5 comments about Appalachian Impressions.

1. I have just finshed seeing the DVD three times and I could watch it again. This is a good movie with alot of good information for someone wanting to hike the trail and you will not get bored looking at it. I feel that they did a good job putting it together and it gives to something to look forward to when hiking the trail.



2. Great info for those curious about the AT or planning to hike it (whether it's a short hike or all 2,000+ miles!)



3. If you're interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail, or just learning more about it, this video is a great start.



4. Bought this to show my class after reading Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods." It did a a good job of showing different parts of the AT, the characters that hike it, and what they have to go through. I would have liked to somehow seen a little more of what the typical day might have been like... such as the type of tents used, how the stoves work, how water gets filtered, etc. From my point of view, these are things my students have no experience with and I wanted them to understand it a little better, but I do understand that probably wasn't the point of the video. Great footage of what they did show. Great character portrayal. Nothing objectionable (except for maybe a toenail getting flicked off... gross, but my students loved it!)
   
   
   Great overall video and definitely recommended!



5. We've hiked over 600 miles of the AT, south from Springer to Virginia. I felt like we were hiking along on the part we have already seen, and it made me even more anxious to see the other 1500 miles. Very well done.

5 comments about 2000 Miles to Maine: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail.

1. Doug Morse and Heide Estes have made a fascinating and engaging portrait of people who are driven to realize their aspirations. It is precisely the kind of reality that makes the whole reality genre work.



2. This movie is great fun, and ultimately very moving as well. It allows a variety of hikers, men and women, and not just twenty somethings, to talk about their experiences on the trail. We feel we are hiking with them as we see them walking, setting up camp, cooking, standing around and talking by campfires, and struggling in the rain. There are some references to drugs and alcohol, which some people find offensive, but this is a documentary, not a promo piece nor a stilted documentary with voice over and eye candy shots. This movie gives you a real sense of being on the trail, the kinds of people you'll meet, and what it might mean to finish and undertaking of this magnitude. Well worth while and holds up with repeat viewings.



3. I'm a avid hiker and enjoy watching this type of documentary. I was very dissapointed in this DVD. Aside from a few hikers whom I found semi- interesting, I didn't really care if these people made it or not. The film skipped A LOT - most of the trail actually.
   
   The film showed a few guys partying, a lost dog growling (milding entertaining) and some hiking. The most entertaining part was one of the bonus features. The most interesting guy went on a rant for about 5 minutes. It was by far the funniest part of the film.
   
   No, I didn't buy this film to laugh, but do enjoy humor and entertainment while learning. I was not entertained nor did I learn anything about the AT or hiking that I didn't already know.
   
   I first got hooked on the AT after channel surfing and stumbling upon PBS's Five Millon Steps. This was much more interesting than 2000 Miles. Read the poor reviews and seriously consider them before purchasing this DVD.



4. I am a hiker and am hiking frequently hike on the AT. I find 2000 Miles to Maine very inspiring and well done. I don't think the drug scene represents the experience of most AT hikers. I recommend this adventure highly. Four and a half stars.



5. I found this DVD useful in part because it gives a good perspective in a couple areas: 1. On how much people overpack and how much gear people do not need. 2. It gives a good idea of the amount of precipitation there is along the A.T. and that if you are dedicated to hiking the A.T. you better be prepared for the rain. In summary, the DVD gives a good introduction to the trail and touches on a few things that are useful.

5 comments about America's National Parks.

1. `America's National Parks' is not only a video tour of these locations, it is also something of a history and trivia lesson in that a good amount of information is offered about each area. As far as visuals are concerned, the cinematography really is something special to look at. The narration throughout the program is distinct and nicely paced in my opinion also. I've been fortunate enough to travel all over the world and one word that sticks in my mind about America is `diversity' because there is so much to see and experience and we are very blessed to have what we do. And we appreciate what we have.
   
   To be quite honest, before seeing this program, I had no idea there were 55 different national parks in America. Now that I do know and having seen them all on this wonderful documentary, I want to rush out and see every one of them (even the few I've already visited). I'm sure that others seeing this material will probably feel the same way. It is simply inspiring just to watch and appreciate these beautiful and unspoiled landscapes.
   
   Two special features are included in this DVD set. The first is entitled `Symphony to America's National Parks' and is music from classical composers set to a video montage of outstanding scenery lasting about 30 minutes (there is a different one for each disc). The second is called `Our Fragile Heritage' and at about 5 minutes long, it is basically a public service announcement with an important message. It talks about the importance of preservation and visitor's responsibilities inside the parks and I feel it is a useful compliment to the main program.
   
   I highly recommend this documentary to everyone. This is worth watching over and over and it would be a worthwhile addition, in my opinion, to any DVD collection. Enjoy.



2. I've watched plenty of the documentaries available on the National Parks. Most of them were shot in the 70's during the 'hiking craze', are badly ported to DVD and the narration brings you back to the days spent watching the second hands of the classroom clock tick slowly by. They cover a half dozen to a dozen of the now *58 plus national parks, at best. I'd rate most two to three stars, and only because I'm comparing them to each other; one tedious hour after another.
   
   This two disk set covers virtually *all of the parks and provides a variety of footage, from the very first moving pictures to the modern wide angle cinematography we've grown accustomed to. It's not high def, but it's clear and pleasing to the eye, while still providing some of the same 1970's views you'll recognize from it's predecessors (which explains some of the bad footage commented on by other reviewers). The narrator is interesting, vibrant and brings to life a detailed history of so many of our national treasures.
   
   Due to the lack of capital available for such limited audience projects like documentaries, some of the narration and footage are recycled. They couldn't even shoot a whole blockbuster picture like the latest Batman movie in IMAX - it was simply too cost prohibitive, so it simply has to be forgiven. It does take away from some of the grandeur, but you can never experience a national park on screen, no matter how amazing the footage. You simply HAVE to see it yourself.
   
   The three or so hours you'll spend watching this documentary will have you hunting for your pack, waterproofing your boots and google-mapping how to get there before you even finish watching!
   
   A genuine treat for the 'National Park Nerd', 'History Buff', or anyone who has even a passing curiosity of what is out there.
   
   *The disk is missing the following three parks as of 12/31/2008: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio; Congaree National Park, South Carolina; Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado, each created after it was feasible/possible for them to be included in this DVD: 10/11/2000, 11/10/2003, 9/24/2004 respectively.



3. This video at times almost seemed like a history lesson and did not fully capture the excitement of the National Parks. Our National Parks are amazing; unfortunately this video was at times uninspired. Look for a more exciting guide to the Parks



4. Need a respite from everyday life? Not feeling up to the pace of an action thriller? Don't have time for an entire movie? The twin DVD set, America's National Parks - A Video Tour of All 55 National Parks, is a perfect armchair getaway. Packed with jaw-dropping scenery shots, its peppered with historical footage, and seeded with details about the evolution of our National Park system --- and the individual parks in particular. Did you know we had 55 National Parks? I didn't. And this presentation easily lends itself to being viewed in segments. This item would make a great gift for anyone interested in our natural world and/or the history of the park system, not to mention the elderly, infirm, and the just plain frazzled.



5. Both DVDs were great. The photography exceptional and the background music appropriate. The narrator's voice was easy to listen to and easily understandable.
   I'd recommend it to anyone.

5 comments about Gerry.

1. Gerry is a one-of-a-kind experience, a cinematic force beyond any sense of category or label, and DEFINITELY not for everyone. If you want to watch Gerry, you need...
   
   1. Patience
   2. An attention span
   3. An appreciation for nature
   4. An appreciation for film
   5. A knack for analysis
   6. An adoration of the unique
   and, most importantly,
   7. An open mind
   
   If you think you contain at least six of those traits, you will adore Gerry as I do. If not, you'd best turn back now. Those 104 minutes aren't coming back.



2. Matt Damon's "Gerry" killed Casey Afflex's "Gerry"??? Really? Huh?
   
   I have to review this movie because I reviewed "Elephant" and in the middle of "Gerry", I said to myself...wait a minute--is this a Gus Van Sant movie? I had no idea because there were no titles in the beginning and I had just recorded this horrible movie from a satillite channel.
   
   Pointless, postcard scenery, long, meaningless shots of driving, walking, more walking (like in Elephant) and sparse, boring, nutty dialog. And about as far away from reality as you can get (except, see Elephant).
   
   Why would two modern, supposedly smart, educated guys go for a hike in the desert without water, a compass, hats, snacks and a map? They brought their ciggies and lighters though. The scene where Affleck jumps off the rock into the "dirt mattress" was surely just to show off.
   
   Gus Van Sant movies aren't for everyone, I agree. I just kind of always want some story, acting, production values (that maybe have a few bucks spent on them) and a director that doesn't fall asleep during filming.



3. Dumb & dumber go hiking . . . in the desert. They get lost. That's it.
   
   Not a lot of talkin', which is good cause these boys ain't got nothing to say.
   
   Some nice scenery. About as interesting as watching paint dry.
   
   Ends with a "WTF" ending. Maybe some reviewers found this made the film "provocative". Lame cop-out for real plot in my opinion. You decide: if you can stand it that long.
   
   Continuity alert: Casey has a white hooded sweatshirt when he goes into the desert. At the big rock, it's not there any more. Considering how little else goes on in this movie and how important any protection is in the desert, why wasn't this omission noticed?



4. Not for your typical American viewer, no car chases, nothing blows up, no special effects/cgi, no boobs...which is why most will not like it, which is good.



5. Gerry is Gus Van Sant's first attempt to break into the art house style of creative and original storytelling and simplistic filmmaking. It tells a rather disturbing story of two young men who go out into the wilderness on a hiking trip for no particular reason it seems other than to perhaps see something interesting. Eventually their interest subsides and they both decide to head back home, but before long they slowly begin to realize that they are lost in the desert and cannot find their way out. Still, they continue to exchange small talk and they continue to keep their high hopes while their fears that they may likely die slowly becomes an inescapable possibility.
   
   I really like what Gus Van Sant has done here. He has told a simple story about two young men who have, through their own simplistic mannerisms, gotten lost. Van Sant manages to hold the intensity of the idea together perfectly. However, the story and the context that this idea is put in is far from perfect. I hate to admit it, especially because Gus Van Sant is one of my favorite filmmakers, but this film really sucks in a way that made me remarkably angry. Don't listen to what the critics say about the man-vs-wild aspects or the hardship of friendship or the destruction of the human psyche under stress. I'm going to go on record by saying that this film doesn't have any of that in any form. There's no imagery to suggest that the film's characters are suffering from anymore than they should. There's no attempts at symbolism or developments or metaphysical storytelling. There is nothing. This film is a joke, and it's sad to say that because I think that Gus Van Sant actually does take this idea seriously. I think that he does believe that he has crafted something of prime genius here. The problem is that he is fooling himself even more than he is fooling the audience, at least from my standpoint. The film doesn't have celebrate joy of human existence. The film doesn't allow us any sort of hope for anything. The film isn't intense. The film isn't interesting. The film isn't the slightest bit emotional or original. Instead, it's just an hour and forty minute bore of horrible improvised dialogue, good cinematography, and no premise. The experimental nature of a film won't mean anything if there isn't any sort of ambition for plot, but this film lays it all on the absolute minimum of minimum storytelling and as a result, for me anyway, it is painful to watch.
   
   So what did I like about it? Well, the opening shot is absolutely majestic. The shot of the car on the road with the beautiful piano music and the wide open sky is absolutely magnificent. There are also a handful of interesting shots of the desert and of the characters in the desert, two of which I have provided screenshots of in this review, that lingered in my mind after the film ended. I also really appreciate Van Sant's use of sound in this film. It's very subtle, but it really speaks for itself. The performances of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck are both very good. The mood that the early scenes in the film generate definitely help it grip the audience's attention. There are also a few scenes of dry comedy that help to generate some sort of energy to the film. All this definitely may trick the audience into thinking that there's more going on here than there ultimately really is.
   
   Some have called the film a masterpiece, hailing it as a work of pure cinema and ambition. I can agree with that to some extent. Others call the film one of the worst independent films of the 2000s. I don't think I would go that far. There are a lot of horrible films that came out before and after Gerry that have been insufferable. Gerry is, however, a failure. It's a film in which it's ambitions are lost in the technicality of the sublime lack of energy, truth, storytelling, and art. It's not fascinating, challenging, entertaining, or even remotely abstract. It's just a dire piece of pointless nothingness that will only hold your attention if you are interested in unusual films about the desert, and even then I can think of films that work better. Gerry is a film that angered me and depressed me. I've seen it four times now and each time I feel even more and more robbed. I can't put this film down enough. I hate this film.

5 comments about Stand By Me (Deluxe Edition).

1. In the novella "The Body" written by Stephen King that this film is based upon, a group of boys set out to find a local dead body, and end up finding more out about themselves than anything. Along the way, master wordsmith King is able to develop each and every character to a point where readers can really care for or sympathize with their problems or successes.
   
   In this film version, "Stand By Me", though, that incredible character development is lacking. I realize I am a bit "tainted", as I know what I was missing, but suffice it to say that after the novella experience, the film just seemed to lack that extra "oomph" to turn it into any sort of classic.
   
   Of course, I probably am expecting the impossible in this situation, as director Rob Reiner likely did everything he could to develop four very different young men in the span of only 88 minutes, but just that limitation alone drags the story down a bit. Whereas King (as he is known to do) can, in a very in-depth fashion, probe the personal lives of each of his characters, Reiner is restricted to a series of flashbacks that just don't have the same emotional connection with the viewer as King does with the reader.
   
   Now, don't get me wrong...I don't think that this is a bad film by any stretch of the word. If you have not read the novella, I think you might be inclined to give it another star in the rating column (don't expect "classic" status, though). However, if you (like I was) are looking for faces to be put to King's classic characters, locations, and themes, then you will likely be a bit disappointed, as "Stand By Me" fails to carry that mantra like some others have (including "The Shawshank Redemption", a classic movie based on a story in the same collection as "The Body").



2. I first saw this movie when I was 7 years old. I'm 29 now, and it is still my all-time favorite movie. A wonderful movie about boyhood friendship and the different problems that each kid faces in his home life or in social situations. Four boys set off on a journey to find the body of a dead kid, but it's much more than that. The movie is about the camaraderie of the boys and the problems that each one faces. Chris, the leader of the gang, comes from a family with a bad reputation and therefor is labeled bad by the other people in the town. Gordie is a kid who is coping with the death of his own brother, but more than that, the lack of a relationship between him and his father. Teddy has a dad who is very abusive because he suffers mental problems from his experiences in WWII. Vern is kind of the social outcast. Certainly not one of the most popular kids in school.
   
   Now, about some of the other reviews I have read and you may have read yourself: First of all, let me start by saying that if you're a self-esteem movement parent and can't stand curse words because they greatly offend you, stay away from this movie. This movie is very realistic. Believe it or not, 12 year-old kids swear, get over it. My friends and I swore long before that, but we never did it in front of adults. We didn't do it because we saw it in movies. We did it to act rebellious and thought it made us look older than we were, just like every other 12 year-old kid. These kids in the movie are just like any other 12 year-old boys. So do not use this movie as a scapegoat. Like I said, just get over the fact that 12 year-old boys do swear.
   
   Second of all, this is NOT a chick flick like a couple of reviewers have said. Yes, this is not an action-packed Die Hard type movie, but that doesn't make it a chick flick. I'm a guy. All my friends like this movie, guys and girls, and none of the guys ever called it a chick flick. It's no more of a chick flick than the movie Rudy, which I have never heard of receiving that accusation. If you're that insecure in your masculinity, then please just stay away from the movie.
   
   As long as the last two things I mentioned don't apply to you, order the movie right now!



3. This has always been one of my favorite movies. Having seen it at least two dozen times over the years, it still hasn't gotten old. Adapted from the Stephen King novella "The Body" from the collection Different Seasons, the film follows four friends as they set out to find the dead body of a missing boy so they can become "heroes". Sensitive Gordie, tough but kindhearted Chris, troubled Teddy, and Vern, the proverbial fat kid, your sure to identify yourself with at least one of these characters. Watching this film, it's nearly impossible not to start thinking about you're own childhood friends and the adventures you had together. And it's true, you never will have friends again quite like the ones you had when you were twelve.



4. Great old movie based on one of my favorite old songs. A group of pre--adolescents facing an adult discovery that tests their loyalty. Great stuff, well acted.
   
   Video in good shape.



5. One of the greatest movies of all time, and I'm glad I found it. Everyone should see this movie at least once in their life time. I feel that everyone can relate to AT LEAST one of the characters AT LEAST once throughout the course of the movie. MUST SEE!

5 comments about Kilimanjaro - To the Roof of Africa (Large Format).

1. I love the movie very much! It might be a bit romantic and idolized (you see only pretty things. But I found it very encouraging in my preparation to the claim! After all - among others they feature and older lady that didn't look very sporty and two teenagers... If they made it to the top - I can too!!! Just have to train hard!
   
   Very beautiful film!!!



2. In planning for a trip to Kili, we wanted to be able to show our kids what a trip to the mountain would be like. This DVD was perfect as it included people of all ages on the climb. This is a great family film, short but perfect for those interested in beginning climbing or family outdoor adventures. It would also be beneficial to home schoolers that need some visuals to supplement geography and/or African studies.



3. WONDERFUL VIDEO. AWESOME IMAGES. I'M READY TO GO CLIMB IT. DAVID BRASHEARS IS THE MAN.



4. Enjoyable footage of Kilimanjaro and the climb up. The IMAX format and story isn't as detailed as a Kilimanjaro documentary might be. Though the DVD said TRT (total running time) is 70 minutes, the actual feature ran to just under 40 minutes. So, disappointing in this regard. I got the sense of the mountain - as IMAX would portray - just not the real-world expedition climbing of it: preparation, packing, porters, cooks, others on the mountain etc. A good first look at the mountain, but it left many questions unanswered in preparing for a Kili climb.



5. In short: If you're thinking about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, or just interested in East Africa, this is a great documentary. And you can get it brand new from an Amazon partner for only $5.00-- GREAT value in my opinion. Just buy it.
   
   Details: I climbed Kilimanjaro (Rongai route) over New Year's 2009; then I discovered this DVD a couple of months after the fact & decided to order. I like it because it gives my family/friends a great IMAX quality overview of the mountain, and is a great supplement to my personal slides/video (*I returned with about 1,500 of my own pics, and about 3 hrs of hi-def video). I like the DVD's musical score, as well.
   
   The 'plot' of the DVD follows a style I've seen in a number of other IMAX films-- following a group of otherwise ordinary individuals as they tackle an out-of-the-ordinary task (climbing Kilimanjaro, in this case). If there is anything particularly inaccurate, it's the lack of porters in the video (no, not ONE porter is shown in the entire presentation) and also the lack of other hiking groups on the mountain. [the IMAX group seems to be completely alone, whereas my experience was one of at least dozens if not hundreds of other hikers]. Still, the purpose of the video is NOT to be a detailed hiking guide, but rather to give viewers an idea of the scope and grandeur of the mountain. This it does very well.
   
   To reiterate: great movie, great value

2 comments about Scream.

1. Godawful movie that I was very much looking forward to seeing on DVD, particularly for the director's commentary. Unfortunately, pre-orders were so low that the release has been cancelled. So, in a futile gesture, I will now pre-order it.
   
   As for the film itself, so many adjectives apply. Dreamlike, boring, nonsensical, fascinating, impoverished, dull, misguided, spellbinding, asinine, inspirational...



2. 'Scream' (1981), is supposed to be a slasher or thriller, but I didn't find it very thrilling. This movie is just plain boring. It lacked, in that the suspense lead-ups to the "scary parts" were exaggerated to a point where I lost interest, and the gory parts were very quick with minimal viewing.
   
   In my own personal opinion, if the viewers were given more clearly graphic scenes to wet their appetites, it might not have been such a bad or boring movie. Sorry, but I rate this movie from 1-10 as 1. "Awful". A low budget movie. Though this movie was released in 1982, it is definitely a very 1970's type movie.

5 comments about Stand By Me (Special Edition).

1. In the novella "The Body" written by Stephen King that this film is based upon, a group of boys set out to find a local dead body, and end up finding more out about themselves than anything. Along the way, master wordsmith King is able to develop each and every character to a point where readers can really care for or sympathize with their problems or successes.
   
   In this film version, "Stand By Me", though, that incredible character development is lacking. I realize I am a bit "tainted", as I know what I was missing, but suffice it to say that after the novella experience, the film just seemed to lack that extra "oomph" to turn it into any sort of classic.
   
   Of course, I probably am expecting the impossible in this situation, as director Rob Reiner likely did everything he could to develop four very different young men in the span of only 88 minutes, but just that limitation alone drags the story down a bit. Whereas King (as he is known to do) can, in a very in-depth fashion, probe the personal lives of each of his characters, Reiner is restricted to a series of flashbacks that just don't have the same emotional connection with the viewer as King does with the reader.
   
   Now, don't get me wrong...I don't think that this is a bad film by any stretch of the word. If you have not read the novella, I think you might be inclined to give it another star in the rating column (don't expect "classic" status, though). However, if you (like I was) are looking for faces to be put to King's classic characters, locations, and themes, then you will likely be a bit disappointed, as "Stand By Me" fails to carry that mantra like some others have (including "The Shawshank Redemption", a classic movie based on a story in the same collection as "The Body").



2. I first saw this movie when I was 7 years old. I'm 29 now, and it is still my all-time favorite movie. A wonderful movie about boyhood friendship and the different problems that each kid faces in his home life or in social situations. Four boys set off on a journey to find the body of a dead kid, but it's much more than that. The movie is about the camaraderie of the boys and the problems that each one faces. Chris, the leader of the gang, comes from a family with a bad reputation and therefor is labeled bad by the other people in the town. Gordie is a kid who is coping with the death of his own brother, but more than that, the lack of a relationship between him and his father. Teddy has a dad who is very abusive because he suffers mental problems from his experiences in WWII. Vern is kind of the social outcast. Certainly not one of the most popular kids in school.
   
   Now, about some of the other reviews I have read and you may have read yourself: First of all, let me start by saying that if you're a self-esteem movement parent and can't stand curse words because they greatly offend you, stay away from this movie. This movie is very realistic. Believe it or not, 12 year-old kids swear, get over it. My friends and I swore long before that, but we never did it in front of adults. We didn't do it because we saw it in movies. We did it to act rebellious and thought it made us look older than we were, just like every other 12 year-old kid. These kids in the movie are just like any other 12 year-old boys. So do not use this movie as a scapegoat. Like I said, just get over the fact that 12 year-old boys do swear.
   
   Second of all, this is NOT a chick flick like a couple of reviewers have said. Yes, this is not an action-packed Die Hard type movie, but that doesn't make it a chick flick. I'm a guy. All my friends like this movie, guys and girls, and none of the guys ever called it a chick flick. It's no more of a chick flick than the movie Rudy, which I have never heard of receiving that accusation. If you're that insecure in your masculinity, then please just stay away from the movie.
   
   As long as the last two things I mentioned don't apply to you, order the movie right now!



3. This has always been one of my favorite movies. Having seen it at least two dozen times over the years, it still hasn't gotten old. Adapted from the Stephen King novella "The Body" from the collection Different Seasons, the film follows four friends as they set out to find the dead body of a missing boy so they can become "heroes". Sensitive Gordie, tough but kindhearted Chris, troubled Teddy, and Vern, the proverbial fat kid, your sure to identify yourself with at least one of these characters. Watching this film, it's nearly impossible not to start thinking about you're own childhood friends and the adventures you had together. And it's true, you never will have friends again quite like the ones you had when you were twelve.



4. Great old movie based on one of my favorite old songs. A group of pre--adolescents facing an adult discovery that tests their loyalty. Great stuff, well acted.
   
   Video in good shape.



5. One of the greatest movies of all time, and I'm glad I found it. Everyone should see this movie at least once in their life time. I feel that everyone can relate to AT LEAST one of the characters AT LEAST once throughout the course of the movie. MUST SEE!

5 comments about A Perfect Getaway (Unrated Director's Cut) [Blu-ray].

1. When I rented this movie, people were talking about the big twist ending.... unfortunately I am one of the few people who actually paid attention to the beginning of the movie, so for me there was absolutely no twist. I seriously thought that everyone knew what I knew right from the beginning, so by the time the so called "twist" was revealed I was completely confused. If you are an observant person, you will think this movie is a bit boring waiting for everyone else to figure out what you knew right from the start. An extra star because I like the actors in this movie.
   
   Stop reading here if you haven't seen the movie.
   SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER:
   
   The give away is in the first 10 minutes of the film... How could you NOT notice that, first of all the beginning of wedding footage never directly showed the bride and grooms faces, giving one cause to wonder why, thus making you pay more attention to the wedding footage. So after more wedding footage is shown we actually see enough of the faces of the bride and groom to see, that it is NOT Mila Jovovich or Steve Zahn as the bride and groom, but someone totally different. Therefore when you see they have the camera of the couple, and the information about the slain couple is revealed, it's a given that they were the one's who killed and replaced the bride and groom. It was obvious to me anyway. That's why when they revealed them as the killers I couldn't figure out how that was twisty in any way whatsoever. This made the movie a bit boring for me. Then I thought, maybe the twist was Mila saying it was okay to kill Steve... but that wasn't a big surprise either, after their talk on the beach. Whatever..... if you are observant this movie will be a bit boring.



2. It was the tyical movie,the ending with a twist that you did not see it coming. To me it was a great movie.A Perfect Getaway (Theatrical/Unrated Director's Cut)



3. From the start I knew this was going to be a good movie based on the cast of actors. This movie has you wondering which couple really are the bad people. The suspense is good, the humor is good, and the story line develops all the way to the end. This was a very good movie.



4. I've been wanting to catch "A Perfect Getaway" ever since it was released last August (2009) because I'm a sucker for island-adventure stories like "Mysterious Island," "Robinson Crusoe," "Six Days Seven Nights" and numerous others (heck, even Gilligan's Island). Well, I finally got to catch it on dvd.
   
   THE PLOT: Two newlyweds (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich) set out to enjoy their honeymoon hiking incredibly scenic Kaua'i, Hawaii. Unfortunately they catch word that a crazy murderous couple is on the loose and they become seriously suspicious of other hikers (Timothy Olyphant and Chris Hemsworth, amongst others). Will they escape their honeymoon alive?
   
   "A Perfect Getaway" is worthwhile if, like me, you enjoy island-adventure movies. The film was shot at Kaua'i, Puerto Rico and Jamaica (the sea cave sequence) and these locations are spectacular. Also, the character played by Timothy Olyphant and his babe are likable and you can't help but start to root for them as the story progresses. Chris Hemsworth is also impressive as an ultra-grim/laconic badaxx hiker; keep in mind that he's playing Thor in the upcoming 2011 film of the same name and in "The Avengers" in 2012 (and he seems perfect for the role).
   
   Everyone knows by now that this is a 'twist' film and consequently the story takes a jarring turn in the final act. Don't worry, I'm not going to spoil it for you if you haven't seen it. I recommend seeing "A Perfect Getaway" if you like island flicks or films with surpising plot twists (or both). See if you can figure out the twist before it happens. (I did and will explain why it was so easy in a moment).
   
   Although the film is good for what it is (not great), I'm giving it an overall mediocre rating of 3/5 Stars or grade 'C'. Let me share why I feel this is nothing more than an okay picture. [SPOILER ALERT!! Don't read any further unless you've seen the film or want to know the plot twist!!]
   
   We discover in the third act that Zahn & Jovovich are the murderers and that they're actually impostors of a recently murdered newlywed couple. The reason I was able to easily figure this out was that in a murder-twist scenario it's usually the most innocent/vunerable persons who are guilty (e.g. "Howling V: The Rebirth"). Twist films like this have now become so common that they're no longer even surprising. What would really be refreshing and 'cutting edge' is if the film simply played it straight, i.e. the people we think are the protagonists remain the protagonists throughout and the suspicious/evil people get their comeuppance ("Cape Fear" is a good example).
   
   But why do I give this film a mediocre rating? Because in a way the whole story is a lie -- the very people we come to care about and root for in the first hour end up being despicable criminal scum of the lowest depth (at least Zahn's character anyway) and the suspicious characters that we're led to believe are the murderers end up being the protagonists we should be caring about. To the film's credit we DO end up caring about Olyphant's character and his girl by the end of the story.
   
   Yes, I realize that in a way the film isn't lying to the viewer at all and that, once Zahn and Jovovich are understood to be the murderers, all their conversations ARE authentic as the impostors/killers but not as the innocent newlyweds, if you know what I mean. It's all a matter of perspective. But, still, this doesn't take away from that fact that the viewer has essentially been baited and switched -- the very people we think are the innocent/vunerable protagonists end up being the guilty/malevolent scum bags. Consequently, the viewer can't help but feel hoodwinked by the end of the picture.



5. I have to say that watching the previews for A Perfect Getaway prior to it is release in theaters, I decided it was a movie I wanted to see. However, after the movie came and went from the big screen I thought otherwise. Now that A Perfect Getaway is on DVD, I gave it another try and was pleasantly surprised. This is an enjoyable movie for those who appreciate the action and suspense genre. As the previews advertised, three couples on vacation in Hawaii realize that maybe, one couple is not what they seem. Mila Jojovich and Steve Zahn both play against their types. Timothy Olyphant (Hitman), and Kiele Sanchez (Lost), are excellent supporting actors. The story moves quickly, allows the viewer to identify immediately with the main characters. Within the first minutes, we are also introduced to three different couples that all could be the killers. A good movie to watch on a Friday night, with your wife or girlfriend and a bowl of popcorn.

5 comments about A Perfect Getaway (Theatrical/Unrated Director's Cut).

1. When I rented this movie, people were talking about the big twist ending.... unfortunately I am one of the few people who actually paid attention to the beginning of the movie, so for me there was absolutely no twist. I seriously thought that everyone knew what I knew right from the beginning, so by the time the so called "twist" was revealed I was completely confused. If you are an observant person, you will think this movie is a bit boring waiting for everyone else to figure out what you knew right from the start. An extra star because I like the actors in this movie.
   
   Stop reading here if you haven't seen the movie.
   SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER:
   
   The give away is in the first 10 minutes of the film... How could you NOT notice that, first of all the beginning of wedding footage never directly showed the bride and grooms faces, giving one cause to wonder why, thus making you pay more attention to the wedding footage. So after more wedding footage is shown we actually see enough of the faces of the bride and groom to see, that it is NOT Mila Jovovich or Steve Zahn as the bride and groom, but someone totally different. Therefore when you see they have the camera of the couple, and the information about the slain couple is revealed, it's a given that they were the one's who killed and replaced the bride and groom. It was obvious to me anyway. That's why when they revealed them as the killers I couldn't figure out how that was twisty in any way whatsoever. This made the movie a bit boring for me. Then I thought, maybe the twist was Mila saying it was okay to kill Steve... but that wasn't a big surprise either, after their talk on the beach. Whatever..... if you are observant this movie will be a bit boring.



2. It was the tyical movie,the ending with a twist that you did not see it coming. To me it was a great movie.A Perfect Getaway (Theatrical/Unrated Director's Cut)



3. From the start I knew this was going to be a good movie based on the cast of actors. This movie has you wondering which couple really are the bad people. The suspense is good, the humor is good, and the story line develops all the way to the end. This was a very good movie.



4. I've been wanting to catch "A Perfect Getaway" ever since it was released last August (2009) because I'm a sucker for island-adventure stories like "Mysterious Island," "Robinson Crusoe," "Six Days Seven Nights" and numerous others (heck, even Gilligan's Island). Well, I finally got to catch it on dvd.
   
   THE PLOT: Two newlyweds (Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich) set out to enjoy their honeymoon hiking incredibly scenic Kaua'i, Hawaii. Unfortunately they catch word that a crazy murderous couple is on the loose and they become seriously suspicious of other hikers (Timothy Olyphant and Chris Hemsworth, amongst others). Will they escape their honeymoon alive?
   
   "A Perfect Getaway" is worthwhile if, like me, you enjoy island-adventure movies. The film was shot at Kaua'i, Puerto Rico and Jamaica (the sea cave sequence) and these locations are spectacular. Also, the character played by Timothy Olyphant and his babe are likable and you can't help but start to root for them as the story progresses. Chris Hemsworth is also impressive as an ultra-grim/laconic badaxx hiker; keep in mind that he's playing Thor in the upcoming 2011 film of the same name and in "The Avengers" in 2012 (and he seems perfect for the role).
   
   Everyone knows by now that this is a 'twist' film and consequently the story takes a jarring turn in the final act. Don't worry, I'm not going to spoil it for you if you haven't seen it. I recommend seeing "A Perfect Getaway" if you like island flicks or films with surpising plot twists (or both). See if you can figure out the twist before it happens. (I did and will explain why it was so easy in a moment).
   
   Although the film is good for what it is (not great), I'm giving it an overall mediocre rating of 3/5 Stars or grade 'C'. Let me share why I feel this is nothing more than an okay picture. [SPOILER ALERT!! Don't read any further unless you've seen the film or want to know the plot twist!!]
   
   We discover in the third act that Zahn & Jovovich are the murderers and that they're actually impostors of a recently murdered newlywed couple. The reason I was able to easily figure this out was that in a murder-twist scenario it's usually the most innocent/vunerable persons who are guilty (e.g. "Howling V: The Rebirth"). Twist films like this have now become so common that they're no longer even surprising. What would really be refreshing and 'cutting edge' is if the film simply played it straight, i.e. the people we think are the protagonists remain the protagonists throughout and the suspicious/evil people get their comeuppance ("Cape Fear" is a good example).
   
   But why do I give this film a mediocre rating? Because in a way the whole story is a lie -- the very people we come to care about and root for in the first hour end up being despicable criminal scum of the lowest depth (at least Zahn's character anyway) and the suspicious characters that we're led to believe are the murderers end up being the protagonists we should be caring about. To the film's credit we DO end up caring about Olyphant's character and his girl by the end of the story.
   
   Yes, I realize that in a way the film isn't lying to the viewer at all and that, once Zahn and Jovovich are understood to be the murderers, all their conversations ARE authentic as the impostors/killers but not as the innocent newlyweds, if you know what I mean. It's all a matter of perspective. But, still, this doesn't take away from that fact that the viewer has essentially been baited and switched -- the very people we think are the innocent/vunerable protagonists end up being the guilty/malevolent scum bags. Consequently, the viewer can't help but feel hoodwinked by the end of the picture.



5. I have to say that watching the previews for A Perfect Getaway prior to it is release in theaters, I decided it was a movie I wanted to see. However, after the movie came and went from the big screen I thought otherwise. Now that A Perfect Getaway is on DVD, I gave it another try and was pleasantly surprised. This is an enjoyable movie for those who appreciate the action and suspense genre. As the previews advertised, three couples on vacation in Hawaii realize that maybe, one couple is not what they seem. Mila Jojovich and Steve Zahn both play against their types. Timothy Olyphant (Hitman), and Kiele Sanchez (Lost), are excellent supporting actors. The story moves quickly, allows the viewer to identify immediately with the main characters. Within the first minutes, we are also introduced to three different couples that all could be the killers. A good movie to watch on a Friday night, with your wife or girlfriend and a bowl of popcorn.