Jennifer O`Neill

Secondhand Lions (New Line Platinum Series)

Average customer rating:

humor, pathos, heartwarming all the way.
the best
doverlady
FUN Movie
Second Hand Shipping

Secondhand Lions (New Line Platinum Series)
Starring: Michael Caine , Robert Duvall , Haley Joel Osment , Kyra Sedgwick , and Nicky Katt
Director: Tim McCanlies
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Hidalgo (Widescreen Edition)
Big Fish [Region 99]
National Treasure (Widescreen Edition)
Seabiscuit (Widescreen Edition)
Radio

ASIN: B0000YTP02
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Amazon.com

If you can get past its thick layer of syrup and molasses, Secondhand Lions reveals itself as a thoroughly decent family film that anyone can enjoy. It gets a little sappy sometimes, but there's something to be said for a movie in which Michael Caine and Robert Duvall play eccentric old brothers who take the easy approach to fishing: instead of a peaceful rod and reel, they use 12-gauge shotguns. When 14-year-old Walter (Haley Joel Osment, teetering on puberty) spends an eventful summer with his great-uncles on their vast Texas farmland (he's been dumped there by his delinquent mom, played by Kyra Sedgwick), he soon discovers they've lived lives full of adventure, excitement, passion, and mystery. Either that or they're old-time bank robbers with a long criminal record, and writer-director Tim McCanlies (who invested similar warmth into The Iron Giant) does a nice job of concealing the truth until the very end. Full of enriching lessons and homespun humor, Secondhand Lions has more substance than most family films. If you enjoyed Holes, you'll probably enjoy this movie, too. --Jeff Shannon

Description

This comedic and touching family film follows the adventures of a shy young boy (Haley Joel Osment) who is sent to spend the summer with his eccentric uncles (Michael Caine, Robert Duvall). At first shocked by his uncles' unconventional behavior that includes ordering African lions through the mail, the boy soon becomes enthralled with unraveling the mystery that has followed the uncles for years. Hearing tales of their exotic adventures involving kidnapped princesses, Arabian sheiks and lost treasure, not only brings him closer to his uncles but also teaches him what it means to believe in something... whether it's true or not.DVD Features:
Additional Scenes
Audio Commentary
DVD ROM Features
Deleted Scenes
Documentaries
Easter Eggs
TV Spot
Theatrical Trailer:30 Minutes of Deleted / Alternate Scenes with Optional Filmmaker Commentary Secondhand Lions: One Screenplay's Wild Ride in Hollywood - (documentary) On The Set with "Secondhand Lions" (documentary) Haley Joel Osment: An Actor Comes of Age - (documentary) Filmmaker Commentary with Director Tim McCanlies Visual Effects Comparisons Theatrical Trailer 7 TV Spots

Customer Reviews:

humor, pathos, heartwarming all the way........2007-06-14

One of my all-time favorites.Are brothers Hub and Garth liars when they tell stories of adventure and daring to their distant relation, a pre-pubescent boy hurt by a lying mom who abandons him with these two old geezers. And where did they get all their money? The bond that grows between the aging men and the boy gives the boy the boost to manhood he needs, but is his belief in them misplaced? You won't know until the end of the movie. I love the tenderness and toughness of the two wild old characters as they show a wimpy boy what it means to be a real man.

the best.......2007-06-08

Movie can be watched again and again......wish there were movies made these well now.

doverlady.......2007-05-15

This is one of the best movies of all time as far as I am concerned. It never hit the major theaters and I happened upon it by accident. Good for all ages. I am buying this one for a gift for a family who did me a favor.

FUN Movie .......2007-05-14

I bought this movie after renting it because I enjoyed it so much! The curmudgeon uncles played by Michael Caine and Robert Duvall were spectacular, interesting, and always with enough believability to their stories that you wondered if they were true. A warm family story for all ages.

Second Hand Shipping.......2007-05-13

Postal Service (USPS) LOST the package, but scanned it and marked it as delivered in the SECURE building I live in. I was there the day it was claimed to be delivered by a replacement driver. No residents even saw the package. This issue was remedied by Amazon ASAP without hesitation. I gave the postal 4 days to try and find it before Amazon shipped the replacement out through another carrier (good idea guys) without problems and without charge!

The movie is great for the entire family to watch. I made the purchase after missing it and catching it on TV, I wanted to have it for a family that is nuts on aviation, and has grandkids.

Average customer rating:

TRAVEL BACK TO A VIRTUALLY DIVORCE FREE ERA
10 year olds love it too!
8 year olds love it.
my first Christian movie
Thought-provoking

Time Changer
Starring: D. David Morin , Gavin MacLeod , Hal Linden , Jennifer O'Neill , and Paul Rodriguez
Director: Rich Christiano
Manufacturer: ChristianMovies.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Moment After - DVD
Joshua
The Perfect Stranger
Flywheel
Facing the Giants (Widescreen) [Region 99]

ASIN: B0000AZT2V
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Amazon.com

Time Changer may be a little strident in its core message (i.e., ethics don't count unless they're backed by the force of Christ), but as an above-average feature for the Christian market, it's pretty agreeable. D. David Morin stars as a late-19th-century Bible professor named Carlisle, whose efforts to publish a book arguing that morals can be taught independent of Christ's teachings is denounced by one Dr. Anderson (Gavin Macleod), a board member at Carlisle's seminary. Anderson, who happens to be in possession of a time machine, sends Carlisle to the year 2001, where the latter quickly discovers the pitfalls of a secular world with relative morality and no absolute (i.e., Christian) standards. Time Changer's seasoned supporting cast, including Paul Rodriguez, Jennifer O'Neill, and Hal Linden, bring a professional gloss to the film that helps counter its thematic single-mindedness, while director Rich Christiano serves up some passable science fiction to go with all the preaching. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

The year is 1890 and Bible Professor Russell Carlisle has written a new manuscript. His book is about to receive an unanimous endorsement from the board members at Grace Bible Seminary until his colleague, Dr. Norris Anderson, has a "difficulty with something." Dr. Anderson believes what Carlisle has written could greatly affect future generations. Using a secret time machine, Anderson sends Carlisle over 100 years into the future, offering him a glimpse of where his beliefs will lead.

Customer Reviews:

TRAVEL BACK TO A VIRTUALLY DIVORCE FREE ERA.......2007-06-13

Times have changed. Back in the day when America was more influenced by Christian principles, things were way better. People today think divorce, mental illnesses, child molestations, and various other godless activities are just a normal part of society-- and in one way they are right-- for all those things are to be expected from a society that rejects God and His Son (Psalm 9:17). Of course, this society is on a one way street to damnation and refuses to acknowledge (in spite of shattered homes, children with drug problems, and mental illnesses)that they have long since taken the wrong road. Psychiatrists don't have the answers, but the Bible does, namely, its message of salvation and light through Jesus Christ, the risen and reigning savior. This uncompromising Christian film shows the decline of America. The acting and directing are excellent. My family and I have watched and enjoyed this film many times.

10 year olds love it too!.......2007-04-26

A great Christian movie! It had a lot of excitement. Good Actors and a good story. It was one of my favorite movies ever! Hope you like it too.
I'm sure you will. Reviewer - a boy of 10. W.G.

8 year olds love it........2007-04-26

Well, it was a cool movie with alot of Christian stuff at the same time. I liked the movie because it had a good story with good special effects. Kids and grown ups will like it.

my first Christian movie.......2007-04-08

I didn't really want to do the Left Behind route... I wanted a clean movie that wasn't a documentary or something that was extremely end times... I had read many of the Left Behind series and I just wanted to stay away from it. Time Changer reminded me a lot of Back to the Future, so I didn't know if that would be a good or a bad thing bc my husband loved Back to the Future (although I can't stand it) so I didn't know if maybe this one would be too similar. It wasn't, we both loved it and loved how it was so clean. It was a real treat.

Thought-provoking.......2007-03-27

Recommended viewing for the entire family. Illustrates the importance of preserving God's Word and not taking it for granted.

Average customer rating:

Definitely in the top 100 of all time
Very Moving
An Unforgettable Coming of Age Movie
Unforgettable, Cherished Summer of 42
Summer of 42

Summer of '42
Starring: Katherine Allentuck , Oliver Conant , Lou Frizzell , Gary Grimes , and Jerry Houser
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Love Story
Summer of 42
The Way We Were (Special Edition)
Same Time, Next Year
Oliver's Story

ASIN: B00005U2KD
Release Date: 2002-02-05

Amazon.com

Herman Raucher's autobiographical (or first person, anyway) coming-of-age tale is set, as the title suggests, among sand dunes and departing GIs. Hermie (Gary Grimes) and his two buddies Oscar (Jerry Hauser) and the nerdy Benjie (Oliver Conant) are spending the summer doing the things preadolescents do: hanging out, eating ice cream, stealing "dirty" books from their parents, and trying unsuccessfully to act manly around the gawky girls they take to the movies. Then Hermie spoils everything by really falling in love, this time with the adorable older woman Dorothy, played by Jennifer O'Neill. Dorothy's husband conveniently leaves for duty overseas, and then, even more conveniently, becomes one of those "we regret" telegrams. Dorothy, desperate for comfort and sweetness, turns to Hermie--and surely makes his summer. The setting and the date give this movie a double helping of nostalgia for anyone who was once an adolescent boy desperately trying to get rid of both his callowness and his virginity. But the slow pace and dreamy atmosphere, courtesy of Robert Mulligan's direction and Michael Legrand's famous score, may give it less appeal to anyone who is still in that situation. --Richard Farr

Customer Reviews:

Definitely in the top 100 of all time.......2007-03-21

I first saw this movie in 1977 when I was 16 years old. It had come out a few years earlier and had a revival at a theatre in Manhattan. I went to see it on a Saturday, stayed for a second time. Went back the next Saturday and saw it again, then the next Saturday. Then it left and I was heartbroken until the VCR came into being!!!

It is a classic love story, touching, warm, passionate, just 3 guys hanging out in Nantucket for the summer. I can relate, I did it on Long Island at that age. They perfectly set up what the young mind goes through. When jennifer o'neil appeared many a young boys hearts fluttered--man she was gorgeous. The muscial score sets the tone for the entire movie. It's absolutely beautiful and will stay with you long after you have seen the film.

This is a movie that most likely wouldn't be made today. There are no more classics like this. Movies today involve violence, car chases, explosions and are geared for 18 year olds. A soft warm story such as this just wouldnt be made and thats sad----the classics are becoming fewer and fewer and only the magic of DVD's and video preserves these classics.

I can understand where people write about the double standard. This movie shows relations between a 15-16 year old boy and a 25 year old woman. But somehow its not bothersome---its done so tastefully and is not the crux of the story. If it was reversed, they are right, there would have been an uproar so there is a double standard. But just buy this or rent it and be mesmerized. A masterpiece.

Very Moving.......2007-01-23

Summer of 42, one of the little jewels of the Golden 70's, Robert Mulligan, a veteran Director (The Rain Must Fall and This Time Next Year) hits pay dirt with a wistful coming of age story during early WW2. The obsession of our 15-year-old boy is Jennifer O'Neill. O'Neil says goodbye on a New England island beach as her husband goes off to war. The boys, Gary Grimes, and friends see her across the sand dunes as a sex object. This reminded me very much of a far more complex film by Giuseppe Tornatore, Melina, which is fairly recent, an Italian knockout abandoned by her army husband. In Melina and the earlier Paridisio, the sexuality of young teens is the topic of wistful nostalgia.

Filmed in 1971, this island is fine for 1940's beach houses, so add a few 1930's cars and bobby soxer clothing and we have a lovely recreation. The boys want to do it, calculating whether their Saturday night date will allow further experimentation. Grimes, a handsome, but naive teen has been hanging around, doing odd jobs for O'Neill. He is quite stimulated while she pines for her serviceman. Then a tragedy throws O'Neil and Grimes into a desperate tryst. It's very moving actually. This is a wonderful film of an earlier era.

An Unforgettable Coming of Age Movie.......2007-01-11

I first saw this when I was barely 12. Now, nearly three decades later, having seen it again, the movie has lost none of its sense of wonder and pathos. Jennifer O'Neil has to be one of the most sultry women ever to have graced the screen in the 70s. Her beauty and sex appeal are more evident than ever in this decently remastered DVD. The melancholic love theme will resonate long after the movie's over. And the 2 main characters, who live on the fringes of mainstream society, start a romance that just cannot be sustained. His a teenager and she's a married woman. Their parting is always imminent. But knowing that midway through the movie does nothing to diminish its watchability. In fact, that makes it even more rivetting. This movie does not pale in comparison to Casablanca. At times, it's even better than that well-known Bogart classic. It's really about 2 very lonely souls who find comfort in each other's arms. A more recent treatment of this theme is found in Sofia Coppola's equally admirable Oscar-winner, Lost in Translation. But in Summer of '42, lies something more deeply rewarding for the audience who's watching it today. There is an all-consuming nostalgia that envelopes you because this is a highly original love story that came from a time when innocence and sexuality could blend together with a sweet, melancholic afterglow. One of the best romantic movies ever made. You can watch it over and over again. Unforgettable.

Unforgettable, Cherished Summer of 42.......2006-10-30

I just had to get this movie just so I could remember it from when I first saw it at the movies in the early 70s and to see the similarites from the movie The Inkwell (1994). Even my youngest daughter noticed the similarities watching it by herself. The only differences are; when the setting took place in the summer of 1942 from 1976, Nantucket Island from Martha's Vineyard, not white but African American. Both young teen males lost their virginity to older married woman, Summer of 42 she lost her husband in the war; The Inkwell, the husband was cheating on her, both women are sad and found comfort in these young men. The Inkwell being a little more funnier, Summer of 42 was still GOOD, SAD and SWEET (like another person puts it)and had some funny scenes too. Like Hermie going to the Drug Store trying to buy condoms (rubbers, hahah!!) and Oscy (Hermie's best friend)trying desperately to get his 1st lay and trying to follow instructions from a Medical book on foreplay leading to sex and exceeding it...haha!! Also Summer of 42 the possibilites of that happening to a normal young man was more realistic. In The Inkwell Lorenz Tate's character was a too weird and awkward teenage boy almost like Benji, Hermie's other best friend who was just too shy to be with girls his own age. But in the end that's something Hermie will never forget and will cherish for the rest of his life.

Summer of 42.......2006-08-21

Excellent movie that we had been having difficulty finding at nearby locations.

Average customer rating:

I love John Wayne Movies
Better than I was expecting
Farewell, my friend, farewell !
Rio Lobo - Seller/product review
Not one of the Duke's better movies

Rio Lobo
Starring: John Wayne , Jorge Rivero , Jennifer O'Neill , Jack Elam , and Christopher Mitchum
Director: Howard Hawks
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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El Dorado
Rio Bravo
Chisum
The War Wagon
The Sons of Katie Elder

ASIN: B00008CMR6
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Amazon.com

The final film by the legendary director Howard Hawks, released in 1970, found him paired with longtime leading man John Wayne in a story slightly similar to their more familiar Rio Bravo and El Dorado. Set at the end of the Civil War, the story finds Wayne playing a Union army colonel who recovers some stolen gold and roots out a traitor. Though a little creaky (Hawks had been making films since 1926), Rio Lobo nevertheless has his trademark, crackling dialogue, appealing characters, and ensemble spirit among the cast. This was a worthy finish to a fantastic career by a first-rank filmmaker. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

I love John Wayne Movies.......2007-05-12

My review title says it all. I have always loved John Wayne movies. I have never seen one I have not liked. Some are better than others, but all are enjoyable. Rio Lobo is one of my favorite westerns of his. The great thing about his movies is that I can watch them with my 2 grandsons and do not have to worry about them seeing something inappropriate for their young age unlike movies made today. We recently purchased a LCD HDTV so we can enjoy them like they were shown in theaters which makes them even more enjoyable to watch.

Better than I was expecting.......2007-05-08

I was under the impression this movie wasn't very good and it really is better than some of the reviews given about the movie. It also was different than Rio Bravo and El Dorado despite what had been said. It is a great addition to any John Wayne movie collector.

Farewell, my friend, farewell !.......2007-01-25

Rio Lobo was the swan's song of Howard Hawks. And you may realize how the personages are handled with such accurate blend of humanity, tenderness, kind manners and a good taste loaded of farewell.

The dialogues are incisive and snappy, John Wayne is an old wolf who will put order in a town submitted by an abominable gang with the consent of a corrupt sheriff.

And the rest of the plot runs for you. Under any circumstance you should not miss this unforgettable and very touching Western.

Rio Lobo - Seller/product review.......2006-11-05

I couldn't be more pleased with the results of this purchase. The item was in great condition, the service was prompt and efficient and the price was great!

Not one of the Duke's better movies.......2006-10-30

As many other reviewers have noted, Rio Lobo is not one of John Wayne's better western tales. Overall, it is pretty entertaining, but there is not much new to offer. In fact, the Duke kind of seems over the hill in this one.

The plot is pretty simple to follow, and there are some pretty good gun fights. But, the acting is pretty lacking. Therefore, I do not recommend watching this movie, unless you are a pretty big John Wayne fan. If not, check out some of his earlier Westerns.

Average customer rating:

Not like The Gospel of John but still good
Teaching the book of Acts
Very interesting...
Watch the Bible
No Power

Visual Bible - Acts
Starring: Simone Newman , Bruce Marchiano , Jennifer O'Neill , Henry O. Arnold , and James Brolin
Director: Reghardt van den Bergh
Manufacturer: GNN International Corp. and Visual Bible, LLC
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( V ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Visual Bible - Matthew
The Gospel of John
The Bible Series Box Set
Peter & Paul DVD
The Bible Collection

ASIN: B0002UBX4U
Release Date: 2004-08-01

Customer Reviews:

Not like The Gospel of John but still good.......2007-05-24

Word by word dramatization of the Book of Acts. After watching first The Gospel of John I must say that this Acts is not half as good. In what sense? Picture quality, the image is not as crisp and clear as in John. And the acting: The actors should have put some more nerve or life into their roles. At times it seemed they were reading. Some have an American accent and some British, this was a little distracting. The angels -of course everyone may have different ideas about their looks- weren't that awesome either. Their voice was disappointing, just as the voice of the Lord when speaking to (I think it was) Barnabas was like the voice of a teenager or a very young man: not very appropriate, I would say.

Not much to say about extras. There is no foreign language audio, and only English subtitles.

But putting away these little inconveniences I would say it is a very interesting and rewarding way of "reading" the great Book of Acts. The exteriors, sets, costumes, number of extras employed, etc are witnesses to a great production effort. I liked Luke, the narrator, he gave the right tone and was a good guide. Thanks Encompassed Runner for recommending me this one.

Teaching the book of Acts.......2007-05-22

This DVD on the book of Acts has helped me in my teaching classes as it helped the students to understand what this book is all about. It is very well done and word for word of the Bible. Excellent tool.

Very interesting..........2007-05-09

I always enjoy having a visual experience go along with hearing and reading the Bible, and this is no different. I'd definitely check this out, if you have the time.

Watch the Bible.......2007-02-26

A great idea. The script for this dramatization of the book of Acts is simply the biblical text (New International Version), word for word. The chapter and verse numbers are displayed in the bottom corner of the screen, and the DVD allows you to skip to specific chapters or events.

The actors were obviously instructed that the Christian disciples would be full of joy, and although I find it annoying that "holy" people are so often portrayed with a flat affect--as if being "spiritual" is like being on Valium--I thought some of the actors in this production overdid it with the smiling and laughing--as if joyfulness means incessant cheerfulness. I did enjoy Dean Jones's portrayal of Luke, and I thought Francesco Quinn (son of Anthony Quinn) did a good job with his small role as Stephen.

No Power.......2006-11-09

The book of Acts is a book of power! Sadly, this is what is lacking in the DVD presentation. The minute I began watching I knew it was going to be a weak (acting) rendition of the story. Thankfully, it is word for word from the Bible, which is why I gave it two stars. Reading through the book of Acts one can almost feel the electricity of the Holy Spirit working in and through the lives of the Apostles and believers. All of that is lost in the DVD presentation.

I would not recommend this DVD. Stick to the Book instead.

Average customer rating:

Hearing voices
You are all wrong
Cronenberg's claim to fame
Michael Ironside was great.....
A Great Cult Classic!

Scanners
Starring: Jennifer O'Neill , Stephen Lack , Patrick McGoohan , Lawrence Dane , and Michael Ironside
Director: David Cronenberg
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Videodrome - Criterion Collection
The Brood
Dead Ringers
eXistenZ
Naked Lunch - Criterion Collection

ASIN: B00005K3NY
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Amazon.com essential video

David Cronenberg's 1981 horror film is a darkly paranoid story of a homeless man (Stephen Lack) mistakenly believed to be insane, when in fact he can't turn off the sound of other people's thoughts in his telepathic mind. Helped by a doctor (Patrick McGoohan) and enlisted in a program of "scanners"--telepaths who also can will heads to explode--he becomes involved in a battle against nefarious forces. A number of critics consider this to be Cronenberg's first great film, and indeed it has a serious vision of destiny that rivals some of the important German expressionist works from the silent cinema. Lack is very good as the odd hero, and McGoohan is effectively eccentric and chilly as the scientist who saves him from the street, only to thrust him into a terrible struggle. --Tom Keogh

Description

Welcome to the world of the Scannersa race of humans with telekinetic powers that can wreak havoc beyond your most dreaded nightmare. Writer/director David Cronenberg (The Fly, Naked Lunch) brings the terror closer than ever beforehe brings it right into your mind. Cronenberg is a modern-day horror master whose name fits in easily with the likes of King, Craven and Carpenter...and Scanners, with its spectacular and shockingly realistic special effects, is a startling masterpiece of the genre. When a rogue Scanner of unparalleled power (Michael Ironside) wages a bloody war against the normals, young empath Cameron Vale (Stephen Lack) is recruited to trackhim down. But Vale is inexperiencedand a battle with another Scanner could mean a grisly death...or worse. Can Vale vanquish his insanely violent, power-mad adversary? Only one thing is certain: Scanners delivers the chills-down-your-spine, heart-in-your-throat, you-can't-watch-but-you-daren't-leave goods (Time)!

Customer Reviews:

Hearing voices.......2007-05-14

I a lot of pain, When a scanner scanes your in a lot of pain, the scanner hear the world.

You are all wrong.......2007-04-06

This movie turned out to be laughable, annoying garbage. Horrible film.

Cronenberg's claim to fame.......2007-03-15

Scanners is the story of a scanner (one who has telekinetic abilities such as blowing others' heads off) by the name of Cameron Vale (Stephen Lack) whom doctor Paul Ruth (Patrick McGoohan) enlists to help him seek out an evil scanner, Darryl Revok (Michael Ironside), who wants to lead his own army of psychotic scanners to world domination.

This was the film that put David Cronenberg on the map. It's one of his best and 25 years later, it still works; it actually fits this millennium like a glove, with all the experiments going on in science these days. As with all of Cronenberg's movies, he explores multiple themes and the film has more depth than it appears to have at first glance. It's a great blend of sci-fi and horror, at times unsettling, and features awesome special effects (the exploding head at the beginning, the final confrontation between Vale and Revok) and leads to a powerful climax. On the downside, the acting is a bit stiff and uninspired by the majority of the cast (save for Ironside who oozes evil in this role as in all his other roles).

If you're a fan of Cronenberg, what are you waiting for? You should have seen this already! If you like horror and/or sci-fi films, this one's a real treat. It's got a great plot, suspense, cool action scenes and Cronenberg's unique vision. See it today before the remake comes out next year!

Michael Ironside was great............2007-02-09

I have not seen every movie Ironside did, but I must say this is a perfect performance by him. I bought this before I ever even saw it. I must say, it wasn't EXACTLY what I expected. It was still quite good though. As great as Ironside did in being a villian, I think he could have easily played the hero in this as well. His final scan with his brother in the movie was pretty intense. Also, his first scan was pretty interesting. His facial gestures were right on for what was going on as was the guy who, well, was supposed to be scanning Ironside. Good suspense for a Sci-Fi flick. The weak side of this movie was the hero, Stephen Lack. His acting was a bit shaky. I suggest this however. I also bought Videodrome, which i haven't seen yet, but looking forward to it. Crossing my fingers.....

A Great Cult Classic!.......2007-01-02

I read somewhere that there is an estimated 12 to 15 per cent of the world's population that have been born with some sort of natural psychic--or "psi"-- abilities. That's a whopping 720 million people at most. However the day to day abilities of most of these people are pretty lame compared to the small number of people in this movie who are super-psychics who have gained extraordinary telepathic and telekinetic abilities as the result of a birth defect due to a badly tested sleeping pill inadvertently given to pregnant mothers before they were born;

Daryl Revoc (played by a young Michael Ironside) tries to lead the scanners against the world, but finds opposition in a pair of scanners, one of which happens to be Revoc's brother. In some ways, Scanners is a bit of a cheesy sci-fi soap opera as Cronenberg unfortunately didn't have a big budget nor much time to write a better screenplay; due to a quirk in the way Canadian films were made, Cronenberg had only two weeks for pre-production and to come up with a script. When Scanners went into production the script wasn't even finished; some may say that it shows, but I disagree. Despite some minor flaws, Scanners is a cult classic with some truly fascinating, and shocking, special effects that makes for a mind blowing ending. This is a great sci-fi film, but the DVD is somewhat lacking in "special features." A commentary by Cronenberg and Michael Ironside would have made the DVD perfect.

Average customer rating:

It's not really bad...but not really great either.
Okay...
Not too bad for a "Return", but was it worth it...?
Merlin's Apprentice
Not a sequal, just another story.

Merlin's Apprentice
Starring: Sam Neill , John Reardon , Miranda Richardson , Christopher Jacot , and Meghan Ory
Director: David Wu
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Merlin (Special Edition)
Merlin: The Return
The Mists of Avalon
The 10th Kingdom
Dark Kingdom - The Dragon King [Region 99]

ASIN: B000E1YW2M
Release Date: 2006-03-14

Amazon.com

A fanciful sequel to the successful 1998 miniseries Merlin, this 2005 multi-part series benefits greatly from Sam Neill's return performance as the legendary wizard. Taking place some 50 years after the first film, Merlin's Apprentice partners the magician with a young thief with untapped magic powers of his own (engaging Canadian actor John Reardon) in a quest to recover the lost Holy Grail, which holds the key to Camelot's protection and survival. Miranda Richardson, who enlivened the '98 production as the ferocious Queen Mab, also returns to provide some necessary drama as the Lady in the Lake. Solid production values (bolstered by the lovely Vancouver locations), confident direction by Hong Kong veteran David Wu (Bride with White Hair 2), and an abundance of fantasy-action make this a worthwhile adventure for fans of the first miniseries and sword-and-sorcery features in general. --Paul Gaita

Customer Reviews:

It's not really bad...but not really great either........2007-06-22

This movie doesn't really tie into Merlin at all. It's still a fun movie to watch. Plus I love the music, quite lovely really!

Okay..........2007-05-29

but not that great. Way too much silliness for a "2nd." It didn't make very much sense and was pretty much a waste of time and money.

Not too bad for a "Return", but was it worth it...?.......2007-05-11

Sam Neill returns in this TV movie in his title role of Merlin the Magician and he is the only thing that shines this time (hence my three stars).

Not even Miranda Richardson, as the Lady of the Lake "incarnated" (Queen Mab disappeared in the original "Merlin"), can find any true joy in reprising her former role (which she played well the first time).

All the rest of the cast goes by numbers and are as stiff as statuettes.

The story is original, but that's it. It has absolutely nothing of the enchanted aura that was in the original "Merlin" (despite many attempts to make it so).

Granted, the storyline happens many years after the facts involving Morgain, Arthur and Mordred, but still, although gloomy in scope, it could have been developed a tiny bit better.

Indeed, nothing in this NON-sequel reminds us of what Camelot truly was for those who were involved with it (a few reminder flashbacks could have worked as well). Instead we are treated with a "younger" version of Merlin, who appears to be his very own son, with only a twist, he's also a thief and an adventurer...

The rest is deja-vu, and self-gratifying drama, mixed with some hurried action scene here and there, just to keep audiences from falling asleep in the process.

Some reviewers said that in its own right, this movie is as good as "Merlin". I must strongly disagree.

If it only had been a sequel, I would have praised it, but in the present form, I cannot accept the cheers...

Let's say we had a "recall" of Merlin from his "long sleep", because Camelot, or at least what was left of its glory, was about to be threatened by an adverse magician of equal powers if not stronger (just like in "Lord of the Rings" for instance), to those Merlin had, was about to destroy it and establish a new rule of terror on the Land, then and only then, would I have been interested in the plot.

Let's go one step further. What if as a result of this titanic feat and probable duel, resulted the beginning of the Medieval history of England, with say, Nennius as the ideal successor to Merlin?
Myth tied up with a touch of true history, would have helped things along and would have made this follow-up to "Merlin" even more believable, as well as closing the tale in a tightly knit loop between fact and fiction.

This would have been the movie that would have awakened audiences and would have also brought home some prices and praises.

This instead is only good to satisfy the very young and inexperienced audiences around, but not those who have either studied the tales, or are knowledgeable in the historic backgrounds surrounding the tales.

Nevertheless, after having stated all this, it is still a very watchable movie with some tiny good moments for the entire family, but I repeat, it is not for the very demanding audiences.

Merlin's Apprentice.......2007-03-11

Fun, but nothing to do with the legend. I enjoy Sam Neill as an actor and the era of the movie. It is OK

Not a sequal, just another story........2007-02-03

I hate seeing the spotlight reviews with negative comments. This was not a continuation of the story we were given, but also the last mini-series was a tale told by Merlin himself, and Martin Short's character Frik says that it was not how he remembered the happenings. This time we view the events after the Death of Arthur, when evil seems to overcome the goodness that King Arthur and Camelot has now for hundreds of years we all keep in our harts. What makes an Authurian story good is by reminding us of this.

A new cast & crew does not bring about the magical presence of before, but each cast member creates a different artform for their characters in this "day after" action story. We are shown the flaws and goodness of characters who will rise to become the next heroes of Camelot. This is what makes the magic for this movie. Merlin is not the same character, he is more bitter and carries guilt of the fall of Arthur, much like the Merlin in classic writings. Do not judge this movie because it is not a sequel in general terms, judge it as its own art and its own story.

Their is hope for goodness when Camelot rises again. For with a new story comes new heroes. The Arthurian Legend grows with a new action-packed film.

Average customer rating:

THE BEGINING OF ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFULL CONTEMPORARY STORIES
Glimpse of the largely unknown proto-Beatles
Superb
no title
John Lennon's guilt

Backbeat (Collector's Edition)
Starring: Marcelle Duprey , Stephen Dorff , Ian Hart , John White (II) , and Bernard Merrick
Director: Iain Softley
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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I Wanna Hold Your Hand
Two of Us (2000)
The Hours and Times
Imagine (Deluxe Edition)
Stuart Sutcliffe - The Lost Beatle

ASIN: B00028HBJI
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Amazon.com

Ian Hart's second performance as John Lennon (the first was the little-seen The Hours and Times) commands attention in this marvelous musical bio of the Beatles in Hamburg directly before their stardom. The focus is on the "5th Beatle," Stuart Sutcliffe (Stephen Dorff), a bluesy bass guitar player who finds Germany has more interesting things (art and a woman) than music. The woman, Astrid (Sheryl Lee), chronicles the early years of the Beatles, and she falls in love with Stuart, a move that would influence many aspects of the Fab Four. Nearly overpowering the film is Hart in a great, energized performance of an artist on fire. The music was adapted for the movie, rediscovering the raw sound and ballistic energy in the back street clubs. These scenes of rock and genius intermixed with a nervy lead singer evoke similarities to Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. Directed by Iain Softley. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

THE BEGINING OF ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFULL CONTEMPORARY STORIES.......2006-10-31

Before the Beatles, Before Lennon-Mcartney there was Lennon-Stucliffe two working class boys from Liverpool that loved each other like brothers , Lennon wanted to conquer the world with his rock and roll band music and Stu wanted to show the world his art, however Stu accepted Lennons invitation to make a brief gig in Hamburg with the band , Stu purchased a bass with the money he won seling one of his pieces, immediatelly the five guys entered a whole world of hardcore German scene with cavarets , bars, strip shows, gruppies, alcohol and illegal substances but in the middle of all that Klaus Vooorman and his friend Astrid two avant-garde artists introduced themselves to the band one night at the club they were playing , Stu and Astrid were immediatelly hooked up by each other causing the friendship between Lennon and Stucliff were even more fractured due to the discrepances in interests booth friends had, Astrid influenced Stu and intruduced him in to this environment of painting, literature, photography and fashion very different to the rock and roll concept his four friends liked, Astrid were responsible for the historic registers of the Beatles beginings in Hamburg due to her pothograpys and later were the inspiration of the stetic concept the band adopted in hair style and wardrobe , The guys get a record contract and Stu choosed the love of Astrid instead of the band dreams, It was difficult for Lennon who depend emotionaly on Stu, but it was wrotten on Stone the path the band had to follow and the story that we all know, Stu died briefly afterwards by a brain hemorrage and the fab five became four , to be honest we couldnt imagine The Beatles in a different way.

HM

Glimpse of the largely unknown proto-Beatles.......2006-08-04

"Backbeat" provides a fascinating and alternative viewpoint of the pre-stardom Beatles. Ian Hart's jealous, sarcastic, and insecure Lennon is both fresh yet seemingly correct. Liverpool and Hamburg lay at either ends of the bridge between the sappy 50's and avant-garde 60s, and the film moves us across that bridge at the frenetic and raucous pace of the cover tunes of the then-Beatles' playlist. Hart and the actors playing McCartney and Harrison bear a less superficial and more unnerving resemblance to the young Beatles, certainly not in the way of a Vegas revue, and all the better for it. It's probably a good thing though that Stu Sutcliffe quit the band, if quite a sad thing he died so young. His continuance with the Beatles is one counterfactualist scenario I'm glad not to imagine.

Superb.......2006-07-25

"Backbeat" is an excellent portrayal of the Hamburg phase of the early Beatles, and succeeds on every level. Although purportedly intended primarily to tell the story of "fifth Beatle" Stuart Sutcliffe, the focus quickly shifts to John Lennon who (as in real life) dominated the music and lives of the early Beatles. It is as much the story of Stu and John as the story of Stu and Astrid, and explores the dynamics of both complex relationships. Still, it is a fascinating look at the early Beatles, who paid their dues by playing in some of the rough Reeperbahn bars in the pre-fame years. The cast is excellent, and were obviously chosen for their talent rather than their resemblance to the characters they portrayed. The music is also excellent, and complements the story perfectly. In all, "Backbeat" is an entertaining journey through the world of the early Beatles, and is well worth purchasing for repeat viewings.

no title.......2006-04-06

Pretty good movie of the Beatles' early years - particularly of their beginnings in Hamburg, Germany. None of their original music, however; producers probably couldn't pay for that. The story is really about a fifth member, Stuart Sutcliffe, a gifted artist who died at 21 in Hamburg with his wife, a German photographer, who gave the remaining Beatles their mop-top look. Sutcliffe, or the actor who plays him, Stephen Dorff, an American, kind've resembles James Dean, but without his intensity. One reviewer states that he was Britain's most promising young artist before he died of a brain hemorrhage, probably brought on by a fight back in Liverpool because of something John Lennon said. The movie doesn't say whether Lennon knew this or not. It also seems to imply that Lennon was bi-sexual. He certainly felt strongly about Stu; but it also implies that he could have loved Stu's wife. I could never really get into this movie; maybe because I was never that crazy about the Beatles' music. And only the actor who played Paul McCartney in any way resembled the Beatle he was playing. Although supposedly Dorff looks exactly like Sutcliffe.

John Lennon's guilt.......2005-12-23

I am a big fan of Stephen Dorff. He is so beautiful male actor. His eyes are so sensitive and sharp. I saw this movie because he is in.

However I started watching it then my eyes are going to Ian Hart who plays John Lennon. In the end, I almost forgot about Stephen was there.

Ian Hart had done a gread job, I think. He acted very well of young Lennon's potential charisma, confusing, and uncontrolled great passion to music and friends.

Needless to say, This movie is about Stuart Sutcliffe who is a member of Beatles in the begining and short time but influenced very much on their fashon and appearance. He is also a very talented painter. But John Lennon is such a great icon that seemed to make anything go away except him.

When the movie ended what remained in my mind was that Lennon's guilt. How he had been feeling with his best friend and his future. Actually accoring to his biography he had been feeling a guilt to Stuart's death. I realized that how Lennon was a huge human being that may cause his death, even though I don't like very much the Beatles' sound.

Average customer rating:

Not like The Gospel of John but still good
Teaching the book of Acts
Very interesting...
Watch the Bible
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Visual Bible 3-Episode Set
Starring: Simone Newman , Bruce Marchiano , Jennifer O'Neill , Henry O. Arnold , and James Brolin
Director: Reghardt van den Bergh
Manufacturer: Visual Bible International
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Visual Bible - Matthew
The Gospel of John
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Six (6) DVDs with over 700 minutes of program
Historical Background
Interactive Map of the Holy Land
Biographies of key personalities
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