Amazon.com

Common sense and comedy make excellent bedfellows in Victory Begins at Home, comedian Bill Maher's scathing one-hour show taped on Broadway and first broadcast on HBO in July 2003. "Comedian" seems hardly adequate in defining Maher, who functions as political analyst, voice of conscience, court jester, social critic, and tireless advocate of decency, honesty, and, yes, even patriotism (unless you're a staunch conservative, in which case Maher's an insufferable moron, but that's your problem, not his). Indeed, Victory will ultimately serve as a time-capsule summary of political, personal, and religious absurdity in the age of George W. Bush, Middle East turmoil, and rampant terrorism, and after honing his edge on TV's late, great Politically Incorrect, who better than Maher to comment on the madness? Take this, for example: "The true axis of evil in America is the genius of our marketing combined with the stupidity of our people." Which is to say, Maher's a fearless equal-opportunity offender, and nobody gets off the hook easily. Whether he's excoriating the hypocrisy of politicians and priests, illegal vs. prescription drugs, our "feminized" society, or the good reason you should never buy diamonds, Maher's is a voice of angry, caring reason, and we're better off with him (and his profanely provocative freedom of speech) than without him. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (12)

You've got to hand it to him...
I don't always agree with what Bill Maher says, but I'm one of those people who is always glad he says it. But I found myself agreeing with a lot more of what he says in this show than the type of things he said on Politically Incorrect. And his new show on HBO seems to be more on the mark as well. Maybe it's the freedom that comes with HBO and not working for Disney. Whatever your political slant, you'd have to be pretty uptight about your beliefs to not laugh at this special. With Dennis Miller turning into a bizarre infomercial for the Republican Party, Bill is really the only comedian (save maybe George Carlin) doing this kind of provacative material. And I say this as a registered Republican, too.

THIS GUY KNOWS HIS STUFF !!
I saw this show on HBO, let me tell you something...Bill Maher is a funny man but he also knows alot about current events and history. Dont miss this DVD. You will be laughing for hours on end !

Very good
This is typical Bill. He never changes. In all the years I've followed him he's been consistent with his stance on Republicans, Democrats, drugs, marriage, religion, etc. He does seem to be preaching at times but he's always witty and hilarious. I don't agree with everything he says but he's honest and I respect that.

BITING and BRILLIANT social commentary!
The controversial Maher is a voice of reason in a nation obsessed with terrorists, religious dogma, political partisanship, and male-female roles. The comedian tackles these and other hot topics in the way that only the former host of "Politically Incorrect" could.

I don't think a certain Mr. Bush would find much to laugh about in Maher's routines, but the rest of us should find some food for thought, especially in light of the current anti-American climate in much of the world.

Expected excellence in comedy...and GOT IT!
I've loved Bill's analysis of things in his two shows (Politically Incorrect and Real Time), and I knew I was in for a treat with this new DVD. I was more than satisfied.

The topics he discusses are varied, and he dissects them with a common-sense style that is hard to argue against it. Better yet, he does in a way that has you laughing all the way. Definitely one of the best comedic social criticism I own, alongside other greats like George Carlin. Buy this. No matter what your political persuasion, you won't be disappointed.

Bill, just want you to know that, I was with you when they took your show unfairly for saying the truth about the terrorists' "cowardice". Don't let the establishment silence you. Keep the good work coming! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mix two parts Apocalypse Now with equal parts Raiders of the Lost Ark and any feminist studies text and you'll come up with Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death.Shannon Tweed (of Playboy Playmate of the Year fame) and Bill Maher (Politically Incorrect) travel deep into the Uncharted Avocado Jungle of southern California on a mission for the U.S. government to find the ancient Piranha Women.See, the government wants to avert an avocado shortage precipitated by the Piranha Women's occupation of the jungle; that and the Piranha Women have this little peccadillo of eating their men, thus posing a threat to our phallocentric way of life.Tweed is supposed to convince them to move to Malibu condos, where they can continue eating men if they like, so long as we can get in there and get those avocados.Accompanying the duo on their mission, for contrast, is a Home Ec major named Bunny whose secret fantasy is to be tied up with red licorice whip, and who wants to join the Piranha Women so she can get one of those cute outfits.The previous envoy for the Military, one Dr. Kurtz (Adrienne Barbeau), an anthropologist and feminist, never came back, instead becoming the leader of the threatening Piranha Women.Yet she's really interested in writing an exposé about her time in the jungle ("a kiss-sacrifice-and-tell book") so she can get back on the talk show circuit."You don't know what it's like trying to face David Letterman with a book on male insensitivity.... The horror, the horror!" Thoroughly smart and entertaining, with hilarious dialogue that never flags. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Short sleeve sweaters are all the rage in D.C. Cab
Mr. T leads a cast of then little-known stand-up comics in this story of a pathetic Washington cab company's rise from the depths of bankruptcy to compete with their "evil" competitors, Emerald Cab Co. Well, maybe it's not THAT exciting, but still very entertaining nevertheless. You'll see a few faces that you will proabably recognize, like Bill Maher, Gary Busey (the guy that looks like Nick Nolte), and Marsha Warfield (she played Ross on Night Court). And let's not forget Mr. T as "Uncle Sampson"! Though he could have had a much bigger role in the movie, he still delivers in his trademark style which made me want to see this movie in the first place. Instead, the story focuses on Adam Baldwin's character, and his dream to be a cabbie in good ol' Washington state. Don't ask me why this is his dream, as everybody around him thinks he's crazy. This is probably the main plot, but this movie has so many plot twists, turns, and new plots altogether that you end up wondering what the movie was really about all along! But all in all, I'd give you a recommendation to see it, especially if you're a fan of cheesy, corny movie like I am. The car chase scene where Mr. T is leaning out of a cab window hitting a van with a baseball bat in each hand is worth the price of admission alone. And watch for the evil pimp!

So funny!
This needs to be on DVD. This is so stupidly funny. I always laugh when I see this. The lovely Irene Cara, Gary Busey, Mr. T, et al. It does not get much funnier than this.

I don't want the gun, I don't want the gun, alright muther**
This movie was a big deal when released in theaters. I memorized the theme song by Irene Cara with my Mom. The cast is classic, who are introduced in a confusing comedy-horror sort of way. Gary Busey, Mr. T, Paul Rodriguez, and the Barbarian Bros. steal the show, with Bill Mahaaaaar and The Baldwinguard are nice additions. It's a feel good movie that has a nice mix of popular themes of the time.

The reel gem of this movie is the dialogue. Mr. T has classic lines when he and the Barbarian Bros. visit the farmhouse and Paul Rodriguez has one at the hospital. Gary Busey plays a great lunatic, who appears to be intoxicated the whole time. The female love interest in the movie is kind-of-hot too. It's been a while since I've seen D.C. Cab, but I do remember it fondly. It was a nice break from Clint Eastwood movies and my Dad and I really laughed at our first viewing. Even though I can't find this movie anywhere, I still look now and again.

Sleeper Hit!!!
Never thought a film about a financially struggling cab company with a host of misfit drivers would capture my attention, but this one was absolutely hilarious. With Mr. T being the featured actor on the movie cover, the viewer may think he is the main star of the film. In reality, the main stars are Max Gail and Adam Baldwin along with a cast of not-so-known folks that really make the film gel. Paul Rodriguez, Bill Maher, Gary Busey, and Marsha Warfield to name a few. An actor by the name of Charlie Barnett who played "Tyrone" stoled the show. The movie needs to be on DVD.

D.C. Cab...Taxis 3 Stars!
DC CAB is formulaic, with so many characters running around, but somehow manages to be entertaining and giving everyone screen time. Boasting an impressive cast with Mr. T, Paul Rodrigues, Bill Maher (tv's POLITICALLY INCORRECT), Marsha Warfield (tv's NIGHTCOURT), Max Gail (tv's Det. Wojo. in BARNEY MILLER),Charlie Barnett (tv's MIAMI VICE), the Barbarian Brothers, Whitman Mayo (tv's SANFORD & SON),Garey Busey (THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY), Jose Perez (STEAMBATH),and unsung character actor Adam Baldwin (not one of the Baldwin Brothers - - INDEPENDENCE DAY, MY BODYGUARD, FULL METAL JACKET). A Washington D.C. Taxi company is on the verge of "going under" and the owner (Gail) convinces his drivers to invest and save the company and gain some self respect. He's aided with the help of his Vietnam War buddy's son (Baldwin) who comes to D.C. to become a cab driver and learn the business. Then, they must save a couple of kids who are kidnpped by a trio of thugs. All the characters are funny (a little over the top in some cases) but very likable. Early directorial effort by Joel Schumacher (THE LOST BOYS, BATMAN FOREVER)who ruined the BATMAN franchise with BATMAN & ROBIN. Note: Classic Line: Gary Busey as "Dell" after a women gets angry after he eats her popcorn at a drive-in theatre: "What's wrong with you? That's the problem with women these days...they have half the money and all the ...!" ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great sequel
This non-related sequel is so sweet-natured, so tame and family orientated that to assume otherwise is completely ludicrous. There is nothing in this movie that could possibly rate it above a PG, max. I wouldn't even have reservations letting younger children watch House 2.

A new house has a 20-something yuppie called Jesse (Arye Gross) move in with his girlfriend Kate (Lar Park-Lincoln). His friend Charlie (Jonathan Stark), a music agent, arrives with his new diva discovery Jana (Amy Yasbeck) to help him thru the unfamiliar first few days. The house is where Jesse's parents were killed when he was just a baby and it full of many curiosities.

Crafted in a bizarre gothic-Aztec style the house itself is a marvellous set and the many rooms and passages are as mysterious to us as they are to Jesse. Sitting on one of his many mantelpieces is a crystal skull that fascinates him for some reason. He even misses his housewarming party while studying the skull's history.

His studies lead him to dig up the grave of his great, great grandfather, or Gramps (Royal Dano), where he discovers the old coot isn't dead just in limbo. The person who possesses the skull is granted eternal youth but it also warps the space-time continuum within the House.

Gramps comes home with Jesse, is more enthralled by Kleenex boxes and TV than the mysteries around him and ducks for cover whenever someone from another time comes to steal the skull. Just like the first movie different rooms lead into different time zones. Jesse and Charlie have many hilarious adventures battling caveman, dinosaurs, Aztecs an evil cowboy called Slim. The one that killed Jesse's parents and betrayed Gramps over a century ago.

House 2 has so much careless abandon and zany plot twists that it is totally impossible not to love this movie. The huge success of the first movie meant that this one was put into production literally and hour later and Ethan Wiley was given the budget and green light to do whatever he wanted. How often does happen today? Usually it would make for a bad movie considering this was the first movie Wiley directed. But it makes for an unusually cute and light-hearted supernatural romp.

One of the weaker aspects of this sequel is that it has more SFX and animation by Phil Tippet's stop-motion workshop and less by Dreamquest. The matte paintings are gorgeous but the dated dinosaurs look hokey in a few shots. If you can just squint during these moments you won't notice.

Bill Maher from TV's "Politically Incorrect" even manages to show up as a music producer who is interested in Yasbeck and mighty suspicious of Jesse's antics. John Ratzenberger (this makes both movies star one of the "Cheers" barflies) appears as a repairman/adventurer who assists Jesse and Charlie battle some Aztecs. Look out for Kane Hodder (Jason) in an ape costume. Jesse adopts a fluffy, little baby pterodactyl and a strange creature called a Caterpuppy, a cross between...well you know. You need an open mind and a suspension of disbelief to swallow the outrageous goings on in this movie.

The commentary is better than the one on the first movie. Ethan Wiley and Cunningham get on well and have no quibbles pointing out how crazy the film is. They discuss the budget, tell tales of the late Royal Dano and explain how many of the effects were pulled off within the constraints of the budget. One of the most interesting things they mention is that even tho the movie was stuck in between The Color Purple and Beverly Hills Cop II the kids still preferred House 2 as their fave movie of the summer. But because the movie didn't have it's own opening weekend, unlike the original, it wasn't as successful. Didn't stop 2 more sequels being made. A theatrical trailer is also included.

Much like the first film the picture has been brilliantly transferred onto DVD. The 1.85:1 anamorphic picture looks super with very few glitches. Colors are rendered with pleasant accuracy and you wouldn't believe the low-budget origins when judging this picture. There is some grain during darker scenes but other than this the movie is looking great.

The Mono soundtrack is not terribly engaging and most of the film's sound is centre-channel biased. But there's no hiss or pop to worry about. It may be Mono but it's clean and fresh sounding to me.

Basement Cult Classic
Okay - Inheritence time. Man with new wife moves into old family home. A weird party. GGG Grandpa is an old time Indiana Jones. Him and a partner make and amazing find in the form of an old crystal skull with jewled eyes.
The young man reads g-grandpa's journals and decides to dig the old man up - after thinking that the treasure is buried with him.
So, he goes out and digs up the old fart - who turns out is not too happy to have been disturbed. The Grandpa cusses and shouts and almost kills his g-grandson. In the end, they become friends and the grandpa is in posession of the skull - it gives immortality to its posessor. Grandpa hasn't exactly held up all that good while in the coffin... I think he was supposed to have been dug up shortly after being buried, but his buddy was killed before it happened. Anyway, there is a thing with dimensional portals and all kinds of people trying to grab the sacred skull.
John Ratzenburg (the postman from Cheers) is an electrician who happens to sideline as a trans-dimensional adventurer. The Evil mean old partner of grandpa comes to get it. FUN FUN FUN.
This movie kicks much ... Funny, not scary.

he he.. they just keep cummin n cummin
House 2 was an OK movie, it was more silly than scary but still an OK flick. Story is This guy goes not to the original house but
a different one. He sees a picture of his G G G Great grandfather on the mantle next to a placeholder that once held a mystical glass skull.
The movie is kind of quirky and it tries to explain what exactly
the power of the glass skull does, (I think it brings the dead back to life)
Anyway Royal Dano plays grandpops and I forget the name of the other guy who play his mean double crossing partner
Anyway the movie jumps back and forth in time zones with bizarre
looking characters and don't forget the cute lil dinosaur bird that stole the skull
I recommend it ... Read more

Amazon.com

The wit and wisdom of Bill Maher are on display in this hour-long performance, recorded in San Francisco in 2000. Of course, just how witty and wise Maher appears will depend on one's socio-political stance. Outspoken if not outrageously controversial (this gig preceded his infamous remark on his Politically Incorrect show that the 9/11 hijackers were "not cowardly"), Maher espouses views on sex, the war on drugs, religion, and other popular (and, let's face it, easy) targets that are unlikely to endear him to, say, residents of most "red states." Still, there is one opinion that this self-proclaimed Libertarian and his conservative counterparts might well share--namely, that big government is decidedly not a beautiful thing. Indeed, Maher's point is that we need to "be more cynical" not for its own sake, but so that we might avoid being duped by the real cynics out there, like those in Congress who sue Big Tobacco even as they line their own pockets with campaign contributions from those same companies. Elsewhere, although Maher doesn't specialize in one-liners, he does have some good lines: Princess Diana was "a lovely housewife who did some charity work"; when it comes to being faithful in a relationship, "men are only as loyal as their options"; those who claim to comprehend God's will really only "understand God as your dog understands you." The main problem with some of this material is that it's dated; taking shots at George W. Bush before he was elected for the first time isn't exactly fresh years after the fact. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent souvenir of a Bill Maher show!
I finally got to see Bill Maher on tour last year and it was two hours of very profound statements with a funny delivery. Him, along with Henry Rollins, are the masters of the spoken word. I can listen to both rant for hours on end about the state of our country. They are dead on accurate, with biting humor to boot!

This DVD is from a show in San Francisco sometime in the summer of 2000. Although it doesn't give a date on the DVD, you know from Bill Maher that his comments are current, so if you're expecting to hear him speak about the war in Iraq or Abu Ghraib...those were things he discussed on his tour last year (which I hope will be released on DVD). On this DVD, he talks about his usual favorite subjects...drugs, the annoyance of children, complaints about women's dishonesty, defense of Clinton's affair with an intern, the idiocy of Bush and the Republican party, and his skewering of religious ideology. I particularly loved that this DVD included a reaction when some unseen audience member in the balcony yelled out to Bill that "Jesus saves!" His reaction and irreverent comments are downright funny and right on target! I loved how he compared unbelievable Bible stories that people believe literally happened with equivalent fairy tales that no one believes happened (he compared the apple from the forbidden tree in Genesis to the poison apple of "Snow White" and other similiar comparisons). To hear him say that does point out the obvious...why believe one but not the other? And what does believing in one but not the other have anything to do with how you treat people?

Bill does claim to believe in God on this DVD, though I always had the impression that he was an atheist. He defends Jesus from the people who claim to be the most devout followers...Bill simply is a man who's too smart for his own good. I'm a Bill Maher fan...as his show "Politically Incorrect" was part of my TV diet during my college years. I don't agree with him on every topic (such as drugs), but I do think he's a smart man who does his homework and probably knows a lot more about the world than our current president. Bill Maher is someone who should be running our country right now! This DVD is for his fans out there. Watch it and laugh. ... Read more