Star Crystal

Starring:C. Juston Campbell, Faye Bolt, John Smith (II), Taylor Kingsley, Marcia Linn, Eric Moseng, Thomas William, Don Kingsley, Robert Allen (VI), Emily Longstreth, Lisa Goulian, Charles Linza
Director: Lance Lindsay
Studio: Anchor Bay
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

propaganda
riveting and gut wrenching
Eye opener
"I left Afghanistan with nothing"
Tackling a Controversial Subject in Perilous Times - Successfully!

Chasing Freedom
Starring: Juliette Lewis , Stacey Zurburg , Eddie Eagle , Lisa Christie , and Rochelle Maitripala
Director: Don McBrearty
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009XT8VA
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Customer Reviews:

propaganda.......2006-09-27

Most Americans (and this movie) conflate two different things: (1) whether a person's homeland is unjust, cruel, etc. and (2) whether the U.S. is required to take them in because of this.

Every decent person would recognize the cruelty of the Taliban. Does it follow that we are obligated to take in this person? Why did she not emigrate to Pakistan where the people practice the same religion, etc.? Why does it have to be America?

This movie sends a message loud and clear: America should make its immigration policy even more lax after 9/11 than it was before. This is spelled out in the text messages at the end of the movie. Unfortunately, most Americans agree. The fact that it was this lax admissions policy that made 9/11 possible is lost on this movie and on the moviemakers.

The consequences of this policy are yet to come, but they are building steadily every day.

riveting and gut wrenching.......2005-11-13

This was a very good movie. It was well acted and well scripted. Based on the true story of an Afghan refugee, it shows three different worlds. It touches on the upscale world of a self absorbed lawyer who is forced by her boss to do a pro bono case. It shows the brutal world of Afghanistan under the Taliban. It shows the stark lonely world of incarcerated un-papered (no identification, family, etc) refugees seeking asylum, and how hard that is to get. As our lady lawyer gets to know our refugee, the story of what happened and why she had to escape unfolds. Into the middle of the story falls September 11, and its repercussions on her case, and on asylum in general. The story is gripping from start to finish, and left me feeling I had seen a brief glimpse through a window into another world. One in our own country's immigrant prisons, and all the untold stories of human suffering to be found there.

Eye opener.......2005-10-10

Chasing is an eye opening movie into our asylum process and immigration. For a TV movie, it doesnt leave a bad after taste in your mouth. The acting is above acting and the story is superb. Really well done.

"I left Afghanistan with nothing".......2005-09-24

Having first hand experience with the US immigration system, I found a lot to relate to in Chasing freedom. Not that I'm in America to chase "freedom" with my situation nothing like the Afghan woman who is at the center of this movie, but like her, I do know what it is like to be caught up in an ineffectual bureaucracy that can take years to make immigration decisions.

For a television film Chasing Freedom is surprisingly well made and well acted, and it's themes, in this post 9/11 world, remains startlingly relevant. How does the United States keep the integrity of it's borders intact and keep out people who seek to do harm to Americans, whilst also welcoming those honest immigrants, who come to seek asylum? It's a tough call, and as this film shows, there are no easy answers.

Meena, the central character in Chasing Freedom is probably emblematic of thousands of refugees from war-torn parts of the world, who come to America, and other developed countries such as Australia, England, and Canada. In most cases their situation is pretty grim, because without resources of money and education, and a good immigration lawyer, many are deported back to their home countries.

Meena (Lela Alizada) is persecuted by the Taliban for running a school for young girls in Afghanistan. She manages to escape and ends up in detention in New Jersey. Her case seems hopeless -she has no money, no proof of identity and she's up against a hostile system that seems more concerned with finding ways to deport asylum seekers than offering them safe haven.

Reluctant help arrives in the form of a pro bono attorney Libby (played by Juliette Lewis) who unenthusiastically and grudgingly takes on her asylum case. Libby is a highflying securities lawyer, and immigration asylum is a foreign world to her. But her boss insists that she do this and a desperate immigration lawyer Eric (Brian Markinson) pleads with her to help him.

Libby's reaction is probably typical of most Americans who nothing about this world; because it's a world that they rarely need to enter. The movie shows quite well how, the lawyers must struggle to cope and make their voices heard within a department that is under-funded, where prejudice against "foreigners" is rampant, and which is overwhelmed by the shear number of immigrants seeking asylum.

As Libby gradually grows in awareness and learns about Meena's horrifying torture and subsequent escape from captivity, she begins to take pity on the girl, and becomes ever more determined to fight for her. One of the best scenes is when she goes up against a rather nonchalant and over-worked immigration judge, who lambastes her for not being fully prepared.

Both Juliette Lewis and Lela Alizada are excellent in their roles, and it's interesting to watch Lewis as Libby transform from a self-obsessed, flustered, and moneyed securities lawyer into a more empathetic and compassionate person, who believes in fighting for human rights.

The film was inspired by a real asylum case handled by a team of dedicated pro bono attorneys from Debevoise and Plimpton and The Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. It is a sobering depiction of the nearly insurmountable obstacles that asylum seekers face when they arrive in the U.S.

This film must see for anyone working with refugee communities, immigration law and ordinary Americans trying to make sense of the World Trade Center bombing and our subsequent response with the Patriots Act and Homeland Security. Mike Leonard September 05.

Tackling a Controversial Subject in Perilous Times - Successfully!.......2005-09-21

This taut and important film CHASING FREEDOM was apparently a made for television film in 2004. It is a shame it never made it into the theaters as it is a searing document about the problems of victims from foreign countries seeking asylum in the United States. The script by Barbara Samuels is a brave indictment against the Taliban's activities in Afghanistan as well as a penetrating examination of US bureaucratic bungling in dealing with those who get caught up in the quagmire of red tape in trying to find an escape hatch from their homeland cruelty. It is an honest look at a problem, unbiased, where none of the parties are blameless.

A member of a high profile New York law firm, Libby (Juliette Lewis) is told by her boss that despite her overtaxed workload as a securities lawyer she must by contract take on some pro bono work (as much to make her boss look good as to keep a law firm's reputation spotless). Libby begrudgingly takes on a pro bono case in the department closest to her office - the INS where kind and desperate Eric (Brian Markinson) pleads with her to represent a woman seeking asylum. Libby has a negative attitude toward the process, as much because she knows nothing about asylum cases in law as the fact that she is doing this under duress. Eric introduces her to her client Meena (Layla Alizada) who has fled Afghanistan to escape death because she dared to teach children in Kabul despite the Taliban's condemnation of schools. Gradually the harden Libby discovers the life story of Meena and softens to her cause, devoting herself to achieving the impossible - obtaining asylum for a woman who has no proof of identity and is 'detained' in a brusque INS center like a prisoner.

Though Meena arrived in the US in 2000, by the time her case is extended it is 2001 - and 9/11 has happened, an incident that placed Afghanistan in a bad light. The manner in which Libby works with Meena to gain her flight to freedom is a well-paced, gripping, startling tale - and this is based on a true story.

Juliette Lewis again demonstrates the scope of her talent by convincingly transforming the hard, workaholic lawyer into the compassionate believer in human rights and she is able to make this character development with being cloying or stereotyped. It is a fine performance in a role not of the usual Lewis type. Equally excellent is Layla Alizada, wholly believable as a woman who has endured atrocities only to enter a land that seems cold to her plea for asylum. The two actresses make a fine team. The remainder of the cast is superb and the direction by Don McBrearty is on target. There is a hauntingly beautiful music score by Jonathan Goldsmith the weaves Middle Eastern and Western music into a lush, additive and atmospheric score. This film deserves attention, especially today when our borders are even more blockaded. It is wise to remember the individuals caught up in the problem of seeking asylum. Grady Harp, September 05

Average customer rating:

In Concert - Crystal Gale
Sweet sparkly Crystal
Nostalgic

In Concert
Starring: Crystal Gayle
Manufacturer: White Star
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Country | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0006SSQ2U
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Description

One of music's best song stylists, Crystal Gayle, in an unforgettable sixty minutes of music which includes her popular Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue, as well as Half the Way, Talking In Your Sleep, When I Dream, Why Have You Left the One You Left Me For and more. .In 1999 "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" was recognized by ASCAP as being one of the ten most performed songs of the 20th century. This groundbreaking HBO concert special has been viewed by millions.While still in school, she signed her first recording contact. Her debut single, "I've Cried The Blue Right Out Of My Eyes," was written by Loretta Lynn (already a star) and reached the Top 20 on the national country music charts. Three more singles were released over the next three years—all making an impact with radio and listeners. What next emerged was uniquely Crystal. Her warm, resonant vocal styling, individual as a fingerprint, captured the imagination and attention of audiences not usually tuned in and turned on by country music. There was an undeniable sophistication and a beguiling charm about her look and her voice that was a memorable imprint on every audience—every listener. Her first album project began a roll out of smash singles to come. "Wrong Road Again," (her first of many hit singles with producer Allen Reynolds) became her debut Top 10 record. "I'll Get Over You," became her first #1 single. By her fourth album, "We Must Believe In Magic," Crystal Gayle became the first female artist in country music history to achieve platinum album sales. Driving the engine of the album was the song that was to become her enduring career signature song to date: "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." "Brown Eyes" opened the world's eyes to Crystal Gayle. She became a household name in homes, grand and small, from Louisville to Leningrad.

Customer Reviews:

In Concert - Crystal Gale.......2006-08-28

I purchased this album for nostalgic reason on Crystal Gale's style of singing and quality of her voice which I have heard often in my younger days. Her unique voice and style makes her a good sentimental singer with some touch of country and western.

Her singing of "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" and "Don't Make My Brown Eyes Blue" are my two favourites.

Only pity is that the audio recording is of mediocre quality possibly due to the time when the recording was made. Otherwise the album is pleasant to watch and to listen to the music.

Sweet sparkly Crystal.......2006-02-04

I loved Crystal in the 70s and 80s. When she came to New York City to play in the Village at the Bottom Line, I went to see her three nights in a row.

Listening to this concert, one reaction I had was if Simon Cowell was judging someone with her talent, he'd fall on the floor. She is just so much better than anyone who ever performed on American Idol.

It's an enjoyable concert and it shows Crystal's excellent voice and her poise and charm. She was wonderful, and I bet she still is. I see that she is still performing.

I don't think she achieves greatness in this concert. For greatness, I'd be looking at Cyndi Lauper or Natalie Merchant more than Crystal, because they are so real, so unique, and Crystal is doing what she's supposed to do, smile, be a good girl, smile some more, exude charm, and smile a bit more.

That's what you call putting on a show, and that's what she's doing. Let's get everyone smiling and tapping their feet. Okay. It is what it is, and she's awfully cute and talented.

I always had a crush on Crystal Gayle. That's a native New Yorker talking. She's so purty.

Nostalgic.......2005-04-04

This is an excellent quality film and a very classy concert. If you like Crystal Gayle you shouldn't be disappointed. You can't help but fall in love with her in this concert.

Average customer rating:

one reviewer gave away the ending!
I'll Take This "B" Movie Over A Coma Anyday
ET Meets Alien
ET Meets Alien
ET's stupid cousin kills then becomes a born again christian

Star Crystal
Starring: C. Juston Campbell , Faye Bolt , John Smith (II) , Taylor Kingsley , and Marcia Linn
Director: Lance Lindsay
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008V5RV
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Customer Reviews:

one reviewer gave away the ending!.......2007-05-02

In my younger days during the video boom of the early/mid 80's, my best friend and I periodically rented videos to pass the late hours of the weekends away. I was born to be a horror /science-fiction fan, so naturally all of my selections were based on the cover art of the video boxes. However, in a strange twist of fate, my best friend grabbed this one and pointed out a very gory picture on the back cover, which thus guaranteed this movie was a good choice. I had skipped over this very same video 100 times before, due to the lackluster artwork on the front cover, but I am wise enough to accept that not every book can be judged by its cover, especially when the book in question is, indeed, a horror or sci-fi movie.

However, something was rotten in the state of Denmark. I don't want to be the jerk who gives away the ending like another reviewer already did, but in case you didn't realise what the other person was saying, the ending to this movie is inexplicably ridiculous. Yes, its a completely original turn on an over-saturated genre, but that isn't necessarily a good thing. This movie is terrible in many ways, and the ONLY redeeming factor is that people are dying, and yet the shameful plot-twist at the end boffs up the death toll by preventing the death of characters that honestly deserve to die. Not only will you feel cheated by the presence of survivors, but the manner at which the killing is ceased will leave you dumbfounded.

Amidst all of this, the change in the film's direction seems to be striving to create a warm and fuzzy sensation in the viewer, and this strongly contrasts with the initial desires of ANYONE who might willfully insert this movie into their dvd player expecting sheer and utter horror. The ending leaves me speechless to this day, and that's why I am compelled to write this as a warning to anyone who finds the urge to read these cryptic messages. Bad movies are a dime a dozen, but 'tis rare to find a true flounder that manages to create an ending that brings a terrible movie down to a whole new level. You will hate this movie because its bad, but you will be scarred for life because of the ending. Star Crystal is an abomination.

I'll Take This "B" Movie Over A Coma Anyday.......2005-09-19

I've seen hundreds of Sci Fi/Horror movies over the years. This is one of those you'll wonder whether you've watched it or not a few years down the road. You just can't remember.

All in all, I figure it's still better to watch a so-so Sci Fi/Horror movie than "Dances With Wolves" or "Evita". This movie will end up being non-memorable, but it's preferable to being in a coma.

ET Meets Alien.......2004-05-18

For the price of an empty DVD case I picked up a horrible little movie that is so bad it's good. The movie is Star Crystal and can sort of be described as Alien meets E.T.

A band of scientists find a strange rock on Mars. Inside are two things; an alien life form and a star crystal that acts as it's power source. Soon all of the humans are dead and the ship is picked up. A new crew is forced to use the ship as a life boat and the killing begins anew. One by one the humans are eliminated. With each death the creature grows in size and intelligence. Now that's the clincher. The creature becomes intelligent enough to know that killing is wrong. Truce and mutual assistance replace the fear and killing.

Not too bad a plot, really. But wait until you see the acting! Dan Akroyd would not have had to make this one up for his Bad Cinema skits. After the acting comes the ship. Apparently there are only four rooms on the large vessel (only one sleeping quarters) and to get around you have to crawl around in storm-drain like tunnels about a yard across.

If you want to watch a movie that was just made to be heckled and have popcorn thrown at, this one sure fits the bill. I would not be surprised to find out if this was conceived by the same forces (or lack thereof) that came up with Space: 1999.

ET Meets Alien.......2004-05-18

For the price of a blank tape I picked up a horrible little movie that is so bad it's good. The movie is Star Crystal and can sort of be described as Alien meets E.T.

ET's stupid cousin kills then becomes a born again christian.......2003-11-11

If you ever have a large group of merciless friends over who love ripping apart movies, here's the perfect sacrifice. There are more goofs and false starts in this piece of sh*t than I ever thought possible. Astronauts exploring Mars in 2032 find a baked potato wrapped in foil, after spending around ten minutes of a ninety-minute film getting to know those astronauts they die. (The shuttle's air supply mysteriously turned off by an "unknown" force.) Now we jump to a space station, meet some more people, a few minutes later they all die when the reactor explodes. WTF! So twenty darn minutes into it we are finally set up with the "true" main characters, all five of them. (Er, six, but that's a different b*tch session.) We, the audience, know the baked potato cracked open to reveal a large quartz crystal and somebody's sock covered in ultraslime that supposed to be an alien. Nobody knows it's on board! The ship is equipped with a "heat source detection" display in the bridge, it looks like an old atari game, but the darn thing only works when the plot requires. One moment there are five little red "human" lights, then suddenly the little white "alien" light pops in and starts chasing red lights around. (Even worse than it sounds I assure you.) Billy meets the thing first, smacks it with a wrench, gets eaten. Next it chases Sherry around the room until she throws acid on it, no more Sherry. Cal runs back trying to help freaky girl, shoots, misses, tries to flee, dies. So for the last half of the film we have three characters entertaining (boring) us, that's right, three: Roger, Adrianne, and....Gar! When our two surviving humans finally encounter the alien it turns out he's a nice guy, only killed all those people to defend himself. (The previous shuttle crew was going to use a laser on the crystal.) If you can manipulate the ship's systems (in forms of turning on the defense shield and turning off the oxygen), how about communicating something like "No laser crystal." you stupid space slug. Killed Sherry for throwing acid on you? The thing was chasing her around the room, oh hell no, soon as Gar turned his back on me - dead Gar. Instead these two idiots end up befriending the creature, the end. Good riddance. Watching this film alone is painful, with a rowdy group of b-movie loving veterans, it's moderately fun.

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