Breaking In

Starring:Burt Reynolds, Casey Siemaszko, Sheila Kelley, Lorraine Toussaint, Albert Salmi, Harry Carey Jr., Maury Chaykin, Stephen Tobolowsky, Richard Key Jones, Tom Lasswell, Walter Shane, Frank A. Damiani, David Frishberg, John Baldwin, Eddie Driscoll, Melanie Mosely, Galen Schrick, K. Gordon Scott, Clifford Nelson, Roy McGillivray
Director: Bill Forsyth
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

A Beautiful Mind manages to twist enough pathos out of John Nash's incredible life story to redeem an at-times goofy portrayal of schizophrenia. Russell Crowe tackles the role with characteristic fervor, playing the Nobel prize-winning mathematician from his days at Princeton, where he developed a groundbreaking economic theory, to his meteoric rise to the cover of Forbes magazine and an MIT professorship, and on through to his eventual dismissal due to schizophrenic delusions. Of course, it is the delusions that fascinate director Ron Howard and, predictably, go astray. Nash's other world, populated as it is by a maniacal Department of Defense agent (Ed Harris), an imagined college roommate who seems straight out of Dead Poets Society, and an orphaned girl, is so fluid and scriptlike as to make the viewer wonder if schizophrenia is really as slick as depicted. Crowe's physical intensity drags us along as he works admirably to carry the film on his considerable shoulders. No doubt the story of Nash's amazing will to recover his life without the aid of medication is a worthy one, his eventual triumph heartening. Unfortunately, Howard's flashy style is unable to convey much of it. --Fionn Meade

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful way to tell a tragically uplifting story..........2007-06-20

The real life story of John Nash plays out as engaging and interesting as some of our more well thought out fiction. Now, as some have already noted whether here or in media scrutiny, not all of this film follows Nash's life accurately. Some of this film is fictionalized, but isn't that for the most part what always happens. Just because it's a true story doesn't mean Hollywood doesn't feel the need to tamper. At least here the tampering does not by any means take away from the power within the film and the performances that dominate. Nash's life story is still portrayed effortlessly and beautifully, compelling and entertaining and full of just about every aspect of a priceless and award worthy film. `A Beautiful Mind' truly has it all.

Russell Crowe here delivers a breathtaking performance as John Nash, a brilliant math student who gets to the top only to tumble back down to the bottom at breakneck speed. Living a life that in the end appears mostly a lie, Nash eventually is diagnosed with schizophrenia. At this point in his life, married with a child and working a steady job, Nash and those around him are finding it difficult to differentiate reality from the creations of his mind. The movie then turns its focus on Nash's recovery and the effect his sickness has on those closest to him.

Crowe is truly the star here, swallowing whole this character driven study on the human spirit and determination to survive. He engulfs the screen and makes this mans plight come alive for the audience. What's commendable here is that Howard's directing and of course the script, adapted from Sylvia Nasar's biography, allow for the viewer to really connect with the entire cast, most importantly Nash himself. This proves effective because once Nash's life is shattered before our very eyes and he begins to crumble we are brought to a place deep within our emotions that would have been impossible to touch had we not come to know Nash before his world came tumbling down. We fall in love with this man and so we feel his pain, his wife's pain and are emotionally distressed alongside them both.

Alongside Crowe both Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany deliver astounding performances as Nash's longsuffering wife and imaginary best friend. Jennifer's Oscar winning performance is full of so much life, so much pain and emotional attachment that we can relate to and understand her feelings every step of the way. We watch her transform from this woman who knew how to control the things around her, including Nash, to a woman scared of what was going to happen next, a woman who felt detached from all she thought was real. Bettany's portrayal of Nash's college roommate is high spirited and refreshing. He serves as our brightest comic relief but also our biggest heartbreak as we watch Nash realize he never truly had his friendship at all.

Crowe, one of our finest actors, is a true chameleon and he engages himself so far into this role that he becomes John Nash, and watching that transformation is utterly rewarding. His determination and fervor are so invested in this performance from the moment he appears on screen that one is automatically drawn to him and connected to him entirely. From start to finish `A Beautiful Mind' proves itself worthy of our attention and consideration and is sure to astonish and amaze you. From its heartbreaking story to its brilliantly crafted direction to its powerhouse performances, `A Beautiful Mind' is a winner from the top of its head to the tip of its toes. The well rounded supporting cast including the likes of Ed Harris and Josh Lucas continue to astonish in their respective roles and aid in delivering one of the warmest and beautifully articulated Hollywood experiences. This, my friends, is what going to the movies is all about.

Wonderful Products at Amazon.Com.......2007-05-24

I am compel to say that Amazon.com provides a wonderful shopping experience for their on-line customers. Why I'm force to say this? Well, it is because they stand by there word and give the customer what they need when they need it. Thank you Amazon.com for helping me to make the grade in my Psychology class when I needed you the most.

CROWE is beautiful in this quadruple Academy Award winner! Hats off to Director Ron Howard too!.......2007-03-27

Russell Crowe did an incredible job of portraying the real-life story of Princeton Professor John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who won the 1994 Nobel Prize, despite his dysfunction due to schizophrenia. My heart went out to this amazing man for all he suffered; his perseverance tugged at my heart strings; and I was heartened by his wife standing beside him through thick and thin. I'm highly encouraged that Professor Nash managed to kick his dependence on the schizophrenia medicine and go on to reach some of his major goals in life.

Thanks to the brilliant directing of Ron Howard, A Beautiful Mind is one of those bittersweet movies with a satisfying ending that left me feeling good about life and the human conditiion ... a lasting impression of "hope."

Russell Crowe and the entire cast are to be commended for their sensitive, caring performances in this fine drama.

SIDENOTE: You may have noticed that Amazon has made some changes to its website. If it looks the same to you right now, look out for a new format that will be rolling out gradually in the weeks to come. If you can see the changes, especially the review format, I'd like to know what you think. Please leave me a comment with your opinion.

"Love the new look" or "Hate the new look" comments are perfectly acceptable.

My e-mail address is at top of this review. Thank you for your time."

Lovely.......2007-03-23

I got it as a gift for someone's birthday. They loved it. Fabulous!

A terrible example of 'excellence' in film........2007-02-09

The best part of the film were when the leading character was delusional. That's not a good basis for a film to grow off of, especially when sanity brings the viewer a happy boring ending. There was no real romance to speak of, instead the idea of exchanging bodily fluids and skipping any small talk prevailed. The director Ron Howard reaffirms that he does not know how to craft love stories.

I did not find the characters to be believable as portrayed. The acting by Russell Crowe was horrific. The phoniness of his stammering accent reminds me of having sticky fingers. You can't get rid of it and the longer it goes on the more annonying it gets. His wife lacked any character development. She is similar to an immovable pillar which remains in the same spot and the same shape less some aging. I can hear Crowe's character saying, "that's a good wife, now stand over there and cry when I get all the accolade."

The makeup showing the aging of characters appeared planned and formulated. It was great the first dozen movies we saw it but now it doesn't work. I found myself successfully guessing where the plastic pieces were applied to the faces. There wasn't much else to do as I was completely bored waiting for the credits to roll finally releasing me from this yawner.

I will give the movie 3 stars. It was average at best. The editing, soundtrack and portrayal by some supporing actors were the only things saving it from a lower score. Wait for it to appear on TV. This movie won 4 academy awards. It is a terrible example of 'excellence' in film.

Average customer rating:

schizophrenia
Emotionally Powerful
A beautiful mind
Wow wonderful movie do not let anyone give it away to you

A Beautiful Mind
Starring: Jennifer Connelly , Russell Crowe , Adam Goldberg , Ed Harris , and Judd Hirsch
Director: Ron Howard
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Mr. Jones
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As Good As It Gets
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ASIN: B000FVQLQQ
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Description

Winner of 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, A Beautiful Mind is directed by Academy Award winner Ron Howard and produced by long-time partner and collaborator, Academy Award winner Brian Grazer. A Beautiful Mind stars Russell Crowe in an astonishing performance as brilliant mathematician John Nash, on the brink of international acclaim when he becomes entangled in a mysterious conspiracy. Now only his devoted wife (Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly) can help him in this powerful story of courage, passion and triumph.

Customer Reviews:

schizophrenia.......2007-06-08

An excellent overview of the struggles and tortuous life of a schizophrenic. It brings to the attention of the public the pain and suffering both of the person who is mentally ill, and the caregiver.The movie is excellent.

Emotionally Powerful.......2007-05-08

This film was just flat out enticing. I have watched it over and over again, and it never seems to lose its value. Crowe is a great actor, and pulls off his role with perfection. This is one of my most favorite movies ever, and is one of the very few that ever made me tear up. Some may find the beginning to be a little slow, but after about twenty minutes of watching, you'll be hooked. Don't miss this one!!!

A beautiful mind.......2007-02-06

Excellent ! A story especially close to me as my ex-wife suffers from this same disorder.

Wow wonderful movie do not let anyone give it away to you.......2006-10-17

I saw this movie when I was working at a mental hospital. I helped me to understand what schizophrenia might be like to some people. If you want to know about that watch this and do not learn to much about the movie it will reck it. Just know that this is very well done and respectfully done. It is based on a true story, but not a documentary. The acting is excellent. If you want to understand more watch this. It is a beautiful movie.

A Beautiful Mind (Full Screen Awards Edition)

Average customer rating:

A beautiful way to tell a tragically uplifting story...
Wonderful Products at Amazon.Com
CROWE is beautiful in this quadruple Academy Award winner! Hats off to Director Ron Howard too!
Lovely
A terrible example of 'excellence' in film.

A Beautiful Mind (Full Screen Awards Edition)
Starring: Paul Bettany , Patrick Blindauer , Vivien Cardone , Kent Cassella , and Tanya Clarke
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Good Will Hunting (Miramax Collector's Series)
Rain Man (Special Edition)
American Beauty (Widescreen Edition)
Schindler's List (Widescreen Edition)
Million Dollar Baby (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000066AXE
Release Date: 2005-01-11

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful way to tell a tragically uplifting story..........2007-06-20

Wonderful Products at Amazon.Com.......2007-05-24

CROWE is beautiful in this quadruple Academy Award winner! Hats off to Director Ron Howard too!.......2007-03-27

Lovely.......2007-03-23

I got it as a gift for someone's birthday. They loved it. Fabulous!

A terrible example of 'excellence' in film........2007-02-09

Average customer rating:

The best baseball movie for the young viewers.
Very fast shipping!
We came for the Luper(Drew Barrymore)
One of the greatest movies EVER!
This Movie Speaks to Me

The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training
Starring: William Devane , Clifton James , Jackie Earle Haley , Chris Barnes (II) , and Jimmy Baio
Director: Michael Pressman
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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The Bad News Bears
The Bad News Bears Go To Japan
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Bad News Bears (Widescreen Edition)
Rookie of the Year

ASIN: B00005U5AE
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Description

The Bad News Bears In Breaking Training is the comic and poignant second-in-the-series of adventures with the pint-sized sandlot ballplayers initiated with the smash success, The Bad News Bears. The picture picks up the Bears' career a year after their infamous second-place finish in the North Valley League. Faced with a chance to play the Houston Toros for a shot at the Japanese champs, they devise a way to get Texas to play at the famed Astrodome. On their pilgrimage to Houston, the Bears gain a new coach; dump that coach; add a new pitcher who can't get his fastball over the plate; find another coach who shows him how it's done, and go on to a come-back victory with all eyes on Japan.

Customer Reviews:

The best baseball movie for the young viewers........2005-12-02

Not that long ago before today's little league baseball players dreamed of one day joining the majors because of the 10 to 20 million dollars they could make in a year (yes,a year!),there was this movie,The Bad News Bears in breaking training. What I enjoyed about this movie was that it was one of those classic baseball movies that could never be remade today. After watching this movie back in the day,we all dreamed of having our little league team play in what was at the time a baseball stadium like no other....The Houston Astrodome. In this 2nd chapter of the Bad News Bears trilogy,the San Fernando Valley-based team is given the opportunity to play in an exhibition game vs the home town Toros in the Astrodome. Having abandoned their coach,the coachless team heads to the lonestar state in hopes of living every young ball player's dream while team leader Kelly pursues the opportunity to reunite with his father,played by William Devane. Watching this movie makes you realizes how much the game has changed for the worse considering this movie was made as recent as the late 1970's. Today,young ball players are doing steroids,major league stars are putting money over fans as their top priority,and teams are threatening to move to other cities if their demands for a new ballpark are not met. Had I told someone in 1977 that this was the future of little league and major league baseball,would they believe me? If you want your young ones to see a great baseball movie full of young but true role models,then get this dvd. Oh,by the way,if you are wondering why I believe this movie could not be remade today,think about this......with all the new stadiums we have seen built in the last 15 years,it would be hard to argue why one stadium should be picked over all the others as the location of filming. Play Ball!!!!!!

Very fast shipping!.......2005-09-06

I was pleased with the price and the speed of the shipping.

We came for the Luper(Drew Barrymore).......2004-07-11

When asked why they made the long journey, one lone ball player said, we came for the luper(drew barrymore), referring to there injured teamate who lies in a lonely bed unable to attend the game.Before we go out there, is there anything anybody wants to say? I've got something to say(garry hixon)we all know when we came out here to Houston with Mirror Vision, Drewli couldnt come with us, but when we go out there, and the breaks are beating the boys,(mirror vision) if we could just give it all we got, and win just one, for the luper(drew), she'll know about it, and shell be happy.-well what are we waiting for

One of the greatest movies EVER!.......2004-06-23

I need to buy this tape for several reasons. First of all, I want to show it to my 6 year old daughter. She already loves baseball and maybe if she sees it, I will have no chance whatsoever of becoming a soccer mom. This is one of the greatest baseball movies of all time. I loved it as a kid and still love it to this day and the main reason is because that bimbo Tatum O'Neal is NOT in the movie. Christopher Barnes was hilarious. I don't know why he decided to crawl under a rock and exist now in obscurity, but I still love him. Even though the kids all swore and disrespected their elders, they did have a loyalty and camaraderie for each other. Bad News Bears in Breaking Training is a film that captures the American Way.

This Movie Speaks to Me.......2004-04-14

I was seven when this movie came out. Also, I grew up in Houston, spending many nights at the Astrodome, watching the Astros blay ball. The footage of the old Dome's great extinct scoreboard is worth the price of the movie to me.

Amazon.com

The wartime memories of surviving World War II bomber squadrons were still crystal clear when this acclaimed drama was released in 1949--one of the first postwar films out of Hollywood to treat the war on emotionally complex terms. Framed by a postwar prologue and epilogue and told as a flashback appreciation of wartime valor and teamwork, the film stars Gregory Peck in one of his finest performances as a callous general who assumes command of a bomber squadron based in England. At first, the new commander has little rapport with the 918th Bomber Group, whose loyalties still belong with their previous commander. As they continue to fly dangerous missions over Germany, however, the group and their new leader develop mutual respect and admiration, until the once-alienated commander feels that his men are part of a family--men whose bravery transcends the rigors of rigid discipline and by-the-book leadership. The film's now-classic climax, in which the general waits patiently for his squad to return to base--painfully aware that they may not return at all--is one of the most subtle yet emotionally intense scenes of any World War II drama. With Peck in the lead and Dean Jagger doing Oscar-winning work in a crucial supporting role, this was one of veteran director Henry King's proudest achievements, and it still packs a strong dramatic punch. --Jeff Shannon

Description

This gritty World War II action drama staring Gregory Peck, Oscar winner Dean Jagger, Hugh Marlowe, Gary Merrill and Millard Mitchell is seen as one of the most realistic portrayals of the heroics and perils of war. Convinced an air force commander (Gary Merrill) is at the breaking point, Brigadier General Savage (Peck) takes over his struggling bomber group. Kind and understanding, he adopts a crushing discipline to revitalize the demoralized troop. At first resentful and rebellious, the flyers gradually change as Savage guides them to amazing feats. But the stress of command soon takes it's toll and the weary general reaches his own breaking point.

Customer Reviews:

Special Edition Review--Much Better than Just the Movie.......2007-07-01

The 2007 special edition of Twelve O'Clock High is just what any fan of the original movie would desire. First, you have the original movie, one of the greatest Hollywood films ever made and certainly the greatest WWII film ever made. Second, you have on the same disc a voice-over narration option giving facts about each scene by commentators. The second disc contains a retrospective on the making of the film, a profile on the man who was the model for Gen. Savage, a profile on the US home front, a profile on bomber crewmen in WWII, movie stills, news articles, and more. As a big fan of this film, the new edition is a treasure and renders my older version entirely obsolete.

Great Drama.......2007-06-19

This is the fictionalized account of the 306th Bomb Group (movie use fictionalized name 918th BG). Movie effectively blends WWII vintage air to air combat footage and with post WWII movie produced footage for some pretty effective drama. In 1949, they only had 12 B17 bombers for this movie on loan from USAF. This special edition has extra disc with historical commentators as well interviews. Pretty interesting stuff. The movie is not widescreen. The SE has an extra disc, the old version does not have this supplemental material. It still a first rate story, but without widescreen, it is short of 5 stars since I will probably on sit and watch disc 2 only once or twice.

Classic B-17 Flight Flick.......2007-05-26

Viewing this movie was a requirement for a class about Leadership, while I was attending US Air Force flight training. It contrasts a couple of types of leadership, and has some of the best actual flying scenes of B-17's in WW2 European bombing mission. A must see for anyone into WW2 history, or just an aviation buff. Superb acting by all, but particularly by Gregory Peck and Dean Jagger.

Twelve O'Clock High.......2007-05-14

In my opinion this movie is an all-time classic. It gives you a gut feel for the radical paradigm-shift that the life or death struggle of all-out war forces people to undego. What was once important in peace time civilian life disappears completely. And the changes in focus, thinking, priorities and agenda that participants in the conflict are forced to make force viewers to realize how much gratitude and honor we owe to our past and present military veterans. Their heroic dedication and the sacrifices they made, and continue to make for the rest of us, are incalculable.

Outstanding study in leadership..........2007-05-13

This film was used in the 1980s at Leadership, Management, Education and Training School (LMET) as their final exam. We watched the movie and it was paused after certain scenes. We would then have to describe the leadership style used, whether it was effective or not, and why. I had seen this movie several times before but I now gained a new respect and understanding for this movie. The use of black and white film allowed the use of actual gun camera footage from the 8th Army Air Force and Luftwaffe archives.

Inside Sessions - The Music Business: An Insider's Guide to Breaking In

Average customer rating:

Not so great
Excellent Music Learning Tool
Valuable tool for anyone interested in the music business
Tips from the Music biz Pros Rock!
The Cheapest and Most Effective Education I've ever Had!!!

Inside Sessions - The Music Business: An Insider's Guide to Breaking In
Starring: Inside Sessions
Manufacturer: Inside Sessions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

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The Industry
Russell Simmons' Higher Self Series: Hip-Hop Laws of Success
Steps to Stardom 1
Audio Mixing & Mastering Video Training Course
All You Need To Know About the Music Business: 6th Edition

ASIN: B00005UNB2
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Customer Reviews:

Not so great.......2004-11-01

This DVD is interesting but not that helpful practically speaking. No real advice that you can actually apply. Mostly idealistic, conceptual talk. Also, I'm pretty sure that some of these other reviews are written by the people who made the movie.

Excellent Music Learning Tool.......2003-03-29

The DVD wis broken down by aspects of the music industry in which one WILL deal with when starting out. Anything you need to address in any situation is fulfilled in this audio/video presentation. All people who have various knowledge from the actual artist to the CEO/President of small and large labels answers various topic questions. Every genre of music has one representative, I believe. If you want to know about what all goes on from various points of view and situations, this is one to own. A must own for anyone who just wants to know about the insides of the music industry.

Only bad note... is the annoying music in the background.

Valuable tool for anyone interested in the music business.......2002-09-06

This is truly one of the most valuable purchases I have made in a while. I have been looking for some sound advice for getting into the industry, and my search has proved to be successful. I did not expect to hear celebrities discussing personal stories on their starts. It was good to hear that they struggled just as much, if not more than I have before breaking through. I highly reccommend this program for all who aspire to develop a career in music.

Tips from the Music biz Pros Rock!.......2002-09-06

Hey all, I've been dreaming of a life on stage, and on the road, but I have had the worst luck with those insane record companies. I just can't manage to get my demo in the right hands. I gave Inside Sessions a try, and I wasn't too sure it would be worth it but I was wrong! These guys rock with their great advice that had never even crossed my mind. I would highly reccommend this program for anyone who loves music, and wants to learn how to get involved in the real biz! Good Luck and check this stuff out.

The Cheapest and Most Effective Education I've ever Had!!!.......2002-08-01

Songwriting is definitely my passion in life. I've always wanted to try to get published but I'm not exactly sure how to go about it. I did some research on various different resources and decided to buy this DVD. I'm very happy that I chose this because it gave me very extensive information regarding the business and songwriting. I got helpful tips from songwriters like Sheryl Crow and Bernie Taupin as well as advice from record execs like Tommy Mottola and Russell Simmons.. For all songwriters that are trying to get published like me, this is definitely the best place to start learning about the industry and how to be successful. It helped me greatly!

Average customer rating:

This is the formula for a movie, Kid...a "formula" movie.
Instead of the Usual Junk, Burt Makes a Wonderful Film!
Burt Reynolds Rules!!

Breaking In
Starring: Burt Reynolds , Casey Siemaszko , Sheila Kelley , Lorraine Toussaint , and Albert Salmi
Director: Bill Forsyth
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Crime | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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Local Hero
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ASIN: B00005V9HS
Release Date: 2002-04-16

Amazon.com

Burt Reynolds lets his hairpiece go salt-and-pepper gray to play an aging safecracker who adopts lonely housebreaker Casey Siemaszko in this sly little crime comedy. "We're in the same business, kid. Monkey business." Not quite, as naive puppy dog Siemaszko is in it for the thrill (just watch the kick he gets when he blows his first safe, and blows the money up with it), while veteran Reynolds is a no-nonsense professional. Maybe that's what bonds the odd-couple friendship in this offbeat script by John Sayles (Lone Star). Cult comedy director Bill Forsyth (Local Hero) brings out the low-key charm in Reynolds, who underplays his role with the easy confidence of an old pro and merely hints at the real joy he's found in his utterly enthusiastic and loyal (if not too bright) new pal. One of the overlooked delights of 1980s American indie cinema. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Burt Reynolds "turns in one of his most convincing and touching performances in years" (The Washington Times) as a safecracker with a heart of gold in this "comedy of character and timing" (The New York Times) that's both stylish and slick. Co-starring Casey Siemaszko (Young Guns), this "confident, offbeat" (Pauline Kael, The New Yorker) film is "an absolute joy" (Los Angeles Times)! Reynolds is Ernie, a loner thief constantly on the move. But when heand smalltimer Mike (Siemaszko) break into the same house, Ernie takes Mike under his wing, shares the stolen cash and claims, "it's better to have a partner than a witness!" With the adage "you learn by doing" in mind, the experienced pro begins teaching his craft to the eager, young hotshot in a string of successful heists. But when Mike fails to heed Ernie's advice and the police close in, Mike may well have to "learn by doing"'time!

Customer Reviews:

This is the formula for a movie, Kid...a "formula" movie........2005-10-03

Take a small script from one of the foremost names in American independent films (John Sayles). Add one Scottish director who has garnered a sizable cult following for his unique brand of wry understated humor (Bill Forsyth). Combine an aging big name Hollywood star who has seen better days (Burt Reynolds) with a non-descript young American actor whose talent is pedestrian at best (Casey Siemaszko) and a characterful young actress (Sheila Kelley). What one gets isn't another Local Hero--not even close.

Considering the talents involved, Breaking In has to be one of the most disappointing films I've seen in a while. It was the teaming of Forsyth with Reynolds which drew me to the film in the first place, based on what the former accomplished in the quirky and delightful Local Hero. What he managed to elicit from Burt Lancaster and Peter Riegert in that film was not only hilarious but downright beatifying and extraordinary. Placing the leads in various offbeat scenarios with memorable supporting characters, then melding that with a keen sense for cultural contrast and humorous irony, made for a timeless comic masterpiece.

Here, however, the script is shallow and uni-dimensional. There seems to be nothing more than the germ of a premise: An experienced lone professional burglar and safecracker runs into, teams up with, and mentors a young ne'er-do-well who ostensibly breaks into houses just for thrills--as well as to raid refrigerators and read other people's mail. What develops is a typical sanitized "experience vs. youth" buddy-buddy "crooks & capers" flick with an inconsistency of comic nuance and no outright laughs. The scenarios from which humor is supposed to be extracted are forced, contrived, and often hackneyed. The dialogue is likewise (listening to Ms. Kelley's "Ode to Male Genitalia" is downright painful!) while the performances are of the consciously understated Northern Exposure variety. Siemaszko's occasional whoops at the thrill of his newly learned skills in larceny are probably the most embarrassing. Reynolds shares in his young protege's excitement by exuding smug wisdom and detached self-satisfaction. Both Reynolds and Siemaszko play out their roles in very predictable fashion, as does the script.

Granted, one should probably watch Breaking In with an emphasis on character development. Plot and "reality" are not really the points here. Indeed, who either wants or expects reality from Bill Forsyth? His marks are evident throughout. Those who have an interest in watching a graying Burt Reynolds playing a role against type will probably enjoy this film the most. However, I truly think fans of Forsyth or Sayles will be disappointed, but will want to see it anyway. Thus, Breaking In is a 2-star guilty pleasure.

Oh, by the way, the film's most memorable performance was by the dog.

Instead of the Usual Junk, Burt Makes a Wonderful Film! .......2005-01-23

I have been a Burt Reynolds fan since the earliest days of his movie career. Once the top actor in the world, with Clint Eastwood, Burt, unfortunately, made it big in films like Gator, Cannonball Run, Stroker Ace, and the Dixie Dancekings. It was one of those rare moments in Hollywood when a pretty actor and a new film genre fuse completely. And when the genre loses its appeal, so does the actor. In music, look what happened to the Bee Gees when disco self-distructed. But Reynolds is a very competent actor. Watch The Longest Yard, Sharkey's Machine, and Boogie Nights. This film belongs among them: Burt has never been better. He's believable, complex, and engaging. He plays mentor to a would-be cat burglar with more ambition than brains, and you will find yourself thoroughly engrossed in his next lesson. He can underplay a role like nobody else. Yet he manages to bring out the character's deepest thoughts and feelings doing little things that few other actors would bring to a role, even if they had the wisdom and life experience to draw from. Today's pretty boys are 80% marketing, and know about as much about real-life as my house cat knows about the jungle.

Burt Reynolds Rules!!.......2003-02-21

Burt Reynolds rules of his portrayal of an aging safecracker in this overlooked movie.It's a must see film!!

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Tom Jones - 40 Smash Hits

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

Best of Tom Jones
Tom Jones Smash Hits
Tom Jones - Live At This Moment
This Is Tom Jones
Tom Jones

ASIN: B000BJPF82

Product Description

Tom Jones has sustained his popularity for more than three decades. His recordings have spanned the spectrum from Pop and Rock to Standards, Rhythm & Blues to Rockabilly, Country to Dance and contemporary urban sounds. He is a vocal powerhouse with the ability to give his audience every ounce of his energy, enthusiasm & concentration. Tom is a natural a Welshman, a worker and an artist whose charismatic persona makes him one of the most respected, admired and loved performers in modern music. TRACK LIST: 1) Green Green Grass Of Home; 2) Fools Rush In; 3) Fever; 4) We Don't Talk Anymore; 5) She's a Lady; 6) Daughter Of Darkness; 7) Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow; 8) Take it to the Limit; 9) Save The Last Dance For Me; 10) Too Much Too Little Too Late (with Deniece Williams); 11) Behind Closed Doors; 12) Starting Over; 13) Upside Down (with Dusty Springfield); 14) Baby Face; 15) Such a Night; 16) Heartbreak Hotel; 17) Spanish Eyes; 18) Oh Pretty Woman; 19) Ain't it Funny How Time Slips Away; 20) You Are The Sunshine of My Life; 21) What's New Pussycat; 22) Love Me Tonight; 23) Do Ya Think I'm Sexy; 24) Let It Be; 25) Darlin'; 26) A Heartache Tonight; 27) Four Walls; 28) I Can See Clearly Now; 29) Cupid; 30) Delilah; 31) Endless Love (with Dionne Warwick); 32) I Get a Kick Out of You (with Juliet Prowse); 33) Spanish Harlem; 34) 9 to 5; 35) Don't Be Cruel; 36) Hound Dog; 37) Memphis Tennessee; 38) Lady Madonna; 39) Breaking Up is Hard to Do; 40) Rock and Roll Music. ++++ DVD FEATURES: This officially licensed release from South Korea is All-Region NTSC Code 0 (plays worldwide) and has 4:3 Full Screen dis;pay with Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound in ENGLISH.

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Action Star: Breaking In, Stage Two
Starring: Chris Casamassa
Director: Greg Hodson
Manufacturer: Century Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0001M3XD8
Release Date: 2003-12-01

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Action Star: Breaking In, Stage one
Starring: Chris Casamassa
Director: Greg Hodson
Manufacturer: Century Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Kids & Family | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Special Interests | Independently Distributed | Stores | DVD | Video

Independently Distributed | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0001M3XCY
Release Date: 2003-12-01

DVD:

DVD

DVD

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Diana Krall - Live at the Montreal Jazz Festival

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Contes D'Hoffman [2 Discs]

DVD: Pieces

Incognito - Live In Concert