Kakaku：149 saved$1.49
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』
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.
T-birds and Impalas are lovingly photographed and the stories poignantly told over a perfect soundtrack by the JB's, the Temptations, the Miracles and more.
Perhaps most intriguing aspect of the film is its look into the group's uneasy relationship with the cops, a thread that rises to a particularly wry coda (ending, of all places, in Japan).
There are so many car shows and even car channels that "Sunday Driver" on the surface might seem obscure or obsolete, but it's a smart little film that gets in, samples the culture and the stories, then rides off in just under an hour.』
(Sunday driver was tight) 『This DVD gave an awesome insight into the Compton chapter of the Majestics CC. It has some great footage, a must have DVD for any real lowrider like myself. This is not some truucha style dvd... you get to see clean cars tapping bumper and laying frame. Thats how it should be!』
(ALL THAT!!!!) 『These guys really prove the passion behind the lowridin culture. It shows what success can bring with hard work and dedication. I reccomend this video to all lowriders and anybody who may be interested or curious. Lowridin is not just a hobby, it's a way of life. Keep your head up Gangster. You'll be back soon and will build something even better than Santana. -peace』
(Educate yourselfs) 『let me start of by saying I know a few of these brothas PERSONALLY and I belong to a L.A(WATSS,COMPTON) car club as well.
This Documentry was put together well,and with alot of honesty.It shows what we as Lowriders go through with police and streo types,but It also lets you into our world alittle deeper.You can see how we are like family and the lengths we will go to help each other out. You dont have to be a Lowrider to enjoy this video,If you are a car guy,or even just a everyday guy,Sunday driver is a good pick up and a Great video to own. Thanks. 』 『SUNDAY DRIVER is a documentary chronicling the Majestics, California’s oldest black lowrider car club originally founded in Compton, CA. An upfront look at the guys behind the chrome, SUNDAY DRIVER is the story of the founding members of the club living the lowriding lifestyle constantly under scrutiny by the cops. In candid interviews recorded while hanging out with the club, the passions of a unique group of car enthusiasts are revealed as they strive to outlive their past, working together to realize their dream of the building the ultimate customized lowrider.
DVD FEATURES: Newly shot "Under the Hood" footage of the Majestics live&direct from Compton; Twin 2006 Still Rollin’, Twin Not a Hopper, Big Earl&Little Eric and Majestics 2006 Big in Japan– Journey across the Pacific and view "Gangsters Paradise" and "The Santana" in the land of the rising sun Additional Interviews&Behind-the-Scenes with the Majestics Slideshow Interview and Behind-the-scenes Slideshow Available Audio Tracks: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese (Stereo, subtitles not available for each extra features) Previews Weblinks
Features "California Love" with Dr. Dre and 2Pac plus original low-rider songs "Just My Imagination" and "Ball of Confusion" by The Temptations, "Get Up to Get Down" by Brass Construction, "Whatcha’ See Is Whatcha’ Get" by The Dramatics plus tracks from Jurassic 5, Bad Medicine, Booker T.&The MGs and more.』
Kakaku：4199 saved$41.99
Warner Home Video
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (SUPER!) 『Smallville season 4 was really great and as i go through the seasons they keep getting better and better. if you at all into superman. I STRONGLY urge you to buy this product』
(Clark's "saved" count, season 4) 『I hate to say it, but this is my least favorite Smallville season. I like the addition of Erica Durance as Lois; she's really good in that role. Every time I see Jensen Ackles, I think of him as "Dean" from Supernatural; I can't help it. The problem with this season is that it wastes too much time with witches and ancient countesses and curses.. blegh. Boring. Just give Clark his 3 stones and get on with it. And, to prove I have no life, I watched the season with a checklist in front of me, and here's what I counted as far as who Clark saved this season, and how many times.
Lana=3 Lex=4 Jonathan=0 Martha=0 Chloe=6 Pete=0 Lionel=1 Lois=5 Random Hot Chick=3 Random Guy=7 Someone who was just trying to kill Clark=0 Other (group of people, entire world, etc.) 2 Total individual saves, not counting "other"=29』
(Lost Focus A Bit But Still "Super" Television) 『In the beginning (seasons 1-3), the concept of Smallville was to chronicle a young Clark Kent through his high school years. After three seasons, however, the character relationships (especially Clark and Lana) that provided the emotional punch to the show became played out. The "on again, off again" Clark/Lana saga was getting a bit old, the evilness of Lionel Luthor was well established, while the inner workings of Lex Luthor's tortured psyche continued to become apparent. Barring a major change, the show looked like it may have been reaching a climax, what with the main characters graduating high school. Yet, as is often a "problem" in televised drama, the show was so popular on its WB (now CW) network that it would surely continue for future change. Thus, major change to the structure of the show is exactly what happened. Let's start with the not-so-great changes (trying not to reveal too many spoilers!) and end on the high notes:
For the first time, the writers/producers constructed a season-long dramatic arc in which Lana (controlled by an ancient medieval witch, as improbably as that may sound), Lex, and Clark race to obtain three Kryptonian stones. Needless to say, this storyline was quite contrived (most likely to give Kristin Kruek (Lana) something to portray) and lacked the punch of the Kryptonian caves or Lex's insanity of earlier seasons. Thus, the "mythology" episodes of this season were subpar.
The other disappointing aspect of Season Four was the introduction of Lois Lane. Though (obviously) an extremely important part of Clark's future, the Lois character struggles to fit into the overall scheme of the show. My personal theory is that she was added to spice up the show's sex appeal (one look at Erica Durance (Lois) will show you why) to appeal to the young WB audience.
Besides those major gaffes, however, Smallville's fourth season provided a number of fantastic moments that kept its fans (young and old alike) tuning in each week:
-The "no flights" rule is temporary lifted in the season premiere. -Clark is introduced to a certain "speedster" with whom he will later pair with. -An incredible acting performance from Tom Welling (Clark) after switching bodies with Lionel Luthor. -A mischevious Russian villian is introduced who continues to torment Clark long into the future. -Alicia Baker (Clark's former love) is brought back in a very emotional two-part series. -The Kent family comes across a later-famous pooch with certain "abilities". -Perhaps the best acting performance from Michael Rosenbaum (Lex) in which his "good" and "evil" sides square off against each other (ala Captain Kirk in Star Trek). -The final scene of the season, which introduces a critically important piece of Clark Kent's future.
To conclude, the fourth season of Smallville lacked the emotional focus of the three preceding seasons, but still managed enough "wow" moments to continue satisfying the "shipper" (relationship-based) and die-hard comic book Smallville fans alike.』
(smallville season 4) 『half way through the disks and loving them i cant wait to buy the next season』
(4th season) 『This arrived sooner than it said it would. It was brand new and saved me half of what the stores wanted. Great job...』 『Clark Kent will have plenty of reasons to remember his senior year! The thrilling reinterpretation of the Superman legend evolves in Season 4, whose 22 episodes include the quest for 3 Kryptonian crystals and Clark's bold attempt to keep those mysterious stones from destroying Earth. Clark also becomes a highly recruited football star. Lana gets a boyfriend. Lois Lane smart, opinionated and entirely annoying to Clark comes to Smallville. Chloe learns the scoop of the century. Lionel becomes a straight-up nice guy. Lex steps further from the light into darkness. Newcharacters (Krypto, Mr. Mxyzptlk) and a new power emerge. The calling awaits Clark an awakening to a destiny that only he can accept and fulfill.
DVD Features: Audio Commentary DVD ROM Features Documentaries
』 『The arrival of another gorgeous young woman with the initials of LL further complicates Clark Kent's (Tom Welling) life in the fourth season ofSmallville, the WB's hip and sexy reinvention of the Superman legend. In this case, it's Lois Lane (Erica Durance), a would-be college freshman who's come to the Kansas heartland to investigate the disappearance of her cousin, Chloe. What she discovers instead is a naked, amnesiac Clark Kent in a cornfield, and things take off from there. Durance doesn't appear in every episode--she was credited as a "special guest star"--but her tough spirit and crackling wit provide a great, non-romantic foil to Clark.
That's just as well, because there's plenty of romantic triangulation--or worse--going on. Clark's former love interest--and his first LL--Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk), has returned from her summer in Paris sporting a new boyfriend, Jason Teague (Jensen Ackles), as well as a mysterious tattoo that seems to have something to do with a set of Kryptonian crystals as well as Jason's sinister mom, Genevieve (Jane Seymour). Keeping his relationship with Lana a secret, Jason has signed on as Smallville High's new assistant football coach. What's surprising is that the team's new quarterback is none other than Clark, who's grown tired of hiding his super-strength, super-speed, and invulnerability and wants to be part of the team. But nothing's easy for Clark, and he goes through the prom, a marriage, and fatherhood, not necessarily in that order, as well as his secret being discovered, unknown to him, by one of his closest friends. (On the plus side, he does uncover a cool new power.)
But the key to the season is the Kryptonian crystals. They further deteriorate the relationship between the incarcerated Lionel Luthor (John Glover), and his son, Lex (Michael Rosenbaum). Lex may be Clark's best friend, but he reveals more of his dark side in a revelation about his sexual escapades and a split-personality (literally) incident. Lana's frightening dreams actually come to life in a sillyCharmed-type episode. Then in the explosive season finale, the main characters are scattered and another meteor shower threatens to wipe out the town.
One of the fun things aboutSmallvilleis how producers Al Gough and Miles Millar and their team of writers acknowledge their place in a 70-year Superman mythos (even if Clark is never referred to as Superman). His DC Comics origins receive a nod with appearances by the Flash, Krypto the superdog, and the magical Mxyztplk. And the cast includes not only regular Annette O'Toole (Martha Clark), who had played Lana Lang inSuperman III, but guest shots by Margot Kidder (Bridgette Porter) and Terence Stamp (the voice of Jor-El), and the late Christopher Reeve gets a brief but touching farewell in an announcement of the passing of his character, Dr. Virgil Swann.
Extras include 15 minutes with the writing team, a spotlight on Kidder, Durance, and others who have played Lois Lane, deleted scenes, and three episodes with commentary from combinations of Gough, Millar, Durance, Kreuk, Glover and others, but not Welling.--David Horiuchi』
Kakaku：899 saved$8.99
20th Century Fox
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Disgusting scene) 『Anything that could have been funny about this movie was overshadowed by a scene I wish I could scrub from my memory. I never needed to see the fat guy (to be crude) masturbating and a sodomy scene between him and Borat. Unless you want to live with that image, don't get this movie.』
("HIGH FIVE!") 『Sacha Baron Cohen stars as Borat, a journalist from Kazakhstan who has come to America to make a documentary. While in New York, he sees "Baywatch" on TV and vows to go to California and marry Pamela Anderson. Off he goes across the country, meeting (and insulting) various groups along the way, including Jews, Christians, animal lovers, rodeo fans, fine diners, a doctor, and just about anyone else you can imagine. The vignettes were shot with real people, a la Candid Camera, who react to the outrageous words and actions of the guileless and amazingly coarse Borat.
I'd heard that this movie was outrageous and vulgar and insulting and it certainly is - and also the funniest movie I can remember seeing. I laughed non-stop (while shaking my head in wonder at Borat's "victims": Why would they sign releases to let their footage appear in the movie?).
Borat never breaks character and keeps the joke up right to the end. His pride in his run-down country is sweet and his innocence is what makes the movie work. In the Extras, Borat appears on "The Tonight Show"...
Jay Leno: "What do you say to people who say your movie is homophobic and anti-Semitic?"
Borat: "Thank you!"
You'll either love it or think it's the most vulgar and offensive movie ever made. I loved it.』
(Funny) 『A couple of years ago, in 2006, the biggest comedy hit was a film called Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan. The film grew out of a recurring character on a British television show, Da Ali G. Show, created by Jewish comedian Sacha Baron Cohen. I mention the man's religion because the film attacks Anti-Semitism in a brutally funny way, even as many dull-witted critics accuse the film of that bias. If so, then Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator was also Anti-Semitic, and his Monsieur Verdoux was a defense of mass murder. Cohen plays a Kazakh television reporter, Borat Sagdiyev, sent to America to make a documentary on American living for the benefit of his home nation. That's the setup, which starts in Borat's native village, and depicts his family and villagers as a bunch of creepy, incestuous morons who have an annual `Running Of The Jew' festival, ala the bulls at Pamplona, Spain. Of course, this is not because the film is satirizing that `reality,' but because it's picking up and throwing the Western preconceptions of that country back in the faces of that audience, much the same way that the film Everything Is Illuminated portrayed the Russian natives that are presented as idiots in that film in ways to tweak the preconceptions those people and customs engender in the West. In keeping with that, the supposed Kazakh language and `National Anthem' are, naturally, gibberish and folly.
The 84 minute film is a mockumentary that is not subtle in anything it does (ala Spinal Tap, or the Christopher Guest films), and is certainly not a work of genius, anymore than a Three Stooges short is, so why so many viewers and critics felt so negatively about the film, even as it broke box office records, shows that American stupidity is never to be underestimated, even though a similar ruckus ensued a few years earlier when the satiric tv cartoon South Park was made into a terrifically scalding movie. After the setup, the film is a series of blackout sketches that take Borat (in character) as he basically does a Candid Camera routine in front of gullible Americans who believe he is a legitimate Russian reporter. He has run ins with politicos like Alan Keyes and Bob Barr- the current Libertarian Party Presidential candidate, a gay pride parade, and a group of Feminazis. Cohen deliciously gets all to reveal their own darker and denser sides. All of the sketches are gotten through quickly, so the jokes never get old. The one thread in the film is that Borat's ugly wife dies, not long after Borat sees a Baywatch rerun, and falls in love with Pamela Anderson, whom he decides to sexually pursue crosscountry. Along with him, in a used ice cream truck they buy, is an unseen Kazakh cameraman and the film's producer, Azamat Bagatov (Ken Davitian). Other than Cohen and Davitian, the only other real actors in the film are Anderson, who makes a late cameo when Borat literally tries to bag her, and a black woman named Luenell, who plays a prostitute Borat ends up marrying.
Through it all, a number of misadventures occur, such as a test of etiquette lessons at a dinner party with Southern white racists, learning cultural tips from black gangstas in a Southern hood, rodeo goers who display an immense amount of cowboy xenophobia, slavery loving frat boys who pick Borat up in the desert and show him a Pamela Anderson porno tape to dispirit him, and Pentecostalists who speak in tongues, who teach him the power of Mr. Jesus. But, bar none, the funniest scene in the film comes when Borat leaves a hotel bathroom, and finds Azamat jerking off to his magazine. The two engage in a naked fight that ends up with Azamat pouncing on Borat in a 69 position, and the two of them running naked through the hotel, until tackled and asked to leave. This is what separates the two men, and sends Borat into the desert. Ultimately, he loses Pamela Anderson- whom he never had, and marries Luenell, and reports that life back in Kazakhstan is better than before.
The Twentieth Century Fox DVD has an old Soviet Era film feel to it, replete with badly worn looking film stock and Cyrillic lettering, and poor English translations of the gibberish Kazakh language. It has no audio commentary, but has some cool deleted scenes- although it was a good decision to excise them, especially a long and tedious (although funny) supermarket scene. There are also faux commercials- a music infomercial for the movie's soundtrack, a Kazakh Baywatch spoof called Sexydrownwatch, and an interesting compendium of the worldwide publicity tour for the film, including some late night tv appearances with Cohen in character as Borat.
One of the more interesting sidelights of researching this film was seeing how many people who appeared, and signed waivers, tried to sue the filmmakers (including director Larry Charles). This includes the nation of Kazakhstan and a group representing Gypsies, who claim their town was defamed and presented in a bad light, for Cohen shot that portion of the film in Romania. Yet, I was not astonished. Anytime someone shows up another party, be it intellectually or humorously (or, worst of all, both ways) there are bound to be immature and money-grubbing morons looking to make an unethical buck. That none of the rubes could figure out they were being put on bespeaks the utter idiocy of the American public at large. Now, it's hard to believe all the scenes were taken cold. After all, could the frat boys have had the Pamela Anderson video needed to despoil Borat's dream? Yes, she's a frat boy fantasy, but still, Occam's Razor says it was a setup, and indeed, all the alleged lawsuits may be just a part of the publicity campaign.
Nonetheless, the film suffers none the worse for it. And, if all the scenes were truly done cold, it bespeaks much of the goodness of the poorer and more disenfranchised members of society than the well off. Blue collar folk, the black gangstas, and the gay paraders, all embrace Borat with humor and grace, whereas the rich and white often scorn him. And, despite the harsh attacks on the film, culturally and socially, and despite there being nothing too deep here, Borat is a wonderful critique- nay, full out assault, on the asininity of Political Correctness, for, despite all the claimed offenses in the film, none of the people who appeared and filed lawsuits suffered anything they did not inflict themselves, due to their own arrogance and biases, and fully knowing they had signed proper legal releases, which is included at the film's credit's end.
Borat is the sort of a film that comes along at a certain moment and finds its niche (the hysteria and xenophobia rampant post-9/11), due to events in the real world, but will not long be remembered once the situations that made it so popular fade. Nonetheless, even in 50 years, there will still be a dozen or so scenes that will give one laughing pains the way a Moe, Larry, and Curly eye gouge still does. And that sort of staying power is still worth something in the ephemera of Hollywood these days.』
(High Five! This was one of the funniest Fake-umentaries I have ever seen) 『From the opening scene of Borat walking through the streets of Kazakhstan, introducing everyone in town, including his neighbor, his sister and wife, I knew this movie was just ready to shock.
The crazy misadventures starting in New York city such as thinking that the elevator was his hotel room to freshening up with the toilet water or washing his underwear in the river of New York. We see one misadventure followed by another, as he tricks unsuspecting Americans.
The dinner scene, the lessons of speaking like "Yous" and going out with his friend Luelle, the prostitute, weere downright insanity.
Unbearable to watch was the wrestling scene with his friend Asimoff as he is staring at the Pamela Anderson magazine.
The trip with the Fraterntiy boys from the University of South Carolina had to be staged since we see him enter the Recreational Vehicle, only the leave from the same group of boys from another Recreational vehicle.
The great skit was his prayers with the church group and his trip to California. We end with the climactic conclusion in finding Pamela Anderson on his wedding day, and then there is the final twist that is left for you to find out when he returns to his home.
It was slapstick in the modern form and so utterly preposterous that you just had to laugh at the silliness of this movie. It was so funny and stupid that it has become one of my favorite movies.
』
(Funniest Movie I've Ever Seen) 『All three of Sacha Baron Cohen's characters (Ali G, Bruno, and Borat) are works of a genius mind. Borat happens to be the funniest of the three, so we are lucky to have an entire movie based on him here. If you have an uptight sense of humor and are easily offended, you may be turned off to the comedy here, but remember that it's the horrible tastelessness of Borat that makes him funny. And funny he is. Nothing I've ever come across in my years has made me laugh quite like Borat. Literally the funniest movie I've ever seen.』 『Sacha Baron Cohen brings his Kazakh journalist character Borat Sagdiyev to the big screen for the first time. Leaving his native Kazakhstan, Borat travels to America to make a documentary. As he zigzags across the nation, Borat meets real people in real situations with hysterical consequences. His backwards behavior generates strong reactions around him exposing prejudices and hypocrisies in American culture.』 『
It takes a certain kind of comic genius to create a character who is, to quote the classic Sondheim lyric, appealing and appalling. But be forewarned:Boratis not "something for everyone." It arrives as advertised as one of the most outrageous, most offensive, and funniest films in years. Kazakhstan journalist Borat Sagdiyev (Sacha Baron Cohen reprising the popular character from hisDa Ali G Show), leaves his humble village to come to "U.S. and A" to film a documentary. After catching an episode ofBaywatchin his New York hotel room, he impulsively scuttles his plans and, accompanied by his fat,hirsute producer (Hardy to his Laurel), proceeds to California to pursue the object of his obsession, Pamela Anderson.Boratis not about how he finds America; it's about how America finds him in a series of increasingly cringe-worthy scenes. Borat, with his '70s mustache, well-worn grey suit, and outrageously backwards attitudes (especially where Jews are concerned) interacts with a cross-section of the populace, catching them, a la Alan Funt onCandid Camera, in the act of being themselves. Early on, an unwitting humor coach advises Borat about various types of jokes. Borat asks if his brother's retardation is a ripe subject for comedy. The coach patiently replies, "That would not be funny in America." NOT! Borat is subversively, bracingly funny. When it comes to exploring uncharted territory of what is and is not appropriate or politically correct, Borat knows no boundaries, as when he brings a fancy dinner with the southern gentry to a halt after returning from the bathroom with a bag of his feces ("The cultural differences are vast," his hostess graciously/patronizingly offers), or turns cheers to boos at a rodeo when he calls for bloodlust against the Iraqis and mangles "The Star Spangled Banner."
Success, John F. Kennedy once said, has a thousand fathers. A paternity test onBoratmight reveal traces of Bill Dana's Jose Jimenez, Andy Kaufman, Michael Moore,The Jamie Kennedy Xperiment, andJackass. Some scenes seem to have been staged (a game Anderson, whom Borat confronts at a book signing, was reportedly in on the setup), but others, as the growing litany of lawsuits attests, were not. All too real is Borat's encounter with loutish Southern frat boys who reveal their sexism and racism, and the disturbing moment when he asks a gun store owner what gun he would recommend to "kill a Jew" (a Glock automatic is the matter-of-fact reply). Comedy is not pretty, and inBoratit can get downright ugly, as when Borat and his producer get jiggly with it during a nude fight that spills out from their hotel room into the hallway, elevator, lobby and finally, a mortgage brokers association banquet. High-five! --Donald Liebenson
On the DVD "Global Visitings" capturesBorat-mania in all its hype and glory, as Sacha Baron Cohen, never breaking character, promotes his film around the world. On the itinerary isLate Night with Conan O'Brienand the Toronto Film Festival, a now-legendary screening aborted after a projector malfunction. A mixed bag of deleted scenes finds Borat trying to bait more unsuspecting citizens, including an animal-control worker who refuses Borat a dog after he asks, "How do you recommend I cook this?" and a doctor who is nonplussed by Borat's obscene medical history. A supermarket visit offers the most maddening fromage-inspired looniness since Monty Python's "Cheese Shop" sketch. Also good for a few chuckles are a faux soundtrack commercial and aBaywatchparody ("Sexydangerwatch").--Donald Liebenson
Kakaku：246 saved$2.46
Casque Dor Film
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Excellent Film) 『I watched this recently and really thought it was an excellent film. Great story, acting, and one of the best transgender films I have ever seen. But on top of all that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The characters stayed with me long after and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great movie to watch at home!』
(Sincere, Sensitive, Well Done) 『This is a French, made for TV movie about a Transsexual woman who had disappeared on a trip to Africa, where she underwent sex reassignment surgery, only to, a decade later, and mostly by circumstance, become re-introduced to the family she left behind. It is beautiful, moving, cinematography is excellent, production values very meaningful and is frankly, the single best film I have even seen on the topic of Transsexualism. The movie is a sensitive, thoughtful exposition of the many dilemmas of people who have this condition. This film received good notes at a screening for the combined Memberships of The Desert Film Society and Palm Springs Film Society in California, USA.』
(It's gripping, entertaining, stunning and informing!) 『This is an incredible film! A must see! It's an engaging, superbly acted and beautifully filmed story that captures the trials, tribulations and triumphs of love and family in our trans age. The 2004 French film, Another Woman (Une Autre Femme), reveals the struggles, scars and remembering of Nicholas' male to female transition to Lea, a journey accented throughout by shifts in gender and sexual identities as well as moves across class, social, and national borders. Reluctant yet drawn to re-connect, Lea concocts a ruse, disguising herself to re-enter the lives of her supposedly widowed wife and her children. Again, this is a must see! It's gripping, entertaining, stunning and informing. The depth of content is carried by the stellar script, acting and cinematography.』
(Another Woman) 『We programmed this film for Portland's Lesbian&Gay Film Festival in October 2007 because it has everything which we knew the audience would want and what makes it easy for a programmer to choose a film for ANY Film Festival. A great storyline, wonderful deep characters (Natalie Mann as Lea is just awesome), great soundtrack and the success of a sold out screening showed that this movie was right on target and definitely not only for the LGBT Community. Read about the storyline in the editorial review, don't want to repeat here. Additional this DVD includes also a short ENTREVUE by Marie-Pierre Huster which is a gem on its own. You will not regret buying this DVD, you will just regret not have seen it on the big screen!!』
(One of the best films EVER about gender identity) 『I teach film and gender studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, and watched this film to see if I wanted to teach it. Without a doubt, I was just blown away by it! It's so well-crafted: great acting, wonderful music, lovely production values, but most importantly, it is a moving, smart story about characters that you really come to care about and identify with. The film uses all of its multidimensional characters to grapple with the specificity of transgender identity, and the rejection that Lea constantly faces, and it goes on to question the concept of gender, and to wonder just what it is that makes us fulfilled as human beings.
I wholeheartedly recommend Another Woman for everyone. It's warm, thought-provoking, and specific and, yes, universal. Will be teaching it in the spring!』 『This film tells the story of Nicolas, a doctor who left his wife and children to go have a sex change operation. Ten years later, he has become Lea, and has settled in Switzerland where she works for a pharmaceutical company. Sent on a business trip to』
Kakaku：
hirsute producer (Hardy to his Laurel), proceeds to California to pursue the object of his obsession, Pamela Anderson.Boratis not about how he finds America; it's about how America finds him in a series of increasingly cringe-worthy scenes. Borat, with his '70s mustache, well-worn grey suit, and outrageously backwards attitudes (especially where Jews are concerned) interacts with a cross-section of the populace, catching them, a la Alan Funt onCandid Camera, in the act of being themselves. Early on, an unwitting humor coach advises Borat about various types of jokes. Borat asks if his brother's retardation is a ripe subject for comedy. The coach patiently replies, "That would not be funny in America." NOT! Borat is subversively, bracingly funny. When it comes to exploring uncharted territory of what is and is not appropriate or politically correct, Borat knows no boundaries, as when he brings a fancy dinner with the southern gentry to a halt after returning from the bathroom with a bag of his feces ("The cultural differences are vast," his hostess graciously/patronizingly offers), or turns cheers to boos at a rodeo when he calls for bloodlust against the Iraqis and mangles "The Star Spangled Banner."
