Kakaku：246 saved$2.46
New Video Group
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Underrated And Misunderstood) 『This film has been called such things as "boring", "overly pretencious", and "badly acted". I have never understood those labels as applied to this film, and i think they are due mostly to people who view this with a modern- day film mentality and altogether unreal expectations. I am a lifelong film buff- so i know good acting/ bad acting when I see it. The performances here serve the story well. There is really no opportunity in the script for actors to stretch themselves, so i think the criticisms with the acting are by and large a result of that. The characters are all played realistically and quite well in the confines of each character. The Yosemite cinematography is spectacular- as everyone points out, but one of the overlooked aspects is just how wonderful this film captures that period of time right as WW2 is coming to a close. The mood, the settings, and the details are all just right, and that adds alot of romanticism to the story. I liked the subtle soundtrack as well, and the hushed tone to the entire movie that makes me always feel extremely nostalgic everytime I've seen it. I think the story is interesting, especially if you are a train buff like I am, and I thought the lead actor Peter Alexander was very convincing in his role. His endeavor was naive, yes, but noble at the same time, and despite the end result I can appreciate his effort to save the train line. Michael Stipe plays his friend/ employee and is very good as well. I liked the underlying sexual tension between the two characters, and Stipe's not so subtle passes at his employer, and the shame he ultimately feels by his own feelings and the ultimate rejection he faces. Also, there is a strong hint of some incestual goings on between the main character Lee and his sister in here, but those are only hinted at and never confirmed or denied. Overall, there is alot going on in this movie, and most of it is subtle. If you have the patience and the mental capacity this is a great film that can be very rewarding if you give it the chance. Hopefully, many more people will in the future.』
(Terrible Film) 『This was terrible. It was recommended as good for someone who loves trains but my husband, who is a train enthusiast, hated it as well. The story is slow and never gets interesting and the acting is terrible. Gives whole new meaning to "low budget film" I do not recommend this at all.』 『Winner of the Best Cinematography Award at the Sundance Film Festival, COLOR OF A BRISK AND LEAPING DAY is a boldly atmospheric and subtly complex historical drama from indie auteur Christopher Münch (The Sleepy Time Gal). It tells the story of John Lee, grandson to a Chinese railroad laborer, who holds idealistic visions of saving a Yosemite Valley short-line train from bankruptcy, with help from long-time rail employees (Michael Stipe of R.E.M. and Henry Gibson of Magnolia)』
IPhone 3G used's review (Great. I Love it.) 『Right on. Politics and Power. I love this movie. I watch it a lot all the time. John Cusack is really great. Loved it.』
(Very well-played, but almost written at the level of an after-school special.) 『by dane youssef
The Brat Pack actors are certainly a talented bunch. Everyone has a favorite. For me, it's a toss-up between James Spader and Anthony Michael Hall.
John Cusack was mesmerizing back in his early-days. He was a teenager, but he looked, sounded and acted very adult for his age. "The Sure Thing" put him on the map and "Say Anything..." made him a household name.
But while Crowe's "Say Anything..." was obviously a great movie, it was both a blessing and a curse for Cusack, who has rarely played anything else in his career. I know, I know. He's been in countless other movies. But "a rose by any other name..." His character, no matter what the movie, is essentially always Lloyd Dobbler.
Spader sometimes played other types besides the oily Steff from "Pretty in Pink." His typecast-breaking turn came when he played the lead in this movie.
But I know Cusack can do more. I keep waiting for him to. Which was one of my guilty pleasures of this movie.
The story and plot are the right out of the old fable about the rich man and the poor man who come together and create something special... and then the rich man betrays the poor man and casts him aside. And the poor man plots to take revenge...
Another big twist that "True Colors" has is it's twist in typecasting. Cusack specializes in playing sharp, calculated, smarter-than-average teenager... who's heartbroken and devastated... and is desperately trying to win back the girl. Here, Cusack plays a character who's as smart as the heroes he usually plays, though here he uses his intellectual gifts for evil instead of good. His goal is usually to win the girl's heart. Here he betrays the girl (and his close friend) in order to get what he wants.
And Spader usually plays blue-blooded, silver-spoon fed, upper-class yuppie scummy villains. Here he's still a rich blue-blooded yuppie. But a hero, who uses his financial connections to right wrongs and do just.
The two meet the first day of law school where there's a fender-bender and brief scuffle. Cusack angrily attacks Spader violently and blames him for the whole thing and the two have to be pulled apart. Later on, things get worse as they discover... their assigned to be roommates. Cusack smooths things over by admitting the whole thing was his fault. You'll see why.
Afterwords, the two form a fast friendship and Spader even uses his financial backgrounds and connections to help Cusack out. Later we find out that Cusack is lying about his background to fit in and the payoff feels lifted out of a soppy, moralizing and insipid sit-com where today's moral is... "If you have to be someone else to get a friend, then they're really not your friend."
Richard Widmark is great as well as the ailing senator who sees potential and ambition in Cusack after he sees what looks like Cusack doing him a favor, little realizing how dangerous Cusack is. Spader girlfriend considers breaking off the relationship for Cusack who can keep her bringing in big cash. She doesn't realize that Cusack is willing to betray her too, in order to get what he wants.
One of the major problems is that their true colors are obvious from the beginning. Cusack is clearly someone not to trust from the start and Spader all but actually walks on water. Another is that the movie is too thin. There isn't enough entry.
The movie... skims too much of the surface. And Spader's big plan and the finale is pretty tacked on.
The movie aspires to be a movie like "Patriot Games" or "Citizen Kane." But everything is routine and predictable and there are precious few new touches to this tired formula. If screenwriter Kevin Wade could've given the script a bit more depth and discovery into these characters and done a little more with the formula, this could have really been something special. The cast does what it can, but inevitably, a good cast can only take a movie so far. Still, it's worth seeing just for Cusack turn towards the dark side and Spader as a yuppie with heart.
Oh, well.
danessf@yahoo.com
[...]』
(Good Flick) 『A wonderful early 90s film that still holds on to the lure of classic 80s movies. It a pretty good story about two young men and the paths they take out of law school. If your a cusack or james spader fan it is a movie to see. In addition if you ever attended the University of Virginia Law School or as an undergraduate, it is a must see. The first 20 minutes or so of the movie takes place on grounds. You will recognize many places including, the rotunda, mincers, michaels bistro, brown college, the tracks by wild wings and more.』
(A great start fades away quickly) 『If you decide to watch "True Colors", I would advise you to watch about the first 30 minutes and then turn it off. The opening of the film is great, and will have you really gripped, but the movie will soon turn very familiar and you'll lose interest. By the end, you will almost laugh at the ridiculous conclusion.
The two main stars are James Spader and John Cusack. They meet the first day of law school at UVA when Cusack smashes into Spader's car on move in day, starting a huge fight between the two. No points for guessing that they will end up roommates. They overcome this tough start and become good friends. Cusack comes from rather humble roots, to say the least, while Spader has a somewhat higher pedigree. In fact, he is dating the daughter (Imogen Stubbs) of a senator (Richard Widmark). It doesn't take long before Cusack is lying left and right about his background, trying to impress everyone. This continues to Capital Hill, when both young men are hired in Washington. Spader is an assistant DA, Cusack works on Widmark's staff.
From here, you can guess what will happen. Knowing that Cusack is such a rotten apple, nothing will be a surprise. He will double cross his "friend" so many times, and in so many cruel ways, that it's implausible that Spader could even stand in the same room with him.
I won't give the story away, but I will say that the end of the movie, when Spader gets his "revenge" is so corny and unbelievable, I would rather have had him pull out a gun and just shoot him. That would have made more sense than this. All in all, the film starts out great and will ultimately leave you cold.』
("Friendship is like the morning dew...") 『I think this is an excellent movie. Good screenplay, good idea, great direction, great acting. John Cusack and James Spader make you believe they are actually best friends, they own their characters and the friendship between their characters.』 『This is a by-the-numbers tale of political chicanery and fallen idealism, but it works because of several strong performances. James Spader and John Cusack play law-school pals whose college idealism quickly falls away once they reach the real world. Playing against type, Spader is the straight arrow who goes on to work for the Justice Department. Cusack is the slippery conniver who parlays a job as an aide to an aging senator (Richard Widmark) into a springboard to elective office, all the while cutting corners, compromising his integrity, and breaking rules. For good measure, there's also romantic backstabbing. The film tends to get a shade heavy on the moralizing as Cusack slides further down the slope to outright corruption; Spader practically carries a sign saying, "I have the moral high ground." Still, both actors give their characters an interesting spin, and it's always good to see Widmark back in action.--Marshall Fine』
Kakaku：700 saved$7.00
Paramount
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (One of the best movies ever) 『This used to be on television about a hundred times a year until somebody realized that it diminished its value. Now rarely on tv, this dvd is an entertaining, heart-warming story. It only takes a viewing of this movie spectacular to put me right in the mood for Christmas. James Stewart plays George Bailey who has led his entire life giving of himself to help others when a banking error by his uncle could end it all for poor George.
An angel comes to his rescue and shows George what life would have been without him. With the beautiful Donna Reed as his wife and gruff and mean Mr. Potter played by the highly talented Lionel Barrymore, this dvd is a must for any collection, and epecially any library of Christmas classics.』
(If This Movie Doesn't Get To You, You Just Don't Get Christmas.) 『Frank Capra's meditation on the connections each man builds to those around him is the pure, distilled essence of holiday spirit. In a world that's forever beating us down with reminders of our isolation and of the lack of meaning in our lives, this is a bright and shiny rebuttal.
I don't know that anyone but Jimmy Stewart could play the nice guy who always does the right thing and inject that character with the darkness necessary to turn a schmaltzy premise into a profound statement of each man's place in his world. A great supporting cast (including Thomas Mitchell, Gloria Grahame, Ward Bond, Henry Travers and Beulah Bondi) led by a brilliant director. Nicely remastered print. And while the extra features were just lifted from 80s TV broadcasts, they do have interesting information in them.』
(It's a Wonderful Life) 『This a wonderful movie in my families opinion, it has a very powerful example of values this worlds population has lost to some degree over the years and we need to return to if we plan to have a rich full life. I search for years to find this movie I watched with my family when I was young, and now watch with my kids each Christmas always attempting to regain what we have lost over the years, The value of love for family, friends, and all others that touch our lives.
What more can I say get it watch it and you will know what I mean.』
(Adding Color To A Classic) 『What else can be said about this film? It's a classic amongst classics. I'm not usually a fan of colorization, but the studio did a great job with this film. It looks like it was shot in color. I highly recommend that everyone rent it or buy it.』
(It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition)) 『I just love this movie. You can't have enough great black and white classics at home. :)』 『George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all– and it’s Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn’t been for all of his good deeds over the years. Will Clarence be able to convince George to return to his family and forget suicide?』 『Now perhaps the most beloved American film,It's a Wonderful Lifewas largely forgotten for years, due to a copyright quirk. Only in the late 1970s did it find its audience through repeated TV showings. Frank Capra's masterwork deserves its status as a feel-good communal event, but it is also one of the most fascinating films in the American cinema, a multilayered work of Dickensian density. George Bailey (played superbly by James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his home turf. Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. A heavenly messenger (Henry Travers) arrives to show him a vision: what the world would have been like if George had never been born. The sequence is a vivid depiction of the American Dream gone bad, and probably the wildest thing Capra ever shot (the director's optimistic vision may have darkened during his experiences making military films in World War II). Capra's triumph is to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments of life, while affirming--in the teary-eyed final reel--his cherished values of friendship and individual achievement.It's a Wonderful Lifewas not a big hit on its initial release, and it won no Oscars (Capra and Stewart were nominated); but it continues to weave a special magic.--Robert Horton』
Kakaku：2499 saved$24.99
afd
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Under siege . . .) 『This documentary by Mexican filmmaker Carolina Rivas tells in microcosm the story of Israel's impact on the lives of ordinary Palestinians. A once-prosperous rural family living outside Tel Aviv has found itself in the path of the security walls being erected by Israel in the wake of suicide bombers and armed resistance. Their house now separated from their olive groves and vegetable gardens paved over for a road serving Israeli military vehicles, they are virtual prisoners within a system of security fences. To get anywhere, the parents and each of their six children must wait sometimes hours for soldiers to unlock gates and let them through. Meanwhile, day or night, their house may be the target of a barrage of rocks thrown, we are told, by youngsters from a nearby Jewish settlement. As represented by the film, it is a war of nerves in which the family hangs on tenaciously to a spot of land that they refuse to surrender.
Rivas' documentary style borrows heavily from the tradition of cinema verite, as she views the action of the film - often long waiting at closed gates - with her camera in what seems to be a concealed position. There is no narration and no talking heads, and we get little explanation of the situation, except for what can be gleaned from printed quotes of family members that appear from time to time on the screen. While the news media dramatize the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians by focusing on bombings, this film gives a different kind of picture by examining the day-to-day lives of noncombatants.』 『From Mexican director Carolina Rivas and cinematographer Daoud Sarhandi comes this elegant and visually breathtaking new film about the Palestinian experience. The Amer family lives surrounded by the infamous West Bank Wall, where their daily lives are dominated by electrified fences, locked gates and a constant swarm of armed soldiers. This unique and intimate documentary shares their private world, allowing a glimpse of the constant struggles and the small, endearing details that sustain them. The Color of Olives is an artistic and beautifully affecting reflection on the effects of racial segregation, the meaning of borders and the absurdity of war.』
Kakaku：999 saved$9.99
Universal Studios
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Travolta and Thompson are Superb,along with everyone else) 『John Travolta and Emma Thompson were superb in "Primary Colors."I especially love Kathy Bates part. Along with most of the reviewers,I would like to know if most of the movie is fact or fiction. If its true,Man,what an adventure it was for Bill Clinton's team to get him in the White House. If you love politics like I do,you will really enjoy this film.』
(I'm going to tell you something really outrageous. I'm going to tell you the truth) 『Based on a novel by Anonymous (later revealed to be Joe Klein, New York and Washington D.C. journalist and columnist), Primary Colors is romanà clef portraying Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign up to the Primary. It is both flattering and unflattering--from the minute you first hear John Travolta as Governor Jack Stanton, you know he is supposed to be Bill Clinton. He has the voice down, and as the movie goes on, you see that hehas the man and all his mannerisms down pat. Though Klein shows Stanton to be a man of tremendous powers of persuasion, he also has numerous flaws and failings. Travolta did a tremendous job capturing both aspects of Clinton. It is a fictionalized story, so not all the events that transpire are tobe taken as literal truth. Still, even if Bill Clinton never did some of the exact things depicted, the intent was clearly to point out the larger truth. I have heard a definition of fiction in literature that it is a form of lying that tells the truth. What is the truth? If Primary Colors couldn'treally answer that, it at least posed the question in an interesting way.
----------------------- Gov. Jack Stanton: I'm going to tell you something really outrageous. I'm going to tell you the truth. =======================
One wonders how Bill Clinton himself felt about the film. Interestingly enough, Clinton was a huge fan of the film and threw a party and invited Travolta to attend on one condition: that he be in character as Governor Jack Stanton. Travolta declined the invitation. On a side note, Tom Hanks was offered the part of Governor Stanton but had to recuse himself due to a personal and friendly relationship with Bill Clinton.
Travolta is the rare actor with enough stage presence and charisma to portray a born politician like Bill Clinton (or since this is a romanà clef, Jack Stanton). Lots of actors working today could probably mimic the Clinton voice, but he managed to capture onscreen the way that Clinton/Stanton seduced and bonded with people. The opening scene is brilliant; with Henry analyzing the way Gov. Stanton shakes hands, touching them each in adifferent way, instinctively knowing what would have the most impact. Though Gov. Stanton sometimes invented anecdotes about his Uncle Charlie that were not entirely true, he did it to connect with people, to 'feel their pain,' to make them feel better, like he 'really got them'. Travolta was ableto show Stanton using that empathy as the main weapon in his political arsenal.
----------------------- Jack Stanton: We can do incredible things. We can change this country. I'm gonna win this thing. Look me in the eye, Henry, and tell me that you don't want to be a part of it. =======================
The story is told through the eyes of Henry Burton (Adrian Lester), a Black idealistic campaign worker who is tired of working for nice guys who finish last. Governor Stanton works his magic charm on him until he reluctantly agrees to work for him. This character, as I understand it, was supposed to represent George Stephanopoulos. Just as Nick Carraway judges Jay Gatsby, or Joshua judges Ruth, Henry is supposed to be judging Stanton; but though he ultimately quits the campaign, his final decree is ambiguous. Was Governor Stanton truly committed to win the election so he could do what was right for America, or was he just a sleazy politician--a glorified used car salesman? I guess to really find out what Joe Klein thought of Clinton you'll have to read 'The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton.'
---------------------- [Watching the final scene of "Shane" on television] Henry Burton: Come back, Shane! Run for president! ======================
Adrian Lester does a capable job in his role as Henry. He looked familiar, and I thought he was the guy you saw on 'West Wing' but I had really seen him on "Girlfriends," a show about 4 Black women who are friends in Los Angeles. He played Elliot, an actor who was dating Joan, a lawyer. Though he wasn't on 'West Wing' (that would be Dulé Hill) there was another actor in this who WAS on 'West Wing.' In fact, Aaron Sorkin saw her in Primary Colors and decided to cast Allison Janney as Press Secretary Claudia Jean 'C.J.' Cregg in 'West Wing'. Here in Primary Colors land she plays a teacher who succumbs to the charms of the dashing/sleazy Governor Stanton.
Primary Colors also features a performance by Billy Bob Thornton as a James Carvillesque character, Emma Thompson in an uncanny portrayal of Hillary Clinton/Susan Stanton, and Kathy Bates as an over-the-top/larger-than-life political operative called Libby Holden. I don't know who in the Clinton camp she is supposed to be--a composite character, no doubt--but she charges onto the scene, struts and frets her hour on the stage, and nearly manages to steal the whole darn show.
--------------- Libby Holden: From now on you can call me the "Dust Buster." I'm stronger than dirt. ===============
Honorable Mention goes to Larry Hagman as Governor Fred Picker, a wild card candidate who threatens to derail Team Stanton's Primary objectives.
------------------------ Susan Stanton: Isn't that the thing experience teaches you? Not to get burned? Henry Burton: Does anyone ever learn that? Susan Stanton: Not the best people. ========================
Joe Klein, Author ... Primary Colors: A Novel of Politics (1996) The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton (2003)
John Travolta ... Governor Jack Stanton Battlefield Earth - A Saga of the Year 3000 (2000) .... Terl Face/Off (1997) .... Sean Archer / Castor Troy Pulp Fiction (1994) .... Vincent Vega Blow Out (1981) .... Jack Terry Saturday Night Fever (1977) .... Tony Manero "Welcome Back, Kotter" .... Vinnie Barbarino (66 episodes, 1975-1979)
Emma Thompson ... Susan Stanton Love Actually (2003) .... Karen Sense and Sensibility (1995) .... Elinor Dashwood In the Name of the Father (1993) .... Gareth Peirce The Remains of the Day (Special Edition) (1993) .... Mary Kenton Much Ado About Nothing (1993) .... Beatrice Howards End (1992) .... Margaret J. 'Meg' Schlegel
Billy Bob Thornton ... Richard Jemmons Bad Santa (2003) .... Willie Love Actually (2003) .... The US President Intolerable Cruelty (2003) .... Howard D. Doyle Monster's Ball (2001) .... Hank Grotowski Sling Blade (1996) .... Karl Childers Chopper Chicks in Zombietown (1991) .... Tommy
Kathy Bates ... Libby Holden About Schmidt (2002) .... Roberta Hertzel The Waterboy (1998) .... Helen 'Mama' Boucher Titanic (1997) .... Molly Brown Diabolique (1996) .... Det. Shirley Vogel Fried Green Tomatoes (Widescreen Collector's Edition) (1991) .... Evelyn Couch Misery (1990) .... Annie Wilkes
Adrian Lester ... Henry Burton "Girlfriends" .... Ellis Carter (8 episodes, 2002-2003)
Maura Tierney ... Daisy Green "ER" .... Nurse Abby Lockhart / ... (187 episodes, 1999-2008) "NewsRadio" .... Lisa Miller (97 episodes, 1995-1999)
Larry Hagman ... Gov. Fred Picker Nixon - The Election Year Edition (1995) .... 'Jack Jones' "Dallas" .... John Ross 'J.R.' Ewing, Jr. (357 episodes, 1978-1991) "Knots Landing" .... J.R. Ewing (5 episodes, 1980-1982) S.O.B. (1981) .... Dick Benson Fail-Safe (1964) .... Buck "I Dream of Jeannie" .... Major Anthony Nelson / ... (139 episodes, 1965-1970)
Diane Ladd ... Mamma Stanton Inland Empire (2006) .... Marilyn Levens The World's Fastest Indian (2005) .... Ada Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) .... Grandma Caroline Moore Citizen Ruth (1996) (uncredited) .... Ruth's Mother Wild At Heart (1990) .... Marietta Fortune Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) .... Flo Chinatown (1974) .... Ida Sessions
Rob Reiner ... Izzy Rosenblatt The First Wives Club (1996) .... Dr. Morris Packman For Better or Worse (1995) .... Dr. Plosner Bye Bye Love (1995) .... Dr. David Townsend Mixed Nuts (1994) .... Dr. Marshall Kinsky Bullets Over Broadway (1994) .... Sheldon Flender Sleepless in Seattle (1993) .... Jay Misery (1990) (uncredited) .... Helicopter Pilot The Spirit of '76 (1990) .... Dr. Cash Postcards from the Edge (1990) .... Joe Pierce Throw Momma from the Train (1987) .... Joel This Is Spinal Tap (1984) .... Marty DiBergi The Jerk (1979) (uncredited) .... Truck Driver Picking Up Navin "All in the Family" .... Michael 'Meathead' Stivic / ... (172 episodes, 1971-1978) Enter Laughing (1967) .... Clark Baxter The Big Mouth (1967) (uncredited) .... Bit part "The Andy Griffith Show" .... Joe, the Printer's Apprentice (1 episode, 1967) "Hey, Landlord" .... Big Guy / ... (3 episodes, 1966-1967) "Batman" .... Delivery Boy (1 episode, 1967) "77 Sunset Strip" .... Son (1 episode, 1959)
Allison Janney ... Miss Walsh Juno (2007) .... Bren MacGuff Hairspray (2007) .... Prudy Pingleton "Two and a Half Men" .... Beverly (1 episode, 2007) "The West Wing" .... Claudia Jean 'C.J.' Cregg (155 episodes, 1999-2006) The Chumscrubber (2005) .... Allie Stiffle ... aka Glück in kleinen Dosen (Germany) American Beauty (1999) .... Barbara Fitts Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) .... Loretta ... aka Gnadenlos schön (Germany) 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) .... Ms. Perky "LateLine" .... Helen Marschant (1 episode, 1999) Celebrity (1998) .... Evelyn Isaacs Julian Po (1997) .... Lilah Leech The Ice Storm (1997) .... Dot Halford Private Parts (1997) .... Dee Dee ... aka Howard Stern's Private Parts Anita Liberty (1997) .... Gynecologist The Associate (1996) .... Sandy
James Denton ... Mitch (as Jamie Denton) "Desperate Housewives" .... Mike Delfino (88 episodes, 2004-2008)
Mike Nichols ... Director Charlie Wilson's War (2007) Closer (2004/I) What Planet Are You From? (2000) Primary Colors (1998) The Birdcage (1996) Wolf (1994) Regarding Henry (1991) Postcards from the Edge (1990) Working Girl (1988) Biloxi Blues (1988) Heartburn (1986) Silkwood (1983) Gilda Live (1980) The Fortune (1975) The Day of the Dolphin (1973) Carnal Knowledge (1971) Catch-22 (1970) Teach Me! (1968) The Graduate (1967) Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
-------------------- Susan Stanton: The only shot we have here is to be perfect. ==================== 』
(Smashing movie!) 『This was a great movie; I bought it as a gift for someone who wanted to see John Travolta doing President Clinton&my friend enjoyed it too.』
(A Fun Comedy that Tells the Truth about Politics) 『When I saw this film for the first time my Mom and I both busted out laughing hysterically and after getting the DVD and watching it with an opened mind from start to finish, I have to say that this film is definitely relevant for today especially, with the coming election this November. "Primary Colors" is a film that showcases one Senator's long road to the White House and the many pros and cons behind an unforgettable campaign. Based on the Novel that chronicles the bitter secrets of the Bill Clinton era and what happens on the campaign trail, you begin to see just how far people will go to paint the perfect picture of a presidential candidate. As well as, those who will stop at nothing and risk everything to expose the truth behind the dark facade of an aspiring leader of the free world. From tapping cell phone conversations, digging up the dirt on inappropriate relationships to proving that a presidential candidate is not the father of his babysitter's child. These are the kinds of ill moral issues that often go unnoticed by the public when choosing a truly respectable person for president. Aside from all the dirt and outrageous ploys that go on behind the scenes with desperate and sometimes unorthodox campaign managers and volunteers, the film's actors serve to tell a very compelling story about what lies beneath the deceptively clean cut and celebrity persona of a willing presidential candidate. John Travolta gives an Academy Award winning performance as a cocky and narcissistic smooth operating Bill Clinton AKA "Governor Jack Stanton." And Billy Bob Thornton has his memorable moments on camera using insanely funny metaphors behind closed doors to protect his boss's eroding credibility in the mist of public scandals and other political calamities that often plague the campaign. Amongst everyone else who is involved in cleaning up after a sloppy Governor's mess, Kathy Bates on the other hand will go to any lengths to expose the truth about why someone like Governor Stanton should not become president. Even if it means threatening to blow a man's family jules off with an unloaded gun. With all the dark humor and political nonsense aside, this film's story serves to shed light behind a very powerful man's political veil and the kind of desperate measures that people will take to ensure the success of a political victory even if it means destroying one's reputation to get at the truth behind an entire curtain of lies and deception. In the end, before you go to the polls and vote for the next president, "Primary Colors" leaves you with one important message about a presidential candidate, as Rupert Thorne in "Batman the animated series" once said, "The Brighter the picture, the darker the Negative." 』
(PRIMARY COLORS) 『Great product and great service. Love the movie. It should be right up there with the classics.』 『Based on the novel by Anonymous (a.k.a. political reporter Joe Klein) and released when the Monica Lewinsky scandal was in full swing,Primary Colorsmay have been a case of too much, too soon for many moviegoers, who preferred the real-life Clinton crisis over the movie's thinly disguised "Clintonesque" comedy. The general public felt that the film was exploiting the president's indiscretions, and as a result one of the most critically acclaimed movies of 1998 was a box-office disappointment. But when considered apart from the Clinton scandals and judged on its own considerable merits, this superb comedy-drama provides an illuminating, insightful, and frequently hilarious look at the harsh realities of presidential politics. John Travolta stars as Jack Stanton, a presidential hopeful whose campaign is challenged by dual dilemmas: how to squelch a scandal involving the candidate's alleged sex with an underage girl, and how to handle information that could potentially ruin Stanton's opponent (superbly played by Larry Hagman). Stanton's wife (Emma Thompson) stands by her man despite awareness of his infidelities, but his loyal campaign planners (played by Billy Bob Thornton, Maura Tierney, and promising newcomer Adrian Lester) experience a crisis of conscience. So does one of the Stantons' oldest friends (Kathy Bates, in an Oscar-nominated role), whose sense of betrayal and lost idealism proves too much to bear. Masterfully adapted by director Mike Nichols and his former-comedy-partner-turned-screenwriter, Elaine May,Primary Colorsplays like a sophisticated comedy with loads of memorable scenes and dialogue, but it sneaks up on you with devastating dramatic impact. Anchored by Travolta's superb performance (which is reminiscent of Clinton without being a cheap impersonation), the movie presents a story of great moral complexity and leaves viewers to contemplate their own reactions to the volatile and ethically complicated game of modern politics.--Jeff Shannon』
Kakaku：999 saved$9.99
Image Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (I Always Though Artists Were A Bit goofy) 『Of Lewis' Blood Trilogy, this is definitely the least bloody. That's not to say it's not an entertaining movie(hence the four stars) though. The now not-so-original plot of an artist murdering folks for his art is the basis of the movie. An arrogant schmuck of a painter discovers that missing ingredient for the color of his paintings.......blood of course(assuming the title didn't give that one away). After nearly bleeding to death cutting his fingers, artist Adam Sorg resorts to murdering his girlfriend, and then just about anybody who winds up on his beach front property. This is intercut with some groovy teenagers partying down on the beach. All the Lewis trademarks are there, but as stated before, a lack of gore for a gore film. That shouldn't discourage Lewis fans though, coz it's never boring. Strangely enough, one of the most disturbing scenes uses probably the simplest of fx gags. It makes you cringe a tad seeing Sorg squeezing blood from his fingertips and furiously painting the canvas with it. Fun stuff and certainly worth your time.』
(Interesting, but could be refined) 『This movie has a good story to it, but it could be improved. Besides the corny music(which is mostly just jazz and does not fit good into the scenes) and bad sound editing(too much echoing) this movie is pretty good. I watched this movie to see the gore, although I must admit, this movie did not had as much gore as I imagined. Given the few gore scenes(I recount about 5 gorey scenes), it was pretty devastating and heart-wrenching. However, this movie poses a lot of questions pertaining to the characters. The main character, Adam Sorg, seems to be provoked very easily, and as the box says that he kills people so he can use their blood as paint. Well there is one scene where one kill was completely unprovoked and, let's just say he made someone food for the fish, in which he wasted the blood he could've used, but it was a entertaining scene.
Overall, I enjoyed this movie, except that it was rather short and not enough action. There was too much useless and boring dialogue. Unless you are a H.G.L. fan or you just want to see some plain gore, this movie isn't really good for much else.』
(Where's the "blood red"?) 『In 1963 Herschell Gordon Lewis, an independent filmmaker best known for making limited release "cutie" pictures, changed forever the face of American cinema when he released "Blood Feast." This film, as low budget as you could possibly get, ushered in the era of the gore film. While it would be quite some time before Hollywood caught on to the fact that certain segments of the movie going public hungered for films containing nauseating scenes of explicit violence, H.G. Lewis took one look at the receipts for "Blood Feast" and decided he better quickly make another movie similar to this one. What followed was a series of gruesome zero budget shockers, films like "The Wizard of Gore," "A Taste of Blood," "2000 Maniacs," "Color Me Blood Red," and "The Gruesome Twosome." Lewis lensed the downright offensive "The Gore-Gore Girls" before retiring from the film business in 1972 in order to devote his time to join the advertising industry. It wasn't until 2002 that the director returned to form with "Blood Feast 2: All U Can Eat," a movie which proved beyond a doubt that the Godfather of Gore still has what it takes to gross out an audience.
"Color Me Blood Red" is the story of a temperamental painter and his efforts to achieve success at any cost. And what a cost! When Adam Sorg (Gordon Oas-Heim) struggles to sell paintings at a local art gallery, he must decide how to change his methods. He stumbles on the perfect color when his girlfriend accidentally cuts her finger. Sorg smears the blood across the canvas and has an instant masterpiece-well, almost. It takes a few more pints drawn from his girlfriend as well as himself to complete the painting, but when it is finished it looks divine. The struggling artist rushes the canvas over to the gallery where the owner, a snooty art critic, and a wealthy patron all swoon and gush over this brilliant and daring objet d'art. Regrettably, by putting his body and soul into the work (literally, in one respect), Sorg cannot bring himself to sell the painting even though the figure offered for it is quite enormous. Even worse, he realizes he doesn't have enough blood to keep working, and in a H.G. Lewis film that can only mean one thing: bloody and graphic carnage must soon follow.
Did I mention Sorg killed his girlfriend to get that first painting finished? Sorry 'bout that. It's not enough, though, as the painter realizes he doesn't have enough sauce to complete future masterpieces. After burying his gal in the sand outside his lakeside property (it's not much more than a shack somewhere in Florida, but this is a cheap movie), Sorg homes in on a hapless couple that had the misfortune of lounging around outside the house. These scenes run excruciatingly long as the demented painter tools around the lake in a speedboat, harpooning the boyfriend and capturing the girl. Once inside the house, Sorg disembowels the young woman and collects her precious blood in what is probably the movie's most effective gore scene. The fun, however, does not stop there. The daughter of the wealthy patron who wanted to buy the first Sorg painting turns up at the house with a trio of friends. She stumbles over the painter standing outside his house, and he offers her a chance to pose for one of his creations. The girl is quite hesitant at first, but soon agrees to do it as her friends stay behind on the beach. While Sorg prepares to murder yet another victim, the friends discover the decaying remains of the artist's girlfriend and head to the house to investigate. A bloody showdown involving a shotgun effectively ends Adam Sorg's short career.
"Color Me Blood Red" is definitely a lesser Lewis horror film. While that might not be saying much-all of his films boast atrocious acting, horribly cheap production values, and pedestrian dialogue-the film fails to match the nauseating atrocities seen in "Blood Feast" and "2000 Maniacs." Moreover, it fails to stand up along side Lewis's later, more vicious films like "Wizard of Gore" and "The Gore-Gore Girls." "Color Me Blood Red" has little red in it, unfortunately, and in a Lewis movie that's a crime of epic proportions. After all, audiences aren't watching a film like this for the acting or the big name stars; they want to see stomach-churning gore. Except for the scene with the girl in the house, there isn't much worth mentioning here. You may get a few laughs out of the acting, especially Sorg's histrionic antics as the tormented artist, but overall this movie is a disappointment. If I had to pick one notable element of the film, it would have to be the two "beat" friends of the daughter of the wealthy patron. These two stumble around throwing out all sorts of hep cat lingo, act all "crazy," and generally make complete fools out of themselves. In fact, they're immensely annoying, so much so that they do stand out in a film largely populated by walking and talking mannequins.
The DVD contains a heap of extras, including a commentary track with Herschell Lewis and producer David Friedman, poster galleries, outtakes, trailers, and an introduction from Lewis regular Bill Kerwin warning you about the graphic nature of this film. The extras are better than the movie, sad to say, but Lewis completists will want to own this one along with all the rest. I felt a bit down in the dumps after watching "Color Me Blood Red" because it was my last Lewis gore film. I have now seen all of them, from "Blood Feast" to "Blood Feast 2." Hopefully, this director will make another film in the next year or two. If not, it's been a heck of a run.』
(Alright, little finger. Bleed for the big man.) 『1965's "Color Me Blood Red" is another slice of sickening cinema by H.G. Lewis, the Godfather of Gore. Released one year after "Two Thousand Maniacs," this film takes place on the sunny beaches of Sarasota, Florida. Actor Don Joseph stars as Adam Sorg, a blunt and frustrated artist who enjoys making rude comments toward any critic who analyzes his work. Although savvy collectors at Farsworth Galleries are anxious to purchase his abstract paintings, Adam indignantly refuses to sell them. Isolated in his studio, he has a great deal of trouble trying to concoct the best color scheme. Later, when his nagging girlfriend Gigi (Ellen Warner) cuts herself on a jutting canvas nail, Adam is instantly enamored at how blood emits the most brilliant shade of red. Immediately, he attempts to cover an entire canvas with his own hemoglobin; slicing open his hands with a razor blade, he feverishly smears his own bleeding digits onto a nude portrait, frantically squeezing the wounds before they clot. However, as he became dizzy and lightheaded, it doesn't take him long to realize that to finish his masterpiece, he would have to bleed himself dry. So, what does he do instead? As Gigi assails him with yet another tongue-lashing, Adam stabs her in the cranium with a palette knife! Then, in perhaps the most morbid example of artistic expression, he holds up Gigi's limp corpse and wipes her face on the picture, using her head as a giagantic brush! Eventually, his first ghastly painting is complete; we as an audience get to see it as a grisly representation of Adam's obsession with blood. When the critics at Farsworth Galleries see this work, they are instantly astounded and expect Adam to create more pieces with the same style. Buyers offer the upcoming artist up to $15,000. But, in an insane outburst, he downright refuses to sell the Red Painting. Over time, of course, the guilt relating to Gigi's death and the pressure to uphold his reputation drive him to the brink of madness. In a fiendish manner, Adam continues his pattern of bleeding brushstrokes by killing any youth who vacations outside his beach house. At one point, he preys upon two unsuspecting swimmers; driving a motorboat, he stabs a young man in the chest with a harpoon, then grinds apart his flesh with the spinning propellers! The other victim was a woman; he has her tied against the wall with her intestines hanging out! Weeks later, a group of college students set up a picnic on Adam's cove. Like a crazed stalker, he lures a virginal girl named April (Candi Conder) into his studio, promising her the chance to be a model. I don't want to give the ending away, but let's just say that it includes sweet April in a pink bikini, a little bit of bondage, and a sharp axe! While H.G. Lewis did have a disturbing concept behind "Color Me Blood Red," the film fell short overall. The outcome was predictable and the pacing was far too slow. The movie's grusome humor isn't as over-the-top when compared to "Two Thousand Maniacs" and "Wizard of Gore." Still, if you are a ravenous fan of Lewis's lurid legacy, this DVD is worth purchasing.』
(Not nearly as good as the first two, but...) 『...you will want to pick this one up eventually. This is the least imaginitve of the Blood Trilogy, and it borrows shamelessly from Roger Corman's Bucket Of Blood, and has less gore than usual, but it is still an essential purchase for fans of this genre. The picture quality is very good overall, and the all important reds are very well rendered. The out takes offer nothing of interest,and the trailer is really lame, but the commentary is the best of the entire Blood Trilogy.』 『The newest trend in art is type O negative! When his girlfriend, Gigi, cuts her finger on a frame, maniacal artist Adam Sorg (Don Joseph) discovers a new shade of crimson that will make his artwork so special--human blood! Squeezing all he can out of his sliced-up fingers, Adam then stabs Gigi in the head, smears her face on a canvas and--voila--a macabre masterpiece is created. After his bloody new painting causes a sensation on the local art scene, a crazed Adam continues creating sanguine specialties by extracting art supplies from victims outside his beach house. It all goes bad, however, when he zeros in on April (Candi Conder) whose scarlet pigment he plans to remove with an axe.』 『In this 1965 Herschell Gordon Lewis opus (the final installment of the infamous "blood trilogy"), impulsive painter Adam Sorg (Don Joseph) seems to have it all: a pretty girlfriend, an exclusive gig at the local gallery, and enough sales to live comfortably in his remote, beachfront home. But Sorg wants more. Considered a trendy painter with a poor sense for color, he longs for critical acceptance. He sees his chance when his girlfriend cuts her finger and drips blood onto a canvas. That's it! Blood is exactly the color his paintings were screaming for. Cutting his girlfriend's finger, or even his own, won't provide enough blood for his new masterpieces, though, and his desperate need for more and more blood can only lead to one thing: murder.
Despite the self-referential aspects of an artist who can only achieve true fame by using blood,Color Me Blood Redis more exploitation than art, with lingering close-ups of bloody intestines and the like. But what do you expect from Lewis? Joseph is surprisingly good as the painter with the "artistic temperament" in a movie that works better as camp than horror.--Andy Spletzer』
Kakaku：99 saved$0.99
20th Century Fox
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Baby crack...) 『I sing the songs too! Urgh! And I don't see the appeal of this video but my 14 month old has LOVED this since she's been 7 months old. She prefers this particular DVD over any DVD or program on TV. I've got another one of the Baby Song series and I'm in the process of buying another.』
(He likes it... a lot!) 『I absolutely hate this DVD!!!! I hate it because my kid loves it and we watch it constantly... I hate it because some of the songs are catchy and I find myself humming them at work... and I hate it because my wife and I find each other singing along with the DVD. But seriously... there are some good lessons on this one and we have noticed that our son is picking up his shapes. One of the better DVDs from the series.』
(Adults may hate it, but kids will LOVE it) 『My two year old daughter saw this at a friend's house and adored it so much we bought it for her. Adults will cringe at the 80's/90's style clothing and hair, and the lame but catchy tunes and lyrics. Kids, however, cannot get enough of it. It is my daughter's #1 favorite DVD, and it has helped her with letters, shapes, etc. As much as I loathe it, it does what it's supposed it-- keeps our daughter very happy, and gives her some educational benefits to boot.』
(Great For Kids) 『There is no series like Baby Songs that my children like more. It's great for infants to toddlers and is great at teaching.』
(Excellent activity for parents to do with their children) 『I first checked this out from the library when my son was 24 months old. He loved most of the songs, though some were too fast for him to appreciate at that age.
I checked it out for a second time when he was 36 months old and he caught on to those faster songs just fine, but some of the slower sons were boring to him.
At that time, I also had a 12 month old who couldn't have cared less about the songs or images, but he was happy because his big brother was obviously having a good time!
This is not something you can sit your baby in front of and walk away. You have to interact and provide some tools (spoons, bananas, bean bags, etc) for the kids to get involved with the songs. We'll probably end up buying this one, even though we can get it for free at the library.』 『Hap Palmer's happy songs once again entertain and enlighten children, teaching them how to recognize letters, colors, shapes and number concepts in the process.』 『Don't be concerned that this video doesn't have familiar characters on the cover (no purple dinos, no brightly colored space alien babies). This proven series of colorful musical videos is a winner, and the latest,Baby Songs ABC, 123is no exception. Designed for toddlers to 2- to 6-year-olds, this video combines color and movement--and, importantly, other children--to help young viewers remember their numbers and the alphabet. Children's music writer Hap Palmer has provided songs that are genuinely catchy and, like the classic "ABC" song, which helped nearly every English-speaking child learn the alphabet, kids are learning as they're singing. Palmer specializes in purposeful but engaging rhyme and alliteration to encourage kids to sing along, sing on their own, and prepare for reading skills.
Mostly nonprecocious children highlight each segment, often dressed alike in brightly colored garb. Featured songs include "Alphabet in Motion," "Tap Your Sticks," "Shapes That Surround You," "Colors in Motion," "We Are All Alike," "Bean Bag Alphabet Rag" (which also helps kids identify body parts), "Jig Along Shapes," and "Numbers Can Tell About You."--N.F. Mendoza』
