Grandparents Day Movie Reviews

Making my comparison to Milan Kundera's book, I have to rate this movie fairly low. I don't believe Kaufman was able to capture the essence of Kundera's writing with this film representation. So much of Kundera's writing is internal to the characters, which is difficult (at best) to communicate on screen. Unfortunately, this is the richest part of the experience; I recommend the book, but found the movie decidedly unsatisfying.

"The movie is never as good as the book"- how many times have we read or heard this phrase? True, it is almost impossible to find a movie that resembles so much to the book in every detail and in addition is able to promote and bring the same feelings, ideas and messages. However, in this case the movie follows the greatness of the book and I am finally able to say that. The lines that are drawn in the book which captures different angles of the character's life, are very well interpreted and portrayed in the movie. It is a very long movie, but there is always a reason behind it. It is impossible to understand the message of the book, without capturing every story, analyzing it and break it down into details. I don't know much of Philip Kauffman's career, but I have read the book and I have seen the movie many times, and I can assure you that the movie has achieved it's goal. Daniel Day-Louis is superb because he has portrayed its character-Tomaz so unbelievebly well. Tomaz, the famous and respected neurosurgeoun which is part of the high intellectual class in Prague, ends up becoming a janitor cleaning windows and later on a farmer. This is how light life is, our exsitence as human beings. Is it for love, due to political circumstances at the time or just living reality to the fullest? And realizing how light our life is, we try in any way to make it more meaningful without realizing that it can be so, only if we want it to be so. Juliette Binoche(French) and Lena Olin(Swedish) are incredible and amazing. The characters are terribly hard to interpret, yet they reached the character's uniqueness and gave a great performance. It is a movie on life and how we live it. A great movie with a special European Cinema touch. If you have never seen the movie, please do watch it because you are missing a good lesson on life understanding. I assure you that you will be fulfilled and maybe ready to start reading the book right after watching the movie.

This movie adaptation of Miles Kundera's book, which I haven't read yet, is a lengthy and illuminating study on freedom versus captivity, strength versus weakness as seen in the interractions between a handsome womanizing surgeon, Tomas, his lover and the woman who understands him most, the artist Sabena, and a Tereza, bright young waitress Tomas meets after performing an operation at a spa-town. Tereza shows up in Prague and unlike his character, they get married, complete with a piglet wearing a necktie whose squeals cause them to giggle uncontrollably at the ceremony

The movie is set during the Prague Spring, that brief shining moment when a liberal communism under Alexander Dubcek's socialism with a human face, seems possible. To which Tomas mentions the ill-fated uprising in Hungary (1956). Tomas himself contrasts King Oedipus to the Soviet leaders. Oedipus couldn't bear the sight of what he had done to bring about the plagues in Thebes, so he plucked his own eyes out and left. The Soviet leaders though, were unlike Oedipus. Their defense at Stalin's crimes after his death was "We didn't know." Morality also changed since Oedipus. Tomas then says that the Soviet hardliners stayed in power when they should have plucked their eyes out. He writes an article to that effect, something that will cost him dearly later.

At one point, the table and glasses rumble as Tomas and Tereza are arguing. An earthquake? Tomas follows Tereza outside. The source of the tremor is then seen. Pushing its way aggressively down the alley towards them is the menacing shadow of a Soviet tank. Yes, it's 20 August 1968.

A great highlight is when the picture turns to b&w portion during the demonstration in Wencesclas Square, soldiers atop tanks, people climbing on top of them, chants of "Dubcek" and "svoboda", the fire of machine guns and people fleeing, bodies covered with Czech flags, with Tomas and Tereza in the thick of the action, marching, fleeing, or in Tereza's case, snapping pictures like mad. The scene ends dramatically with a Soviet soldier warning her, pointing his pistol at her through the lens.

Sabena, and later Tomas and Tereza flee for Geneva, but things don't work out. All three journey again, the latter two back to Czechoslovakia, where under the reinforced hardliners under the thumb of Leonid Brezhnev and Gustav Husak, their part in the uprising becomes a liability.

Sabena is compatible with Tomas's sex opposed to love. She asks him, "Are you only searching for pleasure or is every a woman a new hat whose secrets you want to discover?" She is sexually independent, strong-minded, and the mistress of her destiny. This is demonstrated when she meets Franz, a married lawyer, in Geneva. At a cafe, she comments on how music becomes noise, that even the plastic flowers are in a filled vase, and points to the building behind her as the "uglification of the world. The only place we can find beauty is where its persecutors have overlooked it. It's a planetary process, and I can't stand it." She becomes Franz's lover, but when he leaves his wife to be with her, she fears for her freedom, realizes she has left one cage behind only to become prey to a different one. But ultimately, freedom leads to another cage, that of loneliness, and the lack of happiness.

Tereza wants a monogamous relationship with Tomas, but finds esteem in doing something fulfilling, being a faithful wife who does her part. She can't adapt to Geneva so returns. In doing so, though, it's back to political captivity, back to a totalitarian regime, but at a lower status. If freedom/loneliness doesn't yield happiness, does that mean captivity and community yields it?

Yes, there is quite a bit of sex and nudity here, but nothing gratuitous or pornographic. It's more a tasteful erotica, i.e. the much ballyhooed scenes of Sabena and Tereza photographing each other. Sabena comes off as haunted, serene, grave, at times a twinkle of mischief in the photos.

Lena Olin gives the strongest performance here, exuding a strong, enigmatic, sensuous aura as the sexually independent Sabena. She would've been a strong candidate as an Oscar nominee. Praiase also to Juliette Binoche's sweet, shy, sensitive, loving Tereza, the role that boosted her to the spotlight. Daniel Day-Lewis's Tomas becomes more developed and human in the film's second half. One of those memorable movies that makes one think in depth.

Making my comparison to Milan Kundera's book, I have to rate this movie fairly low. I don't believe Kaufman was able to capture the essence of Kundera's writing with this film representation. So much of Kundera's writing is internal to the characters, which is difficult (at best) to communicate on screen. Unfortunately, this is the richest part of the experience; I recommend the book, but found the movie decidedly unsatisfying.

"The movie is never as good as the book"- how many times have we read or heard this phrase? True, it is almost impossible to find a movie that resembles so much to the book in every detail and in addition is able to promote and bring the same feelings, ideas and messages. However, in this case the movie follows the greatness of the book and I am finally able to say that. The lines that are drawn in the book which captures different angles of the character's life, are very well interpreted and portrayed in the movie. It is a very long movie, but there is always a reason behind it. It is impossible to understand the message of the book, without capturing every story, analyzing it and break it down into details. I don't know much of Philip Kauffman's career, but I have read the book and I have seen the movie many times, and I can assure you that the movie has achieved it's goal. Daniel Day-Louis is superb because he has portrayed its character-Tomaz so unbelievebly well. Tomaz, the famous and respected neurosurgeoun which is part of the high intellectual class in Prague, ends up becoming a janitor cleaning windows and later on a farmer. This is how light life is, our exsitence as human beings. Is it for love, due to political circumstances at the time or just living reality to the fullest? And realizing how light our life is, we try in any way to make it more meaningful without realizing that it can be so, only if we want it to be so. Juliette Binoche(French) and Lena Olin(Swedish) are incredible and amazing. The characters are terribly hard to interpret, yet they reached the character's uniqueness and gave a great performance. It is a movie on life and how we live it. A great movie with a special European Cinema touch. If you have never seen the movie, please do watch it because you are missing a good lesson on life understanding. I assure you that you will be fulfilled and maybe ready to start reading the book right after watching the movie.

This movie adaptation of Miles Kundera's book, which I haven't read yet, is a lengthy and illuminating study on freedom versus captivity, strength versus weakness as seen in the interractions between a handsome womanizing surgeon, Tomas, his lover and the woman who understands him most, the artist Sabena, and a Tereza, bright young waitress Tomas meets after performing an operation at a spa-town. Tereza shows up in Prague and unlike his character, they get married, complete with a piglet wearing a necktie whose squeals cause them to giggle uncontrollably at the ceremony

The movie is set during the Prague Spring, that brief shining moment when a liberal communism under Alexander Dubcek's socialism with a human face, seems possible. To which Tomas mentions the ill-fated uprising in Hungary (1956). Tomas himself contrasts King Oedipus to the Soviet leaders. Oedipus couldn't bear the sight of what he had done to bring about the plagues in Thebes, so he plucked his own eyes out and left. The Soviet leaders though, were unlike Oedipus. Their defense at Stalin's crimes after his death was "We didn't know." Morality also changed since Oedipus. Tomas then says that the Soviet hardliners stayed in power when they should have plucked their eyes out. He writes an article to that effect, something that will cost him dearly later.

At one point, the table and glasses rumble as Tomas and Tereza are arguing. An earthquake? Tomas follows Tereza outside. The source of the tremor is then seen. Pushing its way aggressively down the alley towards them is the menacing shadow of a Soviet tank. Yes, it's 20 August 1968.

A great highlight is when the picture turns to b&w portion during the demonstration in Wencesclas Square, soldiers atop tanks, people climbing on top of them, chants of "Dubcek" and "svoboda", the fire of machine guns and people fleeing, bodies covered with Czech flags, with Tomas and Tereza in the thick of the action, marching, fleeing, or in Tereza's case, snapping pictures like mad. The scene ends dramatically with a Soviet soldier warning her, pointing his pistol at her through the lens.

Sabena, and later Tomas and Tereza flee for Geneva, but things don't work out. All three journey again, the latter two back to Czechoslovakia, where under the reinforced hardliners under the thumb of Leonid Brezhnev and Gustav Husak, their part in the uprising becomes a liability.

Sabena is compatible with Tomas's sex opposed to love. She asks him, "Are you only searching for pleasure or is every a woman a new hat whose secrets you want to discover?" She is sexually independent, strong-minded, and the mistress of her destiny. This is demonstrated when she meets Franz, a married lawyer, in Geneva. At a cafe, she comments on how music becomes noise, that even the plastic flowers are in a filled vase, and points to the building behind her as the "uglification of the world. The only place we can find beauty is where its persecutors have overlooked it. It's a planetary process, and I can't stand it." She becomes Franz's lover, but when he leaves his wife to be with her, she fears for her freedom, realizes she has left one cage behind only to become prey to a different one. But ultimately, freedom leads to another cage, that of loneliness, and the lack of happiness.

Tereza wants a monogamous relationship with Tomas, but finds esteem in doing something fulfilling, being a faithful wife who does her part. She can't adapt to Geneva so returns. In doing so, though, it's back to political captivity, back to a totalitarian regime, but at a lower status. If freedom/loneliness doesn't yield happiness, does that mean captivity and community yields it?

Yes, there is quite a bit of sex and nudity here, but nothing gratuitous or pornographic. It's more a tasteful erotica, i.e. the much ballyhooed scenes of Sabena and Tereza photographing each other. Sabena comes off as haunted, serene, grave, at times a twinkle of mischief in the photos.

Lena Olin gives the strongest performance here, exuding a strong, enigmatic, sensuous aura as the sexually independent Sabena. She would've been a strong candidate as an Oscar nominee. Praiase also to Juliette Binoche's sweet, shy, sensitive, loving Tereza, the role that boosted her to the spotlight. Daniel Day-Lewis's Tomas becomes more developed and human in the film's second half. One of those memorable movies that makes one think in depth.

from when i heard of it i thought it was going to be a good movie but instead i find a medokre movie. there are some pluses the action is cool but also ther are those horrible close ups of the eyes

i think it's the best film ever! YOU WONT REGRET BUYING THIS!!

This movie sets up the stage for what is to later become Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. If you're a fan of The Road Warrior then You owe it to yourself to see the original Max Rockatansky before he became a shell of a man. Officer Rockatansky was a great cop, husband and father in a time when morals and quality of life were on the decline.

Some reviewers have mentioned this movie was not so "Post Apocalyptic" or high tech. I must remind you this story is set before "the world went to war", you have to pay attention to really appreciate this movie, if you do, you'll notice the Main Force (police) has only 5 or 6 cars for a whole county, a police station with giant holes on the roof, and gangs of men who have realized there is more gain by going out on the roads/towns and pillaging than in searching for non-available jobs. This is, quite simply, the beginning of the end.

I gave this one 5 Stars as this DVD has changed the way I judge other movies on DVD. The remastering process was done so well, it looks like a movie filmed in the 90's! It actually looks better/newer than my Batman and Matrix DVD's. Lots of trivia too. Something else you should know is that this movie was put together with a budget of $200k odd US dollars, volunteer riders and many rookie actors, and it still managed to become an inspiring cult classic. This was a great low budget film brought to life by the talented George Miller/Byron Kennedy team.

Watch this movie along with it's sequel The Road Warrior and you will not be disapointed, you may skip "Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome" because by the time this movie was made, Byron Kennedy, the producer to whom its dedicated, had died and Hollywood's save the -lil' childrens- big budget hype ruined the rest.

The intro to The Road Warrior best explains why this DVD is a must see...

"To understand who he was, you have to go back to another time."

...was the European release title. But since I've never been very much impressed by her as a 'singer',and because I've been very much impressed by her (lack of) talent as an actress (I've seen only some trailers and it was more than I could stand), I dare to say the truth: I will be very happy not to see her in bed, and to leave her to all who appreciate provocative vulgarity...and I'm very far of beeing prudish.

I've seen the Girlie Show which I thought was spectacular but as a behind the scenes look this was okay too. Though I think that it skirts the insight of her as a businesswoman, teh labogorious meetings, teh lawyers, the accountants, the business structuring and also very limited access to her home. This also needed a reporter of some kind asking her definitive questions, a shadow reporter if you will.
Though the freestyle works of sometimes simply being a fly on the wall, there seems to be some shielding to who she is. Which is troublesome on one level and applaudable on another. We shouldn't have TOTAL access to her life, she deserves privacy as we all do, even if she has chosen the public spotlight. But at the same time what is her goal here?
Did I get to know Madonna better? Somewhat but there's so much flurry around her that often times its hard to see if she's orchestrator or along for the ride or perhaps some days there is no difference.?
She's interesting, yes. But at the same time strident and I don't think thats because she's a strident person but because there is so much for her attention to manage. And at the same time 99% of the people around her are on her payroll or subject to her whims. It puts her in a position where for her artistic vision she may want to get her own way and at the same time she has to constantly war with the maturity of listening to others and deferring. It must be a hard balancing act to maintain control and flexibility when the whole show is YOU.
Admirable.

This was a terrific film, an informative and enjoyable look at Madonna on tour, behind the scenes. The concerts she performed required a lot of work, management and coordination, and it was fascinating to see parts of the process.

A lot of people castigate Madonna for her lifestyle, but we all need to keep a few things in mind: No law requires people to buy concert tickets or CDs from Madonna, but that's certainly not the case for public school districts, which merely arrange to tax citizens for whatever they want. There are no laws prohibiting anyone from competing with Madonna, but that's certainly not the case for our magnificent U.S. Postal Service. Madonna will always be funding her own retirement and health benefits programs -- but that's certainly not the case for our Senators/Representatives in Washington, who have bestowed lavish benefits upon themselves with money simply confiscated from taxpayers.

Madonna is a fine artist, along with being a successful free-market capitalist competitor. She has built a fortune for herself by pleasing others, and not causing any problems for anyone else. The truth is, all of us should dare to emulate the personal passion whish has fueled her success.

OK, folks. Who has time for a 45-60 minute workout every day? Not me. So, if you like to feel like you're putting in *some* exercise time but don't want to add ANOTHER hour to your day, check out this fun DVD.

Three-day Rotation offers six, 20-minute workouts (three beginning, three advanced). Donna's clear directions will help you when you're learning, and the funky chatter will keep you awake, if you're doing them in the wee hours of the morning like me.

Of course, you might have your husband start chanting with Donna "you've got to get down before you get up," like mine has! Seriously, I've used this DVD more than my others in the last two years. (Which is why Dave probably knows the words and commentary.)

Donna is my new best friend. She is so encouraging and perky, unlike some of the fake fitness gurus out there. She makes things fun, does some moves that are silly but fun. It does take a few times of doing the workout to really be able to keep up, but its just a small challenge, and worth it.

This dvd provides a great workout. I like the 20 minute format for when I need a good workout in a short amount of time. Donna explains and demonstrates the moves clearly. Donna is cute and fun and makes the workout enjoyable!

Classic, history made into a thrilling Hollywood movie. Great music and acting.

I have always been a fan and a supporter of this underrated classic since the week of its release in 1984. It opened to mixed critical and public reaction, but I think it deserves a new look. For one, I think it tells the story of the Mutiny better and more convincingly than the 1935 Laughton/Gable film. Whereas the original movie mostly had an American cast, an American production, American accents, and a humorous 20th century toungue-in-cheek tone (that renders that ancient movie inaccurate and unwatchable), THE BOUNTY utilizes an English cast, and takes a more serious tone. Ultimately, the cast for the Bounty is more believable as British seamen who lived in the 18th century.

As far as the storyline is concerned, THE BOUNTY tells its side of the story well. Bligh as portrayed as an authoritarian leader who has to deal with a crew of insubordinates, led by a lovestruck Christian. Their stay in Tahiti among the native population changes the mood of the crew. But Bligh knows what the true mission of his voyage, and tries (but fails) to remind his men that they are really transporters of breadfruit plants from Tahiti to Jamaica. Ultimately, Bligh's onscreen rages are convincing (whereas the 1935 version portrays Bligh's behavior as the whims of a crazy old man). The climax of the film, the mutiny itself, is very well done, as the tempers of all involved come to the surface.

There is no denying the exquisite look to this film, and it is better served on the big screen. The period dress is impeccable, and it gives the film a historically accurate tone. What actually happened between Bligh and Christian in 1787 may remain a mystery forever, but I feel that THE BOUNTY is the ultimate and most satisfying statement of the information left for us.

Melvin Gibson really looked good back when this movie was filmed, and you could see the origins of many of the theatrical techniques which later became staples of his thespian repertoire -- emotional wide-eyed flashes, exasperated eye-rolling, and drowsy eyelids closing while he tried to stay awake. (This film, set in the past as it was, featured no scenes of another of Melvin's specialities, operating motor vehicles. Some would insist it's just not a Melvin Gibson movie if we don't seem him driving a vehicle in a car chase.)

A great alternative title for this film, given the magnificent scenes featuring the robust Tahiti female characters, would have been "The Bouncy."

Martin Scorsese has made a masterpiece here. His long shots coupled with the exquisite costumes and glorious scenes are breathtaking. Ryder gives a shockingly incredible performance. Pfieffer follows suit, as I had this inner plea for her to win all that she sought.

The supporting cast (including bit players) were also perfectly placed and helped create this piece into "Master".

This film is truly a feast for the eyes, creating a visual world that perfectly reveals the society in which it is set. More importantly, the screenplay draws us into a world where emotion and its expression are defined by the rules of class. Subtlety and depth are keywords for the story in this film, and the actors compliment the presentation by giving well rounded, natural, and believable performances. Oscar Nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Music Score and Best Apated Screenplay. Oscar Winner for Best Costumes. Fans of Martin Scorsese might love this and others think this is Scorsese`s Oddest Film.

A lush, period film....overly well-mannered characters...dialogue often not spoken much above a whisper....and this film was directed by Martin Scorsese, director of Goodfellows, the ultimate wiseguys movie about gangsters???? What's going on here??? What would a famed Mafiosi director know about a period comedy set in 1870's New York high society? Well, quite a bit, actually. Reportedly, Scorsese BEGGED for the chance to direct this epic, saying he grew up in a such a society, and understood it better than almost anyone else. The close-knit families, the strict codes of conduct and honor, a highly structured society lorded over by the most elite families; in short, there are many, many similarities between Edith Wharton's New York and Martin Scorsese's Big Apple. Wharton's society mavens use whispers and rumours instead of bullets to leave their heart scars, but the effect is the same: one must conform to this highly structured society or leave it. Daniel Day-Lewis is Newland Archer, the rising young lawyer and member of New York society whose evenings are spent at fancy-dress balls, the opera, and other social events. He marries beautiful but seemingly simple May Welland, played by Winona Ryder, and settles into a life most of us would envy. However, there is just one thing missing from this well-ordered world: passion. That passion comes from Europe one day in the person of the Countess Olenska, a cousin of May's separated from her loveless marriage to an aristocratic husband. There is an immediate attraction between Archer and Olenska, and as he and May seek to redeem her place in society, the two childhood friends begin an affair that, given the time and place and their stations in life, is doomed to fail. Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer are fabulous as the lovers, seeking to keep their encounters hidden from the rest of society. They are really soul-mates more than lovers, Olenska bringing to Archer's life the joire de vive that the always-prim and proper May can never give him. Winona Ryder is an absolute revelation as May. Everytime she comes on screen, the viewer is left to wonder: how much does she know and when does she find out? This high drama unfolds before one of the most sumptuous settings ever captured on film; the art and set decorators reportedly used period paintings to ensure the right look. Scorsese allows the story to unfold at a natural pace, just like reading a relaxing novel, except few novels contain a passion so tightly restrained that the characters are in eminent danger of making their entire world collapse for want of relief. There are plenty of delicious supporting characters as well; Mary Beth Hurt and Stuart Wilson as the Beauforts, another couple who broke this society's taboos and find themselves covered in shame; Michael Gough and Alexis Smith as the van der Luydens, the most influential family in New York, who do not fail to come to the Countess' aid in her time of need; and, best of all, Miriam Margolyes as society doyenne Mrs. Manson Mingott, providing much needed comic relief with her grand, imperious manner and her passel of pooches. Joanne Woodward makes a wonderful narrator to this intriguing world as the action unfolds at a stately pace through time and space (stately, but never boring!), finally climaxing in a Paris street scene that is incredibly moving in it's heartbreaking simplicity. So, if you want a fast-paced action thriller with plenty of explosions, go elsewhere. However, if carefully-paced, unrequited passion is your game, then get The Age of Innocence today. This movie just might leave a few scars on your heart!

I actually saw this movie when it was released in 1993, and honestly it was pretty dull then. Of course I was 22, and the workings of that late-1800's New York society really didn't make much sense or have much relevance.

I think the film may have been ignored at its release because of the slew of other "period pieces" which were so popular (an eventually common) in the late 80's/early 90's... But watching it again 10 years later, this film is anything but common.

The true intensity is Scorcese's detached presentation of a hypocritical & hateful society which holds its members as prisoners.

Not to mention impeccable art direction & beautiful cinematography by the legendary Michael Ballhaus. The film looks as impressionistic as the paintings that line the walls of the characters' homes.

Scorsese is always acute in his casting decisions, and this is one of the films many virtues:

Lewis is perfect as a man who's struggle between his passion & his duty are constantly on the verge of devouring him (yet somehow he thrives on his torture).

Ryder is the seemingly innocent & naive girl who is completely manipulative & cunning underneath her exterior (gee, who would have thought?!) -- notice the arching scene.

In a sense, this was one of Pfeiffer's defining roles. Pfeiffer herself (in a sense) is an "outcast" who has never truly been accepted as a "serious" actress by her peers in the acting community. Watching this film again, it amazes me how this role somehow reflects her personal position in the current social structure of Hollywood, similar to her character existing in 1800's New York society.

Wow...

What an amazing pic. I completely "missed it" the first time around. Great observance of "high society." Many of those codes are strangely applicable today.

Not recommended for those who like fast paced movies, or those who are looking for the "usual Scorcese." I would couple this with "Last Temptation of Christ" as Scorsese's most brave, artistic, demanding & abstract films to date.

This DVD is an expample of unchecked greed , and half formed talents. Fortunately helen Hunt managed to break out of this rut.
The show was a waste of time , the DVD a waste of time, and money.

After reading all the reviews written by other's here on Amazon.com, I decided to go ahead and buy this item anyways. I loved watching the reruns of "Mad About You" and was excited to find out that the episodes were on DVD. I bought it and started watching it instantly; careful to make sure that all the drawbacks some customers had pointed out weren't enough to make the viewing experience unbearable.
So here's my two cents:
1) Some had warned that the DVD lacked an episodes menu so you could choose which ones you wanted to see and in what order. Surprising enough mine had one of these little menus, but the episodes were still in a different order than in the one they were originally aired.
2) There were also some complaints about disappointing picture quality, that the picture was grainy and looked old. My experience was completely different because I thought that the picture looked fine and it was of good quality, no grainy appearance unless you squinted or stood so close to the TV that you could actually make out the pixels.
3) There was one interesting review were the person thought that the picture was compressed well I don't think it was and my TV is larger than 9". Still I don't think that the average person has a huge 61" TV; so if you are and average person with a normal sized TV don't worry about it looking compressed.
To sum it up, the item is fairly prized you get 22 episodes of a wonderful show for under 30 bucks and if by some reason I bought a re-issued item with all those little quirks others complained about fixed then you know that you will get good quality and if you really enjoy "Mad About You" then go ahead and make the purchase I'm sure you won't be disappointed (well only if you were expecting a different show and bought the wrong DVD, hehehe)

I just received the dvd of Mad about You and I just love them!! Paul and Jamie are the most lovable couple of ever! I'm waiting for the nexts season and I'm definitely will buy them. Just one recomendation: please, include spanish subtitle! There are a lot of people of this part of the world that would thank this. Finally, to those that haven't bought "Mad Abouy You - The Complete First Season", what are waiting for?

I recently rented this DVD. Thought I would try before I would buy. I enjoy Rodney Yee's AM section. His voice is calming and it's very relaxing but he doesn't hold the poses very long. Suzanne Deason's voice is annoying and she is like "Speedy Gonzalez" ... waaay too fast to relieve any stress. Did nothing for me. Patricia Walden's PM was too difficult. Again, too fast! She doesn't tell you how to change the positions. I didn't find it very relaxing. I'm happy I only rented this.

Rodney's am Yoga warm-up is the best thing about this video. He has such a calm, soothing voice, and this yoga stretch is a great way to start your morning. It's not particularly challenging, but I don't think that's the point--it's just a great way to get loosened up and ready to start the day. The other two work-outs are fine--I find the evening one a bit too strenuous for a before-bed workout--it gets me too energized, but I think it would make another good morning work-out. It's just too bad Rodney doesn't feature in all three segments--then I would give this five stars.

I have studied yoga for 2 years and use this DVD to supplement for my home practice. It is a great value these 3 workouts for this price. They are each 20 minutes long with a warm-up and relaxation. The AM works on you gently getting you energized for the day. The stress-relief works the shoulders to relieve the daily stress you carry there. The PM is slightly more vigorous and tires you out a bit. The only one I have difficulty watching is the PM because Patricia is in the desert and the wind is blowing and it looks HOT! My favorite is the stress relief, so I disagree with the other reviewers. I find Suzanne to be an excellent instructor. The workouts are very quick and just perfect for before or after work. The section on props is great for beginners. If you are a beginner most likely you will need props because you can't reach as far and they help you get deeper into the pose. For this tape you need one brick, a belt and a mat.

It really did. Here's how it went down.

I watch the movie and i'm touched by the portrayal of the introverted chick, she's fleshed out and completely credible, worthy of empathy. I had no bloody idea what the movie was doing, i was just rooting for the chick, i hope she made good, i knew so many chicks like her.

Then all of a sudden it turns surreal and the part that the actors couldnt salvage comes up. I can picture an alternate universe where this was a quirky little independant movie with a happy ending that made good. Watching this immediately after amelie may induce suicide.

But i digress, on to spoiling the movie. The lovable introverted chick, on the verge of true love and being able to have a happy life, flips out and everything turns awful. I was dismayed to see this, parts hit too close to home and a few suicidal ex-girlfriends. But when she gouged out her eye, i just puked. Really and truly kids.

Now i'm 18m and not at all easily rattled, and i cant remember the time i barfed before that.

Horrible, just horrible. I rented this because it was mentioned in the same sentence as "Donnie Darko." What a disappointment. The characters actions/reactions make little sense and the actors obviously have a hard time with the material. May is so over-the-top with her dysfunction that she seems to have all the social skills of a 3-year-old. It made no sense for this fella to even get as far with her as he did.
The nympho/lesbian co-worker provides a semi-humorous thread, but again, it is so over-the-top that it is just campy. I won't "spoil" the ending, but I will just say that it is ludicrous. The problem with over the top, for me, is that it then takes the movie out of the realm of "reality" and thus is not scary or creepy because I am no longer taking it seriously. This movie may have had tongue firmly in cheek, but regardless, just came off as very poorly executed.

I really enjoyed this movie, and I am glad I watched it. I enjoy most unusal and strange films. These kinds of movies are the kind that keep you intriged and wondering whats gonna happen next. If you only like mainstream movies then maybe this isn't your type of movie. But if you like unusual films give this one a try.