Redemption (2002)

Starring:Chris Penn
Studio: Framework Ent. Group
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Produced by Edward Norton and Naomi Watts, The Painted Veil works well as a movie--even better as an actor's showcase. The year is 1925. When her domineering mother pressures her to marry, Kitty (Watts) settles for shy bacteriologist Walter (Norton). Then Walter is transferred from London to Shanghai and the lonely and bored Kitty drifts into an affair with married diplomat Charlie (Liev Schreiber). When Walter finds out, he makes a startling proposition: either Kitty accompanies him to the cholera-infested countryside or he'll divorce her. With no other prospects, she comes along on what looks like a double-suicide mission. Based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham, The Painted Veil was adapted by Philadelphia's Ron Nyswaner (who knows a little something about infectious diseases). As two previous versions made little impact--despite Garbo's presence in the 1934 melodrama--John Curran's film is sure to stand as definitive. Interestingly, Norton, who studied Chinese history at Yale, chose Watts as his co-star, while Watts chose Curran, for whom she appeared in 2004's underrated We Don't Live Here Anymore. Filmed on location, the handsome production is, in many respects, just as old-fashioned as its source material--sex is merely suggested and Kitty is shocked that their English neighbor (Toby Jones) has a Chinese lover--but the ending packs a feminist twist. Mostly though, The Painted Veil is about the acting, and Watts and Norton, along with Diana Rigg as a disillusioned Mother Superior, have rarely been better. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Based on the classic novel by W. Somerset Maugham, "The Painted Veil" is a love story set in the 1920s that tells the story of a young English couple, Walter, a middle class doctor and Kitty, an upper-class woman, who get married for the wrong reasons and relocate to Shanghai, where she falls in love with someone else. When he uncovers her infidelity, in an act of vengeance, he accepts a job in a remote village in China ravaged by a deadly epidemic, and takes her along. Their journey brings meaning to their relationship and gives them purpose in one of the most remote and beautiful places on earth.

Customer Reviews:

underrated.......2007-07-03

The Painted Veil is another gem to come out this year that was not widely advertised. I found the cast, the scenery, and the story to be different and entertaining. This is not an extremely fast-paced movie, but it was produced with some serious craftsmanship by the two main actors. They did a great job and Liev Schreiber was a nice added touch.

Subtle film, but good........2007-07-03

A bit underwhelming in terms of script, but the acting is superb. The lighting is also excellent.

Spellbinding.......2007-07-03

I have watched this movie three times in the last 24 hours. Everything about it is beautiful and tragic and haunting. I have always been a fan of Edward Norton's, but beginning with The Illusionist and now with this movie, I see how powerful and deep the emotions he portrays are. Both he and Naomi Watts are so perfect for this story, I literally cannot stop thinking about it.

A moving story of estrangement & reconciliation..........2007-07-01

This is a slow paced but beautiful film about marital betrayal, estrangement, reconciliation, forgiveness and love. The cinematography is spectacular, as most of the movie was shot on location in China. Edward Norton and Naomi Watts do a good job as the couple with the tortured relationship. Its pacing and theme will prompt many to dismiss it as a "Chick Flick," but that label does not do justice to this fine movie.

Excellent!.......2007-07-01

I just wanted to give this movie the 5 stars it deserves. I absolutely loved this movie - everything about it was perfect, even it's slow pace which some complain about. Sometimes a movie has to move slowly in order to evoke a certain sense in the viewer. If you want to be totally transported to a different and interesting time and place, then see this movie.

The Lion King (Disney Special Platinum Edition)

Average customer rating:

A must have for any youngster's library
the lion king
A great Disney movie, for kids AND adults!
Excellent Family movie!!
One Feature Length Advertisement In A Series Of Feature Length Advertisements

The Lion King (Disney Special Platinum Edition)
Starring: Jonathan Taylor Thomas , Matthew Broderick , James Earl Jones , Jeremy Irons , and Moira Kelly
Director: Rob Minkoff , and Roger Allers
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Little Mermaid (2-Disc Platinum Edition)

Accessories:

Lion King
The Lion King: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Walt Disney Animated Anthology - The Classic Collector's Set

ASIN: B00003CXB4
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Amazon.com essential video

Not an ideal choice for younger kids, this hip and violent animated feature from Disney was nevertheless a huge smash in theaters and on video, and it continues to enjoy life in an acclaimed Broadway production. The story finds a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually comes back to reclaim his proper place. Characters are very strong, vocal performances by the likes of Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are terrific, the jokes are aimed as much (if not more) at adults than kids, the animation is sometimes breathtaking, and the music is more palatable than in many Disney features. But be cautious: this is too intense for the Rugrat crowd. --Tom Keogh

How good-looking is the DVD restoration of Disney's popular animated film? Take a look at the serviceable but dull film clips incorporated in the plethora of extras and compare them to the vivid gorgeousness of the film presentation. This "special edition" also adds a 90-second song ("Morning Report") that originated in the lavish stage musical. To Disney's credit, the original theatrical version is also included, both restored and featuring two 5.1 soundtracks: Dolby Digital and a new Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, which does sound brighter. As with the Disney Platinum line, everything is thrown into the discs, except an outsider's voice (the rah-rahs of Disney grow tiresome at times). The excellent commentary from the directors and producer, originally on the laser disc, is hidden under the audio set-up menu.

The second disc is organized by 20-minute-ish "journeys" tackling the elements of story, music, et cetera, including good background on the awkward Shakespearean origins at Disney where it was referred as "Bamlet." The most interesting journey follows the landmark stage production, and the kids should be transfixed by shots of the real African wildlife in the animal journey. Three deleted segments are real curios, including an opening lyric for "Hakuna Matata." Most set-top DVD games are usually pretty thin (DVD-ROM is where it's at), but the Safari game is an exception--the kids should love the roaring animals (in 5.1 Surround, no less). One serious demerit goes to the needless and complicated second navigation system that is listed by continent, but just shows the same features reordered. --Doug Thomas

Description

Disney's THE LION KING SPECIAL EDITION features an all-new song, "Morning Report," and never-before-seen animation, giving you even more of this award-winning masterpiece -- the greatest animated adventure of all time. An unforgettable story, breathtaking animation, beloved characters, and Academy Award(R)-winning music (Best Original Score, 1994; Best Song, "Can You Feel The Love Tonight") set the stage for the adventures of Simba, the feisty lion cub who "just can't wait to be king." But his envious Uncle Scar has plans for his own ascent to the throne, and he forces Simba's exile from the kingdom. Alone and adrift, Simba soon joins the escapades of a hilarious meerkat named Timon and his warmhearted warthog pal, Pumbaa. Adopting their carefree lifestyle of "Hakuna Matata," Simba ignores his real responsibilities until he realizes his destiny and returns to the Pride Lands to claim his place in the "Circle of Life." Now extensively restored and remastered -- experience THE LION KING like never before, from its magnificent musical opening over breathtaking African vistas to its emotional climax. The all-star vocal talents -- including Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Ernie Sabella -- rip-roaring comedy, and uplifting messages of courage, loyalty, and hope make this timeless tale entertainment for all ages.

Customer Reviews:

A must have for any youngster's library.......2007-07-03

This classic story is filled with important life lessons presented with appropriate viewer language. My kids have been introduced to how all life is connected on this planet. It is a great resource for kids to associate how life works between species. The family story is also important. All of this packaged with great songs and enchanting performances from the actors.

the lion king.......2007-05-21

propably one of the best animated motion pictures ever. I hated the addition of the new song, but I believe that was directed towards the younger audiences. Many extras, most i liked to watch

A great Disney movie, for kids AND adults!.......2007-05-12

This is a great story and it's told with very good music intertwined with the dialogue. "The Lion King" and other Disney animated films are good entertainment keeping me occupied on my daily treadmill walks. I find that I enjoy them as much as I did when I was a child.

Excellent Family movie!!.......2007-05-09

I have a 6 and a 2 year old. They love this movie. I've been looking all over trying to locate it for our movie library. The quality of this movie is awesome. The sound effects are great. I notice they've added a few more songs to the movie since it was first viewed in 1994. I was pleased to see that my two year old was not afraid of the hyenas. He thinks that scar is mean. Moreover, he insist on watching it every weekend.

One Feature Length Advertisement In A Series Of Feature Length Advertisements.......2007-04-15

The problem with this movie is the same problem I see in 90% of movies released by Disney. Although I seem to be the only person to notice this, most Disney movies are a beginning and an end with little to no substance in the middle. In this film for instance, Simba is your normal curious, happy and mischevious child just of course, he's a lion who is next in line to become the next king. His father is thrown off the side of a mountain killing him which causes Simba's problem. Led to believe he is the cause he runs into exile. Good way to start an animated Children's movie I think. About 7-10 minutes later he's grown and on his way to reclaim his place. Where the depth of the story should be is put into a short montage instead of showing his feelings and growing up and when he accepts his reponsability you never fully get a feeling of how hard it is for him. And how easily convinced he is to come back is lame in it self. Timone and Pumba are good characters to have an mixed with The Hiena's(however you spell that) make for really funny characters. But the story as most Disney movies sucks and is really just recycled from every other Disney movie. With exception of the Pirates Of The Carribean movies the company really has done nothing I see should give it half the hype it gets. And on a quick side note. Am I the only one who feels like Disney only spits out these movies to create the endless stream of merchindise that makes the weakest of characers a god in the Disney world. I mean, you can buy an action figure of the midget in the Pirate movies and making Snot Rod who appears in Cars for like 1.5 minutes in like 5 diffent toy car forms that I've seen. Disney Movies in General are nothing more than 85 minute long comercials for a slew of cloths, toys and other worthless collectables. The whole reason the Pirates of The Carribean was ever conceived was to advertise a a ride within Disney World. You can say movies like Dogma, Scarface and The Exorcist are evil. But none try to draw your worship and aww harder than Disney. In other words Disney is the real Devil and Watching Disney movies will damn you to HELL!!!-haha. (for real. watch if you want. but if people gonna dog my taste for being more racey I'm gonna spend that judgemental pendelum around and let you think about what could truly be a sin against God. Remember the 1st Commandment and see if Disney isn't trying to go against it with the way it attempts to pound these characters into your and your kid's head so much that it;s as if these movies, merchindise and mouse ears are the worlds greatest gifts to mankind as if Mickey Mouse is Jesus Christ himself reincarnated as a dirty f**kin' rat)

The Shawshank Redemption (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Shawshank brilliance
The Shawshank Redemption
Great Movie
Hope
Great move

The Shawshank Redemption (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Tim Robbins , Morgan Freeman , Bob Gunton , William Sadler , and Clancy Brown
Director: Frank Darabont , and Andrew Abbott
Manufacturer: Castle Rock
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Green Mile
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ASIN: B0002J4ZWS
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Amazon.com essential video

When this popular prison drama was released in 1994, some critics complained that the movie was too long (142 minutes) to sustain its story. Those complaints miss the point, because the passage of time is crucial to this story about patience, the squeaky wheels of justice, and the growth of a life-long friendship. Only when the film reaches its final, emotionally satisfying scene do you fully understand why writer-director Frank Darabont (adapting a novella by Stephen King) allows the story to unfold at its necessary pace, and the effect is dramatically rewarding. Tim Robbins plays a banker named Andy who's sent to Shawshank Prison on a murder charge, but as he gets to know a life-term prisoner named Red (Morgan Freeman), we realize there's reason to believe the banker's crime was justifiable. We also realize that Andy's calm, quiet exterior hides a great reserve of patience and fortitude, and Red comes to admire this mild-mannered man who first struck him as weak and unfit for prison life. So it is that The Shawshank Redemption builds considerable impact as a prison drama that defies the conventions of the genre (violence, brutality, riots) to illustrate its theme of faith, friendship, and survival. Nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Actor, and Screenplay, it's a remarkable film that signaled the arrival of a promising new filmmaker--a film that many movie lovers count among their all-time favorites. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Shawshank brilliance.......2007-07-04

If you've not seen this movie, you're long overdue. It's a wonderful movie with moving performances by terrific actors. There are lots of good extras on this Special Edition.

The Shawshank Redemption.......2007-06-08

Order was received sooner than expected ... in excellent condition. Was very pleased.

Great Movie.......2007-05-28

I bought this movie because I read the book Differnt Seasons (by Stephen King) that has this story in it. The book was great and so was the movie. The plot is the same but the story is a little differnt in the movie. This is one of the few movies as good as the book. My only complaint is that the movie would mot play on Windows Media Player on my computer, instead I had to install InterActual Player. I personaly did not see the point of that.

Hope.......2007-05-23

As Tim Robbins' character writes in this movie "Hope is a good thing...", and this movie gives us hope that intelligent movies might still be made in Hollywood.

Great move.......2007-05-16

Hd to get it in DVD I had vcr put there out dated. This is one move we can watch over and over thank you

Average customer rating:

Justice in a Small Room
Minus 1 star for script/believability - the other four for acting alone
A Classic !!
A good film
Excellent

12 Angry Men
Starring: Martin Balsam , John Fiedler , Lee J. Cobb , E.G. Marshall , and Jack Klugman
Director: Sidney Lumet
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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Inherit the Wind
To Kill a Mockingbird (Universal Legacy Series)
The Grapes of Wrath
Judgment at Nuremberg
Witness For the Prosecution

ASIN: B000056HEC
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com essential video

Sidney Lumet's directorial debut remains a tense, atmospheric (though slightly manipulative and stagy) courtroom thriller, in which the viewer never sees a trial and the only action is verbal. As he does in his later corruption commentaries such as Serpico or Q & A, Lumet focuses on the lonely one-man battles of a protagonist whose ethics alienate him from the rest of jaded society. As the film opens, the seemingly open-and-shut trial of a young Puerto Rican accused of murdering his father with a knife has just concluded and the 12-man jury retires to their microscopic, sweltering quarters to decide the verdict. When the votes are counted, 11 men rule guilty, while one--played by Henry Fonda, again typecast as another liberal, truth-seeking hero--doubts the obvious. Stressing the idea of "reasonable doubt," Fonda slowly chips away at the jury, who represent a microcosm of white, male society--exposing the prejudices and preconceptions that directly influence the other jurors' snap judgments. The tight script by Reginald Rose (based on his own teleplay) presents each juror vividly using detailed soliloquies, all which are expertly performed by the film's flawless cast. Still, it's Lumet's claustrophobic direction--all sweaty close-ups and cramped compositions within a one-room setting--that really transforms this contrived story into an explosive and compelling nail-biter. --Dave McCoy

Description

Eleven jurors are convinced that the defendant is guilty of murder. The twelfth has no doubt of his innocence. How can this one man steer the others toward the same conclusion? It's a case of seemingly overwhelming evidence against a teenager accused of killing his father in "one of the best pictures ever made" (The Hollywood Reporter).

Customer Reviews:

Justice in a Small Room.......2007-06-22

1957's "Twelve Angry Men" is the story of a jury confined to a small room on a hot, humid summer night to decide the fate of a young man accused of knifing his father to death. The jury's initial poll has eleven jurors for guilty, one for innocent. The ensuing drama revolves around the struggle by the dissenting juror, an architect played with characteristic understated determination by Henry Fonda, to convince the other jurors of the presence of reasonable doubt.

The outstanding cast, a collection of experienced 1950's movie and tv actors who may not be familiar to today's audiences, each bring their particular insights and prejudices to the debate. An elderly man, played by Joseph Sweeney, sides with the Henry Fonda character because he admires the younger man's grit. Lee J. Cobb has an outstanding role as an angry father who sees his estranged son in the actions attributed to the young man on trial. E.G. Marshall plays a confident businessman who gets a lesson in the limits of memory from the Henry Fonda character.

The confining atmosphere of the jury room adds to the tension. Sidney Lumet's brisk but deliberate direction allows each man a turn in the spotlight to examine his conscience as well as the case in front of the other jurors. The end result is a tense, insightful drama about the nature of man and justice.

This movie is highly recommended to viewers looking for an outstanding example of the movie art and a different slant on today's crime dramas.

Minus 1 star for script/believability - the other four for acting alone.......2007-06-13

All the stars I gave was for the acting alone- superb all around though that old man was pretty annoying at times esp with the close ups on him. But the story itself wouldnt last 10 minutes in real life. It begins with Fonda pleading the boy is only 18 (dont we send 18 years olds off to war? 18 years olds can kill?) But the surreal part is when Fonda pulls out that concealed switchblade in the jury room (gov property), sticks it in the table, and tells everyone how he went into the boys neighborhood and found a store and bought it there (AKA doing your own research); all of this HIGHLY illegal; in real life, someone would have told all of this to the bailif, got Fonda arrested and hauled off, and an alternate or a mistrail would have taken place. End of movie right there. One other thing, Fonda kept mentioning "Is it possible"; Possible is not probable, and a million possibles does not equate to one possible, much less a "Reasonable" doubt.

A Classic !!.......2007-05-27

What a great movie!! I haven't watched it in years, but for some reason i watched it tonite. Wow, as good now as ever!!

A good film.......2007-05-18

Though I did think it to be ever so slightly predictable, I found this movie to be a great murder mystery without all the blood, guts, gore, and horror.
The movie begins with a the jury trying to decide whether or not a eighteen year old boy is guilty of brutaly killing his father. they put it to a vote, and find that all but one of them feels that the boy is guilty without giving it so much as a second thought. The one that refused to say the boy is guilty doesn't necessarily think that he is innocent, he just thinks there aught to be more thought put into it. As the story progresess, you see how everyone's personal intersts, background and prejudices get intangled as they try to decipher between right and wrong.
This movie is well worth watching, and deserves to be in anyone's collection.
And I really have to add that I think Henry Fonda's preformance in this movie is great!

Excellent.......2007-05-09

12 Angry Men is an awesome example of how groups work. It is very useful in demonstrating all the points of group interaction that I teach in my Sociology class. The students liked the movie and were able to quickly tie the movie to concepts taught in class. Excellent plot and follow through in developing the story line.

Average customer rating:

"I aim to cure you of your wickedness"
Hot, Sticky, Slimy, Gooey
The Best Film I've Seen in 2007
Different and Refreshing
Very Unique and Entertaining

Black Snake Moan [HD DVD]
Starring: Jr. John Cothran , Samuel L. Jackson , S. Epatha Merkerson , Christina Ricci , and Kim Richards
Director: Craig Brewer
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

General | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video

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Music Video & Concerts | HD DVD | Formats | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000Q6GUWU
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Amazon.com

The lurid scenario--a nymphomaniacal white trash nymphet (Christina Ricci) is held prisoner by a bitter bluesman (Samuel L. Jackson)--gives way to an affecting tale of redemption in Black Snake Moan, writer/director Craig Brewer's follow-up to the acclaimed Hustle & Flow. Lazarus (Jackson, Jungle Fever, Pulp Fiction) finds Rae (Ricci, Monster, The Ice Storm) beaten unconscious on the road in front of his backwoods house. After bringing her inside, he learns of her wanton ways and decides to exorcise his own demons by curing Rae of her sexual compulsion. Black Snake Moan could have been terrible, but Brewer takes his story seriously enough to dig into the genuine emotions of such a situation (though along the way he certainly flirts with sexploitation overtones--several scenes look like they were plucked straight out of a hitherto unknown 1970s trash classic). Ricci, Jackson, and the supporting cast (including pop star Justin Timberlake, giving a surprisingly good performance as Rae's boyfriend) treat the characters with respect, honesty, and humor. The result is off-kilter and maybe a little too fond of its sleazy cinematic forbears to truly hit the emotional notes it's after, but Black Snake Moan has considerably more substance than its marketing would suggest. --Bret Fetzer

Beyond Black Snake Moan

The Soundtrack
More Music Stars on DVD
More DVDs with Samuel L. Jackson

Stills from Black Snake Moan (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

"I aim to cure you of your wickedness".......2007-07-04

Read it an weep, and with that one line of absolution spoken by Sam Jackson, Black Snake Moan takes you on a journey of faith, salvation and redemption of the two main characters Lazarus and Rona, two people who have suffered and endured hard times throughout their lives. Lazarus is trying to come to terms with his wife of 12 years leaving him for his younger brother. Rona is a woman who has suffered unmentionable sexual abuse since her childhood and therefore acts out the part for others to prey upon her. One night after a night of hard, careless partying she is beaten and left for dead on the road near Lazarus's house. Not knowing what to do but help her, Lazarus takes it upon himself to bring Rona back to health, only to discover that she has far deeper scars and problems than the physical ones left on her face. He is then determined to make her well, and through faith and the belief that "God saw fit to have us cross paths" he does so the only way he knows how. The two ultimately develop a friendship under unusual circumstances, and through music which Lazarus has sworn off for so long, the two heal one another unknowingly. The cords struck by Sam Jackson playing "Black Snake Moan" will resonate through you and send chills down your spine, which also turns out to be the turning point between the two characters in the film. This was a fantastic film I thoroughly enjoyed with Sam Jackson and Christina Ricci. My only disappointment was that Justin Timberlake was cast in this film, but fortunately with his roughly 10 minutes of screen time I can tolerate it. The soundtrack is phenomenal, and if you are as big a blues fan as I am, both the soundtrack and DVD are well worth purchasing. Black Snake Moan delivers superb acting by Jackson and Ricci, a fantastic and originally written story with a soundtrack to carry it every step of the way. I highly recommend this film, seeing is believing.

Hot, Sticky, Slimy, Gooey.......2007-07-04

"Black Snake Moan" is a sticky, gooey, sizzlingly hot erotic mess that doesn't make a lot of sense, but its raw sexuality is so rare in movies that it's damned welcome. This is a movie that brings new meaning to the expression "Chain her to the kitchen".
Samuel L. Jackson has to fight the temptation to guzzle demon whiskey and play even more demonic slide guitar, Christina Ricci has to fight the temptation to bang anything in pants and Justin Timberlake has to fight the temptation to act badly.
I enjoyed the silly Jim Thompson-styled pulpy vibe of the film and loved the dirty electric slide guitar playing in the bar scene. Jackson isn't a bad blues singer, not bad, he's alright. I thought this was one of the best films with blues taking center stage. Excellent!

The Best Film I've Seen in 2007.......2007-07-03

From the writer/director of "Hustle & Flow" comes "Black Snake Moan," the best film I've seen in 2007. It's a unique film that features two terrific performances by Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci, both delivering their best performances in years. It also features another star-making performance by Justin Timberlake (who recently impressed me in "Alpha Dog"). The film stars Ricci as Rae, that girl that lives in every city in America and is usually referred to as "the town slut." After her boyfriend Ronnie (Timberlake) leaves her for a stint in the Army, she begins getting more and more destructive; eventually, she is almost raped, beaten, and tossed out in the road. Lazarus (Jackson) has recently been left by his wife for his brother and when he finds the young girl lying in the road he takes responsibility for curing the "sickness" she has.
So, naturally, he chains her to his radiator. When she finally wakes up, she's shocked at first but eventually grows to love Lazarus...And soon, they realize that Lazarus is not just helping her but they're helping each other. This is a great film and, as a result, it's been hailed around the world as such...But it hasn't quite garnered commercial attention and this is sad. It may not sound like the kind of movie that will appeal to a massive audience, but it's a movie that I think people will find themselves enjoying. It's a fable about love, redemption, and sex...The story could've gone in many different directions, but writer/director Craig Brewer keeps it all together and takes what could've been a completely meaningless story and makes it almost life-affirming. Jackson is an actor who never fails to impress, but he's an actor who has made more bad movies than good ones. Here, I'm not going out on a limb by saying it could be his best performance (and maybe even his best film) since "Pulp Fiction." Ricci has always been an actress that's impressed me, but she hasn't done much worth noting over the past 5 years. That makes her comeback here all the more impressive. She combines all the right notes of vulnerability and sexual animosity to make this performance incredibly believable. As for Timberlake, he didn't impress me as much here as he did in "Alpha Dog" but he definitely leaves me asking where he got his acting chops? If he chokes a pretzel and ruins his vocal cords or something, acting could definitely be a fall back for him. Brewer is quickly joining the ranks of great writer/directors and his 2nd film is even stronger than his first.

GRADE: A

Different and Refreshing.......2007-07-03

Black Snake Moan sure has a weird hook. Setting: Deep South. An older black man who plays the blues keeps a white nymphomaniac on a chain to cure her of her horniness. About half-way through, my husband turned to me and said "And why exactly did you think I would like this movie?" I winced and said I thought it would have blues as more of a central theme. But guess what, he stayed around and pronounced it a good movie after all! His summary is the best: "everyone has their struggles, and you are never really free of them."

The performances are exceedingly strong, the setting of Tennessee bucolic and beautiful. You really feel as if you are in this small, rural town where everyone knows each other.

Black Snake Moan is bold, and really gives you a sense of empathy for the different characters. Most importantly, it provides hope that if you have your own struggles, someone will be out there for you as well, not to judge you or cure you, but to love you.

Very Unique and Entertaining.......2007-07-02

Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow) directs his second mainstream film and John Singleton produces. Black Snake Moan stars Samuel L. Jackson as Lazarus, a religious man living in a small southern town. Lazarus is also a blues musician. His demons are that his wife left him for his own brother and for this he is riddled with anger. Christina Ricci plays Rae, who is an overly promiscuous girl who is traumatized by a history of child sexual abuse. On top of that her boyfriend Ronnie has left to join the National Guard. Ronnie is played by Justin Timberlake. After Ronnie leaves, Rae ends up having a pretty bad evening that leaves her scantily clad and beat up in the middle of a dirt road. She is left on a road just in front of Lazarus's house. After helping her get better, he soon comes to find out who Rae is and what kind of reputation she has. Lazarus sees this as a sign from god that he must heal her of her wickedness in order to receive some redemption for himself. So he ties her up to a giant 40 pound chain.

The film has a great atmosphere. It comes off as sticky and sweaty throughout and plays with that imagery as the characters develop. It consistently offers references to blues music and the characters are loud and full of life. It comes off as exploitative in some ways but that is ultimately done for a greater cause. Samuel L. Jackson is always good, even in really bad movies, but this is one of his best roles in many years. The real star here though is Christina Ricci who I've always felt is doing whatever she wants for now but one day she will be hailed as one of the best actresses around after a performance that hits the mainstream just right. Unfortunately for her though Black Snake Moan has not yet been a commercial success. None of that really matters though because it is still a very good movie although both Jackson and Ricci are even better than the screenplay and direction demand.

Some people say the film is hypocritical for sexualizing Rae and offering several erotic scenes with her, while at the same time presenting a negative view of sexuality. Firstly, I disagree that the film portrays sexuality as a negative but instead portrays excess as a negative. I did not feel hammered down by any messages that sex is wrong. Secondly, Black Snake Moan is definitely not meant to be erotic. It certainly rings of exploitation films but by watching Rae's transformation away from nymphomania and toward stabilization, away from her history of abuse to some degree of resolution, away from vulnerable to honest and confident, and away from being naked to being clothed; I can't help but think this is a fiercely unsexy film that is against hypersexuality alone. To be pro-spirituality and critical of actions often perceived as sinful is not puritanical and not even necessarily anti-sex. I would even argue that this movie uses religion only as a tool, but healing in general as its primary message despite the powerful Christian overtones. No matter how you look at it Black Snake Moan is, above all, a film that reinforces morality. It also happens to be quite entertaining.

Average customer rating:

An Uplifting Film
Fabulous!
A good adaptation of the book
The Last Sin Eater
Dark and disjointed

The Last Sin Eater
Starring: Louise Fletcher , Henry Thomas , Liana Liberato , Soren Fulton , and A.J. Buckley
Director: Michael Landon Jr.
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000NVI0DU
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Amazon.com

Part of the new wave of Christian filmmaking, The Last Sin Eater appeals to a broader family audience as well--and perhaps film lovers seeking, simply, more soul in their cinema. The film, directed by Michael Landon Jr., has more than a bit of homage to Little House on the Prairie as its story unfolds through the eyes of its young heroine, Cadi, a Welsh immigrant whose family has settled deep in Appalachia, bringing superstitions and rites from the Old World and melding them with those from the new. Cadi is played by Liana Liberato with gravitas and knowingness that evokes the young Anna Paquin. Cadi's turmoil begins at the deeply disturbing nighttime funeral for her beloved Granny, when a shadowy figure creeps in and chants, "For your earthly sins, woman, I pawn my own soul!" Cadi, warned her own soul would be in peril if she looked upon the sin eater, can't help turn around and lock eyes with the wretched man. And so begins Cadi's own journey of the soul. As tragedy and evil plague the plucky settlement, Cadi is driven to understand her own life and religious choices. "Would I have to live to be Granny's age to be forgiven for my sins?" a bleakly discouraged Cadi wonders in a voiceover. The costumes are sumptuous (perhaps a bit too much so for such a hardscrabble existence in the 1850s), as is the lovely but unforgiving landscape. Cadi's journey is rewarding, yet not at all predictably so. Terrific supporting appearances by Henry Thomas and Louise Fletcher flesh out a very moving tale. Extras include some deleted scenes, and some cool behind-the-scenes footage. --A.T. Hurley

Description

10-year-old Cadi feels responsible for her little sister's death, so she searches out the one man she feels can take away her sin: The Sin Eater. But in her quest for redemption, Cadi uncovers a secret that threatens to divide her family and community in this heartwarming, inspirational tale for the entire family. Based on the novel by best-selling author Francine Rivers.

Customer Reviews:

An Uplifting Film.......2007-07-03

this is a very spiritual and uplifting movie it's a good story about forgivness and faith this movie was excellent.

Fabulous!.......2007-06-29

The only negative reviews I saw were the soul of the book (the darkness of life without a Real sineater) and at times the Welsh dialogue did make it hard to understand. It is an awesome tribute to Ms Rivers book,, very well cast and written. If that didn't make you cry for a world without Christ I wonder if anything would!!OUTSTANDING!

A good adaptation of the book.......2007-06-27

I am a huge fan of Francine Rivers books so when I heard that one of my favorite books was being made into a movie, I was both excited and skeptical. So many times, a story doesn't live up to what the book before it did. But this was an exception. Michael Landon, Jr. did it justice. The feel of the book, kind of a dark, mystical existance for these people came through on screen to perfection. There was some disappointment in the building of certain characters, like Cali's mother but only so much can be done in a 2 hour movie when the book was so meaty. For those who haven't read the book, it may take a couple of viewings to pick up on all the details of the story but this is a very good film and watching it over and over, shouldn't be a problem.

The Last Sin Eater.......2007-06-27

We enjoyed The Last Sin Eater. The sound was rather difficult to hear at times, especially during whispered conversations. This is a moving story of a young girl's search and discovery of faith in Christ.

Dark and disjointed.......2007-06-25

This movie is like a horror version of Little House on the Prairie.

Warning: Do not show this film to young or sensitive children, especially those who struggle with guilt, depression and suicidal thoughts. There are many scenes of death in this movie, and at least two where Cadi balances on a slippery log over a high chasm and contemplates suicide as the just consequence of her perceived guilt. For those who are prone to excessive guilt or depression, the movie will be very unpleasant at best and perhaps life-threatening at worst.

A great drama may include some very disturbing elements but will weave the seeds of a satisfying ending all through so that the ending, when it comes, feels natural and logical. By contrast, several plot twists in The Last Sin Eater, especially its ending seem pasted in, unnatural, and abrupt. Would all the adults of a village really abandon their pagan beliefs, shed their guilt, and turn from cruelty to kindness just because a girl informed them that they had it wrong? I believe in the saving power of Jesus, but even as a sympathetic viewer, I couldn't suspend my disbelief when a character changed abruptly for no apparent reason.

Therefore, the ending adds to the dark, sinister feeling of the movie instead of being redemptive as it is supposed to be. It's almost like the villagers turn into zombies or are controlled by some dark force pretending to be light.

I wonder if the plot disconnects were due to the director or the editor?

I want more films which reflect Christian values. But being a Christian doesn't make me into a movie-going Mikey (give it to Mikey, he'll eat anything!). I've been disappointed by several "Christian" movies in the past year. Give me movies which tell a great story and are well written, acted, directed, and produced.

I do give this movie two stars, not one. I liked the acting by the children, particularly Liana Liberato as Cadi Forbes and Soren Fulton as Fagan Kai. Thea Rose as Lilybet was appropriately angelic, but would have been much more interesting if her character had been developed some more. As it was, she was a cute messenger girl for God, little else. That's not her fault, of course.

I also liked the cinematography, which richly conveyed the beautiful location and simple lifestyle of the residents.

Jesus Christ Superstar (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Christianity Meets Rock & Roll. Does It Get Any Better?
Best Rock Musical Ever
Fabulous
For the Ages
JC Superstar revisited

Jesus Christ Superstar (Special Edition)
Starring: Ted Neeley , Carl Anderson (II) , Yvonne Elliman , Barry Dennen , and Bob Bingham
Director: Norman Jewison
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Jesus Christ Superstar

ASIN: B00028HBIO
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Amazon.com

Ted Neeley makes for a wimpy looking Jesus in Norman Jewison's screen adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice "rock opera," which was a smash on stage in the early '70s. Jewison (Other People's Money) adds some good exterior settings in the desert, but Lloyd Webber and Rice's dialogue-free story (everything is sung, as in a real opera), with its quasi-profundities about the inner demons of principal figures in the life of Christ, is the real hook. Yvonne Elliman sings the show's best-known song, "I Don't Know How to Love Him." --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Christianity Meets Rock & Roll. Does It Get Any Better?.......2007-07-03

I have loved this movie ever since I first saw it in the theater oh so many years ago. And it gets better with age. If you have not seen this movie and have even the slightest inclination to do so, DO SO! I have seen Superstar live on stage several times and this movie equals those productions. Ted Neely IS Jesus Christ Superstar and the supporting cast is superb. And, of course, the music simply ROCKS! Do yourself a favor and own this movie. You will find yourself watching it again and again.

Best Rock Musical Ever.......2007-07-03

First movie to be made from a 2 album Broadway soundtrack and last movie to be filmed in Todd-ao vision. This sensational movie boasts songs and lyrics of Andrew Llyod Webber and Tim Rice, and incredible musical execution by Ted Neeley, Carl Andersen and a host of others. Ted Neeley protrays the most believable Jesus ever. Movie was filmed on location in the Holy Land and has some of the most stark, miminalist and beautiful scenery ever used. Coomentary by Director Norman Jewison and Ted Neeley is fascinating, and recounts many unexplicable events that occurred while movie was being made. Should have definitely been included in AFI's top 100 films.

Fabulous.......2007-06-27

This edition is exactly the way i remembered it. I was inspired to purchase this after seeing Ted Neeley live. Believe me.........he still has it. Returning to the movie brought back found memories of this old favorite. The music is timeless.

For the Ages.......2007-06-04

This one is for the ages. I first heard the "brown album" as a teen and was blown away by every character except for the Jesus character. Then I saw this movie. Wow! Mr. Neeley's performance certainly brought that character to life. It ignited a passion in me which is still with me today. You could say that it was this movie and Mr. Neeley's performance that awakened my slumbering spirituality. It is wonderful!

Don't miss the commentary. Mr. Jewison is especially endearing when, even after 30 years, he still seems scandalized by his actors' dismissal of his warnings to be careful on dangerous sets. Most DVDs offer extras but this commentary by Mr. Jewison and Mr. Neeley went far beyond what an audience could expect. It was a simple, generous offering. It is a gift.

JC Superstar revisited.......2007-05-30

I saw the movie originally when I was in college and was moved by it. My daughter and I just saw Ted Neeley's farewell tour of JC, so I bought this for her 13th birthday. She loves it.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie
Immpressive!

Black Snake Moan [Blu-ray]
Starring: Jr. John Cothran , Samuel L. Jackson , S. Epatha Merkerson , Christina Ricci , and Kim Richards
Director: Craig Brewer
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000Q6GURU
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Amazon.com

Beyond Black Snake Moan

The Soundtrack
More Music Stars on DVD
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Stills from Black Snake Moan (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-07-02

If you love Samuel L Jackson you'll love this.
The music is fantastic & the whole cast even Justin Timberlake surprised me. The Blu Ray format gives a fantastic picture & the extras are worth watching too.
What you waitin for BUY IT !!!

Immpressive!.......2007-06-30

Black Snake Moan is not just a great movie but it looks fantastic on blue-ray. Anyone who owns a blue-ray player or ps3 should buy this film!

Field of Dreams (Widescreen Two-Disc Anniversary Edition)

Average customer rating:

Following a Dream
Ray Liotta gives the standout performance in this gem.
It's OK to have Hollywood inspired dreams, but you have to find a way to feed yourself and your family.
A magical journey about making your dreams come true!!!
If you watch it, you will be moved.

Field of Dreams (Widescreen Two-Disc Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Kevin Costner , Amy Madigan , Gaby Hoffmann , Ray Liotta , and Timothy Busfield
Director: Phil Alden Robinson
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 078322611X
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Amazon.com essential video

A phenomenal hit when it was released in 1989, Field of Dreams has become a modern classic and a uniquely American slice of cinema. It functions effectively as a moving drama about the power of dreams, a fantasy ode to our national pastime, and a brilliant adaptation of W.P. Kinsella's exquisite baseball novel Shoeless Joe. Kinsella himself found the film a delightful surprise, differing greatly from his novel but benefiting from its own creative variations. It is the film that cemented Kevin Costner's status as an all-American screen star, but the story resonates far beyond Costner's handsome appeal. As just about everyone knows by now, Costner stars as Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, who hears the mysterious words "If you build it, he will come," and is compelled to build a baseball diamond in the middle of his cornfield. His wife (Amy Madigan) supports the wild idea, but a reclusive novelist (modeled after J.D. Salinger and played by James Earl Jones) is not so easily persuaded. The idealistic farmer is either a visionary or a deluded fool, but his persistence is rewarded when spirits from baseball's past begin appearing on the ball field. Past and present intermingle in the person of "Moonlight Graham" (superbly played by Burt Lancaster), an unknown player who sacrificed his dreams of baseball glory for a dignified life as a small-town physician ... but what all of this means is unclear until the film's memorably heartfelt conclusion. A meditation on family, memory, and faith, the film balances humor and magic to strike just the right chord of thoughtful emotion, affecting audiences so deeply that the baseball field created for the production has now become a mecca of sorts for dreamers around the world. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Following a Dream.......2007-06-23

Field of Dreams, is more than a great Baseball movie, its about following a calling or dream despite what others think. This is a bright movie with great cinamatography. When Joe Jackson appears for the first time is magic. At first i didnt understand why the Black Sox, but soon realized why. You really need to see this and Eight men out to understand. Field of Dreams is a joy for Baseball fans or movie buffs.

Ray Liotta gives the standout performance in this gem........2007-05-26

In my opinion Ray Liotta gave the best performance in this wonderful ensemble of talent. His natural delivery and boyish earnestness gave Field of Dreams a quality rarely seen in cinema today. His performance harked back to Cary Cooper or Jimmy Stewart of the 1930's.

In a magnificently well-written role, Academy Award winner Burt Lancaster, in the twilight of his career, shows why he became a film legend and remained one for almost six decades.

It's OK to have Hollywood inspired dreams, but you have to find a way to feed yourself and your family........2007-02-06

Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) hears voices in his cornfield, "Build it, and they will come". Are there voices in his head, or voices in his field?

Much like, 'Roy', a family man who 'sees' UFOs in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind (which to his relief, turn out to be real UFOs) the voices farmer Ray hears turn out to be real too -er voices of ghosts. At least other people begin hearing them too.

"Build it, and they will come"

"Build it" apparently being a baseball field on his farm in Iowa. Now: Ray is having problems paying the mortgage on his farm and apparently he needs all the farmland he can get. Straight out of the story 'Jack and the Beanstalk' Ray builds a magic ballpark on his farm instead of growing corn. This decision ends up causing him to lose the farm later in the movie (tho the magic ballpark looks only big enough to displace, what? a couple hundred dollars worth of corn?).

One could choose to be cynical - in another direction, perhaps, and evaluate this movie by it's effect on baseball ticket prices... Field of Dreams didn't work for me, because the memories I have of baseball are memories of playing little league as a kid, and not watching pro players.

Ray, his family, and the summer-farm do look wonderful. Costner looks at ease in his role. There's no violence or sex in the movie (unless you count Rays' marriage to mean Ray has every guys' dream of sex whenever). Come to think of it, his marriage pretty much explains why there's no violence, either. The problem is, what's fun about watching baseball? That's what we are asked to do in Field of Dreams. Watching ghosts play baseball doesn't seem very meaningful, or believable, or fun. Playing baseball is fun. When you're 12 years old and pile into a wagon for a trip to dairy queen after a win, that's fun. It's something, just belonging to a team, and, sheer joy running the bases. I don't remember losing being that bad either. Perhaps it is dangerous. It hurts if the ball hits you, even if the pitcher's 12 years old. And a bit dangerous too, when you put that mitt over your face to make the catch on a long fly ball. And your feelings could get hurt if you don't perform. Actually, would we even play baseball if there were no audience?

At Rays' farm, ghosts of great baseball players of the past do appear, playing in the magic ballpark before sundown each night.

On the magic field Ray actually meets his dad, a player who died when Ray was very young. Ray is older than his dad. Ray, has become the dad, in a sense, watching the game.

Baseball writer Terry Mann is summoned to the farm by the ghosts and is amazed to watch the old players. Is this baseball heaven? The players don't say much and don't seem to know themselves is this is baseball heaven. They do seem content.

Writer Terry Mann is actually quite old, and the ghosts encourage him to walk across the magic park into the cornfield, to: cross over to the other side. This is the most touching moment in the story. Mann walks happily with the old players into the cornfield and his body slowly fades into mist. This is a touching moment, and, I was trying to believe he was going to baseball heaven, but, just a tiny part of my mind, just a tiny part, was waiting for aliens to come out, or demons to