fox has just released worth buying, because it is a repackaged edition of the original Two-Disc Special Edition of Die Hard. Hopefully Fox will do the same thing with the other Die Hard movies.

Bottom Line: Forget the new Die Hard boxset, get this instead and wait for the other ones.

Buy Die Hard (Blu-ray / DVD Combo) (2013) Now

When I bought the "Die Hard Ultimate Collection" set, I really didn't think they would be able to do much with the very first Die Hard. It's a pretty old movie. I really didn't know if they could do much to improve the picture and sound quality of the movie. Well, I thought wrong, for when I watched this movie, I was completely shocked and stunned. I said to myself, "I can't believe they made this movie better."

This has to be one of the best transfers I have ever seen. The picture is ten times more crisper and sharper than the older DVD version. When the terrorists shoot out the glass windows to trap Willis, you can literally see every single piece of glass landing on the floor. Also, the sound is explosive and very impressive, especially if you can watch it in DTS. When I watched this new version of "Die Hard", it was like seeing it for the very first time.

If you are not familiar with "Die Hard", here's the story: Bruce Willis is John McClane, a very short tempered New York cop. He goes to California, hoping to patch things up with his wife, who works at the Nakatomi Plaza. All of that changes when a group of terrorists, armed to the teeth with guns and explosives, decide to take over the building. Now, the only one who can stop them is McClane, and believe, he's not too thrilled with the idea, but he knows he's the only one who stands a chance against them. McClane goes on a one-man war, running around the plaza, taking out the bad guys, and trying his best to stay alive. As soon as he hears the first gun shot, McClane knows he's about to have a very bad day.

This is a must have for anyone who loves "Die Hard". I know some might be hesitant since they already have the first box set, but believe me, it is worth it. Filled with non-stop action and thrills, "Die Hard" is a classic, and should be seen by all who loves action films. Again, I must say this is one of the best transfers I have ever seen. An easy five out of five, without question.

Read Best Reviews of Die Hard (Blu-ray / DVD Combo) (2013) Here

Die Hard Blu-ray far exceeds the Five-Star Collection version I own on DVD > I directly compared the two and the upgrades are incredible. The Blu-ray video is exceptional in almost every way. In my opinion the Blu-ray viewing exceeds the theatrical experience. The surround sound mix is sick > making great use of sub and back speakers. If you are a fan of the original Die Hard you will not be disappointed in the least with this release. Everybody knows Die Hard is one of the best action movies ever > highly entertaining and just as cool as it was 20 years ago. A classic flick given a great Blu-ray release > this is a no-brainer purchase. I highly recommend buying this Blu-ray.

Want Die Hard (Blu-ray / DVD Combo) (2013) Discount?

Off-duty cop (Bruce Willis) saves hostages and dispatches the sadistic bad guys against overwhelming odds; a simple plot, done many times since this 1988 thriller, but never done as effectively. The difference: This movie is well-written, well-acted, and well-directed. The script balances heart-pounding action with funny one-liners that always make me laugh out loud. Bruce Willis is wonderful as the Rambo-esque superguy who outwits, outplays, and outlasts the heavily-armed killers, and reveals just enough of his tender side to endear his character to the audience.

Willis is backed up by outstanding supporting players who add depth and surprises: Reginald Veljohnson is the sympathetic cop Willis talks to via radio during his ordeal. Alan Rickman plays the cruel, urbane gang leader with devilish flair. He is assisted by the talented Alexander Godunov as a ruthless killer.

The production values are top quality, the action never stops, and each stunt is unique and utterly stupendous. I heartily recommend Die Hard to those who love action films and those who just love excellence in film.

Save 48% Off

Read More >>

The Scout (1994)

"The Scout" is one of those movies that leaves you with a warm feeling in your soul after the video has been turned off. It is the story of a man who finds a friend and triumphs over his fears.

Al Percolo is a New York Yankees scout who is experiencing the worst luck of his life. When his boss sends him to Mexico on a grudge trip, Al discovers "the greatest ballplayer that ever lived": Steve Nebraska. Al manages to land a deal with Steve, but is fired while telling his boss about his great find. When the pair returns to the United States, Steve is promptly snapped up with a $55 million bid from the Yankees. Despite all his success, Steve's world is anything but the fairytale it appears to be. Steve has dangerous idiosyncrasies and an abusive past, which are uncovered as time goes on.

Brendan Fraser plays the part of the slightly eccentric, slightly insecure Steve Nebraska with astounding depth. Albert Brooks is perfect as the cheeky, unyielding scout.

However, Dianne Wiest is much too abrasive as Steve's psychologist, Doctor Aaron. She cannot decide who her character is. One minute she is speaking gently to Al, the next she is glaring and snapping at him. I'm afraid this psychologist might need a psychologist herself!

Despite the heavy subject material, the movie has its light moments. There are several comedic occasions provided by Steve's singing, and I must say, these points alone are reason enough to see the movie. Of course, there is also the inevitable victory, which makes everything beforehand worth it.

What is really refreshing about this movie is how clean it is. There are less than ten profanities in the entire film, and they are the only objectionable content.

"The Scout" is simply a fine piece of work, and a wonderful trip to take from everyday life.

It starts out almost as a comedy but it turns dramatic halfway through.Definitely not on my top ten baseball movie lists but it is worth watching at least once.Brandon Frasier does a great job as does Albert brooks. Just seems like they switched writers in the middle of the show.

Buy The Scout (1994) Now

Albert Brooks is a washed-up Yankee$ baseball scout who discovers a phenom (Brendan Fraser) in Mexico a kid who pitches around 105 mph, but is also a Babe Ruth home run machine from either side of the plate. I didn't expect a great movie. Sadly, we didn't even get a decent one. A movie with good acting, likeable characters, and so forth can make up for a bad plot. But...

Acting and characters: I don't particularly care for Albert Brooks' twitching style. Brendan Fraser was an annoying man-child whose tantrums got old. Dianne Wiest was alternately understated and abrasive as the psychotherapist who has to certify that Fraser's character is mentally sound [which of course, he isn't].

And the real meat of my discontent: the plot. First off there isn't a plot so much as a sequence of scenes. There's no payoff: Fraser doesn't experience a breakthrough; the therapy bit is dropped and never resolved. Brooks doesn't evolve either. The final sequence is a schoolboy fantasy of triumph but since there's no resolution, there's no emotional payoff either.

Now for the holes. Brooks' scout has two kids go directly from recruitment (and one is a freshman in college) to major-league pitching in a couple months. Sorry, they would start at A or AA at best, even if the club thinks they are fast-tracked. They'd never throw an untried talent directly on the team. The Yankee$ throw gobs of money at Fraser (George Steinbrenner in a vaguely amusing cameo says "Pay whatever it takes"). Why would they want a kid who pitches as well as hits? In the American League, he can't do both. The DH is expressly not allowed to be the pitcher. Fraser keeps his mullet hairdo; Steinbrenner famously required his players to be clean-shaven with short hair, no exceptions. Fraser also apparently never practices throwing, fielding, or batting, except in one five-minute scene where he throws one pitch. In a parking garage and with Brooks, not with a team.

Then there's Fraser's debut in game one of the World Series at Yankee $tadium. If he wasn't on the roster in the final month, he wouldn't be allowed to be on the team. And how is he batting again, in ninth place? See the DH comment. The final at-bat is a Cardinal who "hit five home runs in the playoffs"? I doubt the manager would have played that hot a hitter in the 9-spot. He isn't a substitution either; the commentator says he's 0-for-2 that night.

Skip this and watch any number of better-crafted baseball movies.

Read Best Reviews of The Scout (1994) Here

The scout was funny! I think at times there were moments that seem stupid. I guess that's what making movie's all about! I think you might enjoy it. It's actully better then I thought it be. That just proves never judge a movie by it's cover :)

Enjoy!

Want The Scout (1994) Discount?

You don't have to love either Brendan Fraser or Baseball to love this movie! I should know, because I hate baseball, but love Brendan Fraser, and I may just be a tad bit prejudiced when it comes to him.

Although the scout is about Baseball, there isn't much involving the sport except for short blips of Albert Brook looking for his 'King Kong', and the ending sequince when Brendan shows us that he truly is the king of the field. Albert Brook is hilarous as the scout who is hunting for other new protege's for the Yankee's, and Brendan is the young man who he happens to find. In mexico that is. Why he's in Mexico, and how he got there is never really explained. That and if the shrink is really his mom, or just a really concerned lady. Yeah, the story has its holes, but the comedy more than makes up for it.

I won't say anymore, more is less, and in this case its better just to see this movie than hear me explain it.

Let the game begin!

Save 38% Off

Read More >>