The Thomas Crown Affair

Amazon.com

For the Hollywood remake rule, which dictates that an update of an older film be inferior to the original in almost every aspect, The Thomas Crown Affair stands as a glorious exception. The original 1968 film, starring a dapper Steve McQueen and a radiant Faye Dunaway, was a diverting pop confection of mod clothes and nifty break-ins, but not much more. John McTiernan's new version, though, cranks up the entertainment factor to mach speed, turning what was a languid flick into a high-adrenaline caper romance. Thomas Crown (Pierce Brosnan) is now a man of industry who likes to indulge in a little high-priced art theft on the side; Catherine Banning (Rene Russo) is the insurance investigator determined to get on his tail in more ways than one. If you're thinking cat-and-mouse game, think again--it's more like cat vs. smarter cat, as both the thief and the investigator try to outwit each other and nothing is off-limits, especially after they start a highly charged love affair that's a heated mix of business and pleasure.

What makes this Thomas Crown more enjoyable than its predecesor is McTiernan's attention to detail in both the set action pieces (no surprise from the man who helmed Die Hard with precision accuracy) and the developing romance, the witty and intelligent script by Leslie Dixon (she wrote the love scenes) and Kurt Wimmer (he wrote the action scenes), and, most of all, its two stunning leads (both over 40 to boot), combustible both in and out of bed. Brosnan, usually held prisoner in the James Bond straitjacket, lets loose with both a relaxed sensuality and a comic spirit he's rarely expressed before. The film, however, pretty much belongs to Russo, who doesn't just steal the spotlight, but bends it to her will. Beautiful, stylish, smart, self-possessed, incredibly sexy, she's practically a walking icon; it's no wonder Crown falls for her hook, line, and sinker. With Denis Leary as a police detective smitten with Russo, and Faye Dunaway in a throwaway but wholly enjoyable cameo as Brosnan's therapist. --Mark Englehart

Description

Thrill-seeking billionaire Thomas Crown (Brosnan) loves nothing more than courting disasterand winning! So when his world becomes too stiflingly safe, he pulls off his boldest stunt ever: stealing a priceless paintingin broad daylightfrom one of Manhattan's most heavily guarded museums. But his post-heist excitement soon pales beside an even greater challenge: Catherine Banning (Russo). A beautiful insurance investigator hired to retrieve the artwork, Catherine's every bit as intelligent, cunning and hungry for adventure as he is. And just when Thomas realizes he's finally met his match, she skillfully leads him into a daring game of cat and mouse that's more intoxicating and dangerous than anything either of them has ever experienced before!

Customer Reviews:

Thomas Crown II.......2007-08-07

This is a very good remake. Pierce Brosnan is more dashing than cool but Rene Russo is just plain hot! My wife says they used body doubles for the wild sex scenes - Horay for stunt men! The guy playing Catherine Banning must have shaved his legs.

The biggest difference between the original and the remake is the psychological make-up of the principal characters. Neither Brosnan nor Russo play antisocial characters as did McQueen and Dunaway. In the remake, Crown is just a rich guy who is bored and likes art. Russo's character displays the ethics and good judgement you would attribute to a successful insurance investigator in real life. Brosnan and Russo portrayed the believable characters of a love story. Thomas Crown II has a feel good ending and reinforces most of what we are looking for in our own lives; with just a little bit more flair!

BUY THE MOVIE - watch it with you sweetie and eat a warm snack, like popcorn. You're gonna have a good time!

Artful Dodger.......2007-07-21

It's not often that a remake is better than an original, but since the original sucked fairly significantly, almost anything would end up being better. This one is spicy, funny and has some WICKED music (and I'm not particularly a music lover).

Premise: insurance adjuster (hot chick) comes into town to investigate the theft of a famous painting. She meets and falls in love with the billionaire theif, and then has to cope with betraying her job or her heart...

This movie has one of the best and most memorable scenes I've ever watched; the bit at the end where it all "comes clean in the wash".... funny as, and brilliant. I grin like an idiot every time.

An Enduring Story... Becuase It's Real.......2007-07-13

There are plenty of Thomas Crowns in the world; maybe not all as rich as the title character, but just as clever at the "game of life" - and lonely - as a consequence of their insight and talents.

This film does an excellent job of highlighting the frustrations of "self made men" when it comes to finding trust, happiness, and expressing themselves to women, and society at large.

Anyone who knows the feeling of being "alone in a crowded room" will find this movie to be a beacon that there is hope out there.

The soundtrack is bangin' too!

Hot, Hot, Hot...........2007-07-08

This remake of a Steve Mc Queen movie is much better than the original and it took some convincing for me to even look at this film, but once I did, wow! Pierce is by far my favorite Bond and his character is an action packed one as well. He plays the perfect man--suave and debonair. His antics as a billionaire playboy are entertaining! The love scene with Rene Russo was so hot, you have to control yourself. This movie has it all--action, comedy and pure entertainment. You never get bored with it. A great buy.

OK.......2007-03-27

This movie is OK, but I prefer the original version with Steve McQueen. This remake is too Hollywood for me, with too many unbelievable stunts. The original was better.

Average customer rating:

A Tim Curry Showcase
Finally saw Clue for the first time last night
256 5-Star Recommendations Should Mean Something
Clue
hilarious movie

Clue
Starring: Eileen Brennan , Tim Curry , Madeline Kahn , Christopher Lloyd , and Michael McKean
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Screwball Comedy | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: 6305882649
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Amazon.com

Undoubtedly the first movie in history to have played in theaters with three different endings (depending on which theater you attended), Clue is a silly whodunit based on the familiar board game featuring Colonel Mustard, Mrs. Peacock, and all the other usual suspects. A broadly comic cast play the sundry suspects gathered in a mansion to solve a murder, knowing that one of their numbers is the culprit. Michael McKean, Eileen Brennan, and Tim Curry are the best of the bunch, and the film is as lightweight an experience as a round of the game itself. Directed by Jonathan Lynn (My Cousin Vinny). The video release contains all three endings. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

A Tim Curry Showcase.......2007-09-04

The classic board game comes to life in this film. A bunch of characters have been summoned to a strange mansion where they are given aliases. Eventually they meet a strange character named Mr. Body. When he is mysteriously killed the fun really begins. Who killed Mr. Body? The characters don't know and they all suspect each other. The police are on the way and everyone could be guilty. The only hope is to solve the murder before the police arrive.

Despite the strong cast this movie really showcases Tim Curry the most. The film was originally released in three versions, each with a different ending. On this disk you can choose to watch the theatrical release with a random ending or you can watch the video release that includes all three endings back to back. Other than that, there are no real features other than the basics (chapter menu, subtitles, etc). The story works well and moves at a madcap pace obviously inspired by movies such as Murder By Death and The Cheap Detective while still managing to make the plot and action true to the board game. A good choice if you are looking for a zany comedy. Check it out.

Finally saw Clue for the first time last night.......2007-08-17

Even though I was only on this planet one year before Clue was released you would think I would have watched this little gem by now. I loved all the characters (especially Tim Currey) and the murder/mystery aspect made it even more enjoyable. I saw it for free, but now I just ordered my copy here. I suggest you do the same, if you weren't smart enough to already do so years ago. Prepare to sit back, relax and laugh of course!

256 5-Star Recommendations Should Mean Something.......2007-08-02

It means you should see this film, that is if you haven't already. There are few movies which I would give a 5-star rating to and this is one of them. The movie is only 90 minutes in length and very easy to sit through. It has a nice mix of both verbal and physical comedy. It takes multiple viewings to catch all that's going on. But, it isn't like you have to sit and concentrate or you will miss something, totally the opposite. This is a fun movie. Just put it on and relax.

The basic synopsis is: guests are invited to a isolated country mansion for dinner. They are confronted with the fact that they have something in common, they are all being blackmailed. Locked in the house with the blackmailer, murder (and comedy) ensues. There are 3 endings to the movie which you can program to either play one after the other or just one at random.

The only disappointing thing to the DVD is the lack of extras. I was hoping for a 20-year anniversary edition filled with extras, but alas.

Clue.......2007-07-03

Another great classic! You can't go wrong buying this movie. It's still good and funny no matter how many times you've seen it.

hilarious movie.......2007-06-02

This is one of my favorite movies and has been since I was a little kid. I'm not sure it would hold up to most people's tastes, but it makes me laugh every time. Some of the best movie quotes made into inside jokes. Playing the game when I was little only made some of the references more amusing.

One of the best parts is the end - there are three! You can watch one randomly or all three. Something I wish would happen more often with silly movies made nowadays.

Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

Average customer rating:

Murder on the Orient Express
Unlike so many DVD's, this one is worth owning
Beautifully Realized: A Classic Of Its Kind
The Best of Christie
Christie's best

Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express
Starring: Albert Finney , Lauren Bacall , Martin Balsam , Ingrid Bergman , and Jacqueline Bisset
Director: Sidney Lumet
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Detectives | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Art House & International | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Drama | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Television | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0002I832C
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Amazon.com essential video

Just the name "Orient Express" conjures images of a bygone era. Add an all-star cast (including Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman, Jacqueline Bisset, and Lauren Bacall, to name a few) and Agatha Christie's delicious plot and how can you go wrong? Particularly if you add in Albert Finney as Christie's delightfully persnickety sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Someone has knocked off nasty Richard Widmark on this train trip and, to Poirot's puzzlement, everyone seems to have a motive--just the setup for a terrific whodunit. Though it seems like an ensemble film, director Sidney Lumet gives each of his stars their own solo and each makes the most of it. Bergman went so far as to win an Oscar for her role. But the real scene-stealer is the ever-reliable Finney as the eccentric detective who never misses a trick. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Murder on the Orient Express.......2007-07-04

An unrecognizable Finney transforms himself into Agatha Christie's renowned Belgian sleuth, Hercule Poirot. Beyond this star's astonishing portrayal, the fun of this whodunit comes from the fascinating assortment of characters he interrogates, played by some of our most accomplished acting veterans: Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Sean Connery, Wendy Hiller, and John Gielgud among them. Predictably, in addition to Finney, old pros Hiller and Gielgud steal the show. "Murder" should be nirvana for any mystery lover, and director Lumet gives the film plenty of period charm and atmosphere.

Unlike so many DVD's, this one is worth owning.......2007-07-03

I remember seeing this movie when I was 5 years old in 1974. Fortunately for me, I forgot "whodunit" and was able to enjoy when I saw it again as a teenager. Having viewed the movie at least 20 times since then, I find it hard to see how plebian works like "The Usual Suspects" garner such rave reviews when such obviously better fare like this exist. Everyone involved in this film gives it their finest effort. Only with many viewings does one get the opportunity to observe the details that are so interwoven into the script and acting. The story is among the most perfect murder mysteries ever penned, and the performance of the cast is resplendent. Throughout, the cast crackles with sparking witty dialog that is matched perfectly with the deftest of facial expressions and gestures that continuously lay clues at your feet until your so confused that you'll be begging at the conclusion to find out who the murderer is.

So few movies stand up to repeated viewing and thus are seldom worth the cost of the DVD or the space it takes up in your home. Buy this movie so you can watch it, so that your parents can watch it, your children and your grandchildren. Heck, you will probably want to mention it in your will!

Beautifully Realized: A Classic Of Its Kind.......2007-07-01

In the early 1960s Agatha Christie (1890-1976) sold the film rights to several of her most celebrated novels--and although the public liked the ensuing films, she herself did not. She was forever after suspicious of the film industry and rejected one offer after another until the early 1970s, when Lord Louis Mountbatten interceded on behalf of son-in-law and film producer John Brabourne for the film rights to MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Christie reluctantly agreed. In 1974, upon seeing the film, she declared it to be the ONLY film version of any of her novels that she liked.

The story is famous. Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney) is a celebrated private investigator traveling via the legendary Orient Express. The train is snowbound in the Balkans--and Mr. Rachett (Richard Widmark) is found brutally stabbed in the bed of his luxury room. At the request of Signor Bianchi (Martin Balsam), an official of the train, Poriot agrees to investigate the murder... but the more he learns from the numerous passengers, the more impossible the crime seems.

Even today, most film versions of Christie novels are played with a bit of a twinkle in the eye, as if to say "this is all just in good fun." Not so MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. The all star cast includes John Gilegud, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, Michael York, Jacqueline Bisset, Sean Connery, Vanessa Redgrave, Anthony Perkins, and Rachel Roberts, to name but the most obvious, and they play out the story with tremendous style but without the self-knowing cuteness that tends to undercut most similar films. The novel is among the more convoluted Christie works, but the Paul Dehn manages to encapsulate it without simplifying it. And then there is the look and sound and feel of the movie, which is simply amazing.

The Orient Express had passed into legend by 1974, but this film returns the celebrated luxury train to sparkling reality. From costumes to art design, from cinematography to score, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS is so richly detailed that it becomes an almost tactile experience. This is truly an example of "no expense spared." The film was nominated for no fewer than six Academy Awards, winning one for Ingrid Bergman, and was also nominated for no fewer than seventeen awards from other groups, winning at least six. All in all, it was one of the most celebrated films of its era.

For many years MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS was only available in mediocre VHS and DVD transfers, but this particular edition not only returns the film to a near-pristine state, it includes several memorable bonuses as well, most especially a "making of" documentary that includes many of the cast members; a short documentary on Agatha Christie; and a short documentary on the Lindberg kidnapping, which was among Christie's inspirations for the novel. Slick, beautiful, and seductive, the 1974 MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS sets a standard for mystery movies that few have equaled--and none have surpassed. Strongly recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

The Best of Christie.......2007-06-12

Murder on the Orient Express is undoubtedly the best Christie mystery ever filmed. Not only is the acting superb, the producers and writers stayed very close to the original novel in their presentation, which was not true in later Christie presentations by the same production team. But in Orient Express one gets a real feel for what it was like to travel from Istanbul on the Calais Coach.

Christie's best.......2007-05-29

The best of the movies from Christie's books, Well done and a lot of fun.

Average customer rating:

god awful
Brash, Class, And a Psychopath
ehh.... not bad
A psychological thriller with a shocking ending ...
Top notch thriller.

Seven (Single Disc Edition)
Starring: Brad Pitt , Morgan Freeman , Gwyneth Paltrow , Andrew Kevin Walker , and R. Lee Ermey
Director: David Fincher
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Crime | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Neo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

DTS | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00011CZRE
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Description

A retiring cop and his replacement track a psychotic killer who's using the seven deadly sins as a guide. Starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Customer Reviews:

god awful.......2007-07-20

Disturbing, depressing, pointless let down. If they were trying to say something, I sure can't figure it out. I regret the time wasted watching it. I interpret it as yet another attack on Christianity from Hollywood's Left.

Brash, Class, And a Psychopath.......2007-06-25

Young Det. David Mills(Brad Pitt) and his pretty wife(Gwyenth Paltrow) have just transferred from smalltown USA to the big city. He is eager and rearing to go as he gets assigned to his first murder case("Ladies and Gentleman we have ourselves a homicide").

He is paired up with the reserved, ready to retire Det. Somerset(Morgan Freeman). Somerset wants nothing more than to wrap it up and get on with his life.But this case is not going away so easily, they discover this is just one of deranged serial killer's,"John Doe", long list of victims. The list includes victims that John Doe (can't tell ya who plays him or I'll have to kill ya) deems have committed one of the seven deadly sins.He tortures them first in a style that would be appropriate to their sin.

Mills and Somerset frantically work and research the case as they know there will be at least seven murders. Their research leads them to discover the most disturbed psychotic imaginable. In his apartment they find volumes and volumes of notebooks chronicling his descent into madness. This guy is right up there with Norman Bates, Hannibal Lechter and Jaws!Five murders have already been committed. Will they be able to stop him from committing the last two?? Or are they part of his plan too??

The film is one of the best Psychological thrillers I've seen. It was well directed by David Fincher. If I wasn't on the edge of my seat, I was jumping out of it. Even the title credits are bizarre. Freeman and Pitt were excellent in their roles.

You'll love the DVD.The picture and sound quality are very good .

Get lots of popcorn ready for this one!...........Laurie

ehh.... not bad.......2007-05-14

"Seven" deals with two police officers (played by thespians Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman) who are trying to track down and bring to justice a killer, except this is no ordinary killer. It is belief of the killer that he was sent through divine inspiration to put to death anyone in violation of the seven deadly sins.

A psychological thriller with a shocking ending ..........2007-05-04

This is one of those movies that makes you cower in your seat as you cover your eyes repeatedly while viewing it. Real scary stuff; one of the most frightening in its genre.

This movie was well formulated and the cast well-chosen. Brad Pitt is perfect in the role of the young detective who wears his emotions on his sleeve, while Morgan Freeman is wonderful as the older, more patient but cynical mentor who tries to help the younger man.

Kevin Spacey plays the part of the insane killer who is on a misguided mission to save mankind from sin, murdering sinners to do so. He's great in this role, also, leading the detectives from one bloody, gory crime scene to another and another, until he turns the tables on them in a surprise move.

The ending, though shocking and unexpected, is a brilliant piece of writing, but it ruined the movie for me. I not only gasped at the ending, I cried for both detectives. The movie left me craving a happier, more equitable kind of justice, so I had to lower my rating to 4-star, despite the extremely high-caliber of the acting and the screenplay.

SIDENOTE: You may have noticed that Amazon has made some changes to its website. If it looks the same to you right now, look out for a new format that will be rolling out gradually in the weeks to come. If you can see the changes, especially the review format, I'd like to know what you think. Please leave me a comment with your opinion.

"Love the new look" or "Hate the new look" comments are perfectly acceptable.

My e-mail address is at top of this review. Thank you for your time."

Top notch thriller........2007-03-29

If you loved The Silence of the Lambs, 7 will blow you away. The last 30 minutes of this film are incredible. The twist at the end will make you gasp. What a flick. Don't miss it.

Average customer rating:

AN INCREDIBLE FILM THAT HAS BEEN COPIED TO DEATH!
One of the Best Thrillers...EVER
Se7en and Milton's "Felix Culpa"
A Truly Frightening Movie!
Buy the single disc version!

Seven (New Line Platinum Series)
Starring: Brad Pitt , Morgan Freeman , Gwyneth Paltrow , R. Lee Ermey , and Andrew Kevin Walker
Director: David Fincher
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Crime | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Neo-Noir | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Murder & Mayhem | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DTS | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

New Line Platinum Series | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Mystery & Suspense | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs as Low as $7.49 | The Big DVD Sale | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000050FEN
Release Date: 2000-12-19

Amazon.com essential video

The most viscerally frightening and disturbing homicidal maniac picture since The Silence of the Lambs, Seven is based on an idea that's both gruesome and ingenious. A serial killer forces each of his victims to die by acting out one of the seven deadly sins. The murder scene is then artfully arranged into a grotesque tableau, a graphic illustration of each mortal vice. From the jittery opening credits to the horrifying (and seemingly inescapable) concluding twist, director David Fincher immerses us in a murky urban twilight where everything seems to be rotting, rusting, or molding; the air is cold and heavy with dread. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt are the detectives who skillfully track down the killer--all the while unaware that he has been closing in on them, as well. Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey are also featured, but it is director Fincher and the ominous, overwhelmingly oppressive atmosphere of doom that he creates that are the real stars of the film. It's a terrific date movie--for vampires. --Jim Emerson

Description

A retiring cop and his replacement track a psychotic killer who's using the seven deadly sins as a guide. Starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Customer Reviews:

AN INCREDIBLE FILM THAT HAS BEEN COPIED TO DEATH!.......2007-09-09

This movie was so original at the time of it's release, but it has been copied so many time we forget this is where it all began. A gritty ingenious taunt thriller/horror/mystery film that is just the best of it's kind! Another golden performance by Freeman and Spacey is at his chilling best! It seems that every horror film I see now has ripped this film off in some way! Forget the phonies and check this one out again and if you haven't seen it......be prepared for an unforgetable journey! The 2 disc set has a great transfer and loads of extras!

One of the Best Thrillers...EVER.......2007-09-05

Seven is a perfect movie. The casting is brilliant and the acting is just as wondeeful. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt star as cops after a serial killer killing in the style of the seven deadly sins. The script is just as brilliant.

David Fincher put together one of the best movies in the last ten years. It's atmospheric, creey, and genuinely terrifying. A wonderful movie at that.

The DVD is one of the best ever released, four (4) total commentaries featuring any and everybody that worked on this film. Also included are featurettes, deleted scenes, two alternate endings, and plenty of other features.

David Fincher has impressed me with his directing, Alien 3 (Two-Disc Collector's Edition), Fight Club (Two-Disc Collector's Edition), and Panic Room (3-Disc Special Edition) were just as wonderful.

This is a definite Must Have.

Se7en and Milton's "Felix Culpa".......2007-09-04

Upon a first viewing (years ago) "Se7en" impressed for the simple reason that it didn't have a happy ending. It was the only logical ending there could be, after such a brutal two-hour wallow in the sludgy undergrowth of human nature.

However, with age, and maybe even some spiritual growth, I've come to realize that the ending is actually not tragic, that it, in fact, shows God's plan for mankind working on this deep, tectonic plate level. And further, that it is an even better movie for that reason.

In "Seven," everyone is a sinner - even Kevin Spacey's character (whose sin is envy). Everyone that is, save Morgan Freeman's character - we'll come back to him a little later. The wife of Brad Pitt's young, macho detective (played by Gwyneth Paltrow) is this sort of Eve-like creation. All innocence on the outside, but working a pretty serious deception on her husband - she's not telling Pitt's character that she's pregnant. Her reasoning (Milton's take on "Eve") is a bit soft-headed; something about "how horrible the world is"; you get the feeling she's about back out of it all, and abort the kid, possibly. Or at least, that she's reserved that option.

If Paltrow is Eve, Pitt is Adam - a lumpen proletariat malcontent of an Adam, talking out of the side of his mouth, bruised-up, leading with his chin, and gullible as heck. Again, like Milton's Adam, who is a bit of simpleton gardener type, led around by the nose by his lubricious wife.

Spacey's character is the Devil; constantly cross-examining and impeaching Adam/Pitt, baiting him, even. He gets the better of Pitt's character in their one physical encounter, which is ridiculous when you consider the relative bulk of the two men (Spacey vs. Pitt) but perfectly logical when you're attuned to their symbolic functions. Of course Adam's not going to get the better of Satan.

So, Spacey/Satan gets Pitt/Adam to sin in the penultimate scene of the movie, after admitting his own sin (in language that actually mirrors Milton's characterization of Satan - "I envy your normal life"; in "Paradise Lost", the devil's reaction to his first sight of Adam and Eve goes something like "[Adam] pressed her matron lip/With kisses pure: aside the Devil turned/For envy, yet with jealous leer malign/Eyed them askance. . ." (Book IV 501-504).

The end of the movie is not an unhappy one, then, because it recapitulates the "felix culpa" (the "happy fall") of Eden. That is, Pitt/Adam's sin of anger is a sin, but it is at least a fruitful one, because now, God will redeem the world. How is this played in "Seven"? In the very next scene, Morgan Freeman hovers over the lost Adam, getting assurances from the D.A. that "we'll do everything we can for him."

And then, Freeman's last, telling, line of dialogue:

The D.A.: "Where will you be?"

Freeman: "Around. I'll be around."

Nice word that "around", resonant as it with suggestions of circularity, return. Obviously Freeman's character will be around. He is God; he's always there, watching over our (Adam's) shoulder. God "will be around" -- Christ will come "around" and fish our chestnuts out.

Think of that climactic scene, the stand-off between Spacey and Pitt. What does Freeman do? He does exactly what God does. He consoles, he reassures, he provides, but he does not force Pitt's hand - he says, "Give me the gun. He wants you to do this. If you kill him, he wins." He even makes the decision that Pitt should see the contents of the box - because otherwise Pitt wouldn't be exercising free will, would he? He wouldn't know all the facts - simili modo, God tells Adam and Eve exactly what the rules are ("don't eat of that tree").

The scene is perhaps most perfect demonstration of the Augustinian paradox on film ever - of course you have free will, and of course God can force your hand towards the good. But he won't. And he'll be there afterwards for you, even if you do sin. Always. "He'll be around. "

A Truly Frightening Movie!.......2007-08-01

I saw this movie in the theater when I was in high school, and walked out totally shocked. Very few movies have had that effect on me. The dark scenery, dreary weather, grusome murders, it's all woven into an unforgettable viewing experience.

Buy the single disc version!.......2007-07-14

I loved this movie, and spent the extra money to get the special edition. So what do I get when I finally open it. NO commentary. NO making of featurette. NO interviews. There are only a few deleted scenes, probably less than five minutes worth; some technical featurette about the opening that was boring and maybe seven minutes long; and an allegedly alternate ending, that to my eye, looked the same as the theatrical ending shot-for-shot.
Save yourself some scratch and buy the single disc for half the price.

The Charlie Chan Chanthology (The Secret Service / The Chinese Cat / The Jade Mask / Meeting at Midnight / The Scarlet Clue / The Shanghai Cobra)

Average customer rating:

Marketing over Matter
Not great--just very entertaining
charlie chan chanthology
Charlie is my hero
Warner Oland, Why Did You Die?

The Charlie Chan Chanthology (The Secret Service / The Chinese Cat / The Jade Mask / Meeting at Midnight / The Scarlet Clue / The Shanghai Cobra)
Starring: Sidney Toler , Mantan Moreland , Edwin Luke , Hardie Albright , and Frank Reicher
Director: Phil Rosen , and Phil Karlson
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classics | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Mystery & Suspense | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Classics | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00020X87A
Release Date: 2004-07-06

Amazon.com

Though the Charlie Chan film franchise has earned brickbats for its casting of Caucasian actors as the Asian sleuth, the movies have retained popularity among aficionados of '40s-era B-crime pictures, and the six-disc Charlie Chan Chanthology, all featuring Sidney Toler as Chan, should please that crowd. The Missouri-born Toler starred in 11 Chan pictures for Fox before purchasing the rights to the character from creator Earl Derr Biggers's widow and bringing it to budget studio Monogram, where he starred in 11 more Chans before his death in 1947 (Roland Winters replaced him in six more features until 1949). At Monogram, Chan became a Secret Service Agent (a move calculated to cut down on exotic locations and sets), and comedy was integrated into the plots via Mantan Moreland's chauffeur Birmingham Brown; Benson Fong also joined the cast as Number Three Son Tommy, with occasional appearances by daughter Frances (Frances Chan) and son Eddie (Edwin Luke, brother of Keye Luke, who played Number One Son Lee in the Fox Chans).

Other than that, the six films collected here (the first six Chans for Monogram, and all but five directed by Phil Rosen) are largely indistinguishable from one another save for the murder victims and their demises. In The Secret Service, Chan investigates the death of a wartime inventor; a San Francisco socialite expires in The Chinese Cat; daughter Frances is involved in the murder of a psychic in Meeting at Midnight (a.k.a. Black Magic); another government scientist is killed in The Jade Mask, and death by remote control is the focus of The Scarlet Clue. Director Phil Karlson (Kansas City Confidential) adds some noirish atmosphere to The Shanghai Cobra, which has bank employees dying from apparent snakebites. Dated and controversial as they may be, the Chan films are engaging diversions for vintage mystery fans. No extras are featured in the set. --Paul Gaita

Description

Disc 1: CHARLIE CHAN IN THE SECRET SERVICE Disc 2: THE CHINESE CAT Disc 3: THE JADE MASK Disc 4: MEETING AT MIDNIGHT Disc 5: THE SCARLET CLUE Disc 6: THE SHANGHAI COBRA

Customer Reviews:

Marketing over Matter.......2007-08-15

I've seen this boxed set many times, prominently featured in a chain bookstore. Thank goodness I bought it used: it's expensive at half the price.

MGM has given us six Charlie Chans from Monogram, three from 1944, three from 1945, each running slightly more than an hour. Each is on a separate disk, with scene selection and subtitles, but nothing more.

All six feature the reliable Sidney Toler and the consistently entertaining Mantan Moreland. Benson Fong appears in three as No. 3 Son Tommy Chan. The rest of the actors are mostly tried-and-true, long-lived career bit and character actors like Al Bridge (perennial cowboy), Gene Roth (perennial heavy), Cyril Delevanti (perennial butler), and George Chandler (perennial comic working stiff).

All six films are written by George Callahan, an inept, "Swiss cheese" writer: plots full of holes. Five of the six are directed by Phil Rosen, who started out as a cameraman for Edison and never did progress beyond the "filmed stage play" phase of cinema history.

The prints are all good quality visually, though a couple of them do not always track steadily. Monogram is responsible for dark scenes being consistently underlit. (One film, "Black Magic," is marketed under its TV title "Meeting at Midnight," which, an imposed subtitle tells us, was the "original title.")

The best film in the set is "The Shanghai Cobra." The director is Phil Karlson, best known for Kansas City Confidential (1952), the Phenix City Story (1955), and Walking Tall (1973). He brings a noir sensibility to the visualization, and he uses locations often and effectively (the other films are almost entirely studio-bound).

I get the strong feeling that writer Callahan needed and took strong guidance from those around him. Thus, the McGuffin in "Shanghai Cobra" is a cache of radium, not the usual jewels or war plans; the film has, uniquely, a romantic duo and a flashback. In "The Jade Mask" Al Bridge delivers more country corn than Toler ever did Confucius. The weakest of the six films, "The Scarlet Clue," is redeemed only by Mantan Moreland's "mindreading act" with fellow vaudevillian Ben Carter.

(In my library I have an old playscript entitled "The Haunted House: An Ethiopian Entertainment." Be aware that much of Moreland's comedy is of that ilk. Be aware also that he was a talented entertainer, well worth watching for that--often the only entertainment on the screen at all.)

Let me close by admitting that, having seen most of these films in the distant past, I didn't watch any of them continuously, but kept stopping and starting the show. The only way I could find them interesting was by referring constantly to the Internet Movie Data Base, reading cast lists and actors' credits. These films are typical Poverty Row product.

Not great--just very entertaining.......2007-07-05

These Sidney Toler Charlie Chans move well-- good dialogue-humor is well done--Sometimes a bit too stereotypical--but it's easy to see why these movies were so popular in their day. All in all they hold up better than I would have expected. Most enjoyable.

charlie chan chanthology.......2007-07-04

Wonderful! Just what I remember it being when I was young....If you remember the Chan mystery series then this is the one, Charlie Chan's children are in these series. The Dvd's came on time and couldn't wait to watch them..my teenage son came home and started watching with me, he was entranced and we had a marathon and watched all of them. Great product!

Charlie is my hero.......2007-07-03

This vendor responded to my purchase very quickly. Well-packaged, no damage. I'm in Chan heaven. Charlie Chan rocks!

Warner Oland, Why Did You Die?.......2007-06-27

These Chan films are from the Monogram series, long after the series, which had begun so brilliantly with Warner Oland at 20th Century Fox 10 or more years earlier, had fizzled. Fox dropped it after a handful of Sidney Toler films (which aren't available yet on DVD). Supposedly Toler bought the rights to the name Charlie Chan from the widow of author/creator Earl Derr Biggers and then sold himself and the rights to Monogram. The films suffer terribly. Toler is a tired old man in ersatz oriental makeup, and cheap, boring, repetitious "comedy" relief is provided in extremis by Mantan Moreland as a cliché blabbering, superstitious black lackey. The stories are so-so, but whatever values there may be are undermined by those two main stars. Benson Fong, as Number Three Son, is generally good -- charming though not so enthusiastic as Keye Luke -- but most of the time he has to play opposite Moreland or, in one pathetic film, a Chinese actress named Frances Chan as his sister of the same name...and she couldn't act her way out of a wet paper bag.

There are two more Warner Oland Chan movies that have yet to make it to DVD. It would be nice if Fox would release those along with the early Toler films. But forget these Monogram pot boilers.

Average customer rating:

Great family movie - Beautifully shot!
One of the very best family films of the year, maybe the decade.
Secret of the Cave - fantastic buy

Secret of the Cave
Starring: Patrick Bergin , Sheila Flitton , Rhoda Griffis , Joseph Kelly , and Peadar Lamb
Director: Zach Gray
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000P0I4OE
Release Date: 2007-09-04

Description

A young American boy, Roy Wallace, knows that his dad is Irish yet never thought he would be spending his precious summer vacation in a tiny fishing village in Ireland. He feels a long way from home but before long unexplainable events begin to occur and murmurs of ghosts sweep through the village. Determined to solve the mystery and disprove the superstition of the villagers, Roy takes on the case. When all signs point towards the sea cave, Roy faces his fears and discovers the Secret of the Cave.

Customer Reviews:

Great family movie - Beautifully shot!.......2007-09-07

Just purchased and viewed this film for the first time. This will make you want to travel to Ireland! Truly breathtaking vistas are faithful to what we enjoyed on our trip.

The film is an interesting look into the life of a small village that is truly a community. The plot involves a mystery surrounding the death of a local villager, and the strange happenings that follow during and immediately following the funeral. I recommend this for the whole family!

One of the very best family films of the year, maybe the decade........2007-09-06

"Secret of the Cave" is an outstanding film that takes place in Scotland. It was put together as a college project by Southern Adventist University and the viewer will have no doubt that all those connected have a great career ahead of them. It is not a film that pushes any one faith or doctrine other than how we can relate to each other and to God. Unlike so many films made by beginners, this film is very professional and there is no way any thing connected in its making can be faulted. The extras alone are worth the price. I fully applaud this project and hope the school and the young people involved will continue the good work. We need more Christian film makers like this.

Secret of the Cave - fantastic buy.......2007-09-05

This movie is breathtaking. It's a great movie for children and adults alike. Wonderful plot that keeps your attention all the way through.

Average customer rating:

Great DVD
Great older episodes! Where can I find more Steve episodes??!
a good show
gotta love steve
Blues Clues at Dollar General

Blue's Clues - Classic Clues
Starring: Aleisha Allen , Kathryn Avery , Nick Balaban , Steve Burns , and Jenna Marie Castle
Director: Koyalee Chanda , Bruce Caines , Elizabeth Holder , Jonathan Judge , and Nancy Keegan
Manufacturer: Nickelodeon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Birth-2 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

3-6 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0000UJLGE
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Customer Reviews:

Great DVD.......2007-07-25

Of course I recommend all of the Blues Clues DVDs. I think they area great learning source for toddlers. Each dvd has atleast 4 episodes on it, which is great when this is all your little one is interested in. And NO advertisements between the shows....a plus when it's in my household as my toddler doesn't understand the concept of commercials. All of the Blues Clues DVDs have helped him learn so much more than he was interested in learning from his parents.

Great older episodes! Where can I find more Steve episodes??!.......2007-07-24

This is a fabulous DVD of some classic Blue's Clues. I have only recently discovered BC with my 22 month old, and he simply loves the format of this show. Steve Burns is such a natural -- his facial expressions are expressive and priceless (even winking at the parents at times) and he just grabs my little guy's attention. We love the reliable "characters" and the pawprint clues and "handy dandy notebook".

I'm not keen on too many children's shows other than Sesame Street (the ultimate classic), but this is an amazing DVD of some great BC episodes. HOWEVER, the newer episodes with Joe simply don't have the same feel. I don't blame Joe, he's just not as natural in the part and my son picks up on that. He constantly asks: "Steve? Where?" Also, the newer episodes don't follow the same tried and true format -- there are new "bells and whistles" that don't really captivate or engage the children as well. We simply want more of the older episodes with Steve! Is there ANYBODY out there who knows where I can find more episodes with Steve Burns, or which episodes they are?
THANKS!

a good show.......2007-03-13

i like the fact that it prepares kids for a school environment. periwinkle can get annoying, but i guess the kids dont mind.

gotta love steve.......2007-03-07

you can't possibly go wrong with Steve. i love Steve. my daughter likes both Joe and Steve, but i'm partial. :) classic clues - perfect for your collection.

Blues Clues at Dollar General.......2007-01-15

I just bought this VHS at a Dollar General for $2.50 a week ago. Just wanted to let everyone know, before they started bidding on something they can get for dollars down the road.

Average customer rating:

A Musical....GREAT
daughter loves it!
Blue's fun DVD for the kids
Blue's Clues
One of the best kid's movies

Blue's Clues - Blue's Big Musical Movie
Starring: Traci Paige Johnson , Nick Balaban , Jenna Marie Castle , Kelly Nigh , and Cody Ross Pitts
Director: Todd Kessler
Manufacturer: Nickelodeon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Birth-2 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

3-6 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Educational | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Mixed | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Kids & Family | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00004WI5C
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Amazon.com essential video

Blue bounds into her first feature-length film ready to sing. She gets sidetracked along the way, of course, but that's part of the brilliant Blue's Clues formula. Each half-hour TV show presents engaging, easy-to-grasp mini-mysteries that are within toddlers' reach. This time Blue; her huge-eyed, slightly loopy human companion, Steve; and their cadre of talking-object friends are scurrying around, preparing for a backyard music show that day. Everybody picks a number to perform; Blue's is a duet with Tickety Tock, but the clock contracts laryngitis. Who will be Blue's new partner? A game of Blue's Clues reveals the hardly reluctant replacement. The standard discovery of three clues followed by the usual wind-down song would add up to a colossal disappointment in a feature film, so substantial rounding-out is provided. Steve stumbles onto a keyboard inhabited by a note called G-Clef (the unmistakable voice of Ray Charles), who gives a tour of how to make a song. First you pick the notes, then you work on rhythm, then comes tempo, and, last but not least, "you've got to give it soul." This movie's themes include perseverance (Tickety Tock can't sing but finds a way to contribute anyway) and self-empowerment. Blue's Big Musical Movie is a feast for little eyes and ears; the sets are so colorful they hurt grown-up eyes, and the songs--especially the one that gets the Charles treatment--are all sing-along-with-me winners. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

A Musical....GREAT.......2007-07-25

Love this DVD. It's so entertaining to watch, even for me. My little one absolutely loves this dvd.

daughter loves it!.......2007-03-07

my daughter LOVES this video - she sings along with it and quotes it!

Blue's fun DVD for the kids.......2007-01-11

It's another cute DVD. My daughter enjoys this one as well. My review is based on her reaction to the DVDs. It keeps her entertained.

Blue's Clues.......2007-01-10

Fantastic! My 14 month old and my 4 year old love it- it's educational, musical, and more than an hour long! Perfect for getting ready for work in the morning.

One of the best kid's movies.......2007-01-06

I had previously bought this movie on VHS, my oldest son wore it out because he watched it so much. I bought another VHS and within a few years and another child later, I finally bought the DVD. They know the songs by heart (and so do I by now) and it keeps them entertained for a while. It's a really cute movie with lots of songs and you still get to look for Blue's Clues.

Average customer rating:

It's great episod !!
Great for Learning
One of the best Blue's Clues ever!
Very Educational and Palatable for adults
It's helping my child to talk