The Other Side of the Ice

A Magical Odyssey
A very well crafted documentary which will please all adventure seekers and beyond. I had never heard of that passage so for me this was not only a visual and entertaining experience but an informative one as well. The haunting scenery was beautifully captured by the cameramen and the music score is subtle and beautiful. Overall it was a very nicely made documentary even though I wish some of the characters had been more featured than others. Sprague -the director of the film, his friend diver and the cameraman end up being the most compelling in the film.
I give it three thumbs up!!

Modern Arctic Adventure
Rarely does a movie capture the imagery one's mind can while reading a good book. Happily, "The Other Side of the Ice" does and better! I felt as if I should grab a parka to ward off the frigid weather conditions! Family tension and terror were palpable! Highly recommend this film!!

Desolate Adventures into the Rebirth of a Family
After reading the book "The Other Side of the Ice", I was anxiously waiting to view the documentary. I knew about and supported this journey through following their blog but nothing could prepare me for the impact of this film.

The shots are incredible. You experience the cold barren isolation of a journey into the unknown of the Northwest Passage and into the lives of individuals who had to learn to be a family once again. I can't even imagine how the crew survived this emotional and physical journey in cramped quarters surrounded by the constant challenges of a rugged unforgiving Northern environment.

Well done and may you all, always have wind in your sails.

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Tower Heist (Extended Edition) [HD]

UNCLEAR DIRECTIONS
I didnt want to stream I thought I was buying the video. the directions were unclear and I am upset about it

Ben Stiller is funny as always, but this movie takes a serious turn......
Loved this movie. It was funny, serious, and most of all a SURPRISE.

Ed Murphy was not his usual self, and vulgar as usual.



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Hyde Park on Hudson [HD]

A Little Summer Music
Two noticeable aspects on this site - the paucity of reviews of this period piece film and the number of negative comments that seem to blanket the responses to this very quiet little recreation of a moment in history about which few may be aware. In many ways this film, as written by Richard Nelson and directed by Roger Michell, resembles a little European art film: the recreation of conditions in the USA in the post Depression era are remarkably apt and set a fine tenor for the story (including the musical score!). In the end this is a tale about how men in powerful places interrelate in moments of tension and how those same men have flaws both physical and in character that would weigh down ordinary fellows. But the story is about a particular summer in when Britain, on the brink of war with Hitler, visited America, hoping for Allied assistance in the war that was to become World War II.

The setting is the home away form the White House - Hyde Park on the Hudson, the...

PRESIDENTS AREN'T LIVE ACTION FIGURINES....... '
While I appreciate the expertise & execution of Mr. Solinas skilled review in his assessment viewing Hyde Park on Hudson as a boring biopic, ..... as one who was not alive during his administration, I appreciate the intimate "fly on the wall" look at one of this nation's (and the worlds) most iconic leaders - his strengths, fears, and foibles as the world approached its second world war. I can't help believe that most people would jump at an opportunity to witness or learn what it was like for those involved and what was going on behind closed doors at such a fateful time. The movie was supposedly based upon a book written by a distant cousin who came to assist him during those difficult times - only to become the latest object of his affections. It strips away the veneer that historic figures attain and shows such leaders are real people too - not iconic cartoonish live action figurines. They are subject to same physical & emotional challenges, desires, fears, and...

99% Fabrication; Read The Book Instead
I want to thank the producers of this god-awful film for sending me running to Geoffrey Ward's "Closest Companion," the edited version of Daisy Suckley's diaries and the Suckley-Roosevelt correspondence that tells the real story of their special friendship. Having read many accounts of the Roosevelt administration and New Deal, including bios of FDR (Kearns Goodwin, Smith) and Eleanor (Wieson Cook), I was looking forward to "Hyde Park on the Hudson" I admire Murray and Linney, whose talents are wasted on this turgid, maudlin soap opera that takes heaps and heaps of liberties with history, distorting the characters of all concerned -- Suckley, FDR, Eleanor and the Royals -- and depicting and conflicts that almost certainly did not -- as certain as we can be w/o having been there, which these producers most assuredly were not -- occur.

Suckley was an upper-crust Hudson Valley lady, a sixth cousin of FDR, who become his devoted companion and best friend. Although they had...

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A Man Betrayed

A Man Betrayed
Ordered a bad copy of this movie. Paid more but worth it for the difference in quality. Very very satisfied.

Francis Dee
In this movie Francis Dee is stunning beautiful! Wearing a broad brimmed hat framing her face she is a knockout. She could have been a good scarlett in GWTW and she tested for it.

John Wayne
There is no star like Wayne. Anything he is in is good. Only John Ford could have made this better.

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Beyond Pollution

Watch This Film!
There are certain documentaries that take your breath away - some because of the beauty of the natural phenomena they share, others because of the horror of war as depicted in photographs and videos with running commentary from the fields where war is happening - both abroad and at home, as in watching the films of 9/11 or the Boston Marathon explosions. A well-made documentary should jolt us to action: BEYOND POLLUTION does just that.

This masterfully constructed and documented film by Barker White places the heinous action of BP oil company in our faces. It is not pretty nor is it sensationalized. This is excellent reportage of the tragedy of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill three years ago in April of 2010. The images of the explosion of the oil rig are not unlike the films we have seen of the atomic bomb explosions and the aftermath of that disaster is almost equal - and continues to decimate the peoples in the states touching the Gulf of Mexico.

But very, very...

Depressing But Worth Watching
News Junkies will learn little new here, but viewing weeks and months of blaring headlines in a compressed format adds to the jolting impact of this tragedy. The film traces the BP disaster from the initial explosion to the current state of the Gulf with commentary by national politicians, local politicians, local affected citizens, scientists, and news reporters. The viewer is even taken back to the days of Reagan, the Bushes, and the Exxon Valdez to see how a lax system evolved to allow such an event to happen.

Mercifully there are few scenes of dead or dying oil soaked animals, scenes that are too painful to watch. The high point of the film for me is the segment about following the money. At this juncture it all comes together, and the involvement of one major player, a prominent friend and contributor of the current White House, who has much to gain by suppressing facts about the real impact of the massive oil spill is quite the revelation.

If you can...

Deregulation Kills The Ecosystem
Probably one of the most comprehensive documentaries on American oil disasters, "Beyond Pollution" covers all the bases. Beginning with the Exxon Valdez debacle, the director and his team recount how since that disaster, the entire areas ecological system has collapsed. The human toll is great as well with serious illness and death accounted for by the clean-up crew.

When the focus is on the BP spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, the truth comes out. Back in the Reagan and Bush years, regulations on the oil industry were so relaxed that hundreds and hundreds of spills occurred over the years. Nearly every single year, there was a major spill somewhere. These are events that most Americans don't know about. Not to lay blame on one side of the political aisle, the commentary shows that even in the Obama administration, not enough was done soon enough or fast enough.

Culminating dozens and dozens of television interviews and news reports, "Beyond Pollution" gives...

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House Party 2 [HD]

A anytime movie when you just want to kick back and chill.
This movie is funny and relaxing. It really puts you bcak in the day when everything was just alright. Watch this movie and "roll" with Kid 'n' Play! And if you love Martin Lawrence then you will love this movie. House Party 1 and 3 are also recommended.

Boom,Shaka-laka-laka!!!
This is one of the most funniest films that would really want to make you laugh harder and harder and completely HARDER!!!No other comedy film is as good as House Party 2!Peace,everybody!!!

Its the best.
I rate the three house party's as follows. There is nothing to say other than KidnPlay is a dynasty. All movies are worth owning. Maybe not #4.

1. Classic awesome

2. Best one

3. Funny As hell.

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One Life

Re release of other BBC films
Today in between planning for tomorrow's flying mission we ran up to get some supplies at WalMart and I noticed that there was a new BBC film, which I was excited about. I own every other BBC documentary that has come out since Blu Ray was invented. So this evening I got started watching the film and I thought to myself after the first few scenes that the last part looked really familiar, but didn't think much of it. I was again planning for a flight so I was only 50% paying attention. I think somewhere around twenty minutes into it I started watching closely because I noticed that the start of the Mountain Goat scene was straight from Life (another BBC film). Then the next scene on the Komodo Dragon was also from Life. To say I was disappointed was an understatement, if all of the scenes in the film are going to be from past films at least say that on the box. Additionally, Daniel Craig's voice just isn't as captivating as David Attenborough's. I would say if you are thinking about...

Did NOT live up to expectation
I own Life, Planet Earth, Human Planet, Africa, Baraka, Samsara, and many other tales of mother Earth. Unfortunately most of my ,somewhat, older series are on DVD. So I ordered One Life on BR for image Quality expecting may be a few extras. There is nothing new. What was a little sad is that they tried to stick too many sequences into one disk. The story jumps from animal to animal in Life, giving each maybe 5 mins (approximate). The fast pace doesn't allow for a connection between me and the subject to form and blossom.

Recycled video, but still a good show
One Life is an 85 minute documentary that provides short snippets of a lot of animals and... one plant. I'm not positive, but the vast majority of these snippets are actually taken from Life (the full series, not just an episode or 2).

With that being said, this is short enough watch in a single sitting, and if you have children, one 85 minute episode is easier for them to "swallow" than 550 minutes that makes up the entirety of the Life series.

Video:

High quality, 1080p encode. No blips or video concerns. Bit rate generally sits in the 25+ mbps range, up to a high of about 33 mbps.

It must be said that the BBC crews really know how to capture stunning vistas and the tiniest details. They grab dramatic camera angles, even when they aren't really showing much. It's positively amazing.

Audio:

DTS-HD 5.1. They use the effects of the surround channel quite well, and really helps immerse you in the drama of the...

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Philip Roth: Unmasked

if you are very interested in philip roth
i was pleasantly surprised about philip roth's candidness and charm. somewhere, i had gotten the idea that he was a driven, cranky old man. he may be either, or both, but in this long and fascinating interview, he comes across as warm and serious artist with a wry sense of humor.
although i read "goodbye columbus" and "portnoy's complaint" years ago, i was moved to begin reading roth's other books when i read that he was retiring.
so far, i've read "indignation" and "the human stain", and i've started "sabbath's theater. i can see why roth has won so many major awards. i don't believe he is through with writing, as he says, and i do believe he will win the nobel prize.





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The Opposite Sex [HD]

If you've ever dated...
I would reoccomend this movie to anyone who's ever dated, or who knows someone who's dated. It's histerical with heart. I've watched it dozens of times, and will continue to until the tape wears out. For an enjoyable evening, you can't go wrong with this movie.

Outstanding comedy. Pokes fun at relationship quirks
This is an outstanding movie. It pokes fun at all of those little quirking things that we've all had to deal with in our past relationships. I've seen this one again and again and would recommend it to anyone.

Hilarious comedy about the quirks of dating
This cast is very funny together. This is not a "mind bender" movie - it is just for those who are looking for a good laugh. We can all relate to the quirks and blunders of dating. This movie makes me laugh out loud - over and over. I love it! I am always looking for it at video stores.

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Cake [HD]

Fun, lighthearted. Makes me smile.
Phillippa "Pippa" McGee (Heather Graham) returns home to attend yet another wedding, and begins to wonder if all of her once boldly independent girlfriends will succumb to the comforts of coupledom. She's satisfied to know that her best friend Lulu (played deliciously by Sandra Oh) is still a cohort in their Sex-in-the-City type antics. Then Pippa's father has a heart attack, and Pippa helps by taking over as editor for one of his magazines: Wedding Bells.

Pippa brings her personality to the job, and asks her confused new employees to push the status quo. Cheryl Hines and Bruce Gray play two of these characters -- and they are soooo funny. Also tied to this temporary new job is Ian Gray (played by David Sutcliffe), her father's uptight (and charming and handsome) VP. Ian doesn't want Pippa to destroy her ailing father's magazine, so he tries to rein in some of her crazier ideas. Of course the two butt heads.

And the two share an amazing chemistry.

I...

Have your Cake and Eat it ,Too
Director Nisha Ganatra and writer Tassie Cameron seem to have most of their experience in TV movies so this little slice of the industry is a change for them. Would that it were wholly successful because it seems as though both had a fine idea for something to say but just didn't know how to make it work. And again, blame the PR folks for making a cover for the DVD that not only seems silly, it has little to do with the story inside.

Pippa McGee (Heather Graham) is a travel writer, a hedonist, and an independent woman who avoids relationships like the plague. The film starts with a goofus dash for a wedding in which she is once again a bridesmaid on the run. After the ceremony she jokes with her best friend Lulu (Sandra Oh) who is equally against long term relationships beyond a quick shag, and she also meets one Ian (David Sutcliffe - Under the Tuscan Sun, Testosterone, Happy Endings etc), a handsome if shy young man who though attracted to Pippa, sees her as dangerous...

Fun, entertaining movie!
This is one of my favorite movies! Heather Graham is fantastic as Pippa, a free spirited travel writer who has a hard time committing to anything- especially men.

When she takes over her father's magazine, she meets Ian, played by the very talented and sexy David Sutcliffe. The two have great on-screen chemistry, and it's clear they will end up together in the end, but the unpredictable way in which they do is perfect.

But unlike many other romantic comedies, the movie has more going on than just the connection between the two main characters. The movie deals with Pippa's struggle to create a successful magazine, her feelings about remaining single while her friends around her are tying the knot, and the unresolved issues with her dad.

This is a great movie for anyone who enjoys a light, sweet, entertaining romantic comedy!

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All American Horror: Gateways To Hell

shane
When you are ready to witness true paranormal activity you should check out this video not that Hollywood junk posing as the real thing. This is truly scary stuff that will make you rethink ghosts.

NOT ready for the HISTORY Channel !
allamericanSo there is witnesses,Teams of investigators and some very awesome & real locations thru-out the country with ghosts and things that will do more to you than bump in the night.
Some highlights to visit: DEVIL'S STAIRS in North Carolina ( Wait there is alot of Spooky in N. C and the South),Serious WHY would you want to temp Lucifer or whoever is doing "That Mr Bojangles routine up & down this staircase,Shirley Temple would pass on it."
HANGING HOUSE in Wilmington,N.C.,So LIKE "Amityville" house this one was REALLY built on a grave site and the bones don't like you walking over them.
CEMETERY GATES in N.Y., So all those cable shows that preach re-use or refurbishing,Would NEVER re-do these (period).
HAUNTED HOSPITAL in Kentucky,YIKES ! The place where they sent TB patients to die and some nurses are still there haunting for patients Hundreds of years later.
RAILROAD PHANTOM,From who knows where ? So,She may have been murdered and thrown from the train...



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Turner And Hooch [HD]

The Greatest Dog Actor of All Time
This is a great light and funny comedy that I think everybody can enjoy. It does have a bit of violence but it is not over the top with it. Hanks is his usual funny self and this is one of his early roles before he became the serious icon that he has become and rightly so. But the STAR of the movie is HOOCH the Dogue de Bourdeaux (or French Mastiff). This dog has the most charisma I have ever seen in a dog. The big red beautiful (in the eyes of the beholder)beast has everything it takes to steal the spotlight from Tom Hanks and everybody else in the movie. He is at the same time one of the ugliest and cutest animals ever on film. The dog has the chops, the look and the acting ability to make Turner and Hooch and all time favorite for both adults and kids (maybe not too young though cause of the crime plot) but watching Hanks play off the dog is hilarious.

One of the least appreciated, sweet little films of all time
Thoroughly charming - one of those rare films that is unabashedly what it means to be: a simple movie about a man learning to love something besides himself. In this case, it happens to be a dog (a very unusual beloved beast). There are little gems of performances, John McIntire as Amos, who brings the old saw about "people look like their dogs" to life, and Mare Winningham who really shows how powerful a performance understatement can make. And of course Tom Hanks, who is as always the most charming human being in the world. He also brings this very flawed person to admirable life. Then Hooch, of course, whose real name is sadly lacking in the list of credits.

The screenplay itself is a marvel of simple, unassuming comedy. If we want to get "appreciatin'", then Hanks' urgently yelled, "I got a muffin for you, Hooch!" is a far more immediate and understandable cry of the everyman than "Reuben! Reuben!" And there can be no more perfect...

Best Movie Dog
What a great movie. Ever since this movie came out my daughter has wanted a mastif just like Hooch. Thank goodness she can satisfy herself with this dogs antics by watching the movie over and over again. Although this movie looks very eighties/early nineties it has timeless appeal. Definately worth owning.

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Meet the Fokkens

Loved It!
I really enjoyed watching this because it wasn't forced. They just followed these two sisters around and talked to them and made a very interesting documentary about them. I really fell in love with these two women by the end. They were just real people with interesting lives.

However, if you want to see a movie about prostitution in the US. The best one to date is "American Courtesans". American Courtesans

Just okay
I just rented this on-line, due to a co-worker's suggestion.

It was interesting, but just okay for me.

Rent it for the information.

Surprised by graphic content
I heard about the sisters, and how they had started a union for prostitutes. I guess I thought it would be more of a historic perspective of unique lives. There is a lot of serious material, covering the ignominious entry into the world of prostitution, family & personal relationships, & public perception/prejudice. One sister's daughter had the courage to be filmed & interviewed. There were graphic scenes with one of the sisters working with/on/for customers, which shouldn't be shocking all things considered, but still was a little.

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Russell Peters: The Green Card Tour - Live from The O2 Arena [HD]

Not his best...
Maybe it's because of the UK crowd and a remark about wanting to have a reaction if they are enjoying the show - he said a previous show didn't seem like it went well until he read the reviews. This particular show wasn't a favorite of mine when compared to the others available on Amazon Prime.

A new show; the hilarity continues
The show is hilarious, as is all of his stuff I've ever seen. A few of the jokes were semi-recycled, but only someone who watches his other DVDs as much as I do might know that. (I often put them on as background noise as I do chores.) And they weren't completely the same, so it worked out ok. The venue was huge, which gave an interesting perspective to the show, and Russell still tried to incorporate those in the audience who were further out than immediately in front of him. This review isn't all that helpful, but honestly, I was laughing the whole time, and I have nothing bad to say about the show. Isn't that compliment enough? :)



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Lord of the G-Strings (R-Rated Version)

Funny enough for the wife too.
I thought this movie needed a review from a married women. I thought this movie was the funniest porn we've watched since Bratgirl. Perhaps if your sitting home alone then this movie isn't for you but if you are looking for some fun to start a night of more fun then I think this movie is a great start.

It is full of puns, bad jokes and VERY tame sexual situations. My husband says it's almost tame enough to be party porn, I'm not sure I would say that. However if you are a fan of LOTR then this movie will get you laughing and get things going.

Well worth the money!
I purchased this movie because the title was so perfect. I knew when I bought it would have a bunch of cheesy jokes and lots of sexual innuendos. I was so right! If you like this type of movie like I do then it is well worth it. I watched it with my wife and she even enjoyed it.

If you want to buy a movie with a buch of naked women ... then this is the video for you.

Hits the G-Spot!
Obviously, "Lord of the G-Strings" is an enjoyable spoof on "Lord of The Rings", and a pretty well-done one at that, considering the usual in this genre. The actresses are gorgeous, the film is essentially surrounded in beauty, though the dialogue is predictably weak, as is the acting, but it is all in good fun, after all. "Schmirnoff" The Wizard is a likable goofball, the Orcs here called "Dorcs" are a bumbling lot, "Dildo Saggins" takes the place of Bilbo Boggins as an enchanting girl who possesses the omnipotent G-String which must be destroyed lest it be captured by "Sourasse", who's primary weaponry consists of his deadly sulphurus emanations, battles Schmirnoff in the end. Accompanying Dildo throughout "Diddle Earth" are two lovely "Throbbit" companions who routinely pleasure each other in a lesbian lust-fest at every opportunity, although the most remarkable scenes have to be the orgy beside the camp-fire {which lasts a generous amount of time, accompanied with Middle-Eastern...

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3 Blind Saints [HD]

A MUST SEE FILM!
Fantastic! Good story line. Funny. And for those that watch carefully, a very pointed message. I look forward for more great films from Pastor Steve Gray / [...]

Fantistic!
Fantastic Movie!!! I would recommend for all ages. Finally, a movie the whole family can enjoy together. This is a quality movie from beginning to end. Thanks!

Good, Clean Family Fun!
A rare find among movies today, Three Blind Saints is hysterically funny, clean, and has a great message that is not too "preachy." I highly recommend it!

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The Wash [HD]

"The Wash" Review
"Friday" co-writer DJ Pooh tries for another run at the urban buddy comedy concept with superstar rap duo, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg playing roomates who go from the closest of buds to being at odds when Dre gets a supervising job at the car wash where Snoop works. Despite a pretty solid supporting cast including George Wallace, Tommy "Tiny" Lister, Lamont Bentley, and Alex Thomas, this one is all over the place. Dre and Snoop's musical chemistry doesn't seem to translate too well into the cinematic world. Both seemed more comfortable in the bit parts they played in "Training Day" than they do trying to be the stars of their own feature. Pooh the writer seems content with sticking to the same tired drug humor and fart jokes while Pooh the director uses big-name rapper cameos to cover up these faults. The film is so stuffed with silly gags in fact that the movie's biggest conflict is pushed to the closing 20 minutes, leaving the audience with the impression...

Fairly Wack
Snoop had some funny lines but overall this film is at best a direct to Video type of film.this film in no way should be compared to Car Wash at all it ain't even close.this film is surrounded with a 2ns tier cast of Comedians overall to me.I dig George Wallace He had some moments.Eminem did nothing for this clunker.Dr.Dre has no Screen Pressence He tries to hard.Music is His Strength not Making Film.

ummmm
this is a film with snoop n dre. the story and dialogue is mostly poor but the funnier moments r worth watching again. my advice is get richard pryors car wash which is better and is the basis of this flick

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Hemingway & Gellhorn

3 1/2 stars for HBO biopic with a sizzling Nicole Kidman
This HBO film is more about the career and life of Martha Gellhorn who became Ernest Hemingway's third wife. Don't get me wrong, Clive Owen's Hemingway gets equal screen time with beautiful Nicole Kidman's Gellhorn but as she puts it at the end of the movie, she won't be a footnote in someone else's life.

With a close up of Kidman as a now 70-something subject of an interview, the opening scene gives the viewer an idea of the quality that would persist throughout the next 2

33 Postcards

Amazing movie but depressing
If I were rating this movie on the acting or storyline, I would give it 5 stars. The plot is gutwrenchingly bittersweet. For entertainment, though, this is the kind of movie I need to be 'in the mood for'. I don't want to give away spoilers but there were aspects of this movie that were very dark and depressing- especially for someone who is in their 40's or 50's, wishing they had lived a different life. It really captures the idealism and innocence of youth and contrasts that with the realism of being older and wanting to find purpose. This is not a fun-to-watch-with-the-family kind of movie. For me, even though it was well done and I didn't want to stop watching, it left me feeling a bit bleak. At this point in my life, though I think films and books of all ilk are/can be of value, when I sit down to watch a movie, I want to be entertained and taken out of my life for a bit of escapism. Maybe that is shallow or silly of me, but this was a bit too introspective. My husband...

Incredible.
After reading reviews prior to watching the film, I was afraid I may be disappointed or be depressed at the end. But what a wonderful movie. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I thought I would be sad at the end or be depressed...but what a surprise. If you have a good heart, please do watch it. Don't mind the bad reviews you may read.

Worth the frustrations of streaming HD
I'm always surprised anymore when storytellers are able to deliver without an onslaught of vulgarity. This movie was one of those surprises. It isn't a comedy, and as other reviewers have said, you do spend some time worried about the characters, but ultimately it was uplifting. It was an engaging story.

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Your Highness [HD]

Black Swan goes east-bound and down.
How ... why ... who ... what...?

What just happened there?

Why am I laughing?

What, in the vernacular, the (...ahem) "heavens" was that?

Your Highness is wrong on so many levels. It ought to be a disaster. For reasons I can't fathom, it isn't. It is absurd, gratuitous, vulgar, childish, stupid and utterly incongruous. And I thought it was great.

Natalie Portman playing against Danny McBride: what kind of fevered imagination comes up with that sort of an idea? What sort of miracle worker makes it actually happen? What sort of genius makes it work?

And that's just the start: There are jarring conflicts everywhere you look. Animal husbandry: You may cross a horse with a donkey and get a mule, but some hybrids just don't go: You don't play a Black Swan against Kenny Powers. You...

Gay as in happy
W.T.F. Why the hell are there so many bad reviews in here about this movie? This movie was hilarious! Think about it; Natalie Portman, a Minotaur raping a skinny little guy, a character created just so they can say "dick-less" servant, and a forest full of naked hotties are just a few elements of this film that make this a very good movie! If you had high hopes for this movie, then you're just not thinking right. That like grabbing a glass of 7-up and expecting water when you take a drink. I'm just saying.

Seriously though. Take it as it is. A fresh swing at a stoner type comedy. It isn't a re-make of any other movies, unlike a lot of the other movies on the shelves right now. You don't have to be high or drunk to enjoy it, although I'm sure it might enhance it. If this isn't your cup of tea, then chalk up your rental fee as a loss and STFU. As for the rest of us that liked it, I'm going to wait a couple months and watch it again and laugh my ass off...again...

Very bold fantasy comedy
This movie reminds me of an online rpg; sword and sorcery setting (provided by the developers) mixed with very creative vulgarity (provided by a lot of the players). The attention to detail in the script and sets is extremely refreshing. I should think people with an uninhibited sense of humor will be laughing from start to finish. There are perhaps dozens of instant-classic lines and moments.
Those who don't like the idea of over-the-top adult themes mixed with their dungeons and dragons should steer well clear, because that's what this film offers in spades.

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Fast Five (Extended Version) [HD]

Fast Five brings the family back for one final job and a action packed thrill ride!
Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster team up again for some more heart pounding adrenaline action. This movie takes place after Fast and Furious. The film brings the crew back together in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil for one last job to get their freedom before disappearing forever. Some of the previous stars through the past Fast and Furious films return, including Tyrese Gibson, (Roman Pearce - 2 Fast 2 Furious) Ludacris (Tej - 2 Fast 2 Furious), Gal Gadot, (Gisele - Fast and Furious) Matt Schulze (Vince -The Fast and Furious) and Sung Kang (Han - Tokyo Drift) all return for one of the most action packed Fast and Furious movies ever. They are faced with a tough federal agent Luke Hobbs (the Rock) who will stop at nothing to hunt them down. I will not give away any more but, I'm happy to say Fast Five does not disappoint. This Movie is action packed from start to finish, and even though it has many over the top moments it is still one heck of an enjoyable action ride. Just like the...

Extended Cut vs. Theatrical Cut Differences
Beware, the extended cut of the movie primarily adds minor content changes; there is one new scene, which is detailed below.

The Extended Cut is slightly over one minute longer than the theatrical cut, most new scenes add just CGI blood, most of the time the blood being barely noticeable.

1) When Zizi's armed thugs attack Toretto's hideout, one of the thugs has his gun turned on himself by Toretto with CGI blood added in.

2) When Hobbs attacks three of Zizi's thugs in the favela shootout, there is re-inserted CGI blood when Hobbs shoots one and knifes the other. The neck breaking of the last thug seems a little more brutal.

3) Hobbs' men fire on Zizi's thugs for a few seconds longer.

4) Slightly extended scene where Tej asks for a duplicate safe.

5) New scene: Discussion by Toretto's crew regarding breaking into the safe and transporting it. They discuss the existence of the bathroom having a ventilation shaft...

The Best of the Franchise
This is just a great film. It's fun, it's loud, it's got story, and it's got gorgeous girls and amazing cars. That's the recipe for an awesome blockbuster. I'd heard the hype, and had always planned to see it, but I didn't know it would be as good as it was. it was just bada**. I came to Amazon the minute it was over to try and pre-order the Blu-ray--it is that good. Sure, it's cliche a lot of the time, but cliche doesn't have to be a bad thing. If you liked the original film then this is right on par with that--I think it's even better.I can't wait for the 6th one to come out!

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Shotgun Wedding

Constant Laughs
It had me laughing from beginning to end. I would recommend this to all of my friends regardless of age. Anyone who needs a laugh, look no further...





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The Impossible

A Family Divided: This True Life Disaster Drama Serves Up An Emotional Gut Punch
Going into a movie like "The Impossible," I knew exactly what to expect. Based on the real life experiences of Maria Belon (who takes a story credit) and her family, the film focuses on the harrowing tsunami that devastated Thailand in 2004. "The Impossible" never attempts to be anything more than it is and that is much to its credit. In a waking nightmare, the simple story highlights one family affected by the trauma. Separated, injured, and scared beyond belief, it recounts the struggle to stay alive and the quest to reconnect. This is NOT a film about plot, however, for the outcome is predetermined (and pretty much given away in the marketing even if you haven't heard any peripheral information). This is solely about the journey. And with a handful of remarkable performances and with sweeping effects, the movie works on an entirely visceral level that is likely to leave you emotionally drained. While perhaps not perfect, it is a gut wrenching experience that is hard to shake...

A 12-year-old Boy Became a Man
I just watched a 12-year-old boy become a man. After 114 grueling minutes of calamity piled upon disaster followed by tragedy, I got a lump in my throat along with the rest of the audience as we saw a dauntless family do its best to cope with a vacation gone very, very wrong. "Lo imposible" is based on a book by María Belón which in turn was inspired by true events that occurred during the catastrophic tsunami that devastated southeast Asia in 2004.

We follow:
* Naomi Watts ("J. Edgar") is María, a physician who has suspended her career to raise a family.
* Ewan McGregor ("Salmon Fishing in the Yemen") is Henry, her husband, who has concerns about his job but most particularly whether or not he re-set the house alarm when they left for their vacation.
* Tom Holland (voice:"The Secret World of Arrietty") is Lucas, a mildly rebellious tween but a good kid. Once he and his badly injured mother are stranded in the bewildering detritus...

Not since 12-yr old Christian Bale's Performance in Empire of the Sun has a young man given such a tremendous performance
The young Tom Holland brings heart, soul, and courage to his performance. Much of the emotion in the film is expressed through his reactions.

Naomi Watts was also stellar.

This was not a sugar-coated account of the tsunami, but rather real, raw, and powerful. Of course, I had to google the real family. What an amazing story.

Makes you want to go and hug all of your loved ones.

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The Baytown Outlaws [HD]

Yesss
Great movie! Great acting. Loved everything from the creative storyline and direction to the bits of humor among the intensity. Language and graphics aren't for weak stomachs, but it needed raw for impact and was very engaging. I'm going to keep my eye out for anything else Barry Battles creates. This was fresh and super entertaining.

Grab a gun and get crazy!
Had a GREAT time watching this movie! If you love a shoot em' up then give this one a try. The action is non-stop and the characters are just plain fun to watch. The language us really rough, but if you can overlook that you'll have a great time.

Better than it had a right to be.
No idea where this movie came from, but it completely exceeded expectations. Great action, totally solid work from everyone involved... completely fun and campy... ridiculous without being annoying. If you're the type of person who likes this kind of movie -- you know who you are -- then you should totally watch Baytown Outlaws.

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The American [HD]

Terrific, though it's not what you expect....
I find 'The American' a hard sell as a film. It's not an action-thriller like the trailers make it out to be, nor would I call it a character drama or art house piece. I can't see either of these audiences appreciating this film on the level it wants you to. I think that's why I like it so much, there's nothing else like it in theaters (at least not right now).

'The American' is about cold-blooded professional "Jack" who, after being attacked in Sweden with his girlfriend (which ends violently but not the way you think) is directed by his associate to hide out in a small town in Italy. He ends up friending a priest and a prostitute and takes a job building/modifying a weapon for an assassin. Of course his old enemies catch up to him but the movie chooses more to focus on the main character's slow change from cold-professional to 'maybe' redeemable human being. There's some (very good) action and sex but the story's told in a very leisurely fashion with little dialogue. It's...

The American
"The American" is a superbly crafted, visually captivating and subtle character driven drama with an incredibly 70's European style and sensibility. Be warned those looking for an action filled generic thriller will be severely disappointed. This is an artful character study about a troubled assassin nearing the end of what we can tell to be a long career. The general tone of the film mirrors that of the characters personality, a tense and emotionally reserved perfectionist. There is not too much emotion through much of the film because like its main character it is hard for him and the film to open up, or let anyone in. This is probably the most suspenseful film I have seen this year. It becomes hard to trust anyone he meets and I found myself becoming just as paranoid as he was at times. The performances were all wonderful, this was the most reserved I have seen Clooney since "Syriana". He played the character with such subtly and depth. I thought the end was fantastic. I felt it...

A niche film for philosophers...
I felt it was necessary to balance the scales a little after reading the many shallow reviews written by others who were duped by the action-movie marketing. No it's not an action movie, but if you grow up a little & see it as a realistic telling of a man's misspent life then you can come to appreciate how well crafted a film it is. It's not a film for testosterone junkies but if you're an intellectual with a colorful past who can appreciate how a man can "grow up" after age 40 & learn to love life- then you might get it. As other smart reviewers have noted- it's not for the teeming mass of recent boot-camp graduates(I'm paraphrasing), but those of us who've left that far behind us will look upon it with knowing eyes. Enjoy it for the good acting & the beautiful locations & the polished idea it presents. You can't escape your past & that's what should be understood from this movie.

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Coin Toss

Great movie must watch
We all watch this movie, my kids love this movie. Very creative and fun oriented movie; all characters are so perfect in their role. I love way the way mathematics, famous one named in this movie!
We should have these kid of movies. Best luck to Satya Kharkar.

Really good movie
I really liked watching this movie. Good fortune will always follow you if you have good intentions. A simple thought presented really well. Everybody did really great job. All the best to Satya Kharkar.

Full on Entertainment!
I just loved this film in every sense. Good characters, great story and well acted, superbly directed film. My whole family watched it together...very nice family drama indeed!

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Thale (subtitled)

Perfect Indy Horror/Drama
This is premium quality, foreign, indy film. The characters are well developed, the flash backs are done creatively and cleanly and no one tried to overstep their bounds with effects. I felt genuine emotion during the dramatic sequences and wished it had been longer. I can imagine some people will find fault with specific parts of the movie after having rented/ purchased it but in my opinion this movie delivers what it promises. I wish that the writers had made the time span we get to spend with the three main characters longer and that there had been a few more action sequences. I think it's worth every penny of a rental fee and I would consider purchasing it.

Great Realistic Feel for Indie Fantasy, It is Not Horror
Meet the "Huldra" - a mythological forest creature (humanoid) from Scandinavian Lore. The setting is beautiful at times, but primarily focused upon a woodland cabin (underground warren) and surrounding terrain. However, this low budget Indie approach works, as we experience the daily grind of two men who clean houses, including those with crime scenes or dead occupants. These characters are nicely developed as the story unfolds, and you end up caring about them. They are dealing with the burdens of life - as we all are. Their mundane cleaning assignment takes an "Alice" turn when they decide to fall down the metaphorical rabbit hole only to meet a seemingly "habituated" Huldra. The performances are good all around, with the actors carrying the water without much dialogue - they must rely upon emotion, interaction, flashbacks, physical, etc. The pace and plot are just fine, albeit slower than the big budget stuff - same feel as Troll Hunter. The CGI was well done for the price, and I...

Thale a modern fairy tale.
Hollywood should take lessons from this film. A simple tale became an excellent film. Huldra's supposingly live in the forest, but this one is special. You won't understand the nature of this gift till the end. It is a remarkable story that is told in the simplest terms. no pretense here. This sits right next to "Let the right one In". I bought this as a pay-for-view and then bought the Blue Ray. It is a great film. Give it a try.

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The Space Invaders: In Search of Lost Time

Great!
Reminds me of the good old 80's and being a child again. Thanks for keeping the games alive for future generations.

Great flash back to the arcade days
This is a fun film that took me back to the arcade days of Donkey Kong and Mario Brothers, complete with the great audio and visual that were so exciting back in the day. I was taken back to a time when I would spend hours earning tickets playing skeet ball, and seeing how many levels I could reach in the newest version of Mario Brothers.

It's a great look at the evolution of the video arcade, from the early days when it was all new and futuristic, through the quick decline, and to the remnants left today. The movie profiles some passionate folks that have held on to the magic, and will forever be fans this memorable era.

EXCELLENT if you are into classic vids
This is truly comprehensive coverage of a real obsession. Great film of machines and shows some of the best home arcades. If you were 8-20 years old between 1978-1984 this is a must see.

I hope they put it on DVD.

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The Four [Blu-ray]

Best of Breed
This movie is an unapologetic Wuxia film; swordsmanship, kung-fu, and magic on very side. It doesn't transcend the genera, but it is among the very best examples of it. Other reviewers have noted that there is some skimping on the character development, and that is true, but Wuxia is not a style that goes in for much character development beyond certain basic archetypes. Furthermore, as the Wikipedia entry on the film notes, the novels this film is based on have already been adapted to television several times, in Hong Kong, so the target audience already knows these people. We Westerners are just going to have to catch up.

If you are looking for historical accuracy, or realistic fighting, or shakespearean eloquence, then you have come to the wrong place. But if you are looking for top-flight fantasy fun, well shot, well acted, with thrilling fights and glorious special effects, then by no means pass this one up.

The Four
I frist saw it on Youtube. I like the story. I grew up watching this type of movie. It is based on a book. The movie was well made. The price is good as well.

Excellent Movie
Was well worth watching. Effects are very well done and the acting was just as good.
For comparison sake I would have to say this movie is equal in production to movies such as "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" and "The Forbidden Kingdom"... etc.
Though the fist half of the movie jumped right over character development(Lacked in good introduction), it did not take away from the overall experience.
Glad I took the chance with this one.. "thoroughly enjoyed it".

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The Four

Best of Breed
This movie is an unapologetic Wuxia film; swordsmanship, kung-fu, and magic on very side. It doesn't transcend the genera, but it is among the very best examples of it. Other reviewers have noted that there is some skimping on the character development, and that is true, but Wuxia is not a style that goes in for much character development beyond certain basic archetypes. Furthermore, as the Wikipedia entry on the film notes, the novels this film is based on have already been adapted to television several times, in Hong Kong, so the target audience already knows these people. We Westerners are just going to have to catch up.

If you are looking for historical accuracy, or realistic fighting, or shakespearean eloquence, then you have come to the wrong place. But if you are looking for top-flight fantasy fun, well shot, well acted, with thrilling fights and glorious special effects, then by no means pass this one up.

The Four
I frist saw it on Youtube. I like the story. I grew up watching this type of movie. It is based on a book. The movie was well made. The price is good as well.

Excellent Movie
Was well worth watching. Effects are very well done and the acting was just as good.
For comparison sake I would have to say this movie is equal in production to movies such as "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" and "The Forbidden Kingdom"... etc.
Though the fist half of the movie jumped right over character development(Lacked in good introduction), it did not take away from the overall experience.
Glad I took the chance with this one.. "thoroughly enjoyed it".

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The House Of Seven Corpses [VHS Retro Style] 1974

House of Seven Corpses not for Mummy fans
There is a definite generation gap when it comes to appreciation of films in general and horror films in particular. At a mere 36 years old (OK, 37), I have no tolerance for the likes of The Mummy with Brendan Frasier or most other mass market video games masquerading as films. This stuff is all empty, loud, mind-numbing product, no different from the Coca-Cola you drink when you watch it. If this kind of talk is making you angry, you will not at all be interested in The House of the Seven Corpses, which is atmospheric, well-scripted and DOES feature rotting corpses. BUT they don't run really fast in massive groups, and the hero is about 65 years old so it wouldn't be becoming for him to leap 20 feet into the air and sever all 7 corpses at once.
Seven reasons to see The House of Seven Corpses:
1) Intriguing film-within-a-film self-reflexive weirdness
2) Clever dialogue as delivered by John Ireland
3) Cantankerous dialogue as delivered by John Carradine...

Utah Schlock-O-Rama!
Filmed in the Utah governor's mansion, this little cheap-o goodie is low on sense and high on atmosphere. It's highly entertaining, no matter how you choose to view it. On the one hand, it's actually pretty good as a simple, straightforward low-budget horror film; on the other, it's so cheaply made and (in some ways) nonsensical that you can good-naturedly laugh at it.

The story is a movie in a movie, which is always an enjoyable conceit: director John Ireland shoots a low-budget picture in the haunted Beal mansion, the owners of which all came to untimely and violent ends. The cast and crew don't take it very seriously, though middle-aged actress Faith Domergue (one of Howard Hughes' favorites, still surprisingly beautiful) wants to do her best since she is concerned about her future job prospects. In the interest of making the black-magic angle of the movie more believable - caretaker John Carradine heaps scorn on the filmmakers for their blatant disregard concerning the...

"The House of Seven Corpses" AKA: Who really killed Cleon?
The House of Seven Corpses was one of my favorite late night spooky movies that my brother and I would tune in on NYC's channel 9 or Boston's channel 36 beamed into our living room in upstate NY on early cable, sans the bells and whistles that today's teens enjoy. We used to take bets on who killed the ageing diva's (Faith Domergue's) cat Cleon (My money was on the director of the film within a film, John Ireland) as well as wonder why a witch like Mrs. Beale (at the start of the movie, they were re-enacting a seance scene for the movie the soon to be victims were shooting) would need a gun to protect herself from the Zombie she was summoning? John Carradine (who interrupts the seance/film shoot at the beggining of the movie) joined an excellent cast, including Faith and John, to put together a scary little film on a shoestring budget that is still fun and suspenseful even after multiple viewings. OK, you have to suspend disbelief, but that goes for most movies that provide escapist...

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La Moustache

Descent into madness? Maybe yes, maybe no.
This is an absolutely incredible film. Just wonderful.

I read the book a couple of years ago and recently re-read it. As I looked it up, I found a film had been made-- I didn't know about it-- so I immediately purchased a copy.

If you haven't read the book, you must. And, this time, reading the book first is probably a good choice.

I'm baffled that some seem to think the ending was unclear. I think it was very clear. However, I don't want to include any spoilers here. It's exactly as it seems to be. Exactly. So, if you're confused and looking for a hidden meaning, you won't find one. It's exactly as the main character understands it to be at the very end.

The movie starts out with Marc asking his wife, Agnes, if he should shave his mustache. He does, and she doesn't notice. As a matter of fact, nobody notices. When he confronts his wife and friends, they insist that he has not had a mustache for at least 15 years. Obviously, somebody...

Handsome, But Not Clean-Cut
The cover of this DVD misleads when it likens its drama to Hitchcock's work. There is actually nothing approaching a Hitchcock level of suspense here. However, the viewer is kept intellectually guessing, ping-ponging back and forth at least through the first part of the film, wondering, "Did the man have a moustache, or didn't he? Is he gaslighting his wife, or is she gaslighting him?"

Like the French language itself, there are so many letters of explanation in this film that don't get pronounced, but that inform the pronunciation of other letters in the words. Director Emmanuel Carrere refers to "ghosts" whose presence is felt, trailing the characters' lives. However again, none of this rises to the level of suspense.

Most of the value of this movie lies in its view of a marriage. This is an adult relationship, different from the kind we see in most American films where one spouse (usually the woman) is shown as mere adjunct to the man's answering call to...

"NOTICE ANYTHING DIFFERENT ?"
A man shaves his "moustache" and his his wife -- or are they lovers? -- insists he never had one. And then things get really strange. Is someone messing with his mind? Or vice versa?

Up to the end, I loved this funny (at first) and finally disturbing French film that slyly forces you to shift the paradigm you think you're in.

How fragile our shimmering realities if some little thing fractures our bubble.

How ephemeral our identities that are held together by nothing more than fleeting reflections of self.

If you're fond of French films like Caché and Lemming, this one is a tasty treat up to a point.

But be warned that no matter how glued you might be to the unfolding Hitchcockian twists, the final ending is a HUGE, FRUSTRATING DISAPPOINTMENT. In fact, it made me angry to be so unsatisfied. There's such a thing too much trimming and editing to achieve some kind of minimalist existential French ambiance. The end of a...

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Pawn

A Deliciously Plotted Movie
Give an actor a good role and he'll do it for "nothing".

That axiom certainly applies to the cast of PAWN, a 2013 thriller, now available in a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack from Anchor Bay Entertainment.

Shot in fifteen days, primarily on a single set and location, PAWN is a low budget tense drama, filled with unexpected plot twists, that features not inexpensive actors like Michael Chiklis, Stephen Lang, Ray Liotta, Nikki Reed, Sean Faris and Forest Whitaker in memorable key roles.

To reveal much about the plot would lead to spoilers, so let's just say that it revolves around the hold-up of an all-night diner that goes terribly wrong. Indeed, just when you think that you've got everything figured out, the scene shifts backward or forward in time, and you are, once again, left wondering. PAWN, directed by David A. Armstrong from Jay Anthony White's well-crafted screenplay, is one of those deliciously plotted movies, like THE USUAL SUSPECTS, that demands a...

Entertaining, but not a classic
Nothing relaxes me more than curling up on the sofa with an interesting movie. It does not have to be a classic that I will watch over and over again, but it has to be entertaining. This movie definitely fits in the entertaining mode. Now if you want to pick it apart with things like character development etc as have been discussed by so many other reviewers, I will agree that it has some weak spots. However, if you take it for what it is...entertainment...it was very enjoyable.

It's a game with lots of moves still left on the board
I received 'Pawn' as an Amazon Vine reviewer and just watched it last night.

An action thriller that keeps you guessing all the way through, it's got a lot to like for those who enjoy the genre as I do. Great acting by some well known and not-so well known actors, with stories interwoven in such a way that it holds your interest the entire way through.

Good cops, bad cops, reformed thugs and in the moment predators all collide at an all-night diner. There's no doubt it's going to get bloody, but what's it really all for? Just a quick hold up for jewelry and cash? Nah... there's more at stake than that, and the innocents caught in the middle struggle to understand and survive.

I'd recommend this film based upon Michael Chiklis' Irish accent alone! (Maybe it was English? Whatever... liked it.) Ray Liotta is basically 'Good Fellas' gone gray, but hey, it's Ray. Forest Whitaker did a great job in his small role, and the supporting cast was...

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A Haunted House [HD]

Not as bad as everybody says
I wasn't expecting too much from a movie like this one. You already have an idea of parodies being annoyingly stupid, but people still goes to the movie theater and they watch them, but "A Haunted House" is actually funny. The movie follows the structure of the Paranormal Activity movies, but it's a funny parody (the Wayans say it's not exactly a parody). You'll also see parodies of recent exorcism movies like The Last Exorcism or The Devil Inside. The only thing I didn't liked were the sexual jokes; I think they are okay, but not every five minutes, because it gets old really fast and even disgusting at times. I would recommend the movie to people who likes parodies like Scary Movie or Disaster Movie, and even Paranormal Activity fans. You will have a good time, but don't expect too much, just the necessary.

a haunted house review
very funny film Marion Wayans plays Malcolm and Essence Atkins plays Kisha. When Malcolm and Kisha move into their dream house they soon discover that they.re not alone . because Kisha is possessed . Some of the jokes are crude . But if you like horror comedies like scary movie. you will love this film as well.

FOR A GOOD TIME CALL 666
This is a very funny African-American spoof of the found footage films. The humor borders on low brow for much of the film. Kisha (Essence Atkins) moves in with Malcolm (Marlon Wayans) and almost immediately claims the house is possessed as she finds her keys on the floor. Malcolm sets up cameras and uses techniques he learned from watching "Scooby-Doo."

If you have seen the Paranormal series, you can't help but laugh at this film which includes a gay psychic (Nick Swardson) who is more interested in Malcolm than the ghost; the camera installer (David Koechner) who also is part of "The Ghost guys"; a priest in training (Cedric the Entertainer) and a couple who want a "Mandingo Party."

The humor while crude, I enjoyed, as it wasn't simply crude for crude's sake.

Parental Guidance: F-bomb, N-word, comical sex, nudity.

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The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia

Worth a watch!
The only similarity between this movie and the original 'Haunting in Connecticut' is the title. Two totally different movies.. Ghosts of Georgia actually takes place in Georgia and nothing about Connecticut is ever mentioned.

The story is based on a couple and their daughter, who just moved into a new home in the countryside of Georgia. Their daughter begins seeing people or ghosts, and the story of who lived on this property years ago begins to unfold. It has to do with the underground railroad, slavery and is supposedly 'based on a true story'.

Overall it's a good film. It has a pretty good story-line and manages to keep you interested throughout, with constant ghost scenes. The movie really strives on it's good acting by Chad Michael Murray, Abigal Spencer & Emily Alyn Lind.

A true ghost story, and very well done. Definitely worth a watch!

surprisingly good!
I like that it was based on the under ground railroad, it was a good movie I would recommend it & im hard to impress!

Scary
Great scary movie; watched the 1st movie, too! Watched A Haunting & The Haunting series about this story; it's supposed to be true. :)

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9 BALL

Not bad
It seems like a fairly large marketing scheme for the APA. But Jennifer Barretta plays a mediocre-decent role playing gail never having acted professionally before. If you are a pool junkie that likes to see husle based movies. Go ahead and watch it!

I've seen worse...
But I see a lot of movies. 9 BALL ranks in the all time top 10 movies about billiards. Unfortunately there haven't been very many such movies, and the number of truly great ones can be counted on the fingers of one negligent punch press operator's hand. The mostly amatuer cast, highlighted by Jennifer Barretta, makes an honest effort but are undone by a cliche-ridden script and poor direction. Tony Palma's true talent is in raising money for very low budget films... not so much in making them.

Excellent Movie
Great to see a new classic style pool movie out there recognizing women in the game. It was inspirational and promotes league play as opposed to hustling. Very enjoyable.

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Finders Keepers: The Root of All Evil

Turns out Looking at the cover art for 112 minutes...is more interesting
Pretty sure one of the reviews here is a shill, but more power to free (false)advertising and promotion.

I love bad movies good movies and everything in between, this "movie" however is a bad lesson in film making. That is, the premise is interesting, the directing is pretty good, even the cinematography is handled well and the acting overall was ok, with the best being the hot-body chick and the Neo-Nazi Channing tatum but meaner looking fellow ...the problem however is the overall execution was just plain bad.

Theres no editor listed and i suspect thats because they were fired for incompetency. Or perhaps the director was the editor and in that case he should have stopped after filming was done and found someone, anyone to cut the footage versus doing it himself.

I knew even before the "movie" started that this was gonna be a mess, because the opening credits and production information was chopped into a mess all on its own, I'm not sure how anyone...

Hot, steaming, and tapers to a gentle end forming a perfect "J".
One of the other reviewers apparently has seen another Timothy Woodward movie. If this is truly the case, Howard might never see an Oscar, but he definitley deserves the Count Victor Lustig Award. Lustig only sold the Eiffel Tower twice.

Stupid Stupid Stupid
I thought the movie had A poor script, the actors couldnt act, and the filming could have been much better. I dont know how it rated 4 stars, which I used to order the stupid thing.

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The Grey Zone [HD]

Terrifying Tale of Unspeakable Horror
THE GREY ZONE is the finest film yet made about the horrors of the Nazi Final Solution for the extermination of the Jews and other undesirables in the concentration/death camps such as Auschwitz and Birkenau. While other movies about the Holocaust may be more accessible to the public at large and thus more apt to win Oscars, THE GREY ZONE is based upon hard facts and tells those facts in the most visually compelling and emotionally devasting manner imaginable. Tim Blake Nelson directed and penned the screenplay based on his own play of the same name which in turn was based on the writings of camp survivor Dr Miklos Nyiszlis. The title is descriptive on many levels: the constant darkness of the atmosphere around Auschwitz from the smoke and ash debris of the crematoriums, the different zones with the camp that designated the various levels of waiting for annhilation, and that zone (grey) between life (white) and death (black) that allowed some of the Jews to elect to be...

Tim Blake Nelson's story of the 12th Sonder-Kommandos
I knew that "The Grey Zone" was about a sonder-kommando unit at a Nazi concentration camp, which in and of itself would be an intensely dramatic situation. The sonder-dommandos where the Jews at death camps, such as Auschwitz II-Birkenau, who escorted their fellow Jews to die in the gas chambers, then took the bodies to the crematoriums, and disposed of the ashes. For four months the sonder-kommandos carried out their duties, and enjoyed (for lack of a better word), extra food, cigarettes, and even clean sheets. "The Grey Zone" is set in October of 1944, which meant that the end of the war was in site as Allied troops were moving on Germany (this is before the Hitler's last great counter offensive, the Battle of the Bulge), so four months could well mean being alive. Of course, this is if the Nazis do not decide to kill everybody in the camp before it is liberated.

Actually, there are a lot of "ifs" behind this 2001 film, directed by Tim Blake...

I AGREE with Michael Perry and here is some bibliography
As one who regularly teaches Holocaust literature and film, I was finally disturbed at the anachronisms of the language and attitudes of these men of the Sonderkommandos (who did not, by the way, as one reviewer claimed, 'elect' to join; many did not even know what they were selected for -- and those who refused were immediately killed)
but more to the point, Michael Perry is right on target with his comment:
Those who made this film seem captive their own culture and place in history, unaware that any other exists. Most of those involved in these historical events were born in Eastern Europe in the first three decades of the twentieth century. That was a culture far different from our own. In the film, they are portrayed as acting and sounding like they were born our West coast in the last decades of the twentieth century. They're vain, self-obsessed and foul-mouthed with small and petty egos. [they could be East Coast too, by the way]

I'm not talking about a...

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Promised Land [HD]

ABSOLUTE MADNESS
This is a soft hitting environmental film. Steve Butler (Matt Damon) represents Global which wants to buy the gas drilling rights to a town. He is from a farming community, but can't drive a stick shift. He is also ill informed of the dangers of fracking. His partner is Sue (Frances McDormand) a working mom who tries to parent from Skype. In the town of Miller's Falls, they meet resistance from Frank (Hal Holbrook) the local science teacher and an environmental activist (John Krasinski).

Rob (Titus Welliver) who owns Rob's Guns and Groceries is sweet on Sue while flirty school teacher Alice (Rosemarie DeWitt) sparks Matt's love interest. The film uses stock cardboard characters to create a nice feel good tale. There is a twist at the end that wasn't too much of a shock. The farmer's have to decide if they want to sell the rights and risk losing their land to environmental poisoning, or wait and lose the land due to poverty as government subsidies dwindle and market prices...

Addressing Environmental Issues
Interesting to note all the negative reviews for PROMISED LAND. Perhaps that is because people expected some big explosion of a story when all that is here is a bit of everyday happenings that accompany this country's struggle with environmental issues. It is a quiet film, exceedingly well written based on a story from Dave Eggers, by Matt Damon and Jon Krasinski who happen to also star in their brainchild - an honest, funny, entertaining, and sensitive tale in the way it plays out the issues and comes up with a surprise ending.

Corporate salesman for Global Enterprises Steve Butler (Matt Damon) arrives in a rural Pennsylvania town with his sales partner, Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand, in one of the finest performances in the film): the two enjoy a warmly written and quite unassuming relationship. Global is a company that drills (read `fracks') for natural gas as alternative fuel form to replace the degrading effects of oil and gasoline on the environment. With the town...

Promised Land Review
Promised Land (2012) - Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting), John Krasinski (The Office), Frances McDormand, Rosemarie DeWitt, Titus Welliver, Hal Holbrook

This film was an Oscar contender and is the first time Matt Damon has written a script since his Oscar win for Good Will Hunting. It centers around a ladder climber at a company called Global Crosspower Solutions, an energy company which deals in natural gas. He goes to a small town with his partner (Frances McDormand) in order to get the town to sign over rights so that his company may begin fracking for natural gas. He is surprised when he encounters resistance from the townsfolk, who are aided by an environmentalist with an axe to grind (Krasinski).

Should you buy it? At times the film can be a bit preachy. It's a well told story, with a couple of nice twists and ultimately a nice little character study. There are political undertones both overt and subtle which astute viewers can pick up on but which aren't 100%...

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Larry Crowne [HD]

Trailer promised a different movie
I see a lot of reviews that aren't positive and mention that this movie isn't funny. I think it might be because Hollywood decided to market this movie as something it wasn't. It's not a romantic comedy. It is, however, a very good movie about people who aren't 25 or even 35, and how they realize they don't have to be stuck in a situation that isn't good, just because of their age. Tom Hanks does a great job as "Lance" and Julia Roberts and he have real chemistry on screen. This movie has no explosions, no fast cars, no half-naked women. What it does have is good acting and an interesting and entertaining story. Above all, it demonstrates that no matter your age, we are all still trying to figure life out.

One of the best light hearted, stress-free movies to come along in awhile. The feel good movie of the year. I say A
"I was downsized, I'm here to make sure that never happens again." After thinking he will receive his 9th employee of the month award, Larry (Hanks) is fired because he never went to college. After talking to his neighbor he decides to enroll and change his life. Going in I was thinking, Tom Hanks is in this...this will be good. After watching it I have to say it was even better then I expected it to be. Besides the obvious great acting watching a 50 year old man start his life over is pretty inspiring to watch. This is not an Oscar worthy movie, but this is the type of movie you can watch over and over again. Every now and then I really like watching the light hearted type movies that are just fun and stress free to watch. This is a perfect example of that. Overall, a must see movie that will leave you feeling good after you are done. I give it an A.

*Also try - Eat, Pray, Love & Everything Must Go

Primarily a comedy with light mid-life romance
Larry Crowne `with an E' (Tom Hanks) is dropped from employment at UMart even with his stellar record including 8 employee-of-the-months. He's at midlife, 20 year Navy vet, but has to college degree. No future at UMart. Out!
Wilma (Rita Wilson, Hank's real wife) from the bank loan desk suggests life changes due to finances. College classes are the obvious answer and Larry enrolls into a Speech 217 class with Ms Mercades `Mercy' Teinot (Julia Roberts) his teacher. "'Tai-no' not `Tai-NO'" instructs the sour teacher a bit grumpy from living with a porn fanatic. Don't expect a sudden romance on this scene.

An unexpected flirtatious delight is student Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw -also HOT in `Bonekickers') who takes Larry under her wing and gets him involved in a scooter gang. This takes form of some Gump-like events. The speech class is quite a mix of 9 other quirky characters including Natalie (Grace Gummer, Meryl Streep's daughter-you can't miss that face).
Mercy is...

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The Kick

Taekwondo in Thailand: Martial Arts Action Flcik from the Director of "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior" and "Chocolate"
If you are an avid fan of martial arts action films, you probably have heard the name of Prachya Pinkaew, director of such films as "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior," "Tom-Yum-Goong," and "Chocolate." He has directed a 2011 Korean-Thai movie "The Kick," starring Cho Jae Hyun and Ji-won Ye as Moon and Yoon, a married couple and taekwondo experts living with their three children in Thailand, where they own a taekwondo gym.

The family gets involved with a group of criminals trying to steal the country's national treasure when they accidentally interfere with their heist. Being afraid of further trouble, Moon sends the kids to the home of his old Thai friend Mum (Petchtai Wongkamlao, "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior") and Mum's niece Wawa (Jija Yanin Mitananda, "Chocolate").

In "The Kick," Jija Yanin Mitananda (or JeeJa Yanin), star of "Chocolate," appears as a supporting character. She shows what she can do and does it brilliantly in the action scenes, but her screen time is...

Yes
I wasn't sure about this one at first, so I just took a chance on it. I'm glad I did because it turned out to be as funny as it is action filled.

Ouch! Unacceptable across the board. What a shame. Watch Chocolate or Ong-Bak instead.
Ouch! Unacceptable across the board. What a shame. I was looking forward to this movie for a long time. WHAT TO WATCH INSTEAD: The Raid: Redemption (2011), Ong-Bak (2003), The Protector (2005) and Chocolate (2009). If you love them, you could try their second-tier cousins Raging Phoenix (2009), Merantau (2009) and Ong-Bak 2 (2008).

Prachya Pinkaew--director of Ong-Bak (2003), The Protector (2005), Chocolate (2009) and currently filming The Protector 2, and producer-only of Ong-Bak 2 (2008) and Raging Phoenix (2009)--disappoints on his most recent release. The camera work is poor (especially during action scenes and stunts), the editing reveals that the stunts were rarely done fluidly within the fight choreography, and the fight choreography itself felt like it would have been impressive 15 years ago before the Jeeja Yanin (aka Jija Yanin Mitananda), Tony Jaa, Scott Adkins era, but now it just seems dated.

The plot is rather simple. A Korean family of Tae...

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Painted Skin: The Resurrection [HD]

"Painted Skin: The Resurrection" is one of the most gorgeous fantasy films to be released on Blu-ray in 2012
In 2008, "Painted Skin", a Chinese supernatural film directed by Gordon Chan would become one of the biggest films in Asia.

Featuring a talented cast which included Donnie Yen, Xhou Xun and Zhao Wei, "Painted Skin" which takes place in the late Qin Dynasty, would introduce us to a white fox spirit name Xiaowei (portrayed by Zhou Xun), a demon who sacrificed her power to save a human.

The white fox would be punished for trying to assist a human and is sentenced to be punished by a curse in which ice will follow her eternally and keep her imprisoned unless she feeds on human hearts. And the only way to escape the curse and become human is if a human man gives up his heart for her.

The sequel to "Painted Skin" is "Painted Skin: The Resurrection" which is directed by Wuershan ("The Butcher, The Chef and the Swordsman") and stars Xun Zhou ("Flying Swords of Dragon Gate", "Suzhou River", "Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress"), Zhao Wei ("Warriors of...

stunning dreamscape of myth
Absolutely beautiful production defied all expectations and desires. Hypnotic and a bit erotic. Classical Chinese myths of the fox spirit make a romantic and mystical triangle in one of the best Chinese fantasy films I ever saw. Blu-ray is fantastic and a great way to hear the awesome music score. Lavish production detailed well in the extras documentary.

A poetic, Chinese romantic tragedy with a dash of stylistic anime-esque action in a fantasy setting...? Okay, I'm interested!
A poetic, Chinese romantic fantasy tragedy with a dash of stylistic anime-esque action.

This mythology-flavored story begins when a fox demon in the form of a beautiful woman (Xun Zhou; Cloud Atlas, Painted Skin) is freed from an icy prison by her bird demon sister (Mini Yang; Wu Dang). They are called demons. But they're not your typical satanic, drooling, toothy-mawed monster demons. They're more like evil immortal beings.

The obscure story is driven by our two female leads. The millennia-old Fox seeks the willing heart of a mortal man in order to become human and a warrior Princess (Wei Zhao; Red Cliff, Painted Skin) who hides a facial battle wound behind a mask seeks her one past love (Kun Chen; Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, Painted Skin). They meet and the Fox offers to help the princess--a favor which comes with a price. The rest of the story is hard to explain without giving too much away...I won't even try. All I'll say is that this is a romantic...

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Mama [HD]

Nobody puts Mama in the corner!
Before I purchased this movie, I read a number of critic reviews and found them to be extremely mixed. Many critics liked the film; many disliked it. All called it derivative.

I can't say I agree. I really enjoyed this little creeper of a film! It may not be the best horror film in the whole wild world, but it certainly scared the crap out of me and my girlfriend. That's not bad for a PG-13 movie!

The story goes that a father goes on a murderous rampage, then kills his estranged wife and naps his two daughters. He drives off at crazy speeds and spins off the road. Surviving the accident, he wanders with his daughters through a cold, isolated woods until he discovers a seemingly unused cabin.

Flash forward five years. The kids' uncle has been looking for them all these years, and his investigators find them still living in the cabin; daddy is nowhere to be found. How the heck did those two little feral girls survive all that time on their own...

Good acting, a monster that I don't see too little, good effects and a story I can swallow...we have a winner!
Good acting, a monster that I don't see too little, good effects (even if it is all just CGI) and a story I can swallow...we have a winner! This movie is nothing epic nor did it have the best scares I've seen in a while, but it's a horror movie that "works."

First time feature director Andrés Muschietti (writer/director of the short film Mamá) does a solid job with atmosphere and "creepy." The story gets moving when two orphaned girls are discovered in an abandoned cabin in the woods after five years somehow surviving on their own (now they're about 9 and 7 years old-ish). Their eyes are cold and scared yet somehow predatory, their hair and skin far beyond wildly filthy, and their movement is so unnatural that it reminds me more of a Silent Hill monster than an animal. More disturbing was the degeneration of their oral skills with the exception of whispering "mama."

Much to my surprise, the maternal poltergeist Mama was not a kept mystery...

"Mama, just killed a man"
Mama is a good semi-creepy horror movie about two young children who spend five years alone in the woods and are later found and adopted by their uncle (the Kingslayer actor from Game of Thrones) and his wife (the always great Jessica Chastain in full goth mode, trading in her trademark red hair for black and sporting tattoos). Of course, something the children call "Mama" comes home with them and thus the horror begins. Maybe a little too much CGI used, but most of it looked okay. All in all, this is a well made ghost story that packs a few scares and has good acting throughout.

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