Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Average Customer Review:
DVD (10 April, 2001)
list price: $19.98
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Editorial Review

Pedro Almodovar broke into the art-house mainstream with this wild,manic comedy about a gaggle of women and their various problems with men, be they married lovers, cheating husbands, fiancés, or terrorists. Almodovar's long-time leading lady, Carmen Maura, stars as an actress (famed for her laundry detergent commercial as the mother of a sloppy serial killer) who's just been dumped by her married lover. In the midst of trying to track him down for a face-to-face confrontation, she crosses paths with her lover's son (Antonio Banderas), his unbalanced wife (Julieta Serrano), and his new girlfriend (Kiti Manver). Adding more fuel to the fire is the hapless friend(Maria Barranco) who got involved with a Shiite terrorist and is now being hunted by the police. Almodovar, a master of farcical screwball comedy, manages to keep all these balls in the air in dizzy, hilarious style without once losing his momentum. Chock full of the director's over-the-top stylization, in terms of both story and sets, the film is a hilarious yet heartfelt marriage of kitsch and drama, verging on parody but never going entirely over the top. Maura is absolutely breathtaking as the unhinged lover, dispensing wise advice to others while trying to keep a semblance of sanity, and the supporting cast is quintessential Almodovar, including a brief but memorable turn by Banderas in what could have been a bland, go-nowhere role. Nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 1989. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

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• Closed-captioned
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Reviews (29)

Amodovar At His Very Best
Without a doubt my very favorite film by Pedro Almodovar (perhaps my favorite film ever), "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" brilliantly blends touching human drama with hilarious near-slapstick comedy.

Almodovar is a genius in direction and story-telling. His female characters always provide an erratic, strong, rich tapestry to all of his movies--"Women on the Verge" being the best example.

Maura portrays a newly jilted mistress of a machisto womanizer. The film follows her frantic day-long attempt to locate her ex as he eludes her while pursuing yet another woman. Along the way, she meets his deranged wife, his naive son (and his abrasive fiancee), her best-friend in crisis (wanted by Shi'ite terrorists), a physically combative psychotherapist, and two drugged police officers.

It's crazy, but Almodovar makes it all come together in a way that only he can.

I can watch this movie constantly and always find something new. It's a classic.

Universal Shennanigans
In 'Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown', Pedro Almodovar subtley overturns traditional gender stereotypes. Outside of the shennanigans she encounters from place to place, Pepa takes stock of her situation in the taxi that carries her between buildings. Its here she recognizes that the mechanics of motorcycles are much easier to fathom than those of male psychology. Ivan's first wife Lucia, remains in the 60's fashion she was wearing when he left her. It's almost as if time stopped for her the moment he left. The array of colours seem to be used as a metaphor for the full and intense emotions of the women involved, compared to the grey and black of Carlos and Ivan.

Apparently Almodovar had to film the balcony scenes in a studio because the downtown skyline of Madrid is now just a sea of office and apartment buildings. Almodovar has never made any secret of the fact that a director should "never borrow, but steal if it is justified" from another director. Witness his homage to Hitchcock's 'Rear Window' when Pepa looks across the street into Lucia's apartment building.

It's ironic that in his native Spain, Pedro Almodovar finally broke free from being described as a 'cult' director to being appreciated by a wider audience with the massive success of this film. Meanwhile in the U.S., the film was specifically marketed by Orion as a 'minority' picture aimed at an Hispanic and female audience. They must have been pleasantly surprised when the audiences for this film crossed racial and gender barriers.

From an Almodovar fan, "like a child with his new toy"
casually, while shopping, i found this DVD in a store... i remember i saw this movie once, a long time ago...the price was fine, a whole new movie for my eyes, i took it home... what happened next, i can't explain by words: just put the disc on the player, turn on the tv and begin laughing, just from the overture to the end!!! The music is excellent, the ideal song for every moment on the movie... the caracters, from the main to the most secondary, has its whole story inside the movie... the camera shows everything important, even smallest details... and the story, classic from Almodovar: a lot of people, that appears to be distant and different from each other, join at the end, to make one of the funniest movies ever!! Only from Almodovar's mind can come a story so complicated to explain by words, so insane and desperating, but that makes you get into it, understand it, and love it. Well, that's my appreciation from "Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios", in its original language, so i hope the translated version makes you feel the same ... Read more

Asin: B000059H9F
Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - Spanish/Misc Sa   

Cleopatra (Five Star Collection)
Average Customer Review:
DVD (03 April, 2001)
list price: $26.98 -- our price: $21.58
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Editorial Review

This 1963 extravaganza, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, is certainly an epic historical drama with all the elements: elaborate sets, intricate costuming, name actors, a factual basis, and an overlong script (just over four hours). But the acting is well performed and the backdrops are lush, making this a film worth seeing. Elizabeth Taylor is Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen who seduces Julius Caesar (Rex Harrison) in a political move to hold onto her empire. When Caesar is killed in the Roman Senate, Cleopatra looks to Marc Antony (Richard Burton) for his support, practically enslaving him with her wiles. Taylor is dramatic in her role, at times overly serious, but stunning nonetheless as the woman described as "well versed in the natural sciences and mathematics. She speaks seven languages proficiently. Were she not a woman one would consider her to be an intellectual." While the film does seem to drag at moments, it deserves the four Oscars it won for cinematography, art direction-set direction, costumes, and special effects. Don't confuse this Cleopatra with the 1934 version directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Claudette Colbert. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

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• Color
• Closed-captioned
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Reviews (111)

Lavish but where's the rest of it...?
Where IS the rest of it?

That may sound like an odd question given that "Cleopatra" runs 4 hours, but despite the lavish sets, clever dialogue, generally good performances, etc... there is nonetheless a certain "smallness" about this gargantuan piece of Hollywood history (which, if one adjusts for inflation, remains easily the most-expensive movie ever made).
This "smallness" is hard to explain, except that I think it may have something to do with so many scenes occuring inside, with very little external shooting.

As I understand, the original version was ~6 hours, which does seem a tad too long, but FOX made Mr. Mankeiwicz cut the film down, which he did to a length of about 5 hours and 15 minutes... THIS is the version that I'd like to see (but no one's apparently been able to find the footage) but the studio then took it and hacked it down to "only" 4 hours in 1963, some prints running less than 3(!!) Elizabeth Taylor is said to have vomited after publicly viewing the slashed-up version in London.

It's also been said that the two stars missing from the 4 hour version (let alone the shorter one) are Rome and Egypt... I can believe it-- as there is a pronounced lack of a sense of "place" or location in the 4 hour cut, the version readily available.

If they could reassemble the 5 1/4 hour cut, with that footage back in place, I wonder if the size and scope of "Cleopatra" would finally measure up to what it seems to be trying to promise at every moment. Because despite how long it already is, one senses that you've "missed" something throughout the movie.

A Masterpiece!
A great epic, Cleopatra, brings to the screen the story of one of the most well known historical figures.
The film combines drama, action, and adventure, making it one of the best of its kind.
Needless to say, the Hollywood heavyweights Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, as well as the rest of the cast have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are outstanding to say the least.The actors' incredible talent and chemistry clearly shows, thus providing a film that can be watched over and over again.
The setting, the acting, the dialogues, the music, the battles and the costumes are all wonderful!
History, Love, Passion, and Honor, are all about.
There are no words to describe this multiple Oscar winning movie.It is simply amazing how a movie made in 1963 surpasses by far most movies that have been
made in later years.A great marvel indeed!

Hail Caesar....the "Hail" with Caesar give me Cleo!
A bunch of men in skirts upstagged by a Goddess who appears to be up to the task of breast feading Egypt! Half naked georgeous slave girls prancing around in Fredericks of Hollywood costumes before there was Fredericks of Hollywood! Taylor's "ample" assets falling out of every costume in nearly every scene! Are there other stars in the movie? Yes but who cares! In short a spectacular extravaganza unequaled in scope and magnitude that could never be duplicated again even if we disregard Taylor's Fruedian appeal. A must see on every level! ... Read more

Asin: B000059HAQ
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Director: Richard Brooks
Average Customer Review:
DVD (01 June, 2004)
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Editorial Review

Elizabeth Taylor has never been sexier than as Tennessee Williams's hot-blooded Maggie "The Cat" Pollitt, prowling around her boudoir in a slinky white slip. That's how you know her alcoholic, ex-football-player husband, Brick (Paul Newman), must have more than just his leg in a cast. It's the 65th birthday of wealthy (but dying) southern patriarch Big Daddy (Burl Ives), and his sons Gooper (Jack Carter) and Brick have come to suck up to him for $10 million in inheritance money. Gooper is a family man and father to a brood of "no-neck monsters"; youngest boy Brick is papa's favorite (as if you couldn't tell from the fellow's names), but hasn't sired progeny. Maggie is definitely in heat, but Brick refuses to sleep with her because he suspects her her of being unfaithful with his best friend, who recent committed suicide. Although toned down for the movies, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is vintage Tennessee Williams. The film was directed by Richard Brooks (In Cold Blood, Blackboard Jungle, Elmer Gantry). --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned

Reviews (49)

Cat in the Hot Tin Roof
I never expected to like this movie this much. I have no idea what the movie was all about except that it stars Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. Both actors were superb, after watching this movie I searched the video store for all Taylor and Newman movies. So this is really the movie made me a fan of the two.
.
Some of the sensitive topics of the original play were toned down to pass censorship I am not really familiar with the original play but I know that Brick's (Newman) latent homosexuality was altered and at some point because of that the dialogue seemed a little awkward especially the big confrontation scene with Maggie (Taylor) and Big Daddy (Ives). In this version Brick's grieving for the death of his male best friend was purely platonic (some say there's still latent homosexual subtext to it but Brick was sexually attracted with his wife as evidenced with how he stare at her in the first few scenes of the movie and the finale). Somehow it damaged the structure of the movie in a way.

Some of the characters were also "caricaturish" and probably would suit better theatrically particularly the character Mae (Madeleine Sherwood), she's so in your face and two dimensional. Big Daddy was also a little "caricaturish", do you really treat your grandchildren that way. I mean even if you don't like them you don't normally act it with big gestures as if you want to announce it to the whole world.

But in the end this is really Newman and Taylor's film, electrifying chemistry and just played their scenes perfectly especially when together. And you've got to see the final scene, a very satisfying conclusion.

Grade: A

I Guess I Just Don't Like Tennessee Williams...
I watched this film because it is a classic. I had never seen an adult Elizabeth Taylor film nor had I watched a Paul Newman film. I was excited to see them in a film but was somewhat disappointed. Elizabeth Taylor plays Maggie, an unhappy woman in a marriage to Brick, an alcoholic played by Paul Newman. They were certainly beautiful, especially Taylor who in this film is reminicient of Marilyn Monroe's radiant beauty in The Seven Year Itch.

Their acting was not bad. In fact, it was excellent. I liked the characters and I related to them.

The problem was the script. I had seen A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams before I saw this film. I had not liked that one either. The problem with his stories is that nothing too exciting ever happens. The scripts are just character analysises. The movie is simply a random succession of events that are not exciting enough to keep one's attention for an hour and forty-eight minutes. Still, it is considered to be outstanding by many, mostly due to the ambiguous and tense dialogue.

If you like Williams' other work, then see this film. If you like character analysis, see this film. If you're looking for an exciting story, skip it.

NOTE: PLEASE VOTE REGARDING THE QUALITY OF THE REVIEW, NOT WHETHER YOU AGREE WITH IT.

A deservedly classic
Certain TV-stations and DVD/VCR-distributers label a film "a classic" based on that it is produced in black and white or have starnames on the credits. Disney even label their upcoming releases as "A Disney Classic!".

Well the term "classic" must only be used on products that have stood the test of time. If a product is timeless and of TIMELESS appeal in production values, performances and storywise - then we may have a classic.

Affectionate memories of films we loved when growing up, is based on love and the happy recollectionswe encountered during the time we saw it. Many of my reviews are based on that fact hehehe. I read that Rouben Mamoulian once said: "Time is the best critic!"
I can hardly disagree...

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof however is a classic. Because of the performances of Elizabeth, Paul and Burl, the set design, the music and the ever impressive poetry of Tennesse Williams.

Yes, the script playes down the homosexual element concerning Brick, but the innuendo makes it all for the better. Taylor was in the midst of this film when her husband, showman Mike Todd, was tragically killed when his plane, Lucky Liz, crushed to the grown. Taylor called upon her grieve in many a scene in this film; no wonder I think it represents a major personal hit for her(among many hits...)

She is deservedly, the Queen Of The Hollywood Movies of the last century. ... Read more

Asin: B00004T32L
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Butterfield 8
Director: Daniel Mann
Average Customer Review:
DVD (19 September, 2000)
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Editorial Review

"I was the slut of all time!" declares Elizabeth Taylor in the role forwhich she won her first Academy Award®. Taylor plays Gloria, a model of loosemorals who discovers a last chance at love and redemption when she spends a weekwith Weston Ligget (Laurence Harvey), a man who married into money and hateshimself for it. They fall in love, but beforethey can find happiness they have to overcome their own worst natures.BUtterfield 8 (named after Gloria's answering service) is a big boozymelodrama, full of gorgeous clothes, catty comments, and emotionalshowdowns--but along the way it plumbs some genuine sadness. No one can be simultaneouslyoverblown and utterly sincere like Elizabeth Taylor; the movie is mired in themorality of the time, but her performance makes Gloria's mixture of grief andanger seem immediate and genuine. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

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Reviews (31)

Elizabeth Taylor saves this mediocre film
Two desperate but independent minded proud people, a lawyer who marries into a wealthy family and a beautiful model who sleeps with men for affection, find in each other a diversion from wretched feelings of self-loathing. This diversion soon becomes an obsession, and then something more. But as their guarded exteriors become somewhat less so, they fall prey to the passionate, but often violent emotions they've inherited from their circumstances. Elizabeth Taylor's acting is superb and raw with emotion and mostly makes up for the incredulous, moralizing Hollywood ending which diverges considerably from the book and is not better served by the change. Still, it could have been much worse!

"I loved it - every awful moment of it, I loved!"
"She's catnip to every cat in town," a bartender says of Gloria Wandrous, call girl and Party Girl #1, who is boozing it up, surrounded by a dozen men. Waking up in Wes Liggett's Fifth Avenue penthouse, she discovers he's left her a wad of money and a note saying, "Is $250 enough?" She hurls the money away, scrawling "No Sale" on the mirror with her lipstick. But she seems to forget that she is a call girl, and call girls accept money for services rendered. Unfortunately, Gloria is in love with Liggett, her "john", but he is married to someone else - a society matron poorly played by the cold, patrician beauty, Dina Merrill. As Gloria is leaving, she steals Ligget's wife's $7000 fur coat and starts all kinds of trouble. It certainly would have caused trouble today - the entire film is a PETA nightmare, as Gloria can be clocked wearing suede, lynx, coyote, mink, sable, beaver, and something that looks like skunk. The whole movie has Liz in her last fading bloom of youth, girded-to-the-gills and at the peak of her "eyebrows-of-death" period. Her Gloria-ously voluptuous figure is beginning to bulge and sag, but she is decked out to the nines in drop-dead stylish early-60s glamour. At the time, Liz and Jackie Kennedy were neck-and-neck in the glamour department, and the Jackie look is unmistakably present in Liz's styling. Though Jackie's never would be, Liz's cleavage is on abundant display. Cleavage was such a powerful metaphor for sex, then - a set-piece whose effectiveness would be impossible now (you practically have to show actors rutting on the floor to satisfy the modern taste). Liz was also at the peak of her Eddie Fisher period - playing a harlot on screen after stealing Fisher away from his real-life wife, Debbie Reynolds, only added to Liz's plummeting reputation. Fisher plays Gloria's friend who loves her but is not taken seriously by her. He's such a drip onscreen, that you can't help wondering how in real life this guy managed to attract one of the most glamorous women in the world. The suave and very continental Harvey is equally dull, especially as he commandeers that last 20 minutes of the film.
The part of Gloria won an Oscar for Liz Taylor - mysteriously, since the work is far inferior to many of Liz's previous films. Liz has proclaimed that this is the least favorite film she ever made - she was simply fulfilling the requirements of her contract. But when Liz is good, she's very, very good, but when she's bad, she gives it all she's got. Director Daniel Mann definitely had a way with leading-ladies. In addition to guiding Liz towards her Oscar, he did the same for Shirley Booth in *Come Back, Little Sheba* and Anna Magnani in *The Rose Tattoo*. Also directing Susan Hayward in *I'll Cry Tomorrow*, Mann certainly excels in these heavy-handed soapers. Based on the racy John O'Hara novel, the dialogue is dreadful. At one point Gloria tells her shrink, "I don't need you any more. I have no problems. I'm in love," as well as, "Someday Wes is going to find himself, and I want to be there."The script was so bad my sister and I veered off into a conversation about the Austin yogurt shop murders, and missed a scene full of lots of drinking, ultimatums and arched eyebrows, but we were riveted to the screen as Gloria is screaming, "Mama, face it! I was the slut of all time!" But even when shrieking, Liz is irresistible. And like Gloria says in the movie, "I loved it - every awful moment of it, I loved!"

Liz Luscious in Glossy, "Racy" Melodrama
"Butterfield 8" is a much better picture than it's often given credit for, in spite of the excesses.In fact, its excesses are what make it fun.Elizabeth Taylor plays Gloria Wandrous, a model/partygirl who lives a fast, booze-soaked life without inhibitions (and with a pretty good sense of humor) but longs to be "respectable" and "normal" with the "Right Man." She also still lives with her mother, although her long-suffering mother tries to deny her daughter's lifestyle. When Gloria has a one-night-stand with Weston Ligget (Laurence Harvey), the man who has unhappily married into money, she feels she has at last found the security she has been looking for.As she tells her psychiatrist in a hilarious scene, "I'm cured!"

First of all, the opulent sets are gorgeous (lots of blues, chandeleirs, posh rooms, sumptuous clothes) and at the centerpiece is Ms. Gorgeous herself, La Liz in her prime.Wow, she was, as one reviewer noted, cosmically beautiful in a way few prior or since have come close:raven black hair; violet eyes with the thick double-lashes; florid coloring; the perfect eyebrows (thick but not bushy and tapered beautifully); beauty mark; beautiful nose; even a dimpled smile.She also was quite voluptuous and here is poured into her clothes, including her undergarments.Who wore a slip like Elizabeth Taylor?Her performance here is quite good -- she's definitely steeped in excess (in the opening scene, in fact, she brushes her teeth with booze and teeters through the lush apartment on high heels) but also sympathetic and puts across a complex range of emotions.Sure, the script reflects the attitudes of the times and there are moments of unintentional humor (such as when long-suffering "noble" wife of Ligget, the lovely Dina Merrill has a confrontational scene with her husband where he tells her *SPOILER* he's leaving because he can't go on disrespecting her, and she pleads, "Can't you try?"), but it's still a very complex portrait of Gloria, as embodied by Taylor, and her life.And it's a classic representation of the sexes in that time -- almost right out of a lurid pulp novel in Technicolor mixed with old-style Hollywood.Taylor in long black gloves and huge pearls.Terrific!Wish everyone wore hats still!

Laurence Harvey actually embodies the description Ian Fleming gave of James Bond in his novels with the piercing eyes, hard mouth and even the "comma of black hair" over his eye.He's a classic of this period, too, and the wooden acting is all part of it.It's not quite a stereotype, either; the characters are all fairly well drawn, in fact.The scene of the businessmen in the bar "making a joke" over Gloria ("most desirable girl in town and easiest to find," as the poster says), that the men who have her "number" would fill a stadium, is still an outrage, but even if women are no longer "branded" for being sexually "loose," the attitudes still persist.(Look at how people embrace the largely sexist hip-hop's slang "'ho" and think how many men still have women on their "budget").We've come a long way, baby, but it ain't over!And probably never will be.

Yes, yes, the scoop surrounding the film was that Taylor was involved with Eddie Fisher (why, Elizabeth?) and broke up his marriage with Debbie Reynolds.But although he's fairly good here as her faithful friend, it would have been far more believable if he had been a gay man.As it stands, it feels absurd that a straight man would have the likes of Elizabeth Taylor coming to his apartment, flirting and tempting him, and remain chastely faithful to his girlfriend.

In any case, splashy, good fun and great to look at! ... Read more

Asin: B00004TX2E
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Crazy/ Beautiful
Director: John Stockwell
Average Customer Review:
DVD (01 July, 2003)
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Editorial Review

Opposites attract in this love story for the younger set. Carlos is a straight-laced poor boy working his way toward a better life. Nicole is a rich girl with a wild streak who can't seem to stay out of trouble. Can it be that they're meant for each other? Yes, of course it can. Crazy/Beautiful follows a familiar pattern--the two young lovers come from different worlds, and no one else understands them--but has a few intelligent wrinkles to the standard star-crossed plot. Nicole's dad, for example, actually likes Carlos and worries that Nicole will corrupt him. Kirsten Dunst and Jay Hernandez give assured performances as the young lovers, and the movie's message of tolerance comes across without being preachy. As teen love stories go, you could do far worse. Adults may be left cold by Crazy/Beautiful, but teens--especially those with a dramatic streak--will enjoy this well-intentioned romance. --Ali Davis ... Read more

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Reviews (105)

A movie for all ages!
I saw this movie when I was in my mid-twenties, and only now after reading some of the reviews did it occur to me that it might really have been directed at teenagers!I suppose all the main characters are in high school, yes, but this isn't a teen-only movie.The storyline is excellent, all about love and doing what is "cool" vs. what is responsible in high school.I really enjoyed seeing Kirsten Dunst's character develop.Both Dunst and Hernandez are excellent actors in this movie.

I was so captivated by the magic of this storyline that I had no interest in watching any of the out-takes or behind the scenes stuff.I prefer to leave this movie as the wonderful love and growing up story it was, without focusing on how each scene was set up and directed.

extremadamente bonita
the movie is so beautiful.jay hernandez is so hot. la pelicula esta muy bonita. la historia, la actuacion,los actores. todo en esta pelicula esta maravilloso no me canso de ver esta pelicula.wow que pelicula!!

Most favorite movie ever!
Recently, I saw this movie on TBS after watching Sex and the City. I loved it so much that I want to buy it on DVD. This is the best love story movie that I have ever seen. I hope there's going to be more sequels to this. If not, then screw it. Maybe, I'll ask a director or whatever to make a sequel to this. I love teen movies!!! I'm really glad that I didn't change the channel. No wonder I had a feeling not to. Finally listening to my great intention instinct. Now, I'm going to check out if they have that movie at my favorite movie store, Suncoast. --------> X3 ... Read more

Asin: B00003CY5P
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

The Women
Director: George Cukor
Average Customer Review:
DVD (02 July, 2002)
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Editorial Review

George Cukor, Hollywood's legendary "woman's director," had his hands full with the all-female cast of this 1939 film adaptation of the Clare Boothe play. The story finds a group of catty, competitive friends destroying reputations at social gatherings. The dialogue sparkles, Joan Crawford's performance as a husband stealer is still a classic, the film looks wonderful in Cukor's hands, and the Technicolor fashion-show scene is a one-of-a-kind Hollywood experience. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Black & White
• Closed-captioned

Reviews (97)

Jeffsdate missing the facts
I was so glad to see that The Women is now available on DVD.This is a classic film with an all-star cast that included many innovations for its time.The review by Jeffsdate shows that this person knows nothing of this history and should do some research.Yes the characters were horrible to each other!They were meant to be!Have you read the play?All the characters are stereotypes.Hence no males in the cast - including animals.And the fashion show was so long because this was one of the first technicolor scenes. I hope that other Amazon customers will give this movie the chance it deserves.

Hated, hated, HATED it!
First of all, I'm a "chick."Second, I love classic old films.Third, I like George Cukor.Fourth, the cast of this film was fabulous.But the plot and characters were INSUFFERABLE!I agree with the reviewer that said this film is incredibly misogynistic!The women are all catty, shallow, heartless bitches -- except Norma Shearer's character, who is a total sap.Much of the dialogue is so rapid-fire and rat-a-tat-tat that you can barely understand what they're saying.The fashion-show scene was way too long, as was the film as a whole, and I especially hated the ultra-schmaltzy scenes between Shearer and her totally implausible, girl-scouty daughter.My husband is generally OK with chick flicks, but I thought he was a saint for sitting through this one.

Interesting
If you didn't catch the fact that this was an all female movie, it would have passed you by. But the performances that these ladies give will not pass you by; Dynamic all the way; Norma Shearer,(Who was Queen of MGM through her own long association with the studio and her marriage to producer/executive Irving Thalberg),heads an all star cast of a faithful, selfless, popular wife, who finds out her her husband is having an affair with a brazen shopgirl Crystal(Joan Crawford). Well, she gets her divorce, but in time, the gig becomes up for Ms Crystal, and Shearer is back in the game; Rosalind Russell gives a good performance of the lady with a sharp tongue who gets a dose of her OWN medicine(HMM).
Although I find the all female cast quite interesting, I wanted to shake my head as well; OK, this is the 30s here and most women believed(even now) that it was better to have with a Mr than not; So for it's time it is a bit dated, but the fact that women dominate the story is quite novel if not interesting and has not been brought up much since; ... Read more

Asin: B000063K2W
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

The Boy from Oz (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 November, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

Peter Allen was an Australian gay man who was once married to Liza Minnelli and was still officially in the closet when he died of AIDS in 1992. It's obvious that when it comes to sheer drama, Allen's life is pretty hard to beat, and Hugh Jackman's portrayal in this bio-show terrifically brings home the music man's energy and inner contradictions. Too bad his life's intensity wasn't reflected in Allen's milquetoast songs, which are generously sprinkled throughout the show. Technically, Jackman's not the best singer (Brian Stokes Mitchell continues to rule Broadway in that regard), but his charisma is undeniable. His take on "I Go to Rio" is appropriately high octane, for instance, while "I Still Call Australia Home" (Oz's unofficial anthem) is rather poignant. As Judy and Liza, respectively, Isabel Keating and Stephanie J. Block try hard to emulate their models' vocal styles, which can be really distracting. Overall, though, this album is mostly for serious fans of either Allen and Jackman. --Elisabeth Vincentelli ... Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (71)

Incredible!
I feel very lucky to have actually seen The Boy From Oz on Broadway, and even more lucky to have met Hugh Jackman himself after the show! The man is quite handsome and charming (not to mention good looking!!!) in person. Who would have thought that this man playing Wolverine from X-men would become a broadway star! He's one of those very few movie stars that can cross over from blockbuster hollywood actor to a broadway star. The show was excellent, and i was very excited to know that he won a Tony Award for his starring role. I wouldn't say that the play is the greatest broadway musical in the world, but it's one of the best that Broadway has had in a long time. I look foreward to seeing it again on Broadway to hear this wonderful music! But until then its great to enjoy the CD. Highly recommended!

Proof Broadway is Sinking
Broadway Producers are getting so desperate for a hit, they'll do anything.Stephanie Block delivers the only decent number with "Love to Hear the Music", but one song doesn't justify this horror.

Who told Hugh Jackman he could sing?

No, seriously, I want to meet the person sitting behing the casting desk who said to themselves, "That's him! That's the man that will carry this entire show and blow people away with his powerhouse vocals!"

They need a good punch in the face.

Jarrod Emmick (Rocky Horror Show) is wasted here in a thankless role, when in reality, he's the only one that can sing.

Don't get me wrong... I'm sure the poor women doing the bad impersonations of Judy and Liza are really quite good, but their over-the-top attempts at capturing their characters is so distracting it's hard to think of much else.

What A Rort
Being an Aussie, i bought a reserve tickets the the Australian premiere of this fantastic production, then bought a copy of the Australian Cast CD, and then another one for the car.
I was so incredibly excited when i found out it was being done on broadway, then even more excited when i found out Hugh was playing Peter.
Not being able to get to the US to see it live, i bought the CD The instant it was available.
Well im bitterly dissapointed that i did.
I hope the producers of this production are feeling guilty because they have destroyed the work of 2 people who are no longer hear to complain about it. Peter Allen for his music, and Nick Enright for his book.
They have changed so much about this show that its barely recogniseable. When i listened to "Not the Boy Next Door" i had to pick up the CD cover to find out what song it was. I was shocked to find out it was my favourite song from the Australian Cast. Then that awful woman singing continental american??? what was that, sounded more like a cat being skinned than someone singing.
After seeing Hugh in Oklahoma, i had expected a better performance, sadly he sounded like some ocker bloke from wagga wagga than peter allen.
bitterly dissapointed by the whole shambles ... Read more

Asin: B0000DJZ7T
Subjects:  1. Cabaret    2. Cast Recordings    3. Music Theater    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Sylvester - Greatest Hits
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 April, 1990)
list price: $23.98 -- our price: $23.98
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• Import

Reviews (6)

Classic Disco
Sylvester, just one word described the style and energy of an era. Just as he was about to cross over to the "mainstream" , we lost him. One of the most talented and entertaining men of his time. This package starts with his "Fantasy" label, to the end, with the much loved "Megatone" label. I was never that pleased with his covers on "Menergy" etc, But loved Patrick Cowley (his last producer). My only complaint: the beautiful "You Are My Friend" was missing from this disc.It was taken from his last LP. Not a dance track, but an intense song about meeting people. My fav. has to be with where it all started, Stars!

Classic Disco
Sylvester, just one word described the style and energy of an era. Just as he was about to cross over to the "mainstream" , we lost him. One of the most talented and entertaining men of his time. This package starts with his "Fantasy" label, to the end, with the much loved "Megatone" label. I was never that pleased with his covers on "Menergy" etc, But loved Patrick Cowley (his last producer). My only complaint: the beautiful "You Are My Friend" was missing from this disc.It was taken from his last LP. Not a dance track, but an intense song about meeting people. My fav. has to be with where it all started, Stars!

THE BEST HITS
This is package of gold !! every mix is from the 12 inch and none have fallen short ... Read more

Asin: B000005DM7
Sales Rank: 26165
Subjects:  1. Dance    2. Dance Music    3. Disco    4. Funk    5. Hi-NRG    6. Pop   

Tennessee Williams: Plays 1937-1955 (Library of America)
by Tennessee Williams Kenneth Holdich Mel Gussow
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 October, 2000)
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Reviews (5)

Dragon Country.
"It is only in his work that an artist can find reality and satisfaction, for the actual world is less intense than the world of his invention and consequently his life, without recourse to violent disorder, does not seem very substantial," Tennessee Williams wrote in the 1948 essay "The Catastrophe of Success," eventually added as a preface to the "memory play" that catapulted him to stardom, "The Glass Menagerie" (1945).Prophetic words of a man who drew heavily on his own experience, on life in the economically depressed South, homosexuality, alcoholism, physical and mental infirmity, violence, passion, desire, love and loss, but most of all his profound sense of humanity and his understanding of the drama of everyday life to create Dragon Country, that uninhabitable and yet inhabited world, that land of unendurable but nevertheless endured pain (also the title of a 1970 collection of plays) of unforgettable pieces such as "The Glass Menagerie," "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1947), "Summer and Smoke" (1948), "The Rose Tattoo" (1951), "Camino Real" (1953), "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1955), "Orpheus Descending" (1957), "Suddenly Last Summer" (1958), "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1959), "The Night of the Iguana" (1961) and "Not About Nightingales" (set in 1938 but only brought to the stage 50 years later).

Born Thomas Lanier Williams to an overbearing, hard-drinking, abusive, frequently absent father and a doting mother, Tennessee acquired the sobriquet he later chose as his first name in university, where his Deep South accent made him an easy target for his classmates.A writer since his youth, he saw his first short story ("Isolated") published in a high school newspaper; and after several other prose publications, his second play "Cairo! Shanghai! Bombay!" was produced by a Memphis amateur company in 1935. (His first play, the unstaged "Beauty Is the Word," had been a 1930 University of Missouri drama class assignment which, submitted to the school's Dramatic Arts Club contest, won the first honorable mention ever to be awarded to a freshman).After a stint with his father's shoe company, where he had gone to work at parental insistence, he graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938.His big breakthrough came with "A Glass Menagerie;" the story of fading Southern belle Amanda Wingfield (who, like many of Williams's most memorable characters, frantically clings to the illusion of a world gone by), her crippled daughter Laura (the owner of the titular glass figurine collection), "gentleman caller" Jim (Laura's suitor), and Amanda's son Tom, Williams's thinly veiled alter ego who, like the playwright, sees his vocation as a poet crushed under his daily job at a shoe factory.Yet, looking back at his struggling life preceding "Glass Menagerie," Williams later came to regard that time as more real than the life made possible by fame and fortune: in fact, "it was the sort of life for which the human organism is created," he wrote in "The Catastrophe of Success."

The present compilation, one of two volumes in the magnificent "Library of America" series, brings together the more significant works of Williams's early years and of his peak as a playwright through 1955, including inter alia his two Pulitzer Prize winners ("A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"), the only recently-rediscovered "Spring Storm" (1938) and "Not About Nightingales," the initial, unsuccessful version of "Orpheus Descending" ("Battle of Angels," 1940), as well as excerpts from the one-act play collection "27 Wagons Full of Cotton" (originally from 1945, augmented and republished 1953), among them the collection's title piece plus "The Lady of Larkspur Lotion," "Something Unspoken," "This Property Is Condemned," and others.The second Library of America volume covers Williams's creative period after 1955.Neither tome is all-inclusive; a fully comprehensive compilation would easily have required three volumes for the plays alone, not to mention his poetry and prose; and a 1955 caesura certainly does make sense.Still: completists will have to look elsewhere in addition.Among the more significant omissions in this first volume are "Cairo! Shanghai! Bombay!" (which I would have liked to see included if only because it was his first-ever staged play) as well as the modestly successful "American Blues" (1939) and the remaining one-act plays from "27 Wagons Full of Cotton." Volume 2 similarly focuses on Williams's more significant later plays; omitting, e.g., "Gnaediges Fraeulein," "In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel," "The Red Devil Battery Sign," "The Notebook of Trigorin" - his adaptation of Anton Chekhov's "Seagull" - and his infamous "Baby Doll" screenplay, as well as its stage adaptation "Tiger Tail."

Although many of Williams's works reached audiences not only on stage but also on the silver screen, beginning in the 1950s he came under increased scrutiny due to his unconventional lifestyle.Even in his plays' most successful screen adaptations, the more controversial elements, such as Brick's unavowed homosexuality in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and the sexual tension between Stanley and Blanche in "A Streetcar Named Desire," were either muted or censored entirely; and particularly in later years, criticism leveled against his plays was often truly motivated by objections against the man himself. - "The bird that I hope to catch in the net of this play is ... the true quality of experience in a group of people, that cloudy, flickering, evanescent - fiercely charged! - interplay of live human beings in the thundercloud of a common crisis," Williams wrote in a stage direction in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."But while his own life's thunderstorm did eventually prove fatal (he choked to death on a medicine bottle cap in 1983), over the course of his life he revolutionized Southern drama in a way only comparable to Faulkner's impact on literary fiction, and set a shining example for generations of later playwrights.All-encompassing or not: the Library of America's collection of his works is an excellent place to begin a journey of appreciation into his Dragon Country.

Tennesse Williams: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Tennessee Williams is one of my favorite playwrights, and he was one of America's best. I think he was clearly also one of the 20th Century's best. Wonderful poignant tragic storyteller with memorable characters, like the frail southern belle Blanche in his classic play "A Streetcar Named Desire", or Stanley her uncouth brother-in-law who destroys her last shot at happiness. Another great play is "The Glass Menagerie", his first hit, which was an enormous success and catupulted him instantly into the forefront of emerging young playwrights at the time. It's a very entertaining story, very readable, I highly recommend you read it. Another is "The Rose Tattoo"--also see the film of the same name. And Williams' last great play was "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

David Rehak
author of "Love and Madness"

The plays are great, but a misleading description
The plays contained in this volume are wonderful and interesting (especially in terms of his development) to any fan of Tennessee Williams... but I purchased the book believing it was the COMPLETE collected plays 1937-1955, which it is not.It is a group of "selected" plays.I bought it hoping to get more of the one-acts and historical oddities.It contains some of these, but mostly consists of his the more well-known plays, which anyone who would buy this book likely already has (e.g. Cat. Streetcar, Menagerie).Perhaps Amazon.com might want to place a line of explanatory commentary to that effect on the product description. ... Read more

Isbn: 1883011868
Sales Rank: 57462
Subjects:  1. American    2. Drama    3. Plays    4. Plays / Drama    5. Theater - Playwriting    6. Williams, Tennessee, 1911-1983   

Someone Like You
Director: Tony Goldwyn
Average Customer Review:
DVD (27 August, 2002)
list price: $14.98
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Editorial Review

Despite its foregone conclusion, Someone Like You is an agreeable romantic comedy about how people construct elaborate defenses to cope with emotional anguish. Based on Laura Zigman's novel Animal Husbandry, the movie is purely formulaic, with a heroine's best friend (played here by Marisa Tomei) and other supporting roles that come straight from central casting. Even the lovelorn heroine is standard-issue for the genre, but as emotionally devastated talk-show booker Jane Goodale, Ashley Judd brings intelligent charm to a role that could have been maudlin and pathetic. For a while, Jane is pathetic: after being dumped by her seemingly devoted boyfriend Ray (Greg Kinnear), she turns heartbreak into a hobby, creating self-assuring theories about male behavior based on the mating habits of cows. She comforts herself with the certainty that all men are scum, when really she just can't accept rejection.

Cast adrift, Jane accepts a roommate offer from her womanizing colleague Eddie (X-Men's Hugh Jackman), who's been nursing his own heartbreak with lots of casual sex. You can see where this is going, and actor-director Tony Goldwyn (following his underrated drama Walk on the Moon) doesn't offer any surprises. But Goldwyn is alert to the comedy of human foibles, and the movie peaks when Jane's defenses are down and Judd's appeal shines at full intensity. At her best, Judd makes an average script better than it has a right to be, and while Kinnear perfects his smarmy routine, Jackman matches them both with star-making sincerity. Someone Like You won't win any awards for originality, but it's universal in its comedic sympathy for the brokenhearted. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

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Reviews (112)

This Is What Passes For Romantic Comedy?
Jane Goodale (Ashley Judd) is the talent booker for 'Diane Richards Live', a New York talk show that has just been picked up for syndication. Ray Brown (Greg Kinnear) has just been hired from a Washington station as the new Producer. Eddie Alden (Hugh Jackman) is the writer/director of the show. Jane falls in love with Ray. Ray asks her to move in with him. Ray gets cold feet. Jane develops a theory about cows (don't ask). Jane becomes Eddie's roommate. Jane's attraction to womanizer Eddie grows as she also reconsiders Ray.

"Someone Like You" is your basic girl-meets-boy-boy-becomes-jerk-can't-decide-whether-attractive-womanizer-is-the-right-guy story. We have all seen this story hundreds, if not thousands of times. If "Someone Like You" were just that, it would be a pleasant diversion starring attractive actors.

Unfortunately, Jane comes up with a theory about cows and their mating rituals. She finds that they are very similar to that of humans. Huh! Jane is the very young talent booker on a syndicated talk show. How did she become such an expert in biology? She buys a lot of books at Barnes and Noble and then lays on top of them. You think I'm kidding.

Because the ludicrous 'theories' that Jane Goodale (get it?) comes up with are referred to repeatedly, they completely undermine any chance that we might have to get to know or believe the characters were real. The theories keep bringing us out of the story.

Judd and Jackman are both very attractive and manage to generate some chemistry. Unfortunately, this is one of those stories in which we never see them kiss until the very end. I'm not really revealing anything here. You can tell this will happen from the very beginning.

"Someone Like You" is supposed to be a romantic comedy, yet I only laughed a couple of times throughout. Not very successful. It is also a classic example of a 'chick flick'. However, calling "Someone..." a chick flick is as insulting as calling "Exit Wounds" a guy film. Neither film is any good and prescribing them to a particular group only insults that group. More accurately, "Someone Like You" is just a bad film. Be careful you don't step in it.

Just a cute, romantic escape!
Forget about trying to take this film seriously - just let yourself go and have fun!It's billed as an Ashley Judd film, and she's great, but truly the whole key hinges on the chemistry between Ashley and Hugh Jackman, who is absolutely adorable in this film!They are magic together.The premise is kind of weird and hard to believe, but as I said, just have fun with it!Greg Kinnear is good, too, but the way, as is Ellen Barkin.But Hugh makes the film!

~a heart warming romantic comedy~
I thought Someone Like You was a great movie.Ashley Judd does an amazing job but even better was Hugh Jackman. He fit completely to his character and was just a big heart throb to watch! Then again, me being a HUGE Hugh jackman fan, its most likely that i will comment on him the most.Marrissa Tomei was also good but i thought the role of Ray(Greg Kinnear) could have been thought out a bit better. Greg Kinnear on screen seemed a bit more of a joke than anything.You should definetly buy this movie tho if u like romantic comedies cuz it will leave you breathless. (and if it doesn't, Hugh Jackman certainly will when you see him in it wearing nothing but tight black boxers!!!!)
~amanda~
p.s.(HJ RULES!!!!) ... Read more

Asin: B00005K3OI
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (New Directions Bibelot)
by Tennessee Williams
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 1993)
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Reviews (2)

Vintage Williams
Tennessee Williams is, of course, one of the country's master dramatists.So much emphasis is placed on his plays, however, that it is easy to forget that Williams--poet, novelist, essayist--was a true man of letters.Whileit lacks the intensity of "Streetcar" or the heartbreakingtenderness of "The Glass Menagerie," "The Roman Spring ofMrs. Stone" is vintage Williams just the same.Williams once saidthat he was interested in characters who "were frightened of life. ..who were desperate to reach out to another person."Karen Stone, alonely, fragile woman who is desperate to "stop the drift"following the death of her husband and her own fading youth and beauty, issuch a character.It will never be considered one of his masterpieces, butit will touch your heart in a way that only Williams can.

Woman Power, Menopause and Nihilism
Mr. Williams has managed, yet again, to create a tragic, flawed and brave heroine who stands unique amongst his other memorable female portrayals.

Newly widowed, the over-indulged and aging socialite Mrs. Stone travels to Rome where, amongst her circle of charmed and wealthy peers, she discovers truths about her own inner life as well as the seedy underbelly of the society in which she'd til now played a prominent and sneering role.

A developing, doomed relationship with a young Italian call-boy (controlled by an equally memorable female pimp) uncovers Mrs. Stone's latent passion and lonliness, leading ultimately to a melodramatic submission to the nihilism of anonymous sex.

The depth of Mrs. Stone's passion combined with her reserved dignity represent (to me) the singular beauty and subtle power increasingly inherent in women as we grow older. A beauty and power that are still tragically devalued and discouraged by our society today, more than 30 years after this timeless prose was written.

Read this book for yourself, and for all of the women in your life. ... Read more

Isbn: 0811212491
Sales Rank: 472751
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Williams, Tennessee, 1911-1983    5. English    6. Novels, other prose & writers: from c 1900 -   

Queer as Folk - The Complete Second Season (Showtime)
Average Customer Review:
DVD (25 February, 2003)
list price: $119.98 -- our price: $95.98
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Editorial Review

They're still out and proud, and in their second season the boys (and girls) of Queer as Folk continued to break ground as the most gay-friendly show on television (sorry, Will and Grace). Some plot lines were a little over the top, others truly heartfelt, but they were never less than entertaining, even during their All My Children moments. Season two opened in the aftermath of the gay-bashing of Justin (Randy Harrison), the young artist who wondered if he'd ever be able to paint or draw again, and went on to face a variety of issues and plotlines as diverse as its characters. Some were timely (Michael negotiating a relationship with new HIV-positive boyfriend Ben), some romantic (lesbians Lindsay and Melanie tying the knot), some new to the show (Emmett embarks on a relationship with a--gasp!--older gentleman), and some, well, far-fetched (how many of you had to wrestle, like Ted did, with starting your own pornographic web site?).

While the writing tended to flail about a bit, thankfully coalescing by the season's end, the show continued to be anchored by stellar actors, especially Peter Paige's Emmett, who grew the most during the second season; Michelle Clunie's Melanie, the alternately wry and sweet lesbian who became the show's secret weapon; and, as always, Gale Harold's Brian, the lothario with a heart of tarnished gold. Frustrating, fascinating, exasperating one moment and charming the next, Brian perfectly summed up the guilty pleasures of Queer as Folk, where humanity peeks out every now and then from behind the curtain of fabulous comedy and drama. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

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Reviews (82)

The best season
i thought the second season of "Queer as Folk" was the best of the show.But the season finale was no big cliffhanger.We all knew justin and brian would get back together in the third season because the writers would never bring another character on the show full time to break up brian and justin.Even though brian never says he loves justin and the audience is angry that he never shows his affection for him, we all know how he truly feels about justin.No one wants them to break up.Well, at least i don't.

Fantastic
The second season proves that "Queer as Folk" is still one of the best shows on television.Actually probably the best show on TV.That's all im gonna say.Go out and rent the season on DVD, if you haven't seen it yet.You automatically connect with the show.Gay or straight.I guess i was drawn to it when i found out i was bisexual.But whatever sexuality you are, you get hooked on it.The best show ever.

Compelling..
I used to have Showtime back in the early Oughts and I caught this show when it first premiered. I was floored. I was amazed at how it was both risk-taking and risque it was at the same time. But the more I watched it; the more I realized it was more about us as people than "tehhawtgaysex11!!"My hetero friends and family have a hard time with this show cause they are either intimidated by the explicit gay relationships or consider it softcore porn. My gay and bi friends had problems with it because they thought that it was an inaccurate portrayal of gay life. And "Will and Grace" is? But then, sadly, I lost Showtime and went for three years without my beloved QAF.

But recently, I rediscovered the show on DVD and I thought that it was nothing short of amazing. This show still packs the intensity and the brazeness that I had so loved before. The characters had grown by leaps and bounds and became more intriguing. I especially loved the inclusion of Ben, Ethan, Leda and George. I loved that also they tackled real issues such as recovering from gay bashing, being HIV+ and the general relationship problems that we all go through.

But there was still some downfalls. I hated how they handled the relationship with George. He was a very sweet old man and the way they handled it was downright crude. Also, why is it that on every show that features lesbians. They are the always the "Martha Stewart" lesbians who want to emulate traditional family structures. Why not have a pair of guys that do instead? And lastly, Justin! I hate Justin! I just do. Everytime I see him; I want to scream!

But overall, a compelling show that I believe is about all of us, gay or straight. ... Read more

Asin: B0000798EY
Subjects:  1. Television   

Flirting
Director: John Duigan
Average Customer Review:
DVD (11 January, 2005)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $13.46
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Editorial Review

The second part of a projected trilogy by Australian director JohnDuigan(the preceding film was The Year My Voice Broke), Flirting is awonderful tale of misfit adolescents who find their independence through aforbidden, interracial relationship. Noah Taylor returns to Duigan's ongoingstory as Danny, a gangly stutterer with a wry wit, few friends, and a bigcrush on Thandiwe (Thandie Newton), a Ugandan student whose father is in somepolitical danger back home. Danny goes to a boys academy and Thandiwe boardsat a girls school nearby. The two meet secretly and deepen their doomedaffair, exploring adulthood for the first time on their own terms. Duigan isa director who can occasionally be seduced by the surface of things, butFlirting is richly layered in tones both light and ominous, youthful performances that easily alternate between childhood buoyancy and grown-uppassion, and a hard-won wisdom about the mysteries of loss. An added bonus isa terrific supporting performance by Nicole Kidman. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

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Reviews (24)

Reviews do not do justice
I rated this movie 5 stars, but like Alp d'Huez in the Tour de France, this is "beyond category". This feels and sounds like real life. Don't think cinema ever gets any closer to matching a really good book than this movie manages. I don't know if any of this is autobiographical, but it sure feels like it. Actors only give performances this incredible when the script they are working with is extra special, and this script qualifies on all levels. Can't say enough about the performances of the leads, Noah Taylor and Thandie Newton, the movie hinges on the emotional connection they make and it all works like magic. This is a DVD to own, not rent. You will want to see this over and over again, just like a great book.

I love Flirting
I love this movie. It's a charming, delightful and wonderful little known gem. Thandie Newton is beautiful, Noah Taylor is endearing. A great script. One of the most romantic little films I've ever seen. Lets not forget Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts are also in this film.

Love without Bounds
Really a superb, charming, and deep coming of age movie.When I first saw the dvd box, I had no interest at all to see this.I thought the cover was sort of tacky and my first impression of the film was that of a corny teen comedy.Needless to say, I saw this on tv and was really amazed how good this movie was.Probably the most impressive aspect of "Flirting" was the grace of the script and how well all the young actors and actresses performed.Noah Taylor and Thandie Newton were just outstanding and really believable.I really enjoyed Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts also in their supporting roles.It was really great to see all these big names in roles before they made it big.Much respect to director and writer John Duigan.Cameron Crowe has stated that Noah Taylor is one of his favorate actors and you can definately see that he has to be a fan of Duigan's too.I was more amazed to learn that "Flirting" was a sequel and even more amazed when I watched the previous film, "The Year My Voice Broke." ... Read more

Asin: B000068V9U
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

Real Women Have Curves
Director: Patricia Cardoso
Average Customer Review:
DVD (07 December, 2004)
list price: $14.96 -- our price: $11.22
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Editorial Review

While My Big Fat Greek Wedding broke box-office records in 2002, Real Women Have Curves did a better job of keeping it real. Set in the vibrant environs of East Los Angeles, with a breakthrough performance by Latina newcomer America Ferrera, this comedic drama takes a familiar subject--a bright teenager struggling to define her identity--and turns it into an authentic celebration of feminine empowerment. Eighteen-year-old Ana (Ferrera) has scholarship potential, her first boyfriend, and a chubby figure that her similarly overweight mother (Lupe Ontiveros, perfectly cast) won't stop harping about. Mom insists that Ana work in her sister's dressmaking sweatshop, continuing a family tradition that can only break her spirit. How Ana defies this fate--and how director Patricia Cardoso captures the proud tenacity of several full-figured seamstresses--is what makes this film (adapted from a play by Josefina Lopez) so uniquely refreshing. Greek Wedding made more money, but Real Women--which is just as funny--makes a lot more sense. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

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Reviews (88)

Easy to Love the Characters - Good Message
Real Women Have Curves is the story of Ana (played by America Ferrera), a Latina teenager, during the summer of her 18th year. Ana is beautiful. Hourglass figure with melon breasts, full lips and long thick hair. She's intelligent and strong willed but is being held back by her family, especially her mother who constantly berates her because of her physical appearance.

Ana lives with her family in East Los Angeles in a Mexican community but she goes to a high school in Beverly Hills; a feat she accomplished on her own. The story begins with Ana getting ready for her last day of high school. Her mother feigns being sick to get her to stay home but Ana doesn't fall for it and heads off to school showing immediately the strained relationship between these two women and the emphasis Ana places on education.

Ana's mother, Carmen (played by Lupe Ontiveros) is old school; she started working for her family when she was thirteen. She married young and became a mother. Work and family are her life. She wants the same for Ana and wants Ana to want the same which is an odd scenario because most story mom's want more for their children. Carmen constantly insults Ana about her weight in front of everyone. As the story moves on it becomes more disturbing.

Estela (played by Ingrid Oliu) is Ana's adult sister. She still lives at home and runs the sewing factory where they all work, Estela's Fashion Design. They make dresses for Bloomingdales, getting $18 a dress when the store sells them for $600. This infuriates Ana as well as the fact they never make dresses bigger than size 7. Estela has many heavy weights beside the physical weight she carries. She's fighting to keep the factory open, pay the rent, get the dresses made on time to satisfy buyers and keep her employees working despite the inability to pay them their wages. Three employees move back to Mexico and Estela has Ana to promise to stay and help with a recent order.

With Ana's unknowing help, Estela steps outside the box and begins designing her own dresses. As a special gift, she makes a special red gown for Ana, regrettably we never get to see Ana in it. Like Ana but to a lesser degree, Carmen berates Estella. It's during one of these time Carmen mentions love, "It's because I love you that I make your life so miserable." Estela replies, Love me less.

George Lopez makes an appearance as Ana's teacher, Mr. Guzman. He encourages her to go to college, helps her fill out her college application and makes a special visit to plead with Ana's parents to let her go to college when she is offered a full scholarship to Columbia. Although a small role, Lopez's character is effective as the nurturing teacher looking to help a woman from his own community.

The best scene in the movie is when the women in the factory, strip to their underwear to expose their secrets. It all starts when Ana can't take the heat in the factory any longer and removes her shirt to cool herself. Her mother freaks, telling her she's too fat to show that much of her body. Ana is not ashamed or afraid of her body and she lets her mother know it. The other women in the factory back her up. They begin to share their body parts and how they feel about it. They take off their clothes which further infuriates Carmen. "this is who we are" yells Ana, "real women." They all celebrate each other (without Carmen) and go back to work in their underwear after Carmen walks out. This seen easily shows how Ana and Estela evolve while Carmen seems trapped in her bitterness and insecurities. She has an opportunity to bond with her daughters, women, and chooses not to. It's very exhilarating to watch. Real Women Have Curves is worth seeing for this scene alone.

Throughout the movie is laced with lots of peppy Mexican music and shots of the Mexican community. There are subtitles between family members but it isn't distracting enough to be cumbersome and adds to the angst of family.

I love this little film about a strong willed girl's transition from a teenager into a woman. America Ferrera plays the part of Ana as a confident teenager who has a devilish side for egging her mother on. She still has insecurities to discover and conquer. It's easy to love her, her sister and even her mother. I would have liked Estela's storyline expanded as hers is an interesting character.

Most importantly this film's success and the success of the characters are not contingent on Ana losing weight and finding true love to be happy. Real Women Have Curves is a movie not only for Latina women but, I think, for girls and women everywhere battling the views of others about how they should feel about their bodies.

Original Review Posted at http://largeandlovely.bellaonline.com

This is the best film I've seen in quite a while!
I loved every minute of it.The plot involves Ana, a Mexican-American girl just graduating from Beverly Hills High School (although she lives in East LA -- she's a high achiever despite her background as the daughter of lower-income but hardworking immigrants).She is being encouraged by a teacher to apply to Columbia -- he thinks he can get her in with a full scholarship -- but her family expects her to go to work in her sister's "factory" (read: sweat shop) making formal dresses for upscale stores.Ana is spunky and can stand her own against her strong-willed and often manipulative mother, Carmen.Ana's father, grandfather, and sister are the saner ones in this family (as opposed to the mother), who love Ana and are more open to giving her opportunities.Ana's mother is constantly riding her daughter about her weight (even though the mother herself is overweight) because she wants her daughter to get married and produce grandchildren for her.Ana resists her mother's nagging, all the while she resents her mother's cruel remarks.

The acting is amazing and the story rings completely true.The issue of weight and women is very well handled -- the scene involving "cellulite" is unforgettable -- funny and iconic.

Because the story in this film involves a Mexican-American family living in East LA, the conversations in this film flip back and forth between Spanish and English (the Spanish is subtitled).

I'm sure I'll watch this movie many times.It's a DVD worth owning.

Loved this movie, also proves that Latino people can act
I say that as a Latino person myself, America Ferrera you dida superb job in your debut and you really made Latin people, from your own heritage very proud. This is a great actressin the making. The movie itself is also great, focuseslight on the plight that the poor Latino family goes through
in making a life here in the US. People forget that the USisnt just a white american state, thats just an absurdstereotype by racist idiots, no American is an immigrantbuilt on the blood, sweat of not only blue collar Americansbut also immigrants who come here for a better life and sweat and toil everyday just to make a living hoping for a chanceto make a bettter world for their family.

Ferrara captures the agony that most teens from the Latin/ethnic background have to suffer with. They say teenswhove been given everything from rich families go to collegeand get all the finer things in life while her families receivesvery little help from the American govt or anyone else.
Her friends work in a some rundown joint where they meek outan existence ironing clothes for profit.

Ferrara's character then realizes what true pain her familiesand friends in Mexico and other minorites go through. Man this is a great film, Id wish it get more recognition and
fame that some of the trash thats currently flogging our tvscreen but what can do you.

However take it from the great movie critic, this is a must seefilm if you really want to know how a hard working familyreally lives in America which boasts about helping everyone
but really only helps only a fraction of people. ... Read more

Asin: B00005JLXZ
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Interview with the Vampire
Director: Neil Jordan
Average Customer Review:
DVD (03 February, 2004)
list price: $19.97 -- our price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

When it was announced that Tom Cruise would play the vampire Lestat in this adaptation of Anne Rice's bestselling novel, even Rice chimed in with a highly publicized objection. The author wisely and justifiably recanted her negative opinion when she saw Cruise's excellent performance, which perceptively addresses the pain and chronic melancholy that plagues anyone cursed with immortal bloodlust. Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst are equally good at maintaining the dark and brooding tone of Rice's novel. And in this rare mainstream project for a major studio, director Neil Jordan compensates for a lumbering plot by honoring the literate, Romantic qualities of Rice's screenplay. Considered a disappointment while being embraced by Rice's loyal followers, the movie is too slow to be a satisfying thriller, but it is definitely one of the most lavish, intelligent horror films ever made. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

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• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• DTS Surround Sound
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Reviews (313)

Rice for people who don't like Rice
First, let me say that I'm NOT a fan of Anne Rice's overly-romanticized, melancholy vampires.However, I really enjoyed this movie!Tom Cruise was very impressive as Lestat, along with Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst giving passionate performances.For those who aren't familiar with the story, here's an extremely abridged version.
A landowner in the 1700's, (Pitt), wife dies.He's understandably sad, even has a death wish.A vampire, Lestat, (Cruise), takes him up on his wish and makes him immortal.The story is what takes place over the next 200 years in their undead existence, uncluding a trip to Paris' underworld, the creation of a child-vampire, (Kirsten Dunst), and the never ending search for "what's it all mean?"As a wraparound piece, the vampire Louis, (Pitt), is being interviewed by a reporter in modern day San Fransisco, hence the title.
It's a very engaging story, told from the vampire's point of view, kind of an autobiography.
I remember when the movie was first released Oprah Winfrey did a studio audience screening, and her guest for the day was Tom Cruise.I remember audience members asking Cruise questions like, "How could you possibly play such an evil character?"
Tom kept replying, "It's only a movie, and only a fictional character."I think it was a testament to his evolving talent and a great leap of faith on his part.Kudos Mr. Cruise!
It's a great movie.Great acting, great story, great camera work, scenery, costumes, everything!Even if you don't like Anne Rice very much, if you like vampires, you'll like this film.

My Favorite Vampire Movie Ever!
I've thought about it, and realized... Interview With The Vampire is my favorite vampire movie overall.I'm not someone who picks and chooses either, I love all genres. So to call this a favorite of anything, is amazing.There are classic 80's vampire movies such as The Lost Boys(Kiefer Sutherland) and Fright Night(Chris Sarandon) that were good.As we all know Dracula is probably the best cult classic vampire ever created... but there's too many stories already told about him.That's where Interview With The Vampire succeeds.
Brad Pitt again gives another stunning performance as the soft vampire, who has a heart before having the thirst for blood.The way Brat Pitt is groomed and shows decade after decade of what is life was is fantastic.Tom Cruise who did get a lot of bad reviews by critics for this.I thought, played one of his best acting performances ever as the diabolic gentleman vampire... Lestat.Just as bad as he was in his recent movie Collateral(Jamie Foxx).The cast for this movie is perfect, with actors like Kirsten Dunst in her breakthrough performance as Claudia.Antonio Banderas is terrific as the head vampire of the menace group of vampires.With other smaller great roles played by Christian Slater and Stephen Rhea.
This is one of the most complete movies I can watch, beginning to end and not once getting tired of watching it.I feel like watching it again just writing about it.Neil Jordan, director of other films such as The Crying Game and In Dreams... definitely directs his best movie ever here.The DVD itself is just as great... interesting little extras to watch... the best DTS sound for any sterio system.
All in all if you love movies... borrow this, rent this, buy this, do anything you can to see this memorable film.This movie can be described in so many words.To me, it's unforgettable!

Awesome
this movie was awesome i loved it. The acting was awesome, espicially Kirsten Dunst. It was pretty faithful to the book and i was happy to see Ann Rice had a lot to do with this movie. All i can say is that this movie rocks and the acting rocks, it is definatly one of my favorites i am constontly watching it. ... Read more

Asin: B00004RFFS
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-action/Adventure   

Y Tu Mama Tambien (And Your Mother Too) - Unrated Edition
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Average Customer Review:
DVD (22 October, 2002)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $11.21
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Editorial Review

Plenty of juicy "s" words apply to And Your Mother Too: sexy, sweet, subtle, sad, surprising, superb... and did we say sexy? With enough male and female nudity to qualify as softcore porn--but deserving none of the stigma attached to that label--this vibrant coming-of-age road movie is guaranteed to jumpstart any viewer's libido. Frank treatment of its characters' burgeoning sexuality makes this unrated film a real eye-opener, but it's never prurient or juvenile. Rather, the three-way odyssey of two 17-year-old Mexican boys (Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna) and a 28-year-old Spanish beauty (Maribel Verdú) is energetic and affirmative, while acknowledging that relationships--and sexual adventures--rarely develop without a hitch or two (or three). Filmed in sequence by Alfonso Cuarón (Great Expectations), and shot with invigorating natural style, this refreshing comedy-drama employs an omniscient narrator to reflect upon precious stolen moments, weaving three lives into a memorable tapestry of fun, friendship, and fate. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

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• Color
• Widescreen
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Reviews (264)

Aye Calliente!
This is definitely one of the 10 most sexy and stimulating movies available from Amazon.It is a superb date movie for intelligent and hip couples, and would make a great double feature if paired up with any of these other sexy flix:

GODDESS WORSHIP

LAST TANGO IN PARIS

IN THE CUT

TEQUILA SUNRISE

BODY HEAT

BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR

HENRY AND JUNE

LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE

NEW SEX NOW:LIFE's ULTIMATE PLEASURE

Aventura mexicana


Alfonso Cuarón regresa a la pantalla grande abandonando todas aquellas sensibilidades victorianas de cuentos de hadas (características de sus trabajos pasados) para presentarnos una historia contemporánea sobre el paso de la adolescencia a la madurez. Su título: Y Tu Mamá También.

A sus 28 años, Luisa está cansada de su vida y decide darle un vuelco, luego de recibir malas noticias. Por ello, resuelve aceptar una invitación particular de Julio y Tenoch, dos jóvenes cuyas vidas girán en torno a sus hormonas y un código de amistad que sólo ellos comprenden.

En una camioneta llamada Betsabé, este trío se embarca en una aventura automovílistica por los parajes rurales de México, hasta llegar a Boca del Cielo, un lugar donde la sexualidad, la inocencia y la amistad entrarán en conflicto, mientras nuestros personajes atraviesan una tragicómica transición a la madurez.

Un narrador en off nos hace referencias sobre el pasado y futuro de nuestros personajes, así como también destaca situaciones que tratan de explicar el entorno político y económico de México.

Y Tu Mamá También es un road movie moderno que contrasta fuertemente temas como la amistad, la sexualidad y la pérdida de la inocencia. Juguetona, sarcástica, cruda y tierna a la vez, la cinta de Cuarón también lidia con la convergencia de situaciones y coincidencias que definen y marcan la vida de las personas.

Tenoch y Julio son grandes amigos, pero también, inconscientemente, son rivales que compiten en todo, hasta en ver cuál de ellos se masturba más rápido o cuál aguanta más tiempo bajo del agua mientras nadan en la piscina de un club. La llegada de Luisa a sus vidas es la prueba de fuego para su "amistad", pues deja al descubierto su inmadurez y acaba con la supuesta confianza que tienen uno en el otro. Luisa es el catalizador para que los chicos se conviertan en hombres y ellos a su vez la ayudan a liberarse de una vida que la estaba consumiendo.

Y es precisamente esa experiencia juntos la que hace que este trío escoja su camino, aunque su amistad y sus vidas nunca vuelvan a ser las mismas.

dvdde y tu mama tambien
très bon ... Read more

Asin: B00005JL57
Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - Spanish/Misc Sa   

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
by Michael Chabon
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 August, 2001)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.20
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Editorial Review

Like the comic books that animate and inspire it, TheAmazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is both larger than lifeand of it too. Complete with golems and magic and miraculous escapesand evil nemeses and even hand-to-hand Antarctic battle, it pursues themost important questions of love and war, dreams and art, across pagesbrimming with longing and hope. Samuel Klayman--self-described little man,city boy, and Jew--first meets Josef Kavalier when his mother shoveshim aside in his own bed, telling him to make room for their cousin, arefugee from Nazi-occupied Prague. It's the beginning, howeverunlikely, of a beautiful friendship. In short order, Sam's talent forpulp plotting meets Joe's faultless, academy-trained line, and acomic-book superhero is born. A sort of lantern-jawed equalizer clad in darkblue long underwear, the Escapist "roams the globe, performing amazingfeats and coming to the aid of those who languish in tyranny's chains!"Before they know it, Kavalier and Clay (as Sam Klayman has come to beknown) find themselves at the epicenter of comics' golden age.

But Joe Kavalier is driven by motives far more complex than youraverage hack. In fact, his first act as a comic-book artist is to dealHitler a very literal blow. (The cover of the first issue shows the Escapistdelivering "an immortal haymaker" onto the Führer's realisticallybloody jaw.) In subsequent years, the Escapist and his superhero alliestake on the evil Iron Chain and their leader Attila Haxoff--theirbattles drawn with an intensity that grows more disturbing as Joe'sefforts to rescue his family fail. He's fighting their war with brushand ink, Joe thinks, and the idea sustains him long enough to meet thebeautiful Rosa Saks, a surrealist artist and surprisingly retrogrademuse. But when even that fiction fails him, Joe performs an escape ofhis own, leaving Rosa and Sammy to pick up the pieces in someincreasingly wrong-headed ways.

More amazing adventures follow--but reader, why spoil the fun? Sufficeto say, Michael Chabon writes novels like the Escapist busts locks.Previous books such as The Mysteries ofPittsburgh and Wonder Boys have proseof equal shimmer and wit, and yet here he seems to have finally found acanvas big enough for his gifts. The whole enterprise seems animated bylove: for his alternately deluded, damaged, and painfully sincerecharacters; for the quirks and curious innocence of tough-talkingwartime New York; and, above all, for comics themselves, "theinspirations and lucubrations of five hundred aging boys dreaming ashard as they could." Far from negating such pleasures, the Holocaust'spresence in the novel only makes them more pressing. Art, if notcapable of actually fighting evil, can at least offer a gesture ofdefiance and hope--a way out, in other words, of a world gonecompletely mad. Comic-book critics, Joe notices, dwell on "thepernicious effect, on young minds, of satisfying the desire to escape.As if there could be any more noble or necessary service in life."Indeed. --Mary Park ... Read more

Reviews (498)

Amazing indeed!!!
I bought this book because