Cat Ballou

Amazon.com

Long before Unforgiven deconstructed the Western, or Blazing Saddles lampooned it, Cat Ballou poked the genre in the eye. An altogether enjoyable comedy, the film is full of small surprises, big laughs, and wonderful character turns. Catherine Ballou (Jane Fonda) is a schoolteacher until a hired thug kills her daddy. To protect what she loves, she collects two petty criminals, a wisecracking hired hand, and a hired killer, Kid Shelleen (Lee Marvin). Unfortunately, Shelleen is a raging drunk who is so inebriated and unsteady with a gun he literally misses the broad side of a barn. However, Cat, has, as they used to say in those days, a mind of her own, and she masterminds a spectacular train heist that puts them all on the lam. Marvin won an Academy Award for his role as the derelict Shelleen, and his performances (he actually has two) are still topnotch and on target. The framing device, two wandering minstrels, played by Stubby Kaye and Nat "King" Cole, are the maraschino cherries on the top of this Wild West confection. --Keith Simanton

Customer Reviews:

Lee Marvin Masterpiece!.......2007-07-23

One of the most original westerns...films even...I have ever seen. The musical narration provided by Mister Nat King Cole adds to this wonderfully funny tale of a band of ill equipped outlaws aiming at revenge. Lee Marvin plays two pivotal roles which garnered the great action star and one of cinema's coolest cats awards aplenty. This is not the Lee Marvin we all grew to love and idolize, this is a Lee that will keep you smiling and chuckling throughout the film. What an amazing turn for such a fine actor. Jane Fonda also stars and pulls off the dangerous headstrong damsel that so fit the era and her own personality. I recommend this film highly. This is no Sergio Leone western, but I think you will appreciate its originality nontheless. Terrific!

A classic.......2007-03-26

Always been in love with this film! Now that I have it on DVD, I can watch it and watch it and watch it! The price was really good too.

Nostalgic film.......2007-03-14

I understand why this film is so high-starred, but it simply does not deserve the five stars, nor the four. I'll try to explain. The director, as he admits in the little extra piece, intended to make a comedy in the West. He put together the basic ingredients for it: a beautiful Fonda, two young simpletons that aren't Western material -more fit for Broadway-, and a funny drunkard. Silverstein didn't have a clear idea of what kind of film was going to come out of this (as happens to all bad directors) but when he saw Lee Marvin act his role, he had one moment of lucidness, even brilliance, he told Marvin to try to make us cry instead of laugh. Boy, did that make a difference! Lee Marvin steals the show totally.

Lee Marvin was a great, a fantastic actor. But he belonged to a past era, when real Westerns were shot, when classic directors still hung around the movie studios. That day had gone, not for him, obviously, but for the industry. It makes me sad to see this film, and to see bufoons like Silverstein mockering and degrading the great American West. If it wasn't for Lee Marvin nobody would remember this film. What happens around him in this film I just don't care, he is the show. The rest belong in Park Avenue.

SAME AS IN THE MOVIE JUST ON DVD GET IT !.......2007-01-25

CATBALLOU............................. ! WE STILL LOVE YOU ?

Cat Ballou.......2007-01-22

It is a great movie, I love the singing. We realy enjoyed watching it again after so many year.

Average customer rating:

Straight From the Heart
The book on which this movie was based came before "The Horse Whisperer"
Hit the spot!
An Overall Good Movie
'The Horse Whisperer' Lite

Straight from the Heart
Starring: Teri Polo , Andrew McCarthy , Patricia Kalember , Greg Evigan , and Christine Tucci
Director: David S. Cass Sr.
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000MGBLGY
Release Date: 2007-05-01

Customer Reviews:

Straight From the Heart.......2007-09-11

This is a great love story. It's clean and decent, and worth having in our movie library. It's another one that I would highly recommend for anyone to own.

The book on which this movie was based came before "The Horse Whisperer".......2007-08-27

This is for those who think that this movie is a slightly-changed version of "The Horse Whisperer": Pamela Wallace published her book "Straight from the Heart," on which this movie was based, in 1996.
Nicholas Evans published "The Horse Whisperer," on which that movie was based, in 1998.

Hit the spot!.......2007-08-07

This was a very nice story. OK, popcorn for the brain, but light, filling, and hits the right spot. There is a nice chemistry between the two leads and a believable story. After renting, I liked it enough to buy it for my DVD collection.

An Overall Good Movie.......2007-07-31

Somehow I never got to see the whole story on the Hallmark channel, so I wanted my own copy as I really liked the story, the actors, and the scenery. I was a bit taken aback by the dialogue between the two main characters when they first met, but the writers had their own ideas, I guess. I'd watch it with my grandchildren.

'The Horse Whisperer' Lite.......2007-07-23

I was looking forward to this film. Indeed, I made sure it was at the top of my `Netflix' queue. Unfortunately, it was the one that got away. Soon there was a very long wait. People are no doubt drawn to this film because they are longing for simple, good entertainment. Perhaps they first saw it on `The Hallmark Channel' and wanted to see it again. It's not all that great of a film, but it is worthwhile anyway. That needs an explanation, so bear with me. It certainly is easy to watch. I think great film or not, it goes down easily and becomes a casual pleasure. The subject matter is interesting even if the whole affair becomes no better than a lite (or, "light") version of 'The Horse Whisperer'.

The story is the basis for a romantic culture clash. Jordan Donovan (Teri Polo) is a photographer from New York City. She's tired of the typical treadmill of romance. In both aspects of her life she is trying to break through. Her arty exhibits of (literally) garbage fail to spark interest for a sponsor of photography exhibits. Meanwhile, her love interest, Edward, has been dating her for years, but refuses to make a commitment. Her roommate, Carla, (Christine Tucci) is presented like a half-funny, but easily as likable Rhoda. She plays matchmaker by signing her up for `Cowboy Connections,' a magazine with a "Personals" column designed to hook up couples out West.

All too neatly, Carla has taken the liberty of not only putting her friend's name in the magazine, but writing her background and answering any prospects that come to her. On Jordan's birthday, she not only has a man, but a plane ticket for her to join him at his ranch in Wyoming. Cynically, she, nevertheless, does what most people would do at the prospect of adventure: She accepts both as a present.

Even more neatly, Tyler Ross (Andrew McCarthy) has a doting sister named Laurie (Patricia Kalember) who answers his personal ads for him. Jaundiced about dating again, he doesn't think much when she calls to tell him a woman from NYC is coming to his ranch. Something must stir inside him, for we discover earlier it was he who provided the plane ticket.

Her arrival is not a friendly one. Quickly, the resentment pours through: At breakfast he tartly announces that they don't serve "espresso" at the morning table. Later, when she's falls off a horse, he nastily chides, "I don't want some big city lawyer trying to sue me." She understandably doesn't allow herself to be a walking mat. She has some counter resentments to offer: going toe-to-toe she has plenty to say about cholesterol soaked breakfasts and his backward behavior. Yet, she has a background that he doesn't even consider, and as the movie unfolds, she has several opportunities to prove herself more than a typical city slicker.

Across the way former friend, Mr. Jameson, is brazen about trespassing on Tyler's land to capture wild mustangs for his own use. United Tyler and Jordan try to oppose his lawless horse trade while working out some terms of bitterness found in everyone's past.

Some of the appeal of the movie is the scenery. Mustangs rush past with autumnal mountain horizons while the pair take on the work of the land. The old-fashioned Western score by Mader is superb for the laid back adventure, and the tenderness of key scenes works its way incrementally as it goes along.

Pleasant, enjoyable, and easy-going like a trek to Wyoming itself, `Straight from the Heart' may not have the best performances, nor the most original dialogue, but it is still a pleasurable film trek anyway. While I thought throughout the "torn between two lovers" scenario Jordan deserved better choices, who's to judge about taste if a relationship has a chance to work? After all, sometimes even a two-star film is all we really need.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie
Zorro Nut
The Mask of Zorro
family film
LOVE MY ZORRO

The Mask of Zorro (Deluxe Edition)
Starring: José María de Tavira , Diego Sieres , Emiliano Guerra , Yolanda Orisaga , and Paco Morayta
Director: Martin Campbell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: B000ARXF96
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Description

A sweeping romantic adventure of love and honor, tragedy and triumph set against Mexico's fight for independence. Twenty years have past since Don Diego de la Vega (Hopkins) fought oppression as the legendary hero, Zorro. Now he must find a successor and he chooses Alejandro Murietta (Banderas), a bandit with a troubled past who he must, somehow, transform into the fearless fighter he once had been. Then, armed with sword, whip, mask and the jet-black stallion, Tornado, the new Zorro must stop tyrant Raphael Montero, newly returned from Spain with a plot to actually buy California and enslave the populous to work in his mines.

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-09-07

This is a great movie a definite must buy for all!!! Also fast shipping from Amazon!!

Zorro Nut.......2007-09-05

I'm partial to Zorro from my youth. This is a decent effort with the usual Zorro to the rescue theme. It brings back nostalgia for those old segments (weekly serial) that were played on Sundays at noon with Ovaltine as the advertiser. Get out your sword and mask and get ready to save the good guys.

The Mask of Zorro.......2007-06-13

I love it for a modern day sword fighting movie it is entertaining and a must have.

family film.......2007-05-07

Great entertainment for the whole family, I enjoyed it age 72 and my grand children 14 and 11 and daughter age 45 .........forany age I think.

LOVE MY ZORRO.......2007-01-10

Antonio Bandaras is the far best Zorro actor. His accent brings life to the folk hero. Catherine Zeta-Jones is perfect for the part she plays.
Over all the movie is great for those who like action movies as well as romance. Bring on Antonio as Zorro!

Average customer rating:

His side,her side and the truth: A shocking BAYOU
A healing mechanism? . . .
EVES BAYOU
Under-recognized
More Dis-unity

Eve's Bayou
Starring: Jurnee Smollett , Meagan Good , Samuel L. Jackson , Lynn Whitfield , and Debbi Morgan
Director: Kasi Lemmons
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
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ASIN: 1573623768
Release Date: 1998-03-25

Amazon.com

Actress Kasi Lemmons made an auspicious debut as a writer and director with this delicately handled, wrenchingly emotional drama, hailed by critic Roger Ebert as one of the best films of 1997. Eve's Bayou begins with ominous narration: "The summer I killed my father, I was 10 years old." From that point the story moves backward in time and memory to Louisiana in 1962, when a young girl named Eve (Jurnee Smollett) witnesses a shocking act on the part of her womanizing father (Samuel L. Jackson). But what really happened? And can Eve be certain about what she saw when there is more than one interpretation of the facts? Less a mystery than a study of deeply rooted emotions rising to the surface to affect an entire family, the film has the quality of classic Southern literature, with layers of memory unfolding to reveal a carefully guarded truth. Barely seen during its theatrical release, this lushly photographed film deserves to be rediscovered on digital video disc. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

His side,her side and the truth: A shocking BAYOU.......2007-07-18

My grandmother once said, "There are three sides to every story: his side, her side and the truth!" I have NEVER forgotten it!What you see may NOT always be what is true...or is it???

EVE'S BAYOU is a totally absorbing and genuinely well directed and performed film of great sensitivity and nuance. From the opening of the shocking line "That was the year I killed my father", EVE'S BAYOU is a continued exposing of layers of secrets, betrayals, misinterpretations and murder that have effected generations of the Batiste family, descendants of a white Frenchman and a black slave woman's sixteen children in the Louisiana Bayou.

What starts with the youngest daughter Eve (an incredible Jurnee Smollett) witnessing her father (Samuel L. Jackson) and a family friend (Lisa Nicole Carson) having sex in the carriage house, blossoms into an intrigue of forced silence and unbearable secrecy and ultimate hatred for her father and her over protective mother (Lynn Whitfield)and jealousy and mistrust of her older sister Cisely.With a magnificently acted supporting role as Aunt Mozelle the "healing psychic", Debbi Morgan becomes the glue through which the family confronts "the truth." The problem is that for one reason or another all involved have their own interpretations of "the truth" which leads Eve to seek out the local "Voodoo" Lady ( a truly outstanding Diahann Carroll).At this point I will stop.What happens here totally throws the story into a mysterious and downright creepy high gear....and WHAT AN INTERESTING ENDING!!!!

This is truly a well done piece of story telling and film making by Kasi Lemmons (SEE HER 2007 film TALK TO ME with Don Cheadle- OUTSTANDING!). Lemmons, as an actress herself, truly allows her stars to interpret the material in a very professional yet natural way. Lemmons does not rush scenes. She allows a tremendous amount of space for the viewer to digest what is transpiring.She allows the moss covered bayou to be savoured and contemplated and the underscoring of Terence Blanchard's original soundtrack
breathes gently throughout the film. This is an outstanding film and will be likely viewed many times for it's story, artistic direction ,camera work and thoughtful and riveting performances. I can totally see why critic Roger Ebert felt that EVE'S BAYOU was the best film of 1997!

Excellent companion films would be THE SWEET HEREAFTER (especially!!!), SOMETHING ABOUT AMELIA, BELOVED, MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL and THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD and STEEL MAGNOLIAS(for more about Louisiana life).

A healing mechanism? . . ........2007-07-06

After owning this film for two+ years, I can safely say it's a keeper even with my 2-star rating. Eve's Bayou reveals a historical narrative that many families can relate to, but few often confront it. The film could be used as an educational tool towards deconstructing the 'silencing of the feminine voice.' If you're curious. . .have a look.

EVES BAYOU.......2007-05-21

This is a wonderful story set in beautiful New Orleans, that showcases young Jurnee Smollett and a host of other seasoned actors . The story is at times funny and heartbreaking tale about a young girl who discovers her father is just a man with faults and vices like any other man. Played by Sam Jackson Her Dr. father is having multiple affairs with his female patients. After her older sister accuses him of molesting her, The youngest daughter seeks help from the local voodoo practitioner(PLayed by the wonderful Diahnne Carroll) to get revenge for what she believes is the ultimate betrayal. There is also an aunt who is clarivoyant who seems to be doomed to lose her husbands in violent ways. I wont tell any more of the story except to say that once you have seen it you will watch it over and over again its a classic .

Under-recognized.......2007-02-28

Most quality films these days are the ones that fly under the "Hollywood Radar." And "Eve's Bayou" is one of them. Wonderful ensemble cast, beautiful setting and a troubling and intriguing storyline makes this one of the best I have seen in the past decade. Debbie Morgan's performance was outstanding and Jurnee Smollet had great depth for someone so young as she was at that time. All in all, a great film.

More Dis-unity.......2007-02-16

Another tired story about the Blackman as the horrible villian and the Blackwoman as the innocent victim...And we wonder why our community has so many problems..Maybe it's because of attitudes that are based on fantasy like this film and some other films..."Color Purple" , "For Colored Girls...." etc. We need to stop the finger pointing a realize that liberation can only occur if we "work together"...That means Blackmen and Blackwomen...

Average customer rating:

Hilarious Stallone
Hilarious
Great for a laugh
Diamond in the rough
Stalone Funny?

Oscar
Starring: Peter Riegert , Chazz Palminteri , Joey Travolta , Paul Greco , and Sylvester Stallone
Director: John Landis
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00008979E
Release Date: 2003-05-06

Amazon.com

Oscar was Sylvester Stallone's agreeable, 1991 effort at broad comedy, a fast-talking, suspender-snapping gangster farce featuring the Rambo star as a 1930s Chicago mob boss, Snaps Provolone, trying to go straight during overlapping personal crises. No, this isn't Billy Wilder, but director John Landis (Coming to America) has crackling fun with Oscar's fruit salad of traditional comic themes and tools, including mistaken identities, a powerful man's weakness for his children, and a nonstop parade of outre secondary characters. The cast includes Kirk Douglas as Stallone's father, whose deathbed wish compels Snaps to go into legitimate banking at the exact moment the latter's daughter (Marisa Tomei) announces her love for a chauffeur. Meanwhile, another woman claiming to be Snaps's offspring is engaged to a fellow (Vincent Spano) who has stolen $50,000 of the big man's money. Wackiness ensues. The winning cast includes Peter Riegert, Don Ameche, Chazz Palminteri, Eddie Bracken, Harry Shearer, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Bruce Davison. --Tom Keogh

Description

Hollywood superstar Sylvester Stallone teams up with comedy director John Landis (ANIMAL HOUSE, TRADING PLACES, COMING TO AMERICA), and the results are hilarious! Stallone plays Chicago's #1 gangster, "Snaps" Provolone. After promising his father that he'll quit his life of crime, Snaps realizes it's an offer he should have refused! As the mobster tries to quit the rackets, everybody gets into the act -- friends, family -- even the Feds! Snaps soon discovers going straight is the toughest job he's ever pulled! Critics coast-to-coast praised this fun-filled big-screen treat -- you'll find it packed with laughs from beginning to end!

Customer Reviews:

Hilarious Stallone.......2007-08-30

I love this movie! It is one of the best things Sly Stallone has been in, and so few people have heard of it. The comedy is the quick pace, miscommunication type that is just fun. Not a serious film at all, a little silly even; but great for a movie when you just want something fun and lighthearted that doesn't require a lot of thought. My kids even liked it (ages 15 and 10). Trying to keep up with the "black bag" is great!

Hilarious.......2007-06-10

This is a hilarious movie! I enjoyed it very much. I had no idea Stallone could be so good at comedy. A must watch for all comedy lovers.

Great for a laugh.......2007-04-19

I have just purchased my 2nd copy of this, as we've worn the first one out. It's a case of anything that can go wrong on the worst possible day to do it, does. This is by far, one of my favorite all time movies. I'm not a Sly Stallone fan by any means, but he's very good in this. It also helps that he has a great cast with him.

Would recommend it to anyone wanting to be pleasantly surprised by a movie.

Diamond in the rough.......2007-03-19

If you are looking for action with guns blazing and swear worrds being ripped from the characters lips then. . . look else where. I personally am not a fan of Silvester Stalone. His genre of typical movies is not where I tend to turn for entertainment, but Oscar is not a typical Stalone film. All you have to do is look at the cast to know this will be an unexpected film. And might I ad exceptional! If you do want uproarious laughter and unheard of situations then you are looking in the right place. Trust me, you'll bust a gut!

Stalone Funny?.......2006-11-10

I loved this movie. Stalone should try his hand at more comedy. All the characters were great.Everyone should have this.

Average customer rating:

Jackie Chan is this generations Buster Keaton. One of the best action films ever made
excellent purchase
The Legend of the Drunken Master
Just watch it
The ultimate "Wow" movie

The Legend of Drunken Master
Starring: Jackie Chan , Kwok Kuen Chan , Wai Yee Chan , Chi-Kwong Cheung , and Kar Lok Chin
Director: Jackie Chan
Manufacturer: Dimension
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000056VOK
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Description

Jackie Chan return becomes and is able to fend off numerous attacks and perform incredible stunts. Aided by his hilarious stepmother and friends, Hong faces the challenge of protecting valuable Chinese history and saving his family honor.s to the role that made him a star in 1979's "Drunken Master." Chinese folklore hero Wong Fei Hong discovers a smuggling ring, orchestrated by the British Government, to transport valuable Chinese artifacts out of the country. Hong must use his unique style of martial arts, "Drunken Boxing," to fight the conspirators and salvage the Chinese treasures before it

Customer Reviews:

Jackie Chan is this generations Buster Keaton. One of the best action films ever made.......2007-08-02

I say one of the best action films ever made because like Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, Jackie Chan is actually doing this stuff himself. The Legend Of Drunken Master or Drunken Master 2 is a non stop action movie and a comedy along the same lines as Buster Keaton's classic The General.
The part where Jackie Chan falls into a pit of hot coals, that is all real, Jackie actually had that sequence filmed three times, on the third time burning his arms and still having those scars today. All that and he played this part at 40 yrs old, pulling off a role of a 20 yr old convincingly.
Another film i enjoyed that was influenced a great deal by Drunken Master 2 was Kung Fu Hustle (Widescreen Edition)even naming the gang in it the "axe gang".
The Legend of Drunken Master is a must for any fan of action movies. It made Entertainment Weekly's top 25 action movies list and also is on Time Magazine's top 100 movies of all time.

excellent purchase.......2007-07-03

arrived in a month, which is normal for me. And the dvd was in excellent conditions.

The Legend of the Drunken Master.......2007-06-15

This is Jackie Chan's best movie. It is full of nonstop action and drama. Jackie Chan explodes with action in this movie. Some great action scenes, sewn in with a beautiful story and great music make this a Jackie Chan hit. I can't stop watching the ending fight. It is a great scene, and the movie was very well done. This is a vital part of any Jackie Chan collection.

Just watch it.......2007-03-10

This movie has heart. Jackie Chan does his usual un usual stuff, and hits the target.
The story is touching and and action packed. A great buy for any one who likes Jackie Chan, and wants to see some of his earlier stuff. Which I think is better any way.

The ultimate "Wow" movie.......2007-02-05

This movie is a non-stop adventure in "how did he do that" and "can he top this". While movies like Crouching Tiger and Heroe were as notable for their special effects as the stunts, Legend of Drunken Master shows that physical grace, athletic prowess, and, yes, guts can create an eye-popping experience for modern movie goers. This movie builds on one great set piece after another but when Chan's character really starts drinking....WATCH OUT! The last fight scene in the factory will have you rewinding and laughing in delight....it's that good. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Andre Norton
A good epic-fantasy film
He has the
THE BEASTMASTER
Beastmaster

The Beastmaster (Special Edition)
Starring: Marc Singer , Tanya Roberts , Rip Torn , John Amos , and Josh Milrad
Director: Don Coscarelli
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0006GAOSQ
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Customer Reviews:

Andre Norton.......2007-08-07

Perhaps I overlooked this fact elsewhere, but the inspiration for this movie came from Andre Norton's novel of the the same name. It amazes me that more of her plots have not been movie scripts. She wrote well over 100 S-F and fantasy novels, including her "Witch World" series. Fine writer=fine movie.

A good epic-fantasy film.......2007-08-03

it's good to see a film that makes us remember when we were kids... i'm glad to have it in my collection... I wasn't aware that the film was edited from the original version... but it's ok

He has the .......2007-06-23

power to touch any animal in its mind. And to see what the animal sees.

THE BEASTMASTER.......2007-04-11

THE BEASTMASTER IS ONE OF MY SONS FAVORITE MOVIES.
GOOD CONDITION A LITTLE LATE GETTING TO ME AS IT WAS A BIRTHDAY GIFT.
BUT APPRECIATED GETTING WHAT HE WANTED.
THANKS,
THE TWIGS

Beastmaster.......2006-08-28

Muy buena, solo un detalle y es el que no esta disponible alguna version con subtitulos.

Average customer rating:

Good Triumphs Over Evil
Enjoyable in the extreme
Really enjoyable!
I loved it
A good adaptation

Nicholas Nickleby
Starring: Stella Gonet , Andrew Havill , Henry McGrath , Hugh Mitchell , and Poppy Rogers
Director: Douglas McGrath
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: B00009MEJ4
Release Date: 2003-07-22

Amazon.com

While it necessarily streamlines the Charles Dickens classic, this delightful adaptation of Nicholas Nickelby captures the essence of Dickens in all of its Victorian splendor and squalor. With Charlie Hunnam (the U.K. Queer as Folk) doing noble work in the title role, this quintessentially Dickensian tale begins with the death of Nicholas's father, and the subsequent scheme by his cruel uncle (Christopher Plummer, perfectly cast) to separate Nicholas from his now penniless sister and mother. Stuck in a squalid school run by the evil Mr. and Mrs. Squeers (Jim Broadbent, Juliet Stevenson), Nicholas escapes with his loyal friend Smike (Billy Elliott's Jamie Bell), whose lineage will determine the greedy uncle's fate. As he did with Jane Austen's Emma, writer-director Douglas McGrath has crafted a prestigious production that shifts effortlessly between comedy and tragedy without compromising its warm, inviting tone. His dialogue rings true throughout, inspiring a stellar cast including Nathan Lane, Alan Cumming, Edward Fox, and Timothy Spall. Dickens himself would almost certainly have approved. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Good Triumphs Over Evil.......2007-09-05

Stunning photography, outrageous characters and a powerful, emotional story: that's Nicholas Nickleby, the 2002 adaptation from the famous book by Charles Dickens. I have not read that book, so this story was new to me and I couldn't help but be impressed.

Hopefully, most people are still satisfied to see good people triumph in the end. With a Dickens story, you know there will be a lot to overcome, too, and lots of suffering and heartache along the way to a happy ending.

Douglas McGrath-did a fine job directing this film. Dick Pope, director of photography (cinematographer) made England look as beautiful as any Merchant-Ivory film I've seen. Start-to-finish the landscape of England never looked prettier. Pope performed the same kind of magic two years later in "The Illusionist," a gorgeous-looking movie. Kudos to Rachel Portman for a magnificent score, too, with a beautiful, sweeping theme song. This movie is a treat for the ears, as well.

Charlie Hunnam as Nicholas Nickleby was adequate; Christopher Plummer as his Uncle Ralph was very good and Jamie Bell as the unforgettable "Smike" was excellent. It's hard to believe he's the same kid who played "Billy Elliott" just a couple of years ago.

Jim Broadbent and Juliet Stevens as the wicked, evil husband-and-wife-team who run DotheBoys Hall, a boys boarding school, were also memorable. Dickens also had cruel people mistreating little boys and these two personify cruelty.

Two beautiful women: Anne Hathaway's as Nicholas' love "Madeline Bray" and Romola Garai as his sister "Kate" were both pleasant and easy on the eyes. As for supporting actors, I enjoyed them all as well, getting an extra smile from Timothy Spall and Gerald Horan and "Charles and Ned Cherryble" The same can be said for Nathan Lane and Alan Cumming, who provide much-needed comic relief and whimsey.

One other thing that was fun to observe in this film: everyone's vocabulary! I loved how they expressed themselves, the good and the bad people

Of the many well-put sentences delivered in this well-intentioned and high-minded film, I remember Nickleby saying near the end, "Weakness is tiring, but strength is exhausting."

Enjoyable in the extreme.......2007-07-26

What an excellent production of the Dicken's classic Nicholas Nickleby. The cast is superb and the production is first rate. At first I was concerned about the length of the movie, wondering how they could get all of the book details covered in so short a time, but I was not disappointed. I have all of the BBC versions of Dicken's work and this movie is a first rate addition to that set.

Really enjoyable!.......2007-06-22

I usually like all adaptations of classics, because the film always starts with a great story. Some are done better than others and director Doug McGrath did a really good job with this one. I haven't read the novel so I can't compare the film to the book but the film felt complete in itself--I didn't sense that anything essential to the story was missing.

Everything about this is well done- the script, the settings, costumes, music, all of it. The cast is superb--a really fine group of established, talented actors and it's a pleasure to watch them. Some reviewers here didn't like the lead actor, Charlie Hunnan, but I thought he was perfect for the role--young, innocent (the director said he was looking for someone "lamblike") and certainly handsome. I quickly became engaged in the character, Nicholas, due to the qualities of this young man--his charm and earnestness. Tall, blond, with great cheekbones, he is the essence of a romantic hero, at least in my book.

The crippled orphan, Slake, is brilliantly played by Jamie Bell. It's a hard part, I think and the temptation to overdo the pathos is great. He did it just right and won the hearts of most all viewers, as you can read here. I felt that Anne Hathaway was the weakest link but she's not bad and fortunately, she's only in the last part.

Having seen quite a few hyper-arty films lately that seem to eschew any real action, emotion or....God forbid....an ending that offers real emotional resolution, I found this to be a wonderful relief. Goodbye artiness, bring back art!

I loved it.......2007-05-18

Little Smike broke my heart and after renting it I went out and bought my own copy.

A good adaptation .......2007-04-17

This movie, which was a wonderful adaptation to Dickens' masterpiece, did a good job at covering a very lengthy and in depth novel. I will not bother to summerize the movie - I guess that others have done that - so I will instead just say that this is a good and relaxing adaptation. If you want to just sit down and enjoy a very good adaptation to this novel, than this is the movie for you. It is only a few hours, so you do not have to be constantly changing the DVD's and sit for hours on end, and the acting is superb. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes the novel Nicholas Nickleby and wants a nice and uplifting movie. One things, however, is that it was heavily abridged, so if you want more details - or if you are trying to skimp out on having to read the entire book for an assignment - then you will want one of the other box sets. Otherwise, this is a good movie. It also has a wonderful soundtrack to accompany it, by a wonderful Mrs. Portman. One of my favorites.

Average customer rating:

incredibly stupid story
ok, but pretty basic....
Not bad, but it's no "24" either...
another good Depp movie...
Walken at his usual, creepy self.

Nick of Time
Starring: Johnny Depp , Courtney Chase , Charles S. Dutton , Christopher Walken , and Roma Maffia
Director: John Badham
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00000IRE6
Release Date: 1999-06-22

Description

The clock is ticking for Johnny Depp in Nick of Time, a twist-filled, race-against-time thriller directed by John Badham (Drop Zone, Saturday Night Fever). And indeed it is a race, filmed in "real time" so that onscreen events unfold minute by nail-biting minute as they would in real life. No sooner does accountant Gene Watson (Depp) arrive at L.A.'s Union station with his six-year-old daughter than he's plunged into a nightmare. Two shadowy strangers (Christopher Walken, Roma Maffia) separate Watson from his little girl, slap a gun into his hand and present a devil's bargain: kill a top government official before she leaves a nearby political rally... or never again see his beloved child.

Customer Reviews:

incredibly stupid story.......2007-08-27

I just watched this film this morning -- nearly a dozen years after the film's release. I wish I had actually never seen it.

What a stupid story! The entire premise is so preposterous that I imagine this film can only be enjoyed if you have the ability to suspend all critical thinking while viewing it. As others have commented, it makes absolutely no sense that this random accountant would be enlisted at the last minute to assassinate a governor, especially given the apparently large network of conspirators involved. Why Johnny Depp's character wouldn't have screamed for help as soon as he and his daughter were being abducted is beyond me. (Are we really to believe that he assumed that the "police" had a legitimate reason for detaining him and his daughter the way they did?) Later while he's pointing the gun at the head of the woman watching his child and she effectively talks him out of pulling the trigger by scaring him that the gunfire would "go through the seat" or be "deflected by a button" and hurt his girl, I could not believe how stupid his character apparently was. A quick shot in the woman's head from the angle at which he was holding the gun would certainly not go through the seat or deflect off a button, and the woman would certainly be dead and he could have taken his daughter and fled. And on and on with the ridiculous scenarios.

By far the worst film I've seen Johnny Depp in. The director even managed to mitigate Depp's sex appeal by making his character plain looking and apparently moronic beyond words.

ok, but pretty basic...........2007-05-26

This story is to commen these days. I got board.

Not bad, but it's no "24" either..........2007-05-06

Nick of Time was a bit of a disappointment considering the make-up of the cast, Johnny Depp and Christopher Walken among others, though by no means is it a bad movie.
A man is blackmailed into assassinating the governor of California within an hour and a half or else his daughter will be killed. The movie takes place in real time and does bring to mind the masterpiece series "24," (though it doesn't come anywhere close to Jack Bauer's world).
In short, the acting is pretty good (though nothing great), the action/special effects are just average, while the plot is rather poor.
Moreover, most characters are weak, bland and just plain uninteresting.
In a nutshell, it's probably not a movie you would want to add to your collection, but it will provide for an evening's entertainment, and that's about it.
No masterpiece here... 3.5 Stars

another good Depp movie..........2007-04-23

my mother say's Johnny Depp is one of her favorite actors. we'll of the younger generation. he's a truly gifted actor and fully becomes each character he plays.
i like watching his movies as well. this one has Christopher Walken playing in it. it's set in real time. he's given a gun a photo and a short amount of time to kill someone. i'm not going to say who or what causes him to do it, just watch it and find out.
don't read any detailed reviews. if you've not seen it watch it for the first time and just see it. anything more descriptive will ruin the whole movie for you.
it is worth buying as well, but if you are into just renting you won't be disappointed. a good flick...
enjoy,
CMH

Walken at his usual, creepy self........2007-01-31

This is a very suspenseful, intense movie that totally satisfies. There are no explosions or special effects. It's just a tightly wound, well-acted movie. Christopher Walken is at his usual, creepy self; and despite Johnny Depp not being one of my favorite actors or people, he still delivers. The plot is very interesting. A man's daughter is kidnapped and held hostage while he is blackmailed into killing a politician to keep his daughter alive. A nice film to occupy an hour and half of your time on a Saturday night.

Average customer rating:

Wilderness Love
Loved it

Wilderness Love
Starring: Valerie Bertinelli , Jeffrey Nordling , Brittney Irvin , Ross Malinger , and Michael Welch
Director: Jeffrey Reiner
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000MDH85K
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Customer Reviews:

Wilderness Love.......2007-08-16

A GOOD movie for all the family. Kids try to reunite their parents. Highly recommend this film for all ages.

Loved it.......2007-08-09

Such a cute movie. My husband even sat down and watched it with me and he even laughed. Great movie. I could watch it over and over.

DVD:

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