Jacob's Ladder

Starring:Tim Robbins, Elizabeth PeÃ±a, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Jason Alexander, Patricia Kalember, Eriq La Salle, Ving Rhames, Brian Tarantina, Anthony Alessandro, Brent Hinkley, S. Epatha Merkerson, Suzanne Shepherd, Doug Barron, Jan Saint, Kisha Skinner, Dion Simmons, Sam Coppola (II), Patty Rosborough
Director: Adrian Lyne
Studio: Lions Gate
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Vietnam veteran Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) thinks he is going insane. Or worse. When his nightmares begin spilling into his waking hours, Jacob believes he is experiencing the aftereffects of a powerful drug tested on him during Vietnam. Or perhaps his posttraumatic stress disorder is worse than most. Whatever is happening to him, it is not good. Director Adrian Lyne sparks our interest and maintains high production values, but this confusing film chokes on its "surprise" ending. It owes much to Ambrose Bierce's haunting and more straightforward story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek." Written by Bruce Joel Rubin, who also explored the "other side" in Ghost and My Life, it ultimately feels like an exercise in self-indulgence. A spirited performance by Elizabeth Peña outshines Robbins, who is surprisingly lethargic. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

A TOTAL MINDF**K.......2007-06-20

One quality of a great film is it's ability to make you forget your watching a film. I still remember the first time I saw this film, and initially I thought it was just another war film. Could I have ever been more wrong!!! I was completely consumed by the story, and was totally empathetic to the character Jacob. by the end of the movie, I am not shy to say, I was weeping like a little girl. That's saying a lot because I'm not the type to become emotional while watching films. the story starts off in 1971 during the Vietnam War; We find our main character, Jacob, hanging out with his buddies during some down time. All of the sudden they are attacked by what they think are the Viet-Kong, and needless to say, all hell breaks loose. the camera is very jerky and it's hard to see what's going on. In the ensuing chaos, Jacob is wounded. At at the moment he is wounded, he wakes up on the subway, telling us that it was just a bad dream. When he wakes, Jacob, and the viewer, get the impression that everything is not O.K.. We learn that Jacob is a very well educated man (having a P.H.D.), but after the war, is working at the local post office and living with a women he works with. We also learn that Jacob was married and had three boys; However, one died in a tragic car accident, causing him to seperate from his wife(and perhaps enlisting into the army). As the movie progresses, Jacob is slowly losing his grip on reality, having flash-backs, having paraniod feelings, and finally, having phycotic delutions to the point that he does not know what real time is. And as the viewer you don't know what real-time is either. Some people don't like this movie, for example, I had my brother watch it and he loved it, but my sister-in-law was absolutly pissed of by the end of the movie. IT IS VERY HARD TO WATCH JACOB LOSE HIS GRIP ON REALITY. Like I said earlier, This movie pulls you in and makes you forget your watching a movie. The only words I can use to describe the end of this movie is "HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL". One problem with this movie is; when it was realesed it didn't do well in the theater and soon fell into cult obscurity, while other movies over the years have borrowed (or flat out stole) ideas from this movie. If you watch it, other more popular movies might come to mind(not going to mention them because I don't want to spoil the "hook"). HANDS DOWN THE BEST THRILLER/SUSPENCE MOVIE EVER MADE!!!

American Masterpiece.......2007-05-28

This film is as close to a masterpiece that American cinema has produced. Unfortunately it requires an explanatory companion piece to inform the viewer what is happening. Briefly stated: Tim Robbin's character has been mortally wounded in Viet Nam in the opening scenes and the entire film is about his dreams and visions preceding death on an operating room table. Every person who feels his life is the subject of intense and realistic self examination will recognize pieces and fragments of his own dreams and visions in the film. Not necessarily in the same order or with the same story line, but with the same resistances and the same symmetries. This film is definitely NOT for everybody and it is amazing that it was ever done, especially in Hollywood but there it is,the amazing exception to the overwhelming rule.

Watch with a friend in the full light of day........2007-05-27

I saw this movie probably 10 years ago and refuse to ever watch it again. Don't get me wrong -- it is an incredibly good movie. Absolutely fantastic story telling that any fan of anti-war movies must see. However, it also scared the holy hell out of me like no other movie. And I don't mean that in a "horror" movie kind of way as this is not a horror movie. I swear I started seeing the "demons" from this movie in real life. I've met others with the same reaction -- once and never again.
That being said -- prepare yourself mentally and watch this movie -- you will be changed.

Intense, but thought provoking..........2007-05-22

I remember watching this movie when it came out in 1990, and being very confused. I only watched the movie, instead of viewing the details and listening to the dialogue. It took a couple of viewings, and television interview with the Director, for me to finally "get it".
The basic plot is about a Vietnam veteran who is experiencing various visions of demons and other strange phenomena. Are the visions reality, or did the US government experiment on some of our US soldiers fighting in Vietnam? Hmm, would our government do that in the movies? The movie start off in Vietnam, then fast forwards to the present, and then flashes back to Vietnam at times throughout the movie.
I really enjoyed the acting of Elizabeth Pena and Danny Aiello. I really like Danny, and wish there were more scenes of him in the movie. Ving Rhames is also in the movie, as one of Tim Robbins Vietnam buddies.
I would recommend a couple of viewings, as you will miss things the first time. All in all, I really enjoyed the movie, and learned to appreciate the ending. I know some people do not like it, but I liked the "choice" that Jacob Singer makes on where he ultimately goes!

the devils are really angels.......2007-05-05

Just an incredible movie and as another reviewer said, one of the most underrated movies of our time. I first saw this movie during its theatrical release and walked out of the theater utterly speechless. I've watched it several times since then and am equally amazed at its depth and insight.

My favorite quote from this movie comes from the spiritually sensitive chiropractor (played perfectly by Danny Aiello), who strives to adjust Jacob's paradigm more than his spine. He quotes German mystic Meister Eckhart and tells Jacob: "If you're frightened of dying and you're holding on, you'll see demons tearing your life away. If you've made your peace, then the demons are really angels, freeing you from the earth."

And even the title of the movie has an interesting history. Jacob was the character in the Bible (Genesis 25 and on) who struggled mightily with an angel through an entire night and eventually saw a ladder spanning heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending.

When you watch the movie, you'll understand the full import of this biblical reference.

Average customer rating:

Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 5-7: Samuel

Manufacturer: Vision Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 10 & 11: Saul and David

ASIN: B000FEB90G
Release Date: 2006-04-06

Description

Episode 5: The Invitation Hannah has promised to give her son to God. Now that Sammy knows of his amazing birth, he must choose whether to accept God's plan for his life. Explore how free will interacts with following God's calling in this story.

Episode 6: Samuel's Destiny — Part 1 As the priest Eli's right-hand man, 13-year old Samuel works hard in the temple. Meanwhile Eli's two sons sink deeper into a life of sin. How will these contrasting choices impact the Hebrews and their covenant with God?

Product Description

The "teenpack" is looking for adventure when they discover a mysterious old lighthouse and the even more mysterious keeper, Rafael. Through the lighthouse, the young teens are transported to Bible times where they interact with timeless characters and learn of a loving God who cares for His people through all the ages. These action-packed, top quality dramas are geared to youth ages 10-15, but are great for the whole family or for classroom use. Creative, easy-to-use PDF study materials are included to help young teens apply the faith-building lessons to their lives. Episode 8: A King for the Hebrews -- Samuel has been a faithful prophet and judge of Israel for many years, but the people are increasingly dissatisfied. Attacks from surrounding nations have fed their desire for a king to lead them. Will the fledgling nation ever learn to trust in God alone and thank him for all He's given them? Episode 9: Saul Takes Charge -- Since the shy farmer, Saul, has become the king of Israel, his family has noticed some changes. His newfound power and status leave him little time to consult with God, and there's no telling who will be the next target of his suspicions and anger. How far should we follow if our leaders take a wrong turn? This and other lessons come through in this story. DVD Features: Subtitles: English Bonus Material: - "Behind-the-Scenes" - PDF Study Guide

Average customer rating:

Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 12 & 13: David
Starring: none
Director: Billy Engel
Manufacturer: Vision Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 10 & 11: Saul and David
Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 5-7: Samuel
Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 8 & 9: Saul

ASIN: B000MR8SIW
Release Date: 2006-12-01

Product Description

The "teenpack" is looking for adventure when they discover a mysterious old lighthouse and the even more mysterious keeper, Rafael. Through the lighthouse, the young teens are transported to Bible times where they interact with timeless characters and learn of a loving God who cares for His people throughout all the ages. These action-packed, top quality dramas are geared to youth ages 10-15, but are great for the whole family or for classroom use. Creative, easy-to-use pdf study materials are included to help young teens apply the faith-building lessons to their lives. Episode 12: David on the Run -- King Saul is out to kill his most successful and loyal soldier, David. While David finds refuge through the people of God, Saul shows no respect for God or his people. See the results of their decisions as this tale unfolds. Episode 13: A New King -- In King Saul's darkest hour, he finally attempts to call on God as he once did, but God is silent. Where will Saul turn now? Can he sink any lower in his defiance of God? The story of David comes to a thrilling conclusion as he continues to walk in covenant with the Lord - the same covenant that began so many years before when Jacob saw a ladder to heaven.

Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 10 & 11: Saul and David

Average customer rating:

Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 10 & 11: Saul and David
Starring: none
Director: Billy Engel
Manufacturer: Vision Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( J ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 12 & 13: David
Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 8 & 9: Saul
Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 5-7: Samuel

ASIN: B000MR8SIM
Release Date: 2006-12-01

Product Description

Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 3 & 4: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz

Average customer rating:

Jacob's Ladder, Episodes 3 & 4: Naomi, Ruth and Boaz

Manufacturer: Vison Video
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Episode 3: Naomi and Ruth
A severe drought has brought famine to the land of Canaan. Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, have no choice but to leave all that they know and venture to Moab. There they are not welcome and new hardships await. Lessons about facing trials through faith and building healthy communities that reach out to outsiders come through in this powerful story where conflicting cultures clash.

Description

Episode 1: Gideon, Reluctant Hero The Hebrew people have forgotten about the mighty God of their forefathers. They are being lulled into idol worship by the Midianite conquerors. God calls the young man Gideon to stand up to these oppressors and their false gods. This story will challenge you to lay aside your idols and worship the one true God.

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A TOTAL MINDF**K.......2007-06-20

American Masterpiece.......2007-05-28

Watch with a friend in the full light of day........2007-05-27

Intense, but thought provoking..........2007-05-22

the devils are really angels.......2007-05-05

Average customer rating:

A TOTAL MINDF**K
American Masterpiece
Watch with a friend in the full light of day.
Intense, but thought provoking...
the devils are really angels

Jacob's Ladder [Region 2]
Starring: Tim Robbins , Elizabeth Peña , Danny Aiello , Matt Craven , and Pruitt Taylor Vince
Director: Adrian Lyne
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A TOTAL MINDF**K.......2007-06-20

American Masterpiece.......2007-05-28

Watch with a friend in the full light of day........2007-05-27

Intense, but thought provoking..........2007-05-22

the devils are really angels.......2007-05-05

Average customer rating:

boo to double packs that serve only to deplete unwanted inventory

Soul Survivors/Jacob's Ladder
Starring: Tim Robbins , Elizabeth Peña , Danny Aiello , Matt Craven , and Pruitt Taylor Vince
Director: Adrian Lyne , and Stephen Carpenter
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Amazon.com

Soul Survivors
Think of Soul Survivors as a more sincere version of A Nightmare on Elm Street. The night before Cassie (the Gwynethesque Melissa Sagemiller) starts college, she gets into a terrifying car accident with her boyfriend (Casey Affleck) and best friends (Wes Bentley from American Beauty and Eliza Dushku from Bring It On and Buffy the Vampire Slayer). But was it an accident? And who survived? Cassie starts college--but she also keeps hallucinating about frightening men she saw at a party prior to the accident, as well as about undergoing surgery after it. Is college itself the hallucination? These slips from one reality to the next build an increasing sense of discomfort and anxiety--though some viewers may be made more anxious by a scene in which Sagemiller and Dushku step into a shower together. Or do they... --Bret Fetzer

Jacob's Ladder
Vietnam veteran Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) thinks he is going insane. Or worse. When his nightmares begin spilling into his waking hours, Jacob believes he is experiencing the aftereffects of a powerful drug tested on him during Vietnam. Or perhaps his posttraumatic stress disorder is worse than most. Whatever is happening to him, it is not good. Director Adrian Lyne sparks our interest and maintains high production values, but this confusing film chokes on its "surprise" ending. It owes much to Ambrose Bierce's haunting and more straightforward story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek." Written by Bruce Joel Rubin, who also explored the "other side" in Ghost and My Life, it ultimately feels like an exercise in self-indulgence. A spirited performance by Elizabeth Peña outshines Robbins, who is surprisingly lethargic. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

boo to double packs that serve only to deplete unwanted inventory.......2005-07-15

i really thought i was getting a deal when i bought ANY movie with jacob's ladder. boy, was i ever wrong. first off, jacob's ladder is one of my favorite movies. i've been watching this movie since i was a little girl, back when the highlight of the film was mooning over my crush, macauley culkin. i remember many late nights at slumber parties after playing "light as a feather, stiff as a board" spent watching this movie.

ahhh, memories...

anyway, let's crack the whip and tear into "soul survivors." this movie is a steaming tUrd (notice that i spell that with a capital U because it looks like a toilet bowl, and that's where this movie belongs.)

alright, so now i sound like the crazy one, but trust me, you'll be tearing your eyes out in mourning over the downward trajectory that cinema has taken in recent years. this movie embodies all of the worst things about movies today - painfully terrible dialogue (the kind where you'd feel bad for the actor, but they're just as bad), stupefyingly vapid delivery (here's lookin' at you, eliza dushku), plot holes bigger than my ever-expanding backside (and that's sayin' something), less atmosphere and tone than a mcdonald's in montana, etc, etc, ad infinitum.

save yourself the embarrassment of having this stinker on your dvd rack - buy jacob's ladder by itself and try your hardest to forget that you ever heard of soul survivors.

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