Home Movie Reviews

For your kids or the kid in you, this film is funny, endearing and warm.

My daughter taped this off nick last year and she watches it over and over--and it's very funny. My son also loves the nanny in it.

My family saw this at a screening and laughed out loud--and I wasn't bored like in Atlantis. Good video.

First off--I wanted to let everyone know that the first season of "DANGER MAN" (all 39 half-hour episodes filmed in 1961) is now available on DVD at www.deepdiscountdvd.com. Type in "danger man" then hit 'search by title'(this item is NOT available on Amazon; that is why i mentioned it!). This 13 disc megaset contains all 47 HOUR-LONG episodes filmed in 1965-66. This is a fantastic show with the great actor Patrick McGoohan and great stories too! I am so glad to see all of these classic TV shows coming out on DVD. As far as i'm concerned, today's television is mostly crap. They don't have the actors, the stories, or the decency that the old shows had. The talent just isn't there in these new shows. When trying this show also try "THE AVENGERS" and "THE SAINT". You'll love every minute!

This megaset is well worth the price. Each episode in original broadcast order, crystal clear uncut in glorious black and white, except for the final two episodes of course. Relive the excitement along with excellent characterizations over 47 episodes. Includes the original U.S. opening Secret Agent Man them.

Hmmmm "You're Not in Any Trouble, Are You?"

The very good first half-hour series, called "Danger Man" when broadcast in both the US and UK, appears to be only available in PAL (which won't display on US NTSC TVs) format, Region 2 (i.e. coded not to run in the US), and only available at Amazon-UK

The superb later one-hour series, called "Danger Man" when broadcast in the UK and "Secret Agent" when broadcast in the US, is what is sold here in US region 1 encoding in NTSC format under the title "Danger Man AKA Secret Agent." (At Amazon-UK, only a couple of UK region 2 PAL DVDs are listed - under the title of "Secret Agent Man.")

Here's hoping that we might get all of the half-hour episodes on Region 1 NTSC DVD (and that our UK brethren might someday get all of the one-hour episodes on Region 2 PAL DVD.)

The way the publishers have confused all this -- "Someone Is Liable to Get Hurt."

This movie has turned out to be one of my favorites and I have the reviews and their authors to thank. These two "character actors", William Fichtner and John C. Reilly, have leading man potential. Wonder why no one in Hollywood gets it. We, the viewers, know. Oh, I forgot, William Fichtner WAS cast as one of the two male leads in "Passion of Mind", primarily to carry the movie and make Demi Moore look good - which he did, easily. I knew he was a fine comic actor. I saw "Drowning Mona" and he and Jamie Lee Curtis shine. John C. Reilly really came through in "Chicago". Thanks to all who recommended this gem.

I rented this movie on the strength of the story outline on the back of the box, and for the fact that it had John C. Reilly in it, who I think is the finest character actor in movies. I got much more than I expected. This movie has an excellent script and wonderful directing. The humor is dry, black and understated and very effective. To me the big suprises were the performances of William Fichtner as one of the partners in the insurance scam. Fichtner's performance brimmed with intelligence and depth, as well as a sure comic touch that was dead on the money. Also, Kelly McGillis turned in a job so full of savage sex and menace, I found myself wondering why she doesn't get more work. As for John C. Reilly - does this actor ever make a wrong move in front of a camera? No, he does not. This is his best work. A real gem.

This movie is far from the usual 'let's rent a movie tonight honey'. It is unique with an unpredictable plot, that has you guessing all along! Black comedy at its best and a movie like no other.

I recently became enamoured of the works of Gerry Anderson, the first being his live action projects (UFO & Space: 1999) and I never thought that I would actually find myself buying any of his puppet projects, but low and behold I found myself acquiring both Captain Scarlet and Stingray. And I haven't regretted that decision since.

Stingray is a marvelous show, yes it is a puppet show, and it's hard to take the show seriously considering that these are marionettes taken in dangerous situations, but it doesn't matter. it's just a fun show to watch regardless, because the production value is very high and very exceptional with the action sequences. When I watch Stingray, I feel like a kid again. I love the characters, Troy Tempest, Phones, Commander Shore, Atlanta and of course the beautifully silent Marina. What would've been interesting was if Marina could actually speak, who would've provided the voice? But I think on the other hand, she works well as a silent character, because her actions speak a lot louder than mere words.
I especially like the opening sequence with the announcement of 'Stand by for action!' and given the present climate of global terrorism, when you hear Commander Shore's proclamation that 'Anything can happen in the next half-hour' you can't help but feel some chills. It's action packed, with some very excellent characters and humour that makes you feel good inside. Definitely a must have for any SuperMarionation fan.

Stingray is part three in the Gerry Anderson five part development (and eventual perfection) of marionette based shows. 'Supercar" was crude and campy good 1960 kidshow fun. "Fireball XL5" had significant improvements in technique. "Stingray" was in color and was a dramatic leap ahead in set design, marionette action, scripting, and special effects. "Thunderbirds" remains the best of the lot with hour long scripts, "gee whiz!" special effects, some funny character development (such as the humourously irritable dialogue of the pyramid explorers in "The Uninvited"), and action scenes. Stingray is famous for its underwater special effects which were advanced for 1963-64. No one had seen anything like it up until then. Stingray has the best fully developed characters with Troy, Phones, Atlanta, and Marina. Stingray is enjoyable and highly nostalgic.

These are 60's programs restored for DVD. The picture is very good considering the source, and the sound is good. There is an occasional skip in sound at the start of some episodes, but I haven't had any problems during the episode itself.

Stingray is a nuclear powered super-submarine capable of 600 knots while submerged. The plot of each episode either involves conflict with the evil Titan, leader of an underwater race, or daring ocean rescues. Kids will enjoy the simple plots while adults will be amused at the inconsistencies of the plot devices.

In the first episode, Stingray investigates the destruction of a drone submarine and is attacked by Titan's forces. This is "first contact" between "Terrarians" and oceanic people. In subsequent episodes, Stingray meets numerous other oceanic cultures, some friendly and others belligerent. All technologically advanced. There's no explanation of why some cultures hate humans, nor why friendly cultures hadn't made any sort of contact prior to Titan's attack. Of course, it's immaterial to the seven-year olds that the series is aimed at.

We bought the DVD's to provide entertaining TV to our kids without the sex, violence and coarseness that is endemic to modern television. There is mild violence in Stingray, but it is of the simple "good versus evil" variety, and generally abstract in nature. You might see one of Titan's submarines hit by a torpedo, but you won't see one of Titan's soldiers being killed. Gun battles are usually resolved by something heavy landing on the bad guys with enough force to stun them but no more. Good guys and bad guys are awful shots when aiming at each other, but the good guys are super accurate when they have to aim at an inanimate object.

Being 60's television, and British to boot, smoking and drinking are shown as normal activities by our heroes. The lead heroes are white males, but there are two strong female characters and the head of the unit is disabled. I think the design for his hovering "wheelchair" was lifted for a Star Trek episode a decade later.

All in all, good entertainment for today's kids and a fun stroll down memory lane for those old enough to remember "anything can happen in the next half hour" in front of a tiny black and white television. (The DVD is in color though).

This movie is excellent for those who love the country life. I absolutely loved it.

Wonderfully tender, yet funny - cute but serious - everything it takes to make a movie enthusiastically wonderful to watch. Andrew McCarthy is my dream man and Teri Polo did a wonderful job as well. Super movie. Everyone should see it!!

I first saw this movie on the Hallmark Channel and fell in love with it! I watched it three times and now ordered the video. It is a sweet, clean, romantic comedy that reminds me of days past. What a wonderful movie!

The episode, "MermaidMan and BarnacleBoy III" is in this DVD. One of my favorite episodes, "Sleepy Time" is on this DVD as well. The episode, "Squidville" is on this DVD as well.

I love Spongebob, he never stops being funny! But I think the best part of this DVD is that not only kids can laugh but,adults can too! If you haven't bought this yet, then you need to buy it right now! Trust me you'll love so much that you'll start repeating episodes. I've watched "Tide And Seek" so many times that I know what they're going to say before the even say it!

It includes episodes such as: "Rock-a-bye-Bivale", "Dumped", and "The Bully".

WAIT BEFORE BUYING, SPONGEBOB SEASON 1 IS COMING, SO ALL OF THE DVD'S RELEASED CONTAINING RANDOM EPSODES WILL BE, WELL "USELESS", SO WAIT FOR SEASON 1 TO COME AND HAVE A SEASON COLLECTION OF SPONGEBOB!

Many films available to Western markets regarding the culture, customs, and struggles of the British peoples leave Scotland quite out of the picture. Sweet Sixteen is refreshing change, then, as a very in-depth look at the situation of one young Scotsman.

There is a romantic idea about Great Britan, at least in my circles, that posits some sort of dreamworld in which the peoples of the Isles are living happily ever after. Various films spotlighting the Ireland of today have, in recent years, discredited such ideas. Nonetheless, what is Scotland but sheep and kilts and idyllic castle scenes? It is a place much like the one in which Americans live as well. Young Liam, the protagonist of Sweet Sixteen, is trying to put his really messed up family back together. To do so, he chooses to accept a life of crime to secure the funds necessary to buy his small family's independence from his horrid grandfather and his mother's boyfriend.

Crime doesn't pay after all, for Liam, however. Through his struggles to find an equilibrium at the expense of others, he tarnishes his noble Scots soul with petty theft, brawls, drug-dealing, and even an attempted murder. It becomes very difficult to sympathize with the likable young man who catches our attention at the beginning of the film. Sadly, our look at Liam does not leave him in a state any happier than he was when we found him. It is not a new idea or theme that is introduced in Sweet Sixteen, but the moral is one which America seems to often forget: the youth are noble and will do nobly if we give them the opporutunity. Liam was not given the opportunity, left to the care of two abusive men who provided a predilection to crime. The world shamefully failed Liam, though his responsibility was not ingnored in the film.

Sweet Sixteen offers the Western world a chance to reconsider the way we raise children, operate social services, and the frequency and ease of divorce.

Ken Loach films tend to be hit-and-miss for me. I loved "Bread and Roses," for example, but disliked "Carla's Song." I was uncertain exactly what was in store for me when I rented "Sweet Sixteen". The film is set in Scotland, and the accents are strong enough that the film is subtitled. The story concerns a 15-year-old boy named Liam whose mother is serving jail time for illegal substances. Liam lives with his violent stepfather (who sells those illegal substances) and his unpleasant grandfather. The home situation is tenuous at best, but when Liam disobeys his stepfather's attempt to smuggle drugs to his mother during a prison visit, he is beaten and tossed out on the streets.

Liam moves in with his sister, Chantelle--a single mother--who lays down some rules in an attempt to protect her child. Liam and best friend, Pinball, dream of buying a caravan for 6,000 pounds, and the plan becomes to get this caravan in time for Liam's mother's release from jail.

"Sweet Sixteen"--although a tale of hopelessness, was not overwhelmingly depressing, and this is thanks to the likeablity of Liam's character. Liam has no future, and no means of getting a quick 6,000 pounds, so he turns to Heroin sales as a way to meet his humble goal. There is something fundamentally good in Liam's soul, but unfortunately he is corrupted thanks to his environment. He doesn't stop and question the morality of selling Heroin--after all, it's a family tradition. During some scenes, I was touched by Liam's childlike qualities, and yet at other times, I was horrified by his behaviour (when he goes joyriding with his infant nephew for example). These sorts of scenes underscore the moral vacuity of Liam's upbringing. What chance does Liam have? What chance did he ever have?

Loach tends to concentrate on the working classes, and this film is not an exception to this. The picture Loach paints is bleak indeed, and I couldn't help but wonder how much Liam could have achieved in life if given better circumstances. Martin Comstock plays Liam, and this is his first acting role. He really does an incredible job and is a natural. The film is gritty, dark, and full of hopeless characters who cannot escape from their environment, and yet some optimism remains. "Sweet Sixteen" was not a pretty film, and it certainly is a sad commentary on our times that a kid as resourceful, clever, and funny as Liam remains trapped in a world without opportunities--other than criminal--displacedhuman.

This is a phenomenal movie about a 15-year-old boy named Liam who is trapped in a culture and lifestyle of crime (in an early scene, his grandfather and his mother's boyfriend demand that he smuggle drugs to his mother in prison), when all he dreams about is creating a home for his mother, his sister, and her child. Liam is destined to repeat the same mistakes that he is fighting so hard against, and all we can do is sit back and watch him struggle with the rock-and-a-hard-place decisions with which he is faced.

This may sound like your typical "good boy falls in with the wrong crowd" film, but it is far from predictable, and the story and acting are excellent. Director Ken Loach does a fantastic job with a cast that is new to the acting world (sadly, this film will be overlooked because it features no "big names"), and they portray the culture and lives of these characters quite convincingly.

Highly recommended, and it is worthwhile to listen to Loach's commentary track as well.

This is an escellent DVD for people seriuos about their fitness. Excellent for intermediates and advanced. Not for beginners Though. The only star she lost becasue she does not give enough instructions and is kind of hard to get right the first few times.
ALthough 30 minutes, but you will break a respectable sweat.

When I did this workout for the first time, I was really feeling it the next day...especially in my obliques, buns and thighs. I have this on DVD, which includes her 10 min. ab workout as a bonus. Tamilee proves that you can get a great workout in just 30 minutes, but it is mostly lower body. So, I do her "I Want Those Arms" workout (included on the "I Want That Body" DVD) first, to work my arms and shoulders and serve as a warmup, since this workout has no warmup. I am an intermediate/advanced exerciser, and I use a 6-inch step. I rotate this workout with Tamilee's Tighter Assets Cardio Blast, Tamilee's I Want That Body and The Firm (the latest ones), all of which I highly recommend.

I just bought this dvd and it has a ton of cool features and of course is a GREAT workout. I actually like this one better than tighter assets-cardio blast although both are a good workout. I would recommend this dvd to anyone who wants to get in shape and tone up!

Vincent is on a route where he is out driving trying to find something, while hiding that he has been laid off from his family. The anxiety of displaying failure to his family and parents seems to be overwhelming for Vincent and he begins to pretend that he has quit his job for a better job in Switzerland. Through his idea of lying about his newly acquired job, he is lead astray from reality, and he must cover his lies by providing the necessary means for his family. He does so by scamming his acquaintances and friends for large amounts of money. In return, he offers a large profit through his pretend job, however, this is overheard by a man in a hotel lobby. This man interferes with Vincent's plan, but in return he finds a new profitable business through this stranger. During this, Vincent is struggling with to keep his family happy and content, but the wife begins to smell a rat. Time Out is an intriguing slow paced thriller about a man's pride and his search for happiness, which provides well developed characters and ingenious cinematography that enhances the quality of the film. Ultimately, the audience is provided well-rounded story that is presented through an astounding cinematic experience.

The French film "Time Out," is the story of Vincent (Aurelien Recoing)--a middle-aged man who loses his job and begins a series of deceptions rather than admit the truth to his loyal wife Muriel (Karin Viara) and his critical father and supportive mother. Vincent spins a web of impressive lies, and these include his new elite job with the U.N. in Switzerland. Vincent's parents don't smell a rat when he wheedles a "loan" from them that will fund his relocation, but Muriel remains mildly suspicious. Vincent spends weeks away from home and returns with elaborate stories about his new job. Family and friends are spellbound by the tales of his success, and soon he's driving a fancy new car and bragging about his non-existent apartment in Geneva.

In order to finance his rock-n-roll lifestyle, Vincent contacts old friends and convinces them to invest in some foreign business--cash up front, of course. While some people are motivated to greedily hand over their hard-earned francs, others invest because they trust Vincent and want to share his apparent good fortune. Obviously, Vincent's fantasy life cannot last forever. It is only a matter of time before something goes wrong.

The photography in "Time Out" is absolutely beautiful--especially the scenes in Switzerland. As Vincent's car negotiates the snow-filled landscape, somehow the viewer shares Vincent's sense of bleakness and isolation. This clever film manages to emphasize Vincent's remoteness and isolation in scenes involving a packed school and a busy office complex. In a crowded room, Vincent is still alone.

The role of Vincent is a first for Aurelien Recoing. Prior to this film, Recoing directed, and yet he really was perfect for this role--so self-contained and self-composed, a very plausible liar, but he also conveys a quiet desperation that plunges him into lies that inevitably must fail. Is he a failure who wants to be admired by his family, or is he someone who has spent a lifetime out of touch with reality? This is for the viewer to decide, and ultimately, the interpretation of the protagonist's character and motivation are left to the audience--displacedhuman--Amazon Reviewer--

I saw "Time Out" while I was out of work. It brought up a lot of uncomfortable feelings and issues. Especially the pride issue, of how you feel when you don't have a job to identify with. The movie is based on a real story, which is even more amazing and sad than the movie.

This is an excellent season of NYPD BLue. Blue at its best. Smits and Franz have great chemistry and are so believable as partners and friends. If you missed this season, here's your chance to see it.

Donna Abandondo and Dt. Medavoy are a pleasant surprise in this season. And her sister, played by Debra Messing, is an excellent wrench they threw in there. Dt. Leziniack and the ensuing problematic issues between she and James is a twist a minute.

Smits is more than an able replacement for Caruso. He not only has sex appeal and charisma, he is ACTUALLY attractive, rather than thinking he is handsome--Caruso. The show smartly plays Simone's arrival and the inevitable bonding between he and Franz is nicely done.

The second season is BETTER than the first. A must have for a BLUE fan

By now we all know that David Caruso's character of John Kelly exits in the 4th episode of Season 2. Like many NYPD Blue fans, I hated to see him go. Smits stepped in immediately after and he was also very good, but the dynamics of the show would have to change. I didn't like Bobby Simone at first, but that was probably because I was sad to see Caruso leave. But the episodes remained gritty and intense, and Smits soon hit his stride. All was well in the precinct again. The downside to Season Two was the introduction of Kim Delaney to the cast near the end of the season. I still contend that she is and was the weakest actor in the run of the series. I'm afraid that her inclusion as a series regular is off-putting enough for me to not purchase any further season box sets that she appears in. I'll start buying them again when Rick Schroeder's character of Danny Sorensen comes in and Delaney's role is reduced and eventually eliminated.
The commentaries included in this box set are interesting though not quite fascinating, and the so-called "documentary" is just an episode-by-episode series of recollections by the principle cast.
All in all, a good purchase. You get 22 great episodes, Caruso's most complicated and dramatic character story, and precious little of the Diane Russell character.

I loved this season more than the first. Out with the old(Caruso), in with the new(Smits). I loved how over the years Andy has adjusted differently to his new partners. I think the writing and energy of the show was great in this season, and the material got more variety(the whole Nicalsi\Mobster thing in the first season actually got a little old to me).

Jimmy Smits proved that he was more than capable of filling the shoes of the departed David Caruso. Detective Bobby Simone is just as great as Detective John Kelly, but in a different sort of way.

I realize I'm the minority, but I don't think the show suffered at all after Caruso left; Caruso off camera was a jerk with a lot of arrogance that went straight to his head due to his overnight fame from this show. He either was gonna leave or get fired by Bochco. He left the show thinking he had what it took to be the next leading man in Hollywood. . . .well, we all saw how that turned out.