5 comments about Wallace & Gromit - The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (Widescreen Edition).

1. The Wallace and Gromit movies are as funny as any other animated films, but they are more. There is a warmth to the situations and complexity of the plots, not just a series of jokes. I found it thoroughly enjoyable, and worth seeing more than once.



2. This is one movie I can watch over and over!Its great for the kids but there is a few off colered jokes for the older crowd that the kids will definatly not pick up on!A great movie all around.



3. In the annals of film history there have been many great comedic duos: Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon... but now come Wallace and Gromit. In The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and Gromit are taken to new levels of sophistication. The animation has become more polished and the story is more complex. All of these components are utilized Wallace and Gromit to the big screen in their most thrilling tale yet. Still the humor (or humour for those in the U.K.) is what makes W&G so special. At its heart The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a comedic homage to romantic comedies, campy sci-fi films, and a wonderful tribute to Hammer horror films and Ealing Studio comedies. As creator Nick Park said, "It's the world's first vegetarian horror film."
   
   Wallace and Gromit, no longer working as window washers, are now providing humane pest control services with Anti-Pesto. This zany escapade brings them into contact with the delightfully daft Lady Tottington, who holds an annual fruit and vegetable competition for the town. Wallace and Gromit are called in to rid her yard of a bunny problem. There they meet the arrogant, vain and heartless hunter, Victor Quartermaine who is vying for Lady Tottington's hand in marriage. After successfully catching all the "bounders" and safely transporting them home, Wallace develops a startling idea. He decides to use a device that he designed to remove his desire for cheese on the bunnies. If he could brainwash the bunnies into not wanting "veg", then the competition can go on. But as always is the case when Wallace has an idea, things don't go at all as planned. Soon there are sightings of a monstrous rabbit that is devouring the town's produce and Wallace may be to blame for the beast's creation. Has he mutated the innocent bunny he tried to cure of its vegetable cravings? After numerous failed attempts to find and stop the were-rabbit, Victor is hired to hunt the were-rabbit down and kill him. Only clever Gromit stands in his way.
   
   Once again the delightful characters created by Nick Park have won the hearts of audiences and critics across the globe. Like The Wrong Trousers and A Close Shave, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit was showered with awards and hailed for its originality.
   
   The DVD includes a commentary track, games and activities, three of the Cracking Contraptions mini-shorts, and deleted scenes with optional commentary. It also includes the featurette How Wallace & Gromit Went to Hollywood, a behind the scenes featurette, A Day in the Life at Aardman featurette, How to Build a Bunny featurette, the short film Stage Fright, and much more.



4. Have some fun. The lovable claymation gadget-inventing duo hits the big screen for the first time in this outrageous and extremely silly adventure. Read the product description for the plot. Clever, harmless, engaging and completely goofy. The jokes are constant and hilarious. Also, check out their early adventures and the equally excellent Chicken Run by the same people. pet the bunnies and eat your vegs. Cheeeeeese!



5. DVD came in perfect condition in only a few days. Great doing business with you!

5 comments about Brother Bear (2-Disc Special Edition).

1. This is a fascinating movie with the right mix of comedy and drama along with teaching good morals and a little history about indigenous religions. It starts off with three brothers, the youngest, Kenai, is to receive his token. He is still very immature and his actions certainly reflect that. He receives his token from the shaman, which happens to be the bear of love. He is disappointed with his token since he believes bears are mean animals and love isn't manly. His brothers then discover that Kenai failed with his duties and let the bear get their fish. Kenai goes to find the basket of fish and runs into the bear. He instigates the bear and his brothers catch up to help. The oldest brother ends up taking his own life to save them. Kenai blames the bear once again and goes to hunt it down for revenge. He upsets the spirits by killing the bear and is then transformed into the bear. Once the other brother catches up to Kenai, he only sees the bear and blames the bear on Kenai's death. The shaman instructs Kenai to go to where the lights touch the earth to seek forgiveness. Lost and confused, he runs into a bear cub, Koda, who has lost his mom. He thinks Koda is a pain but agrees to help him find her. Kenai discovers that Koda knows the way to where the lights touch the earth so they embark on the journey together. In the meantime, Kenai's brother keeps following seeking revenge. Brief comic relief is also provided through the animals along the way. Koda and Kenai begin to form a friendship and bond together. Then they discover that Koda's mom isn't lost but that Kenai killed her and has taken over her body. Koda eventually learns forgiveness and both have learned important life lessons. Once Kenai reaches the place where the lights touch the earth he runs into his other brother again. The spirit brother intervenes and transforms Kenai back to himself. However, Kenai realizes he needs to raise and watch after Koda. His brothers respect his decision and he is returned to being a bear.
   
   In addition to the plot of the story, it also gives us a better appreciation and understanding of American Indians and their indigenous religions. This story was based on Kenai's vision quest. It teaches us how American Indians are more in touch with their natural environment and their beliefs reflect that. The Indians believe they are equal to the animals, respect their environment, and believe in the circle of life. The shaman provides guidance and acts as an intermediary for the tribe. They use the animal tokens as guidance during the vision quest. The sacred lights provide guidance while allowing them closeness with the spirits, similarly to other indigenous religions. Therefore, there is a lot of interaction with the spirit world as well.



2. Brother Bear
   
   
   Plot Summary:
   
   The story of Brother Bear takes place long ago. This story involves three native brothers, Kenai, Denahi and Sitka. As youths, the three brothers were taught the "world was magical" and the source of this magic was the "ever changing lights dancing across the sky". It was explained to them by the shaman lady, Tanana, of their village that these lights were the spirits of the ancestors and that they "had the power to make changes in life". The story begins as the youngest of the three brothers, Kenai, is the candidate of a manhood ceremony. In order to become a man, Kenai' is to be given a totem which will guide him through his life. This totem is revealed to Tanana by the Great Spirits ("changing lights dancing across the sky") and Kenai is given a bear totem; the Bear of Love.
   
   As the story goes on, after a bear takes the life of the oldest brother, Sika, Kenai kills the bear in revenge. Instantly, Kenai is transformed into a bear by the Great Spirits. Now the middle brother, Denahi, is on the hunt to avenge his brother's Kenai death, unaware if he is successful he would be killing his own brother. Brother hunts brother and Kenai's only hope for survival is to befriend his own worst enemy, a bear cub named Koda. Koda was orphaned after Kenai killed his mother. Throughout the rest of the story Koda teaches Kenai the true meaning of brotherhood as they both travel to the mountain where the "light touches the earth".
   
   
   
   How Brother Bear Relates to World Relgion:
   
   Many symbolisms and traditions seen in Brother Bear can also be seen throughout world religions. The movie begins with the middle brother, Denahi, sharing the story of the three brothers with a new generation. This is a common theme amongst indigenous societies, where cultures, history and lifeways are shared orally and are passed from generation to generation (Fisher 49).
   
   In many indigenous religions, one undergoes a rite of passage ritual when going from childhood to adulthood (Fisher 51). At the beginning of Brother Bear, Kenai participates in a manhood ceremony in which he is given a symbol of how he must live his life. In this ceremony, villagers are dressed up like animals and are seen dancing and drumming in a circle. In some religions this helps them to personify the spirit they are representing, while in a circle which represents their unity (Fisher 38, 51).
   
   In Brother Bear, as in many religions there is a land mass (moutain top) which is considered sacred. It is on this mountain, where "the lights touch the earth", that the shaman lady, Tanana, of the village goes to communicate with the Great Spirits. The Great Spirits are the ancestors who have departed. After being forwarned by his brother, Denahi not to upset the spirits, Kenai is transformed into a bear. This goes along with the religious theme that the ancestral spirtis have the power to punish (Fisher 41). Tanana is a spiritual specialist who acts as an intermediate between the spirits and living beings. In the movie we see her offer up Sitka's spirit to the Great Spirit after he dies. She is also able to communicate with Kenai both as a human and Kenai as a bear.
   
   There are many other instances throughout this movie in which one can align to world religions. This movie served as a means to not only entertain but also to educate.
   
   
   
   
   Work Cited
   
   
   Fisher, Mary. Living Religions. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc., 2008.
   
   Brother Bear. Blaise, Aaron, Walker, Robert, dir. Williams, Chuck, prod. Murphy, Tab, Cameron, Lorne, Hoselton, David, Bencich, Steve, Friedman, Ron, writ. DVD. Walt Disney Pictures, 2003.



3. Three brothers of an indigenous tribe get into some trouble while out on a hunt. A bear is provoked by the youngest brother which in turn gets his oldest brother killed while trying to save his younger brothers from attack. Though the middle brother takes no action against the bear at first, the younger brother pursues the bear and kills him. The consequence is that he is transformed by the spirits into a bear himself. Assuming the bear has also killed his younger brother, the middle brother attempts to hunt down this bear which now he does not know that it is in fact his own younger brother. The brother turned bear must now find a way to contact the spirits and let his older brother know who he is. Along his path he is joined by a lost bear cub and finds a few other friends along the way.
   
   This story is an example of teaching right from wrong and learning about how a shaman in an indigenous tribe provides the path to enlightenment. The shaman shows "brother bear" the way to love through a long sequence of events. I find that the theme is light enough in nature and fairly universal in a religious aspect that it should not offend anyone based on their beliefs. The movie represents more of a primal religion if anything. It shows us examples of love, compassion, and respect for the land and animals in which with we co-exist. Those things exist in most modern religions today. So I would say that this movie covers some universal beliefs and values. So buy it or rent it and see for yourself.



4. This is a good movie for kids, even manages to throw in a bit of exposure to prehistoric culture and ancient shaman/animal-based religion. Not bad for a Disney wannabe. :) I especially enjoyed the moose characters (played Canuck-style by Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis), though even their abundant character didn't quite make up for the lack of it from some of the other characters. Overall a nice movie and good for driving home a few ideas about the golden rule and other cultures.



5. Loved it. My family is from Alaska and I bought them all a copy, because it pulls "real" Alaskan attributes into the movie. Entertaining for adults and educational for children without them even knowing it. WOW!

5 comments about The Ghost and the Darkness.

1. Great movie, and knowing the storie is true makes it even better, Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer rock!



2. This is one of the best adventure/suspense movies ever made and deserves ten stars! Well written and paced, even the music chosen was excellent in keeping the tension at the proper level. Douglas and Kilmer are terrific, believable characters as they round out an already intense story based on two real lions who terrorized an area of Africa. I saw one of the stuffed lions at the Field Museum in Chicago (don't know where the other one was that day) and it truly did send a chill down my spine. If you love action/adventure, or just superb acting period, buy this one for your shelf. My only regret is that it doesn't have the added director commentary or special added features that we are spoiled with when we buy more recent DVD's. Though I could only put five stars, this is a ten star movie!!! Be sure to also pick up a copy of Patterson's book 'The Man Eaters of Tsavo' for more info on the real lions.
   
   Chrissy K. McVay - Author



3. This is an incredible movie,I really enjoy true stories whether they are romantic, action, drama etc. If it is a true story, thats what makes it more meaningful to watch. ( to me)
   I strongly suggest this movie to anyone who loves true stories.
   Brilliant!



4. Here's the deal.
   
   Watch this with the lights off, and let your mind go off to an Africa where animals were still the biggest threat to man. I felt like this was so much scarier than say Jaws that it got into my sleep. This film is scarier for being based on actual events. Of course today, there will be some people on the side of the Lions in the tale, but for my part, just kill them! There is only room for one at the top of the food chain.
   
   But that's just me.
   
   However, if you want to take something different away from this film, it makes a good allegory for running a business. If you create a culture of fear in the workplace (i.e. management becomes the lions to the workers) people will work in such a way as to not get eaten (written up or fired), rather than accomplish the desired goals of a company... But again, that's just me.



5. This review refers to the Region 1 "Widescreen Collection" DVD edition of "The Ghost and the Darkness". Based on a true story in 1898 British colonial Africa, the film deals with man-eating lions that are attacking & killing workers on a railway construction project through Uganda. The lead engineer assigned to the project (perfectly played by Vil Kilmer) was hired to build a bridge across a river. Little does he know that he will face the biggest challenge of his life in tracking down, outwitting, and killing these savage beasts. Micahel Douglas joins the action about half-way into the film.
   
   This is a fast-moving, well-crafted, action/drama/horror/thriller type of film--very entertaining and suspenseful. If you like the "Jurassic Park" films--you will like this action and suspense (who will be eaten next?). The movie is rated R--but there is absolutely no nudity, no profanity (I think the "S" word was used once or twice--but no "F" word). The R rating is due to some gore relating to the lion attacks (which look very real, but computer graphics & special effects must have played a large part)--but this is no slasher type movie. The gore shown is minimal--enough to give the viewer a flavor as to how powerful and efficient these lions were in hunting and attacking their prey. This film is much closer to PG-13 than R.
   
   Hopefully there will be a future anniversary or special edition that this film deserves. This a bare bones DVD. It is a shame that there is no historical account given regarding the actual events (it is mentioned that the actual lions are stuffed and on display in a museum in Chicago). While the transfer to DVD gives excellent sound and a good picture (sharp and crisp with excellent color), as viewed on my 46-inch large screen, high-defintion TV, played on a Toshiba 1080p HD DVD player)--the picture format is letterboxed, not anamorphic. The letterbox does seem to be larger than other letterboxes. Nonetheless, this DVD is worth owning.

5 comments about Predator [Blu-ray].

1. Tension abounds as Arnie and his crew of crack mercenaries (including Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura & Bill Duke-all excellent)thrash through the South American Jungle on a covert mission unawares they're being stalked by a deadly alien hunter. The Californian Gov's in fine form, fragging bad guys and sending them off with his trademark funny one liners. One of the Arnold's brawny best from the 80's puts most modern action films to shame for sheer high testosterone impact and concept.
   
   This is easily the most ordinary Blu Ray transfer I own. This is because the source negative seems to have huge varitaions in grain and exposure which only a full digital restoration could fix. Ironically the variation actually adds to the impact and realism of the movie. It's still a heck of lot better than any other version so far, but far below the eye popping stuff like '2001' or 'Casino Royale' or "The Searchers"



2. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 1987 hit film ventures into the "Alien" territory adding his macho image created by 1985 film "Commando". First section of the movie has the plot reminding me of Stallone's FIRST BLOOD PART 2. After the initial mission has done well, another mysterious task looms to the special task force led by Dutch played by Swarzenegger. Highly intelligent alien monster is elusive and hardly gives the team the clue to what it is until the end(even after the movie ends nagging question "who is he?" remains unsolved).
   
   It is so so enjoyable movie with high tension satisfying both the action movie fans and monster sci-fi fans.
   
   Verdict: Enjoyable movie and a nice start for longlasting series.
   Rating: 85 out of 100
   Recommended for: Alien movie fans and action movie fans.



3. Predator is a classic movie,one of my all-time favorites.This is not a review of the movie,but a review of the blu-ray version of the movie.
   
   This is a bad blu-ray transfer.It looks worse to me than the regular dvd version.(And I don't even know how that's possible).I guess it has to do with how the original source material was filmed and/or the quality of the process used to convert the movie to blu-ray.I know it's an older movie but that's no excuse.Halloween came out in what...1978 or 1979,and that blu-ray transfer looks fantastic.
   
   Anyway,if you have the regular dvd version of this movie,don't bother with the blu-ray.You will be sorry that you wasted the money.It has a large amount of grain in the film and does not look like a high definition movie should look.



4. I have both the SD and Blu-Ray version and can tell no difference. This is the second FOX transfer I've bought and will buy no more till they clean up their discs. These appear to be nothing more than the SD version pasted on a Blu-Ray disc.



5. video was great.
   audio wasnt.
   i would recommend looking for a different copy

5 comments about The Beast (Two-Disc Special Extended Version).

1. I didnt see ABRIDGED version on the first dvd they released. And how is it suddenly out of stock right on the release date.
   
   
   A great tv movie and story with suspensfull build up, now lets hope we get this version soon



2. This release is not an official version by Universal, but under licence to a company that release rare titles called TIMELESS MEDIA GROUP. Originally they released the edit version of this 2 part mini-series of the `The Beast' . Now here is the uncut version.
   
   Universal originally released the 2 Disc Laserdisc (2hrs 56mins Complete 2 part mini-series Uncut version) commercially in the US in 1996.
   
   What I like about this production are the unique cast, the familiar faces; Look out for two former Australian's Soap `Home & Away' stars Les Hill and Andrew Hill (The two young divers). The drama in between especially the relationships and the blend of mild terror of the deep make this production enjoyable. The special effects are pretty impressive. The giant squid, I thought was really realistic and terrifying especially when it opens it's beak.
   
   This was a made for TV Drama based on the book by Peter Benchley.
   It was first shown on TV, Christmas 1996 here in the UK over two nights.
   
   Now for the 2 DVD Discs itself. Firstly this was digitally recorded, both picture and stereo sound. I have the uncut version on Laserdisc released by Universal back in 1996, and as far as I can see no scenes are missing in this 2008 release. It is UNCUT. In comparison the picture quality is better than the laserdisc and is DVD quality. The original broadcast of `The Beast' was in stereo as well as the video (Edit) and Laserdiscs releases. For some reason this 2 Disc set has a mono-mix sound. Why?? If you are not bothered about the sound, this is still and enjoyable watch considering the low cost of this DVD set. It has a good menu system on both discs, but is bare bones, with no extras whatsoever. The DVD cover is quite nice, though the back cover is similar to the earlier edit version DVD release. It also come in an outer cardboard sleeve.
   
   Fans and people who like this TV production have been waiting for this uncut version to surface on DVD for a long time and will no doubt welcome this release.
   
   Perhaps Universal or this `TIMELESS MEDIA GROUP' may release the original stereo version with extras on the discs in the future. But it is great to see this fantastic TV mini-series on DVD.



3. Wow, waited a long time for this one, and finally it is here. This is the complete unedited Mini-Series that was first broadcast on NBC. Time to get rid of the short VHS and previous DVD releases as this one is the real deal. If you bought the first DVD release I'm sure you found out it was severely edited, missing about 64 previous minutes from the original mini-series. Rejoice it is all restored here in a very nice package for a very good price. This is one of the classic rubber monster flicks of the late 1990's and is terrific fun to watch, just buy it.



4. To be frank, I've been waiting years for 'The Beast' to be released in its entirety on DVD. We've seen condensed released before, yes. This. however, is nothing like the releases seen before. It releases the mini-series on two discs, Parts I and II appropriately, as it was initially aired. Some of the creature effects may be a touch cheesy at times (the tentacles whipping aimlessly across the Seafox comes to mind), but at other times it is horrifyingly convincing.
   
   In my mind, the creature effects team did a staggering job bringing Architeuthis dux to terrifyingly convincing life. In particular, the juvenile A.dux was rendered with an obvious eye to biological realism. Perhaps the proportions are thrown into ranges we've never confirmed for this species, but with that in mind, we have no measure of the exact size for this species being that man is incapable of probing the ocean depths wholly. Steve Alten addresses this well in his novel "Primal Waters" when he deems man the master of all earth's domains but one - the deepest regions of the ocean, which remains as alien to us, in many ways, as the far reaches of space.
   
   Also, for those unfamiliar with marine life, one shouldn't be too quick to denigrate the behavioral interpretation of A.dux in this mini-series. It hearkens well to Benchley's novel, which was based on the premise questioning "what if the giant squid were simply a much larger equivalent to the Humboldt squid," which as many who are familiar with the species know, are often thought to be more vicious than sharks when caught, cornered, or for that matter, hunting. The voracity of the Humboldt is what inspired this take on the Giant Squid, and is what led literary critics to originally deem the creature in the book as making "the shark in jaws look like a goldfish." The squid's intelligence, viciousness, and perhaps even vengefulness are rendered well in the mini-series, as one watches the billowing mantle soar across screen with the massive tentacles and whips snaking behind (again, immense credit to the creature effects team for making the animal so convincing). All together, the story is solid, the effects for a mid-90s mini-series are good, the creature (again) magnificent, and the acting excellent (with the GLARING exception of the soap-opera-like daughter of Whip Dalton and her peers). For fans of Benchley or creature films, I can't recommend this highly enough.



5. The Beast is a fun movie. It has a great monster movie story line and plenty of action. William Petersen is amazing as always and brings a great quality to the role of Whip Dalton. His performance is the shining star of the film. I waited a long time for the full, extended release to come out on DVD, but it was well worth the wait.

5 comments about The Fox and the Hound (25th Anniversary Edition).

1. I can't add anything about the movie itself. The only reason to buy these special editions is for the extra features. Behind the scenes stuff, how the movie came about, interviews with actors who did the voices, ect. If you care about those things, this is a great set. If you don't, there is no reason to upgrade.



2. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2C50H8GLRT4RO Adorable baby fox, an orphan (his mother is shot) finds a home through Big Mamma Owl with a lovable old farming lady, Widow Tweed.
   She calls him her "toddler" and then names him Todd.
   
   Todd soon meets Copper, a cute little pup. The scenes of the two playing are delightful.
   
   "We'll be friends forever" says Todd to Copper.
   
   Copper's owner is a hunter. He takes Copper a long hunting trip. When Copper returns, hunting lessons and his instinct take over an Todd is now his enemy. This leaves Todd perplexed and unhappy.
   
   There are quite emotional scenes. After the hunter threatens Mrs. Tweed, she drives Todd to a game reserve believing Todd will be safe from the vindictive hunter there.
   
   There's a loving ending where Copper finally learns the true meaning of friendship and his friendship with Todd is renewed.
   
   Although there are many tear jerking moments, the film teaches children the devotion and real meaning of friendship.
   
   I watched this with my nephews and they loved it.I recommend this without any reservations.



3. This film is a good NOT great Disney entry.
   
   It took me a while to finally purchase this 25th anniversary package.
   
   With that name, an 25th anniversary package I expected A LOT more than I got.
   
   1. Package has those horrible, NEVER, should have been designed 2 little flip open flaps on it. I HATE THESE THINGS.
   2. Package ONLY had 1 DVD. I expected 2 DVD's.
   3. Only OK extras. I always do like the "Making Of" features but other than an "Art Gallery" there was not that much as for extras UNLESS you are a child.
   4. No brochure, any information on the film. 25th anniversary & the company could not give information on the film? Cheap.
   5. And NOT WIDE SCREEN.
   
   Needless to say, I was just disappointed with this. I expect more from Disney.



4. Disney did not make this available in widescreen. You would think that a newly released movie would be a little more "this century". I returned it without even opening it. It wasn't released in the theaters this way. I'll wait until Disney releases a version without half the movie hacked off the sides. BOO to Disney.



5. I watched it for the second time in my life last night after what I think is 13 years (I'm 18 now), and I'm reminded why I loved this movie so much. Not only are the animations and music great, but the underlying lessons that are taught about trustworthy friendship and the tribulations that life gives us. The world we live in today is constantly telling us that we need to network and make contacts in order to insure ourselves in job security, financial security, or even emotional security. Friendship is meant so that we form bonds that last lifetimes. I've relearned a valuable lesson from this movie. I would also like to recommend my most favority Disney classic, The Jungle Book. This movie also has the same underlying message of the strength of friendship with one of everyone having their own place in the "jungle". I hope that this review has helped those who want to teach their children life lessons wrapped in a Disney box.

5 comments about Hatari!.

1. this is one of my favorites, with an African safari too... Those rhinos can be dangerous...



2. great mix of comedy and adventure, although a little long but well worth the watch



3. One of John Wayne's best non-western movies. The movie takes place in Africa following a band of exotic animal "hunters" who capture animals for zoos. There's plenty of action & an international cast that's pretty good. Red Buttons co-stars & all but steals the movie. Hardy Krueger (Flight of the Phoenix) is here also as a more than credible assistant. Elsa Martinelli is the female lead but is weak in her portrayal.
   
   This is about where Wayne began his dabbling with international casts, male & female. In general these casts were weak which only served to make the Duke look better. The film director is Howard Hawks, whom Wayne had worked with before on numerous occasions, so the film is in very capable hands. In this movie we get actilon, comedy & drama. The scenery is great. We also get a song that was a classic "Baby Elephant Walk". I dare you not to hum along while this is playing. This is a very good movie & stands as one of John Wayne's best films, no matter which genre.



4. This is my 8 year old son's favorite movie and has inspired him to watch and buy many old classics. If only more kids were given access to really good movies then maybe the tide of mindless crap that flows into our theatres and homes would be stemmed and kids demanded better story lines cleaner plots and better acting...I pray that he goes on to love the old movies and works to restore tham...and keep them alive..



5. This is one of my all-time favorite movies. It has adventure, comedy, romance...and Henry Mancini's music. What's not to like?

5 comments about Good Will Hunting (Miramax Collector's Series).

1. Honestly, what was good about him? Not to make an issue on the title, but Hunting was far from an honest citizen. Genius? Yes. Honest citizen? No.
   
   I'm surprised this movie is rated so high by film critics and by viewers nationwide despite the amount of holes this movie has in its story. Not to mention lackluster performances by some of its main characters and the overall story's believability.
   
   So we're presented with Will Hunting who is the cleanest cut dropout reject to ever step foot on the streets of Boston I have ever seen. Umm yeah right. The hole with Hunting's character is the obvious lack of his childhood background throughout the movie. He's a genius, but he's had a tough childhood. There are rarely any references to his childhood and certainly no flashbacks to help the viewer understand him a little better as the movie goes on. What happened to him? How did he become a genius? Robin Williams does a great job of "guessing" what happened to Will, but how about going into depth? Two words: Character development. We hardly even know how old he is throughout the movie until his best friend, played by Ben Affleck just miraculously gets a car for him for his 21st birthday. So where did Ben get this car? Hmmm.
   
   Also, what is the rival between both professors all about? Vague descriptions of their past, but Williams depicts a down on his luck professor who if you think about closely is pretty much in the same boat as Hunting. Struggling to cope with a troubled past.....which is?? Yes his wife has passed, but there's more to the professor's psyche.
   
   The biggest hole I have a problem with as I mentioned earlier is the genius of Will Hunting. What makes him this way? Why can he solve complicated math equations, but is lacking common sense skills and a decent living for himself? Who taught him as a youth? Einstein started somewhere, where did Hunting start?
   
   Overall, it's a good concept for a film and a great personal story of perseverance through several hardships and society around you. However, you are required to suspend reality a bit and actually believe that Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are Bostonian street toughs. Who are they kidding??



2. Good Will Hunting doesn't seem as good as it used to be. The peformances are not that special either, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck still haven't proven they are great actors. Robin Williams steals the movie, he won an Oscar best supporting actor. Damon and Affleck's screenplay is pretty good but not spectacular. I can't really watch this movie anymore, seems shallow and pretentious now and I usually enjoy Gus Van Sant's films.



3. Math prodigy Will Hunting must work through his emotional wounds in exchange for working with a math professor. The therapeutic relationship between Damon and Williams is what won Affleck and Damon the oscar for best screenplay. Easily in my top 5.



4. Fascinating story of a math genius (Matt Damon) who is satisfied with being a janitor by day, and carousing with friends at night. Others become involved in trying to steer him to pursue a career using his rare talents, but repeatedly fail. At the same time, old conflict and shortcomings of those trying to help are revealed.
   
   Eventually it is one of Will's buddies (Ben Affleck) who motivates Will to give up his carousing, and the psychiatrist's (Robin Williams) early life choices that drive Will to follow his heart and win the girl.
   
   Clearly an impressive writing (and acting) performance by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, though the final outcome (failing to use Will's talent) was disappointing.



5. There is an air of clichéd familiarity that runs through the veins of `Good Will Hunting', but that familiarity never reaches a point of exhaustion. What I mean to say is that there is enough going for the film that makes up for the lack of original (or even at times `realistic') spark. The plot is formulistic. You have a poor orphan who grew up in a rough neighborhood and never committed himself to education, yet he works as a janitor for a prestigious college so that he can listen and learn and when his impressive math IQ is discovered he is immediately pulled at from all angles in a struggle to dominate his genius. What takes this script to another level though are the marvelous performances that embody the film. I was really taken aback by everyone in the cast; the emotion and dedication and attention they gave to the spirit and soul of their characters.
   
   To me, this film is above all else an acting showcase and I will review it as such.
   
   First of all we have Matt Damon. For a long time I considered Matt to be just another pretty face; an actor who was there because of his chiseled abs and his charming demeanor, but then I saw `The Talented Mr. Ripley' and I realized that this guy is a very talented actor. Matt has proven again and again that he deserves his garnered fame. This performance was probably the first real confirmation of his talent. First of all he co-wrote the script; but that is not is forte. The script, like I mentioned, is formulistic and clichéd and really is the weakest facet of the finished product. Damon's performance on the other hand is one of the strongest. As Will he really fleshes himself out to the audience. We see the breakdown of his soul and understand who he is on the inside; the man he is striving to become, fighting to become, but most importantly we see the parts of himself he is afraid he'll lose. This is such a marvelous performance, one that is truly deserving of the praise and accolades it garnered (bravo to the Oscar nomination) and one that you truly won't forget.
   
   Next we have Robin Williams. I love Robin. I think that he is one of our greatest comedians working today and he never fails to attack my funny bone. As a serious actor he is hit or miss with me. I loved his calm and restrained insanity demonstrated in `One Hour Photo' and `Insomnia'. On the other hand I loathed the failed attempt at the same he exhibited in `The Final Cut'. I thought that he was dull and boring in `The Dead Poets Society' yet loved his comforting tone in `Awakenings' (albeit he stood no chance against the force that was DeNiro). Here I am pleased yet not overwhelmed. I thought that Williams' performance was touching and sincere, yet it is not outstanding, thus I feel that his Oscar win was a bit of a stretch (personally I felt both Kinnear & Reynolds were more deserving). As Doctor Sean Maguire he does what he can to make his clichéd character real and understandable, and there are moments where he really grabs me (one such moment is his adlibbed spiel about his wife's flatulence which I found hilarious yet emotionally resonant to his characters warmth) yet his performance to me is not nearly as memorable as those provided by the remaining cast members.
   
   Which brings me to Ben Affleck. I am not one who believes Affleck is a good actor. I enjoyed him in a few things, very few things, but here he really reached me. His character was so natural and believable and even moving. Maybe that's because he wrote the character for himself, I don't know, but he really nailed this one. Throughout the film his character takes a backseat to Damon, but he never allows himself to drift into the background completely, and there are moments where he really steals the limelight and shines the brightest. One scene in particular comes near the end of the film, when he character Chuckie is having his `heart to heart' with Will. Affleck expresses so much emotional depth here, so much natural and heartfelt warmth and understanding that it serves as one of the most fundamental scenes in the film. Affleck may never be this good again, but at least he was this good once.
   
   Now I am a huge fan of Stellan Skarsgard. I just love the majority of his work. His performances in the films of Lars von Treir are what initially grabbed me (I just adored his devilish qualities in both `Dogville' and `Breaking the Waves') but time and time again he manages to grip me completely. Here is no exception. Skarsgard (who just has the coolest name) has a very limited role as Professor Gerald Lambeau, but his presence is felt throughout the film. His misplaced arrogance and false sense of concern is prominent and effective and is displayed on the faces of all who come in contact with him. I just love his methods of delivery and am always compelled to adore him even when his character isn't deserving of adoration (which is more often than not).
   
   I'll make a quick note before moving forward that both Casey Affleck and Cole Hauser are effective in their small roles as friends of Will and Chuckie. Both actors have little to do but both actors have shaped decent careers for themselves since; most notably Affleck who garnered an Oscar nomination last year for his riveting performance as the cowardly killer of one Jesse James. I have mentioned before that I think Cole Hauser is a better actor than his poor film choices allow, so I'll just leave it at that. Give him a decent movie already.
   
   So the last actor (or should I say actress) that I want to discuss here is Minnie Driver. Her performance, for me at least, is best in show. I will say first and foremost that I adore Minnie Driver. I think that she is an extremely talented actress who just soars in both charm and beauty and charisma and natural grace. Here is no exception. As Skylar, Will's love interest, she is a dynamic force, a joyous and lovable portrayal of honest emotion. I love the way that her character feels real; just watching her interact with Will in childish ways add layers of believability to her character. She is relatable. Her final scene with Will breaks my heart into a million pieces every time I see it. She moves me to action and I think that's why I just can't help but laud this performance above all else in the film.
   
   "I love you Skylar."
   
   Every time I watch this movie, especially during that climatic scene, I am compelled to utter those words aloud.
   
   "I love you Skylar."
   
   So there you have it; my thoughts on the movie that is `Good Will Hunting'. As a film itself (that is script wise) it is nothing spectacular, but the many moving performances make this a must see film. I can somewhat agree with the sentiments that this is an overrated film for it is not as impressive as many films released that same year, but acting wise it is close to the front of the pack (it's hard because 1997 also brought us `L.A. Confidential' which sports some of the best performances of the year as well). I'll watch this movie again and again just for the brilliance that is Minnie Driver (not to mention Damon) and I'm sure that even if you don't `adore' this film you will find the satisfaction needed within in order for you to justify multiple watches. One cannot forsake the importance of a solid director, and while Gus Van Sant is somewhat hit or miss with me his direction here is a definite hit, for he drew from his actors exactly what was needed in order to make a simple script shine through its muddled clichés.

5 comments about Jaws (30th Anniversary Edition).

1. The 1st and the best of the Jaws movies produced. Steven Spielberg made his bones with this flic. For me, the summer season doesn't start until
   I've watched Jaws.



2. I waited a long time to watch the classic film JAWS because I always heard it was so scary and full of gore. I finally watched it this week and though the movie did make me jump a couple of times the images of blood and guts are about the same if not milder than what you would see on a typical CSI episode. The film is a true landmark in the horror genre mostly because the three main characters (the marine biologist, the police chief and the shark hunter) are so well developed with complete back stories and very well portrayed by fine actors. The plot of the story is rich in themes that go well beyond the man vs giant toothy sea monster we usually think of when someone mentions the film JAWS or hums the trademark theme song. JAWS has truly earned a lasting position in our popular culture.



3. I can't even remember the first time I saw Jaws. I know I was little; probably four or five years old. I still have a picture of my dad trying to lure me into the ocean in Wildwood, NJ with me in my Smurfs shirt and a look of dread on my face visible through the tears streaming out of my squinting eyes. My dad with a michievous grin on his face. God love him.
   
   I don't remember seeing Jaws for the first time, but I remember what I was thinking in that picture vividly. It's just one of those seemingly inconsequential childhood moments that sticks with you into adulthood, you now? I was thinking: "Jaws" is out there and I don't want him to get me. My parents allowed me to watch Spielberg's pop masterpiece at a very young age for some demented reason and I've been afraid to go into the ocean ever since. This movie had that effect on a lot of kids my age. Heck, it had that effect on a lot of adults at the time. After Jaws became a blockbuster hit, Great White sharks were fast becoming an endangered species (and still are to this day).
   
   This movie effected me in such a way that I wasn't allowed to watch another scary movie until I reached double digits, but I still went over to friends' houses to watch the latest and greatest slice n' dice slasher movie. While I'm well over the fear of Freddy and Jason now, I'm still scared of sharks. And it's all because of this stupid movie. This glorious, stupid movie.
   
   I've seen Jaws countless times and have yet to grow tired of it. The cast is perfect, especially Robert Shaw (who always reminded me of my Uncle Jimmy, a guy who loved to fish). Steven Spielberg amps up the magic he weaved with the made-for-TV Duel with a bigger budget to it's breaking point, but never falters and makes this baby flawlessly paced throughout the course of two hours. And then there's John Williams' score, the official theme song to fast approaching dorsal fins.
   
   I purchased the original Anniversary DVD when it came out, but snagged this newer 2-disc version up about a year ago just for the original mono soundtrack (the purist geek in me). It also restores the complete making-of documentary, which was shortened on the first DVD release. A solid disc that's worth the upgrade if you haven't done so already. A shameless double dip, but come on! It's Jaws! It's probably the final word on standard DVD until the BluRay version comes out anyway, so take the plunge.
   
   I've seen a lot of movies in my life and I still have a lot more to discover. Through it all, Jaws continues to endure. A timeless movie that's still every bit as suspenseful as the first time I saw it (if only I could remember!).



4. I had read somewhere that this has few if any different extra features when compared to previous editions. That might be true, but since I didn't have those and this was the most current edition, I am just fine with the extras. I am also just fine with a classic modern thriller told as a fish-tale.



5. I remember the old timers saying, people were afraid to go in the ocean after this movie.
   The ocean???
   I was scared to go in the swimming pool!!!!!!
   A brilliant must see movie.
   The shark is just menacing.
   Spielberg couldn't have done a better job of bringing all of our fears about "the deep" to the screen.
   Brilliant acting, a fast paced script, and awesome FX make this one of the best horror, action movies of all time.
   Highly recommended!!!

5 comments about 10,000 B.C..

1. I bought this as soon as it came out because at that time I only saw rave reviews for this movie. The commercials made it seem action packed and exciting.
   
   I put it in the DVD and was utterly bored. I couldn't make myself watch this. The story seemed to be the classic Hollywood tale of destruction, revenge, and final redemption. The prehistoric beasts were only on screen as an afterthought. Most of the "action" seemed to take place in the population centers(villages, towns, and I think I remember a cave). Everyone was predictably dressed in skins or scraps of cloth.
   
   Normally I cry at movies even when I know that whatever is making me cry is a temporary situation, like the sick person will make a miraculous recovery. So I am normally pretty emotionally involved in movies (sad I know). I couldn't even force myself to be involved in this movie. When it appeared that the beautiful woman had died and the hero was about to die of grief, that's when I finally turned it off. I didn't care. And I couldn't even stand to leave it on as background noise.
   
   If you've seen this movie and you love it, by all means buy the DVD. Everyone else, I promise you will be much happier if you rent it before making the decision to buy. Or I can give you my copy, which is probably going to end up as source material for an arts and crfts project.
   
   I wish Amazon would come up with a way to give products zero stars, because that's what this movie deserves.



2. This movie is not worth buying or watching again one times enough. There wasn't enough special effects to this film and it is a boring film. The movie started off real good for about an hour then went down hill after the tiger left the scene and the tiger was the best part about the film but you only get to see the tiger for like 5 min. A stupid movie...



3. 
   The Pleistocene-Holocene transition was apparently an interesting time. One could travel from the receding glaciers of Europe to mesas of SW Colorado to the bamboo forests of Asia to Northern Africa in a few short days. Talk about lickety split!
   
   Oh, and with the help of overly mega-fauna, too! "I tawt I taw a Taber Toof..." Cute!
   
   But that's not all. The peaceful Orange County ice people get to go back an extra few million years to the savannahs of Jurassic Park where the elusive Chickenopolous smirked and pecked at their naiveté.
   
   Fortunately, the fresh-faced humans were able to unite all the tribes of Africa and derail the aspirations of King Tut's nasty granddaddies.
   
   Africa was only a few square city blocks at this time.
   
   I guess what the film is saying is that 12,008 BP was an exciting time to be a Jamaican Californian in Egypt.
   
   There are probably 10,000 BC (better choices). Still, the film-makers just might be onto somethng here. Next year, "69 AD," an epic love story of Chilean Eskimos on the Bikini Islands.



4. This movie was pure nonthinking entertainment. No PC-ness. Just a movie.
   
   I would watch this movie before I'd watch one that won an Academy Award.
   
   If you liked the cheesey, old, black and white Tazan movies and are willing to check your brain at the door, this movie is for you.
   
   If you expect nothing you will be pleasantly surprized.
   The CG are very good and don't overwelm the plot.
   The best CG scenes are in the trailer.
   The trailer doesn't represent the actual (simple) plot.
   All and all, is was good for a night of entertainment. Don't invite your snooty, wine-drinking friends over to watch this movie.
   Watch this movie with your 10 - 14 year old boys. They will love it.
   There were monsters and violence but no gore.
   No sex, No nudity.
   The plot was extremely simple. But it's just entertainment.



5. People seem to get worked up about these things. This film is OK - there is action, pretty good characters, and a reasonably coherent story. I could watch it and do something else at the same time, kind of relaxing background entertainment. That's what it is.
   
   Now if you get into questions of accuracy, it is only marginally better than its reference predecessor, One Million Years BC. The saber tooths are too big and smart as are the monstrously huge predatory birds. Then there are the (proto?) Egyptians, who are 7000 years too early. But do we need to quibble? This is basic junk, however fun it is while I fill out my tax forms.
   
   Recommended within these limits.