The Blues

Starring:Deon Richmond
Studio: Ground Zero
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Teaching is (or at least should be) a "Wonderful Burden"
Every student should view this movie!
Thought Provoking
Been there done that
Young, entertaining & thought provoking!

Freedom Writers (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Hilary Swank , Patrick Dempsey , Scott Glenn , Imelda Staunton , and April L. Hernandez
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000NOK1KM
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Amazon.com

Though the "inspirational teacher" theme may feel done to death, Freedom Writers succeeds because it emphasizes the students as much as the teacher. Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby, Boys Don't Cry) comes to a southern California high school bubbling over with naive optimism, but quickly discovers that her unruly classroom isn't easily won over by her good intentions. After a few floundering attempts to connect with her students, Gruwell gives them the assignment of keeping journals about their own lives--an assignment that the class bites into with relish, which eventually bonds them together and pushes racial rivalries aside. This plotline has been made before, sometimes well, sometimes poorly; Freedom Writers, by drawing heavily from the published journals of the students--and thanks to a (mostly) unheroic script, direction that emphasizes individual characters over stereotypes, and rigorous performances from the whole cast--makes the story seem fresh and genuine. Swank does solid work, but the standouts are April L. Hernandez as a girl whose gang wants her to lie and send an innocent boy to jail and Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake) as a teacher who resents Gruwell's offbeat success. Also featuring Patrick Dempsey (Grey's Anatomy), Scott Glenn (The Right Stuff), and a plethora of strong young actors. --Bret Fetzer

Beyond Freedom Writers

More Inspirational Teacher Films on DVD
The Freedom Writers Diary
by Erin Gruwell
More DVDs Starring Hilary Swank

Stills from Freedom Writers (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Teaching is (or at least should be) a "Wonderful Burden".......2007-07-01

Although there is a certain political agenda poured on this film, it can all be forgiven due to its one unique message. Teaching is a calling, not a career. And although there are certain merits in the arguments of the antagonist in the story, about the need to be fair to students who want to learn and succeed, a true master teacher knows that differences are made one student at a time, and as a master teacher taught me in a class on teaching; "They don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."

So I feel this is an inspiring film for teachers, and would be teachers, in every endeavor, or as the film states, those "blessed with a wonderful burden"

Every student should view this movie!.......2007-06-27

This was an awesome movie! My High School students enjoyed it so much that many of them went out and rented it so that they could view it a second or third time. They have requested to read the "Freedom Writers Diary this next year. Several have been inspired to write their own stories and these are learning disabled kids that hate to read and write.

Thought Provoking.......2007-06-27

I rented this movie the day it was released on DVD, then had to buy it & have already watched in twice more. A powerful movie that represents so many of our youth that are too often forgotten, or considered failed w/o any chances/hope. Definate food for thought & a must see for everyone.

Been there done that.......2007-06-27

There is NOTHING original about this movie. It has been done before and better (Dangerous Minds & Stand and Deliver). It's portrial of the inner city students is watered down and the acting is nothing special. I would not even suggest catching this one on HBO for free.

Young, entertaining & thought provoking!.......2007-06-23

If you like the movie Paying it Forward, you will like this movie. This movie is a must see, for it is not only entertaining but most importantly it is thought provoking. See the Freedom Writers movie, it is reminiscent of a dream that a great man had many years ago. He dreamt that all men lived like brothers. Be encouraged to try and make a difference!At My Father's Knee

Average customer rating:

Teaching is (or at least should be) a "Wonderful Burden"
Every student should view this movie!
Thought Provoking
Been there done that
Young, entertaining & thought provoking!

Freedom Writers (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Hilary Swank , Patrick Dempsey , Scott Glenn , Imelda Staunton , and April L. Hernandez
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

The Pursuit of Happyness (Widescreen Edition)
The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)
Deja Vu
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The Good Shepherd (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000NOK1KC
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Amazon.com

Beyond Freedom Writers

More Inspirational Teacher Films on DVD
The Freedom Writers Diary
by Erin Gruwell
More DVDs Starring Hilary Swank

Stills from Freedom Writers (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Teaching is (or at least should be) a "Wonderful Burden".......2007-07-01

Every student should view this movie!.......2007-06-27

Thought Provoking.......2007-06-27

Been there done that.......2007-06-27

Young, entertaining & thought provoking!.......2007-06-23

Average customer rating:

Oh, Grow Up...
"I aim to cure you of your wickedness"
Hot, Sticky, Slimy, Gooey
The Best Film I've Seen in 2007
Different and Refreshing

Black Snake Moan [HD DVD]
Starring: Jr. John Cothran , Samuel L. Jackson , S. Epatha Merkerson , Christina Ricci , and Kim Richards
Director: Craig Brewer
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000Q6GUWU
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Amazon.com

The lurid scenario--a nymphomaniacal white trash nymphet (Christina Ricci) is held prisoner by a bitter bluesman (Samuel L. Jackson)--gives way to an affecting tale of redemption in Black Snake Moan, writer/director Craig Brewer's follow-up to the acclaimed Hustle & Flow. Lazarus (Jackson, Jungle Fever, Pulp Fiction) finds Rae (Ricci, Monster, The Ice Storm) beaten unconscious on the road in front of his backwoods house. After bringing her inside, he learns of her wanton ways and decides to exorcise his own demons by curing Rae of her sexual compulsion. Black Snake Moan could have been terrible, but Brewer takes his story seriously enough to dig into the genuine emotions of such a situation (though along the way he certainly flirts with sexploitation overtones--several scenes look like they were plucked straight out of a hitherto unknown 1970s trash classic). Ricci, Jackson, and the supporting cast (including pop star Justin Timberlake, giving a surprisingly good performance as Rae's boyfriend) treat the characters with respect, honesty, and humor. The result is off-kilter and maybe a little too fond of its sleazy cinematic forbears to truly hit the emotional notes it's after, but Black Snake Moan has considerably more substance than its marketing would suggest. --Bret Fetzer

Beyond Black Snake Moan

The Soundtrack
More Music Stars on DVD
More DVDs with Samuel L. Jackson

Stills from Black Snake Moan (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Oh, Grow Up..........2007-07-04

It's like a bright 12th-grader, having read a little Welty, O'Connor and Faulkner, somehow snagged a budget for a Hollywood film. The images are all there, but there's no feeling for what they really mean, so it's all surfaces, explicaton and cliches. We get Nobody Grows Them Butterbeans Like Ol' Lazarus, Who Don't Play Them Blues No More, and a gaggle of characters wanting to seem deeper than they really are.

Just for starters, Samuel L. Jackson is a foot taller than Christina Ricci. One of his button-down shirts would cover her up, but that doesn't happen for more than an hour, because this is a film, landscapes only go so far, and there needs to be some eye candy to set against all that preachin' and standin' around. Okay, fine, it's a fable--I mean, after all, that chain is over the top, and it would never, ever happen that way--but then in the extras, Craig Brewer, the writer/director, asserts that the radiator is a metaphor for basic values that ground us.

Um, no. Mixing fable with dirty realism isn't new, but it doesn't work here, because Brewer hops lazily between the two genres rather than fusing them together. Brewer might have wanted more, but to the viewer, the radiator is just the radiator, and for all the staging, the attempt at a story of love and redemption really doesn't lift beyond a fairly creepy madonna/whore redemption fantasy. For better examples of what Brewer was trying to do, take another look at two Jim Mangold films: Walk The Line, which merged fable and biopic, and Heavy, which essentially takes Black Snake Moan north to New York state, and packs a bigger punch.

Lots of aspirations in Black Snake Moan, some good acting, and very good cinematography, but immature writing kills the film.

"I aim to cure you of your wickedness".......2007-07-04

Read it an weep, and with that one line of absolution spoken by Sam Jackson, Black Snake Moan takes you on a journey of faith, salvation and redemption of the two main characters Lazarus and Rona, two people who have suffered and endured hard times throughout their lives. Lazarus is trying to come to terms with his wife of 12 years leaving him for his younger brother. Rona is a woman who has suffered unmentionable sexual abuse since her childhood and therefore acts out the part for others to prey upon her. One night after a night of hard, careless partying she is beaten and left for dead on the road near Lazarus's house. Not knowing what to do but help her, Lazarus takes it upon himself to bring Rona back to health, only to discover that she has far deeper scars and problems than the physical ones left on her face. He is then determined to make her well, and through faith and the belief that "God saw fit to have us cross paths" he does so the only way he knows how. The two ultimately develop a friendship under unusual circumstances, and through music which Lazarus has sworn off for so long, the two heal one another unknowingly. The cords struck by Sam Jackson playing "Black Snake Moan" will resonate through you and send chills down your spine, which also turns out to be the turning point between the two characters in the film. This was a fantastic film I thoroughly enjoyed with Sam Jackson and Christina Ricci. My only disappointment was that Justin Timberlake was cast in this film, but fortunately with his roughly 10 minutes of screen time I can tolerate it. The soundtrack is phenomenal, and if you are as big a blues fan as I am, both the soundtrack and DVD are well worth purchasing. Black Snake Moan delivers superb acting by Jackson and Ricci, a fantastic and originally written story with a soundtrack to carry it every step of the way. I highly recommend this film, seeing is believing.

Hot, Sticky, Slimy, Gooey.......2007-07-04

"Black Snake Moan" is a sticky, gooey, sizzlingly hot erotic mess that doesn't make a lot of sense, but its raw sexuality is so rare in movies that it's damned welcome. This is a movie that brings new meaning to the expression "Chain her to the kitchen".
Samuel L. Jackson has to fight the temptation to guzzle demon whiskey and play even more demonic slide guitar, Christina Ricci has to fight the temptation to bang anything in pants and Justin Timberlake has to fight the temptation to act badly.
I enjoyed the silly Jim Thompson-styled pulpy vibe of the film and loved the dirty electric slide guitar playing in the bar scene. Jackson isn't a bad blues singer, not bad, he's alright. I thought this was one of the best films with blues taking center stage. Excellent!

The Best Film I've Seen in 2007.......2007-07-03

From the writer/director of "Hustle & Flow" comes "Black Snake Moan," the best film I've seen in 2007. It's a unique film that features two terrific performances by Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci, both delivering their best performances in years. It also features another star-making performance by Justin Timberlake (who recently impressed me in "Alpha Dog"). The film stars Ricci as Rae, that girl that lives in every city in America and is usually referred to as "the town slut." After her boyfriend Ronnie (Timberlake) leaves her for a stint in the Army, she begins getting more and more destructive; eventually, she is almost raped, beaten, and tossed out in the road. Lazarus (Jackson) has recently been left by his wife for his brother and when he finds the young girl lying in the road he takes responsibility for curing the "sickness" she has.
So, naturally, he chains her to his radiator. When she finally wakes up, she's shocked at first but eventually grows to love Lazarus...And soon, they realize that Lazarus is not just helping her but they're helping each other. This is a great film and, as a result, it's been hailed around the world as such...But it hasn't quite garnered commercial attention and this is sad. It may not sound like the kind of movie that will appeal to a massive audience, but it's a movie that I think people will find themselves enjoying. It's a fable about love, redemption, and sex...The story could've gone in many different directions, but writer/director Craig Brewer keeps it all together and takes what could've been a completely meaningless story and makes it almost life-affirming. Jackson is an actor who never fails to impress, but he's an actor who has made more bad movies than good ones. Here, I'm not going out on a limb by saying it could be his best performance (and maybe even his best film) since "Pulp Fiction." Ricci has always been an actress that's impressed me, but she hasn't done much worth noting over the past 5 years. That makes her comeback here all the more impressive. She combines all the right notes of vulnerability and sexual animosity to make this performance incredibly believable. As for Timberlake, he didn't impress me as much here as he did in "Alpha Dog" but he definitely leaves me asking where he got his acting chops? If he chokes a pretzel and ruins his vocal cords or something, acting could definitely be a fall back for him. Brewer is quickly joining the ranks of great writer/directors and his 2nd film is even stronger than his first.

GRADE: A

Different and Refreshing.......2007-07-03

Black Snake Moan sure has a weird hook. Setting: Deep South. An older black man who plays the blues keeps a white nymphomaniac on a chain to cure her of her horniness. About half-way through, my husband turned to me and said "And why exactly did you think I would like this movie?" I winced and said I thought it would have blues as more of a central theme. But guess what, he stayed around and pronounced it a good movie after all! His summary is the best: "everyone has their struggles, and you are never really free of them."

The performances are exceedingly strong, the setting of Tennessee bucolic and beautiful. You really feel as if you are in this small, rural town where everyone knows each other.

Black Snake Moan is bold, and really gives you a sense of empathy for the different characters. Most importantly, it provides hope that if you have your own struggles, someone will be out there for you as well, not to judge you or cure you, but to love you.

The Rolling Stones - Rock and Roll Circus

Average customer rating:

NICE TO SEE THIS ON DVD! STONES FANS HAVE DREAMED OF SEEING THIS FOR YEARS!
Rock and Roll Circus a wonderful memory of Brian Jones.
Keith Moon in his prime
Great.. and greater!
Rock and Roll Circus

The Rolling Stones - Rock and Roll Circus
Starring: Mick Jagger , Keith Richards (II) , Charlie Watts , Brian Jones , and Roger Daltrey
Director: Michael Lindsay-Hogg
Manufacturer: Abkco Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Pop | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000621484
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Amazon.com

Unavailable at all for nearly three decades, then issued in a VHS edition in 1996, the Rolling Stones' legendary Rock and Roll Circus finally gets the full treatment with this DVD release documenting the 1968 event. The Stones were reportedly unhappy with their performance (hence the long delay), and it isn't their finest moment; performing "Jumping Jack Flash" and a variety of songs from their then-new Beggars Banquet album, Keith Richards is game, but Jagger's preening (especially on "Sympathy for the Devil") is over the top, and guitarist Brian Jones looks dissolute and well on his way to his death the following year. A certain weirdness permeates some of the other musical acts as well: Jethro Tull lip-syncs unconvincingly, Taj Mahal and band were obliged to perform before the circus set was completed and the audience had arrived, and John Lennon's outing with impromptu supergroup the Dirty Mac (with Richards, Eric Clapton, and drummer Mitch Mitchell) is hampered by Yoko Ono's caterwauling, although their version of the Beatles' "Yer Blues" is cool. Still, the Who are brilliant, Marianne Faithfull is beautiful, the various circus acts are fun, and the crowd clearly loves it.

The DVD comes with some fascinating bonus features, including three extra songs by Mahal, some lovely classical piano by Julius Katchen, and a "quad split-screen" version of "Yer Blues." Best of all are a new interview with the Who's Pete Townshend and the various commentary tracks added for the DVD--especially those by Tull's Ian Anderson, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg, and Stones Jagger, Richards, and Bill Wyman (who dryly attributes Jagger's reluctance to issue the show to his dissatisfaction with his own performance, not the band's). Flaws notwithstanding, this is a treat. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

NICE TO SEE THIS ON DVD! STONES FANS HAVE DREAMED OF SEEING THIS FOR YEARS!.......2007-06-29

Like most Stones fans, I had read about this canceled show for years. I had constructed and imagined the concert in my head many times for three decades. The DVD treatment is excellent and there are some nice extras. The DVD has extra songs that the VHS release didn't have. It is great to have it, but it didn't quite live up to my vision I had conjured in my mind all these years. It is still a great addition to any fans collection.

Rock and Roll Circus a wonderful memory of Brian Jones........2007-06-12

Move over Mick, the Rolling Stones Band was Brian Jones group in the beginning. Just like when you and Keith Richards, got rid of Mick Taylor. Far to good a guitarist for the likes of Keith Richards.
Yes, we all know what happened to Brian. Yep friends just watch there friends go down the tubes without doing anything.
Gosh does this mean that we'll see you guys still marketing yourself when your in your 70's? I hope not.
I'd rather remember you, Wyman, Keith, Charlie because he cared about Brian more than you ever could.
All of the other performers were fabulous !!!! Keith Moon before his demise. Pete in his youthful heyday ! Awesome stuff.
Wolfhouddennis from Lincoln Hills, California

Keith Moon in his prime.......2007-06-11

There is nothing more exciting than seeing Keith Moon on film, whether In "Kids are Alright" or here, where the Who steal the show from the Stones and Lennon and others with an incredible performance that captures all four of them at their peak. But particularly Moon, the greatest rock drummer of all, when he was still a beautiful maniac before his sad (and short) dissipation.

Also noteworthy for me on this video is Taj Mahal's performance. Taj had 2 albums out at this time, 1968, and was still in his 20s but sang like a Delta octagenarian. His first 2 Columbia albums are classic blues rock, and feature, like the performance here, Jesse Ed Davis on lead guitar. Jesse Ed was a native American blues-rocker who had great chops and died way too young. Also, in the spirit of this London hippie party happening, Brian Jones sits in on drums for Taj Mahal's number.

John Lennon's performance of "Yer Blues" is also phenomenal, featuring Clapton and Keith Richards on guitars and Mitch Mitchell on drums. Yoko also does a number (no comment.)

The Stones are just fine, but apparently they felt so overshadowed by some of the other performers, and it WAS their gig, that they released this on audio only until just recently. Thank you, boys, the world needed this video if only for the KEITH MOON RUSH!!!!

Great.. and greater!.......2007-06-01

All these years, I wanted to listen to it. Now I own it! The Stones were absolutely fabulous. It is so great (and sad) to see Brian Jones in his last year. If I'd only known Dirty Mac was a group composed of Lennon (Beatles), Clapton (Cream), Keith Richards (Stones) and Mitch Mitchell (Hendrix Experience) - from the top 4 groups of the time. The only disappointment was that the inspirational 'Yer Blues' was followed by 'Yer Bitch'.

Rock and Roll Circus.......2007-05-30

If you are a fan of the Stones and Beatles, you should have this. Great performances by the Stones in Particular.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie
Immpressive!

Black Snake Moan [Blu-ray]
Starring: Jr. John Cothran , Samuel L. Jackson , S. Epatha Merkerson , Christina Ricci , and Kim Richards
Director: Craig Brewer
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

General | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000Q6GURU
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Amazon.com

Beyond Black Snake Moan

The Soundtrack
More Music Stars on DVD
More DVDs with Samuel L. Jackson

Stills from Black Snake Moan (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-07-02

If you love Samuel L Jackson you'll love this.
The music is fantastic & the whole cast even Justin Timberlake surprised me. The Blu Ray format gives a fantastic picture & the extras are worth watching too.
What you waitin for BUY IT !!!

Immpressive!.......2007-06-30

Black Snake Moan is not just a great movie but it looks fantastic on blue-ray. Anyone who owns a blue-ray player or ps3 should buy this film!

Average customer rating:

Pride Is The Right Title
Pride, Determination, Resilience
Teaching Pride through Swimming

Pride (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Terrence Howard , Bernie Mac , Kimberly Elise , Tom Arnold , and Brandon Fobbs
Director: Sunu Gonera
Manufacturer: Lionsgate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000Q7ZNYU
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Description

Based on true events, PRIDE is the inspiring story of Jim Ellis, a charismatic schoolteacher in the 1970s who changed lives forever when he founded an African-American swim team in one of Philadelphia's roughest neighborhoods.

Customer Reviews:

Pride Is The Right Title.......2007-07-01

I have seen a lot of these types of films throughout my life. Where the odds are against someone and it seems impossible to accomplish a goal. I've seen it in kids movies, comedy, and even more serious ones like this one. To be honest they get boring after a while because you know that there are really only two outcomes, they win or they lose. Pride kills that feeling I had and made me feel pretty good. It gives you an amazing feeling watching it, I believe that feeling is pride. The film starts 10 years earlier at a very important swim meet. Terrence Howard plays Jim Ellis, a young man that just wants to compete. At the meet Jim is told by his coach that the other teams and judges don't want him to swim because he is African American. His coach supports him and tells him to swim anyway but the teams still refuse to swim and he has no competition.

Now it is 1974 in Philadelphia and even after finishing college Jim is turned down for jobs he's qualified for. After a long frustrating job hunt Jim accepts a job cleaning up the Philadelphia Department of Recreation so it can be closed down in a few months. There he meets janitor Elston (Bernie Mack) who is very close to the building having been there when it was opened many years ago. Instead of tearing the building down Jim ends up really cleaning it up, even the swimming pool. The two become good friends after a while and accomplish a great thing. Jim runs into some kids who have athletic potential and some funny jokes as well. The kids just play basketball all day but now their rim is being taken down because the center is closing down.

On a very hot day Jim lets them in to swim and cool off but they got a lot more than that. Jim coaches the kids on to become great swimmers and even break the same racial barrier that he suffered 10 years ago. Because there are so many characters it's a bit hard to explain everyone without making this a very long review. What I will say is that each character will definitely get to you. This is a true story that is great to see on screen. A few actors really stuck out to me, of course Kimberly Elise was great and Bernie Mack wasn't just doing comedy. Bernie did a great job in showing his love for the Rec Center and also the kids. Evan Ross showed great potential playing a character that really isn't easy. I understand that Terrence Howard got nominated for awards for Hustle & Flow but this is the film he deserves those for and I hope he gets them.

The casting period was perfect; all of these actors did a great job. It's easy to take a star and fault the film because there have been so many like it before it but I won't take that star. What you'll be watching it for is to get that feeling it gives you when you see what Jim Ellis does. To see how he changed something that was dying into something that creates amazing swimmers to this day and even one that is going to the Olympics. The DVD had great quality and pretty good extras. I'd recommend this to anyone and everyone; it's a great movie that has the right title.

Pride, Determination, Resilience.......2007-06-27

PRIDE does not open any new doors in the genre of film biopics of teachers who raise the status of downtrodden students to the point of genuine appreciation of self worth. The story has been told countless times with different characters, both male and female, different races (African American, Hispanic, Caucasian, etc), and different areas of the United States. But despite the recurring similarity of heart-on-the-sleeve stories such as this, PRIDE stands solidly on its own merits, in part due to the well developed and written screenplay by Kevin Michael Smith, Michael Gozzard, J. Mills Goodloe, and Norman Vance Jr. based on the life and contributions to society of Jim Ellis, in part due to the sensitive direction of Sunu Gonera, and in part due to the fine cast. The idea behind the story may not be new, but PRIDE is a fine example of the genre.

Opening in the 1960s we meet Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard) as a superior swimmer unable to use his gifts because of his race. Jump 10 years forward and Ellis has finished college as a math major and seeks to teach in Philadelphia, only to face racism again. Desperate for work he accepts a 'closing down' job at a condemned Philadelphia Recreation Center tended by downtrodden Elston (Bernie Mac) who resents Ellis' intrusion into his domain. Ellis restores the center's swimming pool and gradually initiates a swim team for troubled teens, young boys and a girl who are new to swimming and even newer to the thought that they can become someone important and rise out of their slum surroundings and influence of drug lords. With time Ellis teaches the team not only how to swim like champions, but also how to gain faith in themselves through PDR (Pride, Determination, Resilience), eventually winning a championship as a team of African Americans in a city still plagued by racism.

The cast is excellent: Terrence Howard once again proves he can create a character of complete credibility, completely immersing himself in a role with all of the subtle facilities of fine acting; Bernie Mac at last is given a serious role and rises to the level of Howard in skill; Kimberly Elise and Tom Arnold provide fine cameo roles. But one of the treasures of this film is the cast of young actors who seem so natural that they deserve special plaudits: Brandon Fobbs, Alphonso McAuley, Regine Nehy, Nate Parker, Kevin Phillips, and Evan Ross. Clint Eastwood's son Scott Reeves plays a pivotal role as a racist swimmer.

So despite the overexposure of stories such as this, PRIDE stands out as one of the best. It is a beautifully filmed and well-developed homage to a very worthy man and coach: PDR. Grady Harp, June 07

Teaching Pride through Swimming.......2007-06-26

Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard) loves to swim. During the 60's, he joined his schools swim team, which created problems. Jim is African American, and the white competitors in North Carolina weren't happy to be competing against him.

10 years later, Jim has landed in Philadelphia. Despite his credential to teach math, the only job he can get is cleaning out the recreation center in the poor part of town. It's scheduled to be torn down soon. The only person inside the building is maintenance man Elston (Bernie Mac). The closest anyone else comes to it is playing basketball outside.

That changes one day when the basketball hoops are taken down in the march toward tearing down the center. As five of the guys stand there fuming about the loss of the hoops, Jim invites them in to use the pool.

Slowly, Jim gains their trust and begins to teach them the fundamentals of swimming. They gain enough skill to ask to go to a meet, hoping to meet women. But do five men and one woman really have the skills to compete against all male teams who have been training for years?

Okay, let's get the obvious out of the way first. This is an underdog sports movie featuring kids from a bad neighborhood. Picturing every cliche that normally brings to mind? Yep, they're here.

But, is this movie worth seeing? Absolutely.

As is always needed for a film like this to succeed, you need to become attached to the characters. Jim is a sympathetic character from the start, and the youth he's working with grow on you quickly as well. The result is a movie that truly does inspire.

To top is off, the acting is great. Terrence Howard is absolutely believable as Jim. His drive to reach the kids comes through in every scene. I'm not usually a Bernie Mac fan, but he did a great job as well with a part that is mostly series with a few comic bits thrown in. And the kids were all great.

I do have a couple complaints. The minor one is the needless slowing down of the climax. The two swimmers in the final race are slowed way down to build suspense. And I do mean way down. It was beyond laughable.

My bigger complaint was the language. Considering the PG rating, I was surprised by the handful of "s" words that littered the film. Not as surprising were the few racial epithets used. Unfortunately, they fit the time period and setting of the film.

This film isn't highly original, but it is inspiring. And if that's what you want to watch, you could do much worse then this great film.

Average customer rating:

Una de las mejores peliculas de nuestra generación
Certainly NOT a date movie
An instant classic
A great movie!
No Redemption In The City Of God

City of God
Starring: Alexandre Rodrigues , Leandro Firmino , Phellipe Haagensen , Douglas Silva , and Jonathan Haagensen
Director: Kátia Lund , and Fernando Meirelles
Manufacturer: Miramax Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000D9PNX
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Amazon.com

Like cinematic dynamite, City of God lights a fuse under its squalid Brazilian ghetto, and we're a captive audience to its violent explosion. The titular favela is home to a seething army of impoverished children who grow, over the film's ambitious 20-year timeframe, into cutthroat killers, drug lords, and feral survivors. In the vortex of this maelstrom is L'il Z (Leandro Firmino da Hora--like most of the cast, a nonprofessional actor), self-appointed king of the dealers, determined to eliminate all competition at the expense of his corrupted soul. With enough visual vitality and provocative substance to spark heated debate (and box-office gold) in Brazil, codirectors Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund tackle their subject head on, creating a portrait of youthful anarchy so appalling--and so authentically immediate--that City of God prompted reforms in socioeconomic policy. It's a bracing feat of stylistic audacity, borrowing from a dozen other films to form its own unique identity. You'll flinch, but you can't look away. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Celebrated with worldwide acclaim, this powerful true story of crime and redemption has won numerous prestigious awards around the globe! The streets of the world's most notorious slum, Rio de Janeiro's "City of God," are a place where combat photographers fear to tread, police rarely go, and residents are lucky if they live to the age of 20. In the midst of the oppressive crime and violence, a frail and scared young boy will grow up to discover that he can view the harsh realities of his surroundings with a different eye: the eye of an artist. In the face of impossible odds, his brave ambition to become a professional photographer becomes a window into his world ... and ultimately his way out!

Customer Reviews:

Una de las mejores peliculas de nuestra generación.......2007-07-05

This review is for Spanish speakers/ para hispanohablantes

"Ciudad de Dios" es una fuerte historia que refleja la vida de los habitantes de un barrio de Rio de Janeiro. Los habitantes de la Ciudad de Dios son humildes; son trabajadores que sueñan con una vida mejor. Pero, como en cada ciudad del mundo, cuando hay pobreza, hay problemas. Los "hoods" son rebeldes, con ganas de robar y conseguir las cosas de lujo que otros tienen pero le faltan al barrio.

Poco a poco la historia se desarrolla; los personajes principales crecen y llegan a ser criminales. La ciudad vacila entre guerra y paz, soledad y alegria, y se ve que todo lo que pasa en el barrio es resultado de los negocios de los hoods; ellos tienen el control, y lo van a utilizar para que todos sepan lo fuerte que son los hoods.

Todos deben ver esta película; después de haber visto esta película, aprendí mucho de mí mismo, de cómo son las relaciones que tengo con la gente que me importa más, y creo que lo mismo les va a pasar a ustedes.

Certainly NOT a date movie .......2007-06-12

City of God is one of those films that will worm it's way into your mind and stay there FOREVER. No, I don't mean till the day after tomorrow when you will have trouble remembering what you had for dinner .. this is one of the forever movies...

The mindless violence is incredible and the thing that shocks me the most is the matter in which this band of thugs is able to live in the Brazil slum with gun in hand able to kill people that annoy without ANY thought whatsoever. It would be like living in a suburb full of cold blooded psychopaths!

The movie runs 130 minutes which will seem like 3 hours towards the end. It is well written and realistically shot as the narrator, one of the few characters that makes it through to the age of 20, takes us on a roller coaster ride through violence and corruption..

An instant classic.......2007-06-08

There is something fascinating and surreal about seeing children running around with guns. Brutal violence, beautiful cinematography and excellent acting all help City of God do an amazing job of bringing to life the harsh realities of drugs and poverty. The plotline and the character development are both excellent. In fact, most of the actors in this movie (leads aside) were extras who actually live in Rio. This adds to the realism. Furthermore, the cinematography in this movie really stands out above the rest. The shots are all very colorful and vibrant and bring the city to life. At times, the film moves at breakneck speed and the cameras do a great job of bringing you into action. I have seen this movie twice now, and it is definitely one of the best films I have ever seen. I give it an extremely strong recommendation to you.

A great movie!.......2007-05-30

This movie shows an inside view to the world of drugs, crime, and racism. Taking place in city 15 miles from Rio in Brazil, the movies follows a true story of a boy caught between two sides of life. The criminal way, which is the more popular, or the right way.

Want to know what happens? Which way he chooses?

Buy it!

No Redemption In The City Of God.......2007-05-28

The film explores the violent lives of young people living on the fringe of Rio in a delapidated housing project called the City Of God. Gang life, robbery, coldbloodedness marks a world devoid of much that is positive. The film is brutally honest about a side of life often ignored in developing countries. The characters are a mix of kids with nothing better to do and kids who have been turned into hardened killers.

Years ago another film Pixote explored the similar circumstances of Brazilian street kids and the characters were more sympathetic and fully realized than the characters in City Of God. Ultimately City Of God is worth viewing to peer into a subculture of violence and criminality fostered in an environment of dire poverty but it will leave you depressed since it offers no sense of hope or solution.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie!
Viewing for all!
Made for TV Movie, with a lot of cussing.
A true to the Life Story
Too Preachy

Crash (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Karina Arroyave , Dato Bakhtadze , Sandra Bullock , Don Cheadle , and Art Chudabala
Director: Paul Haggis
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000A3XY5A
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Amazon.com

Movie studios, by and large, avoid controversial subjects like race the way you might avoid a hive of angry bees. So it's remarkable that Crash even got made; that it's a rich, intelligent, and moving exploration of the interlocking lives of a dozen Los Angeles residents--black, white, latino, Asian, and Persian--is downright amazing. A politically nervous district attorney (Brendan Fraser) and his high-strung wife (Sandra Bullock, biting into a welcome change of pace from Miss Congeniality) get car-jacked by an oddly sociological pair of young black men (Larenz Tate and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges); a rich black T.V. director (Terrence Howard) and his wife (Thandie Newton) get pulled over by a white racist cop (Matt Dillon) and his reluctant partner (Ryan Phillipe); a detective (Don Cheadle) and his Latina partner and lover (Jennifer Esposito) investigate a white cop who shot a black cop--these are only three of the interlocking stories that reach up and down class lines. Writer/director Paul Haggis (who wrote the screenplay for Million Dollar Baby) spins every character in unpredictable directions, refusing to let anyone sink into a stereotype. The cast--ranging from the famous names above to lesser-known but just as capable actors like Michael Pena (Buffalo Soldiers) and Loretta Devine (Woman Thou Art Loosed)--meets the strong script head-on, delivering galvanizing performances in short vignettes, brief glimpses that build with gut-wrenching force. This sort of multi-character mosaic is hard to pull off; Crash rivals such classics as Nashville and Short Cuts. A knockout. --Bret Fetzer

Stills from Crash (click for larger image)

Description

They all live in Los Angeles. And in the next 36 hours, they will collide.

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie!.......2007-06-27

This really is a great movie that everyone living in the 21st century should watch. Race relations, not only in Los Angeles, but all over the world effect our daily lives and this movie show's it as raw and real as is the world we live in. Great actors, combined with a true to life story makes for one spectacular movie. I highly recommend it.

Viewing for all!.......2007-06-20

I watched this movie not really knowing what to expect. I found it a must-see for anyone who thinks that they are not a racist. You're going to change a lot of the things you think about others.

Made for TV Movie, with a lot of cussing........2007-06-20

Recent reviewers are baffled by all the raves this very, VERY mediocre movie has gotten, by both the critics and the teeming masses. I think the reason for this is along the same lines as where an entire Danish village turned out to applaud the clothing taste of an Emperor who was, in fact, marching around in his birthday suit.

From the beginning, we were told how daring and provocative "Crash" was. How it made you really, and I mean REALLY think about racism in this country. How raw and natural the dialogue was. How important films like this are to break through the typical Hollywood stereotypes, and get folks to engage in some meaningful discourse.

OK....If you say so. To me, it seemed like a live-action version of the Aaron McGruder "Boondocks" comic strip, with actual words substituted for the squiggly lines, stars and exclamation points. "Crash" is a glimpse of real inner-city racial conflicts the same way that "Baywatch" shows real lifeguards at work.

Here's what I got out of it; (And I'm trying not to write any spoilers.)

1. Big black guy, who's well educated and successful, and browbeaten by his limousine liberal black wife for not being black enough. He discovers his inner "Mr. T", after being humiliated in at a traffic stop.

2. You got a white cop--one of the dudes who bounced on the big black successful guy, who is a racist because his working-class liberal father was a victim of affirmative action, and reduced to invalid status where he is at the mercy of a nursing staff that resemble clerks in the post office, with their compassion and girth.

This white cop sorta redeems himself in one of the most contrived movie scenes since Dorothy Oz woke up in Kansas, discovering her whole adventure was just a dream. (Doggone it! I hope I didn't ruin that film for anyone.)

3. We also have an East-Asian man, who acts utterly without a conscience in his endeavor to achieve the "American Dream"

4. Next we have the Hispanic guy. Young, hardworking, father of a cute little girl, and basically an angel in a wifebeater shirt.

Naturally....he's menaced by...

5. Beverly Hills housewife who's convinced he's stealing from her, and...

6. Paranoid Middle Eastern guy who's convinced he's stealing from him. (The latter conflict gets resolved in a scene that makes the white cop's redemption seem like a National Geographic documentary by comparison.)

Then there's Don Cheadle. That man can really wear clothes! Seriously, if he dies before he loses his physique, they should mummify him and use him as a mannequin in a department store. The Donster plays a Los Angeles detective with a hundred thousand dollar a year clothing expense allowance, who tries to solve the murder of this aspiring black country singer--dude, I'm serious--who in one way or another bumps into the rest of the characters.

Conspicuously absent was the black on Hispanic violence that makes up nearly ALL of the interracial fighting in Los Angeles. Why did the filmmakers do this? I mean, it's not like the TV stations don't talk about this sort of racial unrest several times a week.

Maybe the studio was scared that showing blacks and Hispanics slugging it out would incite real blacks and real Hispanics to start fights in theaters, the way they did in 1979 with the movie "The Warriors".

Or...maybe the script was written in 1979, and it took them 25 years to get it produced.

I gave it TWO stars instead of ONE, because of the black Country and Western guy. When you think about it, someone will need to fill that void when Charley Pride cashes in his chips and rides to that great big roundup in the sky.

"You've got to

Kiss an angel good morning

and let her know you think about her when you're gone

Kiss an angel good morning

and love her like the devil when you get back home"

A true to the Life Story.......2007-06-19

My Oppinion: Crash is one of the best true life movies i've saw in a long time.

About the film: Crash is about how hard life is for ordinary and rich people. It has like 3-4 diffrent stories in it where all the chracters collid with each other in some way or another.

My Second oppinion: I thought the director did an excellent job on this movie and it had a great cast. It's a must see

Check out the Soundtrack To Crash.

Too Preachy.......2007-06-19

The story line was interesting enough that we didn't shut it off BUT it was so preachy that at the end we regretted watching it. If you want to be "schooled" then this is your movie but, personally I watch movies to escape, have fun and forget the day. You get the for about 45 minutes but, then the lessons begin and it gets annoying. To be honest it was a little predictable too but, whatever.... I don't always mind if I already know the ending if it's done well.

Average customer rating:

Next Best Thing To Being There
Gem of a DVD
Great Concert Captured on DVD
An Amazing Array of Talent!!
Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD

Crossroads Guitar Festival
Starring: Eric Clapton , J.J. Cale , B.B. King , James Taylor (XVII) , and Rocky Frisco
Director: B.B. King , and Ron de Moraes
Manufacturer: Warner Strat. Mkt.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002Y4T92
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Amazon.com

Although it could have been twice as long, this double-DVD set effectively captures over three hours of highlights from one of the most comprehensive and diverse collection of guitarists ever assembled for a single event. Recorded over three days in June of 2004 to benefit Eric Clapton's Crossroads Center in Antigua (as do the sales of this set), the show is not surprisingly heavy on the rootsy blues and country that comprise Clapton's primary inspirations. But it also includes folk (James Taylor), gospel (Robert Randolph & the Family Band), fret-shredding rockers (Steve Vai who delivers a dazzling performance), jazz (John McLaughlin), and, most interestingly, Indian classical music (a stunning piece from Vishwa Mohan Bhatt).

Most compelling are the rare and sometimes unusual collaborations. Joe Walsh and Taylor clown around on "Steamroller Blues," and Booker T. & the M.G.'s back both Joe Walsh on a rollicking "Rocky Mountain Way" and Los Lobos' David Hidalgo tearing into a sizzling "The Neighborhood." Clapton and J.J. Cale share the stage as do Clapton and Carlos Santana, and a show-stopping blues summit with Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan, Hubert Sumlin, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Clapton is a treat for all involved.

There are some shortcomings. The event isn't presented in chronological order--different stages, days, and backing bands are shuffled with Clapton's own set scattered throughout--ZZ Top's closing is a bit anticlimactic, and there are many omissions due to time constraints. But every act rises to the occasion, and this expertly recorded and shot DVD gives the viewer a front-row seat to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. --Hal Horowitz

Description

In June 2004, some of the greatest living guitar players and their bands gathered at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, for a three-day festival to benefit the Crossroads Centre in Antigua. It was the ultimate concert for any music lover, featuring one legend after the other: Eric Clapton, BB King, Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson, James Taylor, Jimmie Vaughan, Joe Walsh, John Mayer, Robert Cray, Robert Randolph, Santana, ZZ Top, and many more. This 2-DVD set beautifully documents the event and contains over 4 hours of content. Planned extras include in-depth artist interviews, a mini-documentary, photo gallery, alternate angle, and more. Royalties from the DVD sales will benefit the Crossroads Center.

Customer Reviews:

Next Best Thing To Being There.......2007-05-13

Guitar enthusiasts and all music lovers should make a point of taking time out to enjoy this talent-packed, inspirational two-DVD set. Awe- inspiring performances from the very best musicians each showcasing their unique sounds and styles. It's exhilirating to experience moving and passionate guitar at it's finest. Buy it today!

Gem of a DVD.......2007-04-20

This is one of those special cases where you can watch this over and over again. Every performance is great! ZZ top, Steve Via, and Joe Walsh are in top form.

Great Concert Captured on DVD .......2007-04-11

Great concert captured on DVD. Price on Amazon.Com cannot be beaten.

An Amazing Array of Talent!!.......2007-04-02

Eric Clapton did a fabulous job in organizing a rare collection of guitar talent to perform at this three-day festival in Texas. It is as much a treat to see the legendary bluesmen Buddy Guy and B.B. King onstage with Eric, as it is to see fret-shreddin' Steve Vai, Jimmy Vaughn and Johnny Lang.

The music is blues-based, but many different styles and flavors are present: old-style blues, cultural (Indian), jazz, blues-rock and rock. Although there were time considerations in editing the footage of this CD, the "best of the best" is represented here.

One of the key highlights of this show is Robert Randolph, a new Jersey native, who played the pedal steel guitar in a cross between the styles of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. I have never seen anything like it and he clearly made his mark in this performance, appearing onstage several times.

Some of the tunes were inspirational enough to pick up the guitar, turn on the amp and play along, as some of my favorite musicians played onstage. I would recommend watching in this in 5.1 on a home-theater system, as the presence of the music is much more realized.

I disagree with Amazon's assessment that ZZ Top as a closing act was anti-climactic. The group is monumental in the history of rock and they are at the top of the Texas blues-rock genre. I saw it as befitting to have them close this show, especially in the state of Texas.

Crossroads Guitar Festival DVD.......2007-04-01

FANTASTIC....Some of the best music performed by some of the best musicians around. Enjoyed every minute! !

Average customer rating:

ANOTHER GREAT SET FROM MURPHY IN HIS PRIME!
DO NOT BUY THIS VIDEO
I loved it
Pretty Good
This has a some memorable moments

Eddie Murphy Raw
Starring: Eddie Murphy , Carol Woods , Leonard Jackson , James Brown III , and Deon Richmond
Director: Robert Townsend
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005JMHL
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Amazon.com essential video

The audacious concert film Eddie Murphy Raw rubbed some people the wrong way upon its release in 1987, but there's no denying that between Murphy's more insensitive bits about women and gay men is some of his most inspired material. While the young comedian indulges an unattractive homophobia and rants about the sexual manipulativeness of all females, he makes up for it with an amazing story about being chided by Bill Cosby for obscene humor and does a great impression of Mr. T falling under the spell of a Jedi mind trick. The best stuff comes deep into the show, particularly a long tale of being pressured into a fight at a club, resulting in a phone call to Murphy's drunk father, the latter in the middle of a verbal attack on his wife. The scene is genuinely horrifying and funny, testament to Murphy's early reputation as heir to Richard Pryor's mercilessly autobiographical brilliance. --Tom Keogh

Description

The record-setting number one concert film, EDDIE MURPHY: RAW shows Eddie Murphy doing what he does best: making people laugh. Filmed live at New York's Felt Forum, Murphy delights, shocks, and entertains with celebrity impersonations, observations on 'love, sex and marriage in the 80's, a remembrance of Mom's hamburgers and much more.

Customer Reviews:

ANOTHER GREAT SET FROM MURPHY IN HIS PRIME!.......2007-06-24

It may not be as great as Delirious,but that is a matter of opinion. It might make a difference which one you see first. It is still a classic comedy stand-up!

DO NOT BUY THIS VIDEO.......2007-06-20

FOUND THIS VIDEO OF EDDIE MURPHYS RAW A REAL DISAPPOINTMENT. FIRST HOUR HE CONCENTRATES ON THREE DIFFERENT SKITS AND MANAGES TO STRETCH IT OUT. LAST 30 MINUTES THERE IS MORE VARIETY BUT AT THAT POINT IT DOESNT MAKE UP FOR THE LOST FIRST HOUR. SAVE YOUR MONEY, GET DELIRIOUS IT IS FUNNIER AND HAS MORE VARIETY IN SKITS AND WORTH THE MONEY. I AM GLAD THAT I GOT THE RAW VIDEO USED SO I DIDNT LOSE TO MUCH MONEY.

I loved it.......2007-06-10

I've seen his before and it was still just as funny. If you are an Edie Murphy fan this is a must!!!

Pretty Good.......2007-05-14

Not quite as funny as Eddie Murphy - Delirious, but makes it worth it with a few routines, especially with the opening bits about reaction to that previous effort. There's an odd opening of a childhood scene and a closing where, I think, he's trying to live up to his father's rant in the first, but most of this stuff- the Rocky bit, the Caribbean bit (even pictured on the case, so I know I'm not alone)- is gold.

This has a some memorable moments.......2007-04-13

Murphy was at his best in this. This was the era where Eddie Murphy was the "it" guy. Everything he did turned to gold. And back then, this was gold. Samuel L. Jackson was unknown in the eighties even though he was earning his living out of acting in Hollywood films. At the beginning of this movie he plays the father of Eddie Murphy whose raw, cutting edge humor raises eyebrows and complete silence amongst his family.

I have watched "Raw" many times and found it very funny to a point. The last 25 minutes are kind of dull, and not much, if any laughs but it's pretty much a laugh riot up until the last 25 minutes or so. The funniest parts include the Bill Cosby, and Richard Pryor imitations, and the part about Eddie wanting a McDonald's hamburger as a kid. Even when it loses its momentum toward the end, I still watch this disc just for that.

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