Dog Years

Starring:R. Michael Caincross, Ted Parks, Veronica Loomis, Shawn Smith (VII)
Director: Robert Loomis
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
A boy, his dog and a whole lot of guns.

The Troma Team is proud to present Robert Loomis's Dog Years, the "postmodern punk farce" that Variety called "a fitfully amusing micro-budget indie (that) recalls the early efforts of Jim Jarmusch and Hal Hartley." Dog Years certainly warrants such praise and more. It manifests a dark, violent sense of humor similar to Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs set within a more touching and humane premise.

Wally Newton is just your typical boot and brace kind of skinhead kid, who has no goal in life expect to take his Dalmatian Neechee out of the occasional walk. But when Wally can't even do that without some half-assed drug dealer giving Neechee a kick, Wally goes aggro and puts a boot to the head of the wrong doing miscreant. As ends any good fight, everyone is thrown in jail and Neechee is dognapped by gangsters who believe Wally has gaffled their misplaced drug loot. The austere and stoic head hitman Durante is unrelenting in his mission to destroy Wally and recover the missing cash. Wally begins an insane adventure to rescue his pooch and do in the evil gangsters.

Amazon.com essential video

Throughout The Straight Story, 73-year-old Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) gazes calmly at the night sky, as if the stars were reflections of his own memories. Alvin's eyesight is bad and his daughter (Sissy Spacek) is slightly retarded and unable to drive, so he's traveling from Laurens, Iowa to Mt. Zion, Wisconsin on a riding John Deere lawn mower. It's slow going, so there's plenty of time to stop for the night and ponder the cosmos. Alvin's journeying to visit his ailing brother; they haven't spoken in years, and it's time to make peace. Along the way, he befriends a variety of nice folks, and you have to ask yourself... Is this really a David Lynch movie?

It's a miracle that this G-rated Disney film was made by a director whose work is often described as twisted and bizarre. But Lynch is too complex an artist to be labeled, and he brings charm, grace, and kindness to his fact-based telling of The Straight Story--not to mention a serenity rarely found in movies anymore. It's a film of moments--funny, odd, quietly spiritual--and this simple tale of a man, a lawnmower, and rural hospitality becomes a genuine Lynchian odyssey, unlike any film you've seen but as welcoming as a cup of lemon tea with honey. Best of all, it's a fitting tribute to the career of veteran stuntman-actor Farnsworth who, at age 79, plays Alvin Straight to sheer perfection, his face a subtle roadmap to a broad spectrum of emotional destinations. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Based on the true story that captured the hearts of America, THE STRAIGHT STORY is one of those rare films offering powerful, uplifting entertainment for audiences of all ages. Directed by acclaimed director David Lynch (WILD AT HEART, MULHOLLAND DRIVE), this gentle, inspiring film celebrates the human spirit. Richard Farnsworth (MISERY, THE NATURAL) stars as Alvin Straight -- a no-nonsense man who has never been one to lean on others. Now at an age when his eyesight denies him the ability to drive and walking is accomplished only with the help of two canes, Alvin lives a quiet life with his daughter Rose (Sissy Spacek). But when the call comes that Alvin's estranged brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton, THE GREEN MILE) has suffered a debilitating stroke, Alvin embarks on a dangerous and emotional journey to make amends. With little money, but plenty of patience and tenacity, he climbs aboard his 1966 John Deere lawnmower and plots the 260-mile course from his small Iowa town to Lyle's home in Wisconsin. Filmed along the actual route that the real Alvin Straight traveled in 1994, THE STRAIGHT STORY is a heartwarming and poignant drama chronicling Alvin's six-week odyssey and the many lives he touches along the way.

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful film........2007-06-15

What can I possibly add to the praising wording that the majority of these reviewers already have put forth? Well, I would simply just like to say that I believe that this movie has a very rare quality. It is very down to earth in a natural and liberating way and is basically just a story about this old man who wants to make up with his brother, which he haven't seen for ten years, before its to late.

He has no drivers license and not much money, so he decides to make the long journey across America, on an old lawn mover - and as one discovers along the way, he has really made up his mind to fulfil his decision - and that even in spite of many of the peoples kind help, which includes an offer to drive him to his destination - because as I see it; that there is almost an symbolic meaning to his way of doing it, which you'll find out at the very end of the film.

Sounds boring??? Anything but... this is simply beautiful and a great and very different effort from director David Lynch. This film is almost magical in its simplicity and complete matter of course. Just check it out for yourself. If you enjoyed "Round About Smith" - well then this film could appeal to you, although that there really isn't any directly comparison.

Great Story.......2007-05-26

I consider this a classic story since it reminds me of growing up in upstate New York. You can't help but end up loving this character.

One of a kind.......2007-05-20

I enjoyed this movie for many reasons. The acting is natural, as are the actors. It is a movie I can watch with my grandchildren and not be embarrassed by the content. The Straight Story is touching, warm, real and done with intelligence.

This is a movie I will watch several times without tiring of it; there is something new to see each time I play it. The Straight Story shows the wisdom, value and knowledge older people have and this is something totally ignored by our society - a culture that chases after the young, who chase after who-knows-what.

Bravo to all who created this art piece.

A great movie EVERYONE should see........2007-05-13

A great family movie. Dont expect any crashes, explosions, or special effects. A true story about a simple man on a quest to visit his dying brother. This movie needs to be seen from beginning to end, so don't start it unless you have the time to watch all of it. The director did not allow a chapter guide in the DVD for this reason.

The Straight Story.......2007-05-12

It was a heartwarming story, like a book and movie should be.

Average customer rating:

Umberto D.
A masterpiece of neorealism
A Masterpiece
"Give up the man from Florence."
Umberto and Flike

Umberto D. - Criterion Collection
Starring: Carlo Battisti , Maria-Pia Casilio , Lina Gennari , Ileana Simova , and Elena Rea
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00009ME9Z
Release Date: 2003-07-22

Amazon.com

Umberto D. is one of the enduring masterpieces of Italian neorealism, considered by many to be one of the greatest films ever made. Everything that neorealism represents can be found in this simple, heartbreaking story of an aged Roman named Umberto (played by Carlo Battisti, non-professional actor and retired college professor) who struggles to survive in a city plagued by passive disregard for the post-World War II plight of the elderly. With his little dog, Flike, as his only companion, Umberto faces imminent eviction, and his insufficient pension and failed attempts to raise money lead him to contemplate suicide... if he can find a home for Flike. His dilemma--and director Vittorio De Sica's compassionate, unsentimental handling of it--results in a film of uncompromising grace and authenticity. Like De Sica's earlier masterpieces Shoeshine and The Bicycle Thief, Umberto D. earns its teardrops honestly; if this timeless classic doesn't make you smile and cry, you'd better check for a pulse. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Shot on location with a cast of nonprofessional actors, Vittorio De Sica's neorealist masterpiece follows Umberto D., an elderly pensioner, as he struggles to make ends meet during Italy's postwar economic boom. Alone except for his dog, Flike, Umberto strives to maintain his dignity while trying to survive in a city where traditional human kindness seems to have lost out to the forces of modernization. Umberto's simple quest to fulfill the most fundamental human needs—food, shelter, companionship—is one of the most heartbreaking stories ever filmed and an essential classic of world cinema.

Customer Reviews:

Umberto D........2007-06-27

Portraying the plight of the elderly dispossessed in an acknowledged masterpiece of the neorealist style, De Sica's "Umberto D." may surpass his own "Bicycle Thief" for heartbreaking poignancy. What in less skillful hands could have been treacly melodrama becomes instead a wrenchingly honest tale about a forgotten human being searching in vain for some shred of human kindness. Half a century later, "Umberto D." remains a monumental achievement of simple, eloquent storytelling.

A masterpiece of neorealism.......2007-06-20

Having seen the film I read a bit about it. The Criterion Collection provides a booklet with an excellent review by Stuart Klawans and a bit of an interview with director Vittorio De Sica. What I learned was that Umberto D. was a big flop at the box office in Italy primarily because the Italian government didn't like the film because they thought it was insulting since it made Italy seem so unfeeling, poverty-stricken, and mercantile. I was struck by this because, yes, poor Umberto and his dog are pretty much set out to pasture without so much as some grass and a bone. But to say that such a film reflects upon an entire people is perhaps to protest too much.

Italy was devastated by the failure of fascism and was just beginning to recover from the war when this film was made, and nobody wanted any downers. Vittorio De Sica's film is perhaps not so much of a downer as the early critics thought. The ending is ambiguous and while not hopeful for Umberto, is somewhat inspiring in the youthfulness of his dog and in the sweet humanity of the maid Maria who shoulders her situation with alacrity while showing affection and kindness toward a bitter old man.

I was not moved to tears as some have been in watching this. Umberto's troubles seem to me (from my privileged vantage point in time and place) somewhat of his own doing. I imagined that he supported the fascists, and I saw his poverty in his old age as a direct result of that support. Barring that, I imagined that he had planned poorly for his old age, and at any rate his values, represented by his always wearing a suit and tie and hat, and his inability to beg or to take some kind of job, disqualified him for tears. Of course I was unfair.

Even so my sympathy was with him, and I respected the decision he finally makes--although whether he will be able to carry it out is unclear. I respect his dignity, and identify with him in his struggle with the Teutonic and utterly bourgeois landlord who holds sway over him, played with a deliberately heavy presence by Lina Gennari, whom De Sica photographs up close and low to her large body to emphasize her strength and to make it clear to us that Umberto has no chance in his struggle with her.

Both Carlo Battisti who played Umberto and Maria Pia Casilio who played Maria, were considered amateur actors, very much in keeping with the neorealistic school of film; yet for me they were both excellent and natural, whereas Gennari, who was a professional, seemed artificial. But that impression is an artifact of the neorealist school (which they say died with this film). The very fact of no flourishes and no modeling and certainly no flights of creativity by the actors, it was believed, helped to make the film realistic, about real people in real situations.

Today of course this is a celebrated film, considered one of De Sica's best. He himself believed from the very beginning that it was one of his best even though he knew it would be hard-pressed to make any money for its producers.

A word about the dog (the other professional actor in the film). Flike is extraordinarily well-trained, so much so he becomes part of the psychology of the film and is at the very heart of the denouement. The scene near the end where Umberto dips under the rail guard as the train approaches, Flike held close to his chest--and the scene after--is of one of the great sequences in cinema, and, ironically, as in a commercial film, stars a dog! Umberto D. is in fact one of the greatest dog films ever made. All dog lovers will appreciate the love that Umberto feels for his dog and the love that is returned AND the gutty realism that the dog displays.

The DVD includes a documentary about De Sica that I didn't have a chance to view, excellent subtitles, and a video interview with Maria Pia Casilio.

I would almost say, see this for the dog, but do see this for Vittorio De Sica, one of cinema's greats, here at his best, and for Cesare Zavattini who wrote the compelling script.

A Masterpiece.......2007-02-12

Umberto D is a masterpiece of neo-realism with many interwoven stories, not just that of poor Umberto. It's also a story of urban life, ageing, poverty, young people and pretension in Italy in the 1950s. A tear jerker for both women and men.

"Give up the man from Florence.".......2006-11-25

"Umberto D." is Vittorio De Sica's neorealistic examination of one elderly man's struggle to survive. Watching it will make you realize just how indifferent society can be to individual suffering.

Umberto Domenico Ferrari (Carlo Battisti) is a desperate man who barely gets by on his small government pension. He lives in an apartment with his pet dog, Flike, but is facing eviction due to his inability to keep up with the rent. Umberto finds a sympathetic ear in Maria (Maria-Pia Casilio), the maid in his apartment complex, but he knows there is not much she can do to help him. With his money running out and only his loyal dog at his side, Umberto desperately tries to find a way to hold onto what little dignity he has left.

De Sica is determined to show just how depressing real life can be in "Umberto D." There is no joy and very little hope present in this stark and unforgiving film. Battisti is absolutely riveting as the retiree who is one step away from the abyss. Yet despite its uncanny ability to recreate the ebb and flow of real life, "Umberto D." is not very interesting to watch. Viewing this film is the equivalent of sitting on a street corner and watching the people around you do things. This might be interesting initially but eventually boredom will start to set in. "Umberto D." produces the exact same reaction. Initially, Umberto's plight holds you attention but one can watch only so many scenes emphasizing how desperate he is before you tune out. In the final tally, "Umberto D." is a prime example of how good filmmaking technique does not always result in the production of a good film.

Umberto and Flike.......2006-11-11

I had no real idea what sort of movie "Umberto D." was until I saw it the other night. It struck me as a movie that focussed on the eternal challenge of Hope vs. Despair. We get the idea right from the opening scene that this is about an elderly pensioner whose fixed income is way behind the inflated Lire. His is a shared dilemna but there doesn't seem to be too much sympathy out there. He is determined that he will not be evicted from his apartment and spends his hours plotting, pawning, and pleading. Along the way, we come to know Umberto, his landlady, the housemaid, and a number of other characters including his dog Flike. Eventually, the problems come to a head. Umberto has made his decision and is prepared to implement it but one minor problem arises. In the end, Umberto's battle between Hope and Despair finds its' winner.

I found myself thinking of the movie "Harry and Tonto" as I was watching "Umberto D." I'm not sure why I share that here because "Umberto D." is clearly the superior movie. I remember my cousin trying to describe "Harry and Tonto". All she could say was it was about an old man and a cat that go on a trip. Some may come away from "Umberto D." with a similar conclusion.

The greatness of "Umberto D." is in its'direction. The acting is good but it is the director who puts everything together in a way that leaves us feeling that we have been invited to share, for a few days, the private life of a private man. It is that intimacy that makes us glad we were able watch this movie. In Umberto's challenges, we come across people who don't care, people who do care and people who'd like to care but they have more pressing things to. In our appreciation of Umberto's plight, we are given our our challenge to figure out which category of caring describes us. The reality, we come to understand, is that, at varying points in time, all three fit.

Saturday Night Live - 25 Years of Music - Vol. 5

Average customer rating:

Saturday Night Live - 25 Years of Music - Vol. 5

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BTH6I4

Product Description

Mariah Carey Butterfly 1997, No Doubt Don't Speak 1996, Alanis Morissette Hand In My Pocket 1995, Spice Girls Wannabe 1997, Garbage Special 1999, Jewel Who Will Save Your Soul 1997, Hanson Mmm Bop 1997, Beck Where It's At 1997, Snoop Doggy Dog Snoop's Upside Upside Your Head 1997, Metallica Fuel 1997, Garth Brooks Two Piña Coladas 1998, Dave Matthews Band What Would You Say 1995, Backstreet Boys All I Have To Give 1999, Ricky Martin Livin' La Vida Loca 1999, Paula Cole I Don't Want To Wait 1998

Average customer rating:

Tourette's Syndrome and Chewing Gum
Hey!...wait a minute... That was funny!!! ;-D
This is no 101 Dalmations! Raw....Tough....FUN!
I loved how he swore every other word
A lovable shoestring indie with gangsters, guns, and a dog.

Dog Years
Starring: R. Michael Caincross , Albert Teran , Charles Rivers , Veronica Loomis , and John Aguiar
Director: Robert Loomis
Manufacturer: TROMA ENTERTAINMENT INC.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Customer Reviews:

Tourette's Syndrome and Chewing Gum.......2000-08-12

This film expects you to buy it's somewhat unlikely premise in the first few minutes and, if you do, you will definitely like it! Some questions may arise during your initial viewing such as "Just what kind of accent is the bad guy trying to pull off?" and "What's a skinhead doing walking around in Tucson yet not drawing any attention?" and "Why did they allow the main character to chew gum while delivering his lines?" and "Since when are cops with Tourette's Syndrome allowed on the force?" but as long as you don't dig too deeply for answers, you will enjoy the film. Yes, you will get action. Yes, it is funny in some places (intentionally and, sometimes, unintentionally). This video reminded me of "El Mariachi" at times just due to the way it was filmed. If you are in the mood for a gritty-yet-decent "indie" offering, "Dog Years" will definitely satisfy your desire. R. Michael Caincross delivers a good performance that can only be described as a mix of the fortitude of F. Lee Bailey, the sex appeal of F. Murray Abraham, and the "sway" of W. Axl Rose. - Shan Blood Clawson 2000

Hey!...wait a minute... That was funny!!! ;-D.......1999-08-03

An awesome indie! When I first started watching the film I thought,"here we go again, a low budget, terrible acting snoozer". Then after about 5 minutes I realized,"Hey.. that was funny!"Hey that was exciting!"-"Honey get me a beer!". When the credits were over I realized this was a great film. Ive watched it many times and it keeps getting better. Ted Parks delivered an awesome portrayal of the mob boss, and when Michael Caincross, warmed up, his character was captivating. With a little more experience he could give Hollywood a run for its money. This film is what Indies are all about. Well thought out plots, and the sheer genious that having a low budget creates.Robert Loomis has manifested a normally disliked thug into a lovable hero.. Great film!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you get this film be sure to watch after the credits--- Weird!!!!!!!!

This is no 101 Dalmations! Raw....Tough....FUN!.......1999-07-28

Walt Disney hasn't ever seen the likes of this Dalmation and his owner. Dog Years provides its viewers with an action-packed adventure that sucks in an innocent "skinhead" into the underground world of gansters and drugs. But in the end, it is all about a man and the love for his dog.....BRAVO!

I loved how he swore every other word.......1999-07-28

This is a movie for animal lovers and R. Michael Caincross is devoted to his dog! Anyone who's ever had a pet stolen will relate! Cant wait to see more from this talented group of people!

A lovable shoestring indie with gangsters, guns, and a dog........1999-05-15

Lassie move over, Neechee's in town. Dog Years follows the hilarious (if sometimes wrongheaded) adventures of skinhead n'er do well, Wally, who's dog is kidnapped by inept gangsters. Wally's pretty level-headed but prone to overstating the situation and proves to be more than the thugs can handle. The performances are hit and miss but the gutsy, no-budget direction by Robert Loomis more than makes up for it.

Average customer rating:

Tourette's Syndrome and Chewing Gum
Hey!...wait a minute... That was funny!!! ;-D
This is no 101 Dalmations! Raw....Tough....FUN!
I loved how he swore every other word
A lovable shoestring indie with gangsters, guns, and a dog.

Dog Years
Starring: R. Michael Caincross , Albert Teran , Charles Rivers , Veronica Loomis , and John Aguiar
Director: Robert Loomis
Manufacturer: Troma
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Criminals | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

A boy, his dog and a whole lot of guns.

Customer Reviews:

Tourette's Syndrome and Chewing Gum.......2000-08-12

Hey!...wait a minute... That was funny!!! ;-D.......1999-08-03

This is no 101 Dalmations! Raw....Tough....FUN!.......1999-07-28

I loved how he swore every other word.......1999-07-28

This is a movie for animal lovers and R. Michael Caincross is devoted to his dog! Anyone who's ever had a pet stolen will relate! Cant wait to see more from this talented group of people!

A lovable shoestring indie with gangsters, guns, and a dog........1999-05-15

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