Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959)

After reading many of the other Amazon.com reviews of the "Plan 9 From Outer Space" DVD, the consumer MUST be aware there are two different companies that are distributing this movie on DVD. The first is PASSPORT which, from all the other reviews seem to say, should be avoided. Apparently the company has their logo visible on screen the ENTIRE movie and featurette which follows. And they also don't even include a chapter index. The other company which distributes this movie is IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT. This is the version I have and THIS is the DVD to get of "Plan 9". (The cover of my version is the one Amazon.com has displayed in the picture above.) The picture quality is near perfect and the Dolby Digital Mono sound is excellent. And. . . .no annoying logo in the bottom corner of your screen. While the (seemingly) inferior PASSPORT version supposedly has a few interviews cobbled together from Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" press junket, the IMAGE version includes a 111 minute documentary which includes some of the stars of Plan 9 (including Vampira) as well as cult horror directors Sam Raimi and Joe Dante! It's two movies for the price of one! So unless you're a die-hard Johnny Depp fan and NEED to have a couple of clips of him speaking, the IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT DVD is the absolute one to purchase. I believe Amazon.com offers both so just beware. And if you're thinking of buying one from an on-line auction make sure you ask the person selling which version they have. I hope this helps.

Plan 9 is just as bad as everyone says it is (buy it buy it buy it!), so this review is just a reminder for you to purchase the better of the two DVDs that Amazon offers of this title.

Do NOT buy the Passport Video edition...it has horrible sound and the picture lighting throbs between dark and bright through the entire film. Passport Video also included a watermark of their logo in the bottom right hand corner of the screen that lasts throughout the film. In addition to all of this, what is advertised on the package as "Show 2: THE ED WOOD STORY" is in fact 40 mins. of cobbled together interviews with Vampira, Johnny Depp, Ed Wood's wife, and one of Tor Johnson's neighbors. Sounds okay, but they are actually mind-bogglingly uninsightful and focus mostly upon Tim Burton's Ed Wood film.

The edition of this DVD that you will want to buy is the Image Entertainment version that includes the 111 min. documentary "Flying Saucers Over Hollywood" (which is a wonderful addition). This DVD has great sound and picture quality, vastly superior to Passport Video's piddly excuse for a quality DVD.

I know that it may seem counter productive to buy a more expensive release of the worst movie of all time, but you will appreciate the horrible experience of grave robbers from outerspace much more (and Image Entertaiment's documentary is great too).

Buy Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959) Now

Plan 9 From Outer Space is often called the worst movie ever made, but its entertainment value elevates it above many other films, even some of better quality. The plot moves along nicely and has little to no padding in it and the dialog and special effects are hilarious even if that was not the intent of the director, Ed Wood. Everyone who loves cinema should see this movie! The wobbly flying saucers on single strings, Swedish wrestler turned actor Tor Johnson, Bela Lugosi in his last role, Vampira and more make this an unforgettable film. It's so bad it's great. Sadly, the great Bela Lugosi died during filming, so look for Bela Lugosi's replacement in some scenes. He's not hard to spot as he is taller and looks nothing like Mr. Lugosi, hence he holds a cape in front of his face in every scene in which he appears!

The original black and white (b&w) version of the film is nicely restored on this DVD and the colorized version is of good quality and interesting as well. The colorization looks better on this disc than most and appears both rich and fairly natural. Mike Nelson, former head writer and host of the HILARIOUS Mystery Science Theater 3000 (aka MST3K, also available on DVD) provides a humorous commentary track that can be heard on either the original b&w or the color version of the film. Other extras include Mike Nelson's amusing "lost alien plans 1 through 8," some brief home movies of the famous cross-dressing director, Ed Wood, commercials produced by Ed Wood, faux comedic deleted scenes, and a color version of the movie trailer.

Fans of Plan 9 will appreciate the nicely restored picture and sound and the Mike Nelson commentary is highly amusing as expected. This DVD is a movie buff's dream. Don't miss it.

Read Best Reviews of Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959) Here

As another reviewer mentioned, Passport Video has their logo "PIP" in the lower right hand corner throughout this DVD.

Hold up your hand if this sounds like a good idea.

Also, if you go to the menu and click on PLAY MOVIE (as you're likely to do) you'll not get to the movie, you'll get the INTERVIEWS. That's right Passport Video is a bunch if screwups!

To watch Plan 9 you have to go to CHAPTERS.

Avoid this disc.

Want Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959) Discount?

I'm constantly mystified that people call this the worst movie ever made. True, the dialogue, special effects, acting, etc, clearly aren't on par with the big budget sci-fi movies Hollywood was cranking out at the time. However, if a movie is as entertaining as this one -even if it's not in the way its creators intendedit can't be that bad. I've watched this movie countless times and I never fail to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Nowadays, no one could intentionally create a comedy to be as entertaining in the way "Plan 9" is. It's a great party film if you have quick witted friends. If you really want a BAD film, watch "Wild Wild West." "Plan 9" may have UFO's made out of pie pans; but at least it doesn't have a stupid 80ft spider. There's a difference between entertainingly bad and just plain bad. "Plan 9" is the former. I think Ed Wood -the original "Bowfinger" would be surprised to know that his "masterpiece" turned out to be exactly that. A masterpiece. Well, maybe not in the vein he intended! Buy this movie!

Save 42% Off

Read More >>

Where Do We Go Now? (2012)

"Where Do We Go Now?" (2011 release from Lebanon; 100 min.) brings the fictitious story of an isolated village in Lebanon where Christians and Muslims, tired of the endless and senseless killing of/by the Christian and Muslim men, are living together more or less in peace. The opening scenes show the village women, both Christian and Muslim, marching together towards the cemetery where they put down pictures of their fallen husbands, sons and other male family members.

But the peace is threatened at times, not just by petty local events such as the strange disappearance of shoes from the mosque, but more so by watching the news on the one working television in the village, showing increased tension between Muslims and Christians. The women in the village decide that they need to ease the tension by whatever means possible. To say much more of the plot would be to ruin the viewing experience of this movie, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

This is a beautiful and touching movie. Props first of all to Nadine Labaki, the director/co-writer/star of the movie (she plays one of the key women roles). It wasn't until the movie's credits roled that I realized that Labaki was one of the main performers in the movie. While at times there is a light tone to the movie, we are quickly reminded of the absurd nature of the long-held mistrust between people from different religions. I enjoyed this movie from start to finish. If you are looking for a sophisticated yet entertaining foreign movie, by all means check this out. "Where Do We Go Now?" is highly recommended!

One of the best films describing the fundemental problem of the Lebanese society. Nadine Labki has a long standing passion in bringing up the issues and topics that are considered as a "hot potato" topics in Lebanon.

Buy Where Do We Go Now? (2012) Now

A very imaginative way of treating the subject of religious differences in a war torn society. It is funny, entertaining, human, makes you cry and makes you laugh at the absurdity of separatism!

Read Best Reviews of Where Do We Go Now? (2012) Here

Where Do We Go Now is several things at once: a drama; a comedy; a musical of sorts; a slice of life in a troubled village and a commentary on life in general, at least in Lebanon and other countries nearby. It succeeds very well! True, once or twice things changed too quickly from drama to comedy or music; but this is a minor quibble. The plot moves along at a good pace and I was glued to the screen to see how everything would play out. The acting is superlative; although the actors are not highly seasoned professionals they give nuanced, convincing and passionate performances. The choreography and the cinematography work well and the musical score enhances the film, too.

When the action starts, we meet quite a few people in a Lebanese village isolated because the only bridge to it is badly damaged and needs repair; traveling too far from the village is also dangerous because of land mines. The villagers are hemmed in. Fortunately, there is peace between the Christian and Muslim members of the community; their houses of worship are almost side by side--there's just one house between the mosque and the church. People are also very excited that a few teenagers found a way to hook up a television; now they can watch programs including the news.

It isn't long, however, before pent up tensions begin to surface. At first it's just a comment here and there; but things deteriorate. Once the villagers see on television is that there is fighting on the outside between Muslims and Christians, the Muslim and Christian men in the village begin to fight and the women oppose the violence. Things begin to spiral out of control after Muslims suspect that Christians put goats in their Mosque and stole their shoes while they were praying inside the mosque; and Christians are appalled and angered when a Muslim man smashes their statue of the Virgin Mary and they discover chicken blood in the font to mock their Communion.

The religious leaders want peace but it is the women who really struggle to make it happen. The women hire Ukrainian belly dancers to distract the men and put hashish in baked goods to make the men mellow! There's more, too, including a huge plot twist at the end of the film that left quite an impression on me.

Look for superb performances by director Nadine Labaki who plays Amale, a Christian woman in love with Muslim Rabih (Julian Farhat); Kevin Abboud as Nassim; Petra Saghbini as Rita; Caroline Labaki as Aïda; Yvonne Maalouf as Yvonne; Claude Baz Moussawbaa as Takla; Ali Haidar as Roukoz; Oxana Chihane as Katia and Leyla Hakim as Afaf. As I mentioned above, the others give wonderful performances, too.

Where Do We Go Now is a poignant look at life in a troubled Lebanese village and how it can be so hard to achieve peace between warring groups, in this case Christians and Muslims. I highly recommend this film for people who like drama with cultural, social and political themes with a side dish of comedy and even some music to lighten things up. Moreover, people who appreciate the work of Nadine Labaki will not be disappointed.

Want Where Do We Go Now? (2012) Discount?

This is one of my favorite movies. Nadine Labaki portrays a very interesting story about sectarianism and reconciliation and that is something almost the whole MENA region is going through, especially with the current developments aka Arab Spring. The actors in the movie were being themselves, hence, no over-acting which added up to the movie being awesome. I heard Nadine picked the amature actors based on their personality and that the real life personality is similar to the one in the story and in which the actors portrayed the characters beautifully.

The setting is great and so is the production. Oh, I should mention the music as well. Khaled's compositions are just so delightful to the ears. Just watch the goddamn movie, okay?

Save 28% Off

Read More >>

Just Friends

At a high school graduation party, overweight Chris Brander (Ryan Reynolds) attempts to reveal his true feelings for his best friend Jamie Palomino (Amy Smart), but ends up making an utter fool of himself. What's worse, his humiliation takes place in front of his jeering teenage peers. A decade later, Chris has become a success story. He is now thin, prosperous, is a hit with girls, and works as an executive in the music industry. His latest assignment is escorting wacky starlet/pop princess and ex-flame Samantha James (Anna Faris) to Paris, France. But their plane has to make an unscheduled landing in Jersey, Chris's high school home. Rationally, Chris and Samantha decide to stay at his old house. Chris has a reunion with his former buddies, including the winsome Jamie, who immediately rekindles that old spark within Chris. The remainder of the film concerns Chris's efforts to make Jamie see him as more than a friend, while simultaneously fending off the warped Samantha. Competition comes in the form of a former fellow nerd turned sensitive guy Dusty Dinkleman (Chris Klein).

Just Friends is a very funny, feel-good movie. Ryan Reynolds is a hoot as a brash L.A. stud who disastrously channels his inner dweeb whenever he's around unrequited love Jamie. Ryan is really excellent with physical comedy. There are scenes with him that are just uproarious (case in point, the aftermath of his politically incorrect hockey game with the kids). I even enjoyed his frequent Three Stooges encounters with his kid brother (Chris Marquette). And when he has to, Ryan steps outside the slapstick and layers in a deeper nuanced, more introspective performance. I ended up rooting for Chris, even though he was overly cocky and big-timed his home town folks. And then there's Amy Smart, who seemingly can do no wrong. There's just something so lovable and natural about her. She embodies the type of girl every guy would want to be with. Anna Faris's turn as the unstable Samantha adds to the already boisterous feel of the film. Samantha actually scares me. Chris Klein's Dusty, Chris's guitar-playing, song-writing rival, is disgustingly touchy-feely. One would wish that a different sort of arc for Dusty's character had been laid out; the script writer, in my eyes, sold out and made things too convenient for Chris, with regards to Dusty. Julie Hagerty (Airplane!) has a goofy supporting role as Chris's mom.

The special features are tasty:

a filmmakers' film commentary

"Tales from the Friend Zone" featurette (the cast & crew talk about real life "just friends" experiences)

"Developing Just Friends" featurette (wherein we learn of the script's 7 year odyssey and how, originally, Chris didn't get the girl at the end)

"A Director's Guide to Comedy" featurette

"The Transformation" featurette (about Ryan's fat face make-up)

"The Body Shake" featurette (the awkwardness of when you're dropping off a date; do you hug or kiss?)

"It's Friggin' Cold" featurette (the cast & crew basically complaining about how cold the shooting was)

"A Writer's Journey" featurette (focus on script writer Adam "Tex" Davis)

"A Disaster in the Making" featurette (about the making of the Palomino house X-mas decor and its eventual fate)

"The Reshoots" featurette (the making of the eventual ending of the film, which wasn't the original ending)

a so-so blooper reel

deleted scenes

an alternate ending (this was the initially intended ending; you could see why they changed it)

an amusing "Jamie Smiles" video

theatrical trailer

So, try out this movie. It'll make you smile and laugh and even feel nostalgic because, let's face it: just like me, you've been in Chris's position before, too.

This is not hi-def quality. It's lo-def recorded onto a blu-ray disc. All the cost, none of the detail. Doesn't even have the extras that are on the dvd. For the record, I loved this movie and was very anxious to get it in hi-def, but this was a complete rip-off. Don't waste your money. Just get the dvd.

Buy Just Friends Now

This movie definitely turned out to be better than expected. I'd just seen "Waiting", which was decent, so I was interested to see what this Ryan Reynolds film would have to offer.

This movie had a much better storyline than did "Waiting..." It was very refreshing to see Ryan Reynolds play a character that wasn't Van Wilder-esque. He gives a very funny performance as the fat-kid turned Hollywood man-about-town who returns home and reconnects with the girl who broke his heart in his youth.

The movie is funny right off the starting line and remains funny throughout.

Recommended.

Read Best Reviews of Just Friends Here

My husband and I absolutely love this movie we feel it is a totally underrated comedy. We quote it on a pretty regular basis, and look forward to watching it every holiday season (and throughout the rest of the year). Ryan Reynolds (Chris), Chris Klein (Dusty), Anna Faris (Samantha) and Chris Marquette (Mike) are all perfect in their roles and keep us laughing through the entire film, no matter how many times we've seen it. The love story between Chris and Jamie (Amy Smart) is adorable, and the love triangle with Dusty is hysterical. It's also one of those movies that gets funnier with repeated viewings, so give it a shot and I don't think you will be disappointed :)

Want Just Friends Discount?

This movie is a scream. I'm a big fan of Ryan Reynolds anyway, and he is a belly laugh in this movie, so he certainly doesn't disappoint. The whole cast is very well put together, and enhance the movie in it's hilarity. Then, after all the craziness, there is a believable, good ending.

Save 32% Off

Read More >>

The Coalition (2012)

Being from Baltimore and an avid Ravens and T Sizzle fan, I had to buy this in support of our beloved, and oh so colorful "Ball So Hard" grad. This movie was filmed in Arizona, where Terrell grew up from 8th grade on, which says a lot about who he is right there. It's a great story, about a lifestyle that most of us are not familiar with, the pleasure side of some professional athletes' lives, the more playboy type athlete, and the women they have scorned. Needless to say, it is interesting to see how the women join forces, the coalition, for their revenge. It is an entertaining movie, and was such a pleasure too see another side of Terrell Sugg's passion of film making. We all know what he can do on a football field, it was great to share his other love. Working on a low budget, the actors were not A list, but did a great job, especially for those who had never performed before. It was not a great movie, but a great first movie for all involved making it. Congratulations to all of you. Here's hoping the next one will take place in your other home, "Charm City."

As an anecdote, Terrell also took a day trip to Las Vegas and bought some special dresses for Autumn, a character who evolved from a simple young woman, to a fashionable force to be dealt with. He was totally hands on for this production, and has great taste in women's and men's clothing, which he also wardrobed.

So, for a night of entertainment, and a look into a different world, try it! It's based on true events, but the names, and I'm thinking the sport have been changed to protect the innocent.

THE COALITION is co-written and co-produced by pro football star Terrell Suggs of the Super Bowl XVLII champion Baltimore Ravens. I know what you're thinking, straight-to-DVD romantic comedy co-written/produced by a guy who makes a living putting quarterbacks in the hospital? No thanks. Well, you're in for a pleasant surprise

THE COALITION, which is co-written/directed by Monica Mingo, is the story of a group of scorned women who form an unlikely alliance to get revenge on a superstar baller named Prime (played by ex-Seattle Seahawk, Eddie Goines) and his womanizing homeboys, after Prime replaces the film's ostensible protagonist, a successful, but desperate sister named Autumn (played by newcomer Ingrid Clay), with a sexy, but naïve Afro-Asian "good girl" named Skylar (played by former Hip-Hop video model, Denyce Lawton). We see this "ex-girl-to-the-next-girl" scenario play out in various ways during the movie's first act. In one particularly cold-blooded scene, Autumn receives a cardboard box with her belongings from Prime's house, including photos of the ex-couple with her face cut out, on the same day Skylar gets chauffeured around town for an all-expense paid trip to the beauty salon and health spa.

Of course, Autumn isn't having this, even though she has a man at home and is sleeping with one of Prime's best friends, and starts stirring up trouble in Skylar and Prime's relationship. While THE COALITION's plot may sound like an extended episode of VH1′s Basketball Wives (champagne will be thrown into face), it's actually closer to a feature-length version of Black Entertainment Television's equally-popular (and smarter) comedy/drama series "The Game" and its predecessor, "Girlfriends".

What makes this intriguing, is the fact that Terrell Suggs, one of the NFL's highest-paid defenders, has an intimate knowledge of this world, which makes you feel like you're getting inside information (it is, after all, based on "true events"). Furthermore, THE COALITION's storyline is highly-nuanced and none of its characters are actually who they appear to be, so viewers can expect a few well-placed twists.

All in all, THE COALITION makes for a pretty enjoyable movie night and is well worth a look.

Buy The Coalition (2012) Now

Good acting, strong storyline, and nice plot twists. Movie has plenty of eye candy for both sexes. What's not to like?

Read Best Reviews of The Coalition (2012) Here

not well written...too much trivial details. Couldn't watch very much...kept looking for some substance but the story was not good enough. Direction and acting was good...story line not interesting at all.

Want The Coalition (2012) Discount?

Good Plot and twists. Some weak spots, but the couple at the end makes the movie worth the watch. Perhaps it could have been wrapped up a little better, but I guess real life can be this messy too.

Save 55% Off

Read More >>

Division III: Football's Finest (2011)

Hilarious! If you love Andy Dick, which most don't...you will love this movie. He is amped up the entire time. It's like watching the best parts of his MTV show, for an hour and a half. Gr8 stuff!

This movie is a total gem, entertaining and perfectly cast and edited. There were moments I had to replay right away because they were so funny. Like when the assistant coach, Paul Henderson's character, leads the prayer for the football team. Brilliant comedy. Andy Dick is a madman and yet he has pathos. My family has been quoting one liners from the movie ever since we watched.

Buy Division III: Football's Finest (2011) Now

Andy Dick is genuinely funny in this movie. He's a funny comic actor, but most of the reason it works is that he's playing a very funny character. Rick Vice, a psychotic coach with a checkered past, is the perfect vehicle for Andy to channel all of his crazy, scary talent into, and it works.

Other actors have their moments but I never felt they were as developed as Andy. Will Sasso and Adam Carolla have a funny running gag as sports reporters, and I wish there had been more of Mo Collins as the loopy president or dean of the small liberal arts college.

The problem with the film is that the main character, played by co-writer and director Marshall Cook, is that he's simply the Lead Character In A Sports Film. And an under-developed one at that. He at first comes across as lazy and cynical...and then he just walks through the rest of the film, ending up with a winning game and The Girl...and we're not sure why. I guess because he's the Lead Character In A Sports Film.

The film clings too tightly to a well-worn sports movie formula and several main characters are merely formula commitments, not hilarious comic creations.

But Andy is really funny in this.

Read Best Reviews of Division III: Football's Finest (2011) Here

This movie is really funny! I was laughing non-stop. Andy Dick gives an outstanding performance and there were great jokes throughout. The actors were talented and the director did a great job of breaking the comedy mold. This movie was wild compared to all of the big budget, watered-down comedy movies normally released. I saw it in a theater but I can't wait to see it on blu-ray.

Want Division III: Football's Finest (2011) Discount?

I'm a huge Andy Dick fan and own the vast majority of his albums, TV shows and movies he's been in. I know he's not everyone's favorite, but I enjoy his funny, weird sense of humor.

That said, I didn't really like the movie he was placed into. Division III has quite possibly the worst male lead casting choice I've seen in ages (Marshall Cook). I mean, he literally gives Chris Klein a run for the money in terms of being unlikeable. He's got a bad attitude, a lazy work ethic and has zero charisma. I'm talking about both the character he portays AND him. He literally comes across like he was halfway awake in every scene. That wouldn't be so bad if the female lead (Alison Haislip) wasn't equally annoying on screen. I mean, are we supposed to want this girl to be the one everyone falls for in the film? She's snotty, talks down to everyone she meets and constantly complains about not being able to afford tuition at a college so poor it can't even afford football jerseys. It makes no sense. Like Marshall, I doubt she even wanted to be in this film (and it shows).

I could also complain about the weenie and weird Kevin Covais, a weakling and even nerdier version of McLovin. I mean, WTF! He was giving the male lead pep talks, sleeping with a girl way out of his league and scoring a game winning touch down even though he had never set foot on the field once (during an actual football game). Really? Really....?

As I said, the film around Andy is just mediocre at best. It's not particularly funny, touching or...well, anything. It's just there. I almost get the impression the Director was hesitant to make the whole film about Andy and instead tried to give the younger actors more screen time to balance him out. I think that was actually a poor choice because people will watch and remember Andy Dick in this film and no one else.

I should also say the film is surprisingly well told storytelling-wise and Dick's character is unpredictable enough that the film isn't too formulaic. I also like how non-PC the humor is. There are some gross out bits in the film I didn't expect, but luckily for Andy, they didn't seem beyond the scope of what he is known for (making the audience cringe).

Overall, for Andy Dick fans, it is definitely worth watching, despite the ho-hum story and actors surrounding him. I would recommend Danny Roane: First Time Director over this any day, mainly because that is a film all about Andy Dick and has much, much better actors in general.

Save 57% Off

Read More >>

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Safety Not Guaranteed is a quirky love story that sucks you in the second it starts.

The story is about a team of 3 journalists (Aubrey Plaza, Jake M. Johnson, and Karan Soni) who decide to write a story about a man who is seeking someone to travel with him back in time. He doesn't say where he's going or why, but the ad he writes is interesting enough for the story. Besides a wonderful subplot, thats basically the story. Its funny, cute, and above all else brutally honest. Our three journalists are all in someways emotionally damaged or emotionally distant, and watching these characters grow is a wonderful and move beyond their troubles is pure joy. Mark Duplass as Kenneth, the one who wrote the ad, is fantastic. He does such a good job with the character that about halfway through the movie, you begin to question if he really does know how to travel back in time or not. Aubrey Plaza as the one who gets close to him also does a great job, a character worth rooting for and one that by the end may have you holding back a few tears. Karan Soni plays the lovable geek while Jake Johnson has a subplot involving a past lover that is as heart wrenching as it is funny.

This movie is so beautifully simple that I can't recommend it enough. The performances are great, the music is wonderful, and the story is all being told in front of a beautiful backdrop (mostly filmed in or around Seattle).

5 stars.

This is a great gem of a movie that has all the tell tale markings of a sleeper hit. I have to say this film made me realize how jaded I've grown toward independent films. Having seen the trailer, I expected to be entertained and enjoy the film, but I was sure that I was beyond its warm and fuzzy sentiments I never expected to fall so hard for this movie.

It was absolutely lovely to watch a film that both my teenage son and I could enjoy that has great characters, plot, dialogue and direction. Not to mention heart, warmth, and a refreshing lack of violence and nudity. The film walks a fine line, yet never falls into the realm of the sappy, cliché, or bland family film. This is the kind of film that shows you how delightful it is to be surprised and charmed by everyday reality.

Highly Recommended!

Buy Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) Now

Safety may not be guaranteed when you travel through time, but I can safely guarantee that this is an excellent movie. I ,on a whim, just decided to buy Safety Not Guaranteed through Amazon Instant Video. The performances are just great in this movie especially Mark Duplass (The League) as Kenneth and Aubrey Plaza (Parks & Recreation) as Darius. Mark Duplass really shows what he can do as an actor in this movie as he plays a completely different character than Pete from the League. Kenneth is introverted and highly intelligent, but also is a bit crazy in an endearing way. There is also some good side story stuff featuring Jake Johnson (New Girl) and Karan Soni (Worst.Prom.Ever.) where Karan's character Arnau convinces Johnson's Jeff to give a girl a chance even if she looks different than she did twenty years ago. This movie is just so well acted, directed (Colin Trevorrow), and written (Derek Connolly) . There is a lot of deeper thoughts and feelings especially regarding the reasons for going back in time and the relationship that forms between Darius and Kenneth. There are also some great heartfelt moments and just as many fun moments. The ending is also not what you'd expect, and it was awesome. I absolutely loved this movie, and it's the best indie movie I've seen a while. GO BUY THIS NOW!

Read Best Reviews of Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) Here

An ad appears in the paper:

"Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before. Safety not guaranteed."

Jeff (Jake Johnson from "New Girl"), an assistant editor for a magazine convinces his editor to let him and his two interns Arnau and Darius (Aubrey Plaza from "Parks and Recreation") try and find the person who placed the ad as there might be something there about which an article can be written. She agrees.

It turns out he has an ulterior motive, his old girl friend lives there and he wants to see if you can go home again. One of many subplots, this adds depth but is not the main focus of the film. They find the author of the ad, but he spots the assistant editor as a ringer right away. They then send in the incredibly withdrawn intern Darius and in an unconventional way, they bond.

Although the question of whether or not he can build a time machine is answered, I'm not going to reveal that here. That's OK; you see, It Doesn't Matter. This is not a movie about time travel. It's about what happens to all these people in the process of finding out.

I can't say enough good about this film. Well acted, well directed, good story, the whole thing. I can say that almost everyone will be thoroughly delighted. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes bittersweet, sometimes joyful, sometimes philosophical, always charmingly offbeat, this movie is a unique treasure.

I also can't say enough about what a pleasant surprise this movie is. It grossed less than $4 million so far, it's not the "Dark Knight" after all, so there is a whole world out there that hasn't yet experienced this gem. Become one of them. This is HIGHLY recommended.

A recommendation: Get the DVD vs. the Blu-Ray. This is a small indie film, and neither the video nor the audio are going to benefit that much from Blu-Ray. So, as long as they do a decent DVD transfer (and if they don't it's unlikely they'd be able to afford to do so on the Blu-Ray), I wouldn't endorse the 25% surcharge for Blu, especially given how well players upscale DVDs.

Want Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) Discount?

The last we heard of the Duplass Brothers (Jay and Mark), they brought us "Jeff, WHo Lives at Home". Now comes this, which is co-produced by the Duplass brothers and others, and which stars Mark Duplass.

"Safety Not Guaranteed" (86 min.) is based on a real ad which appeared in a magazine, looking for a time travel mate, "please bring your own weapons, safety not guaranteed". From that writer Derek Connolly made up this story. In its very essence, a journalist and 2 interns from Seattle Magazine go out to Ocean View, WA, to find out who placed the ad (which turns out to be Kenneth, played by Mark Duplass), and why. One of the interns, Darius (played by Aubrey Plaza) poses as the time traveler-wanna be. Apart from this main story line, there are several parallel lines, one involving the magazine reporter looking up a HS girlfriend, now 20 years later. Duplass plays Kenneth straight up and you cannot tell whether the guy really believes that he can time travel, or whether he's just putting us on. That is one of the movie's biggest strenghts as it keeps the interest in the plot. That said, I was a bit let down by the ending, which came with a number of things unexplained, or worse, simply not believable.

This is a quirky little movie that is mostly entertaining. The acting performances are great, in particular from Mark Duplass and Aubrey Plaza. Kudos also for the excellent soundtrack from Ryan Miller. Make sure to stick around to the very end, as "Big Machine", a song that Duplass briefly plays solo in the movie, plays in full band mode as the end credits roll, and it's a fantastic tune (performed by/credited to Ryan Miller and Mark Duplass). This movie is MILES away from your standard Hollywood fare, but if you are in the mood for a good indie movie, I'd readily recommend "Safety Not Guaranteed".

Save 44% Off

Read More >>

The Slammin' Salmon (2009)

First off: Don't buy it on Blu-Ray. There is no reason to, and you can save a few bucks if you just buy it on regular DVD. The movie itself is very entertaining. It has a breezy tone that is great. The characters are all funny, especially Nuts. Broken Lizard movies hinge on the chemistry of the actors, and where they faltered with "Club Dread", they succeeded with "The Slammin' Salmon". All the actors work well together, with major props going to Michael Clarke Duncan. He was much funnier than I was expecting, and had some of the best lines. I highly recommend this movie if you are looking for an entertaining, light-hearted comedy.

Customer review from the Amazon Vine Program I'm not familiar with the Broken Lizard troupe, but this movie was a great and humorous surprise. Michael Clark Duncan is hilarious as Slammin' Cleon Salmon. While this movie will never be considered one of the great cinematic masterpieces of all time, it is a dang funny movie with a hilarious cast. This is the perfect move to watch with a group of slightly drunk friends on a Friday night. If the movie is lacking anything, it would be a weak link. This is comedy at its best.

Buy The Slammin' Salmon (2009) Now

If you love the Broken Lizard gang (Super Troopers, Beerfest) and you have been in the service industry, you will LOVE this movie. Bring "Waiting" into the Broken Lizard gang, and you have one hell of a funny movie. Don't even think about it...Just buy it!

Read Best Reviews of The Slammin' Salmon (2009) Here

THE BEERFEST AND SUPER TROOPERS GUYS DO IT AGAIN... IF YOU EVER WORKED IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY AS A WAITER THEN THIS MOVIE IS FOR YOU.. BETTER THAN WAITERS WITH RYAN REYNOLDS... OR ALONG THE SAME LINES BUT WITH A MORE COMPHREHENSIBLE STORY LINE.... NOT THEIR BEST WORK BUT STILL FUNNY

Want The Slammin' Salmon (2009) Discount?

If you haven't seen this kick yourself and then see it! Hilarious!!! By far the best film Broken Lizard has done including Super Troopers...

Save 37% Off

Read More >>

Meet the Parents (Blu-ray + DVD) (2000)

I wasn't really sure what to expect with Robert De Niro in a more comedic role and the so-so reviews of Meet the Parents. Well, let me be the first to tell you that all theses reviews were wrong and De Niro shined in his role as the father. The toilet humor of There's Something About Mary is still present in Meet the Parents--I won't give any of it away since the shock factor is what makes these scenes so hilarious. Ben Stiller is wonderful as Gregory, the misguided yet well-intentioned boyfriend of Jack's daughter. This movie had so many well placed comic moments that I never really stopped laughing. Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller make such a great pair because of the fact that they are such polar opposites. De Niro's paranoia feeds Stiller's own paranoia and makes for a lot of awkward but humorous confrontations. Their misunderstandings range from the hidden meaning of "Puff the Magic Dragon" to premarital relations. Mixed in somewhere within the gags and the shock humor is a nice romance story that is somewhat generic but never overshadows Stiller and De Niro's relationship. Meet the Parents is one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time and I implore you to see it.

This review refers to the VHS edition(Universal) of "Meet the Parents"......

You may not think your in-laws are really so bad after seeing what poor Greg Focker has to go through with his future family. Yes you read right, his name is Greg Focker and he's about to spend the weekend with the parents of the girl he intends to marry. Pam's dad, Jack Byrnes, really loves his daughters, and any man who wants to share their lives better be up to his standards. He's an ex-CIA agent who will scrutinize your every move and you better like his cat as well.What will it take for Greg to win the hand of the girl he loves..and does he really want to be a part of this crazy family after all? It's laugh out loud stuff as every move he makes turns into a hysterical series of events that has Pam's family turning against him.

Who else could be the over protective,over bearing,over analyzing, prospective father-in-law than than Mr. Tough Guy himeslef..Robert De Niro. His straight faced comic timing is just one more side of this very talented actor. Ben Stiller is a laugh a minute as he tries to please this unpleasable Dad.

The rest of the cast is nicely rounded out by Blythe Danner,Teri Polo,James Rebhorn and the fabulous Owen Wilson. Director Jay Roach brings this terrifc ensemble together beautifully and the music by Randy Newman adds more fun to the story.It's one of those great comedies that is still funny with repeated viewings.

The VHS is in Stereo surround, sounds great,has closed captions, and has a nice picture as well.

So kick back,enjoy the film, but..be careful not to let the cat out!.....have fun with this great addition to you comedy or De Niro collection.....Laurie

Buy Meet the Parents (Blu-ray + DVD) (2000) Now

In a year filled with less-than-par movies (especially those in the comedic genre) this was a breath of fresh air. I haven't heard a theatre audience laugh harder since 1995 when I watched "Dumb & Dumber". This is a similar comedy with a little more sense and a little less slapstick.

Greg Focker is a nurse who, before asking his girlfriend to marry him, must visit her parents and o.k. it with them. Things seem to be going well enough when he picks up the wrong bag at the airport, causing the oncoming hell that is 'Meeting the parents'.

Robert DeNiro stars as the father, an ex CIA agent who keeps a very close eye on Focker, and doesn't like what he sees. He mistakes him for a pot smoking, test-cheating, porno-watching liar who isn't fit for his daughter. At the comedic climax of the film, DeNiro even gives Focker a polygraph test.

In the end, sides aching, this film left me more satisfied than I'd been walking out of a theatre in a LONG time. Although comedies typically don't get oscar nods, this one is certainly deserving.

Lets pray for a "Meet The Parents, The Sequel" to save us from future movie boredom.

Read Best Reviews of Meet the Parents (Blu-ray + DVD) (2000) Here

You don't need a lot of words to describe a movie this funny. I really didn't stop laughing from the very first minute of the movie. I admit that I have been disappointed by Stiller movies in the past, like "There's Something About Mary" and "Mystery Men". I didn't hate them, but I didn't really want to watch them over again after seeing them.

Ben and Deniro are both brillant together in this movie. They are both from completely different planets as far as comedic prowess and that makes them work great against each others characters. The play on Focker's name is just so hilarious. It's a great movie, I could watch it over and over again.

Want Meet the Parents (Blu-ray + DVD) (2000) Discount?

My husband & I actually went to see this movie the week before he was going to ask my father for my hand in marriage thank God he already knew my family, or I think this movie may have scared him off!!!

I have to say that we laughed SO hard during this movie that our cheeks hurt! And, everyone else in the theater was laughing hysterically too. In fact, when it was over, everyone in the theater stood up and clapped I've only seen a standing ovation in a movie theater twice in my life!

"Meet the Parents" is a romantic comedy about about an awkward guy who is ready to ask his girlfriend to marry him. However, just as he's ready to pop the question, he finds out that her sister's boyfriend had just asked her father for her hand in marriage (and his girlfriend makes it clear that she thinks that this is the way it should be)so now, he not only has to meet her parents, he has to look good enough in their eyes so that they'll say yes to his proposal.

Well, he winds up becoming even more awkward telling lies just to look better than he his, and always in such a way that ANYONE could tell he's not on the up & up. To boot, her father is a CIA agent, so of course he can see right through his shinanagins (did I spell that right???). This is hysterical in & of itself, but then the physical comedy comes to play (think Jack Tripper of "Threes Company")... Put together, this movie just couldn't be funnier!!!

If you're looking for a great romantic comedy, & want to laugh until your cheeks hurt, then I HIGHLY recommend this movie!

Save 28% Off

Read More >>

Groundhog Day / Hitch (2010)

Even when this is a weird package (what have in common beside be fun?) the value for the package make them very cheap to be blu-ray and a lot more interesting that buy only 1 of them

Read More >>