DVD

Average customer rating:

Unless you're a newly hatched pod person...
Improtant issues done well-with reservations
"Sicko", the movie on the health care industry, opens June 29th!
Not nearly as good as Farenheit
guns don't kill people?

Bowling for Columbine
Starring: Michael Caldwell , Dick Cheney , Dick Clark , Bill Clinton , and Byron Dorgan
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Fahrenheit 9/11
Roger & Me
Super Size Me
Uncovered - The Whole Truth About the Iraq War
The Big One

ASIN: B00008DDVV
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Amazon.com

Michael Moore's superb documentary (following in the footsteps of Roger & Me and The Big One) tackles a meaty subject: gun control. Moore skillfully lays out arguments surrounding the issue and short-circuits them all, leaving one impossible question: why do Americans kill each other more often than people in any other democratic nation? Moore focuses his quest around the shootings at Columbine High School and the shooting of one 6-year-old by another near his own hometown of Flint, Michigan. By approaching the headquarters of K-Mart (where the Columbine shooters bought their ammo) and going to Charlton Heston's own home, Moore demands accountability from the forces that support unrestricted gun sales in the U.S. His arguments are conducted with the humor and empathy that have made Moore more than just a gadfly; he's become a genuine voice of reason in a world driven by fear and greed. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Acclaimed filmmaker Michael Moore (Roger & Me) takes aim at America's love affair with guns and violence in this Oscar(r)-winning* film that "demands attention" (People)! Mixing riveting footage, hilarious animation and candid interviews with everyone from the NRA's Charlton Heston to shock-rocker Marilyn Manson, Bowling for Columbine is a "brilliant" (The Hollywood Reporter) tour de force of filmmaking. *2002: Documentary Feature

Customer Reviews:

Unless you're a newly hatched pod person..........2007-07-02

...you already know that one must consider the semiotics of exclusionism in order to fully understand Michael Moore's witticisms. But let me add that Michael lies routinely -- even under oath. I will start this discussion by arguing that "oligophrenic" hardly seems like a strong enough word to describe Michael. Then, I will present evidence that Michael is unable to support his assertions with documentation of any sort. Once we realize that, what do we do? The appropriate thing, in my judgment, is to clarify and correct some of the inaccuracies present in Michael's canards. I say that because to believe that he is the ultimate authority on what's right and what's wrong is to deceive ourselves. Ancient Greek dramatists discerned a peculiar virtue in being tragic. Michael would do well to realize that they never discerned any virtue in being unconscionable.

Michael's rejoinders are like an enormous barbarism-spewing machine. We must begin dismantling that structure. We must put a monkey wrench in its gears. And we must improve the physical and spiritual quality of life for the population at present and for those yet to come, because Michael has a one-track mind. That's clear. But either Michael has no real conception of the sweep of history, or he is merely intent on winning some debating pin by trying to pierce a hole in my logic with "facts" that are taken out of context. Now that this review is over, I pray that my logic and passion have convinced you that the most myopic personæ non gratæ I've ever seen thrive when the rest of us underestimate the threat they pose or are too weak or unorganized to hold the line.

Improtant issues done well-with reservations.......2007-06-18

There is much to like AND dislike about this movie.

people often dismiss M/M as a leftist, but I think he strikes a balance in this film as an equal-opportunity critic of both the far left AND the far right (note the discussion with Marilyn Manson about Bill Clinton where they both are quite critical of Mr. Bill).

The sections on Canada and gun control are quite deep in debunking the rationales of causes of violence in America. However, trying to compare violence in different countires and cultures (i.e., comparing America's violent past with the fact that Germany has less violence today but was responsible for the Holocaust) depends on relativity and perspective.

The section on blacks, violence, and the media was dead-on target, with Mike and a white professor walking through South Central Los Angeles without anyone trying to harm them, although it would have been interesting if they had interviewed one of the residents about their opinions of the perceptions of their community. The cartoon on violence and race relations was also thought provoking, if a tad simplified (the 'toon omits the fact that blacks DID rebel against our oppression between the slave rebellions and Rosa Parks, although this is not well known among non-historians).

The Charlton Heston interview was ok, except I did not like the exploitation of the picture of the dead six year old Michigan girl who was killed by gunfire and what Mike does with the picture in this scene. This smacks of opporunitist grandstanding of the worst kind, and I would hate to see the reaction of the child's parents to this!

But that is the only thing I really disliked about the film. That aside, it says a lot of things that really need to be said and provokes a lot of thought.

"Sicko", the movie on the health care industry, opens June 29th!.......2007-06-08

Michael Moore rules! Keep hope alive!
Go see "SICKO" on JUNE 29th! I'll be there!!

Not nearly as good as Farenheit.......2007-06-07

I expected a little more from this movie after watching Farenheit 911, perhaps Moore has gotten better with time. It's difficult to grasp what point he's trying to make in this film. In one breath Moore says that Americans are afraid of one another and lock their doors every night and behave irrationally, yet in the next he lists crime statistics as being multiple times higher than other countries. So what is the point? Americans lock their door because the crime rate is high, it seems like we're actually being intelligent rather than irrational. The cartoon with the Pilgrams and early America is hilarious and worth the price of admission, but even that winds up being very skewed at the end. I wish Moore would have tackled the problem of inner cities and the rampant gun problem rather than attack the "whites" throughout the entire film.

I am certainly in favor of far stricter regulations and laws regarding gun use, but Moore just seems to touch on way too many points that are disjointed. At one point he attacks the media for scaring us, yet he is a very member of this media and is basically just a reporter himself. There are some very humorous parts and some very intelligent insights, but Moore was definitely more polished by the time he produced Farenheit. I was slightly disappointed overall by this film, but it keeps your interest throughout.

guns don't kill people?.......2007-04-23

This film, flawed as it may be (mostly in the eyes of its detractors), once again must confront the blatantly inane axiom that "guns don't kill people." Guns DO kill people; and the people who use them are the cowards that stand behind them. The American Rifle Murderers and others of their ilk try to hide behind a Second Amendment that is now outdated historically and morally. And their gun lobbying and support have produced not only Columbine but the most recent tragedy in Virginia (2007). MIchael Moore should be applauded and lionized as a humorist with a true grit kick. What he says in this film is played out in this free (to die) society on a daily basis.

Average customer rating:

kiddie movie
Best Ghost Story In A Long Time
Eerie and enjoyable
wrong region
The best ghost I've seen.

The Devil's Backbone (Special Edition)
Starring: Marisa Paredes , Eduardo Noriega (II) , Federico Luppi , Fernando Tielve , and Íñigo Garcés
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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Pan's Labyrinth (New Line Two-Disc Platinum Series)
Mimic
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ASIN: B000274TLW
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Amazon.com

Seething passions, wandering ghosts, and an unexploded bomb fill this beautifully filmed tale of war and suspense. Though The Devil's Backbone was advertised as a horror movie in the States, it's really more of a drama that happens to have ghosts in it. During the Spanish Civil War, young Carlos is abandoned at a completely isolated orphanage. The tensions therein have been building for years, exacerbated by the unexploded bomb resting menacingly in the courtyard. Bullies scheme, tempers flare, and a ghost that visits Carlos's bed seems to be the key to it all. The movie is full of excellent performances, especially by Marisa Paredes as the gruff-but-kind headmistress, Eduardo Noriega as the handyman with secrets to keep, and Federico Luppi as the benevolent professor who likes to keep deformed fetuses in jars. A rich, satisfying drama with some good, spooky fun thrown in. --Ali Davis

Customer Reviews:

kiddie movie.......2007-06-26

gave it 5 stars -this is a great movie But for kids between 12-16yrs old.

Best Ghost Story In A Long Time.......2007-06-26

This movie was simply riveting. Beautifully acted and filmed, believable. It was intelligent, touching, and at times truly spooky. I was impressed, and I'm about as jaded as a horror fan can get. Best of all, this was neither creampie fluff like the run of the mill boring torture flicks coming out of Hollywood these days, not was it a pure jump here scream there funhouse ride like most of the current flavor of Japanese Horror. This was a darn fine movie, intelligent, rich, mesmerizing and with a plausible plot, believable characters, and a satisfying ending. Good stuff.

Eerie and enjoyable.......2007-06-12

I truly enjoyed this movie. I think the acting is quite good and the movie is definately worth watching.

wrong region.......2007-06-10

I was not actually able to see this film because the small print on the back of the cassette says it can not be played outside of the USA and Canada and as I live in Great Britain the film was of little use to me.

I was not able to print the returns labels from Amazon at the time the time of logging in and when I tried to re visit the returns page again, Amazon claimed I had nothing valid to return. I am therefore left with a dvd that I cannot use.

Subsequent emails to and from Amazon ensued with the company telling me that they do not recognise me e mail address yet I am sent e mails advertising their store.

What a poor show Amazon.

A disappointed customer.

The best ghost I've seen........2007-06-07

This fantasy/thriller is a companion to Cronos and more popularly Pan's Labyrinth. It shares a common sequence that the director Guillermo Del Toro explains as his rhythm to a movie. As did Hitchcock in his films, creating a rhythm by showing early in the story a deliberate number of memorable scenes and then using those replicated instances in the same exactness for another purpose, therefor setting up a repitition that makes it more meaningful and significant. We see this many times, and he is not limited to only mimicing Hitchcock. All of his movies are filled with homages to cinema greats. A small line from a Terrance Malick film here, and a more obvious homage to John Ford, mirroring his tortured landscapes in The Grapes of Wrath for the outdoors of his ruined Spanish school yard. Del Toro takes the time to guide you through his style in his colorful and insightful commentaries. A favorite feature of mine, because it teaches you about the movie process and of his thought process. And you get to know the man, he has a great sense of humor. Guillermo loves taking a hollywood instrument, such as ghost in the dark, and unbreakable lighting schemes, and to his own enjoyment breaks those unsaid laws, by showing ghosts in broad daylight, and by giving you sharp contrasts in colors. Such as having a metal blue night, yet a warm, sensual withindoors color in sharp contrast. And he does it in such a way as to be genuin, never tinsely. I appreciate his hard work, and his passion has a way of touching others. A splendid Artist who focuses on Spanish history and social politics; and juxtaposing these very serious topics with fantasy, and somehow, it indescribably gives the fantasy world more credibility.

Average customer rating:

Disappointed
A high school noir just as tough as its adult counterparts
(3.5 STARS) Engaging Modern-Day Noir Set in American High School
get a teen terp
Who took the brick?

Brick
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt , and Emilie De Ravin
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (Widescreen Edition)
Inside Man (Widescreen Edition)
V for Vendetta (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Little Miss Sunshine
The Departed (Two-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B000FVQM2Y
Release Date: 2006-08-08

Amazon.com

High school collides with hard-boiled film noir in the twisty, cunning Brick. When he gets a mysterious message from his ex-girlfriend, a high school loner named Brendan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mysterious Skin) starts to dig into a crisscrossed web of drugs and duplicity, eventually getting entwined in the criminal doings of a teenage crime lord known as the Pin (Lukas Haas), his thuggish henchman Tugger (Noah Fleiss, Joe the King), and a mysterious girl named Laura (Nora Zehetner, Fifty Pills). Brick has not only the seductive, labyrinthine plot of a crime thriller by Dashiell Hammett (The Maltese Falcon) or Raymond Chandler (Farewell, My Lovely) but also a dense high-school version of hard-boiled lingo that's both comic and poetic. The movie unfolds with headlong momentum as Brendan manipulates, fights, and staggers his way through layers of high-school society. Gordon-Levitt is excellent; between this and the equally compelling Mysterious Skin, he's left his 3rd Rock from the Sun days behind. Also featuring Meagan Good (Waist Deep) and Richard Roundtree (Shaft). --Bret Fetzer

Description

Brendan Frye is a loner, someone who knows all the angles but has chosen to stay on the outside. When the girl he loves turns up dead, he is determined to find the "who" and "why" and plunges into the dark and dangerous social strata of rich girl Laura, intimidating Tug, drug-addled Dode, seductive Kara, and the ominous Pin. But who can he really trust? These are the ingredients of Brick, a gritty and provocative thriller that critics describe as "a clever, twist-filled whodunit!" (Claudia Puig, USA Today)

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2007-06-24

Think Disney meets CSI. It's a really odd movie, and painful to watch. I was mad at the end. I gave it 3 stars for the good acting. The plot, script & directing are laughable though.

A high school noir just as tough as its adult counterparts.......2007-06-24

Thinking about high school, it's odd that no "high school noir" films existed prior to the last few years. High school is such a perfect setting for a film noir, and though it may seem ridiculous at first, there's many parallels between the world of a teenager and a character in a 1940s noir, be it the battle between the police and the shamuses and the battle between the administrators and the students or the shady meetings under bridges and the shady meetings in the parking lot after school. In 2004, Rob Thomas' Chandler-esque take on high school hit UPN (and later the CW) as "Veronica Mars," and one year later, "Brick" premiered at Sundance.

While "Veronica Mars" is on the lighter side of noir, "Brick" is a pitch black, gritty piece which recalls Howard Hawks' "The Big Sleep," with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The resemblance isn't in the style of director Rian Johnson (which bears a striking similarity to that used by David Lynch in one of his own neo-noir's, 1992's "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me"), but in the convoluted script, the conspicuous characters, and particularly the rapidfire, hard-boiled dialogue, delivered at a startling pace by a talented young cast. This includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, best known as the youngest alien explorer from "3rd Rock from the Sun," along with Emilie de Ravin of "Lost," Lukas Haas, Noah Fleiss, and Richard Roundtree, the original "Shaft." Gordon-Levitt's role is a far cry from his work on "Third Rock." He's cool, quick-witted, and tough, something of a much more contemptuous Sam Spade. Gordon-Levitt is truly excellent, and he shows real promise should he be cast in the right roles. Haas and Fleiss both play their roles quite well, but it's Meagan Good as a scheming drama queen (literally) who commands the most attention.

The film's plot, even at its barest, is quite clearly shaped in the noir mold: Gordon-Levitt's character, a high school student who keeps himself distanced from his classmates, thrusts himself into the cliques in an effort to find out who murdered his ex-girlfriend. His search leads him to the Pin (Haas), a 26-year-old drug kingpin. In one of the film's most memorable scenes, Gordon-Levitt meets with the Pin and his henchman in the kitchen, while the Pin's mother serves them breakfast and apple juice before kissing him goodbye. It's the one scene in "Brick" where writer/director Johnson acknowledges that all our characters are kids, and that the film itself revolves around high school, despite its utterly somber tone.

The rest of the movie is so relentlessly straight-faced and serious that you almost forget it's a film noir about high school. It's classic noir, though. The protagonist loner with a rocky exterior and a noble interior, looking to do the right thing; the suspicious, all-powerful, ominous villain, usually an obsese fifty-year-old businessman but in this case a twenty-something drug dealer living in his basement; the femme fatale, a beautiful seductress with a hidden agenda; even the flirtatious and manipulative female who usually is an actress or waitress or secretary, or something along those lines, but who here is the lead actress in the high school drama club. Much of the film's charm comes from consideration of its many allegories to "adult" noir tales.

The execution of this sort of idea matters so much, because, after all, what is a film noir if not cinema at its most stylish? Johnson is well aware of this, though. It shows not only in the maturity and seasoned approach of his directing, but also in the stimulating photography and, especially, in the stunning editing. It comes as no surprise that the editing, also by Johnson, is so good, since Johnson began his career editing his short film "Evil Demon Goofball from Hell!!!" and then Lucky McKee's popular "May." "Brick" would make an excellent sample film to show young editors, since Johnson - at 29, a young editor himself - has done such a spectacular job, fashioning a seamless flow of jump cuts, point-of-view shots, distorted lenses, and exposed film. Supporting this is an inventive, unorthodox score by Nathan Johnson, comprised of some sort of naiive bells and the woeful trumpet which Jerry Goldsmith used in his music for "Chinatown" and "L.A. Confidential."

It's a pity that "Brick" didn't get more notice. It was unquestionably one of the best films of 2005. I'd even go so far as to call it one of the top films I've ever seen. Viewed as a film from an experienced director, it's a stellar film, but when viewed as Johnson's debut, it's a fantastic achievement. Fortunately, Johnson seems to have received the attention he deserved from this film: his next project stars big-name actors like Rachel Weisz and Adrien Brody. I really hope Gordon-Levitt gets some decent roles, because he proves his acting prowess here. It's films with the originality and effort of "Brick" that keep the industry going, and if you haven't seen it, don't hesitate to leap up and hunt for it like Sam Spade for the maltese falcon.

(3.5 STARS) Engaging Modern-Day Noir Set in American High School .......2007-06-09

Imagine a really complicated murder mystery of 1940s-ish noir like "The Maltese Falcon" set in modern American high school, and you will get "Brick," first-time director Rian Johnson's experimental, but entertaining crime drama. Brendan, hard-boiled-type, Bogart-like high school student, is determined to find out the truths behind the death of his former girl-friend, and with a help from bespectacled buddy (Matt O'Leary), he confronts the thugs with knife and gun, and a grinning drug lord (Lucas Haas) while fending off the threat from the authorities ... not the police, but the vice-principal of the school.

This detective-story-in-high-school premise could have been a very bad joke with another director, but in fact the results are much better than you expect with strong acting of the cast, especially from Joseph Gordon-Levitt as hard-nosed Brendan, and sure-handed direction from Rian Johnson. It takes a while to get accustomed to the rhythm and mood of the film, and lots of slang too, but once you do, you find the film surprisingly engaging with the story of complicated mystery among a web of these eccentric characters.

Still I was a little disappointed with the film's female characters. There is no chemistry or sexual tension between Brendan and other female characters, especially with Laura played by Nora Zehetner in Chinese dress, and beautiful as she is, she is no Mary Astor. This kind of story needs a femme fatale, but how can you find a Barbara Stanwyck wearing an anklet in today's high school?

"Brick" is perhaps a love-or-hate film with its bleak mood and dry humor. Whatever your reaction might be, it is true that "Brick" is very unique nonetheless.

get a teen terp.......2007-06-04

You need a teenager to interpret some language in here. Heh, not really. It's just really interesting how the dialogue is throughout the film. After all, it is a teenager's quest to find out who killed his ex-girlfriend.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Brendan, who is a high-schooler and a former drug dealer. An ex-girlfriend of his, Emily, slips him a note for a telephonic rendezvous. She's scared but just cannot tell him what is going on. When a car passes, she hangs and disappears.

2 days later, Brendan finds Emily dead in a ditch. Piqued by Emily's last phone call, he's determined to find out who killed her and why. With the help of his only trusted friend, The Brain, his investigations takes him to some questionable characters. These characters are thespians, Gothic punks, drug dealers, thugs and a drug lord.

The dialogues throughout is just what made the film interesting. Plus, the suspense factor helped. The background music was wonderful and surely helped the buildup of suspense.

I'll definitely watch this one again!

Who took the brick?.......2007-06-03

As the story opens, high school student and former drug dealer Brendan Frey (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), receives a cryptic message from his ex-girlfriend, Emily. She dropped him when she started hanging out with the popular kids, and now she's missing. Brendan's search leads him through a maze of nasty jocks and violent drug dealers that eventually leads to Emily's dead body. Now Brendan must find the killer - is it the local drug lord, the drama queen, the hit man, or an enigmatic cheerleader?

If you're looking for something really different, "Brick" is for you. Rian Johnson wrote and directed "Brick" as an homage to the film noir style of the forties. To call the characters and dialogue "hard-boiled" would be an understatement. They are all so jaded and calloused and see little or no value in life. They speak in a teen/drug code that is so unique I actually had to turn on the subtitles to understand it. That didn't detract from the movie, however. Once I figured out what the slang meant, it was a fascinating new language.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has matured a lot since he was in "Third Rock From the Sun." He carries the movie with his James Dean-charisma and brooding charm. Lukas Haas gives a subtle, eerie performance as the club-footed drug lord. There is only one adult in the movie, making the teens seem even more alone and alienated from mainstream society. This is a moody, intense, and unflinching look at the teen drug world. (It's interesting that there are no curse words, no drugs are mentioned by name, and no drugs are taken on camera.) Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Jolie, Hufmann, Bracco!!
awesome but unknown movie
Classic Fav!
Good fun
Must have for Miller fans

Hackers
Starring: Jonny Lee Miller , Angelina Jolie , Jesse Bradford , Matthew Lillard , and Laurence Mason
Director: Iain Softley
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: 6305047456
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Amazon.com

As a depiction of the computer-hacker underground, this movie is bogus to the bone. As a thriller, it's cartoonish and conventional. The premise (computer-happy kids hack into the wrong system, and the Forces of Repression come after them) is recycled from John Badham's 1983 WarGames. And the corporate-creep bad guy, played by Fisher Stevens, steeples his fingers and growls mossy villainous clichés. ("By the time they realize the truth, we'll be long gone with all the money.") For all its postmodern trappings the movie is working with sub-prehistoric storytelling tools. But it does succeed on one level, as a movie about adolescent bonding and alienation. The director, Iain Softley, helmed the Beatles-in-Hamburg biopic Backbeat, and he seems to have an instinct for the emotions that pull kids together around common interests and the insecurities that drive them apart. The familiar crises of loyalty and betrayal have an ache of real loneliness. It doesn't hurt that the two stars, Jonny Lee Miller (Sick Boy Williamson in Trainspotting) and Angelina Jolie (Gia), are just about equally gorgeous and charismatic; their longing glances steam up the screen. --David Chute

Customer Reviews:

Jolie, Hufmann, Bracco!!.......2007-06-30

Oh! Do I have your attention now!?? Buy this and watch three of the most talented actresses alive and two of the most beautiful (sorry Huffman, but you do frumpy like no ones business). A good look at Jolie tosee her roots. and a puzzle movie where allt he piece's fit!

awesome but unknown movie.......2007-06-15

This movie is very underrated. For how much great acting as well as the great story line this movie needs to be appreciated more as those two fat guys, ebert and roper (however you spell his name), say. "I give this movie 2 thumbs way, way up." On top of all this I think Penn Jillete, although a small part was AWESOME. Thank you and I take my leave.

Classic Fav!.......2007-05-28

This movie has always been a fav. of mine! Angelina Jolie never looks(ed) better then she does in this movie!! I love the special effects!! I bought this along with Hackers 2 (Track Down), and Hackers 3 (Antitrust) All a Must have for any geek!!

Good fun.......2007-04-13

This movie is a good fun time, with interesting characters and an intriguing story line. Although the technology is somewhat outdated it is easy to suspend belief and to become involved in the story. For me, Matthew Lillard was a standout character and his performance really made the movie for me.

Must have for Miller fans.......2007-03-20

If you like Johnny Miller then you have to have Hackers. It is a great movie with good acting and lots of funny moments.

Average customer rating:

looking for capoeira? this is the movie
Martial arts to a dance
If you like Capoeira you have seen this already
gREAT SHOWCASE FOR mARK DACASCAS, don't expect that good of a movie
A strong movie

Only the Strong
Starring: Mark Dacascos , Stacey Travis , Geoffrey Lewis , Paco Christian Prieto , and Todd Susman
Director: Sheldon Lettich
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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Best of the Best
Bloodsport
The Last Dragon
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Best Of The Best 3: No Turning Back/ Best Of The Best 4: Without Warning

ASIN: B0000DD76R
Release Date: 2003-12-16

Description

Ex-Special Forces soldier Louis Stevens (Mark Dacascos) returns to Miami to find his former high school overrun by drugs and violence. A master of the Brazilian martial art, capoeira, Stevens pledges to straighten out a dozen of the school's worst students by teaching them this demanding and highly-disciplined fighting style. Slowly, his program begins to work, giving the students new hope and purpose. But the local drug lord, himself a martial arts expert, vows to stop Stevens' positive influence. Now Stevens must fight to save his own life, as well as the lives of his rebellious young students.

Customer Reviews:

looking for capoeira? this is the movie.......2007-05-30

Amongst the thousands of martial arts films in circulation, it is near impossible to find one that focuses on Capoeira fighting. And among a few films that contain tournaments, such as the Bloodsport series, you can find a Capoeira fighter in the tournament. But if you are looking for a fighting style used throughout an entire film, Only The Strong is the only movie I know of.

In addition to a Capoeira treat, the movie stars Marc Dacascos, a fan favorite by many who has been in several notable films such as Drive, Cradle 2 The Grave, and American Samurai. Though not a true Capoeira fighter, Dacascos did a pretty good job of learning it for this film. Though the fights look unrealistic because of all the flash of the moves, nevertheless it is beautiful choreography that is quite original and never gets old. This is why we watch movies after all, to see fantasy fights that look sweet.

As for the story, though somewhat cheesy, I thought it too was quite original. The Mark Dacascos character returns to his old high school in Miami, Florida and begins a program to teach the absolute worst kids there the art of Capoeira. Unfortunately, one of the student's cousins, Silverio (played by Paco Christian Prieto - Street Law, Champions), tries to put an end to it, leading up to a big confrontation and fight between Dacascos and Prieto. I loved the fight scene. It lasted 4 minutes, about average length, and took place on a sgement of Miami beach at night. The choreography for this fight was amazing to watch.
You might even like the soundtrack for this film, which incorporates a lot of rhythm and beat for the fighting. Songs like "Bananawe" may stick in your head for hours and hours after watching.
I highly recommend Only The Strong if you want to see a lot of Capoeira fighting, or just something different in a martial arts movie. I also recommend Tony Jaa's newest movie "The Protector" if you want to see a really flashly fight involving Capoeira.

Martial arts to a dance.......2007-05-15

I love this Brazilain technique looks imposible. this is one of my all time favourite movie. good thing is it actually has a story line to it, it doesn't go straight to fighting. As a kid going to a bad schooll with a bad attitude a teacher straightens him out then ships off to the navy in brazil were he learns the deadily art of capoeira.

If you like Capoeira you have seen this already.......2007-01-03

So only the strong is not a great movie. Poor acting, formulaic plot, cheesy....everything but it is one of the only movies in the U.S. that has a lot of Capoeira. As a capoeirista myself I found the actual demonstration of the art to be very limited and the writers understanding of the art to be somewhat lacking. Mark Dacascos is not a Capoeirista but trained in a style of kung fu, explaining why his skill in Capoeira is less than desireable but his basic fighting knowledge pretty good. He trained for six months in capoeira for this movie which is not enought to really get any good. In response to one of the other posts, Capoeira is Brazilian. It is based on an African fighting style but does not currently , nor has it since the slaves modified it so much, resembled the lost African art it originated from. OTS is a campy movie that has a lot of flaws to it.

All that being said I have to say that I really liked. Admittedly it has so many things wrong with it that I could not list them all here but I didn't care when watching it. It is fun, and easy to get into. As a capoeirista I felt that they showed a good effort in displaying all the art in many parts, even if the writers really didn't understand on a higher level what it is about. The movie was memorable and entertaining. I recomend watching it but I just can't give it more than three stars because of huge cheese factor. If you like movies such as the last dragon you will like this. If you haven't seen TLD then buy them both, get a few friends together and watch them both. Great fun and a lot of memorable, cheesy quotes that will last you a lifetime.

gREAT SHOWCASE FOR mARK DACASCAS, don't expect that good of a movie.......2006-03-07

This is oen of your favorite movies from back when you were 10, you probably remember it. Most of the characters seemed like they are dubbed even though this is an American movie. No real great fight scenes, but if you are one of those people who like Jet Li's the Master, then you will probably like this.

A strong movie.......2006-02-01

Mark Darascos is a great martial-artist and "Only the Strong" is where he shines. This film is an under-rated flick that is a must own for any fan of martial-art movies.

Average customer rating:

Sweet Movie...
unknown
worth seeing
AKA - A Song for the Season
A Holiday Romance

A Holiday Romance
Starring: Naomi Judd , Andy Griffith , Gerald McRaney , Alison Pill , and Nah Joon
Director: Bobby Roth
Manufacturer: Direct Source Label
ProductGroup: DVD
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A Holiday to Remember
A Christmas Visitor
Eve's Christmas
Christmas Snow
A Holiday for Love

ASIN: B000FGFBVM
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Customer Reviews:

Sweet Movie..........2007-06-10

A good story, although I wish it were a bit deeper, and a sweet romance in the making. Family friendly and safe.

unknown.......2007-03-08

hard to review something that hasn't been delivered. Ordered on 2/5/07 and asked to review. Go figure

worth seeing.......2007-02-16

Yes, if you're looking for a feel-good movie, you should definitely get this one. Darrah Cloud knows how to put together a story with bang-up endings, and this movie with its two story threads has two great endings, back-to-back.

But there is some bad news. Naomi Judd (unless of course you're a fan of hers) is not much of an actress here. Her scenes look more like a personal appearance, with lines.

The daughter is cute and believable. The uncle is also credible.

The love story is totally botched. The pacing is disjointed. And there is a lack of motivation. It is simply not credible, so don't expect to be touched by it.

Andy is Andy, and he adds a touch a quality that makes the others look more amateurish than they otherwise would.

The rock music (and the absence of Christmas music) was a bit grating. It was sad that the school kids couldn't relate to any Christmas carols. They had to have rock. The raw, harsh tone of the girl singing what were supposed to be Christmas songs was a dischordant note for me. Others might not be bothered.

Still, I say don't miss it. There aren't that many that you can afford to pass it up. Darrah Cloud's "A Holiday for Love" is a much better movie, so if you're only getting one, get that one instead.

AKA - A Song for the Season .......2007-01-26

I really liked this Christmas movie, but I don't understand why the identical movie has two different names. The new principal (hatchet-man) has come to Bethlehem to revamp the high school and falls for the music teacher who is helping his niece.

A Holiday Romance.......2007-01-18

These days it's hard to find a good, family movie that tells a great story without being too sentimental at the same time. I really enjoyed the way Naomi Judd brought out the best in Gerald McRaney and his niece. This was a heart-warming movie of many triumphs.

Average customer rating:

Over the Edge
Rebels with a cause, and led by a young Matt Dillon
Failing to plan for the kids was a "Cheap Trick"
Over the Edge
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL...

Over the Edge
Starring: Matt Dillon , Tom Fergus , Jeff Fleury , Ellen Geer , and Kristina Hanson (II)
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

My Bodyguard
Tex
The Outsiders
The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane
Corvette Summer

ASIN: B000A0GOEG
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Amazon.com

Return to the pre-Internet days of 1979, when teens had KISS on their T-shirts and Led Zeppelin on their walls (wait, other than the high-waisted pants, that could be today). Richie (Matt Dillon in an electrifying debut) and Carl (Michael Kramer) are two such teens stuck in the planned community of New Granada (rural Colorado). Richie is a two-bit hood in Jackie Earle Haley (Bad News Bears) mode. Carl, his partner in mischief (breaking curfew, setting off firecrackers), comes from a more stable environment. Once a gun enters the picture, petty crime leads to tragedy and then apocalyptic revenge. Over the Edge gets the details right: the kids, the era, and their frustration with an uncomprehending adult world. At times, it almost feels like documentary, except for a few moments of high Kubrick-meets-Walter Hill drama, as when Carl gets jumped by a couple of hoods, including Vincent Spano (Baby It's You). Directed by Jonathan Kaplan (The Accused) and shot by Andrew Davis (The Fugitive), Over the Edge was unavailable for too long and deserves to find the same audience as other teen rebellion classics like co-writer Tim Hunter's River's Edge. The period-perfect soundtrack ups the ante with potent tracks from Cheap Trick, the Ramones, and the Cars. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

"Tomorrow's city...today" is how the planned suburban paradise of New Granada promotes itself, but something has been left out of the plans. No one is paying attention to the town's teens. Jonathan Kaplan directs this hot-blooded cult classic (a 1979 London Film Festival Outstanding Film Award winner) about kids left to discover their own values and coming up with enough drugs, booze and discontent to push everyone Over the Edge. Fourteen-year-old Matt Dillon makes his screen debut as the kids' charismatic, doomed leader Richie. The anthemic soundtrack by Van Halen, The Ramones, Cheap Trick and others provide the film's rock-n-roll heart.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary by Director Jonathan Kaplan, Screenwriters Charlie Haas and Tim Hunter and roducer George Litto
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

Over the Edge.......2007-01-21

I liked this movie. It brought me back to when I was a teenager in San Diego. Although we kids didn't face the same environmental problems as these kids did (do) in the movie, we did face the same cultural situations. Running from the cops, getting stoned, drinking, and partying were the norm for some of us. Most of us were smart enough to control ourselves and not get into serious trouble with the law, but these kids didn't do that.

Shooting a gun at a cop car, waving a gun anywhere near a cop, and burning down a building putting life at risk isn't too bright - even we thought so back then.

A cool cult film that takes one back to the late 70s and early 80s; great for parties and high school reunions.

Rebels with a cause, and led by a young Matt Dillon.......2007-01-12

Over the Edge covers some common themes that are still prevalent among teenagers today. The key for this movie is the fact that these kids are in Junior High School, not High School. The movie is centered on the development community called New Granada, which lies in for the most part, a remote desert area that is quickly growing with urban sprawl. Matt Dillon stars as a juvenile delinquent that is somewhat of a leader of children similar to him. As the community continues to grow, the police become aggressive towards the kids that they feel are giving prospective buyers of property a bad image of the new area. When the children strike back, it takes the community by storm, and sends the message that when you treat someone with disrespect, it can go both ways.

The movie will make you laugh, but it's not because it's silly. Some great acting by many of the teens as they try to get through perhaps what is one of the most confusing and frustrating times in their life: Junior High School. The movie does a good job of balancing the abuse of police and also the rebellious teens.

The 1979 film also features a great soundtrack that ranges from Cheap Trick to Van Halen. Despite it being strong in style as far as the period it was filmed in, the film does a great job of being serious when it should be, and sticking to the script that shows a day in the life of a teen back in "New Granada". The film is based on a true story.

Failing to plan for the kids was a "Cheap Trick".......2007-01-10

What happens when a planned community fails to plan for its own youth? All hell breaks loose. That's what happens. This is the story of New Granada, a suburban Denver subdivision full of drab townhomes that just hasn't met the planner's expectations. In order to attract new business, they scrap the plan for the movie theatre and bowling alley so they can build an office park. That leaves a dilapidated rec center as the only place for the local juveline deliquents to hang out. The kids then find other things to do, such as smoke hash, drop acid, guzzle vodka, torment the hapless local cop and play with loaded guns. The good news is that their shenanigans are set to a kickass soundtrack, featuring the Cars, Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix and Cheap Trick.

Matt Dillon shines in his first role ("A kid who tells on another kid is a dead kid"), as do Vincent Spano and Michael Kramer as the film's center, Carl. The rest of the cast hasn't done much professionally, although a couple of them can be seen in another Matt Dillon film Tex. Pamela Ludwig, the girl who plays Corey, ended up marrying the director Jonathan Kaplan (Unlawful Entry, Project X, The Accused and Bad Girls)

Over the Edge is based on the true story of a development in Foster City, CA (near San Francisco) where a bunch of bored kids went nuts and destroyed part of a school. It is co-written by Tim Hunter, who later went on to direct another great teen angst film called The River's Edge.

OTE is very moody and shocking in its realistic depiction of suburban kids in the 1970's. If you are 35-45 yrs old, WATCH THIS MOVIE. You will recognize these kids. You will KNOW these kids. These kids are you.

Over the Edge.......2006-11-11

a great movie about what can happy with big group of teens without much of pearent guidince

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL..........2006-07-10

I never heard of this film until I saw it on somebody's amazon list. I read many reviews and decided to give it a try. Wow, what a film!!!

The story is quite simple: a group of kids living in a new city eager to attract new investment... and that's it. No movie theaters, no malls, no parks... nothing. And they are there on their own. Then all things start to happen.

The planners just forgot that a quarter of the city's population was under 16.

Anyway, it is rare to see a film with so many kids delivering electrifying performances... and Matt Dillon and Michael Kramer DO leave you in awe. They're so so so good that i wonder why isn't this film considered the classic it is.

This is one of those small films where everything on it is big:

Cinematography: Top-notch. This film has one of the best cinematoraphy jobs I've ever seen. On this film, the image really speaks. There is one scene, when the protagonist is being hunted, when he spends the night in an empty house with the girl he likes... it's early morning... the Sun is just rising... they say goodbye... and the most beautiful sunrise (outside) is framed by the doors... simply one of Cinema's great moments. I am one of those people who hate intelectuals who "look for the meaning" of every scene of every film they see... and here is one scene that trully gives the viewer some space for interpretation. It really made me cry.

And that is great screenwriting. Period.

Music score: again another fine work. The kids only listen to 70's rock - but that's just diegetic music here and then. But the music score you'll listen when we get deep into the story is absolutely beautiful, rich and powerful. It is not just there instead of silence... it really contributes to showing the emotions those kids are going through.

And Mr. Kaplan does know where to put the camera. He really knows what he wants us to see.

It is true that, being from 1979, some situations are dated. Some problems are dated. Some conflicts are dated... but that only makes this film more valuable as a document about what it was like to grow up on that part of America at that particular time.

Still, this film aged a lot better than other better known films about the generation gap.

This is a film to be studied.
I strongly recomend this film. It's a gem!

Average customer rating:

Oh, the misery.
You've fallen and you can't get up...but somehow you're still higher than a bunch of third graders on Ritalin...
Hilarious...because its horrible
It's 10 o'clock. Do you know why your children are cackling insanely?
Well, it's funny sometimes anyways...

Reefer Madness (Restored Edition)
Starring: Dorothy Short , Kenneth Craig , Lillian Miles , Dave O'Brien , and Thelma White
Director: Louis J. Gasnier
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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The Cocaine Fiends
Marihuana
House on Haunted Hill
Carnival of Souls
Night of the Living Dead (Millennium Edition)

ASIN: B00018D3XM
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Amazon.com essential video

Although it was made in 1936, Reefer Madness didn't become a cult hit until 1972 when the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) rescued it from the Library of Congress film archive. Thereafter, it was a mainstay on the midnight movie circuit. And it's easy to see why. The ostensible story involves a group of upstanding young high school students who succumb to the allure of the "killer weed." What follows, as if by natural progression, is a catalog of crimes that includes hit-and-run driving, loose morals, rape, murder, suicide, and my personal favorite, permanent insanity! The action is at times so hysterical, in both senses, that you may forget to inhale. Honors go to the wild-eyed, cackling hophead David O'Brien; his performance reaches a raw intensity that is hard to imagine. One measure of this film's pervasive influence is the extent to which its title continues to be invoked in news stories about decriminalization and medical marijuana. Such posterity for unintentional humor must be rare. A great film to see stoned, man. --Jim Gay

Amazon.com

A propaganda film from 1936 that has become a cult hit because of its dated outlook on marijuana use, Reefer Madness is the height of camp entertainment. Framed as a "documentary," the film is narrated by a high school principal imparting his wisdom and experiences with the demon weed. The bulk of the film focuses on almost slapstick scenes of high school kids smoking pot and quickly going insane, playing "evil" jazz music, being committed, and going on a murder spree. Meant to be an important and affecting cautionary tale, this dated black-and-white film's true value is in its many entertaining moments of unintended hilarity. --Robert Lane

Description

Reefer Madness is a campy cult favorite first released in 1938 as a propaganda film meant to scare America's youth off of drug. In this quintessential classic, innocent teens partake of the "demon weed" only to find that one puff plunges them into a hilarious web of murder, sex, lunacy and jazz music.

Customer Reviews:

Oh, the misery........2007-06-26

Reefer Madness (Louis J. Gasnier, 1936)

For some reason, this weekend, there was a treasure trove of old movies I've always wanted to see scattered across our television. I started Sunday night's Depression-era extravaganza with Reefer Madness. Now, I'm fond of saying of bad movies--those with a certain élan, anyway--that they're probably better watched through a haze of smoke that can only be generated by certain controlled substances referenced in the title of this film. This is the exact opposite; while I know it's grown to be a cult favorite among some of my, shall we say, more indulgent friends, I can't imagine a movie being any more of a buzz-kill than Reefer Madness.

It's amazing how much influence Leni Riefenstahl's Triumph of the Will had already had a year later; compared to earlier propaganda films, at least, Reefer Madness is a triumph of subtlety and decorum. That said, it would probably have been pulled off a whole lot better (and, ultimately, been a whole lot more dangerous) had the people who put this film together decided to exercise the merest standards in casting for this movie. In a film in which my main outrage should be directed to the absolute idiocy of the "scientific studies" on which the movie's script is supposedly based, I can't find it in myself to get past the quality of these actors. The first scene where we meet Bill Harper (Kenneth Craig) and his girlfriend Mary (Dorothy Short) is so painfully acted that I almost choked. On my water. Uhhhh, yeah, water, that's it.

It only gets worse from there. Honestly, it really is one of those movies so bad you have to see it to believe it. A lot of people seem to think that it's bad enough to tip over the line into that sort of cheesy brilliance one associates with Night of the Lepus, but it didn't catch me that way. Well, at least I can say I've seen it now. *

You've fallen and you can't get up...but somehow you're still higher than a bunch of third graders on Ritalin..........2007-04-17

Reefer Madness remains a cult favorite to this day. Originally produced to scare parents into keeping their children away from the scourge of marijuana, the film faded into obscurity after a brief while. It was rediscovered during the 1960s when, of course, all types of experimentation and drug use spiked up much higher than ever before. People then found the film to be amusing--and they are right. Reefer Madness was produced with good intentions but quite frankly it's a hoot to watch and sometimes you just can't help but laugh.

This generous DVD offers us both the restored black and white version released in 1936 as well as a colorized version. You can also choose to listen to a commentary during the movie or you can simply watch it straight through on your own. Mike Nelson of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" does a great job with his running commentary. Either way, the film's scare tactics prove to be too lame for today's much more street wise people. If you want to scare kids away from drugs, Reefer Madness won't do the trick. The kids will probably be smart enough to just laugh at all the melodramatic scenes replete with over-the-top campy performances.

Reefer Madness tries its best to tell the story of the dangers of marijuana by showing us a few months in the lives of several high school students. In just this brief period of time they go from being the All-American Boys And Girls Club to being the horrific monsters who actually share intimacy before any wedding plans are announced--and they dance as if they're truly enjoying themselves! Of course, there's the obvious byproduct of playing the piano too fast, which in and of itself must be stamped out. The only truly serious scene in the movie--when someone gets bumped off--is probably the only time you'll experience a sense of sadness at the situation. Reefer Madness also points the finger at organized crime for distributing the drug.

Reefer Madness is best seen in its historical context as an outdated form of scare tactics meant to keep kids away from drugs; and it truly was produced with the best of intentions. However, with the passage of time and with new social mores and norms, the film plot becomes campy and hard to completely believe. The truth is most people laugh at it; and frankly it is pretty humorous, too.

The added short film entitled "Grandpa's Marijuana Handbook" by Evan Keliher is hysterical. Take a close look at that cat's eyes as the cat eats the leaves of the marijuana plant--man, is that cat stoned!

I highly recommend this DVD for fans of cult classic movies and people who want to take a look at how drug abuse was tackled in this country during the 1930s. The movie vacillates between true drama and mostly melodrama; so keep this in mind if you're looking for a truly dramatic flick.

Hilarious...because its horrible.......2007-04-03

This "public service announcment" about the evils of marijuana is just laughable. The entire movie is based on false information made up by Robert J. Anslinger, the first head of the Bureau of Narcotics in the 1930's. Interesting, and a must have if your a drug buff, Reefer Madness is a small glimpse of the hysteria that gripped this country in the first half of the 20th century.

It's 10 o'clock. Do you know why your children are cackling insanely?.......2007-03-16

"Reefer Madness" (originally "Tell Your Children") was created to teach parents that it's never too early to scare the holy crap out of your kids. Through this film we learn that the soul-destroying effects of Marihuana (Mike Nelson explains in the commentary that this film was made before the invention of the letter J) far surpass those of cocaine or heroin. We see firsthand that even teens who can quote Shakespeare like nobody's business cannot escape its evils.

Here are some of the symptoms of casual Marihuana use:
- laughing maniacally while running people down in the street
- playing the piano too fast
- having sexual relations with people you don't really like that much
- accidentally shooting people you do like pretty well
- having no recollection of being framed for murder

If your child has experienced any of these symptoms, he or she is a Marihuana addict. The solution is simple: force them to watch "Reefer Madness" because if we don't heed its warning, "Reefer Madness 2" will be coming to a theater near you or you... OR YOU!

Well, it's funny sometimes anyways..........2007-02-17

Although Reefer Madness was made in 1936, after the production code was inforced, it very much looks like pre-code fare. It is about two high school kids mainly who Blanche (Lillian Miles) and her boyfriend Ralph (Dave O'Brien) persuade into coming to Mae's (Thelma White) apartment to have a reefer session. They become addicted to it and incidents including when Jimmy (Warren McCollum) runs over a man in his car ensue. While Reefer Madness sports poor production values and wooden acting, being a "B" picture, the dialog is funny and witty sometimes. Like when Warren McCollum says "I'm red-hot!" And then Jack (Carleton Young) says "Watch how you drive or the next thing you'll be is ice-cold." Then they accidentally run over a walking man. Reefer Madness is full of stuff like this. the print I saw was grainy, un-colorized and poor, so if you want to see it in a nice version, buy this DVD, but you can watch it on the internet for free, as it is a public domain movie. Maybe the movie reformed people back in 1936, but no way would it do that today. I am in 8th grade and I love old movies, and I was thinking that if my classmates saw this they'd laugh like crazy. Because it is poor and outdated, though it has some good momemts, like Thelma Wilte dancing crazily, and Dave O'Brien laughing uncontollably, and a lot of other dramatic moments. There is one scene when Jimmy's little brother says "Jimmy, will you help me fix my model airplane? You can fix ANYTHING!" But the one thing he could fix was...HIMSELF!!! I kept on thinking that after I heard that line. But overall, Reefer Madness was not my cup of tea. I guess I only like pre-codes and musicals. And anyways, not doing drugs is just common sense, which people today seem to be losing. I'm NEVER doing drugs and I wasn't inspired by this film. And Thelma White looks and sounds like Alice Faye, but I couldn't really tell because it was a bad print, being an online public domain one. And Lillina Miles sang "The Continental" in the first Astaire/Rogers starring film, the Gay Divorcee.

Average customer rating:

Excellent condition & fast delivery!
Our Mum's dead!
It's lovely
A Wonderful, Heartwarming Family Film
you're either a giver or a spender

Millions
Starring: Alex Etel , Lewis McGibbon , James Nesbitt , Daisy Donovan , and Christopher Fulford
Director: Danny Boyle
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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March of the Penguins (Widescreen Edition)
Cinderella Man (Widescreen Edition)
Walk the Line (Widescreen Edition)
Good Night, and Good Luck (Widescreen Edition)
Saint Ralph

ASIN: B000AP04GK
Release Date: 2005-11-01

Amazon.com

Millions wears its heart on its sleeve, and it wears it well. Two boys, still grieving the death of their mother, find themselves the unwitting benefactors of a bag of bank robbery loot in the week before the United Kingdom switches its official currency to the Euro. What's a kid to do? Director Danny Boyle takes a simple premise and, with the help of Frank Cottrell Boyce's sweet, smart script, finds something special to say about the hopes everyone has for the future of a changing world. Brothers Anthony and Damian have vastly different agendas for the stash, and then have to deal not only with the money's original thief but with the disarming woman who seems to be stealing their widowed father. The film is full of quirks that work--seven-year-old Damian (an endearing Alex Etel) has private conversations with a collection of eclectic religious saints--and a technically spirited way of commingling both the scary realities and fanciful imaginings of young minds. --Steve Wiecking

Description

From legendary director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) comes ?a family film of limitless imagination and surprising joy!? (Chicago Sun-Times)

It?s holiday season and seven-year-old Damian believes he?s received a divine gift from above when a suitcase filled with cash literally falls out of the sky. Damian is anxious to share the wealth with those less fortunate while his fun-loving brother Anthony would rather spend it like there?s no tomorrow! But when the loot turns out to be stolen, both the boys? plans are put to the test?with heartwarming and hilarious results.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent condition & fast delivery!.......2007-06-14

Received this movie 3 days after ordering it!!!

Our Mum's dead!.......2007-05-27

Millions (Danny Boyle, 2004)

I don't know what happened to Danny Boyle in 2002, but whatever it is, I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with it. I always avoided Boyle's films, save 28 Days Later..., because of my deep, abiding hatred for Trainspotting. Now, though, swayed by the critical acclaim (which is almost universal), I rented Millions to see if Boyle is, in fact, capable of making a decent comedy-drama. Surprise--he is.

Millions is the story of Damian (Alex Etel, in his first screen role), a kid who has a huge bag of cash fall--literally--into his lap a week before England converts to the Euro--so he's rich, for the sum total of a single week, unless he can find some way to change the money without being suspected of any wrongdoing or give it away to charity. His materialistic brother is all for the former option, while Damian, who's obsessed with Christianity and often sees (and converses with) the saints of antiquity, likes the latter idea. Unfortunately, he doesn't think too hard about it, and one particular sizeable donation draws the attention of Dorothy (Daisy Donovan), who finds herself both intrigued by the charitable nature of Damian, and attracted to his recently-widowed father (James Nesbitt). The four of them, and a cast of neurotic minor characters, count down the week to Euroization, but the original owners of the bag of money haven't forgotten about it...

While it's not as out-and-out hilarious as one might expect from such a ludicrous premise, it does fire on enough cylinders to make it well worth watching. The plot is crazy enough to keep everything moving, and the characters are as believable as possible given their unbelievable situations. (This rule is waived for some of the minor characters who exist in the film just for laughs--the Mormon collective at the end of the street, for example--but even those characters are at least consistently funny.)

Surprisingly good. *** ½

It's lovely.......2007-05-10

That's all I wanted to say: "It's lovely". More? This, "Saving Grace", "Driving Lessons" and many others. Gentle, British films that entertain without the sugary syrup of America's movies.

A Wonderful, Heartwarming Family Film.......2007-03-21

Young Damian (Alex Etel) and his investment-minded brother, Anthony, miss their recently deceased mother very badly. So does their father. With that in mind, Damian and Anthony's dad moves them out of their old home and into a new one hoping to exorcise any painful memories. Once moved in, Damian sets up a cardboard house along the railroad tracks where he can escape into his own little world. While playing one day, a bag full of money literally falls on top of Damian's world. He shares his good fortune with Anthony who immediately begins to strategize on how to invest the money wisely. Unfortunately for the duo, the money will be useless in just a few days whenever the UK converts all of its money into Euros. Damian, being a very, very devout Christian, decides to give the money to the poor because he believes that it is a gift from God. Anthony, worried about things such as exchange and interest rates, tries to spend as much of his money on himself and stash some of it away in investments such as real estate.

Of course, this wasn't a gift from God. It was just one sack of a number of sacks of money strategically stolen and hidden by bank robbers. One of them was supposed to pick up the bag that young Damian found, and quickly begins to follow the young boy in order to get his money back. All of this is done without Damian's father knowing about this until one day at school, Damian makes a rather large contribution to a fund for poor children. The lady who is collecting the donations (Daisy Donovan), falls not only for the boy's giving heart but for his father as well.

As the story unfolds, Damian, Anthony, their dad and his new girlfriend struggle over what to do with the money. All the while Damian is getting advice from Catholic Saints who visit him throughout the film.

What happens to the money? Does the criminal ever catch up to Damian? You'll have to watch to find out. As another reviewer stated, this film does start out a tad bit slow but it soon picks up to a very nice pace. I don't recall any major curse words in the film. There is a little bit of peril, though, that might scare a few youngsters. Still, this is a wonderful film to watch with your entire family. After watching it, I'm sure that it will trigger many questions and comments from all observers.

It's a cute and heartwarming tale that is sure to please everyone in the family. I highly recommend it.

you're either a giver or a spender.......2007-03-20

*Millions* was an interesting movie about money falling "from the sky" and seeing how people react with money.

The movie takes place in England. The family of three (a father and his 2 sons) move out of a house to a new place. They're all grieving for the wife/mother in their own way.

Damian is an imaginative young boy, who has no problem entertaining himself. He carries imaginary conversations with notable Christian saints. Anthony is the older brother who puts on this tough look.

One day, a large bag of money falls on top of Damian's play fort, which Damian notifies Anthony. They both decide to keep hush about the money. However, they both have different approaches of how to spend the money. Damian gives money to whomever needs it the most, especially to those he perceives as poor. Meanwhile, Anthony is tight with money by spending it only on himself or on things that will increase values.

However, there are 2 things going on as well. Britain will be converting their pounds to euros. So, pounds must either be spent or deposited to bank accounts within a few days. Otherwise, the pounds will no longer be valid. Another thing is that someone else wants that bag of money. The robber gets a hold of Damian and threatens him. Damian is scared and agrees to comply with the robber's demands.

However, the money becomes overwhelming for the boys. They get their dad involved as well as his new girlfriend.

*Millions* is a wonderful movie about how people react to a large sum of money. Of course, there are other sub-stories in this movie. If you're a softie, there is one part of the movie that'll make you cry. Just have that Kleenex ready...

Average customer rating:

Suspenseful Thriller
Remember....
childhood memory
My favorite Aussie movie
the heart!!!!

Fortress
Starring: Sean Garlick , Rachel Ward , Elaine Cusick , Laurie Moran , and Marc Aden
Director: Arch Nicholson
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GAKDP6
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Description

When a teacher and her class are kidnapped by gunmen in the Australian outback, they soon realize that the only way they will ever escape alive is if they save themselves.

Customer Reviews:

Suspenseful Thriller.......2007-04-29

Setting: Australian wilderness- desolate and isolated. An Australian teacher and her students. A schoolhouse in the middle of nowhere. They start the day off like normal and are in the middle of a lesson when a group of whackos in crazy masks show up with guns at the window. Some of the masks they use are Santa Claus, A mouse, a duck, etc. The teachers and students are then forced into a van and driven off into the even more remote wilderness area where they are trapped in a cave... Now they have to devise a plan and fight for their own survival and try to get away from these kidnappers before its too late. They have to use their brains to get out of this situation. It reminded me of a Lord of the flies type of deal. The ending was a little disturbing to me. They're in a cave and the last kidnapper comes in and it involves spears, wont give it away here but this was scary and quite plausible situation. Recommended.

Remember...........2007-02-21

...when this movie came out on cable? It brought back memories for my family as well. A little corny at times(maybe overacting)but overall good to have in your DVD collection.

childhood memory.......2007-01-10

it was something I vaguely remembered watching in childhood and certain parts I remembered but I always remembered being a little scared by what was happening. It was nice to finally get to see it again. Kind of a lord of the flies deal, but it was nice to see them use their heads.

My favorite Aussie movie.......2006-11-04

This movie has just about every thing a good adventure flick requires, good character development, surprise, danger, even some tastefully done wet T-shirt scenes (Rachel Ward is a natural beauty), and a viscerally satisfying ending. And even though it's over two decades old, it does not appear dated, and the production values stand the test of time.

the heart!!!!.......2006-10-19

OMG, I've never posted on Amazon ever and I haven't bought this item yet; however, I'm COMPELLED to write. I have been searching and searching for this movie for years!! I watched it when I was a kid (6,7,8?) on HBO like all of the other 47 comments below mine. I was probably in 3rd grade - so have no idea why I was allowed to watch this everytime HBO showed it. But this movie scared the hell out of me and I can't tell you how HAPPY I am that it's finally been released on DVD - I'm ecstatic! For those of you have seen it - I hope you recall the creepiest part of the entire movie - the end and the beating heart! I'm not giving anything away here,