Showing posts with label 1950s. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1950s. Show all posts

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Christmas Cartoon Classics Review

Christmas Cartoon Classics
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The toons in this set are not classics because they are so great, but rather because of the fact they are vintage toons from the golden age of animation of the 30's and 40's before studios started making the animation cheaper with less frames.
These same toons show up on several different collections so basically buy the one that gives you the most bang for your buck.
Jack Frost is an Ub Iwerks toon from 1934. Jack Frost arrives in the forest, painting the leaves on the trees and warning the animals to prepare for the winter. An inquisitive young grizzly bear decides he wants to see what the world looks like when everyone else is hibernating. When Old Man Winter catches him unawares, however, he needs Jack Frost's help in getting back home to his warm bed.
Santa's Surprise (1947) features the first appearance of Little Audrey. Little Audrey and some other kids stow away inside Santa's sleigh. While Santa sleeps, the kids decide to give him a Christmas present of his own
"Somewhere in Dreamland" 1936 is a Fleischer studios toon. It's the story of two poor children who are out collecting firewood when they pass by a toy store, market and finally a bakery. They drool over the wares in the bakery window but walk away before the owner can come out and present them with two cupcakes. The kids go home and eat a meager supper before going to bed. They both dream they are in dreamland, where everything is free--cookies, candy, cakes, popcorn and toys. When they wake up it's all gone but the three merchants have stopped by to lay out a huge feast for them.
"Chrismas Comes But Once a year" Fleisher from 1936. A group of lonely kids are given broken toys, leaving these sad youngsters without a Merry Christmas. Professor Grampy, sees the unhappy kids. The brilliant inventor puts on his thinking cap to find a solution this problem. He heads into the orphanage and creates a series of homemade toys from kitchen utensils. Then he decorates the main room with soap chips, cotton and other items, creating a Santa suit from red cloth, stovepipes and a red bag. He rings a dinner bell and calls the kids in. The kids, seeing Grampy as Santa, rush in happily. They play with their new and better toys.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" Fleischer 1944. The Fleischer version of the classic tale.
"Hector's hectic Life" Paramount 1948. On Christmas Eve, Prince the dog's owner threatens to throw him out if he causes any more trouble. Just then, a basket arrives on the doorstep containing three puppies that look suspiciously like Prince. The puppies proceed to trash the house while Prince desperately tries to conceal the damage from his owner.
"Snow Foolin'" Paramount 1949 Singalong about the first day of winter, when all the animals go ice skating. It is December 21, and the animals in the forest must contend with a literal avalanche of snow. Winter is not all that bad, though. After donning their winter coats, they will be able to enjoy themselves skiing, skating on a frozen lake, and tossing snowballs. In just a few days, one and all will be singing "Jingle Bells."
Wonderful collection for its historical value.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Christmas Cartoon Classics



Buy NowGet 14% OFF

Click here for more information about Christmas Cartoon Classics

Friday, January 25, 2013

Walt Disney Treasures - Your Host, Walt Disney (1954) Review

Walt Disney Treasures - Your Host, Walt Disney (1954)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Disney DVD has announced 6 episodes that will be included in this collection:
1) "The Fourth Anniversary Show" : 1957 DISNEYLAND season opener, originally aired 9/11/57 on ABC.
2) "Where Do Stories Come from?" (1956) a nice little behind-the-scenes show about the Disney animators and their inspiration.
3) "I Captured The King of the Leprechauns" : this last DISNEYLAND episode of the 1958 season was a big promo for the Darby O'Gill movie, originally aired 5/29/59 on ABC. *** This has already been released as a bonus on the Darby O'Gill DVD. ***
4) "Kodak Presents Disneyland '59" : a long thought lost TV special, not part of the DISNEYLAND series. This is well worth getting this set for!
5) "Back Stage Party" sort of a behind-the-scenes wrap party for Disney's 1961 movie "Babes In Toyland" starring Annette.
6) "Disneyland 10th Anniversary Show" : from the 1964 season of Wonderful World Of Color, originally aired 1/3/65 on NBC. *** Sadly, this EDITED presentation is identical to the show's previous appearance on the Disneyland USA Treasures tin, missing several minutes of Tiki Room footage. *** Sure that older DVD is out of print, but It is disappointing not to have a new to DVD episode included here, or a complete version correcting the previous error. There are SO many episodes in which Walt plays a major part, this DOUBLE DIPPING is regrettable! ***

Click Here to see more reviews about: Walt Disney Treasures - Your Host, Walt Disney (1954)

Celebrate Walt Disney and his magical vision with this look back at several of the most memorable hours from his groundbreaking television shows. As its friendly, approachable host, Disney endeared himself to millions and became much more than an icon for family entertainment. He became Uncle Walt. Join Walt as he celebrates the rededication of Disneyland with a parade of celebrities and guest stars, the fourth anniversary of his weekly show featuring a surprise party arranged by the Mouseketeers, and a tenth anniversary program showcasing some of his talented Imagineers at work. And in a rare interview, Diane Disney Miller shares warm and personal memories of growing up with the man we all admired from afar.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Walt Disney Treasures - Your Host, Walt Disney (1954)

Monday, January 7, 2013

Father Knows Best: Season One Review

Father Knows Best: Season One
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Father Knows Best was a wonderful television program. A review of the show would get 5 stars. These reviews are not supposed to be testimonials or nostalgic trips back to one's childhood; they should be reviews of the product. That is the reason I am awarding this product a single star. There is no excuse whatsoever for a company to give the buying public edited versions of tv shows that have been in existence for so many years. I wrongfully assumed that since the Young family trust gave its blessing to this project that the dvd set would be top notch and first class. Shout Factory could not even present episode number one in its original form. The first show was barely 22 minutes with complete opening sequence and closing credits. The editing to trim the show by the three minutes was done with a hatchet that a child of four could notice. I suppose this is better than no Father Knows Best at all, but not by much. My advice is to check the manufacturer of dvd's and make sure that Shout Factory had nothing to do with it. Otherwise, you will receive less than you hoped for and less than you paid for.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Father Knows Best: Season One

Copy: Maybe he didn't always know best, but insurance salesman Jim Anderson (Robert Young) of Springfield, Ohio, was America's favorite head of household. Father Knows Best premiered on CBS in October 1954 and has been part of the American cultural fabric ever since. Every week families gathered around the television set to join Jim, Margaret, "Princess", "Bud" and "Kitten" in their very first year as everyone's favorite 50's family. On DVD for the first time ever, this 4-disc set contains the Complete first season. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BONUS FEATURES*New cast interviews*Robert Young's home movies*Rare behind the scenes color footage*24 Hours In Tyrantland - special episode created for the U.S. government.*Window On Main Street pilot episode - Robert Young's very next TV series.

Buy NowGet 7% OFF

Click here for more information about Father Knows Best: Season One

Friday, July 6, 2012

Bewitched - The Complete Sixth Season Review

Bewitched - The Complete Sixth Season
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Opening the 6th Season (1969-1970) with Dick Sergeant, replacing Dick York, was going to be both challenging and somwhat of a gamble to see if fans of the show would continue to be entralled and in love with America's (and the world's!) favorite housewife witch! With some of the most creative and memorable episodes, showcasing all of the actors talents, the season remained a favorite with fans! Here is a list of the 30 episodes in the Season 6 dvd set!
1Samantha and the Beanstalk - As the 1969-1970 season begins, we are greeted by an all-new Darrin Stephens (Dick Sergeant). Tabitha is jealous of the new baby and decides to run away in the storybook of "Jack and the Beanstalk". Phyllis (Darrin's Mother) sees Jack and is very confused about what is going on. Samantha finds out that Tabitha twitched herself into the storybook and goes in to get her back. She finds Tabitha shrinking the story's giant and messing up the entire story. Samantha tells Tabitha to put everything right back where she found it and brings her home. A fun and entertaining first episode that kicks off Season 6, and gets the viewer ready for another magical season!
2Samantha's Yoo-Hoo Maid - A year after Aunt Clara passed on, Esmerelda carries on her memory by being a bumbling witch as well. Esmerelda sneezes up a whole lot of trouble when Darrin has a prospective client over to look at ad layouts. And whenever she gets nervous, she fades out! Darrin uses Esmerelda's magical goof-ups to good use when he presents a unicorn as a design for the client's car company. Samantha tells Darrin that Esmerelda will only visit when she is called.
3Samantha's Caesar Salad - Samantha wants Esmerelda to make a Caesar salad, but ends up bringing Julius Caesar instead! Samantha wants him to go home, but Caesar does not want to leave the twentieth century. So Samantha pops up Cleopatra to lure Caesar back into his own time. Darrin's client sees these two figures together and decides to use these two in her beauty ad campaign.
4Samantha's Curious Cravings - Whenever Samantha thinks of food, it appears in her hand. Dr. Bombay helps her out with her condition, but it doesn't work because now she goes to the food!
5...And Something Makes Four - Samantha gives birth to her second child, Adam! Samantha's father, Maurice makes sure that everyone who passes by falls in love with the baby. He takes it upon himself to put a spell on the new baby. Soon it is a threat to the Witches Council and Samantha tells her father to remove the love spell.
6Naming Samantha's New Baby - Maurice is raging mad because the new baby is not named after him. He storms to the house where the elder Stephens and Endora are adoring the new baby. Maurice freezes Darrin into a mirror until the baby's name is changed. Frank and Phyllis see Darrin in the mirror and think that it is a big moneymaker. After Frank states that he hates the name that was given to the baby, Maurice releases Darrin from the mirror. Darrin comes up with a name that sticks "Adam".
7To Trick or Treat or Not to Trick or Treat - Samantha is working on Halloween costumes for a UNICEF benefit. Endora is dismayed at Samantha for celebrating Halloween. Endora turns Darrin into a witch to get him to see the disrespect of witches on Halloween. After getting into a lot of trouble with his appearance, Darrin apologizes to Endora and she removes the spell.
8A Bunny for Tabitha - At Tabitha's birthday party, Uncle Arthur volunteers to do tricks. He does a classic rabbit in a hat trick, and instead of a rabbit, he pulls out a Playboy bunny! Darrin's new client, A.J. Sylvester, comes to the party with Larry and instantly falls for Bunny. When A.J. and the bunny have lunch together, A.J.'s ex-girlfriend comes up, sees him and leaves in anger. Samantha invites A.J. and Bunny to dinner and A.J. announces that they are to be engaged. But that doesn't last long when Bunny's rabbit qualities finally come to light.
9Samantha's Secret Spell - Darrin is doomed to become a mouse by midnight, and Samantha tries to get him to do some Jackass-style methods to stop this magic happening from occurring.
10Daddy Comes for a Visit (1) - Maurice gives Darrin a magic watch, giving him magical powers, much to the dismay of Samantha.
11Darrin the Warlock (2) - Darrin has a ball with his newfound magical powers. With his powers, Darrin creates a stellar account with his client, Bliss, Jr. and shows Larry his powers. It isn't until Darrin meets his old friend, Dave, and decides to give up his magic.
12Sam's Double Mother Trouble - Esmerelda is reading Mother Goose to Tabitha, and ends up sneezing up the real Mother Goose in question. She is ordered by Sam to get rid of her before Phyllis comes by. Phyllis comes by because of a marital spat he had with Frank and meets Mother Goose. Then Frank comes by and Phyllis runs up the stairs. While he is having a talk with Mother Goose, Darrin and Samantha try to tell Phyllis to go back to Frank.
13You're So Agreeable - Endora puts a spell on Darrin, making him agreeable to everything and everyone. Of course, this results in him getting fired from McMann and Tate. Samantha finds out about the spell and tells her mother to take it off.
14Santa Comes to Visit and Stays and Stays - Esmerelda brings up the real Santa Claus and cannot get him back to the North Pole. So Samantha blinks up his elves and sleigh and reindeer, much to the horror of Gladys, who instantly reports all that she sees to Abner, who does not listen to her.
15Samantha's Better Halves - Samantha and Darrin have a flashback. Darrin has to go to Japan to do business with a client, but cannot leave Samantha's side when her baby is due. Endora breaks Darrin into two people: the fun Darrin and the business Darrin, with strange and hilarious results.
16Samantha's Lost Weekend - Esmerelda hexes a glass of milk for Tabitha so she can eat, but Samantha drinks it by mistake and goes on an eating frenzy!
17The Phrase is Familiar - Darrin is hexed by Endora yet again, this time everything he says comes out as a popular cliche.
18Samantha's Secret is Discovered - Phyllis catches Samantha using her magic powers and doesn't really know what to think. So, after six years, Samantha finally tells Phyllis that she is a witch and gives her a demonstration of her powers. Phyllis tells Frank about Samantha, and she tries to show Frank, but her powers have been taken away! Because of all this, Phyllis commits herself to a nursing home, convinced that she is a lunatic.
19Tabitha's Very Own Samantha - Tabitha wants to go to the park, but Samantha tells her that she has a lot of chores to do around the house. So, Tabitha blinks up an ice cream cone, and Samantha reprimands her for using her powers and sends her to her room. Tabitha decides to create her own "Samantha" and goes off to the park. Gladys sees them there and asks about Adam and gets no response. Gladys calls Darrin, who calls Samantha who doesn't know what is going on. Later, Tabitha gets a stomach ache from eating too much and confesses to her real mother. Seeing that Tabitha has learned her lesson, Samantha blinks away the fake "mother".
20Super Arthur - Uncle Arthur's magic is going out of whack, and Dr. Bombay helps him out by giving him a pill. This pill, however, makes Arthur become anything he thinks off. After being transformed a few times, Samantha decides to take him outside for some air. Arthur states that he feels like Superman, and all of a sudden, he has a Superman suit and flies in the air! This cause major pandemonium in the neighborhood, and Samantha convinces Darrin and Larry that it is great campaign for a client they are working with.
21What Makes Darrin Run? - To give Darrin more ambition, Endora puts a spell on him giving him the push and verve that he needs. He takes it a bit too far when he takes control over an account and he and Larry was working on together. Darrin then has no time for Samantha or the children because of this spell and Samantha gets through to him by telling him that he is under a spell and to undo the damage he caused.
22Serena Stops the Show - Serena wants Boyce and Hart to play at the Cosmos Cotillion, but they are booked "until 1976". Serena puts a spell on them to make them unpopular until they perform at the cotillion and sing her song. Once they perform at the Cotillion, Samantha insists Serena remove the spell.
23Just a Kid Again - A store clerk named Bates wishes that he was a child again. Tabitha makes his wish come true when it actually happens. When Samantha finds out, she makes Tabitha take the spell off of him, but he likes being a kid. Then, Bates finds out that his girlfriend is about to go out with her boss, and proves his love for her by kicking her boss. He decides that he doesn't want to be a kid anymore, and the spell is broken.
24The Generation Zap - With a touch of magic, Endora turns a client's sensible daughter Dusty Harrison into a raving sex machine with the hots for Darrin. Of course, Samantha is jealous and Mr. Harrison cancels his account. Darrin is mad at Endora, but recants when word gets out that Harrison is an embezzler.
25Okay, Who's the Wise Witch? - Samantha, Darrin, Endora and Dr. Bombay are all caught in a magical vapor lock around the house due to Samantha's non-use of powers. How will they get out of this one?
26A Chance on Love - Mr. Dinsdale, a handsome lady-killer client falls for Samantha because she looks like Serena. Samantha tries to get the whole thing straightened out, but it only results in Darrin losing his account. Dinsdale sees the truth for himself when...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bewitched - The Complete Sixth Season

The magic on Morning Glory Circle continues as Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery), Darrin (Dick Sargent), and Endora (Agnes Moorehead) return in Bewitched - The Complete Sixth Season. Notable for being Dick Sargent's first season as Darrin. Samantha, a powerful member of the society of witches that has lived apart from (and disdained) humanity for many centuries, falls in love with a mortal, Darrin Stephens. Much to the disgust of most of her family, she vows to give up witchcraft and become an ordinary suburban housewife, raising a family (bearing Tabitha and Adam). Never able to give up her heritage completely, the friction between the matriarchal, moneyless society of her birth and the patriarchal, capitalist society of modern advertising drives the comedy over eight seasons and 256 episodes, from 1964 to 1971.

Buy NowGet 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Bewitched - The Complete Sixth Season

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Peacock (2010) Review

Peacock (2010)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
As you can see by the previous reviews, the opinions are greatly varied. They all have merit but I have to say I liked it more than I didn't like it.
As for the issue of multiple or fractured personalities, I don't have the expertise to say whether or not they exist, but it is the crux of this film so, depending on your views on the matter, you may need to suspend your disbelief.
Yes. You get, right off the bat, the strong connection to Psycho. Abused son plus dead mom equals crazy son. This son, played by Cillian Murphy will make or break this one for you. Susan Sarandon is present but she's doing what she can with a rather small part. Bill Pullman seems unnecessarily weird and Ellen Page does a very good job even though she's only in a couple of scenes. This is Murphy's movie. The way he plays the parts of John and Emma, I felt, were tremendous. He's screwed up and trapped in a self imposed prison. Through a trick of fate he almost finds a way out through his alter ego Emma. But you see the torment in him and you realize how precarious the situation is. One false move and the whole thing comes crashing down.
The writer/director Michael Lander ripped a couple of pages out of the David Lynch book of film making but as I tend to like Lynch, I wasn't at all bothered. It's a good idea for a movie and all aspects of the production are professional. The soundtrack is way cool and the bones don't show. This is a good, solid, imaginative film. It clocks in at 90 minutes so it won't tax your patience.
But beware. This is not for the casual viewer. If you're into popcorn kind a flix this may not be your cup of tea. If way off beat films are your poison, give it a shot.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Peacock (2010)

John Skillpa, a quiet bank clerk living in tiny Peacock, Nebraska, prefers to live an invisible life. Then, in a moment, everything changes. A train caboose runs off its tracks and crashes into John’s backyard and destroys more than the weathered planks of his wood fence. When neighbors descend on the scene, they discover John’s other personality, Emma, for the first time and mistakenly believe her to be John’s wife. This launches John into the glare of the spotlight and eventually shatters the delicate balance of his sanity.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Peacock (2010)

Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Blob - Criterion Collection (1958) Review

The Blob - Criterion Collection (1958)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
When I saw that the CRITERION COLLECTION was bringing THE BLOB to DVD - I have to admit I was shocked. This effective and classy little 1950's monster flick was getting the kind of star treatment that most films released on DVD are begging for. And for good reason... THE BLOB is an excellent movie. It hits all the marks, it stands it grounds, it never bores you and it provides you with a original (and even credible) monster that to this day is still more sinister than most that cross the screen (and yet remains the most fun - really, if gum chewed back, it would look like the BLOB). CRITERION again shines here... period style box art (including in the lower left corner a warning that the producers of THE BLOB can not be held libal for heart attacks or faninting from watching the film), a fact based booklet featuring the orginal poster art from the release for it's cover, plus a half sheet poster of the box art that is high quality and all glossy... a beautiful touch. The disc features an excellent transfer of the film. The colors are crisp and the sound is still effective and well balanced. Two audio commentaries are included with the disc, and each are insightful and entertaining. Both remain pretty much screen specific, but do branch out from time to time to explain a host of inside details (like why McQueen wished had had taken a percentage of THE BLOB, and how the leading lady wasn't cast until the very last second... which was the very first day of shooting). Trailer is included, as well as what is really a excellent addition... a photo collection of behind the scene stills, effects (even what the real BLOB looked like off camera and just how big it really was... little hint: not very), and rare BLOB props and BLOB memorabilia - overall CRITERION has given us yet another must have for DVD owners. If you're a fan of the period and the genre, then THE BLOB is a must, I can not recommend it enough... it's pure fun. And if you know someone this holiday season that is getting a DVD and into 50's shockers... start them off right and pick up the BLOB.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Blob - Criterion Collection (1958)

"Beware of the Blob!" One of the great cult classics, The Blob melds '50s schlock sci-fi and teen delinquency pics even as it transcends these genres with strong performances and ingenious special effects. Made outside of Hollywood by a maverick film distributor, a crew experienced in religious and educational shorts, and a collection of theatrical talent from Philadelphia and New York, The Blob helped launch the careers of superstud Steve McQueen and composer Burt Bacharach.

Buy NowGet 22% OFF

Click here for more information about The Blob - Criterion Collection (1958)

Friday, April 13, 2012

NFL Films - Chicago Bears - The Complete History Review

NFL Films - Chicago Bears - The Complete History
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
"Football Digest" once voted week four's 1977 Monday Night game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears one of the top 10 Monday Night games ever played, and arguably one of the greatest Bears games during the post-1963 NFL Championship season. What was even more significant than it being Joe Namath's last appearance as a starter or the last time anyone would see Broadway Joe at Soldier Field and no one had seen Namath in Chicago since the Jets 1974 win over the Bears for that matter, was the fact that Chicago's Bob Avellini threw 3 touchdown bombs in the pouring rain to beat the Rams 24-23 and "Hollywood Joe" (who was knocked out of the game by Bears LB Waymond Bryant and replaced by Pat Haden for the remainder of the season). Not only a great moment in Chicago Bears history, but a great moment broadcasted by ABC's legendary Howard Cosell. Just one of the many great moments left off the "Chicago Bears - The Complete History" double DVD release.
What you have here is a compilation of old VHS Bears highlights (most of which were produced in the 1980's by NFL Films) assembled together by the NFL Network and transferred onto DVD. Making it abundantly clear to real Bear fans that it wasn't compiled by a "real" Bear fan. This 2005 NFL Films production plays more like a propaganda film than anything else (meaning; this is what "they" want you to remember). A history of the Chicago Bears through their eyes, not Bear fans. I found it rather insulting to have to listen to some spoiled brats (Virginia McCaskey) banter concerning a game and history of a team she knows nothing about. What I mean to say is; why couldn't we get some insight from say...Chicago Sun-Times columnist Rick Telander (someone who actually covered the Bears) than someone who sat in a luxury box and picked her nose, totally oblivious to what was happening on the field (the Dave Wannstedt era of the 90's is a clear example of this).
Even more disturbing was the "Bears/Packers Rivalry" segment. Packer fans will find this more engaging than Bear fans, considering the infamous "asterisk" game of 1989 (Green Bay's 14-13 instant replay victory) along with Jim McMahon's 1986 pounding into the Soldier Field astro turf are covered with a fair amount of detail. Although...i'm still trying to figure out why those moments would be more memorable than Chicago's 61-7 slaughter of the Bart Starr coached Packers of 1980 (which by the way wasn't mentioned at all here). Instead we're shown (Ditka's continuing "fullback" saga) William Perry's 1985 Monday Night touchdown as though that were the only memorable moment of the Bear/Packer rivalry concerning Bear fans. I mean...who's highlight reel is this? For a more comprehensive view of this rivalry, pick up Gary D'Amato's "Mudbaths and Bloodbaths" book. Although a bit pro-Packer in places, a good read never-the-less. And after all, at this point in the DVD...anythings better than watching Green Bay's Don Majkowski spike the ball after scoring a TD (against the Bears mind you), on a Bears highlight film no less. Considering how pro-Packer this segment was, I was quite surprised they didn't include Vince Lombardi's infamous quote in response to a sideline tackle made by Doug Buffone in front of the Packer bench. "Buffone?...whats that? Italian for buffoon?".
The NFL Network and NFL Films continues with its barrage of lowlights and insults levied against Bear fans by showing clips of the New York Giants 47-7 mauling of the Bears (in color mind you) in the 1956 NFL Championship, but failing to show any highlights from the famous slush bowl of 1977. This was an important game to the Bears and their fans. It marked Chicago's return to the post-season for the first time since 1963. I can still hear Vin Scully's "watch Fencik lower the boom" on New York's Jimmy Robinson in one of the most devastating hits in the history of the game itself. Chicago won the game 12-9 (a classic nail biter) in the last frantic seconds of OT to capture their sixth game in a row and finish the season at 9-5 enroute to the playoffs. But we're shown none of this. Instead we're told how great Frank Gifford was before, during, and after a few clips of the 1963 NFL Championship victory over the Giants. Again...who's highlight reel is this? Also, there was no mention at all of the Bears week nine game of 1977 (the game that started the 6 game win streak) against the Marv Levy coached Kansas City Chiefs (Bob Avellini's TD pass to Greg Latta as time expired to steal a 28-27 victory in the wake of another brilliant performance by Walter Payton). Or, the 1979 demolishing of the St. Louis Cardinals 42-6, to finish the season at 10-6 and secure a playoff birth (the day after "Mugs" Halas' death, and yet again...NFL Films failed to mention any of it).
And although it was humorous to see Abe Gibron's "wired for sound segment", lets not forget...he never coached a winning team in Chicago. Watching Gibron just reminded me of all those losing seasons after the 63' NFL Championship. And considering the absolute chaotic, mind-numbing bewilderment on the sidelines, it's a miracle the Bears won any games at all under Gibron's baffling direction. The only memorable Gibron moment would have to be 1972's Monday Night win over the Vikings at Soldier Field (the game in which Abe got carried off the field,...a huge achievement considering the fact that the Bears hardly ever beat the Vikings during the late 60's & early to mid 70's, and well...taking into consideration that it was a nationally televised game and Abe's weight (lbs)...it was perhaps the team's greatest performance under his leadership). But even more poignant than that for Bear fans was the priceless blank look on Gibron's face, captured by the CBS camera crew during the last home game of the 1974 season. In the midst of a 5 game losing streak, a mere 18,000 fans showed up in the rain and sleet to watch the Bears Mirro Roder split the uprights in the closing seconds to clip the Giants 16-13 (known as the "fight inflation or conserve energy; stay home and watch Bears lose" game...only they won!). But again...we're shown none of this.
Casual Bear fans will find this insightful and entertaining i'm sure. But real Bear fans will find this to be nothing more than an overpriced cheap VHS transfer of the same recycled file footage NFL Films delivers whenever a Chicago Bears documentary is in order.
...hardly a complete history.
olofpalme63

Click Here to see more reviews about: NFL Films - Chicago Bears - The Complete History

This two-disc set celebrates the rich history of the Chicago Bears, from the inception to today. Bonus program is the NFL Films production of Super Bowl XX, Bears big win over the Patriots, featuring the impenetrable 1985 Bears Defense and the colorful Jim McMahon. Includes tons of bonus features on the greatest Bears moments, games and players.

Buy NowGet 48% OFF

Click here for more information about NFL Films - Chicago Bears - The Complete History

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

An American Crime (2008) Review

An American Crime (2008)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
AN AMERICAN CRIME is a problematic little reenactment of a real criminal case of child abuse dating back to 1965. The story is horrifying and while the film places the facts in our faces, the impact of the film is out of focus. This is due to the script that elects to glaze over the motivational aspects of a brutal crime in favor of attempting to investigate fully the mindset of both the perpetrator and the victims. Were it not for some sterling performances by Catherine Keener and Ellen Page this film might be easily dismissed: the strength of these actresses to overcome a weak script and manage to involve us is much to their credit as artists.
Indiana, 1965, and Gertrude Baniszewski (Catherine Keener) is a 'borderline' single mother of several children who is asked to take care of Sylvia (Ellen Page) and Jennie Likens (Hayley McFarland) while the girls parents remain on the road as carnies, promising to send checks to help support their farmed out children. Gertrude is a woman of loose morals who adds babies to her large family during liaisons with young men like the itinerant Dennis (James Franco).Gertrude takes in laundry to support her household and requires her young children to work toward the same goal. A friction develops between Sylvia and Jenny and the children by Gertrude's illicit adventures as well as covert sexual similarities surfacing in her children and at 'family meetings' Gertrude doles out punishment for Sylvia - punishment including cigarette burns, coke bottle insertions, branding etc. - all of which are undeserved and eventually lead to Sylvia's imprisonment in the basement where Gertrude and her children and their friends daily torture Sylvia. Eventually Sylvia dies and Gertrude and family are brought to court for charges of first-degree murder and variations thereof. The court proceedings (under the leadership of lawyer Leroy K. New played by Bradley Whitford) provide the story drivers as each allegation is then acted out by flashbacks until the verdicts are reached.
Catherine Keener is superb as the deranged, maladaptive Gertrude and Ellen Page adds yet another feather to her cap in a role that in another actor's hands could have been over the top. Writer/director Tommy O'Haver (the script was written with the aid of Irene Turner) does manage to show us the facts of this atrocity yet fails to go inside the characters to give us the psychobiographies this film has the potential for illuminating. It may well repel some viewers, but it does bring to the forefront a crime that is all too common in this country. Grady Harp, May 08

Click Here to see more reviews about: An American Crime (2008)

"This," said Prosecutor Leroy New, "has been the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana;" the first crime of child abuse that broke through reticence and denial to register with the public. In Tommy O'Haver's heartbreaking and hard-hitting film, AN AMERICAN CRIME, Academy Award ® nominee Catherine Keener portrays Gertrude Baniszewski, the seemingly ordinary housewife who imprisons and tortures a beautiful teenager, played by Academy Award ® nominee Ellen Page, in the basement of her house - two portrayals that will resonate with audiences long after they leave the theatre. AN AMERICAN CRIME also stars James Franco and Bradley Whitford.

Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about An American Crime (2008)

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Big Night (1996) Review

Big Night (1996)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a beautiful movie on a number of levels. As many reviewers have noted already the Italian cooking and the scenes in the kitchen will have you craving a fine Italian dinner as soon as you finish watching.
Beyond the food this is a fine film with a very touching story involving two immigrant brothers who are extremely close despite their obvious personality differences. The tension between the brothers builds as they attempt to salvage their struggling restaurant business. Primo (Tony Shalhoub)the older brother has an artistic temperment and that applies to his uncompromising approach to cooking and cuisine. His brother,Secondi(Staney Tucci), has more material ambitions and is manipulated by a competing restauratnt owner into an ill-advised attempt to publicise their restaurant by having an elaborate dinner party for singer Louie Prima. Hence the film revolves around preparations for THE BIG NIGHT.
The climax has the conflict between the brothers break out into the open and the film ends with a beautiful sequence in the kitchen where there is a silent reconcilliation.
The story is set in a New Jersey shore town in the 1950's. The period is captured beautifully with big-finned Cadilacs cruising down the main street and the women's fashions are right on the money. The soundtrack is absolutely fabulous with cuts from Rosemary Clooney, Louie Prima and some lesser known Italian recording artists.
Both Shalhoub and Tucci are excellent in thei roles and the supporting cast is very good as well.
Overall I highly reccomend both the film and the soundtrack.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Big Night (1996)

Primo & Secondo, two immigrant brothers, pin their hopes on a banquet honoring a famous musician to save their struggling restaurant.Genre: Feature Film-DramaRating: RRelease Date: 6-NOV-2007Media Type: DVD

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Big Night (1996)

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The Killer Inside Me (2010) Review

The Killer Inside Me (2010)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Bringing pulp novelist Jim Thompson to screen has always been a tricky proposition. His dark stories are easy to push over the edge of sanity. With their undercurrent of brutality, they can walk the line of comedy and/or surrealism but still maintain a realistic punch to the jaw. Getting that tone has been hit or miss in cinema--personal favorites are the sublime "The Grifters," "Coup de Torchon" and the underrated "After Dark, My Sweet." I was stoked to hear director Michael Winterbottom had taken on "The Killer Inside Me" which had been covered poorly in an earlier production featuring Stacy Keach.
Winterbottom has assembled an impressive cast including Casey Affleck, Jessica Alba, Ned Beatty, and Kate Hudson for this neo-noir piece. Affleck stars as a low-keyed and likable law enforcement officer who gets involved with a local prostitute and enmeshed in a murderous scheme. But to cover his tracks, further bad deeds need to be done--and Affeck seems to relish this new evil! It's best not to go into the specifics of the plot and to let the film unfold, but Winterbottom does not shy away from some explicit and surprising violence. It's unsettling, to say the least, but helps to establish an effective "anything can happen" feel!
Ultimately the success of "The Killer Inside Me" rests on Casey Affleck's shoulders. He is not the conventional actor one would picture for this role. Small in stature, relaxed in delivery (and enunciation)--his offbeat presence actually makes "The Killer Inside Me" even more intriguing. As he is not a predictable "leading man" or a particularly menacing presence, you're never quite sure what he's going to do. I found this lack of expectation to be quite invigorating and led me to accept and appreciate the twists of the film to a greater degree. To be fair, the film does get loopier and loopier--but I was happy to follow this sordid tale through to the completely over-the-top finale! KGHarris, 8/10.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Killer Inside Me (2010)

Oscar-nominated actor Casey Affleck (Gone Baby Gone) gives his most chilling performance yet in the controversial crime drama The Killer Inside Me. Co-starring Jessica Alba (Fantastic Four), Oscar nominee Kate Hudson (Almost Famous), Emmy nominee Simon Baker (TV s The Mentalist) and Bill Pullman (Independence Day), this modern-day film noir shows a small town sheriff up to his neck in murders: his own. When Affleck s sheriff is asked to railroad a talkative prostitute out of town before she makes trouble, he realizes it s easier to just get rid of her for good. Unfortunately, covering up that murder means eliminating more and more people as his problems and complications spiral out of control. Even worse, he s starting to enjoy committing the crimes a lot more than he ever enjoyed dishing out the punishment. Based on the pulp fiction classic by Jim Thompson (The Grifters), The Killer Inside Me is an assured, stylish film [Guardian UK] that reveals the danger when a lawman s badge is hiding a cold, cold heart.

Buy NowGet 50% OFF

Click here for more information about The Killer Inside Me (2010)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Man in the Moon (1991) Review

The Man in the Moon (1991)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Okay, I'm going to say this straight out. This is a family film (although it is rated PG-13). And yes, it will bring tears to your eyes. For those who are already heading for the hills, you'll be making a huge mistake. After all, it's directed by the same man (Robert Mulligan) who gave us "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Summer of 42".
"The Man in the Moon" is a small film that came out in 1991 and I, among millions of others, missed its theatrical release. Heck, most missed its video release. This is really a shame because these movie treasures come far too infrequently. They get pigeon-holed and lumped together with all the other Hollywood-style attempts to depict family drama (which runs from the banal to okay, and even to pretty good). So I'm here to "unlump" it.
This marvelous story centers around two teenage sisters, Dani and Maureen (age 14 and 17 respectively) and their attraction and love for the same boy (Court Foster, played nicely by Jason London). Set in the 1950s on a rural Louisiana farm, this film richly depicts the setting and ambience of this era. Much like "Stand by Me", it shows us the unfettered freedom that children had in a small, rural community in those days...a freedom sadly lacking today.
Wonderfully acted throughout, special attention should go to Sam Waterston (the father), Tess Harper (the mother), and Reese Witherspoon (Dani). This is not, let me repeat, not an overblown melodrama. This movie knows exactly where it is going and it pin-points the target at every turn. Today, where "coming of age" films mean boy gets girl, this film takes a fresh and absolutely honest approach, catapulting it far above the others of this genre. Between 1 and 10, "The Man in the Moon" gets the highest mark, a 10. When one looks at the jacket, you'll see over-used words such as "poignant" and "bittersweet". All I can say is, believe it, for it is true. This one is a classic in the truest sense of the word.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Man in the Moon (1991)

Oscar(r) nominees* Sam Waterston and Tess Harper and veteran actress Gail Strickland (Norma Rae) join three talented newcomers in thisdeeply moving film(Los Angeles Times) about coming of age and sexual discovery in rural, 1950s Louisiana. Brilliantly directed by Robert Mulligan (To Kill a Mockingbird, The Summer of42), The Man in the Moon is a poignant and bittersweet tale Roger Ebert callsa wonderful movie...a victory...a meticulously prepared masterpiece.Fourteen-year-old Dani (Reese Witherspoon) and her older sister Maureen (Emily Warfield) have always shared everything. But when Court Foster (Jason London) moves in next door, the sisters become rivals as Dani experiences her first feelings of affection and Maureen finds the true love she's longed for. But with love comes heartache, and the sisters soon learn a tough life lesson when tragedy strikes and the strength of their bond is the only thing that will keep theirhearts from breaking.*1984: Actor, The Killing Fields; 1986: Supporting Actress, Crimes of the Heart

Buy NowGet 17% OFF

Click here for more information about The Man in the Moon (1991)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

My Favorite Year (1982) Review

My Favorite Year (1982)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Have you ever watched a film and wished it wouldn't end? Where you loved all the characters, adored each scene, and laughed at every joke, even after you'd seen the film so many times that you could quote the dialog? MY FAVORITE YEAR is that kind of movie!
Directed with gusto by Richard Benjamin, the film is both a loving tribute to Sid Caesar's 'Your Show of Show', and the remarkable talents that brought it together each week, and a sincere homage to Errol Flynn, whose antics and larger-than-life persona, in the waning years of his life, still had the kind of magic that could enthrall a shy young fan, or make a woman swoon.
Three dynamic performances dominate the film. Mark Linn-Baker, as Benjy Stone, based on the young Mel Brooks, is a shy kid who hides his insecurities behind a rapid-fire wit. The dazzling young star in a staff of comedy 'pros', Stone suffers from an unrequited love from fellow staffer K. C. Downing (Jessica Harper), and has an inspiration, inviting legendary swashbuckler Alan Swann (Peter O'Toole) to appear on the show. As King Kaiser, star of the hit series, Joseph Bologna captures much of Sid Caesar's legendary physical 'presence' and irreverence to authority. When threatened by gangsters over a 'too close to home' series of parodies about crime boss Karl Rojeck (portrayed with brute menace by veteran actor Cameron Mitchell), Kaiser 'thumbs his nose' at them, mimicking the gangster mercilessly. "I'll KEEP doing it!" he taunts. "Why? Because it's FUNNY!"
Then there is Peter O'Toole's 'Alan Swann'. With his own career a roller coaster ride of alcoholism, resulting in the near destruction of his health, no actor could have 'channeled' Errol Flynn better. Just as Flynn, by the 1950s, was a nearly burned-out roue, his classic good looks long gone, O'Toole's matinee-idol appearance, after years of self-abuse, had aged into a gaunt mask, making Benji Stone's film montage of 'classic' clips more poignant. What Flynn still had, in abundance, was charm and a ready wit, and O'Toole's 'Swann' is so enchanting a personality that you can't help but love him, and root for him to succeed.
From the opening nostalgic strains of Nat King Cole's rendition of 'Stardust', through Benjy's futile effort to attempt to keep Swann sober (Red Skelton loved to tell how he kept Flynn sober on his program...he emptied all of the actor's bottles of vodka, replacing it with water...and Flynn couldn't tell the difference!), to a riotous Swann dinner with Benjy's family, to the near-disastrous broadcast, with Swann developing stage fright, and Kaiser brawling with mob enforcers...MY FAVORITE YEAR has one glorious scene after another, each unforgettable!
One of the AFI's '100 Greatest Film Comedies', MY FAVORITE YEAR will bring a tear to your eye, even as you laugh. It was a time of legends, and heroes who would live up to boyhood dreams.
Film comedy doesn't get any better than this!

Click Here to see more reviews about: My Favorite Year (1982)

Peter O'Toole gives a knock-out performance as Alan Swann, a booze-loving former matinee idol who is forced into making a live appearance on a variety show to appease the IRS. Mark Linn-Baker plays the fledgling writer for the show who must keep Swann on the sober and narrow. DVD Features:Audio Commentary:Feature-length commentary by director Richard BenjaminInteractive MenusScene AccessTheatrical Trailer


Buy NowGet 27% OFF

Click here for more information about My Favorite Year (1982)

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) Review

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
OK, there's been some controversy here about the quality of this release, so let me put it to rest. This DVD is spledid! I think this adaptation of Jules Verne's 1864 French novel is a prime example of 1950's wide-screen motion picture family entertainment -- it's wholesome and has a little something for everyone. This is the best film version of this story, the most recent of which was done for the USA Channel on cable in 1999 and was very campy. They couldn't match the 1959 production values of this 20th Century-Fox film that has excellent color photography and art direction, and Bernard Herrmann's wonderfully atmospheric music score. These elements have continued to make it a favorite with fantasy film fans who can appreciate older movies, though it's true that some of it is silly at times, but I don't think the film's makers were trying for a serious movie. It also contains one of James Mason's best performances (He was always good). It's wonderful "Cinemascope" escapism from the bygone Eisenhower-era of the 1950s. Even though I've been watching it on TV since I was a kid in the sixties, I'd only seen pan&scan versions, and it wasn't until I got it letterboxed on laserdisc that I finally saw what a big-screen entertainment this movie was meant to be. It has splendid scope and a score by Bernard Herrmann that takes you right down into the bowels of the earth. Listen to it and you'll notice what I mean, as the movie progresses the music keeps going into a lower and lower register. Five organs were used, including one meant for a Cathedral. (The complete original recordings of the score are available on CD from Varese Sarabande.) Sure it's long in the telling and takes a while to get you down that extinct volcano in Iceland, but it's fun all the way with great special effects work by L.B. Abbott and matte paintings by Emil Kosa Jr. It's been a long wait for this to come out on DVD but it's now worth it. Although Fox should have known that fans would want more extras, including a production and poster still gallery and audio commentary by Pat Boone and Arlene Dahl perhaps?, or an expert on the production? (Perhaps we'll get it in a future release?), they have thankfully included the original theatrical trailer, whic is a lot of fun. They've also gone to great efforts to restore the color negative, and this 16X9 ANAMORPHIC TRANSFER has been struck from a newly made interpositive print, and has been further enhanced with digital video. The original 4-track MagOptical soundtrack is here offered in Dolby Digital 4.0 surround. Although the directionalized dialogue is often off the mark, the aged soundtrack sounds great and will really rumble your room if you've got a subwoofer. If you are a fan of 1959's JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, you'll be very happy with this DVD. I'd give this DVD five stars but for Fox skimping on the extras. Boy, you people at Fox can be real dummies!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

The accent is on fun and fantasy in this film version of Jules Verne's classic thriller that stars James Mason, Pat Boone, and Arlene Dahl. With spectacular visuals as a backdrop, the story centers on an expedition led by Professor Lindenbrook (Mason) down into the earth's dark, threat-laden core.Members of the group include the professor's star student, Alec (Boone), and the widow (Dahl) of a colleague.Along the way lurk dangers such as kidnapping, death, sabotage by a rival explorer, and attacks by giant prehistoric reptiles.But they also encounter such magnificent wonders as a glistening cavern of quartz crystals, luminescent algae, a forest of giant mushrooms, and the lost city of Atlantis.Remaining faithful to Verne's story, this is a sweeping adventure that offers enough thrills and entertainment to satisfy every explorer in the family.

Buy NowGet 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Forbidden Planet (Two-Disc 50th Anniversary Edition) (1956) Review

Forbidden Planet (Two-Disc 50th Anniversary Edition) (1956)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Forbidden Planet is an incredible movie and no Sci-Fi fan should be without it. The transfer on the 50th Anniversary and Ultimate Collector's Editions is incredible. I've never seen the film look so bright, crisp and vibrant. The included documentaries and bonus footage are very entertaining and not to be missed.
A word of warning though, the Ultimate Collector's Edition is a bit of a rip off. The included Robby the Robot toy was the main reason I bought this set and it's much smaller (and less detailed) than the images lead you to believe. I haven't opened mine, but it looks like it's not even articulated. Definitely not worth the extra money I had to pay. The lobby card reporductions are nice, as is the tin case, but unless you plan to display these it's hard to justify the added cost.
Be smart, skip the Ultimate Collector's Edition and buy the 50th Anniversary Edition. You'll get just the exact same transfer and bonus material without the cheap toy and lobby cards.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Forbidden Planet (Two-Disc 50th Anniversary Edition) (1956)

A dutiful robot named Robby speaks 188 languages. An underground lair offers evidence of an advanced civilization. But among Altair-4's many wonders, none is greater or more deadly than the human mind. Forbidden Planet is the granddaddy of tomorrow, a pioneering work whose ideas and style would be reverse-engineered into many cinematic space voyages to come. Leslie Nielsen plays the commander who brings his spacecruiser crew to the green-skied world that's home to Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon), his daughter (Anne Francis)...and to a mysterious terror. Featuring sets of extraordinary scale and the first all-electronic musical soundscape in film history, Forbidden Planet is in a movie orbit all its own.

Buy NowGet 63% OFF

Click here for more information about Forbidden Planet (Two-Disc 50th Anniversary Edition) (1956)

Monday, August 29, 2011

A Raisin in the Sun Review

A Raisin in the Sun
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This recent ABC production was erratic; I'd like to see if the DVD restores several of the key passages that were cut out, including the memorable speech Beneatha gives to Asagai about what inspired her to become a doctor--in fact, the vital heart-to-heart Act III conversation between these two, which ought to run about 10 minutes, gets boiled down to 5 minutes! (Compare this sequence with the one featured in the superb AMERICAN PLAYHOUSE dvd, in which Beneatha and Asagai have a heated debate about the power of one person to make a difference and the future of Africa, and you'll see that a great deal of social conscience, and relevance to our own post 9/11 world, was sacrificed).
Repeatedly, the edits that were made in what I saw in the broadcast were puzzling. The decision to have Mama visit her drunk son at The Green Hat is dubious; in the play, Hansberry characterizes Lena Younger as a Christian woman who despises liquor and the nightlife of the Southside. The decision to show the whole family visiting the dream house in Clybourne Park is a cop-out--in the play, Lena is the only one to have seen the property, which makes Walter's anger and feeling that his dream has been "butchered" palpable. The Murchison-Beneatha relationship gets short-changed as well--where's the tense 2nd date scene, in which she spurns his crude advances and sees him as a churlish, shallow fool? I also disagree with the producer's decision to have Travis remain in the room for many scenes--what made the original play great was the fact that Travis never gets to see his parents bicker, which is why he idolizes his father, who seems can do no wrong. Thus, some dramatic irony gets lost.
Then, there is the truly odd decision NOT to have Beneatha adopt a full Afro (did the producers fail to see why Hansberry chose this simple yet powerful symbol in her original production???)--this abridgement was inexcusable. Consequently, the ABC production makes Beneatha look like an "assimilationist", despite her protests. What an absolute blow to the characterization of Beneatha, especially given how talented the actress here is.
The lead actors, with one notable exception, were quite good-- I was impressed with how Ruth and Asagai were developed, and I think Bill Nunn was superb in a minor and pivotal role as the naive Bobo. It's a shame this production doesn't include the comical nosey neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, who refers matter-of-factly to a newspaper story about the violence African-Americans face for moving into the suburbs. Indeed, the imminent threat the Youngers face for making such a bold move is watered down in this ABC production.
Lastly, anyone familiar with Hansberry's play should see that Sean P-Diddy Combs really drops the ball in the crucial "Pride" speech--he looks and sounds anemic compared to the riveting performances previously given by Poitier and Glover. The catharsis of his reversal, his rejection of Lindner's buy-out, just wasn't there.
(As a side note, the broadcast ran for three hours, and yet the actual film was just a little over 2 hours--couldn't ABC done the right thing and avoided such a crude abridgement of the dialogue, especially in Act III, and the jarring commercial breaks?)
Would I show this production to my high school students? Yes, but only in bits and pieces given the fact that the production deviates significantly from the original play. Students I've spoken to have expressed mixed reviews about this latest rpoduction.
Teachers, do the right thing and go with the AMERICAN PLAYHOUSE production instead, which is theatre at its finest and true to the spirit and intent of Hansberry's play.

Click Here to see more reviews about: A Raisin in the Sun

Based on the play that inspired a generation, A Raisin in the Sun tells the story of a family living and struggling on Chicago's South Side in the 1950s. A fiercely moving portrait of people whose hopes and dreams are constantly deferred, A Raisin in the Sun was the first play written by an African American woman to be produced on Broadway. The classic, still-relevant story now will be showcased in this totally new television movie adaptation. Sean Combs reprises the role which brought him critical acclaim in the highly anticipated, special three-hour television movie adaptation of the award-winning Broadway revival. Joining him is the cast of the award-winning production, including Emmy and Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad, four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, Tony Award nominee Sanaa Lathan, plus ER star John Stamos.

Buy NowGet 25% OFF

Click here for more information about A Raisin in the Sun

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Bastard Out of Carolina (1996) Review

Bastard Out of Carolina  (1996)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Anjelica Huston's directorial debut is a stunning one. This film, based with loving care on Dorothy Allison's fine novel by screenwriter Anne Meredith, tells the story of a pre-teen girl growing up under horrific family surroundings in the 1950s American South.
Bone Boatwright, played with astounding sensitivity and guts by young actor Jena Malone, is subjected to unconscionable brutality and sexual abuse by her stapfather. Her mother, portrayed here by Jennifer Jason Leigh, is in deep denial of what is happening to her child, unable or unwilling to see what is occuring under her roof -- partly afraid of losing her husband, partly due to psychological trauma she most likely received when she was a child. This pattern of behavior is usually circular in nature -- victims many times become perpetrators or enablers when they become adults. Only intensive counseling and a deep determination on the part of the survivor can break this horrible chain.
Jena Malone turns in the performance of a lifetime -- and from one so young! If she can do this level of work at this age, what will she be capable of as her career continues? The entire cast is well-chosen -- this was a project about which they obviously cared very deeply. The performances they give here attest to that.
Meredith's screenplay is excellent -- very true to Allison's novel. Some parts were necessarily left out for considerations of film length -- the important thing is that Meredith was intelligent and respectful enough of Allison's work that she wisely chose not to add any elements on her own. Too many screenwriters make that mistake -- it's refreshing to see such a quality screenplay for such an important work as this.
Anjelica Huston must have been extremely moved by Allison's novel (an amazing book -- check it out) to have taken on a project such as this, one that she most likely knew would not be a box office smash. She shows great sensitivity to the material here -- there are some scenes that are necessarily brutal in nature, and they are filmed with both truth and dignity. This is an ugly story -- thank God she chose not to show it through rose-colored glasses. The more fine films on this subject are seen, the greater our chances as a people of understanding this shameful problem in our society. The more it is discussed and brought into the light of day, the fewer places there will remain for the perpetrators to hide. Those who don't believe things like this still occur are fooling themselves -- statistics show that over 70% of children in America are sexually abused in some degree. Think about that the next time you pass a school or a playground full of children, who have the right to be leading lives untouched by these predators.
I've read that Ted Turner originally commissioned this film, but when it was done refused to show it on his cable network. Too bad he lacked the courage to do the right thing -- and kudos to Showtime for stepping up to the plate and taking over. This is an outstanding film on a heartbreaking but vital topic -- and one that should be seen by more people. Heartfelt thanks to Anjelica Huston, and to everyone involved in bringing this wonderful novel to the screen.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bastard Out of Carolina (1996)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Bastard Out of Carolina (1996)