Editorial Review

Andrei Konchalovsky's expansive television mini-series production of Homer's epic poem gets off to clumsy start as he tries to squeeze the Trojan War into a mere half hour, but once the arrogant but honorable Odysseus (strikingly played by Armand Assante) and his loyal crew begin their doomed voyage home, this film turns into a fantastical adventure. Integrating often-stunning special effects with inventive art design, Konchalovsky achieves a beautiful look on a limited budget as he follows the 10-year ordeal of Odysseus from his battles with the Cyclops and the magical Circe (Bernadette Peters) to his secret homecoming and his confrontation with the treacherous Eurymachus (Eric Roberts). Isabella Rossellini appears as his spiritual guide, the goddess Athena, with Greta Scacchi as Odysseus's faithful wife and Vanessa Williams as the seductive Calypso. The rest of the cast includes Geraldine Chaplin, Jeroen Krabbé, Christopher Lee, and Irene Papas. The production was shot on location in and around the Mediterranean, making for a lush, lovely visual experience. Read more

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Reviews (186)

A Near Perfect Rendering of an Epic Tale
This particular film adaptation of Homer's epic poem, staring Armand Assante as Odysseus, and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, from the studios of Hallmark Entertainment, is more than likely the best film rendition of this grand story.
Good, faithful adaptation
In the comentary, the director upfront admitts wishing to focus on the most entertaining parts of the Odyssey and this he does. I do not believe their is much to criticize (although there are some to be done) given the fact that even with scenes removed the runtime of the film is close to four hours. Therefore credit is due for fitting as much as they did.
A Wasted Voyage
Although the book version of the Odyssey was capturing, the movie was rather disappointing because they left out quite a few scenes and changed the story a bit in some parts, which made it rather dull.
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Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

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Reviews (15)

Tall Tale: Unbelievable Adventure
We watched with 2 of our grandsons and loved this movie!! They fell in love with Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan and John Henry, which I remembered from childhood...I am buying them the movie and books about these 3 wonderful characters for Christmas..It's so good to watch a movie without all the profanity that has a good moral story...

what a movie!
First off I think that it should get more then 5 stars.I first saw this movie when it was first out.I went and saw it with me friend for me b-day.Let's just say it change our lives.It gave us something to think about, something to play(You know how when you're young you like to make up things that's what we did) This movie is great for anyone to watch.It's just great! If you haven't seen it, then you should.Believe me, you wont be sorry. Tall Tale is the best!

Love it and I am 55
Great for all ages, more movies like this one need to be made. I enjoyed the old stories so well, I am buying it for my grandkids. Also getting them the books, these stories need to be kept alive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Steven Spielberg's 1982 hit about a stranded alien and his loving relationship with a fatherless boy (Henry Thomas) struck a chord with audiences everywhere, and it furthered Spielberg's reputation as a director of equally strong commercial sensibilities and classical leanings. Henry Thomas gives a strong, emotional performance as E.T.'s young friend, Robert MacNaughton and Drew Barrymore make a solid impression as his siblings, and Dee Wallace is lively as the kids' mother. The special effects almost look a bit quaint now with all the computer advancements that have occurred since, but they also have more heart behind them than a lot of what we see today. Read more

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Reviews (337)

The only way to get the "original" version of this film
This product is limited and is no longer being made by Universal studios. Steven Spielberg prefers that you buy his new "enhanced" version of E.T.
We all need a friend
Ten year old fatherless Elliot has the ideal friend in the harmless little extraterrestial E.T. who has been left inadverentely behind by his spaceship. E. T. gets to know Elliot's brother and sister and in effect becomes a member of the family. The real heart- jerking comes when E.T. dies, and is then at hearing from his own Civilization, resurrected. This special little cinematic miracle works wonders on the viewers heart, and the movie has a moving and inspiring ending.
Spielberg from the heart, and he tugs hard................
A very intimate, touching, and believable film about a boy that connects with an Alien deeper then we can imagine. He is 8, we would be the same with the little guy. People are dissing the newly remasterd version, don't watch it, you get both versions on the DVD, personally, I like the new C.G.I. effects, quite mindblowing and lifelike. Forget about that stuff, indulge in the story, and the ending is fantastic, a definate tearjearker. And remember people, it is a film and fantasy, look at Spielbergs intent, that what roams in outerspace is not always scary and violent, but have feelings like us. WOW, THAT IS NEW. A fantasic twist and a must see film for family. The extras are very worthy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family    2. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Disney loved to mix live action with animation (Read more

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Reviews (77)

Pete's Dragon
I loved this movie when I was young and I know my future child will also love it. A wonderful plot line and great, catchy songs.

Blech.
I have not watched this movie in years, but it was the only disney movie that bored me to death.

A classic!
We bought this title for our son after he saw it at Grandma's house, and he loves it.In the tradition of Disney, there are lots of catchy tunes, characters that even adults will enjoy, and the hero, a dragon named Elliot.It was a movie that I loved as a child, and now I can share it with mine! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Childrens    2. Feature Film Family    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

After a government-spawned "superflu" wipes out more than 90 percent of the earth's population, the devastated survivors must decide whether to support or resist the advances of a mysterious stranger from way down South (heh-heh) who wishes to claim this new world order for himself. Although the six-hour length makes it nigh-impossible to digest in one sitting, this well-paced adaptation of Stephen King's apocalyptic magnum opus ranks among the best adaptations of the author's work, with strong performances from Gary Sinise, Miguel Ferrer, and especially Jamey Sheridan as a good-old-boy version of Old Scratch. The opening scene, set to the strains of Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper," is one of the most chilling things ever shot for television. Director Mick Garris is no stranger to King's world, having also helmed Read more

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Reviews (252)

GREAT STEPHEN KING FILM!
First off, this is a great movie that is one of the best Stephen King adaptations out there. One thing, this is based on the first cut version of the novel that came out many years ago and that is why not all full story is in it. Anyway, if you like good Stephen King adaptations, then this is the way to go.

Disappointing
I read The Stand when I was a teenager and remember being very disappointed after seeing this mini series when it was first aired on television.
Above average movie
I thought this was very well made. Little special effects was needed due to a great plot, script and acting. The music was good for setting the mood for this chilling tale. Laura San Giacomo deserved accolades for her performance as Nadine Cross, the one Randell Flagg chose for his lover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Horror    2. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

It's silly, it's superficial, it's so desperately earnest about its tale of time-spanning love that you almost wish for a cheap flatulence gag just to break the solemn mood. But there's something so unabashedly gushy and entertaining about Read more

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Reviews (259)

You owe it to yourself to see this movie
The deal with Somewhere in Time is simple: if you have ever been in love, or have a romantic bone in your body, and if you can put aside for 90 minutes the cynicism we all seem to need to survive this modern world, then you will love this film. Christopher Reeve as an "actor"
This movie is absolutly beautiful! Make sure you have kleenex available...if the movie does not get to you, the music will....I can just picture Christopher holding out his hand to his wife.....somewhere in time...............

See This One on DVD or VHS---It's Lovely!
I haven't seen this film for quite a few years but "The Lake House" out now reminded me of it because there is a "time lapse" in the love stories of both films.And remembering Christopher Reeve-----Why did that blasted accident falling off his horse have to happen to such a nice guy?But, Chris still "lives" in this and his other movies.I recommend you see this one.Email:Boland7214@aol.com ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

For those who never thought Disney would release a film in which Santa Claus is kidnapped and tortured, well, here it is!The full title is Read more

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Reviews (373)

Tim Burton's Masterpiece is comin' back in 3D
It was the Nightmare before Christmas & all through the towns people will go to see Tim Burton's frightningly holly jolly triumph in 3D, the characters you love, the songs you love, the frights & seasons greetings you love as Walt Disney Pictures welcomes back Jack Skellington, Sally, Mayor, Ooogie Boogie, Sandy Claus & Zero. The Nightmare Before Christmas is back in 3D, go see it

ALL BARK NO BITE - ALL FAÇADE NO INTERIOR - SQUARES WILL LIKE IT
If your into something slick, high tech and Disney like you'll probably love this. Really. Go for it. It's five stars for you. You will love it.
Probably a 5
This movie takes all the clamation classics I remember as a kid and turns them upside down like only Tim Burton can.A twisted tale of the characters of Halloween town taking over Christmas after kidnapping Santa Claus.Though some of the characters are a little frightening for the young ones, the tone is mostly upbeat and funny.This is a charming, though very short movie.The dvd itself is loaded with great extras and worth the price two times over. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoons & Animation    2. Christmas    3. Movie    4. Musicals    5. Xmas Video   

Editorial Review

"It's alive! Alive!" shouts Colin Clive's triumphant Dr. Frankenstein as electricity buzzes over the hulking body of a revived corpse. "In the name of God now I know what it's like to be God!" For years unheard, this line has been restored, along with the legendary scene of the childlike monster tossing a little girl into a lake, in James Whale's Read more

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Reviews (166)

Frankenstein Is Alive!
Caveat: This is the TCM 75th anniversary edition of one film -- Frankenstein. This is NOT the legacy box set!That said -- this is a spectacular presentation of James Whale's Frankenstein remastered, fully restored and with a stereo soundtrack. And yes -- the scene where the monster drowns the little girl is back. Also back is the line where Dr. Frankenstein proclaims, "Now I know what it feels like to be God." Karloff is stunning. Colin Clive is edgy and frighteningly intense. The accompanying documentaries and trailers are fascinating, particularly the almost 2-hour feature on disc two, "Universal Horror", a retrospective of the horror films released by Universal Studios. A must for any DVD library as this is one of the greatest horror films of all time.

The 2nd Universal Horror Masterpiece
After Bela Lugosi became a movie star playing Dracula, he was offered the role of the Frankenstein monster, but turned it down & so a other horror movie star emerged, Boris Karloff as the manufactured mistunderstood monster, truly one of the greatest horror films of all time, Karloff brings terrifying perfection to the role. A great non dialogue performance. A masterpiece of how science can be misused. If you like classic universal horror see Mary Shelley's shocking novel story in the motion picture.

"Well, we've warned you!"
All movies are dated.Some are more dated than others, of course.A film's dated quality can be its strength as well as its weakness.Much film criticism has surrounded the primitive techniques used in 1931's "Dracula" and "Frankenstein".Lack of musical score, obvious use of studio sets, theatrical acting, pedestrian use of the camera, etc.Yet I would argue that these qualities are what make these films unique and give them a dream-like, nightmarish quality, which the later, slicker and more polished sequels lacked.The sound of the Frankenstein monster's footsteps coming down the hall before his entrance, the thumping of the dirt being thrown atop the coffin in the opening sequence, all would be lost had they been interpolated in a musical score.The same goes for "Dracula"'s scattering rats, bats and night creatures among the clacking bones in the coffins.Granted, the later "Bride of Frankenstein" brilliantly used music and a far more sophisticated film technique to unfold its story, yet it was a completely different piece of art.It was much more operatic and complex and full of irony and satire as well as horror.Whereas "Bride" gave us thrills, "Frankenstein" gave us chills.
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Subjects:  1. Horror    2. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

If Robert Zemeckis's mega-hit Read more

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Reviews (80)

streep is a creep but goldie rawks!
why does meryl streep continue to think she can do comedy?(then again, why does meryl streep continue to think she can do drama?)but never mind, bruce willis is wonderfully understated here and goldie is goldie.this is hardly a great movie but its fun for what it is.
A TERRIFIC MOVIE THAT WARRANTS A WIDESCREEN RELEASE ASAP!
This movie is a real hoot, with Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn embroiled in a Bette Davis/Joan Crawford-type feud... the plot was pure genius and the special effects were ahead of their time. With terrific performances by all the leads, this one is an "essential video" for your collection.

A witty and funny comedy
A witty and funny comedy with a dark and hysterically devilish undertone.The three actors, Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis play their parts brilliantly making what could be an oddball script into a brilliantly comedic classic.
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Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

This splendid adventure-fantasy from 1990 was adapted from Roald Dahl's book and directed by maverick British filmmaker Nicolas Roeg, who turned out to be a perfect (if seemingly unlikely) interpreter of Dahl's fiendishly clever tale of witchcraft in contemporary England. Scary, funny, and wildly entertaining, it's all about a young boy named Luke (Jasen Fisher) whose parents have died in a tragic accident, and whose grandmother (Mai Zetterling) takes him to a posh hotel in England, where a secret coven of witches is holding its annual convention. The Grand High Witch (Anjelica Huston, in a scene-stealing performance) has decreed that all children in England be turned into mice, and Luke and his pal Bruno (Charles Potter) are the first victims on the list. That's when the movie magicians from Jim Henson's creature shop have their work cut out for them, turning Luke and Bruno into clever little rodents and Read more

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Reviews (69)

The Witches
This is a great movie and it is one of my daughters favorite. I know once we get the movie it will be fine. For now. I ordered this product in July and it is not to arrive until sometime in Sept. any where from the 1st to the 28th of Sept.

.....and they lived happily ever after?
That woman with the purple eyes
Good scary movie for the kids.
It's a good kinda scary.The kinda scary story you'd tell at the campfire.There's enough scares, comical elements, and good story to merit 5 stars.Too many movies don't cater to the whole family, WITCHES, I feel does. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

This B movie with noble aspirations is the work of a gifted filmmaker whose storytelling falls short of his considerable stylistic flair. While addressing crises of faith in the framework of an alien-invasion thriller, M. Night Shyamalan (in his follow-up to Read more

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Reviews (1203)

A Sober Mel Gibson delivers an excellent performance
Very good acting and a fantastic script put this movie at the top of the list of must see movies of this decade.
Hotch Potch
Not since "Sixth Sense", with the most obvious and telegraphed twist, have I seen a bigger load of hooey. This guys inability to tell a story without glaringly obvious chasms in the plot is only equalled by his obviously tenuous grasp of Christian theology and doctrine.. a bit like an O'level pupil writing a thesis on nuclear fission. The mere concept of this plot, using an alien invasion as proof of Gods existence, flys in the face of the most fundamental of christian tenets.. Crikey, and all this from an agnostic..

Signs is One of Our Favorite Films
Not only does the movie Signs offer a wonderfully different kind of alien/ufo tale, but its characters are very likable and the story is about much more than aliens from another planet. The story's true question is this: does everything just happen by chance, or is God caring for His children in ways they simply cannot understand? Signs is the story of hope lost, faith put aside because of intense pain and grief, and how one man's relationship with God affects the lives of those around him. We were amazed by how truly moving this film is, as well as how humorous it can be, and we were impressed with the acting of all the cast. Does everything just happen by chance, or is God caring for His children in ways they simply cannot understand? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    2. Movie    3. Mystery    4. Science Fiction    5. Suspense   

Editorial Review

Simon Kieth's popular comic book was adapted for television in this multipart animated series first broadcast on MTV. A little confusing, the series--which concerns a kind of hulking superhero and his attachment to a female therapist and her teenage client--is actually mesmerizing and surprisingly touching. The writing is unusually sophisticated, and Kieth's ability to create complex female characters and provide their incisive dialogue should be the envy of any male scribe. Parallel action set in a so-called outback--an escape from reality--is wild and evocative of childhood fantasies. This is a strangely beautiful show all around. Read more

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Reviews (54)

Is this all of "The Maxx" ?
I recently found my VHS tape of this series & wondered if there was a DVD version available, no such luck! This was perhaps the best thing to come from MTV in the 90's, only to disappear into obscurity.
You can see it unedited
This is not a review per se (the series is great) but I wanted to let those interested know that all the episodes- unedited- can be seen at youtube.com. Until the series is released unabridged on DVD , which seems unlikely, that's the only way I know of to see it in its original form.

I hope The Maxx gets released on DVD.
I don't have this retail version of the show, but I do have the original episodes that I recorded from MTV Oddities in 1995.I think the show and the original comic book are excellent!I pulled them out and watched them for the first time in over 5 years.I wish there was some way to get this released on DVD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoons & Animation    2. Dance    3. Movie    4. TV Shows    5. Television   

Editorial Review

The surprise hit of 1995, this splendidly entertaining family film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including best picture, director, and screenplay, and deservedly won the Oscar for its subtly ingenious visual effects. Read more

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Reviews (104)

Better than "Charlotte's Web" by a long shot!
Trust me, "Babe", although written and filmed later, was much better than the other major pig movie, "Charlotte's Web". What are the highlights? How do they dominate those of the 1973 so-called "timeless classic"? Allow me to explain.
A new Fairytale!
I simply adore this movie. It is a modern fairytale. Watching it for the 1st time was like being immersed in a magical land..
A Tasteful, Nice Movie You'll Like and Your Child Will Learn From
I saw Babe figuring it would be cute, not knowing much else about it.It is a very nice movie, not insulting but also--interestingly--not depressing, in its sadder parts (Maa the Sheep namely).The border collies are so much like my own that I was immediately entranced.(They live, so don't fear being depressed, dog lovers!)The movie is well filmed and very tasteful, old fashioned but somehow it never in any way beats you over the head.Babe is a cute pig and a symbol of ironic good luck if there ever was one.Without gloom, the movie bluntly addresses the fact that he might just as easily have wound up on a human plate.The plot seems a bit simple and does leave a huge opening for a sequel, in that we don't see Babe grow older or have a major life change.James Cromwell is always a fine actor and his near-silent Farmer Hoggett neither oozes compassion nor meanness.A really nice touch is the subplot about the male border collie's past, how he lost most of his hearing.We also get to see a busload of baby border collies frolic and question Babe.It took me back to two litters of Labs I raised in my twenties.The movie may make you cry but it never lingers on its sadder themes and ends up leaving a satisfying feeling...though it seems rather short.The ending is obvious but only suffers from an abrupt "The End."I haven't seen the sequel but probably will, especially if it has the collies and Cromwell in it!You want to know what became of the characters.Don't be surprised if you give up pork after this movie.Whoever devised the tale seems to drive home the point that pigs are far too intelligent and feeling to be food.Personally, I can't eat pork, and this movie reminds me of why! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Ever spend eight hours in a "Productivity Bin"? Ever had worries about layoffs? Ever had the urge to demolish a temperamental printer or fax machine? Ever had to endure a smarmy, condescending boss? Then Read more

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Reviews (658)

God didn't put us here to spend our lives in cubicles!
When I first saw this little film, it was aired on Comedy Central with none of the fanfare that it should have received since it's initial release. In fact, Office Space has reached cult status for a reason. It's funny, witty, and always makes you laugh. The cast includes Jennifer Aniston in a supporting role as the waitress/girlfriend of Ron Livingston's character who has an epiphany during a group therapy session. Alex Wentworth plays his girlfriend in her shorter role. Anyway, I don't remember the man who plays the Arab employee and friend of Ron's character but he should be applauded for his role. Newsradio Stephen Root should have his own sitcom for his performance as Milton, the poor picked on employee who reaches a breaking point in the film. Diedrich Bader plays the neighbor next door who offers wisdom to Ron's character in the film. Mad TV's alum Gregory Herman plays another colleague and computer geek. Another Mad TV alum Orlando Jones plays a guy selling magazines door to door. HE turns out not to be the person you think he is. Gary Cole has a memorable performance as the boss who thinks he knows it all but doesn't know anything. Movies like Office Space make me understand what we have become for those of us in the office. Imagine, if we just didn't have to work anymore. That would be heaven for me.

Off the Hizzy!
This movie is made for the DVD format.Repeat viewings.While some may call it over rated, and unfunny, those would be individuals who do not know the definition of funny.Please consult Wester's dictionary, available for sale at this website.
FUNNY AND DELIGHTFUL COMEDY
"Office Space" is a very funny comedy. Many parts of the film were a delight. In the beginning, when everyone is stalled in traffic, I knew the feeling. Working at Initech Corporation as a computer programmer makes for one dull job in the life of Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston). Besides having a job he hates, he is enclosed in a cubicle as everyone else is. Then there is his boss Lumbergh--an arrogant jerk. Life for Peter Gibbons is just one boring day after another. That is until he decides to go see a counselor at the suggestion [and demands] of his then girlfriend.
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Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Comedy    3. Feature Film-comedy    4. Movie   

Editorial Review

"I have a bad feeling about this," says the young Obi-Wan Kenobi(played by Ewan McGregor) in Read more

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Reviews (2630)

Star Wars, Episode 1, Phantom Menace.Review by: Adam Platts
Star Wars Episode I, The Phantom Menace, easily qualifies as one of the best science fiction movies of recent years.While I would give each movie in the original trilogy 5 stars, I could only give this one 4 stars because of its "moments" of bad acting and weak story line.Imagine how great this movie would have been if it had been combined with Episode 2, saving only the best from each, and trimming away the dull parts.Ideally we would have seen Anakin quickly growing up in one movie, being trained in the ways of the Jedi.Instead we got stuck with a little kid throughout the whole movie, and worse - Jar Jar Binks.Overall, though, I'm just glad that the Star Wars movies returned to the big screen.
episode I : The Phantom Menace
I think people are being way too hard on this film. The main reason people don'tlike it is because they were expecting Lucas to just remake the original trilogy. What people do not understand is that this is an entirely differnt galaxy that we are in. The entire galaxy has been changed as e enter episode IV. People don't understand that it's a differnt age.
The Bad, The Ugly, And (Yes) The Good
What the Hell happened to Lucas?
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Subjects:  1. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    2. Movie    3. Science Fiction