Bull Durham (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (1988)

If you've never seen "Bull Durham" before, and are tempted to write it off as another sports flick, I beg you to rethink your position. Let me tell you my all-time favorite sports movie: "Hoop Dreams". What about it resonates with me so strongly? It's not a basketball movie --instead, it is a character drama that just happens to exist within a basketball court. In other words, where the story takes place is irrelevant; what dominates the picture is how the story (or real-life events) affects the characters (documentary subjects).

"Bull Durham" might not belong in the realm of that classic, but skeptics shouldn't dismiss it simply because it involves baseball. Overlookers won't realize that it's a funny exploration of how people discover their own ambition; the dirt diamond & ball are circumstantial.

The story begins when a minor league team is joined by veteran catcher Crash Davis (Kevin Costner). Crash has been given the unenviable task of mentoring an immature pitcher whose deadly fastball "couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat". Tim Robbins plays the pitcher, Eddie Laloosh. Eddie soon takes the nickname "Nuke"; Crash decides "Meat" is a better way to condescend the undisciplined rookie.

Let me pause there, because this sound like we're going to get a fairy tale of how a cynical teacher and hotshot student will become better humans by the end of their journey. Thankfully, writer-director Ron Shelton was much smarter than this, and doesn't treat his story like a whimsical children's book. Crash and Nuke engage in some of the harshest (and funniest) banter in the history of comedies; the only times either learns anything from each other is because one just can't deal with the tension and submits. I won't give anything away, but if you've never seen this movie before, you'll thank me later when Nuke shakes off Crash's pitching calls --twice! If for whatever reason you don't like Costner or Robbins, their perfect chemistry will change your mind. It's been 20 years since "Bull Durham", and both actors have rarely been better.

When this unbearable pairing of Crash & Nuke begins, they soon meet Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon). Annie is a strange blend of sexual creature and muse. She takes one player per season, and selects that player as her mate and student. In the hands of another actress or director, this would come off as sleazy & trashy. But once Annie begins to make her new choice stimulate his mind with poetry BEFORE satisfying his primal urges, it becomes clear that eroticism is not even a factor. You know, when I think of Sarandon, "sexy" is not the first word to come to my mind. But "Bull Durham" convinced me otherwise. Just look at the boxart! But then wait until you watch the performance: it's a treasure from her opening monologue to the emotional finale!

What results from the Crash/Nuke bickering, Annie's sensual tutoring, their bizarre triangle, and the adventurous Durham Bulls season is a movie that is achingly funny...but then Shelton gently pulls the curtain back to reveal some more layers.

I forgot the mention the Durham Bulls team name earlier because they're not the primary focus. I haven't revealed many plot points because the plot's mostly in the background. I can't recall any 'BIG GAMES' or 'TWISTS'. Hell, there's hardly any baseball for the last 30 minutes of the picture! What "Bull Durham" leaves with viewers are the characters & the little details. We don't care which games the Bulls won, but we remember the teammates' weird superstitions & conversations. Annie's teachings are incredibly silly, but she eventually acknowledges how ridiculous some of her behavior is. The three principals do discover their dreams, but in a most unlikely way. The romance is sweet, patient, and believable offbeat. Best of all, "Bull Durham" works on all paces --it speeds up to make us laugh, and still keeps our attention when it slows down for reflection.

"Bull Durham" is a hard movie to describe because there's really nothing else like it. Ron Shelton has created a small-town comedy that resembles something from Frank Capra's mind. It's as much a celebration of life as it is a parody of it. There are no grossout gags; just strong acting and intelligent writing. The game of baseball is merely a catalyst of more meaningful ideas. But have no fear: there's plenty of baseball comedy for sports buffs.

"Bull Durham" includes the good times of a "movie", but earns its place as a "film" --the perfect balance of entertainment and genius!

EXTRAS

This new DVD won't come out until March 18th. Here's what's been advertised:

* Audio Commentary from director Ron Shelton

* Audio Commentary from Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins

* "The Greatest Show On Dirt" featurette Twenty years later the cast, crew and fans remember Bull Durham

* "Diamonds In The Rough" featurette Explores minor league baseball

* "Between The Lines: The Making Of Bull Durham" featurette

* "Kevin Costner Profile"

I'll come back and review these special features. Just looking at these Extras convinces me that the earlier DVD release will soon be obsolete.

Ron Shelton spent some time in the minor leagues represented in his screenplay for Bull Durham, so he knows about the baseball things represented. But he also clearly has a gifted ear for the tempo of real life, and he knows about hopes and desires and the things that make human beings tick. The setting for this film with the minor league Durham Bulls works, and works perfectly, but the characters, especially among the central love triangle, could just as easily have been traveling salesmen or race drivers or con artists or gangsters.

Susan Sarandon plays Annie Savoy, a slightly older woman who is a Durham Bulls groupie of sorts: once a season she picks out a promising young player and begins an affair with them. During that season the promising young player has the year of his life and gets called up to the big leagues, leaving Annie to look for next year's promising young player.

The Bulls also have a million-dollar prospect of a pitcher with a right arm who the gods reached down and turned into a thunderbolt. He also has less control than a seven year old with hyperactive attention deficit disorder without his Ritalin. He's as likely to throw it over the backstop as throw a strike, although his "stuff" is like Nolan Ryan or Randy Johnson. Tim Robbins brings "Nuke" LaLoosh to life in his best comic performance.

Kevin Costner, in the best of his many baseball-movie appearances, plays "Crash" Davis, a power-hitting catcher with enough talent to be a leader on minor league teams, but only 21 days in "The Show" in years of minor league work. Crash is not only a competent minor league catcher though he also knows the history of the game, and he knows how to get into the heads of players who have mental blocks preventing them from achieving all they can as baseball players.

Crash, meet Nuke. Both of you meet Annie.

The dialogue is so witty and sparkling that more than a decade after the film's release, it still shows up frequently in discussions about baseball movies and on ESPN. Crash envies Nuke's god-given talent, and by degrees the clueless Nuke begins to appreciate Crash's baseball wisdom. Annie has the hots for both of them, and they for her, and the way this triangle evolves and resolves makes for a very satisfying baseball movie watching experience.

The movie would be worth watching if only for the hilarious little scenes that happen out on the playing field between catcher Costner and pitcher Robbins. Nuke has the million-dollar arm and the ten-cent head. Crash knows his job (and everyone elses as well) like the back of his hand. Whenever Nuke starts trying to think for himself, he quickly gets into trouble, frequently with active assistance from Crash.

Crash "calls" the game signalling to the pitcher which pitches to throw. When Nuke listens things go well. When Nuke doesn't listen, Crash whispers to the hitter what pitch is coming so that the batter can tee off on the pitch. Then as the batter circles the bases after his home run Crash goes out to the mound to remind Nuke not to try thinking for himself. "Boy, the last thing I saw fly out of here like that had a stewardess and passengers on it!"

Supporting parts are performed to hilarious perfection as well, with particular kudos to Trey Wilson as the manager and Robert Wuhl as a team coach. They have many entertaining scenes, including the one following Nuke's minor-league debut when he struck out 18..... but also walked 18 both league records! A must for grown-up baseball fans.

Buy Bull Durham (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (1988) Now

If you love baseball, then odds are you've seen & love Bull Durham, a sexy fun dramady starring Kevin Costner, Susan Surandon & Tim Robbins. It's easily one of the best baseball movies ever made and the first of three in Mr. Costner's Baseball Trilogy (Field of Dreams & For Love of The Game would follow).

The extra features included in this Special Edition are pretty nice. Plus I also enjoyed the extra outer packaging sleeve that comes with the DVD case. It's all white and looks like a big baseball. The classic picture of Kevin standing next to a car with a beer in one hand and a bat in the other, with Susan perched beside him is still what's on the actual DVD case. For the first time we actually get the trailers to Bull Durham and I really enjoyed watching the teaser & theatrical trailers. But does anyone remember the original TV spots which always ended with the bathtub scene and seeing the candles getting put out with a splash of water? The new making of documentary: Between the Lines, is a nice retrospective look back at the movie, with everyone involved, from Kevin, Susan & Tim, to director Ron Shelton himself, plus Robert Wuhl and others. What also makes it fun is real Bull Durham baseball players also comment on the film and really give you the dirt on how it measured up to really being in the minors. The other featurettes: Kevin Costner Profile & Sports Wrap are a little disappointing because they're very short (maybe 4 minutes each) and aren't new, just old featurettes made during the filming of the movie. But they're still nice to have. The Photo Gallery is nice too, but don't expect a lot of pics. There's about maybe a hundred or so. Now some of you will be surprised to learn that the Joe Cocker music video is not on the DVD. I mean it might be a hidden easter egg but I doubt it. More likely they were unable to get the rights to it and therefore not allowed to include it on the disc. Which is sad because it's a great song. I was lucky enough to get the soundtrack on CD which has been out of print for years. They really should re-release it because the songs are just wonderful!

The audio commentaries included are both fun & insightful. If you own the previous release of Bull Durham on DVD then you already have the Ron Shelton commentary which I enjoyed a lot. He gives a lot of great stories and explanations about the film that really open your eyes a bit more. But the real gem is the new commentary between Kevin Costner & Tim Robbins. One thing you'll notice right away is all the scenes Kevin talks about that didn't make the final cut. It's a real shame there's no deleted scenes section on this DVD so we could actually see them because they sound pretty good. There's a couple of freindly jabs from Kevin on how Tim was lucky enough to end up with Susan Surandon and how he didn't even know they were dating during filming. It does get a little intense when the love scene between she and Kevin comes up. Tim says "This is the part of the movie I don't like watching". But Kevin handles the tension nicely like a pro and talks about other things during the scene. It's a lot of fun. I wish these guys did another movie togeher! The ironic thing I noticed is that Ron Shelton states that, regarding the famous speech given by Kevin at Susan's house, that he doesn't really like it and would not've written it the same way had he made the film today. While Kevin, in his audio commentary says that it's a great speech but he didn't deliver it well enough and the strength of it lies with the words themsleves. That's what made it powerful, not his acting. Personally I think he's too hard on himself. Plus I always smile during the part of the speech when he says "I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone", since Kevin starred in JFK. It's a great speech and he does it perfectly.

For some reason MGM decided to give both a widescreen version and a standard pan & scan version for this DVD release, which means no cover art on the front of the disc. I don't understand why they needed the standard version since the film only has a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. But one reason you may want to consider keeping your old copy of Bull Durham on DVD is that the previous release was presented in THX for superior picture and sound quality. The new special edition version is not. And I think the THX version does look better too. Guess MGM didn't feel like using it for their release.

You don't have to be a baseball fan to love this movie. The acting is great, the characters are great, the music is timeless, & the romantic side is just as strong and touching as anything else. Pick up this special edition of Bull Durham. While your at it, pick up the rest of Mr. Costner's baseball trilogy on DVD and then watch 'em all back to back. You'll be glad you did.

Bull Durham -Rated the #1 Sports Movie of All Time by Sports Illustrated

"I'm the player to be named later" Kevin Costner as Crash Davis

Read Best Reviews of Bull Durham (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (1988) Here

It's time for Major League Baseball players to get ready for "The Show", and yet I can't help but think about this funny screwball comedy about minor league baseball, written and directed by former minor leaguer Ron Shelton. For Shelton this was truly a labor of love, realistically depicting life in the minor leagues with ample doses of humor. Kevin Costner gives one of his finest performances as veteran minor league catcher "Crash" Davis, who has spent only 21 days in "The Show" (Major League Baseball) and is near the end of his own career. It is Davis' mission to train a promising young pitcher with a million dollar arm but a dim bulb of a mind to go with it, Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins). Robbins offers the funniest and among the best performances in his career as LaLoosh, whom the majors think may be the next Nolan Ryan or Sandy Koufax. Vying for their affections is English school teacher and diehard Durham Bulls fan Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon), who seeks out the most promising rookie each season and has an affair with him; though this time, both she and Davis realize that LaLoosh doesn't deserve her affections. "Bull Durham" is a hilarious mix of metaphysics, poetry, love and baseball though not quite in this order that's blessed with an excellent cast, script and direction from Ron Shelton. It's among my favorite films from the 1980s and unquestionably one of the best baseball movies ever made.

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Back when Kevin Costner made good films, this terrific one about America's two favorite pastimes and the people who love them came out. With an onscreen heat you can practically feel, the film just screams sexy. The minute the opening monologue begins, it's a fascinating and funny insight into human emotion, sex and of course, baseball. Susan Sarandon proves the older woman is eternally sexy with her baseball groupie Annie Savoy. It's not that she's easy, she just picks one player a year to 'mature'. This year there are two promising candidates. One is a fiesty, talented but inexperienced pitcher who is not that bright; the other a seasoned catcher brought in to straighten the rookie out. Ultimately she chooses Ebby Calvin 'Nuke' LaLoosh (Tim Robbins, brilliant as an idiot), the dim but wild (hence 'Nuke') pitcher. The love triangle takes a backseat to baseball but always remains in the foreground. As the film progresses, a winning streak leaves Annie without a man and she soon begins to regret her decision. Finally a wildly sexy and romantic fling with Crash (a volcanic Kevin Costner), the rugged catcher, arrives. While it is the film during which Susan fell for Tim and she shares extraordinary chemistry with both men, the real attraction on-screen is the slow seduction between Annie and Crash. The film is so hot, it usually takes a nice shower afterwards to cool off. Good for those winter nights when baseball isn't in season. And hey, any film that makes baseball this sexy can't be that bad.

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The Transporter (2006)

Transporter DVD

Transporter is a high action movies involving an ex-Special forces soldier who earns his living transporting "packages" for various clients, mostly shady. In this movie, the transporter ( Jason Stratham )violates his own rules ( he's real big on rules ) and looks inside the package, doesn't like what he sees and doesn't complete the delivery. Bad idea, now the client is after him, along with the police. The movie is set in the French countryside so if you don't enjoy the thrill-a-minute action, just enjoy the view.

Highly recommended for fans of Jason Stratham , James Bond movies, and high action movies, especially car chases.

Gunner March, 2008

I wasn't expecting to enjoy an action flick last night, but when my hubby popped in Transporter I found my attention held almost against my will. I don't generally choose action for my own movie nights. Unexpectedly, the combination of incredible but well-pulled-off stunt sequences and the undeniable charisma of Jason Statham hooked me in.

In case you (like most law-abiding citizens) didn't know, a transporter is the guy who not only acts as a high-priced delivery service for such savory folk as mobsters, but also occasionally lands gigs driving the getaway car from the scene of the crime. From the opening scene where he is doing just that, our transporter, Frank Martin, is clearly the best in the business. A series of improbable car stunts and narrow escapes during the getaway chase establishes the general fast pacing of this movie and the slick professionalism of our "hero". And guys, his Beemer almost has enough gadgets to qualify as a 007 model.

This transporter made the fatal error of breaking one of his own rules when a mobster hired him to deliver a package: Never Look Inside. Sure enough, he discovered a conscience within himself. From that point on, his fate was set against the powerful underground smuggling cartel dealing in human cargo.

The chase scenes, fight scenes, and general action that ensues throughout the film are interspersed with just enough plot twist to keep it interesting and just enough humanity to keep it grounded without becoming maudlin. This is a somewhat toned-down version of a James Bond-like fantasy, set in the beautiful rural countryside of France and riddled with bullets and explosions that take out cars and buildings instead of entire islands. Of course, there is the obligatory gorgeous female who can't keep her hands off of Martin. Great for the testosterone and the estrogen all at once.

In the end, the Transporter did its job: I had fun without rolling my eyes once.

-Andrea, aka Merribelle

Buy The Transporter (2006) Now

Looking like a Brit version of Bruce Willis, Jason Statham made his debut back in Guy Ritchie's classic crime caper/comedy "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels." Since then he has been given a few side roles here and there in "Snatch" (or Lock, Stock 2 as I like to call it), John Carpenter's "Ghosts of Mars", and then he teamed up with Delroy Lindo to track two Jet Li's in "The One." But who would've guessed that he finally got his own film, and a kick [butt] action film at that. Ever since Corey Yuen and Luc Besson collaborated on "Kiss of the Dragon," I knew that any film they did together from then on would be golden. And "The Transporter" definitely lives up to that standard. Sure there's nothing new here: how many times is a bad guy gonna get a change of conscience over a hot chick, right? And unlike the others, there is actually some good chemistry going on between our hero and his damsel in distress.

Basically, the film combines some great European atmosphere (The beautiful southern coast of France) with some incredible fight and action sequences. Corey Yuen could pretty much create a fight scenario out of virtually any environment. Now I know you could easily replace Staham with Jet Li, but you know what? He really proves that he can hang with the big boys in this film. I mean, he did ALL HIS OWN STUNTS. How awesome is that? Not even our great American action actors like Sylvestor and Arnold can say that. My only criticsim of the film is that I think they should of beefed it up a little bit and went for the R rating. Other than that I think it's a great little action/martial arts movie with a European flavor. It will definitely make you reminisce over the days when Van Damme and Seagal used to make great Action fliks. I can't wait to see what Turkish has in store for us next. Ladies and Gentlemen, a new action star has been born.

Read Best Reviews of The Transporter (2006) Here

If the world were a different kind of place, Jason Statham would be a huge star. But as it is, despite strong showings in this film and in "The Italian Job," he's not.

Actually, Statham has all the right stuff: he's athletic, intelligent,sexy, honest (to a point)and physically imposing for a short guy. You know the kind of guy you'd share a bottle of Tequila with, let your sister go out with, have beside you when you go to beat up your brother-in-law or drive your Mom to the mall. He's a guy's guy and a woman's guy. He harkens back to the Gables, Stewarts, Fonda's of the world. He's the strong/silent type with extras. I'd really like to see him as a romantic lead, maybe in a film with Drew Barrymore or Jude Law.

This film is nothing new plot wise but it's done with style and grace and the scene of Statham and a bunch of bad guys and a drum full of motor oil is a classic.

If there is any justice in this world, Statham will be the next James Bond. But being that there isn't much, let's hope he has a long, brilliant career instead.

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This 2002 film is action all the way. So much action, in fact, that the story doesn't matter. It plays like a young man's fantasy fast cars, things that blow up, and a pretty girl to decorate the scene. The English actor, Jason Statham, is cast as the cooler than cool hero. He lives is opulent splendor on the French Riviera and is supposedly a former soldier with the British Special Forces. He now makes a living by transporting packages and/or people in his luxury BMW car. For example, the beginning of the film shows him pulling up at exactly the right moment at a bank heist. Four bank robbers in masks rush to get picked up. "The agreement called for three," he says. There is no time to argue as the police are closing in and so they shoot one of their members and throw him out of the car. Of course there is a car chase, with dozens of police cars falling off cliffs or banging into each other as the transporter's car leaps over barriers and is totally immune to all the bullets being shot at him. And that's just the first five minutes.



The transporter's next job consists of delivering a small suitcase to a location. All goes well until he gets a flat tire, opens the trunk and sees the suitcase moving. When he opens it, he finds the lovely Qi Shi, a pretty young Chinese actress who manages her role well, in spite of the fact that she speaks very little English. No problem though because there is very little dialog anyway. Mostly, things blow up, including our hero's luxury house and the pair are forced into a daring underwater escape. There is more and more action and more and more people getting killed and some sort of redeeming value in the plot about saving Chinese slaves from a cargo container. The most important thing in this kind of film, however, are special effects and the martial arts of the hero who can knock out a dozen armed men with a few well-placed kicks.



This is a film targeted to teenage boys. So what is it that kept the eyes of a mature lady like me so glued to the screen? Perhaps its because the action was so intense and outrageous that it just locked in my attention in a way that wound up to be totally relaxing. By all my generally standards I should have hated this film. But sometimes I like to take a mini-vacation from anything meaningful. Hence, I cannot help but recommend The Transporter.

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In My Sleep (Special Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

In My Sleep is a fast paced, gripping, edge of your seat thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the very end! The story plays out in an unpredictable and wonderfully spooky, which will keep you on your toes. In many ways this movie reminded me of a new age thriller that is reminiscent of the classics from master filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. Truly a great new film from Director/Writer Allen Wolf that I highly recommend for all viewers!

Writer/director Allen Wolf has hit a home run with this indie motion picture in the tradition of Hitchcock. From the opening scene, the viewer is kept guessing with the main character, Marcus, who embarks on a mission to try to discover whether he committed murder and to search within whether he has the capacity for such an act. The plot is highly suspenseful and entertaining, but in the end the movie leaves the viewer thinking about the deep issues that Marcus explored within himself.

The screenplay is tightly written and the movie features strong performances by lead actors Philip Winchester, Lacey Chabert, and Abigail Spencer. Allen Wolf mixes superb humor into this thriller, keeping the audience entertained throughout. "In My Sleep" is truly a unique movie that you will not forget.

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Can you imagine going to bed and waking up with blood on your hands? Not knowing what you've done the night before? In My Sleep asks those questions and many more equally frightening ones, keeping you in suspense throughout, until the last satisfying and surprising revelation. There are even a few chuckles along the way! Worth the wait!

Read Best Reviews of In My Sleep (Special Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo) Here

I was gripped from the beginning of this film to the end! I'm usually not a lover of thrillers, but this one was smart, well-paced, and had a great cast. By the end of the film, I had gotten so engrossed in it that I had forgotten where I was. That, to me, is a great movie!

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I rarely rave about movies, but without exaggeration it's truly one of the best movies I've seen in a very long time.

The movie is a well-written edge-of-your-seat thriller, interlaced with incredible suspense, Hitchcockian elements, a fantastic plot, great intensity, wonderful musical score, and even humor along the way.

If you like movies like Memento and the Usual Suspects, and appreciate movies with twists and turns that keep you guessing the entire time, you'll love this movie. After I saw this movie, I couldn't stop talking or thinking about it. It's one of those movies that stays in your mind and makes you think through it and ask questions about it for several days. (And one that you'll want to see again once you figure everything out).

Absolute Power (2010)

At the start of "Absolute Power" Luther Whitne (Clint Eastwood), cat burglar par excellence, finds himself in a very strange situation. While robbing a rich man's safe in a large bedroom closet, he is interrupted by the appearance of a man and woman who head straight for the bed. While hiding in the closet, where he sees what is going on through a two-way mirror, he watches while the sex play gets rough: the man hits her, she stabs him with a letter opener, and then two men come into the room and shoot her. Luther gets out of there, but while his presence was undetected it does not go undiscovered. The problem is that the man he was watching happens to be the President of the United States (Gene Hackman).

Now, I have to stop at this point and tell you that one of my cinematic pet peeves is the idea that the United States Secret Service will let the president do anything, no matter how stupid or reckless, without batting an eye. Indeed, in "Absolute Power" there are two such agents, who help to cover up the murder and then try to track down Luther and kill him. However, the actors playing those two agents happen to be Scott Glenn and Dennis Haysbert, which is an important fact because a lot of the faults in this film area absolved by the casting, the credit for which goes to the film's director: Clint Eastwood.

The hook for this thriller is the idea that the president, his Chief of Staff (Judy Davis), and the Secret Service are out to get Luther, whose stated intention is to get out of town and get lost as quick as possible. But the key to this film ends up being a rather odd romantic triangle that exists between Luther, his estranged daughter, Kate (Laura Linney), and the D.C. homicide cop, Seth Frank (Ed Harris), who is assigned to the murder. Frank interviews Luther, not because he thinks the old con is a murderer, but because he is one of the few that could have pulled off the heist. He then moves on to Kate, hoping to get her to persuade her father to turn himself in before the wrath of the rich man (E.G. Marshall) whose wife is dead comes crashing down on him. Frank clearly likes Kate and is rather impressed by Luther, which is good because I like smart cops. For his part, Luther clearly has some admiration for the detective and also likes his taste in women.

My favorite scene in this movie is when Frank takes Kate to her father's house, where she has never been, and (knowing where Luther hides the key), takes her inside. In one room she finds a gallery of photographs, of all of the key moments in her life after her father left. "She was at none of these," she insists to Frank, although clearly that was never the case and we can see in an instant that she is rethinking her entire relationship with her father. As much as it is fun to watch Luther outsmart the cops, the Secret Service, and the hitman sent by old man Sullivan, the heart of this film is between Luther and Kate. Even when she sets him up, believing it to be the only way of helping keep her father alive, he surprises her by showing up. His reasoning? He did not want her to believe he was a murderer. Besides, his daughter wanted to see him.

I understand the script by William Goldman is quite different from David Balducci's novel, but that simply has to do with Eastwood playing Luther (if you read the novel you will understand why this would matter in terms of the significant changes). Eastwood's direction is competent as always, and, as I mentioned above, he gets the credit for being able to bring together such a solid cast for one of his projects (who would turn down a Clint Eastwood movie?). Final Note: the White House Tour Guide is played by the director's daughter, Kimber Eastwood.

This review refers to the Warner Home Video(DVD edition) of "Absolute Power"

This is one of Clint's best. It really shows off his expertise in front of and behind the camera. His on screen magnetism matches his superb direction in this great thriller. Also included is some of the best talent in Hollywood, as Clint has a knack for surrounding himself with the finest actors.

"Absolute Power" from 1997 is a terrific thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat(even after repeated viewings) as Clint goes up against some mighty powerful enemies. He is an aging master thief, and while in the process off pulling of the ultimate job, witnesses a murder.And this murder involves the most powerful man in the world. When Clint is the chief suspect, he must prove that the blood trail leads all the way to the Whitehouse. Not an easy task for our guy, as he is being persued by all sides.The film is multi-faceted as it also let's us in on this thief's softer side as he tries to build a relationship with his estranged daughter. A huge cast includes, Ed Harris, Gene Hackman, Laura Linney, Scott Glenn,Judy Davis, Dennis Haysbert and the great E.G. Marshall.

This film looks and sound magnificent on this superior quality DVD. You have the choice of widescreen(highly recommended), or standard format. Colors are vibrant, and the picture is crystal clear.The Dolby Dig 5.1 will have you thinking all the action is going on right in your living room. There are some production notes included and there are subtitles in English, French and Spanish.

This film is also offered as part of a 3-pack here at Amazon...The Clint Eastwood "Hero" collection. It also includes "Heartbreak Ridge" and "A Perfect World", which also stars Kevin Costner. If you are like me and can't live without ALL of Clint's work..the 3-pack would be a more economical way to go!

Washington is no match for our guy!(Who is?)....Go for it..and enjoy...Laurie

more Clint stuff:

The Gauntlet/True Crime

Paint Your Wagon

Music for the Movies of Clint Eastwood

Breezy Clint Eastwood Kay Lenz All Regions NTSC UNRATED(director)

Buy Absolute Power (2010) Now

With MYSTIC RIVER being the most recent example, director Clint Eastwood shows why his movies are so powerful: the casting and the expert, effective direction. Eastwood the director is much better than Eastwood the actor, and there are times I wish he'd cast others in the roles he takes. But that aside, this political thriller soars because of the wonderful actors and the way Clint works with them to bring out the best, even in smaller, seemingly insignificant scenes. Let's look at some of these performances:

GENE HACKMAN an outstanding actor who always gives a hundred percent doesn't get a lot of screen time in this one, but of course his scenes are pivotal and his ability to create such a devious and self-centered liar are brilliant.

LAURA LINNEY one of our most consistently good actresses, Laura takes the cliche role of abandoned daughter, but fills it with the hurt that comes from that; the love that still wants to get out, and her devotion to the man she feels abandoned her. Her scene with Ed Harris in which she goes to her father's apartment and sees all the pictures is wonderful.

ED HARRIS he plays a smart cop and an attractive, lonely one at that. His falling for Linney is understandable, and Harris controls his performance brilliantly.

SCOTT GLENN & DENNIS HAYSBERT as the secret service men are very different and the contrast works well. Glenn is remorseful over his actions; Haysbert is obviously a man who likes to kill and feel power. Their supporting contribution is essential to the movie.

E.G. MARSHALL this late great actor has never been better. An 80 year old billionaire with a young wife who he really loves faces her tragic death and seeks revenge. And yet, he had a room built where he could watch this young wife screw around with younger and more virile men just to prove he loved her. Marshall's scene in the limo with Clint is also very moving.

JUDY DAVIS this talented actress at times reminded me of Cruella Deville with her flashy arm movements and histrionics, but as her character develops, one can see the motivation behind these gestures, and the deep passion she feels for Hackman.

A very well done and enthralling movie.

Read Best Reviews of Absolute Power (2010) Here

I enjoyed this movie very much. I didn't mind that there were plot holes here and there-I just didn't care. It was entertaining and gripping and I loved every minute of it. I especially loved that I didn't know *anything* about the plot of the movie as I watched it. There were a few extra surprises for me along the way, which enhanced my enjoyment of the movie.

I loved Clint Eastwood's character. He's such a wiley and resourceful fellow, definitely able and capable. But he's not above playing the "age card", and making mentions of his AARP membership, and trying to pass himself off as someone who is too old to do anything interesting anymore. The twinkle in his eye as he starts in with the age thing is very amusing indeed.

The rest of the cast in this film is also very good-special cudos for E.G. Marshall, in one of his last roles. His performance is articulate and strong and spot-on. Ed Harris has that friendly, open face, and he's very likeable in this movie. He's also able to show a sweet sense of humor. (The line, "I live alone" will have a special significance after you see this movie!) Gene Hackman is great as a wimpy yet simultaniously slimy character. Judy Davis is absolutely wonderful too-as an evil ice queen hiding behind the mask of an attractive woman. Dennis Haysbert (now playing Palmer in "24") and character actor Scott Glenn are good in their roles as well.

The best part in this film, in my opinion, are the scenes between Eastwood and his estranged daughter, played by Laura Linney. Their relationship is what makes this movie stand out. Eastwood's character has been seemingly so distant from his daughter for so many years; yet she's still his "little girl" and we see how deeply he loves her as the film progresses.

This is a worthwhile film, and very entertaining. Recommended.

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Absolute Power may not be an overly special film but it was the first movie I saw in the cinema after leaving high school. I was certainly not the target audience but it had my attention from the first scene and maintained the suspense for the during of the running time, even if it doesn't build to much.

Clint Eastwood plays Luther Whitney, an expert thief who targets billionaire industrialist Walter Sullivan (grouchy old EG Marshall, in his last theatrical movie) while he is off on vacation. While in the midst of cleaning out the vault the President of the United States (Gene Hackman) enters the room with Sullivan's wife. Whitney hides in the vault, which has a two-way mirror, and witnesses the President get a little too rough with the woman, which ends in her fighting him off and being murdered by the secret service. The Chief of Staff concocts a plan to cover up the murder not knowing that Whitney is watching the whole thing. As the group leave he escapes, taking a crucial piece of evidence with him.

Initially unsure what to do, Whitney decides to taunt the President, though it's not clear what his complete plan is or even if he's just free-forming. If one should fault Absolute Power for any reason it's that it establishes a lot of plot and potential but never really does anything with it and ends with an anti-climactic cop-out.

Where it succeeds is with the small cast of characters who really make the dialogue and relationships work. Ed Harris as the confused but dedicated cop investigating the case, Laura Linney as Whitney's resentful daughter, and the austere Scott Glenn as the self-doubting agent make every scene effortless even when there's not much happening.

Adapted from (and streamlined and improved in the process) the bloated novel by David Baldacci (I call them 'Airport novels' those 600-page bricks with generic covers featuring nothing but the title and author in giant gold letters in a tacky font) the screenplay makes many changes but they are all for the better. Eastwood's direction is slow and steady or 'mature'. The pace and framing is the antidote for anyone bored to tears with the nauseating aesthetic of today's comic-book movies and CGI nightmares.

A curious thing about the beginning of the movie is that Clint Eastwood only has 2 lines of dialogue for the entire 35 minutes. I don't understand why he didn't cut them out and remain silent, which would give the film a peculiar edge.

The Blu-ray features a fine 2.40 1080p transfer with an active, spatial DTS HD-MA soundtrack. There are zero features.

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Rebecca (1940)

A sumptuous film version of Daphne du Maurier's Gothic suspense novel. Brilliant direction by Alfred Hitchcock (his first American-made feature), dazzling cinematography by Oscar-winner George Barnes, and splendid art direction by Lyle Wheeler underscore impeccable performances by the entire cast. Laurence Olivier is excellent as the enigmatic Maxim, whose brooding ambivalance masks a dark secret; Joan Fontaine hits all the right notes as the confused and insecure Second Mrs. de Winter; and Judith Anderson (made up very much like Gloria Holden in Universal's "Dracula's Daughter") is chillingly repellant as the malevolent housekeeper Mrs. Danvers. These three Oscar nominees are ably abetted by George Sanders playing Rebecca's cad of a cousin, and Florence Bates as the vitriolic social butterfly Edyth Van Hopper. In what must have been an incredibly close race, this film beat out 20th Century-Fox's landmark "The Grapes of Wrath" for the 1940 Best Picture Oscar.

The Anchor Bay DVD offers a fine video transfer of this classic mystery. The picture is sharp and clear with excellent contrast throughout, and the soundtrack is clean and crisp. Although the package doesn't mention it, the DVD does offer Chapter Search (always a welcome plus). There aren't any bonus materials like theatrical trailers, cast biographies, photo galleries, etc., but this is still a worthy edition of a genuine film classic.

Joan Fontaine stars as a miserably shy and awkward lady's companion who meets the sophisticated and recently widowed Maxim de Winter in Monte Carlo. They seem an odd couple, yet after a few short weeks they marry and come home to his imposing English country estate, Manderley. The young bride is overwhelmed with her new, lavish lifestyle and is especially intimidated by the forbidding housekeeper who keeps her first mistress' memory and influence alive. Maxim reveals a terrible secret which forever alters the couple's life, and affects the very existence of Manderley.

This wonderfully atmospheric tale, complete with swirling fog and spooky organ music, will take you away to a world where little Cinderella really does marry the handsome prince and lives in the mysterious castle, but things have a nasty habit of going bump in the night. Joan Fontaine gives a breathtaking performance, convincing us she really is crippled with feelings of inadequacy, despite being a flawless beauty. Judith Anderson is the sneering, contemptuous housekeeper whose devotion to her former mistress turns to madness. Laurence Olivier makes a properly snobbish and mysterious Maxim and manages to be the hero despite a fatal flaw. The title character, Rebecca (the first Mrs. de Winter), is never seen but is a powerful force, as is the imposing house of Manderley. If you like gothic romances filled with 1940's elegance and lots of creepy atmosphere, you'll enjoy Rebecca.

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This review refers to the Anchor Bay DVD release of Rebecca.....

What do you get when you have a great work of literature by Daphne Du Maurier, combined with the cinematic skill of Director Alfred Hitchcock,combined with the extrordinary acting talents of Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders and Judith Anderson? You get pure perfection on film. Combined that with the technology to take a movie made 62 years ago and make a transfer to DVD that looks as if it was made yesterday, and you have 2hr and 10 minutes of movie heaven.

The story begins in the South of France where a young, introverted woman(Joan Fontaine) meets wealthy widowerMaxim de Winter(Olivier) His wife,Rebecca, had recently died in a drowning accident and often he seems to be pensive and far off. They fall in love, marry, and go back to his home, an estate called Manderly. She is overwhelmed by the palacial grandeur, the huge staff of servants but mainly by the very prim but chilling head housekeeper Mrs. Danvers(Judith Andersson). The first Mrs. De Winter still seems to have a presence in the household that Mrs. Danvers keeps alive.

To say anymore will be giving away too much of this hauntingly chilling love story/mystery.However I must talk about this DVD.

Although not the more expensive version with all the extras(don't look for any with this one) this one gave us a beautiful picture, and great sound. Everything was bright and clean I saw things I had never seen before, and I have watched this movie dozens of times. The sparkling of the sequins on a woman,s gown,

the way the sun shone and the rain fell. This is a great transfer of a great film(Academy Award best Picture 1940). I personally didn't need all the extras for this one, I just enjoyed the film. There is another version by criterion with lots of goodies if you are interested in that though.

Which ever version you choose- Enjoy "Rebecca" and the splendor of Manderly--Laurie

also recommended:

Hitchcock's Notebooks: An Authorized and Illustrated Look Inside the C

The Woman of the Port

Alfred Hitchcock Double Feature Volume One Sabotage / The Man Who Knew Too Much

Read Best Reviews of Rebecca (1940) Here

Rebecca achieves greatness. Nothing is off in this film. You'll never forget Judith Anderson's sinister portrayal of the obsessed housekeeper, or George Sanders' cold and cynical charm as "Rebecca's favorite cousin." As for Lawrence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, they will never be seriously challenged in any remake of this tantalizing and psychologically molten story. It is their film from start to finish, though one fine character actor after another comes and goes with perfect pitch and perfect proportion. The black and white photography has a porcelain gleam to which color could bring nothing. Like Bronte's great novel, Jane Eyre (in which Joan Fontaine also starred), Rebecca is a seminal tale following an old pattern that has been imitated ad infinitum. But nothing can detract from this pure and innocent effort. I first saw Rebecca when I was a little girl, taken by my mother to a small theatre in New Orleans famous for showing foreign films and artistic films, and what an enchantment it was this world of Maxim de Winter and his great house and the crashing sea -and finely controlled voices with English accents speaking so carefully but with such feeling. I've seen the film a dozen times since, and it has lost none of its silvery luster. There are times when I don't want to do anything except make a cup of hot chocolate and go in and watch Rebecca. Highly recommended. Add it to your collection.

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Note: Get the Criterion DVD before it is too late! (It's supposed to go out of print on the 31st of December, 2003). While Hitchcock's masterpiece is still stunning after all these years, the DVD I watched, published by Anchor Bay, is pretty weak; the Criterion Collection DVD of "Rebecca" has much more in the way of extras and special features, which is half the appeal of getting a classic on DVD.

Anchor Bay's DVD only has a chapter selection and "start" on the menu. Not even closed captioning, which makes this DVD inaccessible to older or deaf fans.

Still, even a weak DVD presentation can't take away from such a beautiful film. A TV presenter recently introduced "Rebecca", by saying that Joan Fontaine was too pretty to be believable in the role of a plain girl. Missing the point! "Rebecca" is a story from the point of view of a scared, insecure heroine who believes the worst of herself and is always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Like the heroine of "Northanger Abbey," perhaps the gothic atmosphere here is really created out of her hopes and fears "Rashomon"-style where each person sees a different thing. The book "Venus in Spurs" has most of a chapter devoted to "Rebecca," and how much this film and book relate to women who struggle through insecurity, despite being loved. (To say more might ruin the movie for first-time viewers).

Fontaine is, of course, very good, as is Laurence Olivier, who has scarcely *ever* been more handsome and commanding. Among the strong supporting cast is George Saunders and Dame Judith Anderson. While Anderson's usually singled out in reviews and hindsight, her obsessive maid could hardly be that malevolent, if the audience didn't feel so sympathetic towards Fontaine's sweet, mild Mrs. de Winter. Really, Fontaine needed Anderson in this performance to really pull it off; and the reverse is equally true. I also think Florence Bates adds quite a bit here as the bitchy and bossy Mrs. Van Hopper, also providing a strong showing in another wonderful film, "A Letter to Three Wives," which, come to think of it, is also about wives and their suspicions of their husbands... and Bates' character sets up trouble for one of the "Letter" wives with her thoughtlessness in that picture, too.

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Easy Virtue (2009)

Between world wars, the Whittaker's estate is sinking; only the iron will of Mrs. Whittaker staves off bankruptcy while she awaits her son John's return from the continent. To her dismay, he brings a bride: an American widow who races cars. The bride, Larita, thinks she and John will visit and then go to London, where he'll work and she'll race. But John is to the manor born, and mother is nothing if not a master at plans and manipulation. Soon it's all-out war between mother and bride, with John's father, a burnt out veteran of the Great War, in the bride's corner ineffectually. Mother has a plan to join with the neighboring estate; only Larita is in her way. Based on the original play by Noel Coward, 'Easy Virtue' encompasses sharp wit, romance and drama; and although it is set in 1920s England, it is far from the typical period drama that might be expected. Biel has a captivating presence, bringing classic Hollywood glamour to the movie. A thoroughly enjoyable British comedy.

...I know the cost is going to be a killer. To summarize quickly before a long worded review this is your typical solid Sony BD presentation of a good film, so I suppose one will have to weigh out how much they love the content.

I felt this to be a great comedy presentation of a 1920s Brit piece that came across on Blu beautifully. The English countryside estate (a lovely looking acreage and interior) is filled with a wonderful cast of snobs, naive youth, seasoned work staff, and a comic relief father played perfectly by Colin Firth. He was the strong point of the movie and I laughed almost every time he spoke. The story follows the introduction of an American wife into this mix played adequately by Jessica Biel. As the weeks progress we get to see a spattering of visuals, comedic schticks, and life lessons learned by all until the surprising end. I do not feel the criticism I have read here and elsewhere is valid since this is meant to be a light take on this sociological experiment, yet exquisitely preserved.

The overall colors were a little drab, but some of the landscape exteriors and one interior dance scene showed some vibrancy. The TrueHD was fine, and actually played best when the music was active (which is being interjected often). The supplements were thorough for a film like this, including:

* 5 minutes of 4 deleted scenes would have been fine left in the film.

* 8:30 minutes of bloopers they were actually funny and seemed appropriate for the extras inclusion since this was a humorous film.

* 6 minute New York Premiere Featurette more of an ad plug with some red carpet interviews and too many film clips.

* Commentary by the director and writer this was actually one of the better ones I have heard in some time. The director dominates the track with a plethora of great info, and the writer actually provides a solid back-up to his material; they gelled just right. Was nice to hear a team on a commentary instead of a competition or a mess of constant interruptions.

I liked the film and it plays very well in the store. The display catches a great deal of attention with the props, music and attire, plus everyone performs quite well. Four for the film and one for the extras. Did not see the original material (play, book) to compare so I think all the negative press is misplaced as a stand alone film, and Biel was not that bad she did fine for what the role was. Enjoy.

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I loved watching this movie. If you have seen some of Noel Cowards work done before (Relative Values), you'll remember the humor he brings to the plate. Stephan Elliot truly had his hands full with four great cast members! You will laugh, you will be upset, you will be astonished and that it what makes this movie such fun to watch! It's been described as "meet the very posh british parents" but I think it's much, much more. And, a great performance of the Tango done by Jessica Biel and Colin Firth!

Read Best Reviews of Easy Virtue (2009) Here

I am always looking for a movie that I can watch that will entertain me and sometimes, help chase away the blues. I am generally not a romance movie fan, so I nearly passed this movie by. I did watch this movie however, and boy was I glad that I did. The plot very entertaining and the scenery, the clothes, the actors were all eye candy. The music selected for the movie helped set the tone. Was it a socially important movie? No, not unless you think that bringing a smile or laugh to someone has value (which obviously I do.) This movie is what it is. You either get it...or you don't. A big thumbs up, in my book.

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I saw Easy Virtue 5 times in the theatre when it was in limited release and would have seen it more given the chance! The acting is suberb by the whole cast. Ben Barnes (of Prince Caspian fame) plays love struck young Englishman John Whittaker who marries American race car driver, Larita (an elegant, witty Jessica Biel) bringing her home to his manipulative disapproving mother (the always fabulous Kristin Scott Thomas), vacant war damaged father (Colin Firth in a beautifully natural performance), and provincial sisters Marion and Hilda. Snappy dialogue and machinations ensue on both sides in the battle for John's future.

This is often billed as a comedy and though it IS very funny, there is drama and deeper meaning, as well. Director and co-screenwriter Stephan Elliott (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) manages to find something sympathetic in each character while taking a delicious potshot at upper-crusty English society. Little is left of the Noel Coward play it's based on (thank goodness), but it's witty enough that it sounds like Coward. Elliott creates a visually rich and dynamic piece packed with fun period music (I LOVE the soundtrack!).

Marius de Vries builds a beautiful period score along with some contemporary songs made to sound like period pieces (I especially love "Sex Bomb"). Ben Barnes has a gorgeous voice and besides singing to charm everyone in the movie, provides the soundtrack with two of my favorite songs, "A Room With a View" and "I'll See You Again". Jessica Biel opens the film with a lovely "Mad About the Boy" and helps Colin Firth and Ben Barnes on "When the Going Gets Tough the Tough Get Going".

I highly recommend this gay, bittersweet romp!

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Imagine That (2009)

As a teenager over 20 years ago I remember laughing long and hard at "Beverly Hills Cop" and even Eddie Murphy's generally irreverent and profane humor. But as a parent I am glad to see him using his talents in a more family friendly way, even if it usually borders on slapstick or over-the-top humor like Jim Carrey (this one didn't quite go that far). And I must admit that the commercials featuring that stupidly annoying kid throwing plastic balls at him in the playground didn't put this one on my "must-see" list. But my wife rented it one night and I was pleasantly surprised.

Murphy plays Evan Danielson, an aggressive workaholic investment consultant with no time for family in fact, he's divorced and has no connection with his daughter, Olivia (about 6 years old, I think). But when he's forced to care for her for a week he's insensitive to her security blanket and imaginary friends... until he realizes that these friends are giving surprisingly accurate investment advice. And thus begins a relationship with his daughter that, although not initially based on the right reasons, opens his eyes to what he's missing out on.

I'm not exactly a devotee of this type of movie and haven't really seen any of Murphy's films since Disney's "The Haunted Mansion" (which was very disappointing compared to "Pirates of the Caribbean"), but my kids and I really enjoyed this one. I didn't notice any foul language and any crude jokes must have gone right over my head. Yara Shahidi was perfectly cute as his neglected daughter, and Thomas Hayden Church was particularly funny as Johnny Whitefeather, his main competition at work with phony Native American investing advice. The plot-line may be formulaic and in some ways the moral-of-the-story done a bit too Hollywood-ish, but I thought the movie was quite fun, and definitely better than I expected.

Eddie Murphy is a long ways away now from his box office days, which goes to show just how hard it is to stay on top and to stay relevant. IMAGINE THAT follows his trend of starring in kid-friendly flicks, except that this one isn't as good as the SHREK films, as as good as DR. DOLITTLE or even DADDY DAY CARE. That IMAGINE THAT is watchable at all is due to some nice interplay between Murphy and the little girl who plays his daughter in the movie.

The story elements couldn't be more trite or unoriginal. Workaholic investment adviser Evan Danielson (Murphy) is intent on climbing that corporate ladder and barely finds time for his 7-year-old kid Olivia. When his separated wife sticks him with babysitting Olivia, Evan agrees after all, he does love his daughter but Olivia, cute but peculiar, is no match for his work portfolio. Olivia's favorite thing in the world is her googah, which is this blue security blanket and also her portal to an imaginary world and her invisible friends.

For Evan, it's hard to do work when your kid is incessantly talking silly nonsense to herself. But is it really nonsense? When Olivia's make-believe princess friends end up dispensing savvy investment tips, Evan decides that he ought to spend more time with his daughter. Er, because he loves her.

Kids may like this, probably, because Yara Shahidi is cute and earnest and simply very good as Olivia. But the story follows a predictable path. Its payoff is weak and involves Murphy's character having to get to his daughter's big school concert. Not that it matters, but we never do learn for sure if the fantasy element really is of a magical nature or rooted in a more earthbound explanation. There's an attempt near the end to suggest that maybe, just maybe Olivia's imaginary friends are real but, like I said, it's weak. Eddie Murphy does his usual enjoyable fast-talking thing, and actually he tones down his brand of silly even more in favor of constructing a more affecting emotional core to the story. It's a good move because the father/daughter moments are the best parts of the movie.

Thomas Haden Church will either make you laugh or exasperate you with his interpretation of a smarmy rival of Evan's who applies his part-Native American heritage and some weird New Agey philosophy to get the jump on our guy (Church's character is labeled a "Man Whisperer"). Stephen Root, Martin Sheen, and Ronny Cox are here, too, and so what?

The thing about cameos featuring current famous people is that, sometimes, they fall out of relevance or their situations change, and this has the effect of dating the movie. Allen Iverson is long gone from the Denver Nuggets and now back in Philly, something which jarringly took me out of the movie's story. If you're not a basketball fan, then this probably doesn't bug you.

IMAGINE THAT isn't too horrible a choice if you're looking for something to divert the kids. It's not exactly top shelf material, but there's nothing objectionable in it, other than its sin of sticking to the formula. It's certainly loads better than NORBIT, which is objectionable on so many levels.

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This was a different Eddie Murphy movie and one that should have done better in the ratings than it did. I bought it for family members who are very particular as to what they allow children to watch. It was funny, had a message regarding a father's need to

take time to be a real father. The little girl in movie was excellent in the part. I have bought this movie for future viewing.

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I wasn't sure if this movie was going to be corny or not being a childrens movie and all but I was surprised at how funny it was! I loved Eddie Murphy in "Daddy Day Care" and loved him in this movie equally as much! This movie isn't appropriate for younger ages (it's rated PG) and I believe it's PG because of some adult humor but it's nothing you wouldn't see on TV and no foul language is used! "Imagine That" has a really cute message for all ages!

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A powerful financial executive whose career was sent spiraling down the drain due to sudden lack of confidence finds the answers to his inexplicable setback in an imaginary world dreamt up by his young daughter. This movie is very enteraining. Eddie Murphy is a very talented actor. I hope he continues to do more movies like this one.

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The Toy (1982)

So many people try to turn this movie into a battle about race. Lest we forget that Richard Pryor is the hero in this movie teaching the boy NOT to be racist, arrogant or judge people. In the end the Klan and the other racists get what they have coming to them. So enjoy this movie for what it is; Lighthearted, simple, fun and hysterical, nothing more and nothing less.

If you think this movie is racist you have to be missing the whole point of Richard Pryor.He was trying to point out the absurdity of the situation and as it turns out most of the sonics applied to the movies plot have been discussed in the following reviews after mine.It's basically a lighthearted comdedy and is definately not pro-racism.In fact in the end the KKK get what they deserve.So it is okay to like this movie-I do.

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Gleason and Pryor together in the same film. How could it miss? They have some really fine moments with the rest of the very funny cast. Some have objected to the story but if Pryor saw nothing wrong with the film I don't either. This is one of those wonderfully silly comedies from the 80s that takes me back. It's one of those films that's "never quite as funny as all that" but Pryor and Schwartz turn in good performances with eventually likeable characters. The friendship they form is great. Makes you feel good.

Scott Schwartz, who plays Gleason's son Eric, said he wrote a sequel himself but it's difficult to take him seriously for obvious (and painful) reasons. He went on to do adult films but mostly as the comic relief. You might remember him in A Christmas Story as the kid who sticks to the flagpole.

The anamorphic video on this DVD is top notch. I was so happy because I'd never seen it in widescreen. Some grain but this was most probably on the master copy. The sound is good and clear 2.0 stereo. I noticed an occational whine.

Bonus materials consist of 3 trailers, none of which is The Toy!! ...sigh...

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absolutely one of the most delightful movies made. jacky gleason has a heart and it finally comes out. while richard prior is as usual the king of comedy. he beomes the toy for a over privilage boy and soon learns he will be used as the boy wishes. he does teach him all about love and respect in the long run. i have watched this and shared it many times.

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The potentially hilarious teaming of Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason goes to waste in this depressing 1982 farce. Zero chemistry between the comic legends, with director Richard Donner straitjacketed by an offensively bad script. Though the Pryor-Gleason pairing guaranteed its box-office success, "The Toy" would represent a career nadir for both men.

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The Sandlot (20th Anniversary Edition) (1993)

I was nervous about replacing my DVD copy of this movie with the Bluray because it did not say on the case that it was 1080 p. And I have seen quite a few Blurays where the picture really isn't anything to write home about. However I am glad I did purchase this Bluray because the picture was awesome!

I just wanted to put that out there.

Very good movie and looks great in HD! Very impressive.

This was a great coming of age film that I cannot believe is now 20! My kids had never seen this, so I was excited to share the movie with them. Then loved the part in the movie with the monster dog, but I have to say that there is so much more to the movie than that. The movie is a great balance of humor and topics that kids today can relate to. The movie was well crafted and had a great cast. In watching this again I kind of question "where are they now" for a number of the cast members! This is a family fun movie that your whole family will enjoy, and this is a great commemorative edition to recognize the 20 great years since it first came out.

*I received a copy for review all opinions are my own*

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Now, don't get me wrong, this is indeed a great movie! I remember the first time my dad took me to the theater to watch this movie. It became an instant classic which I hope to pass on to my kids... The reason I'm giving it such an 'ok' rating is simply b/c c'mon!! it's a 20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION!! These are supposed to celebrate the original! This one really doesn't. It's just the feature film, a behind-the-scenes featurette filmed back during filming of the movie, some TV spots, and movie trailers.... NO "Where are they now", NO reunion! What the hell kinda "anniversary" is that?! This could've easily been released at any time since the invention of the blu ray. I'm HIGHLY disappointed in the "extras" this 20th Anniversary Edition blu ray delivers.

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The Sandlot always struck me as a more kid-friendly version of Stand by Me. It's a frame story narrated by an adult who recalls one extraordinary childhood summer and a very special best friend. However, instead of a quest to find a dead body, it's a signed Babe Ruth baseball the kids are after, and what stands in their way isn't a bunch of older hoodlums with switchblades, but an enormous junkyard dog they call "The Beast."

More than coming of age, The Sandlot is about baseball . . . or the love of baseball. It's 1962, and in a sleepy L.A. suburb newcomer Scotty Smalls is feeling isolated and friendless until the boy across the street befriends him. Benny is the best player among a ragtag group of kids who do nothing but play baseball, except for taking an occasional swim. The other guys ridicule the diminutive Smalls for his lack of athleticism, but with Benny's support he gains acceptance. And what begins as an idyllic summer ends up a legendary one after a prized ball gets whacked over the fence into The Beast's abode.

It's a funny, fun film that holds plenty of family appeal because it has a wholesome Norman Rockwell vibe, and, as with any good sports film, you don't have to love the game to love the film. Other than a pack of trading cards, this 20th Anniversary edition contains no new bonus features. Still, it's nice having a DVD and Blu-ray in the same package.

James Plath

Family Home Theater

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This is the best version of the movie out, period. Not that you really need HD to enjoy the Sandlot, but it doesn't hurt. One of the best coming of age tales out there, and a great film on baseball with lots of humor. Don't let you or your kids miss out on this one.

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North Face (2008)

There are so many good reasons to see the German production "North Face" that it becomes an easy recommendation. With the right focus, it might have been an instant classic in the genre. And truthfully, parts of it still come close! Based on an incredible true story about the struggle to scale the Eiger's North Face, the inherent drama in the real world events would make an absolutely unforgettable film experience. Almost everything that occurs in the climbing aspect of the movie is exquisitely tense and exceedingly well shot. Had the screenplay kept the viewer on the mountain, in the heart of the action, it would have been an intensely personal experience as the protagonists dealt with a situation that quickly started to spiral out of control. The main character of this piece, though, is not these climbers. It is the girl that is left behind. In an effort to make the movie more relatable, the focus is spent on developing a romantic subplot when none is needed. So instead of a harrowing survival drama, the movie shifts into far too much romantic melodrama.

The time is 1936 and the world is preparing for the Olympic games under the German Reich. There is a big political push to create German heroes, to prove supremacy and claim bragging rights in climbing the Eiger. The main competition boils down to Germans Toni (Benno Furmann) and Andi (Florian Lukas) and a pair of Austrians. As our daring heroes attempt the impossible, the film is absolutely mesmerizing. The camera work on the climb is dazzling and it is all choreographed with precision. When tragedy strikes, the journey is no longer about making it to the summit. No, instead, it is about making it off the mountain alive. The surrounding village is filled with reporters and rival climbers, but is there any safe way to provide assistance? Virtually alone in her devotion to a rescue mission, Luise (Johanna Wolkolek) doesn't want to let her man down! It's a love story for the ages as the entire movie shifts to Luise's shoulders as the rest of the world has already given up.

As I said, this story presented in "North Face" is a tremendous one. As much as I liked Wolkolek's performance (and she is quite convincing), I don't think that the movie should have been about her. As a spare and solid man versus nature adventure, "North Face" serves plenty of realistic action. The cast is solid, the effects are first rate, and the technical elements are terrific. Despite my reservations, I heartily recommend the movie. For my taste, however, the fictionalized efforts to make this more romantically inclined detract from the simple truth of the events. It's still hard not to be swept up with emotion, it just didn't have to be manufactured! A very good movie that had the potential to be great. KGHarris, 5/13.

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Jodhaa Akbar (Bollywood Movie / Indian Cinema / Hindi Film Blu ray DVD)

This film is outstanding. Historical accuracies aside, this movie has an amazing message. It is such a beautiful story. It is also the biggest bollywood movie I have ever seen, with thousands of extras in some scenes. The costumes and set design are absolutely stunning and look phenomenal on the big screen.

The dvd however is a complete flop. It is not even anamorphic widescreen. When it is stretched to fill your widescreen tv, the picture becomes heavily pixelated, and the subtitles get cut off!! I'm hoping that UTV will correct this issue, and hopefully in the future, release this film on Blu-ray.

The file is outstanding. One of the best from Bollywood. Super Direction by Ashutosh, terrific acting by Aishwarya and Hrithik. Can be compared with Hollywood's Ten Commandments or Cleopatra. But this is the worst quality of DVD I have ever seen. The packing looks nice because of the colorful pictures and art work but the material used is cheap. I wish Ashutosh Govariker had chosen company like Yashraj Films to release the DVD. The Film is divided on 2 DVDs. When you load the 2nd DVD for the 2nd half of the film you have to go through UTV's stupid senseless startup routine! (Logo, menu etc.) This breaks the charm and continuity of the film. But its UTV. They will never care to check how such 2 DVD films are released in Hollywood!

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This version is missing about 30 minutes and one song from the movie (as shown in the theatres).

Somehow the studio (accidentally or maybe deliberately) messed up with the 'pre-release dvd' version of this movie (as the actual release date is 28/04/08) and the bad version of this dvd has propagated throughout.

Really don't waste your time with these pirated DVDs.

Those who say they did not find parts missing clearly did not see this movie in theatres!

The movie is great; but, this DVD is very bad!

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Customer complaints dated before August 2008 pertain to a 200 minute, one-disc version released by Dancing Dolphin, LLC.

Buy the three-disc Collectors' Edition released by Utv instead.

Running time is 209 minutes in Widescreen NTSC format. English and Arabic subtitles are available even for the songs. The picture and sound are spectacular.

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Watching this instant masterpiece from India, its unbelievable that the world has yet to take note of the industrys' obvious genius. "Jodhaa Akbar", a 3.5 hour long epic that works both as a love story, as well as a religious tolerance message, is prime example of how Bollywood is infinitely more creative, colorful and luminous than Hollywood. The film takes us back to the times when movies like "Gone with the Wind" were made but with better looking actors, better music, better direction, and a budget that could sink the Titanic.

My favorite thing about this movie is Aishwarya Rai (now Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan). This is an actress who starred in this decades' best Hindi film thus far ("Devdas"), and also headlined the best Bengali film of the decade (the underrated "Chokher Bali"). I saw it for her, and rediscovered the worlds' most beautiful woman. Seriously, is she even human? Aishwarya is beyond a perfect being its as if the heavens and the stars and some alien DNA all combined to create one spectacular vision. Take it from me no human woman, before or after, will ever look as good as Aishwarya does in this film. And re-reading that line, Im afraid it still doesn't do justice to her unsurpassed beauty. Indian women are where its at.

Hrithik Roshan plays the King Akbar, but I found much to like about this otherwise wooden actor. The film has a few scenes that stand out way after the movie is over, and if you're into researching and studying film as a passion or a hobby, this movie is tailormade to cater to your sensibilities. Despite both actors being in their mid-30s, their unique love story burns with the incandescence of a teenage romance. The director is especially successful in providing different shades to the character of Jodhaa Aishwarya goes from warrior princess who excels at sword-fighting, to a bhajan-singing housewife all within an hour. The scene where she faces off with her mother in law over who rules the kitchen (and thus the heart of her man) is my special favorite.

Ultimately, the film succeeds for me because its not frivolous. It would have been so easy to make a beautiful looking movie and doll it up, but this one actually has a message. However, if you're not Indian and you're reading this review, the magnitude of the films' message would perhaps be lost upon you. The fact that a conservative Hindu princess entered a completely Muslim household almost 500 years ago is utterly fascinating. How did she survive there? Did they try to convert her to Islam? The movie addresses all this. I loved how the Jodhaa character refuses to accept Islam as her own religion, though she respects it from afar. The couple get married with Hindu and Muslim rites, one after the other, and the story chronicles how the fact that they came from two different religions had nothing to do with what they felt for each other.

The music well, this soundtrack admittedly has no standout tracks upon first listen, and you simply have to watch the film to appreciate the album. Its mood music, and Rahman has done a wonderful job at it. The track where Jodhaa and Akbar consummate their marriage is unique and touching, primarily because of the way its shot. Gowariker, as ever the perfectionist extracts nuanced performances from all concerned. But the film belongs ultimately to Aishwarya Rai, who proves beyond a doubt that she is the most luminous actress on screen in any part of the world. Yes, she isn't a seasoned actress like Meryl Streep, but look at her. What eyes! What lips! What a fascinating specimen of how incredible human genes can be! Her role as Jodhaa propelled her, in my mind, to the very top of the list of actresses in the world today who are actually worth watching.

A five star epic? Yes. Its not better than other Indian classics such as "Mughal E Azam", but this is easily the best film India has released in the last twenty years. I highly suggest you track this down and watch it on the big screen while you can, because its worth every second of it. I'll certainly be buying the DVD as well as the CD this is a film to watch with your family and put it on repeat. A modern masterpiece.

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Great Gatsby (2013)

I get the impression that the people giving this movie poor reviews are a mix of 1) intellectual snobs (or would-be) who think it compulsory to pan any screen attempt to tackle great literature or 2) hooligans who can't appreciate a movie unless it's got blood, guts, and vulgarity (in short, like most movies made today). I loved Fitzgerald's book, and I loved this film, and here's why:

It is not only an effective, emotionally gripping rendition of the book (made plain by the very dislike so many people express for its intentionally dislikable characters), but it is a visually stunning one, capturing all the hollow gold of the glitzy era the book so devastatingly indicts, and the performances by nearly all the players are superb (with special kudos to Sam Waterston for the very personification of Nick the narrator). For all those who say the movie is lacking depth or who criticize Mia Farrow's rendering of Daisy as flighty, your very criticism reveals the film's great achievement of realizing the main point of the book. Fitzgerald's point was that the Roaring Twenties WERE shallow, represented by the "rotten crowd" of "careless people" (quoted from the book, and in Nick's commentary at the end of the movie) that very much included Daisy, as well as Tom. I don't know how any honest reading of the book could interpret Daisy as "sensible," as one critic put it, and even "vulnerable" is a stretch. Quoted from book and paraphrased in movie: "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy--they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made..." Farrow's fey performance portrays her character very accurately, best summed up by the exchange between Nick and Robert Redford's Gatsby: Nick: "She has an indiscreet voice." Gatsby: "Her voice is full of--money." Moreover, Bruce Dern as Tom, though less physically imposing than implied in the book, is nevertheless the consummate, racist bully he is supposed to be, and caused me to cower instinctively whenever he spoke.

The movie faithfully conveys the story of a deeply flawed, not atypical, hero, Gatsby, living in a world he built on dreams of his own fabrication, including his lovely Daisy. He is a man of such endless hope, romance, and a kind of chivalry (much is made of his war heroism in the book, and this is emphasized in several scenes in the movie) that is not without egotism, pomp, and an "eagerness to be liked" that Redford brings so well to the role. Almost noble in his earnestness and belief in romantic love, he rises from poverty in an age (not unlike our own?) when money is confused with class and nobility. Being unable to compete in that crass, careless, selfish, shallow world (for how long can anyone, when there's always someone richer?), he and his dreams are doomed. One of many great acting moments in the film takes place when Nick advises Gatsby he "can't repeat the past." Redford looks back at him, incredulous, almost as if he'd been struck, "Can't repeat the past? Of COURSE you can!" The words ring out, ominous in a hopelessness obvious to everyone but Gatsby.

I agree with others below who praised the performances of some of the lesser characters as well, including a genuinely heartbreaking portrayal of Gatz, Gatsby's father.

Dump the critics, read the book, and buy the film.

This movie is both great and awful depending entirely upon one's need for accuracy or how deeply you may have felt about the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Francis Ford Coppola wrote the screenplay for this film and followed the classic book about as closely as a film is capable of doing. But I found the direction to be flawed somehow. The film is filled with starlit close-ups (no one's eyes sparkle like that, not even Daisy's) and smoke screen silhouettes, complex party scenes and plenty of flapper costumes. I just couldn't figure out why all of the strange lighting existed after hiring two nearly perfect looking actors, in Mia Farrow and Robert Redford. I would have preferred to see the stars in Daisy's eyes stem from a great acting performance rather than the eerie sparkles falsely placed in every close-up!

Robert Redford was good as Gatsby and he conveyed some of the character's desperate and lonely love. I was disappointed that all of the complexity of Gatsby was never fully explained. If I would not have known the story beforehand I would have never understood what tied Gatsby and Daisy together, other than money of course. But Redford captures Gatsby's aloofness to a tee and one can easily see why Daisy would be in love with Gatsby.

I found Mia Farrow to be disappointing as Daisy Buchanan, the spoiled debutante who manages to seduce the great Gatsby for a lifetime. As stated previously Farrow's close-ups were far too crafted to seduce anyone. She came across as a flirty silly girl more than a classic seductress and paled in comparison to Redford's portrayal of Gatsby. She looked cute in all of the frilly costumes of course, but I never really found her character believable.

Karen Black is downright scary as the mistress of Mr. Buchanan, with her eyes crossing and spitting with every close-up. Bruce Dern plays the arrogant competitive Mr. Buchanan with great nastiness. Sam Waterston steals the show however with his portrayal as the narrator of the story. He captures innocence and compassion while keeping his open-eyed curiosity and faithfulness to Gatsby from beginning to end.

Overall this film is good, if you have read the book first, but lacks a full explanation. The filmmakers relied more on scenery and lighting than perfect casting and a deeper meaning. Some scenes are magical while others fall flat. For Redford fans and lovers of the 20's it is a gem. The greed and power hungry people are captured but sadly the deepest desires of all that passion become lost behind the filmmakers vision.

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I too would rate this film MUCH higher if the original musical score was reinstated by Paramount. TV editions still have it, but some music royalty issues scuttled the VHS version, effectively destroying the whole tone of the movie. Without the original film having Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do" and a few other '20s standards, the mystical, romantic soul of the movie is banished, and what comes across is a shadow of the original production. If there's ever a DVD version, the original soundtrack BETTER be reinstated, since this is NOT the true film otherwise!

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The supporting cast is just about perfect. Mia Farrow as Daisy, Bruce Dern as Tom Buchanan, and Sam Waterston as Nick Carroway seemed like they just walked right out of the book. The House, the parties, the Valley of Ashes, the yellow convertible, it's all here. The eyes of Dr. Eckleberg keep peeping out and looking (examining?)the strange behavior of the participants in this seemingly fantastical yet very American drama of "have's vs have-not's". So many of the events are almost identical to the book. So why do I give this movie 4 stars instead of 5? The only flaw, in my opinion, is Robert Redford. And please don't misunderstand me, I like Redford a lot in other movies. But as Jay Gatsby? He's just a little too crisp, clean, and mature. A little bit too serene and confident to quite make it to the awkward plane of Jay Gatsby, people-pleaser and approval-seeker. Gatsby is a nervous want-to-be, trying to get approval from "old money" people. He wants to be liked by everyone--he throws parties to prove that he's "great". Redford is just too slick, I think, to really give that sense of wanting--wanting to be approved by Daisy and the others around him. He wants everyone to like him, which makes some, particularly Nick Carroway, frustrated with him. But how could you possibly not like Robert Redford? He never once comes off as nervous. I think that Redford's physical "look" works, but the portrayal was not quite there for me. Still, I think it the best rendition of the Great Gatsby yet done on film, and I do think that F. Scott Fitzgerald would have liked it. Not an easy movie to make in the first place.

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I'm not going to recover all the same ground as previous reader reviews, thus adding to the Department of Redundancy Department flavor of this section. What I WOULD like to say is that the version of the film available to the purchasing public is horribly hampered by its "replacement" soundtrack. If you wish to see why this film was considered great at the time of this release, catch it on TV sometime with its original, scene-and-era-appropriate soundtrack, not the mewling, repetitive crap it was replaced with. I sincerely wish that whatever legal beefs led to its excision from the retail version of the film could be resolved. In the meantime, it's a great example of how a great soundtrack makes a great movie.

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