Camera

Starring:Carol Alt, Anderson Bourell, Erika Brannan, Rebecca Broussard, Big Daddy Carlos, Eric Eittel, Eric Ettel, Angie Everhart, Michael Hagerty, Bruce Haring, Johane Krasevich, David Marconi, Phillip Noyce, David Patlak, Peter Rafelson, Michele Symmons, Peter Tunney, Eha Urbsalu, Siobhan Zetumer
Studio: Vanguard Cinema
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com essential video

Like the Greenwich Village courtyard view from its titular portal, Alfred Hitchcock's classic Rear Window is both confined and multileveled: both its story and visual perspective are dictated by its protagonist's imprisonment in his apartment, convalescing in a wheelchair, from which both he and the audience observe the lives of his neighbors. Cheerful voyeurism, as well as the behavior glimpsed among the various tenants, affords a droll comic atmosphere that gradually darkens when he sees clues to what may be a murder.

Photographer L.B. "Jeff" Jeffries (James Stewart) is, in fact, a voyeur by trade, a professional photographer sidelined by an accident while on assignment. His immersion in the human drama (and comedy) visible from his window is a by-product of boredom, underlined by the disapproval of his girlfriend, Lisa (Grace Kelly), and a wisecracking visiting nurse (Thelma Ritter). Yet when the invalid wife of Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr) disappears, Jeff enlists the two women to help him to determine whether she's really left town, as Thorwald insists, or been murdered.

Hitchcock scholar Donald Spoto convincingly argues that the crime at the center of this mystery is the MacGuffin--a mere pretext--in a film that's more interested in the implications of Jeff's sentinel perspective. We actually learn more about the lives of the other neighbors (given generic names by Jeff, even as he's drawn into their lives) he, and we, watch undetected than we do the putative murderer and his victim. Jeff's evident fear of intimacy and commitment with the elegant, adoring Lisa provides the other vital thread to the script, one woven not only into the couple's own relationship, but reflected and even commented upon through the various neighbors' lives.

At minimum, Hitchcock's skill at making us accomplices to Jeff's spying, coupled with an ingenious escalation of suspense as the teasingly vague evidence coalesces into ominous proof, deliver a superb thriller spiked with droll humor, right up to its nail-biting, nightmarish climax. At deeper levels, however, Rear Window plumbs issues of moral responsibility and emotional honesty, while offering further proof (were any needed) of the director's brilliance as a visual storyteller. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Rear Window.......2007-06-26

One of the most celebrated films in history, this classic takes its time, but once the tension starts building, it doesn't stop until the heart-pounding conclusion is upon you. A new peak for Hitchcock in blending the story of a crime that may have happened with the dark side of human obsession--in this case, voyeurism. The movie marks a high point for James Stewart, who would be remembered as Hitchcock's most human and vulnerable hero. And who can resist the bewitching Grace Kelly?

Brutally...Boring!!!!.......2007-05-21

Alfred Hitchcock made approximately zero good movies in his life except maybe The Birds, which I liked a lot. But most of his movies, including and especially Rear Window are just two hours of people sitting around talking about suspenseful things. I know because they're old these movies are supposed to be so great, but you can't tell me that Rear Window is as exciting as a movie like Disturbia!!! I guess you can tell me that, but I don't plan to listen to you.

Here's what happens in Rear Window:

No, I didn't make a mistake in that paragraph. I was proving a point that nothing happens (by leaving a lot of blank space after the colon). It's a movie about Jimmy Stewart sitting in a wheelchair and watching real action happen through binoculars. Guess what, Alfred Hitchcock? Maybe it would have been a better movie if we had been watching whatever was going on in that other building and not wasted our time watching the guy who was watching all the cool stuff go down!

That would be like if Steven Spielberg decided to make E.T. a story about a scientist in a lab coat who does nothing for 2 hours and then at the end he gets to poke and prod a little alien fella for about a second. Hey, Steven Spielberg: thanks for not making that movie!!!

Anyway, Rear Window is not recommended for the young or the young at heart, but maybe for the young at brain.

Showing its age, but it is still Stewart, Kelly and Hitch..........2007-05-08

This suspense yarn is quieter than many of Hitchcock's efforts, and the New York apartment life it depicts, along with how one recovers from a broken leg, operates a life as a free-lance photographer, and courts a fashion model girlfriend, are all quite changed from 50 years ago. If you must have the same tale updated, try the Christopher Reeve version from about ten years ago...it has charms of its own, but it isn't Hitchcock, and it does lack Jimmy and Grace (who is hot as a pistol despite keeping her clothes on.) In Hitchcock's version, the heroes are at least innocent, if not naive, and the bad guy is a killer, but not a psychopathic mass murderer who kills strangers for no reason. Worth seeing for the stars' performances in roles that give them little to do physically, and much to convey psychologically.

Not So Thrilling.......2007-05-08

Rear Window is the story of a photographer with a broken leg (Jimmy Stewart). He spends his time in his wheelchair confined to his room with little to do but spy on the neighbors. There is a ballerina star, a lonely middle-aged woman, and a married couple. He becomes very interested in the married couple when one day the invalid wife disappears and the husband begins acting strangely. The photographer includes his girlfriend (Grace Kelly), his nurse (Thelma Ritter), and a detective friend in his theory that the man murdered his wife.

When one thinks of Hitchcock, thoughts of crimes and plot twists come to mind. This film seems to be much more straightforward. It moves very slowly and none of the big events in the film seem all that major to the audience because most of them happen outside Stewart's apartment building. The most exciting part of the film is of course the ending, but even it is too little too late. If you have high expectations for this film as a constant thrill ride, see another film. You will certainly be disappointed.

Best Hitchcock film ever!.......2007-04-15

How can anyone not like Rear Window starring Jimmy Stewart and Grace Kelly? There should be absolutely zero thats who!! I recently bought it on DVD and have never stopped watching it since. Everything is so perfect, the cast, the story, the direction, even the cinematography is striking. James Stewart as the protagonist L.B. Jefferies and Grace Kelly as his love interest Lisa Fremont were excellent together throughout the film along with the supporting characters. The story was a clever fresh execution displaying the whole mystery that needed to be solved from an apartment window. The movie is a film that should be watched while your laying down with your feet propped up at night when you have nothing else to do in that busy schedule. I have seen just about every Hitchcock film out there that were all very good, but my favorite is still Rear Window. Simply Amazing!

Average customer rating:

Parker Is Superb
Classic women's picture!
An absolute HOOT!
Beautiful, talented Eleanor Parker in peak form
Come on you tramps, line up for Christmas!

Caged!
Starring: Eleanor Parker , Hope Emerson , Agnes Moorehead , Olive Carey , and Davison Clark
Director: John Cromwell
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000OHZJG4
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Customer Reviews:

Parker Is Superb.......2007-07-04

I totally disagree with the criticism that Parker was "awful." Total nonsense. She couldn't be more vulnerable as the film starts, and her transformation is a remarkable one. In an interview, none other than Meryl Streep singled out Parker's performance as an influential one while growing up, seeing how a character can evolve so dramatically by the end of a movie. Parker deserved the nomination. The entire cast is excellent, and the direction by John Cromwell is effective and intelligent in tone.

Classic women's picture!.......2007-06-29

Eleanor Parker should have been a big star. But, others were already in the running for the good scripts at Warner. Joan Crawford wisely passed on this film. She was too old to play the part. Two ladies of TVLand are featured, Ellen Corby ("The Waltons") and Agnes Moorehead ("Bewitched").
I enjoyed this film as a kid when it had broadcasts on Washington DC's channel 5 Sunday Movie lineup in the 1970s. Glad it finally got a DVD release.

An absolute HOOT!.......2007-06-26

OMIGOD, I can't believe how many reviewers take this movie seriously! Eleanor Parker is AWFUL (as she was in just about everything) but here she "acts" with a capital "A!" Unbelievably, she got an Oscar nomination, but I guess that was pretty much par for the course back then for glamourous stars who a) played mute (Jane Wyman), b) played prostitutes (Shirley Jones) or c) shaved their heads (Parker).

Parker's tranformation from innocent good girl to hardened criminal is heavy handed, remarkably fast, totally unnuanced and hysterically funny!

Don't miss this "so bad it's good" classic!

Beautiful, talented Eleanor Parker in peak form.......2007-06-23

Ohio born Eleanor Parker was a ravishing beauty with a distinctive, beautifully modulated speaking voice who never quite reached the heights of stardom predicted for her by both critics and colleagues. Co-star Glenn Ford called her "the least heralded great actress" and Oscar winning director Robert Wise referred to Parker as "an artist of the first rank."

Placed under contract by Warner Brothers in 1942, Parker lacked the temperament to fight for the good roles that were offered first to Bette Davis, Ida Lupino and (later) Joan Crawford. Nor did she create an identifyable screen persona, preferring instead to disappear within her characters. Still, she carved out an impressive film career for herself which brought her three Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.

The best role of her Warner's career came at the very end of her studio contact in 1950. In John Cromwell's magnificent CAGED, Parker stars as Marie Allen, the innocent, pregnant young wife who's sent to prison for being an accomplice in her husband's crime. There, she's corrupted by the cruel and heartless penal system and the career criminals she's incarcerated with.

Eleanor Parker's transformation from frightened child-woman to bitter con is remarkable. Oscar winning actress Meryl Streep has written of her admiration of Parker's performance. "CAGED was one of the first films I ever saw," Streep wrote, "where I understood the transformation of character that is possible for an actress in a film." At the end of CAGED, when we see the hardened, embittered Marie emerge from prison, it's hard to beleive it's the same actress who was so frightened and innocent at the film's start.

Eleanor Parker received the first of her three Best Actress Oscar nominations for her stunning performance, and won the Venice Film Festival's Best Actress prize. And she's surrounded by a cast of equally fine actresses who are all at their best.

Hope Emerson, who may be best remembered now as the circus strong woman in ADAM'S RIB (1949), also received an Oscar nomination as the cruel, Amazonian prison matron, and Agnes Moorehead is equally fine as the kind, frustrated prison warden.

The marvelous Jan Sterling as Smoochie, the CP (common prostitue), has some of the films best lines which she delivers in great wise-cracking tradition. She is the film's comic relief, and provides some welcomed levity to the otherwise grim circumstances.

Warner's long-time character actress Lee Patrick also has some fine moments, as do Ellen Corby, Betty Garde, Olive Deering, Jane Darwell and Gertrude Michael.

But it's Parker's exceptional performance, and the fine direction of the under-rated John Cromwell, that make CAGED one of the best Warner Brother films of the decade.

Come on you tramps, line up for Christmas!.......2007-06-22

That's just one of the great lines from this fantastic women's prison film made in 1950 that amazingly has never been previously released. Eleanor Parker, giving the performance of her career, stars as Marie Allen, a timid and innocent 19-year old who is sent to prison after being charged as an accomplice in a minor robbery. The brutality of prison life will change her life forever. This is a stark film, both in content and style, with taut dialog and astute observations about harsh prison conditions, corrupt government officials and the emotional turmoil of people put in such situations. In addition to Parker, every performance is a stand-out. Hope Emerson is unforgettable as the evil prison matron, Betty Garde as an inmate who befriends and tries to protect Marie and Lee Patrick as Elvira Powell, an inmate with powerful outside connections all will leave an indelible memory for viewers. Even the bit parts are memorable - the wonderful Gertrude Hoffman, as older inmate Millie who sadly says, "I'm a tall weed in the grass and the grapevines bloomin', what I'd give for a sinkful of dirty dishes."

I've seen this film numerous times and every time I watch it I catch a line that I missed before. It is a film that holds up and a film that you won't soon forget.

Average customer rating:

heartwarming
where the heart is
A Great Movie
I Love this Movie!!!
Heart warming movie...

Where the Heart Is
Starring: Natalie Portman , Ashley Judd , Stockard Channing , Joan Cusack , and James Frain
Director: Matt Williams (II)
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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ASIN: B00004WI5F
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Amazon.com

Not to be confused with the 1990 comedy flop featuring Uma Thurman, this Where the Heart Is boasts a winning performance from Natalie Portman. Novalee Nation (Portman), a pregnant teenager from Tennessee, is bound for California with her worthless boyfriend, Willy Jack (Dylan Bruno). A pit stop at an Oklahoma Wal-Mart proves fateful when Willy Jack abandons her there. She secretly sets up camp at the megastore and spends her days meeting with kindly booster Sister Husband (Stockard Channing) and eccentric librarian Forney Hall (James Frain). Her life takes another turn after she gives birth in the store (clean up, aisle six!) and finds a best friend in sassy nurse Lexie Coop (Ashley Judd). Meanwhile, Willy Jack has found a talent agent (Joan Cusack) and tries to make some life changes of his own.

Where The Heart Is offers charming, folksy fun; homespun wisdom; and an obstacle course of plot development (if the Wal-Mart angle weren't enough, there's also a kidnapping, a tornado, and at least half a dozen other major events thrown in). Director Matt Williams, who produced the popular sitcoms Roseanne and Home Improvement, takes television's cut-to-commercial route to make giant leaps in space and time from scene to scene. It's disorienting, but the remarkable female cast (which includes Sally Field in a cameo) lends plausiblilty to the muddle, even when you don't think anything more could possibly happen. --Shannon Gee

Description

Ashley Judd and Natalie Portman shine in this offbeat, delicious slice of life about a down-on-her-luck Southern teen. After gaining 15 minutes of fame for giving birth to "The Wal-Mart Baby", Novalee Nation (Portman) begins to put her life together with the help of the kind, quirky strangers who become her surrogate family. It's an inspiring celebration of love, friendship and self-worth that delivers "quality, emotionally satisfying entertainment" (ReelViews).

Customer Reviews:

heartwarming.......2007-05-09

I really like this movie, it is a movie about overcoming whatever horrible things life throws at you. Natalie Portman does a great job as a pregnant teen with a loser boyfriend. After been left in a strange town she meets people who will forever change her life for the better.

where the heart is.......2007-03-28

Jade Rioux Book review 3/25/07

"Where the heart is", is a book about a girl named novalle, who finds herself in a difficult but common situation. She has to deal with many battles and struggles all because of one man. When everything is going right and all is good something always seems to go wrong. Until one day when novalle meets a women "sister husband" who supports and comforts novalle through this difficult era in her life. From then on novalles life was never the same.
Novalle goes through some terrible times. But there's always that one person who is uplifting and trustworthy to her, named Forney. As novalle goes through tough times he is always there getting her through them. Novalle gets so caught up in her own issues that she fails to give credit or reconciliation to him. Forney is constantly making an effort to impress novalle, but novalle just doesn't seem to get what he is trying to do.
I would recommend this book to everyone. This book was amazing and has such a strong true story line. "Where the heart is" will show you a girl who is in need for much help and reaches out for someone to be loved by. The story was so real to me and I think that when you read it, it is easy to put yourself in Novalles shoes, which helps you understand her situation more in depth. It will show you its ok to ask for help and someone will always be there to love you no matter where you are.

A Great Movie.......2007-03-12

This is a real keeper! It's quirky but sentimental. A great job was done adapting from the book to the screen. Natalie Portman & Ashley Judd are terrific in it. Have watched it a number of times (borrowed from library) and finally purchased a copy for my very own.

I Love this Movie!!!.......2007-03-10

This is a nice story with a lot of angles.

I was watching tv late one night and saw Sally Field as I
was flipping through the channels. Her range playing mothers is incredible. In the early 80s, she played the rugged individualist widow in the very excellent "Places in the Heart." She also played the assertive and supportive mother in "Forrest Guamp." In this movie, she showed she has a spectrum of roles. It was a nice contrast.

There isa sort of Cinderella aspect to this movie also that puts it in the same class as "Fried Green Tomatoes."

Heart warming movie..........2007-01-18

My daughter and I both love this movie, we could not wait to add it to our collection. Natalie Portman is our favorite young actress.

Jackass - Number Two (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

A guilty pleasure for my "child within"
Two goes too far...
Insane
POSSIBLY THE FUNNIEST FILM IN CINEMATIC HISTORY!!!
Surprise! 'Jack'(a--)-in-a-Box

Jackass - Number Two (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Willie Garson , Tony Hawk , Stephanie Hodge , Mat Hoffman , and Rip Taylor
Manufacturer: Paramount / MTV
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ASIN: B000JLTRJK
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Amazon.com

Jackass Number Two could be alternately titled " From Bowties to Bunny Ears: What Will Chris Pontius Be Wearing Next?" Like the first Jackass movie, Johnny, Bam, Chris, Steve-O and the gang are all here. This "sequel" is full of stunts, pranks and one-liners, and contains more defecation, more male nudity, more scream-worthy moments and of course more uncontrollable laughter. The film opens with a rather well directed cinematic piece: the entire Jackass gang running from a stampede of bulls. From there it takes off into the hysterically exhausting world of Jackass. The bulls are actually in quite a few stunts, one of which has "leader" Johnny Knoxville using himself as a red flag, and getting spearheaded by a charging bull. Ah, good times. Some of the stunts include: "Beehive Limo", "Fart Mask", "Red Rocket" and a fake terrorist plot which boasts the improve line, "Where I'm going, I don't need luggage." Bam gets branded, they fish for sharks with Steve-O as bait, Johnny catches Anacondas with his bare hands, the list goes on. The gem in this collection of antics has to be the offensive interactions with the innocent people on the street by Johnny Knoxville and director/actor Spike Jonez, while disguised as a very old man and woman. Celebrity guests partaking in stunts include extreme sports legends Tony Hawk and Mat Hoffman. The movie culminates in a beautifully choreographed, fantastical and dangerous musical number not to be missed. Throughout the movie it is apparent that the Jackass gang is older and a little more worn, especially when Bam pleads, "Please God, don't let there be a "Jackass 3". For fans of the TV series and the films, a trilogy may be just what the doctor ordered. The DVD extras (deleted scenes, unrated material and two pretty funny music videos) are more of the same and worth the watch, though some of it is not for the faint hearted. --Rachel Moss

Description

Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O and the entire crew from the popular MTV franchise return in the most insane DVD of the year, jackass number two. Available in both rated and "too hot for theaters" unrated versions, jackass number two pushes the limits with all-new stunts, pants-wetting practical jokes, fun with bears, bees, snakes, bulls, sharks…and other REALLY bad ideas.

Customer Reviews:

A guilty pleasure for my "child within".......2007-06-30

Ok, this movie is pointless, stupid, violent, at times very gross and shows alot of skin and is alot of fun. I really like the jackass movies even at my age a man in his early 40s. It really does bring out the "child within" and adolscent side of an adult that can be alot of fun. They do the things that you were afraid of doing when you were their age and getting hurt. Yeah, you can watch the movie, do the things that they are doing (in your mind) and you are not the one that is getting hurt or making a fool of himself. What a bonus!!!! LOL Ok, seriously this movie is alot of foolish fun. See it as such when you view it and never take it seriously. I will say that you should watch the special features "outtakes and deleted scenes" because there are alot of stunts that are not shown in the movie plus some good frontal male nudity to boot. I highly recommend this movie to anyone that really likes to cut loose within thier own home safely on the couch and likes to laugh their butts off!!!!

Two goes too far..........2007-06-23

I dunno I just don't think watching people do permanent damage to their friend's bodies is all that amusing. Seems like Jackass on MTV (and the first movie) had more clever pranks while this one was more about inflicting pain and damage. I'll admit that I turned it off at the point Steve-o did a sort of reverse beer bong, so maybe it picked up after that point...but that didn't seem likely.

Insane.......2007-05-30

Bought for a 14yo teenage boy who screeches with laughter every 5minutes. Not my cup of tea watching grown men make complete arses of themselves.

POSSIBLY THE FUNNIEST FILM IN CINEMATIC HISTORY!!!.......2007-05-27

I'm not even remotely a fan of Jackass but I had watched the first movie, and when I was going to see number two I kept thinking there was no way these guys could out do themselves with this one. Man I was so wrong.
This movie had me laughing so much I had to take asprins because I had gotten a headache. There are to many parts in this movie that had me rolling all over the floor (especially the switcharoo in the bed, the small toilet, bad grandpa).
I'm even compelled to say this movie could even be the best sequel to date since Godfather Part 2.
Well don't take mine or anyone else's word for it, go and see it.

WARNING: DO NOT EAT ANYTHING BEFORE AND DURING THE MOVIE.

Surprise! 'Jack'(a--)-in-a-Box.......2007-05-11

Seeing the previews on a review show, `Jackass 2' looked like a barrel of fun. I saw stuntmen propelled in the air for "Fire hose Rodeo," skiing down a stairwell with artificial snow, and a mini loop motorcycle stunt. What I was expecting was `Candid Camera' meets "X"-treme sports novelties. What I mainly got was a "hybrid"* of 'Fear Factor'. I was misled.

Favorably, it all starts out with a bull run that is harrowing and impressively shot. Later, one of the best scenes is a Hollywood movie parody. (Even though there's no plot, per say, the scene is so impressive, that if you must see it, I wouldn`t dare spoil it for you.) In their defense, they certainly are inventive with every stunt they pull.

Then, it gets morbid. Sight gags with snake bites, stunts with shattered glass, and leeches shown to host on a man's "private parts" and his eyeball are definitely an acquired taste. In one scene, a "phallic" image is branded to one stalwart's b--t. To ensure authenticity, they have to show the blood afterwards with participants writhing in pain and onlookers laughing--like it were `The Three Stooges' gone `Gladiator`. (I don't remember laughing at people getting hurt since I was six, but, maybe, it's just me.) Granted the stunt men are professionals and their caveat--to paraphrase, "Don't try this at home, kids--" is amply posted, but I didn`t find it entertaining. Male b--t shots, feces, vomiting, and actors dressed as elderly people with fake genitals hanging out of garments are the obsessive bill of fare presented. (To their credit, their inventive hijinx is only fractionally represented here.)

I felt like I had entered an impressive carnival and left a freak show that mainly made me feel queasy.

"Let the buyer beware?" Maybe. Not asking for a refund, I, nonetheless, would like other thrill seekers to make an informed decision before entering this circus tent.

*with elements that remind one of the initials associated with Marquis de Sade.

Average customer rating:

War From the Inside
real war by real people
The soldier's perspective of the Iraq war
The Real Lives of Today's Soldiers

The War Tapes
Starring: Steve Pink (II) , Zack Bazzi , Mike Moriarity , Ben Flanders , and Duncan Domey
Director: Deborah Scranton
Manufacturer: Docurama
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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My Country, My Country
Combat Diary - The Marines of Lima Company

ASIN: B000O76ZOY
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Amazon.com

Reduced from some 800 hours of raw footage to one compelling, 96-minute film, The War Tapes, while not the first documentary about U.S. soldiers deployed in Iraq (cf. 2006's Off to War, which covers similar ground), is unusual insofar as it was shot entirely by men on active duty in Iraq--specifically three National Guardsmen (or "citizen soldiers," as they call themselves) from New Hampshire who served in that benighted country in 2004. The three are by no means alike. Spc. Mike Moriarty is a patriot who, much to the dismay of his family, re-enlisted after 9/11 and frankly hopes to be "someone's hero." Sgt. Steve Pink is motor-mouthed wiseacre who grows increasingly cynical as his tour plays out. Sgt. Zack Bazzi, a Lebanese-American who speaks fluent Arabic, reads The Nation and doesn't much care for George W. Bush, but is nonetheless ready to fight. Yet despite their differences, their experiences are similarly grim. After some training at home, we see them arrive in the Mideast, where the first words they hear are, "Welcome to Iraq. Only one year to go," followed shortly by a mortar explosion near Camp Anaconda, their base. Thereafter, we see them in a variety of settings: in Baghdad and Fallujah, on the road (their duties include escorting truck convoys), fighting insurgents (several of the battle scenes are very intense and fairly graphic), in the camp cafeteria (where one of them excoriates Halliburton, who seems to have a hand in every aspect of the war effort, for charging the government $28 for a single styrofoam plate), in their quarters (their idea of recreation is staging a death match between a scorpion and a spider), and so on; we also visit their families back in New Hampshire. What emerges from all of this is a striking portrait of bitterness, resignation, and outright hostility, especially towards Iraqis on both sides. Moriarty perhaps sums it up most succinctly when they return to the States: "I'm so glad I went. I hated it with a god-awful passion, and I will not go back... I've done my part... It's someone else's turn." Nearly two hours of bonus material includes extended outtakes and extra footage, follow-up interviews with the three soldiers, and more. --Sam Graham

Description

Directed by Deborah Scranton, and produced by Robert May (The Fog of War) and Steve James (Hoop Dreams), THE WAR TAPES is Operation Iraqi Freedom as filmed by Sergeant Steve Pink, Sergeant Zack Bazzi, and Specialist Mark Moriarty. Steve is a wisecracking carpenter who aspires to be a writer. Zack is a Lebanese-American university student who loves to travel and is fluent in Arabic. Mike is a father and resolute patriot who rejoined the Army after 9/11. These soldiers captured over 800 hours of footage, providing a glimpse of their lives in the midst of war. The result is a raw portrait of three men--and their families--as they face, and struggle to understand, their duty.

Customer Reviews:

War From the Inside.......2007-07-04

In 2004 Deborah Scranton was invited to join a New Hampshire National Guard unit being deployed to Iraq as an imbedded journalist. She and producing partner Charles Lacy had a different idea: why not provide the soldiers with miniDV camaras and let them record what they experienced. What resulted was some 800 hours of footage that was edited into the brillant 97 minutes of the War Tapes.

The story follows the day to day lives of three soldiers from training to return from duty one year later. Mike Moriority is a hard line patriot who wanted to be deployed to Iraq as a result of what he saw at 9-11. Steven Pink is a wise cracking college graduate who thinks service will make him a better man. Jack Bazzi is a Lebanese emigre who uses his knowledge of Arabic to give us a unique view of the culture.

Through these men we see the horror of war close up. The footage is graphic and haunting and is not always easy to watch but it is essential. There is more to be seen and talked about here than in 10 conventional war films. Whether you are pro war or antiwar there is something here that you can take in and discuss with others. The essential question is the age old one:why are we fighting. To some it is to bring democracy to the Iraqi people to others the ony real reason is for the oil and to make money for corporations like Haliburton.

Do yourself a favor and seek this one out and make the choice for yourself. Excellent and well recommended.

real war by real people.......2007-06-09

John Burns, the Baghdad bureau chief for the New York Times, calls this film "the single best document (book, film, or article) you could see on the war in Iraq." Director Deborah Scranton taught three soldiers from New Hampshire's National Guard --Steve Pink, Mike Moriarty, and the Lebanese-American Zack Bazzi who is fluent in Arabic --how to use a camera, then edited their 800 hours of war footage down to 97 minutes. The result is a first person visual narrative of the war in Iraq. It's probably about as close as you can get to experiencing war vicariously-- the chaos, bravado, feelings of helplessness, fear, vulgarity, boredom, and cynicism. Endless rows of charred vehicles in an equipment vehicle. Security escorts protecting convoys of Halliburton trucks carrying septic waste ("follow that shit truck!") or cheese cake. Children everywhere. And yes, IEDs and daily mortar attacks lobbed into Camp Anaconda. The film documents the stories of the three soldiers from their deployment to their return to their families and post war symptoms, including several takes with their wives back home interspersed throughout the film. Parts of this film are very hard to watch.

The soldier's perspective of the Iraq war.......2007-05-17

`The War Tapes' is a unique documentary recorded by 3 soldiers in the New Hampshire Army National Guard during their one year deployment in Iraq. Using cameras mounted on vehicle turrets, dashboards, and helmets along with utilizing night vision devices and thermal imagers, this compilation is assembled from over 800 hours of footage. Sergeants Steve Pink and Zack Brazzi, along with Specialist Michael Moriarty are the central characters that carry the cameras and capture the images.

Almost from the first day on the ground in country, powerful and unsettling footage is shown from mortar attacks, ambushes, firefights, explosions, and injuries sustained from soldiers and civilians alike in Iraq. The video is graphic and intense and it leaves a serious impression about what soldiers have to endure in Iraq. You can get a sense of the underlying tension and anxiety experienced by these soldiers as they narrate what they've seen and felt. Also shown are their attitudes and thoughts regarding why America is in Iraq and the consequences of the war.

In-between segments of the documentary, footage is shown with Michael Moriarty's wife, Zack Bazzi's mother, and Steve Pink's girlfriend. They all put on a brave face but you can sense the emotional turmoil of having loved ones so far away in such a dangerous environment. The families at home also share their mixed feelings about the American involvement in Iraq and the difficulties of being on their own. Upon re-deploying back to the United States, there are physical and emotional changes evident in the returning soldiers and it is significant in how this affects a person's lifestyle and relationships.

`The War Tapes' is a well produced documentary, in my opinion, and delivers a thought provoking, important, and sometimes disturbing look at many aspects dealing with the war in Iraq. To compliment the main program, there are 2 extra features on the DVD that are worth checking out. One is a collection of interviews lasting just under 30 minutes and the second is 80 minutes of additional material covering several different and interesting topics.

The Real Lives of Today's Soldiers.......2007-04-30

`War Tapes' is a great documentary because it is made and narrated by the soldiers fighting in Iraq. Three men from New Hampshire share different backgrounds but one purpose: To win the war in Iraq. The film has three different aspects: the battles, the family life at home, and life in the army in Iraq. There are three main participants: Steven Pink, who has most of the cameras and a girlfriend, Lindsay, waiting for him at home; Zach Bazzi, a Lebanese émigré, whose mom is devoted to her soldier son; and Mike Moriarity whose wife and children wait on pins and needles for his return. At times the documentary is composed. We hear the thoughts of loved ones, torn by separation anxiety, pride, and love. The soldiers testify to their sense of purpose. Then, we get harrowing battle scenes with tanks going through the unstable streets of Fallujah. We hear them work as a unit fighting the insurgents with appropriately shaky cameras and thundering ammunition. Their candor is almost groundbreaking. The disdain for the enemy and the opportunism of war purveyors KBR and Halliburton are telling. Seeing soldiers train Iraqis, sorely needed recreation, and the aftermath of the men's sacrifices are key highlights. Whether or not you support the war, this film shouldn't be missed for supporting and understanding the soldiers. Sometimes funny, often unsettling, but always interesting, 'The War Tapes' is a rewarding and informative film.

Jackass - The Movie (Unrated Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Not for the squeamish
So funny
Movie
the title says it all...
Gross by funny.

Jackass - The Movie (Unrated Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Tony Hawk , Mat Hoffman , Henry Rollins , Spike Jonze , and Johnny Knoxville
Director: Jeff Tremaine
Manufacturer: Paramount / MTV
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GBEWHK
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Amazon.com

Some critics see the success of Jackass: The Movie as the last nail in the coffin of civilization, and they're probably right. This compilation of pain-inflicting stunts and embarrassing pranks has no artistic merit whatsoever--which doesn't keep it from being freakishly entertaining. Among other things, Johnny Knoxville and his posse get beaten up by a female kick-boxing champion; shoot bottle rockets out of their rectums; run amok in Japan wearing giant panda bear costumes; swim with whale sharks while holding pounds of brine shrimp in their swimsuits; and get done up in realistic old-age makeup so that they can race each other in motorized wheelchairs, among other goofs. It's a weird mixture of machismo and masochism, adolescent recklessness and frat boy homoeroticism, and someday someone will write a doctoral thesis about how Jackass relates to our safety-obsessed society. In the meantime, just enjoy. --Bret Fetzer

Description

All the jackasses you love from the MTV series are back performing stunts no one would let them pull on television.

Customer Reviews:

Not for the squeamish.......2007-05-19

This movie is as wrong as it is funny. Get a handful of your buddies, who happen to be nigh-fearless stuntmen and film yourselves doing incredibly stupid things (you know "guy stuff"), things we (guys) all do when we are with out dumb friends, and especially if we have been drinking. From the giant shopping cart (who hasn't wanted to do THAT at one point or another?) to the taser (ouch!), this is almost two hours of fun and gut-busting laughter as we get to be voyeurs of a frat party gone wild. This movie is worse than its reputation. Don't even bother watching it if you are the "sensible" type. It will just give you a conniption. However, if you are having a wild party and need something playing in the background, turn the sound down, the music up (loud) and pop this in the DVD. A good night's entertainment is guaranteed.

So funny.......2007-05-09

These guys are just plain crazy! Great movie to watch on depressing rainy sundays!

Movie.......2007-03-30

Was surprised by the price compared to other movies, but it was worth it.

the title says it all..........2007-03-13

this is another JackAss movie I purchased for my husband. He thought they both were hilarious. So, I know he would give them a 5 star rating. Fortunately, he is of an age where he wouldn't try to imitate any of the stunts. At least I hope he is of an age where he wouldn't try... But boys will be boys, whether five or 65.

Gross by funny........2007-03-12

There were a couple of parts of this movie that were pretty disgusting. I think the Jackass crew sometimes trys too hard with the gross out factor. But overall this is hilarious. I little too much sausage for the younger kids though! But is your 17 or over I highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

Wild America
Great adventure
Pleasant surprise
Wild
Wild America

Wild America
Starring: Jonathan Taylor Thomas , Devon Sawa , Scott Bairstow , Frances Fisher , and Jamey Sheridan
Director: William Dear
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0790732920
Release Date: 1997-10-22

Amazon.com

You wouldn't know it by watching the mostly ridiculous escapades on display in Wild America, but this comedy/adventure for young boys is marginally based on the true story of Marshall, Mark, and Marty Stouffer, three young brothers who successfully pursued their dream of becoming wildlife filmmakers. From their home in the South, the Stouffer boys embark on a cross-country trek to the West, where they hope to get rare footage from inside the dreaded Cave of the Sleeping Bears. Along the way they encounter cute British tourist girls, deadly alligators, a rampaging moose, and an Air Force fighter on a bombing range. In other words, Wild America is about as contrived as it could possibly be and still claim to be based on reality, but it is harmless enough for young viewers with its wholesome message about bravery, hard work, and family togetherness. Jonathan Taylor Thomas (from television's Home Improvement) leads the young cast of adventurers. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Wild America.......2007-05-25

Kids love this movie. As an adult I can nit-pick all I want, but the simple truth, is that kids love this movie.

Great adventure.......2007-05-07

I found this movie to be thoroughly entertaining. I loved the spirit of life and nature shared by the experience of the 3 brothers. It was also refreshing to see their hopes and dreams come to life. Well acted and a well told story. Loved the relationship of the parents and children - the support and nurturing by all was very positive. Then you find it is based on a true story and that makes the tale even better. Great movie to watch with your family and friends.

Pleasant surprise.......2007-04-03

My husband and I were trying to keep from dozing off on the couch one Sunday afternoon when we came upon this movie. It wasn't what the local station had promised they would show, but within minutes we were hooked. It quickly became clear that you have to keep your tongue in cheek while watching this. The main character is being fanciful as he tells the story through reminicing. Don't let that bother you. It is a dear, warmly-told story. I plan to get it so I can sit down and see it again.

Wild.......2007-03-21

This is the best movie to watch with a teenager to bring your family together. Laugh, cry & laugh some more! Get it!

Wild America.......2007-03-20

I thought Wild America was the best movie ever!! It was funny and interesting. The movie was really, really cool because it was based on a true story. Every time when it got scarey something funny would come in, like when they were in the cave singing to put the bears back to sleep and at the end of the song they did what their Dad did (farted)!! This is my absolute FAVORITE MOVIE EVER!!!!!!

MLB Bloopers: The Funny Side Of Baseball

Average customer rating:

AMAZING!
Waste of Money
OK, but not great
PLEASE, DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!
MLB Bloopers DVD review

MLB Bloopers: The Funny Side Of Baseball
Starring: Mlb
Manufacturer: Shout! Factory
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Features:

Classic DVD
Exclusive interviews, highlights, and behind the scenes coverage
DVD's main menu allow you to jump directly to the action
Presented in full-screen digital video

ASIN: B000EQ5UUK
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Product Description

Special Features: Hosted by comedian Chris Kattan! The Bruce Chen and Steve Kline show Dontrelle Willis and Jimmy Rollins talk about growing up together The aftermath of the Tim Hudson/Eddie Perez prank 1993 Florida Marlins grounds crew's tarp troubles Randy Wolf and Mike Lieberthal talk about Mike's pre-game dance Ruben Rivera: "The Worst Baserunning In The History Of The Game" Nook Logan hits a "Little League Homerun" Ryan Dempster's Harry Caray impersonation Jason Lane forgets how many outs there are in an inning Mike Cameron falls and makes a great catch Chad Cordero trips on the mound while throwing a pitch Johnny Damon recalls when Manny Ramirez cut off one of his throws in the outfield

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING!.......2007-06-01

I LOVED this movie! It has many funny bloopers and MLB players! I rated this 5-star because there wasn't anything higher!

Waste of Money.......2007-05-18

Don't waste your money on this terrible DVD. The title is deceiving; there are almost no bloopers in it. Instead the DVD is filled with boring interviews and staged pranks that put my baseball loving 11-year-old son to sleep within 20 minutes.
I gave it one star because there is no choice for zero stars.
Spend your money on something else.

OK, but not great.......2007-01-12

This was somewhat funny, but I wouldn't call it great. My 10-year-old liked it a lot. I thought it dragged quite a bit, not very fast-paced. Too many repeats of the same theme. Would have liked to have seen a lot more on-field bloopers & funny plays.

PLEASE, DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!.......2006-09-08

I am a very disappointed baseball fan.
I waited a few months for this video to be released. When it arrived to my office, I went home immediately to watch it... I ended up seeing the video on fast play, just to tell I saw it all... it only made me smile (not laugh) once.
It's a pity I cant place no-stars for this...
Do something better with your money and buy a pizza... believe me.

MLB Bloopers DVD review.......2006-07-31

This DVD was better than I could have asked for. It uses footage from the tv show This Week In Baseball [TWIB], and real baseball games over the past few years to cover the silly side of America's Pastime. It goes behind the scenes with a bunch of players including Tim Hudson, Ryan Dempster, select Phillies players, & many others, as well as looking at past characters who stand out in the game such as Tommy Lasorda and Yogi Berra. If you love TWIB's "How 'Bout That" section of the show, you will adore this DVD.

As far as I can tell, every major league team is shown, though some have the spotlight on them more than others. This is a must have for any baseball fan. It's by far one of the best MLB DVDs released in a long time.

Average customer rating:

modest but innovative thriller
Complete Squirmfest, But Good

Alone With Her
Starring: Ana Claudia Talancón , Colin Hanks , Jordana Spiro , Jonathon Trent , and Alex Boling
Director: Eric Nicholas
Manufacturer: IFC Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000N2HDHI
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Description

(Thriller) Obsession can be deadly. ALONE WITH HER is the harrowing story of a disturbed young man's attempts to win the affections of an unsuspecting young woman. As his fascination grows into obsession he's no longer satisfied with just watching.

Customer Reviews:

modest but innovative thriller.......2007-07-04

***1/2

Eric Nicholas` "Alone With Her" starts off with a rather alarming Department of Justice statement that every minute three new people become victims of stalkers, and that, thanks to modern technology, even your garden-variety voyeur, who used to be restricted to what he could see by aiming a pair of high-powered binoculars into the neighbor`s window, now has access to high-tech devices, once the sole province of the CIA and the FBI, to help him with his peeping. Through its innovative, you-are-there style, this low-budget, independent thriller really drives that message home.

The stalker in this case is a young man named Doug, a techno-savvy misfit with extreme sociopathic tendencies, who through an elaborate network of hidden microphones and cameras, has found a way to keep the object of his obsession - a beautiful young woman named Amy - under surveillance literally 24 hours a day without her knowledge. Slowly but surely, he worms his way into her life, manipulating her emotions and earning her trust along the way.

In form as well as in style, "Alone With Her" is a cross between "Peeping Tom" and "The Blair Witch Project," with the audience viewing the action entirely through the lenses of Doug's strategically placed cameras. This innovative technique effectively puts us in the shoes of the voyeuristic stalker, making us, in some strange way, complicit in his actions. The real chill, of course, comes from the realization of just how easy modern technology has made it for our rights of personal space and privacy to be violated. If this movie doesn't turn you into a raving paranoiac, nothing will.

"Alone With Her" is more than just a mere exercise in style, however. Thanks to compelling performances from Ana Claudia Talancon, Colin Hanks (who appears off-screen for most of the film) and Jordana Spiro, the movie emerges as an engrossing human drama as well, one that makes us empathize with the various characters whose story we are being compelled to watch. For beyond the threat posed by all the technical hardware, the film unnervingly points out the risk we all take by simply opening ourselves up to friendships and relationships with people we actually know very little about.

Some people may find "Alone With Her" too low-keyed in its approach to be truly frightening. However, it is just that lack of sensationalism that makes it so convincing in its creepiness. It's true that the movie, like many thrillers, falls apart somewhat in its third act due to its budgetary constraints as well as a certain predictability in the plotting. Still, "Alone With Her" illustrates the truth of Marshall McLuhan's observation that "the medium is the message" better than any film of recent times.

Complete Squirmfest, But Good.......2007-05-13

**SPOILERS**

This movie chronicles a dysfunctional loner's ("Doug" played by Colin Hanks) voyeuristic obsession with a beautiful young woman ("Amy"), played by the interesting Ana Talancon. Basically, he commits a B&E and sets up hidden video cameras in her apartment. With the information he obtains from watching and listening to her, he is able to insinuate himself in her life.

Thumbs up to Tom Hanks' son for picking unique material like this. He does an excellent job playing the socially inept stalker, esp. when you consider it's probably 180 degrees from his real life.

What stands out about this movie is its verisimilitude, even in this age of reality TV. I thought the writer (Eric Nicholas) had a good grasp for the way things play out in real life. For instance, the scene with Doug and Amy's friend on the stairs right before he kills her was just spot on. She didn't over do it with seeming freaked out, but clearly she was unnerved by his sudden appearance on the scene. And the way she conveyed that just rang true.

Finally, the ending. Wow. I don't think audiences are ready for something that realistic and dark, but we'll see.

Overall, well worth watching. I love movies like this with a unique point of view.

Average customer rating:

Dealing With Tragedy
Amazing
thoroughly depressing ...
Everyone Carries a Piece of the Truth.
powerful reminder that this sort of thing still happens in USA

The Laramie Project
Starring: Kathleen Chalfant , Laura Linney , Peter Fonda , Jeremy Davies , and Nestor Carbonell
Director: Moisés Kaufman
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Bent

ASIN: B000067D0Y
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Amazon.com

Even though The Laramie Project has been edited down from almost three hours (the original length of the play) to a lean 96 minutes, the harrowing nature of the subject matter--the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard--and the clarity of the voices of the inhabitants of Laramie, Wyoming, give this film a remarkable emotional power. The Laramie Project was created from over 200 interviews conducted with Laramie residents before, during, and after the trials of the two boys who killed Shepard; the interviews create an amazing cross-section of American views on homosexuality, religion, class, privacy, and so much more besides. Even though it features an all-star cast--Steve Buscemi, Janeane Garofalo, Christina Ricci, Peter Fonda, and Laura Linney are only a few of the recognizable faces--the material has not been glamorized and the performances are both honest and intimate. Even abbreviated, it's a remarkable piece of work. --Bret Fetzer

Description

In October 1998, 21 year-old Mathew Shepard was found savagely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in Laramie, Wyoming. "The Laramie Project" is the portrait of a town painfully forced to confront itself in the reflective glare of the national spotlight, responding with love, anger, sympathy, support and defiance.

Customer Reviews:

Dealing With Tragedy.......2007-05-21

Read the first-hand accounts of those on scene after the death of Matthew Shepard. This collection of notes is a real eye-opener.

Amazing.......2007-03-26

I was aware about Matthew's story but never thought in those ones who actually meet him and talk to him. Even they are not the real one this work was well done and allow us to remember that this happend almost 10 years ago and it's still hapening everywhere. I think it's an excellent film to see with teenagers and people in general who needs to know about tolerance and respect of everyone's lifestyle.

thoroughly depressing ..........2007-03-06

This film, which is really just a series of re-enacted interviews, is a dismal portrayal of a community in agony. It's natural when someone you know dies to feel sad, miserable, angry and outraged. But the producers of this film dwell on the community's misery and suffering, and any opportunity to learn from this crime is lost in the raw emotions of the town's residents.

This is, quite simply, a film with an agenda. It is intended to incite anger and promote hate crime legislation. Dwelling on this crime is not going to do anyone any good.

Everyone Carries a Piece of the Truth........2007-02-26

One of the most powerful speeches witnessed in this film are those by Laura Linney, who tries to create a similarity between the death of Matthew Shepard and the accidental death of a Wyoming State Trooper that same night. It does create a moment of thought in your mind that links the power of the death of Shepard to that of the power of the media, but it is just for a fleeting moment as we are whisked back into another voice, with another opinion. That voice is both the strength and weakness of this film. As a viewer, new to this story and type of storytelling, I felt a bit over biased. I realize that instead of focusing on the death and life of Matthew Shepard, Kaufman, focused on the collective voice of the town, which was nothing but a bag of mixed messages. As I sat, thinking about this film over the course of several days, that is the only issue that I had trouble grappling. This was an emotional film, chalk full of actors giving surprising monologues about their personal opinions as we collectively watch the aftermath of such a horrid crime. We even get the chance to see how the death of Matthew Shepard caused an ill fate to another person within the community. Again, these side stories were powerful to watch because it gave a living soul to the town, but where The Laramie Project went a bit too far was the over-dramatic nature of the characters.

While I would agree that there was probably some emotion behind those that chose to take part in the interviews, I don't believe you would find such a doctor, with such a dramatic "umph" saying, "We take offense to this murder", like no other than Peter Fonda could say it. Christina Ricci, in my eyes, was the embodiment of my last statement. Perhaps Kaufman, would have benefited more by placing unknowns in the roles instead of these name Hollywood players. While they were not A-grade actors, they each did a phenomenal job in this film - but oddly, this was the problem. Steve Buscemi speaking about his relationship with Shepard made me see Buscemi being Buscemi. I didn't see the character that he was playing. I didn't see Fonda's doctor's character. I didn't see anything of value behind Ricci's character (outside of a definite Ricci being Ricci) - and while I realize that this was not a work of fiction, without the development of a known character, they were just actors speaking powerful lines. The lines stood on their own, and it was those lines that continued my attention through the film. Alas, I could not see Joshua Jackson (from Dawson's Creek) as the actual bartender or Dylan Baker as the head of the hospital because I knew these actors. I wanted better from them. The most emotional speeches came from those that I was not fully familiar with. Those like the man who watched the parade route, or the actor that played Matthew Shepard's father. These smaller, unknown bits, was what made The Laramie Project stand out and break a tear out of even the strongest wall.

I want to express again that I thought that this was a very powerful film; there were just certain moments that were using cliché elements to heighten the emotion of the story. This wasn't needed in the least bit. While I know that having the media attention when the residents of Laramie walked out of the courtroom was surprising, the film technique used to demonstrate this seemed cheap, and nearly like a low blow to the story. The glossed effect of when Ricci's character, and her mother, made angels to block the words of protestors, seemed fake on screen - while perhaps actual footage of this event would have strengthened the emotion. Perhaps I am asking too much, but when Ricci walks out with those angel wings flying high, I just expected Will Smith to come out of nowhere, screaming a line that would surely demonstrate to those protestors who was in control here. It came out a bit too Hollywood. As well as the scene where Dylan Baker cries, which I felt was the better of all the cinematic moments. It was powerful, yet subdued. It could have used more realism. Am I complaining too much? Nope, because I thought this was a brilliant film with how unique it was with its portrait of storytelling. I liked hearing the voices, in fact, if this were a story on CD, it would be a personal favorite, but because we were distracted by images of famous actors speaking in their own voice as well as unclimactic cliché scenes, it softened the blow. I was still teary at the end, but this could have been a film to rival that of Angels in America had it just tried a bit harder to avoid the Hollywood influx and paint a more vivid portrait of your average American town.

Overall, I must admit, it took me several days for this film to settle, but I think I could view it again. I especially would like to see Amy Madigan's performance, which I thought, her struggle with what happened, nearly overshadowed what happened to Matthew Shepard. I could have watched an entire film based solely on her. It is amazing what the media chooses to cover, and what they choose to ignore. I like what this film demonstrated. I like that it didn't depict this Wyoming town of rednecks and hillbillies never quite understanding what was wrong with the murder of Shepard. I am glad that we were able to see humanity break through the barriers and show emotion, show sadness, and look beyond the lifestyle to see the human being that was wrongly sentenced. I do think, nonetheless, that liberties were taken with certain actors and certain camera shots, but overall that can be overlooked. By throwing in some unknowns to this picture, I think the drama and the intensity of the event could have been heightened. This is a sad thing that happened, and I am glad that Hollywood chose to open the envelope, but they just didn't give it that final seal of approval. Actors were actors and cliché moments were used to build emotion. You already had a sad story; we didn't need the charades to improve it. I strongly suggest watching this film, if anything, to see that there is compassion within a town burdened with such a horrific crime. It is sad, and will surely bring a tear to anyone's eye.

Grade: **** out of *****

powerful reminder that this sort of thing still happens in USA.......2007-01-22

It is important to see this compelling and horrifying story because it is a powerful reminder that this sort of thing still happens in the US. What makes the film unique is that all of the dialogue was taken from actual interviews with residents of Laramie, Wyoming, the city where Matthew Shepard was murdered.

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