Archive for the ‘Comedy’ Category
March 28th, 2009 | 
Author: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Blu ray
Paramount Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2 Disc) (Blu-ray) Steven Spielberg and GeorgeLucas bring you the greatest adventurer of all time in “a nonstop thrill ride” (Richard Corliss, Time) that’s packed with “sensational, awe-inspiringspectacles” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times). “Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull” finds Indy (Harrison Ford) trying to outrace a brilliant and beautiful agent (Cate Blanchett) for the mystical, all-powerful Crystal Skull of Akator. Teaming up with a rebellious young biker (Shia LaBeouf) and his spirited original love Marion (KarenAllen), Indy takes you on a breathtaking action-packed adventure in the exciting tradition of the classic “Indiana Jones” movies.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Indy’s Back
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Two-Disc Special Edition) declares to the world that Indiana Jones is back and in good form. While one may be put off by the reviews that claimed that Indy had gone science fiction, the science fiction content of this new film is minimal and the movie, as a whole, is an action-adventure tale not unlike the previous three movies. The desire of the filmmakers to replicate the look and feel of the new film even compelled them to record in the action on analog film. The extra DVD is full of production diaries and other documentaries on the film making process.
2 Stars Comments
I liked the three”Indiana Jones” that came first. They were all good. I didn’t like the last in the series. I bought it only because my husband wanted it. Harrison Ford cannot act, so he needs a better vehicle to look good in. I’m sure that most people will disagree with me.
N. Ploeger..Reader
4 Stars A worthy entry to the franchise
Is Crystal Skull better than Raiders? Never. Is it an entertaining Indiana Jones movie? Definitely.
It wasn’t perfect (why did I only choose four stars instead of five? Shia), but all the other movies have elements to them that I don’t love (the entire of Temple of Doom being a prime example). Otherwise, this installment is my second favorite of all the Indy movies.
And, I can’t believe that no one else has mentioned how hot Igor Jijikine is. Dovchenko was a great henchman. ;D
1 Star Should have stopped at three
Don’t waste your time with this fourth installment. This movie is a huge disappointment. The CG is terrible, the script by Lucas is a hack job. Nobody looks like they want to me in the movie. They really mailed this one in. Stick to watching the first three of the series. Worst movie of 2008.
5 Stars INDY IS BACK!!!! AND JUST AS GOOD
THIS MOVIE IS GREAT! I WILL ADMIT THAT-THE SPOILER-SPOILER ALIENS WERE KIDA A LITTLE OUT OF INDY`S RANGE BUT I ENJOYED IT. WATCH YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!! ITS INDYRIFIC.
Bolt is a funny animated film about a dog who thinks he has superpowers. It is also a movie about friendship, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself. Everyone knows that superheroes on television are not real, but super-dog Bolt (John Travolta) is a canine star who has been carefully raised to believe that he really possesses superpowers. Bolt is completely devoted to his human co-star Penny (Miley Cyrus), so when Penny is captured by the evil Dr. Calico (Malcolm McDowell) in their latest television episode and then Bolt accidentally gets loose in the real world, Bolt sets off on a journey to save her. Bolt is confounded when his super powers are suddenly ineffective, but inspiration strikes and Bolt quickly discovers the mysterious, power-stealing effects of Styrofoam packing peanuts. An encounter with alley cat Mittens (Susie Essman) gives Bolt some eye-opening lessons about being a real dog in the real world, while star-struck, ball-enclosed hamster Rhino (Mark Walton) revels in the opportunity to serve as Bolt’s sidekick in the quest to rescue Penny. The trio traverses the United States from waffle house to waffle house on a hysterical quest to find Penny and prove that the relationship between Penny and Bolt is real. In the end, Bolt, Mittens, and Rhino learn that everyone is special in their own way and they discover the true power of believing in oneself and one’s friends. Select theaters showed Bolt in Real-D 3-D which features some nice effects, but the film is probably equally enjoyable in the traditional format. A fun film with a nice message and a huge dose of cute, Bolt is good entertainment for the entire family. –Tami Horiuchi
Stills from Bolt (Click for larger image)
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User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars It’s a keeper
I wasn’t expecting Bolt to be this much fun. I kept laughing out loud. One touching part late in the film made me tear up. And the visuals are virtuoso.
The story has lots of familiar touches. Its road trip plot channels The Incredible Journey. Pooch Bolt sincerely thinks he has true superhero powers, much like Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. The truth is that he is on a television series, and has been living a lie most of his life (The Truman Show, anyone?) His human, a preteen girl named Penny, is a child actress, although she truly loves Bolt and longs to give him a normal doggie life.
Although the plot could have been stronger, the visual effects and look of the film are amazing. I kept being distracted by the perfection on the screen. My poor daughter, who went with me to see the movie when it was released in theaters, had to endure me continually tapping her arm, saying “Did you see that?! The smoke looks REAL!” or “The rust on the train looks PERFECT!”
A number of scenes use techniques I learned about watching a Pixar documentary on the Wall-E DVD. It’s about the imperfect lens, or how cameras have inherent limitations. Animation of course doesn’t use cameras in the traditional way. Yet in Bolt you see example after example of the filmmakers enhancing the reality of the movie by building in imperfections that don’t have to be there. For instance, in one shot Bolt looks up at the sunny sky. The screen shows the squared-off circles you’d see if you pointed a camera’s lens into the sun. The film also uses variable depth of field, much like a cameraman does when shooting a live-action movie. It’s as if a camera is adjusting its lens as the scene progresses.
Bolt is voiced by John Travolta, and Penny by Miley “Hannah Montana” Cyrus. Both these likable actors delivered true-life, believable characters. They even sing together in the closing duet, “I Thought I’d Lost You.”
2 Stars Disney by numbers.
I wanted to like this. I really did. But it offers nothing new. Nothing at all. And, i have to say, for the first hour the lead character is totally unsympathetic, with no redeeming warmth at all.
And the set-up, i feel, is completely blown by the first (very good) action scene. How would it be possible in any way at all to film that scene without the dog knowing it wasn’t real? And i realise this is a cartoon, and that i shouldn’t take everything quite so seriously but this is the premise for the entire film: that Bolt doesn’t know he’s on TV. Yet, if this were true, that scene is utterly unfilmable.
Sorry, but it’s a big, big, big, big, big plot hole; one of many to be honest.
Anyway, our hero finds himself lost, alone and a long way from home. He enlists a couple of comedy sidekicks to help him get home, well, actually he kidnaps one (highly un-PC treatment towards the cat, btw), the other is a psychotic Scrappy-Doo. He travels across the country. Has a crisis of confidence when he realises he’s not so super after all. Gets the toe curling pep speech common to at least 90% of Disney movies: “The world needs a hero and YOU! are that hero!” and sorts himself out. Then…
The worst of all, the ‘You came back for me. Why did you come back for me?’ bit about an hour into the film when Bolt goes back to rescue the cat he kidnapped. It’s a horrible moment of cinema. Clich?d does not even come close to the horror of suffering through that.
Suddenly everyone is friends and the journey home continues. But there’s another crisis of confidence. Bolt’s whole life has been a sham and maybe he is just not needed anymore. Pep talk… Confidence restored off Bolt goes and arrives just in time to rescue his owner from a perilous, death is certain, situation and become a real life hero… Ahh…
It says something about the movie when the best lines, best comedy and best scenes all come from the supporting cast. The pigeons are the Three Amigos, the rodent is a ‘lemme-at-’em!’ Scrappy-Doo with some cool post-modern hang-ups and the humans are too incredibly stupid to be taken as ‘whole’ believable characters. Bolt is just an unsympathetic Buzz Lightyear (imagine Toy Story if Buzz played it straight for three quarters of the film, but without any ensuing comedy.)
To be fair, i watched this twice, i really gave it a go, but the second time was with a distinct feeling of being cheated. Bolt is ‘cut & paste’ Disney by numbers and a perfect example of why the industry needs producers like Pixar. Bolt lacks the humour, the invention, the characterisation, the story, the depth, the irony, the quality and the FUN of a Pixar movie (tho, it does look fantastic). Ok, I’m being harsh on a cute cartoon but Bolt is still the wax apple next to Pixars healthy real thing.
Young kids raised on E-numbers and MRM will love it, it’s all style over substance, Disney fans will love it cause they buy Cinderella 2 and Jungle Book 2. But it made me grimace more than it made me smile. And i didn’t laugh once. It won’t make any best of lists, that’s for sure.
Very disappointed.
5 Stars Great Disney humor
Bolt believes he is the character from his TV show because the producers think this makes him the most emotion filled and believable animal actor ever seen. Penny, his person, and the heroine from the show wants Bolt to be able to be a real dog and come home with her for the weekend. The money grubbing agent of course will have nothing to do with that idea.
The network says that research shows Bolt is too predictable and is boring people in their target age group. Penny gets in trouble and Bolt always saves her. So they put in a twist, Penny gets in trouble and Bolt doesn’t save her. After the show Penny is panicked because they won’t let her see Bolt, and she knows he’s going to be freaking out thinking she is in trouble, which of course he is. He gets out of his trailer, hits his head trying to escape the building and is knocked unconscious into a box of pink Styrofoam and gets shipped to New York.
When he wakes up, he is searching for Penny, and doesn’t know he’s not on the set and doesn’t have super powers. The contrast of his belief he is a superhero with real life sets up lots of funny scenes throughout the movie. He meets some pigeons, which is a reoccurring theme in the movie. The pigeons always have a pronounced accent and clear local sayings and behaviors that are quite funny. These pigeons introduce him to a jaded cat named Mittens that Bold believes works for the villain from the TV show. She explains to him that he has to get from New York to California to find Penny. Against her wishes they set off across country to find Penny.
They pick up a funny hamster in a ball on the way named Rhino. He’s a huge fan of Bolt’s TV show and that is how Mittens, and eventually Bolt figure out that he’s not truly a superhero. There are so many funny scenes that it may be in the Disney humor realm with the greats like Toy Story (10th Anniversary Edition), Monsters, Inc. (Two-Disc Collector’s Edition), Cars (Widescreen Edition), and Mulan (Special Edition). I’ll need to see it a few more times to know for sure, but it’s at least close.
There are of course several tear jerking scenes as Bolt discovers he is just a dog, the truth about Mittens and when he thinks Penny doesn’t really love him. But in true Disney fashion, he rises above his limitations and is more than he knows. The ending is great, and the pigeons make a final appearance indicating what part of the country they’re in.
This is a movie I preordered because I will enjoy it as much as my children, and when they watch it every day in the car for two weeks, I’ll laugh at the lines right along with them.
4 Stars Family Fun (better in 3D)
A story about a dog that stars in a TV show but doesn’t know it. In the TV show, Bolt is a cyber dog with super speed, strength and a powerful bark (literally.) Bolt is kept securely on the studio lot and great pains are taken to ensure that he never finds out that the TV world isn’t the real one.
When Bolt accidentally gets shipped across country and has to make his way back home he enlists the aid of a crazy rodent and a captive cat. Adventure and escapades ensue.
The great voice acting and graphics make this an easy to watch movie even though the story is the usual fare dressed up in a sci-fi package. The action doesn’t ever hit a lull so even adults can enjoy this movie. (PS: the kids love it.)
The only downside to this DVD will be that it won’t be 3D. Too bad 3D isn’t widely available at home yet! If it’s still available in theaters go see it in 3D - it’s amazing.
I highly recommend this film.
5 Stars Absolutely redonkulous!
Mittens: [to Bolt] The real world hurts, doesn’t it?
Short Attention Span Summary (SASS):
1. Bolt (John Travolta) is a pup with super strength, laser vision, and all the other good stuff that comes with the portfolio of “superhero”
2. That is, once he’s on the movie set of his hit series
3. He’s never been off the movie set
4. He’s totally devoted to his owner Penny (the ubiquitous Miley Cyrus)
5. Unforeseen script changes force him to perform a rescue, this time in the real world.
6. One word - Kryptonite
7. He captures a savvy alley cat named Mittens (Susie Essman) and commands her to take him to her leader.
8. Hilarious adventures continue, thanks to some wacky pigeons and a scene stealing hamster named Rhino (Mark Walton)
This largely unappreciated, overlooked gem of a movie from Disney is perfect for kids and animal lovers everywhere.
Vinnie (a pigeon): You gotta gimme something here, cause this is redonkulous.
Bobby (another pigeon): Absolutely redonkulous!
Rated: 4.5 stars
Amanda Richards, January 29, 2009
The delirious sight of Meryl Streep leading a river of multigenerational women singing “Dancing Queen” is one of the high points of Mamma Mia!, the musical built around the songs of the hugely popular pop group ABBA. The plot sets in motion when Sophie (Amanda Seyfried, Mean Girls), daughter of Donna (Streep), sends a letter to three men, inviting them to her wedding–because after reading her mother’s diary, she suspects that one of them is her father. When all three arrive at the Greek island where Donna runs a hotel, Donna flips out and finds that passions she thought she’d laid aside are coming back to life. But let’s face it, the plot is not the point–it’s a ridiculous contrivance that provides an excuse for the characters to sing the massive hits of ABBA. Regrettably, first-time film director Phyllida Lloyd (who directed the original stage production) has drawn over-the-top performances from everyone involved, even Streep; every production number hammers its exuberance into your eyeballs. Which is too bad, because Mamma Mia! is a rarity: A middle-aged love story. The kids start things off, but the story is really about Streep and the three guys (former James Bond Pierce Brosnan, former Mr. Darcy Colin Firth, and Swedish star Stellan Skarsgard), as well as Donna’s best friends (Christine Baranski, best known from the TV show Cybill, and Julie Walters, Calendar Girls). It’s a romantic comedy aimed at the people who were around when all these songs were new, and that’s an age group Hollywood largely ignores. For that alone, Mamma Mia! deserves to find an audience. –Bret Fetzer
Stills from Mamma Mia! (Click for larger image)
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User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Mamma Mia!
I absolutely love this movie!!! The music is fantastic, the singing phenomenal (the girls mostly), and the acting incredible!!! Meryl Streep is absolutely at her finest (yet again) as Donna while up and comer Amanda Seyfried has the perfect mix of ballsy innocence and moxie as Sophie. The bonus features are fun (Karaoke anyone??) and the commentaries great. Blooper reel is funny and I could go on forever. A must have for your collection.
5 Stars Mamma Mia the movie
A really and truly feel-good movie with catchy songs that stay in your head. Can really be recommended, and not only for chics - I have around me a number of men who like it too, and feel good by it, although they do not always aknowledge that in public.
5 Stars Over the Top But Top-Rate
“Mama Mia” is an entertaining fluffy, fizzy flick that will certainly not tax your brain. I’ve seen it three times on stage so was prepped for the movie version. It was fun to watch the way they movie-masters opened up the stage version to the panoramic natural setting of the beautiful Greek islands although the expansiveness didn’t always click. Originally the musical’s creators took some catchy Abba songs and wove them together into a plot-line that was above-average or more sophisticated than is usual when musical-makers start with a canon of songs.
In Blu-Ray the Greek island settings are gorgeous. Meryl Streep is exceptionally good in this version as is Pierce Brosnan. Neither one comes over very well in the CD soundtrack when you can’t see them acting because their voices can’t carry the day alone. The entire cast does a creditable job.
Some of the musical numbers are way over-produced and over-peopled. Less would have been better. The early number “Money, Money, Money” is way over the top. The yacht scenes bear no reference to the island life and are a phony dream sequence. Some numbers are hectic, frenetic and seem like they’re filmed in fast motion. There are too many extras bouncing up and down to the Abba beat and overpopulating the screen. Too many Greek peasant women and armies of dancers come advancing off the screen and into your lap. Everyone is dancing their hearts away.
Audiences unused to the unreality of the old-fashioned movie musicals are going to be overwhelmed by the overkill. We have forgotten how to suspend disbelief when it comes to the openness of musicals. Breaking into song has become bizarre for those unused to the old genre.
Meryl Streep uses her particular acting skills to put over certain numbers particularly “The Winner Takes It All.”
It seems foolish to quibble about a movie that has a lot of laughs, burlesque turns, snappy popsicle music, a pretty good plot, and keeps you entertained.
The movie has a vitality, a joie de vivre that is certainly good for these hard economic times. Just don’t expect Sondheim or Leonard Bernstein. The DVD is crammed with extra features for those who have the time. This is a movie for those who crave sheer exuberance.
Last Passage to Santiago
Nine Lives Too Many
The Daemon in Our Dreams
The Rice Queen Spy
Clawed Back from the Dead
4 Stars Mamma Mia
My Girlfriend had borrowed the movie from my mother and could not seem to get enough of it.So i got it for her as a gift and she has probably watched it at least 20 times so far.Well worth the money
5 Stars Mama Mia- the movie
I had seen the movie and bought it because I loved it so much in the theatre. It is wonderful even the second and third time I watched it.
Ricky Gervais is brilliant in Ghost Town, playing an unnervingly rude dentist, Bertram, who dies for a few minutes during surgery and acquires the unwanted ability to see ghosts. Chased throughout Manhattan by a gaggle of restless spirits begging him to take care of their unfinished business on Earth, Bertram turns them all away except Frank (Greg Kinnear). The latter, a rogue who cheated on his archaeologist widow, Gwen (T?a Leoni), wants Bertram to intervene in a romance between Gwen and a starchy activist (Bill Campbell). Misanthropic Bertram has to polish his relationship patter, but ends up sounding a lot like Gervais’ infamous character in the original The Office, unable to complete a sentence without making others uncomfortable. In time, of course, Bertram falls for the wonderful Gwen, setting up a bunch of overlapping conflicts. Cowritten and directed by David Koepp (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), Ghost Town walks a fine line between comic freshness and a story idea with elements that have become overly familiar in movies and on television. Kinnear and Leoni have never been better on screen, but Ghost Town is well worth seeing because no one like Gervais has previously played the hapless hero in a high-concept film such as this one. With Gervais doing his familiar, hilariously discomfiting thing, it really doesn’t matter what kind of movie Ghost Town is. Happily, it’s a pretty good film in every respect. –Tom Keogh
Stills from Ghost Town (Click for larger image)
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User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars From the moment I saw this, it could’ve been a lot worse.
I do like Ricky Gervais’ comedy such as what he did in “Night at the Museum” (there’s a sequel coming out). All said and done, I saw “Ghost Town” again on DVD and I had a bit of a worse experience with the film than I had in theaters. Don’t get me wrong, Ricky Gervais is very funny in a lot of his stuff. He had a few laughs that I tolerated for “Ghost Town,” but overall, it’s the type of movie I have to go see when I’m really in the mood, but overall, it’s a fine film.
Yes, I will have to admit it again, “Ghost Town” is a fine film. Don’t get me wrong.
“Ghost Town” tells the story of a guy named Bertram Pincus. He hates people and wants to hurt them for a living. He is a dentist. One day, he goes into a hospital and dies for seven minutes. When he wakes up, he has the annoying ability to see dead ghosts.
“Ghost Town” is a very cute movie, and the Blu-Ray doesn’t offer too much. There’s just commentary by Ricky Gervais and director David Koepp and some featurettes.
Overall, “Ghost Town” is an okay film. I liked it from the moment I saw it. It’s a nice friendly film and grownups would like this for a good date movie.
5 Stars Best movie I’ve seen in a long time!
I loved this movie. My kids couldn’t believe that I was actually laughing out loud since I haven’t done that in a long time. Dr. Pincus’ gag reflex got me every time. I believe it would be funnier to an over 35 crowd since younger people won’t get the attraction between the Tea Leoni character and the not-so-attractive Dr. Pincus.
5 Stars Ghost Town Bluray
This is an excellent movie. Never heard of it until I rented it. It is funny as can be.
5 Stars worth watching
Didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. This movie is worth watching.
5 Stars Funny!!!
This is one of the funniest movies i’ve seen!! Richy Gervais makes it! I’m leaving this square to go and buy it!
Sleepless in Seattle 10th Anniversary Edition
A widowed father becomes a reluctant guest on a radio show thanks to the wiles of his worried son. Hes an instant hit with thousands of female listeners. Meanwhile writer annie reed inspired by sams story and by classic hollywood romance becomes convinced that its her destiny to meet sam. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 02/20/2007 Starring: Tom Hanks Meg Ryan Run time: 105 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Nora Ephron
User Ratings and Reviews
3 Stars 2 stars out of 4
The Bottom Line:
Sleepless in Seattle features a couple of funny moments, but it’s a painfully “romantic” and predictable fantasy that lacks the wit of a “When Harry Met Sally” and is really not worth watching unless you’re into this kind of thing.
5 Stars So beautiful love story!
This is the perfect Friday night movie with your pjs, some popcorn or your favorite snack… get in a confortable position and dream about love 
1 Star Shallow film
“Sleepless in Seattle” is a prime example of what has gone wrong with American filmmaking. Packaged with likable and talented actors, good music, and a heartwarming concept, its contents turn out to be empty, trivial and unconvincing.
The characters of the film are so shallow and poorly developed that one can only care about them if one automatically roots for Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan no matter whom they are portraying. If one lacks this automatic inclination, one can at best generate sympathy for Hank’s role as the grieving single father Sam Baldwin and little else. Ryan’s character Annie gives one practically no grounds for appreciative identification. She is basically an irrational airhead who provides the viewer with no objective reasons for admiring her. The script and story line are weak and vulgar, providing no compelling motivations for the characters’ actions beyond loneliness on the part of Hanks and impulsive and superstitious romanticism on the part of Ryan. The worst thing about the movie, which other critical reviewers have pointed out already, is that it perpetuates a superficial and dangerous notion of romantic love based on feelings and inclinations rather than character, commitment, and principle. To put the matter bluntly, is there anything at all about Meg Ryan’s character Annie that demonstrates that she would be a wife and mother of integrity and quality? If she would act true to her role, she would most likely walk out on Sam and his son in a few months or years based on some exciting horoscope or talk show she would become enamored of.
A romantic comedy is not about realism. But the script must motivate the viewers to care enough about the characters to suspend judgment about the fantastic and unrealistic plot lines that are characteristic of romantic comedies. In fact, when one loves the characters because they are noble, brave, funny, insightful, self-sacrificing or possessing some other special trait, one roots for them to experience all possible unlikely twists and turns of positive fortune. In the case of “Sleepless in Seattle,” I found myself merely rooting for the film to end, wondering idly what Tom Hanks’ and Meg Ryan’s characters would possibly have to say to each other if Hollywood presumed to film a sequel.
5 Stars Awesomesauce
Exactly as described. Honest description and quick shipping made this a most pleasant shopping experience. Kudos.
3 Stars I’d give it 3.5 stars; a very good movie
It may not be very realistic or even original, but in a way, that’s kind of what I liked about. It’s a very pleasant, old-fashioned love story, generally without a lot of the bad language and other “adult” situations that can sometimes be a part of some romantic comedies. The gentle pace, the impressive musical score, and the footage of Seattle and NY really make the film better. It may not be a masterpiece, but in a way, it’s the kind of movie they should make more of: a funny, sweet film for people of all ages.
Finding Nemo Two Disc Collectors Edition
A delightful undersea world unfolds in Pixar’s animated adventure Finding Nemo. When his son Nemo is captured by a scuba-diver, a nervous-nellie clownfish named Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) sets off into the vast–and astonishingly detailed–ocean to find him. Along the way he hooks up with a scatterbrained blue tang fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), who’s both helpful and a hindrance, sometimes at the same time. Faced with sharks, deep-sea anglers, fields of poisonous jellyfish, sea turtles, pelicans, and much more, Marlin rises above his neuroses in this wonderfully funny and nonstop thrill ride–rarely does more than 10 minutes pass without a sequence destined to become a theme park attraction. Pixar continues its run of impeccable artistic and economic success (their movies include Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, and Monsters, Inc). Also featuring the voices of Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush, and Allison Janney. –Bret Fetzer
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star gross stupid
this isnt a big kid movie in my opinion i will watch it but i dount really like it
5 Stars good film
Oh it’s such a nice movie I watch it a million times a day.The thing that I like the most is that it’s long and interesting and it’s very freindly.
5 Stars Great movie and “screen saver”
What I like to do with this DVD is (besides watching the movie) is to go into the menu and put an aqurium on my big screen TV and it’s great for when you’re by yourself or have friends over. There are two really good ones that I like, and I can change “the aqurium” any time I like. What a great idea.
1 Star DON’T BUY FROM THEM!!!!!!!
Bought and paid for item that I never received. Attempted to correspond with them by email and did not receive a response. I had to file a claim with Amazon. I just hope I get my money back. The real shame is my son did not receive this item as a Christmas gift as I had planned.
5 Stars Another Pixar Film for All Ages
Another Pixar film that all ages will enjoy, “Finding Nemo” delivers a simple story with some pretty heavy themes. It’s one of those rare gems that will entertain you when you’re young, but get all the more relevant and meaningful when you see it again later down the road. Contrary to some of the negative reviews, it is never too violent or too sad for the kids to see, giving only the fun scares that movies like The Little Mermaid and The Lion King had throughout. It’s about as universally enjoyable as a movie can get.
Aside from WALL-E, it’s the most visually stunning Pixar movie I’ve ever had the pleasure of feasting my eyes upon. The world of the ocean opens up in a beautiful array of colors with scenery as complex and detailed as the real thing. So much work was put into making it look real, and the producers knew when to make certain creatures look just like their real life counter part (the jellyfish) and they knew when to stylize others (the seagulls). From the true to life things to the more cartoony things, everything here is so exceptionally done, from the overall story arc, to the themes of dealing with loss and learning to let your kids experience life, to the characters, to the voice acting, to the exceptionally crafted DVD itself.
I wouldn’t call “Finding Nemo” a masterpiece or a classic, but it aims high and comes very, very close. What it is, though, is an astoundingly well done film that tells a story from the heart that will entertain, stun, and put smiles on the faces of the audience.
9/10
Forrest Gump Two Disc Special Collectors Edition
The Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Director Robert Zemeckis, and Best Actor Tom Hanks, this unlikely story of a slow-witted but good-hearted man somehow at the center of the pivotal events of the 20th century is a funny and heartwarming epic. Hanks plays the title character, a shy Southern boy in love with his childhood best friend (Robin Wright) who finds that his ability to run fast takes him places. As an All-Star football player he meets John F. Kennedy; as a soldier in Vietnam he’s a war hero; and as a world champion Ping-Pong player he’s hailed by Richard Nixon. Becoming a successful shrimp-boat captain, he still yearns for the love of his life, who takes a quite different and much sadder path in life. The visual effects incorporating Hanks into existing newsreel footage is both funny and impressive, but the heart of the film lies in its sweet love story and in the triumphant performance of Hanks as an unassuming soul who savors the most from his life and times. –Robert Lane
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars What more can I add that the Oscars, Hollywood, the Internet, and all the reviews haven’t?
In the early fifties two children are born in the less-fortunate parts of Alabama - one is Forrest Gump and the other is his best friend Jenny. Though these two children have the same starting points, they grow up to lead very different lives. In Robert Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump we’re introduced to Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) who always seems to have his route in life predetermined by the most unfortunate of circumstances, and manages to get there by running. Jenny (Hanna Hall) on the other hand, life doesn’t come so easy. From early childhood the two are inseparable except for those occasions when Forrest needs to run. It isn’t until after high school that these two kindred souls’ lives take dramatically different turns. Forrest gets a scholarship to play football and Jenny plays her guitar at a strip club. This film really does tug at the heart, especially the life Jenny is forced to lead. Forrest is the man with an IQ of 75, but his footsteps always seem to be placed for him - though he does make the most out of his opportunities. What more can I add that the Oscars, Hollywood, the Internet, and all the reviews haven’t? Not much! This is wonderful family film that makes reliving the sixties, seventies, and eighties, memorable.
1 Star One of the Best
This is one of the best films I have ever enjoyed. Simple, profound and beautifully acted, directed and produced. Don’t hesitate to buy it for your collection of films for you can watch this one over and over and and later share it with your grandkids. It is a treasure.
5 Stars Timeless
This movie is one of the best movies that I have ever seen; Tom Hanks has got to be one of the best actors of our time. The story and the time line in this movie are what I remember in my life thus far. I can watch this movie over and over again and always see something that I hadn’t seen before. I really enjoy this movie and I can always enjoy it anytime that I want to now.
5 Stars Amazing movie.
I have loved this movie ever since I first saw it. Gave it to my friend for a gift while she’s away at school.
5 Stars Amazing Movie!
I am not sure how anyone could not love this movie! Tom Hanks gives an incredible performance!
The way the writer works in past events from actual history is classic, and keeps you very interested in the script. You will absolutely pleased at how he winds everything together!
This is a great movie that everyone should own! Go out and buy this movie today, and enjoy watching it a few times a year!
Enjoy!
Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 01/27/2009
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Cheers Final Season
Let me start with one small but touching piece of information that one of my sons passed along to me.
The picture of Geronimo that Sam adjusts at the very end of the final episode is a picture that was actually hanging in Nicholas Colosanto’s (who played Coach) house. It was moved to the set as a reminder of and tribute to him and Sam’s straightening it at the end is one final, touching reference to Coach and Colosanto himself.
As to the final season, my recollection is that it was a strong season despite the series’ age — far from the best season, but certainly worth the money for any fan of the show. The series finale is one of the better ones — in my view, second among comedies only to Newhart’s “bad dream” finale — that rings true and is, mostly, funny and in the end just serious and touching enough to satisfy.
3 Stars Great (5 star) show though poor quality finale on DVD set
Though this DVD set does not release until next week, I was able to purchase it from a local store yesterday. I purchased this season set for the final (3-part) episode, which I watched last night. Another reviewer stated that certain scenes in this episode are missing; I can’t vouch for that as I do not intimately recall the aired finale nor do I have it on VHS. What I would like to make known is the substandard quality of the final episode itself. Though the majority of the episode is fine (similar in quality to that of the first 5 seasons which I own), several specific scenes look like they were taken from poor quality VHS tapes and spliced into the episode to make it the original length. When the episode shifts to one of these scenes, it is very jarring and watching these scenes is irritating. I cannot believe that a television episode that aired only 15 years ago can look so bad.
4 Stars Looking forward to the DVD, but be warned…
I am looking forward to this final season of Cheers, but I read on another site from someone who got the season early, and the series finale is missing certain scenes as well as Rebecca Gaines, Rebecca Loses (which is missing about a minute). The finale was missing about a minute of Alan and Paul commenting on The Ninja Turtles and LL Cool J, as well as Rebecca getting a goodbye kiss from Sam near the end. Just thought I would pass this along.
5 Stars The ending of Cheers, the beginning of Frasier
The 92-93 season of Cheers, its last, is one of its best. For one thing, at this point everyone’s story must be wrapped up, so there is quite a bit of action in the comedy this season. Woody, married at the end of the tenth season, has a few surprises in store, professionally and personally. Frasier conducts an experiment that results in Woody’s election to city council. With Woody being the dangerous combination of likable and uninformed, Frasier has nightmares when he begins dwelling on Woody’s possible future in politics. Frasier and Lillith break up and then reunite several months later - the reason will surprise you. Rebecca finally meets and marries the man of her dreams at the end of the season. Again, you’ll be surprised who she chooses considering her gold-digging past.
The feud between Gary’s Old Town Tavern and Cheers erupts once again, and Cheers brings in Harry the Hat (Harry Anderson) to help them out. This is the season after Harry Anderson’s long-running series “Night Court” ended. Anderson first appeared on Cheers back in season one before Night Court began, and it is great to have him back one last time.
The final episode brings Diane Chambers back to the scene for the first time since she left for six months to write her book back in 1987. She has an interesting explanation of how six months turned into six years. Will she and Sam finally get back together? Seeing Shelley Long’s Diane Chambers back on Cheers reassured me of one thing. Although it was the perfect finish to have her as part of the show’s conclusion, her decision to leave after five seasons bought the show several seasons that they would not have had otherwise. Diane Chamber’s part in the Cheers saga had been played well but it was played out, and Rebecca Howe and her own unique set of eccentricities made a completely different foil for Sam and the Cheers gang.
The story is ended for all but one - Frasier Crane. His character goes on to star in eleven seasons of “Frasier”, and results in Frasier tying Marshall Dillon of “Gunsmoke” as the longest running TV characters of all time - 20 years each.
5 Stars the last super hit show ever
Cheers has gone down as one of the all time classics, up there with lucy and honeymooners. not many people that i talk to have negative things to say about cheers. True, i think they should have ended the show after the ninth as the story line got old, but i love cheers. it is my favorite and will always be. i already have the first 8 seasons. so now i will get 9-11
all at once in january when the 11th season is released. i hope they do not do any cuts on the very final episode. just a final note. although the series went downhill a bit after the 9th year, they ended the show very well. Sam alone in the bar realizing how happy and lucky he is, despite never getting married. i thing keeping sam unmarried was the smart thing to do. if he was to marry anyone, it should have been Diane and that would have ended the show after 5 years. i liked the final scene where sam saw someone knocking at the door and he raised his hand, saying
“Sorry, we’re closed.
Cheers to Cheers. An everlasting classic
“I really feel like this is going to be my year,” an uncharacteristically optimistic Liz Lemmon proclaims in 30 Rock’s season two opener. Reality quickly intrudes on the hapless Liz, but for Tina Fey and 30 Rock, the year couldn’t be better. Nominated for 17 Emmys, the series repeated for Outstanding Comedy Series and earned Outstanding Actress and Actor honors for Fey and co-star Alec Baldwin as GM CEO-in-waiting Jack Donaghy. TV icon Tim Conway was also honored as Outstanding Guest Actor as Bucky Bright in “Subway Hero”–just one of the strike-shortened season’s benchmark episodes–as a faded TV star from the 1940s and ’50s who shatters the illusions of television-loving NBC page Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) with appalling (and unprintable) stories about “the good old days.” If you’re going to make a television show, Bucky tells him, “things are going to get weird.” And from one of Kenneth’s lame parties that turns dark and twisted to the “Page Off” between Kenneth and his nemesis (Human Giant’s Paul Scheer) things get really weird behind the scenes of TGS, the SNL-ish sketch show where Liz oversees a motley crew of writers and her tempermental, demanding stars, insecure diva Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) and all kinds of crazy Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan). 30 Rock is rarefied television, each episode brimming with quotable dialogue (”Never go with a hippie to a second location”), brilliantly absurd bits (Tracy Jordan’s novelty hit, “Werewolf Bar Mitzvah,” the TV series “MILF Island,” Liz’s Cathy moment), and edge of the frame silliness that rewards close attention (”Anne Heche Leaves Husband for Pony,” reads a network news scroll in the episode, “Somebody to Love”). Stellar guest stars rise to the occasion. Edie Falco was an Emmy nominee for her recurring role as “C.C.”, the liberal Democratic Congresswoman who becomes conservative Republican Jack’s “hippie dippy mama,” as was Carrie Fisher as former Laugh-In writer Rosemary in the instant classic episode, “Rosemary’s Baby.” It’s this episode which features Tracy’s therapy session during which Jack channels Fred Sanford and J.J. from Good Times. Making welcome returns this season are Will Arnett as Jack’s corporate rival, Devon Banks, Chris Parnell as unethical Dr. Spaceman, Elaine Stritch as Jack’s castrating mother, and Dean Winters as Dennis Duffy, Liz’s sleazy former boyfriend and New York’s unlikeliest hero. But the real muffin top on this two disc set are the awesome bonus features, including a revelatory table read of the season finale, “Cooter,” the benefit live performance of the episode “Secrets and Lies” (complete with an improvised commercial), a 30 Rock panel discussion with cast and creators moderated by Brian Williams, and a backstage look at Fey’s Saturday Night Live homecoming last season. Most sitcoms are as bad for you as the offbrand Mexican Cheetos that Liz gorges herself on, and as Jenna tells Liz at one point, employing “a weak metaphor,” you deserve a good meal. 30 Rock is a feast. –Donald Liebenson
Stills from Season Two of 30 Rock (click for larger image)
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User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Fantastic
A very strong season and some great extras in this DVD.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the commentaries. Very funny and worth buying the DVD for, especially the one with Tina and Jeff her husband. A very funny couple.
5 Stars Great Show!
I love this show. I wasn’t so sure about it at first because in my opinion SNL has been slacking lately and they seemed to have a similar cast with 30 Rock. That skepticism was dumb, 30 Rock is genius. The DVD was a bit expensive for not being a full season (due to strike) but I enjoyed the extras. I was hoping for a blooper reel, but the unique extras in the DVD made up for it. All in all, great show. Very witty. I would say if you were a fan of Arrested Development, you’d love 30 Rock.
5 Stars Different from the first season
I am not sure if the second season of 30 Rock is slightly better or slightly worse than the first season. Either way it is definitely worth watching and worthy of any awards heaped on it. Watch this season if you have any sense of humour.
It’s unfortunate that season 3 (curently playing) is misfiring, let’s hope that we get more than 2 good seasons out of this show.
I have not bought this DVD set yet. For a start it is overpriced, especially with the reduced number of episodes. I know there was a writer’s strike but that isn’t my fault.
There might be lots of extras but I was not too pleased with the extras on the first season, and I don’t really buy DVDs for the extras.
My recommendation is to see this show, in reruns or borrow it from a friend… and come back here in a year and see if the price has dropped.
5 Stars Tina Fey is a genius
The cast, writing and concept continue to deliver. It is an intelligent comedy and season 2 keeps you as hooked as the previous. Make sure you get this DVD (and season 1 if you don’t have it).
5 Stars Is it possible to be too smart and too fast?
Yeah, probably. That’s the only reason I can come up with for 30 Rock not having a larger audience. It’s absolutely brilliant. There’s nothing more I can say that Robert Moore hasn’t covered in his fine review below.
Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 01/06/2009 Run time: 107 minutes Rating: R
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Good movie, ok dvd
The movie is great so i certainly recommend watching it, the dvd edition is good too if not great, it has some entertaining features but nothing out of the ordinary.
5 Stars Really nice hit men…
I liked “In Bruges” a lot, though I question it’s Golden Globe status as a comedy. I can’t argue Mr. Farrell’s win as Best Actor. It’s a buddy movie, and I was remotely reminded of “Pulp Fiction”, where the language was second nature. Certainly, there’s a lot of mindless profanity, but a clever DVD extra shows just how silly it all is. The camaraderie between Farrell and Brendan Gleeson is well established; the ARE an odd couple, but there’s a fondness that develops that is special. This is largely the achievement of writer-director Martin McDonagh, keeping creepiness, sad memories, and an unusual sense of humor that prevails throughout. Then there’s the later appearance of Ralph Fiennes, the most clueless of mean persons. Without blabbing anything away, they all create an enigmatic trio. I enjoyed Jordan Prentice a lot, a confident actor with some delightfully bitter dialogue; I recall that Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) was as bitter and suspicious. Certainly, the little people have been given few chances to shine. He was a real character, and delightful. The only Oscar nomination is for Screenplay, and if you can see beyond the profanity, it’s insightful, clever and touching. Indeed, Colin Farrell’s best performance. I enjoyed it a lot. And Bruges is, indeed, a character unto itself. Stunning photography as required; another fine DVD extra is a boat trip through the canals. Quite instructive.
4 Stars Like a F-ing Fairy Tale
Featuring a crackling script and excellent acting from some unexpected sources (Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes, in particular), “In Bruges” is one of the best black comedies I’ve ever seen and one of my favorite films of 2008. Farrell plays a young Irish hitman Ray who has botched his first job in London, and is subsequently exiled to Bruges, Belgium with his mentor Ken (Brendan Gleeson) while the heat dies down in London. Everyone’s down about the problem in London - rookie Ray is heartsick over the unnecessary loss of life; veteran Ken is sanguine, but still thinks about how being a hitman will affect his prospects for heaven; Cockney boss Harry (Fiennes) views the whole situation as a matter of honor, at least according to his code.
Profanity (more than one “f” word or derivative per minute) and violence abound (particularly in the second half), as does beautiful scenery from the “f-ing” fairy tale city of Bruges, the best-preseved medieval city in Belgium. But what makes “In Bruges” such a fun film is the script, dialogue and performances - great comic timing by Farrell, world-weariness by Gleeson, startling emotion by the usually drab Fiennes. His first live scene (after several by mail or phone) is a stunner. I yelled “yeah, Ralph!”.
A beautiful drug dealer, an American dwarf actor, a cowardly skinhead, an officious tickettaker at a Bruges landmark, a testy Canadian whom Ray punches out in a case of mistaken identity, and a pregnant, courageous and observant hotelkeeper (”you guys are crazy!”) make up a delightful supporting cast.
Some viewers will recoil from the realistic violence; others from the pervasive language, but those who dial down their sensibilities a bit will be treated with a hilarious, if twisted, black comedy.
4 Stars do you believe all that stuff?
Ray and Ken are two hit men from London whose boss, Harry, has ordered them to lay low in Bruges, Belgium. Bruges is the most well preserved medieval town in Belgium, and its church bells, cobblestone streets, canals, and religious art work their magic on Ken. Ken wonders about their vocation. Ray hates Bruges, but one day in a medieval church his conscience awakes and he asks Ken, “do you believe all that stuff about guilt, sin, and the last judgment?” That’s a good question because the rest of this character study, full of black comedy and adsurdist-surreal elements (dwarfs, obese people, racism), has to do with both men seeking redemption. “I don’t wanna be a dead man,” Ray says. But there is a price to pay for deeds done, both personal and professional; untangling your conscience to make a new start is not so easy, especially when the boss Harry reappears late in the film to insist upon living “by principle” in a whole different way. Warning — this film is full of vulgar language and significant violence.
5 Stars 4.5 Revised Film Noir Quality With Appealing Honest Ambiguity
Darkly comic tale with a revised film noir quality about two gangsters hiding out In Bruge located in a gray area somewhere between black and white that provides the back drop for an honesty of gangsters knowing their gangsters American audiences can appreciate