Active Movie Reviews

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Family movie reviews for "Active" sorted by average review score:
Ashtanga Yoga - An Active Practice, Introductory Poses
Released in DVD by Gaiam Americas (02 September, 2003)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga: An Active Practice, Introductory Poses offers another take on the gamut (or glut) of yoga videos out there. Instead of picking the "time crunched yoga workout" or "weight-loss/relaxation/back/stomach" workout theme, Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga presents a straightforward, old-fashioned set of beginner asanas (poses) in the rigorous Ashtanga method. Ashtanga yoga places emphasis on focusing inward, using "breath-synchonized movement" to flow from pose to pose in a precise order. This is not a "yoga's greatest hits" composite stretching video, but rather an introduction to a very specific method of practice. The video begins with some chanting in the hero pose, and instructor Nicki Doane invites viewers to repeat along after her. While standing on a scenic ledge in Hawaii, Doane slowly demonstrates the two beginning series, Sun Salutation A and B, which include familiar poses such as warrior, plank, and downward dog. Her instruction style and voice is markedly different from the dreamy and almost soporific likes of Patricia Waldon or Susanne Deason. Doane keeps the viewer "active" by punctuating the silences with her strong, almost stern voice and demonstrating each pose with her incredibly strong body. This viewer lost count as to how many "pushups" she does from plank to upward dog positions. The 60-minute tape covers ujjayi breathing and a few cursory poses outside of the familiar Sun Salutation, and could serve as either a basic wake-up sort of video, or merely an introduction to very basic poses. Viewers with this solid base introduction to the flow of Ashtanga yoga practice will be well-prepared for the next step. --Gilia Angell
Average review score:

Excellent and Detailed Pose Instruction
This is an amazing Ashtanga introduction for beginner's. If you have been avoiding Ashtanga because it is a hard workout and requires significant body strength, this dvd will gradually help you make the transition from easier forms of yoga to Ashtanga practice. The instructor is wonderful and the scenery is gorgeous while not being distracting. The single best feature of this dvd (esp. for the beginner) is that it includes a real-time, pose-by-pose, explicit breakdown of each pose and transition to that pose as you go along in the workout. There is none of this having to look at the break-down of the poses after the tape is over and when you are out of the sequence and mindset. Also - this great feature is optional so you can turn it on or off per your needs. This dvd is a wonderful foundation for further practice and a arm-strength builder in itself! whew!

Simply the Best in Sun Salutations
I'm a beginner to Ashtanga yoga and I liked this video very much. The editorial review above says it all. Nicki Doane's slow, steady pace and her stern voice help me concentrate on breathing and work deeper into each pose in Sun Salutation A & B. I tried and liked Rodney Yee's "Power Yoga" before, but his pace was a little too fast for me.
With Nicki's instruction, I can inhale and exhale to my full lung capacity, and I can have the time to fully appreciate my body's reaction during the practice. My body is fully stretched, generating a lot of heat, and I feel very refreshed, peaceful and strong after every workout.
You shouldn't expect to get into other poses than in Sun Salutations, since this video is aimed to build up the foundation for further yoga practice through repetition of these basic movements. So, if you are already familiar with Sun Salutes, you might want to start with her "Ashtanga Yoga Beginner's Practice," which includes some standing poses in addition to Sun Salutations. Or, if you want more variety of poses packed in shorter time, David Swenson's "Yoga Short Forms" would be very helpful.
But personally, I believe that a serious beginner should try this Nicki Doane video first. She doesn't talk much about yoga's spirituality, but you'll find it through the practice yourself, which I think is the way it should be.

solid introduction
I found this to be a very helpful introduction. Whilst I have started yoga classes at a studio, this video helped me learn correct breathing and transitions. Very slow and deliberate -- it's great for building a foundation to further practice, and a good workout in itself. Nicki Doane is a no frills but solid instructor. I look forward to moving to her next video.

Farkleberry Farm - Wet and Wooly
Released in DVD by Pro-Active Entertain (15 April, 2002)
MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Directors: Jeff Beith and Stephen Goldblatt
Average review score:

A Must Have Video!
This video is amazing, my 2 1/2 year old daughter watches it daily at least once. The story has many lessons that are important for young children to learn. I really enjoy watching it myself - it is funny and well animated. I have written to the producers to encourage them to produce more Farkleberry Farm videos. This is one you will want to buy for your family!

Our home town favorite!
This movie has provided many hours of enjoyment for my son, who has just turned 3 years old. We can't wait for the sequel or a another film to be made by Good Friends Entertainment.

I strongly recommend this light hearted wholesome movie for children of all ages.

Farkleberry Farm
This a great children's movie. The first night home, the kids (6, 4, 3) watched it 3 times! It teaches a lesson (keeping your promises) without being preachy. As an adult I found that I could also sit through multiple viewing without getting sick. It's not sappy or annoying (like Barney), and it's just the right length (meaning it is not too long). Plus I'm very proud that it was made here in Kansas City.

Ashtanga Yoga - An Active Practice, Beginners Workout
Released in DVD by Gaiam Americas (26 August, 2003)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga: Beginners Practice combines breathing and standing poses, including many repetitions of two different Sun Salutations, then various standing forward bends, and side angle bends for balance, flexibility, and strength. The pace of this 67-minute practice is slow, calming, and physically challenging. Remarkably fluid and flexible instructor Nicki Doane explains clearly and in detail how to do each pose and integrate the breathing. Although called a "beginners practice," true beginners will find it challenging, and no modifications are demonstrated for the less flexible, although of course you are instructed to stay at your own level. Recommended as your second stage after mastering Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga introductory series. The Hawaiian setting of this beautifully produced video is gorgeous and serene. --Joan Price
Average review score:

Great Beginners Workout!
I had been looking for the perfect beginners Ashtanga Yoga workout video and this was exactly what I was looking for! The instructor goes through each of the basic moves until the end when you put them all together in a continous flow. But don't be fooled by the word "beginners." It's a hard workout and you may want to try Hatha Yoga first to get stronger. But this video is great if you want to learn more about Ashtanga Yoga while getting stronger and more flexible (especially your arms!). The extras include a step by step guide to the basic moves, an interview with the instructor, an advanced demonstration, and the full workout. I definantly recommend this for all you Yoga lovers out there and for those who want to try a new workout!

Simply the Best Beginner Ashtanga Yoga Videos
I have been searching for quite some time now for beginning Ashtanga videos that are of a slower pace so that I can focus on alignment, breath and the locks. This and the companion video "Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga Introductory Poses" are perfect. I have been using David Swenson's Short Forms DVD and although it is excellent I find the pace too fast to adequately focus on alignment, breath and the locks due partly to the shape I am in. I have recently been doing "Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga Introductory Poses" and on alternate days David Swenson's "Yoga Short Forms" 45 minute routine.
The 1st video in the series "Yoga Journal's Ashtanga Yoga Introductory Poses" breaks down Surya Namaskara A & Surya Namaskara B in to shorter movements so each asana of the vinyasa can be focused on. The second video starts with the Sun Salutations and then moves through the Standing Asanas.
Nicki Doane, the Yogini on both the Beginner's Practice and Introductory Poses, is an excellent instructor and I look forward to her future releases. If you do not already own these 2 videos and want to get into Ashtanga Yoga I highly recommend that you get both videos. You will not be disappointed. Even though the pace is slower if you are like me you will still find both videos very challenging.

Dinero Sangre
Released in DVD by Pro-Active Entertain (29 October, 2002)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Stephen A. Hull
Average review score:

GUY ECKER es caliente!
Lots of action, hot soundtrack, the movie has four letter words, some nudity, hence the MPAA 'R' rating. An inde production, the producers made a small budget go a long way. Puerto Rican location is fantastic. "Let the Love Begin" should be a single CD (movie soundtrack). A BIG low-budget production. Don't Miss it!!!

"DINERO SANGRE" (Blood Money) EN ESPANOL!
Filmed on location in PUERTO RICO in WIDESCREEN , this colorful action-adventure drama stars GUY ECKER, of Spanish-language Novelas ("SALOME"2002). Coleman Archer (ECKER), vacationing student finds himself up against villain Karl Zellman (Robert Livesy). Also stars Anthony Cordova. Lots of great gorey make-up. The DVD has 2 LANGUAGE OPTIONS: SPANISH/ENGLISH. Many informative Special Feature items. A powerful Dolby soundtrack features "Let the Love Begin" sung by Frank (Sly)Stallone and Cynthia Rhodes. Directed by Steven A. Hull, this DVD is a good buy for a low-budget indie flik.

All My Crazy Friends: A Few More Nuts!
Released in DVD by Pro-Active Entertainment (13 December, 2001)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Average review score:

Extreme Entertainment!
This falls into the category of "DVDs I watch again and again." It has approx 70% jetskiing and the rest a good mix of equally rewindable motor-x footage and wakeboarding - basically the rules for putting something on this must have been simply "Was it crazy enough!?" There are a few unbelievabably big air shots on Jetskis and plenty of stunts (even a "superman" pulled - I thought that would have been near impossible on a jetski!) plus lots of definetley crazzzzy stuff, including jetskiing in a resort swimming pool, the odd bikini clad girl (but nothing thats lweed or unsuitable for family viweing) , power boat juming through fire, the police having to come and get the guys off these tiny mini bikes - the cop ends up laughing too, some off roading in a golf cart, some very bad (good!) crashes on bikes, jetskis ect. Be prepared for some interludes which after you watch once aren't too amusing, but I'd rather have them there than not. The pumped music also makes me want to watch it repeatedly.I own over 10 extreme DVDs and this is definetley a must-buy along with Ski Movie 2. On the cover it says the film is 45 mins, but it never seemed too short, even more crazy stuff is shown when the credits roll, and then there are extras such as AMCF1 and interviews with the makers and bonus footage too. So it's good value, good production of the dvd and the actual movie.

American Etiquette for a Formal Party; Manners for the Hosts, Guests and Catering Staff
Released in DVD by Pro-Active Entertain (02 September, 2003)
MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Starring: Ruth L. Kern
Average review score:

Beautiful Holiday Video!!
This video is so helpful for someone like me who grew up in a family where every meal was grab and gobble! We never sat down to a formal meal, both of my parents worked and they never entertained except in a 'pizzas and beer' kind of way.

Now that I am a professional and live in a lovely home, my husband and I have wanted to entertain our friends but neither of us knew where to begin. This video will show the viewer how to give a beautiful party in his/her own home. The party that is depicted is a holiday party but the advice Ms. Kern gives could be applied towards giving any kind of a formal party.

I recommend this video as well as Ms. Kern's other video, "American Dining & Entertaining Etiquette; Manners for the Table." This new DVD goes a step further that her first video in that it shows actual food on the plates and talks about how it should be served to guests.

For Ruth Kern's party, which was the holiday party for her husband's Chicago office staff and their spouses or friends, she hired a full catering staff to help her but this isn't necessary. If you have children or friends who can help take coats, park cars, cook, serve and/or bartend, a full catering service wouldn't be needed. It would also be less expensive to pay your kids to help and it is always nice to see the couple's children dressed up and helping at a party. Good training for them too.

I really liked the idea of having a piano player entertain during the dinner and Ms. Kern's recommendation that she play quietly during dinner so that guests can converse is definitely a good one! How often have you been at a dinner and the band plays so loudly, no one can talk? Everyone giving any kind of a party should see this video and tell the entertainment to play quietly during the dinner hour!!!!

Congratulations, Ms. Kern, on another beautiful video well done and very helpful!

The Black 6
Released in DVD by Pro-Active Entertain (16 October, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Starring: Joe Greene
Average review score:

SIX TIMES TOGHER THAN SHAFT
A black high school student is caught dating a white girl by the girls brother. He and his biker gang, in turn, beat the boy to death. The boys brother, who is a member of a black biker gang, hears about it, and comes to town to avenge his brother death.

Deadly Impact
Released in DVD by Pro-Active Entertain (16 October, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Fabrizio De Angelis
Average review score:

THEY STACKED THE DECK IN VEGAS IT ALMOST KILLED THEM!
A computer hacker calculates a system of monitoring the slot machines at various Las Vegas Casinos, and he and his girlfriend make a killing. Other crininals kidnap the duo, and force them to give up the money. Entertaining movie

Ecstasy Girls
Released in DVD by Pro-Active Entertainment (16 January, 2001)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Average review score:

want to make sure this is the right one...
Ok, I saw this movie a long time ago, and was very pleased. The problem is, i cannot be sure that this is the same one i saw. What i saw was an erotic adult movie which is the best adult movie i have ever seen period. But I'm not sure if this is the same movie, or if its just another movie that sounds like its an adult movie, but really its another more innocent movie. If anyone has bought this off of amazon, or knows if Pro-Active Entertainment is the studio involved with this movie, please write a revview on it, and say wether or not this is an erotic adult movie. I will check back every so often to see.

Foreign Correspondents
Released in DVD by Pro-Active Entertain (30 September, 2003)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Mark Tapio Kines
Average review score:

A Quiet, Compelling Drama
This quiet drama from first time filmmaker Mark Tapio Kines is intriguing and poignant. The film is separated into two stories: The first, "Dear Jenny", is about Melody (soft spoken and sweet voiced Melanie Lynskey), a young woman who has moved into a new apartment and begins receiving mail for its former occupant, Jenny. She is curious about the relationship Jenny had with Marcel, the man who keeps writing to her. Should she respond to Marcel's letters? Melody becomes increasingly compelled to get in touch with Marcel and unravel the story of the mysterious girl who once lived in her apartment. The question is, will she be able to deal with the information she'd uncover? It's not all wine and roses.

The second part is called "Love, Trevor", and is about a young man named Trevor (Corin Nemec with a not quite authentic British accent) who travels from England to the United States to visit his pen pal Mira (a refreshing performance from Yelena Danova) who is from Sarajevo but staying with a host family. The trouble is, she will be deported soon and the unsuspecting Trevor has been asked to visit for the purpose of marrying Mira to help her stay in the United States. The only kink in the set up is that Trevor really doesn't want to get married, even though he admits to his buddy Ian (the likable Steve Valentine, a true Brit with the dead on accent to back it up) that he's attracted to Mira, he's not in love with her. He does feel guilty, though. Ian tells him, "Lust and guilt won't last three years". Trevor ponders this moral question -- should he marry someone he loves as a friend but not as a life partner? And if he doesn't, will she be in mortal danger when she returns to her country?

Dear Jenny had a sense of mystery while Love Trevor had me intrigued. I HAD to know who this Jenny girl was and what happened to her and Marcel and I HAD to know which choice Trevor would make. Each story was very compelling and also had a hint of sadness as they mirrored broken relationships, loss, the frustration of indecision and the agony of guilt. In the end, both Melody and Trevor DO make their final choices and must live with the consequences.

The ending left me pondering my own choices in life. If you like introspection and quiet, thoughtful dramas, Foreign Correspondents will be perfect for you. Don't miss Wil Wheaton (Stand by Me, Star Trek TNG) as Jonas, a member of Melody's Neighborhood Watch group who develops a crush on her. He has a line that just makes one groan and grimace but at the same time it hits a nerve. You'll know which one I mean when you hear it.

Overall I enjoyed Foreign Correspondents -- especially the performances of Yelena Danova and Steve Valentine. My biggest complaint is Corin Nemec's hair, which never seems to look good no matter what movie or TV show he's in. His fake Brit accent was a bit distracting because I was so familiar with him as an American, but as the story unfolded I soon accepted him as a Brit. For a first film, this is an excellent piece of work and quite moving.

Unique, touching and thought-provoking
Mark Tapio Kines had side-stepped the cliches of the industry and made a movie that is thought-provoking, sensitive and a departure from the usual run-of-the mill fare. Starring New Zealand's Melanie Lynskey, Wil Wheaton (charmingly funny as the neighbour) and Corin Nemec, Foreign Correspondents wevaes two stories into one and gives us an insight into relationships and love lost and found.
Many elements of the film are subtle, indeed I had to watch it twice to pick up the nuances - I enjoy being required to think about what I am watching.
Mark's commentary is enlightening and entertaining and worth listening to after you've watched the feature.
I'm looking forward to Mark's new film project, (tentatively titled Claustrophobia) with great anticipation
The DVD is region-free, it'll play on any DVD player

Review for ¿Foreign Correspondences¿
There is something inherently romantic about receiving a hand written letter from a foreign country. This is all too enticing for each of the lead characters in "Foreign Correspondences". Director and writer Mark Tapio Kines explores the journey of two young individuals looking for love and acceptance only to have their pursuit complicated by their well-meant intentions going wrong. There are poignant performances by Melanie Lynskey and Corin Nemec as they portray characters that are both strong and completely fallible. Each of the stories are memorable and honest, you will be embrace by this sincere film.

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