The Pursuit of Happyness (Full Screen Edition)

Amazon.com

A heartwarming film that demonstrates how good, hard-working people can become homeless almost overnight, Pursuit of Happyness is a tour-de-force showcase for Will Smith, who convincingly portrays a down-and-out dad trying to better his family's life. Smith, who usually is cast in effortlessly boyish roles (Men in Black, Independence Day), is wonderful in the film--even in the scenes that shamelessly tug at viewers' heartstrings. Based on the true-life story of Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman forced at times to shelter his young son (played by Smith's adorable look-alike offspring Jaden Smith) in a men's room, there is little suspense to the film in terms of Chris' outcome. (His story and eventual success a successful and wealthy Chicago businessman was well-publicized on the newsmagazine show 20/20.) And let's face it, Hollywood's not too keen on making feel-good movies with unhappy endings. The beauty (and suspense, to a certain extent) of this film is in the way the story is told. Though he is constantly rushing around to get to appointments and pick up his child, things do not happen quickly for Chris. When he accepts an internship with a prestigious stock brokerage firm, there's a catch: The position is unpaid, suitable more for trust-fund children than single parents with no other source of income. In many scenes, the viewer panics along with Chris, wondering how he's going to feed his child. While Smith and his son, Jaden, share many tender moments together, Thandie Newton has the thankless role of playing Chris' shrill wife, who deserts her family early in the film. It's not a particularly challenging part for the talented actress, and her departure doesn't impact the storyline much at all. As for the movie's misspelled title, it's inspired from a scene in the film. (Seeing a mural drawn by the children at a daycare center, Chris points out to the proprietor that "happiness" is spelled incorrectly. She notes that it doesn't matter how the word is written--just that the kids have it.) With Pursuit of Happyness, Smith has come out of his safety zone and, in turn, ends up playing his most heroic role to date. --Jae-Ha Kim

Amazon.com

Will Smith stars in the inspirational true story of Chris Gardner, a San Francisco salesman who's struggling to make ends meet. When his girlfriend Linda (Thandie Newton) walks out, Chris is left to raise their 5-year-old son Christopher (Jaden Smith) on his own. Chris' determination finally pays off when he lands an unpaid internship in a brutally competitive stockbroker-training program, where only one in twenty interns will make the cut. But without a salary, Chris and his son are evicted from their apartment and are forced to sleep on the street, in homeless shelters and even behind the locked doors of a metro station bathroom. With self- confidence and the love and trust of his son, Chris Gardner rises above his obstacles to become a Wall Street legend.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding TRUE Story.......2007-09-16

The person the movie is about was talked about in the investment world long before the movie was released; however, I had no CLUE as to the depth of hardship he had to overcome to get where he is at today. You definitely feel for the guy. This movie will make you angry. It will make you sad. It will make you cheer. You will wonder how you would have done given the same set of circumstances. I only want to see it once because of the grief suffered, but I do want my kids to see it when they are old enough to understand to help motivate them.

JUST ANOTHER REASON WILL SMITH IS AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME!!.......2007-09-08

this film was a reflection of a man's dilemmas in real life. will smith, the wonderful actor that he is, really captured this mans tragedy, his suffering, his will to fight, to achieve what others thought impossible. he gave you that feeling that almost anything can be done. will smith is brilliant, the man is an A+. he put such feeling and emotions into the film that you really felt for him. and his son jaden might just take after his father. nice job. overall this movie was nicely done. there was a lesson to be learned, a life to portray, and so many things to deal with. basically how the average person is living. paycheck to paycheck all the same worries, the rent, the bills, and having to struggle. he was the man and he had to do something. he had to fix the problem, and although it took risk, fight, and everything he had, along side his son he made it happen. it wasn't easy, but nothing ever is that's worth fighting for. great movie, no doubt.

Valid, Poignant, Unforgettable. .......2007-09-03

I wasn't a big Will Smith fan before seeing The Pursuit of Happyness but now I am. Here he gives an incredible performance as the quintessential good man who struggles to survive against random events which nearly overwhelm him (and would probably overwhelm anyone else). I just got done making a point about the movie Apocalypto which I will also make here. Movies like these fully reveal how silly we are to spend so much time obsessed with race, sex, and class in our society because no matter what your persuasion or ethnicity is most of us can easily relate intimately to those who differ from us when the circumstances necessitate it. In this film we cheer for Smith to succeed with all of our might. Our desire to see him make it is all-consuming.

All of us, no matter what we look like, can relate to the character of Chris Gardner. The first hour of the film is almost painful to watch as we see a bright, capable, assertive man get beaten down by the vagaries of life. They called him "Ten Gallon Head" in high school because of how smart he was but most of the film is a testament to man's impotence and limitations when confronted with forces he cannot control. His intelligence does not even seem to matter. Gardner seems to "run bad" for 95 percent of the movie.

Yet, his character and belief in himself are pervasively on display. He is a role model to everyone. Despite the disasters that keep punching him in the gut he refuses to quit. He refuses to accept defeat. He fights until...well, see the film. I bet you'll love the ending as much as I did. Yes, it is a tear-jerker but I was quite taken with The Pursuit of Happyness.

Capturing A Wider "Reflection" Could Never Be Done Better.......2007-09-03

The execution of the main role by Mr. Will Smith is beyond words, and it is hereby hoped that those who watch it
will appreciate the content of the movie as it is a true (albeit small part) reflection of the plight of the
"Brother" who has managed to survive "caving in" to the imposed eurocentric (mentally and physically draining)
pressures of survival that he finds constantly burdened on him as none of us were really given a choice to be born
into this world.

It must have taken a lot out of Mr. Will Smith to be able to embed himself into the shoes of the main character and
be able to produce realistic "acting" as good as he was able to just as Mr. Denzil Washington was able to do in the
recap of brother Malcolm X (RIPP).

Like I said, for those brothers who have escaped being dragged under by the system this is part of our collective
story of survival in a world and system we neither asked to be born into nor participated in its creation or
maintenance.

Needless to state, initially I thought the recap by Mr. Smith of Brother Mohammed Ali was good, but he has once again shown he can step into the shoes of the wider (voiceless) community at large which is much appreciated....all I can say Mr. Smith is ThanXs!

Idris Aduwa

killer scenes.......2007-08-31

I am not a weepy type, but the father-son connection in the midst of desperate circumstances drove me to tears a couple of times in this film. It's an amazing true story, which makes me like it even more.

Average customer rating:

Great movie
Miracle
Miracle
This movie will get your heart rate going
Like being there again...

Miracle (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Kurt Russell , Patricia Clarkson , Noah Emmerich , Sean McCann , and Kenneth Welsh
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
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ASIN: B0001US66E
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Amazon.com

The miracle about Miracle is that it gets so many details right in telling its 24-year-old story about the historic victory of the U.S. hockey team at the 1980 Olympic Games. It's typical for Hollywood to compromise such period details as hairstyles and fashion when catering to a contemporary audience, but Miracle looks and feels right in every detail, capturing the downbeat mood of post-Watergate America while showing how obsessively determined Minnesota hockey coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) managed to assemble a once-in-a-lifetime team and whip them into a victorious frenzy over their Soviet champion opponents. With sharp support from Patricia Clarkson (as Brooks's wife) and Noah Emmerich (as his long-suffering assistant), Russell grounds the film with a well-balanced combination of aloofness, intimidation, and closely guarded strategy. No doubt the real Brooks (who died in a car accident shortly after filming completed) would have approved. Thanks to director Gavin O'Connor (Tumbleweeds) and the producers of the similarly laudable sports films Remember the Titans and The Rookie, Miracle brings plenty of heart--and historical accuracy--to an old, familiar formula. --Jeff Shannon

Description

From the studio that brought you THE ROOKIE and REMEMBER THE TITANS comes the movie everybody loves -- MIRACLE. Filled with exhilarating nonstop hockey action and heart-racing suspense, it's the inspiring true story behind one of the greatest moments in sports history — the 1980 United States ice hockey team's triumphant Olympic victory against the Soviet Union. Kurt Russell gives a brilliant performance as the dynamic and determined coach Herb Brooks, who had an impossible dream -- beat the seemingly unbeatable Soviets at their own game. Starting with a handpicked group of 26 undisciplined kids, Brooks coached them to play like they never played before, and turned 20 of them into a team that believed they could achieve the unachievable -- and in the process, united a nation with a new feeling of hope.

Customer Reviews:

Great movie.......2007-09-07

My son has started to play ice hockey. In the past three years he has become obsessed with the sport. I remember wanting to see this movie when it came out because I was in high school when the US team won the gold medal. I never did see it when it was in the theaters. I bought this DVD as a gift for my son. What a great story. Well told and well acted.

Miracle.......2007-08-09

One of the best hockey movies. A must to have, and watch over and over.

Miracle.......2007-07-23

Despite our knowing the outcome, "Miracle" keeps us riveted right up to the final buzzer, revisiting a glorious moment in the storied history of the Olympics without resorting to all the familiar underdog-team clichés. Russell, assured in his role as Brooks, is ably supported by Patricia Clarkson, as his wise, supportive wife, Patty; Noah Emmerich as assistant coach Craig Patrick; and Eddie Cahill as team leader and goalie Jim Craig. Full of humanity and fun period detail (just check out Kurt's haircut and wardrobe!), "Miracle" scores as a first-rate family film.

This movie will get your heart rate going.......2007-07-23

I was 16 when this event happened and for some reason, I don't remember it. I saw the documentary "Do You Believe In Miracles" on HBO about three months ago, was totally in awe at this huge historical event, and to find out it was voted the sports event of the millennium in 2000 over incredible events such as Jack Dempsey, Joe Lewis, Seabuscuit, Secretariat, Walter Hagan, Joe Namath, Tiger Woods, Nadia Comaneci, Mary Lou Retton, MaEnroe, Billie Jean, Arther Ashe...and well.. it goes on and on, although I tend to agree with the other review before mine where sports is more commercially owned these days and more of a let down with it's drug use.

This movie depicts plays and events SOOO accurately you could have matched movie to documentary on tv's side by side and not seen much difference even where the players were on the ice!
The team for the movie was made up of real hockey players from the NHL, Canadian and Russian hockey teams.. only a couple were real actors, but ALL did superb in their portrayal of the player he was acting out.

If you are like me and didn't know of this most incredible event in American Olympic history (HOW did I MISS it??) I would highly recommend getting the documentary and the movie and soak in what it must have felt like.. you will leave this movie thinking "Wow.. maybe I can"...
A must see.

Like being there again..........2007-07-16

I was twelve years old when this event happened, sitting in a bedroom with my brothers and some friends, going absolutely crazy when they won the game. I wasn't aware of the larger implications, of the events in history that had been transpiring nor even the meaning of the Olympic games. I knew the Russians to be the bad guys, that was about it. Obviously I somehow knew there was something larger at stake because even my mother was surprised at how nuts we went when they won.

I hesitated to watch this film for a long time due, sadly, to the Disney attached to the film. I was afraid of it being given a gloss. Happily, this was not the case, as many reviewers here will attest to its accuracy and attention to detail.

The opening segue giving a quick and poignant synopsis of events that had been transpiring throughout that decade, with a few significant moments captured at various points throughout the film, grounds it in the history of which I was, at twelve years old, unaware.

Kurt Russell is incredible as the coach but it is the seasoned hockey players who were chosen to act in the film that really give this film its feel. Relive that moment or experience it for the first time, I highly recommend this film, especially in a day and age where the idea of sports has dissipated into big business. This was perhaps one of the last moments in sports history where there was something pure in the game.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful, Wonderful European TV

Jazz Icons: Dave Brubeck
Starring: Dave Brubeck
Manufacturer: Jazz Icons
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000TNJIJC
Release Date: 2007-09-04

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, Wonderful European TV.......2007-09-10

First of all, the music - this is really excellent playing by the "Classic Quartet" of Brubeck, Desmond, Gene Wright and Joe Morello. They were at the top of their game as a group at this time and obviously enjoying themselves and the ways they could think up to interact creatively on admittedly familiar material. Brubeck is often under-rated as a pianist, but he is fascinating here, bold and percussive on one tune, delicate on others. Also frequently under-valued is Morello, but he could swing in all meters and contributes some excellent solo work.

A special treat is the video quality. Anyone who owns any of the first set of Jazz Icons DVDs will expect the clarity of late Fifties through 1970 European TV. After all, their technology was a decade "behind" ours; in other words, newer and better. What's great about these two concerts (especially the first) is the manner in which the cameras are used. In particular, the studio camera-persons and director in Belgium are every bit as artful as Gjon Mili was in his work with Norman Granz' cats in the 1940s. The German concert has a live audience and more straight-forward camera angles, but only pales by comparison with the first concert - it's still clear, often imaginative work.

Highly recommended, especially if you are NOT necessarily a big Brubeck Quartet fan. You'll likely convert.

Average customer rating:

Great movie
Miracle
Miracle
This movie will get your heart rate going
Like being there again...

Miracle (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Kurt Russell , Patricia Clarkson , Noah Emmerich , Sean McCann , and Kenneth Welsh
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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Product Features:

Classic DVD
Exclusive interviews, highlights, and behind the scenes coverage
DVD's main menu allow you to jump directly to the action
Presented in full-screen digital video

ASIN: B0001US66Y
Release Date: 2004-05-18

Product Description

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Great movie.......2007-09-07

Miracle.......2007-08-09

One of the best hockey movies. A must to have, and watch over and over.

Miracle.......2007-07-23

This movie will get your heart rate going.......2007-07-23

Like being there again..........2007-07-16

101 Dalmatians II - Patch's London Adventure

Average customer rating:

Awesome! Perhaps better than the original!!
Much Better than expected
StoryMaker's 101 Dalmatians 2 review
A Good Movie
Great sequel.

101 Dalmatians II - Patch's London Adventure
Starring: Barry Bostwick , Jason Alexander , Martin Short , Bobby Lockwood , and Susan Blakeslee
Director: Jim Kammerud , and Brian Smith (XV)
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000764FF
Release Date: 2003-01-21

Amazon.com

Patch, the TV-obsessed pup of the 1961 animated original, becomes a star in this sequel when he sneaks off to audition for his favorite show, Thunderbolt. Meanwhile, the ego-driven canine star (voiced by Spin City's Barry Bostwick) learns that his character is about to be killed off. His solution? Be a real-life hero. Patch, with his encyclopedic knowledge of Thunderbolt episodes, prowls the streets of London with his idol, making disastrous attempts to rescue unsuspecting citizens. Cruella De Vil returns, on probation for her earlier misdeeds, but still determined to steal the puppies. She springs old cohorts Horace and Jasper from jail and adds artist Lars (Martin Short) to her arsenal. What results is a blend of the animated original's coziness with the live-action version's slapstick, wrapped up with a high-minded ending in which Patch teaches his hero what it means to be genuinely heroic. (Ages 3 and older) --Kimberly Heinrichs

Customer Reviews:

Awesome! Perhaps better than the original!!.......2006-01-11

Wow! Never thought I'd see a Disney sequel that I enjoyed more than the original! After seeing all the garbage that followed the real classics like "The Rescuers Down Under", "Cinderella II: Dreams Come True" or "The Return of Jafar", it's surprising to come across this jewel among Disney sequels!

It features a unique and inovative plot, something rare in a sequel, but what impressed me the most was that it seemed that the film makers tried hard this time, by making the film seem like the original, with the rough-drawn backgrounds and rough animation. It was an attempt to make a decent and likeable follow up without trying to copy the whole thing (Not like "the Rescuers II" in which not only they tried to turn the whole original into a comedy, but also completely ripped-off the original's storyline, that wasn't the case here.)

So, if you enjoyed 101 Dalmatians, you'll probably enjoy this one just as much, I enjoyed it even more!

Much Better than expected.......2005-07-24

I expected this movie to be a lame sequel, since I really hadn't heard anything about it. But I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it made me nostalgic about the original which was my favorite movie growing up. I really felt for Patch, who had to deal with being not one of a kind as he liked, but 1 of 101, which is clearly intense competition. He gets himself seperated from the rest of his family and into cahoots with Thunderbird, the "wonder-dog" from his favorite TV show. They both have to find the true hero within and once again save the puppies from the clutches of madwoman Cruella Devil. The original characters all come back, from Pongo and Perdita, Roger and Anita, Cruella and her goons, the feisty nanny and of course the puppies. The new characters blend in perfectly; Lars the artist who paints spots and is quickly discovered by Cruella, and the dogs from the Thunderbird show. The animation was done in a similar fashion as the original, which made it seem more closely linked. In general an enjoyable movie and a stronger urge to own a dalmatian myself. :)

StoryMaker's 101 Dalmatians 2 review.......2005-07-18

NOTE: We watched the VHS, not the DVD, but I couldn't find the VHS version on Amazon.com. ANYWAYS: 101 Dalmatians 2 is nice, but not as good as original movie. We do not own Patch's London Adventure, but we sometimes borrow from friends. The plot: Patch wants to be 1-of-a-kind, not 1-of-a-101, just like his TV hero, Thunderbolt, who has a sidekick: Little Lightning. The rest of the family moves, but Patch goes with Thunderbolt. Cruella De Vil has her same idea. Why knocking off 2 stars? Lighning turns jelous, and ends up a bad guy. It's the Thunderbolt-loving female dogs fault, admiring Thunderbolt and rudley saying "We don't mean YOU!" to Lightning. And, there is a mistake I noticed by reading another review: Pongo counts 101 puppies, but Pongo and Perdy are one of the 101. They should say 99. Signed, StoryMaker. "Gotta trust the kid's review!"

A Good Movie.......2005-05-24

I really like this movie even though it's not like the original. I think that's a good thing because we get to see what actually happened after the couple bought their "Dalmatian Plantation." Even though it's a good movie, I don't think that it's as good as the original movie.

Great sequel........2005-03-08

I like this particular Disney sequel a lot--and that's not a commonly stated thing. Lars and Little Lightning are easily two of the best newer Disney characters. And the entire film is well-made and enjoyable. However, my one issue with the movie is that Lightning the pembroke corgi is made out, just a little bit, to be a sort of 'bad guy.' He isn't in the least. He didn't start out as a treacherous little dog looking to outshine the 'hero,' Thunderbolt. Au contraire, he spent a lot of time just trying to make the best of being in that ham's shadow. Lightning was a great dog, from the beginning and through to the end. Is it any wonder that at one point he would try to take the TV show for himself? After being treated as an underdog, a mere sidekick, receiving no attention, having to watch the girls swoon over Thunderbolt and shun him? Hardly. Yet this means the movie is successful in creating a character inspiring sympathy. So bravo, Disney; if you could turn out a few more sequels on this level it would be a whole lot nicer!

Average customer rating:

Cute and worth watching, just don't expect too much
Great movie.
CLOSE THE BOOK NOW PLEASE
Cute puppies. 16th april 2004.
This is a horible movie

102 Dalmatians (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Glenn Close , Gérard Depardieu , Ioan Gruffudd , Alice Evans , and Tim McInnerny
Director: Kevin Lima
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000059TCD
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Amazon.com

Don't be fooled by the title. Rather than 102, there are 4 reasons to like this sequel to the successful live-action remake of Disney's animated classic. There are the 101 spotted pooches, Glenn Close back in fine form as Cruella De Vil, Oddball--the spotless dalmation pup--and Waddlesworth, a parrot who thinks he's a rottweiler (and is voiced by Monty Python's Eric Idle). There are just as many reasons to be disappointed. Like most sequels, the story line is virtually a rewrite of the first, the secondary casting isn't as interesting, the dialogue merely serves to move the plot along, and the third act substitutes mean-spiritedness for comedy. After a period of rehabilitation, Cruella has returned to her old tricks. Once again, she simply must have a spotted coat and will go to any lengths to get ahold of the 102 dalmatians needed to make one with a hood. She sets her sights on the pups owned by her probation officer, Chloe (Alice Evans), and the owner of a local animal shelter, Kevin (Ioan Gruffudd of Horatio Hornblower). Her servant, Alonso (Tim McInnerny), and flamboyant furrier Monsieur Le Pelt (Gerard Depardieu, in one ridiculous outfit after another) are drafted to aid in her quest. It should come as no surprise that Chloe and Kevin fall in love, Oddball helps to save the day, and Cruella is defeated. Children should enjoy the animal high jinks, but adults are less likely to be enamored by this perfectly competent, but relatively charmless affair. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Description

Get ready for outrageous fun in Disney's 102 DALMATIANS. It's a brand-new hilarious adventure, starring the audacious Oddball, the spotless Dalmatian puppy on a search for her rightful spots, and Waddlesworth, the wisecracking, delusional macaw who thinks he's a Rottweiler. Barking mad, this unlikely duo leads a posse of puppies on a mission to outfox the wildly wicked, ever-scheming Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close). Filled with chases, close calls, hilarious antics, and thrilling escapes all the way from London through the streets of Paris -- and a Parisian bakery -- this adventure-packed tale is wacky good fun your entire family will want to howl over again and again.

Customer Reviews:

Cute and worth watching, just don't expect too much.......2005-08-05

I didn't expect to like this movie, but it turned out to be entertaining and kind of cute, a solid 3 star offering - and it's definitely just right for the kids. Adults will find the plot transparently obvious and standardly Disney-predictable, but then it *is* supposed to be a kids' movie! If nothing else, grownups, get it to watch the usually serious Ioan Gruffudd (Horatio Hornblower and Fantastic Four) play tug-of-war with his dogs and get made fun of by his parrot, who was voiced by the incomparable Eric Idle.

Great movie........2005-06-10

My Grandma gave this movie to me and I really wanted to see it. I watched it and it was great. Cruella just gets released from jail and she tries to be nice because she dosen't want to go to jail again. Eventually she becomes mean and tries to kills the puppies once again. They end up at a cake factory and they cook Cruella. I enjoyed watching this movie. I think anyone should get it. A great film!

CLOSE THE BOOK NOW PLEASE.......2005-03-26

101 DALMATIANS, the original animated film, is one of my favorites from childhood that I still relish as an adult now. It had charm, wit, marvelous voicing and the indomitable Cruella DeVil. The live action feature which preceded this sequel was okay, thanks mainly to the dynamically overblown and convincing Glenn Close in the role of Cruella. This sequel to that live action version is mindless entertainment, with a few clever and cute scenes, but it is basically a rehash of the original plot, with again Ms. Close obviously having a jolly good time going bonkers on screen. Gerard Depardieu was embarrassing to watch as Le Pelt, and the human leads (Alice Evans, Ioan Grufford) are too cardboard to care about. Tim McInnerny as Cruella's manservant was very enjoyable in his role, and even though the macaw finally got too cutesy, he was fun for a while. Close's costumes and hairdos were splendid fun, and it is to her credit that this movie is as fun as it is, it should've been a bomb, but Close keeps it afloat.

Cute puppies. 16th april 2004........2004-04-16

I have never really seen the first propally, but i could imagine the second been that bit better. Great for anyone, really cute doggies, and ther are 102 of them on a adventure near to the end.

This is a horible movie.......2004-02-13

I thought it would be a delightful flick with cute pupies running away from a nasty lady but it's not that way. old tired jokes get used agan agan and agan. BOTTOM LINE: it stinks

Average customer rating:

Reynolds at his gum-smacking, wise-cracking, laugh-cackling best!
Reynolds + Vincent = cinematic masterpiece
Raises Important Issues
Memories
What kind of convention? A convention of a-holes?

Hooper
Starring: Burt Reynolds , Jan-Michael Vincent , Sally Field , Brian Keith , and John Marley
Director: Hal Needham
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 630516200X
Release Date: 1998-11-10

Amazon.com

The clarity of hindsight has turned Burt Reynolds's heyday in the 1970s into a time capsule of good ol' boy lunacy, and his movies remain as vital to that decade as disco and Watergate. Hooper represents the tail end of Reynolds's popularity, the last gasp before Reynolds moved on to forgettable romantic comedies and the sheer desperation of Smokey and the Bandit II and The Cannonball Run. Like those films it's harmless fun, and Hooper--conceived as a tribute to veteran stuntman Buddy Joe Hooker--benefits from the fact that both Reynolds and director Hal Needham were former stuntmen. The movie features three generations of stuntmen played by Brian Keith, Reynolds, and Jan-Michael Vincent, the last as a cocky young stunt-star who urges Reynolds to perform his greatest stunt ever: leaping a rocket-powered car over a wide gorge (a stunt inspired by the real-life exploits of daredevil Evel Knievel). What's fun about no-brainers like Hooper is that Reynolds's brand of macho mischief never really goes out of style. It's dated, but it's always going to find an appreciative audience. --Jeff Shannon

Description

When it comes to life-threatening exploits, they don't get any better than those of professional stuntman Sonny Hooper - until now. Although Sonny's body is feeling the effects of his very long and successful career, the appearance of a charismatic rival on the scene causes him to attempt the most spectacular and dangerous stunt of his career.

Customer Reviews:

Reynolds at his gum-smacking, wise-cracking, laugh-cackling best!.......2007-05-03

Burt Reynolds was bigger than big in the late 1970s and this 1978 Action-Comedy, coming off the success of Smokey & the Bandit the previous year, put Reynolds in the stratosphere after additional 70s hits like: Deliverance, The Longest Yard, Gator & Semi-Tough.

Reynolds plays Sonny Hooper, an aging, but not yet over-the-hill Hollywood stunt man being faced with the challenges of young, upstart Ski Chinski, played by Jan-Michael Vincent. The two play off one another and learn to "play together" and make nice while making life difficult for arrogant movie-director Roger Deal (a brilliantly obnoxious Robert Klein) to perform the worlds biggest car jump... ever!

This is probably Reynolds best role-- better than Bandit-- and Reynolds at his gum-smacking, wise-cracking, laugh-cackling best! Hooper is loaded with famous faces-- Sally Field, Brian Keith, then NFL Quarterback/now Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw, James Best & Adam West.

In addition to a story that still holds together almost 30 years later, are the wild & crazy stunts that precede the movies fantastic final finish.

Reynolds + Vincent = cinematic masterpiece.......2006-12-09

Do you like hijinks, romance, stunts, shenanigans, kooky music and sound effects? Well i dont know about you, but i certainly do. burt reynolds and jean michael vincent star in this cinematic masterpiece. i would honestly have given this movie ocho out 5 stars...the extra three for...awesomeness. however, i am opposed to the excessive drinking and pill popping that occurs in several scenes. neverhteless, it is a good natured family film that even the most novice of film goers will like.

Raises Important Issues .......2006-06-14

While on the surface, this movie may appear to be just another comedy, it raises important issues. Burt Reynolds plays stuntman Sonny Hooper. He is amongst the best in his field, but he is also at the point where age is starting to flash the caution light. Moving on, Reynolds is exposed to the younger stuntman Ski. He naturally feels somewhat threatened. (Nice reality issue. We may occupy the spotlight for awhile, but are we going to listen to the caution light of age when it flashes, and moreso, will we feel resentful when a younger person comes into the picture?) Moving forward, the comedy does continue for awhile, but in the spirit of good writing, serious issues gradually come into play. Trying to prove himself still capable, Burt Reynolds does a a stunt and jumps too high from a helicopter. Soon afterwards, his doctor warns him that all it may take now is a bad hit in the right place and Reynolds could be paralyzed for life. While Burt really doesn't want to hear it, somehow the caution of his doctor does stick in the back of our mind. Reality continues to break the comedy when Sally Fields's father gets a stroke, and Reynolds realizes that none of us are immortal. The most important issue this movie raises is the hypocrisy behind movie making. A not so nice director wants Reynolds to do a stunt that is beyond risky. This is especially scary if we realize that the reason Shakespeare's plays are here to tell the tale 500 years later is because the words and the actors were powerful enough to tell the story. More often than not, action movies are here today and gone tomorrow. The real crux of this movie is that Hollywood doesn't know where to draw the line where stunts are concerned. Furthermore, even when confronted with the issue, they don't seem to understand that: "No film is worth a man's life." Burt's finest moment is perhaps when certain powers feel the younger stuntman Ski can do the absurdly dangerous stunt, and Burt has to explain that they don't understand the stunt they are asking for, and that two people are required to do it. For the record, Harrison Ford was seriously injured in "Temple of Doom" when he threw someone off his back. So while "Hooper" starts easy going and offers generous amounts of comedy, it gradually gets more serious and raises issues that are worth thinking about. Most of us probably already know James Best as Sheriff Roscoe on "Dukes of Hazzard." But in this movie he shows another side of himself as Burt Reynolds's friend, and the voice of caution. Burt Reynolds will probably be most remembered as the Bandit, but this movie "Hooper" is really worth looking at. (SIDE NOTE: Burt Reynolds also deserves thanks for helping the type cast Adam West get a small role in this film.)

Memories.......2005-12-23

The Amazon intro for "Hooper" states that 'the Burt Reynolds macho-comedies were vital to the same decade that had Watergate and disco.' Wow. And I thought they were supposed to be supportive of the film.

Reynolds remains a nystery, apparently able to do excellent work when he's willing (Deliverance; Sharkey's Machine) and like a James Patterson novel in Patterson's second decade, just mail it in the rest of the time.

Hooper is the first movie I took my son to when he was 5 or 6. He's now an airline pilot but that movie remained a point of comedic reference for us then and now.

Sally Fields (how did she get into those shorts?), Brian Keith (Dad again) round out the cast of the (not) plot driven aging gunfighter and the new kid. No, that's not it. It's the old QBack and the new rookie . . . no. Oh yeah, it's the crafty veteran stuntman and the new stupid but also senseless one on the rise, ably played by Jan Michael Vincent. Mr. Vincent who actually acted in a couple of movies, The Mechanic being one but was never briefed on the things that really irritate the fanbase so much they stop seeing your movies and opt for Roseanne Barr reruns, to wit: don't do a lot of drugs and beat girls up in public. Bad form.

Funny movie. Not very. The beginning and the end of the thespian skills of my favorite QBack, Terry Bradshaw, who actually sported a better toupee than Mr.Reynolds. I gave it 4 stars because it was a great night with my son. Larry Scantlebury

What kind of convention? A convention of a-holes? .......2005-08-31

Great flick! I don't have much to say that hasn't been already (I loved the "one man Rat Pack" line!). This film is like a party; everyone seems to be in on some kind of joke (they're all obviously friends, part of the Reynolds/Needham gang). On top of that, they appear to be mildly drunk much of the time!

I too would love to see a special edition of this flick. There used to be a TV version that had a ton of extra footage, so I know it's out there someplace.

Average customer rating:

Not for young children
A Perfect Family Film

Station Jim
Starring: George Cole , Charlie Creed-Miles , Frank Finlay , Prunella Scales , and Stanley Townsend
Manufacturer: Bfs Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000KF0NG6
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Description

"...stamped with all the hallmarks of quality family entertainment" - Sunday Times

A heart-warming family adventure of a dog and a boy

In Victorian England, a performing dog escapes from his mean master and ends up at a small country railway station. Named "Jim" by station porter Bob, the little dog quickly becomes a favorite of the local orphanage children, especially sad young Henry ( Thomas Sangster - Nanny McPhee), who daily waits for the train that will take him home. When a wicked businessman plots to close the orphanage forever, Bob and the children fight back in a struggle threatened by bribery, dognapping and even an assassin who wants to kill the Queen!

Special Features: Victorian Facts / Cast Profiles

approx. 87 mins.

Customer Reviews:

Not for young children.......2007-07-26

As a Jack Russell owner I would have enjoyed a lot more time with the dog... The movie begins with the plucky little dog being threatened by his drunken, rifle wielding owner. Not a great beginning for smaller children but not as bad as when the woman who runs the orphanage (also drunk) sets it on fire and ends up terribly burned (later to die from her injuries). While all bad guys get their comeuppance and all good guys get the girl,the stationmaster's position, or whatever their appropriate reward as is fitting in a Victorian melodrama, it still wasn't that engaging.

A Perfect Family Film.......2007-04-13

This is another charming British BBC film in the same genre as 'Goodnight Mr. Tom' and 'An Angel for May' that is certainly suitable for ALL ages.

With a cast of notable British character actors, including George Cole, Prunella Scales (as Queen Victoria), Timothy West and Frank Finlay, one can't help but be mesmerised by the simple, yet exciting story of a small dog who is found abandoned and then adopted by a village railway porter in the Victorian age of Great Britain. There's drama too, with an orphanage fire and an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria, but needless to say the dog saves the day.

Lots of terrific train shots for steam train enthusiasts to drool over. The anamorphic 16x9 transfer (not even mentioned on the DVD cover) is exceptional.

As the cover liner notes say, " . . . a heart-warming adventure of determination, hope, love and loyalty." (Something we could all embrace in today's dysfunctional world). Add this to you DVD library if you want 90 minutes of real entertainment!

Ben Folds Five - The Complete Sessions at West 54th

Average customer rating:

Ben Folds. Yes, Its Amazing.
Solid performances
The Five at their best...
The performance that made me a fan
It ended too soon...

Ben Folds Five - The Complete Sessions at West 54th
Starring: Ben Folds Five
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005Q409
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Description

Back in August of 1998 Ben Folds Five were one of the first guests ever to appear on a brand new show called "Session at West 54th." Having just recently released their first album for Epic Records, "Whatever and Ever Amen," the band recorded one of their best sets for the fledgling show. Of course, due to the requisite editing, only a handful of the songs BF5 recorded ever made it to air--but now, for the first time, you can see the band's entire performance. Songs: "Sessions at West 54th" - Missing the War, Kate, The Battle of Who Could Care Less, The Last Polka, Selfless Cold and Composed, Brick, Steven's Last Night in Town, Smoke, Philosophy, Emaline, Theme from Dr. Pyser, One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces, Underground, She Don't Use Jelly, Song for the Dumped; "Spare Reels" - The Battle of Who Could Care Less, Philosophy, Missing the War, Brick, Jackson Cannery, Song for the Dumped, Don't Change Your Plans, Army. DVD features: Spare Reels footage: 45 minute short film

Customer Reviews:

Ben Folds. Yes, Its Amazing........2007-01-14

Good solid choice for Ben Folds' fans. A must have, in my opinion.

Solid performances.......2006-12-17

The video delivers as promised with some of the best Ben Folds songs performed in a studio setting. However, if you are already familiar with the songs, this video won't do much to overwhelm you. Ben looks more like your average joe than a rock star and there are no stage performances...just playing the songs like the recordings. If you are looking for something more original, check out Ben Folds and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO). If you are new to Ben Folds, this video could be a good start to learning the songs.

The Five at their best..........2006-07-19

This DVD is a great purchase for pretty much anyone who appreciates Ben Folds Five's music. Whether you be an avid fan or someone who just likes a couple of their/his songs.

The DVD is a colaboration of their best works from the 1st 2 albums (Ben Folds Five, Whatever And Ever Amen) played in a small studio with an intimate and enthusiastic audience.

With Ben Fold's smooth lead vocals and awe inspoiring piano, the amazing harmonies from Darren Jesse and Robert Sledge coming over so perfectly in this live recording - you feel as though you are there watching live. It makes you wonder why they ever broke up!

This DVD is a must have in anyones collection.

The performance that made me a fan.......2006-04-22

It was 1997. I was fighting insomnia, and losing, so I turned on the tv to the local public television station. It was 1 AM.

I was assaulted by a manic man pounding a piano with two backup musicians, a drummer and a bassist. I was fascinated by the high-energy, yet melodic performance. I did not know a piano could be that loud. And what was that in the lyrics, "One Angry Door's Fan?"

I had to know more. I'd found a new favorite band, and I didn't even know their names.

I soon learned that I'd stumbled across Ben Folds Five, giving the performance that's on this very DVD. Ben Folds Five - The Complete Sessions at West 54th is a heady mix of rock, jazz, and punk. It's a great sample of how Ben Folds and his band sound live. If you've ever been to a Ben Folds concert, you'll know what I mean. If not, this DVD is a good introduction.

Best. Band. Ever.

It ended too soon..........2006-02-07

Like many creative and talented bands do, Ben Folds Five ended way too soon. At least we have the Complete Sessions at West 54th to help remember the band by. Don't misunderstand, Ben Folds solo is excellent, but the band was in a groove as well. West 54th was only a half hour show, so the DVD is better than the actual show since it includes all the tunes from the taping. Unlike a few of the previous reviewers, I also like the Bonus feature:Spare Reels Footage. I like seeing the band in studio and just hanging out.

If your a casual listener of radio, it's possible that you might know the song "Brick" as it was able to garner some airplay. The fact of the matter is that there are even better tunes by BFF and some of those happen to be on the DVD. "Kate", "Whatever and Ever Amen", "One Angry Dwarf..." and "Army" really hit home with me. Ben even gives a little background on Army. I was living in Raleigh, near where Ben is from at the time of his disc "The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner", and WDGC, G-105, actually was cool enough to play that song on a somewhat regular basis. With the present sorry state of commercial radio, that would never happen today.

Here is the deal, the DVD has aged well. The production is top notch, the performance, as many have mentioned, was right on for this performance. If you are a Ben Folds, or BFF fan, this is an essential purchase. If you have only explored one or 2 of Ben's discs, this might be a great way to expand as well.

Average customer rating:

Cute and worth watching, just don't expect too much
Great movie.
CLOSE THE BOOK NOW PLEASE
Cute puppies. 16th april 2004.
This is a horible movie

102 Dalmatians (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Tony Bluto , Jim Carter , Glenn Close , Ron Cook , and Hugh Futcher
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00003CXQ7
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Cute and worth watching, just don't expect too much.......2005-08-05

Great movie........2005-06-10

CLOSE THE BOOK NOW PLEASE.......2005-03-26

Cute puppies. 16th april 2004........2004-04-16

I have never really seen the first propally, but i could imagine the second been that bit better. Great for anyone, really cute doggies, and ther are 102 of them on a adventure near to the end.

This is a horible movie.......2004-02-13

I thought it would be a delightful flick with cute pupies running away from a nasty lady but it's not that way. old tired jokes get used agan agan and agan. BOTTOM LINE: it stinks

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