Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 8: The Altar of Stone (The Viridian Collection)

Great Show
The show surpassed my expections upon viewing. It is more interesting, at least to me, than most anime. Great, intricate story line.





Click to Editorial Reviews

Basilisk: Fate's Finest Hour v.6 - Viridian Collection

A Fitting Conclusion to a great series
Like most good series, I was sad to see this series end. It had a great deal of integrity, with each character being highly individualized. Unlike most series that have large amounts of violance, the usage of less notable characters as battle fodder is greatly reduced, with each death being final and complete, making you almost wish the series would bring the characters back, you love or hate them that much. But thankfully the series doesn't, which allows it to keep up the atmosphere that you never know who goes next. The series' end is tragic and heartfelt, making you feel that it is both sad but necessary. A truly great series, I would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in Anime or Ninja.

An awesome series
Basilisk takes place in 1614 during the Tokugawa Shogunate era. Two ninja clans are at war with each other competing to win the favor of the regime for the next 1000 years. Each clan has to choose 10 members. Whichever clan kills the 10 members of their rival wins.

There are a lot of awesome things to say about this anime. The animation, the music, and the story line are all great. Almost all , of the characters are too. There are a few ninjas I didn't like though. One guy kills you with his hair, one guy is a quadriplegic that kills you with a knife that he holds with his tongue, and one dude turns into goo when he touches salt. Most of the other ninjas are awesome though. The bad guy is really a heartless bastard. It makes it very interesting when you have a bad guy that is way evil. The characters really keep you interested and the carnage never lets up.

I really think anyone that likes anime would get a kick outta this one. If you like it there's a live...

The End
Great endind to a great story. Go back and get them all. If your into ninja's,swordfighting, and cool special powers for the characters, this is your cup of tea.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Beavis & Butthead: The Mike Judge Collection, Vol. 3

i am cornholio beavis and butt head voulme 3
its good if u like it its bad if u dont like bevis and butt head but since im a fan its awesome 9 out of 10





Click to Editorial Reviews

Best of Meerkat Manor - Season 1

Buyer Beware
The 4 disc version that Amazon offers is a DVD-R set, and it comes in one case. For those not familiar, DVD-R's are the recordable DVD's that are sold in stores, with odd colors on the bottom side. Though it is guaranteed to play, realize that this also effects the potential resale value. Other major website retailers do not deal with this version, and second hand stores may not take it on trade. The 3 DVD set that comes in a 3-case box is the official version that one would expect, and is commonly sold throughout the market.

Nature Meets High Drama
Meerkat Manor is a Discovery Channel Animal Planet series shown successfully worldwide. It is a series in the style of a soap opera about a clan of meerkats named "The Whiskers" that is the subject of a ten-year study by Cambridge University. The show is narrated by Bill Nighy in the UK, Mike Goldman in Australia, and Sean Astin in the USA. There are a total of 13 episodes in this first season.

The following Meerkats are the major players in season one: Flower is the leader and dominant female of the Whiskers group, and reserves the right to mate for herself. Because she is the leader, she wears a radio collar that enables scientists and film crews to track the group. Zaphod is her partner, the dominant male, and group defender. Youssarian was dominant male of the Whiskers until Zaphod, his older brother, overtook his position. Mozart is one of Flower's daughters that was evicted from the Whiskers by her mother for bearing offspring. Tosca is another of Flower's daughters...

Survivor Drama on the Kalahari
[Spoiler Alert!]

Forget "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race." "Meerkat Manor" is the best reality/survivor show ever made. If you missed the beginning, here come the first 13 episodes of the Whiskers family in a two-disc set. These fierce little critters have been called the Sopranos of the Kalahari. But they're not. They're better. What's more, these episodes can be watched by the entire family.

Matriarch Flower is the boss, protecting her family from invading meerkat tribes, such as the Lazuli, making sure the home (burrow) is fit and that all are well fed. Flower, whose recent demise left fans grieving, will be the subject of a 2008 theatrical release, "Queen of the Meerkats." It can't come too soon.

The Animal Planet hit is the result of a 10 year study by Cambridge University. Students mix into the footage from time to time, taking notes. During these moments, you realize just how small meerkats are. Adults are about a foot long, pups only a few...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Animal Planet: Growing Up Arctic - Season 1

Humans who care
THE ANIMAL PLANET has some great series along with "Meercat Manor," "Big Cat Diary," "The Most Extreme," "E-Vet Interns," "Animal Precinct" and "Corwin's Quest." It continues to be one of the few channels families can watch together to be entertained and informed.

Some of these series have made their way to DVD. Now it looks as though the "Growing Up" episodes are being gathered into species or area specific compilations. "Growing Up Arctic" provides stories on orphaned young ones who live in the very cold: penguins, polar bears, seals and walrus. Rescued by caring humans, these stories are guaranteed to hit your "aw" response, no matter how old you are.

The little polar bear is found after his mother is shot by hunters. We first see him as a tiny ball of white fluff hiding in a corner, still calling for mom. The story follows him through zoo nurturing until he becomes a young adult. Will he be released into the wild or will he find a good home at another zoo...

Television's most inspiring shows
I have always been an animal lover, and through Animal Planet's "Growing Up" series, I have been so thoroughly inspired, that I am now on a path to leave my hum-drum job and work directly with animals. This well-priced DVD includes 4 different shows. The show with Nereus, the walrus, is such a wonderful story, that it is not difficult to become emotional as a viewer. The Growing Up series also has another wonderful DVD collection called Growing Up Wildcats. This DVD includes Lions, Tigers, a Black Leopard, and Cheetahs (my absolute favourite!!!). If you have children who are interested in animals - or even if you are an adult who admires God's creatures, this is a very educational set of DVD's that everyone should own. There are many other Animal Planet "Growing Up" episodes that are only available for viewing on their cable channel - PLEASE take the time to view them all. Hopefully, Animal Planet will release the other wonderful Growing Up episodes on DVD soon!

Growing Up, Cutie
Anyone who has ever loved a pet, or "ooo-ed" and "ahh-ed" at a cute puppy or kitten, will fall in love with the "Growing Up..." series from animal planet. Watching Nereus the orphaned Walrus cuddle up with his caretaker is reason enough to pay the $10-15 required to enjoy this video.

Also, including the "bonus" episode, "Growing Up Penguin," the running time is more like 168 minutes, instead of 126. This makes your investment even more worthwhile!

Click to Editorial Reviews

R&B Chick

Very Nice
It shows that women and men can be friends with out being in a relationship even when your older.

MiamiFilms.net is the place for real movies


A "Must-Not-See" film
Clifton Powell is too good an actor for this trashy excuse for a film. Don't waste your time unless thats all you're trying to do. I'd suggest you read a book instead. I'm sure your imagination could do a better job than the folkes who put this mess together did.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Swingset Mamas

Fantastic DVD
Dance Around the House
This DVD is great for the whole family. My 4 boys ranging from 5 - 11 years old sing the Swingset Mama songs all day long!!!! What a find!

Great DVD
An excellent selection for the younger set. My nieces and nephews really enjoyed it. ENJOY!

Swing Dance and Sing
My children LOVE this DVD. I really enjoy this music also; and the skits are very clever and entertaining. The world needs more Mamas music.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Joshua (2007)

A squirm-inducing psychological thriller
"Joshua" is set in New York city and focuses on a young family comprising of Brad and Abby Cairn [Sam Rockwell and Vera Farmiga], who seem to lead a charmed life. Brad has a well-paying job, they live in a comfortable city apartment, and they have a 9-year-old son, Joshua [Jacob Kogan] who is also a gifted pianist. There is also a new baby, Lily who seems like a perfect child, quiet and lovable, but this seemingly perfect family portrait slowly unravels into a nightmarish horror as the family is plunged into one crisis after another.

It appears that harmless little Joshua, of the quiet and unassuming character, is not so benign after all. In fact, far from it - Lily's birth seems to be the catalyst that brings forth his psychopathic behavior [arguably simmering within him all along]. At first, the problems seem to have ordinary reasons - Abby seems unable to cope with the demands of motherhood [understandable given her history of depression and PPD], dad Brad seems to be...

Worth a Watch
This flick has been thoroughly summarized so I will skip that portion. Joshua is an overall good, creepy film. Sam Rockwell gives perhaps one of his best performances as a father who can do nothing but watch his family fall apart while some, slip into insanity. Joshua (the movie) has a very slow and deliberate pacing that constantly builds towards the end of the film. This is a clever and well thought out flick that coasted through theaters and onto DVD but none the less is more then worth the price of a rental to check out. Joshua also features a new, very good, Dave Matthews song during the end credits.

Chilling, Immanent Evil
A lot of talk shows have recently been featuring the plight of parents under siege, afraid of their own children - parents who feel compelled to lock their bedroom doors at night. This movie deals with a more creepily contained version of such a problem. The danger isn't quite as blatant or as aggressively relentless as seen on some of the talk shows. But its subtlety makes it all the more chilling.

There are a few obvious cinematic borrowings from other famous suspense films here. For example, you might, at a few points, be reminded of Damien's targeted, juggernaut cycling scene in "The Omen." Then there is a twist on the famous "Potemkin" stairway/baby carriage scene.

But unlike those films, "Joshua" strives for and achieves the more low-key disquiet of mundane reality. And it is made all the more disturbingly realistic by the fact that not only Joshua, but all the family members are shown with at least thread-line cracks running through their...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Adrift in Manhattan

Fragments of Coincidence and Connection
Though there have been many films of late that address the issues of the isolation of the individual in a society increasingly settling for homogeneity, few have the honesty and simplicity of presentation as Alfredo De Villa's ADRIFT IN MANHATTAN. Perhaps the reason this film works so well is that instead of dealing with the usual tropes, De Villa restricts his story to three individuals who are suffering isolation in the noise and autonomy of New York City and are thus 'adrift' in a life that seems flat and without a beacon of hope. The story De Villa weaves is one of interaction of these characters by almost serendipitous incidents, moments that change their lives - at least for a while.

Teenager Simon Colon (Victor Rasuk) lives with his overbearing mother Marta (Marlene Forte) and gets through his life almost without speaking, working in a camera shop, spending his idle hours photographing people in the park. Tommaso Pensara (Dominic Chianese) is an elderly painter and...

Definitely adrift
These people are definitely adrift in Manhattan, in an acceptable, pass-the-time, not-too-believable, hardly compelling, but worthwhile film. The anomie of the city.

Made My Short List of Movies Not Worth Watching
The box says this movie is "unrated" but it should just be honest and say "Rated R for strong deviant graphic sexuality" so people who are not into that would have some idea they might want to skip this one.

The box says it is "Award Winning" but upon examination of this claim I was unable to discover what award or awards that might be.

The box says "critics have been raving" about this movie, but after watching it I am pretty sure I understand why there is no listing of any of the names of those critics.

For the most part the acting, directing and cinematography are very good and there is a sense while watching (as discussed in other reviews here) that there is a very important story being artfully woven together in an interesting and compelling way. However, by the time the telling is done, you discover that the story was not being woven, but was actually unraveling instead, as each thread of the story ends disappointingly and unsatisfyingly. I got a...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Sydney White (Widescreen Edition)

Revamping Snow White
Combine Snow White, Animal House and Revenge of The Nerds and you have Syndey White.

This modern retelling fairytale of Snow White. It follows a beautiful college freshman Syndey White (played by Amanda Bynes) as she pledges her late mother's sorority. But after discovering that today's sisterhood is not what it used to be, Sydney makes new home away from home with seven nerdy outcasts. With the help of her new friends, Sydney will take on Rachel, the reigning campus queen (Sara Paxton) to attempt to transform the school's misguided social hierarchy

Bynes is great with her cheerleading style. The film is a cute send up with a Revenge of the Nerds twist.

It is cute for an evening entertainment

Bennet Pomerantz Audioworld

Laugh out loud funny! Totally Underrated.
Sydney White is a modern-day Snow White whose story unfolds on the campus of the college her deceased mother attended. Sydney is a legacy pledge for her mother's sorority, but circumstances prevent her from becoming a "sister". Instead, Sydney moves in with the "Seven Dorks" of "The Vortex" - the house that sucks in all of the losers! These actors had me in tears because I was laughing so hard! Each one beautifully portrayed one of the fairy tale dwarf personas. The charming Prince (Matt Long, "Ghost Rider") even awakens the sleeping princess with a kiss.

Amanda Bynes was her usual comical self. John Schneider is always a welcome addition to any screen. Sara Paxton is outstanding as Rachel Witchburn. Crystal Hunt, Jack Carpenter, Jeremy Howard, Adam Hendershott, Danny Strong, Samm Levine, Donte Bonner are an outstanding supporting cast. Arnie Pantoja steals the show as the "Dopey"-est dork! This was the sweetest family film! Some sexual references and college party scenes...

Not as good as her other movies
I think Amanda Bynes is hilarious. I think she's probably the best comedic actress in her age range today. But this movie was a little light on the humor. And what humor it did have, was mainly given to the seven dorks. Jokes like the "hi ho" moment were very funny but they weren't her jokes. I think Amanda was under used in this movie. I much prefer "She's the Man" or even her sitcom "What I like about you"

Click to Editorial Reviews

Blonde Ambition

Terrible!
As a fan of Jessica Simpson since her 1st single, I have to say that I am completely disappointed w/ this one & I'm surprised I stomached the entire film! Sure, she didn't do too bad in Dukes or Employee of the Month. But having a lead role isn't something she should have tried to accomplish. The plot is a good concept, but poorly written & doesn't seem to play out right. No one in this movie has any on screen chemistry what so ever. The lines are awful & have hardly an ounce of true emotion. It is just dead. The movie has no light. Jessica mainly makes strange noises & whines the entire movie, which gets annoying quite fast. Thank goodness I didn't buy this title & watched in online first! Phew. Save yourself a couple of bucks. If you want to see it because your curious, find the leaked version online or rent it for much less money. Jessica, stick to singing. You're much more accepted in that line of work. It takes a lot to disappoint a hardcore fan but... wow.

Atrocious Movie, Except For Ms Simpson.
I have a habit of watching late night movies and I get these movies off of DVD bargain racks, mostly at Ross Stores. It's an interesting thing to do and I've seen some really fine movies, such as "The Shawshank Redemption" a couple nights ago. Last night's movie was "Blond Ambition." Well, it was at the other end of the spectrum: an almost complete waste of time.

"Blond Ambition" was one of the worst movies I can remember seeing in a long time. Calling it a B movie would be overrating it. I'm trying to think of something good and Jessica Simpson comes to mind. She's a pleasant and fine-looking woman and I enjoy watching her, much as I used to enjoy watching Marilyn Monroe. Acting? Not really. She's just walking around being herself, and that's nice. I was somehow hoping the movie was a fun-filled comedy, but I guess that was asking too much. The rest of the cast is just embarrassing, but it fits. The story (small town girl makes it big in NYC) is moronic so why shouldn't it...

Not to bad?
Its OK..Not the best movie ever..I like Jessica S that's why I bought this movie but It really was not that good..

Click to Editorial Reviews

Method Man: Live From The Sunset Strip [HD DVD]

Method Man Live!


Method Man Live on HD DVD
I recently ordered this HD dvd. It will probably be the last HD dvd I buy. I just had to have this concert, I knew Meth would not let me down. This is a hot hd dvd, picture quality is a 5/5, audio is a 4/5. The audio is very good, it's just not high def audio. It is only Dolby Digital 5.1 but its a very good mix. The sub was gettin' a work out. Meth performs alot of classic stuff. He doesn't have an annoying hypeman with him either like some rappers do. If I have to say anything negative about the hd dvd is that I hoped there would be more special features. Meth man is usually hilarious behind the scenes so it would have been nice to see some footage of Meth on tour. There is one interview with Meth as a bonus feature but I feel they could have added more.

I'd recommend this HD DVD of this Meth set to any fan at this price, you will enjoy it. Get the standard def dvd if you do not have HD dvd. It's a good set regardless if its in SD or HD. If you have any questions about...

The Wu in HD!!!
This is a must have for those Wu Tang fans. Even if you'd just love to see a good live performance in HD. A collector's item.

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Game Plan (Full Screen Edition)

A solid plan for family entertainment.
Having grown rather tired of this fall's onslaught of violent R-rated films, this movie is a welcome change and it's better than you might think.

Of course, there is nothing original about this film. We have another action actor who wants to prove he is something more than that. We've experienced this when Arnold went from The Terminator to being a Kindergarten Cop, when Clint Eastwood quit being Dirty Harry to become Every Which Way but Loose, and Vin Diesel gave up being The Fast and the Furious to being The Pacifier. Now Dwayne "The Rock"...

"You've Been Playing a Kid Your Entire Life ... and I Just Joined the Dad Team"
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson extends his considerable talents to this family-friendly film. Though the premise is a familiar one (a self-centered playboy discovers the joys of fatherhood), Johnson's charm and sincerity make it worth the watch. Likewise, Roselyn Sanchez does a tremendous job in her role as ballet-instructor Monique Vasquez. Her real-life dance-training is showcased in a poignant performance with Johnson and the children (this is one of the more enchanting scenes in the film ... it is guaranteed maintain your attention).

Disney does a spectacular service to dancers and athletes alike. Quick-cuts between the football field and the ballet studio illustrate the rigors and grace of both. It shows how the two are not entirely dissimilar. This moment is well-crafted! And, yes, I know this has become a somewhat hackneyed trope, but a child will not view it as such.

Now, the character of Peyton Kelly (played by nine-year-old Madison Pettis) may prove a little...

The People's Champion Becomes The Family's Choice
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has had his fair share of battles in the wrestling ring. He was also a part of the Miami Hurricanes football team. He combines the giant ego of "The Rock" in WWE and his football skills to create Joe Kingman, a pro football player who's got everything but a championship ring. He even has something that he doesn't know he has--a daughter. On top of his game, his ego crashes hard when young Peyton (Madison Pettis) shows up at his front door. Never having any sort of responsibilities before, Kingman tries to juggle his football career, his high profile lifestyle and his new daughter. All the while his agent, a devilishly funny Kyra Sedgwick, tries to figure out if little Peyton is the real deal, or just another opportunist trying to get her hands on a piece of the Kingman pie. Will Kingman get his priorities straight, or will he succumb to the fast and easy lifestyle his lived for so long?

Rosalyn Sanchez heads up a solid supporting cast of...

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Hunting Party

The Fine Line Between Comedy and Tragedy
At first glance, during the music and opening sequences of THE HUNTING PARTY, it is difficult to ascertain if the film about to be seen is a comedy or a docudrama about a genocidal maniac. Once the repartee of dialog sets in we realize that journalists require a certain mindset and vantage that allows them to cover war and other atrocities and once that tenor is adjusted the film makes solid sense.

Based on a true story by Scott Anderson (a journalist) THE HUNTING PARTY (written for the screen by Richard Shepard who also directs) deals with a top notch journalist Simon (Richard Gere) on the skids and his buddy cameraman Duck (Terrence Howard) and youngster journalist Benjamin (Jesse Eisenberg) who meet up after Simon's self imposed exile to follow a lead to 'interview' The Fox (Ljubomir Kerekes), the most wanted war criminal from the Bosnia/Croatian war. Their trail follows life-threatening chases and captures and escapes until they expose what the CIA has been doing to...

Only The Most Ridiculous Parts of the Story Are True
"Only the Most Ridiculous Parts of the Story Are True"

As I read this brief title card at the beginning of the new Richard Shephard ("The Matador") film "The Hunting Party", I suddenly realized something. For months, I have been watching a trailer for a different film. Funny thing is the film I saw was better than the film promoted by the trailer. Let me explain.

Over the course of many months, I saw the trailer for "The Hunting Party" many times. Every time I watched it, the film was painted as a fairly typical war story. Richard Gere plays a reporter covering stories in various war zones, Terrence Howard plays his cameraman. Together, they dodge a lot of bullets and explosions. Jesse Eisenberg ("Noah and the Whale") plays a young newbie along for the ride. Every time I watched the trailer, I couldn't help suppress a yawn. It appeared to be too conventional to have anything new to say.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I saw a television commercial for the...

Urban myths can make interesting movies
All big conflicts and unresolved situations are a fertile ground for conspiracy theories. Usually one or the other urban myth will be planted on top of the most daring theories. Prime example that comes to mind are the 9/11 explanations involving Mossad/Pentagon/CIA plus the fable that x-thousand Jews did not go to work on that day, which many good Muslims actually believe. As I know first hand, i.e. this is not an urban myth now.
One conspiracy theory has it that Karadjic, the Bosnian Serb, who is one of the hottest refugees from international justice, resigned his leadership in a deal with the US/UN which promised him that they would not come after him. The urban myth garnishing this theory, and which forms the basis of this film script, is, that K. actually did get caught and then killed by Bosnian Muslims rather than put up for show like Milosevic. Who knows.
The movie is worth watching, whether one wants to belief the story or not. Gere and Howard are doing a great job...

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Wheels on the Bus: Mango's Big Dog Parade

Catchy music
This is a movie for the littles. It really is popular for about the second year of life and maybe the third. The songs are cute and there are lots of puppets and movement to keep the interest of this age group.

Love the new DVD!
We have the other two DVDs in the series. Our kids want to watch the DVDs over and over again. I have been waiting for a new episode and it is finally here. As soon as we saw it we bought this new one. We LOVE it! Great messages about taking turns and getting along. My personal favorite is the song about "procrastinating." SO cute. My son loves the dogs in the dog parade and my daughter sings like the fairies. Another great episode. THANK YOU for understanding what young kids like to watch (while teaching them good values :) )

Thanks
Thanks so much. My 1 year old daughter loves it!!!!! I will be looking for other things you might be selling and recommend you to my friends.

Click to Editorial Reviews

America!

A great taste of America...it's a must purchase....at a great price
This is a very deceptive offering, I was expecting a light hearted brief review of America and bought it hoping I would be wrong, , it met my expectations,
It is without a doubt a sleeper, a wonderful film..
I received my DVD's and opened the package with some apprehension, There was only 3 DVD's and I thought Oh boy, I am not going to receive much new knowledge or entertainment from this,
I was Ohhh so wrong, This is a very well done probe into American Culture of today.
It is not only entertaining it is done very well. I have found myself back watching it several times,
It is packed with a through amount of great film making, detail and research and a outstanding detailed presentation of our America!!!
I am very satisfied with this package and my friends who have borrowed it for viewing have felt the same,
Great buy , entertaining and thought provoking.....Sure beats by far the trash on American paid for TV Channels offered........ It...

Extended version of the film
This is a collection, a series about the US, like an extended version of America's Heart and Soul. I found the description very confusing, the product details were misleading and the actual description was for an animal video, which is just wrong, but since it was on sale for $6 with shipping, I figured what the heck. So, after receiving my box set, let me clarify it for you, this is a documentary series. Each episode is about thirty minutes long. There are four discs, the first disc is 198 minutes long and has seven episodes, the second disc is 176 minutes and has five episodes, disc three is 198 minutes and has six episodes, and disc four has bonus features. Near as I can figure out there are no working subtitles, unlike the film. I live abroad and special ordered the full length film to use in class, it is always quite popular. I am very excited to have an extended series about the US that is beautifully filmed and diverse.



Click to Editorial Reviews

Channels

You'll want to change the channel.
I don't write many reviews here, but this film had none and I just watched it and wanted to help others avoid wasting their time and money.

I watched two independent films in one weekend, Rain in the Mountains and Channels. The former suffered from bad acting and unskilled post-production, but had a charming story and acceptable writing. Channels was the exact opposite, with good acting/production but horrible writing. I found the former to be much more forgivable.

The film is a mess. It is about a man who finally finds happiness with a fictional woman from a soap opera who is magically brought into his living room every so often due to a lightning strike. Unfortunately, we are given no reason to care about the man or the woman. We have little explanation as to why they are so unhappy at first, and no real feeling that fate was justified in putting them together. They share a couple of tame dates with each other and fall in love, but the middle of the...

This is what I look for in an "independent" movie!
When I think of an independent movie, the operative word for me is "independent."

The movie, CHANNELS, is just that. And it is imaginatively very good. Watching a movie with an original voice, while observing some very fine actors such as our leads, Nat Christian and Kim Oja, along with Ed Asner, Taylor Negron, John Kassir and Joan Van Ark, is truly a joy.

Christian and Oja are a great pair. He is so compellingly real and natural, that you think the camera just peeked in on him. She is engaging as well with a delightfully reserved charm.

Christian is also the writer and director of CHANNELS. He brews poignant thoughts and some laughs, beautifully and skillfully wrapped to open for an enjoyable watch.

The romantic look of the movie is helped by cinematography (Michael Hardwick). production design (Dolores Piazza) and visual effects (Duane Condor).

There are several very funny scenes in the movie.
I hope to see more from...

A terrific love story
Loved the feel of this movie. Romantic, yet very thoughtful. I thought about it a lot after seeing it.

All of the actors did a very fine job. This is an intelligent movie. Not your typical genre type. I kind of wished the ending would be different, but I respect the writer/director's vision.

Actors, Nat Christian, Kim Oja, Ed Asner, John Kassir, Taylor Negron, Joan Van Ark give it their all. They are real and truthful in a comedy, which is what makes the comedy work.

The direction is superb, slowly involving us in a man's state of being, then having us get caught up in the romance, and then his decision on what to do next. The music, look and FX were great too.

If you're looking for something unique, then this may be for you.

I hope that, in today's climate, more films like this are made.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Boy Called Twist

TWIST an excellent adaptation of the Dickens Classic!
Filmed in South Africa in 2004 and released the following year, BOY CALLED TWIST is a unique and modern take on "Oliver Twist," the classic Charles Dickens novel of a young orphan's search for love. Of course, we all know the story: a young orphan (Jarrid Geduld) escapes the cruelty of the orphanage, only to fall in with a gang of thieves led by the sinister Fagin (Leslie Fong). Feeling sorry for him, the kind hearted prostitute, Nancy (Kim Engelbrecht), will help the boy find his loving family, at the cost of her own life at the hands of her brutal lover, Bill Sykes (Bart Fouche). In an interesting twist (yes, the pun IS intended), director/screenwriter Tim Greene does a solid job of translating the Victorian story to modern day Cape Town. With the squalid streets contrasting with the middle-class neighborhoods of his native South Africa, Greene reminds us of the timeless quality of Dickens' powerful book. Using actual street kids as part of the cast, Greene succeeds in adding a...

A Very Interesting Spin On The Classic Dickens Tale!!
This film is an indie by a south african director and producer
which is a very good modern spin on the classic "Oliver Twist".
Your heart goes out to the young middle eastern-looking boy who plays
"Twist" and all he has to endure. The screenplay borrows heavily from
Charles Dickens original timeless tale but puts a modern urban
spin on it that doesn't leave you cold.
All-n-All, I enjoyed this film and recommend it.

Great Movie
I watched this movie on the TV seven years ago and finally purchased it. It is a great story and the acting was wonderful. Loved the African accents.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Saw 4

Saw 4 Positive Review!
This video was great! There were no scratches at all either. The seller shipped it really quickly and is highly recommended :)





Click to Editorial Reviews

Biography - Pat Tillman

Pathetically Bad Pat Tillman Documentary
Anyone reading this review probably knows who Pat Tillman is. Pat Tillman was a unique, free spirited professional football player who walked away from a multimillion dollar contract to join the Army after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. His story has been well told in all types of mediums since his death in Afghanistan.

A&E usually produces fine quality biographies. I was frankly stunned at just how awful this one was. It really tells the bare bones sketch of Tillman's life, and worse yet in a very amateurish fashion.

This documentary relies almost entirely on photos or pre-existing short snippets of video of Tillman in the storytelling. Worse, it shows the same photos and clips over and over and over again. Imagine someone telling you their life story with three pages of a photo album, and they flip back and show the same photos over again, and over again, and over again. The video montage here is pathetic.

Further, there were no interviews...

sugar coated
The best account of Pat Tillman can be learned from his family and friends in "The Tillman Story" not in the biography channel presentation.

EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH THIS DVD
A beautifully well done, partial story of Pat Tillman, an American Hero and his sacrifices. Pointed out facts but in no way claimed that Pat's "way" is the only way. Unbiased reporting of a tragic loss that is experienced every day by many. In no way did it make Pat out to be better than anyone serving their Country and that pleased me. Moving, thought provoking and a must see in my book. For young people needing a "hero" which I feel there are far too few of in this world today, Pat is a great choice! God Bless him and his family. I know he touched my life and my son's life in ways I could never explain.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Awakening From the Dead

Awakening the Mind
I love this movie. The director and lead actor are extremely talented. The story, while dark, is inspired. The acting is wonderful. There are some scenes that are not for the faint of heart, but are necessary to the plot. I recommend this movie to all lovers of great cinema. I saw it last year at a film festival (Cinequest) and bought it this week. I am so happy it's available. I don't want to give away more than is already summized in the description. Just enjoy. I'd also recommend the latest movie by the same director (and actor), The Reject.





Click to Editorial Reviews

Travel The Road - Season One

Powerful and Inspiring
Will and Tim are two young men who don't just talk about loving and serving Jesus, they actually do it. These two young men commit to going to some of the poorest and most remote countries in the world to preach the Gospel. They boldly go where many of us (myself included) would probably not go. But the fire and passion of God burns brightly in these young men. They have an incredible depth and trust in the Lord. They get sick (rom the food and bumpy roads) they get lost in the jungle, they experience persecution, and yet they continue on. The preach the word of God with great passion and people respond. Only Heaven will reveal the impact these two young men have had during their travels. I watched all twelve episodes in a couple of days and would defintiely like to see more. I will definitely be purchasing other seasons. If you are looking for a reality television show that gives an accurate pictures of frontier missions and has a solid Christian message, you can't go wrong with...

breath of fresh air
This dvd is so encouraging. I am born again christian who is saved and radically transformed by His power. This world is filled with casual christians and false preachers who's heart hunger for money and power rather than saving the soul or bringing Gospel to hurting and desperate peole by their deed and thuth. Our Lord and Savior did not have place to lay His head on this earth suffered in everyway man can suffer and is killed to save our soul, yet so many using His name collecting fortune for their gain and their followers who is devoid of understanding supports them thinking they are doing God's will. Many times I wonder just how many of us true believers are really out there? Through Tim Scott and Will Decker's work I saw genuine faith, love, passion for His word which burns within me also, that is flowing from same Savior and one Holy spirit. It is so wonderful to know! If you thirst for righteousness buy this dvd and watch them. You'll feel breath of fresh air refreshing...

Watching w/church group
We're watching this on our Wednesday night church services. I find myself wanting to go not just for worship, but also to get more of this series!

Click to Editorial Reviews

Puppy Bowl III

Too Cute Puppy Bowl
I bought this as a present for a friend. We both love to watch the puppy bowl on Animal Planet during the Super Bowl. I picked this one because Harry Kalas narrated it. He was the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies and he died last year. As a Phillies fan, it was great to hear his voice again.





Click to Editorial Reviews

Bleach: Volume 8 - The Entry (Episodes 29-32)

Stray dog
When we first saw tattooed, flame-haired Renji Abarai, he seemed like a cocky villainous character, who was inexplicably irritated with Rukia's defection.

Well, we get to see some new sides of Renji in the eighth volume of "Bleach." When Our Heroes aren't causing random mayhem through the Seireitei, Renji takes center stage in a pitched battle with Ichigo -- and we get to see the lives that shaped him and Rukia into what they are.

As Uryu finishes off a very dishonorable soul reaper, Ichigo and Ganju decide to save themselves by taking a hostage -- Hanataro Yamada. Unfortunately, the Soul Reapers following them don't care much about Hanataro because he's from another squad. But when he learns that Ichigo intends to rescue Rukia, the timid Hanataro agrees to help them.

But as they approach Rukia's cell, Ichigo is confronted by Renji Abarai. Horrified by Rukia's death sentence, Renji is determined to kill Ichigo, believing that this will somehow fix...

Bleach
I'm biased because I just love Bleach.

I can't wait until the later episodes come out in US format.

:)



Click to Editorial Reviews

Dulhan, Made in USA

Better than a lot of Bollywood nonsense out there
Just saw this today - it is very entertaining movie by young actors - on the low budget side. The background score is quite good. Decent comedy and great to watch with friends!





Click to Editorial Reviews

Legend of Rin Tin Tin

Viewing quality terrible
It's easy to suppose that one is getting episodes from the 50s TV show here. No, what you get are four discs, each with a 12-episode Rin Tin Tin serial from the 30s and 40s. Nothing wrong with that, but the quality of the transfers is such that you will have to be a real Rinty enthusiast to get through even one episode. The serials are hardly good enough to merit expensive restoration, but hard to watch without it. One hopes someone can find better elements to put out a more watchable DVD someday. Good example of getting what you paid for.

Not the TV show
It is not the TV series which is what i was hoping for. The movie serials are a little dated and Rinnie is not always the star. I have watched it once and will probably never again.

Darn mad!
So darn dissapointed with this box set of 48 shows! After I got it, I saw on the back of the box.... made in 1930to 1935!!! Well, need I say anymore! The films on the DVD's were such bad quality, I wanted to just though the box set in the trash!! Very disappointed with this! I have never gotten such a bad deal!! DON'T BUY THIS ONE!! rmg.

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Utopian Society

A great college movie!!!
'Utopian Society' is about 6 six students getting together to write a big paper right before the due date. The twist is that they don't like each other but throughout the day, they become great friends. Full of emotion, laughter and it has an amazing cast! It's not one of those cheesy indie films, just a typical group of college students that fight and make up, most are flirting w/ each other. This movie shows that everyone can get along w/ different people. This movie is worth renting/buying!

A College Age Dramedy With Depth
Utopian Society is a nod to the much loved John Hughes movies of the 80's. I really enjoyed this independent feature with its sharp fast paced dialogue and multidimensional characters. I can only assume that I will be seeing more of the fresh faced and talented cast in the future. I highly recommend this movie to anyone searching for a movie that is both funny and poignant but ultimately entertaining.

the utopian society movie
POLYPHONIC PRODS - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

(Director: John P. Aguirre, 97 min, Rating: not rated)
This is a review from the MOVIECHICKS [...]

Six college students have been randomly selected to work together as a group on a class project - writing a paper on how to create a utopian society. Being procrastinators (who isn't in college), they have waited until they have only one night to finish their assignment. Before they can get down to work, they have to get past the fact that they don't like each other, they all cast judgments on each other based on stereotypes, and they can't stop arguing about every topic that comes up. If they can figure out how to work together, they've got it made.

The class roster (in alphabetical order according to the mythical seating chart):
Aaliyah (Kristen Ariza) is the Jock - she plays on the college basketball team and is a dedicated athlete; just don't imply that she doesn't work hard at school.
Caleb (Mat...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Dora The Explorer - Undercover Dora

Episode List
It's Dora, little kids love it. Here's the episodes on the DVD:

01 - Super Spies
02 - Super Spies 2 - The Swiping Machine
03 - Rojo, the Fire Truck
04 - Pinto, the Pony Express

2 year old loves Dora
You can't go wrong with Dora for your little ones- she encourages learing, verbal and spatial. My little girl loves this video, so will yours.

Dora Does It Again!
Another one of the great Dora DVDs. My kids love it and want to watch it over and over again!. The two spy episodes encouraged my kids to role play being spies and made their own spy gadgets. Endless hours of fun and entertainment :)

Click to Editorial Reviews

A Passion For Sustainability

Sustainability as It's Practiced in Portland
This is a great video that I use in my class on sustainability. It illustrates the implementation of the Natural Step principles by a dozen or so merchants and one local utility. Since there's a good website for the Natural Step process, this video provides a good opportunity to talk about whether or not sustainable principles in action can be achieved.

Here's an example we should follow across the nation.
Those interested in changing the way we consume so that our planet is protected and we practice good stewardship might want to take a look at what's going on in Portland. Its businesses, government and people are forging ahead with a new perspective that is both exciting, economically feasible and gives us hope that we can prevent further damage to the earth and enjoy life to the max.
Ruth Kelly

Green Business Overview PDX
This video is quite dry for the title Passion for Sustainability. Kudos to all the entrepreneurs and activists interviewed, but I had to watch this in three segments as it was not particularly inspiring.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Raising Flagg

Alan Arkin 'owns' the Flagg Purdy reputation
Quite a number of years ago, I think it was a Christmas special by Hallmark, we saw "A Matter Of Principle" starring Alan Arkin. What a movie. We loved it so much we bought several copies and gave some away to those we know would like it as a gift. After a while it became more than just a gift. We realized just what a 'teaching tool' the movie was... showing folks NOT to behave like Flagg, just on 'principle'.... and some folks really need to learn that lesson. This latest movie, while not quite as good as the first, is still well worth watching and projects the 'Flagg Purdy' character out there even further. Neither of these movies got much, if any, commentary (good or bad) or review. I think you'll like this one just fine.

Raising Flagg
Ok flic... BUT, it is NOT a continuation of "A Matter of Principal". Family is different and characters are different. It could have been a much better movie if it had been done as a sequel.

Fun movie
This was a fun movie just as all of his movies of this vintage were. Good clean family fun movie.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Love Lies Bleeding

Not perfect or even unpredictable, but entertaining
*** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ***

Love Lies Bleeding is an action thriller starring Brian Geraghty as Duke, Christian Slater as Pollen, and the talented Jenna Dewan as Amber.

Love Lies Bleeding is a straight-to-DVD movie that is actually, surprisingly, better than most straight-to-DVD movies I've ever seen. While far from original or unpredictable, it does with a movie is supposed to do, and that's entertain. Duke and Amber are a poor, New Mexico couple trying to make some decent cash. And when you have the white boy trying to get work amongst the illegal immigrant day laborers, you KNOW they're poor! Duke and Amber make a believable poor couple, and this is only added by the filthy no-good gangsters next door.

Sick of harassing him and pretty Amber, Duke buys a gun (which you'd think he would've already had in such a neighborhood) and goes to take care of business. However, Detective Pollen (Slater) beats him to it, as the gangsters have stolen some of his...

Great action picture
Love Lies Bleeding takes off and never stops. Christian Slater is terrific as the crazed DEA agent. The movie stands above the usual action fare of this type because the young couple are everyday types, just a couple of kids looking for a break. The scene in the casino is a non-stop action classic that films with ten times the budget could use a look at.

B Movie at its Best! Don't miss it!!!
This a great movie with lots of action and great acting. Chris Slater is always good and plays the bad cop in this one. The plot is good and keeps you guessing as it goes along. I do not know who the two lead actors are, but they did a great job in this road movie. I rented it and now I am going to buy it. Don't miss it!!!!

Click to Editorial Reviews

Xenosaga 3: Free Will

High-octane action!
This final addition to the Xenosaga Anime is intense action with a heartbreaking story. I loved it! The animation quality gets a kick, and the last episode is amazing!!!

Twists and turns, and a surprise ending that will definitely satisfy =D

Xenosaga
it was great but it would be cool if they made the hole game in to a anime show

Good video game, Bad anime
The anime is just plain crap! It doesn't follow the video game and it twelve episodes were so lame. It's bad just like Arc the Lad anime.

Click to Editorial Reviews

The Best Workouts Ever... Perfect Pilates

Based on Pilates
I started doing mat pilates at my athletic club in January. It's a new class at my club and only offered once a week. I needed more pilates workouts to supplement the class I'm attending so that I am doing pilates 3x a week. It was important to me to stick to the most "pure" pilates, what Joseph Pilates invented all those years ago. I know enough about the basic moves to know that THIS is NOT anything like the classic pilates. There are a couple of recognizable moves, but this is mostly a dance warmup. These moves are what I have seen my daughters doing at the barre before their dance classes. Not totally without value, but not what I was working for. They have a lot of gall to call this "perfect pilates." It should be called "based on pilates". A disappointment.

pilates workout!
I love this DVD! This is my second one, the first one got scratched so I ordered another! Would order again!



Click to Editorial Reviews

Saving Sarah Cain

Favorite Lewis book now a favorite movie! 5 Stars all the way!
I was hesitant to buy this movie since I love the book by Lewis and thought no one could make a film to do it justice. I also live in Western PA among Amish and know many well. I didn't think they could be portrayed right either. I was so wrong! Landon did an excellent job! I cried! This movie is so touching! The acting is EXCELLENT! The story of redemption shines through clearly. I have to buy this movie for many who feel like Sarah in the beginning...hurt by life and very hard toward God and others...this movie shows the way back home to God & family... We need more movies like this!

Very rough start but ends strong
This adaptation of Beverly Lewis' novel The Redemption of Sarah Cain is another commendable addition to the oeuvre of telefilm producer/director Michael Landon, Jr. Taking great liberties with the plot of the novel, the picture turns the usual Witness-esque story of the 'English' trying to adapt to the life of the Amish on its head. It places the devout orphans of the protagonist's recently departed sister in the heart of a major city and explores the effect it has on their hearts and their family dynamic.

The beginning of the film is worrisome due to extremely clunky dialogue that sounds like it was cobbled from a book of movie journalism cliches. All the editor (played with sorely-needed light humor by Elliott Gould of M*A*S*H and...

Good to watch - then have family disussion
Good FAMILY movie.
It will be a reference point for family discussions about life, values, even death of a parent.
Best of all, no part of this movie is not child friendly.

It didn't "hold" my older girls attention....but I bet she will want to watch it again.
I bought the book too and hope to start it soon.

Click to Editorial Reviews

Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin - The Six Crystals

A Decent Handling of a Forgotten Classic...
For as old as this show is, it appears Mill Creek found the best quality episodes they could. The early episodes suffer a bit in quality, and there are parts that are clearly transferred from VHS, namely the next episode previews. However, by "Grubby's Romance", the episodes improve by leaps and bounds in quality.

One of the things no one has yet remarked on is that this show seems perfect for young viewers (4-7) with plenty of adventure and excitement without the smarminess or flippancy of modern kid's shows. Plus the continuous plot is a real plus in this show - the further you go in the show, the more you want to see what happens. As opposed to the earlier review, once the gang find the crystals, things tend to get moving faster. I think we'll see more of the plot tie together in the next volume. The only thing that could really wreck the show is if the other sets are not released - with a show like TR, you need to see the show in order to unravel the mystery. Highly...

Better Than The Previous Release...
Teddy Ruxpin's first twenty episodes are contained on this 2-Disc DVD set. For a cartoon series twenty years old, the quality is good, even with the occasional warble of audio/video - which I would expect. Mill Creek Entertainment's release of Teddy Ruxpin is far better than the previous - in the case of more episodes for your money - and MCE's dedication to releasing the entire series.

A much better release.
Unlike the abortive 2007 release, this version sports twice of number of episodes per set, better quality AND is going to have the FULL series, all 65 episodes by July 22nd 2008. The first 10 episodes establish many of the characters so its pace is metered. Video quality is better in this release although it seems that these DVDs were mastered from broadcast U-Matics. A few episodes have audio warble at the beginning. Otherwise audio is clear and in `generated' Dolby 2-channel stereo, thus there isn't any audio panning of sounds or conversations. There is also red chroma bloom on a few episodes, an artifact of the videotape. Those of us with equipment to do so will want to run the video with a comb filter. The colours otherwise are properly saturated and honestly for most people these issues will be unnoticeable. That being said I'd dearly love to see a genuine DVD Blu-ray set made from a film transfer since this whole series was hand animated. Somewhere there HAS to be a film copy of...

Click to Editorial Reviews

Biography - Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton Biography Channel review
A very good biography! Something a fan of hers will like. She's made her mark in her own way. It's an interesting watch! We saw the program shortly after it was new, but now we have our own DVD copy of it. Peace!
"Paris Hilton News and Reviews" YouTube

The biography was interesting.
I did not give this biography 5 stars because I had hoped it would be a little more indepth, however, it was enjoyable and one that I would recommend if you like or are curious about Paris Hilton.



Click to Editorial Reviews

Alexander the Great and the Catapult: Man, Moment, Machine (History Channel)

Great fun!
What made Alexander the greatest of the military commanders? Part was his advanced technology in the form of the catpults he used. This DVD goes into detail and explains why the Macedonian catapults were better than those that were in use by others at the time. Quite worth the time if you like Alexander or are interested in ancient war machines.

Informative and Enjoyable Documentary!
"Alexander the Great and the Catapult: Man, Moment, Machine" is a very in depth and enjoyable documentary! The History Channel did a great job on this documentary. The catapult, which the Greeks called a ballista, is explained in depth and demonstrated with a modern reproduction. The siege of Tyre is explained in detail yet was never boring. It explains how Alexander the Great had an excellent group of engineers with his army and he used them to the fullest. That and Alexander's tactical brillance and persistence made possible the capture of the city of Tyre which was considered an impossibility. As the documentary stated, in a previous century, Nebuchadnezzer had laid siege to the city of Tyre for 16 years in succession and failed. Only Alexander the Great would have had the confidence and the audacity to announce that he would make the island city of Tyre part of the mainland and then have his engineers construct a mole which did just that! As the documentary states...

Alexander
This contains the how of Alexanders operations as well as through the rest of his life. While I'm quite sure that much detail is left out enough is included so that one gets a good idea of just what happened.

Click to Editorial Reviews