Mr & Mrs Smith (2007)

Many people have been ripping this release apart without so much as a glance at the product itself. While the DVD may fall short of other recent Collector's Edition DVDs, such as the Alien films, this is a superb presentation, with some genuinely interesting Special Features.

What has sparked the most debate about this release is easily the "Unrated" cut itself. The film is largely the same, running only 6 minutes longer than the original cut. The added scenes are interesting additional dialogue with the counsellor in the opening, a few extra dialogue sequences between Pitt and Jolie before they learn each others identities, and a handful of alternate takes for certain sequences. Perhaps the most notable and most controversial is the extended love scene halfway through the film. The scene is very steamy, but those expecting excessive raunch or skin from the gorgeous stars will be disappointed. This is a love scene, not a sex scene, and there is only the tiniest hint of skin from both actors, with Pitt (or Pitt's body double, as the shot in question is from the neck down) showing the most.

And far the the SPECIAL FEATURES go, the disc is very careful not to double-dip. It includes: (1) Deleted Scenes, including an alternate ending. None of the deleted scenes are repeated from the original reelase, and many are well worth a watch. (2) A feature-length commentary from director Doug Limon that, while informative, offers little insight not mentioned in the original release's commentaries. (3) Doug's Film School. This section is essentially a breakdown of abandonded concept and sequences that never made it on film. Of note is a lengthy alternate version of the Desert sequence, located at a snowy mountaintop and ending in a hand-to-hand battle between a masked Pitt and Jolie, as well as several animatics for various sequnces throughout the films. Also of note is the inclusion of the deleted "villain" sequences mentioned of the commentary of the first release's commentary. (4)Confidential Files. This is actually where the deleted scenes are located. Also included in the "file" is a 4-minute gag reel, and a hidden Easter Egg (another deleted scene). (5) Behind the scenes documentary. This 30-minutes featurette offers more insight than that of the original release, as well as a significat amount of B-Roll footage from several of the film's major set piees, including the in-house battle and the desert scene. (6) Photo Gallery. 2 dull on-screen scroll-through photo galleries.

While this reelase has met with much criticism, those who enjoyed the movie should be informed that this is one of the rare double-dips that doesn't FEEL like a double-dip. No features are repeated from the original release, and the unrated movie itself is different enough from the theatrical version that it is well worth owning both versions. Also, the picture is much clearer and less grainy, and the sound more crisp.

The disc also includes a DVD insert, with random facts about the film anda Chapter List (36 Chapters).

Grade: B+

Amazon seems to be mixing together reviews of this product and the regular, unrated version of it, so I will say right off the bat that my review is for the Unrated DVD edition of this movie. So please don't vote it unhelpful just because Amazon put it in the wrong place!

Basically, the unrated disc is a waste of money. For one, "unrated" only refers to less than a minute of previously cut footage from the big love scene. But for some reason, the people who cut this version of the movie actually cut OUT scenes from the original DVD -scenes that actually added to the plot, whereas none of the restored scenes do. This is quite aggravating. In addition, none of the extras make this DVD worth owning. They should have made this cut of the movie available on the original DVD release instead of giving it its own release. This was an obvious ploy to make more money, and I'm quite sorry that I fell for it. Here's hoping my review keeps you from doing the same.

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If you haven't watched the theatrical version of this movie plenty of times, you may not notice the minute changes from that version to this director's cut version.

Some of the dialogue has changed and some scenes are extended. The Bogota Dirty Dance scene has been extended, as was the War of the Roses fight and love scenes. The Dance of Death towards the end is also slightly different. Also different was the hidden lives of both Smiths weren't revealed until much later in the movie.

I truly enjoyed the original cut, but this cut cleared up some minor foibles I had w/ the first. Adam Brody's scene was cut out of the beginning, which I thought worked better for the movie because in the original his introduction went nowhere, other than his reappearance toward the end. There appeared to be a lot more character development in this version as well. Of course more Bogota scenes are dreamily sexy as was the love scene after their big marital spat.

If you're a huge Mr. & Mrs. Smith fan, I would recommend buying both the theatrical release and the Director's Cut. If you don't want to buy both, I think the Director's cut is actually better than the original.

The only part I wish was that Brad & Angie to do some of the commentary. The commentary on this disk wasn't as interesting as the Original Version dvd, because Doug Liman is constantly talking about the cost of the production which is kind of boring, I would have liked hearing more about the plot, tidbits about the sets, bloopers, more on why some scene got added or removed---anything but the cost and days of production.

As far as the Bonus disc, there are plenty of deleted scenes to enjoy. I would highly recommend getting this edition.

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No, I'm not. And I'll tell you why:

When this was released, a lot of drama appeared in the tabloids regarding Brad and Angelina's then illicit affair. Many cynics (including myself) knew this was a cheap move on both actors' parts to promote a movie they felt insecure about letting stand on its own virtues.

Srangely enough, they didn't have anything to worry about, although I suspect nobody (actors, producers, marketing people, director) knew any better, except for perhaps the script-writers.

Many critics were distracted by the press storm Brangelina generated, and let that taint their opinion of this movie. And of course it drew the gossip-mongers and celebrity-worshippers among us to this movie in generous numbers.

What they found (and what you'll find, once you ignore the hype) is a well-thought out movie about couples therapy!

The clever writers of this movie managed to work into the plot an entire cycle of rebuilding the trust in a relationship back from nothing. Every requisite action sequence, sex scene, and conversation fits nicely within the context of an estranged married couple taking steps toward reconciliation.

For all the hype and unfortunatly unimaginative branding of this movie (suffering from luddite marketing, like "Mean Girls" only worse) this is a highly entertaining movie about the not-so-happy subject of repairing a relationship.

For this reason, I strongly recommend this one as a good choice for both male and female audiences, particularly married ones. At the very least, It's certainly a lighter take on mending a marriage than most other movies that stray into the subject.

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First: I FINALLY get the Brad Pitt thing after all these years! He has aged marvelously and is both a great-looking guy, and an excellent actor and unexpectedly fabulous comedian, based on his performance in this movie. His facial expressions, body language, and dialogue delivery are superb, and complement those equally great ones by Angelina Jolie extremely well. Quite honestly, I can't remember when I've seen this kind of superlative chemistry between two leads in any recent movie. I had little expectations about this movie; after I'd seen it, I ordered the Unrated DVD so I could enjoy it again and again.

So here's the bad part: the Unrated DVD. Yes, I expected there to be a few more possibly graphic or explanatory scenes included, but it never occured to me that there would be DELETED scenes and dialogue from the original movie!!!! And there are several key pieces missing here, including but not limited to:

The critical dialogue in the shed just before the end battle, where Jane says, "There's no place I'd rather be than here, with you." GONE

Eddie awakening to the $400K bounties for the Smiths on his Blackberry. GONE.

Jane saying, "We need a car," after their house blows up (you just see John say "The Colemans."). GONE

In addition, the Extras disc 2 isn't very intuitive about finding the extras. However, the Alternate Ending is great, and very prophetic given the current domestic situation of Brad & Angie.

I expected to get at least all of the movie I fell in love with and knew word by word, action by action, and this DVD version disappoints. Sad. And it will make me think twice about spending extra money on any future 'Unrated' DVDs from Amazon.

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Liar Liar

What happens when little Max Reede (Justin Cooper) blows out the candles on his birthday cake and wishes his Dad couldn't lie anymore? Fletcher (Jim Carrey) an unscrupulous lawyer (is there any other kind?) happens to be Max's father. When the birthday wish becomes reality things quickly begin to fall apart for poor Fletcher. After all, what good is a lawyer who can't lie? One thing is certain, Fletcher is about to discover how much the truth can both hurt and heal.

First let me say that I'm not generally a Jim Carrey fan. I find his films inane, vapid and predictable. That along with his excessively loud, over-the-town acting style absolutely drives me crazy. With that said, I must now confess that I've found one exception to that rule. That exception is the unrelentingly hilarious 'Liar Liar.'

All the things that drive me insane about Jim Carrey somehow work wonderfully in this film. It also contains a cast of some of my favorites; Maura Tierney as Fletcher's ex-wife Audrey and Cary Elwes as her new love interest Jerry. I also have to mention the very sexy Krista Allen makes a brief but memorable appearance as the 'girl in the elevator.'

This is a stunning comedy starring Jim Carrey who plays a lawyer, who is incapable of telling the truth or keeping his promises (is this really a surprise!!!). Things make a dramatic turn, when he fails to keep a promise to turn up at his son's birthday party: the neglected son (brilliantly played by Justin Cooper as Max Reede) makes a wish for his father not to lie for just one day. The boy's wish is granted and his dad loses his ability to lie, a tragic affliction for any lawyer. He cannot lie in court as well as to all those around him, like his secretary and mother.

This now honest man displays his comic talents that is bound to set you laughing your lungs out. Carrey is ably supported by his ex-wife Audrey (Maura Tierney) who is now dating Cary Elwes, a simpleton of a man.

This is one of Jim Carrey's best films. His facial contortions, voice and crazy humour stands him out as an outstanding comedian. This is as good as it gets. The director, Tom Shadyac should be applauded for this high quality production.

This movie should not be missed by anyone with a sense of humour and all those fathers who neglect their children for the sake of making money.

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Let me start by saying that I absolutely love Jim Carrey. I think he's a very talented actor, and he always gets me rolling with laughter. I think he's holywood's funniest actor since the late Walter Matthau.

Unfourtunately though, some of Carrey's movies have been disappointments (most notably: Cable Guy and Ace Ventura 2). Whether due to lack of a good running storyline, or due to just over-the-top silliness.

'Liar, Liar', however, does not disappoint. It reveals Carrey in all his hillarious glory. It's got a great cohesive plot about a pathological liar who is suddenly stripped of that ability due to a wish his little kid made. Carrey is very funny, partly because he reminds us so much of ourselves, and how much lies we tell to cover over different parts of our lives.

Watch this movie. It is more than just funny. It is thoroughly entertaining and leaves us with some great life-lessons as well.

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Jim Carrey puts so much energy and pure comedic brilliance into this movie that we hardly noticed how corny and hackneyed was the plot or how wearily didactic was the moral lesson for all fathers who neglect their children for the goddess of success. And really we didn't care. What we loved almost as much as Carrey's rubber mouth and oral blockage (like an overheated boiler fighting not to explode) was the premise: a lawyer that can't lie. Now there's an oxymoron! As Carrey tries to explain to his son Max, lawyers need to lie. Actually he says grownups need to lie, which is a truth that we really do not need to exam too closely here. To laugh at something deeply troubling in our nature is a way of dealing with it.

So the genius of this movie is first the talent of Jim Carrey, but second, for kids who come to the realization of adult mendacity for the first time, it is the discovery of comedy as a way to cope. Why do adults need to lie? is a question that a kid can never figure out, and then by the time he is an adult himself (or actually a teenager), he can no longer comprehend how important the question once was. Call it innocence lost, or the socialization process.

My favorite part of the movie is the courtroom scene with Jennifer Tilly dressed oh so sluttily and her adulterous beaux looking like a model for the cover of a romance novel and Carrey in tatters in his [expensive] suit. Second would be the bathroom scene in which Carrey tries to tear himself apart (and seems to almost succeed). His flapping mouth between the toilet seat and the bowl was inspired. Give some credit to director Tom Shadyac, who managed to steer the vehicle with Carrey at the controls, and to writers, Paul Guay and Stephen Mazur, who wrote some funny lines.

The great comedians totally let themselves go. They are totally on. They go to extremes and beyond. It's like transcending not just the ordinary, but even the imagined. See this obviously for Jim Carrey, one of the great comedic talents of our time, an original who would have delighted Charlie Chaplin with his extraordinary muggings, his blatant audacity and his superb timing.

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I loved liar liar! I never get tired of watching it! I dont believe his performance was over the top as some might. I think that this is his best movie if not one of the best. It has a GREAT feel good story line and if you couple it with the fantastic actors and hilariouse content youve got a classic entertaining movie you will love for years!

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Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

In high school, I was one of the nameless, faceless rabble who drew little attention, maintained a low profile, and caused little trouble all in the hopes of getting out relatively unscathed, a goal I managed to accomplish, partly due to my sometimes intimidating presence, but mainly because I was able to fit in, sort of like a fish within a shoal...but there were those who weren't so fortunate, as obvious physical characteristics or personality traits (or both) tended to enunciate their presence regardless of vain attempts to `blend in' or enjoy the anonymity I, and those like me, tended to take for granted. Napoleon Dynamite (2004) is a film about one of those individuals.

The film, written and directed by Jared Hess, takes place in a small Idaho town and stars Jon Heder as the title character (he reminded me a lot of Timothy Busfield's character of Arnold Poindexter in the 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds). Also appearing is Jon Gries (Real Genius, Fright Night Part II), Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez (Kazaam), Tina Majorino (she played the little girl with the map on her back in Kevin Costner's flopperino Waterworld), and Haylie Duff, sister to the more famous Hillary Duff, who both share a surname that's the same as Homer Simpson's favorite alcoholic beverage, Duff Beer.

Napoleon Dynamite is an odd character for sure, with his shaggy red afro, moon boots (he wears them year `round), and t-shirts usually featuring those glossy iron-ons so popular in the 70's (he seems to purchase much of his wardrobe at the local thrift store) with a penchant for drawing mythical creatures, boasting about fictional girlfriends who live in other states (don't they always?), and touting his non-existent martial arts abilities, "You know, there's like a b*tt-load of gangs at this school. This one gang kept wanting me to join because I'm pretty good with a bowstaff". Oh yeah, he breathes mostly through his mouth, and his vernacular includes, but isn't limited to, the liberal usage of such words like sweet, flippin', gosh, freakin', and heck, and he, along with his 32 year old brother Kip (Ruell), live with their grandmother, who owns a llama named Tina. After an ATV accident sends grandma to the hospital, Uncle Rico (Gries) arrives to watch over the boys, and involves Kip in his schemes to make some sweet cash. Napoleon, meanwhile, finds a friend in a newly arrived Hispanic student named Pedro (Ramirez) and he and their shy and kinda dorky friend Deb (Majorino) assist Pedro in his bid to become the next student body president, their competition being Summer (Duff), member of the cheerleading squad and the most popular girl in school. Do the trio have a chance in beating the juggernaut that is Summer? Perhaps, but it requires Napoleon to pull forth from within something no one would have realized he had, not even himself...

The film is very odd...it's kind of a mix of the Coen brothers (Fargo, Raising Arizona), John Waters (Crybaby), and the earlier films of John Hughes (Sixteen Candles). There's not much of a story at the beginning, more of a series of innocuous, unrelated, comical events, but later on we do see some development in this area with regards to Napoleon and Deb helping Pedro in his running for student body president. Some scenes will make little or no sense in relation to what you may perceive as the story, so my recommendation is to just let it go, and enjoy the film for what it is, whatever it is...the real fun lies within Heder and his complete submersion into the character of Napoleon, wallowing in his own uncoolness. Initially most will probably find him annoying and off-putting, but he sort of grew on me, and I actually found myself quietly rooting for him, in his most simple of endeavors (like trying to find a sweet fanny pack at the local thrift store), but don't get the wrong impression. This isn't a triumphant nerd film (the nerd beats the jocks and/or gets the head cheerleader in the end), but a character-driven slice of weirdness that has a tendency to amuse. The dialogue contains tons of quotable lines, and comes across genuine sense of realism. The composed music by John Swihart and chosen pre-recorded material used to make the soundtrack complemented the film very well. I think my favorite scene is when Napoleon discovers his uncle's crude time machine (which he purchased of the internet), and decides to give it a try...does it work? Well, it does something, but I won't tell you what...one thing I really noticed was an absolute absence of profanity. I'm not against its' usage in films, and have even become used to it (for better or worse), so it was kinda refreshing.

The picture quality, presented in both 1.85:1 anamorphic wide screen and 1.33:1 full screen (both sides of the DVD are used), looks sharp and clear, with the Dolby Digital 5.1 audio coming through very well. Special features are numerous and include a commentary track by the director/writer Hess, actor Heder, and producer Jeremy Coon, along with deleted scenes (with optional commentary), a short film entitled `Peluca' (basically the original concept for the character of Napoleon Dynamite, also with commentary), a number of MTV promotional spots, a still gallery, a featurette on the shooting of the final scene (keep watching the film after the credits to see a newly filmed 4 minute sequence shot a year after the film was released, made especially for the DVD release), and a promo for the FOX television series Arrested Development. The special features are split between the two sides of the discs, so be sure to flip it over once you've finished one side. My recommendation is to rent the film before buying, as it's not for everyone (I wouldn't bother showing it to my mother, as I know she wouldn't attempt to understand the where the humor comes from within this film).

Cookieman108

I knew absolutley nothing about this flick when my 14 year old red-headed math whiz son said Dad let's go see this movie. From the opening credits I was entertained. This movie, is essentially a "day in the life of an Idaho high school nerd as he moves through various life cycle events and characters." Though the word "nerd" hardly seems to do justice to the timeless nature of title character Napoleon Dynamite. With little or no plot, Napoleon turned out to be more than part nostalgia. It was a stroll down memory lane. If I did not know that the writers in fact lived in Idaho, I would have sworn they had gone to my High School in South Florda in the late 70's. Our Senior Class Vice-President was in fact PEDRO from Mexico, our class Secretary, Melanie a blonde buxom cheerleader incarnate of this films' fictional "Summer" character and our Treasurer sported a huge Afro and all were clad in their finest disco outfits.

I guess this is why this sleeper film has gained such popularity. Forty-something dads and their teen kids can both see this movie together and come out repeating its hysterical dialogue. The current crop of teen viewers are living these absurd stereotypes and situations (dating, class elections, high school dances, the cafeteria). The oldsters in the audience either were, or knew one or more of this film's quirky characters.

The acting and dialogue are pure genius in their simplicity and absurdity. As other reviewers have mentioned, lines from this flick will become folklore. I found myself sitting around our family dinner table spouting off Napoleonisms reminiscent of the best of Monty Python.

Definitely go see this movie without any pre-conceptions, or expectations, you will be pleasantly surprised.

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For the past few years there has been a movement in American film you could call "The New Mormon Cinema." Young Latter-day Saint filmmakers (definitely inspired by the Sundance Film Festival which is held right in their own backyard) have been making inexpensive independent films that are targeted at the Mormon population that stretches in the west from Alberta in Canada down past the Mexican border (the so-called "Mormon Corridor.") Most of these movies have been really bad, cheaply done sit-com influenced "comedies" that have had absolutely no influence on non-Mormon audiences. (With the honorable exeception of Richard Dutcher, the director of good movies like the missionary drama "God's Army" and the thriller "Brigham City.") Things began to change this year with widespread recognition going to the tough-minded World War II drama "Saints and Soldiers" and this twisted little comic masterpiece, "Napoleon Dynamite."

Jared and Jerusha Hess are products of Brigham Young University's film school and they made ND with a bunch of their friends. The unspoken assumption of this film is that most of the kids are Mormons. Some critics who misunderstood the movie as "condescending" have no experience with real people like these. I live in rural Utah and I can testify that Hess is only mildly exaggerating. The critics somehow miss the love with which the characters are drawn, just as some Minnesotans weren't too thrilled with the Coen brothers' "Fargo." Napoleon's pathetic older brother Kip has been singled out as particularly unbelievable. But believe me, Kips are a dime a dozen in Idaho (and Utah, too.)

Napoleon himself is not so much acted as incarnated by Jon Heder, who would win some sort of Oscar if people could only see he was playing a role, not living it. Napoleon is the real nerd deal, not some idealized John-Hughes-style Hollywood version. You really feel the anguish of his life, even as it provokes guilty belly laughs. The genius of the movie is how the Hesses take the angst of Todd Solondz ("Welcome to the Dollhouse" and "Happiness") and put their triumphantly uniquely Mormon spin on it.

Hess is the second Mormon director, after Neil LaBute in "The Shape of Things", to make reference to singer Elvis Costello ("Napoleon Dynamite" is one of Costello's aliases.) The movie Napoleon is as physically unprepossessing as Costello is, until he starts to sing. You see, Mormons are always worrying about what other people think of them, because of their long-time outsider status in American society. This overwhelming self-consciousness can make them feel as awkward and crushed by the culture as Napoleon is. But inside they just know they are as dynamic as the very name "Napoleon Dynamite." The opportunity awaits for them to strut their true stuff. An individual like Napoleon can't be destroyed if he doesn't want to be. There's something eternal in him that will win out. The importance of this thought is why the Hesses avoid the very appearance of sentimentality in their presentation of Napoleon. You have to learn to love him in spite of his monstrous imperfections, because he is human. And you rejoice in Napoleon's final dance, which is five or six of the most joyous minutes in a movie this year.

It's also important that Kip and Napoleon redeem themselves by reaching out to others not like them. Kip hilariously to La Fawnduh, and Napoleon to Pedro and Deb. The Hesses are brave enough to make sympathetic jokes about multiculturalism here. Certainly, Preston Idaho, won't save them; but maybe Detroit and Mexico will. I left "Napoleon Dynamite" with genuinely earned good feelings about humanity in general and the future of Mormon movies in particular.

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Here is the essence of why this film is a rare gem: it portrays High School Misfits as they actually are. When I was in high school, the "nerds" and "dweebs" were not like the Hollywood stereotypes...you know, really smart, eager to please the "jocks" by doing their homework for them, into computers, etc...the sterotype that began with Revenge of the Nerds and never died. No, the bottom feeders in my school were like Nappy D. They just didn't look right. They weren't eager to please, they were irratable & antagonistic, like Napoleon. They did weird things (Napoleon throws an action figure on a string out the bus window; I remember a kid who walked around in the halls making truck noises). No, this is the perfect embodiment of what it is like to be a teenage nothing, and how in their world, everything is OK.

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For people like Roger Ebert who pan this movie... you just don't get it.

I'm not claiming any intellectual superiority or great film taste... it's just that I get it.

Perhaps because I see elements of Napoleon Dynamite in me. For instance... his response on the bus "whatever I feel like. Gosh!" When I was in 4th grade I moved from a northern town in Illinois (Geneseo) to a small town called Lousville (pronounced Lewis-ville) in very southern Illinois where the culture was very different and people had Alabama-like accents. When I was riding on the schoolbus, my first day in mid-semester, I was petrified. Everyone stared at me as they stopped at my delapidated trailer to pick me up. A little girl turned around and asked "What's your naaaaame?" To which I replied "shuuuuuuuuuuuut uuuuuup!" And from that day on was greeted by everyone in unison shouting "HI SHUUUUUTUUUP" as I walked on the bus. My reply was out of a vain effort at self-defense... not mean-ness.. and so was Napoleons.

Napoleon's journey was a remarkable, willful transformation, as was that of Deb and Pedro. Kip was amusingly transformed, but not so much with self-awareness. Uncle Rico was the only static character, which made it all the more funny because he had not changed since 1982.

Of all the lines, the one where Napleon told Deb to get her stuff because there wasn't enough room for his nunchucks made me laugh the most histerically.

Almost all the humor, other than "the dance" was rooted in hilarious subtlety and satire. I mean, how could I not be floored by someone bragging about chatting with hot babes online.... ALL DAY!

The bizarre time-period (An elegant collage of the 70's, 80's, and 90's) gives this film a wide audience and uses silly things from all decades to make it more hilarious.

My conclusion is that people who don't like this movie are either 1) TOO nerdy to realize they are only the one side of the nerdy characters 2) They ARE Summer Wheatley 3) People like Roger Ebert who are absolutely clueless about the level of subtle humor in this film.

To the people comparing this to laughing at clowns... their reviews had me laughing as much as the movie... it's a total comedy in itself. ND is not a clown, he's flippin Superman in moonboots with a fro!

The ONLY other DVD I own is Monty Python's the Holy Grail... which also has incredibly intelligent subtle humor woven into the surface silliness.

For the intellect and the funny bone, I give ND a 5/5 stars. As far as those complaining about the "terrible" soundtrack, I wish I could give it 6/5 stars for having "Forever Young" by Alphaville and "The Promise" by When In Rome as too of the main songs in the soundtrack.

This thing just gets funnier the more I watch it.

P.S. Dear Roger Ebert... please watch this film again, then watch the piece of junk that "Garfield" is, and look at yourself in the mirror and cry.

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Black Sheep (1996)

Chris Farley was a comic genius, and this film amply shows why and why he is sorely missed. As the brother of a gubernatorial candidate, he tries to help his brother's campaign, but most every attempt backfires. Sent off to the backwoods to keep him out of the way, his misadventures continue. There he pairs up with another character played by David Spade, and the two make a swell comic duo. They meet up with a carload reminiscent of DELIVERANCE. Their cabin plummets down a landslide after the balance of a balanced rock is upset in a most unlikely way. And they meet up with a crazed survivalist-type neighbor played by Gary Busey. Some of these events will all play out to make for the final resolution when they finally return to civilization. On that return, the movie's peak of zaniness is reached in an episode involving a car with a nitrous oxide booster. This underrated movie is a must for all fans of the farcical comedy genre, and a bittersweet tribute to one who shone briefly but brightly therein.

Black Sheep picks up right where Tommy Boy left off with the amazing comic pairing of Chris Farley and David Spade. This is another of the better movies to come from the cast of Saturday Night Live. I really miss seeing Farley and Spade together on film...

Most people I know place this movie second to Tommy Boy, which makes some sense, I suppose, but it has just as many laughs. The scenes with Farley and Spade together in the log cabin are priceless and hilarious.

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The reason there are so many bad reviews of this movie is because when people heard that Chris Farley (RIP) and David Spade were making another movie together, they were expecting the comic genius that was Tommy Boy. This is not Tommy Boy! You can't expect Chris and David to do the same thing in every movie or it will very soon become routine. Chris's Mike Donelly character is a little less dimwitted than his Tommy Boy character and David's Steve Dobbs character is a little more dimwitted than his Richard character. But, I will say this, Farley and Spade proove once again that they are the best comedy team since the Three Stooges. Sure this movie has it's flaws, but it's worth a look.

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Remember when David Spade was still on SNL, and he and Teri Hatcher did that "Spade In America" sketch on Weekend Update? Well, Teri Hatcher was dressed up as David Spade, and David Spade was dressed up as Teri Hatcher. To quote Teri Hatcher (playing David Spade), she summed up this movie the best: "Well, you know, I did a movie called 'Black Sheep.' Maybe you saw it the first time, when it was called 'Tommy Boy!'" David Spade's response (dressed as Teri Hatcher): "Uh.. yes. I did see that. You were great, David. I mean, you are very sexy." What a comeback...way to promote your movie there, David. Tommy Boy was good, but this one was rushed out to capitalize on that movie's popularity. Fans shunned Black Sheep. There are a couple of scenes in which one may crack a smile, but all in all it tanked at the box office, it's rank in sales is 1095 spots behind Tommy Boy, and based on the fact that it has only gotten 39 Amazon.com reviews over the past 9 years, I think it's fair to say that this movie just isn't very funny nor entertaining to most people.

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Sure this film is similar, it is also as entertaining. It is worth owning especially considering how cheap it is. Despite some claims on here this film did fine at the box office it made $32,377,000 domestically. This is good considering Tommy Boy made $32,700,000 domestically. The gross was very similar and the cost of production were on par with one another. Considering inflation was not a factor in the differing numbers as well, there is very little to indicate that this film failed. On DVD this film has sold well, granted not as well as Tommy Boy. Regardless making false claims that it tanked and does not compare is a result is simply not true. The film although similar is very good and worth the view.

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The Guilt Trip (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy) (2012)

(2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)Aside from her near-cameo appearances in two ensemble comedies, Barbra Streisand has not starred in a movie in sixteen long years, not since 1996's The Mirror Has Two Faces which she also directed. Her output as an actress has been meager since around 1980 when she started directing films, building houses and returning to the concert stage periodically, so it was with both great anticipation and some trepidation that I saw this light-hearted 2012 comedy. What a relief to find she hasn't missed a beat in her sharp comedy timing. I think she's terrific as Joyce Brewster, the energetically overbearing mother of Andy, an organic chemical engineer who long ago moved to California and has recently invented a cleaning solution he is pitching to various store chains headquartered across the country. He plans a weekend visit with Joyce in New Jersey, but upon an intriguing discovery about her past, he invites her on an eight-day cross-country road trip with him.

As directed by Anne Fletcher (The Proposal) and written by Dan Fogelman (the underrated Crazy, Stupid, Love) who based his script on his own late mother, the film is about how their two mismatched personalities unsurprisingly clash at every stop as their relationship twists and turns with each new humiliation for Andy and each new revelation for the both of them, a few of them quite poignant. The film is at its comedic best when she and co-star Seth Rogen as Andy volley back and forth with her well-meaning thoughts and antics at odds with his spiky annoyance at anything she says or does. Rogen plays against type as the coiled-up Andy since his stoner-dude personality has been the basis of much of his previous comedy. Here he needs to show some dramatic gravity (as he did earlier this year in Take This Waltz) and again does surprisingly well when necessary. There is a confrontation scene between the two characters that I wish could have gone on a bit longer and deeper than it did, but he manages to bring a real edge to the film in ways I didn't quite expect from him.

Of course there are predictable comedy pieces that also work like a steak-eating contest in Texas where Joyce has to down a fifty-ounce piece of beef in an hour to avoid a $100 tab. There's also quite a supporting cast here, but like Streisand movies of yore, the familiar actors contribute moments that amount to nearly bit parts. Kathy Najimy and Miriam Margolyes are among Joyce's Weight Watchers friends in a quick dinner scene early in the story, while Adam Scott and Ari Graynor show up at the very end of the road trip in San Francisco. In between are appearances by Brett Cullen as a cowboy who becomes smitten with Joyce during the eating contest and Nora Dunn as an officious HSN TV hostess. But that's fine since Rogen really lets Streisand dominate the movie all the way from pushing off potential suitors at a mature singles mixer to getting into the wrong car at a mini-mart pit-stop to getting drunk in a motel bar to sharing her innocently ignorant perceptions of stereotypes. This is only her 19th film since her extraordinary debut in Funny Girl 44 years ago, reason enough to enjoy the warm, accomplished performance she gives here.

GUILT TRIP is a welcome change from most films Hollywood powerbrokers tend to finance. Like HOPE SPRINGS which was released earlier this year, this film is NOT the sidesplitting comedy one would expect to see from the theatrical trailers promoting the film. Instead it is a warm and endearing film focusing on a relationship between mother and adult son. This is one of Streisand's most subdued but convincing performances in years. She is not the larger than life persona we've seen in previous films. Rogen gives a nice performance as Andy, a character very unlike others he's created in past films. This is definitely a film I'll enjoy watching from time to time and sharing with friends.

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I took my dad to see this movie. A couple years back I lost my mother, coincidentally my mother and I went to see A mirror has two faces the last movie she released where Barbra was the star. In one scene, halfway through the movie an incident happens and it changes the dynamics of this movie. Anyway, I sat there at the end when others were laughing and tears were rolling down my eyes. I can remember similar situations with my mother, I loved her but I'm also a gay male, I wasn't the only child but the distance between my eldest brother and I (I'm the baby) is 10 years. I also was the gay male so I can understand the story plot very well. Would I see it again, I have, this time alone, still cried at the end but it was a good cry. Now don't get me wrong the ending is not sad, but I loved my mother, she was my friend and as we get older they tend to become our friend, just wish I had more time with her. Excellent movie, really!

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"Let me tell you something kiddo, you don't have to like me or spend time with me, but as long as I'm your mother you will treat me with respect. Now drink your water before you drop dead from dehydration." Andy Brewster (Rogen) has invented a new cleaner. He is going on a cross-country trip to try and sell it. His first stop is New York...and a visit with his mom (Streisand). When a conversation brings up old stories Andy decides to invite his mom to join him, which he regrets about 5 minutes in. I was looking forward to seeing this because the trailer reminded me of me and my own mom. I will say the movie wasn't as funny as I was hoping but it was still really funny and I do recommend this. Every mother and son should see this together, I saw a lot of similarities between me and mine throughout. Some lines I'm sure we have said over and over. The cast is perfect and Rogen and Streisand actually seem related. The end got a little sappy but overall this is a very funny movie. Overall, funny but I was also hoping for funnier. I do recommend seeing this though. I give it a B.

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This was a good movie. Not as funny as advertised but a decent story and Barbara Streisand is always great.

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Chick Flick Blu-ray 3-Pack (Juno / 27 Dresses / The Devil Wears Prada) (2008)

Wonderful, If you like Chick flicks this is the trilogy for you. Gave as Christmas gift. Well received. Will purchase more sets.

I love this! You get three great movies at a really good price. All the movies are worth watching, so if you like these movies then this is the way to go!

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These are all classic chick flicks! Juno wasn't my favorite but the other two I would definitely watch over and over again!

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So Undercover (2012)

I originally watched the movie to see my university a we had been cleared out over Winter break so they could film. I was surprisingly pleased at the result. I'm not a big fan of Miley Cyrus but she did a great job...I really enjoyed it and had to laugh at the sorority antics.

Very enjoyable movie. Typical Miley Cyrus and typical comedy material. My husband watched it twice in the first few weeks.

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Pretty funny, I would have never guessed what happened and who turned on who. I'm glad that I bought it. If you want a movie that has action and romance and a bit of humor then check this one out!

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I will say right off the bat, not a big Miley Cyrus fan, having said that, she was terrific in this movie, I was so entertained and found myself smiling through the whole movie. The cast surrounding her was terrific. Smiling and laughing is a good thing.

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I thought it was gonna be bad, but to my surprise it was pretty good!! I thought Miley Cyrus was a great actor on it!! And I would definitely watch it again!! :)

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Artie Lange's Beer League (2008)

This is a film that isn't for everyone,if you don't like blue collar type sports comedies..you may want to skip this.Surprisingly well acted this comedy really gives you a glimpse into softball beer leagues all around the Tristate(NJ,NY,Conn.) area..some people here seem to rate this movie negatively because they dont like Howard Stern(or Artie Lange on the Stern show) or they follow other lame morning radio shows but you can always rent this film and judge it for yourself.

I'm a huge Stern fan and saw this opening weekend. I laughed so much that I was in tears and my face and stomach hurt. This movie's not for everyone, but if you love raunchy, politically incorrect, nothing is sacred comedy, then you'll love this movie.

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I went to see this film, and laughed all the way through it. I took a friend who had never heard of Artie, and he laughed harder than I did. The writing is sharp, the jokes are cruel but effective, and portions of the film are so true-to-life that they look almost like a documentary.

This movie took a lot of flak from certain critics... who wouldn't know a good time if it bounced a ping pong ball off their head.

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This movie didn't get the wide release it deserved. Horrible comedies are released nationally every month and very few have more laughs than Beer League. It just may end up gaining some post-DVD release notoriety, such as "Office Space" did a few years ago. This movie needs to be judged *as a comedy*. That is to say, it really isn't fair to criticize the intricacies of the plot. Take it for what it is: A good, raunchy, R-Rated comedy with enough great one liners and sight gags to entertain you for 90 minutes.

When Ralph Macchio's character orders an overly healthy lunch in front of his regular-guy Jersey buddies, who wouldn't laugh when Artie says, "In Massachusetts that order could marry a dude."?

By the way, it's easy to spot the Opie And Anthony losers that have come here to crap on this. They're the ones speaking broken English and have "Hoo Hoo" somewhere in their name or message.

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Grab your bottle of Jack and box of Devil Dogs. This soon to be "cult-classic" will make you crack up and roll on the floor laughing. This movie is not going to win any awards. Yet it will be a movie that you will cherrish when you are drunk or just need a good lighthearted movie. Special bonus for the "pitching machine". This is a MUST SEE for Howard Stern fans.

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