Reviews (9)

Dreams for a Better Day
I remember watching this movie over and over when I was younger, but I haven't watched it in years. I popped it in the other day, and was reminded of just how much I loved it. Sure, it may seem a little hokey compared to some of todays entertainment. It's a nice, "down home" story about kids growing up in a little town where everyone knows everyone. The boys are put of The Buttercream Gang, a group that's been around as long as the town. They're nice boys who help out in their community and have fun fishing, swimming, playing baseball, and riding their bikes. One of their friends moves away to Chicago, and comes back visibly changed. They suspect he might have been in a gang and try to help him out, show they still accept him. The movie gives a nice message about what unconditional love is, and how it's not that easy to love your enemies, but you should anyway. What's so wrong with that?? We need more movies like this, nice wholesome movies you can watch with your whole family. I would highly reccomend this movie to anyone, especially those looking for a movie they can watch with their kids. Some reviewers mentioned that their VHS was wearing out--"The Buttercream Gang" (and it's sequel) are both available on DVD-just go to the Feature Films for Families website: www.familytv.com

The Bc gang
WE are the offical fan club of the buttercream gang movie featurette. And we can quote this movie up and down like quakers do the bible. Scott (scooter) is my hero. He is so brave. He rescues old widows and gives back stolen treats. He really made an impression on me and my cousin when we first watch the movie , my cousin was pretty moved by the way he confronted Pete. We also cherrished Elvin. He will always hold a very private place in our hearts. He is a pretty slow bike rider in movie but he is such an inspiration because he always trys. If you know a Fat kid this movie would do wonders for their self esteem b/c Elvin is PHAT...one cool cat.

Brilliant Modern-Day Psychological Thriller
Allow me to first point out that "Lanny" (pronounced "Lenny") is NOT REAL. I have viewed this extraordinary film countless times, and find it surprising that none of the other Amazon reviewers have commented on this fundamental issue. "Lanny's" non-existence is demonstrated on countless occasions, and it is worth noting that only the other Buttercreamers (and young children) acknowledge his presence. Even the kindly Mr. Graff has grown too old and hardened in his ways. The real heart of this film lies in Mr. Baker's ability to present a story through the mind of an obviously psychologically troubled protagonist, and to convince us that "Lanny," or, as it were, "Lenny," is a living, breathing human being. A directorial virtuosity of this kind as not been seen since 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street," and perhaps not even then.

To discover the far-ranging implications of "Lanny's" creation, it is necessary to do some forgrounding, and witness his "birth" in the collective minds of Scott, Eldon, and yes, Pete. The question of who actually invented "Lanny" has baffled scholars since the film's release. However, a careful study of the film will reveal to the discerning eye that Eldon is the only possible candidate. While Scott has learned to live a life not wholly reliant on "Lanny"s existence, and Pete seems to have openly rejected it, Eldon relies heavily on the presence of such a figure to face the world. The "need for Lanny," as Buttercream scholars like to call it, was based on Eldon's realization of the coldness and harshness of the world around him. He needed a warm friend to turn to in his times of trouble. The fact that we never see Eldon's parents or family illustrates the fact that he is almost completely dependant on his "friend's" unfailing ability to provide comfort (for, in fact, it is Eldon's inner self that is providing the much needed comfort). Eldon is starkly alone without "Lanny."

The terrifying truth lurking beneath "Buttercream's" warm and friendly surface, is the fact that Pete, though hardened by the world and it's cruelties, has ultimately discovered himself, while Scott and Eldon have merely sought refuge in a non-existent being. "Lanny" is the measurable sun (son?) within each of us.

THE WORLD NEEDS MORE MOVIES LIKE THIS :)
MAGIC. That is the first word that comes to my mind when I think back to the first time that I sat down to watch the Buttercream Gang well over a decade ago...the MAGIC has only grown brighter with every time that I have viewed it since. This movie deeply and intimately shaped my boyhood with the truths and virtues of friendship, forgiveness, redemption, and endless other great fruits of the soul, which seem to be unremorsefully slipping away in our present world. I am sad to see the negative reviews posted for this film. It only proves what the human soul has turned its back on within the ambitiously growing age of technology and "spiritless-ness". I have watched this movie seemingly infinite times since I was a boy (I pop it in the VCR as soon as Spring arrives every year), and even now, in the years of my manhood, the MAGIC is still ever so present. The heart of this story deeply shaped my own heart with these great and enchanting truths and challenged me as a young boy to be good to others and do my best in all that I do in life. Its simple and heart-gripping message is one that I shall take with me for all of my life. To the makers of this movie, I tip my hat and say thank you from the deepest part of my soul for bringing these lessons and adventures into my Home and the home of so many others (whom I am sure are very grateful as well). I have never forgotten what it means to be a Buttercreamer. (***Please release "THE BUTTERCREAM GANG" on DVD!!) :)

GOOD Moral Video
Although this video may seem a little "uncool" to some people, i think it's a very good way for children to learn some moral values. I appreciate this video, and reccomend it to parents wanting to teach their kids good ethics. It teaches forgiveness, and other such things i would want my children to have. I show this movie to kids when i sit them, and they like it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Interesting for its footnotes
Footnotes to a movie? I'll expain, but first the review.

Stephen Collins plays an enigmatic research scientist on the verge of finding a way to tap into the energy of passing comets. (This flick came out in 1987, about the time of Halley's last flyby.) Unfortunately, and for reasons not very well spelled out, the research requires that he conduct his research out of the remote Choke Canyon in which he has set up what looks like a smaller version of the supercomputer built by Richard Pryor in the 3rd superman movie. Unfortunately, Choke Canyon isn't remote enough, and Collins must contend with an evil land developer (damn those evil land developers and their...developing...ways!) When the villain destroys Collins experiment, and time running out (the experiment must coincide with the comet's flyby) Collins must resort to a bit of rogue-heroics to force them to rebuild it.

This is actually a decent flick. Stephen Collins is very ernest in a story that doesn't really connect (rather than land developers, couldn't they have put Collins in the middle of some war between technology firms or governments suddenly interested in his work? Isn't the prospect of the experiment bigger than strip-malls or condos?)

Footnotes? Oh yeah. Footage for "Choke Canyon" was used in the cool video "Silent Running" ("Can you hear me? Can you hear me running?"). You may remember that as the video in which a young boy receives a package from his long-lost father, takes the package to a room in his house filled with light and, in front of his shocked mom, disappears. (The enigmatic imagery suggests that the father is involved in some otherworldly intrigue and has sent for his son to join him). Unfortunately, "Choke Canyon" has nothing to do with that video's proto-"X-Files" plot, but is nonetheless an interesting flick. ... Read more

Reviews (112)

"A Life Less Ordinary" is the best romantic comedy ever!
I thought I was sick of romantic comedies...until I saw this movie. "A Life Less Ordinary" (brought to you by the crew who did "Trainspotting" and "Shallow Grave) is a hilarious film about a guy (sexy Ewan McGregor) who loses his job to a robot, and decides to do something about it. He kidnaps his former boss' daughter (Cameron Diaz), who ends up taking over the operation. Two angels then step in to unite the couple romantically, and then end result is often violent, always funny, chaos. The film had great comic timing and the two leads were wonderful. The movie actually pulled off a few dramtic scenes without appearing cheesy or tacked-on. The plot sometimes became confusing and the ending was a little weird but all-in-all, the film was incredible. "A Life Less Ordinary" is a good date film, but it's fun to watch with your buds or if you've just been dumped and I LOVED IT.

Somehow It Works
When thinking about my review, I was trying to come up with why I love this movie so much and can't really. The acting is wonderful, I suppose that's the main reason. However, the storyline doesn't really do much for me. It was definitely less ordinary, but there was just something lacking. However, the humor and acting do make up for it, and I would definitely recommend you see this.

Ewan McGregor is simply wonderful as Robert, a somewhat confused guy just trying to hold down a life. After being dumped by his girlfriend and fired from his job as a janitor (to be replaced by robots) all in the same day, he's had enough and decides to take matters into his own hands. Soon he is in the head of the company's office, threatening him. But, as luck would have it, the boss' daughter was there meeting with him. This eventually turns into Celine (Cameron Diaz) being kidnapped and taken to a remote cabin. All sounds wonderful: except for the fact that Robert has no idea what he's doing. As I said before, Ewan does a superb job of playing such an unprepared, clueless character. While I'm not much of a Cameron fan, I will admit she was perfect for the part of the non-feeling spoiled brat. Overall, they save this movie. Make sure to check it out soon!

Great acting. 16th april 2004.
Hard to explain it but i loved it. There are better films though. The actors were great for there parts thats one thing.

Fun, Fun!!
I absolutely adore this movie!! It's definately in my top ten, maybe even my top five! ^.^ It's just sooo cute, sweet, funny and twisted. ^.~
The character Robert is a completely loveable loser who only wanted his job back, and Celine is just such a wildchild brat that it works. ^_____________^ Great fun.

Funny and Sweet
This is one of the most offbeat films I've seen in a very long time. I agree with most everyone else who reviewed this movie. "A Life Less Ordinary" is Extra-ordinary! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Grand Tour Of The History Of A Canyon
I have the Slingshot edition (DVD9804) of this IMAX video. The print quality is pretty good but as a few others have mentioned there are one or two scratches and marks on the print used to make this DVD which is a bit disappointing considering on the back of the case it says the title was digitally remastered. I thought that would have been the time to fix such problems. When I saw this film at my local Imax I thought it looked a bit dark. I was told by the manager that early Imax cinemas used silver instead of white screens. (Anyone know if this is correct). Early Imax films also used a different film stock (?) which resulted in the dark look on the white screen. I don't know if this effects the look of this DVD or not. Apart from the one or two little scrathes it looks rather good throughout. A 4,000 year History of the Canyon, most it European history of the last 500 years, is used to link endlessly beatuiful shots of the Canyon together. Much of the middle section of the film is a ride sequence down rapids. Its spectacular and I assume would have been extremely dangerous to film. It certainly looks dangerous. Lots of helicopter shots, some nicely executed re-enactments and thats about it. There is however a nice link between an early sequence and the end of the film which ties up the narrative nicely. Worth getting if your never likely to get to the Grand Canyon yourself. I would have liked an ambience and music option on this DVD, but sadly its not there. There is an additional 9 minute making of featurette on this edition which shows how difficult films like this are to make. Keith Merrill also made Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic, which is done in exactly the same style as GC.

Horrible image quality
I bought this video after a visit to the Canyon and I am very sorry I did. Even with the cheapest vidoe camera you will get better image quality. There is a problem with image sharpness as well as colors. The conversion from IMAX to VHS PAL just killed the pictures. On top of that there is some sort of stupid story that we could do well without.

Dont't buy this tape!

a very long cut version
william rogers from wirral england,Ihave seen this Imax grand canyon many times on dvd.and twice on the Imax screen.and it was very good and so I bought it on dvd when on holiday. but I was dissapointed to find it was a very bad cut version down to 36-mins and it said of a 24-min making of the grand canyon. but this was not on the dvd, and the run time on the dvd was 60mins. but only run for half the time. apart from that I found it very interesting to watch and I rate it a very good dvd, but sorry that they cut out the 24-min doc of the making.

Another Rip-Off From Slingshot
The narration is a bore. The transfer to DVD is horrendous...there is frequent flickering on the screen. I had hoped to see more of the Grand Canyon rather than more of the same type of idiocy that was in Slingshot's "Yellowstone". My one-star rating is super generous. If Amazon.com permitted me to do so, I'd give it a negative rating.

Slingshot has re-done this dvd and reissued it
After arguing with Slingshot Entertainments customer service person, I emailed her boss.

He advised me that they were re-mastering this dvd, and reissuing a new version. He then sent me the new version, and it is a 100 percent improvement. The dark and grainy version that showed the segments of the imax screen has been replaced by a first class digitally remastered version.

The cover looks different than the original.

If you have problems, contact Slingshot Entertainment and request they replace your old version with the new.

Thanks to Slingshot for doing the right thing. ... Read more

Album Description

Eliminate Your Jetlag after Long Flights! You Don’t have to Suffer from the Horrible Feeling of Jetlag. Overcome the tiredness and fatigue from travel. This CD trains your mind to reset its internal timeclock and dial into your destination's local time. Feel refreshed like you’ve already been there for days. Be alert with amazing concentration during business meetings. You stay intensely focused and wide awake at conferences and while giving speeches or presentations. Enjoy your vacation from the moment you land with energy and vitality. Come home refreshed and leave the jetlag behind. Many of our Mind Quest Studios clients won’t leave home without this CD. A wonderful executive gift. Compact DiscApproximately 30 Min. ... Read more

Reviews (112)

"A Life Less Ordinary" is the best romantic comedy ever!
I thought I was sick of romantic comedies...until I saw this movie. "A Life Less Ordinary" (brought to you by the crew who did "Trainspotting" and "Shallow Grave) is a hilarious film about a guy (sexy Ewan McGregor) who loses his job to a robot, and decides to do something about it. He kidnaps his former boss' daughter (Cameron Diaz), who ends up taking over the operation. Two angels then step in to unite the couple romantically, and then end result is often violent, always funny, chaos. The film had great comic timing and the two leads were wonderful. The movie actually pulled off a few dramtic scenes without appearing cheesy or tacked-on. The plot sometimes became confusing and the ending was a little weird but all-in-all, the film was incredible. "A Life Less Ordinary" is a good date film, but it's fun to watch with your buds or if you've just been dumped and I LOVED IT.

Somehow It Works
When thinking about my review, I was trying to come up with why I love this movie so much and can't really. The acting is wonderful, I suppose that's the main reason. However, the storyline doesn't really do much for me. It was definitely less ordinary, but there was just something lacking. However, the humor and acting do make up for it, and I would definitely recommend you see this.

Ewan McGregor is simply wonderful as Robert, a somewhat confused guy just trying to hold down a life. After being dumped by his girlfriend and fired from his job as a janitor (to be replaced by robots) all in the same day, he's had enough and decides to take matters into his own hands. Soon he is in the head of the company's office, threatening him. But, as luck would have it, the boss' daughter was there meeting with him. This eventually turns into Celine (Cameron Diaz) being kidnapped and taken to a remote cabin. All sounds wonderful: except for the fact that Robert has no idea what he's doing. As I said before, Ewan does a superb job of playing such an unprepared, clueless character. While I'm not much of a Cameron fan, I will admit she was perfect for the part of the non-feeling spoiled brat. Overall, they save this movie. Make sure to check it out soon!

Great acting. 16th april 2004.
Hard to explain it but i loved it. There are better films though. The actors were great for there parts thats one thing.

Fun, Fun!!
I absolutely adore this movie!! It's definately in my top ten, maybe even my top five! ^.^ It's just sooo cute, sweet, funny and twisted. ^.~
The character Robert is a completely loveable loser who only wanted his job back, and Celine is just such a wildchild brat that it works. ^_____________^ Great fun.

Funny and Sweet
This is one of the most offbeat films I've seen in a very long time. I agree with most everyone else who reviewed this movie. "A Life Less Ordinary" is Extra-ordinary! ... Read more

Album Description

Eliminate Your Jetlag after Long Flights! You Don’t have to Suffer from the Horrible Feeling of Jetlag. Overcome the tiredness and fatigue from travel. This CD trains your mind to reset its internal timeclock and dial into your destination's local time. Feel refreshed like you’ve already been there for days. Be alert with amazing concentration during business meetings. You stay intensely focused and wide awake at conferences and while giving speeches or presentations. Enjoy your vacation from the moment you land with energy and vitality. Come home refreshed and leave the jetlag behind. Many of our Mind Quest Studios clients won’t leave home without this CD. A wonderful executive gift. Compact DiscApproximately 30 Min. ... Read more

Reviews (112)

"A Life Less Ordinary" is the best romantic comedy ever!
I thought I was sick of romantic comedies...until I saw this movie. "A Life Less Ordinary" (brought to you by the crew who did "Trainspotting" and "Shallow Grave) is a hilarious film about a guy (sexy Ewan McGregor) who loses his job to a robot, and decides to do something about it. He kidnaps his former boss' daughter (Cameron Diaz), who ends up taking over the operation. Two angels then step in to unite the couple romantically, and then end result is often violent, always funny, chaos. The film had great comic timing and the two leads were wonderful. The movie actually pulled off a few dramtic scenes without appearing cheesy or tacked-on. The plot sometimes became confusing and the ending was a little weird but all-in-all, the film was incredible. "A Life Less Ordinary" is a good date film, but it's fun to watch with your buds or if you've just been dumped and I LOVED IT.

Somehow It Works
When thinking about my review, I was trying to come up with why I love this movie so much and can't really. The acting is wonderful, I suppose that's the main reason. However, the storyline doesn't really do much for me. It was definitely less ordinary, but there was just something lacking. However, the humor and acting do make up for it, and I would definitely recommend you see this.

Ewan McGregor is simply wonderful as Robert, a somewhat confused guy just trying to hold down a life. After being dumped by his girlfriend and fired from his job as a janitor (to be replaced by robots) all in the same day, he's had enough and decides to take matters into his own hands. Soon he is in the head of the company's office, threatening him. But, as luck would have it, the boss' daughter was there meeting with him. This eventually turns into Celine (Cameron Diaz) being kidnapped and taken to a remote cabin. All sounds wonderful: except for the fact that Robert has no idea what he's doing. As I said before, Ewan does a superb job of playing such an unprepared, clueless character. While I'm not much of a Cameron fan, I will admit she was perfect for the part of the non-feeling spoiled brat. Overall, they save this movie. Make sure to check it out soon!

Great acting. 16th april 2004.
Hard to explain it but i loved it. There are better films though. The actors were great for there parts thats one thing.

Fun, Fun!!
I absolutely adore this movie!! It's definately in my top ten, maybe even my top five! ^.^ It's just sooo cute, sweet, funny and twisted. ^.~
The character Robert is a completely loveable loser who only wanted his job back, and Celine is just such a wildchild brat that it works. ^_____________^ Great fun.

Funny and Sweet
This is one of the most offbeat films I've seen in a very long time. I agree with most everyone else who reviewed this movie. "A Life Less Ordinary" is Extra-ordinary! ... Read more