The Player (Special Edition) (New Line Platinum Series)

Starring:Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, Fred Ward, Whoopi Goldberg, Peter Gallagher, Brion James, Cynthia Stevenson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Dean Stockwell, Richard E. Grant, Sydney Pollack, Lyle Lovett, Dina Merrill, Angela Hall, Leah Ayres, Paul Hewitt, Randall Batinkoff, Jeremy Piven, Gina Gershon, Frank Barhydt
Director: Robert Altman
Studio: New Line Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
A wicked satirical fable about corporate backstabbing--and actual murder--in the movie business, The Player benefits from director Robert Altman's long and bitter experience working within, and without, the Hollywood studio system. Rising young executive Griffin Mill (Tim Robbins) is tormented by threats from an anonymous writer. The pressure and paranoia build until Griffin loses control one night and semi-accidentally kills screenwriter David Kahane (Vincent D'Onofrio), who may or may not be the source of the threats. From that point, Griffin's life and career begin to fall apart. In keeping with the ironic spirit of the film itself, Altman's scathingly funny attack on the moral bankruptcy of Hollywood was embraced by many of the same people it was intended to savage, and restored the director to commercial and critical favor. Michael Tolkin adapted the screenplay from his own novel, and the movie is studded with cameos by famous faces, many of whom appear as themselves. The digital video disc includes a commentary track with Altman and Tolkin, some deleted scenes, a documentary about Altman, and a key to help identify more than 50 of the picture's big-name cameos. --Jim Emerson

The Godfather DVD Collection
Average customer rating:

Oh my gosh...people...5 stars...5stars...5stars...

Great Father's Day Gift

Wonderful Collection

epic entertainment

godfather dvd collection

The Godfather DVD Collection
Starring: Brando , Pacino , De Niro , and Francis Ford Coppola
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Accessories:

The Godfather (1972 Film)

The Godfather (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00003CXAA
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Product Description

Some of the greatest masterpieces in cinema history, "The Godfather Collection" is the saga of the generations of successive power within the Corleone crime family, told in three films of staggering magnitude and vision, masterfully exploring themes of power, tradition, revenge and love. "The Godfather" (1972, 175 min.) - Adapted from Mario Puzo's best-selling novel, Francis Ford Coppola's epic masterpiece features Marlon Brando in his Oscar-winning role as the patriarch of the Corleones. Director Coppola paints a chilling portrait of the Sicilian clan's rise and near fall from power in America, masterfully balancing the story between the Corleone's family life and the ugly crime business in which they are engaged. Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. "The Godfather, Part II" (1974, 200 min.) - This brilliant sequel continues the saga of two generation of successive power within the Corleone family. Coppola tells two stories: the roots and rise of a young Don Vito (Robert De Niro), and the ascension of Michael (Al Pacino) as the new Don. Winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. "The Godfather, Part III" (1990, 170 min.) - Now in his 60's, Michael Corleone is dominated by two passions: freeing his family from crime, and finding a suitable successor. That successor could be fiery Vincent (Andy Garcia), but he may also be the spark that turns Michael's hope of business legitimacy into an inferno of mob violence. This special collection also includes an additional disc containing over 3 hours of bonus material.

System Requirements:
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Talia Shire, Robert DeNiro, Lee Strasberg, Andy Garcia, and Sofia Coppola.
Directed By: Francis Ford Coppola.
Running Time: 545 Min., Color.
This film is presented in "Widescreen" format.
Copyright 2001 Paramount Pictures.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

Throughout his long, wandering, often distinguished career Francis Ford Coppola has made many films that are good and fine, many more that are flawed but undeniably interesting, and a handful of duds that are worth viewing if only because his personality is so flagrantly absent. Yet he is and always shall be known as the man who directed the Godfather films, a series that has dominated and defined their creator in a way perhaps no other director can understand. Coppola has never been able to leave them alone, whether returning after 15 years to make a trilogy of the diptych, or re-editing the first two films into chronological order for a separate video release as The Godfather Saga. The films are our very own Shakespearean cycle: they tell a tale of a vicious mobster and his extended personal and professional families (once the stuff of righteous moral comeuppance), and they dared to present themselves with an epic sweep and an unapologetically tragic tone. Murder, it turned out, was a serious business. The first film remains a towering achievement, brilliantly cast and conceived. The entry of Michael Corleone into the family business, the transition of power from his father, the ruthless dispatch of his enemies--all this is told with an assurance that is breathtaking to behold. And it turned out to be merely prologue; two years later The Godfather, Part II balanced Michael's ever-greater acquisition of power and influence during the fall of Cuba with the story of his father's own youthful rise from immigrant slums. The stakes were higher, the story's construction more elaborate, and the isolated despair at the end wholly earned. (Has there ever been a cinematic performance greater than Al Pacino's Michael, so smart and ambitious, marching through the years into what he knows is his own doom with eyes open and hungry?) The Godfather, Part III was mostly written off as an attempted cash-in, but it is a wholly worthy conclusion, less slow than autumnally patient and almost merciless in the way it brings Michael's past sins crashing down around him even as he tries to redeem himself. --Bruce Reid

Customer Reviews:

Oh my gosh...people...5 stars...5stars...5stars..........2007-07-04

What clown complains about picture quality on a film that was shot in the 70's??? Come on...guys and gals...these movies are amazing and all you have to say is the picture had nicks and hairs and imperfections...This is not 300 or finding Nemo, this is not a film that was shot on a digital camera...in 2007! Get with the times and enjoy this classic film.

As Michael leaves the restroom, he pulls the trigger...pumping rounds into the people responsible for his fathers failed assassination...and all you can do is gripe about picture quality and ish.

Perfectly written, amazingly shot, these films will go down in history as one of the greatest cinematic achievement of all time.

So I beg of you, and deplore you to shut up and enjoy these films in their original, grainy and imperfect formats...you might just enjoy them that way.

Great Father's Day Gift.......2007-07-03

I bought this for my husband as a Father's Day gift, and he loved it. We previously owned the VHS collection, but now we have added the DVDs to our plethera of movies.

Wonderful Collection.......2007-06-27

It's a great set for the price. I haven't seen the movies in years, the quality is great and the special features are also very good!

epic entertainment.......2007-06-22

My wife and I will sometimes watch all the movies in this set right in a row! I love the bonus materials dvd that comes with. It has additional scenes, a locations featurette, a Corleone family tree, a making of documentary, and all kinds of interviews with most of the actors. Don't hesitate to buy! It's worth it at allmost any price!

godfather dvd collection.......2007-06-14

I replaced videos. I am enjoying the set!

Average customer rating:

Dynasty rules!
Dynasty The 2nd Season
Season 2 is finally on the horizon--bring the rest on too!
Stupid FOX, Smart Paramount?
second season

Dynasty - The Second Season
Starring: Geoffrey Scott , William Beckley , Ben Piazza , Jessica Player , and Jim Ishida
Director: Gabrielle Beaumont , Richard Kinon , Gwen Arner , Dwight Adair , and Kim Friedman
Manufacturer: Paramount Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Dallas - The Complete Seventh Season
Dallas - The Complete Sixth Season
Desperate Housewives - The Complete Third Season
Bewitched - The Complete Fifth Season
Dynasty - Season 1

ASIN: B000QUEQ68
Release Date: 2007-08-14

Customer Reviews:

Dynasty rules!.......2007-07-02

Season 1 of Dynasty was great! Season 2 even better! Electrifying storyline, characters, costumes and set designs. A must for any Dynasty fan! Finally!

Dynasty The 2nd Season .......2007-06-24

At long last this long awaited 2nd season of "Dynasty" is out on DVD!
I agree that Joan Collins debut as superbitch Alexis really give the series a much needed boost.
I did also enjoy the first series thanks to John Forsythe,Linda Evans and particularly Pamela Sue Martin as the one and only orginal Fallon.
In fairness to Emma Samms who took over the role later,Fallon Mark2 spent her two seasons on "The Colbys" in tears but when Fallon returned to "Dynasty" later,the character was like her old strong self.
I also really liked Pamela Bellwood as the tragic Claudia,who lost her husband Matthew and daughter Lindsay,after season one(although Matthew did make a dramatic comeback at the end of season 7)she survived so much,only to die in the "La Mirage" fire at the end of season6.
It was a shame that Al Corley left in season2(due to being unhappy at Steven suddenly getting a glamorous young wife)he was so good in that part,Jack Coleman too over the role,although good too,Al Corley was the better Steven.
The new villian in season 2 was Nick(James Farentino)the Doctor with a grudge against Blake,thankfully Alexis really became the central villian and Nick disappeared after the 2nd season.
I was lucky enough to see the Joan Collins theatre show in England last year,she looked great and was so funny,she doesn't take herself too seriously and appreciates her fans,confirmed to me,when a requested signed picture was duly sent.
So like a lot of fans I agree that Dynasty really gets going when Alexis crosses the courtroom at Blake's trail and takes her hat off,enter Alexis!

Season 2 is finally on the horizon--bring the rest on too!.......2007-06-13

It is great to see Season 2 finally appearing on DVD--this is the season where everything came together, and the characters and plot-lines exploded. Contrary to what a previous review states, Joan Collins, who first appears in episode 1 of this season, wasn't brought in to "save the show": her engagement was to be a brief story arc (the role was originally offered to Sophia Loren, who declined it). The character proved so popular, that Joan was signed on a regular cast member. "Dynasty" would remain strong for the next several seasons before it devolved into lunacy just as it was spining-off "The Colbys" as a separate series; during this time, Pamela Sue Martin left the series and the character of Fallon was later resurrected by Emma Samms, who--try as she may--just couldn't pull it off. While the spin-off got off to a rocky beginning before making marked improvements while paring down its over-large cast, "Dynasty" continued to languish, mired by insipid plotlines (a fake Krystle?); in its second--and final--season, "The Colbys" was regarded by critics as the best-written soap on evening television, but viewers never caught on to the spin-off because of the strong counterprogramming by NBC ("Cheers" was in its prime during that timespan). "The Colbys" was cancelled after a stunning finale (aside from an odd Fallon/UFO encounter that came out of left field); Jeff and Fallon returned to "Dynasty" as it slowly, slowly improved and eventually put on a stellar final season. The final season easily rivalled the early "glory" seasons in terms of plot and character development--during which the tired character of Krystle was written out, Emma Samms finally grew into the role of Fallon, and Sable Colby (Stephanie Beacham) was brought back as a stunningly-crafted nemesis for Alexis. Joan was preparing to leave if "Dynasty" had it been renewed for another season; the producers had Diahann Caroll set to return as Dominique Devereaux to fill Joan's stilettos. Unfortunately, all but the most die-hard fans had given up on "Dynasty" by this time because of it its past years of mediocrity, so even the turnaround in its last year could not save "Dynasty" and it was cancelled. The reunions which followed were disappointing.

Stupid FOX, Smart Paramount?.......2007-06-11

It is well known that Fox Studio did not even know its own product. Season 1 of Dynasty was bad, which is why Joan Collins was introduced in Season 2 to lift the ratings. She did so amazingly. So what did Fox do? After disappointing Season 1 DVD sales they decided to CANCEL future Dynasty releases without doing their research or talking to fans. They have lost alot of money by being stupid and not knowing what their fans want. Perhaps they should have released Season 1 and 2 together from the start in 2005. This is what Paramount, who have taken over the rights, are doing. They are re-releasing Season 1 in a boxset with Season 2. Or, you can just buy the great Season 2 on its own.

While it is very good news to FINALLY see Season 2 coming on DVD, it is bad news to see stupid film companies still taking their time releasing old TV shows on DVD when the format has been around for 10 years now. It's just not good business sense. Consumers want to see quicker releases for seasons. We don't want once a year like the Warner idiots have done with DALLAS. Hello!

I'll be first in line for Season 2 of Dynasty. I would like Paramount to prove me wrong about the film companies by releasing subsequent episodes of Dynasty on DVD as quickly as possible. Us fans deserve as much after the embarrassing three year wait for Seaon 2.

Bring on the catfights with Alexis, Krystle and Sammy Jo.

second season.......2007-06-06

i did not buy the first season becouse i did not trust that the rest would be released. guess i was almost right. now i have purchased the first and will order the second.
now if you would just get the rest of knots.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Widescreen Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

One of the seminal teen films of the 80's
Remember the Time...
CLASSIC TEEN COMEDY! THE BEST OF IT'S KIND
The Ultimate High School Movie For ANY Generation
Party On Dude!

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (Widescreen Special Edition)
Starring: Sean Penn , Jennifer Jason Leigh , Judge Reinhold , Robert Romanus , and Brian Backer
Director: Amy Heckerling
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00029RTCG
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Amazon.com essential video

Before he became an overrated filmmaker, Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire) was a reporter for Rolling Stone who was so youthful looking that he could go undercover for a year at a California high school and write a book about it. He wrote the script for this film, based on that book, and it launched the careers of several young actors, including Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, and, above all, Sean Penn. The story line is episodic, dealing with the lives of iconic teen types: one of the school's cool kids, a nerd, a teen queen, and, most enjoyably, the class stoner (Penn), who finds himself at odds with a strict history teacher (a wonderfully spiky Ray Walston). This is not a great movie but very entertaining and, for a certain age group, a seminal movie experience. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

One of the seminal teen films of the 80's.......2007-04-13

With teen romps like American Pie and so on and so forth, there are a handful of films to which they owe themselves to. Fast Times at Ridgemont High is one of them, and is notable for the fact alone that it helped launch the careers of many future stars and even Oscar winners. The story follows a group of various teen types; most notably being Jennifer Jason Leigh as a shy, would-be vixen and Sean Penn as the class stoner. Watching the film nowadays sees that it really hasn't aged all that well, but it's still enjoyable thanks mainly to Cameron Crowe's scathing screenplay and Clueless director Amy Heckerling's (in her directorial debut) energetic direction. Also featuring Phoebe Cates, Judge Reinhold, Robert Romanus, and Brian Backer in larger roles, but be on the lookout for small roles and brief appearances from Nicolas Cage, Forest Whitaker, Eric Stoltz, and Anthony Edwards as well.

Remember the Time..........2007-04-07

Finally the high school classic falls under my judgmental eyes. This film, like "The Outsiders," is known mainly for its incredible casting, creating a collection of actors who would go on to win Oscars (Sean Penn, Forest Whitaker) and box office glory (Nicolas Cage and Jennifer Jason Leigh). More a mosaic of high school as opposed to a plot driven production the heart of the story is Stacy (Leigh) who is on a quest for sexual enlightenment and a little bit of romance. Of course it doesn't go well at all and that is the fun of this film. We also get to hang with her sexual guru/clueless know-it-all Linda (a very good Phoebe Cates), party animal Jeff (Penn), her brother and case study in what goes around comes around Brad (Judge Reinhold), and crazed football dude who has a nice car Charles (Whitaker). Stacy bounces from one lover to the next, getting lucky and extremely unlucky at the same time. First she gets decherrified by a significantly older guy in a dugout (like you haven't). Then she moves on to the nice guy who is too sweet to seal the deal. And then to the town shyster who finishes in three seconds flat and leaves her with a bun in the oven. The script by Cameron Crowe is knowing and jaded. Since I am out of high school I see all this as one big joke, a snapshot of a lot of people caring about crap that doesn't even matter. All you're doing with those years is working in fast food, pretending to learn something, and having play relationships with people you couldn't care less about. It is all a joke and it is being played on anybody stupid enough to take it seriously. That is not to say that I think these characters are stupid, they aren't, but they are young and naive and a product of their environment. Jeff does seem to be the only one who sees through the ruse. Not that he is taking a stand against the charade; he just wants to eat his pizza in class and doesn't see the harm in doing so.

This film, like most of Heckerling's work, is breezy and a ball. You don't learn anything but you also don't lose any brain cells in the process either. Also, despite the fact that the main themes are sex, drugs and abortion it maintains that 80's cheesy, wholesome charm. It is about people taking things seriously that should not be taken seriously. It was refreshing to see Sean Penn play a role that wasn't so gosh darn heavy, he plays Jeff and his stoner ways up to the hills and I appreciated it. These kids may represent wasted youth, but youth is only idealized because it is wasted. No respectable adult would get busy in a dugout, and that is the beauty of being young. In a few years these kids will have real problems, but for now their foibles can be laughed at by those of us, at the advanced age of 25, can laugh with an understanding smile. No, this wasn't my high school experience but I can still grasp what they are going through. This film is no masterpiece but is deserves the staying power it has generated. I had fun being nostalgic and thinking back to the good ole days when flipping burgers equated into being a success in life. ***1/2

CLASSIC TEEN COMEDY! THE BEST OF IT'S KIND.......2007-04-06

A classic teen comedy! A very well written film with a great cast. If you haven't seen this one yet, it's long over due!

The Ultimate High School Movie For ANY Generation.......2007-04-02

Before American Pie, before Mean Girls, heck--even before Heathers (or any other teen high school romp movie (except maybe Porky's). This is the penultimate movie that after 25 years (!) is still as fresh as what's in Spicoli's bong! If you've never seen this movie...get on the bus (or get in the van).

Party On Dude!.......2007-03-13

May I say Fast Times at Ridgemont High is an important film? Here we observe American 1980's teenagers in their habitat as they actually are in a Hollywood way I mean. If you don't believe me: check out Shirley Temple in some of her 1940's bobby soxer teenage roles. America had changed in the post-modern world. Party on Sean Penn, dude!

Amy Heckerling has a way with teen actors as we discovered again, later with Clueless. They are innocent and way too mature at the same time. Judge Reinhold is making payments on his boss Buick, working the fast food, and dreaming about greener pastures as his girl is getting same same. Sean Penn battles the strictest teacher at Ridgemont, Our Favorite Martian, Ray Walston. You're a dick dude!

But special mention goes out to an 18 year-old playing a 15 year-old, Jennifer Jason Leigh. She's in a hurry to taste forbidden fruit, first with a slick 26 year-old and then with Robert Romanus, the loud mouth school weasel. In between all the action she falls for a complete nerd, Brian Backer. Full frontal: no problem, but in a teen film in the R rated 1982, that was shocking. You won't see that on the TV version. Oh, Jennifer, you were so like every young thing I ever unzipped. There should be an award just for teen vixen.

Average customer rating:

I Love This Movie
Great "Feel Good" Film starring Gene Hackman
A movie to watch ove and over!
The Replacements
The Replacements

The Replacements
Starring: James Black , Brett Cullen , Keith David , Jon Favreau , and Greg Goossen
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00003CXLV
Release Date: 2000-11-28

Amazon.com

The Replacements manages to be both completely formulaic and yet immensely enjoyable. When a professional football players' strike happens, the owner of a fictitious team, the Washington Sentinels, commissions maverick coach Jimmy McGinty (Gene Hackman) to pull together a team. McGinty selects a collection of talented oddballs--a Welsh soccer player, a sumo wrestler, a couple of professional bodyguards--with athletic pasts, figuring that if it doesn't work out as a game, it might as well be a circus. To lead the team, he finds Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves), a once-promising player who had a disastrous championship game. Naturally, despite squabbling and bickering, a roguish camaraderie develops through a mixture of racial infighting, harassment from the striking professionals, and a big bar brawl--after which they're all thrown in jail and perform the most improbable impromptu dance number ever committed to film. The mixture of cheerfully cliché plot mechanics, an engaging collection of supporting actors (including Orlando Jones, Rhys Ifans from Notting Hill, and Jon Favreau from Swingers), and sheer ridiculousness somehow combines to make The Replacements completely entertaining. Reeves is somehow turning into a pleasant leading man; he even emotes convincingly in this movie. And let's face it, Gene Hackman is quite possibly the greatest actor alive, able to speak the trashiest dialogue with fierce conviction. Plus, just to prove that the tight pants and close huddles of football are heterosexual, there are many, many shots of cheerleaders going through stripper-inspired routines. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

I Love This Movie.......2007-03-17

What more can you ask for? Football, comedy, romance, a real "feel good" movie. The music wasn't bad either.

Great "Feel Good" Film starring Gene Hackman.......2007-03-12

Second chances, Romances, and vindication all wind up in the film "The Replacements" which happens to be loosely based on the NFL Strike of 1987 and the drama that surrounded the eventual Superbowl Champion Washington Redskins. Like the Redskins, the "Replacements" in this film are former or undrafted players who are asked to fill in to play because the roster is emptied due to a strike. Gene Hackman is the coach and has to go try and get a washed up Quarterback named Shane Falco to join the squad. Falco is played by Keanu Reeves and he fits the jock role pretty well. With determination and grit, this group of misfits, which includes a chain smoking place-kicker, soon come together to show that there is no I in Team, but there is in Win. Sports and movie fans alike will not be surprised to see Hackman again in the coach's seat (Hoosiers) or the fact that Reeve's again plays a "former" Ohio State Buckeye Quarterback (Johnny Utah from Point Break) in this film. Great cast and in between those funny parts are some serious ones. The film is not dull and does a good attempt at meshing both the comedy parts as well as the serious ones, which really heat up during the end of the regular season. Great for friends or the whole family, I highly recommend it for any Saturday evening!

A movie to watch ove and over!.......2007-01-16

My family loves this movie. We have watched it many times. It's everything a movie should be. It's intriguing, funny, heart-warming, emotional, romantic, and inspiring. It has that "hero" factor we all love. Gene Hackman is outstanding as usual.

The Replacements.......2007-01-14

A really fun and silly movie, Football fans will get a "kick" out of.

The Replacements.......2007-01-10

Great movie, have wanted this one for some time and was thrilled to find it on Amazon.

Average customer rating:

Twists and turns, and it's a tennis movie
Interesting, but too much time wasted
Slow and Tedious
Wooden, actually
An Amoral Remake of Dreiser's "American Tragedy"

Match Point
Starring: Jonathan Rhys Meyers , Alexander Armstrong , Paul Kaye (IV) , Matthew Goode , and Brian Cox
Director: Woody Allen
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000EQHXNW
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Amazon.com

The passion of mad love and the cold calculations of social climbing collide in Woody Allen's Match Point. Former tennis pro Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Velvet Goldmine) stumbles into good fortune when Chloe Hewett (Emily Mortimer, Lovely & Amazing), the daughter of a wealthy businessman, falls in love with him. But when Chris meets Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson, Lost in Translation), a much deeper passion is stirred--and his desire isn't deterred when he discovers that Nola is already dating Chloe's brother. But when their affair threatens Chris's increasingly cozy lifestyle, Chris begins to consider a drastic solution. Match Point starts deftly and ends with cunning; though the middle bogs down in banal plot mechanics, Woody Allen fans have justly hailed it as a comeback after Allen's last few cinematic stumbles. Despite weaknesses (Allen still seems to have lost touch with the mundane realities of life; his characters operate in a strange, weightless world of wealth and privilege), the strong performances and clean direction carry the movie through. Also featuring Brian Cox (X-Men 2, Adaptation). --Bret Fetzer

Description

Match Point is "a winning combination of sex, mystery, brilliant writing and first-rate acting that all adds up to one of the most erotic and exhilarating movies in years." (Maxim). Chris (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is being torn apart by his desire for two very different women. Marrying Chloe (Emily Mortimer) will bring him a life of wealth and success, but his true passion lies with his brother-in-law's fiancee, the stunningly sensuous but unpredictable Nola (Scarlett Johansson). Pulsing with tension, Match Point rides the dangerous line between ambition and obsession to an ending as surprising as it is chilling.

Customer Reviews:

Twists and turns, and it's a tennis movie.......2007-07-04

This was a very un-Woody Allen movie, many people said. I would have to agree, as it takes place in London rather than his native New York. Yet, it had some very valid points that I didn't consider until the plot got rolling.

Johnathan Rhys-Meyers plays Chris, a tennis pro who is looking to establish himself. After landing a job as a tennis pro at an English country club, he meets Tom, a member, and the two become friends despite their social standig. Eventually his sister, Chloe, falls for him and the two begin seeing each other. Chris, however, developes an infatuation with Nola (Scarlette Johansen), Tom's girlfriend. The two of them are outsiders to Tom and Chloe's family (a borish American actress and a tennis pro), but Chris is accepted as they see him as having potential while Nola is looking to hitch her wagon to wealth and privilage. Chris would prove himself to be such a man as well, but it will reveil itself as the movie progresses. Nola and Chris will have one encounter, but she disappears once Tom and her split. Months later, she reappears after Chris and Chloe are married, and they take up with the affair once again.

Chris changes during this time. While he is first seen as an all around "nice guy" who made a mistake with Nola, he shows another side of himself. He is concerned with social climbing, wanting the wealth and privilage of the Hewitt family. He is bored being married to Chloe, but realizes she is part of his all too important image. He's married to the boss's daughter, he's being groomed to fill the old man's place someday, and he needs a wife and family to add to his all too important image. He tries to juggle both women at the same time, but finds Nola is demanding more and more of his time. Eventually, he devises a plot to eliminate Nola all together once she gives him an ultimatum - run off with me or I'll tell everyone you got me pregnant. He murderes Nola, makes it look like a burglary, and, strangely enough, gets away with it even though he's questioned by the police with a telltale diary.

What does this say about human nature? Funny how our needs and wants change with circumstance. Chris wants the beautiful bombshell, then once he gets her he doesn't want what he's got. Nola resists her urges for Chris when she is with Tom, but once she gives in she seems to have no qualms about their affair and wants more from him. Tom wants a gorgeous, exciting woman like Nola, but disposes of her to marry a more respectable woman in the end. And look at all the people who fell in line with the plot who suffered (the neighbor lady in Nola's apartment building).

A new twist for a Woody Allen movie. Makes you think.

Interesting, but too much time wasted.......2007-07-03

Takes too long to get going, and can be frustrating in the process. However, once it does get going, it pulls you in and you cannot stop watching. A very strange movie about a man who cheats on his wife, but then realises what he has is much better than an affair. His lover becomes a problem and she must be dealt with. Woody Allen attempts a Hitchcock style and it almost works. What I didnt like was the fact that Jonathan Reese Myers is supposed to be a hearthrob, but he is too skinny and weedy in real life.

Slow and Tedious.......2007-06-27

This is the type of movie that gives heterosexuals a bad name. Rhys-Myers, I have decided is only capable of simluating sex. Whether here or in the Tudors it's pretty much the same. And Miss Scarlet (and of course the terminally neurotic Allen) seem to think that whenever in the throes of an orgasm it is always better to have a cigarette in your face and be madly blowing smoke at your partner. No single character deserves empathy. they are all scumbags in every sense of the word and as soon as the movie is over (If we can call it an ending) we don't really care what happens to any of them. Pick somethin' wlse.

Wooden, actually.......2007-06-22

How, as a Londoner, to handle the extreme cognitive challenge that is "Match Point"? Let's try....

A favourite TV ad airing in the UK features a young swain bringing his girl home after a date and kissing her lips, only to retch on the taste of the Marmite she has secretly been eating. The very-postmodern makers of Marmite cleverly play on the average Brit consumer's knowledge that "you either love it or hate it" and are grown-up-enough to positively delight in confronting rejection.

And so with Woody Allen. Much has been written about him as an "acquired taste" and, certainly after 20 years of wrestling with acquiring it, one can see that the self-styled-tortured-yet-somehow-loveable-New-York-intellectual persona has its attractions when presented in a home milieu (e.g. Annie Hall, Manhattan) or as a comic abstraction (e.g. Everything You Always... , Bananas).

However, "Match Point" forces us to remember the reviewer who once said "If ever the proverbial barrel were found to have a false bottom, this would be discovered lurking thereunder".

Where to begin? As a Brit, but lover of all things New Yorker, I really wanted this to be a clever take on English manners; perhaps a postmodern riff on the old Ealing comedies staple about getting away with murder over a nice cup ot tea, or a homage to early (Gainsborough) Hitchcock. Unfortunately what Woody delivers is a - well - wooden assemblage of faux-Brit leads supported by some surprisingly distinguished Brit actors who should have had the professional maturity to recognise a tin-eared script when they first read it, and refuse a part in this nonsense. The only (though considerable) redeeming feature is Scarlet Johanssen, whose performance uniquely rises above the confines of a headachingly-dreadful script, to deliver something approaching a compelling account of character.

One feels short-changed: Years of critical acclaim lead one to expect "Woody Allen as sharp social observer". What he delivers is neither sharp, nor dramatically credible, nor even, come to think of it, particularly observant of any species of real people interacting, whether English, American or any other.

The reviewer who talked up the "exciting twist" is probably thinking of the one shot, heavily trailed and bloated with self-satisfied symbolism, when a piece of evidence of a murder hangs, literally, in a balance between discovery and oblivion. This could only be found "suspenseful" if one had slept through the first three reels (a distinct possibility, of course).

This is one of only a handful of films which has ever forced me to consider walking out of the theatre. We watched it to the end, through gritted teeth, in the expectation - ultimately disappointed - that the plot might deliver some justification for having appropriated our eyeballs for two hours.

I am, of course, prey to prejudice here simply by being a Londoner, reviewing a film made by a New Yorker, but the London of "Match Point" is about as credible as the New York of "GhostBusters". Save your money and treat your eyeballs to a decent piece of entertainment - like, perhaps, "Howl's Moving Castle", which is altogether more satisfying and (alarmingly enough) more credible.

Ms Johanssen's presence is the only reason to buy this film at all: A heroic and quite watchable attempt to give life to a character built entirely of recycled cardboard but whose "back story" circumstances at least offer an intelligent actor some basis for between-the-lines character development. For the sake of her career I hope she is not misled by any further specious offers of big-name collaboration - she is capable of so much better than this and in any case already has triple-A arthouse credentials after "Lost in Translation" and "Girl with a Pearl Earring". And Mr Allen - as a professional introspect, surely you should be more aware of playing to your strengths and knowing your natural limits? - pleeeease stick to what you do best and give us more footnotes on New York life. (There was a rumour that "Match Point" was originally going to be made in the USA; if so this may be a plausible excuse for the movie's complete lack of any local idiom. It doesn't excuse its other failings.)

Oh, and Marmite is (allegedly) made by scraping the dregs of brewer's yeast out of the bottom of fermenting vats. So maybe it's a fair analogy.

An Amoral Remake of Dreiser's "American Tragedy".......2007-06-12

The story has been remade by Hollywood probably a half-dozen times: Ambitious and poor young man torn between the girl who is his ticket to wealth and privilege, and the girl he loves but whom he comes to see as standing between him and material success. Well made but utterly hollow, the characters are wooden cartoons of social types. There are the children of privilege and their parents, all blissfully unaware of any suffering in the world, whose lives revolve around lunch, shooting, the theatre and Greek island-hopping. And there are the outsiders, beautiful but penniless, equally self-centered. But the third act still had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see how the protagonist will act and what will become of him.

Average customer rating:

Best Martial Arts Film Ever
Disappointed...
Not The Best Martial Arts Movie
East meets West, and West comes off best.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Starring: Chang Chen , Chow Yun-Fat , Chang Cheng , Cheng Pei-Pei , and Sihung Lung
Director: Ang Lee
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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Hero
House of Flying Daggers
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ASIN: B00003CXR4
Release Date: 2001-06-05

Amazon.com essential video

Hong Kong wuxia films, or martial arts fantasies, traditionally squeeze poor acting, slapstick humor, and silly story lines between elaborate fight scenes in which characters can literally fly. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon has no shortage of breathtaking battles, but it also has the dramatic soul of a Greek tragedy and the sweep of an epic romance. This is the work of director Ang Lee, who fell in love with movies while watching wuxia films as a youngster and made Crouching Tiger as a tribute to the form. To elevate the genre above its B-movie roots and broaden its appeal, Lee did two important things. First, he assembled an all-star lineup of talent, joining the famous Asian actors Chow Yun-fat and Michelle Yeoh with the striking, charismatic newcomer Zhang Ziyi. Behind the scenes, Lee called upon cinematographer Peter Pau (The Killer, The Bride with White Hair) and legendary fight choreographer Yuen Wo-ping, best known outside Asia for his work on The Matrix. Second, in adapting the story from a Chinese pulp-fiction novel written by Wang Du Lu, Lee focused not on the pursuit of a legendary sword known as "The Green Destiny," but instead on the struggles of his female leads against social obligation. In his hands, the requisite fight scenes become another means of expressing the individual spirits of his characters and their conflicts with society and each other.

The filming required an immense effort from all involved. Chow and Yeoh had to learn to speak Mandarin, which Lee insisted on using instead of Cantonese to achieve a more classic, lyrical feel. The astonishing battles between Jen (Zhang) and Yu Shu Lien (Yeoh) on the rooftops and Jen and Li Mu Bai (Chow) atop the branches of bamboo trees required weeks of excruciating wire and harness work (which in turn required meticulous "digital wire removal"). But the result is a seamless blend of action, romance, and social commentary in a populist film that, like its young star Zhang, soars with balletic grace and dignity. --Eugene Wei

Description

An epic set against the breathtaking landscapes of ancient China, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, combines the exhilarating martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo-Pind (The Matrix) with the sensitivity and classical storytelling of an Ang Lee film. The result is something truly unexpected: romantic, emotionally powerful entertainment.

Customer Reviews:

Best Martial Arts Film Ever.......2007-06-22

Everything has already been said about this film, so I'll put only a short review here.

Why did I use the superlative in the title? Because it seems to be true for me. (The second place belongs to House of Flying Daggers [Region 99].) The story line is not very strong, but much better than you may see in this genre. The romantic threads do not make it too schmaltzy, and the visual design is simply excellent.

Disappointed..........2007-05-28

Although I enjoyed Michelle Yeoh and Zhang Ziyi (as always), I didn't enjoy this movie hardly at all. I couldn't believe this was the movie that got such rave reviews and was Oscar nominated etc. I don't say that foolishly, stating that I dislike the movie when really I dislike the genre. That's not it. I just much prefer films like "House of the Flying Daggers" and "Hero" to this one.

Not The Best Martial Arts Movie.......2007-04-05

the cinemotography is pretty good i this movie, but the plot was raw. This movie was okay.

East meets West, and West comes off best. .......2007-02-16

The martial arts film traditionally has attained its own unique niche in the domain of film. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a Chinese-language film that works within the parameters of the old cliches of this niche, but changes just enough to make it stand out and create an appeal that reaches far beyond the limited circle of the average martial art film enthusiast. It doesn't lack the action that one might expect from the typical film in this genre, but it adds something new: the soul of tragedy and romance.

An adaption of a Chinese pulp-fiction novel, the story concerns two secret lovers (the male Li Mu Bai and female Yu Shu Lien) who are warriors on a quest to recapture a legendary sword, the Green Destiny, which has been stolen by a masked bandit. The thief turns out to be the beautiful princess Jen Yu, who is in the middle of trying to avoid an arranged marriage, because she is secretly in love with the desert bandit Lo, whom she grew to love after being abducted in the wilderness. Behind the intrigue and romance of these two forbidden loves, lies the dark cloud of mastermind Jade Fox, the evil woman responsible for the deaths of Mu Bai's former master and of Shu Lien's fiance. This sets the stage for a poignant drama, warm romance, and breath-taking action.

Despite being a martial arts film, the movie breaks the traditional Eastern mould by incorporating romantic elements one would expect from Hollywood. It has well been said that stylistically, it is "a blend of Eastern action and Western psychological drama." I think this assessment is correct, that while on the one hand the film is clearly inspired by martial-arts mysticism and action of the East, underneath the window dressing of the foreign aspects of the film lies the romanticism and drama that one is accustomed to from the West. By catering to what appeals to the modern Western mindset and incorporating subtle criticisms of traditional Chinese culture, it's not surprising that the film was somewhat of a flop in Asia, and that its concessions to contemporary themes of love and feelings made it a breakthrough success in the West. Stephen Greydanus puts it well by remarking: "Ang Lee has here crafted a masterful synthesis of various forms of Chinese mythology and Taoist philosophy that brings a broader perspective to its subject matter than many Asian films including some aspects of more typically Western sensibilities and ideals and, in the end, embraces a gently romantic humanism that is more life-affirming than the esoteric way of detachment and denial characteristic of Eastern thought." Certainly there are allusions to Taoistic mysticism, but the Taoism is in the end rejected in favor of realism and romanticism - which perhaps explains why the movie worked for Western viewers and not for Eastern ones.

The movie has also been the subject of scathing criticism for other reasons, not least from conservative Christian quarters, where offense was taken primarily to the implicit endorsement of extra-marital sexual relations, and the rebellious attitude of Jen toward her parents and her arranged marriage. For the most part, I share this concern, and it's good to be reminded of it. Watching too many movies which advocate the moral laxity of modern culture can dull sensitivity on this point, and unfortunately there aren't enough films on the other extreme to act as correctives.

But perhaps most discussion has been about the ambiguous conclusion (*spoiler warning*), where Jen leaps into the unknown. Lo has just expressed the wish is "to be in the desert, together [with you] again" and then Jen jumps off the cliff into the mist of uncertainty. If it's not suicide, what is it? And what happens next? We don't know. Some have optimistically seen this as a Christological leap of faith and sacrifice with the hope of resurrection, but it seems to me that interpreting this as a message of atonement and resurrection is being too generous and overly charitable. Perhaps the point is that we don't know the ending, and that the movie can only leave it up to us to decide for ourselves. And isn't this typical for a Western culture without absolutes? Maybe this is a reflection of our post-modern culture more than anything. Not only does contemporary culture delight in being morally ambiguous, but as a result it also has an ambiguous eschatology. The best that modern Western film can offer is a nebulous promise of a hope for the future. In other words, our world today doesn't really know much about the afterlife, so it can't really tell us much about it, except offer paradoxes and try to make us come up with our own happy endings. The best promise it can give is a blend of hopeless romanticism and eastern mysticism, where suicide is romanticized as an genuine escape and a leap into another world where perhaps dreams might just come true.

Despite being critical of some of these underlying themes and moral ambiguity, I have to admit that Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is stimulating in raising these questions, in a way that few popular films today do. It remains a fascinating film in what it says about a clash of cultures, and in what it says about our time. The discerning viewer is sure to find some measure of profit and entertainment from this highly regarded and award-winning film. - GODLY GADFLY

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.......2007-02-12

I watched the TV programs first. I understand it must have been difficult to make the long story to short. But the movie didn't reflect the original plot. Since I like Michelle Yoe and Zhan Ziyi, I bought the movie. But I didn't really enjoy it. I couldn't understand the ending, either. I wonder why it got the awrad. Anyway, I recommend "Hero" if you like to enjoy fantazy kun fu movies.

Wimbledon Classic Match: Federer vs Sampras

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One dominant era ends as another one begins

Wimbledon Classic Match: Federer vs Sampras
Starring: Wimbledon Classic Match: Federer Vs. Sampras
Manufacturer: Standing Room Only
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Product Features:

Running Time: 233 minutes
Audio: Dolby 2.0
Region Code: 1

ASIN: B000ICLR98
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Product Description

In many ways Federer is much like the man he succeeded at the All England Club in 2001. Federer showed his former idol the door with a sensational performance. The fourth-round thriller ended Sampras' remarkable reign - at least for the moment.

Customer Reviews:

One dominant era ends as another one begins.......2006-11-02

It is the classic tale of the changing of the guard as the seasoned veteran is taken down by the upstart heir apparent to the throne. Sampras owned Wimbledon since '93 and his only loss was to Krajicek in '96, but Federer at the 2001 Wimbledon showed the great potential that he has, but still wouldn't be fully realized until a year later when he won the 2002 Tennis Masters Championship and the rest is history. He has dominated tennis since like no player before him, including Sampras. Nadal has been the only player able to show that Federer is beatable, even if it's only on clay. Sampras was on his way out and would retire the next year at the U.S. Open and Federer was just getting going. Both were at the top of their games on that day during the 4th round of Wimbledon. It was a great match with the classic Sampras serve and volley with Federer showing great poise under pressure which has become his trademark. When you watch Federer or Sampras, you can't tell if they are down or up in the match, they just play with the killer blank face. Sampras has a record 14 Grand Slams with seven of those at Wimbledon and was ranked #1 6 straight years. Federer has 9 slams at 25, 4 straight Wimbledon titles and is the first man in the Open era to win at least 10 titles three straight years in a row. Get the DVD to see history as they will both go down at #1 and #2 in the history of men's tennis. Which order they go is up to you, but there is no debating they are the two greatest ever. Sorry Laver. Sorry Borg. If Agassi didn't lose so many finals to Sampras, he would have went down as #2 behind Federer.

Alien: 20th Anniversary Edition [Award Series]

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The classic thriller-horror sci fi film has never looked better
In the pantheon of cinematic masterpieces, one of the finest
Alien - 2 Disc collectors edition
We Are Not Alone...
Absolutely a favorite

Alien: 20th Anniversary Edition [Award Series]
Starring: Tom Skerritt , Sigourney Weaver , Veronica Cartwright , Harry Dean Stanton , and John Hurt
Director: Ridley Scott
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B00000ILDD
Release Date: 1999-06-01

Amazon.com essential video

A landmark of science fiction and horror, Alien arrived in 1979 between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back as a stylishly malevolent alternative to George Lucas's space fantasy. Partially inspired by 1958's It! The Terror from Beyond Space, this instant classic set a tone of its own, offering richly detailed sets, ominous atmosphere, relentless suspense, and a flawless ensemble cast as the crew of the space freighter Nostromo, who fall prey to a vicious creature (designed by Swiss artist H.R. Giger) that had gestated inside one of the ill-fated crew members. In a star-making role, Sigourney Weaver excels as sole survivor Ripley, becoming the screen's most popular heroine in a lucrative movie franchise. To measure the film's success, one need only recall the many images that have been burned into our collective psyche, including the "facehugger," the "chestburster," and Ripley's climactic encounter with the full-grown monster. Impeccably directed by Ridley Scott, Alien is one of the cinema's most unforgettable nightmares. --Jeff Shannon

Description

The terror begins when the crew of a spaceship investigates a transmission from a desolate planet, and discovers a life form that is perfectly evolved to annihilate mankind. One by one, each crew member is slain until only Ripley is left, leading to an explosive conclusion that sets the stage for its stunning sequel, "Aliens."

Customer Reviews:

The classic thriller-horror sci fi film has never looked better.......2007-06-12

Many sci fi films are dated by the time they are released. New technological advances and (especially) the vast increases in computer power make such sci fi classics as 2001 look hopelessly dated (not to mention the hairdos!). In contrast, Ridley Scott's Alien has a timeless look of a worn and used (one might say "used-up") technology that mostly stands up to today's standards. By going with simple sets and lines, simple interfaces and basic colours, the Nostromo looks like it could exist anytime between 1950 and 2150. Besides, the science fiction underpinnings of the story are practically irrelevant. This film is the classic closed-system horror film: the monster is loose on the ship (or house, island, whatever), there are a limited number of characters and a shortage of weapons. The monster starts killing them one-by-one. How will our heroes face up to the challenge? Will they all be wiped out or will someone figure our how to kill the monster? Will they turn on each other while simultaneously battling the monster?

In Alien, the monster is an alien brought aboard the ship in contradiction to standing orders. It looks relatively harmless at first - although attached to the face of the hapless crewman who discovered it, it seems more parasite than aggressive hunter-killer. Unfortunately, it grows and is soon large to kill and threatens the entire crew. With a total of only 7 humans (and one cat) on board, we get to know the characters well. There's the unflappable captain, the pragmatic first officer, the one that "loses it", the tough guy, etc. Scott takes a lot of time and effort to set up the group (and 1-on-1) dynamics between the crew members. If it feels slow, it's necessary to immerse us in their world and make us feel their claustophobia and fear.

As a monster movie, Alien feels very much like Spielberg's Jaws. The Alien is only seen in glimpses through most of the film, hidden in the ducts and dark of the ship (just as Spielberg's shark is hidden in the water). A speech by Ash (the science officer) in which he reveals his admiration for the alien is very reminiscent of Quint's speech admiring sharks. The 3 men in the boat hunting the shark parallels the 6 men and women in the spaceship hunting the alien. I happen to like Jaws better, but both are masterful manipulations of the standard formula, and are timeless classics.

As an historical anachronism, Sigourney Weaver is given second billing, even though she is the main character. Fortuately, films like this helped break the chauvenistic billing rules, although actresses often still get the short end of the stick in money and billing.

As Amazon.com does not group reviews by DVD edition, I will point out that I have the 1-disc version from the boxset after they started selling them individually (I think it's the "20th Anniversary" version). It contains an interesting director's commentary by Ridley Scott (who took the effort to re-acquaint himself with the film before coming into the recording studio) and a number of cut scenes and 2 unfinshed scenes. It's good value for the money, and the cut scenes are especially interesting as they give further insights into the tension between the crew members. The video looks great (on my LCD screen) and the sound is good as well (albeit through the TV's speakers, I don't have a real sound system).

In the pantheon of cinematic masterpieces, one of the finest.......2007-06-12

Someone once said, "There's a thin line between brilliance and absurdity." More than any other film, Ridley Scott's "Alien" supports that statement. It began as a low-budget project for notorious schlock producer Roger Corman, then titled "Star Beast," but somehow, along the way, everything just came together. If anyone but the great Mr. Scott had directed the film, if Sigourney Weaver had not received her breakthrough role as feminist icon Ellen Ripley, if the film had come together any other way, it might have been just what it began as: a turgid, $3-admission grindhouse flick. Instead, "Alien" wound up as one of the finest films in the history of cinema.

Released at the peak of audiences' fascination with sci-fi films at the end of the 70s, the plotline behind "Alien" is classic: a mining ship, drifting through space in the far future, reluctantly responds to an S.O.S. from a distant planet. They land on the planet and find a downed spacecraft, the fossilized body of a gigantic non-human lifeform, and within the spacecraft legions of what appear to be eggs. One foolish crew member decides to stick his face into one of the eggs, and so begins the horror of "Alien," as one-by-one the crew is picked off by an alien lifeform perfectly designed to kill. Most of the cast received their starmaking roles in this film, most notably Weaver, who is arguably the most iconic female in cinematic history. Ian Holm delivers a delectably devious performance as Ash, the ship's scientist, who isn't who he seems. The most menacing character nevers appear on-screen: the corporation for which the crew works, referred to simply as "the Company." (It appeared more prominently in the sequels, where it was given a name: Weyland-Yutani.)

Ridley Scott is the driving force behind the picture. He's made many great films, two which are among the best ever made (the other being his brilliant sci-fi neo-noir "Blade Runner"), but "Alien" is his greatest masterpiece. Through dark lighting, claustrophobic sets and camerawork, and seamless editing, not to mention some of the most realistic performances ever in a sci-fi film, Scott fashions what may well be the most suspenseful, horrific film ever made. That's why "Alien" stands above all its sequels: more than a sci-fi thriller, it's an artful, unsurpassably tense picture which captures fear like no other. It's a testament to the timelessness of the film that "Alien" remains so damned scary to this day, nearly thirty years after its release. To add the tension, there's not a lot of music in the film when compared to others like it. The score is composed by Jerry Goldsmith, and when it does appear in the film, Goldsmith's music is wonderful, at once in tune with the film and with a winningly classic sound to it.

Of course, the film wouldn't be anywhere near so scary if the titular alien was the most chilling, ghastly creature ever to grace the screen. It's truly an ingenious concoction, thanks to the brilliant and twisted mind of H.R. Giger, who designed the beast. The fact that it's simply a man in a suit doesn't matter at all - in fact, that makes it all the more frighteningly real. The final touch is the stunningly intricate, spotlessly designed, and flawlessly detailed production design by Michael Seymour.

Those who appreciate film and have put off watching "Alien," because it's a sci-fi movie, because it sounds silly, or for whatever other reason, are making an immense mistake. "Alien" is one of the great cinematic masterpieces, classic in style (one scene feels like it was taken straight out of a Hitchcock film) "and timeless in the pantheon of movie masterworks. Though its numerous are worth nothing as well (particularly James Cameron's "Aliens," a film which ranks just behind Scott's original), none rivaled the legendary original. The film is flawless and a classic, including at least two unforgettable scenes (the ending and the infamous "chestburster" scene) to match an unforgettable, truly remarkable film. In space, no one can hear you scream - a good thing for our astronauts, because Ridley Scott's masterpiece has garnered many a scream, and no doubt shall continue to do so for ages to come.

Alien - 2 Disc collectors edition.......2007-05-28

A great film just got better!
The added scenes are great and the 2nd disc is a phenomenal feast of facts about the film.
A must!

We Are Not Alone..........2007-05-23

In the older days (some would call golden days) of cinema, monster movies were huge with moviegoers both young and somewhat older, but especially with teenagers who were out on dates. Where the guys were looking for a good scare to get their girls to snuggle up close for the duration of the film, so they could show how romantic and caring they were. Generally speaking these monster movies featured creatures that were merely actors dressed in shoddy costumes because visual effects hadn't advanced enough as yet, though at the time they were the best around so everyone thought they looked good. The movies weren't really all that scary or even all that good if you really stopped to think about it, but that wasn't what the target audience was really interested in after all. In 1979, director Ridley Scott ("Gladiator" and "Hannibal") released his groundbreaking, science-fiction/monster film "Alien", forever changing the dynamic of monster movies and audiences expectations of them.

"Alien" is the story of the doomed crew of the spaceship Nostromo, who were heading back to Earth when a distress signal caused them to detour to a nearby planet. When the crew searches the location of the signal, they stumble upon a field of what appears to be eggs. One of the eggs releases its contents, which latches on to one of the crew. Believing they can simply remove the life-form from the crew member's face without trouble, the remaining crew of the Nostromo makes the mistake of bringing the contaminated crew member back on board ship. Though all efforts to remove the object failed, after a short while the life-form simply detaches from the crew member leaving him alive and seemingly healthy. Believing all is well, they set course once more for Earth; however, appearances can be deceiving and the consequences of their actions brings about a horrifyingly deadly reality, as the creature that had latched onto their friend's face was only the beginning, and what it left behind will leave them all running for their lives.

So, what's the difference between "Alien" and all of those other monster movies of the past, you might ask. One major difference would be in the quality of the practical effects and costumes used in this movie. Yes, the creature was still just a man in a suit, but this was different from all the other times this method was used. The practical effects and costumes had greatly advanced beyond those early monster movies, so that when you saw the creature on screen you thought you were really looking at a living alien monster intent on killing you.

In addition to the costumes and effects employed in the film, the story for "Alien" was so well-written, and the suspense was so palpable that you couldn't stand to wait to see what would happen next. The direction by Ridley Scott was excellent for this type of movie, as he chose to create an ominous atmosphere, relying heavily on shadows, to serve as the main source for ratcheting up the anxiety factor that great horror films feed off of, rather than going simply for the cheap thrill achieved via blood and guts and jump scenes. So when the audience does see the alien it is only brief glimpses, leaving the viewer to wonder just what exactly the alien looks like, which increases the anxiousness and fun of the entire experience even further. Another excellent choice on the part of the director was not showing too much of the death scenes, by having the pain inflicted by the monster be mostly conveyed through the various characters screams of torture and agony, causing the audiences minds to create situations and scenarios far worse than any director could come up with, a method made famous by Alfred Hitchcock. Speaking of the actors, every single one of them turned in excellent, first-rate performances, which is a true rarity in horror or science fiction films, which aided the film in becoming one of the true classics in the monster genre, setting the standard by which all other monster films should be judged. The cast member that truly shined was Sigourney Weaver, who became an instant star and one of Hollywood's most popular movie heroines, and her character is the only one to be featured in every single `Alien' movie throughout the franchise.

The movie "Alien" is by far one of the best in the horror or science fiction genre (it actually belongs to both categories), and the fact that it is still so popular with moviegoers is a testament to how excellent the film is, even to this day.

"Alien" is rated R for violence and language.

Absolutely a favorite.......2007-04-19

I've seen this film an embarrassing number of times. It's at the very top of my list of all time favorites. It is after all art, and as such deserves to be viewed again and again and again. Ridley Scott directed a masterpiece of a script by Dan O'Bannon and Ron Shusett. This is a pivotal work that raised SF / SF Horror up from the relative marsh of "B" films and anchored the genre on the higher artistic hillsides. I saw the film the first day of release in a packed theater in Detroit and like many others in the theater was so overtaken by the suspense and sheer horror that at one point had to literally walk out to the lobby for relief from it. Exaggeration, you say? Consider the context. Nowadays we take the on-screen gore and shock for granted. We're accustomed to the violence and we can predict almost every surprise, so with rare exception, there are none. But prior to 1979 and Alien, SF gore had enough ketchup in it to sauce up a super-size fries, the knocks to the head had no permanent effects and death was generally clean and relatively bloodless. Worse yet, death and pain in the context of earlier SF nearly always sounded the "aaaoogaa" horn of melodrama. Thank the writers and director of Alien for raising the bar for horrific SF drama on screen. See the director's cut if you can find it. It has one or two scenes of such dramatic realism, you'll wonder if they weren't really real, by God. This film succeeds perfectly on all levels.

Average customer rating:

What a difference a second viewing makes.
funny as hell!!!
Scary Movie
Pretty funny
Funny,yet gross

Scary Movie
Starring: Jon Abrahams , Giacomo Baessato , Lloyd Berry , Rick Ducommun , and Carmen Electra
Manufacturer: Dimension
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004Z4WQ
Release Date: 2000-12-12

Amazon.com

If you've seen Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, then you know the entire plot of Scary Movie. That's okay, though, because this is a parody, and it helps to know the story in order to be able to get the jokes. No, the biggest surprise here is not the story as much as the amount of full-frontal male nudity. Really, in addition to all the dick jokes (and the ass jokes and fart jokes), there's a couple of shots of the male member, one of which is erect and used as a weapon. Scary Movie somehow ended up with an R rating, which in a sense is groundbreaking; perhaps our ratings board is loosening up after all.

But is it funny? That's the most important question, and the answer to that is yes. In the vein of Airplane!, with a dash of the Farrelly brothers, Scary Movie keeps throwing jokes at you one after another. The law of averages says some of them have to hit, and enough of them do to keep the movie entertaining. Unlike the makers of Airplane!, however, the Wayans brothers aren't making this movie out of a love of the genre, and unlike the Farrelly brothers, they don't make fun of retarded people with any sort of respect, so the humor throughout feels a lot uglier. Still, there are enough funny scenes in Scary Movie to make the viewing experience worthwhile. Special credit must go to Lochlyn Munro as Greg, the over-the-top jock, who steals the movie up until the time he's gotta die.--Andy Spletzer

Description

This hilarious, must-see comedy smash places Carmen Electra (TV's BATTLEBOTS), Marlon Wayans (SENSELESS), Jon Abrahams (BOILER ROOM, THE FACULTY), and some of today's hottest young stars in a wickedly funny send-up of today's most popular horror movies! A familiar-looking group of teenagers find themselves being stalked by a more-than-vaguely recognizable masked killer! As the victims begin to pile up and the laughs pile on, none of your favorite scary movies escape the razor-sharp satire of this outrageously funny parody! With Shannon Elizabeth, Shawn Wayans, and Cheri Oteri adding sidesplitting performances, there's nothing to fear in this scary movie ... unless you're afraid of laughing too much.

Customer Reviews:

What a difference a second viewing makes........2007-06-12

I erased my initial 3-star review because it wasn't totally fair. I watched this a second and third time, and I tell you, I'm almost ready to give this 5 stars, but I won't. The first time, I couldn't fully appreciate the crass humor, but I realize that it is a classic. But it's still a classic I'm unwilling to give 5 stars.

Along with the Wayans' brand of comedy, comes an unshakeable annoyance at some of their jokes because of their juvenility. Unlike White Chicks, the Wayans show no restraint with their toilet and sexual humor in Scary Movie. Why does every joke have to revolve around sex? Are the Wayans Brothers that sexually obsessed? All in all, it's a funny picture if you can abandon your decent sensibilities for a little while and just have fun. That's what I did, and I'll not hesitate to watch it again and again. Scary Movie is also the funniest in the 4 part series.

funny as hell!!!.......2006-11-27

Horror mocking is awesome, espessially for horror fans who know whats going on.

Scary Movie.......2006-08-19

Product - exactly what I ordered - and delivery very fast.
Enjoy dealing with Amazon.

Pretty funny.......2006-08-17

All in all I found this film pretty funny but not as funny as Scary Movie 2. There was nothing wrong with it, I had no complaints but fans of the slasher flicks 'Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" will appreciate this film for the potential it holds. However I am not a fan of those movies so this doesn't hold as many thrills for me. I would recommend it for anyone who wants a good laugh. Regina Hall and Anna Faris definetly have a big future in the world of comedy as this movie will show. Plus the Wayans brothers add so much to this movie. However I'd warn against eating or drinking while watching this movie unless the viewer doesn't mind spewing said itens out their nose!

Funny,yet gross.......2006-08-10

Scary Movie is an instant movie classic.Director Keenan Ivory Wayans outdies himself in a spoof of horror films involving an innocent teenager named Cindy Campbell who's being stalked by a goofy killer in a cheap rendition of Scream.Though funny to watch,Scary Movie also has it's share of gross-out gags and laughs.The way Wayans slanders horror films is so funny that you can't help but laugh out loud.

Average customer rating:

Brian's Song
A Classic for the Ages
Great classic ...
Great when you need a good cry!
The First "Guy Cry" Movie Ever

Brian's Song
Starring: James Caan , Billy Dee Williams , Jack Warden , Bernie Casey , and Shelley Fabares
Director: Buzz Kulik
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004TJQJ
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Amazon.com

While women shed more than a few tears over Love Story back in 1970, men had their equivalent with Brian's Song on TV. This biopic about the Chicago Bears' Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers is no mere sports film. It's one of those transcendent stories that struck a rare cultural nerve, a sensitive film about love, friendship, cancer, racial harmony, and football that came along at just the right time. James Caan is at his free-spirited best as Piccolo, and Billy Dee Williams is very charming as the quiet Sayers destined for superstardom. Roommates and rivals, these two rookies soon become best friends because of their competitive natures and complementary personalities. When Piccolo becomes stricken with cancer, his relentless will to live inspires the talented Sayers to reach his athletic potential. Jack Warden, as the masterful coach George Halas, superbly manipulates the ying and yang relationship for all it's worth. Michel Legrand's melancholy theme still lingers in the mind as one of the all-time greats. --Bill Desowitz

Customer Reviews:

Brian's Song.......2007-07-03

Based on Gale Sayers's autobiography, this indelible made-for-TV movie tells the true story of a friendship born through football that ends tragically. Coming off his success in "The Godfather," Caan is terrific as the spirited Piccolo, whose gutsy yet graceful attitude inspires Sayers (played with quiet, rookie confidence by Williams) to achieve his full potential. The craggy, always reliable Jack Warden co-stars as Bears Coach George Halas, and Shelly Fabares (from TV's "Donna Reed Show") is also solid as Brian's steadfast wife, Joy. This poignant, inspirational tale unfolds over just 75 minutes, but keep the Kleenex handy, as few remain unmoved by the end.

A Classic for the Ages.......2007-05-20

I have watched Brian's Song many, many times over the years and with every viewing, I am warmed by this story of friendship, courage and hope. It is based on the true story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, two Chicago Bears football players who played back in the 1960's.

Like many movies based on life, certain aspects of the story are fictionalized. For example, Brian did not have cancer in his right lung as the movie attests, but embryonal cell carcinoma in his chest cavity that eventually metastasized to his left breast and left lung, heart and liver--and even into his jaw. He did not die as easily or look nearly as healthy as Cann does; his illness and death are really sanitized and "Hollywood-ized". Also, although Brian and Gale were good friends in real life, they were not best friends. However, Caan and Williams do a brilliant job portraying their characters and it is easy to believe from their performances that these two characters do indeed care for one another.

There are several moving moments in this movie. The locker room scene is particularly touching because many of the players featured in this scene had heard the *real* Gale Sayers tell them that "Pic is sick. . .real sick" only a year and a half before, so we can assume the tears welling up in the players' eyes are genuine. Ed O'Bradovich and Dick Butkus, both of whom were friends of Piccolo's (and were pallbearers at his funeral), make appearances in the film.

Another great touch is the archival footage of Sayers and Piccolo running the ball and making touchdowns. Not only does the footage remind us of what an amazing player Sayers was and the dogged determination to succeed that