Company (Stephen Sondheim) (2011)

When you're a theater lover, you greet every revival of a Sondheim work with great enthusiasm. "Company," to my mind, has always been one of the master's more accessible pieces. Originally produced in 1970, the show may be a product of its time but with a powerhouse roster of songs including "The Ladies Who Lunch," "Being Alive," "Side by Side by Side," and "Another Hundred People," it makes for an era well worth revisiting. This star-studded production, shot at Avery Fisher Hall with the New York Philharmonic, certainly had a curiosity factor working for it with its eclectic cast. Headlined by Neil Patrick Harris, the show also features the always welcome Patti Lupone. But in addition to these two, the cast boasts a number of less likely (but no less recognizable) faces. Craig Bierko, Anika Noni Rose, Katie Finneran, Martha Plimpton (Raising Hope), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), and Stephen Colbert are some of the others on stage. This filmed version of that event was presented in theaters at a one night only showcase with Fathom Entertainment. And admittedly, I was first in line.

"Company" tells the story of a perpetual bachelor, in this instance played by Harris. With minimalist staging, he is surrounded by five married couples who are at hand to celebrate his thirty-fifth birthday. The couples are at different points in their relationships (from bliss to divorce) and all have an opinion about the lifestyle that the central protagonist has chosen to live. Whether it is envy or mild disapproval, the show features them battling him and one another in a series of mildly comic scenarios. Harris, as might be expected, shows a light touch with the dramatics of the work. He is effortless and likable and the show has an easy sexiness not always apparent in other productions. But it seems that the choice has been made to concentrate on the story as opposed to the song. So while amusing and pleasant, this production of "Company" lacks some of the big moments that you might be hoping for.

While most of the voices are serviceable, none of the vocal performances come anywhere close to setting a new standard. To my mind, only Patti Lupone's rendition of "The Ladies Who Lunch" really brings down the house. But what else would you expect from such a diva? Unfortunately, the 2007 Broadway revival (with a tremendous Raul Esparza, also on DVD if you haven't seen it) was still quite fresh in my mind when I watched this. I thought that version was an absolute powerhouse and, frankly, this seemed much slighter by comparison. Still, I can't NOT recommend a Sondheim and if this cast brings a wider audience to appreciate his work, who am I to complain? And it is genuinely amusing to see a different side of some of the performers. I enjoyed "Company" fine. It's certainly not the definitive performance of this great musical, but it's still a bit of light fun. KGHarris, 8/12.

In 2011, I was sitting at the local movie theatre when a preview for Stephen Sondheim's Company came on the screenI immediately had a musical theatre nerd-gasm. I've listened to this show over and over again, but I never really grasped the full concept of the show. I bought the 2006 Broadway Revival DVD in hopes to gain some more insight into the showI received, some. It wasn't until I saw this production (one of only a few in the theatre), that I completely understood Bobby's story.

The scale of this production, and the staging was simply magnificent. Many forget that this was Company: In Concert because it feels as though it's a full-scale Broadway production. The full orchestration was fantastic, and the talent on stage, sublime: Neil Patrick Harris embodied Bobby perfectly. Patti LuPone's Joanne had me on the edge of my seatI've always been a fan of her. And the three young ladies playing Bobby's girlfriends (Chryssie Whitehead, Anika Noni Rose, & Cristina Hendricks) were excellent choices: each one played their character beautifully.

Ms. LuPone brought her own to the role of Joanne. Each of her musical numbers brought down the house: during "The Ladies Who Lunch" I forgot I was in a movie theatre and actually gave a standing ovation. NPH's "Being Alive" had me in tearsI couldn't help it, again a standing "o". Anika Noni Rose's "Another Hundred People", amazing; Christina Hendricks' "Barcelona", hauntingly simple; Chryssie Whitehead's nimble pins during "Tick Tock" (cut from most productions) had me moving my own feet. Kate Finneran's "Getting Married Today", funny as always.

If you're looking to add this to your collection, I promise, you won't be disappointed.

Hesitant about seeing it for one reason or another? It can't hurt to give it a chance.

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I saw Company! at the Alvin Theater, of Broadway on December 8th, 1970 (Elaine Stritch forgot a line in "Ladies who lunch" and turned to the audience after a LONG pause saying "Do you think I forgot the line?") and have seen every reincarnation I could find since then. I have a copy of the script, the Alvin Theater Playbill and am a Company! junky. Loved Raul Esparsa in the 2006 revival, but it lacked the full orchestra Sondheim deserves (Angel Desai strained to sing "Another Hundred People"). This cast solves every problem I've seen in previous reincarnations and NPH pays great tribute the the Late Larry Kert, while Martha Plimpton and Stephen Colbert are awesome. No one else could be Elaine Stritch, but Patti Lupone holds her own. Bravo!

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I love the play so I went to see this version when it was in theaters and enjoyed it. However, now that I have it in my own home, I remember some of the problems it had. There is a fine line between projecting your voice to be heard and shouting the lines, and unfortunately, a few of the cast members cross that. There are a few spots where the singing is off-key. And the acting is a tad awkward in several scenes. It really gives you the feeling that they just threw this together and there wasn't a lot of rehearsing. If you're a fan of the play then I would get it, seeing NPH, Stephen Colbert, and Jon Cryer in this is a real treat. But if you're new to the play I would not recommend this for your first viewing.

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Stephen Sondheim fans should rejoice that Lonny Price's superb production of "Company" is now on DVD. Price restores and rescues "Company", (from the awful, over-rated clutches of "acclaimed" director John Doyle) - placing it firmly back in New York City in 1970. Well, it takes place there and it doesn't. "Company" actually takes place inside Bobby's (Neil Patrick Harris) mind.

With "Company," Sondheim effectively moved the musical theatre from the "integrated musical" (pioneered by his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II) into the "concept musical." The concept or "theme" of "Company" is the difficulty of maintaining interpersonal relationships in an increasingly depersonalized society. Sondheim writes in his career retrospective "Finishing The Hat", ("Company") "takes place not over a period of time, but in an instant in Robert's mind; perhaps on a psychiatrist's couch, perhaps at the moment when he comes into his apartment on his thirty-fifth birthday." The unattached and seemingly "emotionally unavailable" Robert imagines his surreal birthday party; reviewing his relationships with his "good and crazy" married friends, as well as his relationships with three disparate girlfriends (Chrysse Whitehead, Christina Hendricks and Anika Noni Rose). The "in his head" approach allows Robert's interactions with his married friends to unfold as a series of vignettes, outside of time and space. It also provides for a great amount of theatrical fluidity and versatility. In this cerebral-emotional context, it is quite natural for Bobby's three girlfriends to pop in and sing "You Could Drive A Person Crazy" in the style of the Andrews Sisters; or Bobby and all of his friends to perform a vaudeville-circus routine to "Side By Side-What Would We Do Without You?"

But "Company" is far from a cold, cerebral "head trip". It is, indeed, a profound emotional journey. Robert and his friends are all full of angst, deeply flawed and neurotic; which makes them wonderfully human. Sondheim's observations and commentary on relationships (married, divorced, or some stage of single to coupling or uncoupling) are, by turns, astringent, cynical, rueful and often ruthless. In my opinion, Sondheim is right on the emotional mark. As expected, Kate Finneran as Amy, the frazzled bride on the verge of a nervous breakdown, stops the show with her delivery of "Getting Married Today." Also as expected, Patti Lupone as Joanne, turns the stinging "The Ladies Who Lunch" into her own volcanic, personal tour-de-force. But this production delights and surprises in several unexpected ways as well. Martha Plimpton, Stephen Colbert, and Jon Cryer all make welcome and effortless transitions from TV comedy to musical theatre. Anika Noni Rose offers an exhilarating performance of "Another Hundred People." At the center of it all is the extremely charismatic and talented Neil Patrick Harris, who imbues Bobby with an easy but potent sexiness, instead of aloofness or cold, cocky arrogance. It is easy to see why everybody is so attracted to, and worried about, him. By the conclusion, and Bobby's big emotional breakthrough with "Being Alive," Harris is also heartbreaking.

Sondheim writes in "Finishing The Hat", "Company" is a show I'm extremely happy with. It influenced musicals, for good and ill, for years afterwards and continues to do so. It made a lot of grown-ups who had disdained musicals take them seriously, and it not incidentally gave me my first good notices."

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Ice Age: Continental Drift (Blu-ray / DVD + Digital Copy) (2012)

The Ice Age series, across the four in the series, has been full of adventure and fun, and Continental Drift is no different. Scrat the squirrel starts the continental drift in his never ending pursuit of the acorn. Manny is separated from Ellie and Peaches during the drift and there begins his adventure with buddies Diego and Sid.

Sid is united with his family who, it turns out, just wanted to leave his granny with him and disappear. The granny, voice of Wanda Sykes, brings in fine humor. The pack, in their attempt to reunite Manny with his family, runs into evil Captain Gutt, the reigning pirate of the frozen waters. They venture off with his boat after beating his crew, only to run into him again. Here starts a friendship between Diego and Shira. Captain Gutt in a desperate attempt to get even with Manny holds Peaches hostage. Manny and the entire pack, including Granny, fight back with gusto.

The overall pace and adventure of The Continental Drift is at par with the previous versions, it's non-stop adventure with funny scenes that kids will enjoy. However, it feels like more of the same over and over again. There isn't much depth of content, no new ideas, no scintillating graphics, and no meaningful development of characters.

That being said, the movie is still great fun for the entire family. It's adventurous, funny, and definitely worth a watch.

Last summer, my family and I saw this movie, as we are die-hard fans of the Ice Age film franchise since the first film was released in 2002. Laughed from beginning to end. We saw it twice in the theater, we enjoyed it that much! When it came out on Blu-ray/DVD (which I got for Christmas), we enjoyed it even more!

The plot: Sid, Manny and Diego are definitely in for the ride of their lives when they met a set of pirates, and Diego gets a girlfriend (voiced by J-Lo!).

If you liked Pirates of the Carribean and if you love the Ice Age movies, you'll love Ice Age 4: Continental Drift!

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Ice Age: Continental Drift is basically like the other Ice Ages movies with one exception: this time the focus on adventure and excitement is much MUCH faster, uncontrollable and flat out zannier this time around. I mean significantly crazier, haha. I'd honestly need to watch Continental Drift about 3 more times to really be able to keep up with the many assortment of animal flips, dives, jumps, rolls, leaps, etc. Don't get me wrongthere's a storyline present, but it's not always obvious. Quite often you have to wait for storyline progressing segments to occur.

When an iceberg separates the mammoth played by Ray Romano and leaves his wife (played by Queen Latifah) and their daughter on their own, the mammoth and saber-toothed cat accidentally go on a little iceberg adventure involving tons of oceanic creatures coming into the picture and causing hilarious chaos (especially the one with the crab and the slothI love this one in particular).

Soon after, they make landfall and find themselves trapped against an ape who claims to be the king of the ocean so fighting against him is entirely hopeless. Also, a female saber-toothed gray cat comes into the equation and reluctantly fights against (and eventually with) the mammoth, cat and sloth. However in order to join in with the gang of familiar animals we all know and love, she has to separate herself from the ape whose quest is solely on destroying our loveable talkative animals... which proves to be quite a difficult decision for the cat.

I'd say Continental Drift offers a ton of excitement, however the one problem is that many of the jokes fall flat. I'm not a Nicki Minaj fan so her presence is pretty pointless and uninteresting. I *am* however, a fan of Wanda Sykes who provides a few really hilarious lines. Unfortunately Continental Drift focuses on humor that people like Nicki Minaj, Snooki and others would prefer, and the same can be said for the rather uninspiring soundtrack we hear throughout the movie. These issues crop up more than a few times.

The squirrel's tireless search for the nut and unintentionally finding himself in several tricky situations returns yet again, and it never stops being funny (or weird) how the storyline involving the other animals suddenly stops so we can watch the mischievous squirrel go on a little adventure concerning his nut. Always entertaining watching these segments.

Overall, well it's a totally zanny adventure. This time it's crazier than usual. Enjoy.

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I dont know if im happy i bought this or not. I ordered this a month ago and ive watched it probably 48 times with my 3 year old little girl. The movie is great, but be careful if you have a little one you will become more familiar with this movie than you ever expected lol

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All I can say is please let this series die before it loses every last ounce of its dignity. The first one was great, the others sequels less so and now with the arrival of the four hundred and forty fourth one, this series has hit an all time low. This is just a weak movie all around. When you pretty much know what the entire plot of the film is going to be in the first five minutes of the movie, you know you're in for a long boring, cliche ridden, been there done that, nothing remotely original sequel. Spoiler alert, Manny and his daughter are reunited in the end and they're both sorry for what they said before they became separated. Gee didn't see that one coming from like 200 miles away. The only think I liked about this movie was "Precious" and even that character was not enough to save this awful cash grab. Just like Shrek-this series seriously needs to end before they can milk it to death entirely . Blue Sky Studios has done some incredibly original films over the years (Horton Hears a Who & Rio for instance), why they keep wasting time churning out more awful Ice Age sequels when they're capable of so much better is beyond me. Oh yeah, the whole cash grab thing.... Regardless, it's time to move on please-Manny, Sid, Scrat and Diego need to be permanently retired. They've even made Sid a boring character and I thought that was impossible. I own the other three ice age movies, but I'm going to pass on this one. Even before I had seen it, I had seen it all before if you catch my "drift".

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Hawaii Beaches 1 / Waves Relaxation Nature Videos

This DVD is beautiful. It is filmed in HD and widescreen. The widescreen feature is important if you have a newer flat panel television. The quality of this DVD is excellent. No human voice narration. Just relaxing sounds of the waves rolling on several different Hawaii beaches. The DVD arrived promptly after my order was placed. I highly recommend this DVD! I am hoping the people who make this DVD can format the same beaches video for iPod. They have samples at iTunes, but they have to be converted to iPod format which takes a long time for the 2 minute clips. I am waiting for hour long beach videos already formatted for syncing with my iPod. Nice job on the DVD! If you purchase this DVD you will happy.

My husband and I have lived in Hawai'i before, and found this DVD to be very true to life with respect to the colors displayed. It is very beautiful and peaceful to watch, and we have enjoyed it on several occasions in the month that we have had it. I would highly recommmend it to anyone that has either been to Hawai'i or would like to go there.

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I love my Hawaii Beaches DVD. I live in Buffalo NY, and winter can be hard. But with Beaches, winter just got a little bit warmer. I play this dvd *a lot*, just as background in my home. Instead of looking outside at the gray bleak, I can gaze at soothing waves, and glorious sunsets.

Hawaii Beaches is multi-purpose. Besides just making me happy because it's pretty, I use Beaches as an exercise DVD with my rowing machine and treadmill. Pop in the DVD, and I am rowing my kayak, or jogging on the beach at sunset. Awesome.

And it's an instant Beach Party! With the different soundtracks to choose from, I have a tiki lounge in my living room, and the margaritas are pouring. My friends love it--gorgeous images, shot beautifully, wide-screen, no camera jiggle. And no people in the shots! It's like you're on your own private beach. This DVD takes you away from the ordinary, and puts you in a place of bliss. Love it.

Highly recommended for relaxation and escape.

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I just got this one in the mail yesterday, and popped it into the player, and WOW! I own several of the other WavesDVD series videos, and they are all beautiful, scenic, and relaxing, but this new Blue-ray version just gives it a whole new light. You can see the grains of sand on the beach. It is like you could walk through the screen and into the ocean in Hawaii. I have a 65" Panasonic Onyx, and this DVD really brings Hawaii to life when I play it.

I give this 5 stars. Superb film making!

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WOW!!! I just finished watching HD NatureTV Hawaii Beaches 1 Widescreen by Waves on DVD. This DVD has so much clarity. I watched it after getting home from work in the small T.V. in my bedroom, non-HD monitor, but none the less what a fantastic picture, and great sound. This DVD contains scenes from several different beaches in Hawaii where the camera is set up in different positions at each setting. In some scenes the camera appears to be 40 to 50 yards from where the water hits the sand. Other set ups are 20 to 25 yards away from the water line and yet other shots are five yards or less from where the water breaks. There are shoots with beautiful palm trees blowing in the breeze and there is even some wildlife captured on the screen, and I am not talking about a bird flying by, the giant turtle is a must see. The entire DVD is quite calming, relaxing, and unarming. It put me at peace as the tension exited my body within a very short time of hitting the play button.

I have enjoyed some of the other Videos in this series, but what strikes me as different in this Hawaii Beaches 1 HD NatureTV are the vibrant colors, the sharpness of picture, the many different choices of music, but most of all the Sunsets. My word!!!!! The Sunsets that are captured on these very clean and serene beaches are incredible!!! The photographer catches the light of the direct Sun in some scenes that is magnificent. In other shots the photographer focuses on the light from the setting Sun as it reflects off of the waves that pulsate on the beach. The reflecting color just glisten and gleams on the top of the water and they are spectacular!!! These rich and picturesque colors dance like fire on top of the water as the Sun sets. I cannot think of anything else I have seen to match what was captured here. It is like being there yourself. I think you will find that expressive and unique color in some of the other beach shoots in this DVD, as you look at the clouds in the sky above the waves. This is a must have DVD for every home. It is a cannot miss DVD for any collection, to relax to.

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Rocky: The Undisputed Collection (Rocky / Rocky II / Rocky III / Rocky IV / Rocky V / Rocky Balboa)

The Rocky series is my favorite series of movies hands down. I know they are cliche and campy but I just adore them. This transfer is one of the best I've seen IMO. Now don't expect to watch Rocky I-V and it look as good as the Avatar blu ray because it just won't. But they are great transfers and the sound that is picked up on them that I've never heard before watching the old DVD releases is just amazing. If you like Rocky and are a fan of HD then you owe it to yourself to get this. The packaging looks great as well.

..And enough about the price drop. Seriously. If you want to complain, blog about it. Create a discussion on this product. Don't rate the product poorly because YOU paid too much.

Ok, I watched this set I borrowed from a friend and the picture isn't as bad as everyone says it is. Somewhere someone said they felt like they were watching a VHS tape...give me a break! While they obviously could have done a better job cleaning these up, they are for sure better than the DVD versions. But it's still a decent transfer...I'm sure there they will eventually be completely remastered.

As for those of you complaining about the price droppings...have you noticed the significant drop overall in blu-ray pricing? Now the blu-ray is becoming more mainstream, the prices are coming down! If there are no advantages to pre-ordering, then don't get it! Everyone has had a situation where they paid for something and later saw it cheaper and lost a few bucks. Amazon is still cheaper than going out to Best Buy or Wal-mart and getting it. Factor in that the majority of Amazon users don't have to pay tax and can have the items shipped to you for FREE, then that is even more in savings. So again, if you don't like it, don't buy it!

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Finally, the Rocky set has made it to blu ray. I have been a fan of Sylvester Stallone since I was a kid.(I am now 39.) I already have the complete Rambo collection on blu ray and it is great to finally have the Rockys.

The quallity of each movies are much better than the previous dvds. The sound is superb. I have a 76 inch flatscreen tv and surround sound and I'll tell you the quallity of the blu rays make me feel like I'm watching all of them in the theater again. Awesome! If you have a blu ray player, buy these. Much better than dvd.

If I was to complain about any one thing it would be thisWhere are the Director's cut of each one? That is why it is getting 4 stars out of 5. The movies themselves and the blu rays are 5 stars.

Thank you Amazon for very fast delivery. 5 stars

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The odds were equally stacked against Sylvester Stallone as they were against his creation, the fictional southpaw boxer Rocky Balboa a million to one shot. Languishing in obscurity as an extra in small films, Stallone managed to sell his script, about a Philadelphia club fighter who gets a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship, and an American cinematic icon was born. Spanning six films, the Rocky series stands as one of the most lucrative franchises in Hollywood history and has truly penetrated the cultural lexicon.

In Rocky, washed-up Philly boxer Rocky Balboa is granted the chance of a lifetime. Hand-picked by boxing champ Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) as his next opponent, Rocky Balboa (Stallone) must find the physical strength under the tutelage of scrappy trainer Mickey (Burgess Meredith) and the courage to go the distance and prove that he's "not just another bum from the streets." But even if he doesn't win, at least he will find love and self respect in the arms of Adrian (Talia Shire). Rocky won the 1978 Oscar for Best Picture, made the name "Adrian" an annoyance to anyone bearing the name, and inspired countless people to run up staircases and throw their fists in the air triumphantly.

In Rocky II, The Italian Stallion tries to start a family and a new life away from the boxing ring. Despite partial blindness in his right eye sustained from his first bout with Creed and a wife clinging to life, Rocky is lured back to the ring for a rematch that will literally come down to the last second.

Rocky III takes the series in a slightly more surrealistic directon. Rocky's partial blindness is never addressed again for the rest of the franchise, and Rocky's opponents become more like caricatures, in the form of flamboyant wrestler Thunderlips (Hulk Hogan) and grimacing, mohawked brawler Clubber Lang (Mr. T). Life as the world champion has made Rocky complacent after a string of easy fights. But after being soundly beaten by Lang, Rocky finds an unlikely ally in former foe Apollo Creed, who trains Balboa in his own style so he may regain the "eye of the tiger" and reclaim the championship from Lang.

Rocky IV veers directly into the realm of 80's anti-Communist propaganda absurdity and MTV slickness, as Rocky finds himself taking on roided-up Russian superfighter Ivan Drago, who possesses a 1800 PSI punch harder than actual gunshots! Synth-accompanied training montages abound as Rocky mourns Apollo's death at Drago's hands and heads up to snowy Siberia in order to prepare for the fiercest fight of his life.

In the aftermath of Rocky IV, Rocky finds himself brain-damaged and inexplicably broke in Rocky V. Seems that Rocky's brother-in-law, Paulie (Burt Young), signed away power of attorney over the Balboa fortune to some shady lawyer who loses all the money. Forced into retirement by his scrambled noggin, a much more punch-drunk Rocky sells off his remaining belongings and moves his family back into his old Philadelphia neighborhood. Rocky reopens Mickey's boxing gym and takes a young fighter, Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison) under his wing. Tommy quickly rises up the boxing ranks, but betrays Rocky by signing with Don King-esque promoter George Washington Duke (Richard Gant) in order to get a title shot. Gunn wins the title easily, but fears forever living in Rocky's shadow. He calls out Balboa, culminating in a bizarre fist fight between teacher and student on the cold Philly streets. Rocky emerges the victor, yet somehow avoids being arrested while Gunn gets taken away by the cops. Stallone's desire to return the character to its roots after the increasingly cartoonish direction the series was taking is understandable, but having Rocky lose the fortune he fought so hard for and earned over the course of four films is just depressing, let alone the "shady lawyer" angle seemed highly contrived. Rocky V remains the most confusing, misconceived installment in the franchise, and left a bad taste in everyone's mouths, including Stallone's.

Stallone sought to make up for Rocky V with Rocky Balboa, which finds an aged Rocky (Stallone himself was 60) the owner of a a Philly restaurant where he indulges its patrons with stories of his glory days in the ring. Looks like the Italian Stallion has found an opponent even he can't defeat time (though his brain damage is forgotten, much like his partial blindness). Adrian has since died of "woman's cancer" and Rocky Jr. (Milo Ventimiglia) is now an emotionally distant businessman. After a simulated boxing match on ESPN finds Rocky the victor over current heavyweight champ, the absurdly named Mason "The Line" Dixon (Antonio Tarver), Dixon challenges the long-retired Balboa to an exhibition match. Balboa, longing for one more throwdown, accepts the invitation and sets out to prove that the last thing to age is your heart. Though Rocky Balboa (the film) prescribes to the Rocky formula established from the very beginning and the prospect of a sextagenarian with or without brain damage being allowed to take on anyone in a sanctioned boxing match is more than a tad outlandish, this final installment (which Stallone assures us is the FINAL one) feels the most genuine since the original, as Stallone imbues his most iconic character with his own frustration with growing old and that lingering desire to make good on past regrets (like Rocky V) while he still can. With Rocky Balboa, the story finally feels whole.

And you have the whole story here, in Rocky: The Undisputed Collection on Blu-ray.

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Received this box set around 9/15/2010.

This review is broken into 5 categories: Packaging, Plot, Disc Quality, Movie Quality, Extra Features

Packaging: 4/5

Box art looks like it's from Rocky Balboa, no frills, WYSIWYG.

Plot: N/A

I won't go into it because I'm assuming you've seen any number of these titles if you are interested in the box set. But overall it's a story of overcoming obstacles and believing in yourself. All family friendly except Rocky 5 has some slight language, but nothing to extreme.

Disc Quality: 3/5

Rocky and Rocky Balboa have professional looking menus and the disc themselves look different than the other four movies. 2,3,4,5 all look like standard blu ray discs with just the name of the movie on them and a still frame for a menu. Don't expect any commentary.

Movie Quality: 4/5

If you've seen older movies put on blu ray with minimal restore then you get the idea with these. Rocky 1 looks the worse, some clipping and sometimes grainy, didn't notice too much blur on 120Hz. Rocky 2 is a little better, not as grainy. Rocky 3 looks like most 80s blu ray movies I've seen (Rambo, Commando, etc.) with some blur. Rocky 4 is exceptional, looks clear, great color and great sound and no blur. Rocky 5 is also clear and the sound is clear as well but you don't know much of a difference, if any, between this movie and 4. Rocky Balboa has some weird lighting but overall obviously it's the best looking one in the bunch.

Extra Features: 2/5

Some nice Sly training videos for Balboa and some making of's but nothing like a reunion episode or documentary looking back with Sly or anything. Pretty much just thrown into the box set.

Overall, I give this a 4/5 simply because it's Rocky and it's the top of the line right now. If you have it on DVD and is it worth it to rebuy it? My opinion would be no because nothing on these discs looks better than up converting a DVD. That being said, it is the latest and greatest format to have Rocky on and if you see Amazon selling it for a good deal pick it up, especially if you don't own any Rocky collection.

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Disgrace (2008)

After having read J.M. Coetzee's complex, disturbing, shocking and controversial novel, one could not directly see how this story could be transformed into an appealing screenplay and still less into a convincing movie.

It's heavily charged with all kind of sexual contacts, unforced and forced ones (by someone who is in a dominating position) and even with pure rape. It deals also with the eventual outcome of those contacts, like pregnancy and parental love.

Moreover, the story unfolds against the violent background of open racism in a country known for its apartheid.

Steve Jacobs did a formidable job in turning the harsh and sometimes bitter and terrible realities into a moving, emotional and ultimately sublime movie, which matches the book.

The director was impressively helped by his cast and in the first place by John Malkovich, whose (physical! and mental) interpretation of the very uninviting character of a sexually driven university professor is certainly one of his most memorable. He was superbly seconded by Jessica Haines as his fiercely independent daughter as well as by the rest of the cast.

A must see for all movie lovers and for all admirers J. M. Coetzee's work.

An Academy Award Quality film that generates an exquisite level of emotional impact rarely seen outide of such modern classics as, "American Beauty" and "House of Sand and Fog." Without a doubt, Malkovich is convincing in his nuanced and powerful role as a scoundrel and Lothario--but with none of the histrionics or over-the-top acting for which he is perhaps best known. This is a painfully insightful and politically charged movie that will be much appreciated by discerning viewers.

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Let me begin by saying this film may be one of the best of the past year. The performance by John Malkovich gives us another reason to extend to him a title of superb actor. And, probably no one else could fill his shoes in the film.

The film is taken from the book by Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee. He won the Booker Prize for this novel. I have not read it and find I must. Coetzee is one of those authors you remember, and as far as I am concerned has not won the acclaim he deserves. The film takes place a few years after Apartheid. There is no longer the legal stigma of socializing or dating among the races. Malkovich is a professor of Romantic Poetry at the U of South Africa. He is arrogant, pig headed even, and thinks of no other except himself and his needs. He has an affair with a young student, and while it is not rape, she obviously does not enjoy it. He is found out and is asked to leave the university. He shows no regret except that he was found out.

Malkovich goes to visit his young daughter, Lucy, in the country. Here, things are simple, she raises dogs, and has a farm of flowers and veggies that Lucy tends. Lucy is a Lesbian and had a sig other who seems to have left. She also has a black man who lives on the farm and helps her out. Malkovich cannot understand this arrangement, the man walks in and watches television whenever he wants. Certainly things have changed. Lucy is very independent, and has her own way and manner of living. A horrible incident occurs and things will never be the same. However, life does go on, and the times and situations change and Malkovich has a new understanding of life such as it is. He asks for forgiveness from the family of the student of whom he had an affair. But, not all has changed and as we see, Malkovich, the Professor, retains his own way. Throughout this film questions keep rising, is this the right thing for Lucy to do. What would I do. What is happening to the Prof, Malkovich. How can things remain the same but be so different?

The acting is superb. Lucy is played by Jessica Haines with such a fine, free base of understanding. Her farm manager is an African named Petrus, played by Eriq Ebouaney. His acting shows us a man who is sure of his place. Other characters are sure footed and superb. In one instance Malkovich, whose job it is to help a vet attendant care for and put down animals that have no home, helps to put down a dog that he has shown great affection. I could not help but shed tears at this scene. Was Malkovich looking for some sort of atonement. The entire film has a feel of moral ambiguity. How do we place ourselves in surroundings and cultures new to us and find a place that is real and OK.

The final scene is perfect, this is just the way things are. Superb, superb, one of the year's best films.

Highly Recommended. prisrob 05-08-10

Being John Malkovich [HD DVD]

Dangerous Liaisons [VHS]

Read Best Reviews of Disgrace (2008) Here

John Malkovich nails the role of a pompous Cape Town literature professor, David Lurie, who glibly spouts Byron and Wordsworth. And he certainly loves the ladies. He uses his status to initiate an affair with an attractive student, who becomes the reluctant recipient of Lurie's affections. She is a young coed; he's fifty-two. When the scandal breaks, Lurie gets booted out of his cushy faculty post and seeks refuge in his daughter Lucy's home.

Lucy lives in a remote region in the East Cape on a small plot of land. She raises dogs and sells flowers to scrape together a modest living. It seems Lurie and his daughter had long been separated; they scarcely know each other when the "disgraced" professor comes knocking. A big part of the film is how their relationship develops.

Turns out Lucy lives in an area that lacks law and order. Hooligans roam without check. This is post-apartheid South Africa at its worst. Horrible things happen in this film. It seems that people must protect themselves in this region; Lurie and his daughter are not good at self protection.

The film is also about how Lucy is trapped by forces beyond her control. She must accept bitter realities in order to survive. She also feels that she has carved out a life and is determined to stay. Perhaps a lot of money would help, but money is scarce, although the ex-professor can afford a trip to Cape Town where he pays a prostitute. So the arrogant Lurie must take a crash course in Life 101, South African style. He must get his hands dirty, in both a literal and figurative sense. He also finds romance in the arms of a woman who is quite a contrast to the aforementioned coed.

Jessica Haines most convincingly portrays Lucy. She acts in a completely natural manner; it's as if she is playing herself. She strikes no poses.

It's a great film, perhaps a bit overlong. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the pretty urban life of the comfortable in Cape Town, the grinding poverty of many South Africans, and the stark beauty of the remote rural area where Lucy lives.

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Based on the novel Disgrace: A Novel by J.M. Coetzee, this movie does a fairly good job of portraying the book. John Malkovich stars as the professor, David, who has serial affairs with women, the latest one being an imprudent one with one of his students. When she reports him to the Capetown university's administration, David pleads guilty and resigns from his position. He travels to a rural area in South Africa to stay with his daughter who is a lesbian and has just broken up with her partner. The movie very deftly shows the palpable awkwardness of the new apartheid and the painful aspects of a woman living alone.

The book more clearly discusses apartheid and its role in events that occur, while in the movie a lot is left up to the viewer's summation or prior knowledge of South African history. Though I think that John Malkovich is an excellent actor, I had a very hard time picturing him in this particular role. He just didn't seem to fit with the character that he portrayed. The woman who played his daughter does an excellent job.

It is difficult to give much of the plot details because of spoilers. However, I found the movie riveting. I recommend reading the novel first so as to have a better understanding of what is happening, and also for background information.

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The Cannonball Run (2011)

Cannonball Run is a guilty pleasure. No one would ever say it's a good movie, but it's a like train wreck, you find yourself staring. Burt Reynolds tries to live his glory days of Smokey and The Bandit, bringing along the same Director, Hal Needham as well as a slew of falling stars to prop him up. Its as if all of them knew their careers were sliding and it was one last ditch effort to make a great noise. Don't get me wrong, many of these people are talented. Lets explain the premise first. The 'Run' is an auto street (or highway) race, based closely on a real race that was run throughout the 70s that went from New York to California. It was highly illegal, and probably a lot a fun. There is even an appearance by one of the original drivers, Brock Yates, who is now an editor for Car & Driver Magazine and makes an amusing appearance as the MC, explaining how the race goes. Reynolds is JJ McClure, a former race car driver and mechanic who is the standing champ in the race. Eager to keep his title, he is desperate to win again. In this race though, that doesn't just mean going fast, anyone can go fast, but sooner or later, you will get stopped. JJ and his strange friend, Victor (Dom Delouse) adopt a personality of two paramedics driving a patient cross country. Apparently this worked in the actual race one year. The supporting cast of competition includes Jamie Farr as an overzealous Sheik in a hopped up Rolls Royce, Roger Moore playing a comic version of his James Bond character driving his popular silver Austin Martin, Mel Tillus and Terry Bradshaw playing a couple of southern boys cruising in a stolen race car and my personal favorite, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. playing womanizing, gambling hard drinking priests driving a red Ferrari (they aren't really priests). All this adds up to a movie where every scene you see a star. Dean and Sammy steal the show in almost every scene they're in, they are class acts adding something unattainable in most pictures of this caliber. The racing antics are not quite as funny as the beginning scenes where all the characters are introduced, but it is entertaining. The best part of the movie comes at the end though where the bloopers are shown during the closing credits. It's worth the price of the DVD alone. Don't expect a great movie out of Cannonball Run, all you can really expect is a good time, but isn't that what it's all about?

A zany cross country race based on an

actual event called "The Cannonball

Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash." The brainchild of writer Brock

Yates, who competed in the first Cannonball in 1971. The object is to

drive as fast and as safely as possible from Connecticut to Redondo Beach, California.

In every Cannonball, no driver or person has ever been injured.

The worst case, a team or two put behind

bars for no more than an hour.

"The Cannonball Run" is based on real

characters and adventures. It was penned

by Yates, who makes an appearance in the early stages of the movie as the "organizer."

Burt Reynolds headlines an all star lineup as "J.J. McClure" a wealthy

entrepreneur who, along with his

'executive assistant' Victor Prinze,

played with great verve by comedian

Dom DeLuise. Victor has some issues.

In times of 'mortal danger' his personality changes from mild mannered

mechanic, into an alter-ego called

"Captain Chaos" who wreaks havoc on

some less than respectable hombres we encounter along the way.

Farrah Fawcett is teamed with J.J. and Victor when she's kidnapped in their ambulance.

Jack Elam as "Doctor Nikolas Van Helsing" provides lots of laughs

and few chills when needed.

Veteran performers Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. join the ensemble as

a pair of priests in a souped-up Ferrari.

Roger Moore makes a departure from his

'James Bond' character playing "Seymor Goldfarb." An individual who believes he's

Roger Moore. It's a great spoof and Moore plays it with perfection.

Mel Tillis and former quarterback

Terry Bradshaw show up as just a

couple of good ol' boys ala "Dukes

of Hazzard" style, toting cases of beer but sans the "General Lee."

Tara Buckman and Adrienne Barbeau are seen throughout the film in their

custom black Lamborghini Countach,

breaking speed limits and the hearts

of some unsuspecting law enforcement

officers along the route.

Jamie Farr from "MASH" is cast in the role of a Sheik obsessed with winning the Cannonball

in a hot-rod Rolls Royce.

The Cannonball Run was directed by

Hal Needham who brought us "Smokey and

the Bandit" and "Hooper." Hal and Brock

were partners in a Cannonball held in the late 70S. Needham sets a flat out,

pedal to the metal pace for "Cannonball" and it doesn't let

up till the finish line.

After twenty years, this film still makes you laugh. Rent it tonight :)

Buy The Cannonball Run (2011) Now

I watched this because I adore Dean Martin and the Rat Pack, but only after putting off watching it for so long--I was afraid it would be really stupid and not be worthy of being Dean's next to last movie. I had no reason to fear :) . It is absolutely hilarious! The second one is a million times better (more Dean & Sammy and a huge plus with Frank), but this one's great. It's just crazy and silly and a ton of fun.

Read Best Reviews of The Cannonball Run (2011) Here

Okay, so I first saw this film at the age of 10, and we all know that a 10 year old is easier to please than an adult. However, I still love this film now (15 years later!), and not just for the fast cars and all-star cast. Of course the plot is almost non-existent but who cares? It's refreshing to see a film which doesn't take itself too seriously (a point that Dr Popinofsky seems to have missed in his review). It's called fun, Doc. F-U-N. If we're not allowed a bit of pointless fun from time to time what's the point of even getting out of bed in the morning?

I accept it's probably not to everybody's taste but it still makes me giggle!

Want The Cannonball Run (2011) Discount?

I must admit that my expectations were not too high on purchasing this Blu-ray, but I'm glad I was wrong. The movie itself needs no real explanation, tons of stars (a little too much Burt Reynolds for my taste, though), fighting (Jackie Chan's first Hollywood movie) and fast cars add up to some great entertainment. Picture quality is very good considering the price and the disc even manages to squeeze in a commentary. The highlight has to be the out-takes displayed during the credits, so funny!

If you want a movie that doesn't require too many brain cells, this is the one for you. Just plain fun

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Alexander Revisited / Troy / 300 (Triple-Feature) (2012)

Just a heads up, Alexander is split on two discs. Disc one has the first two hours of the film, and disc two has the last hour of the film plus extras (see this thread for more info: . You'll have to swap out discs to watch the entire final cut. All three films share one thick case with a slipcover. Each movie has its special features. Picture and audio quality are great for all three films. For under $17, its a great deal, even though Alexander is average at best.

Great Value, Great Picture. Nice Price for 3 great movies! Troy is one of my favorites, it is hard to beat the action and story.

Buy Alexander Revisited / Troy / 300 (Triple-Feature) (2012) Now

3 of my favorite war epics all for one low price in high-def. Movies look phenomenal on bluray and the package only cost 14$ with shipping. 300 is an instant, violent classic while Troy keeps you on the edge of your seat. Alexander is a tad slow, but if you pay attention you'll learn to appreciate it. GREAT DEAL

Read Best Reviews of Alexander Revisited / Troy / 300 (Triple-Feature) (2012) Here

Bought it for 15$. Worth the money spent. Though i dont like the movie Alexander.. other two movies are my favorite.

Want Alexander Revisited / Troy / 300 (Triple-Feature) (2012) Discount?

As for me, I thought three blu-rays for this cheap was a steal. I recommend this to any fan of these types of movies.

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Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony (Extended Interviews Only) (2013)

I was shown this by someone who supported the kickstarter. It's an interesting watch, although the intro is quite lengthy, and it took me a few minutes to figure out how the documentary would pan out. I found the pacing outside of the intro, very good, and the information they presented very welcoming.

If you had told me this came from a kickstarter, and was funded by bronies, i'd be shocked.

I'm shocked.

This documentary was funded by a Kickstarter project razing over $322,022. I was one of the supporters of this just received my copy in the mail today.

The production quality was very good and the animation for then segment transitions was show quality and made me laugh. I would recommend this to anyone concerned and wanting to know what this fandom is all about. It doesn't cover everything but shows the hardships and ridicule some of us face in the fandom. This also shows the creativity of the fandom and just how much we take the lessons to heart. I know these people, I know this community and glad to be apart of it.

Buy Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony (Extended Interviews Only) (2013) Now

I watched this last night with my family, and they loved it. It really is nice to see people come together, especially when they do so much for charity. This sort of thing wasn't possible twenty years ago.

Read Best Reviews of Bronies: The Extremely Unexpected Adult Fans of My Little Pony (Extended Interviews Only) (2013) Here

Sure it has it's flaws, and the shrinks they brought on had a problem with putting their foots in their mouths, but if you look past those minor flaws to it's core, it's really enjoyable. Just seeing everyone involved have fun, and enjoy themselves together is so powerful and heartwarming it's almost like being at the con yourself.

I urge everyone to just forget the needless drama, forget the complaining, and enjoy the movie for what it is: a film showing the loving and fun part of the fandom.

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John de Lancie, Michael Brockhoff and Laurent Malaquais tried to make a Documentary to introduce and explain to people the phenomenon of bronies. They wanted to make an insightful, respectful and entertaining piece of media, where people who watched it would say: "Huh, that's actually pretty neat, now I understand."

I think they definitely succeeded! And they did an amazing job.

Even if some people weren't completely satisfied with what they were given, it was still a good documentary. (Is there even such a thing as perfect?)

The team had a clear vision of what they were trying to accomplish, and if you take that into account, the documentary was heading just the right direction.

Also:

As far as I know, they said they weren't going to include extended interviews because of piracy (read the Kickstarter page for more info)...

I'm very glad they decided to include them despite what has happened. Please show the team that you appreciate their work by NOT downloading this somewhere on the Internet. Buy it, it truly deserves every cent you pay for it.

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Fascination (1979)

Once again, the prolific french director, Jean Rollin, provides the bored horror film market with a true classic. Fascination is a bizarre foray into the twisted realm of two women who seek to entice unwary men into their devilish world of evil. As with all Rollin films, Fascsination is ripe with symbolism and grotesque imagery which puts most current horror films to shame. For those of us who have seen way too many horror films, Rollin's Fascination will renew our faith in the genrea-check it out.

Jean Rollin is a name instantly recognizable to hardcore horror genre fans, but meaningless to nearly everyone else. That is too bad because this French director concocted some of the sleaziest, most unusual films ever made during the 1970s and 1980s, films usually imbued with hypersexuality and bloody violence. I have often tossed Rollin's name around in impolite company with seeming aplomb even though I had never seen even one of the man's films. You read enough plot synopses about someone and you start to feel as though you know every intimate detail about their work. What I did hear from others about this director oftentimes did not bode well. He is apparently well versed in schlock filmmaking--which in and of itself is not a problem with me, a true lover of bad cinema--but several of his films continue to draw raves from a selected minority of genre fans. Well, I finally sat down with a Jean Rollin film, his 1979 effort "Fascination," and was pleasantly surprised with the results. As I viewed the film with a growing sense of intrigue, I began mentally composing a list of other films from this director that I should watch in the near future.

"Fascination," set in rural France sometime in the early twentieth century, is a story about vampires. Initially, this plot did not interest me. Vampire films have been done to death over the years, and I rarely express any interest in this popular mainstream staple. I plunged ahead anyway. A gang of criminals roams the countryside, waylaying and robbing hapless travelers who happen to pass by. Simultaneously, at a nearby castle, a group of women who regularly drink blood in order to stay young plan a very special nocturnal gathering. These two seemingly diverse events converge in the form of Mark (Jean-Marie Lemaire), the leader of the band of robbers who suddenly decides to double cross his companions. In the ensuing chase, Mark barely escapes with his life by seeking refuge in the aforementioned castle. As his partners in crime lurk outside, Mark meets two young, beautiful women named Elisabeth and Eva in the castle (Franca Mai and Brigitte Lahaie respectively). At first, he holds them hostage, but he slowly lets his guard down as he gets to know these two on a personal level. Elisabeth and Eva keep mentioning a mysterious gathering of women about to take place in the castle this very evening, but Mark is too busy fending off his enemies outside to take much note of this talk. When the other women do show up, the criminal takes great joy in playing games with these enigmatic ladies. The conclusion of the film has several interesting twists and turns, but it is sufficient to say that several members of the cast meet their doom by the time the credits roll.

What I liked best about "Fascination" is the style. If I had to choose something to compare with Rollin's film, I would say Paul Morrissey's "Blood for Dracula" and "Flesh for Frankenstein" most closely resemble "Fascination." The set pieces look great in a chintzy way, the costumes look nice as well, and a mood of brooding despondency hangs like a pall over the whole film. Like the characters in Morrissey's two films, the cast of "Fascination" gives off a distinct sensation of seediness. The people in this film exude decadence. Moreover, the behavior exhibited by Mai, Lahaie, and several of the actresses certainly add an element of sleaze to the general proceedings: "Fascination" overflows with gratuitous nudity and soft-core sex. This contrast between lowbrow behavior and plush scenery gives Rollin's movie a distinctive flair. Sure, the whole thing looks like it was shot on a shoestring budget, but at the same time it looks better than its financial limitations.

The DVD version released by Image does offer a few extras, such as a Rollin filmography and a few trailers. All of the dialogue is in French but adequately subtitled. In fact, the language of the film is one of the things that impressed me. I know a bit of French, and I could follow along with most of the dialogue because the actors spoke slowly enough for me to understand what they were saying. I don't know if this was due to the wooden performances of the cast or because I just clicked with the language. Either way, it was kind of neat to listen to a film in French and understand the darn thing. Digressions aside, "Fascination" was, to me, a fascinating film well worth watching again. If nothing else, tune in to see a semi-nude Brigitte Lahaie swinging a cheesy looking scythe on the drawbridge of the castle, a scene that must be seen to be believed.

Buy Fascination (1979) Now

Director Jean Rollin and bodacious French actress Brigitte Lahaie have combined on a number of very special (if somewhat flawed) supernatural films. "Fascination" is probably the very best. A coven of beautiful vampire women, a criminal on the run, Lahaie in Grim Reaper's black carrying her giant scythe... all memorable elements in an etheral film that is more mesmerizingly compelling than narratively intact. Relax and enjoy as Rollin and Lahaie manipulate the images that will fascinate your mind.

This is the kind of horror film that incites more unsettling echoes later on as opposed to shocks upon initial viewing. In the end it is well worth watching.

Read Best Reviews of Fascination (1979) Here

I'm an admirer of Jean Rollins work, and this film is the one which to me best represents his style. It succeeds in blending the sexual predator images of the more successful Hammer vampire movies, with the doomed romanticism of French cinema. The production values are low, presumably they operated on a very small budget, but as I was starting to experiment with my own low production films, I was inspired by how much it achieves in spite of its limitations.

The film is driven by a series of powerful images, notably the semi-naked girl wielding a scythe, and the odd bit of lesbian love action. As with all of Rollins best films, you get the feeling of getting a glimpse of, and being allowed to share, a very personal obsession.

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This film embodies a lot of why i find these Euro horror/sleaze films so interesting.The way its filmed,the camera seems hand-held all the way through!!Just for some of the imagery this film is worth it.The abbatoir at the start,the infamous Brigitte Lahaie with sythe scene,when the main character(i forget his name-but who cares!!)is running up to the castle its very eerie with the washed-out,watercolours of the woodland behind him. Lahaie really makes this film stand out for me,she is BEAUTIFUL. Aestheticly this film really is a treat to watch.Im now hooked on Rollin,im getting Living Dead Girl next!!

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High Road (2011)

I have to completely disagree with the previous reviewer. I just went to a screening of this film in NYC and found this movie to be absolutely hilarious. Maybe I'm of a younger generation than the previous reviewer but I wasn't the only one who seemed to enjoy this film. The theatre was sold out, had a very diverse mix of all shapes, sizes & ages in the audience and the laughter never stopped. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it. Its clear that this film is a very low budget indie and I went in not expecting much, but I found the ensemble cast very entertaining and the story surprisingly sweet ~ which is why I came on here to purchase some copies for friends! I loved it.

Almost a perfect movie. I laughed pretty freakin' hard at a lot of the jokes, and the plot kept moving along at a decent pace. The fact that the script was improved only adds to the humor. Oh the soundtrack was excellent. I want to find it and purchase it only for the sound the drag queen dad sings towards the end.

Buy High Road (2011) Now

This movie is FUNNY. I don't think I am the target audience for this movie, but I found it hilarious laugh til you cry. I have never been a huge fan of improv but this story seems to have a path, and it is so good that it makes me want to take another look at some other improv movies!

I think this movie is perfect for watching with friends. The laughing can be contagious when watching so don't choke on your popcorn! If you have a chance to see this in a theater the theater will be FULL of laughter and joy. Great movie!!

Read Best Reviews of High Road (2011) Here

I was one of the lucky ones to see this movie in a theater, and I laughed my ass off!!! I'm a huge fan of Improv and UCB, so when I finally saw this movie there was no surprise that I would love it. After purchasing and watching it again I caught some subtle jokes that I didn't get before due to the fast pace and the fast dialogue. This is a type of movie that grows on you, like Grandma's Boy. At first I hated Grandma's Boy and thought it was the stupidest movie I have ever seen. Then I watched it with some friends who enjoyed it, and we laughed til we cried. High Road is shot like another Improv movie from a few years back called Cyrus (Matt Walsh, the director of High Road was also in Cyrus) but where Cyrus was a mopey melodrama, High Road plays out like a French Farce. The plot really doesn't matter, but it's the actions of the characters and listening to their dialogue that really makes the movie shine. Watch it with some friends and pay attention, or else you'll miss the funny.

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"I'm not a drug dealer, I'm an artist." Glenn "Fitz" Fitzgerald's life

is starting to fall apart. His band is breaking up and he watches his

former mates find success while he is stuck at home selling pot to make

money. This may be my shortest review ever. This movie is 100%

improved. Unlike movies like "Best In Show", "Mighty Wind", and most of

Will Ferrell's movies this one is not funny. It may be because I'm too

old but this is not my type of movie and I thought it was lame and

boring. Overall, not for me. I give it a D.

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Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2012)

iv seen all the the naruto movies so far, and i must say, this one all around is definitely the best (the second best would have to be "Bloood Prison"). if your hesitant on this one, you would be making a huge mistake!! cliché aside, this movie has it all, everything a "true" naruto fans looking for!! the story is very intriguing, the fighting is nothing short of incredible, various jutsus on display, tons of characters get some shine in it, and more importantly (the thing that impressed me the most), is that this film actually centered around the leaf village and naruto himself. (if you know anything about naruto films, you know that the story usually spends a good majority of time explaining new characters, new places, and stuff thats pretty much filler) the will of fire is a TRUE nauto film!! i wont get into any spoilers cause your really going to want come in this movie with a blank slate! you wont regret geting this one, trust me!! you will truly inherit the will of fire while watching this!

This earns a 5 star for the simple fact that it has you out of your seat waiting to see what happens next

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Naruto Shippuden The Movie: The Will Of Fire it is so cool & awesome.

anime Movies are so cool.

I like anime & they are awesome.

Read Best Reviews of Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Will of Fire (2012) Here

This was great, not only is it another Naruto Movie but it expands on the relationship between the characters as well as a little bit of history concerning Kakashi and the three Sannin, not much but it helps explain a few questions I had. There is a ton of action and the whole movie is fast pace. Although the pace of the movie is just right, keeps you wanting more without trying to do too much too fast. If you are a Naruto fan and especially a Kakashi fan then this is a must get.

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This movie doesn't disappoint, it is just one of the best Naruto Shippuden movies that has a meaningful story plot with a powerful message about friendship. Easily my number one favorite movie for Shippuden

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Ocean's Eleven (2008)

"Ocean's Eleven" is a Ferrari of a movie: cool, stylish, and classy. And if, like a Ferrari, it doesn't always work, that's OK who will complain when it's so stylish?

The premise is lifted right out of the 1960 Rat Pack original: Danny Ocean (George Clooney, suave as hell) is released from prison, and plots to steal over $163 million from the vault of a Las Vegas casino during a heavyweight fight. He recruits his old buddy Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt), and they put together a dream team of crooks, each of whom has a specialty. There's a computer geek, a demolition expert, a con man, a pickpocket, and so on.

And, of course, there's Danny's ex-wife, Tess (Julia Roberts), who's now involved with the manager (Andy Garcia) of the casino Danny intends to rob. So, Danny's not only after money he wants his girl back as well. But she's having nothing of it, as evidenced by this neat dialogue piece:

Danny: "I've paid my debt to society."

Tess: "Funny, I haven't gotten my check yet."

Dialogue like that is one of the great pleasures of this movie; watching it delivered by the likes of Clooney, Roberts, Pitt and the stellar supporting cast (Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Carl Reiner, Elliott Gould, et al) is the other.

And, in fairness, it's a good thing that the dialogue and acting is so good, because as a pure caper flick, "Ocean's Eleven" is, to be charitable, a little thin. In the best caper movies ("The Heist" comes to mind), the theft itself is the star of the movie the intracicies, the backup plans, the intrigue. In "Ocean's Eleven," we're expected to believe that a casino with over $150 million in its vault wouldn't have a backup power generator, or that the vault's security system wouldn't have a motion sensor.

But criticisms like that are akin to nitpicking that red Ferrari 575 because it has a small trunk the point isn't realism, it's style, and like a Ferrari, "Ocean's Eleven" has it in droves.

Below is a review of this product: 4 Film Favorites Ocean's Collection. Amazon may display this review on the page of another version of this product, for which this review may not apply. After reading this review, please click on the link so that you can be assured that the product this review applies to is the same one you thought it was for.

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### ABOUT THE 4 FILM FAVORITES SERIES ###

Warner Brothers/New Line's "4 Film Favorites" is a line of two-disc sets consisting of four films that are part of a series/franchise or center around a common theme. Each disc is dual-sided, with the contents of each side being a bit-for-bit copy (a "disc image") of a previous DVD release. Usually the very first DVD release of a film is used as the master for each side, which could be either single-layer or dual-layer. If the DVD master that is used first came out at the infancy of DVD production (the late 1990s), there may be little to no extras, and even a poor film transfer when compared to a later re-release. Also, if that original release was a two-disc set, or a dual-sided disc (see: Lethal Weapon 4), only Disc 1 or Side A will be used. The "4 Film Favorites" line is priced with the budget-conscience consumer in mind, with Target having the lowest price at 9.99 each (occasionally on sale for 8.99). Other stores will inevitably be priced higher, though I don't recommend paying more than ten dollars for each two-disc set.

### ABOUT THE OCEAN'S COLLECTION ###

OCEAN'S 11

* Year: 1960

* Runtime: 2:07:17

* Video Format: 16:9 Widescreen

* DVD Production Date: September 10, 2001

* Region: 1

* Layers: 2

* Audio Languages: English, French

* Subtitle Languages: English, Spanish, French

* Extras: Commentary by Frank Sinatra Jr. and Angie Dickinson, Interactive Las Vegas Then and Now Map Casino Vignettes, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Excerpt Featuring Guest Host Frank Sinatra and Angie Dickinson, Cast & Crew Filmographies (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Angie Dickinson), 2 Theatrical Trailers.

* Easter Eggs: (1) On the Special Features menu, press LEFT to highlight a poker chip on the pile. Press Enter to view a clip about the Las Vegas Gambling Museum. (2) On the "Map Of Vegas" menu, watch The Sands casino video. After viewing the video, select it again to see a different video showing the implosion of the casino in November 1996.

OCEAN'S ELEVEN

* Year: 2001

* Runtime: 1:56:27

* Video Format: 16:9 Widescreen

* DVD Production Date: March 7, 2002

* Region: 1

* Layers: 2

* Audio Languages: English, French

* Subtitle Languages: English, Spanish, French

* Extras: Commentary by Matt Damon and Andy Garcia and Brad Pitt, Commentary by director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter Ted Griffin, "The Making Of Ocean's Eleven" Featurette, "The Look Of The Con" Featurette, Cast Filmographies (George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts), 3 Theatrical Trailers, "Are You In Or Out?" DVD-ROM Game.

OCEAN'S TWELVE

* Year: 2004

* Runtime: 2:05:10

* Video Format: 16:9 Widescreen

* DVD Production Date: February 8, 2005

* Region: 1

* Layers: 2

* Audio Languages: English

* Subtitle Languages: English, Spanish, French

* Extras: Theatrical Trailer.

OCEAN'S THIRTEEN

* Year: 2007

* Runtime: 2:01:59

* Video Format: 16:9 Widescreen

* DVD Production Date: August 29, 2007

* Region: 1

* Layers: 2

* Audio Languages: English, Spanish, French

* Subtitle Languages: English, Spanish, French

* Extras: Additional Scenes, "Vegas: An Opulent Illusion" Featurette, "Jerry Weintraub Walk And Talk: The Producer Takes Us On A Casino Set Tour" Featurette.

Buy Ocean's Eleven (2008) Now

This package is an exceptional deal. You get all four Ocean films for less much less than the price of a single copy of Ocean's 11 on Blu-Ray! What more could you ask for?

Read Best Reviews of Ocean's Eleven (2008) Here

I've got to admit, half the fun of this movie is the star-gazing. George Clooney is great as a convict recently released from jail, Brad Pitt is Mr. Suave as his right-hand man, and Julia Roberts plays the icy ex-wife beautifully. Throw in Matt Damon as a pick-pocket and Andy Garcia as a casino mogul and you've got the gist of this movie's star power.

The plot is pretty simple: Danny Ocean (Clooney) organizes a group of eleven highly skilled criminals to simultaneously rob three of Vegas' biggest casinos. Their plans are over the top and outrageous-and you can't help but smile watching them put into action. There are also some really memorable touches in the movie: including Brad Pitt teaching Shane West and Topher Grace how to play poker. This movie kind of serves as a who's-who in Hollywood. "Oceans" probably won't spark any deep conversations or teach you any life lessons, but it's fun watching the celebrities interact onscreen. If you want something deep and thought-provoking, this probably isn't your movie. But if you want to watch something purely for entertainment, this is a great and fun film.

Want Ocean's Eleven (2008) Discount?

Yeah, it's impossible, it's ridiculous, it's contrived, but you gotta love the acting and the chemistry between the actors. Only Julia Roberts' role was maybe a mismatch, and that's difficult for me to say as she's one of my favorites.

The 1960's original version with Frank Sinatra and the infamous Rat Pack was fun, too, but this contemporary one makes full use of all the modern cinema techniques that make action/adventure films such fun to watch.

The whole setup (a plan to rob several Las Vegan casinos owned by a guy who has `taken possession' of Danny Ocean's ex-wife) is convoluted and sometimes difficult to follow and frankly, rather than hit replay and try to figure it all out, I'd just advise suspending disbelief and going with the flow.

It's a hoot.

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Crazy Heart (2009)

Have you watched the "extra features" yet on the BLU-RAY edition of "CRAZY HEART"? I did so last night with a rental copy ("89 cents, Thursdays only") -from my neighborhood mom & pop grocery store [which may yet outlive a nearby Blockbuster that wants six Canadian dollars for similar rental.]

As an aside, may I say I'm one of those odd folks who watch ALL the closing credits of movies - the last guy left in the theatre, watching the credit roll to the bitter end (usually to find out "who wrote that song?") Glad I watched all the "deleted scenes" from this one as they included one that would have been my `favorite scene' (in an otherwise solid, '4-star' film).

I'm thinking too that, from the perspective of any male who ever fathered a child `out of wedlock' -and didn't get to meet his child for a couple of decades -the most powerful scene (I believe) was left on the proverbial `cutting-room floor.'

The segment that runs at least seven minutes, opening with the 28-year-old son, whom "Bad" has never met, or even communicated with, returning his call to say, reluctantly, "and only because my wife says I should," that he's agreed to meet with his dad after all. (We don't get to see him in the film.) "I'll be on the next plane," says his gratified father.

Immediately, we see a cab drive up a long gravel driveway to a farm house, where the young man greets his father with distant politeness, and introduces him to his pretty wife. And though she has only a couple of spoken lines, the superb actress (not named, obviously in the closing credits) conveys the most endearing blend of patience and anxious hope -trying to will this meeting, which she has arranged, into a genuine, heart-to-heart reconciliation: It is not to be.

When things begin to turn sour, she diplomatically exits to the next room, telling "Bad" - "You could use another beer." The camera intercuts to her face (only twice) as she listens-in on a conversation going all wrong. Her lovely face is SO expressive -conveying perfectly her misplaced hope for a reconciliation between father and son a hope crushed within minutes of "Bad's" arrival.

After some cynical parrying -with Bad's meagre attempts at conversation ("I saved this money clip for you and always meant to give it to you") his son says, in a flat-toned voice that drips contempt,

"You know, since you got here, you haven't asked a single thing about US -my wife and me," [and that] "you must be the most self-absorbed S.O.B. on the face of this earth."

`Bad' says, "Call me a cab," and gets up to leave; unable to look his son in the eye, he declares in obvious self-pity, "Well, at least I TRIED." And the viewer realizes that self-pity is the ONLY emotion left to this self-absorbed, alcoholic, `has-been.'

It's a scene so poignant (and so real) it reduced this viewer to tears. How can it be left out? Usually scenes are cut if they don't actually advance the plot: But THIS scene (you may agree) is a mini-masterpiece, fleshing out an aspect of "Bad's" character to make him even more 'three-dimensional.' And since no other reviewer has mentioned it, I thought it was worth pointing out this one "deleted scene." (See if it doesn't speak to your heart!)

Thanks to the screen writer (or the book's author) for composing this `note-perfect' slice of life; thanks as well to the film's director (or producers) for making sure it was included in those 'extra features.'

Mark Blackburn

Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

It's easy to understand how Anthony Hopkins won a Best Acting role for playing Hannibal Lector--that's a mighty big step away from one's core. But to win the Academy Award for playing a low-key role, such as Bad Blake, a washed-out, mostly drunk country singer, is a fine achievement for perennially excellent actor Jeff Bridges in "Crazy Heart." In fact, I suspect he won for a lifetime achievement with this latest role, simply the next in a long line of outstanding acting.

This is a film I wanted to see because of Bridges but dreaded because I know he plays a man who drinks. My father was a drinker. It's not a pretty sight or experience. Instead, I saw a working drunk, a man who could and did work right through his drinking, just as my father did. But the bottom line: working drunk is not living fully. And that's what this movie is about: not living a life fully and directly.

Bridges plays a washed-out (repeated phrase for a purpose) country singer, clinging to a living just enough to get the next bottle for the gig. Just how low has Bad sunk? He drives himself from one bowling alley lounge to bar to truck stop in the hot, arid western states, the heat simply reflecting the unwashed appearance that Bad carries with him, clean or not. That nasty film of drink, smoke, rock-bottom life clings to him, clean or not.

How many years has Bad lived this way? Too many. How many more until he drinks himself to death? In the beginning he wrote songs that paved his way, but that was long ago. Until he has a gig in Sante Fe in a little nightclub where he promised the owner/piano player to allow his niece to interview him. Maggie Gyllenhaall plays Janie, also a drifter through life, at a crossroads, a single mom trying to find her way as a reporter. I was touched by her also perfect performance. For some reason she is attracted to this stinky, sweaty, aging country singer.

The redeeming grace--as there must be one in such a story--comes through Janie's son. Bad really connects with the boy as much as he does with Janie. The horror scene involving the boy displays that award-winning acting by Bridges. Oh my, his facial expressions, his body language made me feel his own terror at what he had done--or not done. What place Bridges had to go in his psyche to find that terror must have given him nightmares!

That point in time changes Bad. For a rare moment in my movie watching history, I found myself not hoping or cheering or wishing for the character, just watching to discover what he would do. That next section of the story, that acting also congealed Bridges's winning performance. It is so perfect.

To his extra credit, Bridges sings. Frankly, he could make a living at it. He sings a number of times. Colin Farrell as Bad's former friend and current nemesis (only in Bad's mind) also sings. It's a country music movie with excellent performances, alone worth the price of your ticket. But to see Jeff Bridges take a simple role of a less-than-admirable man and make the viewer want that man to be better is the real reason to see this film. The singing is just part of that performance.

It's the quiet dramas that reflect life in all its aspects that make us want to continue going to the movies. "Crazy Heart" is one of those quiet dramas of the heart with a touching story and excellent acting. I might even buy the soundtrack!

Buy Crazy Heart (2009) Now

I know Bad Blake, don't we all know someone like him? Lovable but trouble with a capitol 'T'. You can't really trust him, but you want to.

Jeff Bridges puts his heart and soul into this film, and he becomes Bad. He is so believable that it is difficult not to trust him. He is that lazy, hazy cowboy drinking and singing his way through life, leaving those broken hearts behind. A broken down cowboy, trying to get through life the best he can. He has friends who help him, who are there for him, and that may be his best legacy. He is 57 and was once a big name in the cowboy singing business. Now he goes from joint to joint singing for his supper. He meets a woman almost every night, and leaves her as soon as he can. Until one day, a journalist,Maggie Gyllenhaal, touches his heart, his crazy heart. She has a 4 year old son and even though we hope it works out, we know he will mess it up.

Colin Farrel plays Tommy Sweet, the young singer who has won fame and fortune with Bad's songs, gives him a chance. Both Colin and Jeff sing their own songs and they are true country. This is a film for everyone, has something for everyonegreat acting, good singing, love and romance and kids. What could be better, not much.

Highly Recommended. prisrob 04-20-10

The Big Lebowski 10th Anniversary Edition

A Home at the End of the World

Read Best Reviews of Crazy Heart (2009) Here

Nicely done dramtatic tale of redemption and salvation from a drinking and smoking life on a dusty road filled with meaningless relationships and a generally cantankerous attitude A talented singer begins the road back to living a cleaner and more fulfilling existence after a traumatuic incident and health-related problems that escalate out of control. Shares a strong thematic affiliation with "The Wrestler." Parenthetically, the music in this film sounded a lot better in the theater than the sound on the soundtrack CD and I'm not sure why. Could simply be that I need a new sound system.

Want Crazy Heart (2009) Discount?

One of the true good things to happen this past Oscar night was to see Jeff Bridges win for best actor. He's done a number of great roles and should have been so honored several times in the past. So I was anxious to see if his performance in this week's release of CRAZY HEART was the best he's turned in. The answer lies in personal preferences, but he did do a great job here.

Bridges stars as Bad Blake, a once legendary country star who's seen better days. After years on the road, years of drinking and smoking, years of bad marriages and managers, Blake is doing the only thing he knows how. He travels on his own from town to town playing small locations to make a living. The first of which we see is a bowling alley with a bandstand.

Life on the road has taken its toll on Blake. His health isn't seen as fatal when we first meet him but the excesses he's lived through seem to be catching up with him. Along with those excesses comes a certain amount of stubbornness as Blake continue to turn down attempts by his protégé from years back, Tommy Sweet (Colin Farrell), to help him by buying new songs from him. Having not written one in 3 years, Blake continues on his downward trail.

And then Blake meets a young woman who comes to interview him after a show. Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal) has seen better days and yet goes through life with a smile on her face. A single mother, Jean is attracted to Blake and the two begin a romance that starts with one night and moves into the possibility of a more permanent arrangement.

When Blake falls asleep at the wheel on his way to visit Jean, she ends up having him stay at her place until he recovers. Before leaving the hospital, Blake's doctor sets the record straight for him: he's an alcoholic, he has emphysema, the possibility of a stroke is there and if he doesn't get his life together he won't be around a lot longer.

Unfortunately Blake doesn't take the doctor's advice. Once he's able, he heads home to heal. But he misses Jean and her little boy Buddy and invites them to his home. Can Blake make the changes necessary in his life to have the family that he longs for but lost so long ago? Or will his desire for drinking and a hard life rule over those dreams?

The movie works well because it doesn't focus totally on the ills that Blake puts himself through. It offers us enough to realize what his problems are without having to dwell on them or on the effects that his alcoholism has on him and his life. Rather than long passages showing us what's going on in his life along these lines, we get small glimpses instead. But these are enough to make their point and allow time to show the other side of Blake as well.

We get to see the side of Blake that wants to make amends for his life. We get to see the side of Blake that shows him wanting to take his life in a new direction but finding that there is no easy route to do so. And we get to see a side of Blake that through all the bluster and talk of being the big time country star, he's still a simple man at heart.

Bridges characterization of Bad Blake gives a depth to the character that some would not have been able to carry off. Blake here is a man that you want to succeed, that you want to see change, that you want to find a better life. At the same time, the story doesn't move in the normal pattern where everything ends hunky dory half way through.

The actors that support Bridges here also turn in great performances. Gyllenhaal offers a subtle approach to her character. She's not the doe eyed fan who is overwhelmed by the star presence of Blake. She's interested in him first as a person she's interviewing as a journalist and only later becomes romantically inclined.

Collin Farrell (who I had no idea was in the film based on trailers and the like) does a great job as Tommy Sweet. The character is one that could have followed directly in the shoes of Blake, but has instead embraced the fame and fortune in an entirely different way.

Both Bridges and Farrell sang themselves as the characters and it adds a nice touch. It's always better to hear the actual actors rather than see them replaced in voice over. It adds a nice touch and both actors do a commendable job here.

CRAZY HEART might appear on the surface to be just another story of a musician who fell from grace or another alcoholic tries to find redemption flick. But it's more than either of those tales. It's the story of a man who has a chance to change his life for reasons he didn't know still existed inside of him. And that makes for a great picture and a performance that is indeed Oscar worthy.

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