Reviews (7)

The Fantasy Film Worlds Of George Pal DVD
Whether you are a Sci-Fi fan or not, buy this DVD ! The star line-up of actors, writers, and directors explaining their parts in the various films outlined is worth the price of addmission. You'll be surprised-and perhaps amused-at some of the faces, and the films they worked on. But be warned: You'll want to race right out and buy everyone of George Pal's films after you view this great DVD. Hats off to Arnold Leibovit.

A Brilliant Composition Of A Brilliant Man's Works!
The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal is truly worlds of wonder! Arnold Leibovit, producer of this marvelous documentary, has done a wonderful job at encapsulating the colorful life and career of producer/director George Pal - from his meager beginnings as a cartoon artist, through his years of creating the stop-motion animated short films, fancifully named "Puppetoons", and into his wonderful works of feature motion pictures. The documentary guides us with affection through Pal's career, by way of interviews with the cast, crew and peers of his films, and includes interviews with Pal himself. His work touches a cord within all of us - the child that lives within and is dazzled by science and fantasy, prophetic visions and flights of fancy. All who have known or worked with him remember Pal with delight - "He was a sweet, sweet man; ...a gentle man.", as Tony Randel puts it when telling of his experience of working with Pal. This was a sentiment felt by all who have had the honor of knowing and working with Pal. This documentary thoroughly captures the whimsy and kind heart of a man who not only was a dreamer, but was one who inspired us to dream. People like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg only stand on Pal's shoulders, and continue the line of imaginative filmmaking which he started. The contemporary term "eye candy" can so easily be applied to this documentary, for it is a treat to see this montage of works by the master that started it all. Thanks George! And thank you Arnold Leibovit, for giving us this special and delightful glimpse into the life and works of a man who will never be forgotten! The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal was obviously a labor of love!

George Pal is 20th Century's Most Significant Talents
During the science fiction and fantasy boom of the 1950s, few names could compare with George Pal. In many ways the pioneering visionary in the ways we view outer space and fantastic creatures on the screen, he turned out a string of masterpieces as both director and producer, using his experience with puppeteering and special effects to bring previously unimaginable sights to stunned audiences around the world.

This informative and extremely entertaining documentary takes a thorough look at Pal's career, from his early days in Hungary and Germany making European shorts with various types of puppets combined with simple techniques involving painting and glass. His transition to Hollywood following the rise of Naziism allowed him to bring his Puppetoons to audiences of impressionable children, but the move to live action proved to be even more fruitful. His groundbreaking Destination Moon presented a heightened new realism for cinematic space travel, and he soon realized that science fiction could become a trememndous box office draw. His literary adaptations remain loved by audiences today: The War of the Worlds, The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, The Time Machine, tom thumb, and his last film, the pulpy Doc Savage:Man of Bronze.

The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal assembles a who's who of Hollywood filmmaking, combining actors who worked on Pal's productions (such as Rod Taylor,Tony Randall, and Barbara Eden) to admirers like Joe Dante and Ray Harryhausen (who worked with Pal along with animation legend Willis O'Brien). The clips from Pal's early works are especially tantalizing and could have gone on much longer; "Sleeping Beauty" in particular looks like a dazzler. Unlike standard Hollywood biographies, this one keeps up a rapid pace and keeps a steady flow of fascinating clips and home movies to provide a solid, well rounded portrait of a man who loved entertaining people in any way possible.

The Image DVD looks quite good for a mid-'80s documentary, with strong colors and no noticeable compression flaws. The contrast level and clarity vary wildly from clip to clip, for obvious reasons, but such is the nature of an archival beast. The mono audio also gets the job done quite well for its age. The disc also includes a host of Pal-related extras, such as promotional material for many his films from Destination Moon to Doc Savage, as well as more interview footage deleted from the final cut, some additional home movies, some warm and intriguing comments from Puppetoon veterans, and a peek at the newsreel premiere footage for Brothers Grimm. In short, no fantasy film buff should be without this disc, and hopefully his entire catalog will one day be available to perfectly complement this love letter to one of the 20th Century's most significant creative talents.

Finally George Pal & This Documentary Will Get Their Due!
I originally saw Arnold Leibovit's documentary, "The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal," a dozen or so years ago, and it has not dimmed in the years since. In fact, the extra footage and the new clarity have only improved the experience of seeing this great man's legacy. Leibovit's affectionate treatment of his subject is like a throwback to a more respectful era.

George Pal is a Superior film on a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Legend!
The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal by director Arnold Leibovit is without a doubt one of the finest tribute films ever made! There are no words that can fully describe the emotional high one gets when watching this splendid epic journey. If you grew up on these classics as I did, this film is a tremendous treat. There is a sincerity and emotional impact that comes through "Fantasy Worlds" that few films can match. Of particular note are the absolutely sensational interviews- a Who's Who of Sci-Fi & Fantasy from Gene Roddenberry, Ray Bradbury, Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Russ Tamblyn,Tony Randall to Robert Wise, Roy E. Disney, Ray Harryhausen, Chesley Bonestell and many many other film notables including George Pal himself. The film incorporates gorgeous colorful crystal clear clips that are just not little snippets but long fully realized sequences. I''ve never seen a film like this do that. It is really a credit to Mr. Leibovit to have done such a marvelous and meticulous job. The interviews are also amazing. Overall an absolute MUST for anyone interested in the films of George Lucas or Steven Spielberg or modern sci-fi. None of what we see today could ever be possible without the staggering contributions of George Pal. I will treasure this DVD always. PS I have seen a preview copy and just wait until you see the bonus section. It includes new materials not contained on the original video release that will knock your socks off. Must be two hours of new material alone! ... Read more

Reviews (160)

Retro movie
"Down With Love" is a wonderful movie staring Ewan McGregor and Rene Zelleweger. It's set in the early 60's and what's really cool, is that it's shot and got the feel of a 60's romantic comedy. The movie even opens up with a retro 20th Century Fox logo and Cinemascope logo. Awesome!

The story is about a woman named Barbara Novak who writes a book called 'Down With Love' which is an instruction book for how women can live without men and have sex without love and basically live life like men do. Hot columnist Catcher Block is supposed to do a big cover article about her. He's never seen her and thinks she must be an old spinster, so he blows her off one day after another to spend time with all his airline stewardess flings. When her book becomes a worldwide phenomenon and he finally sees what she looks like, he tries to get things going with her, only now she won't give him the time of day. He then decides to write an expose by making the girl who's "down with love" fall in love with him.

Cute and fun!
I rented this movie because I love both the lead actor and actress and it looked cute. I'm so glad I did! This was a hilarious movie that is kind of a spoof of the Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies back in the 60's.

The basic idea is that Barbara Novak (Renee Zellweger) authored a book called "Down With Love" which inspired women to stop falling in love and start acting like men, that is - have sex "a la carte" and not let love interfere with their careers.

Hotshot womanizing journalist Catcher Block (Ewan Mcgregor)wants to find a way to expose Barbara Novak and ruin her, because her book is losing him all his dates! He creates an alternate persona of Zip Martin, a geeky astronaut, and gets Barbara to fall in love with him. There is a very tongue-in-cheek twist ending, but it was still funny!

There are some great one-liners here, and the very suggestive talking on the telephone scene is hilarious! The acting is superb, I absolutely loved both Mcgregor and Zellweger in the roles, they were perfect! The costumes were also great, I loved the scenes where Barbara and her editor, Vicky, enter a restaurant and shed their jackets. Too funny!

Anyways, overall - this was a very cute movie. I highly recommend checking it out, its not like most romantic comedies that come out of Hollywood these days. Some might not like it, or realize how tongue-in-cheek the whole movie is, but I found myself really enjoying it because it was unique.

Get Down With Love
Down With Love is a homage to the Doris Day and Rock Hudson comedies of the late 50's and early 60's. The film revolves around a young, unknown writer Barbara Novak (Renee Zelleweger) who has penned a runaway bestseller, Down With Love, which says that women can act just like men especially when it comes to sex. Women all over the country are becoming liberated and men aren't happy. Magazine writer and swinging ladies man Catcher Block (Ewan MacGregor) wants to interview Barbara and when he is denied, he sets up a scheme to take her down. Posing as a shy, mild-mannered astronaut Zip Martin, he sets off to make Barbara fall in love with him and disprove the whole Down With Love premises. Along for help are Catcher's best friend, Peter MacManus (David Hyde Pierce) and Barbara's best friend and editor (Vikki Hiller). Tony Randall, who appeared in three of the Hudson-Day films, makes his final film appearance as the head of Barbara's publishing company. The film is an entertaining romp and the actors have their tongues firmly in their cheeks. Mr. MacGregor & Ms. Zelleweger have great chemistry and the fun they having in the film clearly shows off. The sets are magnificent and the retro look and styles adds to film's appeal. The closing credits contains a great song and dance number with Mr. MacGregor and Ms. Zelleweger clearing taking advantage of the talents they showed in Moulin Rouge & Chicago respectively.

4 or 5 star! 2nd july 2004.
Don't get carried away from the film, the first bit is boring but it does get better. Theres always that sound in the backround nearly all the way through the film and that can sometimes ruin it. Not a film for everyone though, it may seem boring for some people. I loved it not brilliant but good! I certainly think they chose brilliant actors for there parts too, they suit really well. GIRLY AND NOT MUCH FOR BOYS, IT ISN'T LIKE THE LORD OF THE RINGS,IT IS BETTER!

renee and ewan produce an unlikely triumph!
i must say that i thoroughly enjoyed this nostalgic treat!! i am a huge fan of renee zelwegger, and once the movie was over, i also became a huge fan of ewan mcgregor. the onscreen chemistry between these two is great. i also must say that the costumes were a treat! the only thing that keeps this movie from a 5 star rating was the obscurity of some of the jokes. i didnt get some of them until my 5th view. still, i highly reccommend this movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Springtime means fresh starts. But for young Ryan Newman, his family's fresh start in a small town leaves him feeling dejected and lonely. Enter the Littlest Angel, Heaven's sweet but accident-prone rookie. His first earthly assignment is to help Ryan make new friends, a task that proves difficult for the blond-headed cherub. Littlest Angel zooms back to Heaven for some loving reassurance from the Understanding Angel (voiced by Naomi Judd) and learns, "There are always second chances." Very little discussion about Easter enters into the plot, classifying this 26-minute video as a very lightweight entertainment piece for youngsters. --LianeThomas ... Read more

Reviews (27)

The Littlest Angel 1969
The newest angel in Heaven, Johnny Whitaker (Jody from "Family Affair") meets up with fellow angel Fred Gwynn (Herman Munster from "The Munsters") in this charming story of two angels who just cannot seem to do things the right way. The music is wonderful and the movie itself can stand on it's own. It is my Christmas wish for 1999 that Bridgestone once again put this wonderful movie into production. They will not be sorry!

I know where to get this video!!!!
I too have been looking for this video since forever. I loved it as a child and was saddened when they stop showing it only to show a cartoon version. Well, weep no more folks!!! You can buy it at ChristianBook.com and the best thing is.....it is only 3.99!!!! I am unsure of the quality as I have not watched my copy yet. I hope this makes your holiday out there!
Merry Chirstmas to all! God Bless!

THE LITTLEST ANGEL
I loved this movie as a young girl and would love to share with my own daughters. I have been looking for this movie for years and no one seems to know what I'm talking about. I'm glad to know there are other people out there who loved this movie as much as I did. I too, hope it is rereleased.

Yet Another Soul Wishing for a Re-release
Like so many others, I too have always loved this movie. It is a classic and no modern holiday films can compare. This is my plea to have the film re-released soon! A clerk at Suncoast Video said it was available in their system last year (2000), but not this year, for some reason. What gives? Please, please make this film available again!!

STILL WISHING & HOPING
I ORDERED THE SCREEN VERSION OF THE LITTLEST ANGEL WITH JOHNNY
WHITTAKER AND FRED GWYNN, HOWEVER I RECEIVED THE CARTOON VERSION. WHILE I AM SURE THE CARTOON VERSION IS WONDERFUL, I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE SCREEN VERSION. I HOPE THE PRODUCERS OF THIS FILM RECOGNIZE THE POPULARITY OF THIS VERSION AND RE-RELEASE THE ORIGINAL VERSION SOON. THERE ARE QUITE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD BE WILLING TO PURCHASE THIS VIDEO. IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAS A COPY AND WOULD BE WILLING TO MAKE A COPY PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR "MANY" YEARS AND WOULD LOVE A COPY. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

could be a classic someday.
I took this video out of my local library, not expecting much. I took a peek at it while the kids were watching, and was pleasantly surprised. It is very well done, with good animation, a clever story line, and a good message. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Only for courageous fans
I found it quite difficult to sit through this movie. Marilyn looks great & sings wonderful, the musical numbers are good, but the script is so thin that the film as a whole is just boring, boring, boring...
The supporting cast has nearly nothing to do, and Yves Montand has to be one of the worst actors ever! His accent is simply unbearable (he even has a few lines in German & Italian, which are nearly incomprehensible to native speakers), and he never manages to give his character any credible feelings whatsoever. Why should Marilyn's character abandon Frankie Vaughan (who is rather handsome & a good singer, too) for this horrible old guy? Perhaps she really only wants his money after all...

ESSENTIALLY FOR MARILYN FANS
Not a great movie, that's for certain.Marilyn,probobly for the first time, doesn't look so good on film. Never the less, u still can't take your eyes of her! The strain of a faltering marriage and work on the mediocre movie was obvious.Yet it's an entertaining movie at times.Marilyn is superb performing "My Heart

belongs to Daddy".And of course there is some chemistry between Marilyn and co-star Yves Montand ,who were having an affair during filming.

MM's penultimate film is a cockle doodle-doo
When billionaire Jean-Marc Clement hears a theatre company is going to be roasting him in a satire on celebrities, he goes down to the theatre to see what the hullabaloo is about. There, he sees Cole Porter's "My Heart Belongs To Daddy" number, sung by a blonde actress, Amanda Dell with male dancers. He is smitten and because this is a comedy, he is mistaken for a Clement impersonator and hired by Oliver Burton, head of the production. Also, because this is a comedy and an eye-rolling one at that, he takes the name Alexander Dumas. Both Dumas pere and fils were probably churning in their graves at that one.

He learns that Amanda doesn't like Clement one bit. "I heard they're going to make a real idiot out of him" she says, also saying of him he's a rich louse. Insulted, he tells her off, but she, clueless of his real identity, praises him by saying it's a perfect impression of Clement, which mollifies him. He tries to get closer to Amanda by trying to get her help on acting technique and asking her out. She on her part is friendly and encouraging, but she's taking night classes to get what would today be a GED. Worse for him, she's the girlfriend of song and dance man Tony Danton, played by Frankie Vaughan, whom he is definitely jealous of.

Clement lacks show business talent and through his PR man Alexander Coffman, gets a joke from Lamont, played by ex-Three Stooge Joe Besser, which backfires. Hiring Milton Berle, Bing Crosby, and Gene Kelly (who play themselves in guest cameos) for comedy, singing, and dancing.

The rehearsal for the "Specialization" number is humiliating for Clement. After all, Clement is known as a notorious womanizer, and to his chagrin, he is forced to accompany the line "crow from the barnyard roost" by cockle-doodle-dooing like a real rooster. Others roasted in this number are Maria Callas, Elvis Presley, and pianist Van Cliburn, which is a snapshot of who was big in 1960.

The best observation on human nature comes from Coffman, who learning that the theatre has been demanded a year's rent in advance and that the theatre's real estate firm belongs to Clement, asks the bartender for three double bourbons, then goes into this bitter spiel. "Somebody once said that rich people are only poor people with money. Well, he was lying. Rich people aren't people, my friend. Oh, they can be charming, democratic, polite. You can hardly tell them from a human being sometimes. Just be good and sure you don't cross them."

Another good insight is a conversation between Coffman and Clement. When people talk to Clement, they don't talk to him, they talk to his money, hence Coffman's calling him "sir." The importance of distinguishing people from their money is noted here.

Apart from the Cole Porter number, the other numbers are forgettable. This is far from MM or Yves Montand's most memorable performances. Montand is miscast in this part, and it's understandable why celebrities ranging from Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Yul Brynner, and James Stewart turned it down. All in all, a waste of talent given the cast involved, including Tony Randall, Wilfrid Hyde-White, and director George Cukor.

Critics panned this and wrote off Monroe's career, even saying she was putting on some pounds. However, the script, idea, dialogue, lack of likeable characters (except Amanda and Coffman) and lack of oomph are more to blame. MM was trying to breathe life into a movie doomed from the start and did her best. Unfortunately, it didn't save this cockle-doodle-doo of a picture. And Holly from Cool World was inspired enough to sing the title song? Please!

Yves Montand est magnifique!
This is a wonderful movie. Reading the reviews, I saw so many put-downs of Yves Montand and I totally disagree. He was a wonderful actor, world-renowned and carries this movie totally. Just because many Americans don't "get it" when it comes to the French does not make him any less talented. This was his movie...HE was the main character, while Marilyn's character is more distant and viewed primarily through Yves' eyes.

Marilyn does the best she can with some obvious weight and other issues and the fact that she performed so well even with these problems made me respect her all the more. The flaws in her appearance (like a minor scratch on a diamond)actually gave the film more credibility and made it plausible that a man who had had his fill of perfect plastic beauties would fall in love with her! I do agree she was somewhat distant, but some of that had to do with the script. I think it is hard for some people to accept her in a supporting role at that point in her career and see a Frenchman with the lead.

Frankie Vaughn was stunning and ready for Broadway in his Tony Danton role and I do wish they had developed him a little better (there was no dialogue between his character and Montand's which was strange). If you can put any cultural biases aside you are in for a real treat! I do not give it a full five stars due to the technical problems with the film print but it is a jewel.

Watch it to see MM
With any other actress,this old flick would be silly and boring,but ,as always, Mazza brings it to life.It focuses around a group of stage actors,and Marilyn sings quite a few songs.I thought,in one dance act,Marilyn looked thinner than usual and therefore not as great. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My kids are exercising!
Our whole family is a little out of shape, and we all need to exercise. It gets very hot here, so we don't do a lot of strenuous outdoor activities. I workout with videos, but the ones I use are frequently too complicated for my kids. I have tried several of the workout videos designed for children and this is by far the best. It is entertaining enough to keep their focus, while encouraging them to get up and move. The exercises are demonstrated by the actors in the stories, so that there is only one or two people whose whole bodies are clearly visible, instead of various closeups of groups of kids seen in most other children's fitness videos. It is the first one my kids have actually wanted to get up and follow, and they actually ask to play it without any outside encouragement! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Fantasy Film Worlds Of George Pal DVD
Whether you are a Sci-Fi fan or not, buy this DVD ! The star line-up of actors, writers, and directors explaining their parts in the various films outlined is worth the price of addmission. You'll be surprised-and perhaps amused-at some of the faces, and the films they worked on. But be warned: You'll want to race right out and buy everyone of George Pal's films after you view this great DVD. Hats off to Arnold Leibovit.

A Brilliant Composition Of A Brilliant Man's Works!
The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal is truly worlds of wonder! Arnold Leibovit, producer of this marvelous documentary, has done a wonderful job at encapsulating the colorful life and career of producer/director George Pal - from his meager beginnings as a cartoon artist, through his years of creating the stop-motion animated short films, fancifully named "Puppetoons", and into his wonderful works of feature motion pictures. The documentary guides us with affection through Pal's career, by way of interviews with the cast, crew and peers of his films, and includes interviews with Pal himself. His work touches a cord within all of us - the child that lives within and is dazzled by science and fantasy, prophetic visions and flights of fancy. All who have known or worked with him remember Pal with delight - "He was a sweet, sweet man; ...a gentle man.", as Tony Randel puts it when telling of his experience of working with Pal. This was a sentiment felt by all who have had the honor of knowing and working with Pal. This documentary thoroughly captures the whimsy and kind heart of a man who not only was a dreamer, but was one who inspired us to dream. People like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg only stand on Pal's shoulders, and continue the line of imaginative filmmaking which he started. The contemporary term "eye candy" can so easily be applied to this documentary, for it is a treat to see this montage of works by the master that started it all. Thanks George! And thank you Arnold Leibovit, for giving us this special and delightful glimpse into the life and works of a man who will never be forgotten! The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal was obviously a labor of love!

George Pal is 20th Century's Most Significant Talents
During the science fiction and fantasy boom of the 1950s, few names could compare with George Pal. In many ways the pioneering visionary in the ways we view outer space and fantastic creatures on the screen, he turned out a string of masterpieces as both director and producer, using his experience with puppeteering and special effects to bring previously unimaginable sights to stunned audiences around the world.

This informative and extremely entertaining documentary takes a thorough look at Pal's career, from his early days in Hungary and Germany making European shorts with various types of puppets combined with simple techniques involving painting and glass. His transition to Hollywood following the rise of Naziism allowed him to bring his Puppetoons to audiences of impressionable children, but the move to live action proved to be even more fruitful. His groundbreaking Destination Moon presented a heightened new realism for cinematic space travel, and he soon realized that science fiction could become a trememndous box office draw. His literary adaptations remain loved by audiences today: The War of the Worlds, The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, The Time Machine, tom thumb, and his last film, the pulpy Doc Savage:Man of Bronze.

The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal assembles a who's who of Hollywood filmmaking, combining actors who worked on Pal's productions (such as Rod Taylor,Tony Randall, and Barbara Eden) to admirers like Joe Dante and Ray Harryhausen (who worked with Pal along with animation legend Willis O'Brien). The clips from Pal's early works are especially tantalizing and could have gone on much longer; "Sleeping Beauty" in particular looks like a dazzler. Unlike standard Hollywood biographies, this one keeps up a rapid pace and keeps a steady flow of fascinating clips and home movies to provide a solid, well rounded portrait of a man who loved entertaining people in any way possible.

The Image DVD looks quite good for a mid-'80s documentary, with strong colors and no noticeable compression flaws. The contrast level and clarity vary wildly from clip to clip, for obvious reasons, but such is the nature of an archival beast. The mono audio also gets the job done quite well for its age. The disc also includes a host of Pal-related extras, such as promotional material for many his films from Destination Moon to Doc Savage, as well as more interview footage deleted from the final cut, some additional home movies, some warm and intriguing comments from Puppetoon veterans, and a peek at the newsreel premiere footage for Brothers Grimm. In short, no fantasy film buff should be without this disc, and hopefully his entire catalog will one day be available to perfectly complement this love letter to one of the 20th Century's most significant creative talents.

Finally George Pal & This Documentary Will Get Their Due!
I originally saw Arnold Leibovit's documentary, "The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal," a dozen or so years ago, and it has not dimmed in the years since. In fact, the extra footage and the new clarity have only improved the experience of seeing this great man's legacy. Leibovit's affectionate treatment of his subject is like a throwback to a more respectful era.

George Pal is a Superior film on a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Legend!
The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal by director Arnold Leibovit is without a doubt one of the finest tribute films ever made! There are no words that can fully describe the emotional high one gets when watching this splendid epic journey. If you grew up on these classics as I did, this film is a tremendous treat. There is a sincerity and emotional impact that comes through "Fantasy Worlds" that few films can match. Of particular note are the absolutely sensational interviews- a Who's Who of Sci-Fi & Fantasy from Gene Roddenberry, Ray Bradbury, Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Russ Tamblyn,Tony Randall to Robert Wise, Roy E. Disney, Ray Harryhausen, Chesley Bonestell and many many other film notables including George Pal himself. The film incorporates gorgeous colorful crystal clear clips that are just not little snippets but long fully realized sequences. I''ve never seen a film like this do that. It is really a credit to Mr. Leibovit to have done such a marvelous and meticulous job. The interviews are also amazing. Overall an absolute MUST for anyone interested in the films of George Lucas or Steven Spielberg or modern sci-fi. None of what we see today could ever be possible without the staggering contributions of George Pal. I will treasure this DVD always. PS I have seen a preview copy and just wait until you see the bonus section. It includes new materials not contained on the original video release that will knock your socks off. Must be two hours of new material alone! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Fantasy Film Worlds Of George Pal DVD
Whether you are a Sci-Fi fan or not, buy this DVD ! The star line-up of actors, writers, and directors explaining their parts in the various films outlined is worth the price of addmission. You'll be surprised-and perhaps amused-at some of the faces, and the films they worked on. But be warned: You'll want to race right out and buy everyone of George Pal's films after you view this great DVD. Hats off to Arnold Leibovit.

A Brilliant Composition Of A Brilliant Man's Works!
The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal is truly worlds of wonder! Arnold Leibovit, producer of this marvelous documentary, has done a wonderful job at encapsulating the colorful life and career of producer/director George Pal - from his meager beginnings as a cartoon artist, through his years of creating the stop-motion animated short films, fancifully named "Puppetoons", and into his wonderful works of feature motion pictures. The documentary guides us with affection through Pal's career, by way of interviews with the cast, crew and peers of his films, and includes interviews with Pal himself. His work touches a cord within all of us - the child that lives within and is dazzled by science and fantasy, prophetic visions and flights of fancy. All who have known or worked with him remember Pal with delight - "He was a sweet, sweet man; ...a gentle man.", as Tony Randel puts it when telling of his experience of working with Pal. This was a sentiment felt by all who have had the honor of knowing and working with Pal. This documentary thoroughly captures the whimsy and kind heart of a man who not only was a dreamer, but was one who inspired us to dream. People like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg only stand on Pal's shoulders, and continue the line of imaginative filmmaking which he started. The contemporary term "eye candy" can so easily be applied to this documentary, for it is a treat to see this montage of works by the master that started it all. Thanks George! And thank you Arnold Leibovit, for giving us this special and delightful glimpse into the life and works of a man who will never be forgotten! The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal was obviously a labor of love!

George Pal is 20th Century's Most Significant Talents
During the science fiction and fantasy boom of the 1950s, few names could compare with George Pal. In many ways the pioneering visionary in the ways we view outer space and fantastic creatures on the screen, he turned out a string of masterpieces as both director and producer, using his experience with puppeteering and special effects to bring previously unimaginable sights to stunned audiences around the world.

This informative and extremely entertaining documentary takes a thorough look at Pal's career, from his early days in Hungary and Germany making European shorts with various types of puppets combined with simple techniques involving painting and glass. His transition to Hollywood following the rise of Naziism allowed him to bring his Puppetoons to audiences of impressionable children, but the move to live action proved to be even more fruitful. His groundbreaking Destination Moon presented a heightened new realism for cinematic space travel, and he soon realized that science fiction could become a trememndous box office draw. His literary adaptations remain loved by audiences today: The War of the Worlds, The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, The Time Machine, tom thumb, and his last film, the pulpy Doc Savage:Man of Bronze.

The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal assembles a who's who of Hollywood filmmaking, combining actors who worked on Pal's productions (such as Rod Taylor,Tony Randall, and Barbara Eden) to admirers like Joe Dante and Ray Harryhausen (who worked with Pal along with animation legend Willis O'Brien). The clips from Pal's early works are especially tantalizing and could have gone on much longer; "Sleeping Beauty" in particular looks like a dazzler. Unlike standard Hollywood biographies, this one keeps up a rapid pace and keeps a steady flow of fascinating clips and home movies to provide a solid, well rounded portrait of a man who loved entertaining people in any way possible.

The Image DVD looks quite good for a mid-'80s documentary, with strong colors and no noticeable compression flaws. The contrast level and clarity vary wildly from clip to clip, for obvious reasons, but such is the nature of an archival beast. The mono audio also gets the job done quite well for its age. The disc also includes a host of Pal-related extras, such as promotional material for many his films from Destination Moon to Doc Savage, as well as more interview footage deleted from the final cut, some additional home movies, some warm and intriguing comments from Puppetoon veterans, and a peek at the newsreel premiere footage for Brothers Grimm. In short, no fantasy film buff should be without this disc, and hopefully his entire catalog will one day be available to perfectly complement this love letter to one of the 20th Century's most significant creative talents.

Finally George Pal & This Documentary Will Get Their Due!
I originally saw Arnold Leibovit's documentary, "The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal," a dozen or so years ago, and it has not dimmed in the years since. In fact, the extra footage and the new clarity have only improved the experience of seeing this great man's legacy. Leibovit's affectionate treatment of his subject is like a throwback to a more respectful era.

George Pal is a Superior film on a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Legend!
The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal by director Arnold Leibovit is without a doubt one of the finest tribute films ever made! There are no words that can fully describe the emotional high one gets when watching this splendid epic journey. If you grew up on these classics as I did, this film is a tremendous treat. There is a sincerity and emotional impact that comes through "Fantasy Worlds" that few films can match. Of particular note are the absolutely sensational interviews- a Who's Who of Sci-Fi & Fantasy from Gene Roddenberry, Ray Bradbury, Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Russ Tamblyn,Tony Randall to Robert Wise, Roy E. Disney, Ray Harryhausen, Chesley Bonestell and many many other film notables including George Pal himself. The film incorporates gorgeous colorful crystal clear clips that are just not little snippets but long fully realized sequences. I''ve never seen a film like this do that. It is really a credit to Mr. Leibovit to have done such a marvelous and meticulous job. The interviews are also amazing. Overall an absolute MUST for anyone interested in the films of George Lucas or Steven Spielberg or modern sci-fi. None of what we see today could ever be possible without the staggering contributions of George Pal. I will treasure this DVD always. PS I have seen a preview copy and just wait until you see the bonus section. It includes new materials not contained on the original video release that will knock your socks off. Must be two hours of new material alone! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not quite what the title implies
This film covers in a limited sense what THE CELLULOID CLOSET covers more professionally and comprehensively. The title refers to the reel of gay and homoerotic scenes from Hudson's studio films that he compiled for showing to his friends at parties. There are no candid home movie clips (no shots of Rock by the pool, Rock and Tab Hunter playing croquet, or of anyone dressed in women's clothes). If you can surmount that disappointment, it should be noted that the studio clips are mostly of extremely poor quality (as if photographed from a tv screen). On top of that, the film has an amateurish quality (a not-very-similar-looking actor plays Rock speaking from the world beyond, sometimes with his image inserted into the frame with the real Rock Hudson). I'm sure for some viewers these qualities will give the film a sort of underground cult classic feeling and add to its appeal. I found such effects distracting and annoying. On top of this, there are no interesting new revelations about Hudson (or about a Hollywood lavender underworld). All stones were left unturned.

Even so, ROCK HUDSON'S HOME MOVIES did make me appreciate the sheer number and variety of films Hudson made (westerns, war, Douglas Sirk melodramas, as well as the familiar, fluffy technicolor sex comedies with Doris Day). Not the best actor America ever produced, but certainly one the camera loved.

Clever
This clever film uses clips from Rock Hudson's Hollywood movies to tell the truth about his gay life. You will not be able to see those films the same way again. If you liked " The Celluloid Closet" you'll like this movie

Delight!
This movie explores the myth known as "Rock Hudson." What was up there on the screen and how did it mirror the real Rock Hudson. In fact, is there a real Rock Hudson or is he just a real-life manifestation of his Seconds character? The movie deftly blends real footage with an actor playing Rock Hudson. The result is a startling blend of intertextual delight.

"Fantastic" documentary about Rock Hudson
A masterpiece about comedy, a perfect complement for "Pillow Talk" and other Rock Hudson's comedies. Here, Rappaport make a editing from Rock Hudson's movies of all times, selecting scenes that suggest you the homosexuality of the star/charachter. Very funny, for all Rock Hudson's lovers/fans and people without prejudices.

A great gay "essay" film
I can understand the other reviewer's disappointment with this movie if he was expecting some kind of narrative "memory" play. The movie functions as a deconstructive essay, much like Rappaport's subsequent "From the Journals of Jean Seberg". Think also of the kind of shoestring budget essay films that Orson Welles made toward the end of his life ("F for Fake" and "Filming Othello"). This movie delighted me, made me see some familiar material in whole new ways (how could I have missed all of that coded material in Howard Hawks' "Man's Favorite Sport"?), and was a fun consciousness raiser. I watched this with friends and everyone came away buzzing about it. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Only for courageous fans
I found it quite difficult to sit through this movie. Marilyn looks great & sings wonderful, the musical numbers are good, but the script is so thin that the film as a whole is just boring, boring, boring...
The supporting cast has nearly nothing to do, and Yves Montand has to be one of the worst actors ever! His accent is simply unbearable (he even has a few lines in German & Italian, which are nearly incomprehensible to native speakers), and he never manages to give his character any credible feelings whatsoever. Why should Marilyn's character abandon Frankie Vaughan (who is rather handsome & a good singer, too) for this horrible old guy? Perhaps she really only wants his money after all...

ESSENTIALLY FOR MARILYN FANS
Not a great movie, that's for certain.Marilyn,probobly for the first time, doesn't look so good on film. Never the less, u still can't take your eyes of her! The strain of a faltering marriage and work on the mediocre movie was obvious.Yet it's an entertaining movie at times.Marilyn is superb performing "My Heart

belongs to Daddy".And of course there is some chemistry between Marilyn and co-star Yves Montand ,who were having an affair during filming.

MM's penultimate film is a cockle doodle-doo
When billionaire Jean-Marc Clement hears a theatre company is going to be roasting him in a satire on celebrities, he goes down to the theatre to see what the hullabaloo is about. There, he sees Cole Porter's "My Heart Belongs To Daddy" number, sung by a blonde actress, Amanda Dell with male dancers. He is smitten and because this is a comedy, he is mistaken for a Clement impersonator and hired by Oliver Burton, head of the production. Also, because this is a comedy and an eye-rolling one at that, he takes the name Alexander Dumas. Both Dumas pere and fils were probably churning in their graves at that one.

He learns that Amanda doesn't like Clement one bit. "I heard they're going to make a real idiot out of him" she says, also saying of him he's a rich louse. Insulted, he tells her off, but she, clueless of his real identity, praises him by saying it's a perfect impression of Clement, which mollifies him. He tries to get closer to Amanda by trying to get her help on acting technique and asking her out. She on her part is friendly and encouraging, but she's taking night classes to get what would today be a GED. Worse for him, she's the girlfriend of song and dance man Tony Danton, played by Frankie Vaughan, whom he is definitely jealous of.

Clement lacks show business talent and through his PR man Alexander Coffman, gets a joke from Lamont, played by ex-Three Stooge Joe Besser, which backfires. Hiring Milton Berle, Bing Crosby, and Gene Kelly (who play themselves in guest cameos) for comedy, singing, and dancing.

The rehearsal for the "Specialization" number is humiliating for Clement. After all, Clement is known as a notorious womanizer, and to his chagrin, he is forced to accompany the line "crow from the barnyard roost" by cockle-doodle-dooing like a real rooster. Others roasted in this number are Maria Callas, Elvis Presley, and pianist Van Cliburn, which is a snapshot of who was big in 1960.

The best observation on human nature comes from Coffman, who learning that the theatre has been demanded a year's rent in advance and that the theatre's real estate firm belongs to Clement, asks the bartender for three double bourbons, then goes into this bitter spiel. "Somebody once said that rich people are only poor people with money. Well, he was lying. Rich people aren't people, my friend. Oh, they can be charming, democratic, polite. You can hardly tell them from a human being sometimes. Just be good and sure you don't cross them."

Another good insight is a conversation between Coffman and Clement. When people talk to Clement, they don't talk to him, they talk to his money, hence Coffman's calling him "sir." The importance of distinguishing people from their money is noted here.

Apart from the Cole Porter number, the other numbers are forgettable. This is far from MM or Yves Montand's most memorable performances. Montand is miscast in this part, and it's understandable why celebrities ranging from Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Yul Brynner, and James Stewart turned it down. All in all, a waste of talent given the cast involved, including Tony Randall, Wilfrid Hyde-White, and director George Cukor.

Critics panned this and wrote off Monroe's career, even saying she was putting on some pounds. However, the script, idea, dialogue, lack of likeable characters (except Amanda and Coffman) and lack of oomph are more to blame. MM was trying to breathe life into a movie doomed from the start and did her best. Unfortunately, it didn't save this cockle-doodle-doo of a picture. And Holly from Cool World was inspired enough to sing the title song? Please!

Yves Montand est magnifique!
This is a wonderful movie. Reading the reviews, I saw so many put-downs of Yves Montand and I totally disagree. He was a wonderful actor, world-renowned and carries this movie totally. Just because many Americans don't "get it" when it comes to the French does not make him any less talented. This was his movie...HE was the main character, while Marilyn's character is more distant and viewed primarily through Yves' eyes.

Marilyn does the best she can with some obvious weight and other issues and the fact that she performed so well even with these problems made me respect her all the more. The flaws in her appearance (like a minor scratch on a diamond)actually gave the film more credibility and made it plausible that a man who had had his fill of perfect plastic beauties would fall in love with her! I do agree she was somewhat distant, but some of that had to do with the script. I think it is hard for some people to accept her in a supporting role at that point in her career and see a Frenchman with the lead.

Frankie Vaughn was stunning and ready for Broadway in his Tony Danton role and I do wish they had developed him a little better (there was no dialogue between his character and Montand's which was strange). If you can put any cultural biases aside you are in for a real treat! I do not give it a full five stars due to the technical problems with the film print but it is a jewel.

Watch it to see MM
With any other actress,this old flick would be silly and boring,but ,as always, Mazza brings it to life.It focuses around a group of stage actors,and Marilyn sings quite a few songs.I thought,in one dance act,Marilyn looked thinner than usual and therefore not as great. ... Read more

Reviews (160)

Retro movie
"Down With Love" is a wonderful movie staring Ewan McGregor and Rene Zelleweger. It's set in the early 60's and what's really cool, is that it's shot and got the feel of a 60's romantic comedy. The movie even opens up with a retro 20th Century Fox logo and Cinemascope logo. Awesome!

The story is about a woman named Barbara Novak who writes a book called 'Down With Love' which is an instruction book for how women can live without men and have sex without love and basically live life like men do. Hot columnist Catcher Block is supposed to do a big cover article about her. He's never seen her and thinks she must be an old spinster, so he blows her off one day after another to spend time with all his airline stewardess flings. When her book becomes a worldwide phenomenon and he finally sees what she looks like, he tries to get things going with her, only now she won't give him the time of day. He then decides to write an expose by making the girl who's "down with love" fall in love with him.

Cute and fun!
I rented this movie because I love both the lead actor and actress and it looked cute. I'm so glad I did! This was a hilarious movie that is kind of a spoof of the Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies back in the 60's.

The basic idea is that Barbara Novak (Renee Zellweger) authored a book called "Down With Love" which inspired women to stop falling in love and start acting like men, that is - have sex "a la carte" and not let love interfere with their careers.

Hotshot womanizing journalist Catcher Block (Ewan Mcgregor)wants to find a way to expose Barbara Novak and ruin her, because her book is losing him all his dates! He creates an alternate persona of Zip Martin, a geeky astronaut, and gets Barbara to fall in love with him. There is a very tongue-in-cheek twist ending, but it was still funny!

There are some great one-liners here, and the very suggestive talking on the telephone scene is hilarious! The acting is superb, I absolutely loved both Mcgregor and Zellweger in the roles, they were perfect! The costumes were also great, I loved the scenes where Barbara and her editor, Vicky, enter a restaurant and shed their jackets. Too funny!

Anyways, overall - this was a very cute movie. I highly recommend checking it out, its not like most romantic comedies that come out of Hollywood these days. Some might not like it, or realize how tongue-in-cheek the whole movie is, but I found myself really enjoying it because it was unique.

Get Down With Love
Down With Love is a homage to the Doris Day and Rock Hudson comedies of the late 50's and early 60's. The film revolves around a young, unknown writer Barbara Novak (Renee Zelleweger) who has penned a runaway bestseller, Down With Love, which says that women can act just like men especially when it comes to sex. Women all over the country are becoming liberated and men aren't happy. Magazine writer and swinging ladies man Catcher Block (Ewan MacGregor) wants to interview Barbara and when he is denied, he sets up a scheme to take her down. Posing as a shy, mild-mannered astronaut Zip Martin, he sets off to make Barbara fall in love with him and disprove the whole Down With Love premises. Along for help are Catcher's best friend, Peter MacManus (David Hyde Pierce) and Barbara's best friend and editor (Vikki Hiller). Tony Randall, who appeared in three of the Hudson-Day films, makes his final film appearance as the head of Barbara's publishing company. The film is an entertaining romp and the actors have their tongues firmly in their cheeks. Mr. MacGregor & Ms. Zelleweger have great chemistry and the fun they having in the film clearly shows off. The sets are magnificent and the retro look and styles adds to film's appeal. The closing credits contains a great song and dance number with Mr. MacGregor and Ms. Zelleweger clearing taking advantage of the talents they showed in Moulin Rouge & Chicago respectively.

4 or 5 star! 2nd july 2004.
Don't get carried away from the film, the first bit is boring but it does get better. Theres always that sound in the backround nearly all the way through the film and that can sometimes ruin it. Not a film for everyone though, it may seem boring for some people. I loved it not brilliant but good! I certainly think they chose brilliant actors for there parts too, they suit really well. GIRLY AND NOT MUCH FOR BOYS, IT ISN'T LIKE THE LORD OF THE RINGS,IT IS BETTER!

renee and ewan produce an unlikely triumph!
i must say that i thoroughly enjoyed this nostalgic treat!! i am a huge fan of renee zelwegger, and once the movie was over, i also became a huge fan of ewan mcgregor. the onscreen chemistry between these two is great. i also must say that the costumes were a treat! the only thing that keeps this movie from a 5 star rating was the obscurity of some of the jokes. i didnt get some of them until my 5th view. still, i highly reccommend this movie. ... Read more

Description

A look at the affable actor beloved for playing the fussy Felix Unger onTV's "The Odd Couple". Enjoy scenes from Randall's many movie and TV hits, including"Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" and "Pillow Talk". ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent A&E Biography of Tony Randall!!
This A&E Video is an excellent biography of stage,television and movie actor Tony Randall who became a household name from the TV series Mr. Peepers and The Odd Couple.Tony,we all love you!!This video is highly recommended!!

Excellent A&E Biography Of Tony Randall!!
This video biography of Tony Randall is excellent from his childhood in Oklahoma to his rich movie,theater career.Although he is probably best known from the TV series"The Odd Couple",he has acted in so many wonderful movies and theatrical productions.You can sometimes spot him on the David Letterman Show begging to become a guest.This is a video well worth watching as a historical account of a Superb and Wonderful Actor Tony Randall.We Love You!! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Fatally Funny: A Parody Of The 90's Classic Thrillers
This movie was on tv about a week ago. I could not stop laughing. The comedy is top notch in much the same lines of The Naked Gun/Leslie Nielson movies. On DVD, the experience must be as hilarious as its original release in 1993. Armand Assante (yes a serious actor in a comic role really works although they could have easily used Leslie Nielson for the part) stars as the victim of the scheming Lola (Sean Young) who will stop at nothing to see his marriage ruined. Like the title suggests, the movie is a cross between Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct. Those were the two most standard thrillers during the early 90's period. Both films starred Michael Douglas as the target of a scheming and obscessed woman. The laughs keep on coming as the obvious parodies are executed. I.E. the famous Interrogation Scene in Basic Instict, the murder in the bath tub and the cooked rabbit in Fatal Attraction. Also on here are parodies of Sleeping With The Enemy starring Julia Roberts and Patrick Bergin, a 1991 thriller about a husband who is obscessed with his own wife and who likes to have his own things in the house arranged his way. This movie is really great comedy and really will take you to the 90's. The 90's is long gone and many were too little to remember everything in detail. But it was a time in which movies were full of thrillers. I wish they had made a spoof of "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" on this film too. It was a time of laughing at criminals and their schocking crimes. Remember the Melendez Brothers ? Remember Lorena Bobbit ? And let's not forget the secret plotting of Tonya Harding against Nancy Carrigan. All this happened in the 90's. This was the time of the O.J. Simpson trial after all. I really recommend this movie. Many can easily dismiss it as cheap comedy but there are some genuinely comic moments, such as Armand Assante and Sean Young's lovemaking scene, the final part of the movie is funny too. A must have for fans of comedies of the 90's.

Bad Reviews? I Don't Know Why...
This movie was slammed by critics. The most common review of this said that there was 'just too many jokes' in it. I watched it with a critical eye, and thought it was a really fun movie.

I didn't laugh out loud with tears running down my face, but did spend the entire run time giggling at the antics of all the characters. The cast consists of several Serious Actors (Kate Nelligan, Armand Assante) who play their parts as though they were in a drama. To me, those are excellent comedic acting skills. It's when actors play for laughs that they are not funny.

You might not be tickled by this one if you aren't familiar with the 'film noir' and detective film genre. If you are a fan of those, you will laugh as you recognize all the devices in those films over-used to good effect in this one.

I had a good time watching it...give it a try!

Wonderfully funny movie
Love this movie! After watching it on TV for the umptenth time, have decided to buy the DVD. It will be great to pull off the shelf for a good time! It's a humorous compilation of several good thriller/suspense movies, with a 1950-60s backdrop. Love the scene where they call recess during the courtroom trial.

If you like Airplane, you'll howl at this gem of a movie
This brand of comedy is not for all, but if you like Airplane, Naked Gun, etc., then you'll love this movie. Some like this type of humor only with Leslie Nielson as the lead, but Armand Assante pulls this one off superbly as the dragnet-type of detective who happens to be a lawyer. Sean Young is terrific in her role as Lola, a scheming femme fatale. The movie spoofs other movies, but even if you don't catch them all, the humor is nonstop and, in some cases, hilarious enough to chuck your popcorn all over the floor...

Good film, finally on DVD, but... in full screen?!?
No, thanks. The commentary and outtakes are a perfect addition, but the film's being in awful full screen format ruins it immediately. I'll wait for a real, widescreen version, even if it's without the extras. ... Read more

Reviews (160)

Retro movie
"Down With Love" is a wonderful movie staring Ewan McGregor and Rene Zelleweger. It's set in the early 60's and what's really cool, is that it's shot and got the feel of a 60's romantic comedy. The movie even opens up with a retro 20th Century Fox logo and Cinemascope logo. Awesome!

The story is about a woman named Barbara Novak who writes a book called 'Down With Love' which is an instruction book for how women can live without men and have sex without love and basically live life like men do. Hot columnist Catcher Block is supposed to do a big cover article about her. He's never seen her and thinks she must be an old spinster, so he blows her off one day after another to spend time with all his airline stewardess flings. When her book becomes a worldwide phenomenon and he finally sees what she looks like, he tries to get things going with her, only now she won't give him the time of day. He then decides to write an expose by making the girl who's "down with love" fall in love with him.

Cute and fun!
I rented this movie because I love both the lead actor and actress and it looked cute. I'm so glad I did! This was a hilarious movie that is kind of a spoof of the Doris Day/Rock Hudson movies back in the 60's.

The basic idea is that Barbara Novak (Renee Zellweger) authored a book called "Down With Love" which inspired women to stop falling in love and start acting like men, that is - have sex "a la carte" and not let love interfere with their careers.

Hotshot womanizing journalist Catcher Block (Ewan Mcgregor)wants to find a way to expose Barbara Novak and ruin her, because her book is losing him all his dates! He creates an alternate persona of Zip Martin, a geeky astronaut, and gets Barbara to fall in love with him. There is a very tongue-in-cheek twist ending, but it was still funny!

There are some great one-liners here, and the very suggestive talking on the telephone scene is hilarious! The acting is superb, I absolutely loved both Mcgregor and Zellweger in the roles, they were perfect! The costumes were also great, I loved the scenes where Barbara and her editor, Vicky, enter a restaurant and shed their jackets. Too funny!

Anyways, overall - this was a very cute movie. I highly recommend checking it out, its not like most romantic comedies that come out of Hollywood these days. Some might not like it, or realize how tongue-in-cheek the whole movie is, but I found myself really enjoying it because it was unique.

Get Down With Love
Down With Love is a homage to the Doris Day and Rock Hudson comedies of the late 50's and early 60's. The film revolves around a young, unknown writer Barbara Novak (Renee Zelleweger) who has penned a runaway bestseller, Down With Love, which says that women can act just like men especially when it comes to sex. Women all over the country are becoming liberated and men aren't happy. Magazine writer and swinging ladies man Catcher Block (Ewan MacGregor) wants to interview Barbara and when he is denied, he sets up a scheme to take her down. Posing as a shy, mild-mannered astronaut Zip Martin, he sets off to make Barbara fall in love with him and disprove the whole Down With Love premises. Along for help are Catcher's best friend, Peter MacManus (David Hyde Pierce) and Barbara's best friend and editor (Vikki Hiller). Tony Randall, who appeared in three of the Hudson-Day films, makes his final film appearance as the head of Barbara's publishing company. The film is an entertaining romp and the actors have their tongues firmly in their cheeks. Mr. MacGregor & Ms. Zelleweger have great chemistry and the fun they having in the film clearly shows off. The sets are magnificent and the retro look and styles adds to film's appeal. The closing credits contains a great song and dance number with Mr. MacGregor and Ms. Zelleweger clearing taking advantage of the talents they showed in Moulin Rouge & Chicago respectively.

4 or 5 star! 2nd july 2004.
Don't get carried away from the film, the first bit is boring but it does get better. Theres always that sound in the backround nearly all the way through the film and that can sometimes ruin it. Not a film for everyone though, it may seem boring for some people. I loved it not brilliant but good! I certainly think they chose brilliant actors for there parts too, they suit really well. GIRLY AND NOT MUCH FOR BOYS, IT ISN'T LIKE THE LORD OF THE RINGS,IT IS BETTER!

renee and ewan produce an unlikely triumph!
i must say that i thoroughly enjoyed this nostalgic treat!! i am a huge fan of renee zelwegger, and once the movie was over, i also became a huge fan of ewan mcgregor. the onscreen chemistry between these two is great. i also must say that the costumes were a treat! the only thing that keeps this movie from a 5 star rating was the obscurity of some of the jokes. i didnt get some of them until my 5th view. still, i highly reccommend this movie. ... Read more