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Watch Apocalypse Now Redux Movie Online. Movie Title: Apocalypse Now Redux Average customer review: Apocalypse Now Redux is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Apocalypse Now Redux

I’m a hardcore Apocalypse Now fanatic, and this, the original version of the film, is what made me one, several years ago. Reviewers like to debate endlessly over which version is better, this or the Redux. Personally, I like both, but I find this original version to be more surreal, relentless, and, to quote another reviewer, more “dangerous.” The fact is, Coppola used different shots and edits in the Redux, in some cases diluting the surreal impact of the original. Plus the characters Kilgore and Kurtz come off more strongly in the original; sure, we get to see more humanity from Kilgore in the Redux, but his exit in the original is much more memorable, much better than the “tossing megaphone into the air” antics as shown in the Redux. And Kurtz is a more powerful Evil One in the original version, not much more than a shadow.

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What gets me is that, in the press releases that came out with Redux, Coppola claimed that he no longer considered the 1979 version of Apocalypse to be “unusual.” He felt that, today, it comes off as a rather ordinary film. So he integrated an extra 50 minutes into the movie, to make it more unusual. The thing is, the Redux is, if anything, MORE normal than the original. After all, you get more character development, a romantic subplot, etc; all the things the unusual (and unique), original version lacked. The very lack of these things is what gives the original such a mysterious, dangerous edge. There is no levity in the original, no stealing of surfboards, no Playmates for the PBR crew. Only the dark jungle, and the mission.

If it’s true that Coppola wanted to make the original version even more unusual, then I wonder why he chose to add the Plantation sequence and the Playboy Bunnies escapade. Having seen the Work Print, I know that there is a wealth of material Coppola could’ve used. Bizarre? Unusual? How about a scene in which Martin Sheen’s Willard, trapped in a bamboo cage, writhes in pain as the montangnards (and Kurtz’s American soldiers) dance and chant around him, as they sacrifice a pig? Or how about Willard, still in the cage, being questioned by Kurtz, who tells Willard that he’s as weak as his “colleagues in Washington?” Or how about possibly the most bizarre scene of all: Dennis Hopper’s Photojournalist being shotgunned to death by Scott Glenn’s character Colby?

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Coppola could have used any or all of these scenes to make a truly “unusual” film, one that would successfully create a darker film. If anything, the extra scenes in Redux lighten the film’s mood. Coppola could have even improved on the end of the movie. That’s one thing that’s always bothered me about Apocalypse Now. Willard’s hired to murder Kurtz; when he finally does, all he has to do is just walk into Kurtz’s temple, take out one guard, and then get to hacking at Kurtz. It comes off as so easy, you wonder why the Army even bothered hiring Willard. This problem is solved in the Work Print, which features Willard taking on a host of guards, including one grisly scene in which he spears an American guard who cowers behind a young, Vietnamese boy. Now, if you ask me, that’s more “unusual” than a bunch of French people arguing politics at the dinner table! But unfortunately, Coppola has chosen not to use these scenes, in either official version of the film.

I don’t intend to mislead, though. I think the Redux is fine, a five-star movie. It expands on the broader themes of Apocalypse Now, but at the same time lessens the impact of the movie itself. After having watched the Redux a few times, I popped the original in for the first time in a few years. I was amazed at how the film seemed so different than the Redux, so much more psychedelic and surreal. Even the fades and images shown in the beginning and the end are different in the original, more disturbing. And that’s the main difference between the two versions: the original is much more disturbing.

I’ll finish with another quote, taken from the web. Which director do you think is better, the Francis Coppola of 1976/1979, or the Francis Coppola of 2001? Of these two very different directors, whose vision would you be more willing to trust?

1/27/09 update: Six years ago I also had a review for the “Redux” DVD here on Amazon. Somehow it’s been removed from the site — it seems Amazon has combined the reviews for the original Apocalypse Now DVD release with the reviews for the “Redux DVD” release. And since Amazon has a policy that a reviewer can only post one review per item, it appears that my “Redux” review got the boot. I’ve rescued it from oblivion via a Google cache search; please see the Comments section, below, for the review.

This review refers to the Widescreen Collection(Paramount)DVD edition of “Apocalypse Now - Redux”……

In 1979’s “Apocalypse Now”, Francis Ford Coppola presented us with a mesmerizing, stunning look at the horrors of Viet Nam. It was a film that looked at the hearts and minds of the soldiers and the effects the brutualities had on them. A magnificent work at the time, you wouldn’t believe it could be any better. But now, more than 20 years later(and well worth the wait), Coppola has seen his vision completed, with the reediting of the film and the addition of previously deleted scenes, to bring us this gift of the even more mesmerizing “Apocalypse Now Redux”.

There is an additional 49 minutes now, and although I don’t feel that every minute of it was essential to making this classic film an even better one, there is a new story here that helps us relate to the frame of mind of the soldiers. A scene where the boat crew takes time out for a rendevous with the playboy bunnies is one example of that.And although this scene may be a bit of a shocker at first, as it introduces a sexual situtaion where it was previously non exsistent, it gives us a greater understanding of what’s going on in their heads. The added scene of the time spent on the French Plantation was again an eye-opener, and the funeral for “Mr. Clean” also was a welcome addition as it gives us a closure to the closeness we felt to this character. And of course, a little more time with the insane Colonel Kurtz was enlightning as well (who wouldn’t want to spend a little more time with any character of Brando’s?).

The original film from 1979 received 8 nominations by Oscar, including Best Picture, Director, and a supporting actor nod for Robert(”I love the smell of Napalm in the morning”)Duvall. It took home well deserved Oscars for Cinematography(Vittorio Storaro) and Sound.

It stars Martin Sheen as Lt. Willard, who beset with his own emotional problems is sent on a dangerous mission to “terminate” the esteemed Col. Kurtz, played brillantly by Brando, who has now been driven insane by “The Horror” of it all. Willard is escorted into the wilds of Cambodia by a boat crew including a young Laurence Fishburne and Frederick Forrest. You will also find Dennis Hopper, Harrison Ford, Sam Bottoms,Albert Hall, and Christan Marquand in this incredible cast.

The DVD is beautifully remastered. You won’t miss a thing with the widescreen presentation and the incredible Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound. The colors and sounds of the jungles are captured wonderfully.There are no Special features, but may be viewed with English subtitles is needed. The scene selection does indicate which are the new scenes which is quite helpful if it’s been a while since you’ve seen it.

Still can’t decide between the original and the Redux. This film is a treasure in any form. It’s a piece of cinematic history that’s probably worth getting both editions if you can. If not, give this one a try. It’s a must for fans of classic cinema.

“Never Get Out of The Boat”….Lt. Willard….thanks and enjoy..Laurie

recommended reading:Into the DMZ A Battle History of Operation Hickory, May 1967, Vietnam(see my review for details)
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Streaming 24: Season One Online. Movie Title: 24: Season One Average customer review: 24: Season One is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download 24: Season One

A couple of weeks ago, I purchased Season One of “24″ for one simple reason…I’d heard it was good, but mainly I just wanted some sort of TV drama (my favorite kind of drama!) to pass the time until LOST returns. Suffice it to say, though, that I will be MAKING time for 24 in the coming weeks and months!

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Essentially, the plot of “24″ involves the United States Counter Terrorism Unit (headed by Jack Bauer) trying to prevent an assassination attempt on presidential hopeful Senator David Palmer. Many more layers area added on with each hour, but there are so many twists and turns that it would be impossible to explain them all.

The plot is intriguing, but the main aspect of the show that kept my attention for, well, almost 24 hours, is the intensity of every single episode. While some shows (The X-Files immediately comes to mind) are able to “slack off” and film strange episodes every once in awhile only to get back in gear for sweeps months, 24’s format requires that the action never let up. Each episode is just as important and exciting as the ones previous.

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Plus, to add to the complexity of the show, three different threads are going on during the show at once. Palmer’s family struggles with what to do about a family tragedy, Jack Bauer puts the intelligence pieces together, while the terrorists kidnap Jack’s family and use them as leverage. There is never a dull moment!

Finally, the acting is very compelling as well. Kiefer Sutherland (much like Matthew Fox’s Jack Shepherd on LOST) is fantastically intense, while Dennis Haysbert (Palmer) almost steals the show with the portrayal of his moral/ethical dilemmas.

So, if you (like I was) are looking for a show to complement LOST (or any other TV program), 24 is a great series to get hooked on. Be warned, though, that it is very addicting and you will likely want to finish it sooner than later!

I love these slim packs of 24 but I mean why in the world do they cost more than the original pack of 24?? You can buy the normal set for about 20-30$, and I do not understand why the release version of the same thing is twice the price of the original release?
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Watch E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial Movie Online. Movie Title: E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial Average customer review: E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial

Both versions of Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece are available on this limited edition DVD of E.T- THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL. The original 1982 and the 2002 re-mastered version are equally impressive. The minor cuts and restored footage doesn’t add much. Sure, the CG E.T is impressive and there are some great moments put back in that make the film feel more complete. But the heart of the film stays the same. Differing from Spielberg’s more strident films (JAWS, the INDIANA JONES films and JURASSIC PARK), E.T is the simple story of Elliot (Henry Thomas) who finds a friend from space and helps him to find his way home, hence the oft-quoted line “E.T phone home!”. The iconic image of Elliot riding past the moon is one of the most memorable movie moments in cinema history, accompanied by John William’s whimsical score (Another coup-de-grace par-excellence). The film itself is still emotionally involving and the peformances of the principal actors, especially Henry Thomas and Drew Barrymore are fantastic. Regardless of the film’s 2002 theatrical dissapointment, Spielberg’s masterful storytelling holds up to this day. One of my all-time favourites, E.T will always be remembered as one of the greatest cinema experiences in film history.
The DVD extras are very impressive. Startting off with Disc One, the 2002 version has an introduction by Steven Spielberg, a live performance of John Williams conducting at the 2002 premiere and an “exciting space exploration”. Disc Two has the 1982 version. the extras include a “Spotlight on Location” featurette, The Reunion: The cast and filmmakers talk sbout the film. The Evolution and Creation of ET: hundreds of production photographs, conceptual drawings and original advertising in an interactive environment. Also included are theatrical trailers and DVD-ROM features. A must have DVD.

First, I want to make it clear that I’m reviewing the DVD here, not the original film. I liked the original; it’s a good movie. Not as fantastic as it is hyped to be, but good enough to have on DVD for an occasional viewing. I give the film 4 stars.

I have BIG problems with what’s behind this DVD, and the “special edition” of ET that’s on it.

The 2002 edition of ET is just absurd. As others pointed out, CGI ET looks silly, and isn’t consistent with the “old” scenes that include ET. His stiffness was part of his physical character. Making him more “jar-jar” just doesn’t make sense. It’s an example of “lets do it because we can”. There are lots of thing we “can” do that we “should not” do, and this is one of them.

But much worse than this is the digital removal of the guns. Not only was this poorly done (from a technical point of view), but it’s an example of Political Correctness(tm) gone mad. Guess what: government agents and cops carry guns, and they point them at people/things that they are trying to stop/apprehend. Get over it.

I hate to see a work of art like ET defaced just to appease a loud, misguided minority of people who believe in political correctness. Bowing to this minority was a cowardly act.

Finally, the packaging Universal has chosen is obnoxious. The only way to get the original film is to buy a very expensive “gift boxed set”, filled with things I do NOT want. I’m willing to pay for a boxed set, but only if it contains the following items: Original movie with original 5.1 sound track, commentary track(s), deleted scenes, making of and/or retrospective featurettes. That’s it. This would probably fit on one disc, making a boxed set unnecessary. …
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Streaming 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days Online. Movie Title: 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days Average customer review: 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

Some films are able to dazzle you without the use of special effects, big Hollywood stars and nudity. They manage to crawl under your skin and get inside you. They leave an indeliable mark on you. Cristian Mungiu’s “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile)” is such a film. And easily one of the best films of 2007!

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Whatever the reason, currently Romanian is a hot property. People and critics are just buzzing with excitement about what is going on in Romanian cinema. And even though I’m not Romanian (I’m Hungarian) I’m pretty excited about it too.

In 2006 there was the release of “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu”, besides “4 luni, 3 saptamani si 2 zile”, also released in 2007 was “12:08 East of Bucharest”. These three films seem to be part of a new wave in Romanian film. Each takes on modern day society while questioning the past. All three are confrontational.

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“4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” takes place during a 24 hour period in which a young girl, Gabita Dragut (Laura Vasiliu) seeks an abortion in Ceausescu’s Romania. At the time such acts were against the law. She needs the help of her roommate, Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) to sort out the details and supply some support, since the father of the child is not only never seen but never spoken of either.

The two girls get in contact with Bebe (Vlad Ivanou) through a mutual friend. Bebe is the only person who will perform an abortion after the 4th month, this is how the film gets its title. That is how long Gabita has been pregnant. Bebe though does not seem like a trust worthy kind of guy. He has something up his sleeve. But he will not be the end of their problems.

The film sets itself up as a thriller and believe it or not, it is suspenseful. There are no chase sequences, no cops and robbers, just the suspense that the two girls will get found out and risk prison and worst yet may have physical damage done to them.

Though the characters never speak directly about politics, Mungiu and his cinematographer, Oleg Mutu (who also shot “The Death of Mr. Lazarescu) very in subtle ways tell the viewer about life under Ceausescu. We can sense the paranoia of the times and the government control. ID’s are contantly asked for and checked. Streets are empty. Everyone buys supplies from the black market. Even if you are not familiar we the history of Romanian we can see or at least get a sense of what life was like under the times.

The film is fully conceived and realized by Mungiu who has directed only one other feature film entitled “Occident”. Every character is believeable as is their situation. I never questioned whether or not what was on-screen could or could not happen. It is accepted as truth. But the standout performances are given by the girls. Neither has much experience. Marinca has a brief role in Francis Ford Coppola’s “Youth Without Youth”, also set in Romania. And Vasiliu has only acted in one other film, Nicolae Margineau’s masterpiece “Bless You, Prison”. With such little acting experience how on Earth did these girl pull off these roles? They are the heart and soul of the film and deserve every bit of acclaim they get for this movie and more.

And the film has been getting acclaim. It was the winner of the Palm d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It won a prize at the Chicago Film Critics Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe. Sadly though, it has received no Oscar nominations, showing the Academy’s prejudice towards countries on the eastern side of the Berlin Wall.

Mingiu says the film is only the first part of a series he plans on making ironically entitled “Tales From the Golden Age”. I look forward to seeing all of them.

Bottom-line: One of 2007’s best films. An intense film that becomes all the more shocking when you think “this feels true”. Two strong performances by the young girls in the film are highlights.

I think there are some facts that people not familiar with Romanian history need to know in order to better understand the movie. Since the Ceausescu’s goal was to increase the population, not only the abortion was illegal but the contraception was also non-existent. Young people were also not educated in family planning at all. Occasionally one could buy contraceptive pills from dubious sources on the black market, but overall, besides using the calendar method (highly unreliable for many women), the abortion was the immediate mean to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

The movie is excellent and there is no need for spoilers however, since people will react accordingly depending on their stance toward abortion, I think it is important to mention that abortion was not illegal on moral grounds. It was a state policy to increase the population which made contraception and family planning education also illegal or at least non-existent.

Ironically, statistics showed that the population did not increase nowhere near close to what was expected.
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Stream The Mother Movie Online. Movie Title: The Mother Average customer review: The Mother is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download The Mother

I noticed recently that this title has gone out of print (as of 10/12/06), so I felt compelled to say a few words about what I feel is a very special film. I want to encourage anyone who has not seen it to grab a copy NOW while you still can, and I hope that a great designer label (perhaps Criterion) will pick it up and showcase it to a greater audience.

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“The Mother” is a very adult tale and that’s part of what makes it so special. Aside from the somewhat graphic, intergenerational sex scenes which are noteworthy enough–”The Mother” offers up one of the most complex and uncompromising character studies ever put on film. Anne Reid is flawless as the mother in question. Widowed, sixty-something and completely dissatisfied with life in general, she enters into an illicit affair with the friend of her son. She feels her life is empty, useless–and the affair is her one way to feel again, feel anything. Is it passion, love, degradation? In truth, it’s a combination of all three and her only tangible way to grasp at the life she has become so disconnected with. The film never asks you to sympathize with her, it’s a “warts and all” approach. Far from being a heroine, you will be left questioning her motivations, her incapacity to love, her familial loyalty. It’s a brave, bold, and stunning portrait.

Every time you think you know where the story is headed, your expectations are thwarted. Like real life, things don’t necessarily follow an inevitable logic nor do they resolve themselves tidily. Daniel Craig does solid work, as usual. But it’s Reid’s show. In a fierce performance, she lays body and soul naked–a performance that surely would have garnered an Oscar nomination if the film had a higher U.S. profile.

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For those that lament the lack of ADULT, challenging films–this is a must see! I found myself rooting for these characters even though much of their behavior is destructive. I just find it refreshing when things don’t have to be nice or happy or polite. That may be what is represented in most movies, but life is more complex than that! KGHarris, 10/06.

One of the first things that struck me about “the Mother” was how disaffected, distant, and unemotional she is. In fact, her entire family seems to be so totally self-absorbed, self-obsessed and overly materialistic that not one character is at all likable. Rather than appearing as a shining beacon of love and support to her children, May (a marvelous Anne Reid), comes across as more concerned about her own failings. While ready to listen on the surface, deep down she’s a middle-class, snobby, and somewhat uncaring mother who probably loves her children when it’s convenient for her, but has spent the majority of her life resenting her children for stifling her when she was younger. The sexy affair she embarks on with her daughter’s boyfriend, without regard for her daughter’s feelings, says a lot about the years of pent-up repression inside of her.

Astutely observing the intricacies and nuances of English domestic middle-class life, director Roger Michell, allows us to peek into the lives of the elderly May and Toots (Peter Vaughan) as they visit their grown children in London. They are a long-married and well-to-do couple. Bobby (Steven Mackintosh), their busy son has a glamorous life style, a thriving business, a new house, and a wife and two children. Paula (Cathryn Bradshaw), their daughter, is a single mother, a schoolteacher, and an unpublished writer. When Toots suddenly dies of a heart attack, May, in a fit of fear and loneliness, moves in with her children to escape the solitude of her house. Her arrival at Bobby’s causes problems so May goes to stay with the busy Paula.

Going back and forth from Paula’s flat to Bobby’s house, May meets Darren (a gorgeously sexy Daniel Craig), Bobby’s robust, muscle-laden best friend who is doing some building work on the house. After Paula asks her mother to find out whether Darren wants to marry her, May becomes friendly with Darren. They have lunch together and there’s obviously a connection because May kisses Darren. Soon their friendship becomes physical and with Darren sexually thrilling her, they begin an incredibly hot affair. May is a frumpy grandmother in her sixties, while Darren is a bearded, virile man in his thirties.

All the characters in this film are absolutely mired in dysfunction. May is unhappy and alone, and she fears becoming old. Her children don’t particularly like her, and Paula, especially, bitterly resents her; she thinks that May’s been a lousy mother who never “encouraged” her. Paula is portrayed as neurotic, hysterical and cloying, and her obsession with Darren totally gets in the way of her ability to see that Darren is kind of useless and doesn’t particularly love her. Darren is also haunted: he drinks too much, copes with an autistic son, and sleeps in his car. He’s always poor and seeks solace from his problems in doing lines of coke. At first Darren is nice to May, and she offers to take him on as a type of sugar mother to him, but soon she begins to see his other side.

The Mother is a beautifully acted movie with Daniel Craig and Anne Reid giving astoundingly realistic performances. The sex scenes between them both are totally realistic and beautifully done, the connection between them being far more than just sex. Reid is especially good at portraying a complicated, middle-aged woman, who is actively seeking her own fulfillment and rediscovering parts of herself that have lain dormant for years. Craig is also great as her young, spunky suitor easily portraying a good man who seems to be very kind and understanding until May, unrealistically tries to push their relationship. The Mother is a quiet, complex and very adult film that analyses, with a type of subtle restraint, the deleterious effects of selfishness, egocentricity, and self-interest on families. Mike Leonard December 04.

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Stream Bleach, Vol. 17 Movie Online. Movie Title: Bleach, Vol. 17 Average customer review: Bleach, Vol. 17 is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Bleach, Vol. 17

At last, the writers FINALLY get to the point of the anime’s Bount Arc — for one thing, they reveal what the Bount are, and the reason for the bizarre challenges that Ichigo and the others have been going through. “Bleach Volume 17″ deftly answers most of the questions and starts some wonderfully creepy Bount-related action, but the last episode is a bit of a borefest.

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While Ichigo and Co. agonize over what to do about Chad, they receive a note: destroy the gate in 30 minutes or else! Unfortunately the Hell Gate has acquired a funny new characteristic, namely that it sucks in everything that isn’t nailed down (and a few things that are).

And after one final challenge set by the modsouls, Ichigo and his friends learn the true mastermind behind the whole scheme — their old pal Urahara. He tells them all about the immortal, soul-sucking Bounts and their increased presence in Karakura. Unfortunately when the gang locates some Bounts (with the help of the modsouls in new plush toys), Ichigo soon realizes that the Bounts’ strange “dolls” may be too much for them to handle. Think fire and snakes.

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In the meantime, Yoruichi, Soi Fom and Ukitake have begun an investigation into the strange happenings in Karakura — even to the point of the two women stumbling across a feeding Bount. And Mayuri Kurotsuchi discovers that he’s locked out of the relevant data. In response, the Soul Society sends another (very familiar) Soul Reaper to take on the Bount problem…

“Bleach Volume 17″ is basically devoted to telling viewers what the Bounts are (soul vampires!), clarifying their threat to our heroes (they have power-manifesting “dolls”!), and setting up the rest of the anime arc. These four episodes are a bit fragmented, but it does a good job answering viewers’ questions, while still leaving some mysteries (how does Yoruichi recognize Yoshino?) up in the air.

And it has the usual blend of comedy and action that “Bleach” usually does — on one hand, the Bount dolls provide some wall-smashing violence and creepy unpredictability (Uryu even gets throttled by one). But the modsouls also provide some comedy, especially when Ichigo, Orihime and Chad all go on the hunt for appropriate plush toys for them to inhabit (”You can’t be so picky! The only stuffed animals left are some nasty ol’ drool-covered ones from when Karin and Yuzu were just babies!”).

But these episodes do have a few flaws — Ichigo and Renji seem to spend half their time squirting testosterone at each other. Seriously, the alpha male content is verging on parody. And Rukia’s inclusion while she’s not yet powered up feels rather contrived.

Fortunately that’s the only real characterization problem. But the Bounts offer some promise for conflict (especially the charming, sinister Kariya), and the Soul Reapers are woven expertly into the storyline, including some underused favorites like Ukitake, Kyoraku, Soi Fon, and the acid-tongued boy-genius Hitsugaya (”Interesting, Rangiku. Then I suppose that mountain of files hidden over there behind the sofa is just my imagination”).

“Bleach 17″ suffers from a slightly fragmented series of episodes, but it’s a promising start to this anime-only arc. And it promises to get more interesting in the next round…
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Watch Zatoichi Collection II Online. Movie Title: Zatoichi Collection II Average customer review: Zatoichi Collection II is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Zatoichi Collection II

As stated in the title, Zatoichi Collection II contains Episodes 14-26 of the First Season.

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Whether you are a die-hard Zatoichi fan, or a casual viewer looking for something different, the Zatoichi Collections are great place to begin (Or end, if you’ve already seen all 26 of Katsushin’s movies. If you haven’t, well…what are you waiting for?!?)

Each of the 13 episodes (14-26) averages *about* 50 minutes. If you find yourself questioning “how many scumbags can our hero possibly dispatch in only 50 minutes?”, well, the answer is “as many as he wants”.

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Each episode is a mini-movie, with all the action, humor, drama and tragedy of a full-length movie packed into 50 minutes. I’ve seen all 26 episodes of the 1st Season, and I enjoyed every single minute of my time spent with Shintaro Katsu as the immortal-beloved, Zatoichi.

Fans of Zatoichi will notice repeat plot-lines, gags, and similar stunts during certain action sequences, but don’t even think of letting that dissuade you from purchasing these treasures. The true beauty of Zatoichi is that it’s star, the very soul of the show, Shintaro Katsu, could make a humorless joke funny, or a cliche’ pratfall look new, interesting, and even dangerous. He could make eating a steaming bowl of rice look so delicious, that I just had to stop and cook myself some right then and there, while Ichi-san waited on pause in the living-room.

Now, writing a review of each episode is a lot of work, and I’m far too lazy to even consider doing that, so just take my word when I say that even a *not so good* episode of Zatoichi, is still twice as good as almost anything out there. In my book, there are a few *not so good* episodes, while the rest (and there are 100 episodes in all) fall into the *Oh my god, that was awesome!* category.

In closing, I’ll just say if you don’t already own Zatoichi Collection I, go buy it right now. If you already own it and are reading this review of Collection II, you can stop reading now and go buy it; I won’t be offended you didn’t finish reading this, I promise.

You’ll save money purchasing this set vs. buying the DVDs individually. If you’re a fan of samurai films, Lone Wolf & Cub, or the Zatoichi films then you’ll love Zatoichi the TV series. The production isn’t quite as good as the films, but it’s good enough. The incredible stories and sword fighting is what will keep you glued to your seat. The original actor from the films reprises his role here and is excellent.

I highly recommend this set, as well as set one. And if you haven’t seen the films, definitely go check those out as well. Zatoichi is a masterpiece in storytelling.
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Stream Inside Man Online. Movie Title: Inside Man Average customer review: Inside Man is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Inside Man

The one note about Spike Lee films is that you’re never sure what you’re going to get. I’m not really a fan, I find that his films are too convoluted with extraneous detail and somewhat over produced. Inside Man retains all the elements of a solid bank robbery/caper film, whilst also giving us Spike Lee’s trademark of gritty, street-wise irreverence.

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The problem with Inside Man is that it’s impossibly unbelievable with a plot that strains the realms of credibility; combine this with it’s over-long running time and you have a film that features some great performances by it’s cast - Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Christopher Plummer and Jodie Foster - but ultimately sags a bit in the middle and ends up becoming rather ponderous.

Lee manages to pull off a handful of effective scenes, but he doesn’t have the flair to bring the whole movie off with real conviction. An enigmatic master criminal (Owen) - who spends most of the movie wearing a mask - plans and executes a “genius plan” in which he and several masked companions take over a Lower Manhattan bank and brutally seize several dozen of its customers as hostages.

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The NYPD negotiator given the task of dealing with these crooks is an affable junior detective, Detective Keith Frazier (Washington) - under a cloud of suspicion from a previous case - he soon surmises that the perpetrators don’t actually want the bank’s money. Enter smarmy and elegant New York political insider Madeline White (Foster) who knows everybody and even has the ear of the Mayor.

Madeline is hired by the chairman of the bank’s board of directors (Plummer) to oversee the crisis and make sure that certain secrets he has in his safe-deposit box stay secret. The bulk of the film involves the standoff between the bank robbers and the NYPD as they try frantically to ensure that the hostages remain safe.

Of course we know the hostages survive because Lee inserts interview footage of them after the heist is over, this device, however, tips off the outcome, dissipates suspense and quickly becomes tiresome. This is just one of the many techniques Lee uses to clutter the movie’s structure and prevent the plot from unfolding as quickly as it should.

Obviously, everyone has something to hide, particularly the bank president, but when his past is revealed, it finally appears with a bit of a thud, with the movie going through to much difficulty to arrive at very little. In all fairness, Inside Man has some interesting things to say about race, money, power and the ethics of urban living, particularly in New York and the performances are wonderfully cynical and gritty.

Washington is sexy and strong, Foster is skillfully odious as the icy, sophisticated and amoral Madeline who cares for nothing but chasing big bucks, Owen is morbidly compelling as the determined heavy and Plummer is letter-perfect as the guilt-ridden bank honcho.

Lee, however, just doesn’t seem able to bring all the disparate elements of a heist film into a convincing and gratifying whole and in the end; the movie is vaguely unsatisfying and impossibly far-fetched. Mike Leonard August 06.

Everything about INSIDE MAN makes the viewer want to love this film: Spike Lee as director, a stunning cast, a good musical score that sounds a bit like Bollywood music, a theme that invites social comment.

For this viewer the terrific ingredients do not add up to a unique suspense thriller of a film. The story is a variation of hundreds of other films (writer Russell Gewirtz somehow got away with just an outline of a script of holes) and the technique of telling the story - interspersing post incident interviews with the people involved in the caper - makes it thud along.

Denzel Washington is his usual fine acting self, playing a cop with his own demons. Chiwetel Ejiofor is solid as his partner. Clive Owen spends the better part of the film behind a mask but continues his reputation for quiet and powerful characterizations as the bank robber. Christopher Plummer is convincing as the back president with secrets to hide, which Jodie Foster as a middle-woman manages to manipulate. Willem Defoe is fine as the cop in charge. They all perform well in roles they could do in their sleep.

Clocking in at over two hours the film seems to dawdle over some inconsequential details in an attempt to camouflage the holes in the script. Spike Lee makes it work because of his style. But in the end the story isn’t involving enough to hold our attention (’been there, done that’) and this viewer, for one, fell asleep during portions when the film slowed for unknown reasons. Love the director and the actors, pass on the film. Grady Harp, August 06
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Stream The Bad and the Beautiful Movie Online. Movie Title: The Bad and the Beautiful Average customer review: The Bad and the Beautiful is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download The Bad and the Beautiful

Based on Charles Schnee’s the 1951 “Ladies Home Journal” short story “Tribute To A Bad Man”. The movie title was changed to include MGM’s Leading Blonde siren, Lana Turner.

MGM provides us with the best ensemble cast in Hollywood; Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas - Oscar Nominee, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Barry Sullivan, Gloria Grahame - Oscar Winner, Best Supporting Actress, Gilbert Roland & Leo G. Carroll, under the brilliant direction of Vincent Minnelli.

“The Bad (Kirk Douglas) And The Beautiful (Lana Turner)” winner of 4 Oscars in 1952. Best Supporting Actress - Gloria Grahame, Best Screenplay - Charles Schnee (Outstanding melodrama), Best Black & White Cinematography (Fantastic DVD transfer, clear & detailed) - Robert Surtee & Best Art Direction (the movie is primarily shot on Hollywood sets which are beautifully done).

Summary: About a steamy story of a ruthless 18 year rise & fall of a tyranical & manipulative Hollywood movie Tycoon Jonathan Shields (Douglas - Oscar Nominee). Told in a “flashback” from multiple perspectives ( from the point of view of 3 friends seduced & betrayed by him. The director (Sullivan), the Actress (Turner) & the Pultizer Prize winning writer (Powell) & his star struck wife (Grahame - Oscar). How he back stabbed, used, lied & double crossed them on the way to the top. On his way down needing their help & how Hollywood classic successes, failures & pay backs evolve.

Outstanding value, this 2 sided DVD Full Screen (before WideScreen)Black & White (Oscar Winner for Best Cinematography) presentation provides us with an OUTSTANDING DVD transfer of “The Bad And The Beautiful” (Side 1). All the many extras are on Side 2; A very informative chronological 90 minute Documentary / Biography “Lana Turner…. A Daughter’s Memoir”, Scoring Session Music Cues (nice addition), Theatrical Trailers & Production Notes. A very nice Hollywood package.

These men knew their business, helped artists realize their talents, and made money for their studios, but many less powerful people were hurt or crushed along the way… The ensemble acting breathes life into this theme and makes an already realistic script seem that much more real…

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From its opening shot to the final fadeout, “The Bad and the Beautiful” is a harvest of riches for movie fans who dote on behind-the-scenes atmosphere and all the other elements of the movie world…

The sound stages, the dressing rooms, the Beverly Hills mansions; the “B” pictures in the making, the screen tests, the sneak previews; the Hollywood funeral, the Hollywood party, the Hollywood premiere–all were on display in what is probably the most detailed study of the dream factory ever presented on film…

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The film is filled with magnificent characters and set-pieces… Minnelli directed it with exact pacing, shading the scenes and developing the complicated stories and characters so that they neatly fitted into a fascinating puzzle… Technically, the picture is perfection; the dialog is compelling and the settings are particularly interesting to those who are curious about Hollywood studios and how they function… The music score by David Raksin is a masterpiece of its kind…

The casting is almost beyond questioning: Pigeon and Sullivan are exactly right as the producer and the director, and Dick Powell strikes the right key as the easy-going, pipe smoking writer…Lana Turner, then at the height of her glamorous appeal, clearly knew what she was about in painting a movie queen, and Gloria Grahame won an Oscar for her pretty but intelligent young wife…

For Kirk Douglas it was a tour de force acting… The role of Jonathan Shields is one of the most stimulating ever handed a Hollywood actor–not only as a distinguished, dramatic vehicle but as an opportunity to reveal the character of the kind of film producer actors know but do not love…

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Billy Elliot Streaming. Movie Title: Billy Elliot Average customer review: Billy Elliot is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Billy Elliot

Beginning with an exuberant title sequence, this charming, offbeat, coming-of-age story revolves around Billy Elliot (Jamie Bell), the younger of two sons of a widower coal miner (Gary Lewis) near Newcastle in Northern England. It’s 1984, and the National Union of Mine Workers is engaged in a long, bitter strike, marked by street battles with riot police and protests against the busloads of scabs crossing the picket lines.

Following the family tradition, Billy is expected to learn boxing at the Everington Boys Club where, instead, the 11 year-old becomes enthralled by the girls’ dancing class, led by a chain-smoking teacher (Julie Walters) who soon recognizes his raw talent. He loves watching Fred Astaire in old movies and is instantly drawn towards the ballet class, but when his macho father and rabble-rousing brother (Jamie Draven) discover he’s taking ballet classes, they ridicule Billy - “Lads do boxing and football and wrestling, not friggin’ ballet!” - forcing him to hide his slippers under the mattress and sneak off to class. Then come the auditions for the Royal Ballet School and Billy’s defiantly joyful, foot-stompin’ “I Want to Boogie” sequence.

What makes this heartfelt English import such a gem is the collaboration of screenwriter Lee Hall, cinematographer Brian Tufano (”Trainspotting”) and former stage director Stephen Daldry (”An Inspector Calls”), who - despite the simplistic predictability of the plot - create eccentric, lovable characters and evocative imagery. One haunting sequences focuses on a little neighborhood girl dragging a stick along a brick wall, which dissolves into a phalanx of plastic police shields. Another involves the father grimly chopping up Billy’s mother’s beloved piano for needed firewood. While some of the authentic, heavily accented dialogue may be indecipherable to some, the musical soundtrack, combining classical and pop, is terrific.

In the title role, newcomer Jamie Bell embodies awkward determination, juggling grim reality with a surreal fantasy world, explaining, “Just because I like ballet doesn’t mean I’m a pouf!” As Billy’s father, Gary Lewis (”My Name is Joe”) is tough-yet-tender, and Julie Walters (”Educating Rita”) scores as Billy’s crusty yet compassionate teacher. (”I feel like a sissy,” Billy tells her. “Well, don’t act like one,” she retorts.) Jamie Draven and Stuart Wells lend strong support. Jean Heywood is touching as Billy’s senile grandmother, whom he tenderly cares for and who repeatedly recalls, “I could have been a professional dancer.”

While the bleak setting, in the 1984 miners’ strike in northeastern England, is reminiscent of “The Full Monty,” the energetic mood evokes “Flashdance” - and it was a bit hit at both the Toronto and Cannes Film Festivals. On the `Lund Movie Scale’ of 1 to 10, “Billy Elliot” is an exhilarating 9. Combining comedy and poignancy, it’s all about being able to express yourself.

If you love intimate, moving character films like Cinema Paradiso, you will love love love Billy Elliot. A small, rousing British film with cleverly written characters, this movie is both sentimental and expertly crafted. The performances, particularly from Julie Walters as the dance instructor, and that winsome, melancholy but excpetionally gifted boy as Billy, will truly steal your heart. The simple premise is instantly grabbing — an artistic boy, only 11, is unfortunately the most forgotten element in a fractured, sad little family, which includes a pre-Alzheimer’s grandmother, an angry older brother and a defeated, sad and tense father. While Dad and bro are on strike, money is tight - the year is 1984 at the height of British strike/tensions. Billy is sent to boxing lessons, where, by happenstance, he discovers a true vent for his budding creativity — and especially his joy in dancing. Filled with infectiously appealing pop and light-classical music, this film is part Rocky, part Hollywood musical, part Flashdance and part Cinema Paradiso. The chance that these disparate, unlikely approaches might actually add up to something compelling are unlikely, but you must experience this movie to understand how exciting, moving and intensely gratifying it can be. Painted in bold, creative colors and shot with a springy exuberance, Billy Elliot is terrific.
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