Showing posts with label family films. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family films. Show all posts

See Spot Run (2001) Review

See Spot Run (2001)
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Is SEE SPOT RUN a great movie? NOT REALLY. Is it entertaining? Yes, I must admit it made me laugh quite a bit. It's really a slapstick farce with a blonde David Arquette mugging it up like the world was coming to an end. He plays a dog-fearing mailman who has his own devices to elude the dogs on Bleeker Street, "Canine Alley." Agent 11, a canine FBI agent, is targeted by mob boss Paul Sorvino (humorously so), so he is sent to witness protection for canines in Alaska, or he's supposed to be. A crooked agent sets 11 up, and the mob's hit men (especially funny is the late Joe Viterelli who plays mobsters with unabashed fun) go after the dog to kill him. 11 manages to escape to where else? Arquette's mail truck, where he is instantly adored by cute little Angus T. Jones, the son of the hottie (Leslie Bibb) Arquette is mooning over.
Michael Clarke Duncan has nice moments as 11's "partner" who can't seem to function without the pooch in his life. There are lots of predictable gags and even though the showdown in the pet store is incredibly goofy, it is funny. So if it makes you laugh, it succeeds as entertainment if not a great film!

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A mailman takes in a stray dog only to learn that it's an FBI drug-sniffing canine that has escaped from a witness protection program and is now targeted for assassination by a crime boss.DVD Features:Audio Commentary:Feature-length audio commentary by Director John WhitesellFilmographies:Cast career highlightsInteractive MenusMusic Video:"As Long as You're Loving Me" - Vitamin CScene AccessTheatrical Trailer


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Phineas & Ferb: Very Perry Christmas Review

Phineas and Ferb: Very Perry Christmas
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ince 2007, "Phineas and Ferb" is an animated show that has been entertaining children on the Disney Channel with its running gags, interesting and hilarious characters. With each episode, Phineas and Ferb are both working on a project and each time, their sister Candace is always scheming to finally bust them. Meanwhile, the evil scientist Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz is up to no good and Major Monogram and the secret agent Perry the Platypus (Agent P) are doing all they can to stop Doofenshmirtz.
With the Christmas holiday season around the corner, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is releasing "Phineas and Ferb: A Very Perry Christmas" featuring six episodes and plenty of special features.
"Phineas and Ferb: A Very Perry Christmas" comes with the following episodes. Included are:
* Phineas & Ferb Christmas Vacation (Season 2, Episode 84) - Dr. Doofenshmirtz wants to ruin the Christmas holiday for everyone. Meanwhile, the boys and their friends try to save Christmas.
* Interview with a Platypus (Season 2, Episode 49) - The boys build a device to find out if they can translate Perry's noises. Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz wants to flood the Tri-State Area.
* Oh, There You Are, Perry (Season 2, Episode 64) - Parry is re-assigned to a new villain, meanwhile the boys think that their pet platypus is missing and Candace blames herself for Perry's disappearance.
* Chez Platypus (Season 2, Episode 56) - Phineas and Ferb open a platypus-themed restaurant. Dr. Doofenshmirtz dates a woman who is also interested in evil things.
* Perry Lays an Egg (Season 2, Episode 57) - Phineas and Ferb find an egg and think it belongs to Perry. Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz wants revenge against the whales.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"Phineas and Ferb" is presented in widescreen (1:78:1) - enhanced for 16×9 televisions and is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and French and Spanish Language Tracks and subtitles.
"Phineas and Ferb" sports vibrant colors and for the most part, picture quality should be fine for the children. If anything, the series is known for its unique character design and for the most part, the animation is quite enjoyable to watch because it's quite different with the characters and their geometric shaped heads.
Dialogue and music are clear and are heard clearly through the front and center channels. Subtitles are in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Phineas and Ferb: A Very Perry Christmas" comes with:
* Phineas & Ferb's Virtual Fireplace - An animated virtual fireplace.
* Dr. D's Xmas Jukebox-Inator - Sing the six songs from the "Phineas & Ferb Christmas Vacation" episode.
* Christmas-Perry-Oki - (33:50) Watch the "Phineas & Ferb Christmas Vacation" episode with karaoke titles during the musical portion.
* Letters to Santa - Select a character from "Phineas and Ferb" to find out what they wished for Christmas in their letter for Santa (which are read by Santa).
* Keep on Buildin' - (12:04) Get to learn how the creators of "Phineas and Ferb" create a song for an episode.
* "Doof Side of the Moon" (Season 2, Episode 107) - (10:59) A bonus episode of "Phineas and Ferb". Phineas and Ferb build a big building, meanwhile Candace enlists Irving's brother Albert to help her bust her brothers.
EASTER EGGS:
The following Easter Eggs can be accessed on this DVD (from L to R):
* Christmas tree ornament on tree - Watch Baljeet do something.
* Purple present under tree - (6:10) The crew (Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh and many of the staff) and voice talent take part in a joke on one of the director's of "Phineas and Ferb".
* Wreath under snowman - Watch Phineas and Ferb do something.
* Grey sock - Watch Candace do something.
* Orange and blue stocking - Watch Dr. Doofenshmirtz do something.
* Red ribbon (above special features) - Watch Perry the Platypus do something.
EXTRAS:
"Phineas and Ferb: A Very Perry Christmas" comes with a slip over case.
JUDGMENT CALL:
At our home, somehow "Phineas and Ferb" has become my 7-year-old son's favorite animated series. Every day he watches the show and interesting enough, I can hear both he and my wife singing the show's theme song and even my wife has talked about how she enjoys watching "Phines and Ferb" alongside with him.
As for me, I knew nothing about the show and I felt like a kid asking my son many questions of who is that character and that character and what is the plot of the series? So, this DVD was actually my first foray into the world of "Phineas & Ferb" and for my son, this DVD was in his words..."Awesome!".
Because truthfully, I just thought it was a special Christmas episode and then when that episode was done, there were five more episodes to watch. And then you get to the main menu and there are Easter Eggs hidden throughout the menu, special features and you get another bonus episode of "Phineas and Ferb", how cool is that?
Although, I may not have grasped the concept of why Phineas and Ferb's older sister Candace is trying to bust her little brothers or why there is a secret agent platypus, I realize that this series is beloved by many, and my young son and my wife are among that demographic who love this series so much that I hear them singing the theme song nearly daily.
The episodes I did watch were fun but of course, my son can probably give the best description of this DVD and he just had one word to describe this DVD and that was "awesome"!
As a parent, the episodes were safe and fun to watch and I have to admit, for a children's DVD, Disney has definitely released an impressive package with six episodes of "Phineas & Ferb" and many special features to go along with this entire DVD. I was very impressed by this DVD and I can definitely recommend this to parents or grandparents who want to keep their children entertained during the holiday season or a DVD for them to watch during those long holiday commutes.
Overall, this is a solid release of "Phineas and Ferb" which fans of the series can't go wrong with it and really, there is nothing I can even fault or say anything negative about because you get so much in this DVD release. For fans of "Phineas and Ferb", "Phineas and Ferb: A Very Perry Christmas", my son gives this DVD five stars and a very big "AWESOME!".

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Phineas and Ferb and Perry the Platypus are gonna save Christmas! Get ready for the wildest sleigh ride ever as the hilarious heroes of summer vacation launch into their merriest and "Perry-est" mission yet! Amp up the holidays with outrageous laughs, out-of-this world fun and totally over-the-top songs—everything you need for the ultimate Christmas extravaganza experience! In an all-new, Perry-powered adventure, Phineas, Ferb and their pet platypus (aka Agent P) set out to thwart Dr. Doofenshmirtz\'s "naughty" plot to ruin Christmas. Will they get everything wrapped up in time for Santa\'s flyby? Find out in the coolest gift you\'ll get this year—packed with festive bonus features that will have you rockin\' \'round the tree!

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The Princess Bride (1987) Review

The Princess Bride (1987)
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Here's what is new on the 20th Edition DVD:
- "The Princess Bride: The Untold Tales"
- "The Art of Fencing" Featurette
- "Fairy Tales and Folklore" Featurette
- "True Love and High Adventure: The Official The Princess Bride DVD Game
The Dread Pirate Roberts/Buttercup Editions include all of the Special Edition features plus:
French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround) Audio Track
"Dread Pirate Roberts: Greatest Legend of the Seven Seas" mockumentary
"Love is Like a Storybook Story" featurette
"Miraculous Make-up" featurette
Quotable "Battle of Wits" trivia game
Collective booklet: "Fezzik's Guide to Florin"
I prefer the Dread Pirate Robert's/Buttercup Edition, but there are three reasons why you might want to buy the new 20th edition:
1. You don't already own the movie (shame on you).
2. You collect all things Princess Bride.
3. The DVD cover art is fantastic!

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Mr. Troop Mom (2009) Review

Mr. Troop Mom (2009)
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Mr Troop Mom is a pretty entertaining DVD for the pre teen & teen crowd, many Children can relate to the absent parents or overworked parent that tries to make up for last time with the family, but really doesn't know how to fit in the family unit on a camping trip.

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MR. TROOP MOM - DVD Movie

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Courage Mountain: Heidi's New Adventure (1990) Review

Courage Mountain: Heidi's New Adventure (1990)
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Courage Mountain is a truly wonderful movie. The viewer falls in love with Heidi all over again. Heidi is no longer the little girl we all know. She is now a teenager. As Heidi goes off to bording school in Italy, she is sad to leave her Grandfather and love intrest Peter behind. As World War I erupts around them, Heidi and her schoolmates are place in an Orphanage where the crule overseers force them to do hard manual labor. One day, they escape and decide to cross the Alps to Heidi's Grandfathers house. The Orphanage overseer is determined not to let them reach their destination. Courage Mountian is filled with excitment, adventure and love. A five star movie that you must see!!

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In the bitter chill of winter, over snow-covered mountains and against all odds, one fearless young girl will risk everything to guide her friends to safety. Fifteen-year-old Heidi (Caton) leaves her beloved grandfather (Jan Rubes), her childhood sweetheart (Sheen) and her cherished Swiss mountains to attend an Italian boarding school run by a kind headmistress (Caron). But when World War I breaks out, Heidi and her classmates are torn from their serene surroundings. Fearing for their lives, they escape on foot through the countryside...and embark on a daring trek across the treacherous, frozen Alps towards the safety of Heidi's girlhood home.

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Beetlejuice (2008) Review

Beetlejuice  (2008)
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When this movie first came out about fifteen years ago, my father owned a video store and every Wednesday night was "Beetlejuice" night. I'm older now, obviously, but I still cannot get enough of this movie.
Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis play Adam and Barbara Maitland, two Connecticut yuppies who die prematurely in a car wreck. Within a couple weeks, their home is overrun by an ultra-trendy New York City family, Charles and Delia Deetz, and their Goth daughter, Lydia (played respectively by Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O'Hara, and Winona Ryder). Adam and Barbara want their house back, and attempt to scare the Deetz's out of the house by wearing sheets and even by possessing them over dinner, making them sing and dance to Harry Belafonte's "Day O." Those attempts fail and enter Michael Keaton as Betelguese, "the afterlife's leading freelance bio-exorcist." The movie is dark without being scary and funny without being ridiculous.
In my opinion, one of the real gems in this film is the late Sylvia Sidney as Juno, Your Case Worker. Sidney was pushing eighty when this film was made, but turns in a great performance as the embittered equivalent of an afterlife social worker. Love how the smoke from her ever-present cigarette comes out of the slit in her throat.
If you've never seen this movie, see it. If you have seen it but don't own it on DVD, get it. The picture quality is better than ever.

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What\'s a couple of stay-at-home ghosts to do when their beloved home is taken over by trendy yuppies? They call on Beetlejuice, the afterlife\'s freelance bio-exorcist to scare off the family – and everyone gets more than she, he or it bargains for! Tim Burton guides this PG-rated comedy monsterpiece whose stars include Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder. And Michael Keaton is Beetlejuice, the ghost with the most who flings one-liners, spins into grotesque forms, gobbles insects, and who just can\'t leave the ladies (living or dead) alone. Ghoul love it!

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Felicity - An American Girl Adventure (2005) Review

Felicity - An American Girl Adventure (2005)
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My daughter and I loved the American Girl movie " Samantha: An American Girl Holiday" and eagerly looked forward to "Felicity: An American Girl Adventure". The movie centers around 10 year old Felicity in 1775 Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. Felicity is a tomboy, would rather spend time with the horses, however her mother wishes her to become a "gentlewoman" (wife, mother, housekeeper). Upon taking her "gentlewoman lessons" she meets Annabelle and Elizabeth Cole. The Coles are loyalists from England living in the colonies. Elizabeth and Felicity become friends however their friendship is tested when Elizabeths father is sent to prison for showing loyalty to the king. The other part of the story is that Felicity befriends an abused horse owned by Jiggy Nye. Felicity ends up befriending the horse, training the horse, unintentionally stealing her, only to have her grandfather purchase the horse for her in the end. Felicity starts out as a self centered 10 year old but she learns to put others first, she rescues her father's apprentice Ben from the bounty hunters, she visits Jiggy Nye in prison to give him food and a blanket and lastly she takes care of her family while her mother is ill. By the end of the movie Felicity has changed from a child to a "gentlewoman" as her mother calls her. This movie will appeal to girls as well as boys while introducing American history to them. This is a movie for you to watch with your family again and again.

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The doll you love comes home on DVD in a full-length, live-action movie. Felicity: An American Girl Adventure has all the joy, excitement and you-are-there history of the best-selling books about Felicity Merriman, a spirited girl growing up in Virginia in the years just before the American Revolution. Nine-year-old Felicity (Shailene Woodley) knows she's supposed to stay quietly indoors doing "sitting-down kinds of things." But she yearns for the freedom of the outdoors...and especially for the adventure of riding horses. Then she meets a beautiful, copper-colored mare who's mistreated by her cruel owner. When Felicity tries to rescue the horse she calls Penny, she learns valuable lessons about loyalty, responsibility and independence. DVD Features:DocumentaryFeaturette:Featurette on the American Girl Hospital Behind-the-Scenes documentary


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The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: The Complete Fourth Season (1990) Review

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: The Complete Fourth Season (1990)
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Season 4 had some major changes to the show. First off, Vivian is played by Daphne Maxwell-Reid (Tim Reid's Wife) and also Little Nicky Banks comes into the picture, at least it gives this show the best last 3 seasons of the show. Here are the episodes to expect in the 4th season.
74. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 1 of 2)
College-bound Will and Carlton settle into their new L.A. party pad, to which Carlton brings the woman of his dreams -- Jackie. Unfortunately, it is also soon overrun with partygoers.
75. Where There's a Will, There's a Way (Part 2 of 2)
Will brings Carlton shocking news that Jackie is an old friend of his from Philly; the two guys get evicted from their apartment; and Hilary asks for a "special" proposal from Trevor -- and gets it.
76. All Guts, No Glory
Registration day finds Will signing up for no-brainer classes, plus one that might truly challenge him -- a philosophy course he takes to meet a girl.
77. Father of the Year
Stuck with caring for Nicky for the day, Will soon discovers the benefits of baby-sitting: he's suddenly a big man on campus with the women so long as he poses as a single dad.
78. It's Better to Have Loved and Lost It...
After Will's friends guys rib Carlton about being a virgin, Miss Right (Belcon) appears and sweeps Carlton off his feet. Elsewhere, Geoffrey confesses a secret of his own.
79. Will Goes a-Courtin'
When Phillip sues Will and Carlton for unpaid rent, two different versions of the dispute are aired -- neither entirely truthful.
80. Hex and the Single Guy
Hilary summons an outrageous TV psychic and spirit channeler who arranges a séance to communicate with the dead and enable Hilary to get over Trevor once and for all -- and hexes a disbelieving Will.
81. Blood is Thicker Than Mud
Will and Carlton try to get accepted into an African-American fraternity; Will proves to be just what they want in a pledge, but one of the brothers sees Carlton as a "prep-school, Bel Air-bred sellout."
82. Fresh Prince After Dark
Will breaks a date with Jackie to accompany Hilary to a Playboy Mansion reception for weather reporters being photographed for the magazine.
83. Home is Where the Heart Attack Is
Will sneaks greasy, high-fat foods to Philip after he promises to diet and exercise, then blames himself when Philip has a heart attack.
84. Take My Cousin -- Please
On academic probation, Will schemes to improve his grades by fixing up a newly divorced English professor with Hilary, who soon finds fault with the man, further jeopardizing Will's academic future.
85. You've Got To Be a Football Hero
Will uses booze to prove his manliness while competing with a hulking football hero who wants to score points with Jackie, and his fraternity brothers leave drunken Will in a cemetery, where he is haunted. Meanwhile, Ashley learns that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
86. 'Twas the Night Before Christening
Vivian promises god-motherhood of her child to both of her sisters, while Will hatches a harebrained scheme to get Boyz II Men to perform at baby Nicky's christening.
87. Sleepless in Bel-Air
Will pays for putting off studying for a midterm until the last minute, and Ashley pays for staying out late on her first date.
88. Who's the Boss
Business drops off at the Peacock Stop when Carlton takes over as manager; elsewhere, an "I Hate Hilary" newsletter precipitates stormy weather.
89. I Know Why the Caged Bird Screams
Will and Jazz steal a statue from a rival school, whose team retaliates by kidnapping ULA's lucky charm -- Carlton, the strutting peacock mascot.
90. When You Hit Upon a Star
Will becomes a jet-setter while dating a pop star.
91. Stop Will! In the Name of Love
A Valentine's double date finds Will treating Ashley like a kid and Ashley demanding r-e-s-p-e-c-t.
92. You'd Better Shop Around
A car dealer hires Will, then persuades him to drop out of college.
93. The Ol' Ball and Chain
Philip foots the bill when Jazz decides to marry a jailbird -- who moves in on Will.
94. The Harder They Fall
An overprotective dad takes Will flying to scare him out of getting too serious with his daughter.

95. M is For the Many Things She Gave Me
It's double trouble for Will when Philip's old flame visits with her daughter, who's attracted to Will.
96. Mother's Day
Newlyweds Jazz and Jewel try to start a family, but it turns out they're going to need a little help -- from Will; Phil urges the kids to give Vivian thoughtful Mother's Day gifts.

97. Papa's Got a Brand-New Excuse
Will's long-lost father, Lou, breezes into town and promises Will the moon, which angers Phil and Vivian, who give him the cold shoulder for walking out on Will and Vy. When Will was an infant, his father went to get a pack of cigarettes and never came back. Years later he became a trucker, but Will was going to college by then. When his father abandons him a second time, Will accepts the fact that Uncle Phil is the closest thing to a father that he has ever had.98. For Sale By Owner
A stranger makes a generous offer for the Banks estate, which prompts the family to reminisce about their good times there.
99. The Philadelphia Story
Will returns to the City of Brotherly Love and discovers he's the [...] of old friends' jokes, prompting him to go into training to settle an old score and clear his reputation as a chicken.
I can't wait for seasons 5 and 6 to come out within the next year or so. It's real cool now!

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Combining urban edge with sizzling sitcom style, Will Smith gives a graduate course in comedy in a 4-disc collection that features all 26 fourth-season episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Your homework assignment is to watch 'em all. You'll laugh large!

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George Balanchine's The Nutcracker (1993) Review

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker (1993)
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All things considered, I have to say that this is quite an enjoyable theatrical presentation of Balanchine's "The Nutcracker." Looking at "the show" itself, its most rave-worthy characteristic is how well the team of Peter Martins (ballet master), Emile Ardolino (director) and Ralf Bode (cinematographer) collaborated to actually "choreograph the camera" to the movements of the performers. Thanks to a talented movie crew and an incredible amount of consideration given to viewing angles (read the description in the disc's "special features"), the TV always seemed to be showing exactly what I wanted to look at on the stage. Add in some nice work by Industrial Light & Magic, decent narration, and a top-notch production team, and the result is a superb presentation.
From a performance standpoint, I'd give this an A-minus mainly because the versions of "The Nutcracker" I've seen most often cast the Nutcracker Prince in a much more active role dancewise. Still, everyone else did a fantastic job. Noteworthy were the Pas de Deux by the Cavalier (Damian Woetzel) and Sugarplum Fairy (Darci Kistler), and the powerful dance presence of Coffee (Wendy Whelan). The other "Sweets" performed very well also. So long as you try not to picture Macaulay Culkin as a ballet dancer, you'll be okay. Let's face it: you can't expect the little guy to measure up next to the NYC Ballet, but he is there to add a little star appeal and possibly sell ballet to your kids (which may not be a bad idea). Nuff said. By the way, the younger performers from the School of American Ballet were wonderful.
Regarding disc features, the DVD has some cool stuff to offer: two viewing formats, 30-scene index, and some good production notes regarding the history of the show, camera choreography and description of ILM's special effects.

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Angels and sugarplums. Candy canes and ice. A magic prince, a dreamy young girl, a mysterious old man and a Christmas tree that grows sky high. Enter the world of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, featuring the New York City Ballet, and let this all-new movie version of a timeless Yuletide fantasy, narrated ny Academy Award(R) winner Kevin Kline, draw you under its spell. Starring Macaulay Caulkin, Darci Kistler and Bart Robinson Cook. Year: 1993 Director: Emile Ardolino Starring: Bart Robinson Cook, Macaulay Caulkin, Darci Kistler, Damian Woetzel

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Lottery Ticket (2010) Review

Lottery Ticket (2010)
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I just want say something in regards to any negative reviews regarding this film. First of all, this film is a comedy. Nothing more. Nothing less. All political correctness should go out the door when it comes to viewing a comedy film. Secondly, this film delivers on what it's advertised to be. A comedy. Yes, this movie does ask the question of what would you do if you won the lottery. The character in this film does, indeed, make the choice that will not only benefit himself, but, also others. I, for one, loved the film and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a true comedic film. Much props to Bow Wow (whose acting does seem to get a little better with each film), Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Brandon T. Jackson (who had everyone laughing their guts out), Charlie Murphy, and everyone else involved in this film. Also, notice how I didn't go deep into the plot of the story. Many of you can read that in the description box. I, for one, am tired of reading these "reviews" that go so deep into the plot description that it literally repeats what is written in the product description. Get on here, write about the movie in brief terms, state your opinion, and be done with it. LOTTERY TICKET is a winner. I will definitely own this film on DVD when it's released.

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KEVIN CARSON A YOUNG MAN LIVING IN THE PROJECTS, IS JUST AN ORDINARY GUY UNTIL HE WINS $370 MILLION IN THE MONDO MILLIONS LOTTERY.THE BAD NEWS IS, THE LOTTERY CLAIM OFFICE IS CLOSED FOR THE LONG FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND, SO, BEFORE HE CAN COLLECT HIS PRIZE, HE HAS TO KEEP QUITE AND SURVIVE THE NEXT THREE DAYS.

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Black Beauty (1994) Review

Black Beauty (1994)
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Unlike other adaptations of Anna Sewall's classic, this film version respects the intentions and the words of the book. We read the novel aloud with my 6 year old daughter and got this DVD as a treat for her to watch. We were not dissapointed. For one thing, Black Beauty himself narrates the film in a voice over (there's no corny talking animals), just as the novel is written in the first person from the p.o.v. of the horse. The film also does a nice job of retaining the message of the novel about treating animals fairly.
As others have mentioned, the score is lovely and the cinematography is beautiful. There are lots of little animals to see and pretty landscapes, etc.
Highly recomended, a very nice family film.

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A wondrous new version of Anna Sewell's classic about a remarkable horse and the various owners whose lives he transforms. "The most imaginative and stirring picture since The black Stallion" (Washington Times) Year: 1994 Director: Caroline Thompson Starring: Sean Bean, David Thewlis, Jim Carter

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Flipped (2010) Review

Flipped (2010)
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Okay, let's dispense immediately with the idea that this film is geared toward teenagers and all of their sappy crap that they go through. I assure you "mature adults" out there that this film will delight you also, unless you are a completely hopelessly lost Scrooge. This film should make sense to all ages. Everyone should identify with it. I don't care what kind of a snob, low-life, big wig, or puritan you are, you should enjoy this film. It's never too sappy when it deals with matters of the heart, nor is it too blunt and insensitive.
The film is told almost entirely in a voice over of one of the two main characters. It's told in a brilliant he-said she-said style where the same scene is often told twice from the two opposite points of view (Juli's and Bryce's). So we see the opening scene twice. The first time as explained by Bryce, and the second time explained by Juli. This sort of formula is used many a time in the unfolding battle of the sexes. Of course this doesn't happen in every scene--that would get boring. Director Reiner gives us the proper dosages of everything in this film. The proper amount of comedy, romance, and the proper amount of sadness. Never is it sappy or indulgent or even presumptuous. It's a perfect film for what it's worth. The screenplay is absolutely the work of a fine craftsman--or craftsmen Andrew Scheinman and director Reiner. I don't know how long it took to write or how much blood went into it, but this film is the result of excellent work in every department. The two child stars are perfect in their roles (although Bryce could have done better), but the strength of the cast are in supporting actors. The cast is full of great actors, particularly Anthony Edwards as Bryce's arrogant, critical, smart-aleck father, and the ever-welcome Aidan Quinn as Juli's loving, down-to-earth, tree painting father.
I wasn't completely convinced of the excellence of the film until a beautiful scene in which Mr. Baker (Quinn) and Juli go to visit Mr. Baker's mentally retarded brother Daniel, who is so happy with the world and everything in it. But this scene can't be expressed in words, you have to see it. For what it's worth, Flipped is somewhat of a deep film, full of parallels to the real world. All of the characters have the proper amount of development, even the big sycamore tree that Juli likes to sit in and watch the sunrise. Her exploits while up in that tree are so poetic and beautiful when matched up with the pictures on screen. It's a beautiful and insightful scene into the thoughts and feelings of people in general, not just a teenage girl.
In this day when films are almost all big-budget action movies with loud explosions, Flipped has explosions of its own kind. It has explosions of heart and feeling and character, all at the appropriate times. I did not find any axe to grind here. Other than the characters, plot, and screenplay, it's also a technically beautiful film. The camera captures everything so clearly with the proper colour timing and excellently framed shots. After the mid-way point of the film, being surrounded by excellence, one starts to look for any reason to criticize the film. I found none. Every nuance of the film is done so genteelly and honestly, who can have a problem with it? This film achieves what movies are meant to achieve. They are meant to reach into are minds and draw us in, to entertain and to move us with fright, emotion, tears, laughs, whatever may be the subject. They are meant to create a world around us, whether in space, in the Wild West, in the future, in Bible times, or in the case of Flipped in 1960s suburbia. This film does exactly what it is meant to do. To touch and make us laugh and to remember. That's what it does. It makes us remember what happened or is happening to us. No one can give this a bad review. Anyone who does will be personally crucified by me (yes, I am saying sayonara to free speech and forcing my opinions on the world). I don't see how anyone can pick a fight with the film. But I'm blabbing about nothing.
In short, Flipped is by far the best film I've seen this year. I do hope the Academy doesn't overlook this like they do so many other "family" films. It should at least get a few nominations, if not a win. We'll see what happens. It's only July.


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WHEN SECOND-GRADERS BRYCE AND JULI FIRST MEET, JULI KNOWS IT'S LOVE. BRYCE ISN'T SO SURE. BEGINNING THAT DAY, AND FOR THE NEXT SIX YEARS, YOUNG BRYCE DOES EVERYTHING HE CAN TO KEEP HIS OUT- SPOKEN WANNABE GIRLFRIEND AT ARMS LENGTH, BUT THEY GO TO THE SAME SCHOOL AND LIVE ACROSS THE STREET FROM EACH OTHER.

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Spencer's Mountain (1963) Review

Spencer's Mountain (1963)
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Anyone familiar with the long running TV series, THE WALTONS, will immediately see some similarities in this film. It was written by the same author but predates the Waltons in terms of its production. Still, there are many similarities as well as a few differences.
The Waltons takes place during the era of the great depression. Spencer's Mountain has the 1950's written all over it although it never gives a particular time. The Waltons takes place near Walton Mountain in the Southeast while this film takes place near Spencer's Mountain in the Grand Tetons. The TV series had John-Boy as the eldest son of the family and the movie has Clay-Boy in the same role. Both of these young men seek knowledge and thirst for education. The patriarch of both families is relatively poor and struggles to provide for the family but is a faithful husband and father with those duties as the top priority. Both are wholesome and a bit of Americana. Somebody who liked the Waltons should like Spencer's Mountain as well.
Henry Fonda plays the lead and does so in a likeable manner. He will sacrifice anything, including his dreams, for the sake of his family. Maureen O'Hara plays the mother. She is a good, church going woman and the anchor of the family. James MacArthur plays the eldest son. He is dutiful but yearns to get away and better himself. He wants to do something besides work in the quarry all his life.
As I said before, it is all very wholesome fare. I don't think it's as good as the Waltons but it is still very good.


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SPENCER'S MOUNTAIN - DVD Movie

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A Star Is Born (1976) Review

A Star Is Born (1976)
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I have neither a Blu-ray player nor an HD TV so there was no reason to get the Blu-ray of this release. On my standard def TV the image is not as sharp and crisp as other recent Warner restorations such as My Fair Lady and Wizard of Oz. But, I've learned through some research that this is because ASIB was filmed in single-strip Technicolor and it is impossible to sharpen the image. Actually the print does look a bit cleaner than the old VHS version of the reconstructed film. Just don't expect sharpness throughout. The musical numbers look the best.
Remember that almost 30 minutes of the film was cut after its theatrical release and it was through the efforts of Ron Haver who, in 1984, was able to find stills to fill in where soundtrack sections were located. That is what this version is and it really fleshes out the story. (And a great story it is!). And it is wide screen, not pan and scan.
What makes this version "deluxe" is the additional two hours of new supplemental material. These are all on the second disc which is NOT Blu-ray even in the Blu-ray set. Two hours are the same material as on the last release. The new material includes additional versions of some songs with different costumes and a lot of audio-only bonuses. The disc containing the feature film is double sided with half on each side.
You can see all the details of the bonuses in another "review" which copied the info from the press release.
As far as acting goes, James Mason is amazing and perfect for the part. Garland sings her heart out and this is, of course, a must for Judy fans... many of who can quote her lines from the film from memory.
Some day I'm sure Warner will issue the "Ultimate Edition" of ASIB but, sadly this is the best it is going to look on your TV. This is why film preservation is so important!
If you've not seen this film, or haven't seen it in years, watch it.. It will draw you in and show you why Garland and Mason were stars. This is a true Hollywood classic.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"


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A Star Is Born (1954) Review

A Star Is Born (1954)
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I have neither a Blu-ray player nor an HD TV so there was no reason to get the Blu-ray of this release. On my standard def TV the image is not as sharp and crisp as other recent Warner restorations such as My Fair Lady and Wizard of Oz. But, I've learned through some research that this is because ASIB was filmed in single-strip Technicolor and it is impossible to sharpen the image. Actually the print does look a bit cleaner than the old VHS version of the reconstructed film. Just don't expect sharpness throughout. The musical numbers look the best.
Remember that almost 30 minutes of the film was cut after its theatrical release and it was through the efforts of Ron Haver who, in 1984, was able to find stills to fill in where soundtrack sections were located. That is what this version is and it really fleshes out the story. (And a great story it is!). And it is wide screen, not pan and scan.
What makes this version "deluxe" is the additional two hours of new supplemental material. These are all on the second disc which is NOT Blu-ray even in the Blu-ray set. Two hours are the same material as on the last release. The new material includes additional versions of some songs with different costumes and a lot of audio-only bonuses. The disc containing the feature film is double sided with half on each side.
You can see all the details of the bonuses in another "review" which copied the info from the press release.
As far as acting goes, James Mason is amazing and perfect for the part. Garland sings her heart out and this is, of course, a must for Judy fans... many of who can quote her lines from the film from memory.
Some day I'm sure Warner will issue the "Ultimate Edition" of ASIB but, sadly this is the best it is going to look on your TV. This is why film preservation is so important!
If you've not seen this film, or haven't seen it in years, watch it.. It will draw you in and show you why Garland and Mason were stars. This is a true Hollywood classic.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"


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National Velvet (1945) Review

National Velvet (1945)
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National Velvet is a classic film, enjoyable and entertaining for the whole family. I give the film itself 5 stars for this reason alone. They just don't make 'em like this anymore!!!
...And now for the real nitty gritty...Warner (and previously MGM DVD) should be ashamed of themselves for putting out such an atrocious transfer of this great Technicolor classic! While the colors show up well in most of the film, the main problem with this DVD is that the source print was VERY DIRTY!!!!
Expect to see PLENTY of scratches, dust, and out-of-focus shots throughout the 124 minute running time.
Overall, this is a complete disgrace because Turner Classic Movies runs a fantastically restored PRISTINE print of National Velvet on their network...free of scratches and dust.
Also, I have another word to the folks at Warner: LOSE THE CHEAPIE SNAPPER CASE PACKAGING!!! AMARAY KEEP CASE ALL THE WAY!!!
5 stars for the film....1 star for the lousy treatment on DVD!!!

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Enchantingly beautiful Elizabeth Taylor became a movie star at age twelve after starring in this classic about a girl and her jockey pal (Mickey Rooney) who transform an unruly horse into a champion.

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Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole (2010) Review

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole (2010)
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Based on Kathryn Lasky's children's series (Guardians of Ga'hoole Complete Set, Books 1-15), The Legend of the Guardians: the Owls of Ga'hoole is an epic story of good and evil, bravery, betrayal and of doing what's right.
Briefly, the story centers around Soren, a young barn owl living in the forest of Tyto, who is enraptured with the tales his father tells of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole, the great warriors and protectors of the owl world who have passed into legend. When Soren and his brother Kludd are kidnapped and taken to a deep canyon where young owls are being "moon-blinked" into mindless slavery by the evil "Pure Ones", Soren escapes with another young owl and sets out to find the Guardians and plead for their help. Once they find the Guardians, a rescue is planned and the film climaxes with a soaring aerial battle between the Guardians and the Pure Ones.
The plot is not new. Fans of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, among others, will recognize many of the story elements and several of the characters common to films and books based on the classic "Hero's Journey". So, the question becomes - have the filmmakers made this hero's journey one worth seeing? For me, the answer is "Yes". And that "yes" comes, in no small part, from how the film looks.
Legend of the Guardians is so completely spectacular to look at that I found myself able to ignore some of the issues with the plotting and the script and just sit back and drown in the visual feast. The "scenery" throughout the entire film - so jaw-droppingly gorgeous in theaters - translates very well to the home screen and the animation looks superb on Blu-ray. The flying sequences are not quite as breathtaking here as they were on the big screen, but all-in-all I think the film has made a successful transition to home viewing. Certainly it remains incredibly beautiful and exciting to look at. I wish all animated films offered the same visual pleasure.

Parents should be aware, though, that "animated" in this case does not translate into "kiddie-show". While there are moments of warmth and companionship and a few humorous bits, the film has a number of violent scenes and an overall intensity that might frighten or lessen the enjoyment of the under 8 crowd. I will volunteer, though, that my just under 8 year old granddaughter LOVED this film and didn't seem to find it too intense at all. So my age guesstimate might be a bit off. Since parents always know their own children and what they can handle far better than any reviewers do anyway, I offer the "8 and over" as a sort of jumping off point. :) I'll add, too, that the level of intensity I felt the film possessed on the big screen seemed somewhat lessened when I viewed the film at home.A few additional notes on the film:
* There are a lot of characters with unusual names. Unless viewers (kids OR adults) have read the books, they're probably not going to catch or remember them all in a first viewing.
* There are a few instances where the dialogue is difficult to understand.
* The score suits the film. In parts it incorporates the human voice, as Lord of the Rings did, to effectively evoke an emotional response in the viewer. On the other hand, the song "To the Sky" (credited to "Owl City" on the soundtrack CD) was, IMO, the film's most glaring misstep. The chipper tune felt so out of place it actually made me cringe.Some notes on the DVD (I bought the Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy version):
I'll admit straight off that I am not a techy person, so my comments on the quality of the video can be taken with that in mind. That said, the Blu-ray picture clarity is wonderful, the colors vivid and the sound good. For me, all are completely satisfactory. Navigation is pretty straight-forward and didn't trip me up too often - something I'm thankful for and something I, unfortunately, can't say about all DVDs.
The film can be viewed in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese. Subtitles in those same languages are also offered.
Special features include:
* "True Guardians of the Earth": The animated character Digger & Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family) host a documentary about owls which presents interesting information in a kid-friendly style.
* Maximum "Kid" Mode - Explore the World of Ga'hoole": Soren and other cast members act as guides for this picture-in-picture style viewing of the film. Information is offered on animation and various aspects of filmmaking and storytelling. Well done. Should be particularly interesting to young people interested in behind the scenes stuff and the nuts and bolts of filmmaking. Also included is additional scientific information about owls, their anatomy and their habits.
* Legend of the Guardians: Armor up with Soren & Eglantine: Kids can mix and match different types of owl armor.
* Match the Owl Treats: A matching game.
* "Legend of the Guardians: Rise of the Guardians": A short film about the Pure Ones and the legendary Battle of the Ice Claws between Metalbeek and Lyze of Kiel.
* Looney Tunes "Fur of Flying": The Road Runner/Wile E. Coyote cartoon featured in theaters along with LOTG. (On the 3D version of this DVD, this cartoon is also in 3D.)
* Artwork Galleries: stills of some of the lovely artwork from the film.
* "To the Sky" music video by Owl City.For my granddaughter and me, this film was a winner and now that it's part of my home collection, I'm looking forward to sharing it with my other grandchildren over the next few years as they grow old enough to appreciate it. While the plot may be rather familiar, IMO it avoided coming across as tired or trite. That, along with the stunning look of the film, makes it easy for me to recommend it. And I do, happily.
Enjoy!


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Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) makes his animation debut with this fantasy adventure based on the beloved books by Kathryn Lasky. Young owl Soren marvels at his father's epic stories of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole, mythic winged warriors who fought a great battle to save all owl kind from the evil Pure Ones. When he and brother Kludd fall from their treetop home and into the talons of the Pure Ones, it's up to Soren to make a daring escape with the help of other brave owls. Together they seek the Great Tree, home of the Guardians--the only hope of defeating the Pure Ones and saving the owl kingdoms. The stellar voice cast includes Abbie Cornish, Miriam Margolyes, Helen Mirren, Sam Neill, Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess and Hugo Weaving.

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