Cruel World (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I bought this movie I had never heard of it. I'm not sure if this even came out in theaters or not, but since it's only $10 I figured why not. This movie is mostly lame. There are some good moments. Edward Furlong's acting is pretty good and sadistic.
There are absolutely no bonus features at all. The only menu is a pop up menu to use while the movie is playing. Still it's not so bad for the low $10 price tag.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cruel World (2005)

Millions witnessed Philip Markham's (Edward Furlong, Terminator 2: Judgment Day) public humiliation when he got dumped by Catherine, the beautiful star (Jaime Pressly, TV's My Name Is Earl) of a popular dating show, and now--several years and reality series later--he wants revenge. After taking Catherine captive, he lures nine unsuspecting co-eds to her luxurious mansion in the middle of nowhere, trapping the contestants in his own sick version of reality TV--where the challenges are bizarre, the danger is real and death is just a competition away.

Click here for more information about Cruel World (2005)

The Stepfather (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having always been a fan of the original film, I was curious to see this remake, even though I expected the worst. While this is an OK watch for thriller fans, it is inferior to the original in every way. In fact the original is more intense, more graphic and just more fun! This film looked and felt like a Lifetime TV movie especially with Ward playing the new wife in this tame and pointless remake.
If you looking to watch a film about a psychotic Stepfather, skip the watered down remake and look for the original, which has finally gotten a long over due DVD release this past year, no doubt because of the remake, so I guess the remake did serve a purpose after all.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Stepfather (2009)

When Michael Harding (Penn Badgley, TV\'s Gossip Girl) returns home from military school, he finds his mom is madly in love with her charming live-in boyfriend David (Dylan Walsh, TV\'s Nip/Tuck). At first, David appears to be the ultimate nice guy and an ideal future husband and stepfather. But when Michael and his girlfriend (Amber Heard, Zombieland) start delving into David\'s past, they begin to discover a dark and dangerous side to Michael\'s new "daddy" in this riveting, chilling thriller.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about The Stepfather (2009)

Pacific Heights (1990) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This review refers to the DVD edition(Warner) of "Pacific Heights".....
A really good thriller for me, is one that not only grabs me and keeps me in suspense the first time around, but one that keeps me on the edge of my seat on repeated viewings as well. "Pacific Heights" is one of those thrillers, that makes buying the DVD worthwhile, as I know this one will not be collecting dust on the shelves.
The very cool and respectable looking Carter Hayes(Michael Keaton) is new to San Francisco. He's looking for an apartment and his done his homework well. He's found the perfect place and has even taken the time to check out his landlords.Drake and Patty(Matthew Modine/Melanie Griffith) are the eptiome of Yuppiedom. Unmarried, but a couple, they bury themselves in debt buying the Victorian fixer-er-upper, that they will renovate and make a huge profit on when it's complete. In the meantime they will simply rent out the two apartments downstairs to help pay the bills. They should have done their homework as well as Hayes.
The smooth talking Hayes worms his way into one of the apartments and promises payment when his expected funds arrive, which of course will be very soon. It doesn't take long for Patty and Drake, as well as the other tenants, to discover the Carter is the tenant from Hell.He has a few social and psychological problems. He imposes a frightening presence and knows all the legal manuevers, and scare tatics to take over the house for himself. It's a journey frought with fear and suspense as Patty and Drake try to reclaim their home and their sanity.
A nice clear picture with good color is presented in widescreen. The Dolby Dig 5.1 Surround was excellent. The haunting score by Hans Zimmer, all background and surrounding sound effects, and the dialouge all came through beautifully. No special features on this one. It may also be viewed in French (2.0), but there are no subtitles in any langauge for those who may need them. There is also a short theatrical trailer.
Modine and Griffith are very believable as the beleagured and frightened but determined landlords. Michael Keaton pulls off this repulsive villain amazingly well. His versitility is unending.Directed by John Schlesinger("Midnight Cowboy"), it also stars Laurie Metcalf,Mako and Dorian Harewood. Also look for Dan Hedaya and a real special treat and rare appearance by Tippi Hedren.
Get the popcorn ready and don't watch this one alone! Oh and remember to always check refrences!.....Laurie

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pacific Heights (1990)

PACIFIC HEIGHTS - DVD Movie

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Pacific Heights (1990)

Wicked (2000) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I went to the video store there was only 1 copy to rent on DVD. No tapes whatsoever. Obviously we're not talking about an A class movie here. Anyhow, it took me about 3 weeks to catch before it was in. Me being a Julia Stiles fan as well as enjoying dark/disturbing films I was fairly enthusiastic about seeing it. When I put the DVD in the machine i wasn't surprised there were little or no special features (filmographies and a few trailers). The movie itself is about a dysfunctional family in which both parents are committing adultery and the eldest daughter, Ellie (played by Stiles), has much tension between her and her mother, Lena. She turns to her father, Ben, for affection, in turn, creating a power struggle with Lena for control over him. The marriage then begins to fall apart. In a heated argument Lena threatens to run off with their two daughters. The next morning while Ben is at work and the daughters at school she is murdered. At this point a detective is introduced and starts a murder/mystery plot; although when I was watching it my attention was more closely tied with the control between Stiles' relationship with her father. She tries to fill the motherly role that's missing from the household. As her father pulls away she acts more and more like his wife. Of course he realizes their relationship can't continue as is and begins seeing his lover (whom he had been with during his marriage) again. As the movie continues you'll find out who killed Lena and add to that a delightful twist in the end. I think most people watch the movie and see a B thriller with poor taste. I'm not surprised as there are a few very controversial elements to it. Even still, I found the cringing moments gutsy and Ellie's development entertaining. You get to watch Ellie start as "daddy's little girl" and turn into an insecure control freak much like her mother was. ...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wicked (2000)

WICKED - DVD Movie

Get 35% OFF

Click here for more information about Wicked (2000)

Callan: Set 1 (1970) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)David CALLAN (Edward Woodward, The Equalizer) was blackmailed by a secret part of the British Security Services known as "The Section". They wanted his skills. He didn't like or want the job, but he had no choice, but he was good at it. This former soldier turned thief, was 'drafted' by "The Section".
The Section head, codename Hunter (William Squire), AKA Charlie, is cold, ruthless, needs Callan, and cares little about who gets killed. Concern is only the how, why, and if anyone finds out.
There's a nucleus of regular cast, but each episode (9 in this Set 1) is primarily a new suspense story involving espionage, murder, blackmail, and all those good black things. Callan is THE top agent (realism, no James Bond or Get Smart stuff here)--kills when ordered--is a deadly shot--with a tinge of conscious, fair play, and justice. It's a bit on the dark side, every man for himself. A collection of individuals in a dark world, void of trust. A climate where right and wrong have no definition. Sometimes Callan has to much personal emotion for his job of deceit and dirty-tricks. That makes for a fascinating character. Great character relationships throughout the series. Well, some relationships turn downright nasty. Callan even has feelings, though never shown, toward a dirty, criminal type, Lonely (Russell Hunter), who is occasional helpful, in all the bad ways of getting the job done.
The "Section's" colour code for files: RED= dangerous, priority, target death; YELLOW= occasional surveillance; BLUE= wrong party; WHITE= put out of action via prison, bankruptcy, mental home, etc. What colour is your file?
Downside: no subtitles. But they'd help little with the British slang used occasionally like: bird=girl, nik=arrest, belt up=shut up, ta=thanks, quid and bob=$$$ but how much?
A fun series for those who remember the late 60's/early 70's. Filmed at that time period, the British scenes, decor, and clothing styles resemble everyday life in the USA about then. This DVD series is NOT a 1970 period drama, just a very good intelligence/spy series created and aired during the 60's to 70's decade change.
This CALLAN SET 1, originally aired April to June, 1970, is the 3rd season. Many of the B/W episodes telecast earlier had been "lost." Acorn Media has saved this season for all of us. TA. Fortunately in 1970 the show went to color.
Episode 1, WHERE ELSE COULD I GO?
2, SUMMONED TO APPEAR
3, THE SAME TRICK TWICE
4, A VILLAGE CALLED 'G'
5, SUDDENLY--AT HOME
6, ACT OF KINDNESS
7, GOD HELP YOUR FRIENDS
8, BREAKOUT
9, AMOS GREEN MUST LIVE
Watch them all if you dare, but periodically check over your shoulder.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Callan: Set 1 (1970)

For an assassin, loyalty and treachery dictate life and death
In a BAFTA-winning performance, Edward Woodward (The Equalizer) stars as Callan, a brooding, conscience-stricken assassin for a shadowy British intelligence service so secret it doesn\'t have a name.
With the Cold War grinding on, agents from the East and West engage in elaborate deceptions, both sides seeking temporary advantage in an endless struggle. No one plays this game better than Callan. His sharp eyes, steely will, and steady hand with a gun make him a valuable asset to his superior, called Hunter (William Squire, Anne of the Thousand Days). But Callan knows his usefulness could end at any moment--especially with the younger, ruthlessly ambitious agent Cross (Patrick Mower, Target) eager to advance. In this amoral world, where men and women serve only as means to another\'s ends, Callan fully understands the consequences of failure, seizing each assignment as one more chance to survive.
DVD FEATURES INCLUDE Callan trivia and biography of Edward Woodward.

Get 11% OFF

Click here for more information about Callan: Set 1 (1970)

Unbreakable (Two-Disc Vista Series) (2000) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These days any film associated with comics is likely to be a special effects extravaganza full of action and short on character development. Well director M. Night Shyamalan has taken us in a different direction, (no surprise there). His film, "Unbreakable", explores the action comic philosophy without becoming an action comic itself. You won't see men in spandex leaping from tall buildings to save the day. What you will see is a thoughtful investigation of the unusual skills we humans may or may not have, and the choices we make regarding their use.
I have a talent for putting holes in T-shirts. My sister can permanently stop any watch she wears for a few weeks. It's hard to see either of us becoming crime fighters or maniacal masterminds on the strength of these talents but it does makes you think. Let's stretch our imaginations a little further. What if a man had the uncanny luck to avoid virtually all injury or illness? Could this be significant? Would he even notice? Where would it lead him?
Unbreakable introduces us to such a man. Bruce Willis plays David Dunn, the sole survivor of a tragic train derailment that killed the other 131 passengers. David walks away without a scratch and barely notices his fifteen minutes of fame on the local news channels. But at least one other person takes note of David's uncanny good fortune. Elijah Price is an art dealer, played convincingly by Samuel L Jackson. His gallery specializes in comic art and he is very passionate about the seriousness of his chosen profession and it's medium.
Elijah believes that action comics represent an ancient wisdom, exaggerated and commercialized but still containing an essence of truth. His theory is that there are people with extraordinary abilities and that these people have a destiny. Whether these people become legendary hero's or any other larger than life figure depends on them realizing their destiny and fulfilling their potential. In David Dunn, he suspects lies the heart of a hero and Elijah's obsession soon drags David and his family into a new world.
Shyamalan takes his time with this story. It could have very easily been boring, because when boiled down, little actually happens. However, Unbreakable avoids that trap and becomes instead, a strange mixture of longing, suspense and doubt. We truly get to know David's wife Audrey and his son Joseph. They are not an atypical family; marital problems, boredom and some other dysfunctions feature at the start of the story. In a way, David's gradually more serious attempts to explore his "gift" become the catalyst to improve his home life.
The sub-plot of David's crumbling relationship with Audrey, (Robin Wright), is not fully explored but we are given several clues that make it interesting. David is chasing job offers in another city, even after the accident little emotion passes between he and Audrey, and they sleep separately. All of which points to a lack of love. But to counter this we discover that David sacrificed a promising football career to capture Audrey's heart and, even in the hardest times, he has remained faithful to her. I like these quiet story lines, where nothing is forced down your throat and you have to work it out on your own.
By far the most interesting character is Elijah. Born with a brittle bone disease, his life has been crowded with pain, torment and ostracism. At school he was taunted with the moniker, "Mr. Glass", and to an extent he has embraced this title. If you look closely, you will see that he is always close to glass, for example, his fragile glass walking stick. Elijah is a fighter. His mother headed off a life of seclusion when he was a depressed boy and convinced him to accept life's challenges, eventually leading to his becoming a professional success. Elijah's passion and conviction are magnetic. He not only draws David and his son into the world of duty/destiny but the audience is forced to believe, long before David starts to.
Unbreakable is a subtle film about taking risks, acknowledging hope and following dreams. Whether we have special gifts or not, it challenges us to take a look around and try to find opportunities to make a difference; to stand up to the small and large evils in this world and do our part. I can only hope we see more of these inspiring characters in future films. I want to feel this way again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Unbreakable (Two-Disc Vista Series) (2000)

Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson star in a mind-shattering, suspense-filled thriller that stays with you long after the end of this riveting supernatural film. After David Dunn (Willis) emerges from a horrific train crash as the sole survivor -- and without a single scratch on him -- he meets a mysterious sranger (Jackson). An unsettling stranger who believes comic book heroes walk the earth. A haunting stranger, whose obsession with David will change David's life forever.

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Unbreakable (Two-Disc Vista Series) (2000)

Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There are both pros and cons to this remastered/rereleased Hitchcock boxed set. The pros are that all have been remastered (all of them were anamorphic despite what other reviews have stated except for the first edition of "Vertigo" on DVD--read the boxes of the original releases or better yet watch them)and the remastering job has resulted in colors being bolder in many cases (Do a comparison as I did)with images being crisper and with slightly better resolution. There is an exception to this--"The Man Who Knew Too Much" actually looks worse than the previous release. While colors are good the image clarity and detail are off. I'm not exactly sure what happened here but it must have been during the Telecine transfer process from film to video (and then DVD). This is based on a head-to-head comparison with the other edition of the film and isn't based on a bad DVD. Instead, it's related to the transfer not being quite as good for this new updated version. So if "Man" is one of your favorites I'd advise you to keep the previous DVD. Also, there's no paper inserts with chapter stops listed as on previous editions. Also, a couple of films didn't have a huge difference but they were still noticeable for the most part.
The DVDs are housed four to a DVD "book" with two on each side one on top of the other. I know what you're thinking--they'll get scratched--but I didn't notice any potential for that. Still, you'll need to be careful taking them out and putting them in and these holders are not as secure as the individual keep cases. Each cover is decorated with images from the original posters for each movie overlapping each other.
Extras are exactly the same as the original releases for each disc. "The Making of Psycho" and "All About 'The Birds'" which were on the original discs themselves have been relocated to the bonus discs. There's also three new bonuses included. The first is a 15 minute excerpt from the AFI tribute focusing primarily on Hitch's droll comments when he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. I've long wanted to have this on DVD but do wish that Universal had licensed the entire AFI tribute as it was a charming and worthwhile evening. The second extra is a 30 minute interview featuring Pia Lindstrom and William K. Everson and is a vintage videotape interview with Hitchcock from the 70's. It's quite a revealing interview with Hitchcock charming the hosts as usual. He discusses quite frankly his likes (pre-production) and dislikes (method actors like Montgomery Clift). The third bonus is a 36 page booklet that, like the booklet that came with "Jaws", is hardly essential. It does include credits for each movie, some photos and brief comments about each film. It'll be something you might look at once or twice.
The box itself has a crushed velvet exterior and is quite attractive. The cover has a door that slides into the box to access the movies. So the pros are better transfers for most of the films. If you don't have all of Hitch's movies on DVD yet, this is a great deal. The new extras aren't worth the price of admission if you don't already have all of these and while they look better, the difference may not be all that striking to you. With the release of Hitch's TV show and other new stuff coming out, it's a matter of spending where one can.
I gave this set 4 stars for two reasons; 1) There are a number of so-so Hitchcock films in this set ("Torn Curtain", "Topaz", "Marnie" which is one that, despite Robin Wood's absurd arguments to the contrary, I find to be substandard Hitchcock and the enjoyable but light "Family Plot"). 2)"The Man Who Knew Too Much" should look BETTER than the previous edition but, in fact, looks a bit worse for the wear with less clarity and definition. 3)While we do some some new extras they are slim pickings. I would have loved to get more commentary tracks on these classic films from Hilton Green (Assistant Director on "Psycho" and a number of Hitch's TV episodes), Bruce Dern or Karen Black (on "Family Plot") and others on the important films.
Some of Hitch's finest films are here "Vertigo", "Rear Window", "The Man Who Knew Too Much", "The Trouble With Harry" (an acquired taste), "Psycho", "Shadow of a Doubt", "Sabotage", "Frenzy", etc but also some of his weaker thrillers as well. It's a good concise and inexpensive way to get them all.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection

14 of the finest works from the universally acclaimed Master of Suspense come together for the first time in one collection. These captivating landmark films boast three decades of Hollywood legends, including James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Anthony Perkins, Sean Connery and Doris Day. The premium packaging and collectible book make Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection the must-own, definitive anthology of gripping works by a true genius.

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about Alfred Hitchcock - The Masterpiece Collection

The Land That Time Forgot/The People That Time Forgot (1975) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)PLOT:
The Land That Time Forgot (1975): The story begins in June of 1916. World War I is raging on land as well as in the water. A German submarine controlled by Captain Von Schoenvorts (John McEnery) spots a British warship and torpedos it. Two of the survivors are Bowen Tyler (Doug McClure) and Lisa Clayton (Susan Penhaligon), civilians. Pretty soon they discover that some of the British officers survived as well, including Captain Bradley (Keith Barron). The survivors watch the submarine come out of the water and devise a plan to hijack it. They row the lifeboats over to the sub and successfully take the German crew hostage. Tyler commands the crew to sail due West to the United States. After 6 days, no land turns up. Tyler discovers that the Germans placed a magnet next to the compass, and that they had really been traveling south for 6 days. This means they are actually near South America. They find an island surrounded on all sides by ice and rock. The only way in is through an underwater cave. Captain Von Schoenvorts believes this to be a legendary island known as "Caprona". The two crews realize that on this island, the war means nothing. They decide to put their differences aside, cooperate with each other, and explore the island. Once inside the island, the crews realize that Caprona is a lost world of dinosaurs and cavemen. The biggest question is, "Will they get out alive?"
The People That Time Forgot (1977): Tyler's message in a bottle is found off of the coast of Scotland at the end of 1917. A year later, an expedition is formed to find Tyler and the island of Caprona. The expedition includes Tyler's boyhood friend Maj. Ben McBride (Patrick Wayne), Lady Charlotte Cunningham (Sarah Douglas), Dr. Edwin Norfolk (Thorley Walters), and pilot Hogan (Shane Rimmer). They take a ship to the island, then fly a plane to get inside it. The plane is attacked by a Pterodactyl and crashes. Hogan stays with the plane to fix it. The other three decide to go off and explore. The explorers see many of the dinosaurs that Tyler described in his letter. They eventually come across a cavegirl named Ajor (Dana Gillespie). Ajor speaks English and tells them that Tyler taught her how to speak it. She also says that Tyler was taken prisoner by a group of mutants. The four travelers then set out to find him, with hopes that he is still alive.
COMMENTS: These two films are based on a trilogy of books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan. The storyline is awfully similar to Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Lost World." Both films were directed by Kevin Connor and featured Doug McClure as Bowen Tyler. The special effects are ridiculous by today's standards, but the stories are pretty cool. Look out for a cameo appearance of David Prowse (Darth Vader himself) as the executioner in the second film. These films are great for anyone interested in dinosaur or adventure films. Kevin Connor also directed another Burroughs adaptation called "At The Earth's Core" (1976), the first story of the Pelucidar series. It was released between the other two films and also featured Doug McClure in the starring role. Many people mistake this film for being another sequel, but it is unrelated to the other two films.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Land That Time Forgot/The People That Time Forgot (1975)

THE LAND THAT TIME FORGOT: Original Theatrical Trailer THE PEOPLE THAT TIME FORGOT:

Get 50% OFF

Click here for more information about The Land That Time Forgot/The People That Time Forgot (1975)

Jane Doe:How to Fire Your Boss Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have enjoyed this particular episode of the mystery series,"Jane Doe." In fact I wish I could get more of them, all 9 of them! It was a good plot, good acting, and well done! Let me see more of them.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jane Doe:How to Fire Your Boss

JANE DOE:HOW TO FIRE YOUR BOSS - DVD Movie

Click here for more information about Jane Doe:How to Fire Your Boss

The Sixth Sense (Collector's Edition Series) (1999) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Have you ever watched a scary movie in the dark, and almost swore you saw someone moving out of the corener of your eye? I have, and after seeing this movie it happened a lot more.
"The Sixth Sense" has great performances from Bruce Willis (who plays Malcolm, an emotionally wounded psychologist)and Haley Joel Osment (who plays Cole, a little boy with a remarkable gift:he sees dead people) The screenplay is wonderful.
"They don't know they're dead," laments Cole."They think they're alive.They see what they want to see." Malcolm is determined to help him. His marriage has been failing ever since an old case that showed almost the same symtoms shot him in the side and then killed himself.Malcolm is determined not to let that happen to Cole.
This is a remarkable movie with a Hitchcokian twist at the end.Watch it, and you'll be doing double takes next time you feel that strange presence behind your back.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Sixth Sense (Collector's Edition Series) (1999)

Hollywood superstar Bruce Willis (ARMAGEDDON, THE SIEGE) brings a powerful presence to an edge-of-your-seat thriller from writer-director M. Night Shyamalan (Oscar(R)-nominee for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director) that critics are calling one of the greatest ghost stories ever filmed. When Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Willis), a distinguished child psychologist, meets Cole Sear (Oscar(R)-nominee Haley Joel Osment, Best Supporting Actor), a frightened, confused, eight-year-old, Dr. Crowe is completely unprepared to face the truth of what haunts Cole. With a riveting intensity you'll find thoroughly chilling, the discovery of Cole's incredible sixth sense leads them to mysterious places with unforgettable consequences!

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about The Sixth Sense (Collector's Edition Series) (1999)

Mulholland Drive (2001) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I won't bother to add to the already monolithic body of glowing reviews of this film; I think it is a masterful work, equivalent to and perhaps surpassing "Blue Velvet" in artistic merit. I am writing mostly because many of those who claim that they hated the film because it "doesn't make sense," or loved it even though it is "open to interpretation" may not have taken heed of the clues David Lynch included in the DVD sleeve. They clearly reveal the logic of the film to those who take the requisite time to think them through. My review is essentially one giant "spoiler," so if you haven't seen the film, take heed.

The film most certainly does "make sense" and follows a completely rational and logistically valid plot structure. The film begins with a stylized jitterbug contest behind the opening credits, showing Naomi Watt's character (Diane Selwyn) winning a trip to LA from her native Canada to tryout for a Hollywood production. We then see the suggestion of a sleeping figure (Diane again) in red sheets prior to the start of her dream, which opens with the hypnotic figure of a limosine traveling down a dark road, containing Diane's idealization of her real-life paramour, Camilla Rhodes. In reality, Camilla is Diane's former lesbian lover, who betrayed her by stealing the coveted role in the film Diane unsuccessfully tried out for, and spurned her affections for the director of the film. Diane is so jealous and infuriated that she hires a hitman to kill Camilla; when the two meet to discuss the deal, the hitman says he will leave a blue key on her coffee table to signify that Camilla has been successfully dispatched. The film's dream sequence begins after Diane has received the key, and Diane's fantasies of a happier outcome are manifest in what we see.

In her dream, she is her idealized self, free of insecurities, more innocent and charismatic--nailing her tryout for the film, but explaining "Camilla's" victory by the influence of the mafia ("Camilla" in the dream is replaced by a woman whom the real-life Camilla tauntingly kisses at a party to infuriate Diane). Other characters who represent real-life counterparts also resurface in the dream, in various roles: "Coco," played by Ann Miller, is actually the film director's mother, the man terrified of the ghoul behind Winkie's is an accomplice of Diane's hired hitman, and the mafiosos played by Dan Hedaya and Angelo Badalamenti were other attendees of the humiliating party where Camilla taunts Diane with news of her engagement to the director. In the dream, Diane refashions her hitman as a bungling idiot who botches Camilla's murder, subsequently leaving Camilla helpless with amnesia for who she is or where she came from so that "Betty," Diane's counterpart in the dream, can become her heroine, and have a utopian, romantic love affair with her.

Throughout the dream, omens occur that suggest the truth behind Diane's fantasy; the forboding man behind Winkie's, Lee Grant's wacko Cassandra-character with her warnings of trouble, the Cowboy, and the MC at the late-night Cabaret who insists that all is not as it seems. The blue key becomes expressionistically rendered in the dream, and opens the proverbial Pandora's Box, at which time Diane mysteriously disappears from her own dream, leaving Camilla alone to open the box--and then Lynch imposes a couple of his haunting frame shifts, here done with lighting effects, before the Cowboy enters Diane's bedroom, telling her "it's time to wake up, pretty girl."

Now we see Diane's reality when she awakens, and evidence of her crushing guilt (notice her initial relief when she hallucinates that Camilla has returned from the dead, and her subsequent breakdown when she realizes the truth). Eventually, the gravity of what she has done overwhelms her when she realizes that the police want her for questioning, and the old couple from her dream, whom I presume represent her conscience, are released by the demon behind Winkie's (that is, she loses her sanity). Her demons chase her to her bedroom, where she hysterically grabs a gun from her nightstand, and takes her own life.

Check out Lynch's clues--there's much more to them than what I've included here. He's a master--I don't think he produces a frame of film without agonizing over it for weeks, and I highly doubt someone who produced something as lovingly detailed as this film let any inconsistencies or gaffes slip past him. What a movie this is--I'll never forget it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mulholland Drive (2001)

MULHOLLAND DRIVE - DVD Movie

Get 39% OFF

Click here for more information about Mulholland Drive (2001)

The Maigret Collection Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It would be great if the due care had been taken and these episodes of the MAIGRET series had been lovingly restored the way many bad movies are now routinely. But at least these shows are on DVD and we can again enjoy the gripping and often deeply moving stories and be reminded again what a wonderful actor Michael Gambon is. He is one of the few actors to play a detective who projects the intelligence that his character is supposed to have, and buttresses it with wit and humanity to spare. And he is often brilliantly supported by both the series regulars and a great selection of guest stars (think only of Frances Cuka as the desperate and embittered niece of a murder victim in "Maigret and the Mad-Woman" or Christopher Benjamin as the troubled husband of a missing woman in "Maigret and The Burglar's Wife" and you'll get the idea). And unlike many period films or TV shows, this one recreates the frayed edges and hum-drum details of life as it was lived 50 years ago, which gives the shows a comfortable, lived-in quality that adds to their appeal. And yes, someday, someone will hopefully restore the prints to their original condition. I mean, they've probably done it for movies by Russ Meyer--doesn't something this good deserve deluxe treatment?

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Maigret Collection

One of the bestselling authors of all time, Georges Simenon is most famous for his more than 100 novels and short stories featuring Chief Inspector Maigret of the Paris police. Concerned more with "why" than "who," Maigret’s profound perception of the realities of human behavior and extraordinary psychological insight make him one of fiction’s most interesting and unique sleuths.Michael Gambon brings the timeless, tantalizing exploits of Georges Simenon’s legendary detective to life in twelve episodes of mystery and intrigue. From Montmartre to the remote French countryside, Maigret encounters the dark side of the human psyche. Yet he manages to maintain both compassion and a sense of humor as he explores the complex motives that lie behind every crime.

Get 7% OFF

Click here for more information about The Maigret Collection

Miami Vice - Season Three (1984) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)ok, they are taking forever with these sets. anyway, its finally here. i think season two was the best season overall, but season three had some of the best episodes; unfortunately, it had some pretty bad ones as well. here's the quick and dirty on each episode:
When irish eyes are crying: the season premier episode. i was a little let down after the spectacular season premier of season 2 (the prodigal son). this is a very good episode though with liam neeson as the IRA terrorist. also, an important episode because crockett gets his ferrari blown up (its a classic mv moment; the expression on crocket's face lol)
stone's war: the stone eps are always good. crocket's reporter friend from viet nam returns to try and take down g. gordon liddy (yea, good luck with that pal!)
kill shot: a ho-hum episode about an impotent jai alai player who gets black mailed by drug dealers. nothing to write home about...
walk alone: ok, one of the best episodes of mv, imho. tubbs has to go undercover in a prison to get the guys that killed his girlfriend in a club. larry fishburne plays a guard. great music in this one and one of the more brutal eps of mv...
the good collar: a ho hum episode again. crockett identifies with a star football player that gets caught up in the drug world. nuthin' special...
shadow in the dark: ok, again one of my fav. eps. dark, moody, dreamlike and strange. a cat burgler goes after people's pants and ear-rings and freaks crockett and a detective out as they both try to develop the mindset of the cat burgler to catch him. GREAT scene with castillo and crockett sitting in a coffee shop together :)
el viejo: i really like this episode featuring willie nielson. has bon jovi song, wanted, dead or alive and flies on the windscreen by depache mode. also features the little reservior dogs geek, steve buscimi. great music, action and plot...
better living through chemistry: i really like this ep too in which tubbs' old partner comes back from NY for a little revenge on tubbs. a genius chemist figures out how to synthesize cocaine. hummm, all they need is a guina pig now. hey, is that izzie??
baby blues: ok, this ep [...]. something about a black market for babies and a dirty lawyer. i only watched it maybe twice, when i've watched the other eps many, many times...
streetwise: another [...] ep featuring the clown that can't act from tombstone (bill paxton). about an undercover cop who is in love with a hooker. this can't end well...
down for the count: sad, dreery 2 part ep. in which zito is killed. didn't really care for these eps and didn't like to see zito go :(
the savage: i like this episode about an assassin and his handler that have been brought in to take out a communist sympathizer. crockett and castillo find some help from an old viet nam friend who was trying to track down the assassin in nam. Michael wright is great as the assassin who has a nasty habit of killing hookers along with his "legit" i.e., "sanctioned" targets. good music and ending...
theresa: crockett's dr. girlfriend (helena bonham carter) is also a junkie. too bad for you crockett! she compromises his case and i.a. goes after crockett, thinking he's dirty. he has to prove himself by taking down brad dourif! a good ep
an afternoon plane: ok, really good ep. in which calderon's son, john leguizmo, comes back to get a little revenge by tricking tubbs and his new lady (also a dr.) to stay on an island that has no guns on it. good music and good acting in an ep in which tubbs takes on 3 stone killers. but why did tubbs' girl think she could help with that??
lend me an ear: great ep. has the song, lend me an ear by the waterboys. crockett and tubbs try to put surveillance on a money launderer and enlist the help of a free-lance bug-guy, who, unfortunately, plays both sides of the fence...
by hooker or by crook: interesting ep. featuring melanie griffith and george takie. melanie is a heidi fliess type madame and crockett uses her to go after sulu. she comes to his boat to tell him what a [...] he is. a decent ep...
viking bikers from hell: ahh, one of my all time fav eps featuring a lot of great new mv music. crockett and tubbs track down, with the help of izzie, the leader of a motorcycle gang who is seeking revenge against the person who took out his friend. he uses the, um, process of elimination to make sure he gets his man. tubbs gets shot in this ep...
everybody's in showbiz: i kinda liked this ep. about a guy sonny put in the clink but who happens to be an artist (writes plays and acts in them). the guy steals a briefcase from a crack dealer and apparently, the crack dealer's entire business is in the briefcase. needless to say, he's not amused. kind of a funny ending as crockett and tubbs get duped...
heroes in the revolution: WTF?!?! where did this s#$) come from? something about gina's mom and a revolution. one of the worst mvs in my opinion...
ok, i left out a couple eps, so sue me. maybe someone could fill in the gaps. anyway, now that i look back on that season, i realize it had a few of my favorite all time eps. the bad episodes bring the season down a little though. hope this guide was helpful to you pal!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Miami Vice - Season Three (1984)

MIAMI VICE:SEASON THREE - DVD Movie

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Miami Vice - Season Three (1984)

Sleeper Cell (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In the shell-shocked aftermath of 9/11, Americans sought information about a culture and religion ensconced in an ongoing political dialog of the Middle East that received only sporadic attention in the media. Suddenly, people were asking, why do they hate us? A few years have passed, the war on terrorism settled into a predictable good guys-bad guys debate that yields few answers to a troubling question. Along comes Sleeper Cell to inform the public, a fictitious fanatical terrorist group infiltrating Los Angeles with plans to claim more lives for the Al Qaeda cause. Through the offices of an FBI undercover agent, Darwyn (Michael Ealy), the government monitors his activity within the rapidly evolving plot, the day of destruction more imminent in each new episode. The king of the villains is Farik (Israeli-born Oded Fehr), charged with the overall success of the mission. The other group members are Christian (Alex Nesic), a Frenchman who has found Allah; a bitter Bosnian teacher, Ilija (Peter Lubatti); and blue-eyed all-American boy turned Muslim, Thomas Allen Emerson (Blake Shields): "The history of Islam is written in two lines: One is the black of the scholars' ink, the other the red blood that the martyrs shed."
This series would be successful as non-stop action drama worthy of the accolades of the "24" aficionados, but the writers of Sleeper Cell add another level to this white-knuckle series, the subtleties of extremism contrasted with the true religion of Islam. Darwyn is a committed Muslim, sorely tested in his role as informant, ever on the lookout for an opportunity to spread the true word of Islam as millions practice it in America, without the taint of fundamentalism. Whenever one of his "brothers" blurts a fanatical slogan, Darwyn is ready to clarify in the true words of the Quran. Farik, on the other hand, is firmly entrenched in his hatred of everything American, harboring no mercy for innocents in his pursuit of revenge. Speaking of his mission to a superior, Farik declares, "A man is not a Muslim until his tongue and his heart are submissive. If I fail again, you may take them both."
In one of the most affecting episodes, a soft-spoken sheik approaches a dedicated terrorist in a Yemen jail, armed only with his knowledge of the Quran. The questioning begins, "Brother, what is the greatest jihad?" When he hears the answer, "War with the infidels", this holy man explains the true nature of jihad, the battle within the self to become Allah's holy warrior. He teaches the extremist to go beyond the hatreds he has embraced, to discover the true meaning of his religion, to live his convictions. That such a terrorist can change is a tribute to the power of this religion. When the holy man travels to America to deliver a fatwa against any Al Qaeda operating in this country, Farik is charged with stopping him by any means; this fatwa would render a death blow to the entire endeavor. With his usual canniness, Farik chooses Christian to do the deed, the one man who had sought a private meeting after hearing the sheik speak at the mosque.
In this riveting series, the terrorists move through the streets of LA with impunity, across the border to Mexico to tap financial resources from drug dealers and child purveyors, drive anthrax across the Canadian border into the States, and purchase explosives from White separatists with heroin. Meanwhile, the LAPD blunders into the middle of the FBI surveillance and Darwyn struggles to maintain his cover, until all converges in an explosive ending. Luan Gaines/ 2005.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sleeper Cell (2005)

Sleeper Cell takes viewers behind the veil of an U.S. home-grown terrorist group, tracking the harrowing challenges faced by a FBI agent determined to learn its secrets. Having posed as a prisoner inside a federal penitentiary, a young agent (Michael Ealy) develops contacts that enable him to infiltrate an Islamic terrorist cell in Los Angeles. The cell is led by an intimidating, charismatic extremist (Oded Fehr), who considers all acts of violence moral when serving the greater good of his cause. But early in the investigation something goes wrong, placing lives – and the integrity of a three-year mission – in serious jeopardy.

Get 66% OFF

Click here for more information about Sleeper Cell (2005)

Safe House (1999) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I pulled SAFE HOUSE, a made-for-cable thriller, off the video rack solely because it stars Patrick Stewart. I mean, how bad could it be? In reality, it was much, much better than expected.
Stewart plays Mace Sowell, a reclusive widower living in the Hollywood Hills inside a house packed with more security systems and personal weaponry - pistols hidden in every room - than were ever aboard the Starship Enterprise. Mace claims to be a retired deep-cover agent for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), a fact that has put him in mortal danger for a reason he leaves unspecified. He's also obsessively disturbed by the political progress of a certain presidential candidate, who's apparently on his way to winning the Oval Office by a landslide. His fears are given little credence by his daughter, her husband, or the psychiatrist retained by the former to treat her Old Man's apparent delusions. The daughter has also just hired Andi, a perky young college graduate, to be Mace's live-in cook and housekeeper. Kimberly Wiliams plays Andi, short for Andrea, whose character displays a delicate beauty and charming appeal somewhat reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn.
It's been made perfectly clear to Andi that she's not Mace's employee to fire, so the cardinal delight of the film's first third is watching the curmudgeonly Sowell (with a capital "C") engage in a battle of wits with Andi for turf rights as she gamely carries out her assignment. Luckily, Andi is made of tough stuff. She cleanly fields the verbal and psychological abuse that Mace throws at her, and sometimes manages to give back as good as she gets. Eventually, they reach a working compromise and a certain friendship, at about which time Mace begins to display the symptoms of advancing Alzheimer's Disease, thus further hindering his ability to "stay sharp" and repel any assault made on his home or person.
From the beginning, any watcher of SAFE HOUSE will assume the truth of the adage that even paranoids have enemies. So, when will Mace's doomsday materialize? Even Andi begins to wonder as Sowell's convictions begin to draw her in. Stewart gives a performance that is alternately dramatic, witty, and poignant. Williams is positively beguiling. During the scene when she is first alone with Mace and struggling to establish a verbal rapport, her facial expressions as she deals with his silent recalcitrance are priceless. Although some things go unexplained, as to how the neighbors or the LAPD would tolerate Mace's live-fire pistol practice in his back yard, I enjoyed this film very much.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Safe House (1999)

SAFE HOUSE - DVD Movie

Click here for more information about Safe House (1999)

Fail-safe (Special Edition) (1964) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Most books, even the great ones, unfortunately do not translate well onto the big screen. Fail Safe is a happy exception to the rule.
The story is now two generations old. Mechanical error sends six bombers towards the Soviet Union (remember them? they used to be our one mortal national enemy). The President and the government try all they can to recall them, to no avail.
Emotions understandibly run high. Men get stretched to the breaking point, and some snap. The President makes a terrible sacrifice, to convince the Russians that it WAS an accident. The price of this ticket it incredibly high.
Forget about the comparisons with Dr. Strangelove (which is a great movie in its own right). They belong together only by their contrasting styles.
This movie is chilling in Black & White. You will never think of J.R. Ewing again the same way, after seeing Larry Hagman in the role as the President's translator.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fail-safe (Special Edition) (1964)

FAIL SAFE - DVD Movie

Get 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Fail-safe (Special Edition) (1964)

Inspector Lewis: Pilot & Series 1 (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We fans in North America have been duped by PBS video! It was bad enough that we endure a lazy DVD production that is 2 years behind what's available in the UK and simply applies the "Masterpiece Mystery" broadcast version of the show onto video. That is to say, one must endure annoying PBS ads; a superficial intro by host Alan Cumming; an unacceptable preview that spoils some surprises for anyone hoping to enjoy the episode freshly; and a cruel removal of Barrington Pheloung's end credit theme music for the show, which I've therefore never heard.
HOWEVER, each of these episodes is missing about 10 minutes of story that has been edited out so that PBS can air the show in its 90 minute time slot. I found this out when I realized that my "Inspector Morse" DVDs released by Carleton Video always ran about 1 hour and 34 minutes, and asked PBS if "Lewis" should really be longer than the DVDs' 1 hour and 24 minutes. They had the courtesy to admit the truth. Why it's necessary for PBS (which has long publicized itself as commercial free) to edit out 10 instead of 3 minutes is beyond me, but we're missing out on details and texture in the story telling that is available to UK viewers and DVD buyers.
It is one thing if PBS decided to do this for its on-air version, but Shop PBS hasn't had the decency to restore the original footage back into the DVD release; even more supposedly commercial studios like Fox Home Video treat fans better than this! Yet, what's especially unacceptable about all this is that PBS has made it impossible for a more considerate and honest company like Carleton Video to do the program justice by releasing the full versions of the episodes. This is because, according to ITV America, PBS has acquired exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the DVDs in North America. So, PBS hasn't just released a bad product for fans of the show, but has prevented other companies from doing a better job. What disgusting and monopolistic behavior for an entity officially dedicated to serving the public. When it comes to Inspector Lewis, it has carried out a willful public disservice!
I ask all "Inspector Lewis" fans to protest to WGBH PBS (feedback@wgbh.org) and to write to ITV.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Inspector Lewis: Pilot & Series 1 (2005)

INSPECTOR LEWIS:PILOT & SERIES 1 - DVD Movie

Get 47% OFF

Click here for more information about Inspector Lewis: Pilot & Series 1 (2005)