The Good Life (La Buena Vida)

Starring:Fernando Ramallo, Isabel Otero
Studio: Lolafilms Home Ent
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

A complicated movie about the Central Intelligence Agency and its agents, The Good Shepherd isn't your typical spy movie. Though it stars Matt Damon (The Bourne Identity films) and Angelina Jolie (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Lara Croft franchise)--actors with considerable experience in the action-espionage genre--The Good Shepherd requires that they play more subdued and (much less interesting) characters here. The movie focuses on the career or Edward Wilson (Damon), a privileged Yale graduate who goes on to help found the CIA. He is a quiet, serious, and guarded man, even in the most intimate moments with his civilian wife (Jolie, in a role that wastes her talent). Set against a backdrop of real-life events such as the Bay of Pigs, The Good Shepherd is meticulous in creating a realistic timeframe. The film gets a jolt of excitement when Robert DeNiro (in his first directing role since 1993's A Bronx Tale) peppers the screen with appearances by Joe Pesci, Alec Baldwin, and William Hurt. But those moments are too infrequent. At 157 minutes long, the film is crammed with many factual details, but the characters are shortchanged when it comes to development. Viewers have to wonder why anyone, much less someone like Wilson who has everything going for him, would devote his life to a thankless job that brings so little happiness to himself and his family. The Good Shepherd is an ambitious but flawed film. The actors do a formidable job with a well-intentioned but meandering script. However, we meet so many characters and learn so little about each that it's difficult to drum up much empathy for any of them. --Jae-Ha Kim

Description

Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie and Robert De Niro star in this powerful thriller about the birth of the CIA. Edward Wilson (Damon) believes in America, and will sacrifice everything he loves to protect it. But as one of the covert founders of the CIA, Edward's youthful idealism is slowly eroded by his growing suspicion of the people around him. Everybody has secrets…but will Edward's destroy him? With an all-star cast including Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, William Hurt, Timothy Hutton and John Turturro, it's the gripping story David Ansen of Newsweek hails as "spellbinding."

Customer Reviews:

good shepard, BAD movie.......2007-07-05

Wow - I like all kinds of movies, and thought the combination of story, DiNiro and a great cast would make this a great flick...NOT. This is one of the most boring, overly complex and simply crappy movie I have ever seen. I thought the Larry the Cable Guy disaster 'Health Inspector' was the bottom of the barrel - we just found a new bottom with this one.

The main problem I find with this movie is the total focus on the dedicated, dull character Matt Damon plays. Mind you, there are a few great moments (especially when he talks to Pesci), but just no enough to make this 'compelling'. Acutally, when I see that word describing a movie on the box, I tend to think that this is really the only verb one could use because 'good' would be a stretch!

With all the really great and even mediocre movies out there, pass on this one...you'll be glad you did.

CIA spies.......2007-07-04

Movie was great - a little slow at times, but the subject matter was very interesting....

C.I.A. Confused I Am.......2007-07-03

The Good Shephard was one of those movies I had no desire to see in theaters so I rented it with a friend instead. I love movies that involve your complete attention and have to be watched more than once to catch everything- but this movie was terrible. It jumped around way too much and left little explanations for any actions that were performed. Unless you knew exactly what was going on during which year, and I'm assuming most people don't, then you become confused and aggravated trying desperatly to figure out what they are talking about. My friend was even more aggravated than I was.

I don't recommend the movie if you are looking to be educated on the birth of the CIA.

Also, there is violence and sexuality in this movie so it may not be appropriate for kids.

Boring as Heck !!!!!!.......2007-06-28

I like DeNiro, I like Damon, and I really like conspiracy movies. So I was really hyped to see this. Than I did...And it was the most boring movie I've ever seen!!! How can DeNiro who's been so fun to watch for the past 20 years and Matt Damon who I loved in the Ocean's 11, 12, and 13 movies suck it up so bad in this? Now the acting is really great and that's about the only redeeming quality about this movie, but I didn't see it to see great acting. I wanted to be entertained and this movie really didn't help there.

If you see it, than make sure your not sitting comfortably because your going to fall asleep. I did about 1 hour in and than woke up 5 mintues later to see that nothing exciting was happening and I fell back to sleep.

Over-hyped, over-cast, poorly written.......2007-06-27

I had high expectations for this film - it was hyped up pretty good, and how could it not be with the all star cast. The imagery in the film was strong and compelling, as was the subject matter. For a contemporary film, I think they did a pretty good job of splicing historical aspects of the US's conflicts over the past 70 years, into a fictional (as far as I know?) film/story.

With that said, the characters were poorly developed, and the film itself lacked any real emotion. I think the best way to describe the flaw in this film is that I was aware I was watching a film - a good film makes you forget you're even watching a film, and you effortlessly empathize with the characters. The poor writing was directly responsible for this. The film was predictable as well - (spoiler warning) - you knew that the brother was going to tell Matt Damon that Angelina Jolie was pregnant was soon as you saw him on the beach - and, you knew that the poetry professor was going to come on to Matt Damon as soon as he said 'I'd like to see you in my office'...The formulaic Hollywood film factory at its best/worst.

Good Will Hunting (Miramax Collector's Series)

Average customer rating:

More Like Great Will Hunting
Could've been better with different cast
Among the Best Films EVER.
Not very realistic, but very idealistic
WOW DANG ONE OF THE BEST TV DVD-MOVE FOR SHORE EVER DONE

Good Will Hunting (Miramax Collector's Series)
Starring: Robin Williams , Matt Damon , Ben Affleck , Stellan Skarsgård , and Minnie Driver
Director: Gus Van Sant
Manufacturer: Miramax
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ASIN: 6305216088
Release Date: 1998-12-08

Amazon.com essential video

Robin Williams won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck nabbed one for Best Original Screenplay, but the feel-good hit Good Will Hunting triumphs because of its gifted director, Gus Van Sant. The unconventional director (My Own Private Idaho, Drugstore Cowboy) saves a script marred by vanity and clunky character development by yanking soulful, touching performances out of his entire cast (amazingly, even one by Williams that's relatively schtick-free). Van Sant pulls off the equivalent of what George Cukor accomplished for women's melodrama in the '30s and '40s: He's crafted an intelligent, unabashedly emotional male weepie about men trying to find inner-wisdom.

Matt Damon stars as Will Hunting, a closet math genius who ignores his gift in favor of nightly boozing and fighting with South Boston buddies (co-writer Ben Affleck among them). While working as a university janitor, he solves an impossible calculus problem scribbled on a hallway blackboard and reluctantly becomes the prodigy of an arrogant MIT professor (Stellan Skarsgård). Damon only avoids prison by agreeing to see psychiatrists, all of whom he mocks or psychologically destroys until he meets his match in the professor's former childhood friend, played by Williams. Both doctor and patient are haunted by the past, and as mutual respect develops, the healing process begins. The film's beauty lies not with grand climaxes, but with small, quiet moments. Scenes such as Affleck's clumsy pep talk to Damon while they drink beer after work, or any number of therapy session between Williams and Damon offer poignant looks at the awkward ways men show affection and feeling for one another. --Dave McCoy

Description

A true motion picture phenomenon, this triumphant story was nominated for 9 Academy Awards(R) -- winning Oscars for Robin Williams (Best Supporting Actor) and hot newcomers Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (Best Original Screenplay). The most brilliant mind at America's top university isn't a student ... he's the kid who cleans the floors! Will Hunting (Damon) is a headstrong, working-class genius who's failing the lessons of life. After one too many run-ins with the law, Will's last chance is a psychology professor (Williams), who might be the only man who can reach him! With acclaimed performances from Academy Award(R)-nominee Minnie Driver (GROSSE POINTE BLANK) and Ben Affleck (ARMAGEDDON) -- you'll find GOOD WILL HUNTING a powerful and unforgettable movie experience!

Customer Reviews:

More Like Great Will Hunting.......2007-07-04

This movie is by far the best Matt Damon or Ben Affleck movie I have ever seen. It's a touching story of a twenty something kid who wasn't raised with a lot and he turns out to be a math genius. Excellent movie.

Could've been better with different cast.......2007-05-30

Movies can be placed, you could say, into 3 categories:

1. Movies to be seen in a theater or owned on DVD
2. Movies to rent
3. Movies to ignore

This one, for me, falls into the second category. Who would believe Matt Damon is some blue collar genius? Damon is not a good actor in my opinion. Ben Affleck is worse. Robin Williams is obnoxious. This film used the wrong actors.

Among the Best Films EVER........2007-05-21

One of the most affecting movies in my life I've ever seen. This movie is an example of why movies can be good, why they can change you're life. One of my favorite quote's from the movie is: "You're sitting on the winning lottery ticket and your too afraid to cash it in." Not only one of my all time favorite films but Elliot Smith who's music they used PERFECTLT for the film is one of my favorite artists. Do yourself a favor and see this film.

Not very realistic, but very idealistic.......2007-05-19

Somebodies and Nobodies: Overcoming the Abuse of Rank
Not many people can ever say that they have been in any kind of situation like that of
Will Hunting and the Field's Medalist , let alone that of a psychologist faced with
helping a scared by society genius. One thing is important here:
no professor that I have ever met is going to put himself out
for someone not in his elite class. Such behavior in our society is taboo.
He would be endangering his own position in society
and such men don't get to that high a point by not playing the social games very seriously.
The closest that anyone came to this level of idealism and selflessness in history is Dr. Hardy
in his mentorship of Ramanujan.

WOW DANG ONE OF THE BEST TV DVD-MOVE FOR SHORE EVER DONE.......2007-05-08

NOW I COULD EASYLY SAY THIS WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE GRATEST MOVE EVER MADE IN THE WORLD THAT IS SO FOR SHORE & THAT IS PUTTING IT LIGHTLY

Average customer rating:

Bold Film Noir for the 21st Century
More an homage than a movie
A director's indulgences turn a fine novel into an auteur's dream gone bad
Worth Seeing.
Was there another book of the same title....

The Good German
Starring: Jack Thompson , John Roeder , George Clooney , Tobey Maguire , and Cate Blanchett
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Notes on a Scandal

ASIN: B000OY8NBK
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Amazon.com

Despite its flaws, The Good German is a welcome gift for every film lover who laments that "they don't make 'em like they used to." Steven Soderbergh's affectionate, knowing tribute to the black-and-white melodramas of Hollywood's golden age may lack the emotional depth and romantic passion of Michael Curtiz's Casablanca--the 1946 classic it intentionally emulates--but as Soderbergh approximates Curtiz's studio style, he delivers a shimmering, shadowy reminder that movies can be enjoyed for the sheer pleasure of their craftsmanship. Once again serving as his own cinematographer (credited as "Peter Andrews"), Soderbergh went to great lengths to technically and aesthetically re-create the look and feel of a Curtiz production, and Joseph Kanon's source novel (adapted by Quiz Show screenwriter Paul Attanasio) provides a twisting plot set around the historical Potsdam conference in post-World War II Germany. An American military journalist, Capt. Jake Geismer (George Clooney) is in rubble-strewn Berlin to cover the event, and is quickly drawn into a murder plot involving his appointed driver (Tobey Maguire), an old flame-turned-wartime prostitute (Cate Blanchett) and her missing husband, a scientist who possesses pivotal secrets coveted by Americans and Russians in a pre-Cold War bid for power.

Violence, sexual content, and salty dialogue make it clear that this R-rated drama is a brashly contemporary homage to films of a bygone era, and not a slavish attempt to copy the past. This yields mixed results in terms of the film's overall appeal; it's gorgeous to look at, but the plot and performances exist in a vacuum, and the entire film feels oddly disengaged from any sense of genuine human emotion. It's probably fair to say that Soderbergh had more fun making the film than most people will have watching it. And yet, as Clooney's character is repeatedly beaten and deceived on his path to cynical enlightenment, The Good German has many qualities that make it recommendable, not the least being the pleasure of following a talented director as he indulges his penchant for bold experimentation. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Who knows what American journalist Jake Geismer (George Clooney) expected to find in postwar Berlin? Peace, maybe. Or at least a story. But certainly not Lena (Cate Blanchett), his beautiful, embittered one-time love. And not the trail of secrecy and deception that leads from Lena to the scheming young corporal (Tobey Maguire) who's her new lover...and to a murder no one seems interested in solving. Except Jake. Steven Soderbergh directs three of today's top talents in this zigzag thriller that's both an atmospheric homage to 1940s filmmaking and a deft modern film noir. The Good German is "haunting and hypnotic, it's pure moviegoing bliss" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone).

Customer Reviews:

Bold Film Noir for the 21st Century.......2007-07-03

In my view, this was one of the better DVD's of 2006...both in plot and
photography. The black and white visuals are stunning and compare well to
to many film noir films of the 40's. True, the characters are not as bold and dramatic as THE THIRD MAN...and perhaps that is the point...there are no gigantic Wellesian figures in this movie. Everybody is tainted and everyone has an agenda and everyone exists in a shade of grey. Therefore, the film is quite realistic and Cate Blanchett could not be better.

More an homage than a movie.......2007-07-01

There's times where I don't really care for Steven Soderbergh movies. Traffic I felt was a compelling if overlong drama that had an aura of self-importance, like it was intentionally made to be one of those "important" films. The Good German sometimes feels like the same way: like it wants to be a classic noir film although the intent of course was for it to feel like a film that would've been made at RKO in the old days. While there's some things that feel out of place and just a genuine feeling of sluggishness, it's still a good homage to a classic time period.

Jake Geismser (George Clooney) is in Berlin covering the Potsdam Conference with Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin and President Roosevelt. He meets driver Tully (Tobey Maguire) who's a nice guy until he's left alone in where he becomes a scheming, violent firebrand. His girlfriend is prostitute Lena (Cate Blanchett) who of course has to be Geismer's ex. But the name "Emil Brandt" pops up which gets everyone riled up and a murder happens which gets Jake investigating on who the culprit is and what's so important about Emil Brandt.

I will say this: this film has the perfect 1940's feel, from the shadows to the staging, the overdramatic music and it's even presented in full-frame. Even if you don't like the movie, you got to admit they nailed the feel. As far as acting, we do have Clooney and Blanchett who almost were born to be in black and white with Blanchett looking the best. Only misstep was Maguire since he's not really menacing so much as he goes into temper tantrums. If he did this performance in Spider-Man 3, that movie would've benefited. He even rabbit punches a girl in this just so the filmmakers can let you know this guy's tough. Classically trained actors just needed to look at you to know he's not one to cross; Maguire has to actually be given something violent to do.

The problem with the movie as a whole is that it's just...kind of boring. It's as if more attention was paid to the look than the script. Casablanca was talky sure but at least it kept your interest. This feels like you're just checking the time code a lot wondering how long the movie's been on. But if you're one that prefers the old movies, you'll probably like this although a sex scene that would've got cut feels odd while there's tons of language to get thrown around. But, as far as a great B&W movie is concerned, Good Night and Good Luck is definately a better pick.

Either it's to preserve the "magic" of making the movie or just simply make special features unavailable until a bigger Special Edition is announced, it's really bare-bones. Unless you're a die-hard fan and have to own it, go ahead and buy it but for others, either rent it and test the waters or just wait.

A director's indulgences turn a fine novel into an auteur's dream gone bad.......2007-07-01

The Good German, the novel by Joseph Kanon, is a first-class thriller that makes some serious points. The Good German, the movie by Steven Soderbergh, isn't and doesn't.

Books and movies are different animals, and a fan is naive to think that the strengths of one can always be translated into the other. Director Soderbergh, in my view, in order to achieve two objectives doesn't even try. The first, notable only if the viewer hasn't read the book, is to change substantial elements of the plot and the characters for what seems no greater purpose than to create star roles for George Clooney and Tobey Maguire and "acting moments" for the two of them and Cate Blanchett. He also seems, as so many Hollywood factory philosophers seem compelled to do, to want to make obvious points about how awful some government actions can be, how hideous "end-justifies-the-means" activities are and how noble is the average guy, played by a Hollywood star lead, of course, in resisting all this. But much, much worse, Soderbergh has used The Good German as a toy. He has said he wanted to make the movie in the style of the old Forties movies. For the most part he shot everything on stage sets, used the old camera lenses, insisted on boom mikes for sound recording and played with the harsh light contrasts familiar from movies like The Third Man and the B-level noirs photographed by John Alton. He even was his own cinematographer and editor (under pseudonyms). What he came up with is a stilted drama so harshly lit that the movie is unpleasant to watch. The movie is a collection of deep, deep contrasts that give washed-out brightness, dead white faces and shadows so black anything might be happening. This must have been great fun for Soderbergh to create but it's hell for the movie viewer to sit through for nearly two hours.

The story, set in Berlin in 1945 when the Potsdam Conference is just starting, is hugely visual. There are desperate civilians everywhere, GIs living high, bombed-out ruins, war criminals being hunted by both the Soviets and the Americans, not to punish but, if they were rocket scientists, to bring back home. Intrigue and corruption bubble just below the rotten surface of the city. And Jake Geisner, played by George Clooney, finds himself up to his neck in intrigue when he spots a former mistress, Lena Brandt (Cate Blanchett) and is assigned a GI driver, Patrick Tully (Tobey Maguire). Then a GI is murdered, which leads Geisner into some dangerous situations and some moral conflicts. Unfortunately, among all the specious changes Soderbergh makes in the story-line, the worst is the conclusion. Instead of a satisfying bit of justice served up with irony, as in the book, we have an irrelevant bit of knowledge tossed at us that serves no purpose but to create another acting moment for Clooney and Blanchett.

For me, even if I hadn't read the book this movie would have been a disappointment. It's an auteur's dream of a director's Hollywood clout, but gone bad. If Soderbergh doesn't get his act together soon, he'll wind up as a cautionary tale of talent being indulged, corrupted and wasted. I can't think of a movie of his I've seen since Out of Sight and The Limey that did much for me. Amid the Berlin debris, however, is the performance of Cate Blanchett. She looks awful in Soderbergh's unforgiving lighting and it's obvious at times that she's trying to channel Marlene Dietrich. Still, when she finally settles down into the part Blanchett gives a fine performance.

The DVD is bare-bones. Make sure you wear sunglasses if you watch it. For those who like to read thrillers and are intrigued with Germany right after the end of WWII, you won't do better than Ross Thomas' The Eighth Dwarf. And for those who want to see how dramatic lighting can really be used, try The Third Man or some of Alton's noirs.
Eighth Dwarf
The Third Man - Criterion Collection (2-Disc Edition)
He Walked By Night
The Big Combo

Worth Seeing. .......2007-06-24

I really think that Cate Blanchett's performance here is as good as anything I've seen lately. She is incredibly impressive as Lena and her passion for the role has a powerful effect on our enjoyment of The Good German. As for Clooney, he is believable as Jake Geismer and makes a solid contribution. The only important actor here I cannot be as positive about; although, perhaps I'm the only person who remains completely unimpressed by Tobey Maguire. I was surprised by how discordant his efforts were. He reminded me of that phrase that acting is not "acting" as he was "acting" or seemed to be intentionally playing a character. I felt that his Tully was contrived and quite bizarre. He stood out like spoiled sauerkraut among this ensemble, and detracted from the movie's worth. The plot itself was riveting and it kept you focused in every scene as if it were a classic piece of 40s noir, but, at its root, the storyline was rather fantastic. The US occupation government in Germany was a little too clueless to be as sinister as they are depicted here. My willingness to suspend belief was strained, but I still found The Good German to be entertaining.

Was there another book of the same title...........2007-06-18

...or was this badly re-invented tripe the best that Soderbergh could do with Kanon's novel? Lena, the female lead of book/film - rape victim and NOT a prostitute - is converted from a war weary, emotionally vulnerable yet stable and admirable lead into a vague, emotionally dull, unstable Gestapo informant by way of Marlene Dietrich impersonator. Tully, the character about whom little is known yet all action centers around, is turned into a noir caricature, who is entirely unsympathetic and loathsome. Jake, the central character and lead, is (in the novel) always a step and thought ahead of the other characters and of the action; in the novel, he seems to be the last person in the know.

Noir as a genre can and should be explored in modern cinema, but all this film seems to show is how bad parody and caricature can make even the most incidental wartime story appear. Cinematography aside (which was the only thing commented on favorably by the majority of critics), this was the second worst Soderbergh film I've sat through. It may be time for SS to temporarily, or perhaps permanently, disassociate himself from Clooney.

Average customer rating:

..."YOU WANT ME ON THAT WALL....YOU....NEED....ME ON THAT WALL"...
memorable
A Few Good Men and One GREAT Woman
You can't handle the truth!
Enjoyable Watch which captivates interest

A Few Good Men (Special Edition)
Starring: Tom Cruise , Jack Nicholson , Demi Moore , Kevin Bacon , and Kiefer Sutherland
Director: Rob Reiner
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005B6JZ
Release Date: 2001-05-29

Amazon.com essential video

A U.S. soldier is dead, and military lawyers Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee and Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway want to know who killed him. "You want the truth?" snaps Colonel Jessup (Jack Nicholson). "You can't handle the truth!" Astonishingly, Jack Nicholson's legendary performance as a military tough guy in A Few Good Men really amounts to a glorified cameo: he's only in a few scenes. But they're killer scenes, and the film has much more to offer. Tom Cruise (Kaffee) shines as a lazy lawyer who rises to the occasion, and Demi Moore (Galloway) gives a command performance. Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, J.T. Walsh, and Cuba Gooding Jr. (of Jerry Maguire fame) round out the superb cast. Director Rob Reiner poses important questions about the rights of the powerful and the responsibilities of those just following orders in this classic courtroom drama. --Alan Smithee

Customer Reviews:

..."YOU WANT ME ON THAT WALL....YOU....NEED....ME ON THAT WALL"..........2007-05-07

....Darn good movie [DVD]...Sorkin's screen/play defines the spartan USMC discipline to perfection...for instance, when Jack Nicholson [he overshadows the entire cast of this film] berates all the non/combatant Navy JAG/attorneys trying to bring his illustrious Marine career to an abrupt end is spell/binding and cuts right to the bone [an immense scene of impact]...his bombastic and clarion call to what a Fleet Marine Force Marine [FMF] is all about is so true to all the unsuspecting civilians taking life for granted, etc...his sneering but simple, "Thank You" is all he expects...."and be on your way, my man" is totally real...99% of the American people don't know the instantanious, and grating/lethal feeling... I'm about to die!!....pooof, dead!!...no more mama-no more papa...no more nothing!!...is what Fleet Marines go through in combat operations 24/7 by closing with America's enemies, etc...Nicholson tries his darndest to bring this sailent point home with alacrity, "You Want Me On That Wall..You...NEED... Me On That Wall!!!"...he's right on, folks.....give the devil his due...as for the final fadeout, Nicholson's character gets his just reward of due process of the Military Code of Justice...but, I say again...Nicholson's portrayal as a FMF Marine Colonel is colossal by the fact, how the United States Marine Marine Corps' commitment to duty, honor and country allows all Americans to go about their daily rush of life in peace and at days end, sleep the good sleep while the USMC guards the ramparts like no other, since 1775...a very good cast begets a great show!!....Semper Fidelis...SSGT CHRIS SARNO-USMC FMF

memorable.......2007-03-15

This movie is very good, especially for it's memorable moments in the end. It is a nice window into the lives of our military people and how honor and obediance play into their lives.

A Few Good Men and One GREAT Woman.......2007-03-09

If YOU can HANDLE THE TRUTH ... This is a spectacular Movie. It really is ! A Must See ! Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Kiefer Sutherland, Demi Moore-Kutcher among others....who could ask for a better casting ? I never thought in a million years that all those TOP stars could actually act together and make it work..OHH but they did and the movie is GREAT ! Get it..u will not be sorry ! A CODE RED will be issued on anyone who does not buy this movie....J/K that is not done anymore..now is it ? Check this movie out !

You can't handle the truth!.......2007-02-12

4.5 Stars. An absolutely stellar cast saves this film from being ever-so-slightly boring. While some of the courtroom scenes drag, the rest of the script is tight and packed with light humor in appropriate moments.

Two marines, Downey and Dawson, are accused of murdering private Santiago during a disciplinary procedure known unofficially as a Code Red. Assigned to represent them is naval lawyer Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) and Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollak), joined by internal affairs officer Lt. Cdr. JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore). The chain of command extending downward from Col. Nathan R. Jessep (Jack Nicholson) denies ordering the Code Red, so Dawson and Downey's only hope is if Kaffee can prove they were following orders given to them from above.

Kaffee and Weinberg find themselves facing off with prosecutor Capt. Jack Ross (Kevin Bacon) and hard-core marines such as Lt. Jonathan Kendrick (Kiefer Sutherland), Lt. Col. Matthew Andrew Markinson (the late, great J.T. Walsh), Cpl. Carl Hammaker (Cuba Gooding Jr.), and of course, Col. Jessep.

Innocence, orders, protocols, procedures, guilt, and morals are strewn over the courtroom in a trial over the loss of one life, and potential loss of two more. Where is the line between right and wrong drawn? Kaffee (the carefree one), Joanna (the serious one) and Sam (the stable one) are forced to work as a team to uncover the truth as to what happened to break down the chain of military command the night private Santiago died.

The cast is first-rate and the performances stellar in this tense drama. The scripting does drag at times, but can't distract from the overall plot. Jack Nicholson, though his screen time is limited, steals the show with his portrayal of Col. Jessep, a war-zone hardened marine of high stature, slated for promotion. This movie is a must-see for fans of courtroom or military dramas. Enjoy!

Enjoyable Watch which captivates interest.......2007-02-12

My interest was quickly captured by this movie and enjoyed it from beginning to end. A tale of honor and justice and proof.

Agree with the other reviews who thought most of the acting was superb, from Cruise to the exceptional character which Nicholson pulls off so convincingly;was a super watch for me and one that I'll want to see again.

The plot is intriguing and believable, and the plot slowly unwinds. Even if one thinks it is predictable, and it is (you know they'll win the case) it peaks your interest till the end. However, that being said the surprise verdict of the dishonorable discharge makes a very salient point at the end, and bonds the Marine with the Navy attorney in a superb way of closing the film.

Batman Returns (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

A total failure except for production design and score.
I loved it
Beautifully Made
Question rather than an actual review
For the Kids. . .But Still Pretty Amusing

Batman Returns (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Michael Keaton , Danny DeVito , Michelle Pfeiffer , Christopher Walken , and Michael Gough
Director: Tim Burton
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Batman (Two-Disc Special Edition)
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Superman - The Movie

ASIN: B000B5XOSO
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Amazon.com essential video

The first Batman sequel takes a wicked turn with the villainous exploits of the freakish and mean-spirited Penguin (Danny DeVito), whose criminal collaboration with evil tycoon Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) threatens to drain Gotham City of its energy supply. As if that weren't enough, Batman (Michael Keaton) has his hands full with the vengeful Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), who turns out to be a lot more dangerous than a kitten with a whip. As with the first Batman feature, director Tim Burton brings his distinct visual style to the frantic action, but this time there's a darker malevolence lurking beneath all that extraordinary production design. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Gotham City faces two monstrous criminal menaces: the bizarre, sinister Penguin (Danny DeVito) and the slinky, mysterious Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Can Batman (Michael Keaton) battle two formidable foes at once? Especially when one wants to be mayor and the other is romantically attracted to Bruce Wayne! Like the groundbreaking 1989 original, Batman Returns is directed by the wizardly Tim Burton. And like the first blockbuster, it's a dazzling adventure that leaves you breathless.

DVD Features:
Documentaries:The Cinematic Saga of Batman, Shadows of the Bat Pt. 4 Beyond Batman Documentary Gallery
Featurette:The Heroes and Villains Profile Galleries
Interviews:The Bat, The Cat, and the Penguin
Music Video:Face to Face by Souixsie and the Bashees

Customer Reviews:

A total failure except for production design and score........2007-06-19

Batman Returns followed the amazing Edward Scissorhands. And it showed that Tim Burton could not translate his personal vision to megabudget Hollywood fare. It is a grating, unfunny, depressingly awful film that virtually no one in their right mind would recommend. Audiences knew it, critics knew it.

The positives: The cat suit looks amazing, and Michelle Pfeiffer was a good choice. This was one of the first films that featured Dolby Digital encoding and it sounds to this day, 15 years later, incredible -- particualarly with Danny Elfman's Ed Scissorhands rip-off score. Bo Welch has ideas to spare, some of them great (Selina's apartment, The Penguin's political hideout) some of them not so great (the ridiculously overdesigned Gotham City, Joe Versus the Volcano air-conditioning units). But onto the really bad:

The Penguin is a disaster of Tim Burton's doing, where we see him attempt to expand one of his little pen and ink cariciatures into something capable of empathy amd humor. Yet he's patently ridiculous; pathetic, juvenile, and mean-spirited, Burton's character fails by every measure and is a complete bore. Trying to kill all of Gotham's babies? Really a lame criminal plot, out of place in this kind of movie and a new low. He is not a character that illicits much more than disgust. No matter how you slice it, that's not what you want for your arch-villain.

Catwoman gets the only great scene in the movie, her transformation. The campy sense of humor, music, and acting all gel for about five minutes. Otherwise, the Gloria Steinam in latex bit is silly. Daniel Waters: nice try. Michelle Pfeiffer manages to make it just tolerable enough. But if you are going to go the dominatrix route, let's see her really mess with Batman's head.

The plot is convoluted and nonsensical. There's not much to say other than Daniel Waters simply has no idea what he is doing in this three-ring circus. That empty-calorie feeling you get after watching Batman Returns? Look no further. I don't think Burton knows or cares. Listening to his commentary is not encouraging.

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

I've been a superhero fan since the 1950's. I just have to buy just about every superhero movie on DVD.

My tastes are pretty basic. I go by the way the movie makes me feel. Do I get a good sense of the character? Are the effects decent? Is the whole thing "believable," in the sense of superhero comics?

I didn't like some of the later Batman movies. This is the first Batman movie I've bought so far.

I love this one... it's more along the spirit of the Dark Knight.

If they release another one similar to this "Feel," I'll buy it.

Beautifully Made.......2007-05-09

this is a real classic. tim burton did an amazing job like he allwayz does. i also reccomend beetle juice.

Question rather than an actual review.......2007-05-02

That's why only the 4 stars cause I believe this movie is great. However, why is there no grey lettering and outline? It looks like this is the same movie from the "Legacy" collection, rather than the Special Editions. I wouldn't want to order this and get the single disk edition. So my question is, which version is this?

For the Kids. . .But Still Pretty Amusing.......2007-04-08

I never really got Tim Burton. To me he is not much more than a populistic Fellini, a man child with an over active imagination along with the vision and skill to make it look appealing on screen. However, he is the favorite director of some of my closest friends so to say that he doesn't know how to connect with people would be off base. Here he tackles Gotham for a second time and his vision of it a quite festive. The criminals walk on stilts while juggling fire and wearing gaudy skeleton masks. The streets are filled with giant statues that invoke Ayn Rand. And the roofs are incredibly weak, which is convenient because people love crashing through them in this town. It all looks great and I did like this movie but, and forgive me for saying this, it was more of the same from Burton, too much surface.

Here Batman battles Catwoman and The Penguin, two villains who really despise him although we are never really given a firm reason why. The other main player is Shreck (no relation to the ogre, played here by Christopher Walken) a Donald Trump type who has risen to the top by breaking laws and breaking necks. When he first meets up with Penguin he is called out for his corporate malfeasance so he does what any other self-respecting tycoon would do, he buys him off. From there they hatch a plan, similar to Bush's 9-11 plan, where together they screw up the city in a bid to get Penguin elected puppet Mayor of Gotham. And hey, in a world of McConnell and Lott he would hardly be the worst publicly elected official out there. This leads to some funny scenes where they try to incorporate Penguin into the world of politics, but the best he can muster is to lustfully leer at any female that walks by and to eat the nose off of his image consultant. To defeat Batman is the ultimate plan and for a while he is bested by the shapely Penguin, and when I say shapely I mean round. Time and again Batman is humiliated, his pride being a major liability, and soon it appears as though it is Batman alone who is sending the city down the tubes. So while I sat through the Wrong Man plot for the 150th time ("Batman pushed her off the roof!!"), I also had to sit through some serious fat chewing sessions between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle (Catwoman) as they discuss the pros and cons of duality. Of course when she isn't trying to pick Bruce up she is unleashing a litany of back flips and bad double entendres ("Be gentle it's my first time") on his alter ego. I understand bad one liners are the name of the game because the average fan is 8 years old (in mind and/or body) but this script really went for the gold with them.

More than anything I am recommending this film for the Penguin and all his disgusting, creepy glory. This film had you believe that he truly believed that he was a ladies man and possible mayoral candidate. The fighting is more of the bang zoom variety as opposed to the more realistic, violent kind that Christopher Nolan rolled with in "Batman Begins." So while this one is nothing special it is worth a look for its creative set design and guilty pleasure appeal. Burton never took the franchise to the heights that Nolan did, but he never sank it like Joel Schumacher did either. So while you watch be sure to count your blessings that rubber lips are nowhere to be found. ***1/4

Average customer rating:

Awesome, fun, campy, cute.
Love it
Just plain fun
D.E.B.S.
Pleasently Suprised!

D.E.B.S. (Special Edition)
Starring: Sara Foster , Jordana Brewster , Meagan Good , Devon Aoki , and Jill Ritchie
Director: Angela Robinson (III)
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009298MU
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Amazon.com

You can say this about D.E.B.S.: director Angela Robinson's 2005 feature isn't very good, but it is surprisingly entertaining. The premise, which bears a passing resemblance to any number of previous films (from Heathers and Clueless to Charlie's Angels and the Austin Powers franchise), involves a secret government agency recruiting young women as spies, based on their smarts, their ability to lie convincingly, and the fact that they look fetching in ultra-miniskirts. Four of the D.E.B.S. are then charged with collaring "criminal mastermind" Lucy Diamond (Jordana Brewster), who has returned to the States after hatching all manner of nefarious plots overseas. Then comes the twist: Diamond is gay, and one of our heroines, Amy Bradshaw (Sara Foster), unexpectedly finds herself falling in love with her. Out goes the espionage element; in comes the love story, and therein lies the surprise, as this burgeoning lesbian relationship is handled with unexpected sympathy, even tenderness. Sure, the acting, even by veteran grownups like Holland Taylor and Michael Clarke Duncan, is almost uniformly lame, and the script is silly; overall, the film would have to put on considerable weight to even be considered frothy. Still, D.E.B.S. isn't a bad way to kill a couple of hours. DVD bonus features include a making-of featurette and commentary by Robinson and the cast. --Sam Graham

Description

Sultry crime boss Lucy Diamond (Jordana Brewster, The Fast and the Furious) is back in the states and the D.E.B.S.- an elite team of paramilitary college co-ed superspies- are hot on her trail. But when their top agent, gorgeous Amy Bradshaw (Sara Foster, The Big Bounce), mysteriously disappears after coming face to face with the attractive young villainess, the D.E.B.S. begin a full-scale search for Lucy's secret lair, never suspecting that Amy may not want to be rescued after all, in this smart and sexy spy spoof about love at first gun sight.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome, fun, campy, cute........2007-06-28

Loved it! It was just what i needed. It is kinda like the animation "Totally Spies" but live action. It was campy cute fun!

Love it.......2007-06-15

I have to say that I wasnt expecting a lot from the movie but I ended up loving it! It was laugh out loud funny and always entertaining with good plot. Like others said, its not oscar worthy but it was an hour and a half well spent. I watch it all the time when I get bored and now my friends love it too. Well worth watching; it may not look promising at first but after 10 min. you'll be addicted.

Just plain fun.......2007-05-31

I agree that this movie is not oscar-worthy, but it was a fun way to spend an hour or so as it was funny and entertaining. Isn't that what movies are supposed to do - entertain us? Well, this one does. As long as you don't take this one too seriously, it's worth a bag of popcorn.

D.E.B.S........2007-05-25

A great movie to have fun with. The best satorical comment on lesbian coming out and dating. A film that can make anyone laugh at that first chance meeting. One that can be watched more than once and still laugh.

Pleasently Suprised!.......2007-05-23

Ill admit I completely misjudged this movie...It was greeat! Granted you'll have to have a certain sense of humor (Just as the others said, if you liked Austin Powers or Clueless type movies) to like it. Very entertaining and the pacing was fantastic. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!!

Average customer rating:

Esta chida
Bought for B-day gift
Better than a kiss on the veranda
Three Amigos
Classic

Three Amigos
Starring: Chevy Chase , Steve Martin , Martin Short , Patrice Martinez , and Philip Gordon
Director: John Landis
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Farce | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Comedy | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: 0783115202
Release Date: 1999-11-23

Amazon.com

Three Western stars (Martin Short, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase) from Hollywood silent films go to Mexico for what they assume will be a publicity appearance, and find they've actually been summoned to fight a local bandit. John Landis directed this 1986 comedy with self-conscious artifice, and it's hard to get into his self-congratulatory joke. Even the three main stars, brilliant comics all, can't sustain anything funny in it. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Esta chida.......2007-05-15

Esta pelicula la vi en los 80's y me orine de la risa, a hora que la compre despues de 20 años sin duda son buenos comicos, sobre todo Alfonso Arau y no se diga de Chevy Chase y Steve Martin.

Bought for B-day gift .......2007-04-29

Bought for B-day gift for my husband I am sure he is going to love it

Better than a kiss on the veranda.......2007-03-04

This movie has brought me and my nine year old son closer together. In fact, after watching it together just five times, we will be Amigo's forever. He likes the one liners... "Do you have anything besides Mexican food?" I like the visuals; The dirty, dusty faces south of the border compared to the Amigos in their clean flashy costumes.It is stunning. He likes the singing bush. I like "Blue Shadows." The next day I asked my boy if he liked the dinner I cooked. He said it would have been better with a "light chicken gravy." It is the only movie I have ever seen that makes me bust out laughing when I'm just thinking about it. Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short.... "I like these guys. They are funny guys!"

Three Amigos.......2007-02-23

Great movie. Very entertaining. Its a classic just like the other Martin Short, Steve Martin and Chevy Chase movies of that time. Add it to your collection.

Classic.......2007-01-30

How anyone could not love this movie is beyond me. It's probably my all time favorite movie since I was a kid. It never fails to make me laugh and had me spending hours rewinding the "My little Buttercup" song scene as a kid trying to learn their whole routine (yes, I still know it! LOL). It's strange and quirky, but never fails to make you laugh. It's definitely a movie that becomes an instant favorite!

Average customer rating:

I Still Reember the Real Broadcasts in Nam
Good Morning Vietnam
Classic
Good Morning, Vietnam
Best funny war movie

Good Morning, Vietnam (Special Edition)
Starring: Robin Williams , Forest Whitaker , Tung Thanh Tran , Chintara Sukapatana , and Bruno Kirby
Director: Barry Levinson
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Black Comedy | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000B8QG22
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Amazon.com essential video

Barry Levinson (Wag the Dog) directed this comedy-drama about an Armed Forces Radio disc jockey (Robin Williams) whose manic, hilarious delivery from a studio in 1965 Saigon gives U.S. troops in the field a morale boost (while upsetting military brass). Based on the real-life experiences of deejay Adrian Cronauer, the film is actually more concept than story: put Williams in front of a microphone and let him go nuts. Still, the surrounding stuff about the influence upon Cronauer of the endless deaths among his listeners--as Cronauer tries to stay funny while feeling the mounting losses--is affecting. Williams got a much-deserved Oscar nomination for his work. --Tom Keogh

Description

When the U.S. Army engages irreverent, nonconformist radio deejay Adrian Cronauer, it unleashes a secret, if unpredictable, weapon: laughter. Academy Award(R) winner Robin Williams (Best Supporting Actor, GOOD WILL HUNTING, 1997) shakes up 1965 Saigon in the role that garnered him his very first Oscar(R) nomination. Imported by the military to host an early a.m. radio show, Cronauer (Williams) blasts the formerly serene, sanitized airwaves with a constant barrage of rapid-fire humor and the hottest hits from back home. The G.I.s love him, but the top brass is up in arms. Riddled with sidesplitting comic salvos, bittersweet bombshells, and hot '60s rock 'n' roll, this landmark film chronicles one man's raucous Saigon adventures amidst a world gone mad. Featuring all-new bonus material that includes hilarious outtakes from Robin Williams' "raw" monologues, this Special Edition of GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM, scores a direct hit every time you watch.

Customer Reviews:

I Still Reember the Real Broadcasts in Nam.......2007-06-04

This movie brought back some memories of listening to radio in Vietnam during my tour of duty. How could any of us forget the loud "Goooooooooooooooood Mooooooorning VIETNAM! That was a signature greeting and brought many a smiles and a few laughs when they were much in need. I do not know how much of this film is based on truth or real events but in any case, it is great to see this man's work honored.

Robin Williams continues to be a comic giant! His talents are totally on display and he makes this movie worth watching!

Good Morning Vietnam.......2007-05-12

Too many funny parts to mention- with a very serious storyline as well. "Leutenant Steve, Leutenant Steve....Why it's my good pal Frenchy"

Classic.......2007-04-04

This is a Robin Williams classic. Realistic scencery and excellent story line. A must for all collections.

Good Morning, Vietnam.......2007-02-08

I found this movie to be one of Robin Williams best movies.

Best funny war movie.......2006-12-07

This is about a disk jockey, The big guys hate him but the soldiers love his and his humor! This is a must have movie!!!!!

Average customer rating:

good shepard, BAD movie
CIA spies
C.I.A. Confused I Am
Boring as Heck !!!!!!
Over-hyped, over-cast, poorly written

The Good Shepherd (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Alec Baldwin , Matt Damon , Robert De Niro , Keir Dullea , and Michael Gambon
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000MXPE7Y
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

good shepard, BAD movie.......2007-07-05

CIA spies.......2007-07-04

Movie was great - a little slow at times, but the subject matter was very interesting....

C.I.A. Confused I Am.......2007-07-03

Boring as Heck !!!!!!.......2007-06-28

Over-hyped, over-cast, poorly written.......2007-06-27

Average customer rating:

The beginning of the end
Good Bye, Lenin!
High Grade Art.
A world of change
Neat Movie

Good Bye, Lenin!
Starring: Daniel Brühl , Katrin Saß , Chulpan Khamatova , Maria Simon , and Florian Lukas
Director: Wolfgang Becker (II)
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Satire | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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In July

ASIN: B000274THQ
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Amazon.com

Contemporary comedies rarely stretch themselves beyond a bickering romantic couple or a bickering couple and a bucket of bodily fluids, which makes the ambition and intelligence of Good bye, Lenin! not simply entertaining but downright refreshing. The movie starts in East Germany before the fall of communism; our hero, Alex (Daniel Bruhl), describes how his mother (Katrin Sass), a true believer in the communist cause, has a heart attack when she sees him being clubbed by police at a protest. She falls into a coma for eight months--during which the Berlin Wall comes down. When she awakens, her fragile health must avoid any shocks, so Alex creates an illusive reality around his bedridden mother to convince her that communism is still alive. Good bye, Lenin! delicately balances wry satire with its rich investment in the lives of Alex, his mother, and other characters around them. Funny, moving, and highly recommended. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

The beginning of the end.......2007-06-19

Before the Berlin Wall fell, East Germany is ruled by Communist Russia and its citizens were forced to live a lie- a society that is supposed to be based on equality and social justice. Alex Kernel (played by the amazing Daniel Brühl) is a young disillusioned young man who, together with his fellow East Germans, are on the verge of a revolution and social change.

While walking together with fellow rallyist, Alex was arrested and his mother, who witnessed the scene, suffered a heart attack. While his mother survived, it left her in a coma and for 8 months, Alex and his older sister Ariane took care of her. As East Germany became no more and the reunification of his homeland was completed, his mother woke up. What follows is a hilarious, amusing and at times serious and thought-provoking attempt to shield his mother from the sweeping changes and their altered life as citizens of the newly unified Germany.

Director Wolfgang Becker spared no expense to capture a time and place that now exist only in old, yellowed newspapers and history books. The finished product, a film that is not only a realistic social commentary but also a love story between a son and a mother, and the journey a young restless soul need to travel to discover himself.

Good Bye, Lenin!.......2007-05-29

Funny and heart-warming story about a family during the time of the collapse of the Berlin wall. For the whole family.

High Grade Art. .......2007-05-21

I first heard about this movie a week ago after reading an article in which a commentator described it as being a bit of "communist chic." This intrigued me so I had to check it out. Well, I'm happy to report that the fellow's opinion was nonsense. It's no more accurate a perception than one that misconstrued The Beatles "Back in the USSR" as an ode to the Soviet Union. This is not a propagandistic story in the least. It's a beautiful film about love, family, and truth. Basically, the central question concerns whether or not we should lie to loved ones if we think the lie will ultimately benefit them. The answer is not easy for the main characters or the audience. Goodbye, Lenin! provides us with ambiguity after ambiguity and is rife with the same nuance that fills our own lives. I saw nothing offensive about this film; indeed, it is a valuable work of art.

A world of change.......2007-05-17

This movie represents in a very interesting way the changes that drive our world and our families. The molding of reality to fit certain likings is a very appropiate evocation of history. A very funny and tragic movie!

Neat Movie.......2007-05-12

This movie gave a lot of insight to the way that the East Germans were feeling that crazy time before the wall came down. For a few different generations.

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