Hard Luck

Starring:Joanne Baron, Luca Bercovici, Karen Black, Darrell Bryan, Matt Clifford (II), Matthew Faber, Ron Gilbert, Kirk Harris, RenÃ©e Humphrey, Jon Jacobs (II), Tony Longo, Gareth Williams
Studio: Vanguard Cinema
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Not a film for the uptight
Joan Jett without a big break
The Underside of Rock & Roll
Prey for Rock N Roll
I love rock and roll

Prey for Rock & Roll
Starring: Gina Gershon , Drea de Matteo , Lori Petty , Shelly Cole , and Marc Blucas
Director: Alex Steyermark
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Rocked With Gina Gershon
Prey for Rock & Roll
Black and White
Bound
Borderline

ASIN: B00019075S
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Amazon.com

The not-so-glam side of rock is on defiant display in Prey for Rock & Roll, another well-cast Gina Gershon flick (after Showgirls and Bound) poised for cult-favorite status. Serving as co producer and star, Gershon (looking hotter than ever at age 41) is note-for-note perfect as Jacki, the tattoo-clad, pushing-40 leader of Clam Dandys, an L.A.-based all-girl rock band that's never risen above low-paying club gigs despite Jacki's 20-year experience as a wannabe rock star. On the verge of a possible recording contract, the band is close-knit but troubled: ace bassist Tracy (Drea de Matteo, from The Sopranos) has a nasty boyfriend and a drug-and-alcohol problem, while lead guitarist Faith (Lori Petty) and her lover, the band's drummer Sally (Shelly Cole) cope with the unexpected arrival of Sally's ex-con brother Animal (Marc Blucas), an unlikely virgin who's attracted to Jacki. Based on a play by rocker Cheri Lovedog (who wrote and performed most of the band's '80-styled girl-punk music, with Gershon ably handling lead vocals), this down-and-dirty chick flick falls prey to forced melodrama and obligatory tragedy, but it looks, feels, and sounds remarkably authentic, and the cast is terrific. Easily recommended despite its faults, Prey is a feminist cautionary tale for anyone who chooses rock & roll not merely as a profession, but a lifestyle that can't be denied. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Not a film for the uptight.......2006-12-10

Being someone who actually lives in LA, who used to frequent the rock clubs of Hollywood where this film is set (not Silverlake -- Argyle crosses Hollywood Blvd near Vine) and WeHo, who is friends with many musicians, straight, gay and in between, and who LOVES most expressions of rock, I love this film for its realism and passion. I wish there were more films that told it like it is instead of the plasticized fantasies than some reviewers seem to have expected.

Joan Jett without a big break.......2006-11-12

An excellent movie, well cast, with a reasonable and easy to follow storyline. It really was reminiscent of Joan Jett's early days (in Philly)(I really expected Gershon to belt out 'I Love Rock and Roll').

It tells the story of the 'wanna be' groups playing clubs and wishing for a break. (There has to be at least 50 bands that are good that don't make it for every band - good or bad - that does and this is their story.
It deals with the gritty part of life trying to 'make it' as an artist.
-"When are you going to grow up?"
-"What do you REALLY want to be when you grow up?"
-"When are you going to get a real job?"
-"When are you going to pay the rent?"
-"How are you going to pay the rent?"
-"You spent HOW much on a d#$@ guitar?"

There are touching and tragic moments as well as some good music all presented equally well. You won't finish this movie with a smile on your face - but you'll be wrung out - as if you are the one that just finished a club set... All in all, an entertaining movie (I have to admit the 'street justice' hammered out got my applause).

For those playing the club scene, or related to anyone struggling to make it - this is a must see. For everyone else - see it, then go support your local bar band.

The Underside of Rock & Roll.......2006-10-11

To Quote the rock band KISS, "Rock and Roll All Night, Party Every day"...if you believe that, dont watch this movie.

Put together a cast of modern B-rated female actresses (Gina Gershon, Lori Petty, Drea De Matteo and Shelly Cole) in a film about a female LA club band trying to make it big and watch this film cook.

Prey for Rock & Roll is a small indy film and draws you into the story. Based on Cheryl Lovedog's plaY, This is not a female Hard Day's Night or Spice World. This FILM is a taste of real life with its darker side. Its raw filmmaking with a driven story of success and failure mixed with death and life. This is NOT American Idol, this is real life Rock & Roll 101. This is not hype, but it does get heavy handed in spots. This R rating this film has is earned, but it is needed to move this story. You can smell the darkeness of one's soul from this movie

Now to the acting.... Gina Gershon is amazing, best since her role in Showgirls. The part of an over 40 year old rocker is taylor made for here. She sings the Cheryl Lovedog songs with so much passion and heart, you wonder when her album is coming out. And in their what happened to them department, Welcome back to filmmaking Ms Lori Petty--this is not a League of Our Own, but you blend well in this film. Drea de Matteo , i see why you won your Emmy, too bad not many in the Oscar area saw this film...you would have had one of those too!

If you are seeking a nice cute, clean rock & roll film, rent A Hard Day's Night. Help, Spice Girls or Sgt Pepper...If you want a real slice of what it means to live, breath and love what Rock & Roll is and its not so pretty underside, THIS IS YOUR MOVIE.

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

Prey for Rock N Roll.......2006-08-25

This was a very interesting movie. I enjoyed it, but was hesitant at first. The music was to my great surprise really excellent. A very earthy, gutsy movie. I compliment all the actors also. They did an excellent job. It held my attention. If I get up after 10 minutes or so, then I know I don't like the movie. This one, I didn't.

I love rock and roll.......2006-08-14

It's about an aging rock musician and her all female band. She's turning 40 so she questions if she should throw in the towel and get a "real" job". Tragedies happens to her band members during her struggle whether to continue or not. She also gets a record contract offer.

It's the people in this this movie that kept me interested in this film. The plot is mediocre at best. Still, I can't deny I liked it. Definitely a character based movie. It's not for everyone.

Average customer rating:

Okay but passable
what are these people talking about?
gosh, this movie is a total mess!
A Hollywood Version of an Independent Creative Film: Ding!
It Was Alright-

Hard Luck (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Wesley Snipes , and Mario Van Peebles
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Behind Enemy Lines II: Axis of Evil
Miami Vice (Unrated Director's Cut)
Mission Impossible III (Widescreen Edition)
Snakes on a Plane (Widescreen New Line Platinum Series)
Crank (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000HEVZ80
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Sony

Wesley Snipes (Blade) is 'Lucky,' an infamous ex-con whose road to redemption is about to take some very unlucky turns. Against his own better judgment he agrees to celebrate a gangster's birthday, which turns out to be a setup that catapults Lucky back into a frenzied game of cat and mouse between him and a band of dirty cops. In no time, Lucky steals millions of dollars, kidnaps a hot-tempered pole dancer, and finds himself on an explosive and bizarre collision course with the police, the hitmen and a pair of sadistic serial killers!

Filmmaker Mario Van Peebles (Baadasssss!) and three-time Golden Globe® Award winner Cybill Shepherd join the cast in this pulpy, fast-paced action-thriller about three seemingly disparate stories which converge in an explosive climax that will push everybody's luck to the limits.

Customer Reviews:

Okay but passable.......2007-06-17

The story itself is weak and in parts, it does come together. While watching I thought it is just a copy of "pulp fiction" complete with psycho.

The acting is okay. Snipes is about the best and at least his character has some character.

The filming is good.

If you have an hour or two to kill it is okay.

what are these people talking about?.......2007-04-19

yeah, it is not the greatest thriller i have ever seen - but it does a respectable job of keeping the viewer engrossed.

the plot is not as confusing as it is made out to be - pretty straight forward imo - except for some complexity as to who is involved in the drug deal setup - but that's only a side plot which does not have too much of a bearing on the main plot.

snipes has not lost it yet and is still the cool action cat, his latino partner shows potential and will shine brighter in the movies to come and cybil sheperd in a memorable role as a psychotic torturer.

and mario van peebles has an eye for color - striking sets, scenes and photography.

gosh, this movie is a total mess!.......2007-02-07

a horrible screenplay, directed by a barely qualified director. wesley snipes basically is not a bad actor, but if he chose wrong with a badly scripted storyline, he'd have turned out so bad.
this movie, from the very beginning, is a mess, a clueless randomly directed patch-up work. 3 leads tried to so awkwardly link together, suddenly this, then suddenly that, zigged and zagged around, none of the three parts ever well developed.
van peeble did a horrible directing job in this movie and made himself and snipes both become coffin-nailed box office poisons. i couldn't help but thought of those messy clueless films out of hongkong about 10 years ago that almost completely wiped out the hongkong movie industry. unfortunately, i got the same sinking feeling when i watched this messy film.

A Hollywood Version of an Independent Creative Film: Ding!.......2006-11-28

Mario Van Peebles has done some good work in his past but this bizarre, confusing, silly dud is not one of them. The script feels like someone gave a party for wannabe writers, told them each to submit a plot for a far out film, then mixed them all together and came up with a hash that in the end is merely a re-do of the bad guy turned good guy on the run - with diversions.

Lucky (Wesley Snipes) is released from prison with the plan of going straight. Of course his buddy covets his reputation and invites him to his birthday party where Lucky lusts after a pole dancer Angela (Jackie Quinones) and manages to become involved in a dirty cop drug deal that sends him on the usual wild car chase with Angela looking for a way to hideout with the corrupt money stashed in metal suitcases (rigged of course). After a shootout in a motel, the couple seeks housing from a gay porno filmmaker Mendez (Luis Guzmán in yet another chameleon role) and his associate Antonio (Gavin J. Behrman) who just happens to be in on the dirty cop aspect of the drug deal.

Off Lucky and Angela drive to a wooded area where they hole up next door to a weirdo pair of serial killers - Cass (Cybill Shepherd), who is angry at the world for negative response to her retarded grown son Eugene (Mike Messier), and Chang (James Hiroyuki Liao), Cass's strangely sick lover and wannabe martial arts expert (yeah, that is thrown in, too) - who kidnap victims and torture and kill them in Hollywood-style videotaped sequences. Of course, when Lucky and Angela need telephone help, Lucky goes next door, is immediately strapped into a torture chair, only eventually to be discovered by the bad of bad cops and one decent cop, Captain Davis, played by Mario Van Peebles of course. And things change and intertwine and nobody really cares.

Wesley Snipes does have charisma and it is because of him that the film is watchable, but even his role doesn't explain why this mess was made in the first place. It looks and sounds like a very low budget film on which probably millions were spent. Pass on this one unless you're in the mood to laugh AT a movie instead of with one. Grady Harp, November 06

It Was Alright-.......2006-11-01

This movie reminded me of Pulp Ficition, especially the part when Lucky is captured by Cybil Shepards' character and nearly tortured. My boyfriend enjoyed this movie and I think it's because Lucky held a Puerto Rican stripper hostage throughout the entire movie. Go figure.

Average customer rating:

As many different shades of "brilliant" as there are.
Hardcore Logo
Has little to do with
A real thrill seeker!!
Your Favorite Band Sucks.

Hard Core Logo
Starring: Art Bergmann , Jeremy Bishop (II) , Bernie Coulson , Hugh Dillon , and Dan Fazzio
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Satire | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Wilby Wonderful
Last Night
Hard Core Logo
Twitch City - The Complete Series
Suspicious River

ASIN: B00005B20D
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Amazon.com

Hard Core Logo is often compared to This Is Spinal Tap--and for marketing purposes, that makes sense: both are pretend documentaries about rock bands (a self-important heavy metal crew in Spinal Tap, a self-destructing punk mob in Hard Core Logo). But though Hard Core Logo can be cuttingly funny, it's not really a comedy; it's a piercing examination of friendship and betrayal, success and self-hatred, and everything that fueled punk rock. Lead singer Joe Dick (Hugh Dillon) uses false pretenses to convince guitarist Billy Tallent (Callum Keith Rennie) to reform Hard Core Logo for a reunion tour across Canada, followed by a film crew (featuring director Bruce McDonald, whose other films include Roadkill and Highway 61, as himself). Tallent agrees, but only because he expects to be joining a much more successful rock group very shortly and sees this as a favor to Dick. As they travel from town to town, their relationship unravels, as does the psyche of bass player John Oxenberger (John Pyper-Ferguson). The performances are astonishingly genuine; even the oafish drummer Pipefitter (Bernie Coulson) becomes three-dimensional. By the end, you'll believe in them so much as people that the band's disintegration is truly wrenching. A remarkable film, both comic and sad. --Bret Fetzer

Description

A hilarious rockumentary in the laugh-packed tradition of THIS IS SPINAL TAP -- critics everywhere are howling the praises of HARD CORE LOGO! The punk rock band Hard Core Logo is back -- reunited and hitting the road on a last-gasp tour across the western part of the nation. As magnetic lead singer Joe Dick holds the whole tour together through sheer force of will, all the tensions and pitfalls of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle come bursting hilariously to the surface! Featuring a memorable appearance by punk rock legend Joey Ramone of The Ramones -- settle in and enjoy this offbeat comedy as it really cranks up the laughs!

Customer Reviews:

As many different shades of "brilliant" as there are........2006-10-17

Hard Core Logo (Bruce MacDonald, 1996)

When I finished watching Hard Core Logo, with its insanely brilliant final shot, I realized I'd seen a pretty good movie-- a little slow to get going, and definitely marketed wrong (comparing Hard Core Logo to This Is Spinal Tap is like comparing Shoah to Life Is Beautiful). Two days later, when I was still thinking about all the subtleties of the movie, it occurred to me that I'd seen what may be the most brilliant mockumentary ever created, a movie so true to the roots of the things it fictionalizes that it may well be truer, in a sense, than many of the "memoirs" we've seen in the recent past.

Hard Core Logo is the story of the [punk band of the same name], who reunite for a five-date tour after five years of separation-- vocalist Joe Dick (Hugh and the Headstones singer Hugh Dillon, recently of Assault on Precinct 13), guitarist Billy Tallent (Blade: Trinity's Callum Keith Rennie), bassist John Oxenberger (Pin...'s John Pyper-Ferguson), and drummer Pipefitter (Bernie Coulson, who despite a long and prolific career will probably best be remembered for a single guest spot on an episode of The X-Files) quickly find not only that the rigors of the road still suck, but that not everyone is just in it for the love of the game...

I wish I could enumerate all the things that make this such a wonderful movie. The problem is, I'm sure I haven't found them all yet. Just while sitting here typing this it occurred to me how dead-on the dichotomy between the filmmakers' attitude towards the band and the general public's attitude towards the band is; MacDonald comes at the project, initially, through a kind of hero-worship (and again, my mind just made the parallels between the MacDonald-Dick relationship and the Dick-Bucky Haight relationship as the film progresses. Amazing stuff.), while the general public, most of whom hadn't heard of the band before, certainly couldn't give a damn about the reunion tour. Been there, done that. MacDonald nails it.

The comparisons to Spinal Tap are unwarranted mainly because where Spinal Tap is a comedy, Hard Core Logo is a tragedy. There's never a point in Spinal Tap where you don't know that there's going to be some sort of "oh, you're HUGE in Germany!" deus ex machina. MacDonald never even gives us the option in Hard Core Logo; it's obvious that no matter how things end up, people are going to get hurt. The self-destructive Hard Core Logo are hell-bent on imploding, and MacDonald (whom, I should mention, is playing himself; yes, this film has "meta" writ large all over it, which is part of the fun) is just as intent on capturing the whole thing. What starts off seeing as though it may be a mean-spirited black comedy quickly turns to uncomfortable chuckling, and by halfway through you're wondering why you ever thought there was anything funny about it.

It's been another week since I finished watching it and framed that opening paragraph in my head, and the movie is still growing in my estimation. The more I think about it, the more I realize Hard Core Logo is an incredible achievement on every level. A stunning film. **** ½

Hardcore Logo.......2006-05-24

This movie ranks up there with the other punk rock movies: Romper Stomper, American History X, and SLC Punk. GET IT!!! It was obviously shot on a low budget and a few years back (1996), but that's the way the hardcore scene looked - low budget. Over-production would have killed this movie. It gave a good look at life in small town life and angry youth in North America as it would have looked in the 1980's before this sort of thing was commercialized and exploited by MTV, etc. It also shows some beautiful winter scenery of the more remote regions in western Canada. Enjoy!!!!

Has little to do with .......2006-02-20

Has little to do with hardcore or punk music but is still a good film, i recommend it.

A real thrill seeker!!.......2006-01-16

I was not disapointed at all with the purchase of this film. It had so much suspense to it and the way it ended was the most unexpecting. It was well done and the actors in it were very realistic as for a independant film.

Your Favorite Band Sucks........2005-11-08

Hard Core Logo never made it off the ground. It was a simple idea badly executed and finalized by a rushed statement about the music industry. Director Bruce McDonald has crafted, well ... crafted is too decent of a word, he has actually jumbled together a mess of a film that attempts to give us that raw, cutting edge, emotion that demonstrates that corporations don't own the music we listen to. Actually, I am not sure that was the point at all with this feature, in fact, I am not sure I quite understood what anyone, from the actors to the director himself, was trying to accomplish with this devastating mockumentary. From the high-school theater acting to the rushed ending, you feel lost and used throughout the course of this entire film. You want to witness both the high points and struggles for this band, but it is extremely hard when you care nothing about the band from the beginning. We have seen the punk band film recreated in Hollywood over and over, and this takes no new punches. Sure, the "spitting" is gross, but does that really define a character? I wanted unique characters that brought with them a passion and a history, not just clichéd moments that could be witnessed outside of every coffeehouse in America.

To begin, the story. Where was it? What was the central focus of this film? It was nothing more than a rehashed version of The Blues Brothers, but instead of Jake insinuating that religion forced the band back together, we have Joe Dick demonstrating that corruption and popularity keep the world floating in a circle. The sad part is that there is no direction. Director Bruce McDonald tries hard to show the raw power of this band, but instead just creates cheap realism bounded by a confusing structure. McDonald, as both the director and "voice of God", intervenes too often in this film giving us this fake sense of truth. Unlike the Christopher Guest films, we are reminded often that a camera crew is following this band. While McDonald may be attempting to make the point that punk rockers hate the publicity and media hype, it seems as if the members of "Hard Core Logo" want nothing more than to be ever-present on the camera. It is a genuine slap in the face for true revelers of the punk rock genre. I feel as if McDonald embarrassed both this genre and those punk rockers. Either he didn't do his homework, he didn't care about the topic, or he just was trying to recreate the excitement of This is Spinal Tap, but he failed. This film from the beginning scene never worked due in a major part to the lacking story and structure, but also because of the poor choice of actors to helm this project.

If this was to be a comedy, as boasted on the cover of the DVD, than one could safely assume that there was going to be actual bits of humor laced between the storyline. I am here to confirm that there was nothing funny about this film at all. I don't believe I uttered one miniscule chuckle through the entire journey. It just wasn't funny. I do not doubt that audiences were rolling around with laughter during the "huge" cliché drug sequence, but to me it just seemed so forced and recycled that by that point in the film my mind was controlled by apathy. I didn't care. The actors were completely devoid of their characters. When I watch a film I expect to see an actor bring something new to the table with their character, or better yet, at least bring their character to the table, but in Hard Core Logo, nobody did. I kept seeing actors playing the part of the punk rock band members. I witnessed no back-story dedicated to understanding these members of the band prior to this failed reunion tour. I witnessed nothing that placed my heart with this band as they traveled through Canada searching to rebuild their status. Thanks to the poor direction of Bruce McDonald (and the complete lack of meaty characters), nothing felt honest, real, or even emotional about these guys.

Finally, another issue with this film is that it feels dated. I realize that with documentaries or even mocumentaries there is an understanding that perhaps years from now you will look back and laugh at how much the world has changed. Sadly, with this film, it began in a Goodwill Store, and never quite found its historical value. There are better films out there that depict the punk rock era than Hard Core Logo. I was hoping to remember some of my youthful tunes and the power of disrespecting a corporate nation, but with this film I just felt cheap. I felt dishonest about the true nature of a very innovated music movement.

Overall, I thought this was a horrible film. Those that have quoted the ending as being fantastical, I would wonder how they were able to fully develop themselves into these characters. The director was poor, the production was generic, and the full disrespect to the genre of punk rock was hitting me so hard in the face I nearly wanted to get angry at this film. I guess I did have some emotion with this film, but not what McDonald wanted to convey. I do not suggest this film, but instead think that you should go out and find your old NOFX albums or Rancid album and truly enjoy what this genre of music has to offer.

Grade: * out of *****

Average customer rating:

It's an endurance test; a contest of wills.
"It's a human drama thing"
Infinitely better than reality TV!
Fun, but very cheaply produced documentry
i'm so sorry

Hands on a Hard Body
Starring: Paul Prince (II) , Raul Martinez , Greg Cox (II) , Brent Baskin , and Blake Long
Director: S.R. Bindler
Manufacturer: Ideal
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Documentary | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Ponette
Get a Life - Vol. 1
Growin' a Beard
Spellbound
101 Dalmatians

ASIN: B00000JYWZ
Release Date: 2000-01-18

Amazon.com

How far would you go for a brand-new, fully loaded pickup truck? Would you go as far as the 23 contestants in Hands on a Hard Body, who entered a contest in which the last one standing with his or her hand on the car drove off with it?

S.R. Bindler documents the contest that takes place each year at a Nissan dealership in Longview, Texas. And what a contest it is. Twenty-three names are drawn at random and these lucky folks get the opportunity to participate. The rules are simple: one hand must remain on the truck at all times; no leaning or squatting allowed; if the hand is raised even momentarily, the contestant is out. One 5-minute break is permitted every hour, and one 15-minute break every 6 hours. The last three survivors--excuse us, contestants--must be tested for drugs. The results are hilarious. The gloves irritate hands (sweat could ruin the truck's finish), legs go numb, people get on each other's nerves. Strategy is involved, cheaters are accused, competition is fierce. "It's a contest, they say, of stamina, but it's who can maintain their sanity the longest," we're told by 1992 winner Benny Perkins, who competes once again. This offbeat film shows the quirkier side of human nature while providing a thoroughly entertaining watch. Each contestant represents something, but which will win out: desperation (a woman tired of riding her bike everywhere but who can't afford car payments), determination (a toothless woman who "tr[ies] to finish everything I start"), God (a woman's church holds a prayer chain for her as she communes with Jesus by the truck), endurance (a former Marine who once stayed awake for five days), or experience (Perkins is sure he knows all the tricks)? Who finally makes it through the 78-hour ordeal? You'll have to watch this comical film to find out. --Jenny Brown

Customer Reviews:

It's an endurance test; a contest of wills. .......2006-06-02

To the uninitiated, HANDS ON A HARDBODY may vaguely sound like it's a porn film or perhaps a film about a "fluffer" or someone involved in oiling up muscles in a body building contest. To those more familiar with vehicles, a "hardbody" is the term for a Nissan pickup truck. The "hands" fit into S. R. Bindler's documentary courtesy of the 1994 "Hands on a Hardbody" competition. This annual contest at a Longview, Texas Nissan dealership has contestants place a hand on a well-equipped truck. The last person to take their hand off the truck wins it.

It's an endurance test; a contest of wills.

Director Bindler does a terrific job, introducing the audience to the contestants, the rules, the attitudes, and the strategies. We hear the voice of experience via Benny Perkins, the winner of the 1992 contest who has returned to earn a second truck. Perkins describes his mindset and the course of action he used during his first attempt; "If you eat something like [a hamburger] it'll bring you down."

In a tournament of time and endurance, HANDS ON A HARDBODY has nary a dull moment. As the hours tick by, Bindler interjects interviews with participants and contrasts them with on-the-spot insight. We see attitudes shift and fortitude fold or fortify. As the twenty-three entrants dwindle, friendships are forged and rivalries arise. The contest acts as a personality magnifier; artifice fades as fatigue kicks in. More than swollen joints and numb feet, time takes its toll on the minds of these resolute combatants. Some become comatose while others fall into fits of hysterical laughter.

I only watched the final episode of the first season of "Survivor." I could see the appeal of the show: the personality conflicts and physical duress. However, HANDS ON A HARDBODY condenses that intensity into a terrific, taut, 90-minute work of absurd human drama.

"It's a human drama thing".......2006-03-22

This quote from one of the featured contestants sums up this documentary. I'm not one who often watches a film more than once. However, I've seen this at least 4 times and have been fascinated each time.
For a person who enjoys documentaries, this is a great one. The filmmaking is not as professional as some others, but that's probably part of the appeal. Some of the personalities are definately amusing, just because they're such unique individuals and are without pretense.
By the time the contest and film are over, you almost feel as though you had been a participant and are ready for a long rest.

Infinitely better than reality TV!.......2005-03-03

Okay, I admit...I'm a sucker for documentaries. Give me a documentary anyday over what passes for 'reality' on television. I love the raw quality of docs and the emotion of the people in them. "Hands on a Hard Body" is a little gem of a movie. Sure it was cheaply made and many of the camera shots are rough, but the people in this little film are amazing! And hilarious. I certainly don't mean to poke fun at them because I think their honest-to-goodness need and desire to win a truck is so real and touching. I love how some of them trained for the contest (by eating "energy" food like oranges and 'snickie' bars) and the side stories that transpire throughout the film. It's funny, it's touching, it's a little bit sad, but I loved it. "Hands on a Hard Body" is reality! Check it out at your local video store. I think you'll be glad you did.

Fun, but very cheaply produced documentry.......2004-05-09

Worth seeing if like getting insight into the very, Very, VERY common Joe's of the world. These people ar soooo real they would never be cast in a reality TV show! Yep .. that real!

i'm so sorry.......2003-11-02

it really embarrasses me to be from longview texas with all this crap on video. longview is an odd place to live, it's pretty miserable it's not really a small town feel or that of a city really. it's somewhere in between. any how all this car crazyness attracts attention to a place that really sucks basically. one of my friends fathers is featured on the video, that's pretty wierd honesty. longview is no spectacular place, i wouldn't even reccommend going there.

Average customer rating:

not bad for low budget indi film
Please kill me!

What About Me
Starring: Richard Edson , Richard Hell , Dee Dee Ramone , Rockets Redglare , and Johnny Thunders
Manufacturer: Eclectic DVD Dist.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Proto Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Story of a Junkie
Dee Dee Ramone - Hey Is Dee Dee Home
Geek Maggot Bingo
All Dolled Up
Thunders, Kane, & Nolan - You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory

ASIN: B000094J87
Release Date: 2003-05-20

Product Description

WHAT ABOUT ME portays the gradual deterioration of Lisa Napolitano (Rachel Amodeo) a young women forced to exist on the streets, intermingling with the outcasts of society. Along the way she encounters a shell-shocked Vietnam veteran, Nick (Richard Edson); a nihilistic East Village, Tom (Nick Zedd); and a sympathetic good samaritan, Paul (Richard Hell). WHAT ABOUT ME was filmed in black and white on location in Tompkins Square Park and the Lower East Side. Gregory Corso, Judy Carne, Johnny Thunders, Jerry Nolan and Dee Dee Ramone appear in addition to the homeless residents of the park. The soundtrack includes music by Johnny Thunders.

Format: DVD

Customer Reviews:

not bad for low budget indi film.......2007-05-08

If you bear in mind that this is a low budget independent film, it's enjoyable. It's gritty, seeing nyc's lower east side before gentrification is pretty cool, many of the scenes seem authentic, and some of the characters are very humorous. The plot is a little choppy, the now-dead punk icons (thunders, nolan, dee dee ramone) make cameo appearances in scenes that have little to do with the plot-- but it's good to see them. The scene with dee dee is actually so dee-dee, if you've ever seen an interview with dee dee. Richard Hell is the exception-- he has something of a role and for once plays a nice guy (in 'smithereens' and 'blank generation' he played not very sympathetic character roles). You also get to see Maryanne Bracken-- who plays main character "Lisa"'s aunt (Bracken is Johnny Thunders' sister). And the film is short enough that the weaknesses don't become too detracting to the enjoyment of the film.

Please kill me!.......2004-01-14

What About Me is fascinating as an historical footnote of the East Village music and/or drug scene of the 1970s.
However, as for acting skills, Rachel Amodeo's monotone voice could call forth bats from Hates.
The acting was so bad as to be comedic
As for screenplay? You've got to be kidding.. . ?

The best part of the movie are all the cameo roles from ghosted musicians victims of drug overdoses.
On a positive note, the social commentary on Tompkins Park was memorable.

Customer Reviews:

"Every house is just that little bit different.".......2006-09-18

"Hard Labour" from British director Mike Leigh originally aired in 1973 on BBC's critically acclaimed Play For Today series. "Hard Labour" focuses on the emotionally sterile life of the working class long-suffering Mrs. Thornley (Liz Smith). Married to Jim (Clifford Kershaw), a petty-minded night watchman, Mrs. Thornley spends most of her unappreciated life cleaning up after others. In her modest council house, Mrs. T is subjected to constant complaints and belittling comments from her husband. She also works as a cleaning lady for a snobby middle class couple--the Stones. Mrs. T patiently, painstakingly and without a shadow of a complaint scrubs Mrs. Stone's (Vanessa Harris) house while her employer stuffs her face with chocolates, nags about the silver and complains about Mr. Stone.

Mr. Thornley guards a warehouse full of gigantic plastic ducks, and while it seems highly unlikely that anyone in their right minds would want to steal them, Thornley's immediate supervisor--a much younger man--takes every opportunity to berate and humiliate Thornley about his performance. Thornley, in turn, abuses his wife in a similar fashion, and the pecking order in life seems thoroughly established. The Thornleys have a contentious daughter (Polly Hemingway) whose role in the family seems to be geared towards baiting her father. Somewhere underneath all this drudgery, nagging, and knee-jerk nastiness Mrs. Thornley has feelings, but they're buried far from the eyes of her family.

"Hard Labour" is not my favourite Mike Leigh film, and if you're new to Leigh, I recommend you start elsewhere ("Who's Who", "Grown-Ups" or "High Hopes"). Leigh fans will want to watch this film, but its unappealing characters, and drifting mundane plot (which mirrors Mrs. T's life) may be difficult for anyone who is not a hard-boiled fan. Ben Kingsley appears in the role of Naseem--displacedhuman

Average customer rating:

strong performances in a seventies like love story
Tear jerker from Oregon
Beautiful film with strong performances

Hard Luck
Starring: Joanne Baron , Luca Bercovici , Karen Black , Darrell Bryan , and Matt Clifford (II)
Manufacturer: Vanguard Cinema
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Crime | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Crime & Criminals | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Hard Candy

ASIN: B0000633TP
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Customer Reviews:

strong performances in a seventies like love story.......2002-11-11

This film feels and looks like a seventies film. Keys on the performances, although I wish some of the camera work and editing where better. It still sucks you in to the journey of the lead characters in a big way. Their journey to an island on a lake in scenic Oregon is both heartbreaking and leaves the viewer with that dreaded feeling of impending doom. Definitely would call it somewhat of a chick flick but worth the watch just the same.

Tear jerker from Oregon.......2002-08-31

I had never heard of this film before. It really surprised me. Very well made independent film. I thought the performances were outstanding and the Oregon coastline gorgeous. After renting so many bad independent films I'm amazed this one didn't have a larger release.

Beautiful film with strong performances.......2002-06-03

Hard Luck's main strength is its performances. Mainly of the lead actor Kirk Harris who gives the film a tragic yet hopeful feel. It is about the importance of friendship and family over anything.

Average customer rating:

hard luck girls

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000OFOLZQ
Release Date: 2007-03-15

AMC Hard Luck Classics: Blue Steel/His Private Secretary

Average customer rating:

AMC Hard Luck Classics: Blue Steel/His Private Secretary
Starring: John Wayne
Manufacturer: Genius Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

All Titles | John Wayne Store | Stores | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000A59QKK
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Average customer rating:

Good Video
PHAT but could be better.
so close its like u there
Great but technically flawed DVD
BACKSTAGE

Hard Knock Life Tour [Region 2]
Starring: Jay-Z , DMX , Method Man , Redman , and Beanie Sigel
Director: Chris Fiore (III)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Jay-Z: Streets Is Watching
Jay Z - Fade to Black
Death of a Dynasty
The Show
Paper Soldiers

ASIN: B00006JY2V

Amazon.com

This raucous documentary of the 1999 Hard Knock Life Tour--featuring Jay-Z, DMX, Method Man, Redman, and other rappers--is chaotic and confusing, but that seems entirely appropriate. Life on tour is notoriously grueling, and this tour (with such an abundance of high-profile performers and support staff) proves to be no exception. Surprisingly, the egos of the performers seem reasonably under control; the driving motor of the entire event is Roc-A-Fella Records CEO Damon Dash, who rants to great effect--in one entertaining sequence, as someone fruitlessly tries to shave Dash's head, Dash vents at length about how everyone is wearing jackets publicizing Def Jam instead of Roc-A-Fella. Backstage depicts naked groupies, drug use, internal squabbles, and hardly a sentence goes by that isn't filled with obscenities or epithets, but the rappers come across as a surprisingly genial, friendly lot just enjoying themselves. Jay-Z is particularly charming, but rapper Beanie Sigel has the sharpest comments to make as he describes the treatment of demo tapes at record labels. Curiously, the concert footage only comes across in snippets, though it certainly communicates the flavor of the show. Backstage is unlikely to tell you anything you didn't know or already suspect about the touring life or rap music, but it depicts the experience vividly. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Good Video.......2005-02-05

DMX is sick and Meth and Red were awsome too. It was crazy seein Methodman and Redman perform flyin though the sky kickin off their Timbs. Pain in tha ass was some funnt sh*t too doin his Tony Montana Impression Eatin a sandwich. This DVD is worth watchin, peace

PHAT but could be better........2002-07-23

They needed to extend the length of this DVD. Despite the title i thought it would have more concert footage. Its fustrating when one of your favourite songs begins and is then cut off, and believe me with the rappers featured on this DVD its rather frequent. DMX is by far the most entertaining because what he says is most interesting and at times relevant. Its good to see how Ja acts in a interview senario. he seems very on point. Method Man and Redman are themselves, entertaing and so high they could kiss tha sky as always. This DVD was a must for my collection beacuse of the all-star cast. If u respect the people mentioned above i recommend u buy this DVD. Definatly blunt somkin material.

so close its like u there.......2001-05-16

If there is one hip hop documentary u gotta pick up, its Backstage. Whats more fun than seein Red and Meth gettin high? Whats more fun than seein Damon Dash curse out da Def Jam prez? This documentary gets you so close to the backstage action even tha artists was startin to get [mad] yellin at da cameras. Some people said there wasnt enough actual concert footage: READ THE TITLE...! ITS CALLED BACKSTAGE NOT ONSTAGE!

Great but technically flawed DVD.......2001-03-20

The "Backstage" DVD is a great slice of hip hop life showing you the behind-the-scenes, industry point of view on the hip hop music touring biz mixed with snippets (NOT whole songs) of some the hits songs performed live on the tour. Just for the scene where Dame Dash puts Def Jam prez Kevin Liles on blast for trying to steal Roc-A-Fella's shine by giving all the artists on tour Def Jam Hard Knock Life tour jackets is worth the price of the DVD alone.

However, I have had trouble with 2 copies of the DVD I have bought so far. Both times, chapters 9-12 have played OK but won't fast forward or rewind. When you try to do either the DVD freezes up. I'm not sure if I'm buying from a bad batch of DVDs at the particular store I went to or if this is a problem with all the Backstage DVD's but it's frustrating if you want to just skip to a particular scene within any of these chapters. In summation: great disc for those wanting to see some of the reality behind the glitz and glamor of the hip hop music world but buyer beware: there may be problems with your DVD depending on where you purchase it.

BACKSTAGE.......2001-02-23

THIS IS A DOCUMENTARY TYPE MOVIE FOR TRUE HIP-HOP FANS. I RANK IT AS GOOD, I THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF MORE OF THE ACTUAL CONCERT WERE FEATURED. IT WAS REAL,YOU GET TO SEE THE PERFORMERS AWAY FROM THE STAGE... SOME OF THE PERSONALITIES BEGIN TO SHINE THROUGH THEIR ONSTAGE PERSONAS, (THE BRAINS AND THE BRAWN)...

DVD:

DVD List

DVD

DVD

John Wayne Movie Marathon

The Nightmare On Elm Street

Lord Jim (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Bulworth

Liebe Deine Nächste!