Bowling Movie Reviews

Berserk is one of the best series I have seen. The saga of a man with a giant sword grows complex, promising to surprise you with plot twists and gives a fair balance between action and story. This is also a more mature anime, judging by its gore, but also about the themes present in the series. Overall a well-done anime and one that makes my top five!

This is the best anime I've seen in my life. It has a deep storyline, well-developed characters and inspiring theme. It is dark, bloody and brutal, just like what you will expect from a world of chaos. Nothing can compare with the brutality of Berserk, for it is a brutal enough to give us the truth. Although the story happened in a fantasy land, but the emotions of characters, the conflicts, the ambitions, the dreams are all very realistic. This is no ordinary hero saving the world kind of anime. It is neither idealistic nor heroic. It is a brutal struggle for power and dominace, everything is calculated mathmatically. Be it love, friendship or comradeship. Glory is wrapped by deceit, honor is abandoned, and dream is shattered. The final conflict become inevitable and it is tragic.

"Berserk" presents the reviewer with an interesting dilemma. One would have to be in complete denial to miss the fact that it is unabashed exploitative violence. In a fascinating interview, Producer Toshio Nakatani makes it clear that the series was intentionally created for a late night TV slot where they felt they could draw its targeted 16+ audience. The real question is if it is just exploitative violence or if the creative staff has managed to make it much more than that.

This set of episodes, set in the 'quiet' before the storm are very much the proof of "Berserk's" real depth. We see sides of many of the characters, main and supporting, that we have only glimpses before, and the sudden turns in the relationship between Caska and Guts are highlights of the series. While we are never far from bloodshed, it becomes evident that it is there for more than simple fan service.

The key to these episodes is the completion of Griffith's twisted defense against those who plotted to stop his rise to power. Guts, in aiding Griffith this time, realizes that he needs to move on and seek is own purpose, putting his sword in no one else's service. This precipitates a confrontation with Griffith that has far-reaching impact. A year later, Guts is living with a sword smith, perfecting his skills, when he finds out that Griffith has been arrested for high treason, and the Hawks are in flight will Caska as leader. Guts returns to help, and the result is quite surprising.

The artwork in this set of episodes seems to do the best job of recalling the original manga work, with the illustrators deliberately shifting from anime style to something more painterly when the moment seems proper. The music, strong, and sometimes grating, underlines the nervous state of the characters, as they move into their places for the final drama.

This is a harsh series, suiting its medieval setting, and the individual viewers will have to decide if it is what they seek. For those that can deal with the violence without prejudice, there are many rewards for following the story. Whatever you might think of it, it is certainly an outstanding example of its kind.

For those who are collecting the ten volume series of the Lost Films of Laurel & Hardy this is Volume 10 of the series. In fact the 6 films present in it are those that are supposed to be present in volume 10. The films are a good restoration of the old classics, there are 2 films out of the 6 in which Laurel & Hardy take part, the rest are Our Gang & Charlie Chase ones.

Nice 35mm transfers of public domain comedies.

The title to the disc is misleading, there is only one Laurel & Hardy short on it. It should be called The Little Rascals and Friends as there are three Little Rascals (aka Our Gang) shorts. Laurel & Hardy do make a brief cameo on the last short.
This disc features the only sound Laurel & Hardy short to date to come out on DVD: "Be Big" has fallen into the public domain.

This disc was released without a volume number while the silent shorts were being issued. When Volume 9 of the silent DVD set came out there was an announcement inside it that called this disc Volume 10.

Hal Roach & Max Sennett Studios dominated the 2 reel comedy's in the early (silent era) years of Hollywood. Hal Roach Studios stable of stars included; Laurel & Hardy, The Little Rascals - Spanky, Darla & Alalfa /Our Gang - Jackie Cooper & Farina, Charley Chase & Thelma Todd(who are all included on this wonderful DVD), Harold Llyod, Zasu Pitts, Patsy Kelly, Will Rogers, and a young JEAN HARLOW to name a few.

In the early 1930's Hal Roach Studios was aquired by MGM Studios and all the control of the "Talkies" movies went over to their control. Thank goodness that Hal Roach & company maintained control over his old silent & a few talkies pictures. Alas, the "Lost Films of Laurel & Hardy" Series. Ten DVD's containing 60 of Hals early 2 reeler (shorts). Films from 1915 to 1931. All these films have been remastered & digitalized from master 35mm nitrate film located from all over the world!!! Seven years of restoration!!! It proved to be well worth the wait!

"Laurel & Hardy and Friends" is the tenth and final DVD of the "Lost Films of Laurel & Hardy" Series. A great tribute to Hal Roach's genius. (he died in 1992 at the age of 100). The final six movies are all talkies and include his most famous stars.

Summary: Be Big (1930)& The Stolen Jools (1931)(cameo filled) are with "Laurel & Hardy". School's Out (1930), Bear Shooters (1930)& The Stolen Jools have "Our Gang" the early years with Jackie Cooper (before Spanky). Our Gang Follies of 1938, with "Spanky" (later to be "The Little Rascals"). Finally, Whispering Whoopee with "Charley Chase & Thelma Todd - who was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts."

This DVD runs over 2 hours and the quality of picture & sound is outstanding!! The DVD also includes original lobby poster art & with histories of each film.

This is a definite collectible DVD. Enjoy.

this dvd ends what was to be the end of season one of an anime series. but too bad it was not run again on Tv. because of the violence and adult content. It was played late at night and didn't attract enough watches at that late night time. The story line is great in the early episodes but the ending explains alot but also leaves it open as if the was other seasons planned. None the less if you like anime you will love this series. I believe it is one of the all time greats.

Highly anticipated, highly gory, and completely unexpected ending to quite possibly one of the best animes of all time. The first time I watched the ending, I went into a week of doubting, confusion, and depression. Luckily, I had (and still have) a very close friend that made me rewatch the first episode, which brings the series full circle.

I've watched the series now 5 times, and I have just now learned that there is additional material after the closing credits from the final episode. If you have enjoyed the series thus far, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING THE MANGA. The manga is still being written, has more characters, and has a deeper, even more intense story line.

Guts, I wish you were real because i would do you any day. (lol)
No but this DVD was the best one out of them all. If you just look at a picture of Guts you would think that he was a muscle man with no feelings but thats not him at all. Guts is a very emotional person and shows his feeling on the outside most of the time. When i saw Guts start to cry my heart just sank. I felt so sad for him, Caska and the rest of their men. (He also loves Caska very much.)
The last episode was so great and had so much emotion through the who thing that all you could do was feel sorry for them and HATE Griffith for what he did. AHHH i hate him. But i really can't tell you how good this was. (and you are hearing this from a girl) You have to see this one. You will love guts after this because he has such a strong will.
YOU HAVE TO SEE IT

What is most important? Valor, magic, destiny, love? Which of these have the greatest influence on human behavior? In this is the second DVD in the 'Berserk' series, we find ourselves enmeshed in the violence of an imaginary, horribly violent world, where crowns and empires are still to be had for the taking. We follow Guts, a mercenary leader in the service of the White Hawk - a military group led by Griffith, an albino soldier who has the air of some great destiny about him.

These episodes open with the White Hawks attempting to take control of a castle, but unable to defeat the leader of the opposition. Zod, rumored to be a Nosferatu, is making hash of Guts troops, and he and Griffith both enter the castle to take on the fighter. They discover themselves faced with a giant demon, and only Griffith's amulet, the Crimson Behelit of the God Hand seems able to put up any resistance. The amulet with play a part again later underscoring the idea that magic or fate is somehow driving events. There is something dark about the amulet, and thus about it's bearer as well.

In other episodes, we are introduced to the politics of the Midland Empire, as Griffith begins his climb into the ranks of the nobility. The other lords see him as a commoner, and deeply resent his success. While Griffith seems to thrive in the conspiracies, Guts becomes increasing uncomfortable. He is, after all, a straightforward swordsman, and has little patience for courtly things.

In spite of an unending saga of violence (two castles are conquered and an assassination attempted) the relationships between Griffith, Guts, and Caska become complicated by Caska's jealousy over Gut's access to Griffith. Both of the Lieutenants are confounded when a true romantic complication, Princess Charlotte comes into play. How this will work out remains to be discovered in later episodes, but this much dynamic tension is sure to have explosive results as the series develops.

When I first looked at this series I expected the large amount of swordplay and bloodshed to put me off. Yet is hasn't, and the development of the other story arcs has made this much more than a medieval kill-a-thon. Even so, you have to have a fairly high tolerance for military drama in order to get to the true plot. Keep this in mind, but also remember that there is much more to the story.

This set of episodes has VERY good Character Development! You begin to see different sides of the characters.

I Like how Guts reacts to most situations.(with sword in hand!)ha. This series is a fresh breath of air for Fantasy Junkies or ANYONE who likes lots of action with a good story!

If you have watched the first DVD, you know by now this series is not for kids. Well, this DVD takes that to a whole new level, reinforcing this fact. This DVD is where the real plot becomes much more evident as Guts faces off with the "Immortal Soldier," Zodd. Although not completely clear yet, Zodd has some very important foreshadowing that will make you want to watch the rest of the series.

On the series as a whole, I can best compare this series to Record of Lodoss War, but with much more violence and adult themes than Lodoss War had. This series is definately not for children. The story is of a mercenary named Guts and set in a world similar to Lodoss War, but with fewer fantastic creatures and different odd races (most all of the characters are human, with a few exceptions). Do not expect to see a bunch of elves and dwarves and dragons, the non-human characters are few and far between through the first 5 episodes.

One hilarious bonus feature on all of the Berserk DVDs is the Outtakes. Basically, it is a series of line reading errors placed over the same scene in the original anime scenes. Watch them after viewing all of the episodes on the DVD so that you understand the context, but they are truly hilarious. It's very different than those "outtakes" on other animated DVDs, which are actual added scenes.

I bought the Berserk series a few weeks ago after a hard time saving up for it.

and as many have sead if you are a fan of Record Of Lodoss War, a line that made me buy it :), likley you will enjoy this aswell.

it is a bit darker and a bit more violent, sure lodoss had it's sare of wars aswell but this is a bit more blody.

now on to the acctual series.

the first episode takes place sometime after the final episodes of the series and gives you some hints about what have happend in the past.

after the introduction episode you go a few years back i bellive 6 years since the main story spans about 4.

you meet a young warrior named Guts (a weird name but who cares he's coool) he swings a HUGE sword ala Cloud from Final Fantasy VII.

in this episode he meets up with Griffith and his mercenary band called Band Of The Hawk, and as the story develops he starts to love his commrades in arms more and more.

what makes this anime great is the firm development of the story all the way untill the two last episodes.

a small Spoiler ahead.

the last two episodes is mainly just the Hawks getting eaten by demons and the birth of a new demon king, it's to messy and no feeling in it all. but not to spoil everything i will not go anyfurther.

in general this anime is well worth your money.

Berserk. Just about one of the greatest midevil/fantasy war animes I've ever seen, heck, almost THE greatest anime series I've ever seen! A deeply riveting and powerful story about loyalty, trust, friendship, betrayal, ambitions and dreams. The characters are absolutely amazing, how they each have their own dreams and goals that they fight fearsomely for, and their struggles to find themselves and their places in life. The main character, Gutts, is without a doubt one of the best anime characters you'll ever come across. Not only does he absolutely destroy with that enormous sword, but his journey through life and his turmoils as he tries to find himself are extrodinary and touching. And personally, I think he's really cute too. :P Totally different from any series you will ever see, this anime is remarkable, EXCEPT (like most anime shows), the ending leaves you feeling cheated, depressed and a little angry as you never see what actually happens to the characters after. Thats why I gave it 4 stars, it really is a 5, just the ending ruins it. However, to find out what happens next you'll have to get the manga, and trust me, after watching this series you'll be dying for it. It is so good I can't recommend it enough!! So get it already!!

Berserk is every thing I love about anime and everything I hate about anime all in one. I have to say though that I will be buying the entire series despite what I consider the ultimate sad ending. The majority of the series is great, a warrior named Guts with a sword as large as he is joins up with a mercenary group called "The Band Of The Hawk" and quickly becomes second in command. The leader of this group is Griffith a man more graceful than courtly ladies; a man born of humble beginnings destine to be king. The series is full of lovable characters and original storyline and is well worth owning. Aside from the ending being sad the only complaint I could come up with is some battles involve it switching from animation to still artwork, but that's not too bad at all. I also recommend buying the collector's case; its artwork is beautiful.

Summary: Buy it, be prepared for an unhappy ending, and if need be make up an alternate ending in your head were everything is happy (that's what I did with Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop).

I bought the Berserk series a few weeks ago after a hard time saving up for it.

and as many have sead if you are a fan of Record Of Lodoss War, a line that made me buy it :), likley you will enjoy this aswell.

it is a bit darker and a bit more violent, sure lodoss had it's sare of wars aswell but this is a bit more blody.

now on to the acctual series.

the first episode takes place sometime after the final episodes of the series and gives you some hints about what have happend in the past.

after the introduction episode you go a few years back i bellive 6 years since the main story spans about 4.

you meet a young warrior named Guts (a weird name but who cares he's coool) he swings a HUGE sword ala Cloud from Final Fantasy VII.

in this episode he meets up with Griffith and his mercenary band called Band Of The Hawk, and as the story develops he starts to love his commrades in arms more and more.

what makes this anime great is the firm development of the story all the way untill the two last episodes.

a small Spoiler ahead.

the last two episodes is mainly just the Hawks getting eaten by demons and the birth of a new demon king, it's to messy and no feeling in it all. but not to spoil everything i will not go anyfurther.

in general this anime is well worth your money.

Berserk. Just about one of the greatest midevil/fantasy war animes I've ever seen, heck, almost THE greatest anime series I've ever seen! A deeply riveting and powerful story about loyalty, trust, friendship, betrayal, ambitions and dreams. The characters are absolutely amazing, how they each have their own dreams and goals that they fight fearsomely for, and their struggles to find themselves and their places in life. The main character, Gutts, is without a doubt one of the best anime characters you'll ever come across. Not only does he absolutely destroy with that enormous sword, but his journey through life and his turmoils as he tries to find himself are extrodinary and touching. And personally, I think he's really cute too. :P Totally different from any series you will ever see, this anime is remarkable, EXCEPT (like most anime shows), the ending leaves you feeling cheated, depressed and a little angry as you never see what actually happens to the characters after. Thats why I gave it 4 stars, it really is a 5, just the ending ruins it. However, to find out what happens next you'll have to get the manga, and trust me, after watching this series you'll be dying for it. It is so good I can't recommend it enough!! So get it already!!

Berserk is every thing I love about anime and everything I hate about anime all in one. I have to say though that I will be buying the entire series despite what I consider the ultimate sad ending. The majority of the series is great, a warrior named Guts with a sword as large as he is joins up with a mercenary group called "The Band Of The Hawk" and quickly becomes second in command. The leader of this group is Griffith a man more graceful than courtly ladies; a man born of humble beginnings destine to be king. The series is full of lovable characters and original storyline and is well worth owning. Aside from the ending being sad the only complaint I could come up with is some battles involve it switching from animation to still artwork, but that's not too bad at all. I also recommend buying the collector's case; its artwork is beautiful.

Summary: Buy it, be prepared for an unhappy ending, and if need be make up an alternate ending in your head were everything is happy (that's what I did with Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop).

For a critical analysis of this work, please visit www.hardylaw.net/Truth_About_Bowling.html. Several reviewers have called Bowling for Columbine an "eye opener." Try this and open them a little wider.

Here's a clue for anyone debating about buying this documentary: if you consider yourself conservative, or are a member of the NRA, Michael Moore doesn't share your opinions so you will most likely not like this film. That's not to say that you will like it if your aren't a member of the NRA or are liberal. However, it is thought provoking. In fact, it is downright bone chilling. I could go into all the facts and point out every nuance of the film but those details aren't what truly struck me as important because most of us are fully aware of what we are up against in America. If you notice anything about Bowling For Columbine it is that Moore, while not outright saying it, points out that there are many American people who are living day to day with a feeling of hopelessness. And that hopelesness transcends race and income.
Another reviewer makes mention of Moores interview with Charleton Heston: "...wait until a conservative icon is suffering from Alzheimer's, then attack him on camera..." fully ignoring the fact that Heston had the audacity to hold an NRA rally in Denver only TEN DAYS after the Columbine shooting and Moore was interviwing him to ask for an apology for perpetrating such an insensitive act. This reviewer goes on to call America "a very rich, stable culture". If anyone can think that is true after listening to some of the people who were interviewed for this film, you are either in very serious denial or you aren't paying attention.
And make no mistake, I can identify with Moore and his upbringing. I was raised in rural Pennsylvania where people hunt and I, too, know how to discharge a weapon and I do support the right to bear arms. But I don't care what side of the fence you sit on, if you can't see that there is a problem in America and that something needs to be dealt with, there are only going to be more repercussions on all of us. A survivor of the Columbine shootings says something very profound in this film: the students of Columbine High School paid a price that day. This film made me question: who's next?

This movie makes you think about an interesting issue: Germany, UK, Japan, Canada (and several other developed countries) all have fewer than 200 gun-related deaths every year. USA has more than 11000. Why is the rate so high in the States? Even when adjusted to account for population, the US still has about 5 times the number of gun-related deaths as compared to the other countries.

It cannot be a result of USA's violent past: Germany had a much more violent past (think Hitler). Nor can it be due to the prevalence of guns in the culture, for Canada has about as many guns per person, and yet it has very few gun-related deaths.

Moore makes some interesting points, such as, can this be due to the self-righteous attitude in this country that makes the president bomb Kosovo, Vietnam, etc.? Or is this due to the fear that is instilled in Americans by the evening news, that makes Americans trust each other less?

There are several websites devoted to debunking the mistakes in this movie, so I won't go into it. For instance, Moore makes the mistake of claiming that Canada has a higher poverty rate, which isn't true (higher unemployment rate doesn't translate into a higher poverty rate).

Overall though, the movie is a must-see.