7th Heaven - The Complete Second Season (1996) Review

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(More customer reviews)The WB's ultimate secret ratings weapon has always been the little, unassuming family drama that chronicles the lives and all the things that come with it, in the big family circle of the Camden clan. Dad Eric(Stephen Collins), is a minister, and mom Annie(Catherine Hicks) is a super mom/housewife, and they have 5 kids, Matt, Mary, Lucy, Simon, and little Ruthie. Season 1 showcased that well meaning family shows are still appreciated and needed, and so season 2 keeps up the sweet momentum that season 1 started. I am used to writing for shows with seasonal arcs, but 7th Heaven has never really had seasonal story arcs, although they may have a story that could carry over for some episodes. The premiere, "Don't Take My Love Away", is a nice opener, and carries over a few things from last season's ender, like Lucy with Jimmy Moon, and the aftermath of Mary's surgery. Season 2 doesn't stop short of season 1's message episodes. Season 2 will deal with issues like IRS problems in "Red Tape", The importance of hearing those special words in "I Love You", or the opposite, hearing those fearful words in "I Hate You", a powerful episode that also deals with Simon learning of a neighbor's time in a concentration camp. The unfair and hurtful tags that some people get pigeonholed in are examined in "Like A Harlot", where Matt takes a girl with a less than stellar reputation to the prom. The show, like in it's debut season, continues to show that they, and the writers, have a strong hold on young kids, to pre-teens, to teenagers, and things that can come with it. The young actors who portray the kids seem like real kids, although not all of them are up to par with their acting. Some get better over the course of the seasons. The solid foundations that the show is built on and continued to be carry on thru to the present seasons, are Stephen Collins and Catherine Hicks, as Eric and Annie. They are old veteran pros who give the show it's validation in the acting department. Some other powerful and strong moments this season has to offer is "Rush To Judgement", which deals with sexual harrasment from a teacher. Who gets harrassed?. Just watch. The best episode of the season is "Who Knew", the show's first big "drug" episode, and still the best. The moments with Eric and Matt fighting are strong, and is just one highlight from a great episode. The danger of gangs and being in one hits close to home in "Girls Just Want To Have Fun", and a storyline about a friend's death really hits close to home for Bevery Mitchell(Lucy), in the outstanding "Nothing Endures But Change", which was based on a real life experience for her. She is great in this episode. The two part finale, "Boyfriends" and "...And Girlfriends" are two fun and frenetic episodes with some surprising and life changing events. It's best finale to date. One thing that is odd is the second ep, "See You In September", and the first day of school. It would fit more as a premiere, and the title doesn't make sense since it is September. It would of made more sense as the title for a season finale. Oh well. Once the show got into it's 7th season and onward, the writing fell flat and became 'off', but in these priceless early seasons(up to season 6), the show and it's episodes and plot lines, message filled or not, are heavenly indeed. The show is not preachy, it just tells things how they are and the rest of it is up to you. Why do I like such a show as 7th Heaven?. It's nice, it's sweet, it's homey. It's great comfort food to know that the Camden family are there every Monday night, and are now on DVD for fans to return home time and time again.

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7TH HEAVEN centers around the Camdens, a tight-knit family living in Glenoak, California, and consisting of minister dad Eric, homemaker mom Annie, and their five children: Matt, Mary, Lucy, Simon and Ruthie and their adorable dog, Happy.The series chronicles the many complex issues of growing up in the world today, and the Camden family tackles these issues head-on.Unafraid of intervening in the lives of their children, Eric and Annie discuss serious issues with them in an effort to educate them on the ways of the world.The family remains a tight unit as a result of their love for one another, and their faith in God.

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The Shaggy Dog (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this as a dvd for home use. I won't repeat the story as others have done so already. I loved the story. The plot was well put together and solid. The acting was wonderful. I have watched it a couple of times now and enjoy it more each time I see it. I really am enjoying the fun of this film. I'd suggest to folks to just relax and watch a terrific and humorous film. It is made to be light with family values of what counts in life.Tim did an outstanding job as he always does. The chasing scenes with Tim on all fours becoming a dog; the dog behaviors as a human had me rolling. It is one of the funniest films I've seen in a long time. As an adult I loved it and would buy it again. I'm thrilled to see Disney making such terrific and wonderful films. It was tastefully done. The caged scenes were carefully done. No bad language just a wonderful film that can be enjoyed as another eventual classic among the Disney films. And no I didn't perceive this as a film geared toward small children. Perhaps pre-teens and up would be my guess. To demean the film based on the expectation that tiny children would appreciate the story is not realistic nor does it do justice for what the film is. It is a wonderful film with a great storyline!!

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Comedian Tim Allen unleashes all the outrageous fun in this doggone hilarious update of Disney's comedy classic! The adventures begin when workaholic Dave Douglas (Allen) is accidentally transformed into a lovable dog. Now as Dave digs to uncover the mystery, this overworked dad wants nothing more than to stop fetching ... and get back to fathering. But before he does, he's about to discover that being man's best friend gives him a curious insight into what it takes to be a great dad! The tail-wagging fun continues with bonus features to howl about including bone-tickling bloopers, deleted scenes, and a special bark-along bone-us feature dogs will love!

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The Waltons: The Complete Ninth Season (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)The final season of The Waltons finds Michael Learned (Olivia Walton) no longer a cast member, while Robert Wightman has now officially joined the cast as John-Boy. Although this is the greatest weakness of the season, The Waltons still delivered intersting, and some exciting, episodes.
The season begins in the spring of 1945, and all the Walton men--save John--are fighting the war. Ben is captured by the Japanese forces, Jason has to deal with the question of killing another man, and John-Boy (played by Robert Wightman) falls in love with a French girl.
Back at home, Mary Ellen discovers a need for a doctor on the mountain and is determined to become one, while facing a great deal of opposition. Ike and Corabeth are investigated by the rations board, and a new minister comes to the mountain. Jim-Bob is frantic when a girl back home claims to have his baby, Cidny finds that she has been adopted, and the series ends with John-Boy going back to New York.
The following is an epidode list for this final season:
1. The Outrage (1)
2. The Outrage (2)
3. The Pledge
4. The Triumph
5. The Premonition
6. The Pursuit
7. The Last Ten Days
8. The Move
9. The Whirlwind
10. The Tempest
11. The Carousel
12. The Hot Rod
13. The Gold Watch
14. The Beginning
15. The Pearls
16. The Victims
17. The Threshold
18. The Indiscretion
19. The Heartache
20. The Lumberjack
21. The Hostage
22. The Revel
While the show ended in 1981, it would continue in 6 made-for-TV-movies from 1982-1997, moving from the characters from the forties and into the sixties. In these TV movies, Richard Thomas returns as John-Boy and Michael Learned is back as Olivia, while Ellen Corby makes a few appearances as Grandma. Hopefully, Warner Brothers will release these 6 TV movies, as it would be great to own the entire Walton legacy on DVD.

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For nine seasons from 1972 to 1981, the Walton family was America's family. Viewers' hearts were captured by the story of John and Olivia Walton, their seven children, Grandpa and Grandma as they faced the Depression and World War II with not much more than a love of the land and the rock-solid support of each other. This elegiac final season is the ideal capstone to the Emmy-honored and lovingly remembered series. The Walton boys endure terrifying dangers in Europe and the Pacific, then gratefully return to Walton's Mountain when the war ends. Peace brings new challenges, but also new beginnings and - for many of the family, young and old - new love. Share the final good night with The Waltons.

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Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself Review

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(More customer reviews)This is really an excellent play. Madea's granddaughter is living with her following her divorce. She is shocked when she learns her sister Maylee is engaged to her recent ex-husband Anthony. Maylee is a hootchie more interested in men that her own 14 year old daughter who is living with Madea. This is such a hilarious--yet serious play. I don't want to be a spoiler but the twists and turns of the storyline will keep you on your feet. The neighbor Mr. Brown provides comic relief. It's a great play and it although it's a comedy it addresses serious issues. YOu must check out the extras. The play includes a wonderful featurette with Tyler Perry providing some behind the scene details of this particular play. It seems the theater flooded prior to the performance and a Friday show had to be canceled. Tyler went out to speak to the crowd and signed autographs. He really felt bad about canceling the show due to the power being out because most of the fans didn't want a refund they wanted to see the show. "I Can Do Bad By Myself," also addresses some of the themes featured in the film "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," most noticibly a woman who has escaped a verbally abusive man who is hesitant to embrace real love. Another thing I enjoyed about this play is that the women look like real black women you might see anywhere and not just supermodels. They have average wigs and weave and are regular clothes. Great play and of course Madea is hilarious.

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When Madea (Tyler Perry) gets sick, her family comes to her aid. What they don't realize is that they're the ones who need her help. As always, Madea's cockeyed outlook on life saves the day and guarantees side-splitting laughs along the way.

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Dan in Real Life (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)A tired formula gets a shot in the arm by affecting performances in this quaint little film that will touch you.I have grown to really appreciate the acting talent of Steve Carell who really can carry a film. Carell darn near stole the show in Bruce Almighty to the point where the funniest segments were cut from the theatrical release because he upstaged Carrey so much, but those scenes where fortunately made available on the DVD release. Carell was again the saving grace of Evan Almighty and The 40-Year-Old Virgin in which both most likely would have died unnoticed had it not been for his sincere performances. This comedian definitely knows how to act. Carell reminds me of the legendary Dick Van Dyke when he had serious roles or moments and Bob Newhart's dry comedic delivery. It all just seems so effortless on Carell's part.
In another affecting performance we have Carell as a widower raising three daughters alone and giving his tidbits of wisdom on doing so in a local column titled "Dan in Real Life." Even though his wife has died four years ago, he has yet to really move beyond that in the way of a relationship. He has focused all his attention of his children and while that is admirable, a parent is still allowed to look out for himself too. He has not and the annual fall trip to his parents' cabin plays out all too realistically with everyone pushing him to find someone and he does.
He bumps into a lovely woman in town that he's immediately drawn to. She is played by the ever radiant Oscar winning actress Juliette Binoche, the only reason to see The English Patient and one who makes turning 43 seem really cool and desirable. In the hands of any other actress this role would have been blown out of portion, but in the subtle hands of Binoche, it is a delicate and balanced performance. Unfortunately, this terrific woman who seems perfect for him is, in reality, his brother's latest flame that he's brought down to the family cabin to meet everyone for the first time because "this one is different."
Sadly, the effects of this are handled much like a TV-movie or a good episode of that old series "Love Boat", or any other sitcom for that matter. What makes this film ultimately rise above that is admirable work done by the leads. These are seriously understated performances that are quite touching, believable and memorable in spite of a seriously flawed script at times.
Some of the humor in this film is both lame and predictable, but the execution is always dead on. Again, the performances are the key to this tired formula of the awkward romance. I guess this film is a good example of style over substance. Will this save this movie for everyone, no, but I think most might like this film. I doubt many will love it or even remember it much after seeing it, but it's a nice experience in spite of it's obvious weaknesses.

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Snow Buddies (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This direct-to-video movie is a sequel to last year's Air Buddies. In this one, the five pups find themselves in Alaska, where they are soon befriended by Shasta, a Husky pup, and his owner, a young boy named Adam. The boy has big dreams of becoming a sled dog racer, and if the Buddies can get him to the finish line they will be on their way back home. They turn to a wise old Husky for mentorship, but on the day of the race, the Buds unexpectedly find themselves on their own. From what I've been able to see of the film I think many younger kids will love it (the puppies are cute), but adults will be bored.
Here are the bonus features:
* Audio commentary (from the dogs!).
* A blooper reel.
* A hip-hop-style music video of "Lean on Me" by "Hannah Montana" star Mitchel Musso.
* Behind the Scenes "dog-u-mentary," which gives you a tour of the set from the perspective of the video's canine stars B-Dawg, Rosebud and Mudbud.
* A featurette on the film's visual effects.
The movies are based in part on the 1997 feature film Air Bud.

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Disney s adorable talking puppies are back, and this time they venture to the frosty arctic and team up with new friends in a thrilling dogsled race across Alaska. Join your favorite pups food-lovin Budderball, rappin B-Dawg, stylish RoseBud, mellow Buddha and messy MudBud for more fun, more action and more excitement in a heartwarming family film about the power of teamwork and following your dreams. As Buddha says, Sometimes the greatest journeys start accidentally. When the going gets tough, the daring dogs have to band together with their new friends, Talon and Shasta, and muster up the courage to face the hair-raising challenges ahead. But will they have what it takes to win the race and find their way back home? Find out and fetch big fun for you and your family with this all-new film, featuring the all-star voice talents of Dylan Sprouse (The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody) and Jim Belushi (According To Jim) and exclusive bonus features!

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Micmacs (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Amelie and The City of Lost Children belong to those films that, although, you find strange when you sit through it for the very first time, they stay with you forever. I find the director (Jean-Pierre Jeunet) to be Europe's answer to David Lynch - only a tad heavier on the regressive images and lighter on the subconscious horrors. So when he had another film out, I was not going to miss it. And, once more, I was glad I did.
A bunch of eccentrics (each with his or hers own quirky character and unusual personal history) come together by life's caprice and end up undertaking an impossible task: try to take down the two largest arms manufacturers in the country. Ingenious ideas, impossible retro gadgets (handmade from salvaged materials), and an unwavering sense of justice. No sacrifice is too big if it means making the villains pay for their crimes.
The colors are soft and comforting; the imagery is mesmerizing; the music will take you back to a more naive age; and the story will make you laugh, cry and laugh again. All in all, great entertainment!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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First it was a mine that exploded in the middle of the Moroccan desert. Years later, it was a stray bullet that lodged in his brain... Bazil doesn't have much luck with weapons. The first made him an orphan, the second holds him on the brink of sudden, instant death. Released from the hospital after his accident, Bazil is homeless. Luckily, our inspired and gentle-natured dreamer is quickly taken in by a motley crew of junkyard dealers living in a veritable Ali Baba's cave. The group's talents and aspirations are as surprising as they are diverse: Remington, Calculator, Buster, Slammer, Elastic Girl, Tiny Pete, and Mama Chow. Then one day, walking by two huge buildings, Bazil recognizes the logos of the weapons manufacturers that caused all of his misfortune. He sets out to take revenge, with the help of his faithful gang of wacky friends. Underdogs battling heartless industrial giants, our gang relive the battle of David and Goliath, with all the imagination and fantasy of Buster Keaton...

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Mr. Baseball (1992) Review

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(More customer reviews)For one thing, this movie pivoted on the theme of baseball is a world better than the Madonna/Davis starring "A league of their own" or the more recent travesties like "A field of dreams". For another, the schism between American and Japanese ideologies/way of life is just so truly captured that it is difficult to believe this movie is not the de-facto recommendation for people interested in Japan. Guess it missed out on the major league scene because, well, quite literally it is not about US major leagues?
A US baseball star (Selleck) is traded to a Japanese baseball team and finds himself at intellectual loggerheads with the extant coach of the team. This, plus a slight romantic sub-plot as he falls in love with the coach's daughter.
Barring some minor cheesy moments -- e.g., when the coach takes Selleck to a golf driving range and makes him hit the balls with a baseball bat, only to hear "I want to hit balls" instead of "I want to hit baseballs"...hmm -- the accuracy of Japanese life is truly stunning. Including, eating ramen with vociferous slurps, digging chopsticks vertically in rice bowls being a no-no, the language used to communicate between the American/Japanese, even a scene with a real on-sen. A refreshing break after stereotype galore seen in movies of that time, including the entertaining "Black Rain" or the absolutely goofball "Rising Sun".
To cut to the chase, this is an under-rated gem of a movie, very well shot, some messages about life and profession as seen from two very different perspectives that are likely to resonate with either side. Selleck takes the cake with his acting, baring his tush (literally, I may add) to portray a grouchy American, snubbing people relentlessly and throwing tantrums in public, then letting us inside this character to understand his views. Takakura Ken, needless to say, is fascinating as usual.
A must watch if you are interested in Japan, or baseball, or a good light-hearted cross cultural take on life and sport.

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MR. BASEBALL - DVD Movie

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Chestnut Review

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(More customer reviews)After coming across this DVD by complete accident at my local library, I must admit that for me, a prominent draw to the film was the fact that "Starring Abigail Breslin, Star of Little Miss Sunshine" was written across the front of the box. Surely, this little advertisement is understandable, given young Breslin's recent Oscar nomination and steadily rising status as a consistent child actress.
With two adorable little girls and a charming puppy adorning the cover of the DVD, it already indicates that genre that many of us love, especially in today's world--87 minutes of purely bright, fluffy entertainment that can be enjoyed by children, teenagers, college kids, adults, and basically just about anyone who likes this kind of thing. If "Chestnut" is your type of movie, you know exactly who you are, and after all, nothing hits home quite like a story with cute kids and lovable family pets.
Ideal for reeling in even the youngest of children, the plot of is simple: orphaned sisters Sal and Rae (approximately 6 and 8 years old, respectively) come across an abandoned Great Dane puppy, take deliberate measures to hide it from the orphanage staff, and encounter an even messier predicament when they are adopted by a young married couple from Manhattan. Finding a permanent home with one another is a dream come true for these tight-knit siblings, but once they arrive at their dog-free apartment building, they must rely on all their resources to keep Chestnut away from their adoptive parents (one of whom is severely allergic to dogs), their fellow residents, and a very crabby apartment director.
Winner of the Heartland Crystal Heart Award--an honor that praises the film's positive message and appropriate quality for all ages--"Chestnut" is, plain and simple, a lot of fun and easy to love as you begin watching it. The story has the perfect mix of humor and poignancy, making you laugh out loud at some points (watch for a great improvisational scene where Sal and Rae, dripping in fancy jewelry and irresistable side ponytails, jam to the catchy song "That's What Girls Do") yet also depicting some raw, authentic human bonds that are a pleasant asset to the story. Some other reviewers here have commented about questionable scenes with the robbers who target the girls' apartment building, along with some saddening scenes near the end of the film. While an certain accident involving Chestnut might be VERY mildly frightening to some more sensitive children, it's not anything inappropriately graphic, and it's pretty unlikely that kids will lose sleep over it when they watch it. The overall tone is heartwarming and innocent, so it is reasonable for parents to perceive the movie as such.
Although I've already mentioned her in this review, I have to emphasize again that Abigail Breslin is quite an impressive little actress and does a nice job playing Rae. Sweet, adorable, and impeccably gifted at emoting in front of the camera, she is a complete joy to watch and, while immensely talented and natural, is not so overexploited as other starlets her age who shall remain nameless. Makenzie Vega--who recently appeared as Meg Ryan's daughter in 2007's "In the Land of Women" and is the younger sister of actress Alexa Vega--is equally solid and likable as young Sal, serving as a loving and protective big sis to Rae as she does her best to keep everything in order. Breslin and Vega work very well together, creating a convincing formula as onscreen siblings and endearingly mischievous little girls. If there's only one thing I can say to prove that these kids have promising acting careers ahead, it's the fact that they were both required to cry for practically half of the movie's duration, and they were so incredibly competent at getting in character, the camera was able to zoom right in their faces and pronounce those emotions in a truly believable way. I don't know how they got those kids to sob so effortlessly in scene after scene, but it's some pretty good stuff, and it's sure to make your heart break.
Also appealing in this film is the wholly positive example that is set by the adults in the plot. We've all seen those children's movies about the cold orphanages and the cruel people who run them, but that is absolutely not the case at the institution where Sal and Rae live at the beginning of the story. Organized by a group of Catholic nuns (another character stereotype that many filmmakers have a field day with), this orphanage is warm and inviting, the children are treated well, and for once, you can sit back and enjoy a movie that values portraying these things in a nicer light. Of course, what's even more beautiful is what we discover with Sal and Rae's adoptive parents. With the real-world problems that exist with some marriages and orphaned children, isn't it refreshing to watch a genuinely loving husband and wife who are willing to not only give a couple orphans a stable home, but are also amenable to taking in older kids? Hopefully, we will continue to see more people like this in real life--people who eagerly create their own family dynamics, practice attentive and hands-on parenting, and give children a safe, trusting environment to grow up in.
With that being said, this isn't a DVD title that too many people know about, since it did not appear in theaters or receive wider advertisement, but if you happen to see it in a store or as a video rental, I'd recommend that you give it a shot. Unfortunately, there aren't many movies with the same pure quality as this. I guess "cute" and "charming" are the best words I can come up with right now, but hey, those simple words tend to be the mark of something that's actually worth your time, so if you are lucky enough to catch it, get the family together and enjoy a heartfelt story with plenty of youthful spirit and energy to go around! :)

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In this heartwarming family comedy, orphaned young sisters Sal and Rae think their dreams have come true when they find an adorable, abandoned Great Dane puppy and, on the same day, learn that they’ve been adopted.But, when the girls arrive at their posh new Manhattan apartment, they discover the building has one strict rule: NO DOGS ALLOWED! Sal and Rae must use every hilarious trick in the book to hide their mischievous pup, survive in the big city, and create the family of their dreams.Their charming story will touch your heart and make you howl!

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