School of Rock (Widescreen Edition)

Amazon.com

Turbo-charged comic Jack Black shakes School of Rock to its foundations, wailing with born-again metalhead passion as Dewey Finn, a guitarist who gets kicked out of a band because he grandstands too much--or, to put it another way, enjoys himself. Through an intercepted phone call, Finn gets a job as a substitute teacher for a fifth grade class at a private grade school. Neither students nor teacher quite know what to do with each other until Finn discovers that some of his young charges can play instruments; at once he starts turning them into a blistering rock & roll troupe that can crush his former band at an upcoming competition. School of Rock is silly and formulaic, but director Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused), writer Mike White (The Good Girl), and especially Black and co-star Joan Cusack invest the formulas with such glee that the movie is irresistibly fun. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Great for kids & parents!.......2007-09-04

This movie is on a very short list of movies that the kids like/love and the parents also enjoy. Be prepared for language at the beginning but a great story with awesome music.

It's not meant to be a world changer.......2007-08-13

If you watch movies only for intellectual reasons, you won't like this film. I watch for entertainment purposes only!. I don't ask if this is real life or if this or that character holds up to critical scrutiny. Who cares???? I watch for enjoyment. If I wanted intellectual I'd pull out one of my old college textbooks. This is a funny movie period. Not a laugh till you cry kind but it is very funny. Jack Black plays Dewey Finn, a maybe washed up rock guitarist, with a passion. He is obsessed with classic rock and thinks anyone who isn't is brain dead. This movie is a hoot (kids kind of irked me at times though) if you like Jack Black and like to be entertained without having your head explode from trying to figure out "the meaning". Just sit back and enjoy.

Not the best comedy in the world, but decent enough to enjoy..........2007-08-13

There was a lot of hype surrounding `School of Rock' by the time I finally got around to watching it; hype that I'm not sure I really understand. Sure, parts of this film are funny, but it's never so funny that I can't hold back the laughter. In fact, for every critic and fan alike who scream this as being one of Black's greatest film roles (there was even talk back when this was released of his performance being `Oscar' worthy) I'm left a little confused because to me he's done much better than this. Black does have his moments, but it's never enough to really convince me that he's award worthy. To me it's nothing more than an amiably funny performance.

The film follows Dewey Finn, played by Black, a down on his luck guitar player who never stopped following his dream even though it left him broke, friendless and pretty much considered a loser by his peers. Being behind on his rent and jobless (recently being booted from his band) Dewey steals the identity of his roommate and takes on a sub-teaching job at a local elementary school. Dewey of course has no idea what to do with these children, that is until he finds out that they are all insanely talented musicians. Wanting to compete in `The Battle of the Bands' he decides to form a band within his classroom disguising the idea as a school project for next quarter that they are getting a leg up on.

The plot of course follows the same formula of `dork uses people, everything goes great, dork is exposed, dork learns lesson, everything is great' that most comedies of this persuasion find themselves pigeonholed into, but it's still fun. The musical numbers are by far the more entertaining scenes in the film, especially at the end when they perform at `The Battle of the Bands'.

Some have mentioned that Black steals the show, but I strongly disagree. To me it's Joan Cusack, the school principle, who steals every frame. Cusack is probably my all time favorite supporting actress. She makes even the unwatchable films worth the time. Here, as the uptight principle she is just completely on mark the whole time. She's quick witted, funny and intelligent, a brilliant actress. Sarah Silverman also adds some character as the only real villain in the film, playing Dewey's roommates battleaxe of a girlfriend. She's funny in that irritating yelling `want to sock her in the mouth' kind of way, which I didn't expect from her.

All in all this is not a bad film, it is funny, but it lacks originality, and to me Black is just not that wonderful. He serves his purpose (that of playing the dim witted idiot who learns a life lesson as well as teaches one) but any other comedian could have pulled this off, maybe even better. Black is no Ferrell or Carrey, but he does succeed in making the general public laugh, most of the time, and here is one of his more polished roles (as in not much gross humor or unnecessary crudeness) so it should appeal to most in the family. I may not completely agree with the praise heaped upon this film, but I can't argue with the fact that it did make me laugh and didn't leave me sour.

School of Rock rocks.............2007-08-11

I caught SCHOOL OF ROCK on network television and was thoroughly entertained. Jack Black stars as Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck rock musician who is out of work and out of excuses. Well, with a little fast talking and identity theft Finn takes the identity of his zombie roommate and assumes the role of substitute teacher at a prestigious academy. The kids he is to teach are expecting him to teach standard school subjects. Dewey, a rock musician, is not prepared to teach them anything. But, there is one subject that touches his soul--that is rock music. It turns out that several of his students are musically inclined, and they end up developing a musical ensemble, while avoiding the suspicious unlooking of an uptight school superintendent (Joan Cusak). This is pure fantasy, but, Jack Black is a terrific physical comedian [comparable, perhaps, to the late, great Chris Farley]. The kids are hilarious and come from varying backgrounds and it's wonderful to watch Dewey bring them to life with music. From what I have heard, this is one of the better Jack Black films. I think that this is definitely worth a place in your NetFlix queue. Very cute!

Study Your Rock History & Theory!.......2007-07-17

I loved this movie! It's totally fun for the whole family. There are no dull moments. Everyone is perfectly cast. Jack Black is perfection in this roll. I liked it so much I bought the soundtrack.

Average customer rating:

The Prince and Me 2 - A Little Disappointing
A Great love story:
Run, Don't Walk Away From this One
The Prince & Me 2 - The Roy Wedding
Very disappointed

The Prince & Me 2 - The Royal Wedding
Starring: Luke Mably , Kam Heskin , Maryam d'Abo , Clemency Burton-Hill , and Jonathan Firth
Director: Catherine Cyran
Manufacturer: First Look Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000CDSS0Y
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Customer Reviews:

The Prince and Me 2 - A Little Disappointing.......2007-08-23

I liked the story, but wished that the actors had been the same. The only one that was the same as the original Prince and Me movie was Luke Mably (the Prince). The chemistry between Luke Mably and Kam Heskin was not the same as it was between Luke Mably and Julia Stiles. It was not as close a relationship this time around. With all of the characters being different actors, I felt like I was looking in on some sort of alternate Earth. The only actors which looked like they could have been the same as the first movie was the crowd - which should have been different.

A Great love story:.......2007-07-11

It was a great romantic,idealistic,warm hearted love story.Free spirited,level headed, American, Paige, and Prince Edvard love was
put to the test.
The Danish Prince kingship was in jeopardy when an old law stating that an unmarried heir to the throne can only marry a woman of noble blood, or else relinquish the throne.
The Monarch Prince, had to find a loop hole,or relinquish the crown for
love.
Enjoyable, funny, keep you on the edge of your seat love story.
A must see!

Run, Don't Walk Away From this One.......2007-06-06

You just saw the Prince and Me, and with magic in your eyes you want more, well, you are not going to find it here in this straight to video horror.

The scene where the Prince's future wife walks into a room of the worst computer animated butterflies should have been hint enough but there is more...

First you wonder where the rest of the cast has gone, not even the minor, minor characters have returned for a reprise (except the poor Prince).

The plot is not worthy of a movie of the week. It is the typical "We must prevent a commoner from ascending to throne."

Trust me, put the first one back in the DVD player and lets pretend it just did not happen. Watch it and you will be royally sore.

The Prince & Me 2 - The Roy Wedding.......2007-05-30

A fine, light romance movie, have enjoyed watching it several times. The only thing that would have made this movie better would have been to have the original cast members from "The Prince and Me" movie. But still a very fine movie and beautiful scenery.

Very disappointed.......2007-05-26

It's hard to like a second movie like this one... Only 1 actor returned out of the big characters in the 1st movie. That is what really disappointed me. Julia really made the character in the 1st movie, and would have really made a huge difference in this film.

Average customer rating:

Good film but not one of my favorites
Dalton's Debut Is Impressive

The Living Daylights
Starring: Timothy Dalton , Maryam d'Abo , Jeroen Krabbé , Joe Don Baker , and John Rhys-Davies
Director: John Glen (II)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000NDEXPM
Release Date: 2007-05-22

Amazon.com

Timothy Dalton made his 007 debut in the lean, mean mode of Sean Connery, doing away with the pun-filled camp of Roger Moore's final outings. This James Bond is ruthless, tough, and romantic. The Living Daylights, set during the thaw of the cold war, begins with the defection of Russian KGB General Koskov (Jeroen Krabb) and his revelation of a Soviet plot to eliminate Britain's secret agent force. Assigned to eliminate Koskov's Soviet boss (John Rhys-Davies), Bond uncovers a conspiracy involving Koskov and an American arms dealer (Joe Don Baker). Veteran series director John Glen's action scenes have never been better--especially the show-stopping mid-air battle on the net of a speeding cargo plane--and he returns the series to the smart, rough, high-energy adventures that made the Bond reputation. --Sean Axmaker

Customer Reviews:

Good film but not one of my favorites.......2007-06-14

Dalton did a great job in his short time as Bond. They didn't give him a lot to work with in this one, but he still did a good job.

Dalton's Debut Is Impressive.......2007-04-04

The first thing that struck me about this film is that Timothy Dalton could act and he took the part very seriously. I found THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS to be one of the better James Bond films. I think it is the best since ON HER MAJESTY's SECRET SERVICE. I really liked Timothy Dalton as James Bond, the James Bond he gave us in this film (THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS). He was not the hard edged civil servant but more of a thinking man's blunt instrument as he demonstrated his reluctance to get the job done "their" way as opposed to "his" way.

John Barry delivered his last 007 score and it is one of his best. I also enjoyed a-ha's rich and lyrical theme song played over Maurice Binder's main titles, which are very reflective. This was also the last Bond film made during the actual cold war. We see a much more intelligent British agent discern that the KGB is not made up of a bunch of hoodlums but instead it is actually headed by an equally intelligent counterpart to "M" and the like. The dark yet richly colored photography and locations bring back much of the feel of the earlier Bond films.

Timothy Dalton deserved to be around much longer as James Bond based on his work in this film.

Average customer rating:

Great for kids & parents!
It's not meant to be a world changer
Not the best comedy in the world, but decent enough to enjoy...
School of Rock rocks......
Study Your Rock History & Theory!

School of Rock (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Jack Black , Adam Pascal , Lucas Papaelias , Chris Stack , and Sarah Silverman
Director: Richard Linklater
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00018U9FW
Release Date: 2004-03-02

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Great for kids & parents!.......2007-09-04

This movie is on a very short list of movies that the kids like/love and the parents also enjoy. Be prepared for language at the beginning but a great story with awesome music.

It's not meant to be a world changer.......2007-08-13

Not the best comedy in the world, but decent enough to enjoy..........2007-08-13

School of Rock rocks.............2007-08-11

Study Your Rock History & Theory!.......2007-07-17

I loved this movie! It's totally fun for the whole family. There are no dull moments. Everyone is perfectly cast. Jack Black is perfection in this roll. I liked it so much I bought the soundtrack.

Average customer rating:

Entertaining Re-Telling
The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships?
Helen of Troy
"Helen" not so bad
Way too much Helen, not enough Troy

Helen of Troy
Starring: Sienna Guillory , Matthew Marsden , Rufus Sewell , John Rhys-Davies , and Maryam d'Abo
Director: John Kent Harrison
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00005JMH8
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Description

One of the most epic adventure stories of all time comes powerfully to life in this original four-hour epic-series. Filmed in exotic locales with an international cast and featuring state-of-the-art special effects, Helen of Troy depicts one of the greatest battles ever fought to win the love of the world's most beautiful woman. Though married to Menelaus, King of Sparta, Helen (Sienna Guillory) falls madly in love with Paris (Matthew Marsden) a handsome Trojan prince. Together, the lovers flee to Troy, where they are given safe haven by Paris' father, King Priam (John Rhys-Davies). Bent on bringing Helen back, the king's ruthless brother Agememnon (Rufus Sewell) leads the skilled Spartan army to the shores of the fabled city. There the Greeks lay siege to Troy, thus beginning one of history's most legendary wars which would ultimately decide the destinies of two empires.

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining Re-Telling.......2007-07-27

Ronni Kern's 2003 re-write of Homer's epic "Iliad" is interesting and entertaining. Sienna Guilloy, in the title role, plays "Helen of Troy" very much like modern Americans want to see the ancient beauty queen... with compassion, concern, gallant heroism, and decorum. Helen's is an ancient love story retold here in a little over three hours. (The wretched length of this movie, with two DVDs!, keeps it from earning the fifth star.)

John Rhys-Davies and Maryam D'abo give great, if too brief, performances as Troy's King and Queen. Rufus Sewell is brilliant, and frightening, as the murderous Agamemnon. And one wants to stand and cheer with the demise of Joe Montana's Achilles at the hands of Matthew Marsden's Paris (both exceptional portrayals!).

The best parts of this flick are the beautiful out door settings and battle scenes. Dramatic rocky cliffs over blue oceans present the impressions of the ancient Aegean. One feels apart of the Grecian landscape with this movie.

In battle, the Greeks would have certainly jumped from their ships into the surf to charge ashore. The Trojans would have definitely rained down clouds of arrows upon their attackers. The fighting choreographies here are brilliant and instructive. The clash of these titans and the melee that follows reflect, from a distance of 4000 year ago, what probably happened. The Trojan Horse is also very imaginative and convincing (the Greeks would have built it from available materials, as this horse depicts).

Purists will correctly say that this screenplay does not present Homer accurately. But this film never makes that claim- its basic idea is not attributed to the Greek poet. This film is, rather, for 21st century amusement with an ancient novelistic flavor. It's worth the viewing.

The Face That Launched A Thousand Ships?.......2006-09-21

This version is fairly well-made; my only complaint was the casting of Helen. Obviously when casting such a role, one cannot please everyone. But I found it impossible to believe this woman was the most beautiful woman in the world, whose appearance so bewitched and fascinated men that they would kill and die for her. The actress cast as Helen is certainly pretty, but in a rather waif-like and generic "Vogue" way that is certainly not representative of classical ideals of beauty in any way. Helen should not be merely "pretty", like most modern magazine models are, but her beauty should be more unusual and striking. For a perfect example of this kind of beauty, I refer you to Leelee Sobieski as the nymph Deianeira in the 2005 TV version of "Hercules". Now that's a Helen.

Helen of Troy.......2006-05-28

Personally, I found the movie entertaining and did get more than a few chuckles out of the present handling nad mischaracterization of the Greek story. It has little or nothing to do with the epic Helen or the Illiad, and Oddessey which could cause the movie to fall flat on its face for lack of any real connection to the actual story. The very worst part to me is the mishandling and misrepresentaion of Achilles and the way he lived, fought, and died. The portrayed rape of Helen by Agamemnon was a serious deviation from the epic poetry and other than groos and unnecessary sensationalizing of a terrible event which is entirely missing from the literature. Helen did accompany Menelaus back to Sparta and they seem to have lived out their lives there. I would recommend this movie for entertainment purposes only with the hope that it might stimulate others into reading Homer, about Crete, About Mycenae, and about Greek in particular. I will not criticize tha actors in this drama although I think they were underprepared for the role but did the best they could with what they had been given. If it stimulates the viewer's interest into exploring the other fine books and DVD's that are currently coming out, the movie will have far exceeded its potential. I would strongly recommend Homer's Illiad/Oddessey, Paul Cartledge's The Spartans, Anything by Bettand Hughes, a historian extrordinaire and a story teller of the very highest quality. Her books and DVD's will touch you heart and soul. In addition, Tom Holland's Persion Fire is an exceptional read which literally makes history come alive as does Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire which is a historical narrative of the Battle for the Gates of Thermoplyae. Having experienced the blood, sweat, tears, fear, and terror of hand to hand combat, I can attest the his book will make you feel like you were there and you understood, and will understand, why men can dedicate themselves to a country and a cause much bigger than themselves. All soldiers fear being hurt or killed on a humbug (events bordering on incompentence) but are prepared to die honorably if the cause is just. His book is the closest you will ever come to sharing the frontline without actually getting out there and doing it. Kudos to him. I love the book.

"Helen" not so bad.......2006-01-17

I actually enjoyed this TV version of the fated story...it was not the epic that "Troy" is, with the multi-million dollar scenery and costumes--not to mention Brad Pitt--but the storyline was much more Homer...plus I feel that the actors were more into their characters and not so "Hollywood." (It's kind of hard to see Brad Pitt as Achilles, b/c he's Brad Pitt, even if he is a great actor)...I saw this on TV and fell in love with it...I really liked the way Agamemnon and Helen's relationship was portrayed, even if it isn't accurate...Helen is portrayed as much more childlike and naive, but she was only a child, a beautiful, pawned child...Agamemnon is seen as teetering on the brink of madness throughout the entire movie, as he probably was...the fight scenes were nothing to write home about and neither were several of the performances, but they had Cassandra and her foretellings, Agamemnon sacrificing his daughter in order to sail for Troy, Agamemnon being killed by Clytemnestra (even if it was in Troy), the pre-story of Paris and the fate of Troy, Pollux (but no Castor), and the fact that Helen was a Spartan (not through marriage to Menalaus but by birth--Menelaus inherited Sparta by marrying Helen)...in all, this movie is worth watching, if only for another take on the classic story.

Way too much Helen, not enough Troy.......2005-10-26

If you are wanting to see anything that even vaguely looks like the Illiad, forget this movie. The death of Hector is poor beyond belief. It was a waste of money, oh well.

Average customer rating:

Garbage
Eleven Views
Hard to find but worth the search
A Mixed but Worthwhile Experience
It drags you in and makes you think!

September 11
Starring: Maryam Karimi , Emmanuelle Laborit , Jérôme Horry , Nour El-Sherif , and Ahmed Haroun
Director: Sean Penn , Youssef Chahine , and Amos Gitai
Manufacturer: FIRST RUN FEATURES
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00062J0NA
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Product Description

Eleven acclaimed directors each make an 11
minute short film in response to the 9/11 terrorist
attacks. The result is a daring and moving global
cinematic reply that "forces us to look at the
entire event afresh." (New York Times)
Featuring films by: Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel, Amores Perros); Mira Nair (The Namesake, Vanity Fair); Ken Loach (The Wind That Shakes the Barley); Sean Penn (Into the Wild) & more! 135 minutes, color, subtitled

Customer Reviews:

Garbage.......2007-09-16

This movie seemed like a series of the worst student films I have ever seen. In addition, some of the acting was the worst since the invention of film. Avoid this garbage as if it was an on-coming semi truck.

Eleven Views.......2007-08-12

"September 11"

Eleven Views

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

Eleven directors from eleven countries have each contributed an eleven minute short film about the events of September 11, 2001 on an amazing new DVD, "September 11" from First Run Features.
This is more than just a film--it is exquisite. Here we have an entire global community showing the effect of a single event on the entire world. We, as Americans, still feel the pain of what happened that fateful day but we also need to know that there is an entire culture which is not American that exists outside of our world which we, as Americans, cannot expect to react, contribute or sympathize in the same way or in the way we would like them to. Here is an illustration of the relativity of the impact that a tragic event can have on everyone.
Each eleven minute film here offers an idea of what and who we are. We see children thousands of miles away who have no concept of American culture. A segment dealing with the Palestinian-Israeli issue shows us that all depends on whose side you are on. There is a film that is just the cacophony of voices which express every emotion on that day while showing visions that defy the conventional understanding of what terror is.
The final film is an allegory that man's need for righteous indignation and violence is a part of his nature. The films vary in content and style and quality especially in regard to terrorist acts in Chile and Palestine and the way that they allude to the American complicity in terrorist acts. There is also a great deal of irony shown here especially in the film from the United States which is directed by Sean Penn. A man is seen grieving in his New York apartment but his shadows of grief disappear when the World Trade Towers fall t the ground and bring him a short lived joy. Through his newly lighted space, he realizes that the wife he has been mourning is really gone now. In the movie from India we see a missing young Pakistani who was thought to be a terrorist turn out to be a hero who sacrificed his own life to save others in the burning WTC.
One of the main themes of the films is that of poignancy and faith. From quoting St. Augustine through anger to the narrating of the tragedy to school children in Iran and their non-caring reaction, the film reminds us once again of that day we will never forget.
We can rest assured that there will be plenty of films about 9/11 and this eleven film compilation is going to prove to be the best of them all, I feel. Of course I cannot say that all of the eleven are great films but taken as a whole "September 11, is impressive, interesting and fascinating.
What I found amazing is shown beautifully in the selection by Amos Gitai of Israel. An Israeli journalist is trying to report on a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv but her story gets bumped because of what is happening in New York which shows just how powerful war and media are and how far we still have t go to find peace in the world. The film reveals the genius of the media in pitting nation against nation and in creating a sense of patriotism which is, indeed, false. War is not good for anyone.
It is not surprising to learn from these films that world regard for America is neutral. We learn why this feeling exists through watching these eleven short films. There are really no bad guys and no good guys--there are only those who suffer. Sure some of the segments here are better than others but seeing the feelings of other countries is important and lets us understand the reality of today.

Hard to find but worth the search.......2007-05-28

Originally titled 11'9"01, this film was retitled September 11th for the US DVD release. The original title is more appropriate since it also expressed the length of each piece. All the filmmakers were commissioned to produce a film that was exactly 11 minutes, 9 seconds and 1 frame long. Apparently this title is out of print, so you'll have to purchase a used version, but that is a small sacrifice for such an amazing film.

The 11 short films are from such excellent directors as Ken Loach(The Wind That Shakes the Barley),Youssef Chahine (Alexandria...Why?), Amos Gitai(Free Zone), Alejandro González Iñárritu(Babel), Shohei Imamura(Vengeance Is Mine - Criterion Collection), Claude Lelouch(Rendezvous), Danis Tanovic(No Man's Land), Samira Makhmalbaf(Blackboards), Mira Nair(Monsoon Wedding), Idrissa Ouedraogo(Tilai), and Sean Penn(The Assassination of Richard Nixon).

Surprisingly, Penn's entry from the US is the least of all these works, and also the least connected to the tragedy of September 11th. All the rest explore the events of the day from a variety of perspectives, including a surprisingly sympathetic view from Iran and a righteous polemic from Egypt. Some of the stories focus on the personal, such as Lelouch's sad and fascinating vingette about a deaf woman and her hearing lover. Others, such as Loach's history lesson on South American politics and the repercussions of American foreign policy, attempt to relate on a more global level. Iñárritu avoids his usual multiple storylines to simply juxtapose horrific images from the day with total silence and blackness, as if to say that it is impossible to convey the enormity and tragedy of it all.

Many of these directors were "undiscovered" in the US when this film was made. Several of them have either won or been nominated for Academy Awards in years since, and all of them turn in first rate work here(except Penn, but I've never cared for his directing anyway, so perhaps it is of a piece with his other work).

When I watched this for the first time recently, in spring 2007, I was struck with a profound sadness and anger. This film was released in September 2002, one year after the attacks. In the 5 years since, every shred of sympathy, compassion and understanding that is expressed in this film was squandered on a ill conceived war in Iraq. Even the most confrontational of these films, Chahine's scathing depiction of an argument between a dead US Marine and an Egyptian filmmaker, expresses compassion for our tragedy. Chahine suggests that the US look at our treatment of the Middle East and take this as a lesson, something to be mourned but also learned from. Even though the filmmaker character is angry with the US for its unilateral viewpoint, he still breaks down with emotion when confronted with the enormity of September 11th. Even though he feels the US needed a wake-up call, he cannot deny that the human cost is too high.

It would be interesting to get these filmmakers together again and make a 27'03"03, on the theme of the Iraq War.

A Mixed but Worthwhile Experience.......2007-01-31

"September 11" is not one film but rather 11 short ones, each directed by a different filmmaker. It attempts to give a variety of perspectives on how people around the globe received the news that the United States had been attacked. Featuring locales as diverse as Israel, Africa, and Japan, as well as the U.S., the film is predictably uneven, given the number of artistic hands at work. Youssef Chanine's Egyptian segment is unfocused and strident, while Shohei Imamura's Japanese piece and Sean Penn's American entry are elusive, at best. Ken Loach's UK piece, on the other hand, works quite well, as a displaced Chilean discusses his country's memories of a different 9/11, and Danis Tanovic's perspective from Bosnia-Herzegovina is also moving. Claude Lelouch's French contribution may be the high point, as it shows a deaf woman who spends all of 9/11 crafting a goodbye note to her lover, who has gone off to his job as a tour guide at the World Trade Center. For obvious reasons, she hears nothing of what has happened until he walks back in the door.

At the very least, the film succeeds in opening the mind to sensory and intellectual responses other than our own to these tragic events. History will have to be the judge of whether "September 11" is great art, just as history will be the judge of how the events of September 11, 2001 changed this country and the world. On both counts, at least a sensible dialogue can be said to have begun.

It drags you in and makes you think!.......2007-01-06

I honestly never read movie reviews to hope to gain understanding of a film. This film really makes you wan't to seek the thoughts of others on it. One reviewer points out that it makes you confused... it leaves you with a need for a better understanding... in this alone the film is a work of art.

Average customer rating:

An Authentic Zhivago
New is not always bad.
Dark, haunting and beautiful...A wonderful adaptation!
BUY THIS FILM NOW!
Nothing compared to the book or original movie!

Doctor Zhivago (TV Miniseries)
Starring: Sam MacLintock , Keira Knightley , Bill Paterson , Sam Neill , and Celia Imrie
Director: Giacomo Campiotti
Manufacturer: Acorn Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000C2IQG
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Amazon.com

The miniseries treatment is suited to Doctor Zhivago, the sprawling Boris Pasternak novel of a Russian physician-poet whose comfortable life is upended by the Revolution. And this near-four-hour British production lucidly demonstrates that Pasternak was one heck of a storyteller: the torment of Zhivago (Hans Matheson) as he must choose between his well-bred childhood sweetheart (Alexandra Maria Lara, real comer) and the tragically beautiful Lara (Keira Knightley, from Pirates of the Caribbean) remains compelling. The TV treatment can't match the epic sweep of David Lean's feature film, of course, with its cast of thousands and astonishing production design. Devotees of that 1965 version will undoubtedly yearn for Maurice Jarre's tinkly hit "Lara's Theme," too; here, Ludovico Einaudi's score is serviceable by comparison. Matheson never gets untracked in the title role, but the uncannily gorgeous Knightley and a supremely decadent Sam Neill (as her dreadful seducer) keep their characters vital. The limitations of the small screen duly noted, the frosty location shooting is handsome. Given the choice, see the Lean film on the big screen every time; but this is sturdy introduction to a classic story. --Robert Horton

Description

DOCTOR ZHIVAGO
A man torn between two women amid the chaos and brutality of the Russian Revolution
One of the world's most famous love stories and half a century of Russian history come to life in this adaptation of Pasternak's masterpiece by celebrated screenwriter Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones's Diary, Pride and Prejudice). War and revolution bring poet and physician Yury Zhivago (Hans Matheson) together with the beautiful Lara (Keira Knightley), his muse and all-consuming passion. But both are haunted--Yury by guilt over his betrayal of Tonya, his beloved wife, and Lara by fear of Komarovsky (Sam Neill), the powerful man who means to have her any way he can.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE 70 minutes of cast and crew interviews, photo gallery, filmographies, Boris Pasternak biography, English subtitles.

Complete UK broadcast edition
RECOMMENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES

Customer Reviews:

An Authentic Zhivago.......2007-09-11

It is as much a mistake as it is inevitable to compare this television adaptation to it the 1965 David Lean film. I adore the Lean film. However, my affection for it doesn't diminish my appreciation of this television version directed by Giacomo Campiotte. There are no epic vistas, the architecture is less grand the camera is closer, which may be as much a limitation of the medium as it is an artistic vision but which ever it is, it works.
There is more time in a television miniseries, time to explore nuances that have to be lost in the shorter film. We see closely the horrors of the First World War and the subsequent Revolution in Russia. These are not mere backdrops, but powerful environments that mold, in many ways, the fates of the characters, chief of which in the popular imagination is Larisa Antipova, Lara.
I do not think it should be held against Kiera Knightly, as some have done, that she is not Julie Christy. Kiera Knightly doesn't play her as a pure victim; this Lara is a survivor. She was not seduced by Komorovsky. She decided to do what was needed. Komorovsky was a powerful man and she needed to keep him interested in the welfare of her family. That consciousness, that distancing, paradoxically, allows her to retain her innocence. It also makes her a more complex character, less radiant, perhaps, but more accessible. It is not lust that moves her, nor is it helplessness. Zhivago is quite right in saying he could not have loved her if she had no regrets, for even though she loathed Komorovsky, yet she did enjoy his sexual talents as long as she had to endure them.
Lara is a catalyst. Like the novel, like Mother Russia herself, Lara's character takes on the essence of how she is perceived and interpreted by the men in her life. There is a line in the Lean film where Zhivago shows Lara a poem about her. She says, "This is not me; it's you." To Komorvsky, she is a slut. To Pasha, she is a despoiled woman. To Zhivago she is an earthy saint. To herself, though, she is all of these and more. For this interpretation of her character, Kiera Knightly is perfect.
There are few, if any, sour notes among the actors.
The use of actual footage of the Russian Revolution may have been dictated by budgetary considerations, but it is also an excellent artistic choice, fully grounding the story in history and providing an authentic environment to contain the story.
Now, I wish the Russian version of this wonderful story were available with English titles.

New is not always bad........2007-03-22

I too prefer this version.

But I am odd-man out because I never loved the original screen adaptation. Perhaps because although full of great talents, it failed to make me care about the characters. I did love the "making of" footage on the collector's edition I bought, but the film never impressed me. Like many of the other reviewers I have a great deal of respect for Julie Christie as an actress but her performance fell flat, which I blame on the director. Lean may have been great at epic scope, but making an audience connect with and understand the main characters seems not to have been his focus, in this project at least.

This new Zhivago does not leave you scratching your head wondering why it's such a celebrated love story. Yes that is due mostly to having more time for the story to unfold. We get to know the characters and sympathize with them. This version gave me a much greater respect for Tonya, and made Yuri's struggle between his passion for Lara and his devotion to Tonya plainer to the viewer. Andrew Davies (writer) has a brilliant talent for bringing the essence of a story to the screen in the miniseries format.

The real stand out for me (other than the always delightful Sam Neill) was Kris Marshall. He was a brilliant Pasha. A far cry from the dorky Colin of "Love Actually." He is also great in "The Merchant of Venice" with Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons.

The comparisons I have seen of "Matheson to Sharif" and "Knightley to Christie" have been inappropriate. Acting, though essentially the same, was done in a rather different style back when the original was made. Rather wooden compared to some modern interpretations (not a statement of quality, just saying I'm used to something different). This was not always the case but I consider it as good a reason as any why two such great artists as Christie and Sharif failed to move me in that film. I'm not entirely convinced those who criticize the new leads by comparing them with the old aren't looking more at the lifetime of work the former actors have to their credit, rather than their specific performances in Dr. Zhivago. "Luminosity" can be acheived with proper makeup and lighting.

One might also consider what the filmmakers intended to convey. If their goals are acheived, it should be considered an accomplishment regardless of personal taste.

In honesty I must admit that I have not yet been brave enough to tackle the book. Something about Russian drama in literature intimidates me, I suppose.

I don't expect anyone to go by my review really. I simply offer my opinions to counter those I see here with which I disagree. See the film for yourself and decide. There is no law that says anyone must love any adaptation.

Dark, haunting and beautiful...A wonderful adaptation!.......2006-11-17

It has been almost a whole decade since I read the Boris Pasternak classic novel this miniseries is based on and I admit that my memory of the book was kind of sketchy, but having watched this gorgeous adaptation has brought it all back to me. I have read some novels set during the Russian Revolution. The last one I read with the aforementioned setting was an erotic novel called The Captivation. Most of the books I've read based on revolutionary Russia glossed over the events, but Pasternak gave a clear and disturbing image of everything that went on. Doctor Zhivago is brought to life with a unique love story set against the backdrop of one of the most memorable wars in history. Hans Matheson plays Dr. Yuri Zhivago -- a young man whose main passions are caring for his patients and writing poetry. He marries the young woman he grows up with (Alexandra Maria Lara) and has two children with her. During the revolution and the first world war, he is driven apart from his family. He reunites with them only to become exiles. When Zhivago meets and falls for Lara (Keiran Knightley), he is torn between honor and duty for his wife and his passionate love for Lara. Lara has gone through many things herself. She tries to get away from the man who takes away her innocence (Sam Neill) and marries a young man who becomes obsessed with the revolution (Kriss Marshall). Through almost four hours in this powerful miniseries, we see the struggles the star-crossed lovers go through during the midst of the revolution, and how their love survives in spite of the obstacles.

I never saw the 1965 film version so I cannot make any comparisons. In fact, I am glad I haven't watched the previous film because I cannot help compare the old and new works. All I can say is that once again Andrew Davies has done a marvelous job adapting another classic. This miniseries is dark, poignant and haunting and it has affected me a great deal. There are disturbing scenes here that stay in your mind long after you've watched them. People have complained about British actors in what is supposed to be a Russian film, speaking with an English accent instead of using a Russian accent, but I think the actors chosen have done a wonderful job. And I'd rather hear them speak with their natural way instead of using a phony Russian accent that would probably make them sound silly and in turn drag you out of the story and dialogue. Hans Matheson is wonderful as Dr. Yuri Zhivago. He brings his conflicting emotions to life. Even though I am not a big fan of Keiran Knightley, I think she is wonderful as Lara. Alexandra Maria Lara is very pretty and turns in an engaging performance playing Tonya, Yuri's wife. Sam Neill plays the villainous Victor Komarovsky with aplomb. He is hateful and ammoral and you hate him from beginning to end. The most surprising actor here, however, is Kriss Marshall. Having seen him in the BBC sitcom My Family and in the movie Love, Actually, he struck me more as a comic actor, but I see that he has a wide range of acting skills and I was suitably amazed by his performance. As for other aspects of the film, the early twentieth century setting and the backdrop of the Russian Revolution are quite wonderful, haunting and beautiful. Well, the scenes related to the revolution are quite graphic at times, but I'm glad about that. I get tired of watching films where they gloss over these important events. I love this story centered on star-crossed romance and heartbreak. I felt awful for Tonya for losing Yuri to Lara, but I always got the feeling that his affections for her were more brotherly than romantic, for they grew up together. Lara is the proverbial flawed, tragic heroine and she moved me to the core. As said before, Knightley isn't one of my favorite actresses but she does succeed in moving me here. All in all, I love Doctor Zhivago. This is a must-have for your DVD collection. The other reviewers have piqued my interest and I think I shall give the 1965 film a whirl as well.

BUY THIS FILM NOW!.......2006-08-06

I love this adaptation of Dr Zhvivago it is amazing, so moving and thought provoking it is simply brilliant. Kris Marshall gives a stellar performance as Strelnikof and he is HOT but that isnt why I like the movie!! You wont regret buying this film.

Nothing compared to the book or original movie!.......2006-07-22

This Brit re-make just doesn't cut it! Russia has been open to Westerners since 1991! Why use a Brit [Knightley] trying to act like a Russian, which she can't do, when they could have used Russians in the lead roles? If they HAD to use Knightley for star appeal, put her in a lesser role. It doesn't ring true but maybe that's because I have spent a lot of time in Russia with real Russians. In fact, I have my own Russian Love story but that could be another movie!

Average customer rating:

The Iranian quotidian reality!
Circular plot (probable spoiler review)
Outstanding movie-A real eye opener
When good intentions collapse
rasitha

The Circle
Starring: Nargess Mamizadeh , Maryiam Palvin Almani , Mojgan Faramarzi , Elham Saboktakin , and Monir Arab
Director: Jafar Panahi
Manufacturer: Fox Lorber
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005RRJE
Release Date: 2001-12-26

Amazon.com

It's a girl. The first words spoken in Jafar Panahi's The Circle should be celebratory, but instead the mood of the scene is mournful. The relatives will be furious. Director Jafar Panahi leaves the innocence of his delightful The White Balloon behind in this harrowing, passionate portrait of the plight women endured in Iran before the easing of strict Muslim law. His vision of women scrambling through streets and dodging cops like fugitives in a police state is more of a nightmarish fable than a realist drama, but no less affecting for it. Panahi drifts through the stories of a handful of women recently released from prison (their crimes are left ominously vague) with an easy grace and an angry sense of injustice that brings us full circle: back to prison, where a cell door shuts with a deafening clang that reverberates through the credits and beyond. --Sean Axmaker

Description

A woman gives birth to a baby girl. Little does she know, but she and her daughter are already unwanted. Three women are released from prison and their need for money leads them to take desperate measures. An unmarried woman seeking an abortion is rejected from her father's house by the violent threats of her brothers. Their crimes are vague, their guilt or innocence unimportant. Their paths cross, the suspense of their intrigues heightens. Their plights are often too tragically similar. Their world is one of constant surveillance, bureaucracy and age-old inequalities. But this stifling world cannot extinguish the spirit, strength and courage of the circle of women.

Customer Reviews:

The Iranian quotidian reality!.......2007-04-13

The circle is a struggling movie; the inner codes that feed the script turn around the lives of three women, oppressed by the masculine universe in a society that overlook with overwhelming indifference, those minor disgraces that may mean nothing for you and me, who live on the other side of the world, but what reflects the aberrant distortion and the abusive repression around the feminine world. Jafar Panahi reminds so much to Mira Nair, the talened Indian filmmaker, in what has to do with this nervous directorial style; cinema veritè with the camera moving untiringly, to make us authentic trip' s partner of these unlucky women.

A bold and acidic film that securely will disturb you due we regard unthinkable these things may happen in this Century, but that are part of a way of thinking, feeling and living of certain societies around the world.

Circular plot (probable spoiler review).......2006-06-04

This movie is a congregation of tales, where each tale is like the bead of a necklace, independent in itself and strung to the next bead through a thread, and whence one has traversed the various tales or beads, one finds oneself where one started - thus living out the title of this move

I saw this movie immediately after seeing my first Iranian flick, Hamoun. Thus I came with all expectations, and found myself briefly disappointed, which is not to say that this is a poor movie. Rather, the entire aspect of this movie seems to work towards its title. The characters are well created & are all women, having said that - the director I felt, was overkeen to ensure the cyclic theme's emergence and has in some parts of the movie, not done complete justice to the characters she has created. Thus when the movie hurtles to its closure, one sees the circle emerge and feels a sense of abruptness as the movie ends.

For those interested in checking it out, remember that this is a slow slow movie with little conversation, and well defined characters.

Outstanding movie-A real eye opener.......2005-06-06

As an Iranian woman I can really understand the movie. However I am not sure that many non-Iranians will be able to understand this movie. This is a true story of situation of some women in Iran. Of course this can not be generalized and majority of Iranian women don't live like this. However this movie clearly shows the situation of thousands and thousands of young women in the streets of Tehran.

The Circle is not one story but a series of fictional vignettes. The opening scene is of a mother at a window (the hospital delivery room) who is being told her daughter has given birth to a girl. She refuses to accept that her grandchild is a girl because she is afraid that his son-in-law divorces her daughter for giving birth to a girl. Then, suddenly, the camera has moved into the streets and into the story of three women just out of prison. The director drifts from one protagonist to the next. We follow one woman escaping to somewhere on a bus, then without warning, we are following her friend's wanderings, then the story becomes that of a women she meets in the street, and so it goes. The final scene also shows a window (the cell door) where the guard is calling for the same woman that had given birth in the very first scene. The movie clearly shows how women are trapped into a hopeless cycle due to an Islamic totalitarian regime in Iran.

This is a movie that makes you think for hours and days.

When good intentions collapse.......2004-01-25

This is an importnat and timely film, perhaps even more so now as Iran perepares for another crucial election in which moderate clerics will have to struggle against the conservative establishment, which refuses to note the calls for reform form the people. This film offers a valuable examinations of the current social and political situation in Iran. There was widespread hope that under President Khatami, Iran could have taken a more liberal course shedding by the wayside the conservative positions adopted by previous governments of the Islamic Republic. This has also been reflected in the emerging and highly acclaimed film industry, which despite its success, has tended to shun political themes. However, some signs of change are ther for those who observe carefully. In the case of Jafar Panahi's "The Circle" the political allusions are evident from the title, which serves as a metaphor for the narrative and for what Khatami's politics have so far meant to Iranians who had hoped for change, in other words their hopes have been invain.

rasitha.......2004-01-02

A time waster! If you are completely oblivious to the lack of women's rights in the Middle East, then you may find this an interesting documentary.
However, for anyone with prior appreciation of the grave situation, expecting to find an interesting story within the constraints of female society will be immensely disappointed. This film falls well short.

Average customer rating:

Scacchi and Finney positively make this Browning Version!
This is a truly excellent film.....
Flawed but worth watching
Where's the original Browning Version film?
I say--good show!

The Browning Version
Starring: Albert Finney , Greta Scacchi , Matthew Modine , Julian Sands , and Michael Gambon
Director: Mike Figgis
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000AUHOD
Release Date: 2003-10-14

Description

Directed by Mike Figgis, THE BROWNING VERSION is based on the 1948 play by Terence Rattigan about an English schoolteacher who is forced into retirement by a series of life complications. Albert Finney stars as Andrew Crocker-Harris, a professor who is at crossroads in his life. Not only is he hated by almost every student at school and asked to retire, but his seemingly lovely wife is also found to be having an affair. Coming to grips with his failed life, now Andrew must struggle to regain his own self-respect.

Customer Reviews:

Scacchi and Finney positively make this Browning Version!.......2007-03-27

Having seen Terrence Rattigan's play performed live several times,as well as having seen the original 1951 film adaptation,director Mike Figgis has scored a real triumph with Greta Scacchi and Albert Finney in the roles of Laura and Andrew Crocker-Harris.The play itself is not IMO the most lively of stories,nor certainly the finest play yet written,but what Scacchi and Finney bring to the table as this terribly ill suited husband and wife is screen magic and their performances alone put this BROWNING VERSION at the very top.Andrew,a professor of Greek at an exclusive English Prep School has been anything but endearing over the years to his students.Obviously his younger and gorgeous wife,Laura,has enough baggage of her own to be a sexual minx with an American faculty member (Matthew Modine,who seems like...well...Matthew Modine-not a memorable performance).It is one student,Taplow (Ben Silverstone),who has been sincerely touched by his crochety professor, who , wise beyond his years,is the key to unlocking the long-ago closed heart of Andrew.But it is the outstanding performances of Finney against Scaachi that really set this film into gear.It is their relationship that director Figgis shows us in such gut-wrenching detail with long,reflective closeups.Figgis has chosen to allow the camera to dwell into the faces and souls of his characters,instead of pushing along the story.This is Figgis' decision and it works magnificently.You will be hard pressed to find a better piece of directing and acting when it comes to expressing the regrets and failures of a mismatched couple.This is a film of regret and resignation,not of a happy ending....hmmmn....like life sometimes,huh?

This is a truly excellent film............2006-09-09

If you love Albert Finney, & Gretta Scacchi (as all humans in their right mind should of course), you will enjoy this movie. I saw another person here complaining about Albert Finney's performance, but I think it's wonderful, & he "carries" the film IMO. Gretta Scacchi......well, I would go watch her read the phone book, but this may not be her absolute best film performance--hard to say if that's the direction, or what, but she still does a great job at portraying the gorgeous (adulterous) wife of a repressed English School teacher.

The one "Clinker" here is Matthew Modine, IMO. He doesn't seem to have much range as an actor, & in scenes with Albert Finney & Gretta Scacchi, that is even more painfully apparent. Another Plus tho is Michael Gambon (who played LBJ in the HBO movie Path to War), as the Headmaster.

Highly recommended.

Flawed but worth watching.......2006-07-04

I had never seen the Redgrave movie and I watched this for Finney. I never cried so hard, mainly for lost opportunities. Yet, there was hope for Crocker-Harris at the end. I would hope so. His decision to part from his wife was his first step towards freedom. My problem is that since it was updated to the nineties, why didn't they divorce? She could have left him years before that, when divorce was acceptable.

And Matthew Modine. Unfortunately, in too many British films and television series, the Americans are portrayed as loud mouth buffoons. When Modine's character says he never heard of Aeschylus, I have to wonder about the anti-American attitudes that the Brits have for us.

And while I think Crocker Harris seemed cold, he did what a teacher should do: teach and try to open minds. Today's youths want things "easy" and spoon fed. Much easier to mock the teacher than actually think.

Scacci was perfect: brutal, uncaring, passionate and long suffering. Too long suffering; I don't know why she didn't leave him long before.

Still, now I want to see the Redgrave version. But Finney is remarkable here, as he always is.

Where's the original Browning Version film?.......2005-03-10

I am astounded first of all about the rave reviews of The Browing Version film starring Albert Finney produced in 1994 when the first and finest version (to use a pun) was released in 1951 starring Michael Redgrave.

The 1994 release is a very poor remake compared to the original classic and if you think Finney's film is great, then you have much to look forward to see the other picture.

Why oh why can't the Redgrave movie be converted to DVD? Anyone out there know if such a CD is available or being planned for release?

I say--good show!.......2004-11-11

Fine tear-jerker about English boarding school teacher (Albert Finney) who is unceremoniously dumped because of his stubborn adherence to the classics and academic rigor as opposed to the school cricket spirit...and that's just not cricket, old boy.

Average customer rating:

Worst Ever!
Good bad B movie!
Pretty bad movie... even if you love randomness.
Best Dad on Earth!
When Tony grows up, he's going to be just like Daddy!

Xtro
Starring: Robert Austin , Danny Brainin , David Cardy , Maryam D'Abo , and Robert Fyfe
Director: Harry Bromley Davenport
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000A59Q64
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Description

Three years after the disappearance of Sam Phillips (Philip Sayer), his young son Tony (Brazil's Simon Nash) pines for daddy's return when mom Rachel (Macabre's Bernice Stegers) takes up with another man. The fractured household, which also includes a sexy babysitter (Bond girl Maryam d'Abo), is further upset when Sam mysteriously returns -and has a nasty habit of attacking local residents and seeping mysterious fluids from his wrist. Despite his father's menacing behavior, Tony continues to idolize him...even after he realizes dad might not even be human at all. A grisly, fast-paced blend of sci-fi thrills and gut-churning horror, Xtro became an instant audience favorite and remains one of the most popular British cult films today.

Customer Reviews:

Worst Ever!.......2006-07-14

I saw this in the theatre back in 1982 and it is the worst movie I have ever seen...still to this day! I'm shocked it's on DVD.

If you want to see a great horror/science fiction film watch THE THING by John Carpenter.

Good bad B movie!.......2006-02-22

I saw this film at the cinema when it first came out and there are some sequences that have stuck in my mind ever since. This flick is a whole lotta fun when you're not in the mood for a serious drama or heavy type of film. For a low budget job, it has very good acting and some cool sfx, and whilst it's obvious where it's inspirations come from, it really does'nt matter, at least not for me. (and I like serious sci-fi too!) It does have some very creepy moments and seriously stomach-churning gore, but it's just so weird you can't look away. Recommended for lovers of good bad B movies and thoroughly deserved of it's cult status.

Pretty bad movie... even if you love randomness........2005-12-18

First of all the special effects are bad, but this is to be expected in the early 80's. It's almost bad enough to look like it was made in the early 70's though. I wasn't expecting too much here though, so no surprise.

What's disappointing was the story. I enjoy random events in movies (The Lost Highway for example), but this movie was random half the time, and the other half it tried to tell a story. This conflict made it impossible to enjoy the movie. It had 2 or 3 enjoyable scenes, which is why I gave it 2 stars instead of 1. But they weren't enough to make this movie bearable.

I watched the commentary by the director Bromley-Davenport after the movie. Can you be any more ridiculous? He trashed his own movie for like 10 minutes - "This film is just trash." And you know what? He's right, this movie sucks. I wouldn't even call this a decent B movie.

Best Dad on Earth!.......2005-11-28

In the "It followed me home, Mom---can I keep it" cam