Amazing Grace

Amazon.com

Overshadowed by GoodFellas when it was released in 1990, State of Grace gradually emerged as one of the best New York gangster films of its decade. It was also the first to feature the Irish American mob known as the Westies. Here, their territory west of Times Square is being gentrified by an unwelcome infusion of yuppie cash, squeezing them into a reluctant alliance with Mafia kingpins. Frankie (Ed Harris) is the boss; little brother Jackie (Gary Oldman) is his volatile muscle; their friend Terry (Sean Penn) has returned from an extended absence, harboring a dangerous secret while rekindling his love for Frankie and Jackie's sister Kathleen (Robin Wright, Penn's future wife). Giving one of his scariest, most violent performances, Oldman offers stark, brutal contrast to Harris's pent-up fury, while Penn breathes life into his character's standard-issue dilemma. A former protégé of Steven Spielberg's, director Phil Joanou handles this gritty potboiler with confident, unobtrusive style, ramping up the tension of divided loyalties, even as the plot grows increasingly familiar. --Jeff Shannon

Description

New York City's Hell's Kitchen is a pressure cooker of pent-up anger and it's about to explode! Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright, John Turturro and John C. Reilly deliver exceptional performances (The Hollywood Reporter) in this finely drawn tale of betrayal, redemption and guilt (Los Angeles) that'll put you on the edge of your seat (Newsweek)! Terry Noonan (Penn) returns to his old neighborhood with a score to settle. He's now an undercover cop dead-set on taking down an Irish mob family headed by Frankie Flannery (Harris) and his hot-headed brother Jackie (Oldman). But when Noonan infiltrates the family, his old feelings for the Flannerys sister (Wright) further heighten the stakes as he enters a violent showdown with them during a crowded St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Customer Reviews:

Too often overlooked.......2007-09-11

I saw this film a good six years ago and the gritty, ugly, and tortured atmosphere has never left my mind; Gary Oldman's perfomance as Jackie Noonan, Irish mob psychopath, transcends a lot of what he has done since.
Who can forget when he innocently pulls out a severed finger from his icebox, laughing like a child, and shows it to his shocked and horrified brother, Terry? (Sean Penn). Or the beautifully stereotypical ending set on St. Patrick's Day?

This story of a quickly fading Irish mob family is one of psychopathic codependence, betrayal, and redemption through vengeance. Ed Harris is absolutely despicable, the type of character you want to reach into the screen and strangle, as the treacherous and self-interested head of the family, Frankie Noonan. Jackie's murder at his hands (as an appeasement to the more powerful local mob) is like watching a demented but innocent toddler go to his death at the hands of his parent.

Momentarily Burgess Meredith, as a broke old Irish apartment holder named Finnn, sorta reprises his role as Mick in a way (no pun intended); he screams at Terry (Sean Penn) in much the same way way he went roids on Sylvester Stallone. Only Terry's not dumb.

Terry takes care of business in the end, ditching his role as undercover cop and using street justice to avenge Jackie's death. This is the worst St. Patrick's Day you've ever seen; not one person is without a firearm in hand, beer, and fashionably worn leather jacket. A great mood piece.

Underrated.......2007-04-23

In the gangster genre, this flick more than holds its own. As far as Irish gangster movies go, this is the best one I've seen - not that there are a whole lot of Irish gangster flicks. Better than "Departed". See it!

Great and gritty mob movie.......2007-02-17

This is one of my all time favorite mobster movies. You have a great cast of actors including Sean Penn, Ed Harris, John Turturro, John C. Reilly, Robin Wright and Gary Oldman. This is Gary Oldman's movie by a mile and if you appreciate the man and you haven't seen this film, you need to put this one on priority. Definitely an overlooked gem and well worth two hours of your life.

The DVD for the film is okay. The picture is crisp and the audio is a pretty decent 5.1 surround mix. The only special feature is the theatrical trailer which in my opinion is way too revealing. Other than that, I can't really complain about this disc being that it's being sold for so cheap. Definitely worth at least a look.

didn't like it.......2006-12-31

Without revealing anything about the movie, I did not like it because it was unrealistic, especially the Gary Oldman character.

These are gangsters that do anything in broad daylight, without any planning, without any regards to getting caught?! Undercover officers that reveal their identity?! PLEASE!

The movie was of quality simply because of the strength of the big name actors but the acting, story, editing (the parade montage was annoying) special effects (the shootings weer overdramatic) and very wooden charactors were not indicative of a superior film.

This film is grossly overrated.

NYC Irish crime at it's last hurrah.......2006-10-26

Boston cop (Penn) returns to his old neighborhood in NYC known as Hell's Kitchen, a tenderloin slice of the west side of Manhattan long known by the NYPD and the FBI as an Irish-American criminal arena. He is assigned to take down a brutal gang run by Frankie Flannery (Harris) and his out-of-control brother, Jackie (Oldman). They are his childhood buddies, which tears his loyalty in half. Penn and Harris are amazing. Yet, like alot of other reviews, Oldman steals the show. Gary once said this his favorite role of all time, I can see why. Rated R.

Average customer rating:

Amazing Grace
Starring: Bill & Gloria Gaither
Manufacturer: Spring House / EMI
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000TZJC1E
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Average customer rating:

Best film Ive seen in a while
Mormon Propaganda
Absolutely Wonderful!
Unmerited Grace of Christ Jesus
A PENTECOSTAL AND A BAPTIST PRAY FOR A MORMON ELDER!

States of Grace
Starring: Richard Dutcher
Manufacturer: Victory Multimedia
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000JJ4W6A
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Customer Reviews:

Best film Ive seen in a while.......2007-08-20

I get the idea the filmaker is showing for a different audience than just Mormans or other true believers. The two missionaries could have been a template for Moonies, Jehohahs Witnesses even Baptists-- high intensity Christian movement with full time missionaries in contact with the public.
Does he play loose with some of the rules to convey the story? Maybe so and for me it works.

Morman Missionaries are just a vehicle for the movie to revolve around because we got Penticostals, Lutherns and a few others hanging on the edges like so many threads on a scrappy robe.

We also get violence with blood, LOTS, bullets, knives, guns, buts its all in context; no gratuitous sex scenes however, though it is applied in a directly vague way, so there is something for almost everyone

What scriptual reading I hear is presented dull and stale so the story is not preaching Pacific Garden Mission "Unshacked" but more about telling a human drama revealing even GOD is hard pressed to overcome the forces of human nature.

The stories tell, in their winding way, there is always the light at the end of a tunnel, land at the finish of the long sea voyage, a green and blue planet in the vast darkness of space... HOPE.

Additionally, those unfamiliar with the Morman Missionary community, this is a delightful voyeurs' peek behind the door that says "EMPLOYEES ONLY." Its revealed these guys are complex people with thoughts and feelings uniquely their own and not brainwashed products of religious doctrine.

I'd give it 5 stars for acting, the situation, warm and fuzzies but take away one for the CSI moment that just did not happen which would have otherwise placed a certain guy in a lot of trouble(glaring plot hole).

The commentary on the rules: those who follow them, those with enough sense to bend them and those that go "oops," apply globally.

Mormon Propaganda.......2007-07-10

The cover of the DVD says that it is a contemporary "Christian" drama. First, this is no Christian drama because a Christian drama focuses on Jesus Christ and not on Mormon missionaries. It is definitely Mormon propaganda because it starts off by having one of the main characters explain that present day Mormons do not practice polygamy anymore. The Mormon faith sanctioned the practice in the past. In fact, Joseph Smith - the so called "Mormon phrophet" and LDS founder had several wives. It also shows the main character flashing "The Book of Mormon." He says, "its like the Bible." Many biblical scholars would disagree to that claim. The Book of Mormon teaches that the Mormon God (Elohim) was once man - a created being and has several goddess wives. In contrast, the Judeo-Christian God "Jehovah" or "Yahweh" was the beginning and has no creator. He doesn't have any wives. Second, anything that glorifies the good works of man as oppose to salvation through Christ alone is not from Christ. Although, the film has some truths in it, e.g. salvation through Christ, I would not hinge my faith on mixed messages as a previous review said. God does not send out mixed signals. His word in the Bible is clear. Isaiah says that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." A real Christian drama would NEVER feature bikini clad women and have men oggling them even if they call themselves "missionaries." The Bible says that "Any man who looks at a woman lustfully, has committed adultery in his heart." Moreover, the book of Mormon teaches that Jesus Christ and Satan are brothers - both of whom are sons of Elohim; that all Mormons will become like God; that Jesus married Mary, Martha and Mary Magdalene (polygamy) and; that Elohim had sex with Mary to conceive Jesus; and that Joseph Smith was the direct descendant of Jesus from one of his marriages. I don't think any Christian faith would espouse these principles. Most importantly, the clear evidence of the Holy Bible's power is in its power to change lives. I've seen drug addicts, homosexuals, criminals, really evil people turn to Christ and leave their lifestyles behind. They come out changed people after hearing Biblical truth. I have a lot of LDS friends. I consider them good people. A lot of them are upper class, white and privileged people. Very different from the drug addicts, etc. I have met. They look prestine from the outside. But, I have yet to see a real change in their lives after reading the Book of Mormon. I can see that the emphasis is good works - the outside. Not what Jesus really looks at - the heart. If you want a genuine Christian drama you'd be better off watching "The Passion of the Christ," "End of the Spear" or "Facing the Giants." These films give glory to the one who deserves all the glory - JESUS CHRIST, not the "good works" of Joseph Smith or 2 dorks on white shirts with black nameplates who do not know what they are talking about.

Absolutely Wonderful!.......2007-06-10

States of Grace is a masterpiece, and I don't say that lightly.
It is exactly the film my family needed to see at the time that we saw it. An utterly believable, perfectly directed and wonderfully acted inspirational film about sin, repentance, loss, faith and redemption.

Being LDS, especially a returned missionary, may help one to get all of the nuance, but I believe that this is a film that should be uplifting to anyone who doesn't just absolutely hate Mormons.

My favorite line from the movie... You don't have to die for your sins... someone already did that for you".

Finally this is a great Christmas tale... but you don't get that until the end.

If you are in the mood for an inspirational tale, this is a movie for you! Just be sure to pay attention!

Unmerited Grace of Christ Jesus.......2007-05-29

This movie includes a wide diversity of messages. Probably one of the most moving parts of the movie was the ending, with which many people are uncomfortable. States of Grace speaks to people who have led lives as prodigal sons or daughters, while some older brothers may find it repulsive at the pouring out of unmerited favor on the prodigals.

What surprised me is the unparalleled emphasis on the salvific work of Christ. There is always something about the person of Christ Jesus and his work on the cross. It is not to say that this makes the missionary's sexual indiscretion not a sin, but the actress' own words ring true to all people, regardless of their past sins: "You don't need to die for your sins; Somebody already did that for you" (paraphrased), and she gives him a small silver cross.

Dutcher's work shows that there are rules and laws, but one must maintain a Godly balance between teaching either purely law or purely grace. 1 John 2:1-2 "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation [complete sacrificial payment] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."

Moreover, if everybody were to search their heart, they would see that we are all guilty of disobeying God, some more than others. At the same time, that makes all of us lawbreakers, no matter what level of depravity, from Hitler to Hinckley. Every person is equally in need of forgiveness as that dishonored missionary who made a serious mistake. However, we can all come to the Lord Jesus Christ with our brokenness, and he will forgive us. That is grace. It is found in the person of Christ Jesus.

Bravo, Dutcher.

A PENTECOSTAL AND A BAPTIST PRAY FOR A MORMON ELDER!.......2007-03-17

This story to two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who encounter and interact with a homeless Pentecostal preacher, a wounded gang-banger, a struggling actress, and, of course, their own frailties. There is no church propaganda here. In fact, there is some telling in-house social commentary going on here that applies well to any religious tradition.

There are powerful scenes and situations throughout the presentation. Temptation can be subtle, and it's grip gradual. Likewise, personal redemption sometimes just requires a little openness--and seeing the big picture, instead of the immediate policy limitations (do we let the sick homeless guy sleep over or not?)

In the end, what pushes me to the five-star mark is the producer's daring. His characters are real, flawed, and yet marked with God's image. Wrong choices are made, and problems do not neatly resolve. Yet, humanity, compassion, and sincere faith do result in miracles.

Neither my wife, nor I, are LDS. Nevertheless, we found our own Christian faith affirmed by States of Grace. Two thumbs up, as the pros say!

Will and Grace: Complete Series 7 [PAL, Region 2, Import]

Average customer rating:

Will and Grace: Complete Series 7 [PAL, Region 2, Import]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Features:

Region 2 encoding (Europe, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East including Egypt).
Requires multi-region DVD player in the US.

ASIN: 8320429471

Product Description

Will and Grace - Complete Series 8 [6 DVD Box Set, PAL, Region 2, Import]

Average customer rating:

Will and Grace - Complete Series 8 [6 DVD Box Set, PAL, Region 2, Import]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Features:

Region 2 encoding (Europe, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East including Egypt).
Requires multi-region DVD player in the US.

ASIN: B000K52BL6

Product Description

Please note that this is a PAL, Region 2 DVD Set and requires PAL or multi-system capable DVD players. It will not play on standard North American DVD players. Please read the item technical description carefully. ----------------------------------- Synopsis: The final Season of Will & Grace is here! But, dry your eyes and turn off the Gloria Gaynor as theres still bucket loads of laughs to enjoy before your favourite foursome ride off into the sunset. From Wills gay penguin crusade to Jacks soaring career on OutTV and Graces arranged marriage to Karens secret career a shady slums-landlord, this final set of wacky adventures is the funniest yet. If this isnt enough to heal your hurt, Season 8 also features TWO live episodes and a special appearance from Britney Spears amongst others! Guest stars include Alec Baldwin, Jason Biggs, Richard Chamberlain, Harry Connick Jnr, Blythe Danner, Taye Diggs, Debbie Reynolds, Britney Spears and Lily Tomlin.

Love You Madly/A Concert of Sacred Music at Grace Cathedral

Average customer rating:

slightly hollow, yet haunting

Love You Madly/A Concert of Sacred Music at Grace Cathedral
Starring: Duke Ellington
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000BO0L5O
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Description

From the Ralph J. Gleason archives come two significant Duke Ellington programs available on DVD for the first time ever, "Love You Madly" and "A Concert of Sacred Music At Grace Cathedral". Both Emmy-nominated programs represent a significant piece of Ellington history, and this DVD celebrates the 40th anniversary of this premier performance of his Concert of Sacred Music.

"Love You Madly" is an Emmy-nominated behind-the-scenes profile of Ellington including performances and interviews with the legendary bandleader. The performance footage was recorded in a number of places, from The Basin St.West Jazz Club, the 1965 Monterey Jazz Festival, and his first Concert of Sacred Music at Grace Cathedral. This program was described by Ellington in his autobiography as "…the best film about Duke Ellington ever made…"

"A Concert of Sacred Music At Grace Cathedral" (also an Emmy-nominated program) is a rare piece of history. Filmed on location at the premier performance on September 16, 1965, it is the first of what would be 3 Concerts of Sacred Music composed by Ellington between 1965 & 1973. These pieces combined classical, jazz, spirituals, gospel, blues music and dance and were performed in churches and cathedrals around the world. This Concert of Sacred Music was commissioned by the Dean of Grace Cathedral as part of a yearlong celebration for the completion and consecration of the Cathedral.

Liner notes have been contributed by noted journalist and author Ashley Kahn.

Customer Reviews:

slightly hollow, yet haunting.......2007-03-15

Duke was 66 when this film was shot. And we're all creeping there, and we all hope we can wear it as well as he did. But still, so much of the time is given up to rehashes and "In The Beginning God" which is a piece that, while not without interest, is not as strong as its surface would lead you to believe. I'm glad Carney and Procope get screen time and are heard speaking. I could of course wish for more of that, given the importance of the band to Ellington's creations. But it's great that there is some. San Francisco looks great, and I really like the grainy Black and White photography. Louis Bellson's playing is odd - he sometimes sounds like he's on a particularly inspired club date. Magic moments, there are few...Ad Lib On Nippon is heard pretty often in the background, but for my ears it would have galvanized the film to have eventually arrived at a full performance of this, one of Ellington's greatest later works. If you're an Ellington person, this is an essential purchase, but the whole thing left me feeling vaguely sad.

Average customer rating:

A wolf in sheep's clothing...
penny for [all] your THOUGHTS ........
Pallid

The Mind Benders
Starring: Dirk Bogarde , Mary Ure , John Clements , Michael Bryant , and Wendy Craig
Director: Basil Dearden
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00005R24A
Release Date: 2001-12-18

Customer Reviews:

A wolf in sheep's clothing..........2005-08-13

Ostensibly a run-of-the-mill espionage thriller with radical science flourishes, after 30 minutes of the aforementioned , "The Mind Benders" turns into a harrowing treatise on marital love, which apparently needs a lot of smoke, mirrors and hapless hope to survive. The ending is far from "happy," as the audience feels like they've braved a wet weekend of ghost stories at the end of this nifty littly thriller!!

penny for [all] your THOUGHTS ...............2004-05-31

'X' rated by the Brits when released in '62 [well, it DOES feature a 'live' home birth at the end ..... then that dangerous experiment .....] Close to "The Pumpkin Eater" and possibly "Whose Afraid of Virginia Woolf - with Kids?" - this very advanced thriller set in the early 6oties tentatively explores "Isolation Tanks" - and the effect on its subject - or victim.

BOTH DIRK BOGARDE and MARY URE are stellar as the Mr. & Mrs. involved - Mary Ure especially has fine moments as the loving and later abused pregnant wife - tough stuff for that period [although we did have 'Saturday Night & Sunday Morning'] - but it does somewhat explore the approach to 'mind-bending' - and reprogramming of the subject - timely stuff.....

Bogarde was on the eve of his stellar career - the beautiful blonde, blue-eyed Mary Ure left so few examples of her work - but worth visiting "Look Back In Anger", etc. {NOT forgetting Miss URE in D.H. LAWRENCE "SONS AND LOVERS" - a missing treasure from 1960 long due for a DVD release!!}

Tone of movie is suitably sombre, photography is moody and the score very suitable .... a neglected treasure from that period.

Oh, yes and a young Edward Fox pops in and out of a few scenes as a student.

Pallid.......2001-12-28

In spite of the obviously psychedelic packaging for this film, The Mind Benders is marginally science fiction. Instead, this is a drama with SF trappings. The story of a scientist, Dr. Longman, played by Dirk Bogarde, who comes to believe that the suicide of a colleague was caused by prolonged exposure in a sensory deprivation tank, he is forced to prove his theory by a British intelligence agent and undergo the same treatment himself.

The agent is convinced that Longman's colleague was a spy and engages in some subtle brainwashing of Longman after he's spent eight hours in the tank. While the opening half hour is definitely gripping--including Longman's harrowing experience in the tank--the final two thirds of the film is sorely disappointing for science fiction fans--or even for those who are expecting a substantial buildup focused on the theme.

The development after the first 30 minutes or so is pretty weak, centering on Longman's relationship with his wife which has been put to the test, and is a real letdown. Although Dirk Bogarde and Mary Ure as his wife are more than competent actors, the film runs out of steam long before its happy ending.

The real value of this film, as indicated in the liner notes of the DVD, is that it is a precursor to Altered States and The Manchurian Candidate. For completists who want whatever film they can find about brainwashing, this is a must. For anyone else, it's really not great. A far better vehicle for Dirk Bogarde fans, also available on DVD, is The Servant.

Average customer rating:

BUYER BEWARE

Will And Grace - Season 1-8 Complete Box Set [PAL, Region 2, Import]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Will and Grace | W | TV Series, A-Z | TV Series | Television | Genres | DVD | Video
General | 1990s and Newer | By Decade | Television | Genres | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000M3J6YG

Product Description

Please note that this is a PAL, Region 2 DVD Set and requires PAL or multi-system capable DVD players. It will not play on standard North American DVD players. Please read the item technical description carefully. ----------------------------------- Synopsis: This stylish black and pink Box Set contains EVERY episode of Will & Grace ever made, plus a host of special features NOT available on any other DVDs. These include: - Archive Interviews with Will, Grace, Jack & Karen (40 minutes) - 4 x Through The Years Montages (30 minutes) - Will & Grace Interactive Quiz - The Final Bow Feature (15 minutes) - The Last Words Feature (15 minutes). The Box contains 25 DVDs with almost 80 hours of "Will and Grace".

Customer Reviews:

BUYER BEWARE.......2007-02-28

Please beware of pirated copies offered here. There is no NTSC edition of this title so if you see any Seller advertising as such you can be sure it is a cheap Asian bootleg. This exquisite Collector Box Edition contains all 8 seasons on 25 double layered discs not 38 discs as these con artists say.
It is formatted for PAL, Region 2 and require PAL or multi-system DVD player. It comes in a black box, not the red box shown on a picture surely posted by one of the dishonest sellers.

Will and Grace: Complete Series 6 [PAL, Region 2, Import]

Average customer rating:

Will and Grace: Complete Series 6 [PAL, Region 2, Import]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Product Features:

Region 2 encoding (Europe, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East including Egypt).
Requires multi-region DVD player in the US.

ASIN: 8309017847

Product Description

Entire 6th Season.

DVD:

DVD

DVD