The Apartment (1960)

The Apartment is an insightful movie made by one of cinema's most talented directors. The plot is fairly simple, but C.C. Baxter's (Jack Lemmon) is anything but. By innocently lending out his apartment to a coworker, Baxter's residence becomes the love nest for his philandering colleagues. Along the way, Baxter develops a friendship with Fran Kubelik (Shirley Maclaine), one of several attractive female elevator operators. Baxter is rewarded for his generosity by getting promoted by Jeff D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray). Little does he realize that Fran is Sheldrake's latest plaything. The Apartment has all that you expect from the best of Wilder: great performances, witty dialogue, and a plot that holds to this day, even if most of the depiction of the corporate office environment has changed dramatically (When was the last time you saw an elevator operator?). The three stars provide great characterizations, with MacMurray the real surprise here playing against type. This film is also notable for solidifying the Wilder/Lemmon team. With The Apartment, Lemmon was no longer playing second male leads or supporting roles. A worthwhile film that is still enjoyable today, but the DVD version leaves much to be desired. The picture quality is good, but the looping (the sound synchronization) is off and very distracting. Don't know the reason for this, but considering this film's place in cinema history, I would have thought it would have gotten the A treatment. The DVD is a disappointment.

This review refers to the DVD edtion(MGM) of "The Apartment"

This 1960 winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1960,touched our hearts and made us smile 43 years ago and still does today. It has not lost one bit of it's charm and continues to add new fans all the time. It's a treasure chest of great cinema moments, and a must own for collectors of classics, Billy Wilder or Jack Lemmon films.

Lemmon's immense talent shines through as C.C. Baxter, one of thousands of office workers in a huge company who is quickly working his way to the top floor and the executive washroom. He's got what it takes to get ahead...he's a dedicated employee, and a hard worker, he's got they key to success...and it opens the door to his apartment! It seems the powers that be on the upper floors have discovered this single guy's bachelor pad and have badgered Baxter into letting them use it for their little extracurricular activities.

Things get complicated for C.C. though, when the big boss wants in on the action. He wants the apartment for his own use and now C.C. has a chance to go all the way to the top floor.But the rewards are bittersweet..Mr. Sheldrake's girl turns out to be the very sweet elevator operator Miss Fran Kubelik. The very girl that C.C. adores himself.

The moments as we watch C.C. agonize over this dilemma are touchingly funny,and poignant. Lemmon is brillant in his portrayal as he is able to bring all these emotions to the screen.The rest of the cast is excellent as well. Shirley MacLaine(Fran) will touch your heart, Fred MacMurray(Sheldrake) is marvelous at his turn as the philandering exec(you'll see him in a very different light from his "My Three Sons" role), and also look for such great notables as Ray Walston, Jack Kruschen, Joan Shawlee,Hope Holiday and the wonderful Edie Adams. Oscar also honored legendary director Billy Wlider for his work as director and another for screenplay along with I.A.L. Diamond. The music by Adolph Deutsch is as sweet as the story and will stay with you for quite some time after the view.

Overall the DVD was quite good. This 43 year old film looked pretty good. It could use a little improvement. There were times when it showed it's age, but the black and white images were clear and bright for the most part.The sound is in Dolby Dig MONO!...."Some Like It Hot" made only 1 year prior to this one, has been enhanced with Dol Dig 5.1(on both DVD editions) and sounds great.The Special Edition of "SLIH", even gives you the choice of watching it in the 5.1 or the original mono. This is a film that deserves at least the same attention. It may be veiwed in French and Spanish and has subtitles in those langauges as well. But..there are no subtitles or captions in English for hearing impaired viewers to enjoy this great classic and that is a shame. This is a film that should be enjoyed by all! MGM..maybe it's time for a new edition of this treasure.

"That's the way it crumbles....cookie-wise"(Shirley MacLaine to Fred MacMurray).....enjoy...Laurie

also recommended:

reading:Inside Oscar, 10th Anniversary Edition

viewing:Some Like It Hot

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The Apartment is Billy Wilder's satirical look at office politics and the Man In The Grey Flannel Suit. Jack Lemmon stars as C.C. Baxter, a lowly office clerk in a huge corporation who is just another faceless working bee in an endless row of desks. When Baxter starts lending his apartment to executives in his firm so they can take their mistresses there, he finds himself moving up the corporate ladder. Although the constant loaning of his apartment starts to be an inconvenience, he keeps doing it as makes sense business wise. In meantime, he meets Fran, an elevator operator in his building, who is involved in affair with the big man in corporation, J.D. Sheldrake, played by Fred MacMurray. Mr. MacMurray is outstanding playing against type as the lascivious lowlife boss and philanderer (although is played another unscrupulous character quite well in The Caine Mutiny). Ms. MacLaine is excellent as the morose Fran who brings the situation between Baxter, Sheldrake and herself to head when she tries to commit suicide. Baxter must decide between his integrity and his career. Mr. Wilder masterfully fills the film with laughs and heart and his look at corporate politics is sharp and incisive. For his efforts, he yet again had a triple win at the Oscars, taking the 1960 Best Director, Screenwriting & Picture awards. The Apartment was also the last black & white film to win the Best Picture Oscar until Schindler's List (which has some elements of color) won in 1993.

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Legendary director, Billy Wilder?s "The Apartment" is one of those little jabs of tawdry pleasure that crop up every once in a while. It?s the tale of an overworked office jockey, C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon) who wants so desperately to gain access to the executive suite that he starts renting out his apartment to company executives that are having affairs with their secretaries. Baxter?s shy repartee with elevator operator, Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine) seems promising enough for an office romance of his own. That is, until Baxter learns that Fran is in love with his boss, Jeff Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray). However, when Fran accepts that her affair with Jeff can go nowhere because he refuses to divorce his wife, she begins to realize her night in shining armor might not come with a key to the executive washroom, but is genuine and good for her nevertheless.

MGM DVD has done a below average job of remastering this DVD. The 2:35:1 anamorphic picture exhibits overly harsh, digital characteristics that are wholly unflattering. Though the gray scale is well balanced, offering fine detail, there are excessive amounts of shimmering, edge enhancement and aliasing throughout. Shadow delineation and contrast levels during the night scenes are poorly rendered. The soundtrack is mono and strident. There are no extras.

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I usually get dragged into Shirley MacLaine movies kicking and screaming; that supposedly elfin charm of hers usually eludes me. Because of this, I neglected to watch "The Apartment" for years. All I can say about that now is, "Pardon me, Shirl, my mistake." This movie is a Wilder masterpiece and an absolute delight. One of the best things about it is that it shouldn't be funny; nearly everyone in it is a lying, abusive, double-crossing lecher with a heart of solid tin. There's adultery, alcoholism, and a suicide attempt, too. None of this would be remotely funny in lesser hands than Wilder's, let alone heart-warming, but the director manages this impossible feat handily. It helps that the central character, C.C. Baxter, is brought to life by Jack Lemmon; Lemmon's performance is one of the rare times in film you forget you're watching a star and genuinely believe in the character. Fred McMurray plays against typeamazingly wellas the slimy boss C.C. Baxter must please. Shirley MacLaine is, for once, the heartbreaking gamine she's cracked up to be. The supporting cast is terrificJack Kruschen is great as C.C. Baxter's next-door neighbor, a doctor. Joan Shawlee is her usual howlingly funny self as a floozy telephone operator, and Edie Adams gives herself over completely to an unsparing portrait of a scheming secretary. For my money, the best bit in the film is when C.C. Baxter, who has a cold, has been summoned to the boss' office for a talk that takes a VERY surprising turn. The sniffling, sneezing Baxter forgets he's holding his nose spray, and reflexively squeezes a six-foot stream of the stuff across the office. The film is richly detailled, with sets that blend seamlessly with the real New York City locations used. I spotted one inside joke in the movieC.C. Baxter gets his first real promotion and, therefore, his first real office at the company. Of course, Baxter's name is on his door; the door of the next office says that T.W. Plews is the occupant. The name is actually that of Tom "Limey" Plews, prop master for this movie and hundreds more. This is one of the greats, and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed. There is one glitch in the video transfer you should know about; the original theatrical trailer is included on it, and the print of the trailer is absolutely terrible. Fortunately, the film itself is just fine. BUY this one, don't rent ityou'll want to see it again and again!

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New York, I Love You (2009)

One of the advantages or disadvantages of being my friend (depending on who you ask and after which film) is that I will undoubtedly make you watch a movie you might not ordinarily have chosen for yourself. Usually this works out well and we can uncover a little gem or perhaps an ambitious picture that doesn't quite hit the mark but is noteworthy nonetheless. Rarely, however, do I have to apologize. Unfortunately, that's precisely and instinctually what I did when the credits rolled on "New York, I Love You." I turned to my friend and said "I'm sorry." What seemed like a can't miss proposition--talented directors, top notch cast, a charming template in "Paris, je t'aime"--became one of the most disappointingly painful experiences of my movie year. Where "Paris" had romance and charm amidst its highbrow artiness--"New York" just has self-conscious pretensions.

Constructed, just like "Paris," in vignettes by varying directors--"New York" never succeeded in bringing a unifying sense to these disparate stories. Some were baffling, some out-of-place, some seemingly without point. The one thing they all had in common was an air of stifling self-importance. The complete lack of playfulness, humor and absurdity (or color, this is a very white New York) really does a disservice to a city of great vitality. But based on these maudlin tales, I wouldn't be offering this DVD up for sale at the tourism bureau. I have a feeling that those who love this movie will think that everyone else has missed the point--perhaps aren't sophisticated enough. But having been called a film snob, seen almost everything in existence, taught graduate studies in film--I can assure you that I didn't miss this film's "point." I missed its heart and soul.

Oddly enough, the segment that sticks out like a sore thumb is Brett Ratner's (the film's most commercial an oddest choice of director) piece. Why? It is the only segment with humor and an actual through-line plot. So out of place, but at least it works with a little actual feeling in its slight story. Other than that, I enjoyed exactly one other moment when international star Maggie Q avoids an attempted pick-up. "New York, I Love You" really is put together by talented people--I have other films by some of the directors in my DVD collection. I wished they had attempted something less "significant" and more real. With Shia LaBeouf, Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper, James Caan and the wonderful Julie Christie--even these draws couldn't bring me back to "New York" again. KGHarris, 9/10.

(2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)A dozen stories. Ten filmmakers. 103 minutes. If you do the math, you will draw the same conclusion I did that there isn't much time for a viewer to make an emotional connection with every episode presented in this all-star 2009 omnibus tribute to New York. An eclectic group of global filmmakers, some well-known, others on the verge, had to meet certain requirements to make the final cut they were given only 24 hours to shoot, a week to edit, and the result had to reflect a strong sense of a particular NYC neighborhood. The cumulative effect makes for a moody portrait of the city through various couplings, but due to the contrivance of its structure, the film falls short in bringing a deeper emotional resonance to the themes the creators want to convey.

With a couple of key exceptions, the film appears to be more of a valentine to Lower Manhattan. Consequently, there is a fashionably edgy look to the short stories. Israeli-born French director Yvan Attal epitomizes this feeling in two episodes. The first deals with an aggressively talkative writer (an irritating Ethan Hawke) throwing a barrage of romantic and sexual overtures at a sleek Asian woman who appears to have heard it all (Maggie Q). The other is marginally better, focusing on a chance conversation outside a restaurant between a woman taking a cigarette break (an effortlessly sexy Robin Wright Penn) and a man intrigued by her emotional availability (Chris Cooper). Both have O. Henry-type twist endings that make them ultimately entertaining.

A couple of other entries feel more gimmicky by comparison. Brett Ratner's mostly comic entry features Anton Yelchin as a naïve high-school student and Olivia Thirlby as his unexpected prom date with James Caan as her pushy pharmacist father. Mira Nair directed a flat culture-clash encounter between two savvy souls a Hassid woman about to marry (Natalie Portman) and a Jain diamond dealer (Irrfan Khan) who become mutually intrigued by their price negotiation meeting. Other episodes feel even more cursory. Portman wrote and directed a brief episode focused on an ebullient toddler (Taylor Geare) and her father (Carlos Acosta) having a play date in Central Park, highlighted by a brief dance performance from Acosta at the end (he is a Cuban-born principal dancer for the Royal Ballet). Chinese director Jiang Wen led Hayden Christensen, Andy Garcia and Rachel Bilson on an empty roundelay of deception and humiliation among thieves at a bar.

Japanese director Shunji Iwai was at the helm of a slight episode featuring Orlando Bloom as a frantic musician working against deadline, while Turkish director Faith Akin shares a brief story of obsession with Uður Yücel as a solitary artist who wants to paint the face of a local Chinese herbalist (Shu Qi). The entry from Allen Hughes (of the Hughes Brothers) consists mostly of a continuing voiceover of two regretful lovers (Bradley Cooper, Drea de Matteo) hesitant to follow up on their passionate one-night stand. The oddest, most dispiriting entry comes from Shekhar Kapur who directed a script from the late Anthony Minghella (to whom the film is dedicated). It stars Julie Christie as a renowned opera singer returning to a posh Fifth Avenue hotel where she bonds with a palsied, Slovak-accented bellboy played by an overly sensitive Shia LaBeouf. The nature of their relationship is never really divulged, but it ends on a surreal note of little consequence.

Directed and written by Joshua Marston, the best episode is perhaps the least ambitious as it features Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman as an aged, bickering couple on their way to the boardwalk in Coney Island for their 63rd anniversary. The reassuring way she places her head on his shoulder is easily the most touching moment in the film. All in all, this stylish hodgepodge will appeal mostly to those who are drawn to the short story format. Benoît Debie's sharp cinematography at least brings a consistent sheen to the film as it tethers the various storylines to a New York that feels mired in a cinematic fantasy. I just think Woody Allen's "Manhattan" executes on the same approach far more effectively. The extras on the 2010 DVD include a handful of additional scenes (though not the two deleted segments directed by Scarlett Johansson and Andrei Zvyagintsev), interviews with five of the directors and the original theatrical trailer.

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The producers of the bold, uneven yet ultimately rewarding Paris, Je T'Aime (Paris, I Love You) tried to recreate the magic in New York. Unfortunately, they've fallen short. 'Paris' was 18 short films of about seven minutes apiece. Many worked, some did not. The best thing is that each film was a totally separate piece. For the entries you didn't cotton to, you knew there might be a gem just a couple of minutes down the road.

By contrast, the New York film is comprised of 11 longer pieces of approximately 10 minutes apiece. More notably, characters from separate pieces often cross paths...and some pieces are cleaved into parts and reappear later in the film. That means you might see Hayden Christensen or Ethan Hawke later in the film...even when you sag your shoulders when they pop up in the first place.

The only piece that will stick with me was submitted by the always wonderful Mira Nair (The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding). Her film with Natalie Portman and Irrfan Khan is transcendent. The smiles emitted by Portman and Khan in their duely imagined ceremony (you have to see the film to appreciate what I mean there) makes the entire viewing worthwhile.

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New York, I love you too-that's why I enjoy seeing places familiar, less and more iconic, used to enhancing a mosaic of events New York-linked characters are somehow interacting involved in.

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"New York, I Love You" is quite an ambitious project. It represents part of what is referred to as the "Cities of Love" series, which was started by the successful "Paris, je t'aime" (2006). Like its predecessor, "New York, I Love You" tries to capture love in all its facets, provided by the vision of several directors, resulting in a charming and touching film.

The stories, as its name implies, take place in New York City, of which we see some of its scenery, but it could have really taken place anywhere else. They feel like universal stories and each one embodies the particular vision of its director, which included Yvan Attal, Allen Hughes, Shunji Awai, Wen Jiang, Mira Nair, Joshua Marston, Brett Ratner, Natalie Portman (her directorial debut), Shekhar Kapur, Fatih Akin, and Randall Balsmeyer. Kapur's segment was originally slated to be directed by Anthony Minghella, who passed away just before the filming began. Two segments, directed by Scarlett Johansson and Andrey Zvyagintsev, were not included in the final version of the film, but are added as extras on the Blu-ray release.

Mixing ten to eleven stories in one movie means that each one has to be short in time, and that is precisely what we get in "New York, I Love You." There is a story about a Jewish lady that is getting married to a Jewish man, but is attracted to the man of Indian descent (he is also to her) who sold her the nuptial ring. This is my favorite segment of the film. There is also the story about a thief that unknowingly steals from the girlfriend of another thief, just to gain her affection. Then, there is a segment about a pick-up artist that meets his match. Another favorite is the one in which a pharmacist convinces a young man to take his daughter to the prom. Unbeknown to the young man, the girl happens to be handicapped. Although each story is different, some of them are somewhat connected with the same characters, but most of them are not. However, continuity is not really an important factor here. It's all about different kinds of love in the big city.

"New York, I Love You" has an impressive cast old and new Hollywood -that includes Natalie Portman, Andy Carcia, Bradley Cooper, James Caan, Ethan Hawke, Julie Christie, Hayden Christensen, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Robin Wright Penn, Chris Cooper, Rachel Bilson, Eli Wallach, Cloris Leachman, John Hurt, and many more. The music and the cinematography are also impressive, and really enhance the stories. Can't wait to see the next installment of this very interesting series. The BLU-RAY includes interviews with director, Brett Ratner, Mira Nair, Yvan Attal, Josh Marston, and Shunji Iwai; the two additional segments not included in the film; and the theatrical trailer. (France/USA, 2009, color, 103 min plus additional materials). Reviewed January 31, 2010. Vivendi Entertainment. Reviewed on January 31, 2010 by Eric Gonzalez exclusively for .

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Diary of a Mad Black Woman: The Movie (2005)

I went to see this movie the first weekend that it came out, and I wasn't disappointed at all; I saw the original play, and wasn't greatly impressed with it, but seeing the movie, I enjoyed it very well. Kimberly Elise and Shemar Moore gave great performances; Of course, Tyler Perry playing three roles simultaneously was just as good and I applaud him; Cicely Tyson, of course, gave a gem of a performance helping her daughter become more stronger even though she herself has been wronged; I have heard the good and the bad about this movie; I have heard that Madea is just another stereotypical role model that we need to get away from; But let's be honest, how many of us can attest to a Madea in our family? or at least pieces of such a woman? This was one movie that sex and profanity wasn't splashed forward and yet, the critics bashed it; Yet, I found it a good movie, and can all of us who supported Mr Perry opening weekend be wrong? I don't think so; Look forward to the DVD.

I applaud the earlier reviewer, Ramsess Gray from Fayetteville, NC. Thank you for standing up to all the other so-called critics who trashed this movie. I thought this was an excellent movie from beginning to end. In his big-screen debut, Tyler Perry delivered big-time, no questions asked. Darren Grant, Mr. Perry, Kimberly Elise, Shemar Moore and the rest of the cast were second-to-none in my opinion. I loved each of the characters Mr. Perry played himself, especially gun-toting Grandma. She was funny & very entertaining throughout. As far as best picture and/or any awards are concerned, I think Mr. Perry should have as good a chance as anyone to win an award in some category(ies). Also, in my opinion, Kimberly Elise should win something for her role. And for that matter so should Darren Grant & Shemar Moore. But that's only my opinion. The movie was very entertaining and it had all the qualities you could ask for in a movie. It made you laugh. It made you cry. It made you happy. It made you sad & it made you proud, all in about 2 hours time. I'm sure this movie is not and will not be for everyone. We all have different tastes. All I can really say is "watch the movie for what it is", and that's entertainment at it's best.

Larry

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literally rolling in the aisles at time! i had no intention of renting or buying this dvd until my neighbors were raving about it, plus all these grest customer reviews here at amazon.com! finally i said ok, let's have a look. was i ever glad i did too!yhe cast is impeccable, the script hilarious, everything about this film worked out just fine! the film is a complete head trip from start to great finish! all the acting is superb, the dvd transfer is gorgeous, and the gospel score sounded magnificent as well! do treat yourself to this one as it will blow you away. happy 4th to all, and happier 'diary of a mad black woman' viewing pleasure to everyone out there! it really is one fine film.

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i saw the movie version first & so was pleasantly surprised to discover that the two versions were handled SO differently -so much so that they are BOTH worth seeing & (in my opinion) owning. there are some different characters in each & some of the situations are handled differently, but the overall story remains the same &, of course, madea is HYSTERICAL no matter where she goes! :D i also enjoyed the father character in the play version a lot better than the movie version's joe (joe was a little too real-life disgusting for me -i was having flashbacks to someone i know in real life! =:O) & i LOVED the strong-in-the-Lord singing mom, ESPECIALLY when she sings that song about rebuking the devil -you GO girl! i also enjoyed the fact that there seemed to be a little more Jesus in the play version -the movie version seemed to have more of that "sanitized" hollywood feel? i.e. cleansed of explicit references to God, Jesus & the Bible -which i don't blame mr. perry for & i praise God that he's getting his plays made into movies & reaching a wider audience with the Message \o/ -you GO dude!

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I saw the movie before I got this play. If you have seen the movie you need to see this as well. Other than the songs being too long, it was great. Please don't go in with the mind set of it being like the movie because it is not. Some of the characters are different. So of course the outcome is different. Daddy Charles was a good character choice addition to the play. You will laugh. This play if definitely funny.And it gives you something to think about.

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Jackass 3 (Two-Disc Anaglyph 3D DVD / Blu-ray Combo + Digital Copy) (2010)

Jackass 3D doesn't need a 5000 word review, especially one with spoilers. So from a 10-year Jackass fan, here are three simple reasons why you should watch this movie.

1. You will laugh until your face hurts.

2. 3D is a surprising fit for stunts and pranks that involve everything from paintballs to body fluids.

3. You know what type of movie it's NOT. Which means you don't have to worry about acting quality, plot holes, confusing endings.

That's honestly all you need to know. If you enjoy watching pranks, dangerous stunts and epic fails on Youtube like I do, treat yourself to Jackass 3D.

Way to go and confuse the public again. If you have a fancy new BluRay 3D setup this will NOT PLAY. It is old analog 3D

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I just got back from seeing Jackass 3D, and I must say, Knoxville and crew are back.

I'll start off by saying that I wasn't a fan of Jackass before I saw Jackass: Number Two. My cousins and their friends tempted me, so I sat down and watched it with them... and within seconds I was on the floor, crying from laughing so hard. I was instantly a fan, and days after, I rented the first Jackass and laughed just as hard.

Today I went and saw the third strike at the theaters, and in Real D 3D. Of course I got hassled for my ID, 3 times actually, as it's R here in Canada meaning admittance restricted to people 18 and over. Apparently they had a real sneaking problem!!

That said, I had a total blast with this movie. If you just switch your brain off at the door, you'll laugh to the point where you're croaking!!!! There is not a single unfunny moment in the movie.

The stunts are outrageous, grosser than ever, and out there as hell. All stops imaginable are pulled out. Of course if you are faint hearted or squeamish you will want to avoid this film at all costs as it contains some truly disgusting stuff!!! Without a doubt the funniest stunt is "Electric Avenue", a stunt done in the style of a jailbreak, where the crew try to get through a hallway with beams in the middle, tires on the ground, and dangerously high-volt tasers dangling from the ceiling!!! Of course, as stated above it is absolutely NOT for kiddies under 18 or the faint of heart. This got its R here in Alberta for a good reason. The "Sweatsuit cocktail" scene alone pretty much solidifies that right there.

The 3D is great!!!! Before the movie is a nice little short from Beavis and Butthead explaining the 3D technology, which is truly hilarious. The 3D just ADDS to the ridiculousness, not only is it more lifelike, but there are a few startling "pop out" moments too and it's just hilarious!!!! They take full advantage of the 3D and therefore it's totally worth it.

In short, It did kinda make me sad that this may be the last Jackass. Hopefully it isn't, because they may be getting old but they certainly aren't declining in quality. Definitely as good as Jackass: Number Two, check it out!!

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Who would pay for the 1970's red/blue glasses 3D of any movie??

Much less a movie that is a recent 3D release when people who have 3D Bluray. In the day where current releases labeled "3D Bluray" I don't expect to get a movie labled "3D Bluray disc" which was created this old 1970's format and put 4 pair of the cardboard red/blue glasses in the box!

Were they too cheap and figured that if they just rolled it out with this type of 3D that everyone would buy it thinking it's current technology and not return it?

This is a joke, glad I didn't open it, it's going back today. The current technology 3D is available on PPV on DirecTV if you own a 3DTV, so hopefully people will avoid this version like the plague and hope for a proper 3D Bluray!

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As the great Mike Patton once sang: "It's always funny until someone gets hurt, and then it's just hilarious!" These appear to be words to live by for the "Jackass" crew, who are back for a third round of shenanigans in "Jackass 3D." The guys that hurt themselves for laughs so you don't have to are back in full form and if you think age has tempered their appetite for danger and potty-humor, then you are sorely mistaken.

Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Wee Man, Preston Lacy, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Ehren McGhehey -all the names and faces you've come to know over the years -make their return (with a few stragglers left behind, naturally) to the feature-length film format to abuse 3D technology in ways that would infuriate James Cameron. Flying feces? Check. Unnecessarily exposed male genitalia? Check. The ever-reliable vomiting of a now-sober Steve-O? You bet. If you thought the envelope had been pushed as far as it would go before, think again. This "Jackass" is a full three dimensions of dumb and disgusting.

Tastelessness aside, there's something both cinematic and slightly sentimental about this installment. Maybe it's all the slow-motion shots and Rocky references, but for the first time it appears as if director Jeff Tremaine is taking his craft a bit more seriously. The over-the-top opening and closing of the movie are nothing short of epic (at least by MTV standards) and if anything, it's the finest looking "Jackass" to date. Likewise, the cast seems to be stepping it up a notch; not only are they going to the extreme here, but they seem to be enjoying it more than ever. The film just so happens to mark the tenth-year anniversary of the franchise, so it's no coincidence that the sense of camaraderie is tighter than before. For the first time, it appears as though the guys are having as much fun laughing at themselves as we are.

There are plenty of memorable stunts -from an updated porto-potty gag dubbed "The Poo-Cocktail Supreme" to a stinker of a man-made volcano and a scene involving bees that rivals the hilariousness of Nic Cage in the infamous The Wicker Man remake -and just as many laughs to go around. Cameos from the likes of Sean William Scott, Weezer, Rip Taylor, and Beavis and Butt-Head are along for the ride, but the true stars remain the main crew and their non-stop disregard for their own well-being. Dumb and reckless, yet unrelentingly amusing, this third installment in the unlikely franchise is guaranteed to have you giggling mindlessly while simultaneously squirming in your seat.

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Cold Dog Soup (1990)

I saw it years ago... Loved it then, and haven't been able to find it since. Was surprised to see it on IMBD & Amazon both, but wasn't a bit surprised to see it wasn't available.

If you get a chance to see this movie, DEFINITELY watch it. You will be in the small crowd of about 20 people who can then verify it's just not a weird dream the other 19 had.

Seriously...People look at you like you are nuts if you try to explain the movie to them, and they usually will deny it even exists.

I just noticed I really didn't talk about the movie: it needs to be seen to be believed. It is, however, very good, and quite funny.

Happened across this movie late one night; it was a twisted funny ride. Randy Quaid plays a cab driver that takes a young man on an all night journey to sell a dead dog. Each stop they make is more twisted and hilarious than the last. At the start of the night the young man just wants to spend the evening with a new female acquaintance; only to end up having to get rid of the family dog in the middle of a city late at night. Quaid happens along and leads this movie directly into comedy history. Great ride.

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I saw this movie probably a year or two after its release (channel surfing on Dish Network). I wasn't surprised to see Frank Whaley, an under-appreciated B movie regular, but when Randy Quaid showed up as an illegal taxi, I knew nothing would be normal. If you're seriously into a predictable plot or a story line which follows some logical progression, forget it. With every stop of his taxi, you're hoping to see some resolution, but it never happens. What you remember is all the craziness. I don't even remember how it ended, but I remember it was one of the neatest flicks I've seen in a while. When I saw it on Amazon, I ordered it so quickly I didn't realize it was a VHS! I'll figure out a way to convert it, or something it's well worth the trouble. To use a quote from Nationl Lampoon's Radio Comedy Half-hour: Once you've seen it, you'll never be able to say you didn't."

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Caught this late night on IFC. Pleasant surprise... lot of fun to watch and Randy Quaid was really good. The humor keeps you drawn, and i spent the next three weeks waiting for the pressure cooker. You could certainly watch a lot worse.

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Up at 2:30 a.m. I happened to find this movie on Directv. If you like silly shows you'll get a kick out of it. I laughed pretty hard at the ridiculous scenarios. I love Randy Quaid too.

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Dostana (2008)

This very modern movie about 2 straight guys pretending to be a gay couple to share an apartment in the USA and gain quicker citizenship, was a lot of fun.

I gather the gay thing was a bit of a challenge for some conservative Indians but I doubt would raise an eyebrow in the West. The 2 guys are well played by Abhishek Bachchan and John Abrahams who are so secure in their own sexuality that they were able to inhabit the roles and have fun with them without looking awkward. In fact Abhishek is more relaxed than ever and even dances less woodenly. He and John have great 'friend' chemistry and obviously had a ball making it. His comedic timing resists going over the top and is very good.

Priyanka looks suitable gorgeous and acts fine (despite quite a few Bollywood critics who see her as a lousy actressand in fact often lump Abhishek in with that in acting ability quite unfairly I think). Bobby Deol also has a small but solid part to play. Not much is required of him but he does the nice guy thing well.

The plot leaves you guessing which guy she'll go for. There was one small part of the script involving manipulating a 5 year old (no spoilers though) that I did feel crossed the line.

There are some quite catchy songs and colorful dance numbers.

It is a light comedy piece not of the over-the-top slapstick Indian's often like in comedy. It is much more Western in its pitch. I think they played sensitively with the gay thing and I don't think any gay person I know would feel offended by it. On the contrary it adds a certain respect for gays as a legitimate part of the world in a way they generally aren't in Indian movies even one of their mothers accept this as 'Gods choice' for them!

I could almost give this a double the stars for the DVD producers finally addressing the needs of the DVD viewer.As the credits roll there is a colourful song and dance number reduced in size to fit next to the names. For the DVD viewer this is always hard to view and generally is displayed in the same format if you try to select it through the songs menu. This time, after they had finished with the credits and the reduced size number, they replayed the number in full screen. Many thanks from a grateful viewer who finally got her moneys worth!

A lot of light-hearted, well acted fun and Abhishek is opening up more and more in his range and ability and gives a great performance in particular.

I watched the movie at a Film Festival in Miami since my sister was a dancer in it. I didn't expect much from it, but it turned out to be an extremely well made and entertaining movie. It's hilarious and charming.

If there are bad reviews about this movie without explanation, it's probably because that person doesn't like singing and dancing. However, there really isn't anything wrong with it. This was my first Bollywood movie and definitely not my last.

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I watched this movie despite mixed reviews from people who had seen it. I was not sorry at all .... Dostana is delightfully light-hearted and comes with very catchy music.

Watch it if you you're looking for a couple of hours of entertainment without any emotional undercurrents.

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Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, and John Abraham are the best couple in history. I love this movie so much that I recommended to all my friends. They even bought copies. Absolutely fantastic movie.

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I loved the film! Music, dancing and clothes are great. Priyanka looks lovely all the time. John & Abhishek look sexy, but you can fall in love for both, as they go from funny to tender. You can laugh a lot, no matter if you are straight or gay. There is a good message for a conservative society (or even conservative sectors of our "modern" societies), as being gay is defended and the most traditional character in the film finally accepts the "gay" couple. Which is the ending of this story? You can take your choice. I decided to look at the subtle body language of characters in the last scene and considered music video played during credits as an epilogue. Even my 71 y.o. mom loved this film.

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Sister Act: 20th Anniversary Edition - Two-Movie Collection (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (1992)

It seems as though lately, nearly all movie studios are jumping onto a new trend in DVD releases double, triple, even quadruple features which consist of taking ever-so-slightly related catalogue DVD releases and packaging them together. These are executed in several ways, ranging from simply packaging existing DVDs together, in the case of Buena Vista Home Entertainment's releases, or putting existing DVDs onto flippers, in the case of some of Warner Bros.' releases. Some sets put all the DVDs into one case, while others use a box with slim DVD cases inside. No matter how they're executed, these sets can usually be found for fifteen dollars or less in stores such as Wal Mart.

On one hand, I kinda like this trend. It's a great value for your dollar, and who isn't looking for THAT these days? On the other hand, I feel like if they're going to do this, they could update some of these DVDs.

Take this Sister Act 2-Movie Collection DVD. I picked this up because I LOVE these movies. Love love love. And for less than fifteen dollars, it's a great value. However, I'd have liked to see Touchstone Home Entertainment make this set with new DVD editions.

Both DVDs feature non-anamorphic widescreen transfers likely taken from laserdisc masters. Both are fairly good and clean, but brand new anamorphic digital transfers would have been much better. Both DVDs feature a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround English track and a French language track and the film's original theatrical trailer. The first film's DVD also includes a making-of featurette and two music videos.

What Touchstone could have done was make a new 2-Disc set with new Special Edition DVDs of both films. They could have included new anamorphic digital transfers, new making-of featurettes for both films where cast and crew members could look back on the films and their success, new audio commentaries from cast and crew, music-only audio tracks, and other such bonus materials which would have made this an amazing set.

Despite these flaws, I can't really NOT recommend this DVD set to fans of the Sister Act films. If you only enjoy one or the other, you're better off getting the one film you enjoy on DVD by itself. However, if you're a fan of both films, like I am, this is the best value, and will save you some shelf space to boot.

I have no idea how long since I first watched this movie. Even though I generally lean towards drama and true crime rather than comedy, I fell in love with Sister Act and Whoopi Goldberg. Like her character, Deloris, I also enjoyed music from the 60s and enjoyed the opening act. When she was talked into hiding out at the convent, the action slowed down a little, though certain parts were funny, such as when she, and Sisters Mary Patrick and Mary Robert entered a bar. However, the action took off when she became head of the choir and introduced a bit of deep shoulder action to the nuns. Out of respect for those who still have not seen this movie, I won't say more about the contents. The DVD, which I bought in a set with the sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, it played beautifully with no pausing as sometimes happens. It was very easy to remove the disk from its holder and replace after viewing the disk. I enjoyed the brief look at how the movie was made in the special features, but unfortunately forget what it consisted of. I did feel it was worth watching before watching the movie. Whether you buy just Sister Act, or as a set with the sequel, it should tickle your funny bone.

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These are great movies (I particularly like Sister Act 2 with Lauryn Hill) and I was thrilled to find they were released on DVD as a set!

For those not familiar with the movie, Whoopi plays Delores Van Cartier, a Las Vegas/Reno showgirl (can't remember which town) who witnesses a murder. The cop in charge of the investigation (Bill Nunn) puts her in protective custody (not sure of the term, sorry) at a convent. Delores's lifestyle clashes with the convent life, but she adapts somewhat, but she's a rebel against their strict rules. She is put in the choir, which is awful, and is elected the new choir director and the rest of part 1 revolves around that and her differences with the convent's reverend mother. Part 2, Whoopi is a Las Vegas headliner and is asked by the reverend mother to return, this time to St. Francis Academy in San Francisco as a music teacher. Lauryn Hill plays a conflicted student who wants to sing, but her mother really looks down on it and pulls her out of the choir. Part 2 is great for hearing Lauryn sing before she really hit it big a few years later with the Fugees.

I love the music in both of them, part 2 because of Lauryn Hill and Ron Johnson who worked a lot on the songs (he also played a student). I liked the music in part 1 where they took a lot of Motown classic and turned them into Christian songs, like "My Guy" to "My God".

Read Best Reviews of Sister Act: 20th Anniversary Edition - Two-Movie Collection (Three-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (1992) Here

Sister Act & Sister Act 2 make their impressive Blu Ray debut in this three disc set. The picture and audio quality on Sister Act is wonderful, boasting a very clean and detailed transfer and room filling sound. The picture quality does not disappoint, the ONLY thing I noticed was a bit of crushing in the scene after Whoopi witnesses the killing of her boyfriends limo driver and goes on the run being chased by her boyfriends right hand men. Some really nice extras are also included.

Sister Act 2 on the other hand boasts a good tranfer with equally good audio as it's predecessor, but the picture quality is not as good as Sister Act. Generally the picture is not as sharp and there is more crushing present than there is on the original film, but overall the quality is solidly GOOD. This is the best both films have ever looked, and in full 1080, probably the best they will ever look.

The only reason I gave this set 4 stars and not five is because the three discs consist of ONE Blu Ray with both films on it and TWO DVDs. I would have much preferred two Blu Rays and one double feature DVD. But all in all, if you are a fan of these films, an upgrade to Blu Ray (especially when you get both on Blu and on DVD) is a no-brainer!

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I was thrilled to receive and watch these movies! It is a must buy! 2 for the price of 1.

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It's Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

The movie should be called "It's Kind of an Amazing Movie". When you go see a Zach Galifianakis movie, you don't expect anything more than a stupid comedy (that has potential to be good), but "It's Kind of a Funny Story" was way better than the exceptions I had. The movie was funny, intense, and some-what depressing/sad. The movie makes you think about life. The movie makes you think about how lucky you are or realize the good things in life. This movie is a must see. It is truly amazing and probably one of the best movies of 2010 so far.

It's Kind of a Funny Story is an uplifting tale about a teenager overwhelmed by academic and social pressures who briefly checks himself into a psychiatric hospital. The lead actor, Keir Gilchrist (Craig), nails his role as a somber and confused 16-year-old. The supporting cast is good as well, although the female love interest is a bit cardboard and the resolution clichéd. The psychiatric hospital is also much more benign than any I have encountered (See Lemas Mitchell's Amazon review for a list of reality checks). But that's not really the point; it's more of a coming-of-age story about an adolescent trying to find his place in the world. What I liked most is the film's message about the importance of kindness; Craig is truly a kind person who feels for other people, and the other patients and staff for the most part echo that kindness and caring. Another highlight is Zach Galifianakis's creative and quirky direction, especially the scenes when Craig retreats into his active fantasy world as he sings, draws, and reminisces. Overall, I would recommend this movie for a pleasant and humorous escapist jaunt.

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I saw It's Kind of a Funny Story in theatres for a friend's birthday party. She gave us the options for movies and I had no idea what any of the suggested were about. I had no expectations (actually I didn't want to see the movie at all... I voted for one of the other movies) but after the movie was over I wanted to watch it again!

One of the great things about this movie is the characters. They're screwed up, and likeable, and an interesting band of personalities all shoved into one spot. The different insights they make on living life are, yes a little cliched, but stuff wouldn't be cliched if they weren't applicable! It's fun watching the main character turn into what he wanted and take charge of his life. It was funny, awkward, romantic, made some really good points, sad, and it gives a warm fuzzy feeling!

After I saw that movie I went straight to the bookstore! I needed more! I read the book in a matter of days. This is the first time I've ever said (typed) anything like this: I liked the movie better than the book! Don't get me wrong; the book was awesome and funny, but I loved the movie so much!

All in all a fun watch! Great characters, good points, witty dialogue, and just enough romance! Highly recommended!

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You would think a movie about a kid who checks himself into a psych ward would NOT be "kind of a funny story". This is an amazing story it will make you laugh, chuckle, and think. Every actor/actress gives a great performance. As the mother of a 17 and 18 year old it made me understand the amount of pressure they are under in their every day lives and how we sometimes, unknowingly, add to that pressure.

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Personally at a low point in my life, this film was perfect to help me with my giddy up. The point is to be grateful for life and live it. A very meaningful story.

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I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)

When Madea catches sixteen-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off of Raymond, her married boyfriend, April wants nothing to do with the kids. But her attitude begins to change when Sandino, a handsome Mexican immigrant looking for work, moves into April's basement room. Making amends for his own troubled past, Sandino challenges April to open her heart. And April soon realizes she must make the biggest choice of her life: between her old ways with Raymond and the new possibilities of family, faith and even true love. I have all of Tyler Perry's movies and plays, and this movie is very entertaining. No one does it better but Tyler Perry.

Once again Tyler Perry has blessed us with another screen banger. I love Tyler Perry because he is always able to bring it home. I can't even began to put in words how much I love this move.

Twisted Obsession

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This is another excellent movie in the Tyler Perry collection. While it keeps you pulled in, you can't help but to realize that the story is similar to most of the other Perry movies. There's always the abused woman who finally realizes how bad her life is, takes action and ultimately finds true love. The rest of the intense moments and story are just padding for the rest of the movie.

Don't get me wrong, they're great movies, but they're starting to become predictable due to the same direction they always seem to go. It's definitely worth a watch and is way better than some of the other trash out there in the movie store.

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This movie was touching and was madea is always funny and to rent it on amazon was a good deal I always rent from amazon so easy and convenient

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I enjoyed this movie. I am not a movie reviewer, so this is short. Well worth the watch. Buy it, you will enjoy it!

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