Whale Rider

Amazon.com

One of the most charming and critically acclaimed films of 2003, the New Zealand hit Whale Rider effectively combines Maori tribal tradition with the timely "girl power" of a vibrant new millennium. Despite the discouragement of her gruff and disapproving grandfather (Rawiri Paratene), who nearly disowns her because she is female and therefore traditionally disqualified from tribal leadership, 12-year-old Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) is convinced that she is a tribal leader, and sets about to prove it. Rather than inflate this story (from a novel by Witi Ihimaera) with artificial sentiment, writer-director Niki Caro develops very real and turbulent family relationships, intimate and yet torn by a collision between stubborn tradition and changing attitudes. The mythic whale rider--the ultimate symbol of Maori connection to nature--is also the harbinger of Pai's destiny, and the appealing Castle-Hughes gives a luminous, astonishingly powerful performance that won't leave a dry eye in the house. With its fresh take on a familiar tale, Whale Rider is definitely one from the heart. --Jeff Shannon

Description

There is a legend that Paikea rode on the back of a whale and led his people to New Zealand. Since that time tradition has decreed that the first-born male descendant will become chief of the tribe. Then Pai is born...and she is a girl. She grows up within a close-knit village which retains the tribes traditional spiritual relationship with the sea and their warrior values. Although loved by all, Pai faces rejection from her grandfather, Koro, who is brokenhearted that there is no grandson to carry on the line.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.......2007-09-03

This movie is great, beautiful, sensitive. The director was able to show the soul of the people and the culture involved with it. The drama is simple: the leader of the community asked the Gods to send a new healer and leader. He is expecting a men, but the Gods sent a woman. And the little girl must proove, by herself, that she was sent by the Gods. It has to do with the blindness of the soul which some leaders hold -- sometimes in the name of God.

Wonderful -- A classic myth brought to the present age.......2007-08-28

I had seen this movie in the theatres and loved it then. This summer while teaching a group of Extrememly At-Risk adolescent male students we did a unit on Oceania -- New Zealand, New Guinea and Fiji. I wasn't sure these "tough guys" were going to by into a movie with a female protaginast but was I ever Wrong!! They loved it. It will now become a staple of my curicculum in film studies, world cultures, literature and gender equity!

A Beautiful Story.......2007-08-24

When I first saw this movie, I couldn't help but become emotionally invested into the characters, especially Pai(Keisha Castle-Hughes). Her portrayal of the character, and also the relationship between her and the grandfather, was absolutely amazing. I loved seeing such a strong young girl as the lead character. It's a good example of how one person (even a child) can change things for the better.

Beautiful.......2007-08-09

This has to be one of the most beautifully moving films I've seen in quite some time. I highly reccomend this!

Whale Rider.......2007-07-30

Visually breathtaking and emotionally uplifting, "Whale Rider" is a must-see for the whole family. Castle-Hughes is a gifted actress who manages to convey both age-appropriate longings and a mystical aura as 12-year-old Pai, defying generations of tribal tradition to achieve her proper destiny. Rawiri Paratene is excellent as Koro, Pai's grandfather and the chief of the tribe, whose stubborn pride prevents him from seeing her gifts. An ode to an enduring myth of the New Zealand Maoris, "Whale Rider" is an ethereal film that stays with you.

Average customer rating:

All for one and one for all.
My life on film!
Now and Then
movie
The Worst Film in the History of Cinema!!!!

Now and Then
Starring: Christina Ricci , Rosie O'Donnell , Thora Birch , Melanie Griffith , and Gaby Hoffmann
Director: Lesli Linka Glatter
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
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ASIN: B00002SSKI
Release Date: 1999-12-21

Amazon.com essential video

This obligatory girls' version of Stand by Me begins with actors Melanie Griffith, Rita Wilson, Demi Moore, and Rosie O'Donnell doing a lousy job of playing adult versions of the film's youthful protagonists. The idea is that this quartet of characters is having a reunion, which serves as a preface to the main story about school chums who make a pact to stay close and supportive through thick and thin. The trouble is that Griffith, Moore, Wilson, and O'Donnell look like they've rehearsed their scenes for no more than a few minutes, and after boring us silly there's little reason to get excited about anything else. Still, it's nice to have a supporting cast that includes Janeane Garofalo and Bonnie Hunt, while among the girls are three young actresses who have been burning up the road in recent years: Christina Ricci (The Opposite of Sex), Thora Birch (A Clear and Present Danger), and Gaby Hoffmann (Strike). --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

All for one and one for all........2007-09-14

I hadn't seen this film for so long, but having remembered how much I enjoyed it years ago I thought it a necessary purchase. I wasn't disappointed.
This is a film to satisfy every mood. Like all the greats it has highs and lows. Focusing on a group of four young girls this is an emotional film touching on the importance of losing innocence, dealing with disappointments and, inevitably, hormones.
Roberta's discovery about her mother's death and Sam's realisation about her parent's marriage are just two of the genuinely moving moments. These are nicely balanced out by the more humorous events, such as the girls stealing boys clothes after watching them bath nude in the river and talks about sex. Chrissy's reactions to this subject are hilarious on their own. Each girl brings something unique to the friendship group and is appreciated for it. Their relationship is, as they say, 'all for one and one for all.'
It's great to see Christina Ricci and Thora Birch portraying their characters so effectively, perhaps because they are so different from their recent roles in Sleepy Hollow and The Hole. It's unfortunate that there are no special features here, although you could argue the film is special enough without them. It really is a treat.

My life on film!.......2007-06-23

The setting of this film is in Indiana in the early 70's. I was the same age as the characters at that time and was also growing up in a small Indiana town. The movie is like my youth on film..... I love it!!

Now and Then.......2007-05-17

Although it is something of a chic flick, "Now and Then" is a great movie. I would watch having a youngster see it as there are some adult topics discussed. Each child character and her adult counter part, look so similar that it is amazing! It is a very well told narrative of young ladies coming to terms with growing up and all that it involves and holding onto friendship in spite of it all.

movie.......2007-05-14

This was in wonderful condition it was almost brand new. Very quick delivery thank you.

The Worst Film in the History of Cinema!!!!.......2007-04-09

I dont care how bad a movie can be. Even films that suck beyond belief can at least have a few moments that are not so painful to watch. This film actually amazes me, I cannot think of a single second of this charade that I can actually call quality. It's actually insulting to watch. After viewing this garbage, I have come to discover that I HATE Rosie Odonell! I Hate Demi Moore!! I Hate Melanie Griffith!!
It Stinks! It Sucks! The DVD should include a hand-gun so you can blow your brains out as punishment for watching it!

Average customer rating:

Clinton - Lewinsky
It could have been true
Wag? My tail didn't wag an instance...
A Very Wicked And Prophetic Satire
Classic for all the times (10 stars from 5)

Wag the Dog (New Line Platinum Series)
Starring: Dustin Hoffman , Robert De Niro , Anne Heche , Denis Leary , and Willie Nelson
Director: Barry Levinson
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
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ASIN: 0780622561
Release Date: 1998-07-29

Amazon.com essential video

Not only was Barry Levinson's comedy shot in a relatively fast period of 29 days, the satire of politics and show business feels as if it were made yesterday. There's a fresh spin quite evident here, a nervy satire of a presidential crisis and the people who whitewash the facts. The main players are a mysterious Mr. Fix-It (Robert De Niro), veteran Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman), and a White House aide (Anne Heche). Can the president's molesting of a young girl be buried in the two weeks before an election? A war in Albania just might do the trick. In the good old days, the president would just invade. With modern technology, it's even cleaner. The hungry press looks for any lead, convenient misinformation is created by the latest Hollywood fakery ("all developed by the new James Cameron film") creating images and merchandise all instantly packaged. And it must be real, because it's on TV. David Mamet's script never questions the morals or the absolute secrecy needed to pull this thing off. He and director Barry Levinson have enough truth in the story to make you wonder what is real news and what is just promotion the next time you see CNN. Many of the supporting players impact the story with mere presence: Denis Leary as a quote man, Willie Nelson as a songwriter. The three leads are magnificent. With the similarities between history and this film, Wag will forever linked to the Monica Lewinsky saga. This video version contains a new minidocumentary focusing on the parallels of the film with the Bill Clinton scandal, including comments from director Barry Levinson and hosted by newsman Tom Brokaw. --Doug Thomas

Description

Robert DeNiro stars as a Washington spinmaster who needs a war to distract public's attention from a sex scandal involving the President. Dustin Hoffman received an Academy Award nomination for his role in this biting political satire.

Customer Reviews:

Clinton - Lewinsky.......2007-09-14

This movie was released during the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. It is about covering up political scandal by CREATING a larger incident. Deniro is the president and Hoffman a hollywood director hired to solve the presidents problem. Very funny. Lots of INTERSTING characters. Excellent OVER-THE-TOP performances by Deniro and Hoffman! A must see at least once!

It could have been true.......2007-06-27

Yes the dog needs to be wagged severely by the tail. If politics is nothing but a branch of show business, it is nothing but tall tales and scary stories. In this film they fantasize the re-election of a President based on a Hollywood secret production of a story that sounds truer than reality. The President is going to be accused of some sexual misconduct - read my lips - twelve days before election day, so his advisers invent a war in Albania which is deflated by the CIA who do not like, for once, what is not true. Then they go on with the invention of a US prisoner of war left behind and finally freed and brought home, a Rip van Winkle of modern times. Poor Schumann. A rape-offender who is severely psychotic and who tries to rape the first woman he sees through a diner's window in the middle of nowhere. He ends up killed by the husband of the woman and he is brought back home, directly to Arlington. Superb. Unluckily the producer turns psychotic in his turn and wants the credit for the super production that re-elected the President. So he dies of a massive heart attack on his way to Hollywood, picked by some CIA agents, or is it FBI, and does it have any importance at all? They could have really done the same thing with the war on Iraq. It could and would have been a lot more palatable than it is right now. The film is greatly done though it has little depth and as a comic taste and bitter after taste. Of course it is all a story and it has no truth whatsoever, does it not?

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University Paris Dauphine & University Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne

Wag? My tail didn't wag an instance..........2007-02-08

Clearly by the rating you have to be expecting some sort of negative positions on the film, and you'd be right. Because in my opinion this film was trumped up to comedy gold, only to realize itself as nothing but a false laugh in the back of an empty theatre. Yeah, I don't know what that sentence entirely means, but I do know that Wag the Dog lacked realism (except for the end, but assuming there's a chance you may actually watch this I figure I'll be nice enough not to spoil this.)

The plot centers around DeNiro, who is a political mind who is supposed to help control public opinion in the face of a presumably soon-to-be leaked sex scandal. To spin his magic DeNiro teams up with a Hollywood producer, played by Dustin Hoffman, who plans on making this cover-up the masterpiece of his career.

Well, that's the story. So now you know the basic beginning to what I believe is far from a masterpiece, as Wag the Dog lands much closer to a master flop.

A Very Wicked And Prophetic Satire.......2007-01-30

When this movie came out, Monica Lewinski's 15 minutes of fame (or infamy) had not started ticking, though people thought it was realistic especially with Clinton in the White House. A year later, Clinton was bombing Iraq, which coincidentally coincided with when the impeachment hearings took place (starting the day the hearings were to begin, though they were postponed a day, and ending right after the hearings ended, being termed a success).

The makers of the movie for some reason thought this movie needed an R rating and used the "f" word more than necessary (though I feel it being used once is much more than necessary). Aside from that, the movie was funny (e.g. a girl running with Doritos), with cynicism concerning the reporting of news. By the way, this movie was not a direct attack on Clinton but rather looking at the way politicians work.

Dustin Hoffman earned his best actor nomination. Robert DeNiro deserved one as well.

Classic for all the times (10 stars from 5).......2007-01-28

Somebody can say that it's good "political comedy" Yes it is. And it have to be proud of it.

The person who made a script of this movie is real genius (or he really was a part of American electoral process. And i believe that in real live everything goes exactly like this and no other.

This movie didn't had much commercial (maybe because this movie only for intelligent people), but it should be anyway. This film is BRILLIANT, scenario is brilliant, actors game is brilliant, directing is brilliant.
Just no words for this film - only positive emotions!!!

In this movie you can see in action how government plays with people's mind.

That's movie that you have to see: buy it, rent it, steal it... but this movie is not only Classic of Hollywood, but also Classic of life (with brilliant actors game of Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro).

Must see movie!!!

The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love

Average customer rating:

GREAT Movie!!
Movie
It's ok
Truely Unbelivable Story Line
The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love

The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love
Starring: Laurel Holloman , Maggie Moore , Kate Stafford , Sabrina Artel , and Toby Poser
Director: Maria Maggenti
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001HAGSI
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Amazon.com essential video

This warm romantic comedy by newcomer Maria Maggenti is a gay coming-of-age story framed by Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass. Randy (Laurel Hillman) is a stoner, lesbian teenager who happens to be failing math and dating a married woman. One day, fellow student Evie (Nicole Parker) drives up to Randy's gas station in a Range Rover and flips her world upside down. Evie is privileged and popular. Randy is poor, impulsive, and according to the other students, a freak. Opposites attract when the two girls kick off their friendship in detention. The flirtation blossoms after Evie introduces tomboyish Randy to the joys of Whitman and opera. Randy returns the favor by acquainting the sheltered Evie with the problems and delights of mature, taboo love. There is a beautiful scene where the two consummate their courtship on Evie's birthday while Mom is out of town. The true test of their relationship occurs during the hilarious climax when angry families and friends chase the troubled girls into hiding. --Margaret Griffis

Description

Two teenagers experience the excitement of first love. Written and directed by Maria Maggenti. Year: 1995 Starring: Laurel Holloman, Nicole Parker

Customer Reviews:

GREAT Movie!!.......2007-07-24

Love this movie!! Saw it yrs ago and still love it! Funny to see Tina from The L Word in this so young. Great story especially for first timers to watch together.

Movie.......2007-03-22

I have not seen this movie as of yet. Looking forward to it though.

It's ok.......2007-03-16

Not a great movie. In my opinion the performances didn't convince me (actually I was kind of disappointed with Laurel Holloman) and I couldn't trully get involved with the characters or the story. And to be honest found it kind of boring.Nicole Ari Parker is great though.

Truely Unbelivable Story Line.......2007-01-05

This is a cute coming to understand yourself story. Very low budget flick. I think it is something teen lesbians or I dono if I am a lesbian people should see. One of the main 2 characters is now a main character on the L Word, so that was very interesting to see; it was quite a surprise also. I would recommend people to see it; all in all.

The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love.......2006-11-25

The movie shows the real meaning of love, for 2 girls that care so much about each other, would do what they did in order to be with one another, the movie is now and forever will be my favorite, for i have come to know that my soul mate is out their and it for shall be a woman.

Average customer rating:

Earth
EARTH Review
How best friends become enemies:The breakup of India
A Seeringly Poignant Examination of Religious Factions of India
The painful partition of India

Earth
Starring: Maia Sethna , Nandita Das , Kulbhushan Kharbanda , Babby Singh , and Kitu Gidwani
Director: Deepa Mehta
Manufacturer: New Yorker Video
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ASIN: B00008R9KP
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Amazon.com

A tragedy set against the ethnic violence of India's independence in 1947, the second film in Deepa Mehta's elemental India trilogy is even more incendiary than her controversial Fire. Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Parsees alike buzz like bees around the lovely flower Shanta (Nandita Das), the Hindu nanny of sheltered 8-year-old Parsee girl Lenny-baby. This sunny Eden of racial harmony plunges into darkness when independence brings the partition of the empire and sets ethnic groups against one another in civil war. As seen through the naive eyes of little Lenny-baby, Earth is more tragic melodrama than social history, but what Mehta's adaptation of Bapsi Sidhwa's autobiographical novel Cracking India lacks in insight, it makes up for in fiery imagery, emotional passion, and a heavy-hearted longing for the paradise lost. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Earth, The second film in Deepa Mehta's controversial trilogy is an emotionally devastating love story set within the sweeping social upheaval and violence of 1947 India. As her country teeters on the brink of self rule and instability, 8-year old Lenny, an innocent girl from an affluent family, is in danger of having her world turned upside down. As the simmering violence around them reaches a boiling point, Lenny's beautiful nanny Shanta (Nandita Das) falls in love with one of Lenny's heroes,… the charismatic and peace-advocating Hassan. Love, however, can be dangerous when religious differences are tearing the country apart, and friendships and loyalty are put to the test. Building to a shattering climax, Earth is a devastating human drama in which desire unfolds into a stirring tale of love and the ultimate betrayal.

Customer Reviews:

Earth.......2007-07-12

This child's-eye view of historic unrest in newly postcolonial India, which erupted in violence after independence and the creation of Muslim Pakistan, is a timely film about ethnic and religious conflict wrapped around a story of forbidden love. Seductive and sorrowful, "Earth" boasts fine acting - including a rousing turn by Aamir Khan, as Shanta's lover-turned-embittered-bigot, Ice Candy Man - and exquisite, honey-hued photography by lensman Giles Nuttgens.

EARTH Review.......2007-05-13

EARTH, like FIRE and WATER, is a powerful and rewarding film that explores the social and political history of India. Together, these films are a body of work that deserves a wider audience than the foreign films section of the local DVD library.

How best friends become enemies:The breakup of India.......2007-03-13

This is the first of a trilogy of films written and directed by Deepa Mehta.EARTH is the film that sets up the following films by telling us the history of the breakup of India from British rule.For 250 years Hindus,Muslims,Sikhs and Parcees had all coexisted under British Colonial rule.Now,in 1947 Britain,as it is pulling out,divides the land into India and Pakistan.The best of friends and families are forced to choose where they will go and where their loyalties will be.Nine year old Lenny-baby.a lame girl from the neutral Parcees,witnesses this calamity as the story is told from her innocent viewpoint.EARTH sets up the conditions that existed in India at the time to prepare you for the following FIRE and WATER.EARTH is an excellent companion movie to GANDHIand A PASSAGE TO INDIA as it sets all of the historical facts into place,yet telling the story with great pathos.EARTH is the most action oriented of the Deepa Mehta trilogy.FIRE and WATER are much more introspective and reflective.THIS IS A TREMENDOUS THREESOME OF FILMS THAT ARE ALL HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

A Seeringly Poignant Examination of Religious Factions of India.......2006-09-19

Deepa Mehta has such a commanding presence in her films that she is able to leave her audience both educated and devastated by her stories and by the ingenious ways in which she tells them. EARTH is a magnificent example of her gifts and while it may not be as visually luxurious or as touching as her subsequent WATER, it is a fine film that not only depicts a troubled time in India's history, but also informs us of the intricacies of how people relate to each other - first as humans, second as religious sects.

The film has at its heart the year 1947 when India was given its independence from Great Britain and at the same time bifurcated into two countries - India and Pakistan. The story opens with a tranquil park picnic in Lahore where friends - Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Parsee - while away the afternoon in camaraderie. Only slight overtones of edgy topics about religion mar the conversation until the topic focuses on the incipient split of the country into two countries. Each of the friends represents each of the religious sects and it is how these differences, at once unimportant to friendship, end up in separating the friends under the influence of the devastation of bloodshed that follows the division of the country and the displacement of millions of people, all under the guise of independence.

There is a strong love story, a committed crippled child who experiences all of the happiness and subsequent tragedy that is to follow and the story ends with some words of wisdom by the grown little girl reflecting on choices made, and other sidebars that maintain interest at every frame.

The acting is first rate from a beautiful cast and Mehta's direction makes this tale of change whir by the viewer. For those not educated in the differences of the four religious sects of Hindu, Parsee, Muslim, and Sikh the tale can become confusing: would that Mehta would have included a discussion about the film in an added feature the way she helped us understand the plight of widows in WATER. And the subtitles unfortunately do not translate the English spoken portions of the film, portions that while very important to the story are nearly indecipherable due to the accents of the characters speaking.

But these are minor quibbles in a film that pleads for repeated viewings, so beautiful is the movie and so very important is the message. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, September 06

The painful partition of India.......2006-09-03

"Earth" explores the event that triggered the largest mass migration in human history through a small group of friends torn apart almost against their will. Lahore is reputedly the most beautiful city in what is now Pakistan; in 1947 it was a melting pot for Muslims, Hindus, Parsees, Christians and others. The story is told through the eyes of Lenny, an upper class Parsee girl whose family desperately tries to stay neutral as the world falls apart around them. Lahore fell on the Muslim side of the line, and amidst growing violence the friends have to make choices. Hasan the Muslim decides to marry his love Shanta, a Hindu, convert, and move to India. Dil Navaz, who also loves Shanta, turns bitter and vengeful when he learns his three Muslim sisters are killed on their way back to Lahore. Others convert to save themselves; for some it is too late. But, as always, violence and extremism become a cover to take revenge for very personal reasons. "Earth" ends with a stunning betrayal that will leave you shaking. Beautifully and realistically filmed, "Earth" portrays a lost world, as the new nation of India is born. It's a painful film to watch but well worth your time.

Average customer rating:

an overlooked masterpiece
In between
Weird French Pop Film
Essential French cinema: Demy's 'Les Demoiselles de Rochefort.'
South of Cherbourg

The Young Girls of Rochefort
Starring: René Bazart , Dorothée Blank , George Chakiris , Henri Crémieux , and Grover Dale
Director: Demy, Jacques
Manufacturer: Miramax
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ASIN: B000062XI7
Release Date: 2002-01-22

Amazon.com

The French director Jacques Demy scored a worldwide hit in 1964 with The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, a bittersweet candy-colored romance in which all the dialogue was set to music. Equally enchanting is the musical that reunited Demy with the star and composer of Umbrellas, Catherine Deneuve and Michel Legrand. The film is The Young Girls of Rochefort, an effervescent concoction about traveling players and dreamy-headed demoiselles in a seaside town. Deneuve and her real-life sister, Françoise Dorléac (who died in a car accident not long after the movie was made), play twins who fantasize about life in Paris. But before they leave town, they are distracted by the weekend fair and its colorful singers and dancers. They're also destined to meet an American composer--gloriously, it's Gene Kelly, carrying the aura of classic MGM musicals in his lighter-than-air wake. He was 55 at the time, but much younger in movie years. (Another American, George Chakiris, also dances his way through the film.) Legrand's music isn't as powerful as his Cherbourg score, and some of the choreography would fit right into an Austin Powers discotheque sequence. And the costumes--well, the excesses of '60s mod designs have not aged well. Yet the crazy hairstyles and vinyl boots fit right into the film's sense of gleeful fun. There is a sunny, daffy spirit to this movie that becomes positively infectious. It deserves to be better known. (Try to catch a widescreen version, if possible.) --Robert Horton

Description

A wonderfully entertaining musical fantasy, THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT features big-screen legend Gene Kelly (THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT) and international star Catherine Deneuve (BELLE DE JOUR) in a delightfully lighthearted story about two charming sisters waiting for their perfect love to arrive! In the picturesque seaside village of Rochefort, Delphine (Deneuve) teaches dance while her twin Solange (Francoise Dorleac) composes and gives piano lessons. As the girls dream of success and romance in the far-off big city, they don't realize that true love may be just around the corner! An exuberant musical treat that earned rave reviews from critics everywhere, this beloved classic has been beautifully restored to its original magnificence!

Customer Reviews:

an overlooked masterpiece.......2007-08-19

I just had to pitch in on this one. I'm a bit of a film geek, and have watched plenty of them. I'd say this movie is one of my personal favorites - definitely in the top five. No kidding. It serves the vital function of reminding me, when I need to be, that life can be a very good thing. I vastly prefer it to "Umbrellas of Cherbourg," whose relentless, weepy tragedy, not to mention its non-stop music, I find a bit much. This one, I think, while admittedly a production that's bit rougher around the edges than "Umbrellas," was truly Demy's masterpiece. Legrand's score is utterly top-notch - again, on par with "Umbrellas," and, like the movie, more upbeat. And it's brimming with lyrics that are jam-packed with first-rate wit and joy. I actually bought the soundtrack. The folks who don't like this movie likely will either find its admittedly low-budget production odd for their tastes, or balk at the overall fruity Frenchiness of it. Inventing other reasons not to like it - it's trying and failing to be American, etc. - I think is also counterproductive. The key is to let yourself go and, indulge in this over-the-top confection. The first number, "We Are a Pair of Twins," is worth the price of admission. Silly? Maybe, but meanwhile surpassingly brilliant and lovely. Catherine Deneuve is, of course, unbelievable. And there's Michel Piccoli! I know this movie has a cult following in France, and is generally well regarded there, but I believe it deserves an international reputation. Maybe the movie is too much itself - too hopelessly and shamelessly French in taking on the American musical genre - to pass the typical dismal critical hurdles that are required. Well, more power to it. Hopefully, history will catch up with it. The sooner, the better. I do wish they'd do one more restoration and improve the digital transfer, but that's just because I'm such a fanatic about this movie. It's a fine DVD, and quite a bargain, although I'm tempted to pony up for the 2-disc special anniversary edition that's available in France...

In between.......2007-08-09

It's too, well, French, to be a traditional musical (a lot more overt sexuality than what you'd expect from a film with Gene Kelly), but it's too much of a wanna-be American musical (that misses the mark) to stand as a good French film. The romantic pairings are laughable as are the supposed talents of the characters. Gene Kelly looks incredibly out of place and awkward. Yes, it has some lovely music, bright colors, and a few charming characters, but overall is very disappointing. The best part of the film is the smooth and understated opening credit sequence highlighting the ferry ride across the river. It's downhill from there. If you like Jacques Demy stick to Lola and the Umbrellas of Charbourg. If you like Gene Kelly stick to An American in Paris and Singin' in the Rain.

Weird French Pop Film.......2007-08-06

I don't doubt that the other reviewers are sincere in liking this film, but the prospective purchaser should be warned that this is a really weird, hokey, pop movie that is hard not to laugh at. The best thing about it is the discovery that the French could have made something so utterly artificial and commercial. OK the dancing and visuals are pretty, but you have to watch the whole thing with a sense of irony.

Essential French cinema: Demy's 'Les Demoiselles de Rochefort.'.......2007-08-05

Although it does not recapture the brilliance of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964), French director, Jacques Demy's enchanting musical film, The Young Girls of Rochefort (Les Demoiselles de Rochefort) (1967), stars 23-year-old Catherine Deneuve and her sister Françoise Dorléac (who was killed in a car accident shortly after filming), with a beautiful musical score by the prolific composer, Michel Legrand (Band of Outsiders - Criterion Collection), and even a cameo role by 55-year-old Gene Kelly.

As effervescent as a glass of champagne, Demy's film tells the love story of twin sisters Delphine (Deneuve) and Solange (Dorléac), who dream of finding love and a life outside of the seaside town Rochefort. Delphine teaches ballet and Solange gives piano lessons. Still enamoured with the fiance she left ten years before, their mother Yvonne (Danielle Darrieux) owns a cafe where much of the action occurs. Unbeknownst to her, her former fiance, Simon Dame (Michel Piccoli), has recently opened a music store in town. Maxence (Jacques Perrin), a sailor, poet and painter, is searching for his ideal woman, and has painted an image of her which clearly resembles Delphine. In a performance as sweet as cotton candy, the film ends with Delphine and Solange singing and dancing at the fair, in exchange for a ride to Paris with charming carnies Etienne (George Chakiris) and Bill (Groover Dale).

Daft, well yes, but nonetheless a gem of a Demy film in a trilogy sharing some of the same actors and characters; it comes after Lola (1961) and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. The film has been completely restored.

G. Merritt

South of Cherbourg.......2007-06-04

If you're coming to THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT by way of THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG, metaphorically, Rochefort is quite a bit south of Cherbourg (and cartographically, as well).

Whereas CHERBOURG was inspired by -- but consciously counterpoint to American musicals, ROCHEFORT seems a giant ripoff. Not only did they import Gene Kelly and George Chakiris but huge chunks seem to have been pilfered. For instance, Deneuve's and Dorleac's performance at the carnaval kept conjuring up in me memories of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell singing "Two Girls from Little Rock". This film could have been an American-made B-musical.

I hate to say it, but I found Michel Legrand's music bland - the pastel design and cinematography overwhelming - the acting uninspired - and the plot silly.

I really wanted to like this film. But, I stifled yawns most of the way thru.

If you haven't yet seen THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG, don't let this one by the same team put you off. Up at Cherbourg, everything came together brilliantly. Down here at Rochefort, non.

Girls Gone Wild: All New Dormroom Fantasies

Average customer rating:

Good stuff .. but no surprises ..
If you like GGW and you like Asian Girls...
STAY AWAY FROM GGW!

Girls Gone Wild: All New Dormroom Fantasies
Starring: Girls Gone Wild
Manufacturer: Mantra Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0001EN6TM
Release Date: 2005-12-06

Product Description

Sneak onto campus with Girls Gone Wild and step into the wildest dorm rooms to see the hottest, real co-eds acting out their private fantasies.

Check out what happens in Mary s room when this freshman lets loose and gets naked with her sexy, young classmate Brady.

System Requirements:

Running Time 55 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

Good stuff .. but no surprises .. .......2006-06-11

Well, instead of ranting about GGW's Hard-Sell tactics, I'll do what I'm supposed to do here .. i.e. review the content

So, this video does what its supposed to do .. girls on the beach taking their tops off .. and more. But it gets a bit repetitive, and most girls are not that hot .. but check out "Wild Girls: Thailand" .. these guys are taking it up a notch.

If you like GGW and you like Asian Girls..........2006-04-24

Then you should check out Wild Girls: Thailand! Hot Asian Chicks! Hot Beaches! etc. GGW with spicy Tom Yam Gung! GGW but Hotter!

Check it out!

STAY AWAY FROM GGW!.......2006-04-22

I have not bought this particular video, but I did buy another set of GGW videos a few months ago, and I COMPLETELY regret it. This is the worst purchasing experience I've ever had. Many people have complained about the horrible customer service at GGW. In my case, I paid extra on my order for speedy delivery. The charge went against my credit card, so they got immediate payment from me. My videos were supposed to have been delivered within a couple days, but it wound up taking a couple MONTHS instead! And only after I complained did they finally deliver them. But they still didn't reimburse me for the extra expense I had paid for the speedy delivery that never happened. And if that isn't bad enough, for the last month these jerks have been calling me every day, several times a day. I get calls at home, I get calls at work. They called me three times just today. This is harrassment! I'm right now researching what my legal options are because their incessant phone calls are making me crazy. Can you imagine having to explain unsolicited calls you're receiving at work from GGW? Unless you want to go through the hell I'm being put through, do yourself a favor and please avoid these sorry jerks!

Sabrina Bryan: Byou - The Hot New Dance Workout

Average customer rating:

Don't bother
Impossible to follow!!
great!
Awesome Dance/Exercise
kids loved it!

Sabrina Bryan: Byou - The Hot New Dance Workout
Starring: Sabrina Bryan
Manufacturer: Bmg Marketing
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Fitness | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

Aerobics | Fitness & Yoga | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000BYA4F6
Release Date: 2006-01-17

Description

Dancer, singer and actress, Sabrina Bryan, has a very important message of empowerment for girls - be happy, be healthy - BYOU! Bryan, of The Disney Channel's hit movie and double platinum selling soundtrack The Cheetah Girls - stars in a 93 minute dance fitness DVD called BYOU. The DVD was created so that girls can have fun learning the latest dance moves and get fit at the same time. It combines pop and hip hop dance movements with strength and cardio training in three routines moving from beginner to advanced. BYOU is aimed at tween girls from 8 - 14 years old. DVD CONTENTS includ 93 minutes of video, 3 distinct and separate full routines: "PURE FUN" - a long workout version with high intensity; "DANCE PARTY", a remix of moves learned in PURE FUN, so girls can just get down and dance; "FULL BLAST" is the advanced routine with fresh, funky new moves. Bonus sections include: Breaking Down the Moves with Sabrina, "Shoe Savvy" - fitness shoe shopping with Sabrina, "Byou" music video to Sabrina's hit single "Byou" and Special Behind the Scenes footage.

Customer Reviews:

Don't bother.......2007-09-13

I bought this for my daughter thinking she would love to dance along with one of her favorite "cheetah girls." After being very excited to try and up on her feet for the first 10 minutes she gave up. This video would be fun if it had more breakdown of the dance moves and was slower paces. Even I after years of dance and cheerleading had difficulty keeping up. Don't bother buying this video if you looking for something your child can actually follow along with.

Impossible to follow!!.......2007-06-18

If you want to learn dance steps as a fun way of exercising -don't buy this DVD!! There is hardly any instruction to speak of. It's more of a performance DVD than a teaching DVD. After 2 minutes of the warm-up I gave up and watched. If you don't have dance training, forget it! If you do have dance training, forget it! Very disappointing.

great!.......2007-06-11

my 8 year old absolutely loves it! and she has no prior dance expereince..it is a little difficult in that they move fast but she still keeps trying!

Awesome Dance/Exercise.......2007-05-20

This is a great cd for the music, dancing, and exercising. My sisters and I dance to this cd almost daily, and get a great workout. We highly recommend this to anyone that just wants to dance, have fun, and get some exercise in to!!!

kids loved it!.......2007-02-21

My 7.5 year old daughter old niece loved it. 5 Year old was a little intimidated at first, but once she tried it she loved it. My daughter is a competition level dancer and wears this tape out, my nieces have no dance experince and they loved it too. I think it is appropriate for what it is. Age recommended 6 & up.

Average customer rating:

Just another girl
Great movies for teenage girls!
interesting
TOUCHING AND INSPIRING MOVIE!!!!!!!!
great movie

Just Another Girl on the I.R.T.
Starring: Ariyan A. Johnson , Kevin Thigpen , Ebony Jerido , Chequita Jackson , and Jerard Washington
Director: Leslie Harris (II)
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | African American Cinema | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | African American Cinema | Genres | DVD | Video

General | African American Cinema | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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ASIN: B0000640RZ
Release Date: 2002-05-21

Product Description

Newcomer Ariyan Johnson delivers a critically acclaimed performance as a spirited Brooklyn teenager coping with life in the projects, and sustained by her fierce desire to go to college and become a doctor. Just Another Girl On The I.R.T. - the writing and directorial debut of up-and-coming black woman filmmaker Leslie Harris- is a sharp, sassy blend of comedy and drama in the tradition of Spike Lee that speaks with a fresh new voice all its own.

System Requirements:

Running Time 96 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Sassy, in-your-face account of an intelligent, flippant Brooklyn girl who lives in the projects and dreams of college. Ariyan Johnson is captivating as the teen with attitude and a brain, but she cannot decide which should guide her. She wants a better life but finds herself taking a very hard road. First-time writer/director Leslie Harris put together a sharp, realistic, very funny account of life for a young black woman. It is rough around the edges, however, and is definitely hampered by the minuscule budget. This may not always be pretty, but it is consistently interesting. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

Just another girl.......2007-08-27

I've been looking for the movie for some time now they only had it on VHS but I found it here I received this DVD sooner than expected it everything and more, great deal!!!

Great movies for teenage girls!.......2007-08-01

I bought this movie for my Niece and her best friend who are teenagers just starting in the dating world. This movie shows you the effects of growing up in a inner city too fast.

interesting.......2007-07-25

i saw this movie yeeeeeeeaaaaars ago. and i finally i got it for myself on dvd. i would say that this movie is a view into the lives of many teenage girls. its low budget, but in my opinion its damn good. i love the soundtrack...and it would also b a good movie for a high school health class. hope u like it!

TOUCHING AND INSPIRING MOVIE!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-11

Do not buy this movie unless you are ready for a deep moving documentary! My mom rented this movie for me one night several years ago when I was a teenager living in NY. After viewing the movie I quickly ordered it from Blockbuster on VHS. I cried several times while watching this movie not because it's sad but because it touched me. It had everything a good movie should have laughter, sadness, excitement, happiness and most importantly LOVE! I give this movie 10 stars!!! :) I can't wait to buy this movie on DVD! It is a very inspiring story and there is never a dull moment. It is a very well done independent film that speaks to anyone who has gone through any kind of struggles in life. This movie is about achieving your dreams and reaching your goals despite hurdles and mountains that come in your way. It also shows growth and maturity in the life of a young woman. I highly recommend this movie to everyone especially youth and teens.

great movie.......2006-04-15

I first saw this movie 10 years ago, I was happy to see it made it to dvd. This a great movie to watch with your teenagers. To bad there aren't more movies like this one. Chantel was a typical teenager who had alot of dreams to become a doctor but she got pregnant. This movie really sends a message to parents with young daughter Chantel's age. We really need to talk to our children, instead of young girls doing what Chantel did they can go to there parents to talk about it.

Average customer rating:

nice movie
Brave New Girl
Based on a Book
Brave New Girl
Loved The Movie

Brave New Girl
Starring: Virginia Madsen , and Lindsey Haun
Director: Bobby Roth
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0002S948O
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Product Description

Holly Lovell (Haun) dreams of attending the Havery Conservatory of Music and Dance even though she knows he single mother wand (Madsen) is struggling to pay the bills never mind tuition. When Wanda finds Holly s application in the trash, she secretly records holly s application in the trash, she secretly records Holly s performance at a local competition and submits the application for her. Holly soon discovers that dreams do come true. All you need is hope. And mother s gift.

System Requirements:

Running Time 90 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

nice movie.......2007-07-18

I like that kind of movie, if you like britney this is a movie to see.

Brave New Girl.......2007-07-03

Saw the beginning of this movie on TV and never saw it again to see the end. So bought the movie and enjoyed seeing the entire movie without breaks. Everything went well from initial order to watching the movie. Well worth the price.

Based on a Book.......2006-12-14

This movie is based on the book "Brave New Girl" that Britney Spears and her mom Lynn Spears co-wrote. It is actually a pretty good book and the movie dipicts the story well. I think that the book is actually better, and Britney and her mother are pretty good authors in my opinion.

Brave New Girl.......2006-06-01

this is probably the worst movie i've ever seen!i dont know why i even bothered to watch it till the end!first of all its an ugly version of 'raise your voice'.the actors, the script-all ugly!and sooo annoying!this grant guy who is holly's love interest is everything but 'hot'-u cant even see his face under the hair and beard, and actress playing holly gave all the expressions wrong and was so irritating!and the texas accent?they obviously overdid it!the worst thing about the movie?the ending.it could not have been more INAPPROPRIATE!!!i'm talking script-wise.holly had to perform this opera thing and during it i just kept fearing for the worse, which happened:she tore off her dress and took off the hat(she stayed with this skirtand top)and performed a pop version of the opera(which was from carmen by the way)with the cheesiest lyrics EVER!!!one of her music teachers sat with a strict face while all the others got up and cheered(dunno why) and thats how it ended.no style at all.i dont know whether they wanted to end with a cliffhanger but this definitely was the most unstylish way to do it.want a stylish cliffhanger?watch 'the butterfly effect'.this movie is definitely not worth watching.if u want something of this kind then check out 'raise your voice' and dont even bother with this one.this movie is everything but cute.

Loved The Movie.......2005-08-21

I found the movie rather cute. Of course if any movie has dancing or singing, I'll automatically love it. :) But the lip synching was pretty obvious in most parts. And from that, it makes you wonder who exactly can REALLY sing. Oh well, I still love the movie and I think it's worth the watch.

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