Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Arrested Development Season 1

Arrested Development Season 1

Arrested Development Season 1 - Are you looking for video Arrested Development Season 1? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about Arrested Development Season 1 to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


Arrested Development Season 1

other Customer Rating: Arrested Development Season 1
Price : $17.99
read more Details


Never watched this until one night when I found myself with nothing to do. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I laughed mercilessly throughout the entire series. Jason Bateman is hilarious as the "straight man." It seems it was pretty poorly promoted during its on-air run, because it never looked very funny to me. More wrong I could not have been. Watch, watch, watch. You will not regret!



Arrested Development Season 1

amazon-video-review

Glee Season 1

Glee Season 1

Glee Season 1 - Are you looking for video Glee Season 1? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about Glee Season 1 to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


Glee Season 1

other Customer Rating: Glee Season 1
Price : $34.99
read more Details


The music--fabulous. The acting--great. The theme--the best. Will be watching and waiting for more. Turning away from the almighty dollar to do what makes one truly happy is more than a goal: It is inspiration.



Glee Season 1

amazon-video-review

Monday, July 30, 2012

Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess

Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess

Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess - Are you looking for video Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess

other Customer Rating: Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess
Price : $3.99
read more Details


Every misfit has a story. Very few ever get told, and even fewer get immortalized on film, but this one did. Although it's a low budget affair, it is pretty well done. I find the story very intriguing, especially since I come from the same town as it's subject: Marian Anderson. I didn't know her but we crossed paths at random intervals and had mutual friends.

This film was done with a lot care and respect for Marian, and I appreciate that. She was abused by her father at a young age, which resulted in her living and working on the fringes of society, namely the sex industry. This film walks a fine line between telling it like it is and exploiting the shocking aspects of her life and her art, but it's all told from a place of understanding, and that's really important here. There's a fair amount of adults-only images and references, but things are toned down enough to get an R rating. I think it works better this way. It's less GG Allin-esque. But I still think it's too candid for the Documentary Channel.

Like I said, every misfit has a story, and Marian's is a war story. There's no happy ending. This film portrays real life, real punk, and real chaos. Not everyone will get it. If you're too privileged, or if you lack insight into child abuse, this film may not be for you. But if you have an interest in small town punk history (Modesto, CA) or happen to be a warrior yourself, this is essential viewing. And don't let the big names scare you (Henry Rollins, Tim Armstrong, etc.). This is not a watered down pop culture affair.

The DVD version has 50 minutes of great bonus material.



Last Fast Ride: The Life, Love and Death of a Punk Goddess

amazon-video-review

A Fish Called Wanda

A Fish Called Wanda

A Fish Called Wanda - Are you looking for video A Fish Called Wanda? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about A Fish Called Wanda to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


A Fish Called Wanda

other Customer Rating: A Fish Called Wanda
Price : $2.99
read more Details


This review refers to the 1998 DVD edition of "A Fish Called Wanda"(MGM)

"A Fish Called Wanda" is a fabulous romp with a group of jewel thieves, of which the term "honor among thieves" has no meaning!
At every turn, they are scheming and manipulating the events, as each wants the loot for themselves. The most scheming and manipulating of all is the lone woman of the bunch, who is also the weak spot for all the fellows. Wanda, played impeccably by Jaime Lee Curtis, has these guys falling over themselves trying to get the loot and the girl! Kevin Kline, John Cleese(who also penned the screenplay)and Michael Palin, will have you in stitches with each and every view. Every time I view it I see or hear some little detail or subtlety I didnt get previously.

Nearly 20 years later(yes fans, it's been that long), this film has not lost one bit of it's appeal for those of us that like our humor a little on the bawdy side(Although all in good fun).

But!...Give me a break MGM. This DVD is quite shabby considering the loyal fans this film has.This DVD does have a couple of things going for it. It has the choice of widescreen viewing or standard, has English, and French subtitles, for those who may need them, and includes a booklet with production notes and trivia. Also, the menu page was cute. If you click on the little treasure chest in the aquarium, the screen becomes just the "Wanda" fish swimming around with sound effects. However... as another reviewer mentioned the picture is below average. It does not live up to the reason why we don't mind paying a little extra for a DVD vs a VHS. The sound is in MONO..what's up with that? This film is deserving of at least stereo sound.

And as usual, after all of us have already purchased this now classic comedy, MGM is coming up with a new "Deluxe" edition, that is more along the lines of what is expected of a DVD.(Talk about double dipping!)It is a 2 disc edition and shows these features:
"Audio Commentary with Actor/Writer John Cleese
Over 25 minutes of Deleted and Alternate Scenes
John Cleese's First Farewell Performance
Something's Fishy Making-of Documentary
Easter Eggs, Previews, and More!"

It is available for pre-order(but doesn't list the sound available yet)The ASIN for that site is B000E33W1C.

5 stars for a film that never gets old. 3 stars to MGM for making us wait this long for a decent view.

Still laughing after all these years...Laurie

fans of the very talented Kevin Kline may also enjoy:
The Ice Storm
Grand Canyon
see my reviews for film details - both are fabulous



A Fish Called Wanda

amazon-video-review

Sunday, July 29, 2012

The L Word Season Six [HD]

The L Word Season Six [HD]

The L Word Season Six [HD] - Are you looking for video The L Word Season Six [HD]? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about The L Word Season Six [HD] to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


The L Word Season Six [HD]

other Customer Rating: The L Word Season Six [HD]
Price : $12.99
read more Details


I gave it a shot...only the LGBT community really appreciates the "issues & challenges" in this series, so ...no universal, long term appeal. This is just another niche series for a niche audience. Years from now, it will be forgotten.



The L Word Season Six [HD]

amazon-video-review

The Darkest Hour

The Darkest Hour

The Darkest Hour - Are you looking for video The Darkest Hour? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about The Darkest Hour to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


The Darkest Hour

other Customer Rating: The Darkest Hour
Price : $3.99
read more Details


The Darkest Hour is the second feature film by former art director/production designer Chris Gorak and a production of Timur Bekmambetov who previously directed the satisfying action thriller Wanted in 2008. The film stars up-and-coming young actors Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild), Max Minghella (The Social Network) and Olivia Thrilby (Juno). The premise of the film follows two young adults (Hirsch, Minghella) who travel to Moscow, Russia for a business deal gone bad and in the process meet two young women at a club (Thrilby, Rachel Taylor). Unexpectedly, an clandestine invasion by an invisible alien species results in the destruction of Moscow and several cities around the globe. Hiding in a club cellar, the four travel the post-apocalyptic remains of Moscow in search for safety and rescue.

Similar to 2008's Cloverfield, The Darkest Hour places much of the burden on the shoulders of lesser known actors and actresses if they are even known at all. The characters are all in the early-20s and the screenplay emphasizes their personalities, which may be pleasing to the audience but in most cases will not be. It seems that the new credo for the American disaster film is the put young characters at the forefront of the story instead of strong leading men and women with established careers, possibly hoping for a young audience to spearhead the film's commercial success. What this leaves us with is a story built around a group of Social Network-pioneers looking to make a big deal in Russia only to be blindsided by the reality of the cutthroat business world. However, unfortunate it may be, one must question: Do we really care?

The biggest pitfall of a disaster film is to present storylines that emphasize the normal on-goings of ordinary characters. Everything should focus on the mystery, the thrill and the promise of the disaster. The Darkest Hour makes that mistake in an even bigger way than Cloverfield. Still, unlike The Social Network or Cloverfield, which featured well-to-do yuppie teens with the world at their disposal, these characters are a tad bit more likeable despite their youth. There is a sense of attachment to the characters, which is competently developed by the filmmakers. However, the story built around or at least built as a roadway to the alien invasion is not as strong as something like The X-Files. In other aspects, some of the film's plot devices seem cliched.

Nevertheless, the film does have an aura of unpredictability to it and tragedy is felt as even the most important and entertaining characters are susceptible to sudden death. And in spite of a lagging story, the film's visuals are not completely overdone. The visual effects of the film seem naturalistic and in their 3D film setting becomes in some way noteworthy. But the film's central flaw is that it isn't as a thrilling as the trailer made it out to be. The destruction sequences while something to look at aren't as awe-inspiring as one would hope them to be. As a location, Moscow seems less than special. It fails to present the compelling visuals that a New York or Paris production would have had.

The performances of the actors aren't of much note considering the material and dialogue handed to them wasn't clever or grand in any way. Some of the quotes in the film, especially the ones uttered by Emile Hirsch come off as trite. In the end, the visuals of the film remain striking to some degree and Tyler Bates' score is appropriately brooding but the film is highly flawed when it comes to its script, story and dialogue. Still, the film provides some thrills and some inspired visual moments. Unlike some other films that can be mentioned, the film at least has some sympathetic characters and it can be said that the main cast is trying.

In truth, this film is good popcorn entertainment but by going by the trailer, one expected more than that especially since it was one of the more anticipated science fiction films this year. And Although Bekmambetov delivered a satisfying film in 2008 with Wanted, that was nearly four years ago and I am quite doubtful that audiences will remember the Russian filmmaker or if dropping his name on the project will do anything to push the commercial success of the film forward. Hopefully, the upcoming Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter will restore confidence and awareness to the Bekmambetov name. With lesser known stars, there's nothing driving this film into monumental success and with near universal critical ire and a gross of $36 million on top of an estimated $30 million budget paints the picture that the filmmakers of The Darkest Hour truly missed the boat.



The Darkest Hour

amazon-video-review

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Batman Begins

Batman Begins

Batman Begins - Are you looking for video Batman Begins? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about Batman Begins to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


Batman Begins

other Customer Rating: Batman Begins
Price : $24.98
read more Details


Since his first dramatic appearance in Detective Comics in 1939, Batman has grown to become a pop-culture icon. From movie serials in the 40's, to a classic campy TV show in the 60's, to a solid animated series in the 90's, fans have thrilled to the super heroics of this unique character. However, as a film franchise, he has brought results that were somewhat less than impressive creatively. While the Tim Burton directed films, BATMAN and BATMAN RETURNS were stylish and dark, they also suffered from plot holes you could drive a Batmobile through. Then Joel Schumacher introduced a Day-Glo sensibility to the Dark Knight in BATMAN FOREVER, before drowning the character in ludicrous costumes (a Bat suit with nipples???), pun-filled foes, and whiney sidekicks in the lousy BATMAN & ROBIN. By then, Batman as cinematic property had become a laughingstock. Fortunately, indie film director Christopher Nolan reinvigorates the franchise in glorious form in BATMAN BEGINS, a reboot of the Batman legend that, for the first time, puts the focus squarely on our hero and not on the over-the-top villains of past films. Nolan also bases the film in a strong semblance of reality that allows the audience to not only accept the possibility of the winged vigilante, but embrace it as well.

Most fans already know the story of how wealthy Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) loses his parents when they are slain during an attempted robbery, but the movie also tells how he chose the bat as his symbol, as well as the steps needed to become the avenger of the night that he turns into. Disillusioned and frustrated by Gotham City's corrupt judicial system, the young Wayne goes abroad to study the criminal mind. Later, while locked in an Asian prison, Wayne is recruited by the enigmatic Ducard (Liam Neeson), who offers him a path in which to focus his anger and hone his skills. Wayne eventually joins his new mentor as a recruit in the mysterious League of Shadows, headed by the sinister Ra's Al Ghul (Ken Wantanabe). Eventually, Wayne realizes that he cannot follow the League's extreme methods of dispensing justice and returns to Gotham to forge his own way. It soon turns out that Wayne's return is just in time as Gotham falls prey to a fear epidemic engineered by the twisted Dr. Jonathan Crane AKA "the Scarecrow" (Cillian Murphy) and a familiar figure from Wayne's past.

From the top on down, this film is blessed with a solid cast that adds wonderfully to Nolan's vision. As the title hero, Christian Bale blows all other Batman portrayers out of the water with his intense and scary take of the role. This is a Batman that you not only fear, but can relate to as well. In fact, he turns in the definitive performance. Michael Caine adds warmth and humor as Wayne's trusty butler, Alfred. Liam Neeson does a great variation of his usual mentor roles as Ducard, a man with his own surprising secret. As an assistant DA and Wayne's childhood friend, Katie Holmes does a nice job with what is basically a thankless role. Cillian Murphy makes for a perfectly creepy Scarecrow, while Morgan Freeman is solid as usual as the man who provides Batman's wondrous car and gadgets. Gary Oldman is wonderfully cast against type as Jim Gordon, one of Gotham's few honest cops. The scene in which he drives the tank-like Batmobile is a sheer delight.

The screenplay by Nolan and David Goyer (who wrote the BLADE films) is awash with characterization and motivation...something that you don't see in many comic book films as a rule. In fact, you get so engrossed by the proceedings that you almost forget that you are watching a "superhero" film in the first place. The special effects are used to enhance the story and not overpower it, while the set design pictures a Gotham that is a unique cross of Chicago, New York and Hong Kong. If there is a flaw, it lies in some of the fight sequences. Done in close-ups and quick cuts, they can get frustrating for those who want to see more of Batman's fighting style. However, this is very minor since the story never ceases to grasp your attention.

In the end, Nolan and his superb cast and crew succeed in achieving what was once thought impossible: the resurrection of a film franchise that, if not dead, was at least on life support. As a result, Batman is once again flying high and BATMAN BEGINS is a film that I wholeheartedly recommend.



Batman Begins

amazon-video-review

Friday, July 27, 2012

National Lampoon's Vacation

National Lampoon's Vacation

National Lampoon's Vacation - Are you looking for video National Lampoon's Vacation? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about National Lampoon's Vacation to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


National Lampoon's Vacation

other Customer Rating: National Lampoon's Vacation
Price : $14.99
read more Details


The picture may be only a bit better than the previous DVD releases...the sound is ridiculous and the 43 second intro from 2003...weak. I do agree that the cover art also sucks but I certainly don't care if the disc delivers the goods...this doesn't. Don't bother to upgrade from your normal DVD..its not!



National Lampoon's Vacation

amazon-video-review

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Someone Like You

Someone Like You

Someone Like You - Are you looking for video Someone Like You? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about Someone Like You to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


Someone Like You

other Customer Rating: Someone Like You
Price : $8.90
read more Details


It's nice to go to a fancy restaurant where you can sit down and have a big, juicy steak with all the trimmings, or a gourmet meal served on fine china. But sometimes you just feel like checking out the pizza buffet, and when the atmosphere is right and the pizza turns out to be perfect, it can be every bit as satisfying as haute cuisine. And that's the way it is with "Someone Like You," directed by Tony Goldwyn and starring Ashley Judd, Greg Kinnear and Hugh Jackman. If you just want to relax and be entertained, with a movie that's not too challenging and let's you just go with the flow, then you've come to the right buffet. Ashley Judd is Jane Goodale, who begins a relationship with new co-worker Ray (Kinnear) that goes so well so quickly that she thinks it's going to last forever. And when it suddenly goes south for no apparent reason, she is crushed. Why did Ray jilt her? Was it just her, or is this just the way "Men" are? Her musings on the subject ultimately lead to the formulation of what she calls the "New Cow" theory, which basically states that once men, like bulls, have had the cow, they move on to yet another "new" cow, leaving the "old" cow behind. Realizing, of course, that lacking sufficient data her concept would never hold up to any real scientific scrutiny, she is afforded the chance to study it further when-- due to the circumstances of her breakup with Ray-- she finds herself without an apartment, and moves in with another co-worker, Eddie (Jackman). And Eddie is a notorious womanizer who seems to have a "new cow" every other day. Along the way, as Jane draws her final conclusions, there are some memorable-- and at times, humorous-- moments, like when Jane revives one of her old cheerleader routines for Eddie. But whether or not she is able to prove her theory doesn't really make any difference; the important thing is, you'll have a good time going along with her while she tries.

There's nothing very deep here, the plot is familiar in the genre of romantic comedy, and Goldwyn certainly doesn't break any new ground with it. He keeps things moving right along, but uses a straightforward approach to tell the story that is fairly unimaginative and lacks the distinction of say, a Nora Ephron film. Still, it's a good bit of entertainment, carried by the engaging performances of Judd and Jackman, which alone makes it worth the price of admission. Judd is a wholesome beauty with a natural appeal, and she can act; Jackman is charismatic and has a definite screen presence. And there's chemistry between the two of them that make it work. There's no real surprises along the way, but it's like taking your favorite scenic drive; you've seen it all before, but it's pleasant and fun, and in the end you're glad you took the trip.

The supporting cast includes Ellen Barkin (Diane), Marisa Tomei (Liz), Matthew Coyle (Staff Member), Hugh Downs (Himself) and LeAnna Croom (Rebecca). When you put it all into perspective, you realize that "Someone Like You" is actually a real treat. And Goldwyn, though he may not have given it that "special" touch, should be given credit for delivering a solid, uplifting and entertaining movie that is well worth seeing. It may not be in the same league as "Return To Me," or "You've Got Mail," but if you've ever been subjected to bottom-of-the-genre-feeders like "The Bachelor," or "The Wedding Planner," you'll definitely appreciate this one for what it is. It's warm and funny, and it'll leave you with a good feeling inside and a smile on your face. And that, my friends, is the magic of the movies.



Someone Like You

amazon-video-review

Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun - Digital Download

Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun - Digital Download

Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun - Digital Download - Are you looking for video Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun - Digital Download? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun - Digital Download to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun - Digital Download

other Customer Rating: Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun - Digital Download
Price : $1.99
read more Details


[This is a comparison of the two, so I'm reprinting it from the "Zen Garden Goddess" site.]
I'm the only person I know who has a yoga-related injury - a knee weakened by having to sit on my heels for an hour every morning and evening for the few months I was enrolled at a yoga-schram. Eventually I had to have arthroscopic surgery to trim my torn meniscus, and this experience turned me off yoga.
My interest in these videos is therefore entirely aesthetic and erotic, and it's a toss-up as to which of the two young yoginis is more lovely. The blonde in the first video is very young - possibly still in her late teens - and she smiles joyously. The brunette is a bit older - mid-twenties I'd guess. Her smile seems forced and she does not appear to have emptied her mind as completely as the blonde. Neither woman seems uncomfortable at being mother-naked, and both have taken pains to look their best, with painted nails, shaved armpits and carefully trimmed (or waxed?) body hair, umbilical piercings, and tasteful abstract tattoos.
The main difference between the two videos is in the explicitness of the camera-work. The first video, with the blonde, is so discrete that students of yoga could find themselves handicapped, and for the voyeurs among us this hiatus is frustrating. The second video abandoned this caution, leading to a franker exposure of the brunette, whom we get in full-frontal camera angles, with no attempt to hide or avoid what the French call "la chatte." Such directness helps us see her as a whole human being. This seems to me a healthy attitude, and one in keeping with the philosophy of yoga, which sees sex as nothing to be ashamed of.
There is a Hindu holy book, the KAMA SUTRA, that is a how-to guide to yogic lovemaking. It would be fascinating to watch a video of a couple practicing yogic sex. One particularly fascinating practice - which I would love to see - is the male yogi's reputed ability to reclaim his seed by reversing the process by which it was expelled. I wonder if this seeming physiological impossibility can actually happen. Does anyone know whether a video of a yogi and yogini making love is available, and if so, where?



Pure Nude Yoga- Worship the Sun - Digital Download

amazon-video-review

Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors

Little Shop of Horrors - Are you looking for video Little Shop of Horrors? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about Little Shop of Horrors to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


Little Shop of Horrors

other Customer Rating: Little Shop of Horrors
Price : $10.97
read more Details


Recently checked this out over the weekend, prepared to merely re-watch an old favorite-but boy, is there a lot of cool "add ons" in this version made for DVD! First of all, the film comes letterboxed-only (some people like having the choice, but if you've seen this in a movie theater, you notice a LOT of stuff cut off at the edges by "blowing it up" to full screen), a walk through commentary by legendary puppeteer (voice of ms. piggy/grover) turned director-Frank Oz that lends a humourous and insightful (if sometimes technical)overview from the one guy most qualified to talk about its behind the scenes trials and tribualations. You'll be surprised at just how much work and planning really went into it. And, best of all-the legendary original ending! Yes, it's true, the off-broadway musical (and even the Corman B-movie original) had a VERY different ending. This is where Oz's comments come in particularly handy as first hand guide to the very tough decisions a filmaker has to make regarding his work if the people paying for it ultimately call the shots. So why is it not available? Well, turns out the lost ending footage is owned by producer David Geffen, who did not clear or approve its inclusion on the disc. Could be because presented with another choice, fans of this movie may agree with Oz (and screenwriter Howard Ashman, who died in 1991) on the original ending having a much greater impact. So if you can find this disc, by all means check it out!



Little Shop of Horrors

amazon-video-review

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Prestige

The Prestige

The Prestige - Are you looking for video The Prestige? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about The Prestige to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


The Prestige

other Customer Rating: The Prestige
Price : $1.99
read more Details


2006 has been a quiet year for event films. The predicted blockbusters this past summer pretty much underperformed despite some being exactly as good as I thought they'd be. Other than Johnny Depp and the gang's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, every blockbuster didn't blow the industry out of the water. It's a very good thing that I had smaller films to tide me over. This year has been a very good ones for some independent-minded and smaller films which came out during the slow first couple months of the year and during the graveyard release months between the end of summer and the start of the late year holidays. I've already had the chance to see such very good films like Running Scared from Wayne Kramer and Hard Candy from David Slade to The Proposition from John Hillcoat. I am glad to say that Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of Christopher Priest's novel, The Prestige is another non-blockbuster that excites, entertains and, in the end, keeps the audience mystified but not confused.

I've read Christopher Priest's novel about dueling late 19th-century London magicians. It's a novel written in epistolary format with each chapter and section written as entries into the journal of one of the main characters in the story. The novel itself is pretty straightforward as it tells the story in near chronological order. I was hesistant to embrace this film adaptation when I first heard about it since alot of the mystery of of the story wouldn't translate so well in film if they followed the strict order of how the story was told in the novel. For Christopher Nolan and his brother, Jonathan, to just adapt the novel straight-out would've made for a dull and boring mystery-thriller. I was glad that the Nolan brothers were inventive enough to borrow abit from Christopher Nolan's first feature film, Memento. Their film adaptation of The Prestige doesn't go backwards in its narrative, but it does mixes up the chronological order of the story somewhat, but not to the point that Tarantino does in Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill. The two Nolans fudges abit with the timeline to add some backstory filler to help give the characters that Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman portrays with the reason for their pathological obsession with each other.

Christopher and Jonathan Nolan's screenplay for The Prestige was able to keep the mystery of the story intact, but it also keeps the amount of red herrings in such films to a minimum. Michael Caine's character, Harry Cutter, opens up the film explaining just exactly what constitutes a magic trick on stage. How it's divided into three parts. First, there's "The Pledge" wherein the magician shows the audience something ordinary he or she will use in the trick. Soon, the magician will follow this up with "The Turn" where the abovementioned ordinary object does something extraordinary in front of the audience. The pay-off of the magician's trick is "The Prestige" where the audience's astonishment occurs as they fail to deconstruct and figure out the means of the trick. That's pretty much the film in a nutshell. It's one big magic trick. The clues are there for the audience to see, gather and extrapolate their answer to the mystery that is the story. The screenplay doesn't treat the audience as if they need to be hand-held throughout the film. In fact, anyone who pays attention will be able to solve one-half of the mystery by the first hour. I won't say exactly whose half of the mystery it will be but people will be kicking themselves afterwards if they don't figure it out right away.

This magic trick of a film does have its many underlying layers of themes to add some complexity, drama and tension to the characters of Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman). I've already mentioned that throughout the film their mutual obsession about each other is due to a backstory detailing their past. A past where they were initially friends --- rivals even --- and apprentices to the magician Harry Cutter (excellently played by Michael Caine as the only voice of reason throughout the film). Borden and Angier's obsession is not just in ruining and sabotaging each other's magic tricks and lives, but also trying to find out each other's secrets as they both learn magic tricks which amaze and thrill the gentry of London's stage. From the beginning of the film these two characters begin a journey towards a path of destructive behavior which puts not just each other's lives at risk, but those who they care about. All of it in the name of humiliating and upstaging the other due to a tragic incident early in their mutual careers. These two individuals were not sympathetic characters and I applaud Christopher Nolan and his brother for not softening up their hard edges.

Most adaptors will try to make a story's characters more sympathetic and likable. They went the opposite in The Prestige. But even these two dark characters continue to exude the charisma and strong personalities that the audience will root for one or the other. Should they root for the charismatic and born shownman that Hugh Jackman's Angier character plays or go for the perfectionist Borden character Christian Bale plays. A perfectionist whose technical skills surpasses that of Angier's but whose introverted and brooding personality makes him little or no stage presence.

Both Jackman and Bale play their characters well. The film wouldn't be so good if it wasn't for the work of these two actors. It helps that they're surrounded by quality supporting character like Michael Caine as the seasoned, veteran mentor to the dueling magicians. Even Scarlett Johansson does very well with the part she's given. It's a part that many sees as more of a throwaway character. A piece of very good-looking distraction for both the story and the audience. But she gamely plays the role of pawn for both Angier and Borden. Unlike Michael Caine's character who remains the singular voice of sanity in the film, even Johansson's character of Olivia gets pulled into the obsessions and betrayals that's plagued both Angier and Borden. But in the end, she's just part of the process of "The Turn" and if people have been watching the film closely right from the beginning then she's also a clue as to the secret of one of the amazing magic tricks shown by the two magicians.

The Prestige also has a distinct look about it. The 19th-century London just before the start of the new millenium gives it a certain sense of Victorian-era familiarity. Production designer Nathan Crowley shows a London at the height of its Gilded Age, but soon gives way to a certain steampunk look as inventor Nikola Tesla makes an appearance during an integral part of the story. David Bowie portrays Tesla as an eccentric genius whose search for the secrets of the universe will lead to the discovery of what many of that era would consider magic. It's the ingenius looking technology created for the Tesla sequence which finally gives The Prestige it's root in fantasy and science-fiction. The film doesn't dwell on this new development but from that part of the story and until the end, the film takes on a look and feel of a steampunk mystery-thriller. There's not enough films that tries to mine this new subgenre and I, for one, am glad that Christopher Nolan added this new dimension to the film's overall look.

In the end, The Prestige really needs to be seen to be appreciated and for people to make up their minds about the film. Some will see it as a thriller with twists and turns that doesn't insult the intelligence of its audience. Some may see the film as just one large gimmick from start to end. Those people will probably be correct as well. The film at its most basic level is one long magic trick with all three acts. It has "The Pledge" which is then followed up by "The Turn" and then ends with "The Prestige". It will be up to each individual who sees the film to make the final decision as to whether they've bought into all three acts of the magic trick that is The Prestige, or come away having felt like they've wasted their time. I've not come across many who felt like the latter, even those whose own feelings about the film don't reach the same level of praise as I have for Christopher Nolan's latest offering. All I know is that this is a film that delivers on its premise to confound and amaze. It also continues to validate my views that Bruce Wayne and Batman are in very good hands with Christopher Nolan at the wheel. The Prestige is easily one of the best film of 2006.



The Prestige

amazon-video-review

Buck

Buck

Buck - Are you looking for video Buck? You comes at the right place. We provide a review about Buck to help you choose video at the Best Price Online with Secure Transaction Here.


Buck

other Customer Rating: Buck
Price : $2.99
read more Details


Neither my wife nor I had heard of the movie Buck. We went to see it because it was close to our motel in downtown Grand Junction, CO. It was spellbinding. Both my wife and I truly enjoyed the movie. It was an unexpected treat. Though it may seem to be about horse training it is really about life though Buck's life in particular. It will appeal to a far wider audience. I hope this movie goes in wide distribution because I think this movie would be enjoyed by many more than might see it in the limited distribution theater network. This would be a good parenting movie. I plan on buying the DVDs for my kids who are in their 30s, and maybe a few friends. See this movie.



Buck

amazon-video-review