On the Beach

Amazon.com essential video

Stanley Kramer's 1959 antiwar movie looks like everything Kramer did: subtle as a car wreck but undeniably affecting. Gregory Peck plays a submarine commander looking for survivors in Australia after a nuclear holocaust. Ava Gardner is among them and, somewhat improbably under the circumstances, becomes his love interest. Fred Astaire and Anthony Perkins are among the characters awaiting death from the gradual spread of radiation from the north. One might scoff at Kramer's implicit finger-wagging about nuclear politics in this mad, mad, mad, mad world, but it is hard to stop watching this compelling drama all the same. --Tom Keogh

Description

The war is over. Nobody won. Only the inhabitants of Australia and the men of the US submarine Sawfish have escaped the nuclear destruction and radiation. Captain Dwight Towers (Gregory Peck) takes the Sawfish on a mission to see if an approaching radiation cloud has weakened, but returns with grim news: the cloud is lethal. With the days and hours dwindling, each person confronts the grim situation in his or her own way. One (Fred Astaire) realizes a lifetime Grand Prix ambition,another (Ava Gardner) reaches out for a chance at love. The final chapter of human history is coming to a close... From acclaimed director Stanley Kramer (The Defiant Ones, Inheritthe Wind) and screenwriter John Paxton comes this spectacular movie landmarka film masterpiece with a message that will resonate as long as the world has the power to self-destruct at its own fingertips.

Customer Reviews:

I saw it in 1959.......2007-07-26

I was 10 years old when I saw this movie. I can't describe how terrifying this movie was to me at that time. It was absolutely not for a child of 10 years old but there was no rating system in place and anyone could view it and we did!!!

I remember watching the sub sail into a port and getting a so-called signal from someone or something and it turned out to be a coke bottle caught in a blind bobbing up and down on the telegraph. That's how, at that time, people thought you'd communicate if all else failed. That's how it was in 1959. No phones so it had to be Morse code. No computers yet or anything else. We could blow ourselves to kingdom come but we still had the Morse code!!!

The fallout slowly drifting across the world and killing everything in its path, that's another thing that chilled me to the bone. There was no escaping it. It was either a slow death by fallout or suicide.

A couple in Australian, with a small baby, had to make the heartbreaking decision to buy suicide pills for themselves and their young child before the fallout reached them. It was really horrible. And this could happen!!!

In 1962 we came so close with the Cuban Missle Crises and President Kennedy decided to blockade insead of invasion. We have him to thank for our survival!!!

The Final Act in a Nuclear War.......2007-07-10

On The Beach presents the grim result of any conflict that ends in nuclear war.
The only survivors (in this story) were those in remote regions of the southern
hemisphere, and even those had the grim reaper coming their way, only a few months
after the rest of the world's population was wiped out by the nuclear conflict.

It is a good story of the war we avoided during the "cold war" with the USSR
for some thirty years, and especially a good story of the lives of those who
survive the initial outburst, only to face an upcoming certainty of death by
radiation poisoning. It is a very good argument for preventing nuclear war, whatever
it takes to do that, other than a total surrender to the forces of evil.

A Cold War Classic.......2007-05-20

On the Beach is truly an excellent Cold War Classic - I think this is
a movie everyone should see at least once. Fine acting by the best of
actors for its time. Get a copy for yourself and get a viewing audience
to watch it too.

On the Beach, the original........2007-05-12

This is one of the best cold war, end of the world, somebody dropped the bomb movies ever. Very thought provoking, especially if you live thru that era.

Still Relevant.......2007-04-16

This movie was science fiction. Absolutely.

But, seeing this movie again reminded me that the ideas in this movie are something we should still be thinking about.

Average customer rating:

Better Than The Original Flick
Bryan Brown?!?!? Oh, please . . .!!!
A lot of potential squandered to make a chick flick
"Powerful" isn't the word for it
An intriguing remake of the 1959 film .....

On the Beach
Starring: Armand Assante , Rachel Ward , Bryan Brown , and Mark Pennell
Director: Russell Mulcahy
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007N1JNM
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Customer Reviews:

Better Than The Original Flick.......2007-08-23

I'm not often a fan of remakes of any sort but I'm glad I finally overcame my bias and bought this. I read Neville Shute's novel back in eighth grade and it left a lasting impression (I'm just past 50). I enjoyed - and own - the 1959 MGM B&W version starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner and Anthony Perkins and still love it. However, this dvd (from a made-for-tv "mini" series I believe) stands out from the original in several ways, most impressively in the deeper character insights although I'll admit that the cast doesn't have the chops of the original stars. Perhaps it's the updating of these characters that got to me as the story itself remains as bleak and unsettling as it has always been.

Bryan Brown?!?!? Oh, please . . .!!!.......2007-08-20

Hmmm, a doomsday story, Armand Assante and co-starring . . . Bryan Brown?!?!? After watching this movie, and considering it OK watching fare, I found out there was an older version made back in the 1959. Now, I'm curious because my guess is the original version was probably even better? In this version we get some pretty decent acting except for two things that could have been improved.

1. Bryan Brown. This guy always plays the same character in every role he portrays. Brash, grating on the nerves, pompous "bloak". It really is hard to watch a movie with Brown because you think he's a character from one of his other B-movies. Try and treat his acting as a minor nuisance and you might be able to enjoy the rest of the film.

2. Assante's occasional slips into Al Pacino deliveries. On the whole, Armand does a fine job of acting the duty-bound submarine commander and also the troubled soul trying to keep himself together after personal loss. Intermittently he also seems to be doing an accent which I don't recall are natural to Assante's normal speaking voice. It's almost like the Aussies told him to "act American". I'm surprised he isn't wearing cowboy boots and the hat to go with it! There are even times when Armand slips into short Al Pacino-like monologues. Very strange because when he isn't so filled with convictions his performance is pretty darn good.

The plot is interesting and the ironic twist in the middle of the picture is a jewel. Rachel Ward's portrayal of, Moira Davidson, is compelling to watch along with the supporting casts' performances. On the whole the movie is gloomy, and the storyline comes a bit too close to reality at times. It sends a thought-provoking shiver up one's spine. BRAVO for that in any movie.

Pictures like these do have their silver lining of making the viewer give thanks for what they have and who they hold dear. I'd watch it again.

A lot of potential squandered to make a chick flick.......2007-08-20

The end of humanity is a pretty compelling theme, the end coming as a result of Nuclear War is something we really ought to be thinking about given some current events (rekindling of the Cold War for example). It also has is a compelling hook for those who secretly yearn for the downfall of modern 'civilization' and the chance to return to a simpler more primal type of life.

There have been some half- good attempts to take a serious look at THE END, the Day After comes to mind, along with more campy variations ala Logans Run, Omega Man, Mad Max, Escape from New York etc.

This one started out interesting, there was a fairly solid cast for a lower budget TV film, the sets were somewhat convincing (looks like they let them shoot on a real Sub) but this was really squandered and turned into being all about what was essentially an ego trip for this middle aged woman. She looked so happy when she first thought Capitan Assante was coming to hang out with her (to slowly die of radiation poisoning or commit murder-suicide together) you would think the entire race of humanity wasn't doomed along with herself. In the last scene she is bitterly toasting the captain for going out to sea to die with his men (who all have radiation poisoning) she's delighted when he shows up in his dress whites, the end is sort of a pathological zinfindel commercial. And an ode to self-absorption on a colossal scale...

The scenario though is a really interesting one. If you had a nuclear submarine, you would probably be able to avoid the radiation. All you would actually need is food. You could surface and check satellite data on what areas were 'hot' (if the satellites were still functioning) it would be an interesting game of being able to stand being cooped up in the sub long enough for some of the radiation to dissipate until you could surface somewhere Animals live on the site of Chernobyl and all over Bikini Atol so nature does revive, even if the infection of man has been scourged from the planet. Fun for everyone else to start over again, much the same appeal here of Zombie movies. Too bad they squandered all that to make this into an overwrought Hallmark Romance novel with the apocalypse as a mere backdrop....

"Powerful" isn't the word for it.......2007-07-08

Nevil Shute's On the Beach is the most haunting, terrifying, and depressing Cold War-era post-apocalyptic tale ever told, and with the 2000 production it has now been successfully translated to the screen not once, but twice. Both of the film versions retain the wrenching impact of the novel, and in many ways the new 2000 version does this better than either of the earlier efforts. **SPOILERS FOLLOW** For one thing, the longer, miniseries-style treatment lets the production develop the characters more fully than did the first film, especially their attachments to one another, so that when these attachments are inexorably ripped apart by the radioactivity, the viewer feels it all the more keenly. The final scene involving the Holmes family, superbly acted (to the point that, frankly, made me concerned for the mental welfare of the child actress), is nothing short of devastating. Even though I knew the story well from reading (and rereading) the novel and seeing the earlier film, this scene caught me unprepared for its sheer force and gave me a couple of sleepless nights. Another key to the newer film's effectiveness is the relative lack of squeamishness of the modern viewer, which allowed the producers to incorporate more of the grisly details of radiation sickness into the film's imagery. One of the new movie's most poignant scenes takes place when we see, through Julian Osborne's eyes, a queue of people waiting to receive their cyanide pills, and we catch a fleeting glimpse of a forlorn and pretty young woman as she vomits. The expression of shame and hopelessness on her face is priceless and (I'll use the word once again) wrenching. Still another element is the change to San Francisco; while the earlier versions have the city essentially undamaged (except by radiation), this version presents it as having taken a direct nuclear hit. The submarine crew's exclamations of horror-mingled despair as it sees a real-time through-the-periscope video of the collapsed Golden Gate Bridge and the ruins of the city is one of the most important moments in a carefully-choreographed downward spiral. The production is good at giving hope and then slowly stealing it away, and the San Francisco viewing, along with the sudden reading of 150 rads off Anchorage (again, linked with the crew's explosive response) are the film's major turning points in this regard. The "prayer scene" near the end of the film shows sailors who are no longer U.S. naval personnel but walking ghosts; it is if they (and by extension we) have transformed from viewers to participants in the terrible drama that they once saw only through the periscope. Eschewing "Waltzing Matilda" (the running theme fore the first film), the producers opted for a more contemplative score (punctuated with some sinister themes during the submarine voyage) that moves near the film's ending to a heavily religious/choral style that resembles a dirge for mankind (which was no doubt the intension).

The film does, of course, have its weaknesses. The biggest, for me, was Armand Assante's portrayal of Dwight Towers. Assante's Towers seems to be more of a cross between Rocky Balboa and a (stereo)typical Marine officer or senior noncom than a (stereo)typical naval officer. Perhaps the casting department was Australian and this was its idea of a (stereotypical) American nuclear warrior, but Assante's characterization just didn't ring right, especially compared to Gregory Peck's more equable portrayal (a word Shute uses to describe Towers more than once). Bryan Brown's Julian Osborne, too, is more harshly portrayed in this version than the earlier movie, and (I believe) the novel as well. On the other hand, Rachel Ward's portrayal of Moira Davidson is excellent, if perhaps a bit bitchier than the previous versions. Peter and Mary Holmes are likewise perfectly acted by Grant Bowler and Jacqueline McKenzie. McKenzie's almost waiflike Mary is exquisite; while watching her I found myself thinking that with her looks she would have made a perfect Elf in The Lord of the Rings.

The other weaknesses were relatively minor and even nitpicking. Towers is a four-striper, a captain in navy rank, but several people (including naval officers) refer to him repeatedly as Commander even while looking at his shoulder boards. The long-dead corpse in Anchorage blinks a few times. Finally, the ending (which does for Shute's novel what My Fair Lady did for Shaw's Pygmalion, if not a weakness, is a definite change. It seems to offer a faint hope that love is stronger than death, which softens the sheer brutality of the film's ending sequences. I myself welcomed that softening, but others might not.

All in all, this is probably the most profoundly disturbing film I've ever seen, including the previous version. It's also more disturbing even than the original novel. If you like an emotional tour de force this is it, but be prepared for what awaits you; this is not a film for the faint of heart.

An intriguing remake of the 1959 film ............2007-06-19

I'll have to admit upfront that I've never read the novel this movie is based upon, so can't determine how much the plot may veer from the written page. I *have,* however, seen the 1959 version of On the Beach at *least* a dozen times, and this remake does veer from *that* path. ;-P

This movie definitely held my attention ... and my fascination over how the characters (from the 1959 film) have been cast and updated for modern times. The plot variations almost have me curious enough about the written page to buy and read the novel. *Almost!*

This remake is undoubtedly more realistic in its portrayal of what might really happen when people realise that the end is inevitable. Where the 1959 film portrayed a more accepting and sedate mood throughout, this remake pulled no punches about probable violence and blame-laying. Hey, that's the difference forty years can make, huh?!

Overall quite interesting and engrossing with its variations from the original film. I was impressed enough to go ahead and recommend it. :-)

Average customer rating:

For Morgan Freeman Fans Only
Ahead of Its Class
Lean all the way toward seeing this movie!!!
An Inspirational Story for Educators
A Powerful Film!

Lean on Me
Starring: Morgan Freeman , Beverly Todd , Robert Guillaume , Alan North , and Lynne Thigpen
Director: John G. Avildsen
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: 6305133514
Release Date: 1998-10-20

Amazon.com essential video

Rocky director John Avildsen championed the briefly famous New Jersey high school principal Joe Clark in this upbeat 1989 drama. Morgan Freeman plays the tough-love educator who wields a baseball bat and bullhorn to keep discipline in his hallways and to motivate underachieving students to keep their acts together. After establishing Clark's controversial methods and showing him giving some punks the boot, Avildsen relies on the usual school-drama clichés to fill out the rest of the movie, including a challenge to Clark's philosophy from timid authorities. Freeman makes a strong impact as Clark, his dignity and integrity a sometimes awesome thing. Avildsen, however, is going for a Rocky-esque emotional crescendo. --Tom Keogh

Description

Based on the true story of new jersey high school principal Joe Clark,who wins the support and respect of his students for his controversial methods in ridding the school of violent students and drug dealers.

Customer Reviews:

For Morgan Freeman Fans Only.......2007-08-26

Morgan Freeman's excellent performance is the only redeemable element of this misguided effort. Freeman plays a Principal who applies a no-nonsense get-tough approach to reforming a terrible public school. Along the way, he does a few things I agree with and many things I strongly take exception to.

He appoints himself Dirty Harry of the educational system. He expels all the hardcore troublemakers in one dramatic action. I agree in theory. Take out the trash. Get rid of the dealers, thugs and gangmembers who are a detriment to all students. This is more fantasy than reality. If only it were that simple. Expulsion is a process dependent on provable behavior. In other words, you can't expel a student based solely on the student's bad reputation or past behavior. You have to actually catch them. Chaining the doors to keep drug dealers out is cutting off your nose to spite your face. There has to be a better way than breaking the law and endangering lives.

He constantly bullies, berates, yells at, and otherwise behaves in a hateful manner toward his teachers. Also he demotes and fires teachers at whim. Even if a teacher is the worst, most indifferent teacher in the history of education, this hateful behavior is unprofessional, immature and just plain unwise. Not only does it foster devisiveness; I refuse to believe the teacher's union would tolerate his behavior. His desk would be piled chest-high with union grievances in a week. Also, it is horribly unprofessional to have adult conversations, chastise, discipline or argue with an adult in front of the children. If a principal disrespects the teachers in front of the students, it teaches the students to disrespect the teachers. Also, it blurs the adult/child boundaries. The principal's public defiance of the mayor, fire marshal, parents and anyone who disagrees with him sets a horrible example. Children mimic behavior and attitudes.

He is constantly threatening, grabbing, pushing, dragging and smacking the children. Again, you simply cannot do that in real life and expect to keep your job for very long. The rooftop scene is straight out of a comic book. Also, baseball bats have no place in a school.

Most of this controversial behavior happens in the first hour of the movie. The second hour is mostly inspirational pep rally and cheerleading type stuff. The tough but occasional fair and kind boss becomes beloved by his students and staff and there is the inevitable showdown between him and his and those who oppose his methods. Predictable, if not particularly believable, results ensue.

The movie makes interesting and probably unintentional points about the danger of dictatorships. One person in charge with one set of ideas and rules inspires follow-the-leader groupthink. Children are especially vulnerable to charismatic leadership. This is why diversity of authority and opinions is crucial. It is all good and well for a principal to say "I'm the boss" to the students but behind the scenes he must work openmindedly with teachers and administration and answer to the school board and parents.

Although well-acted by Freeman, i can't recommend this movie.

Ahead of Its Class.......2007-05-03

'Lean on Me' takes another educational figure and puts him at the head of the class. Hot-tempered, but motivational, Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman) takes the helm of New Jersey's East Side High School once the seat of academic excellence. Facing undaunting turmoil, the school he has but one year to shape up is full of drug dealers, fights, and general mayhem. Knowing that to get anyone to obey the rules, you have to enforce all, Clark "takes no prisoners" and armed with a megaphone and locks to keep criminals out, he gives his student body a whole new outlook on life. But between his scornful nemesis, Leona Barrett (Lynne Thigpen) and a desperate and unpopular mayor (Alan North), he has more than his martinet sensibilities to keep in check.

Seeing Morgan Freeman not play someone sage and mellow is a real treat. Sometimes his character makes us laugh and smile, especially when we see his soft heart behind the tough talk. With a convincing set of actors and situations, the story doesn't try to whitewash the problems or the hero's idiosyncracies. Unsurprisingly done by 'Rocky' director John Avildsen, 'Lean on Me' does inspiration with class.

Lean all the way toward seeing this movie!!!.......2007-04-21

With so many true story movies out there, I'm glad to say this is a good one. Now, saying that Mr. Clark aka Morgan Freeman did a great job. Sometimes he seems heartless but in the interior of his heart, he does care! I thought there was some funny parts, some great uplifting parts, and parts that made you feel sorry for "real schools" that goes through "real life drama" of education. I love when they sang in the bathroom the school song, well, the new remix of it. It's a great movie. I like it and recommend it to everyone.

An Inspirational Story for Educators.......2007-04-15

This is a story about Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ which was once considered one of the best high schools in the country. Over the years, the high school deteriorated to a school full of violence and drugs. Their test scores and graduation rates were so deplorable, the state was considering taking over the school.

A new principal, Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman's character), was hired in an effort to save the school. Even though he had a military-style of leadership, he really cared about the kids and instilled in them the value of education. He told them that if they failed, they shouldn't blame their parents or blame the white man. Since the majority of the school was poor African-Americans and Hispanics, he told them that if they didn't get an education, they would be locked out of the "American Dream" that they so heavily viewed on television. He let them know that the one and only reason they would fail would because of themselves. They were responsible for succeeding. His message was that students should not lean on excuses.

Joe Clark turned the school around, and even though he could have been more supportive of his faculty, the school was so far gone that it need his disciplinary leadership. Most of all, he instilled in the students responsibility and pride, and that is quite an accomplishment.

A Powerful Film!.......2007-01-20

Morgan Freeman's role in "Lean on Me" is typical of the kind of roles he's particularly good at: "My way or the highway." He nearly sinks his own efforts to turn around a failing school by acting as if he ALONE is the only one that can get the job done. This is a lesson for every administrator out there: "Lean on" Your Staff/Faculty. Give your staff and faculty the respect they are entitled to and they will work for you and the students much better than if you brow beat them and circumvent their authority as professional educators. It is only when Freeman's character learns this that things begin to go his well-intentioned way.

NOTE: This outstanding film is now packaged with another outstanding film on education, Stand and Deliver/Lean on Me. These films are worthy of a place in your DVD collection.

Blue Crush (Widescreen Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Fun, fresh and entertaining from the beginning to the very end...
Blue Crush
Worth rebuying
Not enough surfing, but I enjoyed the scenery.
Refreshing

Blue Crush (Widescreen Collector's Edition)
Starring: Kate Bosworth , Matthew Davis , Michelle Rodriguez , Sanoe Lake , and Mika Boorem
Director: John Stockwell
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005JLH0
Release Date: 2003-06-01

Amazon.com

With refreshing energy, Blue Crush is the kind of movie that girls and young women deserve to see more of. It's mostly for them (although nice tans and bikinis will attract the guys), and it rejuvenates the surf-movie tradition by showing real girls with real friendships, coping with absent parents, borderline poverty, rocky romance, and the challenge of raising a kid sister. For young Hawaiian Anne Marie (Kate Bosworth), those responsibilities are motivations to excel as a champion-class surfer... if she can overcome the fear of drowning, which she nearly did in a previous wipeout. Supportive friends (Girlfight's Michelle Rodriguez, and Sanoe Lake) help her reach the climactic competition on Oahu's infamous Bonzai Pipeline, and like Saturday Night Fever, this engaging film uplifts the working class without condescension, riding high toward the joy of achievement. Himself an amateur surfer, director John Stockwell (Crazy/Beautiful) captures the extreme thrill of the sport while respecting the forces of nature and human behavior. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Fun, fresh and entertaining from the beginning to the very end..........2007-08-02

`Blue Crush' is a lot more than just a chick flick with half naked women. It's actually got a lot of heart and a halfway decent storyline. Of course the major draw to a film like this has to be the beautiful Hawaiian scenery, not to mention a few very nice tan lines, but like I mentioned, `Blue Crush' has a lot more to offer. Director John Stockwell has proved before with `Crazy/Beautiful' that he has a delicate and mature touch when approaching the all too often generic teen movie. He is able to infuse enough emotion and maturity into his films so that they come across new and fresh, inviting and, well, mature. He does the same here with `Blue Crush', giving us a film that is far from chick flick feeling and one that young and old, male and female can appreciate. It's funny when it needs to be funny, dramatic when it needs to be dramatic and soothing when it needs to be soothing.

The film tells the story of Anne, a young girl who dreams of becoming a professional surfer all the while taking care of her bratty kid sister Penny and working herself to the bone as a maid for one of the prestige hotels. She lives with her two best friends Eden and Lena who enjoy her love of surfing and are determined to help her train for the Pipe Masters tournament where she'll surf the Bonzai Pipeline. Anne has to face her own demons though, as a previous accident where she nearly drowned has crippled her in a way, mentally, making her incessant fear of drowning a major problem for her advancement. Another problem surfaces in the form of hunky football player Matt who shows up and takes root in Anne's heart.

All the actors do a great job with the material. Kate Bosworth is completely believable as Anne, and Mika Boorem is just as convincing as her sister Penny. Both Michelle Rodgriguez and Sanoe Lake are effective as Anne's friends, but Michelle has the larger of the two parts and is the more outspoken one. She plays Eden, the one who really wants to push Anne to succeed, and she does so with gusto. Besides, at the time she was really the only recognizable name and so she's instantly separated from the crowd. That's not to say she's the most entertaining of the bunch, just the most recognizable. Matthew Davis may have been a recognizable face but he hadn't really had a break out role yet (Michelle had `The Fast and the Furious'). Consider this his breakout. He does a great job as Matt, infusing enough charm to go with his rugged good looks to make you believe in Anne's apparent infatuation.

So from the beautiful ocean view to the compelling storyline and relatable, and likable, characters, `Blue Crush' succeeds on really all terms. It's definitely a film that can stand up to multiple viewings and one that will be enjoyed each and every time. So don't be turned off by the girly cover art or the fear of a simplistic and mind numbing prose, just pop in the DVD, sit back and enjoy the fact that not all chick flicks are avoidable, and some of them should be sought after.

Blue Crush.......2007-06-13

Blue Crush 1hr 45min. $9.99
Brian Grazer, Karen Kehela PG-13

Annemarie Chadwick (Kate Bosworth) and her two best friends, Eden (Michelle Rodriguez), Lena (Sanoe Lake), and Annemarie's little sister Penny (Mika Boorem) are extremely good at, and love to surf!! Actually Annemarie is so good at surfing that she gets invited to go and surf at the annual Pipe Masters Contest! But when it comes down to actually go and surf in the morning, everyone tends to have a tight schedule, because everyone wakes up at 6:30 just to go and surf! After surfing however, Annemarie rushes to get Penny to school, although she has to make sure Penny won't ditch. On top of all that, Annemarie, Eden and Lena all have to rush to their job, which are being hotel maids. However Annemarie gets fired from her job for publicly embarrassing a V.I.P guest, who happens to be a professional football player! Soon after being fired, Matt (Matthew Davis) the quarter back of the football team, comes to find Annemarie for surfing lessons. This starts a new romance between Annemarie and Matt. So now Annemarie struggles between a new romance, taking care of Penny (so hopefully Penny would stop smoking) and training for pipe masters. Annemarie struggles with training because she's too afraid that she will have another near drowning incident that happened three years before.

I thought that this movie was A-MAZING!! I loved the drama and the competition! If you ever watch this movie, I think that you might feel the same way! I think the director's use of music is really cool and good and has good taste, because some of the music is tropical, and some is sport-like. In my opinion, I think the movie setting was at one of the amazing places ever, HAWAII!!!!
So if you like the ocean, surfing and watching competitions, I think that you might want to watch this movie!!!

Worth rebuying.......2007-04-11

I bought this movie about 4 years ago. I loved it so much. But with most movies they get damaged sooner or later. This is a movie worth rebuying over and over again, because you'll watch it over and over agian. It teaches you to never give up and hold close to your loved ones, no matter what.

Not enough surfing, but I enjoyed the scenery........2006-11-10

Overall the movie was cool for me. The storyline was so-so and there wasn't enough surfing. I did enjoy the bit of good surfing they had though. The main reason I bought the movie was because it was filmed on Oahu (although there were parts that I think may have been filmed in Maui but passed off as Oahu). The special features had some good footage.

Refreshing.......2006-11-03

Now in a multi-year drought dominated by cheap horror flix, I recalled having seen Kate Bosworth and Michelle Rodriguez in a surfing movie. I went digging into the Amazon stacks and found it here. What I hadn't recalled was that this is a film centered around telling a more serious story about women in surfing and some of the more intricate aspects of beach culture in Hawaii. So, you are drawn inside the competitive mind where the challenge is to meet every expectation from making the rent, to having a life, to fighting the fears that would take away the chance to ride the next wave. It's fun and serious all at the same time. The film also contains some early work in face replacement and employs new approaches to filming the sport; so, it also makes an interesting study in visual effects and cinematography.

Blue Crush (Full Screen Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Fun, fresh and entertaining from the beginning to the very end...
Blue Crush
Worth rebuying
Not enough surfing, but I enjoyed the scenery.
Refreshing

Blue Crush (Full Screen Collector's Edition)
Starring: Kate Bosworth , Matthew Davis , Michelle Rodriguez , Sanoe Lake , and Mika Boorem
Director: John Stockwell
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000071ZZL
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Fun, fresh and entertaining from the beginning to the very end..........2007-08-02

Blue Crush.......2007-06-13

Worth rebuying.......2007-04-11

Not enough surfing, but I enjoyed the scenery........2006-11-10

Refreshing.......2006-11-03

Average customer rating:

Great Film Adaptation Of A Great Novel
THE BEST "Novel adaption" film I have ever seen!
STEINBECK+MILESTONE+COPLAND+GREAT CAST=OUTSTANDING MOTION PICTURE
Near Perfection
A Classic

Of Mice and Men
Starring: Burgess Meredith , Betty Field , Lon Chaney Jr. , Charles Bickford , and Roman Bohnen
Director: Lewis Milestone
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305081832
Release Date: 1998-08-26

Amazon.com essential video

Truly one of the unsung triumphs of 1939, this heartfelt adaptation of John Steinbeck's morality tale of two itinerant migrant workers seems just as fresh and powerful decades after its release. Lon Chaney Jr. gives the performance of a lifetime as the sweet yet feeble-minded Lennie, who is befriended by the weary Burgess Meredith. They both would be lost without each other in a rather mixed-up world. Sensitively directed by Lewis Milestone (All Quiet on the Western Front), the film features the first pre-credit sequence in American film history. There's also a nice score by Aaron Copland. --Bill Desowitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Film Adaptation Of A Great Novel.......2007-06-14

Of all the television and theatrical releases that have followed, none have reached the perfect cast of this 1939 classic. Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney Jr. in their finest roles. Where were the Academy Award nominations for these two outstanding performances? Lon Chaney Jr's final scene was worth more than what's his name's entire bore in "Goodbye Mr. Chips". ZZZZZZZZZ! Portrayals just as imagined from Steinbeck's novel.

THE BEST "Novel adaption" film I have ever seen!.......2006-06-28

I have watched over 600 classic films in my study and enjoyment of classic film. I have watched many films made from a novel--Anna Karenina, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, A Farewell to Arms, etc. It seems there is always something missing in movies adapted from a novel...a film cannot always grasp the depth and "mind thoughts" of a book, for a book is more for the mind and the reader's own inner vision and imagination, and a film must deal with the outwardly visual, and so being, much can be lost in the film story. However, was I surprised when I found this DVD at the library and brought it home to watch. It was amazing! I read "Of Mice and Men" as a required novel in high school back in the late 70's. I remember liking the story, and I bought my own copy of the book (just as I did with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn) and I read it over and over as the years went by. I haven't read it in several years, but when watching this film, I remembered everything that happened. I wasn't sure I was going to like Burgess Meredith as George, but he was very good. And the same with Lon Chaney Jr. as Lennie, and Betty Field as Curley's wife. Once the movie began, I felt these actors did a very good job portraying the characters as Steinbeck had them in his book. I was surprised with the realism of the film...quite gritty for 1939. Usually films really watered down issues and emotions back then, but this one was surprisingly quite open about them. I rarely cry watching a film, and this film had me crying...you felt so sorry for Lennie, for Candy losing his dog, for the 3 of them losing their "dream", and the ending...that was just an incredible ending for a 30's film. At our house we do not have TV and we carefully screen movies the children watch, and we stick to the classic years (1950's and prior) 98% of the time. I know some precodes, etc. are not for children, but I didn't think this film would be too strong for a child. Yes, because of the code, nothing was shown outright, but my 8 yr. old son really cried and was very sad when the gunshot sounded and Candy rolls over in his bunk. My son knew his dog was shot, and it was a strongly emotional scene without seeing anything! And my son cried when Lennie was in the barn with his little puppy who was dead from him being a bit too rough with him. Again, we don't see the dead puppy, but the implied idea is so strong, again my son burst into tears. I felt really bad for not being more careful for my son and his feelings; had I known this film was going to be so strongly emotional, I would have watched it when my son was in bed. I then knew I could not let him see the end; I figured if these 2 scenes of the dogs dying were so hard for him because of the implied realism and strong emotions, then the ending was going to be too. I was right, it was. And the final scene with George and Lennie is so well done, you felt what they were feeling. I was really crying...like I said, not many movies do this to me! I think the direction and filming was well done; some interesting camera work caught my eye. I can't believe this movie is so "forgotten"; it is just as great or even better than some of the other 1939 films- Gone With the Wind, Goodbye Mr. Chips, and MUCH better than The Wizard of Oz! I found I understand the story much better as an adult than I did in my youth. It is funny that schools make teens read these novels; because teens have not experienced life fully enough, they cannot fully grasp the truths of life such novels are presenting. Maybe some can, but I never did! Always, it was when I was older, got married, had children, experienced the routine and sorrows of life, that I could relate to such books; for I now have "been there" too. As an adult I could see the parallel of Candy's dog and Lennie. I never understood that when I was a teen in school. Anyway, this is an excellent film that no person who appreciates classic film should miss. I am glad I discovered it, and will definitely watch it again. I hear there are "film as literature" classes in schools now, and I would highly recommend this 1939 version of "Of Mice and Men" for such a class. Do please heed my warning though: if you watch this at home and have young children do not let them watch it with you; children are not ready to handle the strong emotions presented in this film. I would say wait until your child is at least 12 yrs. old.

STEINBECK+MILESTONE+COPLAND+GREAT CAST=OUTSTANDING MOTION PICTURE.......2006-06-04

John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" was brought to the motion picture screen in 1939 by director Lewis Milestone(All Quiet on the Western Front)and in doing so director Milestone produced one of the GREATEST American films of all time.It is certainly Milestone's GREATEST achievment.Aided by a great cast,Burgess Meredith,Lon Chaney,jr.(his greatest and the films best role)Charles Bickford,Roman Bohnen(outstanding as "Candy"),and Leigh Whipper(here outstanding as "Crooks",also great as "Sparks" in "The Ox-Bow Incident"),and a GREAT Aaron Copland score, this is a film that should be seen by All Americans,and be seen AGAIN and AGAIN.I've seen it at least 50 times over the 38(or so) years,and it has NEVER failed to bring tears to my eyes during certain scences,especially the ending sequence.
I won't go much into the plot,of this little morality play,but it deals with the friendship of George(Meridith),and Lennie(Chaney) who are wondering field hands and their desire to "have their own little place".Depite their desire to own their own home and farm land(private property) this film was labeled "LEFTIST",and "COMMUNIST"!Oh well!
Cowboy actor Bob Steele(as "Curly"),Noah Berry,Jr.,and Betty Field(as Steele's lonely wife) also contribute to the film's success.Betty Field, I did think she could have been better,but overall ,I guess she was OK.
In 1949 Steinbeck,Milestone,and Copland picturized Steinbeck's "The Red Pony",it was NOT a success and I didn't care for it,the Copland score for Pony was outstanding.
I have a question for film buffs out there.Did Roman Bohnen,uder the name of "Rudy Bowman",appear(as trooper Smith) in John Ford's "She Wore A Yellow Ribbon"?It sure sounds and looks like him.Bohnen died in 1949 while on stage,for a production prouduced by the controversial Actors Lab(ultra-left politically) after having been grilled by the House Committee on Un-American Activities.MANY contributors to this excellent production had problems with the U.S. Congress and the Hollywood Studios arising from their political outlook and associations
My only complaint concerning the DVD-no commetary-BAD-BAD-BAD.

Near Perfection.......2006-04-05

John Steinbeck's classic novella OF MICE AND MEN has also been a 1939 movie, a stage play, and an opera; it was remade as a movie in 1992, with Gary Sinise and John Malkovich. I haven't seen the remake, but I can say that the 1939 version, under review here, is a near-perfect movie. Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney, Jr. are George and Lennie, the eternal, wandering pair whose only sense of home, of security, is found in each other. The tiny Meredith (later of TWILIGHT ZONE and ROCKY fame) is perfect as quick-witted George. I might add that while the novella's dialogue contains much swearing, this movie has none - yet one still gets a sense of George's acerbity from Meredith's exceptional performance. The hulking Chaney is also ideal as slow-witted Lennie; as much as I admire Malkovich, I find it hard to imagine the role of Lennie played with more conviction, wonder, and unaffected pathos than it is here. The film, with its Depression-era California setting, is beautifully photographed. Like the novella, it is brief; no scene is longer than it needs to be, yet each scene makes an impact. The musical score by Aaron Copland is not mentioned enough: the composer's jagged, western-inspired style could not be more apt for Steinbeck; like Steinbeck's writing, its true genius is in its brevity. The one and only "wrong note" in the movie is Betty Field as "Curly's wife," Mae, who brings about her own and Lennie and George's destruction. Lennie is supposed to be fascinated by Mae's soft hair, but there is nothing soft about Field's performance, and this lonely, victimized woman comes across as a none-too-bright tramp. I can't help thinking that the role must certainly be played with more sympathy in the remake, but I still give five stars to the original OF MICE AND MEN.

A Classic.......2006-03-19

This is the best performance by Lon Chaney Jr. as a dramatic actor. Much more than anything else he has stared in. In fact it is one of the only times he rivaled his father (may be with the exception of his supporting role in High Noon). Burgess Meredith is exceptional. This movie is very close to the original story. While redone with later versions (on TV and in movies), this one should have a place in the film buff's library.

Average customer rating:

Would've given it nil stars if I could've...
Indie gem...Paxton can act...
Mediocre is good?
Fantastic Service!!
A thriller with character and originality

One False Move
Starring: Bill Paxton , Cynda Williams , Billy Bob Thornton , Michael Beach , and Jim Metzler
Director: Carl Franklin
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 0767818083
Release Date: 1999-03-09

Amazon.com essential video

A dark and spare thriller about irresistible forces headed for a collision with an immovable object. The latter is the local sheriff in a small Arkansas town (Bill Paxton); the former are a trio of L.A. drug dealers (Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Beach, Cynda Williams), who, having committed a multiple murder, head for that tiny town on the lam to hide out with Williams's family. Directed by Carl Franklin from a script cowritten by Thornton, the film contrasts the converging parties: Paxton as the eager small-timer who resents getting the high hat from the FBI and aches to prove himself; Thornton as the explosive bad guy who looks like a pussycat next to the sadistic Beach. In the middle is the subtle, low-key performance by Williams, who has secrets neither side is aware of. Compelling and energy-charged, without taking a single obvious step. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Would've given it nil stars if I could've..........2006-06-25

Dated, derivative, self-indulgent & unintelligent. This is truly bottom of the range stuff. The acting, directing, soundtrack and script are all dire. None of the characters are even remotely sympathetic, in fact I was hoping they'd die slowly and painfully. I note that Billy Bob Thornton was both star and a scriptwriter - methinks his true nature is revealed in the script and the part he chose - an arrogant, amoral, misogynistic, self-important coward (with zero sense of humour). Don't waste your time watching this drivel, it will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth that no amount of tequila can erase.

Indie gem...Paxton can act..........2006-04-09

Like most people, I saw this first on cable. About the same time, I saw Sean Penn's directorial debut, "The Indian Runner". I had a great respect for Independent films, like, forever, and "One False Move" is among the best. Carl Franklin is to be commended for putting the script (Billy Bob & Tom Epperson) to film in a concise fashion. I don't agree with previous reviewers who thought it needed more ground. This is indeed an original. Bill Paxton, in his first lead role, is excellent, and hasn't been as good since (though I liked his smarmy performance in "True Lies") and the wonderful Cynda Williams won awards for her performance as Fantasia/Lila. The film score is legendary...indeed, Peter Haycock & Derek Holt wrote a score that has been used in a whole bunch of cheesy films of the 90's; I don't really know if it was original for this one, but the use of the music by Terry Plumeri was effective and haunting. Billy Bob was a fine psychotic, and the most frightening performance of all came from Michael Beach as Pluto, never breaking a sweat as he slit a throat. Paxton really carries the film, along with Ms. Williams; you really want these people to survive. Life might be like that; a great exposition of good and evil, and delivered in fine fashion by the wonderful Carl Franklin.

Mediocre is good?.......2006-03-26

I was very disappointed after reading all the glowing reviews for this movie and then watching your average "bad guys on the run" movie. Gee, Billy Bob Thornton plays a crazy bad guy who shoots people and he doesn't like cops at all; he even uses bad language! A friend was watching it with me and he thought I was watching the Lifetime channel. This movie just plodded along down cliche boulevard.

Fantastic Service!!.......2006-03-14

I caught a glimpse of this movie years ago and I could not remember the name but I did know who stared in it...so when i went online to get the name of this I was pleased to see that the sender had it at a very good price...Thanks so much for having the movie and second getting it to me so quickly!!! Thanks again!!!

A thriller with character and originality.......2005-05-31

Billy Bob co-wrote and stars in this tightly woven, deeply textured, well-written off-beat thriller about a couple of drug dealers heading from CA to AK; combines the personal, the interpersonal, the deviant, with an unusual love story embedded craftily in the middle. This was on Roger Ebert's top ten list the year it came out. Although there are a couple of plot flaws, it works well enough to keep you anticipating the "showdown," because these seem to be authentic people trapped in a tragic destiny. This is a rare type of film nowadays: the kind that comes from the heart, not from the sterile factories of M.F.A. programs and lunkhead studios.

Live on Brighton Beach: Big Beach Boutique 2

Average customer rating:

250,000 people can't be wrong!
The Best DJ movie ever made!
Yes...One Plane Ticket To The U.K. Please.....
wish i was there...!
Kick Ass!

Live on Brighton Beach: Big Beach Boutique 2
Starring: Fatboy Slim
Manufacturer: Eagle Vision USA
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00006RCL6
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Description

Track List: 1) It Just Won't Do 2) 77 Strings 3) Lazy 4) Sexiest Man in Jamaica 5) At Night 6) Delicious 7) Get Me Off 8) Love Story 9) Hi Jackers 10) Long Time 11) Born Slippy 12) Rigt Here, Right Now 13) Lord of the Land 14) Let Me Show You 15) Farfisa 16) Star 69 17) I Would Die For You 18) It Just Won't Do 19) Pure Shores

Customer Reviews:

250,000 people can't be wrong!.......2007-01-19

OK, maybe they can! Although, I have to say, I loved this one, and still stick it in the video player, crank up the music and enjoy it immensely. There are 250,000+ plus people on that beach... amazing!, and awesome to watch. The crowd is going off to his music and the party vibe and the camera work that captures it is excellent... even though I think some of the camera men have dedicated themselves to picking out the hotties!

Personally, I wouldn't want to watch 2 hours of Fatboy mixing because it's not all that interesting. And yes, some of the criticisms are deserved, if you look at it from the angle of pure DJ mixing skills it ain't that great and ego... we'll, yes, there's bucket loads of it, the old Fatboy might just be his own biggest fan... but what a show though! Everyone's enjoying themselves and the music (even though it's probably not a typical fatboy mix) and what more can you ask for from a good night out than that and in the end, it is all about the music.

The disc also has some great bonus features worth checking out including a production interview, commentary by the man himself, audio track selection and a few games and a documentary (code = 303). Slip this one on, crank up the music and enjoy.

Highly recommended.

The Best DJ movie ever made!.......2007-01-01

Why is this the best DJ movie ever made? Because, it captures exactly what its like to be a part of the Dance Music scene. No, not everyone will like it. Either you "get" dance music or you don't. Electronic music is not slow, static or stationary, its created to get people moving, energized... dancing! So, if you plan on sitting on the couch eating twinkies and cereal you may find yourself slightly annoyed. "Why is everyone ejoying themselves and I'm not?", you may ask. Well, turn the volume up, have a red bull and enjoy the music. Fatboy Slim begs for you to be a part of the party. No other movie in this genre has yet to achieve what Live on Brighton Beach accomplishes.

Yes...One Plane Ticket To The U.K. Please............2006-01-12

well....i just recieved this disk and i had very high hopes...let me say, most were met....but there are a couple things i got tired of real fast...first of all, if i wanted to see that many crowd shots, i would have bought "Dancing Party People: The Movie"....i would have loved to see a disk that was mostly the man himself with the giant screen in the background...that would have been cool...show me what it was like being in the crowd, not the crowd itself.....there is a couple quick shots on Chapter 14, about a min into the chapter that show perfectly what i mean....my other complaint is with the man himself.....he really comes across as having a butt-load full of ego....many, many, MANY instances of him striking the "jesus christ pose"...in all of my years of going to parties, i have yet to see a dj do this as much as he does during this set....other than those complaints, i have nothing but praise for it.....i have not checked out the special features yet, just the movie itself and i truly do dig it...the music is top notch, the quality of the picture and the sound is supurb....although this may not mean much, seeing as how this is my first review, i fully recommend this disk to fans of electronica everywhere.....

wish i was there...!.......2005-02-02

excellent music. awesome dancing. so many cool people. i just wish i could have been there. put this DVD on & DANCE!

Kick Ass!.......2003-12-07

I think that this DVD was pretty sweet. When I saw it for the first time I thought yea this is pretty goo, but the more I watched it the more I enjoyed it. I definately do not agree with the skeptics that reviewed this DVD before me. I liked it I would check it out.

Peter Cincotti, Live in New York with a Bonus CD "On the Moon" (Monster Music High Definition Surround Sound Audio DVD SUPERDISC)

Average customer rating:

Great DVD
Audiophile? Videophile?
A Natural
The moon is a swinging place thanks to Peter Cincotti
Cincotti Swings Under The Stars

Peter Cincotti, Live in New York with a Bonus CD "On the Moon" (Monster Music High Definition Surround Sound Audio DVD SUPERDISC)
Starring: Peter Cincotti
Manufacturer: Koch International
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000BY896C
Release Date: 2006-11-28

Product Description

high Definition Surround Sound With outdoor Surround Feature Experiences digital Music Files Encoded With Dolby Music Files That Simulate Surround Sound Through Any Pair Of Headphone each Track Has Been Remixed And Audiophile Mastered Get live Experience

Customer Reviews:

Great DVD.......2006-08-28

Peter Cincotti is a great pianist and singer; his voice is full of emotion and very sexy. I am so amazed at his arrangements, especially the upbeat "I Love Paris"; I can never sit still and always feel like dancing. From fast songs to slow songs, he draws me in. It doesn't hurt that he's charismatic and quite dashing as well. His band is also superb and beyond awesome. I wish there were more interviews on the DVD, but I would recommend it absolutely.

Audiophile? Videophile?.......2006-03-24

Sometimes you bought a DVD hoping a great sound.
Sometimens you ger some DVD hoping a great hi rez image.
In this one I hope for both and I didn't get none.
Boring, easy listening, fully marketing oriented.
The image is too lighting.
Forget about it.

A Natural.......2006-03-15

Peter Cincotti has continued to grow as a performer of tremendous natural talent and great ability. His easy, engaging style makes him a singer and pianist that you will want to enjoy again and again.

The moon is a swinging place thanks to Peter Cincotti.......2006-02-23

What a joy it is to watch Peter Cincotti and his band on this great DVD "Live in New York"! Peter breathes new life into the songs from both his debut album as well as his most recent release, "On The Moon" which is included with the DVD. You can hear the Ray Charles influence on "The Girl I Knew". So much so that I was certain it was one of "The Genius"'s songs! What a pleasant surprise to learn that the song was written by Peter himself! The performances are nothing short of excellent. I guarantee, "A Night in Tunisia" will leave you speechless! In this world of lip sync and lackluster deliveries of songs, Peter Cincotti is like a fine glass of Cabernet after far too many years of grape juice. And like Caberbet, he will contiue to grow better with time.

Cincotti Swings Under The Stars.......2006-02-14

I ordered this without really knowing what to expect -- a 'live' concert recording perhaps? -- but the final product did not disappoint.

I've been a fan of Peter's music since his debut album release, and caught his performances at a showcase in Singapore followed by a Rome concert a few months later.

His Live In New York DVD features a comprehensive collection of all his famous works, from I Changed The Rules to Sway to St. Louis Blues and On The Moon. Filmed outdoors on a small neighbourhood street in NYC, it starts off in the day, then mellows into a beautiful sunset, before picking up the tempo as the stars emerge.

Lots of great energy here, as Peter jams with his excellent band and displays obvious enjoyment in his mega-watt smiles and rhythmic head-bopping. The sound quality on this high-definition disc is amazing, so make sure you watch it in the evening in a nice, quiet setting for maximum enjoyment.

I especially love his performances of Sway, You Don't Know Me and The Girl I Knew ( the last a bonus track and as yet unreleased ).

Guaranteed to satisfy all Peter Cincotti fans adequately. But I'm still hoping for a proper concert recording in the near future. An appreciative 'live' audience would be the icing on the cake.

Average customer rating:

DVD problems
A WILD, FASCINATING, QUIRKY RIDE INTO "THE BIG EMPTY"
Misterious!
Coen Brothers Meet David Lynch
What do people see in this film?

The Big Empty
Starring: Jon Favreau , Joey Lauren Adams , Bud Cort , Jon Gries , and Daryl Hannah
Director: Steve Anderson (IX)
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001FGBSE
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Customer Reviews:

DVD problems.......2007-04-07

I have bought 5 different copies of this film, and none will play without pixelating/sound problems. I have a near-new major-name-brand player.

Buyer beware.

A WILD, FASCINATING, QUIRKY RIDE INTO "THE BIG EMPTY".......2006-03-21

Five Spooky Stars! Where has this one been hiding? Mystery is the key here in this independent film and there's plenty of it right up to the very wild end. This film is somewhat in the area code of NIck Cage's "Red Rock West" at the beginning, but it goes in another direction after it gets going. Then what started out as a quirky film kicks it up a notch and becomes a really weird, enjoyable, and special DVD.

Premise: an out of work actor has huge bills, needs a job, and gets way more than he bargains for when he's offered work by a neighbor: because it leads him out into "the big empty". Can't give any more clues without the possibility of ruining it for you. My advice is to see it twice because you'll never see all of the clues the first time through. The second time through, the clues are like glowing neon lights.

The cast list may be misleading: you may not recognize some of the names, but you'll instantly know the faces of this wild ensemble. Jon Favreau is great as the lead. Sean Bean is wonderfully creepy, and Jon Gries, Adam Beach, Melora Walters, Gary Farmer and the rest of the crew are excellent. Kelsey Grammer is a surprise who adds alot of big name credibility to the movie. And, trust me, Rachael Leigh Cook gets my vote as flat out one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. And there is one surprise actor that you won't recognize until the credits are rolling, which may prompt you to hit the reverse button fast. Incidentially, the first scene between Jon and Rachael is a real "hoot" that may slip past on the first viewing. Pay attention!

This movie, which went direct to DVD, is a wild ride and it's a keeper. It is exactly the type of discovery that many of us movie viewers look forward to, and when we find it, it's really a magical couple of hours that stick in the mind for years. Buckle up, this'll spin your head around. Check your Blue Bowling Balls at the door, please !! Five Mysterious Stars!!

(Note: "The Big Empty" (I love that title) is a great example of what independent film-making is all about. And this is why well-known actors give their time and talent for 'scale' wages: the results can be spectacularly satisfying for everyone involved on a level the public will never truly understand.)

Misterious!.......2006-02-14

Comedy at first, x-files after and twilight zone in the end. Overall: VERY GOO