The Terminal (Widescreen 3-Disc Collector's Set)

Starring:Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride, Diego Luna, Barry Shabaka Henley, Kumar Pallana, Zoe Saldana, Eddie Jones, Jude Ciccolella, Corey Reynolds, Guillermo DÃaz, Rini Bell, Stephen Mendel, Valeri Nikolayev, Michael Nouri, Ana Maria Quintana, Bob Morrisey, Sasha Spielberg, Susan Slome
Director: Steven Spielberg
Studio: Dreamworks Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Caught between the purest of intentions and unimaginative shortcuts to sentimentality, The Mighty is nevertheless rewarding enough to make it worth seeing. Kieran Culkin stars as Kevin, a terminally ill but spirited young boy who befriends a healthy but illiterate social outcast, Maxwell (Elden Henson). They realize that together they are a stronger, braver force than they are as individuals, and the various opportunities they have to confront persecutors and memories of their bad fathers are handled very effectively by director Peter Chelsom (a very original filmmaker who made the terrific Funny Bones). The curious adult casting includes Sharon Stone (a natural scene-stealer even when she doesn't intend it) as Kevin's saintly mother, and Gillian Anderson in a quite-unbelievable supporting role. Chelsom's lapses in judgment are not terribly significant (imaginary appearances by Camelot-era knights on horseback are the most annoying), though one could argue that a plot to kidnap one of the boys is a cheesy way to underscore the kids' redemptive loyalty to one another. Still, all in all, you can laugh and cry at this tale of rare friendship, and admire the sensitive performances by Chelsom's younger players. --Tom Keogh

Description

Award-winning actresses Sharon Stone (SPHERE, CASINO) and Gillian Anderson (THE X-FILES) star in this uplifting motion picture that's received overwhelming critical acclaim! With his loving and supportive mother (Stone), 13-year-old Kevin (Kieran Culkin) moves in next door to another teen, Max. Though both have problems that label them as outcasts, Kevin and Max discover that by proudly combining their strengths and uniting as one, they can overcome their individual limitations and triumph over any adversity! As the two set out on a series of courageous adventures, they find the mightiest treasure of all: friendship! With Gena Rowlands (PLAYING BY HEART) and a stellar supporting cast, THE MIGHTY is truly exceptional entertainment that will lift your spirits and touch your heart!

Customer Reviews:

What a wonderful movie!.......2007-05-17

This was such a touching movie. If you enjoyed the movie Simon Birch then you will love this movie. It's inspirational and a tear jerker!

A Must See Movie.......2007-05-13

While watching this movie it takes you back to when you were in school..and the truth about how cruel kids can be. But at the same time how they can stand up for what is right. I have loaned this movie out to everyone I know.They all have purchased it after watching it.
Another must see movie ( Pay it Forward) you won't forget either of these movies.

Excellent movie.......2007-03-18

Freak the Mighty, a book by Rodman Philbrick, was the inspiration for the movie The Mighty. It is a character-builing story, with two opposites who become a powerful unit against the challenges each must deal with. My eighth graders loved the book when we read it in class; the movie became a wonderful way to compare and contrast the written and the film depictions of the characters. I have added Freak the Mighty to my list of favorite books and The Mighty to my list of favorite movies.

Everyone Needs to Read this book!.......2007-02-16

The first time I read this book, I laughed, cried, and felt every emotion possible. As a middle school teacher, I made sure I read it to my students. It has become a favorite for the school and most of the students that have read it. The movie is also outanding. This book needs to be a classic.... If you are reading this review, you need to purchase the book and read it to your children, grandchildren or whoever. They will love you forever!!!

The Mighty mighty.......2007-01-15

I purchased this movie again because I lost my first copy. I used it as a follow up to the reading of the book by the same title. My at risk junior high school students enjoyed both the book and the movie!!! The theme is timeless and the film is well acted. It can be seen over and over again!

Average customer rating:

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

Dragonfly (Widescreen)
Starring: Lisa Banes , Kathy Bates , Kevin Costner , Matt Craven , and Kathryn Erbe
Director: Tom Shadyac
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JKZH
Release Date: 2002-07-30

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: * out of *****

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Cute without being sappy
Good Flick
Enjoyable and Uplifting Fantasy
Soundtrack is NOT complete.
Surprisingly bad

The Terminal (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Tom Hanks , Catherine Zeta-Jones , Stanley Tucci , Chi McBride , and Diego Luna
Director: Steven Spielberg
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00030M9P6
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Amazon.com

Like an airport running at peak efficiency, The Terminal glides on the consummate skills of its director and star. Having refined their collaborative chemistry on Saving Private Ryan and Catch Me if You Can, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks mesh like the precision gears of a Rolex, turning a delicate, not-very-plausible scenario into a lovely modern-age fable (partly based on fact) that's both technically impressive and subtly moving. It's Spielberg in Capra mode, spinning the featherweight tale of Victor Navorski (Hanks, giving a finely tuned performance), an Eastern European who arrives at New York's Kennedy Airport just as his (fictional) homeland has fallen to a coup, forcing him, with no valid citizenship, to take indefinite residence in the airport's expansive International Arrivals Terminal (an astonishing full-scale set that inspires Spielberg's most elegant visual strategies). Spielberg said he made this film in part to alleviate the anguish of wartime America, and his master's touch works wonders on the occasionally mushy material; even Stanley Tucci's officious terminal director and Catherine Zeta-Jones's mixed-up flight attendant come off (respectively) as forgivable and effortlessly charming. With this much talent involved, The Terminal transcends its minor shortcomings to achieve a rare degree of cinematic grace. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Cute without being sappy.......2007-06-29

A very nice film. Very nice. Is it a great film? Perhaps not, but it's a remarkably well-produced film, and well-acted. It is done well enough for people to ignore a plotline which stretches credulity at more than a few points. Even though viewers will have a reasonably good idea that things will work out OK, the film keeps us engaged by moving along at a brisk pace, never bogging down with exceptional sentiment. The coda --- a tribute to a son's promise to his father --- is definitely the best part of the movie by far, the most touching, and helps to redeem some of the weaker moments which preceded it. Overall, very satisfying. Did I mention that it was very nice?

Good Flick.......2007-06-25

Speilberg is not capable of making a bad movie. It's just not in the realm of this Universe' possibilities. Tom Hanks does a great job of playing a sympathetic foreigner who turns out to be a hero. Catherine Zeta Jones breaks his heart ofcourse but in the end her character is just in it for the cash like most of the rest of us. There's also a jazz theme to the flick which tells me Speilberg is a jazz fan. An even better but underated Speilberg flick is A.I.. This flick is not quite up to that standard but still worth a few viewings especially if you strongly relate to underdogs.

Enjoyable and Uplifting Fantasy.......2007-04-22

I did not want to watch this movie first - I don't like the claustrophobic movies where the fun has been made of the characters who are awkward foreigners that can not speak English. Spielberg's "The Terminal" has got it all but I've came to like it. Technically, it is great - the work of Spielberg's set decorators' and cinematographer's is superb. After a few obligatory jokes based on the main character's total puzzlement and confusion regarding what is happening to him, film starts to look at that man closer and finds a lot in him to admire.

I don't think that making the villain of huge proportions of Stanley Tucci's character was such a great idea. It is not exactly clear why he is determined to make Victor's life even more confusing and miserable with the tenacity deserving better purpose. It was not exactly necessary to make a hero and saint of Hanks' character, either.

With all the negatives, "The Terminal" for me is an enjoyable and uplifting fantasy - sentimental, of course and not perfect but fine and enjoyable. The most important for me was the part when we finally find out why Victor Navarsky (Tom Hanks), the citizen of the fictitious Eastern European Country Krakozia came to New York City, NY, USA. The story behind his arrival is simple, sweet, and touching.
3.5/5

Soundtrack is NOT complete........2007-04-08

Loved the movie, could care less about John Williams but the jazz was cool. Got the DVD with the "soundtrack" all Mr. Williams and no jazz. FIY Benny Golson trio. Buy the movie Not the 3 disc set you will be dissapointed. I was.

Surprisingly bad.......2007-03-12

Who thought Catherine Zeta-Jones and Tom Hanks could be in a movie that isn't just bad, but downright awful. Tom Hanks plays an refugee stuck in JFK. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays the flight attendant he has a crush on. Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla. It just doesn't go anywhere, and the acting is terrible to boot. No plot. No storyline. No good characters. No depth or meaning. No reason to see it.

Airport Terminal Pack (Airport/Airport '75/Airport '77/Airport '79 - The Concord)

Average customer rating:

airport terminal pack.
The airport terminal pack
Hard to total a rating score on such a diversified pack.
I Love Airplane Diaster/Drama/Suspense flicks!
pie in the sky

Airport Terminal Pack (Airport/Airport '75/Airport '77/Airport '79 - The Concord)
Starring: Jack Lemmon , Lee Grant , Brenda Vaccaro , Joseph Cotten , and Olivia de Havilland
Director: Jerry Jameson , Jack Smight , and George Seaton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000WN05A
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Description

The Academy Award-nominated Airport and the sensational sequels that followed are now together in one high flying collection, the Airport Terminal Pack. Prepare to take off for non-stop thrills and edge-of-your-seat excitement as you fly to extremes with Hollywood's royal jet set, including: Charlton Heston, Burt Lancaster, Jimmy Stewart, Jack Lemmon, Lee Grant, Jacqueline Bisset, Dean Martin, George Kennedy and many more.

Airport
The original airplane disaster movie nominated for ten Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Airport 1975
A mid-air collision leaves a 747 without a pilot and little hope for survival.

Airport `77
A 747 is trapped underwater in the Bermuda Triangle. It's a race against time and the elements to save the passengers and crew!

The Concorde: Airport `79
At twice the speed of sound, the Concorde must evade a vicious attack by a traitorous arms smuggler!

Customer Reviews:

airport terminal pack........2007-06-12

cannot review, because when i went to watch either disc it would not play. tried three differnt dvd players. all said the same thing. cannot read disc.

The airport terminal pack.......2007-05-28

A great collection of airline disasters. Not enough death though.
George Kennedy saves the films!

Hard to total a rating score on such a diversified pack........2007-05-14

This isn't like reviewing "The Omen" or "Die Hard" series that are now packaged as one volume as they are, for the most part, all decent flicks. The "Airport" films are widely, and I mean Grand Canyon widely, ranging in quality. Here are my reviews of each film in the package:

Airport (*****) - It probably didn't deserve the 10 Academy Award Nominations that it earned, including Best Picture, but it is an outstanding adaptation of Arthur Hailey's soap-opera trimmed novel on the airport business. His books were excellent in bringing to life various industries which were appropriately titled to reveal the industry being examined, such as "Hotel" (guess the business there), "Wheels" (on the automotive world), "The Moneychangers" (a personal favorite of mine on the banking industry), and "Overload" (on the public electric business) to name just a few of his many many works.

"Airport" successfully brings to life Hailey's classic novel and it, in spite of the soap-opera trappings and stereotypes, is rousing and memorable entertainment. The cast is brilliant with Burt Lancaster dead-on as the beleagured airport manager, Dean Martin perfectly cast as the arrogant and committment-phobic pilot, George Kennedy as Joe "Mr. Fix It" Petroni that he would play in all four "Airport" films, and Helen Hayes in the elderly stowaway role that won her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress that year. All other supporting cast members are just as terrific.

This film is Intelligently written, skillfully directed, and brilliantly acted which make this a must-see and own classic. It is worth the price of the whole package just to have this one film.

Airport 1975 (***) - With the success of the original and the onslaught of disaster flicks in the 70's a sequel of sorts to the first Airport film was destined to happen. All and all, this one isn't as bad as it could have been. That cast is made up of mostly has-beens throwing ad-libs around and stereotyping America to the point that your teeth will ache, but there are some notable things about this film in spite of its obvious flaws. First, I love Charlton Heston and he became something of a stable item in disaster flicks in this era. His sturdy leadership is much needed in these kinds of films. He was great in "Earthquake" which was also in this era and where he again acted along side George Kennedy. I'm also a big big fan of Karen Black, a horror actress icon who is still around ("House of 1,000 Corpses") and still radiant looking, who plays the stewardess who ends up flying the 747 after it is hit by a single engine plane flown by Dana Andrews who suffers a heart attack while flying and goes off course.

The effects of the film are good, but nothing great and rather dated; however, I do love the scenes where they try the mid-air transfer of pilots and where the planes collide which leads to a wonderful line by George Kennedy, again playing Joe Patroni. When he's consulted/asked how bad the damage could be after such a hit by a single engine aircraft he responds in a sarcastic tone with, "Oh, it's not too bad. There's just a big hole where the pilots usually sit."

Overall, this film is fun entertainment, but nothing serious and certainly not up to the level of other great disaster flicks of this era such as "The Poseidon Adventure", which really started it all in 1972, "Earthquake", in wonderful sensesurround sound, and "The Towering Inferno" which was probably the best one of its genre. FYI: Earthquake and The Towering Inferno were once re-released and double-billed as "Shake and Bake" -LOL.

Airport 1977 (****) - This entry into the Airport series really soars. It got a lot of bad press, but the special effects are terrific and still hold up well enough even by today's standards. In addition, the script is actually intelligent and even clever at times. The actors are all familiar faces and do a very good job in this one. Jack Lemmon, who certainly over acts here, is the arrogant pilot who could use a lesson in anger managment, and the head stewardess isn't played by an actress as engaging as Karen Black, but Brenda Vaccaro is beautiful and her raspy-sexy voice keeps your attention. Christopher Lee (LOTR) is also perfect in this film with his confident and gentleman-like manners opposite his dispicable, vicious wife, played with great venom by Lee Grant. This is a really fun film in spite of the stereotypes and poor dialogue at times.

Airport 1979 (*) - This is the film that killed the franchise with it's terrible acting, awful and implausible script, horrific "special" effects, which is an oxymoron in this film, and unintentional humor which gave me reason to give it one star instead of zero stars. This film has fewer familiar faces than we are used to in such films, but that may be a good sign that most were intelligent enough to steer clear of this stinker. George Kennedy returns for his final playing of Joe Patroni who is to fly the maiden American flight of France's Concorde. Robert Wagner (The Towering Inferno) plays the heavy as the villain trying to bring down the plane after he finds out that his news reporter girlfriend, Susan Blakely (also of TI and a "Sport Illustrated Swimsuit" model), who is on the flight has the goods on him for illegal arms sales. Sounds like a perfectly good reason to kill a hundred people --NOT!

The whole film is just laughable and I do mean side-splittingly hysterical to the point where after its premiere audiences were left dying with laughter in their seats the film was actually re-marketed as a comedy-drama. Is it no surprise that the following year we got the sensationally funny "Airplane" which ripped apart the whole disaster film genre and not just the "Airport" films. "Airport '79" is one of those it's so bad, it's "kinda" good. If you don't believe me, just rent this stinker and enjoy a good laugh as you watch the Concorde do barrel rolls to avoid missles and have cutaways with the passengers flipping out in the interior. It is truly priceless.

I Love Airplane Diaster/Drama/Suspense flicks!.......2007-05-13

Call me (and millions of other moviegoers, pseudo-critics and connaisseurs) just declasse... but as Don Henley sang: "...It's Interesting when People Die..." (from the song "Dirty Laundry") ...so we are (I mean I am) transfixed by the adrenaline-pumping-plot-premise of this film genre including this series, also "Die Hard II: Die Harder", and more.... and to have *ALL* of the Airport-series films under one cover! What *WILL* they think of next?!!!

pie in the sky.......2007-03-14

What a treat! An intrigueing disaster movie from the 70's! I highly recommend the Airport Terminal Pack, as it is filled with memorable characters creatively crafted by the film's writers, intertwined with excellent plots that will keep you engrossed for hours. Excellently written and acted - I give it 5 stars!

Average customer rating:

Out of all of the "Bonham Carter" Period films,THIS IS THE ONE WHERE SHE REALLY GLOWS!This is HER movie that defines her career
"There's far too much going on behind those pretty lashes."
Dark elegance!
The Wings of the Dove
Watch - don't listen

The Wings of the Dove
Starring: Helena Bonham Carter , Linus Roache , Alison Elliott , Charlotte Rampling , and Elizabeth McGovern
Director: Iain Softley
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0788815490
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Amazon.com essential video

Queen of the costume drama Helena Bonham Carter finally got a chance to loosen her corset a bit with this exquisitely mounted (Sandy Powell's costumes were nominated for an Academy Award) romantic drama based on Henry James's classic novel. Set in turn-of-the-century London and Venice, Wings of the Dove is a stately departure--more PBS than MTV--for Iain Softley, director of Hackers and the birth-of-the-Beatles biopic Backbeat. But there's enough romantic intrigue to perhaps fuel a week's worth of daytime TV talk shows: My Lover Seduced a Dying Heiress for Her Money.

Bonham Carter, who won several critics association honors for her performance (she was nominated for a Golden Globe and Oscar as well) stars as Kate, who is engaged in a secret affair with Merton (Linus Roache), a journalist whose poor financial standing makes marriage impossible. Kate's manipulative aunt (Charlotte Rampling) threatens to disown her unless she marries the more suitable Lord Mark (Alex Jennings). Opportunity--admittedly sordid--arrives in the form of Millie (Alison Elliott), an American heiress whom Kate befriends. When Kate learns that Millie is dying, she suggests to Merton that he seduce her to make her last days happy, and ensuring that Millie will leave Merton her money when she dies. Merton reluctantly agrees, just as Kate begins to have second thoughts that threaten to sabotage the scheme.

One of the most rapturously reviewed films in recent years, Wings of the Dove is a must-own film for the Merchant-Ivory crowd. But guys: don't dismiss this as a "chick flick." Beneath its Masterpiece Theatre exterior beats the wild and untamed heart of Dawson's Creek. --Donald Liebenson

Description

Highly acclaimed as one of the year's most outstanding movies, THE WINGS OF THE DOVE is a provocative tale of passion, temptation, and greed. Helena Bonham Carter (HOWARDS END) delivers a stunning, award-winning performance as Kate, a beautiful young society woman whose desire for a common journalist (Linus Roache) presents her with an impossible decision: leave him, or marry -- and face a life of poverty. Events take an unexpected twist, however, when Kate befriends a lonely young heiress (Alison Elliott) whose own tragic secret offers an irresistible ... but dangerous ... solution. Nominated for 4 Academy Awards(R), this intriguing story of forbidden love is a motion picture event you won't soon forget!

Customer Reviews:

Out of all of the "Bonham Carter" Period films,THIS IS THE ONE WHERE SHE REALLY GLOWS!This is HER movie that defines her career.......2007-04-21

There really is not much that I can add plotwise to the other excellent reviews here at Amazon.What I can say though is that Helena Bonham Carter has often been referred to as "the Queen of costume dramas" which has unfortunately pigeonholed her into being some kind of one dimensional charicature of herself in some eyes.Well....it is in Henry James' WINGS OF THE DOVE (one of the better James" novel adaptations to screen) under the very able direction of Iain Softley where "Mrs.Tim Burton" blossoms and shows that she has a pair of eyes that can express the complete range of emotions without saying a word.(Didn't Norma Desmond,the great silent screen star of SUNSET BOULEVARD say,"We didn't have words...we said it with our eyes!"?).Though WINGS OF THE DOVE is certainly a fairly engaging story in it's own right (it is a melodrama that certainly follows some formulas),it is Miss Bonham Carter's beyond-admirable performance that makes this beautifully filmed in the streets and canals of Venice tragic love triangle really worth the watching alone.Some actresses SO fit the bill as their characters (I am reminded of Meryl Streep in SOPHIE'S CHOICE and Fernanda Montenegro in CENTRAL STATION,and currently Helen Mirren in THE QUEEN)that to ever to consider a remake down the line by some director would mean having to outdo what is already perfection.Bonham Carter hit an absolute career defining moment in this film.Here she is not the ingenue of the 1983 ROOM WITH A VIEW,but a full come-of-age bonifide star who received both nominations from the Hollywood Foreign Press and The Academy.She deserved every bit of those accolades in the role of Kate,for WINGS OF THE DOVE really is Kate's story anyway.

As for the supporting cast,Linus Roach is more than suitable as Merton and plays well opposite Miss Carter.I,personally,have never found the parts of the Americans played by Alison Elliot and Elizabeth McGovern to be anything at all.I truly feel that Miss Elliot fails to capture the necessary fragility/emerging sexual woman role with any kind of true conviction as Millie Theale.As for Miss McGovern,the part is limited at best,but there is not much there in the delivery nor in the look.

"There's far too much going on behind those pretty lashes.".......2006-09-20

The wonderful period film "The Wings of a Dove" asks the question does the issue of money cloud or clarify love? Kate Croy (Helena Bonham Carter) is the product of a misalliance--her long-dead mother married badly, and Kate's misanthrope father lives in poverty haunting the pubs, brothels and opium dens of London's seamy side. Kate is rescued from poverty by her Aunt Maude (Charlotte Rampling), and when the film begins, Kate is living with Maude in her London mansion while her aunt plots to marry Kate to a wealthy man. Kate, however, is already in love with journalist Merton Densher (Linus Roache). Merton wants Kate to marry him, but while she meets him for secret trysts, she refuses to join Merton's life of humble circumstances. She's lived in the squalor of poverty, but she's developed a taste for finer things. While Kate insists she loves Merton, she's not willing to be a poor man's wife.

Kate meets an American heiress, the "world's richest orphan" Millie Theale (Alison Elliott), and the two young women become friends. But Kate, who learns that Millie is terminally ill, begins hatching a plot that will bring her both Merton and money in time....

Love is examined through these three complex characters--there's Kate's love--predicated on there being enough money to enjoy it, Merton's love--he will do whatever he's told to for the sake of love, and Millie's all-encompassing fine other-worldly variety. Iain Softley's adaptation of the Henry James novel is exquisite. Well-cast, beautifully acted, with gorgeous sets and costumes, the film is a feast for Henry James fans and lovers of British costume drama. But there's so much more here than just the surface perfection of the film. The script captures the subtle nuances of Kate's complicated character, so that by the time the film ends, many of her actions are left open to interpretation. Similarly, the highly-principled Merton, who becomes a willing tool in Kate's scheme, is portrayed as a man who idealizes one woman while being passionately in love with a woman whose character he cannot admire. The last player in this tortured love triangle is Millie, and while she's not as interesting a character as Kate (to either the viewer or Merton), she's clearly the finer person who desperately wants to live, love and be loved in return--displacedhuman

Dark elegance!.......2006-06-20

Iain Softley directed this elegant film yet it reminds me of a Merchant/Ivory production, not just for the Helena Bonham Carter connection, but because of the incredible production values (costumes, art direction, and cinematography) that make the film look more costly than the actual numbers. The acting is good from most if not all the cast. And the screenplay deals well with the triangle that Kate (Carter) allows herself to fall into despite the emotional danger to herself. Despite a dark premise the character Millie adds a bit of brightness to the story. And the views of Venice really capture the exotic nature of the place with comparison to 1910 London. This film earned its R-rating with the ending. But it did show how much the two main characters have changed by what previously occurred. It's a well done costume-drama.

The Wings of the Dove.......2006-02-23

Good subject, the workings of a devious female mind. A complicated love triangle. Superb acting.

Watch - don't listen.......2005-12-29

This movie is a tasty eye candy. The plot is awkward at best. The original novel is not much better, by the way. I am surprised that a sophisticated author like Henry James wrote this novel. I have always considered him a great psychologist, who posessed great insight into human motives, but in this particular novel his usually precise psychoanalysis goes in every direction uncontrollably. The plot reminds me of a high-school revenge thriller. I wonder if he was influenced by Chorderlo Laclos' "Dangerous Liaisons". Turn down the sound, so you don't have to bore yourself with the tedious dialogue, and enjoy the splendid costumes and the steamy sex scenes.

Average customer rating:

Write this again...in thirty years
A GUILTY PLEASURE
Stupid
Fraser triumphs as a student who learns the value of an education
Get That Boy A Floppy Disk...

With Honors
Starring: Joe Pesci , Brendan Fraser , Moira Kelly , Patrick Dempsey , and Josh Hamilton
Director: Alek Keshishian
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0790742055
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Amazon.com

Joe Pesci gives his most likable performance to date, elevating this predictable comedy-drama. A stuck-up Harvard senior (Brendan Fraser) believes his life is ruined when an educated bum (Pesci) finds his thesis. The bum wants to trade each page for a favor during a harsh New England winter. Of course, the student learns more from his new friend than from the halls of Harvard. Some silly, melodramatic parts including an unbelievable classroom lecture make this comedy tiring at times. But the cast and dialogue ring truer than the tired plot. A solid first feature from Alek Keshishian (Truth or Dare), who graduated with honors from Harvard. --Doug Thomas

Description

Armed with a copy of a harvard student's thesis, a homeless man makes the desperate student an offer: in exchange for food and a place to stay during the harsh winter, he will return the thesis one page at a time.

Customer Reviews:

Write this again...in thirty years.......2007-05-09

This predictable story attempts to be deep, but never makes it past the shallow end. Pesci's great truths to the youth are simplistic, and presented to the students in uninteresting undramatic ways. The students buy into him...only because the script tells them to. I think even junior college students wouldn't take Pesci or his rantings seriously. It's a nice premise, but the script doesn't have the weight necessary. My guess is that the scripwriter was relatively young, and couldn't be expected to present the great essential truths learned from a life lived, when he himself hasn't made that journey yet. A suggestion: "The Paper Chase" with Timothy Bottoms and John Houseman...a much better, satisfying, and involving film about growing wiser while attending Harvard.

A GUILTY PLEASURE.......2007-04-06

What can I say? I like this movie. I know it is manipulative and contrieved. You know how it's going to end, but it is a very entertaining movie! It does have it's virtues though. A very insiteful film that has a lot more going for it than just another college frathouse flick.

Stupid.......2006-12-05

To put it succinctly, Brendan Fraser is a college senior who ends up writing a ridiculously long thesis, which is then swiped by Joe Pesci, the homeless dude who, predictably, is really quite wise. The problem is that his "wise" sayings aren't really too wise; he's like the guy you know who is always trying to sound intelligent, but doesn't really know that much. Joe Pesci's character is pretty annoying. That's probably why he ended up friends with Brendan Fraser's character.

Fraser triumphs as a student who learns the value of an education.......2006-05-11

... a life education, that is. Brendan Fraser has never been one to take on a role with any substance or complexity and this film is certainly not a divergence. I don't begrudge the guy for going for the paycheck -- and he must not begrudge himself either because it seems it's all he does: Dudley Dooright, George of the Jungle, The Looney Tunes Movie, Mummies I & II, Monkeybone, Bedazzled, The Scout, Airheads, Encino Man, etc.

In this earnest to the point of humiliation film, a homeless man throws Fraser's thesis into a furnance. (And as an earlier reviewer pointed out) Let's forget the fact that Fraser is smart enough to get into Harvard but not smart enough to back up or copy his thesis. Because if we were to allow logic into our minds then our hearts would follow. See what I'm saying.

What is an uncanny coincidence is that I brought a homeless man into my thesis defense. Regrettably the man could not enlighten my professors, but he did leave a funny smell in the room after he had asked them all for spare change. This was not one of those "noble homeless" that Pesci portrays here so unconvincingly. It was one of the mentally challenged people whose very existence, is filled with desperation and indignity. And the worst part was that he bit Doc Ahern, took a whole chunk of his ear out.

I only hope this movie does not damage all the progress that the homeless have made in this country. If the average citizen believes that the only thing holding back the homeless is their "live for today, make yourself happy" attitude, then we're in worse shape than I ever thought.

Get That Boy A Floppy Disk..........2006-03-29

I couldn't help being impressed by the favorable comments some of the "citizen reviewers" (as I like to refer to us) have posted below. I sometimes write reviews in a kind of pseudo-professional mode--and sometimes do just the opposite. But it's always interesting to me to see the disparity (and occasional congruity) between the views of the pros (for which nowadays you only have to consult "rottentomatoes.com")and us amateurs (as exemplified here).

But when I am not playing critic, I sometimes recall playing actor, artist, singer or actor myself (done the amateur thing in all of those realms too) and become perhaps a little more appreciative of and grateful for the "non-professional" point of view. Sometimes the non-professional audience "gets" the point of a work more readily and more completely than the more jaded critical corps. I can't help but think of how the filmmakers and the cast members would appreciate some of the kinder comments posted below. It's nice to know that your work touched somebody.

Which is not to imply that WITH HONORS (the movie I am ostensibly reviewing here) is a particularly good film. It really isn't. The filmmakers have their hearts in the right place, but this story of an ambitious young grad student learning some valuable life lessons at the hands of street wise and plain old philosophically wise middle aged bum (Joe Pesci) is fairly predictable and not much to write home (or to write a thesis) about.

Forgive the joke. It is, of course, a college thesis written by college whiz Montgomery Kessler (Frazer) that serves as the keye plot device in this film. Young Monty loses his sole copy of his academic masterpiece (has this genius never heard of FLOPPIES?) only to find that it about to become kindling for the proud,unbowed and self-avowed bum, Simon Wilder (Pesci), who generously offers NOT to burn the young scholar's work in exchange for a bit of help in the food, clothing and shelter department. Montgomery is at first appalled. But you can pretty much guess what's going to happen next. The natural resentment and qualified disgust Monty feels toward Simon will soon enough give way to friendship and respect. And this nose-to-the-grindstone academic noodge will soon learn about *LIFE* from this graduate of the School of Hard Knocks.

Of course, almost no sooner does their friendship take root than it is discovered that Simon also has a fatal disease (asbestiosis, which has its roots in Simon's years in the Merchant Marine--so, you see, he is a victim of the system). He will die--we will soon see--tragically rejected by his own family, but nonetheless embraced by his new-found family (Monty and his housemates).

It's a variation on a theme older than the movies. I note one reviewer defends the film by noting that there ARE some surprises. There may be, but not enough to elevate the film into the "true original" category. But it's reasonably well acted, well photographed and competently directed (not really a bad beginning for first time dramatic director Alek Kesheshian--whose previous work included the Madonna doc TRUTH OR DARE). And while I don't think it deserves kudos, every film finds its audience (well, not EVERY film, but a good many), and for younger viewers who haven't been brought up on a steady diet of hokum, it could even be a refreshing change of pace from their actual steady diet of special effects laden action films.

Sometimes we older viewers tend to forget that our "old hat" may be new for SOMEBODY. This is a film with heart, and that counts for something. As fans of WITH HONORS get older--and perhaps a little more jaded themselves--they might even find that they understand and even begin to agree with the criticisms levied against this sort of film. They will likely see that a film can be simultaneously heartwarming AND manipulative. But they will probably still look back at it affectionately. And they may re-watch it (perhaps furtively). At that point, they might start to consider it something of a guilty pleasure. Actually, it's nothing to feel particularly guilty about. It's an OK film with an OK message and some good acting.

That too counts for something.

Average customer rating:

you're gonna cry...
A Celebration
How it was in the early 80's as AIDS appeared.
The way it was
Tragedy and Compassion with a Wonderfully Comic Edge

Longtime Companion
Starring: Campbell Scott , Patrick Cassidy , John Dossett , Mary-Louise Parker , and Stephen Caffrey
Director: Norman René
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B000053VAW
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Amazon.com essential video

The late director Norman Rene and writer Craig Lucas made a pretty fine creative team on the stage and in the movies, and this 1990 drama about the evolving impact of AIDS on gay New Yorkers is their best cinematic achievement. The ensemble story follows the lives of nine or so characters as word of the so-called "gay cancer" eventually becomes a real force, killing several of them as the years go by. The film works well on a number of levels, not least of which is the enviable closeness of the characters, the script's wit, the bittersweet experience of loss, and a celebratory attitude at the end mixing wisdom with defiance. --Tom Keogh

Description

Hailed as the first mainstream film to put a human face on the AIDS epidemic, Longtime Companion is a "remarkable" (Newsweek) drama that takes an honest, unflinching look at how this devastating disease changes everyone it touches. "Intelligent, unflinching and unpatronizing" (Boxoffice), and starring a "terrific ensemble cast" (Time), including OscarÂ(r) nominee* and Golden Globe winner** Bruce Davison, Campbell Scott, Dermot Mulroney and Mary-Louise Parker,this heartrending yet triumphant film "is an illuminating, deeply moving experience" (Los Angeles Times). During the summer of 1981, a group of friends in New York are completely unprepared for the onslaught of AIDS. What starts as a rumor about a mysterious "gay cancer" soon turns into a major crisis as, one by one, some of the friends begin to fall ill, leaving the others to panic about who will be next. As death takes its toll, the lives of these friends are forever redefinedby an unconditional display, of love, hope and courage. *1990: Supporting Actor, Longtime Companion **1990: Supporting Actor, Longtime Companion

Customer Reviews:

you're gonna cry..........2007-01-04

I thought that *Longtime Companion* was an endearing tearjerker of a movie. This films is about a cluster of friends, dying one by one from AIDS during the 80's.

The movie opens in 1980, with this particular circle of friends. Everyone is healthy and dandy. One man meets a hairy guy and they've maintained a relationship throughout the film. This movie immediately opens with all of them reading about this mysterious virus that seems to be attacking gay men. At first, it seemed to be associated with gay men who do poppers. This virus has earned a nickname, "gay cancer". It wasn't until a couple of years later that this virus was finally termed AIDS.

The whole AIDS was not still not clear to people, including gay men. In this film, you'll see how some gay men are uncomfortable with AIDS and especially those afflicted. You'll see men afraid to have sex. Afraid to kiss. Heck, you'll even see one washing his hands and face vigorously after greeting his friend who is dying from AIDS.

The time frame between the death of one friend to another friend having AIDS is quick. The movie jumps one year to another that surrounds an afflicted friends. You'll think that the movie doesn't build up enough for you to get emotional. Not true. You'll cry! So, have a box of Kleenex ready.

I love this movie and I cannot believe that I haven't seen it earlier. I often hear about older gay men retelling stories of the 70's and 80's on how gay life use to be as well as witnessing the deaths of their close friends to AIDS. Today, those affliced with HIV/AIDS are living longer, thanks to modern medicine. However, I cannot imagine what it was like, living in fear of a virus that seemed to be targeting gay men and the doctors could not seem to treat it.

Overall, it's a good movie that's worth your time. Check it out with a box of tissues.

A Celebration.......2007-01-01

"LONGTIME COMPANION"

A Celebration

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

"Longtime Companion" was the first major movie to deal with the AIDS epidemic and that was in 1990. The movie follows the lives of a small group of friends from the time that AIDS was first mentioned and referred to as the gay cancer (in "The New York Times" in 1981). When we knew nothing about AIDS it was called GRID (gay related immune disorder). "Longtime Companion" deals with the way if effects the lives of the friends as they look at it with the "it can't happen to me" mentality until we see fewer and fewer friends live as the movie progresses.
The term longtime companion is the way "The New York Times" referred to the surviving partner in the obituaries of the times. During the movie, the viewer also feels as if he has become a longtime companion. We share the lives of the men in the movie from the discos, to the bathhouses, to Fire Island, and we feel their grief as they watch their friends die. In this stunning film, written with taste and compassion, the characters are realistic and the actors who portray them are excellent. The emotion is riveting and it is rare to see homosexual love portrayed so beautifully in a production made by a Hollywood studio. We see that gay men are indeed equal to straight men and that loving is a human emotion. As AIDS became the central event in our lives, it became matter if fact that death was coming at the prime of life. As an awareness of AIDS and giving the disease a human face, the movie is splendid.
It is about an era of gay life that shocked us and yet was applauded by others. In a frank and direct manner, "Longtime Companion" showed the awful aspects of the disease and the effect that death had on our heroes in the film. AIDS made no apologies as it devastated us. It took our brothers and sisters, our partners, our friends.
What really makes this movie so special, aside from being the first film to deal with AIDS, is the way it depicts gay men and their friends. There are no stereotypes, no caricatures. The men we see here are depicted honestly in their struggle with death and illness. It is a wonderful portrayal of the events of the times. It shows the sense of confusion we harbored about the disease that was robbing us of life and love, the misinformation, the lost feeling and the angst of not knowing what to do for those suffering and for their friends and their companions.
Every performance in the movie is stellar. As we are introduced to the group of friends, we spend time with them. We vacation on Fire Island, the most famous of gay resorts and we are in the hospital visiting with them as they or their friends and lovers are struck with AIDS. Obviously it was not easy to make a film of this kind when it was made but the delicate and honest script and excellent acting make this is a landmark film about the disease that had, by the time the movie was made, taken the lives of many young men--both straight and gay.
This is a brave, no a heroic, film It does not paint a beautiful picture of those dying from AIDS. Instead it shows the reality of the horrible death that many suffered and the devastation of those that loved them and cared for them. It captures the honesty about AIDS and its effects and does so through very touchy vignettes of the lives of a group of friends. Your heart will ache as you watch the film--for the loss of a character and for the love you see.
The ending of the film is one off the most amazing and heart wrenching experiences of my life. Moving and celebratory, it is a surreal episode that brings everyone together--the dead and the living--at a big party o the beach. It appears to say to me that, with hope and activism, with attention to and financial aid, we may find a solution to the plague that has taken so much from us.

How it was in the early 80's as AIDS appeared........2006-11-25

I was 22 years old and partying freely with my friends on Fire Island when AIDS first appeared in a public way. The news paper articles, called it "gay cancer", and we joked at what seemed to be yet another attempt to disparage homosexual lifestyles. This movie has perfectly depicted the gay scene during that period, and absolutely captured the nature of groups of gay friends - male and female - as we lost dozens of our friends to this disease. The actors are absolutely wonderful, this movie is perfectly cast. The beauty of devotion and friendship, the ugliness of bigotry and lack of action to stop this disease are a perfect combination of the conflicts involed as AIDS began it's tragic invasion of America. As the "it can't happen to me" gave way to the fear, hysteria and blame, shining through was the indomitable spirit of the wonderful human beings who make up our gay community in unity, love, support and care. As a lesbian fully active in the gay community during the onset of AIDS, I lived this experience, it is absolutely spot on. This look back on the innocence lost of the gay community at the height of it's burgeoning acceptence into society is a landmark. This is a must own for anyone who is, or has loved and supported anyone, gay.

The way it was.......2006-02-26

The thing I remember most about this film when I saw it in the theater in 1990 was its honesty. On every level. Great care was taken to accurately depict one particular community at one particular time--when AIDS was first being diagnosed as "the gay cancer," up through the mid-eighties, when attending monthly funerals was commonplace for gay men and their friends. Though HIV/AIDS had been around for a decade when this movie was made, there was no effort on the part of the filmmakers to whitewash the past. They not only show the ugliness of the disease, they show the ugliness of people's response to it. Even within the gay community there was a tendency for people to fingerpoint, accusing the first victims of being more promiscuous than themselves, or more excessive users of amyl nitrate and recreational drugs. There was fear of contamination, reluctance to touch or kiss, and even intimacy within monogomous relationships was hampered. People reached deperately for New Age cures, and Louise Haye was the reigning goddess of self-healing. By choosing to depict a five-year period, the filmmakers allow the viewer to see the lives of a group of friends evolve and deepen. Some of course succumb to the disease and die, others wrestle with their losses and rethink their lives. In the end, the survivors try to become part of the solution; they become visiting volunteers and political activists. For all its authenticity, the film is not depressing. This is incredible ensemble acting at its best. Campbell Scott, Bruce Davison, and Mark Lamos give especially moving performances, but there are no slackers in this cast.

By the time the movie was released, the face of AIDS was already changing and the filmmakers were criticized for focusing exclusively on gay victims. I felt then, and I continue to believe, this is a misplaced criticism. All fiction is self-limited. LONGTIME COMPANION is the story of one small group of friends who are affected by an unknown and dreadful disease; and it shows how each of them responds to the challenges thrown at them. Yes, they were wealthy or middle-class white men who spent summers together on Fire Island. But LONGTIME COMPANION is not a celebration of their insular lives. In fact, by the end of the film, one of this insular group, Campbell Scott's character, is shown working as a home care volunteer who visits a Latino man. I think the filmmakers, like GMHC at the time, were aware that things were starting to change. It seems to me that the film's critics, even in 1990, had forgotten that AIDS was first announced in the New York Times as "gay cancer" and later as "Gay Related Immune Deficiency Syndrome" before being called AIDS. But that said, we need to remember that there are many other people's stories that are worth telling, including those of people living and coping with AIDS in Africa. My only hope is that these stories will be told with all the accuracy and sensitivity that went into the making of LONGTIME COMPANION.

The DVD has no significant "extras," but the transfer is excellent.

Tragedy and Compassion with a Wonderfully Comic Edge.......2005-09-27

There are a great many gay themed films available today, but when Longtime Companion was released, it was but one of a small handful of films brave enough to paint gay characters with empathetic and intelligent brushstrokes - something that continues to beset filmmakers even today.

Set during the late 70's and on into the 80's the film is a bare bones and ruthlessly truthful before-and-after portrait of the devastating effects of the AIDS virus on a small group of close friends/lovers and on the wider gay community. Very funny, extremely moving, occasionally upsetting, whether you are a gay viewer or not, this film is a courageous celebration of the strength and frailty of the human spirit.

Average customer rating:

movie & packaging
Oh please!
Pretty good movie.
One more kiss
Very good movie...

One More Kiss
Starring: Valerie Edmond , Gerard Butler , Valerie Gogan , James Cosmo , and Carl Proctor
Director: Vadim Jean
Manufacturer: Henstooth Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000EXDRUI
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Description

When Sarah Hopson (Valerie Edmond) realizes her successful high-rise New York lifestyle is devoid of meaning, she packs her bags and heads for her home town in the Scottish Borders to look for Sam, her childhood sweetheart and the only man she ever loved. Sam Murray (Gerard Butler of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, DEAR FRANKIE) runs a restaurant. He and Sarah grew up together and Sam hoped they'd grow old together. His world fell apart the day Sarah left and now she's back, standing on his doorstep and telling his wife she'd like to spend some time with him.

Customer Reviews:

movie & packaging.......2007-06-11

A keeper and have watched it three times. Will share with family & friends.
Extremely well-packed and in perfect shape.

Oh please!.......2007-02-17

I love Gerard Butler and he does a supberb job however, both he and his "love" are self absorbed and have not a bit of compassion for his wife who needlessly has to suffer her husband's increasingly compassionate and obvious love for his ex. Of course, we want to feel the moments of compassion for her pending death and a bit does surface but overall she was selfish, thoughtless and couldn't care less for the suffering she brought with her need to be wanted by the man she had rejected. Maybe he'll never get over her loss but certainly after his thoughtless actions he deserves being alone.

Pretty good movie........2007-01-10

Good movie ... especially if you are a Gerard Butler fan. Not your typical romance ... makes you think a bit.

One more kiss.......2007-01-04

If I could, I give a "CERO STARS" I would do it, This movie is a joke, I can't belive the story of "love" of a selfish woman who is dying of cancer and the best she could do before she die is broke and destroy a marriage, destroy the life of the man she love, his wife and others in her path, and die peacefuly, and happy of what she did in the last days of her life, I was so upset and sick that, after I finish with the movie, the DVD went direct to the trash (not even in the recycle container) so bad I make the producer of this film some money and I can't have a refund, not even the good looking Gerard Butler (an actor who I really love) and the reazon why I bougth the movie can save it. please, don't waste your time and money, if you are a fan of Gerard, better buy a poster picture of him with your money.

Very good movie..........2006-11-10

It is a sad movie, but it has a good story behind it. Again, an early Gerard Butler movie..he is so young in it. If you like love stories and/or Gerard Butler..SEE IT!!

Average customer rating:

Long Day's Journey Into Night
Hepburn will blow you away
A Long Dysfunctional Collapse in Oblivion
Journey Into "Home" Life
Awful journey into the night of the times!

Long Day's Journey Into Night
Starring: Katharine Hepburn , Ralph Richardson , Jason Robards , Dean Stockwell , and Jeanne Barr
Director: Sidney Lumet
Manufacturer: Republic Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001US6DM
Release Date: 2004-05-11

Customer Reviews:

Long Day's Journey Into Night.......2007-06-28

Sidney Lumet's slow-burning adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's semi-autobiographical play depicts a theatrical family's slow disintegration with haunting precision. Ralph Richardson is ideally cast as the fading family patriarch, while both Robards and Stockwell (O'Neill's proxy) are superb as the two sons, each consumed by their own afflictions. Hepburn executes a tour-de-force as the fragile, brain-addled Mary Tyrone, a spectral symbol of the family's decay from within. Lumet wisely sticks to the letter of the play, and the results are unforgettable.

Hepburn will blow you away.......2006-10-16

There is no denying the brilliance of this. Everything from the ground up, of this film is amazing: material - O'Neil's play is one of the finest pieces of drama ever written; the performances are first class - among them, and most notable, Katharine Hepburn - absolutely mind blowing, its staggering to think this is the same person that did The Iron Petticoat, however here Hepburn is in top form...at her brilliant best (which she was for most of her career, really only the occasional Iron Petticoat, Spitfire fiascos - other than that, the greatest actress ever. The director, Sidney Lumet does a fine job directing it simply, but effectively.

All this combined...makes this an incredible picture. One of the finest.

Something that is interesting that I noted while reading Hepburn's autobiography "Me: Stories Of My Life" is the fact that this was rehearsed for many weeks in a warehouse, and then shot largely in sequence so the actors could perform long scenes, instead of having to keep cutting. In the end, we are basically seeing a theatre quality performance. There is a very real, raw, live feel to it - strikingly effective.

As for what the other reviews said about poor dvd quality: I cant say I really noticed that at all. I found the WHOLE thing brilliant.

A Long Dysfunctional Collapse in Oblivion.......2006-08-15

I came away from viewing "A Long Day's Journey into Night" with the impression that I had seen a masterful performance. My negative impressions were with the script. I have enjoyed Eugene O'Neill's plays but confess that, like Tennessee Williams, I'm not inspired by his work. In "Long Day's Journey", the aspect that confounded me the most was the number of times that different actors cursed a fellow family member and reconciled within the next 30 seconds. If these charactors merely learned to count to ten before expressing their thoughts, this could have been a short three act play. This self-induced emotional roller-coaster reminded me of a boss or two that I had in the past. From them I learned to disregard both praise and criticism when displayed arbitrarily. I guess this aspect made me tend to disregard the emotions on display in "Long Day's Journey". On the other had, the cast was certainly up to the task of acting out those emotions. Each of the four main characters had his or her turn with their emotional outbursts. Katherine Hepburn probably stood out the most with her scenes and it's surprizing that hers was the only Oscar nomination to come out of this film.

What is the point of this play? Well, my take on it is that it is the story of how a family of four disintergrates by each following their own path towards destruction. The irony is how they had the power to reinforce each other but chose the opposite approach. I suppose that is the explanation for the frequent emotional roller-coasters that frustrated me. O'Neill showed us that each character was both devil and angel to his family members. Where was the strength to come from with a supporting cast like that? Ironically, in this autobiographical play, the person with the gravest challenge ended up with the best outcome. Of course, that wasn't in the play or movie; it was in the life of the playwright. Depending on how autobiographical this play actually is, it may go a long way in explaining O'Neill's pessimistic outlook on life.

Journey Into "Home" Life.......2005-11-30

The 1962 classic film takes a drastic look inside a family that has various issues within the household. Immediately the audience is introduced to Katharine Hepburn, playing the role of the Mary Tyrone. She captures the role of a mother struggling with a morphine addiction perfectly. In the beginning of the film there are suspicions from other members of her family if she is staying clean. The father, played by Ralph Richardson, tries to keep concerns of the family away from his wife in order to help in her recovery. Richardson does a great job with his character in showing the audience the ongoing strain of a husband that has to deal with his wife's emotional rollercoaster she continually invites her family on. The eldest brother is smart. He is tired of pretending that everything is alright. He is tired of excusing his mother's behavior, and acting like his brother isn't nearly as sick as he looks. The youngest brother is suffering from the consumption and is grappling with his own sickness as well as his father's choice not to pay for a good doctor. The audience is over taken by the issues the family is working through, and the positions of each character in regards to what is taking place around them. There is a continuous motif of denial. Denial of emotions, issues, and acknowledging what is occurring inside the "home". The actors bring issues of drugs, alcohol, money and sickness to life in a time where topics examined in the film were not typical discussions for the dinner table. Despite the family's anger towards one another, it's obvious there is a basic need to come together. The cast is excellent and the story is fascinating making the overall film to be magnificent, and highly recommended.

Awful journey into the night of the times!.......2005-11-21

Sidney Lumet confessed without hindrances his profound admiration by the artistic presence of Carl Dryer and how his films determined and affianced his vocation as filmmaker. This brief introduction can help us to understand much better (thinking in the memorable Dryer ` Days of wrath) the final decision who guided to Lumet to undertake this awful and brutal living nightmare around the members of a family: She is an serious drug addict, her son alcoholic and the other is dying of tuberculosis.

With such premise it is so easy to imagine and conclude we will watch a complex picture loaded of visible depressive character and disturbing sordidness. The luxury cast was decisive to arrive to secure port. Katherine Hepburn and Richardson are more than admirable in this classic adaptation of Eugene O Neil, the merciless eye, the speaking trumpet of bad news, the ineffable inquirer of a society in crisis, like Baudelaire in France, Papini in Italy, Becket in Ireland or Strindberg in Sweden who reveled the harrowing Expressionism literary, showing the rotten entrails without piety.

Mature, haunting and powerful film that strikes over and over on our spotted conscience with an only objective, to beat the soul through the catastrophe for reaching the cathartic experience.

Average customer rating:

Cheesy
A very good story filled wit hope.
a lift of the spirit for anyone with a serious illness
Simply Heart warming!
"Everything Is The Blue Butterfly"

The Blue Butterfly
Starring: William Hurt , Pascale Bussières , Marc Donato , Raoul Trujillo , and Marianella Jimenez
Director: Léa Pool
Manufacturer: Monterey Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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