Home Movie Reviews

This is a movie that has it all, chilling and funny at the same time. These actors make this quirky story work, and after one viewing, you'll want to see it again. It was re-released as "Highway Hitcher" to try to find an audience, but that is not even an apt title for this piece of work. Don't miss this, under either banner!

This movie was a pleasant surprise for me. Forsythe dropped his tough-guy image and did a makeover as a milquetoast businessman who innocently picks up a hitchhiker and drives into trouble. This is one of his best, and he's totally believable in the role. Forsythe's one of my favorite actors because he becomes the characters he plays. I will add this movie to my collection.

Depsite all the negative comments aimed at Paramount Home Video recently, I want to give them some credit. Yes, I also would have loved to have been able to get Lucy in complete season box sets (but not for anything over $50) yet I had resigned myself to pick them up in these four-episode-per-disc volumes - similar to how the original Star Trek series was released on dvd. (Star Trek got two shows per disc.)

To Paramount's credit, these Lucy dvd's have lots of extra goodies on them...and that is more than many other TV shows on dvd can say. (Most other TV shows on dvd are just the episodes, with NO extras of any kind.) I love that these Lucy dvd's include any of Lucy's old radio show, "My Favorite Husband" that correspond to or inspired the "I Love Lucy" episodes on the disc. How many of us have had the opportunity to hear these classic shows anywhere else? And it's really fun comparing them to their I Love Lucy counterparts.

Also, there are scenes and music cues which have been restored, most of which haven't been seen since the show's original broadcasts in the '50's - especially any footage referring to the show's then-sponsor, Phillip Morris. No, I don't like all the smoking references, but since this was how the show was oringally made, it's great to see all this footage restored for historical interest and accuracy.

Each dvd has included sections on "Flubs" which are very amusing. Some of them I've noticed over the years watching the show, and others I never would have noticed without these supplements pointing them out.

There are "Guest Cast" sections on each disc too. These are wonderful as they give us some little bit of background on the many regular and one-time-only guest cast members that have appeared on the show. Also, for people who made multiple appearances on the show, this section includes a list of all their I Love Lucy appearances. Very nice.

The inclusion of the original animated opening is also very welcome. Before these dvd's, many of us never had a chance to see this footage either. Some of the discs include interesting Production Notes, and Behind-The-Scenes footage or stills. Again, very welcome and interesting.

The most recent disc, Season One, Volume 9 includes a special End-of-Season tag which was only broadcast one time, when the last episode of season one ran back in 1952. While it's mostly a plug for the show's summer replacement that year, and for Phillip Morris, it's still extra footage of Lucy and Desi as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo that I for one had never seen or even heard of before this dvd. What Lucy fan doesn't want to see more of that kind of "lost" footage?

I hope that Paramount is not dissuaded from continuing on with the other seasons in the I Love Lucy show. As far as I'm concerned, Paramount has been doing a grand job with these Lucy discs. Please keep 'em coming!

The ninth volume of I Love Lucy's first season contains episodes 32-35, which feature some great moments. I Love Lucy is still my favorite TV show of all-time. Lucille Ball's classic and one-of-a-kind sense of humor and physical gags transcends time and it shows, like always, on this set. And who doesn't love Lucy?

1. "Lucy Gets Ricky on the Radio" (aired 5/19/52)- After Ricky correctly answers all of the questions on a quiz show that's on the radio, Lucy thinks that he's a complete genius and decides to sign him up to be a contestant on the show. But Lucy didn't know that Ricky had already heard the answers to the questions during the taping of that episode.

2. "Lucy's Schedule" (aired 5/26/52)- When Lucy is late for a dinner with Ricky's boss (this is the episode where she gets a fake apple stuck in her mouth after she tries to eat it), he's had enough of her tardiness and puts her on a schedule. After Lucy finds out that Ricky thinks that he has her acting like a trained seal, she decides to get back at him when he invites his boss over for dinner and only allows them a few seconds with each course of their meal and then whisks it away.

3. "Ricky Thinks He Is Getting Bald" (aired 6/2/52)- When Ricky thinks that his hairline is beginning to recede, he becomes so self-conscious that he wears a hat in the house. Just to show him that he has nothing to worry about, Lucy invites a group of bald men (including Fred, who wears a toupee) over to their apartment.

4. "Ricky Asks For a Raise" (aired 6/9/52)- When Ricky no longer has a job at the Tropicana after he asks for a raise, Lucy, Ethel and Fred decide to get him his job back by showing his boss how popular he is. A new performer is appearing at the club, so they call and make dozens and dozens of bogus reservations. They show up at the club (to pretend they're different people, they quickly change into different outfits) and when they discover that Ricky Ricardo is not there anymore, they storm out.

I am THRILLED this is coming out on DVD!
I haven't seen it since the late 80's/early 90's.
It's really beautiful!!!

=^..^=

Terrific movie. Sweet, smart and clever, with a wonderful score employed Leo Delibes' opera.

I really enjoyed this TV series when it aired on PBS and the DVD is spectacular. It is Ireland at its best. Seeing the ancient places where the history of Ireland started is very striking. I particularly enjoyed seeing the places that the Irish first used in ancient times as burial and religious sites. The archeological argument about the Celtic 'invasion' is well presented. The second part is wonderful - it's about the old monasteries and the important role they played in Irish society. The producers really did an excellent job at bringing the scholars to the sites and not just giving us talking heads.
I also own the book to the series [I had read this first] and it is a valuable companion to the visuals because it gives a lot more detail. I have never been to Ireland but I want to go soon and this series brings me closer to my roots.

I really enjoyed "In Search of Ancient Ireland" especially, the first segment. This DVD is divided into 3 parts, (which were obviously intended to be shown as three different hourly shows), "Pre-Christian Ireland" I.E. Stone Age, Bronze age etc., "Missionary Era Ireland," and "Ireland Under the Vikings" which covers Ireland under the control of Vikings, through Brian Boru.

My favorite part of the DVD, was the first part: Pre-Christian Ireland. (In my opinion, this the only segment that should truly be called "Ancient"). Herein, the narrator discusses what life in Ancient Ireland was like. They delve into Ancient Irish religion, culture, and take you to numerous ancient sites, and even demonstrate how ancient Irish musical instruments were played. This was the most exciting and gripping part.

The remaining two segments were less interesting for me. (Perhaps, because this era of Irish history is frequently documented, and hence more widely known).

The only Caveat's I had with this DVD, were: In segment one, they did not discuss bards or druids hardly at all. There were no reconstructional illustrations which might show us how ancient clothing was worn, or how ancient sites might've once looked. No discussion of women's roles at all. Section 2: There was recycled footage from section one, (such as scenes with a street faire etc.), and devoting an entire hour to the discussion of monasteries was a bit dry (even if the scenery was breathtaking). This has been covered before in better documentaries. Section 3: Also, recycled footage, and more discussion of monasteries as vikings raided them. Lots of footage of modern military speculating about how warfare must've been like back then, and in the same vein, speculation by modern ship captains on Viking raiding technique. Again, interesting, but less fascinating than the first part.

Overall, I enjoyed this DVD a great deal, but I would've preferred more ANCIENT history, (I.E.) Stone age, Bronze Age, etc. And less focus on Early Medieval history.

I must admit it (sadly) - I am not exactly the biggest fan of OPB, and never before had I watched their weekly showings of Exxon Mobil (that how you spell it?) Masterpiece Theatre. A TV Guide description of The Jury got my curiosity...and I watched it.
For joy! I was BLOWN away. This magnanimous, superb, top-notch mini-series will forever be rendered as stellar. The actors and actresses are wonderful, fully playing the part they were meant to. The jury is composed of separate individuals, all with their own casualties (perhaps not so much different from our own world!). I was waiting expectantly for the next week's episode, and fully satisfied. The case is plausible (not some silly idiotic case that the viewer can instantly solve) and has interesting refutes. I was captivated. Anyone who has an ounce of intellect, a joy for drama, and a passion for the courtroom will be drawn in just as I have.
You will be apalled at the injustice and discrimination that is displayed in the film. You will quite possibly yell at the tv, while at the same time you're waiting for the next episode. I suppose that many who wath this will turn their backs on it, but I for one, loved it.
Enjoy!

What a powerful piece of drama! Incredible, powerhouse acting and brilliant writing--loaded with subtext. It's impossible to speak too highly of this 6-episode dramatic mini-series.

This story focuses on seven of the jurors chosen to serve on an especially grisly murder trial (a Sikh teenager is accused of slaying a classmate with a ceremonial sword). These jurors are a mix of people, some are eager to serve (a woman in an emotionally stifling marriage; a single mom who is estranged from her mother, but who must ask her mother to care for her daughter while she serves on the jury; a lonely older woman with inoperable cancer; a married man whose powerful sense of civic duty is more than matched by a nagging sense of underachievement); some are reluctant (a seminary student who is unsure whether he wants to continue on his path to the priesthood; a recovering alcoholic just out of rehab; a married man who lost all his family's savings due to a bad business venture he was talked). The story, like the trial it revolves around, is a study of mixed motives, changes of heart, and living with fear. In the process of revealing each characters personal daily struggles we discover just how much of the human experience is comprised of learning to endure and deal with violence. In this drama we see the defendant and witnesses badgered by clever lawyers, friends manipulated by friends, and boundary-violating in-laws prying confidential information out of their son-in-law who is serving as a juror. Even the alcoholic's AA sponsor has a touch of the autocrat about him. And the young woman who has fled to jury duty as a way of creating an adventure for herself ends up using her womanly charms to manipulate a man into falling in love with her (even though she is fully aware that she is not free or capable of taking on a romantic relationship with him). I defy anyone to watch this compelling drama without questioning their own propensity to abuse power. We are all capable of being bullies. It's just a matter of circumstances and opportunity.

I have two grandchildren ages 4-7, which is such an impressionable time in their life. The Good Sports Gang teaches them valuable lessons of cooperating and having faith in one another. The 4-year old not only knows all of the characters names and all the songs - but he now knows all of the dialect too!! I know that grandmothers across the globe can give this to their grandchildren and not be disappointed. Oftentimes when kids play sports they only hear the focus of win, win, win. The message in the Good Sports Gang is to believe in yourself and God will take care of the rest. Can't wait to bless my grandkids with Episode Two for Christmas.

The Good Sports Gang is a big favorite in my family. Coach Warner and his adorable little gang entertain young children with a captivating story about believing in yourself. My twin daughter and son (4) love the animated characters, catchy songs and, importantly, learn valuable moral lessons about being kind to others and not giving up on yourself. It's refreshing these days to find children's entertainment with a positive message that kids really like. We can't wait to see what the Good Sports Gang is up to next!

MY CHILDREN, AGES 5 & 10 HAVE WATCHED IT OVER AND OVER. BOTH ENJOY IT AND THERE ARE GOOD LESSONS ON HOW BULLYING CAN HURT OTHERS FEELINGS, AND DON'T GIVE UP TRYING TO FIND WHAT YOU ARE GOOD AT.

Excellent Chabrol film --- probably the best introduction to the director. I'm suprised and very happy that this is out on video at a sell-through price. For some inexplicable reason, no one seems to talk much about this film. It's extremely absorbing and quite beautiful to look at though. Stephane Audran is particularly charming in this movie, although some have thought her to be a bit sophisticated for the part. A silly criticism, I think. The colors in this movie are absolutely amazing --- everything somehow dayglo and hyperrealistic at the same time. I think Philip K. Dick fans would in particular get a kick out of this film. It's organized similarly to his novels... Everything just gets more and more disjointed until reality has almost completely broken down. The denouement is pretty darned funny, too. A film that more folks should see, it'll add to your appreciation of Chabrol's other films too.

I liked this movie. It made a strong impact on me and brought meaning to past conversations and what it means to "go beyond."

Stylish crime-drama about the lifestory of Dillinger's girlfriend 'the lady in red' completely set in the 1930's. Excellent yet violent story re-creates the feel of the era & sticks to facts

THis movie I watched when I was quiet younger. I belive in the early eighties. I was amazed by the story and all the plots and turns. Great vinatge wear,and good action. I have looked a long time for this movie, usually in Movie stores, they always refer to the movie with Gene Wilder. I am glad amazon has it and will be mine soon. Thanks

Kevin Smith is GREAT as he always was. I highly recommend this movie. His fans and XWP/HTLJ fans will like it :) Kevin Smith was such a talented actor.
Dotchin is good too.
A little disappointment is Rubin. She hasn't chemistry with Kevin and she acts badly...

I've seen Lawless I, II and III, this saga just kept getting better and better. The title character is played by Kiwi actor, known as Ares God of War and Iphicles, brother of Hercules to those of us in the US on the shows: Hercules the Legendary Journeys and Xena Warrior Princess. Kevin was so wonderful on both shows that I had to see his other work. An incredibly gifted actor, his work should be made more easily available. If you can get your hands on it, see Channelling Baby and Desperate Remedies, you won't be disappointed.

Sadly, Kevin was taken from this world on February 16, 2002 in a tragic accident in China. His fans will miss him eternally but his work will be forever admired.

I viewed Les Biches when I was 13 years old and have never been as affected by a film as much. This film ranks up with films masked in sorrow such as, Bertolucci's Last Tango in Paris, Bergman's Cries and Whispers, and Truffaut's Les Quatre Cents Coups. I am somewhat saddened that this film hasn't been released as a Criterion Collection DVD which I deeply belive it should. All the characters played in this film are very much enigmas especially Jacqueline Sassard's character, Why. At first Why appears to be naive and dull, but within the course of the film soon turns psychotic and violent.

The basic storyline is a bisexual Parisean socialite, Frederique, picks up a waif, Why, who earns her living drawing does on the streets of Paris. Soon Frederique brings Why to what is left of St. Tropez on the off season to meet the chic crowd. Why meets and falls in love with suave architect,Paul. When Frederique tries to get back at Why, she finds true love in Paul and gets between Why and Paul. Paul seduces Frederique and after a while goes back to Paris with him. Why goes back to Paris also.

The scene of Why going back to Paris, filmed from a moving car, focusing on Notre Dame on an overcast afternoon for about ten seconds is etched forever in my memory along with the ultimately distrurbing and murky ending.

This is a truly great film experience that has been unseen for too long.

A beautiful movie full of sexual intensity. The movie revolvesaround the lesbian relationship of a wealthty french woman(StéphaneAudran) and a street artist who becomes her lover/protogee(Jacqueline Sassard).

Both woman are physically stunning and the scenes of them together, though never explicit, are thoroughly sensual. The plot thickens with the intoduction of a third character - an attractive male architect(Jean-Louis Trintignant). The protogee's sway towards him causes a facinating shift in the relationship between all three.

Keep in mind that director Claude Chabrol is something of a French Alfred Hitchcock

Most of the film is shot in St Tropez and Paris. The scenery is breathless.