The Good Mother

Starring:Diane Keaton, Liam Neeson, Jason Robards, Ralph Bellamy, Teresa Wright, James Naughton, Asia Vieira, Joe Morton, Katey Sagal, Margaret Bard, Nancy Beatty, Barry Belchamber, Mairon Bennett, Zachary Bennett, Scott Brunt, Eugene Clark, Elizabeth Clarke, Beverly Cooper, Philip Eckman, Greg Ellwand
Director: Leonard Nimoy
Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Tom Thumb
remembering
Enchanting movie!!! Kids love it,and adults too!!!
Fun Family Film
Tom Thumb

Tom Thumb
Starring: Russ Tamblyn , Alan Young , June Thorburn , Terry-Thomas , and Peter Sellers
Director: George Pal
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0790750732
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Amazon.com

When the 2-inch-tall Tom Thumb arrives at a childless couple's door, it seems like the perfect family has been created. But a chance meeting with a pair of devious robbers soon has Tom acting as an unwitting accomplice in a robbery, thereby threatening his family's happiness. Only Tom (Russ Tamblyn of West Side Story) and his friend Woody (Alan Young) can prove the innocence of Tom's parents and bring the robbers to justice. This 1958 presentation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale won an Oscar ^® for its innovative special effects. Timeless scenes include the famous dancing shoes and the painted boy who peels himself off of a pad of paper to dance around the room. Peggy Lee and Fred Spielman provide a wealth of catchy songs that have Tamblyn, Young, and Peter Sellers singing, dancing, and performing impressive gymnastic feats. This fanciful tale will appeal to the entire family. --Tami Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Tom Thumb.......2006-06-27

This is a really nice family movie. Highly recommend for young children. My family and myself fully enjoyed it.

remembering.......2006-03-03

This is a cute movie to rmemember you saw and liked when the baby bommers were kids. Alot of the actors from the 50's and 60's are in this. A cute fairy tale movie.

Enchanting movie!!! Kids love it,and adults too!!!.......2006-02-27

I saw this movie as a 2 year old, and I never really understood it, until now the digitally remastered edition features subtitles as well as clear finished product of the old classic fairytale.

Jonathan and Anna are simple honest people living in the forest, one day a fairy grants them a child. Tom Thumb as he is called, is a naughty but good boy who likes to play with his toys as soon as the grown ups are away. The toys come alive in a way never seen before! This is without the implementation of computer generated images, just great manipulation and excellent directing. I give this movie 5 stars!!!

Fun Family Film.......2005-10-26

Though I wouldn't rank this as a classic family film I would allow that "tom thumb" is impervious to criticism. Almost 50 years old the entertainment value here is timeless. In this day of CGI director George Pal's visual flair especially his utilization of Puppetoons still impress. Russ Tamblyn as Tom is an infectiously energetic marvel. Good light comic villainous turns contributed here by the legendary British comics Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers. If you were to pop this one into the DVD player I think you'll be able to keep the kids occupied for 90 minutes.

Tom Thumb.......2005-09-30

my two grand sons ages 9 and 12 who i bought it for both enjoyed it.

Average customer rating:

Disturbing, Awful Story - NOT for Young or Sensitive Viewers
Stick to the Original Benji; This May Not Exactly Be a Family Film
Benji Off the Leash- will he pull it off?!
*Beloved Benji... A class act... Then, now, and always*
Not for kids and not entertaining

Benji - Off the Leash
Starring: Neal Barth , Benji , Carlton Bluford , Nate Bynum , and Joe Camp
Director: Joe Camp
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002IQEDM
Release Date: 2004-12-28

Amazon.com

Benji: Off the Leash features dozens of close-ups of adorable mutts, guaranteed to make any dog-lover's heart melt. Colby (Nick Whitaker), a clever young boy, rescues a scrappy pup from his cruel father (Chris Kendrick), who breeds purebreds with an eye towards profit but not the animals' well-being. The puppy grows into a scruffy but smart dog who, with the aid of another plucky stray, helps Colby and his mother improve their lives, and the life of a lonely elderly neighbor as well. Along for the ride are two bumbling, slapstick dogcatchers and a wisecracking parrot. Benji: Off the Leash bubbles over with sentimentality that some viewers will find heartening and others will find unbearable. But though the story meanders, the movie is never cynical--writer/director Joe Camp sincerely believes that if people were more like dogs, the world would be a better place. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Disturbing, Awful Story - NOT for Young or Sensitive Viewers.......2007-04-28

I was horrified by this movie. My 5-year-old daughter and I watched this together hoping for a normal, uplifting, cute animal movie. The pointless, meandering, nonexistent storyline was the least offensive thing about it. Not much "FUN AND HILARITY" ensues in this disgusting downer. The 'movie' includes a psychopathic father who abuses and neglects his breeding dogs AND his son & wife (why doesn't the wife DO something?!), two idiotic dog catchers, some peripheral characters who show up in the last 10 minutes to 'save the day' (too little too late). Among the horrid scenes are a small puppy being throw across a room; a depressing backyard filled with 'breeder' dogs shoved in cramped, dirty cages; the implication that the psycho dad throws a bag with a runt puppy off a cliff into a river; a sick and dying female dog who has been overused for breeding; psycho dad verbally abusing his son; the implication that the wife is being hit; NO ONE doing or reporting any of the abuses (until the end - when the psycho is finally hauled off to jail). Truly one of the worst, most sickening movies I've ever seen. The issue of animal (and kid/wife) abuse is a topic of social importance that should be addressed, but NOT in a movie advertised as a rolicking, heartwarming kids' movie. This is NOT FOR KIDS. Not for anyone, really.

Stick to the Original Benji; This May Not Exactly Be a Family Film.......2006-11-12

If you're looking for family picture, something cheerful and joyful that would make you smile and laugh, you should see some other Benji films, but not this one. Sure, the dogs are cute. But I think probably most dogs on this planet are cute, and that alone does not make a good family picture. You may think `Benji: Off the Leash!' is a film about Benji. Yes, it is, but it also includes several things that almost made me stop watching it.

A kind boy named Colby (Nick Whitaker) secretly keeps an abandoned dog who tries to rescue his ailing mother ill-treated by her cruel owner. If you think this is a good story (and it is, I agree), wait a minute. The dog is abandoned by Colby's own abusive and malicious father who tosses away the puppy in the opening. The same cold-blooded daddy treats badly Benji's mother too in order to get more puppies! (Oh, I forgot to say he is a dog breeder, and he needs money!) And beating someone is also suggested....

OK, I admit this film is made with good intention. It makes a good point about our society, where animal abuse is often deeply related to another type of abuse. But I thought this is a film about dogs, or adventures of these lovely dogs running around, and the film's DVD cover strongly suggests that kind of content. Of course, these serious issues could be in films made for kids, but here's another problem.

That is, the film's terrible script that is confusing and often pointless. There is another dog abandoned by an unknown driver. The film could have explored the friendship between them, but before it does, it strays into several silly slapsticks by two Animal Control officers (with such old gags as falling in the mud). The rambling story goes nowhere, and the social issues like animal abuse is clumsily treated. The lazy pace of the film with this kind of unnecessary comedies by stupid characters not only kills everything that could have been much better lessons for kid, but also conceals the real merits of watching this film, that is, watching cute dogs.

In short, we don't need this entry while we have the original Benji, and many other films from Disney, Pixar, and other studios, which the kids probably would find funnier and more educational.

Benji Off the Leash- will he pull it off?!.......2006-08-30

This movie is a heartwarming "Benji" classic of a throw away puppy from a puppy mill that the dad doesn't want because it is a mix.It is sad at times,but there is plenty of hilarious parts where I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe.All the actors were great and the movie had a solid center.I would not reccomend for small children to watch as the dad throws the puppy across the room at the first.But this is a very good movie as "Benji" nearly always is!

*Beloved Benji... A class act... Then, now, and always*.......2006-04-25

Benji & Joe Camp did it again!!! Joe has a way of melting Benji (and now newcomer Shaggy!) straight into our hearts... and makes sure to leave us wiser along the way. No one does animal movies like Joe Camp and Benji. Benji... I loved him then... I love him now... I will love him always.

Not for kids and not entertaining.......2006-02-22

Not for kids and not entertaining.

Very disappointing...

Abusive father...

Average customer rating:

a little different
It's Not Easy Being a Single Mom
Between a rock and a hard place
So Powerful, So Wonderful
Simply a must-see

The Good Mother
Starring: Diane Keaton , Liam Neeson , Jason Robards , Ralph Bellamy , and Teresa Wright
Director: Leonard Nimoy
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00006472S
Release Date: 2002-06-04

Description

Every passion has its price. For Anna Dunlap (Academy Award(R)-winner Diane Keaton), a recent divorcee and mother of a young daughter, Molly, the price may be devastating. Discovering true passion for the first time in her life after meeting artist Leo Cutter (Liam Neeson, STAR WARS, EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE), Anna's life couldn't be more perfect. But shocking charges against the young woman place her newfound lifestyle under scrutiny, shattering her sizzling relationship and forcing her to prove that she is a good mother.

Customer Reviews:

a little different.......2006-07-28

the first time i watched this movie it felt like forever. now watching it more and more it becomes better everytime i watch this movie. diane keaton looks so pretty in this movie and you can't help but kept your eyes in her. i didn't see the verdict coming out like it did and the ending wasn't that good but i couldn't imagen it being any different.

It's Not Easy Being a Single Mom.......2005-09-29

Diane Keaton and Liam Neeson are fine in this powerful, but disturbing tale of a single mom who has to fight to keep her child. I believe it is based on the novel.

Between a rock and a hard place.......2005-04-07

Based on Sue Miller's novel, this is about a somewhat frigid woman (Diane Keaton) who is raising her 8-year-old daughter using modern, open ideas. She then meets a man (Liam Neeson) who causes her own sexuality to blossom. But an "incident" occurs between Neeson and the daughter that filters back to the ex-husband who then fights Keaton for custody of the girl. Neeson is made out to be a sleazebucket at the trial, and Keaton sacrifices him in the attempt to win her daughter back. Of course Keaton's all-out battle to win her daughter back is admirable, and I suppose it is meant for us to think of her as a victim of a male-run society that is penalyzing her for her sudden sexual blossoming and openness in child rearing. I couldn't help, though, shedding a tear or two for Neeson, who is the sacrificial lamb here. Keaton's performance is typical, which for me is not saying very much: I don't care for her as an actress and find her overacting most of the time.

So Powerful, So Wonderful.......2003-07-16

I was warned before watching this movie that it would not be one of those 'sit in front of the television with a bowl of popcorn' movies. For half of the movie, I just sat there, my eyes glued to the screen, watching Diane Keaton in a simply wonderful and dramatic role.

Anna Dunlap (Keaton) is a newly divorced woman with an adorable six year old daughter. They have a wonderful relationship, and it is very evident when you sit down and watch them together. Enter Liam Neeson. He starts out as a person with whom you would not want to get to know, but after a few minutes, he reveals that he's just in a bad mood and he is actually quite nice. When he first meets Molly (the very adorable Asia Vieira), she is very shy towards him, but she learns to like him and you can see that there is a bond between them. When something happens (I don't want to say what), and Molly's father wants full-time custody of her, the movie becomes a full-blown drama. It is, I admit, hard to watch some of the courtroom scenes, but they are so powerful and they draw you into the story. In a way, I saw the end result coming, but not exactly like it did. It definitely showed finality in the family.

Keaton's performace, like I said above, was incredibly powerful and she does a wonderful job portraying Molly's mother. The main reason I bought this movie was because of Diane Keaton, since she is my favorite actress and this movie shows her in her best dramatic role, in my opinion. If only it had received higher reviews when it came out. But I go by what looks good to me, and to me, this looked good, mainly because of the cast and the story.

Simply a must-see.......2001-03-04

Being a tremendous fan of Diane Keaton's work, I rented this movie (I'm still... that this movie isn't sold anywhere), and it immediately rated as one of my top-ten favorite Keaton videos. It honestly is an enigma that this movie didn't get enough praise it deserves. Most of the scenes are incredibly sweet, warm, and intimate. That's what makes this movie so great. When Keaton's character, Anna, meets Liam Neeson's character, Leo, there's a unmistakable bond forming. I especially love the scene when Anna goes to Leo's apartment and Leo and Anna becomes one, dancing in front of Leo's sculpture, making shadows on the wall from the light shining on them from behind. This is an esoteric concept of first love. I really thought it was so sweet when Anna confessed to Leo that she thought she wasn't very good at sex, and he gently assures her that they can fix that. There's no judgment in that scene;it's obvious that Leo really loves Anna, and their love is vivid. Another favorite scene is when Anna and her daughter, Molly, are in the bathtub with Leo reading to them. This is truly intimate, and I just love the fact that they were so open-minded about being naked in front of Molly. There's just so much tenderness and love. It was, to me, beautiful. And yet another favorite scene is when Molly has a bad dream and goes into Anna's room while she and Leo are making love, and they comfort her until she falls asleep.There's another display of intimacy, about caring and love. The three of them together was absolutely wonderful. That is why I found it incredibly appalling that Anna's ex-husband, Brian, goes to court for something that happened between Molly and Leo that had absoluely no intention of happening. (I won't ruin the ending for you). But I found the ending truly sad and final. A soon-to-be family are wrenched apart by an innocent mistake. I felt bad, because I knew they could have had a wonderful life together. I also felt bad for Anna and Leo. I could really see their love shown for each other. They were so comfortable together; their feelings for each other were vivid and beautiful. This is a movie of non-judgment and unconditional love, and that's what makes it so special. I honestly don't understand why this movie was considered a failure. Keaton is at her best in this movie, and Neeson is simply wonderful. I consider myself as an efficient movie critic, and I know which movies are bad or good. This movie is a MUST-SEE!!! I acclaim Keaton especially for her wonderful work in this movie. 'The Good Mother' is proof that Keaton is one of the world's most rare and special actresses. If you're not suffering from brain deterioration, immediately rent this movie! You won't regret it.

Average customer rating:

Suspene!!
Entertaining But Not in the Way the Film Was Intended
Major Disappointment !
Should be camp but goes for art
Very good for a sequel...

Glass House - The Good Mother
Starring: Angie Harmon , Joel Gretsch , Jordan Hinson , Bobby Coleman , and Jason London
Director: Steve Antin
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000H5TH0M
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Description

After losing their mother and father in a tragic accident, teenager Abby Snow and her younger brother Ethan find a new home with Eve and Raymond Goode. Moving into their adoptive parents' remote mansion, the siblings soon come to the shocking realization that the Goodes are not exactly who they seem to be and the Snows' dream of love and security turns into a living nightmare of cruelty, hate and terror.

Angie Harmon (TV's 'Law & Order') and Joel Gretsch (The Legend of Bagger Vance) star in this chilling suspense thriller. After losing their mother and father in a tragic accident, teenager Abby Snow and her younger brother Ethan find a new home with Eve (Harmon) and Raymond Goode (Gretsch). Moving into their adoptive parents' remote mansion, however, the siblings come to the shocking realization that the Goodes are not exactly what they seem, and the Snows' dream of love and security turns into a living nightmare of cruelty, hate and terror.

Customer Reviews:

Suspene!!.......2007-05-22

I love this movie. Angie Harmon usually plays the cop, the lawyer, the victom,etc,ect, but in this movie she changes her image completely!! She is such a talented actress. I never really paid that much attention to her before, but after this, I'm going to...watch this movie. It's Way better than the first one...

Entertaining But Not in the Way the Film Was Intended.......2007-04-21

"The Good Mother" begins with recently orphaned children, Abby and Ethan, who are adapted by seemingly nice husband and wife Raymond and Eve living in a fancy house. But of course the two children will find that the couple's nice and kind attitudes hide something else, something that was NOT seen in the previously released "The Glass House," made about five years ago.

I don't spoil your fun of watching "The Good Mother" another entry of Sony's direct-to-video film, of which story itself, predictable and ridiculous, would not be of much interest to most of you than the (intentionally, I guess) campy acting from the leading lady Angie Harmon as Eve. Her unique character would surely remind you of "Mommy Dearest" if not as intense as Faye Dunaway's now legendary performance. Look how Eve, or a good mother if you like, checks out each item before having dinner with awfully boring husband, saying "Chicken, beans, salad, wine ... perfect." In a scene you can see her actually growling like a tiger. That's hilarious.

If you can ignore the countless plots holes and incredible stupid decisions some characters make, you might find yourself enjoying this B thriller. Surprisingly good is Jordan Hinson as Abby, who deserves a much better script than this. To these two leading ladies go my two stars.

Major Disappointment !.......2007-02-03

I have always said when it comes to Hollywood sequels they are usually always worse than the "original" movie.
Unfortunately, I was proven right again by this sequal to the excellent "original" Glass House movie.

The problem with "Glass House 2" is its absolute predictability: This starts with the plot, moves to the general atmosphere, applies to the fate of the characters, and lasts right up to the happy ending. Therefore, really everything is sooo predictable, that it takes the suspense out of even the most promising scenes, where one can tell that the producers were trying desperately to conjure up some suspense, but, nonetheless, everything comes to no avail.

While watching this movie, as an avid Thriller fan, I kept thinking to myself this can't be it, there must be some kind of a departure or twist in the story coming any time soon, from this all too predictable plot. Well, there was none what so ever, the movie just kept draging on, in its rather slow pace and fashion.
The acting was solid, especially the "good" mother, but what's the use, when even that is wasted in such a run of the mill story.

One can really see that the only motive in making such sequels, and films in general, is money. Also the aforementioned 2 instances where the figure that the sister of the younger brother sees is never explained, as well as the bed in the basement are logical flaws, that were added undoubtedly for suspense purposes. I don't think that they really mar the film much. These cases are not real problems, the real problem is the sheer predictability, which makes everything seem dull and tedious.

So do yourself a favor and avoid this one, if you haven't see the first movie, see it, its fabulous and in contrast to this one very exciting and unpredictable 'til the end.

P.S. Maybe my rating wouldn't have been as harsh, had this movie not been called "Glass House 2", but with that title it just raised my expectations immensly, hence, the 1 star rating.

Should be camp but goes for art.......2007-01-05

This type of movie, more often than not, delves into the realm of camp. An over the top character like the mother in this film fits the bill perfectly. One minute sweet as pie, the next minute spitting venom to the enjoyment of all viewers. The problem with this film is that it takes itself far too seriously. There are endless shots of birds flying, sunsets,and exterior shots of the house all for no reason. The film moves at a glacial pace for most of the begining and is hampered by an absolutely ludicrous ending(even by thriller standards). Really only worth a watch for the performance by Angie HArmon.

Very good for a sequel..........2006-12-26

I have to say that I especially enjoyed this movie. I'm a fan of the first Glass House movie, so when I saw this sequel in the video store I thought it sounded good.

I didn't expect much at the start because I know that most sequels tend not to come up to the standard of the first movie.

But I was enormously enterained by this movie.

It is basically set out a little bit the same as the first movie, but with vast differences.

When Abby and her brother are adopted by Eve and Raymond, things look good, but Eve is hiding a dark secret.

I was very impressed with Angie Harmon (Eve). She is a sensual beauty and that makes her evil side all the more terrifying. She puts in a suberb performance and switches from good to evil in a heartbeat. The scene with the oven cleaner made me squirm.

An enjoyable treat.

Average customer rating:

no title
All Chick, No Flick
REAL EMOTIONS ABOUND
"Angela Scacciapensieri"
Let's throw in 15 subplots and abandon them all.

Angie
Starring: Geena Davis , Stephen Rea , James Gandolfini , Aida Turturro , and Philip Bosco
Director: Martha Coolidge
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Stella

ASIN: B00008L3UJ
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Amazon.com

This slice-of-life film out of Bensonhurst begins like a Working Girl rip-off: earnest and endearing woman leaves neighborhood boyfriend (James Gandolfini) to find happiness with a suave professional (Stephen Rea). But there Angie turns into a tale of self-discovery. As with Todd Graff's previous script, Used People, the characters are colorful but never seem more than broad brush stokes. What is left is an admirable acting piece by Geena Davis, who shoulders an entire movie for the first time with winning success, although many will see her mother-to-be as unrealistic. Director Martha Coolidge's (Rambling Rose) direction underscores Angie without wild mannerisms or a heavy accent, making her a memorable character that was originally to be played by Madonna. The trailers were misleading, showing clips from the back half of the movie. It's more about independence than motherhood, and Davis stubbornly desires to be happy and on her own. Plenty of laughs thrown in, mostly from Rea's endearing loafer. Gandolfini is excellent in his first major role. --Doug Thomas

Description

Academy Award(R)-winner Geena Davis (Best Supporting Actress -- THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST) shines as Angie, a young Brooklyn-born woman who's witty, irreverent, and irresistible! With her wild ambitions and stubborn independence, Angie won't let anyone -- or anything -- stand in the way of her dreams. When Angie finds out she's pregnant by her longtime boyfriend, she has no plans to get married and settle down. Instead, she decides it's a good time to set out and find her way in the world. As you can imagine, her unpredictable behavior drives her bewildered family and friends crazy! You're sure to fall head over heels for ANGIE -- a heartwarming story brimming with irrepressible fun!

Customer Reviews:

no title.......2006-03-25

Martha Coolidge also directed "Rambling Rose" with Laura Dern, which was much the better picture. This was nowhere near that level. It was very soap opera-ish, with an "Oprah" feel to it. Melodramic, a woman's picture. If you like Geena Davis, you're in. But there was one line at the end - - "I figure everybody's got something broken in their lives. It's up to the less broken to take care of the more broken" - - that is memorable. "Angie's" ending was too warm and perfect. There were some good scenes, but the whole crisis was set up by Angie's dad, who never really told her about her mother. Too contrived. Her feelings about motherhood were good, though. And I liked her stepmom. She had a lot of good lines.

All Chick, No Flick.......2004-03-07

I'm not quite sure why anyone felt it was necessary to make this movie. This is the story of Angie, a young Brooklyn woman of Italian descent who leads a rather routine, bridge-and-tunnel sort of existence as an office worker who commutes to her job in Manhattan. She has a circle of friends who seem to lead lives which are more or less similar to hers, the closest of whom are Tina, her overweight, lifelong buddy, and Vinnie, her plumber de facto fiance who has been her steady since high school. Angie and her father both carry the scars of having been deserted by Angie's mom--an incident shrouded in mystery due to her father's reluctance to discuss the actual events. Angie often ponders her mother's desertion, which eventually motivates her to take drastic action near the end of the film.
We're given to understand that Angie isn't quite as happy as she should be with the routine of her life. When she discovers that she's pregnant, she--realizing it's probably her last chance to do something different--decides to go for broke and not marry the doting Vinnie. She finds her catalyst in Noel, a glib Irishman who practices international law and who has picked her up in Manhattan's Metropolitan Museum of Art, which Angie is visiting alone, having been unable to convince the boorish-but-sweet Vinnie to accompany her. Noel takes Angie's eventual revelation of her pregnancy in stride, carrying on a part-time affair with her right up to her admittance to the delivery room, at which point he abruptly dumps her. Angie's child has a birth defect and refuses to nurse from her. After walking in on her loathsome stepmother nursing the baby, our overwhelmed heroine flees to Texas in search of her mother, closure, and enhanced self-awareness. The ending is rather predictable.
I can't imagine that anyone male (at least of my acquaintance) would find anything to enjoy in this film. It's concerned only with female issues and addresses them on a rather superficial level. I also found it quite unbelievable that Noel would hang around as long as he did; in fact, what possessed him to get involved beyond a possible one-night stand in the first place? Angie is a very pretty, wisecracking young woman, but she's coarse, somewhat vulgar, and a potential embarrassment every time she opens her mouth (a contemporary Stella Dallas?), whereas Noel, despite the eventual revelation of his caddishness, is a cultured professional. Is the clue to his infatuation to be found, perhaps, in his truly appalling haircut? No answer is ever given, although we're nearly as shocked as Angie at his unbelievably callous defection (it transpires that he's married and "kind of" separated, presumably to someone more appropriate but less attractive).
In fact, this entire movie stretches credulity. Post-partum crazies aside, are we really expected to believe that a working-class American girl with a loving, supportive family is going to abandon a newborn?
This film's saving grace lies in its performances; all are excellent. Davis' Angie is appealingly played (although her "Bensonhurst-ese" is a tad over the top) and the support characters shine as well. Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack is, predictably, delightful. The problem is that despite strong performances, these characters are caricatures and the story is one-dimensional and rather ridiculous, strewn with cliches and the occasional silly platitude that's meant to sound profound. This one can be avoided with no great sense of loss.
Incidentally, for my money, the "Santa scene" is one of the most tasteless performances ever captured on celluloid. Perhaps this was the final straw that broke the camel's back for Noel? We'll never know for sure.

REAL EMOTIONS ABOUND.......2004-02-12

I found this to be an endearing movie. I didn't want to watch, but couldn't turn away from Angie's pain during her self discovery. She has made poor decisions and was always looking for the greener grass, but comes to find she is her own worst enemy, and best friend.

"Angela Scacciapensieri".......2003-08-14

Originally intended for Madonna (who can't act & would have definately STUNK!), this was an excellent role for Geena Davis. "Angie" is a film about an Italian/American woman from the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, N.Y. Her mom left her when she was a child & because of this she has a romanticized notion of her mother & a deep fear of abandonment. She wants more out of life than her working class plumber boyfriend (and father of her child) can offer her so she falls in love with a lawyer from Ireland while pregnant(someone as far removed from her Brooklyn world as possible!) After the baby is born, the lawyer dumps her & she also feels rejected by her son (you'll have to see the movie to find out why) so she heads off to Texas to finally face her mom for some type of closure. Yes, this character's angst & situations can be overwhelming , but real life can be like that too sometimes. The musical score, by Jerry Goldsmith, is excellent (particularly "Angie's Theme") & compliments the movie wonderfully. The movie also has a knack for capturing the New York Italian/American experience authentically. At times, "Angie" feels like a hybrid of other films ("Working Girl", "Beaches", "Saturday Night Fever", & "Moonstruck") but it works.

Let's throw in 15 subplots and abandon them all........2002-12-19

Though Geena Davis is a great actress, good at playing particularly strong-willed women, the screenplay for "Angie" just meanders all over the place, from light comedy to the staunchest of melodramas.

I mean, what kind of a movie has a woman go into labor while gyrating in a Santa Claus suit then show her give birth to a one-armed baby, get abandoned by her married lover, watch as her stepmother breast-feeds the one-armed baby, abandons said baby, finds her long-lost mother (who it turns out is a schizophrenic), learns that one-armed baby is in a coma... all in about 15 minutes.

Customer Reviews:

A Guilty Pleasure!.......2006-05-26

In the near future, a Californian beach has been taken over by a ruthless gang called "The Surf Nazis" whom are modern day neo-nazis and their leader nicknamed Adolph who literally can surf and would hurt anyone who enters their territory or gets in their way. When an African-American fellow named Leroy gets murdered by them, his mother sets off to buy weapons as she plots to take revenge for her son's death.

Silly and entertaining Sci-fi action comedy romp from Troma which is not as bad as some people say! what can you expect from the studios? yes there is bad acting and cheesy special effects but there's some nice action sequences, nudity and violence abound, if you can suspend your disbelief then you'll enjoy this movie like any B-movie or Troma flicks.

This DVD has good picture and sound quality as the movie is the unrated director's cut with scenes cut out when it came out to theaters back in 1987 and has goodies like an introduction by Troma's founder Lloyd Kaufman, a interactive tour of the Troma studios building, the original Theatrical trailer and other Tromatic trailers, Troma Intelligence Test, interviews, deleted scenes, and more.

Also recommended: "Battle Royale 1 & 2", "Terminator Trilogy", "A Clockwork Orange", "Mad Max", "The Road Warrior", "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome", "The Warriors", "Escape from New York", "The Running Man", "Barefoot Gen", "Fist of the North Star (Anime)", "Troma's War", "Combat Shock", "Akira", "Natural Born Killer", "Rock & Rule", "They Live", "Leon The Professional", "Shaft ( 1971 and 2000)", "Cannibal! The Musical", "American History X", "Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky", "I Spit on Your Grave", "Total Recall", "Robocop", "Tank Girl", "Wizards", "Blade Runner", "Waterworld" and "Sgt. Kubikiman NYPD".

People Who Made It Must Die.......2005-06-27

I garentee if this movie wasnt under the Troma team name, it wouldnt be known of at all. Only a die-hard Troma fan who cant bring themselves to say something negative in a reveiw about Troma would praise this movie.

This movie is neither smart nor intelegent in bringing the Natzi idea to beach gangs. Giving them a natzi symbol and calling the head cheese Adolf was about as far as cliche goes... it needed to go in another direction other then leave you wondering if a surfer who is obssessed with Natzi's and Hitler wrote this script to combine a fantasey of his or something?

THe movie IMO could have worked if it was a comedy... instead it's a badly acted stupid movie that takes itself too serisly at points. The whole thing should have been a full on comedy, not just bits and peices where if you blink you'll miss the 2 jokes in the entire film. And the mad momma needed a bigger role other then what she had. It focused too much on the wrong thing and it didnt look like they quite knew who the lead charactor should have been.

Surf Natzi's Must Be Boycotted From All Rental Stores, 'cause, hell, you dont wanna buy it!

Only the obsessed Troma fan will find 3 seconds of footage they like and focus on that as a praise then to look at the rest of the film and not see that 2 or 3 jokes based around the rest of the movie does not make it a comedy. It's art house trash.

This [...] is the Gayest Movie i Have ever Seen!.......2004-12-05

Wow i feal much stupider after seeing Surf Nazis Must die. This was totaly Libarachi Gay! If The director was to create another film in his downhill career, we would be contemplating suicide meer moments after its realse. Please spare us the bulletts and blood and dont see this film.

worst movie ever!.......2004-11-28

I don't even lie when I say this is the worest movie I have ever seen! The only cool part is when the nazi chick gets her head runover buy the boat motor. This movie is so bad it makes Nync look good :(.

A case of the 'Surf Nazi' blahs.......2004-07-15

In the mood to expand my collection of cult/trash movie faves, I saw this on VHS at the local rental joint, and was intrigued by its title. So I took it home, gave it a view... and found it a rather ordinary bit of cr@ptacular cinema. Sure it had its usual array of Troma-tic stuff like a low-budget look, a ridiculous premise and "plot" (heh), a few scenes and cuts that didn't make all that much sense (a Troma trademark), and less-than-realistic acting. But when it was all put together here, I didn't find myself being all that entertained by the cheesy hokiness of it all like I have with other cult/trash fare. The only thing I found particularly amusing was the fact that the producers and director apparently tried to give `Surf Nazis Must Die' the feel of a serious film, which I felt was pretty weird considering its rather ludicrous premise.

On the upside, I was treated to a promo for another Troma release, "The Class of Nuke `Em High", prior to viewing the tape's feature presentation. Judgin' from what I saw in that two-minute trailer, "Nuke `Em High" looks to be many times funnier and more entertaining than "Surf Nazis"! Methinks I'll be checkin' that one out, next time I hit the local rental place...

Customer Reviews:

Great monster movie!!!.......2005-11-01

I recently watched this movie and I got to say that I really liked it.

This movie is about scientists who accidentally released monsters from the 1950's movies and get into a whole heap of trouble, chasing them in the neighbourhood. Then a young boy, his mother and a detective named "Dexter Brisbane", end up finding a solution to get rid of the monsters and get everything back to normal.

I really liked this movie because I liked the creature effect of the "Were-Rat" (who looked like a werewolf), the transformation and the plot line of the appearance of the monsters and the effects.

Well made monster movie!.......2005-11-01

I just watched this movie, I liked it because I just adore monster movies and the creature effects were well made. One of the monsters is a "Were-Rat" and it does give a lot of an impression of a "werewolf".

It is basically about some scientists releasing some monsters from "1950's" movies, the monsters stalk people and they get in a great drama. Then a character named "Dexter Brisbane", is a ranger that eventually gets the monsters off the loose with the help of a mother and son.

Average customer rating:

Strictly a NO-star movie !

The Hollywood Mom's Mystery
Starring: Justine Bateman , Elizabeth Peña , George Hamilton , Laura Johnson , and David Gail
Director: David S. Cass Sr.
Manufacturer: LIVING ARTS
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Satire | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00080Z68I
Release Date: 2006-02-07

Description

THE HOLLYWOOD MOM'S MYSTERY This Hollywood Wife Gives "Desperate" a New Meaning! Golden Globe nominees Justine Bateman (Family Ties) and George Hamilton (Love at First Bite) star with Elizabeth Peña (Lone Star, Rush Hour) in this lighthearted mystery. Children's book author Lucy Freers (Bateman) needs to sell her house, after her husband Kit (Andrew McCarthy) has produced several flops, and wants to write a book for adults. She gets her material when Julia (Angie Everhart), the trophy wife of sitcom star Woody Prentice (Hamilton), turns up dead in their pool, so Lucy must become an amateur sleuth. This adaptation of Lindsay Maracotta's The Dead Hollywood Moms Society features Peña as Detective Theresa Shoe, who first suspects Kit, and then becomes Lucy's unlikely ally. Approximately 87 minutes Color

Customer Reviews:

Strictly a NO-star movie !.......2006-08-14

I have 3 words for those who are thinking of buying this movie: save your money!
Justine Bateman, who was so good and so cute as Mallory Keaton in "Family Ties" made a bad choice when she agreed to star in this bomb. It is badly written, amateurishly directed, choppy and disconnected. It goes from slow all the way to boring! The plot is thin, the dialogue worse.
Andrew McCarthy has almost a bit part in this waste of film, as Bateman's husband. Actually, he provides the best single scene in the whole sloppy thing, when Bateman dreams that her husband (McCarthy) is trying to kill her. He is fully menacing and intense, and this is the only good scene to be found anywhere in this nonsense.
The beginning is not so good, the ending is predictable and, well - boring!
I repeat: Save your money.

Average customer rating:

A Time to Remember
Starring: Doris Roberts , Dana Delany , Megan Gallagher , Louise Fletcher , and Rosemary Forsyth
Director: John Putch
Manufacturer: Gaiam
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000HC2LIU
Release Date: 2006-11-07

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