IPhone 3G used's review (It's good fun) 『I'm not a big fan of King Kong, but I have seen all three films: 1933, 1976, and 2005. The original 1933 film is a classic in its own right. The 2005 remake could've been better, but it had its moments. And right in the middle, the first 1976 remake is a love-or-hate motion picture. There are no dinosaurs, no chewing on natives, and no famous T-rex fight, which makes it a bit less exciting. Unlike the others, which are set in 1933, this one is set in the 70's. It's filled with politics, environmental issues, industrial strife, etc. And it has more of that than it has action.
But I don't mind the 70's politics. I like this film for what it is. Jeff Bridges gives an adequate performance, while Charles Grodin does seem to overact sometimes. Jessica Lange is a bit irritating with her sterotypical blondegirl attitude. But then her chemistry with the giant ape goes a much deeper than the original 1933 (Fay Wray just screams, while Jessica Lange, along with Naomi Watts, try to humor the fella). Speaking of ape, this ape looks realistic. Instead of stop-motion animation, this one is a guy (Rick Baker) in an ape suit. It can look cheesy at times, but his emotions have a far better effect than 1933.
The action sequences lack suspense, which both 2005 and 1933 have. The big snake (which is the only thing that Kong fights) is one laughable prop. The music is quite good and bombastic, and intentinoal humor found in this film are spot-on. I seem to like 2005 and 1976 more than 1933, because he feel much more for the ape and the woman he has a crush on. But 1933 is still a classic, and nothing would ever beat it in terms of revolutionary special effects.
P.S. I wonder what it would be like if King Kong was set in 2008.』
(Big Guy Learns Hard Racial Lesson) 『Lots of people have their opinions about this motion picture, and quite frankly, it has been reviewed based on its cinematic arts quite enough. But since the film is really a tart political statement, I offer a political review:
When it comes right down to it, this film is about a black guy who's in love with a gorgeous white woman. He just wants to live with her in peace, away from the interference of others. The uptight society of 1933 and 1976 couldn't put up with these kinds of shenanigans, so they stop at nothing to break the couple apart. They hunt him, trap him, cuff him by his wrists and ankles, incarcerate him without a trial and eventually decide it's best to just execute the guy by firing squad. Anything to prevent race-mixing.
It must be said that Kong has superb taste in women. He was also years or decades ahead of his time. Kudos, big dude. However, his flair for romance makes him public enemy number one, so they send airplanes and helicopters to destroy tall, dark and handsome when he takes a stroll to visit the World Trade Center. Surely this is how to treat out of town tourists.
The woman (Jessica Lange) prefers the hairy black guy (Kong) over the hairy white guy (Jeff Bridges). Speaking as a hairy white guy myself that would love to end up with such a gal, it brought tears to my eyes. Still, I don't think this tender misunderstood love merits the death penalty. I'm just not the racist that some others are. I know, it's one of my failings. I'm a flawed human being.
There are clear life lessons here: even when the white girl loves a man who refuses to get a shave and a haircut, people won't let them live and let live. Putting on a monkey suit is no guarantee of success in this world. You have to get rid of the excessive body hair in order to survive, even in New York City. Forcing long-haired freaks like Kong and myself to conform to arbitrary standards is un-American and uncivilized. Look in your mirror and ask yourself who the real animals are.
I do prefer the 1933 (masterpiece) version, but this one rocks in its own right. Dino De Larentis has made a great film. I remember the model for this flick residing on the Universal Studios Tour for years afterwards, becoming a slickly-promoted side show freak like the mechanical shark from Jaws. I have no idea whether he's still there.
This film is about the peace movement, tourism, greedy oil companies, animal rights, police brutality, racism, hairism and the death and destruction that come when you monkey around with someone's natural environment. Jessica Lange is very easy on the eyes and Kong literally fills the screen, while Jeff Bridges, the white, long-haired, peace-loving liberal tries to save the day.
In the end, we must ask ourselves: if someone the size of Kong isn't safe on the streets of New York, then who is?
』
(King Kong '70's version) 『Not the greatest when viewing it now. I purchased it because I now have all three versions; the original, the 70's version and the newest CGI version. It brings back a lot of fun memories on earlier acting techniques and I can remember when the special effects of this movie were considered great. I won't leave out the great performance of Charles Grodin in this version. Not Jeff Bridges greatest acting nor the new Jessica Lange but it has sentimental value.』
(Not worth it whats so ever!) 『This movie sucks! The other versons of King Kong are great and classic. But for King Kong (1976)&King Kong Lives, the producers were obviously not thinking straight. I mean King Kong climbs up the National Trade Center rather than the Empire State Building. Jack Driscoll looks like Jesus Crist. Ann's name is Dwan? Carl Denhem dies by getting squshed by King Kong. So no "The Beauty killed the beast" unless it was said by someone else!!! So don't give this one a chance but go see the other ones. It's with it :)』
(Amazon's critic M. Fine should be fired!) 『King Kong '76 was one of my favorite movies as a child, when I saw it for the first time I tought it was phenomenal. Now as an adult I can see the movie has many flaws, mainly Jessica Lange's acting, but to be qualified as utter trash as Mr. Marshall describes it, it is just plainly unfair, this movie has many qualities: great cinematography, great music score, natural sets, an atmosphere that only 70's movies possesed and the monster itself while not great, is better than any CGI garbage. I prefer this movie a 1000 times than Peter Jackson's fiasco, he is one of the most overrated movie directors ever, that movie has bad acting all over and doesn't look real to me (I'm not a big fan of CGI). I think movie critics are biased most of the times and not objective, I think this movie deserves a chance to be seen.』 『Before John Hughes claimed the mantle of Hollywood's antichrist, that title was firmly held by producer Dino De Laurentiis, whose middle name may have been "hubris." He vowed that this remake of the 1933 horror classic would be a bigger hit thanJawsand that his Kong would be more sympathetic than the shark. But for all the money he spent on trying to make this monkey look real, the biggest special effect was making Jeff Bridges look like a monkey--and nearly destroying Jessica Lange's acting career before it started. The film was noteworthy mostly for how cheesy the ape looks, though this was one of the first films to be shot at the then-new World Trade Center. Even Charles Grodin, as the villainous promoter, can't get laughs in this idiotic film.--Marshall Fine』
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Navarre Corporation
Not yet released 『Jack the Ripper Goes West 1973/R/51 minutes Jack Elam (Kiss Me Deadly, Rio Lobo) plays the lush Sherriff of Mescal, a sleepy Southwestern town. When a string of Jack the Ripper inspired murders seize the town, the Sherriff teams up with a big-city Private Detective to track down the prostitute killing psychopath.
Click: The Calendar Girl Murders 1990/Not Rated/79 minutes Click: The Calendar Girl Murders is a razor sharp thriller that exposes the world of high fashion photography and the mind of a serial killer
Birds of Prey (aka Beaks: The Movie) 1987/Not Rated/100 minutes A television reporter (Michelle Johnson Blame It on Rio) and her cameraman (Christopher Atkins The Blue Lagoon) discover that the attack on a farmer by his birds is no isolated incident. Several local towns are under siege by killer birds. Directed by Rene Cardona, Jr. (Guyana: Cult of the Damned, Survive!)
Don t Panic 1987/Not Rated/90 mins. On his 17th birthday, Michael is given an Ouija board as a gift from his best friend Tony. During their first attempt to use the board, they unlock an evil force within the board, an evil spirit named Virgil. Soon, there is a wave of violent deaths around town and Michael appears to be the suspect having been a witness to the killings via premonitions.
Stigma 1978/Not Rated/94 minutes The death of Sebastian s father engenders in him pathological fears and hallucinations. In which his thoughts seem to cause horrible accidents to happen. Starring Christian Borromeo (Tenebre) and Helga Line (The Lorelei s Grasp).
Double Exposure 1983/Rated R/94 minutes The story of a still photographer plagued by reurring dreams where he murders the women who pose for him. The nightmares really start when the dream starts to become a reality. Starring Michael Callan, Pamela Hensley, Joanna Pettet and Cleavon Little (Blazing Saddles)
Black Candles (aka Los Ritos Sexuales Del Diablo) 1983/Not Rated/85 minutes Carol and her boyfriend Paul travel to England after the unexpected death of her brother. Once there, she discovers her sister-in-law is involved in satanic rituals -- and Paul is slowly being drawn into the cult. Starring Helga Line (The Lorelei's Grasp) and Vanessa Hidalgo. Directed by cult filmmaker Jose Ramon Larraz (Vampyres: Daughters of Dracula).
Evil Eye (aka Il Malocchio) 1974/Not Rated/89 minutes Peter Crane is having nightmares about murdering someone. His psychiatrist Dr. Stone has him hospitalized for being unable to differentiate between dreams and reality. Soon, people start turning up dead at the hospital. Is Peter really a killer or is there something more sinister afoot? Starring Richard Conte (The Godfather), Anthony Steffen (The Night Evelyn Came Out of The Grave) and Pilar Velasquez.
To Kill A Stranger 1983/Not Rated/89 minutes On the way to see her husband, Cristina Carver (Angelica Maria) gets into a car accident. At a nearby gas station a stranger offers her a ride. When he takes her to his house and attacks her, Cristina kills him in self-defense. She tries to cover up the murder, but some things are impossible to cover up. Also starring Donald Pleasence (Halloween), Aldo Ray and Dean Stockwell (Blue Velvet). Directed by Juan López Moctezuma (Alucarda and Dr. Tarr s Torture Dungeon)
Playback 1988/Not Rated/90 minutes A beautiful psychiatrist is kidnapped and raped by a masked man and left for dead. She gets home and suspects it might be one of her patients who is fixated with her. She calls him and, without telling him he suspects him of the attack, tells him of the rape and that it s awakened something inside her. She invites him over while her husband is out of town. Does she really want to relive this incident with her patient or is she getting ready to take her revenge? Directed by Rene Cardona Jr.』
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Hollywood Home Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Mala, muy mala.) 『A mi no me gusto,es mas considero que perdi mi dinero. Es super aburrida.』
(Great pick!) 『While You Were Sleeping is a great movie! It's a romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock, and I was really excited to get it on DVD.』
(One of the great fluffy chick flicks) 『Yes, I am one of "those girls". I can watch this over and over and still swoon over the sheer cuteness of a heartfelt comedy that happily takes the ridiculous in stride. This is Sandra Bullock at the top of romance game playing an orphaned subway employee whose crush conveniently gets mugged into a coma on her watch. What follows is a sweet comedy about a girl without a family suddenly thrown into one.』
(Favorite movie of all time) 『This is the movie you'll watch over and over again...even when it's on t.v. and you have to sit through the commercials! Bill Pullman is irresistable, Sandra Bullock is cute, and the rest of the cast is perfect!』
(Awesome) 『This movie has so many different twists and turn. I loved the fact that it didn't follow the usual pattern as far as romance movies go. Her "fiance's" family is hilarious with an off-beat grandmother leading the craziness. Plus the main character Lucy has her own stalker, her landlord's son who claimed to invent aluminum foil. Plus there is a physical scene that will just kill you; girls will be cringing saying ewwie while guys will shift uncomfortably. So awesome. Great movie to kick back, relax, watch, laugh at and coo at.』 『You'll fall in love with WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, the hit romantic comedy that woke everyone up to adorable Sandra Bullock (SPEED, A TIME TO KILL). As Lucy, a lonely subway worker, she becomes smitten with a handsome stranger (Peter Gallagher -- MALICE). But when she saves his life after he's been mugged and fallen into a coma, his hilariously offbeat family mistakes her for his fiancee! Soon, the mix-ups escalate as Lucy fabricates a life between herself and a man she's never met! And when Lucy falls for his charming brother (Bill Pullman -- INDEPENDENCE DAY) the situation really gets uproarious as she's forced to make a choice between the two!』 『If you don't mind a heavy dose of schmaltz and sentiment, this romantic comedy has a gentle way of seducing you with its charms.While You Were Sleepingwas the first starring role for Sandra Bullock after her blockbuster success inSpeed. In a role that nicely emphasizes her easygoing appeal, Bullock is the reason the movie works at all. She plays Lucy Eleanor Moderatz, a Chicago Transit tollbooth clerk who's hopelessly smitten with a daily commuter, Peter Callaghan (Peter Gallagher). She saves the object of her affection from certain death after he's mugged and falls onto the train tracks. While Peter is in a coma, she lets his family believe that she is his fiancée, and surprisingly finds herself drawn to his brother (Bill Pullman), for whom the attraction is definitely mutual. How Lucy gets out of this amorous predicament is what makes this pleasant movie less predictable than its familiar ingredients would initially indicate. It's feel-good fluff, withcharacters and performances that keep you smiling through the drippy plot mechanics.--Jeff Shannon』
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Starz / Anchor Bay
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Campaigning 'warts and all'...) 『You want to know why Kerry didnt win?
Watch this insightful DVD that allows you behind the scenes.
Kerry spends a lot of time playing golf and show boating the fact that he has kept his first car. (Though he doesnt mention how many others he has garaged).
The DVD offers insight into the world of campaigning from those who went onto the presidential race proper and those that didn't. Thereby the DVD is quite unique. Perhaps due to the fact that few politicians are eager to broadcast their faults.
If you are looking for a campaigning 'warts and all', this DVD has it.』
(Suprised by the great quality, and lack of special features) 『As already noted, this 'series' is lacking on any kind of special features, which I personally would love to see. However, I felt so suprised by the quality of Staffers that I could do without those, and of course had to.
See, at first I presumed that the DVD would merely have different episodes following those quite far from the candidates themselves and, like many documentary's of late, lack the artistic style that can be present in non-fiction films. This was to the contrary though, as I soon found out.
For instance, the people focused on initially, except for the Clark campaing, were all relatively distant from the candidates themselves. However, you begin to realize that 'Staffers' does take you up close, and although it didn't focus on the candidates (that's why it's 'Staffers'!), it certainly gave what I felt was a new side to the campaign.
These kids, and yes most of them were still fairly young, had the chance of a lifetime. Now with this DVD, we can watch those chances, and maybe one day we too will rise to that noble position of STAFFER!』
(So, So) 『I received this for a Christmas gift excited to get some behind the scenes insight into the 2004 campaign (I was a volunteer at the DNC in DC for the final two months) in order to get some type of clarity into why the DEMS messed up so badly in taking back the Presidency.
Unfortunately, what you get is six 15 minute (or so) sections where the camera "man" follows around the "bodyguy" for the main DEM candidates (Bodyguy = personal assistant) as you see how draining it is and how boring it is to hear the same stump speach time and time again.
There is no director's commentary or extras at all.』 『In this acclaimed six-episode series, go behind the scenes of the 2004 Democratic Primaries with the press secretaries, personal assistants and 'body persons' behind Howard Dean, Joe Lieberman, Wesley Clark, Dennis Kucinich, and John Kerry. For these young campaign workers, life becomes a daily whirlwind of town meetings and celebrity rallies, handshakes and shouting matches, surprising victories and crushing defeats. From the chaos of the Iowa Caucuses to the drama of Super Tuesday, from the truth behind Dean's 'screaming rant' to the triumph of Kerry's clinched nomination, these are the public and private moments that defined one of the most decisive and unforgettable political races in our nation's history. This is the world of STAFFERS.』 『The six-part miniseriesStaffersbegins during the 2004 Iowa caucus. There we meet Chris Lavery, who works for the Joe Lieberman campaign. He's joined by Amad Jackson (Wesley Clark), and Sandra Abrevaya (Howard Dean). Then we move to New Hampshire, South Carolina, and points beyond, where we'll meet Marvin Nicholson Jr. (John Kerry) and others. Some, like Chris, have political experience. Some, like Amad, an actor (The Ladykillers), do not. Some are paid. Some are not. What motivates them is faith in their candidate.Staffersisn't for those who like their documentaries slick, arty, or biased (though there are no Republicans in sight), but it's a must for fans of campaign films likeThe CandidateandThe War Room. Featuring appearances from the Democratic hopefuls, including Dennis Kucinich and soon-to-be-vice presidential nominee John Edwards, along with the occasional celebrity, like Janeane Garofolo and Joan Jett (on the stump for Dean).--Kathleen C. Fennessy』
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Lions Gate
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review ("Revenge Of The Warriors") 『Ultimate Fighting Championship 4 comes to us from Tulsa, Oklahoma on December 16th, 1994. Royce Gracie is back, along with UFC 3 winner, Steve Jennum,and also the debut of wrestling machine Dan Severn. Once again, 8 fighters take to the Octagon to test their mixed martial arts disciplines against each other. The "No Rules" approach is once again on display as we see hair pulling and painful-to-watch groin shots in the Joe Son vs Keith Hackney fight. The final fight is a 16 minute test of wills between Gracie and newcomer Severn. First Round Matchups:
1. 51yr old Ron Van Clief (Karate) vs Royce Gracie (Jiu-Jitsu) 2. Joe Son (Josondo) vs Keith Hackney (Kempo Karate) 3. Melton Bowen (Boxing) vs Steve Jennum (Ninjitsu) 4. Anthony Macias (Muy Thai) vs Dan Severn (Wrestling)
After the semi-final matchups, there is a Qualifying match, with the winner advancing to UFC 5. It is between Jason Fairn (Jiu-Jitsu) and Guy Mezger (Kickboxing). Mezger wins his debut, and we would see him later at UFC and Pride events.
The Special Features of the DVD features a Hall of Fame Interview with Dan Severn, and then a breakdown of the fights by MMA writer Josh Gross.
UFC featured a great night of fights, with the debut of future phenom Dan Severn, and the fighting spirit of Royce Gracie.』
(Great early gem...The German Suplex heard 'round the world...) 『I know it... I LOVE the early UFC...
I was one of the crazy ones back in the day that really dug this stuff... now everyone loves it.
My buddies got together for this pay-per-view and were treated to some of the greatest early UFC fights. Joe Son vs. Hackney is very memorable for the overt low blows, Hackney vs. Gracie is excellent, but the Dan Severn vs. Anthony Macias fight is outstanding. A heavyweight wrestler vs. a lightweight kickboxer. That is every heavyweight wrestlers dream, and my dream to see an actual German Suplex done for real to a guy. I only saw it on video games and pro-wrestling. I never realized it could be done legitimately TWICE!!! The German Suplexes are worth the disk alone.
Another historic early DVD from the UFC...』
(The first big turning point) 『This was the debut of Dan Severn. The man who saved the UFC.
Royce Gracie, the enormously skilled superstar who'd become the face of UFC, was growing disillusioned and wanted out. Which was very bad news, since Ken Shamrock had becoming an absolute enigma (one withdrawal and two no-shows between 2-4) and no one else was even close to taking the mantle.
They took a big gamble on Severn, a pure amateur wrestler already well into his 30's, who had only a few days notice to get ready for UFC 4. The deal reportedly was that he would be allowed to compete again only if he made it to the final. If he didn't, Gracie's departure would leave UFC with no marketable stars and eventually turn it into a footnote in MMA history.
Severn's first match (which alone makes this worth watching) pitted him against a somewhat erratic yet relentless striker. Severn takes the initiative in spectacular highlight-reel fashion and never looks back. In the semifinal, Severn exchanges flash for cold-blooded efficiency, crushing the unprepared alternate in less than half a minute. With his future secured, he turns his attention to the indominatble legend, Royce Gracie, producing at least one of the three best tournament finals of all time.
In between are a strange back-and-forth battle between Keith Hackney and Joe Son, Gracie against inarguably the easiest opponent of his life, Steve Jennum's (who?) unusually difficult victory over boxer Melton Bowen, and Hackney's valiant but ultimately doomed attempt to take down Gracie. Also included is a fast and furious exhibition match (the precursor to the Superfight) between Jason Fairn and Guy Mezger.
A somewhat uneven tournament, but in the end, the sport has made its mark, and that's what matters.』
(EXCELLENT EVENT, GREAT GROUND WORK) 『UFC 4 REVENGE OF THE WARRIORS
I was so happy when I learned that they were releasing the original UFC events, this one in particular because this was when Dan "The Beast" Severn debuted in the UFC. Dan is one of my all time favorite mixed martial arts fighters, and this one in particular was amazing.
1.ROYCE GRACIE VS RON VAN CLIEF-this fight was the typical Gracie fight in that it was a quick dominant fight. As soon as they went at each other Royce had him on the ground and tore into him until making Ron tap to a rear naked choke hold. Over all exactly what you would think happen back during the reign of the Gracie's.5/5
2.JOE SON VS KEITH HACKNEY-this has to be one of the dirtiest, but funniest fights ever recorded on video. And I have to say that Hackney is a cold messed up dude. Joe Son basically controlled the entire bout, so Keith decided to punch Joe in the crotch repeatedly until Joe Son taped to a choke. This fight was definitely messed up on Hackney's part.5/5
3.MELTON BOWEN VS STEVE JENNUM-this was am interesting fight, simply because Steve and Melton trade some nice blows. Even though Steve controls most of the fight at the beginning Melton still found his way back to his feet. But it seemed as soon as he got up, he was slammed right back down. And at about the five minute mark Melton tapped out to a killer arm bar.5/5
4.DAN SEVERN VS ANTHONY MACIAS-finally we come to the last of the first round fights, and it happens to be the debut of the Beast. You can't really call this one a fight because it was over at one minute and forty five seconds. But even though it was a short bout it was still exciting, after to vicious belly to back suplexes to Anthony from Severn, Anthony tapped to a rear naked choke.5/5
5.ROYCE GRACIE VS KEITH HACKNEY-Gracie had a harder time this time around in the second round against Hackney. In fact Hackney tore up Royce's face a little with some nice strikes. But Gracie still took the fight after applying a killer arm bar to Hackney.5/5
6.MARCUS BOSSETT VS DAN SEVERN-apparently Steve Jennum could not continue that night so Bossett won a toss to face Severn. This was another quick fight, soon after Severn took him down Bossett tapped out.5/5
7.JASON FAIRN VS GUY MEZGER-that's right a young Guy Mezger fought at UFC 4 in a fight before the main event of the evening. This was a great fight to view because Mezger dominated this fight, he beat this guy so bad that they threw in the towel for Fairn.5/5
8.ROYCE GRACIE VS DAN SEVERN-this fight is definitely a classic in my mind, this was 16 minutes of two greats going at it. Sure this fight took place on the ground for most of the fight, but this was still an excellent bout. Gracie would end up winning the tournament that night but Severn proved he belonged in there with a legend.5/5
Over all this was an excellent event, and is worth your money. Plus there is a great interview with Severn in the special features. 』
(Gracie v. Severn- A True UFC Classic) 『The Gracie-Severn bout may not be the most explosive bout ever, but it shows what a true Martial Artist Royce Gracie is. After watching these two go at it, with Severn seemingly having the upper hand throughout, the ending is pure Gracie: calm, quiet and effective. Royce is so methodical through this entire bout it is a blast to watch. While many of the other bouts may feature more explosive punches&kicks, this one shows that perseverance is just as important as any other element. In my opinion, this is what truly solidified Royce Gracie as a legend.
If you like the UFC and you haven't seen this one, get it!』 『This release takes viewers back to the beginning of the infamous Ultimate Fighting Championship show including some of the most brutal and thrilling matches of the early days of the UFC. Along with other UFC matches this release contains the amazing showdown between the 180lb Gracie and the massive 250lb wrestling monster Dan "The Beast" Severn.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: SPORTS/GAMES/MIXED MARTIAL ARTS Rating: NR UPC: 031398192312 Manufacturer No: 19278』
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Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Fantastic!) 『My daughter loves this movie! She is 2 years old and fascinated with elephants.』
(Disney's Dumbo) 『My grandkids love to watch this movie (and I love to watch it with them). It has great animation, and funny as well as tender scenes. When the mother elephant sings "Baby Mine, Don't You Cry" I always water up. A great song from a great movie.』
(Brings Me to Tears Every Time) 『Jumbo? Don't you mean Dumbo!
And so the tearfest begins.
I loved this movie as a child and recently rediscovered it while visiting with my two year-old niece. As is typical for kids that age, we watched the movie everyday (sometimes twice) for a week.
Every time I cried.
I can't really think of another Disney movie that depicts such a wonderfully loving and sweet relationship between parent and child (no Bambi didn't do it for me).
Plus Dumbo is the self-doubting underdog throughout, which simply makes me love him even more.
Oh, and my niece, she squealed with delight for Dumbo's triumphs each time and paid serious attention to the sad parts where mother and child are separated. Never underestimate a two year-old.
The only reason I stop short of giving it a 5-star is the dated depictions of excessive alcohol use, smoking and the stereotyping of the crows...yeah I know you can't stereotype crows as such, but we can easily figure out to whom those stereotypes apply. Can't go back in time and undo the social circumstances that made this acceptable childrens entertainment.
Overall, though the touching story of an outcast only a mother could love and his triumph over his tormentors is timeless.』
(Best Disney movie for toddlers) 『I have various Disney movies and this is the best one for toddlers as it does not contain the thematic and real violence of a Peter Pan, nor sibling bickering like in Cinderella nor a too-hip attitude. Instead it is innocent and very positive in its message of overcoming your weaknesses and of self-esteem. (In fact I read an article that a company in India uses this movies to motivate its employees.) Aside from this, this movie is a masterpiece for people of all ages. The next best ones for toddlers are maybe Cinderella and The Jungle Book and when they are a little older Little Mermaid and Alice in Wonderland. For Aladdin and Lion King I'll maybe wait until my little one is maybe 5.』
(My new review today) 『More Dumbo carttoon movie from Disney ! Elizabeth L.』 『With high-flying entertainment and messages about friendship, acceptance, courage, and believing in yourself, Walt Disney's DUMBO is "a timeless classic for children of all ages. Walt Disney at his finest" (Us Weekly). Meet Dumbo, Mrs. Jumbo's sweet little "Baby Mine" who charms all who see him . . . until it's discovered that he has huge floppy ears! With the support of his very best friend, Timothy the mouse, Dumbo soon learns that his spectacular ears make him unique and special, allowing him to soar to fame as the world's only flying elephant. You'll love all the daring adventure, colorful characters, award-winning music, and a circus tent full of fun bonus features! Go behind the scenes with DisneyPedia's "My First Circus," an all-new activity where you can learn about your favorite circus animals. This Big Top Edition also features Sing-Along Songs, a DVD Storybook, a new digital transfer, and much more.』 『A Disney "classic" that actually is a classic,Dumboshould be part of your video collection whether or not you have children. The storytelling was never as lean as inDumbo, the songs rarely as haunting (or just plain weird), the characters rarely so well defined. The film pits the "cold, cruel, heartless" world that can't accept abnormality against a plucky, and mute, hero. Jumbo Jr. (Dumbo is a mean-spirited nickname) is ostracized from the circus pack shortly after his delivery by the stork because of his big ears. His mother sticks up for him and is shackled. He's jeered by children (an insightful scene has one boy poking fun at Dumbo's ears, even though the youngster's ears are also ungainly), used by the circus folk, and demoted to appearing with the clowns. Only the decent Timothy Q. Mouse looks out for the little guy. Concerns about the un-PC "Jim Crow" crows, who mock Dumbo with the wonderful "When I See an Elephant Fly," should be moderated by remembering that the crows are the only social group in the film who act kindly to the little outcast. If you don't mist up during the "Baby Mine" scene, you may be legally pronounced dead.--Keith Simanton』
Kakaku：998 saved$9.98
Crystal Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours 『The story of the early years of the Holy Family is revealed through contemporary scientific discoveries and startling new evidence! Witness the birth of Christ and then follow Mary, Joseph and the newborn Jesus as they are forced to flee into Egypt to escape Herod s murderous decree. Real historical sites in Israel, Egypt and Jordan are the backdrop of this timeless tale of miracles and mystery. Visit actual sites in the Holy Land where astounding events still occur in the present day; the same places where Jesus performed miracles 2000 years ago. This is the definitive contemporary look at a miraculous journey and a life that would change the world forever.』
Kakaku：199 saved$1.99
Bci / Eclipse
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Krishna Swings In 1972 London!) 『"Vengeance of the Zombies" is a Spanish film set in 1972 London. Paul Naschy wrote and stars in this film in a triple role: not only does he appear as Krishna, but also as Krishna's evil brother, Kantaka, as well as Satan. Krishna is a nutty guru who attracts an impressionable young woman, Elvira. After he moves into a house in the country that was previously owned by devil worshippers, Elvira pays him a visit. Elvira has a very surrealistic dream in which Satan holds dominion over the basement; the makeup here is a highlight of the film.
A psychiatrist and expert on the occult helps the police solve the mystifying cases which are all related to India, voodoo, and zombies (the morgue resurrection scene is particularly interesting). In the negative column are Krishna's intermittent "episodes" (which are really episodes of overacting) and the horrendous soundtrack which consists largely of percussion, organ, and guitars being played in different keys and time signatures. The opening and closing theme is an equally enchanting ditty featuring the worst scat I have ever heard.
The film is quite plodding and suffers from poor dubbing in which some of the character names seem to be subtly altered from the original Spanish. Overall it is not especially scary, but has a few interesting moments. The setting, swinging 1970s London, is unusual for a zombie movie, and is one of the more enjoyable features of the film. The acting is frequently amateurish, though, and the production values are not especially good, which, combined with the slow pacing, makes the film a challenge to watch (resist the tendency to fast forward, no matter how strong). Overall, it's worth two stars for incidental creativity.』
(The whole is less than the sum of its parts) 『This movie is a mess. It's worthwhile for hardcore zombie movie fans (maybe) and for fans of Italian horror. For most everybody else, it is ultimately disappointing. This is a shame, because it has so many interesting pieces; that unfortunately, fit together poorly.
An Indian Fakir is offering enlightenment to the daughters of upper class British families. Said daughters keep "mysteriously" dieing and then being reanimated as zombies. One of the daughters (our protagonist) falls in love with the Fakir. This greatly irritates both the daughter's British "friend" (our male protagonist) and the Fakir's Indian girl friend. It doesn't do much to improve the mood of the Fakir's evil brother, either.
The director was trying for an intelligent zombie film with a twist. So we get Indian mystics and Fakirs, African voodoo, Scotland Yard, London in the 70s (not a typical setting for a zombie movie) and even a little political commentary on the end of the British Empire in India. There is a "secret" reason why the daughters of the families in question were targeted. There is definitely more "story" that you'll find in your average zombie movie.
Unfortunately, the whole is less than the sum of its parts. If you want to see a good "different" kind of zombie movie set in England (and Victorian England at that) check out "Plague of Zombies."』
(An average Zombie movie, worth checking out) 『"La Rebelión de las Muertas" (a.k.a. "Vengeance of the Zombies" - 1972) is the latest film I've seen in my attempt to review every zombie/vampire/undead movie. "Vengeance of the Zombies" is a little plodding, yet enjoyable, Zombie movie. The plot is a bit convoluted, and I wouldn't even know how to begin tosummarize it without confusing the reader. Simplifying it, a bunch of dead people are brought back to life by a vengeance seeking deformed Indian man living in London.
What strain of zombie are those seeking vengeance? These are voodoo zombie women with teased or bouffant hairdos. They are raised from the dead by burning blood covered plastic dolls, and they walk around in see-through cloaks. The make-up is basically different shades of gray grease-paint. These are slow moving zombies. Since they are voodoo-style, they are not infectious meat-eaters. Instead they are assassins sent to kill people, usually be choking them. They are brought to life and controlled by a guy in a really bad "V for Vendetta" costume. I give the vengeance zombies a slightly above average 6/10 rating.
The gore mostly consists of bright red fake blood. Most of the killings are from victims being choked or stabbed. There are a lot of fish-eye lens close-ups of zombie faces, which are kind of creepy since the zombie some of the women are not very easy on the eyes. Vengeance rates a medium gore/violence score of 5/10.
Of course, there is a fare share of the required zombie film gratuitous sexism and nudity. There are a couple of half-hearted sex scenes, and the zombie women walk around in transparent black nightgowns. Most of the movie the viewer will probably find themselves wishing that people would put on a few more clothes. Vengeance gets a gratuitous sexism and nudity score of 6/10.
Vengeance of the Zombies is very slow and plodding. The plot is not very consistent, and subplots pop in and out of the movie without meaning or context. At a certain point I began to wonder why they even bothered with a story. There was a really great dream sequences a third of the way into the film, and the finale was entertaining. On the boredom scale (0 being insomnia curing, 10 being '78 Dawn of the Dead) Vengeance of the Zombies gets a 5/10.
I didn't watch the film in the original Castilian, but the dialogue gets a 4/10 for being pretty standard European zombie movie dialog. +1 for a terrible overdub into English (that's a good thing) and +1 for the funky pre-disco free-jazz soundtrack. Overall, Vengeance of the Zombies gets an average 5/10 in my Zombie movie scale. It might be worth buying for the hardcore zombie fiend. Definitely worth renting for the more casual undead movie fan.』
(Naschy!) 『I have to say this is the wildest Naschy movie I have seen yet. The 'dream scene' where Naschy is Satan is a real hoot.
Plus the DVD itself is excellent quality and at a good price. 』
(Late night favorite) 『This is a highly entertaining Spanish chiller that I have enjoyed watching many times. Until this DVD release I've only seen crappy looking VHS copies so this remaster is a revelation. The picture quality on this is amazing and the hilariously out of place soundtrack sounds clear too and never fails to make me laugh. I'm just not sure lite jazz music belongs in a horror movie but it sure is fun when you've got friends over and your throwing back a few beers. Anyway this movie is just completely crazy and completely great and if you want to have some fun watch this with some friends.』 『Zombies satanic voodoo rituals and gruesome killings combine to make Vengeance of The Zombies a bizarre ride in the best horror tradition.System Requirements:Running Time: 90 MinutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: HORROR Rating: NR UPC: 787364716098』
Kakaku：199 saved$1.99
Palm Pictures / Umvd
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (The low rider is a little higher) 『Carol Strong's film, with sincerity and without condescension, clearly grasps the somewhat ridiculous nature of the low riding culture of South Central L.A. -- the tricked-out cars that glide so close to the ground they draw sparks; the ornately airbrushed sedans that bounce so high they sometimes crack their springs.
But it also unquestionably understands and conveys the beauty of the automobiles and the people who live for them.
"Sunday Driver" breaks it all down to elements -- the paint, the rims, the hydraulics, the codes, and the individual pride but also the brotherhood that exists among lowriders.
