Amazon.com

The dark and fantastic Harsh Realm, a science fiction series about a war fought by flesh-and-blood humans trapped inside virtual reality, was launched by The X-Files creator Chris Carter in 1999 and died a regrettable, premature death on the Fox channel after three episodes. The remaining six shows found sanctuary on the FX network, and then Harsh Realm slipped into history, its wild story, based on a comic book, far from resolved. Perhaps Harsh Realm's ratings failure had something to do with its broad similarities to the hugely popular The Matrix, released only a few months before, or, for that matter, David Cronenberg's 1999 eXistenZ, in which characters fight for their lives inside a video game. Whatever the reason, enough time has passed to take an objective look at Harsh Realm, and there is a lot to be admired in its high level of imagination, complex plotting, and cutting-edge production values.

Scott Bairstow stars as U.S. Army Lieutenant Tom Hobbes, a decorated hero who risked his life rescuing a buddy, Major Mel Waters (Max Martini), during a peacekeeping mission in the former Yugoslavia. Set to return to civilian life and marry his fiancée, Sophie (Samantha Mathis), Hobbes is summoned by a mysterious superior (Lance Henriksen) and asked to test-run Harsh Realm, a virtual reality war game devised by the Pentagon. Once he begins, however, Hobbes is mentally imprisoned in the dangerous game (his body, along with those of hundreds of other "volunteers," is cared for in a secret military hospital), where he is identified by other, desperate captives as the savior they've been awaiting. D.B. Sweeney is very good as another soldier, Mike Pinocchio, whose sense of mission is re-awakened by Hobbes and who becomes a partner in an endless effort to defeat a madman named Santiago (Terry O'Quinn), who rules Harsh Realm from within. As with The X-Files, the nine episodes in this boxed set are each very striking on their own terms, with post-apocalyptic sets, constant surprises, and that special Chris Carter touch (fans of his Millennium will like Harsh Realm, too) that makes every story look and feel like a collision of a nightmare and a crisis of faith. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the Best Shows on TV--EVER!
The two other reviewers are right--this series was excellent, and it never got a fair shake from FOX. The quality of the first three episodes should have indicated that this show would go on to garner a loyal and significant fan base; unfortunately, the series ended up as a victim of knee-jerk network assumptions about series potential. If FOX had made the same decision about THE X-FILES during that show's first season, we (and they) would have missed out on another of this medium's great programs. Anyway, FX did, indeed, air the other six epiodes in this series the year after the series was canceled. I saw them all, and all of them were fantastic. Scott Bairstow, the star of the series, is an actor with incredible range and presence--he should be a major star. The credit sequence and music for the series were also noteworthy. If you like virtual-reality-based science fiction mixed with atmosperic production values and genuine, moving drama, HARSH REALM is for you. Buy it and prove to FOX that they made a big mistake 4 years ago. Maybe success with this DVD will convince them to release THE LONE GUNMEN series on DVD and help launch the second X-FILES film, as well. Good luck, HARSH REALM!

Go Harsh Realm.....Buy this Series
Good show but short lived. Chris Carter fans will love it. If this DVD sells The Lone Gunmen will come out!!! Buy...Buy...Buy!! Long live the Lone Gunmen!!!!!
Check out Millenium Too. WoooHooo!!!

X-FILES producers' series gets another chance in DVD
For those of you who blinked and missed Chris Carter's series HARSH REALM, here's your chance to see all the episodes. Only 3 episodes originally aired on the network, although I understand that the FX channel aired the rest the following year. I'm not sure how a show can be expected to get an audience in 3 episodes, but from my perspective HARSH REALM really wasn't given an opportunity to develop. It's premise was simple enough - a mission into a virtual reality world which was created by the military, but which of course goes awry. But the shows' character and plot complexity rivaled X-FILES and I think those of us who watched were still trying to see what it was about when the plug got pulled. This DVD is a welcome release for all who wanted to see where the story was going. Although as yet unreleased, I'm giving the Fox people 3 stars just for having the clarity to release something they once deemed as a failure, from one of televisions most innovative writer/producers. I'm sure all fans of Carter's other shows, X-FILES and MILLENNIUM, look forward to it's release. ... Read more

Reviews (90)

"Captivating Tale of Love, Immortality, and Choices We Make"
Even though I teach middle school, I had not read this book. My students mentioned it often however, and as an instructor of Greek mythology, I became curious about the story when I learned its basic premise was immortality. (I have been told that there was much less a love interest between the teenagers in the book, however this emendation certainly lends a magical spark to the timeless story.) Upon seeing the movie, I can recommend it not only for its excellent treatment of this subject, but also as a film the whole family can enjoy and discuss afterward.

In brief, this is the story of those (the family Tuck) who would seek to live forever. Unlike the mythological Tithonius however, who was granted everlasting life without eternal youth, the Tuck family becomes immortal from the moment they drink of the mystical pool at the foot of an ancient tree--a tree that will lend a poignant and touching climax to the end of the film.

Suffice it to say, the acting is wonderful. High profile heavyweights such as Ben Kingsley, Sissy Spacek and William Hurt give predictable sterling performances. Victor Garber (Alias; Annie) is also excellent as the wealthy father. But Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls) as Winnie Foster is simply disarming. She is convincing and superb in her effort to balance her desire for love in a life outside of time, with her responsibility to live the life intended for her. The talent of the cast, as well as the curiosity of the storyline makes for few dull moments, and the conclusion left me with one wet Kleenex!

This is a beautiful film--from the scenery, to the music, to the performances, to the plot. Yes, it might be simplistic and predictable, but it would take a crusty old grinch to say that this ninety minutes wasn't thoroughly delightful, and time well spent.

In the end, the age-old questions remain--is immortality all we would dream it to be? Is it quantity, or quality of life that is important? Does living forever make one unique and privileged, or does it (as Tuck would say) make one merely a rock stuck in a mud bank beside a flowing stream? And where does love fit into this equation? Is being given the love of your life, or loving the life you're given the more appropriate choice? The answer is found in Winnie's final decision on whether or not to drink from the eternal pool--a decision I could not have made.

Much better than the Country Bears!
About 2 to 5 weeks ago, I was watched the Country Bears, and found it a bad film by Disney, and now they have made it up, they made and came with this movie called "Tuck Everlasting". Which is about a girl that meets teenageer that is 104, and I must say that for being 104, that Jessie Tuck looks better good for his age. The girl is 15 years old and her name is Winfred. The Tucks are immortal, becuase they have discorved a a pond, that makes them living forever, even if they fall, and don't get hurt, or shot but not get hit. As the movie opens, Winfred "Winnie" Foster (Alexis Bledel) has met a stranger in a yellow suit, who is looking for the Tucks. Her parents decide to send her to a school that would manners. She doesn't want to go and runs away from home, and his lost in the woods and she runs into Jessie Tuck (Jonathan Jackson), who tells her to get out of the woods and to go home. But she runs, and runs into Jessie's grumpy brother Miles (Scott Barrstow), who takes her to his mom (Sissy Spaey). Who tells Miles to get his father (William Hurt) from fishing, because "he'll" not what to do with Winnie. I would reccomend this movie to you on dvd, if you love movies in "letter-box" fromat, and if you don't, then you will have to settle for the video tape edition, but a word of warning, if you get this on dvd, there are trailers for other movies like George of the Jungle 2 and Inceptor Gadge 2.

Love this movie
I love this movie! it is a great film...maybe better then the book. i cried for hours after i watched this movie (which is a good thing) if you like sad movies you'll love this!!!

Tuck Everlasting
Tuck Everlasting sure is everlasting.The movie isn't completely terrible.It really explores life and death but it takes to long.The whole time I kind of felt bored.The plot is good but I don't think it or the book it was adapted from are all that great.Maybe this just isn't my kind of film but it just took forever to get to the climax and it was only 90 minutes.The acting definetly isn't Oscar winning; the only great performance was by Sissy Spacek.The dialogue is of course compatible to this kind of movie but I still didn't really like it.It was a little better than I thought it would be, though.If you are interested in living forever or dealing with death or your just a kid you may like it more than the rest of us out there.To add to everything else I didn't really like the time setting.Check this one out if you want to be bored.Young Winnie Foster, stifled by the formality of her proper life and domineering mother, escapes into the woods only to get lost.Soon she happens upon Jesse Tuck- a boy full of life and adventure who's unlike anyone she's ever met- and falls in love.The Tucks, a kind and genorous family, have a powerful secret- a spring that holds the magic of everlasting life.And now Winnie must choose to live life as she knows it or drink from the spring.

"Like the Tuck family themselves, this movie just goes on and on and on and on"
-- Larry Carroll, COUNTINGDOWN.COM

the story is a bit thin but some scenes are simply powerful
It was not as great a story or character development as I could have hoped for, but overall I was not dissapointed. The scenery was beautiful, the 2 main characters also were beautiful and they had some powerful scenes between them.

The scene of him helping her in the water because she cannot swim is one of the most romantic and touching few minutes of film I have ever seen. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The 1998 Fox television series Significant Others amounted to six episodes (three of which never aired) before cancellation, but this two-disc set strongly suggests that the witty, nimble dramedy from the creators of Party of Five deserved a longer run. In a nutshell, PO5 went on hiatus in '98, and irritated fans of that series ignored replacement program Significant Others, which follows the career and romance hassles of three twentysomething best friends. Fox pulled the plug on Significant Others very quickly, but fans of actor Scott Bairstow (who went on to a recurring role on PO5) and two terrific actresses, Jennifer Garner and Elizabeth Mitchell (who next turned up in the PO5 spin-off, Time of Your Life), should definitely look into this truncated project.

Bairstow plays Henry, an aspiring writer reduced to churning out website pornography and inexperienced enough to enter, wide-eyed, into an affair with his older, married boss. Campbell (Eion Bailey of Band of Brothers), in defiance of his parents' wishes, stumbles through initial steps to become a producer of children's videos; he's also coping with the shock of discovering pals Henry and Nell (Garner) are getting it on and that an old girlfriend (Mitchell) is marrying his shallow, older brother. Talented Nell, destined for big things but afraid of commitment, hops from one important job to the next and develops an attachment to her absent father's best friend. As with PO5 (and Sisters, another primetime series from some of the same producers), Significant Others treats serious topics with smart dialogue and enough of a light touch to make the series feel comforting and familiar. Still, that's not enough for the irrepressible Garner (Alias, 13 Going on 30), whose enchanting, tragi-comic performance on this series is almost larger-than-life and reminds one of such Golden Age stars as Jean Arthur and Ginger Rogers. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (2)

long overdue
This show came out when I was 24 and meant the world to me. I still remember one scene, I think they were playing pool - to this day when that song comes on the radio I think of this show! I just stumbled across the info on this being released later this summer. I had to reread the title because I could not believe it. For anyone out there who liked/likes the guilty pleasure of shows such as Felicity, Party of 5 (the earlier years), etc...check this out and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. If anyone remembers the show Relativity, I would pay big bucks to see that on DVD next. Fingers crossed.

A Sweet character driven look at being young & pursuing life
I originally watched this series when it debuted in '98 because I adored Scott Bairstow. Only 3 episodes were aired & I have all 3 taped. I happened to have rewatched the show a couple of months ago. I had forgotten all about it until it was mentioned in a special about Jennifer Garner, who I didn't know anything about at the time. When I initially watched the show I found the way that the three lead characters (played by Scott Bairstow, Jennifer Garner & Eion Bailey) interacting in a love triangle, to be sweet & adorable. I was a teenager at that time. Now, rewatching it as a woman in my early 20s it has more resonance, because it's also about the characters' journey to find themselves. Campbell Chasin (Eion Bailey) is still looking to carve out a name for himself in a family where everyone else is expected to go into the family business, just like his brother Ben Chasin (Dark Angel's Michael Weatherly) has. Ben is also applauded by his parents, because he is getting married. He seems to have it all together, until we see him with regret at a missed female fling opportunity right after his wedding. Campbell decides that he can make a killing selling children's videos & tries to get either of his friends to go in on it with him. He's also upset, because he discovers that Nell Glennon (Jennifer Garner), one of his best friend's & ex, is now hooking up with his other best friend, Henry Calloway (Scott Bairstow). Nell is an excellent worker who is so afraid of getting stuck in one track for the rest of her life that she actually quits her job after getting promoted. Her major issue is committing to anything. Henry fancies himself a serious writer. However, he has to pay the bills & does so by writing soft core porn. His boss is the slightly older Charlotte (Gigi Rice) whom he lusts after. The first 3 episodes had me intrigued. I'm assuming that this set includes all 6 episodes (the other 3 of which were unaired) & I'd love to see the rest of them. This is also a great price for this set. Snatch them up before the prices inflates. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A breath of fresh air in a stale genre, Zoe Clarke-Williams's canny look at the catty world of college cliques is the smartest dissection of the complex world of class envy, social acceptance, and the seduction of privilege since Heathers. But this drama plays it for tragedy. Local working-class girl Mia Kirshner is transformed from social outcast to campus Cinderella and adopted into the hedonistic party world of a trio of rich fun-loving sorority princesses (Meredith Monroe, Dominique Swain, and Rachel True), and comes out the other end in a drug-induced coma. Confidently directed and elegantly constructed in puzzle-piece flashbacks, this sensitive, sympathetic, smartly made drama is refreshingly free of glib moralizing, the rare young-adult film that twists the usual clichés and leaves its audience with more questions than answers. The DVD also features an audio commentary track by director Zoe Clarke-Williams. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Amazon.com

Scott Bairstow takes over for Ethan Hawke in this spirited (if clichéd) sequel involving a peaceful Haida Indian tribe and a con man in preacher's garb (Alfred Molina, just oozing evil) in 1906 Alaska. Bairstow discovers his inner wolf as he bonds with the tribe and falls in love with the chief's spirited daughter (Charmaine Craig), White Fang finds true love in a snow-white female wolf, and together they take on the dastardly villains who have stopped the caribou and imprisoned the hunters of the tribe. Less Jack London than a juvenile Dances with Wolves, this clunky but action-packed cliffhanger combines old-fashioned matinee Western clichés with Native American spiritualism and a celebration of nature. Though it's hardly subtle, the energetic action scenes and the beauty of the Alaskan summer make this an engaging adventure for the younger set. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Another Great Adventure...................
In this movie Jack has gone back to San Francisco and his friend Henry is mining his claim and caring for White Fang.
This story is mixed with Native American spiritualality and mysticism. They are in need of the white wolf (White Fang, or is it Henry?) to lead them to the caribou they are in need of to prevent starvation among their people.
This sequel is very entertaining with beautiful scenery.
A great family film.

Disney made this up.
I've read White fang and there is no mention of Myth of a White Wolf. Disney had to have a sequel, so they made up this story.

Great Family Movie
I have watched this movie a number of times and still find the story to be interesting. The simplicity and predictability of this movie makes it a great movie for younger elementary children, but there is enough plot and action to keep the family entertained. I enjoy the Alaskan setting and the images of the Haida village. There is a love story woven in with the young hero's role of finding the caribou and saving the village, but neither plot goes into anything overly sentimental or complicated.

I have used this movie in a fourth grade classroom to have them identify the main characters, the setting, the problem(plot), and the solution: things that are found in any good story, be it written or in a movie. They enjoyed the movie and it worked well for the assignment. This is a great family movie because it contains these basic story elements and does it well, making it watchable again and again.

White Wolf
All I can say is that this was a brillent movie. I'm glad i saw the 2nd White Fang first. The first one was a big turn off to me. The story is about a young man who is having some dificultly understanding the native americans beliefs. With the Help of White fang a a native american girl Henry begins to understand thier ways, but he is soon to discover that the native Americans life is in danger and only he and white fang can save them.

A little to lovey-dovey
White Fang-- Story about a wolf dog taken from the north, trained to be sled dog, goes into fighting rings, finds love

White Fang2: Myth of the White Wolf-- Movie about the master of White Fang, and an indian girl. White Fang is around a little.

White Fang2 had little to nothing about our all time favorite wolf-dog White Fang. It is mainly about his master, falling in love. I kept waiting for at least one scene with White Fang! The first movie was more like it.

This was a little boring, I don't really recommend it unless you like a lot of boring flirty romance, and little wolf. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Falling from the Oscar-winning glory of Dances with Wolves to the opposite end of the critical and box-office scale, Kevin Costner must have been deeply humbled when this three-hour postapocalyptic tale--his sophomore effort as a director--was greeted with a critical thrashing and tepid audience response. One of the most conspicuous flops of its decade, the 1997 release must have seemed like a sure thing on paper: a kind of futurist Western starring Costner as a charismatic drifter-turned-hero who leads the resistance against a military tyrant (Will Patton) by reviving the long-dormant postal system to reunite isolated communities in their fight for freedom. The movie bombed, but, like many audacious failures, it's got qualities that make it at least partially endearing, and its earnestness (although bordering on corny) keeps it from being entirely silly. Faint praise, perhaps, but Costner's ode to patriotism is occasionally stirring and visually impressive. The dual-layered, widescreen DVD includes a documentary segment about the creation of the film's special effects sequences, featuring a running commentary by the special effects creators. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (197)

Dances with post-apocalyptic bandits
I finally caught this movie on cable television last night and described it to my husband as a science-fiction version of "Dances with Wolves." Interestingly, it was being shown as part of a week of Westerns, and basically that is what it is also. It's very long, just like Dances with Wolves, Waterworld and every book that David Brin (with whom I am acquainted) has ever written. So, if you enjoy long books and long movies, you're in luck. The movie is no classic, but it is nevertheless enjoyable and entertaining. Costner's acting is OK, Will Patton is a standard-evil-genius-villain-type, and Larenz Tate shines as Costner's sidekick. I think the premise is a worthy one, and even a believable one (if you find post-apocalypse believable to start with). The U.S. Postal Service is the one federal agency that everyone uses, that most appreciate (though they do gripe about it) and that was (I think) the first one founded. It has a simple, vital, helpful mission: to bind society together through communication. Therefore, it likely would be the first one restored, and Brin and Costner illuminate this premise capably.

POST-"apocolyptic"-MAN
It is difficult to review a film that you like, when every professional critic has slammed it. On the other hand, I have to believe I am not alone in my tastes, so, here is some praise for "The Postman", Kevin Costner's cinematic version of the great book of the same name, written by David Brin.

After the success of "Dances With Wolves", it's pretty clear that Costner has been trying to recapture that epic feeling. But where "Water World" was silly to the point of being a caricature of a sweeping drama, "The Postman" avoids the trap. The nemesis, General Bethlehem is played seriously by Will Patton and the situation in general is believable if not completely explained.

I admit there were a few moments that were too heavy handed, the most memorable when the Postman gallops back to snatch a letter from a boy's hand. Even so, I can forgive a little over enthusiasm when it is mixed with a stirring tale. I know that during times of war, rhetoric is grist for the mill and so, the character's obsession with the American way, is understandable, given that it no longer exists.

You see, civilisation has fallen. It's implied that nuclear weapons were used, perhaps even biological weapons. Whatever the cause, people survive precariously, huddled together in fortified towns dreading the next visit of the Holenist army. A band of thugs created during the last days of the war and now led by General Bethlehem towards some nebulous vision, who's only constant is that Bethlehem will be the one in power.

Enter stage left, an unlikely hero. Kevin Costner's character may have a name but it is not revealed during the film. At first he is known as Shakespeare because he is a wandering loner who is sometimes driven to produce one man, one mule, productions of the Bard in the hopes of winning a meal from his audience. His aimless existence is abruptly ended when he is roughly drafted into the Holenist army.

From the first he stands out from the crowd of beaten hopeless recruits and so is singled out for special torments and duties. The army life is brutal enough without having earned the enmity of your squad leader. One thing leads to another and escape presents itself for Shakespeare. Without food or any other protection he stumbles on the remains of an old mail van and spends a night huddled in its dubious warmth, kept company by the body of a US Postal worker.

Whether by chance, destiny or foresight, he dons the guise of a postman and scams his way into a local town. "The mailman's here. Lock up your dogs." So long starved of civilisation, the bedraggled townsmen clamour for news of the world, the government, the future. He has little choice but to answer their questions, with creative and plausible fictions. It is here that the wheels of fate start turning.

The idea he has created, of a new America, is too big for one man to control. The film takes us on a steamroller ride headed straight towards the Holenist army. People with hope demand action. The desire for action creates leaders. Leaders are often forced to carry out the will of the people despite a lack of talent, desire or knowledge.

In this case, a young man, self named Ford Lincoln Mercury, forces the Postman to become a symbol of civilisation and eventually the symbol of resistance. Ford's passion and his actions are resisted for a long time but eventually the Postman comes to share the myth. One man can stand up to tyranny, especially with the help of a few courageous friends and the trust of one strong willed woman.

Love this movie
Simply put, It should have won an oscar. Once you get past the slow start (which is necessary to explain the rest of the movie) it becomes so moving. Reminds me of the Pony Express...and our American determination to be free. Even more moving since 911.

Makes no sense
This movie made no sense to me. It seems like Costner tried to make a modern western and failed miserably. There are very few redeeming factors in this movie. I understand the concept behind it, but thought it was developed poorly. You can defenitly skip this movie and not worry too much about it.

Wow
I've always seen postmen as the unsung heroes of middle America. Finaly, a movie that pays the kinda respect that postal employees deserve. Costner does another wonderful performance in this future classic. Almost as good as waterworld! ... Read more

Description

Four prospectors who disappeared in the desert have been foundstripped of flesh with their bones scattered around a strange rock dome. With no clues tothe massacre, Alex discovers that he is now being hunted by millions of creatures unitedinto one horrifying and unstoppable killing machine. As darkness descends, the grounditself becomes a living carpet capable of devouring flesh with every step. Hell has beenunleashed… ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Very scary and looks great
I hadn't read much about this very slick film but I'm glad I caught it because it was a terrific couple of hours and in fact I'd love to see it again. First of all it's an original story idea but still works as a classic supernatural thriller horror kind of thing. Secondly you've got some great actors, quite a few new ones actually that I didn't recognize, and almost all of them give very convincing performances. And then of course you've got a load of action, special effects and good ol' scares all the way through. Basically its about some diamond prospectors who go missing and a security corps is dispatched out into the Namibian desert to find them. That's when everything starts to get crazy and slowly the situation gets out of control because of some kind of mythological and evil presence that's out there in the dunes. Some love stuff happens and then it's just down to three of them plus a pretty good climax down in an old abandoned mine.

Eeek! Bugs!
Okay, so this wasn't the greatest film I've ever seen, but I didn't expect it to be. The editing seemed patchy to me, and the dialog got tedious at times. So why three stars? Well, sure it's loaded with clichés and plot holes, but the concept is pretty cool and seeing the monster(s) in action was fun -- very clever idea. Besides, half the fun of watching a cheesy horror film is in laughing at the inconsistencies -- for instance, it cracked me up to watch one of the actors very, very carefully remove a vial of nitroglycerin from its padded container, only to have the other actor (after carefully carefully closing the lid) toss it into the truck. Obviously, this is special horror film nitro, created to explode only in proximity to a monster.

I was particularly confused by one scene, which I am about to describe in detail, so if you want to watch the film, you might want to stop here.

Our Heroes are huddled around a dead tree, waiting for the Horrible Monster to appear. We hear it approaching, we see it (gasp! it's hideous!), it can't cross the barrier of gasoline Our Heroes created, but then it rears back and seems to fling killer ants OVER the barrier at Our Heroes! Yikes! Fade to black, cut to next scene as Our Heroes awaken, yawn, stretch, and everyone is fine. One of Our Heroes has even been sleeping while sprawled comfortably on the sand, away from the protection of the gasoline barrier. I was so confused that I watched the scene a couple more times. Where did the Horrible Monster go? What happened to the killer ants? Why the heck didn't the thing just step over the gasoline? Did it just run away? Perhaps the gesture that I interpreted as ant flinging was actually a fist shaking, "oh if I could get over there you'd be SO eaten alive" gesture of frustration. Ah, B-horror films, what would life be without you?

Don't waste your time
In a nutshell, this was long, boring and just plain stupid. I kept waiting for the movie to get interesting... after a while, I was just plain waiting for it to be over. When you find out what the "Bone Snatcher" turns out to be, you're either going to be highly disappointed or die laughing hysterically. You're also going to be kicking yourself for wasting your time and money like I did.

Okay, but not scary
I thought from the reviews that this movie would be better than it was. It looks like a movie that was made for the Sci Fi Channel. It's okay if your flipping through channels for something to watch, but I wouldn't spend money on it. It's not scary or even tense. I think the person who wrote wow must have been in the movie or had a friend in it. I don't see anyway anyone could watch this movie and say wow. I try to see every horror film I can. I don't scare very easy, but I don't think even a child would be scared by this one.

WOW!
I picked up The Bone Snatcher on the cheap in a discount movie bin. Was I ever blown away! Sure the movie has its influences, but there are some original concepts and story going on here. Wonderfully filmed and scored with a fantastic ambient soundtrack, this is another one of those movies that plays it smart by building up the story, characters, and action instead of throwing constant mindless THINK FOR YOU action in your face. A good cast, with a careful use of CGI that is original and even remarkable. This is the best ant movie I know of. Brings me back to the well written ant movie PHASE 4 (1974). In fact, though these two movies are of a different nature and were written for viewing crowds of a different time period, they do compliment each other. The Bone Snatcher is a fine movie that has rewritten the ant invasion concept. Well done! ... Read more

Amazon.com

You wouldn't know it by watching the mostly ridiculous escapades on display in Wild America, but this comedy/adventure for young boys is marginally based on the true story of Marshall, Mark, and Marty Stouffer, three young brothers who successfully pursued their dream of becoming wildlife filmmakers. From their home in the South, the Stouffer boys embark on a cross-country trek to the West, where they hope to get rare footage from inside the dreaded Cave of the Sleeping Bears. Along the way they encounter cute British tourist girls, deadly alligators, a rampaging moose, and an Air Force fighter on a bombing range. In other words, Wild America is about as contrived as it could possibly be and still claim to be based on reality, but it is harmless enough for young viewers with its wholesome message about bravery, hard work, and family togetherness. Jonathan Taylor Thomas (from television's Home Improvement) leads the young cast of adventurers. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Three cute boys, 'N' loads of cute animals!!
I think the title kind of explains it all really. Three guys going off into the wild of America, on a mission to find a cave filled with a thousand bears, although being told that they sleep alone, the boys don't believe anyone, find the cave, and have loads of adventures along the way!! Jonathan Taylor Thomas played a great part in this movie and he really narrated it well too! As I live in the UK, I was lucky enough to see it while I was in America, I'd always liked Jonathan and Devon's films, and this was another one I HAD TO HAVE!!! I would also say that this is a great film for all the family, only recently has it been released in the UK, but I bought it in America, luckily I have an international VCR. This film is way cool. I would really reccommend it.

It could have been better.
Wild America isn't that wild. It still has good story elements too it, but you feel cheated when you realize the kids in the movie didn't go anywhere but to a bunch of unknown areas. So much for going across America. The actors fit the movie perfectly. Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Devon Sawa, and Scott Bairstow seem to be enjoying their roles as the three boys who hit the road to film animals. The music is ok and the cinematography is wonderful. I wish they would have seen more animals. The movie made me smile throughout, but many aspects of the movie could have been better. Their trip across so called "America" could have been extented greatly and the mystery man should have been removed. He's just a waste of time and talent by Danny Glover. The DVD version has the widescreen aspect and the original trailer, plus a bunch of info on the movie. The Movie is rated PG for Profanity and violence, mainly. The swearing is totally pointless and if it were gone, would have made a better movie overall for kids. Watch at your own risk.

Great all round film!
I first saw this film in 1999 I loved it.The first thing that grabbed my attention was the 3 brothers and their relationship throughout the film and how it changes.The storyline with the youngest brother marshall was great.The film is like an adventure story,the type you would of loved to have gone on! Traveling,being young,free and inexperienced at almost everything.its a bit like a coming of age film,finding yourself etc.This all sounds heavy but its not,the film is filled with humour from the brothers and all the other characters,the animals are great and some even get in on the humour too.The music even grabs me,the whole thing is a feel good factor of a film,one I would recommend anyone watching of any age.

Not Bad
Okay so I wouldn't say this is the best movie I've ever seen. But I still really enjoyed it. I liked how they showed the relationship between the three brothers. Sure they picked on JTT but they still protected him especially Devon Sawa. He was more protective of him than Scott Bairstow. I liked the end and How JTT showed there father that they needed to find there own dream and the permission to follow them. So I'd reccomended it to Brothers and children 10 and Up. Sure The animals looked fake but It was still enjoyable.

An enjoyable, interesting plot with well-done acting
I haven't seen this movie too often, but I really enjoy it every time that I do. Why? Because it is full of fun, adventure and mild comedy. The acting is wonderful, all of the three boys are terrific. However, this isn't necessarily a movie for younger children-it is geared towards pre-teens and teenagers. There is obscenities, implications, and alcholol use that isn't right for everyone.
But, it is mad up for in the interesting plot. I don't know how much of this is true, but I enjoy it just the same. ... Read more

Description

Will Sherman is a pizza delivery guy with some major problems. A deranged killer is turning his tape-recorded revenge fantasies into reality. Now Will must clear his name and stop the homicidal maniac before he claims his next victim... his ex-girlfriend. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Utterly Weird
I'm still trying to figure out what on earth that floating body was about at the very beginning, and that's just the START of the confusion. Dominique's character just wasn't likeable at all, and I had no sympathy for any of the characters. Henry Thomas was the best of the lot, although even his character was a bit strange.
Fortunately I didn't buy the DVD for this film - I bought it for the excellent short film in the extras. Any fans of 24's Carlos Bernard should watch it. The Director of Dead In The Water redeems himself with this little film, and despite being only 25 minutes long it is far superior to the main feature. Thought-provoking and intelligent. Worth buying the DVD just to see this!

1 star is too much
I got all excited when I saw dominique's name flash on the screen. I loved her since Lolita. But this movie just sucks big time. The very beginning was horrible and it got a little better after the murder but I saved myself from this horrible movie and changed the channel. I didn't care about the movie anymore.

Great summer movie
This is a good movie for anyone that wants to be amused and thrilled on a random day in the week. Good for watching with friends. I think the movie is done very well. Intriguing beginning that makes you ponder throughout the whole movie about the end. In short: Great movie! Great thriller!

THE BEAUTIFUL DOMINIQUE SWAIN IN A [not so good] MOVIE!!!!
ASIDE FROM DOMINIQUE SWAIN, THIS MOVIE IS A TOTAL WASTE. IT IS SLOW THROUGHOUT AND IT HAS A VERY WEIRD PLOT.
NOT WORTH A LOOK UNLESS YOU WOULD ONLY SEE IT FOR DOMINIQUE SWAIN.
THAT IS MY EXCUSE, AND ALTHOUGH THE MOVIE WASN'T GOOD, DOMINIQUE SWAINS' BEAUTY SHINES THROUGHOUT!!!!!!
THIS MOVIE SHOWS A TALENTED ACTRESS IN A [not so good] MOVIE!!!
BUT HEY...... IT'S DOMINIQUE, SO IT MUST BE WORTH A LOOK!!!

Utterly Poor
Boy, what a bust. On all counts. The story goes nowhere. The actors, who have all done good work in other films, have nothing to work with. As a suspense/thriller, which is apparently what it is supposed to be, it fails miserably on every level.

And the DVD itself? The only feature of interest is the writer/director's short film, with a commentary track, that is more interesting than the feature length film. Inexplicably, an alternate ending to the feature is included that not only has no audio (and it IS a dialogue scene), but makes no sense whatsoever in context with what we've scene in the finished film. And the Production Featurette? 3 or 4 minutes of raw video footage of a handful of scenes being shot.

Stay far away from this one, it's not even good for a laugh. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

beautiful portrayel of what its like to get in too deep..
the black circle boys was a great movie about what i would call social misfits (most people are right.. i wouldn't really consider them very gothic) and their world of drugs, satan, "brotherhood", and death. shane, kyle, mun, and rory, (and chloe) make up this movie of oddities.. the story of kyle, the all-american swimmer gone satanist, (against his wishes may i add), and the story of shane, (psychotic childhood, crazy father) are somehow understandable. and although the drug dealer (donnie wahlberg?!) is pretty much the only comedic sense to the film (from new kids to satan?) i found this movie to be very well acted, well written, well produced, and the storyline was wicked. the ending was a bit disapointing.. in a way where you want to see more.. what happened to certain charachers(charachter) etc. but i have added this movie to my list of favorites.. its actually a good life lesson of what its like to get in too deep.

A Sundance Triumph
Well, this movie has quickly become one of the favorites and most recommended titles in my library (I own it on VHS and DVD). First off, the acting is superb! Eric Mabius' portrayal of the gothic Shane Carver is very believable and well done. It was a surprise to me that this movie had not made a bigger impact in the movie scene. Although movies such as 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'Scream' are hailed as great horror movies, they PALE in comparison with 'The Black Circle Boys'. This movie discards the teen-idol-littered plots and instead builds on a strong and realistic story. Fans of the gothic subculture will especially enjoy this movie due to its theme and imagery. But if youre looking for a no nonsense movie and a time well spent, then I must advise you to buy this title...especially since amazon.com is the only place I have found that sells this title on DVD.

Two thumbs up
In my opinion this movie is exactly what you would expect it to be. Sure it is vulgar, sure there are a lot of explicits throughout the movie and much drug use, but it is what it is. Scott's charachter is coming to grips with his friends death and looking to fit in and rebel where ever he can. It is a dark movie not suited for children, but if this is the type of movie that you enjoy and go into it knowing that it is dark, vulgar and morbid, and that is what you want to see at the moment then you get what you rented. No this is not what teens are like, nor is TX Chainsaw real either, the point is just sit back and either enjoy it or hate it, but I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It is what it is.

POINTLESS
Eric Maibus and Scott Bairstow have become fine young actors, and even their adequate performances cannot save this dismal, pointless, lurid and sadistic movie. Dee Wallace Stone should be ashamed for participating. Maibus plays the hypnotic leader of a teenage devil cult, with no conscience, morals, or regard for anyone but himself; Bairstow plays the usual "misunderstood" teen who looks to the group for acceptance. The script is laden with offensive four letter words in every other sentence; enough is enough. If this is the way teens talk, then steer me clear, folks. There is no heart or soul in this movie, and no reason to rent or buy. NO STARS. C'MON AMAZON, WHEN YOU GONNA GIVE US THE 0 STARS OPTIONS???

shattering performance by Mabius
Scott Bairstow(Wild America, New Best Friend) and his parents move to a new town, he's enrolled into a new school, its where he meets a girl and the girl tells him about the Black Circle Boys, lead by Eric Mabius(Resident Evil, The Crow: Salvation), and other members include a fat brainwhacked kid, Donnie Wahlberg(Dreamcatcher, Southie), Wahlberg seems like a pervert..really and a skinny and whimpy Chad Lindberg(October Sky, The Fast and The Furious)..they include Bairstow into their little circle..party, rock on and do rituals..one involving a cat. Mabius goes really crazy and his performance is the glue that holds this movie together...very raw and brutal...a good movie ... Read more

Description

A dark underworld of drugs, pagan rituals and acid-edged gothic rock becomes an irresistible pull for Kyle, an all-American high school student uprooted from his suburban home. Led by the ferocious and fanatical Shane, the Black Circle Boys seduce Kyle into their secret society that becomes his worst nightmare. Kyle's fight for acceptance becomes a fight for his life as he struggles to escape personal demons and Shane's powerful grasp on everyone around them. ... Read more