The Spirit Hunter

Starring:Spirit Hunter
Studio: Vintage Home Ent.
Product Type: DVD

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but to short........2007-05-15

The movie was very very good, but I wish it was longer. I also wish that it could ALL be true!

TERMINALLY CUTE FAMILY FILM.......2006-05-12

This ultrasweet sequel to MIRACLE DOGS brings us two spaniels who have the miraculous ability to heal, and how they stumbled into a young boy's life. Adults may find it saccharine-heavy, but it is a good film for the family to enjoy together. A good cast consisting of Charles Durning, Janine Turner, Patrick Muldoon and an over the top Lesley Ann Warren bring some life to the pedestrian script, and all in all, should be entertaining as family viewing.

Average customer rating:

The Year Without a Santa Claus
John Goodman Will Make You Believe In Santa
Wow, is this bad
About as bad as it gets
More like 3 ½.

The Year Without a Santa Claus
Starring: Dylan Minnette , Hunter Ballard , Barry Barton , Daniel Magill , and Austin Barton
Director: Ron Underwood
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000J10F2I
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Amazon.com

Based on the classic 1976 animated Rankin and Bass Christmas special The Year Without a Santa Claus, this 2006 live-action, modernized version of the story features John Goodman as Santa Claus, Delta Burke as Mrs. Claus, Eddie Griffin as Jangle, Ethan Suplee as Jingle, and Chris Kattan as Sparky. In both productions, Santa is disgusted with the commercialization of Christmas and feels overworked and underappreciated. Add in a bad cold and Santa declares that he is canceling Christmas this year and it falls to two elves, Jingle and Jangle, to restore Santa's faith by finding a child who understands the true spirit of Christmas. The most striking differences in this new production are the cynical, almost satiric portrayal of the extreme commercialization of Christmas at Santa Company (complete with punk rocker dolls, violent video games, and a crazed employee named Sparky who dreams of taking Santa's place as action-hero-inspired "Extreme Santa"), a makeover of the elf Jangle as a television-junkie obsessed with talk shows, a less prominent role for Mrs. Claus, and a twist on the young boy and town Mayor story line that focuses less on encouraging the boy (who just happens to be the Mayor's son in this version) to believe in Santa Claus and more on inspiring the Mayor's realization that his relationship with his son is much more important than his political ambitions. While neither version has the warmth of the more optimistic Rankin and Bass animated specials like Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman, this latest live-action version of The Year Without a Santa Claus is full of modern day references that will date it in future years, is somewhat crass, and at times downright unlikable. (Ages 9 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

When his devious head elf, Sparky (Kattan), tells him that he must "keep up with the times" no matter how materialistic Santa Claus (Goodman) resists, fearing that the holiday has become far too commercial. Convinced that no one believes in him anymore and that people have forgotten the real meaning of Christmas, Santa decides to take the year off and not deliver any gifts, much to the dismay of his two closest elves, Jingle (Suplee) and Jangle (Griffin). When Santa tells them that he doesn't think there are any children left who still care about the true spirit of Christmas, the two elves decide to prove him wrong. But their efforts are complicated by Heatmiser and Snowmiser, the two feuding sons of Mother Nature (Kane), whose help Jingle and Jangle will need if they want to save Christmas.

Customer Reviews:

The Year Without a Santa Claus.......2007-01-17

A great addition to my Holiday Collection. Goodman is outstanding as Santa and the story line does follow the cartoon enough to remind you of the original. The supporting cast made it interesting and entertaining! Recommend for the entire family!

John Goodman Will Make You Believe In Santa.......2007-01-05

Originally a claymation holiday film made almost forty years ago, THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS gets remade into a live action movie. THe plot is simple and the solution is relatively simple as well, but the fun of this film is getting through the story. Sure, you know everything will work out in the end, but that takes some of the worry out of the entertainment process. You can sit back and enjoy the lighthearted festivities just in time for the holidays.

John Goodman delivers a solid and entertaining version of Santa. Delta Burke plays Mrs. Claus with dignity and grace, and an understated love for her husband. Chris Kattan stars as an obnoxious elf. Ethan Suplee and Eddie Griffin star as Jingle and Jangle, two of Santa's favorite elves.

The plot stays much the same in the remake as it was in the original version. Santa is tired of the commercialization of Christmas and thinks of going off to retire. (In the original he got sick.) Where Mrs. Claus saved Christmas in the first movie, Jingle and Jangle are largely responsible for the events that pull Santa back to the Christmas spirit. The movie has a lot of funny bits, especially with Jingle and Jangle as they try to prove they're elves to Iggy, the mayor's son. He wants to believe in Christmas and bring it to the people in his town, but he's struggling with his own doubts. Vixen, Santa's reindeer, is also on hand to bring a few laughs.

Although the movie can keep the adult attention, it's too simple to do justice to that audience. But that isn't the audience THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS is going for. The movie is for the kids, and it succeeds well.

THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS is a good addition to the family DVD collection. It will become a holiday favorite that the kids will want to see again. And again.

Wow, is this bad.......2007-01-05

I love the animated version of this and when I saw there was a live-action one I thought, "hey--John Goodman, Michael McKean, Harvey Fierstein, how bad can it be?" Really, really bad. When puppets from the early 70s have more charisma than the actors do, something is really wrong with your movie. This could have been good but it never quite figures out if it wants to be an homage, a parody, or a "hip" update. Between that and Chris Kattan chewing up all the scenery--just spend your money on the original.

About as bad as it gets.......2007-01-04

Make no mistake we are in "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" territory here. This is about as bad as Christmas movies get. I don't where to start. Th Bad CGI effects, the sets that look like they were built for a middle school play or John Goodman playing "Jolly Old St. Nick" like a grumpy coke addict going through detox. Just say no!!

More like 3 ½. .......2006-12-13

There's no way that any movie could possibly be as awful as people make this sound. I can't believe all the moaning and hating and overreacting. The original can be neither outdone nor ruined, so they didn't even try. This is just fun. Just a new version. A tribute if you will. No one may harm, change, or spoil the brilliance of the original, or its memories; that's nonsense. It's untouched.
Now I'm someone who ADORES the original with a passion. It's my favorite special. I own every single Rankin/Bass holiday special, and not just the Christmas ones. I watch the entire marathon every year. I am a serious fan. But am I offended by this? No! It's harmless.

That said, I knew not to expect too much; The Year Without a Santa Claus was always begging to be done in live action, but this was much too quick and small-scale of a production to begin living up to the full potential it had. There were very funny parts, and things I didn't understand the reason for. Why exclude the wonderful songs? I watched the Snow Vs. Heatmiser clip dozens of times and wow, it got my hopes up for an outstanding film. Of course the rest didn't have that musical feel. And why did they combine likable Mr. Thistlewhite with the Mayor, completely changing Ignatius and producing the far-too-familiar plotline: "busy parent doesn't spend enough time with family, ends up with disillusioned kid for holidays"? There were things I thought should've been kept from the cartoon that weren't.

And yes, Santa really is portrayed a bit TOO mean, cranky, disgruntled and un-merry from the start. You can see where this was adapted from, but then there are times it totally shoots off in its own direction. Few, it appears, appreciate all the departure from the classic. I personally didn't either. But there's nothing truly wrong with this if you treat most of it as a light-hearted good time (unless you have a bad time with it, in which case we can't help you, just watch the masterpiece of an original because everyone loves that.)

And just as in the original, the Miser Brothers are the indisputable best part of the whole shenanigan. Should they have been given their own classic holiday special? Absolutely. Who doesn't adore them? They just have that something that makes them probably two of the best characters ever. So, so classic...you could go on and on about their greatness in the original. But about the new one: thank goodness they didn't have the nerve to think of omitting the Miser songs. The movie really would've helped itself to focus more on them, and for whatever reason it dragged everything else out and made far less use of the good ol' boys than I'd hoped to see. Their first scene is still by far the best in the film, so far ahead of everything else it's not funny. No wonder that was the preview.

As to their depictions; Harvey WAS sort of an odd choice for Heatmiser, though I can't say he didn't do a fine job or looked wrong. I'd confidently say that Michael was the best cast person in the movie; he just does a darn good human Snowmiser. Now, I know everybody was shocked at the absence of the Mini Misers, and furthermore the presence of-GASP!-girl dancers helping each of the Misers. While I understand that they might not have wanted the whole `Mini Me' thing going on in live action, I too missed the Minis. But you know what? They totally took my idea with those ladies! XD For years I've said that when the Brothers sing their excellent, mighty songs, they ought to have showgirls to dance with them. They created almost exactly what I imagined in this movie--fiery style girls and icy style ones. Amazing. I know the skimpiness of the outfits strikes many as inappropriate for a family flick, but honestly, it isn't really that risqué of a scene. Snowy and Heat only dance with the girls, nothing more. ^~ I loved all the costumes, and the dance moves, and loved the songs and characters to begin with, so overall I completely love that scene.

The rest of the cast? No real problems. The elves could've looked more elflike. Delta, Carol (great Mother Nature), and mostly everyone else did very well even if they differ a bit from their "old selves." So what's so bad about it to deserve all the bad-mouthing? Well, to remake such a classic is kind of daring. And it surely could have been a few hundred times better. [But they never attempted to change, spoil, ruin or outdo the cartoon, and I don't know why that's so hard to understand. These things can just as easily be ignored.] I can see where critics could claim that it lacks heart. A lot of it does. The original overflows with it, and hoping for something that good will lead to nothing but disappointment. And perhaps, it seems, outrage.

Average customer rating:

Holding Back THE GOODS!
Leon!!!
GREAT CONCEPT--A BLACK THRILLER/LOVE STORY
Very Sexy
Boring Film

Spirit Lost
Starring: J. Michael Hunter , Cynda Williams , Yvonne Brisendine , Kyrie Tinch , and Fatima Zein
Director: Neema Barnette
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000640S0
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Product Description

A mysterious and supernatural force proves to have an overwheming allure for one man.

System Requirements:
Starring: Leon, Regina Taylor, and Cynda Williams.
Running Time: 90 Min.
Copyright 2002 Artisan Entertainment.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Holding Back THE GOODS!.......2005-02-19

Purchased with the hope that Leon would bare all or mostly all throughout, he instead chooses to be a bit of a tease. There are however several excellent 'skin scenes.' Early on he turns away from his painting stool to reveal his 'accordian-like' abs to Regina King. She had probably already buried her face in them weeks before in a hotel room between shoots. 'Til this flick I wasn't aware that this boy's rear end was that plump or that his back resembled a railroad maze of mass muscle. When he squirmed back & forth in bed with the ghost, (Cynda Williams) the nooks & crannies seemed endless. When this 'most memorable scene' first unfolded, I remember thinking, "hold on for dear life pal- I'm comin' thru." Boy did I crave the opportunity to climb onboard myself, pinch the hell out of those gorgeous cheeks & conduct a MAJOR TASTE TEST from head to toe. Unfortunately this chocolate dude looks best when he's facing the camera sans shirt & the shots we do get in that category are all at a distance. Even the zoom fails here. While not thick & bulky in the upper chest, he's well cut & defined. That neatly compliments the aformentioned washboard abs. Williams pre-CAUGHT UP gives us plenty of flesh displays but even she begrudges us the pleasure of seeing her flat on her back fending off Leon's advances. Now that would've been HOT! Having caught Leon in other vehicles like LITTLE RICHARD & ABOVE THE RIM, he seems to bulk up only on occasion which is a pity 'cause when he sets his mind to it he can deliver DELICIOUS with the best of his fellow Hollywood brothas. Pass on this one- trust me this black cat's been beefier. We're getting shortchanged.

Leon!!!.......2003-10-25

1 star for Leon...he is so hot! He has a great body and super hot rear end. And just to let you know I am a 19 year old straight guy!

GREAT CONCEPT--A BLACK THRILLER/LOVE STORY.......2002-09-15

I LIKED THE CONCEPT OF THIS FILM. IT DEALS WITH THE PAST AND THE PRESENT. AFRICAN RELIGION AND AFRICAN AMERICAN SYMBOLISM, A LOVE TRIANGLE (A HUSBAND AND WIFE AND A GHOST. AND THE PAINTER/"VAN GOGH" MENTAL ILLNESS CONCEPT. LEON AND REGINA TAYLOR ARE GOOD IN THIS. ITS GOOD TO SEE REGINA TAYLOR PLAY A DIMENSIONAL CHARACTER. SHE'S ALWAYS PLAYING A STOIC ASEXUAL CHARCTER IN MOVIES. TOO BAD THE MOVIE DOESN'T GET INTO THE SUBPLOT OF THE SLAVE GIRL (CYNDA WILLIAMS)MARRYING HER SLAVEMASTER AND HER TRAGIC DEMISE AND TEH HOUSE THAT SHE HAUNTS THAT LEON AND REGINA BUYS.. EXCELLENT AND INTELLIGENT FILM. GREAT SCENERY. THE END OF FILM IS CHEAPENED WITH NO EXPLANATION OF LEON'S CONDITION AFTER HIS SPIRIT CAME BACK FROM HBEING POSESSED BY THE SLAVE GIRLS' (CYNDA)SEXUAL POSESSION OF HIM. THE SEX SCENE WITH LEON (WHO HAS A GREAT BODY!) AND TEH GHOST AND REGINA TAYLOR CATCHING HIM WAS HILARIOUS!

Very Sexy.......2001-10-21

I have to admit, the reason I bought this movie is to see the stunning beauty Cynda Williams play the role as a sex crazed ghost. She has an unbelievably gorgeous body and I'm a fan for life. I guess the role didn't require her to have any lines. The movie was real slow and non-emotional. Leon is a good actor but its not much he can do with this script.

Boring Film.......2001-07-10

I didn't like this movie because it was so boring. Nothing scary really happened. It wasn't even a bit violent. This movie belongs in the thriller section only, because it's not a horror movie whatsoever.

I kind of liked the acting. The beginning of the film is the kind of beginning that is put into a good horror movie. However this beginning tricks you. It seems like it is going to be a good horror flick, but turns out to be boring.

Description

Chris Sendak has died...but doesn't know it. Death has taken his body and his memories as he enters the realm of the supernatural, unseen by the living. He'll soon need to figure out what happened to him, because knowing is the key to his survival in the afterlife! Dogging his steps throughout his search is a malevolent entity know as the Spirit Hunter, determined to prevent Chris from finding his body and destroying all hope of redemption, A Telluride and Key West IndieFest 2004 Feature Film Winner.

Ghost Killers - Tormented/Nightmare Castle/The Spirit Hunter

Average customer rating:

Cool movies, BETTER cover!

Ghost Killers - Tormented/Nightmare Castle/The Spirit Hunter
Starring: Ghost Killers
Manufacturer: Vintage Home Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000A2XD48
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Description

Nightmare Castle - When she is discovered to be having an affair, Muriel (Barbara Steele) and her lover are tortured to death by her deranged husband Dr. Stephen Arrowsmith (Paul Muller). He then removes their hearts and blood in order to restore youth to his own lover. When he discovers his wife's fortune was left to her mentally unstable sister he sets about courting her. On the honeymoon Muriel and her lover return from the grave to exact revenge on the evil doctor.

Tormented - When Jazz pianist Tom Stewart (Richard Carlson) decides he must drop his lover Vi (Julie Reding) and settle down to his planned marriage, Vi threatens to expose him. The ensuing argument leads to an accident in which Vi is hanging for her life, and Tom makes a conscious decision not to save her life. Trying to ignore his guilt, he is not allowed to move on as Vi's restless spirit makes his life a never-ending string of misery he cannot escape.

The Spirit Hunter - Chris Sendak (Jonathan T. Floyd) is a man with a colorful past, if only he knew what it was. Death has taken his body and his memories as he enters the realm of the supernatural, unseen by the living. He'll soon need to figure out what happened to him, because knowing is the key to his survival in the afterlife! Dogging his steps throughout his search is a malevolent entity known at the Spirit Hunter, determined to destroy all hope of redemption for Chris.

Customer Reviews:

Cool movies, BETTER cover!.......2006-05-09

This DVD contains two classic horror films (including NIGHTMARE CASTLE with the uncomparable BARBARA STEELE!) and one newer release that doesn't seem to be available anywhwere else. The classics have been reviewed to death (no pun intended) so I see no need to review them. THE SPIRIT HUNTER, on the other hand, is definitely worth a watch. The story revolves around a man who cannot remember his past. The twist is that he is dead, and unlocking the secrets is the key to achieving heaven or eternal damnation.

The cover to the DVD is really cool -- it is a 2x3 lenticular, similar to the 1x1 toys you used to pull out of Cracker Jacks boxes that the image would change on when you moved it. In this case a beautifully rendered image of BARBARA STEELE turns to a skeletal ghost and the candles blow out. On top of this, I just found out that this cover (whose artist is CHRISTINA YODER) has been nominated for the coveted CHESLEY AWARD -- the top honor an artist of science-fiction, fantasy or horror can receive.

I recommend this DVD both for the exclusive film and for the cool cover. VINTAGE HOME ENTERTAINMENT has outdone themselves with this design. The lenticular effect and the work of this artist was also featured on nine other of Vintage's horror releases.

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