Tyler Perry's Temptation (2013)

This movie was not what I expected. Based off the previews I had my pre

conceived notions about how the film was going to be. I was pleasantly

surprised with all of the different messages throughout the film. I

enjoyed the fact that it had its comedic moments as well as ones where

I did not want to blink just in case I missed something. This film will

suck you in as if you are the main character and leave you with a

feeling of are you making the right choices in your own relationship.

I went to see this movie "Temptation" on Friday opening day and this movie to me was "Awesome" Tyler Perry did a Awesome job and the cast in this movie was "Awesome" too, full of surprises make you think twice about things. "Temptation" is worth seeing and I can't wait to buy the movie.

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This movie is an intense movie with lots of surprises! This is one movie I will want to earn and have as mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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This movie is an eye opener for women. It is inspirational, beautiful and teaches a lot about what happens in life. All that glitters is indeed not Gold. The devil tries to place the beautiful things of life in front of us when it obviously doesn't last..... It also teaches us patience and not to be carried away by material things.

As for Kim kardasian, I would say she did a very nice job, for someone who really isn't an actress professional, I was impressed.

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The movie was well put together and EVERY couple should see it! Tyler Perry has done a great job putting this real-life senario on the big screen. The subject manner that was covered in the movie is one that can happen and often does happen due to neglect of seeking help for your relationship.

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K-On! The Movie (2011) (2011)

Alright, those of you looking for a self-contained anime film will be disappointed this was a project that was obviously made for fans of the series. It's pretty much an episode of the series expanded to an hour and forty-five mins. It contains in-jokes from the series and while there is a plot there's no major conflict. In fact, the opening few minutes makes a joke about the lack of real conflict in the film.

Now, if you are a fan of the series, this is a dream come true. The characters are all there, most side characters get enough screen time that you get to revisit just about everyone. The plot is partially about the London trip which was discussed in the season 2 OVA, but it's also about writing the song that they will sing to their underclassman as they graduate. It's sentimental, sweet and everything you've come to expect from the series. As a bonus, just about every song in the series is in it at some point.

The animation is beautiful, and expands upon the already wonderful look of the series. The London trip is well done, and for those who have been there, you'll be sure to recognize some lovingly recreated sights. There are a few moments of CGI that feel a bit off, but that may just be my personal bias against CGI.

The quality of the Blu is wonderful. The animation looks simply breathtaking at times and there are a quite a few special features. As someone who has gotten used to anime discs only containing the opening and closing as special features, this was a treat.

In closing, if you're already a fan of K-On season 1 and 2, this is totally worth a purchase. It's a wonderful closing to one of the most fun anime series to come out in years.

One of my favorite movies based off an anime, You can tell the animators took their time on it. It is cute and the music is great. If you are a hardcore K-ON you'll love this movie ^_^

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[*First off, my apologies for the novel I seem to have written. I tried to strike a balance between short and informative. Anyhoo...*]

The overview below is based off the 2-disc DVD edition (so the content would be the same as the blu-ray but you'll have access to it all on a single disc). I outlined a summary but if you want a super short summary, it's basically: getting this movie gives you almost 2 hours of film and 2 and a half hours of special features.

The movie continues where the end of season 2 was leading into: the 5 members of the Light Music Club are going to London for their graduation trip and Yui, Mio, Ritsu, and Tsumugi plan what to get Azusa before they graduate. If you've watched the series then watch the movie; if you haven't [see my note at the bottom], start here (K-ON!, Vol. 1) or here (K-ON! DVD [Anime Legends).

--DISC 1--

-main feature [approx. 1 hour 50 minutes] *16:9 anamorphic

-audio selection [Japanese w/ English subs or English dub] *English 5.1 / Japanese 5.1

-scene selection

-"Also Available from Sentai Filmworks" [some previews to other anime produced by Sentai Filmworks; they're essentially textless openings]

-DVD credits

--DISC 2--

*note: unless otherwise noted, by "the cast", I mean the Japanese voice actresses for Yui, Mio, Ritsu, Tsumugi, and Azusa*

*the extra features are original content from the Japanese programs so they're in Japanese with English subs*

-Minami Tanaka's Dubbing Investigative Report TBS announcer Minami Tanaka visits the cast at the recording studio and interviews them (they do a little tongue twister activity, they're asked what they're favorite scene from the show is, a message to the fans, etc.) [approx. 23 minutes]

-London bus & Press Conference at TBS a pre-opening press conference with the cast (this was a week before the movie hit theaters in Japan) about their feelings about the movie, the live performances they've done, etc. [approx. 19 minutes]

-Navi Show 1-2-3 is K-On! 2 TBS announcers talk about the show and its characters (I guess this can be thought of as a crash course / refresher of the show) [approx. 24 minutes]

-Movie Premiere Event the cast and director talk to the audience at the movie premiere about their feelings about the show up to that point [approx. 22 minutes]

-Director Naoko Yamada in London the director does some "scenario hunting" in London over 4 days for the movie [approx. 29 minutes]

-Good Luck Music Hall K-On! Music Hall ...umm...I'm honestly not sure how to describe this extras clip...2 TBS announcers talk about K-On's music a bit and there are 3 short message clips about the movie from the Japanese voice actresses for Ui, Nodoka, and Jun [approx. 15 minutes]

-Japanese Trailer not much to explain here [approx. 2 minutes]

-Japanese Teaser a teaser...just a shorter version of the trailer [39 seconds long]

-Japanese Spots short, entertaining tidbits advertising the movie; it's continuous [approx. 3 minutes] but it looks like it's 3 spot shorts...just a guess though...

-Clean Opening Animation title: Ichiban Ippai [around 1:46 long]

-Clean Closing Animation title: Singing! [around 1:34 long]

My personal opinion about the special features: the extras are great! It's nice to see the original voice actresses because nothing like this is available as special features from the series. However, there are interviews from the English voice actresses that were included in the season 1 DVDs and blu-rays but there are none whatsoever here. A bit of a letdown because K-On! is one of very few animes that I can comfortably switch between Japanese dub and English dub so it'd be cool to see how both teams feel about the characters they've grown with and their journey up to it becoming a movie. But hey, you can't have your tea and drink it too...

**Just some extra information for those late to the K-On! [tea] party**

Here is where the anime and manga stand as of near-end May 2013 so you know what you need to catch up on (the following dates are relative and approximate):

K-On! volume 1 (manga): released November 2010

K-On! volume 2 (manga): released March 2011

K-On! volume 3 (manga): released August 2011

K-On! volume 4 (manga): released December 2011

K-On! College (manga): planned release date of July 23, 2013 (K-ON! College)

K-On! High School (manga): planned release date of October 29, 2013 (K-ON! High School)

*manga published by Yen Press*

K-On! Season 1 (anime): available in DVD and blu-ray (the DVDs can be purchased as 4 separate volumes or a 4-disc complete collection and the blu-ray as 4 separate volumes--there's no blu-ray complete collection) in Japanese w/ English sub or English dub; released April 2011, July 2011, September 2011, November 2011 (as the 4 volumes) and February 2012 (as the 4-disc complete collection)

K-On!! Season 2 (anime): broken up into 2 parts (released June 2012 and August 2012, respectively) and available in DVD and blu-ray in Japanese w/ English sub or English dub

K-On! the Movie: available in DVD (2 discs) and blu-ray (1 disc) in Japanese w/ English sub or English dub; released May 2013

*season 1 is produced by Bandai and season 2 and the movie are produced by Sentai Filmworks; the English dubbing is in association with Bang Zoom Entertainment so the voice cast stays the same in both seasons and the movie*

Read Best Reviews of K-On! The Movie (2011) (2011) Here

Has a quick recap of the show in the beginning so if you haven't seen the show you're not completely in the dark. For those of you who have seen it get to have a cute narration by Yui which is why you watch this in the first place. K-On! girls are back, and heading to London, and their typical shenanigans, and fun ensues. Overall it was another good show to see them all again after graduation.

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As a major fan of all things K-On!, I have been waiting nearly 18 months for the English version of this movie; it finally arrived yesterday, and I watched it last night. Suffice it to say, it was well worth the wait!

The movie covers the girls of High-school Tea Time's last few weeks before graduation (except for Azusa, who is one year behind the other four, of course). They decide to go on a graduation celebration trip, and eventually settle on London as the destination (although Yui says she would have preferred to go to England, until the others point out that London is in England!). So, in the week following their finals, and before graduation day, they pile on a plane and head for the UK. I won't elaborate on the details, except to say that the story lived up to K-On! expectations, with Azu-nyan being the most together and organised of the girls, in spite of being the youngest. They visit many famous locations in London, all beautifully filmed and then digitally imported into the proceedings. The only complaint I have is that all the Londoners they speak to (in the English dub) sound like Dick Van Dyke did in Mary Poppins; surely they could have got some real Brits in to speak the parts? They really were awful! But that aside, and it is only a minor point, I loved every minute of it; Yui is suitably nutty as usual, and Azusa gets suspicious and paranoid when the others all stop speaking whenever she walks in the room, but actually they are planning a nice surprise for her!

The movie offers a somewhat different view of the run up to the girl's graduation than the second series did; it is more light-hearted, and not nearly as emotional as the latter, but great fun, nonetheless. If you are a fan of K-On!, just get it; it's wonderful!

One last point; I had puzzled for ages over the actual meaning of the term 'K-On!', but it turns out that it is a contraction of the Japanese word for light music, 'keiongaku' (軽音楽). So now you know!

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Lewis Black: In God We Rust (2012)

After reading the other reviews for In God We Rust, I ordered it in order to decide for myself if it was a one-star or five-star performance. I watched it with my husband and adult son and we all laughed like hyenas throughout. How Lewis Black manages to sound like a slightly (?) deranged, angry man while expertly weaving his topics together (and then tying them all up with a bow to bring them together) is beyond me...but no one does it better. We all loved In God We Rust. Black on Broadway is still The Standard in this family, but there's absolutely nothing about In God We Rust that was anything less than brilliant. Black's opening riff, explaining why he was actually agreeing with people who might be tempted to walk out of his show in protest, was so brilliant that it was hard to follow for a minute until his convolutedly-masterful reasoning slapped us all in the face. From the opening until the very last word (which is best appreciated if you are familiar with Facebook terminology), In God We Rust is quintessential Black -and worth every cent of what we paid for it.

Lewis Black "In God We Rust" is nothing short of brilliant and it might just be his greatest performance ever. Pay no attention to the 1 star reviews. They are pure nonsense and were probably left by Michelle Bachman and Sarah Palin who Lewis dresses down with ease. Anyone who could watch this DVD and not laugh their butts off needs shock therapy. If you're a huge Lewis Black fan don't delay buying this DVD. Don't just sit there DO IT NOW!!!!

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I was at this show in Minneapolis, and have seen Lewis Black in concert many times here and in Las Vegas. He never disappoints. I think the material he has on his current tour is better, but even so this was a great night. Highly recommended, and even more importantly go see him in concert if you get a chance. What a blast.

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In God We rust is just typical totally funny Lewis Black Stand-up comedy!!! Lewis is one of our favorite comedians and love watching anything he does.

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This is the latest and greatest Lewis Black DVD LOVE IT! He is so sarcastic and funny and current about politics. If you've never seen his work before, try this one!

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Perfect Sense (2011)

I first saw "Perfect Sense" at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, and I can honestly say that it was one of the most visceral movie-going experiences of my life. I have never walked out of a theater so happy to be alivein a good way! Ever since then, I've been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see it again. Unfortunately, the film didn't receive much of a theatrical release in the US, so I look forward to introducing it to my friends and fellow film lovers once it's released on Blu-ray.

To be fair, I can understand why "Perfect Sense" might not have got the release it deservedit's a hard film to categorize. The film focuses on two residents of Glasgow; a chef, Michael (Ewan McGregor, "Trainspotting") and an epidemiologist, Susan (Eva Green, "Casino Royale"), as they meet & begin to fall in lovemeanwhile, an unexplained illness begins to cause humans across the globe to lose their senses one-by-one. In the beginning, it's just a few people losing their ability to smell, but things escalate quite rapidly from there. While this might sound hokey (and usually is, on an indie budget), director David Mackenzie and his team succeed in evoking an effective & terrifying global disaster from a local perspective, and the film does enough to suggest plausible causes for its illness while keeping it ambiguous enough to allow the larger metaphor to shine through.

The effect of the disease is made even more immediate thanks to an interesting side effect: prior to each new sense that is lost, victims are hit with a uncontrollable wave of emotions, varying from despair to hunger. This leads to terrifying scenes such as crowds of people devouring everything in sight like animalsedible or not! These montages are quite effective at putting the viewer in this situationone can't help but imagine how you would feel if you were losing your connections to the world and had no control over it.

Adding to the cinematic power of the disease are the unique perspectives of our protagonists. As a chef, Michael finds his whole livelihood threatened with the loss of taste and smell, and struggles to adapt to a world with little needs beyond the base essentials of "flour and fat". Likewise, epidemiologist Susan finds herself on the front lines of the disease, desperately trying to understand an illness that is clearly beyond comprehension (and one could argue is punishment for humanity's sins).

With all the mysterious disease and global chaos, one might place "Perfect Sense" squarely in the burgeoning indie apocalypse/sci-fi genre (a la "Children of Men"). However, it's clear that "Perfect Sense"'s dark backdrop exists to illuminate the film's true focus: the romance between Michael & Susan. These two lovers are hardly an ideal pairboth come with their own set of very human flaws, sabotaging their efforts at intimacy and admittedly making it hard to relate to either of them at first. But for this reason, their relationship feels very real their flaws reflect humanity's flaws. Both Ewan McGregor & Eva Green give excellent performances, anchoring the film with their natural characters and physical chemistry, even while serving as metaphors for the whole human race. As Michael & Susan find themselves drawn together, each new sense that is lost brings an examination of what it means to be human, and what is most important to us in this world. In the end, when even our bodies betray us, the only solace to be found is in the people that we love.

It would be criminal of me to spoil all of the film's pleasures, but I must mention several other aspects that made "Perfect Sense" such a powerful experience. First, the supporting cast is fantastic, and collectively they sell the reality of the situation. The film features several familiar faces, including Connie Nielsen ("Gladiator"), Ewen Bremner (Ewan McGregor's "Trainspotting" co-star, "Black Hawk Down"), and Stephen Dillane (currently starring as Stannis Baratheon in HBO's "Game of Thrones").

Finally, and perhaps most importantly of all, I must call attention to the incredible score by Max Richter ("Shutter Island"). His beautiful and heart-breaking music on piano & strings was truly captivating, and hooked me into this emotional journey from the very first frames. Indeed, the score elevates the entire film, adding layers of emotional depth & power to the larger ideas the film could only visually suggest for the sake of budget. I hope somehow there is a soundtrack release, because if you're like me, once this music gets in your head you may not want it to leave!

"Perfect Sense" was one of my favorite films of 2011, and I am delighted that it is finally being released in America. It's not for everyone, but it may just make you appreciate the world more, and realize that the things we should value most aren't possessions, but people. I hope you walk out of "Perfect Sense" as I did thrilled and appreciative of the wonders of life, and filled with a desire to share them with your loved ones. As the narrator so eloquently states, "without love, there is nothing."

(Update 10/17/12: I just wanted to add that Max Richter's amazing soundtrack for "Perfect Sense" is now available to download in the U.S., via Amazon, iTunes, etc.)

Susan is a scientist who lives in her own little world, her entire life is devoted to research, while everything else is neglected. For Susan, it was all work and no play, until she meets Michael. A talented scientist meets a talented chef, and the sizzling romance begins. As one would expect, Susan's life begins to change, but so does the entire world she lives in. The more steamy the relationship, the more a new epidemic spreads. As the couple fall in love and share their feelings, people all around lose their sensory perception. As the romance become intense, the mysterious disease becomes more disturbing. The outcome is global chaos as the mystery continues. "PERFECT SENSE" is brilliant, powerful, romantic, and chilling. The acting is superb, and the story is both touching and thrilling. Highly recommended for romantic suspense lovers and thriller loves.

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The ineluctably disturbing aspects of "Perfect Sense" linger long after the movie ends. "Perfect Sense" is a poetic thriller that forces people to make sense of a world that is literally stripped of all its sensibilities. Slowly, one sense is lost, then another, across the world, and the viewer becomes directly involved in sly and clever ways. Will vision be lost next? And then what? How much more can possibly be lost? Ewan McGregor is satisfyingly atmospheric and Eva Green's dramatic starts and stops provide genuine intrigue. One can only hope that should the world end this way, and if we could possibly survive the perceptual annihilation, that we could once and for all come to our senses about how we treat each other and never lose sight of what really matters to us.

Read Best Reviews of Perfect Sense (2011) Here

"I think it's OK to panic now." A very serious disease strain has begun to cause havoc all over the world and it's called severe olfactory syndrome (SOS). It begins by smelling something that reminds you of someone you know who has died, then one by one you begin to lose your senses. During the outbreak chef Michael (McGregor) and scientist Susan (Green) begin to fall in love and their relationship is tested over and over as their senses begin to fail. Even the the plot may sound a little hokey this is actually a very good movie. At once the movie is both disturbing and sweet as well as erotic. The acting is fantastic as you believe that they are really losing their senses and you really begin to feel bad for them. To me this is a little scary because it makes me wonder if this could actually happen (from some chemical) and how I would act. This movie will give you hope and break your heart at the same time. I recommend this but it is a movie that will leave you worn out and not really in the mood to do anything after. Overall, a very good movie that is both disturbing and wonderful. I give it a B+.

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Of all the movies that I have viewed this year, this one has to be up there with the best. The amazing direction of David Mackenzie, the lulling and mournful soundtrack by Max Richter and the photography by Giles Nuttgens (both beautiful and distressing combined) pull a metaphorical statement from beginning to end.

Michael (Ewan McGregor) is an executive chef who meets Susan (Eva Green), a saddened epidemiologist, after she returns home from examining a patient with a very disturbing affliction. Inexplicable, as he suddenly lost his sense of smell for no apparent reason. This continues on to several other people at first then runs amok.

These two begin an intimate relationship quite rapidly, as everything in this movie happens quickly and without warning with one exception: each person will fall into a severe emotional occurrence previous to losing their ability to smell.

Susan and her team give it the name 'Severe Olfactory Syndrome' (SOS) as it reaches epidemic proportions and spreads world wide. There are no explanations given as there is no time, therefore one must think on their own of how, why or what is happening. The movie heavily affects your time in reacting. It causes suspenseful anxiety to build readily and rapidly as you are left questioning the reasons why.

The erotic relationship between Michael and Susan hardly gets a chance to develop, as the rapid-fire affliction follows into another sense (taste) and similarly eradicates it. Michael is 'affected' and this is devastating to his career as is Susan affected also. The couple is growing more and more dependent on each other as the happenings around them are rapid fire and deconstructing.

The symptoms preceding the loss of the senses are bewildering, wonder-struck and deeply disturbing. People are losing control, panicking and literally start unstoppable eating of anything and everything (from lipstick to things you have got to see for yourself). The photography and camera angles are astounding in bringing this chaos to life as it is all out catastrophic.

People are running wild, rioting in the streets as everything is unsafe and sickness is omnipresent. There is so much to this movie that I wouldn't want to go on with the plot any longer as I would hate to ruin anyone's response to this movie...and your response itself is everything.

Running amid the course of the film are short plugged in narratives that work well. They serve to make you think, as this is a frightening portrait of annihilation in a very different form.

When someone loses one of their senses, it is usually just that one and devastating at least. The ending of this movie presents a whole alternative view to this, as tomorrow is no guarantee and "gather ye rosebuds while ye may".

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Spirits of the Dead (Histoires extraordinaires) (1968)

Janus Films participated in the restoration of this film and you would think that that alone would ensure high standards of quality. And for the most part it did. But unmentioned in all the reviews of this DVD is the fact that the best film of the three, Toby Dammit,does not have its English soundtrack included.

Terence Stamp is English and he spoke his part in English.(and what an amazing bit of verbal it was) It just ain't the same thing in dubbed French by another actor. An earlier release of this film delivered the English soundtrack as an option but did not allow you to turn off the English subtitles! (Some of the people that put these things together are really lacking in simple, common sense.) Also the image quality on the previous release is faded and not real sharp. Image quality on this current DVD is excellent. Rich color and very sharp. So the horror of it all is you are left with a very well done restoration with a rather important detail inexplicably left out. The English soundtrack exists and isn't this the whole point of DVD's? I took a chance buying this DVD hoping for an improved version that fixed some of the problems on the earlier release.

The frustrating thing is that it is so close to being there, but a French speaking Terence Stamp is just absurd. Janus Films was also involed in the Criterion Collection new version of Amarcord and they did it perfectly. Everything is there. Wish they used as much care on this one.

As originally conceived by Fellini, the Toby Dammitt segment was, imho, the greatest work he ever committed to film. Taut, lean, stylish and very effective. I saw the film when it was first released and am fortunate enough to have this segment on an old beta tape.

Beyond Terrence Stamp's wonderful delivery, is the crucial element of the english actor being alone and isolated in Italy by his language, slowly pushing him deeper into surrender and madness. All of this is lost in the current French dubbed edition.

(On the other hand, it must be a plus to have the first two segments, overdubbed into English for US release, back to their original French. However, these segments are competent, or somewhat interesting at best, compared to fantastic finale.)

Please let Janus know that they have broken trust by butchering a great artist's masterwork.

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In response to the reviewer's query below concerning the French overdubbing of "Toby Dammit" sorry, this DVD ALSO features a French actor's voice dubbed over that of Terrence Stamp. I, too, was greatly disappointed at this.

I do not know of any other version available that has Stamp's English dialogue, but I remember seeing it on television in the 80s and onscreen at the American Cinematheque in Hollywood in 2004. Maybe if there is enough demand they will remaster it and put out an English version of this delightful foray into subtle, 1960's-style psychological horror? One can hope.

Read Best Reviews of Spirits of the Dead (Histoires extraordinaires) (1968) Here

Spirits of the Dead (Histoires extraordinaires) [Blu-ray]This is a clarification rather than a full review: several reviewers have indicated that only the French dubbed version of Toby Dammit (Fellini's contribution to this anthology) is available on this Blu-Ray disc. That is INCORRECT! The original Italian and English soundtrack is included on this version, and the French dub is also included as another soundtrack option. If you buy this disc, you will in fact have the pleasure of hearing Terence Stamp deliver his lines in all their lunatic, English glory--and my guess is that the reviews listed under this Blu-Ray were originally from some other release of the film that did not have the Italian-English soundtrack for Toby Dammit; either Amazon goofed by using reviews of an older release in their listing of this Blu-Ray, or the reviewers have mistaken this Blu-Ray release for an older release of the film.

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Spirits of the Dead, a handsomely mounted 1967 film that features three segments from three European giants (Vadim, Malle, and Fellini) all based on Edgar Allen Poe short stories. The third segment, Fellini's Toby Dammit, is so incredibly different and dense when compared to the other two that you almost forget you've watched an anthology by the time the film ends. His work here is as good as he's ever been visually, and the world that he creates perfectly represents the inner turmoil of the self-destructive actor Toby Dammit (Terrance Stamp). The director presents his typical circus or parade; whichever you want to call it, and this time it shows the world of the celebrity in modern day Rome. It's obviously been liberally adapted from the original Poe story, and it's only nominally a horror tale (Toby is stalked by a Björk-ish devil figure), but the film transcends any generic or authorial labels: it's purely Fellini's, and at a little over forty minutes long it doesn't burn out the audience in the way that his longer pageants tend to.

The other two segments are certainly solid, even if they might not top Fellini's work with sheer panache. Vadim's piece is the better of the remainder, and it features Jane and Peter Fonda as feuding cousins. This is the most overtly supernatural segment of the trio, and even it feels somewhat subdued when compared to modern ghost stories. Jane Fonda is excellent in her role, and she brings a combination of refinement and haughtiness to the part that vitalizes the character. Like all of the film, this bit of the film is well shot, but Vadim's captured some gorgeous outdoor scenery, whereas the others take place mostly indoors. The tale itself is spooky enough, and the running time feels sufficient. The only real negative mark here is that the film resorts to a slightly jarring voiceover narration here to fill in background details. Malle's segment is likable enough, but it feels somewhat slighter than the other two. Its gambling scene evokes Kubrick's Barry Lyndon (just as the driving sequences in the Fellini segment recall A Clockwork Orange), even if Spirits was made several years earlier, and there is genuine tension aroused at the card table. Throughout the film, there is a relatively low gore quotient, and the acting is uniformly solid. As far as psychological horror goes, the films work well, and that they realize Poe's stories were mainly internalized distortions of the world works to their advantage, even as they approach the material in vastly different ways.

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Elizabeth Double Feature (Elizabeth / Elizabeth: The Golden Age) (1998)

The costumes are awesome, the sets are fantastic, the storyline is wonderful.

It just isn't history. It resembles history, and it has many similarities to what was recorded as happening, but it is missing a few important details.

The golden age had almost exactly all the same problems.

Wonderful entertainment, but don't base a history report on them.

I'm addicted to English royalty movies and these are the best about Queen Elizabeth. Cate Blanchet's transformation throughout the two films is amazing.

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If you are looking at this double feature, I am sure that you have already watched both of these movies. Cate Blanchett does a wonderful job portraying Elizabeth I in various stages of her life. The costumes and sets are so beautiful and help to pull you into another world. The Blu-Ray transfers are amazing and the picture quality wonderful.

Read Best Reviews of Elizabeth Double Feature (Elizabeth / Elizabeth: The Golden Age) (1998) Here

To all those reviewers who feel this film is in some way anti-Catholic, portraying historical truth does not make the "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," prejudiced. The Inquisition, Spanish, and otherwise, lasted for SEVERAL CENTURIES! All those nice people we watched in this movie would have been at best imprisoned, and at worst, put to death because of the Roman Catholic Church and it's allies in the Spanish government had the Spanish armada succeeded in it's mission.

I enjoyed this film so much I actually watched it twice on the big screen! Something I have not done in a very long time. The acting, costumes, screenplay, cinematography and soundtrack are all fantastic! And, since this magnificent film is based on a true story it makes it all the more gripping!

If the Spanish Armada had been successful the United States would probably not exist! England would of ended up a Spanish colony like the Netherlands eventually did! And all of history would have been radically changed for the worse. At least in England they had the Magna Charter! Spain's legal system, on-the-other-hand, was an absolute dictatorship. A legacy that did not end until 1975 with the death of the dictator Fransisco Franco!!

Quite simply, being Protestant made you a member of a minority religion in Queen Elizabeth's day! Thankfully, in most parts of the world we have now grown-up and accept minority religions as a fact of life. But during Elizabeth's reign you were literally putting your life on the line. Something this brilliant film makes crystal clear, regardless if Queen Elizabeth was no saint!

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Cate Blanchett did a stellar portrayal of Elizabeth, the queen who launched England into years of prosperity. During her years in power, England became the worlds strongest sea power. Loved the period costumes.

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Thor (Three-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy) (2011)

Thor is Marvel's best superhero movie yet. It is even better than the first Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk films. It is also the most visually stunning of any Marvel film, with gorgeous fantasy settings, great costumes, and spectacular special effects.

In the same way as Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight worked just as well as a crime drama as a superhero movie, Thor works just as well as a standalone fantasy film. Even if I had not known that I was watching a comic book movie, I would have been just as happy with the story. In fact, I would say that you don't actually need to be familiar with the characters or the comic mythology to enjoy the film.

The story is set half in Asgard, the realm of the gods, and half in our world, Earth. Thor, the son of the king of Asgard, the wise Odin, is a proud and arrogant king-in-waiting. He makes a foolish mistake that brings his world to the brink of war and his father exiles him to our world as punishment, and maybe to teach him how to be a better man. On Earth, Thor makes some new friends and even begins to fall in love with a pretty scientist. Meanwhile, in Asgard, his brother Loki begins to put into motion a plot that may threaten Thor's home.

Two things about the film really stood out to me. The first is the absolutely beautiful settings and solid world-building in the movie. Asgard looks amazing, with settings such as the Rainbow Bridge, a crystal structure with colored lights running through it, spanning a sea that flows into a massive waterfall, cascading down into the open cosmos. Also, great costuming really makes the gods stand out, and adds to the film's epic feel. The second thing was the character of Loki, the film's antagonist. Watching the trailers, I expected a greasy, honorless villain (someone like Wormtongue from the Lord of the Rings). Instead I got the story of a hero, told in reverse. Loki's story mirrors his brother Thor's, but where Thor starts out as an arrogant royal brat and through his time on Earth comes to realize what it means to be a hero, Loki begins the story as a mischievous but honorable man, and over the course of the film turns into a really bad guy. As Thor rises, he falls. And when his final plan is revealed at the end of the film, it totally fits his personality and everything you know about him. In other superhero films, we're used to seeing the bad guy go on some kind of mindless rampage at the end of the film. We saw it in The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, the Spider Man movies, the Fantastic Four...but not here. Loki acts like a man with a purpose. Actually he has two purposes, both very personal to him. One is to do commit a terrible act of destruction, partly out of self-loathing and partly out of a twisted sense of honor toward his father. And the other is simply to beat his brother, proving himself Thor's equal. He is easily the deepest villain of any of the Marvel films so far.

The film is directed by Shakespearean actor Kenneth Branagh (Gilderoy Lockhart!), who handles the epic material perfectly. More than any Marvel film so far, this one focuses on the hero's journey. Even more than a comic book movie, this is a fantasy film about a hero. Expect father-son drama, palace intrigue in the realm of the gods, and an epic confrontation between two brothers who have been become very different people over the course of the story. There is also plenty of humor, with a few real laugh-out-loud moments. And there is a very sweet, almost cute romance woven into the story. It carries an innocent, young-love kind of feeling. It also takes the two characters, one a god more concerned with war and glory, the other a scientist more concerned with solving the mysteries of the universe, and brings them down to earth in their budding love for one another.

I would recommend Thor to any lover of fantasy films, as well as any fans of comic book movies such as Marvel's Avengers lineup. It is solid fantasy fun with a strong sense of the epic and the heroic. And when you see Thor finally wield his hammer and summon the lightning, you'll want to stand up and cheer.

I went to see this with our 9 year old son, honestly not expecting very much. While I have enjoyed Portman and Hopkins in a number of roles, I felt this would be just another comic book hero movie with a bad script, extremely predictable character development, and unoriginal attempts at humor.

I was wrong...

Not only did I AND our 9 year old boy enjoy THOR, our 13 year old daughter, 15 year old goddaughter, and two more of our daughter's friends enjoyed it...ALL 3 TIMES WE SAW IT!!!

That's right...I saw THOR with our kids 3 times. Granted, this is a bit over-killed, but we thoroughly enjoyed the movie every time and plan to purchase it on opening DVD release day. Here's why:

1. I felt it was age appropriate.

2. Was it violent, sure...was it gory, no.

3. It had clear lines of good and bad, treated well with a myriad of complexities that led people to their struggles...so it felt honest.

4. I thought it was a GREAT play into the Avengers movie that is on the way.

5. I felt Branagh did a wonderful job directing...they should consider allowing him to direct the Avengers.

Rent this one...buy it...whatever works for you. It's good entertainment with plenty of action, quick wit, and a sweet redemption in the end. No Oscars here, but a good film nonetheless...thumbs up!

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Comic book fans get a lot of flak for being nerds, dweebs and geeks; or at least they used to. Now comics are en vogue as millions of people attend geekfests like Comic Con; although whether that's to see the movie and television stars in attendance remains to be seen. Comic book characters are our mythology, they rival the super powered beings and gods of ancient Greek, Mesopotamian, and Viking mythology. We as humans have always felt this need to look up to higher powers to sort out our lives, believing that the fate of our race is better left in the hands of someone capable of bending the rules of physics. It's only natural then that eventually the worlds of comics and ancient mythology would collide as it does in the new Marvel movie Thor.

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is the arrogant first born son of King Odin (Anthony Hopkins) of Asgard, and the rightful heir to the throne. When Thor commits an act that could lead to war between Asgard and the Frostgiants, with whom they have a very shaky truce, Odin strips Thor of his powers and banishes him to Earth until he learns humility. On Earth Thor is found by astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and her team (Stellan Skarsgard, Kat Dennings) as they study atmospheric disturbances in New Mexico.

Thor is one of Marvel's lesser known properties, despite having been created by Stan Lee back in 1962. An integral character in Marvel's super powered team The Avengers, the movie version of the comic book was announced not long after the success of Iron Man as part of Marvel Studios attempt to bring The Avengers to the big screen. While Marvel has had great success with the first Iron Man movie and to a lesser extent Iron Man 2 and The Incredible Hulk (which is the closest Marvel Studios has come to failure so far), Thor was a risky proposition with the greatest potential for failure. How does one meld the worlds of the mythical Asgard and Earth seamlessly into a movie that is part of a bigger picture with characters that are based solely in our realm?

Enter Kenneth Branagh. The success of Thor can largely be pinned on having a filmmaker with appropriate gravitas to ground the film. Branagh is a star of stage as well as film (for those of you unfamiliar with the name he played Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets). The presence of Branagh alone was somewhat curious considering he's known more for directing acclaimed works like Hamlet (1996) and Henry V (1989) and even as an Irishman the English consider him one of the leaders in Shakespearean theater. It's that knowledge of film and theater that really guides Thor as he borrows as much from Shakespeare's Henry V as he does from modern action films.

Also adding to the weight of Kenneth Branagh's credentials are a list of acclaimed and award winning actors and actresses such as Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgard, Rene Russo, and Idris Elba. Not only do they have the opportunity to ground the movie, but they also look like they're having fun. Part of why we enjoy this movie is because we can see that they enjoy the movie. No one ever really feels like they're hamming it up or sleepwalking through their scenes, you get the sense that aside from the emotions they convey for their characters concerning their predicaments they all want to be on this set and that feeling is infectious. Also Tom Hiddleston's Loki is a revelation at a time when I have to admit that Marvel Studio's previous villains have been lacking a certain je ne sais que. Hiddleston plays the character with a secret, and a glimmer behind the eyes that slowly unravels like a ripe onion throughout the film holding on to his deceit with the hope of another day. He's more complex than the previous villains that have come out of Marvel Studios, and I'm looking forward to his return in The Avengers.

The real linchpin for why this all works though is Chris Hemsworth. While having been around here and there in blink and you'll miss it parts, Hemsworth got his first big break in JJ Abrams Star Trek reboot in the pivotal role of George Kirk, father of James T. Kirk. While his place in geekdom had been set in a small yet important role, the question of whether he could pull off the Norse god turned Marvel superhero. In a lot of actor's hands this would have been a one note character bereft of emotion and humor. Hemsworth is a magnetic leading man, though, exuding charisma and confidence. His poise commands respect, and he effortlessly flows from emotion to emotion, arrogance to humility, with a comedic timing that leaves the audience in stitches but still doesn't undermine his character.

As with most, if not all comic book movies, this movie tries hard to give you a lot of plot in a short two hour span (I say short because it leaves you wanting more, the way a good action movie should). Naturally, some things are a little undercooked but don't ruin the movie. In the end, as much as I fell in love with Natalie Portman's character (as I do with almost any character she plays) the romantic connection between Thor and Foster didn't ring true because for most of the film he seemed somewhat disinterested only to find his infatuation with her later in the movie. Thor's progression from arrogant strongman to humble hero also seems to be slightly haphazard as it really feels as though it could have used more time to flesh out. Hemsworth does an admirable job making the audience feel each twist and turn of the character, but each twist and turn feels a little too abrupt to be genuine.

All in all though, this was an excellent film: a piece of escapist entertainment that embraces Shakespeare as much as it embraces modern blockbuster pop-art. On the scales of Marvel I'd rate this just slightly under Iron Man and far above Iron Man 2 and The Incredible Hulk. The fact that they were able to get Thor right gives me hope for The First Avenger: Captain America and The Avengers. If you're a fan of comic book movies, Iron Man, or Marvel I highly recommend that you give this film a try. Not to mention, this is quite possibly the best use of 3D I recall since Avatar. Check it out!

4/5

For more review check out: jasoncwilkerson.blogspot.com

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Thor is a difficult comic hero to bring to the big screen, but director Kenneth Branagh (Hamlet) has pulled it off with ease. What helps though is that Chris Hemsworth is perfectly cast as Thor and Tom Hiddleston is as well cast as his evil brother Loki. Plus, unlike with Iron Man 2, you get plenty of action to please you as well.

Roger Ebert hated Thor and thinks that every Marvel film since Spider-Man 2, just hasn't been as good. However, Thor is the way it should be. What is a good comic adaption according to Ebert anyway, was Thor supposed use his powers to deliver pizza ? Was he supposed to spend half the movie pouring his heart out to Natalie Portman's answering machine as she just stands there listening looking annoyed ?

After Thor loses his powers when he comes to Earth, was he supposed to strut down the street with a smile on his face as the song "rain drops falling on my head" plays ? No! Thor works as a magical and macho fantasy and that's exactly what a Thor movie should be!

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I bought my first Thor comic at age 6 or 7, way back in the 60's! I now have them all from "Journey Into Mystery #83" thru issue 500 or so. I even own some original Kirby art from "Thor". The movie surpassed my expectations!

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Mesrine: Public Enemy #1 (Part 2) (2011)

Note: This DVD presentation is a direct continuation of the Jacque Mesrine crime saga that began with "Mesrine: Killer Instinct." If you haven't seen that film, you will probably want to in advance of screening this one. Both theatrically and for DVD distribution, this film was split into two distinct parts and packaged separately. There are, however, international DVD versions available that have the complete product--if you choose to go that route and buy only one DVD, just make sure that the DVD is compatible with your DVD player.

Branded his country's Public Enemy No. 1 for his international exploits during the sixties and seventies, Jacque Mesrine's notoriety brought him a certain celebrity status. With murders, bank heists, kidnappings, and bold prison breaks--Mesrine embraced his lawlessness with a flair and flamboyance that have maintained his cult appeal even thirty years after his death. Adapting Mesrine's own memoir, writer/director Jean-Francois Richet has divided Mesrine's escapades into two feature films. The first--"Mesrine: Killer Instinct"--charts his initiation into a gangster existence and his rise to worldwide attention while this follow-up "Mesrine: Public Enemy #1" charts the height and end stages of his criminal career. Where the first installment was an episodic character study that explained Mesrine's descent into crime, this film boldly takes on the appeal of a full fledged action epic.

Don't expect any back story or recap going into "Public Enemy #1." The narrative starts right off with an exciting court house escape and the momentum rarely wanes. Vincent Cassel delivers a performance of much power and charm as the relentless Mesrine. These years (the seventies) have Cassel embracing his criminal notoriety and fame. Filled with bravado, Mesrine toys with the cops and fashions himself a true celebrity bad boy. Heck, the most brutal sequence in the film is directly related to Mesrine have received some unfavorable press! Mathieu Amalric, as a fellow escapee and part time partner, makes for an interesting foil and ally to our outlaw hero and Ludivine Sagnier has some bright spots as Mesrine's opportunistic girlfriend.

But, in truth, this picture--and indeed the entire saga--belongs to Cassel in a true star performance. The film is fast paced, surprisingly funny, and infused with high tension. Even in the finale, where you know what is going to happen, the director shoots the sequence with so much precision and tenseness--you'll be at the edge of your seat. I genuine liked the first film even if the episodic nature kept things at a somewhat superficial level. But, I loved this follow-up! One of the better true crime stories I've seen in a while, it's one I would easily recommend if you're interested in the genre. And one more shout-out to Cassel, he really is awesome! KGHarris, 4/11.

MESRINE: PUBLIC ENEMY #1 is a sequel, or actually Part II of MESRINE: KILLER INSTINCT. It is important to note this fact because for the casual viewer who picks up this DVD first there will be a lot of background story missing. Apparently there is somewhat of a cult of Mesrine devotees, so powerful was his image as the most devious criminal of the 1960s -1970s in France. Or perhaps it is the media that makes criminals like Charles Manson, Bonnie and Clyde, John Gotti, Al Capone, John Dillinger etc etc 'heros' to the public. But if examining the lives of such beings entertains you then this film may register.

Apparently the first film in this biopic showed the development of Jacques Mesrine (Vincent Cassel) as he becomes a bank robber, kidnapper, jail breaker, etc, but this film starts with Mesrine in court form which he escapes and then proceeds to rob banks and kill people and eventually end up believing in his own grandeur as Public Enemy #1. The film was written by Abdel Raouf Dafri and director Jean-François Richet who obviously are more concerned with setting up ambushes and escapes and robberies than with character development. The is one well-written scene in the film Mesrine sneaking into a hospital where his father (Michel Duchaussoy) is dying that is true drama, but the rest is rather uncontrolled raucous crime. Vincent Cassel is such a fine actor that he is able to bring to life this atrocious character (having not seen Part 1 leaves any advantage that film may have given to his character development and why this actor suddenly has a beer gut, etc). He is abetted by Ludivine Sagnier as his pickup girlfriend Sylvia, Mathieu Almaric (another very fine French actor) as his accomplice François Besse, Samuel Le Bihan, Gérard Lanvin, Olivier Gourmet, and Georges Wilson.

The film is overly long (133 minutes) to tolerate all action/no story, but one factor remains: Vincent Cassel's performance is intriguing, right up to his grisly death scene. Not for the faint of heart or for viewers who appreciate a script with a story. Grady Harp, April 11

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Good movie! I lived there when this went down and found it true in the details. More movies like this.

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Lots of moody looks take the place of action or actual progress. Cassell is very good in both movies, as usual.

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As an American with an appreciation of French cinema, I enjoyed "Mesrine: Public Enemy #1" (MPE1), but wouldn't rank it alongside the best gangster or crime movies from the U.S. or the U.K. The filmmakers do an excellent job of recreating the scenery, clothing and hairstyles of the 1970s, and the movie has its moments of suspense. However, American audiences are likely to compare it to the many thrillers that fill our cineplexes, and MPE1 doesn't quite measure up. The gunfights and car chase scenes are just not as powerful; in fact, when a cheap Renault getaway car gets spun around and dented in MPE1, I chuckled a bit at the thought of such an underpowered car being used by criminal masterminds in a life-or-death situation. I guess it's better than a Vespa...

The primary reason why "Mesrine: Public Enemy #1" can't compare to over-the-top thrilling crime movies such as "The Dark Knight" is that MPE1 is actually based on factual people and events. There really was a Jacques Mesrine in France who robbed banks, murdered several people, and escaped from prison multiple times. MPE1 does adhere to the basic facts of Mesrine's actual life story, at least as it is captured on Wikipedia.

Vincent Cassel gives a decent performance as Mesrine. At times Mesrine's viciousness comes through, but much of the rest of the time Mesrine is clowning around or strutting about with his chest puffed out. I wondered if Cassel was perhaps playing the role a bit too much for laughs, but maybe this is the way that Mesrine really was. The chief question posed by the film is: why did Mesrine do it? At times he claims to be a revolutionary, at times he wants revenge for the suffering he and others endured in prison, at times he lusts after the money, and at other times he just appears to be doing it for the thrills. It is up to the viewer to draw a conclusion.

Ludivine Sagnier achieves absolute perfection as Syliva, Mesrine's favorite "objet d'affection". She doesn't make her appearance until halfway through the film, but oh what an entrance it is. Sylvia instantly captivates Mesrine, and Sagnier does the same with every viewer who appreciates female beauty. In all her scenes she is absolutely gorgeous, and one can see why Mesrine wanted to shower Sylvia with jewels. Sylvia herself is an interesting character, and her priorities and feelings towards Mesrine are debatable until the very last scene of the movie. Certainly Mesrine is the more famous character, but I think an interesting movie could also have been made of Sylvia's life leading up to and beyond her relationship with Mesrine.

The supporting cast is mostly excellent, especially Mathieu Amalric, who gives a haunting portrayal as a criminal associate of Mesrine's, and Georges Wilson, who gives a wonderfully understated performance as an elderly kidnap victim. The version of the film I saw was dubbed in English, which was slightly distracting, but probably less so than subtitles would have been, especially in the action sequences. All in all I would recommend MPE1 if you are interested in the Jacques Mesrine story or if you would enjoy a trip back to France in the 1970s. But if you are purely in the market for an escapist thriller, there are more thrilling options out there.

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To Save a Life (2010)

To Save A Life is a terrific movie for teens and adults. It has a Christian theme, but is extremely relative and appropriate for any teen or parent. The movie is very gripping for most people to watch, and definitely one that will stay with you after it ends. It has loud music, partying, and subject matter that many parents wish were not so close to every home these days--cutting, depression, bullying, alcohol abuse, sex, pregnancy, drugs, suicide, divorce, and more.

This is great for a family or groups to watch together. Great talking points to address with teens about the realities of life, consequences, and the fact that things can't always be "fixed" instantly or undone. Parents could rent this and watch it alone first, or just buy it. It is a movie that opens eyes, and one that you will want to share with/pass on to others.

For parents: If you forgot what high school feels like, watching this will bring back memories you may have forgotten, plus others you can hardly imagine your teen dealing with everyday. Way beyond pimples. Disturbing, but highly recommended!

This was one of my 15-year old daughter Elizabeth's favorite movies. (In fact, she often wore her To Save A Life promo shirt to school.) I read the book first, then saw the movie with Elizabeth (she had already seen the movie with our youth group the week before and it was the last movie we saw together as father and daughter; she died of unknown causes about a week later). To Save A Life is a powerful, gritty, true to life Christian film that deals with a lot of issues that plague our families and youth today: the cult of popularity, bullying, family troubles & divorce, depression, suicide, underage drinking, drugs, sex, teen pregnancy, and self abuse or cutting, etc. All this is seen through the eyes of Jake Taylor high school senior, star athlete, popular man on campus, with a full-ride basketball scholarship to Louisville, and of course, the hottest girl in high school.

After Jake's often ignored childhood friend Roger commits suicide in the hallway of their school, he begins to re-evaluate how he had treated his friend in recent years. As he starts to wrestle with his own sense of right and wrong and his responsibility to others, he meets Chris, a youth pastor who intrigues him despite his own lack of interest in religion. As Jake's relationships with his parents and girlfriend Amy deteriorate, Chris becomes someone he can talk to, and his weekly youth group becomes a safe place where he can hang out and just be himself without the fear of being judged. With Chris' help, Jake sets out on a journey of personal transformation and growth that will reveal God's amazing unconditional love and Jake's power to make a difference in the lives of others one person at a time beginning with Johnny, another outcast.

This movie is so powerful I wish I could show it to every high school and junior high school in our area. The issues raised are often ignored in our society and fester under the surface in individual lives. Often we find out about them after the fact. They need to be addressed before then. Parents and youth need to know that the ONLY answer to life's problems is Jesus Christ, and that as follwers of our Lord we can have a positive ripple effect in the lives of others as we share the good news of the gospel. Whether you're a Christian or not, this is one movie that parents and their teenagers have got to see!

Check out my book reviews of To Save A Life and Jake's Choice, the sequel, on Amazon.com!

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My 20yr old daughter and I watched this movie together and enjoyed it. However we were shocked at the bedroom scene. You see them naked as a silhouette. The dancing at the party was really sensual, and the supporting actress was dressed very skimpily throughout the movie. There was also mild cussing. I wish I could have let my other kids watch it, but no way! The bedroom scene was especially disturbing.

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As the subject title implies, I come from a Jewish heritage, and now attend the local Unitarian Universalist church. I saw the movie with my husband and 13 yr. old granddaughter, and we all loved it. Out of respect for Rachael Britts, one of the authors, who I worked with at our local high school, I wanted to see the movie. I was half expecting a Christain solution to everything, but I found it very moving for all faiths tackling many controversial subjects. The subject of Christianity was only brought up a few times.

As an open-minded individual who tries to respect all different types of people, I think this is a great movie for everyone. Watch for other books from the Britts dealing with other controversial issues!

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On opening weekend (January 23, 2010), I took 27 friends to go see this movie in theaters. This was my second screening of the film, as my husband and I saw a free sneak preview in the fall of 2009. Upon the first viewing, we went in expecting very little, but were both *blown away* by the quality and substance of this "indie release" film. The quality of the acting, screenplay, and technical aspects surpassed everything I was expecting. It's the story of a Middle-American high school senior named Jake Taylor, who "has it all"... he's popular, has a cheerleader girlfriend, a basketball scholarship to his dream college, and is living up his senior year. That is, until his childhood best friend Roger commits suicide in the school hallway and turns Jake's life upside down. He begins to question everything about himself and realizes there may be a lot more to life than beer pong and sex with his girlfriend. He learns to reach out to some new friends and finds ways to make Roger's death a legacy, not just a tragedy.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but I will say that this movie touches on at LEAST a dozen hot topic issues that modern teenagers have to deal with on a daily basis. This is the most realistic portrayal I have seen of a typical high school in a long time, and as one of my young friends said after seeing the film, "It was TOO realistic." The movie is rated PG-13 for good reasons and I wouldn't recommend it to a younger crowd. However I DO recommend it to anyone in high school or older. It is an EXCELLENT movie that *ALL* teenagers need to see... It causes the viewer to reflect on the impact that each person has on others around them and how much difference one person can choose to make in the life of another who is lonely. I think every teen will find SOME character to whom they can relate.

Though it's touted as an "inspirational" film, there's absolutely nothing cheesy about this movie. It portrays Christians in a very accurate light, with both good and bad attributes acknowledged (such as hypocrisy & imperfection). It's not preachy or pushy with its message, except to say that you CAN make a difference in the world around you. It's also not without humor that this movie entertains the audience, taking on several twists and turns throughout the plot.

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River of No Return (1954)

This review refers to "The Diamond Collection" DVD(20th cent fox) of "The River of No Return".......

Think maternal instincts can't be sexy? Snuggle up to this romantic adventure, and let Marilyn Monroe sing you a lullaby in "The River of No Return" and decide for yourself! Also starring Robert Mitchum and Rory Calhoun as the men in her life, it's the perfect rainy afternoon flick.

After the death of his wife, Matt Calder(Mitchum) is starting life anew with his young son Mark(Tommy Rettig). He has a little cabin in the beautiful mountains of the Northwest and is going to teach Mark to become a man. But there's trouble amiss.... Harry Weston(Calhoun),a merciless gambler, beats and robs Calder of his gun and his horse, leaving him injured and defenseless against an impending Indian attack. Weston's fiancee(Monroe), the gorgeous saloon singer with a heart, stays on to nurse Calder back to health and look after the boy. But..there's no time to hang around, the Indians are getting closer and the three take off on a raft down river to escape the Indians and to find Weston.

The adventure begins as they fight off the Indians,and the elements, try to keep from starving, learn each other's secrets and find love.The dazzling cinematography capturing the river, the mountains, and the wooded areas is second only to Marilyn's beauty.You'll be taken in by the story and the scenery in this wonderful film directed by Otto Preminger. Monroe, Mitchum and Calhoun will cast their spells on you.

You'll be amazed by the restoration and outstanding transfer to the DVD 20th Cent Fox has made of this nearly 50 year old film. The Anamorphic Widescreen(2.55:1) picture takes in every bit of the beauty of the Northwest wilderness. The technicolor is bright and doesn't look in the least washed out.The audio in 4.0 Dolby Surround is wonderful, you'll think Marilyn and her guitar are right there in the room singing to you! The DVD "extras" include a comparison of the restoration with the original and a still galley with lots of photos. It may be viewed in French(Stereo) and has subtitles in English and Spanish. It's a great edition to any Classic Film collection.

Fall in love again.......Laurie

more of marilyn:Marilyn Monroe: Diamond Collection

From 1952 1954 MM (Marilyn Monroe) acted in three serious dramatic movies; 1952 "Don't Bother to Knock she played a crazy madwoman babysitter, 1953 "Niagara" a husband murdering adulterous (her greatest dramatic role ever) and 1954 "River Of No Return" a saloon singer who finds true love in the Pacific NorthWest (her Greatest dramatic love story)!!

In 1954 MM was voted Photoplay magazines favorite female actress (Todays equivalent is "Peoples Magazines). MM was reaching her prime and everyone loved Marilyn. Unfortunately many critics and fans would not accept Marilyn's dramatic talents and only loved her in comedies.

Well ladies and Gentlemen now MM's three greatest dramatic roles are now available in the Diamond Collection II.

The "River Of No Return" was one of the first CinemaScope, Technicolor, with stereophonic sound. Now this has been digitally transferred to DVD with Anamorphic WideScreen (enhanced for 16x9 tvs), masterfull digital color and digital sound. The picture 7 sound quality of this DVD is outstanding.

This movies has it all; a dynamic adventure story, Outstanding Actors Marilyn Monroe magical and beautiful. Robert Mitchum the perfect match for Marilyn (their film chemistry is real). Tommy Rettig (later to play Jeff on the tv show "Lassie) as Mitchums son. Rory Calhoun as the perfect bad guy gambler louse boyfriend of Marilyn. Director Otto Preminger performs his visual magic of this very picturesque out door adventure.

Summary: Beaten & robbed Mitchum, his son & bad guy saloon girlfriend (Marilyn)are left behind to die in Indian country by bad guy (Calhoun). Their only escape is down the "River Of No Return" on a raft. This perilous journey has hero (Mitchum), son (Rettig) & herione (Monroe) fighting Indians, Trappers, mountain lions and the rapid rich river. Mitchum's only focus is to get Calhoun.

Marilyn acts beautifully with fresh believable performance as the frontier saloon girl. Mitchum is the perfect leading man (Marilyns best romantic leading man). It is truly to bad people haven't until now on DVD been able to see MM as a very talented dramatic actress. Now for the first time we can on this digital DVD.

Extras include: Trailer, Restoration comparisons & film gallery.

Sit back and enjoy MM's acting versatility, beauty and cinema magic. This is Marilyns greatest love story. Enjoy.

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Okay, Marilyn Monroe does not look like the authentic 1880s saloon girl..... but who cares, she is marvelous in this western. Robert Mitchum is also superb in this gorgeous restoration on DVD.

It should be noted that to Marilyns credit, she DID most of her own stunts, and she was also seriously injured during the shoot in the Canadian Rockies. Most actresses would never do their own stunts in a movie like this. Running the rapids on a flat wooden raft... but she did, and she looked like she knew what she was doing as well! Of course, we see her in 3 Travilla gowns that are breathtakingly all Marilyn.

I love this movie... it has scenery, music, Robert and Marilyn, a bad guy, and pre-Lassie Tommy Retig, who is great in his role as well. This is grand entertainment and a quality restoration.

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Mitchum rescues Calhoun and Marilyn from a leaky raft; Calhoun returns the favour by stealing his horse and abandoning them (along with Mitchum's young son) to hostile Indians. This film isn't great by any stretch of the imagination, yet it presents the 27 year-old Monroe at her most beautiful. While the dialogue in this film leaves something to be desired, (Monroe herself was not pleased with having to do this film she thought she deserved better material by 1954) the chemistry between Monroe and Mitchum is very evident and the gorgeous Canadian Rockies scenery is breathtaking in Technicolor.

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Marilyn doesn't play a dolly-girl in this film. She plays a very human female who has seen hardships and goes through many in the film, and takes it like a toughened woman. I've never seen her quite like this in any of her other films. I love all of her films, but this is a stand-out and unique. I wouldn't rate it as one of her best films, but she IS super in it. It's a Level 2 Marilyn film, not quite up there with How to Marry a Millionaire and The Seven Year Itch, but still pretty darn good!

Robert Mitchum is, as always, superb, and there is a good chemistry between the two. A definite must on DVD for any Marilyn fan. If only somewhat interested get the VHS, but Marilyn fans and Western fans will want the Widescreen DVD.

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HD MOODS: AQUARIUM - Blu-Ray (2008)

This product is exactly what it claims to be a colorful, mostly high quality blu ray of a couple of aquariums. Of course it's no substitute for the real thing, but I have my 52" LCD built into a cabinet and it definitely gives the ambiance of having a built-in aquarium. It injects a sense of calm into the room while we're sitting around talking or reading.

The shots are all fixed no panning, no zooming. Each shot is a portion of an aquarium that stays fixed for a few minutes, then it cuts to another portion of the same aquarium.

It's 1080p so it fills your 16x9 screen with no bars at the top or side.

There are 3 scenes to choose from:

Tank 1 a colorful tank with various types of coral and a dozen or so tropical fish that make appearances at various times.

Tank 2 a more natural setting with more muted colors. There are some flourishes of fish, but mostly the fish population is fairly sparse throughout most of this one. The camera cuts to a slightly different view after a few minutes showing more of a close up of the large sea anemone but putting the coral in the background pretty out of focus. It's probably intentional, but a little distracting if you're staring at it certainly not a scene to use to show off your HDTV. Like the others, after a few more minutes it cuts to another view of the tank with quite a few colorful fish in this one.

Bonus Tank a closeup on a conch shell in what appears to be Tank 1, with a few Nemo fish hanging out. It's ok, but I don't see myself using this much, if at all.

I find Tank 1 to be the best very relaxing with lots of color, and fish on the screen at all times.

It automatically switches from tank 1 to tank 2 with about 5 seconds of black screen between the two, so if you want just one tank, you'll need to set your player to repeat the chapter you want.

As far as audio goes, there are 3 soundtracks available in either 5.1 surround or 2 channel stereo:

Natural aquarium bubble sounds. This is for ambience so the sound is mixed way in the background.

Calm relaxing spa type electronic music. Ok, except for the drone that enters and exits once a minute or so that sounds like an airplane flying through your media room strange.

Slow more spa type new agey music with a synthesizer loosely mimicking air bubbles.

The music is ok, but not my taste. Fortunately you can set it to natural and just listen to the bubbles or set your receiver or TV to play another music source.

All in all, especially considering the low price, I'm pleased with this one.

I was worried about the video quality after reading a few reviews, but this has lived up to my expectations. I am using on a 46in Samsung 1080p television, and it looks really sharp. This is exactly what I wanted for ambiance at parties...where you don't want overly distracting content playing on the TV. It really is nearly convincing enough to make you believe this could be a real aquarium.. The bubbling sound effects are good, although I plan to play my own music when using this. The "spa" inspired sound tracks are not really my thing. Also, there are 3 tank scene options, but the only one I really like is the first (default) one...the second one is ok, but the third one is too zoomed to be believable. It wasn't really clear to me at first that I had to activate the "popup menu" via my Sony Blu-Ray remote in order to access scene and sound options...that probably should have been in some form of instruction on the package.

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I found no problems with the video quality of this disk. It is filmed very well, very high quality, looks great using my blu-ray player and 1080p TV which I believe also has upscaling.

I found all three of the "tanks" to be entertaining and exquisite, the music is relaxing and interesting. The tropical tank is probably the best, but they are all good the more natural tank is certainly not boring, and the last bonus tank is more of a closeup so you see the fish more clearly.

This really will look like a real fish tank if you have a wall TV.

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A very pretty picture but lacks the "wow factor" one would expect from 1080p. The audio is fair.

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This blue-ray is very clear and has a great picture. It shipped very fast also. The reason for the 3 stars is that the camera for the video is to close to the fish. I thought i was getting an aquarium type video and what this is is shoots of parts of the aquarium up close. I want to look at my TV and think it is a real aquarium, not a video of fish up close. its worth $4 but i will have to keep looking for a video with an aquarium from edge to edgetop to bottom.

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Inuyasha: The Movie the Complete Collection (2013)

THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 4-FILM BLU-RAY COLLECTION. This is the perfect completion to anyone's InuYasha collection. Seven box sets of DVDs, the new, concluding series and now the movies. I thought this was going to be the best part. It was, sort of. The presentation of this product is four films on two Blu-ray discs. Upon watching them, I noticed something peculiar: it looked like I was watching it on my own tube sets from the 1990s, not the 40in LCD in 24P mode. The films are presented in 1080i. That's right, INTERLACED. That went out with NTSC, DVD and VHS. I bought these because I honestly don't know of a single 1080i Blu-ray on the face of the earth. The reason I buy Blu-ray discs is to get the films in a progressive presentation. I don't know what the manufacturers of this disc was thinking, but I say WAIT until they fix this and rerelease it correctly. Four stars for the films, minus one for the sadly cheap interlaced presentation. Very depressing.

For the Inuyasha fan this is a must have. I own this collection on DVD so when I saw it available on blu-ray I got it right away. Blu-ray version is definitely worth it as the anime seems to come alive that much more. Four movies on two disks.

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all 4 Inuyasha movies together for the first time in a 2 disc Blu-ray set. and for the price it's practically a steal!! i don't see a reason why you wouldn't want to own this. sure you have your complainers who have to cry about this not being perfect, or that not being right..."would you like some cheese with that wine?" i'm just glad the films finally got released and together in one set!! that's an epic win in my book ;)

as for the Blu-ray content itself:

the back of the box says it's 1080i, however my player has no problem up-converting it to 1080p and quite frankly i think the picture quality looks absolutely phenomenal!! audio is English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (with or without english subtitles) and Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (with english subtitles, there's no option to turn them off with this setting). with that being said i think this set is well worth purchasing

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I have the complete collection and simply love the series. These 4 installments are all outstanding. Must have for any Inuyasha fan.

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great bluray collection!! im a big fan of inuyasha the series but to get the movies on bluray and all in one box that's awesome!!! I recommend this one!!!

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21 Jump Street (+ UltraViolet Digital Copy) (2012)

I've never been a fan of Channing Tatum for an assorted number of reasons. My principle reason for my disliking Channing Tatum is his lack of acting talent. His deficiencies as an actor were made apparent in every genre of film. Ever since he broke onto the scene with "Step Up",he has delivered his signature one-note performance in every movie in which he has been cast. And it seemed as if he would never get any better. I was ready to give up on him until I read the reviews for "21 Jump Street". Not only was the movie supposed to be well done, but Mr. One Note Channing Tatum was supposed to have turned in one of his best performances as well. Out of a morbid sense of curiosity, I had to see the movie for myself; and after nearly two hours of continuous guffawing, I left the theatre with a new sense of hope. Channing Tatum may have found his niche as a movie actor:he can be a funny man. Channing Tatum is......funny.

I remember watching 21 Jump Street as a youngster in the 1980's. I loved it when it was on network television. The premise: a bunch of young looking 20 something detectives pose as high school students as they attempt to curb the criminal activity that is perpetrated by high school students. This show became a career launching pad for many of the principle characters, including the venerable and legendary Johnny Depp. However, the show has become pretty dated, and I doubt that I could watch it with the same enthusiasm now that I'm in my thirties. And when I heard that they were remaking this television show for the big screen, I nearly gagged. But after seeing the movie remake with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, I have to say that I am so happy that I went against my instincts and saw this film. It is the funniest movie that I have seen in a long time. I actually laughed out loud while watching this movie, and it has been a long time since I have laughed out loud during any film.

The plot of the movie is not difficult to follow. Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are enemies in high school; with Channing Tatum being the popular high school jock(Jenko), while Jonah Hill is the socially awkward and geeky Eminem look-a-like(Schmidt). A few years after they graduate from high school, they enroll in the police academy. While at the academy, they discover that Schmidt is able to master the academic part of the training and Jenko is able to master the physical aspect of the police training. Jenko and Schmidt soon realize that if they are to make it past their respective exams, they are going to have to help one another. Their decision to cooperate with each other leads to a special friendship, and after graduating from the academy they are able to secure assignments in the same police unit.

Jenko and Schmidt prove to be inept as police officers in the bike unit, but they are given a second chance as undercover police officers. Their mission: infiltrate a drug operation in a high school that is run by a smarmy high school senior played by David Franco(James Franco's brother). Here the roles of Jenk and Schmidt are reversed. It is Jenko who is the social outcast while Schmidt is the cool insider. Turns out that in the year 2012 it is okay to be openly gay, carry your backpack using both straps, openly campaign for the preservation of the environment, and do well in school-which are all of the traits that Jenko used to hate about Schmidt. While they are trying to infiltrate the drug operation, Schmidt's popularity causes a rift in their friendship; and as their relationship collapses, so does their work as undercover officers. Eventually their antagonistic supervisor(played by Ice Cube!!!) has to fire them, and all hope seems to be lost for the two former friends. It does not take long for Jenko and Schmidt to become friends again; and with their friendship repaired they are able to prove their worth as officers through their special form of vigilantism.

As I've said before, Channing Tatum is really funny in this film. Jonah Hill and Ice Cube also deliver some really good liners as well. Although a remake, the film is original in its execution of the conventional screenplay. I highly recommend this film. And I have to say that if you choose to see this movie, you will be greeted with a really nice surprise near the end.

MOVIE REVIEW #27: " 21 Jump Street "

Talk about a pleasant surprise. I honestly wasn't expecting much from this film, but I can see why the reviews have been generally positive. Directors Phil Lord (Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs) and Chris Miller (Again Cloudy...) to a old TV show popular with teens and gave it a modern twist..... story by it's Executive Producer and Star Jonah Hill (Moneyball, Knocked Up) and Michael Bacall (Scott Pilgram Vs. The World) and its screenplay by Bacall it basically tell of stud and a nerd and everything that comes with each working against each other to eventually being best friends.

Not taking itself too seriously it shows two police academy graduates being assigned a special undercover operation involving a high school. Jonah is partnered with Channing Tatum (Dear John, G.I. Joe, The Dilema) and they eventually realized they complement each other with their own personal special abilities.

In the process they go through hilarious scenes involving "accidental" use of drugs, some wonderful high school tuxedos of the eighties and a running joke involving a series of questionable bikers that have one of the biggest TWISTS at the end of the film. (Spoilers!)

Rob Riggle (The Hangover, The Other Guys) gives an over-the-top performance as a High School coach with `issues' and a phony front to students Dave France (Superbad, Fight Night) and Brie Larson (13 Going On 30, Scott Pilgram Vs. The World) who believe he is what he is.

Meanwhile Channing and Jonah are guided by a over-zealous Police Captain played by Ice Cube (Fridays, First Sunday, Barber Shop) who thinks that this is a mission only they can handle because of the youthful looks but will fail because even together they are not so smart.

The film has lots of comedy, action, adventure, close-calls and some very clever dialogue.....not to mention that `Spoiler' I mentioned earlier....do you wanna know? Then read on. If not STOP HERE!

Two original series regulars make an appearance in this reinvention of an 80's TV series (that by the way, makes fun of itself by commenting that all sargents do now is try and reboot old things from the 80's) the real' 21 Jump Street' stars of the ORIGINAL series Johnny Depp (21 Jump Street, Pirates of the Caribbean 1, 2 and 3), Richard Grieco (21 Jump Street ,Point Doom ) and Peter DeLouise (Seaquest, 21 Jump Street) have an amazingly funny came...that borders on `black comedy' because of what happens to them. I'll say no more.

21 Jump Street is a funny film with a big heart. I enjoyed this very much and I think if you want legitimate comedy with a fantastic premise...this is your movie. Yes it's another rehash but it was fresh!

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"21 Jump Street" is only loosely based on the original television show that starred mega star Johnny Depp. The only real reason for comparison is the premise of police officers given orders to return to high school and pose as teenagers. They are instructed to infiltrate and bring down a synthetic drug manufacturing and distribution ring. Jonah Hill (Moneyball) plays Schmidt, a former high school nerd and current police officer newbie with skills of the brain, but no physical skills. Channing Tatum (The Vow) plays Jenko, who is just the opposite. Together, they are a perfect fit and a disaster waiting to happen.

"21 Jump Street" is a lot of fun and always entertaining. The movie introduces you to the characters and their personalities. You know them and you relate to them. The story is even fairly intriguing, which isn't always the case in movies like these. As Schmidt finds himself getting over all the things that plagued him in high school, you find yourself rooting for him.

There are constant jokes and laughs throughout the movie. Although, I did notice that many of the best laughs were spoiled by previously released promotional materials. Thankfully there are plenty of laughs to go around. The movie never lets up and is always interesting, funny and strangely endearing. It is also hilarious watching the two cops return to high school and finding the ways of the past to be just that. Jenko blames the phenomenon simply on the television show, "Glee".

Sure the movie is offensive at times, but the chemistry between Tatum and Hill is authentic and fun to watch. You get invested in their characters personalities early on and you are with them to the end.

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This movie is the funniest movie i have seen in a while. It really relates the characters to the high school days. It has great humor and some action. I don't understand why people dislike the movie. It's different than the 80's show, but it's a new spin that makes it very interesting. You must buy this movie! It is hilarious and has a great storyline.

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Be real. When you first heard that Jonah Hill was planning to remake 1980s era, Stephen Cannell produced cop series, 21 Jump Street, you probably scoffed and wrote it off immediately. You wouldn't be alone, and the reaction isn't without justification. Helping to launch the career of Johnny Depp and being the highlight for others like Holly Robinson and Richard Grieco, the show was ridiculous on its face, centered on a special crime unit of youthful looking adults infiltrating colleges and high schools. Frankly, the show was more cool than good, and neither by the final season. Fortunately, Jonah Hill and writer Michael Bacall knew there was no reason to revere the source material, deciding to go for something akin to Superbad meets Police Academy. It was a gamble, but a gamble that paid off as 21 Jump Street isn't just hilarious, it's a modern day comedy classic.

Achieving the heights of hilarity that 21 Jump Street does couldn't have been accomplished by simply bringing the same old tired idea and plopping it onto the big screen. Too many other attempted remakes have made that mistake, thinking adding a few modern wrinkles will suffice. High school is nothing like it was twenty years ago. The social dynamics are different, the students are different, and the idea of who should be popular has experienced quite a shift. Setting up the change beautifully, we are first introduced to Morton Schmidt(Hill) and Greg Jenko(Channing Tatum) in high school, where Morton is an nerd doing his best Eminem impression, while Greg is the prototypical popular jock stud.

Fast forward a few years and both are enrolling in the police training program, and both are terrible for reasons the other can compensate for. Greg becomes the brawn, and Morton the brains. After proving they don't have what it takes to handle the rough 'n tumble beat as bike cops, they are unceremoniously dumped into a rehashed program to use young looking cops as undercover agents in high schools. Wearing a sense of self awareness on its sleeve, the film takes a few jabs at itself for being a warmed over rehash as well, up to and including the use of Ice Cube as the token angry, African-American police captain. Cube, who has become an expert at playing off his old N.W.A. persona, is in rare form here, snarling and sneering at every opportunity. If there's a scene stealer, it's him.

When it comes to comedy, it's the little details that matter the most are often the funniest. Greg is hyped for an opportunity to go back to high school and be the popular guy again, while Morton is justifiably terrified of reliving those traumatic years. What they discover upon arrival is that the entire culture is different. Greg's bullying antics make him a loner, while Morton's brains and gentle nature earn him cred with the cool kids, which he uses to try and infiltrate their drug ring. In a lot of ways, 21 Jump Street has smarter insights into the ways teens think than some documentaries dedicated to the subject. You know from the start that Greg is going to get drunk off his new found popularity, and while it plays out like something out of Can't Buy Me Love, it works.

Insightful thought it may be, there's plenty of room for gross out gags, penis jokes, and toilet humor. Hill is old hat at this type of thing by now, although it's unfair to say he's playing the same role here. His character is a little less self confident than usual, and not at all the miscreant he played in Superbad. Tatum, a better actor than many want to give him credit for, shows an affinity for physical comedy we haven't seen from him before. It's hilarious to watch his blank, clearly confused face as the world he thought he knew is flipped upside down. Even more so, he's a ball to watch leaping over cars and beating up rowdy teenagers. The jokes at his expense, since he clearly has the body of a thirty year old man and towers over everybody, are some the film's best. Tatum seems more than willing to roll with the punches and cut loose. For the most part, the supporting cast shines as well. Bridesmaids co-star Ellie Kemper is equal parts sweet and filthy as a teacher with a Mary Kay Leternou style obsession with Tatum. Dave Franco doesn't have much to do, but Brie Larson gives a winning performance as Molly, the girl who falls for Hill's charms.

With so much attention focused on Hill, Tatum, and Bacall, it's easy to forget that the glue holding this madcap adventure together are directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Their only gig up to this point was the animated Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and you can see they brought some of the comic madness of that film into 21 Jump Street. The action sequences, of which there are plenty, are fast paced and splashed with a little bit of Looney Tunes wackiness.

You don't have to have been a fan of the show to appreciate this 21 Jump Street, but if you were then the film will feel even more special. Cameos are sprinkled throughout, including one especially brilliant appearance special for 'Jump Street' die-hards. There's practically nothing this film gets wrong. Even the closing credits rock. If there's one thing that they can do to screw this up it's making us wait too long for a sequel.

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