Chasing Freedom

Customer Reviews:

propaganda.......2006-09-27

Most Americans (and this movie) conflate two different things: (1) whether a person's homeland is unjust, cruel, etc. and (2) whether the U.S. is required to take them in because of this.

Every decent person would recognize the cruelty of the Taliban. Does it follow that we are obligated to take in this person? Why did she not emigrate to Pakistan where the people practice the same religion, etc.? Why does it have to be America?

This movie sends a message loud and clear: America should make its immigration policy even more lax after 9/11 than it was before. This is spelled out in the text messages at the end of the movie. Unfortunately, most Americans agree. The fact that it was this lax admissions policy that made 9/11 possible is lost on this movie and on the moviemakers.

The consequences of this policy are yet to come, but they are building steadily every day.

riveting and gut wrenching.......2005-11-13

This was a very good movie. It was well acted and well scripted. Based on the true story of an Afghan refugee, it shows three different worlds. It touches on the upscale world of a self absorbed lawyer who is forced by her boss to do a pro bono case. It shows the brutal world of Afghanistan under the Taliban. It shows the stark lonely world of incarcerated un-papered (no identification, family, etc) refugees seeking asylum, and how hard that is to get. As our lady lawyer gets to know our refugee, the story of what happened and why she had to escape unfolds. Into the middle of the story falls September 11, and its repercussions on her case, and on asylum in general. The story is gripping from start to finish, and left me feeling I had seen a brief glimpse through a window into another world. One in our own country's immigrant prisons, and all the untold stories of human suffering to be found there.

Eye opener.......2005-10-10

Chasing is an eye opening movie into our asylum process and immigration. For a TV movie, it doesnt leave a bad after taste in your mouth. The acting is above acting and the story is superb. Really well done.

"I left Afghanistan with nothing".......2005-09-24

Having first hand experience with the US immigration system, I found a lot to relate to in Chasing freedom. Not that I'm in America to chase "freedom" with my situation nothing like the Afghan woman who is at the center of this movie, but like her, I do know what it is like to be caught up in an ineffectual bureaucracy that can take years to make immigration decisions.

For a television film Chasing Freedom is surprisingly well made and well acted, and it's themes, in this post 9/11 world, remains startlingly relevant. How does the United States keep the integrity of it's borders intact and keep out people who seek to do harm to Americans, whilst also welcoming those honest immigrants, who come to seek asylum? It's a tough call, and as this film shows, there are no easy answers.

Meena, the central character in Chasing Freedom is probably emblematic of thousands of refugees from war-torn parts of the world, who come to America, and other developed countries such as Australia, England, and Canada. In most cases their situation is pretty grim, because without resources of money and education, and a good immigration lawyer, many are deported back to their home countries.

Meena (Lela Alizada) is persecuted by the Taliban for running a school for young girls in Afghanistan. She manages to escape and ends up in detention in New Jersey. Her case seems hopeless -she has no money, no proof of identity and she's up against a hostile system that seems more concerned with finding ways to deport asylum seekers than offering them safe haven.

Reluctant help arrives in the form of a pro bono attorney Libby (played by Juliette Lewis) who unenthusiastically and grudgingly takes on her asylum case. Libby is a highflying securities lawyer, and immigration asylum is a foreign world to her. But her boss insists that she do this and a desperate immigration lawyer Eric (Brian Markinson) pleads with her to help him.

Libby's reaction is probably typical of most Americans who nothing about this world; because it's a world that they rarely need to enter. The movie shows quite well how, the lawyers must struggle to cope and make their voices heard within a department that is under-funded, where prejudice against "foreigners" is rampant, and which is overwhelmed by the shear number of immigrants seeking asylum.

As Libby gradually grows in awareness and learns about Meena's horrifying torture and subsequent escape from captivity, she begins to take pity on the girl, and becomes ever more determined to fight for her. One of the best scenes is when she goes up against a rather nonchalant and over-worked immigration judge, who lambastes her for not being fully prepared.

Both Juliette Lewis and Lela Alizada are excellent in their roles, and it's interesting to watch Lewis as Libby transform from a self-obsessed, flustered, and moneyed securities lawyer into a more empathetic and compassionate person, who believes in fighting for human rights.

The film was inspired by a real asylum case handled by a team of dedicated pro bono attorneys from Debevoise and Plimpton and The Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. It is a sobering depiction of the nearly insurmountable obstacles that asylum seekers face when they arrive in the U.S.

This film must see for anyone working with refugee communities, immigration law and ordinary Americans trying to make sense of the World Trade Center bombing and our subsequent response with the Patriots Act and Homeland Security. Mike Leonard September 05.

Tackling a Controversial Subject in Perilous Times - Successfully!.......2005-09-21

This taut and important film CHASING FREEDOM was apparently a made for television film in 2004. It is a shame it never made it into the theaters as it is a searing document about the problems of victims from foreign countries seeking asylum in the United States. The script by Barbara Samuels is a brave indictment against the Taliban's activities in Afghanistan as well as a penetrating examination of US bureaucratic bungling in dealing with those who get caught up in the quagmire of red tape in trying to find an escape hatch from their homeland cruelty. It is an honest look at a problem, unbiased, where none of the parties are blameless.

A member of a high profile New York law firm, Libby (Juliette Lewis) is told by her boss that despite her overtaxed workload as a securities lawyer she must by contract take on some pro bono work (as much to make her boss look good as to keep a law firm's reputation spotless). Libby begrudgingly takes on a pro bono case in the department closest to her office - the INS where kind and desperate Eric (Brian Markinson) pleads with her to represent a woman seeking asylum. Libby has a negative attitude toward the process, as much because she knows nothing about asylum cases in law as the fact that she is doing this under duress. Eric introduces her to her client Meena (Layla Alizada) who has fled Afghanistan to escape death because she dared to teach children in Kabul despite the Taliban's condemnation of schools. Gradually the harden Libby discovers the life story of Meena and softens to her cause, devoting herself to achieving the impossible - obtaining asylum for a woman who has no proof of identity and is 'detained' in a brusque INS center like a prisoner.

Though Meena arrived in the US in 2000, by the time her case is extended it is 2001 - and 9/11 has happened, an incident that placed Afghanistan in a bad light. The manner in which Libby works with Meena to gain her flight to freedom is a well-paced, gripping, startling tale - and this is based on a true story.

Juliette Lewis again demonstrates the scope of her talent by convincingly transforming the hard, workaholic lawyer into the compassionate believer in human rights and she is able to make this character development with being cloying or stereotyped. It is a fine performance in a role not of the usual Lewis type. Equally excellent is Layla Alizada, wholly believable as a woman who has endured atrocities only to enter a land that seems cold to her plea for asylum. The two actresses make a fine team. The remainder of the cast is superb and the direction by Don McBrearty is on target. There is a hauntingly beautiful music score by Jonathan Goldsmith the weaves Middle Eastern and Western music into a lush, additive and atmospheric score. This film deserves attention, especially today when our borders are even more blockaded. It is wise to remember the individuals caught up in the problem of seeking asylum. Grady Harp, September 05

Average customer rating:

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 stars ... What does it all mean?
Should have fallen asleep during this slumber party.....
"T.J., you didn't give her any of your drugs, did you?"
0 STARS: This filth is an insult to the horror genre.
Best Movie Evar!

Slumber Party Massacre 2
Starring: Crystal Bernard , Jennifer Rhodes , Kimberly McArthur , Patrick Lowe , and Juliette Cummins
Director: Deborah Brock
Manufacturer: New Concorde
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305976422
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Customer Reviews:

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 stars ... What does it all mean?.......2007-03-18

Where to begin ... :)

When reviewing horror flicks, it's often hard for me to know where to begin. First off, are we talking about a "serious" horror flick, that's really trying to scare the carp out of you ... or are we talking about a sillier flick, whose obvious and often addmitted main purpose was to partial undress young women and prance them around for a bit before killing them?

Well, to begin with, this is not a serious horror flick, nor was it ever intended to be, I don't imagine. For me, the entire "Slumber Party Massacre" series falls into the second category of horror flicks that ... well, let's just admit it, is a product of and panders to the sexual frustrations of men who simply can't get enough sex and find some amount of release in movies such as this.

While serious horror flicks sometimes explore the nature and origins of human fear, (a totally different topic) this sort of movie usually isn't even slightly frightening. And when you read the reviews written by people who enjoy this sort of movie, myself included, you'll quickly discover that it's all about various combinations of nubile and attractive young women, the extent to which said young women are completely or partilly undressed, their exposure to not very convincing danger and violence, their participation in not very explicitly rendered sex and the quality (and, perhaps more often, the lack thereof) with which these various goals are achieved.

In short ... these movies are all about sexual frustration. :)

Part 1 - the skin

Many people watch this sort of movie, at least in large part, and I include myself in this category, in order to watch attractive young women who aren't wearing much clothing. How did I "learn" this? Well, when I started allowing myself to watch X rated movies, my interest in such flicks dropped a bit. Why kid ourselves? These movies aren't scary or horrifying ... but they do feature cute girls wearing little or (in some cases) no clothing. And that's a big reason we watch. We're not seeing enough of this sort of thing in our day to day lives, and this is one way to see more. Seeing such things is stimulating ... (with quality levels varying wildly) why deny it?

Part 2 - "danger"

If it was just about skin, then this sort of movie wouldn't get made ... we'd all just watch bikini/beach movies, and that would be that. But, as most of us know, some level of perceived danger in the "story", even if it is pretty lame danger, can intensify the sensation of sexual tension in such flicks, and it taps into the energy of frustration we're feeling. Sex + Danger can be a more interesting feeling than just sex, because it acts as a sort of magnifier. Again, keeping in mind, the quality of both of these (sexuality and danger) in most flicks of this sort is pretty low.

Part 3 - Violence

Violence, in short, is about putting a quick and expeditious end to frustration. Got a problem? Kill it? In movies, I find that this kind of violence is an artistic (and I use the term losely) expression of wanting to put a rather selfishly quick end to frustration. I'm not getting what I want ... boom. Violence is about allowing ourselves to simply TAKE what we want in the most selfish way possible, with no regard for our victim or even our own future well being. And that's why violence can be a "desireable" element in such films ... it adds to the air of self gratification we're looking for.

Part 4 - Lameness

Believe it or not, the lameness of the sex and violence and danger in these movies is actually a part of the reason they work. If these movies were highly realistic and graphic in all three elements of danger, sex and violence, they would utterly fail in their intended "mission" which is to provide some guilt free guilty pleasure.

Now ... when you mix scantily clad / naked young lovelies with lame danger and violence, you're talking about a perfect vehicle for dealing with sexual frustration ... the guilt free (too lame to feel real guilt) guilty pleasure. Those of us who watch such movies more than once know this and some of us openly admit it. Feeling frustrated ... watch a slasher flick. It helps ...

Now ... are the Slumber Party Massacre movies "good" examples of this sort of flick? Well, personally, I found them uneven. In places they were fun, in places they were dull ... in places they delighted with lovely scenes of very attractive women shown to their cheasiest and shallowest sex appeal ... at other times they frustrated with scenes that were neither sexy nor appealing. In some places the faux violence was effective, in other places, just stupid.

If these movies are about allowing yourself to enjoy silly, stupid, sexual escape without any emotional depth or self exploration, this series of flicks will do the job if your needs aren't too demanding. If you're looking for the "state of the art" in this sort of movie ... well ... this isn't it, at least not consistently.

Should have fallen asleep during this slumber party............2006-12-29

The original slumber party massacre was a pretty decent little horror film. You had the same stereo-typical characters as in other films, a killer, and some kill scenes. The killer was pretty creepy. They didn't give you a reason for his rampage, but doesn't that make it all the more creepy? Yeah, it was an I am woman here me roar movie, but all in all not bad.

When you rent a sequel to a horror movie, you expect
basically the same things as the first one. I mean, Friday the 13th, Halloween, Nightmare on Elm, the characters and subtleties change, but the story remains the same. The "same" can not be said for Slumber Party Massacre 2.

When I watch a horror movie I always look for three things. First, is the film well made? You can have a great story line, and a great killer, but if it looks crappy, and the acting is terrible, it's not enjoyable to watch. Second, are the death sequences believable? They should be kind of gross, and have just the right amount of blood that makes you make that "eww..." face. Finally, does it end well?

First, Slumber Party Massacre 2 or SPM2 looks well made. I must say it looks much better than the first one. The acting is also much better. Crystal Bernard is a beautiful woman and a pretty good actress. She brought something special to the movie. The other girls are pretty typical, but good for a horror movie. The camera work is great, looks professional, and the script is tolerable.

Where this movie faulters is the death sequences. It's not the deaths persay, it's the killer. In the first one you had a guy with a portable power drill. Pretty cool (althought the drill was a symbol for something else.....ahem.....I am woman, hear me roar...) In this movie you have a guy with a drill strapped to the endo of his electric guitar. He runs around with his guitar, singing incredibly bad versions of 1950's hop music. You know "Go greased lightning....go greased lightning"???? Well yeah, it's that bad. I thought I rented a horror movie, not Grease 3. Because of this, there's really no tension here, you just laugh for the first 30 seconds and then hit fast forward. The only really terrifying thing, is the fact that you actually paid money for this....

Third is the ending. Yeah, it's not bad. It wraps things up, and it's nothing you can't see coming. But once again, the ending is killed by the 6 minute 50's rock chase sequence.

All in All, I thought it was pretty bad. You watch these types of movies because they are so bad...they're good. But this one is just plain bad.

"T.J., you didn't give her any of your drugs, did you?".......2005-09-07

I double whammied myself last night with this film, Slumber Party Massacre II (1987), and the sequel titled Slumber Party Massacre III (1990). Why would I subject myself to so much bad cinema in one heaping, steaming, oozing dose? Because I'm a glutton for punishment, I suppose...now I've seen the first film, and it actually wasn't too bad (it wasn't all that great, either), but the sequels, this one in particular, were pretty crummy, which is annoying to me because the bar really wasn't set that high. Written and directed by Deborah Brock (Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever), the film stars Crystal Bernard (Young Doctors in Love), whom many may remember from the television series "Wings", along with a slew of TV movies. Also appearing is playmate Kimberly McArthur (Young Doctors in Love), Juliette Cummins (Friday the 13th: A New Beginning), Heidi Kozak (Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood), and Joel Hoffman (Pumpkinhead).

In this second installment in the series, sprite-like Bernard plays the role of Courtney, the annoying younger sister (now all grown up) to the character of Valerie, both of whom managed to survive the first film (Bernard did not appear in the first film...the role of Courtney was played by another `actress'). Apparently Val hasn't done so well, and now resides in on a koo koo farm (she's koo koo for Cocoa Puffs, among other things), while Courtney, who lives with their mother, got off a little better, suffering the occasional nightmare tied to her ordeal. As the film begins we see her in bed, having a dreamy fantasy about a shirtless, hunky dingus (we later learn his name is Matt), which is then interrupted by visions of the driller killer (scenes from the previous movie are shown, basically as filler to pad out the film). Anyway, when Courtney and her friends are perpetrating their act as the world's oldest high school students (Bernard was about 26 at the time she appeared in this film), they're part of some lame, Bangles-esque rock band with champagne dreams of hit albums and music videos (keep dreaming girls, cause your faux musicianship suck-diddly-ucks). Around this time we find out Shelia (Cummins), whose the lead singer, has access to a condo, one her father recently purchased, and the girls are planning to go up for the weekend to practice, and perhaps party (I'm using party as a verb here, a usage which I normally loathe, but I'm trying to stick to the mentality of the characters). Some lame and forgettable sequences follow, followed by an all too brief topless scene, right about the time two boyfriends show up, allowing for them to peep through the window for a view of some pitiful skin...lovely...do all the guys in these films have to be portrayed as creepy, voyeuristic perverts? Seems the gang's all here, and things are going well, except for the fact Courtney's a real poison pill as her nightmarish visions are becoming more and more realistic, to her at least (severed hand in her burger, blood pouring from the bathtub faucet, violent poultry products) often featuring a greasy 50s style rock and roller, clad in leather, sporting a vicious looking geetar complete with giant, spinning drill bit...bruther...not content to exist in Courtney's dreams, evil Fonzie comes to life and begins thin out the cast (thankfully)...

Probably the one thing that will annoy many fans of the genre is actually having to wait a full 51 minutes before the first kill...which, by the way, was actually a pretty decent one, if you dig on that kind of thing. Why do we have to wait so long? I haven't the slightest idea...it's not like anyone watches a film like this for character development or intricate storylines. The rest of the kills are middling to poor, but do involve a decent amount of hemoglobin spillage. And in case you're wondering, Bernard does not bare any skin (I didn't think she would). There was only one instance of skinnage (from Cummins), and it was pretty unspectacular. You know, one of the draws to a movie like this is the scantily clad/soon to be nekkid females, of which the film was sorely lacking. Surprisingly, the one person I expected to get nekkid, that of former playmate Kimberly McArthur, didn't, which was a real shame as I `googled' images of her (try it, it's fun!) revealing she had a most spectacular body at the time (check her character out by the pool...she's practically busting out of that bikini top). Perhaps she was trying to move away from shedding her clothes and into a serious film career, one that never really materialized...big surprise there. The characters in this film were actually distinctive, almost interesting...I'm not saying I developed fondness for any of them or cared whether or not they got nasty holes bore into them, but they exhibited a bit more individuality than I would have expected. One of my biggest hang ups with this film was with the killer himself, who came off as a cross between Robbie Benson and Andrew `Dice' Clay, with, sadly, Robbie Benson being the more dominant personality. He had the ability to pop in and out whenever and wherever he wanted and change certain aspects of reality, characteristics apparently borrowed from the Freddie Krueger character of Wes Craven's Nightmare on Elm Street films. At least there we had a memorable villain...here, the guy is just a greasy dink, one who performs the absolute worst dance number near the end of the film...no foolin'...another aspect that really ticked me off was the ambiguity in terms of the ending. I won't reveal the `surprise', but it's nothing new, and I absolutely abhor when filmmakers take the route they did here, as it's often a pathetic attempt to cover up poorly written material, shoddy directing and laziness in general (note the ridiculously obvious product placement for Pepsi, Oxy-10, and Perrier, among others), which is pretty sad considering no one's expectations for a film like this would have been very high to begin with, but then that's just my opinion.

The fullscreen picture quality on this DVD is decent, but I did notice some dust on the print. The DVD case claims some sort of re-mastering took place, but I think when they say `re-mastered', I think it means `transferred to DVD' and that's about it...the audio is about as good as the picture, meaning it's good enough to get by. There are some biographies, and a theatrical trailer, but I'm unsure if this film ever made it to the theaters, or if it was a direct to video production. Also included are trailers for some other films including Slumber Party Massacre (1982), Slumber Party Massacre III (1990), and Sorority House Massacre II (1990). By the way, when I was talking earlier about lazy and sloppy filmmaking, it extends to the whoever released this DVD as two of the three pictures on the back of the DVD case are either from other films, or possible from scenes no longer included in this 75 minute version (word is there may be a 90 minute version out there, but I sincerely doubt lengthening the film by 15 minutes would have increased my enjoyment).

Cookieman108

By the way, Sally, the drummer of the group, shouldn't be allowed to write material for the band...ever...

0 STARS: This filth is an insult to the horror genre........2005-03-29

Is it possible to give a movie NEGATIVE stars? If it was, this garbage would get a lot of them. "Slumber Party Massacre 2" is an insult to the horror film genre and an insult to the serious horror movie fan's intelligence. I mean, a rock & roll singer dancing all over the place killing people with a ridiculous contraption that is half drill and half guitar???? Need I even say more???? If you like this movie, you may want to seek professional help.

Best Movie Evar!.......2004-10-24

How could it not be sweet? This guy shreds on a drill guitar.

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In Concert - Crystal Gale
Sweet sparkly Crystal
Nostalgic

In Concert
Starring: Crystal Gayle
Manufacturer: White Star
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006SSQ2U
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Description

One of music's best song stylists, Crystal Gayle, in an unforgettable sixty minutes of music which includes her popular Don't It Make Your Brown Eyes Blue, as well as Half the Way, Talking In Your Sleep, When I Dream, Why Have You Left the One You Left Me For and more. .In 1999 "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" was recognized by ASCAP as being one of the ten most performed songs of the 20th century. This groundbreaking HBO concert special has been viewed by millions.While still in school, she signed her first recording contact. Her debut single, "I've Cried The Blue Right Out Of My Eyes," was written by Loretta Lynn (already a star) and reached the Top 20 on the national country music charts. Three more singles were released over the next three years—all making an impact with radio and listeners. What next emerged was uniquely Crystal. Her warm, resonant vocal styling, individual as a fingerprint, captured the imagination and attention of audiences not usually tuned in and turned on by country music. There was an undeniable sophistication and a beguiling charm about her look and her voice that was a memorable imprint on every audience—every listener. Her first album project began a roll out of smash singles to come. "Wrong Road Again," (her first of many hit singles with producer Allen Reynolds) became her debut Top 10 record. "I'll Get Over You," became her first #1 single. By her fourth album, "We Must Believe In Magic," Crystal Gayle became the first female artist in country music history to achieve platinum album sales. Driving the engine of the album was the song that was to become her enduring career signature song to date: "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue." "Brown Eyes" opened the world's eyes to Crystal Gayle. She became a household name in homes, grand and small, from Louisville to Leningrad.

Customer Reviews:

In Concert - Crystal Gale.......2006-08-28

I purchased this album for nostalgic reason on Crystal Gale's style of singing and quality of her voice which I have heard often in my younger days. Her unique voice and style makes her a good sentimental singer with some touch of country and western.

Her singing of "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" and "Don't Make My Brown Eyes Blue" are my two favourites.

Only pity is that the audio recording is of mediocre quality possibly due to the time when the recording was made. Otherwise the album is pleasant to watch and to listen to the music.

Sweet sparkly Crystal.......2006-02-04

I loved Crystal in the 70s and 80s. When she came to New York City to play in the Village at the Bottom Line, I went to see her three nights in a row.

Listening to this concert, one reaction I had was if Simon Cowell was judging someone with her talent, he'd fall on the floor. She is just so much better than anyone who ever performed on American Idol.

It's an enjoyable concert and it shows Crystal's excellent voice and her poise and charm. She was wonderful, and I bet she still is. I see that she is still performing.

I don't think she achieves greatness in this concert. For greatness, I'd be looking at Cyndi Lauper or Natalie Merchant more than Crystal, because they are so real, so unique, and Crystal is doing what she's supposed to do, smile, be a good girl, smile some more, exude charm, and smile a bit more.

That's what you call putting on a show, and that's what she's doing. Let's get everyone smiling and tapping their feet. Okay. It is what it is, and she's awfully cute and talented.

I always had a crush on Crystal Gayle. That's a native New Yorker talking. She's so purty.

Nostalgic.......2005-04-04

This is an excellent quality film and a very classy concert. If you like Crystal Gayle you shouldn't be disappointed. You can't help but fall in love with her in this concert.

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one reviewer gave away the ending!
I'll Take This "B" Movie Over A Coma Anyday
ET Meets Alien
ET Meets Alien
ET's stupid cousin kills then becomes a born again christian

Star Crystal
Starring: C. Juston Campbell , Faye Bolt , John Smith (II) , Taylor Kingsley , and Marcia Linn
Director: Lance Lindsay
Manufacturer: Anchor Bay
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ASIN: B00008V5RV
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Customer Reviews:

one reviewer gave away the ending!.......2007-05-02

In my younger days during the video boom of the early/mid 80's, my best friend and I periodically rented videos to pass the late hours of the weekends away. I was born to be a horror /science-fiction fan, so naturally all of my selections were based on the cover art of the video boxes. However, in a strange twist of fate, my best friend grabbed this one and pointed out a very gory picture on the back cover, which thus guaranteed this movie was a good choice. I had skipped over this very same video 100 times before, due to the lackluster artwork on the front cover, but I am wise enough to accept that not every book can be judged by its cover, especially when the book in question is, indeed, a horror or sci-fi movie.

However, something was rotten in the state of Denmark. I don't want to be the jerk who gives away the ending like another reviewer already did, but in case you didn't realise what the other person was saying, the ending to this movie is inexplicably ridiculous. Yes, its a completely original turn on an over-saturated genre, but that isn't necessarily a good thing. This movie is terrible in many ways, and the ONLY redeeming factor is that people are dying, and yet the shameful plot-twist at the end boffs up the death toll by preventing the death of characters that honestly deserve to die. Not only will you feel cheated by the presence of survivors, but the manner at which the killing is ceased will leave you dumbfounded.

Amidst all of this, the change in the film's direction seems to be striving to create a warm and fuzzy sensation in the viewer, and this strongly contrasts with the initial desires of ANYONE who might willfully insert this movie into their dvd player expecting sheer and utter horror. The ending leaves me speechless to this day, and that's why I am compelled to write this as a warning to anyone who finds the urge to read these cryptic messages. Bad movies are a dime a dozen, but 'tis rare to find a true flounder that manages to create an ending that brings a terrible movie down to a whole new level. You will hate this movie because its bad, but you will be scarred for life because of the ending. Star Crystal is an abomination.

I'll Take This "B" Movie Over A Coma Anyday.......2005-09-19

I've seen hundreds of Sci Fi/Horror movies over the years. This is one of those you'll wonder whether you've watched it or not a few years down the road. You just can't remember.

All in all, I figure it's still better to watch a so-so Sci Fi/Horror movie than "Dances With Wolves" or "Evita". This movie will end up being non-memorable, but it's preferable to being in a coma.

ET Meets Alien.......2004-05-18

For the price of an empty DVD case I picked up a horrible little movie that is so bad it's good. The movie is Star Crystal and can sort of be described as Alien meets E.T.

A band of scientists find a strange rock on Mars. Inside are two things; an alien life form and a star crystal that acts as it's power source. Soon all of the humans are dead and the ship is picked up. A new crew is forced to use the ship as a life boat and the killing begins anew. One by one the humans are eliminated. With each death the creature grows in size and intelligence. Now that's the clincher. The creature becomes intelligent enough to know that killing is wrong. Truce and mutual assistance replace the fear and killing.

Not too bad a plot, really. But wait until you see the acting! Dan Akroyd would not have had to make this one up for his Bad Cinema skits. After the acting comes the ship. Apparently there are only four rooms on the large vessel (only one sleeping quarters) and to get around you have to crawl around in storm-drain like tunnels about a yard across.

If you want to watch a movie that was just made to be heckled and have popcorn thrown at, this one sure fits the bill. I would not be surprised to find out if this was conceived by the same forces (or lack thereof) that came up with Space: 1999.

ET Meets Alien.......2004-05-18

For the price of a blank tape I picked up a horrible little movie that is so bad it's good. The movie is Star Crystal and can sort of be described as Alien meets E.T.

ET's stupid cousin kills then becomes a born again christian.......2003-11-11

If you ever have a large group of merciless friends over who love ripping apart movies, here's the perfect sacrifice. There are more goofs and false starts in this piece of sh*t than I ever thought possible. Astronauts exploring Mars in 2032 find a baked potato wrapped in foil, after spending around ten minutes of a ninety-minute film getting to know those astronauts they die. (The shuttle's air supply mysteriously turned off by an "unknown" force.) Now we jump to a space station, meet some more people, a few minutes later they all die when the reactor explodes. WTF! So twenty darn minutes into it we are finally set up with the "true" main characters, all five of them. (Er, six, but that's a different b*tch session.) We, the audience, know the baked potato cracked open to reveal a large quartz crystal and somebody's sock covered in ultraslime that supposed to be an alien. Nobody knows it's on board! The ship is equipped with a "heat source detection" display in the bridge, it looks like an old atari game, but the darn thing only works when the plot requires. One moment there are five little red "human" lights, then suddenly the little white "alien" light pops in and starts chasing red lights around. (Even worse than it sounds I assure you.) Billy meets the thing first, smacks it with a wrench, gets eaten. Next it chases Sherry around the room until she throws acid on it, no more Sherry. Cal runs back trying to help freaky girl, shoots, misses, tries to flee, dies. So for the last half of the film we have three characters entertaining (boring) us, that's right, three: Roger, Adrianne, and....Gar! When our two surviving humans finally encounter the alien it turns out he's a nice guy, only killed all those people to defend himself. (The previous shuttle crew was going to use a laser on the crystal.) If you can manipulate the ship's systems (in forms of turning on the defense shield and turning off the oxygen), how about communicating something like "No laser crystal." you stupid space slug. Killed Sherry for throwing acid on you? The thing was chasing her around the room, oh hell no, soon as Gar turned his back on me - dead Gar. Instead these two idiots end up befriending the creature, the end. Good riddance. Watching this film alone is painful, with a rowdy group of b-movie loving veterans, it's moderately fun.

Average customer rating:

Cute Movie
Bigfoot - a truly "Unforgettable Encounter"

Bigfoot: The Unforgettable Encounter
Starring: Clint Howard , Rance Howard , Matt McCoy , David Rasche , and Zachery Ty Bryan
Director: Corey Michael Eubanks
Manufacturer: Trinity Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0001WTV98
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Customer Reviews:

Cute Movie.......2004-10-17

This is not a bad movie at all. It's a sugar coated little family movie that is suitable for all ages.
I do wish that a serious bigfoot movie would come out some day but in the mean time this little venture into the Sasquatch mythos is enough to keep the youngsters interested for 90 minutes.
Not quite as good as "Harry and the Hendersons" but it is a good effort and it entertains.
For the Bigfoot genre completist this is one to score, although this is no "Legend of Boggy Creek" or "Creature from Black Lake" it is a noteable notch in "Cinema Du Sasquatch" and worthy of a space on the shelf, perhaps next to "Snowbeast".
For the average consumer, it's probably better to rent it.

Bigfoot - a truly "Unforgettable Encounter".......2004-08-07

This movie rocked my world. I thought there was NO WAY a film-maker could pull of a Bigfoot movie after seeing Harry and the Hendersons.

I admit. I was wrong.

Exciting footage of bigfoot actually fighting a bear and being chased by malicious, money-hungry hunters.

My only complaint is that they shouldn't have had Bigfoot mumble "Cody" (the name of the boy who helps save him) at the end. This took away from the realism.

Worth the money (I own it)!

Average customer rating:

One of the best movies ever made, with a decent DVD treatment...
All time great
This Film Is A Joy
This is not a chick flick
Not just a "kissing movie"...

The Princess Bride [Region 2]
Starring: Cary Elwes , Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Christopher Guest , and Wallace Shawn
Director: Rob Reiner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

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ASIN: B00005AVUC

Amazon.com essential video

Screenwriter William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride earned its own loyal audience on the strength of its narrative voice and its gently satirical, hyperbolic spin on swashbuckled adventure that seemed almost purely literary. For all its derring-do and vivid over-the-top characters, the book's joy was dictated as much by the deadpan tone of its narrator and a winking acknowledgement of the clichés being sent up. Miraculously, director Rob Reiner and Goldman himself managed to visualize this romantic fable while keeping that external voice largely intact: using a storytelling framework, avuncular Grandpa (Peter Falk) gradually seduces his skeptical grandson (Fred Savage) into the absurd, irresistible melodrama of the title story.

And what a story: a lowly stable boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), pledges his love to the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), only to be abducted and reportedly killed by pirates while Buttercup is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdinck. Even as Buttercup herself is kidnapped by a giant, a scheming criminal mastermind, and a master Spanish swordsman, a mysterious masked pirate (could it be Westley?) follows in pursuit. As they sail toward the Cliffs of Insanity...

The wild and woolly arcs of the story, the sudden twists of fate, and, above all, the cartoon-scaled characters all work because of Goldman's very funny script, Reiner's confident direction, and a terrific cast. Elwes and Wright, both sporting their best English accents, juggle romantic fervor and physical slapstick effortlessly, while supporting roles boast Mandy Patinkin (the swordsman Inigo Montoya), Wallace Shawn (the incredulous schemer Vizzini), and Christopher Guest (evil Count Rugen) with brief but funny cameos from Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Peter Cook. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

One of the best movies ever made, with a decent DVD treatment..........2007-09-05

It is no exaggeration to call "The Princess Bride" one of the best movies ever made. Even though it was made on what would be considered a small budget, and had no big name actors, it became a perennial classic of young and old alike since its initial release in 1987. The first time I saw "Bride" I was four years old(1989), and ever since then it has remained one of my favorite movies of all time. It never gets boring or unfunny as many times as you view it, and I have seen it 300+ times. So, the question remains, "What makes this such a special movie?"

William Goldman wrote the screenplay in 1973, and it took 14 years to get the movie off the ground, and this movie is worth the work that it took to get it made. From beginning to end there is no boring parts. Some of the most quoted lines of all time "My name is Inigo Mantoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!" and "Love, twue love." Remain overused by people who may have never even seen the film.

There is an endearing innocence which this film portrays, that true love can and will conquer all. That real love is pure, honest, and beautiful. It is not a deep movie, but it does portray big feelings and honest emotions in all of its characters, as bizzare as some of them may be. There are no wasted lines, no filler, just pure fun.

These are the things that have made this movie stand the test of time. It can, and always will be a great film because of its carefree and fun attitude, and emotional honesty towards its most unsympathetic characters (Prince Humperdink). It doesn't try to be a great movie, but it is. It is as William Goldman says in his commentary on this disc (not verbatum), that you do not know when a movie will be a hit, there is no formula, you just have to release it and see if people like it or not... And they do! :D

I cannot say that one DVD edition is better than any other for this movie, it is up to you to decide which one you would like to purchase; either way, the movie is the centerpiece, and the rest is really just excess.

God Bless & *ENJOY* ~Amy

All time great.......2007-09-01

I was always thrown off by the title, I assumed it was a chick flick. After seeing it, it's one of my favorites.

This Film Is A Joy.......2007-08-28

When the great William Goldman wrote the screenplay for Rob Reiner's 1987 film version of his own 1973 novel, The Princess Bride, Goldman actually outdid his own original work that was itself virtually flawless!

This is a perfectly cast production filled start to finish with great lines, wonderful scenes, unforgettable characters, and moments that are fun to watch over and over. It's also a romantic tale brimming with castles, dungeons, a cheek pinching grandpa, a beautiful maiden, dashing heroes, swordfights, torture, treachery, piracy on the high seas, magic, miracles, revenge, rodents of unusual size, and True Love. It's been one of my favorite movies since I first saw it on the big screen as a child, and I'll probably still be in love with this story when I'm old and gray.

I have not one bad thing to say about this enchanting movie.

No, not one.

This is not a chick flick.......2007-08-27

It's not a chick flick. It has: a Giant, an albino, swordsmen, sword fights, fist fights, chase scenes, fire, explosions... I don't know. It's a fun, entertaining movie to watch... for men and women.

Not just a "kissing movie"..........2007-08-25

One of the most entertaining movies to come out of Hollywood, "The Princess Bride" has the rare capacity to make you laugh harder with each viewing. And I have viewed it dozens of times. It translates across generations and languages. The DVD ups the entertainment factor with interviews with the ensemble cast, Rob Reiner, and William Goldman (the author of the book upon which the movie is based.) I was especially touched by the moving tributes to the late Andre (the Giant) Roussimoff.

I have owned this movie as a VHS tape since it was introduced. It has finally worn out, so naturally, I had to buy the DVD. What a joy!

If you haven't seen the movie, buy it now. You won't regret it. The world is full of Princess bride fans. How else will you know how to respond when they say, "Hallo, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die!"

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