Love Comes Softly

Amazon.com

Writer/director Michael Landon Jr. continues in his famous father's footsteps by creating moral family entertainment set in the early days of the American prairie. Stubborn Marty Claridge (Katherine Heigl, Grey's Anatomy) travels west with her new husband--but after they find a beautiful patch of land, her husband dies in an accident before they've even started building. A man named Clark (Dale Midkiff, Air Bud: World Pup) makes a proposal: If Marty will enter into a platonic marriage with him, he'll pay for her passage back east in the spring. What Clark needs is a mother, however temporary, for his willful tomboy daughter Missie (Skye McCole Bartusiak, Beyond the Prairie, Part 2). Missie fights Marty's presence fiercely while Clark, though supportive, speaks few words, and Marty suspects she's made a terrible mistake--but time reveals otherwise. Love Comes Softly, based on the popular Christian novel by Janette Oke, is a romance, but Landon carefully avoids any bodice-ripping histrionics. Problems get solved perhaps a little too easily, but the movie is cleanly written, pleasantly understated, and respectful to its characters. For many viewers, Love Comes Softly will be a welcome change from overheated secular love stories. --Bret Fetzer

Description

Based on Janette Oke's best-selling book series, and directed by Michael Landon Jr., Loves Comes Softly is inspired story-telling for the whole family. Marty and Aaron Claridge (Katherine Heigl and Oliver Macready) travel west in search of new opportunity. But when tragedy strikes and Marty is suddenly widowed, the young woman must face the rugged terrain, bleak weather, and life among strangers-alone. That is until a handsome widower named Clark Davis ( Dale Midkiff) suggests a platonic "marriage of convenience" until Marty can return home. As the months pass, through, Marty and Clark discover an unexpected new love where there was once only loss.

Customer Reviews:

Love comes softly series.......2007-09-11

My Wife & I enjoyed, Love Comes Softly,Love's Enduring Promise, Love's Long Journey!If you want the typical smut movies of today don't watch this.
How nice to watch a series that you could enjoy with any one,Grandchildren included. There was not the typical today nasty word out of nowhere!
Yes they can make an Enjoyable, Warm, Exciting,Loving, Film's
Thank You

It's a Funny Thing.......2007-08-22

I will say this for the movie. It is a good movie, but it is based on what I think is a better book, and that always messes things up for me. I think if you have never read the book you will love this. If you have read the book then a couple of warnings. Minor or major details missing from this story or altered for some unexplained reason.
They changed Clem's name to Aaron. That didn't bug me so much as he was only in such a small part of it.
They aged Missy. Now, I'd have to check to be sure, but I think she was closer to four than the nine they had her in the movie. Again, I could be wrong.
They changed Clare's name. Now, that one worried me, since Luke is one of my favorite character's in the series along with Belinda's husband, Drew. They named Clare (who was named for Claridge, Marty's last name) Aaron Luke. I have since discovered that they do leave out Ellie and Luke. Probably Nadry and Clae too, but I wasn't looking for them. That is only relevant to the series as a whole, so I'll stop on that.
They left out a story, which I barely remember about a woman, whom I think was named Laura, who had a tragic life.
Like I said, the story as a whole was good, excellent if you have never read the book. The comparison comes up lacking, but franklyif you compare this to other movies they come up lacking. The lack of all sorts of objectionable things is very refreshing. A rarity that I wish I saw more of. As such, I will attempt to watch this series as I have had to watch some other movies made from books, as a simular concept that is good in it's own right, but is not the same thing. If you have or haven't read the book I recomend this movie, but just be warned if you have read it, things will not be the same, and that is a sad thing.

Christian Love Story.......2007-08-13

My wife and I first saw this on television. We both liked it because it represented the Christian lifestyle in a positive, but not preachy, way. We saw a couple of the others in the series, and were taken by them, as well.

We highly recommend these romantic stories to Christian families. There are many fine lessons of love, hope, courage and faith in these films.

Quality family film! A great staple in my movie collection........2007-08-05

The whole "Love Comes Softly" series is heart warming and inspiring. I would recommend any of these movies to anyone. Absolutely wonderful!!!Love Comes Softly

I Love This Movie.......2007-07-18

Great pioneer love story for the whole family. It's great to have a movie that doesn't offend my values. it's also great to see people of faith not depicted as weirdos.

Average customer rating:

For those who love romance and animals
Refreshing Sweet Comedy Romance
Finally, A Refreshing Movie for Everyone
Nice couple-in-love or family flick
Very romantic... Interestingly modern moral dilemma

Return to Me
Starring: Chris Barnes (IX) , James Belushi , William Bronder , Dick Cusack , and Minnie Driver
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: 6306012419
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Amazon.com

Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) and Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver) have very little in common. Granted, they both live in Chicago and they're both a bit lovelorn, but that's about it. Still, fate has something in mind for these two somewhat-depressed souls (a construction worker and budding artist, respectively), who've both recently had brushes with death--he's a recent widower, she's just recovered from a heart transplant--and are a little more serious than their friends and relatives. After a series of misbegotten blind dates and almost-meetings, though, these two finally get together, and find that they fit seamlessly with each other. Despite their differences, they have a lot in common--in fact, quite a lot. It seems that the heart that now beats inside Grace's chest once belonged to Bob's wife (Joely Richardson), who died in a car crash. Coincidence? We think not.

A gentle, pleasing romantic comedy, Return to Me marks the directorial debut of Bonnie Hunt, an acclaimed actress known most famously for her role as Renee Zellweger's sister in Jerry Maguire. A shining, happy bright spot in whatever role she's in, Hunt has also invested the film with her trademark brand of humor: dry but sincere, sarcastic but not caustic, and with a deep current of humanity and romance. In the midst of all the permutations that fate surrounds them with, Driver and Duchovny make a pleasantly low-key couple; the triumph of the film is that despite all the contrived angst, the romance is never overly saccharine. They provide a quiet center in a film that has a fair amount of chaos in it, particularly due to Driver's extended family of Irish and Italian relatives (which occasionally tips the film into cutesy territory) and most hilariously to Driver's best friend, played by director Hunt . As a harried mother with innumerable kids and a likable oaf of a husband (James Belushi), Hunt again steals scenes effortlessly; Belushi is a comic revelation, better than he's been in years. You'll have the pleasant memories of both of these couples--one falling in love, one together for years--with you a long while after seeing this film. --Mark Englehart

Description

Who knew that when he ordered the special, he d get the dish of his life? David Duchovny ('the X-Files ) and Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting) ignite sparks in this warm-hearted winner (JeffCraig, 'sixty Second Preview ) about a widower and a waitress who meet and fall in love. Featuring an incredible all-star cast, this hilarious romantic comedy delivers a lot of laughs, tears and joysthat will make your spirits soar. It took a lot of cajoling to get Bob (Duchovny), a recently widowed architect, to go on a blind date at a quirky Irish-Italian eatery. Once there, he's smitten instantly not with his date but with the sharp-witted waitress, Grace (Driver). With unsolicitedhelp from Grace's matchmaking grandfather (Carroll O Connor), Bob asks her out. And as their relationship blossoms, everything seems to be going great, until an unbelievable truth is revealed one that could easily break both of their hearts for good.

Customer Reviews:

For those who love romance and animals.......2007-08-29

This movie is wonderfully acted (the "supporting" cast are headliners themselves) and it is a gentle love story...after the first 15 minutes. The first part of the movie is an emotional roller-coaster that grabs your attention. Too, this is a great film for animal lovers (who can tolerate zoos). - Is this a deep movie? No. Is it a movie that will put you and your significant other in a good mood? Absolutely.

Refreshing Sweet Comedy Romance.......2007-08-14

This is a refreshingly sweet comedy romance that is reminiscent of the comedy romances of the past. The performances are endearing and believable. Makes one want to fall in love all over again.

Finally, A Refreshing Movie for Everyone.......2007-05-25

I thought this movie was a delight even though it was one of those "that'll never happen" movies. The whole family can watch and enjoy it, so it was worth every penny. I plan to share it with friends.

Nice couple-in-love or family flick.......2007-05-19

Enjoyable. Bought only because girlfriend likes to re-watch favorite movies regularly (and VHS copy finally broke). Otherwise, would have rented and been fine.

Very romantic... Interestingly modern moral dilemma.......2007-05-12

I admit it I am a fan of both (actually several) stars of this movie. After Minnie Driver's new show on FX the Riches, reminded me how much I liked her, I got to remembering this film, then coincidentally it was showing on broadcast TV the other day when I came home from work and my wife was watching it and told me to order it, so I did, and we watched it with our youngest who also enjoyed it very much.

But this is a very sweet and touching tale with an interesting twist that is strong on a not too subtle metaphor.
Watch this with your sweetheart for a romantic night at home.

Average customer rating:

Magnificent-Looking, Solid Western
Pleased as punch.
Format
EXCELLENT
Great western!

Crossfire Trail
Starring: Tom Selleck , Virginia Madsen , Wilford Brimley , David O'Hara , and Christian Kane
Director: Simon Wincer
Manufacturer: Warner Brothers
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005JXI9
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Amazon.com

There are unmistakable pleasures to an old-fashioned Western, and Crossfire Trail has 'em. Tom Selleck has a lean, weathered face that sits nicely atop a horse and beneath a broad-brimmed hat; he plays a canny cowboy who's come to make good on a promise to a dying man and ends up caught between a beautiful woman (Virginia Madsen) and a wicked man in black--a couple of them, actually. Crossfire Trail has just about every element you could ask for (a Sioux war party, a cruel hired gun, a shootout in the street, even a cattle stampede), but it spins them out with such clean efficiency that you can't help but enjoy it. Directed skillfully and with heart, Crossfire Trail will satisfy any Western fan. Based on the novel by Louis L'Amour; also featuring Wilford Brimley and Mark Harmon. --Bret Fetzer

Description

A restless wanderer makes a promise to a dying friend to help the man's widow and daughter hold onto their ranch in the lush but lawless Wyoming Territory. But when oil is discovered on the land, the unsuspecting hero must contend not only with the two women who are suspicious of his motives, but also with ruthless men plotting to seize the ranch. Based on the novel by Louis L'Amour.

Customer Reviews:

Magnificent-Looking, Solid Western.......2007-09-13

This was an excellent western that was beautifully photographed. This looks absolutely stunning on DVD and provides some of the prettiest scenery I've ever viewed on film.

With Tom Selleck in the lead and supporting help from Virginia Madsen, Wilfred Brimley, Mark Harmon and others, this is a good cast for this made-for-cable TV movie. Selleck does his normal excellent portrayal of a rugged cowboy.

Overall, a good movie and highly-recommended for western fans. I see Amazon has this on sale, too.

Pleased as punch........2007-08-25

Once again I was very pleased with Amazon's service and product. Arrived in pristine condition and in a timely fashion. Great movie.

Format.......2007-03-03

This is a great movie. I try to get most of his movies. However, I will not be buying this one because it is listed only in Widescreen.

EXCELLENT.......2007-02-10

Tom Selleck was born to be a "Western" star. Excellent movie! I highly recommend it to any fan of western genre films.

Great western!.......2007-01-22

Based on a Louis L'Amour novel, Tom Selleck is convincing as a cowboy named Raif who keeps a promise to a fellow sailor, Charles Rodney, by helping his widow hang on to her ranch and keep an eye on the widow as well. But a rich scoundrel has plans to talk the widow into marriage and get the ranch for himself. What he doesn't tell her is that he's responsible for her husband's death. Things get real tense for Raif and his friends as the expose the rich man for the cheating liar he is. A well written screenplay adaptation and lovely scenery. The dialogue is also superb (I especially love the Irishman's jokes).

Chrissy K. McVay - Author

The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 2 (Hit the Ice / In Society / Here Come the Co-Eds / The Naughty Nineties / Little Giant / The Time of Their Lives / Buck Privates Come Home / The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap)

Average customer rating:

Who's on first?
The Naughty Nineties
FUNNEY SHOWS
abbott and costello
The Best of Abbott and Costello, Vol. 2

The Best of Abbott & Costello, Vol. 2 (Hit the Ice / In Society / Here Come the Co-Eds / The Naughty Nineties / Little Giant / The Time of Their Lives / Buck Privates Come Home / The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap)
Starring: Bud Abbott , Lou Costello , Marjorie Main , Audrey Young , and George Cleveland
Director: Charles Barton , Daniel Helfgott , and Erle C. Kenton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001FGBZM
Release Date: 2004-05-04

Description

By popular demand, the legendary Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are back in eight brand-new-to-DVD comedy classics! Still one of the greatest comedy teams in the history of show business, their films continue to generate new legions of fans around the world.

Now some of their greatest gags and most stellar skits, including the complete version of their signature routine "Who's on First?", are available in this side-splitting collection. It's the boys at their very best and illustrates why Bud and Lou rightly deserve their place among the brightest stars of the silver screen!

Hit the Ice (1943)
Bud and Lou hit the slopes at the Sun Valley Resort after getting mixed up with gangsters.

In Society (1944)
The boys find themselves in hot water after a plumbing job goes wrong at a high society bash.

Here Come the Co-Eds (1945)
Bud and Lou head to campus and attempt to save Bixby College from closing down.

The Naughty Nineties (1945)
Set aboard the River Queen showboat, Bud and Lou perform their legendary "Who's on First?" routine.

Little Giant (1946)
Lou plays a little man with big dreams...and ends up selling vacuum cleaners!

The Time of Their Lives (1946)
Mistaken as a traitor, Lou's ghost is trapped in Danbury Mansion until his innocence is proven.

Buck Privates Come Home (1947)
Bud and Lou return to civilian life and get involved in midget car racing in the sequel to Buck Privates!

The Wistful Widow of Wagon Gap (1947)
Accused of murder, Lou is forced to take care of a widow and her children on a farm.

Customer Reviews:

Who's on first?.......2007-08-13

This set is worth it, just to see this hilarious skit that children of all ages adore. Even kids today. It's timeless. It's priceless. Even one of my children have it memorized and likes to quote it from time to time. :)

The Naughty Nineties .......2007-07-04

The greatist part of this movie is the whos on First. Don't get me wrong, the whole movie was great but as a avid baseball fan I loved the whos on first seen. I think it's the greatist comedy duet done in history. Plus I grew up watching Abbott & Costello movies on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. I will always love there movies but this one the best.

FUNNEY SHOWS.......2007-06-06

WORTH THE MONEY
I LOVE THIS DVD, BRINGS BACK LAUGHTER AND MEMORYS AND YOU NEVER GET BORED WITH IT,

abbott and costello.......2007-04-11

I received the items in a timely fashion, actually quicker than I expected. The dvd's played fine. I really enjoy ordering from Amazon. I belong to columbia house, and I couldn't tell you the last time I ordered from them since ordering from Amazon. Also the great part was I didn't have to pay for shipping. Very well pleased.

The Best of Abbott and Costello, Vol. 2.......2007-04-02

Abbott and Costello's humor is outstanding and timeless. This collection of some of their movies will keep you laughing uproariously, and you will find yourself watching these movies over and over again and still keep laughing, even after you've watched them so much you know what's going to happen next.

Average customer rating:

Water
Excellent movie
An irritating film to watch
Beautifully done
Water Review

Water
Starring: Eric Seema , Raghubir Yadav , Kulbhushan Kharbanda , Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari , and Seema Biswas
Director: Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000GIXE86
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Description

Extremist groups waged a campaign of death threats, arson and riots to stop the production of this controversial film, but director Deepa Mehta would not be silenced. Set against Gandhi's rise to power, Water tells the profoundly moving story of Chuyia, an Indian girl married and widowed at eight years old, who is sent away to a home where Hindu widows must live in penitence. Chuyia's feisty presence deeply affects the other residents, forcing each to confront their faith and society's prejudices.

Customer Reviews:

Water.......2007-07-30

wonderful movie....informative....earthy.....great movie....a wonderful look at life in India from a perspective westerners don't often see.....plus the director is masterful in the telling and delivery of this, I'm sure, politically and spiritually sensitive subject in some of the remoter areas of India

Excellent movie.......2007-07-12

This is a wonderful movie. The acting is powerful, and the directing skillful. Even though it is in subtitles it completely holds one's interest. It is one of the best movies I've seen in the last few years.

An irritating film to watch.......2007-06-10

I realize that this is rather shallow, but I honestly had trouble enjoying this movie as a result of how poorly done the subtitles were. Not only is the default language setting of the DVD set to Hindi, but then even when you do get the subtitles turned on, they turn out to be barely readable and flash on the screen for a second at best. What good is beautiful imagery if you can't understand whats going on?

Beautifully done.......2007-06-04

A beautifully told story. I enjoyed pretty much every aspect of this movie: The cinematography was beautiful, the dialog was entertaining and poignant, the symbolism was clever, and the message was powerful.

Water Review.......2007-05-13

WATER is one of those movies you will not regret seeing or owning. It is a powerful, emotion wringing film that explores the fate of young Indian widows and forms the third in the trilogy - EARTH, FIRE & WATER.
Together, they explore India's social and political history through the individual stories of the protanganists to form a body of work that deserves a wider audience than just the foreign film section of the DVD library.

Average customer rating:

Love it!
Awsome
Sunny Summer Magic
Summer Magic
Summer Magic

Summer Magic
Starring: Hayley Mills , Burl Ives , Dorothy McGuire , Deborah Walley , and Eddie Hodges
Director: James Neilson
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
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ASIN: B00005JMVV
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

This classic 1963 Disney film features child icon Hayley Mills as Nancy Carey, a teenage girl whose family moves from Boston to the New England countryside as a result of their father's untimely passing. Nancy writes to the kindly Mr. Poppem (Burl Ives) and single-handedly convinces him to rent the family a charming, if run-down, house for a mere $60 a year. Ever the optimist, Nancy brims with excitement at the family's new life, but this "perfect world" has its problems--notably an absentee landlord who knows nothing about the Carey family's rental agreement. Through hard work and Mr. Poppem's continuing generosity, the Careys fix up the house and find life in the rural Maine town quite satisfactory. Things become tense when their cousin Julia arrives for an extended visit, but eventually Nancy and Julia grow from one another's experiences and become good friends. You'll never guess what happens when the absent landlord returns unannounced during the family's Halloween housewarming party!

One section that may sit poorly with modern audiences features Nancy and Julia discussing how to emphasize one's femininity at the expense of hiding the real you--an indication of how much American thinking has changed in a relatively short period of time. Nevertheless, this is a charming tale featuring toe-tapping ragtime music, wonderful songs by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman including "Summer Magic" and "The Ugly Bug Ball," and the incomparable talents of Mills and Ives. Take a trip down memory lane and don't forget the kids. (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

Hayley Mills brings a joyful enthusiasm to this nostalgic, musical, and bighearted adventure in small-town living, now on Disney DVD. When a close-knit Boston family loses their fortune, they find a wealth of family secrets, young love, and charming summer nights in Beulah, Maine. A good-natured postmaster, pretentious cousin Julia, and the mysterious absentee landlord, Mr. Hamilton, populate their new life in a charming old yellow house. Featuring an all-star supporting cast, including Burl Ives, Dorothy McGuire, and Deborah Walley, this classic and wondrous tale will delight the entire family and belongs in every Disney collection.

Customer Reviews:

Love it!.......2007-07-23

I love this movie! Brings back wonderful childhood memories, and I'm glad my daughter still loves it. Hayley Mills, as always, gives a great performance and it's just an all around cute, good family movie. A rare find in this day and age.

Awsome.......2007-06-29

I've always loved this movie and i'm soo glad i have the dvd now. It's a sweet movie and it's fun to watch. :) I think it's good for any age. :)

Sunny Summer Magic.......2007-06-02

Years ago the Disney Channel ran something of a nostalgia double bill and ran Vincente Minnelli's MGM classic MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS along with the Disney studio's own SUMMER MAGIC. From a thematic perspective, it was inspired programming--both films were warmhearted,unabashedly sentimental family pictures set in the early days of the last century. In terms of quality, however, there was no real comparison. MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS is a true American classic. SUMMER MAGIC, while it has a certain charm, achieved nothing remotely like that status. As non-animated Disney fare goes, it's pretty good, but running it alongside the Judy Garland classic couldn't help but point up its weaknesses--and even the movie's biggest fans would have to admit there are some.

But before I get into any of that, I have to say that I was one of the movie's biggest fans myself when I was 11 years old. Like so many other kids my age, I had a mad crush on Hayley Mills. And after seeing this movie, I developed an even madder one on flame-tressed Deborah Walley (who played spirited Hayley's snooty cousin Julia in this one). I don't think I noticed at the time, that neither one of them could sing all that well--but they did handle their musical numbers with a certain charm. And nobody was expecting young actresses of the early 60s to exhibit Garland-sized voices, nor did the rag-timey score for the film demand anything like it. It was enough that SUMMER MAGIC offered two such fetching young actresses. Unfortunately for me, while Hayley stayed in the Disney ranks for a few more years after this, Deborah "graduated" to more Beach Blanket Bingo type roles--and well, I wasn't allowed to go to those.

And by the time I was in my rebellious high school years, both Disney styled quaintness and Beach Blanket blankness were already passe. I wouldn't have owned up to liking any of it. Grace and Janis replaced Hayley and Deborah in my heart's hierarchy.

But do you ever forget your first love(s)? Watching SUMMER MAGIC now is perhaps something of a guilty pleasure, but I can see why an 11 year old of the era would have fallen for it--and for its young stars--hook,line and sinker. And of course, the rest of the cast were either old pros like Burl Ives, Dorothy McGuire and Una Merkel or appealing young swains and adorable kids. Just what you would expect from a Disney flick of the period. You've even got Jerry Mathers real-life younger brother playing Hayley's movie kid brother (in the classic endearingly bratty mold--Kevin Corcoran and Jerry himself were aleady a little too old for the part).

And as a hint of wierdness, you get Michael J. Pollard in the role of the New England country boy who heads off to the big city only to return to his bucolic roots shortly thereafter. Even quirkier is this character's tomboyish (and somewhat spacey) younger sister played by a young actress named Wendy Turner who is given a lesson in "Femininity" by city gals Debbie and Hayley. (And no, it's not very politically correct by today's standards, but fairly reflective of its era--which is to say the storyline's early 20th century era, and well, maybe too, the era the film was made in as well: feminist consciousness on a broad scale was a few years away yet).

So about those comparisons to MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS: well, if the Disney Channel itself had not run the two films as a de facto double bill all those years ago, I don't think it would ever have occurred to me to compare the two. We all know that Disney family fare was lower budget and significanly less polished a product than anything MGM put out in the decades before. SUMMER MAGIC's status as a true musical is questionable in any event. There are several musical numbers, of course, but they're on the slight side. And they're just too sporadic for there to be much in the way of musical momentum. It's hard to pinpoint the difference, really, but it would seem that there are musicals and there are films--particularly Disney films--with a few musical numbers.

But give the filmmakers credit. There's no doubt that this is escapist fare, but unlike, say, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, it actually does touch on some of life's harsher realities. In SUMMER MAGIC, the Carey family is in reduced circumstances because they have lost their father. Cousin Julia was completely orphaned, and although she had been taken in by a wealthy family that too proved to be a precarious situation and--although she is too proud and blind to admit it--she is in pretty dire straits when her relatives take her in. The worst traumas Judy's St. Louis family had to deal with was Tootie's scary Halloween and the upsetting prospect of their very much alive and well (if curmudgeonly) father's moving the family to New York City to accept a BETTER PAYING and more prestigious job.

No denying that the movie is fluff, but good fluff acknowledges--overtly or covertly--the realities it seeks to escape from. In fact, the lovingly bickering older couple played by Ives and Merkel have a running debate about seeing clouds or seeing silver lining. Merkel is even allowed to state a pretty good (and pretty funny) case for preferring your clouds to be clouds. I won't say this was deep stuff, even for my 11 year old brain, but the good cheer and optimism that dominates the movie does come at a price. The main characters' sunny optimism seems at times to be as much a matter of will power as of their fundamental natures.

Summer Magic.......2007-05-17

I loved Summer Magic! It is the typical Disney movie that I grew up with back in the 50's and I wouldn't be afraid for my grandchildren to sit with me while watching it. Dorothy Maguire, Haley Mills and Burl Ives are wonderful in this family picture. Anyone wanting to watch a movie that is lighthearted and fun, this I recommend and have your grandchildren with you....they'll enjoy seeing how things were in the "olden days".

Summer Magic.......2007-05-15

Charming, delightful and warm entertainment for the entire family. during the era movies were created using positive life's messages; this wonderful film provides true entertainment for children and a lovely stroll down nostalgic lanes for adults.

Average customer rating:

Should have taken heed of the reviews I read!
Saving Grace
Hilarious
Great fun!
Saving Grace - Funny, heart warming movie

Saving Grace
Starring: Bill Bailey , Brenda Blethyn , Martin Clunes , Tchéky Karyo , and Phyllida Law
Director: Nigel Cole
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003CXMY
Release Date: 2000-12-19

Amazon.com

Imagine a Cheech and Chong pothead comedy, only instead of two scruffy lowlifes, the movie is about an aimless Scottish gardener and a middle-aged British widow with a green thumb. Grace (Brenda Blethyn of Secrets and Lies and Little Voice) has just discovered that her recently deceased husband has left her with an enormous debt when her gardener Matthew (Craig Ferguson, The Big Tease) asks her to help him tend to his small, personal-use marijuana crop. Grace soon realizes that they can turn her green house into a hydroponics laboratory and turn out a profitable crop--if only they can keep the local constables at bay and then find a dealer to actually sell the stuff. Saving Grace has well-developed characters, intelligent dialogue, a charming and capable cast, and clean, clear direction. But at heart it's still a marijuana comedy, with most of its funniest moments coming from the silly, stoned behavior of elderly ladies and other stuffy Brits. Nothing wrong with that, and Blethyn and Ferguson give the film a strong anchor. The ending goes a little over-the-top, but most of the movie is well-grounded in genuine human behavior. A subplot about Matthew's girlfriend's pregnancy is treated with respect and integrity. Sweet, silly, and sincere. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Should have taken heed of the reviews I read!.......2007-09-10

I'm sure that I will never complete reading this book. I have purchased or read most of the books by Elizabeth George and have been very happy with almost all of them. I could not get interested in this book at all and can't see wasting the time to try to read all of it.

Saving Grace.......2007-07-29

One of the funniest movies I've seen in years. I saw it in the theatre and had to own it for the "want a good laugh" nights. The whole town is with Grace in their own secret way. Craig Ferguson is just fantastic as the lousy gardner and the town doctor is a real adorable loser. You will laugh out loud at the whole thing.

Hilarious.......2007-06-29

I had to buy this movie. I saw it for the first time when it first came to video. I wanted to buy it then but it was over $100. I am so glad I found it now for under $20. This movie will leave you in stitches. It is such a different story line than most. Highly recommended.

Great fun!.......2007-06-08

We've watched it many times and can't help ourselves from laughing again and again.

Saving Grace - Funny, heart warming movie.......2007-05-12

Saving Grace is a funny, yet heart warming movie about a widow facing financial difficulty after the death of her husband. Help comes from her faithful gardener as well as the moral support of her neighbors. Craig Ferguson plays the gardener and he is as brilliant and funny as usual. You can't go wrong with this movie if you are one of Craig's fans.

Average customer rating:

A Lovely Story
A nice movie...
Perfect!
One Special Night
simply the best

One Special Night
Starring: James Garner , Julie Andrews , Patricia Charbonneau , Stacy Grant , and Stewart Bick
Director: Roger Young
Manufacturer: Mti Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008G7QH
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Product Description

Reunited for the first time since "Victor/Victoria", Academy Award winner Julie Andrews and Emmy Award winner James Garner portray two strangers who take refuge in a small cabin during a stormy winter night and, despite their differences, or perhaps because of them, they are undeniably drawn to one another in this holiday classic that demonstrates once again the charisma that has made them two of the world's most beloved stars.

Features:

Interactive Menus

Scene Selection

Trailers

Optional Spanish Subtitles

Cast Bios

System Requirements:

Running Time 92 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

If the title It Happened One Night hadn't already been taken for Frank Capra's romantic comedy classic, it would've worked just as well for this holiday charmer. Catherine (Julie Andrews) is a widowed pediatric physician (with no children of her own) and Robert (James Garner) is a contractor with a wife suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Due to an accident of fate (a winter storm), they end up spending Thanksgiving together in an abandoned cabin, away from their family and friends. The two initially wary strangers soon find they have more in common than either could have anticipated. The subplot concerning Robert's adult daughters is fairly extraneous (and predictable) but doesn't distract from the tender relationship at the heart of this made-for-TV movie. Andrews and Garner have worked together before, in The Americanization of Emily and Victor/Victoria, and it shows in the chemistry generated by their sympathetic, believable performances. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

A Lovely Story.......2007-09-13

This DVD is a lovely story about two adults falling in love surrounding strange circumstances. James Garner and Julie Andrews are great together. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and a warm blanket before you settle in to enjoy this romantic movie.

A nice movie..........2007-09-08

Can be view as a family. A little language to listen to but nothing too bad. I didn't care for the story line because the man (james garner)is still married while he attempts to start a new romance. If they would have been both widowers it would have been more appropriate and would have been more enjoyable. The commaradery is very fun. They go back and forth like pros. The ending is good and sweet.

Perfect!.......2007-09-03

What a lovely story, what a good, romantic movie! Everything is in the right proportion. Perfect life and reality, "chance meetings" and conflicts. Well constructed dialogs, perfect acting. I'm glad I've bought it.

One Special Night.......2007-08-18

As usual Julie Andrews and James Garner were marvelous. I am trying to obtain most of their movies. If you are into Romance movies this is definitely a must. Only thing bad was it was not closed-captioning, good thing we live in the country with no neighbors close by.

simply the best.......2007-08-05

Julie Andrew was at her best. I have watched this movie about 12 time and still enjoys it each time.

Average customer rating:

Colors Make This A Great-Looking Disc & A Fun Story
Shades of Mary Poppins!
Fun Family Movie
lovely fairy tale
Loved it

Nanny McPhee (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Emma Thompson , Colin Firth , Kelly Macdonald , Thomas Sangster , and Eliza Bennett
Director: Kirk Jones (III)
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000F1IQNM
Release Date: 2006-05-09

Amazon.com

With hairy warts, a stern-looking unibrow and one extremely protruding buck-tooth, Nanny McPhee is a wonderfully comedic substitute for Mary Poppins in this entertaining family fantasy. By loosely adapting Christianna Brand's Nurse Matilda children's books of the 1960s, Oscar®-winning screenwriter Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility) has also given herself the plum role of Nanny McPhee, who can tame even the most unruly children with a tap of her magic walking stick. Her latest challenge is the bratty brood of a recent widower Mr. Brown (Colin Firth), who's under pressure to find a new wife or lose his much-needed allowance from wealthy Aunt Adelaide (a tailor-made role for Angela Lansbury). His love for scullery maid Evangeline (Kelly Macdonald) remains unspoken as he wincingly woos the eagerly merry widow Mrs. Quickly (Celia Imrie), but Brown's raucous rugrats have a plan to make things right, especially after they've come under the benevolent influence of Nanny McPhee, whose peculiar brand of discipline works wonders for everyone involved. Both quintessentially British and universally appealing, this wildly colorful comedy (thanks to a bold palette of costume and production design) was capably directed by Kirk Jones, whose appreciation for comic actors was equally apparent in his critically acclaimed 1998 comedy Waking Ned Devine. With just a hint of darkness to offset the whimsy, Nanny McPhee offers a splendid match of director, cast and material, guaranteed to please Wallace & Gromit fans and anyone else with a taste for British zaniness. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Colors Make This A Great-Looking Disc & A Fun Story.......2007-09-05

This was a pleasant surprise, much better than I anticipated. I figured Emma Thompson would be good in the title role because you can usually count on her to be entertaining in form or another, cerebrally, emotionally or comically. What I didn't figure on was the fun, extremely colorful story, overall. This DVD was like a banana split for your senses - all kinds of wild treats for the eyes and ears.....to taste, so to speak.

This film features outrageous color schemes from the word "go," from the interior of the "Brown's" house, to everyone's apparel to the scenery outside. It almost reminded me "The Cat In The Hat" with its crazy colors.

All the characters are as exaggerated as the colors, too. The kids may be brats but they aren't bad once they get some needed discipline and love from Nanny McPhee. They are still fun to watch, and all are quite different in appearance and mannerisms. Thompson is a howl as Mary Poppins-like McPhee and so are the supporting characters. There were no sappy songs, either. This is not a musical.

Only the final wedding segment got carried away with juvenile silliness; the rest was fun for adults and well as the kids, who must have loved this all the way through. This is simply good entertainment and highly recommended.

Shades of Mary Poppins!.......2007-08-23

This truly hilarious comedy is supported by a brilliant caste: Emma Thompson (Nanny McPhee) and Colin Firth (the father of seven unruly children) whose wife is deceased. He tries a succession of nannies (17) and they all leave within a few days, the last one in just one day! The casting of the children is outstanding and the unruly actions are unimaginable! At last Nanny McPhee agrees to do the job--with a three point program which she pursues doggedly and finally successfully. Knowing that she must leave, the father looks for a mother for his brood. He can't find anyone willing to take on the task. But Nanny comes through for him--transforms a young kitchen maid, long with the family, into a beautiful and well educated young lady. The role of the mother is filled to everyone's satisfaction! A film you won't want to miss--entertainment for the entire family!

Fun Family Movie.......2007-08-04

This was a fun movie for the family. lots of action for kids and good humor for adults.

lovely fairy tale.......2007-07-29

Emma Thompson, Colin Firth and all the children are delightful; especially Thomas Sangler. I want to adopt him!!!

Loved it.......2007-06-21

This was a fun movie to watch.

Dead Silence (Unrated Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

pretty decent..
Okay for what it is ....
Scary little piece of work......
The Saw series rock-I don't quite know what this is--waste of theater air??
a ventriloquist horror movie...oh please!

Dead Silence (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Amber Valetta
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000PMLJMQ
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Customer Reviews:

pretty decent.........2007-09-12

I realize movies are very subjective....I liked this movie..not giving it 5 stars because there is room for improvement but I found the premise a bit spooky..and dolls always freaked me out as a child and so did dummies...(and clowns LOL).. I thought this was a good movie...(I also liked House of Wax..which I find similiar in the weirdness category..)

Okay for what it is ...........2007-09-09

If you are looking for a silly horror diversion, this one fills the bill fine. Some weird gore, decent sets, a couple of decent jumps, and a very silly premise. It's improved by the actors who take it much more seriously than it deserves, but for a short horror flick it does have a few fun moments. Harmless fun. How old is Amber Valetta anyway?

Scary little piece of work.............2007-09-06

I love a good horror film----not wild about slasher/
blood and guts...but rather a "real" story and some
spooky/well-done images. This is NOT a hollywood
production...there is a definate "B" movie quality
operating under the surface, but it is decent in it's
category and offers up some really creepy scenes...I
don't scare easily, but the evil female ventriolquist
and her creepy dolls stayed with me for several days
afterward. If you want an entertaining little scary
movie with more spooky images and effects than blood
and gore...this one should fit the bill.

The Saw series rock-I don't quite know what this is--waste of theater air??.......2007-09-05

Dead Silence is a creaky gothic horror by the writers who introduced us to the dubious pleasures of the Saw franchise. James Wan and Leigh Whannell use those potent props the ventriloquist's puppet and an old nursery rhyme to piece together a gruesome tale of supernatural revenge. (How stupid..) Unfortunately the cast are so supernaturally dim that it's impossible to care about any of them.
This is admirably surreal stuff. And the sensual pleasure in watching this kind of horror movie depends entirely on your tolerance for ear-splitting jolts of shock. In the end, though, I wanted my money back.
BILLY WAS THE BEST ACTOR--THAT SAYS A LOT SINCE HE IS A FREAKING DOLL..

a ventriloquist horror movie...oh please!.......2007-09-05

There's just some topics that should be left alone and people should not attempt to make them into movies. The ventriloquist/dummy "horror" movie is one of them. I remember seeing something similar to this movie as a kid. I just cannot recall the title of that movie.

Anyways, Jamie Ashen returns to his childhood hometown, Raven's Fair, after his wife was mysteriously murdered. She was murdered almost immediately after the couple has received an anonymous mail at their doorstep, which contained a dummy.

Jamie soon learns that the dummy, Billy, is a product of a dead ventriloquist, Mary Shaw. Mary Shaw was murdered some years ago after the townspeople suspected her of murdering a young boy who doubted her ventriloquist talent. Her tongue was ripped out and she was buried with her "children", all 101 of her dummies.

However, these days, her dummies are coming back from the grave. The question is why? Who is behind these mysterious murders? Mary Shaw? Jamie and a local police detective (Wahlberg) must locate the mastermind or at least try to locate the curse and break it to stop the killings.

It sounds like a great movie after reading the jacket of the DVD cover. However, the story plot is forgettable. The acting...no comment. If you're just bored and just want anything to entertain you, then you just might like the movie. Otherwise, you're not missing anything if you don't watch this.

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