Ugly Betty: The Complete Second Season Review

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(More customer reviews)Warning! Some spoilers contained in the following review!
All in all, Season Two of UGLY BETTY was, like Season One, an utter delight. It certainly was not timid in its story telling, trying to keep true to its roots in telemundo by pushing storylines that beggared credibility, sometimes perhaps crossing the lines of believability, but all in all having a lot of fun.
There were too many plotlines to attempt any summarization, but suffice it to say that if you didn't care for one - and there were some that I definitely didn't care for (primarily Wilhelmina's theft of Bradford Meade's sperm upon his death and then having Christina carry Bradford and Wilhelmina's baby, though secondarily the storyline of having Gene Simmons temporarily feature as Amanda's supposed biological father [like most people I've talked to, I just find anything having to do with Gene Simmons to be more than a little distasteful]) - just wait a week or two and you'd find others you might like instead. That said, the one arc that extended the length of the season was the two men in Betty's life: Henry, who she loves and with whom she continues a romance that is fated to end as soon as his ex-girlfriend Charlie gives birth to their child, and Gio, who is deeply attracted to Betty and tries to engage her interest even while she remains with Henry. Both Christopher Gorham who plays Henry (who I previously loved in JAKE 2.0) and Freddy Rodriguez (who I loved in SIX FEET UNDER) do a great job of making both of their characters really interesting. I found myself wanting Betty to be happy with both of them, though obviously she could only end up with one.
But to be honest, the real appeal of the show lies less in the story arcs, which while good are not particularly outstanding, than in the fine ensemble cast and the great collection of characters. I perpetually found myself less than riveted by what was happening than in whom it was happening to. Ultimately, I think that might be the show's weakness. With its roots in telemundo, the show has an indelible and inescapable frivolity. By its very nature, it lacks any potential to become much more than a nice way to pass time. That being said, it is time that I do enjoy passing.
I am extremely anxious, however, about the show's future. Season Three is going to feature some absolutely massive changes to the show. Shortly after filming concluded on Season Two it was announced that the production was going to relocate to New York City. At the same time it was leaked that Rebecca Romjin, who has been delightful as Daniel's sister/former brother Alexis/Alex, was going to have a greatly lessened involvement in the series in Season Three. To make matters worse, there were rumors that some actors were unwilling to move to New York full time and might have their character's become less central to the story. The most worrying of these is Eric Mabius, who has young children and a home in L.A. After Betty his Daniel Meade is easily one of the most important characters on the show. Having him on less than a full time basis could significantly change the entire texture of the show, and I suspect not for the better. Also, while I believe having the show filmed in the actual city where the action is supposed to take place (though I suspect that the neighborhood in which Betty's house is supposed to be located will continue to be CGI) will be a great boon for the show, I fear that the changes could give it a very different feel from the first two seasons. This could very easily cease to be the show that we've all known and loved.
Fearful or not, I will try to be optimistic. Hopefully the cast will remain more or less intact with the move to New York. I will also hope that the producers reconsider the lessened role for Rebecca Romjin and that Eric Mabius stays with the show fulltime. And I hope that having the possibility of on location shots in New York outweighs any disruption leaving L.A. creates. Season Two ended, as with Season One, with some major cliffhangers, but this year not all of the anticipation was created by the story. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the show remains as much fun as it has been in the past.

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UPC:786936754230DESCRIPTION: Betty Suarez is smart, sweet and hard working. They only problem is that she s not thin and beautiful like all her co-workers at Mode, the high-fashion magazine where she works. The only reason the publisher hired her to be his son s secretary is that he thought Betty was someone who Daniel would never sleep with. Betty s hard work and determination earns Daniel s respect, as she helps him find his way through the shark infested waters of the fashion industry.

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Rhoda: Season 4 -- BRAND NEW RELEASE Review

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(More customer reviews)After a melancholy Season Three chronicling Rhoda's separation and eventual divorce from Joe, the show bounces back in its fourth season, originally airing Sunday nights at 8pm on CBS during the 1977-78 TV season with a total of 24 episodes.
First, the bad: The script quality was declining at this point, but the cast gamely did their best with what they were given.
The good news is that Nancy Walker returns after a one-year absence (and two failed sitcom attempts at rival network ABC: "The Nancy Walker Show"; "Blansky's Beauties"). Her scenes with Harper and Kavner are always high points of the show. Kavner even won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work this season, beating out Sally Struthers.
With Joe out of the picture for good, the series can now focus on Rhoda and Brenda as two swinging singles in the Big Apple during the disco era. Even the opening credits reflect this, with location scenes of "Rho and Bren" throughout NYC backed by the absolute best version of the catchy theme song to date. (This version will get stuck in your head for days, with its powerhouse drumming and lovely bells and chimes).
Valerie Harper looks somewhat emaciated when the season begins, and Julie Kavner has grown her hair long, though she goes back to her medium-length hairstyle by mid-season.
Rhoda begins her new job working at a costume shop for gruff boss Jack Doyle. Friend and neighbour Gary (Ron Silver) is still in the picture, and Brenda is dating the rollerskating toll-booth operator Benny. Rhoda occasionally dates the flashy nightclub singer Johnny Venture. Verna, the crazy cat lady appears for a few episodes.
While many viewers have stated the show had clearly Jumped the Shark at this point, I suggest giving it a second chance because it actually plays better now compared to most of the subpar sitcoms of the late-1990s-today currently in syndication.
Some of the more memorable episodes this season include the opener where Ida returns from a one-year travelling vacation; "Who's Shy" in which Brenda joins a help group to become more assertive (watch for her dead-on Ida impression); "So Long, Lucky" (with "Phyllis" star Carmine Caridi) where Rhoda seems to have "cursed" a NYC cop; and "Five For the Road", which has the gang stranded during a road trip.
Shout! Factory has really done right by the fans by continuing to release "Rhoda" on DVD. After the Season One debacle with cut and faded prints, they have redeemed themselves because the episodes on subsequent releases look better than ever! The cover art has been gorgeous and the menus very well-done.
The design and layout of Season 4 seems a little cheaper than previous releases, but this is still a quality product we should be very grateful for. This volume uses the same graphics and layout as previous releases. However, like other Shout! Select titles, they have forgone the outer box/slim cases format and this set comes in a plastic snapcase. Also, the original episode airdates are not listed this time around.
The menus are more static and the closing theme loops as we see an episode selection and the same image of Rhoda that appears on the cover.
As with Seasons 2 and 3, the picture has been remastered and has never looked this good before. I can finally toss my old VHS tapes from WTN and Nick@Nite!
Fans need to support this Shout! select title so that they will soon bring us the fifth and final season on DVD. Here's hoping after that they will bring us a complete series set of "Phyllis"!

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Ugly Betty - The Complete First Season (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)In retrospect, the 2006-2007 television season debuted an unusually large number of first rate new series: HEROES, MEN IN TREES, 30 ROCK, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, DEXTER, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, and UGLY BETTY. That is a remarkably strong group of new shows. UGLY BETTY occupied a unique niche among them. The new show it most resembled was MEN IN TREES. Both were light fare, intended to entertain and charm rather than challenge and rattle. It was unorthodox, but in comforting ways. It was, basically, a very nice show. One never came away from any episode shocked or dismayed as with the best episodes of DEXTER or FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, but to tell the truth, after a week of watching my favorite shows on TV--BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, LOST, DEXTER, and others that were sometimes exceedingly emotional affairs to watch, I found it a refreshing change of pace, never shocking, never emotionally taxing, never intellectually demanding. It managed always to be smart while also very easy to absorb. Most of all, it was great fun.
The plot was simple. Betty Suarez desires a job in publishing. After she applies at MODE magazine, where she has a disastrous interview, she finds herself mysterious hired as assistant to editor Daniel Meade, playboy son of Meade Publishing owner Bradford Meade. It turns out that Bradford had seen her leaving the building and ordered her hired for his son simply because she is as far from a fashion model in appearance as can be imagined. She has terrible hair, dresses horridly, has garish braces, thick glasses (and eyebrows), and carries more weight than your standard attractive woman. Father makes her employment mandatory for his rare-do-well son. Very quickly, however, she proves herself not merely necessary for Daniel's professional life, but a good friend as well. One of the most attractive aspects of the show is, in fact, their genuinely caring, completely platonic, friendship. Working at MODE pulls Betty into a world of interoffice intrigue and political infighting. To be honest, I could have lived without any of the stories. The appeal was just about 100% based on a large number of likable and adorable characters popping up each week.
America Ferrera, who had previously been amazingly effective in the cult-hit film REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES and the teen chick flick THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS (a sequel to the latter is due in 2008), simply steals this show as Betty. Though not a slender actress, America in fact has a beautiful face. They do a great make up job on her, however, putting a terrible wig on her each week (with very stressed looking hair), gluing thick, fake eyebrows on her, giving her thick-framed, brightly colored glasses, fake braces, make up to give her an unpleasant complexion, and an incredibly unflattering set of clothes. Despite this dramatic transformation each week, Betty manages to be utterly charming and adorable. A couple of people I've talked to feel it is a bit of a cheat to have an attractive woman play someone who is supposed to be "ugly," but I think it would be a bit cruel to take an unattractive person and have them play such a role. I would be surprised if she does not get an Emmy nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy. Lauren Graham deserves to win in this category (as she does every year) for her genius work in THE GILMORE GIRLS, but since the Emmys year after year have ignored Graham (her show is on the wrong network), I will probably be pulling for America to win.
Ferrera is supported by an amazingly strong cast. Eric Mabius is wonderful as Daniel, consistently showing himself to be a decent guy despite his efforts to transform himself into a waste of humanity. I think there is a secret contract someone dictating that Alan Dale appear in every other show on TV in some capacity or other. He is his usual stern self as Bradford Meade (he also has a very occasional but ongoing role in LOST, the only show I've seen him on where he gets to use something like is native Kiwi accent). Vanessa Williams is a lot of fun as the scheming and unscrupulous Wilhelmina Slater, the fashion editor at MODE who would love to be the editor in chief. Ashley Jensen, who really is Scottish, plays the head of wardrobe at MODE and one of Betty's few friends at the magazine. But the people at MODE who make the show worth watching are Michael Urie and Becki Newton, who play Marc and Amanda, Wilhelmina's gay assistant and the mildly sluttish receptionist, both of them for most of the season Betty's mortal enemies (though by end of season she was making headway with both of them as friends, in particular Marc, inspiring him to come out to his mother). There is also Henry, winningly played by Christopher Gorham. He had previously played the title role in JAKE 2.0, on which UGLY BETTY executive producer Silvio Horta also worked. I suspect his appearing on UGLY BETTY has something to do with that connection. Gorham is a very good-looking guy who is somehow able to pull off completely nerdy guys, in this show an accountant.
But there is more than just the office. There is Betty's home life. Veteran character actor Tony Plana plays Betty's illegal immigrant father (one of the subplots deals with his attempt to get a green card). He is one of these actors who has appeared in literally hundreds of TV shows and movies, but has rarely had an especially prominent role. You love to see fine actors who have paid their dues get a great role like this one. Ana Ortiz is hysterical as Betty's garish sister Hilda, but the person who steals nearly every scene in the Suarez household is twelve-year old Mark Indelicato, who plays Betty's nephew Justin. We don't know that Justin is gay, but his effeminate swagger, his deep love of stage musicals, and his encyclopedic knowledge of fashion marks him with all of the stereotypes.
This show is too smart to be a guilty pleasure, but it is just as much fun as one. It doesn't go on my list of my absolute favorite shows. It isn't as sophisticated or as intelligent as FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, as engrossing as LOST, a fist-in-the-gut like DEXTER or THE WIRE, or as original or jaw-droppingly brilliant as BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, but sometimes you just aren't in the mood for something as heavy as these shows. Sometimes you just want to have a good time and relax. I promise there are few shows on television more perfect for that than this.

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Audiences are cheering for a vibrant overachiever with the spirit and the smarts to live her dream. America Ferrera stars as go-getter Betty Suarez, a true beauty in the skin-deep world of high fashion. Two very different cultures collide in this sexy and stylish series about believing in yourself regardless of the odds. Earning Golden Globe Awards® for Best Television Series* and Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series* in its very first season, Ugly Betty is a runaway hit with fans and critics. "Ugly Betty is a thing of beauty," raves the Boston Herald. Experience every episode of Season One in this six-disc DVD box set. Plus, join executive producer Salma Hayek and actor Eric Mabius for exclusive show insights, and see what it takes for America Ferrera to get Bettyfied – available only on DVD. You’ll find yourself falling in love with every minute of Ugly Betty.

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Kamikaze Girls (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)`Kamikaze Girls' is a delightful, pop, unique, and utterly sweet tale of the friendship between two Japanese girls Momoko and Ichigo. Sure, some part of the film's very disarming charms can be appreciated more with knowledge of modern Japanese culture, but that doesn't mean the film should be seen only by the small coterie of moviegoers. After all the film's theme is a universal one.
First, remember the film's original title (and its original novel) is called `Shimotsuma Monogatari' (The story of Shimotsuma) because this actual town that is located in the northern suburb of Tokyo City (about 60 km to the north of the metropolis) is the place where we meet our cute heroines.
OK, this rural town is the place where Momoko (meaning literally `peach-child' in Japanese) is living. She loves wearing pretty, girlish (and expensive) clothing (usually referred to `Lolita' or `Lolita Fashion' in Japan) and in order to buy them she goes all the way to Tokyo. One day, she thinks of a brilliant idea to get money. Following the `business' of her ex-yakuza father, Momoko sells counterfeit designer clothing on the net.
Only one customer shows up. It is Ichigo (literally meaning `strawberry'), a teenage girl clad in a long coat (signature of Japanese teenage motorcycle gangs), and riding a ridiculously decorated pink-colored scooter. Somehow this incongruous pair of girls gets friendlier to each other, and Momoko, confirmed loner, finds there is something precious that she cannot buy, more precious than the fancy dress that she is wearing.
[DELIGHTFUL] The incredibly charming film is not so much about the story as the two incredibly charming characters Momoko (Kyoko Fukada) and Ichigo (Anna Tsuchiya). From the exaggerated cartoon-ish style of introduction, we immediately fell in love with these heroines, whose unique outlook on life and original code of behavior perfectly matches their equally unique and original fashion. Actually, Momoko's costumes are one of the assets of the film, which will be good inspiration for designers.
Unfortunately, some amusing scenes might be lost on non-Japanese viewers, which heavily rely on the linguistic differences between some regions in Japan. Please remember this. Momoko's father is from Kansai area, of which dialect is more down-to-earth and slightly earthy than the words Momoko usually uses with a posh voice, who loves the French rococo fashion. Momoko's always gramatically correct speech makes a great contrast with Ichigo's frequent verbal slip-ups when heard in Japanese. And as to the several funny episodes about selling counterfeit goods, they are very exaggerated, but not totally fictional.
But you don't have to worry about the languages, because the joy of `Kamikaze Girls' means its amusing visuals and portraits of the likable heroines, Momoko and Ichigo. The only thing I disagree with `Kamikaze Girls' is its misleading English title. Why not call it simply like `Momoko and Ichigo' or something? Otherwise it is an absolutely charming film with these cute, lovely, and inimitable heroines.
By the way, contrary to the impression you might have from the role of Ichigo, Anna Tsuchiya started her career as fashion model.

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KAMIKAZE GIRLS - DVD Movie

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Project Runway - The Complete First Season (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)The 12 designers have stand-out personalities that draw you in immediately, even if you don't have a clue about (or even an interest in) fashion. Each week the designers are given a challenge (such as buying their supplies from ONLY a grocery store with only $50 to make their first piece). They are put to the test both creatively and technically with each new challenge (such as redesigning the US Postal Service uniform or creating the perfect Grammy dress), and it gets really funny and bitchy at times. For each challenge, the designers are allowed to choose a model with whom to work by pulling numbers out of a hat to determine the order in which they get to choose, with the winner of the last challenge getting first choice. Each week, not only is one designer cut, but a model will be sent home as well. The top three designers go on to show their unique lines at New York's Fashion Week. The winner of that competition, as well as his/her model, receives impressive opportunities in the fashion industry!
The designers are judged by such fashion icons as Michael Kors, as well as world-famous supermodel Heidi Klum and occasional celebrity judges. The pieces they create range from funky to formal, simple to elaborate, extravagent to the completely outrageous!
I highly recommend this DVD, along with all the extras. There is no other reality show that can compare to Project Runway. It's really fun to root for your favorite designer, and you'll really feel for each one when they get cut.
"In the fashion world, as in this competition, you're either in or you're out."

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This sexy and addictive hit show will draw you in with its irresistible combination of creativity and intensity inside the glamorous industry of high fashion! Starring beautiful international supermodel Heidi Klum -- you'll go behind the scenes and take an unguarded look at what it takes for some hip young designers to make it in the highly competitive world of fashion! Featuring every entertaining episode of the acclaimed first season, this must-have DVD collection also includes a wealth of never-before-seen outtakes and reams of bonus material!

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Factory Girl (Unrated) (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)This film got an exceptional amount of poor reviews by people who had a faint idea of who Edie Sedgwick was and the effect she still has on people today. She was the underground, self-indulgent, addict version of Audrey Hepburn. Everyone wanted to be her. She couldn't help herself, but everyone wanted to help her until they realized the enormity of that task. Edie was a poor little rich girl, yes, but she was raised to be that way. She was someone who was heavily medicated from a young age, someone who was taught to go to others for your problems. She wanted to escape, but the foundation of who she was was never solid enough for her to make it on her own, hence her inability to be completely independent. Enter Andy Warhol, the sychophant who relished in her beauty, charm, and complete lack of self-awareness. She was everything he wasn't, and vice versa. Once Warhol had capitalized on her and milked her dry, he left her wanting, so she found other means. Therewithin is her demise.
Knowing Sedgwick, and especially the nuances of this film, makes you look at it in a different light. The too-fast pace marked by subtleties such as "is the salmon fresh?". If you don't know that era, those people, the Warholian group, you'll dislike this film. Simply because you won't appreciate how much went into developing the characters. Any press will show you that Sienna worked on the role well over a year, Guy lost loads of weight, and Miller had to master a voice that crept away from the person who possessed it in a very short time. Not an easy task.
It's a fantastic film. If nothing else, appreciate the artistry of it.

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(Drama) "Factory Girl" tells the story of the rise and fall of the original "IT GIRL" Edie Sedgwick.When Edie meets famed artist Andy Warhol, she is thrust into a life of glamour, parties and ultimately…tragedy.

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Yves Saint Laurent - His Life and Times/5 Avenue Marceau 75116 Paris Review

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(More customer reviews)The 2nd movie (5 Ave Marceau) is a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and development of YSL's 2001 spring-summer couture collection. For fans of the rarified world of haute couture, we get to see the design process from sketch to toile to final preparation of dresses with all the minute and perfectionist adjustments made to hems, linings, collars, flounces etc. YSL's regular house models are featured including the evergreen Amalia. His muse Loulou de la Falaise Klossowski and also Anne Marie Munoz are there by his side to give their opinions and support. For once we also get to see his chiefs of ateliers working out his sketches and trying to come up with creations that match what he dreams of. It's a hushed temple of design with everyone contributing to the final designs. We get to see how fabrics are draped and chosen, decisions on embroidery, how the style of the model's walk can affect the design, how some colours or fabrics are rejected and replaced; successful creations are paraded by the house models in front of YSL and others and greeted by cries of "ravishing", "beautiful!" and "sensational". I only wish that the 1hour plus movie was even longer. There's only a little snippet of the actual fashion show tacked onto the end of the movie but that's not really the point of the movie. The style of filming is slightly distanced - we observe the team observing the designs and sort of listen into their conversations. Totally recommended if you love couture and love YSL. In French with accurate English sub-titles.

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Two feature documentaries about the man who re-imagined women’s fashion. His Life and Times is an intimate biography featuring extensive interviews with the reclusive designer. 5 Avenue Marceau 75116 Paris is a behind the scenes look inside Saint Laurent’s legendary atelier during the creation of his final Spring line. Together they form "a timeless portrait of an artist at work - a celebration of human endeavor." (Los Angeles Times)

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Coco Chanel (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Coco CHANEL became a courageous, confident, fiesty and brave young woman when she was orphaned after her monther died and her father left her and younger sister at a convent in France. This is a very interesting story, well directed, filmed in beautiful France which demonstrates how CoCo faced each and every hardship in her life with grace and confidence, giving her continued hope for her future. Above all the negative, jealous people, CoCo maintained her focus, her infamous style and her dignity.
A must-see for anyone interested in how CoCo Chanel started in fashion, and for young women to view ways of overcoming hardships in life.

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Academy Award winning actress Shirley MacLaine stars as Coco Chanel in this critically acclaimed film that charts the rise of one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. From her humble childhood and early days as a young dressmaker's assistant, to her passionate love affair with a dashing Englishman and ultimate success as a pioneering fashion icon, Coco Chanel is the story of a glamorous woman who was hard to love and harder to ignore. Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominated, Coco Chanel is a must-see film for every lover of fashion and romance.

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Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Here is how haute couture is made. Valentino employed 100 seamstresses and owned one sewing machine (which no one would use). In the film, you see how each dress was lovingly designed and assembled and how the 45+ year partnership of Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giametti produced runway show after runway show. These partners clearly inspire the love and loyalty of their staff.
You see the sense of style that pervades the life. The entertaining, the travel, the pampered pets.
While the film is a fully positive portrait of this marvelous fashion house and its two leaders, the future looms. The company was sold in 1998 (and then again). The corporate owners don't appreciate the art and want more handbags, shoes and ready to wear. There are glimpses of this pressure as the film leads up to Rome's "45 Years of Valentino", a retrospective with pageantry worthy of its subject.
The film has a genuine quality. Some shots, being candid, won't have the perfect balance and people hesitate in speech. You see the tension in the preparation for big shows.
While others will not appreciate the film, if you are interested in the art of fashion, this is a must see.

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A critically acclaimed look into the life and times of legendary fashion designer Valentino. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of the fashion icons celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. But at the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti.

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Coco Before Chanel (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Coco Before Chanel is aptly titled; it follows Coco Chanel from her time in an orphanage, but it stops where most people become familiar with her story. The film stars the delightful Audrey Tatou as Coco. Perhaps my favorite thing about Coco Before Chanel was it's honesty. I confess to loving the feel-good rags to riches biopics as much as anyone, but it's rare to see a biographical film provide hope with honesty and without sappiness. Most of the film is not feel good. It's hardly depressing, but it is real. Coco didn't have an easy life. She and her sister were orphans, and they fought for opportunities. Coco makes some decisions she may not be proud of, but she doesn't regret them. She doesn't have the dream of becoming a fashion designer from day one, just as few of us truly know what we'll end up doing from the beginning. Her skills, experience and desire for self-sufficiency slowly evolve to lead her to it.
The film is a little slow, but it's similar to the pace of her life. It seems like it's not going anywhere for awhile, and if you didn't know what Chanel is, you might think that. I personally thought the subtitles were a little fast. My French is decent enough to understand some of the dialogue, but I often read the subtitle before the characters had begun to speak their lines. The beautiful lulls of dialogue featured the next subtitle, which threw off the pace a bit for me.
The beauty of the film comes in its last half hour, when it becomes clear the slowness was in fact subtlety leading to a mesmerizing and poetic final half-hour. It's the kind of film one might be tempted to stop watching if she were at home, but ends up loving. It truly is a film that is the sum of it's parts. It works as a whole, but it's not necessarily riveting from the opening frame.
It's a beautifully feminist film; it's an honest look at one woman's struggle and journey for her place in the world. It's not a film with universal appeal, but it is a fantastic, beautiful, and inspiring film. If you like foreign films, historical films, biopics and strong female leads, then I highly recommend this film.

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Audrey Tautou (The Da Vinci Code, Amélie) shines in this intriguing portrait of the early life of Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, the orphan who would build a fashion empire and be known universally by her nickname, Coco. She journeys from a mundane seamstress job to boisterous cabarets to the opulent French countryside, possessing little more than her unwavering determination, unique style and visionary talent. Also starring Benoît Poelvoorde (In His Hands) and Alessandro Nivola (Junebug). Featuring lush settings and stunning costume design, Coco Before Chanel is the gripping and dramatic story of an icon who defied convention and defined the modern woman.

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The September Issue (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)...something very important, and that is THE THIRD DISC.
I am not going to review the movie, but the DVD itself. The extra material is superb. It is fantastic actually, and these are for the true admirers of fashion and VOGUE. Could there be even more? Yeah, sure... They could have included the basic bios of the subjects, more pictures, VOGUE through ages, pivotal photos from the magazine archives, even more footage with the fashion designers and models etc. Still, over 90 minutes of extra material is just great.
But you know what is even greater than this version?
The THREE DISC VERSION that Barnes&Noble has to offer.
This elusive third disc in question includes a 25 minutes of footage from the preparation of the legendary Costume Institute Gala. It is just amazing. You get a lot of Anna here, and no Grace actually, however, you get to witness the MET event preparation including the decor, some peacocks, even Naomi Campbell, Cate Blanchett and Michael Bloomberg, and more of Anna being fashion's true 'Eminence Grise'. Her influence is immense, but this third disc truly proves how prominent she is, outside the high walls of VOGUE or the intimidating fashion shows. amazon.com version of the DVD doesn't include this third disc. I suppose the moviemakers and studio did cut a deal with B&N, for an even more special and exclusive release just for them.
I have learned about this edition and got excited. And I went to B&N today, and picked up my copy. It is more expensive than the 2 disc amazon edition -understandably- but so worth it, in my opinion.Disc I:
Movie
Some extra materials
Production photosDisc II:
Extra materials (with Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, Andre Leon Talley, Thakoon etc.)Disc III:
Footage from Costume Institute Gala preparation/red carpet

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An intimate, funny and surprising behind-the-scenes look at VOGUE’S legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her team of larger-than- life editors, this is the captivating story of how they create the must-have bible of fashion: THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE. At the eye of this annual fashion hurricane is the two-decade relationship between Anna and Grace Coddington, incomparable creative director and fashion genius. Through them, we see close-up the delicate creative chemistry it takes to remain at the top of the fashion field. Now, with the biggest issue ever hanging in the balance, Anna and Grace confront the runways of Fashion Week, the back rooms of the world’s biggest designers, the high-stakes photo shoots – and each other – as the VOGUE team scrambles to find the perfect look for each page. Director R.J. Cutler delivers this riveting look into the world of fashion that is as fun, fabulous and fast-paced as the world it captures.

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The Hills - The Complete First Season (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Its kinda hard for me to admit that I watched LAGUNA BEACH and this premier season of THE HILLS, especially with all the jokes I make about the two series. But being the exact target age of both shows (20 years old), I feel into the original LAGUNA BEACH watching it as it aired durring the final stretch my senior year of High School so I have a small emotional connection to the show as the characters where going through the same things tha I was when it was on the air.
Season's two and three of LAGUNA BEACH though where boarderline annoying and I found myself barely ever watching them. But THE HILLS is different, Lauren was always my favorite 'character' and it was pretty interesting to actually see her grew out of her teenage self and into a young woman - and all the fictionalization that came along with it...
THE HILLS follows Lauren as she moves to Los Angeles (But I'm pretty sure its Santa Monica), and how life changes for her as she enrolls in Fashion School and gets an internship at Teen Vogue and all the Drama that comes along with her roomate, coworker, exboyfriend, and growing up.

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Follow Lauren to LA as she attempts to balance a demanding internship at Teen Vogue and a full course load with a demanding nightlife and a full social calendar. But at least she won’t have to do it alone.Along the way she meets several friends who expose her to a different part of the city, each chasing their own dreams.The Hills tells the story of four young women on their own for the first time and the fun, laughter and drama that they all share.

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Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale Review

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(More customer reviews)Oh, to go back to the days when Barbie movies were full of imagination, creativity, princesses, dreams come true and REAL fairytales. This is no fairytale. It's a pathetic excuse for a kid's movie that is trying to be hip and modern and introducing little girls to the world of twitter, Juicy Couture and boyfriend breakups. "A Fashion Fairytale" is anything but. The animation was lame, the dialogue was too filled with "hip" phrases and "teen terms" to be good, and the characters leave much to be desired. And the clothes are immodest, over-glitterized pink party outfits that no one in the real world would wear. The themes have more sexual content than a Barbie movie has ever had, and I'm truly sorry I bought this sorry excuse for a movie. Even older viewers and Barbie lovers can't enjoy it, because the bar has been set. Listen up, Mattel!
This movie is nothing but an encouragement to have the latest fashions, the top designs, the coolest new cell phones, the hottest boyfriends, and be uber popular at the same time. Please! Children don't need sexy models and lecherous dogs to look up to. Barbie used to stand for something more. Her standards used to be higher. Now she's too busy shopping for even MORE tight, low-cut, haute clothes. And while she's at it, she COULD use another micro miniskirt, couldn't she? The only decent outfit this chick wears is when she's filming for "the Princess and the Pea." And she gets fired from that!
I want to go back to the days when I saw a barbie movie and bought it knowing it was going to be wholesome, whimsical, sweet, and creative. They got it so right back then-this is madness.

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Join Barbie™ in a colorful, modern-day fairytale filled with fashion, friends and fun! Barbie™ and her dog, Sequin™, jet off to visit her aunt’s amazing fashion house in Paris, and much to her surprise it’s about to be shut down forever. After she discovers three enchanting Flairies™ with sparkle-magic powers, Barbie™ comes up with a brilliant idea to save the business. She even inspires Alice, a shy fashion designer, and together they create a dazzling runway fashion show. Barbie™ shows that magic happens when you believe in yourself.

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How to be a Pinup Model - Release your Inner Bombshell Review

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(More customer reviews)Keeping in mind this is pure-retro, I loved how meandering the pace was. It's not mtv-flash editing. It's, honestly, very fifties. Makeup, hair, and cheesecake-posing; exactly what the video promises. I loved the hairstyle secion the most. They do an entire hair set, and then when she is combing the set out, it's real-time and I got the sense of the fifties, no cellphones, no rush, pretty night-table, sweet smiles. I felt like I was at a sleep-over and we were doing our hair in Grease. I adored the big hair-rolls they demo'd. These two women fully embrace the fifties lifestyle. And they portray a sexy-lady without apology. The make-up section was a bit long in the tooth, but great for beginners. The posing section was really nice and encouraging too. It's very girls-night-out-with-class and the production value, tho simple, was just right; great, authentic 50s set-dressing, good audio, and most of all inspirational. If you like the fifties and want to try your hand (gams?) at cheesecake photos, or even just want to investigate the fifties look - and outlook - this is a comforting, stylish & feminine place to get started.

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How to be a Pinup Model - Release your Inner Bombshell is a unique instructional program celebrating female curves, positive self-image and playful spirit with two outstanding stars of vintage/alternative modeling and burlesque artists go-go Amy and Bettina May. Alluring vintage pinup girl looks are now at the fingertips of any woman fortunate enough to lay her hands on this treasure chest of hair and makeup tutorials, modeling tricks, styling ideas, and inspirational guidance. To quote our instructors, 'Pinup modeling is a body-positive experience. Glamour has no age, height, or size requirements. All you need is a good attitude and a little glitter.' So, go ahead, add sensual vintage flair to your everyday look or try an amazing pinup makeover for special occasions! Creating your own pinup look is addictive!.... it is an experience of emotional discovery, bringing you closer to your truly feminine, always hopeful, ageless, resourceful, and down-to-earth core.You will be amazed at the volume of detail in this program: The vintage-look lore, grandma's secrets, and the spot-on helpful modern advice generously offered by Bettina May and go-go Amy, as well as the authenticity of their material, the depth their historical awareness and their inventiveness in blending retro and modern techniques. This video guide covers vintage hair styles, glamour makeup, posing for photography, sexy body language, and maintaining an optimistic spirit. Bettina May instructs in the techniques of setting curls (different angles and configurations of rollers result in different looks!) and curl styling to echo the image of your favorite pinup icon or retro movie star, and in creating your own unique modern style with a retro twist. Go-go Amy delves into the elusive techiques of vintage makeup: She brings new hope to all of us who attempted a '40s diva cat eye or a retro lip shape but were defeated by crooked lines and hideous smudges generated by uncooperative pencils and eye-liner from hell. Rediscover simplicity: 'This is how grandma did it, and grandma was always right.' Short hair? Short bangs? Learn how to seamlessly incorporate features of your personal hair style into an authentic retro look. Body shape concerns? First of all, get over it. (It's all about CURVES, remember?) But, to be on the safe side, learn to trick the camera! Bettina May and go-go Amy take you on a journey through a dynamic inventory of modeling tricks and flattering body angles used by movie stars and models in front of the camera since silent movie days. The girls will also teach you totally doable tricks to achieve those innocent and always surprised wide-eyed ingenue pinup girl facial expressions. This beautiful-in-spirit, supportive and highly entertaining program is a perfect gift for yourself or a friend, and can also be the centerpiece for 'a girls night in' party. To learn more about go-go Amy and Bettina May, visit PrettyThingsProductions.com.

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