You've Got Mail

Amazon.com essential video

By now, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan have amassed such a fund of goodwill with moviegoers that any new onscreen pairing brings nearly reflexive smiles. In You've Got Mail, the quintessential boy and girl next door repeat the tentative romantic crescendo that made Sleepless in Seattle, writer-director Nora Ephron's previous excursion with the duo, a massive hit. The prospective couple do actually meet face to face early on, but Mail otherwise repeats the earlier feature's gentle, extended tease of saving its romantic resolution until the final, gauzy shot.

The underlying narrative is an even more old-fashioned romantic pas de deux that is casually hooked to a newfangled device. The script, cowritten by the director and her sister, Delia Ephron, updates and relocates the Ernst Lubitsch classic, The Shop Around the Corner, to contemporary Manhattan, where Joe Fox (Hanks) is a cheerfully rapacious merchant whose chain of book superstores is gobbling up smaller, more specialized shops such as the children's bookstore owned by Kathleen Kelly (Ryan). Their lives run in close parallel in the same idealized neighborhood, yet they first meet anonymously, online, where they gradually nurture a warm, even intimate correspondence. As they begin to wonder whether this e-mail flirtation might lead them to be soul mates, however, they meet and clash over their colliding business fortunes.

It's no small testament to the two stars that we wind up liking and caring about them despite the inevitable (and highly manipulative) arc of the plot. Although their chemistry transcended the consciously improbable romantic premise of Sleepless, enabling director Ephron to attain a kind of amorous soufflé, this time around there's a slow leak that considerably deflates the affair. Less credulous viewers will challenge Joe's logic in prolonging the concealment of his online identity from Kathleen, and may shake their heads at Ephron's reinvention of Manhattan as a spotless, sun-dappled wonderland where everybody lives in million-dollar apartments and color coordinates their wardrobes for cocktail parties. --Sam Sutherland

Description

Neigborhood bookstore rivals unwittingly become e-mail pen pals in this charming remake of The Shop Around the Corner

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary:Commentary with N. Ephron & L. Shuler-Donner
DVD ROM Features:N. Ephron Audio Bytes "Sounds of NY" (10:07) Interview Gallery - Individual Clips (12:00) Comparison Scenes (38:00)
Featurette:HBO First Look Special: "A Conversation with Nora Ephron" (14:39)
Other:DIscover NY's Upper West Side" - 11 Selectable Clips (15:00)

Customer Reviews:

Lovable Film!!!!.......2007-09-04

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.... what's not to love? Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks as star-crossed lovers/bitter enemies who don't realize they are star-crossed lovers.... seriously. What's not to love?

This is a movie that eliminates any chance of a generational divide. You have a classic love story told in modern terms and circumstances... (i.e. the internet.)You have two of the world's best actors ever.... And you have Brinkley, the wonderful, beautiful and scene-stealing golden retriever.

In a world where nothing is what it seems, enemies truly can become friends... friends can become lovers and lovers can make an eternity together.

If you watch only one romantic comedy in your life, let it be this one... For the love of all that is holy, I beg you. Let it be this one!

More Nora Ephron cynicism, disguised as sentiment.......2007-08-20

Watching Nora Ephron movies is a trip in the wayback machine to the 1940's, when assertive, career-minded female film characters either (1) held on to their careers and lost the guy, or (2) dumped the career and won the guy. No other option existed. Think women have made progress since then? "You've Got Mail" may be all dressed up in technicolor and tricked up with a relentless pop score, but it's the same old story. Meg Ryan's bookstore owner has a dream, and that dream is smashed to bits by megachain-owing Tom Hanks. When she finally realizes he's the same guy she's fallen in love with online and off, instead of punching him in the mouth she cries and they embrace. Now she can go home and forget all about that bookstore.

Just in case Ryan might have been tempted to hang onto her dream, she has Parker Posey (playing Tom Hanks' fiancee) as a cautionary tale. Posey's character is a nasty, career-obsessed harridan, whose sole plot function is to lose Hanks to Ryan.

This is retro antifeminism at its worst, and it's difficult to understand coming from a woman whose mother, Phoebe, was a respected Hollywood screenwriter in her own right. And Ephron herself is a dedicated career writer, who undoubtedly would spit in the face of anyone who trashed HER career. So why does she write Meg Ryan into a world where the work-related dreams of women count for nothing?

Final note: I wish reviewers would stop comparing this movie to "The Shop Around the Corner". It may technically be a remake, but the two films are not the same league. Ernst Lubitsch had a sharp eye for human folly but he also believed in happy endings based on reality, not manipulative mush. And he respected all his characters equally.

You've got Mail.......2007-08-08

I always watch this movie twice - first, in its original format which is a good romance comedy and second, with the subtitle option of music only which is good background for doing computer work.

An all time favorite.......2007-07-29

If you have seen this movie before (at the theater, on TV, or on DVD), and you enjoy romantic comedys, then no doubt this has already become one of your favorites. Even today, I never get tired of watching it. If you haven't seen it - make a point to do so. It will make you smile.

You've got OSCARS!!!.......2007-07-03

I absolutely know why the academy went nuts over this one. It definitely graduated magnum cum laude in my opinion!!!

The chemistry between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan is out of this world! Sleepless in Seattle was good, Running in Circles was great, and You've Got Mail was phenomenal!!!

I loved that one part when Tom Hanks sells the dictionary to that one guy!!! It was so funny. I heard that most of this movie was unscripted... just a testament to these actors' abilities to light up the Silver Screen.

Before I write more about this movie, I think it would be a good idea JUST TO THANK these wonderful actors for their contribution. I heard that AOL didn't even exist until after this movie was made!! Talk about defining popular culture, huh?

So back to the movie. Greg Kinnear is in it.

RENT IT.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off Bueller...Bueller... Edition (Special Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Bueller... Bueller...?
Ferris Bueller Rules
This movie is soooo Funny!
Nice insite on the actors
One of those 'Bring Me Back' films

Ferris Bueller's Day Off Bueller...Bueller... Edition (Special Collector's Edition)
Starring: Jason Robert Alderman , Louie Anderson , Stephanie Blake , Matthew Broderick , and Virginia Capers
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Teen | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

School Days | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Urban | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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

( F ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000BNX4MC
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Amazon.com

Like a soda pop left open all night, Bueller seems to have lost its effervescence over time. Sure, Matthew Broderick is still appealing as the perennial truant, Ferris, who fakes his parents out and takes one memorable day off from school. Jeffrey Jones is nasty and scheming as the principal who's out to catch him. Jennifer Grey is winning as Ferris's sister (who ends up making out in the police station with a prophetic vision of Charlie Sheen). But there's a definite sense that this film was of a particular time frame: the '80s. It's still fun, though. There's Ferris singing "Twist and Shout" during a Chicago parade, and a lovely sequence in the Art Institute. But don't get it and expect your kids to love it the way you did. Like it or not, it's yours alone. --Keith Simanton

Product Description

"Bueller…Bueller…?" Sorry, not here! Instead, high-schooler Ferris Bueller (Mathew Broderick), his girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara), and his best bud Cameron (Alan Ruck) are off on the spontaneous romp through Chicago known as Ferris Bueller's Day Off. You'll also enjoy righteous bonus materials that give you an insider's peek at this hilarious comedy hit from John Hughes (Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Sixteen Candles). So, barf up a lung, forge a "sick note" from the parents, and tag along on the funniest adventure to ever sweep through the Windy City. What are you still doing here? Save Ferris!

Customer Reviews:

Bueller... Bueller...?.......2007-09-08

Sorry, not here! Instead high-schooler Ferris Bueller(Matthew Broderick), his girlfriend Sloane(Mia Sara), and his best bud Cameron(Alan Ruck) are off on the spontaneous romp through Chicago known as Ferris Bueller's Day Off. You'll also enjoy righteous bonus materials that give you an insider's peek at this hilarious comedy hit from John Hughes(Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Sixteen Candles). So, barf up a lung, forge a "sick note" from the parents, and tag along on the funniest adventure to ever sweep though the Windy City. What are you still doing here? Save Ferris!

Ferris Bueller Rules.......2007-07-23

Now who doesn't love this movie? being able to sjip school and enjoy the day of visiting the city and having fun? What kid wouldn't like that? A major classic movie of the 80's starring Matthew Broderick. No need to explain his exploits, just watch and laugh with him and his pal Cameron. Another one to stick in your DVD collection.

This movie is soooo Funny!.......2007-07-14

A great film. It will make you laugh over and over again.
A film that the whole family can watch together.

Nice insite on the actors.......2007-07-13

The movie of corse is the same. The most excellent coming of age comedy ever made. I had to watch it again and then I checked out the extras. The interviews with the now older actors is a wonderful reflection of all of their career's and former youth. It is totally worth getting. My last copy of the DVD went to my 15 year old niece. All that I had left was the original VHS from 1989. I loved it and I hope you enjoy it.

One of those 'Bring Me Back' films.......2007-07-07

That is what this film is all about. True the film is dated and has some major plot holes which have been covered by other reviews, but on the whole, a wonderful trip down memory lane for those old enough to remember. No one is immune to the pranks and antics of this film. I tried similar things on my teachers in high school and thought I was original until this film appeared. Give it a shot... you should be laughing within minutes of the action.

Average customer rating:

Campy fun
Great movie
Geroge of the Jungle
Quick
George of the Jungle

George of the Jungle
Starring: Brendan Fraser , Leslie Mann , Thomas Haden Church , John Cleese , and Richard Roundtree
Director: Sam Weisman
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Slapstick | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: 6304711867
Release Date: 2000-12-12

Amazon.com

Not even the executives at Disney could have predicted the runaway success of this live-action movie inspired by Jay Ward's goofy 1960s cartoon character. Not only did George make a killing at the box office, but Disney's marketing wizards turned it into one of their best-selling videos. It's hard to begrudge the movie's success, even if this is the kind of mindless entertainment that caters to the lowest common denominator. In any case, it's obvious that kids love this movie, in which the idiotic George (Brendan Fraser) repeatedly swings into trees and attracts the attention of a lovely jungle explorer (Leslie Mann) who decides to call off her engagement to a wealthy snob (Thomas Hayden Church) in favor of the vine-swinging hunk with an elephant named Shep (that thinks it's a dog) and an ape named Ape (with a proper Brit voice provided by John Cleese). Filled with slapstick gags and some funny special effects, the movie can be a bit of a trial for adults, but it's a hilarious treat for its intended audience. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Disney presents the smash hit comedy that families and critics everywhere went bananas over! Deep in the heart of the African jungle, a baby named George, the sole survivor of a plane crash, is raised by gorillas. George grows up to be a buff and lovable klutz (ENCINO MAN'S Brendan Fraser) who has a rain forest full of animal friends -- like Tookie, his big-beaked messenger, Ape, a talking gorilla who's smarter than your average rocket scientist, and Shep, a gray-haired peanut-loving pooch of an elephant! When poachers mess with George's pals, the King Of Swing swings into action. But before you can say, "Watch out for that tree," George comes face-to-bark with a few vine-covered obstacles! You'll go wild for this "wonderfully wacky comedy" that People Magazine calls "impossible to resist!"

Customer Reviews:

Campy fun.......2007-05-25

This is one of those movies that doesn't take itself seriously, and can laugh at itself with you. There are a few moments when the fifth wall comes down, as in when the narrator directly interacts with the characters, or the characters address the viewer directly. Lots of slap stick. Good music. And a very buff and handsome Brendan Frasier. As others have noted, there are no extras on the DVD, just the movie. Still, it's a lot of fun to own and pop in the DVD player on those afternoons when you just need some lighthearted laughs and a storybook happy ending.

Great movie.......2007-05-16

Saw this in theatres back in the day, had the VHS so I had to upgrade to DVD

Geroge of the Jungle.......2007-05-09

The recurring theme of the human raised by animals of the jungle. George of the Jungle is a comic striation of that. Funny and enjoyable.

Quick.......2007-01-22

My experience was great, I purchased this DVD on Dec 21 and recieved it Dec 22. Definately recommend!!!!

George of the Jungle.......2007-01-04

My son loves this movie. It took a while to find it, but it was well worth the effort.

Average customer rating:

Awesome Story, Awesome Music, Awesome Movie
As much fun today as the day it was released
Good plot, fun characters, GREAT music
GREAT!
top notch

The Commitments
Starring: Michael Aherne , Robert Arkins , Angeline Ball , Gerard Cassoni , and Andrea Corr
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305622922
Release Date: 1999-11-02

Amazon.com

An irresistible, comic drama from director Alan Parker (Evita, Mississippi Burning), overflowing and alive with passion, humor, and music, The Commitments showcases some old R&B standards in a new light. A headstrong, fast-talking, ambitious young Dubliner (Robert Arkins) fancies himself a promoter of talent, and sets about assembling and packaging a local Irish R&B band. His group of self-absorbed, backbiting, but stunningly talented individuals begin to succeed beyond his wildest dreams, until petty jealousies and recrimination threaten to scuttle the whole deal. A moody, vivid, and soulful exploration of the Dublin club scene as well as a showcase for some wonderful unknown actors, the film (and its wonderful soundtrack) also features the actual band covering classic soul tunes from the likes of Otis Redding and Sam and Dave. It's that combination of soul and soul music that makes The Commitments a special little film. --Robert Lane

Description

Acclaimed director Alan Parker's landmark musical comedy is back for a spectacular encore in this all new widescreen collector's edition release of The Commitments. Fueled by raw talent and driven by dreams of glory, a dozen dead-enders from Dublin's gritty North side share a passion for soul music that takes their band on a wild roller-coaster ride from the streets to the stage...to superstardom! Packed with over 4 hours of extras, including audio commentary, brand new songs, and a never-before-seen retrospective documentary, this exhilarating 2-disc DVD is your backstage pass to experience the "world's hardest working band" as never before. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome once again - The Commitments!

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Story, Awesome Music, Awesome Movie.......2007-07-27

This movie is by far one of the greatest. The music is fantastic. The comedy aspect is hilarious (imagine naming your band And And And...). Giving you a sense of the real black souls of Dublin in the bodies of working class white kids, this movie touches on the good in life, hard in life and just plain humerous side of life. Having a mom obsessed with Elvis Presley brought home great memories and Colm Meany is the best obsessed fan ever.

If you like music and comedy you will LOVE The Commitments!

As much fun today as the day it was released.......2007-06-11

I recently saw the extraordinary independent film ONCE, which like THE COMMITMENTS is about music and Dublin. And both feature the amazing talents of Glen Hansard, leader of the band the Frames, which he formed about the same time that he appeared in THE COMMITMENTS as their guitarist Outspan Foster. I mainly wanted to refresh myself on precisely what he did in this film and was surprised and pleased to be reminded that he played a pretty significant role indeed. What surprised me even more was how delightful this film has remained since its original debut. I can honestly say that I enjoyed the film as much this time through as I did when it originally came out.

Director Alan Parker has enjoyed a long but relatively unprolific career, but among his projects have been a large number of films in which music played a major role. So it isn't surprising that he decided to make a film version of the novel by Roddy Doyle. The idea of young working class (even if not all of them are actually working) Dubliners coming together to form a band to perform covers of American soul classics, especially of the Stax variety, is a compelling one. Performers in Britain as well as Ireland have long found black American music a source of inspiration. Part of the point of the film, in fact, is to demonstrate the universal appeal of music to those who have been shunted aside by society at large.

The plot is amazingly simple. Two talented but unsuccessful musicians (one of whom is played by the aforementioned Glen Hansard) ask a friend, Jimmy Rabbitte, to be their manager. He agrees and immediately begins finding musicians to perform in a soul cover band. Much of what follows is predictable, as the band collects an unlikely group of performers that nonetheless coalesce into an absolutely first rate band, before falling apart almost before they began because of interpersonal conflicts. But it is all done with such energy and enthusiasm that it feels fresh and original.

The cast consisted almost entirely of unknowns, the lone exception being Colm Meaney, familiar to most in the US from his work on STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, as well as a host of other films and television series. All of the cast members were auditioned for their musical ability first and their acting ability second. The result was a wonderful and endearing cast. The one surprising thing has been that almost none of the performers, with the exception of the three female back up singers (all of whom have gone on to perform in a number of projects--Maria Doyle Kennedy, for instance, the girl with the long dark hair, is currently appearing in THE TUDORS as Catherine of Aragon). And though several of the cast members have remained active musically, many of them touring as The Commitments, the only one to achieve anything approaching stardom has been Hansard (who interestingly, despite having a voice better than anyone in the movie, including Andrew Strong who played Deco, does not sing in the film--anyone doubting his skills as a vocalist need only see him in his current film ONCE and all doubts will evaporate), whose band the Frames is one of the most highly regarded and successful bands ever to come out of Ireland. So for most of the cast members this was a one shot stab at fame. Luckily they left us with a movie that is still funny, entertaining, and utterly delightful. (One exception to the ongoing success was the Corrs, who performed in the tryouts as the rather arty band, and one of whom, Andrea Corr, played Jimmy Rabbitte's sister.)

If you saw this year's ago and loved it, see it again. It has held up amazingly well and feels as fresh as ever. And for fans of ONCE this has to be seen for Glen Hansard's only other film appearance. And if you've never seen either THE COMMITMENTS or ONCE, you just need to see this because it is a great movie.

Good plot, fun characters, GREAT music.......2007-06-10

One of my top 5 all-time favorite movies. The quirky characters are developed well and are a blast to follow through their journey to fame & fortune. Unless you're from Ireland or somewhere in Great Britain you may want to use your "closed caption" feature on your TV so you don't miss any of the hilarious dialog with which we Yanks are unfamiliar. BTW, you may as well go ahead and purchase the soundtrack b/c you'll want it after you've seen the movie.

GREAT!.......2007-03-24

The movie is just the best. The acting. The music. The story. I laughed, cried and got angry.....just wonderful! I highly recommend this DVD to anyone.

top notch.......2007-03-09

excellent movie for people that appreciate music, or for young folks that play music or are thinking about playing an instrument or starting a band. Hilarous.

The Commitments (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Average customer rating:

Awesome Story, Awesome Music, Awesome Movie
As much fun today as the day it was released
Good plot, fun characters, GREAT music
GREAT!
top notch

The Commitments (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
Starring: Michael Aherne , Robert Arkins , Angeline Ball , Gerard Cassoni , and Andrea Corr
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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