Rabbit-Proof Fence

Amazon.com

Based on a true story, Rabbit-Proof Fence moves with dignified grace from its joyful opening scenes to a conclusion that's moving beyond words. The title refers to a 1,500-mile fence separating outback desert from the farmlands of Western Australia. It is here, in 1931, that three aboriginal girls are separated from their mothers and transported to a distant training school, where they are prepared for assimilation into white society by a racist government policy. Gracie, Daisy, and Molly belong to Australia's "stolen generations," and this riveting film (based on the book by Molly's daughter, Doris Pilkington Garimara) follows their escape and tenacious journey homeward, while a stubborn policy enforcer (Kenneth Branagh) demands their recapture. Director Phillip Noyce chronicles their ordeal with gentle compassion, guiding his untrained, aboriginal child actors with a keen eye for meaningful expressions. Their performances evoke powerful emotions (subtly enhanced by Peter Gabriel's excellent score), illuminating a shameful chapter of Australian history while conveying our universal need for a true and proper home. --Jeff Shannon

Description

RABBIT-PROOF Fence -- featuring the Golden Globe-nominated score by Peter Gabriel -- is a powerful true story of hope and survival and has been met with international acclaim! At a time when it was Australian government policy to train aboriginal children as domestic workers and integrate them into white society, young Molly Craig decides to lead her little sister and cousin in a daring escape from their internment camp. Molly and the girls, part of what would become known as Australia's "Stolen Generations," must then elude the authorities on a dangerous 1,500-mile adventure along the rabbit-proof fence that bisects the continent and will lead them home. As shown by this outstanding motion picture, their universally touching plight and unparalleled courage are a beautiful testament to the undying strength of the human spirit!

Customer Reviews:

Incredible Journey.......2007-08-13

I watched RPF last night. This is a well directed, very moving story about 2 sisters and a cousin who were taken from their mothers because they were half cast (aborigine/white). The girls were taken to a camp 1200 miles away that would indoctrinate them into the ways of white society. The girls, led by 14 year-old Molly make an escape from the camp and WALK back home (about a 2 month journey I think), using the fence as a sort of compass.

Well directed, well acted (the young girls are INCREDIBLE), beautifully shot, and a very engaging story. The director's goal of making these kids YOUR kids was achieved as far as I'm concerned.

Bravo! One of the better films I've seen in many years!

THEY ARE THE SAME PEOPLE, ALL OVER THE EARTH!.......2007-07-27

RABBIT-PROOF FENCE is visually beautiful as well as the story. The story line is about three little Australian Aborigine girls who flee a white concentration camp where mixed race Aborigine children are "taught to conform." The movie reminded me so much of the TV movie, THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MISS JANE PITTMAN. There was no difference between Australia during that time and America during slavery. No one really talks about Australia and the Aborigines, this movie SHOWS you!

Rabbit-Proof Fence.......2007-07-23

Based on a true story that marks an especially repugnant episode in Australian history, Noyce's visually arresting, powerfully moving "Fence" concerns efforts begun in the 1930s to recondition indigenous children of mixed heritage to be more "white," through enforced training and the putatively superior discipline of civilized society. Sampi is marvelous as the scrappy and stoic eldest child, traipsing through the barren outback in tattered clothes and scavenging food with her clinging siblings while evading tracker Moodoo (David Gulpilil). Branagh is excellent, too, as the cold, noxious functionary obsessed with their capture. Don't hop this "Fence."

Inspiring True Story.......2007-06-05

Between 1905 and 1971 the Australian government had enacted a policy of forcibly removed all half-caste Aboriginal children to special training schools. The grown daughter of Molly wrote a book about her mother's experiences and this movie is an adaptation of that true story.

In 1931, Molly and her younger cousins, Gracie and Daisy, were three half-caste children from Western Australia who were taken from their parents under government edict and sent to an institution, were taught to forget their families, their culture, and re-invent themselves as members of "white" Australian society. The three girls begin an epic journey back to Western Australia, traveling 1,500 miles on foot with no food or water, and navigating by following the fence that has been build across the nation to stem an over-population of rabbits.

Though the movie shows that the government's officer in charge had essentially good intentions. That these actions brought about by this policy were misguided and ultimately very destructive to Australia's Aborigine people and to the nation's moral fabric. This story of hope and survival will give you faith in the undying strength of the human spirit. Well worth watching.

glad I bought it.......2007-05-15

After reading the book I wanted to see if the essence of the story would be uphelt in the movie and I wasn't disappointed. In fact I felt it helped me understand the enormity of what these girls accomplished!

Average customer rating:

Love These Two Actors!
So so movie
Runaway Bride's Review
A classic "chick flick" that even a guy could enjoy
dvd purchase

Runaway Bride
Starring: Marvin Braverman , Joan Cusack , Paul Dooley , Hector Elizondo , and Richard Gere
Manufacturer: Paramount
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ASIN: B00003IPFP
Release Date: 2000-01-25

Amazon.com

It took nearly a decade to find a mutually agreeable screenplay, but the stars and director of Pretty Woman finally reunited to make Runaway Bride, wisely avoiding any attempt to recapture the 1990 film's elusive magic. The result is a perfectly pleasant romantic comedy that would've fared better critically (despite boffo box office) if it hadn't been overshadowed by its blockbuster predecessor. It's certainly a more credible film than Pretty Woman, trading a far-fetched fairy tale (hooker hooks up with tycoon? bah!) for a more amiably conventional plot about big-city reporter Ike Graham (Richard Gere) who falls for a small-town handywoman Maggie Carpenter (Julia Roberts) with a nasty habit of fleeing from the altar in a recurring state of premarital panic.

Both characters are instantly likable, and the smooth dialogue by Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott only occasionally panders to sitcom cuteness. And despite his routine sacrifice of subtle craft for commercial appeal, director Garry Marshall knows when to trust his stars and material, lending this movie a casual charm (aided by a terrific supporting cast) that never feels forced or artificial. The whole thing's utterly predictable, riding on the suspenseless question of whether Maggie will dump her sports-nut fiancé (Christopher Meloni) and tie the knot with Ike. It's a foregone conclusion after the usual games of romantic cat and mouse, but the chemistry between Roberts and Gere is undeniable, and with a decade's worth of additional stardom between them, they shine as brightly as ever. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Love These Two Actors!.......2007-04-09

Runaway Bride is one of my all-time favorite movies. I loved Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, and I love them even more in this movie. Their chemistry is magical. And it's a true testament to their talent to play opposite one another again but as totally different characters and manage to pull it off!

So so movie.......2007-04-06

Just not that great a movie. Pretty Woman has much better acting and better story.

But if you really want to see these two actors again, its not a BAD movie.

Good music.

Runaway Bride's Review .......2007-02-22

I took a communication course at the University of Utah. That course requires me to review a movie related to journalism, so I pick the movie, Runaway Bride.

The movie is a picture starring Richard Gere (Ike Graham). He is a newspaper columnist. He is kind of a last minute man. One day when he is sweating out a column idea an hour before deadline, he hears about a woman who has turned tail in seven fizzled weddings. He wrote about it. Journalist must write column through exact witness. However he wrote it without enough investigation, so lazy Ike Graham took a few wrong facts and span out a nasty rant in his column. In this situation, we confront journalist ethical matters.

I think Ike Graham has some ethical problems as journalist. First, is that journalist has to report article exactly. All articles have to be based on exact facts and collected data from thorough enough investigation. However, Ike Graham didn't do that. He said that, "I'm kind of a last minute man. Ideas don't flow until an hour or two before deadline." He wrote the column about the runaway bride through story he heard in downtown bar by chance. He wrote that, "She has already disemboweled six in a row by leaving them at the altar." However, actually Maggie Carpenter ran away three times at the altar. According to the code of ethics, journalist must test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error.

Secondly, all articles have to be written without gender bias. However, Ike Graham has a biased view about woman. Several times, he has been accused of using this column to direct bitter diatribes at the opposite sex. He suggested in his article that Maggie was a "man-eater." He wrote that "To be fair, the man-eater isn't exactly new. In Ancient Greece, this fearsome female was known as Erinys, the devouring death goddess. In India, she is Kali, who like to devour her boyfriend Shiva's entrails while her yoni devour his." Ike Graham is statement were also slanderous. According to the code of ethics, journalists must avoid stereotyping by race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, geography, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance or social status.

Lastly, journalists should not interfere in others private concerns. However, Ike Graham wrote, "And her ritual feast continues as she prepares to make out of the fiancé. So all bets are on and we hope that this boomerang bride isn't honeymooning with Las Vegas odd makers because many predict that this girl is out of there before the race." According to the code of ethics, journalists must recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention.

Finally, in my opinion, the duty of the journalist is to further those end by seeking truth, and by providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Conscientious journalists from all media and specialties strive to serve the public with thoroughness and honesty. However, Ike Graham didn't do that. He should have written a factual article using the code of ethics as a guide.

A classic "chick flick" that even a guy could enjoy.......2007-01-19

Great movie and I have watched it many times. Great casting, acting, story line, and soundtrack. Definitely a feel-good movie to be watched with your girl-friend/wife. The first time saw it I knew it was an instant classic.

dvd purchase.......2007-01-15

I received this item in a timely manner and it is in very good condition.

Average customer rating:

Good Triumphs Over Evil
Enjoyable in the extreme
Really enjoyable!
I loved it
A good adaptation

Nicholas Nickleby
Starring: Stella Gonet , Andrew Havill , Henry McGrath , Hugh Mitchell , and Poppy Rogers
Director: Douglas McGrath
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00009MEJ4
Release Date: 2003-07-22

Amazon.com

While it necessarily streamlines the Charles Dickens classic, this delightful adaptation of Nicholas Nickelby captures the essence of Dickens in all of its Victorian splendor and squalor. With Charlie Hunnam (the U.K. Queer as Folk) doing noble work in the title role, this quintessentially Dickensian tale begins with the death of Nicholas's father, and the subsequent scheme by his cruel uncle (Christopher Plummer, perfectly cast) to separate Nicholas from his now penniless sister and mother. Stuck in a squalid school run by the evil Mr. and Mrs. Squeers (Jim Broadbent, Juliet Stevenson), Nicholas escapes with his loyal friend Smike (Billy Elliott's Jamie Bell), whose lineage will determine the greedy uncle's fate. As he did with Jane Austen's Emma, writer-director Douglas McGrath has crafted a prestigious production that shifts effortlessly between comedy and tragedy without compromising its warm, inviting tone. His dialogue rings true throughout, inspiring a stellar cast including Nathan Lane, Alan Cumming, Edward Fox, and Timothy Spall. Dickens himself would almost certainly have approved. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Good Triumphs Over Evil.......2007-09-05

Stunning photography, outrageous characters and a powerful, emotional story: that's Nicholas Nickleby, the 2002 adaptation from the famous book by Charles Dickens. I have not read that book, so this story was new to me and I couldn't help but be impressed.

Hopefully, most people are still satisfied to see good people triumph in the end. With a Dickens story, you know there will be a lot to overcome, too, and lots of suffering and heartache along the way to a happy ending.

Douglas McGrath-did a fine job directing this film. Dick Pope, director of photography (cinematographer) made England look as beautiful as any Merchant-Ivory film I've seen. Start-to-finish the landscape of England never looked prettier. Pope performed the same kind of magic two years later in "The Illusionist," a gorgeous-looking movie. Kudos to Rachel Portman for a magnificent score, too, with a beautiful, sweeping theme song. This movie is a treat for the ears, as well.

Charlie Hunnam as Nicholas Nickleby was adequate; Christopher Plummer as his Uncle Ralph was very good and Jamie Bell as the unforgettable "Smike" was excellent. It's hard to believe he's the same kid who played "Billy Elliott" just a couple of years ago.

Jim Broadbent and Juliet Stevens as the wicked, evil husband-and-wife-team who run DotheBoys Hall, a boys boarding school, were also memorable. Dickens also had cruel people mistreating little boys and these two personify cruelty.

Two beautiful women: Anne Hathaway's as Nicholas' love "Madeline Bray" and Romola Garai as his sister "Kate" were both pleasant and easy on the eyes. As for supporting actors, I enjoyed them all as well, getting an extra smile from Timothy Spall and Gerald Horan and "Charles and Ned Cherryble" The same can be said for Nathan Lane and Alan Cumming, who provide much-needed comic relief and whimsey.

One other thing that was fun to observe in this film: everyone's vocabulary! I loved how they expressed themselves, the good and the bad people

Of the many well-put sentences delivered in this well-intentioned and high-minded film, I remember Nickleby saying near the end, "Weakness is tiring, but strength is exhausting."

Enjoyable in the extreme.......2007-07-26

What an excellent production of the Dicken's classic Nicholas Nickleby. The cast is superb and the production is first rate. At first I was concerned about the length of the movie, wondering how they could get all of the book details covered in so short a time, but I was not disappointed. I have all of the BBC versions of Dicken's work and this movie is a first rate addition to that set.

Really enjoyable!.......2007-06-22

I usually like all adaptations of classics, because the film always starts with a great story. Some are done better than others and director Doug McGrath did a really good job with this one. I haven't read the novel so I can't compare the film to the book but the film felt complete in itself--I didn't sense that anything essential to the story was missing.

Everything about this is well done- the script, the settings, costumes, music, all of it. The cast is superb--a really fine group of established, talented actors and it's a pleasure to watch them. Some reviewers here didn't like the lead actor, Charlie Hunnan, but I thought he was perfect for the role--young, innocent (the director said he was looking for someone "lamblike") and certainly handsome. I quickly became engaged in the character, Nicholas, due to the qualities of this young man--his charm and earnestness. Tall, blond, with great cheekbones, he is the essence of a romantic hero, at least in my book.

The crippled orphan, Slake, is brilliantly played by Jamie Bell. It's a hard part, I think and the temptation to overdo the pathos is great. He did it just right and won the hearts of most all viewers, as you can read here. I felt that Anne Hathaway was the weakest link but she's not bad and fortunately, she's only in the last part.

Having seen quite a few hyper-arty films lately that seem to eschew any real action, emotion or....God forbid....an ending that offers real emotional resolution, I found this to be a wonderful relief. Goodbye artiness, bring back art!

I loved it.......2007-05-18

Little Smike broke my heart and after renting it I went out and bought my own copy.

A good adaptation .......2007-04-17

This movie, which was a wonderful adaptation to Dickens' masterpiece, did a good job at covering a very lengthy and in depth novel. I will not bother to summerize the movie - I guess that others have done that - so I will instead just say that this is a good and relaxing adaptation. If you want to just sit down and enjoy a very good adaptation to this novel, than this is the movie for you. It is only a few hours, so you do not have to be constantly changing the DVD's and sit for hours on end, and the acting is superb. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes the novel Nicholas Nickleby and wants a nice and uplifting movie. One things, however, is that it was heavily abridged, so if you want more details - or if you are trying to skimp out on having to read the entire book for an assignment - then you will want one of the other box sets. Otherwise, this is a good movie. It also has a wonderful soundtrack to accompany it, by a wonderful Mrs. Portman. One of my favorites.

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly Good
Born Innocent
Innocence Lost
Linda has some amazing moments, supporting cast equally good
Old Memories

Born Innocent
Starring: Linda Blair , Joanna Miles , Kim Hunter , Richard Jaeckel , and Allyn Ann McLerie
Director: Donald Wrye
Manufacturer: Vci Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001WTWL0
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Description

A 14-year-old runaway (Linda Blair) is placed in the care of the state. She is soon to find out her existence means little to many, trapped in the uncaring bureaucracy, the sometimes brutal treatment from her peers and her own abusive family, she will be hard pressed to meet anyone willing to hear her unsung plea for help. Digitally mastered and uncut - contains the original graphic rape scene! Bonus Features: VCI Previews| Actor Bios| Chapter Selection Menu. Specs: DVD5; Dolby Digital Mono; 99 minutes; Color; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1974; SRP - $5.99.

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly Good.......2007-09-05

For a television movie from the 1970's, this movie really surprised me with how well done it actually is. Linda's character (Chris Parker) is believable in the sense that you actually feel for her. While I've never been, nor do I ever want to be, in a detention center like that, you start to feel for her in that you would not want to find yourself in the same position.

I haven't yet had the time to watch it all the way through, but what I HAVE seen is very well done! I have to address one issue in particular though, and that is the rape scene people normally talk about when discussing this movie:

The scene in itself is not a particularly graphic scene in terms of what we would think of if we saw a scene like that in a movie today. However, Linda's ability to act, along with the implications that the audience receives of her being raped, makes the scene that much more powerful. Something that I thought was especially moving about that scene was the fact that they pinned her down and muffled her screams so no one could hear her. They pretty much treated her like some sort of animal, and that made you feel for her that much more.

All in all, when discussing this movie, that scene almost always comes up (at least in what I've read), and by today's standards, as I said, it's not that graphic, but if anyone who does not understand properly watches this, someone will want to explain to them what's happening.

It is a pretty powerful movie, and for having the courage to take on a controversial role like this (and others) after her success with "The Exorcist", I have to give Linda props. To those who have said this movie isn't that good, I don't know exactly what you were expecting (perhaps more from the rape scene or another scene), but this movie is good, and more people deserve to know about it.

Thank God that someone had the courage enough to tackle issues like this back then, cause the Lord knows no one has the guts enough to do it these days.

Born Innocent.......2007-07-23

This was so shocking when it first came out...a blast!

So glad to get my hands on a copy!

Innocence Lost.......2006-09-11

Linda Blair, immediately following her triumph in ''The Exorcist'' was cast in this then controversial TV movie. Christine Parker is a young runaway from an abusive home whose parents hand her over to the state. She finds herself in a detention home, where she discovers the even harsher realities of the young girls who reside there - unloved, troubled, and angry, who have the tendency to vent all their aggression onto newcomers. She finds herself as the target of their rage on evening in the shower room, where five of her fellow inmates gang up on her and violate her with a toilet plunger handle. Considered overly graphic at the time of its original airing in 1974, the scene was cut for later airings, but has been restored on DVD. Blair's nipple can be briefly seen for a few moments and that may explain why the scene was cut in subsequent TV broadcasts. As disturbing as it is, the rape is essential to the film's plot and adds to the anguish that Chris and her peers experience. When she has the chance to go home for a brief stay, her abusive father (Richard Jaeckel, magnificent) slaps her and her mother, leading the teen to run away again, taking her right back to where she started. Kim Hunter is effective as the passive, meek mother who endures her husband's insensitivity and mistreatment. Blair went on to give some more great performances in the late 70s, such as another TV movie, "Sarah T: Portrait Of A Teenage Alcoholic" and the theatrical releases "Sweet Hostage", "Summer Of Fear" and "Hell Night". Not long after, she found herself in exploitation flick hell. She is an outstanding actress, giving her all to every project, and it would have been nice if she had found some more mainstream material. Joanna Miles as the compassionate teacher, is the voice of reason and perhaps of caring in a system that does not want to take a bigger step towards actually considering the welfare of these troubled youths. Allyn Ann McLerie, as the well-meaning but ineffectual housemother Lasko, conveys the frustration and defeatist attitude of a woman who keeps things together but can't bring herself to actually make a difference in the lives of her girls. The portrayals of the other adolescents are right on target, a diverse group who all share the same pain, so much so that they become bonded in a hardened, indifferent way. Chris becomes one of the gang, and in a sadly realistic conclusion, has lost sight of any goals or aspirations she may have had to change her life.

"Sarah T: Portrait Of A Teenage Alcoholic" and "Sweet Hostage" are long overdue for DVD releases.

Worth viewing, still relevant today.

Linda has some amazing moments, supporting cast equally good.......2004-12-27

No one mentions the other inmates of the juvenile asylum, but the young actresses playing Denny and Moco are scarily effective, and Tina Andrews, the young girl playing Josie(who can also be seen as one of Marcia Brady's school-friends in the 'Davy Jones' episode on 'The Brady Bunch' as well as a student in 'Conrack'), gives a tightly-controlled performance; when her mother comes for a visit, Josie cries, mocking her: 'When ya comin' home? I miss you, Josie'." That's good acting. As for Linda Blair: she's always reliable and solid, but here it takes her a little while to warm up. In the admissions office near the beginning, Linda is a bit too somnambulistic("I don't think I need to be here"), but minutes later, when she has discovered her father brought her suitcase from home, Linda gets the juices going: "Who brought it? Why didn't you tell me he was here?" This is a wrenching moment. In this horrible place, with ugly walls and sterile decor, Chris is being jerked this way and that--and then come to find out, her own father was just there and didn't even want to talk to her. It's a powerful movie, and should touch anyone who's had a troubled youth. The low-budget, documentary quality of the movie was deliberate(it looked this way even on it's first TV airing), and the DVD will only enhance its 'dated' look, but at the time it was a ratings bonanza and made Linda Blair one of the highest paid actresses working in telefilms. Her next two, "Sarah T. Portrait of a Teenage Alcholic" and "Sweet Hostage" are even better than this one, but are, sadly, still in the DVD vaults.

Old Memories.......2004-10-24

I first saw this when it was first shown on TV with the rape scene still in, but when I watched this DVD the rape scene was mild to today look. THe father in the show head was still in the 90 if you watch it with you kids.

Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends - Races, Rescues & Runaways

Average customer rating:

Kinda bummer
Awful!
Who's in Trouble Now!
A good release, but there's one problem...
Not scary, but really good!

Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends - Races, Rescues & Runaways
Starring: Ringo Starr , Michael Angelis , George Carlin , Alec Baldwin , and Michael Brandon
Director: David Mitton
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000069HP2
Release Date: 2002-07-23

Amazon.com

Thomas and his English engine buddies face floods, landslides, and taunting trucks in these half dozen 5-minute stories narrated by Alec Baldwin. As in their previous adventures, the spunky toy vehicles survive their mishaps with a combination of quick thinking and help from their fellow vehicles. The hard-working Percy is irked at how dirty he gets hauling rock and coal until being trapped by an avalanche from a mine-shaft collapse puts things in perspective. Competition comes to the Island of Sodor when lorries (British for "trucks") with a bad attitude try to take the engines' places. But a series of accidents and breakdowns restores the engines to their rightful place. The 35-minute video is capped off by a 3-minute "music video" featuring kids singing "Accidents Will Happen" over a series of clips showing the vehicles involved in a series of crashes and other misadventures involving jelly, snow, and a runaway "boulder" that looks suspiciously like a tennis ball. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Customer Reviews:

Kinda bummer.......2007-09-13

The contents are all right but I was disappointed to hear it all in American English voices and slight "ethical" adaptations from the real deal like not call the fat controler by the name used in the origonal version. My kid doesn't seem to mind though.

Awful! .......2007-01-16

I'm a father of two toddlers with the VHS version and this thing is awful!

Perhaps I've been spoiled by the Disney music series, but the unimaginative plots and ugly presentations were unpleasant while the crashes were obnoxious.

In the much applauded section on crashes, for example, one of the cars gets hit and flies high into the air (there was a shot of the train high in the air with nothing but sky in the background). The scene then returns to Percy on the ground looking up. At that point, a glob of red stuff (blood?), falls on Percy's forehead. Perhaps I just don't get the beauty that the other reviewers are seeing. And, then there was also the ball that rolled into a fire (imagine a large stone rolling across a table top train model and then having a cheesy amateur explosion that ends with fire around the base of the ball).

The only thing more surprising is the number of positive reviews. I can't explain those. I can only provide mine. Perhaps my old VHS version is different.

Who's in Trouble Now!.......2005-07-06

I have to laugh. We got this video and it had my kids (boy and girl; 3 and 5 respectively) sitting on the edge of their seats.

It's the music and Alec Baldwin's narrative that makes this video a success. They really managed to bring a little 'peril' to Sodor, but it is nothing scary.

Another thing we like about this collection of videos is that there are alot of the lesser known characters such as George, Duck, Skarloey, Oliver, and Toad.

Titles are:

Toby and the Flood
Put Upon Percy
Horrid Lorry(s)
Bye George!
Something In The Air
Oliver's Find

Five Stars. A good addition to the home video sheds.

A good release, but there's one problem..........2005-04-30

...the crashes. Nearly every episode in this video contains an crash, in fact the music video is devoted to them. There are several cases where trains or people come very close to be killed or seriously injured. That's a far cry from the stories on the older tapes. Many of them are also over-the-top (Toby floating downriver in "Toby and the Flood" and Gordon sending a truck flying all the way across the yard in "Bye George." The writers both liked their stories to be dramatic, and obviously didn't care how unrealistic they were as long as they were action-packed.

Such a pity, because the storylines themselves are quite good (with the exception of the rather weak "Oliver's Find"), and Alec Baldwin does a fairly good job narrating them. So it's a real pity that the writers had to make this video so dramatic, and spoil it in the process!

Not scary, but really good!.......2005-04-10

Races, Rescues and Runaways wasn't a scary Thomas video. But it was really good! I like the crashes, the smashes, the KA-BOOMS, and other stuff. I like the episodes and the music video "Accidents Will Happen". I like to sing-along to it. Overall, this is a good Thomas video so buy it now!

Average customer rating:

The Best Movie Ever!
GREAT FILM
Keep the tissues nearby
The Cure
This movie is a Classic because of Joe Mazzello

The Cure
Starring: Brad Renfro , Aeryk Egan , Delphine French , Mona Powell , and Andrew Broder
Director: Peter Horton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0003JAOPE
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Product Description

One summer, two boys went in search of a dream and found the friendship of a lifetime. Joseph Mazzello (The River Wild; The Lost World: Jurassic Park) and Brad Renfro (Ghost World, Apt Pupil) star in this heartwarming adventure story filled with laughter, compassion and the enduring power of hope.

New to a quaint, riverside community, eleven-year-old Dexter (Mazzello) and his single mom are quickly shunned when it s learned the boy has AIDS. Next door lives Erik (Renfro), a lonely latch-key bully who surprisingly initiates a friendship. But trouble soon finds the twosome after they read a tabloid that suggests a New Orleans doctor has a cure. Determined to find him, the boys build a raft and set sail down the mighty Mississippi, Tom Sawyer style, in a magical, often hilarious journey that gives Dexter a chance to experience life as it should be lived and will change both boys lives forever.

Directed by Peter Horton (TV s Once and Again, MDs ), The Cure is a brilliantly captivating story for the whole family which KNBC-TV hails as a testament to friendship, loyalty and love.

System Requirements:

Running Time 99 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

This heartfelt drama tells us it's an AIDS movie that's not about AIDS. When this film keeps its promise (roughly the first three-quarters), it's a winner, a film about a truly notable friendship between two 11-year-old boys. Diagnosed with AIDS from a blood transfusion, Dexter (Joseph Mazzello) has gratefully bypassed most of Kübler-Ross's stages of death. He is, however, an outcast among his peers until Erik (Brad Renfro) comes along and finds him quite normal. Their bond deepens as they look for a cure for the disease using odd forms of scientific theory. Part educational text, part Mark Twain adventure, part tearjerker, the movie relies on something not found in movies these days: a love affair of male friendship. At its center are two of the best pre-actors around. Mazzello (Jurassic Park) has a professional presence on screen. The wild card is Renfro in only his second role (the other was The Client). As the outgoing, Huck Finn-ish boy, he has impressive physical abilities that communicate a naturalness on screen. The film's sappy hospital scenes bog down the picture tremendously, but they do lead to two special scenes that end the movie. The Cure is an assured directorial debut by TV actor Peter Horton (thirtysomething). An interesting note: single mothers raise both kids, a fact never lingered on--refreshingly so--in the script written by Robert Kuhn. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

The Best Movie Ever!.......2007-08-07

I just finished watching this movie and I have to say it is by far at the top of the best family movies ever! It is nothing short of wonderful! Both Mazzello and Renfro are amazing in their roles. This is a movie you must OWN!!!!

GREAT FILM.......2006-11-10

This excellent movie explores the human --rather than the scientific-- dimensions of what it means to be healthy. Its success in this really outweighs its minor failings. Tremendous movie!

Keep the tissues nearby.......2006-11-07

This is a lovely film, sensitively directed by Peter Horton. Wonderful performances from all involved. The two young boys in this film develop a strong bond and great friendship during their summer vacation. Erik has decided he's going to find a cure for Dexter's AIDS and when he reads that a doctor has found a cure in New Orleans, they take off on a raft and head down the Mississippi on a quest to find the doctor. Their adventures on the river bring them ecen closer together. The final couple of scenes will cause you to go through a whole boxs of tissues wiping away the tears. The only misstep is some of the film seems rushed and the hospital scenes seem a bit heavy handed in places. All in all it's a lovely film.

The Cure.......2006-11-06

This is a very good movie. I enjoyed it very much. Be prepared for a sad ending. Both boys gave a very believable and sometimes amusing performance.

This movie is a Classic because of Joe Mazzello.......2006-10-19

This Minnesota-filmed movie reportedly has a cult-following,
and the reason is not far to realize. Joe Mazzello. Joe is a
1990s and 21st century motion-picture phenomenon. His presence
in this movie is so REALISTIC and life-life that you forget that
he is acting. He was pivotal in carrying this movie. How so?
May I add that Joe's axiom for acting is simply: "Just make it look Real!" He achieved this to a stellar degree in "The Cure," and also in the later fare: "Simon Birch". Incredible acting, and I know good acting, for I was in a film in the early 1990s and also wrote the musical
score for it. No, I am not going to name-drop.

The Cure juxtaposes 2 boys of different social/geographical/educational genres together and in this movie a friendship is unexpectedly
forged and may I add that it is a friendship of rare mutual-concern, honest caring, and warm affection. No matter how many times I watch it, tears always come to my eyes in the final 20 minutes of this film.
Joe is the best!

Average customer rating:

Special Memories
What a horrible, horrible movie.
This movie impacted my life
Excellent movie for kids
Frightful's Boy

My Side of the Mountain
Starring: Ted Eccles , Theodore Bikel , Tudi Wiggins , Paul Hébert , and Cosette Lee
Director: James B. Clark
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001FGBM0
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Customer Reviews:

Special Memories.......2007-09-03

I saw this film in school when I was a kid, and I wanted to do the things this boy had done in the movie. Now that I'm 50, I can appreciate the incredible action and nature shots that are in this film. It is a refreshing break from the overly intense action movies of today. I still want to go out and accomplish the things this kid did.

What a horrible, horrible movie........2007-08-16

This movie resembles the book in that they share the same title. That's about it. The best things about reading the book are lost in the movie. The movie inexplicably adds some stuff that has no business being anywhere near something of this title. ("Algae experiments"? "Hi, I'm Bando"?)

It's not even bad in a way that would be entertaining, like watching Attack of the Killer Tomatoes would be. It's just...bad. I hope the author had nothing to do with this production except for being the recipient of a huge, public apology and possibly financial compensation.

This movie impacted my life.......2007-04-30

I saw this movie when it came out at the theater when I was 13. I loved the outdoors and this movie was right up my alley. The relationship between the young boy and falcon really peaked my curiosity. Later, at the age of 19, I became a falconer myself and have flown many different birds of prey over the last 32 years. For the first time in my life, I plan to get a peregrine falcon and I thought it would be nostalgic to go back and see the movie that got me started. I obviously thought the movie was great.

Excellent movie for kids.......2007-04-23

I saw this movie for the first time when I was 11, and I loved it. Living in a big city myself, and having little chance to experience the outdoors, I enjoyed Sam's adventure, identified with him, and admired his intelligence and bravery.

I was delighted to find out that one of the favorite movies from my childhood had been released on DVD. Moreover, it was a pleasant surprise that the quality of the DVD was outstanding, considering that back then (in 1972, I think), there were many technical limitations.

I am often disappointed when I "revisit" old movies, and compare them with today's high-tech multi-billion blockbusters. Not this time. I enjoyed "My Side Of The Mountain" every bit as much as I did so many years ago. And so did my kids.

In fact, I would like my kids to be as smart, tough and resourceful as Sam was in the movie.

Moreover, I believe that the new generations really need to develop a sense of harmony with nature, and some appreciation for the beauty and importance of the wilderness. May be then, it would become easier to tackle pressing issues such as global warming.

Should a movie be judged on how closely it follows the book it was inspired by? No, in my humble opinion it shouldn't. Movies and books are very different media, and therefore they abide by different criteria (for example, the movies based on "Lord Of The Rings" are very different from the books, yet they are worth watching).

Many kids won't be able to read the book for a number of reasons. Why not let them see the movie? The really important messages about nature, freedom, resourcefulness, and survival are all there.

And don't forget that after watching the movie, they'll probably want to read the books. I know I do.

Frightful's Boy.......2007-01-21

Nice outdoor scenes and drama. The book is far better than this.

Average customer rating:

That wasn't very nice Ramsey!!!!
great acting and nice plot.
RUNAWAY IS A RUNAWAY HIT!
A fun 80's sci-fi drama; a solid "B"
A Creative, Well Scripted Sci-Fi Thriller

Runaway
Starring: Tom Selleck , Cynthia Rhodes , Gene Simmons , Kirstie Alley , and Stan Shaw
Director: Michael Crichton
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004TX5G
Release Date: 2000-08-22

Customer Reviews:

That wasn't very nice Ramsey!!!!.......2007-07-12

This was a great movie. Gene Simmons was perfect as the evil doctor with killer robots. If you saw Gene Simmons's Family Jewels you'll see that his mother has one of the robot spiders from this movie on display in her house with what she describes as the dedication room for Gene and Shannon Tweed. Anyway, Selleck plays a police office in the robotics division. His boss is none other than Captain Harris from Police Academy. This Sci-fi thriller takes you on a chilling ride where robots who are helping people turn on them and kill them. Sellick finds out Dr. Luther (Simmons) has been makiong microchips that turn robots into murderers. Simmons in the movie has a awesome missle gun and everyhing leads up to the showdown between Selleck and Simmons. The high price for the DVD with minor extras is puzzling though. I thought it would have deleted scenes ect.....

great acting and nice plot........2007-06-21

Tom Sellect is an actor who has many faces. I especially like him in westerns, but he always gives any script his all. He did in Runaway
Susan`

RUNAWAY IS A RUNAWAY HIT!.......2007-03-07

RUNAWAY IS ONE OF THOSE GREAT MOVIES THAT SEEM TO
GET OVERLOOKED OR THE CRITICS HATE IT. THE STORY
IS WELL WRITTEN AND ACTED AND THE SPECIAL EFFECTS
ARE GREAT. TOM SELLECK AND GENE SIMMONS [YES THE
MAN FROM KISS] ARE BOTH EXCELLENT AND PLAY THE
PARTS PERFECTLY WITH A LITTLE COMEDY THROWN IN
THIS IS A WINNER! IF YOU LIKE SCI-FI ACTION MOVIES
THEN I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS. CHECK OUT DEAD OR
ALIVE WITH SIMMONS AND RUTGER HAUER ALSO.

A fun 80's sci-fi drama; a solid "B".......2007-02-19

This is a really fun film and Michael Crichton deserves a lot of credit, seeing as he both wrote and directed it: the pacing is good and the story is well-conceptualized and original in placing the viewer convincingly into a world of the near-future where robots are common place and there is a division of the police department that handles related robot malfunctions. Overall, the film (mainly) works because all of its other elements are solid as well (apart from some shoddy writing in the middle of the film [likely to ratchet up the action-quotient] and Joey Cramer's acting!): Jerry Goldsmith provides an excellent score, Gene Simmons plays a convincing bad guy, Tom Selleck makes for a likeable hero, Cynthia Rhodes is gorgeous, and G. W. Bailey (of Police Academy fame) is perfect as Selleck's angry boss.

A Creative, Well Scripted Sci-Fi Thriller.......2007-01-18

You know how mechanical things go awry? Well, in the future, when a robot becomes a "runaway", who do you turn to? Jack Ramsey (Tom Selleck) and his division of the police department.

There are great gizmos in this sci-fi story, such as electronic spiders and bullets that have your name on it. Though, dealing with the latter, a newspaper had fun pointing out those bullets were so slow and weak that a restaurant table could provide protection.

Michael Crichton did a good job directing it, though he inserted one bit on reincarnation that did not add anything to the story (you should expect a fundamentalist like myself to point that out). Cynthia Rhodes played one of my all time favorite love interests. Gene Simmons started off low key, but by the end of the movie, you could easily picture him with his demonic makeup.

I really enjoyed this movie, and would highly recommend it.

Average customer rating:

John Cusak, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, Rachel Weisz nice combo!
Top pedigree, middling result.
Things that make you go huumm!
Highly Recommend
Jurors Are Not King Solomon

Runaway Jury (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: John Cusack , Gene Hackman , Dustin Hoffman , Rachel Weisz , and Bruce Davison
Director: Gary Fleder
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00014NEZI
Release Date: 2004-02-17

Amazon.com

Based on the bestseller by John Grisham, Runaway Jury is a slick thriller that's exciting enough to overcome the gaps in its plot. The ultimate target has been changed: Grisham's legal assault on the tobacco industry was switched to the hot-button issue of gun control (no doubt to avoid comparison to The Insider) in a riveting exposé of jury-tampering. Gene Hackman plays the ultra-cynical, utterly unscrupulous pawn of the gun-makers, using an expert staff and advanced electronics to hand-pick a New Orleans jury that will return a favorable verdict; Dustin Hoffman (making his first screen appearance with real-life former roommate Hackman) defends the grieving widow of a gun-shooting victim with idealistic zeal, while maverick juror John Cusack and accomplice Rachel Weisz play both ends against the middle in a personal quest to hold gun-makers accountable. It's riveting stuff, even when it's obvious that Grisham and director Gary Fleder have glossed over any details that would unravel the plot's intricate design. --Jeff Shannon

Description

From master storyteller John Grisham and the director of Don't Say A Word comes a taut suspense-thriller that "grabs hold of you and never lets go" (Philadelphia Metro). In their first film together, screen legends Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman face off in this electrifying nail-biter about a ruthless jury consultant who'll do anything to win. With lives and millions of dollars at stake, the fixer plays a deadly cat-and-mouse game with a jury member (John Cusack) and a mysterious woman (Rachel Weisz) who offer to "deliver" the verdict to the highest bidder. Packed with danger, intrigue and pulse-pounding twists and turns, Runaway Jury rules!

Customer Reviews:

John Cusak, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, Rachel Weisz nice combo!.......2007-07-01

This movie is not your usual cop and trial movie. There's suspense, twist and turns, and a great finale. Hard to find a movie that actually suprises me, cuz i always know the plot before it even starts. But basically heres the run down without me giving it away. Gene Hackman, Bad Guy, Dustin Hoffman Good Guy, John&Rachel at first bad guys, but then later you realize their the Good Guys, then again their always the good guys cuz to me anybody that can make a lawyer sweat is good in my book. The trial is about sticking it to the gun company, John& Rachel are going to achieve this by infiltrating the system, by making the gun company believe that they're on their side, which their not. The Gun company looks like they're going to win, then they're not, then they are, then.....Oh just watch the movie and you'll see.

Top pedigree, middling result........2007-06-09

Another John Grisham thriller is churned out as a star studded movie. It seems the books with the most thrills have been taken, as this is somewhat pedestrian, although still entertaining.
So what's it about? A big trial against the gun manufacturers is in progress, and both sides are anxious to have the jury on their side. The gun manufacturers hire Gene Hackman, representing the dark corporate side of jury manipulation. However, the apple-cart is upturned when it turns out that the jury is already being manipulated and may be for sale, engineered by someone on the jury and an accomplice (Weisz).
The collection of stars is fantastic - Hackman, Hoffman, Cusack, Weisz. In fact, as the interesting extras point out, Hackman and Hoffman have never shared screen time before. Seeing them in their one big screen moment together is the highlight of the movie. Hackman does not quite bring the same complexity to the role as he did to his other Grisham movie, `The Firm', but he lends real gravitas to his unscrupulous jury consultant. Hoffman is unusually restrained for the most part to play a convincing attorney, but it's Cusack once again who shows himself as a truly natural talent, morphing into just about any role he is given with ease. Here, the entertainment is in watching him manipulate the jury with some applied psychology, while his own motivation remains obscured until a time of his choosing.
Most of the movie is a bidding war and cat and mouse game, until the final denouement unveils the true motivation in a reasonably satisfying way. Along the way, the thriller elements seem shoehorned in, with the real joy in watching the process of choosing and manipulating the jury - the indictment of the system the movie is aiming at.
It's a solid enough story, and well told - but somehow you get the feeling the source material was never as cinematic as Grisham's previous movie adaptations. The cast and acting, especially by Hackman and Cusack, make this worthwhile. For legal thriller buffs, it won't disappoint, but it's not the real classic it might have been.
The extras where Hackman and Hoffman chat about their on screen scene together and their long friendship, is probably the most interesting thing on the disc.

Things that make you go huumm!.......2007-05-18

Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman, John Cusack and Rachel Weisz what could be better? Gene Hackman, always the consumate professional, is wonderfully sinister. Dustin Hoffman delivers. And Cusack and Weisz simmer as a scorned couple out for redemption in this tight thriller. It makes you wonder sometimes whether or not companies really do go to this extent to rest decisions in their favor. It's also kind of scary knowing technology exist that allows people with know how avenues to poke around in your private matters. In the end, Runaway Jury delivers!

Highly Recommend.......2007-03-04

Just watched this movie for the second time, and it was as suspenseful as the first. Great acting, and a plot that keeps you guessing. I liked that although there was some emphasis on the issue of semi-automatic weapons in the hands of civilians, I never felt like this was the focus of the plot. The way the characters played and conned each other through out was the most interesting for me, definitely takes the viewer on a good ride. What is great too is that I forgot how the movie ended, which made my second viewing that much more interesting.

Jurors Are Not King Solomon.......2007-02-28

The acting in this Grisham book made movie is excellent. As others have reviewed, Hackman is exceptional in his role as the cool, calculating jury selection expert. Cusack is equally cast and performs admirably as the juror with a motive who ends up having the tale revolve around.

It unfolds slowly, suspensively with snippets of past events flashed at the right moments to reveal just enough and keep enough still in doubt.

Having just served on jury, this is fascinating stuff. Wonder two things: how true to book? how true to civil Louisiana trials? In any case, for viewing this is riveting tale with sophisticated technology, body language experts, and feasting upon human behavior at its weakest.

Makes for great drama! Grisham is winner again and this movie depiction is worth the watch.

Average customer rating:

"Wake up, whacko!"
Runaway Train
SHORT TRAIN RUNNIN
What is "freedom"?
Konchalovsky crafts a memorable screen moment that reminded me the dramatic sequence of John Huston in Moby Dick...

Runaway Train
Starring: Jon Voight , Eric Roberts , Rebecca De Mornay , Kyle T. Heffner , and John P. Ryan
Director: Andrei Konchalovsky
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: 0792838424
Release Date: 1998-03-31

Description

Tearing up the track at 100 miles-per-hour, Runaway Train features hair-raising footage (Leonard Maltin) and spectacular, OscarÂ(r)-nominated* performances by Jon Voight and Eric Roberts. Packed with action, suspense and a powerful climax that will sweep you away (The New YorkDaily News), Runaway Train is an intense...stunning...astonishing (Roger Ebert) super-thriller! Manny (Voight) is the toughest convict in a remote Alaskan prison who, along with fellow inmate Buck (Roberts), makes a daring breakout. Hopping a freight train, they head full-steam for freedom, but when the engineer dies of a heart attack, they find themselves trapped, alone and speeding toward certain disaster. Until, that is, they discover a third passenger, a beautiful railroad worker (Rebecca DeMornay) who's just as desperateand just as determined to surviveas they are! *1985: Actor (Voight), Supporting Actor (Roberts)

Customer Reviews:

"Wake up, whacko!".......2007-08-01

Runaway Train is one of my top 2-3 favorite movies of all time.

I've had the rare pleasure of watching it numerous times in a very small, very high quality theater. Each time I see it I discover additional nuances in mannerisms, glances, and speech. These subtleties reinforce the characters, their relationships, and the splendidly layered significance of the movie.

Miyamoto Musashi, the Japanese samurai-turned-author, wrote "Do nothing which is of no purpose." If you're annoyed by the plot, characters, or dialogue, as some reviewers are, I suggest thinking about why it was done that way. For example, some people are irritated by Eric Roberts' character Buck, but they miss the point. He's supposed to be annoying, and his annoying nature has meaning in terms of who he is underneath and his decisions/abilities/limitations. His reason for existence in the train's rolling philosophy discourse is to serve a purpose for the group, and to make us think about how the other characters relate to him.

Put it on the biggest television or screen you can find, turn the lights down, turn the volume waaaaay up, and watch it without distraction. The key to this movie is to immerse yourself in it. Do that, and you'll learn from it.

Three cheers for Manny.

Runaway Train.......2007-05-13

Wonderful movie - It has everything, gripping adventure story, strong characters, and beautiful scenery. Jon Voight and Eric Roberts are terrific as the two escaped cons. Based on great screenplay by Akira Kurosawa. One of my all time favorites.

SHORT TRAIN RUNNIN.......2007-03-27

Set in the northernmost wilderness of Alaska, RUNAWAY TRAIN was a surprise hit back in 1985, garnering Oscar nominations for stars Jon Voight and Eric Roberts.
Voight plays the grizzly safecracker who escapes from a maximum security prison with his adoring fan, rapist Eric Roberts. Their escape leads them to hop on a train, not knowing that the engineer has dropped dead and fallen off the train and that they are hurtling across the wasteland at high speeds with no engineer! Nor do they know that Rebecca DeMornay is also on the train, the engineer's assistant who had taken an untimely nap and has awakened to her dangerous situation.
The cast is good: Voight and Roberts chew up the scenery, DeMornay is effective and supporting Joh