The Blue Diner

Starring:Miriam Colon, Lisa Vidal, Jose Yenque, William Marquez, Virginia Rambal, Jack Mulcahy, Jaime Tirelli, Fidel Vicioso, Edouard DeSoto, Gustave Johnson, Teresa Yenque, RenÃ© SÃ¡nchez (II), Chuck Brinig, Ken Cheeseman, Lonnie Farmer, Gamalier GonzÃ¡lez, Peter Kovner, Nydia ColÃ³n, RubÃ©n DarÃo (II), JosÃ© MassÃ³
Director: Jan Egleson
Studio: First Look Pictures
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

A frame-bursting roster of actors crowds this two-part HBO miniseries, which is nothing less than a look at America through the lens of a small New England town. Richard Russo adapted his own novel, a story of a gently depressed factory town that has always been run by the wealthiest family around (currently lorded over by matriarch Joanne Woodward). Ed Harris plays the central role, a decent, cautious man who runs a local diner and carefully negotiates the political niceties of Empire Falls; Paul Newman is his rapscallion of a father (the son is perpetually picking food out of Dad's beard), Helen Hunt is Harris's ex-wife, Aidan Quinn his feistier brother, and Robin Wright Penn his tragical mother seen in flashbacks.

The goal of Russo and director Fred Schepisi seems to have been fidelity to the novel, which gives the film a pleasingly relaxed pace but also a somewhat literal-minded binding. Even that doesn't explain the general lack of tautness, or why so much of the dialogue has an awkward fit in actors' mouths. Harris and Newman, of course, are younger and older versions of American monuments, and their sheer presence goes a long way toward making the picture work (for the premium Newman-Russo match, see Robert Benton's sublime film of Nobody's Fool). Most of the twists in the final reels are genuinely affecting, and the movie has the courage to end on a mild note rather than strain to tie everything up. It's a fitting finale for an unassuming enterprise. --Robert Horton

Description

Adapted by author Richard Russo from his 2001 Pulitzer Prize winning novel, EMPIRE FALLS is a portrait of the gritty drama and human comedy that make up everyday life in blue-collar America. On a daily basis, goodhearted restaurant manager Miles Roby (Ed Harris "Glengarry Glen Ross") tries to keep his Empire Grill going, even as the wealthy and powerful Mrs. Whiting(Joanne Woodward "Philadelphia"), makes life difficult for him. If that wasn't enough, Miles has to keep tabs on his scoundrel of a dad, Max (Paul Newman "The Color of Money") who is always looking for trouble. But, Miles has something much bigger than just restaurant receipts and a cantankerous father on his mind-he can't shake the ghosts of his past that keep his fate inevitably connected to Empire Falls.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Audio commentary with director Fred Schepisi and writer/author Richard Russo
Featurette:The Making Of

Customer Reviews:

Now this is an acting clinic.......2007-06-12

Ed Harris and Paul Newman are both amazing here. I know Newman won the Emmy and the Golden Globe, but Ed Harris really made this film for me. Not only was this one of his best performances, but I also liked his character the most. Everyone else in the cast is very good as well, especially the almost too cute Danielle Panabaker as the daughter.

The movie took a little time to pull me in, but once that relaxed "small town" pacing got a hold of me, I wasn't able to look away.

Great Movie.......2007-04-10

Excellent movie and well written story to follow. I bought this movie as a present for my girlfriend because she was one of the extras in it.

Great cast, good story.....but ?........2007-03-23

I'm scratching my head, wondering what was lacking in this DVD for me. The cast could not be better---each actor was wonderul, and Ed Harris, the lead certainly held my interest. The story was interesting and worth telling, and it seemed good that they took their time in telling it---not trying to crowd a novel into a two hour movie.

The closest I can come to for an explanation of my lack of real enthusiasm for it is the tone. It really tells a very dark story and although it's nice to enter into it with all the ordinariness of small town life, but it doesn't adequately prepare us for the really terrible revelations that occur later in the film. I left it with the impression of all the nice folks together eating donuts at the Empire grill. Perhaps it was the cinematograpy---just too much light and shots of the pretty New England town. It was too uniformly sunny...for the dark subject matter. The development of the character depended on his digging into the darkness of his past and this was not adequately represented in the style of the film.

The main idea of the film was the development of the emotionally watered down grill owner (Ed Harris) who is obviously an underachiever. We hear he got straight A's in school and went to college, which was unusual in that town, and yet here he is, working for the town Tyrant (Woodward) managing the small restaurant for the last twenty years with no end in sight. He's great looking and charming but his wife left him for an obvious bozo. His daughter begs him to stand up and stop the marriage but he's so nice and easy going that he just makes her promise to be a bridesmaid. Perhaps, as another reviewer suggested, Harris is just too naturally virile and macho to play such a wimpy character. (I loved him in History of Violence)

When he finally breaks out, he's not convincing either. The fight with the cop is good and it's satisfying to hear him tell off the town witch but he still seems rather sappy to me....spending an awful lot of time hugging his daughter. (If the characters in this story spent more time hugging their mates rather than their kids, they might all have been better off.)

The ending was not clear to me. Does he go back to his really drippy ex-wife (Helen Hunt)? and go into business with his mother-in-law? (I'd hoped he would steal the cute blond waitress away from his step-brother.)

Another thought: maybe it was the enormous joy that Paul Newman obviously took in playing his character that sort of spoiled the darkness of the film. Shame on you, Paul!

Good, Good, Really.......2007-03-07

I had waited in great anticipation when this came out on HBO, and I wanted to see it, I waited, and waited, and it finally comes on T.V, and I sat down and watched it. It has an all-star cast, it has a brilliant cinematic view to it. It is brilliant. It runs slow sometimes, some things get lost in it, as it tries to balance the outside world around Ed Harris character. There are scenes that can bring out emotion, scenes that can entertain, scenes that can do a lot of things, and that's what makes it very good.

One Of The Better Film Adaptations.......2006-11-21

So, I finally caved and bought the DVD version of Empire Falls based off Richard Ruso's novel. And the first thing I have to say is that it was good. Not as good as the novel, but still good. I actually didn't know that Russo himself had written the screenplay. If I had known that earlier, I would've watched it a while back.

Fred Schepisi does a wonderful job putting the pieces together in the small New England town of Empire Falls. Almost every actor was dead-on portraying the characters from the book. Although, Francince Whiting didn't seem quite as evil in the film adaptation. I was especially in awe of Paul Newman's performance of Max Roby. He was by far the funniest (and the saddest when he needed to be) character in the film.

There seems to be something missing from the adaptation though. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's there. I guess that's what you get from any film in which you've already read the book. It's lacking some of the little details that one can only explain in words.

Nevertheless, the film was wonderful. A young movie and book buff like myself can only hope for more film adaptations like this one in the future. By far, one of the best adaptations you can get your hands on.

Average customer rating:

"Well, I was born overheated. . . beneath a blue/black sky"

The Loveless
Starring: Willem Dafoe , Robert Gordon (III) , Marin Kanter , J. Don Ferguson , and Tina L'Hotsky
Director: Monty Montgomery , and Kathryn Bigelow
Manufacturer: Blue Underground
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00030AZFM
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Description

From the director of NEAR DARK and the producer of WILD AT HEART - First time ever on DVD!

Willem Dafoe made his unforgettable movie debut as the leader of a `50s biker gang lost in a world of black leather, bad girls and sudden violence in the independent hit that marked the emergence of one of modern cinema's most important woman directors. Rockabilly icon Robert Gordon co-stars in this evocative drama co-written and co-directed by Kathryn Bigelow (NEAR DARK and POINT BREAK) and Monty Montgomery (producer of WILD AT HEART and TWIN PEAKS) with a too-cool soundtrack featuring original music by Robert Gordon and John Lurie. Hailed as `the thinking man's biker movie,' THE LOVELESS now features a stunning new transfer from original negative materials and an exclusive audio commentary with Bigelow, Montgomery and Willem Dafoe.

EXTRAS INCLUDE:
Audio Commentary with Star Willem Dafoe, Co-Writer/Directors Kathryn Bigelow and Monty Montgomery

Theatrical Trailer

Poster & Still Galleries

Customer Reviews:

"Well, I was born overheated. . . beneath a blue/black sky".......2006-06-09

"The Loveless" marked the feature film debut for co-director/co-writer Kathryn Bigelow ("Near Dark," "Blue Steel"). The movie was actually Bigelow's graduate student film thesis--a stylized and downbeat little film with a neo-noirish undercurrent that showed enough promise to prompt a brief art house circuit theatrical release--after which it achieved a cult following overseas and, to a lesser degree, in the U.S.

Willem Dafoe exudes a surly raw sexuality in his first credited screen role as 'Vance,' a rough and tumble biker traveling the back roads of America with his gang during the 1950's. Vance establishes the duality of his character in the very first scene of the film: He is decent enough to come to the assistance of a lone woman driving along a deserted stretch of road by changing out her flat tire. However, when the woman offers Vance a grudging pittance for his time and trouble, he doesn't hesitate to reach through the car window, grab her purse and rifle through her wallet until he pulls out a more satisfactory sum. He then proceeds to plant a groping kiss on her as a bonus. How you react to this scene is probably a good indication of whether or not you will enjoy this movie. It is pretty over the top.

Vance and his motorcycle gang are on their way to Daytona Beach for the races when one of their motorcycles breaks down--forcing them to spend the day at a little out-of-the-way garage and cafe off U.S. Highway 17 until they complete the repairs. The locals are a mixture of the curious and the openly hostile. The movie tends to drift along rather aimlessly through the first two-thirds of the movie, and then it suddenly takes a rather dark turn, picking up momentum and interest after the introduction of a disturbingly pre-pubescent looking Sportster Debbie (Tina L'Hotsky), a wild child with an instant interest in Vance. Following close behind is Debbie's psychopathic and degenerate father, Tarver (J. Don Ferguson), precipitating a violent showdown with Vance and his gang.

The film was intentionally designed to look like a low budget 1970's biker film (a la Roger Corman), but it manages to transcend the genre. Dafoe does not always look completely comfortable in his first role. He does, however, demonstrate a real screen presence and visually commands whatever scene he is in. (Some of the other actors are not so lucky.)

Most of the sexuality in the film is implied rather than explicit (with two rather brief and slightly creepy sex scenes), and there is a surprising lack of profanity. The dialogue is rather stylized--with a great deal of period slang. Be advised, there is substantial "dead air" time (no one talking). Co-director Monty Montgomery wanted a Sergio Leone ("Once Upon a Time in the West") feel to the film--with the day drifting along in "real time." The camera often focuses on the scenery, watching the actors performing mundane tasks, and spends a lot of time on close-ups of the tattoos on the bikers' anatomy, wardrobe details and the period-authentic motorcycles. This is accompanied by a great deal of male posing and preening, giving the film a sensibility that is closer to Kenneth Anger's homoerotic "Scorpio Rising" than Marlon Brando's "The Wild One."

The cinematography and scorching soundtrack alone are worth the price of the DVD. The music features rockabilly icon Robert Gordon (who also has a small role in the film), John Lurie, and a brilliant but un-credited film score from Eddie Dixon. This is augmented by `50's standards from sultry Brenda Lee and Little Richard playing on the jukebox. (The title line of this review is taken from Gordon's opening credits song.)

Substance may take a back burner to this film's lush and gorgeous style with its `50's mixture of vintage motorcycles, black leather, ducktail haircuts, poodle skirts, roadside diners with Wurlitzer jukeboxes, ribbons of endless highway and, of course, bad boy bikers. "The Loveless" isn't just for gear heads and biker culture enthusiasts. The film had the odd effect of making me feel really nostalgic for a time I didn't live through.

Extras include a blended commentary track with Kathryn Bigelow, Willem Dafoe and Monty Montgomery; a gallery of still photos; the original posters for the film; the theatrical trailer and scene selection.

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Film that Makes Me Proud to Be Bicultural....
Finally a Solution for Satisfying Bilingual Audiences!
A great movie!

The Blue Diner
Starring: Miriam Colon , Lisa Vidal , Jose Yenque , William Marquez , and Virginia Rambal
Director: Jan Egleson
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008Z46S
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Description

The Blue Diner is a film about food, memory, language, and caskets. It is the story of a Puerto Rican mother and daughter living together in Boston and the difficulties they encounter when the daughter, Elena, mysteriously loses her ability to speak Spanish, her first language. Everyone has a theory about the origin of Elena's misfortune, but no one knows for certain what has caused the tragic and absurd event. As Elena's language disappears, her boyfriend's painting inexplicably appears at the Fine Arts Museum where her mother works. In a misguided attempt to obtain an artist's visa, his actions unleash a world of misunderstanding and trouble for Elena and her mother. As the relationship between mother and daughter deteriorates, the two women are forced to confront each other and their murky past. A haunting song, a missing father, and a plate of fried brains help to reunite Elena, her mother, and her language.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Film that Makes Me Proud to Be Bicultural...........2004-09-09

I first saw (and videotaped) La Fonda Azul on PBS about a year ago close to Hispanic Heritage Month. What a treasure of a small, independent film! I am surprised not more people haven't seen it. It has everything--magical realism, humor and tenderness.

Elena is a beautiful young Boricua (Puerto Rican) woman, who cares for her elderly mother (a janitor at the local museum) and helps support the both of them as an interpreter at a funeral home. She must struggle with her identities as a Puerto Rican and as an "American." (Puerto Rico is technically part of the United States) Her bilingual ability is challenged as she must translate for her mother (who speaks no English) and the challenge that comes when she loses her ability to speak Spanish after an argument with her mother.

I loved the combination of beautiful Puerto Rican music, intriguing cinematography, great and engaging actors and the refreshing concept of seeing Latinos as "regular people." Unlike many films out there, this film had no drive by shootings, raunchy and embarressing "hoochie mamas" (i.e. fiery, sin verguenza--"shameless" in Spanish--prostitutes and tarts with no moral values), drug dealers or excessive violence. Instead, it takes a sensitive look at identity and following your heart versus following what is expected of you.

This is a treat on so many levels! An added note: The food scenes near the end are priceless. Wonderfully humorous and warm!

Finally a Solution for Satisfying Bilingual Audiences!.......2004-04-25

As the Hispanic/Latino population grows in the US we are gifted with more and more movies in Spanish from Spain, Argentina, Mexico, and other Latin American countries. Some directors have attempted to maintain one language for these films and present them with subtitles. That always seems like the director doesn't pay attention to the need for bilingual status, especially in such states as California. Thus it is a special pleasure to view THE BLUE DINER, a dandy little film that is honest, deals with issues of immigrant perceptions and problems as well as trials and triumphs, and delivered in a bilingual spoken format. Jan Egleson wrote and directed this well paced story about a Puerto Rican mother (Miriam Colon) who moves to Boston, working proudly in housekeeping at a museum to pay for her daughter Elena's education (Lisa Vidal). Meche (the mother) speaks little English; her daughter has gone to school and has a good job in a mortuary where her skills as being bilingual allow her to climb the 'corporate ladder'. She is dating the owner of the mortuary Brian (John Mulcahy) who is attempting to learn Spanish. Elena's heart secretly belongs to Tito (Jose Yenque), a fellow Puerto Rican, who works as an artisan making caskets to support his real dream of becoming established as a fine artist. Elena's duplicity of response to Brian and to Tito is complicated by her mother's demand that she court only the 'Americano' with all the supposed success that implies. The secret of Elena's father's identity and history begins to play into the love triangle, Tito sneaks one of his paintings into the museum where Meche works the night shift, Meche is blamed for the breech in museum security, the tension produces a 'stroke' in Elena whose only symptom is that she is unable to speak or understand her native tongue of Spanish, and it is only through the loving intervention of Papo (William Marquez) at his home base Blue Diner that all ends well.

The story is delightful, the actors are excellent, but the major pleasure of this film is that it is respectfully half in English and half in Spanish. Subtitles are provided, of course, but the conversations encourage us to try to understand both languages. I think this shows profound respect for the audience and it is to Egleson's credit that this film succeeds so well. A good story, with significant social commentary, and very well acted.

A great movie!.......2003-09-19

This is an excellent film about culture, love and life in general. This film appeals to all people and brings up some great questions about the challenges of losing one's culture to the "American Way."

Average customer rating:

Not exactly ...
Who you fool'in ?
RIP-OFF
An Interesting Mix
You can get these much cheaper...

Dozen DVD Deal - Comedy

Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Customer Reviews:

Not exactly ..........2006-07-10

While most of these movies are in the bargain bin, Meatballs is very hard to come by. If you find it in a bargain bin, buy it. Buy all they have. Run the search on here, or E-Bay or Half and see what those are going for. It's crazy. It's a great movie, but $30-$75 for Meatballs! Well, I guess ... It just doesn't matter ... It just doesn't matter ... It just doesn't matter ... Dan

Who you fool'in ?.......2006-03-12

All these titles are in the $5.99 ben at walmart,,I could buy all of 'em new at walmart for around $75.00 dollars or less.

RIP-OFF.......2004-09-19

If you were to buy all of these titles from Amazon.com SEPERATELY, you'd only pay $135.22 (look 'em up, I just did). Save yourself some money, and your sanity, don't buy this compilation!

An Interesting Mix.......2003-11-06

This is an interesting collection. There are some very good movies in this set.

Doc Hollywood - This is a "pass" for me. I thought it was very unfunny, and tries much too hard to play off any bit of charm Michael J Fox might possess. Bridget Fonda appears as well.

Singles - This is an okay movie. Its enjoyable and watchable. Matt Dillon and Eric Stoltz star. As does Bridget Fonda once again. Directed by Cameron Crowe (of "Almost Famous" fame), its worth a viewing.

Drop Dead Gorgeous - This film has a very strong female cast. Kirsten Dunst, Ellen Barkin and Allison Janney (CJ Cregg of "West Wing" fame) star.

Don Juan DeMarco - This film is notable only because of a fun performance by the talented Johnny Depp. The script is weak, and to be honest, its not terribly funny.

The Man Who Knew Too Little - A misstep by the usually very funny Bill Murray.

Meatballs - Well, to be honest, this movie is very funny. Its classic Bill Murray in his prime SNL years. Its full of goofy one liners and Chris Makepeace carries a sweet character.

My Blue Heaven - This is a very seldom seen movie and VERY funny. Its one of Steve Martin's best performances. A strong supporting cast of Rick Moranis and Joan Cusack ensure frequent laughs.

My Fellow Americans - Another "pass" in my book. Misused Jack Lemmon and James Garner. Just not very funny.

Diner - A classic film (though I would not necessarily call it a comedy) directed by Barry Levinson. A very strong cast including Kevin Bacon.

Night Shift - A hysterically funny movie starring Michael Keaton (his best role), Henry (the Fonz) Winkler and Shelly Long.

Jerry Seinfeld: I'm Telling You for the Last Time - A 75 minute stand up special. You've likely seen the material many times already.

10 - Famous for its beach scene and introducing Bo Derek, the star here is a very funny Dudley Moore.

There are some real funny and well made films here; Of their own merit, I would recommend "My Blue Heaven", "Diner" and "Night Shift".

You can get these much cheaper..........2003-09-11

I've found most of these movies in the six dollar bin at Wal Mart over the past few months. Pick the ones you want and buy them. Save your money on the others.

By the way, the Jerry Seinfeld one is kind of funny, but not nearly as funny as his shows were. If you expect it be 'rolling on the floor' funny, you will be disappointed.

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