Home Movie Reviews

Dvd audio quality: exceptional.

Animation, storylines, actors' voice-overs: wondrous.

Buy it for your children--or indulge yourself!!

The video starts with a brief, carry over scene that recaps the origin of the Penguins and the attitudes of the twins. Then things get rolling after Michelle plays a trick on her brother to win a game of Squid-Tac-Toad. The concept and techniques of this strange game are not made very clear. But it's a key element that later teaches Michelle the value of playing by the rules. Which she learns after experiencing a much more dramatic, live version of the game that also requires the participation of the penguins. There are a few new characters that appear in the video, two of which talk with a quick Australian accent. So at first it's difficult to catch their rapid banter, making the video one that needs to be watch again and again.

Next to the collection of Veggie Tales videos, 3-2-1 Penguins is a series that is well deserving of a spot on your self. Colorful, creative, entertaining and educational, it's another example of quality entertainment that will interest the minds of kids and adults. Big Idea does this all with natural ease and this second scenario earns them a five star rating 'Fair and Square'

1998 was a year when World War II films and English period pieces took center stage. But amidst those wonderful films,there was also "Affliction". An excellent film and brillant character study that may leave you thinking about it for days afterwards. A superb piece of filmamking. Artful direction and a beautiful screenplay by Paul Schrader(who also wrote the screenplays for "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull"), skillfully filmed by Paul Sarossy, and exquiste acting by a cast that includes, Nick Nolte, James Coburn, Sissy Spacek and Willem Dafoe make for one deep and moving drama.

Dafoe captivatingly narrates this story of Wade Whitehouse(Nolte). A small town cop,whose past has a grip on him and won't let go. Wade who was raised by an alcoholic and abusive father(Coburn), now seems to be losing his own grip on reality as he tries to juggle his own dysfunctional life. He is in the midst of an investigation of an "accidental" hunting accident, he is trying (unsuccessfully) to mend his relationship with his young daughter, and trying to make some sort of life with his new girlfriend(Spacek). His past and his present come crashing down around him, as he examines his life and the bad memories are flooding back to him. Wade must try to break this cycle or live his life burdened with the chains of the past.

Nolte turns in what may be the performance of his career and was honored by the Nat'l Society of Film Crtics, and The New York Film Critic's Circle Awards for Best Actor in his role. Coburn is also superb and recieved an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the abusive father. I highly recommend this film to anyone who appreciates fine filmaking and an excellent drama.

This Lion's Gate DVD is an excellent transfer. The picture is sharp and clear and the colors vibrant. The sound is in Dolby Digital Stereo and is great for this film of almost all dialouge.
There are no bonus features, but it has subtitles in both English and Spanish and if you click on to the Lion's Gate logo in the main menu you will find some trailers as well.

A not to be missed film for lovers of great cinema. Thanks and enjoy...Laurie