Thursday, January 20, 2011

# 7: the Twilight Saga: Eclipse (two-Disc Special Edition)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

282 of 306 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars, best one of the series, June 30, 2010 I have to say I normally don't review movies. I usually try to stick with books (haha hence my name) I also tend not to see movies that were based on books, they are never right ie: Eragon, Blood and Chocolate and yes even the Harry Potters movies were missing tons of sides stories that were in the books. I saw Twilight the day it came out and was both relieved that it was so close to the book, and frustrated because like the book it lacked action. Only the last five minutes had any fighting. The same was true in New Moon, while it followed the book closely it was only the last 10 minutes where Edward fought with the Volturi that were action packed. I have to say I really liked Eclipse. I found that with all of Stepenie Meyer's books (especially Breaking Dawn) there was a huge build up towards the battle scenes, then it just fell apart. Yes it's for a younger age group, but sometimes a little more fighting and action is good. Eclipse delivered good action through out the movie, especially the 'big battle' I found myself wishing that the screen writers would have put this much effort into the first two with the action. David Slade, the director, also did Hard Candy (amazing movie) and 30 Days of Night. I think it was brilliant to bring him in on the project and hope he stays for Breaking Dawn.

I also am glad to say that Kristen Stewert has better facial expressions in this movie. She doesn't look like her face is frozen in only two expressions. Edward also delivers more side comments with good comedic timing. Jacob is hurt in this movie, but the interaction between all three is much less forced and more natural than the first two movies. It is without a doubt the best of the bunch. I won't bog down this review with the plot, because obviously 99% of the people going to Eclipse have read the book at least twice. I can say though that unlike the other two movies, I actually found myself wondering what happens next, and looking forward to how Bella and Edward (and yes Jacob) would react. I'd say if you've been on the fence about the other two movies go see this one, if you hated the first two movies, this one is infinitely better and if you loved the first two movies, I can only say you will love this one even more.

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255 of 287 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Loved Every Minute of a Film They Finally Got Right (And Can't Understand All the Hate), July 7, 2010 This review is from: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Two-Disc Special Edition) (DVD) Prior to going to the theatre, I sat down to watch the first two installments of the Twilight saga; as a habit, I try to re-watch movies whenever a sequel comes out, just to get an idea of how the series progressed and developed. And in all honesty, both contributed to my overall impression and appreciation of Eclipse.

Twilight is a movie I've never really had an opinion on one way or another; it wasn't the greatest movie I've ever seen, but it wasn't a complete train-wreck. Looking back at it now, I have to say that it is very painful to watch. I, personally, found this first installment to be very mediocre and primitive. Everything in it--the corny music, the blue filters, the choppiness, the transition, the plot selection--felt like a crappy teen flick. But the weakest point of this movie was the lead acting, so weak in fact, that it made the story more difficult to watch. The entire time, I could not focus on anything but the fact that Kristen Stewart kept letting her mouth hang open and scoffing/sighing with every line, while a somewhat aggressive Rob Pattinson kept awkwardly twitching and cringing as if he was in pain. There was no buildup to the romance whatsoever, and it left me wondering why Bella and Edward were even a couple. It wasn't until I got the books for Christmas that I read the story and figured out what was supposed to happen.

New Moon was a fair improvement, coming from a director whose work I generally like. The music selection was much better and more appropriate, the graphics a bit more exciting and the color-scheme more natural. Can't say that the transitions from every scene were done well; this movie still felt like it could be more uniform. And I absolutely loved the entire sequence in Voltera, Italy; that depiction alone is reason enough not to discount New Moon's cinematography. But though this movie was well-shot and produced, once again, the lead acting lacked. Rob made a change, which unfortunately went in the other direction, making him too robotic and emotionless. In my mind, I started to question whether he even had any talent or was just a poor actor. It wasn't until I saw Remember Me that I thought that he had any potential. And Kristen, who at least limited her scoffing to only two or three times, did not shed a single tear in any of the key scenes. Thankfully, her acting was balanced out by Taylor Lautner's, who actually gave a great portrayal of Jacob.

The minute I sat down to watch Eclipse, I had high hopes that David Slade would finally give the Twilight series what it needed - some quality - and walking out at the end of the film, I was anything but disappointed. The flow of the movie was very smooth, and I was actually surprised at how fast it was coming to an end. The special effects and fighting scenes were precisely shot, and the snow-capped mountainside was breathtaking. I am not a Twi-hard, teenager, housewife or part of whatever other stereotype is used to describe people who like this series, but I absolutely loved this movie from beginning to end. In fact, for the first time, I felt like I was watching a re-make of the series with new actors and overall better cinematography.

My biggest surprise was the acting. For the first time, Rob actually nailed Edward's personality and depicted him as he was meant to be--sensitive, caring, loving, witty, protective, etc. Every scene he did, whether angry or laid back, was spot-on and believable, all creepiness and awkwardness aside. FINALLY! And Kristen, though still not at her best, actually smiled and laughed and was fun as opposed to depressed and introverted. This improvement from both of them made all the intimate scenes feel more natural and the romance more believable. All the actors, in fact, especially Jackson Rathborne and Nikki Reed, really stepped up to the plate and played their characters well.

Although no movie will ever give a faithful adaptation of any book, Eclipse got pretty close. And though there were certain liberties taken with the plot, which I remembered well, they did not detract from the key ideas. Overall, the movie hit on all the aspects of Bella's feelings/decisions about love, family, marriage and human life through different interactions with all the characters. Even if I hadn't read the book, I felt like as a viewer, I had enough information to understand her struggle and ultimate choice.

I know that there is always a negative for every positive, so there are plenty of haters of this film. But despite the complaints about the substance/content of the story (which should be attributed to the novelist, not the director), I feel it's unfair to deny that this is more mature, professionally made film that actually breathed some life into what could have otherwise been a cheesy, teen flick.

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75 of 88 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Eclipse, July 4, 2010 This review is from: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (Two-Disc Special Edition) (DVD) After the breakup and so much time apart in New Moon, it is endearing to see Edward back at Bella's side where he belongs. Bella seems much more relaxed this time, Charlie does a great job playing the dad who doesn't quite like his daughter's choice of a boyfriend, and there is a nice scene from Florida with Bella and her mom.

The entire Cullen clan get more screen time, and although I love each and every one of them, I have to say Rosalie was especially striking this time, and Jasper was absolutely perfect in his role, with his slight southern accent, and exceptional fighting abilities. They also take us back in time detailing how these two became vampires.

If Jacob is the one you love then you will feel a little sorry for him, as he is having a tough time both mentally and physically, but the rest of the wolf pack are in good shape and ready for the big fight. They also include a really interesting scene of the Quileute history.

Most everything from the book that should have been included, has been, including the very important tent scene, which is my personal favorite ( I just love the conversation between Edward and Jacob.) Then finally we get to the action with the Cullen's and Quileutes coming together to take care of Victoria and those nasty newborn's.

I can't think of a thing I didn't like in this film, and I will definitely be buying the DVD when it is available.

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LeapFrog: Learning DVD Set

LeapFrog: Learning DVD SetIncludes 3 LeapFrog DVDs and set of 26 flash cards!

Let's Go to School?: School starts tomorrow, and Tad and Lily are nervous! Join Tad, Lily and their magical firefly Edison as he gives them a tour of the classroom and shows them that the classroom is more nervous than they are! As the twins reassure the blocks, globe, clock and more talking "teachers,” they learn key lessons about phonics, counting, days of the week and animals. (AGES 3-6)

Letter Factory?: LeapFrog characters spring to life in this engaging and educational video. Popular LeapFrog characters, Leap, Lily and Tad go on a wild adventure to the Letter Factory. Led by wacky Professor Quigley, Tad joins Js jumping on trampolines and Ks practicing karate kicks as new letters learn their sounds. Fun songs will have kids singing letter sounds in no time. Includes 26 flash cards to help teach letters and their sounds through colorful graphics inspired by Letter Factory. Flash cards also feature fun, parent-child letter activities! (AGES 2-5)

Talking Words Factory?: Leap, Lily and Tad journey to the word factory where the Word Whammer, Sticky-Ick-O-Rama and more amazing machines take letters and make them into words. Humorous rhyming songs and an out-of-control word machine add to the fun. (AGES 3-6)

Price: $29.98


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Beauty and the Beast (Two-Disc Diamond Edition)

Beauty and the Beast (Two-Disc Diamond Edition)This "tale as old as time" follows the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself imprisoned in the castle of a mysterious beast. With the assistance of the castle's enchanted staff, a delightful and tender romance develops between these two unlikely friends and Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all — that true beauty comes from within.

Price: $29.99


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The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

The Best Little Whorehouse in TexasTexas madam miss mona and her sheriff boyfriend try to save her chicken ranch from a tv muckraker. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 09/07/2010 Starring: Randy Bennett Theresa Merritt Run time: 114 minutes Rating: R Director: Colin Higgins

Price: $14.98


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TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Romantic Comedies (Adam's Rib / Woman of the Year / The Philadelphia Story / Bringing Up Baby)

TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Romantic Comedies (Adam's Rib / Woman of the Year / The Philadelphia Story / Bringing Up Baby)THE PHILADELPHIA STORY Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Best Actor Academy Award winner James Stewart star in the tale of a faultfinding, bride-to-be socialite who gets her come-uppance. George Cukor directs this screen pinnacle of sophisticated romantic comedy. BRINGING UP BABY When scatterbrained heiress Katharine Hepburn meets mild-mannered museum curator Cary Grant, the results are riotous. Howard Hawks directs a giddy romp thats been hailed as the most glorious laughter-inducing movie ever! ADAMS RIB Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn play a married prosecutor and defense attorney assigned to the same sensational attempted-murder trial in this clever courtroom battle of the sexes. Judy Holliday co-stars and George Cukor directs. WOMAN OF THE YEAR Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn show what chemistry is all about as George Stevens directs this witty Oscar winner about the bumpy romance of a meat-and-potatoes sportswriter and a world-renowned political pundit.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

# 8: a-team (+ digital copy) [Blu-Ray]

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 56 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Review of the movie before blu-ray release., August 11, 2010 The A-Team is what movies used to be and should be now: fun. We used to herald the mindless summer blockbuster back when the explosions were fire and not CG, when Bruce Willis was all you needed to make a movie great, and an excellent plot was something you only expected to find in dramas filled with stuffy British accents. Yes, the majority of film has always sucked but we didn't care because we weren't paying $12.50 to see what's being shuffled down our throats today. As indie film has taken over the mutliplexs, the only escape we have to someplace fun is through stuff with Shia Lebouf in it. Disgrace, I tell you! But not all is lost. We have people like Joe Carnahan who still know how to make a night at the movies a blast.

Now, the critics panned this movie because it's short on plot and way too loud. Dude, it's based on The A-Team. The A-Team was a show about fast and violent missions with Mr. T preferring not to fly and Hannibal loving when a plan comes together. You didn't watch The A-Team for MASH, you watched it because it was cool. And that's exactly what this movie is. Cool. It's a thrill ride from the very beginning to the very end and not a lot of movies can deliver on that promise. Some twists are predictable and you're satisfied when you see it coming. Some are not and you're satisfied because you're surprised. I don't want to spoil anything about the story but the basic plot is all you really need. This movie is a video game in that you first get the reason to want to shoot things and then all you want to know next is where to get the ammo. It's loud and shaky, as is the trend with today's action movies, but not obnoxious like that other "we were framed and now we're super mad about it. As a team because camaraderie is important" movie, The Losers. Plus Sharlto Copley and Liam Neeson are fine, fine actors and you can't go wrong with 'em.

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64 of 77 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars "I LOVE IT When A Plan Comes Together!", June 21, 2010 The movie begins in Mexico, where Hannibal Smith (Liam Neeson taking the part of George Peppard) is about to get a bullet in the head for bribing (obviously) the wrong cop. B.A. Baracus (Quinton Jackson taking the part of Mr. T., complete with "PITY" and "FOOL" on his knuckles) is down the road a piece, fighting a bunch of dirtbags over his van. Face (Bradley Cooper, taking the place of Dirk Benedict) is still the ladies' man. As a matter of fact, he is wedged into several truck tires while some woman's husband is beating him in the face for boinking his wife. Hannibal and BA arrive just in time to save Face from becoming toast. Crazy-as-a-bed-bug Murdock is discovered in a hospital while they are getting BA stitched up. All 4 guys are former Rangers so they bond big time.

Murdock is still an unmatched pilot. BA still has to be medicated to fly. Hannibal still chomps a cigar. And Face is still Face. Right after they cross the border back into the USA, they get involved in trying to acquire some $100 counterfeit plates, being moved by Saddam loyalists from Bagdad, and, oh yeah, over $1 billion in cold phony bills.

Much of this 2010 movie is filmed in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. It's about 2 hours of action and comedy. Steven Cannell is involved in the production, as with the popular series from the "old" days. They kept the integrity of the oh-so-popular series with lots of action and lots of comedy. There are tons of neat stunts, although some may be pretty close to impossible. But what the heck--that's what makes a movie like this fun! We have chopper and airplane stunt flying, action on a container ship, and the strategizing of perfectly timed plans, among other adventures the boys have.

I absolutely loved the movie and will most definitely watch it again. FYI, I do NOT remember any "F" type language, which is rare today--just lots of action and blow-em-up stuff.

I LOVE IT when a movie comes together!

Immediately after the credits, you will see a short cameo appearance of the former Face, Dirk Benedict. (My son met him when he was about 3 years old and will always remember how nice Dirk was to him.)

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29 of 33 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars What a wild ride...., December 17, 2010 I was hesitant to watch this because I was afraid it was going to be campy....like a very sad "Dukes Of Hazard" movie tribute to the eighties series...well let me tell you I couldn't have been more wrong..."The A-Team" movie was nothing short of a wild ride with JATO rockets strapped on for good measure. Never a dull moment...and Jessica Biel well what can I say...shes the kind of woman that makes you stammer seeing a picture of her shes that hot...but I digress...If I were you, and I was, I would spend the 2 hours and 4 bucks, which I did, for a truly entertaining evening, and it was, with great acting off the charts completely ridiculous action sequences and a Plan that truly came together...

As a note...for a previous reviewer...don't be a schmuck and give a bad review to a movie because the service providing it failed...what are you 12...suck it up there Happy Feet....grab your sippy cup and get yourself a kool-aid refill you'll feel much better...and next time perhaps you could try customer support with the rest of the adults and not throw a tantrum cuz sissy took your rattle...

to everyone else sorry for the rant

I have never reviewed a movie before "The A-Team" but this movie was not only great it more then exceeded my expectations...motivating me to take the extra time to not only review the movie but also chastise a tool for misrepresenting it...

See the movie you won't be disappointed.

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Excalibur [Blu-ray]

Excalibur [Blu-ray]This lush retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table is a dark and engrossing tale. Director John Boorman (Deliverance) masterfully handles the tale of the mythical sword Excalibur, and its passing from the wizard Merlin to the future king of England. Arthur pulls the famed sword from a stone and is destined to be crowned king. As the king embarks on a passionate love affair with Guenevere, an illegitimate son, and Merlin's designs on power, threaten Arthur's reign. The film is visually stunning and unflinching in its scenes of combat and black magic. Featuring an impressive supporting cast, including early work from the likes of Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne, Excalibur is an adaptation of the legend both faithful and bold. --Robert Lane

Price: $19.98


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