2 comments about Purvos.

1. The fact that I am the FIRST to rate this movie should tell you something. Basically, it's about incest, paranormal happenings, REAL bad acting, and masks. Where the clown part comes in escapes me. Purvos is played uninspiringly by Conrad Brooks who runs the acting gauntlet from A to A-minus. He has the screen presence of a can of corn. Of course if all you think an actor has to do to portray a serial killer is cry "mommy" and roll his eyes around, I guess he nailed that. This cheapie independent entry comes from Brain-Damage Video (and you will be if you watch any of their movies). Shot direct-to video, I'm sure the budget for the movie was probably $250.00.
   
   Awful; plain awful. And for those of you who want even more needless knowledge, the movie was directed by Jerry Williams. Run time is 74 minutes and it is unrated. All copies should be pulled and the distributor of the film beaten over the head with them. Again, Amazon should think about "Zero" star ratings because this one doesn't deserve one-eighth of a star.



2. This movie can't help but bring a smile to your face, unless you are a beret-wearing/coffee shop-haunting film purist that must find meaning in every last frame of a movie.
   
   Writer Director Jerry Williams, who is known for other works such as Misadventures in Outer Space and Zeppo, has his own style, which is a fusion of sci-fi, horror, comedy, and low budgets in the vein of things such as Troma. His opus Purvos is highly disturbing on many levels, with the themes of incest and the demented maniac in the clown-like mask (Okay, it does look a little like a scarecrow mask, but I'll not quibble.)
   
   There are hot girls, fetish moments, disgusting come-uppance scenes (make sure you are not eating anything meaty towards the end of the film), and there are some solid actors in it such as Nathan Day.
   
   No, it is highly probable that you will not see this film being discussed at length at a USC film class. So what. It's entertainment, and at the least it is a bit original in an age where Hollywood can't conceive of anything beyond a remake, a comic book movie, or a sequel.
   
   have fun, keep it simple, and enjoy the mad, mad world of Jerry Williams.

5 comments about Long Weekend.

1. I'm really pleased to see this film available at last on DVD, as it's a taut, surprising and effective thriller. The movie concerns a bickering husband and wife (the only two characters in the film), who decide to spend a weekend in the Australian countryside to see if they can patch up their marriage. They prepare themselves adequately for a weekend of roughing it, but find themselves unable to fight back against (or comprehend) an inexplicable bombardment of hate from the forces of nature!
   
   The action in the film is cleverly staged, as the trip seems harmless enough to begin with, but cleverly, the couple's plight deepens very gradually. Actually, it's suggested in several key sequences that they are in fact to blame for nature's retaliation - they drop litter, kill and squash small creatures, even hit a kangaroo with their car. But the real reason for the apparent revenge taken by the wilderness surrounding them remains unclear right through until the end of the film.
   
   But there are intriguing hints and clues. From the start, lots of small things seem slightly wrong, and as the couple prepare to depart for their holiday, news reports are heard of animals behaving oddly, which seems like a bad omen right away. I won't go into what actually happens to the two hapless leads, because, for one thing, when written on paper they sound pretty unimpressive. The film's strength is it's ability to make you uneasy at the seemingly random events unfolding, and to add a sinister undertone to the slightest odd occurence. Handled the wrong way, this story could have turned out completely flat, but director Colin Eggleston, together with the two leads, manage to build an atmosphere of superb, bewildering suspense.
   
   Although superbly written, acted and directed, the movie is completely low key almost throughout. I find this a particular skill of good Australian cinema, this ability to stir you without really doing anything explosive or exaggerated onscreen. It's a trait that's also apparent in the gorgeous "Picnic At Hanging Rock" , which has a similar air of mystery and the unexplained about it. However, unlike that movie, "Long Weekend" does have more of a sense of closure - with a powerful ending. It's a film that will definitely linger in your mind.



2. LONG WEEKEND was made during an Aussie film boom in the 1970's. SO many films came out around 1976-1978 that it's no surprise that some films can be overlooked down the track.
   
   LONG WEEKEND centres on a couple who are at a bad point in their relationship - constant bickering, arguing, fighting. A chance to get away camping over a long weekend is surely the cure to their problems? No. It just adds to them. The movie cleverley uses the surrounding elements to create a very eeery atmosphere. The tension slowly builds to a climax that you will never see coming.
   
   This forgotten Aussie classic was released last year on DVD in Australia with a few extras. It's now available on DVD in USA too. A movie worth adding to your collection - a snapshot of camping trips to the Aussie coast in the 70's. Well worth a look.



3. Someone obviously had sense to release this on DVD. This is one of the top 10 films I've seen, in any genre. It's one of those films that sucks you into it's world and won't let you go...very gripping performances and a mad pay-off that will have you squealing with despair. 5 stars.



4. Long Weekend is an atmospheric "scary" movie from 1977. It was made in Australia and although it carries a PG rating there is some violence, adult themes, and nudity so mature viewing is recommended.
   
   This is the kind of film that starts off so-so, gets you wondering "Where is this movie taking me?", and all of a sudden you're sucked in by the atmosphere of it and wondering, "How is this going to end?" The movie centers on a married couple (basically the only two characters in the movie) and their camping trip in the Outback to help get the stress out of their marriage. Their weekend does not evolve the way they planned.
   
   It's all about the journey in watching this movie so don't let anyone spoil a single scene. By the halfway point when they're driving along the beach you'll be on the edge of your seat.
   
   The DVD also contains a few extras including a decent commentary track that reveals a bit from the film-makers on how they delivered "the goods".
   
   The closest thing I can compare it to from recent American cinema is The Blair Witch Project. That's the kind of horror and atmosphere you'll be getting with this movie. If you're looking for jump out of your seat screams, this isn't the movie for you. But, if you're the kind of person who enjoys a good creepy film that crawls up your spine...then I recommend Long Weekend.



5. (That's for you fellow kids of the 70s) Peter and Marcia (not the Brady kids) head to the beach for a weekend camping trip together. Their marriage is not all it could be and some time together might remedy that. Along the way, Peter litters, carelessly starts a fire with a discarded cigarette butt and shoots his gun indiscriminately. Paradoxically, he also stops his car when he inadvertently hits a kangaroo with his car (this is Australia), buries a beached sea lion and castigates Marcia after she destroys an eagle's egg. What to make of this Peter? It is not as though he is intentionally destructive; rather, he is simply very inconsiderate, acting without thinking of his consequences. He is also very selfish, as we find out through his interactions with Marcia. While she is still convalescing, he drags her along on this camping trip rather than staying at an inn as she had wanted. Then he rigs the car so she cannot drive it and forces her to stay much longer than she wants. Sound like an exciting movie? Actually even less so than that. As I watched this movie, the adjective `tedious' kept coming to mind. It isn't a bad movie, just not quite interesting enough to watch more than once. Rent first. This is a special edition DVD, with a great transfer from the negatives, very good 5.1 channel mix, director commentary and production photos. I wish they would have added English subtitles to the list because the Aussie accent is sometimes difficult to understand. Subtitles would have earned the DVD an extra half star.

4 comments about Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa 101 (The Easiest Tai Chi Qigong workout 15 minutes).

1. Whom is this for?
   This video is designed for people who want to maintain a regular 15-minute gentle, safe, and effective daily workout, especially in the mornings. It will specially benefit seniors and people who are current physically weak, (like those who just recovered from sickness or injuries), who are not in good control of their own balance, or people who have not done physical exercise for more than three months and want to be involved in a daily routine of safe and gentle physical exercise to gradually strengthen their internal energy and improve overall health and fitness. It is also good for people, who want to start leaning Tai Chi or Qigong but do not have time to take the class, to get a first taste of Tai Chi Qigong workout.
   What benefits can I get?
   1. Enhanced body-mind harmony.
   2. Obtained coordination between breathing and movements.
   3. Improved flexibility around whole body.
   4. Improved joint health.
   5. Improved internal energy level.
   6. Improved posture.
   7. Reduced back pain.
   8. Reduced daily stress.
   9. Reduce hypertension
   10. Improved cardio-respiratory system capacity and function.
   11. Improved muscle strength.
   12. Improved serenity, emotion, and attitude.
   13. Built foundation for learning Tai Chi and Qigong systems.
   
   When should I practice it?
   It is recommended that you practice it in the morning to best prepare yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for your daily activity. It is certainly OK to practice this exercise at anytime during the day. When you practice, try to use deep abdominal breathing as much as possible.
   
   Contents
   (1) Joint warm-ups
   (2) Muscle stretching
   (3) Wave the Curtain
   (4) Unite Yin and Yang
   (5) Push the Boat
   
   Need a meaningful gift for yourself, your spouse, your senior parents or friends? This is the one of the best choices, because it comes from the best trusted source and shows that you really care about your or their health and wellbeing.
   
   Testimonials:
   "I love this exercise (GongFa 101)..it's simple, short, thorough and does not lose my interest. I have tried other Tai Chi videos and simply could not keep up with them. I have some health problems that require no impact exercise...this is AWESOME. In a short amount of time, I've noticed my lung capacity is improving, which really thrills me. Very concise, easy to follow and relaxing. Plus....I'm actually doing the exercise every day AND enjoying it!! Thank you so much!!!
   
   ---Tere Fadden, San Pedro, CA.
   
   "I wanted something simple, and I got something simple. Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa 101 Works for me".
   
   --Randall Lim, Pearl City, HI.
   
   "Dr. chen's Tai Chi GongFa 101 is Better than I thought, I'm very happy with it! Thank you!"
   
   --Alexandre Matiouchin, Pelham, AL.
   
   "It is an excellent video (GongFa 101). I joined a class but there are only 2 who are beginners, and I was discouraged trying to learn all the complicated moves. I have a video, but they do warm up, one move, warm up, next move, I again get lost long before I can put it all together. I put this video in and just like you said I was doing the workout with no problem. Thanks! I am looking forward to moving up to Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongGa 201."
   
   A very grateful beginner Tai Chi enthusiast.
   ---Roseanne Hill, Akron, OH
   
   "Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa 101 is So good, I bought my parents a copy and they love it!"
   --Erich Glave, Rolla, KS
   
   "Thanks so much for letting me know the tape (GongFa 201) had been shipped. It got here today, and is great! Over the last few years I've used several different tai-chi tape/programs... this one is the best. I like that it is mirrored. In other videos so many are jumping around with different views of everyone doing the workout it tends to interrupt my feeling of calm. I am so impressed with this tape I've just went to your website and ordered 401 !!! Thanks so much for offering this"
   
   --- Vickie Thomey, MO.
   
   "I very much enjoy the movements (GongFa 101) because they force me to slow down. Surprisingly, they also allow me to clear my mind entirely and just relax. I find it very easy during the day to take a few minutes to practice and go over the moves. It doesn't take a lot of time or physical room, and it has the residual benefit of helping me relax and clearing my mind. (<--I love this benefit!)"
   
   --- Annette May (the first month since sttarting the routine), VA.
   
   "It is this. I had my blood pressure taken last week. I've been monitoring it over the last year and a half and it has been consistently above the "normal" range. Last week it was in the normal range and lower (both systolic *and* diastolic) than it has been in a long time. As my blood pressure was being taken, I remember thinking about the wonderful, slow movements and breathing in the routine, which so consistently relax me. That did it!"
   
   --- Annette May (three months after practtice), VA.
   
   "Arthritis seems to be taking hold of key joints these days, from the back to the ankles, with the knees suffering most. Gentle, relaxing and so graceful, Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa program is increasing my flexibility, building strength and keeping my joints moving easily and comfortably. It is, in fact, proving to be all that the medical journals said. But it's even more. The energy I feel after a good session is quite unexpected...and very welcome...and the stress and cares of the workday have melted away. What more could one ask?! "
   
   --- Karen Krueger, Arlington, VA.
   
   "I am 73 years old and in 3+ years have relied on medicines against my severe Shingles with no success. I was so surprised that just in a few sessions of Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa program, I felt much better and experienced reduced pains, which I had not from any other medicines. The soft, slow and beautiful movements, deep breathing and soft music are very comforting. The class is of different ages. Right now I am using Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa 201 video every day. I can't wait for the weekly participation in Dr. Chen's class and would like to have more classes than once a week."
   
   --- Elfriede Walker, Reston, VA
   
   "The most noticeable benefit that I got from this exercise since I started two months ago is that I learned how to regulate my breathing and no longer find myself out of breath from carrying the heavy laptop everyday from the far parking lot into the office".
   
   --- Bic Tran, VA (two months after pracitcce)
   
   "I have been a student of Tai-Chi for five years attending classes and using a variety of videos. I recently had an accident and find myself in a wheelchair. After trying to alter my past forms, I found the tape by Dr. Chen for people on Wheelchair (001). It has been wonderful and such a plus for my emotional, mental and physical well being and healing. I practiced with the tape three days in a row and can feel the movement of the chi throughout my body. This is one video that will get many hours of play. It is very difficult to find exercise videos for the handicapped let alone one that presents itself in alternative modalities. In time, I hope I can advance to tapes not needing the wheelchair. Dr. Chen's tapes and DVDs are ones that I will use faithfully."
   
   -- Gerry Marangoni, Homerville, Ohio.
   
   "I use a wheelchair and was looking for an exercise program I could do in the chair. That is how I found Dr. Chen's Tai Chi on a chair vidoes. This is the only program I have found that is not boring. It is also easy to learn because all I have to do is follow Dr. Chen's movements and breathing cues. I really enjoy it and do it every morning. Not only is it fun to do, it gives me energy and has given me great flexibility and tone in my upper body. I also lift weights, which can cause muscle soreness the following day. I find that doing the Tai Chi routine relieves the muscle soreness. In addition to the physical benefits, I also feel more calm throughout the day when I do the Tai Chi every morning. I love doing Tai Chi. I started with 001 and then moved to 002. Now I am looking forward to the Tai Chi GongFa 003. I highly recommend Dr. Chen's Tai Chi on a Chair to anyone who is looking for a fun, beneficial exercise routine they can do sitting down."
   
   -- Aisha Y. Musa, PhD., Miami, FL
   
   
   "I highly recommend Dr. Chen's Tai Chi video programs to everyone. I use a manual wheelchair and Dr. Chen's Tai Chi on a Chair is the best workout series I have ever used. I started with Level 1, then went to Level 2, and now I am doing Level 3. Doing it consistently every day has improved my upper body flexibility, tone, and strength. It also makes me feel awake and energized, so I do it in the morning rather than the evening. Not only is it great exercise, it is fun and easy to learn. Just follow Dr. Chen's movements and breathing cues. It may take a few days to learn the moves completely, especially for Levels 2 and 3. It did for me. So be patient and just follow Dr. Chen's movements, and then add the breathing. Soon, it will all come very easily. Tai Chi on a Chair is good for anyone who has problems standing, even if you do not use a wheelchair. I cannot say enough good things about doing Tai Chi with Dr. Chen's vidoes. Doing Tai Chi regularly makes me feel so good that I even recommend his regular Tai Chi videos to people I know who do not have problems walking or standing. "
   
   --Aisha Y Musa, PhD. Miami, FL
   
   
   "I have been studying Tai-Chi for over six years and I am proficient in several forms. I work as a mentor for elderly people looking to improve their fitness, particularly their balance and mobility, which will enable them to stay in their own homes rather than being moved to hospitals or sheltered housing. I myself have found Tai Chi to be an excellent all round form of fitness particularly ChiGong and I am hoping to include the chair exercises in the routines we currently use for the elderly. I have now received the DVD version of Dr. Chen's TaiChiGongFa 001 for people on wheel-chair and I am absolutely delighted with it. It is particularly useful in that it incorporates the breathing which I find stimulates people very quickly. It is great to see how the traditional movements can be adapted and the fact that the entire sequence is flowing gives people something to aim for - which is good for alleviating the boredom the chair-bound can feel. I shall certainly be ordering further Videos soon."
   
   -- Wendy St Lawrence, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
   
   "I have now received the second level wheelchair video (Dr. Chen's TaiChiGongFa 002) and I am very pleased with it. The combinations of the traditional forms flows very well together while at the same time being challenging but not too difficult to learn. We are hoping to start a class at a local gym for both able bodies and wheelchair users to learn together. It is very exciting for the disabled to go to a gym as just another person rather than to special classes only for them. It also helps to break down any of the prejudices or misconceptions the able bodies may have about the disabled. We do also find that children with learning difficulties such as Downes Syndrome put an enormous amount of concentration into the movements - they learn so quickly and enjoy it so much.
   Thank you once again".
   
   -- Wendy St Lawrence, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
   
   
   "My first attempt at Tai Chi (Dr. Chen's Tai Chi for beginners) gave me great encouragement. It is relatively easy to follow, gave me an immediate feeling that I am doing something positive to benefit my body. I have back problems which preclude me from doing other forms of exercise. This Tai Chi dvd makes me feel as if I am, once again, back in the game of life, after months' of inactivity. I look forward to feeling better physically and mentally by incorporating this program into my morning routine".
   Thank you.
   
   ---Dale Vani, Brandon, FL.
   "I have found Qigong to be an essential part of my daily workout and Tai Chi training. In the recent years, I have frequently experienced back problems that would make doing simple things difficult. Since I started Tai Chi and followed Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa program through different levels, I have felt much better and each recovery has shortened considerably. As an internal attribute, Qigong gives me a sense of calmness and focus which prepares my mind and adds substance to the Tai Chi practice that follows. Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa program with proper stretching and warm-up, contains many Tai Chi elements and is artistically composed in a logical sequence. I use this routine as a regular workout mainly because of the soft repetitive movements in Qigong form and the ease of practice. The breathing method combined with these flowing movements also increases my energy without the strain that I usually feel while trying other types of exercise. I have found that the elements designed in the program also allow daily workout to be flexible with my busy schedule in a way that I could select my favorite moves and practice at any time, in any combination, and the result would be just as effective. Good posture and improved flexibility gradually help to restore the strength of my back. I have forgotten how it feels to be immobilized by pain."
   
   --- Bic Tran, VA (four months after practtice)
   
   I have not attended Dr. Chen's class for some time and was reluctant to learn new routines from a video. But I'm glad I did. I found Tai Chi GongFa 501 to be one of the best programs in the series. It is far from easy but I could do all right after a few practices. With this program, I am able to continue refining the basics while learning new routines in a more dynamic format. A feature that I particularly appreciate is the various styles in each series of movements, which add interest to the program. One hour of exercise goes very quickly and I am able to keep my mind focus the whole time- something that I could rarely do before. A distinctive characteristic in Dr. Chen's programs that is always enjoyable to observe is the subtle transition that makes the forms flow together so gracefully. I also feel comfortable with the frequent weight shifting and the evenness in speed that do not put stress on the joints or muscles. This program takes on a new approach, yet remains low-impact. It helps my dedication to exercise seem effortless.
   
   -- Bic Tran, VA
   
   "I have recently begun my studies of Dr. Chens Tai Chi GongFa version 201, I found the dvd very well filmed with appropriate and relaxing music and very easy to follow. Not being a very agile or spry man I found myself very easily following the various forms and have been making great progress!! another fact I enjoy is that I have more dvd instructional videos (Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa 301-601) to look forward to moving up. Thanx for a rewarding product."
   
   --- David Bilichka, NC, USA
   
   "I had long been a skeptic when it came to exercise of any kind. I was tired of all the empty promises of the infomercials, celebrity fads and just plain nonsense. However, I had always had a respect for health-centric art forms that have been in use for hundreds of years. That was why I became interested in Tai Chi. When I purchased Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa DVD 201 almost six months ago, I also purchased four other Tai Chi and Chi-based exercise DVDs. Guess which one I am still using? Dr. Chen's DVD is not only low-impact and relaxing, you can feel your batteries being refueled with each form. In fact, after only four days, I felt lighter and was able to breathe deeper and longer than I had in years! My wife, who is four months pregnant, also joins me when I practice. Now, she is waiting, not too patiently, for me to get level 301! This program is great and I recommend it to anyone who wants to start down the road to a healthier, more balanced life."
   
   --- Eric Rose, Photojournalist, Nassau, The Bahamas
   
   "I LOVE the breathing and the workout routine in this video (301). It has safely helped strengthen AND stretch my arms, legs, and neck. My flexibility, balance, and coordination have improved significantly since I started practicing this routine."
   
   --- Barbara Wilmer, VA
   
   "I practice martial arts, Chi Kung, and Tai Chi every day and find my health and well being magnified because of it. I am always searching for ways to further develop and magnify the Chi. This DVD video (301) arrived safely and it is a pleasure. The forms in the video are not foreign to me but like additional candy, thanks!!"
   
   -- Edward Stack. MN, USA.
   
   "I came to Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa program after having been diagnosed with diabetes. My doctor explained that regular exercise is an essential element in treating and controlling the disease. At the same time, I also needed of a way to deal with the day-to-day job stress that has become a prominent part of my life. Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa program has provided an excellent avenue for addressing both needs. This gentle workout system, consisting of Tai Chi and Qigong forms and breathing exercises, is a good way to gradually increase my level of energy and fitness without harsh jarring exercises, the need for fancy exercise equipment, or for a special gymnasium This system is self paced and noncompetitive; you compete with no one but yourself. Once some of the basics are learned, it can be done virtually anywhere and at any time. An excellent bonus is the sense of well being it promotes while improving self-discipline. Both are essential for relieving stress and moving along the road to a healthier life style."
   
   --- Larry Tucker, Arlington, VA
   
   "A wonderful workout DVD (301)! I have been using this DVD everyday since I received it and really enjoy it! I find it very relaxing and I love the accent and grace of the instructor! Please start working on 401 so I can continue to progress after 3 months. Thanks!"
   
   -- Jill Bunin, Miami Beach, FL
   
   "Dear Dr. Chen, you have really created something unique and I'd like to thank you again for releasing 401! It's a true body-mind exercise! Even if sometimes I feel lazy and don't want to do anything, I'm always glad I did! It's a special blend of exercise, relaxation, meditation, aerobics, and muscle strengthening! It certainly breaks a sweat and always proves to be much more than it seems!!! Not too strenuous-just the right amount! It is truly invigorating and relaxing at the same time! I really can't say enough about it! Even if I don't get to do it for a while, once I do it again, I see why I always come back to it! I can never see a time in life when I would not do this! It lifts my mood and makes my body feel good. I guess this is 'chi flow'!"
   
   -- Jill Bunin, Miami Beach, FL (Six monnths later after practicing)
   
   "Well I received 501 today & couldn't wait to try it so I cheated! :) And I must say-I LOVE IT!!! This is the best one yet! I love the way the moves are put together in challenging sequences! Half the time I ended up with the wrong side :), but I'll get it! That's the great thing-it's challenging! and also FUN! I also like the split menu on the DVD because you could always do the warm up again afterward as a cool down or before other exercise or whatever. But I REALLY enjoyed those sequences! THANK YOU for the copy and for making these! I look forward to doing more & more!"
   
   -- Jill Bunin, Miami Beach, FL
   
   "I began Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa program in the latter half of January 2004. In the fall of 2003, my blood pressure had become extremely high (180/120) due to stress related to some events in my life. At the time, I saw my medical doctor, and a change in my medication was made. My blood pressure went down a little but was still too high. It stayed that way until I started taking Dr. ChenÂ's class. My blood pressure started returning to its former "high normal" level of 136/86, which was the level on March 5, 2004, when my medical doctor checked it.
   The other good news has to do with cholesterol. I have been monitoring blood tests since 1987. In the past 10 years, my HDL (Good cholesterol) has usually been in the 30s range. When I took a blood test on March 5, 2004, my HDL was 45. It was that high only once before--on June 7, 1991. Since then, my HDL has been consistently in the high 30s with an occasional low 40s reading, but none as high as 45. My Heart Disease Risk HDL-Cholesterol has been at high risk: relatively unsafe level for some time. As of March 4, 2004, it is now average risk. Needless to say, I am very pleased with that change."
   
   March 26, 2004.
   
   -- Helen C. Horton, Age: 71, Alexandra, VA.
   
   "THANK YOU for your good service. So far I have moved to 501. I love all previous five Tai Chi GongFa videos (Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa 101 - 501) and use them often. I am 59 years old and 3 months ago received my black belt in Choi Kwang Do. I am working on my second degree and find Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa workout videos helpful in strengthening my knees and thighs; as well as, improving my breathing. It also helps me to be mindful when doing my kata's in karate.
   
   Many thanks!!!"
   
   -- Viola Everett, Monroe, MI.
   
   "I really enjoyed coming to Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa class. The class helped with my migraines, relieving stress and improving breathing".
   
   -- Susan Cohen, Arlington, VA.
   
   "After 6 Tai Chi Gong Fa group classes with Dr. Chen, I have noted that I can sleep well again, without waking up several times in the middle of the night, as had been the case for the past six months. The only change in my life has been these bi-weekly classes, so I give them full credit for restoring me restful sleep again. The slow and sweeping movements, attention to breathing, Dr. Chen's calm and patience toward beginners, the background sound track, all these and perhaps more than I am conscious of at the moment, make these classes a haven in everyday work frenzy. The emphasis on breathing is a big appeal, as the class has made me realize that my breaths are usually shallow. Furthermore, synchronizing inhalation and exhalation with left/right side body movements presents also a challenge, which has rewarded me with a little bit more physical/neurological coordination in my daily life: noticeably less bumping against furniture, better reflexes, and more importantly for me, a beginning of enhancement of ability to focus on tasks. I intend to carry on with this class for the remainder of the year in order to consolidate the gains reported above".
   
   -- Que Bui, Arlington, VA, July, 2004.
   
   "I really enjoyed my Dr. Chen's Tai Chi GongFa Video (101) so much. Now I am ready to move up to the next level that lasts more than 15 minutes. I have always wanted to try the TaiChi for beginners. I fell in love with the fluid motion of the movement of the exercises, while doing the video I felt my body, on it's own response to the movement and get into the natural rhythm of the exercise and breathing. Because of my recent surgery and other ailments (High Blood pressure, High cholesterol, and Heart Problems, Arthritis, and on the job stress) I felt it was time to start and continue a healthier lifestyle to improve my body, mind and spirit, and relieve stress. I felt Dr. Chen's TaiChi GongFa videos would be perfect for this without adding extra pressure on the body, and it was!!! Healing starts from the inside out and I knew I needed to get the Yin and Yang in harmony. Once we get going with this, maybe we can send before and after pictures! Thank you for the Video, it helped change my mind set".
   
   --Ammalene M. King, Martinsville, VA
   
   "LOVE YOUR VIDEO. I have been ill most of my life?both physically and spiritually so I am not use to a routine. My homeopathic doctor has helped me come a long ways. I INTUITIVEY bought your video and it has paid off. You ARE A CARING PERSON, Dr Chen, and it shows in the way you communicate GongFa. I have nothing but admiration for you. You have an amazing gift and I feel your love for people. I'm afraid if I met you I would never be able to leave your side. I appreciate you sharing your skills and knowledge. I have been doing this every morning since I bought your DVD and its invigorating and I feel it has already helped me through my day and can only imagine how much better I will feel if I continue. I am also looking forward to sharing this with others that I know would benefit. I will continue to buy your DVDs for myself and for others. Thank you so much Dr Chen for this amazing experience. The first time I played the DVD I cried."
   
   --Susan Henderson, Grosse Pointe, MI
   
   
   Dear Shifu Chen:
   "I have been practicing Tai Chi for quite some time. I originally learned the Chen Man Ching form. Your system, however, has proved to be of more significant benefit. It is as effective, if not more so, than what I had previously studied. I have seen some excellent results from the Tai Chi DVD (Tai Chi 24 formss I . I've lost 11 pounds, and my blood pressure has dropped quite a bit from where it was! I have recommended this DVD to a number of my friends; I hope they are smart enough to order them! I am looking forward to incorporating the GongFa form into my routine. Thank you for all the time and effort you have put into these DVD's!
   I am also hoping to be able to teach the GongFa 101 form to my mom, who is 83. She lives in Florida and is suffering from poor circulation in her legs (she is diabetic) and her balance has suffered because of it. I believe this form will be of significant benefit to her as well!
   Again, many thanks"! Respectfully yours
   
   
   --Fred Wolff, Patchogue, NY.
   
   
   "It is easy to follow and I love the way you give both views of the different moves, very easy to understand. It has been such a surprise to see how much of a workout I get from your Tai Chi program, since I am making seemingly, such small movements. About my breathing, I took your advice and relaxed when I inhale and tighten my abdominal muscles when I exhale. My breathing is much better and I feel so much better. It is amazing how quickly I can tell a difference in my muscle tone. I also love the music!
   Thank you again!"
   
   
   --Charlotte Rogers, Shreveport, LA
   
   
   "Thanks you! I recently bought your Tai Chi Qi Gong Workout level 1 (GongFa 101). I have been doing it every morning for a week. My energy levels are through the roof. I am also more centered. I think I will stay with it for a month before switching over to this new video. Keep up the good work."
   
   
   --Roy Marganti, La Porte, IN
   
   
   "I am practicing Tai Chi 24 simplified forms 1. Have also learned for beginners 1 & 2, enjoy the tapes, they are very easy to use. I've noticed my flexibility and balance have improved significantly. I recently ordered wheelchair cersion leverl 1 for my aunt who has Parkinson's disease.
   Thanks for a great product!"
   
   -- Mark Gildersleeve. Agency, MO
   
   
   "THANK YOU FOR THE DVD (GongFa 001). IT IS EXCELLENT FOR EXERCISES FOR THE UPPER HALF OF THE BODY EVEN FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT IN WHEELCHAIRS"
   
   --Linda MISA. Genève, Suisse
   
   
   "My 4th dvd from Dr. Chen..the only thing that works for fibromyalgia!THANKS!!!"
   
   --teresa mae fadden, san pedro, CA
   
   
   "Good DVD Everything it should be (Dr. Chen's Tai Chi for Beginners I). Very satisfied. Highly Recommended!"
   
   --June Davies, Bayswater Victoria, Australia
   
   
   "Tai Chi for beginners DVD is AWESOME, So easy to follow! Thank you, I will be back!"
   
   --Karen Price, British Columbia, Canada
   
   "Very professional & speedy delivery; product EXACTLY as described. Thanks!"
   
   --Patricia Bannister, High Point, NC.
   
   "Arrived speedily in good shape and was just what I ordered and needed. Thanks!"
   
   --William Kozy, Boise, ID
   
   
   "excellent in every way, very satisified!!!"
   
   --Danny Kelley, Muleshoe, TX
   
   
   "great video, informative and thorough not fast paced like others"
   
   --R. Simons, East Berlin, PA
   
   
   "Great transaction. Excellent DVD(Dr. Chen's Tai Chi for Beginners)...! the kids are already trying the movements!!"
   
   --Margherita DeCesare, North York, Ontario, Canada
   
   
   "This DVD (Tai Chi 24 forms) is wonderful!!! I love it! EXACTLY what I've been wanting! THNX!!!!"
   
   --Christy at ArtatWork Studios, Cleveland, GA.
   
   
   "THIS SELLER IS THE BEST--SHIPPING WAS IMMEDIATE AND PRODUCT FABULOUS--THANKS"
   
   --Karen Bonacci, Burgettstown, PA
   
   
   "I received my Tai Chi DVD (Tai Chi Gong Fa 001) today, really fantastic DVD, very fast delivery from America to Scotland. I'm very happy with it."
   
   --Jamie Speirs, South Ayrshire, United Kingdom
   
   
   "sent the video to my mom, in Ecuador-South America, and she likes it!!!"
   
   --Gabriela Carrillo, West New York, NJ
   
   "Just like the Beginner's DVD this DVD (24 forms I) provides an awesome presentation"
   
   --Paul Rios, Wichita, KS.



2. For a 66 year old, this is a good 15 minute routine for stretching balance and easy instruction. Wouldn't recommend for the younger and more agile, but great to keep older bones moving!



3. I ordered this DVD for my mother who suffers with arthritis. It is easy for her to do and she is beginning to see some improvement in her mobility. This DVD is a good choice for those who need low/no impact exercise.



4. I was under the impression this was for beginners. I think the instructor should have explained each move before they were done. Let you know what you were going to do. Instead he changes and you have to try to figure out what he's doing.

2 comments about Going Shopping.

1. Jaglom and his oft-times writing partner and starlet, Victoria Foyt, have crafted a thoughtful look at the appeal of clothes shopping for women and the emotional holes they're often trying to fill with the right dress and the right pair of shoes.
   
   Co-writer Foyt stars as Holly G., dressmaker and owner of a Southern California clothing boutique. Amidst occasional breaks for the many actresses and extras to share poignantly and humorously their relationship with shopping, Holly herself winds up in a horrible Mother's Day weekend that no amount of customer purchases seem to fix. Her irresponsible boyfriend (Davison) has squandered her past few months' rent, and now Foyt and her daughter could be out of a shop and out of a home. Holly even tries the Mafia to get her rent money together by Monday, when her landlady's set to boot her.
   
   It's not true to life, but it's true to a good Hollywood comedy.
   
   As a male, I completely missed that this low-budget, charming little comedy's biggest draw could be the grandmother-mother-daughter story, which grows from a small part of the plot to a big one. I found myself wrapped up in listening to women talk about how shopping for clothes makes them feel. I think maybe I understood a little bit of what the ladies are getting out of just the right look for just the right day.
   
   Morrow shows up as a good-hearted 3-o'clock-shadow-sporting love interest for Holly G. My wife was reminded how cute he was.



2. This movie is about a boutique owner named Holly who is trying desperately the boutique she has owned for ten years open. She has one weekend to make a huge amount of money and puts on a huge mother's day sale as an attempt to do this.
   
   You can tell right away this movie is low budget, but that adds to its charm. It is filmed in away that it seems like we are there with the characters. Most the the actors and actresses and the setting seems like just another boutique in LA, one that I have gone into a thousand times, and actors and actresses look like the normal people I see around this town. None of them are well known, which adds more of a realness to the production. The story is good, a little choppy, leaving a little to be desired, but good.
   
   The thing that kind of irked me about this movie was the camera work, the camera is very shakey and tends to spin around, making me feel seasick. This was only a couple times in the movie, but I could have done with out it.

2 comments about Ride with the Wind.

1. the movie was great its one of thoses movies you need to watch alone and eat popcorn and watch over and over again, its a must see foe anyone accept kids.



2. Craig T. Nelson did a great job in this down to earth American, hart warming, full of love to ride movie. This movie is for anybody who has the PRIDE to be AMERICAN attitude or would like to have it. Thank you, Craig.

5 comments about Days of Being Wild.

1. Contrary to other reviewer's notions of the film, "Days of Being Wild" does have a plot. The movie is a tale of existential angst. Stephen Teo places the movie in the area of quasi gangster cum romance. In short "Days of Being Wild" is, in the tradition of "Rebel without a Cause" an `ah fei' movie - a story of lost youth. A large portion of the movie centers on dysfunctional relationships and each and every character's existentialist angst. A really short synopsis follows. The movie is set in 1960s. Leslie Cheung plays the lead character of Yuddy - a self destructive narcissist who constantly hurts women.
   
   In this movie, much like "Ashes in Time" the target of his self destruction is Su Lizhen (Maggie Cheung). As previously stated, the film centers on the youthful, Yuddy, who learns from the drunken ex-consort who raised him that she not his real mother. Yuddy's real mother has left him in her care and moved to the Philippines. Much of the story is situated around Yuddy's need to go to the Philippines to see his mother. I would assume that the lack of connection to the mother is part of the motivation for Yuddy's `early object loss' and hence his inability to connect with either Su Lizhen or Lulu (a character who will show up again in 2046). Yuddy's "auntie," hoping to hold onto him, steadfastly refuses to reveal the name of his real mother. The revelation, predictably, unsettles Yuddy to his very center, unleashing a cavalcade of irreconcilable emotions.
   
   Two women form the two pillars of Yuddy's existential angst and not surprisingly have the bad luck of falling in love with Yuddy. Similar to Tomas - the main character of Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" Yuddy cannot settle down and is stuck (at least in his head) in the liminal space of both/and. Yet, the reality is that he is trapped in the world of either/or and not both/end. Just as Tomas cannot have Sabina AND Teresa, Yuddy cannot have both Su Lizhen AND Mimi. Both are beset with choices.
   
   On the one hand, we have Su Lizhen (Maggie Cheung) who works at a sports arena selling refreshments at a kiosk. On the other hand, juxtaposed against Su Lizhen's `plainness' (if we can ever call Maggie Cheung `plain') is the persona of the glitzy showgirl Lulu or Mimi. It is clearly `early object loss' that leaves Yuddy cold. As Lizhen slowly intimates her deep hurt over what is happening to her and Yuddy to Tide (Andy Lau), Tide begins to fall for her. The same, it is argued, might be said for Yuddy's Sancho Panza - Zeb (Jacky Cheung). Zeb find himself falling in love with Lulu. Yuddy learns of his birth mother's whereabouts and heads out to the Philippines. In the Philippines, he meets up with Tide and they encounter thugs who - not impressed with the `ah fei' Yuddy, well, do him in. The last minute appearance of Tony Leung seems like a setup for the next movie... too bad we have not had the pleasure... yet?
   
   The movie may be all about Leslie Cheung but we should not forget the performances of Maggie Cheung, Carina Lau, Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung, and Rebecca Pan. Despite the characters circling around the Yuddy character - each brings a dimension of their own into the movie. The strength, it is often argued, of Wong Kar Wai's movies is his highly developed (or undeveloped, yet very deep) characters.
   
   Par for the course, just like all his other movies, "Days of Being Wild" is visually stunning. Working with Christopher Doyle, 1961 Hong Kong comes to life. As a Filipino abroad, I could not help but feel nostalgic when the movie shifted to the Philippines. I know that 1960s in the Philippines was one filled with cars and urban centers and not only the lush jungle scenes that fill the mise-en-scene. Who cares... it is only a movie and a good one at that. The movie draws from all angles for its greatness - the characters, the acting, the mise-en-scene, the cinematography, the whole ball of wax. The movie can be analyzed on many levels and I fail to do that here. However, on one level, like voyeurs we watch Yuddy's self destruction and enjoy the cathartic element of the `ah fei.' Bravo Wong Kar Wai! One more movie please!
   
   Miguel Llora



2. the movie is superb.
   my best friend really loves it.
   it is her favourite movie.



3. "Days of Being Wild", directed by Wong Kar Wai, is a well-made film about failed relationships, and the man that causes them to fail. It is a film about love, and about wanting what we cannot have. It is full of angst, but also of some very poetic moments, that make you realize the reason why you must pay attention whenever Wong Kar Wai's name is mentioned.
   
   Yuddy (Leslie Cheung) is the "Don Juan" that makes women fall in love with him, and then forgets them. First he meets Su Lizhen (Maggie Cheung), a shy woman that looks at him in a different way when he shows his charming side, telling her "At one minute before 3pm on April the 16th, 1960, you're together with me. Because of you, I'll remember that one minute. From now on, we're friends for one minute. This is a fact, you can't deny. It's done". The second woman he plays with is a showgirl named Mimi (Carina Lau), someone who knows the rules of the game but that is also likely to be hurt by Yuddy. But then, that is nothing less that the direct consequence of loving someone that likes to tell the story of "a kind of bird without legs that can only fly and fly, and sleep in the wind when it is tired. The bird only lands once in its life... that's when it dies"...
   
   Of course, there is more to "Days of being wild" than the tale of Yuddy and the two women that love him. This film is also the story of Yuddy's search for his real mother, and of the love of two men for Su Lizhen and Mimi. Why do we want the things and people that we cannot have? This movie doesn't give an answer, but shows us how that can happen. It is not nice, but it is real, and somehow heartbreaking.
   
   All in all, I can say that I recommend "Days of being wild". It is not my favorite Wong Kar Wai film, but it is worthwhile seeing, and that is the reason why I give it 3.5 stars.
   
   Belen Alcat



4. There's only a couple wild scenes in this film. Most of the time, Leslie Cheung slouches around, his expression distant. That pretty well sums up the tone of the movie.
   
   Wong Kar Wai's films are not inspiring. They are generally glimpses into sad or pathetic lives without hope. Yet, I have generally found them fascinating. Most of the dialog is bold and forthright, which makes for vivid characters. And I like the continual sense of "what's going on here"? His stories never go where I expect them to go. At least, this storyline, unlike the scrambled one of 2046, is strongly linear.
   
   I also enjoy Wong Kar Wai's direction and, from this film on, the rich cinematography provided by frequent cinematographer, Aussi-born Christopher Doyle. This one is too shadowy, but they fixed that in later films.
   
   As I watched it, I kept recognizing people and scenes and themes. That's because, even more than IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, this film was recycled a dozen years later into Wong Kar Wai's film 2046. Leslie Cheung's role as the unrepentent ladies man has to be the model for Tony Leung's role in 2046. Of course, Carina Lau's role is taken directly into 2046. Even the music (including my favorite: Xavier Cugat's violin-spiced "Perfida") reappears.
   
   On it's own, this is worth at least one viewing for the visual style, the characterizations and the unexpected twists and turns. It's also interesting for the respite given actors often found in chop-socky Hong Kong films, giving them a chance to really act. And, of course, there is that other layer of interest for a viewer familiar with 2046.



5. An unconventional romantic drama about time and love. "Days of Being Wild" features beautiful cinematography and hauntingly memorable lines. This is a must see for fans of In the Mood for Love - Criterion Collection and 2046. Another Wong Kar-Wai masterpiece that has influenced much world cinema including the American indpendent Time and Tide

5 comments about Hummer Sonata.

1. I bought this as a Christmas gift for my grandmother. She loves hummingbirds, and she very much enjoyed this DVD. She thought it was a little short, but she also said it was very cute and extremely enjoyable! I highly recommend this for the bird lover in your family!



2. Video did not live up to my expectations. Photography good but it only showed similar views of the hummingbird nest with chicks. Progressed from small chicks until they fledged and left the nest. Content was repetitive. Music did not live up my expectations.



3. I treasure this film that chronicles charming and heartwarming interactions between momma and baby hummers. The choice of music is quite fitting and humorous at times, which made me laugh whenever "The U.S. Air Force Song" kicked in. It is a lovely film, and my whole family loved it!



4. What a wonderful experience this is. A beautiful and entertaining combination of incredible footage and music. Superbly edited into a wonderful story that is a pleasure to watch!
   
   Kurt
   Laguna Niguel, CA



5. It only 5 minutes story. The story shows how to feed their babies and how they fly, with the beautiful music in the background. The DVD cover is good but the DVD media is very poor. (It looks like used when I got it)

5 comments about Lady for a Day.

1. This is the most wonderful movie with nobody I ever heard of except for the director, Frank Capra. May Robson is just fabulous -- tugs at your heartstrings, makes you cry and laugh. This is surely one of Capra's best movies -- not over the top or overly sentimental. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a two-hour smile.



2. I know it's a stretch, but I can't help but think that the Coen Bros. knew this film well, when they wrote, "The Big Lebowski".
   
   Both "dudes" share a disdain for the establishment, and yet are well respected by their peers. Both men attempt a good deed, but not without the prospect of a payout at it's completion. Both appear to be the most astute within their respective circles, and seem to be drawn into a larger episode against their will.
   
   It seems that the constuction of "The Big Lebowski" in it's relationship to "Lady for a Day", is similar to the construction of "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou", in it's relationship to "The Odyssey". There is a basic premise from which a very enjoyable romp ensues.
   
   Jeff Zolitor



3. I seen this on TCM and thought i would buy it. I got to say that when i seen it on TV it looked better then it did from the DVD. Not a very high qualty dvd it is more like a dvd disk for your cpu.



4. 
   
   I think May Robson was one of the finest actors australia has produced
   
   unfortunately because it was so long ago people have forgotten
   
   More needs to be done for the young ones to experience these treasures



5. Drunkard / street beggar Annie has been stealing hotel stationary for years and writing her daughter (who lives in Spain) letters full of extravagant lies about how she's a rich member NYC's high society. But Annie's cows are about to come home to roost because her daughter is coming to visit with her fiancée and his father Count Romero. Around this point logic is thrown far, far out the window never to return.
   
   The use of the mushrooming lie can be used to great comic effect (HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO is a perfect example), but I have three problems with LADY FOR A DAY. First instead of going for the laughs it goes for the touching melodrama instead...unless they were going for the laughs and I just didn't notice. Secondly I feel no sympathy for the main character she brought all of this on herself by lying and my final problem is how completely unbelievable the conclusion was. Hey, let's reward her for being a s#!++y parent!
   
   Also Nat Pendleton and Walter Connolly are completely wasted with small unimportant roles. If all that's not bad enough the picture on the "remastered" DVD sucks. It's hard to believe that Capra went from making this stinker to IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT just a few months later.

5 comments about Buffalo Boy.

1. I have seen most of the best Vietnamese films and frankly speaking this one is receiving my lowest appreciation.
   I became used to masterpieces such as " The vertical ray of the Sun" "The scent of Green papaya" and others and this one came as a surprise.
   The landscape is interesting and the photography at times beautiful and yet there are endless scenes of boring photography.
   The story is simple and the plot rather slow.
   You can see it once and soon forget it until a discussion on Vietnamese cinema arises.



2. I expected the movie to be slow, but it was quite fast and entertaining. I liked how the movie did not touch on any political agenda. This is the one to watch for the beautiful scenary and excellent cinematography. I am glad this Vietnamese movie was introduced to the world audience.



3. If you are interested in watching scenes of rural Vietnam, this may serve to become one of your collection. The sounds of rivers and water buffaloes which are blended with the rural landscape appear to be in harmony which sometimes make the viewer feel that he is in there. Although the cinematography is well worth it,the plot is rather weak and some of the scenes appear dragging which reminds me of some articles in National Geographic Magazines. However, the actors and actresses I think did their part well. We would welcome more movies about Vietnam.



4. Frankly, I am surprised I hung with this movie because it's pretty slow. It's not a real "entertainer," except for two things: 1 - the camera-work is nice at times; 2 - the story is quite different from anything we are accustomed to in the West. But after two-thirds of this story had elapsed, it was tough going the rest of the way. It's not an uplifting story, either. It left me feeling depressed. Yet, it IS a memorable film and I'm glad I watched it. Does that make sense?
   
   Floods, family, friends, enemies, thieves, sex, loyalty, poverty and abandonment and generally what life is like for those people in this story. With all the water around them, they couldn't bury their loved ones until the dry season came. They wrapped them up and put them on poles, and hoped the crows didn't peck away at the bodies. There are enough bizarre (for us) scenes like this, plus the fine cinematography, to make this a film with a few scenes you won't forget.
   
   You wouldn't want to live here, at the southern tip of Vietnam with these rainy, long flood seasons. Lugging a couple of Water Buffaloes through waist-deep muddy water for miles can't be a great existence, either. This is a tough story of people surviving under tough circumstances.



5. The movie takes place in Ca Mau, but I don't think it was actually filmed there. I have a lot issues with the mechanics in the plot, like when the kid has to bury his father... he just lets the old man to go off by himself to do it. This might seem like something arbitrary, but from a Vietnamese cultural perspective, the burial of your father pretty darn important. The main character should have at least followed or helped, instead of sitting around the house doing nothing. The fact that he entrusted a complete stranger to bury his father is absurd to me. Also, there's no way the old man could have pushed the corpse overboard along with all the weights, without tipping over the canoe.
   
   The film is more concerned about throwing out rhetoric and ideals of aesthetics than telling a coherent story. I find this to be true with other Vietnamese American films like 3 Seasons (Ba Mua) and First Morning.

5 comments about Mary and Rhoda.

1. Let me start by saying that Mary Tyler Moore was my first crush. Oh, why can't all moms look and act like Laura Petrie from the Dick Van Dyke Show?, I thought. Younger than most moms, curvy, with big brown eyes, a rarity on TV. Keep starchy
   Mrs. Cleaver, her pleated dress and her earrings, I adored Mary Tyler Moore. And when Mary got her own show, I was in TV heaven every Saturday night. Mary was just as perky and cute on her own as she was with Dick Van Dyke, but now funnier, more hip, and her own comedic flair brought out the best in her supporting cast. But that was then, this is now.
   
   I'll digress a moment. Henry Fonda, a national institution for the Grapes of Wrath, The Oxbow Incident and Advise and Consent, among many other great films, once explained why he made the 1960s stinker "Sex and the Single Girl." He said an actor needs to do SOMETHING periodically to keep in the public eye so people don't forget. Very true, the public does have a tiny little memory. Come to think of it, why did we invade Iraq again?
   
   This rationale must be the explanation why Mary Tyler Moore made the Godawful "Mary and Rhoda" - she was afraid if she didn't do something the public would desert her faster than you can say Pinky Toscadero.
   
   The thin plot of the show is not even worth mentioning, but I'll report that the most shocking thing about "Mary and Rhoda" is not what you'll find out about Mary Richards. It is what you'll find out about Mary Tyler Moore. She has no sense of humor. The first time around, under the the supervision of her then-husband and former NBC exec Grant Tinker, plus James (Terms of
   Endearment) Brooks at the helm, she was in the right place at the right time. Lacking these compuses of intelligence and taste, poor Mary has no internal sense of quality to call her own to save her. The result is absolute disaster in every area, starting with the writing. Barnet Kellman, Candice Bergen's "Murphy Brown" director cannot salvage the tainted material. There is no joy to be had from viewing, but only unintentional pathos. Ms. Moore, aside from obvious facial plastic surgery, shows off in a tight outfit a pair of cantaloupe-sized boobs she never possessed before, or, more accurately, never purchased before. Sad, sad, SAD. So you are warned: if you are a Mary-file like myself, just be happy to remember her as she was.



2. This didn't really do much for me. But what I really wrote to say was, when are they going to put out the wonderful RHODA on DVD. If anything, RHODA was even better than MTM. The relationship between Rhoda and her sister Elaine (whatever happened to her) was classic television comedy. If anyone out there is listening, please bring out RHODA on DVD, pretty please, I'm sure a lot of fans of the show feel the same as me, and I cant beleive its not out already.



3. I have to say I was very disappointed with this film and I love Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper.
   It starts off great with flashbacks of Rhoda and Mary Richards,then there is no mention of the other cast of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show",Lou,Ted,Phyllis,or Sue-Ann.
   They both now have a daughter each,and then the film gets very heavy and could easily just be another movie of the week.
   Its just a shame that none of the orginal writers of "The Mary Tyler Moore",Treva Silverman and Allan Burns weren't involved.
   I hope a better reunion movie of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"/"Rhoda" is made.



4. The chemistry between Mary and Rhoda that we all grew to love from the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" completely disappeared in this movie. The Rhoda and Mary I knew, were "best" friends and joked and wisecracked throughout the show. This movie was so-o-o-o-o boring! Even the beginning when they meet up again after years of separation, was so like "Do I know you?!" Rhoda and Mary were the first "Girlfriends"--they lived in each other's apartment, took classes together, borrowed each others clothes, held each others hand through a crisis or a "bad" date, and even had little spats. They have a history and it didn't show at all in this movie. Plus, they both lacked the energy that they used to have. It didn't have anything to do with their aging--their characters and the script were just plain boring! I'm surprised Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper even agreed to give this movie to their fans of 30 years! I thought they would be mature, savvy, experienced, and entertaining like "Maude" or the "Golden Girls." I didn't hear one funny line like "I don't know why I'm even bothering to put this in my mouth, I should just apply it directly to my hips." I didn't even last to the end, it was so dull. If you were/are a die-hard Mary and Rhoda fan, don't watch this movie. It will destroy every fun loving memory you ever had of the humorous "Mary/Rhoda" duo on tv!



5. I liked this DVD. If you are expecting something like the good ol' Mary Tyler Moore show, you will be disappointed, perhaps. But if you feel like Mary and Rhoda are old friends and you would like to "see" what they are doing now, and how their lives might have gone on, you will enjoy this. It was sweet and pretty good, but nowhere near as funny as the old MTM shows. Probably wasn't written by the same people. Both actresses look amazing and it was kinda cool to see them again. Haven't really seen either of them in TV or movies in the past years. Recommend this for die hard fans but watching it once might be all you need.