The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

This remake of Hitchcock's unremarkable 1934 version is substantially better. As he said in his own words, "Let's say the first version is the work of a talented amateur and the second was made by a professional."

Naturally there are some events that may be commonplace in the mid 1950's that you would never do today with your child. Specifically, hand him off to a stranger you had just met. In this version the child is a boy of about 9, where the original featured a girl of about 13. I guess it doesn't matter, but I wonder why that character was changed.

This movie also features Doris Day in a rare dramatic role, although she plays a former professional singer and does get to exercise her voice in the movie. At least a plot point supports her doing so. The climatic scene at Albert Hall is retained very close to the original and is equally well done. The film is a good one, although it doesn't reach the heights of "Rear Window," "Psycho," "North by Northwest," "The 39 Steps," and other Hitchcock classics.

The Blu ray version is currently available as part of the "Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection" and will be available individually in the near future. The film is transferred with a 1080p resolution and a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Frankly, the quality isn't quite as good as other films in the collection. My biggest issue is with the color. It looks washed out much of the time and I noticed some damaged sections of film. It doesn't appear much correction of the original print was attempted. Don't get me wrong, the movie is an improvement over the DVD, especially some of the detail but it could have been better. The audio is DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (over 2 channels) and is very good. It is clean and focused. The extras include a 35 minute reflection with Pat Hitchcock O'Connell, associate producer Herbert Coleman, screenwriter John Michael Hayes, production designer Henry Bumstead and others. Included also is a trailer and some production photos.

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BluScenes: Coral Reef Aquarium 1080p HD Blu-ray Disc (2012)

This disc has one purpose to make your TV look like a fishtank. Other discs from this company make your TV look like a fireplace, etc. It's not a disc that is designed for you to sit and watch like a movie.

A few of the reviews here scored low because they said that the video did not amount to much more than a selection of aquarium tanks being filmed straight-on with a camera, which happens to be what I was looking for.

If you are not trying to literally make your TV look like a fishtank, look elsewhere. However, if constantly changing views annoy you and you want a stationary shot that makes you feel like you are looking at a fish tank, then this is a great disc.

I'll write this review in three parts, so that I can address the content, the picture quality and give some suggestions to some of the other reviewers who had problems.

1) The coral and fish: This is why I bought an aquarium Blu-ray disc, and it's also why I reviewed this disc very highly. You can tell that the habitats are in excellent health, and the fish and coral are very well lit. A little internet sleuthing shows that these tanks are also known as the "Pratt Reef," at Pratt Art Institute, and I'd have to say that those students are very lucky to have these tanks in their presence. I could never make my tanks look like that, so I have to experience them on my TV!

2) Regarding picture quality, some of the reviews seem to be all over the place. I tried this out on two TVs -one with a matte screen and one with a glossy screen. You owe it to yourself to view these with a GLOSSY screen. Only then do you experience the true color and contrast of the disc. Glossy screens allow for truer blacks, and if you think about it, aquarium tanks are always glossy.

These tanks are well-lit, and look fantastic in kitchen where I have very bright full spectrum lighting. If you are looking for darker, moodier tanks, this is probably on the opposite end of that spectrum, but the light serves the important purpose of keeping the coral healthy. There are some darker blu-rays like HD Moods Aquarium that use artifical coral inserts and have less fish. HD Moods is a bit darker and might be better in a darker room as it's harder to see in a bright lighting.

Each of the 3 Bluscenes aquariums plays in a loop, and it's done in such a way that its hard to tell where the disc is looping (Hint: the loop freezes for a fraction of a second while the laser moves back to the beginning of the loop. If you are not looking for it you will miss it. None of the other aquarium discs that I own have done that, and hopefully more will add it in the future).

3) Regarding reviews that say that this looks like someone just aimed a camera at an aquarium tank, that's what I was hoping for, so I am pleased. For me the closeups that are on some of the other discs, or pan-and-scan ruin the illusion of the TV being an aquarium. As far as those saying it's not colorful and then others saying that it is, I think that a lot of it has to do with your TV (and maybe partly based on whether your TV is glossy or not). It definitely looks hi-def though because you can make out the individual scales on the fish and also the pieces of gravel. It's very clear.

So anyway, maybe if you think it looks dull on your TV and you have a matte screen, you might be able to tweak the contrast a bit to darken the blacks a bit.

Buy BluScenes: Coral Reef Aquarium 1080p HD Blu-ray Disc (2012) Now

I absolutely LOVE this DVD. The picture is clear and sharp and the sounds are so soothing. There are different choices of aquarium background for you to choose. When it is playing, I find that people can't stop staring at it! Definitely worth the purchase! It's great as a background for a party, instead of a black widescreen TV screen in the room, you have a gorgeous, colorful and soothing aquarium with (or without-you choose) bubble sounds! And the best part? No cleaning or replacing of fish!!! :) I wish the creators of this DVD would create a Beach DVD, too! You can also get a sneak peek at this DVD if you look it up on YouTube (just search under BluScenes Aquarium), that's what I did!

Read Best Reviews of BluScenes: Coral Reef Aquarium 1080p HD Blu-ray Disc (2012) Here

Picture quality is amazing and stunning. I ordered my copy straight from Bluscenes who made this. Its awesome. You will be amazed on these 3 tanks that they show. I watch this on my 60 INCH Sharp Aquos 120 HZ. One review who gave this a 1 STAR said this "Fish are not realistic in their movements." I'm not a fish expert, but the fish sure did moved naturally to me. One reviewer "Booyah Guy" pretty much says it all.

Specs on the Bluray Disc

VIDEO: 1080p24

AUDIO: 7.1 DTS-HD MA (Music + Aquarium only), 5.1 Dolby Digital (Music only), 2.1 Dolby Digital (Aquarium only)

3 Tanks to choose from, play or loop as preference.

*************

The cinematographers at BluScenes combined the renowned coral reef tanks of Advanced Aquarist and Senior Editor of Reefs Magazine, Randy Donowitz, with the crystal-clear image quality of the RED One(tm) 4k camera to create the ultimate Coral Reef Aquarium Blu-ray Disc. Featuring three unique and colorful aquarium tanks, teeming with amazing fish dancing before a canvas of living coral. You can seamlessly loop each chapter and enjoy the speciallycommissioned ambient soundtrack with numerous surround and stereo audio options or experience the soothing hum of each aquarium tank.

Play a trick on your guests: At about 18:30 minutes into the first tank, we dropped a little bit of fish food into the upper lefthand corner of the tank. Set your watch alarm when you start the disc and tell your friends that it's time to feed the fish. Watch the fish, and your guests go crazy.

How else is this disc different from other aquarium discs?

1080p content shot on a RED One camera

The tanks and lighting were designed by an advanced aquarist, and look more like real coral tanks, because they are real coral reef tanks. Coral reefs tend to be very close to the surface and in sunny climates.

Interesting fact: While each tank appears very different under the aquarium lighting, the same type and number of lights are installed on each tank. The different corals and fish simply reflect the light differently!

**Taken from Company's website

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I bought the set of 3 from the website during a sale got all 3 for $15 shipping included.

The full set is Aquarium, Fireplace, Space (planets, etc.). All of them are high quality.

Just realize it is what it says it is..an aquarium it's not a documentary...it's a fish tank.

A beautiful, clear, clean fish tank with very pretty fish.

55" TV sets look great while you are watching them but when you aren't there's a lot of really black dead space in your living room. This dresses up the space while you aren't watching cable or a movie. It is very peaceful has music and bubble sounds that you can listen to or not. Options are Music + Bubbles Bubbles Music No sound at all.

I am very glad I got this particular aquarium screensaver.

It would also be perfect for a doctor's waiting room or business foyer.

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Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Three-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo in DVD Packaging) (2006)

"UNDEAD MONKEY! Top that!"....Well, Pirates of the Caribbean 2 has a solid go at topping the top-grossing film of 2003.

Johnny Depp, Oscar-nominated for the role of Capt. Jack Sparrow, possible the best-worst pirate ever owing a life debt to Davey Jones, Captain of the Flying Dutchman, another cursed ship. Also returning, Orlando Bloom as Wil Turner, the decent colonialist, who in the spirit of Flynn's CAPTAIN BLOOD, is drawn into the pirate's life along with Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann.Wil and Elizabeth are arrested instead of wed and slated to be executed for their part in Sparrow's escape. Wil cuts a deal to bring Jack;s quirky compass in return for a pardon for he and Elizabeth. The three become involved in Sparrow's struggle to free himself of eternal servitude onboard the Flying Dutchman, along with "Bootstrap" Bill Turner aka Wil's Dad. Captain Jack and Wil Turner's unlikely friendship continues in one misadventure after another, with more returning character's from the original than you can swash a buckle with, like Elizabeth's father Governor Wetherby Swann (Jonathan Pryce), the lovable buffoons Pintel and Ragetti (Lee Arenberg and MacKenzie Crook), first mate Gibbs (Kevin McNally) and the fallen Commodore James Norrington (Jack Davenport).

Director of the original, Gore Verbinski again throws the pirates into one amusing action sequence after another, from island cannibals, to an inevitable bar fight, some Treasure Island homages, battles with barnacled minions of Davey Jones and a runaway mill-wheel-three-way duel between Jack/Wil/Norrington that is worth the price of admission and beverages.

Depp's swaggering-staggering Sparrow makes any scene fascinating with his rock star take on pirates. But be WARNED: Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3 were produced back-to-back to allow for quicker release of two, meaning Dead Man's Chest is "a link film." And for those of us who endured the ending wait between The Empire Strikes Back and Jedi, you know what I mean. Pirates 2, ends with a bit of a cliffhanger which is always risky. The ending leaves almost nothing resolved and no villain thwarted.

The locales as breath-taking and effects are as stunning as the original, in particular the ship swallowing Kracken. Sadly the brilliant Bill Nighy as Davey Jones is wasted as the overly CGI and effect laden character, who could have been anyone and was less striking than the previous films nemesis. In fact, I would rather see Nighy play Sparrow's dad (who was supposed to be briefly in the 3 movie due out in 2007)

If you liked this movie as a regular DVD, you're going to love it in Blu-Ray. Everything there is to like about the film is even better here. The creepy stuff is creepier, the funny stuff funnier, the special effects more special. In fact, "Dead Mans Chest" fans will probably consider this the absolute best Blu-Ray movie there is. Personally, I prefer Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl [Blu-ray] for its better storytelling, but this one has equally vivid color, equally outstanding detail and a soundtrack that will blow you away. Disney is obviously using its Pirates titles as its Blu-ray showcase, and has poured in the bucks to make them the best titles on the market.

VIDEO

Though "Pearl" has a better story, "Chest" has the better effects, and its squishy fishy pirates lend themselves better to Blu-ray detail than the first film's skeleton crew. The barnacles, coral, scales and tentacles that cover Davy Jones and his mates are much more visible here than in the standard release, and when Bootstrap Bill stuffs a crawling shell in his mouth you can tell it was hermit crab. In fact, the movie's near-perfect digital transfer reveals new details in nearly every scene, from the dark blue dye on Tia Dalma's teeth to the glisten and glimmer on the attacking kracken.

The images have rich shadows and, amazingly, no grain, so even the darkest details come to life. You can even see that cannibal who traps Will Turner -before he jumps out from the tree.

AUDIO

Wow! No other Blu-ray title sounds like this. Whether it's a simple explosion or the complex chase scene, the uncompressed 5.1 soundtrack delivers the goods loud and clear, with plenty of nuance and perfect channel separation -just like those reference DVDs at a Bose store. Often the sound is so vivid it seems you can watch the film with your eyes closed. The best sequence comes when Davy Jones plays his pipe organ. Turn it up and you can feel it in your spine.

BONUS FEATURES

There's just one hi-tech extra, an interactive Liar's Dice game. Here, you're pitted against Pintel (Lee Arenberg) in a contest that plays out through video clips that rarely repeat. Unlike most games of this type, this one renders its visuals quickly, thanks to a new technology called BD-Java. The other bonus features are the same as those on the standard DVD, at the same standard fidelity and resolution.

To sum up, "Pearl" is still better, but if you buy this disc you won't be disappointed. With video and audio that set a new standard for Blu-ray releases, this new "Dead Man's Chest" takes you for a real Pirates ride.

Buy Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Three-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo in DVD Packaging) (2006) Now

If you judge this movie using the same checklist you would for "A Beautiful Mind" or even "Lord of the Rings" you've missed the boat. This movie is a bit more foolish than the others and that is what's so great about it. See this movie through the eyes of a child and allow it to make you laugh, to gross you out, to surprise you with its clever twists of plot, to amaze you with heroes that defy all odds, and to capture your imagination with peculiar pirates' treasures.

Read Best Reviews of Pirates of Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Three-Disc Blu-ray / DVD Combo in DVD Packaging) (2006) Here

As someone who's watched the first movie repeatedly, I was extremely happy when the sequel was announced. The first movie had a playful, whimsical aspect that made it endearing and fun to watch. The pacing was excellent, and the characters were well developed.

Sadly, the sequel turned out to be very different. The direction turned to "how many over-the-top effects and fight sequences can we pack into 2 hours." The characters were lost in a morass of confused and often irrelevant action scenes. About the best part of the whole film was [warning: spoiler] Barbossa's reappearance at the very end.

I like a well choreographed sword fight or SFX scene as well as the next bloke, but making a movie that is nothing more than a series of such scenes strung together with minimal plot is ridiculous. This film could have been so much more than it is. Instead, it's too long (I found myself checking my watch, which almost never happens) and badly plotted.

Given the reappearance of several minor characters (Pintel and Ragetti, who were apparently brought back as audience favourites despite the fact that they should have been in prison following the first movie) and the overall tone of the film, it appears Disney's producers saw fit to turn what was an excellent concept into little more than a marketing vehicle designed to appeal to kids.

I'll probably see the 3rd movie just to find out what happens, and to see if it improves somehow, but I'll never buy the 2nd movie's DVD. It's just intolerable.

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MOVIE: Here we go, probably the most anticipated blockbuster of the year. When the first Pirates Of The Caribbean came out it became an overnight success, and of course immediately greenlit two sequels. Dead Man's Chest is a little different than the first film, which is definately a good thing. I would absolutely have hated to watch the same movie again, and thankfully this film brings a different approach to the story and the characters. The first movie was more epic in my opinion. It was very grand with open-sea ship battles, pirates swinging from ropes tied to the masts, firing cannons, and one on one sword fighting. This movie continues in that tradition a bit, but also brings fresh action and humor to the table. Instead of Barbossa and his cursed crew we have Davy Jones and his sea crew. Jack Sparrow is in debt to Davy Jones and in order to keep his freedom he must in turn find 100 men to be on Davy Jones' crew on the Flying Dutchman. In a seperate conflict we have Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann who had their wedding ambushed because a corrupt politician wants to find the dead man's chest so that he can control the assests of the East India Trading Company. Jack Sparrow on the other hand wants the chest so that he can have control over Davy Jones and keep a creature known as the Kraken away. The film basically follows our main characters from one island to another in search of this mysterious chest and the contents it contains. The film is the perfect blend of action and humor that keeps it exciting and entertaining. This is really one of the best action movies ever made. The set design, costumes, makeup, and visual effects were just breathtaking. Davy Jones and his crew are the most creative and amazing CGI characters I have ever seen on film. This usually never happens to me, but I am still in question whether Davy Jones' face was all CGI or a blend of prosthetics and CGI. The area around his eyes, nose, and mouth seemed so real and perfect that I am actually in question if it's CGI or prosthetics. It is simply amazing how much detail has been put into this film. Hans Zimmer steps up as composer after replacing his good friend Klaus Badelt from the first film. Zimmer's score really made the movie for me, it borrowed the themes we love so much from the first score and blends it in with darker and heavier music that truly makes this movie a swashbuckling movie. This movie was so much fun, it was so entertaining, so exciting, and funny. You will have a hard time finding a better time at the movies than with Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. It is an amazing continuation of the first film and a great lead-in to the final installment in the trilogy, which will be released next summer.

ACTING: Johnny Depp got an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the first movie. Depp is one of the most versitile and talented actors that we have ever seen on the screen. He truly has a presence that cannot be matched and he has crafted an iconic character with Jack Sparrow. Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightly provide great acting in their supporting roles even though they have less to do with the main plot this time around. The real highlight here is the character of Davy Jones who is played brilliantly by Bill Nighy. Nighy is a British actor relatively unkown to American audiences. He was recently seen in The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy and The Constant Gardener, and he adds perfection to the character of Davy Jones. The cast makes the movie and they are all perfect in it.

BOTTOM LINE: What more can you ask for? The movie has everything you would want in a summer adventure fare. The first movie was one of the top grossing films of the year when it came out, and I have no doubt that this will do the same. Gore Verbinski was able to handle all that story and make it flow seamlessly, it was always entertaining and never felt long dispite it's long running time. The film was perfect in my opinion, I really would not change anything about it. Also, there is a little bonus for those who stay after the credits. So, go and enjoy the summer's best movie.

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The Last Temptation of Christ (The Criterion Collection) (1988)

First of all, this area is SUPPOSED to be for reviews of this movie, not dire warnings of damnation if one watches it. It is JUST a movie....something tells me Jesus and his believers can survive it. Please don't turn this forum into a religious debate.

I think anyone who purchases this DVD edition of the film should definitely go back and listen to the director/actor/screenwriter commentary included with the film. In it, Marty and the screenwriter explain why they used the actors they did, and why they used today's vernacular. They had the characters speak this way so that the viewer is more aware that the players in the New Testament WERE human, just like us. Marty believed that the stilted English of the King James Court, with its "thou's" and "ye's" (and having absolutely NO relation to the way people spoke at the time) serves to distance modern viewers from the pain and doubt that both Jesus has his followers underwent.

Marty also was desperate to counter the prevalent depiction of Jesus in film that has him 100% "divine", with a golden light shining behind his head, with the divine little smile and the gentle words. He wanted to use the idea in the Bible that Jesus was also fully human, subject to both physical AND mental anguish. The latter is the point that Gibson missed in his film. Anyone who has ever lost a child or had to make an agonizing decision knows that mental anguish can be as painful as any physical torment. This movie is about the true temptation Jesus underwent, to deny God and run away from his destiny. All of us can identify with that.

I find this Jesus far more compelling than the Jesus I grew up with in Sunday school. This Jesus is not perfect. He hurts and has soubts and depressions like I do. And yet he gives his body and mind to God in the end.

While the film is not as authentic as the upcoming "The Passion of the Christ" (where Aramaic is used), it was much more realistic and gritty than previous film portrayals. What really adds to the drama of the film is the soundtrack by Peter Gabriel.

Having received 12 years of Catholic school education, culminating when this film was released, I was amused to read the incredible outpouring of emotions by narrow-minded Christians against this film, both at the time is was released and in the reviews. To me, a sure-fire sign of narrow-mindedness is their utter inability to appreciate art for what it is and the fact (evident from their reviews) that they have not even seen the movie. My faith was not so weak as to refuse to entertain artistic explorations and alternative viewpoints.

Although not wholly based on the scriptures, the theme of this film IS based more upon the very nature of Jesus Christ himself. That is, the film and the book both attempt to dramatically explore the contradictions associated with the dual identity of Jesus as both God and man a schitzophrenic combination indeed.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

In this film, Jesus as man resists God's call, at age 30, to take up his role as spiritual savior. Jesus-as-man IS tempted by his own thoughts and doubts (manifested by Satan), the last temptation occuring in a stupor as he hangs dying on the cross the opportunity of becoming all man. This post-death illusion sequence, where Jesus goes on to marry Mary Magdeline and see the dire consequences of such a course of action, covers the last 3rd or so of the film. What is most interesting is the confrontation between Jesus and Paul, the latter of whom is the most signficant evangelical Christian of all time which turns out to be an express of the argument that the idea of Jesus Christ as savior may have been more important (at least politically) that the historical facts. In any case, for those who find this sequence blasphemous, they need to remember that it is a DREAM. (e.g., The crowds are still cheering at the cross as he is taken down by a lovely little girl.) In the end, Jesus triumphs over the evil of human frailty to assume his position in Christian beliefs.

Other interesting factors include the expanded role of Judas (played here by Harvey Kietel), as Jesus' true right-hand man. In an interesting twist, Judas is at least as interested in political revolution as a spiritual one, and Jesus manipulates Judas' anger and convinces him to turn Jesus in for persecution.

In any case, I give it a firm thumbs up. Too bad that this is too expensive for any casual observer to pick it up on DVD, though.

Buy The Last Temptation of Christ (The Criterion Collection) (1988) Now

The deep spiritual feelings that this movie makes me harbor have changed the way I see the world forever. I can almost feel the pains that Jesus must have went through on the cross physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Even though this account of Jesus' life is fictional, the viewer can see and feel the true sacrifice that Jesus made by giving His life on the cross and the struggle it took to get there. Although this movie is condemned by many (most of whom didn't even see it), my personal relationship with God was strengthened by it, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Willem DaFoe was strong, passionate, and yet vulnerable as the Son of God, and Harvey Keitel was masterful in his portrayal of a very believable Judas who helped Jesus in ways many never realized possible (fictional of course). The soundtrack by Peter Gabriel is haunting and moving, and is just one more reason that makes this Scorsese film a true work of art. Though it is not the greatest movie ever made, it is a great movie just by the way it makes you think and feel. I love to watch this movie around Christmas and especially Easter because it always brings me closer to God through Christ. All I have to do is think about this movie and it makes my heart warm, and all the cares of the world are made that much lighter. The role of Satan in this movie really hits home with how tricky he can be, and I think it gives me just another weapon in my own struggle between good and evil spirit and flesh. You must remember that this is not the true story of Jesus Christ... this story is symbolic of our own personal struggles to become more Christ-like. Christ never faultered in His destiny... but we have, and we will.

Read Best Reviews of The Last Temptation of Christ (The Criterion Collection) (1988) Here

This film has stayed with me for 10 years, and I grow fonder of it with repeated viewings. My tastes are broad I will happily sit down and watch the cheapest genre flick and the subtlest arthouse... so while I can see that this film can be picked apart on an intellectual level, I also feel that film should be "felt". Even if you forget the beautiful performances (so human!), the incredible narrative, poetic direction, great music that grabs hold of your gut and drags you down into it -what you're left with is amazing. I am not a religous man, yet this film touches me very deeply from the moodswinging jesus curled up on the shore hearing footsteps to the triumphant jesus joyous on the cross... what part of being alive does this film not talk about? What modern mainstream film has trod paths so high and low? Take this film for what it is -a celebration of man, not a condemnation of christ.

Want The Last Temptation of Christ (The Criterion Collection) (1988) Discount?

Scorsese's "Last Temptation" is a great and challenging film. This is NOT some salacious, blasphemous movie! Quite the opposite, this is a serious, very spiritial examination of the great sacrifice that Jesus made. In fact, if detractors of this film(most of whom have never even seen this or are seriously misinformed)would take a look they would see a highly original, reverent film that presents a very personal view of Jesus and the sacrifice he made for us. Martin Scorsese is probably our finest filmmaker. His very best work has always tackled "Catholic" themes. Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull are all brilliant examinations of sin, guilt, and redemption. So it's no wonder Scorsese chose to adapt Kazantakis' book. Last Temptation ranks as one of his VERY best films, right up there with the aforemntioned films if not of a piece with them. This is one of Scorese's most personal films (then again, all his films are, Scorese being the most personal of American fimmakers). We are taught that Jesus was the Son of God and the Son of man. If he is both, then Jesus was subject to the same pain, guilt, and temptations that we all have. Scorese presents most of the major events of Jesus' life: the Sermon on the Mount(a GREAT scene), the passion in the desert, the Last Supper, ect. Through this all Jesus continually questions why he must suffer, why must he be the One with this "burden". Willem Dafoe is incredible in this most difficult role. The final 40 minutes of this film are absolutely powerful when Jesus is on the cross and in absolute agony he is presented with one final temptation. This is the scene that most people question or are offended by. The scene is fascinating, not offensive, and presented by Scorsese in a very careful and tasteful fashion. I dont want to reveal what occurs, that's for you to discover. Let's just say, that Jesus rejects this temptation presented to him and resumes his place on the Cross and fulfills his destiny. The way Scorsese presents the events in the film, makes this final scene all the more powerful. Scorsese really shows us the sacrifice Jesus made for us, he shows us what Jesus gave up for us and how much he really loved us to do this for us. This doesnt sound blasphemous to me at all. Ironically, this is probably the most "devout" religious film Ive ever scene. Technically, the film is brillant. Scorsese really does'nt know how to make a boring shot. The camera work is incredible! Peter Gabriel's music is astonishing, the acting is GREAT (esp. Dafoe, Hershey, and yes Keitel's rather eccentric performance) This is a great film, please give it a chance.

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The Bucket List (2008)

Selecting a category for this very fine film results in the all-encompassing label 'mixed media', for lack of a better term. It is smart (with an excellent script by Justin Zackham), addresses some important social issues, and it has moments of touching tenderness and equal moments of very sold comedy. AND it greatly benefits from the casting of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, two consummate actors playing out a theme that is unexpectedly a solid study of friendship and love.

Carter (Morgan Freeman) narrates the story: Carter gave up his dreams for a college education and major career to support his surprise child from his wife Virginia (Beverly Todd) and has worked as a mechanic to support his own family, including his son Roger (Alfonso Freeman, Morgan's son in real life also!). After his children have all become successful, Carter is suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is hospitalized for chemotherapy, only to be placed in the same room with the wealthy and cantankerous owner of the hospital, Edward (Jack Nicholson) who also has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is also in the hospital for chemotherapy. Edward's only 'friend' (he has basically alienated the world through his behavior) is his assistant Thomas (an excellent Sean Hayes) who tends to his every need. Gradually the two disparate men grow into a friendship united by the common bond that they both must face impending death. Together they create 'the bucket list' things they want to do before dying, and because of Edward's wealth, they leave the hospital on a worldwide adventure of skydiving, racing cars, visiting the pyramids, etc. The manner in which these two elderly men bond casts a warm glow over the film without ever touching on the maudlin risk of communication. They simply grow in their appreciation of life as they learn from each other.

Freeman and Nicholson are in peak form here and the supporting cast is very fine. But special credit must go to director Rob Reiner for giving us yet another film about humanism that would enrich the lives of anyone who takes the time to watch this very fine film. Grady Harp, June 08

By what they've accomplished? According to soft-spoken cancer patient, Carter (Freeman), you measure a man's life by who measures their lives by yours.

Edward Cole probably was a lot of people's yardstick. He was wealthy, powerful, and he ran hospitals.

"We run hospitals--not resorts!" E. Cole (Nicholson)

If Cole hadn't been so mercenary, he'd never have been stuck with another patient in his hospital room. At first, the very wealthy Cole doesn't care for the soft-spoken auto mechanic, but as time goes on the two develop a friendship--and Cole begins to both share food and care for Carter.

When Edward sees Carter's 'Bucket List,'(a list of items he wants to accomplish before he kicks the bucket) he realizes it's something the two of them can do--and says they should. That's when the two cancer patients break out of the hospital and go on a world tour. Together, they write out a new bucket list and work to make each other's dreams come true.

"Bucket List" is sentimental, predictable, and yet more than my words can encompass. The film's not just about dying, but friendship, and finding joy to spread to others--even at the worst times in a person's life.

In my opinion, the three best aspects of this film were Morgan Freeman's outstanding narration and Sean Hayes' well-done portrayal of Cole's ever-present assistant (Thomas). Another nod goes to actress Beverly Todd, who played Virginia Chambers. Even the young girls in the film were exclaiming how amazing she looked and acted.

Warnings:

Bring tissue

If 'laugh til you cry' is on your 'Bucket List,' you can check this item off

Buy The Bucket List (2008) Now

The Bucket List tells the sensitive and well thought-out story of two older men who are diagnosed with cancer so severe that they have six months to live--or maybe a year if they're lucky. Look for stunning performances from both Morgan Freeman as Carter Chambers and Jack Nicholson as Edward Cole. Beverly Todd also acts her heart out as Beverly Chambers, Carter's wife.

The action begins when Carter Chambers, a working class black man, and Edward Cole, super-wealthy self-made rich white guy who actually owns the hospital they're in become roommates in the oncology ward of the hospital. At first Carter and Edward don't exactly hit it off but it isn't long before they forge a friendship. When they each learn that by coincidence they have six months to a year to live, they embark on a trip to accomplish certain lifelong dreams and personal goals before they die. The list of things to do is called The Bucket List because it's a list of things to do before they "kick the bucket."

Of course, because Edward Cole is wealthy many scenes in this movie become almost miraculously possible. They travel the world by private corporate jet; and they live more in just a few weeks than most people ever do in a lifetime.

Of course, life has its ways of surprising just about any of us; so still the plot could go just about anywhere. How will Beverly, Carter's wife, react to all this? Will she understand and remain patient while Carter lives out a few lifelong dreams or will she want her husband home NOW? Will Carter and Edward be able to keep their cool when they are stranded in Asia during a monstrous snowstorm and they are not allowed to fly? What happens if one of them gets very sick along the way? What about Edward's refusal to make up with his daughter who disowned him long ago--will he ever decide to approach her or will he remain obstinate in his refusal to even meet with her? The results may surprise you. No plot spoilers here, folks--you'll just have to watch the movie to find out!

As a cancer survivor who is finishing my own chemotherapy soon, I will add that some of the side-effects of the chemotherapy they receive are exaggerated. However, I think director Rob Reiner added these elements to the film to make it somewhat more dramatic.

Overall, The Bucket List is an excellent movie; and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman turn in superlative performances that proves these guys can still act better than the vast majority of actors ever could. Beverly Todd does a great job as Carter's wife; and Sean Hayes also does well as Edward Cole's personal assistant Thomas. I highly recommend this film for fans of these terrific actors; and people comfortable with the subject matter will appreciate this motion picture as well.

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The Bucket List

A Universal DVD

This is a story that coveys the close relationship that develops between two utterly different men that must share the same hospital room after being both diagnosed with advanced terminal cancer. The first, Edward ColeJack Nicholsonis the CEO that runs the hospital and is a ruthless persona and the second is a mechanic, CarterMorgan Freeman-, who wanted in his youth to be a history teacher but life circumstances did not allow him to do so. They share the common adversities of the infirmity and they, ant the same time, share a long trip that will tie the relationship even further.

One day, Carter starts to write a "Bucket List" containing all the things that he would like to do before he dies and Cole finds it out. Afterward, they decide to write the "Bucket List" together and start going on marvelous trips around the world and sharing precious moments and becoming the best of friends. Two utterly different persons become the closest friends ever in the last months of their lives.

What really stroke me about this DVD was that it not only applies to two terminal cancer patients: What stroke me the most is its universality. If we think a little deeper, it could apply to two or more persons sharing similar adversitiesor joyfulness for that matterand relying on each other for comfort, understanding, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences.

The performances of the two principal actors are outstanding and make you laugh and cry at different times during the performance.

Highly recommended!!!

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Edward Cole (Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Freeman) have terminal cancer. They are opposites, with Edward being a rich CEO and Carter being a car mechanic. They are sharing a room at the hospital, and share the same diagnosis: six months to a year. Carter begins making a "bucket list" things to do before he dies. Edward gets in on the list, and having the money funds their attempt to cross everything off that list. They see the Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall of China. The skydive and drive race cars. They share their stories and become good friends. Soon they realize returning home will help them more than traveling the world.

Nicholson and Freeman are always good, and "The Bucket List" is no exception. They give their usual standout performances. On the downside, this is a movie that sets out to make views shed a few tears. This gives the film a feeling of trying to be more important than it really is. If that could somehow be toned down, this would be a better movie. There are some good laughs though, and that is the films saving grace. As it is, it is a harmless diversion for just over two hours. I would probably recommend this one for DVD viewing.

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Michael Flatley Returns as Lord of the Dance 3D - REGION FREE - UK Import

To start off M.F. is up to his high standard of dance. He is totally rocking it once again! I have the original Lord of The Dance on VHS and the Feet of Flames. Sorry but Feet of Flames is the best out of the three it gets a 5 star! This newest production would have been awesome to watch if it wasn't for some of the camera angles and way too many cut a-ways at very integral moments in the dances. The slow motion shots are really annoying. It also seems to me that this is not just one show that was shot. If you watch closely you will see Bernadette Flynn on the stage left then all of sudden she is stage right before coming to dance in the middle. Also on the "Planet Ireland" performance she seems to be missing in some shots then back again. As I was watching it all the way to the end I was wondering where the "Siamsa" number was. I found out it is a DELETED SCENE! Why?! It is one of my favorite parts. For those who have never seen one of the Lord of the Dance productions it is a really good start. I encourage though to get the older ones too. Guess I have been spoiled with the previous ones.

It's impossible to review this video without referencing the original production of 20 years ago. I have watched that video many times, and have seen it live three times (once with Flatley, twice without); needless to say, I'm a fan. There is no doubt that the audio and video on this disk are both spectacular. And Michael Flatley certainly still has "the chops" to pull off the dancing; in fact virtually the entire company is flawless. Then why only four stars? The new production. There is soo much flash from the lighting effects, it's sometimes difficult to see the dancing. The costumes are also a bit strange (especially for the men) and, as with the lighting, distract from the dancing. Also, three scenes were cut from the main production (the two soprano solos and the "Siamsa" dance routine). These ARE included in a "deleated scenes" section, but I don't know why they were cut in the first place. Bottom line: I'm sure that I will watch this many times in the future but if they ever release a remastered Blu-ray version of the original, it will be my hands-down favorite.

Buy Michael Flatley Returns as Lord of the Dance 3D - REGION FREE - UK Import Now

I am speechless (and breathless) after watching the latest reincarnation of The Lord of the Dance. Flatley is no spring chicken but is a cardiologist's dream in form and stamina. He dances with the vigor and precision of a 20 year old. The production is vibrant, colorful and endlessly inventive as it evolves from scene to scene. The direction of the film version seen here, the technical excellence visible throughout, the perfection of the dance and dancers; sorry to gush but as a long time fan of Flatley, I never thought I'd see the day when he would out-do himself. Dancers, actors, musicians, techies, rabid dance and theatre fans --order this today. You won't regret it. What a glorious experience!

Read Best Reviews of Michael Flatley Returns as Lord of the Dance 3D - REGION FREE - UK Import Here

Id never really seen a full lords of the dance show and had only seen it being performed at gala evenings etc so i wondered how they were going to pad out a whole show. Wonder no more as the show was spellbinding from start to finish with excellent 3D and a scorchingly clear 7.1 audio soundtrack, i will watch this again and again as it gives goosebumps every time, absolute perfection!

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Fabulous. It's hard to believe how awesome this man is. This is my favorite version of LOTD. He cut out the singing, kept the violins, and jams hard on his flute. Bernadette Flynn playing Saoirse, the Irish Coleen is wonderful as usual (I miss her long hair, though), but I do prefer Gillian Norris over Ciara Sexton as Morrighan, the Temptress (possibly the long hair thing again...). I have seen the show live 3 times, watched the videos (river, LOTD, and flames) hundreds of times, and am very happy to have this new material. The songs are played a touch faster, and the more demanding speed of the steps is perfectly executed with every tap. Buy it now, and enjoy! Thank you Michael, you are the greatest.

Frozen Planet ,Life Exclusive 2 Pack (Blu-ray Disc) (2012)

First and foremost, the blu-ray quality on both of these is amazing. These two blu-ray are probably some of the very best qualities you will ever find. Absolutely amazing. Secondly, David Attenborough version is by far my favorite, but please keep reading.

Life

I own both the David Attenborough and Oprah edition of Life (I already had the David Attenborough edition when somebody bought me the Oprah edition just recently, but I kept them both). There are major differences in narrative quality, but all in all I think Oprah did a pretty good job. I try to stay optimistic and positive about everything, so needless to say, I was pleased.

If you like Oprah and her personality, then I think she brings a little something different to this documentary. David Attenborough, an actual naturalist, has been my favorite narrator since I was a kid so it will always be hard to beat his version of Life. That being said, I can't fairly deduct stars from this review on the sole basis that she did not stack up to David Attenborough expertise. These two Life's do not have identical dialogue. There were times I thought that Oprah's edition could have elaborated on certain scenes, but again, this is basing it off of the detailed paid by David Attenborough's edition. Some reviewers on other sites felt Oprah's edition seemed dumbed down, which to be fair to those reviewers, could come off that way. The narrative when lacking depth, does seem like it misses some true educational platforms.

I have seen a lot of criticism about Oprah's edition, and for true David Attenborough fans this may be warranted. On the other hand, I don't feel that Oprah's edition is bad at all. I think Oprah did really well. I truly believe that if she had narrated it first people would be less critical. It's just unfortunate for Oprah that she had to go toe to toe with one of the greats in the business (considering that this is David Attenborough sole expertise in the industry). In Oprah's defense I bet David Attenborough would not rank as high as Oprah in the afternoon talk show department lol.

Conclusion: If you are a true purist of David Attenborough or the art of detailed documentary then go with David Attenborough edition. If you like Oprah and narrative that is a little more westernized then go with Oprah. I'm not taking anything away from Oprah's edition or even saying her version isn't good. I'm just saying more than anything......it's geared towards a totally different audience. In someways I feel that maybe Oprah's edition might be more suitable for children (PARENT ALERT), while David Attenborough edition is more in depth and sometimes uses words that is not customary to a child's vocabulary (but that may be highly debatable for some).

Frozen Planet

This is David Attenborough version of Frozen Planet so as I've already pointed out, this is automatic gold. David Attenborough as usual brings a personality and expertise that is unmatched in nature documentaries. There is really no need to go into too much depth on this one, but just know that it's fantastic.

Overall this set is a great deal. I got my double feature pack (Life and Frozen Planet) as a gift from Best Buy for $19.99 (the gifter didn't remove the price tag). Amazon has it for $39. Either way it's a great price for almost 14 hours worth of film.

***Disclaimer****

If you buy this edition then know that it clearly says Oprah Winfrey on the cover. It really wouldn't be fair to buy this and then complain that it's not the David Attenborough edition. If you want his edition it is also sold on Amazon. Hope this helps somebody make a decision.

Dear Mr. Gacy (2010)

I honestly can't even remember the amount of movies made about various serial killers over the years and there has many numerous about John Wayne Gacy himself as well so going into this I wasn't expecting any new or different here but boy was I wrong. Based on a true story, the film tells the tale of college student, Jason Moss who decided to contact Mr. Gacy during his final year alive and try to find out things about no one else including the F.B.I. could get plus his was the subject John was using as his final term paper for school so he does have a motive. Early on I have to say I found Jason's fascination with Gacy a bit creepy and never having the read the book I was interested in finding out what was inside the head of the young man as well. The first letter he writes to John is one that paints a picture of a tough home life, of someone looking to reach out as a friend. After seeing an interview on Television where John states he is bi-sexual Jason takes the next step by posing and taking seductive pictures to send along in the next letter to John. Based on the book "The Last Victim" written by Jason Moss it paints a picture of someone looking to get into the head of Mr. Gacy but as the relationship moves along you quickly find out that John is a master and Jason is really no match. Jason slowly begins to journey now a dark path of destruction that effects his relationship with both his family and his girlfriend as John gets deeper and deeper in his subconscious. To go on and on about the story here would only ruin the experience for those waiting to see the film but I can say this is a dark, disturbing and and almost hypnotic look into the mind of a crazed killer, like Mr. Gacy himself the film gets in your head and stays with you long after it is over. William Forsythe gives one of if not his best performances as Gacy, he must of done a lot of research to be able to play him with such realism. Also Jesse Moss did a fantastic job playing Jason, the young man that gets more than he bargained for when taking on such a twisted mind. As the film was coming to an end I thought to myself that those 7 months with Gacy had to take its toll on Jason and had to effected the rest of his life and sure enough in the notes during the credits you find out just how much a toll it did take.

"Dear Mr. Gacy" is one of the best serial killer films I have seen in a very long time, it has fantastic production values, an amazing cast and a gritty,dark and realistic feel that sends chills down your spine. If you like the genre this is a must own film that really delivers on telling a story that will haunt you for days.

Patrick Ricketts-videoviews.org

A young psychology student begins corresponding with John Wayne Gacy, the famed serial killer, posing as a potential victim in order to write a groundbreaking thesis paper on the case. After exchanging letters and speaking on the phone, Jason thinks he has the upper hand in the situation, but Gacy quickly proves that he is more cunning than he appears as he infiltrates every aspect of Jason's life and infects his mind. Intense, nauseating, terrifying. DEAR MR. GACY details the true-life experiences shared between Jason Moss and his subject of study, John Wayne Gacy, as adapted from his memoirs The Last Victim. The film is a refreshing new approach to the tired serial killer theme, and one that is made that much more frightening in the fact that it was Moss' reality for seven months. William Forsythe is both captivating and repulsive at the same time as the incarcerated "Killer Clown." His powers of persuasion and seemingly innocent charm lure the audience in just as the real Gacy had done with his victims. The one fatal flaw that makes the story so difficult to believe is that the resourceful Gacy had the ability to track down so many details about Moss' life, and yet he was unable to figure out that Jason was a college student that was playing him from the start. With the suspension of disbelief held high, DEAR MR. GACY proves to be an intimate and unsettling examination into the inner workings of one of America's most notorious murders.

-Carl Manes

I Like Horror Movies

Buy Dear Mr. Gacy (2010) Now

Wow ... I was blown away. I remember watching the news coverage shown in this film as it actually happened when Gacy was arrested and the gruesome discoveries that followed. The nation was appalled, terrified and morbidly fascinated by the undeniable proof that there is a dark side to some seemingly everyday people that is successfully hidden away by their ability to fit in with society.

I've also seen several crime documentaries about Jason Moss' experience studying Gacy. It's disturbing and unsettling to know that there are people who seem to have mastered the ability to manipulate and terrorize someone to the point of controlling them psychologically. Getting inside the mind of someone like that would be a life-changing and horrible thing to deal with. I hate to imagine what it's like as a detective, profiler, psychologist or worst of all a victim to realize that you are dealing with a person that is consumed by violence, narcissism and a lust for total control with no regard for human life including yours.

William Forsythe was every bit as formidable and convincing as Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs ... two characters that are mesmerizing and terrifying because of the destructive use of their intelligence and the ability to gain people's trust in order to dominate them. But in this film I find it to be especially disturbing because from what I've seen and read it's (for the most part) what I consider to be an accurate portrayal of an actual, horrible event in history.

Be sure to read "the rest of the story" right before the credits. For me it really drove home the point that the impact a sick mind can achieve if they gain control is a powerful thing that can result in a multitude of damaging, violent and deadly consequences way beyond what is obvious.

Read Best Reviews of Dear Mr. Gacy (2010) Here

True stories make for interesting movies. Some tend to go overboard on the melodrama, usually ending up on Lifetime network. Others are depicted as documentaries. And then there is the real life story that is turned into drama, sometimes bad and others good. DEAR MR. GACY lands in between.

The story revolves around Jason Moss (Jesse Moss), a young law student not performing up to his potential in college who is searching for a centerpiece for his thesis. He finds it while watching the news as he becomes fascinated with serial killer John Wayne Gacy (William Forsythe). Gacy is soon to be executed, coming down to his last attempt at a stay of execution and Jason's chance to speak to him is slipping by fast.

Jason realizes that he has to find an in, a way to get Gacy's attention, realizing that chances are he receives tons of letters on a daily basis. To do so, he attempts to get into the psyche of Gacy, playing off of the information that Gacy tended to pick up on young boys. He sends Gacy a letter that is in ways flirtatious. To seal the deal he ends up sending Gacy photos of himself shirtless and describing how he's considering hustling himself on the streets.

Its all done in an attempt to gain Gacy's trust so that he'll open up to him, speak to him and perhaps give him the chance to discover why Gacy did the things he did. But as their correspondence continues, Jason finds himself drawn into the dark world of Gacy's mind, falling prey to the things Gacy encourages him to do, including a trip to the world of street hustlers where he is drugged and almost raped.

Jason is perhaps Gacy's last victim. His life changes and those around him see it happening though they don't know why. He spends time bodybuilding, argues with his parents and brother and goes so far as to dump his girlfriend. The letters lead to phone calls that Gacy places to Jason which he accepts. The lies he tells to paint the portrait of himself that he knows Gacy expects build one on top of the other until he finally gets the chance to meet Gacy in prison. It is here that Jason is witness to the true monster that was John Wayne Gacy.

The movie is terribly depressing, but not so much in a bad way. The slow decent into a form of madness that overtakes Jason is well played by Moss as we see the changes develop over time. Forsythe, a totally underappreciated actor who has starred in everything from OUT FOR JUSTICE, THE ROCK and THINGS TO DO IN DENVER WHEN YOU'RE DEAD, does a truly menacing portrayal of Gacy, showing the manipulative side of him that convinces Jason to do the things he does while at the same time show the animalistic frenzy that fills Gacy when he confronts the obsessive fan alone in a prison cell.

Gacy was an unusual killer. Well respected in the community, known for his dressing as a clown for children's parties and celebrated for his paintings of clowns while in prison, he was not what most people expected when thinking of a serial killer. But the acts he committed, not just to the boys he killed but to Jason Moss as well, were some of the most brutal imagined. This movie is on the low budget scale but it tells the story well and holds your interest. While there are moments you want to look away, there are others that keep you watching from beginning to end. Here's hoping that the number of potential serial killers like Gacy dwindle rather than grow.

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Direct-to-DVD movies about serial killers are so common that it's almost revolutionary when one is given the slightest bit of positive notice. I caught the trailer for Dear Mr. Gacy in a store, was slightly intrigued, and became very interested when I found mostly positive reviews. The film is based on a book I'd never heard of by Jason Moss, who developed a correspondence with serial killer John Wayne Gacy in the months leading up to his execution. Gacy died in 1994, Moss' book was published in 1999, and Moss took his own life in 2006. The book was called The Last Victim and with the knowledge of his suicide and lack of explanation for it, a whole new dimension is added to the film.

I don't know how closely this film follows the book, so the following review is based solely on the film's own merit.

In the film, Jason Moss (coincidentally played by an actor named Jesse Moss) decides to write his college thesis on serial killers. Posing as a troubled admirer, he sends a letter to convicted serial killer John Wayne Gacy (William Forsythe). To his surprise, Gacy responds to it. Doing whatever he can to gain Gacy's trust and get access to the darkest parts of his mind, Moss develops a frighteningly close bond with Gacy that begins taking a toll on his real life.

It's troubling that Dear Mr. Gacy debuted on Canadian television and was followed with a direct-to-DVD release. Films released this way are rarely of high-quality and many people see a direct-to-DVD release as a badge of mediocrity. This is not the case with Dear Mr. Gacy. What we have here is a film that is not a horror film, but gets under your skin more effectively than any theatrically-released horror film that I can recall being released in 2010. It's also a low-budget film that never looks or feels cheap with a convincing lead performance by newcomer Jesse Moss, and one of the best portrayals of a real-life serial killer I've ever witnessed by William Forsythe.

Glancing at Forsythe's filmography, I've seen several of his films but he's only stood out in Rob Zombie's Halloween and The Devil's Rejects. I am not exaggerating when I say that Forsythe could have earned an Oscar nomination if The Last Victim had a higher budget, an actual theatrical release, and maybe some well-known people behind the camera. It's one of the most convincing performances I've seen this year. The first time we see Forsythe as Gacy is in a still photograph based on Gacy's mugshot. There's not much of a resemblance, but I accepted that he would be Gacy for the duration of the film. When Forsythe is finally seen on-screen portraying Gacy, it's a revelatory moment. He's gained weight for the role and the hairstyle is right, but once he begins speaking and the film begins progressively revealing the full extent of Gacy's character it becomes apparent how much he captured the essence of Gacy. Forsythe plays Gacy as a normal, intelligent, and friendly human being revealing Gacy as the sociopath he was in perfect synchronicity with Gacy revealing himself to Jason. Where some well-known, well-respected actors would have gone over-the-top or showy with their performance resulting in a typical one-dimensional serial killer, Forsythe slowly shows Gacy's normality wearing thin with an eerie, collected realism that's both fascinating and disturbing. A real-life serial killer is a psychologically complex character that's very difficult for any actor to tackle, especially when it's a well-written, real-life serial killer. Forsythe's performance is not this revelation because he's in a direct-to-DVD release or because he's not an actor known for embodying complicated characters...It's because it's a completely convincing performance. As far as direct-to-DVD releases about serial killers go, the only other performance to come close to the realism of Forsythe is Steve Railsback's portrayal of Ed Gein in the film of the same name.

Obviously, Forsythe blew my mind in this film. If only the film was as perfect as his performance is. All of the performances are just fine and the film maintains a dreary, grayish atmosphere that lends to the effect of Jason's correspondence with Gacy on his life. Obviously, the filmmakers didn't have much money to work with but the film never feels cheap. Except for a few "direct-to-DVD vibes," I would have thought this was just an independent theatrical release that flew under the radar. There have been a dizzying amount of direct-to-DVD films about serial killers such as Jeffrey Dahmer, Ed Gein, Ted Bundy, Richard Speck, and even John Wayne Gacy over the years and it's rather tragic that this film will be grouped together with that dreck.

Dear Mr. Gacy is not perfect due mostly to an uneven script that occasionally loses focus and stretches our suspension of disbelief a bit too far. As stated earlier, I have not read Jason's book but I found some scenes (the face-to-face meeting, Jason's assault on a high school student, and Gacy's ability to find anything from his cell...except that Jason is a college student) just a bit too unbelievable in an otherwise very realistically told movie. If this was a part of Jason's book, the filmmakers should have handled it better for those who have not read the book and would immediately think 'that wouldn't happen.' Imperfections aside and despite falling into the "true crime" genre, Dear Mr. Gacy is more disturbing and effective than most horror films. It's also a terrific character study of the psychological workings of a serial killer and how Gacy was able to manipulate Jason while Jason was simultaneously manipulating him. The film feels genuinely like a tragedy when we realize that Jason, in his own way, may have been Gacy's last victim.

I highly recommend Dear Mr. Gacy for those looking for a good film about a real-life serial killer. There's very few of them out there and Dear Mr. Gacy is a real delight. As a direct-to-DVD release, it's great. It's a true study of a psychopath, that doesn't just exploit it's subject to tell a cheap horror story. In fact, there is no gore and only brief scenes of violence shown in flashbacks. It's lack of a theatrical release is a tragedy, as Dear Mr. Gacy ranks up there with true-life serial killer films like The Boston Strangler and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Forsythe's performance is one of a kind in the way it gets under the skin of a real serial killer and it's unfortunate that this performance won't garner him much critical notice.

Dear Mr. Gacy succeeds at what dozens of cheap films released each year fail at doing. It's an effective, haunting, rare, and introspective look at a serial killer without the blood and gore...If Dear Mr. Gacy isn't quite one of the best films of the year, it's possibly the best horror film of 2010. What other direct-to-DVD film could receive such praise?

GRADE: B

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Shorts International Presents: Oscar Winning Short Films (2012)

I've always loved short film, although I admit I haven't seen enough of them. Even the Oscar nominated ones are hard to find. I decided to buy this BD on a whim because it was different and I wanted to support short works of cinema. I'm SO glad I did! Without a doubt, this is now one of my most cherished blu rays.

My expectations were low. I wasn't expecting the transfers to be good, to be honest I was expecting DVD-quality at best, but oh no! The transfers are GLORIOUSLY pristine. High definition at its best. The animation is as bright and glossy as anything Pixar could produce and the live action is just as good. The only transfer that was disappointing, as far as HD is concerned, was "West Bank Story" which looks about DVD-quality to me.

But enough talk about the picture quality the films themselves are just as awesome! Witty, genius stories that provide sharp cultural commentary, full or emotion, humor--sometimes both--thought-provoking, smart, I could go on and on. It's hard to smash brilliance in 20 minutes or less, but all these films do it perfectly. Not a bad one in the bunch.

OVERALL: Shockingly professional Blu Ray and some of the best short films you're ever going to see. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Not worth spending the money on. A DvD compiling the finalists for 2011 would have been great. Writing more words to comply with the required review minimum is a waste of time.

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I'm not very familiar with Warner Bros woek. I hope the films clairfy my confusion about the Warner Bros woek!

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I'm sure that the disc will be great.!!!!!

I'm very familiar with Warner Bros woek.

And I have total confidence in them.!!!!!!!!!!!

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GALAPAGOS 3D - Charles Darwin's Big Adventure (Blu-ray 3D & 2D Version) REGION FREE

I have been in Galapagos 2 times many years ago.

It is one of the real paradise area of the world.

You should see there many kindly animals in a touchable distance.

I am looking forward this release because wanna see this wonderful island again!

This movie is about a SEAL named Andres, and while the cinematography is really crisp, I get tired of the Spin Doctors music throughout the whole movie..."Look around your world pretty baby, is it everything you hoped it would be, the wrong guy, the wrong situation, the right time to ROOOOLLLLL to me....to ROLLLLLLL to me."

That song plays about 8 times throughout the movie. There is a dramatic shift at the end of the movie, where one of Andre's friend SEALs (or maybe it was Andre) gets harpooned by a man and woman. The Spin Doctors play again, and the song "Two Princes" plays, and it's like, "If you...want to call me baby, now go ahead, and if you...want to buy me flowers, now go ahead..." and the man apologizes to the woman for philandering, and the two begin kissing in the now-red water, fresh with SEAL blood. You realize that these two are actually vampires, and that Galapagos is actually a documentary mixed with the prequel for Blade.

The SEALs do have some cool gear, and they do talk about how Andre and his fellow SEALs whacked bin Laden, but that's not a major part of the movie. What is a major part of the movie are interviews with the heads of the EPA, HUD, and Homeland Security discussing the serious issue of STDs in Urban housing areas. This was a great message, but a little graphic for children.

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The American President (2012)

Okay, to weigh in on the key points of discussion that keep popping up with regards to this particular romantic comedy. First, I would have liked "West Wing" if I had never seen "The American President" and I would have liked "The American President" even if it was not a test balloon for "The West Wing." Second, of course a romantic comedy about the President of the United States is going to have a liberal in the White House. Conservatives are either (a) not that funny or (b) do not like to be laughed at, take your pick. Third, the part that bugs me the most is the "character" issue everybody keeps alluding to. I know part of the premise of this movie is "What is Hillary died and Bill Clinton was all alone in the White House and Chelsea was giving him dating tips?", but does that automatically mean we have to give all his sexual foibles to the fictional Andrew Shepherd? The man says he has only loved two women in his life and that it has been a long time since he has done anything sexual, so what is this character issue? Somebody explain it to me...like I was a six year old.

The actual plot of "The American President" is as old as the hills: boy becomes President, boy meets girl, boys falls for girl, girl falls for boy, and the entire country has an opinion. But ultimately the story does not matter because we stop flipping through the channels when we come to this movie on television because of the snappy dialogue and the excellent acting performances. Somehow screenwriter Aaron Sorkin got from "A Few Good Men" and "Malice," to this choice piece of political drama. Michael Douglas turns in his best romantic comedy performance as President Andrew Shepherd while Annette Bening plays Sydney Ellen Wade, a paid political lobbyist who discovers she has more of the President of the United States than his ear.

But ultimately "The American President" features one of those ensemble casts that makes you sit and shake your head in wonder. Actually, it is rather depressing to think that the actual occupants of the West Wing are no where as smart or as glib as this crew: Martin Sheen ("Come, friends, let us away"), Anna Deavere Smith ("I think the important thing is not to make it look like we're panicking"), Samantha Mathis ("Sir, I don't understan?"), and David Paymer ("Well, I could explain it better, but I'd need charts, and graphs, and an easel"), and in my choice for the best performance of his career, Michael J. Fox ("Can I just state very clearly I can't be part of anything illegal").

Did I mention the dialogue is really good in this film? However, the film's only Oscar nomination was for Original Musical score. Go figure.

Personally, I do not think the American people would turn upon a widowed President who started dating. But then I have this pesky idealistic streak that refuses to go away. This is a witty, literate romantic-comedy that harkens back to Hollywood's golden age. Ultimately the film's political leanings have little to do with our enjoyment because we know nothing ever happens with issues like gun control and fuel emissions in the real world and Bob Rumson's problem is not that he is running for President but that he is trying to break up the romance between these two kids.

Most Romantic Lines: (1) "Well, first of all, the two hundred pairs of eyes aren't focused on me. They're focused on you. And the answers are Sydney Ellen Wade, and because she said yes." (2) "Perhaps I didn't properly explain the fundamentals of the slowdown plan." (3) "I've loved two women in my life. I lost one to cancer and I lost the other because I was too busy keeping my job to do my job. Well, that ends right now." Of course, these are not the best lines in the movie because those are all about politics more than romance.

If you like "The American President," then check out these other films on the AFI's list: #74 "Woman of the Year" and #31 "The King and I." Why? Well, because in the former you find how hard it is to mix politics and love and in the latter you have a leader whose position does not allow him to fall in love.

I have over 150 DVDs in my collection. This film, which is one of my Wife's favorite films, has been ruined by a bad transfer to DVD. This release is the worst DVD transfer of any film in my collection. Warner Home Video should be ashamed of themselves and re-call this DVD.

There is no doubt that a re-mastered edition of this movie will someday become available. Don't waste your money on this edition.

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This movie has long been my favorite. By the way if you're scanning this to figure out why I only gave this film four stars, it's because of the DVD format. No special features whatsoever. Hey Rob! Climb down off your wallet and do a commentary with Aaron. Annette, Michael, hows about a little interview or perhaps another commentary. Delete Scenes? Outtakes? I want to see Michael Douglas trip over the phrase "Upper Bi-cuspid Region." ::Climbs down off his soap box::

The title of my review says it all in a nutshell. If you're looking for Air Force One, Executive Decision or Thirteen Days, the buck does not stop here. This movie is a fairy tale. Think Ivan Reitman's "Dave." That movie starts with the Subtitle "Once Upon a Time." Exactly. It's Boy meets girl on a grand scale. It doesn't matter that President Andrew Shepherd is a Democrat, and Bob Rumsom (By the way, can you imagine "President Rumson?" Ick.) is a Republican. Rumson is the Antagonist (all good movies have one) period.

Richard Dreyfuss plays an exquisitely delicious villan, using President Shephard's new found love of Sydney Ellen Wade, for his own political gain.

Martin Sheen as Chief of Staff AJ MacInerney, now best known as President Josiah Bartlet on the West Wing, seems to be a fore-runner for the President Bartlet's own COS Leo McGarry (After all Aaron Sorkin [who is GOD] did write this movie and the series West Wing). Sheen is brilliant as Douglas' conscience and confidant.

Michael J Fox' character, Lewis Rothschild, and David Paymer's Leon Kodak, are Shephard's Prism. They show Shephard in Black and White, with no punches pulled, where he's at, where he's going and how to get there.

The other characters, while having lessor roles, are written and performed flawlessly, especially Wendie Mallick, Samantha Mathis, Josh Malina, and Anna Deavere Smith-the last two of whom are also West Wing Alums. Lastly John Mahoney, always the consumate actor round out this amazing cast with a stellar performance of the secondary or quasi-antagonist.

Buy this movie with no political Axe to grind. Buy this movie without your reality blinders on-Yes, I know it's a ridiculous premise, but so is the guy in a white suit with the crewcut sitting on a bench, and look what Zemekis got out of that one. It's a FAIRY TALE. It's FICTION. IT'S A MOVIE. Relax. Enjoy the film.

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First I liked the movie. If you like a romantic comedy then this is good one. You must put aside any idea that it has any basis in reality. It is the expected hollywood version of the US government. If you are a liberal than you are heaven sent and if you are conservative than you are a hellbound devil who's only interest is destroying the country and starving children and old folk. In this film, you have a ultr-liberal director and the only conservative voice in the film is a monster and played by Richard Dreyfuss who has never had a conservative thought. So if you can get past the extreme bias in the film and not take it too seriously, you might enjoy it. My rating is not about the movie, it is about the distribution of the DVD by Warner Brothers. They have released three verions of the film....kind of. The first version released ten years ago indicated the film was not in enhanced widescreen. It had a poor image but was that was very common as DVDs were first coming to the marketplace. The two followup releases have claimed to be ENHANCED FOR WIDESCREEN TV...BUT WERE NOT. One version had an outer sleave that claimed this, but the actual case did not while the most recent version puts ENHANCED right on the disc insert. Both of these version are the same old version previously released. I would like to believe that this is a mistake, but it occurs too often for this to be true. What is likely more accurate is the WB intentionally mislabels the disc packaging so that owners of the old disce will buy it again, and since once it is opened it cannot be returned....FRUAD profits for WB. WB lies about the product and we simply get ripped off.

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This is an all time favorite of mine and absolutely guaranteed to lift my spirits each time I watch it.

Michael Douglas plays somewhat against his usual type as a likeable, widowed, well-meaning single father who is also the President of the United States, Andrew Shepherd. He becomes romantically interested in an environmental lobbyist, Sidney Ellen Wade (Annette Benning) which turns out to cause a lot of problems for both of them.

These two high-powered actors manage to humanize their characters into ordinary, likable people who are just trying to fall in love despite unbelievable opulence of surroundings, ugly political maneuvering and living inside a media fishbowl of publicity. Along the way, there are plenty of funny, heartwarming moments including a couple of very funny telephone calls. (Imagine what YOU would do if you suddenly received a call from someone who claimed to be the President of the United States)

David Paymer, Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen are excellent in their supporting roles as advisors to the President and Shawna Waldron is wonderful as the 1st daughter.

If you love humorous dialog, beautiful, nearly fairy-tale settings and happy endings, be sure to see this movie. You won't be disappointed.

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Enemy Mine (1985)

Adapted from Barry B Longyear's novella, "Enemy Mine" could almost be a stage play. Only two actors at a time take up the majority of screen time. The sets could be taken out of the original Lost in Space studio lot and there's not enough action to keep most kids interested. Despite this, the film is terrific. It's one of those rare stories that concentrate on the subtle interaction between the characters while taking them on a moral journey.

Have I put any of the Sci-Fi geeks off their breakfast yet? Well okay, this is a science fiction movie. But it didn't have to be. The story throws two indelible enemies together, on a desolate and dangerous planet. After trying to continue their struggle, a truce is eventually called as they both realise cooperation is necessary for their survival. Despite their common need, differences in culture, politics and religion continue to wear on their partnership. And it is this constant friction which works to build their bond, almost against their will.

Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr play the two characters I've described. They are Davidge, (a human soldier), and Jerry, (a Draco soldier). Their respective names are those used for convenience, given their lack of ability in each other's language. At the start, neither speaks anything but swearwords in the enemy's tongue. Naturally, this adds another layer of tension to the situation.

I've always liked Denis Quaid's acting. He is very likeable in all of his films but in Enemy Mine we see a lot more depth of pain and caring than he usually portrays. Louis Gosset Jr however, is the true star of the film. He does a superb job of conveying his alien essence. His physical attributes, posture, movement and reactions are obviously modelled on reptiles and he makes it all seem perfectly natural.

I can't really convey the path these two enemies take towards friendship, which is a pity, since it is the best feature of the film. Suffice to say that they do eventually grow close, just in time to share in the first Draco birth witnesses by a human. Unfortunately the birth goes badly and Jerry dies, leaving Davidge to take responsibility for raising the child, Zammis. And Davidge takes this task very seriously; teaching the youngster his race's language, heritage and religion.

My only disappointment is that the film did not portray the events after Davidge's rescue in the same detail as Longyear wrote it. We are given only a brief glimpse of the prejudice and revilement that he goes through as he displays his love for one of humanities hated rivals. But we do get to experience the most moving part of the tale, as Davidge accompanies the adolescent Zammis to the home planet of the Dracos, to present him at his naming day. An event the two of them have been working towards for years, where Zammis has to name all of his ancestors, their affiliation and relationships. An event that would not have been possible without Davidge acting as a bridge of love across the span of two generations and two species.

This is such a great, yet highly under-rated sci-fi drama. Louis Gossett, Jr. is excellent as the alien and Dennis Quaid's performance is moving and extremely convincing. Sworn enemies, humans and this strange and highly mis-understood race of aliens (Draconians) are at constant war. When Quaid & Gossett end up shooting each other out of the sky and falling onto an uninhabited planet, they are forced to find common ground in order to survive. While they first attempt to kill one another, they gradually become reluctant friends and eventually blood brothers. Draconians are a very different species and there are no gender differences, so all Draconians experience child birth. When Gossett's character finds himself with child, a new dynamic is thrown into the story that shows the extent to which Quaid will go for his new best friend. The scenes to follow are moving and tender. Still sci-fi, but not a Terminator meets the Alien type of film. Not your typical sci-fi, but fabulous nonetheless. Why this isn't available on DVD is beyond me.

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Characters drive stories, regardless of their surroundings or ---in this case --time. Louis Gossett Jr. deserved an academy award for his work in the reptillian costume and his incredible use of voice and movements. Absolutely high caliber acting. Dennis Quaid is no less phenomenal but didn't have to wear a cumbersome outfit and makeup like Mr. Gossett did. Most notable is the fact that this film was made over 16 years ago and is still an excellent science fiction movie. Stands the test of time.

The story is that of a pilot out in space on a space station who is helping to 'defend' the mineral rights and other human interests of this sector of the galaxy. The only other living space-faring species out there are the Dracs. Mr. Gosset plays a Drac known as Jareeba (or Jerry as Dennis Quaid comes to call him). They are mortal enemies and nearly kill each other many times after each of their ships crash land on an unihabited planet that has impressive meteor showers, little food and funky weather patterns. Eventually, through time and circumstances, these two enemies are forced to cooperate together so that they can survive and in so doing learn a little bit about each other and their respective societies. They aren't that different, humanity and the Dracs. An age-old story done over and over again, right? True, but this one gives us a twist. Jerry becomes pregnant (no he is neither female nor male. Dracs simply become pregnant when the time is right). But Jerry's pregnancy goes awry and he dies before giving birth. Dennis Quaid has to cut the child out and raise it until he's rescued. But should he be rescued by humans, what will happen to Zamis (the little Drac who grows rapidly)? And if rescued by Dracs, what will happen to Dennis Quaid?

Dennis becomes the father figure for Zamis and they are eventually 'rescued' from the planet by human slave traders that force Dracs into mining colonies. What happens to Zamis in the end? What can Dennis Quaid do to help Zamis survive? Watch the movie and learn the twist on an old theme. Excellent.

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This is an essential movie for all sci-fi fans. Of course it's got some of the cheesy 80's acting and dialogue, but those are the only bad things about this movie. The setting and special effects look really good. The makeup is also incredible, and the story itself is pretty original and has a good message. Although it's not really a family movie as in the ammount of violence that takes place several time, it isn't over the top or excessive. The DVD sadly only has a bunch of trailers and THREE still production photos. What the? This movie deserves a better DVD, Fox! See this movie!

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As the movie opens the viewer is confronted by two very surprising things. The first is the name of the director, Wolfgang Peterson. It would be the German Director's first movie for the American mainstream audience and undoubtedly his best to date. The second thing is the gross inclusion of gratuitous Analog Special effects, which might make this movie one of the last films to include effects on this level. Blade Runner strictly used Analog Special Effects, but did far greater things with them. These two things, viewed in today's world, might turn off a few viewers, but the best thing I can offer up: is to stick with it.

However, both those things aside, the film, very rightly and very appropriately, gets to the story quickly and it is the story that makes this one of the best science-fiction movies of the `80's decade.

Enemy Mine is an incredibly touching film about perceived differences between two warring species, but speaks to the larger issue of race and all people. That's a pretty hefty order for sure to address successfully in film, but the story hails from a period of writing where moralist intent seeped into most writing, deftly, and was the norm. Barry Longyear stands firmly beside such Science-Fiction greats as Philip K. Dick, Gene Rodenberry and Walter Tevis.

I have fond memories of watching this film as a boy and can hardly forget Louis Gossett Jnr.'s much quotable: "Daaahweeech." The final scene is also very moving and very thought provoking for anyone who wonders why we, as a people, do not go to greater lengths in establishing our lineage. But, it's probably true for all of us that we all have some family members that are worthy of forgetting.

Dying Young (1991)

What got me into this movie was actually the theme "I'll Never Leave You" written by Kenny G and James Newton Howard. The beautiful yet melancholy melody delineates a heart-breaking story about a wealthy young lukemia patient, Victor's (Campbell Scott) final stage of life with a surrogate nurse Hillary (Julia Roberts).

Recognized of his soon demise, Victor makes the most out of limited lifetime through teaching art and making himself happy. Woven with nurse Hillary, Victor realizes being strong and living life to the full is what really matters. The movie is filled with touching life struggle battling the disease, and also bittersweet conversations among the tormented couple.

Scenes and music are both incredible and well-matched. It will touch your soul and prompt you re-evaluate your own life.

"Dying Young" is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever seen on film! The story centers around a woman (Julia Roberts) who is hired to take care of a cancer patient (Campbell Scott). When they first meet, they don't have the greatest respect for each other. Through time they both teach each other incredible things and eventually fall in love. What makes this movie so heart-breaking is Campbell Scott's refusal to continue his cancer treatment towards the end of the movie. I won't tell you what happens at the end, but believe me, you'll need plenty of kleenex remember, crying doesn't necessarily mean a bad ending. :)

I would highly recommend this film. The characters are great, the casting is wonderful, especially the incomparable Colleen Dewhurst (Campbell Scott's real mother), and the film leaves you with a true feeling of hope and that all things are possible. Watch this film, you won't be disappointed!!!!!!!

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"Dying Young," based on the novel of the same name by Marti Leimbach, follows the adventures of Oakland native Hilary O'Neil (a luminous Julia Roberts), a beautiful and frustrated young woman who lives at home with her annoying mother (a woefully underutilized Ellen Burstyn). Hilary's struck out on both a satisfying career and her love life. Determined to move out from under her mother's grasp, she answers a newspaper ad for someone with medical experience. She trudges up Nob Hill in a super-short miniskirt and red heels to discover her would-be employer Victor is a wealthy, intelligent recluse (Campbell Scott, son of George C. and Colleen Dewhurst) with recurring leukemia. Victor has been through bouts of chemo in-between remissions for the last ten years, and he's looking for a nurse to care for him during the latest round of treatment.

I had a former teacher and friend die from adult-onset leukemia ten years ago, and I felt that the film does a decent job at scratching the surface of the physical and mental suffering that chemo induces. Chemo basically loads a person with a cocktail of poisons in the hope of killing off the cancer before it kills off the patient. Side effects include brutal nausea and vomiting (although there are newer and more effective antiemetics in the two decades since this was filmed), mouth sores, numerous digestive problems (the chemo solutions frequently damage the GI tract), a flu-like syndrome (fever and chills), joint and muscle pain, weight loss, insomnia, and impotence. Those who are squeamish may find it difficult to watch several scenes of chemo-induced vomiting and other graphic side effects.

Hilary had no idea what to expect when Victor said that he'd need help; beyond the immediate cleaning up from bouts of vomiting, he goes through excruciating periods of physical and mental suffering, which almost prove too much for her. Initially, their relationship is strictly business; she cleans up after him and cares for him, he pays her 400 a week plus a room of her own in the mansion. But Hilary begins to sense Victor's life before leukemia struck at 18; we see a series of photos of a young, confident Victor participating in sports and smiling from a happier time. Victor's decade-long bout with chemo has left him bitter and reclusive and he's loath to leave the mansion, but Hilary coaxes him out of his shell. The two go to a fancy restaurant and are served carpaccio (raw cow). In a tender role reversal, when Hilary discovers what it's made of, she frets "What if I throw up?" to which Victor tenderly replies, "I'll take care of you."

Robert's character seems to care for Victor out of compassion more than love. Victor is prickly, detached, petulant and superior (he's been working on his PhD dissertation on art history), and outwardly gives little reason to love him. His desire for Hilary is fueled by his acute loneliness and fears about dying (the survival rates for various adult-onset leukemias are still only 14 to 50% for five-year survival). Desperate to escape the vicious cycle of chemo, Victor decides to rent a cottage in Mendocino and convinces Hilary to accompany him. I felt a sense of déjà vu as Roberts is given an impromptu lesson in art history as repayment for her kindness (in her more recent film Mona Lisa Smile, Roberts plays a wordly art history professor at a restrictive girls' college in a role reversal from Dying Young). The scenery and cinematography are particularly gorgeous in these segments; rich panoramas of sea and sky fill the screen, and the film's poignant love theme by Kenny G. (Dying Young: Original Soundtrack Album) floats ethereally through tender montages of happier times.

Victor and Hilary initially play at housekeeping and married life; his hair grows back, and he's able to go for walks and do more physical activities. But the vacation in paradise is short-lived; it turns out that Victor's been hiding a dark secret of his own, one which terrifies and infuriates Hilary. The film falters in the middle: a potential rival, good-natured blue collar handyman Gordon (Vincent D'Onofrio) relates more easily with the street-smart Hilary than the intellectual Victor is able to. Gordon and Hilary bond over sitcom trivia and other blue-collar pursuits, while Victor loves to belittle Gordon with displays of his worldliness and superior book learning. In the book and original cut of the movie, Hilary has a full-fledged affair with Gordon under Vincent's nose, but due to poor test audience reactions, it was dropped, so the lightweight inclusion of Gordon felt forced and unnecessary. Also, the film's original ending (more in line with the darker mood of the book) was changed after poor test reactions. A side plot involving eccentric winery owner Estelle (Campbell Scott's real-life mother Colleen Dewhurst, in one of her last film roles before her death) and her eccentric garden maze seemed out of place (other than showing the return of Victor's illness as he struggles to complete the maze).

The tearjerker climax features both Hilary and Victor struggling to voice their deepest fears, and this was my biggest problem with the movie. I realize that chemo treatment has improved over the last twenty years, but if I had already struggled through a decade of chemo, I would want my family to respect my right to refuse treatment. That's never presented as an option. Despite strong performances by Scott and Roberts (who seems to be reprising her role in Pretty Woman (15th Anniversary Special Edition) without breaking a sweat), I never felt an attachment to Victor and Hilary as a couple; he seemed too controlling and self-centered, and instead of offering compassion towards Hilary's upbringing on "the other side of the tracks," he tries to mold her in his image. This is more of an issue with the screenplay than the actors' performances: indeed, Campbell Scott in particular is completely invisible as an actor; instead, we see the raw desperation and fear of a frightened human being living with a death sentence.

Overall, it's a solid film that's worth seeing at least once, if only for one of Campbell Scott's finest performances (I first saw him in the Hallmark movies Follow The Stars Home and The Love Letter). As for Julia Roberts, she's beautiful, but I felt a sense of emotional detachment from Hilary. The DVD offers very few extras except for a few minutes of B-roll footage and two original trailers for Dying Young; the original ending isn't present. And a final thought: just like the U.S. retitling of "Inside I'm Dancing" as Rory O'Shea Was Here, naming a movie about a cancer victim as "Dying Young" kind of lets the cat out of the bag; I preferred the European title A Choice of Love.

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Dyeing Young is one of my top 3 favorite movies of all time. I have seen it numerous times and still get impressed with both Julia Roberts and Campbell Scott's performance in the movie. I loved everything about it.

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Initially I was a little disappointed that the story didn't go deep enough, but as time goes on, I find myself feeling very fond of the movie.

Hillary O'Neil (Julia Roberts) needs a job and a place to live, and so interviews for a live-in position taking care of a sick person in the ultra-wealthy neighborhood of Nob Hill in San Francisco. The job calls for some nursing skills, which she doesn't have. She flunks the interview. However, the young man who is sick, Victor Geddes (Campbell Scott), is secretly watching the interview. He overrides the interviewer and hires her. The job pays $400.00 a week, plus room and meals, which for Hillary is the good life.

Victor, Geddes Hillary learns, is a Phd. student in art history who has completed everything but his thesis. His thesis is about two, or several, German impressionists. He shows Hillary slides of their paintings. The artists were obsessed with the women they were painting. One of the artists, Clint, has a number of paintings of a thin woman with big, flaming red hair.

The connection between Hillary and the red head in Clint's paintings wasn't pulled off very well. We still feel like Victor hired Hillary mostly for her looks, independent of anything else. It still comes off more as a coincidence than one of the reasons he hired her.

Hillary comes from a background where she worked in Diners, parties in clubs and discos and sleeps with construction workers. Victor comes from a background that included butlers, personal assistants, never learning to drive because his family employed a full-time driver. The two have a lot to learn from each other.

She doesn't know what she got herself in for. Victor has Leukemia. One of Hillary's jobs is to accompany him to chemotherapy treatments at the hospital and take care of him afterwards. Hillary has quite a strong reaction to just seeing the rest of the patients, large in number, at the chemotherapy ward in the hospital. It's a normal, human reaction. I don't blame her. I would react the same.

Hillary is the type of person, who, when the going got too tough, always packed her bags and left. She was without a place to live because she had walked in on her live-in guy, in bed with another woman. So Hillary packed her bags and left. After returning home from the hospital, Hillary has a temper tantrum, because she can't deal with it, and packs her bags. Luckily she didn't leave.

We see scene after scene after scene of Victor suffering the after-effects of chemotherapy. The impact of chemo, as show in the movie, can't be underestimated. No wonder when people speak of chemo they tend to do it in the same hushed tones as the big "C" itself.

In any movie with a young good-looking female and male lead, we viewers expect, or hope, they fall in love. This aspect, I feel was handled well, somewhat realistically. Hillary is ambiguous throughout. They become close; they become friends, but any normal woman would hold back from falling in love with someone in Victor's shape. Nothing in the movie was suggestive of gold digging, except for a remark by Hillary's mother, and that's to be expected.

Victor intentions are much less ambiguous than Hillary's. He just doesn't spell out what they are, early on. In the latter part of the movie, Victor lies to Hillary and tells her he no longer needs chemo and takes Hillary to a vacation house in the country. The truth is, Victor has renounced any more chemotherapy, and what he wants to do in the country is to try and live normally for a time before he dies. You can't blame him.

Victor's life has been cold and isolated. He tells Hillary early on that his father, a lawyer, is in Japan on business while suffers through chemotherapy. When Victor first hires Hillary, she subtly and insinuatingly manages to probe if Victor has hired her with the intention of sleeping with her. Victor bluntly replies that there have been other women in the house before. What Victor is looking for is love and intimacy.

My hope for Hillary's character is that the experience will help her to put her own problems in better perspective. Can't deal with seeing the chemo ward? Try having leukemia yourself. Hillary can always pack her bags and leave. Victor cannot. My hope for the viewer is that s/he comes away with a respect for the life of the dying.

Julia Roberts' and Campbell Scott's roles were balanced, but the film focuses more on the drama surrounding Hillary rather than Campbell Scott. Although looking at the problems associated with being the caretaker for someone dying of cancer is a legitimate one, the person with the cancer has the bigger problem. Campbell Scott should have been the lead role. His was the far more dramatic viewpoint.

Hillary O'Neil was a more sober role for Julia Roberts than her usual movies, although the personal side of Hillary was similar to the Pretty Woman and Erin Brockavich roles. This is what viewers have come to expect of her. I find that one of Julia Robert's most interesting strengths as an actress and a woman is that she is capable of turning on hundreds of different facial expressions showing all sorts of nuanced feelings, attitudes, shades of emotions, colors and facets. This story was a perfect vehicle to exploit that talent, but we see little of it.

What is disappointing is that given the material and the cast, the producers, director and screen writers should been able to create a much more powerful movie.

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