Wonder Boys

Starring:Michael Douglas, Frances Mcdormand
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Wonder Boys is one of those movies in which more twists and turns disrupt the life of the hero in one weekend than would bother most of us our whole lives. Professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is an aging one-novel wunderkind at a small Pittsburgh college who's laboring on his seven-years-in-the-making, 2000-plus page second opus with no end in sight. The morning of the college's literary lollapalooza, WordFest, Grady's wife leaves him; that evening, his mistress (Frances McDormand) announces she's pregnant (she's also the chancellor of the school, as well as the wife of Grady's boss). Grady's voracious editor (Robert Downey Jr.) is also in town, transvestite date in tow, determined to read the highly anticipated new book; there's also the nubile student (Katie Holmes), who seems more than willing to ease Grady's pain. And then there's James Leer (Tobey Maguire), the mordant and brilliant writing student who's the catalyst for Grady's lost weekend, which involves a soon-to-be-dead blind dog, a stolen car, and the jacket that Marilyn Monroe wore when she wed Joe DiMaggio.

Amazon.com

Wonder Boys is one of those movies in which more twists and turns disrupt the life of the hero in one weekend than would bother most of us our whole lives. Professor Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is an aging one-novel wunderkind at a small Pittsburgh college who's laboring on his seven-years-in-the-making, 2000-plus page second opus with no end in sight. The morning of the college's literary lollapalooza, WordFest, Grady's wife leaves him; that evening, his mistress (Frances McDormand) announces she's pregnant (she's also the chancellor of the school, as well as the wife of Grady's boss). Grady's voracious editor (Robert Downey Jr.) is also in town, transvestite date in tow, determined to read the highly anticipated new book; there's also the nubile student (Katie Holmes), who seems more than willing to ease Grady's pain. And then there's James Leer (Tobey Maguire), the mordant and brilliant writing student who's the catalyst for Grady's lost weekend, which involves a soon-to-be-dead blind dog, a stolen car, and the jacket that Marilyn Monroe wore when she wed Joe DiMaggio.

Had enough flights of fancy? It's only the beginning, and in the hands of director Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) and screenwriter Steve Kloves (The Fabulous Baker Boys), Wonder Boys will have you begging for more. Adroitly adapting Michael Chabon's novel and distilling it to its droll, melancholy essence, Kloves and Hanson have fashioned a briskly unsentimental and darkly funny tale; these characters may be down on their luck, but they sure don't feel sorry for themselves. Douglas, by turns dryly sarcastic and sincerely heartfelt, single-handedly makes up for years of alpha-male posturing as the passive pothead Tripp, and whoever thought of pairing him with the resilient McDormand is brilliant--they convey the complexities and history of their relationship in a single glance or movement. And under Hanson's guidance, the rest of the cast is truly exceptional, with Maguire in a breakthrough performance and Downey at his manic best. The ending of Wonder Boys may feel a little too pat, but after everything these characters have been through, a happy ending seems a just reward. --Mark Englehart

Customer Reviews:

Like Putting on a Comfortable Robe.......2007-05-28

Wonder Boys is one heck of a great movie. Personally, I thought it was very entertaining and featured excellent acting from some incredibly talented actors. Michael Douglas is tremendous as a professor (Grady) that had a novel published and has spent the next several years trying to recapture the writing magic. There is no surprise that the movie is based on the novel Wonder Boys: A Novel by one of the more talented newer novelist out there: Michael Chabon of the just released The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel.

Additional fine acting comes from the inimitable Frances McDormand who plays the married muse of Grady. Toby McGuire plays a confused student of the Pittsburgh college. Robert Downy plays an addictive personality serving as Grady's literary agent. This dysfuctional group of players make for a fun movie about friendship and all its different manifestations. A highly recommended 5 star movie.

~I love Tobey Maguire~.......2007-05-10

I'm a huge fan of Tobey Maguire's and I really enjoyed this film. He is one of the main stars in it. If you like Tobey then you'll enjoy this film.

---Standin' on the gallows with my head in the noose Any minute now I'm expecting' all hell to break loose..........2007-04-21

...People are crazy and times are strange I'm locked in tight, I'm out of range I used to care but - things have changed. -- Bob Dylan

One of the best movies about writers and writing I've seen, "Wonder Boys" is centered around Grady Trimp (Michael Douglas in one of his most enjoyable performances), the college professor and the author of one very good book who has written over 2000 pages of his eagerly expected (at least by his impatient editor, Robert Downy, Jr - where is this guy?) second book but still is not sure when and how it ends. During one strange weekend, Grady would have to deal with his wife leaving him, his married girlfriend's pregnancy, the stolen Marylyn Monroe's priced jacket, a dead dog in his car's trunk, his obviously very talented but troubled student, and the most serious question of all - to write or not to write? ...Oh, and there is also that song by Bob Dylan!

What can you say..........2007-01-16

What can I say its a movie. It came in great condition, the disc wasn't scratched.

Funny, tragic, and delightfully twisted........2007-01-04

Wonder Boys (Curtis Hanson, 2000)

I ended up seeing a lot of movies-- a whole lot of movie-- the weekend I saw Wonder Boys, and it was by far the best of them. Rare is the movie, these days, that's laugh-out-loud funny. Rarer still is that movie actually a drama, a sort of absurdist metatragedy about the decline and fall of a University professor who seems bound and determined to destroy his life and his career in the shortest possible time.

Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas) is that professor, a man who wrote one vastly popular, critically acclaimed book seven years before, and has been unable to finish its follow-up. On the weekend of a big to-do at the school where he teaches, his editor, Terry Crabtree (Robert Downey, Jr.), comes into town to get a look at this legendary manuscript Tripp has spent the last seven years writing. At the same time, James Leer (Spider-Man's Tobey Maguire), a neurotic student, has just finished his own manuscript; his relationship with Sara Gaskell (Frances MacDormand), the University chancellor's wife, is going through a rough patch; and his boarder, Hannah Green (Katie Holmes), has picked the worst of all possible times to turn up the pressure on him to get involved romantically with her. Everything's lined up for either salvation or damnation, or possibly both, and Tripp seems bound and determined to figure out as many ways as possible to stick his fat in the fire while still leaving himself that one last road. As we all know, however, the road to hell is paved with good intentions...

When Curtis Hanson is on his game, he's one of the best in the business, and he's definitely on his game here. It helps that he pulled in a fantastic stable of actors to realize Steven Kloves' fabulous script, from the justly famous Michael Chabon novel of the same name. This is a fun, fun movie that got far too little exposure during its brief theatrical run; rediscover it now. ****

Arthur - It's Only Rock & Roll (Starring the Backstreet Boys)

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Arthur Special!
So cute
This is a great gift for Arthur and Backstreet Boys
Backstreet Fan
Great DVD! made me int o A backstreet boys fan.

Arthur - It's Only Rock & Roll (Starring the Backstreet Boys)
Starring: Arthur
Manufacturer: Sony Wonder (Video)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Arthur: The Music Video
Arthur Goes to Hollywood
Backstreet Boys - Around the World
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Arthur: Arthur's Famous Friends

ASIN: B00006JDRD
Release Date: 2002-10-01

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Arthur Special!.......2007-05-19

Years after its release, this show has aged very well -- amazing for a story based on pop culture. It starts out with a story and script that are above average for the already high quality level of most Arthur shows. The longer story format allows for a bit more plot development, which makes for a more interesting show without getting bogged down. The soundtrack is very well done, and the music performances are excellent. Who knew that these kids could rock?!

This is a special program (they call it a "Movie," at just under an hour) that can't fit in a normal half-hour PBS broadcast time slot, so you might never catch it on TV. I'm so glad I saw the reviews here and bought the DVD, because I would never have known about it otherwise. In my opinion, it's worth getting the DVD if possible, mostly because the sound will be superior to that of a VHS tape (and the sound matters more than for most Arthur shows).

Like others, we didn't really know much about the Backstreet Boys before seeing this. Well, they sound great. They really add to the overall experience of this show, but without really dominating the storyline at all. The kids, and the lessons they learn, are the center of things -- which is as it should be.

The DVD has some fun bonus features. I do not know if any of these pieces are also aired when the main "movie" is shown on TV. Although they're just the usual "making of" background snippets, they're fun and add to the DVD experience.

So cute.......2007-02-09

I love the Backstreet Boys and I like Arthur (and I'm 27...ye gods...) I figured this would be kinda cute to watch.

It was absolutely adorable!

The Boys aren't in it a WHOLE lot, so don't buy it expecting to see a LOT of them. The music in the episode is great for a cartoon, and it's a good watch for any BSB or Arthur fan!

This is a great gift for Arthur and Backstreet Boys.......2003-06-28

I saw this show on PBS when it aired,and it is a good show. It is good for the Arthur fans and for The Backstreet Boys fans too. If you like Arthur and his friends, and the Backstreet Boys , this is for you.

Backstreet Fan.......2003-03-12

Being a fan of Arthur, and a fan of the Backstreet Boys, I was thrilled when I heard that my two favourite things were coming together, to make a great video! I had my VCR ready the day when it was supposed to be on TV, but it didn't work. So I bought the movie on Amazon.com, and I loved it. I think that the Backstreet Boys, looked cute, (even for cartoons,) and Muffy's crushing heart for Nick, reminded me of my crushing heart for Nick. I think that plot for this show, was very interesting, you didn't know what was going to happen next. And I'm giving a big thumbs up to Muffy's comment at the end, I wouldn't complain if Francine's band U Stink did an reunion concert and invited the Backstreet Boys, I just hope that they come to play near me! (LOL)

Great DVD! made me int o A backstreet boys fan........2002-12-11

I rented this from my library and just loved it. Poor Muffy is having to deal with a snobbish friend that calls the backstreet Boys 'sellouts'. Soon we see all the kids trying to start their own bands starting with "U Stink" and even "We Stink!" Even when Nick and Muffy get stuck in an elevator, everything works out for all involved.

I thought that it was a nice film. It starts out with Muffy watching the Backstreet Boys in live action on her TV. The intercut with animation and live action. It was one of the best likenesses of a group ever put into cartoon form... This has made me a new Backstreet boys fan. I am 31 years old and I just adore this one. It takes those that want to remember back to a time when we had a crush on our idols...

I hope that Marc Brown does another show like this. It would be interesting to see how Arthur and the gang could interact with singers of the past or right now...

Amazon.com

Spirit of Wonder is not a feature, but a pair of linked 1992 OVAs based on Kenji Tsuruta's manga, combined with two shorts involving the voluptuous restaurant owner Miss China. The fragmentary plot evokes the stories of Jules Verne and boys' science-fiction novels from the original "Tom Swift" series to the juvenile yarns of Robert Heinlein. The overage delinquents of the Boys' Club dream of going to Mars and finally achieve their goal in 1958, using the unorthodox physics of the brilliant, endlessly patient Miss Windy. Light oscillating through "ether" powers their dirigible-like ship across interplanetary space. The graceful lines and pastel colors in this disjointed but visually- rich sci fi adventure recall the look of European graphic novels. Unfortunately, Spirit of Wonder is marred by a weary sexism that was already a cliché in 1992. (Rated 16 and older: violence, nudity, risqué humor, alcohol use) --Charles Solomon

Description

Brand new adventures awaits those who seek a new 'Spirit of Wonder'. As young boys, Cooper, Gordon, and Shepherd were enchanted by the theories of life on Mars published by Percival Lowell. Forming a group club called the "Scientific Boys Club" the trio will embark upon their long-time dream of traveling to Mars! And while the town of Bristol may be small, it's always exciting! What'll happen when the town's very own Miss China is shrunken to the size of a pea? Take a new voyage with two very special short stories "Shrinking of Miss China" and "Planet of Miss China."

KEY SALES POINTS:
The classic anime release of the early 90's is back as a brand new feature!
A whimsical journey that will spark adventure and a new spirit of wonder!
Spirit of Wonder manga available from Dark Horse Comics
Contains 2 BONUS OVA episodes of Miss China
Genre: Action/Adventure

DVD FEATURES:
Interactive Animated Menus
Dolby Digital Surround Sound
English/Japanese Language
English Subtitle Option

DVD EXTRAS:
Miss China Mini Poster
Art Gallery
Interviews
Trailers

Customer Reviews:

Mission to Mars in 1958!.......2006-09-27

Spirit of Wonder has one two episode story about the Scientific Boys Club and their plan to visit Mars. the club has only three members, Cooper, Gordon and Shepherd. Jack is the son-in-law of one of the members and Windy is his wife, the daughter of Gordon. She also happens to be the mind behind the theory of ether currents. In other words without her knowledge going to Mars isn't going to happen.
There is also two shorts featuring China and friends. SHE is the main character of the manga and, frankly, I don't know why she has become a side show.
At first I thought China's voice actress was Carrie Savage but it turned out to be Carrie A. Daniels (Angel Tales). Jim is played by Crispin Freeman (Hellsing, Howl's Moving Castle) while Windy is played by Tricia A. Dickson (Read Or Die, Hellsing) and Jack is played by Justin Gross (I MY ME! Strawberry Eggs, Ikki Tousen).
The stories have humor and a touch of old fashion Victorian scientific romance but are too short. The extras don't make up for the lack of material.

nice.......2006-05-18

A very different yet interesting yet loveable piece of work. Not your usual anime. I liked how this one had very real emotions and themes in it. Not to mention the artwork and animation for this piece was very beautiful. Very nice indeed.

Great but Less Than Perfect.......2006-03-30

So why 5 stars? As a stand alone story in VHS or DVD format this is a terrific fantasy! The only reason I consider it less than perfect is because I was spoiled on the original comic book series (five or six issues called Spirit of Wonder, published by Dark Horse comics I think) in the early or mid 1990's. This is a terribly whittled down version of some of the best Manga I ever laid my eyes on. But again, it's well worth it, especially if you do not have the benefit of the original comics.

There is some mild adult content, as with almost any anime out there. The fiesty old Doctor Breckenridge grabs poor Miss China's breasts a time or two, and attempts to peak at her panties. It has been a while since I saw the film, but I think he also slapped her on the butt once. There are a few instances of mild adult language: the word d**n is used. But these instances are fairly quick and isolated and are certainly not the strong selling points of this wonderful tale.

What is the strong selling point is the purely unique Japanese imagination. Somehow or other Japan's cartoonists seem to think a little more abstractly than do Westerners and Miss China's Ring is a grand example of that. The characters are lovable and easy to warm up to. There's Doctor Breckenridge, the dirty old man who is a raging mad scientist, then Jack, the mild-mannered assistant who supplies the mad doctor's needs via a beautiful fair-skinned blonde with petite features and who runs a flower stand that peddles black market items on the side. Finally we have the beloved little star of the show, Miss China, a young girl who owns the Ten-Kai Chinese restaurant on the coast of Australia. Yes, the setting for the story is actually "down-under," hence all the white sailors and the lack of anyone remotely Asian except Miss China.

Basically, the flower stand girl is in love with Jack. Miss China is also in love with Jack. Jack loves Miss China but more like a little sister or maybe a puppy. Dr. Breckenridge is unaware of the existence of any female except Miss China. The scheming doc is living with the notion that if he cannot go to the moon, then he will bring the moon to him. His idea is to cleverly carve a message in the moon's surface that can be seen from earth, without actually touching it. He endeavors to do so with his space refracting telecope invention. Things do get a little out of hand and the moon is terribly effected by it but in the end Miss China and Jack manage to find innocent romance while the rest of the world looks into the night sky to find something they never expected.

The second DVD in this series, titled Spirit of Wonder Part 2, is a fairly recent release. I am unsure of the authoring company. It is clever in it's own right but falls very short of Miss China's Ring.

You might still be able to find DVD copies of Miss China's Ring (The Spirit of Wonder Part 1) by Animeigo but it will take a little looking since it was a limited production.

In all, I would say that this is a great story to view on an inclement day or later in the evening when you just want to relax and forget the rest of the world. This film could never fall into the category of smutty and really only scrapes the line of adult (being slightly more child oriented), but it's not quite appropriate for young children. That must be why the original plastic wrapper had a 13 and up label. They were accurate in their summation. I hope I am accurate in mine by saying that you would enjoy it: highly recommended!

The story of Miss China's Ring comes to life in this anime........1998-04-21

In a small town lives a girl named Miss China, the owner of the local tavern and her friends. In an unexplained phenomenon, a message appears on the night of a full moon and she wants to know how it got there.

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Mission to Mars in 1958!.......2006-09-27

nice.......2006-05-18

Great but Less Than Perfect.......2006-03-30

The story of Miss China's Ring comes to life in this anime........1998-04-21

Description

Discussing the new film Wonder Boys are director Curtis Hanson and the three stars of the film: Michael Douglas, who plays Grady Tripp, the troubled writer and one time a literary wonder boy; Frances McDormand, Tripp's boss; and Tobey Maguire, who plays James Leer, Tripp's protege. A new book, Pack of Thieves, details the many governments and people across Europe that took advantage of the plight of the Jews during World War II. Joining Charlie are the book's author, Richard Chesnoff, senior correspondent at U.S. News & World Report and Edgar Bronfman, president of The World Jewish Congress, chairman of the Seagram Company and involved in the ongoing effort to have restitution paid.

Average customer rating:

Wonder Boys [Region 2]
Starring: Michael Douglas , Tobey Maguire , Frances McDormand , Robert Downey Jr. , and Katie Holmes
Director: Curtis Hanson
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Wonder Boys

ASIN: B00005NB0B

Average customer rating:

Like Putting on a Comfortable Robe
~I love Tobey Maguire~
---Standin' on the gallows with my head in the noose Any minute now I'm expecting' all hell to break loose...
What can you say...
Funny, tragic, and delightfully twisted.

Wonder Boys [Region 2]
Starring: Michael Douglas , Tobey Maguire , Frances McDormand , Robert Downey Jr. , and Katie Holmes
Director: Curtis Hanson
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video