Find Me Guilty

Amazon.com

Vin Diesel gives his best performance to date in Sidney Lumet's Find Me Guilty, a courtroom comedy-drama (based on the true story of Mafia soldier "Fat Jack" DiNorscio) about the longest criminal trial in U.S. history. Diesel plays Giacomo "Jackie Dee" DiNorscio, a loyal member of New Jersey's notorious Lucchese crime family, who's already serving a 30-year jail term when he's offered an opportunity to shorten his sentence if he agrees to testify against many of his closest friends. He refuses, choosing instead to defend himself in a 21-month courtroom trial that involves 20 other Mafia members, each with their own defense attorney, all brought to trial on 76 charges ranging from criminal conspiracy to narcotics trafficking. As the lead defense attorney (Peter Dinklage) and prosecutor (Linus Roache) guide the trial through a maze of legal triumphs and setbacks, Lumet (still going strong at age 81) turns this goombah gab-fest into the kind of edgy New York comedy that only he could direct, drawing heavily on his experience with such courtroom classics as The Verdict and 12 Angry Men. And while he's filled the screen with a marvelous supporting cast including Alex Rocco, Ron Silver (as the no-nonsense judge) and Annabella Sciorra, Lumet can't quite overcome the confined, theatrical nature of the material, much of it drawn directly from actual courtroom transcripts. Find Me Guilty lacks the dramatic impact of The Verdict, favoring instead the rich absurdity of the DiNorscio case and its equally outrageous outcome after the jury's surprisingly brief deliberation. This is comfortable territory for Lumet, and he brings out the best in his extensive cast - especially Diesel, who walks a fine line between courtroom shenanigans and fierce loyalty to his criminal clan.--Jeff Shannon

Description

From five-time Oscar®-nominee Sidney Lumet (Serpico, Network, Dog Day Afternoon) comes the most hysterically funny testament to bad courtroom behavior since My Cousin Vinny! Vin Diesel (Saving Private Ryan) "gives a sensational performance" (The New York Times) in the true story of the most remarkable criminal trial in US history. Find Me Guilty proves beyond a reasonable doubt that justice has a strange sense of humor!

When police arrest twenty members of the Lucchese crime family, the authorities offer Jackie Dee DiNorscio (Diesel) a bargain: a shortened prison term if he'll testify against his own. But the wisecracking DiNorscio has other ideas. Refusing to cooperate, he decides to defend himself at his own trial... and proceeds to turn the courtroom upside-down in a hilarious fight that culminates in one of the most shocking verdicts in judicial history!

Customer Reviews:

My Godfather Vinny.......2007-08-27

Vin Diesel does a fine job portraying Jack DiNorscio, a organized crime soldier. Diesel has had some background with other movies to give him his chops on this type role. He is certainly capable of doing drama and not just action. I was impressed with his performance and the movie itself as a whole. The movie is mainly serious although there are a few lighter moments. This is not "My Cousin Vinny". This is not nearly as comedic. So don't go into it thinking it will be funny and you should enjoy it.

The movie shows the trial of several organized crime families in New Jersey in a serious manner. They are portrayed neither guilty or innocent. It is even handedly presented to us as to the jury. This is one of the better courtroom dramas I have seen in several years. I recommend this if you enjoy drama or especially courtroom and law movies. I plan to buy a copy myself. It definitely has replayability.

the film was decent .......2007-07-30

this film was based on a true story and it has some good balances of moments. now to the matter of hand, Van Diesel just ain't believeable with that Bruce Willis Sun Roof on his dome. but the actual pacing of the film and the directing works. this film goes back and forth. it's a decent film just not a strong lead actor.

Diesel Flails Even with Lumet Back in the Courtroom But a Few Others Shine.......2007-06-03

In an ambitious bid for credibility as a serious actor, Vin Diesel tries hard here, but despite his imposing physical stature, he just doesn't have either the finesse or the gravitas to carry off the role of Jackie DiNorscio, a pivotal member of the true-life New Jersey Lucchese crime family who have been brought to court on 76 charges of various crimes. This resulted in the longest criminal trial in U.S. history. No stranger to the courtroom (12 Angry Men, The Verdict), veteran filmmaker Sidney Lumet helmed this 2006 dramedy, and while some of his prowess is evident on the edges, the film is a relatively lifeless slog through the exhausting duration of the trial. Lumet, who co-wrote the script with T.J. Mancini and Robert J. McCrea, seems to think the story is compelling enough itself without having to invest much in terms of story structure to the production. It turns out to be a key error in judgment.

The problems start with the toupee-challenged Diesel who seems to be left out to dry by Lumet, as his lunk-headed, clownish presence makes DiNorscio's dilemma less than palpable. After refusing a plea bargain from hyper-obsessed federal prosecutor Sean Kierney, DiNorscio chooses to represent himself in court, and it would have taken a more outsized personality than Diesel's to emphasize the dramatic impact of this ploy. Fortunately, Lumet still shows an idiosyncratic sense in casting many of the other roles, and three actors stand out. First, Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent) lends a becalming authority to the role of one of the defense attorneys and as it turns out, the one ally DiNorscio can trust. That he is a dwarf comes up only when a platform is wheeled into the courtroom for him to provide arguments. Second, Annabella Sciorra has a powerful cameo as DiNorscio's embittered ex-wife whose visit with her cheating ex-husband becomes a chain-smoking rite of passage for her.

Finally, in his film debut, Broadway sensation Raúl Esparza (Company) plays the key role of DiNorscio's greasy, drug-addicted cousin Tony Compagna with surprising relish. His character's desperate act opens the film, but it's the brief climactic cross-examination scene that finally brings the trial to life with Tony visibly breaking down under the weight of his betrayal to DiNorscio. I just wish the rest of the movie was as involving. The usually low-key British actor Linus Roache is a surprising choice to play Kierney, and he provides the necessary bombast but with a wavering accent. The rest of the casting is more typical with Alex Rocco playing head gangster Nick Calabrese and Ron Silver as the often exasperated presiding judge. Lumet unwisely uses musical cues to punctuate the action, though the music often overwhelms the dialogue to the point of distraction. The DVD comes with just one extra, "Conversations with Sidney Lumet", which has been inexplicably broken up into multiple parts despite the cursory nature of Lumet's comments in each section.

3.5 stars for this effective Mafia courtroom dramedy.......2007-04-23

Fans of "The Sopranos", "Goodfellas", Mafia and courtroom flicks will enjoy this fact-based (but probably not completely factual) look at the lengthiest RICO trail in American history starring Vin Diesel and directed by octogenarian Sidney Lumet.

Diesel plays New Jersey mobster Jack DiNorscio defending himself in the longest Mafia trial in U.S. history. Diesel is effective in the role as a disruptive force in judge Ron Silver's court. Alex Rocco, a Mafioso going back to "The Godfather" and through roles he played in TV's "Kojak", is the ring leader in the trial and the main guy the feds are after. Why DiNorscio became the focus of this movie is a question looking for an answer.

In any event, the courtroom "drama" is unlike most of what you see in this kind of movie. Diesel's character is uneducated, has little or no knowledge of courtroom requirements or decorum, and shows these shortcomings regularly through his inappropriate and often unbearable behavior as a litigator.

The other gangsters on trial turn against him after they come to view him as a force out for himself. Prosecutors too see him as a hazard insofar as his comedy act seems to appeal to jurors. True or not, you've probably never seen an attorney ask these kind of questions in court!

Ironically, the film lionizes DiNorscio as a heroic figure that carries out the Mafia credo of not ratting out a brother. Throughout the film he protests his love for his Cosa Nostra brethren, even when they are working against him, and continually states his case against being a rat. This, to me, was the principal theme of the film -- that this lowlife gangster was somehow a hero. The outcome of the movie seems also to support that view.

Several bit players from "The Sopranos", including Junior Soprano's lawyer and one of Tony Soprano's dead love interests, fill out the supporting cast in this New York production. This flick is probably at the level of "The Valachi Papers" but with a far different perspective. It has little of the sizzle of "Goodfellas" but is interesting in its courtroom scenes, where much of the script allegedly mimicked the real trial the went on for more than 500 days.

So fans of gangster and courtroom flicks can cast aside any doubt and go for this movie, which is probably the best characterization Vin Diesel has put on so far. He deservedly wasn't nominated for any awards for this but it shows he can do a bit more than simply play Vin Diesel on screen.

Lumet's Failed Trial.......2007-04-21

Vin Diesel plays Giacomo "Jackie Dee" DiNorscio, who in a strange turn of events defended himself in a Gangland Rico trial, that was the longest trial in US history. You can not tell if he is acting or joking thru is role

Sisney Lumet who directed Network, Dog Day Afternoon, The Verdict and 12 Angry Men seems weak in this drama/comedy. He has made the courtroom seem so close and tight, you feel you need a breath of air every ten minutes.

I will say Lumet stocked the deck with great stock actors like Ron Silver (as a no nonsense, by the book judge), Peter Dinklage (as a defense attorney), Alex Rocco, and (the too short a role that needed to be padded) Annabella Sciorra. I just wish the script and direction was as good as the actors

This drama/comedy is strong of humor and weak on dramatic moments. One of the worst when the Judge tells Jackie he lost his mother is so weak for the acting timbers of Diesel and Silver. Lumet seem to have lacked pacing and direction in this film. This film could have been a great film, but it was not.

I give it 3 stars for the acting, it is worth it for that

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

Average customer rating:

DON JOHNSON DELIVERS
Well done formula with standard twists
guilty as sin
A ripoff of another movie
Rebecca De Mornay-WOW!!!!!!!!!!

Guilty as Sin
Starring: Rebecca De Mornay , Don Johnson , Stephen Lang , Jack Warden , and Dana Ivey
Director: Sidney Lumet
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008L3S6
Release Date: 2003-07-01

Description

Rebecca De Mornay (THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE) and Don Johnson (PARADISE) scorch the screen in this spine-tingling, seductively sexy thriller. De Mornay stars as a sexy, hothot criminal defense attorney who plays to win -- and usually does. She meets her match when she represents a playboy (Don Johnson) accused of murdering his rich wife. The attractive lawyer, captured by her client's irresistible charm, finds herself caught in his seductive, psychological web of deceit from which there is no legal escape -- and soon fears she may be his next victim. From its first startling plot twist, GUILTY AS SIN is a riveting edge-of-your-seat suspense thriller leading to a sensational climax. Don't miss it!

Customer Reviews:

DON JOHNSON DELIVERS.......2005-10-24

Don Johnson plays a dangerous sociopath who enjoys planning the execution of the women he uses while they think they are using him. He lures a beautiful well connected attorney into defending him against a murder charge by creating evidence that links her to the crime.
So here's the review: Johnson delivers a stunning portrayal of a man who is barely sane but perfectly effective in his manipulations of people, specifically women. Every scene in which he reveals his character is riveting in its complexity. Without Johnson this is an entertaining movie with a competent cast. But Johnson's perfomance is a master class in acting. If you want to see how it's done, get the DVD.

Well done formula with standard twists.......2005-08-16

A man (Don Johnson) that looks guilty as sin is accused of murdering his wife He chooses a well proven lawyer (Rebecca De Mornay) to defend him.

Now you are thinking of all those lawyer movies where they get the person off to find them guilty in the end like "Trial and Error" (1962) or the one "Hostile Witness" (1968) with Ray Milland. Well quit thinking that.

Well this is well done in the short time of a movie yet the formula is different. The story will become very apparent and there will be no surprises until the quick end to get it over with scenario.

guilty as sin .......2005-08-10

This dvd is in perfect condition a 5 if I ever saw one.came package well and came when it said it would.I recommened this dvd to every body.

A ripoff of another movie.......2004-08-06

This was a good movie, EXCEPT that the basic idea was done eight years earlier. The movie "Jagged Edge" starred Glen Close and Jeff Bridges and was about a lawyer (Close) who defended an accused wife killer (Bridges). She has doubts about his innocence and finds out the truth and then of course, he tries to kill her.

Rebecca De Mornay-WOW!!!!!!!!!!.......2003-05-23

I think Rebecca De Mornay is a fantastic actress.In this movie she was the best I've ever seen her acting.Her Level of emotion and her talent was so passionate. I just wish she was in parts of this caliber more often.I wonder if Rebecca is'nt being offered the big parts anymore.It is the public's loss and the movie industries loss if thats the case.I haven't seen her in a memorable major role for a long time.

I saw her in the film "The Cradle Will Rock" years ago.That was a fabulous performance-but this part in "Guilty As Sin" was better.Her heart of kindness comes through and her fear of being taken advantage of by Don Johnson's character.Her strength in this movie is magnificent-emotionally and physically.Each time I've seen this movie I see it for the first time..because I see new levels of her character that I had'nt noticed before.

Average customer rating:

What You Get...

Bikers From Hell, Triple Feature: Run Angel Run/Hell's Angels 69/Hell's Bloody Devils
Starring: Bikers Running Wild 3pak
Manufacturer: Guilty Pleasures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Wild Angels/Hell's Belles

Hells Angels on Wheels

Classic Biker Movies (Evel Knievel / C.C & Company / Angels Hard As They Come)

Angels Hard as They Come

Satan's Sadists

ASIN: B000BPK2H0
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Customer Reviews:

What You Get..........2006-01-30

Pretty good trash that is well embellished by Billy Bob Briggs comments. I'm just listing this 'cause Amazon hasn't ... at least yet.

3-Disc Set
Disc 1: HELL'S ANGELS '69
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - Joe Bob Briggs -
Actor/Author
Trailers - Original Theatrical Trailer
Disc 2: RUN ANGEL, RUN
Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
Mono - English
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - Joe Bob Briggs -
Actor/Author
Introduction - Joe Bob Briggs -
Actor/Author
Trailers - Original Theatrical Trailer
2. Guilty Pleasures Trailers
Disc 3: HELL'S BLOODY DEVILS
Widescreen - 16:9
Audio:
(unspecified) - English
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - Samuel M. Sherman -
Producer
Trailers - Original Theatrical Trailer
Text/Photo Galleries:
Stills/Photos

Average customer rating:

A sober history lesson
Not to be missed
Excellent
An American Horror Story
History...Hollywood style

Guilty by Suspicion
Starring: Robert De Niro , Annette Bening , George Wendt , Patricia Wettig , and Sam Wanamaker
Director: Irwin Winkler
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305162034
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Amazon.com

A fictional dramatization of the anti-Communist witch-hunts that plagued the U.S. during the late 1940s and early '50s, Guilty by Suspicion examines one of the most shameful periods of American history. After producing such prominent films as Rocky and Raging Bull, Irwin Winkler made his directorial debut with this 1991 drama, basing his screenplay on the harsh reality of the blacklisting era. Set during 1951, when the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) held hearings to target alleged Communist affiliations within the Hollywood filmmaking community, the film stars Robert De Niro as a prominent director who is urged to "name names" to appease the committee. Rather than betray one of his closest friends, he refuses to "cooperate" with the committee and is quickly blacklisted, his entire career in jeopardy. Costarring Annette Bening as the director's sympathetic ex-wife, the film doesn't pack the emotional punch of The Front (another blacklisting-era film, starring Woody Allen), but Winkler captures the paranoid anxiety of the period with a wealth of authentic detail. Because the De Niro character underestimates the power of the HUAC, we share his shock and dismay when he must finally face the committee. Without seeming like a dry history lesson, Guilty by Suspicion illuminates the unconstitutional evil of the blacklist era while offering a glimpse behind the scenes of Hollywood's past. Adding to the realism, director Martin Scorsese makes a rare cameo as another filmmaker under fire. Although Winkler's script and direction are perhaps too melodramatic, Guilty by Suspicion was clearly made with noble purpose and intention. For anyone interested in the blacklisting era and Hollywood history, this movie's a must-see. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A sober history lesson.......2006-06-07

Before you know it our rights can be taken away. Don't believe it? It happened before...watch this movie to find out how easily it happened.

Not to be missed.......2006-06-07

A compelling motion picture and an important reminder of what's possible if we are not vigilant citizens.

Excellent.......2006-06-07

Excellent script and acting. Based on actual events, it's hard to believe these things actually happened in this country.

An American Horror Story.......2006-06-07

For anybody interested in the McCarthy era of the 50s, "Guilty by Suspicion" is a must. In an effort to root out communist subversives in every aspect of American life, especially in the government and the motion picture industry, the U.S. Congress, in 1938, formed a special investigative body called The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). HUAC proceeded on what amounted to a modern day witch-hunt whose actions resulted in several contempt-of-Congress convictions and the blacklisting of many who refused to answer its questions.

"Guilty by Suspicion" dramatizes the terror experienced by innocent Americans at the hands of unscrupulous politicians who took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution as they were blatantly trampling on citizens' civil rights. It's also the story of one man's struggle with his conscience to do the right thing.

The film was extremely well made and the writing is excellent. The acting is top notch, especially by De Niro and Benning.

While it's a work of fiction, you can be sure it tells the true story of many people who went through this American horror story.

For anyone who thinks it could never happen here...it did.

History...Hollywood style.......2005-06-21

"Guilty by Suspicion" is one of those "Historical Fiction" films that "The Rotten Review" just can't get out of its hair. Historical fiction is ironic enough a term for any subject, but especially so when brought to bear against the evils of the McCarthy era. Like much historical fiction, the "Big Red Scare" mixed the true and the perhaps-no-true with little regard for distinguishing the one from the other. "Suspicion" so strongly enmeshes itself in the intrigue of the 50's Witch-Hunts that it's difficult to comment on the film without getting into the larger argument of their merits. On the other hand, this is a work of fiction, with invented characters, scripted dialog and its own form of a Hollywood ending. History being as important as "Suspicion" suggests - "The Rotten Review" wonders why it should be forced to pick for history out of its uninspired script, one that visits no new territory.

The story has noble (and fictional) Hollywood director David Merrill facing off against the House committee for Un-American Affairs long after he'd been stripped of his prestige and cozy life for refusing to name fellow Hollywood communists. Merrill we learn is no hero - he had no interest in politics, but went to some meetings during the war when it was fashionable to support any anti-fascist cause. But he doesn't want to name names. Soon he's forced to work pseudonymously on low-budget Westerns, until his true name is revealed. (His only defender, it turns out, is a Gary Cooper-like actor; even a similarly blacklisted friend played by Scorcese turns against him). To add insult to industry, less-noble friends turn against him and name him as a communist (including a writer that Merrill had earlier refused to name to the committee). Merrill decline works like a sort of trajectory - inevitably bringing him before the committee where scripted heroism will allow him to take an oral potshot at Hollywood-style politicians.

The other question this flick raises (that is, after the whole history and fiction issue) is this - why was this movie made? McCarthyism has been done to death - Woody Allen tackled this about 20 years ago with "The Front", a black-comedy also ending with the heroic showdown with HUAC. "Suspicion" seems to understand how new it's not - the script is so light on the details, it likely presumes that we already know the important stuff (good guys from bad politicians; the movie doesn't take chances by casting any popular actors in unpopular parts like those of the anti-communist inquisitors; like the communists of that era - the Witch Hunters have become "The Other", the faceless embodiment of anti-patriotic evil). Also, the watching this flick, it's easy to forget that the Red-Scare wasn't focused exclusively or even originally on Hollywood at all - early targets were the armed forces and the State Department. (For Merrill's denouement, the script appropriates the famous rejoinder by Army AG Joe Welch to Joe McCarthy.)

But worst of all, "Suspicion" is boring. The story, though following well-worn trails against right-wing agitprop, never seems to be going in any direction, and reinforces nothing other than a sentiment I had before seeing this movie: Hollywood can't be trusted to document its own lamentable moments in history.

Average customer rating:

Worth the money
Defective DVD
Okay but not great.............
Yes, it's the real Angels this time
Let the Fuzz take you alive, the Hell's Angels aren't that particular.

Hell's Angel 69
Starring: Billy Mitten , Eddie Mulder , Danielle Corn , Jeremy Slate , and Ric Henry
Director: Lee Madden
Manufacturer: Guilty Pleasures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0001Z3IK8
Release Date: 2004-07-27

Amazon.com

Made in 1969 and 1970, respectively, these movies exemplify all that was good and bad about biker culture of that era. In Hell's Angels '69, two thrill seekers join the Hell's Angels with the plan to use them as cover for a daring robbery of Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. The Losers is even more bizarre. Also called Nam's Angels, the film focuses on a group of bikers hired by the U.S. government to rescue a special agent in a Cambodian prison. The portrayal of the bikers is similar in both movies. They are hard-drinking people who love to get into fights, are loyal to each other, and hate cops/military police. Oh, and they're white supremacists. Both movies contain bikers wearing Nazi swastikas, and both movies have some racist banter used as throwaway lines. Despite that, the films are worth recommending as good examples of genre biker films. Hell's Angels '69 has some fascinating shots of Las Vegas before the Strip was fully engulfed in neon, and The Losers is just plain weird. Both movies are obviously influenced by Easy Rider, particularly with their endings, and capture a time in America when things were obviously not going right. --Andy Spletzer

Customer Reviews:

Worth the money.......2007-02-25

If you are interested in seeing a lot of the real deal Hells Angels, this is the movie. Sonny Barger and Terry the Tramp are stars here, and you see a lot of the others as well. Lots of Bikes too. The plot was interesting, and the movie was good entertainment.

Defective DVD .......2007-02-11

I tried to watch this movie on 3 different dvd players. Would not play on any of them. I bought 2 of the dvd players new within the last 9 months. I even tried it on my computer that has a dvd burner and it just locked up the program. Be Warned!

Okay but not great....................2006-09-28

The Angels did better acting than the actors! They did their own Moto-X stunts,because they fell in the desert a few times and stuntmen would'nt have fallen.I think if the main characters would have stuck to DIRECTING/producing only and not acting/directing/producing, it would have been a lot better made. It was a little mellow and they party much harder than this depicts.It's about a C+ movie,rent it or borrow not really a keeper............The artwork on the cover is cool.

Yes, it's the real Angels this time.......2006-03-16

This rather lame tale of two thrill seeking rich boys out to prove they can rob a Las Vegas Casino, and use Hells Angels to do it, would barely merit mention were it not for the fact that the real Oakland Angels are stars in the film.
Sonny Barger, President, Terry the Tramp, Magoo and Cisco, all of the Oakland chapter, and familiar to anyone who has read any of the books about the history of the Angels, are featured heavily here with dialogue and close ups and everything. Terry being the stand out.
The motorcycles range from rather stock late sixties Harleys to a custom built chopper reportedly built by Sonny specially for the film. But these bikes are only featured in the first two thirds of the picture- the final chase scene through the desert has almost the entire cast riding dirt bikes.
Overall an interesting if not great film, just to see the famous Angels, the basis for so many of the genres offerings, in the flesh so to speak.

Let the Fuzz take you alive, the Hell's Angels aren't that particular........2005-11-14

Believe it or not, Hell's Angels 69, released at the tail end of the `biker' genre, was not the first film to feature the Angels (that credit goes to the 1967 film Hells Angels on Wheels), but, it was the first film where the boys actually got speaking parts. Co-written by Jeremy Slade (who also co-stars) and Tom Stern (who also co-stars and produced the movie), with the screenplay by Don Tait (Chrome and Hot Leather, The Apple Dumpling Gang, Herbie Goes Bananas), and directed by Lee Madden (Angel Unchained, The Manhandlers), the movie features Conny Van Dyke (W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings), who, along with appearing on numerous television game shows throughout the 70s was also Motown's first, white recording artist, G.D. Spradlin (The Godfather: Part II, Apocalypse Now, Ed Wood), along with a slew of real life Hell's Angels including Charles `Magoo' Tinsley, John `Terry the Tramp' Tracy, Tiny Walters, Clifford `Skip' Workman, and Ralph 'Sonny' Barger, also known as the Godfather of the Hells Angels and the most famous outlaw Biker in the world.

As the movie begins we're in Los Angeles, at a real swinging party, a happening shindig hosted by two seemingly well-to-do brothers Wes (Slate) and Chuck (Stern), in a groovy apartment complete with wall to wall pink shag carpeting...zowie! The boys talk briefly about some plan, and then cut out early arriving at a posh house in the hills. The next morning we see the two leaving, dressed as bikers, driving a pair of choppers (motorcycles). They ride out into the country and stake out the Hell's Angels (the Oakland chapter, to be specific), eventually weaseling their way into hanging out with the club. The pair participate in various club activities like drinking beer, riding around recklessly, drinking beer, terrorizing a small town, drinking beer, brawling with each other, drinking beer and so on...did I mention they drink beer? Also, Chuck buys Betsy (Van Dyke), a tag along bimbette of the club, for a pack of smokes (I wonder what he could've gotten for a carton). Anyway, after Wes and Chuck get a serious beat down from the bikers (I thought it was an initiation of sorts, but this wasn't the case), they hear the Angels are planning on a road trip, to which Wes and Chuck suggest Las Vegas as a destination, as that's where the action is...or, at least the action as far as their plans go. Turns out Wes and Chuck have designs on robbing one of the casinos, and are planning on using the Angels as part of a diversionary tactic. The group does go to Las Vegas, the brothers manage the heist and get subsequently get away, trading in their choppers for dirt bikes and fleeing across the desert. The Angels, learning of the ruse, are hot on the heels of the deceptive duo and it's not to congratulate them for their recent successes...

Okay, first off I want to mention that there is no huge Las Vegas riot scene in this film, despite the fact that on the front of the DVD case it states "This was the RUMBLE that ROCKED Las Vegas!". This was a little disappointing to me, I was really looking forward to some serious bone snapping, head cracking, blood spilling action as the cops and the bikers participated in an all out battle royale. There is a showdown of sorts, but it ends all rather amicably, and without much fuss. One of the most interesting aspects of the film for me was when the group was cruising the Las Vegas Strip, and seeing how relatively quaint the Las Vegas Strip was compared to today (Caesar's Palace was miniscule to its current form). As far as the acting goes, the `professional' performers did all right (none of them broke a sweat, but the material was very simplistic), while Sonny and his club members, while not professional actors, did well enough, and besides, these aren't the kind of guys I'd think would stand around while the director took take after take after take trying to get the shot right. As far as the story goes this wasn't the best biker movie I've ever saw, but it was far from the worst. At the very least it was kept relatively straightforward. Having real life Hell's Angels present certainly provided a sense of authenticity, and the film does feature a lot of what one expect in a flick like this in the four B's...bikes, boozing, brawling, broads (a bit skimpy on this last one, though). The whole subplot with Van Dyke's character realizing there's more to life than being the property of a biker club seemed awkward at times, and near the end it really dragged on the film as her newfound outlook on life leads to complications between Wes and Chuck, but other than that, the story moved along at a decent pace. The stunts were well done, and the fight scenes felt very real which made me wonder if any of it was staged, or if the guys were just cut loose to go at each other. The funniest scene in the film was when Chuck and Wes changed from their biker outfits into suits and really phony looking wigs, prior to robbing the casino. Had I been on the scene when this happened, and the police later questioned me as to if I saw anything strange or unusual, I would have responded, "What, besides the two guys with really bad crew cut wigs?" All in all an interesting film that plods along at times, and features an ending you might not expect, but one should keep in mind the Hell's Angels had a stipulation in that while they could be depicted as being fooled in the movie, they ultimately had to have the last word.

Media Blasters provides a good looking, fullscreen (1.33:1) picture on this DVD, and the Dolby Digital 2.0 audio comes through clean enough. There are a number of special features including a original trailer for the film, an intro by Joe Bob Briggs, a featurette titled `Conny Van Dyke: Message to Her Fans' (9:30), a Connie Van Dyke photo gallery, liner notes and movie info print on the DVD booklet insert, and a commentary track featuring Joe Bob Briggs. Also included are trailers for other Media Blaster DVD releases like Blood Shack (1971), Hell High (1989), Samurai Cop (1989), and The Hollywood Strangler (1979). The movie itself rates three stars, while Joe Bob Brigg's commentary track earns this release an extra star. That man sure knows his cinematic crud.

Cookieman108

If I learned anything from this film it's not to cross the Hell's Angels...they seem reluctant to forgive and forget...and a pack of cigarettes goes far in biker clubs.

Guilty Pleasures Collection, Vol. 1 (Locked Up/ The Hole/ Exposed: The Making of a Legend)

Average customer rating:

another D list wana be porn
Not really worth it...

Guilty Pleasures Collection, Vol. 1 (Locked Up/ The Hole/ Exposed: The Making of a Legend)
Starring: Marcel Schlutt , Mike Sale (II) , Ralph Steel (II) , Andreas Bernhardt , and Henning von Berg
Director: Jörg Andreas , Wash Westmoreland , and Mr. Pam
Manufacturer: Tla
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Gay & Lesbian | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000GDH8LA
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Description

Let's face it, sometimes you just want to enjoy a movie that's sexy and fun. But how often do you get to see a raunchy comedy full of pulsing, muscular flesh? How about steamy, unbridled passion behind prison bars? Ever want to go behind the scenes of the hottest skin-flick ever? Well that's exactly what the Guilty Pleasures Collection is all about, and here it is, presented in a limited edition box set. So come on and check it out; you know you want it.

Customer Reviews:

another D list wana be porn.......2007-01-19

It just is not there the story line bad and the actors are not good looking.

Not really worth it..........2006-11-04

I bought this as I thought all three movies would be worth watching and boy was I wrong. The only one of the three that is worth it is Exposed: The Making of a Legend, which is a documentary on the making of Buckleroos. It is well made, funny and has a wonderful insight into the world of gay porn and how it is made.
The other two movies were pretty appalling - softcore porn that didn't really do much. Sure, the men were kinda hot but really, it doesn't go far enough to make it porn and the acting is appalling enough to be porn!
Locked Up has some interesting moments but the characters are bad, the story was kinda shallow and the Mike character (and the actor himself - as seen in the cast interviews) is really annoying.
The Hole can be deemed as kinda funny but, yet again, the acting was bad and I guess perhaps the 'hardcore' version, if there is one, would've been more fulfilling.

All in all, I recommend buying Exposed on its own and ignoring the other two.

Average customer rating:

Fails to Grip
Don't Bother With This One!
An Investigation into a Lack of Purpose: Contemporary Ennui
Disturbing Teen

I Am Guilty
Starring: Constantin von Jascheroff , Manfred Zapatka , Victoria Trauttmansdorff , Nora von Waldstätten , and Devid Striesow
Director: Christoph Hochhäusler
Manufacturer: Tla
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GTLQU8
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Description

In this startling, darkly funny coming-of-age drama, a disaffected teenager embarks on a life of his own brand of crime. The handsome Armin (Constantin von Jascheroff) is fresh out of college and unemployed. Unable to take the pressure from his parents, he sends an anonymous confession to the local newspaper after he sees a charred car wreck by the highway. He quickly spins into further acts of rebellion, like writing pornographic graffiti on a bathroom wall and fantasizing about committing violent crimes and having forced sex with a gang of leather-clad motorcyclists. But is it really all fantasy and lies, or is there a danger lurking below Armin's innocent surface?

Customer Reviews:

Fails to Grip.......2007-06-25

"I Am Guilty" plods along at a turtle's pace. European cinema often takes more time, focusing on how it tells its story; whereas, American films usually keep the plot developing at a steady clip. Director Christoph Hochhausler wrote and directed this picture which has the distinction of being nominated as best picture at the Bogota Film Festival. Constantin von Jascheroff has worked steadily in German TV. As Armin Steeb, he plays a young man that appears to have graduated from high school with low marks in science & math. His parents have told him that he has to get a job. He fills out the applications and sits lifelessly at job interviews having trouble answering simple questions like "What's your favorite color?" von Jascheroff's Armen appears socially isolated and unable to function well. He is bright and plants a change of clothes outdoors for a reason that was not altogether clear to me. When the subject of the film is boredom, it's hard not to create a boring film that surrounds the topic. Hochhausler punctuates his screenplay with Armin's fantasies of having sex with male motorcycle club members and of committing arson.

Armin's parents seem genuinely concerned for him. Manfred Zapatka who has also done a lot of work on German TV plays the father, but there is little spark that makes him interesting. Victoria Trauttmandorff plays Armin's mother Marianne. She is given a vivacious personality that jokes with Armin and flirts with her husband. However, she too is frozen on the outside. Armin's two brothers flit in and out. One tries to coach him for a job interview and the other's wife is expecting a baby. Despite his fantasy life, Armin is interested Katja Fichtner played by Nora von Waldstatten. He tells her he thinks of her during his private moments. The visual difference between American and European cinema is best reflected in a sequence at a tennis court where Armin & Katja race in Katja's brother's wheelchair. The camera remains stationary without separate setups as Katja & Armin wheel in and out of frame. For seconds, the camera looks at a blank green wall over the tennis net and we hear the kids off camera squealing in delight at their game. von Waldstatten appears to be the only person Armin wishes to impress, which makes the ending perfect. [Spoiler alert] As Armin is being handcuffed and Katja watches, we see him break into a rare smile of satisfaction since he has now achieved notoriety for being bad. However, it is an ending that makes the film add up intellectually, not that it is compelling to watch.

The film may be interesting for viewers who like European cinema. But the main character is purposely played emotionally flat with few levels, other than a tearful funeral of a stranger where Armin cries for an unknown reason. The supporting characters are likewise not memorable. As reality TV, this might be mildly interesting. As a film, it is not gripping. Taxi!

Don't Bother With This One!.......2007-05-19

This film was slow moving and completely uninteresting. I didn't care about any of the people in it. As for the story line, what story line? This thing went on forever and was boring as hell.

An Investigation into a Lack of Purpose: Contemporary Ennui.......2007-02-21

'Falscher Bekenner' ('I Am Guilty') is a strange little film that seems to beg our indulgence in looking at and pondering the state of mind of our newly graduated college youths who have had everything provided for them to prepare for life - and are clueless as to how to begin fitting into the world. Writer and director Christoph Hochhäusler appears to have a rather bleak look at this generation - or is it the generation that produced the 'new adults' that he is questioning?

Armin Steeb (Constantin von Jascheroff) is a good-looking young fresh college graduate living with his doting parents (Manfred Zapatka and Victoria Trauttmansdorff) who are concerned about Armin's inertia about supporting himself. They assist him in applying for jobs, prepare him for job interviews, and obviously love him and wish for his happiness. Armin is bored: he can barely tolerate the entire family's normalcy, longing for something to light a fire in his life. While walking alone one night he encounters a wrecked automobile containing a dead driver and while he stops to inspect, he soon moves on carrying with him a metal object from the site of the accident. Out of boredom he writes to the police that he is responsible for the accident of what happens to have been the demise of a public official. He takes the found metal object to the police station then leaves without identifying himself.

Armin continues fruitless job interviews but also spends time in front of the glow of his computer monitor having fantasies: we see him defiling public roadside restrooms with graffiti, having bizarre physical liaisons with motorcycle men, and hurtful encounters with love interest contenders. Are these real or are they the products of an unfocused mind that wants more to life than the humdrum day job? Eventually Armin is arrested for his confessed 'crime' - or is he? We are left not knowing how much of what has been on the screen is imagined and what is real.

Christoph Hochhäusler knows his craft: he creates atmospheres that suggest the burring of a mind in flux, he paces his tale well, and he directs a strong cast fluently. While many may view this experimental film with disgust, that may be one of the goals of Hochhäusler. Perhaps he is holding a mirror to the quality of life we have created in the 21st century for our young people who have been raised in an unstructured environment. In retrospect the ennui created here may be a more pointed existentialist statement than we at first recognize. In German with English subtitles. Grady Harp, February 07

Disturbing Teen.......2007-02-07

"I AM GUILTY"

Disturbing Teen

Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride

New from TLA Releasing is "I Am Guilty" ("Falscher Bekenner"), a disturbing story about a bright, bored and troubled teenager named Armin. He has a loving family which makes it hard to understand why he is so troubled. His parents care for him and love him very much. Even so he manages to get himself into all sorts of trouble as if he is hungering for the love he already has.
The problem that I had with the movie was the subtitles which made almost no sense at times. The little German I knew told me that something with the subtitles was not quite kosher and this caused me a great deal of confusion. I would have to classify the movie as art house abstraction. The thing that bothers me about abstract movies is that I am never sure I really know what they mean." I am Guilty" is a good movie nevertheless.
What we learn from the movie is about the boredom and dullness of life. Basically we all live the same life. We go to school, we graduate, we get a job, etc. Our existence is simply a "world of repetition". Here we have a young man, bored with life who does not want to become a part of that kind of existence that society forces upon us. He is forced to commit crime to fulfill the need for excitement.
There were times that the movie seemed vague and I wondered if that showed that even with a life of repetition, there is also a degree of insularity in life. The fantasy sequences in the film are brilliant and the acting is wonderful. But there is also that sense of trying to understand what is real and what is imagination. What did Armin do and what did he just imagine he did?
When a movie makes me think, I welcome it. I want to believe that I was thinking correctly and I got no validation of that. The ending is just that--an ending. The movie just ends with no resolution and no tying up of lose ends. I was very surprised that it ended because I was waiting for some grand finale. I suppose that has to come in each viewer's mind.
I realize that this is not an easy movie to watch but on a second viewing it made much more sense. It was so interesting to realize that with all of the differences among people in a society, that we are all basically the same--with variations. Isn't this something we have always known but never wanted to admit? It takes a film like "I Am Guilty" to make us sit up and take notice of who we are, what we are doing and where we are going.

Average customer rating:

Anthony Hopkins Rules!!!!!!!!!!

Guilty Conscience
Starring: Anthony Hopkins; Blythe Danner
Director: David Greene
Manufacturer: Passion Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

ASIN: B0002Y15NU
Release Date: 2001-01-01

Product Description

Anthony Hopkins stars in this psychological thriller as Arthur Jamison, a successful criminal attorney who has foul play on his mind when he discovers that his wife is seeking a divorce and plans to blackmail him and ruin his career.

Customer Reviews:

Anthony Hopkins Rules!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-05-24

Anthony Hopkins Rules in this great thriller.It's a must see at a great price!!!

Average customer rating:

Standard slasher fare, but worthwhile for genre fans
Not the Average Slasher

Girls Nite Out
Starring: Rutanya Alda , Richard Bright , James Carroll , David Holbrook , and Julia Montgomery
Director: Robert Deubel
Manufacturer: Guilty Pleasures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Slasher Flicks | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0009S2KJC
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Description

The day after a homecoming basketball game and the victory party, an all-night scavenger hunt is held on the campus of a small Ohio college. Amongst the backdrop of Campus shenanigans the school mascot is murdered and his bear costume taken by a psychotic killer. Stalking several cheerleaders and killing them in variety of creative ways, the murderers identity stays hidden by the playful panda costume. The campus security officer Mac (Hal Holbrook) whose daughter was a victim of a similar killer, tries to find out who's behind it before more killings continue.

Customer Reviews:

Standard slasher fare, but worthwhile for genre fans.......2005-11-14

I bought this on DVD without ever seeing it before and it was a worthwhile purchase. I won't reiterate the plot here, but I was impressed with this film's transfer considering its age. The images appear crisp and detailed, the colour is strong and consistent and there are only a tiny bit of scratches and spots throughout, most noticeably near the end. The audio was hard to distinguish in spots however.

The direction is standard for a slasher film, although there are quite a few effective and creepy scenes, notably the first few minutes of the film which take place in a mental institution. The night scenes outside the campus are very well handled, while the party scenes are standard but watchable. The sound effects were also well done.

Some of the actors appear inexperienced, especially the one who plays Peter Krizaniac. He should be embarrassed, along with some others trying to goof off for the camera, it's almost like they are attempting to ruin the film. Acting like an idiot certainly does not impress most viewers. However, Lauren-Marie Taylor (from Friday the 13th Part 2) and Julie Montgomery both do an excellent job and are quite believable in their roles.

The amount of blood and gore is not quite enough for my personal taste, though it may have been hampered due to the low budget or post production cuts. The body count is too low for my liking but overall it was an enjoyable film.

Media Blasters should be congratulated for adding the bonuses; the original title sequence appears as well as the original trailer featuring the girl who appears on the cover (but is not in the film), an interview with Julie Montgomery and trailers for a few other films. It would have been better to hear a director's commentary however.

The interview was rather disappointing. I wanted to know more of the film's background, and Julie just basically said it was a fun time. What about when it was filmed, when was the theatrical release, how long did it take to film, what was the director like, were there any scenes cut out of the final product, etc. She even starts talking about being in Revenge of the Nerds, which has absolutely nothing to do with this.

The package is quite excellent, I have to disagree with the person who said the cover makes it look like an early 90s film. I admit the spine of the DVD looks lurid, with the pink colours and a small image of a girl putting lipstick on, but the image on the cover is only a slight variation of the the original VHS release. The original typecase would've been better, but I think it is quite well done.

If you are a fan of the other early 1980s slashers, this is a worthwhile purchase. Average horror fans will likely not enjoy it.

Not the Average Slasher.......2005-09-27

I see some people on other sites giving this film a bad review when most of them werent probably even Born when this came out. The 80s had copycat films sure, ALL years usually cash in on whats hot. The Ghost House films are big NOW...Hollywood is cashing in on remaking horror movies from japan....and in the 90s disaster films reigned the box office so its no different for the 80s. One slasher comes out that does well then people jump on the bandwagon. Thing is MOST were all just hack n slash, bit of nudity, the end...Well, this film really embodies the 80s if you want a retro look back this one does it WELL. It isnt the goriest nor does it have ANY nudity but the film still relies on the typical "twist" at the end and the creative killer making a creative weapon to kill victims with. Sure some with compare the killer here to freddy as fred had knives on his glove as here the killer is dressed in the mascot's costume which is a bear costume and the killer is shown making claws out of steak knives. Well both "Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Girls Nite Out" both came out in 1984 so the similarities are rare here. The film is a typical slasher from the 80s and it carries itself fairly well for its time. Is it cheesy now? Sure because the films NOW take themselves WAY too seriously except for the Scream series. But this was a time when things were different. If you want a decent slasher that is a little tame on the gore but maintains that 80s feel this is the film for you. I gave it five stars because I LOVED the 80s and this one brings back memories of that era.

Average customer rating:

Companion piece to the album of the same name!

Not Guilty: The Experience
Starring: John P. Kee
Manufacturer: Verity
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

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

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ASIN: B000LPR6D8
Release Date: 2007-01-30

Description

1. Thou Art Worthy
2. I'll Bless Your Name
3. I Do Worship
4. Rain On Us
5. Rhema Word
6. My Healing
7. Sovereign
8. Wedding Song
9. I Believe
10. Jesus
11. Changed Me
12. Grateful
13. Not Guilty

Customer Reviews:

Companion piece to the album of the same name!.......2007-06-30

This is a recording of a 2001 concert by John P. Kee and The New Life Community Choir, filmed in North Carolina. Kee's voice is in fine form and receives heavenly support from the choir on such familiar songs as "I Do Worship," "My Healing," "I Believe," and "Jesus." The accompanying band, including Kee's own son on drums, is a group of highly skilled musicians and provide outstanding backup.

Guests on the concert include the legendary Shirley Caesar and contemporary artist Tonex.

At over an hour, the DVD is engaging and entertaining throughout. Especially inspirational is the concept video of "The Wedding Song," featuring a not-so-young couple dating and ultimately getting married.

The only downside is the editing and matching of the audio and video. During one song, it appears that the soloist performing had her vocal added later, making her a tad out of sync. There is another instance where Kee is singing lead but in a split second an elderly man appears from out of nowhere, taking the reins of the song.

Thus, the DVD loses a star.

DVD:

DVD

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