Reviews (13)

Surrealist Poetry Made into a Film
Not only is this my favorite film ever, but I was so obsessed by it that I researched all the amazing poetry in it (by Mario Benedetti, Juan Gelman, and most of all Oliverio Girondo) and went to Argentina. The film is inspired by Girondo's book of poetry "Scarecrow" (Espantapajaros) from 1933, but set in contemporary (early 90s) Argentina and Uruguay just after the end of military rule. It is a romantic love story, but it is suffused with a poetic pensiveness, bits of magic realism (reminiscent of Garcia Marquez or Like Water for Chocolate) and a very moving emotional pensiveness. It follows the bohemian life of a poet in Buenos Aires, who hangs out with his friend a pornographic sculptor, pays for his meals with poems, converses with Death (personified) and searches for the woman who can fly. In Uruguay for work, he meets a prostitute and on subsequent visits, despite their fears, they fall (and fly) in love. I have forced all my friends to see this movie and would recommend this film to anyone, but most of all romantics or speakers of Spanish. Subiela is a genius: his other films "Man Facing Southeast" and "Don't Die Without Telling Me Where You're Going" are also very much worth seeing.

A wonderful surrealist and Magical Realism poetic experience
El lado oscuro del corazon(Dark Side of the Heart) is one of those unforgetable films in which the art of filmmaking becomes poetry. The poems of the great Uruguayan poet Mario Benedetti are part of some beautiful and magnificent scenes.In fact Benedetti himself appears in one or two occations as a drunk German poet. The poem used for the story of this film is one of the best known poems of Oliverio Girondo (Argentina). Eliseo Subiela is one of the finest Directors of our International Cinema.

Surreal and unusual
Dark Side of the Heart was a favorite on the International Film Festival circuit a few years back. That is where I first saw it. I was quite taken aback by the frank sexuality, the nudity, the six-foot sculpture of the male genitalia, etc. It didn't help that I was attending the showing with my high school Spanish teacher (she thought it would help me with my fluency). Perhaps the most shocking scene is the very opening, when - after a graphic sex scene - the male lead ... well, I don't want to give it away. Sorry.

Suffice it to say that this movie lives up to its title - it is dark. My favorite scene is when the lead male character is walking down the street and comes across a young punk rock girl with hair like a rooster.It's inexplicable. It has no pertinence to the rest of the movie, except perhaps to display the sort of surreal, indifferent hopelessness that is its core message.

Andrew Parodi

A visual poem
This movie simply is one of those that can't be catalogued, can't be reviewed without falling short. Part of Latin America's magical realism made film, this masterpiece by Argentinian Eliseo Subiela, depicts the relationship between Oliverio (a poet who sells his creativity to publicity agencies for money when he's short on cash) and Ana (a prostitute), in Oliverio's quest for the woman who "can fly" while making love... This movie will leave you wanting more, and you shouldn't have to wait to long, because its part 2 just came out last year.

Un Poema de amor
Esta pelicula es para mi una de las mejores cosas que he visto en el cine desde hace mucho tiempo, despues de 5 años que la he visto aun la recuerdo ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Scary but too scientific
A great premise, and a great location for a story, in a museum, but this film suffers from an abundance of technobabble in its plot. Basically, there is a monster at large in a museum, and the stars (Tom Sizemore & Penelope Ann Miller) have to catch and kill it. The trouble is, this thing is big, fast and with an insatiable appetite for human glands. Peter Hyams (End of Days, 2010:The Year we make Contact) creates a huge amount of tension by shooting most of this film in the dark, using only minimal lighting. When the creature attacks, and is eventually revealed, it is a truly frightening sight. But the thing that stopped me giving this film five stars was the lack of true characterisation, and the amount of scientific gobbledygook spouted to explain the existence of this creature. Otherwise, a true thriller for lovers of the creature feature. The DVD i got was not exactly packed with features; all i could find was the trailer. Sound is great (I am now a true Hyams fan) and the picture is sharp and clear. A great film spoilt by a DVD lacking in the features department.

Classic horror film with an awesome monster! WOW!!!
Penelope Ann Miller and Tom Sizemore topline this engaging suspenser based on the best-selling novel.

Filmed inside Chicago's Field Museum, the movie centers around a horrific brain-feeding beast and its curious link to a missing paleontologist who disappeared while researching a native tribe in Brazil. This monster, designed by special effects master Stan Winston, is unlike anything you're likely to see ever again. As in most other movies like this, you don't get to glimpse it right away. Its presence is more or less represented by an unsettling wheeze that will make you wonder what on earth could be making such a sound. I won't reveal anymore, other than to say it doesn't merely chase its victims down dark and murky underground tunnels--IT GALLOPS AFTER THEM!

Forget what's been said about how overly dark this film was or how much of a letdown it was from the book. If, like me, you are any kind of horror fan who enjoys in-your-face monster movies, you owe it to yourself to buy this and watch it right now!

Watch for an amusing cameo by Audra Lindley, better known as "Mrs. Roper" from "Three's Company."

It's a pretty good Monster movie that's not a critics Drama
I have seen the bad reviews and I think they are missing the point. This is a B monster movie and they are comparing it to Aliens? To me "The Thing" and "An American Werewolf in London" are some of the best monster movies of all time and I see this below them, but fun.
The big question is whether or not you like to watch a monster movie for just being a monster that causes fictionaly mayhem. I grew up watching "Creature Double Feature" with all of those old monster movies. Fact is most Monster Movies are the pits and there has not been too many that are very good at all since now a days they rely on so much CG. Also I find most people do not like the concept of a Monster to begin with; out side of the Vampire; which there has been more than a hundred titles with "Vampire" in it. Oh dear god now there is "Van Helsing" killing Vampires.
So buy it for the pleasure of seeing people attacked for fun and not because you need a masterpiece every time you start up your DVD player because you will quickly find most movies do not hold up to scrutiny. If you feel this way then it is time to start reading the Classics again like Poe since you have raised yourself above this monotony

buy the book
If you really want a good story, buy the book. There is so much more to the story than what the movie showed. The only thing the movie had in common with the book was that the story took place in a museum and there was a monster. Do yourself a favor; read don't screen.

Hypothalumuses.
The book was excellent (as is anything written by duo DOUG PRESTON and LINC CHILD), the film is a thrown-together mess. This is a textbook example of great book-bad movie. The central character on paper was left out on celluloid for who knows why, and the complex science in the plot is traded for Hollywood dribble. F. PAUL WILSON hasn't sold his work for screen since THE KEEP was butchered, the shame is that these terrific writers might wisely take the same route. Oh, well, PRESTON/CHILD's books are so cinematic anyway, who needs pictures? ... Read more

Reviews (147)

Great Mob Comedy
About a hitman named Jimmy "The Tulip" Tudeski(Bruce Willis) who moves next door to an unhappily married dentist(Matthew Perry). His arrival brings about many wacky occurences, and I must say they were extremely hillarious. The DVD is presented in full screen or widescreen. It also has a nice Dolby 5.1 sound mix, although this isn't one of those movies that sound is important in. The DVD has some cool features such as a feature-length audio commentary with director Jonathan Lynn, an interview gallery with the cast, a trailer, filmographies, and some nifty interactive menus. Very funny movie that I highly recommend to those looking for a good laugh.

Wish I could give it 5...
First of all, I have to say that Bruce Willis is my absolute favorite actor. I own just about every movie he's been in. But I don't think I will be buying this one! "The Whole Nine Yards" has a very strange plot. Basically, everyone wants to kill Matthew Perry, but he doesn't know it. Bruce Willis' and Matthew Perry's acting are great as usual, but for some reason this movie just doesn't "take-off" very well. The plot moved WAY too fast for me - one minute I had it figured out, the next minute it was changing again. I also did not care at all for Amanda Peet. While I think she is a good actress, her character in the movie is terrible! She is actually hired by Rosanna Arquette to pose as Matthew Perry's secretary so she will have a chance to kill him! And she has this sick infatuation with mob hitmen. Personally, I think that's a little on the weird side! There are funny moments - Perry's physical comedy being the best. Michael Clarke Duncan is good, too. In short, the acting is good, but the story goes nowhere.

Cleverly entertaining
While this may not be my absolutely favorite film with Bruce Willis ,it is still great. First off, all of the acting is significanly brilliant. But consider that a bonus, the story here is what really counts. I picked up this movie expecting it to be a half-decent, but still entertaining flick (considering I picked it up cheap). To tell the truth, I probably wouldn't have bought it if it wasn't rated R. However, it is an extremely mild movie. Consider it a PG-13 movie with an extensive nude scene. Either way, I was enthralled with how great the plot was. There were so many unexpected twists and genuinely hilarious dialogue, it made the movie extremely loveable. Take my word for it and get this movie, you won't be dissapointed.

Great Out of your mind FUNNY!
This film has a great funny quality. Matthew Perry and Bruce Willis are phenominal. Bruce Willis as Jimmy the Tulip and Matthew Perry as Oz.This is a must see movie

great cast, and great humor
Loaded with a great cast of actors!!!! The movie is set in Canada, all was calm untill a hit man moves into the house next door to Nick (Matt Perry). His wife a money hungry women decides to try to see if there is a price on Jimmys head for ratting out the boss. The hit man is Jimmy "The Tulip" (Bruce Wills) he is hiding out after turning in a head mob boss. And now the son of the head boss has taken over the company and wants Jimmy dead!!!

Nick sets off on a journey set up by his wife. Nick is off to try and locate the son of the boss to let him know of Jimmy living in Canada. Now things begin to get interesting Nick actually likes Jimmy and does not want to turn him over to the new boss. Nicks problem become worse when he later finds out that his wife is trying to have him killed too. The movie has a few twists and turns that make it great to watch.

This all around is a solid movie with great humor and a great cast!! ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Pacing Is Slow - But Situations Are Funny.
KISS ME GUIDO is one of those off beat movies that has a kick to it. It's funny, it's charming and it has a lot of sass to it. It stars Nick Scotti (Bullet, Detroit Rock City) as a straight Italian lover who thinks an add with GWM in it means 'Guy With Money' instead of what it really means which is 'Gay White Male'.

He then befriends this gay man looking for a roommate to help paying bills played by Anthony Barrile (Sinatra, Hamburger Hill) who has an ex-lover (Played by Craig Chester (Frisk, Bumping Heads) )who has a new boyfriend actor (Played by Christopher Lawford (Exit Wounds, Thirteen Days) ) who is about to put on a play production.

Guido is an actor who has no talent in the people skills area but seems to have a natural affinity for 'gay' acting roles until he realizes he must, and has to, kiss a man. The rest is pure comedy. From the straight laced strict Catholic Italian families of New York to the stereo typical 'Queens' of gay New York City

The movie made me chuckle and chuckle many times. Cleverly directed by Tony Vitale (Very Mean Men, Jungle Juice) the films makes you believe anything is possible. Fun and charming - all the way around. ...

It made me laugh so hard it hurt haha
A lot of people don't really know of this movie. It's not a movie for everyone and it may not be the best gay movie but I sure loved it. I couldn't stop laughing because of the characters' personalities. The land lord Meryl is one of my favorites and Tony's brother is someone you love to hate. God, just give this movie a chance. It's worth at least one time of watching.

Not the Best Gay Movie
Frankie is a slightly dense Italian working in a New York pizzeria while dreaming of becoming a famous actor. When he discovers his brother screwing his girlfriend, he impulsively decides to leave the family business and pursue his dream. He finds an ad in the newspaper for a GWM seeking a roommate. Frankie assumes GWM stands for "guy with money" and moves in with no questions asked. It doesn't take long for even the dim-witted Frankie to realize that his new roomie Warren is gay. The homophobic Frankie is horrified and wants to move out, but can't afford to find another place, so the two must learn to overcome their differences and get along. Can they pull it off? And could they possibly even become friends in the process?

This movie is based on so many stereotypes and rather flimsy plot premises, that I don't really know where to start. Italians and gays are both parodied in a well-meaning if unremarkable script. It's not a horrible movie; it's just not a particularly good one either.

Interestingly, CBS tried to turn this movie into a sitcom called "Some of My Best Friends" starring Jason Batemen as Warren, but a weak movie idea makes an even weaker TV show, and it quickly flopped.

Can a straight Bronx man live with a clean gay man?
After catching his brother having sex with his girlfriend, Frankie (Nick Scotti) is upset (no marriage now) and feels he must move out of Brooklyn. He ends up in a room-for-rent situation. So he decides to live with Warren (Anthony Barrile). He later finds out Warren is gay. But Frankie is a straight Bronx, a Guido. Both are in a financial situation and the apartment is nice, so Frankie stays the night. Can this odd couple possibly live together and make it work? Watch out for that landlord (Molly Price, NBC tv-series "Third Watch") She's a ball-buster. Followed by the short-lived CBS tv-series, "Some of My Best Friends" (2001), starring Jason Bateman and Danny Nucci.

My Favorite Movie!
A Witty, Entertaining Movie.
Have shown it to many friends and family to the delight of all.
Rent & watch this movie...you will come back here to buy it for your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (165)

About as good an adaptation as possible
Just to clarify matters for a couple of confused previous reviewers:-

1. 'Animal Farm' is NOT an animal book (I can't believe I'm having to explain this...); it's a book about socialism and fascism. 'Watership Down' is a book about rabbits. True, there are some references to the evils of fascism, but if you want to pick out a message, it's obviously the spoilation of the planet and the destruction of its wildlife by humankind. Yes, there are mystical overtones, but it's definitely NOT about religion.

2. I seriously hope the person who wrote 'if you want good drama watch a soap opera' was being ironic, but I have my doubts...

In short: this film is a pretty good effort at adapting an extremely difficult novel. Much has been lost, of course, but few of us would pay to see a three-hour animated film about rabbits. Martin Rosen and his team follow Richard Adams's lead in not shying away from showing us the violent side of the rabbits' lives. Children are likely to enjoy the film, but bear in mind it contains unpleasant moments. However, I think these are more likely to encourage sympathy, compassion and respect for the natural world than do any harm ( although many children and quite a few adults may shed tears before the end). Please make sure you read the book, too - it's superb. And look out for the animated version of Adams's 'The Plague Dogs'... although that really IS dark and distressing. I'm a big fan of Disney's work, but I'm still glad they didn't produce this adaptation ( as was originally intended) because I'm sure they would have softened the story's harsher elements. The animation isn't spectacular but it serves it's purpose, and the rabbits themselves are well done. All in all, it's difficult to see how anyone else could have made a better effort.

Consummate children's film
Anyone who claims that Watership Down-- the competent and thoughtful but uncertain adaptation of Richard Adam's geeky classic-- is not for small children has clearly forgotten his own childhood. In fact, childhood is probably the best time to see this movie-- its flaws will not be so apparent and its poetry and brutality will be at their most effective. It's exactly the sort of movie you love when you're seven, hope for years you'll get to see again, and rediscover in your late twenties with a mix of disappointment and elation. The film, eccentrically animated and rather well voiced, suffers from a lack of exposition and the nagging sense that something important has been left out of nearly every scene-- and I can't be alone in finding Zero Mostel's Kehaar obnoxious and overdone (kids will probably find him funny, and do imitations of him while jumping off the living-room couch)-- but the story is exciting and full of shadow, the violence is neither whitewashed nor excessive, and where Disney, for example, would have yielded to the temptation to tack on a happy ending, Watership Down takes its heroes seriously enough to allow them the consequences of mortality. It's not a perfect movie by any means, but it deserves to be seen, and your children probably deserve to see it.

An animated classic!
A group of Rabbits seek a new home in England to a special place called "Watership Down" but unfortunately there is some danger like dogs, cats and some enemy rabbits.

Splendid and brilliant animated British-Canadian drama based on Richard Adam's brilliant novel. The animation is quite good for it's time, there is some bloody violence enough though it's rated "PG" and the music score is just one of the best i've heard.

This is truly a must see animated flick! also listen for the voice of John Hurt.

Also recommended: " The Last Unicorn", " The Secret of NIMH", " Wizards", " Grave of the Fireflies", " The Flight of Dragons", and " The Hobbit".

Most wonderful animated tale on film
I am delighted with the September 2003 release on DVD of the beloved animated feature film Watership Down as a 25th Anniversary special edition. Owning a copy of this movie, which is to me uniquely special, indicated the central role DVD technology has assumed in preserving people's favourite movies for home viewing in a more lasting form than ever before. Only now have I begun to collect movies after many years of avoiding them owing to a concern over the utility, and durability of the decay-prone videotape system. This film, one of the very first I have purchased, has some extras added, the most useful of which is an extensive commentary from director Martin Rosen that covers most aspects of the film's generation and adaptation from Richard Adams's award-winning book. But the film itself is a true classic. I saw it at the cinema in early 1979 aged nine, soon after reading the book (which was a 9th birthday present for me).It made a very strong impression on me, and I found it a beautifully-realised tale that incorporated a mythic prologue that explained the basic workings of rabbit society, a dangerous quest, a very well-defined central cast of rabbit characters- the noble Hazel, the courageous Bigwig, the prophetic Fiver, and the oppressive General Woundwort. There is fear and danger in the rabbits' adventure but also heroism, ingenuity and loyalty, not to mention altruism when the kindly if cantankerous seabird Kehaar (voiced by Zero Mostel) is given shelter by the rabbits and later acts as a scout, helping them hatch a plan to stave off invasion by a ruthless tribe of neighbouring rabbits they come into conflict with. The English countryside is delightfully, and accurately portrayed, and the idea of animated animals enacting a tale that has at its heart the battle to survive in the face of human expansion and ecological destruction works well. The film cannot, in 88 minutes, give too much detail of the several alternative styles of societal organisation (described more fully in the book)that the rabbits encounter on their journey, but nothing crucial to the story is omitted. The other wonderful feature of Watership Down is the original song Bright Eyes, performed by Art Garfunkel. This hauntingly beautiful tune appears in an edited dream sequence in the middle of the film that represents Hazel's rescue after being dangerously hurt. It is my all-time favourite song.

This movie is most suited to older children (8-9+)and adults, and will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

Excellent.
Unlike some novels that are converted into videos, they managed to make this one enjoyable. Just a small warning- despite the rabbit characters and bright art, this is definetely not a children's video. For example, during Holly's recount of what happened after he and some other rabbits left the warren, there is a very haunting scene that creeped even me out (for a little while, at least, ^-^;). Oh, and Art Garfunkel sings the song, Bright Eyes. Yay! ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Great kid's flick
This was a great movie for small children. It is also enjoyable for adults also. I found it to be very cute and entertaining! It is about Elmo, and how he gets in a fight with his friend over sharing his blanket. Well, alot of things go wrong and Elmo's blanket ends up at Grouch's trashcan. The Grouch throws the blanket down the garbage can and Elmo dives in after it, only to realize that it has been spirited to a place called Grouchland. What he dosen't know is that Grouchland is being ruled over by a guy named Huxley who has a problem with sharing things, and he has been stealing from the townsfolk, always telling them, "If I touch it...it's MINE!" Elmo has to figure out how to get his blanket back, with the help of many colorful characters. The whole movie is great for small children. It teaches them the value of friendship and sharing, which is something they need to know about at a young age. The movie also allows the children to participate in certain scenes (ex. singing along, helping Elmo to blow raspberries, helping Elmo find his way through a dark cave). Overall, this is a great movie for children, and I really did enjoy it, which is why I have to recommend it!

Wrong Message Gets Across
Is Elmo irritating? Heck yes. I wish he could use the pronoun "I." BUT he's a cuddly cute friend to a lot of toddlers out there, mine included. We don't watch Sesame Street at home, but my son must get enough Elmo from the daycare, because he knew who this movie was about when we borrowed it from the library.

The message viewers are supposed to get is about sharing - after not wanting to share his beloved blanket with his friend Zoe, Elmo loses said blanket down Oscar's trashcan and subsequently into Grouchland, where it is claimed by the colorful villian Huxley, who never shares anything.

So our little ones should be learning how to share...unfortunately, one of the more memorable songs is sung by Mandy Patinkin (Huxley) called "MINE." My little boy had never grabbed anything and yelled "Mine!" until he watched this video. He understood about Elmo's blanket, because he has one of his own that's special, but it seems he got the wrong message!

The film itself is a bit of a mixed bag of images; Vanessa Williams is stunning as the Queen of Trash, but her appearance is like a short cameo. There's a giant chicken that seems loosely related to Huxley. A conveniently placed talking vegetable. This is not the caliber of education and entertainment I've come to expect from the Children's Television Workshop, or from Henson Productions. I wouldn't recommend the video for children under 3, even if they're Elmo fans (my son was 26 months when we had the "MINE!" problem.)

Hooray for Ernie and Bert, though, our time-tested film narrators!

Excellent Movie!
My 20 month-old daughter LOVES this movie!! I can't imagine thinking it's too scary as one of the reviews I read says, ... what's scary? It's adorable! Even the villan is likable! I would highly recommend this movie to all!

Too Scary!! (even for brave kids)
This video was purchased for my 2 1/2 year old son for Christmas by his Grandma. She even bought a VHS version for her house so he could watch it at either place. The sole reason she selected this video was because of the title character. Yes, my son is a full fledged member of the ELMO fan club, like many children his age are. We soon found out that Grandma wasted her money...BIG TIME. The movie is a bit strange to say the least, and a little on the psychadelic side. The most disturbing part is when the "evil" character arrives in Grouchland via helicopter. This is when my son BEGS me to turn it off and says "It scares me, mommy." (while covering his ears) It didn't take us long to figure out that this was not the video for him!! It was heartbreaking when I saw the fear in his little face. With the typical daredevil little boy personality, we were surprised at his reaction and both Grandma and I wished we had previewed the video before we let him watch it!

A Must-Have for Elmo Fans
My 22-month-old son normally has the attention span of a gnat, but he will gladly sit through this entire movie again and again. He loves the songs, the colors, the action, and of course, he loves Elmo. If you have a toddler or preschooler who has an affinity for the little furry red guy, this movie is a must-have! ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Chow Yun Fat's REAL US debut!!!
"The Replacement Killers" was terrible. It was like a Chow Yun Fat/John Woo movie by numbers and poses. Nothing to speak of in terms of storyline or compelling characters (apart from Chow's) that his best known HK work featured. This movie however features Chow Yun Fat as the sort of conflicted yet ultimately principled man he should play, but with tons of intrigue and a good performane by Mark Wahlberg as a rookie under Chow's wing. It's not very "Hollywood" which is a good thing. It definitely has a feeling closer to a foreign film and that is very welcome. This doesn't have as much action as "The Killer" or "The Replacement Killers" but it had a solid storyline. Hopefully with the success of the phenomenal "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", Chow Yun Fat's other movies will get the look they deserve. This man shines whenever he's on the screen. He saved "Anna & The King" as well. I forgot to mention that for once New Line has SOME additional features, and they interesting.

Too Long!
Despite bad reviews I enjoyed Chow Yun Fat in the Replacement Killers. It was not up to par with his John Woo stuff but I enjoyed it very much.

The Corrupter is Chow Yun Fat's second American film. He is perfectly cast as a shady New York City cop in China town. Mark Walhberg is also very good as his new partner. Another good performance was by Brian Cox as Walhberg's father.

The film has some great action parts. The film also does a great job contrasting Chinese and US culture. On many levels its a great film about cultural diffusion.

However, despite some great cultural exchanges, good actions scenes, and great acting the film in my opinion was not very good.

Its too long and by the last 20 minutes the story is dragging and dragging. I wanted to like this film very much, but the story itself and its collapse into boredom at the end sank this film for me.

This was a good effort but it failed to cross the finish line. It is worth a rental, but not too buy. You will not want to watch this film more than once.

Again, I really wanted to like this film and wish I could have.

If all bad cops could be this good!
I loved the confrantation that Danny Wallace had with his dad about the contemplation of what to do about turning in his partner Nick Chen .. I won't spoil the quote you have to take it in context of the scenario of the movie. What an impact it made in my life that what I do in my life will be what I live with. I don't know if I over looked the goings on with Nick Chen because after all he was Yun-Fat Chow or that his over looking Uncle Benny's activities was some how a kindness to help May a lost drug addict and prostitute unable to escape her fate he tries to be more then a cop in her heart. The entire movie was tastefully done, story line excellant, directed in a way to make you laugh, cry, sit at the edge of you chair during those action scenes. Not to mention the sound track subpurbly done. I have had always found Yun-Fat Chow a believable actor in all rolls he portray; this movie he stole my heart (more then in Anna and the King).. the ending must be seen to appreciate how to me he was a good cop, with admiration to the writer in whatever message he wanted to leave you at the end. If you thought Mark Wahlberg was exceptional in this roll you should see him in The Perfect Storm and never thought he would play such a sicko in Fear but had me convinced. Lady's don't judge all men by what goes on in this movie but be wise to it's message of common sense. It always amazes me when an actor can play his/her complete opposite. I look forward to watching more of both of these great actors movies. Don't wait to buy THE CORRUPTOR should it go out of print you will regret it! Well I think so. Thanks for listening - Bye. Would welcome your comments too.

Wow!
I was really surprised by how good this movie is. I figured a straight-forward shoot-'em-up and some exotic intrigue was about all it would have going for it. The cover had the usual fatuous nonsense on it: "You can't play by the rules when there aren't any." Why is it 90% of video covers have a reformulation of the same stupid subtitle? Apparently there is some lucky guy out there is employed writing new, yet indistinguishable ways to either deny the existence of Rules/Boundaries/etc. or at least deny their applicability to some beautiful, well-armed people. Good for him.

Anyway, this movie definitely exceeded my expectations. Great direction, but most of all great performances from Chow-Yun Fat and Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg's relationship with his father was fairly cliched, yet it still came across as believable. The various moral predicaments of the two cops were just as interesting and well-done as the fight scenes. There is one major chase scene, which I found silly after a while, since it gave the impression that there were absolutely no other police cars within ten miles of some maniac with an Uzi blowing away civilians.

But that is a nothing criticism. Really, the only sore spot was the FBI goonish guy, who was both tiresome and one-dimensional in comparison with the other characters. But on the main, an excellent action-thriller. Chow-Yun Fat wasn't limited by John Woo's formula this time around, and his chops definitel show as a result.

Best Chow Yun-Fat film so far, EXCELLENT PLOT
This movie has excellent plot and is not one of those mindless John Woo action films. Acutally, it is the ONLY John Woo films that has a good plot in addition to the usual good actions. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

How movie tension done well, makes a film better....
This movie is fascinating on several levels, not the least of which is the tension it provokes in wanting to see past the action happening on screen. Anna and Juan's relationship and how destructive it is on not just themselves, but everyone with whom they come in contact. It's a movie that you'll continue to think about after it's all over.

Against The Wind
This is a great movie. It's interesting to see what a great actor Antonio Banderas always was, even as a young man. He's probably the bravest actor on the planet. Law of Desire proves that.

He's so conflicted here and his sister manipulates him right down the drain. He's driven to save himself but he can't, she's too powerful. He finally pulls away but he's left alone, with nothing. She came to him eyes closed and she left that way.

The landscape is beautiful. The idea of her power driving him to the edge, committing acts contrary to his nature, it's all very intense.

He's drop dead gorgeous and probably 22. All that talent too. I heartily recommend this movie. I watch it over and over and see something new each time.

Juan struggles against an obsessive bond with his sister
Juan's self-imposed exile ends with the arrival of his sister, Ana, as he reluctantly resumes their uncestuous relationship. Wanting a normal life, but unable to resist the desire for and comfort in Ana's embrace, his conflicted actions affect those around them in surprising ways.

The themes of rebelion and confinement are emphasised by the landscape of this tiny isolated village on the coast of Spain. The original musical score haunts the story, sharpening our experience of Juan's confusion and dispair. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Comedy Werewolf Movies- Never Go Wrong
Well I have to say that this was a typical 80's movie. And that doesn't make it bad, that makes it very good. The acting could've been better but it was pretty good for a non all star cast. If you like a comedic twist on horror, then this movie is for you.

Poor neglected housewife Susan Blakely becomes a werewolf
"My Mom's a Werewolf" is one of those films where you think somebody came up with the title and they were into production before there was actually a script. The 1989 film is not an offensive horror comedy, but it is not especially good. Susan Blakely, thirteen years after she was the female lead on "Rich Man, Poor Man," plays Leslie Shaber, a typical suburban houseful who is pretty much ignored by her less than loving family. Then one day she goes out to buy a new collar for the family dog but ends up in bed with Harry Thropen (John Saxon), a weird guy (I mentioned John Saxon played him, right?) who owns a pet shop. During their little romp Harry bits Leslie on the toe...

Now, stop for a moment and try to anticipate where this story is going. If you are thinking anything along the lines of "Teen Wolf," or a comparable horror comedy where being a monster turns out to be a good thing, this is not what writer Mark Pirro and director Michael Fischa come up with for their little film. Leslie's daughter Jennifer (Katrina Caspary), finds out mom's little secret when the hair, the fangs, and the craving for raw meat becomes rather obvious. But it turns out the transformation is not yet complete and Jennifer tries to save her mom from having to go live happily ever after with good old Harry (Harry, get it? The werewolf's name is "Harry").

At least "My Mom's a Werewolf" acknowledges that it is going for the yucks. All of the characters are overblown stereotypes and at one point it dawned on me that if this film had been made a decade later it might have been a direct to MST3K film. In addition to Blakely the cast as John Schuck ("MacMillan and Wife") as the husband, Ruth Buzzi ("Laugh-In") as Madame Gypsy, and Marcia Wallace ("The Bob Newhart Show") as Peggy, all of whom are other former familiar faces from television who have to be wondering what happened to their careers. Actually, Blakely's performance is the best of the bunch and there is something rather sad that this particular injury is added to the insult of her home life.

A Werewolf Movie That Will Have You Laughing!
This is one of those werewolf films that's more comedy than anything else. Leslie, (Susan Blakley) gets bitten by pet store owner Harry (John Saxon) who is in need of a wife to keep the werewolf legacy alive. Leslie's daughter Jennifer (Katrina Caspary) follows her mother to the pet store (thinking she's having an affair with another man) and watches thru a backdoor window as Harry seduces and bites her mother. Jennifer then turns to her best friend Stacey (who's a monster comic fanatic) and Madame Gypsy (Ruth Buzzi)to help rid her mother of this curse. Leslie begins to grow fangs and sees more hair than usual on her arms and legs and things get pretty "hairy" after awhile. Jennifer's Halloween party is a riot with Leslie covered in long hair, fangs, etc. while all along the party goers think she's made up for Halloween. Finally, seeing as though holy water, crosses and garlic don't work on the werewolf, a knife made of silver does the trick in an all out fight between daughter, mother and werewolf in the bedroom. Saxon is stabbed by the silver knife and Leslie is rid of the curse. Again, this is a funny movie and even kids will enjoy it.

CUTE WEREWOLF SPOOF
I normally hate horror spoofs, but this movie made me laugh. The suspence is great and the plot does not get off the subject like most spoofs. This movie can be viewed by the whole family (YES, EVEN THE KIDS CAN SEE IT), because there is no nudity or bad language. Buy it today! ... Read more

Description

Scooby-Doo and Shaggy learn there are things even scarier than homework in this feature-length field trip into mystery and mayhem! The academic adventure begins when the boys sign on as gym teachers at Miss Grimwood's School for Ghouls -- only to discover the pupils are (zoinks!) daughters of the world's most frightfully famous monsters! But when thegirl-ghouls are kidnapped by the evil Revolta and her spider-bat flunkies, our heroes spring into action to rescue their fiendish little friends inspectacular Scooby-Doo style! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Great Movie
I really enjoyed this movie, i am a huge scooby doo fan. Only thing i didnt like about this movie was that it had scrappy on it, Other than that is was great. It had a great plot and great characters. If you are a scooby fan you will love this movie!

Worst Scooby Doo ever.
Eesh! What is this supposed to be? Shaggy and Scooby's solo outings usually make for good movies. But Ghoul School comes nowhere near the surprisingly good Boo Brothers or Reluctant Werewolf and is so far behind modern Scooby Doo animation. It really is the cheapest, shoddiest Scooby effort I've ever seen.

There isn't even a mystery, thus explaining the lack of the Mystery Machine (an ugly red van is the replacement). So why on earth they bothered to make this a Scooby Doo movie is puzzling if they weren't deliberately exploiting a popular character.

It's just all wrong! Shaggy gets a job in an all-girl (actually Ghoul) school teaching Phys. Ed. I'm sorry but when did Shaggy become a qualified Gym Teacher? There's some pointless story involving a volleyball competition with a Military School next door that isn't good enough to distract from the bore and then after that some old hag called Revolta turns up and turns them all into zombies. Uh...yeah.

Shaggy obviously saves the day but by this point I had dozed off. It bored me to sleep!

The 1.33:1 full frame picture shows how cruddy the animation is and the sound is plain old mono. Aside from the usual 'how to draw' extras this DVD also features a trailer that cheekily uses lots of footage of modern Scooby animation and mixes it with Ghoul School to make it look new. I wasn't fooled.

Don't buy this. Rent it for the kids if there is really nothing else.

A great scooby movie for the whole family
Yes I know that the rest of the gang are not in this one,but however I still find it entertaining. The 3 heros were very knid to help the girls get ready for the big volleyball game and I,m happy to say that the training and excercising made them win against the military school next door.However i,m kind of sad that the rest of the gang is not in this film,but it is still a great film to enjoy.

Boring and pointless
My six-year-old son is a huge Scooby fan so I have seen a lot of these episodes and movies. He enjoys the "old" Scooby as well as the "What's New Scooby Doo" series, and I must say that I do too. That said, this awful movie was not just aimless and devoid of any of the usual fun and humor, it was downright painful to watch. This might have been more palatable as a single half-hour episode, but I doubt it. Twenty-five minutes into the movie, my husband asked me how much longer we had to subject ourselves to it. Forty-five minutes into this thing, my son muttered to himself "I wonder when it going to get to the scary part!" I don't think it ever quite got there. Avoid this movie like the plague, and go for something else. Even watching the better videos over and over ad nauseum would be better than viewing this again.

I'm sick of this movie
This movie might seem funny and amusing the first time you watch it. I am not a very big scooby doo fan, and I have to put up with my parents making me watch this movie with my sister in order to stop her tantrums about five times a week.
The plot is extremely boring--you might expect more twists and originality in the plot in most scooby doo movies, and the characters were so.... I can't find a word to describe it.
What I mean to say is, if you have younger siblings who are mad about scooby doo and 'trying' films that have originality whatsoever, this is not the video to get. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Bunuel Was So Much More Than His Legend.
This beautiful film, one of Bunuel's personal favorites of the many films he made, is shot in a soft, but clear, b&w that has an almost organic feel to it and is so very easy on the eyes that as the fascinating story flows along one can lose track of the consistent beauty of its detailed composition. Of particular note is a brief shot in which a solitary child is approaching along the dirt street of a village that has been ravaged by plague. A ghostly white sheet suddenly obscures the view and all at once the deathly atmosphere is fully created. Very powerful.
This film, not seen in America nearly as much as many other later Bunuel works, is so much more than a mere sardonic satire. It is Bunuel's most severely penetrating and compassionate look at religion. It follows the story of the indigent village priest, Father Nazario, who is prepared to completely sacrifice himself in order to show the villagers the radically giving, humble, selfless way of life that he believes is the true Christian calling. But he discovers that most of the peasants are incapable of understanding him and the Church itself is appalled by this true Christian. Bunuel leads Father Nazario through some very deep shadow and finally lands him in jail for the crime of taking Christian teaching too seriously. Never once does Bunuel mock or scorn Father Nazario. The sharply humorous and satirical blades fly everywhere in this film, but none of them ever strike the priest. Instead Bunuel leads the priest to an encounter with ruffian criminals in which the priest sees that in fact there may be no God watching over him. It is a harrowing moment of revelation very sensitively unfolded by Bunuel. After this Father Nazario is no longer certain of what he believes, but he discovers in the last frames of the film that in spite of his mental and emotional confusion he can not turn his back on compassion. Bunuel rejects the priest's religion, but embraces him in a compassionate human solidarity. Very moving. Highly recommended. Certainly one of the greatest films ever made. Bunuel was more than his legend.

funny, brilliant attack on hypocritical church & society
i love some of the obscure films of Bunuel's mexican period. This one's hilariously sardonic, as a sincere, long-suffering ("nazarene") do-gooder priest in a small village is accused of crimes, de-frocked, and forced to roam the countryside with a failed suicide, a whore, and a lascivious dwarf. I won't say more....Buy the film! If you loved Viridiana or Simon of the Desert, you'll love this one too! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Absolutely Awful Rubbish.
I wish I had read some of the reviews here before renting this awful movie recently. The director (Paul Leduc) should have never made another film after this one (but I'm sure he has). I did not like Frida (the 2002 Hollywood version) and a friend raved about this 1984 Ofelia Medina film - so I thought this might be a superior film. MAN, WAS I WRONG! Where's the script? Where's the acting? I sat thru 20 (painful) minutes of it and could view no more. Don't waste your money even renting this - let alone buying it. The 2002 Hollywood version is a very flawed film but it is atleast worthy of watching.

The worst portrayal of Frida Kahlo
Before watching this movie,..., I suggest reading "Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo", which accurately "reveals a woman of extreme magnetism and originality." This is, without a question, the worst movie I have seen in my entire life because of it's blatent ignorance of the actual people the production was trying to illustrate. It is as if the screenwriter read about Frida, and left out all of the important aspects of her personality! In an early scene, "young Frida" breathes hot air onto a window, and marks some obscure symbol. Shortly after, the scene ends. Taken from the book: "I must have been six years old when I experienced intensely an imaginary friendship with a little girl more or less the same age as me. On the glass window...I breathed vapor onto one of the first panes. I let out a breath and with a finger I drew a "door"...Full of great joy and urgency, I went out in my imganination, through this "door". I crossed the whole plain that I saw in front of me...and I went down in great haste into the interior of the earth, where "my imaginary friend" was always waiting for me. I do not remember her image or her color. But I do know she was [free in her choices]. She laughed a lot. Without sounds. She was agile and she danced as if she weighed nothing as all. I told her all my secret problems..from her voice she knew everything about me. When I returned to the window I entered through the same door...I was happy. I ran with my secret..Thirty-four years have passed since I experienced this friendship and every time that I remember it, it revives and becomes larger and larger inside my world." Just one example of one of her major life incidents swept over like a minor detail. After watching the 2002 version, I eagerly started reading the book to learn more about her tumultuous life, as I am aware biography movies have a tendency to leave out a lot of details one can only find by reading the actual book. When I saw the cover (on accident) at the video store, I figured, hey, it's in Spanish, and it's much older, so it might be interesting. I have never been so wrong in choosing a movie: The movie is very surreal and very abstract. There is little dialogue causing the spectator to become easily confused and mislead ... the imagery is pitiful; conveying no sense of the vibracy and exuberence that Frida so easily created with her persona, the acting can be seen as mediocre, if one pretends that the movie is about some random artist, and not about Frida Kahlo. I suppose I should have known better when renting this movie when I saw that the actress chosen to play Frida didn't even have a unibrow, and when I read that her affair with Leon Trotsky was one of the major events in her life. ...

I would have put no star but that is not an option
Horrible attempt at creating a collage. It ends up making no sense and having no chronology [which helps to understand a person's life/choices] I would recommend you see the newer version of the her life [2002]which though not perfect can be understood. This movie made me feel like the producer wanted to come up with something so original that he did...original garbage!

Frida, naturaleza viva
This movie, if you consider that it was made in 1984, becomes quite an accomplishment: it breaks with the stereotype of Latinamerican movies of the times. It also conveys a lot about what Frida's life of suffering was like, and the degree to which she influenced Mexican culture. Watch it almost as a documentary of Frida's life, excellently played by Ofelia Medina (had a minor role more as landlady more recently in "Before Night Falls".)

Viva Frida!!!
For starters, this film won an Ariel, the Mexican equivilant of an Oscar in 1985. The story of Magdalena Carmen Frieda(she changed the spelling) Kahlo, better known as Frida Kahlo is brought to life on film by Ofelia Medina, who bears an uncanny resemblance, with perfection and touching authenticity. Frida could control certain circumstances of her life, like her birth date, which she changed from July 6 1907 to 1910 to conincide with the Mexican Revolution but others she could not, such as her her polio and terrible bus accident early in life that left her practically an invalid the rest of her life. This film shows both of these aspects of Frida, her revolutionary zeal for life and her misfortune. Often told in a series of montages, at times painfully slow, possibly to show just that, Frida's life is reflected upon going back and forth in time, her childhood, her tumultuous relationship with spouse and famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, her affairs with both men and women, including the exiled Russian Trotsy and Mexican muralist David Siquieros, her participation in social movements, her drug use and drinking, and of course, her art, her greatest gift, which she left for all the world to enjoy. The close ups of her art are used in most dramatic fashion, further illustrating her life. There is not much dialogue, the pictures and scenes tell the story quite well. The movie does an excellent job of telling a remarkable story of a physically tortured soul whose art showed the pain her short(47) life endured. This is a movie that is essential viewing for any admirers of Frida, without any fluff, this movie tells the story straight up. This a great movie as told by Mexicans not a slick Hollywood version. It helps to know about Frida prior to viewing as the details of her life make more sense that way. Frida Kahlo is a tremendous spirit and this film captures that undying, fighting spirit, of one of the greatest Mexican artists come to life, Frida Kahlo lives on. ... Read more

Reviews (153)

Romantic, sumptious, decadent...
I caught this movie late one night when there was nothing else to watch. I was totally captivated and smitten by Catherine McCormack's portrayal of Veronica Franco a real life Courtesan of the 16th century. It was an exquisite film from beginning to end. Jacqueline Biset was superb as Veronica's mother who taught her daughter the powerful arts of her sex and set her upon a path that would eventually lead her into the arms of Senators, Kings and Priests. The understated Rufus Sewell was excellent as the love of her life who at first abandons her when she has to bed the King of France for the sake of her country, but who finally rallies to her side when a jealous young priest accuses her of witchcraft. There are many memorable moments in this film, one being Veronica trying to dissuade her friend from having her daughter become a Courtesan. It is poignant and heartfelt as two women look at the lives they live and wish they were the other. Add to this the scene where Veronica confesses not to being witch before the Catholic Inquisition but just a woman whose choice of profession has been dictated to her by the narrow constraints of Venetian society. This is a film for those who want to be stimulated both sensually and intellectually. It's a shame that it didn't reach a wider audience when it first came out in 1998. Absolutely stunning is my final thought on this ad-fab film.

A Beautiful Movie!
I rented this one on a whim, and I'm glad that I did. This film is based on the true story of Veronica Franco, a Venetian courtesan who was first admired and then later put on trial for her ability to draw men to her. Her one true love is the dashing Marco (a very excellent Rufus Sewell) whom she could not marry because she was not rich enough. Her mother instead shows her another way to be with the man she loves, and Veronica's journey begins. This film is shot very well;you get the feel of the time and mindset of the people during this period drama. You also understand the limitations placed on women during this time period, and how sexuality was the only option open if a woman wanted to be educated. As Veronica, Catherine McCormack is a great actress, a woman who learns to use both her body and mind to have her way. She expresses great strength and dignity, even when she is accused of being a witch and brought to trial. I love the chemistry between Marco and Veronica;it's sexy without being sleazy. I watched this film several times before returning it to the video store, and I can honestly say that it is one of the most interesting films I have had the pleasure of viewing. See it at least once and judge for yourself.

The Beauty of it all.
Hesitant I am to review this after perusing the many reviews it has already recieved. Many glowing, and several in disdain.

I will agree though with the glowing reviews for the movie is splendid in tugging at the heartstrings and most magnificent with its display of Venice, the city.

If one does research before seeing this movie then I suggest they not bother watching the film and perhaps study a textbook instead. Movies are for enjoying visually and possibly emotionally. They aren't history lessons. I knew only little going into this movie many years ago when I first saw it, I knew it was based on a true story. I didn't care how accurate that story was with the facts, I wanted to see if it could accomplish the feat of entertaining me and not prompting me to walk out of the theatre. Not even close did it come to injecting those latter feelings. I was awestruck. Why?

Beauty. Plain and simple. In the portrayals of the characters by the more then capable actors, to the way that Veronica jousted with the men with her words-something that very few women back in that day were able to do, and quite many never even entertained the thought of doing. To the emotion that flowed effortlessly. For the reason that it tangles you up into a world that you were never a part of and may never be a part of.

So as soon as I could I purchased the DVD, and these are some of my comments below as to why I love it so-

The Actress:
The actress playing Veronica,Catherine McCormick was a delight to watch, not only for her intelligence, but also for the quiet heartbreak that she was displaying. What this film did is portray how one suffers but continues on in silence, trying to show a different face to the rest of the world. Women of early Europe did not have much of a choice when it came to survival, and knowledge was near forbidden. That would make them equal to men and that was punishable for a price. Veronica had a choice, as she was neither poor(though close to it) and she was neither rich...she could marry,if there was someone to marry her as her family no longer had a dowry to provide, so she could marry someone in her class who may not be able to provide for her- or she could become a Courtesan, where at least her intelligence and hunger to learn was allowed to be fed.

The Actor:
I fell in love with Rufus Sewell after watching this movie. He may not be what would be considered a "hunk"(ohh how I hate this word) but he resembles what men back then just may have looked like and how they carried themselves. His character is stoic, quite often burning with rage and love and instead of being able to display the emotions, he goes forth in wonder questioning his position without giving too much away as to why. And when he does get to love Veronica, it's fiercely. He understands why she does what she does, he lets her continue on her path, when most men would have tried to own her. For on this path of hers, he knows they will meet up time to time.

The Controversy???

The movie is a love story, yes. I question those who refer to it as soft porn and are disturbed by the sexuality and the nudity within the film. Surely upon seeing what this film is about they would not be surprised at seeing such. Nudity is nothing to be ashamed of, as neither is what men and women do with another. I see nothing about the movie that would make it soft porn. I see something called "art". I do suggest however, that these same people should avoid French Films at all costs.

I could go on with what it was I loved about the film. There is one part of this film that stands out and grabs attention though, and that is:

The Artistic Design. The Photography. The Lighting. The Costumes. The movie itself, plot and actors aside, was a cinematic wonder. The background set the tone for the rest of the movie, and one would have to have a steel heart not to love and appreciate it.

Oh, and as an aside: I have introduced this film to several men-from my brother, to my father, a friend, and now my husband. Every single one of them love it. This is not a chick flick. It's the romance. Every one of them found it romantic.

Breathtaking History
This movie touches a special place in my heart. As a history and art history lover, the richness of the story and the beauty of the film keep me watching it over and over.

A true story (see The Honest Courtesean) that takes place in Venice in its most gorgeous era, the film brings the viewer into a world forgotten by many. The art direction and the use of the real palaces in Venice complete the total package.

Catherine McCormack is not only beautiful, but a heartfelt actress as well. You may remember her as William Wallace's wife in Braveheart (brunette there).

On a final note, if you are headed to Venice, catch this movie for a quick introduction of the Golden Age of this city and an inside look at those who used to roam the halls of the gorgeous palaces you will see lining the Grand Cannal.

One of my favorites.

Promise not fullfilled
Simply put, this film fails to deliver on a multitude of levels. The very least I expected this movie to provide was some eye candy such as, lush scenery, resplendent costumes, exceptional film quality, and a bunch of really good looking people.

The first thing that struck me is that Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell were too old for their respective roles. It's not quite as bad as the days when a 50ish Jimmy Stewart was playing characters in their twenties, but it was still a bit embarrassing. McCormack spent the first half hour of the film quite literally jumping up and down, overwhelmed with girlish enthusiasm. These breathless expressions of glee got old real fast. When she was playing this role she was 26 pretending to be 16. Likewise Sewell was 31 trying to convince us that he was a young rascal looking for a good time.

The dialogue was at best, uneven. At times there seemed to be an attempt to utilize language is such a way as to suggest 16th century Italy, but for the most part the phraseology was distinctly 20th century. The long distant views of Venice were unconvincing and cheaply produced. Given the available technology, this was simply inexcusable and reflected the overall laziness that permeates the movie. Even the costumes looked as if they were retreads from other films.

At the very least I expected to see beautifully lit scenes, reflecting the glorious paintings of that era and magnificent beauty of Venice. Instead, the best that could be said about the cinema photography was that it was undistinguished.

(...) ... Read more

Reviews (21)

The film that started it all...
Without the Luis Bunuel/Salvador Dali collaboration UN CHIEN ANDALOU, there might well have been no PINK FLAMINGOS, no ERASERHEAD, no Pasolini or Godard or Polanski etc. etc. etc., at least not the way we know and love them. Bunuel was once called the "Alfred Hitchcock of the Avant-Garde". Although most of what critics say makes as much sense to me as stereo instructions might to a Mayan tribesman, I have to say that that's pretty accurate; no one delved so deeply into the subconscious on-camera so successfully and so gleefully. And this is the film that started it all. Infamous eyeball-slicing aside (if such a notion is plausible), there is alot to be marvelled and shocked by. Of course, this isn't going to cause a riot (as it most assuredly did when it premiered in Paris in 1928... everyone, I'm sure, knows the story about Bunuel presiding over the record player that would supply the film's soundtrack at the film's premiere, his pockets filled with rocks), but it still packs a surprising nihilistic wallop after more than 70 years. I'm not going to reveal any of what you will see. It should suffice though, to tell you, that after these 20 or so minutes are over, you'll realize you've seen probably the closest cinematic approximation to a dream EVER produced. EVER. Viva Bunuel!...

2 Must See Films
In "Un Chien Andalou", Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dali create a surreal film that undoubtedly influenced and led to other films and even comercials that we've all seen. I was particularly reminded of the images Pink Floyd would later use for their covers and concerts. The use of music (and the music itself) is fantastic, adding to the humor, melacholy and drama of the scenes and actors, who themselves are excellent, even without a single spoken word. One might think that's easy, but then one would only need to see Jean Cocteau's "Blood of a Poet" to see that it's not. "Land Without Bread" is equally surreal, but earie as well since it's actually a documenatry and what you see is real. The obscene poverty of a small spanish town is a fitting subject for Buñuels first and only documentary. Filmed in the early 30's, one is suddenly struck with the uncomfertable realization of what one is viewing; some scenes being downright grotesque, all the more so since they are not staged; yet in the hands of a master like Buñuel.

surrealism at the expense of...
un chien andalou is a brilliant surreal piece of work by bunuel and the great dali. the part i have a problem with however is the second film on this tape, "land without bread". i don't buy into the idea that bunuel actually gave a rip about these people in spain but merely used and exploited them in probably the most warped faux documentary i have ever seen. if his supposed genius was in some way going to make me say, "wow, that was a brilliant piece of surreal work and caught in a documentary style that made me feel empathy for these poor destitude people". that isn't what i got out of it. complete trash. and for those of you that look at "land without bread" as a masterpiece of cinematic surrealism, go get your 8mm video cam and take a trip to some third world country and film them in all their poverty and disease and come back tell me that was a moving and artistic moment for you. no redeeming social value what so ever... death to bourgeoisie!

'Land Without Bread' might be Bunuel's masterpiece
'Un chien andalou' (1928) is the best-known film on this video and is a fascinating work in its own right, but the real masterpiece here is undoubtedly 'Land Without Bread' ('Las Hurdes'). As great as most of Bunuel's subsequent films would be, this 27-minute 1932 work arguably towers above them all. Calling it a documentary would not do justice to its unrivaled breadth: among other things, this film asks the questions 'what is a documentary?' and 'what is the role of the documentarist?', and this prevents us from using definitive, short-circuiting labels. In fact, no label could conceivably express this film's power. The controversy surrounding this work has three main sources: 1) some of the sequences have apparently been staged by Bunuel; 2) the impersonal narration seems in direct contrast to the pain and tragedy that unfolds on the screen; 3) so is Bunuel's choice of using Brahms's Fourth symphony as background music. For these reasons, cinephiles have been disagreeing for over 70 years about Bunuel's treatment of human and animal misery in this film. For me, his audacious technique creates a space - a window - between the viewer and the plight of the Hurdanos; it is this space that somehow transfigures their misery, rather than merely exploit it (as some have suggested). The film becomes a true initiation for the viewer: it provides a difficult, troubling but potentially life-changing experience. In the end, Bunuel's intentions do not matter as much as the impact his film can have on those who see it; and for this viewer, he has carved a moving, mysterious and ineffable work.

At one time
I find these films interesting for their period statements. At one time Un Chien Andalou was a statement about nothing. It is now, however, an exploration into metaphor that we never could never leave undiscovered. People may think they remain the same but their symbols are reused with new interpretations. This movie is like lost love rediscovered, forgetting the reason for the loss.

Land Without Bread is such a racist, bigoted statement that it boggles the mind. Imagine a time when some human existence could be so distant that it was judged only appropriate for a carny sideshow. This movie is like a right wing view to a kill, totally without sensitivity or compassion.

How we have changed. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Ole!
La Bamba is one of my top 25 favorite films. Lou Diamond Phillips comes across for real. I was surprised when I saw a picture of the real Ritchie Valens. I had forgotten what he looked like (when I was a teenager). Lou doesn't look like him, but who cares? This is a great suspension of disbelief.

Esai Morales doing a great job as the troubled brother Bob. it is easy to feel his pain. And it is almost impossible to tell the difference between Los Lobos' rendition of the title song and the original Ritchie version. The hint is in those couple of seconds of silence that Los Lobos does near the end. And then there are those excellent imitations of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, Jackie Wilson and others.

The DVD has two feature-length commentaries that are worth listening to. Beyond this, I have also turned on the Spanish-language track and watched the film a few times that way. If you have some understanding of both languages, it helps to show how they get the nuances across it slightly different ways.

One of the best rock biopics ever.
I saw La Bamba the other night for the first time in many years, and was delighted to see how well it had held up. Of the many tragedies in the history of rock, there are few more bitterly poignant than that of Ritchie Valens, and director Luis Valdez makes us feel the full force of the tragedy. He makes us love not only Ritchie (Lou Diamond Phillips) but also his supportive mother Connie (Rosana De Soto) and his troubled brother Bob (Esai Morales), then ends the film as he should, on a note of raw, unmitigated grief. On the way to the tragic end, however, we also get marvelous recreations of vintage rock songs by Los Lobos, Brian Setzer, Marshall Crenshaw, Howard Huntsberry and others. Seeing La Bamba again brings up a smaller tragedy: why Phillips, Morales and De Soto didn't become bigger stars, as they clearly deserved to become from their performances in this movie. Only Phillips came at all close to stardom, and for every step forward he took--his change-of-pace villainous role in Courage Under Fire, his Broadway triumph in the revival of The King and I--he took two steps back with some straight-to-video flick. But in any case you can still see them in La Bamba, and laugh, cry, and applaud.

fantastic
I love this film!! after being introduced to it by my older sister i have never looked back!!! Lou diamond Phillips is amazing as Ritchie Valens and Esai Morales is equally great!!! the supporting cast helps what is already a fab film become a classic!! The soundtrack is great and the end music that they play in the final scenes makes it so emotional. The film really reminds us what a loss it is when someone as talented as Ritchie Valens was dies so young... The film has never stopped making me cry and i am sure i will continue to love this film.. it is a timeless piece which is a fitting tribute to one of Rock n Roll's finest!

Good but it has major problems too
Film needed more period flavor. What's with Ritchie's brother Bob's hairdo? Too 80's. Also, the film gets goofy towards the end with the Big Bopper going around saying "Hello Baby" to everyone and a weak performance by Marshall Crenshaw(Sp?) as Buddy Holly.

all musicians should see this
this movie is about late 50s rock n roller ritchie valens who along with buddy holly and the big bopper died in a plane crash ritchie was an amazing talent with a beautiful voice he was only 17 lu diamond phillips does such a wonderful job portraying how hard it was coming up as a latino in the 50s and how ritchie loved a whitegirl but her parents wouldnt let them be together but they found ways anyway and he was going to propise to her before he got killed this movie has alot of great moments and music by the band labamba youll end up crying once u realize what a musical loss ritchie valanz buddy holley and the big bopper were to that generation and generations after all musicians should buy this dvd right away if u havent seen it u owe it to these founders of rock n roll ... Read more