Persuasion (1995)

Amazon.com

Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Jane Austen movie.......2007-09-12

This movie is for anyone who loves Jane Austen. It is a lovely story of two people who love each other but were not allowed to be together. Highly recommended.

Persuaded to view...........2007-09-12

....And it was a fantastic rendition of the novel. As true and close as you can possibly get to Jane Austen's vision with the time restrictions of being a movie. I felt sorry for Ann in the beginning, angry with her in the middle, and cried tears of joy at the end. To unwillingly deny the love of her life and still deal with a family who under-appreciates her is proof of her character and strength. In so many ways you can connect to Anne Elliot and her sad life. I bought the film on DVD and it's always a favourite choice of mine on those rainy weekend mornings when I curl up on the couch in my pajamas with a hot cup of tea. It's an emotional rollercoaster as only Ms. Austen can create. If you loved the book, you will enjoy this movie immensly. I know I did.

Stays Fairly True to the Novel.......2007-08-29

Given the two-hour time constraint, I felt this movie stayed quite true to the novel on which it is based, much more so than the recent Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley. The actors and their acting were also much more attuned to the time period in which the story takes place. I would recommend this film even to diehard Jane Austen fans.

Superb.......2007-08-19

Nobody deserves this special treat, no one. It is simply too perfect, too wonderful, too beautiful. I feel that I have seen something I oughtn't to have seen, that I have intruded on something glorious and magnificent and therefore private. What a grandly conceived project, so sweet, so sour. One wants so much for it to continue and yet one yearns for the happy ending we know is coming. The acting is exquisite. The sets, the costumes! Artistic perfection is achievable, by God.

Great classic.......2007-07-30

I love this version of the Jane Austin novel. I have watched it over ten times to date and the only movie I prefer more is Pride and Prejudice the A&E version.

Average customer rating:

under rated Movie!!
Rating of Miss Potter DVD overall
Miss Potter is a touching true story
Heartwarming Family Film
Good clean movie...

Miss Potter
Starring: Renée Zellweger , Ewan McGregor , Emily Watson , Barbara Flynn , and Bill Paterson
Director: Chris Noonan
Manufacturer: Weinstein Company
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000N4SHOE
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Miss Potter walks that fine line between charming and cloying with pleasing sure-footedness. Apple-cheeked Renee Zellweger (Bridget Jones' Diary) once again slips into a British accent to play writer/illustrator Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit. Potter, born into wealth, fought the disapproval of her high society mother to do something as crass as publish a book...and to fall in love with her publisher, Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor, previously teamed with Zellweger in Down With Love). Unfortunately, their love runs into something worse than upper-class stuffiness. Miss Potter skips through Potter's life a bit too briskly at times, but Zellweger's thankfully restrained performance, McGregor's infinite charm, and some beautiful shots of the English landscape keep the movie grounded and engaging. Also featuring a crackling supporting performance by Emily Watson (Breaking the Waves) as Warne's sister Millie. --Bret Fetzer

Description

(Drama) The story of Beatrix Potter, the author of the beloved and best-selling children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", and her struggle for love, happiness and success.

Customer Reviews:

under rated Movie!!.......2007-09-14

This movie is so under rated!! It is wonderfully acted, a true story of love heart break and triumph!! if you are a hopeless romantic and a champion of the under dog you will love this movie- it is not, a story of bunnies and children's books!! Renee Zellwiger is an unbeleivable actress!!! Ewan McGregor once again shines in teaming up with Renee!!

Rating of Miss Potter DVD overall.......2007-09-13

I enjoyed the beautifully filmed and acted story of Beatrix Potter and also the additional information on her life and legacy. However, the DVD as a whole loses one star (I am tempted to subtract two) for the annoying intrusion of 15 minutes of commercials at the start.

Miss Potter is a touching true story.......2007-09-11

I enjoyed this biography very much and have watched it several times. It is very nice to see a movie that does not have the violence that seems to be so popular with the public today. I dislike violence for violence's sake.

Heartwarming Family Film.......2007-09-08

This is one of our favorite movies. It is a wholesome love story, based on the life of Beatrix Potter and her "bunny story" plus others. The setting is 1902 with crisp, beautiful city and country scenery. Miss Potter is not happy in settling with a husband selected by her mother and maintains her independence, being happy in her drawing and writing. When her first book is accepted for publication, she meets the love of her life Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor), her publisher. Of course, Miss Potter's mother doesn't view him as acceptable and wishes that her daughter wouldn't bring trades people into their home and the story unfolds. The actors are great. I recognized some actors from another favorite - Lorna Doone. You won't want to miss the song that Ewan McGregor sings, when he is teaching Renee Zellweger to dance. Beatrix Potter gave 4,000 acres of land to the people of Britain when she died, saving it from developers. The only negative that others who have seen the film have to offer is that some have a problem with Renee Zellweger's facial expressions and find them distracting. I didn't find this to be a problem for me and loved all of the expressions.

Good clean movie..........2007-09-08

Can be viewed with the family.Cute movie about Beatrix Potter. It is the story of her life shortly before she became famous. The hardship of being an unmarried woman and a writer is told in good fashion. It is not a complete story about her though. I think it could be labeled as a mid-section of her life. It is kinda long and slow but worth seeing.

Knocked Up - Unrated (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Details on the different versions of this DVD release
Many guys would run a mile
Big Disappointment
Dire
When Homer met Marge, for adults

Knocked Up - Unrated (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Seth Rogen , Katherine Heigl , Joanna Kerns , Loudon Wainwright III , and Harold Ramis
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

ASIN: B000TZJBQ0
Release Date: 2007-09-25

Customer Reviews:

Details on the different versions of this DVD release.......2007-09-12

Loved the movie. That said, I was confused on what the differences were on the 3 DVD versions, but found some details that I've posted below. As for me, I'm going with this two-disc unrated version.

Basic extras -- available on all (both R-rated and Unrated Editions):

- Deleted and Extended Scenes
- Gag Reel
-"Directing the Director" (Capote director Bennett Miller stops by to help Apatow get the job done)
- Line-O-Rama (Tons of alternate takes)
- Audio commentary with Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen and Bill Hader
- Roller Coaster Featurette

Goodies available only on the Unrated releases:

- MORE Deleted and Extended Scenes (some pretty raunchy ones, reportedly)
- Topless Scene: "Web Design"

And finally, extras available only on this 2-disc Unrated version:

- Judd Apatow's Video Diaries
- Finding Ben Stone (A mock casting session)
- Stripper Confidential (Rogen and Paul Rudd wade through some Sin City salaciousness)
- Even MORE Deleted and Extended Scenes / Gag Reel Footage!
- Another topless Scene: "Restaurant"
- Katherine Hiegl's Audition Tape
.. "and more" (I'm really hoping for another "You know how I know you're gay?" extended scene like in 40-year-old Virgin)

Many guys would run a mile.......2007-09-10

There are too many children being born into the world at the moment, where the mother, barely out of school herself, can't remember the name of the father. There are children being born who will never know their father, cos their mother had too much to drink to ask him to wear some protection. Or take her pill. Many boyfriends would run a mile and then keep running if their girlfriend turned round and said they were pregnant. Imagine what they would do if it was a one night stand who said they were pregnant?!

Here's a film that turns all that on its head. The girl who should have been out of his league, has a few too many and sleeps with the guy who has 'moobs' and a mop of curly hair. He thinks he's scored, they part ways. She discovers she's pregnant eight weeks later, just as she gets a promotion at work, hunts him down to tell him, and he agrees to stick by her, thankfully without asking the question that would get him a slap: "Is it mine?"

That's the basic premise of the movie, starring Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen in the lead roles. It's an absolutely brilliant movie, dealing with various relationship problems, sometimes a bit too much, as I found some scenes difficult to deal with. Maybe I was feeling a bit insecure that night, who knows? The bit where she threw him out the car in the middle of nowhere gave me shivers up my spine. A lot of the jokes about the roommate with the beard, and ever growing hair went straight over my head.

I never got into The 40 Year Old Virgin, so I can't really comment on the comparisons to that. I think I switched it off as I couldn't concentrate on it. But this definitely kept my attention, although it could have been cut down slightly, as it was overly long for a comedy, but only by about 15 minutes or so.

The supporting cast are absolutely terrific, and the cameos are also funny too. Look out for Ryan Seacrest playing a totally different 'character' to the one he plays on American Idol! Steve Carrell also makes a cameo, along with Jessica Simpson & Jessica Alba.

An 18 year old guy I work with also went to see this movie the same night I did, and we were discussing it the next day, and he admitted to being scared stiff at the birth scene at the end. Oh dear, that's the wool been lifted from his eyes! You do see EVERYTHING unfortunately, including a reflection in a mirror of a baby's head crowning. It's a fleeting glimpse, but enough to make me want to cross my legs!

Knocked Up is an excellent movie, about a true to life topic, and has a happy ending when it all works out. I think I was close to tears. I'll definitely pick up the DVD of this, and see if there's any good extras on it.

Big Disappointment.......2007-09-02

Perhaps I'm too old for movies like this. Perhaps I should have known better - I gave up on 40 year virgin after 15 minutes. But the reviews were good so I watched it. The movie (to me) was utterly boring. I found little to laugh at, but perhaps the jokes belonged to a different culture. The characters were amiably pleasant but a bad situation was made worse by the continuous stream of bad language. Is this how young people talk nowadays - I doubt it.

Dire .......2007-08-28

This aint no comedy. A foul mouthed tepid load of rubbish. Lazy drugged up slob impregnates drunken beauty queen. She obviously traumatised by the experience tries to bond with her childs father. But he is a lazy useless monosyllabic bore.

There is no chemistry between the leads, the main male character is particularly reprehensible, an introverted immature layabout. The script is terrible, not a single person laughed in the theatre I was in watching this dribble.

How any one could call this a comedy is beyond me, movie making at its worst, one of the most horrible theatre experiences of my life.

When Homer met Marge, for adults.......2007-08-27

I thought the movie had some hilarious moments...but you have to remember one thing: It's only a movie!!!

In real life there would probably be some ugly consequences involved for constantly smoking pot, not having a job and sleeping with any bloke you meet in a club. Ie. you can end up a nutcase,get AIDS,become homeless on the street, etc.

But if you just watch it for what it is (a movie) then it can be really hilarious at times.

Hope this review helped.

Average customer rating:

hostile movie masquerading as a heartwarming movie
How do we know we're loved? 4 1/2 stars
Georgia May Rule...But This Movie Sure Doesn't
Uneasy blend of comedy and drama
heart wrenching

Georgia Rule (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Jane Fonda , Lindsay Lohan , Felicity Huffman , Dermot Mulroney , and Cary Elwes
Director: Garry Marshall
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000T988I8
Release Date: 2007-09-04

Customer Reviews:

hostile movie masquerading as a heartwarming movie.......2007-09-13

This is a movie about a ridiculously dysfunctional family composed of morbidly dysfunctional women. There are people who actually like movies about this type of person (for whatever reason). If you are one such, fine; but if you are not, avoid this film at any price.

After 100 minutes of watching them tear each other apart and blame each other for everything, abruptly in the last five minutes, all their deep psychological problems disappear without therapy or any other cause, and everybody is going to live happily ever after. Right. This cheap shot of an ending was obviously tacked on to save this movie from being a total economic disaster.

Even if you're a fan of Jane Fonda or of Lindsay Lohan or both, you won't like them in this movie (unless, as I said, you like this type of movie).

Bottom line: you have a better chance with almost any other movie.

How do we know we're loved? 4 1/2 stars.......2007-09-11

Though I don't recall this movie getting great reviews from the critics, I expected at least a decent movie considering the three main stars. I got more than expected. The three lead actresses were well chosen. Jane Fonda, looking exceptionally well at age 70, is outstanding as the grandmother, Georgia, who lives her life by certain 'rules,' hence the title, and who has a history with her daughter, Lilly, (Felicity Huffman), that seems lacking in emotion. 'Seems' is the operative word. While we aren't exactly privy to what has caused this rift between mother and daughter, we glean from one particular scene that Georgia's parents never told HER that they loved her. We gather that Georgia's apparent inability to say the three words, "I love you" to her daughter may simply be because she was not told what she needed to hear from her parents. In one touching scene between Georgia and Lilly, when Lilly asks her mother if she ever loved her, Georgia replies, 'How could I not love you?' She still is not able to say those three magic words to her daughter though she has no trouble saying them to her granddaughter, Rachel, (Lindsay Lohan). Dermont Mulroney is wonderfully cast as the kindly veterinarian whom Rachel works for and Cary Elwes well cast in a somewhat chilling performance as Rachel's stepfather.

Rachel lies, manipulates, has a history of drug abuse and all manner of teen problems. There is, of course, a reason for her behaviour and underneath it all, we see many glimpses of a tender heart.

This is Ms. Lohan's best performance since she made her wonderful debut as identical twins in 'The Parent Trap' at the age of eleven. Despite the two other big name stars, Lindsay Lohan is THE star of this movie. We can only hope that this gifted young lady is able to heal herself before a very promising career is ruined.

Georgia May Rule...But This Movie Sure Doesn't.......2007-09-10

I am uncertain what to make of this misshapen 2007 dramedy. Attempting to be a new millennium cross-hybrid between On Golden Pond and The Prince of Tides, this film ends up being an erratic mess shifting so mercurially between comedy and melodrama that the emotional pitch always seems off. The main problem seems to be the irreconcilable difference between Garry Marshall's sentimental direction and Mark Andrus' dark, rather confusing screenplay. The story focuses on the unraveling relationship between mother Lilly and daughter Rachel, who have driven all the way from San Francisco to small-town Hull, Idaho where grandmother Georgia lives. The idea is for Lilly to leave Rachel for the summer under Georgia's taskmaster jurisdiction replete with her draconian rules since the young 17-year old has become an incorrigible hellion.

The set-up is clear enough, but the characters are made to shift quickly and often inexplicably between sympathetic and shrill to fit the contrived contours of the storyline. It veers haphazardly through issues of alcoholism, child molestation and dysfunctional families until it settles into its pat resolution. The three actresses at the center redeem some of the dramatic convolutions but to varying degrees. Probably due to her off-screen reputation and her scratchy smoker's voice, Lindsay Lohan makes Rachel's promiscuity and manipulative tactics palpable, although she becomes less credible as her character reveals the psychological wounds that give a reason for her hedonistic behavior. Felicity Huffman is forced to play Lilly on two strident notes - as a petulant, resentful daughter to a mother who never got close to her and as an angry, alcoholic mother who starts to recognize her own accountability in her daughter's state of mind. She does what she can with the role on both fronts, but her efforts never add up to a flesh-and-blood human being.

At close to seventy, Jane Fonda looks great, even as weather-beaten as she is here, and has the star presence to get away with the cartoon-like dimensions of the flinty Georgia. The problem I have with Fonda's casting is that the legendary actress deserves far more than a series of one-liners and maternal stares. Between this and 2005's execrable Monster-in-Law, it does make one wonder if her best work is behind her. It should come as no surprise that the actresses' male counterparts are completely overshadowed. Garrett Hedlund looks a little too surfer-dude as the naïve Harlan, a devout Mormon whose sudden love for Rachel could delay his two-year missionary stint. Cary Elwes plays on a familiar suspicious note as Lilly's husband, an unfortunate case where predictable casting appears to telegraph the movie's ending.

There is also the omnipresent Dermot Mulroney in the morose triple-play role of the wounded widower, Lilly's former flame and Rachel's new boss as town veterinarian Dr. Simon Ward. Laurie Metcalf has a barely-there role as Simon's sister Paula, while Marshall regular Hector Elizondo and songsmith Paul Williams show up in cameos. Some of Andrus' dialogue is plain awful and the wavering seriocomic tone never settles on anything that feels right. There are several small extras with the 2007 DVD, none all too exciting. Marshall provides a commentary track that has plenty of his trademark laconic humor. There are several deleted scenes, including three variations on the ending, and a gag reel. A seven-minute making-of featurette is included, as well as the original theatrical trailer, a six-minute short spotlighting the three actresses and a five-minute tribute to Marshall.

Uneasy blend of comedy and drama.......2007-09-10

In an industry that increasingly misrepresents its products via preview trailers, this is the most appalling example I've ever seen. Have you seen the trailer? Are you expecting a mostly lighthearted "troubled girl puts her life on track with guidance from her sassy grandmother" movie? Think again.

I'm spoiling a plot development from about 20 minutes in so don't read farther if you don't want to know.

*Georgia Rule* is actually a heavy-handed molestation tale, with Lohan playing a dangerous and unpleasant "am I telling the truth or lying?" game by accusing (then recanting, then accusing, then recanting) her stepfather of abusing her when she was 12-14, three years ago.

Such stories have a place, and some probably open doors of communication in troubled families. However, this one strikes an extremely uneven balance between comedy and drama thanks to director Garry Marshall's mistaken vision. A mother's alcoholism, a daughter's abuse and subsequent slide into drug use and sexual promiscuity can't be juxtaposed with Fourth of July pie-eating contests (naturally featuring cameos by Marshall's never-ending supply of relatives) and wacky hijinx down at the local vet's.

The acting is good, but the script and direction are very, very, very bad. The script kicked around Hollywood for a decade; it should still be gathering dust on a forgotten bookcase.

heart wrenching.......2007-09-08

So good...I have only one wish...that they would have filmed it on location...
All 3 actresses do amazing in this story. You can empathize with each of them.

Average customer rating:

Excellent
quite simply the best film ever!
Only the best!
Good but definitely not the best
Excellent movie, excellent presentation and special features

Casablanca
Starring: Humphrey Bogart , Ingrid Bergman , Paul Henreid , Claude Rains , and Conrad Veidt
Director: Michael Curtiz , and Scott Benson (II)
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305736650
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Amazon.com essential video

A truly perfect movie, the 1942 Casablanca still wows viewers today, and for good reason. Its unique story of a love triangle set against terribly high stakes in the war against a monster is sophisticated instead of outlandish, intriguing instead of garish. Humphrey Bogart plays the allegedly apolitical club owner in unoccupied French territory that is nevertheless crawling with Nazis; Ingrid Bergman is the lover who mysteriously deserted him in Paris; and Paul Heinreid is her heroic, slightly bewildered husband. Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Conrad Veidt are among what may be the best supporting cast in the history of Hollywood films. This is certainly among the most spirited and ennobling movies ever made. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-09-13

This movie is one of the great classics that everyone should see at least once.

quite simply the best film ever!.......2007-09-10

In my humble opinion this is the best film ever. Stellar acting and incomparable chemistry between Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Paul Henreid exudes class and bravery. The incomparable Claude Rains. A witty screenplay, taut direction and an emotinal core that builds throughout the film right up to the most memorable ending of all-time. Play it again, and again and again.

Only the best!.......2007-09-09

A great movie must have certain components: (1) great acting, (2) action, (3) humor, (4) a compelling plot, and (5) a memorable song. This movie has all five and ranks, in my opinion, as the Best American Movie of the 20th Century.

Good but definitely not the best.......2007-09-06

I was very excited when i first watched this movie because it is almost on top of lists of all-time greatest movies and the reviews are like wow.. this must be really one of the best! After watching it, I was kinda disappointed because I think the story is so-so, there is no chemistry between the two lead cast (but Bergman is very lovely though). I don't know what's so special about this movie. Did I miss it or what?

Excellent movie, excellent presentation and special features.......2007-08-15

At 55 years of age, you'd think a movie lover such as myself would have seen Casablanca... but I hadn't until I bought this disc in July of 2007. If you understand what makes a finely crafted film that you can watch repeatedly and still continue to find things out about it that you love, this is one you'll enjoy immensely.

Start with the script - it is filled with tasty classic lines you'll really enjoy hearing in the context of the film. "Here's looking at you, Kid..." for example. Part of what makes all of it work is the vocal treatment by the actors in their delivery. The cast seems very comfortable with the characters they each play and so maybe that relaxed feel carries over to the degree of realism you sense when you watch it. Their dialogue does NOT seem scripted and that's hard to achieve on a consistent basis in a film. I suppose that's a big part of what's made Casablanca such a classic to all who have reviewed the work over the years.

The acting is superb across the board regardless of how small the part. Ingrid Bergman is luminescent to put it mildly. Bogie is really a powerhouse in this one, and Paul Henreid as well as Claude Rains deliver the kind of intimately detailed performances that just make you smile while you watch. Peter Lorre has a smaller part but exquisitely crafted in its execution. He makes it easy for you to hate him, let's put it that way. Sydney Greenstreet gives a solid presentation as well to round out the core ensemble performances given here.

The special features on this disc include a very nice introduction by Lauren Bacall, Bogart's widow. I watched it AFTER viewing the film as I wanted to get the same feel as audiences who originally viewed it in the theater, but I wish I had watched it first. Enlightening to say the least.

Another little gem is a series of trailers for Bogie's other movies. Great slices of the period as far as movie promotion goes! They serve as great reminders of a simpler time in America.

This particular film is a MUST HAVE for anyone's movie collection. I feel that repeated viewings year on year will only make you love it more than you did the first time. Not many films are able to do that.

I can safely say that if you, too, love truly great movies and you decide to purchase this one, it will be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Average customer rating:

SAME OLD STORY NEVER TOLD SO WELL!
BEST.LOVESTORY.EVER. Ryan Gosling is AMAZING!
I'm still a sucker
~Have a box of tissue handy~
Beautiful Tale Well Told

The Notebook (New Line Platinum Series)
Starring: Tim Ivey , Gena Rowlands , Starletta DuPois , James Garner , and Anthony-Michael Q. Thomas
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000683VI4
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Amazon.com

When you consider that old-fashioned tearjerkers are an endangered species in Hollywood, a movie like The Notebook can be embraced without apology. Yes, it's syrupy sweet and clogged with clichés, and one can only marvel at the irony of Nick Cassavetes directing a weeper that his late father John--whose own films were devoid of saccharine sentiment--would have sneered at. Still, this touchingly impassioned and great-looking adaptation of the popular Nicholas Sparks novel has much to recommend, including appealing young costars (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) and appealing old costars (James Garner and Gena Rowlands, the director's mother) playing the same loving couple in (respectively) early 1940s and present-day North Carolina. He was poor, she was rich, and you can guess the rest; decades later, he's unabashedly devoted, and she's drifting into the memory-loss of senile dementia. How their love endured is the story preserved in the titular notebook that he reads to her in their twilight years. The movie's open to ridicule, but as a delicate tearjerker it works just fine. Message in a Bottle and A Walk to Remember were also based on Sparks novels, suggesting a triple-feature that hopeless romantics will cherish. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Behind every great love is a great story. Two teenagers from opposite sides of the tracks fall in love during one summer together, but are tragically forced apart. When they reunite 7 years later, their passionate romance is rekindled, forcing one of them to choose between true love and class order.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:2 Commentaries --Director Nick Cassavettes --Novelist Nicholas Sparks
DVD ROM Features
Deleted Scenes:12 Deleted Scenes
Documentaries:Nick Cassavetes Profile Featurette Author Nicholas Sparks Featurette Locating "The Notebook" Featurette Casting Noah and Allie featurette
Other:Widescreen & Fullscreen versions on one disc Rachel McAdams Screen Test
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

SAME OLD STORY NEVER TOLD SO WELL!.......2007-09-12

This sweet little love story rises above all it's cliches because of the likable stars and story that moves along briskly. The love story in sad enough, but the Alzheimer's angle really tears your heart out! I watched this because my wife wanted to watch it on our anniversary. I was surprised how much I liked it.....so guys don't squirm too much if your babe wants to watch this one, it's a good story and I admired Gosling's tenacity and devotion to his true love. One of the better romances I've seen in a while, so I rate it 4 stars, but it's definitely a 5 tissue movie! This was mostly because of the Alzheimer's part of the film, it's a tragic disease and having dealt with it in my family it was a little too close to home. The DVD transfer looks very good and the are some interesting extras.

BEST.LOVESTORY.EVER. Ryan Gosling is AMAZING!.......2007-08-31

I fell in love with not only this beautiful story but Ryan Gosling!!!! This is just a fantastic movie and I really can't find better words to describe it. Watch it. Own it. Love it forever!! It is my all-time favorite!!

I'm still a sucker.......2007-08-27

...for these tear jerkers. This movie will go down as a romance classic- a forbidden love about two people from the wrong side of the tracks-Romeo and Juliet for the 1940's, if you will. This film hits all my cheesy love spots and turn up aces with me. McAdams/Goslin were great as well as Garner and Rowland. This is a must see for all Chick movie lovers. Highly recommended.

~Have a box of tissue handy~.......2007-08-08

Although I'm not going to give away any spoilers ... this is a love story like no others. I think that everyone can relate on some level to this movie. You will fall in love with this couple & become drawn in to their story. I recommended this to my mother who after the movie called up crying her eyes out. Even my husband enjoyed this movie. If your looking for a movie that will make you laugh, cry & touch your heart ... this is a must-see.

Beautiful Tale Well Told.......2007-07-25

If you haven't read the book, the movie will not leave you feeling short changed.

A marvellous story about lovers, life and loss.

Highly recommended.

If you're interested, once you watch the movie, read the book The Wedding - it is the follow up from The Notebook.

Nicholas Sparks ROCKS!!

Forrest Gump (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Numersous Secrets to Success are Shown in "Forrest Gump"
Forrest Gump DVD
The American Dream meets the American Nightmare
didn't really get it
Destiny in a box....

Forrest Gump (Two-Disc Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Joe Alaskey , Sam Anderson , Geoffrey Blake , Charles Boswell , and Michael Burgess
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003CXA2
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Amazon.com essential video

The Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Director Robert Zemeckis, and Best Actor Tom Hanks, this unlikely story of a slow-witted but good-hearted man somehow at the center of the pivotal events of the 20th century is a funny and heartwarming epic. Hanks plays the title character, a shy Southern boy in love with his childhood best friend (Robin Wright) who finds that his ability to run fast takes him places. As an All-Star football player he meets John F. Kennedy; as a soldier in Vietnam he's a war hero; and as a world champion Ping-Pong player he's hailed by Richard Nixon. Becoming a successful shrimp-boat captain, he still yearns for the love of his life, who takes a quite different and much sadder path in life. The visual effects incorporating Hanks into existing newsreel footage is both funny and impressive, but the heart of the film lies in its sweet love story and in the triumphant performance of Hanks as an unassuming soul who savors the most from his life and times. --Robert Lane

Customer Reviews:

Numersous Secrets to Success are Shown in "Forrest Gump".......2007-09-14

Year of release: 1994
Writers: Winston Groom (who wrote the novel) and Eric Roth
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Runtime: 2 hours 22 minutes

I haven't seen this film for about 7 years or so. Seeing it again I was reminded why this is one of my all-time favorite pictures.

THE PLOT: Tom Hanks plays Forrest Gump, a mildly retarded Alabaman who brushes shoulders with the key figures and events of the 50s through the early 80s. Due to hard work, focus and uncommon wisdom he is hugely successful at whatever he does (running, war hero, ping pong, shrimp fishing). Meanwhile, the one woman he loves in all the world, Jenny (Robin Wright Penn), flounders through life hopelessly trying to find fulfillment in the drug culture with all the wrong people.

"Forrest Gump" is hugely entertaining on every level. It's a drama that skillfully includes both lighter, comedic moments and serious, tragic elements. If you've never seen it, don't think for a second that this is some average romantic comedy or goofball comedy. Far from it. I don't watch the Acadamy Awards or give any creedance to their judgment ("American Beauty," best picture? Please) but "Forrest Gump" is one instance where they were absolutely right in regard to the Best Picture award.

Some have criticized the film as an imbecilic fantasy, arguing that a simpleton like Gump would never become successful. It's true that the picture exagerates Forrest's successes and experiences, and in that sense it's not realistic, but the film plainly reveals WHY he experienced continued success throughout his life. We can all learn from these little gems of wisdom:

-- Whatever your I.Q., zero in on the areas for which you have a real talant.

-- Focus on those gifts and master them. In other words, don't be a jack of all trades. This is in line with the Russian proverb: "If you chase 8 rabbits you'll catch none."

-- Mastering your talants will take HARD WORK (which explains why lazy people are never wealthy, unless they inherit it).

-- Whatever you do, do it WITH ALL YOUR HEART.

-- Love deeply and cultivate deep loyalties (e.g. Jenny, Bubba & Lt. Dan). Loyalty is underrated.

-- Be patient and slow to judge (unless someone abuses another person).

-- Allow others the freedom to choose and make mistakes, even if it seems like it takes forever for them to learn from them.

-- If something or someone STINKS, reject it and stay away from it (remember the prostitute?).

-- Keep your word.

-- Pray and have FAITH.

-- Keep a humble spirit no matter how successful or great you become.

We can also learn lessons from Jenny: Trying to attain fulfillment through loose sex and foreign substances is a LOST cause. Recognize and embrace those who have your best interests in mind (i.e. those who truly love you and are loyal to you); stay away from people who use and abuse you.

From Lt. Dan (Gary Sinise) we learn a potent lesson about struggling with God to find true peace, success and reconciliation. Dan's all-out fight with God on the shrimp boat in the storm is potent and REAL. The great men and women of the bible experienced intense struggles with God: Most of the book of Job shows Job arguing with the Almighty and wanting to put Him on trial for crimes against humanity (!!); When God finally answers him Job falls to his face in humility and reverence. Jacob fought with God all night; the next day the Lord changed his name to Israel, which means "struggles with God" (Genesis 32:22-30). Also, remember Jesus' struggle with God and His will in the Garden of Gethsemane?

Another thing we can learn from Lt. Dan is that he was able to recognize a "golden connection" in Forrest. No one makes it alone, no one. They had help. Despite Forrest's lack of academic smarts, Dan recognized his wisdom and greatness; it attracted him and he respected it. Because of his link to Gump he became hugely successful. Remember: "One day of favor is worth a lifetime of labor."

Late in the film you'll see Lt. Dan and his Asian fiance at Gump's wedding. Note how Dan LOOKS at Forrest when they greet each other. Dan shows the utmost love and respect for Gump and is in utter awe of his simple-minded greatness. (This is great acting on Sinise's part).

"Forrest Gump" is a film gem to be RELISHED on many levels. Not only will you be incredibly entertained, you may learn a thing or two.

Forrest Gump DVD.......2007-09-04

Another Classic Movie worth watching over many times. My old VHS needed some updating.

The American Dream meets the American Nightmare.......2007-08-10

Two people, Forrest Gump and Jenny Curran, form an unbreakable bond as children. Forrest, although lacking in the brains department, manages to witness and play his part in some of the greatest events in American history. He meets JFK, wins the Medal of Honor in Vietnam, and manages to accidentally start the Watergate investigation. Forrest lives the American dream whereas Jenny lives the American nightmare; she has an abusive father and grows up to have a string of abusive boyfriends, works as a stripper, takes narcotics and ultimately contracts AIDS. Despite the pair going in completely different directions in life, they are still drawn to each other and Forrest and Jenny's story is one that will make you smile, laugh and shed a tear.

Every once and while, you see lists of the worst films to win Best Picture Oscars, and usually Forrest Gump makes that list. I think the reason for this is that we live in quite a cynical world and the majority of people do not really warm to lead characters that are innocent and pure of heart. This should not be the case. We should adore characters that are completely honest and very insightful despite their low IQs, and Forrest Gump is one of those characters that we should love. People who watch this film should check their cynicism at the door and just enjoy a film that is about the everyman battling the world using only truth and a deep-seated sense of what he believes is right. After all, this film has a noble tradition, it follows in the footsteps of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It's A Wonderful Life. If Frank Capra were alive today, he would make films like Forrest Gump (if he could come to grips with all the CGI) and that's all I have to say about that...

didn't really get it.......2007-07-12

when this came on tv a few weeks ago, i was excited to watch it b/c i knew it was an acclaimed movie, everyone loved it and it won oscars. i was shocked to find that it was just an ordinary movie. it was actually boring. i don't get the hype about this movie. it was a bit sad, and i was on the brink of tears, and tom hanks wasn't that bad in it, but i think it is not at all what people say it is. this is highly overrated.

Destiny in a box.... .......2007-07-10

This movie was and IS a classic. From the first moment to the last, this movie is touching, moving, action-packed, humorous and just plain unbelievable.

I can't add much to my review that hasn't already been said, but I like this collector's edition. I liked the extras and I loved watching the finished product. Tom Hanks brought this character to life. This movie isn't a script. It's a story that Tom Hanks took control over. It's a part that he was born to play. And he played it to the hilt!

I loved, loved, loved loved this movie!!!

Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Wow...Hear that Sound?
Bridge to Terabithia
Heartbreaking And Heartwarming at the Same time.
Tepid tale of childhood friends
If you go into this expecting a big fantasy epic

Bridge to Terabithia (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Josh Hutcherson , AnnaSophia Robb , Zooey Deschanel , Robert Patrick , and Bailee Madison
Director: Gabor Csupo
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B00005JPL5
Release Date: 2007-06-19

Amazon.com

Based on Katherine Paterson's young-adult novel and filmed in picturesque New Zealand, Bridge to Terabithia has lessons to impart about empathy and self-expression, but the tone is never heavy-handed. Jesse (sleepy-eyed Josh Hutcherson, Zathura), a fifth-grade loner, lives in the country with his parents and four sisters, including pesky May Belle (Bailee Madison), who adores him. His strict father (Robert Patrick, The Terminator 2) works in a hardware store. Money is tight and classmates make fun of his hand-me-downs, so Jesse finds refuge in running and drawing. Everything changes when two writers and their daughter Leslie (wide-eyed AnnaSophia Robb, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) move in next door. Leslie is faster than all the boys, which initially puts Jesse off, but the two soon bond over their love of make-believe. In the forest, they find a creek that can only be crossed by rope. Leslie names the land on the other side Terabithia, where they imagine themselves rulers of the kingdom. Jesse and Leslie also connect with their unconventional music teacher, Ms. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel, Elf), who encourages their creativity. Despite the tension at home, Jesse's personal life is finally coming together when the unthinkable happens. Will he revert to his anti-social ways or will he grow from the experience? Though aimed at all ages, pre-school students may find Terebithia's creatures frightening. For grade-school kids and up, however, there's much to savor in this smartly written, sensitively acted film. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Wow...Hear that Sound?.......2007-09-10

If you listen very carefully throughout the movie, you will hear a very high-pitched spinning sound throughout the soundtrack. Unfortunately, by the end of the movie you will come to understand that the source of the disturbing audio is Walt Disney spinning with disgust in his grave. Shame on you Walt Disney Company!

Bridge to Terabithia.......2007-09-09

It was a well done movie. Got it and watched with my grandson. Didn't hold his interest the whole time or mine. It was well done and it was good. Just wasn't one of my big favorites but you might enjoy it more than we did.

Heartbreaking And Heartwarming at the Same time. .......2007-09-08

This is the sort of movie that's VERY hard to leave a review for. You dont' want to ruin it for those that HAVENT read the book.

Parents be warned- it was poorly marketed as a FANTASTY, it is not. It has religious undertones, and suprisingly deep content for a childrens film. If you are even sensitive in the LEAST you WILL CRY. I know an older guy, who watched it with his daughter and cried for quite some time afterward. I cried for at least twenty minutes.

The acting by the two leads, and the adult characters is excellent. Annasophia has a Dakota Fanning-like quality to her, making her the PERFECT Leslie, and Josh Huchenson (I honestly cannot remember HOW to spell his last name) as Jesse, really does a fantastic job on his part. (But he's already proven to be a good actor from what we've seen of him on "Zathura".)

Parents- you might want to watch this with your kids and have a "chat" afterward.

Tepid tale of childhood friends.......2007-09-07

Ten-year old Jess, bullied at school and ignored at home, meets new girl Leslie, who's also looked upon as a weirdo and outsider. The two become friends and use their imagination to turn a secret spot in the woods into a beautiful kingdom. In "Terabithia," they rule over the strange but good creatures and battle the Dark Lord. Everything is great, until one day when Jess doesn't come to play.

This movie could have, and should have been wonderful, with flights of fancy that made me say, "WOW!" and touching moments that left me teary. Unfortunately, it missed the mark. The fantasy land the children created wasn't that big of a deal; we only saw fleeting glimpses of it and never had time to be awed by its wonder and wish it were real. The two young leads, Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb, were competent, but not special. Neither of them had the charisma to own the screen and make me care about them. Of course, the big culprit was the script, which tried to include too much, ending up with not enough. We get Jess' poverty, artistic talent, and loneliness, Leslie's quirkiness and pluck, the bullies at school, his crush on his teacher, and the often-annoying cute younger sister, complete with precious lisp; with all this, there wasn't time to make Terabithia seem real or as fantastic as it should have been. The scene that should have elicited tears was abrupt and completely lacking in drama and power. So, it's an OK movie if you're stuck watching it on a plane, but not a flick to buy, unless your kids are fans of the book. 2.5 stars.

If you go into this expecting a big fantasy epic.......2007-09-06

....you'll be very disappointed.

This isn't a "Lord of the Rings" or "Narnia" knockoff, its a sweet/moving film about the power of friendship.

AnnaSophia and Josh give wonderful performances as Leslie and Jess, two bullied outsiders who find common ground in their love of make-believe and fastly become good friends.

Jess's home-life is chaotic and crowded... to escape he draws in his sketchbook...
Leslie's parents are writers and sometimes are too busy... her way of escaping is making up stories.

The special effects were great, they didn't overwhelm the story, they merely enhanced it.

There is a death of a young person in this film... the director portrayed this delicately. The anger/disbelief/grief were subtle but believable and not over the top.

Anyone whose ever lost a loved one/friend could relate. I had tears pouring down my face when they announced that this person died. The following scenes in the woods after the funeral were especially heartbreaking and you wonder if this character will pull through or just sink through despair.

I can highly recommend this film... just be sure to have some tissues ready :).

AnnaSophia is an excellent actress for her age... I see a bit of Kirsten Dunst in her. I can't wait to see what else she does.

Average customer rating:

Filthy minded? Yup. Infantile? Yup. Funny as hell? Absofrigginlutely!
Knocked Up
Something for everyone
The latest odd couple
One of the Year's Best! - No Really!

Knocked Up (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Seth Rogen , Katherine Heigl , Joanna Kerns , Loudon Wainwright III , and Harold Ramis
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

ASIN: B000TZJBPQ
Release Date: 2007-09-25

Customer Reviews:

Filthy minded? Yup. Infantile? Yup. Funny as hell? Absofrigginlutely!.......2007-09-10

With this film, I just became a Seth Rogen fan. Just right now, I did. I've been peripherally aware of this guy, having seen him in miniscule parts in ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND OF RON BURGUNDY, YOU, ME & DUPREE, and, most notably, THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN. But, here in KNOCKED UP, he takes lead actor honors and he's simply awesome. Yes, see this movie for the other actors, as well - Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, and Leslie Mann all shine - but, in my eyes, this is a cinematic coming out party for Seth Rogen. And, if nothing else, this chubby guy gives hope to uncool, unhandsome, just plain folks like me.

This is the story of Ben and Alison. Ben (Seth Rogen) is a laid-back, unemployed teddy bear of a guy who whiles away his time smoking weed and, with his slacker buddies, striving to construct a celebrity skin website (these guys are obviously unaware of the online site Mr. Skin, already in place). In a club, he bumps into way-out-of-his-league Alison (Katherine Heigl), a gorgeous career girl celebrating a promotion. Booze is poured, sparks are ignited, and Alison and Ben hook up. As sometimes happen, the next morning opens with hangovers and regrets and a butt-crack. Alison gets a good sober look at Ben, who then doesn't help his case by throwing up and then championing the merits of post-drunk vomiting. Disgusted, Alison departs, with Ben knowing he goofed and philosophically assuming that that was that. But, 8 weeks later, Ben hears from Alison, who drops the news that she's expecting. And, because Ben is innately a good guy and Alison a fairly open-minded girl who doesn't want to do this alone, they make a go of being together.

This flick is a cheerful, very funny 2-hours-plus worth of sit down time. It definitely offers more than its ANIMAL HOUSE tendencies would have you initially believe. My gut feeling is that the folks involved in the making of this film had true affection for it, especially Director/Writer Judd Apatow. KNOCKED UP lays down consistent humor foraying into occasional bawdiness. I must admit that the film startled me with its display of genuine emotion and heart. I was prepared to be content with cardboard people and cheap laughs. Instead, underneath the crass trimmings, the unaffected, heartfelt core of the film surfaced and made me invest in the characters beyond a superficial level. I really liked the characters. Too, the rampant crudity and lewdness are balanced out by a humorous yet sensitive depiction of a marriage quietly on the rocks. With all the insights given, it actually feels like a real marriage.

Alison's older sister Debbie and Pete have been married for a while now and are raising two beautiful daughters. But life isn't like the movies, and Debbie and Pete, well-meaning people both, have problems. Debbie as played with delirious, high-strung brittleness by Leslie Mann is one of those pushy, righteous people who eventually gets under your skin, but she's not a bad person. Paul Rudd is comic gold as Pete, the fount of masterfully sly and dry comments, who can mostly tolerate Debbie's harangues but only if he gets the occasional alone time. Their not-quite-rosy relationship is plentifully plumbed, giving rise to spousal suspicions and bickerings and possibly previewing what the future holds for Alison and Ben. Too, Alison and Ben end up choosing sides as Alison is strictly with her sister while Ben espouses Pete's side. This puts a decided crimp in their own relationship.

Of course, this movie hinges on the leads' ability to generate interest and invoke sympathy from the viewer. And, let's face it, who wouldn't want Ben Stone for a buddy? Or Seth Rogen, for that matter? Ben is so good natured and easy going that I challenge anyone to not root for him and his maturation process. One of my favorite scenes is when he finally confronts Debbie. His chemistry with Heigl is apparent on screen; I can actually see this smoking hot girl being pals with and then falling for the prospectless, chubby but appealing loser, although, naturally, beer and possibly many shots of tequilla would have to be involved. Katherine Heigl had already turned my head with her performances in ROSWELL and THE RINGER. Here, much respect goes to Katherine as she shrugs off dignity and dives right into the thick of things. But, you know what, even when ignominiously suffering thru morning sickness, throwing hormonal hissy fits, or giving alarmingly painful birth, she maintains her full babefulness. As Alison,she comes across as an authentic person with an array of valid fears and insecurities. Katherine Heigl's good. And smoking hot.

The supporting players sparkle. Credit as a whole goes to Ben's insult-tossing cast of nowhere-headed pals, who may be hapless but are there for Ben. Two standouts are Ken Jeong as the strict and precise Asian doctor and SNL-er Kristen Wiig as some sort of network executive, she of the snide and off-the-wall verbal asides ("This is Hollywood. We don't like liars."). Because Alison works for the E! network, we're treated to several cameos of famous folks playing themselves. Ryan Seacrest's lampooning of himself is a blast and it makes me like him a bit better.

I like to laugh and KNOCKED UP doled out laughter in multiple servings. Much of the humor is of the juvenile sort as a sizable chunk of the film is dedicated to the slacker amigos mercilessly bagging on each other. Your enjoyment of these jokes will depend on your pop-culture I.Q. (for example, do you know who Serpico is?). One guy who undertakes a shaving bet is incessantly strafed with facial hair insults ("Scorcese on coke" "Your face is like Robin William's knuckles."). Be advised that there are moments here of THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY or AMERICAN PIE proportions. But, in the midst of the pot humor, the DeNiro impressions, and the scatalogical stuff, let me reiterate that there's an unfeigned sweetness and moments of honest soul searching which resonate clearly, and, gullible goofball that I am, I was charmed. Don't be fooled by the raunchy and "modern" conventions here; this film is firmly centered on family values. Ben Stone might be an adult at 23 years old, but this is still a coming of age story. And, yes, he does grow up here.

In his first lead role, Seth Rogen emerges as the genial, scruffy heart of the film. Now that he has it, here's hoping he can sustain his leading man status. If the ungainly Jack Black can do it, why not Seth, who's more lovable and cuddly? But there are other actors in the film. Heigl, Rudd, and Mann do great being witty and poignant, argumentative and loving, and real. KNOCKED UP allows both genders to have their moments. In terms of who's funny, Rogen and Rudd definitely come through, but Heigl and especially Mann deliver their ample share of levity. Just wait for the scene with the stressed Debbie having a brutal yet uproarious conversation with the nightclub doorman. The movie also has that something which lesser films would kill for, which is rapport among its stars. Chemistry abounds, between Rogen and Heigl, between Mann and Rudd, and between Rogen and Rudd. So, yeah, there are all sorts of reasons to go see KNOCKED UP. The fellas can latch onto the dirty, smutty humor and the smoking hot babes; for the girls, there are the pregnancy arc and the nice, unforced romance, as well as the sibling relationship of Alison and Debbie. Oh, and, apparently, Paul Rudd is a clever hunk and Seth Rogen is immensely huggable. But, me, I saw this to learn the dice move. I'm building up my dance repertoire.

Knocked Up.......2007-09-08

You could throw a rock at a video shop and hit a movie about the joys of parenting, but very few of those gooey family flicks deal with the actual business of making the baby. That's where Knocked Up comes in. Delving fearlessly beneath the duvet of taboo, Judd Apatow's superb comedy follows the relationship between slobby stoner Ben (Seth Rogen) and go-getting TV exec Alison (Katharine Heigl) from a drunken one-night-stand to nursery shopping and labour pains.

Apatow is best known for his rollicking sex farce The 40 Year Old Virgin, but Knocked Up is pitched at a considerably lower key. While the subject matter is bawdy and the language extremely saucy, most of the laughs (and there are lots of them) spring from conversations rather than gross-out set pieces. Rogen's likeable slacker and his no-hoper pals can discuss the finer points of celebrity nudity until your eyes are watering, while on the other side of the partnership, Alison's sister (Leslie Mann) and her husband (Paul Rudd) provide a spot-on portrait of an arid marriage.

"YOU'LL BE SNORTING POPCORN OUT OF YOUR NOSE"

Like its central character's life, Knocked Up has a messy story, but one imbued with such sweetness that it's impossible not to love. It's a romance with the cutest of twists - imagine if Romeo and Juliet had nine months to fall in love before Julie Jr arrived - told with the laconic charm of a good stand-up routine and laced with moments of genuine insight. It's an adult comedy - not smutty (well OK, it is kinda smutty) but a comedy for and about adults. Most importantly, it's so funny that you'll be snorting popcorn out of your nose before the end.

Something for everyone.......2007-08-27

In the movie Knocked Up, Katherine Heigl plays Alison Scott, a twenty-something career gal who has just been promoted to an on-air position with E! Entertainment Television. The day she receives her promotion Alison goes out to celebrate with her older sister, Debbie, at a nightclub. It's there that she meets Ben, an unmotivated pothead who lives with four roommates and doesn't have a job "per se." Ben and his roommates are working on creating a Web site that will allow you to search for your favorite actress's nude scenes. When Ben and Allison meet, even though she's gorgeous and he's a pudgy, hairy mess, there's something about his personality and charm that wins her over. Eventually they wind up back at her place and you can guess from the title what happens next.

Knocked Up is the story of the way that Alison and Ben have to navigate an unplanned pregnancy and what it will mean for their individual futures, the future of their unborn child, and their collective relationship. It goes over every aspect of an unplanned pregnancy: do we or don't we have it?, what's going to happen to my career?, is this the right person for me? All of these questions are tackled in an honest and humorous fashion. And, even if you aren't into it for the pregnancy angle, there's so much more to the movie. Alison's sister has been married with children for a few years and feels that her relationship is stagnating. Her husband, played by Paul Rudd, is in no such rut and instead manages to be completely oblivious to his wife's concerns. Ben's roommates, also unmotivated potheads, have to figure out what to do if their planned celebrity sex scene Web site doesn't pan out the way they'd planned. As a whole, Knocked Up was just an all around interesting and multifaceted romantic comedy. And it doesn't hurt that the movie was downright hilarious.

Knocked Up is the sort of movie you can see with a friend, family member, or significant other and everyone will have something to laugh about. I can't remember the last time I was at a movie where every seat was filled and everyone laughed pretty much the whole time. It's definitely going to top the list of one of the funniest movies of the summer.

The latest odd couple.......2007-08-26

I never did like that Paul Anka song, but it came to mind when watching this movie.

Havin' a baby
What a perfect way of proving
When you've been easy
Havin' a baby
What a simple way of knowing
You were drunk and crazy
I can see it, nausea's growing
I can see it in your eyes
You're not happy to know it
That you're havin' a baby.

Yep, as the title of the movie will confirm, one night of drunken partying can lead to a barely remembered episode of making unprotected whoopee, which in turn can lead to the predicament of Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl of Grey's Anatomy).

Recently promoted at work, Alison hopes that the camera will hide the pounds she's beginning to pack as she tries to deal with the new developments in her life. Unfortunately, the father-to-be (Seth Rogen) isn't exactly ideal family material, being a stranger to details like work and responsibility, but to his credit he doesn't break the record for the 100 meter sprint and tries to do the right thing.

They have so little in common that it's a wonder that the little cells managed to get together in the first place, but then again, Alison's sister (Leslie Mann) and her husband (Paul Rudd) aren't doing so great either.

Funny in places, but long and drawn out in others, this could have been a really good one hour sitcom episode, but at more than two hours, you may experience birthing pains before the credits begin to roll.

Rated 3.5 stars

(Note: Profanity laden, with adult situations, and may be traumatic to people who are pregnant for the first time.)

Amanda Richards, August 26, 2007

One of the Year's Best! - No Really!.......2007-08-20

"Knocked Up" is truely one of those films that creeps up from behind you and really surprises you in every sense of the word. What could have easily been a dumb, forgettable, raunchy sex-comedy turns out to be a smart, memorable, raunchy sex/romantic comedy. It's a well balanced high wire act of potty mouthed humor and "cute" elements that is pulled off brilliantly by the writing and direction of Judd Apatow as well as the acting from actors Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd, and the under appreciated Leslie Mann (not to exclude the supporting roles from Jonah Hill, Jason Sigel, and a few other "Freaks and Geeks"/"Undeclared" alumni).
"Knocked Up" is a pretty simple story, a likable under achiever/slacker/stoner/unemployed goof has a one night stand with a gorgeous woman who was drunk celebrating a promotion she earned at work. The couple's hot night turns out to be a nine week "getting to know you and your friends" bit before the baby pops out. Of course there are moments where the boy must grow up which is truely what the film is about. The running time is 129 minutes which may be a little too long for some but honestly, I hardly noticed it and I've seen this in the theater twice! From start to finish Apatow pulls the audience in with his great sense of humor and scene after scene the laughs keep rolling in til the end just as fresh as the begining.
Though "Knocked Up" is pretty fowl mouthed, (the "F" word is thrown around a lot as well as a whole avalanche of naughty words) the film has the amazing ability to become extremely sensitive and even sweet. I love that! In fact, "Knocked Up" is surprisingly my favorite film of 2006 by far!

Average customer rating:

Good Fun
Interesting premise, thin execution
What do you call a movie with lots of sex but no plot?
So I liked the music...and!
One damn awful film!

9 songs - Unrated Full Uncut Version
Starring: Kieran O'Brien , Margo Stilley , Huw Bunford , Cian Ciaran , and The Dandy Warhols
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Manufacturer: Tartan Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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

ASIN: B000BGH29K
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Amazon.com

Maverick director Michael Winterbottom wondered about the double standard of why novels can have explicit sex scenes and be legit and films could not. So his short film of a relationship based solely on sex and a love for music is the result of that thought. If the definition of a porn film is to shoot actors performing graphic sex scenes for real, then 9 Son