Movies

March2010

Summer of '42

WOW factor 10

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I saw the movie when it came out in 1971, I was moved then and still are.  This is by far and has been my favorite movie of all time.   

What a stunning piece of craftmanship. A masterpiece. Such innocence. Such humanity. Such wisdom. Such truth. Such is the need to touch the soul of another, and such is the need to seek comfort. Yet tenderness risks so much. Oh to be tender again. Yet who could bear it again? One might say it is simply about a couple of 15 year old boys coming of age. But it is more than that. So much more. In fact, without question, it is about the human condition itself. 

This is a movie about sex, no doubt about that either. But a movie of a kind that I don't think I've ever seen before. Everyone should see this film. Everyone.

If you live alone, see it and feel your own soul's needs. If you live with someone, see it together and draw him or her close.

Above all, when it is over, you will find yourself remembering and feeling that rarest of all feelings, true tenderness.

The young men should have received Oscars, and without question so too should have the woman. For she was woman, every woman. 

Did you hear about the Morgans? (DVD)

WOW factor 5

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Ok plot, not really a comedy as it was advertised. Loved Eliot and his wife, he is just a class act so is she.

My First 50 Dates (TV)

WOW factor 9

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Outstanding plot, great performance.

The Internationals (DVD)

WOW factor 7

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Thinker Bell (DVD)

WOW factor 8

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February2010

My Valentines Day

WOW factor 7

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Gamer

WOW factor 5

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Batman Begins (DVD)

WOW factor 8

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The Time Travelers Wife (DVD)

WOW factor 9

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National Treasure II (DVD)

WOW factor 7

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January 2010

Avatar

WOW factor 10

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The Princess and the Frog

WOW factor 8

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The Arrival (DVD)

WOW factor 7

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The Arrival II (DVD)

WOW factor 1

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The Omega Code (DVD)

WOW factor 7

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Crossworlds (DVD)

WOW factor 8

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X-Men (DVD)

WOW factor 8

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Lies and Illusions (2009) (DVD)

WOW factor 0

Interesting Title - I thought, good actors as well, I was up for a good action film that evening. The only action that night was the click off the DVD in disgust. I don't know if Christian Slater or Cuba Gooding Jr. were desperate for a job or Eric James and Writer Rich Cowan just fell down on the job. Amateurs at best. I was very angry at the entire setup, but Blockbuster would not give back my money.

I wrote an email to the studio, not expecting anything back, but to my surprise an email came back:

Peter
Thank you for your email the other day regarding the referenced title. It was forwarded to the producers of the film. This was their response:

Who is peter? Anyway anchor bay did 12m in dvd sales so they r happy

Happy new year 

We look forward to your constructive criticism on any of our other titles available at fine video retailers nationwide. If I may make a suggestion, since Lies and Illusions is not up your alley, try watching Shark in Venice or Hero Wanted.  

XXXXXXX
International Sales & Distribution
Nu Image/Millennium Films
6423 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048>
PH: 310.388.6900
FX: 310.388.6901

There you have it folks, anything to make a buck.  BTW don't watch Shark in Venice or Hero Wanted - my son most likely could have scripted it and filmed it better.

Mall Cop (DVD)

WOW factor 5

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Bambi II (DVD)

WOW factor 8

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The Land Before Time (DVD)

WOW factor 6

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The Great Long neck Migration

Pirates of the Caribbean (DVD)

WOW factor 9

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Spy Kids (DVD)

WOW factor 6

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Iron Cross (VHS)

WOW factor 6

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In 1943, in the Russian front, the decorated leader Rolf Steiner is promoted to Sergeant after another successful mission. Meanwhile the upper-class and arrogant Prussian Captain Hauptmann Stransky is assigned as the new commander of his squad. After a bloody battle of Steiner's squad against the Russian troops led by the brave Lieutenant Meyer that dies in the combat, the coward Stransky claims that he led his squad against the Russian and requests to be awarded with the Iron of Cross to satisfy his personal ambition together with his aristocratic family. Stransky gives the names of Steiner and of the homosexual Lieutenant Triebig as witnesses of his accomplishment, but Steiner, who has problems with the chain of command in the army and with the arrogance of Stransky, refuses to participate in the fraud. When Colonel Brandt gives the order to leave the position in the front, Stransky does not retransmit the order to Steiner's squad, and they are left alone surrounded by the enemy and having to fight to survive.

Cross of Iron (1977) was a low budget masterpiece from ace director Sam Peckinpah. After having a falling out from Hollywood, Peckinpah went to Europe to direct this W.W.II. anti-war film. The film centers around Sergent Steiner, a battle weary veteran who leads his company into battle everyday for the past three years. Unlike others his only concern is the survival of his men and the fact that he's a live to live another day. One day an officer of Prussian descent (Maximillian Schnell) decides to make his and everyone beneath him lives miserable. James Mason plays the battle hardened Colonel whilst David Warner co-stars as his cynical aide de camp