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Cold Comfort Farm Movie Streaming. Movie Title: Cold Comfort Farm Average customer review: Cold Comfort Farm is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Cold Comfort Farm

Originally broadcast in 1971, the telly production of Stella Gibbon’s 1932 novel, “Cold Comfort Farm” helped to launch the first season of PBS’s signature series, “Masterpiece Theatre”.

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This is a great remake and is director, John Schlessinger’s acclaimed 1995 film adaptation starring a TERRIFIC Kate Beckinsale as the recently orphaned, Flora Poste.

Set in the 1930’s, in England, Flora writes to all of her relation, hoping someone will take her in as she has no real drive or ambition, save for possibly becoming the next Jane Austen. Flora accepts an offer from The Starkadders Of Cold Comfort Farm in Howling, Sussex. She thinks that she just might like farm life and it might be good for her writing career. However, once she arrives she finds out that the farm has had a curse upon it along with all of the inhabitants, human and animal alike.

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The Starkadder family is comprised of Amos & his forelorn wife, Judith, & their two virile & rakish sons, Seth and Reuben. As Flora says, “Highly sexed young men living on farms are always called Seth or Reuben.”

Also living at Cold Comfort is a lovely waifish sprite of a cousin, Elfine, the hired help, Adam Lambsbreath, Urk, Rennet & Mrs. Beetle. Also locked in her chambers is an old crusty hermit of a grandmamma, Ada Doom (appropriately named). The Starkadders & the rest of the clan are pure country folk with pure country ways. Their lives being quite primitive in contrast with Flora’s.

Flora sets out to change it all though and with some priceless and hilarious scenes ensuing. Flora tries to bring everyone around to a higher common sense and does it with great gusto.

With lines in the film like:

Amos Starkadder: Seth, drain the well. There’s a neighbor missing.

Violet: She b’aint worf it Urk, she jus b’aint worf it!

and the two most repeated and beloved lines in the film:

Ada Doom: I saw something nasty in the woodshed! & “There has always been Starkadders on Cold Comfort Farm.”

This film is a gem, a fabulous adaptation of the novel and a great and wonderful surprise for it’s viewers. A great cast and performances with the great Ian McKellen,Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, Eileen Atkins and Rufus Sewell. I highly recommend “Cold Comfort Farm”!

Happy Watching!

This is a marvelous and fairly faithful adaptation of Stella Gibbons’ 1932 novel of the same name. The film brilliantly captures the quirkiness of the novel which is a hysterically funny, tongue in cheek parody of the heavy handed, gloomy novels of some early twentieth century English writers who had previously been so popular. The film is likewise hysterically funny and itself seems to parody British costume dramas.

The film starts out innocuosly enough, when well educated Flora Poste (Kate Beckinsale) finds herself orphaned as a young woman. Discovering that her father was not the wealthy man she believed him to be, she is resigned to the fate of having to live on a hundred pounds a year. After some discussion with her good friend, the wealthy Mrs. Smiley (Joanna Lumley), Flora opts to live with relatives, rather than earn her bread. She seeks out a most unlikely set of relations with whom to do so, the decidedly odd Starkadder family who live in rural Howling, Sussex.

Therein begins what is certainly one of the funniest movies to grace the silver screen. When Flora arrives in Howling, she meets her odd relatives, who live in neglected, ramshackle “Cold Comfort Farm”, where they still wash the dishes with twigs, and have cows named Graceless, Pointless, Feckless, and Aimless. Headed by a matriarchal old crone, Flora’s aunt, Ada Doom Starkadder (Sheila Burrell), who has not been right in the head since she “saw something nasty happen in the woodshed” nearly seventy years ago, they are a motley and strange crew indeed. Confronted with their dismal and gloomy existence, Flora sets about trying to put things to right.

Peppered with eccentric, memorable characters, this film will take the reader on a journey not easily forgotten. Kate Beckinsale is delightful as the practical, no nonsense Flora Poste. Joanna Lumley is delicious as the sophisticated and wordly Mrs. Smiley. Eileen Atkins is a standout as Flora’s gloomy first cousin, Judith Starkadder, Ada’s daughter. Rufus Sewell is well cast as Judith’s son, Seth Starkadder, the oversexed ladies man. The role of the fire and brimstone preacher, Amos Starkadder, is played to perfection by Ian McKellen, while Shiela Burrell is nothing short of sensational as the imperious Ada Doom Starkadder. The rest of the supporting cast is likewise uniformly excellent.

All in all, this is a hilariously funny film and every bit as brilliant as the novel upon which it was based. It is certainly worth having in one’s personal collection, as it is a keeper by any standard.

Something to Do With the Wall Streaming. Movie Title: Something to Do With the Wall Average customer review: Something to Do With the Wall is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Something to Do With the Wall

“Something To Do With the Wall”

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Remembering the Berlin Wall

Amos Lassen

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First Run Features brings us a new documentary on DVD which looks at a fascinating part of history, the Berlin Wall. Ross McElwee began making this film right before the wall fell and history was to be changed forever. Germans and other residents who remember the Wall tell their stories and we are drawn into the film by the insightful comments and the historical narration. The Wall was the symbol of hard-line Communism and the Cold War. We see Germany during and after the Wall and some of what we learn is amazing. We become acquainted with the unified city in a way I would have never thought possible and the movie almost plays like fiction. This is an absolutely wonderful film.

Streaming An American in Paris Online. Movie Title: An American in Paris Average customer review: An American in Paris is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download An American in Paris

Warner Brothers’ proprietary Ultra-Resolution process has brought new life to such classics as “The Wizard of Oz,” “Gone With the Wind,” Errol Flynn’s “Robin Hood,” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” By going back to the original three-strip technicolor negatives and realigning them digitally, the color and detail blows away anything that customers have seen in the past with home video. “An American In Paris” has now undergone the same process. For those that have a blu-ray player, be sure to order this version, An American in Paris [Blu-ray]. Here is a list of extras that are the same on both versions:

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Disc 1:

1.33:1 Full Screen with Original Mono audio * Tech Specs for Blu-ray version: Video is 1080P 1.33:1 * Audio is English, French, Spanish (Both Castilian and Latin), German and Italian DD1.0 * Subtitles (Main Feature): English, French, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Swedish * Subtitles (on Select Bonus Material): English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese

1938 MGM short: Paris on Parade

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1951 MGM cartoon: Symphony in Slang

Theatrical trailer

Disc 2:

2002 American Masters Documentary: Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (Gene Kelly - Anatomy of a Dancer)

`S Wonderful: The Making of An American in Paris, an all new documentary, produced especially for this release. A dynamic history of the making of the film, which reveals how George and Ira Gershwin’s classic songs, the dazzling art of the French impressionists and the ultimate teamwork of MGM’s legendary “Freed Unit” came together to create a musical masterpiece. Featuring ten new interviews, including co-stars Leslie Caron, Nina Foch, and Kelly’s widow. A very enlightening piece; Caron’s memories are probably the most interesting, with Foch running a close 2nd. Caron’s comments about co-star Georges Guétary being handsome but not too bright seem to be echoed by Kelly’s widow, who says Gene spent more time trying to teach him how to gracefully walk down a set of steps than on anything else in the film. It is unfortunate that Maurice Chevalier could not have taken that role as originally intended. You also realize just how revolutionary this movie was (artistically), especially because of the 17-minute ballet tacked on at the end of the movie. Even Irving Berlin disapproved during an on-set visit, which didn’t help the confidence of Vincente Minnelli at all.

Outtakes:

Georges Guetary performing Love Walked In (not missed in the movie at all!)

Audio Outtakes: Alternate Main Title, But Not for Me (Guetary), But Not for Me (Levant Piano Solo), Gershwin Prelude #3, I’ve Got a Crush on You, Nice Work if You Can Get It, ‘S Wonderful

Radio Interviews: Johnny Green, Gene Kelly, Gene Kelly & Leslie Caron;

Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron promotional radio interview with Dick Simmons

Not all of the original musical recording stems have survived over the years, preventing a true stereo/5.1 restoration of the soundtrack; instead, a restored mono version is being made available.

Most are familiar with the movie; storywise, it is a little creaky and hasn’t necessarily survived well over the years: Kelly is an American artist living in Paris. He falls in love with a young girl (Leslie Caron) who is in a loveless relationship with one of his best friends (Guétary). Kelly is also in somewhat of a loveless relationship with his financial sponsor (Nina Foch). You can probably guess the rest.

The glowing color, fantastic music by Gershwin (arrangements by the talented Conrad Salinger), and the amazing choreography of Gene Kelly will keep this one a classic for years to come despite a predictable plot. Just the ending ballet alone is a masterpiece; the art of Toulouse Lautrec and Utrillo comes to life with Gene Kelly & Leslie Caron dancing their hearts out to some of the most imaginative choreography (Kelly’s) in years. The Freed Unit at MGM was at their peak when this movie was made, and this is one of the last great ones that it created.

It is a real shame that with how fantastic the picture is (the colors literally leap off the screen, and it really adds to the appreciation of what an artistically beautiful visual feast this movie is) that the sound cannot match. Although it is clear and free of problems, the Gershwin music just begs for a 5.1 or 7.1 surround track; unfortunately, due to the age and availability of the original elements, this is not possible.

A glorious movie that showcases Gene Kelly’s breathtaking talent. Forget the silly story and just watch him dance and dance and dance. He does more with a turn of a shoulder than most dancers can do with their whole body. This movie also introduced the lithe and lovely Leslie Caron as the object of Kelly’s affection. The film builds to its dramatic hallucinatory conclusion as Kelly dances his way across a Paris dreamscape, that brings all the elements of modern dance together in a tour-de-force that was unprecedented in musicals of that time. You can’t help getting swept away in the feel-good spirit of this movie. It was another time and place.

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

Zaza is a 31 year old Ph.D. student in Philosophy. His parents want him to get married soon. To this end, they’ve arrange meetings for their son to get acquainted with girls of Georgian descent. A successful match to them would be a substantially younger virgin Georgian girl. However, Zaza has his sights set on someone else. He is in love with a 34 year old divorcee named Judith (she also has a daughter). To Zaza’s parents, Judith is damaged goods and a relationship between their son and her is a disgrace. They then take extreme measures to make sure this relationship ends. One night, the entire extended family pays a visit to her. Zaza’s uncle threatens to kill her if she doesn’t get out of Zaza’s life. His father revokes Zaza’s credit card and threatens to stop providing financial support for him to complete his education. Judith understands that it will be impossible for her and Zaza to be together (although she repeatedly prays for his love to burn only for her). So she takes the more mature approach (which later brings Zaza’s mother to tears) and calls it off with Zaza. In a very poignant scene the day after the accostal, Zaza’s mother comes back to talk to Judith (and also brings a large stuffed animal for the daughter as a conciliatory gesture). They talk and Judith accepts her judgment putting Zaza’s mother to shame. “She’s a good girl” according to the mother. Now Zaza has no choice but to choose a wife (he picked a pretty one I might add) and marry her. During the reception, he tries to cause a scene. In a very clever stroke of scripting, the tables are turned on him and we are left to assume that life goes on and another generation of fixed-marriage remains intact.

To me this film is very powerful and raw in what it’s trying to achieve. The director wants us to see, in all its gory/gratuitous details, what Israeli life is like. There are no smoke and mirrors, no time lapses. What you see is what you get, and it really makes a statement to the audience. When I was watching the film, particularly during the sex scene, I was thinking “What an honest, realistic, raw way to portray real life!” And that’s what this film is all made with - honesty.

So before you go on expecting this film to be a Hollywood love story, I suggest you ask yourself whether you are ready to handle a two-hour cultural immersion into the Israeli life. If so, watch it. If not, go watch something more lighthearted like My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

LEAP rating (each out of 5):
============================
L (Language) - 3.5 (bare-bones dialogue but appropriate for the tone being set)
E (Erotica) - 5 (includes a very realistic/raw sex scene)
A (Action) - 0 (n/a)
P (Plot) - 4 (31 yr. old Israeli male in love with an older divorcee, but parents force him to look for a younger, unmarried wife)

The thrill of watching international movies is to find a superb current release at your local first-run ‘art house’ cinema, lock on to a great star, then work backwards through that person’s previous work. “Late Marriage” is the perfect example of how that movie-watching technique can unearth a hidden gem.

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In this case, you can start with the oustanding Israeli film (in theaters now), “Walk on Water.” You’ll never see a better film. Its star, Lior Ashkenazi, is the hottest thing in Israel at the moment. His breakout, it turns out, was 2001’s “Late Marriage.” Shockingly, my local rental location (with its 150 - 200 international titles) had it in stock.

There’s an unexpected treat in here: ‘Marriage’ also features (albeit too briefly) the charms of Aya Koren (billed here as Aya Steinovitz). This is the most beautiful woman in film today. See ‘Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi’ if you doubt that.

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The film itself is very enlightening and, ultimately, heartbreaking. It centers on the struggles of a 31-year-old man looking for independence in life and love, yet hampered by the expectations and, subsequently, outright threats of his family when it comes to the matters of marriage. The ending of the film is a jawdropper. You’d never get this type of dispiriting - but hyper-realistic - conclusion in the “come lift us up where we belong” world of Hollywood.

Speaking of which, there are some annoying things to comment on about the marketing of this movie. A prominent blurb on the DVD cover box compares “Marriage” to “Big, Fat Greek Wedding.”

Not on your life. Writer/Director Dover Koshashvili must have spit out his breakfast when he read that. These two films couldn’t be more dissimilar in the way their respective culture conflicts get resolved.

Next, we had back of the DVD, which features solely a picture of Ashkenazi and Ms. Koren. You can’t fault a marketer for featuring her front and center, but, alas, she’s not center to the film in any fashion.

Last, and most egregiously, when have the cover shot of Ashkenazi flashing his newly be-ringed finger into the mirror. He appears to be showing it to co-star Ronit Elkabetz (his beloved Judith). This photo is faked. It’s a montage. It egregiously misrepresents the resolution of the movie. At this point, Ashkenazi’s Lior is alone, lost in deep introspection (we see why in the dramatic, concluding 10 minutes that follow).

Who is responsible for this trickery? Why resort to it? Will it sell a single extra copy of the movie? I’ll bet this approach greatly upset Mr. Koshashvili. No way a director would condone this misrepresentation of his baby.

Watch Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw Movie Online. Movie Title: Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw Average customer review: Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw

When a young woman (played by Jodhi May) begins her job as governess, everything seems to be perfect. However, there are secrets in her new house, and when she begins to see the ghosts of recently deceased servants, it becomes clear that there is evil afoot. However, no one else can see the ghosts, and her actions begin to seem more and more deranged. How can she protect her two charges, and what must she do? [Color, released in 1999, with a running time of 1:40 (2 hours with the Masterpiece Theatre introduction and so forth).]

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Overall, I found this to be a disturbing and rather chilling movie. The original Henry James’ story is considered a classic ghost story, but in this movie, things are much less clear. Is the governess a sensitive young woman, who is struggling to overcome the machinations of a pair of evil ghosts who are establishing a grip on the previously angelic children? Or, is she a sexually repressed young woman whose psyche is moving her towards madness? It’s up to you to decide…if you can!

Yes, this is an excellent movie, one that is certain to scare and disquiet you. I enjoyed this movie, and highly recommend it to you.

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Any adaptation of a literary work to the screen runs the risk of coming across as too shallow. Such is not the case in Mobile Masterpiece Theatre’s presentation of “The Turn of the Screw”. You are immediately drawn into the psychological horror with its varied twists and turns that leads to who knows where?

Identify with the naive character who is given the responsibility to manage the family affairs of a young bachelor who refuses to be bothered with his niece and nephew. Beguiled by his sexually powerful aura, our herione takes on the task. She meets perfectly sweet children in Flora and Miles. Miles in particular is precocious. He is also very adept at playing power games that go beyond that of a child having his or her way. She has the perfect job but there is an unsettling sense of evil in the manor. Ghosts of the former governess and valet haunt the scene and “Miss” becomes unglued but ever ready to “save” her charges.

The psychological changes she goes through hits home. Is she mad? Have these ghost pocessed this children? How is it that a ten year old boy sounds and acts like a mature man making a pass at her? How “Miss” solves this mystery yet managing to keep her mind intact is the great challenge. Jodhi May does a splendid job in her performance as she battles evil that has enveloped the children. Truly this is a psychological drama befitting our attention. Its horror as to what has been done to the children is horrifying. Journey with the character through this dilema. At the beginning of this drama we are given an introduction as to the background of this story by James. Setting it in its context makes it all the more chilling for is it indeed fact or fiction? You decide.

Watch Entourage: The Complete Seasons 1-5 Movie Online. Movie Title: Entourage: The Complete Seasons 1-5 Average customer review: Entourage: The Complete Seasons 1-5 is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Entourage: The Complete Seasons 1-5

I was disappointed with this purchase. When watching the dvd you will notice that the subtitles are always on and you’ll have to turn them off manually at the start of each viewing. Also some parts were blacked out or distorted with pixles to cover up any or all nudity from the show, something which is uncensored here on the US show. The Seller should have stated that some of the seasons are not from the US HBO show and censored for other markets. With that being said purchase at your own risk…..

Stream Circle of Friends Online. Movie Title: Circle of Friends Average customer review: Circle of Friends is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Circle of Friends

Set in post-World War II Ireland, namely the late 1940’s and late 50’s, Circle Of Friends tells of three girls, Eve, who was raised in a convent because her parents died, the stunning Nan Mahon, and the plain but pleasant and charming Benny Hogan, who’s father is the local tailor. She narrates the film from time to time, and Minnie Driver’s charming voice aids in what’s quite a charming little movie about being sure of and true to oneself despite changes.

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The three go to the college in Dublin, attend classes, and go back on the 10 past 6 bus to the village. In an anthropology class, she learns of an obscure tribe and their culture, one of which is that men and women mingle freely without shame or guilt, a contrast to the repressive Catholic upbringing the girls have. But this learning also parallels her meeting Jack Foley, a handsome blonde with blue eyes and a nice smile. She’s quite taken when he asks her out to a dance, only to be gradually disillusioned when he doesn’t as time goes on. When he finally does ask her, she tells him that she doesn’t like being messed about, but further that despite being a rhinoceros, a reference to her perceived bigness, she has a thin skin. She is heartened that he feels comfortable talking to her honestly. He sees that she’s all there, more grounded, sure of herself. In contrast, Jack wants to play rugby but is going for the medical program because of his father’s wishes and despite the fact that he faints at the sight of blood. Through her interactions, she learns that she is capable of being loved and to love, but she never goes all the way. Jack indeed is a preferable pick from the oily Sean Walsh, an employee of Mr. Hogan’s shop who aspires to be a partner, but also wants to marry Benny. It’s further his dream to run the shop when Mr. Hogan retires. However, Benny is quite turned off by Sean, much to her parents’ disappointment. This learning at school is making her self-aware, and she’s made up her mind who she wants to marry, should she do so. What’s the point of learning all that knowledge, only to go back to her little village and be a good little wife, something also explored in the later Mona Lisa Smile.

The divide between Protestants and Catholics is seen here in the form of Simon Westward, a member of the landowning family who wants to marry the right girl. That is what Nan is looking for, a real man, seeing her peers as just boys, as tryouts. Things don’t go the way she plans, leading her to disrupt Benny and Jack.

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It’s easy to see why Minnie Driver became a star. As the shy, hopeful, intelligent, and sensitive Benny, she’s a fresh face. And she’s unique with that slightly wide face of hers, She is mostly seen without much makeup, and she still looks wonderful, and with that accent and beaming countenance, totally believable as a daughter of the Emerald Isle. I’d definitely go for someone like her. Geraldine O’Rawe lends strong support as Eve, who turns out to be more loyal and true to Benny. Chris O’Donnell also gets a thumbs up as Jack, a likeable enough person, less sure of himself, well-meaning, but with a few failings.

As in all the other films I’ve seen him in, Alan Cumming (Sean) is another slimy, lizard-like, fawning toadie (Titus, Spiceworld, Eyes Wide Shut). He is a bit pathetic with his greasy black hair and sickly smile, but he’s a character to be reviled as time goes on.

With a nice closing song, “You’re The One,” sung by Maire Brennan and Shane McGowan, Circle Of Friends is a film that doesn’t go for the predictable drama of most romance movies. No, this is a movie that’s all there.

An endearing, Oscar worthy performance by Minnie Driver highlights “Circle of Friends,” a poignant story of friendship, love and loyalty, set in 1957 Ireland, directed by Pat O’Connor. Driver stars as Bernadette “Benny” Hogan, a sensitive, somewhat self-conscious young lady (she sees herself as plain and over-weight), about to enter the University of Dublin, along with her two, life-long friends, Eve (Geraldine O’Rawe), and Nan (Saffron Burrows). At school she meets rugby star and med student Jack Foley (Chris O’Donnell), and falls in love with him; and, once he gets to know her, (and after a somewhat tenuous beginning), Jack realizes that he loves Benny, as well. Conflict intervenes upon their romance, however, and complications ensue when circumstances force them into a prolonged separation. Benny’s home is a bus ride away from Dublin, and it becomes necessary for her to stay for awhile and help with the family store. Ultimately, it leads to an incident involving Jack and Nan, when Jack becomes unwittingly drawn into a particularly sensitive and unpleasant situation which has recently arisen between Nan and her wealthy suitor, Simon Westward (Colin Firth). Driver is the real story here, though, as she gives an incredibly touching performance that so adeptly conveys Benny’s sensitivities; she is Benny from the inside out, wearing her heart on her sleeve and so vulnerable to the pain that life can seemingly inflict at will. She is so winsome, and accessible, that it enables you to share her joy and feel her pain; all due to Driver’s incredible ability to make such an absolute emotional connection between her Benny and the audience. And having the capacity to evoke such empathy underscores what a truly gifted actress Driver is. As Jack, Chris O’Donnell gives one of his finest performances to date, as well. He manages to delve beneath the surface to tap Jack’s indecisiveness, his self-confidence tinged with doubt, while fleshing out the moral aptitude which defines him, and it’s reassuring to know that there’s so much more to him than being the star jock of the rugby team, because Benny deserves more than that. The audience’s identification with Benny is so strong that her endeavors must be rewarded with a man worthy of her affection; for Jack to be any less than he is would be unacceptable and unsatisfying. The wonderful supporting cast includes Alan Cumming (Sean), Mick Lally (Dan Hogan), Ciaran Hinds (Professor Flynn), John Kavanagh (Brian Mahon) and Britta Smith (Mrs. Hogan). Superbly acted and well directed, “Circle of Friends” is a captivating, memorable film, visually attractive and complimented by an engaging soundtrack of lilting, Irish melodies, and Benny is a young woman you’ll take into your heart and keep there; for she is unforgettable. This is one of those rare films that penetrates the soul and takes a real look at the human condition, and how fragile at times it can be. It will make you think; but above all, it will make you feel.

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

American Gothic is a slice of 80’s slasher cheese that throws all horror clichés into a pot of boiling stew and offers no explanation for the absurdities shown on screen. Such as why would someone let a couple of lunatics push them on a swing at the edge of a rocky cliff? Why would a deeply religious god worshipper all of a sudden pledge to Satan when things are not going his way? After firing a gun at a maniac pursuing her, why would a woman drop the gun to the floor and not bother picking it up before running away? In the midst of watching this flick, it didn’t take me long to come to the realization that the filmmakers were simply throwing in every cliché in the book in order to make somewhat of a horror/comedy hybrid, instead of a straight slasher film.

3 Seattle couples board a private plane en route to Jackson Island, a resort in the pacific northwest intended for rich yuppie types. During the trip, the plane’s engine sputters and the pilot is forced to land on another island short of their destination. The island appears to be deserted at first, but upon further exploration, the travelers stumble upon an old cabin in the middle of the woods. The inhabitants of the cabin turn out to be an old, deeply religious couple that go by the name of “Ma” and “Pa”. Also inhabiting their house are their three deranged children, all of them who appear to be at least in their forties but who don’t act a year older than 10. Ma and Pa appear at first very kind, inviting the travelers for dinner and to stay the night. The travelers soon find out that there is a great price for this hospitality however, as Ma and Pa’s “children” turn out to have an insatiable appetite for murder.

American Gothic doesn’t waste any time getting started, as the travelers land on the island only about ten minutes into the movie. Once the first murder occurs, the pace flies by as some of the travelers get dispatched with ridiculous ease. From then on the movie turns into a revenge flick as the sole survivor turns the table on the murderous inbred family. Most of the murders sadly happen off screen and there is not much in the matter of grue (which is not unusual with 80’s slasher fare). Yes, there is a small amount of blood but we only get to see it after the murder, once the victim is lying dead on the ground. One of the most obvious flaws in the movie is that we’re never sure when Cynthia, one of the travelers recently released from a psych ward, is sane or not. Most scenes with her in it left me wondering whether she had become totally insane and joined the ranks of Ma and Pa’s family or if she was simply playing along so she could escape. It would be nice to know but instead the viewer is left guessing.

I found American Gothic effectively chilling but not for the obvious reasons. There are no jumps or surprises or traditional horror movie scares. The spookiest part is watching so many characters fall into utter depths of insanity. The idea of parents raising their children on a deserted island their entire lives and never letting them leave in fear that they may be “contaminated by the outside world”, all in the name of religious blasphemy, is something I found to be quite chilling. The acting was also surprisingly effective, especially the over-the-top performance of “Pa”, played by Rod Steiger and by Fannie of the 3 “children”. I don’t imagine it’s easy playing a 40-something with the mentality of a murderous 10 year old and trying to keep a straight face through it all. American Gothic is a decent film for those looking for a stylistic 80’s slasher with great scenery and a barrel of laughs both intentional and unintentional.

This dark satire of the Religious Right in rural America demonstrates how dogmatism can erase the thin line that separates sanity from insanity.

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Recovering from an emotional breakdown brought on by the bathtub drowning of her child, Cynthia (Sarah Torgov) goes on a camping trip with her husband and two other couples. Mechanical problems strand the campers on island near Seattle, where the troupe eventually runs up against Ma & Pa (Yvonne De Carlo & Rod Steiger), the demented backwoodsy parents of three murderous but mentally infantile adults.

There are some Gein-like goodies, including implied necrophelia, as the homicidal hillbillies pick off the campers one by one, but the film really focuses more on Cynthia’s descent into madness in the face of it all. Lots of subtle humor, not the least of which is the double-entendres in the names of Ma & Pa’s progeny, make AMERICAN GOTHIC a fun way to waste a few hours. And over-the-top performances strengthen the entertainment value, especially those of Steiger, De Carlo, and Michael J. Pollard (who portrays Teddy, one of the psycho sons). Targov is also wonderfully whacko when her character, Cynthia, finally loses all ties with reality.

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The DVD from Trinity Home Entertainment offers the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1. The transfer looks a bit grainy at times but is definitely watchable. Alas, the disc contains no bonus features, yet it’s still worth the very reasonable price of admission.

Watch Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace Online. Movie Title: Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace Average customer review: Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace

I saw this film on theatrical release in and was very disappointed. Of course, alot of the disappointment initially had to do with the incredible hype build-up that accompanied the new trilogy. Nothing could have lived up to the public’s expectations.

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That having been said, The Phantom Menace is disappointing not so much because it stinks, but because, I fell, with some additional tweaking, it could have been much much better. Its almost as if Lucas got the plot ideas and character concepts developed to a schematic level and then sort of lost interest in them and did not develop them any further.

Specific gripes:

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1. We never really bond with or understand Qui-Gon’s character or his relationship with young Anakin. He states that he thinks Anakin may be the chosen one, but that is not really sufficient. We need to see an emotional bond or some kind of identification between the two, but it just isn’t there.

2. Not to pick on Jake Lloyd (he’s probably a great kid), but Lucas or whoever just did not get a good performance out of him. Plus, there is no hint in young Anakin at this point of character traits or flaws that might later foreshadow his fall. Yoda says he sees anger and fear in Anakin and the Jedi Council make vague predications that he may eventually be dangerous, but we as audience members just don’t see it. We are supposed to infer that Anakin is somehow damaged by his life as as slave and subsequent separation from his mother, but again, we don’t see any of this. His life as a slave doesn’t seem to indicate any hardship; his big scene saying goodbye to his mom is not particularly moving (mainly due to wooden acting by Lloyd; Pernilla August as his mom does a good job thought). Also, if he’s a slave, how does he have time/resources to build robots and pod racers? Just not very true to life.

Perhaps if we had seen Anakin and/or his mom subjected to some sort of abuse or exploitation we would have a better indication both of the fear and anger in Anakin and also a potential emotional reason for why Qui-Gon wants to rescue Anakin. When I reflected on it, I thought it would almost be better if Anakin were like the feral boy in Road Warrior II: an unkempt, unclean, and agressive character that had to be somewhat tamed and civilized by his Jedi rescuers. We don’t see any character flaws, any little hints of selfishness, anger, fear or frustration. As is, young Anakin is just an average cute kid; we don’t see any depth to why he wants to escape his life as a slave or run off to join the Jedi so we don’t really care.

3. Source of humor: The original series had a mix of humor based upon the droids 3PO and R2D2 and also with the human characters (primarily interactions between Solo, Leia, and Luke). In TPM, the primary source of humor is generated from droids and Jar Jar Binks with little or no humorous banter or interaction between human characters. This has two effects: 1)relying on computer-generated characters for humor means the primary form of humor becomes physical slapstick, which is one of the main complaints about the Jar Jar charcter; and 2)the interactions between the human main characters, when deprived of humor, makes their relationships seem dry and mechanical, another source of the shallow characterizations.

The one humorous moment that stands out is when, after being ambushed by the Trade Feds at the beginning, Obi-Won says to Qui-Gon with a wry smile: “Well, you were right about one thing Master….the negotiations were short!” This one moment stands out because it is one of the few jokes between human characters and it works and expresses some of Obi-Won’s personality. It also effectively echoes some of the banter and attitude that made Solo’s character so liekable and crucial to the original films, an attitude and sensibility that is lacking in TPM. As is, we are stuck with Jar Jar’s pratfalls for yuks, and it just doesn’t work unless you are 5 years old.

4. The shallowness of Darth Maul: Similar to other problems with character depth, we don’t know enough about Maul. He says early in the film that at last he will have revenge on the Jedi. Revenge for what? We never know beyond vague notions that the Sith and Jedi are ancient enemies. That is not enough. We either need to be shown more back story on this or have some reason for Maul’s motivation. His fight scenes with the Jedi at the end are dynamite and clearly the actor is very skilled in martial arts and projects a menacing attitude with only minimal dialog or screen time, but we never really know anything about him other than “he is a bad guy” and that is not enough.

5. Plot goofiness. As others have pointed out, all the midi-chlorian business is a red herring of mumbo-jumbo that takes the mystical mystery out of the Force and reduces it to a medical condition. The Jedi are supposed to be wise, powerful seers, but them seem oblivious to the presence and intentions of the bad guys over and over again. Having young Anakin build C3PO is silly and seems like a forced “cricle closer”. Further, having Anakin start out on Tatooine doesn’t seem right and seems liek another circle closer that is forced. Wouldn’t he remember all this years later as Darth Vader in Episode 4? Wouldn’t there be some result of this coincidence? As noted above, having a slave that doesn’t seem to be deprived or suffering and has the time/resources to build robots and pod racers as a hobby seems goofy too.

Again, it seemed to me like Lucas got the plot and characters to a certain point and then quit on them. With only a little extra effort or different emphasis on certain elements, the movie could have been much improved and the audience would have had more insight into the characters and identified with them more. As is, the lack of character development combined with wooden acting makes it hard for the audience to care. The special effects set pieces are spectacular, and the computer generated elements are pioneering and well executed, but without a reason to care about or like the characters, its hard to get too excited.

Again, not a horrid movie, but frustrating because with just a few changes or extra effort, it could have been so much better.

Int. evening - A dimly lit room.

George: The movie must have a child-friendly comic relief, and we also need some clever doll to sell afterwards… hmmmmm… Jar Jar Binks!

George: Wait it can’t be too child-friendly or we’ll loose the fans! Throw Maul into the ring, oooooh he’s scary… hmmmm… we’ll cut his dialogue down to three lines so the action figure can contain them all!

George: Liam Neeson is starting to complain about his lame character and dialogue… hmmmm… let’s just give him a noble death at the end of the movie… wait we’ve already done that.. aaah what the hell! Everybody loves a cliché!

George: Wait! The script is a little thin… hmmmmmmm… Wait I own this cool Special FX company they’ll fill out the holes!

George: All the cool authors have expanded my universe making it diverse and colorful… but let’s just focus on places we know… like Tatooine!

George: Anakin is really smart… we’ll let him build C-3PO… wait why doesn’t Vader recognize him later? Oh yes… he’s just been ignoring him… heh heh…

George: Oh yeah I’ve also invented these midiclorieans… which they for some weird reason haven’t heard about in the original episodes… well the knowledge has just been lost in the huge Jedi massacres later on!

*George continues like this for months*

Actually I’m a Star Wars fan… and I like Episode I because of the cool action scenes, spectacular special FX and I actually don’t think that the acting is so bad, and Jar Jar is pretty funny at times. I just have this love/hate thing for this episode. The whole Star Wars spirit, the innovation behind the old trilogy has been replaced by some kind of Disney oriented commercial family pack! To much money (minus 1 star)too little creativity (minus 1 star)… and George you better clone Darth Maul in Episode II and make it bloody and horrible for Anakin, and realease the original episodes on DVD (and not make 6000 special editions), or I’ll cut off that beard of yours while you sleep! (can you get sued for this?)