Lie With Me

Amazon.com

Shot in sunny Toronto and set to a dreamy score, Lie With Me looks and sounds like an art film, but the end result isn't quite so lofty. The plot is thin and the dialogue superfluous, but no matter--Canada's Clément Virgo (Love Come Down) just wants to turn you on and he has enlisted two attractive, uninhibited young performers to assist in his aims. Leila (Lauren Lee Smith, The L Word) and David (Eric Balfour, Six Feet Under) meet at a party. He's with his girlfriend, but finds himself drawn to her. The feeling is mutual. She's alone, but quickly finds an unattached hipster with whom to have a tryst. David catches her in the act. Instead of turning away, he watches. They start seeing each other immediately afterwards. "I'm not hooked on danger, [I'm] hooked on sex," Leila claims, but she isn't exactly the most trustworthy narrator. She wants a purely physical relationship, while David wants something more. They return to their old lives, but the obsession refuses to die. Based on the novella by Virgo's partner, Tamara Berger, Lie With Me plays like a low-budget cross between Adrian Lyne's overrated 9 1/2 Weeks and Wayne Wang's underrated The Center of the World. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

Utterly Unsatisfying.......2007-07-30

What can I say? I'm sure I bought this for the same reason everyone else did, and boy what a let-down.

Not to be ignorant or apathetic, I will focus my review on the film as a whole, not just the much talked about "graphic scenes of real sex" *cough cough*.

Allow me first to point out all the good things, then all the bad:

GOOD: The female lead is gorgeous.

That's it.

I guess the score has its charm too, but only cos it's always set to shots of her attractive face, so I'm gonna lump that all in as one bullet point.

NOT SO GOOD: Where do I start? Although the girl is very attractive, the scenes of her having sex are not in the least bit exciting, so she might as well not be.

The male lead is UTTERLY miscast, as a romantic lead, as an erotic lead, this guy totally misses the mark on ALL counts. And did I say romantic? Come to think of it, did I even say erotic?? Sorry guys but this film is a big fat neither. The much hyped "real" sex scenes are nothing short of completely pathetic, with not a single sexual encounter between the two "stars" (of which there are only two or three in the whole film) lasting more than a minute - literally, a 60 second minute. And these aren't artfully composed edited highlights, these are beginning-to-end realtime scenes. Think I'm kidding?

I can understand the first time they're together and there's all this sexual tension and electricity and lust (although as a viewer I just had to assume this, I certainly didn't feel any of it coming from the two actors) and the guy just can't contain himself, but this and every subsequent time they're together he finishes in less than a minute.

Which leads to another thing; throughout the film the girl narrates a contrived monologue sprinkled liberally with new-age promiscuous pleasure-seeking slang, this girl obviously thinks highly of herself sexually, yet the whole point of the film is that she becomes consumed by physically being with a man who cannot last more than 60 seconds in the sack. Even within the shallow parameters set by the film itself, this film fails to convince; and on any real level beyond that, it completely falls flat on its face. At one point he tells her he thinks about her all day and all night etc. etc. and I was left thinking "Whu?". There's just no passion between these two whatsoever, not as people, and not as bodies in a bedroom either. The simple and usually obvious dialogue is left to convince us of something entirely lacking in any other place we might look for it.

At one point after being with the guy the girl tells us, "I always thought a man loved with his c_ck", as if she now knows real love and a man who can love her with something other than his c_ck, after what? A one night stand with a guy whose only interest was to have sex with you??? How does that work?

Well, quite simply, it doesn't. Neither does the rest of this film. Not for a second.

If you're only interested in the real sex scenes, I can open a raincloud on your parade and tell you that the films entire sex scenes tally less than a few minutes, and are utterly uninteresting anyway. If you're interested in this film in a more holistic way, I can tell you that you're barking up an even wronger tree.

If this review is all over the place it is only cos the film itself is an equal mess.

STAY AWAY!

Recommended.......2007-07-01

Lie With Me is more than just lust and sex. David for example doesn't know what he wants they show him with his dad, which we know is an invalid. He has trust issues just like Leila. When he first sees her, I think that he is infautated with her. He helps her at the party when she becomes dizzy, he watches her when she is walking through that wooded area. Basically he is in love with her. When Leila is having sex with that guy he can't help but feel lust for her at first. I mean the guy watches her and then they make a connection. Leila is dealing with the collaspe of her parents marriage and struggling with herself and what she wants. She meets David and she feels actual love i mean she can't be away from him for one second without wanting to feel him. She talks about how when she has sex that she can feel the pleasure inside of her but wants to feel something completely different with someone else. You guessed it that someone is David she wants to love him but she doesn't know how that is why she leaves him. Then she realizes how much she wants to be with him and he pushes her away. She is persistant and then she shows herself to him. In turn he rips out her heart and tells her he doesn't want to be with her, but that is all a lie cause the hurt in his eyes shows through. I think that Leila freaks out because she doesn't know how to comfort him when his dad dies, because you comfort the ones you love in their time of need. Plus i think Eric Balfour has a nice everything in that movie. Both are passionate towards each other even in those scenes when he gets jealous or is still grieving he hurts and the one person who he loves, leaves him. I don't think that he needs a mommy i thinks he needs a lover and someone to show him who he is. Also when they show Leila like having sex form behind i think that she is scared to let someone make actual love to her but David changes that i mean he asks her out on a date. You don't date someone you just want to have sex with. I love this movie i mean yeah theres graphic nudity but its hot and steamy and the actors make David and Leila come to life. Both Eric Balfour and Lauren Lee Smith are the perfect actors to play them.

A range of emotions on film.......2007-06-24

I bought this movie out of curiosity. I love this movie because of the range of emotions many of us experience when one desires and loves. Virgo uses long scenes with few cuts and dialogue to show what's felt when one falls for another. There's lust, attachment, uncertainty, and resolution. The movie shows how one may grow or regress because of these feelings. Rather than lots of dialogue, Virgo uses the nonverbal communication to show what's felt - the trembling of the lips with anticipation, the attachment to another when kissing their arm while asleep, or the misery and disconnect from being without the other. The plot is simple, but many of us have felt the contents of the movie at some point in time. This movie is the first that has delved into the depth of these feelings and put it brillantly on film.

If you're looking for erotic scenes, they're definitely there, and add to the content of the movie. However, if you're thinking this movie is about nothing but sex, you're misled.

Lie With Me will make you think and feel for these characters. Take the 90 minutes; it's worth the time.

Clement Virgo's Lie With Me is self-indulgent porn masquerading as an 'art' film.......2007-06-23

I've learnt to spot the danger signs of an impending bad movie. One of them is when the director is also the screenwriter and producer -- in short, there's no one there to put the brakes on when the film starts to get too self-absorbed. Such is the case with this Canadian indie film that seems to have gone straight to video.

Based on Tamara Berger's novel of the same name (published by the appropriately named Gutter Press), we meet Leila (Lauren Lee Smith), a young woman at a party. She's more than a little tipsy, and looks to be on the scrawny side, dressed clearly with the message that she's there to get laid -- oops, I mean have a good time. One man there is pretty bold about eyeing her, and the pair end up in the bathroom, where he helps her to sober up a little with a drink of water. It almost turns into sex, but his girlfriend calls for him outside and he leaves. He, we find out, is named David (Eric Balfour).

She leaves the party, taking with her Shy Guy (Michael Facciolo), and proceeds to have sex with him outside, up against a chain-link fence. Sitting in his car, watching the pair, is none other than David, along with his girlfriend. David and Leila watch each other getting laid, mimicing each others actions, as it were. At this point, I had a pretty good idea of what this film was going to be about, but as I have this thing about finishing the book or film I start, I didn't turn it off right away.

Eventually, Leila and David meet up again, this time in a public playground, and in a daring moment, she exposes herself to him, making her own interest pretty well known. They move onto his apartment for sex, and the sexual compulsion between the two of them gets going. And in fact that's what most of this film is about -- we're either watching Leila and David going at it like deranged rabbits, or she's letting us know her thoughts and experiences in a voice over that supposed to be titillating and erotic, but sounds more like a bad memoir.

The relationship is pretty predictable -- lust, jealousy phase, playing house together phase, she tries to get it past sex, he withdraws and treats her like trash, they break up, and so on and so forth. Yawn. We've seen this before. While I have to say that the sex at least looks real and honest, the rest of the film isn't that interesting. David, in particular, strikes me as the sort of young man that is fashionable these days -- unshaven, grungy and without any visible means of support. He does take care of an elderly, ailing father, so I guess that's something in his favour. But who in their right mind goes about in dirty jeans without underwear? I had a strong urge to go dip him in a vat of lye.

Leila's not much better. She's perpetually rumpled in skimpy clothing that looks to be ready to fall off at anytime. It's a cheap and sleazy look, and if she's looking for true love or respect from men, it's not a way to really inspire it either. Her personal life isn't that much better -- her parents are going through a divorce, her job is a dead-end job, she seems to spend her free time on the couch watching porn, or partying it up with weed and alcohol. She's not someone I would really care to know in reality either.

In short, this is a couple made for each other. Neither one of them are very responsible, and frankly, he treats her like a piece of meat. I suppose this is what makes this a modern, young adult relationship, sex without strings or emotion. And while the sex does get interesting, I've seen far far better in x-rated film, the only thing this lacks is what is known as the money shot in the trade.

Indeed, Virgo tries to make this as arty as possible, with lots of soft lighting, on location shots in Toronto, use of colour and texture, and I guess that works. But there isn't any sort of plot in this except for the so-called romance between the two leads, and their sexual shenanigans. Oh, there's an attempt or two with the illness of one parent, and the impeding divorce, but the central relationship is so tawdry, the viewer is left with the attitude of so what? by the end.

I don't demand syrupy romance, as long as there is some sort of passion there, but these two are so out of touch with themselves, how can they possibly make it work with each beyond the rubbing together of two body parts? That was the other big complaint with this one -- no one hits a climax that fast, and here it's the slam-bam-thankee-ma'am sort of sex. I kept thinking that she must have had insides of old leather to put up with that.

This is not for children of any age, and I would suspect that most adults would find it a bit on the disturbing side. There is quite a bit of sex in this, with male and female frontal nudity, sex in public, public exposure, sex in public, in cars, with lots of foul language and every form of straight sex that can be performed. There's plenty of drug and alcohol abuse as well. But they do try with a bit of condom use -- after all, this is the age of safe sex, I suppose.

No subtitles, some lackluster trailers for other films, and a voice-over commentary from the director. Nothing really special to watch either.

This is certainly a D-list film. Those who prefer their film to have sex and be honest about it might find a few minutes worth watching, but this 100-minute clunker has nothing else going for it. Those who are looking for a love story will be turned off by the callous brutality and attitudes. It's not a likeable film at all, and I urge you to spend your time with something, anything, else.

Not recommended.

a porn movie disguised as a 'b' movie.......2007-06-21

this movie was about a female sex maniac seeking free rides in the city of angels. there were lot of love making scenes in this hollow movie. the screenplay writer was the original author of that book titled in the same name. if this movie was shot in the '70s timeline, i'd accepted it unconditionally, but regretfully, this is a 2005 movie, aids, hiv and other diseases transmitted from random sex are real. so every time when this young woman involved in free sex, i was just sick to death.
a big question here: what's the point of making this movie?

Average customer rating:

Great character study! Which one are you?
MAKES YOU WANT TO JOIN A MONESTERY
Modern Drama
The Worst movie ever
Clive looking good

Closer (Superbit Edition)
Starring: Natalie Portman , Jude Law , Julia Roberts , Clive Owen , and Nick Hobbs
Director: Mike Nichols
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B0007OCG4W
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Amazon.com

Four extremely beautiful people do extremely horrible things to one another in Closer, Mike Nichols' pungent adaptation of Patrick Marber's play that easily marks the Oscar-winning director's best work in years. Anna (Julia Roberts) is a photographer who specializes in portraits of strangers; Dan (Jude Law) is an obituary writer struggling to become a novelist; Alice (Natalie Portman) is an American stripper freshly arrived in London after a bad relationship; and Larry (Clive Owen) is a dermatologist who finds love under the most unlikely of circumstances. When their paths cross it's a dizzying supernova of emotions, as Nichols and Marber adroitly construct various scenes out of their lives that pair them again and again in various permutations of passion, heartbreak, anger, sadness, vengeance, pleading, deception, and most importantly, brutal honesty. It's only until you're more than halfway through the movie that you'll have to ask yourself exactly why you are watching such a beautifully tragic tale, as Closer is basically the ickiest, grossest, most dysfunctional parts of all your past relationships strung together into one movie. Ultimately, it falls to the four actors to draw you deeper into the story; all succeed relatively, but it's Law and Owen whose characters will cut you to the quick. Law proves that yet again he's most adept at playing charming, amoral bastards with manipulative streaks, and Owen is nothing short of brilliant as the character most turned on by the energy inherent in destructive relationships--whether he's on the giving or receiving end. --Mark Englehart

Description

The Superbit titles utilize a special high bit rate digital encoding process which optimizes video quality while offering a choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. These titles have been produced by a team of Sony Pictures Digital Studios video, sound and mastering engineers and comes housed in a special package complete with a 4 page booklet that contains technical information on the Superbit process. By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added content, Superbit DVDs can be encoded at double their normal bit rate while maintaining full compatibility with the DVD video format.

Customer Reviews:

Great character study! Which one are you?.......2007-09-07

This movie is RAW. If you want a feel good and bubble gum and lollipops type of movie, this is not for you.

This is one of the BEST character studies I have seen in a long time. It's ugly, it's raw, but it's REAL and that could be why some felt so ill at ease. To like this movie is to accept that people really are this selfish and ugly-hearted. This could very well happen and that's what turns your stomach.

By far, Clive Owen owns this movie! You are disgusted by him from beginning to end, but find yourself rooting for him on several occasions, then mad at yourself that you are doing so. But then when you look at the alternative for Anna (Julia Roberts) in Dan (Jude Law), you allow yourself the moral misstep. Dan is quietly selfish and insecure. You realize early on there's an invisible bar that he's set that no one can meet or sustain.

At the end of this movie, you'll ask yourself (in regards to family, friends, and intimate relationships) are you the one setting the unrealistic bar, or are you the one trying to meet one? Are you being yourself while also allowing others to be who they are.

"Alice" was played BRILLIANTLY by Natalie Portman. She had the right balance or tough chick and little-girl-lost. You clearly understood she was someone who wanted to be loved and accepted "as is" flawed and all. Doesn't everyone? She was the only innocent one, so to speak, in the entire quadrangle. She gave her body at the end masking her rejection and hurt. We all know someone whose done this or continues to do this. Although clearly misguided, Alice is the only one who didn't maliciously or selfishly hurt someone she claimed to love.

What makes Larry so remarkable is that he understood they were all flawed INCLUDING HIMSELF, but unlike Dan, accepted it. He knew Anna was a depressive. She didn't have to stay "up" and perfect for him. Larry allowed her to have her blue funks because he knew exactly what made her function comfortably. He was quite content in lifting and supporting her in her art of "photographing sad people beautifully" as Alice said, hitting the Anna nail right on the head. Anna was beautiful to the world, but was sad upon closer inspection. Dan never even realized her condition because it was all about him. Larry understood 'you are what you are,' anything better than that was a great moment. Because he understood this, he knew how to manipulate and orchestrate them all into ultimately getting what he wanted. Dan never got "it" in regard to his relationships because again, it was about him and distracting from his own securities. He had lived and supposedly loved Anna, but didn't really know her - same for "Alice." Any revelations as to who they really were, came from outside sources.

Alice told Larry hidden truths about herself because he was totally open with her - nothing hidden which in turn made her comfortable enough to talk.

Julia gave a great understated performance. She wasn't overly emotional, she didn't rely on her sexuality, she simply existed from moment-to-moment as a depressive does.

I challenge anyone who hated the ugliness of this movie to rewatch it with new eyes.

GREAT-GREAT film!

MAKES YOU WANT TO JOIN A MONESTERY.......2007-08-25

Wow, what an exhausting movie about some really f**ked up people. Just when you started to root for a character they would do something so base and digusting you would just sit there in shock. The dialoge is great, thanks to this being an acclaimed stage production, the performances are good, Clive Owen the stand out, he was exceptional. Im really not sure id recommend this movie, it's so depressing, and what it says about these four losers is not pretty, but on the other hand the performances are good, the dialoge well written and i liked the fact is is shot on location in London...really up to you, but be prepared to be very frustated, these four are idiots of the highest order and deserve each other, I really hate to think that anyone could be as horrible as any of these four.

Modern Drama.......2007-08-18

It has its flaws of course: the dialogue is exagerrated and serendipity plays an all too prominent role. But this is one of my all time favorite films. The beauty of this film comes from embracing everything it has to offer such as witty euphemisms (of the few it has). But be warned: it is very cut throat and bellicose in its depiction of surreal contemporary relationships. Its not putting on a mask and calling people out on their innocence. In this film, no one is spared the sledge-hammer.

The Worst movie ever.......2007-08-11

This was the most degraded garbage I ever tried to watch I got halfway through and was so disgusted I shreded the disc .
The constant swearing and vulgarity were totaly uncalled for.

Clive looking good.......2007-06-27

A really good pick if you want a slew of good actors and especially Clive Owen. Interesting, kept me from falling asleep, a problem I have now that I have a yound child at home, ha! had some nice dreams after this too, what a plus.

Average customer rating:

A feel good film for ALL women!!!!!
Waiting to Exhale DVD
Understanding!
Desperate women who need to BREATHE.
Read the book and saw the movie!

Waiting to Exhale
Starring: Whitney Houston , Angela Bassett , Loretta Devine , Lela Rochon , and Gregory Hines
Director: Forest Whitaker
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00000ILEE
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com essential video

Based on a novel by Terry McMillan, this weepy melodrama about four African American women and the men who wronged them became an instant cultural phenomenon when it was released back in 1995. It's easy to see why Exhale struck a nerve: the movie boasts an attractive cast of African American actresses and personalities, including Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, and Lela Rochon. Unfortunately, though, Exhale sags under the weight of its soapy, crisis of the week plotting and relentlessly cheery "you go, girl!" optimism. And African American men, cast here as insensitive lovers and pigheaded materialists, get the very short end of the feminist stick. Perhaps moviegoers were simply responding to the brilliant soundtrack by R&B superstar Babyface, who provided the movie's only real groove. --Ethan Brown

Description

Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett star in this funny and touching film about four women who find strength through their rare and special relationship. Savannah, Bernadine, Robin and Gloria are all searching for the Real Thing: true love. Bernadine thought she had it, until her husband left her for another woman. Savannah and Robin are successful in business but their love lives are bankrupt. And divorcee Gloria is getting back in the game by flirting with her new, very eligible neighbor. Based on Terry McMillan's best-selling novel, and featuring the #1 smash hit "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)," "Waiting to Exhale" is the film you and your friends have been waiting for! Original score by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds.

Customer Reviews:

A feel good film for ALL women!!!!!.......2007-07-04

I have to say that this is one of my favorite films of all time. Everyone did a good job in this film, especially Whitney Houston. My favorite character in the film would definitely have to be Bernadine. This film makes you laugh, cry, and also makes you aware of the fact that you do need friends to get you through the difficult times, especially when it comes to dealing with no good men!!!!

Waiting to Exhale DVD.......2007-06-15

Great Movie! I am glad to have it as part of my collection.

Understanding!.......2007-03-09

As a female, I enjoy watching what men call Chick Flicks but never watched them more than I had to. I enjoy horror movies, suspense, actions...
Watching Waiting to Exhale when I was a bit younger, I did not totally understand the concept of their struggles, often wondering why it is that the one girl would repeatedly put herself through a man that obviously did not really want anything to do with her but for sex only to hook up with a man that she obviously is not attracted to just for him to treat her coldly in the workplace. I could not understand why Bernie would burn some of her husband's belongings even the car then have garage sale with the rest, I could not understand why Gloria was hung on her very gay son's father hoping he would come back to her, I could not understand why Savannah would not hook up with the hunky fine chocolate brother... I could not understand why most of the things happened, but going through life itself, having children and friends I now do understand, which is why I decided to purchase this movie for my collections. Because inside of every female, there is a Savannah, Bernie, Robin and a Gloria.

Desperate women who need to BREATHE........2007-01-23

At first I loved this movie, it was one of my favorites. As a young lady who just turned 21, at that time I completely related to their struggles. A year later, I re-watched the film with more maturity. Surprising, my perspective of it was totally different.

Essentially, it is the story of four horny black women who think men are the key to happiness.

Yes, everybody craves sex at some point, some people more than others. The audience can resonate with their lust for sex, the characters' weaknesses, and minor faults. Still, after watching the movie a couple times, I realized that the characters in this film are simply naive.

I'm not trying to imply that females should be totally independent, and should never desire to date. However, they need to have standards!

Since the four characters are desperate for sex and a stable relationship, they lower their standards. This compromises their self-respect, morals and personal interests in order to "get a man". Obviously, they lure the sleaziest men the world has to offer. Even the four characters know that the men they're dating are worthless, as they repeat to themselves throughout the film. Nevertheless, the ladies waste time on these dogs in order to fuel they need for sex and attention.

At the end, it seems that they find more solidarity and happiness amongst each other. Though they don't seem to have fully learned from their mistakes, and seem likely to repeat the immature behavior.

To conclude, they need to breathe first, and with that added energy, they should cultivate some sense.

Read the book and saw the movie!.......2007-01-04

Read the book and saw the movie! NEXT!

Average customer rating:

Men who cry in the dark
Not Bad
not impressed
Great Play
Wouldn't recommend this to anyone

Men Cry in the Dark
Starring: Allen Payne , Rhona Bennett , Richard Roundtree , and Christopher Williams
Director: Je'Caryous Johnson
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000KGGZYE
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Description

The future has never looked better for Derrick Reed. Bachelorhood is great, he has a group of guys he can really call friends, and he's the publisher of a magazine that he named after his philosophy of life, Happily Single. Little does Derrick know that appearing on Atlanta's hottest radio station morning talk show will send him on a whirl-wind ride, which will eventually take him to the heart of a woman who will change his life forever. He finds the perfect woman and the perfect reason to stop womanizing and make a commitment. This mystery woman is about to have a lasting impact on Derrick's life by changing the way he thinks and feels about women and relationships.

Customer Reviews:

Men who cry in the dark.......2007-09-13

I saw the play first and then I bought the DVD, I have watched this play over a dozen times. I am glad that I have added this to my collection and you will be too!

Not Bad.......2007-09-13

I liked this but I did not like the abrupt ending. If you like happy endings don't watch this. It is a stage play and the singing did go on a bit but all in all it wasn't a bad production. If you can get over the ending it is worth watching it again.

not impressed.......2007-08-16

i'm not a fan of the "chitlin circuit" plays, it was an unintentional purchase and i was affirmed in my dislike. however, if you are not as picky, you may find it entertaining.

Great Play.......2007-07-10

Men Cry in The Dark was a GREAT stage play. I personally can relate to the plot line, being a writer myself. The actors were well chosen, The play itself was funny witty and very believable. I read some of the other reviews, and some people said it sucked, well to those reviewers. PLEASE DON'T WRITE ANYMORE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wouldn't recommend this to anyone.......2007-07-07

I purchased this DVD because I heard from a friend that it was good. I liked the play the Maintenance Man, so I assumed this would be just as good...I was totally wrong. This was the longest and most boring play I have ever seen. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone---save your money.

Average customer rating:

sizzelicious
EXCELLENT in every category of filmmaking.
Real People
REVIEWING A LESBIAN MOVIE IN ENGLISH DONE WELL
Boring, Boring, Boring

Girl Play
Starring: Robin Greenspan , Lacie Harmon , Mink Stole , Dom DeLuise , and Katherine Randolph
Director: Lee Friedlander
Manufacturer: Wolfe Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009Q0EMY
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Description

When Gabriel (Dom Deluise) casts "real" lesbians in a play about two female actors falling in love, he unintentionally sparks a raging passion between the women. As rehearsals progress, the action behind the scenes takes off in ways both comic and sexy. Also stars Mink Stole as a hilariously distraught mother.

Customer Reviews:

sizzelicious.......2007-09-09

I found that they excelled in making this film. the way that it was a play within a play was very well thought out, and the fact that it was a true story to boot made it one of the best lesbian films that I have seen in a long time!

EXCELLENT in every category of filmmaking........2007-09-03

Girl Play is about love, made with love, and exudes love. I would recommend this film to anybody and everybody; but especially to women, gay or straight. It is fresh, funny, inspiring, heartwarming, and intellectual. I have watched it about 8 times on my way to watching it who knows how many more. Every time I watch it, I see nuances that I hadn't seen before. The laughs always come, and also the tears. I am very hopeful that there will be other films starring Lacie and Robin to follow this one.

Real People.......2007-09-02

I liked this movie. I could identify with their yearning for something more in a relationship. And Dom Delouise was great as a producer. I would recommend this film for folks who like characters and not stunts.

REVIEWING A LESBIAN MOVIE IN ENGLISH DONE WELL.......2007-05-12

EXCELLENT MOVIE ABOUT THE LAYERS AND LEVELS OF FEMALE WITH FEMALE COMPANIONSHIP. A PLEASUER TO WATCH AND NOT TO EXCESSIVE ABOUT SEX PARTS

Boring, Boring, Boring.......2007-04-13

I was never so bored with a movie. I could not wait until it was over. Thank God, I didn't buy it before I watched it.

Average customer rating:

Love !Love It
Great acting...terrible story, how can you love this?
Realistic love story
A pleasant surprise! 4.5 stars.
(:D) ....(some serious acting going on here)

Disappearing Acts
Starring: Sanaa Lathan , Wesley Snipes , Regina Hall , Lisa Arrindell Anderson , and Q-Tip
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005ASOO
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Amazon.com

He's a semi-employed construction worker and she's a music teacher with ambitions for a singing career. But when they meet at her Brooklyn brownstone their socio-economic differences melt away--or do they? This is the question that drives this 112-minute HBO movie based on Terry McMillan's best-selling novel. Zora wears fabulous clothes, decorates her hardwood-floored apartment with unusual furniture, and dines with her girlfriends at chichi restaurants, while Franklin can't even make regular child-support payments to his estranged wife. She's college educated; he doesn't have his GED. Sanaa Lathan (Love and Basketball) gives Zora dignity and grace throughout the film, while Wesley Snipe's Franklin starts out with those qualities but eventually degenerates into sullenness. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love and Basketball) starts out strong by making Brooklyn a third vibrant character and creating fun takes on the awkward events in every couple's early stages--meeting the friends, dining with the parents. But she loses her way a bit in the middle and seems to rush the end. With much of the transitional material of the book missing in the movie, female viewers may find the ending tough to swallow. The film is rated R for language, brief nudity (specifically of coproducer Snipes's rear quarters), and sexual content. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Description

A construction worker meets an aspiring singer;songwriter. He dreams of his own business; she dreams of fame. As they face the challenges of their chosen paths, they discover together that it's easy to build an affair...and hard to make it last.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary
Biographies
DVD ROM Features
Deleted Scenes
Documentary
Featurette
Filmographies
Interactive Menus
Multiple video angles

Customer Reviews:

Love !Love It.......2007-01-19

Wesley was so fine. i think I'm going to watch it again tonight.

Great acting...terrible story, how can you love this?.......2006-07-03

WARNING: SPOILERS

Zora (Sanaa Lathan) is an aspiring singer and song-writer recently moved to Brooklyn. She meets Franklin (Wesley Snipes) a carpenter as she is moving in to her newly renovated brownstone. Sparks fly between the two and they quickly wind up in bed. This movie is pretty standard up to this point and then we learn more about the characters. We find out Franklin is married (though separated), has two children (but rarely pays child support) and has not managed to finish high school (though he is well-spoken and can play a mean game of Scrabble).

Now for some women the breaking point to a relationship with a guy would be finding out he is married with two kids. In this movie? No way. Instead when Zora, a woman we think is intelligent, finds out these things about Franklin she is initially upset but quickly "gets over it" and even invites "Fast Frankie" to live with her. When he lets her know that he can't even afford to split the rent with her she doesn't mind! Instead she gives him the keys to her home and tells him not to worry about. This is first of the many improbable events that occur in this film.

Once Zora stupidly allows Fast Frankie into her home and life she gets pregnant and seriously contemplates abortion. She makes the decision to go ahead with it and in a distasteful scene argues with Fast Frankie as he begs her not to "kill his baby". Of course Zora being Zora she decides to go ahead with having a baby with Franklin (who barely takes care of the kids he already has). Franklin resolutely promises that he will take care of Zora and the baby and will work THREE JOBS if he has too. The story progresses and Zora is heavily pregnant and it appears Franklin keeps his word as he finds a steady gig at a unionized construction site.

Things go well until Franklin drinks on the job, falls down injuring himself and is ultimately fired. Zora has the baby and since Franklin is too proud to accept work from his father or former boss, Zora carries the entire family financially. Keep in mind she works full-time as a music teacher, is pursuing a music career and, oh yeah, has recently had a son she has to care for. Although Franklin doesn't have a job and won't go look for work because, as he explains it, "it's too cold" he doesn't try to cook, clean or change wet baby diapers. That of course is women's work.

It is at this stage that we finally see some hope for this hopeless story of strange love. Zora finally gets fed up and asks Franklin to leave. Even in this though she makes a mistake. After telling Franklin to pack his things and go, she leaves the house with their child. When she returns she finds that Franklin, in a drunken self-pitying stupor, has completely trashed her home. We see scenes where Franklin takes his hammer and rips everything he has built. He breaks down a coat rack, a mantle, a book case, etc. Now, as the viewer, you can only believe that Fast Frankie, a selfish waste of space, is a truly terrible person. He trashes the home where his own child lives! Honestly, who is this person!? Thankfully this is near the end of the film. We see Zora getting on with life alone with her son. She appears lonely in scenes, although after her ordeal with Fast Frankie you would think she would be shouting with glee. But not in this movie, no she is lonely without her shiftless man. When Franklin knocks on Zora's door out of the blue one day, she is surprised (as are we). We hear that Franklin has been sending money to her for their son (I guess $20 can go toward diapars). It's been over a year (!) and Franklin wants to see his son. Later Zora and Franklin talk about things and we find out Franklin is taking an exam to become a licensed contractor. Zora is suitably impressed because this means Franklin now has his GED (and boy is he proud of himself). Zora can't believe the changes in Franklin (hmmm...he received his diploma for high school equivalency and he isn't drunk, what accomplishments) and looks at him with new eyes. Their visit over, Franklin walks down the stairs leaving Zora to further contemplate the new Franklin. A few seconds later she rushes to the stairs and calls him back up to the apartment. The final scene of the film finds Zora and Franklin sitting happily with their son playing their favorite game, Scrabble.

Once you see this final scene, you can't help but be confused and disgusted. Although I think the acting and directing in this film are outstanding, the characters and story line are deeply disturbing. This film is based on a book written by Terry McMillan, an author that has made a career of writing about the desperate and curiously crazy behavior of middle-class black women in relationships. I am not a fan of Ms. McMillan, but I am a fan of Gina Prince-Bythewood who I can only assume took on this project as a challenge but could not quite pull off overseeing a film that makes black women appear incredibly self-deluding and obsessed with being in a relationship (any kind of relationship) even to their detriment. If you want to see a well acted and directed feature, this is for you. However, the movie itself is incredibly infuriating and disturbing in its portrayal of an adult woman being so completely blinded by the insecurity and fear of being alone. I would not recommend the film for content, except as a cautionary tale.

Realistic love story.......2006-06-30

I was getting tired of watching this movie probably because I didn't really like the charactor Franklin he was just getting on my nerves he just felt like bagage to the girl friend (I forget the charactors name) I got mad when Franklin wasn't doing his part in the relationship, even if he couldn't get a job, he could have at least helped out with the baby more so the mother of the child didn't have to lose out on her dream of becoming a singer. Perhaps if she didn't meet him she might have made it. In all fairness to Franklin there were times when the girlfriend provoked Franklin insecurities. For example when he had brought tickets for a concert for them for her birthday and she traded them in for better seats. Thats a no no you don't take a gift back in front of the person who brought you the gift, that would hurt anybody and make them feel unappreciated.

All in all I thought it was a somewhat realistic story about a relationship between a man and a woman and trying to keep it togetherarguments and breakup an all. The ending kind of leaves you hanging but you can assume they try to get back together.

A pleasant surprise! 4.5 stars........2006-06-23

I saw "Disappearing Acts" a couple of times on HBO, and bought the DVD several months ago. I must admit that I was a tiny bit skeptical about whether I'd like a made-for-HBO movie. But I should have known that the "Dream Team" of Gina Prince-Bythewood directing and Sanaa Lathan acting, would deliver the goods. From the beginning, this movie just felt real - no glossy sets, clothes, etc. Just the genuine simplicity that you would find in the homes/lives of everywoman or everyman. This lack of unnecessary trappings allowed the characters to take the spotlight. As usual, Sanaa Lathan lit up the screen with a natural talent and presence rarely seen in film nowadays. She demonstrated incredible acting range in this movie, conveying Zora's initial infatuation, lust, and ecstasy, which gave way to pain, frustration, hurt and, ultimately, forgiveness and self-realization. Wesley Snipes gave a surprisingly good performance as Franklin, showing why typecasting him as only an action hero would be a sheer waste of talent. While a more conventionally- handsome actor could probably have been cast as Franklin, I don't know whether he could have done the job here. Wesley has always done a superior job playing characters that are more significant by what they don't say rather than what they do. That was a good fit for the role of Franklin, with his multiple demons and insecurities. Plus, Sanaa and Wesley had a strong on-screen chemistry that made you understand why Zora and Franklin found it so difficult to let each other go. (That refrigerator love scene practically melted my TV screen!)
I thought that the movie was pretty true to the book, although, naturally, there was some cinematographic license taken here and there. The movie did a fine job of getting across the book's message that although lust/passion are easy, forging a real relationship takes work and sacrifice, even if it means letting the person you love go so that they can deal with their own issues. I think that many women (and men) can relate to what it's like to get into a co-dependent relationship where both parties lose themselves to some extent (hence the title of the movie/book).
The only reason "Disappearing Acts" is getting a 4.5 rather than a 5 is because deep down, I always wished that they could have cast an absolutely stunning black actor to play Franklin, who would have had the chemistry that Wesley had with Sanaa. That would have been a bit truer to Franklin's character as he was portrayed in the book. But like I said, there's no guarantee that a beautiful male lead would have generated the same sort of sensuality that made this movie so riveting. Overall, this was a very good, well-acted movie, which made me want to re-read the book. Not to mention the soundtrack is on point. (Definitely get it if you are an R&B/soul fan).

(:D) ....(some serious acting going on here).......2006-06-11

I think anyone that has or has had a relationship can sympathize with this film. The scenes and the plot was so realistic and wonderfully played by these 2 actors. Sanna Lathan is becoming one of my favorite actresses. She's talented and beautiful. Only a movie this good can make a girl stay up until 3 in the morning crying and laughing alone. I loved it and i would watch it 100x

Average customer rating:

An Extremely Smart And Sexy Film
BEYOND BAD !!!!
Well Done

Kissing on the Mouth
Director: Joe Swanberg
Manufacturer: Heretic Films
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000GI3KRQ
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Description

Chicago filmmaker Joe Swanberg's Kissing on the Mouth is a confrontational and startling film that pulls out all the stops in the way it explores issues of sex and infidelity within post-college relationships. Ellen is sleeping with her ex-boyfriend and trying to ignore the fact that he's looking for more than just sex. Her roommate, Patrick, isn't helping matters with his secretive and jealous behavior. The small cast served as the only crew on this intimate, often humorous film featuring frank dialogue, explicit sex, and real interviews with recent college graduates.

Customer Reviews:

An Extremely Smart And Sexy Film.......2007-03-15

Its refreshing to see a sexy film that is grounded in reality. Certain to become a classic.

BEYOND BAD !!!!.......2007-03-01

This movie was BAD from beginning to the very end. Poorly written,Poorly acted and HORRIBLY FILMED . I couldn't wait to rip it out of my DVD player and throw it in the garbage.

Well Done.......2007-01-13

This was by far one of the better movies I've purchased. I loved the documentary stay real world format the film makers used. I really liked the up-front Real People do this approach to sex and nudity in the film. It was immesely refreshing. At last a frank intelligent film that deals with real people having sex, relationship issues and career problems that hasen't been glittered over in the fake style that Hollywood is becoming famous for. The actors were normal looking everyday attractive people who actually lived everyday lives. No Pre-fabbed pretty boys or Boob-job inhanced starlets. Highly recommend this movie for the serious movie buff.

Average customer rating:

good but dated
Superb drama
Seperate Tables
A Study In Relationships
Rita Acts!

Separate Tables
Starring: Deborah Kerr , Rita Hayworth , David Niven , Wendy Hiller , and Burt Lancaster
Director: Delbert Mann
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005PJ6X
Release Date: 2001-12-11

Amazon.com

Terence Rattigan's pair of one-act plays are deftly woven together into this intelligent, handsome drama, a kind of somber Grand Hotel of lonely and repressed lives at a British seaside hotel in the dreary off-season. David Niven and Wendy Hiller earned well-deserved Oscars for their subdued turns, as a blustery old warhorse hiding a guilty secret and the efficient hotel proprietress, respectively. Burt Lancaster is the alcoholic American whose secret affair with Hiller is complicated when his former wife (Rita Hayworth) breezes in and reopens old emotional wounds, and Deborah Kerr is a mousy woman whose secret love for Niven is shattered by scandal. Director Daniel Mann (Marty) remains true to the good manners and quiet desperation that keeps these sad souls isolated at separate tables. He gracefully floats between the two dramas and patiently allows his repressed characters to open up and reveal their true feelings in their own quiet fashion. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

good but dated.......2007-07-09

a very fine ensemble cast indeed.. while the indiscretions of the Major (Niven) were considered scandalous, they would be out of date today. Lancaster is strong as the american torn between his passion for the beautiful Hayworth and the stability of the admiration of the innkeeper Hiller... i felt Kerr was terribly miscast as the simpering daughter of a rich matron, and would have been better if she had been 10 years younger when this film was made.. Niven is strong, but his role was not very big, and i questioned whether it was oscar material (over Paul Newman in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof).. the strongest performance was of Dame Wendy Hiller.. the strong and composed keeper of the hotel.. and managed to keep strong in spite of losing a man she loved.. Hayworth also strong.. not familiar with her work... but she worked as a woman still beautiful, clinging to her beauty to retain the man who worshipped her... a very well made film and still good today

Superb drama.......2007-07-04

This is a movie which is a must-see for those of you who like a classic. It is one of Rita Hayworth's best movies, and it was made two years before she contracted Alzheimer's Disease. Deborah Kerr is truly her character and doesn't appear as Deborah Kerr. She utilizes her craft and makes a convincing character. David Niven puts on a very fine bit of acting which reminds me of his superb movie "Enchantment" (1949). Wendy Hiller (who was in the Broadway performance of "Enchantment") is perfectly cast as Burt Lancaster's mistress. Burt Lancaster is Burt Lancaster, but I think he does a pretty good job and is convincing in his character. The way this movie is presented, you'd swear you were watching the play (also written by Terrence Rattigan). This is a movie you should own and watch often.

Seperate Tables.......2007-06-26

What in lesser hands could have been a mucky soap-fest becomes instead a subtle, sensitive, intelligent film thanks to director Delbert Mann's deft handling of Rattigan's Oscar-nominated script. The first-rate group of ensemble players include Niven, Kerr, Lancaster, Hayworth, and the fabulous Wendy Hiller--who (like Niven) won an Oscar for her performance as Pat Cooper, the innkeeper having an affair with Lancaster. "Tables" remains a multi-layered human drama of the highest order.

A Study In Relationships.......2007-03-16

What a splendid story filmed with a beautiful cast doing their best work.

This film can be seen many times for enjoyment and a chance to get away from today's horrible events. It shows once again that people often display kindness when an attack is made on a wounded person. It also depicts various relationships in this small hotel by the sea.

Rita Acts!.......2006-11-10

Rita Hayworth, unexpectedly, shows great sensitivity in this role. David Niven is a 5 star hit
in his part.

Average customer rating:

YOU CAN'T ALWAYS RUN!
It is about you
All About You
All About You
I Don't Deserve This Kind of Treatment

All About You
Starring: Renee Goldsberry , Terron Brooks , Debbie Allen , LisaRaye , and Lou Myers
Director: Christine Swanson
Manufacturer: Urban Works
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00014K5MS
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Description

Nicole Taylor (Renee Goldsberry) postpones law school to be with Robbie, the love of her life. Ambitious, intelligent, successful and irresistible… he was everything a woman wanted. Until one night at a party celebrating Robbie's success, she painfully discovers that she was just a pit stop on his roadmap through life. She leaves Los Angeles to start a new life in San Francisco, where she moves in with her best friend Lisa (LisaRaye) and gets a job waiting tables at Toomies, a jazz supper club. Nicole's caught by surprise when Lisa leaves for a month, subletting her room to Brian (Terron Brooks), Robbie's estranged younger brother. Brian has wandered the globe the past few years escaping the pressures of his family name and all that comes with it. Forced to share living and work spaces, Nicole and Brian can't avoid each other. As their attraction grows, they are also forced to deal with their painful pasts to open themselves to another chance at love…

Customer Reviews:

YOU CAN'T ALWAYS RUN!.......2007-06-27

I'M GOING TO KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE. THE MOVIE WAS GREAT! THE CAST RENEE GOLDSBERRY AND TERRON BROOKS WAS THE PERFECT COUPLE. I JUST LOVED HIS VOICE ON EVERY SONG. AFTER EACH PERFORMANCE TERRON PERFORM I REPEAT THE DVD SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I GO ON TO FINISH THE FILM. ALSO THE SONG CALLED SUPRISE. IT MAKES ME CRY, I REWIND THAT PART OF THE MOVIE ABOUT 5X WHEN I WATCH IT.

AND SUPRISE AS WE RISE, AS WE LIGHT THE SKY AS WE'RE FALLING. THROUGH THE AIR WITH NO CARE AND GROUND BELOW, CAUSE WE KNOW THAT WE KNOW THAT WE KNOW.
SUPRISE!!!

THE MOVIE IS A MUST SEE, IF YOU LOVE LOVE STORIES..

It is about you.......2007-03-12

Great love story. Truly enjoyed it, loved the singing. would recommend.

All About You.......2007-01-16

I loved this movie. I saw it once before visiting my cousin in Sacramento and that's why I purchased it.

All About You.......2006-08-08

I absolutely loved this movie!! I have watched it about twenty times. When I want to watch a good clean movie, a love story between a man and a woman, I pop in "All About You." I applaud Christine Swanson and the Actors who gave her masterpiece life.

I Don't Deserve This Kind of Treatment.......2006-07-03

This is a good movie. I have watched it over and over again. There is a very strong message in it. This girl was in a relationship with this guy for about a year; she cared very deeply for him but he didn't feel the same. At his birthday party, that she prepared for him, she found out that he only thought of himself as far as the future which was not with her. I don't want to tell the movie but for me, it was an excellent movie with a very strong storyline especially for young ladies who put their lives on hold waiting for someone who does not have them on the mind for a future in marriage. You are important, don't allow yourselves to be used by someone who does not think of you as a "wife". This guy was on the rebound from his previous girlfriend who decided not to marry him. So, while getting into a relationship with Nikki, he still had feelings for the other girl and was waiting to see if she would take him back. You really need to see this movie. "great".

Average customer rating:

Story is a bit Choppy
Getting Married in Buffalo Jump
Definite Girl Flick
A Wonderful Surprise
A Wonderful Surprise

Getting Married in Buffalo Jump
Starring: Wendy Crewson , Paul Gross , Marion Gilsenan , Victoria Snow , and Murray Cruchley
Director: Eric Till
Manufacturer: Henstooth Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00020X8YI
Release Date: 2004-06-22

Customer Reviews:

Story is a bit Choppy.......2006-11-15

the cast is good the movie is ok....and Ya I'm a Paul Gross Fan.
BUT
The story just seems to have a lot of jumps in it, not runni