The Covenant

Product Description

Four young students at an elite private school who are descendants of the original families who settled in Ipswich Colony in the 1600s, are bound by their sacred ancestry and special powers. When the body of a dead student is discovered after a party, secrets begin to unravel that threaten to break the covenant of silence that has protected their families for hundreds of years.

Customer Reviews:

Great Supernatural Horror - Much Better Than Its Trailers Would Make One Think.......2007-09-11

Far better than its own trailers made it look, "The Covenant" is actually a well-done, thoroughly fun and rewarding horror movie laced with fantasy elements. Using the dark side of magic and a conflict between rival warlocks has made for a good, fresh film.

In the town of Ipswich, there are four young male warlocks, each a descendant of one of the five founding families of the little New England town from centuries ago. In a bit of a novel twist, each of the four are possessed of near-limitless power (that's near-limitless by comparison with normal humans; presumably the warlocks don't reach the levels of, say, Gandalf from Lord Of The Rings or Dr. Strange from Marvel Comics) but can only use it in extremely small doses, because it rapidly affects its own wielder, causing them to age and basically rot from the inside out if used too often. Basically the warlocks are the good guys, even if they are rather drunk on their own power, using small bursts of it to stage death-defying stunts to entertain themselves and to make themselves the coolest, most popular guys in their school. They're even known as the 'Lords Of Ipswich' by their peers who have no knowledge of their supernatural attributes. They run the gamut from pretty straight-laced to rebellious and a bit unlikable at first, but basically there's been no great conflict in the town. Until a fifth warlock arrives on the scene, a descendant of the 'other' founding family, with very dark motivations.

Although a large part of the impetus behind "The Covenant" was apparantly to make a horror movie centered around a group of 'hot guys' for female horror fans (and some male fans) who've felt disappointed that in most horror movies all the shower scenes/etc. usually feature girls; heterosexual male fans (and some female fans) will be glad to know that the filmmakers didn't skimp on the 'babe factor' either, so there's some treats for everyone regardless in this one. Even apart from the sexuality aspect, the whole film is very, very well presented visually, with high production values and quality special effects. The magic-on-magic battles may draw a few fantasy fans into horror this time around, too. Things like characterization and plot coherence are put together much better than I would have thought than from the rather uninspiring previews I'd seen.

One note: although the product info lists this DVD as Fullscreen 1.33 - 1, as far as I know only one version released has both the Fullscreen and the 2.35 - 1 Widescreen formats available on the disc. So you're probably safe with this one if you're looking for Widescreen, but you can email Amazon and ask for verification if in doubt.

Another four-and-a-half star horror movie, and one that, in contrast to the definative, seemingly sequel-barring endings of a number of recent horror films, seems ripe for a follow-up. Recommended.

Not bad if you can get past the absurd premise. .......2007-09-10

As a teen movie, it's fine. As a movie about magick (with a "k") it's fun if you can get past the idea that magick power from the Salem Witch Trials is being handed down through the male line, which is a stretch. Once you're past that, you've got pretty people- the "Sons of Ipswich" are gorgeous - a budding romance and an intense rivalry. Add a fun sountrack and an ending that will remind you of The Highlander, and you've got a way to kill a little time without having to think much. I'll watch it again.

Good, But It Could've Been Better.......2007-08-12

This is Joseph's oldest daughter.

Okay, I agree with most of the females on here that the Sons Of Ipswitch were HOT.

However, that won't cloud my judgement when it comes to reviewing this movie. First off, the acting could've been better. Most of the actors and actresses hired were new to acting, which reduced the quality of the movie. Second, the plot line was decent, but it could've been a little more elaborated. However, the movie redeems itself with the special effects.

To sum it up, though some of the movies aspects were weak, I will be buying the DVD.

Decent Idea with Poor Execution and Poor Acting.......2007-08-09

"The Covenant" is the kind of movie that could have been better and should have been better, and yet leaves you wanting. The basic storyline could have worked, but whether due to poor scripting, poor direction or poor acting, in the end, it just doesn't come together.
The Sons of Ipswich are a small group of 4 teen boys who are privileged, drive amazingly expensive cars or motorcycles and attend a preppy Goth co-ed boarding school. They are just like the other kids, with one glaring exception - - because they have been descended from certain Ipswich, Massachusetts residents of the 1600s, they are "blessed" with warlock-like powers, which enable them to do all sorts of teen boy cool things, like outrun the police, fly off cliffs and cause the short skirts of teen girls to fly up, revealing their panty choice - - if any. Their world gets turned upside down when a boy is found dead and the Sons of Ipswich begin having strange visions. Is it because they are preparing to turn 18, when they allegedly come into their full powers? Or is it the new boy in town?
Despite a few cool special effects and some moments that lead you to believe something scary is happening, "The Covenant" really fails to deliver. Nothing truly scary happens and some of the special effects aren't really explained. The film tends to drag on in parts and made me wish that it would hurry up and get to the "good stuff" - - which failed to materialize. The female roles are little more than window dressing as the movie belongs to the male characters - - although the acting, all around, is inconsistent and not wholly convincing.
All in all, the movie feels choppy - - almost as though huge sections were edited out. Too much time is spent showcasing the various leads hanging out, in school, etc. when not enough background is given. How did they get these powers? Exactly what is going to happen to them when they turn 18? How did one of their fathers die? Basically, the movie is too light and fluffy, and not dark enough to really grip you.
If you want a goth/witches/warlock/vampire movie with a teen cast that has a good story, get "The Lost Boys" instead. "The Covenant" will only leave you disappointed.

First time, I liked it. Third time, it was wearing thin. 2.75 stars........2007-08-08

But let's be honest for a second - this movie was made for gays, girls and whoever likes looking at attractive people. Of course it's a bit shallow but I enjoyed the eye candy! There were many attractive guys and a couple of attractive girls but my favorite was the blond, Reid Garwin (or Toby Hemingway in real life). Not only was he cute but I liked his character.

The action was decent, some of it looked a little too "staged" but for the most part, it was fine. The acting was alright too although no one was really outstanding.

Here's the story on the back of the DVD: "To the students of the Spencer Academy, the Sons of Ipswich are the baddest boys on campus. But that's not all they share. The four friends also share a 300-year-old secret: they're warlocks, the teenage descendants of a 17th-century coven of witches. So when the long-banished fifth son suddenly appears and threatens to kill their loved ones, they realize they must face their enemy in order to prevent him from stealing their powers and shattering THE COVENANT forever."

Do I think you should rent this? Maybe, especially if you're gay like me! But you should definitely do some research before buying because not everyone will like it. Like I said, it was good the first time I watched, and the second time I stopped watching it for some reason...about half way through. Tonight I watched it and it just felt kind of empty...It just didn't keep me glued like it did the first time around. That's why if anything, I think you should just rent it first.

Don't get this:

*If you don't like action
*If you want a strong story
*If you don't enjoy fictitious movies

5.5 (or 2.75 stars).

Average customer rating:

Manhattan is No Annie Hall
"I thought I took it rather well under the circumstances. I tried to run them both over with a car..."
THE KING OF MANHATTAN
Manhattan
Rhapsody in Grey

Manhattan
Starring: Karen Allen , Tisa Farrow , Helen Hanft , Mariel Hemingway , and Anne Byrne Hoffman
Director: Woody Allen
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: 0792846109
Release Date: 2000-07-05

Amazon.com essential video

Manhattan, Woody Allen's follow-up to Oscar-winning Annie Hall, is a film of many distinctions: its glorious all-Gershwin score, its breathtakingly elegant black-and-white, widescreen cinematography by Gordon Willis (best-known for shooting the Godfather movies); its deeply shaded performances; its witty screenplay that marked a new level in Allen's artistic maturity; and its catalog of Things that Make Life Worth Living. But Manhattan is also distinguished in the realm of home video as the first motion picture to be released only in a widescreen version. You wouldn't want to see it any other way. Allen's "Rhapsody in Gray" concerns, as his own character puts it, "people in Manhattan who are constantly creating these real, unnecessary, neurotic problems for themselves, because it keeps them from dealing with more unsolvable, terrifying problems about the universe." It's a romantic comedy about infidelity and betrayal, the rules of love and friendship, young girls (a radiant and sweet Mariel Hemingway) and older men (Allen), innocence, and sophistication. (a favorite phrase is used to describe a piece of sculpture at the Guggenheim: "It has a marvelous kind of negative capability.") The movie's themes can be summed up in two key lines: "I can't believe you met somebody you like better than me," and "It's very important to have some kind of personal integrity." OK, so they may not sound like such sparkling snatches of brilliant dialogue, but Manhattan puts those ideas across with such emotion that you feel an ache in your heart. --Jim Emerson

Description

Nominated for two Academy AwardsÂ(r)* in 1979 and considered "one of Allen's most enduring accomplishments" (Boxoffice), Manhattan is a wry, touching and finely rendered portrait of modern relationships against the backdrop of urban alienation. Sumptuously photographed in black and white (Allen's first film in that format) and accompanied by a magnificent Gershwin score, Woody Allen's aesthetic triumph is a "prismatic portrait of a time and a place that may be studied decades hence" (Time). 42-year-old Manhattan native Isaac Davis (Allen) has a job he hates, a seventeen-year-old girlfriend, Tracy (Mariel Hemingway), he doesn't love and a lesbian ex-wife, Jill (Meryl Streep), who's writing a tell-all book about their marriage and whom he'd like to strangle. But when he meets his best friend's sexy intellectual mistress, Mary (Diane Keaton), Isaac falls head over heels in lust! Leaving Tracy, bedding Mary and quitting his job are just the beginning of Isaac's quest for romance and fulfillment in a city where sex is as intimate as a handshakeandthe gateway to true love is a revolving door. *Supporting Actress (Hemingway); Original Screenplay

Customer Reviews:

Manhattan is No Annie Hall.......2007-08-03

I'm a fan of Woody Allen's early work, but I've always felt that Manhattan is overrated. Witnessing the epiphany of Allen's character at the end of this film doesn't quite make up for enduring the previous 90 minutes of his neurotic, narcissistic behavior.

The cinematography and the acting are first-rate--and there are even moments of brilliance in the script--but it all seems wasted on the portrayal of such unsympathetic characters. The lone exception is Mariel Hemingway's character; but, since we never get to see her outside of the context of her relationship with Allen's character, she remains two-dimensional.

Overall, Manhattan is still worth watching, but it's nowhere near the top of my list. My recommendation: buy Annie Hall instead and watch it twice.

"I thought I took it rather well under the circumstances. I tried to run them both over with a car...".......2007-07-27

Woody Allen's "Manhattan" is truly one of those rare masterpieces where you don't feel like you're watching a movie with actors. No, it feels like you're watching life and that these actors are the real people they portray. You forget that this is only a DVD that's playing on your TV, and that's because you get so wrapped up into it all. The people are real and flawed, and yet we can't help but sympathize for them all. After it was done, I seriously had to ask myself, "Was that a movie I just watched, or did that really happen?" My only regret is that it took me so long to finally see it, but I guess late is better than never--not to mention that I might not have appreciated it like I do now if I had seen it earlier.

The movie is not about plot. It doesn't feel like it's all getting to this fixed ending that it has been leading to since the first minute. "Manhattan" is focused on these complex and usually unsatisfying relationships. These people think they're happy one minute, but then you can tell that there's something they find not right about it all. Issac is a 42 year old who's in a relationship with a girl who is 17 going on 18, but she's more in love with him than he is. His best friend is having an affair with Jill, and being frustrated with the fact that she's into a married man, she starts hanging out with Isaac and the two start to fall for each other--and this ends up complicating things even further. Let's not forget the fact that Isaac's ex is writing and publishing a very unfavorable book that details some of the dissatisfactions with their relationship. In the end, everybody just wants to be happy and find that someone that will make them complete, but as "Manhattan" tells it like it is, that is rarely ever an easy task.

It sounds like there's so much going on in this film, and yet everything unfolds with such ease. You never feel overwhelmed, just saddened by the fact that the film is very honest. Again, all of these people are flawed and have issued, but you can also find something redeeming about all of them. The cinematography is breathtaking giving you beautiful images of Manhattan, and having it all shot in black & white enhances the movie even more. I really admire how there are a lot of times where there are scenes that go on without a lot of edits, which brings you into the moment and makes you feel like this is all happening.

I know that this review is not doing the movie justice, but it's really hard to sum up the experience in a few paragraphs. The best advice I can give you is to see it. Even if you end up not liking it, see it at least once so you can at least say that you have seen it. The movie is a complete gem when it comes to the writing and the cinematography. I'm glad that I decided to give this wonderful movie a chance, and it is something I could watch again and again. "Manhattan" is a film that I will never forget, and the very last line is something that will stay with me for days. -Michael Crane

THE KING OF MANHATTAN.......2007-07-06

In his own off hand, low key way Woody Allen, the quintessential New Yorker, has created a nice spoof/send up/valentine to his beloved city. If one were to name the person who represented the essence of middle/high brow New York in the 1970's and 80's the name Woody Allen would top most lists. The theme, as usual in an Allen film, is about the endlessly tangled interpersonal relationships among and between the upwardly mobile, or at least wannabe upward mobile, intellectual set in 1970's New York. An added twist, given later developments in Allen's personal life, is his tangled romance with a teenaged Waspish type (played by Hemingway), a type that he is seemingly fatally attracted to. Some of the wit may seem dated as it relates to 1970's New York; some of Allen's physical mannerisms seem very familiar and for those who have seen his later work the theme has been done better but here is Allen in his city. This is one of the reasons why New York, and no other, is the cultural capital of America. Beat him if you can.

Manhattan.......2007-07-04

A follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Annie Hall," Woody Allen's "Manhattan" is the writer-director's most overt, visually poetic paean to the city of his birth. While weaving in recurring themes of frustrated love and alienation, what occupies center stage is New York itself, its various images and signposts made indelible by a Gershwin score and Gordon Willis's breathtaking black-and-white cinematography. See this sublime tribute to romance, urban life, and the only place Woody Allen has ever felt at home.

Rhapsody in Grey.......2007-06-23

Manhattan is the quintessential Woody Allen movie. Annie Hall is funnier, but Manhattan is surely the one Allen movie which captures so beautifully the great auteur's concerns: the love/hate relationship with New York, the frustrations and phoniness of urban intellectualism, the all knowingness of modern city types who cannot enjoy pleasure since they are too world wise, the appeal of the innocent beautiful face, roiling and fizzing jazz music, the egotism and narcissism of men and women in contemporary society (this movie was from the 70s, but these themes are well made for Western urban social scenes today).

Manhattan is a movie for modern romance - where passions are washed over as soon as they are arrived at by the next wave of introspection; impulsive decision making; a new face at dinner, or the theatre. Isaac (Allen) is a classic protagonist for Woody Allen's movies - a sexually impulsive man with a razor sharp wit and a sarcastic, nihilistic answer to everything, an egoist who wants to do the right thing but is drowning in a sea of his neurosis. Allen's characters are like the filmic, comic incarnations of the great characters of of masterful novelist Saul Bellow - big hearted people awash in the modern condition, with their minds always on the big picture, the universal scape: hence the famous scene where Isaac meets Mary in the planetarium - the stars look down on their mortal, transient concerns (echoes of the final chapter of the Bellow novel 'The Dean's December'); then again in the school when Isaac confronts his friend Max for taking back Mary, the mistress he had let go - Isaac stands by a skeleton saying 'one day we'll be like this, I hope that when I thin out I'll be looked well on'. (This scene also contains the memorable Allen line - 'you think you're God' - 'well I have to model myself on someone'.)

What is life for? Manhattan poses this question beautifully. Some sort of answer occurs as Isaac makes a list towards the end of the movie whilst lying, psychoanalytical style, on the couch: Groucho Marx, the second movement of the Jupiter Symphony, Louis Armstrong's recording of 'Potato Blues', Swedish movies, L'Education Sentimentale by Flaubert, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Cezanne's apples, the crab at Sun Wo's (now no longer in existence). A valid Allen list, but slightly disengenuous - for Woody Allen, cultural epiphanies are a diversion. His real life purpose, which he has executed brilliantly over the years, is to fulfil that great mantra of Charlie Chaplin: life may be a tragedy in close up, but in the long shot it's a comedy.

Average customer rating:

Wow, a lesbian story with a great plot!
Fingersmith review
Fingersmith
wonderful!!
Fingersmith

Fingersmith
Starring: Stephanie Middleton , David Troughton , Imelda Staunton , Karen Seacombe , and Tallulah Pitt-Brown
Director: Aisling Walsh
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
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ASIN: B000A4T804
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Amazon.com

From Sarah Waters, author of Tipping the Velvet, comes this twisting and twisted Victorian-era thriller with an L-word charge. Sally Hawkins stars as Sue, an orphan who grows up among the reprobates of Lant Street to become an accomplished "fingersmith" (thief). Elaine Cassidy costars as Maud Lilly, an heiress who, as a young girl, was plucked from the madhouse and raised by her stern, bibliophile uncle (Charles Dance). He makes her wear gloves at all times so as not to smudge the precious tomes he makes her read every night. Enter Richard Rivers (Rupert Evans, the otherwise sterling cast's weakest link), an artist hired to give her painting lessons. But he has designs on Maude's fortune, and recruits Sue for an elaborate con. That's when the gloves really come off. Originally broadcast on the BBC, this riveting three-part tale of illicit passion and betaryal is by turns harrowing and quite erotic (the tasteful sex scenes manage to generate heat without baring a lot of skin). The literate script reveals its feminist leanings ("You are a man and might do everything," Maude tells Richard during their first meeting. "I am a woman and might do nothing."). The superb cast includes Academy Award-nominee Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake) as Mrs. Sucksby, a Fagin-esque character who mentored Sue, and has a few surprises for Maud, as well. --Donald Liebenson

Description

Based on the acclaimed novel by Sarah Waters, author of Tipping the Velvet.

The lives of two young women collide in an engrossing Victorian thriller that alternates between the twisting back alleyways of Dickensian London and the cloistered gloom of a Gothic mansion.

Raised in a den of petty thieves or "fingersmiths," plucky orphan Sue Trinder (Sally Hawkins) agrees to help a conman known as Gentleman (Rupert Evans) defraud and betray wealthy heiress Maud Lilly (Elaine Cassidy). But Sue's plans are turned upside down when she falls in love with Maud. Then the women are separated—each to her own hellish prison—just as they realize the strength of their passion for each other . . .

Fingersmith was originally broadcast on the BBC and features Oscar®-nominee and BAFTA-winner Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake) and BAFTA-nominee Charles Dance (The Jewel in the Crown).

Customer Reviews:

Wow, a lesbian story with a great plot! .......2007-08-31

Fingersmith is definitely worth adding to your collection. I bought this movie on a whim based on a hot clip on you tube and was not disappointed. The only thing that keeps me from giving a 5 star rating, is the length (3hr); however, the twists will not disappoint.

Fingersmith review.......2007-08-10

Fingersmith is an adaptation of a novel by Sarah Waters, of the same name. The show revolves round the lives of two women who was thrown together by fate and grew to love each other.

The characters are beautifully portrayed by leads Elaine Cassidy and Sally Hawkins. Perhaps best classified as a Victorian romance mystery, the show has kept faithfully to Water's plot and fans of the writer will not be dissatisfied.

Fingersmith.......2007-07-05

It was pretty good. I would rate it as 3 stars. It's not a favorite, but I'm glad I watched it. Now that I have seen it, I wouldn't recommend it for a video library or anything.

wonderful!!.......2007-06-21

This was a beautiful film, the characters were very well-rounded, I was convinced that the two women really loved each other and the story took an unexpected twist which I really enjoyed.

Fingersmith.......2007-05-31

I bought this film after buying another on the 'people who bought that sometimes buy this' kind of link. My original purchase was of a DVD called 'Tipping the Velvet' which was based on a book by Sarah Waters. I had seen the original of this when it was screened as a TV mini-series and very much enjoyed it.
Now to the Fingersmith DVD. This film claims to be based on the same book and the synpsis is similar. Other than this there is no similarity in the two films.
Fingersmith has a completely different plot and though it is a good film I cannot see how the makers can claim a link to the original book.
There are some outstanding performances in this film especially by Imelda Staunton.
A good film and worth the time watching it.

Average customer rating:

If you review... Jabber..... Be a more informed and sentive reviewer!
Up to Par?
if fidel watched this hed fall asleep forever
Faithful to the novel
Fine Hemingway adaptation

The Old Man and the Sea
Starring: Spencer Tracy , Felipe Pazos , Harry Bellaver , Don Diamond , and Don Blackman
Director: Fred Zinnemann , John Sturges , and Henry King
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B00004YRID
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Amazon.com

The classic Ernest Hemingway novel about man battling nature and the demons within himself is adapted admirably in this 1958 film starring the legendary Spencer Tracy. Playing the fisherman who goes on an intense and futile quest as he contemplates his own nature, Tracy turns in a spellbinding performance of understated power. He plays an itinerant Cuban fisherman whose luck at catching his prey has been poor of late, until he becomes embroiled in an intense pursuit of a giant marlin and in the process must confront his own frailties. Though the visual aspect of the film seems dated, Tracy is more than enough reason to see this effort at bringing one of the modern classics of literature to life on the screen. --Robert Lane

Customer Reviews:

If you review... Jabber..... Be a more informed and sentive reviewer! .......2007-06-03

I find it interesting that a person with a nickname (Jabber) finds works like "As time goes by", a wonderful British Sit-Com with Oscar winner Judy Dench who played the Queen in "Shakespeare in Love"(1998) and "The Old Man and the Sea", and this person thinks they are Dull. Well I can only say that this person probably has no interest in Character study, Human Nature, Literature, Human Inner Struggle and even Good Comedy and should consider confining his/her Comments & Critiques to Subjects that have nothing to do with the Human Condition. I would also suggest for this person to find a way to broaden his/her horizon by Traveling,Good Books,Literary works by renowned Authors and even merely observing other people and maybe only maybe his/her horizon might broaden.
I will be honest and have not been able to get into it yet, because unfortunately I have a short attention span. I am willing to give it a second try knowing that Ernest Hemingway was such an accomplished writer and got a Nobel Prize for this work. I will probably read the Book first then see the Movie again.
I have a special interest in this story because I am Cuban born and have also been in Cojimar, the fishing Town where the story took place. It will be of interest that Hemingway was adopted by the Cuban people and he based his story on a real fisherman who lived in Cojimar and became his friend.
I was a a young girl when the story was written (1953) and lived there until 1962. In the 1940's & 50's the pace of life in Cuba was much slower than here, specially in small Fishing Towns like Cojimar. It is a very different world from the one we know here in the USA but it is a wonderful one to live or vacation since it is so relaxing. Your tensions just melt away. The Movie may not be for everyone for its style departs from the ones where they chew it for you. I am sure the book is much better as you can enjoy Heminway's wonderful descriptive prose and enjoy a world foreign to so many here in the USA.
I spent my best Summer days/hours at a Beach named Baracoa, in Havana's North Coast, not far from where the story took place, and met real Cuban Fisherman there. I hope my comment is helpful to those who are looking for more than an easy way out in being entertained. Worth watching!

Up to Par?.......2007-01-10

Being one of Hemingway's most enduring works (it earned him a Nobel Prize in 1954), it was only a matter of time before it was put to film. Although John Sturges was given credit as director, two uncredited director's also worked on the film (Henry King & Fred Zinnemann); Which may be the reason this film falls far short of the novella. In any case, Spencer Tracy does bring the character to life, gives this film credibility and also brought him an Academy Award nomination. If your a Hemingway, Sturges or Spencer fan you definitely need this film in your collection.

if fidel watched this hed fall asleep forever.......2006-11-10

the chances of anyone making a workable movie out of hemingways novella were slim, and this might count as a noble effort if not for the fact that it is as deadly dull a movie as any ive ever seen. spencer tracy rarely came off as a dullard, but this just doesnt work on any level. A for effort, F for execution.

Faithful to the novel.......2005-11-12

This version of Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea is a faithful adaptation of the novel. The story focuses on Santiago, an old man who has spent 84 days without catching a fish. Spencer Tracey plays the old man to perfection for the most part, as he sets out on the 85th day to capture his big prize. While it isn't a movie that blows you away with either script or action, it is a film with a purpose.

Perhaps what most viewers or critics of this movie won't get is that it is richly symbolic in nature, and therefore probably won't appeal to viewers who lack attention spans. Most of Santiago's stuggle is within himself, and his age is a symbol for wisdom and perseverance. The boy, his counterpart, continually befriends him in hopes that the one day will arrive when he brings home the big catch.

The movie really is a testament to Man versus Nature, and is able to depict this sucessfully. One of the most essential points of the story is not only Santiago's respect for the sea and its inhabitants, but the essential quality of being successful at something.

If you are expecting a ton of action, or some big crash or storm scenes, then this probably isn't your movie. However, if you want a movie that successfully illustrates what Hemingway wanted for his short novela, then this is it.

3 1/2 stars.

Fine Hemingway adaptation.......2005-02-27

Spencer Tracy gives a powerful performance as Santiago, the desperate old fisherman who must struggle to subdue and then keep the giant marlin that represents his salvation. Director John Sturges and screenwriter Peter Viertel retain much of Ernest Hemingway's symbolism, making of Santiago a Christ-like figure. A more apt Biblical analog might be Job; like him, Santiago endures the indignities and strife thrust upon him, but perseveres and endures while retaining his appreciation of nature and simple pleasures./

There is a lot of voice-over narration in this film. In addition to playing Santiago, Tracy reads excerpts from the novel to deepen and comment upon the action. In most cases, I would be annoyed by such pervasive intrusion, but it makes sense here because Santiago spends so much time alone. In addition, since the narration is drawn directly from the novel, it provides the added pleasure of a wonderful actor performing Hemingway's deceptively simple prose.

The Hemingway Classics Collection (The Sun Also Rises / A Farewell to Arms / The Snows of Kilimanjaro / Under My Skin / Adventures of a Young Man)

Average customer rating:

a wonderful collection
why do Fox do this

The Hemingway Classics Collection (The Sun Also Rises / A Farewell to Arms / The Snows of Kilimanjaro / Under My Skin / Adventures of a Young Man)
Starring: Gregory Peck , Susan Hayward , Ava Gardner , Hildegard Knef , and Leo G. Carroll
Director: Henry King , John Huston , and Charles Vidor
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000LC4ZCQ
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Amazon.com

The Hemingway Classics Collection includes five classic films adapted from some of Hemingway's most celebrated pieces. Two of the five films, Under My Skin and Adventures of a Young Man (starring Paul Newman, who garnered a Golden Globe nomination for the role), are exclusively available in this collection. The box set includes bonus materials including commentaries, theatrical trailers, restoration comparisons and 'making of' featurettes.

Customer Reviews:

a wonderful collection.......2007-05-15

I love this collection. It brings me back to Hemingway who I read while growing up in the Fifties and Sixties. The restorations of the Scope movies are outstanding and the extras are informative. The cinematography and music of Adventures of a Young Man are very moving. This film brought me back to my youth. I highly recommend.

why do Fox do this.......2007-03-26

I have already purchased Snows of Kilimanjaro and The Sun Also Rises. I would really like to add Adventures of a Young Man to my Fox CinemaScope collection but why do they (Fox) force me to pay $44 for the lot. Come on Fox Classics why not release these as singles. Same with Soldier of Fortune and The Tall Men. I wonder if the studios read these messages but if they did they would find out what people want. I am collecting the entire 20th Century Fox CinemaScope collection from 1953 to 1967 and its nice to have them in single discs so they can be placed one year after the other. Waiting for all those other classics to be released like King of the Khyber Rifles, The Rains of Ranchipur, Woman's World, The Cobweb, The Adventures of Hajji Baba and many more. Come on Fox Classics bring 'em on.

Wuthering Heights (Masterpiece Theatre, 1998)

Average customer rating:

Characters way too old for their parts
Wuthering Heights
Not even close
"Whatever Our Souls Are Made Of, His And Mine Are The Same" ~ Love And Necromancy Make Strange Bedfellows
opposite stories of love

Wuthering Heights (Masterpiece Theatre, 1998)
Starring: Peter Davison , Tom Georgeson , Matthew Macfadyen , Sarah Smart , and Robert Cavanah
Director: David Skynner
Manufacturer: WGBH Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009UZGAA
Release Date: 2005-08-02

Description

This brilliant adaptation of Emily Brontë's timeless tale breaks new ground by covering the complete story of a love so powerful that it reaches beyond the grave. Orla Brady (The Rector's Wife, Proof) stars as literature's most controversial heroine, the spirited, but tragic Cathy. Robert Cavanah (Cracker, Cadfael) plays Heathcliff, the dark stranger whose love for Cathy leads him to take terrible revenge on anyone who comes between them.

Nothing is known of Heathcliff's mysterious past when kindly Mr. Earnshaw adopts him into his family, but his daughter Cathy sees in him a soul very much like her own. They are divided by birth, class, and Cathy's jealous brother, but nothing can break the bond between them- not even when Cathy marries the wealthy gentleman Edgar Linton. Yet there are forces in nature that seem to be even more powerful than their love.

Customer Reviews:

Characters way too old for their parts .......2007-06-19

The movie is ok. The movie's characters are way too old and not properly cast in the movie. Heathcliff and Cathy are young -- not near 40 ! Nelly is of their age - not an apparant 40-year old as shown in the movie! Joseph is written to be crass and you can imagine him an old, somewhat haggard man of poor speech - not a handsome, erect, well spoken servant. It was not well done at all. For passion and more believable characters, watch Timothy Dalton as Heathcliff and Anna Calder as Catherine. This movie detailed their lives from start to finish - not of the children's as continues in the book, but the passion was definitely there for the main characters.

Wuthering Heights.......2007-05-14

It has been years since I seen a different version of Wuthering Heights,very good version but I forgot how disterbing this story is. Acting very good but I also bought this version because it was on Matthew Macfadyne credits he was only in about 10 minutes on film.

Not even close.......2007-04-25

Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights is a tragic love story. Though this movie version reflects the story, it doesn't do the book justice. From reading the book many times, I was able to follow through and understood what was going on. But, there were so many times in the movie where I thought, that didn't happen, or that was premature. In the opening scene, Mr. Lockwood goes to Wuthering Heights and is let in by Heathcliff not by Hareton as the movie portrays. Nelly is a young servent who grew up with Cathy and Heathcliff, not already an older woman upon Heathcliff's arrival. In the movie, Cathy and Heathcliff are running through the moors and Cathy asks him where he came from and as the scene progresses, they are mature young adults and she's still asking where he came from. In the book however, it is Nelly who makes up his past to try to cheer him up from his depression. Hareton is kept as a hired hand in Wuthering Heights but in the movie, Heathcliff treats him like a companion. Sure, I found the movie to be good but couldn't help gasping at such major changes. I guess I have to wait patiently for Hollywood to make this movie in true book form!

"Whatever Our Souls Are Made Of, His And Mine Are The Same" ~ Love And Necromancy Make Strange Bedfellows.......2007-02-04

First things first, I hate to admit it but I've never read Emily Bronte's classic novel `Wuthering Heights', therefore I can't comment on whether or not this cinematic production from '98 is an accurate retelling of the tragic love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.

Secondly, I don't see any reason to give a synopsis of the plot since the majority of people reading this review are already quite familiar with the storyline.

That now said, I will say that this is one of the most bizarre, depressing and unromantic love stories I've ever seen. The two love birds, Heathcliff (Robert Cavanah) and Cathy (Orla Brady) are myopic, narcissistic, manipulative, cruel and overall downright unlikable. What can you conclude about a guy whose only comment after his true loves death is, "Did she mention me?"

Final Thoughts: Beautiful cinematography, wonderful production values and attractive period costumes can't compensate for two main characters you just can't force yourself to care about. Maybe this is your cup of tea, but it's not mine.

opposite stories of love.......2007-01-29

This is the best version of Wuthering Heights I have seen. The acting superb by Robert Cavanah and Matthew Mcfadyen was great to behold. The dark, all consuming love Heathcliff had for Cathy and the gentle, protecting love Hareton had for the daughter Catherine is such a contrast. It made the story more strong in the obsession of Cathy's and Heathcliff's dark romance standout. Watching this story unfold tore at your heartstrings in how they treated the people around them. They were so involved with each other, they just damaged and run over the people they were supposed to also love. Just did not have any room in their hearts for others I think. It almost wore me out I got so involved in the story. Get this version, you will not be sorry.

Average customer rating:

What a joke
A Must see
The Contender
Flashy amateurism
There was also that story about Led Zepplin and that shark ...

The Contender
Starring: Joan Allen , Jeff Bridges , Sam Elliott , Philip Baker Hall , and Kathryn Morris
Director: Rod Lurie
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00003CXP7
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Amazon.com essential video

Depending on your perspective, The Contender can be praised and damned for the same reasons. A political thriller with an insider's view, it's deadly earnest in its defense of truth, justice, and the American way, but writer-director (and former film critic) Rod Lurie resorts to the same manipulation that his film purports to condemn. But with political savvy, a timely idea (a female vice president), and a cast of first-rate actors, this high-office chess game is unabashedly entertaining. You can argue with Lurie's tactics, but you can't fault his patriotic passion.

In a role written especially for her, Joan Allen is outstanding (if a bit too saintly) as the Republican-turned-Democrat senator who is chosen by the president (Jeff Bridges) to fill a vice presidential vacancy. Bridges is a cagey chief executive, seemingly aloof as he gleefully challenges the White House's 24-hour kitchen staff but more than a match for the embittered and unscrupulous congressman (Gary Oldman) who plots to destroy Allen's character with seemingly dark secrets from her past.

As a gender-switching response to the Lewinsky scandal, The Contender asks potent questions with its impassioned plea for integrity in public service. That makes this a film well worth defending, and the stellar cast (which includes Christian Slater and William Petersen) triumphs over most of the plot's hokey machinations. The ideas are more compelling than their execution, however, and although Lurie's climactic revelation is a vast improvement over the reckless cheat of his previous film Deterrence, it still threatens to tarnish the gloss of an otherwise fascinating film. --Jeff Shannon

Description

When the truth becomes a weapon, power comes at a stunning price. Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges and Christian Slater deliver electrifying performances in this controversial, suspenseful and critically-acclaimed thriller that Ebert & Roeper and the Movies call "exciting and unusually intelligent, two very enthusiastic thumbs up!" Sometimes you can assassinate a leader without firing a shot.

Customer Reviews:

What a joke.......2007-08-04

I approximately halfway thru this movie and unless it makes a big U-turn, this is one of the absolute worst films I have ever seen.
A vice president possible president pulled a train. Even if it was years ago, it is in the same class as Britney Spears and her no panty pics. YUK for this one.

A Must see.......2007-07-28

Keep an open mind and focus on the message. I am a die hard Rep and Loved this film. It is about the courage to stay true to your convictions, whatever the price. Don't read beyond this review and watch the Best Movie I have seen.

The Contender.......2007-07-25

A gripping political drama that appeared in the aftermath of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, Lurie's "The Contender" sheds serious light on the presidency and our political process. A star-making vehicle for the prodigiously talented Allen and a strong platform for Bridges (who delivers a knockout Presidential speech), the film portrays the intense personal scrutiny imposed on those in line for national office--particularly if the candidate is a woman. "Contender" is a resonant morality play about honor and political ambition.

Flashy amateurism.......2007-07-25

This film comes across as heavily partisan, championing political orientations and tossing interesting facts here and there via random condescending lines drawled by a super-dude president and a rash of flashy screenwriting. More like a platform from which to present an ideological creed rather than explore the repercussions of the explosive issues it so readily tackles, this movie fails to deliver. Its story falls flat as a pancake on a pan of hot issues and doesn't even make a sizzle. Consider this: A woman is caught on camera participating in an orgy, but her husband takes it as if it's the most natural thing to crop up from his spouse's past... The president shifts from being cool to being a downright jerk without the slightest effort (look at the way he smokes, for crying out loud), all the while being established as a man with morals, something like a Big Lebowski Gecco... Laine Hanson is shown to be unjustly scolded for something she should feel more responsible for (being sensitive to responsibility as her character is)... the characters don't engage themselves together but merely bounce off each other like electrons with smart mouths... I mean, mercy on the intellect, please! The only good things about this movie are Sam Elliot (always a thrill), Gary Oldman (ingenious), the insidious and throttling attack on Hanson in the committee hearing (masterfully done and quite revealing as to how to denigrate someone by not saying anything directly against them, which seems to be somewhat of a norm lately), and, of course, the President's speech, which in itself is an inspiring piece of debate. But beyond that this movie is nothing more than a feeble attempt to tackle a range of profound issues, and ends up looking like a partisan outtake marinated in amateur film making and garnished in the reprehensible studio decision to ever go ahead with this movie in the first place.

A great collection of one-liners doesn't make a good movie, no matter how catchy some of those lines are. If you wanna see how issues can be interlaced instead of jabbed at you, then watch Syriana and see how it's done.

There was also that story about Led Zepplin and that shark ..........2007-07-17

So we're looking at a woman vice president. Not that this isn't uneasy enough for people to accept. Gary Oldman, the bitter, jealous congressman who is feeling irked by her appointment, has just uncovered a dirty little secret from her past. She engaged in a sex party in one of the fraternities when she was at Harvard.

Joan Allen, a dignified, regal lady if there ever was one in all the roles she chooses, is the shamed candidate brought before the committees to defend her moral character. It was just a coincidence that this movie came out when Monica Lewinsky was fresh on our minds, and not a coincidence that it was a gender role reversal. Monica, like Joan, was the immoral tart who lead on the boys at the frat house into doing something so outrageous.

This was, however, made several years before the celebrity sex tape. Oddly enough, when a celebrity makes a sex tape that is leaked out, it shoots them into the stratosphere in terms of their publicity. And equally as strange, it can shine positively on them (Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson, etc.). How many average people do this? How many people in your town star in homemade porn? A lot more than you think, just Google it sometime. Had this movie been made now, maybe we would have voted for Joan.

But this movie was hoaky, stuffy and ridiculous. That she was cleared of her "charges" and got her vice president position was ridiculous. Even if that wasn't really her (which, according to her, was not) in that videotape, she could have never taken that position. There would be people coming out of the woodwork forever saying that it was her, they were there and they saw the whole thing, etc. It's like that story about Led Zepplin and the shark. Will we ever know the truth? Plenty of people say they were there, others said it never happened. So who knows if it's true or not?

I gave this two stars because Joan Allen is a fine actress, and Gary Oldman is a wonderful actor. Period. Otherwise this movie is complete bogus.

Average customer rating:

I liked this movie
Halloween, Friday the 13th...and My Bloody Valentine
Great 80's Slasher ,SARA BE MY BLOODY VALENTINE~!!!
MY BLOODY VALENTINE is a perfect example of Slasher!
terrific

My Bloody Valentine (Ws Sub)
Starring: Paul Kelman , Lori Hallier , Neil Affleck , Keith Knight (II) , and Alf Humphreys
Director: George Mihalka
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000069I04
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Amazon.com

This bizarre little horror movie is set in the mining town of Valentine Bluffs, which may be in Canada, though the odd, indeterminate accents of the cast are perhaps meant to suggest that it is truly a regionless everyland. In a cruel twist of fate, the Bluffers have not celebrated Valentine's Day in 20 years due to a terrible mining accident. This year is to be the first return of the Valentine's Dance--repeatedly described by adults as the biggest event of the year--but someone (or something?) is trying to put a stop to the fun by delivering heart-shaped candy boxes with real hearts in them. The dance is called off in the name of public safety, the young (well, youngish) people decide to hold a party inside the mine instead, and if you think we're getting out of this one without someone getting a pickax through the chest, you have no business watching slasher movies. --Ali Davis

Customer Reviews:

I liked this movie.......2007-08-09

Its about a minor who comes back to kill people in some town called 'Valentines Bluff'. He wants revenge on his supervisor who left him and his crew members to die in the mine, coincidentally, on Valentines Day. He was the only survivor.

The story revolves around some 20 something year olds and the goings on around the town. Some kind of lovers triangle between 3 of them throughout the movie, meanwhile the minor is all around town killing people and soon everyone ends up going down into the mines and having to deal with him. As far as the gore, you might be disapointed. It had some realistic looking human 'hearts' but they barely showed much of the killings. Also had some inventive killings, at least one.

This whole thing was funny and had some scary parts in it. Its basically one big joke but entertaining to watch. Its like a so bad its good movie. I liked the end too. I recomended this to horror fans.

Yes it was cheesy, some of it was cliche but i liked it.

Halloween, Friday the 13th...and My Bloody Valentine.......2007-06-19

If you are a fan of 80's slasher/horror films, this one should be in your collection. While not as good as Halloween or Friday the 13th, My Bloody Valentine still has many good things going for it. Unfortunately as many people have stated, there are cuts to the film so not as much gore or murders are actually seen, but if you enjoy your films just for the suspense factor alone, than you will be happy with this. The locations used for this film are great especially the creepy, isolated mine. However, it's your typical slasher horror fare so don't expect too many surprises. The Canadians have made some of the best horror films. Also check out Happy Birthday to Me, Prom Night, Terror Train and Curtains (unfortunately Curtains has not made it to DVD yet so you'll have to track down a VHS copy). 3.5 stars for this!

Great 80's Slasher ,SARA BE MY BLOODY VALENTINE~!!!.......2007-02-10

"My Bloody Valentine" is what a slasher should be, it has horny teenagers a psycho wearing a mask and good death scenes.
Not overly gory but the kills are effective and its scary too , I love all slashers obviously thus my name "Slasher Diva". You can tell by the first kill if a slasher flick is going to be rewarding or not and this one starts off right. Has Harry Warden come back to Valentine Bluffs to wreak havoc and spill blood or is it someone else?
Common slasher fare but that's why we love them.
Don't open the dryer~!!! Watch out for the hot dogs~!! And never have sex with a man in a miner suit and mask. Buy it especially if you're a slasher lover.

MY BLOODY VALENTINE is a perfect example of Slasher!.......2007-02-05

By no means is this movie original. MY BLOODY VALENTINE came out during a time when Slasher/Horror was becoming big at the box office. Movies like FRIDAY THE 13th, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE were becoming very popular and most movie producers were looking for anything new in the scene. MY BLOODY VALENTINE is the result of the holiday theme Horror/Slasher flicks like FRIDAY THE 13th and HALLOWEEN. For some reason they just needed a holiday theme I guess. Unoriginal idea's aside, it's not a bad Horror flick by any means. Watching MY BLOODY VALENTINE feels like your watching Jason Voorhees in one of the very popular FRIDAY THE 13th films. Basically the plot is about this mine worker who was "killed" deep within the mines of this small town while the rest of the people (city folk and city workers) spent their time at the local Velentines Day dance. Personally, I've never heard of a town having a Valentines Day dance nore have I heard of a town having a social dance to begin with! The movie was made in 1981 I believe so maybe times were different and I just don't remember it all that well. Anyways, the guy who was trapped in the mind cuts out someones heart and stuffs it into one of those heart shaped candy boxes with a note that says "Never host another Valentines Day dance ever again!" Blah, blah, blah, whatever! It's just an excuse to have a setting (this one being a holiday) where everyone dies. The death scenes are really good, one of my favorites being an older woman shoved into a dryer and burned to death. Most of them are typical Slasher deaths, the usual sharp object being stabbed into some random body part. For gore hounds, this is a perfect example of Slasher in it's prime. The killer wears a gas mask and kills most of his prey with a pick axe! Over all MY BLOODY VALENTINE is a wonderful Slasher film to watch with some buddies and a couple of beers. The corny acting, out of date clothing styles and random plot twists make it very enjoyable movie to watch. The killer is evil and brooding which should please many Jason Voorhees fans who are looking to watch something a little different. Over all it's a good movie that would fit perfect in anyones collection of Horror films, right next to the classics HALLOWEEN and TEAXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. Horror fans and gore hounds, check it out!

terrific.......2007-01-16

This movie was really good. They don't make them like this anymore. They need to go back to this formula for making slasher films.

Average customer rating:

Thoughtless fun
I loved it
The Covenant
Harry Potter can kiss my...
More like the Crap-enant

The Covenant [Blu-ray]
Starring: Wendy Crewson , Laura Ramsey , Sebastian Stan , Steven Strait , and Toby Hemingway
Director: Renny Harlin
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000K4WPCM
Release Date: 2007-01-02

Product Description

In 1692, in the Ipswich Colony of Massachusetts, five families with untold power formed a covenant of silence. One family, lusting for more, was banished, their bloodline disappearing without a trace. Until now. Four young students at an elite private school who are descendants of the original families who settled in Ipswich Colony in the 1600s, are bound by their sacred ancestry and special powers. When the body of a dead student is discovered after a party, secrets begin to unravel that threaten to break the covenant of silence that has protected their families for hundreds of years.

Stills from The Covenant (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Thoughtless fun.......2007-08-13

I found this movie to be a fun escapist time. Not meant to do anything else.

I loved it.......2007-06-15

Hot bodies. Interesting, but stupid story. What more could you ask for? Sometimes it's just fun to watch a mindless movie...and this one is it. It looks great on Blu-ray too.

The Covenant.......2007-02-06

This is a teenager film, not the south africa foundation novel with same title

Harry Potter can kiss my..........2007-01-26

Just consider it a male version of "The Craft" -- "The Covenant" is basically a flimsy witchcraft story dressed up with lots of male eye candy. The candy is nice for the eyes, but it would have been nice to have a little meat for the brain as well.

Ipswich has four (used to be five) witch families, and the eldest son inherits a dangerous bunch of magic in his early teens, before coming into his full power at eighteen (do I smell another magic/sexual maturity analogy here?). They mainly use these powers as... well, the way you'd expect any teen boys to. But then the body of a student is found in a car, and the sons of Ipswich are suspected.

And Caleb Danvers (Steven Strait) starts to figure out that something weird is happening -- ghosts, magical peeping-toms, and a mysterious student who just transferred there. Not only must Caleb stop the magical attacks -- but keep his own burgeoning powers under control too, as he confronts the secret enemy.

"The Covenant" is pure fluff from start to finish, and at times it feels like it isn't aspiring to be much more -- the plot is quite basic and rather suspenseless, since the bad guy practically has a "REALLY SINISTER AND CREEPY" sign around his neck -- and a five-year-old could guess who he is just by the backstory.

In a way, it feels bad to kick such an unpretentiously popcorn movie, but it could have been way better -- instead, it's loaded with with cliches galore. There are a few cool scenes, such as a car flying apart and reconstructing -- quite nice, visually speaking.

But the rest of the time, it's just predictable and rather cheesy -- dialogue is extremely teen-movie ("You ready to say "uncle"?" "I'm ready for you to go to hell!"), and the climax is like a magic-powerball-throwing fight from a bad children's anime.

The actors are there basically for the looks, and they form a pretty typical circle -- good boy, shy boy, bad boy, and mischief-maker. Not great acting, but most of them won't make you openly cringe. And of course, they toss in some teen-movie starlets, who don't really register, as the token girlfriends.

"The Covenant" is pure popcorn, with a load of cliches -- might be fun for a watch after two A.M., when nothing else is on. During daylight, there are countless better things on.

More like the Crap-enant.......2007-01-12

The Covenant is a watchable movie, especially for the 13-20 age group, but this movie lacks one important thing: ORIGINALITY.

The main tagline: From the Producers of Underworld, gave me hope, seeing as the original Underworld is an amazing, beautiful film. This film fails to deliver, while it's storyline is easy to follow, it just lacks in so many departments.

The entire movie, all four of the main characters (sons of Ipswich) banter on and on about abusing their powers, and how they will pay consequences for them, but throughout, I did not see a single downside that they so feared. Not ONCE did