Michael Michelle

Average customer rating:

Visually and Emotionally Intense
good but not great
A breakthrough in Dystopian Sci-Fi
A Roller Coaster Through Battered Europe
intense, dark, though-provoking

Children of Men (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Juan Gabriel Yacuzzi , Michelle Hussain , Rob Curling , Jon Chevalier , and Rita Davies
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Good Shepherd (Widescreen Edition)
Blood Diamond (Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Casino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition) [Region 99]
The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000N6TX1I
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Amazon.com

Presenting a bleak, harrowing, and yet ultimately hopeful vision of humankind's not-too-distant future, Children of Men is a riveting cautionary tale of potential things to come. Set in the crisis-ravaged future of 2027, and based on the atypical 1993 novel by British mystery writer P.D. James, the anxiety-inducing, action-packed story is set in a dystopian England where humanity has become infertile (the last baby was born in 2009), immigration is a crime, refugees (or "fugees") are caged like animals, and the world has been torn apart by nuclear fallout, rampant terrorism, and political rebellion. In this seemingly hopeless landscape of hardscrabble survival, a jaded bureaucrat named Theo (Clive Owen) is drawn into a desperate struggle to deliver Kee (Clare-Hope Ashitey), the world's only pregnant woman, to a secret group called the Human Project that hopes to discover a cure for global infertility. As they carefully navigate between the battling forces of military police and a pro-immigration insurgency, Theo, Kee, and their secretive allies endure a death-defying ordeal of urban warfare, and director Alfonso Cuaron (with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki) capture the action with you-are-there intensity. There's just enough humor to balance the film's darker content (much of it coming from Michael Caine, as Theo's aging hippie cohort), and although Children of Men glosses over many of the specifics about its sociopolitical worst-case scenario (which includes Julianne Moore in a brief but pivotal role), it's still an immensely satisfying, pulse-pounding vision of a future that represents a frightening extrapolation of early 21st-century history. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Visually and Emotionally Intense.......2007-06-22

Children of Men is a superb example of what can happen if a pathocracy is allowed to grow. What we see is the reversion to a system where 'useless eaters' are discarded en masse, with clear examples of 'internment camps' and 'detention centers' and how the people who get sent there are treated. Make no mistake, this is a prime example of the kind of atrocities committed at Gitmo and Abu Gharib, and those are but two examples of an extensive 'secret' prison system that exists all over the world!

The film was visually intense, with graphic revelations of reality the characters live in. Mass Graves, extermination 'check points', and sweet countryside are all in there, captured with beautiful cinematography.

Emotionally the film shocks you multiple times. I found myself crying at multiple points throughout the film. Not a film for children or those that want everything to be resolved by the end of the movie. It provokes thought and retrospection which is definitely a good thing.

good but not great.......2007-06-22

A really good original idea, children of men is a cool glimpse at a hopeless future in a very new sort of way.

It does fall short of being a great movie however, since it doesn't explain itself. You know whats happening, but you don't know why. I'm very tempted to read the book because with a story this interesting, it seems that it's missing a lot of vital aspects that would probably be better suited for a book anyway.

I did like the plot however, it was a good idea just not as clear as it should've been. I really liked the way that they portrayed a future of strictly adults. The city had a real run down look to it. why should they care about the future when there won't be one? so they just sort of let things fall apart. I also really liked that the directed opted for long shots. Most of the scenes are done in one shot without any cuts, and it must've been really had to do. It does however give the film a very free flowing feel which I liked a lot.

Worth watching if you're into 1984 and equilibrium type movies.

A breakthrough in Dystopian Sci-Fi.......2007-06-20

First of all, I am a big fan of the genre, since dystopian science fiction is more a comment on our society than an actual projection of what the writer thinks will actually happen. This means, I've sat through a lot of fourth-rate productions and had a good time watching people ekeing out a life in post-nuclear holocaust, post-population explosion, and post apes-taking-over-the-world societies.

What I have NOT enjoyed were the big budget dystopian messes like "The Postman" and "Waterworld". Neither of these had the biting sarcasm of, say, "A Boy and His Dog", and tried to cover up the hackneyed ideas with dazzling special effects and scenery.

"Children of Men" has both a dark, acerbic soul, and gold standard production values. This movie employs a very plausible impetus for the plot. Women haven't been getting pregnant for nearly one generation, and no one's got a clue how to reverse it. Zoologists are battling the same problem with cheetahs right now, so the premise is not far fetched. Fifty to seventy years from the epoch of the film, the world will have to get along without humans, as it had to get along without dinosaurs some 50 million years earlier. (There is a nice, subtle little illustration at one location which demonstrates that.)

Dystopian stories don't work unless there's a nearly impossible-but utterly compelling sign of hope. Winston Smith WILL find true love and save his colleagues from Big Brother before it's too late. Det. Robert Thorn will be able to stop corporate America from feeding people their deceased loved ones in the form of little green crackers. And so, it is no spoiler to say that "Children of Men" has a gal with a bun in the oven: the commodity that makes all other commodities possible. I mean, without this, there won't be anyone around to battle chagrined androids, or drive a truck full of gasoline across the Australian outback in the 23rd Century.

I can't think of a stronger plot motivation in any story.

The backdrop of "Children of Men" is layered with commentary on immigration policies, celebrity worship, religion, and the self-destructive nature of our species. Particularly striking to me is, even as human life is becoming a scarce resource, people in this film from every political stripe are still willing to kill their fellows by the truckload to further their particular causes. And they ALWAYS have a great justification for it. (I don't think I've ever wanted to punch out so many movie extras in my entire life.)

The climax of "Children of Men" is very powerful. It makes the whole movie, even if the denouement ain't the greatest.

The actors were superb. They created such believable characters who were hanging on to the tiniest shred of hope, and defiantly confronting the end of humankind with a sense of duty and a sense of humor. This was clearly a project the actors believed in, seeing as how two of the biggest stars don't make it halfway through the story.

Lastly, I applaud the use of a single, hand-held camera and very long shots. It gave the audience the feeling of being part of the team trying to save the pregnant girl, instead of viewers of some CGI masterpiece, where there was neither wobble nor splatter on the lens to distract us from Spiderman's antics.

The extra features in this movie are good...I guess. I don't particularly like to hear commentary, because there's a chance it could be way out of line with how I saw the themes. There are some good anecdotes about having to solve logistical problems, but I couldn't say whether there should be more or less of that sort of thing.

This is definitely a movie you should buy, so you can watch it again, and lend it to your cynical friends.

A Roller Coaster Through Battered Europe.......2007-06-19

What an amazing film. The film open with the sad and shocking state of humanity, which is that we cannot concieve. No children have been born for 20 years, and civilisation is in tatters, with London holding on by becoming a facist state. The story here is overwhelming at times and extemely moving later. The cinematoraphy is top notch. Watch this film.

intense, dark, though-provoking.......2007-06-18

i had wanted to see this movie from the time i heard an early review proclaiming it as, "a modern day bladerunner." that comparison is debatable, as this movie stands on its own without any sci-fi gimmickry.

twists, turns, surprises, and a dying earth depicted in a decayed UK. this is one of those movies that you cannot get out of your head for days or even a week followings its first viewing. the final 45 minutes still haunt me.

human life transcends all political/organizational divides.

Average customer rating:

Pretty good the second time around.
The Inheritance
The Inheritance
Beautiful Story, endearing charecters
Very Enjoyable!

The Inheritance
Starring: Cari Shayne , Brigitta Dau , Paul Anthony Stewart , Max Gail , and Brigid Brannagh
Director: Bobby Roth
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Straight From the Heart
Love's Long Journey
Love's Enduring Promise
Love Comes Softly
The Buccaneers

ASIN: B00062IZ0Y
Release Date: 2004-12-07

Customer Reviews:

Pretty good the second time around........2007-06-20

I first saw this movie on tv, but it was at the very end. It caught my interest so I decided to buy it. When I saw the whole movie from start to finish, I thought it was just too simple a plot. Perhaps my expectations were ridiculously high, so I put it away. Well, one Sunday afternoon I decided to re-watch the movie again, give it a second go, and I'm glad I did. Yes, the movie is quite simple, but that is the beauty of it. It's the kind of movie that makes you feel good in the end.

The Inheritance.......2007-06-11

I love turn of the century movies. I've seen this one over and over.

The Inheritance.......2007-06-08

Good condition well pleased, will do business again soon.

Beautiful Story, endearing charecters.......2007-06-07

I love this movie. I recorded it first off the tv as a special when it aired, and made a copy for my mom and sisters. I had to have it on DVD. This movie is very clean, entertaining, and it has beautiful costumes, music, and great actors. All the charecters are very enderaing, and if you love to fall in love with male romantic leads, this ones for you! Very good story, simple enough to be a good family movie and keep the story going without taking three hours to watch. Buy it, you will love it too!

Very Enjoyable!.......2007-05-31

As one who usually enjoys period pieces, indeed, I very much enjoyed this made-for-television movie. It's a charming, well-executed story. For the most part, it's a visual treat with beautiful settings, scenery and costumes. Though some complain that it's a bit predicatable, that's really quite all right with me. It's the fact that it ends "just the way you hope it will" that gives you the pleasure of watching it. Imagine if James had ended up with Ida, or if the Hamiltons had disowned Edith! Imagine the disappointment! What would have been the fun of watching then? I'm giving this moving a rating of 5 stars though my honest opinion is that it deserves about 4.5. It's a simple family-style film, similar to "Little Women" (as well it should be). It's not some SPECTACULAR epic film or anything like that. It's just a really enjoyable film, especially for those of us who--as I mentioned earlier--enjoy period pieces. If you do, then I guarantee, this is your cup of tea!

Average customer rating:

Best TV Series Ever
Miami Vice - Season 3
Best Season
A Flawless season!
Down for the Count Part 1: Best Episode of the Series

Miami Vice - Season Three
Director: Vern Gillum , Gabrielle Beaumont , Bill Duke , Michelle Manning , and James A. Contner
Manufacturer: Universal Dist. Corp. (MCA)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Miami Vice - Season Four
Miami Vice: Season Five
Miami Vice - Season Two
Casino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition) [Region 99]
Moonlighting - Season Five - The Final Season

ASIN: B000MLWQ6S
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Customer Reviews:

Best TV Series Ever.......2007-05-14

No competetion when MIAMI VICE is in... It has always been and will always be my most favourite TV Show. "A Must Buy" for any TV Series Collectors...

Miami Vice - Season 3.......2007-05-09

Awesome addition to my collection!!!!!!!!! Worth purchasing and highly recommended. Fast shipping from Amazom --- very pleased with this company.

Best Season.......2007-04-25

This is Miami Vice's best season - at least to me. The stars, music and Testerosa all come to together for insiteful and consistent episodes each week. And I appreciate the improved packaging so I don't have to flip DVD's to watch more. Any Vice fan needs Season 3.

A Flawless season!.......2007-04-16

I am new with this show since I never watched it in the 80's since I was pretty young. I bought the first 2 seasons and I thought they were cool and sexy but didn't make me say "that was awesome". They were sometimes cool yet cheesey. This season however is 100% cool with great stories, great drama and top notch car chases and shoot-outs. There's even so many appearances by well known actors that it's hard to list them all.

You have Wesley Snipes as a pimp, Bill Paxton as an undercover cop, Helen Bohen Carter as a doctor Crockett is dating who just happens to do drugs behind his back, Steve Buscemi, Charles S. Dutton, Willy Nelson, Liam Neeson, Viggo Mortensen, Benicio Del Toro and Brad Dourif. There's also drama when a member of their team dies. Larry is killed by boxing promoters while undercover as a boxer/trainer and it's made to look like a drug overdose. Crockett and Tubbs have to clear his name so he's not remembered as a junky. Forget the new movie, it's lame and dead in the water next to how entertaining and well done the show is.

Down for the Count Part 1: Best Episode of the Series.......2007-04-13

This was the season I was waiting for it has the best episode of the series. Down for the Count Part 1 is my favorite episode. It has some of the best music and fine acting by John Diehl. He's the heart and soul of the episode. I highly recommend getting this season.

Average customer rating:

Al Pacino Proves Why He is a Legend
ONE OF THE TOP 5 MOST VIOLENT FILMS EVER MADE.
Nice
SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND!!!!!!!!
A Classic

Scarface (Platinum Edition)
Starring: Al Pacino , Steven Bauer , Michelle Pfeiffer , Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio , and Robert Loggia
Director: Brian De Palma
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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GoodFellas (Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Godfather DVD Collection
Donnie Brasco (Special Edition) [Region 99]
Casino (Widescreen 10th Anniversary Edition)
Pulp Fiction (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B000GGSMB2
Release Date: 2006-10-03

Amazon.com essential video

This sprawling epic of bloodshed and excess, Brian De Palma's update of the classic 1932 crime drama by Howard Hawks, sparked controversy over its outrageous violence when released in 1983. Scarface is a wretched, fascinating car wreck of a movie, starring Al Pacino as a Cuban refugee who rises to the top of Miami's cocaine-driven underworld, only to fall hard into his own deadly trap of addiction and inevitable assassination. Scripted by Oliver Stone and running nearly three hours, it's the kind of film that can simultaneously disgust and amaze you (critic Pauline Kael wrote "this may be the only action picture that turns into an allegory of impotence"), with vivid supporting roles for Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Robert Loggia. Universal's special edition digital video disc includes a documentary about the making of the film that features numerous interviews and several deleted scenes. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Al Pacino Proves Why He is a Legend.......2007-06-07

Al Pacino's charisma is incredible in this movie. Despite the anti-hero he plays, you can't help but to cheer for him to go further and further, become larger than life. Tony Montana is a cinematic icon as well as the American Dream gone dark.

ONE OF THE TOP 5 MOST VIOLENT FILMS EVER MADE........2007-05-26

I will be writing a review on the legendary DVD film "SCARFACE" starring one of Hollywood's all-time greatest actor's ever. I give you Mr. Al Pacino.

This legendary film would also be responsible for creating acting careers for other actors and actresses such as Steven Bauer (From Que Pasa USA), Michelle Pfeiffer (Hollywood Knights) and newcomer Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

It was the 1980's and Hollywood was still making violent films that were equivalent to the most violent films made in its hey day. 1971's Dirty Harry would be a violent film that would take violent films to another level resulting in other Dirty Harry sequels being made and open the doors for many other violent films that were yet to come.

In 1983, the whole world would get their answer as to which is the most violent film ever made. SCARFACE dared to take us all on a wild journey into the gothic tales and stories of Cocaine binging and drug lord killings unimaginable. SCARFACE also dared to take violence on film to another level and dimension so thrilling, that it built our adrenaline and kept us glued to the film from beginning to the end. Before SCARFACE was even released, there was already a controversy as to this film receiving an R rating or an X rating. SCARFACE would also dare to abuse the "F" word when most violent movies wouldn't even dare to mention it. SCARFACE to this very day, is definitely far ahead of its time. When SCARFACE was released, it singlehandedly shocked the world. I can see this film over and over and NEVER get tired of it. SCARFACE can EASILY stand up to any of the most violent films ever made today.

Al Pacino has delivered many great performances and given us some great movies through the years. In my opinion, SCARFACE stands as Pacino's best work and greatest achievement ever. I hope all of you will buy this legendary film and enjoy it for many years as I have. You won't be sorry.

Nice.......2007-05-12

I am a huge fan of Scarface (the older and the newer version). It's worth the purchase.

SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE FRIEND!!!!!!!!.......2007-05-06

All I have to say is that this film is a MASTERPIECE!

A Classic.......2007-04-15

Still awesome after what, 100 plus times viewing? This film was panned by virtually all of the critics and has yet remained a classic for nearly 25 years! Pacino is simply brilliant, the casting is superb and even the tawdry photography and music (at times) is delicious. The critics never could quite get over the controversial chainsaw scene and the 160 some odd uses of the "F word" and therefore slammed the movie as a whole. But in doing so, they missed what millions of others haven't: a great film with great acting and pacing. If you haven't already, see for yourself whether the violence and language is obscene and over-the-top, or whether it fits the movie nearly perfectly in its context. Oh, and Michelle Pfeiffer is hot..

Average customer rating:

conversations with god dvd
You have to understand this is just an Autobiography
how do we know? who do we trust?
I expected more
Spread this around everyone

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

The Celestine Prophecy [Region 99]
How to Know God
The Secret (Extended Edition)
What the Bleep!? - Down the Rabbit Hole (QUANTUM Three-Disc Special Edition)
The Law of Attraction In Action

ASIN: B000K7VHY6
Release Date: 2007-02-27

Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spread this around everyone.......2007-06-08

Whoever wants to find a path, or at least see where he/she stands... this is a MUST SEE movie. It changed my life and hope it may change whoever watches it.

Pass the messsage along.... this is a must have item.

Average customer rating:

Two and a half really
BEST TV SHOW EVER
Miami Vice is Fantastic
Not exactly Crockett and Tubbs at their finest but it all pays off in the end, pal.
Catching up on my Vice

Miami Vice - Season Four
Director: Vern Gillum , Gabrielle Beaumont , Bill Duke , Michelle Manning , and James A. Contner
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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Similar Items:

Miami Vice - Season Three
Miami Vice: Season Five
Miami Vice - Season Two
Casino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition) [Region 99]
Magnum P. I. - The Complete Sixth Season

ASIN: B000MLWQ6I
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Customer Reviews:

Two and a half really.......2007-05-20

Just finished watching Season 4, I hadn't watched it since, well, the 80's early 90's...[...] And yes, "Mirror Image" is a great ep too, but a bit over the top and silly. I am glad I have it in my collection, but I don't know if I would ever let anyone watch most of it.

Contempt Of Court **1/2
By scaring the jury into mistrial, a mobster hopes to buy the time he needs to find the witness Crockett is protecting

Amen...Send Money *
The full fury of feuding TV evangelists hits Tubbs during his investigation of them when he is accused of raping a parishoner. Features Ben STiller in an early role.

Death & The Lady ***1/2
An actress' on-screen murder propels Crockett & Tubbs to investigate the film's flaky director -Perhaps my fave ep of the season

The Big Thaw *
Two factions fight for possession of dead reggae superstar's body -Pitiful...

Child's Play ***
Crockett agonizes over his shooting of a child during weapons investigation

God's Work **1/2
The return home of a kingpin's financial wizard son sets off speculation as to why in the Miami underworld - Not a bad ep, has a preachy "I'm gay" afterschool special scene thay feels VERY much out of place.

Missing Hours 1/2 star
A man's body disappeas from the morgue; Trudy has an encounter with UFOs

Like A Hurricane **
Crockett reluctantly agrees to guard a recording star who is a key witness in a payola scandal, and they end up falling in love.-Humorous...not so sure that's a good thing

The Rising Sun of Death **
The murder of an executive alerts Castillo to Yakuza presence in Miami, and the arrival of a Japanese investigator is no help

Love at First Sight ***
Newlywed Caitlin fears Sonny's new undercover assignment at a dating service will make her a widow -Interesting change of pace for the show, not a classic, but definitely one of the better eps of this season.

Rock And A Hard Place **1/2
Two music executives try to ruin Caitlin's comeback by exposing Sonny as a drug kingpin - ANother interesting attempt at change. Takes a good look at the problems of undercover life. But man, Sheena can't act!!!

The Cows of October *
A cowboy's larcenous attempt to improve his cattle attracts attention from the US government, Cuban Communists, and Izzy - Dreadful!!!

Vote of Confidence **1/2
A prominent senatorial candidate is arrested during a raid of a mobile whorehouse. _Not bad....not great...but watchable.

Baseballs of Death ***
Crockett & Tubbs suspect a Chilean police chief in a double murder. Decent ep....

Indian Wars **
Tubbs empathizes with American Indian zealots trying save their homeland. -SNORE

Honor Among Thieves? ***
Crockett & Tubbs discover the identity of a serial killer, but fear that trying to bring him in will blow their covers in a separate operation. I liked this episode, quite cheesy at times, but again, better than most of the season.

Hell Hath No Fury **
The highly publicized release of a convicted rapist causes Trudy to fear that the man's victim may have revenge on her mind. -Snore...whats with the bad 80's horror movie synth strings?

Badge of Dishonor **
When a string of murders is linked to a rival unit, Crockett & Tubbs believe an undercover officer may be the killer- Another bore, but does feature one of my favorite 80's songs, Payolas "Eyes of a Stranger"

Blood & Roses ***
The mobster who killed Sonny's friend is freed from prison. Yeah, boring...but at least it is not ridiculous like most of the season

A Bullet for Crockett 1/2 star
Members of the vice squad reminisce and hope for the best as Sonny lies near death from a gunshot wound

Deliver Us From Evil ***1/2
A murder that hits close to home reunites Sonny with the man who used him to trick his way off Death Row. Part 2 of one of my favorite MV eps from season 3, glad to see Crockett get his revenge.

Mirror Image ***1/2
A concussion from an accident while undercover during leaves Crockett believing he is drug-dealer Sonny Burnett, and he goes to work for a Colombian crime boss

[...]

BEST TV SHOW EVER.......2007-05-14

Buy it... One day you'll thank Amazon for it... Such a wonderfull nostalgy...

Miami Vice is Fantastic.......2007-05-09

Awesome addition to my collection!!!!!!!!! Worth purchasing and highly recommended. Fast shipping from Amazom --- very pleased with this company.

Not exactly Crockett and Tubbs at their finest but it all pays off in the end, pal........2007-04-29

It's interesting to note that Season 4 suffers from the misfortune of having occurred after most of the original writers and producers for the show, including creators Anthony Yerkovich and Michael Mann, had long-since bailed and freelance writers were brought in to write for the show, most of whom had probably not even seen an episode of Miami Vice and had no clue how to write for the series cast. The result is an unforgiveably mixed bag of erratic episodes that are all over the map. The season opener "Contempt of Court" features great performances by Stanley Tucci and Meg Foster but it feels more like a mid-season filler episode than an explosive opener compared to Season 3's "When Irish Eyes Are Crying" but nonetheless gets the season off to an awkward start. By the fourth episode in, however, the season gets pretty much derailed beginning with "The Big Thaw" about a Rastafarian Michael Jackson reggae singer preserved in a cryogenic sleep chamber and then there's the infamous "Missing Hours" featuring James Brown and a whacked-out plot revolving around Trudy's alien abduction and it's time to call in Mulder and Scully instead of Crockett and Tubbs. If Vice hadn't already "Jumped the Shark" at that point, the introduction of Sheena Easton in the following episode "Like A Hurricane" as Sonny's recurring love-interest Caitlin Davies is enough to make you shriek like nails screeching on chalkboard when Sonny's lovey-dovey side reduces the season into a series of mushy soap-opera escapades and inevitable wedding bells ring while poor Rico is left on the sidelines. Then there's the throwaway "flashback" episode aptly titled "A Bullet For Crockett" which is nothing more than a series of clips from previous episodes including "Evan" from which the episode derives its name from as Sonny fights for his life after being shot in action, an oft-imitated television cheat which would be recycled again in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Shades of Gray" with Riker fighting for his life intercut with a series of episode flashbacks. On the plus side there's some good cinematography and lighting this season and DJ looks good with his longer hairstyle and PMT looks pretty suave with his GQ beard and there's a pretty decent selection of alternative music featuring tracks by artists like Yello, Love and Rockets, Gene Loves Jezebel, Billy Idol, Iggy Pop, U2 and Peter Gabriel peppered throughout but any misgivings you may have about season 4 eventually payoff with patience building to the last two dramatically stunning episodes of the season, "Deliver Us From Evil" when Crockett's nemesis Frank Hackman returns to settle the score and "Mirror Image" with Crockett suffering from amnesia and believing he is his undercover persona Burnett ("That's B-U-R-N-E-double T") that set the stage for the jaw-dropping season-ender and the three-part Burnett story-arc that continues into Vice's fifth and final season.

Catching up on my Vice.......2007-03-14

When this season originally aired, I found myself with a social life so hanging around the dorm room to watch a TV show on a Friday night wasn't an option. I've been catching up on the later seasons thanks to Sleuth. This is one of the best crime shows ever made.

It's nice that Universal has dumped the double sided DVDs and is giving us 5 DVDs. These episodes look as good as the first two seasons. I'm eager for the fifth (and final) season.

Average customer rating:

I actually liked this film.....
Bad transition
Worth Watching
A Chorus Line
Fantastic, if you like musicals

A Chorus Line
Starring: Michael Blevins , Yamil Borges , Jan Gan Boyd , Sharon Brown , and Gregg Burge
Director: Richard Attenborough
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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All That Jazz - Music Edition
Cabaret
Fame
Fosse
A Chorus Line (1975 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00008973A
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Amazon.com

If you've never seen this popular production performed on stage in its original form as one of the longest-running musicals in Broadway history, the movie version is probably your next best option--heck, it's your only option! But beware the major difference between the experience of stage and screen, because A Chorus Line is a perfect example of a show that doesn't translate well from one medium to another. Director Richard Attenborough gives it his best shot, cutting some of the production numbers and adding new ones while "opening up" the show to explore the off-stage lives of struggling performers as they prepare for another grueling audition. Michael Douglas plays the harsh, workaholic director who puts the auditioning "gypsies" through the paces, winnowing a large group of hopefuls down to eight lucky cast members for his next big show. There's a subplot about the director's former girlfriend, who returns for the big audition, and along the way the other hopefuls sing and dance while revealing their various hopes and fears. On screen, the musical works best when focused on its dramatic passages; otherwise it's impossible to escape the fact that this material is best suited to live performance. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Michael Douglas stars as a choreographer who subjects 16 dancers to a grueling audition in this Academy AwardÂ(r)-nominated* adaptation of the landmark Broadway musical. Featuring Marvin Hamlisch's OscarÂ(r)-nominated* music and Jeffrey Hornaday's (Flashdance) sizzling choreography, this thrilling portrayal of life behind the velvet curtain is truly "One Singular Sensation"! After narrowing down hundreds of Broadway hopefuls, Zach (Douglas) leads a select group of dancers on the tryout of their lives. In an audition twist, Zach asks each performer personal and intimate questionswith results that powerfully affect not only the young performers but the hardened stage veteran as well. *1985: Original Song, Sound, Film Editing

Customer Reviews:

I actually liked this film............2007-06-09

Not that I had a choice, since I was way too young to see it on Broadway. I wasn't even born yet, when it had already been on the Broadway stage for seven years. I have heard a lot of criticism about the film version of A CHORUS LINE, from people who had the opportunity to see it on stage. I wish I could have had that opportunity, just so I had something to compare it to...but I don't. For me, it was pretty charming. The dance numbers were okay, and the singing left something to be desired, but I could tell that they tried to translate it to screen as best they could. What's more, it was an interesting change of pace to see Michael Douglas cast as the casting director, on the other side of the stage, critiquing the performers. Yes, it was a little odd, too. At any rate, the best numbers from the production are featured here: "One," "Nothing," and "What I Did For Love" (among others). This is worth a look. Would I reccomend you buying it? Only die hard fans who want it, for the main reason that this is the only filmed version of the musical, that is available to the public.

Bad transition.......2007-06-04

I have seen the stage version 3 times and loved it every time. When I saw this film version I was thoroughly disappointed in the way Atteborough changed the plot. On the stage, Casie was already part pf the audition and Zack was trying very hard to discourage her. The song "what I did for love" was not sung by Cassie but by one of the girls after one of the dancers is injured, and Zack asks them how they feel. The song is about love of dancing, not for the love of 2 people. The best part of the movie is the finale, the rest is trash.

Worth Watching.......2007-05-18

I was too young to get to see the show on Broadway, but I think this movie does a pretty good job of being a screen adaptation. The singing isn't quite as great as it probably could have been, but the acting is good. It is worth watching though. The extras with Marvin Hamlish is lots of fun to watch.

A Chorus Line.......2007-05-12

Saw the revival in Oct 2006 and have been listening to the CD every weekend ever since. Superb musical as was the original.

Fantastic, if you like musicals.......2007-05-08

I'm NOT a big fan of musicals. There are only a few of them that I really like, and this is one of them. The singing is great, the dancing is great, and the acting is even pretty good. Great music, and a look into the hopeful minds of young Broadway wannabes. Worth a good look, even if, like me, you don't really love musicals.

Batman Returns (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

A total failure except for production design and score.
I loved it
Beautifully Made
Question rather than an actual review
For the Kids. . .But Still Pretty Amusing

Batman Returns (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Michael Keaton , Danny DeVito , Michelle Pfeiffer , Christopher Walken , and Michael Gough
Director: Tim Burton
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Batman (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Batman Forever (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Batman & Robin
Batman Begins [HD DVD]
BEETLEJUICE (DVD)

ASIN: B000B5XOSO
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Amazon.com essential video

The first Batman sequel takes a wicked turn with the villainous exploits of the freakish and mean-spirited Penguin (Danny DeVito), whose criminal collaboration with evil tycoon Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) threatens to drain Gotham City of its energy supply. As if that weren't enough, Batman (Michael Keaton) has his hands full with the vengeful Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), who turns out to be a lot more dangerous than a kitten with a whip. As with the first Batman feature, director Tim Burton brings his distinct visual style to the frantic action, but this time there's a darker malevolence lurking beneath all that extraordinary production design. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Gotham City faces two monstrous criminal menaces: the bizarre, sinister Penguin (Danny DeVito) and the slinky, mysterious Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). Can Batman (Michael Keaton) battle two formidable foes at once? Especially when one wants to be mayor and the other is romantically attracted to Bruce Wayne! Like the groundbreaking 1989 original, Batman Returns is directed by the wizardly Tim Burton. And like the first blockbuster, it's a dazzling adventure that leaves you breathless. DVD Features:
Documentaries:The Cinematic Saga of Batman, Shadows of the Bat Pt. 4 Beyond Batman Documentary Gallery
Featurette:The Heroes and Villains Profile Galleries
Interviews:The Bat, The Cat, and the Penguin
Music Video:Face to Face by Souixsie and the Bashees

Customer Reviews:

A total failure except for production design and score........2007-06-19

Batman Returns followed the amazing Edward Scissorhands. And it showed that Tim Burton could not translate his personal vision to megabudget Hollywood fare. It is a grating, unfunny, depressingly awful film that virtually no one in their right mind would recommend. Audiences knew it, critics knew it.

The positives: The cat suit looks amazing, and Michelle Pfeiffer was a good choice. This was one of the first films that featured Dolby Digital encoding and it sounds to this day, 15 years later, incredible -- particualarly with Danny Elfman's Ed Scissorhands rip-off score. Bo Welch has ideas to spare, some of them great (Selina's apartment, The Penguin's political hideout) some of them not so great (the ridiculously overdesigned Gotham City, Joe Versus the Volcano air-conditioning units). But onto the really bad:

The Penguin is a disaster of Tim Burton's doing, where we see him attempt to expand one of his little pen and ink cariciatures into something capable of empathy amd humor. Yet he's patently ridiculous; pathetic, juvenile, and mean-spirited, Burton's character fails by every measure and is a complete bore. Trying to kill all of Gotham's babies? Really a lame criminal plot, out of place in this kind of movie and a new low. He is not a character that illicits much more than disgust. No matter how you slice it, that's not what you want for your arch-villain.

Catwoman gets the only great scene in the movie, her transformation. The campy sense of humor, music, and acting all gel for about five minutes. Otherwise, the Gloria Steinam in latex bit is just plain silly. Daniel Waters: nice try. Michelle Pfeiffer manages to make it just tolerable enough. But if you are going to go the dominatrix route, let's see her really mess with Batman's head and ego.

The plot is beyond convoluted and simply nonsensical. There's really not much to say other than Daniel Waters simply has no idea what he is doing in this three-ring circus. That empty-calorie feeling you get after watching Batman Returns? Look no further. I don't think Burton knows or cares. Listening to his commentary is not encouraging.

I loved it.......2007-06-06

I've been a superhero fan since the 1950's. I just have to buy just about every superhero movie on DVD.

My tastes are pretty basic. I go by the way the movie makes me feel. Do I get a good sense of the character? Are the effects decent? Is the whole thing "believable," in the sense of superhero comics?

I didn't like some of the later Batman movies. This is the first Batman movie I've bought so far.

I love this one... it's more along the spirit of the Dark Knight.

If they release another one similar to this "Feel," I'll buy it.

Beautifully Made.......2007-05-09

this is a real classic. tim burton did an amazing job like he allwayz does. i also reccomend beetle juice.

Question rather than an actual review.......2007-05-02

That's why only the 4 stars cause I believe this movie is great. However, why is there no grey lettering and outline? It looks like this is the same movie from the "Legacy" collection, rather than the Special Editions. I wouldn't want to order this and get the single disk edition. So my question is, which version is this?

For the Kids. . .But Still Pretty Amusing.......2007-04-08

I never really got Tim Burton. To me he is not much more than a populistic Fellini, a man child with an over active imagination along with the vision and skill to make it look appealing on screen. However, he is the favorite director of some of my closest friends so to say that he doesn't know how to connect with people would be off base. Here he tackles Gotham for a second time and his vision of it a quite festive. The criminals walk on stilts while juggling fire and wearing gaudy skeleton masks. The streets are filled with giant statues that invoke Ayn Rand. And the roofs are incredibly weak, which is convenient because people love crashing through them in this town. It all looks great and I did like this movie but, and forgive me for saying this, it was more of the same from Burton, too much surface.

Here Batman battles Catwoman and The Penguin, two villains who really despise him although we are never really given a firm reason why. The other main player is Shreck (no relation to the ogre, played here by Christopher Walken) a Donald Trump type who has risen to the top by breaking laws and breaking necks. When he first meets up with Penguin he is called out for his corporate malfeasance so he does what any other self-respecting tycoon would do, he buys him off. From there they hatch a plan, similar to Bush's 9-11 plan, where together they screw up the city in a bid to get Penguin elected puppet Mayor of Gotham. And hey, in a world of McConnell and Lott he would hardly be the worst publicly elected official out there. This leads to some funny scenes where they try to incorporate Penguin into the world of politics, but the best he can muster is to lustfully leer at any female that walks by and to eat the nose off of his image consultant. To defeat Batman is the ultimate plan and for a while he is bested by the shapely Penguin, and when I say shapely I mean round. Time and again Batman is humiliated, his pride being a major liability, and soon it appears as though it is Batman alone who is sending the city down the tubes. So while I sat through the Wrong Man plot for the 150th time ("Batman pushed her off the roof!!"), I also had to sit through some serious fat chewing sessions between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle (Catwoman) as they discuss the pros and cons of duality. Of course when she isn't trying to pick Bruce up she is unleashing a litany of back flips and bad double entendres ("Be gentle it's my first time") on his alter ego. I understand bad one liners are the name of the game because the average fan is 8 years old (in mind and/or body) but this script really went for the gold with them.

More than anything I am recommending this film for the Penguin and all his disgusting, creepy glory. This film had you believe that he truly believed that he was a ladies man and possible mayoral candidate. The fighting is more of the bang zoom variety as opposed to the more realistic, violent kind that Christopher Nolan rolled with in "Batman Begins." So while this one is nothing special it is worth a look for its creative set design and guilty pleasure appeal. Burton never took the franchise to the heights that Nolan did, but he never sank it like Joel Schumacher did either. So while you watch be sure to count your blessings that rubber lips are nowhere to be found. ***1/4

Happily N'ever After (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Boringly ever after
Wowww..... that was soooo slooooooww......
tepid, low-grade fractured fairy tale
It's a great kids' film with a lot of life lessons
Different...but Good!

Happily N'ever After (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: George Carlin , John Di Maggio , Andy Dick , Sarah Michelle Gellar , and Lisa Kaplan
Director: Paul J. Bolger , and Yvette Kaplan
Manufacturer: Lionsgate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)
Happy Feet (Full Screen Edition)
Flushed Away (Widescreen Edition)
Arthur and the Invisibles (Widescreen Edition)
Charlotte's Web (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000O58ZHQ
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Amazon.com

With the success of Shrek, more irreverent animated fairy tales (like Hoodwinked) were inevitable. Unfortunately, the original blockbuster set the bar so high--for characterization, humor, and heart--that other such 'toons are sure to seem redundant. Neither as clever nor as intricately rendered as the tale of the great green ogre, Happily N'Ever After is no exception. That said, small children may find it easier to follow, i.e. no Matrix references. As with the live-action Ella Enchanted, the CGI-animated story revolves around a downtrodden lass named Ella (Sarah Michelle Gellar). Her full name, naturally, is Cinderella. The man of her dreams is pea-brained Prince Humperdink (Patrick Warburton). Little does she know that royal dishwasher Rick (Freddie Prinze Jr., Gellar's real-life husband) has his eye on her. When the Wizard (George Carlin) goes off on a golfing vacation, he leaves bumbling assistants Munk (Wallace Shawn) and Mambo (Andy Dick) in charge. In no time at all, they get into a scuffle, and Ella's evil stepmother, Frieda (Sigourney Weaver), swoops in to take control of Fairy Tale Land. Her first order of business: Let the bad guys win. Consequently, Sleeping Beauty continues to doze, the Seven Dwarves wind up in jail, etc. Ella joins forces with Rick to set things right. Along the way, she realizes that the lowly lad has more princely qualities than the actual prince, and Frieda's reign turns out to be shorter than intended. It's not a bad idea, but the movie drags and the tunes are unmemorable. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Once upon a time will n'ever be the same again. Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Jack from the Beanstalk are all about to live happily ever after when the balance between good and evil gets thrown out of whack. It's up to Cinderella - aka Ella (Sarah Michelle Gellar) - to save the day by taking on her power-hungry stepmother, Frieda (Sigourney Weaver). But this time, Ella will have to do it without her Prince Charming (Patrick Warburton) as she joins forces with an unlikely army of dwarves, faries, and the Wizard's bumbling assistants, Mambo (Andy Dick) and Munk (Wallace Shawn). Your favorite fairy tales are turned upside down in this funny, fast-paced adventure that teaches the lesson that - no matter who you are - you have the power to affect how your story turns out!

Customer Reviews:

Boringly ever after.......2007-06-11

I usually wait two days after watching a DVD before writing its review. Unfortunately for this movie, I saw Shrek 3 at the theater the day after watching this on DVD. The storylines are eerily similar, however the execution of this movie was much worse. The plot of this movie is simple; Cinderalla's evil stepmother leads an uprising of villians and villianesses to take over Fairy Tale Land. Prince Charming's manservant and Cinderalla lead the good guys and win the day for all.

The animation of this movie was ok; not smoothflowing like traditional cartoons, and not pure CGI realism like Pixar movies. The music was plain and forgettable. The comedy was downright sloppy and unfunny. And the dialogue ranged from simple to stupid. I would recommend against spending the time or money for this DVD.

Wowww..... that was soooo slooooooww.............2007-06-03

A really boring movie. I just can't get over how excited I was to see it and how great the previews looked... but how utterly slow and boring it was. It had the narrative quality of, "Emperor's New Groove" and the plot of "Cinderella III: Twist in Time." All about a kitchen boy who loves Cinderella but never gets his limelight or the girl... but Cinderella's evil stepmother twists fate around while trying to change the balance of good and evil... and kitchen boy ends up getting the girl in the end. The wit was slow, the humor was slow, even the movements of the characters were slow paced! I had a hard time staying interested at all. My 3 yr old and 1 yr old did enjoy watching the movie though. So, it obviously has enough cartoon interest for small children. If it hadn't been for the little ones being interested - I would have shut the DVD off OR there was the option of shoving a sharp stick in my eye to keep from watching it... the movie was just that riveting... not.

In summary, I hated it.

tepid, low-grade fractured fairy tale.......2007-05-19

In this cynical age we live in, no serious filmmaker would ever be caught dead helming a "straight" version of a classic fairy tale - not when he can so easily go the postmodern route of deconstructing the characters, themes and plotlines until there's virtually nothing left of the original stories. That approach is not necessarily an invalid one, but rarely do such films attain the level of the "Shrek" movies, which, in terms of imagination and sophistication, are clearly the cream of the crop when it comes to films in this genre. More often than not, the non-"Shrek" efforts fall flat, landing uncomfortably between cynicism and reverence and alienating their audience in the process.

This is what happens with "Happily N'Ever After," a film whose very title tips us off to its iconoclastic intentions. In this twist on the Cinderella story, the evil stepmother gains possession of a magic staff whose primary purpose is that of making sure all the various fairy tales go according to schedule. Soon, she is taking over Fairytaleland, making witches, trolls and villains the primary powerbrokers of the kingdom and placing the traditional happy endings of all those beloved stories in serious jeopardy.

Even though this inverted-plot approach is far from original, "Happily N'Ever After" might have been an entertaining movie had it at least managed to be funny. The screenplay, however, is almost totally devoid of laughs, despite the sardonic tone of the narration and the pedestrian modernity of the dialogue, both of which are intended to domesticate the more fantastic elements and make the enterprise itself seem relevant and "hip." The strategy doesn't work, due in large part to the immense feebleness of the storyline and jokes.

The movie boasts attractively drawn backdrops, sparkling bright colors and a cleanness in the design and animation that work well for the story. The voice work by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., Andy Dick, Wallace Shawn, Patrick Warburton and Sigourney Weaver is workmanlike and decent, but nothing can really keep "Happily N'Ever After" from being a flatfooted fractured fairy tale for only the very youngest of young audiences.

It's a great kids' film with a lot of life lessons.......2007-05-19

It's a little too young for adults like my husband and I who have gotten spoiled by the folks who throw in a funny double entendre or two to keep the parents from nodding off. Definitely a good show for anyone with young girls to see. It's a great lesson that little girls can choose their own destinies and rescue themselves.

Different...but Good!.......2007-05-13

This had a different twist to it from the traditional fairytale!!! But it was cute & funny. Kids and Adults enjoyed this one.

Average customer rating:

Very funny, in a Napoleanic way
Very charming
Put this in your pipe and smoke it
Good, but flawed
just watch it.

Smoke Signals
Starring: Adam Beach , Evan Adams , Irene Bedard , Gary Farmer , and Tantoo Cardinal
Director: Chris Eyre
Manufacturer: Miramax
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Pow Wow Highway
Dreamkeeper
Skins
Incident at Oglala - The Leonard Peltier Story
The Education of Little Tree

ASIN: 6305428417
Release Date: 1999-09-28

Amazon.com

Based on a couple of short stories (from The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven) by Sherman Alexie, Smoke Signals is a lean and assured feature that speaks well of its lengthy, rich evolution, including a development stint at Sundance. The first feature made by a Native American crew and creative team, the film concerns two young Idaho men with radically different memories of one Arnold Joseph (Gary Farmer), a former resident of the reservation who split years before and has just died in Phoenix. Arnold's strapping, popular son, Victor (Adam Beach), remembers him best as an alcoholic, occasionally abusive father who drove off one day and never came back. By contrast, Thomas Builds-the-Fire (Evan Adams), whom Arnold had saved from certain death years earlier, has chosen to exaggerate the man's life and deeds in a mythmaking fashion that drives Victor crazy. Circumstances bring the two together, however, in a bus ride to retrieve Arnold's ashes. There, in Phoenix, a confrontation with the reality of the dead man's fullest legacy has a profound effect on both characters. Alexie, who wrote the script and was personally involved in all aspects of the production, and first-time director Chris Eyre are so polished in their approach that you can barely feel the cinematic engine at work here. This is the kind of movie in which the characters seem to be driving everything forward, a captivating and pleasant experience that gets a little too tidy at the end (can we call a moratorium on scenes of human ashes lovingly disposed to the winds?), but which is undeniably moving. The cast, including Irene Bedard (the voice of and physical inspiration for Disney's Pocahontas) is outstanding. --Tom Keogh

Description

Critically acclaimed as one of the best films of the year, SMOKE SIGNALS was also a distinguished winner at the Sundance Film Festival! Though Victor and Thomas have lived their entire young lives in the same tiny town, they couldn't have less in common! But when Victor is urgently called away, it's Thomas who comes up with the money to pay for his trip. There's just one thing Victor has to do: take Thomas along for the ride! You're in for a rare and entertaining comic treat as this most unlikely pair leave home on what becomes an unexpectedly unforgettable adventure of friendship and discovery!

Customer Reviews:

Very funny, in a Napoleanic way.......2007-05-22

This is one of those quirky sleepers I just love to see. No big name stars, just pure entertainment...a gem. I believe that this movie accurately depicts life on the reservation. It's a mixed bag, just like everywhere else in life, but the people are good , and struggling together with all of their strengths and flaws.

I've had frybread as a guest of the Navaho in Gallup, and this movie made me yearn for more. Don't miss it!

Very charming.......2007-04-19

This is a charming movie, very funny, but with statements on family and unsuspecting friendship that cut across all cultures. The only real problem is the WIG. Buy it and watch, you'll see what I mean. The WIG is, in itself so hilarious that it's worth buying the movie. Poor Adam Beach, to be subjected to that!

Put this in your pipe and smoke it.......2007-04-10

If only movies like "Smoke Signals" were box-office hits, the world would be a better place. Sundance Films recognized this movie's brilliance, so that is something. This movie of friendship and family is both incredibly moving and incredibly funny. I had no idea who the actors (Adam Beach, Evan Adams) were when I rented this movie. I think I was intrigued by the fact that it was a Native American film, and I have an interest in Native American art, literature, music and film. You will be even more touched if you happened to have grown up with an alcoholic father. I rented the movie twice, heard one of the songs from the film, "John Wayne's Teeth" on the radio this past Thanksgiving, and ordered the DVD online the next day. It is one of my favorite movies ever!

Good, but flawed.......2007-03-22

I see all these five-star reviews and wonder if I was the only one who found this move overwrought and a little bit corny? Overall I really enjoyed it, but it was sort of obtuse. I heartily enjoyed "Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" and when I viewed Smoke Signals I thought "Whoa! They must have pried this from Sherman Alexie's hands and ran with it! I'm surprised he didn't insist on having his name taken off it!" I was surprised to find out that he co-produced it and wrote the screenplay!

The acting could have been better, although I thought Thomas Builds-the-fire was very cute with his braids and big smile. It bothered me that the characters in this movie were constantly expounding on the fact that they were Indian. They brought it up every couple of minutes! Somehow, I doubt that that is what real Indians do. We know you're Indian, you don't have to state it. "What are you going to trade us? Because we're Indian, remember? We barter!" I would think that most Indians don't see a lot of novelty in the fact that they are Indian and these characters certainly did. This made it seem like the film was presenting "Indians" in third person rather than letting them be themselves. It would have been improved if it had been a little more natural and less self-conscious.

Over all, though, it's worth seeing despite its corniness for its powerful message and, of course, the cuteness of smiley Evan Adams.

just watch it........2007-03-20

This movie gives us a lot of knowledge about how Native Americans feel and live their daily life. We can see the real life style of them in the movie because real Native Americans produced it and acted in it, it was very interesting. Communication between the two guys was also very funny. They have a sense of humor and always tried to make their life happy. We can tell from this movie how different values of the White Americans and that of the Native American are.

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Actress

Actress