Dragonfly (Fullscreen)

Starring:Kevin Costner, Susanna Thompson, Joe Morton, Ron Rifkin, Kathy Bates, Robert Bailey Jr., Jacob Smith, Jay Thomas, Lisa Banes, Matt Craven, Casey Biggs, Leslie Hope, Peter Hansen, Marybeth Fisher, Kim Staunton, Liza Weil, Nigel Gibbs, Heidi Swedberg, Jamie Sue Sherrill, Samantha Smith (III)
Director: Tom Shadyac
Studio: Universal Studios
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

"Belief gets us there," explains nun Linda Hunt to grieving widower Kevin Costner, an emergency room doctor whose ordered world is startled by "messages" from his dead wife. She's talking about the journey from life to death, but it describes the doctor's road from fact to faith equally well as he puzzles out the otherworldly events of his life. Costner's mourning comes off less lost and sad than simply emotionless and inert, but he finds good support from Kathy Bates as his sassy neighbor. Her appearances, along with a few startling horror-movie-type shocks, energize a film otherwise shrouded in loss, grief, and the hushed mood of supernatural spookiness. It's like a fusing of Ghost, The Sixth Sense, and The Mothman Prophecies, a New Age melodrama in a sentimental key that works through a rather contrived mystic mystery to a glowing climax. This is less a ghost story than a modern twist on the old-fashioned miracle. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Pleasant love story.......2007-06-21

First, I do have to say I like Kevin Costner is just about any movie, but this brought out a very gentle side of Costner.
The movie is part spiritual, mystery, thriller, romance and love. It is definitely, "what would and how far would you go to unearth a mystery and give your love and life for the one you were meant to be with."
I really like the movie-I own the movie (B)

Shadyac, take it from me and TLC, don't go chasing waterfalls........2007-05-19

The concept of death surrounds me recently. Not that friends and/or family or passing away, but with the films and television programs that I have been watching recently, it seems to be a common occurrence. I am in the middle of viewing full seasons of "The 4400" which deals with the death of some to cause a "ripple effect" that would heal the world, "Monk" - which in each episode someone dies and it is up to Shalhoub to solve the mystery of the dead person, and surprisingly I am trying to figure out "Lost", which is teetering on the exploration of the possible death/purgatory of its central characters. So, with all this "death" surrounding me, why not pick up a film that may give me a chuckle (due to the director's prior comedic turns) as well as give me a new insight on the unknown explanation of the death phenomenon. One would hope that this would be the case with "Dragonfly", but upon a second viewing - as well as the voice of director Shadyac informing us that he didn't enjoy the final cut of this film - it was only discovered that Kevin Costner cannot paint us a picture of death - nor should we ever ask him to.

To be utterly up front with anyone reading this review, I am not going to paint a pretty picture of what I witnessed with this outing. There was nothing, I repeat, nothing of value with this film that tried to blend the teary eye of Costner with that of "The Sixth Sense". First time drama director Shadyac (who would be better known as the founder of "Ace Ventura"), cannot seem to grasp this film as he continually combines cliché elements from other films, random occurrences that never quite link us to the ending, and a complete waste of actual talent. He has the blocks to build the story, but instead he just tosses them into a waterfall hoping that they will land upright. Was this a supernatural thriller, was it a romantic drama, or was it just another venue for Kevin Costner to attempt to apply his "leading man" status to? For me, I couldn't quite see where Shadyac was going or what genre he was interacting with. The trouble begins with the story, of which couples with soul-mates, dragonflies, and coming back from the dead, as well as what a popular majority thinks. Listening to the commentary, Shadyac explains that his cut of the film wasn't as received as the final cut because too many people knew the ending prior to it happening. In my eyes - that is worthwhile if the story continues to attract us - but in "Dragonfly" that is not the case. The story is trite and quite dull, leading to an ending that surprises mainly because you don't care any further. Joe Darrow lost his wife, cannot cope even months later, and begins to think that she is contacting him from the dead - but for what reason? If you weren't pulled in by my synopsis, then I do not suggest viewing this film because in 22 words, I have probably told you everything.

The acting is atrocious, possibly the worst roles created for two very talented actors. I am speaking of both Costner and that unknown talent that normally reverberates from Kathy Bates, but seemed to be missing this time. Perhaps it is the tone, the vague symbolism, or just the fact that these two needed paychecks that soured this film, but instances were not connecting. By the big "surprise" at the end, we are either so tired of the events or have (in my case) forgotten them, that there is no "gasp" or shock, merely just excitement to have a finale to this horrid broadcast. Shadyac has talent as a director, I even find myself laughing at "Bruce Almighty", but drama is not his cup of tea. This film was too dark without any signs of light, which can be a good thing for skilled directors, but not for first-time Shadyac. He needed a blend of comic with the eerie unknown, which would have offset the disaster this train was headed towards. Costner couldn't carry Shadyac's work, and became murky and muddled through the middle. He had no central focus, so we - as audience members - didn't know who he was. Was he crazy or just in love? How come we never saw his love for his wife? Unanswered questions that Shadyac and Costner never allowed anyone to answer.

To add to my disgust was the filming overall of this movie. Just as I was confused as to the real ending to the film, I am sure that those involved were equally as confused. We move, rather quickly, from children seeing the dead, to dragonflies, to white water rafting, all the way back to some native tribe in South America. It just seemed like we were jumping rather quickly, but in the wrong direction. Without giving it away, I had forgotten the main element to the ending when we got to it because we were muddled with so many other un-needed moments that the ending just seemed watered down and dull. Honestly, I was bored with this movie because it lead us down one path, somehow jumped to another, and tried to make it back to that original path that was already lost and forgotten. The music didn't match with the actions or emotions of the characters, the hints were hidden and expected, there was no moment of self-discovery. There wasn't a scene in the film where I suddenly went, "oh, I get it" -- and that is sad. "Dragonfly" had the potential, I just felt that Shadyac was behind the wheel of a vehicle that he couldn't control, and as you listen to the commentary, you can sense (and at times hear) that he didn't want to be behind the wheel at all.

"Dragonfly" is a pointless corporate film driven to bring in more money while capitalizing on the income produced by "The Sixth Sense". There are borrowed elements that Shadyac cannot control as well as actors that walk through their scenes wondering when the paycheck will arrive at their doorstep. This is the worst film to see Kathy Bates perform, and Costner continues to dig himself a bigger hole. As you listen to the commentary, this film underwent quite a bit of changes due to viewer issues and response, which I think is the worst way to edit a film. Shadyac has no problems saying that he edited this wrong, and that he didn't like "x" scene, and that he felt this was completely amateurish - which only helps solidify a inner feeling of disappointment with the film. He selflessly promotes "Bruce Almighty" during this film, which drove the nail further into the already built "Dragonfly" coffin. I do not suggest this film to anyone unless you like your water from the tap, meaning that if you don't mind drinking muddled, tainted, and possibly poisoned liquid - than "Dragonfly" will be the film for you. It was that bad.

Shadyac, take it from me and TLC, don't go chasing waterfalls.

Grade: * out of *****

Dragonfly.......2007-05-08

Very good movie. Most interesting as it starts as sorta very sad when the doctor loses his wife while she was on a missionary trip. Couple of weird and a little scary movie until the end which is a heartfelt surprise. The doctor (Kevin Costner) wins something most beautiful. It's definately worth watching.

I'll admit it... (possible spoiler - don't read if you haven't seen it).......2007-05-06

At the end of the movie, I get all choked up and some wet brinely-like substance drips onto my face out of the corner of my eyes. I first rented this movie when it came out a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I tend to leave it on whenever I see it on any of the cable channels that show it often. The last scene in the jungle of Venezuela is just beautiful and, seriously, being the father of a baby boy and a 3 year old beautiful little girl, I can never get enough of that scene. I completely feel Kevin Costner's emotion come through in this scene and the whole movie as well. Great acting, very nice plot and an awesome soundtrack make this well worthwhile. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because, for as enjoyable as it was, the only movies that get 5 stars for me are the classics like To Kill A Mockingbird, Blazing Saddles, Schindler's list etc.

Good Family Movie.......2007-04-02

It's not a great movie, but is good. I especially enjoyed the fact that there was no profanity, nothing gory, etc. I wish other "new" movies would learn from this. It's not necessary to use foul language three times per sentence, nor to show limbs being chopped off to provide entertainment.

Average customer rating:

Pleasant love story
Shadyac, take it from me and TLC, don't go chasing waterfalls.
Dragonfly
I'll admit it... (possible spoiler - don't read if you haven't seen it)
Good Family Movie

Dragonfly (Fullscreen)
Starring: Kevin Costner , Susanna Thompson , Joe Morton , Ron Rifkin , and Kathy Bates
Director: Tom Shadyac
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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The Mothman Prophecies
Message in a Bottle
What Lies Beneath
The Bodyguard (Special Edition)
No Way Out

ASIN: B0000687EY
Release Date: 2002-07-30

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Customer Reviews:

Pleasant love story.......2007-06-21

Shadyac, take it from me and TLC, don't go chasing waterfalls........2007-05-19

Dragonfly.......2007-05-08

I'll admit it... (possible spoiler - don't read if you haven't seen it).......2007-05-06

Good Family Movie.......2007-04-02

Winsor Pilates-Sculpt Your Body Slim!-2 DVD set with Resistance Band!

Average customer rating:

Pilates with Daisy will tone your waist and Tummy
Not so great.

Winsor Pilates-Sculpt Your Body Slim!-2 DVD set with Resistance Band!

Manufacturer: Dragonfly Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Pilates | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Winsor Pilates Bun & Thigh Sculpting - Sculpt Your Body Slim
Winsor Pilates Ab Sculpting - Sculpt Your Body Slim
Winsor Pilates 3 DVD Workout Set {Basic, 20 Minute Workout, Accelerated Body Sculpting}
Winsor Pilates Maxium Basics- Burn & Fat Burning - Sculpt Your Body Slim
Pilates Complete For Weight Loss

Product Features:

DVD 1- Power Sculpting with Resistance
DVD 2- Power Sculpting for Abs
Resistance Band Included

ASIN: B000HFKOBS

Product Description

Includes 2 DVDs-Power Sculpting with Resistance-Power Sculpting for Abs-BONUS **** Resistance Band Included for your workouts!

Customer Reviews:

Pilates with Daisy will tone your waist and Tummy.......2007-01-30

I love these DVD's. Why? because I worked out so much that I was very toned every where except in my problem tummy area. My thighs, calves, back, buttocks were extremely toned. People would always ask me how I got my legs so toned, when I told them I was careful to hold in my tummy. Nothing fully worked on my mid-section which I worked on for four years until I purchased this set and really concentrated on my abs with the Abs DVD (my powerhouse as Windsor Pilates calls it.) It is basic enough for the beginner but was not too basic for someone who works out 4 to 5 days per week. IT WORKED and I am no longer frustrated with my midsection, finally I saw results with Windsor Pilates. It help tone those muscles that were weakened after having two babies. I also got a lot of results with my inner thighs using the provided resistance band.

Tina

Not so great........2007-01-10

Having taken Pilates classed at my local gym, this DVD is way too basic and too short. Don't waste your money.

The Firm - Jiggle Free Arms (The TransFIRMer Series)

Average customer rating:

Great upper body workout....
Great Arm Workout!!

The Firm - Jiggle Free Arms (The TransFIRMer Series)
Director: Andrea Ambandos
Manufacturer: GoodTimes
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

The Firm Jiggle Free Abs, The TransFIRMer
The Firm: Jiggle Free Buns
The Firm Body Sculpting System: Complete Body Sculpting!
The Firm - Jiggle Free Abs
the firm body sculpting system (4 tapes)

ASIN: B000AV8YXE

Customer Reviews:

Great upper body workout...........2005-09-11

This workout is part of the Firm's 4th Body Sculpting System which introduces the Transfirmer, a 5 in 1 piece of equipment similar to the Fanny Lifter but longer in length. It comes in 2 pieces, a 6 inch and 8 inch platform used individually for aerobics, stacked on top of one another for leg presses and tall box climbs, in an incline position for aerobics or strength work, and in a side by side position. It is a very versatile piece of equipment and is very stable.

This workout is led by Stephanie Huckabee, who is joined by 4 fellow Firm Master Instructors including Alison who shows beginner modifications. The workout is just over 30 minutes and alternates upper body work with aerobic segments.

You begin with a simple warmup using the 6 inch portion of the Transfirmer, then you will move into upper body work working the chest and triceps. Pushups are first, with varying counts and tempos, halftime and 2-2 count. These are done on the Transfirmer but you have the option of just doing them on the floor if that is more comfortable. Then you will lie on the Transfirmer set up in the incline position or on the floor and do bench presses, first with both arms, then alternating one at a time, I use lighter weights for this segment as the one arm at a time is more challenging. Then you move in triceps bench presses followed by pec flies. Lying tricep extensions complete this section, where the same weight is used throughout.

Next is a short hi-lo impact cardio section, Alison performs all low impact, jacks, shuffles, calf pumps and knee lifts are some of the moves you will see in this segment.

Tricep and shoulder work is next, you will start with tricep dips, then move into a tough shoulder segment starting with overhead presses with palms inward, then you will do overhead presses with rotation (twisting in at the top). Then you will quickly grab lighter weights and do a segment of front and side deltoid raises with some variation. My shoulders are always on fire after this segment, tough.

More cardio is next, this time a fun step segment using the Transfirmer in the incline position. Hamstring curls, rock steps, sambas, knee lifts and repeaters are some of the moves that you will see.

Now it's time to work back and biceps. You will start with double arm bent rows in a seated position, then you will move into hammer curls, some of them alternating arms. Then you will stand up and do wide bent over rows with a slightly lighter weight, then move back to biceps with angled bicep curls. All of these have varied counts and tempos.

More step aerobics are next, this is a fun segment that is peformed on the 8 inch section of the Transfirmer. I myself use the 6 inch section as does Alison, it's just more comfortable for me. Knee lifts, knee tapovers, turn steps, over the tops, and hamstring curls are included in this segment. Lots of fun.

The final upper body segment follows, working the shoulders and biceps. You will start with clean and presses, then move into bicep curls, then upright rows, all of these with some alternating of the arms. You will finish out with a set of rear deltoid lifts with varied tempos.

More step aerobics on the 8 inch section of the Transfirmer follow. You will see turn steps, over the tops, V steps, hamstring curls, A steps, jacks and other moves. Cooldown and stretch immediately follows.

This is a great compact workout, hits all the upper body muscles plus includes a variety of cardio in just 30 minutes. I often use this in combination with Jiggle Free Buns, which is a similar workout but for the lower body. I find that I get a great workout with these 2 in an hour. Stephanie is one of my favorite Firm instructors and she does not disappoint in this workout. She has Jiggle Free Arms herself that I would like to have one day. But you will also see Annie in the back who has great definition, definitely the buffest Firm instructor I have seen in a video. I highly recommend this one.

Great Arm Workout!!.......2005-08-23

This workout challenges you to push yourself to the next level! I am pretty fit and figured this would be a breeze for me, but boy was I wrong! The cardio intertwined with the weight sets keep your heart pumping, the blood flowing, and your muscles aching! The Firm has done it again!

(And by the way, the instructor is very motivating!)

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