The Blue Max

Amazon.com

The Blue Max is highly unusual among Hollywood films, not just for being a large-scale drama set during the generally overlooked World War I, but in concentrating on air combat as seen entirely from the German point of view. The story focuses on a lower-class officer, Bruno Stachel (George Peppard), and his obsessive quest to win a Blue Max, a medal awarded for shooting down 20 enemy aircraft. Around this are subplots concerning a propaganda campaign by James Mason's pragmatic general, rivalry with a fellow officer (Jeremy Kemp), and a love affair with a decadent countess (Ursula Andress).

As directed by John Guillermin (who later made The Battle of Britain in 1969), the film's main assets are epic production values, great flying scenes, and stunning dogfights. The weak point is the sometimes ponderous character drama, not helped by Peppard, who is too lightweight an actor to convince as the driven antihero. Clearly influenced by Kubrick's Paths of Glory (1958), The Blue Max is a cold, cynical drama offering a visually breathtaking portrait of a stultified society tearing itself apart during the final months of the Great War. --Gary S. Dalkin

Description

The "Blue Max", a coveted medal for achievement in flying, is ruthlessly sought by Peppard, a poor-boy german soldier who climbs out of the trenches and into the aristorcratic air force. He is met with prejudice by the other contestants, wealthy snobs who

Customer Reviews:

A great war movie.......2007-08-21

What some people will do to get a medal! An excellent movie from beginning to end, although some of the effects are not as good as they do nowadays. However, the better some modern special effects are today the more they LOOK like special effects. The air combat sequences were pretty decent in this flick, primarily done with real planes. A really enjoyable film

Outstanding WW 1 aviation flck.......2007-05-12

This is my favorite WW 1 flick superbly depicting the dawn of aviation in warfare. It is an exceptional character study of individuals and of a war from the perspective of elite aviators of the country who unjustifiably started the horribly brutal and bloody worldwide conflict. The film takes place near the end of the war showing just how quickly Germany's fortunes turned from great optimism to obvious impending defeat.

The other reviewers have done well in explaining the paths of the individual characters and I will just say that George Peppard did a nice turn playing the main character. The other actors turned in excellent performances. The production values are exceptional and the Jerry Goldsmith musical score is moving and soars as one of his best. The dogfight combat sequences are well done too. Script and screenplay nicely compliment the films other attributes.

I highly recommend "The Blue Max" to everyone not just war buffs as it is outstanding drama, historically educational and an interesting character study. Well done on all all fronts. Bravo.

Blue Max DVD.......2007-03-22

I recently ordered an old movie, THE BLUE MAX, from Amazon. It arrived in a timely manner and in excellent shape. I was thoroughly satisfied with every aspect of my purchase.

The Blue Max.......2007-03-15

I was enticed to view this movie since I am a military veteran and a licensed pilot. The acting by George Peppard, James Mason and Ursula Andress is very compelling and captivating. The plot centers around a class struggle of a commoner (Peppard) against the officer corps and the aristocratic class of Germany and his zeal to prove that he is as good as they are by earning the coveted Blue Max. This medal is Germany's highest award for valor and is given after a pilot is credited with 20 confirmed kills. The air combat scenes are fairly accurate and the aircraft are correct for the models depicted, such as the British SE5 and the Fokker DRI. The ground war scenes are just as grisly and filthy as I can imagine that the trench warfare must have been. I would recommend this movie as a definite collectible to any war buff who enjoys air combat.

Great movie, effects as good as flyboys even tho it was from the 60's.......2007-03-09

The planes look great in this movie and the plot is cool. Its hard to tell sometimes that ist was made that long ago. I recemend this movie to every WW1 plane fanatic as well as fans of war flicks

Average customer rating:

My Brilliant Career(DVD)
Yet another contrarian view
A daughter who is useless, plain, and godless
Realism Heaped Upon Reality
Judy Davis is Extraordinary

My Brilliant Career
Starring: Judy Davis , Sam Neill , Wendy Hughes , Robert Grubb , and Max Cullen
Director: Gillian Armstrong
Manufacturer: Blue Underground
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0008GGN9I
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Amazon.com

The acclaimed debut of Judy Davis is the best reason to see My Brilliant Career, and the award-winning film is highly recommended as the feature debut of director Gillian Armstrong. This was an early entry in the magnificent "New Australian Cinema" movement that yielded such classics as Picnic at Hanging Rock, Gallipoli, and Breaker Morant, and 27-year-old Armstrong (who would later direct the popular 1994 version of Little Women) brought just the right feminist touch to this stately adaptation of the 1901 semi-autobiographical novel by Miles Franklin. Davis (who was 23 at the time) plays 16-year-old Sybylla Melvyn, on the verge of womanhood in turn-of-the-century Australia and determined to have a "brilliant career" as an independent writer and lover of life, but her attraction to a wealthy bachelor (Sam Neill, charming as always), and the pressures of her family to lead a conventional life of devoted domesticity, turn this into a romantic and highly observant drama of personal dilemma and free-spirited conviction. It's no surprise that Davis and Armstrong went on to brilliant careers themselves (Davis starred in David Lean's A Passage to India just a few years later). --Jeff Shannon

Description

Winner of Six Australian Academy Awards, Including Best Picture and Best Director.

Exquisite 2-Disc Special Edition

This is the film that became a worldwide sensation and remains perhaps the most beloved and acclaimed romantic epic of all time. Oscar -nominee Judy Davis (Passage To India, Husbands and Wives) made her international debut as Sybylla Melvyn, a free spirited young writer who refues to conform to society's expectations of how a 'proper woman' should live her life. Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, The Piano) co-stars as the wealthy suitor who tries to win her restless heart in this Oscar nominated classic by Gillian Armstrong (Little Women, Starstruck). Long unavailable in America, My Brilliant Career has been fully restored and remastered in High Definition from the original negative, under the supervision of Academy Award nominated Director of Photography Donald McAlpine.

Customer Reviews:

My Brilliant Career(DVD).......2007-08-25

I saw this movie twice in one week years ago.It was the first time I saw Judy Davis.She was then and still is a wonderful actress.The film has a good story&I found it charming,witty,and fun.It does have its serious moments.It is exctremely well done.One of the best of its kind I have seen.

Yet another contrarian view.......2007-07-24

I wanted to like this film. I really did. Especially after reading the glowing reviews here. But I found it somewhat empty and non-sensical in some aspects. One thing I couldn't understand is why the main protagonist had to go to work as a governess for this poor family when she was living with her rich grandmother. How much money could her father owe this man that her grandmother couldn't pay off the debt for him? I didn't find the romance nor the entire film believable. The cinematography was gorgeous as well as the sets. But that's about all I got out of it, although I admit the second half was better than the first half, but that's still not saying much in my opinion.

A daughter who is useless, plain, and godless.......2007-04-12

If you loved Anne of Green Gables and Out of Africa, you would probably enjoy My Brilliant Career. A determined young woman in Autralia deals with adversity and love, while holding onto her dream of becoming a writer.

Realism Heaped Upon Reality.......2007-03-01

In early twentieth century Australia a young woman, Sybylla Melvyn, played by the ever-capable Judy Davis, is determined to escape the mundane domestic existence she sees laid out before her, in order to seek her fortune, her "brilliant career" as a writer. She passes up a sound offer of marriage to a smitten, wealthy young man, played by none other than Sam Neill, and as a consequence makes due with residing in reduced circumstances as a governess: itself hardly the fulfillment of her egoistical dream. The statement here is more than just one of ideals before romance, it also says much about the reality of the limited choices open to women even as late as the nascence of the 1900's, and the at least short-term fate Sybylla (a stand-in for real life writer Miles Franklin) meets as a result of her choice was nicely depicted by director Gillian Armstrong. The sad fact was that when a woman in times past strayed from those narrow roles society dictated as available to her (wife and mother being by far the most obvious and approved one) she was seldom rewarded. Sure Sybylla is allowed to choose her path for herself and perhaps reaped some feeling of empowerment from that, but My Brilliant Career makes it plainly apparent what the probable outcome is to be. Undoubtedly things could be better for women (and everyone else) than they are today, but dare I point out that we've come a long way..."baby?"

Judy Davis is Extraordinary.......2006-09-30

I will not attempt to repeat the complimnts of other viewers. I will say only that MY BRILLIANT CAREER is a beautifully written and photographed tale of a vivacious, independent young woman (Judy Davis) and the unrequited love of her suitor (Sam Neill). The characters are unforgettable and the love story complex. As a period piece, the film comes alive. New South Wales and other sites emerge through meticulous art direction, wonderful costumes and delicious cinematography.

While the score hangs its hat on a single melody from Robert Schumann's "Scenes of Childhood," the salon performances are captivating and the dance sequences lively and colorful.

But this is Judy Davis's film by far. Her performance is funny, fiery and nuanced. She is also a natural beauty who speaks as clearly with her body and eyes as with her words. She conveys the stubbornness with which many writers pursue their work, forsaking everything for the freedom and space they need to create.

The extras here are generous, with the most valuable feature in this two-disk set "The Miles Franklin Story"-- on which the film is ultimately based.

I am grateful this film is accessible again, beauifully remastered in high definition, with a crisp, clear soundtrack. The packaging is also exemplary.

MY BRILLIANT CAREER has been on my top-20 list for a quarte- century, and it still holds its place. A captivating, funny and deeply moving film with a first performance by a young actress that has no equal.

Average customer rating:

A Full House where Dueces aren't wild...
Deuces Wild doesnt have that much fight in it
no more west side story comparisons,please!!
A more intense version of West Side Story
save your money

Deuces Wild
Starring: Fairuza Balk , Nancy Ellen Cassaro , Matt Dillon , Stephen Dorff , and Balthazar Getty
Director: Scott Kalvert
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00003CY1G
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Amazon.com

Take West Side Story, remove the music, add excessive profanity and violence, and you'll get Deuces Wild. It's an overripe melodrama in which rival street gangs--in this case Deuces vs. Vipers in 1958 Brooklyn--inevitably clash in a deadly rumble, preceded by shameless scenery-chewing from nearly everyone involved. Stephen Dorff plays the head Deuce, agonizing over his older brother's drug overdose and leading a cast of rising stars and familiar faces including Brad Renfro as Dorff's hot-tempered kid brother, Norman Reedus as the vicious lead Viper, Fairuza Balk as Renfro's no-nonsense girlfriend, and Matt Dillon (uncredited) as the kingpin who introduces heroin to Dorff's drug-free turf. Balthazar Getty, Frankie Muniz, and James Franco are also in the cast, suggesting that director Scott Kalvert was hoping for an unforgettable ensemble. What he got instead was a stale story crowded with percolating posers, recommended only for those who've never seen the 1979 street-gang classic The Warriors. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A Full House where Dueces aren't wild..........2007-07-17

Are the "Deuces" a true violent gang, or does MTV just portray them that way? As I sit here struggling to connect my words for this pathetic attempt of a "gang turned Shakespeare's tragedy" film involving the ever buff Stephen Dorff and the slowly decaying Brad Renfro. This is a story, not unlike others that we have seen done better, about violence, drug problems, and falling for the girl that you least expect. It is "Romeo & Juliet", fixed up like "West Side Story", with fights that would no doubtably see the award ranking at that year's MTV Movie Awards. I cannot say if that is what made this film at times unbearable to watch, or if it is what pulled me into watching it a second time to see what the director had to say about his actions. Either way, I made it through two viewings of "Deuces Wild" and before I hear usurped "gasps" from the peanut gallery, I must say, this is definitely not a film that get better with age.

Using whatever leftover table scraps "The Sopranos" wanted to throw, coupled with a storyline recycled from every Hollywood recreation of this genre, "Deuces Wild" begins haphazardly and continues along the trend for the next 96 minutes. Is it brother's vengeance? Is it due to rival gangs making sure that their territory is never advanced by the other? Is is because of money? Is it because of love? I mention these questions again because I believe these random unanswered questions, which lead into a convoluted violent ending, are what hurt the overall picture of "Deuces Wild". From the beginning, we do not know the true motives of our characters. Dorff, the obvious leader, seems more like the lover instead of the fighter, but when it is time to do what is just, he apparently turns into a machine with fists that could take down a passenger train. Renfro, the hard-boiled little brother, doesn't seem like the obvious choice to swoon the possible leader of the all-girl group. His second-grade reading and interpretation of the script, makes him seem more like muscle instead of brains. I believe that if Dorff would have taken control of Renfro's character and vice versa, perhaps a better film would have come from this conclusion, but alas, we were stuck with what was the final product. Balk, who plays Renfro's love interest, is annoying and void of emotion. Her true nature is never revealed, and it is up to us to realize that these two lovers happened to be at the right place at the right time, the action surrounding them is just static.

I have to continue with the characters for a bit more because they were the failing glue that could not keep this film stuck together. Norman Reedus, the weaselly-villain-esque character had angry eyes and an obsession with power ... why? I have no idea. He liked drugs and wanted to distribute, or did he just want to make trouble for Dorff and Renfro? This continues my theory that no true character development occurred, which dumbstruck this viewer from beginning to end. I don't want to repeat myself for Balthazar Getty's character of Jimmy Pockets. Again, nothing seemed set or hardened with these guys. They did what they want, whenever they wanted. That works in most gang films, but when empathy needs to be felt for someone, it is probably better not to just let the fists do the talking. Was that Johnny Knoxville in there as well? Nothing like James Franco playing the same character of James Dean for this role? This transformed into nothing more than pathetic over-use of similar moments. It was sad. It was recycled. It was unoriginal at best. It was a gangster film married to "West Side Story" for the fast-paced MTV generation.

For 96 minutes we were stuck with these characters, so I watched, hoping that perhaps the cinematography would take me to a far away land - perhaps the language would reintroduce me to the genre, or maybe the story would sweep me away. Well, I wanted something to distract me from the characters, but alas, it never happened. The story, as mentioned before, was recycled. The visions seemed like they belonged on stage instead of on screen. After listening to the audio commentary, the director seemed to agree as well since most of the budget couldn't take them to an actual location, but instead a sound stage in LA. The angles seemed short and the people seemed tight in every scene. I am surprised that we didn't seem cameras in every shot. I felt claustrophobic in every scene, even when the gang was fighting. I have to pause and laugh now, because the fight sequences were possibly the lightest element in the film. Does lightening have to spring into the scene just to make those known that the air has grown angry? Lightening and fight sequences, is it the match-up that we have been waiting for all of our cinematic life? In this film, the answered question is: yes.

Poor acting, poor cinematography, cheap dialog, why does this film rate so high among film watchers? Some claim that it is the darker side of "West Side Story", which I could argue against. There wasn't a dark undertone to this film at all. The choreography to the fight sequences made me laugh, the themes of which the characters drew themselves upon were simple, never quite the complex characters that we anticipated. There was no logic to this film, just remake followed by recycling, followed up by further cheapened cliche's that can be found in any other film of this genre. This is not "Goodfellas", so let us not try to make the comparison. Did this film accurately depict the era that it attempted to represent? To me, the answer is no. Well, I have officially become to bitter to continue this conversation. I wasn't happy, nor can I suggest this film to anyone with a straight face. Nothing was put together well, the voice of the film seemed amateur at best. Skip it - you will be happier!

Grade: ** out of *****

Deuces Wild doesnt have that much fight in it.......2005-09-26

Stephen Dorff (Blade, Entropy) stars as the leader of the gang called the Deuces and he was stricken years ago when one of his brothers died from an overdose that his enemy on the otherside of the street, the leader of the Vipers, played by Norman Reedus (Blade 2, Gossip) gave him. Now, Reedus springs out of prison and wants to take revenge on the Deuces starting a club on their side. Brad Renfro (The Jacket, Tart) plays the second older brother of Dorff who falls madly in love with a member of the Vipers sisters, played by Fairuza Balk (Almost Famous, The Craft) but his brother Dorff has his suspicions about her and doesnt want Renfro to be going out with her. Then things heat up as both gangs go head on in fights and brawls to see who comes out on top. Sometimes boring, nothing that can bring it up to be a good movie. Some of the acting is laughable and the editing, especially the fast motion/slow motion sprinkled into the fight scenes are really lame. Also starring Matt Dillon (Crash '05, The Outsiders) who is wasted here, Balthazar Getty (Lost Highway, Lord Of The Flies), Max Perlich(Blow, Drugstore Cowboy), James Franco (James Dean, Spider-Man 2) , Johnny Knoxille (Big Trouble, Dukes Of Hazzard), Frankie Muniz (Agent Cody Banks, Big Fat Liar), Deborah Harry (lead singer of Blondie) and Dre de Matteo (Assault On Precinct 13 '05).

no more west side story comparisons,please!!.......2005-02-21

when i heard about DEUCES WILD back in late 1999 early 2000,i was elated at the prospect of there finally being another 50's/early 60's type of street gang melodrama on the horizon.
yet,of course,because of the 9/11 incident in new york,the a-holes in hollywood decided to push back its release for quite a while,so i had to be content with the occasional promo photo in random movie magazines.
finally the movie came out without much fanfare,alas it was also the 'spiderman' weekend,and also the innocuos 'lord of the rings' was in theatres as well that weekend,but luckilly that meant i was in the movie theatre with just myself,my girl and about ten other people.
i thought the movie was excellent,great costumes,great cars,great period music,great locations,good yet hammy acting,gorgeous leading ladies,stylized violent rumble scenes,cheezy yet touching overacted scenes between familys,decent period detail.
yet then the reviews started coming in,and everybody who had ever had freshmen english or drama class compared it annoyingly to west side story,a 1961 singing and dancing musical,when they should have made comparisons to another tho far superior 1961 gang film,john frankenhiemer's black and white opus,'the young savages',or even to photographer bruce davidson's late 50's photo essay,'brooklyn gang' or even the short comic story in the late 70's underground comic,'50's funnies',called,'turf',about a gang in the 50's fighting with another gang who wanted drugs in the neiborhood and who had mob backing and a character was even named marco.....awfully convenient dont you think?
anyways,while this movie was'nt as good as 'the young savages','lords of flatbush' or 'the wanderers',to name but a few,but it was a hundred times better than the wimpy 'west side story' could ever be.
i dont know if this review helps,but the leads in this film were really good,stephen dorf,brad renfro,drea dematteo,faruiza balk,matt dillon,normon reedus and james franco putting in good performances......also i liked the fact that they did,nt over saturate the film with to much music from the past,it was just the right amount,very good choices of songs by 'dion and the belmonts','jerry butler and the impressions','the valentines','dee clark' and a few others.
and of course,faruiza balk and drea dematteo,tho a little long in the tooth to be playing teenagers,looked absolutely scrumptiuos.

A more intense version of West Side Story.......2004-11-27

Scott Kalvert did an outstanding job directing this movie and making the time period as realistic as possible. The similarity between this and Westside Story is the gang rivalry. In Westside Story, you have The Jets vs. The Sharks and in this movie you have The Deuces vs. The Vipers. I didn't see all of Westside Story though but it seems like its less intense than this movie. This movie has some Rebel Without A Cause as well but I didn't see that movie either. I compare this movie to Rebel Without A Cause because of the gang element and Stephen Dorff is The Jimmy Dean of this movie. Stephen Dorff does a great job as 'Leon', the noble yet violent leader of The Deuces. Brad Renfro also does a great job as Leon's younger brother Bobby. He is easily influenced by his brother's hatred towards The Vipers and his life-style is even more chaotic when he meets 'Annie', who is played by Fairuza Balk. Drea DeMateo was so so as 'Betsy', Norman Reedus does a great job as 'Marco', and Matt Dillion does a great job as 'Fritzy'. Overall, its a powerful and intense movie and a must see for movie fans. You'll be pleasantly surprised!

save your money.......2004-04-13

Unless you like cheesey, poorly written, poorly acted, and poorly executed movies save yourself the money. If you just have to have a nostaglia trip, get The Outsiders instead

Average customer rating:

Worth it for the opening alone
Not Baker's or Haas' Movie
It's just okay
Entertaining Mess
Stallone returns to his birthplace with directorial debut

Paradise Alley
Starring: Anne Archer , Armand Assante , Lee Canalito , Chick Casey , and James J. Casino
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0006IIPL2
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Customer Reviews:

Worth it for the opening alone.......2007-08-25

I'm buying this for the opening scene alone with Sly singing the Paradise Alley theme.

Not Baker's or Haas' Movie.......2006-12-22

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SYLVESTER STALLONE stars in a comedy about NY life in the 1940's. Three brothers, stooges, fail at multiple attempts to make it out of the slums of Hell's Kitchen. In trying to make the big bucks, they neglect the one thing that matters, Love. In realizing this, the little brother makes a decision that might jeopardize their big Blue Heaven.

I thought the movie was funny in every scene, but it wasn't so funny as a movie. If that makes sense. I thought this may have been due to poor direction, STALLONE'S debut. It would make a very good Theatre production. Cutting a few scenes out of the picture, would have made it a better movie (example: ice cream scene).

A few things about the movie stand out. Firstly, this is legendary singer/songwriter TOM WAITS' Hollywood debut. Any TOM WAITS fan will want to get this movie, just to watch those few glorious moments over and over again.

Secondly, SYLVESTER STALLONE sings the theme song. This is priceless. If you've watched his career blossom, and are able to observe the contradiction in his newly found intellectualism, then you will appreciate hearing him sing a theme song for a movie. I rank this action second to hearing WILLIAM SHATNER'S rendition of 'Rocketman'. Very nice.

Thirdly, the lines spoken by a thug mentioned in a previous review are truely classic.

So it's a great picture, however, the optimum enjoyment for this movie is to be experienced in parts, by previewing one scene, before that evening's alternate DVD is queued.

It's just okay.......2006-05-14

Well, well, my peepinheimers - this movie is a far cry from Sly at his best! I love Mr. Stallone and would recommend this to any fan because it is, in fact, his directorial debut. Also - singer Tom Waits made his acting debut AND actor Armand Assante had his first role of any significance (later, of course, he would work with Sly in the unfairly maligned "Judge Dredd"). Sly wrote the screenplay, too - based (and this is an often ignored fact) on his novel of the same name. That's right, the hardcover novel was published well in advance of the movie adaptation. Having read the novel several times (I still own my dog-eared hardcover first edition!), I can honestly say that the changes made for the movie were not beneficial. I wish that the screenplay had been truer to the novel - which had a greater emphasis on dark characterization instead of the overblown (and poorly staged) wrestling matches that dominate the latter portion of the movie. The book is more realistic, but I assume that Mr. Stallone was coerced by the commercial-minded movie producers to make the ending more traditionally "up-lifting."

Sly, it should be noted, also sings the opening credits song - and it should come as no suprise to those who saw him duetting with Dolly Parton in "Rhinestone" several years later, the man can actually sing. In some ways, I prefer Sly's singing voice to that of his successful hit-making brother, Frank; it's richer and more distinctive.

Ultimately, this movie is undone by a lack of focus. The story has many interesting threads, but too many of them are left unresolved by the end of the movie. Not that I expect all movies to finish up tidily with every little thing explained - a measure of ambiguity is welcomed. It's just that when it comes to an ambitious character piece like this, I would've rather had more exploration of the various relationships as opposed to a big rah-rah wrestling match.

Entertaining Mess.......2006-01-09

Sly Stallone's directorial debut is a self-indulgent mess ripe with overwrought dialogue and broad characterizations. The film does not start out swimmingly with Stallone croaking the title song over the opening credits. Maybe Sly's intention was to make baby bro Frank, who makes an appearance here, look like a good singer. Those quibbles aside, this is an eminently likable film. Stallone may have been a little over his head here but it'a a nice try. You're never bored with this effort. His Cosmo Carboni is an affable schemer. He's ably supported by Armande Assante as the brainy Carboni brother and Lee Canalito as the brawn. A good supporting cast is assembled here with Anne Archer, Kevin Conway, Frank McRae, wrestler Terry Funk and singer Tom Waits. I wouldn't exactly call this a misfire because it is enjoyable. Nor is it your typical vanity project. Let's just call it an admirable endeavor on Stallone's part.

Stallone returns to his birthplace with directorial debut.......2005-12-07

Singer Tom Waits a spectator during a hand-wrestling scene in a Stallone movie? You got to be kidding! But believe it or not, Mr Waits made his acting debut as pianist Mumbles in Stallone's directorial debut Paradise Alley! Weirdest of all, Stallone sang the movie theme song Too Far From Paradise (six years before he grooved with Dolly Parton in Rhinestone (1984)) in Paradise Alley and Waits recorded some songs that were based on this movie. Unfortunately, these rare recordings are not heard during the course of the movie and the CD is not available on amazon - very difficult to get hold of.

Critics at the time called Paradise Alley a "crazy collage". The film starts off with stunning scenes of 1946 Hell's Kitchen nightlife by master cinematographer Laszlo Kovacs, who at the time was also responsible for New York, New York (1977), another period film set in 1945 New York. Now one is reminded how director Martin Scorsese also were derided by critics for trying to marry 1940s Big Band-era "fake movie set" Hollywood musicals with gritty 1970s urban realism in New York, New York. But Paradise Alley is not of the same artistic caliber as New York, New York. Stallone's Combo is unconvincing (unlike De Niro's sax musician in the latter movie), although debut actor Armand Assante delivers a serious, solid performance (he would re-unite with Stallone in Judge Dredd, 1995). Halfway through, the character drama deteriorates into a wrestling movie, complete with a ridiculous Rocky-esque final championship match! This movie is strongly recommended for nostalgic Stallone fans - this movie is written, directed, sung and starring Sylvester Stallone!

Average customer rating:

If I Could Only Give 6 Stars
Plastic-Fantastic Baby...Just point me in the direction of the Lizard Lounge!
STARSTRUCK
Starstruck has "that certain something extra!"
Australia Rocks

Starstruck (2-Disc Special Edition)
Starring: Jo Kennedy , Ross O'Donovan , Margo Lee , Max Cullen , and Pat Evison
Director: Gillian Armstrong
Manufacturer: Blue Underground
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0009MDQ9Q
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Amazon.com

Director Gillian Armstrong (My Brilliant Career, Little Women) is behind this absolute gem of a movie. Though the soundtrack is pure New Wave, Starstruck has a surprisingly traditional plot. Jackie Mullins (Jo Kennedy, doing her own singing) has just gotta sing! And her cousin Angus is determined to make her famous. The two team up with local band The Wombats to take their shot at stardom and try to save the family pub. Starstruck's buoyant spirit will remind viewers of fellow Aussie films The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Strictly Ballroom, but it has a charming quirkiness all its own. Armstrong fills the background with sly sight gags and throwaway lines ("I'm looking for something good for the cat." "How about a brick and a bag?"), and the choreography has a real sense of humor, right down to the water ballet number with inflatable sharks. But for all its deliberate silliness, Starstruck is a musical with real heart; the 1980s hairdos and giant kangaroo costumes can't cover up the movie's deep central conviction that dreams really can come true. --Ali Davis

Description

From the Director of MY BRILLIANT CAREER - A Totally New Kind of Musical!

Three years after she rocked the movie industry with MY BRILLIANT CAREER, director Gillian Armstrong again brought the world to its feet with this unexpected musical comedy smash. Jo Kennedy stars as quirky young singer Jackie Mullens, who along with her 14-year-old manager/songwriter/ cousin Angus (Ross O'Donovan) will go to any outrageous lengths to chase their dreams of pop stardom. Oscar® winner Geoffrey Rush (SHINE, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN) makes one of his very first screen appearances in this acclaimed combination of delightful old-school story and explosive new wave musical that was nominated for three Australian Academy Awards - including Best Original Music Score - and features songs by Tim Finn and Phil Judd of legendary pop-rock band Split Enz.

Customer Reviews:

If I Could Only Give 6 Stars.......2007-08-10

Glorious, inventive, charming, fresh, tuneful, a perfect movie, kids.

In a world of stupid musicals with non-songs in them, Miss Saigon, Phantom, Hairspray (boy did they blow a chance to write some terrific new music), this little movie from the 80's just jumps out at you.

Every songs a winner, you actually can sing them. The actings good, the plotlines fun.

Aw heck, just buy the DVD and enjoy.

Plastic-Fantastic Baby...Just point me in the direction of the Lizard Lounge!.......2007-07-30

I've always considered "Starstruck" the Holy Grail of eighties flicks (okay with exception of "Dogs in Space" and "Breaking Glass"). If there ever was a film that could jam pack the 80's in like a sardine can then this musical is it. Big, feathered pink and red hair, skinny ties, ratted hair, fishnets, creepers, ballerina tutus, crinolines, legwarmers, and last but not least, the Lizard Lounge. Gillian Armstrong's arty farty world of Aussie new wavers comes to life with kick ass music and visuals that resemble a Cyndi Lauper video high on Red Hots.

Indomitable Jackie Mullins and the Wombats try their hand at winning the $25,000 purse in a battle of the bands contest to help save her mum's pub. But actually getting into the contest in the first place might prove to be the biggest obstacle of all. Toss in her scheming brother Angus, some well-placed high jinx, and an infectious heroine who only wants to sing ala non-conformist style come together in an amazingly uplifting crescendo of music and feel-good enterprising entertainment. One of my all time favorite flicks!

STARSTRUCK.......2007-03-09

II's a very up lifting show,!!!!!I just love it and recommend it to any out there , who like being taken back to the 80's for a bit.It makes you wish you were, what ever age you were in the 80's!!!!!! "BUY IT YOU'LL Love IT!!!!!

Starstruck has "that certain something extra!".......2007-03-01

Starstruck is one of the great forgotten flicks of the 80s.

Its name should be uttered with quiet reverence in the same breath as Valley Girl, Sixteen Candles, and the Breakfast Club, but - sadly - namedrop the film in North America, and you're likely to get a resounding "Huh?," even among 80s aficionados.

I've probably watched my old, decrepit VHS of this movie about 100 times over the last 20 years, and the thing that's always brought me back for more is how the sincerity and quirkiness of the family scenes plays against the spirited and energetic new wave musical numbers - sure, they're amateurish by today's standards, but the complete conviction and enthusiasm with which they're executed is a giddy (not guilty!) pleasure.

The song highlights here are many, but my personal favorites are "Body and Soul," the Split Enz song from the band's best CD, Frenzy, and the irrepressible "I Want to Live in a House," which lays bare the link between punk rebellion and nerdy frustration; Ross O'Donovan and his merry band of misfits "oi, oi, oi" their way through a sarcastic and convincing rave up with more nervous energy than an early Elvis Costello video; if you don't have goosebumps by the key change, or you don't immediatlely watch it again, congratulations: you're clinically dead.

The DVD is a huge improvement on the VHS edition. It's great to finally see the film in all its widescreen glory with much-improved sound and picture quality. I was a bit worried that part of the film's charm lay in the nostalgia of watching it on washed-out videotape, but that's definitely not the case. The greatest sin of the VHS edition, as it turns out, was that it obsured the fantastic production design. I must've paused the DVD 15 or 20 times last night to take a closer look at the background. Bravo!

The extras are interesting, but -- where are the interviews with Jo Kennedy and Ross O'Donovan? It's impossible to watch this film without wanting to find out more about both of them. As Gillian Armstrong notes in the extras, O'Donovan was 17 when he made the film (playing a 14 year old), which would make him 41 today. How does he feel about the film and his performance today? An expanded edition, please.

The discussion with screenwriter Stephen MacLean is interesting, in that he doesn't seem to like the film very much; ahh, the classic grouchy screenwriter who wanted to direct his own work! He cultivates the image, as he's interviewed on the beach getting a leg massage.

Interestingly, MacLean says that he thinks O'Donovan's performance is weak(!), and he wishes he could've chosen the songs himself. He also recalls a time he saw the film in a theatre and found himself sitting next to a six-year-old girl, who attempts to explain what's going on to her two-year-old sister. Good stuff.

All the interviewees say the film did better in the U.S. than Australia, which is hard to believe. However, I do recall Siskel and Ebert giving Starstruck two thumbs up, so that might've done the trick (hey, it worked for My Dinner with Andre).

The deleted scenes aren't so great; they're mostly extended scenes, and by "extended" I'm using the term liberally -- they're about five seconds longer than the originals.

I join the (building?) chorus of fans demanding a CD of the music; and, while we're at it, why don't we also demand the DVD release of Modern Girls, the other great forgotten 80s flick (notable for featuring Depeche Mode's should-have-been-a-hit But Not Tonight)?

Australia Rocks.......2007-01-15

I enjoyed the movie so much that I visited the bar featured in the movie when I visted Sidney.

Average customer rating:

Once upon a time..........

Blue Fin
Starring: Elspeth Ballantyne , Alfred Bell , Terry Camilleri , Liddy Clark , and Ralph Cotterill
Director: Carl Schultz
Manufacturer: Sterling Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00068S3T6
Release Date: 2003-01-01

Customer Reviews:

Once upon a time.................2006-03-03

This movie is a good example of how fishing for tuna was done in South Australia. Nowadays the tuna is held in floating pens off the coast. This film can be slow in places but if you are interested in the old style of fishing with steel sqid jigs then you might enjoy it. More of a rent for the night film.

The Last of the Blue Devils - The Kansas City Jazz Story

Average customer rating:

The Last of the Blue Devils
Blue Devils
Joe Turner and friends - Kansas City Reunion
A Musical Genius
Oklahoma Music and Lester Young footage

The Last of the Blue Devils - The Kansas City Jazz Story
Starring: Gene Ramey , Jo Jones (II) , Charlie Parker , Jesse Price , and Herman Walder
Director: Bruce Ricker
Manufacturer: Rhapsody Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

Documentary | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B00005M2CK
Release Date: 2001-08-14

Amazon.com

Kansas City in the 1930s was a wild, wide-open place. Under political boss Tom Pendergast, the booze flowed freely, prostitution and gambling flourished, and the Depression pretty much passed the city by, making it an ideal spawning ground for some great music. Pianist-bandleader Count Basie, saxophone immortals Lester Young and Charlie Parker, and blues belters Big Joe Turner and Jimmy Rushing were all working there, along with a host of lesser- known but equally formidable musicians, and they all played the blues, Kansas City style.

Director Bruce Ricker's 90-minute The Last of the Blue Devils chronicles the 1979 reunion of many of these legendary players, combining interviews, vintage film footage, photos, and some inimitably swinging performances by Basie, Turner, pianist Jay McShann, and many others to create an intimate, good- natured portrait of what one old-timer calls the "cool, relaxed sound" of the city. The camaraderie among these men, all of whom are colorful raconteurs (drummer Ernie Williams's harangues to some bemused local kids are especially entertaining), is palpable. But it's the music, unsurprisingly, that's the main attraction; performances include some familiar tunes, like Turner's "Shake, Rattle & Roll" and a Basie big band version of "Night Train" (featuring tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest, the tune's composer) that's as greasy as the local barbecue. The Last of the Blue Devils is an absolute delight. --Sam Graham

Customer Reviews:

The Last of the Blue Devils.......2007-07-09

Warm, joyous film blends current day encounters and performances of old jazz comrades with lively footage and anecdotes of Kansas City in prohibition days and just after, when the Pendergast political machine controlled the town. (Later Boss Tom Pendergast would launch a former local haberdasher into politics: Harry S. Truman). Whatever else was happening, jazz was certainly thriving, and a host of musicians like Basie and Turner used the time and place to advance and perfect their individual gifts. This feature will be catnip for any jazz lover.

Blue Devils.......2007-07-03

About 1986 or close to it, I saw a portion of "The Last of the Blue Devils" on late night TV, and I have always watched for it to be aired again, but I have not seen it. When I saw this CD listed, I jumped on the opportunity to buy it, hoping to see more of Lester Young than his brief appearance. But all in all, I still enjoyed the CD.

Joe Turner and friends - Kansas City Reunion.......2007-01-10

As an account of the history of Kansas City jazz "The Last of the Blue Devils" is a bit thin on detail. However this nostalgic record of a gathering of aged musicians is very interesting and at times highly entertaining. For those who are seriously interested in tracing the history and influences of Kansas City Jazz there are plenty of other sources to be explored but Big Joe Turner and friends enjoying themselves is something well worth experiencing - and a bit of the Kansas City jazz story creeps in too.

A Musical Genius.......2006-11-28

The Blue Devils never sounded so good as this. Jay has now completed his 5th Symohony (198 pages) which was written at the age of thirteen. It has been recorded for Sony BMG in the same studios where the Beatles' songs were recorded. This fifth composition was played by the London Symphony Orchestra in England,

He was not your normal twelve year old, not interested in sports. He was bored to distraction in history class. He sees music as a hobby, and not his destiny. He hears the music in his head at the speed of light. He hums what's channeled to him as he walks. He is the musical Einstein.

At the age of ten, he enrolled at Julliard. Now, at the age of fourteen, he is a 3rd year college student. Jay need to question his 'gift' like Beethoven and studies piano lessons. He played cello at the age of three. He had started writing music at the age of two. His mother is Israli and father lost his sight at the age of 36.

At twelve years, he became known as a musical prodigy and declares that "it comes right the first time." He writes the music for each instrument of the orchestra even though he has not played them. He write "when I am inspired;" when one long session is completed, he starts another immediately. I fear he will burn out before he reaches twenty. He writes what he has imagined and when asked "who can really define happiness" he answers "keeping one's mind challenged."

This was a good documentary filmed both in America and Britain as he takes his bows after the performance of his 5th Symphony. He may know music, but I would advise him to change his mind about history, as that is where we come from and is to be the result of our family heritage and genes as to what his future holds for him. He is an inspiration to all.

Oklahoma Music and Lester Young footage.......2006-11-10

I ordered this movie to supplement a class I am taking about the Culture of Jazz and Oklahoma music. The wonderful footage of some of the founding fathers of Kansas City Jazz, including the Oklahoman Jay McShann, is a treat!
This is a good movie for anyone interested in what musicianship can be...

Average customer rating:

Devil's General

Manufacturer: Belle & Blade Home Vdieo
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

World War II | Military & War | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000K9ATMU

Product Description

A terrific suspense thriller based on the life of Ernst Udet, the highest scoring German ace (62 confirmed kills) to survive the first World War. Udet was awarded the Pour le Merite, the coveted "Blue Max" and was made inspector-general of the Luftwaffe under Hermann Goering. He killed himself in November 1941 in horror over the decadence and incompetence of the Nazi military leadership General Harras (Udet) is played by the brilliant actor Curt Juergens (star of The Enemy Below, The Battle of Britain, and The Longest Day). Curiously, Juergens was steadily improving in his craft during WWII, when Dr. Goebbels had him deported to a concentration camp for political unreliables in Hungary. Marianne Koch (the Star of Africa) and Bum Krueger also star. Harras, a talented Luftwaffe designer, has the technical expertise to develop newer and deadlier fighters and bombers. As inspector-general, he must determine why his newly designed bomber keeps crashing. His standing with the Nazi leadership is shaken when they begin to wonder whether the loss of aircraft is due to poor design or ... could it be sabotage? Harras is a man of his time, yet a man of honor in a dishonorable Vaterland which he describes as v for "viciousness, assassin, terror, evil, racial prejudice, liquidate, Auschwitz, Nuremberg and Dachau!"

Average customer rating:

Still stands as one of the best films ever made.
A Superb Film That Never Fails To Amaze

Intolerance: A Sun Play of the Ages
Starring: Spottiswood Aitken , Mary Alden , Frank Bennett , Monte Blue , and Lucille Brown
Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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