Reviews (31)

TARKOVSKY 'LIGHT'...?
...that seems to be the opinion of some reviewers. This film - Tarkovsky's final work - is certainly more accessible than his others, more straightforward in its storytelling...but there's a lot of wonderful elements involved, and it certainly doesn't deserve to be relegated to the 'minor works' category. Other reviewers have also drawn comparisons between this film and the work of Swedish director Ingmar Bergman - there is some of Bergman's 'look' to the film, perhaps because Tarkovsky chose to work with Sven Nykvist, who worked on several of Bergman's films. Even with this 'Bergmanesque' presence, this is definitely Tarkovsky's film - and if it's more accessible than some of his other works, perhaps it's a good place for someone who is unfamiliar with his work to start.

Several of Tarkovsky's favorite themes are present in SACRIFICE - alienation, an aching emptiness of the spirit, the slighting of nature by mankind. Erland Josephson portrays Alexander, a wealthy, semi-retired writer who lives with his wife, teenage daughter and 'Little Man', his young son, in a lovely house that sits rather isolated on the seaside in Sweden. His young son is obviously his favorite, the center of his soul and existence. We see him with the little boy, planting a tree, telling him a story about devotion to duty involving a young Japanese monk and his master.

Alexander's birthday is at hand, and his family, along with a couple of friends, makes ready to celebrate. As the group awaits dinner to be served, there is a roaring - like a low-flying jet - in the sky, followed by what appears at first to be a mild earthquake. A ceramic milk pitcher vibrates its way off a shelf, shattering on the floor - news broadcasts on the television indicate that World War III has begun. Each of the characters reacts in their own way - Alexander's wife falls to pieces and requires a sedative from their friend Victor, a doctor. Alexander is shaken as well - but he's not sure what to do. He has lost his faith several years before, and yet he finds himself begging God to reverse the horrible events unfolding on the television screen. In one of the film's most poignant moments, we see him drained of strength, falling on his knees, barely able to speak, praying with all his might. He attempts to 'strike a bargain' with God, offering to give up everything - his home, his belongings, his family...even Little Man, his beloved son, if the world can be 'put back like it was before'.

In a conversation with his friend Otto, the postman, Alexander learns of Otto's suspicion that Maria, one of Alexander's servant girls, is a witch - and Otto suggests that if Alexander goes to Maria and sleeps with her, she has the power to reverse the horrible events. In his desperation, Alexander succumbs to Otto's suggestion - he never voices his request to Maria, but she sees the pain in his eyes (and in his actions) and takes him to her bed in an attempt, I think, simply to comfort him. This scene - like lovemaking scenes in all of Tarkovsky's films, when they occur - is photographed beautifully and tastefully. Tarkovsky never stooped to gratuitous or graphic sex or nudity. We see the couple lie down, embrace - and levitate, floating gently into the air, a lovely, tender visual rendition of the healing power of love.

You'll have to see the film in order to find out if Alexander's efforts - in either theatre - are rewarded. I don't want to spoil anything for the potential viewer. Suffice to say that even as the film ends, the viewer is left with as many questions as answers - and that's one of the things I find so stimulating and rewarding about Tarkovsky's work. I can't give anything I've seen by this director less than five stars - and while this might not be quite on the same levels as his other films, it's still head and shoulders above the commercial films coming out of the major studios.

FIVE STARS FOR THE FILM, THREE FOR THIS DVD
THE SACRIFICE is a true work of art. It is probably the most beautiful film by the cinematic poet Andrey Tarkovsky. It is also the most accessible among his works: unlike his films prior to this one, the plot of THE SACRIFICE itself is quite simple and easy to catch. A retired actor- journalist-author (some kind of an intellectual superman) hero living in a beautiful sea-shore house suddenly faces the end of the world: a nuclear war. What can he do to stop it? He prays to God, he who never believed in God before, and offers himself to be the sacrifice for saving the world as he knows, a world which for the first time, he realises how much he loves it.

The plot is simple, but its implication is complex. One who believes in God and the absolute love he represents can see this as a story of miracle. An atheist can see this as all being a hallucination of a repressed old man. Tarkovsky makes the film in a way that you can interpret it in whatever way you want. But in whichever way you see it, the film will lead you to our fundamental question; why we live? What is the meaning of our life? How we can achieve the state in which we can say when we face eternity, "I understood the meaning of my life and I fulfilled it"?

THE SACRIFICE was shot beautifully by cinematographer Sven Nykvist, one of the greatest master in the art of creating filmic images, whose talent is perfectly in match with Tarkovsky's narrative strategy of filling the frame with symbolism that the audience can interpret in what ever way he/her wants.

The disappointment with this rather expensive DVD is that, the transfer fails to catch the richness of Nykvist's work, and in the case of this particular film, it really hurts because it prevent you to create your own interpretation from what the film shows. The nature plays a big role in the story, and already at the very beginning, you cannot feel the richness of the green grass by the sea, the mystery of the trees surrounding the house. Later in the film you miss the richness of the shadows, the complex texture that the lights and shadows create on a simple wall, the subtle reflection on a framed painting (a study of the Madonna by Da Vinci). It actually looks like it was made from a video tape. The yellow subtitles are also build in the images, it's not an optional subtitling and you cannot erase it. I suggest you wait for a few years if you have already seen the film, then maybe KINO will come up with a better DVD. But if you have never seen it, well... it's a must-see film.

In the beginning was the word - the search for God
If you are hooked on films made by former advertising film makers or have an attention span limited to a one minute commercial, read no further. And don't buy this film. But if you yearn for the occasional silence, excepting sounds of nature, the occasional squeak of a cupboard door easing closed, the rustle of wind through leaves, the peculiar crackle of fire, then The Sacrifice may be your film. There is some music as well, but not the sounds of sweeping violins, rather the dramatic and eerie and mournful sound of a Japanese flute. The film is dedicated to the film maker's son "with hope and confidence" yet deals with the end of the world as it is under nuclear attack. Beginning and ending with the young seven year old son of the protaganist planting then watering a lone tree, the film deals with the machinations of a family, its affairs, desires, disappointments and how it reacts to the catastrophic news of nuclear war. The lingering camera movements are to me rivetting as are the use of mirrors. It is a meditative thought provoking film which I found immensely moving.

Flawed masterpiece?
I love Tarkovsky and looked forward to viewing "The Sacrifice" after having seen Andrei Rublev, Solaris, The Mirror, and The Violin and the Steamroller. After first viewing, I found the picture confusing and hard to grasp. But, unlike "The Mirror," on subsequent viewing I realized that the reason that it is confusing and hard to grasp is that Tarkovsky has created a self-indulgent film based upon the amalgam of two different scripts that he had written. I don't think that he himself was clear on what he wanted to say, and I don't think he was concerned if the viewer is clear either. Perhaps this is because he knew this was his final film? Once again, though, the graphic images in the film are stunning, and his use of light, shadow, and reflections is genius.
But what makes the DVD eminently worth purchasing is the documentary "Directed by Tarkovsky" which is added as a bonus feature. The documentary shows the making of "The Sacrifice" (which does shed a little light on what he was trying to say) and it's fascinating to watch Tarkovsky at work. The documentary also includes interviews with him and his musings on life, death, and filmmaking.

Tarkovsky At - Dare I Say - His Preachiest
'The Sacrifice,' Tarkovsky's final film and the second of his non Russian productions, shot by the great Sven Nykvist (Winter Light, Cries And Whispers) is his most direct - and slightly preachy - work in his oeuvre.

While this film is still a masterwork in many respects, problems arose from the very begining. When Alexander and Toto discuss G-d and philosophy, in the vast landscape, it felt forced and contrived. Also, some preachiness was evident in the scene when Alexander asks G-D to spare the world of it's misery; "forgive those who do not believe in you because they are blind." In anouther scene, Toto tells the family a story about a mother that has her photo taken and upon recieving the prints sees the image of her son, who past away 20 years earlier, in a war. After telling the story Toto vents on how "people see nothing, they are blind." As a viewer I felt slightly insulted and disappointed by these scenes.

Apart from some of Sacrifice's flaws it still contains all we have come to expect from the master. The art works, the long takes, the slow zooms, the spirituality, and philosophical musings.

'The Sacrifice' is probably Tarkovsky's greatest sound design achievement. The intermittent voices audible throughout the film, like beckons from anouther world, and the Japanese flute that would come swooping in so elegantly with the damp winds were perfect.

Admittedly, I have only seen The Sacrifice once. Further viewings, I'm sure, will result in different readings and opinions of the film. Also, I suggest reading his book "Sculpting In Time" it has been of much help to me in understanding his art. ... Read more

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Reviews (87)

not a great film, and yet...
This is not a great film, but perhaps it could have been. The actors are, of course, excellent. And I enjoyed seeing Cuba Gooding Junior getting the chance to play so much and so often one-to-one with Hopkins; what a great learning experience that must have been for him; and he held his own, or rose to meet Hopkins very admirably: good for him.

There is something about this movie for me: I feel like I'm sensing the seed of something very, very good that didn't quite come to fruition, despite what on the surface seems to be a season filler kind of movie. There's something more there (I wish the people involved could give it a few more tries--oh well). But that not yet really well developed "something," the promise that seems to be inherent in this movie, is compelling enough for me to buy it.

I also highly recommend the other movie I logged on to buy, now that I heard it's been re-released: "Never Cry Wolf" with Charles Martin Smith, based on the true story of a biologist's 6-months in-the-field study of the Artic wolf--now that's a movie, a story, that has *fully* come to fruition (in art *and* in life). And for anyone interested in a story based on a real-life experience with the mountain gorillas, I'd highly recommend *Gorillas in the Mist*, based on Dian Fossey's experiences.

Anyway, I will be placing *Instinct* alongside those two for that promising *something* that it seemed to be trying to reveal to me and that I did indeed sense in some way as I watched it...

Are You Free?
Instinct is simply the most under-rated movie of all time. Hopkins and Gooding gave us great performances that were backed up by the talented supporting cast of Maura Tierney, Donald Sutherland, John Ashton, George Dzundza, and Doug Spinuzza.

It's too bad that most people who watch Instinct really don't understand the message, because it is one of the most important messages of all time. The message is that humans need to stop acting like we are gods, and give up the delusion that we are the masters of the universe.

How can such an awful film like Fargo gets praised left and right as one of the best, while this incredible masterpiece called Instinct goes unnoticed? Don't know? They are called CRITICS. Critics are generally people who have seen so many films, that they are burnt out, and try to analyze films in ways they never did when they truly enjoyed movies. They tend to develop a distaste for entertaining movies, and a taste for bizarre or boring films. Once some of the top critics blasted Instinct, it didn't have a chance. The domino effect took over, and a movie that I thought was destined to be hailed as one of the best, was very quickly stomped into obscurity.

How can this movie be so often described as derivative by the exact same people who praise one of the most derivative movies of all time, called The Shawshank Redemption? Watch Shawshank right after watching Escape from Alcatraz, and you should see what I mean. Was it King, or was it a writer for Shawshank the movie that stole those ideas and scenes? I don't know.

We all have opinions, and mine aren't any better than yours; but when a movie that has the entertainment, acting, writing, and messages of the caliber that Instinct does, can be successfully portrayed by the so-called experts as a horrible film, then you know something screwy is going on. Just watch this masterpiece, and do it with an open mind. From the words of Ethan Powell, played by Anthony Hopkins: `Are you free?' Not many of us are.

Surprisingly good!
I'd heard some criticism of this movie, basically that it was the same thing they did with Hannibal Lecter, same actor, so why bother seeing it, yadda yadda. Not so! I was expecting a different type of movie, and was VERY pleasantly surprised by Instinct. I agree with some of criticism of "stereotypical" prison guards, "eccentric" inmates in the psych wing... yet it works. It's worth your while!

You do not need to watch this movie to figure it out
As is more and more often the case the trailer for "Instinct" provides what you need to know about this movie. Noted anthropologist Ethan Powell (Anthony Hopkins) was reported missing in the jungles of Africa and lost for almost two years. It was said that he was walking amongst the gorillas that he was studying. Then he murdered a couple of game wardens with a wooden club. Now he has been returned to the United States and placed in the mental ward of a prison where he refuses to speak. The case is discussed by a pair of shrinks: Dr. Ben Hillard (Donald Sutherland), who is old and wise, and Dr. Theo Caulder (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), who is young and smart. Hillard engages briefly in deep thought and then muses: "He lives with the animals, takes on their behavior, and becomes one. How does that happen?"

Of course that is what the movie is about, and young Dr. Caulder is going to go have a series of confrontational sessions with Dr. Powell in prison, get him to talk, and eventually find out the answers to the big question. But as soon as Hillard articulated the big question I had my hand up because I was pretty sure I knew the answer. I mean I saw "Gorillas in the Midst" but even without that big clue common sense would pretty much tell you why somebody studying primates in the jungle would favor the apes and side with them against human beings. There might be some surprises in terms of the details, but certainly the general idea here is clear even before we actually "learn" the answer. However, to be fair, this film gets credit for not having a sexual relationship develop between young Dr. Caulder and Powell's daughter Lyn (Maura Tierney),

Will Anthony Hopkins staring at an inquisitor in a prison setting it is hard not to see parallels between "Instinct" and "Silence of the Lambs." Caulder admits at one point that he has become a student as well as a therapist and this 1999 film is one where the patient may well do more for the doctor than the other way around. Added to this film are your standard roster of prison goons, apathetic doctors, and eccentric prisoner-patients in a simplistic combining of "The Shawshank Redemption" and "One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest." Consequently Caulder not only has to bring Powell back to sanity and his family, but has to fight to reform the corrupt system that he finds.

The extras on this DVD consist of the trailer for "Instinct," as a reminder that it was a lot better than the actual movies, and then pictures of other movies you could have watched instead of this one. Apparently someone in a decision-making capacity recognized that most people watching this movie were probably to hit the eject button as soon as the credits, so why waste time and money adding extras nobody was going to want to see?

Beautiful movie!
As another reviewer said, one of the really good things this movie did was mention Daniel Quinn's book in the beginning.

I have just finished reading Ishmael by Quinn (which I wouldn't have known of hadn't it been for this movie), and I must say that Instinct's scriptwriter has done an excellent job of creating a story *based* on the thoughts of the book but making it so much more interesting and dramatic. The movie has IMPACT. It caught my attention when I saw the trailer on TV, and I knew I had to watch it, and I *drank* it in like I had longed for it for ages.

It's a beautiful, excellent movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Question of God: Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis makes an exhaustive yet stimulating case that Freud, father of psychoanalysis, and Lewis, author and Oxford scholar, are exemplary representatives of their respective secular and spiritual belief systems. This two-part PBS program grew out of a quarter-century-old Harvard course taught by Armand M. Nicholi, in which the backgrounds of Freud and Lewis (born a generation apart) are compared and contrasted for formative experiences that drove one man toward a science-based atheism (Freud's conclusion that belief in God stems from childhood fear and helplessness) and the other away from atheism toward Christianity (Lewis's assertion that one can reject religion and find a personal path toward God). Through dramatized scenes featuring actors playing Lewis and Freud, the show simulates a kind of give-and-take between these deeply influential men. Somewhat less interesting are interspersed excerpts from a roundtable discussion, moderated by Nicholi, among various people (writers, filmmakers, etc.) who talk about their own experiences of faith. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Beautiful, sad... yet most importantly: thought-provoking
This PBS presentation beautifully lays out contrasting views (theism/atheism)... yet somehow never comes off as advocating either one; letting the viewer decide.As much as I love Freud and also warm up to such deep-thinkers as C.S. Lewis... it was the periodic "roundtable" discussion sessions moderated by Dr. Armand Nicholi that blew me away.I found myself pausing this DVD over and over again as I wrote down my own thoughts and, yes, my own spontaneous revelations.It's that sort of program.It makes you want to grab a notebook and a pencil.

I won't tell you which way I lean (Freud? Lewis?)... but I will say BUY THIS!SEE IT!It is quite possibly one of the only sources giving equal time to both sides of this age-old issue.If nothing else, you'll be fascinated at the eruption of thoughts/realizations that you-the viewer will most-certainly experience.

Bravo to PBS!
This program is a must see to those who are skeptical or questioning their beliefs in God. These two men (Freud and Lewis) are so contrasted and different from each other that it makes for a good argument by both sides. No doubt, Lewis' testimony and influence is widespread and powerful. The arguments in which scholars and psychologists alike test the waters of their beliefs and world view further enhance the program and Freud's and Lewis' beliefs. An excellent witnessing tool for Believers to show to non-Believers who struggle with these tough questions!

Definitely going to buy this!
I saw bits and pieces of this show when it aired on PBS.As an atheist I'm glad to see that this topic, with equal time for both sides (theist and atheist), is being presented.Possibly only a decade ago this type of subject matter would not have aired on public television, especially with the viewpoints of a nonbeliever being showcased unedited.I was very impressed with the representatives that PBS chose for intermediate board-meeting-style debates.Michael Shermer, editor of Skeptical Inquirer Magazine is one of the skilled persons chosen to represent a nonbeliever's point-of-view.

Between PBS's efforts to host controversial topics with fairness and the efforts of Penn & Teller, with their new show "BullSh*t", supernaturalism is finally experiencing scientific scrutiny in the public eye.

Seriously considering buying this...
I watched this on PBS the past two weeks.It's 4 hours total, and shows the personal history of these two men (complete with some well done reenactment) and how they came to their beliefs interspersed with a panel of people with different beliefs (believers and nonbelievers) talking about a lot of the basic issues with religion and Christianity.The panel includes a Dr. from Harvard, the editor of Skeptic magazine, and some other really interesting people.

As is to be expected (hey, it's PBS :)The Question of God is very well done.Extremely fascinating, and it makes you think. I was so impressed by it that I'm seriously considering buying it.I'm also going to read C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity. ... Read more

Reviews (142)

Witty HELLBOY is fun, rollicking adventure
Based on the Dark Horse comic, HELLBOY is probably one of the more unusual superhero films around today. In a prologue set in World War II, the U.S. Army foils a (...) plot to open an other dimensional portal and unleash monster fiends upon the world. However, an infant demon slips through into our world. Taking pity on him, government scientist Professor Broom raises the tyke as his own. Sixty years later, we find the demon all grown-up and fighting paranormal menaces for a secret U.S. government agency. However, Hellboy finds himself battling not only the evils of his past, but his own feelings for Liz Sherman, a fellow freak with pyrotechnic powers.

Ron Perlman is perfectly cast as the demon with a blue-collar attitude towards his job. In many ways, he comes across as your local garbage man or plumber with his world-weary view towards the many monsters he faces. His snappy comebacks are especially amusing. Perlman's costume and make-up also reinforce the image with his floppy raincoat and filed-down horns, which resemble goggles more than anything. Selma Blair is touching as Liz Sherman, the somewhat sullen object of Hellboy's affections, while John Hurt brings an added amount of warmth as the elder Professor Broom. Rupert Evans is solid as the young FBI agent who is introduced into Hellboy's world. As the evil Rasputin, Karel Rodin underplays the part, making him a somewhat bland bad guy. Doug Jones, with the voice of David Hyde Pierce, makes the fish-man Abe Sapien a truly fun creation. Lending solid support is Jeffrey Tambor as Hellboy's antagonistic boss. Director Guillermo del Toro does a wonderful job keeping the film at such a brisk pace that we easily get swept up in the story.

Despite having a lower budget than most films of its type, the special effects are definitely better than average with snaky haired monsters providing menace and a complaining zombie half-corpse providing laughs. HELLBOY is a fast-paced, fun film that definitely will draw in fans of the cult comic, while the irreverent attitude will appeal to action fans in general. It doesn't matter if you're familiar to the comic or not, this film is definitely a enjoyable time, and as such, is one that I definitely recommend.

Great Casting
One of the better Marvel Comic / Movie crossovers of late with a powerhouse performance by Ron Perlman in the title role, who delivers the character which such panache, you can forgive the other disappointing aspects of the movie. A typical pulp storyline finds the birth of Hellboy by a Nazi ritual interuppted by well to do professor figure who he comes to know as father, and then we are moved hence 60 odd years. Hellboy is now on our side thankfully, but we are then only to find (shock horror) that the original protagonists have re-emerged to finish their aim of World destruction yada yada yada. Top heavy on the SfX as you would expect, but the success lies in the movies persistent, and almost self effacing script; that refuses to try and overlay a topical, or politically correct message, as so many other movies of the genre have in the past. The film seems to know it's implausible and often silly beyond belief, but the acting is perfectly executed. Any moments of stale screen time are soon enlivened with some beautifully delivered lines, again by Perlman, who almost single handedly carries the whole picture. A lot of fun here for young and old, and should appeal to those outside the 14-22 demographic for whom it seems to have been intended for by the director. Your intellect won't be tested too much, but if you know that going in, you should enjoy this movie. Deserves 3.5 stars, but not quite 4.

Stylish fun
"There is a place, a dark place, where ancient evil slumbers, waiting to be awakened," a character warns in the first minutes of "Hellboy." And if you think that ancient evil is going to continue slumbering through a film with a title like "Hellboy," you must be dreaming. Awaken it does -- on two fairly spectacular occasions -- and to defeat it, the world must call upon a guy who could squash Spider-Man with one sweep of his rock-hard right hand, a scarlet-skinned avenger who makes the Hulk look not-so-incredible.

Hellboy, as readers of the Dark Horse comic know, is a half-man, half-demon and, as played by Ron Perlman, he's a whole lotta fun to hang around with. Although he's got brute strength to spare, his fireproof hide hides a tender side: He vainly tries to sand down the pair of horns that keep threatening to sprout out of his broad forehead, he consumes basins of chili and mini-mountains of nachos in one sitting, and he enjoys the company of ... kittens.

The dream project of the gifted Mexican screenwriter and director Guillermo del Toro ("Mimic," "Blade II"), "Hellboy" initially appears to be a flashy mishmash of elements lifted from "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "X-Men," "The Matrix" and other fantasies. But stick with it. Somehow del Toro gives the movie unexpected rhythm and spirit; don't be surprised if you get caught up in this weirdly affecting tale about a superhero bedeviled by his need for acceptance and companionship.

The screenplay by del Toro begins in 1944, as the Nazis and the diabolical Grigori Rasputin (yes, the Mad Monk himself) combine science and black magic to open a portal to Hell. The results are dire for all concerned, and in the midst of the mess a miniature red menace manages to cross over from the dark side.

Adopted by paranormal expert Professor Broom (John Hurt), the little creature grows up to be Hellboy, the secret weapon of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense, an organization dedicated to stamping out monsters whenever and wherever they appear. They're a low-profile bunch. Instead of the supersonic jet the X-Men travel around in, the BPRD team disguises itself as a band of trashmen.

In the rare moments when he's not fending off attacks by the sinister forces of Rasputin (Karel Roden), Hellboy attempts to deal with new BPRD trainee John Myers (British TV star Rupert Evans), who has managed to win the trust of Hellboy's dreamgirl, Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), a sullen soul cursed with pyrokinesis: Whenever her temper flares, everything goes up in flames. The bizarre love triangle is delightfully well-played, with Hellboy fuming and fussing as he stalks John and Liz. "When am I ever gonna get a girl?" Hellboy complains. "I drive around in a garbage truck."

"Hellboy" also introduces Abe Sapien, an intellectually inclined gill-man/psychic who speaks with the voice of David Hyde Pierce; an undead assassin with a horribly mutilated body, veins full of dust and a clockwork heart that keeps him running; and Sammael, a hell-hound capable of resurrecting itself (or quickly reproducing copies of itself) each time it seems to be near death. Avid readers of the comics will be pleased to know creator Mike Mignola served as a visual consultant here, and he's at least partially responsible for the film's sleek, dark, glossy/grungy look.

Certainly not everything works as well as it should. The humor, which often gives scenes a welcome edge, sometimes gets perilously close to the thudding one-liners that eventually sent Arnold Schwarzenegger into exile in the California governor's mansion. An insufferable bureaucrat (Jeffrey Tambor) who abruptly disappears from the storyline -- a plot point that's ridiculed during the end credits -- is an extraneous annoyance that slows down the action and should have been cut before shooting began.

But for every little flaw or misstep, "Hellboy" manages to come up with something unexpectedly off-the-wall to compensate for it, such as the inclusion of 1940s chanteuse Vera Lynn's "We'll Meet Again" on the soundtrack, or a fistfight that somehow continues, even as the participants are hurtling down an elevator shaft.

Just to let you know
A 3-disc edition of HellBoy is coming out in November. It'll have 15 minutes added into the film, a new commentary track, and a few other extra features and bonuses. So you might want to wait on getting this if you'd rather get the full version. Sheesh, when are studios going to quit doing this? It's bad enough there're going to be 4+ other releases of Kill Bill...

Hellboy
As far as Comic book movies go, this was extremely well done. Del Toro did a marvelous job in bringing this to the big screen. Ron Pearlman was superb in the title role as Hellboy, just as Michael Keaton was to Batman. The plot was great, taken right from one of Mike Mignola's stories. This is pure escapism at it's best (as all comic book movies are). Just enjoy it for what it is. If you want to go further, just head to Borders and read a copy of any of Mike Mignola's Hellboy graphic novels for free (there are about 6 available). In closing, I really enjoyed the film and will buy the DVD, although I'm hoping for a directors cut extended version (I'm hoping they'll do one). Like I said, just enjoy it folks! ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Ready for Season Two?
Ah Saiyuki Season 2!

Three new characters show up. The war prince Homura (voice acted by none less than Jason Douglas, he also was the English voice of Lord Illpilatzo from Excel Saga, he always gets casted for the world conqueror bit doesn't he?), and his two minions Zenon and Shien descend to start a rebellion against the heavens. Now it looks like there is a three way race to get Scriptures now...

This Disk features FOUR new adventures for the Sanzo party and their enemies.

Episode 27: Basic Introduction of Homura and his minions... Homura calls the Sanzo party by their past life names, destroys literally truckloads of Demons with but a thought, and Sanzo's gun has no effect on Homura.
Most notable seen: Sanzo's introduction about the "If you meet the Buddha kill the Buddha"

Episode 28: Homura starts to gather demon followers, he apparently can turn demons into "gods". The Merciful Goddess refuses to do anything to stop Homura, says that watching Homura will keep her from being bored for awhile. Apparently Homura is the half human son of the Jade Emperor... the gods will do nothing to stop him as they have grown lazy and fat. Sanzo's party has to share a single room and draws cards to see who gets the bed while the others sleep on the floor. The episode ends with an attack on Houtou Castle to get the Seiten Scripture. Most notable scenes: The first meeting of Sanzo (of God Sanzo) and Son Goku. Goku and Gojyo fight over the bed and the innkeeper walks in and sees them in a rather embarrassing situation.

Episode 29: Homura and gang assault Houtou Castle. Homura single handedly bests both Dokugakuji and Kougaiji. Dr. Ni (that crazy scientist with the stuffed bunny) just hands over the Seiten Scripture to Homura in hopes that he will leave Lady Koushu and the rest with their lives. Sonzo gets a rude awaking from the merciful Goddess, who reminds him of the Teachings of his Master. The "if you meet the Buddha kill the Buddha" which has been said at least 3 times in the series now... Zenon kills a demon who killed his human wife. Basically this episode was to show that these new characters are in fact a force to be reckoned with.
Most Notable scene: Sanzo tries to shoot the Merciful Goddess... and fails."

Episode 30: Homura sends his latest Assassin to kill the Sanzo party to get the Scripture that Sanzo carries. This demon makes a village into a ghost town, his "Perfect Paradise". He calls himself the Undertaker, and puts the entire Sanzo party through all kinds of physiological torture. Basically Puts a plate of food in front of a hungry Goku to only make it disappear a second later. Deprives Gojyo of women and alcohol . Burns Hakuryu to get Hakki upset, and gently just pisses Sanzo off with the whole ordeal of things going on. They basically best him and go on their merry way. Most notable scene, Gojyo practically begs Sanzo for a smoke, and Sanzo reminds him that he said "You said my smokes tasted like Crap."

Basically this DVD has the basic ADV basics, a new opening theme and animation, new closing theme and animation, but no longer gives you any previews of upcoming episodes.

Like all the other volumes of Saiyuki they give a wonderful Culture references from the "Journey to the West" and other Japanese jokes you hear while listing to the Japanese audio. Also this series is best kept in context with the Japanese audio as the English seems to completely warp it at times... all in all a good DVD for Saiyuki fans. And also the fact that you can't go wrong with Zenon, how cool is a god with an AK?

The Remaking of a Myth
Saiyuki is a retelling in modern garb (if a dragon/jeep and beer can toting demons can be considered modern) of an old Chinese legendary tale - Journey to the West, originally set down in the 16th Century. Faced with the loss of a manuscript of great magical significance Sanzo, a priest , is dispatched along with three companions. As told here his companions are three demons - Goku the Monkey King, Gojyo the water sprite, and Hakkai a human turned demon when he slaughtered a thousand demons in revenge.

The four reel from one hair-raising adventure to another as they head for the final confrontation. Arguing, brawling and womanizing in between the heroics. As I've noted elsewhere this is an essentially masculine story, with women playing what is so far a very secondary role. This is a different spin than usual for this kind of anime, and it is surprisingly successful.

In these episodes each of the demons faces their own personal demons - Hakkai's grief over the loss of his beautiful wife, Goku's need for someone he can trust, and Gojyo's surprising soft spot. Sanzo is the wise man and healer in this group of stories, although sometimes his advice is every bit as harsh as the problem it solves.

Dialog is what really makes this series work. Not that there is anything to slight in the story or the artwork, but the snappy give and take of this modern gang-on-a-mission is what carries the day. In addition, the episodes refuse to become yet another tale of finding and destroying evil in the goriest fashion possible. Instead, they demonstrate instead a surprising amount of literary merit.

saiyuki is excellent!
saiyuki is a great action show. A tiny bit of humor now and then is a great show by me.

Once More Into The Fray (Again)
Seems like everyone has the names of Sanzo and his party of pilgrim/adventurers inscribed on their weapons of choice. Carrying ascripture around in this alternate Chinese world is risky business. The priest, Goku, Gojyo and Hakkai don't need any help to get into trouble though, but they are getting much more than they ever bargained for.

It seems that the god Homura's decision to rebel and gather the scriptures for himself has attracted some followers. First Souto, head of a group of crack divine shock troops gets the assignment to take Sanzo down. A little later, Homura and his own sidekicks, Zenon and Shien show up to demonstrate that Sanzo and Goku are completely outclassed in this contest. As usual, the monk pulls through, but not without serious damage.

While all this is going on there are two visits from season one - first a pair of twins in the service of Gyokumen Koushu show up with utter destruction on their mind - and then the idiot impersonators show up again for a short sojourn into the more violent forms of comedy. Somehow, our heroes keep up their attitude and return to each conflict determined to survive.

Production quality seems to have improved an order of magnitude since the last season. In the previous DVD I wasn't sure whether to believe it or not, but with this second one it is clear that the show has iimproved, both in art and writing. In the middle of all the action, the group finds time to develop as characters, and both animation and color have increased in intensity.

This series is a bit past the point where one can pick it up mainstream. This isn't a bad thing from a watcher's point of view, but be prepared for a sudden urge to empty your wallet for the series.

Saiyuki is more than you could expect
To basically start this off I'll start with the obvious, well Genjomaden Saiyuki is one of the most comical, entertaining, and certainly up with the best. I personally love this anime. There's a lot of DVDs and as far as I do I beleive that there are 18 DVDs total. Of course only up to 9 came come out and we all eagerly awaiting March 30th aren't we? Well at least I am. Saiyuki is about Demons and Humans living in Shangrila (let me know if I spelled it wrong; I'm not in the mood to look it up)together and I know this 7th DVD, well the Demons get all uncontrolable and attack humans while these gods come along and such, the god of war. Well the Sanzo gang consists of Son Goku (Demon), Genjo Sanzo of course, Sha Goyjo (Half water Demon), and last but never least Cho Hakkai (He killed 100 Demons which turned him into one). Basically that concludes my ranting... if any of you actsually read this, thank you!^^ Any questions e-mail: warrior.killua@verizon.net,
Arigato!
-Killua ... Read more

Description

An anthology of three Stephen King short stories, connected by a supernatural stray cat who wanders through each tale. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Great horror trilogy from the master of terror!
Stephen King ( whom wrote the screenplay for this movie) brings you three terrifying tales of horror done in the "Creepshow" style as told from the eyes of a traveling stray cat. The first story " Quitters Inc." is about a family man ( James Woods) who just can't stop smoking as he signs up for a program called "Quitters Inc." which secretly monitors his smoking habit, the next tale is in Atlantic city called " The Ledge" which a tennis player makes a bet with a boss to walk a hotel ledge. Then finally our title cat in " The General" must protect a young girl ( Drew Barrymore)from an evil goblin who wants her soul.

Entertaining and well-made collection of comic-book stories with Hitchcock-esque and Twilight Zone-esque tones to them. Good acting and some good special effects for it's time especially the goblin make this worth watching.

Highly recommended if you enjoy the works of Stephen King, Creepshow 1 & 2 and Tales from The Darkside: The Movie.

P.S.: Look for cameo's by Stephen King's other famous characters like " Cujo" and "Christine".

Entertaining Film.
This tells, three stories from the Point of View of a Cat. A Man (James Woods) try to give up smoking by going to a successful Company named Quitters, Inc by being stalked by a Business Man (Alan King) by making him trying to quit smoking. A Crazed Millionaire (Kenneth McMillian) pushed a Tennis Pro (Robert Hays) by making him walking all around the Buliding from a Ledge. The Cat is trying to protect a little girl (Drew Barrymore) by a Monster Troll by stealing Kids Breath and Murdering them.

Directed by Lewis Teague (Alligator, Cujo, Navy Seals) made a fun, entertaining, dark humor, tongue in cheek horror film that becomes a Cult Classic. This wasn`t a huge hit in theaters back in 1985. There`s amusing Performances by Woods, King & McMillian. DVD`s has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD`s Extras are the Original Theatrical Trailer and an Audio Commentary by the Director. There`s an amusing trivia that never make it in the final cut:The Original Opening, when a little girl (Barrymore again) dies in her sleep, murder by a Monster Troll and the mother (Patti LaPone) thinking that the Cat has murder her daughter. Trying to take the law in her hands by taking a Machine Gun and trying to kill the Cat. Watch for James Rebhorn, Mike Starr & Charles S. Dutton in Cameos. Screenplay by Novelist:Stephen King (Maximum Overdrive, Sleepalkers, Silver Bullet). Joe Dunton Camera Widescreen (J-D-C Scope). Grade:A-.

Mostly a comedy, but definitely not a horror.
I think it is odd that people view this movie as a horror and then get upset by it. The movie cannot be completely categorized in any one genre since each story attempts to create a different mood. The only pervasive style, however, is dark comedy.

The first segment is nothing but humor, with a slight touch of morbid moments. A good example of the type of humor that's in this story is when James Woods' character has tried to quit smoking and he goes to a party. The room is completely smoke-filled and everybody offers him a cigarette every three seconds. Soon, he starts to hallucinate--and sees a giant pack of cigarettes walking around and taunting him. Obviously, this isn't horror.

The second segment is the most serious of all three. It is supposed to be a suspense story, and it is mostly successful. I've always enjoyed it, but given that it is surrounded by much campier material, it seems out of place here.

The third segment is an adventure story. It could, because of the presence of the troll, be considered a horror by some viewers, but it is incredibly silly. It's the story of a cat fighting out a duel with a little monster, replete with Howie-Mandel-esque voice-overs. It alternates quickly between humor and adventure, but it is not scary unless you are a small child.

The movie suffers only for two reasons: one is that some special effects shots have suffered greatly (although quite a few are still amazing). The other is that whenever the movie does try to be serious, it never works as well as it should. It's like watching a clown do a routine with seltzer water, and then trying to recite a soliloquy from "Hamlet" without changing his make-up. By the time the movie does reach its more serious moments, you'll already be in a laughing mood.

one of my own favorite Stephen King's
It saddens me that this film was not a box office success. It's one that I can wath over and over again, and will always have fond memories of. The framing device is a stray tom cat that is visited twice, in some of the more surreal moments of the film, by the spirit of a young girl, (8-year-old Drew Barrymore,) who is, in fact, still alive. (Perhaps she visits the cat while asleep, in her dreams.) The first two stories a non-horror, non- supernatural, (unless you count the scenes where the girl appears,) cliff hanger stories, in the vein of REAR WINDOW and NORTH BY NORTHWEST. The first is about a company that helps smokers quit, no matter what the cost. The second is about an ex- tennis pro who, after being caught trying to run off with a mob boss' wife, is forced to walk a five inch ledge at the top of a twenty-story building. The last segment is the horrific supernatural tale, when the cat finds the girl, Amanda, just in time, as a miniture troll is about to sneak into her room and suck her life force while she's asleep. However, this isn't really any scaryier than GREMLINS, and it might help to watch it as more of a comedy during the scenes with the troll. Still, a film not to be missed.

Is this meant to be funny?
This is NOT horror, and the effects are tacky. But it's still an average film. Cat's Eye tells the story of a tortoise-shell cat, who seems to be able to save everybody from monsters and other scary things.

The first tale is quite creepy, and is a bout a man who tries to give up smoking. The Quit Smoking company try sinister methods to try and get the man to quit.

The second part is the main NON HORROR film. It's about a man who is forced to walk around a ledge on the top of a tall hotel. An average thriller, but not scary.

The third is where the supernatural comes into it, but the monster has little bells on it's head and is about ten centimetres tall, so this is the worst story of the lot. In places, it's funny, but is it meant to be?

There are better films out there, but watch this if you have nothing better to do. ... Read more

Reviews (126)

An Extraordinary Experience
I found this movie to be BRILLIANT! Jodie Foster is outstanding in the role of Anna Leonowens - she is a beautiful mix of bravery, intelligence and Victorian elegance. Chow Yun-Fat is also outstanding in the role of King Mongkut - he emits a regal quality as well that of compassion and intelligence. The cinematography is out of this world and the directing exquisite. The dialogue is perfect, and it strikes just the right chord of polished writing. The musical score is breathtaking. The lush scenery and thick emotion is set to elegant, strong, and graceful music. It is forceful when it need be and then fades quietly into the background... at times supporting a scene with gentle rolling waves of ear pleasure. Oh and the costumes! They are completely amazing, and startling in their detail. From the majestic elephants to the smallest noble they are all cloaked in carefully chosen fabrics.

This movie in all its entirety affected me very deeply. The intense emotions of the characters are so expertly performed and directed that they feel incredibly real. These emotions, which course through "Anna and the King," create a moving, exciting, and anticipatory experience. I am very grateful to all of those involved in the making of "Anna and the King" for producing such a beautiful and extraordinary film. Anyone who is contemplating viewing this movie... do it. I only hope that you, too will have the pleasure of being able to fully indulge in this feast for the senses.

A true outstanding epic movie.....
This is a true outstanding epic movie. I'm really surprised why it wasn't hailed as greatly as it should have been. I personally hail it as one of the greatest movies of all time, a true classic in every sense. I've seen it totally ignorant of all the versions that preceded it and I've loved it with the very first few lines "She came unaware of all the suspicion that preceded her" " the first English woman I have seen". This story of two unconventional people in conventional times with all its historical facts and lush gorgeous background is capable of sweeping one's off his feet making him feel all that cultural and emotional struggle that Anna and the King seem to go through. Jodie Foster was lovely and extraordinary although I used to think that she is too modern-looking for such movies...I guess I was gravely mistaken. I think the movie's real surprise is Chow Yun-Fat who was truly amazing. He seems to be so much at home with all this kingly charm. He has such grace and overwhelming presence that would make him probably one of the most remembered kings on the screen. I can't help wondering if the original king was as charming as he was....and wouldn't be nice if all kings were like that? We would surly love them. And what of the palace? Do I dare and say more? I was totally amazed to know that they've built a replica of the original one...wow! I envy Jodie and Chow for being in such lofty surroundings. I think I would write a book if I were to describe everything I loved in this movie...but I must take my hat off to Andy Tennant for making such a masterpiece and for all the designers. Of course, I must not forget the movie's music and photography and the beautiful script that seems to linger in the mind forever for I would always remember that "when a woman has so much to say and doesn't say it. Her silence can be deafening.".

Simply a delightful story
After losing her husband in the jungle of India, Anna Leonowens embarks in a journey that will take her to Siam, where she will tutor the oldest son of King Mongkut. Her son, Louis, and two Hindu servants accompany her in this new endeavor. As soon as Anna sets foot in Bangkok, the difference between cultures surges as a predominant element that will remain present throughout the story. Even though the start is rocky, with Anna being called "Sir" for misogynist reasons and not being given the house she was promised but accommodation in the palace instead, the king discovers quickly the value of this woman that acts very different from what he is used to. That is why he decides that instead of tutoring his oldest son, she will be in charge of teaching all of his children...all 58 of them!

The movie evolves around three clear themes. First, the clash of cultures, which is enlightening and entertaining and as the movie evolves so does the acceptance and admiration each of the characters show for the positive points of the other's culture. Second, the relationship between Anna and the king, which starts as annoyance, moves to respect and continues developing from there. Third, the political atmosphere, which is characterized by attacks to Siamese people by Burmese armies, suspected to be supported by no other than the British Empire (the events unfold in 1862).

Although the movie is rather long, the events unfold at a pace that keeps the viewer interested at all times. The music fits the mood of the action perfectly well, and in the proper scenes it is so uplifting that it steals the attention of the viewer. Jodie Foster delivers a well-rounded role, but in my opinion the performance of Chow Yun-Fat is at a higher level. Finally, the scenery and the palaces where the movie develops are absolutely amazing.

Overall this is a highly enjoyable movie that will leave you thinking for a while about how every culture has its positive aspects and how, with a little patience, everyone can learn to appreciate this.

Had to watch for a school project...
I thought that this film was very beautiful in content...this film had some real substance to it, and the actors did an excellent job in the portrayal of the characters involved...lovely story.....

Absolutely classic
This is one of my favorite movies ever, it can be compared only to Gone With The Wind. It may be not historically accurate but nor was GWTW and it is still a classic. I love every part of it -- the portrayal of the two different cultures as equals, the love story, the beautiful scenery. I've seen it 4 times in the cinema even though I usually watch a movie twice, when it's in cinema and when it comes out in video.
I don't understand why this film wasn't a great success but I don't mind, at least we won't get three awful sequels and two TV shows based on it.

I also recommend the soundtrack, it is beautiful and suits the story well. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Where's Frankie And Annette When You Really Need Them?
I thought this would be a lighthearted comedy, in the tradition of the "Beach Blanket Bingo" movies, but I was wrong. This film is heavy on melodrama and light on comic relief. Three California surfing buddies travel to Hawaii to catch the ultimate waves at Waimea Bay. Naturally, the veteran surfers there resent them, but to such a degree that it borders on hatred. A wipeout causes damage to Fabian's surfboard, which later causes him to crash into another surfer, who is carried on to the beach with a bloody, broken nose. Another surfer gets drunk on New Year's Eve and dives off a steep waterfall, and ends up cracking some ribs. Frankie Avalon and his gang sometimes wiped out, but they never emerged from the ocean bloodied and battered. The final surfing showdown is an endurance test to determine who is the best surfer in the world. The competition goes on and on and on, becoming an endurance test for the viewer. I can sum up my feelings for this movie in two words - wipe out!

Ride, ride, ride... the wild cliche!
Dudes, babes, and fabulous footage of the north shore of Hawaii, plus the classic theme song co-written by Brian Wilson and sung by Jan & Dean. This is about as good as '60s beach movies get, partly a good impersonation, part pure Hollywood fantasy, of my own childhood backdrop of surfing action in southern California and Hawaii. Dig the scenes in which the "surfers" are waiting for their waves on perfectly calm blue water on what is probably a giant studio backlot wading pool! Thrill as their doubles paddle out to attack the scary gray curls of Waimea Bay "and conquer those waves 'most thirty feet high"! Shelley Fabares and Barbara Eden are among the girls on the beach.

It's cool, buddy boy.

Guaranteed to get sand in your shorts!
A group of handsome, well-built, "young" board heads take a Hawaiian vacation to ride the wild surf of Hawaii. The boys fall in love within ten minutes of meeting their bikini-clad, beautiful female groupies who reluctantly watch as surf bum beaus risk life and limb in the unpredictable waves. Never a swear word is uttered and everything has a happy ending. Barbara Eden plays the spunky "Augie Poole," the original party girl who brings lots of laughs to the show.

There is no doubt that this is that rare film that is fun for the whole family to watch. The scenic footage of the Hawaiian islands is beautiful. The scripts are corny and the acting enthusiastic, but overall a fun film to watch. Although the actors played the parts well, they seemed a little bit too old (thirty-something) to play the proverbial beach-boy-in-college scene. But ten minutes into the show, we're too caught up in the undertow to care about trivial things like time and age!

Ride, ride, ride, the wild surf...
Campy, campy, campy, campy, campy ! Great nostalgic film . Sometimes when I watch it I think, "man, this movie didn't age well " and then other times I think, "who cares! This is a fun movie !" Far better than most of the stuff that Hollywood has been trying to pawn off on us for years .

Ride The Wild Surf
In 1964 three friends went to the show to see a surf movie for the first time. We returned to see this movie over and over again, (7 times to be exact). Being young and impressionable we wanted to be like Fabian, Tab Hunter, and Peter Brown riding Big Waves in Hawaii and falling in "Love" with girls like Susan Hart, Shelley Fabares and Barbara Eden. This movie made our summer of '64 a fantasy summer, we went to the beach, tried to surf, listened to Jan & Dean, The Beach Boys and dreamt of the girls in "Ride the Wild Surf". By todays standards this movie seems "Hokie", but for three fourteen year old boy's in 1964 it was a movie and Summer to remember. ... Read more

Reviews (79)

Good film, great extras
The breezy rehab story of Gwen Cummings(Sandra Bullock) and her 28 days towards the road to recovery isn't a perfect film by any stretch of the imagination, but it's definitely enjoyable.The key points to the DVD that may warrant you buying it are Betty Thomas's directors commentary, three character testimonials that were cut from the final film, instructions on how to make a gum wrapper chain like the fiesty heroine,theatrical trailers,and talent files. But the best thing, and possibly worth the price of the rest of the disc, is the hilarious 26 minutes of "lost episodes" of the fictional soap "Santa Cruz" that everyone at the rehab center watches.That alone is almost as funny as the movie, with the actors playing their scenes with intense seriousness amid ridiculous plot situations even more far fetched than the average soap.

Here's Looking at You, Sandra Bullock
Director Betty Thomas has achieved something rare: A modern movie that tackles a serious issue and emerges with it's tastefulness intact. "28 Days" has the plot of a drama, the soul of a comedy, the feel of a documentary and a fabulous performance by Sandra Bullock that gives each genre a place in the delicate mix of this wonderful movie.

Bullock is Gwen Cummings, an alcoholic, pill popping journalist who is sentenced to spend 28 days in a rehab center she drunkenly steals a limo and crashes it into a house. Leaving behind her boozy British boyfriend Jasper (superbly played by Domonic West), Gwen soon finds the support and understanding of her eccentric and often hilarious new neighbors. There's Eddie (Viggo Mortensen), the washed up baseball player who'll sleep with anyone; Oliver (Mike O'Malley), the wisecracking Park Avenue pot addict; Andrea (Azura Skye), a young woman addicted to drugs and a preposterous soap opera called "Santa Cruz," which she eventually turns everyone on to; and Gerhardt (Alan Tudyk), the wacky German. "28 Days," unlike an "Erin Brokovich" where one star dominates, is an ensemble film that allows a variety of talents to shine. And with a cast of this caliber, sometimes that shine rivals the stars themselves in brightness.

Despite many humorous moments, it's the dramatic aspects of "28 Days" that make it great. When Gwen becomes so desperate for her pills that she jumps out the window to get some she threw away earlier, the obsessiveness and despair of dependency are captured at their most vivid. Then there's her troubled relationship with her sister Lily (sensitively portrayed by Elizabeth Perkins), who can't decide whether she wants to give up on the woman who has never been there for her, or stand by her in the hope that she will reform, risking having her heart broken yet again.

It's because Bullock and screenwriter Susannah Grant have made Gwen such a likable character that these situations have real bite. Sine we can't decide whether we love her or hate her, we keep watching the movie on the edge of our seats, searching for something that will proove to us once and for all what Gwen Cummings is. The movie wisely avoids giving us a straight answer to that and many other questions, allowing the viewer instead to make their own decisions and create their own relationaships with the characters and the things they encounter.

"28 Days" is a triumph for all involved. There's nothing better for a cynical critic like me then proof on the screen that films moving stories with engaging characters are still being made. Perhaps the best news of all is the resurrection of Sandra Bullock's career after three flops in a row. If she continues to show such wise judgement in choosing her projects, this poor man's Julia Roberts may be topping the A-list once again.

drunks on parade......
While the film was entertaining, I do not find anything in the least entertaining about the subject matter of drug addiction. In Gwen's book it was booze and Vicodin......a killer combo.....Alcoholics are often seen as hilarious, but in reality most of the time they leave a trail of tragedy not only for those who are closest to them, ie families and their friends, but they create pain in the lives of total strangers.....witness Gwen's destruction of a limo and a residence when she left her sister's wedding reception. I suppose we should be happy she did not end up on the freeway with the limo.
I found the characters in this film just too cute.....From what I have seen on COPS, they don't appear to be that cute in reality, or maybe if you have the 50K, which rehabs centers like Gwen was staying at cost, perhaps you see a different bunch of addicts.

Good movie with some strong performances
I liked this one- am finally adding it to my video collection.
Sandra Bullock is a believable drunk who has a very tough time relating to anyone and everyone. Was nice seeing someone who is not overly likeable in movie like this.
Nice performance by a clean cut and hunky Viggo Mortenson livens this up.
For a double downer line up of sobering drama
see Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia in When a Man Loves a Woman.

Santa Cruz & Gum Wrapper Chains
Sandra Bullock's character goes to rehab. She hates it at first then sees she should be sober. Its a funny movie thats not very preachy and it has good characters. The dvd has cool features like how to make that gum wrapper chain thing, and actual scenes from Santa Cruz. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A pleasant change of pace for Elvis
The Trouble With Girls was a pleasant change of pace for Elvis, who had long grown weary of the typical formula flicks, regardless of how well they did at the box office.

The light comedy had a good story to it, and the 1927 setting was great. Elvis is the manager of the traveling Chautauqua, and he blends in well with the rest of the performers, highlighted by Vincent Price, Dabney Coleman and John Carradine.

It was nice to see the movie not centered totally around Elvis' singing, although his rendition of "Swing Down Sweet Chariot" was really motivating. "Clean up Your Own Back Yard" was a great song as well, especially when compared to some stinkers he had done in recent movies.

I read where they were originally going to call the movie "The Chautauqua." They should have done so. I agree with another reviewer who said "The Trouble With Girls," is a deceiving title, making people think it's an "Elvis" movie. This has indeed made it one of his more forgotten and underappreciated efforts. Elvis was in the best physical shape of his life, having come off of the filming of his comeback special, he obviously enjoyed making a different type of movie, and he put more effort into it knowing that his comeback to the stage was just over the horizon once he finished filming "Change of Habit."

And we even see Elvis smoking a cigar. To my knowledge, that is the only time Elvis was seen smoking on screen. Definitely a change from his squeaky clean image from the "Blue Hawaii" days.

See this movie. It won't win any awards, but it lets Elvis fans see him in a different light as his movie career came to an end.

A snooze, but a change of pace for Presley
The second film in which Elvis plays a character named Walter (the first was "Kid Galahad", "The Trouble With Girls" is a snooze, but a worthy addition to the King's filmography if only because it represents a complete change of pace from most of his other 1960's vehicles. Set in the 1920s, he's the manager of a travelling tent show rocked by assorted scandals, and he's surrounded by a cast of solid professionals (Vincent Price appears in a cameo). Slim, relaxed, and impeccably dressed

in a white suit, Elvis looks better here than he has in a decade, and it's no wonder. By the time this film entered production, the TV special that would represent his return from the ashes of low-budget Hollywood pap, was already in the can, and he had only one more movie to go ("Change of Habit") before bidding adieu to the film capital that saw him as nothing more than bait to reel in an often undiscriminating teenaged audience.

Glad to see it on DVD!!
This is a great Elvis movie set in the roaring 1920's.I'm glad to see that it will finally be released on DVD along with his other great movies!!

Great Elvis Movie!!
This is a great Elvis Presley movie set in the roaring 1920's.It's a must see especially for the Elvis fan!!Look for it on dvd soon!!

The Trouble With "The Trouble With Girls"
The title of this movie is very misleading, as it is NOT another typical Elvis comedy with lots of young girls. The movie takes place in 1927, when traveling tent shows know as "Chautauquas" crisscrossed America. Chautauquas were a combination of carnivals and religious revival meetings. Similarly, this movie combines elements of lighthearted musical comedy with dramatic action, in an effort to create a non-formula film for Elvis. By trying to be a dramatic comedy, the movie generally fails to be entertaining. Elvis Presley plays the manager of the Chautaqua, but he is too laid back to be an effective boss. Marilyn Mason is his assistant and love interest. She continually nags him about following union rules, and they have little chemistry together on screen. As for the music, the only noteworthy song is Elvis Presley's emotional performance of the gospel standard, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." ... Read more

Amazon.com

With a tantalizing "what-if?" scenario and a respectable cast of Hollywood veterans, The Final Countdown plays like a grand-scale episode of The Twilight Zone. It's really no more than that, and time-travel movies have grown far more sophisticated since this popular 1980 release, but there's still some life remaining in the movie's basic premise: What if a modern-era Navy aircraft carrier--in this case the real-life nuclear-powered U.S.S. Nimitz--was caught in an anomalous storm and thrust 40 years backwards in time to the eve of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor? Will the ship's commander (Kirk Douglas) interfere with history? Will the visiting systems analyst (Martin Sheen) convince him not to? Will a rescued senator from 1941 (Charles Durning) play an unexpected role in the future of American politics? Veteran TV director Don Taylor doesn't do much with the ideas posed by this potentially intriguing plot; he seems more interested in satisfying aviation buffs with loving footage ofF-14 "Jolly Roger" fighter jets, made possible by the Navy's generous cooperation. That makes The Final Countdown a better Navy film than a full-fledged time-travel fantasy, but there's a nice little twist at the end, and the plot holes are easy to ignore. James Cameron would've done it better, but this popcorn thriller makes an enjoyable double-bill with The Philadelphia Experiment. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Love the Movie!!! Newer DVD is acceptable quality ...
I have always liked this movie. Sure, the story never reaches its purported climax, but there's a lot of fun getting there ...

Let me address the DVD issue right off: I have (apparently) a remastered version, widescreen, with chapter selection and promotional trailer included. The quality of this DVD is pretty good. I can't remember the exact cinematography but it seems like this is how the movie always appeared. Not top-notch but acceptable. The trailer is not as well preserved but is OK.

(I noticed this on the Rambo: First Blood Part II DVD I just bought ... on that DVD, the trailer is so-so, however the picture on that movie is crisp and very well preserved).

OK, back to the movie. A freak storm catches the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and transports her and her crew back to December 6, 1941 just off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BIG question: Ignore or Intercept the Japanese Navy when it attacks on December 7? ... if you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you here.

There are top-named actors like Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, James Farentino, Katharine Ross and Charles Durning. And there are a few real carrier personnel who weren't professional actors, obviously. But they got to be in the movie and who could blame them? Most people who like this film enjoy the time-travel, naval-combat aspect of it and overlook the occasional potholes in the storyline. Hey, just have fun!

There are some great launch sequences of Naval fighter aircraft, recon birds, tankers and helicopters. And the inflight sequences are pretty good too. You get to see F-14 Tomcats, A-7 Corsairs, A-6 Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, E-2C Haweyes, SH-53 Sikorsky's and more. Plus the carrier crew equip the aircraft with the Mach 4+ AIM-54A Phoenix missiles, AIM-9 Sidwinders and AIM-7 Sparrows for air combat. Great stuff!

Overall the quality of the DVD movie is fairly decent and played well on my 55" big screen and my 27" small screen TV's. If you haven't seen the film, it's similar to "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Michael Pare and Nancy Allen. Enjoy!!

Love the Movie ... Newer DVD is acceptable quality ...
I have always liked this movie. Sure, the story never reaches its purported climax, but there's a lot of fun getting there ...

Let me address the DVD issue right off: I have (apparently) a remastered version, widescreen, with chapter selection and promotional trailer included. The quality of this DVD is pretty good. I can't remember the exact cinematography but it seems like this is how the movie always appeared. Not top-notch but acceptable. The trailer is not as well preserved but is OK.

(I noticed this on the Rambo: First Blood Part II DVD I just bought ... on that DVD, the trailer is so-so, however the picture on that movie is crisp and very well preserved).

OK, back to the movie. A freak storm catches the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and transports her and her crew back to December 6, 1941 just off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BIG question: Ignore or Intercept the Japanese Navy when it attacks on December 7? ... if you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you here.

There are top-named actors like Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, James Farentino, Katharine Ross and Charles Durning. And there are a few real carrier personnel who weren't professional actors, obviously. But they got to be in the movie and who could blame them? Most people who like this film enjoy the time-travel, naval-combat aspect of it and overlook the occasional potholes in the storyline. Hey, just have fun!

There are some great launch sequences of Naval fighter aircraft, recon birds, tankers and helicopters. And the inflight sequences are pretty good too. You get to see F-14 Tomcats, A-7 Corsairs, A-6 Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, E-2C Hawkeyes, SH-53 Sikorsky's and more. Plus the carrier crew equip the aircraft with the Mach 4+ AIM-54A Phoenix missiles, AIM-9 Sidwinders and AIM-7 Sparrows for air combat. Great stuff!

Overall the quality of the DVD movie is fairly decent and played well on my 55" big screen and my 27" small screen TV's. If you haven't seen the film, it's similar to "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Michael Pare and Nancy Allen. Enjoy!!

No, not the album by "Europe"
I first saw this on ABC as a kid, and loved it. Seeing it again now, at 31, I don't find it nearly as interesting but still think it's a fine film. Check out how much young Martin Sheen looks like Charlie Sheen! Watch James Farentino, the TV version of Roy Scheider! And don't miss the surprise ending!

Cinematic experience that will stand its ground...
The USS Nimitz, a nuclear aircraft carrier, is on a routine assignment when the civilian systems specialist Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen) is flown to the aircraft carrier. Lasky's job is to evaluate the efficiency of the commander and crew as he should make recommendations in regards to what changes can be done to save tax dollars. Soon after Lasky's arrival Captain Matthew Yelland (Kirk Douglas) is put in a difficult position as the USS Nimitz is pulled into an outlandish electrical storm that relocates the warship in time. Captain Yelland is unsure about what truly has happened, but when they discover that they are in between the Japanese Naval Force that is about to strike at Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941 they realize they might have a chance to undo history. Final Countdown is an interesting science fiction film that offers some room for thinking, yet it is entertaining as it displays the incredible event of time traveling. An appealing idea together with entertainment, Final Countdown offers a decent cinematic experience, which will stand its ground.

Excellent. Aviation fans take note...
Since so many reviews are already posted, I'll keep this brief. It's nice to see this film get such an excellent DVD release. This movie is great and has aged quite well. The premise of the Nimitz being thrown back into time and given the opportunity to change the course of world history is an intriuging one even today. The Final Countdown boasts some ofthe best aircraft footage ever caught on film, hollywood or documentary. The scene between the Jolly Rogers F-14's and the 2 Japanese Zero fighters is a timeless classic.

The sound is excellent, the transfer is quite good, and the 2 disc set includes very special bonuses for fans of the F-14, or aviation in general. And the bonus disc interviews the Jolly Rogers squadron that flew in the film, worth it if you are an avaiation fan. If not, you might still enjoy it anyways, as they certainly have an entertaining story about one of the cast members! ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Ready for Season Two?
Ah Saiyuki Season 2!

Three new characters show up. The war prince Homura (voice acted by none less than Jason Douglas, he also was the English voice of Lord Illpilatzo from Excel Saga, he always gets casted for the world conqueror bit doesn't he?), and his two minions Zenon and Shien descend to start a rebellion against the heavens. Now it looks like there is a three way race to get Scriptures now...

This Disk features FOUR new adventures for the Sanzo party and their enemies.

Episode 27: Basic Introduction of Homura and his minions... Homura calls the Sanzo party by their past life names, destroys literally truckloads of Demons with but a thought, and Sanzo's gun has no effect on Homura.
Most notable seen: Sanzo's introduction about the "If you meet the Buddha kill the Buddha"

Episode 28: Homura starts to gather demon followers, he apparently can turn demons into "gods". The Merciful Goddess refuses to do anything to stop Homura, says that watching Homura will keep her from being bored for awhile. Apparently Homura is the half human son of the Jade Emperor... the gods will do nothing to stop him as they have grown lazy and fat. Sanzo's party has to share a single room and draws cards to see who gets the bed while the others sleep on the floor. The episode ends with an attack on Houtou Castle to get the Seiten Scripture. Most notable scenes: The first meeting of Sanzo (of God Sanzo) and Son Goku. Goku and Gojyo fight over the bed and the innkeeper walks in and sees them in a rather embarrassing situation.

Episode 29: Homura and gang assault Houtou Castle. Homura single handedly bests both Dokugakuji and Kougaiji. Dr. Ni (that crazy scientist with the stuffed bunny) just hands over the Seiten Scriptur