Black Knight

Starring:Martin Lawrence, Marsha Thomason
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Could this be the funniest movie ever made? By any rational measure of comedy, this medieval romp from the Monty Python troupe certainly belongs on the short list of candidates. According to Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide, it's "recommended for fans only," but we say hogwash to that--you could be a complete newcomer to the Python phenomenon and still find this send-up of the Arthurian legend to be wet-your-pants hilarious. It's basically a series of sketches woven together as King Arthur's quest for the Holy Grail, with Graham Chapman as the King, Terry Gilliam as his simpleton sidekick Patsy, and the rest of the Python gang filling out a variety of outrageous roles. The comedy highlights are too numerous to mention, but once you've seen Arthur's outrageously bloody encounter with the ominous Black Knight (John Cleese), you'll know that nothing's sacred in the Python school of comedy. From holy hand grenades to killer bunnies to the absurdity of the three-headed knights who say "Ni--!," this is the kind of movie that will strike you as fantastically funny or just plain silly, but why stop there? It's all over the map, and the pace lags a bit here and there, but for every throwaway gag the Pythons have invented, there's a bit of subtle business or grand-scale insanity that's utterly inspired. The sum of this madness is a movie that's beloved by anyone with a pulse and an irreverent sense of humor. If this movie doesn't make you laugh, you're almost certainly dead. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Only Funny When Your High.......2007-06-28

I've seen this movie 4 times now and ever since the first time I sit there wondering "What the heck do people think is funny in this movie" - Than I realized that if I had been high when I watched it this movie probably would have been hilarious! That's actually a good thing because than I could have some killer food and laugh at this stuff even though usually I'd just turn it off lol

Classic.......2007-06-26

What is there to say about this, except that this is a classic. Great extra stuff with the DVD and as usual a comical movie from beginning to end. What you would expect form Monty Python.

Silly, Clever.......2007-06-20

It's easy to dismiss this movie and everything done by the Monty Python troupe as silly, throw-away. But you would be doing yourself a huge disservice. There's an underlying deep understanding of the very legends and events the boys are making such merry fun of.

This 'special edition' was not worth it if you look at it from the point of view of the extra scene - it truly is throw-away. However, the extras range from interesting (how the castle was used in various and sundry scenes) to funny (how to get your own coconuts and run like a silly person around the castle grounds).

As I said, merry fun. Hilarious... don't miss this movie!

Wow, the funniest movie of all time.... totally worth buying.......2007-06-19

This movie is HILARIOUS!!!! No, not the cute kind like in Ella Enchanted, nor the crude kind used with cursing and bad language. It's the kind that has you laughing at every scene and 35 years later repeating lines word for word like "Bring out your dead!" or "I'm not quite dead yet. I'm getting better!" and my favorite, most popular line.." What is the air-height velocity of an unladen swallow?"

The movie is set in the middle ages, starting with King Arthur looking for more knights to sit with him at his round table.

The movie makers came up with everything, from a "Trojan Rabbit" to The bridge of Death to a vicious little bunny, the guardian of the Holy Grail.

The only part I didn't like was "Sir Gallahad's Adventure", which is not very long. not long at all.

Me and my friends liked it This movie so much that we actually wrote a play, acted it out, and filmed it. We wanted to call it Monty Python and the Holy Hand grenade, since we stole most of our ideas from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but we decided it wasn't very original. We called our play The good, the Bad, and the Doofas. sorry, hopping down a bunny trail there. Moving on.

Anywaaaay, This movie is down- right hilarious, adventuresome, and has something fun in it every 5 minutes.

and, no, there are no sad, weepy, slow background scenes where the main character is sitting alone, crying his heart out. no romance scenes either HOORAY!!

Bring out your dead!.......2007-05-31

Where can I start with is classic? It has all of the famous Monty Python skits (missing is the parrot skit) and is still hilarious -- viewing after viewing. The material, after all of these years, is still fresh. My fourteen year old niece recently saw the movie for the first time and it has become one of her favorites. Buy this movie or...I'll turn you into a newt!

Average customer rating:

not softcore not good enuf for TV
Someone needs a spanking
My Favourite Film ;}
A new love story with a fun twist...
This movie is for the wild at heart

Secretary
Starring: Patrick Bauchau , Ezra Buzzington , Lauren Cohn , Kyle Colerider-Krugh , and Jeremy Davies
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Image

ASIN: B00008DDSC
Release Date: 2003-04-01

Product Description

Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has a few strikes against her when she applies for a secretarial position at the law office of E. Edward Grey (James Spader). Although she's never had a job in her life, Lee is hired by the mysterious lawyer, Mr. Grey. At first the work seems quite normal but soon, in between typing, filing and making coffee, Lee and Mr. Grey embark on a more personal relationship, crossing lines of conduct that would give any human resource director the vapors!

System Requirements:
Starring: James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, and Leslie Ann Warren.
Directed By: Steven Shainberg.
Running Time: 111 Min., Color.
© MMII Secretary Productions, LLC

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

This kinky love story features a standout performance by Maggie Gyllenhaal, an offbeat young actress in her first starring role. Gyllenhaal plays Lee, a nervous girl who compulsively cuts herself, who gets a job as a secretary for Edward, an imperious lawyer (James Spader, an old hand at tales of perverse affection). Edward's reprimands for typos and spelling errors begin with mild humiliation, but as Lee responds to his orders--which are driven as much by his own anxieties and fears as any sense of order--the punishments escalate to spankings, shackles, and more. Secretary walks a fine line. It finds sly humor in these sadomasochistic doings without turning them into a gag, and it takes Lee and Edward's mutual desires seriously without getting self-righteous or pompous. Certainly not a movie for everyone, but some people may be unexpectedly stirred up by this smart and steamy tale of repressed passion. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

not softcore not good enuf for TV.......2007-06-14

DON'T BE DECEIVED BY THE COVER - NO STOCKINGS, NO HEELS. ONE BRIEF SPANKING SCENE (no flesh included) is the highlight of the film. Perhaps lifestylers would get nostalgic about this story, but for the curious weekend thrill seeker this DVD is sure to disappoint, if not get you 'shut out'. Definitely not a couples movie unless your lady is VERY much into BDSM, in which case this would only be a 101 level course if not a grade school primer. Don't judge a DVD by its cover!!

Someone needs a spanking.......2007-06-07

James Spader must be one truly sexually disturbed man. Most of his work seems to revolve around men whose proclivities are far from healthy. From Crash to Sex, Lies, and Videotape, James Spader seeks out sexual encounters that are distant, shallow, and self-destructive as well as demeaning. He continues in good form here in a rather entertaining piece on sado-masochism. Sexual harassment be damned!

My Favourite Film ;}.......2007-05-26

This is my favourite film of all time. A perfectly dark comedy and strange fairy tale romance rolled into one, "Secretary" shocked and enraptured me from the start. I couldn't ask for a more captivating storyline, carefully written script, complete character development, or perfectly executed performances! You MUST see this film... ;}

A new love story with a fun twist..........2007-05-06

Quirky, kinky, sensual, beautiful and fun!

James Spader and Maggie Gyllenhaal both have wonderful performances! Steven Shainberg put together a great film with more substance then may be expected from a love story. That said, be warned that if you are uncomfortable with the idea of bdsm being anything other then a sickness then "keep on walking" because this is not a movie for you.

One of the things I liked most was the depth of character development. Gyllenhaal and Spader had fantastic chemistry and were able to pack so much emotion and communication in to simple expressions and gestures. I can't say enough good things about the work they have done here.

As for the story, I LOVE IT! Both Mr. Grey (Spader) and Lee (Gyllenhaal) start out in dark places. Lee is drifting in life and has taken to cutting herself. Mr. Grey is alone and disgusted with himself. Both struggle with "unnatural" feelings and a sense of detachment, they just don't feel normal. By the end they have learned that it is OK not to be normal so long as you are who and what you are. They fine that together they are complete. A very satisfying ending!

This movie is for the wild at heart.......2007-04-11

This is a movie that is not for everyone. It is rich in emotions and goes way beyound some people's comfort levels. But I enjoyed it because there was a such an amazing finale that shouted originality. The 2 stars are perfect together and you totally want them to end up together. Maggie takes a job as a secretary- she has extreme self esteem problems and was just released from an institution. She starts working for Spader and he goes completely nuts when she makes even the most trivial mistakes and starts his own form of wierd erotic punishment. Most people would freak out but she starts to want it- and thus we have the start of a beautiful relationship full of wierdness. This is a love story and it is one of my faves because it is just soo different and lovely.
If you are a fan of James Spader then you should totally see this, and if you haven't seen Maggie Gyllenhaal you NEED to see this. I left this movie wanting to see it again and again.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Extraordinarily Deluxe Three-Disc Edition)

Average customer rating:

Monty Python and the Holy Grail
The Holy Gail
Holy Grail ++
*****************************They only gave me FIVE stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Extraordinarily Deluxe Three-Disc Edition)
Starring: Connie Booth , Carol Cleveland , Rita Davies , Bee Duffell , and Sandy Johnson
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000CRQX34
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Description

The Monty Python team are at it again in their second movie. This time we follow King Arthur and his knights in their search for the Holy Grail. This isn't your average medieval knights and horses story - for a start, due to a shortage in the kingdom, all the horses have been replaced by servants clopping coconuts together!

Customer Reviews:

Monty Python and the Holy Grail.......2007-07-04

Perhaps one of the greatest film comedies of all time (certainly for Pythonites), this zany cult classic by the famed Monty Python troupe will leave you gasping for breath and occasionally howling at the hilarious bad taste of certain slapstick sequences. Cleese, Chapman, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Gilliam, and Jones all play multiple roles, combining non-sequitur humor with bloody duels and other pratfalls that parody medieval chivalry and archaic religious sentiment. Somehow, senselessly silly gags like the encounter with a killer rabbit and the Knights Who Say "Ni!" tickle the funny bone no matter how many times you watch. For brilliant, irreverent lunacy, seek the "Holy Grail."

The Holy Gail.......2007-05-19

A film one can watch over and over. Obsurd yet hilarious. Classic Python at its best.

Holy Grail ++.......2007-01-12

Well, Monty Python's Holy Grail is a gem in and of itself, but this edition has quite a bit of added pleasures (as you probably could surmise from the title). It has an intro that I hadn't seen before - I thought I'd stuck in the wrong video, which I quickly discovered was its intent. There were added scenes in the movie, which I enjoyed.

All around, it's a must for those who adore these guys as much as I do.

*****************************They only gave me FIVE stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-12-31

This is the funniest film of all time. Period. End of discussion. The End. . . oh, alright!! NOT the end! "How could they possibly make it better?", you ask. I answer: 5.1 Surround Sound. AND!!!!: a hilarious - new - beginning to the beginning of the credits of the movie of the film! What more can possibly be written about the sheer genius of this landmark cinematic milestone??? HELL, I don't know!! What I do know is that every time a New, Improved, Deluxe, Magnificent, Refined, Extended, EXTRAORDINARILY UNIQUELY updated version of this movie is released, I WILL be first in line to purchase it. So there!!. . . Oh, and the new HD film transfer is very nice, very nice indeed.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Madea is special
Great and Mad
A must see!!!
Surprised
Funny, Real, and Sensible

Diary of a Mad Black Woman (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Kimberly Elise , Steve Harris , Shemar Moore , Tamara Taylor , and Lisa Marcos
Director: Darren Grant (II)
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00097DXFS
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Product Description

Charles, and attorney, and Helen, the devoted wife, seem to have everything, money, a beautiful mansion the American Dream. But just as Helen prepares to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary, her life takes a twist.

System Requirements:

Running Time 116 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Madea is special.......2007-06-07

I love this movie, this is the 7th copy I have given to friends. The power of forgiveness is shown in great detail. Only in this, can one be truely set free.

Great and Mad .......2007-05-21

It was a great film, funny all the way though it had me laughing and crying you can't say more than that. It was so funny.

A must see!!!.......2007-05-07

Wow an empowering movie that shows a women can get up when she gets knock down to the ground!!! Great movie and Tyler Perry does a great job as always in bring Madea alive!!!!

Surprised.......2007-04-15

For years people always acted stunned when when I told them I've never seen a Madea play or movie. Feeling like I was on the verge of getting my B card revolt, I finally gave in and watched this movie. And I'm stunned. yes, yes. I admit it. I was expecting some over glorified ghetto movie with TP vamping it up like Lawrence's Big Momma. What I got instead was a strong movie about the power of forgiveness and second chances. I don't always like Kimberly Elise, she has the tendency to over act, but her performance was picture perfect for this film Shemar Jackson is still trying to prove that he's more than just a pretty boy did come off a little too perfect but that was the material more than him and he still managed to do a pretty descent job. Overall, this is great entertainment.

Funny, Real, and Sensible.......2007-02-23

I thought the movie was a good movie and don't regret spending my money to go into the theatres to see it. This is where it counts on the bottom line and in dvd sales.

The movie was very reasonable. I really liked the part when Kimberly has her now crippled husband in the hot tub. That cracked me up. Some people say that Tyler's movies are too corny. I beg to differ. His movies always have a moral lesson that we all can take something from. How many commerical movies are good life lessons?

I enjoyed Tyler playing the various parts. Like someone said, ignore the critics, judge for yourself.

Average customer rating:

Funny- if you have nothing better to do
Every bit as funny as I remembered!
God Awful piece of junk. Avoid at all costs.
Stuart is the best!
I AM REBORN IN THIS FILM'S GENIUS. I SAW GOD AND HE SAID "YOU ARE A WONDROUS CREATION"

Stuart Saves His Family
Starring: Al Franken , Laura San Giacomo , Vincent D'Onofrio , Shirley Knight , and Harris Yulin
Director: Harold Ramis
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!: Daily Affirmations By Stuart Smalley
Claire Dolan
The Velocity of Gary
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Imaginary Crimes

ASIN: B000059TET
Release Date: 2001-04-17

Amazon.com

Though it seems like a one-joke premise, this spinoff of Al Franken's Saturday Night Live character, self-help nerd Stuart Smalley, actually has some substance. And, in fact, it offers a message that wouldn't be out of place at an Al-Anon meeting (although with the laughs). Stuart, fired from his cable TV self-help show, goes home to resolve a family crisis. Dad (Harris Yulin) is an abusive drunk, Mom (Shirley Knight) is an enabler, Sis is an over-eater, and Brother has a problem with his temper. The film turns serious, but Franken actually makes the drama interesting, using humor to leaven it. And he brings a certain sympathy and resolve to the lisping, cross-eyed Stuart. To be sure, it's not your typical SNL movie. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Funny- if you have nothing better to do.......2007-02-01

This was a funny movie. Probably not one of the funniest SNL movies, but better than SUPERSTAR. It would have been even better if Al Franken had not become AL FRANKEN since it came out. Even with his real life aside, it still made me laugh and I applaud his performance.

Every bit as funny as I remembered!.......2007-01-06

This movie deserves to be a comedy cult classic. The Smalley family is as familiar as, well, your own, and the way the movie reveals their dysfunction is pitch perfect. Team up lively writing, a great cast, and the right balance of heartwarming and sarcastic humor, and you have Stuart Saves His Family.

God Awful piece of junk. Avoid at all costs........2006-05-12

This was one of the worst bad crappy movies I've seen. Al Franken falls flat on his face in this one. I found none of the jokes funny and it was one of those squeeze a buck out of a character SNL movies. Franken is funny on SNL and Stuart actually made me laugh on the show but this movie was travesty of the first rate. Like I said there is good crappy movies which I watch like Plan 9 from Outer Space, Flash Gordon, the Monster Squad, and the like that are bad films but pieces of art that make you laugh and entertain you. This movie was not one of them. If you think I'm some right wing red neck out to get Franken your dead wrong I'm far from it although I do find this up tight new air america Franken annoying though. The point is not his politics but this stupid waste of Hollywood money on this garbage that isn't funny or entertaining at all. In fact half way through it my ex girl friend had to wake me up because my head was starting hurt her shoulder. Forget this movie if you want a good crappy movie watch "Killer Klowns from Outer Space." Trust me its the best thing to do.

Stuart is the best!.......2006-03-17

This has to be one of the absolute best movies I have ever seen! Al Frankin is genious! I am so excited he is from Minnesota and I hope fulheartedly he intends on running for United States Senator from our state. He will not only have my vote but I will work on his campaign! Go, Al!

I AM REBORN IN THIS FILM'S GENIUS. I SAW GOD AND HE SAID "YOU ARE A WONDROUS CREATION".......2006-01-10

As brilliant as they come. Step aside Charleton Heston. A new dramatic king is in town and his name is Stuart!!!!!!!

Diary of a Mad Black Woman (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Madea is special
Great and Mad
A must see!!!
Surprised
Funny, Real, and Sensible

Diary of a Mad Black Woman (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Kimberly Elise , Steve Harris , Shemar Moore , Tamara Taylor , and Lisa Marcos
Director: Darren Grant (II)
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00097DXGC
Release Date: 2005-06-28

Description

Charles, an attorney and Helen, the devoted wife, seem to have everything, money a beautifully mansion—the American Dream. But just as Helen prepares to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary her life takes a twist

Customer Reviews:

Madea is special.......2007-06-07

I love this movie, this is the 7th copy I have given to friends. The power of forgiveness is shown in great detail. Only in this, can one be truely set free.

Great and Mad .......2007-05-21

It was a great film, funny all the way though it had me laughing and crying you can't say more than that. It was so funny.

A must see!!!.......2007-05-07

Wow an empowering movie that shows a women can get up when she gets knock down to the ground!!! Great movie and Tyler Perry does a great job as always in bring Madea alive!!!!

Surprised.......2007-04-15

Funny, Real, and Sensible.......2007-02-23

Average customer rating:

great concept, inept writing
Well.......
* * * 1/2 Good, but not as good as I remember
Good, but sometimes it was To Die of boredom For
Nicole Kidman at her very best!

To Die For
Starring: Nicole Kidman , Matt Dillon , Joaquin Phoenix , Casey Affleck , and Illeana Douglas
Director: Gus Van Sant
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 076781777X
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Amazon.com essential video

If anyone ever doubts whether Nicole Kidman is a good actress, they should immediately be required to watch this outrageously wicked comedy from 1995, for which Kidman deservedly won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Leading Role. While director Gus Van Sant handles the fact-based satire with razor-sharp precision, Kidman delivers a deliciously devious performance as Suzanne Stone, a small-town New Hampshire housewife who fancies herself the next Barbara Walters, Jane Pauley, Diane Sawyer, and Maria Shriver all rolled up into one meticulously coiffed package. So determined is she to have a successful career on TV that she'll stop at nothing--even the calculated murder of her husband (Matt Dillon)--to get the attention she feels entitled to. To carry out her scheme she recruits some unwitting local teenagers including one boy (Joaquin Phoenix, matching Kidman's excellence) whose infatuation with Suzanne leads to sexual escapades and predictably troublesome consequences. It's a satirical comedy in Van Sant's capable hands, but it's so close to tabloid reality that the film never seems implausible--which only gives it a funnier, more blood-chilling quality of humor. Featuring Illeanna Douglas, George Segal, and Seinfeld alumnus Wayne Knight in memorable supporting roles, this is one of the best comedies of the '90s--especially if you prefer comedies with a decidedly darker edge. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

great concept, inept writing.......2007-03-10

This film had a lot of potential. Nicole Kidman's performance is intoxicating and brilliant.
But in the end, To Die For is nothing but another simple-minded Hollywood morality tale. The story is too predictable, the other characters are unappealing, and Suzzane's (Kidman's) behavior is inexplicably nonsensical.
What is so engaging about Kidman's character in the beginning is the cunning that lurks beneath her innocent facade. When she makes one dumb decision after another, it undermines anything that is interesting about this film.

Well..............2007-02-05

Nicole Kidman is a good actress. I actually liked her before I saw this movie. Depressing story, depressing scenery, unlikable characters. Enough said.

* * * 1/2 Good, but not as good as I remember.......2007-01-07

When I saw this in 1995 it had more of an impact on me. I don't know if that's because I had seen fewer films, the seamy world it depicts has come even more commonplace (and thus less shocking) or what, but this bold and edgy film now has a somewhat conventional feel. I still love the ending, the closing shot, beautiful in its poetic justice and its use of visual metaphor (what film is all about, after all), but instead of savaging the TV news industry, this movie just slaps it on the bottom a little.

There's also a problem they couldn't foresee in 1995, at least in my eyes, and that is that being on TV has lost some of its allure, thanks to a chronically-shrinking audience and the newer fame of blogs, webcasts, podcasts, and everything else out there. Once America's royalty, TV personalities are now more like cogs in the big corporate wheel--well-paid and well-tended cogs, but cogs to some extent. It is possible today for someone to get on the air in a top five market like San Francisco rather quickly--gone are the days of long apprenticeship, of starting out your career in Buttfuque Iowa--or Little Hope, New Hampshire.

But that's where Suzanne Stone begins her journey into television. What I couldn't help but wonder, after about half the movie, was why she didn't try to move on, to a bigger city and a better station. Doing the weather live for six months, lame as it is, and her documentary tape, would be enough to land her a job at a small or even mid-market station.

But maybe I'm being too analytical, and should look at the movie on its own terms. The satire itself is sharp at times, but after roughly halfway it turns into just another seamy murder movie. And, perhaps more importantly, I couldn't decide if filmmaker Gus Van Sant wanted us to feel sorrow or contempt for the three wasted teenagers whom Suzanne enlists to help her carry out her deed. They are maybe painted a bit too broadly, without any sense that the filmmaker or the screenwriter (Buck "Get Smart" Henry) have much insight into their dead-end plight. The way Suzanne turns from understanding friend to cold-hearted mastermind is well-done by Kidman, and the kids, especially Alison Folland, are good actors. Still, something about the whole thing felt just a little too trite, too simple.

Kidman is terrific as the scheming reporter, with limited talent but boundless ambition. How an Aussie can consistently play better middle-America characters than most American actresses is amazing--or maybe not. Illeana Douglas is deliciously quirky and believable in her role. A lot of the dialogue is very sharp, and the quick-cutting, multiple POV technique, which could have become confusing in less sure hands, here clarifies and sharpens the story. I just wish they'd pushed it even further than they did--at some point it stops feeling like a biting satire and starts feeling like an episode of Law & Order. To Die For is definitely worth watching, but it's not the searing indictment it could have been. Transfer to DVD is sharp and crisp. No extras except for a trailer.

Good, but sometimes it was To Die of boredom For.......2006-08-25

Nicole Kidman and Matt Dillon play their parts very well and are support by a great cast including Joaquin Phoenix and Illeana Douglas. Kidman's character quickly comes into focus as someone that most of us probably didn't like when we were in school. She lies, cheats, and panders with the best of them. Matt Dillon's role changes over time. He seems to go from a lady's man to one that is ready to make a commitment. Phoenix and Douglas fill their roles very believably. The cast was wonderful.

The only reason I rated this less than excellent were problems I had with the script/editing. The movie seemed to move all over the place at points for no logical reason. Because of the somewhat jarring approach the ending seemed to be a forgone conclusion. The real thoughtful challenge was how it going to there.

Nicole Kidman at her very best!.......2006-07-06

I have always loved To Die For. It's an excellent movie, loosely based on the Pamela Smart case (that's what essentially inspired it). Kidman plays Suzanne Stone, a woman who won't let anyone stand in the way of her goal of being a professional newscaster, even her husband, Larry (Matt Dillon, also fabulous in this). This dark comedy is one of my absolute favorites. Suzanne finds work with a local TV station and begins a project called "Teens Speak Out" where she involves herself in the lives of 3 drugged out teenagers. But Suzanne isn't really their friend...she's looking out for her best interest. To say more would spoil the charm of To Die For. Excellent through and through and very easy to watch again and again. If you are a fan of Nicole Kidman or Matt Dillon, you should definitely check this movie out. Highy, highly, highly recommended!

Tales From The Crypt Presents - Demon Knight

Average customer rating:

Tales From Crypt: Demon Knight
I Wish There Would Have Been A Part 2
One of the best, and most original, horror movies ever made.
BETTER THAN EVIL DEAD!! CREEPIER THAN NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD!!!!
FUN, ENJOYABLE AND A GRADE ABOVE MANY HORROR FILMS!

Tales From The Crypt Presents - Demon Knight
Starring: John Kassir , Billy Zane , William Sadler , Jada Pinkett Smith , and Brenda Bakke
Director: Ernest R. Dickerson , and Gilbert Adler
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000AOX0C
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Product Description

A fearsome, charismatic "Collector" of souls lays siege to a boarding house in order to obtain an ancient talisman which will allow him to control the forces of evil. The first feature film from "Tales From the Crypt."

System Requirements:
Starring: Billy Zane, Jada Pinkett
Directed By: Ernest Dickerson
Running Time: 93 Min., Color
Copyright Universal Studios 2003

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Ernest Dickerson, one-time cinematographer for Spike Lee and director of Demon Knight, said during the initial release of this film that he chose the project because he was a lifelong fan of the horror genre. Other horror fans should be thankful, because without Dickerson's enthusiasm and visual sense, this derivative gorefest wouldn't come close to the entertainment level that it ultimately achieves. The film was the first big- screen adaptation of HBO's Tales from the Crypt series, a show based on the EC comic books of the '50s. Like Creepshow before it, Demon Knight blends fair amounts of blood, sex, and knowing comedy with a paper-thin plot that doesn't leave a bit of room for subtext. Dickerson understands this, so instead he pumps the flick full of eye-popping visuals and gorgeous camerawork, and populates it with terrific character actors (especially Billy Zane, who really has fun, and William Sadler) who don't seem to care that their characters have little identity. Everyone seems to be giving this tiny project everything they've got, while never taking it seriously for a minute. We've seen the story before: A diverse bunch (a hooker, the town drunk, the ex-con, etc.) is locked in a rundown hotel and is forced to battle the Legions of Evil massed outside and determined to get in. Regardless, Dickerson, shooting with as little light as possible, manages to create some tense moments. There's a lot wrong with Demon Knight's shallow premise, and you could make a checklist of the movies it gleefully steals from (Night of the Living Dead and The Evil Dead are two of many), but thrill-seekers who prefer laughs with their grisly special effects and gratuitous nudity should have a mindless blast watching it. --Dave McCoy

Customer Reviews:

Tales From Crypt: Demon Knight.......2007-05-13

Now those who want a great story line, great plot and a few jumps here and there this is a great find. Unlike its cousin film by the crypt keeper bordello of blood this movie has a little bit of something for everyone of corse following the rating of the film. This is another collecor Diamond in the ruff find, Great cast too. A must see, and must have for Tales From The Crypt fans.

I Wish There Would Have Been A Part 2.......2007-04-09

This very original movie was such a breathe of fresh air in the mid 90's when other so called horror movies were playing it safe. The ultimate battle between good and evil comes to a small road side town HO-tel. Billy Zane is great in this role as well as the supporting cast and the very lovely Jada Pinkett. The atmosphere in this movie fits so well. Very dark scenes and gore galore with a great plot turns out to be a great modern horror movie. The biggest crime is that there was only one installment. I want to know more!!!

One of the best, and most original, horror movies ever made........2007-01-04

I think the thing I like the most about this film is its plot, and how original it is. It involves a man who has been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting an ancient artifact and keep it from falling into the hands of dark forces. Ever since he was given this artifact, an arch-demon has been tracking him and he has been on the run for years. When he was given the artifact, a group of stars appeared as a tattoo in the center of the palm of his hand. Immediately, one of the stars moved toward the outside of his palm. Now, as the film opens, the final star is about to move to the outside of his palm and he knows his time is running out and he has to make his final stand. The arch-demon is close behind him as he approaches an old motel in a one-stoplight town in the desert. The people in that motel are in for a hell of a night as the stranger enters, and the arch-demon shows up soon after.

Everything is done right in this film. The action, the acting, the direction, the script, it's all there. This is truly a classic, unlike that other film bearing the Tales From The Crypt brand, Bordello of Blood, which is a total turkey (I'm planning on writing a review for that one, too, and totally blasting it to hell even though I'm sure three hundred other people already have).

Demon Knight is awesome. It's survival horror in the vein of a few zombie movies I can think of, but with a twist -- the monsters lurking in the darkness outside are demons, summoned from Hell by the arch-demon to aid him in killing the occupants of the motel and retrieving the ancient artifact. Billy Zane totally steals the show as the charismatic arch-demon, or "Demon Knight" of the title. This really is one of his best roles.

I highly reccommend this flick to any true horror fan. There are piles and piles of horror flicks out there that are just poorly-conceived, derivative garbage. This one stands out as one of the few truly original horror films made during the 90's. The story and plot are there, the pace is there, the thrills and chills are there, the gore is there, and it even throws in a little dark humor in places. Truly an excellent film, and in my opinion a modern classic.

BETTER THAN EVIL DEAD!! CREEPIER THAN NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD!!!!.......2006-10-27

The first and best of the movies from Tales From The Crypt!!!

About the movie: Is pure CREEPY SUSPENSEFULL HORROR with a GREAT INTERESTING story!!! Very easy to understand, cool production, good special effects and pretty bloody gory with some nudity!!!!

I think this movie is a mix of Evil Dead and Night of the Living Dead, but this story is WAY MUCH BETTER than Evil Dead and of course with better acting, cast, quality and special effects. The suspense is very look alike to Night of the Living Dead but of course the make-up is BETTER, no black and white picture and this time the zombies are UGLY demons that are harder to kill.

P.S: The best of all is that the intro is the same as the tv series!!!

Adios.

FUN, ENJOYABLE AND A GRADE ABOVE MANY HORROR FILMS!.......2006-10-09

This is one of those horror films that you would not think would be appealing. Let alone worthy of a four-star rating. However, the fact that this film [a little hokey in many parts] delivers and is one I have myself watched more than a few times, is a worthy addition in the horror genre. This is mainly due to the acting of (Billy Zane). As the primary antagonist in the film, (Zane) is after the key which holds the blood of Christ, and when he gets the key all the humans on earth, living and dead, will be subject to a new world order. An evil world order from the minion's of hell. [yeah I know it sounds silly]. But it works!

However, the main protagonist Brayker (William Sadler), is the holder of this ancient relic, and he had been guarding it for a long time. There have been many holders of this relic throughout time, and each have prevented the demons of hell from getting it. Brayker finds himself holed up in a beat-up and run-down boarding house with some very strange denizens who occupy the place. The film takes off quite fast, as the demonic 'Collector' (Billy Zane) attempts to get the key when he is helped by the local law enforcement. Things wrong [no spoilers] however and (Zane) finds himself battling the occupants and Brayker for the key. He does this by summoning up the demons from hell to help him.

Futhermore, the 'Collector' (Zane) is able to reach into the minds of those who occupy the building, promising them their greatest wish. Brayker warns the others who wish to leave that these are all empty promises. I always thought it would be good to have a part 2 of this episode. As the first one was a pretty good watch. Now I am not so sure. I think it would ruin the first one, which for some reason, I find an enjoyable, funny [and a bit gory] to be pretty darn good. Recommended for those who like the horror genre, even if the film is a little silly, it is very, very good and a very entertaining film. [Stars: 4.5]

Average customer rating:

Promises to be an Entertaining Series at the Very Least
Brilliant, violent, sure to please!

Black Lagoon, Vol. 1
Starring: Tsutomu Isobe , Daisuke Namikawa , Hiroaki Hirata , and Megumi Toyoguchi
Director: Sunao Katabuchi
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Features:

Sculpted by Paul Harding
7" scale
based on the current incarnation of the character as drawn by David Finch
comes complete with a deluxe base featuring a massive statue of Khonshu himself

ASIN: B000MTDRD6
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Product Description

A Diamond Select Release! Sculpted by Paul Harding and in 7" scale with past Marvel Select releases, the hooded Moon Knight (based on the current incarnation of the character as drawn by David Finch) comes complete with a deluxe base featuring a massive statue of Khonshu himself! Blister card packaging.

Customer Reviews:

Promises to be an Entertaining Series at the Very Least.......2007-07-01

At the onset, although little has been revealed about the characters, this promises to be an engaging series. The gunplay is quite impressive as is the animation and the pulsing soundtrack's style is unique in anime. The story revolves around four mercenary sea pirates, one of whom, Rock, was recently recruited after he was kidnapped from Japan, where he was working a white-collar job. It's amusing to see Rock trying to adjust to his new, criminal lifestyle while he is surrounded by already hardened, brutal cohorts...but it's Revy that steals the show. Her savagely casual way of slaughtering her enemies is quite chilling to watch, yet she retains a human quality that seems to come out when she deals with Rock. Despite her shockingly nihilistic violence, Revy still emerges as one of anime's sexiest "heroines". (wait, is she a heroine?) Fans of Cowboy Bebop-style action and drama will enjoy this. Recommended!

Brilliant, violent, sure to please!.......2007-06-16

TOKYO, Japan: Meet Rokuro Okajima, a young Japanese businessman...in a town full of young Japanese businessmen. He's just another working stiff who's trying to claw his way up the corporate ladder--until it's kicked out from under him.

ROANAPUR, Thailand: Rokuro is kidnapped by the "Black Lagoon" company, who are after the valuable CD-ROM he's carrying. Now dubbed "Rock" by his captors, he is dragged into a world of mercenaries, mobsters and corporate malfesance. If he's going to survive, "Rock" will have to learn how to play by their rules.

BLACK LAGOON CO.: Led by the burly Dutch, supported by trigger-happy Revy and expert computer-hacker Benny, the Black Lagoon Co. will take on any job--for price. And God help you if you don't pay up!

DVD notes: The theme song is actually sung in English, but heavily accented and badly slurred in places. Special Features include English & Japanese dialogue, English subtitles, preview trailers & DVD credits.

Average customer rating:

Black Narcissus
Great movie
Black Narcissus
The End of the World
An Erotic Ghost Story

Black Narcissus - Criterion Collection
Starring: Deborah Kerr , Flora Robson , Jean Simmons , David Farrar , and Sabu
Director: Michael Powell , and Emeric Pressburger
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004XQN4
Release Date: 2001-01-30

Amazon.com

Appropriately enough for a picture named for a flower, Black Narcissus exists in a color-drenched, hothouse atmosphere. The setting is a nunnery in the Himalayas, where sister Deborah Kerr has her hands full with an envious nun (the remarkable Kathleen Byron) and a sardonic Englishman (David Farrar). Director Michael Powell and screenwriter Emeric Pressburger, the team responsible for the mid-forties masterpieces A Stairway to Heaven and The Red Shoes, decided to shoot Black Narcissus entirely in the studio, so they could create their own controlled, slightly unreal world. The choice paid off, as both art director Alfred Junge and cinematographer Jack Cardiff won Oscars for their blazing Technicolor work. The climactic sequence--a murder attempt on the cliffs of the cloister--bears special attention, as Powell "set" the sequence to a preexisting musical track, staging it as though it were a piece of visual choreography. Adding a bit of behind-the-scenes tension to the production was the fact that Kerr was the director's ex-mistress, and Byron his current one. "It was a situation not uncommon in show business, I was told," he later wrote, "but it was new to me." --Robert Horton

Description

Plagued by uncertainties and worldly desires, five Protestant missionary nuns, led by Deborah Kerr's Sister Clodagh, struggle to establish a school in the desolate Himalayas. All the elements of cinematic arts are perfectly fused in Powell and Pressburger's fascinating study of the age-old conflict between the spirit and the flesh, set against the grandeur of the snowcapped peaks of Kanchenjunga. Criterion is proud to present Black Narcissus in a new Special Edition.

Customer Reviews:

Black Narcissus.......2007-06-21

Another great success for "Red Shoes" helmers Powell-Pressburger, "Narcissus" is an absorbing, finely acted British melodrama about the secular problems facing a new mother superior in an unfamiliar, potentially hostile new environment. The directors even stirred controversy by developing a subtle yet credible sexual tension between the luminous Kerr and hunky Farrar. Jack Cardiff's Oscar-winning Technicolor photography and Alfred Junge's hand-crafted art design give this film exceptional production values to boot. And Kathleen Byron's celebrated turn as the unhinged Sister Ruth climaxes in a suspenseful sequence that's hard to forget.

Great movie.......2007-06-04

I loved this movie because of the powerful characters and their struggle for doing some good in the world against the evil and the weakness of our human nature. Even though the film was filmed in a studio, due to budgetary constraints, the feel is of really being in some far off land. The story slowly envelops us in the personal struggles of the charters, their isolation and the remoteness of the nunnery. The understated sexual tension builds slowly until the dramatic ending.

Black Narcissus.......2007-05-08

I saw this film many years ago and enjoyed it very much. I still like reading Rumer Godden's books, though some people may consider them a bit dated-she had a good perception of India- I know because I have been married to an Indian for years. The film was an effective adaption of her book of the same name. Most of the cast acted well. The only one I found a bit unconvincing was Jean Simmons-an unlikely Indian. It was not all her fault-they should have toned down that brown make-up and left her natural looks. Many Indians are just as fair. Contrast her with Sabu, who was a real Indian. The settings were so well done-hard to believe the films was not photographed on location.

The End of the World.......2007-05-04

Black Narcissus, based on the book of the same name by Rumer Godden, is about five nuns who seem to go to the end of the world. They are sent to a pala