The Relic

Starring:Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, Linda Hunt, James Whitmore, Clayton Rohner, Chi Moui Lo, Thomas Ryan, Robert Lesser, Diane Robin, Lewis Van Bergen, Constance Towers, Francis X. McCarthy, Audra Lindley, John Kapelos, Tico Wells, Mike Bacarella, Gene Davis, John DiSanti, David Proval, Dave Graubart
Director: Peter Hyams
Studio: Paramount
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Do yourself a favor: pick up a copy of Alien, Ridley Scott's brilliant sci-fi/horror masterpiece, instead of wasting your time on The Relic. This patent rip-off of just about every other worthy horror and/or disaster flick certainly looks good in the packaging: a sturdy cast led by Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, and Oscar-winner Linda Hunt; a reliable director (Peter Hyams); and a creepy enough setting--Chicago's Museum of Natural History, where an anticipated exhibition about tribal artifacts called "Superstition" is about to debut. OK. So far, so good. But some of the pieces scheduled for show have crossed customs even though the freighter that has hauled them north is found adrift and empty--its crew the victims of a mysterious creature that is soon on the rampage in the museum.

Amazon.com

Jim Henson's fantasy epic The Dark Crystal doesn't take place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but like Star Wars it takes the audience to a place that exists only in the imagination and, for an hour and a half, on the screen. Recalling the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, Henson tells the story of a race of grotesque birdlike lizards called the Skeksis, gnomish dragons who rule their fantastic planet with an iron claw. A prophecy tells of a Gelfling (a small elfin being) who will topple their empire, so in their reign of terror they have exterminated the race, or so they think. The orphan Jen, raised in solitude by a race of peace-loving wizards called the Mystics, embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of the Dark Crystal (which gives the Skeksis their power) and restore the balance of the universe. Henson and codirector Frank Oz have pushed puppetry into a new direction: traditional puppets, marionettes, giant bodysuits, and mechanical constructions are mixed seamlessly in a fantasy world of towering castles, simple huts, dank caves, a giant clockwork observatory, and a magnificent landscape that seem to have leaped off the pages of a storybook. Muppet fans will recognize many of the voice actors--a few characters sound awfully close to familiar comic creations--but otherwise it's a completely alien world made familiar by a mythic quest that resonates through stories over the ages. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Oldies.......2007-06-27

This movie I bought because I had never seen it. If you don't mind squaking bird sounds and nails on a chalkboard- than go for it. I had a headache half way through. This movie has more noise than dialogue.

The Dark Crystal.......2007-06-15

There are 10 Skekses left in the world. This cruel, violent species's emporer is dying. There are 10 Mystics left in the world. The wisest Mysitc is dying. When the Mystic leader (the dying one) was younger he rescued a Gelfling from a Skekses raid (there were more of each species back then) and dubbed him Jem. The Mystics taught him everything - except the prophecy (IF YOU TRY TO STOP A PROPHECY IN A MOVIE YOU WILL FAIL, PERIOD.) The prophecy said that if a Gelfling does not repair the Crystal, located in the Crystal Castle, before the 3 suns lined up the world will be plunged into a time of evil forever. Skekses send bug-monsters to catch and kill Jem. Jem goes to the ugly witch Olgra to get the shard which came off. As he turns to leave, the bug-monster things attack Olgra's dome-house. Then they carry off Olgra, but she turns out not to be a Gelfling, let alone Jem. Jem is running for dear life. Then this puffball dog thing growls at him. A girl Gelfling comes out and says something to the puffball, who shuts up. It turns out that the Pod People had saved HER from the SAME raid. Love love lovie dovie. Jem goes to the Pod People with Kira, but then the bugs attack again, and carry off the Pod People, who also turn out not to be Gelflings. Then the bugs actually almost get them, but Kira grabs Jem and flies down a handy cliff. Jem says that he doen't have wings, but Kira replies that, of course not, he's a BOY! Then a Skekse gets banished, and says NOT to repair the Crystal, because they didn't need to, no, they could just live out here forever. Jem thwacks him, and Skekse gets cut.

Although the characters are Muppets, there are no real jokes. Plenty of adventure. So good, my critical-of-every-detail dad watched it twice a day for who knows how long. Also, in 2008, a sequel called the Power of the Dark Crystal will come out, but with (ugh) ANAMATRONIC PUPPETS. I will watch both, personally.

Mom loves this movie!.......2007-05-18

This is a pretty good movie, it was better to me when I was little though :) Since technology has come so far along now. I couldn't get over the price though, it was $6.99 so I couldn't resist adding it to my collection.

An all time favorite!

good quality. good price.......2007-05-17

my boyfriend loves this movie, cheesey story, thin plot, good animation

Fantasy-children.......2007-05-14

I buy these type of movies for my grandkids,they seem to enjoy these over cartoons and I don't mind watching them with them.

Average customer rating:

Amazing athletics.
Tony Jaa is WICKED!
Great movie.
Tony Jaa is here to stay!
The absolute BEST martial arts movie I've ever seen!

Ong-Bak - The Thai Warrior
Starring: Petchtai Wongkamlao , Tony Jaa , Pumwaree Yodkamol , Suchao Pongwilai , and Chumphorn Thepphithak
Director: Prachya Pinkaew
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Protector (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Kung Fu Hustle (Widescreen Edition)
Oldboy
Jet Li's Fearless (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
Unleashed (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B0009VBTQY
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Amazon.com

No computer graphic can ever surpass what a real human body can do--and what the body can do is on spectacular display in Ong-Bak, a Thai action movie starring the lithe and flexible Tony Jaa. When the head is stolen from a holy statue in Jaa's rural village, he goes to Bangkok to get it back. Of course, it just so happens that the thief is connected to a bar where criminal big shots gamble over bare-knuckle brawls, and Jaa is--despite his virtuous efforts--drawn into the game. But that's only the beginning; a chase through the city streets rivals the ingenious acrobatics of Jackie Chan, with Jaa leaping between panes of glass, over a bicycle in motion, and through a wreath of barbed wire. Jaa's fighting prowess has been compared to Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and just about every other martial arts master, but he has an equal degree of charisma as well. He won't win acting awards, but his engaging presence carries the movie. One word of warning: The numerous fights will make you wince as much as gape in astonishment. Ong-Bak follows the action-flick tradition that the hero needs to be as battered as possible before he ultimately triumphs, and the battering is intense. --Bret Fetzer

Description

When the head of his village's sacred Buddha statue is stolen, simple country boy Ting (Tony Jaa) is sent to Bangkok to retrieve it. Raised by a monk who has trained him in Muay Thai, Ting has vowed to never use his lethal martial arts skills. But once he arrives in the big city, Ting is forced to fight. It's non-stop action as Ting infiltrates Bangkok's seedy underworld and takes on a series of lowlifes and criminals in his quest to obtain the sacred head.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing athletics........2007-06-16

While not a fan of these kind of movies I watched this after hearing about the incredible skill of the star. While the premise, storytelling, and acting aren't great, it's not what people watch these movies for.

But as a centerpiece for the abilities of Tony Jaa, it works. The dvd box stresses that there are no camera tricks or special effects, and it looks like that's true. The 'stunts' that Jaa does are incredible, and I can recommend this only for that. Some of the staged stunts come across as cheesy regardless of the amount of skill and strength needed to perform them. Like him walking across his pursuers shoulders to get away from them, or that some of the stunts are show many times but from different angles.

Entertaining for fans of the genre.

Tony Jaa is WICKED!.......2007-05-21

This movie is what you should expect from a low-budget foreign produced movie. Not shot for American viewing, but the stunts he does are SO INCREDIBLE it more than makes up for the shallow story line and acting.

Great movie........2007-05-07

People got to see this movie. Tony Jaa is fantastic in martial arts stunt but true. He is the new Bruce Lee. Now I'm interested on learning the Muay Thai myself.

Tony Jaa is here to stay!.......2007-04-06

The most successful movie in Thai cinematic history is also the best "real world" martial artist film in the past decade. With all the fantastic wire work in Iron Monkey, Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon it's nice to swing the pendulum back the other way toward what I grew up with, Bruce Lee style raw and powerful, full contact fight scenes. Tony Jaa is the next Bruce Lee and will surpass his predecessors Jackie Chan and Jet Li. He has Li's Technical skill and speed, Chan's stunt work and acrobatics and Lee's brutal style with no wires. Jaa is the real deal

This is his first film (staring role at lease, Jaa was a stuntman before this) and this movie rocks the entire way though. There are only four main fight scenes but they are so well done and with so much intensity it feels like a Bruce lee film or early Jackie Chan (serious Chan, not buster Kenton Chan). Jaa does all his own stunts, no CGI, no wires. Jaa incorporated Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) which is not well know but is jaw dropping and painfully brutal. You can see every bone crushing blow and truly believe it could inflict some real damage. The music is great and really ups the pace in these hard core action scenes. Like any good Jackie Chan movie this one also features Jaa is various, seemingly unbelievable stunts that are truly unique to Jaa. You just have to see it to believe he can do what he can do.

The finally to this movie is amazing, the scene in the cave, raw and so brutal and is shot beautifully with just the right amount of diffused lighting that gives the dark yet visible fight scene and lets you get the mood and still see every blow, crisp and clear.

Everyone likes to rag on the plots of these films; if you're watching this for the plot then you're an idiot. Sit back and enjoy seeing the beginning of the new king of movie martial arts, Tony Jaa.

The absolute BEST martial arts movie I've ever seen!.......2007-03-17

Being a martial artist myself and studying for years ad seeing tons of movies......this one is crazy stuff. After seeing this I have become a Tony Jaa fan. I saw The Protector in the theater and it is just as good. Buy both of them!

Lara Croft Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life (Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

One of Jolie's best
Good movie
Action galore with some hot romance along the way
For Lara-fans
Lara Croft Tomb Raider- The Cradle of Life

Lara Croft Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Angelina Jolie , Gerard Butler , Ciarán Hinds , Chris Barrie , and Noah Taylor
Director: Jan de Bont
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Lara Croft - Tomb Raider (Special Collector's Edition)
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ASIN: B0000CABE5
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Amazon.com

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Cradle of Life is certainly better than its 2001 predecessor, but its appeal is mostly aimed at fans of the video games that inspired both movies. That pretty much leaves you with some fun but familiar action sequences, and the ever-alluring sight of Angelina Jolie (reprising her title role) as she swims, swings, kicks, shoots, flies, jet-skis, motorcycles, and free-falls her way toward saving the world, this time by making sure that a grimacing villain (Ciarán Hinds) doesn't open Pandora's Box (yes, the actual mythological object) and unleash a deadly plague that will "weed out" the global population. Exotic locations add to Jolie's own coolly erotic appeal, but we're left wondering if this franchise has anywhere else to go. --Jeff Shannon

Description

In LARA CROFT TOMB RAIDER -THE CRADLE OF LIFE, Pandora's Box is said to house the most unspeakable evil ever known, and it is hidden in Africa in an area known as "The Cradle Of Life." Now, it is up to Lara Croft to find the infamous box before it falls into the hands of a maniacal Nobel Prize-winning scientist (Hinds), who's intent on harnessing the evil power. Facing her greatest challenges yet, the intrepid tomb raider travels the world on a spectacular adventure that takes her to such exotic places as Hong Kong, Kenya, Tanzania, Greece and the Great Wall of China.

Customer Reviews:

One of Jolie's best.......2007-05-07

Loved this film when it first came out and still like to keep in my collection.

Good movie.......2007-05-07

I really like this movie, even more that the first one. It has a lot of action. And the DVD features are pretty good.

Action galore with some hot romance along the way.......2007-04-06

Croft is out for adventure and action again and Jolie fills the bill
very well. The stunts and special effects are good especially the flight
off the tallest building in HongKong. This time Lara has company in a
virile and sexy scottish actor named Gerard Butler. He gives her plenty
of competition in their action shots and some very sultry scenes in the
romance department. I thought the ending was a cope out and thought the
alternate ending made more sense.

For Lara-fans.......2007-01-28

This may not be intellectually challenging, but features enough exotic scenery and special effects to hold the viewer's attention for at least a couple of viewings.

Great entertainment for kids, while the dads will enjoy the sight of Angelina Jolie in her bikini. Features less action than the first Lara Croft movie, but makes up for this with clever effects, and by switching between numerous spectacular locations.

Jolie may not be the world's greatest actress, but continues to be the ideal choice for what is essentially a female Indiana Jones. If you enjoyed the first, then this is a must-see.

Lara Croft Tomb Raider- The Cradle of Life.......2007-01-09

I'm not a big fan of Angelina Jolie, but I do like this movie. Of course Gerard Butler is wonderful to watch in this movie and they work well together.

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider (Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Tomb Raider - HD
A collector's Must Have
Lara Croft - Tomb Raider
Visually stunning!
Comment on "Lara Croft-Tomb Raider"

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Chris Barrie , Daniel Craig , Iain Glen , Angelina Jolie , and Leslie Phillips
Director: Simon West
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Lara Croft Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life (Special Collector's Edition)
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ASIN: B00003CXZ1
Release Date: 2001-11-13

Amazon.com

Like the video game series it's based on, Tomb Raider is best enjoyed for its physical strategies, since even casual scrutiny of story details will induce a headache. It's more concerned with puzzles than plot, populated with characters that don't have personalities so much as attitudes. It's silly and somber at the same time, but as a franchise vehicle for Angelina Jolie in the title role of relic hunter Lara Croft, this is packaged entertainment at its most agreeable, ambitious in scope and scale, and filled with the kind of globetrotting adventure that could make Jolie the best thing that's happened to action movies since Indiana Jones. Could being the operative word here, because Tomb Raider can't match any of Steven Spielberg's celebrated joyrides, but the ingredients are there for an exquisitely cinematic meal.

Perhaps to distance himself from Lara Croft's video game origins, director Simon West takes things a bit too seriously; Tomb Raider handles its plot (involving a planetary alignment, the nefarious Illuminati, and coveted relics that hold the key to controlling the flow of time) with all the gravity of a championship chess match... minus the tension. If the movie had lightened up and been truly suspenseful (instead of being suffused with been-there, done-that familiarity), it would have been an instant popcorn classic. As it is, however, this is an elegantly mounted adventure featuring exotic locations (in Cambodia and Iceland) and an exotic star born for her role. Even without her padded bra, Jolie would be the living embodiment of Lara Croft, and that's enough to bode well for inevitable sequels. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Tomb Raider - HD.......2007-05-10

Video transfer quality is great. Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 soundtrack is very clean - I haven't listened to the DTS soundtrack, but it includes one. Special features are PLENTY, among which are both a trailer and a teaser trailer in HD.

If you enjoy this movie, I would say you get a great value for the money with the quality and all the features. If you've never seen this movie before, and you feel the same way as I do about some of the other movies I've reviewed here on Amazon, then you may feel the same way as I do about "Tomb Raider" as well.

My first impression - having all the bells and whistles of a great surround system - leads me to conclude that it's plenty "Tomb" but not quite "Raider".

The story is decent as far as "adventures" go, perhaps more on the unconvincing side, but the action seemed small to me: gunfire petite...explosions dainty...somewhat corny...Lara evades a gunman's barrage of bullets in the main lobby of her mansion like a schoolyard tetherball going around its pole, and I couldn't help but be reminded of writings I remember from the U.S.S. Alabama - "Lead Dammit, Lead!"

"Tomb Raider" may be more of (but not necessarily) a "chick flic" adventure (pardon the reference) strongly cashing in on the "daddy's little girl" theme, which could easily alienate some. However, do not assume me biased about a female lead: I found "Aeon Flux" to be an outstanding film - it too has a female lead.

It turns out I honestly just didn't like this movie. If you're a fan of the "Tomb Raider" videogame, or of Angelina Jolie, or of archeological adventures or of the aforementioned thematic structure, you might get a kick out of this film. If you're particular about your collection, you may want to be cautious about this one - but in its defense, it's all a matter of taste.

I neither recommend nor condemn this film - I just didn't like it.

A collector's Must Have.......2007-05-07

Jolie as an action figure just sits right. I am glad I have it to watch whenever.

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider.......2007-05-07

Love it came in great condition!and it shows GREAT!!

Visually stunning!.......2007-04-09

And the sets and scenery are nice too. Face it, the reason we're here to talk about this movie, is because of the star. It's all about Angelina Jolie, but unfortunately this film is rated PG-13, so you just don't get as much of her as you would like.

The main character, Lara Croft (Jolie) is the uber-sexy combination of the all the archeological nerdiness of Indiana Jones, the swashbuckling adventure of Robin Hood, the firepower of Rambo, the gadgetry of James Bond and the sexiness of, well, Angelina Jolie. Her humble abode, Croft Manor is meant to evoke some sort of combination of classic European aristocracy and 22nd Century technical marvel. Some weird combination of Palace of Versailles crossed with the Bat Cave and the deck of the Starship Enterprise. Why can't we all be born into this lifestyle? In fact I guess it really is a lot like Bruce Wayne's place.

The opening scene is a fantastic fight sequence between a barely clad Croft and some robot thingy we don't care about. It nearly kills her, but she comes through and destroys it and we all learn it's just some cheese ball training session, and a good excuse for her to wear a nice tight top and some revealing shorts. This is followed by a completely meaningless scene that serves no purpose what so ever , Croft in a shower. If they would have been brave enough to shoot for an R rating, or even an NC-17, it could have been the greatest scene in the history of filmmaking. As it is, just a naked wet Jolie throwing her hair about and posing as the water falls on her body. It really is quite magnificent, and yet somewhat disappointing.

The story revolves around some global organization bent on taking over the world, and their plans revolve around the planets aligning and some magic key they need to find to control time. Along the way we learn that Croft has daddy issues (Jon Voight, her real life father) since he's been missing for so long. And she is the uber-cool totally against the grain rebel that upsets any and all uptight class elitists she runs into along the way, even though she`s a rich snob herself. She has a geeky brainiac side kick/helper named Bryce (Noah Talyor) who is pretty funny actually, a nice little smart alec, and an opposing archeologist working for the bad guys named Alex (Craig, Daniel Craig).

The movie looks pretty, which is its main goal. There is some sort of story, plenty of action, a bit of intrigue and the constant presence and pleasure of Croft's breasts, which appear to be the main feature of this story, since the camera rarely leaves them and her outfits always ensure their prominent display. Also, there are enough references to the Illuminati (the bad guys here, bent on world domination, and definitely not wiling to wait another 5000 years for the planetary alignment before they can take over) and the all seeing eye on the pyramid to make a Da Vinci code buff have some sort of nerd-gasm trying to compare/contrast how those two symbols are used in the different films.

The movie is really just a whacky wild adventure in the pursuit of two halves of a magic mystery triangle so powerful that the evil Mecha-Streisand can be destroyed once and for all! Ok, that's not really what the triangle does, it gives the user the ability to manipulate time, which the bad guys will use to take over the world. As if they're not already in control of everything. Of course Lara prevents them from getting the triangle, actually gets control of it herself and does nothing spectacular with it before destroying it.

The parallels between Tomb Raider and Raiders of the Lost Ark are almost uncanny. A swashbuckling hero Croft/Indy is out to save the world by finding the triangle/ark before the bad guys Illuminati/Nazis are able to do so with their own archeologist Alex West/Renee Belloq.

With that, it's a visually stunning film, with the scenery and locals, the special effects, and of course the lead actress. It's entertaining, and worth the money. Pick it up. Enjoy it. You won't remember anything about it a week after seeing it. It's a good fun movie, that is completely forgettable.

As for the special features on this Widescreen Special Collectors Edition:

Digging Into Tomb Raider
Crafting Lara Croft
The Stunts of Tomb Raider
Visual Effects of Tomb Raider
Are you Game?
Commentary by Director Simon West
4 Deleted Scenes
Alternate Main Title Sequences
U2 Music Video, "Elevation" Tomb Raider Mix
DVD-ROM Features
Tomb Raider Timeline
Tomb Raider Chronicles Game

Some pretty cool stuff, worth checking out.

Comment on "Lara Croft-Tomb Raider".......2007-03-11

I love this movie so much. I cannot think of any other actress who can play Lara Croft better than Angelina Jolie. She did most of the stunts personally without using the double. She is sexy and smart in the film. The plot is fast-paced and the visual effect is superb. We do not always have a movie whose main character is heroine these days. I think anyone who loves action and adventure films cannot miss this one.

Average customer rating:

On the blu-ray release
disappointing blu-ray release
Lara Croft - We need more
Lara never looked better
Very well done!!

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider [Blu-ray]
Starring: Chris Barrie , Daniel Craig , Iain Glen , Angelina Jolie , and Leslie Phillips
Director: Simon West
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000I0QLZU
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Product Description

A member of a rich British aristocratic family, Lara Croft is a "tomb raider" who enjoys collecting ancient artifacts from ruins of temples, cities, etc. worldwide, and doesn't mind going through death-defying dangers to get them. She is skilled in hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, and foreign languages - and does them all in tight outfits. Well, the planets of the solar system are going into planetary alignment (Which occurs every 5,000 years), and a secret society called the Illuminati is seeking an ancient talisman that gives its possessor the ability to control time. However, they need a certain clock/key to help them in their search, and they have to find the talisman in one week or wait until the next planetary alignment to find it again. Lara happens to find that key hidden in a wall of her mansion. The Illuminati steal it, and Lara gets an old letter from her deceased father telling her about the society's agenda (Her father was also the one who hid the key). Now, she must retrieve the key and find and destroy the talisman before the Illuminati can get their hands on it.

Format: BLU-RAY DISC

Customer Reviews:

On the blu-ray release.......2007-04-26

When the Lara Croft video game was released it was so ahead of its time, it influenced and changed the video game industry.
It would have been nice if the Lara Croft series could continue its revelutionary approach by producing a crystal clear version of this 7 year old movie. But seeing the way how they prepared the title for HD, its apparent that the producers dont have big expectancies from this old lady.
The movie is very much grainy, there are even scratches and glares. I am not impressed with the audio as well.
The HD version has absolutely Zero upgrade value.
There are many extras but as i dont have the DVD im not sure if they are special for this version or not.

disappointing blu-ray release.......2007-03-23

this is my 10th blu-ray movie, and it is one of the worst one I have seen, there is grain everywhere and colors are so saturated it made the picture look flat and plain. Definitely not for showing off your HD equipment.

Lara Croft - We need more.......2007-03-09

Great female action movie. We need more like this. It holds your interest.

Lara never looked better.......2007-01-30

When i played this for the first time on my blu-ray player i was instantly able to see the difference in quality. The image was crisp and felt as though i was seeing it back in the theaters again.

Very well done!!.......2007-01-29

The people who say this movie didn't have a good transfer are crazy, maybe they didn't have their HDMI cable hooked up right, or didn't have a 1080p HDTV. Who knows what their problem is. Anyway, it is a fun movie with excellent picture and sound quality. Blu-ray rocks!

Average customer rating:

Dissapointing
I liked this horror flick
Hrm . . .
Some Relilcs are best left untouched....
Good ole schlock

The Relic
Starring: Penelope Ann Miller , Tom Sizemore , Linda Hunt , James Whitmore , and Clayton Rohner
Director: Peter Hyams
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Mimic
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ASIN: 6305350213
Release Date: 1999-04-20

Amazon.com

Do yourself a favor: pick up a copy of Alien, Ridley Scott's brilliant sci-fi/horror masterpiece, instead of wasting your time on The Relic. This patent rip-off of just about every other worthy horror and/or disaster flick certainly looks good in the packaging: a sturdy cast led by Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, and Oscar-winner Linda Hunt; a reliable director (Peter Hyams); and a creepy enough setting--Chicago's Museum of Natural History, where an anticipated exhibition about tribal artifacts called "Superstition" is about to debut. OK. So far, so good. But some of the pieces scheduled for show have crossed customs even though the freighter that has hauled them north is found adrift and empty--its crew the victims of a mysterious creature that is soon on the rampage in the museum.

The Relic relies on huge leaps of faith to engage the viewer, and finally offers nothing to elevate what could have been good fun--poking here and there at several different movie genres--to a higher level . Ultimately, the film suffers most from its own self-consciousness--it knows it's a carbon copy of better predecessors, and its awkwardness is apparent. The otherwise glossy production is so dimly lit that it's a struggle to tell what's going on, and everything in this tepid formula piece about genetic mutation gone awry is further marred by cheesy special effects. It's almost as if the movie is trying to run away from itself and hide. Try as they may, the cast is saddled with dull, wishy-washy characters who are predictably doomed or saved, depending on their place in the food chain. While the trick in any good sci-fi film is to make the monster as smart--or smarter--than its pursuers, The Relic relegates its mutated horror to less than brainy turf and the war between good and evil is never much of a war at all--just a noisy, bloody, borrowed mess. --Paula Nechak

Customer Reviews:

Dissapointing.......2007-06-04

I realize that most movies based on books are not going to feature everything from the book, but I was disappointed at what they did with this movie. Gone is Agent Pendergast (who was a prime character in the book), and the movie seems to end as quick as it starts - i.e. the book built up a lot of suspense before the Exhibit opened. The movie has 3 murders and then viola! In the book, you feel the police chief is an idiot for letting the exhibit go on in spite of all that has happened. In the movie, it really seems like there's no reason it should not. Many small scenes from the book were included that did not make any sense at all because of stuff they left out.

Many scenes were just unrealistic - like when the rescue squad goes in through the glass roof. They are all looking down - don't they see the first man, and then the second man, get eaten? The monster isn't hiding in a corner. Right after the first man is loudly attacked they still drop the second. And I'm sure a rescue squad would have shined a flashlight down before they went down.

Everything else aside, the movie was just too dark! You couldn't see anything most of the time. There were times when the screen was completely black for 5-10 seconds at a time, and most of the other time you could barely see anything. It made the movie that much less enjoyable.

Like others, if I had seen the movie before I had read the book, I probably wouldn't have read it. The book, however, as usually is the case, was much, much better than the movie. I would certainly enjoy a good movie based on the book that stuck to the plot.

I liked this horror flick.......2007-05-23

I really liked this horror flick. I thought it was delivered well with it's scares and also did have a "unique monster". The story was acted well and it have some good graphics to it as well. See this movie for yourself. I highly recommend it to have in your horror DVD collection and for anyone that loves horror movies.

Hrm . . ........2007-03-10

Well, it is always a mistake to read the book before seeing the movie. That said, I liked the movie OK taken by itself, but compared to the book it is pretty vanilla. They moved the action from New York City to Chicago for some unknown reason, and got rid of two of the best characters - Pendergast and Smithback. Also, I was repeatedly annoyed by the lighting, or lack thereof, while watching this. It seems that about half of the movie you spend straining to see what is going on in all the shadows and the other half you're rubbing your eyes because they are shining bright lights directly into the camera *ouch*

Aside from that, I liked the monster effects and I liked that they actually let us *see* the monster; so many "monster" movies never give you a good look at what is running about - I suppose because they don't want to be bothered actually creating the whole thing. But this one had a great monster, and the pacing was good as well. I wanted to smack around some of the annoying rich people, but I guess that was the point!

If you like monster movies and haven't read the book yet, watch the movie first. If you read the book first, you won't enjoy the movie as much. Once you've watched the movie - read the book, 'cause it rocks!

Some Relilcs are best left untouched...........2007-01-03

...Until you read the BOOK first. The phenomenal novel written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child takes readers through the labyrinth beneath the American Museum of Natural History in New York City where an old relic releases a blood-curdling menace that feeds on unsuspecting prey--and no man, woman, or child is safe from it's unsuspecting claws.
The movie transports us to Chicago and loses that New York edgey beat that pulses throughout the book. And, as the novel introduces a certain charizmatic hero that is later found in several of the authors work, he is missing from this film, as is the book's charm.
Of course, if you are truly not a book reader, then this is a fun flick filled with freaky deaths and funky fools.

Good ole schlock.......2006-09-16

Some people just don't get it. Do you expect this flick to be some kind of masterpiece?! I believe one of the reviewers called this movie "pathetic." I guess that's what you get in a critically democratic forum like Amazon (throws up hands).

This is an enjoyable Monster Movie, professionally made, that takes itself seriously (a good thing for a movie-a bad thing for a movie-goer). It ain't Orson Welles. Oh, and it isn't pornographically violent like the horror/thriller flicks currently filling movie theaters with vomit and teenagers.

If you "take your horror seriously," you shouldn't bother with this one (oh, and you should get out more). Otherwise, enjoy some mindless schlock.

Guyver, Vol. 5: The Secret of Relic's Point

Average customer rating:

Guyver, Vol. 5: The Secret of Relic's Point
Starring: Kenji Nojima , Nana Mizuki , Kosuke Takeuchi , Katsuyuki Konishi , and Tomo Adachi
Director: Katsuhito Akiyama
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Guyver, Vol. 4: Innocence and Wrath
Guyver, Vol. 3: The Lost Number Commandos
Guyver - The Bioboosted Armor Procreation of the Wicked (Vol. 2)
Guyver - Days of Future Past (Vol. 1)
Utawarerumono, Vol. 4: The Price of Freedom

ASIN: B000P2A25G
Release Date: 2007-07-10

Description

GUYVER helped put anime on the map back in the early 90s. Now a bring new GUYVER kicks it up a notch, with better animation, cool new characters, and a more sophisticated storyline! Welcome to the 21st century of anime!

Average customer rating:

THEY'RE WAITING AND WATCHING
A very orginal horror film
Another lame religious thriller, throw it on the pile with the other ones!
The Gathering (C.Ricci)
THE ENDING REVALATIONS, WILL GIVE YOU CHILLS UP YOUR SPINE...

The Gathering
Starring: Christina Ricci , Ioan Gruffudd , Stephen Dillane , Kerry Fox , and Simon Russell Beale
Director: Brian Gilbert
Manufacturer: Weinstein Company
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000HC2M0C
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Description

Christina Ricci stars in this psychological thriller as an American backpacker (Cassie) traveling through the English countryside, whose life turns for the worse after she is involved in a random car accident. During recovery she is befriended by Simon Kirkman (Stephen Dillane), who has been researching a buried church from the First Century, embedded with images of Christ's crucifixion. Cassie begins to have terrifying visions of the townspeople and their deaths. Is the town cursed or are her visions spirits from the unearthed church grasping for life? What is uncovered will make you fearful for what happens next!

Customer Reviews:

THEY'RE WAITING AND WATCHING.......2007-06-12

Yes, THE GATHERING is another religious horror movie, but this one has an intriguing premise. It opens with the discovery of a buried church and a bas-relief of the crucifixion. There are several inconsistencies in this find and there starts the fun in this film. Adding to the mix is Cassie Grant (Christina Ricci), a girl who has been taken in by a family after being hit by a car and losing her memory. She has no idea why she was coming to this little village, but soon begins to have horrible visions that something bad is about to happen to the good folk in this town. She also shares a kinship with the small boy, Michael, in the family that she is staying with, and she is fiercely protectively of him against the horrible future that she sees for him.

THE GATHERING doesn't have a lot of gore. It relies more on atmosphere, and (GASP) an intelligent plotline for the viewer involvement and I think the film was successful in this. THE GATHERING was another one of those movies that I'd never heard of, one that Hollywood sank straight to DVD with little or no fanfare. I think it's so sad that they don't ever try anymore to market these films to any audience anymore. After all, we desperately needed DUKES OF HAZZARD. There was an entertainment feast I couldn't live without.

THE GATHERING is worth your time. It has chills, suspense and a good story to tell, one that just might stay with you for a while. I know I won't forget it so easily.

A very orginal horror film.......2007-06-06

I am not one for religious horror films, but I was pleasantly suprised by this one. This is very orginal for it's genre and very orginal for horror films in a whole. This twist on the horror film, to my knowledge, has never been written about or filmed in the past. What I find different about it is the "condemned group", who are the people that "watch other's die for no reason other than just watching" is what this story is about. The group of people have been around since the cruisifiction of the Christ to the present. It is also about their involvement with present tragedies. If you like a different type of horror movie with a different type of story, then I definately recommend this one.

Another lame religious thriller, throw it on the pile with the other ones!.......2007-03-25

You know I'm sick of these religious thrillers, that find themselves labeled as horror movies, not only that, they promise a shocking revelation by movies end. Please! O.k. So in this film Cassie(Ricci) after recovering from a car accident starts having visions of all the people she runs into in this small english town, dead. Plus keeps seeing people following her. Soon she relizes that the people that are following her are identicle to statues found in a first century catholic shrine unearthed in the beginning of the film.
This shrine depicts these statues looking at the crucifixtion of christ. And goes on to explain that these people were onlookers to christ being crucified, not to help or to pity, just to look for their own morbid curiosity. This film also goes on to show that these same faces are present in other human tragedies, including the JFK assassination. The Plot this film takes a back seat to the idea of the movie.
So thats the big shocker of the movie? That the people she keeps seeing are the statues in the shrine, doomed to walk the earth witness human tragedies? The other "Shocker" of the film if you haven't guessed it, due to her lack of character backround is that she is one them. Yeah, this film missed its mark. I didn't particularly think that the revelation in this film was a big shocker, nor did I think it was very original. This was a so-so movie, and as much as I think that Ricci is a good actress, he performance was so-so as well. Yeah I'm going to have to throw this movie into the pile along with the other religious thrillers that failed to miss their mark, including The Order with Heath Ledger and I'm sorry to say this, the DaVinci Code.
Plus all you Christina Ricci fans hoping for a good movie I was hoping the same thing, and I hope Black Snake Moan is good because The Gathering, and The Curse weren't that great. Bottom Line.....Boring, should not be labeled as a horror movie.

The Gathering (C.Ricci).......2007-03-09

I saw this movie a while ago...
Because Christina Ricci is my favorite actress and idol. I knew it was gonna be interesting.
I am really not religious at all and i couldnt stop staring at the tv at all...
I don't understand why this movie wasnt released early . It would probably be more popular than now when all the "PUNCH at the end" thiller/horror movie started to be the new thing!!!

I really didnt expect what happen in the end ... Maybe i was overexcited to see another Christina Ricci movie but i think you will be surprised.

I would recommend this for people who liked THE OTHERS... it has the same atmosphere.
Enjoy

THE ENDING REVALATIONS, WILL GIVE YOU CHILLS UP YOUR SPINE..........2007-03-01

Fare Warning, anyone who can't stand to sit through a movie that builds up the suspense slowly, and isn't in your face from the word go, will likely turn this off before getting to reap the rewards of the eventual revelations of this film.

But for those who like their movies to slowly build up, to a great and thought provoking reveal, that will have you and your friends talking about it, even after the film ends, then, "OH BOY", is this film for you.

Also, if you're into films like, The Da Vinci Code, where Christian doctrines are put to the test, then this is also your type of movie (although to be fare, this film doesn't so much test Christian doctrines, as much as it adds a new mythology to it).

I'd love to go into the plot and such of this great film, but that would spoil the wonderful surprises that this film holds in store for anyone with the curiosity to look beyond the negative reviews (as I did) and give this movie a try.

I think you may be pleasantly surprised, at just how good this film really is.

Average customer rating:

Tomb Raider - HD
A collector's Must Have
Lara Croft - Tomb Raider
Visually stunning!
Comment on "Lara Croft-Tomb Raider"

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider [HD DVD]
Starring: Chris Barrie , Daniel Craig , Iain Glen , Angelina Jolie , and Leslie Phillips
Director: Simon West
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000GTJT0C
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Amazon.com

Description

Lady Lara Croft (Angelina Jolie) travels to exotic and dangerous locales in search of tombs and relics of lost civilizations. As the first interplanetary alignment in 5000 years approaches, Lara Croft faces her greatest challenge. Her mission is to recover two halves of an ancient metallic triangle hidden in underground chambers in Cambodia and Siberia. With the guidance of letters written by her late father, Lord Croft (Jon Voight), Lara sets out to recover the artifact which grants its holder the power to rule time. Along the way she faces dangerous opposition from of Manfred Powell (Iain Glen), an agent in the employ of The Illuminata, a sinister secret society determined top possess the artifact at any cost. And not even Bryce (Noah Taylor), Lara's erstwhile electronics assistant can help when the ancient forces are unleashed.

Customer Reviews:

Tomb Raider - HD.......2007-05-10

A collector's Must Have.......2007-05-07

Jolie as an action figure just sits right. I am glad I have it to watch whenever.

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider.......2007-05-07

Love it came in great condition!and it shows GREAT!!

Visually stunning!.......2007-04-09

Comment on "Lara Croft-Tomb Raider".......2007-03-11

Average customer rating:

Behold... the Loculus!
Tapping Into The Underground Stream ~ Darkness And Light Within The Awakening Divine
A Very Interesting Film!
A better than average revelation...
Well-made occult thriller

Revelation
Starring: Natasha Wightman , Udo Kier , Diran Meghreblian , David Urban (II) , and Uri Roodner
Director: Stuart Urban
Manufacturer: FirstLook
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000087F10
Release Date: 2003-03-18

Customer Reviews:

Behold... the Loculus! .......2006-01-15

Revelation sheds light on the search for a missing relic called the Loculus. Having been in the hands of the Knights Templar for 700 years its secret was lost. Forces are now vying to unlock things better left undisturbed...
There are slight hints of the Ninth Gate (starring Johnny Depp) and the X-Files, and strong/obvious elements of the Da Vinci Code so the movie falls into the action/adventure/mystery/thriller/horror type of category.
It's an adventure that includes some pretty exciting and exotic locations such as Britain, France, Greece, and Malta.
In short, the acting and the dialogues are extremely weak, while the plot and the setting, are really very good, therefore, the potential for a great movie was definitely there if only the actors and writers could... act and write!
Overall, though not a masterpiece, it will surely provide for an evening's entertainment, as it is one of those films that gets you and keeps you thinking long after it's over!
In conclusion, the film establishes a GREAT cliffhanger for a sequel, which I would definitely line up to watch!

Tapping Into The Underground Stream ~ Darkness And Light Within The Awakening Divine.......2005-11-28

An alternate title for this film could've been, 'Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About The Occult But Was Afraid To Ask.'

All joking aside, the real strength of this film is found in director Stuart Urban's admirable effort to incorporate over 2,000 years of esoteric and occult teachings into one unified plot. So much information in one film; early pagan practices, primal male/female energy systems, ley lines forming a transcontinental power grid connecting sacred sites, the role of Mary Magdalene and the grail in Christian esotericism, alchemical symbology and magical formulations, astrological calculations and the planet Venus, secret societies (the Knights Templar), reincarnation and a myriad of other occultic associations coalesce into the image of a small ornately decorated box known as the Loculus. Combine all this with modern day scientific DNA discoveries and you have the basic storyline of 'Revelation.'

Another real plus in this production is the on-location shooting at such wonderful sacred sites as the Rennes-le-Chateau in France and the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. The imagery found in the paintings, sculpture and mosaics in these very early Christian churches will serve as a rather rude awakening to those in Western Christianity who are unaware of how deep and inseparable the connections were between first and second century Christianity, the old ways of paganism and the underground stream of occultism.

Fine performances by James D'Arcy and Natasha Wightman as Jake and Mira (SPOILER: or should I say Jesus and Mary Magdalene). Also featuring Udo Kier as the Grand Master and Terence Stamp as Magnus Martel. The 'Revelation' serves as a good companion piece and prerequisite for those planning to see 'The Da Vinci Code.'

A Very Interesting Film!.......2005-02-08

In order to apreciate this type of film, one does need to have a bit of a foundation in the metyphysical, some history of the Knights Templar and a wee bit of what Roman torture was about. As with all things in this world, there are the two streams, that of good and of course, evil, which of course is conveyed in all movies, including life.

Another reviewer made a comment on the Church, and unfortunately, many associate churchianity, with the real Christianity that Christ taught, which are two totally separate streams of thought. Christ was very simple, he wore basic linen, and not the red silk regalia and fineries found in the Vatican and on the Cardinals & Pope. Let me move to say that the story of Troy was thought to be "just a story", until the real treasures were actually unearthed. Therefore, it can also be possible that the Book of Revelation and its mysteries, will too, eventually unfold, but to those whom are spiritually evolved to hear it. I prefer keeping an open, positive mind to all.

Overall, we thought the film to be rather interesting, but sadly it only touched on certain facets of the Templars and the Apocrypha, which again is why one needs to have some exposure to it prior to viewing this film.

As with many things...Careful consideration must be given prior to handing over the "Philosoper's Stone"/information, as they are both equal in power.

A better than average revelation..........2005-01-26

Revelation (2001) is one of those movies that you enjoy as long as you don't think too much about the logic behind it. Almost two hours can be easily spent with this film, although it's not one of those movies you remember much about afterwards.

Revelation is the story of an ancient relic known as Loculus which dates back to the time of Jesus Christ. The good forces has battled the evil through the centuries and the final solution is going to take place in present day. Lord Martel (Terence Stamp, "The Limey") has eventually got a hold of Loculus to unlock the artifact's mystery that no one has managed to solve.

When the Loculus is sent to be hidden for all time, some people want to get hold of it again. James D'Arcy ("Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World") plays Martel's son who has to fulfill his father's last wish. Udo Kier ("Blade") is the leader of an ancient order who has a whole different purpose for the artifact. This leads to a race around Mediterranean in Europe for clues to find Loculus.

Revelation is something of a cross between thrilling adventure and religious mumbo jumbo. Despite parallels to Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" it was earlier released with less artistic and commercial success. The director Stuart Urban has managed to create some stylish visual contribution, but also a lot of unexplained storylines and passable special effects. Udo Kier gives once again a good performance as the leader of the order. One might just wonder how many times has Kier played this kind of a role before...

*** (3 out of 5)

Well-made occult thriller.......2004-11-01

Along similar lines to Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum, and Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, comes this fascinating film about secret orders, sacred symbolism, The Knights Templar and the coming apocalypse. Ultimately this story is about the perpetual battle between good and evil. It is hinted in the film that `a' secret order runs the planet, influencing every aspect of our culture from the highest hierarchies in government to the Vatican. The race is on to find a sacred relic that has existed since the death of Christ. What the relic actually is and the secrets it guards and the power it possesses, depending who owns it, will determine the future of the planet.

In terms of actual production value, cinematography, direction, acting and real locations from England, France and the Greek islands, one couldn't hope for anything better. It is apparent that a good deal of money, work and time went into the making this film. Interestingly, it also did not receive the fanfare that most films of this calibre do. Whether it is the film's subject matter that might well offend the more religiously orthodox movie-goer or simply the distributors didn't see it as a winner at the time of its release, your guess is as good as mine. Whatever the reason, Revelation is a good film, suspenseful, intriguing and realistic.

If you're that type of person who enjoys religious conspiracy theories and the occult, combined with a tight story line that intrigues as well as entertains, this is the movie to see. Revelation is a solid piece of filmmaking.

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