Simon & Garfunkel - Old Friends, Live on Stage

Starring:Simon & Garfunkel
Studio: Warner Bros / Wea
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The most successful invigoration of a cinematic franchise since Batman Begins, Casino Royale offers a new Bond identity. Based on the Ian Fleming novel that introduced Agent 007 into a Cold War world, Casino Royale is the most brutal and viscerally exciting James Bond film since Sean Connery left Her Majesty's Secret Service. Meet the new Bond; not the same as the old Bond. Daniel Craig gives a galvanizing performance as the freshly minted double-0 agent. Suave, yes, but also a "blunt instrument," reckless, and possessed with an ego that compromises his judgment during his first mission to root out the mastermind behind an operation that funds international terrorists. In classic Bond film tradition, his global itinerary takes him to far-flung locales, including Uganda, Madagascar, the Bahamas (that's more like it), and Montenegro, where he is pitted against his nemesis in a poker game, with hundreds of millions in the pot. The stakes get even higher when Bond lets down his "armor" and falls in love with Vesper (Eva Green), the ravishing banker's representative fronting him the money.

For longtime fans of the franchise, Casino Royale offers some retro kicks. Bond wins his iconic Astin-Martin at the gaming table, and when a bartender asks if he wants his martini "shaken or stirred," he disdainfully replies, "Do I look like I give a damn?" There's no Moneypenny or "Q," but Dame Judi Dench is back as the exasperated M, who one senses, admires Bond's "bloody cheek." A Bond film is only as good as its villain, and Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre, who weeps blood, is a sinister dandy. From its punishing violence and virtuoso action sequences to its romance, Casino Royale is a Bond film that, in the words of one character, makes you feel it, particularly during an excruciating torture sequence. Double-0s, Bond observes early on, "have a short life expectancy." But with Craig, there is new life in the old franchise yet, as well as genuine anticipation for the next one when, at last, the signature James Bond theme kicks in following the best last line ever in any Bond film. To quote Goldie Hawn in Private Benjamin, now I know what I've been faking all these years. --Donald Liebenson

Stills from Casino Royale (click for larger image)

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Product Description

Casino Royale introduces James Bond before he holds his license to kill. But Bond is no less dangerous, and with two professional assassinations in quick succession, he is elevated to "00" status. "M" (Judi Dench), head of the British Secret Service, sends the newly-promoted 007 on his first mission that takes him to Madagascar, the Bahamas and eventually leads him to Montenegro to face Le Chiffre, a ruthless financier under threat from his terrorist clientele, who is attempting to restore his funds in a high-stakes poker game at the Casino Royale. "M" places Bond under the watchful eye of the Treasury official Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together. Le Chiffre's cunning and cruelty come to bear on them both in a way Bond could never imagine, and he learns his most important lesson: Trust no one.

Customer Reviews:

I wanted to like it.......2007-07-09

No matter who portrayed James Bond in past movies, he was always sexy, sophisticated, smooth, and fun, while deadly efficient. Handsome, yes. Able to take care of himself, yes. Women liked him and men wanted to be him. Sean Connery, the quintessential Bond, is difficult to match. No, we don't expect anyone else to have the same appeal on screen, but we don't really want to lose sight of the original, either.

Daniel Craig was not the actor many people expected, and some were disappointed, all before the movie was released. It seemed an interesting choice to me and I was curious about how he would come across. I'm glad to say he wasn't bad. Buff, oh my yes. Ruggedly handsome, yes. Even tender once. But there was no sense of fun. No rascal. Mostly just deadly.

As for the screenplay -- well, too much of nearly everything. The first action scene, which everyone always looks forward to, went on forever. I actually went out of the room twice during it, and still got to see the end. Other action scenes could have been shortened. And the brutal scene where Bond is naked -- too much for me; I don't know how a man could stand watching it. A half hour could have been cut easily overall, maybe more, making the story more immediate and more about the characters. Younger movie goers might have thought the brutality was all right, but us older folks can do without it. There are also a few times when something is missing in the story line, and the scene or sequence doesn't make sense.

Judi Dench as always was wonderful. Mikkelson was not the campy villain we're used to, he's just plain psychotic. Green is a believable, and lovely, love interest. And the scenery takes one's breath away. I'm not sorry I saw this movie. Just a little sorry that the filmmakers seem to have lost sight of how much fun Bond can be.

Not Your Typical Bond Flick.......2007-07-09

This film marks a major departure for the James Bond franchise. Although it is difficult to keep continuity in the series after all these decades, this film does not even try. In this one, Bond is freshly promoted to the ranks of the 00 secret agents and his on his first big case.

He is trying to track international terrorism through a money man. This leads him to a high stakes poker game at Casino Royale in Albania. All is not as it seems, however, there are plots within plots and it is difficult to know who to trust. This is a recurring problem for him.

This Bond film does not rely on all of the techno gadgetry that most of the series do. Instead, it just relies on a hard charging agent who refuses to let the bad guys win. This Bond is not the polished operator one has come to expect from the series. He can be very rough around the edges and needs polishing. It fits in with the story line but I wonder how it will fit in with this Bond in other films, assuming there are more.

Its an interesting film. Not the best and not the worst but worthwhile.

There are a few "extra features" on a second disk. The first seems like just a promo for the new James Bond and details the casting process. The second was more interesting. It is called "Bond Girls are Forever" and documents the evolution of the Bond girls from simple cheesecake bimbos to the much more complex characters of later films. I found it interesting.

Of human Bondage.......2007-07-08

So somewhat to my surprise, it turns out that, in general, I actually like James Bond films. This comes as something a shock to me, because normally I tend to prefer more highbrow cinema. But there's something about Bond...

When the Bond movies are at their best ("Goldfinger", "Liscence to Kill", "On Her Majesty's Secret Service", "Thunderball"), they are among the best films ever made. Roger Ebert even put "Goldfinger" on his list of Great Films. When they're bad, however, they can really stink up the joint. "Moonraker" anyone? Yeah, I thought not.

Given the way the franchise had been leaning in the last few films (invisible car, anyone?), rebooting it was, perhaps, the only really course of action. Thank goodness when they rebooted it, they did a great job!

This is a VERY good film. Excellent action sequences, a tight plot, good acting and beautiful scenery (even though it wasn't filmed in Montenegro, which is a pity). The villain, while certainly unpleasant and weird, isn't nearly as unrealistic as some of the other Bond bad guys, and his plans are much more interesting than, say, world domination.

Daniel Craig makes for an excellent Bond. I would say, just on this one movie, that he is, thus far, almost as good, if not actually as good, as Connery. He's got great intensity, a good sense of timing and, well, frankly, he IS Bond.

I very much look forward to the next Bond film and in the meantime highly recommend this one.

A boring, baffling bond.......2007-07-08

I thought this film was a total disaster. It contains none of the features that made the old James Bond films fun to watch. No humour, no memorable supporting characters, no witty repartee, no exciting, wacky chases,no innuendos, no fiendishly elaborate but ineffectual attempts to dispose of Bond, nothing to delight the viewer. A distinct shortage of beautiful women for my husband to ogle (he was very discontented). And as for Bond himself, this one is entirely lacking in charm, character, and charisma. I will say nothing about the plot, as I found it completely incomprehensible from beginning to end.

I have always been a fan of the Roger Moore films myself, but this one made even Pierce Brosnan look good.

I LOVE ALL THE OLD BOND FILMS BUT..........2007-07-08

I love all of the odies from Sean Connery to Roger Moore to Timothy Dalton, but I'm sorry Daniel Craig was amazing.

1. First he had a better script than most of his predicessors which of course makes things must more intresting for the actor. If Tim or Sean had a script this good they would have been Oscar worthy.

2. Perice Brosan didn't want to play James Bond anymore anyway ok. I'm sorry he says it on the Die Another Day DVD. So for all you so called true fans out there saying bring him back he didn't want the job. Only other guy that honestly may have done half as good a job and fits is Clive Owens, not Peirce Brosan ok.

3. Daniel Craig acually played Bond the way it would work in real life. Think about every single movie, every single magazine article, newspaper story, book, and tv show you have every seen about real life assissains. Now stop and think about it..."Did any of those guys sound like happy go lucky people who just pranced around being swave and smooth and just be your best darn buddy all the time? No." Daniel Craig played the charcter like a real person not like "oh jeez I'm James Bond so I have to be super cool." That is not how people act in real life espically not if their life was on the line. Think about it...if you were being posined, shot at, stabbed, beat up, tortured, being paid worse than a teacher, and not always being told by your employers(the goverenment) good job or even the full story of why you have to go on these missions...hey you would be pretty crazy and angry and whenever you got the chance you would take it out on someone. Thats how Dainel Craig captures...if James Bond were real...would he be happy...how would he treat his boss...how would he treat his coworkers...how would he feel about himself. There is a certain underlying self loathing that someone would have if they killed people for money, Roger was way to happy...Timothy almost had it...Sean had it but there was no way they would write a script back then where someone gets pyhsically tortured on screen.

Average customer rating:

Best. Cop. Movie. Ever.
Hot Fuzz-- Simply Brilliant
Bloody mess
Hot Fuzz
Awful movie

Hot Fuzz (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Jim Broadbent , Kenneth Cranham , Timothy Dalton , Julia Deakin , and Patricia Franklin
Director: Edgar Wright
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

300 (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition)
Zodiac (Widescreen Edition)
Blades of Glory (Widescreen Edition)
Shooter (Widescreen Edition)
Pan's Labyrinth (New Line Two-Disc Platinum Series)

ASIN: B000RJO578
Release Date: 2007-07-31

Customer Reviews:

Best. Cop. Movie. Ever........2007-07-01

Not only is this movie *hilarious*, it's also an homage to police movies from noir to boom-boom, with a bit of "Shaun of the Dead" thrown in for good measure.

One minute you're hearing an echo from "Chinatown" ("Forget it, Nick...It's Sandford."), then you're hearing from SotD ("What, haven't you ever taken a short cut before?"), seeing action from "Point Break", and who'll ever forget the penultimate scene, complete with birds taking off, a la John Woo, in any of his action movies.

These guys took every cop movie cliche, put it into less than two hours, didn't demean the sources, made it funny *and* tense (my wife actually *screamed* at one scene), and ended up with a movie I'll see again and again.

Best. Movie. Ever.

Hot Fuzz-- Simply Brilliant.......2007-06-23

There are some who have seen this film and said that it was full of gore, it was repetitive, and much too full of 'that hollywood stuff'. For those who feel this way--I'm afraid you've missed the point.

The point of this film is simply to, in a comedic way, blend the mundane story of an English Policeman, with the over-the-top 'explosions and guts' style of Hollywood; Hence the flower gardens and decapitation.

This isn't a Hugh Grant film- this is an Edgar Wright handmade, Bad Boys II meets Evil Dead II remix, wrapped around the genius of heterosexual life partners, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.

It has explosions. It has guts. It has insanely long gun fights. And you know what? It also has one hell of a script; Borrowing from almost every cop movie ever made, it also manages to incorporate the unique quips and inside jokes belonging to Pegg and Wright.

By the power of Grayskull!

POSSIBLE SPOILER BELOW

Jokes range from a simple, yet effective 'Yarp', to a lengthy and surprising scene starring one Mr. David Bradley (Mr. Filch to you Potter fans) and one olympic mine.

Excellent comedy, suspensful horrorshow, and one hell of a show.

I recommend to all.

Bloody mess.......2007-06-20

OK, at first I thought this was a slapstick type comedy, so I was not sure what to expect. At least - I thought - it would be in the same category as The Full Monty - English humor and great, authentic acting.

But, it looks like the Hollywood influence kept this movie from being as funny and and as entertaining as it could have been. The acting was okay, but the story should have been the strongest feature.

Instead the producers made it all about the blood and the violence. And I am not sure if I do not "get" the British humor in it, but I think that it could have been funny and witty without all the violence that went on and on and on.....

Again, maybe I just did not "get it" but I left the film feeling like it was a bloodgasm - rather than a real film. Have the English stooped that low - to compete with Hollywood?

Hot Fuzz.......2007-06-18

Well done Brits. Again far more innovative and intelligently made movies that are far superior to the mass produced cheese we have sent out from Hollywood! Simon Pegg is a great example of how we should start looking to europe and educating ourselves in what the movie industry should be.

Awful movie.......2007-06-15

Everything about his movie is crap. It's supposed to be funny but it's not, the story is idiotic and has been told a million times before in other movies, the acting is awful, and the movie has been edited like an MTV music video.

Shaun of the dead was average but this is really bad!!!

Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)

Average customer rating:

a disappointment after all the hype; could've been better cast
(sigh.....) If I could give it 20 stars it still would not be enough...
It isn't just Darcy that draws you here....
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Predjudice

Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)
Starring: Colin Firth , Jennifer Ehle , David Bamber , Crispin Bonham-Carter , and Anna Chancellor
Director: Simon Langton
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Miniseries | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
Pride & Prejudice
Persuasion (1995)
Emma (1996)
Emma (A&E, 1997)

ASIN: B00005MP58
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Product Description

The timeless themes of love and marriage in Jane Austen's superb romantic comedy Pride and Prejudice have captured readers for generations - the novel has sold more than 20 million copies and has never been out of print. Now, A&E and the BBC have brought this beloved classic to life in a compelling production directed by Upstairs, Downstairs' Simon Langton. This stunning production captures the celebrated beauty of the English countryside and its glorious, stately manors. It features lavish costumes and an exquisite soundtrack from noted composer Carl Davis.

Pride and Prejudice is the story of the lively and rebellious Elizabeth Bennet, one of five unmarried daughters living in the countryside of 19th Century England. IN a world where obtaining an advantageous marriage is a woman's sole occupation, Elizabeth's independent manner threatens her family's future. Will her romantic sparring with the mysterious and arrogant Darcy end in misfortune - or will love's true nature prevail?

System Requirements:
Starring: Jennifer Ehle, Colin Firth, David Bamber, Crispin Bonham-Carter, Anthony Calf, Anna Chancellor, Susannah Harker, Julia Sawalha, Alison Steadman, Benjamin Whitrow.
Directed By: Simon Langton.
Running Time: 310 Minutes, Color.
This Film is presented in "Widescreen" format.
Copyright 2001 A&E Television Networks.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

Jane Austen's classic novel of 1813, Pride and Prejudice, still wins the hearts of countless schoolgirls with its romantic story of Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr. Darcy. Now, the 1996 BBC miniseries is winning over adults, with its faithful adaptation, gorgeous scenery, and superb acting. The essence of the story is the antagonism between Mr. Darcy, a wealthy single man who believes Elizabeth to be beneath him, and Elizabeth, who upon being insulted at a dance by the aloof Darcy refuses to associate with him in any manner. Austen evokes incredible tension with the wit and flirtation of the two characters, and director Simon Langton (who also directed Upstairs Downstairs) successfully translates the repartee and conflict in this six-hour miniseries. Dialogue, for the most part, is painstakingly replicated, except when fleshing out and smoothing for modern sensibilities was necessary. Darcy, for instance, is drawn out, giving his personality significantly more depth. The acting sweeps you away to Regency England: Jennifer Ehle (of Wilde) is convincing as the obstinate Elizabeth, who, despite her mother's attempts to marry her off, spurs the attentions of Darcy. And Colin Firth (of The English Patient) will have women everywhere longing for a Mr. Darcy of their own.

For those who enjoy excellent Austen adaptations such as Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion--this miniseries will round out the ultimate Austen library. For those new to these romantic period pieces, this version of Pride and Prejudice will have you hooked and longing for more. One caveat, however: plan to watch it in an entire day, because very few have the self-control to not watch all six hours in a single sitting. --Jenny Brown

On the DVD
There's a lot to love (and a lot lacking) on the 10th anniversary limited edition. It comes in a tall, embossed green case that's out of place on a DVD shelf but blends right into a library of volumes. The three discs fit snugly in a sleeve, accompanied by a 120-page deluxe companion book. The main attraction, a retrospective documentary, features interviews with key cast members with the sad exceptions of Jennifer Ehle (who played Elizabeth) and Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy), which is bound to disappoint fans. Nonetheless, there are some amusing anecdotes from Mr. and Mrs. Bennet (played by Benjamin Withrow and Alison Steadman), Mary Bennet (Lucy Briers), Mr. Collins (David Bamber), Mr. Bingley (Crispin Bonham-Carter) and Mr. Wickham (Adrian Lukis), who all look drastically different--and younger--without their period costumes and hairstyles. One producer recalls that casting Colin Firth in the role with which his name is now synonymous was not an easy feat: he auditioned having gained weight and dyed his hair blond for another role, looking like "an unmade bed." Even Firth's own brother doubted his ability to pull off the dashing Darcy: "Isn't he supposed to be sexy?"

The special features also include a walking tour of the shooting locations with Lukis and Briers and an A&E Biography episode on Jane Austen that focuses largely on the onslaught of mid-1990s film adaptations of her novels. If it's your first time purchasing Pride & Prejudice, this collector's edition is a nice one to own. But if you already own the movie, you're not missing out on anything here. --Ellen A. Kim

Beyond Pride and Prejudice

So you'd like to... Watch a Jane Austen Novel
So you'd like to... Watch a Charles Dickens Novel
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Stills from Pride and Prejudice (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

a disappointment after all the hype; could've been better cast.......2007-07-09

I must admit I really loved the Keira Knightley movie, but I bought the miniseries after reading all the rave reviews saying it was superior to the film. And while I agree that the BBC production is more faithful to the book, this does not necessarily make the final product better.

My main objection was to the casting of the miniseries. True, there were some characters which were played spot on: Charlotte and Mr. Collins, for example, and Mrs. Forster and Miss de Bourgh. Kitty and Mr. Bennett weren't too bad either. And although Matthew MacFayden's Darcy swept me off my feet, Colin Firth has put such a stamp on the character that it's hard to imagine him being anything but.

Having said this, however, I still believe the casting left a lot to be desired. My main complaints:

1) Mrs. Bennett was annoyingly shrill and over the top,
2) Lydia was too coarse and unrefined (yes, even for Lydia),
3) Mrs. Gardiner lacked authority. I couldn't imagine her character scolding Lydia for her indiscretion before the wedding.
4) Mary was too unattractive. She even looked like she had chicken pox in some scenes. Weren't the Bennet girls supposed to be local beauties?
5) Jennifer Ehle seemed to have the same facial expression throughout the series: a smug, supercilious, self-satisfied smirk, which looked pasted on like a Kabuki mask. This patent look rendered her Lizzie a bit too self-assured that it was a stretch of the imagination to believe she was, as she claimed to Lady Catherine der Bourgh, "not one-and-twenty".

But these to me were mere annoyances compared to the biggest casting mistake of all: Jane, who was as plain a Jane as you could get. Was British television running low on English Roses when they cast this production? I'm sure they could have found someone prettier than Susannah Harker. Honestly, the girl who played Miss King, whom the sisters dismissed as "plain" and "freckled" was a lot prettier, as was Jennifer Ehle, who played Lizzie. (I thought Rosamund Pike as Jane in the 2005 movie was a bit of casting genius. Keira Knightley is pretty, like Lizzie, but Rosamund Pike is beautiful, as Jane should rightfully be.)

Therefore, scenes like the one where Lizzie told (Plain) Jane she was "five times prettier" than any of the sisters, and (Plain) Jane just simpered without even acknowledging the compliment were downright laughable. Succeeding allusions to her supposed "beauty", such as Darcy's "You were dancing with the only handsome girl in the room" and Bingley's "She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld" were a constant source of irritation, as Susannah Harker, though pleasant enough, was thoroughly undeserving of such rapturous praise.

I mean, honestly, was I the only one who thought so? I only wish I hadn't seen the movie "A Knight's Tale" first, because Harker looks just like Allan Tudyk (the guy who played Wat) in drag, and I couldn't get the disturbing image of Jane snarling "Pain! Pain" out of my mind.

The final verdict? I wish I would've just borrowed this DVD set, as I don't think I'll be watching it again. The film is shorter and much more romantic. As for being true to the book, neither production is, so I think I'll just read the original.

(sigh.....) If I could give it 20 stars it still would not be enough..........2007-07-08

Is this the most amazing, wonderful, breathtaking love story EVER?!?!?!? I have seen 3 different versions of this movie - this one with Colin Firth is theeeeee BEST! I admit that I do like the version with Keira Knightley, but I have to give the A & E version the prize! Firth is Darcy thru and thru. The casting is superb. I know I have seen this 10 times and each time it's better than the last! This is the version to buy. The scenery is breathtaking and the acting does not get any better.

It isn't just Darcy that draws you here...........2007-07-06

I agree with every other woman in the English speaking (and perhaps even farther than that) world... Colin Firth is well, AMAZING. That aside, the characters in this A&E production are so well acted with such unique voices that you'll never read the book again without seeing Mr. Bingley's big and constant smile, or hearing Mr. Collins' condescending nasal or Mrs. Bennett's high-pitched complaints of "flutterings". Other more recent versions have cut out those elements of the character development that make these people so watchable. It is a movie I watch over and over every year. And, may I say, it isn't just for women. Every man I know that has braved this "chic flic" has enjoyed it. Please watch this...you're reading of Austen will never be the same again. It is just a good movie.

Pride and Prejudice.......2007-07-05

I read the book and no one has filmed the book correctly till this film. The way it is expressed and not changed to our time period is what makes it so wonerful. This surpasses any movie I have ever seen. I bought it as soon as I could afford it after it was released. I have the VHS and DVD both. Thanks, Ireta C.

Pride and Predjudice.......2007-07-05

While I liked this movie I don't think it can compare with the one starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen. That is the best one I have ever seen. It 1s superb.

P.S. I am referring to the version with Colin Firth. Okay but not the best.

The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

mildly surprised
Essential Viewing
Great Movie.
Even as fiction, very scary...
More relevant than ever!

The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Forest Whitaker , James McAvoy , Kerry Washington , Gillian Anderson , and Simon McBurney
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000NIVJF4
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Amazon.com

As the evil Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, Forest Whitaker gives an unforgettable performance in The Last King of Scotland. Powerfully illustrating the terrible truth that absolute power corrupts absolutely, this fictionalized chronicle of Amin's rise and fall is based on the acclaimed novel by Giles Foden, in which Amin's despotic reign of terror is viewed through the eyes of Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy), a Scottish doctor who arrives in Uganda in the early 1970s to serve as Amin's personal physician. His outsider's perspective causes him to be initially impressed by Amin's calculated rise to power, but as the story progresses--and as Whitaker's award-worthy performance grows increasingly monstrous--The Last King of Scotland turns into a pointed examination of how independent Uganda (a British colony until 1962) became a breeding ground for Amin's genocidal tyranny. As Whitaker plays him, Amin is both seductive and horribly destructive--sometimes in the same breath--and McAvoy effectively conveys the tragic cost of his character's naiveté, which grows increasingly prone to exploitation. As directed by Kevin Macdonald (who made the riveting semi-documentary Into the Void), this potent cautionary tale my prompt some viewers to check out Barbet Schroeder's equally revealing documentary General Idi Amin Dada, an essential source for much of this film's authentic detail. --Jeff Shannon

Beyond The Last King of Scotland

More from Forest Whitaker
General Idi Amin Dada
The Last King of Scotland (Paperback)

Stills from The Last King of Scotland

Description

As Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, Forest Whitaker gives "one of the greatest performances of modern movie history" (Wall Street Journal), one that the Associated Press calls "nothing short of Oscar(r) worthy." This is Amin's incredible story as seen through the eyes of Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy), a young Scotsman who becomes the volatile leader's personal physician, due in part to Amin's unexpected passion for Scottish culture -- Amin even proclaims himself "The Last King of Scotland". Seduced by Amin's charisma and blinded by decadence, Garrigan's dream life becomes a waking nightmare of betrayal and madness from which there is no escape. Inspired by real people and events, this gripping, suspenseful stunner is filled with performances you will never forget.

Customer Reviews:

mildly surprised.......2007-07-06

not at all expected. entertaining and informative.not the usual historical account of the character. this movie gave a more personal account of the time by showing how others around the historical figure were affected by his actions. good story line. very well done.

Essential Viewing.......2007-07-05

Director Kevin McDonald won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature for "One Day in September" in 1999. His next (non-documentary) film is "State of Play" that stars Brad Pitt. He does an excellent job with this film, bringing the horrific reign of Idi Amin to the screen with enough humor & humanity to make it watchable. Jeremy Brock, who did the screenplays for Judy Dench's "Mrs. Brown" & Cate Blanchett's "Charlotte Gray," does a good job of adapting Giles Foden's novel into a workable film.

This may well be Forest Whitaker's most memorable role, despite such excellent work as in the Clint Eastwood picture of Charlie Parker's life titled "Bird" for which he won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival & in a lesser-known drama Ghost Dog - The Way of the Samurai. In addition to the Oscar for this film, he won similar awards from the British Academy Awards, the Golden Globe & film critics awards from Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York Film Critics + NY Online Critics, Oklahoma, Phoenix & Washington D.C. Idi Amin is known as one of the most brutal dictators in modern history, joining Lenin, Hitler, Pol Pot & perhaps Sadam Hussein in that nefarious category. In order for the film to work, Brock's screenplay had to show the various levels for the character, which Whitaker delivers with a cinematic payload. We see the humor, the paranoia, the immaturity, the ruthlessness & the bravado of the character. It is an amazing performance.

James McAvoy, who had a small part in "Wimbledon" and played in "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe," plays the film's protagonist, Dr. Nicholas Garrin. He's a young recent graduate trying to escape the esteemed shadow of his father in Scotland, which makes him decide to arrive in Uganda, where he is ignorant of the politics. On one hand, it seems unbelievable that a character could graduate as a doctor and have such little maturity. On the other hand, we watch TV's "Grey's Anatomy" & see varying levels of maturity among doctors. McAvoy delivers a good performance as he grows up considerably before our eyes. We learn to care about the character and wonder what the next chapter of his life might be like. McAvoy will next be in "Becoming Jane," opposite Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen.

Of the smaller roles, there are some standout performances. Kerry Washington, who breezed through two "Fantastic Four" films, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" & played Della Charles opposite Jamie Foxx in "Ray," plays Idi Amin's wife who is the mother of an epileptic child. In caring for her child and in her position as "third wife," she is seduced by Dr. Garrigan and pays the price.

Gillian Anderson, who will forever be known from her work on the TV show "X-Files," has a stunningly different blonde look and does a good job in this cameo. Simon McBurney from "The Manchurian Candidate" & the upcoming "The Golden Compass," plays the disagreeable British diplomat Stone to perfection. We really hate him, as we are supposed to do. David Oyelowo's cameo part as Dr. Junju who is the conscience of the clinic does an excellent job. Stephen Rwangyezi as Amin's assistant Jonah Wasswa does good work in a small part. "The Last King of Scotland" is not always pleasant, but Whitaker's celebrated performance makes this essential viewing. Enjoy!

Great Movie........2007-07-03

This movie is very moving. To think that stuff like that actually is still happening all over the world is crazy. Worth watching for sure. Forest Whitaker was excellent.

Even as fiction, very scary..........2007-07-03

This is said to be fiction, but the subject of that fiction is as frightening as anything you may ever see. Idi Amin certainly had charm, charisma, and all the things I've learned to avoid in people as I've gotten older. It's never what it seems... James McAvoy is really the lead, and it's his observations that create the center of this fine film. Forrest Whitaker justifiably won many awards for his powerful, insightful portrayal, though he really wasn't the lead character. Known for generally sweet-natured performances, Mr. Whitaker has a repertoire that is most respected. This display of total control and command of the character is frightening and complete, a tour de force. Anyone remember his magnificent performance as Charlie Parker in Eastwood's "Bird"? Though he wasn't the main character, this man created memorable moments (not unlike other Oscar winners with limited screen time, like Anthony Hopkins in "Lambs" or Geoffrey Rush in "Shine"). James McAvoy was given a bad rap by many, but I thought he was terrific. Kerry Washington, too was excellent, and te direction & editing were to the utmost power of the simple story being told.DVD extras are insightful, and Mr. Whitaker's humble approach to the frighteningly powerful role is well examined. The atrocities committed by Idi Amin are only history now, and the idea that such people still exist cannot be ignored. Even as fiction, this depiction of a power hungry maniac can't be discounted by a caring world public.

More relevant than ever!.......2007-07-01

The Last King of Scotland sheds light on one of the most well known African dictators, General Idi Amin Dada of Uganda, who ruled from 1971 to 1979.
A Scot doctor arrives in Africa upon graduating from University in order to distance himself from his overprotective family as well as get a feel of adventure. In Uganda he witnesses the military coup d'etat that brings Idi Amin to power. Upon stumbling across the new leader by chance he renders his medical services and before he knows it he becomes the Ugandan leader's personal physician. His problems, however, have just started...
James McAvoy, Forest Whitaker, Gillian Anderson (who looks great after losing weight and going blonde), and the rest of the cast carry out their respective roles very well.
More relevant than ever, the movie does a great job as an eye-opener to one of the most brutal leaders the Dark Continent has seen in the twentieth century. The film provides the necessary background as well as an accurate description of political and social conditions therein. British involvement is briefly touched upon, but nevertheless provides for some important insight.
Moreover, it could have been and it should have been much more graphic in showing what really took place in Uganda's "killing fields."
Hopefully more will be done to stop the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Western Sudan and we will not have to wait for another movie to come out after it's all over before people become aware and do that which is humane.
Similarly to movies like The Lord of War, Hotel Rwanda, and Blood Diamond to name a few, The Last King of Scotland draws attention to some very important issues facing Africa.

Average customer rating:

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic
One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!
Not Persuaded by the film
Didn't like at first .. but then I did.
Excellent film!

Persuasion (1995)
Starring: Amanda Root , Ciarán Hinds , Susan Fleetwood , Corin Redgrave , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Roger Michell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
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Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)
Emma (A&E, 1997)
Emma (1996)

ASIN: B00003JRCQ
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Amazon.com

Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic.......2007-07-05

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic

Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth's romance came to a sudden halt in 1806. Anne, the daughter of a conceited and spendthrift baronet, loved Wentworth but was advised by her family's confidant, Lady Russell, that the match was inappropriate, as Wentworth had no connections or money. Now 8 years later, because of her father's excessive financial debts, Anne's family is forced to retrench, and sublet their estate. The family retreats to Bath, where, to the delight of Anne's father, they can maintain their privileged lifestyle on a much smaller budget. The family's home, Kellynch Hall, is to be let by an Admiral and his wife, who, coincidentally, are related to Wentworth. This liaison throws Anne back into the society of Wentworth, now a dashing Captain in the Royal Navy who has amassed quite a fortune in privateering. The Captain has caught the attention of Louisa Musgrove, whose brother married Anne's sister, Mary. Meanwhile Anne, now in her late 20's and showing signs of physical and emotional stress, is surprisingly courted by Mr. Elliot, heir to her father's estate, Kellynch Hall. The question remains as to whether Mr. Elliot's romantic intentions towards Anne are sincere, and whether she can bare the thought of her lost love, Captain Wentworth, marrying Miss Louisa.

There is truly nothing that can compare to a Jane Austen romance. Her style is timeless; her plotting masterful. The characters in her books are so well-developed that they have become somewhat immortal. Fans of period pieces will NOT be disappointed. This one is not to be missed.

Cris Cunningham for Amazon.com

One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!.......2007-06-22

This less-than-2-hour movie aired on PBS with a great intro by host Russell Baker. I still enjoy that VHS tape I made at the time, but its colors are dark and sometimes the dialog is hard to understand. Not having it on dvd is NOT an option for me. Luckily, it had been over a year since I last viewed this one, and it was better than ever, even better than the 1st time I saw it. Sometimes I see Captain Wentworth as mildly retarded, that he cannot see that Anne obviously has feelings for him. Then I remember he was thoroughly snubbed by her family as well as refused by her, so his hesitancy is understandable. In the 8 years that have elapsed since refusing him, Anne has found herself & her own voice, & is finally able to tell her well-meaning but patronizing friend, "That is not a thing that I want!" I am always so proud of her for going after what she does want, finally. The last few minutes of the film are some of the most romantic ever made.

My top ten: Pride & Prejudice (mini series with Colin Firth), 2)Persuasion, 3)Room With a View, 4)Casablanca, 5)Emma (Kate Beckinsale version), 6)My Foolish Heart, 7)The Terminator, 8)Doctor Zhivago ('65 version), 9)Best Years of Our Lives, 10)Will Penny. Ok, those last 5 shift around a bit sometimes, depending on which old movies I come across. Some of the traditionally favorite ones like GWTW, or Love Story -- there's more anguish than romance there, to me. What are your favorites? Always on the lookout for romantic moments on film. Hey, that could be another top ten, of your Top Ten Romantic Moments on film, which could be altogether a different list!

Not Persuaded by the film.......2007-05-30

Glad I read the book before watching the film. There were scenes from the book that could have been included to make the film story line flow better. The actors/actresses were not as believable and didn't seem to fit the descriptions in the book as well. This adaptation of "Persuasion" was not as good as Ang Lee's "Sense and Sensibility" (with Emma Thompson) nor Andrew Davies' "Pride and Prejudice" (with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle).
If you're not keen on owning this DVD, I'd borrow it from the local library, a friend, or NetFlix before spending money to buy it.

Didn't like at first .. but then I did........2007-05-04

I am a big Austin fan and have seen just about all of her movie adaptatons. At first I found this movie slow and pointless but about 1/2 way through I got excited to see how it would end. The ending makes good sense but could have been more detailed. The movie builds up antisipation and then ends ubruptly and leaves you saying what just happened. All and all this movie is worth seeing if you enjoy other Austin movies.

Excellent film!.......2007-04-26

This is one of my favorite movies. I saw it at the theater when it first came out and then I bought the book. The characters seem like real people that a person could meet.

Average customer rating:

rather slick
review from Argentina
Compelling introduction to some of the greats in Art

Simon Schama's Power of Art
Starring: Simon Schama
Manufacturer: BBC Warner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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The Power of Art
How Art Made the World
Civilisation: The Complete Series
Becket
The History Boys

ASIN: B000NTPG84
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Watching Simon Schama's Power of Art is like taking an Ivy League course in art appreciation, with the folksy but knowledgeable Schama as guide and interpreter. A collection of hour-long films on eight seminal artists and their groundbreaking works, which originally aired on British television, this boxed set is as entertaining as it is enlightening, with Schama doing for Western art what, say, Steve Irwin did for Australian natural history. Eight artists are featured--Caravaggio, Bernini, Rembrandt, David, Turner, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rothko--and each portrait of the artist weaves biography and historical context to help explain the true power of his works.

The segment on Van Gogh is, as expected, emotional, yet Schama convincingly portrays Van Gogh as not consumed by madness, but fighting off the episodes with painting. Van Gogh painted one of his most evocative works, Wheat Field With Crows, which even his brother, Theo, recognized was about to put his brother on the artistic map. Yet, as Schama points out, within weeks, Van Gogh had killed himself. "Now why would he want to do that?" Schama muses--and then proceeds to narrate the tormented tale of the answer. Along the way, the viewer gains new appreciation for Van Gogh's signature works, including his famous sunflowers. "Technically, these are still lives," Schama says, "but there's nothing still about them... the sunflowers [seem to be] organisms landing violently from a burning sun." If the reenactments of the artists' lives are a bit overdone, it's forgivable, since the cumulative effect, in an hour, is a new appreciation of the work and the man.

Extras include frank and very funny commentaries by Schama and his co-producer, and lots of behind-the-scenes dish on how certain scenes were achieved. The teeming French opera scene in the "David" episode, for instance, was cast using just 20 French extras and then the rest created by CGI--"the scene works better, really, than [the film] King Kong," Schama says with delight. --A.T. Hurley

Description

Beautiful. Fascinating. Emotional. Art is all of the above. But only a few are powerful. These are the works that not only lift you off your feet in their sheer artistry, they forever alter the human psyche. Focusing on eight iconic works of art, Power of Art reveals the history of visual imagination through the ages, from the murderous world of baroque Rome to paranoid, revolutionary Paris; from the carnage of civil-war Spain to the paradox of 1950s New York, caught between Cold War jitters and Manhattan glitter. A combination of dramatic reconstruction, spectacular photography and Simon Schama's unique, personal style of storytelling transport the viewer back to the intense moments that great works were conceived and born. The eight works of art profiled in this series are: Caravaggio's David and Goliath; Bernini's The Ecstasy of St. Theresa, Rembrandt's The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis; David's Death of Marat; Turner's The Slave Ship; Van Gogh's Self-Portrait; Picasso's Guernica and Rothko's Seagram Building Murals.

Customer Reviews:

rather slick.......2007-06-26

Schama does a wonderful job in bringing new light (and in some cases new controversy with his idiosyncratic readings) to eight artists and their work. One does wonder about how the selection of the artists was made: all are white and male, seven of the eight are painters. He opens each episode with a bit of a 'tease'--calling attention to one more or less 'culminating' work of art for the artist, and then uses the episode itself to backtrace all of the threads that came together to create a rather compelling suspense.

They are, perhaps, a bit overproduced. Lots of film-school style quick intercutting of random scenes (if you see one more sunny field in Van Gogh or sweaty actor with rapier in Caravaggio, you're liable to scream) that are repeated and repeated and repeated and repeated--beyond the point of leitmotif and into the point of 'couldn't you have cut the episode down a bit?' There's also some grotesquerie in just about every one and no warning at all. I think it's funny that an episode of _Family Guy_ has a 'viewer discretion is advised;' while a graphic bullfight (not a recreation, not an artistic re-enactment) is not even warned of, but is so graphic it nearly eclipses the point it's trying to make. Something to think about if you are planning on buying this to educate the kiddies.

Others have commented on Schama's occasionally execrable puns--some think he's trying to pander to his audience. I think he just thinks he's being clever. If you like him, they come off as 'groaning at your uncle's horrible jokes' if you don't like him, they probably strike you as noxious. That's personal taste, so it's for you to decide your threshold of urbane wittiness.

All in all worth a look. He manages to bring art and artists to life in a way that many art history textbooks fail to do. It's more than a matter of his approach of personal biography for each artist: it's the way he pieces the story together around and through the artist's production so that it makes a coherent narrative that is captivating. And he addresses at several points a question perhaps not lost in the modern audience: is art relevant? By seeing the artists as humans, we see new levels of their humanity, and new ways that their works can make meaning for us.

review from Argentina.......2007-05-13

a masterpiece!!! facinated episodes on arts presented by an master of arts with an Academic English Lenguage

Compelling introduction to some of the greats in Art .......2007-03-04

I was fortunate to be able to see the BBC (Region 2) version of this series and I found it very compelling and interesting. Simon does a very persuasive job of explaining how and why (he feels) these greats (Caravaggio, Bernini, Rembrandt, David, Turner, Van Gogh, Picasso) standout in the annuals of art. A very easily accessible series for even the most uninitiated in the subject; highly recommended by this art novice. I only wish there were more episodes in the series!

Average customer rating:

austin
love this movie!
Not Pride and Prejudice
This movie is my all time favorite!
Are you kidding?!

Pride & Prejudice
Starring: Keira Knightley , Talulah Riley , Rosamund Pike , Jena Malone , and Carey Mulligan
Director: Joe Wright (IV)
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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Walk the Line (Widescreen Edition)
Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)
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Pride & Prejudice

ASIN: B000E1ZBGS
Release Date: 2006-02-28

Amazon.com

Literary adaptations just don't get any better than director Joe Wright's 2005 version of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. The key word here is adaptation, because Wright and gifted screenwriter Deborah Moggach have taken liberties with Austen's classic novel that purists may find objectionable, but in this exquisite film their artistic decisions are entirely justified and exceptionally well executed. It's a more rural England that we see here, circa 1790 (as opposed to Austen's early 19th century), in which Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) is one of several sisters primed for marriage, with an anxious mother (Brenda Blethyn) only too desperate to see her daughters paired off with the finest, richest husbands available. Elizabeth is strong-willed and opinionated, but her head (not to mention her pride and prejudice) lead her heart astray when she meets the wealthy Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), whose own sense of decency and discretion (not to mention his pride and prejudice) prevent him from expressing his mutual affection. They're clearly meant for each other, and as Knightley's performance lights up the screen (still young enough to be girlishly impertinent, yet wise beyond her 20 years), Austen's timeless romance yields yet another timeless adaptation, easily on par with the beloved BBC miniseries that has been embraced by millions since originally broadcast in 1995. Individual tastes will vary as to which version should be considered "definitive," but with a stellar supporting cast including Judi Dench and Donald Sutherland, this impeccable production achieves its own kind of perfection. --Jeff Shannon

Description

One of the greatest love stories of all time, Pride & Prejudice, comes to the screen in a glorious new adaptation starring Keira Knightley. When Elizabeth Bennett (Knightley) meets the handsome Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen), she believes he is the last man on earth she could ever marry. But as their lives become intertwined in an unexpected adventure, she finds herself captivated by the very person she swore to loathe for all eternity. Based on the beloved masterpiece by Jane Austen, it is the classic tale of love and misunderstanding that sparkles with romance, wit and emotional force. Critics are calling it "Exhilarating. A joy from start to finish" (Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times).

Customer Reviews:

austin.......2007-07-09

This is most marvelous marriage of music and great literature I have ever experienced. The acting is perfect in every way, bringing to life one of the great masterpieces of literature.

Having seen Keira Knightley in both Domino and Pirates of the Carribean, this is her most accomplished performance.

The music is perfectly sublime, bringing the tempo of the age and experience not possible in any other medium.

love this movie!.......2007-07-09

I'm such a big fan of this movie- it even prompted me to read the book!

Not Pride and Prejudice.......2007-07-09

Well, I didn't mind that the Bennets lived on a farm - I minded that they were then called the Bennets. I didn't mind that Bingley was a fool, but the fact that they called him Bingley. I didn't mind that Elizabeth clearly liked Darcy from the beginning, but I did mind that they called her Elizabeth.

Really, I didn't mind this movie at all. What I did mind is that they called it Pride and Prejudice. It was NOT Pride and Prejudice, it was only loosely based on that book. Elizabeth would NEVER tell Darcy to call her Goddess Divine or any one of the other names. Mr. Bennet would NEVER show such affection for his wife and daughters so openly (with the exception, of course, of Jane and Lizzy). Mr. Darcy would NEVER have gone walking toward Elizabeth's house in the middle of the night in only his night clothes (and, for that matter, his aunt would never leave her mansion in the middle of the night, especially not to visit him and Elizabeth)

Still, the movie had some great parts. The scenery was amazing. The scene in which Darcy and Elizabeth first touch hands, beautiful. Maybe if it had a different name, I would have given this movie more stars. It's just that they called it Pride and Prejudice, and it was not, so I can not.

This movie is my all time favorite!.......2007-07-06

Kiera does a most acurate rending of Lizzy's personality. The BBC Television Version has Lizzy as being snotty. I just wish Colin Firth would have been chosen for Darcy. This movie was done well!

Are you kidding?!.......2007-06-30

Nothing that happens in this movie makes any sense. It's just a big f***ing ball of bulls***t. If you must watch it, I advise drinking heavily first.

p.s. I thought Conan O'Brien did pretty well as the autistic man who marries the hot blonde. WHOOPS, hope I didn't spoil any surprises.

p.p.s. The douche that Kiera K meets in the beginning? They get married too. SURPRISE!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating:

Even better the 3rd time.
English Humor And Zombies! What a Combination!
A Somewhat Dissenting Opinion
Shaun of the Dead
Shaun of the Dead

Shaun of the Dead
Starring: Kate Ashfield , Tim Baggaley , Nicola Cunningham , Sonnell Dadral , and Lucy Davis (II)
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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28 Days Later (Widescreen Edition)
Dawn of the Dead (Widescreen Unrated Director's Cut)
The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead
Land of the Dead (Unrated Edition)
Pan's Labyrinth (New Line Two-Disc Platinum Series)

ASIN: B0006A9FKA
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Amazon.com

British horror/comedy Shaun of the Dead is a scream in all senses of the word. Brain-hungry zombies shamble through the streets of London, but all unambitious electronics salesman Shaun (Simon Pegg) cares about is his girlfriend Liz (Kate Ashfield), who just dumped him. With the help of his slacker roommate Ed (Nick Frost), Shaun fights his way across town to rescue Liz, but the petty concerns of life keep getting in the way: When they're trying to use vinyl records to decapitate a pair of zombies, Shaun and Ed bicker about which bands deserve preservation--New Order they keep, but Sade becomes a lethal frisbee. Many zombie movies are comedies by accident, but Shaun of the Dead is deliberately and brilliantly funny, while still delivering a few delicious jolts of fear. Also featuring the stealthy comic presence of Bill Nighy (Love Actually) and some familar faces from The Office. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Even better the 3rd time........2007-06-29

I liked the movie a lot when I rented it. After seeing "Hot Fuzz" by the same team, I knew I had to see the movie again. It's just as good as I remember it and I caught new things watching it again. I invited a few friends over to watch it and they liked it too.

English Humor And Zombies! What a Combination!.......2007-06-28

I was never a huge fan of Zombie flicks. George Romero's Night Of The Living Dead scared me so bad when I was eight years old that I didn't sleep for the next decade. So when it comes to the lurching, head-snacking undead, I tend to steer the other way. Well, too many of my friends have commented on Shaun Of The Dead, so I had to take a look for myself. I'm a big fan of dry British humor and Shaun Of The Dead is packed with that as well as flesh-scarfing zombies. The entire scene where Shaun goes to the liquor store to by his morning drink and completely ignores all the signs (the bloody handprints on the glass of the cooler door, the dead bodies sprawled in the yards and streets) that the zombies have come to roost. Hysterical! Along with his slacker cohort Ed, Shaun decides to go over to his mum's house and rescue her, while taking care of his zombie-bitten step-father with a cricket bat. The laughs, entertwined with the gore, make for one trippy movie. Filled with absurd situations, Shaun Of The Dead will have you rolling while you flinch. Great!

Dig it!

A Somewhat Dissenting Opinion.......2007-06-05

Yes. Rent it or buy it. It's not a bad movie, rather entertaining in fact. You know the plot - standard (by now) end of the world flesh eating zombie flick with a double dollop of dry British humor and sufficient gore. Good script. However, I had a few problems with this movie. First off, it's amusing rather than roll on the floor hilarious as others have stated. Secondly, it is extremely derivative of Romero's films - so much so, that I found it both distracting and a little annoying. Simply, Romero did all the heavy lifting laying the groundwork in his initial trilogy, and this film apes rather than adds like 28 Days Later. This one borders on plagiarism. Goes to the well too often with the overly used "loved one is bitten by zombie and now we have to kill it..." cliche. And, while the production values are surprisingly good, the direction is at a banal TV movie level. You've heard this from critics before - "doesn't know what kind of movie it wants to be..." Imagine if Monty Python and the Holy Grail flip-flopped between a silly spoof of the legend of King Arthur and a serious treatment of the mythology like John Boorman's Excalibur. Or, if "Crusher" lops off Curly's head with an ax as The Three Stooges are being chased around haunted mansion, and Moe pauses for a few minutes to tearily weep and grieve the loss of his brother before Crusher sneaks up behind Larry, Moe tells Larry to quit breathing on him, Larry gives his pateneted, "Nyaaaaahh" and they resume woop, woop, wooping in circles around the halls again, stepping over Curly's "corp-us" ; ) to escape Crusher as he weilds his ax.

Entertaining, worth a watch, but to call this derivative work a "homage" is being too kind, it's not as funny as its hype, and it simply flip-flops between horror and comedy to often, too severely, and too jarringly. The direction is also mundane. This one was saved mainly due to its energetic cast and a good script. Still, these criticisms aside, I couldn't say I wasn't entertained.

Shaun of the Dead.......2007-05-30

Consistantly funny, yet amazingly believable, take on a zombie invasion. Characters well drawn and full of subtle details that make rewatching fun.

Shaun of the Dead.......2007-05-28

I originally saw this movie because the previews looked undeniably hilarious. I waited of course until the movie was available to rent because I was cautious regarding the type of humor that might be in the film. I was pleasantly surprised to find the movie wildly entertaining with very little gratuitous humor. This British movies' premise is a spoof of the many American zombie movies (and the single British one), where the main character Sean finds himself battling zombies with presumably his best friend and roommate in order to save his as of recently ex-girlfriend. The mild manner of lead character Sean is ultimately what balances the hilarity of the movie, creating a sense of seriousness on the part of the characters, one which is ultimately the catalyst of humor. It is classic British humor and very enjoyable indeed.

Average customer rating:

Energetic high school musical set in the 1950s
Grease (Rockin" Rydell Edition
Great Movies
Grease
A classic, must have for every collection

Grease (Rockin' Rydell Edition)
Starring: John Travolta , Olivia Newton-John , Stockard Channing , Jeff Conaway , and Barry Pearl
Director: Randal Kleiser
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Grease 2
Grease (Original 1978 Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Dirty Dancing (Ultimate Edition)
Footloose (Special Collector's Edition)
The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)

ASIN: B000GBEWHA
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Amazon.com essential video

Riding the strange '50s nostalgia wave that swept through America during the late 1970s (caused by TV shows like Happy Days and films like American Graffiti), Grease became not only the word in 1978, but also a box-office smash and a cultural phenomenon. Twenty years later, this entertaining film adaptation of the Broadway musical received another successful theatrical release, which included visual remastering and a shiny new Dolby soundtrack. In this 2002 DVD release, Grease lovers can also now see it in the correct 2:35 to 1 Panavision aspect ratio, and see retrospective interviews with cast members and director Randal Kleiser. All these stylistic touches are essential to the film's success. Without the vibrant colors, unforgettably campy and catchy tunes (like "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," and "You're the One That I Want"), and fabulously choreographed, widescreen musical numbers, the film would have to rely on a silly, cliché-filled plot that we've seen hundreds of times. As it is, the episodic story about the romantic dilemmas experienced by a group of graduating high school seniors remains fresh, fun, and incredibly imaginative.

The young, animated cast also deserves a lot of credit, bringing chemistry and energy to otherwise bland material. John Travolta, straight from his success in Saturday Night Fever, knows his sexual star power and struts, swaggers, sings, and dances appropriately, while Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of virgin innocence is the only decent acting she's ever done. And then there's Stockard Channing, spouting sexual double-entendres as Rizzo, the bitchy, raunchy leader of the Pink Ladies, who steals the film from both of its stars. Ignore the sequel at all costs. --Dave McCoy

Description

John Travolta solidified his position as the most versatile and magnetic screen presence of the decade in this film version of the smash hit play Grease. Recording star Olivia Newton-John made her American film debut as Sandy, Travolta's naive love interest. The impressive supporting cast reads like a "who's who" in this quintessential musical about the fabulous '50s. Grease is not just a nostalgic look at a simpler decade--it's an energetic and exciting musical homage to the age of rock 'n' roll!

Customer Reviews:

Energetic high school musical set in the 1950s.......2007-07-06

Remember those school productions of "Grease" - well this is the film that everyone remembers, based on the long-running Broadway show.

The songs are deliberately cheesy, the acting over the top, the teenagers look about 30, but it's all pretty good fun.

Comparing this to "High School Musical", which has real teenagers one realises that "Grease" is not about teenagers at all but a 1950s that probably never existed. Indeed "Grease" was part of the 1950s nostalgia phenomenon of the 1970s along with "Happy Days" and "American Graffiti" that continued with films such as "Back to the Future" and "Stand By Me" in the 1980s. America was harking back to a kinder, simpler, innocent era post-Vietnam, Civil Rights, and Watergate.

"Grease" still holds up as decent entertainment today.

Grease (Rockin" Rydell Edition.......2007-06-27

Bought it for my 17 year old grand daughter, who loves Grease, she loves it.

Great Movies.......2007-06-08

This moie came out when I was out of HighSchool....I LOVED it then and it's been one of my favorites...The music is terrific and John Travolta and Olivia Newton John did an incredible job as the two main characters in the movie.......

Grease.......2007-06-01

My DVD arrived very quickly, as usual. A welcomed addition to our collection of classics.

A classic, must have for every collection.......2007-05-23

This movie is just a classic and always a good time to watch. It's pretty harmless and just puts you in a good mood. I saw this movie about 25 times when I was growing up and it came out, so I was pleased to see it on a DVD so I can watch it and not wear out the tape!

Average customer rating:

Better than Shaun of the Dead!
Laugh out loud funny!
No shaun
Laugh out loud
Top Banana

Hot Fuzz [HD DVD]
Starring: Jim Broadbent , Kenneth Cranham , Timothy Dalton , Julia Deakin , and Patricia Franklin
Director: Edgar Wright
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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