Chris Carter

Average customer rating:

O Brother Where Art Thou
One of my favorites
Worthwhile music, movie falls flat.
great comedy
comedy

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Starring: Michael Badalucco , George Clooney , Frank Collison , Charles Durning , and Wayne Duvall
Director: Joel Coen
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Fargo (Special Edition)
Raising Arizona
The Big Lebowski (Widescreen Collector's Edition)
Miller's Crossing

ASIN: B00003CXRM
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Amazon.com

Only Joel and Ethan Coen, the fraternal director and producer team behind art-house hits such as The Big Lebowski and Fargo and masters of quirky and ultra-stylish genre subversion, would dare nick the plot line of Homer's Odyssey for a comic picaresque saga about three cons on the run in 1930s Mississippi. Our wandering hero in this case is one Ulysses Everett McGill, a slick-tongued wise guy with a thing about hair pomade (George Clooney, blithely sending up his own dapper image) who talks his chain-gang buddies (Coen-movie regular John Turturro and newcomer Tim Blake Nelson) into lighting out after some buried loot he claims to know of. En route they come up against a prophetic blind man on a railroad truck, a burly, one-eyed baddie (the ever-magnificent John Goodman), a trio of sexy singing ladies, a blues guitarist who's sold his soul to the devil, a brace of crooked politicos on the stump, a manic-depressive bank robber, and--well, you get the idea. Into this, their most relaxed film yet, the Coens have tossed a beguiling ragbag of inconsequential situations, a wealth of looping, left-field dialogue, and a whole stash of gags both verbal and visual. O Brother (the title's lifted from Preston Sturges's classic 1941 comedy Sullivan's Travels) is furthermore graced with glowing, burnished photography from Roger Deakins and a masterly soundtrack from T-Bone Burnett that pays loving homage to American '30s folk styles--blues, gospel, bluegrass, jazz, and more. And just to prove that the brothers haven't lost their knack for bad-taste humor, we get a Ku Klux Klan rally choreographed like a cross between a Nuremberg rally and a Busby Berkeley musical. --Philip Kemp

Description

Disenchanted with the daily drudge of crushing rocks on a prison farm in Mississippi, the dapper, silver-tongued Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney, THE PERFECT STORM) busts loose. Except he's still shackled to his own chain-mates from the chain gang -- bad-tempered Pete (John Turturro, SUMMER OF SAM), and sweet, dimwitted Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson, HAMLET). With nothing to lose and buried loot to regain -- before it's lost forever in a flood -- the three embark on the adventure of a lifetime in this hilarious offbeat road picture. Populated with strange characters, including a blind prophet, sexy sirens, and a one-eyed Bible salesman (John Goodman, COYOTE UGLY), it's an odyssey filled with chases, close calls, near misses, and betrayal that will leave you laughing at every outrageous and surprising twist and turn.

Customer Reviews:

O Brother Where Art Thou.......2007-05-17

O Brother Where Art Thou

Title: O Brother Where Art Thou
Director: Joel Coen
Release Date: 2000

Based on the epic by Homer, this movie takes place at the end of the Great Depression area of 1935. Three men named Everet (George Clooney), Delmar (Tim Blake Nelson), and Pete (John Turino), escape on a chain gang in southern Mississippi. When they escape, they meet a man that is blind from polyps that is similar to Homer. The man tells the three men that they must travel to seek the desire that they want. Everet thinks that the old man was making nonsense, but Delmar and Pete think that the old man was telling the truth in their future. The men do a lot of things in this movie such as getting saved, making a record, helping a thief in a bank robbery, and confronting the KKK. (Klu Klux Klan) This movie is rated PG- 13 so the adults might not want to let their kids want to watch the movie. They also have a great soundtrack that won a Grammy for soundtrack of the year. The movie has funny jokes that make you crack up laughing. George Clooney gives one of his best roles of his career. John Goodman guest stars in the movie as a con man that steals the men's money. The people who like funny country movies, this might be the movie for you. It won't be long until this movie will become apart of your DVD collection.

One of my favorites.......2007-04-10

I've given this movie more repeat views than maybe any other movie ever, for two reasons. Firstly, there is the incredible soundtrack--I was not a bluegrass fan until I fell in love with this movie, and the songs were good enough to win me over. Secondly, the dialogue is hilarious. Every time I watch it, I catch a little bit I may have missed before. Coens at their best. Made me rethink my opinion of George Clooney, as well.

Worthwhile music, movie falls flat........2007-04-07

I think it's odd that the movie announces at the beginning that it's based on Homer's Odyssey, as the storyline barely follows in the theme of The Odyssey at all. The music is awesome and I reccomend the soundtrack, but honestly the movie didn't do it for me. Weak plot, annoying characters, lame ending. I just wasn't impressed at all.

great comedy.......2007-03-28

One of my favorite movies, it is a great comedy to watch. The actors are at their best in this one.

comedy.......2007-03-12

Ordinarly, I don't care for George Cloony because he trys to be a liberal activist in real life. But in this movie he is terrifically funny as well as his two side-kicks. Highly recommended for laughs.

Average customer rating:

A Po-Mo Classic
Bravo!
A rretro 2001 victorian modern morality tale
Extraordinary!
Abbotts Classic comes to life...Finally

Flatland the Film
Starring: Simon G. Hammond , Greg Trent , Chris Carter , Linda Meigs , and Ashley Blackwell
Director: Ladd Ehlinger Jr
Manufacturer: Flatland Productions, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Collectibles | Categories |
Similar Items:

Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions (Dover Thrift Editions)
Flatterland: Like Flatland, Only More So
The Annotated Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions
Spaceland: A Novel of the Fourth Dimension
Tideland: Jeremy Thomas Presents A Film By Terry Gilliam

Product Features:

Signed by filmmaker Ladd Ehlinger Jr
5 out of 5 stars from Phil Hall, Film Threat: http://www.filmthreat.com/index.php?section=reviews&Id=9709
An A from SciFi Weekly review at http://www.scifi.com/sfw/screen/sfw15198.html
"Smart without being cheeky" Ozus World at http://www.sover.net/~ozus/flatland.htm
"Wholly original and clever, Flatland is what independent film-making is all about" - The Sci-Fi Movie Page at http://www.scifimoviepage.com/

ASIN: B000NJ60FM

Product Description

Ladd Ehlinger Jr.s feature length animated adaptation of Edwin Abbott's 1884 "Flatland." Screenwriter: Tom Whalen. Composer: Mark Slater. With penetrating satire, Flatland the Film takes us on a mind-expanding dimensional journey through an animated adaptation of Abbot's 19th century novel. A Square, Attorney-at-Law, inhabits a world that is flat and two-dimensional. Together with his wife Frau A Square, he tries to raise his children -5 pentagons and A Hexagon- as best he can in a rigid society governed by tyrannical triangles and pompous priest circles. It is three days until the much anticipated year 3000 in the Southern Republic of Flatland and A Square has a job to do. He must meet with his latest client, A Line, the first female Flatlander to be arrested for the taboo practice of Chromatism - the act of coloring ones sides in order to resemble a higher class of geometrical figure. During this meeting an entire rebellion of Chromatists is launched, and A Square must shield his family from the horrors of urban Flatlander war. Within this turmoil, a mysterious visitor from the third dimension arrives: A Sphere, CEO of Messiah, Inc. Flatlanders, according to A Sphere, must learn that there is another dimension called height. A Square must spread the word as his Apostle of the Three Dimensions. But having been flat his entire life, A Square is unable to comprehend these three dimensions. Out of desperation, A Sphere pulls A Square out of Flatland altogether to show him the true nature of Spaceland, and the universe. And in so doing, he risks the very fabric of space-time itself, potentially destroying all of creation. Will A Square make it home to Flatland? Will he be able to understand the Third Dimension? Will he be able to spread the gospel of the Third Dimension to his fellow Flatlanders - or will he be executed for blasphemy? The answers to these questions and more are to be found in Flatland the Film!

Customer Reviews:

A Po-Mo Classic.......2007-06-22

This is a not-to-be-missed. Aside from the McLuhanesque implications of this independent REALLY film/animation, it is simply too fine! TWeaks your brain while being F-U-N. Beautifully rendered. Gulliver's travels meets Alice meets 2001 (whether you saw it as 2001 Stoned, 2001 Tripping or, GULP, a walk down Mem lane.

This film is to animation-imagination what MYST was/is to "computer games."

Bravo!.......2007-06-06

Mr. Abbott's book has fascinated me ever since my 7th Grade math teacher handed it to me in 1958. I've even used its concept in a couple of sermon illustrations (I'm a Lutheran pastor). In making this film, I think Mr. Ehlinger has done a marvelous job in not only preserving the concept, but also teaching it well and using it as an integral part of his plot. Absolutely fantastic.

A rretro 2001 victorian modern morality tale.......2007-06-05

1. I don't do reviews.
But having seen (and own 2 copies of) FLATLAND, and having interviewed the director for my cable access show: "Anatomically Correct Shorts" and viewed it at the "New Haven Underground Film Festival" (with a live audience) I felt obligated to make some sort of positive comment.
As ground breaking as 2001 this animated oddity is the WIZARDS of this new millenium. A cutting edge, wild trip in a sort of eastern european animation tradition this film is not what most American audiences are used to, in the age of super slick contentless Disni-mation. Clicker generation/shallow/ short attention span damaged slo mo's aint gonna get this film. REal film lovers/ afficionato's/ cult filmers/ and true indies will find this film something very new but oddly retro (and I mean that in the best way) amazingly complex and simple at the same time. I say check it out. Buy a copy. Support independent film.

Extraordinary!.......2007-06-04

This brings the Abbot's _Flatland_ to life. While not in 1:1 correspondence with the book, it does a reasonably good job of driving home the tendency to seek certainty in dogma and to exclude evidence to the contrary. It's interesting to note that Abbot imagined this intolerance as the root of war. Recent years have demonstrated a similar connection in the United States.

Some of the movie seems a little forced, a tad awkward. But it's well worth owning, well worth watching, and definitely worth learning from.

Abbotts Classic comes to life...Finally.......2007-05-28

Decades have passed since enjoying "Flatland". It was required reading for a College Class. The introduction to a different way of thinking about the Universe and Infinity was my reward. My Love for Mathematics was forged in a Smithy of bewilderment during the first few pages. My awareness of the World described in simple Euclidean Geometry has expanded to embrace the Beauty of the plane of existence we inhabit. The film was simple but subtle in a way that both theoreticians and laymen can enjoy. I think about "Flatland" every Day. This Film is a wonderful diversion that will be viewed over and again.

Average customer rating:

Good Look at the man behind the books
conversations with god dvd
You have to understand this is just an Autobiography
how do we know? who do we trust?
I expected more

Conversations With God
Starring: Henry Czerny , Vilma Silva , T. Bruce Page , Ingrid Boulting , and Zillah Glory
Director: Stephen Deutsch (II)
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Celestine Prophecy [Region 99]
How to Know God
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ASIN: B000K7VHY6
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Description

Based on Neale Donald Walsch's best-selling, acclaimed trilogy comes a film you won't want to miss! Starring Henry Czerny and Frances Fishers, Conversations with God is an entertaining yet practical exploration of perhaps the most spiritual experience a person can have, regardless of their faith. See why everyone is talking about this exciting, empowering film!

Customer Reviews:

Good Look at the man behind the books.......2007-06-25

I was looking for a movie at blockbuster and came across this. I thought the movie was really good and sad. I did not know that his writings were actually books until I saw the movie. I know own all three books. This is a good film that gives a look at the life of Neal donald walsch.

conversations with god dvd.......2007-06-15

This was an excellent movie showing how the process of enlightenment happens. It is usually a slow process and we have to reach rock bottom in order to hear spiritually messages. I loved the movie!

You have to understand this is just an Autobiography.......2007-06-13

This is not so much about his books as it is just an autobiography of his life. Still I rate it 5 stars because the books doe not talk about his life and the DVD helps shed some light on how the books came about.

The DVD is cool, but definitely buy the books! I need like 10 stars to rate them.

how do we know? who do we trust?.......2007-06-09

i'm a sucker for any book or movie that sounds spiritual. the title had the movie in my hand at blockbuster, despite my not knowing a thing about it, except the title. so what if i get a lot of stinkers choosing movies this way? the few good ones repay my interest many times over. however this book is neither a winner nor really a loser, i'd rate it a B-. nice uplifting story, realistic (i loved the guy protecting his area, we had the same problem canning on a beach, where the regulars had divided it all us and kept out all causal competition), dumpster diving (we've seen people living in dumpsters, scubbing them down and recycling everything thrown in them), cheap camping (i sure wish there was more of it, thanks to salinas' rodeogrounds parking lot and the catholic workers house Mary's Place there). We certainly identify with the author, having lived for nearly a decade on the streets in a converted bookmobile with kids. But identifying with a movie's characters is only the first step in a good movie, not the be all to end all.

the movie is a biography, a rags to riches story with a new age spiritualist twist. He talks to God, actually it is closer to a lecture, but the idea is there. the result of this `dialogue' is at least 1, as i read online about it, i find out-3 books and lots of spinoffs out there. First, if it was a good movie, i would have bought the book immediately, i've done that before, see my review on Whale Rider for one example. I didn't, nor will it, the movie doesn't see me on the necessity of me reading the book, now, without delay. that makes the movie "unsuccessful" as far as i am concerned. Second, if it was a good movie to me, the ideas would resonance as being true or at least interesting (interesting means buy book, now), they not only do not sound true, they don't sound even close. This is the big point, the movie is about a very specific way of looking at life, my life and your life, God and the world. If you don't like the basic orientation then the movie is not going to be compelling to you, period. Propaganda works in this way, it is something you really would like to believe and the images and plot of the movie give you permission to believe like it's authors, and hence you are converted to their position, if you are not already a fellow traveller.

I'd like to believe things that are true.
What does it mean to be true? for example, did the birth mother of the boy killed in a motorcycle accident (yep, i ride a motorcycle, it's not a matter of if, but when and how bad) described in the bookstore, really die before? or even, did that incident happen? or where did he get the insight to answer in such a compelling way?
How we perceive the world around us matters. How we interact with people matters. The more positively, the more hopefully, the more responsively we act, in the long run the better response we will have. no surprise there. Uplifted spirits, positive attitude, etc are utilitarian, they do work, they will (again in the long run) make life better, more happy, more money, more spiritual insights blah blah blah. so what? truthfulness is not judged by it's utility or it's usefulness or even if it increases your bank account, truth is judged by it's truthfulness. Now can utility help us judge truthfulness? probable. The real, the true, the greater corresponding to reality, seems to be, and probably ought to be a hallmark of the true. However there are lots of useful lies in our societies, some of them have been very motivating and very compelling, but that doesn't make them right, only useful lies. and it is liars who seem to do best with useful lies, not honest people.

Is the universe friendly? is there a loving God that cares for His creation? does it matter if i was here or not? is the universe more than simply matter in motion? The movie, and i suppose the books he wrote will propose a consistent set of answers to these big important questions. The movie hints at some of the questions and answers a few of them. but there are a few questions to ask of these answers. One, how do we know, two, how do we identify the truth when we see it, and lastly, so what or why should i care?

The real answer that the movie proposes is because he had this experience, he heard this voice, and lots of people concur with him that it is good stuff and as a result he had lots of money and tried to do good with it when he got it. Essentially it is an argument from utility followed by goodness. It works and it makes things better, not just for him but for everyone around him. He inspires people, he motivates people, they have changed lives and everyone lives happily ever afterwards. Therefore the voice must be telling him true things. This is the answer to the how do we know question. Because it works, people get happy, some get wealthy, and everyone agrees that feeling good and positive and uplifted is a good thing, and this marks the truth.

Is the universe friendly? does it or God care about me, or about you? how do you know or how do you find out? when you have a potential answer, say these 3 books, how do you determine if he found The Truth, or at least a glimmer of it? not only are they good questions, which makes it a good movie that it asks and tries to answer them, but they are part of that constellation of the most important questions we can ask about our lives. For that reason alone the movie is to be recommended, because it asks the questions, something i suspect most people never really get the time to. for as the movie points out, we are all too busy making a living to make a life.

beyond the fact that i disagree with the basic system of the answers that the movie proposes, one problem is that it portrays the Christian answer to these questions as judgemental, God as a vengeful father-figure, with all the smugness and self righteousness of "inclusive" systems. the idea being that we(the new age, happy fellows, inclusive, universalist, God will save everyone because He is a loving God folks) don't know all the answers, except that we know anyone who is exclusive(makes any kind of claim that their is the right way or worse yet the only way) is wrong. The movie takes what i think are an excessive number of swipes at Christianity, big deal, lots of movies and books do, but i'd rather have them get the theology right that they criticise, rather than a parody of it.

But the big question really is the epistemological one. How do i know that the voice is real and it is telling him true things? (ignoring all kinds of auxillary question about transmission etc) If i sat down in my easy reading chair now, and a voice appeared to me and started telling me things, ought i to trust either my perception of the the voice or what it says? If an angel appeared before me with a manuscript should the experience validate what he/she/it tells me? do we trust our experiences, do we trust his? should we? how do we know? good questions, and for their asking i thank both the author and the movie.

I expected more.......2007-06-08

The best I can say is that this was a "feel good" film, about someone's rise from the depths of despair. In that regard, it was uplifting. I was, hoevever, disappointed that we did not learn more of what God was actually saying to the main character. We learnt nothing of that and, as I hadn't read the book, it kind of fell flat for me. I guess I had an expectation of more insight.

Average customer rating:

"High Fidelity" - still great after all of these years
Learn from the Anti Hero.
A John Cusack classic.
Perfect Comedy
Great comedy

High Fidelity
Starring: Lisa Bonet , Joan Cusack , John Cusack , Sara Gilbert , and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Director: Stephen Frears
Manufacturer: Touchstone / Disney
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Grosse Pointe Blank
Say Anything
Almost Famous - The Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Better Off Dead
The Sure Thing

ASIN: B00003CXGA
Release Date: 2000-09-08

Amazon.com

Transplanted from England to the not-so-mean streets of Chicago, the screen adaptation of Nick Hornby's cult-classic novel High Fidelity emerges unscathed from its Americanization, idiosyncrasies intact, thanks to John Cusack's inimitable charm and a nimble, nifty screenplay (cowritten by Cusack). Early-thirtysomething Rob Gordon (Cusack) is a slacker who owns a vintage record shop, a massive collection of LPs, and innumerable top-five lists in his head. At the opening of the film, Rob recounts directly to the audience his all-time top-five breakups--which doesn't include his recent falling out with his girlfriend Laura (Iben Hjejle), who has just moved out of their apartment. Thunderstruck and obsessed with Laura's desertion (but loath to admit it), Rob begins a quest to confront the women who instigated the aforementioned top-five breakups to find out just what he did wrong.

Low on plot and high on self-discovery, High Fidelity takes a good 30 minutes or so to find its groove (not unlike Cusack's Grosse Pointe Blank), but once it does, it settles into it comfortably and builds a surprisingly touching momentum. Rob is basically a grown-up version of Cusack's character in Say Anything (who was told "Don't be a guy--be a man!"), and if you like Cusack's brand of smart-alecky romanticism, you'll automatically be won over (if you can handle Cusack's almost-nonstop talking to the camera). Still, it's hard not to be moved by Rob's plight. At the beginning of the film he and his coworkers at the record store (played hilariously by Jack Black and Todd Louiso) seem like overgrown boys in their secret clubhouse; by the end, they've grown up considerably, with a clear-eyed view of life. Ably directed by Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons), High Fidelity features a notable supporting cast of the women in Rob's life, including the striking, Danish-born Hjejle, Lisa Bonet as a sultry singer-songwriter, and the triumphant triumvirate of Lili Taylor, Joelle Carter, and Catherine Zeta-Jones as Rob's ex-girlfriends. With brief cameos by Tim Robbins as Laura's new, New Age boyfriend and Bruce Springsteen as himself. --Mark Englehart

Description

From the guys who brought you GROSSE POINTE BLANK comes the absolutely hilarious HIGH FIDELITY. John Cusack (BEING JOHN MALKOVICH) stars as Rob Gordon, the owner of a semi-failing record store located on one of the back streets of Chicago. He sells music the old-fashioned way -- on vinyl, with two wacky clerks, the hysterically funny rock snob Barry (Jack Black) and the more quietly opinionated underachiever Dick (Todd Luiso). But Rob's business isn't the only thing in his life that's floundering -- his needle skips the love groove when his longtime girlfriend Laura (newcomer Iben Hjejle) walks out on him. And this forces him to examine his past failed attempts at romance the only way he knows how! For a rocking fun time, give HIGH FIDELITY a spin. It's sure to make your all-time top five list for comedies -- with a bullet.

Customer Reviews:

"High Fidelity" - still great after all of these years.......2007-06-09

Whether you're a John Cusack fan or not, "High Fidelity" is a great movie featuring the humorous antics of a younger (funnier?) Jack Black and a nice light romatic buzz. An excellent date movie for two people of out-of-the-ordinary tastes in music (great soundtrack).

Learn from the Anti Hero........2007-02-28

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It's possible to learn from others to avoid those same mistakes yourself. I see that in this enjoyable movie. As with anything really good it seems to be more than the sum of its parts. You can pick apart individual performances and scrutinize every detail, or you can appreciate the overall message and theme. The overall sticks with me longer and keeps me coming back.

A John Cusack classic........2007-01-05

John Cusack is my favorite actor, so it may sound like this is subject to bias. However, it's easy to judge a movie by its talent, especially when an actors fills a role as perfectly as Cusack does here. He plays the fool he always seems to play in this cult classic movie. Set to a great soundtrack, Cusack owns a record store and frequently makes "Top 5" lists, of all varieties. The movie as a whole is a documentation of a critical Top 5 list in his life--Top 5 relationship breakups. The simple man owning his small fry record store relates his 5 worst breakups throughout life, dating as early as his middle school childhood.

Ultimately, this is a sappy romantic comedy, as he retells the good and the bad from all his relationship woes, and ultimately searches for meaning and growth in his personal life, as his breakups and/or dumpings relate to it.

Classic Cusack here, so if you like the actor, you'll love the movie.

Perfect Comedy.......2006-11-19

High Fidelity is a comedy about Rob Gordan (John Cusack), a record store owner/operator who has recently split with his girlfriend Laura (Iben Hjejle) and now is trying to get it all together. The movie opens with her leaving and Rob giving us his top five list of the most painful breakups. At work, his two "employees" Dick (Todd Louiso) and Barry (Jack Black) share his passion for music and to tell people that what to listen to. The top five motif is present throughout the entire movie, giving it a unique take on life. Rob cheated on Laura, borrowed money from Laura and hasn't given it back to her, and caused Laura to have an abortion. He pretty much feels like a jerk, but it all goes away when he finds out that she is living with Ian Raymond (Tim Robbins), his former neighbor known as "Ray".

When Rob realizes that he is miserable from thinking about his breakups from past years, he has an epiphany. If he just confronts each one individually, the pain will go away. To just see that they have moved on so he can move on as well, but the anguish over Laura resonates due to the fact that she keeps coming over to get her stuff. Now Rob must figure out if he should just move or try to make amends with Laura and get back together.

Cusack is fantastic as the funny, sometimes self loathing music enthusiast. He narrates just about the entire movie and some of the dialogue he gives us is priceless. Black and Louiso seem to be on opposite ends of the rock and roll spectrum but they come together to appreciate the art of making music even with their sometimes totally different styles. Black is very energetic as the self-proclaimed 'know it all' of rock music and Louiso is the calm, quiet rocker. Even Hjejle and Cusack's sister Joan give great performances. All together the cast did incredibly well.

High Fidelity is a perfect movie to just pop in one night and enjoy

Great comedy.......2006-11-10

Great cast, Jack Black is classic, moves at a good pace, good story line

Average customer rating:

Grodin
Fun Movie!
I don't know why more people don't buy this movie.
Seems Like Old Times
Best ever!

Seems Like Old Times [Region 99]
Starring: Goldie Hawn , Chevy Chase , Charles Grodin , Robert Guillaume , and Harold Gould
Director: Jay Sandrich
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Foul Play
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ASIN: B00005V5NS
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Amazon.com

An original Neil Simon screenplay makes Seems Like Old Times rise above what would otherwise be a forgettable comedy love triangle. Goldie Hawn (Private Benjamin) plays a good-hearted defense lawyer married to Ira, a politically ambitious district attorney played by Charles Grodin (Midnight Run). The craziness of their everyday lives becomes even more ridiculous when ex-husband Chevy Chase is framed for a bank robbery and seeks refuge with the woman he could never get over. Hawn hides the love of her life under her husband's nose as Chase tries to clear his name. Hawn tries to protect him and Grodin just tries to keep from going insane. A slapstick romance that's very often hit-and-miss, the dialogue saves this comic farce and provides wonderful moments between the three stars. Seems Like Old Times also has going for it winning supporting players and some half a dozen drooling, unruly dogs. --Robert Lane

Customer Reviews:

Grodin.......2007-06-05

Charles Grodin was pathetic in this movie. Chevy Chase was hiding under Grodin's bed in ever other scene, but Grodin was too blind to notice. It was so obvious that he was there. Why didn't they get Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder to play Grodin's character? Since Charles Grodin was definitely BLIND in the film. I love the scene at the end when Grodin drives his car and hits a Cow. "I think my leg is broken," he says. Good. Maybe now you won't make any more terrible movies.

Fun Movie!.......2007-05-15

This is my all time favorite Goldie Hawn movie. So glad it was available on DVD. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys 'comedy' movies.

I don't know why more people don't buy this movie. .......2007-03-24

Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn make a great duo. Very funny and pretty clean too. Together they have awesome chemistry. Bird on a Wire is great too if your looking for another great movie of hers.

Seems Like Old Times.......2007-02-17

This movie is a classic, and one of my all-time favorites. Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase are in top form at the height of their careers. Charles Grodin and Robert Guilliame are also terrific in their roles. I highly recommend Seems Like Old Times!

Best ever!.......2007-01-21

This is one of my favorite movies. The actors do a superb job and the story is really funny.

Average customer rating:

Not quite "Tommy Boy" but still funny.
Chris Farley...we miss you!!
Re-making TOMMY BOY Without Actually Re-making It.
The Fat Man Never Let's us Down!!!
Black sheep is very funny!!!

Black Sheep
Starring: Gary Busey , Timothy Carhart , Christine Ebersole , Chris Farley , and Toby Scott Ganger
Director: Penelope Spheeris
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Slapstick | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Tommy Boy (Special Collector's Edition)
Beverly Hills Ninja [Region 99]
Almost Heroes
Dumb and Dumber
The Billy Madison/Happy Gilmore Collection (Widescreen Special Edition)

ASIN: B00005JL1T
Release Date: 2002-07-16

Amazon.com

Chris Farley plays the disaster-prone brother of a gubernatorial candidate in Washington State. Though he is well meaning, the havoc he creates on the campaign trail is drawing press attention, so a snotty aide (David Spade) to the politician is dispatched to keep the big lug under control. Spade's character initially insults his charge as often as possible, but over time, the two bond and end up becoming a part of the final election push. Farley and Spade have some very funny moments, but overall the film feels rushed and poorly planned. Constant changes in character and script happen recklessly and randomly so that nothing ever really makes sense; the film keeps changing the rules by which it plays. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Not quite "Tommy Boy" but still funny........2007-03-16

Al Donnelly (Tim Matheson) is trying to get elected governor of the state of Washington, he hires campaign aid Steve Dodds (David Spade) to keep an eye on his brother Mike (Chris Farley) and keep him out of trouble until the election is over. But it isn't going to be easy, until soon they discover something shocking going on about the election from governor canidate Governor Tracy (Christine Ebersole) for they need the help of former soldier Drake Sabitch (Gary Busey) to prove that she's a crook.

Although no where as great as Farley's "Tommy Boy", this is an enjoyable and funny political comedy. You get to see Spade and Farley get into all sorts of funny situations especially Farley getting hurt like the part where he gets his necktie stuck to the back of a driver's car, if you like a good laugh this could be it but don't expect it to be "Tommy Boy 2".

The DVD is pratically bareboned but the transfer and sound are good.

Chris Farley...we miss you!!.......2007-01-31

This is a great movie for many reasons. First, it's hilarious. Second, we all goof up at some time in our life and feel like the black sheep of the family, of our company, of our group, of our (you fill in the blank). If you liked Tommy Boy, you'll like Black Sheep as well.

Re-making TOMMY BOY Without Actually Re-making It........2006-10-25

After their extremely funny and very successful comedy smash TOMMY BOY, Chris Farley and David Spade joined forces again and came up with BLACK SHEEP, a movie that can almost best be described as a TOMMY BOY wanna-be. In BLACK SHEEP Chris Farley plays Mike Donnelly, a simple-minded, klutzy, and sometimes off-the-handle troubled youth worker who is an embarrassment to his older brother Al (Tim Matheson) who is running for the governor of Washington. Mike really wants his brother to win and does everything he can to campaign for him, but his best intentions always seem to bring about disastrous results. In an attempt to keep Mike in check, Al's campaign managers assign aide Steve Dodds (David Spade) to take Mike to a cabin in the mountains and keep him from causing any trouble. This proves impossible to do, and Mike continues to get into trouble. However, along the way Steve and Mike uncover evidence of a fixed election and set out to bring justice.

BLACK SHEEP is a water-downed version of TOMMY BOY. Chris Farley plays the dufus relative of a person of power. David Spade plays the person assigned to watch over him. The family's power is lost and Chris and Dave go on a road trip to re-establish the family's position. There are some funny moments in BLACK SHEEP, but some of them are direct copies of jokes from TOMMY BOY, while most of the others just aren't all that funny. The similarities between the two movies don't stop there. Farley plays the same football play with his youth center kids as he does while cow-tipping in TOMMY BOY and the car that Farley and Spade's characters drove in TOMMY BOY can be seen parked in front of the youth center that Mike Donnelly works at. There are even a couple of times in the movie where Farley almost refers to Spade's character as "Richard" (the character Spade played in TOMMY BOY).

I'm a fan of Chris Farley. I think he was a comic genius that never achieved his full potential. He lost his life because of an addiction to drugs and that addiction affected much of his later work, including BLACK SHEEP.

I'm not as big a fan of David Spade's, but I do enjoy many of his characters. He is at his best when he's going off on a witty, biting sarcastic rant or when he is playing over-the-top characters (e.g. MEET JOE DIRT). Unfortunately in BLACK SHEEP he really doesn't get to do either and it affects the quality of the movie.

Overall, BLACK SHEEP is just an average comedy that borders on below average. The presence of Farley and Spade keep it from falling below the brink, but just barely. It's a far lesser movie than TOMMY BOY, but it is a film that illustrates the decline and fall of Farley as both a comedian and a person struggling with addiction.

The Fat Man Never Let's us Down!!!.......2006-07-03

Tommy Boy was great, true, but this was about as good a follow up to it as Chris Farley and David Spade could have hoped for. These two maniacs were awesome together... as good as any comedy pair in history. Very sad that Farley died so young. If you haven't seen this film then I suggest, to save face, that you dig a hole, jump in, and pull the dirt in on yourself.

Black sheep is very funny!!!.......2006-05-28

This Movie rules!Rated PG-13 for crude language and humor,drug-related material,and sexual innuedo.Good for anyone 8 and up.

Average customer rating:

Good!
FOXFIRE - HEDDY BURRESS SHINES
Could've, would've, should've.
In your face and gripping
Like fire...

Foxfire
Starring: Hedy Burress , Angelina Jolie , Jenny Lewis , Jenny Shimizu , and Sarah Rosenberg
Director: Annette Haywood-Carter
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Drama | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Gia (Unrated Edition)
Original Sin (Unrated Version)
Mojave Moon
Hell's Kitchen
Playing By Heart

ASIN: 6305821216
Release Date: 2000-06-06

Amazon.com

Angelina Jolie's strong-willed performance in Foxfire as Legs, the charismatic outsider based on the rebellious character from Joyce Carol Oates's novel, is a very good reason to see this 1996 drama. The film updates the story from the 1950s to the '90s, but for a while the air of teenage angst and confrontation is closer to the legacy of James Dean than gun-toting/body-piercing disaffection. Bold and larger-than-life, Legs quickly gathers a group of adolescent girls around her, each of whom has been sexually abused and is dealing in her own way with the emotional consequences. As expected, the girls plot out their revenge, but even more interesting is the intensity of their bond and rituals, the way they hang out in an abandoned house, their expressions of devotion. So tight and self-protective does this clique become that onlookers--fellow students, parents--become resentful. The final act loses faith somewhat with the mystique of this story, as a few hoary ideas (kidnapping, firearms) breach the film's originality. But what's good is good indeed, and Jolie's performance remains a harbinger of great things to come. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Good!.......2007-05-13

Shipping fast, condition was excellent, and the movie was awesome. Set for a younger targeted audience but is a good movie about friendship.

FOXFIRE - HEDDY BURRESS SHINES.......2007-01-10

Foxfire is a good story, wonderfully acted about a group of girls who reject being pushed around by the men in their life: one a teacher, one a parent. Margret (Angelina Jolie) is the stranger who wanders into town and befriends Maddy wonderfully played by Hedy Burress. Heddy Burress was a newcomer to movies when she starred in this film and delivered a poignant, thoughtful performance. It's a shame Hedy hasn't played more prominent roles in subsequent films. She does a lot of voice-over work to pay the bills.

Could've, would've, should've........2006-10-27

The novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates on which this movie was based is beautiful, moving, transcendent, heartbreaking, lyrical, and unforgettable.

The movie, on the other hand, felt like the After-School Special version of the book.

Do yourself a favor and read the novel instead.

"Make them regret all they ever did to you and your sisters..."

In your face and gripping.......2006-07-12

Just a great movie. A breath of fresh air, because unlike most of the films about girls, boys or men are the center of everything and this film focused on the relationships and love between the girls, and it accurately portrays the feelings of lost, uncontented teens who know that there has to be something more.

The funny sequences in this movie are almost too funny- A couple of the people who were watching it with me turned blue, and it has some great one-liners.

Fun to watch, it picks you up and won't put you down.

Like fire..........2006-06-04

This film burns the screen with power, sensitivity, unbreakable bonds and emotional connections that will blow your mind. Jolie and Burress shine in Foxfire in a way that you'll never forget. Every woman has been a girl, and, even if they store their feelings deep inside, they have to wish they had spent a few months like these girls. I know I do. But even guys have to relate to the realistic rebellious and connected spirit these girls reflect on-screen. Every character is well-developed. I wish I could change the ending of the movie, but that ending is what keeps things real. This movie is definitely a treasure.

Average customer rating:

One of the best looking movies on Blu-ray.
More than a Kids film.
Amazing Detail
Dead sweet
Almost A 5

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (Blu-ray)
Starring: Helena Bonham Carter , Johnny Depp , Albert Finney , Michael Gough , and Richard Grant
Director: Tim Burton , and Mike Johnson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

General | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Animation | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Comedy | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Kids & Family | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Science Fiction & Fantasy | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Casino Royale [Blu-ray]
Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl [Blu-ray]
Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest [Blu-ray]
Planet Earth - The Complete BBC Series [Blu-ray]
Superman Returns [Blu-ray]

ASIN: B000I5XOWI
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Product Description

Set in a 19th century European village, this stop-motion, animated feature follows the story of Victor (voiced by JOHNNY DEPP), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride, while his real bride, Victoria, waits bereft in the land of the living. Though life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a lot more colorful than his strict Victorian upbringing, Victor learns that there is nothing in this world, or the next, that can keep him away from his one true love. 
Running Time: 77 min.

Format: BLU-RAY DISC

Customer Reviews:

One of the best looking movies on Blu-ray........2007-06-07

"Tim Burton's Corpse Bride" features great animation and a good story. The movie is not as good as the excellent "Night Before Christmas." However, if you want to see a Tim Burton's great sense of story-telling and some of the best animation you will ever see, make sure to check out "Corpse Bride." The level of detail in this movie is amazing thanks to Blu-ray.

More than a Kids film........2007-05-18

Tim Burton's Corpse Bride (Blu-ray)You will enjoy this type of movie making instantly, especially in 1080p HD, the characters come to life on your set. On the technical aspect side, its worth a see!

Amazing Detail.......2007-03-19

I bought this movie shortly after purchasing my PS3 and boy was I amazed at the level of detail! You can see every stitch in the character's clothing, every hair on their head, and every color in the spectrum. If you are a Tim Burton fan you will truly enjoy this film. It has lots of funny zingers and catchy tunes. I have a 40 inch 1080p LCD Samsung with HDMI connecting to my PS3. It is so sweet!

Dead sweet.......2007-02-19

If you are a Burton fun you should not miss this one. If you are not, the picture and sound quality of this blu-ray could transform you to a Burton fun.
The picture is spectacular and make you say that buying the HDTV and blu-ray was an worthwhile investment. It is a great movie to test your new systems and appreciate the sound and image quality.
The story itself is sweet and the interchange of colors that Burton uses between the two worlds is not very clever but it reverses the roles (I won't elaborate so not to ruin it for the people that have not seen it).
Enjoy it

Almost A 5.......2007-02-14

I hadn't seen this movie or had any interest in seeing it unitl I bought a Playstation 3 and wanted to test the Blu-ray player with movies that were said to have the best conversions. This movie was rated as one of the best from multiple sources. I was a huge fan of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" so I decided to give it a try. It's visually spectacular and the sound is amazing. The story line is growing on me as well. I've watched it now a couple of times and it gets better with every viewing. My television is a 1080i and I am using an HDMI cable. It is well worth the purchase.

Average customer rating:

Apes Rule!
This movie reeks :(
Just Plain Stupid -- Actually Zeo stars
Closer to the Novel we go!!
Video/Audio quality is great; the movie is so-so

Planet of the Apes (Special Edition)
Starring: Mark Wahlberg , Tim Roth , Helena Bonham Carter , Michael Clarke Duncan , and Paul Giamatti
Director: Tim Burton
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Sci-Fi Action | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Futuristic | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Space Adventure | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Science Fiction | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Casino Royale [Blu-ray]
Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl [Blu-ray]
Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest [Blu-ray]
King Arthur (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray]
AVP - Alien vs. Predator (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B000062XGX
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Amazon.com

Billed as a "reimagining" of the original 1968 film, Tim Burton's extraordinary Planet of the Apes constantly borders on greatness, adhering to the spirit of Pierre Boulle's original novel while exploring fresh and inventive ideas and paying honorable tribute to the '68 sci-fi classic. Burton's gifts for eccentric inspiration and visual ingenuity make this a movie that's as entertaining as it is provocative, beginning with Rick Baker's best-ever ape makeup (hand that man an Oscar®!), and continuing through the surprisingly nuanced performances and breathtaking production design. Add to all this an intelligent screenplay that turns Boulle's speculative reversal--the dominance of apes over humans--into a provocative study of civil rights and civil war. The film finally goes too far with a woefully misguided ending that pays weak homage to the original, but everything preceding that misfire is astonishingly right.

While attempting the space-pod retrieval of a chimpanzee test pilot, Major Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) enters a magnetic storm that propels him into the distant future, where he crash-lands on the ape-ruled planet. Among the primitively civilized apes, treatment of enslaved humans is a divisive issue: senator's daughter Ari (Helena Bonham Carter) advocates equality while the ruthless General Thade (Tim Roth) promotes extermination. While Davidson ignites a human rebellion, this conflict is explored with admirable depth and emotion, and sharp dialogue allows Burton's exceptional cast to bring remarkable expressiveness to their embattled ape characters, most notably in the comic relief of orangutan slave trader Limbo (played to perfection by Paul Giamatti). Classic lines from the original film are cleverly reversed (including an unbilled cameo for Charlton Heston, in ape regalia as Thade's dying father), and while this tale of interspecies warfare leads to an ironic conclusion that's not altogether satisfying, it still bears the ripe fruit of a timeless what-if idea. --Jeff Shannon

Description

After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes dominate the human race. Desperate to find a way home, Leo must evade the invincible gorilla army led by ruthless General Thade (Tim Roth) and his most trusted warrior, Attar (Michael Clarke Duncan). Now the pulse-pounding race is on to reach a sacred temple that may hold the shocking secrets of mankind's past - and the last hope for it's salvation!

Customer Reviews:

Apes Rule!.......2007-06-07

I know that remakes are often ill-received (and rightly so all too often), especially by loyalist to the original, but when I read comments on this specific remake that the oscar-winning outstanding make-up is laughable, the acting a joke (through all that make-up by top-notch actors), or that there is nothing original here, I can't help but wonder what film those folks were watching and I have to question the objectivity they may or may not have had going into this film and we all have a bias when entering a remake or a change to an established character. I know that I had no intention of seeing, let alone liking the new James Bond, Daniel Craig (Casino Royale), but when I gave him and the film a chance, I was enormously surprised. I think this film needs a second chance by those who so off-handly dismissed it.

I agree 100% with Amazon's review and synopsis of this film. This remake is rather inventive and original in it's own right and is far closer to the novel than the original. The themes of racism, civil right, justice, love, and sacrifice are handled far more deeply and sincerely than the original film did although that is still an outstanding film in its own right. Of course, the make-up in this remake is nothing less than astounding and believable by the famous Rick Bakker and completely outshines the original film. The special effects are nothing great, but they are good. The acting, the heart of this film in addition to its literate script, is terrific by those in the ape make-up as their voices, eyes, and gestures must mean more to resonate with the audience because of the heavy make-up used. I do, however, agree with critics here regarding the casting of Mark Wahlberg who is rather pedestrian in this film. He simply lacks charisma in this role and I found myself caring very little for him even as the hero in this film.

An interesting twist in this film that admittedly annoyed loyalists to the original is that in this film all humans speak, which makes sense to me as why would we "forget" how to speak in the future when the apes take over. While I always thought that was a silly aspect to the ape film series for none of us to talk in the future, I must admit that it does make the apes seems even crueler when they go after humans that speak. I guess that only enhances the racism theme prevelant in all the ape films. After all, we did, sadly enough, considered African slaves to be soul-less and a less form of humans and they were capable of speech too. In fact, slaves owners only considered them just "property" and not even human. Again, this concept of having all humans speak in this remake makes the film all the more thought-provoking. In addition, the short-lived Planet of the Apes: The Complete TV Series also had all the humans speak.

In conclusion, this is an extraordinary film and definitely not worthy of the very harsh criticism its recently received although everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. I just think some need to give this film a second and real chance (minus the bias one may have for the original). I highly recommend this film as an adventure, sci-fi tale, and message for its timely social commentaries.

This movie reeks :(.......2007-05-29

I can't really find anything good to say about this blasé movie. Just plain awful. Why remake a classic? It served no purpose. It doesn't replace the original nor did it add anything of value. Completely unnecessary. So many poor decisions were made. Casting Marky Mark was a mistake. The make-up is a joke. The acting was a flop. It won its Razzie awards for a reason; it was well deserving.

Just Plain Stupid -- Actually Zeo stars.......2007-04-28

Why was this ever made? Just to make fans of the original mad? Rod Serling is rolling over in his grave. When I originally saw this in Burbank, CA, we were screaming and groaning at the screen.

Closer to the Novel we go!!.......2007-04-20

This movie was fantastic despite what naysayers would have you believe. While the old Planet of the Apes is a classic this is just as good if not better. Why because it is closer to the novel than the original! people dont get that, the Old one was way off from the novel. ANyway its good and Tim Burton did a credible job, but its Rick Bakers special effcts and make up that make this a masterpiece.

Video/Audio quality is great; the movie is so-so.......2007-04-12

In reviewing a Blu Ray version of a movie, you have to separate the audio/video quality of the version as well as the movie content itself (which is, generally, the same as the standard DVD version). Planet of the Apes has an excellent picture and sound and is a good demonstration of the quality possible with Blu Ray.

The movie itself, however, has some flaws. It is difficult to review Planet of the Apes without referring to the older series of movies. The apes themselves look much more realistic in the newer version of the movie -- in fact the special effects are excellent. On the other hand, director Ridley Scott chose to change plot details, and especially the ending. Without giving "spoilers," I liked the first half of the movie a great deal, but found the ending to be lacking -- especially the final scene, for which no logical explanation is given.

So I rate it 5 stars on audio/video, but only 3 on content for an overall rating of 4 stars.

Average customer rating:

THE ALL-TIME AMERICAN UNDERDOG
Movie About A Persistent Egomaniac
An offbeat movie about an offbeat kind of man
Pretty good movie
ordinary hero

American Splendor
Starring: Chris Ambrose , Nick Baxter , Vivienne Benesch , Shari Springer Berman , and Earl Billings
Director: Shari Springer Berman
Manufacturer: HBO Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Action | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Black Comedy | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Crumb (Special Edition) [Region 99]
Ghost World
Sideways (Widescreen Edition)
The New American Splendor Anthology: From Off the Streets of Cleveland
Adaptation (Superbit Collection) [Region 99]

ASIN: B0000U0X20
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Amazon.com

One of the most acclaimed films of 2003, American Splendor is also one of the most audaciously creative biographical movies ever made. Blending fact, fiction, and personal perspective from the comic books that inspired it, this marvelous portrait of Harvey Pekar--scowling curmudgeon, brow-beaten everyman, insightful chronicler of his own life, and frustrated file clerk at a Cleveland V.A. hospital--is an inspired amalgam of the media (comic books, TV, and film) that lifted Pekar from obscurity to the status of a pop-cultural icon. As played by Paul Giamatti in a master-stroke of casting, we see Pekar and his understanding wife (played by Hope Davis) as underdogs in a world full of obstacles, yet also infused with subtle hope and (gasp!) heartwarming perseverance. We also see the real Pekar, and this multifaceted commingling of "reel" and "real" turns American Splendor into a uniquely cinematic celebration of Pekar's life and, by extension, the tenacity of an unlikely American hero. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Based on the life and work of underground comic book writer Harvey Pekar- a prickly poet of the mundane who knows that all the strategizing in the world can't save a guy from picking the wrong supermarket checkout line.

Customer Reviews:

THE ALL-TIME AMERICAN UNDERDOG.......2007-06-18

PAUL GIAMATTI STARS AS THE OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE HARVEY PEKAR, A WORKING CLASS HERO WHO BECAME A NATIONAL SENSATION DURING THE 80'S WITH HIS REALISTIC CARTOONS DEPICTING HIS OWN DAILY ROUTINE.

BY: Fernando de Mello Pimentel

From the streets of Cleveland, OH, emerged the legend of "AMERICAN SPLENDOR", a comic book which faithfully depicted the ups and downs of a man who represented an entire generation of blue-collar workers in an America increasingly dominated by the yuppie ideology of the 80's. Our hero was a former V.A Hospital file clerk named "Harvey Pekar", a middle aged, self-loathing character who suffered from intense depressive compulsions which would constantly keep him in a state of intense negativity. Everything, from his attitudes to his dressing code, would illustrate his total lack of self-esteem. Such careless conditions would lead Harvey to undergo two failed relationships, which would end up taking a severe toll on his personal life.

As of the second rejection, Harvey starts looking at life with different eyes. It's when he has an epiphany and decides that he will make the most out of the ordinary. Tired of the childish thematics of super-hero and animal cartoons, he decides to create a comic book in which the main character is no one but himself. He then starts to narrate his own real life experiences through his stories, using the cartoon media as his vehicle. Illustrations are crafted by underground comic artists such as the legendary Robert Crumb, a personal friend of Harvey's which he met back in the early 60's in Cleveland. Everything which happens to Harvey's life has the potential to become comic book material.

As soon as the comic books hit the street they become a major sensation, and do a great deal to help Pekar's personal life. Through his own gloomy vision of the world which sorrounded him, Pekar was able to generate a very refined form of dark humor which conquered a series of fans throughout the nation. One of these fans ended up becoming his loving wife, Joyce Brabner.

On the screen, faithfully portraying Pekar, is Paul Giamatti. His impersonation is so near perfection, that even when Pekar himself appears in the movie it is quite hard to tell who is who. Giamatti's acting is superb. He fills Pekar's shoes with no difficulty and feels quite comfortable in them. Giamatti demonstrates great easiness in playing the self-loathing, all-time loser type. Similarities between his character "Miles" from "SIDEWAYS" and "Harvey Pekar" are quite obvious. Both share these common personality traits, which Giamatti so authentically delivers through his acting. In a supporting role is actress Hope Davis, playing Harvey's wife, Joyce. Both Paul Giamatti and Hope Davis, in addition to their phenomenal acting skills, are aslo very noticeable for their physical similarities to the original Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner.

Another strong point which comes to the aid of this motion picture is its cartoon-like form of narrative with shots which very much resemble a comic book. Boxes and dialogue balloons are carefully inserted in certain moments through-out the movie as to enhance the look and feel of this cartoon-driven plot. Animated drawings of Harvey himself interact with Paul Giamatti's character, a graphic resource which adds much credibility and interest to the picture as a whole.

With an interesting solid plot and grandiose acting by Paul Giamatti, "AMERICAN SPLENDOR" is destined to become a cult classic. It is one of those movies which so brilliantly deals with the weaknesses of human character and the possibilities of turn-arounds in life. Finally, it also explores a genre which many times can become dull by the exaggerations and misconducts which are so common when exploring biographies. In this case, the theme was sharply conducted by director Robert Pulcini, who did a great job in leveling the characters' virtues and limitations without letting one overshadow the other.

***** A CULT CLASSIC !!!!
All Rights Reserved - 2007 FPimentel Poems & Publishing Co.

Movie About A Persistent Egomaniac.......2007-03-21

Harvey Pekar is a man of marginal talent who, through sheer bloody single mindedness aka persistent egomania, has made something of a name for himself. Working with his significantly more talented friend R. Crumb, Pekar has put out a number of "underground" comic books about his mundane life as a working stiff.

One of the more unusual features of this unusual movie about an unusual man has Pekar writing for his comic book commenting on Paul Giamatti's performance as Pekar. This movie is quite unpredictable and as such is quite unlike anything that you have ever seen before.

An offbeat movie about an offbeat kind of man.......2007-02-17

This is really a great film about Harvey Pekar, the underground comic book writer who created the comic book series "American Splendor". I'm surprised this movie hasn't garnered more critical attention than it has. The movie basically takes you from the end of Harvey's second marriage up to the point of his retirement as a file clerk. Pekar is living a life of quiet desperation - everything in his life is generic. The film lends a dingy quality to Pekar's surroundings that really gives it that "garage sale" look right down to the light fixtures in his apartment. Even the supermarkets and restaurants Harvey frequent make K-mart look classy. Unlike his friends and coworkers though, he is painfully aware of the reality of his life. He has a moment of clarity one day while waiting in line at the grocery store behind a woman who is arguing over why she should pay 1.50 for six glasses that are marked two dollars, when he thinks of a way to strike out at all of this - he decides to document his feelings in a comic. Unfortunately, Harvey can't draw. He comes up with the narrative, but is only able to show stick figures as the actual characters in the drawings. Harvey's big break is that he has become friends with underground comic Robert Crumb before Crumb was famous and the two were just a couple of "ordinary" guys looking for bargains at Cleveland rummage sales. Crumb is impressed with the statement Harvey is trying to make and agrees to do the illustrations, thus the comic "American Splendor" is born.

To me, the best part of this movie is the love story between Harvey and his third wife Joyce. These two people are just weird enough to make it work. What makes it work is that they have staked out their own individual claims to different enough territories in the land of weird that their respective neuroses don't bump into one another too badly, as had happened in Harvey's past marriages. Harvey is a man who has very un-mundane statements to make about his mundane world, but doesn't have any real illusions about changing it. Joyce is a self-diagnosed depressed anemic who has memorized the DSM 3 and is therefore happy to diagnose people with personality disorders and then pretty much takes them as she finds them, in spite of her claims of being a reformer. Because neither one wants to change the other, the relationship works.

The film is really cleverly done, with comic book illustrations showing what Pekar is thinking in various situations along with narration and a couple of interviews with the actual Pekar and his wife interspersed throughout the film giving it a real feeling of authenticity. Paul Giamatti is simply marvelous as the caustic "warts and more" Harvey Pekar. How often do you see an actor share the screen with the person he is playing, as happens in this film, and not even notice a blip in continuity? His performance is that good. Giamatti certainly deserves better than playing supporting roles in films like "Big Fat Liar". Kudos also to James Urbaniak for his small role as artist and illustrator Robert Crumb. For the small amount of time he is on the screen he really captures the essence of the guy.

Pretty good movie.......2007-01-26

This guy IS my brother. Got it for him for a gift; I hope he likes it.

ordinary hero.......2007-01-25

Based upon the real life story of Harvey Pekar. Pekar spent most of his life as a file clerk in a VA hospital in Cleveland, then became the most unlikely celebrity when he created the comic series American Splendor. Clearly, this quintessential misanthrope could write about what every day people experience. The film intersperses the drama with real interviews with Pekar, his wife and colleagues, along with animated comics.

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