Angie Harmon

Average customer rating:

Beautifully filmed, well-acted Western
A thriller of a Western!
Seraphim Falls
Solid western
Not impressed

Seraphim Falls [Region 99]
Starring: Liam Neeson , Pierce Brosnan , Michael Wincott , Ed Lauter , and John Robinson (IX)
Director: David Von Ancken
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

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Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (Widescreen Edition)
The Fountain (Widescreen Edition)
Pan's Labyrinth (New Line Two-Disc Platinum Series)
Letters from Iwo Jima (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Deja Vu

ASIN: B000NOIVT0
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Amazon.com

A great-looking, well-acted Western in the old-school tradition, Seraphim Falls is definitely worth a look for fans of the genre. There's nothing really new here (which explains why it played only briefly in theaters), and more than a few critics noted its obvious similarities to Clint Eastwood's classic The Outlaw Josey Wales. Still, you have to admire director and cowriter David Von Ancken (a 10-year TV veteran making his feature debut) for delivering an engrossing post-Civil War revenge story (cowritten with Abby Everett Jacques) that isn't hobbled by its overly familiar plotting. Blessed by the exquisite cinematography of John Toll (whose credits include The Thin Red Line, Almost Famous and The Last Samurai) and bolstered by a lush but unobtrusive score by Harry Gregson-Williams, this prestigious production begins very well indeed, with a wintry manhunt in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada, circa 1868. Former Union captain Gideon (Pierce Brosnan) is being tracked by a seemingly brutal pursuer named Carver (Liam Neeson) whose four-man posse (including veteran character actors Ed Lauter and Michael Wincott) is soon reduced to two.

As the manhunt continues, Brosnan and Neeson make the most of minimal dialogue, and flashbacks give us hints about the tragic event that set this plot in motion. It's a simple, elemental tale of justice in the wilderness, with occasional quirks like a snake-oil vendor (Anjelica Huston) who appears literally out of nowhere, and a top-hatted Indian (Wes Studi) who gives the film a slight, mystical air of mystery. And while a more daring director might have opted for a more powerful visual style, there's something to be said for Von Ancken's straightforward approach, perfectly matched by Toll's breathtaking landscapes, shot on location in Oregon and New Mexico and ranging from raging rivers to sun-baked desert flats. None of this makes Seraphim Falls a particularly exceptional movie, but with a fine cast that also includes such familiar faces as Angie Harmon, Tom Noonan, Xander Berkeley, and Kevin J. O'Connor, there's ample reward in a film that doesn't pretend to be anything more than a respectable entry in its genre. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

Liam Neeson (Batman Begins, Star Wars: Episode 1 "The Phantom Menace" ) and Pierce Brosnan (Bond movies, The Thomas Crown Affair) star in this epic chase and primal battle set in the breathtaking landscape of the West. The civil war has ended but Colonel Morsman Carver (Neeson) is on one final mission: to kill Gideon (Brosnan) no matter what it takes. Launched by a gunshot and propelled by rage, the relentless pursuit takes them both far from the comforts and codes of civilization, into the bloodiest recesses of their own souls. Also starring Academy Award® winner Anjelica Huston and Angie Harmon. It's been five years since the end of the American Civil War. Somewhere deep within the snowy mountains of the American West a lone figure - Gideon (Brosnan) sits in front of a fire, lost in thought. Abruptly, he is pulled out of his reverie by the echo of a Henry rifle and a bullet puffing into the snow inches from his head. Instantly Gideon calculates his one chance of survival. To leave everything he owns and run for the cover. And so begins the thrilling account of Colonel Morsman Carver's (Neeson) terrible revenge - to hunt down and kill Gideon, no matter what it takes. There will be many men dead before these two meet face to face, and only then will Carver fully comprehend the full cost of his undertaking. Launched by a gunshot and propelled by rage, the relentless pursuit will take them both far from the comforts and codes of civilization and into the unforgiving wilderness.

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully filmed, well-acted Western.......2007-06-19

I'm not particularly a fan of the Western genre, but I am a fan of actor Liam Neeson, which is why I gave this film a try. I'm glad I did. The scenery is outstanding and just gorgeous to look at. Both of the lead actors, Neeson and Pierce Brosnan are very good. I've always thought of Brosnan as kind of a pretty boy, but not in this movie. In fact, it's even a bit hard to recognise him. The viewer can't help but pull for Brosnan's character as the hunted man. However, when we finally learn what exactly happened to put Neesons' character on his quest for revenge, we fully understand his actions and he emerges as much more sympathetic, whether or not you believe his actions are justified. I also thought it was interesting the way the director went from hard reality to scenes toward the end that were almost surreal, specifically the Native American at the stream and the lady trader who just happens to be traveling across the desert at exactly the right time to put the final events into motion. I don't know where this movie ranks in terms of great Western films, but I certainly enjoyed it.

A thriller of a Western!.......2007-06-16

This movie really deserves 10 stars! Awesome scenery and fantastic directing/writing. Gideon (Pierce Brosnan) is a formidable foe for Carver (Liam Neeson), a man seeking revenge three years after the Civil War. 'War is Hell' is an understatement in this story of two men with emotional scars from the war and everything it has taken from them struggling to just keep going. Unable to put their pasts behind, they take their hatred and anger out on one another. The intensity of the action is constant as Gideon runs for his life, adept at killing anyone intending harm if they get too close to him. Both men leave a trail of blood. How much will they spill before putting an end to their personal war?

Chrissy K. McVay - Author

Seraphim Falls .......2007-06-10

A really good movie. It is a great addition to my DVD collection

Solid western.......2007-06-08

Very enjoyable for western buffs. Both Neeson and Brosnan were equals in performance and effort. Some well known faces in some very small secondary roles were interesting, but, really didn't add much to the overall story. This reminded me alot of the chase movie Charles Bronsan and Lee Marvin did several decades ago. Nice to see a western actually filmed in the states instead of Canada for a change. The ending was probably too predicatable, but, then anything else might have been wrong.

Not impressed.......2007-06-08

As a big fan of western movies I found this to be slow, boring and infact, it put me to sleep! I guess I'll use it for those sleepless nights and stay away from the Ambien!!!!

Batman Beyond - Return of the Joker (The Original Uncut Version)

Average customer rating:

Batman Beyond finally shines!!
Better!
Not your older brothers Batman, this is better
Uncut Version information
Be Prepared - Be very Prepared.

Batman Beyond - Return of the Joker (The Original Uncut Version)
Starring: Will Friedle , Kevin Conroy , Mark Hamill , Angie Harmon , and Dean Stockwell
Director: Curt Geda
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Batman - Mask of the Phantasm (Keepcase)
Batman & Mr. Freeze - Subzero
Batman - Mystery of the Batwoman (Keepcase)
Batman Beyond - Season One (DC Comics Classic Collection)
Batman Beyond - Season Two (DC Comics Classic Collection)

ASIN: B00005Y71K
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Amazon.com

Some diehard Batfans have been slow to warm to the animated series Batman Beyond even though it was created by the same team responsible for the excellent Batman cartoon of the early '90s. The Dark Knight should be a brooding avenger in a noir-nightmare Gotham City, the purists argue, not some smart-aleck teen four decades in the future, with jet packs, invisibility shields, and other sci-fi gizmos loaned him by an elderly Bruce Wayne (voiced, excellently as always, by Kevin Conroy, his stony bass given a raspy hint of old age), now confined to hobbling about on a cane and monitoring his protégé's activities from the Batcave. Between its respectful reexamination of the "tortured hero" mythos and its sleek, anime-inspired look, this feature-length movie should go a long way toward quieting their complaints. Of course, it doesn't hurt that they've brought back the most legendary figure in the Rogues Gallery (voiced by Mark Hamill, deliciously deranged), but exactly how and why the Joker has managed to turn up 40 years after his last meeting with Batman still as youthful and diabolical as ever is explained not only logically but terrifyingly as well. The secret behind his arrival is perhaps the saddest, grimmest twist any purported "kids' show" has dared to attempt. (Parents may well want to preview this tape before screening it for the very young.) Once again, Warner Brothers' cartoon Batman has outshone all the live-action films, never allowing the thrilling action set pieces or flashes of wry humor to drown out the drama, even tragedy, of the all-too-human superheroes. --Bruce Reid

Description

The greatest villain of all comes out of the past to threaten Batman, Bruce Wayne and all of Gotham City in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, the first feature-length Batman Beyond movie. The sleeker, deadlier and seemingly immortal Clown Prince of Crime is back with his own unique brand of havoc and mayhem. While trying to uncover the Joker's secrets, the new Batman, Terry McGinnis, discovers the greatest mystery in the life of the original Caped Crusader: What happened the night he fought the Joker for the last time. When Bruce Wayne is almost killed in one of the Joker's latest attacks, Batman vows to avenge his mentor and put the Joker to rest forever. Get ready for heart-stomping action, awesome adventure and amazing revelations in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker.DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary by the filmmakers
Biographies:Animated Character Biographies
DVD ROM Features:Links to Warner Bros. Family Entertainment web sites, Special web events, Sampler trailers
Deleted Scenes
Documentary:Behind the scenes documentary
Interactive Menus
Music Video:"Crash" by Mephisto Odyssey (featuring Static X)
Other:Animation tests
Production Notes
Scene Access
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

Batman Beyond finally shines!!.......2007-05-26

The Batman Beyond series was definately not as good as Batman TAS or The New Adventures of Batman. It wasn't that the idea wasn't good. It's just Terry isn't a Bruce Wayne and definately not the original Batman. Also the black and red with no cape does take some getting used to. But I do like some secrets that are revealed like Bruce and Babs relationship. Who woulda thought!? Anyway, when The Return of the Joker came out it was pure gold. The flashback to the good ol' days was great,although sad. Too bad for Tim. I definately recommend the Uncut version. It's definately as PG-13 as they warn. Talk about Murder anyone?? Torture?? Definately pick this one up. If you don't like Beyond, you'll definately like the Bruce/Babs/Tim/and Joker angle. Great Stuff.

Better!.......2007-05-15

It's like a totally diffrent movie from the original release.
The re-addition of the cut scenes makes it a much, much more powerful movie. It also makes a heck of a lot more sense this way that it did as the WB butchered version.

Very recomended even if you have the original release. If you don't, then this is the version you need to have.

Not your older brothers Batman, this is better.......2007-04-01

I relate the critics view of this series to the Transformers vs. Beast Wars crowd. That to be true to the source material the story has to be THE same with updated animation. I think that is wrong. This is a brilliant series, with this movie being the Pen-Ultimate. Sadly, the animation and story are so good, that everything that came in the season after, was just not as good. Although Batman Beyond's appearances in the later Justice League show is brilliant. This movie also has one of the darkest and twisted ends for one of our great heroe's that has to be seen to believed. Not since Batman "Death in the Family" from the comics, has innocence been this lost. Not for young viewers. Great movie.

Uncut Version information.......2007-03-28

I recently purchased the "Uncut Version" elsewhere, the cover of my copy looks like the one Amazon has pictured here. The ISBN for my copy is 1-4198-1383-8 and the UPC code number is 012569717251.

My case says "Full Length Movie" across the top (white lettering on blue.) There is no mention of it being uncut on the cover but the peel off plastic seal says "The Original, Uncut Version." The cover lists the running time as 76 minutes (not the 77 minute time listed on the 2002 release of the Uncut Version.)

The DVD itself has different information. It clearly states "The Original, Uncut Version" and says the film is Widescreen (unfortunately not anamorphic) with a running time of 77 minutes and a rating of PG-13. I haven't watched the whole film yet but did check how a certain someone dies and it is the by the "uncut" method.

Be Prepared - Be very Prepared........2007-02-20

I replaced my VHS copy of the movie with this one. I wasn't quite ready for the additional violence. I'm not going to ruin the plot by saying more.

I recommend this movie - it is very good - but it is not for children. I rate it PG 13.

Average customer rating:

Carey and company smash another homer
Don't Mess With Dick and Jane...
Not so fun the second time around.
Much better than the original
Run,Dick,run!

Fun with Dick and Jane [Region 99]
Starring: Jim Carrey , Téa Leoni , Alec Baldwin , Richard Jenkins , and Angie Harmon
Director: Dean Parisot
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Criminals | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Domestic Comedies | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

King Kong - Extended Cut (Three-Disc Deluxe Edition)
Rumor Has It... (Widescreen Edition)
Firewall (Widescreen Edition)
Failure to Launch (Special Collector's Edition)
Walk the Line (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000E8N8H0
Release Date: 2006-04-11

Description

Fun With Dick And Jane provides comic relief alongside a relevant look at today's corporate scandals. In the film, Dick Harpers' (Carrey) years of hard work finally pay off when he is promoted to vice president of Globodyne, a worldwide business leader. After exactly one day at his new job, Globodyne is destroyed, leaving him and his loving wife, Jane (Leoni) without financial security. This sudden reversal of fortune has left them both unprepared to give up their comfortable lifestyle and Dick comes up with the brilliant idea of turning to robbery to pay the bills. Utilizing newfound skills, Dick and Jane exact hilarious revenge while teaching big business a lesson.

Amazon.com

Remakes are always a gamble, so it's a pleasant surprise that Fun with Dick and Jane pays off with unexpected dividends. It's as entertaining as the 1977 original starring George Segal and Jane Fonda, and the teaming of Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni makes this a safe bet for comedy fans, in spite of a slapstick screenplay that fails to achieve its fullest potential. Rather than attempt a darkly comedic send-up of the Enron scandal that left thousands of stockholders in financial ruin, director Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest) opts for a lighter, more accessible (read: commercial) satire of corporate greed and cynicism, beginning in the year 2000 when Dick (Carrey) gets a plum promotion as a mega-corporate communications director just as his boss (Alec Baldwin) is preparing to bail out before stock prices plummet. Dick's wife Jane (Leoni) has quit her job as a travel agent, so the corporate bombshell leaves them penniless and desperate, resorting to petty thievery and, eventually, plotting high-stakes revenge against the greedy executives who ruined their lives. As a send-up of financial distress in a ravaged post-Enron economy, Fun with Dick and Jane delivers laughs with just enough pointed humor to give it a strong satirical edge, and Carrey's reliable brand of zaniness is controlled enough to balance nicely with Leoni's more subtle (and woefully underrated) skills as a screen comedienne. And while the "special thanks" end-credits hint at the sharper, more biting satire this might have been, there's enough fun with Dick and Jane to make this recycled comedy worth a look. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Carey and company smash another homer.......2007-05-09

A very economical film that mixes satire with goofy slapstick. Leoni gives
a decent performance, but has good chem w/ Jim. The film is exquisitely
paced and features an excellent soundtrack and songs. Odd twists such as the immigration adventure, working at "costmart", the final bank switcharoo and others keep the movie lively. Carey once again
plays his character to the tee and does not over act when required. Rack 'em! PS - See the toy store extra in the deleted scenes, I have no idea why this hilarious romp was cut!

Don't Mess With Dick and Jane..........2007-05-03

If you were to lose your job due to the evil machinations of your boss, what would you do to get payback? How far would you go to ensure that your family is taken care of financially? Would you be willing to steal for the money? Sell your body to science? Dress up like Sonny and Cher? Well, not everyone would be willing to go to those lengths, especially the latter, but that's how far Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni are willing to go in the hit comedy remake of "Fun with Dick and Jane".

"Fun with Dick and Jane" gives us a glimpse into the happy life of Dick and Jane Harper (Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni), a loving, middle class couple whose lives are turned upside down when Dick is terminated as Globodyne Corporation's VP of Communications after being set up by his boss (Alec Baldwin). After months of searching for new work Dick and Jane are at the end of their ropes; virtually everything they own has been repossessed, including their lawn, and both have tried to make money on the sides by having Jane sell her body to science and Dick working as a day laborer only to find himself temporarily deported to Mexico. Feeling increasingly desperate, this once happy couple turn to their last resort, stealing money from the rich and giving to the poor... basically themselves.

I really wanted to see this movie when it was initially released to theaters, but reviews from critics and average movie audiences weren't always so kind towards it. Thus leading me to doubt whether I wanted to pay the expensive cost of tickets to see what could possibly be just another comedy where all the funny parts are in the previews. So, I waited until its arrival on DVD, and upon renting and watching this movie I discovered that not only did I find the movie to be very funny, downright hilarious in some spots, but it also had a large amount of drama and heart as the characters dealt with a lagging income due to their current circumstances. I was really impressed by Jim Carrey in this movie, because he generally has a tendency to go over-the-top with most of his characters, but for this movie he stayed pretty even, and I thought that for the subject matter of a couple being down on their luck being such a highly relatable topic for many people, he played the role respectfully to those in that position. Tea Leoni did a wonderful job as the loving housewife whose watching her dream house and life being stripped away from her, and feels helpless to stop it from happening, but in all the insanity still providing the loving support her husband needs, even in some of the not-so-legal money making endeavors.

The story for "Fun with Dick and Jane" contained a very serious undertone, covered by comedy without being too nonchalant about the subject matter. The writers along with the director did a very good job of walking that fine line between being too serious and making a drama out of the movie and isolating Jim Carrey's core audience, while not being too light and comedic to make those that are in that position or have been feel as if they are being made light of. So, kudos to the creative team behind the film to find the proper balance to deliver a very solid comedy with the right amount of drama to make the whole movie believable and enjoyable to watch.

"Fun with Dick and Jane" is rated PG-13 for language.

Not so fun the second time around........2007-03-30

Fun with Dick and Jane starring Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni is a movie that just never got off the ground for me. The leads are a hoot and completely talented but the script does nothing to show how funny they are. I am so tired of Alec Baldwin, he is in every freakin' movie and t.v. show, who said he could act!? The original flim is so more unique and funnier. It's a shame this movie was such a disappontment, I was expecting so much more. The beginning and ending of the film were such a letdown but I am giving this movie three stars 'cause I love the leads and the middle of the movie did have some standout moments. This is a so-so flim so you be the judge of it.

Much better than the original.......2007-03-28

I wasn't a fan of the original with George Segal and Jane Fonda; their characters were cartoonish, and they spent most of their time in the film whining. Carrey and Leoni however are genuinely funny together, and I loved the running gag of their son speaking Spanish. I enjoyed the Enron spin they put on this update, even if it does lead to a fairy tale ending. Since the critics savaged this film, I wasn't expecting much. Sadly I should have known better than to listen to the critics, especially since almost every reputable critic praised the endless KING KONG remake by Peter Jackson to high heaven. By the second hour of that film, I was almost comatose. Luckily FUN WITH DICK AND JANE is a breezy, entertaining little film. An amusing way to spend ninety minutes. Check it out.

Run,Dick,run!.......2007-02-28

Fun with Dick and Jane is one of those moves that you just have to see again. Add that with the comic genious of Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni and you have one hell of a funny movie. Carrey plays Dick Harper,who is terminated from his job,Globodyne,after it crashes suddenly. The company's CEO,Jack McCallister,played by Alec Baldwin,is suspected. Meanwhile,Dick and Jane both hunt for jobs,and hit dead ends at every turn. Eventually,their lawn is taken away,Dick is off hunting for jobs in Mexico,and Jane has had some reconstructive surgery done. Pissed off,Dick and Jane start a new hobby:armed robbery, as they take back what was taken away from them. It all leads to a showdown with Jack McCallister as Dick seeks to get revenge on his destruction of Globodyne.All in all,a pleasing and funny family comedy

Average customer rating:

gee, maybe I can make a movie too....
Loved it
Angie Harmon cannot act
"End Game" had its moments--sadly, not enough of them
Just Average

End Game [Region 99]
Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr. , Angie Harmon , James Woods , Patrick Fabian , and Peter Greene
Director: Andy Cheng (II)
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Second in Command (2006) [Region 99]
The Detonator [Region 99]
Dirty (2005) [Region 99]
16 Blocks (Widescreen Edition)
Firewall (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000ENUYGS
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Amazon.com

An assassination whodunit, End Game stars Cuba Gooding Jr. as Alex Thomas, a Secret Service agent assigned to protect the president of the United States. When the president is killed during his watch, Alex is wracked with guilt. Plucky investigative reporter Kate Crawford (Angie Harmon from Law & Order) convinces him that the gunman didn't act alone and that a conspiracy theory in this case is valid. Gooding plays his role with quiet reserve, a 180-degree departure from his over-the-top Oscar-winning performance in Jerry Maguire. Harmon displays charm as the award-winning and highly unrealistic journalist. And Burt Reynolds shows up for a few minutes here and there to chew up the scenery as a general who may or may not be a rogue agent. Directed and co-written by Andy Cheng, the film has some thrilling action sequences. But its plot is transparent and when the mastermind behind the assassination is revealed, no one will be surprised. --Jae-Ha Kim

Description

Cuba Gooding, Jr. (Jerry Maguire, Pearl Harbor) leads an all-star cast which includes Burt Reynolds (The Longest Yard, The Dukes of Hazzard), James Woods (Any Given Sunday, John Q), Anne Archer (Clear and Present Danger) and Angie Harmon (TV's 'Law and Order') in this political action/thriller opening with a presidential assassination and following a perilous path of intrigue. The Secret Service agent (Gooding, Jr.) in charge of the president's protection detail blames himself for his team's failure and quits his post only to become obsessed with solving the crime. A tenacious reporter (Harmon) aids him in his quest. Together they unravel a web of lies as they try to divine the truth behind the conspiracy among shadowy assassins and ex-special ops.

Customer Reviews:

gee, maybe I can make a movie too...........2007-06-04

Easily, one of the worst movies of its genre. Does it rise to the level of unintentially hilarious?--for me, yes.

Loved it.......2007-06-03

I thought this was a great movie. It's a psychological thriller--and Gooding's character, the "avenging angel", is the subject. Does the movie have that satisfying slap of the handcuffs at the end? No. The mystery is much more subtle. It's about a guy who would go way beyond the call of duty to protect another guy--even after the other guy is dead. And honestly the other guy is a jerk.

In the end, it's a redemption story. Gooding is struggling to become free of his excessive loyalty to a man who is nowhere near as good as himself. That's the satisfaction.

Angie Harmon cannot act.......2007-05-13

This is a useless C-grade movie. No plot, no drama, no action...in short a useless and insipid movie. An utter waste of time. The worst part is the actors. Unbelievably poor performances by the actors. Maybe they knew that the movie was going to bomb. And what's the role of Burt Reynolds' character ? And ... oh yeah, Angie Harmon, if you are reading this, please quit acting and spare us all. You cant act and on top of that you dont want to...umm, help us develop our aesthetic sense? Please quit.

"End Game" had its moments--sadly, not enough of them.......2007-03-02

It's the old "Fallen Samurai" plot. Alex Thomas (Cuba Gooding) is a Secret Service Agent who is wounded trying to stop a Presidential assassination. Kate Crawford (Angie Harmon) is a reporter, who's trying to get to the bottom of the assassination.

While Gooding's always 'good', the plot just didn't keep the suspense boiling like it should. I don't think that he and Harmon had the chemistry they needed--and the conclusion was somewhat obvious to me from near the beginning of the movie.

It's worth a rental if you like Gooding, but overall, don't buy the film.

Just Average.......2006-11-14

This movie had some good moments, but overall, there were lots of visual shots that just didn't make much sense, for instance, all the shots of cell phones. The end left much unexplained, so that was a bit frustrating. Plus, it didn't seem realistic that the Secret Service would let a reporter play such a critical role in an investigation, even to the point of dragging her along on interviews. There didn't appear to be any chemistry between Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Angie Harmon, nothing at all. And Burt Reynolds seemed to be wasted; his character didn't add much. But at least James Woods added some spice. I won't watch this movie again, but it wasn't an unpleasant experience.

Average customer rating:

PERFECT movie.
I Loved it !!
Kinda fun
Yuck!
Think of it as James Bond for kids...

Agent Cody Banks (Special Edition)
Starring: Frankie Muniz , Hilary Duff , Angie Harmon , Keith David , and Cynthia Stevenson
Director: Harald Zwart
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Agent Cody Banks 2 - Destination London (Special Edition)
Spy Kids
Big Fat Liar (Full Screen Edition)
Spy Kids 2 - The Island of Lost Dreams (Collector's Series)
Spy Kids 3 - Game Over (Two-Disc Collector's Series)

ASIN: B00009QG6G
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Amazon.com

Doing for awkward teens what the Spy Kids movies did for grade-schoolers, Agent Cody Banks is a wish-fulfillment adventure for James Bond wannabes who are still too young to shave. Just in time for puberty's curtain call, Malcolm in the Middle's Frankie Muniz stars in the title role as a 15-year-old recruit to the CIA's youth-agent program, who gets what millions of men desire: a face full of Angie Harmon's cleavage. (It's just for laughs; the sexy Law & Order alumnus plays Cody's CIA handler, but you've got to admit this Bond Girl with a boy thing is a bit perverse.) Otherwise, the movie's a low-rent Bond clone from the director of One Night at McCool's, with a pair of twisted villains (Ian McShane, Arnold Vosloo) threatening to unleash stolen "Nanobot" technology that can ruin everyone's day. It's barely fun enough to be worthwhile, but the best gag (at 007's expense) is buried in the soundtrack, when a CIA receptionist announces, "Will the owner of a silver Aston Martin please report to security... you are parked in a handicapped zone." So much for respecting your elders! --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

PERFECT movie........2007-01-04

This movie is full of sweet romance and it's also action-packed!! I highly recomment this movie to kids of all ages! Both boys and girls will love this movie. Hilary Duff and Frankie Muniz make this movie irresistable to watch! This movie is simply PERFECT.

I Loved it !!.......2006-01-15

I love that movie it is sooo good! I really like it because Hilary Duff and Frankie Muniz are in it!!!!

Kinda fun.......2005-09-18

Cody Banks (Frankie Muniz), one of the CIA's teenage operatives, is activated in order to get close to the daughter (Hilary Duff) of a scientist (Martin Donovan) who has created deadly nanobots that consume everything they encounter. In addition to the usual menaces one faces when attempting to save the world, he must conquer his fear of girls. This is an entertaining pastiche of the James Bond films with a lively cast, but it doesn't go anywhere that you don't expect it to. By the end, I was ready for it to be over.

Yuck!.......2005-08-19

This movie sucks! Bad story! Like a kid is gonna be in the cia duh! Bad acting The stuck up Hillary duff and Frankie Muniz... Bad combination! Plus Cody (Frankie Muniz) is such a wimp! he has to run at the bad guys and punch them cause' he is so weak! Bad movie! Why would a kid wanna be in the cia??? The cia is evil!

Think of it as James Bond for kids..........2005-07-26

I'm sure if you liked James Bond 007, then you, as well as an American or a Canadian kid, would love this movie. It's fun and funny; just proves how weird those Northwesterners really are! (No offense...)

And the DVD is good, too: you can watch it in widescreen or fullscreen, and I especially enjoyed "How To Talk To Girls" - don't worry, I know which is fact and which is myth.

And, did you know this DVD has an easter egg? While no website makes any mention regarding easter eggs on the Region 1 (this one) release at all, but there's plenty for the Region 2 UK version, this DVD (R1) actually has an easter egg! On side 2, go to the bonus features. On the first page, go down to the middle of the menu and press the left arrow. A circle will be highlighted. Hit "Enter" and you will see a minute-long deal from the director about goofs from the film (like when Ronica tries to take off her jet pack) and ends with "From now on, when you see these parts, you'll know what's wrong!" I was able to find this out because the menu designs for Region 1 are identical to those in Region 2, give or take a few MGM trailers. Editors: take note.

American and Canadian kids, if you want an exciting adventure movie, call for Banks...Cody Banks.

WARNING: US/Canada DVD (this one) contains double earclap in kitchen-fighting scene (not present on British version as that would have been a '15.' See my "Airplane!" review for US equivalent.)

Average customer rating:

Light romantic comedy
Worthy of 5 Stars, enjoyable as light fare
Mildly entertaining
If Only Life Were That Simple
The romantic Sheen

Good Advice
Starring: Charlie Sheen , Angie Harmon , Denise Richards , Jon Lovitz , and Rosanna Arquette
Director: Steve Rash
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | 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

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

Video Voyeur - The Susan Wilson Story
The Life (Unrated Edition)
The Third Wheel
Wild Things (Unrated Edition) [Region 99]
The Deal

ASIN: B0000640RV
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Product Description

In this wildly outrageous romantic comedy, high-flying Wall Street wonder boy Ryan Turner (Charlie Sheen) has it all: a gorgeous girlfriend, a fabulous apartment, good looks and a bright career. He just can't lose- until he gets a bum stock tip and suddenly his world comes crashing down. Out of a job, and knowing a thing or two about women, Ryan secretly writes his (now) ex-girlfriend Cindy's (Denise Richards) advice column, Ask Cindy- with disastrous results. On the verge of getting fired by the newspaper editor, Page (Angie Harmon), Turner turns to his plastic surgeon buddy Barry (Jon Lovitz) for help. Once a boorish, insensitive guy, he transforms the column, and himself, into a winner of hearts and minds- including his ex-girlfriends editor, Page. A delightful romp, you'll love this romantic comedy of identity.

System Requirements:

Runnig Time 93 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Fans of Denise Richards will delight in her skin-tight and belly-revealing outfits in Good Advice; fans of Charlie Sheen will enjoy his patented sleazeball-with-a-heart-of-gold performance. Richards is the author of a much-ignored advice column who's trying to drag her hotshot stockbroker boyfriend (Sheen) to the altar. When a phony tip ruins Sheen's career, Richards leaves for Brazil with the owner of a diamond mine. When the publisher of the newspaper that runs the advice column calls, Sheen grabs at the chance for a paycheck and writes for Richards. Unsurprisingly, masquerading as a woman saves his shallow male soul and his witty but insightful comments turn the column into a big hit. All seems to be going well until Richards suddenly returns and finds herself famous. Angie Harmon plays the publisher with whom--unsurprisingly--sparks fly. Jon Lovitz, Rosanna Arquette, and Estelle Harris provide helpful support. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Light romantic comedy.......2007-05-27

In three words, this is a light romantic comedy.
But it is charming and funny!
Great job by Daniel Margosis and Robert Horn.

Worthy of 5 Stars, enjoyable as light fare.......2007-02-06

Saw this on TV last night for the 3rd time. Time to buy it for my library. Bright, lively, comedic, wrapped around a feel good love story. Angie Harmon and Charlie Sheen make a good couple. Support actors are good. I think I enjoy it most for its lightness, not a deep dark thread to follow. Kind of movie you can pop in the VCR every few months or so and still enjoy the light fare over again. My good advice is to enjoy "Good Advice".

Mildly entertaining.......2006-12-20

In this 2001 romantic comedy, an insensitive self-help columnist becomes famous when her out-of-work boyfriend starts writing her column for her. It's a promising setup, but falls short of it's potential. Unlike "Just Write", a starless film with a hokey set piece that somehow becomes more than the sum of its parts, "Good Advice" fails to convince. Charlie Sheen is handsome as boyfriend Ryan Turner, but although he's brought low in the setup, the defeat he suffers is shallow, entirely not his own fault. As a result, we don't root as hard for him to rise again - which the plot cleverly has him do as the surprisingly wise advice columnist of Page Hensen's (Angie Harmon) shoestring newspaper operation. Sheen is handsome and Harmon gorgeous, but where's the juice? To be honest I was more attracted to the seventy-year-old orange-haired secretary. At least she added some spark to situations.
It still could have worked, but the mechanical interaction between Sheen and Harmon killed the possibility. "Just Write" overcame its hokey set piece, but "Good Advice", while charming at times, never rises to the level of believability. High points: Roseanne Arquette and Jon Lovitz as Barry and Cathy Sherman.
Art Tirrell, author of "The Secret Ever Keeps" 978-1-60164-004-8, available April 1, 2007.

If Only Life Were That Simple.......2006-08-12

In GOOD ADVICE, director Steve Rash presents a view of upper class urban life that is supposed to be funny in a slapstick sort of way but quickly enough morphs into the world of fairy tales that is unified only by the most unlikely concatenations of events. Charley Sheen reprises his WALL STREET role as an upward bound stock broker who, in this film, has learned that humor can be the leavening agent to success that was denied him by his earlier confrontations with Gordon Gekko. Sheen has a live in girlfriend (Denise Richards) who comes across as exactly the sort of blonde bimbo airhead who has little success as a girlfriend and less as a lonelyhearts advice columnist. Richards dumps Sheen because he has lost his job in a manner that draws uncomfortable dramatic parallels with his previous WALL STREET role. He becomes boozy, depressed, and frankly not a little pathetic in his slovenliness. After Richards exits for Brazil, Sheen needs a job. Then he gets a bright idea. Why not take over hers? First, he must convince Richards' boss (Angie Harmon), who can't make up her mind whether to toss Sheen out of her office or into her bed. At this point, GOOD ADVICE has already crossed the line into a Drew Barrymore fairy tale where things and events always break exactly right for all concerned. I kept waiting for reality to intrude. When Harmon pays Sheen with a paycheck for his columns that she thinks Richards is writing, I wondered when he would ask her to write the check in his own name since he could not cash checks in Richards' name. Jon Lovitz and Roseanna Arquette are only props for Sheen to bounce off of. Estelle Harris is more amusing as an oversexed septuagenerian who saves the day. Not for one moment did I accept the plot premise that Angie Harmon might not fall for the manly charms of Charley Sheen, but then again, in light fluffy romantic comedies like GOOD ADVICE, all that is required to maintain viewer interest is for the cast to pretend that they like each other, or failing that, hate each other. GOOD ADVICE does the former to such an extent that the lack of the latter is hardly noticed. It is not likely that one would want to view GOOD ADVICE more than once. Take my good advice for what it is worth.

The romantic Sheen.......2005-09-14

Though this isn't one of Charlie's best, he actually does a decent job of portraying a high-power investor turned love struck, sensitive columnist. The movie is entertaining and a good choice for the hopeless romantics or those who need a good "date" movie.

Average customer rating:

Lawn Dogs
Bold, Tragic, and thought-provoking... Oh Nooooooooo!
Bow wow
Tense but somewhat incoherent
GRASS ISN'T ALWAYS GREENER

Lawn Dogs
Starring: Mischa Barton , Sam Rockwell , Christopher McDonald , Kathleen Quinlan , and Miles Meehan
Director: John Duigan
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Box of Moonlight
Tart
Skipped Parts
Angela (1995)
Pups

ASIN: B00000GHZI
Release Date: 1998-12-08

Customer Reviews:

Lawn Dogs.......2006-11-26

Prejudice, hypocrisy and rationalising of immoral and violent behaviour are not merely American vices, but common symptoms of all of us living in so-called western civilization.

This film bitingly satirises such behaviour and reminds me that all of us come sadly short of our obligations to our fellow creatures.

Sam Rockwell and Mischa Barton, supported by a strong cast, bring this sad tale to life with great charm

Bold, Tragic, and thought-provoking... Oh Nooooooooo!.......2006-06-10

It's tragic how some of Hollywood's greatest films are doomed from the start, by efforts to conceal the serious subject matter with confusing or misleading box covers, or by presenting subject matter that requires brain matter activity. I agree with all reviews of the well-delivered performances by the then virtually unknown Barton and Rockwell (at least to me). Barton's performance, akin to the seemingly natural talent of Dakota (please don't screw Dakota's head up... I'm counting on oscar performances after the awkward years -- but I digress.) The beauty of the film was in what was not spelled out, like a novel that people still can't figure out why, is better than the movie. Aside from the short-lived ego rush of sharing the fact that you can read, it's the imagery unique to our own life experinces that makes a novel a personal experience, that often conflicts with the director's life experiences (plus he/she has more money for crack and other mind altering substances). Ok, my point! Our society's heinously counterproductive view of sex, sin, and alas child molestor profiling has taken us back at least 100 years. In 1914, the age of consent for sex was 10. NFW you say? Yeah way! Wrong, yes. Geared toward safe sex with kids --- bad. Lawn Dogs reminds us that the human mind is fully developed at age 8, and kids have intelligent, idealistic, regretless, and raw opinions, a need to be heard and understood, and guess what else? They like to touch their peepees, and they know it. In 2006, they still like to touch their peepees, but society (and Mom and Dad) relieve them (to the long-term detriment of their children) of the ability to reason and manipulate their environment until at least 16. In essence, we discredit their abilty for rational thought with regard to sex, but empower them with the ability to manipulate someone into jail, with the mere mention of the only crime that requires "no intent or forethought", and true or not, a life sentence of "societal periah". This movie struck a nerve -- ya think? We need to stop the "perves"! Mistake not my words for anything short of this. Lawn Dogs dares to go where few film makers dare, even if mostly left to us to conclude that molesters seldom meet our expectations and place of origin. We can get a better handle of what we are up against without the kneejerk reactions, mob thinking, and the removal of the concept of personal accountability for their innocent, but real actions, that can draw an unlikely and previously unblemished molester from his primative "Id-ish" shell. Like this film, it will require thought and above all honesty about what goes on in a child's mind where normal sexual curiousity is alive and well, and about where we came from to arrive at this "civilized", yet God-alienating society. Ask yourselves this question. Which is scarier? 28,000 (Ca only) registered sex offenders or "wienee waggers" all waiting to catch you with your guard down, or a few hundred [...] with long lascidious pasts, that you WILL recognize from a mile away clad in trenchcoats, and you wouldn't let your daughter have contact with a stranger anyway. Sex offender is not synonymous with child molestor, except with the network NEWS. You'll remember this when your son or close relative is registered for hanging a BA from a bus on the way to a football game in college. Yaweah.

Bow wow.......2005-02-22

I can't understand the good reviews given by others to this movie. Frankly, I thought it was a dog.

Not to say that it had no redeeming features - the friendship between the young girl and the lawn man was endearing, if improbable. And the girl herself was a real sweetie, and a good actress - perfect for the part. In fact, the acting all around was admirable.

But the script! Yikes! Not a single character in the whole movie - with the partial exceptions of the two protagonists - had any motivation for anything they did. People acting awkward or mean (in fact, just about everyone in the movie other than said two was mean), or spiteful, or stupid, for no reason at all!

It seems as though somehow, the movie could have been good, but didn't make it. Call it almost watchable.

I came away from Lawn Dogs (Yawn Dogs?) feeling not at all enriched. Puzzled, perhaps, at why anyone would make such a movie. Well, there was that admirable, unlikely friendship. But that was all.

Pass this one by.

Tense but somewhat incoherent.......2004-10-16

Roger Ebert memorably described Lawn Dogs as resembling an accident at the symbol factory, and it's hard to disagree.

It is an interesting fairy-tale - literally - with 10 year old Devon, in a voice over, intoning the story of Babi Yaga the evil child-stealing witch who lives in a forbidden forest, while herself venturing (from a treeless home) into the forbidden wood (perhaps symbolic of the threshhold of adolescence).

Except that, as it becomes clear, enchanted wood-resident lawnmower man Trent isn't Babi Yaga, but one of her potential victims. That this is the intent of the film is made clear in the final seconds when the film's studied realism is completely abandoned to allow the hero to make good his escape with some rather unconvinving special effects.

Well, it's a nice idea, but it's uneven and not fully worked out. There are some curious and underdeveloped side-strands: especially Devon's mother's sexual proclivities (except to the extent this identifies her with the witch) and some shallowly-buried insinutations of sexual tensions between Trent and local spoilt rich kid Sean, who were apparently once third-grade classmates.

What rescues Lawn Dogs from incoherent oblivion is the compelling performance from the two leads, a great soundtrack and effectively marshalled dramatic tension: thematically we're in dangerous territory, with an adult-child/poor boy-rich girl relationship developing in the heart of a (somewhat caricatured) reactionary community, and director Duigan draws us into the inevitable unpleasant denouement skilfully.

As the credits roll, it's a bit of a head scratcher, but it's done with enough style that it deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Olly Buxton

GRASS ISN'T ALWAYS GREENER.......2004-08-26

LAWN DOGS is a surprisingly original and exceptionally well done independent film.
Mischa Barton as Devon is amazing. Her face is pliable and ultra expressive, and even though she's the strangest little 10 year old captured on film, her adult mannerisms and dialogue show us a little girl who has been treated like a China doll by her parents; she's had a rough life and heart problems, which she explains with a dippety dit, etc. She wants to show that she is still a person and quite capable of doing the things her parents are trying to spare her from. Sam Rockwell is equally effective as the "poor white trash" who mows the rich people's lawns, a put upon young man, surprised at his friendship with this odd little girl.
When watching the film, though, watch the subtle portraits that are painted: when Devon wants to give Trent a glass of water, she reaches for one of the better glasses whereupon her mother tells her there's a glass for him under the sink---when Trent takes Devon to meet his parents, the mother offers them iced tea--in her best glasses; when Trent interrupts a barbecue at Devon's house, daddy offers him a couple hot dogs while the rest of the guests are eating steak and baked potatoes; when the community's fancy lantern shades are being stolen, they blame Trent, when it's really the nasty little boy who's doing this; when CDs are stolen from the golden boys' car, it's Trent who is blamed, when again, it's our little cowboy/indian/monster.
The supporting performances are very good: Kathleen Quinlan, as Devon's mom, who is messing around with one of the golden boys; Christopher McDonald as her dad, lost in the political workings of the development; Eric Mabius as one of the golden boys obviously interested in Rockwell's body as well.
There's no real dramatic big scenes and it's a leisurely film, but Barton and Rockwell are remarkable and the movie has a sense of realism to counteract the fantasy elements.

Glass House - The Good Mother [Region 99]

Average customer rating:

Suspene!!
Entertaining But Not in the Way the Film Was Intended
Major Disappointment !
Should be camp but goes for art
Very good for a sequel...

Glass House - The Good Mother [Region 99]
Starring: Angie Harmon , Joel Gretsch , Jordan Hinson , Bobby Coleman , and Jason London
Director: Steve Antin
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

The Woods (Widescreen Edition) [Region 99]
I'll Always Know What You Did Last Summer [Region 99]
The Butterfly Effect 2
Rest Stop (Unrated Edition)
Snakes on a Plane (Widescreen New Line Platinum Series)

ASIN: B000H5TH0M
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Description

After losing their mother and father in a tragic accident, teenager Abby Snow and her younger brother Ethan find a new home with Eve and Raymond Goode. Moving into their adoptive parents' remote mansion, the siblings soon come to the shocking realization that the Goodes are not exactly who they seem to be and the Snows' dream of love and security turns into a living nightmare of cruelty, hate and terror.

Angie Harmon (TV's 'Law & Order') and Joel Gretsch (The Legend of Bagger Vance) star in this chilling suspense thriller. After losing their mother and father in a tragic accident, teenager Abby Snow and her younger brother Ethan find a new home with Eve (Harmon) and Raymond Goode (Gretsch). Moving into their adoptive parents' remote mansion, however, the siblings come to the shocking realization that the Goodes are not exactly what they seem, and the Snows' dream of love and security turns into a living nightmare of cruelty, hate and terror.

Customer Reviews:

Suspene!!.......2007-05-22

I love this movie. Angie Harmon usually plays the cop, the lawyer, the victom,etc,ect, but in this movie she changes her image completely!! She is such a talented actress. I never really paid that much attention to her before, but after this, I'm going to...watch this movie. It's Way better than the first one...

Entertaining But Not in the Way the Film Was Intended.......2007-04-21

"The Good Mother" begins with recently orphaned children, Abby and Ethan, who are adapted by seemingly nice husband and wife Raymond and Eve living in a fancy house. But of course the two children will find that the couple's nice and kind attitudes hide something else, something that was NOT seen in the previously released "The Glass House," made about five years ago.

I don't spoil your fun of watching "The Good Mother" another entry of Sony's direct-to-video film, of which story itself, predictable and ridiculous, would not be of much interest to most of you than the (intentionally, I guess) campy acting from the leading lady Angie Harmon as Eve. Her unique character would surely remind you of "Mommy Dearest" if not as intense as Faye Dunaway's now legendary performance. Look how Eve, or a good mother if you like, checks out each item before having dinner with awfully boring husband, saying "Chicken, beans, salad, wine ... perfect." In a scene you can see her actually growling like a tiger. That's hilarious.

If you can ignore the countless plots holes and incredible stupid decisions some characters make, you might find yourself enjoying this B thriller. Surprisingly good is Jordan Hinson as Abby, who deserves a much better script than this. To these two leading ladies go my two stars.

Major Disappointment !.......2007-02-03

I have always said when it comes to Hollywood sequels they are usually always worse than the "original" movie.
Unfortunately, I was proven right again by this sequal to the excellent "original" Glass House movie.

The problem with "Glass House 2" is its absolute predictability: This starts with the plot, moves to the general atmosphere, applies to the fate of the characters, and lasts right up to the happy ending. Therefore, really everything is sooo predictable, that it takes the suspense out of even the most promising scenes, where one can tell that the producers were trying desperately to conjure up some suspense, but, nonetheless, everything comes to no avail.

While watching this movie, as an avid Thriller fan, I kept thinking to myself this can't be it, there must be some kind of a departure or twist in the story coming any time soon, from this all too predictable plot. Well, there was none what so ever, the movie just kept draging on, in its rather slow pace and fashion.
The acting was solid, especially the "good" mother, but what's the use, when even that is wasted in such a run of the mill story.

One can really see that the only motive in making such sequels, and films in general, is money. Also the aforementioned 2 instances where the figure that the sister of the younger brother sees is never explained, as well as the bed in the basement are logical flaws, that were added undoubtedly for suspense purposes. I don't think that they really mar the film much. These cases are not real problems, the real problem is the sheer predictability, which makes everything seem dull and tedious.

So do yourself a favor and avoid this one, if you haven't see the first movie, see it, its fabulous and in contrast to this one very exciting and unpredictable 'til the end.

P.S. Maybe my rating wouldn't have been as harsh, had this movie not been called "Glass House 2", but with that title it just raised my expectations immensly, hence, the 1 star rating.

Should be camp but goes for art.......2007-01-05

This type of movie, more often than not, delves into the realm of camp. An over the top character like the mother in this film fits the bill perfectly. One minute sweet as pie, the next minute spitting venom to the enjoyment of all viewers. The problem with this film is that it takes itself far too seriously. There are endless shots of birds flying, sunsets,and exterior shots of the house all for no reason. The film moves at a glacial pace for most of the begining and is hampered by an absolutely ludicrous ending(even by thriller standards). Really only worth a watch for the performance by Angie HArmon.

Very good for a sequel..........2006-12-26

I have to say that I especially enjoyed this movie. I'm a fan of the first Glass House movie, so when I saw this sequel in the video store I thought it sounded good.

I didn't expect much at the start because I know that most sequels tend not to come up to the standard of the first movie.

But I was enormously enterained by this movie.

It is basically set out a little bit the same as the first movie, but with vast differences.

When Abby and her brother are adopted by Eve and Raymond, things look good, but Eve is hiding a dark secret.

I was very impressed with Angie Harmon (Eve). She is a sensual beauty and that makes her evil side all the more terrifying. She puts in a suberb performance and switches from good to evil in a heartbeat. The scene with the oven cleaner made me squirm.

An enjoyable treat.

Average customer rating:

Political Thriller? No, It's Just Another B-Thriller with So Many Familiar Plot Devices
Weak, sloppy and boring
The Deal is a pretty big deal of a movie
Moral Ambiguity of Wall Street
"Intrigue Deal" over $6/gallon Gas - We're Already Over Halfway There

The Deal
Starring: Christian Slater , Selma Blair , Robert Loggia , Colm Feore , and Angie Harmon
Director: Harvey Kahn
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

End Game [Region 99]
Mindhunters
The Ice Harvest (Widescreen Edition)
Two for the Money (Widescreen Edition)
Derailed (Unrated Widescreen)

ASIN: B0009VRHM4
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Description

Christian Slater, Selma Blair, Angie Harmon and Robert Loggia star in a gripping tale of assassination, deception and corruption set in the high-stakes world of corporate investment and international oil trading. With America at war and in the grip of a crippling fuel crisis, Wall Street analyst Tom Grover (Slater) agrees to broker a lucrative deal between a Russian oil cartel and his investment firm's biggest client, lead by cold-blooded CEO Jared Tolson (Loggia). While juggling his growing attraction to newly-hired associate, Abby (Blair), and the advances of Anna (Harmon), a seductive businesswoman, Tom learns all is not what it seems with the deal. Digging deeper, he and Abby soon find themselves trapped in a dangerous web of treachery and murder that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Customer Reviews:

Political Thriller? No, It's Just Another B-Thriller with So Many Familiar Plot Devices .......2006-09-10

`The Deal' starring Christian Slater (also co-exective producer) is at best a mediocre political thriller with no convincing views on international politics. No one interested in the news of the world would believe in the complicated plot though the script itself (by first-timer Ruth Epstein) is not without merit, especially when it deals with the ethics of corporate company and those who are working for them. But whatever good about it is buried deep in the film's preposterous story and the showy camera work.

The film's very confusing script starts with one premise - we are informed that the USA has been at war with the (fictional) "Arab Federation" for more than three years. The prices of gas and other things skyrocket because of the shortage of oil.

Now I know some people find the story intriguing. With all respect to them, I disagree. As seen in `Syriana' the Arabs have its own conflicting powers within themselves. And at war for as many as three years? The film seems to forget that for better or worse, America is the only superpower in the world now.

But let's forget that part for now. Christian Slater plays an ambitious executive who is in charge of an assessment report about the oilfield of a Russian oil company. However, there is something strange about the maps and figures, he realizes, and he and his girlfriend (Selma Blair) are pressed by the unknown forces to ignore certain things about the company in case.

Though `The Deal' deals with international politics, its story is only a standard thriller scenario. The film is apparently about the intricate foreign policies of the government or the company merger and its ethical aspect involving stockholders, but the truth is it is nothing but B-thriller with `Been-there-Done-that' situations. See the romance between Slater and Blair, for example. They kiss and hug in a hotel elevator (check), and next they make love, leaning on the wall (check). And there are also Russian mafias (check). The supports played by Robert Loggia and Colm Feore are just ciphers, but that is no surprise after these checks the filmmakers should have done.

`The Deal' should have been an intelligent thriller, considering the political issue it deals with while every character who is supposed to be working at somewhere like Wall Street keep on doing incredibly stupid decisions. It is a thriller, a so-so one, but its political aspect is needs much more polishing up.

Weak, sloppy and boring.......2005-11-29

If you read the plot synopsis of The Deal and Syriana, they sound surprisingly similar. Someone uncovers some shenanigans related to the merger of two large oil companies. The potential for both intrigue and important information revelation here is tremendous.

While I do agree that this is a area desperately in need of discussion and presentation, I think The Deal is the worst possible vehicle for Hollywood to attempt to breach the walls of secrecy surrounding peak oil. In much the same way that The Day After Tomorrow was perhaps the worst vehicle to address global warming.

What is wrong with The Deal?

1) I could glean only 4 "facts" from this film: gas is 6$ per gallon, Blackstar provided 500,000 brls, Blackstar's reserves were valued at $20 billion, and oil reserves in the ground are valued at $3 x # of barrels in the ground (estimated at 7 billion). All of these facts are made-up. How many barrels a day does the US import? How many barrels of the world's reserve are located in the middle east? What is the rate of depletion in Saudi Arabia? What is OPEC's excess capacity? Given the enormity of actual useful facts, not one of any merit was presented.

Let's take a closer look at just the absurdly simple oil reserve valuation formula, shall we?

$3 x estimated # of barrels in the ground

From Energy Bulletin:
"In late 2003, Shell Oil, one of the world's largest publicly traded oil concerns, said that it had erroneously overbooked its proven oil and natural gas reserves by the equivalent of 3.9 billion barrels of oil.

The oil portion alone, about two-thirds of the revision, represents some $67.5 billion in potential future revenue, assuming moderate oil prices of $25 a barrel.

Reserve calculations, though technical and arcane, drive an oil company's prospects, much like revenue growth drives a technology company's outlook."

The fomula should probably be closer to

3 x price per barrel in USD x # of barrels provable reserves

So if a 3.39 billion brl reserve in ground is worth $67.5 billion at $25/brl
what is a 7 billion brl reserve in ground worth if gas is $6 per gallon?

Even a conservative estimate of the value of 7 billion barrels of reserve is in the hundreds of billions of dollars range, not 20 billion. So they were off by at least an order of magnitude.

This is the kind of factual sloppiness that makes this movie such a travesty.

2) Hollywood uses the Russian Mafia the way they used to use neo-nazis, as a PC bogeyman. Given Russia's perennial involvement in the Great Game, I don't object to their involvement, but why not portray them accurately? The Russian Mafia is a perfect stand in for the current brand of klepto-capitalism. The new industrialists in Russia were oligarchs who allied with state bureaucrats to loot state-owned assets to fatten their offshore bank accounts. Here they are presented as brainless eurotrash who cant even succeed in keeping a Harvard MBA tied to a bed with nylon cord.

3) To classify the "enemy" of this war as the Confederation of Arab States, is to miss the central point of the conflict we are now in. Many of these states are our allies. There is no confederation, there are only faceless networks and splinter groups. There is no monolithic Arab State. Two minutes of stock war footage at the start of this film is the only explanation that there is a war. Later we learn that there is an embargo. Later still we learn that the "French or the Chinese" are presumably not involved in this war. Some obvious questions include, who are we bombing? Why? Where is the UN on this? There is exactly no reference to geopolitics at all.

4) Embargoes are ineffective in wartime. If the CAS embargoed the US, their revenue would drop to nothing. Let's suppose they decide to sell all of their output to China, India and Europe instead, how do they transport it? By tanker. Who has the largest navy in the world? The US. It is the US that would likely place an embargo on the CAS and sit at the mouth of the Persian Gulf and impound every tanker than tried to exit, once the shooting started.

The Pentagon,, the State Dept, the CIA, and numerous think tanks have spent years analyzing contingencies related to this hypothetical war. Richard Clarke, the counter-terrorism expert, has just finished a novel called Scorpion's Gate about a coup by radical anti-western extremists in Saudi Arabia. This would be an excellent flashpoint around which to build a film like this. Yet there is no mention of any geopolitical forces at play or the nature of the conflict. The only thing at stake is some investment banker's reputation for signing a due diligence letter for a corporation that happens to have overvalued it's oil reserves. There is no mention of depletion, the scarcity is entirely the result of the embargo.

I realized that this film could have followed pretty much the exact same formula if the commodity in question had been gold, caviar or Persian rugs. Engineer a conflict which prevents the free flow of some scarce resource, then present a possibility of profit for the Russian Mafia to act as go-between and sell the product to the US. Also, if the main stumbling block was getting this merger approved, then why merge? The Russian shell company could just as easily continued to purchase oil from the CAS and repackage it for transshipment to the US. This is called arbitrage. **SPOILER** If the Russians were trying to hoodwink Tolson and split with their $25 million (????), then why was he the one preventing Hanson from doing the due diligence?

5) Why even bring in The Ethics Taskforce at the end of the film? (As if such a thing could possibly even exist after the Bush Administrations). Is the government complicit in this "merger?" Is that why the Senator covers up the whole scandal at the end? The most important person in this whole affair was the CEO of the large US oil company, Tolson. Wouldn't it be more interesting if Tolson bought his way onto the ticket and would up as either the Secretary of Defense or the VP? That they then engineer a coup by radical extremists in Saudi Arabia which shuts down the oil supply. Also, Christian Slater should have played the bad guy, he makes a terrific villain, and a horrible good guy. Selma Blair should have been the protagonist, the bright Harvard MBA who figures the whole thing out.

6) The Alternative Energy Tax Credit - I learned more about alternative energy sources on one episode of The West Wing last year. This was a total snipe hunt that detracted from the film as a whole, as if that is even possible.

The Deal is a pretty big deal of a movie.......2005-11-01

Here's a film that doesn't seem to have gotten a fair shake. The Deal is a darn good story about corruption, greed, oil, politics, murder, and all sorts of nasty things going on behind Wall Street doors by some of those three-piece suit types. Christian Slater is a fine actor, Selma Blair proves quite charming, and no movie has ever been hurt by the casting of Robert Loggia. The fact that such a story is all too believable in today's world serves as a hook of sorts - or maybe not. All I know is that The Deal is an effective thriller featuring some nice plot twists (although I did see some of them coming - and I'm not usually that good at picking up on things) inside a juicy story.

Here's the setting for the film: America is at war with the "Confederation of Arab states," gas is over six bucks a gallon and going nowhere but up, and the economy is seriously on the skids. Condor, led by its celebrated CEO Jared Tolson (Loggia), is working on a deal to ease America's gas shortage (not to mention fatten his pockets to overflowing) - a merger with Blackstar, a Russian company with deep oil reserves in Kazakhstan (well, supposedly). All he needs is a hot-shot Wall Street wonderboy from a prestigious company to sweet talk his board into accepting the deal - and that's where Tom Grover (Slater) comes in (after candidate #1, Grover's best friend, gets iced at the start of the movie). Grover works for an ultra-prestigious firm that is also feeling the economic crunch and could certainly use the $25 million dollars Tom will bring in just by helping Tolson sell the merger. He signs on, even though he isn't exactly an expert at evaluating geological reports, etc. That's actually one of the reasons he was chosen, though - Tolson's boys aren't exactly high on Grover doing a lot of research on the fields in question.

Representing the forces of good is Abbey Gallagher (Blair), a Harvard graduate who wants to save the world and has an innovative idea for helping those seeking alternative energy sources further their research. The snake pit of Wall Street is the last place she wants to be, but Gordon convinces her that his company can make her alternative energy dream a reality (because the company can make money by doing so). The two become close (apparently, Gordon has no qualms about dating an employee), which ultimately puts Abby in danger when Gordon finds out some disturbing truths about his big deal with Tolson. That, of course, sets the stage for a suspenseful ending. With himself and Abby in danger, his company sitting on a potential time bomb that could bring it to its knees, and - lest we forget - the national security interests of the whole country at stake, what will Gordon do? What can he do?

The Deal never manages to be edge-of-your-seat thrilling, but it is certainly suspenseful. It's also quite relevant in today's world of government corruption, unethical business practices, and moral ambiguity. The deal itself is the kind of thing J.R. Ewing would probably be cooking up if Dallas were still on the air - but J.R. would have done a better job of it.

Moral Ambiguity of Wall Street.......2005-09-02

Christian Slater serves as Executive Producer & star of this drama. It's the kind of Wall Street high intrigue where ethics takes a back seat to profits. This is producer Harvey Kahn's 2nd turn as director after his straight-to-video film "Water's Edge" in 2002. Christian Slater plays Tom Hansen who comes into a deal with Condor Oil & Gas after his best friend is murdered. Slater who was first noticed in "The Name of the Rose" in 1986 with Sean Connery and then appeared in "Bed of Roses" & "Broken Arrow" in 1996 and in "Mindhunters" this year is an interesting and intense actor whose mannerisms remind me of Jack Nicholson. As Hansen, he works for a firm whose high ethical reputation Condor wants to use to put forward a shady billion dollar oil deal to import oil from an area in Russia in which there is no oil. The fact that it would be smuggled from Arab countries with which the U.S. has banned itself from doing business has resulted in the oil-laundering scheme. Robert Loggia who played with David Ducovney in "Return to Me" and was nominated for his lone Oscar nod as supporting actor in "Jagged Edge" in 1985 plays Jared Tolson, a high powered wheeler-dealer who includes assassination and kidnapping as necessary negotiating tools. Tolson passes the deal to Hansen, hoping his inexperience in oil will lead him to overlook the flaws in the deal. Slater's Hansen is having trouble finding a girl. Angie Harmon from the "Law & Order" TV series and the upcoming "Fun With Dick & Jane" with Jim Carrey & Tea Leoni plays Anna, who appears to have great interest in Tom, only to let her American accent drop and reveal she's an operative for the Russian mafia who will murder to make sure the deal goes through. After flirting with Anna, Hansen hires Abbey Gallagher, who he finally beds, only to drop her from the Condor deal when her life is threatened. Gallagher is played by Selma Blair from "Cruel Intentions," "Legally Blonde" & "The Fog." She investigates and puts her life in danger as she uncovers the truth about the deal. Gallagher's advisor is Professor Roseman played by John Heard who encourages her. Oil expert Hank at the firm is miffed that a novice like Hansen has been given the Condor deal and begins working to uncover the truth also. Played by Colm Feore from "The Highwayman" with Jim Caviezel, "Chicago," & "Paycheck" with Ben Affleck, Hank finally blows the whistle at the company meeting, only to be outmaneuvered. Francois Yip who also plays with Slater in this year's "Alone in the Dark" plays Janice who helps Hansen take his concerns to the ethics panel after Gallagher is safe. Then we get to the moral relativity of the picture as a U.S. Senator intervenes saying that the bogus deal is an act of patriotism since gas is over $6 a gallon and we need the oil, even if we have to pretend it's not coming from designated terrorist states. The film's moral ambiguity leaves us on a disquieting note. While not explaining why we simply don't press for energy sources other than fossil fuels, it does smack of real-world compromise. Slater does a good job in a film with a timely topic as we scramble for gas here in the Southeast after Hurricane Katrina disrupted the pipelines. Enjoy!

"Intrigue Deal" over $6/gallon Gas - We're Already Over Halfway There.......2005-08-23

THE DEAL was made when the idea of paying $6 per gallon of gas would spark international intrigue: now that we're well over $3.35 per gallon that price seems less than shocking! The concept of showing how big business and the government cover up the absurd under the table Deals such as the one that is the focus of this meager script is now so de rigueur that there is no melodrama or intrigue to this story. One must credit writer Ruth Epstein, director Harvey Kahn, and executive producer/star Christian Slater for caring enough about the chaos oil supplies and their impact on the world at large are causing, but the sad truth is that this tale is so ho-hum in that we all read this very story in the newspaper everyday that it hardly seems to merit a movie.

The cast is sterling - Christian Slater as a Wall Street type, Robert Loggia as the dirty hands dealer type, Selma Blair as the idealist, and Colm Feore, John Heard, Kevin Tighe, etc all try their best to make this flabby script meaningful. The star of the movie is the musical scoring by Christopher Lennertz...and that says a lot. Without an arc of plotline and without a bit of new information about the corruption at the highest levels of this country, this film just doesn't get off the ground. Grady Harp, August 05

Average customer rating:

GREAT MOVIE!
A family changed by a video voyeur
Meant for All TV Movie Fans!
Excellent TV Movie
THIS IS A TRUE STORY!

Video Voyeur - The Susan Wilson Story
Starring: Angie Harmon , Jamey Sheridan , Dale Midkiff , Tegan Moss , and Teryl Rothery
Director: Tim Hunter
Manufacturer: Starlight Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( V ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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My Husband's Double Life
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ASIN: B00006IUK9
Release Date: 2002-10-22

Amazon.com

After making a name for herself as a model, Angie Harmon hit the big leagues with a recurring role on Law and Order. Lifetime's Video Voyeur was her first opportunity to prove she could carry a production by herself. Harmon stars as real-life homemaker-turned-crusader Susan Wilson, who moved into the suburban Louisiana house of her dreams in the 1990s. Her neighbors are community leaders, the Glovers. Steve Glover (Jamey Sheridan), the church deacon, has nursed a crush on her since high school. (Although Sheridan is a couple of decades older than Harmon, both give convincing performances.) Wilson's dream turns into a nightmare when she finds that Glover has been secretly taping her. She decides to press charges but discovers that his actions aren't illegal. With the support of her family and friends, she decides to do something about it in this inspiring story from director Tim Hunter (River's Edge). --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Imagine having your most private, intimate moments caught on tape against your will. That's exactly what happened to Susan Wilson (Angie Harmon) and her family. After moving into their dream house in a quiet Louisiana town, the Wilsons are horrified to discover that their trusted neighbor Steve Glover (Jamey Sheriden) has installed video cameras into their home without their knowledge. And they are just as disturbed to learn that the laws against this kind of virtual stalking are inadequate. The shy, demure Susan Wilson makes a decision that alters her life: Fight back and protect individuals' basic rights to priv