Romancing the Stone / Jewel of the Nile (2012)

If you loved "Romancing The Stone" and can hardly pass the TV without stopping to watch when it's on, then you might want to consider this 2-pack. RTS alone is a five star film on it's own.It is one that is as enjoyable the 50th time you watch as it was the first. Then follow the adventures of Jack, Joan and Ralph to Africa in "Jewel Of The Nile".The only problem is...you'll have a heck of a time trying to decide what genre to put them in. There's something for everybody. Action-Adventure, Comedy, and Romance. It's a Caper and a Cliffhanger.

Here's the story for those that may have missed this gem....

Joan Wilder(Kathleen Turner)is a romance novelist who's hopes and dreams are to be swept off her feet by a man like Jessie, the hero of her adventurous stories. She's about to have her own adventure though, one that includes a man, well... not quite like Jessie,but a hero in his own way, Jack T. Colton(Michael Douglas). He has dreams too. And he's into "short-cuts" to make them come true.

After coming into possession of a mysterious treasure map, Joan finds herself in the jungles of Columbia. She must use the map to bargain for her kidnapped sister's life. Things are not going smoothly though. All kinds of villains are after the map. Enter Jack to the rescue, but are his intentions to help her or is he also after the treasure at the end of the map?? Find out as things go downhill(literally), they are swinging from vines, fighting off crocodiles, and are all the time being chased by bad cops and bumbling thieves, including the likes of Danny DeVito!

"Jewel Of The Nile" is the sequel to this fun adventure, and although a bit on the predictable side, and maybe not one that you'll watch as often as RTS,(I would probably give it 3 1/2 stars on it's own),it's a chance to see these three great stars back in action again,this time being chased and romancing their way across Africa.

Joan and Jack have been living together on his boat for six months already.Jack wants to take off and see the world, Joan has a bit of a writer's block and wants more from life. Opportunity knocks on her door when a powerful Sheik wants her to write his story. She's wisked off to Africa, leaving a brooding Jack behind, and immediately finds herself in the midst of a mysterious,intriguing and very dangerous situation involving an all powerful "Jewel". But have no fear, Jack is warned of the danger his beloved is in and is off to save her. Ralph(DeVito),who has been lurking about and hears the word "Jewel" is not going to be left out this time, and tags along as well. An added bonus to this one are the fabulous Flying Karamazov Brothers juggling troupe, who jazz up this film a little with their entertaining skills.

Finally available in a packaged deal on DVD, it would be nice if the special features were listed, so fans of theses films could decide if it is worth the upgrade to a "special edition".

Also these two "special edition" are both sold separately. It may be worth the time to check the prices from Amazon and the outside sellers to see which way is the best deal(including shipping costs)

Fun, Romance,Adventure,Great Location shoots, and three great stars to spend action-packed hours with....go for it..and enjoy....Laurie

more fun stuff:

Man With One Red Shoe

The Cowboy Way

Goin South

These 2 films are 2 of the most nostalgic films for me from the mid-1980s. It had been a long time since I watched them, but they remain as delightful today as they did when I first saw them on VHS in the 80s.

Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner portray a pair of quasi-lovers thrown into rather unpredictable circumstances. Danny Devito plays a loveable bumbling bad guy who is out to convince himself that he really IS a bad guy.

The DVDs contain special features which interview the stars today and all 3 reminisce about the making of both films. The story about how the set-prop of the F-16 nearly caused an international incident is comical. There was just one downside to the interviews, and that was that Kathleen Turner (who SIZZLED in the 80s!) has not aged well @ all. I would have never recognized her. Sadly, I believe Danny Devito has aged more gracefully than she has.

If you grew up in the 80s, I would highly recommend that you pick up this DVD set to re-discover why we all loved Kathleen & Mike way back then. If you're young enough that you were not alive when the movies came out in the theatre, then you're in for a big treat. These are 2 of the funnest adventure movies ever made!

Buy Romancing the Stone / Jewel of the Nile (2012) Now

This review refers to the "Romancing The Stone/Jewel Of The Nile" 2 pack(VHS).....

If you loved "Romancing The Stone" and can hardly pass the TV without stopping to watch when it's on, then go ahead and splurge on this two-pack. RTS alone is a five star film on it's own and worth the price of admission.It is one that is as enjoyable the 50th time you watch as it was the first. Then follow the adventures of Jack, Joan and Ralph to Africa in "Jewel Of The Nile".The only problem is...you'll have a heck of a time trying to decide what genre to put them in. There's something for everybody. Action-Adventure, Comedy, and Romance. It's a Caper and a Cliffhanger.

Here's the story for those that may have missed this gem....

Joan Wilder(Kathleen Turner)is a romance novelist who's hopes and dreams are to be swept off her feet by a man like Jessie, the hero of her adventurous stories. She's about to have her own adventure though, one that includes a man, well... not quite like Jessie,but a hero in his own way, Jack T. Colton(Michael Douglas). He has dreams too. And he's into "short-cuts" to make them come true.

After coming into possession of a mysterious treasure map, Joan finds herself in the jungles of Columbia. She must use the map to bargain for her kidnapped sister's life. Things are not going smoothly though. All kinds of villains are after the map. Enter Jack to the rescue, but are his intentions to help her or is he also after the treasure at the end of the map?? Find out as things go downhill(literally), they are swinging from vines, fighting off crocodiles, and are all the time being chased by bad cops and bumbling thieves, including the likes of Danny DeVito!

"Jewel Of The Nile" is the sequel to this fun adventure, and although a bit on the predictable side, and maybe not one that you'll watch as often as RTS,(I would probably give it 3 1/2 stars on it's own),it's a chance to see these three great stars back in action again,this time being chased and romancing their way across Africa.

Joan and Jack have been living together on his boat for six months already.Jack wants to take off and see the world, Joan has a bit of a writer's block and wants more from life. Opportunity knocks on her door when a powerful Sheik wants her to write his story. She's wisked off to Africa, leaving a brooding Jack behind, and immediatley finds herself in the midst of a mysterious,intriguing and very dangerous situtation involving an all powerful "Jewel". But have no fear, Jack is warned of the danger his beloved is in and is off to save her. Ralph(DeVito),who has been lurking about and hears the word "Jewel" is not going to be left out this time, and tags along as well. An added bonus to this one are the fabulous Flying Karamazov Brothers juggling troupe, who jazz up this film a little with their entertaining skills.

I did not see this set available yet on DVD(although they are sold seperately),I have a feeling it won't be long though. Amazon is sold out of this 2 pack at this time,but there are some reasonable deals here from the sellers if you are interested in the VHS editions.

Fun, Romance,Adventure,Great Location shoots, and three great stars to spend action-packed hours with....go for it..and enjoy....Laurie

Read Best Reviews of Romancing the Stone / Jewel of the Nile (2012) Here

This film really took me back. My mother took me to see it for the first time in the cinema when I was twelve years old. The last time I saw it was on VHS in the late 80's. When I recently viewed the special edition, a whole lot of old memories came flooding back. The film obviously aimed for the Raiders of the Lost Ark crowd with its high-adventure sequences, (Indiana Jones was one of the hottest properties around at the time) but ended up being its own animal before all was said and done, becoming more a romantic comedy than an action-adventure film. This film is something special because as a twelve-year-old who hated all that kissy-stuff I still loved this movie, and to this day I still don't like romantic comedies, but I still love this movie. The story is about a lonely romance novelist who travels to Columbia to bring a map to two kidnappers who have her sister. Along the way she meets Jack T. Colton, a drifter who agrees to take her to meet the kidnappers for $350 some American. Of course, he manages to convince her she should go after the treasure to which the map points (El Corazon, the said "stone" of the title) and a number of misadventures follow. The sequel is almost as good, but added the element of the supernatural, albeit briefly. The bottom line is this: If you like the Indiana Jones films, you'll probably enjoy this. If you've never seen this movie, give it a try.

Want Romancing the Stone / Jewel of the Nile (2012) Discount?

I have loved these two movies since I was a little girl and it is so nice to be able to watch them again and again now that they are on DVD. Thank you so much!!!

Save 40% Off

Read More >>

Janeane Garofalo: If You Will - Live in Seattle (2010)

Janeane Garofalo. Love her or hate her, I admit that I used to listen to her on the defunct Air America via her radio show "The Marjority Report" and have always felt that her comedy was intelligent, self-deprecating and one of those people you want to hang out with because she was like a female version of Larry David. A bit narcissistic and she has this unique perspective towards society and pop culture that I find witty and different from other female comedians.

Although, Janeane Garofalo is known for her television and movie work, may it be from "24', "The West Wing", "Felicity", "The Larry Sanders Show" or "Reality Bites", she was once a stand-up comedian who would go up on stage with her notebook and go into random observations and direct quotes in her act.

It's been several years now but Garofalo made her return on stage via her special "If You Will" shot in Seattle's Moore Theatre and aired on EPIX in June 2010 and now, the special will be released on Blu-ray and DVD.

VIDEO:

"Janeane Garofalo If You Will: Live in Seattle" is presented in 1080 High Definition (1:78:1). The picture quality is solid and there is a good lighting on Janeane, skin tones are natural, blacks are nice and deep. No dizzying editing cuts, we see Garofalo straight on but you don't see a lot of audience reactions to her jokes. Camera angles are stationary towards Janeane via close up, full body or right behind her onto the audience.

AUDIO:

As for the audio, the audio for "Janeane Garofalo If You Will: Live in Seattle" is presented in English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. Dialogue is clear and understandable, audience reactions and ambiance can be heard through the surround channels. Overall, the lossless audio is well-done.

SPECIAL FEATURES

"Janeane Garofalo If You Will: Live in Seattle" comes with the following special features presented in 1080p High Definition (widescreen 1:78:1) and audio via uncompressed PCM Stereo:

* Pets(6:00) Janeane talks about losing a dog and her love for dogs but this time, having to take care of a female toddler and comparing her to a dog.

* Representative Richard Martin (R) (5:13) A Republican politician wants to be interviewed by Janeane and question her on her liberal beliefs.

JUDGMENT CALL:

For those who are familiar with Garofalo's work on Air America, many wonder if this will be a liberal tongue lashing on stage. And if anything, Janeane keeps things cool and doesn't engage in any politics, party groups or anything that is too racy.

If anything, watching "If You Will", this is a mature Garofalo. A grown up version of what we have seen from her in the 1990's but this time, seeing how her career has changed over the years but also how life has affected her in different ways. She takes on a various topics which include her maturity, misconceptions of her being a lesbian, hear health, her Spanx body shaper, her alcoholism and more. Including an interesting perspective that she has towards Natalie Portman (and Charlize Theron). If anything, Garofalo is quite fun to watch because she is esoteric. She is intelligent, well-versed but she doesn't come off as an egotistical snob.

Garofalo comes onto the stage with her notepad, tatoos on her arms and just goes through a flow of whatever is on her mind and it's a different style of comedy than one typically sees on stage. Of the many stand-up comedy DVD's that I review each year, it's always a pleasure to watch not only a female comedian but also an intelligent one that doesn't pride herself in sexual or moronic comedy.

In one bit, Garofalo criticizes men on their lack of cutting their toenails and dry heels and her delivery is quick and as much as she dishes out, she brings back in and becomes self-deprecating. In one segment she talks about going to Starbucks and the barista telling her, "No offense, but you look like Janeane Garofalo" and another where her manager tells her she needs to have web presence and how she doesn't even tweet.

Her comedy is not for everyone but it's definitely comedy for those who want intelligent comedy for 65-minutes long and no, there is no polemicizing on one's political views. She keeps it to topics surrounding pop culture and life and topics that people can relate too.

The Blu-ray release of "If You Will: Live in Seattle" is a good blu-ray release with solid PQ and good use of the surrounds via the lossless audio. I wished there was a bit more special features but for the most part, these two short comedy segments are fun to watch and for the most part, "If You Will" is a good Garofalo comedy Blu-ray release.

Overall, "Janeane Garofalo If You Will: Live in Seattle" was a fun special and definitely an enjoyable comedy Blu-ray release!

Jeanane at her best. I find I can almost quote something daily from this routine. I never tire of watching.

Buy Janeane Garofalo: If You Will - Live in Seattle (2010) Now

This is a surprisingly good show. As somebody who was never a fan of Janeane's, I think she nailed just about everything here. Highly recommended, funny as hell.

Read Best Reviews of Janeane Garofalo: If You Will - Live in Seattle (2010) Here

I don't submit reviews for artist's performances. I don't consider myself qualified. To call what I'm typing right now a "review" is, therefore, just wrong. I just needed to share how much I enjoyed this DVD. I wanted to just submit a "star" rating alone, but that wasn't possible. Angry red letters appeared below the empty box demanding I "please write my review." I loved it. You might as well. End "review."

Want Janeane Garofalo: If You Will - Live in Seattle (2010) Discount?

I have never seen anyone who has a more organized scatter brain than this girl. I love to watch her stand-ups. I recently saw one of her old ones on HBO Comedy channel and they edited the end of it out. So, I decided to come to Amazon to see if I could find it in it's original form and found this instead. I enjoyed it and recommend it to everyone. We need more of her stuff,(i.e. more stand-ups in other locations).

Save 44% Off

Read More >>

Moonstruck (1987)

When MGM first released Moonstruck on DVD they inexplicably did so with an inferior pan and scan transfer. They've rectified this situation with a new deluxe edition that restores its proper aspect ratio and with a collection of new extras. Moonstruck was the My Big Fat Geek Wedding of its day only infinitely better and about an Italian family as opposed to a Greek one. Watching Norman Jewison's film again, you realize just how much Nia Vardalos' film is heavily indebted to it. If Moonstruck is La Boheme than Greek Wedding is Tony and Tina's Wedding.

It's time to use your old disc as a coaster as this edition is definitely worth the double dip. MGM has taken TBS' dinner and a movie to the next level by including three recipe cards with fine Italian meals so that you can do your own cooking and eat it while watching the movie.

Carried over from the previous edition is the audio commentary by Cher, director Norman Jewison and screenwriter John Patrick Shanley. Both Jewison and Shanley talk about their fascination with death while Cher talks about the importance of costume and how it helps her get into character. This is a solid commentary with smart observations and excellent anecdotes from everyone.

"Moonstruck: At the Heart of an Italian Family" takes us through the genesis of the film mixing interviews done at the time of filming (Cage and Cher) and new ones (Aiello and Dukakis). There is great, behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage as Jewison and Shanley take us through the film telling several entertaining anecdotes.

"Pastas to Pastries: The Art of Fine Italian Food" is a tour of some of the best restaurants in Little Italy, in particular on Mulberry Street. You have six different places to choose from and their chefs demonstrate how to make a few choice foods guaranteed to make you hungry. If you love to cook and eat than this extra is for you.

Finally there is the "Music of Moonstruck" that examines the role that music plays in the movie. The first screening went badly because the music was all wrong.

Despite comments by previous reviewers this video is not pan and scan, it is cropped. There is a difference although I can understand how people could confuse the two. Moonstruck was originally shot with the intention of a 1:85 aspect ratio for theatrical screenings and 1:33 for television. The tops and bottoms of the frame were cropped to give it the widescreen ratio in the theatre. When films are shot for cropping they are essentially composed by the DP for both for 1:85 and 1:33 ratios simultaneously. Full frame video versions simply remove the cropping bars and show you more than you would have seen in a theatrical presentation. Pee Wee's Big Adventure and The Shining are two other films that utilized this (relatively uncommon) process. While one would still prefer that these films be cropped so as to provide a more "theatrical" feel it is incorrect to call this pan-and-scan because there is no panning and the viewer isn't losing any of the original frame information.

Pan-and-scan is when a film is shot in a widescreen format such as cinemascope, panavision or Super 16 and then transferred to video full-frame. In this case you actually are losing the material at either side of the film frame and you get that notorious back-and-forth panning as the transfer people try to focus the viewer on what they consider the "important" part of the frame. This injustice is still perpetrated for a majority of VHS releases but DVD producers for the most part have caught on that people "want widescreen". So yes, most of the time a full-frame release does indicate the pan-and-scan process but not with this film.

Buy Moonstruck (1987) Now

First off, this is a brilliant movie. Absolutely wonderful, delightful, funny, romantic, and magical. Divine. Worth a cosmos of the brightest, most glorious stars, but I guess in this case a mere five will do.

But I'm sure you've heard what a great film this is by now, if you haven't seen it already and found out for yourself. What I want to address is the controversy regarding the new widescreen transfer on the deluxe DVD. It is indeed true that you see more in the original MGM pan & scan release--but this is still a legitimate widescreen presentation, and the way this beautiful movie was originally intended to be seen. There are many different ways to shoot film in widescreen, and one of these involves shooting onto 1.37 ratio film (pan & scan ratio) while composing it for theatrical widescreen with the aid of two lines representing the "bars" you see on a TV on the monitor. This how "Moonstruck" was filmed, and it is done so that the director can have control over how the film will look both when seen in a theater and when cropped for viewing on a conventional television. Thus, the film is shot with more image on top and bottom than you actually end up seeing in the theater, but although you are technically seeing more in pan & scan, the widescreen is still really the "definitive" version.

Anyway, I hope this review helps those who may be debating between which version of this wonderful movie they ought to buy. Both are legitimate--I've seen the pan & scan and it's lovely (it clearly was carefully composed for both aspect ratios) but I'm going to buy the widescreen version. Thanks, and hope I could help!

Read Best Reviews of Moonstruck (1987) Here

(formerly a THREE-STAR review)

GOOD NEWS AND ALTERED COMMENTS!! BUY IT, BUY IT, BUY IT!!! "Moonstruck" is a fabulous modern comedy/romance, a classic!! I LOVE this film, and you will, too!

I had complained in my previous comment about the lack of widescreen theatrical release format in the previous release of this film, but I have just received word straight from the horse's mouth (MGM, via e-mail at their website) that the re-release of 'Moonstruck' on DVD (Nov.) will be available in either full-frame or (finally!) widescreen. AND they told me, in answer to my direct question, that 'Moonstruck' was shot in a full-frame 1.33:1 aspect ratio; theatrical presentation was 1.85:1. (Huh?)

I found out that most 1.85:1 aspect ratio movies are actually shot in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, with the intention that the top and bottom of the frames will be trimmed (matted) for 1.85:1 widescreen theatrical presentation. The cinematograper and director frame the shots with this in mind. The result of this is that the movie can be transferred easily to video without doing a pan-and-scan treatment of the photography for full-framed TV presentation. In other words, you're not missing anything in the full-screen framing. This is much preferred by the director, but still not ideal.

In fact, you get MORE than the director and cinematographer intended you to see, so the framing of the shots is a bit tall, less subject-focused than intended for cinematic presentation. This is by far a better compromise than a pan-and-scan transfer: rather than losing portions of the picture and ruining the framing, you just get some extra film that the director considers superfluous. It's still a compromise, and as you watch the film, it could mean the difference between a great shot and merely a good one.

So I personally still prefer theatrical release format, but I don't begrudge those who dislike widescreen their full-frame option, especially if they're not missing parts of the picture. I must say though that it surprises me how many people out there are bothered by widescreen movies on the normal 1.33:1 television. You get used to it quickly, unless you LET it bother you. (Have you noticed all the commercials and TV programs shot in widescreen recently? You probably haven't, so look for them!) As an owner of only a 27" TV (new), and a 20" before that, I say you can enjoy widescreen on TV!

I would now buy this DVD even if it were only full frame. GEORGE'S RECIPE FOR INCREASED DVD AND VHS SALES: the movie studios should inform us on the back of all video releases as to what alterations have been made for the video release. If it says it's pan-and-scan, I won't touch it, but if it's this other method, I might. Many feel the same as I.

I have many DVDs with widescreen on one side and full-screen on the other: the perfect compromise!

Want Moonstruck (1987) Discount?

Like the Movie, this soundtrack offers the perfect setting for Romance. With Some traditional Italian Music, you also can taste a bit of Puccini's La Boheme. The Opera was perfectly added to the rest of the album. The perfect Romance atmosphere is set. Good Luck !!!

Save 47% Off

Read More >>

Dude, Where's My Car? (2008)

Ok, let's get this straight. Dude, Where's My Car? isn't shooting for the Academy's appreciation. Other than Battlefield Earth, Dude, Where's My Car? was the most scoffed film of 2000. Is it stupid? Yes. Is it intentional? Absolutely.

Seann William Scott brings his bright boy persona along with edgy Ashton Kutcher into the premiss of two very confused individuals who cannot recall where they misplaced their vehicle. After one finally realizes the plot, you too, can comprehend the oft-misunderstood title and how it relates to the plot.

All joking aside, the movie moves at a quick pace and has absolutely the funniest supporting cast. Kutcher and Scott are terrific, but the random encounters with other characters are unforgettable. Hal Sparks as a charismatic cult leader is especially funny, as well as his swooning members. There are truly too many to list.

I think the definitive moment of Dude, Where's My Car? is the Chinese drive-thru scene. For the unlearned, they drive up and order, only to be answered with "And Then!". Kutcher offers many suggestions, only to be given "And Then!" It's wonderfully repetitive,long,annoying which just gives the scene its hilarity. Also, you can immediately determine in a crowd of several of whom have seen the epic Dude, Where's My Car? by only blurting out loud "AND THEN!" Immediately those who are in your inner circle of friends will burst into laughter and the rest will be quite puzzled. Don't be left out. When your friends are quoting this movie like Billy Madison, you better be well versed on Dude, Where's My Car?

Dude, what was I thinking? I totally went against my own personal policy to avoid Ashton Kutcher in all forms. That's bad but it gets worse. I thought this movie was funny. I actually enjoyed watched this ode to stupidity. Make no mistake about it Dude, Where's My Car? is as stupid a movie as you could ever dream of. If it's stupid, and someone (probably a stoner) has thought of it, it's in this movie.

Here's the rundown. Jesse (Ashton Kutcher) and Chester (Seann William Scott), two total losers, wake up one morning without any memories of what they did the night before. Obviously, they were wasted but what else is new? As the day progresses, they discover more and more clues about their wild doings the night before: they partied at their girlfriends' (Marla Sokoloff and a pre-Alias Jennifer Garner) now-thoroughly-trashed house, Jesse got to at least second base with Christie Boner (Kristy Swanson), they spent some quality time down at the Kit Kat Club, and they lost their car. Oh yeah, they also got their hands on some type of powerful alien device, walked off with a suitcase full of money belonging to a gender-challenged stripper, and threw that money around like it was the night before the apocalypse. Now their girlfriends are mad at them, a group of cultist freaks and two sets of aliens are after the alien device, the mixed-up stripper wants her, uh his, money back, and the local tough guys are revving up for an old-fashioned stoner-bashing. All the boys really want is to find their dadgummed car, get the anniversary gifts they assume they bought over to their girlfriends so they can enjoy a special treat, and possibly enjoy the pleasure a group of ugly hot chick aliens promise them in return for the alien device.

Some of the things you'll find in this movie are cultists dressed in bubble wrap spacesuits, two weird Swedish aliens, alien chicks who dress like Robert Palmer dancers, ostriches on the attack, a pot-smoking dog, and of course a fifty-foot tall alien. It really is the most ridiculous script I've ever seen. Dude, Where's My Car? makes the Bill and Ted movies look like installments of Masterpiece Theatre. I really, really wish I could tell you how much I hated the whole movie-watching experience but, alas, I cannot. It does hurt me to say this, but Dude, Where's My Car? is a funny movie that I, as much as I hate to admit it, actually found quite entertaining.

Buy Dude, Where's My Car? (2008) Now

Granted, this movie is dumb. And at first glace, it makes no sense. But that's the whole beauty of it. No one said this movie was, um... thought provoking?

Jesse (Ashton Kutcher) and Chester (Seann William Scott), are two dudes with quite a vocabilary (sweet, shibby, and dude). Waking up one moring, they realize they don't remember what happened the night before, but it seems as though they got quite wasted! There's a lifetime supply of pudding in their kitchen, they have tatoos, a stripper (and don't ask if it's male or femalehard to tell!) gave them a suitcase full of money, and their girlfriends ("the twins"Jennifer Garner and Marla Sokoloff) are pissed at them because they ruined their house and forgot their anniverary. No problem, right? After all, Jesse and Chester got them gifts. They'll just go to Jesse's car and get them. But whoopswhere's the car, dude?

From then on, Jesse and Chester go on a wild chase after their car, a bunch of space dorks say they have to get the tran--("how can we find it if we can't pronoce it?!"), a bunch of "hot chicks", running away from lama's (or are they?), a chinese food take-out troubles.... wow, this movie is f-u-n-n-y! Isn't it?

The cast is greatHal Sparks as Zoltan, Jennifer Garner and Marla Sokoloff as the twins, and Seann William Scott and Ashton Kutcher as Jesse and Chester. The movie also has some great tunes.

See this movie if you really want to laugh. See this movie at a party. See this movie with your friends. See this movie if you have a dumb sense of humor (like me). Just see it!

Read Best Reviews of Dude, Where's My Car? (2008) Here

On first viewing of this movie, I was hit w/ the remarkable blandness of alot of the jokes. It was funny, but it seemed like alot of what I saw was either revisited and rehashed humor, so I left the theater mostly dissatisfied, confused, but all in all 'eh, i didn't expect much, and i laughed a couple of times' sortof mood.

However, there's something about the film that the more times I watch, the more I find myself laughing at it, the jokes so ridiculously stupid and forgettable, that I've exactly done that, forgotten them, and a peculiar sense of laughing at something entirely new, yet revisiting an old friend, deja-vu experience happens.

Its quite forgettable, yet therein lies its charm, for how many great films can you watch over and over again, yet w/ each viewing, learning the lines by heart you lose the initial impact after each succesive watching.

Shimmy becomes an old forgotten friend, that we vaguely remember, but its still nice to visit again. Nostalgia and stupidity all wrapped together in one.

I think the actors also pull it off, the remarkably [slow] dialoge was written exactly that, [slow], but done so in a innocent and naive manner.

The characters/heros are anti-heros w/out the bitterness or moral uncertainty that most stories of our day and age present. No, you get no cynicism or failing of our human nature, no brooding negativety, or triumphing over the darkness.

You have two naive innocents, who jovially bumble thier way through the movie, and its this light-hearted tone of the writing that also welcome repeated viewings. Like old friends, whom you visit, knowing though the conversation will be insipid, will most likely inspire laughter, and someone being dunked into the pool.

stupidity? yes. bad writing? I don't think so. If you give the film a chance, and watch it for exactly what it is, it may make you laugh and smile as much as it sets out to. and you may find yourself, like me, revisiting it from time to time, and discovering its hidden charm, and unappreciated brillaince.

Want Dude, Where's My Car? (2008) Discount?

With minimalist setup, deft wordplay, and characterization that is brilliant in its reserved subtlety, this film is hauntingly reminiscient of the greatest works of existential literature of the past hundred years. Jesse and Chester demonstrate their astounding mastery of the craft as they assume (nay, become), what can only be described as the Vladimir and Estragon of the stoner-flick genre, simultaneously lost in their own struggles with self while bravely overcoming the conflicts thrust upon them by an uncaring world. In an overt homage to Franz Kafka's seminal novel, "The Metamorphosis," the two awake to find that they have been cheated of the ego, and, much like Gregor and Samson, are left without transportation in our modern dystopia where a car is so direly neccessary to the realization of the Freudian being. The quest that follows can be compared to "Waiting for Godot", only without the waiting, as the frantic and sometimes near incomprehesible pace of the film is set in play to satirize our own neomodern, hyperindustrial lives where one cannot pause, even for a moment, to enjoy the scenery, or, in this case, the "Shibby." It's understandable that the screenwriter had to invent the term for this masterpiece of cinema: his grasp of language makes him a modern-day Shakespeare, and he seems almost chained to the inadequacies of English prose as he struggles to connect with his audience (For anyone with an advanced degree in French Literature, you'll find the alternative language track to be quite illuminating). The acting in this film is deliberately downplayed, and it is clear that the director sought to mimic the tone (though not the qualms) of the German Minimalist theatre. Further, the extraterrestrials (or so we are to believe!) are overtly malicious in a striking parallel to Dostoyevsky's narrator in "Notes," although the Lynchesque makeup design seems, unfortunately, a distractingly obtuse addition to the otherwise restrained and dignified scenes. Alas, like Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead", this brief film serves only to awaken the viewer to the concepts to be expounded upon in the epic, four-hour sequel "Seriously Dude, Where's My Car", an opus that surely cannot be missed by anyone espousing to be of the literati.

Save 53% Off

Read More >>

Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010)

Lost Boys: The Tribe was a horrible movie. It was a blemish on the Lost Boys' series. The Thirst is a major step in the right direction. This film is more of a Frog Brothers film than a Lost Boys film. It's more in the vein of a horror/action picture than a straight horror picture. Honestly, I feel The Thirst kind of has an Expendables feel to it, with a more comedic tone. Feldman and Newlander give very likeable and well-balanced performances. The girl who helps the Frog Brothers fight the vampires also does a great job, and I'd like to see her character reappear if a sequal is made. My only compaint with the Thirst is that the main gang of vampires look like bratty, rich-kid, reality show wannabees. This detail is kind of rectified though, but I won't say anymore. Go watch Lost Boys: The Thirst! It's a great direct to DVD Halloween treat!

Okay, I am not sure how a person would feel about this movie if they didn't grow up loving the original, especially the Frog Brothers.

Personally, I really didn't care for The Tribe. It seemed like they were trying to kind of remake the first one in a way but with a more modern twist. Frankly, I felt like that just didn't work. I had to get it though because it had Edger in it. I was so upset that they left out Alan, MY favorite Frog brother. The Tribe was just a huge let down to me like I figured it would be.

When I saw that they made The Thirst, I thought "Are you serious!? Another one?? How far are they going to try to stretch this?"; then I saw that Jamison Newlander would be in this one as well as Corey Feldman. Well, that did it for me. I had to see the original Frog brothers reunited! I must say, I really enjoyed watching it. The story line was a little corny, but doable. Most of the vampires all die the same way. I think 2 or 3 of them exploded without turning to ash. I didn't really care for the way the voices of the vamps changed when they were bearing teeth. But regardless, everyone keeps changing vampires over the years. Not much you can do about it. Everything was worth it to me just to see the Frog brothers back in action, kicking a$$ and making corny wise cracks when pushing 40. It was a riot! You can tell that Newlander and Feldman had a good time getting back in touch with those characters.

Buy Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010) Now

Ok so you know, I loved the first installment with the 2 Corey's. I'm a vamp fan ok.

Have now seen the second one, I loved it as well.

But it certainly was nice to see this one. It is different than the first, a bit campy in some places, but if you love vamp movies you will enjoy this installment for so many reasons the memorial to Corey Haim, little flash backs to him in the first installment, they did a good job of showing Corey Feldman's missing his good friend wishing he was still alive and garnering strength from his relationship with Corey Haim's character Sam (such a great tribute). He was dead in this one and they let you know how he died.

Corey Feldman with his 'brother' Jamison Newlander in the movie certainly stepped up with lots of great thumbs up towards the first movie. At the end they introduced a female werewolf ... yeah!! I personally enjoyed it, hope you do too. And I wish to thank everyone for the nice tribute to Corey Haim, as I have always enjoyed him and Corey Feldman movies.

Read Best Reviews of Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010) Here

I grabbed this DVD this week against what I thought was my better judgment.

After all, I watched The Tribe twice: Once because it was the long awaited sequel,

again because I was hoping that my first impressions would give way to something

more favorable (they didn't). Despite disliking The Tribe however, I

thought, 'oh what the heck', threw 'The Thirst' in my computer, minimized the

window and proceeded to net surf because, frankly, my intentions were just to

see what was done this time for the sake of morbid curiosity and then leave it

to collect dust. Needless to say I had to max the screen and put everything

else on hold for a time.

I was really, really surprised to come out of this with a good impression.

First, to get something important out of the way:

This IS a low budget direct to DVD release. Keep expectations realistic in that

respect.

I'm not writing this in an attempt to convince both myself and others that it's

better than it was. Yes, the dialogue is cheesy and the situations are campy

(but they are supposed to be!). But yes, there are parts that are borderline bad

(which I'm pretty sure were not supposed to be). Overall however, this is a fun

movie that has the heart of the original in it. Feldman of course is the one who

pulls most of this off, his performance as a vampire hunting wouldbe Rambo is flawless

and genuinely entertaining to watch. I'm writing this because I think this

movie deserves a shot (at the very least a rental), and I know there are likely

MANY people who may not otherwise give this title a second glance because of how

The Tribe turned out and imo, that would be a shame! (but I digress).

criticisms:

My biggest criticism of the film (and yes it's a big one) has to do with

the vampires. Considering that the original vampires had a unique design, I'm

not sure why they would want to take them away from, well, a traditional 'Lost

Boys' look. It's not that the effects looked any more (or less) fake than the

original, but that they were actually distracting at times. It would have been

a challenge for any of the actors to have been on the same level as Kiefer

Sutherland, but it is virtually impossible when I can't get past their upper

jaw. I felt taken right out of the movie at times because I started

thinking 'what did they do with the teeth?' rather than about what was actually

going on in the scene.

The vampires also could have used more backstory to make them more interesting.

One of the reasons the original Lost Boys was good was because the

audience could identify, at least on some level, with both the heroes and

villains. The vampires were 'cool', but they were also motivated by emotions

that were easy to relate to like jealously, or the desire for some kind of

family (albeit an extremely dysfunctional one). To put it another way, I could

believe in David and Max, I couldn't really believe in DJX (and I think this

has to do as much with the movie as it does with not being 9 years old

anymore). I was never told why he wanted to do what he did, and didn't

particularly care to any significant degree either.

The above said, it's pretty much unfathomable to me as to why the writers did

not invest more time into developing Alan's character. During this movie I had

at least a dozen questions about his character leap into my brain, and with very

little difficulty could probably come up with over 100. Yet they tell us

virtually nothing WTF? It's very hard to imagine that the writers somehow

overlooked that *there is a good 5 year stretch of time of probable interest to

the movie's fanbase. Regardless of being deprived of answers to 99% of these

questions, I'd say it's a positive thing to leave the movie asking 'why didn't

they do this?' rather than (as I did with The Tribe) 'Why did they do this at

all?". If there HAD been a character on the 'opposing' team even half as

interesting and with half as much heart as Feldman's Frog, then this movie would

easily have gotten 4 stars from me

Want Lost Boys: The Thirst (2010) Discount?

Loved the ending. Great all the way through. Wish more of the original cast could have been in it. It stuck with the story line with a few surprise twist to hold your interest. Better than I had thought it would be seeing as how it never showed in theaters and went straight to DVD.

Save 40% Off

Read More >>

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2010)

Not familiar with the comic, I found some background info on the comic on another Amazon review:

==============

Like a James Bond of the occult--only not as suave or debonair--Dylan Dog manages to get himself in and out of trouble with finesse, while bedding a different lady with each adventure he embarks on. A self-styled "nightmare investigator," he takes on cases that normal PIs won't. Along with his assistant, Felix, a quip-spouting Groucho Marx lookalike, he tracks down some extremely dark persons (and nonpersons) for a somewhat modest fee.

Dylan Dog was created by writer Tiziano Sclavi in 1986. Originally published in Italy, the long-running series is set in London, where Dylan works as a supernatural investigator who (against type in a series like this) has a good working relationship with the police. Dylan is a former Scotland Yard investigator, and perhaps the reincarnation of the original Dylan Dog, who died in 1686.

Dylan Dog's mysteries have been published off and on over the past two decades, with Sclavi backing off and allowing others to interpret the character. The good-looking investigator has become a true star in Italy's comics publishing, as well as around the world.

============

This movie deviates from this description:

1) Dylan isn't a Casanova, he actually has some past that keeps him pushing women away

2) His sidekick looks nothing like Groucho and works for free vs. a fee. He does it more out a friendship for Dylan

3) No mention -that I remember -about his relation to Scotland Yard. His history and relationship to the undead/monsters is explained very differently in the movie.

4) No finesse in the movie...he is a "tough guy" instead who is willing to punch or shoot his way through to a solution

This movie actually starts off in a Dresden Files kind of way. . .

1) We have a broke Detective letting himself do work he'd rather not do just to pay the bills

2) He relies on "old" technology and the like

3) He has contacts all throughout the monster/undead community

4) A VW bug that isn't reliable

The funniest part of the movie is how his buddy/sidekick has to deal with his. . .uh. . .new condition. He's definitely the comic relief of the movie.

Brandon Routh has a great narration voice, just like the old detective movies. He's not required to do a lot of acting though. What would have made him more convincing is if they had made him all scruffy vs. his Superman, clean-shaven look.

The makeup job on the werewolves was kinda SyFy channel quality, but considering the movie it all fits

Taye Diggs had the best acting opportunities and he delivered them very well. Great job Taye.

There seemed to be something missing with the love interest in the movie...one minute they don't know each other the next its like she's giving him pity sex, because of his situation. I didn't get any chemistry between them. But when things heat up, his narration has a great one-liner.

What also didn't make sense, is the "monster" of the story kills people one way. But both times that Dylan comes-face to face with it, there is a punching match. Uh...why? Other than to extend the scene and give us some action, I guess. Inconsistent. Too bad. :(

The final transformation of the movie was cool.

Ending was okay...for me it was a bit anticlimatic, because it had nothing to do with the efforts of our main protagonist per se.

This won't create the cult following that Army of Darkness has.

But those wanting more of Dresden, and with none forthcoming, they may like to watch this for a lot of similarities.

And the name Dylan Dog just rolls off the tongue well. :)

Like my title says, it is a decent movie and it is worth the watch. I won't go all gung ho like the other two reviewers about details, but the movie started out pretty good and it stayed in the good range, there was no real climax in action as it was basically all action. The ending I suppose had a sort of climax then an anti-climax/neutral area. I will say though that the movie will throw you for a loop and that's the only reason I really liked it. I didn't guess the plot at all. I also didn't know it was a comic, which I gleamed from the other reviewers review, so I suppose the fans of this comic might like or hate this movie, and if you didn't know about the comics either, then you'll probably enjoy watching it as well. It just didn't wow me, but if you like a action/horror/comedy movie, then this is worth buying. I would say rent it first, or wait until it hits the 5 dollar shelf mark.

Buy Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2010) Now

I liked Dylan Dog, it was a lot better than I expected. The story was actually pretty cool and really went into detail when it came to explaining how zombies, vampires and werewolves live their lives. It was actually funny, as well; Marcus was a very funny character and had great chemistry with Dylan. The locations they went to were actually fun, like the Body shop was literally a body shop where they went to buy body parts like human arms. And the zombie support group was also a great addition. It also had a decent ending, didn't fully expect it. It did drag on a couple of times. My main complaint was Anita Briem's performance; she was very boring and bland. Most of her lines were emotionless and dull; she'd just stand around during the shots and wait to read her lines in the most tedious way possible. (like if she didn't want to be there). Brandon Routh and Sam Huntington were great though.

It's definitely not a film for everyone, but I recommend it to anyone with an open mind or plenty of free time. As of 8/10/12, this film is available on Netflix Streaming.

Dylan Dog has violence and blood.

Read Best Reviews of Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2010) Here

I'm not familiar with the source material for this so I came to it without any preconceptions. This movie is a shame. Given everything I can't say it could ever have been real good but it could have been so much better.

Here's the scoop. Dylan is a private eye, in New Orleans, working on low level, grunt type cases. He's got a go-for, Marcus, who yearns to be a real partner. He gets involved in a case stuck in the middle of a war between Vampires and Werewolves. He was hoping not to work that realm again, but he gets sucked in. Seems there is a stolen relic which, when embedded in a host, will release Belial, a really evil demon who will decimate all mankind.

First off: New Orleans has a sense of mystery all it's own. It's a great setting for this type of flick, but not one character speaks with a southern accent. None of the music is of the region and they do nothing to give the viewer the flavor of the area. Not the French Quarter or the homes or the Bayou area. Attending to that alone would have raised the quality of the movie immeasurably. Then there's Dylan himself. He looks like a young Christopher Reeve and that's the problem. He looks too young for the role. And he acts too "cute." I felt the part needed way more gravity. His sidekick, Marcus, on the other hand is a hoot. He way outshines Dylan. His lines are better and he really put a stitch in me with his delivery. He makes this movie. Plus....I just didn't believe it. If Vampires, Werewolves and The Undead were that prevalent anywhere we'd all know about it. I couldn't suspend my disbelief. It might have worked in the comic, but it doesn't work here. Surprisingly, a lot of similar movies move along well only to drop the ball on the 5 yard line. This had a really good climax. It was much better than I expected given the rest of the movie.

This is not a bad watch. It's fun enough and certain things (Marcus for one) really make it worthwhile. I'm just peeved that so little more could have been done to make it so much better.

Want Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2010) Discount?

I really enjoyed this movie. I have never read or even heard of the comic before, so I went into this movie not knowing what to expect. The zombie body parts shop was hilarious. You have to check this one out. Bring on number 2!

Save 24% Off

Read More >>

Midnight Movie/Killer Movie (2008)

Slasher movie called "Killer Movie"? I did not expect this to be good, and it wasn't it was freaking great. Killer Movie is a movie that will be loved by some and hated by many because this is extremely unoriginal and not everyone will get the humour in it but this hit home for me. Just like "Scream Bloody Murder", Killer Movie knows how to make me smile while still delivering all the kills that one could want from a slasher flick. It's gory, funny and even made me jump a couple of times. Heck, I even enjoyed this more than My Bloody Valentine. Killer Movie isn't constantly over the top so when the gory scenes come, they're so unexpected that you can't help but to cheer a little inside your head. This is a slasher fan's dream. Unlike many other reality-TV oriented slasher flicks, Killer Movie doesn't really act like a reality-TV show, it's just about a bunch of people shooting a reality-TV show. This means that the movie doesn't look like it was shot with a camcorder. In fact, the movie looks good enough to be a theatrical horror flick. Anyway so these people are shooting a reality-TV show in a small town, unknowing of the fact that a masked serial killer is on the prowl, following their every move. The movie starts out quite slow so you don't really know what to expect at first. We get to know all of the characters quite thoroughly and the movie doesn't give away whether it's a comedy or a horror flick at once. The jokes are all very subtle which is why some people won't get it but I just loved the sarcastic tone of it all. Then when the horror hits, it hits hard and it increases by every kill until it's finally a complete bloodbath.

Read More >>

Quinn, Colin - Long Story Short (2010)

To seriously date myself, I have been watching Colin Quinn since the mid-eighties when he was the announcer/sidekick on MTV's inspired pop culture game show "Remote Control." In truth, while I like Quinn fine, I've never been a particularly enthusiastic fan. His irascible persona has served him well in stand-up and TV shows (Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn, The Colin Quinn Show) and suitably on "Saturday Night Live," but he's never had the cross over success of fellow "Remote Control" alum Adam Sandler. It was of great interest to me, however, when it was announced that Jerry Seinfeld was backing and directing Quinn in a one man stage show. "Colin Quinn--Long Story Short" is a 2010 filmed presentation of that show performed at Broadway's Helen Hayes Theater, originally broadcast on HBO. The show's hook is that it is a satirical look at the history of the world in 75 minutes. Tying modern day phenomenon to ancient civilizations, Quinn journeys through different cultures and eras for a fitfully funny and surprisingly smart engagement.

To be fair, I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to watch this presentation. But Quinn acquits himself well in a routine that is thought provoking and insightful. This is NOT a stand-up comedy special. Those looking for traditional jokes might need to look elsewhere. This is an intricately constructed piece that is as much about history as it is about any punchline. While not always as laugh-out-loud funny as you might hope, it more than compensates by its ambition and scope. I've never given much thought to Quinn as an intellectual, but the sophistication in this piece has made me reevaluate that opinion.

Not all of the night's themes are particularly new to comedic interpretation. The main point seems to be that humans are their own worst enemies. Seeking proclaimed enlightenment, our follies and foibles lead us down the path to destruction every time. And history repeats--no matter the time or place. Some of the funniest bits have to do with frustrations in contemporary society as people relate to one another at the ATM or in an elevator. But Quinn is adept at relating the idiocies of the present to those of the past. He takes us through the historical settings of the ancient Greeks and Romans, through to the British Empire, all the way up to the Jersey Shore with lots of stops on the way. I absolutely loved Quinn's premise here. For sure, the material was a bit uneven (some even too expected)--but the success far outweighs any drawbacks. Smart and literate, this satiric romp through the ages is absolutely recommended to those who know what to expect. Once again, this is NOT stand-up but a fully realized one man show which is both funny and brainy--a winning combination. About 4 1/2 stars. KGHarris, 10/11.

My wife talked me into seeing this when he came to philly. i wasn't too sure but i'm glad i did. it took about 5 minutes to get going but when he did it just took off. my only regret is that i didnt bring paper and a pen to write down all the jokes that i wanted to repeat later to friends and family. i cant wait to get this in the mail so i can see it all over again

Buy Quinn, Colin - Long Story Short (2010) Now

Written and performed by Colin Quinn. Directed by Jerry Seinfeld. This show was so well done and so funny, I saw it Live twice at Bleeker St. Theatre. It was so well received it moved uptown to Helen Hayes Theatre in Times Square where I saw it again. Hilarious view of civilization. Highly recommend. Deserves a Tony, if there is a Comedy category. Glad it was made into a DVD.

Read Best Reviews of Quinn, Colin - Long Story Short (2010) Here

This is a hilarious, smart summary of the history of the world. Colin Quinn is largely accurate (I did notice a historical error on the Latin America piece) and wholly entertaining. I only wish there was an edited version I could show my world history students, as the curse words are free flowing. I can watch this repeatedly and still laugh heartily at Quinn's performance. I HIGHLY recommend this product!

Want Quinn, Colin - Long Story Short (2010) Discount?

Colin takes us through history using wit and humor to shine a light on the similarities between "now" and "then". Wish I could have seen it live and in person as the audience was really into the performance. Makes me miss Tough Crowd, a lot.

Read More >>

Strictly Ballroom (IMPORT - Region B)

Baz Luhrmann at his finest. This terrific film is really three movies in one. First, there's the tremendous dance movie whcih centers on Scott Hastings (Paul Mecurio) and his struggles to introduce 'new steps' to the sheltered world of Austrailian ballroom dancing. For dance afficiandos, despite the broad comedy that infuses the movie, the dancing is the real thing. Mecurio is a formally trained dancer and you simply can't fake, edit, or body-double the moves he pulls off in this film. Even if you're not a dancer, Mecurio's athletiscism alone is worth seeing.

The second movie is a Dirty Dancing-style, boy-meets-ugly-duckling tale. The story allows you to peek behind the covers of a first generation Australian and her awkward attempts to fit into a new culture while maintaining her European ties at home.

The third movie is what sets Strictly Ballroom apart from the field tremendously funny, broad caricatures squabbling around the periphery of Scott and his struggle to bring his 'new steps' to the Pan-Pacific Championships. Pat Thompson is hysterical as Doug's mother Shirley, and Bill Hunter is wonderfully over-the-top as dancing kingmaker Barry Fife ('There are no new steps!'). But attention first-time viewers keep your eyes on Barry Otto as Scott's father, Doug Hastings. This odd, seemingly shell of a man is actually the emotional core of the film. He provides the movies funniest moments (particularly as other reviewers have alluded to a flashback sequence so over-the-top hilarious that it defies description) and its most relevatory ones.

Play this film over and over again and you will never be disappointed.

This Australian gem is one of those rare films that entertains, thrills and pokes fun at an established activiity (in this case, a ballroom dance federation).

To take this film seriously is to miss out on one of the great moviegoing/ moviewatching experiences of the 1990s.

In a nutshell, an up-and-coming champion ballroom dancer gets bored dancing the same tired steps that everyone has danced in competition the past 50 years and wants to break out and do things his way. Of course, his way is the better way, but that causes all the angst, high drama, dashed hopes and utter hilarity that ensues as forces clash to prevent the young man from taking the ballroom dancing world by storm and up to a new level.

Of course, it's what we've all, always, expected: Things don't change in such events because those who judge and teach can only judge/teach that with which they are familiar.

The cast is perfect, from the dashing young lead embodied by Australian ballet principal Paul Mercurio to the shy, at-first clumsy female lead played by Tara Morice (who also lends her vocals to Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" in a stunning rooftop pas de deux as she starts learning how to dance with him).

Paul's mother -beautifully and hysterically portrayed by Pat Thomson -and his seemingly introverted, odd father -a wonderfully giddy Barry Otto -are perfectly realized, as are all the other roles, including Bill Hunter's terrifically change-resistant Barry Fife, president of the dance federation.

This is probably Baz Luhrmann's most mainstream movie, since it's more firmly grounded in the now than anything else he's done.

Be on the lookout for a stunning cinematic moment during an outdoor sequence at the girl's house with the lead learning from her father how to correctly dance the Paso Dobles. When it's clear he's gotten the hang of it, the camera does a closeup on him turning and then cuts to an oncoming train, that parallels the house, sweeping down the lower right of the screen. It's one of those Luhrmann touches that set him apart from most other working directors.

"Strictly Ballroom" is a wonderful entertainment that flows along so quickly..and has dramatic highs...and even more thrilling dancing highs...that most of you will be very sorry when it's over.

But never fear...it holds up very well on repeat viewings. It's one of my most-played videos.

Buy Strictly Ballroom (IMPORT - Region B) Now

Okay, maybe that's an overstatement, but the first time I watched this movie, I checked it out of the library. I was a recently divorced single parent of two, struggling with a house note and bills I couldn't pay. On this particular day, I was fighting a bad cold, and feeling generally tired and unhappy. I took this movie out based only on the "Two Thumbs Up" recommendation of Siskel & Ebert at the bottom of the case. After viewing this film, I felt energized and full of good humor. I eventually bought it and have shared it with my mom, sister, kids, friends, and new husband. They all loved it! Where do I start? 1. The performances. Everyone in this movie is wonderful. They are believable and credible even though the material is completely over the top so much of the time. I love these people. 2. Then there's the romance. The main love story is very sweet, but all throughout the film, you feel like romance is literally in the air. It's also amazing how much sensuality is conveyed without any overt sexuality. 3. The dancing. I never gave ballroom dancing a thought until I saw this movie. Now, I love watching it. 4. The family relationships. They may seem unbelievable, but that mother is all too familiar to me. 5. Paul Mercurio--he's hot! Enough said.

This movie is funny, touching, and like nothing I've ever seen before or since. I can't even compare it to anything else. I'm happy to see how favorably other people have reviewed it.

Read Best Reviews of Strictly Ballroom (IMPORT - Region B) Here

I skimmed through several reviews and kept seeing comparisons to Dirty Dancing. This movie can't even be compared to that!!! First of all, the dancing in SB moves the plot along, while in DD, it could be edited out and no one would know it was ever there. Secondly, this movie is the MASTERPIECE that DD is not and will never, ever be. Every thing about this movie is perfect--I especially love the chemistry between Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice. They really make Scott and Fran credible and believable characters. Being that this is a small movie, it really works--and that is probably why it is better than anything Hollywood has produced in some time. And charming extras to the movie-Tara Morice sings the TIME AFTER TIME song that runs throughout some of the movie. Paul Mercurio did his own dancing--including adding additional choreography. (He was a former ballet dancer before making this movie as his acting debut.) There are many others, but I'll leave you to discover them.

Want Strictly Ballroom (IMPORT - Region B) Discount?

The story is pretty conventional : since childhood Scott Hastings' parents have pointed him towards the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Amateur

Championships. But in direct contravention of the rules and traditions of ballroom dancing (which have as much to do with the teaching of dance to

willing customers as with dance itself), Scott has recently developed a dangerous desire to dance his own "crowd-pleasing steps". When Scott's

partner leaves him, he's forced to audition new ones, none of whom are very satisfactory, until, improbably, the homely and awkward Fran, who

usually has to dance with another girl, demonstrates that she understands what he's aiming at. As Scott's mother and teacher try to find a more

acceptable alternative, Scott and Fran practice in secret, eventually receiving assistance from Fran's aforementioned father and her loving

grandmother, who does a mean rumba herself.

What follows is largely predictable but still endearingly romantic and exciting. Baz Luhrmann, who had directed a stage version of the story for some

ten years before turning it into a movie, brings a pulsing energy (which mixes soundtrack, color, and motion in fascinating ways) and an off-kilter

sense of humor to the film that make it quite distinctive. If you liked Mr. Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge but thought it was a bit over-the-top, you'll like

this one much better.

The best aspect of the film though is the way in which Scott, who when we meet him is totally self-absorbed, has to learn that for all his desire to

express himself in dance, he must do so together with his partner. He and Fran must communicate with one another, share themselves, and be able to

yield something of the personal in order to be true to their art. They must respect the conventions of ballroom dance, with its basis in the couple,

even as they expand its possibilities and violate the self-serving diktats of the corrupt elders who run the competitions. So much of modern art and

literature celebrates egotistical individualism unfettered by any restraint; it's unusual to find such a compelling story about the requirement of

submerging purely selfish concerns in order to achieve higher purposes.

One of the leitmotifs of the film is that "A life lived in fear is a life half-lived". Much of the atomization of modern life is a function of fear, a fear of

being hurt by those we open up to. Scott begins the film as only half of a couple, unable to share anything, even a dance, with his partner. He is

living only a half-life. But he becomes wholly human, begins to live a whole life, when he becomes a true partner with Fran. It's rare enough to see

such profound truth portrayed in film, but that it's done here such a joyous and exuberant fashion makes this a remarkable movie.

GRADE : A+

Save 54% Off

Read More >>

Away We Go (2009)

Like all road pictures, AWAY WE GO is about a couple in their early thirties trying to discover themselves (and what kind of home and family they want to create for themselves) through a round of visits in the sixth month of the pregnancy. I've never been a huge fan of Dave Eggers, but the script that he wrote with Vendela Vida is a brilliant one. The structure of the film is simple: Burt (THE OFFICE's Jim Krasinski) and Verona (SNL's Maya Rudolph) have moved to a small, cold house entirely so that they can live near Burt's parents. But after learning that they will be moving to Antwerp a month before their baby is due, they realize that they don't need to live any longer in a town where they have no friends and, now, no relatives. They plan a long trip that will see them visiting friends and relatives in a number of locations, including Scottsdale, Tucson, Montreal, and Miami. They see people whose lives they would like to emulate and those they would not.

And along the way hilarity ensues. The scenes between Burt and Verona are frequently hysterical, though when they are meeting their friends or relatives they tend to become "straight men" and the humor shifts over to the others. Although several people are absolutely outstanding, two actors deserve special mention. First, Allison Janney is absolutely hysterical as Verona's former boss in Chicago (more about Chicago in a second). She is, putting it simply, a nightmare of a mother. But in the most hysterical of ways. (Now on Chicago. Verona mentions working in Chicago and she is shown to be a medical illustrator. This is not unconnected with Chicago; in fact, there is a direct correlation between medical illustration and Chicago, since the most important medical illustration program is at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical School. Odds are that if someone has studied medical illustration, they did it there.) The second actor who stands out is Maggie Gyllenhaal, who plays a college professor and old friend of Burt who and the embracer of more fringe and nutzoid ideas than one can imagine. Her ideas, and those of her husband, are so absurd that given gentle, placid Burt can take no more.

But the major kudos have to go to Krasinski and Rudolph, who manage to create two characters we come to like a great deal and who we very much hope will come to understand precisely what they and where they want to have it. This is an especially enjoyable film given the overwhelming amount of special effects fare at this time of the year. This is an intelligent film that also manages to be very, very funny. It is currently in somewhat limited release, but when you get a chance to see it, do so.

This movie was a charming look at a couple that is struggling to define themselves and to find their place in the world. The comedy was perfectly placed and well written. The story lines were honest and believable glimpses into various peoples very different lives. The main couple visits friends and family around North America trying to find where they would fit. What they find out is that they don't really fit any of those places and they have to make their own way in the world. Excellent movie, one of the best of 2009.

Buy Away We Go (2009) Now

My husband and I really liked this movie. We were laughing and laughing until the couple got to Montreal, their fourth stop, and then we were in tears: "She had a miscarriage on Thursday. Her fifth."

Bert and Verona seem like us late to have a child, still living in a cluttered rented house, asking, "Are we F--K Ups?" They arrive at the beautiful door of old friends and say, "Wow, they seem so grown up." Those were my exact feelings on reconnecting with a childhood friend last winter who is FAR more established than us. Our furniture is hand-me downs, unpainted pine shelves and dusty milk crates stuffed with reference books. Every room in my friend's house looked decorated and cared for (but did she have books? I don't recall). Seeing it made me realize that I was still inhabiting this fantasy that I was still a graduate student...but then I realized that I am the age my mother was when I happened to be in middle school, so thus I am not young, just too poor to have a pretty decorated house with art on the walls. At least the spines on my texts are colorful.

Bert and Verona have no roots Verona's parents are dead, her sister lives in a different city, and Bert's parents are about to embark on their own journey abroad, in Belgium. It is curious to me now to see that the concept of growing up and going away to college, leaving your family and your hometown behind, often leaves you with no roots at all if you keep traveling, after college, as I have. It is an interesting idea, then, to decide in the sixth month of pregnancy to go visit one's old friends, as Bert and Verona do, to see if they'd like to settle near them. It is a question I often ask myself...should I move back to California? What about Portland? What if we just moved back somewhere on the I-5 corridor, which would be more civilized than here? How deep are my roots here after all, now that I have taught seven cohorts of 7th graders and my daughter is now four?

I really liked Bert and Verona and the way they made each other laugh, the way they comforted each other, and their subtle communication when they are guests in their friends' houses. If they were real people, I would have no doubt that once their child was born, they would slowly gather back a community of other new parents.

This movie makes me remember the last days of my marriage before we became parents, and what people said to us. Both ridiculous and moving.

Read Best Reviews of Away We Go (2009) Here

At the butt-end of last year Sam Mendes directed a film called Revolutionary Road. This was a masterpiece, truly deserving of that title. It's his best film hands down! His previous films American Beauty and Road To Perdition weren't too shabby either. They all have a sense of darkness and foreboading. The dark foreboading element is missing from his current film Away We Go, and that is not a bad thing.

The basic set-up is simple and understandable in that movie universe sort of way, but two winning performances from leads Mya Rudolph and Chris Krisinski really help this thing over some of the comedy set-up trappings. Rudolph is an actress that I've known from SNL and that's it, I've not seen here in anything else. Surprisingly, she ends up playing straight-man to Krisinski. And you she gives a very touching and honest performance, and I see a great career outside anything resembling comedy in her future. Krisinski is an actor I've never seen in anything. I've been informed that he is one of the stars of the American version of The Office, and he, like Rudolph, is someone I want to see more of. He plays affable in this film like a pro. He's an optimist and a realist all in one heartwarming stroke. He's the goofier of the couple but it comes off more like it's part of his character and his personality and less like comedy schtick. Together I would watch any film premise about this pairing.

This is a real couple, not a made up movie couple. This is my favorite part of this film. The plot is cute and similar to that of the great film Flirting With Disaster, but the unmarried leads make this film above average. They don't have silly, pointless and melodramatic arguments to up the conflict factor most these type of films contrive for the sheer 'entertainment' value. Sorry, folks, this is about real people not the cyphers that make up the world of most sitcoms and Rom-Coms.

The first and one of the best examples I can conjur up in regard to this point is an early scene of the couple driving to Krisinski's parents' house(played hysterically but briefly by Jeff Daneiels and Catherine O'Hara). Krisinski, who sells insurance by phone, gets a call from a client and puts on an obnoxious 'offcial business' voice that irritates Rudolph. She pulls over the car and gently steps out. He catches up to her and they flirt. There's no silly argument of the two complaining about themselves. They know each other so well and truly love each other to the point that they know each others' faults, quirks and everything in between. This is what it is like to truly know, understand and love each other. Little touches like this really make this film rise abvove the rest.

This is a road movie so we meet various other side characters that help emphasise and illustrate versions of family life and modern couplings. We get some great cameo by Maggie Gyllenhal as a very liber4al new-agey type who supplies some o the film's funniest situational comedy. Most of the humor comes from an honest place and not joke set-ups. Not all of the humor, but most. The constant change in locale is a comedy contrivance in itself but we forgive it because the characters are so engaging and real.

The film is not without its flaws. The premise is a bit obvious and basically negligiable. The final emotional conclusions are obvious long before they arrive, but they are executed and performed so flawlessly it's easy to forgive this flaw.

I'm happy to see Mendes broaden inot this territory. It's not as dark, and it's not about miserable people, but rather real people. They are self-proclaimed "F@#$CK ups". It's a story of late bloomers. They're just making it and fitting the pieces together a little slower then the rest of us. No big career destinations, no big dreams, they're just living their lives and loving each other honestly. It's quite lovely. Starting their unexpected family is as natural to them as never becoming a wedded couple. This is life, but rather contrived in a more entertaining movie way.

Want Away We Go (2009) Discount?

AWAY WE GO isn't a great movie but it is certainly entertaining. The story revolves around a thirty-something couple who are about to have their first child. When things don't go as planned, they decide to pull stakes and look for a new home. In its own way, AWAY WE GO reminded me of the Little Prince, who went from planet to planet, meeting strange new people. This couple's search unearths the odd, kind, bizarre, tragic, and confused, who unknowingly show the couple how normal they really are.

There are moments in AWAY WE GO that are very funny, and a few that are sad or touching. Most of the dialog is above average. All of the actors are credible and competent. Maya Rudolph, of SNL fame, is actually very good. The only other feature I've seen her in was Idiocracy, where she seemed to be playing a character more suited to Saturday Night Live. Here, she shows that she can play real characters instead of just caricatures.

The overall pacing of AWAY WE GO is a little slow, but it is still worth watching. I'd be reluctant to watch it twice, but I would if I had to. Three times is probably out of the question. RECOMMENDED.

Save 46% Off

Read More >>

The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray/Blu-ray 3D Combo) (2012)

When I first went to see this movie I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not. I had expectations yes, but they weren't the highest. Boy was I wrong. This movie was great fun to watch.

I did not go see it in 3d because personally 3d doesn't do much for me but the 2d experience was great. What I really enjoyed about this movie was that it had a little bit of everything, funny characters, semi-engaging storyline, romance, action, and good looking men ;)

To me the storyline was just right for the film, there was a lot going on with the characters interactions with each other and they did a good job of playing back to things that happen early in the film and adding twists, confusion, and even a few surprises. The characters all have their quirks from D'Artagnan's cocky statements to King Louis' insecurity's and childlike attitude. The film has an overall funny feel to it with a good deal of jokes and silly encounters which I really enjoyed. There's nothing like going to an action movie and getting some laughs out of it as well.

The romance aspect was small but effective as it helped move the storyline along in different ways. Different characters had to deal with different aspects of romance and each issue helped push the plot and characters in ways that were both expected and unexpected. As for the action all I can say is wow. I love watching a good sword fight happen and this movie was full of excellent swordplay. Along with swords, bombs, explosives, and guns were all used adding to the action.

This movie is not a tradition rendering of the Three Musketeers and has a steam punk feel to it making it a Three Musketeers for the modern age. Overall it was fun to watch and enjoy. I enjoyed it enough that I went to see it twice in theaters and already have plans to purchase the DVD release. Overall I give it a five star review because I loved it that much. :)

If you're looking for your next movie to showcase for great 3D, The Three Musketeers delivers the same great 3D you've seen in Resident Evil Afterlife 3D, as Paul W.S. Anderson returns as director and has not lost his 3D touch (currently filming Resident Evil: Retribution 3D, which looks equally great from the 3D trailer as of Jan 2012). How good is the 3D here? Anderson learned his 3D from the Fusion 3D used on Avatar. Any more questions? Exceptional 3D in depth and the occasional pop outs.

Moving on to the movie itself, I went in with the expectations that the film would deliver interesting, like-able characters, a decent storyline and plenty of great action. They sort of got the last part right, but the rest is debatable IMO.

Characters: The lead hero is portrayed as an arrogant jerk, and the Three Musketeers are directionless, without a goal when the film gets underway. So who do I root for? Milla Jovovich of course. Too bad she didn't have a bigger role. Orlando Bloom appears, but does little more than talk for the few moments he appears.

Storyline: The story needs a strong goal right from the start. Without it, the film feels directionless and pointless. Just some clueless characters wandering about waiting for something to do, is how I perceived it. And I wanted to enjoy the film, but by the end, I didn't care how great the 3D was, I couldn't wait to leave the theater. But that's just one opinion. Another viewing might change the bad taste.

Action: Good action when it appears. The sword fights are good, but fencing is limited in the amount of jabs and strikes you can do. More creativity is welcome here. The other action scenes, ranging from Milla squeezing through some obstacle courses, to an in air battle of floating ships, are pretty well done and woke me up in the theater, but if you don't care about the characters, it's still hollow action.

Visuals: Great scenery and elaborate costumes if you like the style, top notch lighting and cinematography. Solid special effects.

If you like Pirate movies, then you may very well enjoy this. The setting is France, with all of the etiquette, pomp and circumstance, frilly wardrobes and prissy attitudes to go with it, notably displayed by the intentionally annoying King.

Decent at best.

Film: 5/10

Story: 4/10

Characters: 6/10

Action: 8/10

Visuals: 8/10

3D: 9/10 EXCELLENT.

Overall: 6/10 (not an average, saved by the 3D and action). If you need another 3D action movie for your 3DTV, the 3D will not disappoint. The movie on the other hand...

Buy The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray/Blu-ray 3D Combo) (2012) Now

Six feet under and rotted in the soil, Alexandre Dumas is rolling over furiously. Heck, even the makers of the much reviled THE MUSKETEER are turning over in their graves (never mind that they're probably not even dead yet). THE MUSKETEER was deplored for its shabby updating and lame use of anachronisms and its swapping of classic swordplay for a more Eastern fighting approach. This latest incarnation of Dumas' classic literature comes along and lifts that same ill-advised blueprint but adds a more pronounced Michael Bey sensibility. 2011's THE THREE MUSKETEERS is louder and bigger-budgeted and peppered with even more anachronistic touches, such as that scene in which Aramis meets D'Artagnan for the first time and he issues him a traffic citation. It's a jarring departure, if you're a stickler for faithful adaptations. Me, it depends. I enjoyed Johnny Weismuller's Tarzan films even though his interpretation of Tarzan was a far cry from E.R. Burroughs' vision. But I can't make up my mind whether to rate THE THREE MUSKETEERS 2.5 out of 5 stars, or 3.5. I had fun watching this, but there were things that seriously bugged me.

The world ushers in the dawn of the 17th Century, a tumultuous time. After the assassination of his father, young King Louis XIII ascends the throne. But his inexperience and feckless nature allow his chief advisor, the manipulative Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz), to expand his power base on the sly.

You may spot traces of Dumas' original narrative, but it's been garishly gussied up and liberties have been taken. Young and brash D'Artagnan (Logan Lerman) of Gascony rides to Paris to make his fortune, harboring dreams of becoming a Musketeer. But no sooner does he set foot in Paris than he offends in quick succession three disapproving citizens and makes an appointment with each to settle accounts by way of duel. These three, of course, are Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, the three most notorious in the ranks of the Musketeers. When the sneery Cardinal's guards interfere, D'Artagnan and the three Musketeers quickly join forces and by so doing spark lifelong friendships.

But D'Artagnan is still far from realizing his goal. The Musketeers, under Richelieu's calculated ministrations, have fallen on hard times, are rendered obsolete, are reduced to swilling cheap wine and quarreling with the Cardinal's guards. Seeking a righteous cause around which to rally, D'Artagnan and his new friends unearth a dangerous conspiracy spearheaded by Richelieu and the treacherous Milady de Winter (Milla Jovovich). This bit of plot territory is familiar enough: the Musketeers must retrieve compromising jewelry and so defend the Queen's honor and prevent a war. Only, in the book, I don't remember a storming of the Tower of London or huge, battling airships or flamethrowers. Or Milady de Winter taking such a physically active role and indulging in bullet time sequences. In that sense, the role perfectly suits Milla Jovovich.

So, listen, if you can find it in you to put aside director Paul W.S. Anderson's bastardization of the source material... and I know that's a hard if... then you just may have fun with this latest iteration. We get a hint that this would be a departure when the film opens up with the Three Musketeers conducting a black ops in Venice. Anderson (elsewhere known as Mr. Jovovich) has a knack for staging stunning visual panoramas, even if sometimes plot and narrative are suspect. I like this version of THE THREE MUSKETEERS on several fronts. Most notably and as mentioned, the astonishing visual aesthetics. The film does justice to costumes and sets and location. It captures the grace and opulence of French architecture, never mind that the film was shot in Bavaria. Other than the distracting spoken anachronisms, it's a fun and irreverent take. The film executes a series of dynamic action sequences, with Aramis being played up as the man of the cloth who fights with ninja-like precision. Thankfully, there actually are nice bits of swordplay and enough rousing swashbuckling to recollect THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. The tone of the characters mimics the original, only extremely exaggerated. As ever, the burnt-out Athos (an excellent Matthew Macfadyen) proves to be the most complex and interesting Musketeer. Unlike other adaptations, this film does focus more on Athos and Milady de Winter's history. Milady de Winter belongs in the Femme Fatale Hall of Fame, and, as Athos learns, you roll the dice when you have truck with a temptress whose attributes include a "gift for corruption and a penchant for betrayal." There are slow bits to this movie, and eye-rolling bits. And, more often than not, the stabs at humor miss the mark. The anachronistic elements could've been downplayed or just done away with. And I wasn't entirely sold on Jovovich as Milady or Orlando Bloom as the Duke of Buckingham. But it's worth a watch for the visual spectacle and the slick action. But you may wince when you hear a demoted-to-street patrol Aramis handing D'Artagnan a citation and accusing him: "Your horse took a dump on the street." You can apply that as a metaphor, if you like.

The DVD's bonus stuff:

Audio Commentary with director/producer Paul W.S. Anderson and producers Jeremy Bolt and Robert Kulzer

Cast & Crew a series of interviews and profiles on nine of the characters in the film (totaling 00:21:01 minutes)

Costumes (00:05:16)

Production Design (00:03:04)

A New Dimension of Musketeers" about the 3D rendering (00:05:18)

"Uncovering France in Germany" on shooting in Bavaria (00:02:17)

"Fencing 101" fencing boot camp (00:04:01)

"17th Century Air Travel" focus on the airship sets (00:02:23)

"Cooper's Yard Showdown" behind-the-scenes look at the skirmish between the Musketeers and the Cardinal's guards (00:02:08)

"Milady: More Than A Lady" Milla's big action sequence on the roof (00:01:19)

"On Top of Notre Dame" D'Artagnan and Rochefort's duel (00:02:15)

12 Deleted & Extended Scenes (totaling 00:14:13 minutes)

Read Best Reviews of The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray/Blu-ray 3D Combo) (2012) Here

While I realize this version of The Three Musketeers is far from the author's original intent, it was fun to watch with my older kids. They liked the action and exaggerated storyline; I liked how it kept their interest without excessive bad words or sexual content. It's also a visually interesting movie, which I also liked.

Want The Three Musketeers (Blu-Ray/Blu-ray 3D Combo) (2012) Discount?

I don't know what is wrong with so many people, I guess giving negative reviews is now a hobby. I was not sure what to expect but I truly enjoyed this, it was a great fun movie that you can watch with the family too which is hard to come by a lot of the time. The clarity is amazing, one of the best blu-rays visually that I have seen and a pretty good price for 3D. I don't write many reviews but couldn't believe so many people were giving it such bad ones. I enjoyed it from start to finish. Try this if you like action movies and especially if you like action without lots of blood and gore or are looking for a family friendly action movie for movie night :)

Save 29% Off

Read More >>