10 Things I Hate About You

Amazon.com

It's, like, Shakespeare, man! This good-natured and likeable update of The Taming of the Shrew takes the basics of Shakespeare's farce about a surly wench and the man who tries to win her and transfers it to modern-day Padua High School. Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) is a sullen, forbidding riot grrrl who has a blistering word for everyone; her sunny younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) is poised for high school stardom. The problem: overprotective and paranoid Papa Stratford (a dryly funny Larry Miller) won't let Bianca date until boy-hating Kat does, which is to say never. When Bianca's pining suitor Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) gets wind of this, he hires the mysterious, brooding Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) to loosen Kat up. Of course, what starts out as a paying gig turns to true love as Patrick discovers that underneath her brittle exterior, Kat is a regular babe. The script, by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, is sitcom-funny with peppy one-liners and lots of smart teenspeak; however, its cleverness and imagination doesn't really extend beyond its characters' Renaissance names and occasional snippets of real Shakespearean dialogue. What makes the movie energetic and winning is the formula that helped make She's All That such a big hit: two high-wattage stars who look great and can really act. Ledger is a hunk of promise with a quick grin and charming Aussie accent, and Stiles mines Kat's bitterness and anger to depths usually unknown in teen films; her recitation of her English class sonnet (from which the film takes its title) is funny, heartbreaking, and hopelessly romantic. The imperious Allison Janney (Primary Colors) nearly steals the film as a no-nonsense guidance counselor secretly writing a trashy romance novel. --Mark Englehart

Description

A cool cast of young stars is just one of the things you'll love about this hilarious comedy hit! On the first day at his new school, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt -- HALLOWEEN: H2O, TV's "3RD Rock From The Sun") instantly falls for Bianca (Larisa Oleynik -- THE BABY SITTERS CLUB), the gorgeous girl of his dreams. The only problem is that Bianca is forbidden to date ... until her ill-tempered, completely un-dateable older sister Kat (Julia Stiles -- THE BOURNE IDENTITY, SAVE THE LAST DANCE) goes out too! In an attempt to solve his problem, Cameron singles out the only guy who could possibly be a match for Kat: a mysterious bad-boy (Heath Ledger -- A KNIGHT'S TALE, THE PATRIOT) with a nasty reputation of his own! Also featuring a hip soundtrack -- this witty comedy is a wildly entertaining look at exactly how far some guys will go to get a date!

Customer Reviews:

Underrated.......2007-07-17

"10 Things I Hate About You" (1999) is probably the all-time most ambitious of the teen comedies. Updates of classic literature like this have become relatively common; "Emma" is adapted as "Clueless", "Othello" as "O", "Pygmalion" becomes ''She's All That'', etc. etc. "10 Things I Hate About You" is an adaptation of Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" (which has also been adapted as the Broadway musical and film "Kiss Me Kate".

The strange title is less Shakespeare derived than a play on the Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnet that begins ''How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.'' Even knowing this, the title withholds its relationship to the film content until the climatic scene late in the film when Katerina (Julia Stiles) reads her poem (in iambic pentameter) to the class: "I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair. I hate the way you drive my car. I hate it when you stare. I hate your big dumb combat boots, and the way you read my mind. I hate you so much it makes me sick; it even makes me rhyme. I hate the way you're always right. I hate it when you lie. I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry. I hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call. But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all". Either the producers can't count of they didn't like the sound of "13 Things I Hate About You"

The film was fairly popular at the time of its release and made a considerable amount of money, but critical reaction was mixed. Most of the negative reviews came from critics who felt the film was too distanced from the original; specifically that Katerina was not Shakespeare's mega-shrew and that her taming was just too tame. While these observations are correct, in this case toning down the original makes the film work better. A less gritty story allows for more lyrical storytelling and better a unity with the great pop soundtrack and the inventive cinematography. And few will miss the original's out-of-control misogyny. The film goes out on fantastic rotational helicopter shot of the group "Letters from Cleo" as they perform the closing song on top of spectacular Stadium High School in Tacoma.

The story begins with obstetrician Walter Stratford's (Larry Miller) grudging agreement to allow his younger daughter Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) to date if her older sister Katerina (Stiles) starts dating. Walter's occupation has made him super-paranoid and teenage pregnancy, but he feel quite safe with this compromise because Katerina is a brain with little interest in boys and an abrasive enough personality to drive away anyone who might be attracted to her.

Miller and Stiles are exceptional in these roles, the best performances of their careers. Oleynik (formally Alex Mack) does not have nearly as much to work with but is solid in her role. My main criticism is that the film has the same dynamic as "Some Kind of Wonderful", with the abrasive tomboy significantly more desirable than the foxy girl every guy is after. Back in her "Alex Mack" days Oleynik was the #1 ranked female in a People Magazine survey of the most beautiful person in the world. I don't see it and I'm pretty sure that I have a lot of company.

One interesting bit of trivia is that Oleynik went on to attend and graduate from Sarah Lawrence College, the school that Katerina wants to attend in the film.

Female viewers will generally be pleased with Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona (afterall the action takes place at Padua High School), who is hired by two of Bianca's admirers to tame the shrew. Joey Donner (Andrew Keegan) is the obnoxious pretty boy who is cruising for his comeuppance throughout the film; but he is not close to the bad guy standard set by "Some Kind of Wonderful" and Pretty in Pink". Allison Janney is hilarious as a porno-writing guidance counselor.

I really liked the tentative feeling between Patrick and Katerina. In one of the most enjoyable scenes he appears in the grandstands while she is at soccer practice and sings ''I Love You Baby'' over the P.A. system, having bribed the school's marching band to accompany him down on the field.

Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

There is nothing to hate about this smart and clever teen comedy..........2007-07-05

One of my favorite teen comedies would have to be '10 Things I Hate About You', a film that remains hilarious and smart as each year passes. The dialog is snappy and sincere and the acting is really top notch for a teen film, every actor in perfect unison and really in tune with their character. As far as modern adaptations of Shakespearian novels go (and there are tons of them as we are all well aware) this is one of the better ones. It stays true to the concept of the original `Taming of the Shrew' but adds enough clever twists that make this original and a lot of fun. The chemistry between the actors is wonderful, and for a film staring a group of young actors it's one of the only films to star a group of `talented' young actors, from recent Oscar nominee Heath Ledger to Oscar snubbed Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

The plot of the film follows Cameron, played by Gordon-Levitt, as he pines for the attention of Bianca, played by Larisa Oleynik. The problem Cameron faces is not the fact that she's one of the most popular girls in school, and way out of his league but the fact that her father refuses to let her date. His stipulation is that her older sister Kat begin dating first, and Kat is not about to do that anytime soon. Cameron decides his only option is to find a suitor for Kat, someone to sweep her off her feet, problem being that everyone at the school is afraid of Kat. She's abrasive, rude and has made it perfectly clear that she has no interest in boys. But Cameron finds Patrick Verona, the mysterious tough guy with no fears, and offers him cash to take out Kat. Thus the hunt begins. Patrick finds it more difficult than expected to woo Kat but as he attempts he finds that his original disinterest in her is turning to genuine infatuation and then to a more mature caring and concern. He's falling in love with her and surprisingly she's falling for him as well.

All four of the main stars work wonders with their characters. Oleynik is sweet, funny and realistic as Bianca. I remember watching her on Nickelodeon's `The Secret World of Alex Mack' and thinking she had that natural talent, of course I was twelve but whatever. Here she doesn't disappoint, even now that I'm much older than twelve. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is great here, really natural. He's matured into such a wonderful actor and his selection in films is wonderfully eclectic. Julia Stiles also blew me away here. I've always been a fan of her acting, she's charming and beautiful to look at, but her she shows layers of depth and reality to a character that could have easily become surface in the hands of another actress. She truly deserves a better career than the one she has. And talking about better careers, look no further than the standout performer of the bunch Heath Ledger. Before `Brokeback Mountain' he was the one to watch for. Here he's charming, natural, charismatic, funny and definitely ahead of the pack as far as natural talent is concerned. I'm so proud of him as an actor.

The supporting players are all great as well, from Larry Miller who plays the girls paranoid father (that whole scene with the pregnant crack addict story is priceless) to Allison Janney who plays the sex obsessed guidance councilor, everyone is on the top of their game. But ultimately this is a teen movie, about and for teens and so I need to make mention of the supporting actors playing teens (I say `playing' because I'm sure most of them are in their twenties/thirties as is almost always the case). David Khumoltz is effective in the geeky sidekick role, but it's Andrew Keegan who shines as popular, too cool for his own good, cocky jerk Joey. He's utterly hilarious in his role which could have gone the route of stock character but instead stepped out from the pack and became a very memorable part of the film. That whole scene with the two pictures was genius. With a tight script and an effective cast '10 Things I Hate About You' should prove to be an enjoyable movie experience, one for the textbooks!

An entertaining movie for teens!.......2007-06-19

In terms of teen flicks, this one is at (or near) the top of my list. With a cast busting with famous actors and actresses (including Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger), this film is sure to bring entertainment to those who watch it.

So what's this movie about? While being given a tour of his new school, a boy named Cameron falls for a popular girl named Bianca. Cameron tries his hardest to get a date with Bianca but he ultimately finds out that she can't date anyone until her sister Kat starts dating. The problem? Kat doesn't want to date and she has a bad attitude so even if she wanted to, guys wouldn't necessarily flock to her. Cameron has to try to find a guy for Kat and ultimately chooses Patrick, a guy who has a bad reputation and a bad attitude (sort of like Kat). Will Kat drop her guard and date Patrick? Will Bianca want to date Cameron? And when another guy comes into the picture, which guy will Bianca choose? To find out the answers to these questions, you must watch this movie.

So what's to like about this movie? There's a ton going on in this movie. You have several different storylines and different questions will arise during the entire movie. You have the Patrick and Kat storyline. You have the Bianca and Cameron storyline. You have the Bianca and another guy storyline. You even have a storyline involving two semi-geeky kids. There are some funny parts. And even more emotional parts. It truly will suck you in. Although the ending is predictable, you'll want to see what exactly happens at the end.

And what's not to like? Don't expect this movie to be Oscar-worthy. This is a typical teen movie about high school and dating, nothing serious.

Bottom line: If you're just looking for a fun, no frills kind of movie to watch with a few friends, try this one. It's a cute film for teens!

Fun But Predictable.......2007-05-17

10 Things I Hate About You is another variation of Taming the Shrew and generally succeeds in its attempt to keep things light-hearted and humorous. Its strength is in its script since it is brimming with dry humor about our modern teens.

Yet, where this movie falls flat is in its insistance on staying true to Hollywood forulas and making a forgetable carbon-copy of so many other boy-meets-girl stories.

A good movie to watch on a date, but it won't stand the test of time.

10 Things I Hate About You.......2007-05-12

Bought this as a gift off of a wish list. The person and their family really enjoy the movie

Average customer rating:

Good movie....pretty graphic though.
Great Indie Flick!
Intimacy
A love that does not speak its name.
Intimacy

Intimacy (Unrated, Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Mark Rylance , Kerry Fox , Susannah Harker , Alastair Galbraith , and Philippe Calvario
Director: Patrice Chéreau
Manufacturer: KOCH LORBER FILMS
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000BWVD9
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Description

What starts out as a weekly anonymous tryst between a divorced man and a married woman turns into a searing portrait of loneliness and emotional need. Directed by Patrice Chereau (Queen Margot), INTIMACY won the Golden Bear for Best Film at the 2001 Berlin Film Festival where lead actress Kerry Fox also won the Best Actress Award. Based on Hanif Kureishi's controversial novel, INTIMACY was selected to play at the Sundance and New York Film Festivals. DVD extras include the original theatrical trailer and cast and filmmaker bios.

Customer Reviews:

Good movie....pretty graphic though........2007-07-30

Don't purchase this DVD if you are looking for a love story.

The actors were VERY convincing in their sexual desire for eachother. That is made obvious during the extremely graphic sex scenes. I will say, however, this movie is good because it is a lot closer to reality than a lot of movies I have seen in the past in which a steamy affair takes place; it is devoid of any sugary coating.

There is a strong plot, good characters, and a sincere and realistic ending. Good movie and worth watching if you can handle the sex scenes.

Great Indie Flick!.......2007-05-31

Love this movie. It felt real and, I thought, really gave a literal depiction of the human condition that is our quest for INTIMACY.

Intimacy.......2007-03-22

I like this movie for it's authenticity in the portrayal of relationships with regards to married people and the opposing choices people made when thrust into a convenient affair. The male lead having chosen to walk out of a seemingly wonderful marriage because he just could not take it anymore only to find himself in an affair that tore him up emotionally. The female lead has chosen to stay on in a seemingly good marriage, and be eaten up emotionally inside, even though she eventually ended up sharing this affair. The ending is realistic as far as the strength of each character goes, duty versus want, mind versus heart, that's the underlying beauty of this movie, portrayed truthfully by these two torn characters.

A love that does not speak its name........2007-03-10

A worthy movie for adults. The plot is a bit like "Last Tango in Paris," with a man and woman accidentally meeting, then showing up one afternoon a week for some rabid sex, neither telling the other anything about themselves. The guy (Mark Rylance) decides to follow the woman (Kerry Fox), discovers she's married and works in a shabby theater, and is married to a not-overly-bright man who has too many chins and a puffy lower lip like Alfred Hitchcock's. Both of the men want her and she decides to stay with her husband and children. End of plot.

This is about as deglamorized a movie as has recently appeared. At first, both Rylance and Fox look like the kind of people who are right up there in the first rank of the third rate. He runs a bar. He's balding, skinny, always needs a shave, and lives alone in some seedy dump that looks like a Soviet-era zheloy dom. She first appears with her hair up, working-class style, glumly groomed. And the two of them are photographed -- dressed or otherwise -- in a way that makes their skin seem to emit a pale sickly blue. Your first thought is liable to be a red flag: This is going to be one depressing flick.

Then as the plot develops -- hard as it is to follow in its details -- we come to know them surprisingly well, the two of them. Rylance takes on a certain pathetic charm with his scarred eyebrow and occasional stutter. And Kerry Fox lets her hair down, literally, and we can see the self-knowledge and the desire in her big blue New Zealand eyes. They become likable.

In many ways the most admirable person important to the story is Timothy Spall as Kerry's husband, the Hitchcockian cab driver. He's not particularly bright and he trusts people a bit too much. And, man, he looks unprepossessing. But he's gregarious, generous, good-natured, and as harmless as a child. When he discovers that Rylance and Fox have been boffing each other, what does he do? Does he pick up a gun and spray lead. Does he do a plastic-surgery number on Rylance's face? Nope. He goes round to Rylance's bar, has a beer, and tells Rylance that he loves his wife. And that every day he loves her more. Later, when Fox prompts him to ventilate his anger over her affair, all he can come up with is something like, "I don't care about that s***! What really bothers me is that you're a lousy actress and will never be anything else!" When he's done shouting, she replies, "You don't even know how to hurt me." There are other characters in the story too -- children, an ex-wife, somebody named Victor with a Scots accent, and a gay French bartender who philosophizes a lot. (I wonder if the writers had a particular model in mind.) Next to Kerry's husband, the French guy is about the most articulate of the bunch.

But that's the problem with the movie. I was frankly lost at times. I honestly don't know how Spall's character found out about his wife's affair. Evidently she confirmed suspicions he already had, but since the scene doesn't appear on screen we have to guess. In fact, if the love scenes are speechless, the rest of the script isn't much better. More than once a character says to another, "I can't understand a word you're saying." Sometimes I couldn't either. "We shouldn't be gay because someone died." "Nobody died." "I died once. It was the only day I could tell the whole truth." I think we're in "Last Year at Marienbad" territory here. A shouting match between Rylance and Kerry in the basement theater made no sense to me at all. It reminded me of my marriage.

I recommend it though. It's a rare movie made for adults. It's a challenging drama about lives that are either half empty or half full, depending on how you look at them. The ending is sad, but we are at least left with the hope that these characters can mend their tattered lives and get on with things.

Intimacy.......2007-03-09

Hated it. Was not what I thought it would be. Very dissapointed.

Average customer rating:

Dealing With Tragedy
Amazing
thoroughly depressing ...
Everyone Carries a Piece of the Truth.
powerful reminder that this sort of thing still happens in USA

The Laramie Project
Starring: Kathleen Chalfant , Laura Linney , Peter Fonda , Jeremy Davies , and Nestor Carbonell
Director: Moisés Kaufman
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000067D0Y
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Amazon.com

Even though The Laramie Project has been edited down from almost three hours (the original length of the play) to a lean 96 minutes, the harrowing nature of the subject matter--the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard--and the clarity of the voices of the inhabitants of Laramie, Wyoming, give this film a remarkable emotional power. The Laramie Project was created from over 200 interviews conducted with Laramie residents before, during, and after the trials of the two boys who killed Shepard; the interviews create an amazing cross-section of American views on homosexuality, religion, class, privacy, and so much more besides. Even though it features an all-star cast--Steve Buscemi, Janeane Garofalo, Christina Ricci, Peter Fonda, and Laura Linney are only a few of the recognizable faces--the material has not been glamorized and the performances are both honest and intimate. Even abbreviated, it's a remarkable piece of work. --Bret Fetzer

Description

In October 1998, 21 year-old Mathew Shepard was found savagely beaten, tied to a fence and left to die in Laramie, Wyoming. "The Laramie Project" is the portrait of a town painfully forced to confront itself in the reflective glare of the national spotlight, responding with love, anger, sympathy, support and defiance.

Customer Reviews:

Dealing With Tragedy.......2007-05-21

Read the first-hand accounts of those on scene after the death of Matthew Shepard. This collection of notes is a real eye-opener.

Amazing.......2007-03-26

I was aware about Matthew's story but never thought in those ones who actually meet him and talk to him. Even they are not the real one this work was well done and allow us to remember that this happend almost 10 years ago and it's still hapening everywhere. I think it's an excellent film to see with teenagers and people in general who needs to know about tolerance and respect of everyone's lifestyle.

thoroughly depressing ..........2007-03-06

This film, which is really just a series of re-enacted interviews, is a dismal portrayal of a community in agony. It's natural when someone you know dies to feel sad, miserable, angry and outraged. But the producers of this film dwell on the community's misery and suffering, and any opportunity to learn from this crime is lost in the raw emotions of the town's residents.

This is, quite simply, a film with an agenda. It is intended to incite anger and promote hate crime legislation. Dwelling on this crime is not going to do anyone any good.

Everyone Carries a Piece of the Truth........2007-02-26

One of the most powerful speeches witnessed in this film are those by Laura Linney, who tries to create a similarity between the death of Matthew Shepard and the accidental death of a Wyoming State Trooper that same night. It does create a moment of thought in your mind that links the power of the death of Shepard to that of the power of the media, but it is just for a fleeting moment as we are whisked back into another voice, with another opinion. That voice is both the strength and weakness of this film. As a viewer, new to this story and type of storytelling, I felt a bit over biased. I realize that instead of focusing on the death and life of Matthew Shepard, Kaufman, focused on the collective voice of the town, which was nothing but a bag of mixed messages. As I sat, thinking about this film over the course of several days, that is the only issue that I had trouble grappling. This was an emotional film, chalk full of actors giving surprising monologues about their personal opinions as we collectively watch the aftermath of such a horrid crime. We even get the chance to see how the death of Matthew Shepard caused an ill fate to another person within the community. Again, these side stories were powerful to watch because it gave a living soul to the town, but where The Laramie Project went a bit too far was the over-dramatic nature of the characters.

While I would agree that there was probably some emotion behind those that chose to take part in the interviews, I don't believe you would find such a doctor, with such a dramatic "umph" saying, "We take offense to this murder", like no other than Peter Fonda could say it. Christina Ricci, in my eyes, was the embodiment of my last statement. Perhaps Kaufman, would have benefited more by placing unknowns in the roles instead of these name Hollywood players. While they were not A-grade actors, they each did a phenomenal job in this film - but oddly, this was the problem. Steve Buscemi speaking about his relationship with Shepard made me see Buscemi being Buscemi. I didn't see the character that he was playing. I didn't see Fonda's doctor's character. I didn't see anything of value behind Ricci's character (outside of a definite Ricci being Ricci) - and while I realize that this was not a work of fiction, without the development of a known character, they were just actors speaking powerful lines. The lines stood on their own, and it was those lines that continued my attention through the film. Alas, I could not see Joshua Jackson (from Dawson's Creek) as the actual bartender or Dylan Baker as the head of the hospital because I knew these actors. I wanted better from them. The most emotional speeches came from those that I was not fully familiar with. Those like the man who watched the parade route, or the actor that played Matthew Shepard's father. These smaller, unknown bits, was what made The Laramie Project stand out and break a tear out of even the strongest wall.

I want to express again that I thought that this was a very powerful film; there were just certain moments that were using cliché elements to heighten the emotion of the story. This wasn't needed in the least bit. While I know that having the media attention when the residents of Laramie walked out of the courtroom was surprising, the film technique used to demonstrate this seemed cheap, and nearly like a low blow to the story. The glossed effect of when Ricci's character, and her mother, made angels to block the words of protestors, seemed fake on screen - while perhaps actual footage of this event would have strengthened the emotion. Perhaps I am asking too much, but when Ricci walks out with those angel wings flying high, I just expected Will Smith to come out of nowhere, screaming a line that would surely demonstrate to those protestors who was in control here. It came out a bit too Hollywood. As well as the scene where Dylan Baker cries, which I felt was the better of all the cinematic moments. It was powerful, yet subdued. It could have used more realism. Am I complaining too much? Nope, because I thought this was a brilliant film with how unique it was with its portrait of storytelling. I liked hearing the voices, in fact, if this were a story on CD, it would be a personal favorite, but because we were distracted by images of famous actors speaking in their own voice as well as unclimactic cliché scenes, it softened the blow. I was still teary at the end, but this could have been a film to rival that of Angels in America had it just tried a bit harder to avoid the Hollywood influx and paint a more vivid portrait of your average American town.

Overall, I must admit, it took me several days for this film to settle, but I think I could view it again. I especially would like to see Amy Madigan's performance, which I thought, her struggle with what happened, nearly overshadowed what happened to Matthew Shepard. I could have watched an entire film based solely on her. It is amazing what the media chooses to cover, and what they choose to ignore. I like what this film demonstrated. I like that it didn't depict this Wyoming town of rednecks and hillbillies never quite understanding what was wrong with the murder of Shepard. I am glad that we were able to see humanity break through the barriers and show emotion, show sadness, and look beyond the lifestyle to see the human being that was wrongly sentenced. I do think, nonetheless, that liberties were taken with certain actors and certain camera shots, but overall that can be overlooked. By throwing in some unknowns to this picture, I think the drama and the intensity of the event could have been heightened. This is a sad thing that happened, and I am glad that Hollywood chose to open the envelope, but they just didn't give it that final seal of approval. Actors were actors and cliché moments were used to build emotion. You already had a sad story; we didn't need the charades to improve it. I strongly suggest watching this film, if anything, to see that there is compassion within a town burdened with such a horrific crime. It is sad, and will surely bring a tear to anyone's eye.

Grade: **** out of *****

powerful reminder that this sort of thing still happens in USA.......2007-01-22

It is important to see this compelling and horrifying story because it is a powerful reminder that this sort of thing still happens in the US. What makes the film unique is that all of the dialogue was taken from actual interviews with residents of Laramie, Wyoming, the city where Matthew Shepard was murdered.

Average customer rating:

Something for everyone.
Bonnie Franklin Tap DVD
I love to tap
Very good exercises
Very detailed!!!

I Hate to Exercise, I Love to Tap
Starring: Bonnie Franklin
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0002HOD8Q
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Amazon.com

Who hasn't had the dream of being a tap dancer? Bonnie Franklin, formerly with Donald O'Connor and a tap dancer since the age of 9, makes your dream come true--at least in your living room. Franklin is a warm, motivating and skillful teacher, and she obviously loves tap dancing. The former TV sitcom star leads you through your first steps, appropriate for the two-left-feet among us. Later sections get progressively more complex. Learn a basic tap step, then another, practice and practice, and put them together. Before long, you're dancing complete routines. The video runs 86 minutes, but Franklin suggests you stop and practice a section until you're proficient rather than trying to get through it all at once.

This is a dance-instruction video, not an exercise video. When you get skilled enough to dance the combinations and routines, you'll get a workout, but at first, it will be more like a drill. The video was produced in 1984, but it's not outdated, and the production is high quality. This is a popular video and lots of fun! --Joan Price

Description

If you hate to exercise but want a fun way to stay in shape, then join Bonnie Franklin and begin to tap! In this challenging video for all ages you will learn to tap at your own pace - step by step! Bonnie teaches you all of the basic steps, how to build combinations and dance popular tap routines. So if you have always wanted a way to dance yourself into shape, then Bonnie Franklin's tap class is just what you've been waiting for!

Customer Reviews:

Something for everyone........2007-09-15

This video is just the right pace for the beginner or the professional. The elementary part is a great warm up for those that already know tap and the easy routines give the beginner a chance to learn an entire dance and not just steps.

Bonnie Franklin Tap DVD.......2007-09-01

This is an amazing DVD. It's like having your own Tap tutor, in your own home. Better yet, she teaches at exactly the right speed for you...even if you've never danced before. Fantastic for adult beginners. I can;t say enough.

I love to tap.......2007-08-04

It's fantastic. She's very kind and pacient in teaching us how to do the steps and series on this DVD. The music matches the steps perfectly. It's worth it.

Very good exercises.......2007-07-17

After not tap dancing for 40 years it was a great re-start though you never forget shuffles, slaps and ball changes. These first exercises on the video are perfect for the beginner. What I like is that she has a short routine with each segment and these you can do with her up to tempo. I also like the variety of the 3 routines she chose. I just wish there was more.

Very detailed!!!.......2007-06-20

I just got this video, and I absolutely love it! Bonnie is very detailed and she shows everything to where it doesn't seem hard at all. I'm taking a tap class, and after watching this dvd I don't feel so nervous about having to go back to class. And if your goal is to exercise with this dvd then you will succeed! I put this on and in 20 minutes my forehead is soaked with sweat. You don't feel like your working out at all, its so much fun, and the time goes by so fast! I give this dvd 5 stars!!! Don't hesitate to buy it. I'm glad I did.

Average customer rating:

This movie does have its moments
Hilarious!
When a woman's fed up
One of my favorite movies...
martin l turns serious when a female won't leave him alone

A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Starring: Tangie Ambrose , Michael Bell , Greer Bohanon , Bobby Brown , and Dartanyan Edmonds
Manufacturer: New Line Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 0780627822
Release Date: 1999-11-23

Description

A hilarious comedy about a nightclub promoter and perpetual playboy who learns the hard way about the dangers of being a ladies man. Directed by and starring Martin Lawrence.

DVD Features:
Audio Commentary
Theatrical Trailer

Customer Reviews:

This movie does have its moments.......2007-02-02

This movie is sort of mess and it doesn't get any better with repetitive viewing. The screenplay is credited to four writers, and its unevenness argues that none of them were on the same wavelength. Subplots start but never finish, characters come and go, and even the main storyline can't decide whether it wants to be a comedy, a morality play, or a thriller. Lead actor Martin Lawrence (in his directorial debut) has a degree of screen presence, but not even his charisma can rescue this clichéd film from sliding into oblivion.

Darnell (Lawrence) is the kind of character who it's easy to dislike. He's a classic womanizer -- the kind of man who keeps a stream of girlfriends waiting at the other end of the phone for his call. For Darnell, the harder a woman is to get, the more she entices him. So when Brandi (Lynn Whitfield), a wealthy real estate agent, turns her nose up at his come-ons, Darnell goes after her with the tenacity of a pit bull. Eventually, he succeeds, but he gets more than he bargained for. When he tries to break things off with Brandi to prove his affection for the high school sweetheart who has come back to town (Regina King), he discovers that Brandi isn't willing to let him go. She'll try anything, including bodily harm, to keep him.

Mix Eddie Murphy's `Boomerang' with `Fatal Attraction,' and you get an idea how confused this movie can get. Although Lawrence, who's wearing half-a-dozen hats for this film (Executive Producer, Music Supervisor, Story, Screenplay, Director, and Star), includes a few humorous scenes, there's not enough comedy to leaven the film's slower portions. The dreary setup takes forever, the thriller elements are disappointingly pedestrian, and the climax is formulaic. There is the core of an interesting story here -- what happens when a lothario becomes a victim -- but Lawrence never does more with this plot strand than superficially trace it. There should be a lot transpiring on a psychological level, but the script is content with unbelievable transformations and simple labels. Darnell is the repentant sinner and Brandi is the psycho scorned woman. The film's message -- don't say you love someone unless you mean it -- doesn't have any resonance because, aside from a few cuts and bruises, Darnell never pays a real price for his actions. The ending doesn't have the guts to demand a meaningful sacrifice.

`A Thin Line Between Love and Hate' boasts several solid performances. Lawrence is energetic, but never so completely out-of-control that he loses the audience the way Jim Carrey does. Lynn Whitfield occasionally manages to bring hints of humanity to Brandi (the almost- invisible tear on her cheek when Darnell breaks off the relationship is a nice touch). Regina King and Della Reese (as Darnell's mother) are effective in supporting roles. With a more clear notion of what it was trying to do and a shorter, tighter script, this movie could have been worthwhile as a comedy or a thriller, although doubtfully as both.

Hilarious!.......2006-11-16

Martin Lawrence is one crazy man. Anything he is or will be in is worth watching.

When a woman's fed up.......2006-07-20

I hadn't seen this movie in 10 years until this past weekend when it resurfaced on TV -- whew!!! what a welcomed blast from the past.

Martin Lawrence was still in his heyday as a comedian in this movie's 1996 release.

A sober Bobby Brown delivers an entertaining performance as Martin's pseudo sidekick, Regina King plays a believable "it girl" role and Lynn Whitfield totally delivers an Oscar nomination-worthy performance as a woman scorned and determined to make her man pay for all the heartache that comes from lies and deception.

This is one of those twist-of-fate movies for playaz who manipulate relationships just to "get some" and move on.

The story is easy to follow.

There's tons of subtle but gutbustingly funny scenes.

The movie moves along at a great pace -- you won't go to sleep on this!

For anyone -- male or female -- who's ever had an "adventure in dating" with a nut you later question why you ever dated, this movie's for you.

As the movie's theme song says, "The sweetest woman in the world could (also) be the meanest woman in the world/Did you make her that way?"

You're just gonna have to watch this movie to "get it."

One of my favorite movies..........2005-10-21

"A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" stars Martin Lawrence, Lynn Whitfield, Regina King, Bobby Brown and Della Reese. This is easily one of my favorite movies; I often watch it when I'm feeling depressed because it eases my mood and reminds me that even though we may face hard times, someone is always going through something worse than you.
The movie is a about a player (womanizer) named Darnell who is confident that he can get any woman he wants. He was able to get women easily, because he was charming and co-owner of a hot club in town, so he was looking for a challenge. He found that challenge in Brandy Webb. Brandy is not your average female. She is high maintenance and rich. She does not deal with men like Darnell, for they are mid-class players. Darnell wants Brandy badly and goes through a lot to get her. While he is chasing Brandy, though, his old flame Mia is back in town from the Army. Darnell still has feelings for, but mind you, he is still chasing Brandy, and Mia is dating a well to do man. Darnell finally is able to get a date with Brandy, and after spending lots of time with her, he accomplishes his goal and "hits it". After he hits it, he loses interest in Brandy and pursues Mia. However, Brandy is not going to let Darnell go that easily. She does all she can to get revenge on Darnell. The whole while Darnell's mother is warning him about playing women, but he always brushes her off. In the end, Darnell CERTAINLY learns a lesson.
I absolutely love this movie. The comedic performance is wonderful. I love the plot. I have never seen a black movie with this type of plot, so it was different. Martin Lawrence showed innovation in creating this movie. It is also neat that he named this movie after the song entitled "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate". The song and movie are about the same subject: "The sweetest woman in the world can be the meanest woman in the world, if you make her that way". This is a line from the song.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone looking for a laugh and some drama.

martin l turns serious when a female won't leave him alone.......2005-09-17

this was a good movie 4 martin l it was action pack with some ok comedy in da mix martin was a pimp in this movie gettin almost any girl he wants but 1 girl was playin hard 2 get she wouldn't give him da time or da day martin wouldn't leave her alone until she gave him da attention dat a player deserves and once martin l was tried of her he throw her away like a broken toy but she wouldn't have that she want nyc on martin toward da n of da film 2 da point she was placed in a crazy house also noticable performances from da one and only rena king she was if u want 2 call it martin l mistress who had a man but she liked him and martin l liked her they became boyfriend and girlfriend at da end of da film Joe Brown

Everybody Hates Chris - The Second Season

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Everybody Hates Chris - The Second Season

Manufacturer: Paramount Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000SO7PCO
Release Date: 2007-10-09

Average customer rating:

One of my all time favorite movies!
Must see
Spike Lee Disjointed: Too Many Ideas in One Film
Interesting Moral Decision
Gotta Think Outside The Box....

She Hate Me
Starring: Anthony Mackie , Kerry Washington , Ellen Barkin , Monica Bellucci , and Jim Brown
Director: Spike Lee
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0006QAIG4
Release Date: 2005-02-01

Amazon.com

In a long and varied career, She Hate Me is easily one of Spike Lee's most unusual films. On the one hand, it's a drama. On the other, it's a comedy. Then there's the structure: a crazy quilt made up out of several different stories. Even the style is a patchwork incorporating animation and pseudo-documentary--in the vein of Lee's 1986 hit She's Gotta Have It. It all revolves around one John Henry "Jack" Armstrong (8 Mile's Anthony Mackie), a successful executive at a biotech company much like ImClone (the one that brought Martha Stewart down). When Jack blows the whistle and loses his job, ex-fiancée Fatima (Ray's Kerry Washington), who left him for another woman, offers the now-penniless Jack $10,000 to impregnate her. All goes well, so they set up business together, and he proceeds to impregnate countless gay women, including mafia princess Simona (Monica Bellucci). If there's one thing that keeps it all together, it's Mackie, who handles the many changes Lee puts him through with admirable aplomb. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Customer Reviews:

One of my all time favorite movies!.......2007-05-10

I absolutely love this movie.. i saw it once and knew i had to have it- and of course Amazon delivered in a timely fashion. This movie has everything. The truth, politics, alternative lifestyle and sexuality, it makes you think... It is one of my all time favorites and i reccomend it... but it's not for the kids.

Must see.......2007-01-08

Great movie, can't understand why it didn't do well at the Theaters. Maybe Spike Lee should re-release the movie. I really enjoyed and must see.

Spike Lee Disjointed: Too Many Ideas in One Film.......2006-11-23

Whatever the film's real message or satire behind this messy collection of ideas may be, `She Hate Me' is definitely a Spike Lee film. There have been common threads that run through the works that Spike Lee had done in the past, and they are deeply related to racial consciousness. It is also true he has been trying to expand his perspectives and even when he shot films like `25th Hour' you will not miss the Spike Lee touch in there.

In his `She Hate Me' you can find his unmistakable touches, for example, in the jazzy music, the (occasionally used) grainy images of 16 mm film, or frequent close-ups of the actors. You can also hear his 'voices' or messages, which are as honest and candid as the ones you heard in the 80s, but what he is trying to say remains unclear from the first to the end.

Consider this. In `She Hate Me' you will meet a gentle businessman `Jack' (brilliant Anthony Mackie) working for a big pharmaceutical company, who comes to know that the data submitted to FDA were actually rigged. He becomes a `whistle blower' but in consequence he is fired.

Then this story about corrupt business jumps to a totally unexpected stage. That is, `Jack' finds his former girlfriend waiting for him at home, who is in fact a lesbian. Knowing that Jack needs money, she offers a $10,000 deal to him, in order to have a baby - well, in fact two babies, one for her and another for her lover. Now I don't think I have to write how she gets what she wants except that there are some silly cartoon-like sequences which show how insemination occur.

Some reviewers say this film, if flawed, would be at least food for thought. Certainly there are some parts that could be intelligent commentaries on such issues as sexuality and parentage, but the film completely fails to convince us of its logical and coherent views on our society. For instance, the film warns us of the danger of being a whistle blower. Fine, but in what way does it related to the story of a man sleeping with as many as 18 ladies (including Monica Bellucci)?

But probably the biggest weakness of `She Hate Me' is its superficial descriptionf of women. See, for example, how all the `clients' of Jack (presumably lesbian) are depicted as if they are sexually aroused (and pleased) while in bed with Jack. For all his undeniable talent for tackling the social issues, Lee is not known for drawing convincing portraits of women, and I can say he has not changed much. I understand homosexuals and lesbians have their own problems, but I'm sure they would not even try to solve them in the way Lee shows unashamedly to make us laugh.

Lee managed to gather an interesting list of supporting actors including Ellen Barkin, Jim Brown, Ossie Davis, Brian Dennehy, Woody Harrelson, Bai Ling, Lonette McKee, Q-Tip, Dania Ramirez, and John Turturro. Among them, John Turturro shows again his brilliant performance which makes the flat character he plays a truly flesh-and-blood person. Surely `She Hate Me' is worth watching for the skills of the cast and crew involved in it, but they could have been used in much more efficient way with more coherent story than they are now.

Interesting Moral Decision.......2006-11-10

I thought the movie was very interesting,funny and well written. It forces you to think about choices in life when you are pushed to the edge like the main characacter.

Gotta Think Outside The Box...........2006-10-23

I thought this was an excellent movie for various reasons. One being the fact that, although the acting wasn't all that great, it held my attention enough to make me "want" to know what was going to happen next. Also, it's topic was one that hadn't been previously explored.

No matter how outlandish and unbelievable the storyline is, there is always that grain of possibility to it. Simply because it is something you or I may not do, does not mean that it is entirely impossible for someone else. It all depends on the mental, emotional and spiritual state of the parties involved.

I give Spike Lee his due props for this movie. As always, he gives us a perspective not over played and underlying issues to examine.

Without a doubt, I would reccomend this movie to others......

Average customer rating:

A politically charged story told as a romance (one of the best romances out there these days)
Absolutly Brilliant Documentary
Soldier's Girl
A sad but triumphant story
Absolutely Amazing

Soldier's Girl
Starring: Troy Garity , Lee Pace , Andre Braugher , Shawn Hatosy , and Philip Eddolls
Director: Frank Pierson
Manufacturer: Showtime Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000JD29M
Release Date: 2004-01-27

Amazon.com

Cable networks like Showtime are diving into risky material that mainstream movie-makers shy away from--and Soldier's Girl demonstrates the payoff of such risks. Barry Winchell (Troy Garity, Barbershop), new to an infantry base in Tennessee, gets taken to a nightclub for drag performers by an obnoxious fellow soldier, Fisher (Shawn Hatosy, Outside Providence). There he meets Calpernia (Lee Pace), a transgendered performer, and feels an immediate attraction. But as Winchell's relationship with Calpernia develops, his relationship with the repressed Fisher grows dangerous to his career in the military--and possibly to his life. Based on a true story, Soldier's Girl tackles its delicate subject matter directly but respectfully, with compassion and intelligence. Garity, Pace, and Hatosy all turn in compelling, complex performances, steering clear of stereotypes. Director Frank Pierson (screenwriter of Dog Day Afternoon) skillfully avoids easy answers or obvious solutions and was deservedly nominated for an Emmy as a result. --Bret Fetzer

Description

The true story of Soldier's Girl, which takes place in Fort Campbell, KY, tells the heart-wrenching story of the life and tragic death of soldier Barry Winchell. His love for Calpernia Addams, a beautiful transgendered nightclub performer was misunderstood by fellow soldiers and eventually leads to his brutal death. The outstanding performances by Lee Pace and Troy Garity will draw you into this emotional and powerful film.

Customer Reviews:

A politically charged story told as a romance (one of the best romances out there these days).......2007-06-18

Soldier's Girl, based on a true story, is one of the most compelling love stories ever portrayed on the big screen. It is the story of an Army infantry soldier who falls for a transgendered performer at a drag club. Barry Winchell is forced near Calpernia by circumstance, and is surprised by his own interest in and desire for her.

The unlikely romance is beset by tensions originating from Winchell's obsessive-compulsive, Ritalin-addicted barracks roommate. The roommate, Justin Fisher, is the one who dared Winchell to talk to Calpernia in the first place. He's a lonely, conflicted redneck who is searching for friends while alienating nearly everyone around him. Soldier's Girl is as much the story of Winchell and Calpernia as it is that of Fisher's explosive temper and confusion about the world.

Winchell is a simple, courteous man who wants to succeed in the Army, keep the peace, and protect is right to a private life. He's Fisher's only true friend, even as Fisher needles the company to create trouble for his friend. Winchell's desire for a career in the Army is at odds with his "deviant lifestyle"--and Fisher has prompted a company sergeant to launch an off-the-record investigation to root out out the "homosexual" hiding in their midst.

The love story is Calpernia's first relationship with a man as a woman, so she's doing as much soul searching as her Army boyfriend, who much reconcile his love with the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy of the US military. (Calpernia herself was enlisted in the Navy at one point, right out of high school.) The behind-the-scenes interviews and documentary about the real life Barry Winchell enhance the presentation of this politically charged romance. The movie makers elected to portray a political drama as a love story. to point out the consequences of military policy in a subtle manner, and allow the viewer to draw his or her own conclusions.

Absolutly Brilliant Documentary.......2007-05-12

Simply one of the most heartbreaking storys to hit the Transgendered world. Everyone who played in this movie was absolutly brilliant with their roles. You could sense that the actors actually felt in their hearts as if they themselves lived the lives of their character. The interviews are as interesting as the movie. Calpernia Adams is the one of my most admired women on the planet. Her strengths and support to both men and women brings out the passion of her incredable journey in making this world a better place.

Soldier's Girl.......2007-05-06

The movie started out slow. The charters played there parts every well. I also liked the music that was played during the movie. It was tromatic off and on threw out the movie. It was a excellent movie!

A sad but triumphant story.......2007-03-31

This true love story of Calpernia Adams and her boyfriend, is very moving. This movie clearly presents the discrimination,harrassments and consequences of being transgender in a small non-accepting town. Lee Pace provides a very convincing portrayal of Calpernia and Troy Garrity delivers very good as her boyfriend. In the end it shows Calpernia's resolution to move forward in life.

Absolutely Amazing.......2007-01-20

heartfelt, crying, love.

I LOVE this movie, def worth the money, amazing period.

Average customer rating:

Religion = Hate Crime
Glad I gave this film a chance
hate can be a stronge revenge
A Little Too Pat
Required viewing for all

Hate Crime
Starring: Seth Peterson , Chad Donella , Bruce Davison , Giancarlo Esposito , and Cindy Pickett
Director: Tommy Stovall
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000I2J6Y6
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Description

Nice guy accountant Robbie lives an idyllic life with his partner Trey in a quiet suburban neighborhood. But when a venomous neighbor moves in and starts harassing them, hate sparks violence. Recipient of the Best Feature Award at the Outtakes Dallas and Sedona International film festivals, Hate Crime features a brilliant cast including Seth Peterson (Providence) as Robbie, Lin Shaye (Snakes On A Plane, There's Something About Mary) and Golden Globe winners Susan Blakely (The Towering Inferno, Rich Man, Poor Man) and Bruce Davison (Longtime Companion). A provocative thriller, Hate Crime delves deep into intolerance, challenging audiences to question their own prejudices as they witness the heartbreaking consequences of hate and a family's painful quest for retribution.

Customer Reviews:

Religion = Hate Crime.......2007-09-09

It's unusual to see a film that portrays the christian jihadists for what they are. Well acted, and sad, and sobering. But here we are.

Glad I gave this film a chance.......2007-07-22

I had read so many negative reviews on this film I almost didn't watch. I'm so glad I gave this film a chance. The story was disturbing and heartbreaking. I don't feel the film was trying to negatively stereotype Christians, as much as show how some people will try to justify hate and intolerance. Unfortunately there are real life Christians who preach hate and prejudice (I've known a few), but fortunately they seem to be in the minority.

Watch this film with an open mind and an open heart.

hate can be a stronge revenge.......2007-06-27

this movie shows what can happen when a crime of hate can force you to find out the truth even if it means murder

A Little Too Pat.......2007-06-13

This movie may be a little too pat a morality play about homophobia. The haters appear to be too one-dimensionally villainous; and the hated appear to be too one-dimensionally admirable. There is even a lovable pet thrown into the mix to wring our hearts on cue. And tragedy strikes with a predictable knell.

However, the plot takes an interesting turn or two. There is some suspense and some detective work involved. And the movie does bring home the lesson that no good can come of blind hatred.

Overall, this is a worthwhile film.

Required viewing for all.......2007-02-12

Robbie and Trey live a peaceful suburban life, well known and respected by all. That idyllic picture quickly changes, however, with the arrival of an inhospitable new neighbor. Christopher Boyd, son of the local fundamentalist pastor, immediately goes out of his way to vehemently demean the two men and warns Robbie to watch his back because he's "going to hell." Following a viciously unprovoked attack that leaves Trey lying comatose in a hospital bed, Robbie endeavors to fill the unbearable void left in his life and seek justice.

Director Tommy Stovall has crafted a bold, hard-hitting slice of reality. Any one person who, upon watching "Hate Crime," can still come away quoting it as a "cheap jab at religion" that promotes the so-called "Gay Agenda" is plain and simply beyond hope. Prejudice is prejudice, no matter how you choose to approach it. The fact that some members of society still choose to justify blatant acts of violence as "God's will" represents the sole reason I feel this outstanding film should be required viewing.

This has everything. Tight scripting, fine acting by a strong cast of professionals, and an unflinching look at the heart-wrenching pain intolerance can breed. My spouse and I were both extremely moved and impressed with what Mr. Stovall brought to the table. "Hate Crime" deserves all the praise it has received and has definitely earned a spot in our collection. It is, in every conceivable manner, a true eye-opener that shouldn't be missed.

Everybody Hates Chris - The First Season

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The first year of Chris Rock's "autobiographical" Emmy-worthy series
Everybody Hates Chris Show DVD
Imagine an urban version of 'The Wonder Years'
Comedy returns to Television!
Everyone Should Love CHRIS

Everybody Hates Chris - The First Season
Director: Victor Nelli Jr. , and Dennie Gordon
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

ASIN: B000HDR87S
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Amazon.com

Beginning with its assured pilot episode, it's love at first sight for Everybody Hates Chris. This loosely autobiographical family sitcom has a distinctive voice (belonging to co-creator Chris Rock, who also serves as narrator) and a strong sense of time (1982-83) and place (Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood). For Chris (the winning Tyler James Williams), turning 13 is anything but a wonder year. He is the only black kid in an all-white junior high school (to which he is bused) that offers him "not a Harvard-type education, just not a sticking-up-a-liquor-store-type education." At school, he is befriended by the geeky Greg (Vincent Martella), and mercilessly tormented by the red-haired bully Joey Caruso (Travis T. Flory). At home, his father, Julius, (former NFL player Terry Crews) works two jobs to make ends meet, and knows the cost of everything ("That's 49 cents of spilt milk on my table"). His mother, Rochelle (Tichina Arnold), also works part-time and knows "100 recipes for whooping ass." Chris is often called upon to be "the emergency adult" to his younger brother, Drew (Tequan Richmond), who is taller than Chris and better at everything from karate to girls, and his younger sister, Tonya (Imani Hakim), who is Daddy's favorite and delights in getting Chris into trouble.

While Chris's family is much more functional than Roseanne's clan, it, too, etches a vivid portrait of a family struggling to get by, as when Rochelle explains to Julius the "debt system" of paying bills. But most of the humor is universal, from Chris's life-changing discovery of his father's Playboy magazine to his anxiety over Picture Day at school. Everybody Hates Chris also manages to show the love without being mawkishly sentimental. In the pilot, narrator Rock notes that his father didn't express his feelings, but as he was only one of four fathers on the block, his "'I'll see you in the morning' meant he'd be coming home. And that was his way of saying, 'I love you.'" --Donald Liebenson

Description

Inspired by his childhood experiences, comedian Chris Rock narrates the hilarious, touching story of a teenager growing up as the eldest of children in Brooklyn, New York during the early 1980s.

Customer Reviews:

The first year of Chris Rock's "autobiographical" Emmy-worthy series.......2007-05-21

Tyler James Williams has the title role in this comedy gem, now in its second year on the CW Network. Creator (and narrator) Chris Rock has crafted a show that chronicles (with much "poetic license") his growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn and paints a warmly humorous look at his family.

Williams is perfect as the boy that must deal with home life as the eldest that is held responsible for his younger siblings while dealing with a school where he is an oddity: the only Black person in the school. The latter allows Rock to mix comedy with social commentary, something that he does quite well.

The rest of the cast is fantastic. Terry Crews plays the stern and hardworking father, Julius; Tichina Arnold (formerly of Martin Lawrence's series) shines as the mother; Tequan Richmond is Chris's younger but larger and more-appealing-to-the-girls brother Drew; Imani Hakin is Keisha, the sister that makes life miserable for her older sibling; and Vincent Martella plays Chris's only friend at school, Greg.

The twenty-two episodes on the disc are self-explanatory and offer a sly nod to the show's premise by containing the words "Everybody Hates" in their titles ("Everybody Hates Basketball," "Everybody Hates Sausage," " Everybody Hates Food Stamps," and "Everybody Hates the Gout," just to cite a few).

The compilation disc also contains cast commentaries on selected episodes and fascinating featurettes on the director/co-creator, the integral part that music plays in the show, and auditions, along with others.

The quality of the DVD is excellent and the show is presented in the widescreen format.

Hopefully, sales will be strong enough to persuade the release of season two at its end.

Everybody Hates Chris Show DVD.......2007-01-10

One of the funniest TV shows around. Tells of this kid's trials and tribulations of dealing with his family, growing up in a primarily black urban neighborhood while being bussed to an all white school. This is a must. Hysterical!!! Can't wait for Season 2 to come out.

Imagine an urban version of 'The Wonder Years'.......2006-12-11

Add to that some of Malcolm In The Middle's humor, and you got one of the finest shows on TV. Chris Rock and Ali Roi have managed a witty show with characters many of us can relate to, well written plot lines, and some 80s nostalgia.

Comedy returns to Television!.......2006-11-29

With a great cast, funny plot line and a great narrorator, this show brings the comedy the TV has lacked since the ending of shows such as the fresh prince of bel-air and a different world, back to tv!

Everyone Should Love CHRIS.......2006-10-29

Comedian Chris Rock created Everyone Hates Chris. This show is a cross between American Graffitti and The Wonder Years.

What makes this show funny is the reason The Wonder Years were funny. A family show covering LIFE, real life-where there is so much humor.

It is worth it-YES. The humor crosses color lines and is worth it

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

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