Run, Man, Run!

Starring:Tomas Milian, Donald O'Brien, John Ireland, Linda Veras, Marco Guglielmi, JosÃ© Torres, Luciano Rossi, Nello Pazzafini, Gianni Rizzo, Dante Maggio, Umberto Di Grazia, NoÃ© Murayama, Attilio Dottesio, Orso Maria Guerrini, Federico Boido, Calisto Calisti, Chelo Alonso, Osiride Pevarello, Goffredo Unger
Director: Sergio Sollima
Studio: Blue Underground
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Considering the lofty expectations that preceded it, The Matrix Reloaded triumphs where most sequels fail. It would be impossible to match the fresh audacity that made The Matrix a global phenomenon in 1999, but in continuing the exploits of rebellious Neo (Keanu Reeves), Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) as they struggle to save the human sanctuary of Zion from invading machines, the codirecting Wachowski brothers have their priorities well in order. They offer the obligatory bigger and better highlights (including the impressive "Burly Brawl" and freeway chase sequences) while remaining focused on cleverly plotting the middle of a brain-teasing trilogy that ends with The Matrix Revolutions. The metaphysical underpinnings can be dismissed or scrutinized, and choosing the latter course (this is, after all, an epic about choice and free will) leads to astonishing repercussions that made Reloaded an explosive hit with critics and hardcore fans alike. As the centerpiece of a multimedia franchise, this dynamic sequel ends with a cliffhanger that virtually guarantees a mind-blowing conclusion. --Jeff Shannon

Description

In the second chapter of the Matrix trilogy, Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) continue to lead the revolt against the Machine Army. In their quest to save the human race from extinction, they gain greater insight into the construct of The Matrix and Neo's pivotal role in the fate of mankind.

DVD Features:
DVD ROM Features:Web links to the official Matrix website
Documentaries:PRELOAD: Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew THE FREEWAY CHASE: Anatomy of the mind-blowing scene ENTER THE MATRIX: Making of the ground-breaking video game WHAT IS THE ANIMATRIX? THE MATRIX UNFOLDS: A look at the Matrix phenomenon GET ME AN EXIT: Matrix-inspired design advertising
Other:THE MTV MOVIE AWARDS RELOADED

Customer Reviews:

"me, me, me ...... me too".......2007-06-23

The Matrix Reloaded has one thing that simply stands out throughout the movie - complete eye candy. Its true, while the first Matrix brought about new origins in movie animation and cgi, Matrix Reloaded takes it x100. The action is amazing, it will blow you away almost to the point that you've had enough. Major action and visual effects fans will dig this. True harcorde fans of the Matrix story might be dissapointed.

The story almost takes a backseat to the action. The plot is dragged out throughout huge action scenes that seem to never end - example- Neo vs dozens of Smiths lasting forever, and the highway chase that lasts as long as I-95 runs. While these scenes are truly spectacular, they take away from the story somewhat. Gone is the great in depth exploration into the Matrix. Very little is newly introduced to us about the Matrix, and the story now focuses on Neo and the rest of humanity saving itself from destruction, both from the machines in the real world, and Smith in the Matrix world. We do get to meet the architect of the Matrix, though not as astounding as one would think.

Overall this is not as good as the first one, but you'll still want to see it to see how the trilogy continues. If you love never-ending action and cgi, you will want to watch this over and over and over. The movie is worth buying on that regard. As for a compeleing story, you might be ok stopping after the first Matrix and being satisfied. If you do see Reloaded, you'll have to see Revolutions too, since both technically are one big film split into 2 parts.

Cool Action but Silly and Pretentious.......2007-05-19

The first MATRIX film was interesting but I felt they held too much info back for too long. By the time you understood the story, the movie was over.

By the second movie, THE MATRIX RELOADED, the filmmakers got caught up in their own pretentious premise. The dialogue just plays flat and weird. Keanu Reeves looks either deep or...blank. Couldn't tell which most of the time. The truly-odd "Rave Scene" was so primitive and even bestial that I wondered why humans needed to survive at all. Maybe the machines were on to something to exterminate such rampant barbarism and partying.

The action scenes were very cool and the special effects extremely interesting. I'm sure the filmmakers turned to talented effects people to shoot those scenes.

If only they had turned to talented sci-fi writers to flesh out their script.

Needless to say, this was the last MATRIX movie I saw in a theatre.

An Exercise In Franchise Annihilation..........2007-04-09

"Reloaded" turns out to be a whopping disappointment. I caught the midnight preview of this movie and was expecting a satisfying sequel building from the strengths of the first Matrix film, which was an instant sci-fi/action classic. Instead, we were treated to a terribly botched effort. Apparently, the first film was a fluke for the Wachowskis, whose writing and character building skills simply evaporated after the smash success of the first film. Alongside the likewise awful "Matrix: Revolutions", the once promising team proceeded to demolish the legacy of what could have been the next "Star Wars Trilogy". Hence, a potential all-time classic series of Matrix films was not to be. What went wrong?

Plenty.

For starters, the original characters were not refreshed or developed adequately. We fully expect to see Neo's awesome powers on full display, and here the Wachowskis do not disappoint. However, the Neo character remains virtually the same, his realization that the Oracle's prediction was correct and that he truly is "The One" failed to boost his confidence or convince him to truly lead his comrades towards victory against the machines ( Imagine Luke Skywalker in "Return Of The Jedi" still behaving like a whining farm boy). Instead, Neo takes a back seat to Morpheus again. The relationship between Neo and Trinity is still flat, I sensed no on-screen chemistry between the two at any time.

The supporting cast have a small degree of development, but it is too little, too late as the movie plods along between killer (if not cliché) action sequences. Central character Agent Smith is altered into a more powerful "Smith", OK. This classic villain has been ruined by an awful script long on existential rhetoric but short on captivation. The CGI "Squidies" are badly overdone here as well as in "Revolutions". We expect to see more sophisticated and diverse machines introduced, especially in a world of machines such as this. Instead, the squidies are the only muscle the machine empire can produce to combat the Zionites. The program-run-amok characters such as the Merovingian are silly and lame.

This movie was a financial blockbuster due mainly to the action sequences, which were superb despite the overdone CGI effects. It's a shame that the excellent storyline introduced in the first movie was thoroughly trashed beginning with this sequel and continuing into the third and (thankfully) final installment.

Good Series.......2007-04-02

A must have. Has some great scenes.
Not quite as good overall as the first installment but still great.

It's a (good) MOVIE, not a pholosophy book........2007-03-03

First off, I will say that I enjoyed these movies as great entertainment.

I realize that for some people, these movies are vehicles for philosophy for you. We each have different vehicles that work for us to learn the truths of life, so I am trying not to be too arrogant in my comments, but I am just flabbergasted that so many people follow the text and slightest nuance (intended or not) as if it were holy writ.

It really scares me that our culture has become so sanitized and bland, that people are looking to movies like this for meaning. Sure, there is a little there, but it is smashed in with new-age mumbo and eye-candy. You want to learn of life and truth? Read Ghandi, read the words and thoughts of truly great men. Or really take the plunge into profound searchings for the truth and meaning and read Christ, Buddha, or Mohammed.

You want things in movie form? Watch Ghandi, the killing fields, Hotel Rwanda, or Schindler's list, etc.

But it you really want to learn philosophy, the kind that really matters, go seek out those who suffer more than you can possibly imagine, look in their eyes and hear their stories. Keep your heart open and let them touch you. Cry with them. It is amazing how fully life begins to change.

There is so much more out there than what is found in this movie! Put the video games, football games, and beer aside for Just a moment, and try to truly see. It gets addictive, trust me.

Average customer rating:

"He was not a pet, he was a person"
Don't get me wrong, the movie is brilliant...
Man's Best friend
The most conservative work of fiction I've ever read. I don't think this aspect of the story transfers well to the big screen
Still trying to figure this film out

A Boy & His Dog
Starring: Hal Baylor , Susanne Benton , Don Carter , Ron Feinberg , and Michael Hershman
Manufacturer: First Run Features
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Logan's Run

ASIN: B0000C825J
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Amazon.com essential video

Closely adapted from the acclaimed novella by Harlan Ellison, this postapocalyptic black comedy has emerged as a cult favorite since its release in 1975, when Don Johnson was a relative unknown and still years away from TV stardom on Miami Vice. Here Johnson plays a young, libidinous loner named Vic who roams the postnuclear wasteland with his loyal dog, Blood, a remarkable hound with keen intelligence and the ability to telepathically communicate with his less-intelligent master. It's survival of the fittest, so food and sex are Vic's highest priorities, and he gets plenty of both when recruited into a mysterious underground society in desperate need of young fertile males. While Blood must fend for himself on the unfriendly surface, Vic realizes that he's an exploited prisoner and must escape to return to the canine friend he left behind. Thanks in large part to the sly wit of Blood (whose sarcastic voice is splendidly provided by Tim McIntire), this clever and disturbing film readily earns its lasting reputation as a low-budget classic, and features a funny yet chilling supporting role for Jason Robards Jr. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

"He was not a pet, he was a person".......2007-06-26

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

"A Boy and His Dog" (1975) is based on a well-known novella by Harlan Ellison of the same title. The movie focuses of the adventures of a young scavenger Vic (Don Johnson) and his telepathic dog Blood as they wander through the wasteland where Phoenix, Arizona used to be in 2024 AD after the end of WWIV that resulted in nuclear holocaust. In their duet, Blood seems more intelligent, experienced, sarcastic, and reasonable than Vic but they need each other to survive, to find food for both and the girls for Vic. All females have moved underground where a parody on pre-war suburban middle class life has been preserved and it has been over six weeks since Vic got laid last. Blood will sense a girl who dressed like a boy to attend the screening of an old porn-movie and Vic will follow her as far as the underground city "Topeka" against the Blood's advices. Little he knew that Quilla June was supposed to lure him down under where he will be used as a source for sperm that the underground women desperately need to get pregnant. After series of adventures, Vic was able to break away from the scary looking machine he was hooked up to with Quilla June's help and two of them escape to the surface...

While technically, the movie is not the most spectacular or visually prominent, the acting of the main characters, the communication between a boy (good performance from young and very handsome Don Johnson) and his dog (Tim McIntire was very convincing providing the voice of "Blood" and singing the main title song, "A Boy and His Dog"), and especially the story, dark and funny, make it well deserving of its cult status.

I wanted to see the movie because I am very impressed by Ellison's writings and consider some of his short stories the best, the most brilliant, incredible, shocking, and disturbing ever written. The first one I read literally took my breath away. It was "The whimper of the whipped dogs" that I found in the thick volume "The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century" and it was the brightest star among the works of such writers as O'Henry, John Steinbeck, William Faulkner, Patricia Highsmith, Joyce Carol Oates, and many wore. Since my first encounter with Ellison's writing, I became his loyal fan. Later, I read Ellison's collection "Deathbird Stories: A Pantheon Of Modern Gods" which "The whimper of the whipped dogs" opens. While reading the story that gave the book its title, "The Deathbird", I first learned about "A Boy and His Dog":

"Yesterday my dog died. For eleven years Ahbhu was my closest friend. He was responsible for my writing a story about a boy and his dog that many people have read. He was not a pet, he was a person. It was impossible to anthropomorphize him, he would not stand for it. But he was so much his own kind of creature, he had such a strongly formed personality, he was so determined to share his life with only those he chose, that it was impossible to think of him as simply a dog."
-Harlan Ellison "Ahbhu", the short story inserted in "The Deathbird"

After having read "The Deathbird", I was not surprised with the ending of "A Boy and A Dog", the story and the movie. Even though, they are attributed to the genre of science-fiction satire (and they are, intelligent, sharp, sarcastic, and biting), I think of them more as the meditation on many important subjects and the tribute Ellison paid to the true friendship, loyalty, and love. He also could've brought to the story resentment and disappointments from his broken marriages and relationships.

Don't get me wrong, the movie is brilliant..........2007-02-17

...which is why I keep buying every new release that comes out in the hopes that it will be better than the last. No such luck. This is the same transfer as the previous two releases -- from the original laserdisc, and with the same problems: dropped frames, dust and scratches all over it. And despite Amazon's description, this release is NOT ANAMORPHIC, though, like the others, it is widescreen. (I've submitted a change to the description). I could live with the dust and scratches -- after all, all the known prints of this film have been knocking around for almost thirty years, and as far as I know no pristine negative exists anymore. But I *wish* we could get an anamorphic transfer. How is it that a Hugo award-winning film that is so loved by critics can be overlooked for a decent DVD treatment for so long?

Now, the good: In addition to the now-familiar (and very entertaining) L.Q. Jones commentary track which has appeared on all the others, we also get two trailers restored to the DVD (these appeared on the first release, but not the one from Slingshot). And the fact that it is available once again at all -- I didn't relish the idea of shelling out ~$100 if something happened to current copy. Kudos to Firstrun for printing 'em again.

But dangit, won't *someone* step up to the plate and give us a decent anamorphic transfer? I'm begging here, which even Blood could only bring himself to do once.

Man's Best friend.......2007-02-12

Saw the movie when it first came out years ago, loved it then and love it now. Tongue in cheek, futuristic society, after math of the second big bang.

The most conservative work of fiction I've ever read. I don't think this aspect of the story transfers well to the big screen.......2007-02-07

A Boy and His Dog is not a well made movie. The budget for this project was just too low perhaps. It concerns a boy and his intelligent K-9 traveling companion, 'Blood'. 'Intelligent', as in smarter than friend Vic, and telepathic. Blood 'talks'. According to the movie, dogs like these were bred for war - before the big war, the nuclear war. The war, to, really, end-all-wars. Vic and Blood travel across the post-apocalypse wasteland looking for food sex and good times. The original story was an award winner written by SF writer Harlan Ellison. As a youth Ellison traveled the country as a carnival worker and is said to have really been in youth gangs. The conversation between Vic and Blood, sounds, authentic. The dialog doesn't sound dated. You can also enjoy the movie for it's adventure. You can enjoy it for it's mother-of-all twist endings. You could appreciate the movie for the social statement it makes.

The movie begins, in a movie theater. One gangs 'action' is running an abandoned theater. Admission: one can of non-radiated food. From there Vic travels to a large underground bomb shelter where the citizens live in a repressed manner said to be reminiscent of the 1950's. Vic is captured by them. They want to use him as their 'stud' because all the men are sterile. One reviewer even saying, this is one of the messages of the film, repression leads to men being sterile.

Vic likes the idea of being able to sleep with all the women (in the book he's really going to be sleeping with them - in the movie he's hooked up to an unpleasant 'milking machine') he likes the idea... but he doesn't like his loss of freedom. He escapes with a girl from the down-under Quilla June. Quilla herself is part of group of youths rebelling against the grown ups, and here, the movie ups-the-ante from the book. In the story, the only rebellion is simply their escape. The 'youth rebellion' I think gives us another chance to compare this society with our own.

Quilla liberates Vics guns and then they shoot their way out of town. Vic noticing Quilla's horror, turning to blood lust, saying to himself, "do you have to waste so much ammunition..." This is the point in the book where it becomes obvious this story has an agenda. As they are making their escape, shooting at the last townsfolk, Vic says to himself, "they should have known better than to mess with Jimmy Cagney". Cagney being the actor who always plays the gangster in the movies he so loves to watch earlier in the movie. Then of course right after their escape, there's the twist ending.

This is the most conservative work of fiction I've ever read, ever. I don't think this aspect of the story transfers well to the big screen. Perhaps the filmmaker failed. Perhaps the failure is on the part of the viewer. Do we have an underlying fear of seeing things in an incorrect way? The original story was written in 1968. Is it difficult for us to empathize with a world view so different from the one we're ordinarily presented with? It's not a view we see too often nowadays. It's certainly something we don't expect to see when sitting down to watch a movie.

Still trying to figure this film out.......2007-02-03

Alright, I'm going to go ahead and give this film 5 stars... but the stars are for incomprehensibility, rather than anything else which can make a sci-fi film truly great. Harlan Ellison must have one really twisted mind, if he wrote stuff like this. He is one old geezer who seriously needs to be picked up and put in a rest home.

OK, yeah, all of us guys are motivated by sex and food, as Don Johnson and his canine sidekick have reminded us throughout the picture... and being a red-blooded straight male myself, I of course had the hots for the nuclear-survivor girl who had the big doe eyes and the white mime makeup on her face.

To this day, however, I can't figure out what was supposed to have happened at the end, and I watched the picture 5 times. Did Vic leave the girl as she went back underground with the rest of her bizarre tribe, or (gasp!), did he kill her and cook her for dinner, as food for himself and the psychic dog? The film doesn't tell us.

Seems like such a stupid shame, to have sex with a beautiful young woman, only to cut her up and roast her later. Not a film for the uninitiated.

Average customer rating:

See Spot Run
NEVER EEEEVER AGAIN
DOG'S BEST FRIEND
Awsome
Funny, Funny, Funny!

See Spot Run
Starring: David Arquette , Paul Sorvino , Joe Viterelli , Michael Clarke Duncan , and Anthony Anderson
Director: John Whitesell
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003CXVP
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Amazon.com

A family film for an era when "family film" means scatological jokes, gratuitous violence, and shapeless storytelling, See Spot Run is about par for the course. Punctuated by many a lowbrow moment (scenes of combustible zebra flatulence, for instance), Spot has trouble staying true to its major story line despite the latter's redeeming qualities. That story concerns an FBI-trained bull mastiff who flees the wrath of a mobster (Paul Sorvino) and ends up in the care of a pooch-averse postman (David Arquette) and the latter's little neighbor (Angus T. Jones). With a nutball like Arquette in the lead (and vigorous support work from comic Anthony Anderson of Me, Myself, and Irene), the antics come fast and furious, including a wild bit of slapstick in which Arquette simultaneously gets his head stuck in a fishbowl and his body densely wrapped in helium-inflated plastic. On the other hand, there's a touching simplicity to the relationship between man and canine, each of whom has been terribly lonely in his own way. Sure, the filmmakers went for some cheap laughs, but there is much else here that is harder-earned. --Tom Keogh

Description

A mailman takes in a stray dog only to learn that it's an FBI drug-sniffing canine that has escaped from a witness protection program and is now targeted for assassination by a crime boss.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Feature-length audio commentary by Director John Whitesell
Filmographies:Cast career highlights
Interactive Menus
Music Video:"As Long as You're Loving Me" - Vitamin C
Scene Access
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

See Spot Run.......2007-01-18

I purchased this for my grandson and all of us watched it together (3 generations). Was much better than expected and we all enjoyed it. It was fun and entertaining for all

NEVER EEEEVER AGAIN.......2006-03-28

I seen this movie on tv and 1 minute into it I changed it to C-Span. This has to be one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I mean don't get me wrong I loved David Arquette in Ready To Rumble but this by far is a horrible and degrating movie ever. There are lots of disgusting comedy in this. With lots of poop jokes. But It is meant for a 4 year old who has a sugar level of 1000 and loves to laugh at anything it sees. Parents you shouldn't even see it if it's on a plane. IT'S THAT AWFUL

DOG'S BEST FRIEND.......2006-03-14

Is SEE SPOT RUN a great movie? NOT REALLY. Is it entertaining? Yes, I must admit it made me laugh quite a bit. It's really a slapstick farce with a blonde David Arquette mugging it up like the world was coming to an end. He plays a dog-fearing mailman who has his own devices to elude the dogs on Bleeker Street, "Canine Alley." Agent 11, a canine FBI agent, is targeted by mob boss Paul Sorvino (humorously so), so he is sent to witness protection for canines in Alaska, or he's supposed to be. A crooked agent sets 11 up, and the mob's hit men (especially funny is the late Joe Viterelli who plays mobsters with unabashed fun) go after the dog to kill him. 11 manages to escape to where else? Arquette's mail truck, where he is instantly adored by cute little Angus T. Jones, the son of the hottie (Leslie Bibb) Arquette is mooning over.
Michael Clarke Duncan has nice moments as 11's "partner" who can't seem to function without the pooch in his life. There are lots of predictable gags and even though the showdown in the pet store is incredibly goofy, it is funny. So if it makes you laugh, it succeeds as entertainment if not a great film!

Awsome .......2005-03-08

if i could give this movis 10 stars i would. Fantastic and super funny anyone would love it

Funny, Funny, Funny!.......2003-11-18

If you like comedy, you'll love this movie! It has great slapstick humor combined with a touching story about a boy that becomes attached to a lost FBI dog. The dog helps catch two big league crime bosses and then has to choose between serving with the FBI or staying with the boy.

The Matrix Reloaded (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

"me, me, me ...... me too"
Cool Action but Silly and Pretentious
An Exercise In Franchise Annihilation...
Good Series
It's a (good) MOVIE, not a pholosophy book.

The Matrix Reloaded (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Ray Anthony , Josephine Byrnes , Laurence Fishburne , Gloria Foster , and Harry J. Lennix
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JLTN
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

"me, me, me ...... me too".......2007-06-23

Cool Action but Silly and Pretentious.......2007-05-19

An Exercise In Franchise Annihilation..........2007-04-09

Good Series.......2007-04-02

A must have. Has some great scenes.
Not quite as good overall as the first installment but still great.

It's a (good) MOVIE, not a pholosophy book........2007-03-03

Average customer rating:

I Fold
It held my interest
Not really 5 stars but deserves more than 2 1/2!
Definitely one of Tobe Hooper's worst
One Of The Best Stephen King Adaptations; 4.5 Stars

The Mangler
Starring: Robert Englund , Ted Levine , Daniel Matmor , Jeremy Crutchley , and Vanessa Pike
Director: Tobe Hooper
Manufacturer: New Line Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0002A2VK0
Release Date: 2004-08-17

Customer Reviews:

I Fold.......2007-05-25

The Mangler's not one of the more popular King adaptations. The inspiration for King's story most likely was how nasty it would be if someone actually got caught in one of those steam irons. It certainly would be a horrific scene, but as nasty as that is, it's not a concept you can really make a feature film around. That's probably why King wrote it as a short story. Stretching the short story into a feature length film requires much more plot to be added(the short story may have had a half hour worth of film material, tops). Alot of folks who bash this film usually have something along the lines of...."With the talent involved, how could it be this bad?"...to say. Well, most horror fans have a hard time admitting to themselves that since Texas Chainsaw, Tobe Hooper has become increasingly schlocky as the years go by. We all know it, we just don't say it. Englund hasn't always made the best stuff, and not every King story is a winner. In The Mangler, Hooper is trying to actually make the film scary. The tone is much more serious than subject matter like this should be. Sure, the first scene where the machine claims it's first victim is effective, but by the time you reach two grown men performing an exorcism on a laundry folder, and then having the machine turn into a Lovecraftian monster, it's just too damn silly. So why the four stars? Well, I actually do enjoy this movie quite a bit. If you want to view this with the intention of getting your pants scared off, it'll fail. If you view The Mangler as drive-in fare, it's fun. It's got some nasty gore, an over the top villain played by Robert Englund, funny lines(both intentional and unintentional), and the film is actually shot very well. As others have stated, the acting is hammy, particularly in Englund's case. However, certain mention should go to Ted "wasn't she a great big fat person" Levine. The film is practically a showcase for Levine's odd performance. Is he being campy and over the top? Is he serious and coming off as goofy? It's hard to tell for sure, but he's always amusing and never boring to watch. I think the guy's actually a good actor and it was cool to see him in a leading role. If this were made today, it'd be Orlando Friggin' Bloom or some other schmuck that's mistaken for a good actor. My disappointment with this dvd is that it's the theatrical R-rated version. One of the special features shows a split-screen comparisson of the R and unrated versions. Why the hell not just put those snippets back in the movie? Especially in these days where studios are so "unrated" hogwild. I'm surprised we didn't see an unrated version of Happy Feet when it csme out on dvd. I used to have a vhs copy of this movie, and it was the unrated version with the extra nastiness. So, I know it can be done. The deleted bits are quick gore shots that actually do enhance the scenes and make them much nastier. But anyhow, I do actually think this is a pretty fun movie...depending on how you look at it,that is.

It held my interest.......2006-10-22

I liked this movie. It was different than what is out in theaters now and it is different in movies in general. I also thought that the acting was good and the special effects were good as well. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone that likes horror movies.

Not really 5 stars but deserves more than 2 1/2!.......2006-02-25

A lot of people will bash this movie and a lot of will people bash this review. But I think if you like Tobe Hooper, Robert Englund, or Stephen King, and lots of red stuff then you'll enjoy 'The Mangler'. It's definitely not the trio's best work. It drags in places, the story is a bit convoluted, and the acting (aside from Englund, who's always delightful to watch) is weak. But I don't really care about that stuff. I like this flick because it's creepy, mysterious, disgusting, and has a touch of dark comedy. It's perfect for those nights where you and your fellow horror buffs get together to watch movies and have a few beers. Give it a shot.

Definitely one of Tobe Hooper's worst.......2005-09-26

Legendary Texas Chainsaw Massacre creator Tobe Hooper directed this adaptation of a Stephen King short story for New Line Cinema, and sadly, it doesn't work at all. The last time the names Hooper and King were in the same sentence together was when Hooper crafted the classic, original Salem's Lot mini-series, but there's no magic here like there was before. Maybe it's because the story itself wasn't one of King's better ones, or maybe Hooper didn't put everything into it. The story revolves around a cop (Silence of the Lambs' Ted Levine) assigned to investigate strange and grisly murders, all of which point to a laundry press which appears to be posessed. The owner of the factory (Robert "Freddy Kruger" Englund) seems to not be concerned about any of this, and by the time revelations are made, you probably won't care. The story has it's share of faults, while Hooper's direction is uninspired. There's some nice gore, and Levine and Englund are good, even though it's hard to seperate Englund from his infamous role as a horror icon. All in all, the Mangler may be worth seeing if you're a fan of Tobe Hooper or Stephen King, but don't expect anything special out of it.

One Of The Best Stephen King Adaptations; 4.5 Stars.......2005-09-23

An adaptation of the classic short story by Stephen King, and the first time (and so far only) King, director Tobe Hooper and star Robert Englund - three of horror's MVPs - share billing on a movie. As great as the original story was (now would be a good time to observe that certain themes can only be handled by certain writers, and to ask the rhetorical question of 'Could anybody but Stephen King have actually written a horror story about a possessed laundry machine and not have it come off an absolute joke?') the movie actually surpasses it. The danger with adapting novels to the screen is that often the material gets compressed down to fit a certain running time; I think a lot more great movies (certainly in the horror field) have come from short stories or novellas than lengthy novels (although there are certainly examples of the other: the best adaptations of "Dracula" and "Frankenstein", King's own "Pet Sematary" and a number of tv miniseries {+ some non-horror movies}; "Nightbreed", etc.) With "The Mangler" the challenge is the opposite from what you get when you try to fit all of a novel into a movie; there's not enough of the short story to make a full movie.

So what we have instead is a "Mangler" that's been greatly expanded in all directions, not only continuing on well past the immortal last line of the written story but adding in a major twist on the origin of the possessed machine plus greater character development and subplots. A move that could have fizzled out but pays off in spades, resulting in a character-strong, gory and - most difficult of all to achieve given the subject matter of a possessed industrial cleaning machine - believable tale of carnage and conspiracies, and the overwhelmed protagonists caught in the bloody crosshairs. The Mangler is less of an idea here and more of a character unto itself, and in this version of the tale it's not the only villian lurking in the secrets of town. Nine out of ten; a terribly under-rated movie.

Average customer rating:

The Arrival
So bad, it's good
Underated creepy and scary "B" movie.
Great Sci Fi
Alien Paranoia at its best

The Arrival
Starring: Charlie Sheen , Lindsay Crouse , Richard Schiff , Shane (II) , and Ron Silver
Director: David Twohy
Manufacturer: Live / Artisan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6304490054
Release Date: 1997-06-17

Amazon.com

Calling this 1996 science fiction thriller "a glorified B movie," isn't a criticism. Writer-director David Twohy managed to get interesting material on the screen despite a limited budget, and the film is just believable enough to be satisfying as a tale of paranoid conspiracy. If you can ignore the hokey parts and accept Charlie Sheen as noted radio astronomer Zane Ziminski, you'll get thoroughly involved when the reception of an alien radio signal leads him to Mexico and to a huge underground power plant operated by aliens bent on the eventual takeover of Earth. Ron Silver is suitably chilling as the astronomer's boss, whose real identity is more horrifying than Ziminski ever imagined. The underground alien lair is memorably creepy, and Twohy's film is just smart enough to qualify as more than a guilty pleasure. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

The Arrival.......2007-02-14

First of two movies on the subject. I have spent much time studying this subject from a more scientific level and can say by reading between the lines there is much mythos icons here. But you will have to dig for them. If that study motivates you the movie rates a 4. If it is entertainment you want it is a 2.

So bad, it's good.......2006-07-05

I saw this movie the week it opened in the movie theater. It was so laughably bad, I went back again to view it with several of my friends. Since then, this has become my favorite bad movie of all time.

The Arrival is the kind of film that makes perfect fodder for bad movie nights with friends, or were it made in the early 60s, an incredible episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Truly horrendous acting, a weak script, lack of directorial anything, cheesy special effects combine to create a truly awful B-Movie much in the same vein as "Plan 9 from Outer Space" or the original "The Posideon Adventure."

Underated creepy and scary "B" movie........2006-04-16

A radio astronomer stumbles across some aliens talking across his airwaves, reports it to his supervisor and is immediately relieved of his duties.

Next this now fired scientist gets a job installing satellite dishes and this enables him to dig deepter into whatever it is that is going on.

We find out along the way that maybe global warming isn't necessary "an accident" and the cute neighborhood kid can really run.

I rated this movie four stars because even though it was apparently shot on a limited budget, it was very creative and made you think.

The special effects were good but not spectacular.

Most alien invasion movies are shoot em up action packed excitement war epics. This movie is probably more closer to reality if aliens were to invade our planet, earth. It would be a quiet and subversive invasion........which is more scary because you wouldn't see it coming until it's too late.

I found the very last three minutes of the movie the most unseattling.

The main premise of the movie was interesting, thought provoking and entertaining it's too bad it wasn't made on a bigger budget.

Loss of forests, global warming, temperature and weather changes, people blindly voting for leaders that are hell bent on reeking havoc and destruction on the Earth and her inhabitants, maybe - just maybe we possibly are not alone.

Great Sci Fi.......2006-03-07

This is a Science Fiction lovers dream. It has action, suspense, aliens, giant bugs, a mad scientist/tough guy hero, and an extremely good story line.

The only reason I give this 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the slight dated feel. It doesn't take away from this films brilliance, but is definately there.

Alien Paranoia at its best.......2005-07-04

If "Contact" is the scientific part of an alien comunication from out of space, "The Arrival" is the paranoid counter-part.
The movie opens with a scientist discovering something that never was supposed to happen: Vegetation on the north pole.
From there we are moving to the accidental reception of a signal from out of space as well as Contact. But, Are they good or bad aliens?? The answer dwells on Zane ( Charlie Sheen ) who's trying to find out what they are doing here. Sheen plays a convincing extremely paranoid guy, with his face that makes you feel and live his horror. Then, we are directed to find out what the aliens have in mind: to change the planet so they can habitat in it. The end is so well-written that I can't possible imagine a sequel. The alien are convincing in their role of being beyond good and evil. So, do yourself a favor: watch both movies. Because one complete the other. Contact sees them ( the aliens) as good beings trying to communicate to say " We are not Alone", and "The Arrival" tell us they are evil trying to take over the planet.

Spaghetti Western Double Shot: Mannaja/Run Man Run

Average customer rating:

if spaghetti westerns are your thing, this deal is for you
Spaghetti Westerns Forever!

Spaghetti Western Double Shot: Mannaja/Run Man Run
Starring: Spaghetti Western Double Shot
Manufacturer: Blue Underground
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Django Kill - If You Live, Shoot!
Once Upon a Time in Italy - The Spaghetti Western Collection (A Bullet for the General / Companeros / Four of the Apocalypse / Keoma / Texas Adios)
The Great Silence
Django (2-Disc Limited Edition)
Strangers Gundown

ASIN: B000795JNW
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Description

Specially priced `double barrel' of two of the most highly regarded Spaghetti Westerns of all time

Only 2,500 of this special value-priced two-pack will be available. Loaded with extras.

Two-pack Includes:
MANNAJA: A MAN CALLED BLADE
EXTRAS:
- A Man Called Sergio - Interview with Director Sergio Martino
- Theatrical Trailer
- Poster & Still Gallery
- Sergio Martino Bio

RUN MAN RUN
EXTRAS:
- Run Man Run: 35 Years Running - Interviews with Director Sergio Sollima, and Star Tomas Milian
- Westerns Italian Style - A rarely-seen 60s documentary about the Spaghetti Western phenomenon, containing behind-the-scenes footage of THE GREAT SILENCE and RUN MAN RUN as well as interviews with Directors Enzo G. Castellari, Sergio Corbucci and Sergio Sollima
- Theatrical Trailer - Italian Main Titles Sequence
- Poster & Still Gallery
- Talent Bios

Customer Reviews:

if spaghetti westerns are your thing, this deal is for you.......2006-04-30

i love spaghetti westerns and while these two aren't the best ever made,for the price they are a good deal and are fun movies. the transfers are good (widescreen) and each has extras which makes the deal even better.

Spaghetti Westerns Forever!.......2005-02-26

You cant beat a deal like this. Two Great Dvds at an awsome price. The transfers are great and the special features are a plus.

Average customer rating:

Ok... Nothing like it's predecesor
You'd Better Run
Close to 5 stars (tech specs below) PLUS EASTER EGGS!
A long run

Run, Man, Run!
Starring: Tomas Milian , Donald O'Brien , John Ireland , Linda Veras , and Marco Guglielmi
Director: Sergio Sollima
Manufacturer: Blue Underground
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001KUE78
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Amazon.com

Little known outside Europe, this picaresque spaghetti Western is among the most entertaining of the breed. Tomas Milian plays Cuchillo ("little knife"), an irrepressible scamp at large in post-Juarista Mexico who becomes custodian of a secret: where to find the fortune in gold meant to bankroll the people's revolution against the repressive Diaz regime. Now, Cuchillo is not politically minded. Cassidy (Donal O'Brien), a Texas gunfighter, used to be, but he's weary of fighting noble battles and wouldn't mind having that gold himself. Both characters wrestle with their inconvenient better instincts while tilting with a variety of adversaries. Directed by Sergio Sollima (The Big Gundown), Run, Man, Run! boasts an elegant mise en scène almost worthy of Leone. The exuberant score is by Ennio Morricone, no matter what the credits say, and Milian's theme song became an anthem for student protestors in 1968. John Ireland contributes a charismatic cameo as a populist generale. --Richard T. Jameson

Customer Reviews:

Ok... Nothing like it's predecesor.......2007-03-11

I bought this film shortly after I saw The Big Gundown. I was hoping it would be as good but it wasn't. I wasn't bad but some of it was lame. Tomas Milian was funny at times with his Cuban accent when he was cursing. As in The Big Gundown, you don't get to see too many knife throwing scenes but the ones seen where cool. If you can locate, get The Big Gundown. The DVD quality is fantastic as all of Blue Underground releases.

You'd Better Run.......2006-08-01

Italy cranks out another great western and further proves why they're better at films about the wild west than the Americans are. The plot on a whole isn't terribly original, but there's enough cleverness sprinkled throughout the film. The always lovable Tomas Milian's a Mexican bandit who holds the key to 3 million in gold. On his search for it, he's persued by just about everyone under the sun including bounty hunters, mexican revolutionaries, a badazz gunslinger, a chick from the salvation army, and his own fiancee. Milian is no Eastwood(that role's left to Italian regular Donal O'Brien), his hero is more like a weasley sidekick you'd see in a Leone western. He's a whiz with the throwing knives, and isn't afraid to put a bit of humor into the character when it's needed. The title of the film refers to numerous scenes where someone(sometimes himself) is telling him to "Run!". While it may not be as good as Django or Companeros, Run Man Run is a worthy addition to your spaghetti western collection. Plus it comes with a cool 60s documentary on spaghetti westerns and a 17 minute interview with Milian and director Sollima.

Close to 5 stars (tech specs below) PLUS EASTER EGGS!.......2003-09-06

Only a smudge of oil would spoil whipping egg whites, so I can't give Run Man Run 5 stars. It's either perfect or not so, but I can rate it a strong 4/5.

Tomas Milian is one of my favorite actors in the European Western category, along with Cleef, Eastwood, Strode, and other notables. Milian always packs a strong punch when he delivers his performances. Milian's character Cuchillo grabbed me from the opening scene when he walked into trouble. That's a classic moment that I thoroughly enjoyed, and Milian held his character throughout the film. Donal O'Brien seemed just a bit too reserved. And the voice seemed pretty muddled. I feel Milian deserves much more credit for his work, ad I see that he is still going strong in the movie business.

Director Sergio Sollima (one of two other Sergios, the other being Corbucci) kept this on a lighter and somewhat faster pace than Corbucci's more solemn films.

The film transfer to DVD is terrific, with a fine mono audio and video track presented by Blue Underground. I don't know if I've done the right thing since no one else has mentioned it (like a Sixth Sense secret) but I've discovered that this DVD also has at least 3 Easter Eggs hidden. A review of the DVD If You Live, Shoot! also has 3 Easter Eggs, so if you ever get a Blue Underground DVD, look closer and you may find some presents.

I really enjoyed the script that was followed. It wasn't too heavy but wasn't too funny, like at least one film, "My Name is Nobody," if I can recall it correctly. One really hilarious moment happens when Cuchillo is strung up and has words with one of his oppressors. Talk about insulting! If I were the military official, I would have pulled an Indiana Jones on Cuchillo.

This DVD was part of the Spaghetti Western Collection I purchased, and of the four (Django, Mannaja, Run Man Run, and If You Live, Shoot!), I enjoyed this one the most. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase this again, and it would help round out a fine collection of films for the lover of macaroni flicks. Tomas Milian fans would really love this (I think it's one of his best roles), and I think Donal O'Brien fans might be a bit disappointed. I would not compare this to the Leone classics, as the format is so different. Like comparing apples and grapes. They're both similar in very basic ways but fly into different directions as European Westerns. I wouldn't call the violence "shocking" by today's standards, at all. This isn't nearly as shocking as If You Live, Shoot! was.

Tech Specs and EASTER EGGS: A region- free NTSC DVD of 121 minutes in a nice transfer from original stock in its original theatrical release of 2.35:1 (widescreen only) and enhanced for 16X9; English and Italian mono tracks; optional English subtitles; poster and production stills gallery; a 1960s documentary on filming spaghetti westerns; Run Man Run: 35 Years Running documentary with video interviews of Sollima and Milian; trailer. There are also 3 Easter Eggs I found. The knife that Donal O'Brien holds on the main menu page can be highlighted scroll over Play but scroll LEFT); an invisible knife can be highlighted across Cuchillo's face in the chapters page (scroll to Main Menu then push UP); an extra trailers selection can be highlighted in the extras page (scroll to Main Menu and scroll LEFT). All of these can be gained by computer or DVD remote to access deeper information.

A long run.......2003-02-08

Run Man Run is a sequel to one of the great Spaghetti Westerns "The Big Gundown" unfortunately The Big Gundown isn't released on any format here in the US,so unless you've seen it on Cinemax or purchased an import,this movie might not appeal to you as much.
This is basically the continuing story of Cuchillo (Tomas Milian) the Mexican knife-throwing bandit,and his search for lost gold,with a Mexican Revolution spin thrown in.
This movie is a wannabe Leone type epic that comes off being episodic.At times this is a very good film but at others it drags on.Sorely missed is Lee Van Cleef who would have greatly improved this film,Donald O'Brien's character is a good one,but the chemistry was much better with Van Cleef.A decent Spaghetti,but way too long.

Average customer rating:

Ouch!
Vengeance from the grave kills the people he once saved
Stop Comparing Tetsuo To Eraserhead!
Boring Pointless art film
Disturbing

Tetsuo - The Iron Man (Special Edition)
Starring: Kei Fujiwara , Renji Ishibashi , Nobu Kanaoka , Naomasa Musaka , and Tomorowo Taguchi
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
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ASIN: B0009GV9FK
Release Date: 2005-07-19

Amazon.com

Shinya Tsukamoto draws on the marriage of flesh and technology that inspires so much of David Cronenberg's work and then twists it into a manga-influenced cyberpunk vision. A man (Tomoroh Taguchi) awakens from a nightmare in which his body is helplessly fusing with the metal objects around him, only to find it happening to him in real life... or is it? Haunted by memories of a hit and run (eerily prophetic of Cronenberg's Crash), the man knows this ordeal could be a dream, a fantastic form of divine retribution, or perhaps technological mutation born of guilt and rage. Shot in bracing black and white on a small budget, Tsukamoto puts a demented conceptual twist on good old-fashioned stop-motion effects and simple wire work, giving his film the surreal quality of a waking dream with a psychosexual edge (resulting in the film's most disturbing scene). The story ultimately takes on an abstract quality enhanced by the grungy look and increasingly wild images as they take to the streets in a mad chase of technological speed demons. This first entry in his self-titled "Regular Sized Monster Series" is followed by a full-color sequel, Tetsuo II: The Body Hammer, which trades the muddy experimental atmosphere for a big-budget sheen but can't top the cybershock to the system this movie packs. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Somewhere between nightmare and a techno-fetishist's ultimate fantasy, this extraordinary film from Shinya Tsukamoto caused a sensation when it was first released, and spawned a companion piece, Tetsuo II: The Body Hammer. Concerning itself with a young man's gradual mutation into a metal-being, the film takes a surreal journey into a dark and disturbing world where D.I.Y. body transformations and post-human women with deadly robot arms form the fabric of a strange new reality. Likened to the work of Lynch and Cronenberg, Tetsuo molds explosive violence, bizarre sexual imagery and jet-black humor into a cinematic experience like you've never seen before.

Customer Reviews:

Ouch!.......2007-02-18

This was a very difficult film for me to watch, and I would not recommend it for the faint of heart or those that are not able to objectify films with intense amoral visual imagery. I believe that the film is saying something important, but I've never been able to say precisely what. The film maker has a real talent for letting us stroll through some of his deeper inner states. Andre Tarkovsky is the only other film maker that I've ever seen do a better job of this, and its hard to compare the two because their styles are very different. I first saw this film on VHS from a rental store in Lincoln, NE about ten years ago. About three years ago as I was trying to describe it to a film-afficiando friend of mine, I got curous about seeing it again, hopefully now on DVD. Fortunately I was able to find it and the exprience was vastly improved seeing it from a good transfer to DVD. For film buffs with an eye toward unique visual artistry, I would recommend this very gritty art-film without hesitation.

Vengeance from the grave kills the people he once saved.......2007-02-13

I graduated from an art school. Every year we had our film festival, where students and professors from across the country could show their work. There were three types of movies you usually saw there: 1) the normal kind, with a narrative and characters as you would see in any other film; 2) the artistic kind, which explores film method while providing the audience with thought-provoking visuals; 3) the obnoxiously artistic kind, which goes overboard, and after the film ends the audience will be dead silent for five seconds before finally clapping. This movie, an independant Japanese film from the late 1980's, reminded me of the latter.

It's really hard to say what "Tetsuo the Iron Man" is about, because I wasn't even entirely sure myself. It opens with a man cutting open his leg and sticking a metal wirehose into it. (all in graphic detail) He freaks out when he sees maggots and darts away, getting hit by the car. The driver (I think) suffers later, finding parts of his body turning into metal and having weird hallucinations of metallic sex. (I think)

This is definitely not a movie for everyone. Aside from the violence, the extremely erratic filmmaking will either inspire or aggravating the viewer. The narrative goes from one bizarre scene to the next. First the main character is being chased by a weird zombie metal woman in the subway station, then he's being raped by a woman with a metal wiretube strap-on. (no I did not make that up) All these scenes go on for a good while, never showing any sign of when they were going to end, which got on my nerves quite frankly. That and the soundtrack. Besides the freaky music accompanying the film, you constantly hear the main character's gutteral noises. You know that goofy choking sound the voice actors make in "Dragonball Z" whenever they get punched hard or see something scary? Imagine listening to that for over 60 minutes. I got tired of it after about 20 minutes. Actually, I just got tired of the whole thing because I realized it had been only 20 minutes and thought it had already been an hour.

I tried reading the critique of the film in the DVD special features to get some insight, but that didn't help much. All I read was, "Wow, this film was a lot like David Cronenberg's stuff!" Well whoop-dee-doo, the guy who made "Battlefield Earth" was inspired by Akira Kurosawa, that doesn't make the film good! I've read about all these themes of suppressed homosexuality, psychosexual tension, and Japanese culture, but all I got from the film was a guy staring at cheap metallic make-up going "O-o-o-o-o-oh!" over and over again.

If you're into extravagent films that require drugs to be enjoyed, then this is right up your alley. Or if you're in love with an art student and want to make it with them, go ahead and invite them over to your apartment for a viewing. Just might work, you never know.

Stop Comparing Tetsuo To Eraserhead!.......2006-12-15

As a fan of original quality films - and a hater of pretentious arthouse trash - I'm concerned about the constant references to David Lynch's Eraserhead here. Yes, both Tetsuo and Eraserhead are weird films shot in black-and-white. But after that, the similarities end. Instead, let's run down the differences:

Tetsuo = kinetic, interesting, good acting, solid special effects, understandable, satisfying, and engaging

Eraserhead = slow, boring, bad acting, horrible special effects, insoluble by design, pretentious, and annoying

Shinya Tsukamoto made Tetsuo as a kinetic, interesting, and engaging film. The opening sequence immediately grabs the viewer, and the female flesh-metal zombie scene - a classic horror sequence in its own right - basically earns the viewer's attention for the rest of the film. David Lynch made Eraserhead as a slow, boring, and annoying film. The opening sequence is nothing short of irritating, and after 30 minutes the viewer's patience is taken to the limit when inflicted with such an utter waste of celluloid. Some dude pops his head into space, only to then walk around aimlessly for minutes on end, encountering nothing of importance or interest.

The acting in Tetsuo, although over the top, is pretty good. The actress who played the flesh-metal zombie was awesome, and the lead actor was admirable. The acting in Eraserhead was abominable in every possible respect - I've seen trees that were less wooden.

The special effects in Tetsuo were used advantageously. The camera work was sped up during the chase scenes and the stop-motion animation was fantastic, providing the metal effects. Eraserhead mishandled almost everything. The decapitation scene was pitifully fake, and the stop-motion was pointlessly wasted on - get this - a worm.

Finally, the difference that truly sets Tetsuo and Eraserhead apart is the simple fact that Tetsuo is mostly understandable, comprehensible, and thoughtful. It's truly a revenge story that touches upon the relationships between man and machine (i.e., flesh and iron). Eraserhead is just dim-witted - as if the filmmakers were shooting random takes that were thoughtlessly spliced together to the detriment of comprehensibility.

In the end, Lynch isn't even in Tsukamoto's class here. Tsukamoto is a master who is excellent at balancing originality and entertainment while avoiding the pitfalls of pretentiousness and incomprehensible artistic nonsense. Lynch is simply a hack who likes to make a film that only he can remotely understand because he doesn't bother to include the necessary communication to the viewer. Perhaps he should have kept this tripe in his basement. And perhaps the reviewers on this website could have refrained from drawing parallels between Tetsuo and Eraserhead. It would have saved me 90 minutes of torture.

The fact that Tsukamoto succeeded in making the outrageous endeavor known as Tetsuo entertaining is simply amazing, but experiencing Lynch's dismal failure known as Eraserhead adds a great deal of emphasis. Movies that are both crazy and entertaining are difficult to make. So please stop comparing a master with a hack, lest you morph into a flesh-metal zombie.

Boring Pointless art film.......2006-05-15

This movie was just a long, boring art film.

It was more of a series of scences and montages, as opposed to a plot and story.
If your a film student, or like pretentious art films, then you will probably enjoy this one, its ripe with imagery you can descontruct, and compare to fritz lang.

If you aren't a film student and just want to watch an entertaining movie, this isn't it, get oldboy or 3 extremes.

Disturbing.......2006-05-09

This bizarre film is disturbing, troubling me that the main character is in an irriversible predicament. Wishing he could shed the metal that kept growing on his body, I found meaning in his painful transformation. Seeing that his pain never went away and that he desired to continue pushing the 'normal' world away left me without the typical 'happy ending.' There is meaning to the madness of this film, but there are several scenes that will stay with you after turning off the DVD player.

Average customer rating:

Where's the (Bob Dole) outrage?
1940's outdoorsmen become war heroes and more

Fire on the Mountain
Starring: Steve Kanaly
Director: George Gage , and Beth Gage
Manufacturer: First Run Features
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008AOTC
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Amazon.com

Of all the stories to come out of the Second World War, the little known subject of this 1995 documentary ranks as one of the most fascinating. Sometimes lively and stirring archival footage is coupled with present-day interviews of veterans to shape a portrait of the 10th Mountain Division, an unlikely group of skiers and mountaineers trained to combat the Nazis in the difficult terrain of the Italian Alps. Chronicling the origins of the division, with its beginnings in the burgeoning phenomenon of the sport in the 1930s through its formation by civilian authorities in anticipation of coming U.S. involvement in World War II, Fire on the Mountain illustrates the difficult training in the Colorado Rockies that prepared the men for the assault on Riva Ridge against an all but impenetrable Nazi foothold in the Italian mountains. With a combination of luck, perseverance, and sacrifice, the men of the 10th Mountain Division succeed in capturing a vital position in the European theater, helping to turn the tide of the war. The film by Beth Gage and George Gage shows the impact these men had not only on the outcome of the war, but on the sport of skiing and the emergence of the Rocky Mountain region as the historical center of the pastime. With its vivid imagery and historical impact, Fire on the Mountain is sure to appeal to history buffs and ski bums alike. --Robert Lane

Customer Reviews:

Where's the (Bob Dole) outrage?.......2004-10-31

I just finished seeing this film that I got from Amazon and it has everything good mentioned in the other reviews (professional and customer), but when it comes to listing the post war accomplishments of 10th Mountain Division members (which were considerable), it leaves out 10th Mountain member Sen. Bob Dole, a man who went on to become Majority and Minority Leader of the US Senate. This is an outrage. Guys who founded ski resorts and the Sierra Club are worthy of mention, but a US Senate leader who overcame years of rehabilitation from his WWII wounds (he still doesn't have use of one arm) is not deamed worthy of mention by the artsy types who made this film. Could he have been left out because he is a Republican? I bet if Bob Dole were a Democrat leader in the Senate, that would have been featured prominantly in this film that won a prize at the Sundance Festival.

Leaving Bob Dole out this film is an outrage and a testament to the mean spiritedness of the "tolerant" Hollywood elites. It also is a "1984" or Soviet style attempt to rewrite History. The "artists" should be ashamed of themselves.