Hudson Movie Reviews

The DVD provides some good information. But it is not for beginning drummers! Probably will be more useful as I gain experience. Overall, Steve is clearly a great drummer, but value wise. I would say cut the price a bit.

Steve is truly a great drummer and teacher. I have dozens of instructional videos and this is by far the best, truly worth every penny. The solos alone are worth the price. The sections on hand technique(both tradtitional and match stick) are just breathtaking, I simply wanted to cry. Plus the sound/camara work/menu system are all top notch and almost every solo has an alternate commentary track, so you can listen to Steve discuss the different techniques used while playing. Also, something I havn't seen touched on before in a drum video, is the history of the US beat. Steve gives a very interesting history of drumming, explaining where many of the styles seen today came from...

The best instructional video/DVD ever, more than 4:30 hours, including PDF files with charts and exercises!! Awesome!!
I'll be spending the next couple of years studying with "my personal" teacher Steve Smith.

Dreamlike. Hypnotic. Surreal. Creepy. Yes, Robert Altman's Three Women is all of those things. It's also a true cinematic masterpiece. Shelley Duvall and Sissy Spacek give two of the best performances ever put on film as Millie and Pinky, two assistants at a convalescent home in Desert Springs, California. Who is the most pathetic? Millie, who fancies herself a hip social butterfly when, in reality, she is either ignored by or made fun of by those she considers her confidants and admirers? Or Pinky, the childlike woman who idolizes her? It's a toss up, but these two women become roommates in a swinging singles apartment complex(The Purple Sage)and it isn't long before things start getting really weird. Shelley Duvall's performance here is mesmerizing in it's detail. In improvised monologues she rambles on and on about her (non-existant) beaus, her fab recipe for Chocolate Pudding Tarts, and her chance at becoming the new Brett Girl! It's hysterical! Sissy Spacek is just as hilarious in her wide eyed infatuation with Millie. But if you're thinking this movie is a comedy you are dead wrong. After a bump on the head during an attempted suicide, Pinky begins to think she IS Millie. Is she? Observing at a distance is Willie, the third woman, the pregnant wife of a former cowboy who paints bizarre portraits of a rape and murder among reptilian aliens. Once this theft of personality gets underway, the movie really starts to sink it's hooks in you. Based on a dream, writer/producer/director Altman has created a visually stunning (three-wheelers racing across the desert), provacotive, enthralling character study of three fascinating people. Forget the ambiguous ending--the real question is why hasn't this movie ever been released on video or dvd? I taped it off cable almost 15 years ago and wouldn't sell my copy for anything. For any serious Altman fan--this film is a must own.

I would do anything to get my hands on this movie. I saw it in a theater 20 years ago, and have thought of it with longing so many times... Dreamlike, yes! Those surreal blue slo mo pool scenes...I long for them. (I vaguely remember Sissy teaches a swimming class for old people?) I read once that Altman dreamed this one night, then decided to create a screenplay. Experimental, perfect, why isn't this a classic???
Sissy Spacechick and Olive Oil Duvall were incredible, and that other woman, the "THIRD" woman, the one who is painting the walls of the drained out swimming pool...god, who was she?
I need, I need need need to see that little tail of Shelley Duvall's dress hanging out the car door whenever she drives away. Please, please Movie Gods, release this on video & dvd

Eight years on since I saw this film on TV I've been dreaming of it's being featured again but all in vain. Shelley Duvall's performance in this film is just scintillating. Winning the Best Actress Award of the Cannes International Film Festival is but an understatement of what she has accomplished. Robert Altman's free-wheeling mode of directing unveiled the hidden talent of Shelley Duvall as a gifted actor. Owning a DVD of "Three Women" definitely is my dream.

First off, Mary Steenburgen won the Best SUPPORTING Actress Oscar for this, not Best Actress. Secondly, it is a shame this movie has been somewhat forgotten after all these years. All the performances are fantastic and the direction by Jonathon Demme (Oscar winner for 'The Silence Of The Lambs) is magnificent. A film to treasure.

Though "Melvin And Howard" is a gem of a movie it remains relatively unknown today. It has slowly become a cult classic since it's release in 1980, particularly due to director Jonathan Demme's success with the film "Silence Of The Lambs". After he became the proverbial "household word" fans of 'Lambs', movie buffs, film fanatics, cultists, etc. anxiously searched out other works by Demme. I had been an ardent fan of "Melvin And Howard" having seen it way back then so I was pleased when it resurfaced for several showings on cable tv and made the revival theater circuit as well.

Though the phrase has been used too often "Melvin And Howard" is a one-of-a-kind classic. The movie tells the story of Melvin Dummars, one of life's unfortunate losers living a hand-to-mouth existence. A financial ruin trying to live beyond his means, he never sees his life quite the way he should - his truck and motorcycle are repossessed shortly after he arrives home from work. Earlier in the film Melvin has an encounter with Howard Hughes that has to be seen to be believed. This event will change his life inexplicably a few years down the road, resulting in chaos and personal trial. But all that takes up surprisingly little of this film. It centers firmly on Melvin and his efforts to make something of himself - any success will satisfy him immensely. The episodes of Melvin's life that are played out for us range from comedic to tragic to bittersweet to frustrating to exhilarating. Definitely more of a fable than a document of Melvin Dummar's true life experiences, it still doesn't diminish the effectiveness of the movie. As portrayed by Paul Le Mat, Melvin embodies a spirit that assures you he will endure and survive long after many others will have given up.

It's too bad Paul Le Mat's career never really took off, as he played the common man, good or bad, as well as anybody. While he achieved immortality in the "American Grafitti" movies, and got the thankless role in "The Burning Bed", "Melvin and Howard" was his star vehicle.

The movie tells the story of the very real Melvin Dummar, who made a big splash over twenty years ago by having his name appear in one version of the will of Howard Hughes. To the unitiated, Howard Hughes was at one time the richest man in the world, and flat-out owned several Las Vegas casinos. Dummar claimed his only prior contact with Hughes was giving him a ride once late at night after the billionaire had crashed his motorcycle while riding in the desert.

The motorcycle riding would not have been out of character with Hughes at the time. However, nobody has ever been able to prove that this will was real. In fact, several investigations have leaned towards Dummar instigating a very clumsy fraud. But on the other hand, nobody has been able to say with 100% authority that the will was NOT real. The movie chooses to take this premise, to the gain of the American cinema.

So the story goes on the premise that Dummar was telling the truth. Hey, if they can make the fictional "Shakesphere in Love", using real characters, why not this story? The genius of the movie is that it portrays mostly Melvin, and mostly the parts of his life that have nothing to do with Howard Hughes. He is portrayed as a complete loser when it comes to finances, barely able to hold even menial jobs, and foolishly spending money he doesn't have. This kind of person would probably try a scheme like the Hughes will, but yet the character is likeable. We feel the pain of not being able to pay everyday bills, and really root for the guy. We don't know whether it's a true reflection of the man, but we like who we see on the screen.

I first saw this film when it came out, and I was living in Illinois. I never dreamed then that I'd someday be living in Las Vegas, where a lot of the story takes place, and next to Utah, where the rest does. While the movie doesn't dwell on the tourist part of Vegas, it does provide some interesting shots that show the incredible growth the Strip has experienced in the last twenty years. The entire location of the film is now my home turf.

This, and seeing that other participants in the film would have future successes (Demme, Mary Steenburgen, Dabney Coleman, Pamela Reed) baffles me why I only see four reviews of a movie this good, that's been around so long.

Find it and see it.

This movie was just awful. It had the look and feel of being made by high school students. It was not funny, or interesting and really did not have anything worth mentioning to encourage you to watch it. I would have given it a one except I realized, it could have been worse. Nah, it could not have been worse, it is a one.

THIS FILM WAS BY FAR ONE OF THE MOST ORIGINAL AND ENTERTAINING LOW BUDGET FILMS THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN.
I HAD READ BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE REVIEWS ABOUT THIS FILM, BUT I DID NOT LET THEM HAMPER MY OPINION ABOUT IT.
AFTER ALL, EVERYONE'S VIEW ON A PARTICULAR FILM IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME. IT'S STRICTLY A MATTER OF TASTE!

THIS WAS A GOOD WAY TO PASS 85 MINUTES. I LAUGHED QUITE A BIT AT SOME OF THE UTTERLY RIDICULOUS SCENES.
THIS MOVIE IS NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND IF THIS MOVIE IS TAKEN IN THE CORRECT CONTEXT, IT CAN AND WILL BE ENJOYED!!
WE JUST HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT THIS IS NOT AN OSCAR WINNER, BUT IT IS STILL AN EXCEPTIONALLY ORIGINAL LOW BUDGET FILM!

MIGHT I ALSO SAY THAT IF YOU LIKE GORE AND BLOOD AND MURDERS, THEN THIS IS THE MOVIE FOR YOU.
I FOUND IT TO BE A FILM THAT WILL BRING ME NUMEROUS FUN-FILLED VIEWINGS.
TO SUM IT UP, IF YOU HAVE A SICK SENSE OF HUMOR OR A TASTE FOR STRANGE AND WEIRD CINEMA, THEN THIS IS THE MOVIE FOR YOU!!
SO GRAB A BEER, SIT BACK, RELAX AND MARVEL IN THIS MOVIE'S ORIGINALITY AND STYLE!!!

Is it any wonder that the critics missed the mark on Thou Shalt Not Kill... Except (TSNKE)? Even To Live And Die In LA recieved a lukewarm reception from the so called 'critics'. It is clear by the general consenus of fans which truly apprecaite this and other fine films that TSNKE simply must not be missed!
This piece of artwork features a generous helping of everything. Action, violence, romance, drama, and of course ... Revenge! From the sleazy cult girls to the kennel owner, you will get to know each and every well developed character. The sets and locations, while clearly independent film quailty, are used wisely to enhance the viewers perception and plotline.
Add - the deleted scene, alternate opening, trailer, audio commentary, superb wide screen picture and cryoted clear soundtrack and you have a rare jem of a film.

I was delighted to find this DVD - the film, in its original release, had haunted my childhood dreams for months after I saw it at a Saturday matinee! Watching it again, I was amazed I still remembered many images as clearly as if I'd seen it yesterday. Great fun, the picture's an unholy brew of sex and sadism; Anton Diffring's chilly intelligence as the crazed plastic surgeon turned ringmaster provides a disturbing center to the film's moral universe. CIRCUS is pleasingly peopled with large-busted European starlets constantly in a state of undressed distress, sports luscious color photography by Douglas Slocombe (presented by Anchor Bay in a stunningly crisp transfer), and features an insistent pop ballad that's repeated so often, Helen Keller could leave the theatre humming the theme! Like many horror films, this one's a mixture of intelligent handling of trashy material; it manages to transcend the genre and become truly memorable, like EYES WITHOUT A FACE. Grab this CIRCUS while it's in town!

I love this movie, which is why I probably wound-up with several copies of it. It is an excellent movie with an unexpected twist at the end (you won't be able to guess at the ending). BEAUTIFUL EUROPEAN WOMEN in various states of undress, but still suitable for family viewing. The movie is in brilliant color. Recommend this movie to all horror/sci-fi/mystery fans.

Anchor Bay outdid themselves with this DVD. I hadn't seen this Euro-shocker in years and it's flawlessly preserved on disc. It's a grisly tale of plastic surgeon Dr.Lassiter (a deliciously over-the-top Anton Diffring) who messes up on a wealthy socialites's face and, fearing ruin and/or jail, takes it on the lam with his nurse and her brother. They discover a broken down circus kept by the drunken owner (Donald Pleasance) and his war disfigured little girl. After the convenient death of the owner by bear mauling and miraculously fixing the daughters' face, Lassiter seizes a golden opportunity and creates his own circus. Over the years he enlists disfigured shady ladies, restores their beauty and puts them to work as performers. If they try to leave, they meet with violent death in "accidents". The little girl is now grown into the gorgeous Yvonne Monlaur who is devoted to Lassiter and training to be in the show. She knows nothing of his grotesque business arrangements. The beautiful Erika Remberg is featured as a temperamental trapeze artist who resorts to blackmailing Lassiter for star status. Her theme song is a syrupy pop tune "Look to a Star" that is repeatedly used to creepy effect. This film is British/European horror at its' most luridly bizarre and is wonderful in color. The circus atmosphere is vividly captured and Remberg's routines are an eyeful. Yvonne Romain ("Devil Doll", "Curse of the Werewolf") is also featured as a disfigured (but what a figure!) doll restored to her stunning beauty and put to work as a lion tamer. Horror fans should treasure this glorious excercise in the macabre and it's a must have for collectors.

A great film exploring personal identity in culture and class. Dante basco does a wonderful job in his portrayal of an Asian boy who was adopted and raised in a Black family. Great development of characters and of the relationships between the characters.

Margaret Cho steals the show with her role as an exchange student who has been accidentally dropped off at the wrong host family but learns to soak up the culture throughout the movie. Now you KNOW that's gonna be hilarious!

Check out this movie. It's really good. The storyline moves smoothly and the acting is great in this multi-racial film. Pam Grier is excellent as the matriarch in the film.

Two thumbs up!! I originally saw this movie several years ago, loved it and had to own it. It was funny, had a great theme and provided a universal message. Stereotypes are misleading and as an African American Male, I can relate to how incorrect they can be. Faking the funk deals with this subject matter in a humorous yet effective way and demonstrates the commonality of all people, regardless of race. I live in the Baldwin Hills area of Los Angeles and couldn't help by chuckle at the reference to persons living in the area. Buy it--you'll definitely enjoy it.

We saw this film last night on USA and it was cool. Had some great moments and made us laugh. The entire cast was great and really brought everyone together. We need to see more great films like this. Like the lady said previously it gives me hope when i see a film like this. Lots of talented people coming together, bringing the races together. I really enjoyed this film. I hope more people see it. And my props to Amazon for this review service. it makes people get to play reviewer! Thanks!

This movie is one of the best movies of all time featuring such memorable lines as Herve Valaquez yelling for his male, flannel night gown bearded lover, "Petuniaaaaaa . . . Petuniaaaaaaa" or the recurring line throughout the movie, "Who is he gip" or the other line, "If ya feel yer healed" -- this is a can't miss movie.

Addendum to my previous review of "Greaser's Palace": in this film, God The Father looks like Walt Whitman. Since we all know that to be truly the case, it is another reason to recommend the film.

Jesus copulates with a young woman in the front cab of a surrey-with-the-fringe-on-top. He does quite a good job of it-their ecstasy is such that said surrey collapses. Was reminiscent of the fable of Krishna and the milkmaids (although this paralell theme here is handled with ridiculous, outrageous humor- that's fine, humor doesn't have to take a back seat to solemnity!).

Also stuff about valuing humanity over technological comfort- meaning, as a cautionary not to become too enamored of the creation of man instead of recognizing the value of the creation of God.

Also stuff about how some meanness in this world could be the result of dyspepticism.

Good camera work. Good music (which creates a religious feel).

Way to go, Robert Downey, Sr.!!!

This movie was not as good as i thought. I think the story is solid but could have more to it. The cast is excellent and each of the characters have their own personalities and goals in life, which add to the way the story turns out. The acting is great - i just think more of a story would have made a more entertaining movie. But overall a good movie I would watch again!!

this is a really good movie I thought. its about this small town in the desert, Kate Hudson(Almost Famous) and her father John Heard(C.H.U.D.) come to the town for a visit. in the town there is Brendan Sexton III(Boys Dont Cry) who plays Blue, Christina Ricci(Pumpkin) who plays a pipebomb addict and her boyfriend Casey Affleck(Oceans Eleven2001), Sara Gilbert(Rosanne) and her boyfriend Peter Sarsgard(The Salton Sea) and Ethan Suplee(Mallrats). Hudson and Sexton start to have a connection, the town is seiged off by cops because a truck spilled and they dont know if its radioactive or deadly and the 2 start to fall in love and Hudson bonds with his friends who think shes too pretty and shes an actress who some of the people in town saw her on a show. Michael Ironside(Starship Troopers) appears as well as the one of the cops who seige the place up. its filled with comedy, drama, romance and haunting secrets. one of 1999's best

Although I originally purchased this film mainly because Christina Ricci was in it, it turned out to be a very good, "cozy" film on its own; the social demographic in the small town therein is pleasantly idealized. Ms. Ricci's part is not as large as suggested by the trailer, but she gives a good turn as per usual. Worth seeking out.

I enjoyed this film. Sure Elvis sings a number of songs, some good, some just plan silly. He plays the same good-hearted character after the girl. His buddies help him along the way. He gets the girl. If you love Elvis it's worth the rent, if you only want to watch a story with fewer songs I would recommend Change of Habit.

Fantastic movie if you are an Elvis fan.
If you are not an Elvis fan, why bother?
I'm not really sure why so many people insist on giving a synopsis of the film since we all know the plot, we just want to know what people think of it.
I think the female role could have gone to someone else, as I never rated Juliet Prowse, no sparks there at all (the woman could dance, though, I'll give her that!) Ann Margret and Elvis were wonderful together, for obvious reasons and were a joy to watch. Nevertheless, GI Blues remains my favourite Elvis film, nonsense though it may be!

G.I. Blues has to be the only Elvis Presley film that his name appears more than the opening and end credits (if there are any). And that happens when a man who during Elvis Presley's 2nd song in the movie decides to play an Elvis Presley song on the jukebox. Tulsa McCauley (Elvis Presley) dreams of opening his own nightclub in America with his two army buddies Cookey (Robert Ivers) and Rick (James Douglas). The songs that Elvis Presley sings include G.I. Blues, Tonight is So Right For Love, Wooden Heart, and Blue Suede Shoes. Even though, he got out of the army, a few months before filming this movie. And he had to get back into an army uniform. This was the first of 9 movies that Elvis was directed by

I enjoyed this film. Sure Elvis sings a number of songs, some good, some just plan silly. He plays the same good-hearted character after the girl. His buddies help him along the way. He gets the girl. If you love Elvis it's worth the rent, if you only want to watch a story with fewer songs I would recommend Change of Habit.

Fantastic movie if you are an Elvis fan.
If you are not an Elvis fan, why bother?
I'm not really sure why so many people insist on giving a synopsis of the film since we all know the plot, we just want to know what people think of it.
I think the female role could have gone to someone else, as I never rated Juliet Prowse, no sparks there at all (the woman could dance, though, I'll give her that!) Ann Margret and Elvis were wonderful together, for obvious reasons and were a joy to watch. Nevertheless, GI Blues remains my favourite Elvis film, nonsense though it may be!

G.I. Blues has to be the only Elvis Presley film that his name appears more than the opening and end credits (if there are any). And that happens when a man who during Elvis Presley's 2nd song in the movie decides to play an Elvis Presley song on the jukebox. Tulsa McCauley (Elvis Presley) dreams of opening his own nightclub in America with his two army buddies Cookey (Robert Ivers) and Rick (James Douglas). The songs that Elvis Presley sings include G.I. Blues, Tonight is So Right For Love, Wooden Heart, and Blue Suede Shoes. Even though, he got out of the army, a few months before filming this movie. And he had to get back into an army uniform. This was the first of 9 movies that Elvis was directed by