No comments about Dream to Believe.

5 comments about A Secret.

1. Claude Miller has created one of the more challenging and intensely human dramas about World War II in his film UN SECRET (A SECRET). Though one of many stories about the plight of Jews during the events that led up to and exploded into WW II, Miller's story is less about the cruel destiny of the Jews in Hitler's plundering of Europe than it is a study of a few individuals who struggled with their identity in the face of probable extermination.
   
   Based on a true story in Phillippe Grimbert's novel by the same name, UN SECRET gracefully and artistically draws the viewer into the psyche of the narrator François Grimbert (played at ages 7, 14 and 37 by Valentin Vigourt, Quentin Dubuis, and Matthew Almaric) whose relationship to his father Maxime (Patrick Bruel) has always been strained. The story winds from contemporary time, to the period in France before WW II, through the horrors of the Holocaust, and the years of rebuilding following the war.
   
   Maxime `Grinberg' (Patrick Bruel) marries Hannah (Ludvine Sagnier) in a beautiful Jewish wedding. Hannah's brother is married to a brilliant athlete Tania (Cecile De France) and even at the wedding the equally athletic Maxime has eyes for Tania. All possible conflicts seem to diminish when Maxime and Hannah have a son, Simon (Orlando Nicoletti) who develops into a naturally gifted athlete - the joy of Maxime's life. As WW II approaches the Jews of Paris are instructed to wear their yellow Star of David patches, and while Hannah feels pride in her ancestry, Maxime refuses to be `labeled' and defies the ruling. When the SS come to transport Jews out of Paris, Hannah and Simon are removed to a camp while Maxime manages to stay in Paris with a new French name. Popular as a fashion model and designer, Tania is able to stay unnoticed as a Jew also, but her husband is off to war and extermination. Maxime and Tania learn of their families' demise and bond, eventually marrying using French names (Grimberg becomes Grimbert), join the Catholic Church and have a son - François - who is nothing like Simon nor does he know of his father's rejection of him as a poor comparison to the perfect Simon But as the years pass François discovers his family's past and a reconciliation with his Jewish heritage confronts him. How the maturing François ultimately relates to his distant father brings closure to the story.
   
   The cast is excellent, gifted actors all, especially in some of the lesser roles (eg. the ever-present Louise (Julie Depardieu). Claude Miller's recreation of time lapses is successfully highlighted by interchanging black and white with color photography (by cinematographer Gérard de Battista) and the changing moods of the story are greatly enhanced by the musical score by Zibigniew Preisner. UN SECRET, then, is a stunning work that explains many aspects of the varying responses of Jews to that horrid period of history designed by Hitler. It is a deeply satisfying and profoundly moving film. In French with English subtitles. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, March 09



2. "A Secret" (Un Secret) is a World War II drama based on the novel of the same name by Phillipe Grimbert, which has also been published under the title "Memory". It has a complex time structure, shifting between 4 different time periods in the life of Francois Grimbert and the earlier lives of his parents during the War. Seven-year-old Francois (Valentin Vigourt) is frail, reclusive boy living in the shadow of his athletic father Maxime (Patrick Bruel) and beautiful mother Tania (Cecile De France) in 1955 Paris. He finds a stuffed animal in the attic one day that elicits strong and inexplicable reactions from his parents. Seven years later, his neighbor and longtime family friend Louise (Julie Depardieu) tells him the long-suppressed story of his parents' past that puts his life in a new context.
   
   A lot of films have been made about the struggles of French Jews during World War II. Every time I see one, I think it's going to be like all the others. But I'm usually wrong. For some reason, this subject has produced great cinema in France. There is always a restraint in how these stories are told, and the characters are strong enough to engage the audience's interest, yet ordinary enough to represent whole communities. "A Secret" is no exception. Maxime, Tania, Louise, and, later, Hannah (Ludivine Sagnier) are vibrant, sympathetic people no matter what they do. Sometimes I wondered if the complex structure of this film was necessary or beneficial (it was borrowed from the book). And I would liked to have known more about Francois as an adult. But these characters are captivating and their story is affecting.
   
   The DVD (Strand Releasing 2009): The film is in French with English subtitles that cannot be turned off. The only bonus feature is a theatrical trailer.



3. 'A Secret' is a multi-layered movie that deals with myriad themes. The central character is Francois Grimbert who has always had a rather distant relationship with his father Maxime [Patrick Bruel]. As a young boy, Francois is not keen on sports and appears rather frail [he was a four lb baby] and very unlike his athletic father and swim champion mother Tania [Cecile de france]. His young mind conjures a phantom brother that is very athletic and strong, driving his parents to distraction. When Francois discovers a toy in the family attic, secrets long hidden begin to unravel, thanks mostly to a long-time family friend, Louise [Julie Depardieu] who reveals all that she knows.
   
   Told via a series of flashbacks, the story unfolds. Ironically, the flashbacks to the past are portrayed in color, and the present [where the now mature Francois goes to meet his old dad] is in black and white. This is ideal as in this story, the past is of the most significance. As the 15-year-old Francois learns, his 'imaginary' brother of childhood was very much real, and was called Simon, much beloved by his father Maxime, and his mother Hannah [Maxime's first wife]. As the story progresses, we learn of a complex love triangle, involving Maxime, Hannah, and Tania. Maxime first sets eyes on the gorgeous, blonde Tania at his wedding to Hannah. At the time, Tania is married to Hannah's brother, but when the Nazis begin expanding their power across Europe, Tania's husband becomes a prisoner of war and this brings Tania closer to Maxime and his family, which now includes the young Simon. As the Nazis occupy France, Maxime refuses to wear the yellow star, turning his back on his Jewish identity, much to the chagrin of Hannah, who is proud of her heritage. Hannah also slowly realizes to her horror that Maxime desires Tania, and this realization later plays a tragic role in shaping the ultimate destiny of Hannah and Simon.
   
   The plot here may come across as incredibly convoluted, yet despite the many layerings to the story, conveyed by the frequent flashbacks, the plot flows well, almost seamless, and I could easily follow the stories of the main characters.
   
   This is a riveting human drama that not only portrays the complexities of love and relationships, but also shows how the French Jews, as portrayed by Maxime, his family and close friends were affected by the Nazi occupation of France, and how the French government basically turned its back on its Jewish citizens. Final verdict: a well-made Holocaust-themed human drama.



4. I borrow movies from our libraries. They have a good selection of French films. Just finished watching it today. There is a typical French style of storytelling--nothing too direct, always something left unsaid or about to be said. The excellent touch was using color for the past and black and white for the present. Conventional wisdom dictates that color for the present scenes and to signify something of the past/or dream, use black and white. The director/producer sent a subtle message by reversing the order. Also of note the movie's not over using the Jewish issues--rather using Jewish experience as a backdrop to draw a larger sketch of universal human psyche, with color of love, jealousy, envy, romance, hurt feelings of a neglected child, the paradox of love and passion, guilt--a lot of things said in a rather short time, very eloquently. The narrative of the movie was of matter of fact style. I find it amusing how casually, yet necessarily, French movies show the force of eros and sensuality. Look at the massage session when the family friend gives the female main character a massage. Speaking of erotic scence, it was very well-done--not through groins and groping. But through the eyes of a male and female. the longing and surrender, the animal desire in silence, the expression of mutual understanding of two bodies-expressed through minimum of sound and physical actions.
   The music was good--nostalgic. I do not understand French, but got the vibe of being in Paris, with cobblestone street and the normal, spontaneous human friction. The movie will also interest psychologists--it shows how a shadow is created in someone's mind through repression and denial. What I find most interesting is that the humanness of each character was the profound theme in every scene. The political and social issues were peripheral--as if it was there and the producer had nothing to do with it, and he did not want to send any socio-political, even cultural message for that matter, through this movie. What he/she wanted is to tell a neat story of few lives centered on few points on the historical canvas. Of course, tragedy of WW-II was unavoidable, but to me, the lives came foremost.
   Well, a good show, for a French movie, which to me are often depressive.



5. A much too long film with an interesting premise, but one that has been touched on several times before in French cinema--i.e. someone uncovering, "What really happened" to one's family during a period of nationalistic bigotry, collaboration, and deadly religious persecution. Nonetheless, the acting is fine and the period costumes impeccable. Go for it if you're specifically interested in this historical era.

5 comments about Ranma 1/2 - The Digital Dojo - The Complete First Season (Box Set).

1. 
   I have to say the country of Japan has got to share its secrets with America in regards to film and television. Anime has recently grown in tremendous thanks to shows like Pokemon, Dragonball Z, and the Studio Gibli movies. Still, there is a much larger world that hasn't even begun to grow on this side of the globe.
   
   Enter the world of romantic comedy anime style and its ringleader the ever-popular `Ranma ½'. This is the story of a boy named Ranma and his father and their journey to become the greatest martial artists with a major twist. On their journey they trained in the Valley of Cursed Springs, where within every pool a creature died a tragic death. Any being that happens to fall into one of the pools would take the shape of the creature that drowned in it. Out of all the cursed pools which one does our strapping young Ranma happen to fall into? The spring of the drowned girl! So now every time he gets wet, Ranma transforms into a spunky cute red headed girl. To change back he must douse himself with hot water...but it's only a matter of time until he finds a way to get wet again. If this idea of a story doesn't strike you as hilarious I don't know what will!
   
   Now Ranma just found out he is to wed his fathers best friends daughter Akane. Unfortunately they don't like each other very much and he has to live under her roof until they get married. Get ready for the wacky first season of this Japanese phenomenon as Ranma begins a new chapter of his life with a new school, new friends, new enemies and even old enemies! The best part about all this mayhem is which Ranma are all these nut jobs looking for? And are they out for love...or revenge!?
   
   *Recommended Episode: Enter Ryoga The Eternal Lost Boy *



2. I don't realy like most anime, but i realy enjoyed this one.
   it coppys the book perfictly and the voices match the charictors very well



3. I had read some about Ranma in various magazines and forums, so I knew a bit about it. This show is just too funny. I picked up the first season as it's classic and I'm a big fan of anime and willing to take a chance. VERY funny show with a bit of action and a (so far) good on going story line.
   Not sure if I'll be buying every season, but I enjoyed it enough to try one more. Can't wait to get it!



4. THIS IS THE BEST ANIME MOVIE, YOU WILL LOVE IT. IT SO FUNNY, YOU WILL LAUGH A LOT.



5. the plot and the action are good , but the nakedness is a little confusing .

5 comments about A State of Mind.

1. Do you teach Orwell's 1984? Do you feel that the novel might be a bit dated because its "date" has passed and so has the Soviet Union, the totalitarian state on which it was partly based? Well, this film ought to freshen things right up for you and your students. In many ways, the North Korean state is the embodiment of all the techniques of the totalitarian state that are described in the novel: the manipulation of history, the deification of the leader, mass propaganda, media control, the concept of endless war. Believe me, students gape, and for them, the novel comes right off the "boring assignment" queue and into history as it is happening in front of their eyes. (It's never hard to find North Korea news in the newspapers, either.)
   
   However, it is also interesting to consider the North Korean instruments of control that Orwell did not anticipate: the beauty of the mass games, the obvious delight of parents in their talented children, the intensity of purpose that comes with idealism, however misdirected. High school students who are reading Orwell are riveted by this film, but you don't have to be in high school to appreciate this nuanced,compelling, and, in places, gorgeous film.



2. Of course, aside from politics, the spectacle that all of these highly talented individuals put on is truly amazing in the Mass Games ... of course, once again, everything isn't what they seem to be. In this case, communism-driven Mass Games.
   
   I guess, in short, everyone (the kids, the adults, the elderly---all) is brainwashed by the government of the ever-ruling communist General. Seriously... controlled food, controlled leisure, controlled household, etc etc etc. How dare they (especially the kids!) hate us and call US evil, call US "Bloody Americans!" ... The kids are taught this hatred when young and it continues through the rest of their life! They are CUT-OFF from the outside media! They are informed? HA! Only through the government! And they only share what pleases their communist lives.
   
   Nice talent. Pitiful ruler. Do they harbor this hatred because of the Korean War? I thought we attacked them because they invaded South Korea? In any case, this war was over FIFTY years ago. Times change AND people change. North Korea is a pathetic brainwash hogwash.



3. North Korea fascinates due to it being the most isolated (by its own choice) and most severely repressive nation on Earth. There are, to my knowledge, three insightful DVDs on the subject: `A State of Mind', `National Geographic - Inside North Korea' and `North Korea: A Day in the Life'. I have purchased all three. An important point to note is that any footage allowed out of North Korea is almost exclusively of the capital, Pyongyang, which is far from being representative of life in the country as a whole. Only a fraction of the population are specially selected to live there; even for these `privilaged' souls life is bleak and dominated by political propaganda.
   `A State of Mind' concentrates on the preparations of two young gymnasts for the showpiece Mass Games performance. Of the three, this DVD gives by far the best and deepest insight into the brainwashed mindset of the North Koreans, with its excellent documentary narration and carefully selected material. It is also important to bear in mind however that this film only shows what is approved by the regime - all the despicable aspects of the North Korean experience are not covered. There also has remarkable footage of the Mass Games of course and the grand military parades (both visually stunning) that seem to be the focus of life there.
   `National Geographic - Inside North Korea', being told from our outsider's perspective, is the only complete and balanced overview of North Korea here. It puts North Korea on the map with its historical context, draws widely on footage from many sources and - free of regime censorship - shows as best it can the true horror story that the regime tries to hide at all costs. Information presented on health standards, nutrition and the extensive concentration camp system are quite staggering.
   `North Korea: A Day in the Life' is what the title says it is; it follows a day in the life of a `typical' (regime selected) family in Pyongyang. This is not narrated and concentrates solely on the daily routine, so really brings across the bleakness of these people's life. Again this officially-approved film only shows what is approved by the regime. The carefully selected images shown (for example the table overloaded with food in a city known to be tightly rationed) and the often unreal scripted dialogue only really serve to show how out-of-touch the regime is which choreographed it. This film does show well the grinding inefficiencies of North Korean life, but all-in-all compares poorly with `A State of Mind'.
   For a good understanding of North Korea, I recommend viewing `National Geographic - Inside North Korea' and `A State of Mind', in that order.



4. Unbelievable. This should be required viewing for all politicians. Underneath the shocks and awes of this documentary though, are people. Real human beings and it's so nice to see that! So many documentaries try to skew the facts and showcase people as either angels or demons. What hold this together is the humanity beneath it all. You won't ever forget this movie.



5. North Korea is difficult to learn about because of its deliberate isolation and intense government control. Obviously the nation stresses subordination of the individual to the community, and this is the theme underlying the two girls followed in their training for the Mass Games of 2003. The big honor for participating is to be seen by The Great Leader - Kim Jong-Il.
   
   The two girls are always very polite - introducing their parents and other relatives, and bowing to their parents upon returning home. They are dedicated and work very hard to perform well, though it is painfully clear that their time would be much better spent on other activities, such as school. Usually there is no electricity in the evening. The one family has a small color TV - given to the daughter for prior Mass Games participation. Some 80,000 gymnasts were used to act out 13 scenes reminiscing on North Korea experiences in the Korean War. (The U.S. is viewed as extremely evil.) About 12,000 other schoolchildren are used to present impressive visual displays of Kim Jong-Il and other scenes.
   
   Rationing is still in effect in North Korea - even in Pyongyang, its showcase capital; six international flights arrive there each week. The city is bright and clean on the main street, rather drab in other locations. Residents there get one chicken and 5 eggs every month, plus an undefined amount of other items. The two families went to a flower show - the two flower types on display were each named after one of the Kims. One of the families was able to take a 30-mile weekend trip to visit one of the father's former army friends - first time in ten years, and it required a permit and two hours of travel each way. The countryside was attractive, though it was obvious that North Korea has few vehicles and only narrow roads, though lots of statutes. Scenes at a construction site showed dirt being moved by hand - without even a wheelbarrow.
   
   Summertime practices ran from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. One group was eventually replaced because their performance was not up to standard - I'm thinking they were the lucky ones. Eventually the Mass Game performances were held, but Kim Jong-Il never showed up. Festivities began with a mass military parade, then a citizen parade, followed by a youth candlelight parade. In total, one million marched in the parades that day. There were then two shows/day for 20 days. Training for the next Mass Games began the next day.
   
   Problems with the film include generally poor quality video, audio that is so low it is very difficult to hear, very, very little translation offered and no subtitles.

5 comments about Cirque du Soleil - Varekai.

1. This is a wonderful DVD. I would highly recommend it to any one who likes the circus, beautiful costumes, exciting airel acts. We will buy the whole set. We loved it.



2. The amazon editorial review states, "this artsy circus aspires to weave a narrative..." keyword: aspires
   
   If your a big fan of cirque..., please disregard my opinion. The show is filled with excellently synchronized dancing and extraordinary acrobatics and I can understand the appreciation cirque...gathers. However, I don't believe this type of show is entertaining for the common folk (the hoi polloi).
   
   If you enjoy opera and or a couple hours of acrobatics and tangents of dances then go see it. I just got back from Vegas and am glad I didn't pay the money... I was curious of the hype and borrowed this DVD and again am glad I didn't pay for one of their shows.
   
   Most of the summary/plot reviews are about two sentences long. That pretty much sums up the show correctly. The other 95% is just filler: a variety of incontiguous dances, contortions, juggling, and impressive acrobatics. Though many of the acrobatics are simply amazing (they kept me from walking out due to lack of interest), when it comes to continuity or any sort of story line Varekai comes up short. They cram their show full of random 10 to 15 minute performances that don't really seem to follow each other- a various talent show. It was like a soap opera in which everyday brings a completely new cast of characters and plot. I really wish these very talented acrobats (of whom are simply amazing at what they do and obviously spend a lifetime of what must be daily exercises) could find better writers.
   
   Costumes are dissimilar from set to set, which further inhibits the poor attempt at a story line. I appreciate the effort put into said costumes. They are very eclectic. Although for me downright creepy. If I didn't have xenophobia before the show, I certainly have it now. I can see why they don't let children under 5 into many of their performances. If I were dreaming and some of these characters started to appear, I'd freak out.
   
   Conclusion: This was my first Cirque du Soleil show and more than likely my last. Though, if $90-$150 is nothing to you then go ahead and see one of their shows for yourself. After all, opinions vary.



3. All of the Cirque shows are marvelous (Haven't seen a bad one yet). But this is just delightful. The "end" segment is just the best. Can't go wrong buying this one!!



4. If you are a fan of Cirque du Soleil, or performance art, theatre, or acrobatics, this product is for you. Varekai is one of the most abstract, "artsy," and theatrical shows I've seen so far by Cirque. The costumes are stunning, the music is enchanting, and, as always, Cirque delivers some of the most entertaining and amazing acrobatics you'll see anywhere, all seamlessly molded into a continuous narrative about the central characters and story. Watching Varekai is like watching a strangely beautiful dream unfold before your eyes. Absolutely enchanting.



5. This is so interesting - I guess I have some questions for Amazon.com. I left a highly critical review of the Varekai show that I saw in Moscow on Oct 26, 2009. I could only stomach the first part of the show and that was more than enough. The fact that it was boring, mostly old numbers from the Soviet Union circus shows of the 80s plus some kindergarten boy junglers and revamped Georgian dancers thrown in, that was nothing. But they had a comic/magician act that was purely insulting to human common sense as well as your general good taste and manners.
   
   The interesting fact is that I left as soon as I could (without bothering other people in the audience - if I find smth in extremely bad taste but somebody still looks at it, who am I to argue with them?) and asked Varekai for the money back. 100 euros. They promised to return it but they never did. But that's a different issue.
   
   The most interesting fact is that Amazon never published my review - in spite of the fact that I described what exactly I saw on the stage, why I was offended, never used any bad language - just provided a feedback on the show, a one that had a right to existence, very much like the others.
   
   Funny. I have no idea why. Other people gave 1-star reviews as well. Why did mine dissapear? Because I provided some rather unflavorable details about the show?

5 comments about The Gymnast.

1. The actresses are real.. they are gymnasts..not bad for acting.. I think the movie is about finding yourself and empowerment..



2. As beautiful as the blond gymnast is an as talented,
   I really don't like this sort of film for the content.
   The acting and plot are well done.



3. This movie was AMAZING!! Hands down one of the best movies I've seen in a long time!! It was just so real and could relate to so much with what we go thru in our day to day lives in hopes for a better future...Beautifully written, directed, choreographed and acted!! Five Stars All The Way Baby!! I am a huge fan of these two phenominally talented women!! They were beyond words with incredible unique talent during the Cher Tour... LUV U GIRLS!! WAY TO GO!! I highly recommend this movie for the gay/lesbian/bi/heterpsexual fans out there!!



4. This movie creates two very different but overlapping impressions. The first earns the movie's title - the gymnastics are beyond belief. The aerial work is gorgeous, like nothing I've seen before, carried out by two athletes with incredible power and grace. I could watch that visual spectacle for hours, and never wonder for a moment how it's done. That achievement is so far beyond anything I could do that I wouldn't understand the answer anyway.
   
   The second impression lacks easy words. If the characters were in their teens, maybe even early twenties, it might be called a "coming of age" story. Instead, Jane (played by Dreya Weber) inches up through her forties, in a childless marriage to a husband that you'll love to hate. So, in this "coming of a certain age" story, Jane falls for the young, beautiful, fiercely talented, and decidedly lesbian Serena. They strike some tasteful sparks, but real heat between them is left to your imagination. Different viewers will see the crumbling marriage and self-discovery with different eyes; my own response is largely no response.
   
   Beautiful stunts by beautiful, powerful women - others will see more, but that's enough for me.
   
   -- wiredweird



5. While it may look so entacing the sad truth is anyting but, so if you want to see great acrobatics I slightly recomended other than that the drama department in this movie is plainly horrible.

5 comments about Stick It.

1. I did not expect much from this movie to be honest. I saw it advertised and I saw it out on DVD. I thought it would be very lame. That is why it took me this long to watch it. I only watched it because it came on television and there was literally nothing else to watch. To my complete shock, it was terrific! The actress was the main reason this movie was so great. She was definitely channeling Hillary Swank (circa Karate Kid 3). However, she is a much prettier Hillary Swank. Having said that, she is also hilarious. To be honest, I see this actress having a great future b/c she made the whole movie. If it had not been for her, this movie would have just been another "made for tv" type of movie.
   
   My daughter was in competitive gymnastics for many years so we also enjoyed the message behind it. It was especially true how a lot of coaches will fill people's minds with hopes of the Olympics so that they can get their money.
   
   The reason I did not give this 4 stars is because of the cheesy sections where it suddenly felt like I had been pulled into an early 80's MTV video. A bad one.If not for these horrid detours, I would have given it a 5.



2. Very witty movie about gymnastics and all of the preparation involved in olympic trials. Great story line and fun characters. I really enjoyed it.



3. "Stick It" has been one of my favorite comedies since it was first released. It's a story about a rebellious gymnast who gets sentenced to VGA (Vicerman Gymnastics Academy) after a run-in with the law. In an attempt to get her back into the sport she used to love, her coach pushes her to train again after walking out on the world championship a few years prior. With an extremely sarcastic but never-give-up attitude, she is able to find some real friends and put her trust in people once again.



4. If you enjoyed `Bring it On', then there is absolutely no reason for you not to enjoy `Stick It', a very similar sports themed chick flick that is nearly just as funny and clever. Sure, you cannot beat the teen queen sensation that was Kirsten Dunst, but Missy Peregrym (better known for her television work) holds her own amongst BRILLIANT actor Jeff Bridges (this film is so beneath him, but having him on board makes it so much fun).
   
   The film is a lighthearted romp that centers around a rebellious teenager named Haley Graham. A one-time gymnastics pro on her way to getting gold, Haley made a pretty bad name for herself within the world of gymnastics, and so when she is sentenced to enroll in VGA (a prestigious gymnastics academy run by the strict Burt Vickerman) after damaging some property she finds a less than warm welcome. In fact, she is downright hated and despised by some, especially Joanne Charis, Vickerman's over confident pupil. Haley has a pretty bad attitude overall, but time softens her, especially as her love for the sport starts to take over her hatred for her circumstances.
   
   The film has its fair share of clichés, but they are handled with spunk and enough heart to make them fade away. We focus on the wit and charm of the dialog and the likable characters and so the fact that this offers nothing new doesn't really bother us so much.
   
   It's not as good as `Bring it On', but it comes very close.
   
   I really liked Missy Peregrym's sarcastic take on Haley's situation. She seems very real and down to earth, and you can tell she's having a great time; but she never loses her character's inner sense of alienation. You can tell, right from the start, that there is something much deeper to her careless response to life in general. Speaking of `fun', Jeff Bridges is a laugh riot here, constantly stealing every scene he's in. He has settled into his old age (not really, old, but whatever) and has become a seasoned actor who is comfortable enough in his own skin to do just about anything. This is a nicely constructed supporting role, and one that is not easily forgotten.
   
   So, in the end I totally recommend this one. It is fun and exciting and witty and it has that teen-movie charm that will please the young ones and prove to be a nice guilty pleasure for the adults.
   
   It's okay to enjoy this kind of mindless fluff every once in a while.



5. I'm not the world's most athletic person. I'll admit that freely. I'll also admit that when sports come on, I tend to fall asleep. But there's just something about gymnastics that captures my attention. I think that's part of what made this movie really capture my attention.
   
   The plot follows failed gymnastic athlete Hayley as she is forced to rejoin the world she left behind after a biking trick lands her in police custody. Universally hated for throwing her old team's chance at gold at the World Championship, Haley finds that picking up where she left is easier said than done.
   
   I really did like this movie. I may not be able to understand everything that the gymnasts go through, but this movie made everyone's struggles easy to relate to. I also liked that the characters were well layered. Sure, we can all see Haley's reasons for being who she is but it takes a good script & acting to show that the mean girl teammate Joanne also has her reasons for being who she is. I really do like that they aren't pushing the whole "mean people are mean & the good people are good". I also loved Jeff Bridges in this movie. He pretty much made the movie for me.
   
   I just really liked that this movie didn't fall prey to the usual cliches of teen & feel good movies. Too often you see the film have a cliche of "the main character wins", so it's nice to see something different for a change.
   
   Even if you aren't a sports fan, you'll like this movie. There's a moral to the movie of course, but the biggest draw of the movie is the teamwork. Even the least athletically inclined can get into this movie!

5 comments about Stick It.

1. I did not expect much from this movie to be honest. I saw it advertised and I saw it out on DVD. I thought it would be very lame. That is why it took me this long to watch it. I only watched it because it came on television and there was literally nothing else to watch. To my complete shock, it was terrific! The actress was the main reason this movie was so great. She was definitely channeling Hillary Swank (circa Karate Kid 3). However, she is a much prettier Hillary Swank. Having said that, she is also hilarious. To be honest, I see this actress having a great future b/c she made the whole movie. If it had not been for her, this movie would have just been another "made for tv" type of movie.
   
   My daughter was in competitive gymnastics for many years so we also enjoyed the message behind it. It was especially true how a lot of coaches will fill people's minds with hopes of the Olympics so that they can get their money.
   
   The reason I did not give this 4 stars is because of the cheesy sections where it suddenly felt like I had been pulled into an early 80's MTV video. A bad one.If not for these horrid detours, I would have given it a 5.



2. Very witty movie about gymnastics and all of the preparation involved in olympic trials. Great story line and fun characters. I really enjoyed it.



3. "Stick It" has been one of my favorite comedies since it was first released. It's a story about a rebellious gymnast who gets sentenced to VGA (Vicerman Gymnastics Academy) after a run-in with the law. In an attempt to get her back into the sport she used to love, her coach pushes her to train again after walking out on the world championship a few years prior. With an extremely sarcastic but never-give-up attitude, she is able to find some real friends and put her trust in people once again.



4. If you enjoyed `Bring it On', then there is absolutely no reason for you not to enjoy `Stick It', a very similar sports themed chick flick that is nearly just as funny and clever. Sure, you cannot beat the teen queen sensation that was Kirsten Dunst, but Missy Peregrym (better known for her television work) holds her own amongst BRILLIANT actor Jeff Bridges (this film is so beneath him, but having him on board makes it so much fun).
   
   The film is a lighthearted romp that centers around a rebellious teenager named Haley Graham. A one-time gymnastics pro on her way to getting gold, Haley made a pretty bad name for herself within the world of gymnastics, and so when she is sentenced to enroll in VGA (a prestigious gymnastics academy run by the strict Burt Vickerman) after damaging some property she finds a less than warm welcome. In fact, she is downright hated and despised by some, especially Joanne Charis, Vickerman's over confident pupil. Haley has a pretty bad attitude overall, but time softens her, especially as her love for the sport starts to take over her hatred for her circumstances.
   
   The film has its fair share of clichés, but they are handled with spunk and enough heart to make them fade away. We focus on the wit and charm of the dialog and the likable characters and so the fact that this offers nothing new doesn't really bother us so much.
   
   It's not as good as `Bring it On', but it comes very close.
   
   I really liked Missy Peregrym's sarcastic take on Haley's situation. She seems very real and down to earth, and you can tell she's having a great time; but she never loses her character's inner sense of alienation. You can tell, right from the start, that there is something much deeper to her careless response to life in general. Speaking of `fun', Jeff Bridges is a laugh riot here, constantly stealing every scene he's in. He has settled into his old age (not really, old, but whatever) and has become a seasoned actor who is comfortable enough in his own skin to do just about anything. This is a nicely constructed supporting role, and one that is not easily forgotten.
   
   So, in the end I totally recommend this one. It is fun and exciting and witty and it has that teen-movie charm that will please the young ones and prove to be a nice guilty pleasure for the adults.
   
   It's okay to enjoy this kind of mindless fluff every once in a while.



5. I'm not the world's most athletic person. I'll admit that freely. I'll also admit that when sports come on, I tend to fall asleep. But there's just something about gymnastics that captures my attention. I think that's part of what made this movie really capture my attention.
   
   The plot follows failed gymnastic athlete Hayley as she is forced to rejoin the world she left behind after a biking trick lands her in police custody. Universally hated for throwing her old team's chance at gold at the World Championship, Haley finds that picking up where she left is easier said than done.
   
   I really did like this movie. I may not be able to understand everything that the gymnasts go through, but this movie made everyone's struggles easy to relate to. I also liked that the characters were well layered. Sure, we can all see Haley's reasons for being who she is but it takes a good script & acting to show that the mean girl teammate Joanne also has her reasons for being who she is. I really do like that they aren't pushing the whole "mean people are mean & the good people are good". I also loved Jeff Bridges in this movie. He pretty much made the movie for me.
   
   I just really liked that this movie didn't fall prey to the usual cliches of teen & feel good movies. Too often you see the film have a cliche of "the main character wins", so it's nice to see something different for a change.
   
   Even if you aren't a sports fan, you'll like this movie. There's a moral to the movie of course, but the biggest draw of the movie is the teamwork. Even the least athletically inclined can get into this movie!

5 comments about Nadia (True Stories Collection TV Movie).

1. Not having prepared a review before, all I can say about the product is that my daughter is the happiest she has been in a long while. The condition of the product was excellent and the shipping was great; only took a couple of days to receive.



2. Was just as I remember it from watching this movie as a little girl. Was very happy with quality of the movie and speed of delivery.



3. got here on time and in great condition! my sister and i watched this when we were little, and it was great to see it again!



4. I loved and watched this movie over & over as a kid. I bought it for my 5 year old daughter who loves gymnastics too. She has seen it probably 10 times already. Even my 3 year old loves to watch Nadia. They get to see just how much training goes into becoming great gymnast. I would recommend to anyone interested in the sport!



5. Thanks, the seller sent the item right away in the condition it stated to be in

5 comments about Peaceful Warrior (Widescreen).

1. This is one of the most though-provoking films I have ever seen and really inspired me to think about my life differently. I have watched it several times and shared it with friends and neighbors as well. The film is a good reminder to slow down and really experience all that life has to offer without living in fear or dwelling on the past. There are no ordinary moments. Fantastic!



2. this was a great experience. first of all, the film is excellent. the first one i was sent had some sort of security protection on it, so wouldn't play on my laptop and then kept digitizing on my regular DVD player. I contacted the seller, who immediately offered to replace it for me as well as refund the shipping charges back to him. when i told him that instead, i would appreciate an extra copy of the DVD to donate to my father's assisted living facility in florida, he didn't hesitate to send two like new copies of the same DVD. andy will take care of you!



3. Spiritual Warriors
   
   Lacks something ... not quite sure, a little too about winning and success. Not that I'm against winning and success at all. I happen to consider myself both a winner and successful. But for me it's more about aligning to my true purpose, completing and living my spiritual path - living as joy and service to the planet - and then all is added unto me - the success and the winning is but benefits but not the reason to go forwards with life.
   I know this movie often gets confused with the movie 'Spiritual Warriors' and vice versa. Now 'Spiritual Warriors', while it lacks an A List celebrity truly hits the nail on the head in terms of a greater experience of living this life as a peaceful and spiritual warrior.
   However ideologies and themes aside, this is a very enjoyable movie. I do love that it has some genuine heartfelt principles, and is actually an entertaining stories - not like all the 'talking heads' spiritual movies over the last few years.



4. I had this movie on my shelf for a couple of days and decided to watch it this evening. I knew nothing about it other than what was written on the sleeve of the dvd case. I just finished it perhaps 20 minutes ago and while folding my clothes felt compelled to google Dan Millman. I've dabbled with the "truth" that this movie presents for many, many years and have never had the conviction or, perhaps, discipline, and strength to follow through to find the inner way achieved through discipline that this movie informs us is there for all of us. It's been a year since going for an early Sunday morning walk that I spied a middle aged Chinese man with his 8-10 year old son performing the slowest tai-chi I think I've ever witnessed. I watched for perhaps ten minutes amazed on many levels: a) that the man had the discipline to bring something important from his culture and want desperately to pass it on to his son; b) that the man loved his son immensely to take time from his busy life to give such a gift to his son (no I've never in my 64 years seen a father or mother of American descent perform this kind of training instilling a strong sense of self-discipline in his or her child); c) that the son so respected his father that he would get up and perform the movements in mirror like reflection to that of his father (I'm equally certain there were none of his, the son's, classmates doing what he was doing and especially so at such a young age); d) that the end result of this type of training would create a young man of immense self-discipline and determination which would make his life infinitely less troubled than his contemporaries. So, my thoughts about this movie went to that father-son who were teaching and learning a very deep truth the likes of which few of us can really fathom in this country. I spent a long time in the Orient on business for clients of mine over the years, I've witnessed whole neighborhoods, hundreds of people, usually quite old, performing Tai-Chi early in the morning--near 6 a.m. and do it with quiet peace and totally focused each and every one. There was no banter or joking about their spouses or how badly the government treated them or what a sorry neighbor this or that fellow might be or how they were being ripped off at the grocery store. They were there to focus and achieve something that I can scarecly imagine what it might be. But, in truth, I did know but didn't want to focus on my own shortcomings and limited inner vision, much like the character of brash, young Dan Millman who had the proverbial world as his oyster before he selfishly and foolishly destroyed his leg. But, like that Dan Millman who discovered that life is a journey or a process and hopefully one of growth, a growth toward acceptance and achievement of answers to some of life's most profound answers---but not until we discover the questions inside ourselves. That's what this movie is about. It's artfully written, Nolte is stoic, the Millman character seems to overplay and I detested his foolishness, so maybe he was right where he was supposed to be. There are no neat special effects or gore to cloud on the message this film seeks to impart---I really applaud that. My final analysis is that it's a wonderful and remarkable and, if your of the right frame of mind on your own journey, it will be most memorable. Watch it and let Millman's seeds of self-discovery percolate, at least I hope they will when the time is right. B.W.Piel



5. I watched it about a year ago and it touched me so deep. I dont remember how many times i cried while i was watching. This movie made me understand more about life and myself, too. So i decided to own it. I would absolutely recommend this movie, especially for teenagers....