Johnny B

Starring:Jon E. Edwards, Richard Gant, Kent Masters King, Vonetta McGee
Studio: Mti Home Video
Product Type: DVD

The History Channel Presents Last Stand of the 300 - The Legendary Battle at Thermopylae

Average customer rating:

One of the Best Documentaries EVER by the History Channel
Excellent DVD on ancient Greece.
It was awesome
Excellent and Fantastic

The History Channel Presents Last Stand of the 300 - The Legendary Battle at Thermopylae
Starring: Daniel R. Wolfe , J.B. Gardiner , Anton Burman , Orion Barnes , and Kenny Kilfara
Director: David Padrusch
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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300 (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (Widescreen Edition)
Rome - The Complete Second Season
The 300 Spartans
Letters from Iwo Jima (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000OIOPPE
Release Date: 2007-07-31

Description

The legendary battle of Thermopylae is still acknowledged today for its brilliant military maneuvers and the well-trained and fearless soldiers who fought to the death. THE HISTORY CHANNEL® presents a detailed account of this legendary battle, examining the events leading up to the conflict, the tactical expertise that allowed the outnumbered Greeks to stall their mighty foes, and the bloody encounter itself. Find out how an army of a few hundred men overcame impossible odds and witness the conflict that altered the course of Western civilization.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Documentaries EVER by the History Channel.......2007-05-25

The History Channel has presented a mixed of bad and good documentaries, but the "Last Stand of the 300" is definitely one of the best that they've ever produced! I wholeheartedly agree with previous reviewers that this is an excellent and well-researched documentary about the Battle of Thermopylae--one of history's most famous last stands of all-time.

The overall presentation of this epic battle is superb. Great visuals, music, dramatic reenactments, and knowledgeable scholars provide a very enlightening and fascinating account of the events preceding and following the 3-day battle at Thermopylae. The battle itself is examined and analyzed in meticulous detail--military tactics and strategies discussed from both sides of the war (land and sea).

As reviewer, Raffaele Vardavas mentioned, this documentary does resemble a little like the movie "300," which gives it a more appealing and cinematic look. The fighting sequences--especially during the last stand--are wonderfully portrayed.

The performance of the 300 Spartans--including the 700 Thespian soldiers--has been hailed as an outstanding example of courage against insurmountable odds. Among the Greeks, the Spartan defenders were the 'bravest of the brave' and their enormous sacrifice helped saved the future of Greece and unknowningly "altered the course of Western civilization." As one of the world's greatest and most symbolic events in history, this DVD is a must-have for all!

(Note: I have the PBS DVD of The Spartans, and also think this one is NOT as exciting to watch. Instead, the PBS presentation feels like a tedious 3-hour lecture in a history class. "Last Stand...300" is way better!!! Don't hesitate to buy).

Excellent DVD on ancient Greece. .......2007-05-22

Fantastic DVD on Thermopylae and Spartan history. Very well researched and presented. This is the ONLY DVD I have ever seen (using real people) that actually have them keep the phalanx formation. They mention the Spartan agoge and delve quit deeply into the agoge system and Spartan way of life. This is an excellent summarie of Spartan life style. It also covers the Persian side and tells us how the amazing Persian invasion came about, how the crossed the hellespont, how Xerxes was raised, etc. it also addresses all the other city states and battle tactics and takes you through to the conclusion of the battle and the ultimate conclusion of the Greek/Persian wars. (something that my Greek history teacher failed to do :() It also breifly goes over marathon which is nice. The DVD is fun and entertaining. Well worth the buy.

It was awesome.......2007-05-21

I watched this the very first time a few months ago, and then again over the weekend. It only got better. This is the REAL story told historians about the battle at Thermopylae. Now I want to see Hollywood's version "300" now that they've made it into a blockbuster. I hope they stick to the facts and don't make this great moment in history a joke. Regardless, I'm buying the history's channel DVD. It was excelelnt

Excellent and Fantastic.......2007-03-31

They showed this documentary on the History channel to accompany the release of the movie 300.

In contrast to the movie 300 (which was ok -see my review) this documentary is excellent. It is really a movie-like documentary with a lot of action.

Graphically it resembles a little the movie 300 since it uses a lot of computer graphics and non-realistic red looking skies. However, here Persians really look like Persians.

The content is excellent. Although I have read about the battle of Thermopylae from many different sources, I learned about things I did not know before and gained a more detail knowledge. However, like in the movie 300 here again Leonidas seems to be much younger than he really was by 480BC.

What I particularly liked was that the documentary focused both on the land battle of the Spartans and sea battle of the Athenian fleet. This really showed how brilliant and well coordinated the Allied Greek strategy was. Most other sources just focus on the land battle and pay minor attention to what happened in the flanking sea. The mastermind Themistocles is well represented and a decent length of the documentary is dedicated to him.

The Spartans and their society are accurately represented. They were not fighting for a new era of freedom which was at the time being brought forward by Athenian democracy. They were fighting to preserve their own, non-free un-democratic system and were hostile to the spread of democracy to other Greek city states. However, their last stand was not solely to seek "a beautiful death" but instead to cover the retreat of their fellow allied soldiers. Maybe, also to give an example from which the allied Greeks would stay united against the Persians for the sake of their sacrifice.

The sound tracks that accompany the scenes are excellent. However, they could have used them more often and they could have raised the volume a little too.

I enjoyed watching this documentary even more than the other two excellent documentaries on the Spartans (one from the History channel and the other by PBS).

Highly - I repeat highly recommended - to people interested in ancient history and battle strategies and warfare.

Average customer rating:

Do yourself a favor and get it
Motown disappointment
FANTASTIC!
I never really liked Motown...
Standing In The Shadows of Motown

Standing In The Shadows of Motown
Starring: Richard 'Pistol' Allen , Jack Ashford , Bob Babbitt (II) , Benny 'Papa Zita' Benjamin , and Eddie 'Bongo' Brown
Director: Paul Justman
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
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Standing in the Shadows of Motown: Deluxe Edition
Standing in the Shadows of Motown
The Temptations
Standing in the Shadows of Motown: The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Funk Brothers

ASIN: B00008J2HC
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Amazon.com

Standing in the Shadows of Motown is a must-see film for any fan of the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, or any other classic Motown stars. This swinging documentary celebrates the Funk Brothers--the team of studio musicians who powered dozens and dozens of hit Motown songs--by combining reminiscences, reenactments, and clips from a recent concert put on by the Funk Brothers, featuring singers like Chaka Khan, Ben Harper, and Joan Osborne on classic tunes like "What's Going On," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "Heatwave." This crafty gang of elderly musicians will charm your pants off with a slew of entertaining anecdotes. Though it seems that there's a lot of dirt they're declining to dish, the movie deftly outlines the history of Motown, surely the most significant music label in American history--the label that turned segregated "race music" into chart-topping success. A soulful delight. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Detroit, Michigan, 1959. Berry Gordy gathers the best musicians from the city's thriving jazz and blues scene for his new record company: Motown. For the next 14 years these players are the heartbeat on "My Girl," "Baby Love," "Ooo Baby Baby," "Bernadette," "I Was Made To Love Her," "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," "Dancing In The Street," and every other hit from Motown's Detroit era. By the end of their phenomenal run, the unheralded group of musicians plays on more Number One hits than the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles combined, making them the greatest hit machine in the history of popular music. They call themselves the Funk Brothers. But no one knows their names...this is their story.

Customer Reviews:

Do yourself a favor and get it.......2007-07-04

This might be the best 10 bucks you'll ever spend if you like Motown or heck if you like music. It leaves you wanting to know more and many of us who grew up with this music should know more. While some of their stories are heartbreaking it was a pleasure to see Pistol Allen smiling behind the drums even though he was so sick he would die shortly after the completion of the film. It was a sad moment too when two of the surviving brothers describe their last encounter with James Jamerson who would die the day after their visit. But there is fun too, fun for the Funk Brothers and fun for us as we are honored to hear these guys play and play they still can. The band is still very tight and very good. The vocalist do an admirable job of interpreting the hits. It would have been nice to have been graced with Marvin Gaye's and David Ruffin's presence but this is about the Funk Brothers and I for one am damn glad I got to see it.
Thanks to Dr. Lick's for putting this together.

Motown disappointment.......2007-06-27

I was looking forward to seeing the actual footage of the singers. I do appreciate the story of the fellows behind the artists but still, I think the video would have been more enjoyable had they included the actual singers.

FANTASTIC!.......2007-06-18

I rented this from Blockbuster,and immediately bought it. It's sooooo good and informative, I can't describe it. I loaned it to someone who stayed up until 2:00 a.m. to see the whole thing. There are absolutely great live performances from: the late Gerald Levert, (His "Shotgun" is outstanding) Me'shell Indegeocello (sp.)(who sexes up "You Really Got A Hold On Me"), Bootsy Collins, ("Cool Jerk"). Joan Osborne does a great ("What Becomes of the Broken Hearted") and Ben Harper all sing 2 songs. (The only performance I HATED was Ben Harper's "Heard it through the Grapevine"). Chaka Khan, Montell Jordan & Tom Scott also appear. The remaining "Funk Brothers" musicians who played behind the Motown groups,tell funny stories about each other, how they met, Berry Gordy and the label's performers. They even go to "Hitsville" where it all started. There are reinactments, and old photos. It's so good I've seen it at least six times. You will almost cry at the finale when they introduce everyone, even the musicians that have passed away. Their photos are on stage with the remaining members. There is a second disc of extras that I have yet to finish, but the movie itself is wonderful. I've watched it with Black and White people, young and old, and everyone loves it. Go get it. Now.

I never really liked Motown..........2007-05-25

...and the Motown sound. I saw it as a saccharine, watered-down parody of Soul for mass consumption.

This DVD changed all that for me.

The story of the Funk Brothers and their different personalities --personal and musical-- was fascinating and a revelation. The music is top-notch and the modern vocalists they got for this film and for the excellent soundtrack --buy it, even if you think you don't like the Motown sound-- bring out the magic of those famous tunes I dismissed at an earlier age.

Maybe the current crop of singers have more soul or more influences to draw on than the originals artists, or maybe the engineers/producers sucked some of the guts out of the original tracks... I don't know, but these songs sound great!

What is more or less the same is the line-up of the Funk Brothers, finally getting a very small measure of the recognition they deserve.

The filmmakers and the the artists featured in this film turned me from detractor to a fan of the Motown sound. I can't give a better review than that.

If you like music documentaries and you haven't seen this one, you're missing one of the best!

Standing In The Shadows of Motown.......2007-05-14

Excellent documentary brings to light the artists behind the music that was the "Motown Sound".

Average customer rating:

Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz is the greatest movie ever made
Couldn't be happier
Disturbing for a G rated Movie
There's no place like Oz, There's no place like Oz...........

The Wizard of Oz
Starring: Judy Garland , Frank Morgan , Ray Bolger , Bert Lahr , and Jack Haley
Director: Victor Fleming , Mervyn LeRoy , and King Vidor
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B00000JS62
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Amazon.com essential video

When it was released during Hollywood's golden year of 1939, The Wizard of Oz didn't start out as the perennial classic it has since become. The film did respectable business, but it wasn't until its debut on television that this family favorite saw its popularity soar. And while Oz's TV broadcasts are now controlled by media mogul Ted Turner (who owns the rights), the advent of home video has made this lively musical a mainstay in the staple diet of great American films. Young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), her dog, Toto, and her three companions on the Yellow Brick Road to Oz--the Tin Man (Jack Haley), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), and the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger)--have become pop-culture icons and central figures in the legacy of fantasy for children. As the Wicked Witch who covets Dorothy's enchanted ruby slippers, Margaret Hamilton has had the singular honor of scaring the wits out of children for more than six decades. The film's still as fresh, frightening, and funny as it was when first released. It may take some liberal detours from the original story by L. Frank Baum, but it's loyal to the Baum legacy while charting its own course as a spectacular film. Shot in glorious Technicolor, befitting its dynamic production design (Munchkinland alone is a psychedelic explosion of color and décor), The Wizard of Oz may not appeal to every taste as the years go by, but it's required viewing for kids of all ages. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Wizard of Oz.......2007-06-21

What makes this quintessential fantasy musical the immortal spectacle it is has as much to do with the spirited songs (Garland's signature "Over the Rainbow" was nearly cut!) and heel-clicking dance numbers as it does the phenomenal storyline, lavish Technicolor sets, and punchy performances by the entire cast. For sheer entertainment, you can't beat Ray Bolger's rubbery legs, Bert Lahr's boastful bluster, and Margaret Hamilton's frightening green face, not to mention warbling Munchkins, flying monkeys, an Emerald City, and one highly coveted pair of ruby slippers. King Vidor directed the black-and-white Kansas sequences that bookend the film, but Fleming helmed the rest and took sole credit. Amazingly, the film flopped at the box office, but has since become the most beloved children's classic of all time. If ever a wiz there was, The Wizard of Oz is definitely it.

The Wizard of Oz is the greatest movie ever made.......2007-06-18

The Wizard of Oz is the greatest movie ever made, staring the world's best performer; Judy Garland!

Couldn't be happier.......2007-06-18

My DVD arrived on-time, and it is in perfect condition.

Disturbing for a G rated Movie.......2007-06-14

This G rated classic is also pretty disturbing because it's too scary a movie for little kids. It scared the crap out of my mom. I wasn't scared but it disturbed me the racist anti-pilgrim content in it as well as it's loaded with subliminal messages. It's sequel Return to Oz is even more disturbing containing even more subliminal messages. They should've made this animated because the wicked witch scenes are very unholy and not kosher, not quite on a level with The Exorcist but like The Holwing II. Too campy for me to be genuinely disturbing not it's just unholy and too morbind for it's intended younger audiences. It's still a 5 star classic.

There's no place like Oz, There's no place like Oz..................2007-06-11

Growing up in the 60's and early 70's my small town had access to three television channels - and two of them carried shows from the same network! The annual showing of THE WIZARD OF OZ in those pre video days was an eagerly anticipated event for kids that was discussed for days before and after even by jaded fifth and sixth graders. I recently watched the film again with my own child and was amazed by how well the story and the whole production holds up. The film has much to offer still in terms of memorable songs and characters and it is so fun to find the humdrum citizens of Dust Bowl Kansas having fantasy counterparts in surreal OZ. No wonder this movie is and will remain a film legend.

Average customer rating:

Guys and Dolls
THIS DOLL LOVES THIS MUSICAL!!!
Fantastic movie and fantastic service
Fabulous despite the flaws
Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls
Starring: Marlon Brando , Jean Simmons , Frank Sinatra , Vivian Blaine , and Robert Keith
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: 0792844823
Release Date: 2000-04-18

Amazon.com

Joseph Mankiewicz's brightly stylized film of Frank Loesser's classic musical (based on the stories of Damon Runyon) casts the criminal underworld as a harmless fantasy in this whimsical vision of the Big Apple. Nonsingers Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons acquit themselves fine in the lead roles as high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson and Salvation Army missionary Sarah Brown. It's odd casting, to say the least. Frank Sinatra, who plays the good old reliable Nathan Detroit (who runs "the oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York") is left with novelty tunes while husky Brando delivers the love songs and hits, including "Luck Be a Lady." But in the context of the colorful dialogue and comically affected speech patterns (a giddy gangster-speak straight out of Runyon's breezy stories) the song performances aren't the least out of place. Stubby Kaye, reprising his role as Nicely Nicely from the Broadway run, practically steals the show in his few scenes and his show-stopping solo "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat." The film is overlong at two and a half hours and somewhat stagily confined in the stylized, studio-bound sets--perhaps the mark of a director who had never helmed a musical before--but a terrific cast of eccentrics and Michael Kidd's high-energy choreography gives the film a memorable and enchanting character. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Hollywood legends Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blain (from the original Broadway cast) are dazzling in this Frank Loesser (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) masterpiece, unleashing a "spectacular, song-and-dance show that's loaded with entertainment" (New York Journal-American). Featuring hits like "Luck Be a Lady" and "A Woman in Love," this smash film version of one of Broadway's most popular musicals is guaranteed, rip-roaring "four-starentertainment" (New York Daily News). The slickest big-time New York City gamblers,Sky Masterson (Brando) and Nathan Detroit (Sinatra), can't resist making or taking a bet on anything. So when a pretty missionary (Simmons) sets up shop in the neighborhood, Nathan stakes a grand that Sky can't seduce her. But all bets are off when Sky falls madly in love in this romantic musical spectacular that sets the Big Apple afire with excitement!

Customer Reviews:

Guys and Dolls.......2007-06-26

n Joseph L. Mankiewicz's buoyant adaptation of Frank Loesser's immortal "Guys and Dolls," Frank Sinatra shines as Nathan Detroit, purveyor of the "oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York." Marlon Brando (in his prime) is better than you'd expect as Sky Masterson, even with some reedy vocals, but you keep waiting for Nathan to show up again. His dealings with fiancée Adelaide (Vivian Blaine) are a particular highlight, while the portly Stubby Kaye steals every scene he's in playing Nicely Nicely Johnson. Vibrant, rousing entertainment.

THIS DOLL LOVES THIS MUSICAL!!!.......2007-06-10

I love this movie musical! Sure...Brando & Simmons aren't known for their musical abilities, but they are fantastic in these roles. Many say that Sinatra should be Sky & that Blaine should be Sarah (since Sky & Sarah have to sing a majority of the songs in this musical). I totally disagree! I can't imagine Sinatra & Blaine switching roles with Brando & Simmons! All 4 of them are PERFECT in their roles!
When casting individuals in roles, one has to consider MORE than his/her musical abilities - his/her appearance/build, speaking voice, personality, ability to communicate certain emotions to the viewers, a couple's CHEMISTRY - YEAH CHEMISTRY, etc.

Fantastic movie and fantastic service.......2007-05-14

the movie was delivered on time and in mint condition. I love it!!

Fabulous despite the flaws.......2007-04-10

I. Love. This. Movie. My sister introduced me to it and I've loved it ever since. Marlon Brando - though struggling as a singer - did an EXCELLENT job as Sky Masterson. The only other person worthy of this role is Ewan McGregor (who incidentally played the part in London but sadly not on film so I didn't get to see it). The love story that developes between the bad boy with a heart of gold - Sky Masterson - and the good girl who could use a tidge of irreverance in her life while turning a bad boy good - Sarah - is simply wonderful. If you love romance and you love music, you'll love this movie.

Guys and Dolls.......2007-01-30

The DVD was good the material content was definitely a 60's musical.

Average customer rating:

Martin Landau. What an actor
Great performances by Martin Landauo andJohnny Depp
Masterful and Moving; Ed Wood Triumphs
Plan on a second investment...
Depp's genius shines through!

Ed Wood (Special Edition)
Starring: Johnny Depp , Martin Landau , Sarah Jessica Parker , Patricia Arquette , and Jeffrey Jones
Director: Tim Burton
Manufacturer: Touchstone / Disney
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Edward Scissorhands (Widescreen Anniversary Edition)

ASIN: B0000VD04M
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Amazon.com essential video

Edward D. Wood Jr. was an actor writer-director-producer, occasionally in drag, who combined meager bursts of talent with an undying optimism to create some of the most bizarrely memorable "B" movies to ever come out of Tinseltown. Though Wood died in obscurity as an alcoholic in 1978, his films have been considered cult classics for years. He is consistently voted the worst director who ever lived. You would think this an odd subject, but director Tim Burton harnesses the undying hopefulness that made Wood such a character. Shot in black and white, just like Wood's creations, this stylized, witty production captures the poetic absurdity of Wood's films and his unconventional life. Burton's recreation of Wood's wonderfully awful Plan 9 from Outer Space looks much better than the original low-budget quickie. Burton tackled an extremely strange subject matter for a biopic, but Wood is presented as naive almost to the point of delusion, so the story works. The pace sags in the middle, as the weirdness starts to wear thin, but Depp proves himself an adroit actor, even while wearing angora and a blonde wig. Wood's unconventional repertoire company is faithfully reproduced, including an Academy Award-winning Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi. Landau is pathetic, droll, and charismatic as the elderly junkie who made his last screen appearances in Wood's films. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Description

From Tim Burton, acclaimed director of BIG FISH, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, and BATMAN, and the producer of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, comes the hilarious, true-life story of the wackiest filmmaker in Hollywood history, Ed Wood! Johnny Depp (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL, CHOCOLAT, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS) stars as the high-spirited movieman who refuses to let unfinished scenes, terrible reviews, and hostile studio executives derail his big-screen dreams. With an oddball collection of showbiz misfits, Ed takes the art of bad moviemaking to an all-time low! The all-star cast features Bill Murray (LOST IN TRANSLATION, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS), Sarah Jessica Parker (TV's SEX AND THE CITY), Patricia Arquette (STIGMATA, LITTLE NICKY), and an Academy Award(R)-winning performance by Martin Landau (Best Supporting Actor, 1994) as Bela Lugosi. Hailed by critics everywhere, this laugh-packed comedy hit is sure to entertain everyone!

Customer Reviews:

Martin Landau. What an actor.......2007-07-01

Landau made this film what it was for me. The supporting cast was great as well, but Landau was absorbed into his role as Bela Lugosi. Just a masterful work he did.

Great performances by Martin Landauo andJohnny Depp.......2007-06-19

Five stars definitely !

When I was first entertained by this film, I knew I had to buy it and share it with friends and family.

Johnny Depp is just perfect in this role, Ed Wood would be proud !

Martin Landauo is exacting in his performance of Bela Lugosi.

The part I find really funny is where Bela Lagosi's is wrapping the unplugged giant octopus around himself and then pretends to be struggling with it.
Highly recommended !

Masterful and Moving; Ed Wood Triumphs.......2007-05-18

We're sometimes tempted to view Ed Wood as a failure. After all, the man was voted the Worst Director of All Time, and his "masterpiece"--Plan 9 From Outer Space--was once voted Worst Film. It makes the character of Wood pitiable, because he tries so very hard, and doesn't see how talentless he really is.

On the other hand...

Wood did (more or less) what he set out to do. He made films. Not only that, but he wrote them, directed them, and starred in them (like his rolemodel Welles). While Mr. Wood is gone, he also lives on; Johnny Depp played him in a film, and people continue to buy and rent his collection. Whether or not Wood was a good director (and he wasn't), he lived his life as he wanted to live it and he found more success than most of us ever will. I think that Ed Wood is a testament to the power of believing in yourself, and never giving up on your dreams no matter the odds you face.

This film presents that story in all of its richness, whether you ultimately find Wood's character uplifting or laughable. Depp is brilliant, like he normally is: have we ever seen him the same in different films (excluding sequels)? After watching Depp as Wood, it's hard to imagine that anyone else would even have been considered. Lots of people have commented on the genius performance of Martin Landau. I'll make one more. Absolute genius. In this movie, Landau *becomes* Lugosi. It feels real, like you're there, watching Bela Lugosi. Incredible. The other roles, bigger and smaller, all come off. Excellent casting, filling the roles up with big-name actors, but never as a gimmick. Even the casting of former pro-wrestler George "the Animal" Steele is inspired. (One of my favorite moments is when Sarah Jessica Parker "acts" in one of Wood's films; nothing like a superbly talented actress demonstrating what poor acting looks like.)

One of Burton's best films. One of Depp's best films. Landau's best. A feel-good triumph. Five Stars.

Plan on a second investment..........2007-04-12

Buy this movie and I dare you not to turn around and buy some of Wood's films. I saw this movie years ago but did not care for it because at the time I was too young to appreciate the humor. Now that I have seen it again for the first time, I immediately went out and bought Wood's box set.
As far as the movie is concerned, Burton turns the sad and macabre into light humor. Bela Lugosi is portrayed, if you've even seen his movies before, very well by Landau. Depp is perfect as cross dressing Wood. And my personal favorite: Watch for Murray's speech about his trip to Mexico. I about died laughing.

Depp's genius shines through!.......2007-04-11

A movie about a cross dressing director? Sounds crazy, but "Ed Wood" is a wacky, sweet, and endearing movie propelled by the incomparable genius of Johnny Depp. The subject of this movie, supposedly the worst American movie director of all time, is a truly complex character, a man torn by his love of angora and of telling a story on film. It would be easy to make Ed Wood into some kind of lunatic, but through the master touch of Mr. Depp and the skillful direction of Tim Burton, the viewer comes to understand and even empathize with Ed. This movie also has an excellent supporting cast including Bill Murray, Sarah Jessica Parker, and a brilliant portrayal of Bela Lugosi by Martin Landau. The friendship between Bela and Ed is a sweet, endearing thread that is woven throughout the movie. I had heard about this movie long ago, but watched it only a couple of years ago. I am so glad I did, and so glad I purchased the DVD. If you want to watch an artistic, entertaining, and true story about a truly unique character, purchase this film. It will easily become one of your favorites!

Average customer rating:

Totally Awesome!
Dead Man
One Of My Favorites
Not a single extraneous shot
my FAVORITE MOVIE!

Dead Man
Starring: Johnny Depp , Gary Farmer , Crispin Glover , Lance Henriksen , and Michael Wincott
Director: Jim Jarmusch
Manufacturer: Miramax
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ASIN: B00004Z4WX
Release Date: 2000-12-19

Amazon.com

This disappointment from Jim Jarmusch stars Johnny Depp in a mystery-Western about a 19th-century accountant named William Blake, who spends nearly all his money getting to a hellish mud town in the old West and ends up penniless and doomstruck in the wilderness. A benevolent if goofy Native American (Gary Farmer) takes an interest in guiding Blake on a quest for identity in his earthly journey, but the film is really just a string of endless shtick about inbred woodsmen, dumb lawmen, and a trio of irritable killers. With Robert Mitchum, Iggy Pop, Gabriel Byrne, Alfred Molina, and a noodling soundtrack by Neil Young. --Tom Keogh

Description

Johnny Depp (CHOCOLAT) delivers a remarkable performance in this highly acclaimed tale of adventure and intrigue in the wild, wild west! A young man in search of a fresh start, William Blake (Depp) embarks on an exciting journey to a new town ... never realizing the danger that lies ahead. But when a heated love triangle ends in double murder, Blake finds himself a wanted man, running scared -- until a mysterious loner teaches him to face the dangers that follow a "dead man." With an outstanding supporting cast including Gabriel Byrne (THE USUAL SUSPECTS) and Robert Mitchum (CAPE FEAR), and a sizzling soundtrack, DEAD MAN is another motion picture triumph from filmmaker Jim Jarmusch.

Customer Reviews:

Totally Awesome!.......2007-06-19

If you are a real free thinker than this movie is for you. If you need to have everything scripted and compartmentalized than this movie is not for you. The story line and soundtrack are a perfect marriage. Watch this movie when you are not distracted and can concentrate on the subtle dialogue ... Some pretty cool stuff here. Great characters. This film plays itself out like a hazy dream. Not everybody's cup of team, but it sure is mine. I can't think of another film that approaches this dream state.

Dead Man.......2007-06-11

Johnny Depp. I have never been disappointed by Johnny Depp on the screen. Not an action packed thriller, but if you don't "PAUSE" before leaving the room and don't rewind you'll miss something.

One Of My Favorites.......2007-05-16

I also think that Amazon should be ashamed of allowing their reviewer to give such a negative review. I can see if the guy had given an abundance of details to support the reasons why he hated the film so much, but to rattle off a couple of generalities about "Dead Man" is atrocious of him.

I loved "Dead Man." I just saw "Pirates of the Carribean 2," and I'm glad that great actors like Johnny Depp are allowed to flex their creative muscle in real roles instead of cookie-cutter Hollywood roles. I do admit to anyone interested in viewing "Dead Man" that so far, the majority of people I attempted to introudce the film to did not like it. This movie is made for a very particular audience, and I'm not sure if even the director can pin-point exactly who this audience is.

I loved everything about this movie, even the black & white, and I normally hate black & white movies. But "Dead Man" in color would have killed so much of the effect. I loved the characters, like Nobody, and the ruthless bounty hunters. Johnny Depp plays one of the most tragic individuals introduced to audiences in a long time.

This movie could not have been better. I consider it to be a masterpiece of art.

Not a single extraneous shot.......2007-05-06

I just finished watching this movie again and was really surprised to see the negative review given by Tom Keogh of Amazon (whoever he is). If Tom can only describe the superficial events of the story without recognizing the broader themes, then he is really missing out. I am always amazed at how much storytelling punch Jim Jarmusch manages to pack into so few scenes- minimalism at its best. He encapsulates the human experience in just a few short strokes- the innocence of the young as they make their way out into the world, taking the first long journey alone, seeing new & strange lands/people, encountering the decadence of the city, treachery in big business, enduring ridicule, sharing fragile dreams with another and seeing those dreams slip away. In the end, William Blake is transformed from innocence to maturity and understands the necessity and tragedy of it. Chances are pretty good that Tom Keogh did not understand that the dead baby deer was a symbol of William Blake's lost innocence; much less some of the other metaphors presented here. A great, great movie.

my FAVORITE MOVIE!.......2007-05-03

What else can I say. I loved it start to finnish.

Average customer rating:

Action, Humor, and John Wayne: Who could ask for more?
Ride boldly ride..
My favorite John Wayne film
A Hired Gun Amidst a Ranchers' War
A Great opening

El Dorado
Starring: John Wayne , Robert Mitchum , James Caan , Charlene Holt , and Paul Fix
Director: Howard Hawks
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Rio Bravo
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ASIN: 6305754969
Release Date: 2000-03-21

Amazon.com essential video

El Dorado doesn't quite have the scope or ambition of Howard Hawks's greatest Westerns, Red River and Rio Bravo. But this relaxed picture, made near the end of Hawks's marvelous career, still shows the steady, sure hand of a master. Hawks reunites with John Wayne, playing a hired gun mixed up in a range war; Robert Mitchum is Wayne's old pal, now a sheriff in the midst of a hopeless drunken bender. James Caan, in one of his first sizable roles, plays a kid who can't shoot straight and wears a funny hat (every character in the movie makes fun of this hat). As the plot moves along, it begins to resemble Rio Bravo rather closely ("I steal from myself all the time," Hawks was fond of admitting). But in El Dorado the heroes are a bit older, their powers a bit weaker; at the end Wayne must revert to a bit of subterfuge in order to get the drop on the steely gunslinger (ice-cold Christopher George) he needs to put down. As relaxed as the movie is, Hawks and Wayne and company are in good spirits, with plenty of broad humor and easy camaraderie on display. Hawks and Wayne would make just one more film, the disappointing Rio Lobo, before ending their fruitful partnership. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Action, Humor, and John Wayne: Who could ask for more?.......2007-04-18

This movie would be easy to confuse with the movie "Rio Bravo" bacause both movies carry a plot thread involving a drunken lawman who must be sobered up in order to keep him alive, but don't be deceived. These are two different movies with entirely different story lines. I have both titles in my collection and am glad to have both.
In this one James Mitchum gives an outstanding performance as the drunken marshal with John Wayne coming to his aid. John Wayne and James Caan sober him up with a witches brew of which, thank the Lord, we don't have to watch, or smell, the effects.
Mitchum is trying to protect a family of ranchers from the schemes of a land grabbing cattle baron played to cynical perfection by Ed Asner. (this was before he bacame beloved as Lou Grant on tv.) Before the movie is over the plot twists and turns like a coyote covered with fire ants, but everything comes out all right in the end. (except for Ed Asner, He's dead.)
In all a good action adventure, with some violence. It is interesting to note that John Wayne is shot early in the film and is still suffering life threatening effects at the end. A relief from so many movies of the period where the hero suffers major wounds and a couple of days later shoots down a herd of villains and whips the bad guy in a fist fight.
It is also worth noting that while this movie takes some humor from devices to sober up the co-star, neither this movie or "Rio Bravo" treat alcoholism as a humorous condition. In both movies, it is treated as a life-threatening and humiliating condition, with lingering and painful side-effects.
Sorry, neither Dean Martin, Angie Dickinson, Rick Nelson, or Walter Brennan appear in this movie. It doesn't need them. If you want to see them, buy "Rio Bravo"

Ride boldly ride.........2007-04-02

A great movie however many times you watch it. I'm glad I found it here.

My favorite John Wayne film.......2007-03-28

Yes, El Dorado has a similar plot as Rio Bravo, and it stars the "Duke" and is directed by the same director.
But, El Dorado has a much tighter and leaner script, and doesn't contain any dreaded "filler" like Rio Bravo, nor does it have the woefully miscast Ricky Nelson. (It's still a superior western though)
El Dorado co-stars the much more effective James Caan, and the incomparable Robert Mitchum in a spectacular performance.
A great story, a wonderful and superb cast, lots of great action and masterful direction make this a "must-see" western. (that "splinters in the hand" scene has to be seen to be believed ! )
Highly recommended.

A Hired Gun Amidst a Ranchers' War.......2007-03-01

The setting for this western is Texas sometime after the Civil War. There are a number of unique, or at least uncommon, elements in this flick. It begins with a delightful song, "El Dorado", and the showing of still paintings of Old West scenes. Later, a shootout occurs not only inside and near a saloon, as one might expect in a typical western, but also in a church (belfry and then sanctuary). Women (notably rancher MacDonald's cowgirl daughter) are more prominent in this flick than in most other westerns.

There are many violent scenes in the film. Not only are shootings shown, but so also is a vendetta stabbing. Wounded men (including Cole Thornton) are shown in agony.

The politically correct won't be happy with the start of this film. Cole Thornton (John Wayne) mentions that, before the arrival of rancher MacDonald in the area, "there was nothing here except Indians and coyotes". But of course this film was made at a very different time from today (1967).

Rancher MacDonald's son, Luke, is sent to guard the ranch. This is, later according to Thornton, "A boy doing a man's job." Luke falls asleep and, at the sound of an approaching horseman, wakes up and opens fire wildly. The horseman fires back as a reflex, wounding Luke in the lower abdomen. It turns out that the horseman is none other than Cole Thornton. Luke writhes in agony, explains to Thornton what happened, and then commits suicide with his own gun.

Thornton tells father MacDonald what happened, and the latter sadly accepts the truth. But Luke's cowgirl sister does not. She set up a revenge ambush for Thornton, and fires a rifle at him. She says triumphantly: "There, you won't be killing any more boys!" But it turns out that she only managed to wound Thornton in the lower back. For the rest of the film, Thornton has episodic problems with disabling back pain and arm paralysis from the bullet lodged in his back, which he neglects to have removed promptly.

In time, one of MacDonald's remaining three sons is kidnapped, and Cole Thornton works for his release. The local sheriff at first is of no help. He is constantly drunk, and is a laughingstock for everyone around. But in time he gets sober, returns to the saloon, and has a bit of revenge against those who had been laughing at him.

At one point, Thornton seems to have an upper hand in a gunfight with MacDonald's kidnappers. But then, at the worse possible moment, Thornton is hit with a spell of back pain and arm paralysis. He is totally helpless! What will the kidnappers do to him? Will he at least get out alive? Will MacDonald's kidnapped survive and ever go free? I will not spoil the ending by revealing it.

A Great opening.......2007-01-12

I happen to be a big fan of Olaf Wieghorst and own an original oil. The vehicle of DVD is ideal for the purposes I bought this particular movie. I realize that many purchasers will care less about the item I like the most and that was the eight or more paintings by Olaf that come with the beginning credits. When a picture or painting comes on the screen the DVD can be be paused and the painting can be studied. It is a great experience. I hope that this review will encourage others to watch the movie with the eye of a western art lover.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
Superb Movie
They don't make movies like this anymore
Movie Review 'The Apartment'
A Terrific Movie

The Apartment
Starring: Jack Lemmon , Shirley MacLaine , Fred MacMurray , Dorothy Abbott , and Edie Adams
Director: Billy Wilder
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B00003CX8V
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Amazon.com essential video

Romance at its most anti-romantic--that is the Billy Wilder stamp of genius, and this Best Picture Academy Award winner from 1960 is no exception. Set in a decidedly unsavory world of corporate climbing and philandering, the great filmmaker's trenchant, witty satire-melodrama takes the office politics of a corporation and plays them out in the apartment of lonely clerk C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon). By lending out his digs to the higher-ups for nightly extramarital flings with their secretaries, Baxter has managed to ascend the business ladder faster than even he imagined. The story turns even uglier, though, when Baxter's crush on the building's melancholy elevator operator (Shirley MacLaine) runs up against her long-standing affair with the big boss (a superbly smarmy Fred MacMurray). The situation comes to a head when she tries to commit suicide in Baxter's apartment. Not the happiest or cleanest of scenarios, and one that earned the famously caustic and cynically humored Wilder his share of outraged responses, but looking at it now, it is a funny, startlingly clear-eyed vision of urban emptiness and is unfailingly understanding of the crazy decisions our hearts sometimes make. Lemmon and MacLaine are ideally matched, and while everyone cites Wilder's Some Like It Hot closing line "Nobody's perfect" as his best, MacLaine's no-nonsense final words--"Shut up and deal"--are every bit as memorable. Wilder won three Oscars for The Apartment, for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay (cowritten with longtime collaborator I.A.L. Diamond). --Robert Abele

Description

Winner* of five 1960 Academy AwardsÂ(r), including Best Picture, The Apartment is legendary writer/director Billy Wilder at his scathing, satirical best, and one of "the finest comedies Hollywood has turned out" (Newsweek). C.C. "Bud" Baxter (Jack Lemmon) knows the way to success in business...it's through the door of his apartment! By providing a perfect hideaway for philandering bosses, the ambitious young employee reaps a series of undeserved promotions. But when Bud lends the key to big boss J.D. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray), he not only advances his career, but his own love life as well. For Sheldrake's mistress is the lovely Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), elevator girl and angel of Bud's dreams. Convinced that he is the only man for Fran, Bud must makethe most important executive decision of his career: lose the girl...or his job. *1960: Director, Story and Screenplay, Editing, Art Direction (B&W)

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2007-03-22

This was really a wonderful movie, the acting, the actors
and the storyline. This movie, I think, would even make it
with "todays audience".
A very believable drama with great humor.

Superb Movie.......2007-03-02

I bought this DVD for research purposes. I will be performing in "Promises, Promises" the musical based on "The Apartment". I am so glad I bought this DVD, as this is a great film. That's not just my opinion. "The Apartment" was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, and won 5, including Best Picture and Best Director in 1960.

This film will speak to you on many levels. On one level, it is an indictment of corporate politics and a condemnation of philandering executives. On another level, it is an examination of extramarital affairs, and the sometimes dire consequences. On another level, it is a love story where a damsel in distress literally meets her white knight. Then again, it is about people who fall into the abyss, only to find redemption and the happiness they deserve. It is about knowing what is right, and finally finding the courage to do what is right.

The cinematography is great, as is the lighting. The setup is perfect. We are shown the enormity of a life insurance company, with its 31,000 employees in the Manhattan headquarters. The shots of the teeming, faceless humanity are fantastic. The long shots of the endless office are fabulous, and will make you appreciate black and white. Out of this morass, we are asked to get to know 3 people; C.C. Baxter (Jack Lemmon), Fran Kubelik (Shirley Maclaine) and J.D. Sheldrake (Fred Macmurray). They are embroiled in a love triangle that will change all of their lives.

The late, great, Jack Lemmon is a wonderful C.C. (Chuck) Baxter. Lemmon was a dapper 35 years of age when this film was made. He wants to get ahead, and he does so by selling himself out. He loans his apartment to senior executives for their extramarital assignations. They in turn promise to move him up the corporate ladder. There is humor in this, as Baxter trys to juggle "appointments" with 4 different execs. But, as in the rest of this film, there is a pathos to it.

Chuck has quite a thing for cute elevator operator Fran, played by a 26 year old Shirley Maclaine. She returns his innocent flirtations, but for some reason keeps her distance. Maclaine is all sweetness and vulnerability. So, why won't she go out with Chuck?

As it turns out, Fran has a boyfriend. That boyfriend is the Director of Personnel, J.D. Sheldrake. Sheldrake is quite married, and has slept with many women in the office, including his Secretary Peggy Olsen. Macmurray plays a wonderful cad. He is not sleazy or oily. He is able to continue stringing Fran along until one fateful Christmas Eve.

I won't continue discussing the plot, as you need to experience it as it unfolds. While "what happens next" is not a huge leap of the imagination, the skill of the actors and the sensitive direction make for fascinating viewing. There are some great scenes in this film. The pivotal Christmas Eve scene with Sheldrake and Fran will get you at a visceral level. Macmurray and Maclaine shine here; her with vulnerability and his meeting her vulnerability with incredible insensitivity. Brilliant. Lemmon shines in the "discovery" scene when he figures out that Fran is involved with Sheldrake. Sheldrake had borrowed the apartment for a rendezvous with Fran, and Fran left her compact behind. The compact had a broken mirror. Chuck, not knowing who it belonged to, returned it to Sheldrake. Later, at a Christmas Eve party, Fran loans her mirror to Chuck, who recognizes it. Lemmon communicated so many emotions with his face, his voice, and his body. He was such an actor.

This movie is listed among the Top 100 movies of all time, and it deserves a place on your shelf.

Highly recommended.

They don't make movies like this anymore.......2007-01-19

Today's business culture and legal system being what they are, many younger people today are totally unaware of the prevalence of sexual harassment/domination in the workplace as it used to be. Using that theme as a backdrop, "The Apartment" is one of those rare movies that makes you happy, sad, happy, sad ... it's an emotional roller-coaster from start to finish. A great storyline and awesome cast (besides headliners Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine you have great supporting actors such as Fred McMurray, Ray Walston and Edie Adams) make this a genuine period classic that snapshots an era in American culture.

Movie Review 'The Apartment'.......2006-11-10

This movie, 'The Apartment' is an American Classic. Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine at their best. A must for anyone who is a movie collector or anyone who just wants to see how romantic comedy was meant to be done. Surprise ending scare that can only leave you(and apropriately so) with 'Shut Up and Deal'.

A Terrific Movie.......2006-11-09

"The Apartment" directed by Billy Wilder (Some Like It Hot, Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, the list goes on) and starring Jack Lemmon, who had previously collaborated with Wilder on Some Like It Hot, is a great film and is considered by many others to be a great film. It's on The American Film Institute's Top 100 (#93) and is in Roger Ebert's The Great Movies. I had never seen a Billy Wilder film until about four or five months ago. After watching the film, I'm not sure I like it more than the three films mentioned above, but it's a smart and comedic semi-love story that features two great performances by Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, as well as others. The films idea is truly original: Lemmon plays C.C. Baxter, commonly called Bud. He works in the insurance business (big surprise for a Wilder film) and is trying to get a promotion in an unorthodox way. He loans out his apartments to the executives of the company, so they can carry out affairs with women. In the beginning of the film, as one of the executives leaves with a girlfriend, we get one of the funniest lines in the film (I regret to say I'm paraphrasing):

Man: Why do all you dames have to live in the Bronx?
Woman: You mean you bring other dames up here?
Man: Certainly not! I'm a happily married man.

In another funny bit, we learn that the doctor who lives next to Bud (Dr. Dreyfuss played by Jack Kruschen) is under the impression that Bud is a sex-machine and, at one point, asks Bud if he'll sell his body to science. The love angle of the film fits in with Miss Kubelik (MacLaine), one of the women who runs the elevator is Bud's building. After getting his promotion (his boss Mr. Sheldrake [played by Double Indemnity's, Fred MacMurray] asks for the key to his apartment first), he finally asks Miss Kubelik out. She tells him she has another date, but will meet him at the theatre. This date happens to be with Mr. Sheldrake, whom she's in love with despite the fact he's married, frequently tells her he'll leave his wife, and never does. Anyway; Moving away from the plot, the film is shot in black & white at a point when Wilder could have easily used color. In researching the film a bit, I discovered that he uses black and white to make the colorful events around Bud seem dull and unammusing. Realizing I called this a love-story in the beginning of the review, I have to add that the love story is merely a facade. It plays like a love story, but I think the final scene (and final line) make it clear that it's really not. I think that the final line of Some Like It Hot (if you haven't seen Some Like It Hot, don't find out what the line is in advance) is the best curtain line ever. Before seeing that film, I didn't know what the line was. Before seeing this film, I did know what the final line was. To me, it didn't sound that impressive. After watching the film, when you view the line in context, it is really good. Wilder had a knack for ending his movies on that kind of note and he did oh so perfectly. As I said, earlier...This isn't my favorite movie in the Wilder cannon, but it's a wonderful film combining just the right amount of comedy and drama in a way only Wilder could do it.

GRADE: A-

What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

what's eating gilbert grapr
DiCaprio astounding in this
If you love Johnny Depp
You want to know what's eating him...?
classic Johnny

What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Johnny Depp , Leonardo DiCaprio , Juliette Lewis , Mary Steenburgen , and Darlene Cates
Director: Lasse Hallström
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000EWBNNC
Release Date: 2006-06-20

Amazon.com

This is the movie that Leonardo DiCaprio received an Oscar nomination for, five years before Titanic. And, in fact, this is the movie that should have made him a star, he's so good in it. Based on the novel by Peter Hedges (who adapted his own book) and directed by Lasse Hallström (My Life as a Dog), this is the funny, moody tale of a young man named Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) who lives at home in a small town with his 500-pound Momma (beautifully played by nonpro Darlene Cates), his mentally retarded younger brother Arnie (DiCaprio, utterly convincing), and his sisters. Not a lot happens--Arnie keeps climbing a water tower and getting stuck; Gilbert is involved with a married woman (Mary Steenburgen), then meets a nice new girl in town who's closer to his age (Juliette Lewis). And that's exactly what makes this movie so much more than your run-of-the-mill Hollywood product: it's not about some mechanical, formulaic plot; it's about these characters, and it allows you to spend some time with them and get to know them. Depp may have started out as a TV teen idol on 21 Jump Street, but his feature film choices since then--in such wonderfully offbeat and diverse movies as Cry-Baby, Edward Scissorhands, Benny & Joon, Donnie Brasco--have made him one of the most interesting, unpredictable, and risk-taking young actors in American movies. --Jim Emerson

Product description

Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) lives in Endora, a place where nothing much happens. The only times the police got something to do is when Gilbert's autistic brother Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio) tries to climb up on the watertower nearby. Taking care of Arnie is mostly Gilbert's task which can be pretty demanding, at least while you are working at the local grocery store. Then one day Becky (Juliette Lewis) and her grandmother passes through Endora getting trouble with the car. Gilbert falls in love with Becky, but gets problems when he tries to find time for his own private life.

Customer Reviews:

what's eating gilbert grapr.......2007-05-12

Excellent movie good acting and plot. Movie arived in excellent condition

DiCaprio astounding in this.......2007-04-16

When I first saw this sweet and unpretentious little slice-of-life film, I was impressed by its quirky appeal, but, because I had no idea at the time who Leo DiCaprio was yet, I'd assumed that they'd hired a little mentally challeged kid who could read lines--- I had NO IDEA it was just a "regular" actor.

Wow. And Depp is pretty good too.

If you love Johnny Depp.......2007-04-12

If you love Johnny Depp you will like this movie in fact by the end of the movie you can really have empathy for his character. It is one of his earlier movies and I really enjoyed it.

You want to know what's eating him...?.......2007-04-04

He's got a mother that weighs 400 pounds, or maybe it's 600. There's a married woman who can't keep her hands off of him whose husband would like to kill him. He's got a younger brother that is cuckoo, and he's responsible for him. He's got to take care of him. He works in a grocery store. His life is about groceries. Honk if you've got groceries...

He's trapped in Endora, somewhere, probably Kansas or Nebraska or Iowa (actually filmed in Texas), somewhere in the heart of the Heartland--by the way this is the sort of American film that plays as a foreign film in, say, France or Sweden. Along comes Juliette Lewis who's a bit of a short-haired punk to his long-haired country ("Get in the car, longhair"). He is wallowing in self-pity and she sees it. "What about you?" she asks. "What do you want?"

She attracts him and frightens him. She may make him upset his predictable life as Job. And then one day, he loses it and hits Arnie, and hits him again. Who can blame him? But you don't hurt Arnie. He is just a boy who will always be a boy.

Johnny Depp is Gilbert Grape, Leonardo DiCaprio is Arnie, Mary Steenburgen is the married woman, Juliette Lewis is Becky and Darlene Cates is Mama. They all give sterling performances. The script and direction are flawless. You've probably seen bits and pieces of this movie on TV. See the whole thing. It is an outstanding flick. Gilbert is an America hero. He knows the good and the bad, and he always tries to do the good. But it's tough. Life is an embarrassment and a boredom, and when it isn't boring, it's scary emotionally. Depp is perfectly cast as a man whose loyalty to his family and his love for them has trapped him. And they are using him, and they don't appreciate him. His father disappeared. His older brother is gone. Gilbert has the responsibility. And he knows it. And he can't escape it.

But it's hard, and when Becky comes along, she is something different. She is something he's never seen before. She isn't predictable, and she is striking. And she is smart and sensitive, like him.

Don't answer the phone. Don't answer the door. This is a heartland masterpiece about real people living real lives, and director Lasse Halstrom (The Cider House Rules (1999) Chocolat (2000) after many Swedish films) doesn't flinch and he doesn't do cliches, and he gets it right. You will be moved.

But see this for Johnny Depp and see why women love him.

classic Johnny.......2007-01-05

Sensitive character gives Depp the opportunity to show earlier audiences what he can do. Teenage theme timeless.

Average customer rating:

Military film
Well worth it
black saviors
WONDERFUL!
Truly one of the best WWII films out there!

The Tuskegee Airmen
Starring: Laurence Fishburne , Allen Payne , Malcolm-Jamal Warner , Courtney B. Vance , and Andre Braugher
Director: Robert Markowitz
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Miss Evers' Boys
Memphis Belle
A Soldier's Story
Introducing Dorothy Dandridge
Glory

ASIN: B000053V7E
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Amazon.com

This true story of the black flyers who broke the color barrier in the U.S. Air Force during World War II is a well-intentioned film highlighted by an excellent cast. Proud, solemn, Iowa-born Laurence Fishburne and city-kid hipster Cuba Gooding Jr. are among the hopefuls who meet en route to Tuskegee Air Force Base, where they are among the recruits for an "experimental" program to "prove" the abilities of the black man in the U.S. armed services. Fighting prejudice from racist officers and government officials and held to a consistently higher level of performance than their white counterparts, these men prove themselves in training and in combat, many of them dying for their country in the process. Andre Braugher costars as a West Point graduate who takes charge of the unit in Africa and in Italy (where it's christened the 332nd). The film is rousing, if slow starting and episodic, but it's periodically grounded by a host of war movie clichés, notably the calculated demise of practically every trainee introduced in the opening scenes (ironic given the 332nd's real-life combat record--high casualties for the enemy, low casualties among themselves, and no losses among the bombers they escorted). Ultimately the Emmy-nominated performances by moral backbone Fishburne and the dedicated Braugher and the energy and cocky confidence of Gooding give their battles both on and off the battlefield the sweet taste of victory. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Featuring an all-star cast headed by Laurence Fishburne, fireballs of high speed air action explode off the screen in this exciting story of the "Fighting 99th," the first squadron of black American pilots to be allowed to fight for their country. Based on the true story.

Customer Reviews:

Military film.......2007-05-14

Great flic. Some liberties taken with regard to the Tuskeegee situation, but overall gives a fair representation of the attitudes of the time. Good action scenes,with a very good performance by Fishburne. Highly recommend the film.

Well worth it.......2007-05-07

My father was one of the men who were depicted in this movie. I thought it was well worth watching, it will be a legacy to pass on to my children, thanks to the well acted script.

black saviors.......2007-05-07

this is one of those movies everyone should own. this movie depicts how the african american group of soldiers played a major role in winning parts of a war when african americans were not even considered to be real soldiers in the american armed forces.

WONDERFUL!.......2007-04-18

I'm a huge mark for History movies, so it was quite a shock that I'd never heard of this movie before seeing it on cable TV for the first time. Now I'm bordering on obsessed. It's a