Furia

Starring:Marion Cotillard
Studio: Synkronized USA
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Excellent

Too Bad She's Bad
Starring: Vittorio De Sica , Sophia Loren , Marcello Mastroianni , Giorgio Sanna , and Michael Simone (II)
Director: Alessandro Blasetti
Manufacturer: Ivy Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001AGI46
Release Date: 2004-01-07

Description

A blonde Sophia Loren, an unknown Marcello Mastroianni and a comic turn by BICYLCE THIEF director Vittorio de Sica are the active ingredients in the Italian treat, TOO BAD SHE'S BAD.

"SHE" of course is the Italian "anatomic bomb" Loren, stealing hearts as a lusciously larcenous petty thief. Mastroianni is the naïve young cabbie who tries to set her straight, while de Sica, as Loren's smooth con man papa makes sure his not so little girl stays on the crooked and narrow.

Already the "Number 1 Cover Girl of Europe," "New York Times" critic Bosley Crowther wrote of her attributes: "One striking point is the luxurious Sophia Loren, who is something to look at from any angle or any side . . . she displays such a full and shapely figure she makes it a pleasure to consider being robbed."

Artfully directed by Alessandro Blasetti, TOO BAD SHE'S BAD is a delightful romp , the first pairing of Lorena & masrotinana not too mention the historic first appearance together of these three legends of Italian cinema.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2004-08-08

Great movie. Kept my interest. Sometimes movies this old will seem boring to our modern short attention spans but I never fast forwarded. Loren is great. He's great too.

Average customer rating:

YUL Love It!...
Not a memorable moment in Yul Brynner's career!

Death Rage
Starring: Yul Brynner , Barbara Bouchet , Martin Balsam , Massimo Ranieri , and Giancarlo Sbragia
Director: Antonio Margheriti
Manufacturer: Westlake Budget
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001ME51C
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Customer Reviews:

YUL Love It!..........2005-09-25

Yul Brynner (Westworld) is a mechanic (aka: hitman) who returns to his profession after years of retirement, in order to track down and kill his brother's murderer. Along the way he meets a beautiful stripper and her goofy boyfriend. Said stripper is the highlight of the movie, as she disrobes entirely a couple of times! Goodness gracious me! Actually, Yul's no slouch in his role. He comes across as cool and confident. The action is minimal and the dialogue gets pretty silly, yet there's something here that I like. Did I mention the stripper gal?? Martin Balsam (Psycho, Cape Fear) plays a cop on Yul's trail. Worth a watch or two...

Not a memorable moment in Yul Brynner's career!.......2005-01-12

When I heard that Yul Brynner made a mob movie, I decided I had to buy it. BIG mistake. The plot is confusing at times but I'll make it simple: Brynner plays a retired hitman who vows to never kill again. His old mob contacts tell him they've found where the man who killed Brynner's brother years ago lives. Brynner wants vengeance and so he agrees to kill the man. The problem is that the man is a big mob figure and has bodyguards around him at all times. Brynner takes his time stalking his prey, but in no time at all he has a dorky sidekick, a beautiful girlfriend (sexy Barbara Bouchet!) and even the chief-of-police (Martin Balsam) helping him. The trouble is that his assignment to kill the man who killed his brother is only a trap that's been set for him, and only too late does he learn the truth.

Well, that's the movie in a nutshell. Horribly cheesy music, laughable and totally unrealistic shootouts, and ultra low-budget picture and sound quality all conspire to make this flop one of the biggest insults to the genre of mob movies ever filmed! As much as I respect Yul Brynner and Martin Balsam, I can give this forgettable movie no more than 2 stars!

Average customer rating:

My favorite neo-realist Fellini film
Fellini's directorial debut
Green Fellini-- but still worth a look
Fellini's fascinating debut.
Masina Steals The Show

Variety Lights - Criterion collection
Starring: Silvio Bagolini , Giulio Calì , Mario De Angelis , Peppino De Filippo , and Carla Del Poggio
Director: Federico Fellini
Manufacturer: Criterion
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0780023331
Release Date: 2000-08-22

Amazon.com

Federico Fellini codirected this film from his own story about a romance between an ambitious young dancer and the aging manager of a variety theater in Rome. It's a sharply realized first effort, showing that Fellini could work his magic even in 1950. The dancer--played with luscious, complicated innocence by Carla del Poggio--talks her way into Signor Checco's troupe by showing him her legs. The others, including his girlfriend (Giulietta Masina), protest, but Checco takes her into the poverty-stricken group anyway. Soon enough, he is justified: Their sparsely attended shows are suddenly packed with men stomping their feet and whistling for "the Redhead." Checco not-so-secretly wants her himself, and she lets him think he might get her (even while looking for someone else with money.) The film's many lively performances include Giulietta Masina, whose eyes register pluck, resignation, and weariness in a moment as she watches her guy fall in love. Poggio is good, too: When she gets what she wants, her face slides into a quiver of doubt about its value. Self-delusion, arguably the main arrow in Fellini's quiver of themes, gets a subtly layered treatment here, and Fellini, so extravagant later in his career, shows an early talent for, of all things, restraint. --Lyall Bush

Description

A beautiful ingenue joins a tawdry music hall troupe and quickly becomes its feature attraction in Fellini's stunning debut film (directed in collaboration with neorealist filmmaker Alberto Lattuada). Featuring Giulietta Masina, Fellini's wife and frequent leading lady, Variety Lights introduces the director's affection for the carnivalesque characters that frequent the cinematic landscape of such classics as Nights of Cabiria, La Strada, and La Dolce Vita. Criterion is proud to present Variety Lights in a beautiful digital transfer.

Customer Reviews:

My favorite neo-realist Fellini film.......2005-01-08

First thing first, the DVD cover is misleading. Guillietta Masina does not star in Variety Lights. She is a co-star with a fair amount of screen time. It's worth picking up simply for her performance because when she is on screen she shines. Masina plays Melina a woman who is wronged by her man (a reoccurring theme she will revisit in La Strada, Nights of Cabiria and Juliet of the Spirits). Checco, Melina's man, is a delusional womanizing manager of a vaudeville troupe who takes under his wing Liliana, a girl with stars in her eyes who will stop at nothing to achieve her goal. Liliana's "skirt less" number is a highlight for me. What a great song! Checco, much to Melina's chagrin, unsuccessfully tries his hardest to impress Liliana with his so called "connections" and can barely contain his jealously over Liliana's many suitors. Liliana slowly transforms from "innocent" girl to a calculating manipulative shrew who uses Checco to further her ambitious career goals and thinks nothing of squashing his dreams. The changes in Checco and Liliana are so subtle that by the time the inevitable climax is reached I was hard pressed to tell which character I disliked the most. Ultimately, it's the tragically loyal Melina with whom I sympathized. This film is a true testament to Fellini's genius as a filmmaker. Out of all of Fellini's tragic neo-realist films this is my favorite. I passionately loved and hated many of the characters and at times found myself yelling at the television. A must for any Fellini fan.

Fellini's directorial debut.......2004-05-31

This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

This movie, co-directed by Fellini, is his first film. The story follows a young woman who joins a vaudeville act and brings great popularity to it.

The film has good acting and the English title is a very close translation of the original title, "Luci del varietà" or "Lights of Variety"

The DVD has no special features which is a disappointment since this is a Criterion release.

Green Fellini-- but still worth a look.......2002-04-05

Variety Lights is Fellini's debut film. The film consists of ideas and motifs that would succeedingly appear in movies like 8 1/2 and The Clowns. However, these traits are still undeveloped but we can see how they would be used as personal metaphors for the director. Running under an hour, the film is shown in black and white with legible subtitles and moving at a smooth pace. The story follows a variety show troupe and an female audience member who is so inspired by one of their performances that she asks to join their group. We are then presented with the rise of the performer's act and how mistakes like having her dress fall off soon attracts the attention of the audience. Soon the variety show begins displaying a more racy repertory all which is fronted by sexy novice. Some images in the film like large behinds and women in bikinis may have been provocative for its time in America --although Italy's standards tended to be more shocking. Nevertheless, as discussed in the documentary Rated X, Fellini's movies was generally restricted to Adult theaters due to subject matter, although much more provocation was soon to come. Variety Lights features Masina, Fellini's wife, in a supporting role as a dancer with few scenes, although she still gives a good performance nevertheless. Masina would soon gather more attention to her acting in succeeding Fellini films like Night of Cabaria and La Strata. However, the focus of this film is directed at De Filippo for his role as the impresario and Poggio as the desperate actress. Veriety Lights is not the best Fellini production but still worth a look.

Fellini's fascinating debut........2001-11-09

This is the '1/2' film alluded to in the title of Fellini's masterpiece '8 1/2', Il Maestro's debut, co-directed with the now-forgotten Alberto Lattuada. it tells the story of a troupe of small-time entertainers travelling through the provinces of Italy, playing in poky, leaking theatres to small, abusive audiences, their meagre fees impounded by hotel owners with long memories; they're usually forced to sneak train rides or walk miles between stops.

Against this lively backdrop is a tragicomic romance, part-'A Star is Born', part-'The Blue Angel', between a middle-aged performer and a budding starlet. The former deludes himself about his greatness and influence in order to hide the cruel realities of failure and aging, but when the latter takes him at his word, he throws up the very real security his shambling peripatetic life offers, to promote his ambitious charge, with tragedy lurking around the corner.

This tale has a nasty, misogynistic undertow, with Carla de Poggio's Lily portrayed as cold and almost homicidally calculating, and Peppino de Filippo's besotted loser Checco sentimentalised (although his is the one emotionally truthful performance in the film), but luckily it isn't the film's main interest. Although it's only half his work, many of Fellini's motifs, themes and stylistic trademarks are present - the uneasy co-existence of dusty, small-town Italy with the American-fuelled dreams of theatre and showbiz; the nocturnal, dream-like scenes on empty streets, where the lead meets strangers and has a kind of group epiphany in which reality is enchanted or suspended; the indulgent (though clear-eyed) portrait of flawed, family-like artist life against the soulless commericalism of the nouveau riche; the cinematic momentum in which plot is less important than set-pieces in which accumulated incidents and protracted character interaction achieve a kind of carnivalesque truth.

Fellini would refine these elements later - scenes that should be magical fall a little flat; the characters aren't interesting or comic enough; the blaring music definitely lacks the Nino Rota touch - but the film is fascinating to see Fellini struggling with the limitations of his neo-realist apprenticeship.

Masina Steals The Show.......2001-04-30

A young woman pursuing her dream of being on the stage, aligns herself with a traveling variety show band of performers in "Variety Lights," directed by Federico Fellini (and assisted by Alberto Lattuada). Veteran comic actor Checco Dal Monte (Peppino De Filippo) and his troupe of performers are struggling to get by, living from hand to mouth and show to show, but it doesn't deter Liliana Antonelli (Carla Del Poggio), blinded perhaps by the stars in her eyes, from approaching Checco about joining his show. He turns her down-- they simply have no openings, and certainly no money-- but circumstances soon prevail on her behalf, and much to the chagrin of many of the other performers, she joins the troupe. The effect she will have on the show, and how it will influence her own life, remains to be seen at this point; but with Fellini at the helm, you know it's going to be an interesting ride. And it is.

Fellini, a true visionary, is known for filling the screen with vivid images born of his own imagination, especially in his later films. But beyond the sometimes bizarre appearances, there is always an engaging story to be found at the heart of his films, and this one (his first) is no exception. And, though devoid of the surrealism he would use later on, in Checco's company there is something of the carnival motif present that Fellini would return to time and again during the course of his career, and of course, there's the story, presented with that unique Fellini touch and laced with his insight into the human condition, which at it's core is the real strength of the film.

No matter what the subject matter, Fellini always had his finger on the emotional pulse of the material and had the innate ability to transfer what he felt to the screen. Very simply, he knew what worked and how to use it; within the images he presents, there can always be found a reflection of reality-- even amid the surreal-- and it's in his characters. Physically and emotionally, these are real people who run the entire gamut of human existence. Beyond his astounding visuals, it's his ability to cultivate that depth of his characters that makes Fellini special; the way they interact with, and relate to one another or the situations in which they find themselves. And by drawing out his actors, he always gives his audience someone with whom to identify on one level or another.

As Checco, Filippo successfully taps into the humanity of the character, this aging performer with hopes and aspirations beyond his means or capabilities. He's a character with whom you can sympathize, but only to a point-- for you soon recognize his flaws and transgressions. But even then, you are still able to at least understand him. Most importantly, his performance is believable, and his Checco comes across as a very real person.

Del Poggio gives a notable performance as well, as this young woman who makes the most of the opportunity with which she is presented. And as the story unfolds she develops her character extremely well; by the end of the film you know exactly who "Lily" is and what motivates her.

In a memorable supporting role, it's the young Giulietta Masina, however, who steals the show as Melina Amour, Checco's girlfriend. She creates the one character in the film with whom you can truly empathize, and she does it with style. Masina has such a radiant, charismatic screen presence, that whenever she appears the eye is instinctively drawn to her. A gifted actress, she is exceptionally adept at expressing her emotions-- often by merely shifting her eyes-- and communicating with the audience. Few actors can say more or convey as much with their eyes or with a simple expression as Masina. And, sparse as it is, her performance here is alone worth the price of admission.

Customer Reviews:

big alexander aja !!!.......2005-12-07

I loved this movie. i have read the novel before and I was very surprised to see a movie about this novel and more made by a new director. now that I saw furia, and high tension the new aja movie, I understand that this guy has a real talent!! the music is excellent too made by one memeber of Queen.

Average customer rating:

Furia
Starring: Carlo Brandt , Etienne Chicot , Jean-Claude de Goros , Laura del Sol , and Wadeck Stanczak
Director: Alexandre Aja
Manufacturer: Synkronized USA
ProductGroup: DVD
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Description

Set in a fictional country in the future, society has been devastated by a 13 years war. The prevailing rulers have suppressed all liberties and self expression in their desperation to maintain order.

Average customer rating:

great movie, please list it right
Why was this movie made?
Wolverine, a dad with attitude
Missed Action

Wolverine
Starring: David Israel (IV) , Jeffrey Wickham , Cyrus Cassell , Alessandro Borgese , and Sam Douglas
Director: David Jackson
Manufacturer: Spartan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305974942
Release Date: 2000-08-08

Amazon.com

Handsome, muscular Antonio Sabato Jr. stars as Harry Gordini, a former Navy Seal turned college professor trying to reestablish relations with his wife and son. Unfortunately, en route to a vacation in Rome, his suitcase gets crossed with an identical suitcase carrying a potent drug--which not only interferes with the business of a drug cartel, it ruins a drug bust by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The head agent, Baines (Richard Brooks), is under pressure from his superiors, and the drug dealer, Jones (Danny Quinn), is under pressure from the cartel, so everyone is after Gordini, who's blissfully wandering Rome with his family. Everyone converges on scenic Sardinia, where Jones tries to use Gordini's family to get the suitcase back, while Baines tries to use the suitcase to catch Jones. Naturally, Gordini strikes out on his own. Wolverine has the components of a run-of-the-mill action thriller but is improved by surprisingly well-drawn characters, capable dialogue, and taut and efficient storytelling. The family tensions provide a strong counterpoint to the political machinations and lean action, and implausibilities are kept to a minimum. Though Sabato isn't likely to get any nominations for his acting, his solid, dependable presence carries the movie along. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

great movie, please list it right.......2005-02-19

this was a great movie i am a huge antonio fan. i recently found a hard to find movie called "testosterone" i was very shocked to see him play such a different but great role. i am happy to see that some actors are not afraid to play such type casted roles. i would like everyone to know that there is no word codename in the title wolverine. they may mention it in the movie but it is not listed on the dvd itself. i am only mentioning it because i recently purchased the same title twice as far as i know there are only 2 movies wolverine and the sequal.

Why was this movie made?.......2004-03-24

I am so glad I didn't have to pay money to watch this movie. My brother and I caught this movie on satellite and we had missed the first 15 minutes. Geez. Bad movie. So predictable. Weak storyline. Not great acting. So cheesy!

Wolverine, a dad with attitude.......2002-05-12

Antonio Sabato plays ex Navy Seal Harry Gordini, on vacation in Italy with his sexy wife and 10 year old son, has the bad luck of getting the wrong suitcase: one filled with drugs. He discovers this two days into his vacation while staying in an isolated (and picturesque) seaside villa. He dutifully turns the drug-infested suitcase in the the US Embassy but by now the drug dealers are on his trail. They kidnap his family and Antonio goes into action mode, getting them back. Of course, there's complications, double cross and plenty of gunplay. Movie cooks right along with Antonio doing what you wish you could do to those who dissed you. Ending's a bit of a letdown.

Missed Action.......2001-09-02

Antonio Sabato, Jr., the white briefs poster boy before Mark Wahlberg, stars as the unwilling action hero.

Traveling to Italy with his estranged wife and son, Harry doesn't realize his luggage was switched with a drug shipment at the airport. Soon the DEA and the drug lord locate the family at their vacation villa. Unfortunately for Harry, the only good guy appears to be himself and he must take his family's protection into his own hands.

Customer Reviews:

Best Indie Film Ever.......2003-09-28

I love sports films, but they're all really just fairy tales... until this one. The new trend in sports films is the realistic story lines. THE DEMO CREW makes you feel like you're really there, at the amateur level, playing for love of the game, or in this film's case, love and respect of a teammate, and striving to achieve a reachable goal and small taste of glory. If you liked HOMETOWN LEGEND & GO TIGERS, you'll love THE DEMO CREW, because it lets you sample true victory and gives you the desire to go out tomorrow and smash any barrier that lies between you and your own taste of glory.

Average customer rating:

Furia Texana/El Hijo del Ojo de Vidrio
Starring: Furia Texana , and El Hijo Del Ojo De Vidrio
Manufacturer: Phoenix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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