The Housemaid (English Subtitled) [HD]

Remaking A Surreal Potboiler--A Lavish And Handsome Adaptation Loses Some Of The Irresistible Madness
The notorious 1960 Korean film "The Housemaid" by Kim Ki-young shocked contemporary audiences with its suspenseful descent into depravity and madness. Taking on a classic (even a cult classic) can be a daunting task. 2010's remake of the same name by Im Sang-soo maintains the same principle characters and much of the plotting, and is able to be much more graphic in nature. But despite the added nudity and sexuality--the film somehow seems much more subdued. In fact, I'll issue a cautionary warning. Billed as a thriller, "The Housemaid" really plays as a slow-burn domestic drama. Still and quiet, anyone expecting edge-of-your-seat excitement will likely be mystified by the thriller descriptive. That's not to say that there isn't much to recommend this version--I just missed some of the wildness of its predecessor. More inspired by than an actual remake, this is a glossy and dignified soap opera that maintains a surprising calm amidst increasingly melodramatic plot points...

FINALLY! An inspired remake of a classic movie!
I heard the announcement this movie would be remade with skepticism. When this DVD came out, I made sure I watched the original 1960 movie FIRST. Then the next day I watched this DVD from Amazon. Wow. For once, a remake that is not made from a blueprint of the original with the intent to cash in from the original's acclaim. This adaption is inspired and original in its own way. The direction and cinematography is amazing, the actors fit their role perfectly, and the plot is clever with a climax that is breathtaking. Definitely not for children with all the sultry sex scenes. This DVD was awesome. Rest assured, it will play in the USA (thank god).

Family affairs
A beautiful young woman comes to work as a housemaid/nanny for an extremely wealthy Korean businessman and his heavily pregnant young wife who live in a world where nothing is denied. It doesn't take long for his eye to wander to his servant. Extreme viciousness ensues as the various members of the household unite to take action to protect and preserve the family at whatever cost. exceptional performances from one and all in the cast down to the two young children of the couple. But the older house servant is riveting to watch with a beautifully layered performance reflecting all her desires, interests, anger, pain and rebellion, often simultaneously. Her performance alone would make the film worth watching and buying. More a class study than a thriller, but there's more than enough action to satisfy most viewers.

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Taekwondo Taegeuk Poomse # 1-8

Pretty good.
Even though the first 18 minutes is set aside for advertising other DVD's, I found this instruction helpful.

I have a lot of Master Kim's DVD's and they are all first rate.

On this one, as in most of his products, he goes over the forms several times so that you get it from all angles.

Highly recommended.





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Little Panda Joe

my twins are obsessed.
Nice long video for car ride. My boys love umi...they are 21 months old and can count to twenty and know almost all their shapes. Including rhombus....um i dont even know what a rhombus is ;)

My Grandson's smile earned this product the 5 star rating!
My grandson was very pleased with him Team Umizoomi purchase! It was definitely everything that we expected and more. Thank you!

Pattern Pow-er!
My kid loves Team Umizoomi, and we let him watch it more than some other shows because it teaches patterns, math, shapes, and more.

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Gomorrah [HD]

Riveting Movie about the true face of the Mafia
Based on true events. Captures the modern mafia clan (The Camorra) that runs Naples. One of the most unique films ever made about Italy's organized crime. This is not the Sopranos or Goodfellas so don't walk in expecting that.The glitzy aggrandized lifestyle isn't shown here. What is shown is probably the best presentation of what the nuts and bolts day to day business of the mob is, what it's all about & how it has invaded every aspect of Italian life. It's in subtitles but is still worth watching.

If this was to educate it missed it
Read the outline, watched it to the end.. and this is a perfect example of someone trying to make a documentary and failing. Other reviewers liked it, but if the intent was to make you feel depressed then it almost worked. I understand the crime in Italy, and the problems people have there, in some places in the US it is no better (Chicago) but it felt disjointed and it was tough to find a thread to follow in this one, other than the mafia is bad.

Gomorrah
The movie was okay, it was too long and sometimes the actions were cloudy and with subtitles sometimes you still do not get the true meaning of the language spoken. Some of the scenes were better than others.

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Sports Safaris Vertical Fleet Mark and Costa Rica Lodges

Too many topics for one video
These are two things my family loves -extreme skiing and Costa Rica - but putting them both into one video was strange and it was a mad rush through 4 places in Costa Rica. Too much for one video and there was no segway between the two extremes of climate. It was a high level look at 4 nice costa rican resorts but there wasnt enough time to even see the hotels properly.





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Duggars Over the Edge

We love the Duggars!
It is just great to see the honesty and the mistakes sometime made. Sure, I know it's edited, so there's probably things we don't see - but Jim Bob and Michelle are great role models! They sure seem to walk their talk!

Mistake
Just to let everyone know: This is actually 19 Kids And Counting, Not 18. I'm an avid watcher and big fan of the show. For whatever reason, the photo doesn't match up with the episodes being shown.

Great family tv show
This is a wonderful show for families. We strive to view shows that do not involve cursing, violence, etc. and this is one of them

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The Objective

If you liked Outpost, you'll like The Objective
This movie flirts with the idea that the old notions of the magical Djinn are based in truth, and that out in the deserts of the Middle East they are still to be found.

I have a soft spot for movies about small bands of soldiers, heading off into the boondocks where they will face the unknown in ways they could never have imagined. Outpost, Predator, Aliens, Dog Soldiers... These are all films that fit into that niche. So does The Objective.

The Objective is riddled with mythological motifs that will fly over the head of most people. If you've ever read the substantial works of Joseph Campbell and liked them (Hero with a Thousand Faces, The Masks of God series, etc.,) then this film will really appeal to you. If you have no idea what the books I just mentioned are all about, then you probably have very little interest in comparative mythology, and this movie might not be your cup of tea. Without the mythological references, The Objective might just seem like...

Well, I liked it
Lots of mixed reviews on this one. But, I thought the Objective was a great movie. Sure there's many unanswered questions--many times that's what makes for a good story. Not all of us want all the answers spoon-fed to us. The camera work is great, lots of eerie scenes, and a good story of supernatural meets sci-fi meets military action.
Spooky enough without being a gore-fest, and open-ended enough to make it more thought provoking than most action/suspense films out there today.

Do NOT believe the 4 and 5 star reviews
This movie earned a 1 star because the 32 (combined) 4 and 5 star reviews had to be connected to the film in some way or another. Even for a typical "B" movie this one was heavy on cheese. Weak story line with no real explanation at the end = 90 minutes of my life I will not get back. Opening scene they have a Huey flying in the "Special forces" team ... low budget is one thing but at least get close to accurate or be clever and never show any aircraft if all you have is something 30 years removed from the timeline of the movie. The "Special forces" team (all but one) had enough fat on them to disqualify them from humping it up and down ANY mountain anywhere much less in that environment with gear.

If this gives you any perspective ... this was the first thing I have written a review on in years of Amazon use. Yes, the movie was bad enough to motivate a review after I was suckered into giving it a chance based upon the high rated reviews. Look elsewhere for entertainment.

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The Countess [HD]

The Blood Countess and the Beginnings of the Feminist Movement
Writer/director/producer/musical scorer/actress Julie Delpy brings to the screen a character from history that few know. The film is based on the true history of the woman known as The Blood Countess, but after viewing this film it is obvious that the actual figure on whom the story is based was a brilliant political mind, a woman of noble breeding who could read and write in four languages, who once widowed was able to successfully defend her lands from the warring Turks and exact control over the reigning Hungarian King Matthias. But back to the history of the character as written by Delpy. 'Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed (Báthory Erzsébet in Hungarian) (1560 - 1614) was a countess from the renowned Báthory family of Hungarian nobility. She is considered the most prolific female serial killer in history and possibly the most prolific of any gender. She and four collaborators were accused of torturing and killing hundreds of girls, with one witness...

Lacks passion, rewrites history
For a movie about blood, The Countess is surprisingly lacking in passion. The characters seem distant and it is very difficult to believe this countess, so ruthless and successful as a power broker and commander of both king and armies, was tragically consumed over a jilting by her young lover--enough to bleed virgins in an attempt to regain a youthful vigor.

The story is unconvincing and, also, a puzzling misrepresentation of the circumstances that produced one of history's most infamous serial killers. Although I heard first about Bathory from this movie, on looking further, it seems The Countess is fictitious not only in terms of the warped romantic justification for her killings, but the machinations behind her rise to power is downplayed, as is social context of her cruelty, and the complicity of servants and family members. Even the tools she chose to kill and torture are apparently fictitious.

So with lackluster acting and sickening scenes of depravity...

the price of love
Julie Delpy writes, directs and stars in "The Countess", a tale loosely based on the infamous Hungarian Countess Erzebet Bathory (also known as Elisabeth Bathory).
The director wanted the audience to look at the life and tribulations of the countess through a female lens, while trying to banish all those perceptions of Bathory being evil into something that has nothing to do with witchcraft and the dark side at all, but it is actually the countess descents into madness because of her lover and her enemies.

I think Julie Delpy has achieved that and she is perfect in her role as the normal-turned-to-a-madwoman Countess Erzebet Bathory. You can see she loves life, her subjects and after the mourning of her husband's passing, she does seem normal until she meet Istvan Thurzo (Daniel Brühl). She fall madly in love with him although he is much, much younger than her.

Still, Istvan loves her too. And that's when the problem starts as people begin to talk and...

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The Good, The Bad, The Weird [HD]

4

Princess of Montpensier

French Swashbuckler with an Intelligent Script
Love it, love it, love it. The acting, the cinematography, the costumes...

Most swashbucklers - let's say "The Three Musketeers" - feature sizzling action, romance, treachery...but in the end they are little else but entertainment. This one is a fable of misguided passion.

Marie, the beautiful woman of the tale, becomes the object of desire of four men. The first is her childhood sweetheart, the second is her husband, the third is a prince, and the fourth is a count who is commissioned to educate her. This is a man's world, and they all attempt to woo Marie to become their prize...but she will not offer her love to anyone but her first object of desire.

The events are placed in the context of a religious war between the Catholics and the Protestants in 16th century France. Perhaps the most interesting character, the moral center of the film, is the Count of Chabannes - a man who renounces violence after killing a pregnant woman. He becomes...

An Impassioned Examination of 16th Century France
Basing a long film on a short story is usually a risk; the story often runs thin before the long film is complete. This is most assuredly NOT the case in Bertrand Tavernier's decision to adapt (with Fran

Exhumed

Amazing Piece of Noir Film Making
*********************************MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*******************************************************************
Scorpio Films Releasing is famous for doing comedic horror films that are often outrageous and always entertaining. On this film they decided to go with a straight psychological horror film that delves into the minds of people slowing going mad. The film centers around the last 5 members of a cult that believed that the outside was poison and the only way to survive was to stay in select houses. Almost the entire film is shot in the last house the cult has. Inside the house the world has stopped for them. Each character deals with the stagnation in their own way. Due to financial issues the group ahs to allow an outsider to move into the house and his arrival starts the final descent. Excellently cast with Debbie Rochon as the Governess with Michael Thurber as the Butler the defacto leaders. Sarah Nicklin plays Laura the daughter of the cult founders who died...

Intelligent and powerful, not a normal horror film.
I rented this from Bl*ckb*st*r first because I knew this was a lot different from Richard Marr-Griffin's other films. It was in black & white and didn't aim for laughs along with the shocks. After one watch through I placed my order. It is excellent filmmaking. It is disturbing and very thoughtful. Calling it a horror film would be doing a disservice to the film and to potential viewers. It is not a slasher/supernatural shock fest. It is a slow burn which raises a lot of questions that you won't find quick and easy answers for. If you want a dumb horror/gore flick you have lots of options out there. If you want something that stays in your brain, buy Exhumed now. Debbie Rochon and Michael Thurber take the lead with Rochon offering spurts of crazed violence while Thurber is much more restrained, you get the feeling that his character doesn't really like what he does, but he does it all the same, knowing that he will eventually be held accountable. Sarah Nicklin and Michael...

Solid Indie Horror Flick
When I saw the rating of this movie I was a little surprised.

I saw "exhumed" at the premiere and bought the DVD. I thought
it was a very solid indie horror. Richard Griffin did a fine
job directing a solid indie cast. Ken Willinger did a fantastic
job as Cinematographer. I thought it was one of the better indie
horror films I'd seen in awhile.

The story is paced well and the acting is very solid. Evalena Marie
did a solid job as the lead Rocki. And horror icon Sarah Nicklin
was awesome as usual. Michael reed and Michael Thurber also stood out.

I think people are less patient with low budget indies. And it's sport to
trash them. But if you want to go into a movie like Exhumed and want to
enjoy it you will. If you just want to blast a movie because it doesn't have
big stars and a million dollar budget it doesn't matter if it's solid.
You will just find some reason to kill it.

I like Griffin's...

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Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness - Good Croc, Bad Croc

Awesome Fun
Our kids love pandas, and Kung Fu Panda. Now, with the continuing tales of Po out on DVD, they really devour these silly, colorful, well done shorts- perhaps even more than the full length, Jack Black, releases.

They include only 7 of the more than 40 episodes from 2011-13; however, they run about 20 minutes each and pack in a lot of Dragon Warrior action and goofiness. Indeed, our kids can't help but giggle as jelly-belly, not quite orthodox, Po shows off his one part mighty fighter, three parts silly panda.

The rest of the gang and Furious Five are there, and I can't really tell the changes in voices from the movies. Mike Wingert, voice actor, does a great job sounding like Po; no Angelina here for Tigress, but she still has that fierce, sultry, no nonsense way about her. Voiced by actress, Kari Wahlgren.

Po battles Crocs and even an evil self with a Zen-like, make a mess of it first, quality. There's a bit of a moral to each story, but it's the...

The kids loved it
Nice way to keep the kids quiet for a while...and they wanted to look at it again when it was over...

Awesome fort Kids
My grand boys loved Kung Fu Panda and all the characters he associates with...they watch this almost anytime they are over. The boys are 4+ and 2+. More for the 4+ year old then the 2+ year old, but he likes it also.

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Five Minutes of Heaven

Truth and Reconciliation
When friend Vika (Anamaria Marinca) asks Joe Griffen (James Nesbitt), the brother of a man killed in 1975 by one Alistair Little (Liam Neeson), if killing Alistair would not be good for him, Joe replies ' Not good for me? My five minutes of heaven!' And so runs the razor sharp dialog and acting and power of this little film from the UK that relates the story of a 1975 event in Northern Ireland when Catholics and Protestants were at war and the young Protestant Alistair Little (Mark David), as a UVF member (Ulster Volunteer Force), gathers his friends and 'kills a Catholic' - but the murder happens in front of the victim's 11-year-old brother Joe Griffen. Flash forward to 2008 when Alistair Little (now Liam Neeson) has served his prison term and is set up by the media to relate the story of the incident and supposedly meet and shake hands on camera with the now mature Joe Griffen. It is a film about youthful involvement in terrorism and the sequelae that haunts or obsesses the victim's...

powerfully honest and transparent
One of the best films I have seen on the struggle to reconcile with one's own self as well as one's enemy. There is no cheap forgiveness portrayed here. The acting by Neeson and Nebitt is unbelievably good and the directing is incredible. I couldn't believe that this was a made-for-tv film. Goes to show that on a shoe-string budget, BBC can produce stuff that is far superior to the drivel that comes out the mouth of Hollywood.

One people will watch 30 years from now
A perfect movie is a rare thing. No committee can produce perfection; the too many cooks are never so present as during the production of a movie. I've seen a few, but not many. When 1 person does everything, there's one vision to be 1% short. But when tens or hundreds do it, then each contributes his individual failure until we're left wondering, as we do when watching some YouTube clip of kids riding their bikes off a roof, "Wow..what the **** were they thinking?" However, "Five Minutes of Heaven" comes darn close to perfection.

Two men collide, and then 33 years later collide again. Some serious sparks ensue. Who was right? Who lost the most? Who owes what to whom?

If you're reading these reviews, I'd advise you to stop now and get this film. This is fine film making with a pungent theme. Watch it for its powerful and beautiful tale of loss and recovery. Watch it for two great actors giving superlative performances. Watch it recreate a terrifying yet...

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Abducted: Kidnapped And Brutalized

k7
This was seriously intense from start to finish. I polished off an entire bag of potato chips while watching this I was so nervous. It's just one intense scene after the other! Had a great plot, too.

shane
Man, this is a really original movie. The story is basically a guy is kidnapped accused of committing a murder as a child. Really intense and not what you'd expect.

Kidnapped Viewer
Abducted and kidnapped redundant?
First warning of bad is a film made in 2011 and DVD released in 2013.
Second warning of bad is a unknown production conglomerate. Must have been a dead spot in their schedule to find time to release this or maybe they were just freed from abduction by viewing audience.
Third warning are cover graphics that have little to do with the overall tone of the movie or are just way overstated just to sell the product.
Fourth warning of bad. No subtitles to compensate for poor enunciation, poor dialogue script, bad audio. Not that anything of importance was said for 90% of the movie.
Fifth warning and this is very rare except in the cheapest of cheap - no scene or chapter option in main menu.
Sixth warning are lots of holes in the storyline such as how likely is it that the bride (in wedding gown) was kidnapped earlier and no one knows about it (police don't exist in this fairy tale).
Final warning of bad is me choosing to ff...

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Lol (Laughing Out Loud)

I like every movie Sophie Marceau has starred in...
She portrays the life so many women live after divorce with the ups and downs of raising children by herself, yet trying to find a life for herself all at the same time. She always adds so much to every movie because she delivers believable emotions whether it is laughter or genuine tears. She adapts to any script and never misses a beat.





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You Kill Me [HD]

A Killer DVD!
"You Kill Me" is a great "little" movie about a Polish hit-man from a snow plowing family in Buffalo, NY. Played by Ben Kingsley, the title character is a drunk that has to go to rehab or be kicked out of the family. (most likely,killed). He moves to San Fran and joins AA. Gets a job at a funeral home and meets the girl of his dreams. If you like quirky independent films that are more story than showy, this movie is for you. Great performance by Luke Wilson as well. Much funnier than the title suggests, and one to savor with the rest of your collection.

Black Comedy that's actually funny
Tea Leoni and Ben Kingsly are the perfect complement to each other in this brutally honest spoof of AA. Having been to a few meetings myself, I can speak from experience that the 12 step program can be cut to one easy step -- shut-up and quit, snivelers! Ben is completely believable as a contract killer too drunk to pull the trigger. And Tea shines as her normal, very funny and smart self. Luke Wilson wanders around aimlessly like he was added at the last minute for a name credit. What a relief to watch a movie that doesn't start slow and end with a disappointment. These two trade barbs with the precision of Irish Clog Dancers. Not only will you find yourself laughing out loud, you will also find yourself shedding a tear of happiness toward the end. If you don't find this flick LOL funny then you should trade in your blue jeans for and white collar and sulk into a seminary until you find your sense of humor. Keep it up Tea, cheers to you and Ben!!!

Gandhi Gets a Gun
It's very tough to find a great actor, and tougher to find a great script. This movie meets both.

An alcoholic gangster assassin named Frank (Kingsley) is encouraged to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings because he can't do his job well due to his drinking problem. One night his cohorts find him sleeping while at 'work'. At one of the AA meetings he tells people what he does for a living. When asked if he isn't afraid of being caught, he finds comfort in the anonymity of his new found circle of friends.

There is a lot of violence, but with lively Bohemian music in the background, the movie never loses its comedic touch.

This story is dark humor at its best.

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The Unbroken

Suspenseful and Entertaining
Maybe my opinion is biased by my nostalgia, having grown up in the 80's and spent many a muggy summer night renting movies like April Fools Day, Woodchipper Massacre and Witchboard. The Latter of which this film reminded me of, especially the feel, the red headed lead even has a semi revealing shower scene ala Tawny Kitaen-although I think this was more coincidence rather than homage. Warwick Davis is great (duh)-Daniel Baldwin shows the other less adept performers how to convincingly chew through the dialogue. Movies like this have found a stable venue on channels like SyFy and Lifetime not just DVD and streaming, which makes for ample places to hopefully stumble upon it. I watched the movie in the company of my adult son and enjoyed it, but would have no problem having watched it with my gal-pal who is not a fan of horror movies-especially since this one feels more like suspense. Check it out, lots of fun!

A Decent Ghost Story...
I've mentioned this before in some of my previous book reviews, but I am an absolute sucker for a good ghost story; as such, the same can be said for ghost movies as well. The problem is that they seem to be few and far between. With modern-day films about ghosts, we many times get rehashed genre staples that don't break any new ground. Fortunately, THE UNBROKEN does not adhere to that description. Although not perfect, this film does entertain, if you can make your way through it.

I have to tell you up front that it was sorta difficult for me to get through the first 3/4 of this film. Overall, the movie is pretty well done...but the acting started bugging me pretty quickly into it. This is particularly true for the character of Tommy, portrayed by Patrick Flanagan. Whether it is his acting style or the scriptwriting, the dialogue he presents just seems forced and unrealistic.

But, THE UNBROKEN does keep you intrigued enough along the way to look past...

Thriller!
I have to admit, I got this movie just because Warwick Davis was in it...and I didn't really expect much. This is a low-budget film and is a little slow to get going, but I actually found myself really getting into it and enjoying the characters. Daniel Baldwin (how many of them are there???) was surprisingly good as the menacing neighbor. If you are looking for a horror film, you will probably be disappointed, but as a low-budget thriller, this one is actually pretty good.

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Des / Esperando

Despicable You/Despicable Me
This is a love story in the vein of one of Shakespear's finest love dramas. These two lovers are there own worst enemies, and yet they are bound together by a love/hate relationship that in the end will destroy one and leave the other a grieving and self-hating emotional wreck. This is the product of love. This is not the all-caring ties of love, but the pure self-destruction of emotions that can only cause total physical harm--death. LOVE CAN BE EXTREMELY HAZZARDOUS TO ONES HEALTH! NJMJr!





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Good Vibrations Tour

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5 Souls [HD]

Sorry, this is just a waste of time
This film does not have poor production values, the acting isn't bad, and it's not made in someone's back yard with a shakey-cam, but it's just not a good film. The concept is murky, the film is confusing and it just doesn't reach out & grab you or fill you full of dread...it's just rather dull and flat. A man has gone to get vaccinations prior to going to Africa on his honeymoon, has a serious reaction & ends up in the hospital. He is visited by some guy holding a rosary that claims he is some kind of entity, a fallen angel, if you like, and the man is asked to prove himself by killing 5 people. It turns out the man happens to be an architect & he & his fiancee were involved in some shady dealings that caused a building to collapse. There is an ex-cop on the trail of the contractor these people worked for because his young daughter died in the building collapse. How does this all fit together, you may ask? I was asking myself the same thing. The answer is, not very well. Do...

I'M FREE TO ROAM IN A PRISON OF DARKNESS
This is an odd film that is an existential mystery. Noah (Ian Bohen) finds himself in a coma talking to the angel of death (Steven Schub). He cuts a deal. He lives if he kills 5 people. This aspect reminded me a little of the film "Subliminal."

In a subplot Sam (Steve Bacic) and Sara (Allison McAtee) are investigating a collapsed building. The two subplots tie together about an hour into the film.

This is one of those films that is well made for the genre. It kept me interested, yet frustrated at the lack of clues. The ending was interesting but was a bit preachy. It is more of an experimental indie style film that is not for everyone. Don't expect a major league horror film as depicted on the cover.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, sex, brief rear nudity (Kristina Anapau). Allison McAtee- bra/panties/side breast.

Disappointing horror film
5 SOULS tries to be a slick and original horror film, but it simply has too many flaws that it can't overcome. The result is a convoluted tale that leaves the viewer wanting more.

I really wanted to enjoy this film. The premise sounds solid and director Brett Donowho has another film out there that looks really good (A HAUNTING AT SILVER FALLS) as well. But it can't overcome its problems. As the credits rolled, I actually felt kinda sad. This movie could have been so good.

5 SOULS is shot pretty well, although there are several grainy shots and a few of the low-light scenes look too dark. The acting is ok, although Steven Schub stands out among the rest of the cast as the evil `demon' who is forcing him to collect souls. Schub relishes his evil role and portrays it with the dramatic flair of a Shakespearean actor.

There's no special effects or gore to speak of, but there are plenty of opportunities where it could have been used. I'm not sure if...

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Lost & Found

Hope and Human Kindness
Child soldiers in Africa orphaned by violent militia, hard-core inmates in Eastern Oregon and two retired school teachers on holiday in Africa - now that's a perfect storm we didn't see coming. Yet they weave together in the film LOST AND FOUND in the most compelling film story. Sandy Cummings and her many talented film crew supporters have taken one of the most harsh and devastating topics weaving it into a story of hope. Human kindness, sacrifice, passion for a cause and dedication to making a difference often gets lost in the media. We hear the stories murderous vicious attacks by the Kony militia - LOST AND FOUND goes to the core with the story of orphans who survived and the unlikely combination of people who changed their lives. The film entertains, but more than that - it provides the inspiration for any of us to choose a way to make a difference.

"bricks made by hand, hearts shaped by faith"
"Lost & Found" is the inspirational documentary about Bob and Carol Higgins and their work to help the orphans of Uganda. In 1999 Bob and Carol went to Uganda from the United States and have not come back to stay since. They were captivated by the need of the children of Uganda orphaned by AIDS and civil wars and terrorized by Joseph Kony.

They helped found the Otino Waa Children's Village so that the "night commuters" (children in dire need) would have a place to live.

The story also includes the story of felon artists at the Snake River Correctional facility in Oregon that sell their art to help fund Otino Waa.

Director Sandy Cummings has made an excellent film about these children and their needs but also how they are healing and growing strong.

My only complaint - I wish the entire film had been subtitled in English. I am partially deaf and it was difficult to understand parts of the film, with accents, etc.

NOTE: I received a...

Hopeful, uplifting documentary
Ugandan war orphans and American inmates kindle an unlikely friendship in this essential human interest story. It's not easy viewing, especially at the beginning - these children have already lived through more than any human being should have to bear. By now, the atrocities committed by Joseph Kony have been well publicized; it doesn't make them any easier to stomach, especially when looking into the eyes of the victims. The inmates don't compare their situations - one says, "Even though I'm in prison, I probably live better than them...[they have been through] worse than I've experienced or probably ever will experience." But there is no denying that their lives are haunted by the same sense of hopelessness.

I don't want to make this sound like a cynical film, because as bleak as their situations seem, they are not beyond hope. The inmates at Snake River Correctional Institution find direction for their lives by creating and selling artwork, 100% of the proceeds of which...

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Plastic

Not recommended
I wish I had waited till someone else reviewed this movie. It was not worth the time or the money spent on it. It was cheaply made (like somebody's home movies). I'm willing to overlook cheapness if the plot is good but there was no salvation in that department either. I'm not saying this is the worst movie I've ever seen - it just wasn't worth paying money to see.

Really good independent film
When purchasing a low budget film, you know going in the quality might not be the same as a bigger budget Hollywood film, so it didn't bother me that it seemed low budget, because that is what this is. I am able to get past that really fast if the story is good. This story is good.
This type of horror movie is more scary than the Zombie ones so popular now, because this stuff really can and does happen. I believed every moment of it while watching this movie.
It's about the neighborhood guy who is keeping young girls in his home and slaughtering them one by one. None of the neighbors are the wiser, although the one next door does think the guy is kind of odd and has his eye on him. I don't want to give away too much, but it was very suspenseful, especially when someone came to his door to deliver a notice, and he was that close to being found out.
All in all, I recommend this movie to horror film buffs who like real live situations over blubbery things crawling out of...

Good indie horror movie with great ending
I thought this was pretty creepy and had enough really scary moments to keep me interested. There is gore, but it wasn't overkill. This IS NOT a Hollywood movie, it is obviously a low budget, independent film, but if you enjoy those horror movies you will love this. The ending, I thought, was really surprising and subtle and not what I would expect from this genre. I saw this on one of those 8 pack horror movie DVD's and it was definitely the best of the bunch. Of course the fact that I bought an 8-pack horror movie DVD tells you something about me so if its not your thing, then go elsewhere. But if you like Indie Horror this is a definite thumbs up.

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Profile of a Killer

Refreshing approach to a serial killer theme; great acting.
The screenplay is excellent and worthy of a big budget film. This story is not your usual serial killer story. This truly is what the title says it is; It is a profile of a killer. It appears there is no motive for this young man's homicidal actions. He says he comes from a "good home", has never been abused, and his parents reveal that he has excelled academically and in any activity he's attempted at school. He's "just a kid", as Saul, the retired FBI agent observes.

So, why is he doing this? This is the task he sets for Saul after he kidnaps him. Profile the killer and figure out what makes him tick, what makes him murder.

This movie is not a blood fest or a jump out of your seat scary movie, but it is not for the little ones in your family . There are moments that are chilling.

Pollari, the actor, that plays David (the killer) created a character that is multi-layered. There are times where you see the chilling cold-blooded killer, the rage that...

Killer
This a movies that gives the point of view of the Killer and it is spooky and feels so real. This movie is a must see for those that drive on serial killer flicks.

Good Movie - Filmed In Minnesota!!
We had seen this movie - it was a good movie. I was afraid it was going to be based on unsettling psyche but was not like that.

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Witch Way Out

Good Wholesome Show
My 11 yr old daughter watched all seasons and absolutely loved it! Wish their was more "wholesomeness" like this still airing!!!

7 year old loves!
My daughter was bored with the offerings on the Disney channel - but loves Sabrina! Perfect combination of comedy and a little magic!

Old news
This show was funny a long time ago. Not interesting, the humor is predictable. The only fun part is the talking cat.

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Glastonbury The Movie: In Flashback

not what i thought
I bought this movie thinking it was a compilation of performances art Glastonbury when in fact it is a documentary of what the people do at the festival very little musical performances, I am disappointed because I was hoping it was more about the musicians! so if you were thinking about buying it for any musical performances don't waste your money!

Really gives the feeling of the Festival
In addition to some classic performances, "Glastonbury:In Flashback" gives the viewer a glimpse into what it's like to attend the Glastonbury Festival. Throughout the performances concertgoers are followed over the 3 days. My favorite storyline was "Charlie the Drummer" a struggling musician trying to get noticed while having a good time. A must for not only fans of 90s music, but music fans in general!

Audio not dts-ma as advertised, missing loads of extras only found on the 4-disc DVD set
The box lists the audio as dts-HD Master Audio, but it's only regular lossy DTS, DVD quality. I will edit my review later when I check whether it's 1/2 bit-rate or not. There are no extras supported here. Watching "Gravity Grave" by The Verve, which was a terrific performance and it's a shame it wasn't presented in full, shows the poorer video sections of this movie, it's not even presented in anamorphic so you have to either zoom or just deal with the inferior choice of presenting this video source. There are other video-sourced presentations like Dire Straits' "Alchemy" on Blu-ray which use the full range of picture available (it's 4:3 but it still fills your screen from top to bottom with the 4:3 bars on the side) so I don't see any reason for this to have happened.

The vast majority of the festival footage does look great in high definition, and I would rate that 4/5 easily, but the other footage brings it down.

I'm not thrilled that I upgraded my DVD to this...

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3 Ring Circus - Live at the Palace

Awesome!! If you are true Sublime fan, you must own this...
Bradley, Eric and Bud are at their best at this awesome venue in Hollywood with the Mosh Pit in full effect! The video and sound quality are great as well...you will love this!

It's a DVD not a cd
Good value for a DVD, I was expecting a cd, oh well I will always love sublime. Brad, Eric and Bud put on an awesome show



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Secret Honor

A masterful one-man performance
I saw this movie on cable the year it came out. Although I was only 16 at the time and knew almost nothing about Watergate, I was absolutely awe-struck by Philip Baker Hall's riveting portrayal of Richard Nixon. There are no car chases, no love scenes, no special effects -- just one actor relying solely on raw acting talent to tell a complicated story in a way that is so powerful, so multilayered, that it holds your attention for over an hour.

Now that I have a fuller knowledge and understanding of political scandals in general, I'm equally impressed with the alarming depth and accuracy of this movie's "fictional" script writing. The writers obviously had inside knowledge of the plutocratic string pulling that goes on in Washington.

It is puzzling, to say the least, why a movie this good is so hard to come by, especially when one considers how well-known the director is.

I am the American dream.
SECRET HONOR invites us to spend an intimate evening alone with the only man ever to resign the presidency, Richard Nixon. The Criterion disk contains a bunch of extras, including an hour and twenty-some minutes worth of Nixon, the real Nixon, on videotape and kinescope. It surveys a number of his speeches, beginning with the Fund Crisis (`Checkers') Speech in 1952 and ending with his August 9, 1974 Farewell Speech to the White House Staff. Also included is a newspaper managing editors' question and answer session, from 1973, in which Nixon first told us "I am not a crook." If you're new to Nixon, or need a refresher course in Nixonia, I strongly suggest you watch these before watching the movie. A few politicians are, maybe once in their career, forced to make an embarrassing speech confessing a personal weakness or transgression. Nixon seemed to have made a career out of such speeches, and this tip-of-the-iceberg special feature gives a good sense of Nixon's personal...

"Secret Honor" - best kept secret in Nixon films!
Philip Baker Hall's performance as Richard Milhous Nixon rates as my favorite among Nixon films. His portrayal of Nixon covers all the bases, from quiet obedience to his beloved mother to the snarling, foul mouthed paranoiac we've all come to love (or hate). The film is riveting as Hall's Nixon drags the audience deeper and deeper into his harsh world view and finally brings us to the very edge of his despair. The end will have you laughing, cringing or both. Brings into sharp relief the concept that we are all heroes in our own mind, and it will make you wonder what sort of spirit dwells in the leaders we currently elect if a man this twisted with hate, self loathing and paranoia could be elected president twice. Just an amazing film. Even if you don't subscribe to Hall's portrayal as reality you can't deny that this a talented and powerful performance. This film should be a must have among the "conspiracy" minded.

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Little Einsteins: Incredible Shrinking Adventure

Episode Listing
My girls love the Little Einsteins. This DVD contains four great episodes from the Disney Channel cartoon. Amazon doesn't always do a good job on their DVD episode listings so here are the episodes that are included on this DVD:

1. The Incredible Shrinking Adventure - The big-and-small machine shrinks rocket and the kids.
2. Quincy & The Instrument Dinosaurs - The group helps a musical dinosaur.
3. Rocket The Bug - Rocket builds a house to protect some baby bugs.
4. Sleeping Bassoon - The Princess Bassoon is put under a spell by a wizard.

Little Einsteins very educational
This has been a favorite. It has learning about .music and art, geography, cultures, and is a fun challenge adventure. Little Einsteins is a show in Disney Jr. I even like it. Rocket is a vehicle used. Recommended as a preschool learning tool.

My grandson loves the movie.
The movie made it here on time for his birthday. He enjoys all the Little Einstein's movies. He got 5 new ones and couldn't wait to see them all.

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La Cenerentola [Blu-ray]

Magical!!
Cenerentola, to me, is one of those special operas where multiple versions on the opera shelves are justified, if not a necessity. Operas like Boheme, Lucia, Manon and Traviata have such musical and theatric variables that viewing different performances is a delight. This is one of four Cenerentolas I treasure and watch a lot.

So, what's so special about this one?

First is the quality of the singing; there ain't a less than splendid voice in the cast. I first experienced Mme Garanca in the Baden Baden gala (which is still available on DVD and is a must-have). The fact that she sings a fabulous Cenerentola here and and equally fabulous Carmen on another disc should be sufficient evidence of her vocal and acting talents. Brava!!

Lawrence Brownlee (Don Ramiro) is one of the new breed of bel canto trained tenors so essential to these roles. Traditional tenors, such as those whose work I first experienced as a much younger opera-fan-in- training, cannot...

Delightful
This has already been released in Europe and despite a couple of small reservations is a sparkling and highly enjoyable performance. The singing is brilliant throughout with the Latvian mezzo as Cinderella as beautiful to look at as she is to listen to. I did not care too much for the sets and costumes which have been updated to what I guess is early 20th century Italy as this deprives Dandini and Don Magnifico of their bizarre costumes that both characters usually use to great effect to add to the humour, and as usual the Met cameras seem to of lower quality than say Opus Arte where the bit rates are at least 25% higher on the Glyndebourne release and it shows. Despite this however I enjoyed the performance very much and this is a strong rival to the Opus Arte disc.



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Profile of a Killer

Refreshing approach to a serial killer theme; great acting.
The screenplay is excellent and worthy of a big budget film. This story is not your usual serial killer story. This truly is what the title says it is; It is a profile of a killer. It appears there is no motive for this young man's homicidal actions. He says he comes from a "good home", has never been abused, and his parents reveal that he has excelled academically and in any activity he's attempted at school. He's "just a kid", as Saul, the retired FBI agent observes.

So, why is he doing this? This is the task he sets for Saul after he kidnaps him. Profile the killer and figure out what makes him tick, what makes him murder.

This movie is not a blood fest or a jump out of your seat scary movie, but it is not for the little ones in your family . There are moments that are chilling.

Pollari, the actor, that plays David (the killer) created a character that is multi-layered. There are times where you see the chilling cold-blooded killer, the rage that...

Killer
This a movies that gives the point of view of the Killer and it is spooky and feels so real. This movie is a must see for those that drive on serial killer flicks.

Good Movie - Filmed In Minnesota!!
We had seen this movie - it was a good movie. I was afraid it was going to be based on unsettling psyche but was not like that.

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Death Warrant/Double Impact/Cyborg

Not the clearest picture
Since I like all kinds of movies, I thought I would pick this up, on the cheap, since cable television used to show these all the time. I was a little disappointed by the DVD print that came my way with these three films, as they are somewhat blurry on all three of the films. I don't think I would by a multi-package of films again, due to the blur factor.

Unless you've lived under a rock for the last 20 years, you already know what you are going to get with Jean-Claude, which is not such a bad thing. Cyborg I would probably only watch once, Double Impact & Death Warrant many, many, more times.

Van Dammagisty, indeed.

Three Times The Van Dammage!
I love TGG Direct sets. I have the Leviathan, Burnt Offerings and Lifeforce horror triple feature from this same company. I grew up on Van Damme movies and when I saw this I had to get it. These are three really great Van Damme movies and Double Impact is usually considered his best film. All films are 1:85.1 anamorphic widescreen. The picture on all of these is great quality. The movies themselves are great. I love all three of these. I haven't seen any of these in over 15 years so it was a great refresher seeing them again. Collecting all of Van Dammes best movies on DVD is real affordable these days and this is a great place to start. Lots of action and well worth the price.

VAN DAMME IS THE BEST
jean-claude van damme is the best, and with this collection you'll know what i mean. with movies like these you'll love to buy more of his movies and u might even turn out a van damme fan....like me. jean-claude van damme is the best and always will be. Don't miss out on your chance to have your own JEAN-CLAUDE VAN DAMME COLLECTION

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Let Fury Have the Hour

Creative Response Lives In Us All!
Let Fury Have the Hour is an inspirational film that takes a look at how the policies of deregulation in the 80s inspired a new generation of artists, musicians, activists, skateboarders and poets as they formed their voice of "creative response" to what they saw as the dismantling of the social safety nets that held American society in place for a generation and a half. Embracing artists who cross borders with their music and poetry, the idea that we are all of one world, i.e. "world citizenship" is also a message that this film imparts (a topic that could deserve an entire film unto itself).

The interviews of LFHTH with those artists (as well as with historians and economists, giving an intellectual rigor to the proceedings) are very thought-provoking, especially given today's economic times in this country and around the world. The editing is fast-paced and intricate, keeping you on your toes at all times! Rounded out by a great soundtrack of music from punk to hip...

Punk is dead.
This movie is depressing. Yes, I am a punk and have been since the mid 1980s. And it is good that we are looking back and realizing how cool we were to do the things we did and say the things we said. But there isn't a whole lot of political or cultural context in this film. Just interviews with middle-aged punk MEN talking about how cool they've always been.

I mean seriously, men love themselves and they want to talk about it all the time. This is great don't get me wrong. But Punk Rock is about grrrls too. And lots of other stuff. I would like to have watched a documentary that was less about punk rock men congratulating themselves and more about the world which created a need for Punk Rock and DIY. Darby Crash knew what was going on. So did the editors of Flip Side. Again, not a lot of context here. Disappointing.



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Body of Proof: The Complete Third Season

huge changes in cast and focus but quality still up there
not only was peter removed from this show but also the two cops who worked with Megan, the lead character, a medical examiner. brought in as a major new character is a cop who Megan previously knew and with whom she was involved. They do have chemistry in the show and he is infinitely more appealing than anyone this show has used as a male to date. The two doofus, comic MEs are back as are the daughter, the boss and to a limited extent, the mother. the only thing that is somewhat unbelievable is that a medical examiner in a big city would be spending a ton of time with the cops other than at the scene of the crime to study the body and then with the cops during the autopsy, if they attended. But no, Megan is right out there with the cops solving the cases. this reminds me more of the partnership of Bones and Booth in BONES than of a forensic medical show. I do keep watching though because of Dana Delaney. She was the best thing on the end portion of DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and has...

i highly recommend it!
i LOVE the cast change. a show well done and worth the hour to watch! the chemistry with the cast is fluid and sometimes funny. plots are no replicas of other crime shows out there so its very original as well. enjoy!!!

ABC F'd up again. Body of Proof Xled.
For years now I've taken to ABC series and it seems to me as soon as the show is doing REALLY well they dump it. Loved Body of Proof. I've completely dumped ABC. Deleted the channel from appearing on my TV. If they actually put on a series that is decent I'll wait a few years and see if my friends have liked it. If so I'll watch it on Amazon or something. But ABC is done in my house.

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Come Out and Play

A Creepy Slow Build Tension Compensates Somewhat For Very Thin Plotting
The idea of murdering children on a rampage is certainly not a new one. There have been countless film projects to address the phenomenon in both horror and science fiction categories. But it is such an unsettling narrative device, it never fails to raise my curiosity. As the ultimate corruption of innocence, the sight of a young child ready to perpetuate irredeemable violence creates such a harrowing tableau that it is oftentimes difficult to look away. It has a car crash appeal that I find absolutely fascinating. The minimalist shocker "Come Out and Play" has a slow build tension that makes the most of its subject. For much of its scant 86 minute running time, it alludes to dangers unseen as opposed to showcasing carnage. This approach does create a creepy vibe, but it also calls for the adult cast to make a series of increasingly head-scratching decisions in order to sustain the tension. In a film of this type, I feel the need to get caught up in the escalating nightmare...

Truly Creepy
For me this film was very creepy, it gave me nightmares. Seeing children killing adults on screen for some unexplained reason was terrifying enough; but to see the way they were doing it was horrifying even more so. I was truly scared after seeing this movie, even though I never saw the original I still found it to be a terrifying and good horror movie. I will definitely have to see the original after seeing this one.

See the original instead
Disappointing English language remake of the classic 1976 Spanish horror flick Who Can Kill A Child? about a young couple on vacation who land on an island that seems to be completely deserted except for some children. Stephen King co-opted the basic premise for his famous 1977 short story Children of the Corn so what seemed pretty novel and shocking in 1976 is much less so now. This version follows the old Spanish flick very, very closely but where the original was extremely creepy this version is hamstrung by lousy acting (from the adult leads and the children alike) and never manages to generate any suspense whatsoever. In this film the first victim the protagonist sees killed by the children is stabbed and bludgeoned with rocks. In the original film the first victim was hung up like a human pinata while a smiling little girl slashes at him with a scythe. Which sounds creepier to you? Like the 2004 version of The Manchurian Candidate this ultimately comes across as much more...

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WWE: Elimination Chamber 2013 [Blu-ray]

The Return Of The Great One
this was way better than the previous elimination chamber which i attended live. Worth the price. Great buy. 4 stars.

The Elimination Chamber 2013
The Elimination Chamber 2013 was a fantastic DVD! The card was filled with action. The wrestling action was great. Thank you WWE

Very good
World Heavyweight Championship: Alberto Del Rio (C) vs. BIg Show

What you expect from both competitors. No big surprises, but a decent match.

3.0/5

Cena, Ryback and Sheamus vs. The Shield

The ending is a little hard to call. It's good in the sense that it's not what's expected, but sucks in that it shouldn't have happened.

3.0/5

Elimination Chamber: Kane vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Randy Orton vs. Chris Jericho vs. Mark Henry vs. Jack Swagger

Good match. Team Hell No has their usual banter. Henry has a solid showing, as does Swagger.

3.0/5

Diva's Championship: Kaitlyn (C) vs. Tamina Snuka

Solid match. I didn't know who Tamina was, but I thought she wrestled just like Jimmy Snuka, and my friend told me it was his daughter. Kaitlyn has some good moves.

3.5/4

U.S. Championship: Antonio Cesaro (C) vs. The Miz

Good match. Both nailed their timing...

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The Brass Teapot [Blu-ray]

Outstanding!
My wife and I are a pair of aging boomers, but we loved The Brass Teapot. Full disclosure: It is probably aimed at 20 and 30 somethings, but we were taken by the charm of the story and the authentic renderings by Juno Temple and Michael Angarro -- guess we are young at heart after all. That said, the film deals with some pretty deep philosophical material, yet never seemed to take itself too seriously. Saw it over a week ago, and it is still a rich source of conversation around our house. Lots of fascinating back story to analyze -- can't wait for the sequel! This movie will become a cult classic for a generation. Wonderful film!

Better Than Expected
Judging by the trailers of The Brass Teapot, I didn't expect much from the movie, and it seemed like another cliché and Hollywood version of funny; however after watching it today, I have to admit it has its moments, and it can satisfy different audiences. If you just want to watch something fun and easy-to-digest and you enjoy simple jokes and humors, this movie delivers that with adequate acting and appealing story. If you need something deeper from the movies you watch, you still are going to find some hidden meanings behind simple humor and sarcasms, but you have to look harder. All and all, it is worth one time watching.

Dark comedy, but comedy none the less...
Wife 2.0 and I watched this some time back, renting it while it was still in theaters (or before it was in theaters) via a streaming media service. We enjoyed it, but would note that it includes plenty of graphic violence and cringe worthy scenes that will just as quickly leave you snickering at the events that are unfolding before you.

In the end the holders of the brass teapot may just find that no amount of riches is worth the pain that it may come with.

Fans of films like Prizzi's Honor and 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag would seem to be the target audience here. Another film that comes to mind as being similar enough to this for viewers to enjoy would be The War of the Roses.

I enjoyed this well enough, as did wife 2.0, though I wouldn't go...

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Superman: Unbound (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Great story, lots of character depth
This review is not on the blu-ray, but on the movie itself. I was lucky enough to see a screening of this at WonderCon along with a panel discussion with some cast and creators.

I wouldn't consider myself a diehard Superman fan, but as a fan of comics and pop culture in general, I really enjoyed this movie. Not much (if any) background is needed to enjoy it. Superman and his cousin Kara (Supergirl) are attacked by a android that turns out to be a scout searching for worlds to collect as specimens. Kara recalls how before she escaped Krypton, a villain known only as Brainiac sent similar androids to attack her hometown and literally "stole" it off the face of the planet. Now that these androids have appeared again, they fear that Metropolis may be Brainiac's next victim. Determined to prevent the past from repeating itself, Superman plans to find Brainiac and stop him before he is able to steal any more worlds.

What follows afterward is an interesting look...

Simply "okay"
The DC animated movies are, in general, well done and enjoyable, but they're still a bit "hit and miss," when it comes to execution. "Superman: Unbound" is a perfect example of this. The original story was excellent, but this adaptation feels a bit more rushed and poorly paced than the storyline deserves. In particular, several art choices just don't seem to work onscreen. Making Superman and Supergirl have slightly different blues in their costumes is interesting, but it ends up making Kara look like she's wearing purple, and Clark look like he's wearing turquoise when they're in the same scene together. We expect Cat Grant to look sleazy, but Lois comes off looking a bit sleazy as well, with her deep neckline, miniskirt, and heavy makeup. And our family just couldn't get past the fact that Superman's face just looked oddly gaunt throughout the whole movie. The movie wasn't bad, really -- it just wasn't as good as it should have been, in terms of script,...

This works for me.
I have never been a Superman fan. I mean, how can you stop or stump a man who can only be halted by a piece of Kyptonite or an occasional red sun appearance? Still, I liked this movie a lot! His battle with Brainiac and the subtle adult actions proven to me that DC is moving closer to the adult level while maintaining it's core fan audience. The explanation of his and Supergirl aging differently...I will admit, my brother had to explain that one to me. I caught on and continued watching. The battle was awesome and I really enjoyed it. I'll definitely watch out for any more releases by DC, because they seem to be moving up in the world, and I'm totally enjoying the ride!

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Sex, Lies And Depravity

Sex, Lies and Deprivation
That should have been the title of this hard-hitting, sad and shocking tale. Need, need is what drives the characters of this story - the needs of Jake, in particular, whom is the catalyst which leads the train to its shocking end. Jake's need for a mother, his friendship with Aaren and the love he feels for Ethan but is ashamed to admit. These people are not depraved, that would suggest they were somehow WRONG or crazy. That is not the case. These are normal people driven by compulsions into insane conditions and for Jake, those compulsions lead him to commit some of the most heinous acts out of revenge and self-loathing.

I also noticed in the credits that the Ethan character is the same guy who wrote, produced, edited and directed this masterpiece. My hats off to him. He did an amazing job for someone wearing so many hats and with the budget he had. Sure there were some places the writing could have used some brushing up, such as the ending. I wasn't crazy about the way...

GRITTY INDEPENDENT
Firstly, there may be some Americans confused by the british accents and language in the film. This can't be helped. Other than the few detracting sound clips (to be expected in an independent), this film is beautiful in it's own dark and heartwrenching way.
Performances to look out for from Leigh Sorrell, Natascha Sauer and Wade Radford. Whose portrayal of violence, pain and anguish is only overshadowed by the evident sexual chemistry between the two male leads.

Watch this film if you like sex, drugs and brutal violence. .. And young british flesh.

Jolly Bad Show and Complete Rubbish
Sex Lies & Depravity was filmed in 10 days, and it shows. Originally named 'Jake' in the UK, but changed to sell more DVD's across the pond in the USA.

I think this was a day in the life of some tri-sexual little children playing adults in or around Bedford England. The writing is horrible, the acting is atrocious, the sound quality is a joke and the lighting is below amateur and set on horrible sound stages with shadows all over. This movie is bloody awful. The decent underground soundtrack is the best thing I can say about this English excuse for an indy, otherwise its complete bollocks.

The annoying thing is all the high ratings on IMDB and Amazon clearly written by the people involved with the movie. I'm only posting this review to save my fellow movie addicts time and money. Punt this movie into the trash like David Beckham. Don't watch this or you will be sorry!

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High Tech, Low Life [HD]

A special doc
This film allows moments to unfold and let's us get to know the characters, the people at the center of these issues. It's not the kind of documentary filled with interviews with experts, it's cinematic and character-driven. A beautiful film. Worth seeing not just if you're interested in China but in the struggle we all have to be noble or self-driven.

A fascinating documentary
"High Tech, Low Life" is a moving and captivating documentary. It depicts the successes as well as struggles of two Chinese bloggers who write on matters that the state media will not report. It is quite sad to see the pressure and sometime loneliness they have to face in their attempts to do the right thing, to follow their conscience. I've seen some other reviews that state the film does not explore all of the complexities of censorship in China, but I regard this objection as unrealistic. Highly recommended!

A must see for doc lovers
A beautiful film that gave me a fresh new perspective on the lives of average Chinese citizens and the state of the media in China. Really compelling characters doing amazing things!

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WWE: Extreme Rules 2013

Extreme Rules 2013 review
Main Event~ Steel Cage match: Triple H/Brock Lesnar III
- Brutal, brutal match. I expected nothing less than that. Lesnar wins with a F-5 after a hell of a shot from the sledgehammer. Wow, a must see. 4/5

WWE Championship, Last Man Standing match: John Cena(c) vs. Ryback
- Suprisingly a entertaining match! Back and forth. These guys brought it and then some. Ended in a strange way, but doesn't make the match bad, cuse it was really good. 4/5

Extreme Rules match: Randy Orton vs. Big Show
- PUNT KICK. PUNT KICK. PUNT KICK. I loved this match, another suprsiningly good match! Weapons. Spears. RKO's. and... A punt. Orton wins. 3.5/5

WWE Tag Team Championship, Tornado Match: Team Hell No(c) vs. Reigns & Rollins of The Shield
- Nice brawl in this one, everyone knew that Shield would win this one.. But still a entertaining match up! Shield gets the gold after a crazy tag team move. 3.5/5

#1 Contedners, I Quit Match: Alberto Del...

WWE Extreme Rules 2013 review
The Chris Jericho-Fandango match was very good with a great ending to boot. The United States title match was Kofi Kingston & Dean Ambrose was not great but pretty nice. The Strap match between Mark Henry & Sheamus was a basic David-and-Goliath battle with some surprises to boot but still good. The I Quit match between Alberto Del Rio & Jack Swagger was ok but nothing really that great or even good. The Texas Tornado match for the tag team titles between Team Hell No(Kane & Daniel Bryan) against The Shield(Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns) was a very good fast-paced bout. The Extreme Rules match between The Big Show & Randy Orton was a awesome smash-mouth brawl even with a generic Orton ending. The Last Man Standing match for the WWE title between John Cena & Ryback was a ruthless,violent ECW-ish battle even with the no-contest ending. The Steel Cage match between Triple H & Brock Lesnar was a solid,personal & brutal brawl. I give this PPV a 8 out of 10.

An 'Extreme' PPV worth the time.
WWE Extreme Rules was held from the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri on May 19th, 2013. Here's a run-down of the matches without match outcome spoilers:
1. Chris Jericho vs. Fandango: A match better than their WrestleMania effort.
2. Dean Ambrose vs. Kofi Kingston for the United States Championship: A stellar outing proves people need to believe in The Shield.
3. Sheamus vs. Mark Henry in a Strap Match: Short and sweet match that was BRUTAL!
4. Alberto Del Rio vs. Jack Swagger in a 'I Quit' Match: The match was okay until the instant replay rule was involved.
5. Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns (The Shield) vs. Daniel Bryan & Kane (Team Hell No) for the WWE Tag Team Championships: See above at Kingston/Ambrose.
6. Randy Orton vs. Big Show in a 'Extreme Rules Match': This match had some hard hits, but a once-prevalent move makes a one-off return!
7. John Cena vs. Ryback in a Last Man Standing Match: I was fine with it until it ended in a No Contest,...

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Living and Dining in Harmony

Excellant learning tool
I just didnt know how much of an old building you could use to make into some thing else, I enjoy this program so much, there is so much to learn and create, keep up the good work, from your faithful fan,





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Solo Con Tu Pareja [HD]

A Mexican Sex Farce That Plays By All The Expected Rules: We Have Alfonso Cuarón To Thank Or Blame!
Being a huge fan of Alfonso Cuarón's "Y tu mamá también" and having watched his evolution in American cinema (capped off with the great "Children of Men"), I was excited to check out this presentation of an early Cuarón film: "Sólo con tu pareja." Described here (and in many places) as a romantic comedy, I'm going to call it what it is. It is a pretty traditional sex farce. Anyone familiar with the sex farce genre (particularly international efforts from France and Spain) will instantly recognize many of the elements (both good and bad) which seem to follow this type of film. It may have been a groundbreaker in Mexican cinema, but it plays by all the expected conventions.

Any good sex farce teaches two major lessons: (1) promiscuity or irresponsible sex can be funny and (2) true love and redemption can be found in the arms of a character you either know nothing about or have nothing in common with. "Sólo con tu pareja" adheres to...





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Hillbilly BBQ [HD]

I love this show
There's something about this show that I love. Maybe it's their simple way of life, or their ingenuity, who knows

Awesome
Spencer and Eugene constantly find themselves in extreme situations but always use their redneck ingenuity and mountain know-how to get the job done. It's all part of life up there on Cold Mountain.

Could be better
Not bad content, but too much drama. Sad that every little task they wanted to accomplish was wrought with "so much danger", and "could be killed at any moment"..give me a break.

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Plant Evidence [HD]

Awesome.
Real world use of forensics. I am using this to teach forensic science in my classroom at school this year.





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WWE: WrestleMania 27 / WWE: Royal Rumble 2011 (Double Feature) [Blu-ray]

The Road To The 27th WrestleMania
Royal Rumble 2011:
The PPV is always highlighted by the traditional Royal Rumble match but WWE went a different direction with this match in that it was a 40 man battle royal instead of the traditional 30 making it the biggest Royal Rumble match in history. Other matches include World Champion Edge vs. Dolph Ziggler with the stipulation that if Edge used the spear then he would lose the championship, WWE Champion The Miz vs. Randy Orton, and Divas Champion Natayla vs. Eve Torres vs. Michelle McCool vs. Layla.
DVD extras include a post-match interview with Eve & the Royal Rumble winner's celebration the next night on RAW. Blu-Ray extras include the episodes of RAW & SmackDown before the PPV featuring matches like John Morrison & Mark Henry vs. King Sheamus & Alberto Del Rio, Divas Champion Natalya vs. Melina, Edge vs. The Miz, Daniel Bryan & Bella Twins vs. Ted DiBiase & Maryse & Alicia Fox, Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov vs. Husky Harris & Michael McGillicutty, C.M. Punk...





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G-String Horror

Phantasmagoria!
I had the good fortune of catching The G-string Horror at a screening of the film at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco during the Another Hole in the Head Film Festival last December. The house was packed and the audience was as off the wall as the movie. A really good time was had by everyone there. I wanted to buy a copy and decided to check out Amazon. I'm definitely looking forward to the release on June 18th.

The film itself is a bizarre blending of reality and fiction that sometimes seems to take you into another dimension altogether. It gives the appearance of being assembled by a bunch weird tricksters. A paranormal tease put on by ghost strippers and other haunters of the creepy strip club.

The director, Charles Webb, who gives commentary during the movie about the odd things that were happening while he was making it, claims that shots would get inexplicably moved around or disappear completely between editing sessions. The real ghosts of the theater...

G-STRING HORROR Delivers B-Grade Chills In XXX Package
One of the great challenges in reviewing films - especially smaller, second-tier, and independent releases - is that you see a lot of movies that, for whatever reason, never quite reach the level of potential you'd have wanted them to. This isn't to say that they're bad in any particular measure; rather, it's just to say that - even as a critic - I want to see things succeed, excel, and find an audience that truly appreciates whatever story is being told. The dirty little secret is that reviewers such as myself WANT to be entertained, and sometimes what does entertain us is most likely not going to entertain a wider audience. This doesn't make us special. It only makes us realists. We'll watch something - especially something the next person would dismiss without a second thought - and we'll find something worthy in there ... and, much to my surprise, there are some interesting ideas at work in THE G-STRING HORROR.

Are these ideas effectively utilized? Not too much...

WASTE OF TIME,
This is more like a couple of guys getting drunk and thinking about making a haunted film with the strippers they had been watching all night. This film is hardly a tribute to anything other than bad film making.

The movie starts out with make believe found footage of a guy having a birthday party in a strip joint. He gets cross-bow gun and a dagger which he opens up. Then the stripper takes the group downstairs, including the drunk who likes to play with a knife. The blood was fakey. They conducted interviews with a group of flunkies who had trouble making sense because they didn't quite have down that "noun-verb" thing.

Yes, interviews with stupid strippers. The film is done mostly documentary style, except for a few scenes, which overall didn't work. They managed to stretch this into 74 sad minutes.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, no sex, some nudity.

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N.W.O / Hulk Hogan Unreleased (2 Pack)

Rare Hogan Complete Listing
Complete details on the DVD are:

Hulk Hogan is one of the most popular and recognizable WWE Superstars of all time. Now for the first time ever, some of the rarest matches and moments from his career are featured on this three disc set, many being available on DVD for the first time. Packed with highlights that span his thirty-year career in WWE, WCW and beyond, this set is an absolute must for all Hulkamaniacs!

Disc One

Path to Immortality

Hulk Hogan vs. Harry Valdez
Championship Wrestling November 13, 1979

First Major Obstacle

WWE Championship Match
Bob Backlund vs. Hulk Hogan
Philadelphia, PA April 12, 1980

A Work in Progress

Handicap Match
Hulk Hogan vs. Steve King / Angelo Gomez
All Star Wrestling September 10, 1980

Building Momentum

Andre the Giant vs. Hulk Hogan
Madison Square Garden September 22, 1980

An Emerging Star...

WWE Opens The Vault For Some Rare Footage...BROTHER!
There are so many ways to describe & indenfity this man that I honestly can't even begin to try because what I can say wouldn't do him justice but the fact is that this man's impact on the sport is so strong that he's left his mark & an impact (positive or negative, another story for another time) on every single major promotion he's touched for the past 3 decades...and still doing it to this day. That man is Hulk Hogan & this is another DVD collection showcasing his past matches, feuds, promos, and matches. This DVD set is a very special one (one I hope to see in the future regarding other legends in the past) in that the title says it all, "Unreleased Collector's Series." That means that throughout this entire DVD collection, you relive so many things from Hogan's career that has never before been released onto any DVD set anywhere (no WWE PPV matches) so there are no repeats or anything you've seen anywhere else. It should be noted that Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler did commentary...

Finally a DVD Set That Isn't a "Best Of Pay Per View" Matches!
I have all of the Hogan VHS tapes that were put out by Coliseum Video through the 80s and 90s as well as the more recent series of DVD collections and this set was a breath of fresh air! I have traded and collected house shows for years as a teen and seeing many of these matches again in such clarity was like taking a trip back in time. I liked the mix of early house shows and TV matches. Even thought they're usually really bad, you have to show a few of the Saturday morning "squash" matches to really relive the early days of these legends and this collection delivers! Prior DVD sets gave us a few tidbits to tease us, but then filled the rest of the collection with televised and Pay Per View matches that have been released countless times before. If I see the "Hogan vs. Sheik" match from January 23, 1984 on another DVD set I'll drive to Stamford and punch Vince McMahon in the throat myself!

Needless to say, you can't please everyone all the time, but the inclusion of the...

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WWE: WrestleMania - 25th Anniversary / The John Cena Experience (Double Feature) [Blu-ray]

Mania & Cena All In One
The 25th Anniversary Of WrestleMania:
WrestleMania celebrated it's 25th EDITION (not anniversary if you want to get technical) here with a few notes in that Tazz left WWE earlier in the week when his contract expired & with there being no ECW match, the entire event was a 3 man announce team of Michael Cole & Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler, the lead singer from the pop group "The Pussycat Dolls" (don't remember her name & honestly, don't care) sang the national anthem, and newly inducted Hall Of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin giving his own salute to Texas.
The match that had the entire world talking about this PPV was "Mr. WrestleMania vs. The Streak" with Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels in a match that had everything (including the unique "Heaven & Hell" entrances) on a physical & emotional level of both men refusing to lose to the point where this was the closest anyone had ever come to breaking the streak to the point where you saw the most emotion from Undertaker since his...





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