K-On! Vol. 1 (2011)

K-On! is the first of two anime series based on Kakifly's seinen (young men) manga (which means its primary audience is males aged 18-30, not young girls as the amazon.com editorial review above would have you believe although that demographic would certainly also enjoy K-On!). The show follows the everyday life of four high school girls who decide to revive their school's light music club and form a band. From that point on, they spend most of their time goofing off.

This first volume (there will be four in all) contains the first four episodes in which the group 1) first meet each other, 2) help a member procure an instrument, 3) struggle with mid-term exams and 4) have a training camp at the beach.

Since it first aired in 2009, K-On! has reached immense popularity among anime fans and it's a shame to see that Bandai Entertainment's domestic release is something of a disappointment. The release has a number of flaws, the most significant one being the as-of-yet unexplained music replacement in the first episode, where an instrumental piece performed by the characters has been replaced by an altogether different tune. Add to that the complete lack of any of the bonus materials included in the Japanese release and the fact that they went with lossy Dolby Digital audio instead of lossless for the Blu-Ray, and the disappointments begin to add up. Thankfully, the video quality is stellar. One thing I can't really fault Bandai for is the decision to release the series spread across four individual volumes as opposed to a complete series box set. The license for K-On! was no doubt hellishly expensive, and they need to make their money back somehow. And besides, at the very least it is still dirt cheap compared to the Japanese release!

The only notable extra on this disc is a video interview with a member of the American dub cast. If you're a dub fan, you might find this interesting. The English dub itself is, while no masterpiece, at least pretty good for what it is. You can tell they went to great lengths to do justice to the original not an easy task considering the original set of characters is probably one of the most iconic casts to emerge from anime within the last couple of years. With the English dub being what it is an imitation it's never going to be as good as the original, but it is a decent attempt and should be appreciated by those with an aversion to reading subtitles.

All in all, despite being an imperfect release, I will still recommend it to anyone with an interest in this type of anime. From the get-go, it's good, charming fun and it is only going to get better from here.

Kyoto Animation has a track record of producing titles that go on to become mega-hit franchises. Haruhi, Lucky Star or their multitude of adaptations of Key's visual novels; no matter what they put out, odds are it'll go on to become a hit. But on top of that, they've historically struck an emotional chord with their excellent scripts, and wowed audiences with their lavish animation. K-On!, an adaptation of Kakifly's 4-panel manga series, is their most recent hit series. With such a pedigree to compete with, does this simplistic tale of a high school band rise to the levels of greatness seen by the studio's works, or fall into the trappings of other slice-of-life moe series? The answer is more mixed than you might think.

We join the protagonists as they all descend on a high school group known as the Light Music Club. On the verge of being disbanded, this club's intention is to make music that is enjoyable and pleasing to the ears. But the only problem is that, despite the fact that three of the four are well-versed in music and can indeed play instruments, they're... just "not very good", according to the group's guitarist. She's in no position to speak though, because she can't even play guitar yet. Yes, with this type of dysfunction, on top of school exams, summer trips and other hindrances, the future of the Light Music Club is uncertain.

Their comedic struggles, though, provide a nice four episodes' worth of entertainment in this first volume, however vanilla it may be. These episodes start with each character confused as to what exactly this club's intention is, and end with them having formed a bond and set in motion a solid plan to perform at the school festival. Nothing too challenging in terms of content, but it's enjoyable nonetheless.

This series' main strength lies not in it's plot, though, but in the tone that the writers set. As a reader of the original manga, I have to say that KyoAni did a better job of establishing these characters than their own creator did. Despite the fact that shy rich girl, keyboardist and excellent cook Tsumugi feels like a carbon copy of Miyuki Takara minus the irony, these characters feel like real people that you'd meet in your day-to-day life. Any viewer of Lucky Star can attest to the fact that this studio's storytelling specialty lies in the field of believable characters, but this time, I have to say they've done a better job than in their previous works. I was sucked into these characters' chemistry, and was frequently reminded of my relationship with my own friends. This attention of detail to personality really puts K-On! ahead of so many imitators.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the plot. While it is fun to watch these characters go about their day-to-day affairs, the fact remains that many of these affairs are typical things we've come to expect from this type of show. Beach trips to the rich girl's summer home, shopping trips which include a montage of looking a pretty/cute/fun things, the very concept of forming a dysfunctional club that gets into comedic incidents... these are all things we've seen before. It doesn't make the show any less enjoyable, but those expecting a total deviation in formula from Lucky Star-type shows might feel a bit disappointed.

But to those expecting KyoAni to hold up their excellent quality of animation, prepare yourself for one of the best demonstrations of their work. This could perhaps be the most attention to detail they've paid to a series since the first season of Haruhi. Every piece of background art, every ripple of the characters' clothing, and every movement of the characters themselves are all delivered to us in painstaking detail. This is the type of stuff that only KyoAni's budget can achieve, and it's damn beautiful to look at. While what they're showing us isn't exactly fantastical, the studio proves that paying attention to your everyday surroundings may reap more rewards than immersing yourself in imaginary worlds.

The voice-acting is top-notch as well. KyoAni's past megahits have boasted fantastic casts (in both their English dubs and original Japanese voice tracks), and this show is no different. Especially great are Stephanie Sheh and Aki Toyosaki as Yui, the ditz of a lead guitarist whose personality shifts every 0.5 seconds. Both actresses convey a perfect sense of ADD when voicing this fragile girl, one rarely achieved by V.A.s when voicing this type of character. Not to take away from the rest of the cast; everybody here is on their A-game.

Hajime Hyokkoku's score is the tidy ribbon which wraps up this neat package. Encompassing a wide range of musical styles (rock, pop, orchestral, techno, synthpop, etc.), this man has come a long way from his Voogie's Angel days (five points to anybody who'd heard of that series before having to look it up in the link!). This should cement into the realm of top-notch composers of mainstream anime.

Bandai USA's American release of the show is fairly bare-bones, but that can be forgiven considering it's just not feasible to release the limited edition versions we saw of Haruhi and Lucky Star (whose last volume didn't even get a limited edition release because of then-collapsing anime DVD industry.) There's an entertaining interview with Stephanie Sheh, and a handful of trailers, but nothing too special. If you have a Blu-Ray player, though, getting this show on that format would be your best bet to appreciate the animation in it's highest quality.

K-On! isn't KyoAni's best work, not by a long shot. But their most polished? Definitely. It doesn't reach the depths of Haruhi, nor the emotional highs of Air, but sometimes, we all just want to relax with some shiny fluff. That's exactly what this show is, and that's why I love it.

Story: B-

Animation: A+

Music: A+

Voice-Acting (both languages): A+

DVD: B

Overall: B+

NOTE: This is the same review that I posted on my blog, so if you run across it on there as well, be aware that it's not plagiarism. I just didn't want to write two separate reviews for the same thing! ;P

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Although I have no intention of counting one's chickens before they've hatched, at least I could say it's exactly a good thing that Bandai Ent. is finally launching this highly anticipated series on Blu-rays.

The problem here is apparently someone messed up the Product Details above. It says only Japanese audio is available while it also saying this title is dubbed, and 66 minutes running time is too short to hold even three episodes.

As I checked with the manufacture's web site, this title has English dub as well as the original Japanese audio with the English subs. It also says the volume #1 is to contain the first four episodes of the series.

I gave 5 stars based upon that information. However, I still strongly recommend you to be cautious before you order this item (If it contains only three episodes, 4 stars at best).

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K-On! never fails to amuse. Watching this show is like taking prozac, only without the side effects (save the desire to buy more).

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Great lighthearted series about a group of high school students joining a music club that I would recommend for anyone or even families to watch.

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Music and Lyrics (2007)

Sure. Why not? The first question in assessing a movie's merit is does it do as intended?

With "Music and Lyrics," what it intends is nothing extraordinary. It aims to be a fun, romantic, sweet comedy of a man meeting a woman and falling in love, with a poke at pop culture. It accomplishes this. I saw this on February 14, Valentine's Day, and wanted exactly as delivered.

Paul McCartney asked in the 1970s what the world needs with another silly love song. "Music and Lyrics" is, in film, a silly love song.

Hugh Grant plays Alex Fletcher, a has-been pop singer from a defunct duo similar to Wham!, struggles to find his way as his audience stops caring. Realistic, he knows what he is capable of, but is unsure what his next step should be.

When Cora, a pretentious form of Britney Spears-Shakira-Christina Aguilera of sex-pop, offers him an opportunity to write a song, he runs into trouble. He is a melody man, not a lyricist. His lyricist from his old band, Pop!, is long gone.

In walks Sophie Fisher, played with charm by the ever-sweet Drew Barrymore. She's Alex's temporary plant watering person (and not a very good one), with a penchant for delivering peppy lyrics under her breath. Despite the scorn of fill-in wordsmith Greg Antonsky, Alex takes a liking to her style. Greg's angst-style, hopeless lyrics seem off kilter with Alex's personality.

Embittered from a broken affair with an engaged man, Sophie is uninterested. It is one thing to hum a tune, and it is another to commit to writing a song. However, Alex only has a few days and pressures (begs, really), Sophie to help.

She acquiesces, and tries to write. Alex and Sophie clash, as he understands the profession of music, and is desperate, and she is still stuck on the failed affair.

Both are living in the past, and both need to move up into 2007 to survive and thrive.

Finally, lyrics are written, and Cora loves them -with a few changes. Cora's version is laced with faux spirituality and tramped-up seduction. Sophie's artistic sensibilities are insulted, and pulls the song much to Alex's chagrin. They argue, break-up, and now, Alex is stuck trying to fix a song.

Can he fix the song on time? Will they figure out how to live in the present day? What about love (this is a romantic comedy, remember?).

A fine self-mocking performance is put on by Kristen Johnston as Sophie's older sister Rhonda, making jabs at her own weight-loss campaign. Brad Garrett as Alex's agent Chris Riley is right on the money, as he is both a manager and friend.

Drew Barrymore shows she's more than the girl next door, but has a kind of Lucille Ball, Jenna Elfman, Meg Ryan mix going on.

Hugh Grant is perfectly cast, and is the better side of himself. He never overplays the role, and yet, does not fall into the 'stupid Englishman' persona he occasionally does.

I fully recommend "Music and Lyrics."

Anthony Trendl

editor, HungarianBookstore.com

"Music and Lyrics" is a hoot: witty, bright, beautifully performed by the luminous Drew Barrymore (as ditzy, charming, beautiful Sophie Fletcher) and the dry of wit, Hugh Grant (as the less famous half, Alex Fletcher of a hot 80's duo, "Pop" obviously patterned after "WHAM") and briskly paced by director Marc Lawrence.

The story is light and airy: Fletcher needs help writing a song for a Britney clone, Cora. A song that could maybe bring him back to prominence after twenty years of playing store openings, amusement parks and nostalgia concerts. Sophie, though a partner with her sister in a Weight Loss clinic, is a whiz at writing pop lyrics: presto...match made in heaven!

The interplay between Barrymore and Grant is spot on and the dialogue and story are almost up to their excellent timing but they both work hard, though not too as that would negate the comedy, to make this work and in most scenes it does.

"Music and Lyrics" is as light as a crepe filled with caramelized bananas and topped with whipped cream and as such don't expect more from it than a huge smile and the delicious satisfaction that comes from eating something you have no business consuming.

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Really good romantic comedies are few and far between. 'Music and Lyrics is one of the good ones! Reminiscent of 'The Wedding Singer' with it's parody of the 80's pop scene and also co-starring Drew Barrymore, this smart and funny film features a believable chemistry and relationship between the two leads and not too sappy an ending. The 80's in-jokes are clever and keep this movie from falling into the same traps most bad romantic comedies do. Hugh and Drew are as likable as they ever have been in this romantic musical comedy! The fact that they acually sing the songs in this film make it all the better.

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This is a movie that you'll love forever. Hearing any snippet of the score will give you that happy, sappy feeling that only a great romantic comedy can.

Drew Barrymore is precious as only Drew Barrymore can be, and five minutes into the film I forgot that I never really considered myself a huge fan of Hugh Grant!

Music and Lyrics is everything that a romantic comedy is meant to be and then some. This DVD belongs in your collection!

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From the opening credits, "Music and Lyrics" bounces along and for ninety minutes draws you in to what has to be one of the most charmingly appealing films of the last few years. Everything seems to work here beginning with the simple premise that a has-been songwriter is given a deadline of two days to write a new song for an up-and-coming pop queen...only to discover that he needs a lyricist. And boy, does he find one!

Hugh Grant plays Alex Fletcher, the aging star of the musical group "Pop". With that song deadline looming and down-and-out about his success in completing it on time, in walks Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore) to water his plants. What happens from here on out is pure magic as Alex discovers Sophie's natural talent with lyrics. The film sails along, never letting down, as they work together and discover each other.

I've seen "Music and Lyrics" twice and liked it even better the second time. The supporting cast with Brad Garrett as Alex's tortured manager, Kristen Johnston, as Sophie's neurotic-driven older sister and Haley Bennett as Cora Corman, the new pop sensation, are all terrific. The songs are evocative of another age and work well in support of the film. But it is really the chemistry between Grant and Barrymore that wins the viewer over. Perfectly cast, she plays foil to his gentle, persuasive humor and the end result is sheer joy. I highly recommend "Music and Lyrics". It's a refreshingly funny, witty and wonderful film.

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It's Only Money (1962)

It's Only Money has and will always be my favorite Lewis film. The cast put on some very humorous performances. Jack Weston is absolutely perfect as Leopold, the butler for the Charles P. Albright house and sinister partner to Gregory DeWitt (played by Zachary Scott), who's the lawyer of and confidant for the former master of the house, Charles P. Albright Sr.

The dizzy plot keeps pulling silliness out of it's hat for the whole length of the movie. There's no need to even consider Jerry Lewis' role here because it's so continually ridiculous that it fits perfectly! Jesse White is another perfect pick as the Private Eye pal of Jerry's character, who is trying to solve the case of the missing heir not knowing.....well, watch and see.

It's one of those movies that just makes you laugh. I've seen this one many a time and it was no small joy when I saw it was going to be finally put out on DVD. I've been waiting for this for a long time cause they almost never show this movie on TV anymore.

I'll never forget the scene when the butler, Leopold, is talking to Gregory DeWitt and is told there's a need for a little....accident. Some of the funniest movies ever were the group that Frank Tashlin and Jerry Lewis made in the late 50's and early 60's. This one is no exception. Even if you're not a Jerry Lewis fan, if you want to watch some ridiculously funny gags performed about as well as could be done, I can't recommend It's Only Money enough.

For anyone who enjoys the Jerry Lewis films that were directed by Frank Tashlin, this is a lesser known black and white gem. Before Frank Tashlin directed films, he worked for Warner Brothers directing Looney Tunes cartoons. The first time he directed the solo Jerry Lewis was in 1958 in Rock A Bye Baby followed later in 1958 with The Geisha Boy. In 1960 Tashlin directed Lewis in Cinderfella. Two years later in 1962, Tashlin directed Jerry in this lesser known film It's Only Money. The next year in 1963, Tashlin directed Lewis in Who's Minding The Storemy absolutely favorite Jerry Lewis film of all time. The next year in 1964, Tashlin directed Lewis in their 6th and final film togetherThe Disorderly Orderly. For a Jerry Lewis fan, these are all must have films and four of these Tashlin/Lewis films are finally on dvd after decades of waitingRock A Bye Baby and The Geisha Boy are available this month of February 2012. Then at the end of next month March of 2012, this movie It's Only Money and my favorite of all timeWho's Minding The Store will be available on dvd.

It's Only Money stars Jerry Lewis as an electronics TV Repairman Lester March, who dreams of becoming a detective someday. Lester's best friend Pete Flint (played by Jesse White) is a detective that gets Jerry to help him solve a case for a huge $100,000.00 reward in finding a wealthy woman's long lost nephew. Jerry is a 25 year old orphan, who is recognized in the mansion by the family's attorney as the missing nephew Charles Albright Jr.. The only problem is the attorney bumped off Charles Albright Sr. so he can marry the wealthy womanCharles Sr.'s sisterCecilia Albright, then bump her off and get the family fortune. Of course Jerry must be bumped off as well, since his real identity is an heir to the fortune. Luckily, the family nurse Wanda (played by Joan O'Brien) also recognizes Jerry's true identity and helps him from the murderous attorney and butler. This film may not be as hilarious as Who's Minding The Store with it's non stop sight gags and humor, but there are moments where your sides will kill you from laughter. There is a scene where Jerry runs into a female fisherman at a pier that will leave you laughing.

Having these 4 Tashlin/Lewis movie gems finally released after so many decades of waiting by us Jerry Lewis fans is wonderful beyond words. Huge Thank You's to Olive Films for releasing these on dvd this 2012! And for all of you Jerry Lewis fans, don't forget to add this lesser known solid 4 1/2 Star gem to your Lewis library in March when you order the solid 5 Star Who's Minding The Storebetween these 2 films, you will be in for some major side-splitting laughs!

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Jerry Lewis' lone comedy of 1962 has to be one of his best. Again, Lewis plays a hapless schnook named Lester March, a radio-TV repairman who's befriended a detective (much to the private eye's annoyance) who, in turn, is seeking the missing heir to a wealthy TV genius/pioneer who's passed on. Naturally, as the movie plays out, it's really March who's the missing link, set against a backdrop of menace as greedy relatives conspire to bump him off & collect the money.

Director Frank Tashlin was the perfect guy to handle Lewis; here was a former animation director (of Looney Toons fame, no less) directing a "living cartoon". Tashlin relished in dreaming up the wildest gags for Lewis to play out, particularly evident in this film.

The supporting cast is great, particularly Mae Questel (of Betty Boop fame) as a clueless bride-to-be; Jesse White as the private eye; and Jack Weston as a bloodthirsty chauffeur bent on killing Lewis (who always manages to live).

And of course, there's some priceless bits: Lewis narrowly escaping a limo run-down, an exploding boat & a wild climax involving remote-controlled lawnmowers.

Sharp eyes will even notice some self-promotion in one scene: On a wall behind Lewis is a movie poster for "The Errand Boy"!

Definitely one for Lewis fans to add to their collection!

Read Best Reviews of It's Only Money (1962) Here

I have been collecting all of the Jerry Lewis movies, when you feel like the world is to heavy on your shoulders some days, just pop in a Jerry Lewis movie, you are sure to laugh at anything he does, a great actor.....

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I was pleased to see that It's Only Money would be released on DVD. When I found this out I had no hesitation to order it. After watching this years ago I knew that this would be a great purchase. This DVD does not disappoint. It's just as funny as I remember it. The Standard DVD picture is okay though. Having a few flaws in some places but not bad enough to stop anyone from buying it. If you grew up watching Jerry's movies like I did you'll be happy with this DVD purchase. And even if you didn't grow up with him it's still a good funny movie that the whole family can enjoy.

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Find Me Guilty (2012)

"Find Me Guilty" is a comedic take on what was at the time the longest criminal trial in American history, the 1987-1988 trial of 20 members of the New Jersey Lucchese crime family on 76 charges under the RICO Act. Most of the courtroom testimony is taken from the real trial transcripts. The film focuses on Giacomo "Jackie" DiNorscio (Vin Diesel), called "Fat Jack" in real life, who, frustrated with his lawyer, insists on representing himself. Jackie is already serving a 30-year prison sentence for narcotics distribution, so the outcome of this trial is somewhat academic to him. Prosecutor Sean Kierney (Linus Roache) offers him a reduction in his current sentence in exchange for testimony at the RICO trial, but Jackie refuses to rat out his friends. Untrained in the law, Jackie's only defense is to make the jury like him more than they like the prosecutors. "A laughing jury is never a hanging jury," says defense attorney Ben Klandis (Peter Dinklage). "I'm not a gangster. I'm a gagster," says Jackie. And he puts on quite a show over the course of the 21-month trial.

"Find Me Guilty" does make light of Jackie's crimes, presenting him as a loyal, affable guy. It could hardly do otherwise, since Jackie made light of them, and he seems to have been a loyal, affable criminal. (Giacomo DiNorscio died while this movie was being filmed.) This obviously isn't a catalog of the Lucchese family's misdeeds. There were some very disreputable people on trial whose victims were not limited to their fellow Mafioso. "Find Me Guilty" is about Jackie's role in this long, remarkable trial. Vin Diesel does the best work of his career thus far. Perhaps due to his laconic, tough-guy image, Diesel can play Jackie's silliness, foolishness, and melodrama without the audience losing sight of his hoodlum toughness. He's a big presence that carries the film through courtroom testimony that might otherwise be tedious. DiNorscio is an interesting character, whose conviction that he must love his mob family, and they must love him, carried him through the trial and many years in prison. "Find Me Guilty"'s comedic approach to courtroom and mafia dramas is new and entertaining.

The DVD (20th Century Fox 2006): "A Conversation with Sidney Lumet" (5 min) is a series of snippets in which director Lumet talks about meeting the real Jackie DiNorscio, Jackie's motives, and authenticity in the film. There is a theatrical trailer (2 ½ min) and 3 television spots for the film (30 sec. each), as well as a trailer for the 1992 movie "My Cousin Vinny" (1 ½ min). Subtitles for the film are available in English and Spanish.

Fans of "The Sopranos", "Goodfellas", Mafia and courtroom flicks will enjoy this fact-based (but probably not completely factual) look at the lengthiest RICO trail in American history starring Vin Diesel and directed by octogenarian Sidney Lumet.

Diesel plays New Jersey mobster Jack DiNorscio defending himself in the longest Mafia trial in U.S. history. Diesel is effective in the role as a disruptive force in judge Ron Silver's court. Alex Rocco, a Mafioso going back to "The Godfather" and through roles he played in TV's "Kojak", is the ring leader in the trial and the main guy the feds are after. Why DiNorscio became the focus of this movie is a question looking for an answer.

In any event, the courtroom "drama" is unlike most of what you see in this kind of movie. Diesel's character is uneducated, has little or no knowledge of courtroom requirements or decorum, and shows these shortcomings regularly through his inappropriate and often unbearable behavior as a litigator.

The other gangsters on trial turn against him after they come to view him as a force out for himself. Prosecutors too see him as a hazard insofar as his comedy act seems to appeal to jurors. True or not, you've probably never seen an attorney ask these kind of questions in court!

Ironically, the film lionizes DiNorscio as a heroic figure that carries out the Mafia credo of not ratting out a brother. Throughout the film he protests his love for his Cosa Nostra brethren, even when they are working against him, and continually states his case against being a rat. This, to me, was the principal theme of the film -that this lowlife gangster was somehow a hero. The outcome of the movie seems also to support that view.

Several bit players from "The Sopranos", including Junior Soprano's lawyer and one of Tony Soprano's dead love interests, fill out the supporting cast in this New York production. This flick is probably at the level of "The Valachi Papers" but with a far different perspective. It has little of the sizzle of "Goodfellas" but is interesting in its courtroom scenes, where much of the script allegedly mimicked the real trial the went on for more than 500 days.

So fans of gangster and courtroom flicks can cast aside any doubt and go for this movie, which is probably the best characterization Vin Diesel has put on so far. He deservedly wasn't nominated for any awards for this but it shows he can do a bit more than simply play Vin Diesel on screen.

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I had the pleasure of watching this film on opening weekend in Times Square in NY. I saw the trailers but wasn't really sure what to expect from Vin Diesel in a very different role. I have to say, that after about 10 minutes, I stopped seeing Vin Diesel in make up and totally bought into his portrayal of "Fat Jack" DiNorscio. There was a good bit of crass gangster humor, but I ate it up in the same way you would a naughty secret. Peter Dinklage was wonderful as a lead attorney (and yes, his height was a non-issue, because he is such a strong actor), Ron Silver's strength and sensitivity as the judge was excellent and Linus Roache as the prosecutor was engaging (I didn't know whether to cheer for or against him and he was the "good guy"). I can't even begin to speak of the supporting actors whose mob idiosyncrisies were wonderfully played. I only wish we could have seen more of Annabella Sciorra and Vin Diesel on screen together. They were powerful and had excellent chemistry. I can't wait for the DVD if only to hope there are deleted scenes of these two! Trust me, they'd be worth the price of the DVD alone.

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Vin Diesel plays Giacomo "Jackie Dee" DiNorscio, who in a strange turn of events defended himself in a Gangland Rico trial, that was the longest trial in US history. You can not tell if he is acting or joking thru is role

Sisney Lumet who directed Network, Dog Day Afternoon, The Verdict and 12 Angry Men seems weak in this drama/comedy. He has made the courtroom seem so close and tight, you feel you need a breath of air every ten minutes.

I will say Lumet stocked the deck with great stock actors like Ron Silver (as a no nonsense, by the book judge), Peter Dinklage (as a defense attorney), Alex Rocco, and (the too short a role that needed to be padded) Annabella Sciorra. I just wish the script and direction was as good as the actors

This drama/comedy is strong of humor and weak on dramatic moments. One of the worst when the Judge tells Jackie he lost his mother is so weak for the acting timbers of Diesel and Silver. Lumet seem to have lacked pacing and direction in this film. This film could have been a great film, but it was not.

I give it 3 stars for the acting, it is worth it for that

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

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Find Me Guilty obviously a vehicle for jumpstarting Vin Diesel's "serious" acting career is such an uneven film, and while it delivers up a few good laughs especially in the first act the film is profoundly short on drama and suspense, and it ultimately sinks under the weight of a leaden stodgy script, an overly long third part and an awkward, stilted performance by Diesel.

Part crime story and part-court room drama, Find Me Guilty is the real life story of New Jersey mobster named Jackie DiNorscio (Diesel) already serving time on a drug conviction, who in 1987 refused to turn state's witness against some 20 of his former associates in the Lucchese crime family.

There was obviously no love lost between Jackie and the Lucchese's, but Jackie consistently proves his loyalty and never turns against them. Fed up with his legal representation DiNorscio also chose to defend himself in what would become, at 21 months, the longest criminal trial in U.S. history.

As much of the action takes place within the courtroom the lawyers and mobsters there's a whole table of defendants all jockeying for position in an overcrowded courtroom with the ecstatically inexperienced Jackie mounting arguments based on wily good humor as he tries to win over the jury with his ribald and off-center jokes.

Directed by Sidney Lumet, Find Me Guilty is more intent to let the dialogue move the story along, using satire to present these beloved mobsters. We all know that these men are a bunch of crooks, intent to scam the system and even commit murder from time to time, but Lumet is more concerned with building their case on an amoral smugness, presenting them as a bunch of big, cuddly family men, who in the end, just want to be respected and loved.

There are some good supporting players here particularly Peter Dinklage who plays an eloquent dwarf attorney and who holds the courtroom rapt with his every utterance. And Annabella Sciorra shows up in a quick, charged turn as Jackie's former wife. The obnoxious lead government prosecutor played by Linus Roache injects some much-needed life into the proceedings, especially later on.

Ironically, the prosecutor is more insufferable and loathsome many of the mobsters. I guess that's why the jury reached the verdict they did and it also shows that the government can be just as ruthless as the people they attempt to bring to justice.

I feel a little sorry for poor Vin, he's obviously a competent actor, but in this case an overly talky script hampers him and unfortunately he has a voice that rarely rises about the monotone. He looks good with his hairpiece and you really believe he could be a mobster and there's a priceless scene involving some flatulence and car windows but the courtroom scenes prove that the role may have been just a little bit beyond him.

The script also leaves some important questions unanswered, such as the jury's verdict, and the movie always appear to be true even although much of the courtroom dialogue was taken from trial transcripts, but this doesn't mean the movie always rings true.

There are some fun moments after a heart attack, one gangster attends the rest of the trial in a hospital bed and there's lots of irreverent profanity thrown every which way, but the film, which clocks in at just over two hours comes across as overlong and stodgy a little bit like the trial itself and in the end, you really have to wonder whether these guys were as funny as the move makes them out to be. Mike Leonard June 06.

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Old School (Unrated and Out of Control!) (2003)

I just saw this movie about three hours ago, and I have to say it is the best movie I've seen in the theater in a long, long time. The starring cast is unbelievable, as Luke Wilson (from 'The Royal Tenenbaums' and 'Legally Blonde'), Will Ferrell (SNL funnyman/'A Night At The Roxbury' star), and Vince Vaughn (from both 'Made' and 'Swingers') star as three married buddies who begin a fraternity; or something like it. And along with the three stars, there's a great list of supporting roles and cameos. Including Sean William Scott (Stifler of 'American Pie'), Andy Dick, CBS Late Late Show's Craig Kilborn, and Jeremy Piven. And once you get past the long cast list, you have a very funny movie. As the movie starts, you get a glimpse of each of the three stars and their lives; as far as their marriages go. Then as it turns out, none of them are really happy.

And as Mitch (Luke Wilson) gets divorced and moves into a frathouse near a college, they decide to start a fraternity. But it's not like any old club on campus--for this one you don't even have to go to the college. Anyway, as the film roles on, you can imagine what (and if you saw the previews, you get the gist of it) they do. They drink, party, and slowly drift away from the lives they have with their wives. And I have to say, out of the three star performances, Vince Vaughn's was the best. Will Ferrell's certainly is the funniest, but Vince was great. He sort of carries in the same swagger-style he had in the riotous movie 'Made'; something that works very well for him. I don't want to give too much away, but I will say that the previews don't even begin to prepare you. It's definitely not one of those movies that is only funny in the previews. The laughs portrayed there are multiplied by 100, at least.

For those of you who saw 'Road Trip' you'll not be let down with 'Old School'. And being that it's from the same director (Todd Phillips), that makes sense. But this one is better. Much better. This time around the director takes it to a whole new level. And the characters are more well-rounded here than they were in 'Road Trip'. The slogan of the movie says it all: "All the fun of college. None of the education." I think that speaks for itself.

So I could leave you here saying that if you liked 'Road Trip' you will like 'Old School'; and that's it. But that's not true. This is not just a "teen cult" movie--or whatever they're calling it these days--it's much much more than that. It's a hilarious movie with an astonishing/almost too hilarious cast that will keep you laughing even through the closing credits (courtesy of Ferrell and Vince). And it's not every day I put an exclamation point on my review titles, much less two. I gave the movie 5 stars because that's what it deserves. It's a 5 star movie, there's not getting around it. And again, if you saw the previews and you laughed (or even thought about laughing) then you need to see this movie. There's so many great lines and so many awesome scenes that I couldn't even begin to list them; I wouldn't know where to start. Go see this movie.

This movie is hilarious, and I would give the movie itself 4 our of 5 stars. But there is hardly any difference between the unrated cut and the R rated cut of the movie. When you have topless women on the menu and on the back of the cover, one might be mislead to think there was tons more nudity, when in reality there are 2 brief scenes with any type of nudity (besides will ferrel's butt scene). This movie could have easily passed the R rating cut, as the unrated thing is nothign but a marketing ploy. I bought the movie for laughs and definately not for sex, but for someone who does, the "UNRATED AND OUT OF CONTROL" part is quite misleading.

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"Old School" brings back the fun and irreverence of the days of "Animal House" that so few movies seem willing to revisit. Comedy these days seems built around 'paint-by-numbers' formulas or 'let's see how much we can gross people out' shock characteristics. Current releases like "Boat Trip" and "Bringing Down the House" fall in the former category while any movie involving Tom Green or the Farrelly Brothers falls into the latter category. In "Old School", it's refreshing to see a movie that takes a 'devil may care' attitude with its plot and characters while also have the common sense to push the envelope where appropriate without ever crossing the line (following "Animal House's" lead).

In "Old School", Mitch (played by Luke Wilson) is depressed after a breakup with his longtime girlfriend. He moves into a new house near the local college campus and his two best friends, Beanie (Vince Vaughn) and Frank 'the Tank' (Will Ferrell) decide to cheer him up by using his new house to throw a wild 'freedom' party. In a party complete with nubile co-eds, binge drinking, and a performance by Snoop Dogg, the party becomes legendary and draws the ire of the college dean, who just happens to be some nerd that Mitch, Beanie, and Frank tormented in high school. He attempts to take the house from Mitch by claiming it can only be used for campus-related events. This sparks Beanie's imagination to create the most unorthodox fraternity in existence to circumvent the dean's ruling. From there, "Old School" engages in the type of 'us against the administration' hi-jinx that made "Animal House" such a riot.

Will Ferrell gives a performance worthy of John Belushi with his Bluto-esque take as Frank the Tank, whose relapse back into his college days fractures his brand new marriage. Yet, it doesn't seem to affect Frank too too much. Ferrell, as witnessed by his years on Saturday Night Live, is one of the more gifted physical comedians performing today. He has the lunacy of a Jim Carrey without any of the pretentiousness or self-importance that seems to plague Carrey. Vince Vaughn gives another winning performance as a typical, sleazy salesman type who remains just enough on the side of respectability that you still like the guy. It's classic Vaughn. Luke Wilson's performance isn't quite as memorable, but his lovable-loser demeanor fits the role of Mitch perfectly. There are a number of other supporting characters that, while barely more than one-dimensional, make this film a winner (Blue, the 80-year fraternity pledge is a personal favorite).

With world events becoming more somber and depressing and with movies becoming increasingly disappointing, it's quite a relief a no-frills good time can be had at a theater. "Old School" lets the audience feel that kind of relief.

Read Best Reviews of Old School (Unrated and Out of Control!) (2003) Here

I was expecting a good movie when I went to see "Old School," but I wasn't expecting something THIS good. This movie is, simply put, absolutely hilarious, and it's got lots of brains and heart to go with the goofball humor. I'm not really into lowbrow comedies, but "Old School" is a very intelligent take on the typical fratboy fare. The humor is goofy, but witty at the same time, and there are even some real emotions on display. The plot revolves around three thirtyish friends who start up a fraternity with some local college students, and it gets a nonstop stream of laughs out of the idea of guys trying to reclaim some of their lost youth. Will Ferrell is especially great as the loopy Frank, whether he's shooting himself with a tranquilizer dart at his friend's son's birthday party, setting himself on fire trying to jump through a hoop, or belting out an unforgettable rendition of Kansas's "Dust in the Wind" at the funeral of an elderly pledge. The underrated Luke Wilson makes a perfect straight man as Mitch, and Vince Vaughn is the picture of intensity as Beanie. It's really too bad this movie doesn't seem to be getting much attention. I don't go to the movies much anymore, but this one was more than worth the trip.

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I know, I know, the plot for this film has been rehashed from "Animal House" and countless other college debauchery flicks, but so what? OLD SCHOOL is a hilarious romp of scintillating and titillating proportions, a 90-minute mad dash of sight gags, crude one-liners, and tongue-in-cheek zaniness. If college fraternities were really like this I never would have left academia (well, I did have my own "eight-year-plan," but that's another story).

Three thirtysomething buddies (Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell) decide to revitalize their lives by cranking up a college fraternity whose members are not required to be students at the local university. Of course, such a blasphemous act draws the ire of the college's administrators (insert "Animal House" plot here), and accordingly, the fledgling frat must do battle with the corrupt, unscrupulous establishment. Sure, this ground's been covered before in countless other movies, but OLD SCHOOL adds its own loony spin of mayhem--from concrete blocks tied to fragile appendages, to eye-opening mud wrestling.

While OLD SCHOOL's cast, from top to bottom, is excellent, Will Ferrell dominates this film (much like Dangerfield in "Caddyshack," or Belushi in "Animal House"). As Frank "the Tank" Ricard, a newlywed with a party animal mentality, Ferrell's over-the-top antics are bust-a-gut, roll-on-the-floor funny. Ferrell, whether he's streaking or performing a gymnastics floor exercise, carries this film like a fullback with a football.

If in fact we equate entertainment with escapism (which I do), OLD SCHOOL delightfully fits the bill. You'll forget the problems of the day with this puppy, and you'll have fun in the process.

--D. Mikels

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Nothing Sacred: Kino Classics Edition (1937)

I've seen other versions of this movie on VHS and DVD and was always let down somewhat by the prints used, so I had high hopes for the Blu-ray. Alas, the print was far from pristine and there seems to have been no effort to restore it. Also, aside from some trailers, there are no extras. They didn't even bother to add subtitles for people with hearing impairment--that's just wrong. I could understand this from a company that puts out cheap DVDs, but not from Kino.

That being said, this is still a terrific, funny film and this is likely the best it will look. Don't let my disappointment with the Blu-ray put you off from seeing this classic. Carole Lombard is at the top of her game as a comedic actress and Frederic March works wonderfully with her. Put them together with Ben Hecht's darkly cynical script and a Who's Who list of classic character actors and you're in for a treat.

Though the Technicolor is not as stunning as that seen in ROBIN HOOD or WIZARD OF OZ, this Kino Blu-Ray edition is an absolute improvement over all previously available commercial issues. Spectrum contains true greens, blues, yellows, and browns, rather than the familiar limited rose cast. Tighter grain offers greater detail than I've ever seen in the many times I've viewed the film in the past. Three to four times the cost of public domain releases, worth every cent to the true collector.

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Lucille Ball once publicly stated in an interview that she considered Carole Lombard to be her single greatest comedic influence. Meryl Streep has also gone on record to say that Lombard is one of her favorite actresses. To this very day, Hollywood casting directors still search for the "Carole Lombard" factor when seeking the qualities of a consummate female comic actress. Lombard's heartfelt and adept performance in Nothing Sacred remains a classic.

Back in December 2003, a spectacularly restored print of Nothing Sacred struck from the original three strip camera negatives was shown at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The clarity was pristine and the technicolor just popped off of the screen. For the life of me, I do not understand why such an inferior existing print was utilized to produce the recently released blu-ray. Love the movie and adore Carole. However, the quality of the disc left a lot to be desired.

Read Best Reviews of Nothing Sacred: Kino Classics Edition (1937) Here

This Blu-ray copy is not all that great and this film could use the careful guiding hands of preservationists, but as an early example of three strip technicolor it's o.k. I didn't buy this DVD to complain about early technicolor or the quality of the film. I just wanted a complete and unedited copy of this film which defined the era of screwball comedy and demonstrates better than any book could the talent and allure of Carole Lombard that is generally lost to modern audiences unless they are hooked up to cable legend TCM 24/7.

In this gem Lombard plays hapless Hazel Flagg who becomes involved in a deception that involves a cooked up story about her imminent death from a fatal malady. This movie is riddled with snappy performances and easy and even more rapid dialogue as Hazel tries to dig herself out of the predicament she's in and also find true love with none other than super handsome Frederic March.

Lombard's comedy often turns physical with hilarious results. As Hazel, she seemingly is always just one step away from disaster or discover. Despite the less than stellar technical quality of this print, this film is the perfect example of why Lombard is irreplaceable and the best copy of this film currently available.

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Some movies are simply meant to be seen in their optimal condition. "Nothing Sacred," the definitive screwball comedy starring Carole Lombard and Frederic March (both at the height of their beauty and appeal, though not done near justice by those ugly statuettes of them during the opening credits) certainly fills that bill. Whether this new Blu-ray edition is worth its price is a little less easily declared.

Those who were hoping that the picture quality of this new release would be up there with other Technicolor films of its period which had the good fortune not to have fallen into public domain ("Robin Hood," "The Wizard of Oz," "Elizabeth and Essex," the fashion show sequence in "The Women," and of course "Gone With the Wind") may be a little disappointed. It still looks like a colorized black and white movie. The flesh tones are still pale pink and tan, and the dress on one woman in the nightclub scene is a suspiciously bright yellow. There's also some dirt on the film. Some budget-minded purchasers may hesitate to pay such a price for frankly not proportionately improved quality over low-priced previous editions or what they can record for themselves off Turner Classic Movies.

Still, "Nothing Sacred" is a must-have in anyone's film collection, and if this is the absolute best the Selznick estate can offer us, we should be thankful for small favors. If you can afford it, go for it.

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Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Love Robin Hood? Well, Mel Brooks has made fun of this timeless story in one of the "best ideas since pay toilets." This excellent and witty film has continued Mel Brooks' legacy of wacky, outrageous films such as Blazzing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs and History of the World Part I.

Cary Elwes probably described his own performance best: "Unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent!" Cary Elwes brought comedic timing and a wacky calmness to literature's most heroic and stern characters.

Other great performances included Richard Lewis as Prince John who is constantly annoyed by the noise in his castle and his outstanding mobile mole. David Chappelle brings soul to the cast in a midevil attitude sort of way with impersonations of Malcolm X and famous lines such as "awww, white men can't jump!" Roger Rees also brings a wacky interpritation to one of history's greatest villains. Mark Blankfield brings and incredibly funny wacky blindman to life with excellent delivery and fast punchlines. Also, watch out for Little John, "but don't let the name fool you, in real life, he's real big!" played by Eric Kramer. Some other noticible performances were given by Amy Yasbeck, Megan Cavanagh, and Matthew Porretta.

Watch out for many famous stars making brief appearances such as Isaac Hayes, Tracey Ullman, Patrick Stewart, Dom DeLuise, Dick Van Patten, and of course, Mel Brooks.

You'll want to watch this hillarious movie over and over again to catch some of the faster jokes and to pick up on some of the older ones. I have seen this movie many times and I still repeat lines from it on almost a daily basis.

As Mel Brooks would say this movie is "the best thing to come since pay toilets!"

When Mel Brooks is "on," nobody is funnier. "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" is another side-splitting parody from the director, and like his other hits, it has some moments that have me falling out of the chair no matter how many times I see them.

The plot loosely (very, very loosely) follows the Robin Hood saga of yore. Robin, looking a lot like Errol Flynn, is surrounded by his Merry Men. They're merry, alright--they do a singing, dancing number entitled "Men in Tights" after trying to hike up said garments in "Ye Olde Privy."

Robin is lured into a nefarious archery contest concocted by the evil Prince John, with the help of Don Giovanni. This particular "Don" is played to the hilt by Dom DeLuise, doing a perfect imitation of Marlon Brando as Don Corleone. This is one of the aforementioned scenes that has me unable to sit in the chair! It is literally a show-stopper; so funny that it's hard to hear the lines.

When Maid Marion hears of the plot, she rides into the forest to warn her beau--accompanied by her massive Brunhilde of a chaperone (the aside to the audience by the chaperone's horse is another can't-miss piece of hilarity). Robin can't resist showing off his archery talents, however, and rides off to the tournament, knowing he is marked for death.

Need I say it--everything turns out great in the end. Except for the viewer, who has had a heart attack from laughing too hard! This is a must to add to your collection. Another Mel Brooks classic.

Buy Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) Now

My big question is why we can't find this movie in the States? I figure this movie has enough of a following to warrant putting it out on an acceptable medium opposed to VHS. I really just hope they wise up and put this one out for all of us to enjoy.

Read Best Reviews of Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993) Here

"Oh look. It's Cary Elwes."

That was my line to my sister at the video store as she tried to choose between two films. We ended up with this one, and I have to say I could not stop laughing.

Although a sense of humor is appreciated with me, this was the first movie since I can't remember when that I couldn't stop laughing after I started. Usually I can stop when the first joke is over and begin again at the second, but I couldn't hold it back this time. This event took place during the Men in Tights song.

This wasbrace yourselfMY FIRST MEL BROOKS MOVIE. I'm pretty sure it was the first. I must have watched it 6 times in my five day rental period, and I am now addicted to it and Mel Brooks (doesn't that Matthew Broderick/ Nathan Lane version of The Producers look fantastic??). That's pretty good for the movie, considering I only recommended it because the last movie I saw before it was The Princess Bride and I wanted more Cary Elwes.

Rent this movie. It will hit your sense of humor every time.

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151 reviews (152 now) that give it an average of 4.5 stars...people BEGGING for this to be on DVD for years. Region free bootlegs selling on Ebay for $60+ (yipes), heck they didn't even try to capitalize on the fact it's one of Dave Chapelles first performances when he was REALLY being pushed. They've teased a release date several times (unfortunately they teased that it was being released in 1969 LOL) What more do we have to do to say that we want this movie before the studios finally release it? I hate that I can't get the movies I REALLY want to own (Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Mel Brooks' To Be Or Not To Be...heck I'd even like Madhouse,..reminds me of a very scary and unfortunately similar family experience) Meanwhile I can get absolute garbage-a-plenty. You couldn't pay me to take home The Simple Life or any number of Pauly Shore movies....but they're all available in quantity while movies I really want make me want to resort to bootlegs just to own them.

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