Charlie Rose - Heart Disease / Equus (November 18, 2008) Review

Charlie Rose -  Heart Disease / Equus  (November 18, 2008)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Paul Ridker, Antonio Gotto, Lori Mosca three senior heart disease researchers come to Charlie Rose to report on a study supervised by Ridker. It showed that the cholestorol - lowering Statins have great benefit in reducing heart- disease, and stroke risk even among those who do not have elevated cholestorol levels. Ridker says that Statins have proven to be a remarkable medication both in the great benefits they bring, and their relative freedom from causing side- effects. He also suggests that it would be worthwhile to invest in a much wider distribution of Statins as a way of severely reducing heart - related disease. Mosca while not contending with the findings say that they should not be used to neglect the emphasis which needs to be placed on proper diet, exercise, healthy living. She says that there is a danger in encouraging people to believe that if they take medication the other elements are not necessary. I believe it is Gotto however who points out that studies of diet and behavior have shown us that people have great difficulty changing eating and exercise habits, and that most do not succeed. He too thinks the wider use of Statins will be of great benefit to public health.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Charlie Rose - Heart Disease / Equus (November 18, 2008)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Charlie Rose - Heart Disease / Equus (November 18, 2008)

Read More...

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy: The Complete Season 1 Review

The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy: The Complete Season 1
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If this ain't Gothic Lolita, I don't know what is !
The 1st season of the hit series "The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy" is now finally on a two-disc DVD set with a whole lotta episodes on there starring the mean-spirited Mandy, the moronic Billy, and of course, The Grim Reaper himself. Such episodes include:
"Meet the Reaper" - The original pilot episode that started it all. As Grim attempts to reap the soul of a hamster named Mr. Snuggles, the two kids strike a deal with him, which he lost to.
"Fiend Is Like Friend Without the 'R'" - Introducing Nergal, a creepy being from the center of the earth, who kidnaps Billy and Mandy to be his friends. Soon Grim becomes concerned and reluctantly rescues them.
"Grim Or Gregory" - A case of mistaken identity on Halloween night has Grim confused with another kid in a reaper costume !
"Beasts and Barbarians" - A major inspiration to the video game, Grim transports the kids into another dimension where they battle bigger-than-life monsters in order to cure their gaming addictions.
"Hoss Delgado: Spectral Exterminator" - The first appearance of this tough guy who discovers and attempts on capturing the Grim Reaper.
"To Eris Human" - Introducing the sexy Goddess of Chaos, Eris, who takes Mandy as her minion leaving Grim feeling rather dumped.
"Toadblatt's School of Sorcery" - The first "Harry Potter" parody episode with its weird magic and other strange creatures. 'Nuff said.
"Brown Evil" - A two-parter where Billy cooks up some brownies that attracts a humongous horde of zombies ! It's up to Hoss Delgado to stop them.
"Creating Chaos" - One of the funniest episodes, Eris now recruits Billy to spread her chaos upon the globe. Unfortunately, Billy himself is a little more chaotic than her magic apple can do.
"Tween Wolf" - The hapless Irwin transforms into a werewolf which Billy adopts as his new pet.
"Love Is EVOL Spelled Backwards" - Nergal returns and attempts to marry Billy's Aunt Sis. Let's just hope Billy doesn't have that freak as his uncle.
This new set has an overload of bonus features like a commentary and an interview with series creator Maxwell Atoms, plus the "Brains" music video as seen in the classic episode "Little Rock of Horrors". The weirdest special features in the second disc include an episode in "Burp-O-Rama" and a virtual pet Mr. Snuggles. Perhaps the best bonus feature of all in the set is the 2 "Evil Con Carne" bonus episodes with optional "Skarr-O-Vision" feature. (I wish, however, they put in ALL of the "Evil Con Carne" episodes in the set. Then we can have "Grim and Evil" again !)
So if you've been waiting for this set to come by, get it while you still can. One thing's for sure, this is one series that will let you look Death in the eye... and laugh real hard. I really REALLY hope the rest of the "Billy and Mandy" series will be put on DVD real soon. But in the meantime, look for brand-new "Grim Adventures" episodes Friday nights on Cartoon Network's all-new "Fried Dynamite" block.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy: The Complete Season 1



Buy Now

Click here for more information about The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy: The Complete Season 1

Read More...

Tangled (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2010) Review

Tangled (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2010)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)

*contains some spoilery bits*
Tangled, Disney's version of the oft-refashioned folk tale Rapunzel, is the studio's 50th animated film and one that is destined for classic status.
The Synopsis:
This latest retelling begins with a tiny piece of sunlight falling to earth and a magical golden flower sprouting where it lands. The flower, and its ability to restore youth, is discovered, used and kept secret by Mother Gothel. When the kingdom's beloved queen falls ill, a search for the flower (apparently its existence wasn't *completely* secret) is successfully undertaken and the healing potion brewed from it restores the queen's health. The flower's magical abilities are also transferred to the hair of the queen's unborn child, Rapunzel. When Mother Gothel discovers this and learns that the magical properties are only retained as long as the hair remains uncut, she kidnaps Rapunzel and raises her as her own child. Claiming that she wants to keep Rapunzel safe from a frightening world full of danger and thugs, Mother Gothel locks her away in a remote tower. While her hair (almost a character in and of itself) grows longer and longer, Rapunzel blossoms into a surprisingly well-adjusted young woman and gifted artist who longs to see the world - particularly the mysterious lights that appear in the night sky each year on her birthday.
Enter our amusing narrator, Flynn Rider, a roguish thief who has just stolen a tiara and is on the run from palace guards when he comes across Rapunzel's tower and takes refuge there. The very competent Rapunzel restrains Flynn, hides the tiara and strikes a bargain with him - she will return the tiara to him if he will agree to take her to see those mysterious lights, which he tells her are floating lanterns. Flynn agrees and the two set off on a rollicking adventure. Pursued now, not only by Maximus - a horse from the palace guard who refuses to give up the chase - but also by a pair of thugs Flynn double-crossed AND Mother Gothel, Flynn and Rapunzel learn to trust each other as they make one narrow escape from their pursuers after another.
Comments:
Tangled is a laugh-out-loud funny family film that will thoroughly entertain both children and adults. The animation is stellar, the story engaging and the pacing excellent, never dragging for a moment. Rapunzel and Flynn are both charming and likeable, making it easy for viewers to root for them. Further, they are surrounded by a terrific supporting cast including tavern thugs with secret dreams and Pascal, Rapunzel's pet chameleon. But it's Maximus who truly steals the show. The expressive horse is brave, determined, sometimes petty, and hilarious. Every scene he's in is solid gold. I would love to see some sort of sequel with Max and Flynn trading quips - particularly since Max doesn't speak at all and the two still seemed to be doing just that through much of Tangled.
I did have a couple of quibbles, neither of which significantly impacted my enjoyment of the film. First, the colors often seemed a bit too dark to me, rather grayed out. This impression may well have been exacerbated by the 3D glasses. (ETA: A couple of fellow reviewers have commented that they found the colors bright and vibrant when they viewed the film in 2D. It seems likely that my experience may have had more to do with the theater where I saw the film or with the 3D glasses - or a bit of both. This is especially important since I imagine most Amazon costumers will be purchasing this film in 2D. My thanks to Star Fire and Thomas Plotkin for their input - I really appreciate it!) Second, even though I felt they were well performed, the songs were, IMHO, largely under whelming. With the exception of the lovely "I See the Light", I felt they had neither the excitement of previous Disney showstoppers "Be Our Guest", "Under the Sea" or "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" nor the memorable melodies of "Kiss the Girl", "Beauty and the Beast" or "Circle of Life".
On the plus side, the film is rich in emotional depth and is blessed with a number of wonderful scenes. My favorite sequence begins with Rapunzel and Flynn entering the village and dancing with the villagers and continues on through their scene on the lake among the floating lanterns. Their happiness in the village, Rapunzel's sense of wonder (and ours!) while surrounded by the lanterns, the romantic song they sing as they realize they're attracted to one another and may be falling in love - it's all perfect. The lantern scene is jaw-droppingly gorgeous - well worth the price of admission on its own and the film's most effective use of 3D. Another scene that I loved for its poignancy centers on the silent communication between Rapunzel's parents as they mourn their lost daughter together just before releasing their floating lantern.
I do want to alert parents to one element. The relationship between Rapunzel and Mother Gothel is difficult and layered, dealing with emotional abuse masked with concern and declarations of love. (Mother Gothel's frequent put-downs of Rapunzel, followed by a cheery "Just kidding!" had me clenching my teeth.) Young children who are used to a more black and white portrayal of good and evil may be confused by Rapunzel's oft-declared love for the woman she believes is her mother and by Rapunzel's conflicted feelings when she first leaves the tower with Flynn. This unhealthy relationship doesn't overshadow the film, nor does it steal the humor and fun from it, but parents should be prepared for questions children might ask and concerns they might have. These questions may not come until a second or third viewing, when children have already seen the scenes where Mother Gothel more explicitly reveals her true nature and so have that knowledge when viewing the early mother/daughter scenes.
That said, I still loved the film and believe it's a great addition to Disney's animated classics. Lastly, let me just add a big "Yeah!" to the film's final moments when Flynn, back in narrator mode, reveals that it was several years before he and Rapunzel got married. A much better message for children than the more usual we-saw-each-other-twice-before-tying-the-knot which seems almost de rigueur in so many fairy tales.
Highly recommended.Note: Author, editor and fairy tale aficionado Terri Windling has written a wonderful essay about the long history of the "Maiden in a Tower" story which, it turns out, predates the Brothers Grimm by more than 200 years. I found reading about how a story evolves over time and across cultures absolutely fascinating. (Essay is available at Windling's website. A simple google search - "Rapunzel" + "Terri Windling" - should get you there.)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tangled (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2010)

Disney presents a new twist on one of the most hilarious and hair-raising tales ever told.Your whole family will get tangled up in the fun, excitement and adventure of this magical motion picture.When the kingdom's most wanted - and most charming - bandit Flynn Rider hides in a mysterious tower, the last thing he expects to find is Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower - 70 feet of magical golden hair!Together, the unlikely duo sets off on a fantastic journey filled with surprising heroes, laughter and suspense.Let your hair down and get ready to cheer for "Tangled."Bursting with never-before-seen bonus features, it's even more enchanting on Blu-ray Hi-Def.

Buy NowGet 44% OFF

Click here for more information about Tangled (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) (2010)

Read More...

Astaire & Rogers Collection Volume 2 (Swing Time, Shall We Dance, Carefree, The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The Barkleys of Broadway) (1949) Review

Astaire and Rogers Collection Volume 2 (Swing Time, Shall We Dance, Carefree, The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The Barkleys of Broadway)  (1949)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This boxed set represents the second half of the Astaire/Rogers series, and in these five films the two stars have shed their early gauchness and uncertainty and become a real team capable of anything from high comedy to moments of tragedy. The set begins with what many (including Ginger) have regarded as their best film, "Swing Time," featuring exhilirating dances and maybe the best score in musical history. "Carefree" and "The Castles" are attempts to change the formula of the series that both have lovely moments. "Shall We Dance," the weakest movie here, still has stunning art deco sets and a classic Gershwin score. "The Barkleys of Broadway," the final film (a reunion at MGM) has a witty script, gorgeous color, and Rogers returning to musicals in brilliant form. And if you want to know how this professional partnership actually ended, there's this nice little postscript: 20 years after "The Barkleys," the two stars danced onto the stage of the Oscar ceremony and received an ovation so overwhelming they forgot to stop holding hands while they presented the awards.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Astaire & Rogers Collection Volume 2 (Swing Time, Shall We Dance, Carefree, The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The Barkleys of Broadway) (1949)

This five-tape set includes Swing Time, Shall We Dance, Carefree, The Story of Vernon and IreneCastle, and The Barkleys of Broadway.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Astaire & Rogers Collection Volume 2 (Swing Time, Shall We Dance, Carefree, The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, The Barkleys of Broadway) (1949)

Read More...

Harry Potter A l'Ecole Des Sorciers (French Version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) Review

Harry Potter A l'Ecole Des Sorciers (French Version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I find reading the Harry Potter books in french has been a great way to saturate myself with french words. I started out having to look almost every word on the page up and now I can read almost an entire chapter without picking up my dictionary or english copy. What a great idea, I wish I would have thought of it sooner. Of course I love the Harry Potter stories and can read them over and over again. I also have the french version of the little prince and have thought of getting some of my other favorite books as well. I have to say I ordered the french version of the first harry potter dvd and I still have a hard time keeping up, but now that I have watched it about three times I am getting the hand of understanding most of what they say, but it still seems like they talk too fast! Good luck!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter A l'Ecole Des Sorciers (French Version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Harry Potter A l'Ecole Des Sorciers (French Version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)

Read More...

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) Review

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Go through the soundtrack listing before reading this review, because the former spoils everything there is to spoil.
While not necessarily the most vital feature of the `Harry Potter' films, one of the most important considerations is perhaps the feel of each movie, which is one of the most immediate things that strikes an audience.
In terms of that, as the series progresses, each part has become sturdier in achieving an all-round sense of completeness, in that every instalment gradually moves towards being a singular film in its own right while taking rich pickings from a world, whose continuity and consistency have been respected and admirably maintained, reconceived for the silver screen in what will ultimately be seven parts.
The first movie was atmospherically very lush, with rich hues of red and gold that both conveyed the wondrous regality of Hogwarts and gave the film an aptly warm, seasonal touch that maintained a sense of comfort in the world our young protagonists found themselves in as well as for the young audience, and, of course, mirrored the cheery Christmas movie-going period. The second saw a darkening that was tentative at best, giving it a more grimy, dull and sapped feel rather than a truly menacing or ominous one. The Gothic turn in the third demonstrated what that darkening should have accomplished, in addition to matching the mood of the third book, which, strange as it may sound, lent itself to the colour purple. `Goblet of Fire' then suitably attains a lovely palette that might have been filtered through a window in spring, bringing about a tightly textured look that doesn't suffer from an effluvium of colour, ranging from the autumnal compound of the castle to the shadowy blue of a graveyard. The feel of the fourth film must have been the most difficult to figure out out of the movies made thus far, but thankfully they've gotten the onscreen setting right for the cast to thrive in.
Because of the need to keep the central narrative of the Triwizard Tournament going, the script appears to offer very few opportunities for introspective or emotionally resonant performances such as those that we saw in `The Prisoner of Azkaban'. Although, this is in no way to undermine Steve Kloves's valiant effort as he manages to hit all the marks fans will be looking for, even if newcomers will be absolutely puzzled (Priori Incantatem, while mentioned, is never explained for one). Director Mike Newell, in addition to marshalling thrilling action sequences, extends the emotional range of, in particular, the young cast. The supporting ensemble of British thespians, however, gets more character moments as well, which in their own subtle way suggest flaws, fallibility and even occasional quirkiness. Be they Professor McGonagall's amusing absent-mindedness in informing Harry about a dance, the clumsiness of the lovably bumbling Argus Filch who can never seem to restrain his excitement in lighting a cannon, or the brooding anguish or severity of Professors Snape and Dumbledore, facets of our favourite characters never before seen render them more conceivable, human personas, and prevent them from degenerating into amusing two-dimensional plot devices. It is, however, always a treat to see great actors so sportingly partaking in what others may see as a childish premise that insults their talents.
Michael Gambon's performance demands some examination. While his portrayal makes a combination of both probable sincerity and twinkling playfulness believable for Dumbledore with a line like `I hate these drapes, burnt them down in my fourth year...by accident of course', one occasionally gets the impression of him engaging in broad strokes to lucidly form what still seems a flailing character of sorts in his hands. His performance appears to be straining towards a quality reminiscent of the understated sternness and gentle sense of humour that Richard Harris gave Dumbledore, who became in the first two films a thoroughly imagined onscreen character, clearly formed around the edges, as it were. While this reviewer still looks forward to more of his intriguing characterisation, one hopes that Dumbledore will be able to evoke the sympathy that his fate in the sixth instalment should bring about.
Everyone is talking about Ralph Fiennes, and for good reason, for his proves to be an inspired bit of casting. His Voldemort is one who vacillates dangerously between quietly maniacal malice and uneasy pleasantry. It makes for a discomfiting, unnerving and unpredictable mix, and the unsettlingly understated volatility of his character comes through, rendering the threat posed by his sheer presence all the more palpable. One thing surprising perhaps about his portrayal is the relative absence of the haughtiness one could glean from the book, that sense of superiority derived supposedly from being both a pureblood wizard and an immensely powerful one. Far from being the charming, refined and demonstratively supercilious young student depicted in `The Chamber of Secrets', the adult Voldemort seems to have been roughened around the edges, so to say, his appearance and manner reflecting his abasement by his heinous exercises in his pursuit for power, which, one should note, likely inflicted a great deal of pain upon himself. That that road to his own misguided notion of greatness was trying comes through in Fiennes's portrayal, and what emerges is a new kind of charisma and leadership, one that sees him identifying himself with and operating amongst, and therefore as one of, his men, who then find it easier perhaps to relate to him and recognise his authority in their group. In addition, his demonstration of his newly acquired ability to touch Harry by touching his scar is an example of a judiciously dramatic stroke that's emblematic of the discreet and well-measured theatricality with which Fiennes imbues his performance. Indeed, one does seem to behold, as Fiennes graces the screen, quite a magical concoction of elements coming together in a personification of evil that seeks to be as true to that dark essence itself as possible.
But back to the young cast. Harry's progression from a mild, well-mannered young boy to a gangly, moody teenager, likely the result of embitterment or dispossession due to everything he's experienced thus far, has been well pulled off by Radcliffe, who demonstrates consistency in his performance here following an edgier turn in `The Prisoner of Azkaban'. The danger here is for his character to tumble into blandness, and fortunately the occasional emotional moment, such as his crying over Cedric's death, while not completely convincingly performed, prevents that. Discussing Harry at this point naturally brings in Moody, and while Brendan Gleeson's is a no-holds-barred demented performance, it's never really endearing even when his character turns cheeky (sticking his tongue out at McGonagall, for one), and one doesn't get a sense of a relationship as compelling as that which Harry shared with Lupin, or for that matter as that depicted in the book, and thus there is no strong feeling of betrayal when the revelation regarding Moody comes, unlike the momentarily startling instant in the previous film when it seemed for a moment that Lupin had been in cahoots with a supposedly villainous Sirius Black.
Grint goes through much of the same as Ron, which is a shame because it wouldn't harm having him express some manner of emotional response to Harry's precarious predicament instead of always leaving Hermione as the sole good friend who emotes realistically over the dangers posed to Harry. Watson does stand out as the spirited young woman, but one gets a sense this time that, while admirable that she strives for a more demanding emotional range, perhaps she tries a little too hard and her performance sometimes comes off strained. However, it is evident that Newell has tried to suss out the nuances that are possible in the characters' interaction with each other, hints subtly conveying unspoken thoughts or veiled feelings that, while perhaps best not explicitly expressed, run on into and are thus discreetly revealed by the discourse that they engage in. The weight of the demands that his acute and observant direction entails in this sense rests mostly on Watson, and, again, while occasionally awkward, she invests a credible effort.
The supporting young cast deserves their share of good mention. The Weasley twins are a highlight in this instalment with an effortless comic chemistry. A scene where one of them asks a girl to the Yule Ball wordlessly is a hoot. Felton in the role of Malfoy is sportingly and nicely deplorable again, as is Isaacs in a welcome return to his role as Draco's father. A little more of Longbottom's back-story would have been nice, for his feeling disturbed by the Cruciatus curse is never clearly explained. It also appears to be Ginny Weasley's turn to blossom into a beautiful young woman; and the other Triwizard champions are all a refreshing presence.
This is a very funny movie. Aside from the Weasley twins, the main trio turns in occasional comic moments. In fact, it is precisely comedy that prevents Ron, who effects most of it in his interaction with Hermione, from remaining a character who merely sulks. The character of Neville is given a more substantial showing in this movie, and Matt Lewis is winsome as the blossoming nerd. Shirley Henderson's appearance as Moaning Myrtle is a scream, and her morbid ghoul is a gem of macabre humour. A lot of the laughs here are rooted in the film's premise. While we are thoroughly aware that we are dealing with a fantastical world and story, lines like `We do not use transfiguration as a punishment' still manage to sound amusingly bizarre.
For every moment of comedy, though, is another that is disturbing,...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Read More...

Arthur's Quest Review

Arthur's Quest
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This was a cute take on the King Arthur legend... Eric Christian Oslen did a great job as the young King Arthur living in modern times. A bit silly at times but overall thoroughly enjoyable!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Arthur's Quest



Buy NowGet 50% OFF

Click here for more information about Arthur's Quest

Read More...

Charlie Rose with Maggie Smith (March 1, 2002) Review

Charlie Rose with Maggie Smith (March 1, 2002)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Maggie Smith is her own woman. Her passion and fears for her career as an actress come through during her time with Charlie Rose. She is and has been at the zenith of her acting career and yet, for the wanna-be in the audience, she brings the realities of the "specie" to the head of the class. No rose colored glasses here in the "getting there"...I've watched her on stage for 30 years and followed every movie she has made. Every performance from the ingenue with Dame Margaret Rutherford to Harry Potter's wonderful teracher, Maggie makes the theatre possible if one accepts what she accepted years ago: she was born to do this, but that didn't make it easy throughout the process.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Charlie Rose with Maggie Smith (March 1, 2002)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Charlie Rose with Maggie Smith (March 1, 2002)

Read More...

Harry Potter DVD Set of 5 Movies: The Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and Order of the Phoenix Review

Harry Potter DVD Set of 5 Movies: The Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and Order of the Phoenix
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Harry Potter story and movies are great but this boxset is a complete waste of money if you're expecting something unique to this boxset. It's just the leftover main feature discs from other 2-disc boxsets because the discs are the exact same discs when orignally released as individual movies; which means if you're expecting special features, chances are they're on the other disc which isn't included.
Also playback is a headache if you're using your computer to view them because Windows Media Player is always crashing when playing these discs. I tried other DVDs and had no problems with playback.
I'm ordering the ultimate editions and hopefully they will not have the same problems.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Harry Potter DVD Set of 5 Movies: The Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and Order of the Phoenix



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Harry Potter DVD Set of 5 Movies: The Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and Order of the Phoenix

Read More...

The Magic Touch of Harry Potter : A&E Documentary Review

The Magic Touch of Harry Potter : AandE Documentary
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
More about fans than about Ms. Rowling. Not at all the in-depth look into her professional life that I wanted.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Magic Touch of Harry Potter : A&E Documentary



Buy Now

Click here for more information about The Magic Touch of Harry Potter : A&E Documentary

Read More...

Grambling's White Tiger (1981) Review

Grambling's White Tiger (1981)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
As far as I know, this film and the volatile 1970 pic "Halls of Anger" are the only films I know of that deal with the pressures of White students who integrate all-Black schools. This is an account of Jim Gregory's integration of Grambling College's football team in 1968 and the predictable problems he faced. However, the aspect of the racial problems he faces dissapear midway into the film and it becomes a typical go-team football flick. It's valuable as being a rare and fairly accurate look into life at a Black College (several years before "School Daze" and 'A Different World"). However, Bruce Jenner looked WAY too old to be beleivable as an 18-year old college freshman and hamminess abounds, particulrly Geroge Stanford Brown as the Black militant student who makes life rough for Gregory. Show this to a social studies class and see what they think.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grambling's White Tiger (1981)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Grambling's White Tiger (1981)

Read More...

All-American Basketball: The Fundamentals of Ball Handling Review

All-American Basketball: The Fundamentals of Ball Handling
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The video quality was not as good as I've seen comparing same price points. The sound of the hosts voice was very low and I listened to it on head phones. He was very monotone as if reading from a card. He did play college ball though and was very good. The information given was above average for someone who knows very little, if you've coached high school on up you probably know most everything here. If you're wanting to learn to take your dribbling to the next level because all you do is goof around and you want to make a team, then this is for you. That being said you will need to have a lot of determination, these drills he shows aren't easy. But if you can practice and get to where you can complete all he shows you can probably make any team.

Click Here to see more reviews about: All-American Basketball: The Fundamentals of Ball Handling



Buy Now

Click here for more information about All-American Basketball: The Fundamentals of Ball Handling

Read More...

Lagrimas Del Corazon (The Man Who Cried) Review

Lagrimas Del Corazon (The Man Who Cried)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
"The man who cried" the title itself says such a lot of things to the viewer, an amazing performence by Johnny Depp who played the role of a man who can commnunicate with eyes, one of his best performences ever indeed. The chemistry between Ricci and Depp is excellent and beyond words. The film has its sensitive, happy, erotic and sad moments, but nevertheless beautifull. Christina Ricci was fabulous, she potrayed every sentiment beautifully and you can see that easily. A film worth a watch, if you like Silent dramas. Worth watching for good cast-performences, wonderfull musical scores and last but not the least, a good chemistry between actors.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lagrimas Del Corazon (The Man Who Cried)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Lagrimas Del Corazon (The Man Who Cried)

Read More...

The Farmer's Daughter (1947) (1947) Review

The Farmer's Daughter (1947)  (1947)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I've watched and loved this movie for years. The is one of Loretta Young's best, along with "Rachel and the Stranger" which is also wonderful. Being an old movie addict, it just boggles my mind WHY distributors will put out a movie on VHS and then not on DVD??? There are so many unbelieveably wonderful old movies that deserve to be put on DVD and this is one of them!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Farmer's Daughter (1947) (1947)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about The Farmer's Daughter (1947) (1947)

Read More...

Driving Lessons (2006) Review

Driving Lessons (2006)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
DRIVING LESSONS is a little film that sneaks up on you. What at first seems to be a bit of fluffy nonsense comedy British style is at its base a very fine story about coming of age and the needs for significant friendship of both the young and the elderly. Writer Jeremy Brock ('Mrs. Brown', 'Charlotte Gray', 'The Last King of Scotland') here directs his own screenplay and the result is a cohesive, progressively involving tale filled with fascinating and diverse characters, each performed by sterling actors.
Ben Marshall (Rupert Grint, standing firmly on his own as a developing actor post 'Harry Potter' series) is a quiet, plain little poetic seventeen-year-old living with his bird watching Vicar father (Nicholas Farrell) and his obsessive compulsive, rigid, evangelical do-gooder mother (Laura Linney) in a home where 'needy people', such as the murderous cross-dressing Mr. Fincham (Jim Norton), take precedence over family matters: the mother is by the way having an affair with priest Peter (Oliver Milburn), using Ben as her cover!
Sad Ben is among other things attempting to learn to drive a car. His mother is a poor teacher and decides he needs professional lessons AND needs to get a job to help pay for poor Mr. Fincham's needs. Ben follows an ad and meets Dame Eve Walton (Julie Walters), an elderly has-been actress who is as zany as any character ever created. She hires Ben and the fireworks begin. Through a series of incidents, including a camping trip Evie demands they take, the two learn life's lessons missing from each other's natures: Ben learns self respect and self confidence and Evie finds a true friend who will allow her to drop her stagy facade and be the dear human being she has been hiding.
Julie Walters, always offering the finest skills of acting in every character she creates, finds a role like no other here: she is outlandishly wild and lovable. Rupert Grint is exactly the right choice for the challenged coming of age Ben. The chemistry between the two is as tender as that in the classic film 'Harold and Maude'. Laura Linney is as always a superb actress playing a role quite different from her usual repertoire. And the supporting cast is a panorama of fine characterizations. This film is a delightful surprise and one sure to warm the heart and entertain those who love fine writing and direction and acting - and message! Grady Harp, July 07


Click Here to see more reviews about: Driving Lessons (2006)

Oscar® nominee Laura Linney (Kinsey) stars as Laura Marshall, an overzealous, evangelical Christian do-gooder who fills her home with down-and-out boarders, including a senile, cross-dressing murderous mute. Desperate to expand his horizons, Laura's shy teenage son Ben (Rupert Grint, of Harry Potter fame) lands a job tending to self-proclaimed "Dame" Evie Walton (Oscar® nominee Julie Walters, Billy Elliot), an over-the-hill actress with the mouth of a drunken sailer and an insatiable lust for life. The battle for Ben's soul begins as Evie shanghais Ben away from his repressive roots and takes him on an adventure that transforms him from boy to man. A winning entry at the 2006 Moscow International Film Festival, Driving Lessons is an experience Stephen Farber of Movieline calls "a delightful coming-of-age story."

Buy NowGet 57% OFF

Click here for more information about Driving Lessons (2006)

Read More...

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948) Review

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Yeeup! As Mr. Tersander would say. This is one of my favorite films. While not exactly bust-a-gut funny, it is warmly amusing throughout with a couple of classic lines & scenes (the perplexing storeroom, the "letch", the well, the all-night Wam session etc.), played to perfection with ease and charm (my God those are lost arts, aren't they?) by a cast of pros who are immediately likeable and comfortable to be around.
The story of a New York adman building his dream house in Connecticut being snookered by the "hicks" and then the series of disasters and cost overruns that befall him, the film is played with just the right tone, light and with great good humor, from the falling lintels to the Zuzz-Zuzz water softener.
Some may question the 5 stars, and although it may not be a great movie, I give it all 5 because Grant, Loy and Douglas are a lost breed of irreplaceable class players, and this kind of effortless amusement is pretty much an extinct genre.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)

Cary Grant is hilarious as a successful New York advertising executive who wants to escape the confines of his family's tiny midtown apartment.So he designs his dream home in the suburbs and discovers the project wasn't as easy as it seemed.The house gets larger.The bills get bigger.The problems just won't go away.Eventually, the whole affair becomes a nightmare-a very funny nightmare-that left audiences laughing in 1948 and will have you in stitches, too.This is the comedic masterpiece that inspired the popular 1987 movie "The Money Pit."It's an adventure in homeowning that strikes a familiar chord with everyone who's ever bought a house.Year: 1948Director: H.C. PotterStarring:Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Melvyn Douglas

Buy NowGet 7% OFF

Click here for more information about Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948)

Read More...

Thunderpants (2002) Review

Thunderpants (2002)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The ultimate frat party or cult film - "Thunderpants" is quickly gaining steam as the new "Airplane!" or "Rocky Horror Picture Show." I was blown away by the production values and cast considering the puerile subject matter, while repeat viewings reveal the humor to be much more nuanced than just some cheap fart jokes. And although he only has a supporting role, Rupert Grint absolutely deserves top billing. His delivery is so over-the-top it's like the rest of the cast is speaking in monotone. He doesn't just deserve an Oscar, but a Nobel Prize. Best performance ever!
Note that the domestic U.S. release shows a shorter running time than the previous Canadian import, but the film is in fact complete (the import simply counted the supplemental material in the run time). This is a delightfully cheesy film, and it would be unfortunate to cut one, let alone nine, minutes from it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Thunderpants (2002)

Item Name: Thunderpants; Studio:The Weinstein Company

Buy NowGet 38% OFF

Click here for more information about Thunderpants (2002)

Read More...