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Long List Updated 11 . 8 . 2003

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101 Dalmatians

101 Dalmatians

Starring: Taylor, Rod Gerson, Betty Lou
Director: Reitherman, Wolfgang

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 79

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When the wicked Cruella de Vil and her henchmen kidnap dalmatian puppies for their cherished spotted fur, it is up to the puppies' parents, Pongo and Perdita, and some brave farm animals, to free the caged canines. A Walt Disney animated classic that spawned the 1996 live-action remake. When the wicked Cruella and her henchmen kidnap dalmatian puppies for their cherished spotted fur, it is up to the puppies' parents, Pongo and Perdita, and some brave farm animals, to free the caged canines. Theatrical release: 1961. Rereleased in 1969, 1979, 1985, and 1991. 101 DALMATIANS is the 17th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. Color by Technicolor. Rated BBFC U by the British Board of Film Classification.

102 Dalmatians

102 Dalmatians

Starring: McInnerny, Tim Depardieu, Gérard Carter, Jim Cook, Ron Horovitch, David West, Timothy Richardson, Ian Crompton, Ben Crompton, Ben Evans, Alice
Director: Lima, Kevin

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 100

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Glenn Close returns as the malicious fur-collecting fashion plate Cruella De Vil in Disney's 102 DALMATIANS, the highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 live-action blockbuster. Pursuading the authorities that she has been successfully rehabilitated, De Vil is released from prison, seemingly transformed into a law-abiding animal lover, securely under the influence of Dr. Pavlov's psychotherapy. Under the watchful eye of her skeptical probation officer, Chloe Simon (Alice Evans), De Vil comes to the aid of a failing dog shelter run by Kevin Shepherd (Ioan Gruffudd). But when Shepherd is promptly arrested for the theft of dalmatians and Chloe loses her own dalmatian pups, including the spotless Oddball, De Vil comes under suspicion once again. Her new alliance with a French fashion designer, Jean Pierre Le Pelt (Gerard Depardieu), known for his unusual flare for animal fur, doesn't help her case. Set in Paris, 102 DALMATIANS is a lighthearted and humorous tale of animal rights and identity conflict that climaxes in a riotous frenzy of hilarious slapstick comedy and heartwarming fantasy. Theatrical release: November 22, 2000. Filming took place at Shepperton Studios and on location in the United Kingdom. Some of the puppies in the movie were created with computer animation. For example, the character of Oddball is either a completely computer-generated puppy or a live-action puppy whose natural black spots have been painted out by digital artists. The previous 101 DALMATIANS films spawned a popular buying frenzy of dalmatians by dog lovers who were at the time unaware of the exceptionally high maintenance and demand that dalmatians require, resulting in an epidemic of abandoned dalmatians flooding animal shelters. The sequel includes a disclaimer cautioning interested dog lovers to research the needs of dalmatians before buying them. "The last time I underestimated a puppy, I ended up in the pokie!"--Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close)

13 Days

13 Days

Starring: Greenwood, Bruce Culp, Steven Costner, Kevin Greenwood, Bruce Krutonog, Boris Conway, Kevin Fairman, Michael Mason, Madison Mason, Madison Culp, Steven
Director: Donaldson, Roger

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 147

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A series of beautiful but devastating atomic explosions provides a vision of gorgeous, appalling destruction that hangs ominously over the political drama of THIRTEEN DAYS. It's October 16, 1962 and, it is not just another day at the office for Kenneth O'Donnell (Kevin Costner), the Special Assistant to President John F. Kennedy (Bruce Greenwood). O'Donnell soon discovers the President has just been handed a series of photographs taken from a U-2 spy plane over Cuba. They show deployed Soviet missile launchers capable of firing medium-range ballistic missiles that could hit all major US cities--except Seattle--within minutes. THIRTEEN DAYS is a vivid dramatization of what happened in the Kennedy White House during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Seen through the eyes of O'Donnell, it is a close-up view of President Kennedy and his brother, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy (Steven Culp), as they try to negotiate through a crisis which has many of their closest advisors ready to wage what all feared might have been the ultimate war. The script, by David Self, is based on interviews, CIA documents, and White House tapes. Director Roger Donaldson captures the extraordinary tension in the White House as he brings to life every heart-stopping moment. Theatrical release: December 20, 2000. THIRTEEN DAYS was shot on location in Glendale, California; Washington, D.C.; Newport, Rhode Island, and in the Philippines. The spectacular atomic explosions shown at the opening of THIRTEEN DAYS are the work of special effects producer, Peter Kuran. Among the many real-life people vividly portrayed on the screen in THIRTEEN DAYS are President Kennedy's Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara (Dylan Baker); his Secretary of State, Dean Rusk (Henry Strozier); Former Secretary of State (for President Truman), Dean Acheson (Len Cariou); UN Representative Adalai Stevenson (Michael Fairman); Admiral George Anderson (Madison Mason); General Maxwell Taylor (Bill Smitrovich); General Curtis LeMay (Kevin Conway); and Kennedy's Press Secretary, Pierre Salinger (Kelly Connell). Embarrassingly, as THIRTEEN DAYS expanded to a nationwide release, its distributor, New Line Cinema, found "historical inaccuracies" in some of its print advertisements. In The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, two-page ads for the movie portrayed F-15 Eagle fighter jets and a Spruance-class destroyer--the F-15 Eagle was not deployed until July 1972; and the Spruance-class Navy Destroyer went into service in the mid-1970s. The mistake was made by the ad agency--not the producers of the Cuban Missile Crisis drama. They went to great lengths to achieve authenticity. According to New Line Cinema spokesman Steve Elzer, "Every ship, plane, truck and craft that moves in the film is absolutely authentic to the time period." Jami Bernard of the New York Times and Owen Glieberman of Entertainment Weekly named THIRTEEN DAYS one of the top ten films of 2000. The Broadcast Film Critics Association nominated THIRTEEN DAYS for Best Picture in 2000. Bruce Greenwood was named Best Supporting Actor, Drama and Conrad Buff was awarded Best Film Editing by the Golden Satellite Awards presented by the International Press Academy.

2 Fast 2 Furious

2 Fast 2 Furious

Starring: Mendes, Eva Aoki, Devon Walker, Paul Ludacris Tyrese Hauser, Cole Remar, James Aoki, Devon Aoki, Devon Berry, Thom
Director: Singleton, John

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 1 Hour 48 Minutes

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The sequel to the racing smash THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS may not have Vin Diesel as its star, but it burns with even higher octane than its predecessor, and a whole lot less extraneous drama. Back in action is undercover cop Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) whose career has hit the skids since he let Diesel's character escape at the last film's end. He has sunk in status and is now a fringe dweller on the Miami street racing scene. A chance at redemption arrives when the fuzz recruits him to investigate Carter Vellone (Cole Hauser), a top-dog street racer with dangerous drug connections. O'Connor recruits his bickering childhood pal (model/singer Tyrese), now a nitro-burning ex-con from the Diesel school of toughness, to help him pull the bad guys to the curb with a tire-spinning vengeance. John Singleton (BOYZ IN THE HOOD, HIGHER LEARNING) directed, and obviously had great fun delivering, a straight-up racing thriller that's free of the message-bearing pressure of being a "John Singleton film." 2 FAST fairly roars off the screen with comic book exuberance and a cheerful disregard for anything that gets in the way of its forward momentum. Best of all is Tyrese, a natural, laid-back star--he's not afraid to poke fun at his own shirtless model-boy image and amply compensates for the mighty Vin's absence. Rapper Ludacriss is also memorable as O'Connor's mechanic, as is model Devon Akoi as a cute female racer. Theatrical release: June 6, 2003 (NY)

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Starring: Mason, James Douglas, Kirk Lorre, Peter Lukas, Paul Robert J. Wilke
Director: Fleischer, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : Adventure
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 127

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Walt Disney's fun, live-action adaptation of Jules Verne's classic science-fiction story features some of the best special effects produced in the 1950s. Captain Nemo, the commander of a futuristic submarine called the Nautilus, rescues the survivors of a shipwreck and takes them on an incredible journey far below the ocean's surface. They encounter numerous wonders of the sea, including an enormous squid which attacks the ship in the film's most unforgettable sequence. Academy Awards: Best Special Effects, Best Art/Set Direction. The film is 127 minutes, the supplemental material 69 minutes. Color by Technicolor; shot in CinemaScope. Additional credits: Joseph S. Dubin (orchestrations), Ralph Hammeras (special effects photography), Til Gabbani (underwater photography), Lou Hippe (makeup/hairstylist), Norman Martien (costumer), James Havens (2nd unit director), Tom Connors Jr. & Russ Haverick (assistant directors). Copyright The Walt Disney Company 1954.

2001: A Space Odyssey

2001: A Space Odyssey

Starring: Sylvester, William Lockwood, Gary Dullea, Keir Richter, Daniel Beatty, Robert Rossiter, Leonard
Director: Kubrick, Stanley

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy : General
User Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 155

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A four-million-year-old black monolith is discovered on the moon, and the government (while hiding the situation from the public) sends a team of scientists on a fact-finding mission. Eighteen months later, another team is sent to Jupiter in a ship controlled by the perfect HAL 9000 computer to further investigate the giant object--but on this trip something goes terribly wrong. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY is a masterpiece of filmmaking. Director and (with Arthur C. Clarke) co-screenwriter Stanley Kubrick has created a visual and aural spectacle that stands as one of the greatest achievements ever put on celluloid. The film begins with the "Dawn of Man" segment, about the evolution of apes, and then ventures into the future, taking a look at what the world might be like in the first year of the 21st century. Kubrick's film is a triumph of technological storytelling, with stunning sets and a brilliant, overwhelming soundtrack. Long dialogue-free scenes sparkle with indelible images backed by powerful orchestral music, culminating in an unforgettable, inscrutable tale of birth and rebirth, human evolution and artificial intelligence, the past and the future. Theatrical release: April 4, 1968. Filmed at MGM British Studios Ltd., Borehamwood, England. Production on the film lasted four years. The film was based on Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Sentinel." 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1991. Alex North composed a score for the film, but Kubrick opted to go with more familiar classical music pieces instead. There are four parts of the film: "The Dawn of Man," "From Earth to the Moon," "Jupiter 18 Months Later," and "Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite." Pink Floyd's song "Echoes" was supposedly written and recorded to synchronize with the "Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite" part. Vivian Kubrick, who plays Squirt, Dr. Floyd's daughter, is Stanley's daughter. An early working title for the film was JOURNEY BEYOND THE STARS. Two possibilities for the voice of HAL were actors Nigel Davenport and Martin Balsam before Douglas Rain got the part; Rain recorded his part without ever actually being on the set of the film. Kubrick won an Oscar for Best Effects/Special Visual Effects, the only Oscar win of his career. Bowman's spaceship is Discovery I, a name that was later used for an actual U.S. space shuttle. A theory was perpetrated that Kubrick got the name HAL by taking the next letter preceding each one in IBM; Kubrick claimed that that was a coincidence. According to Arthur C. Clarke's writing, the name came from the technical term "heuristic algorithm." Kubrick cut about 20 minutes from the film after the preview for critics and before the theatrical release. The original film was 160 minutes, which included an intermission, and was rated MPAA G. Mission controller Frank Miller was an actual mission controller, and Richard Wood, who played the anchorman, was an actual BBC anchorman. A sequel to the film, 2010: THE YEAR WE MAKE CONTACT, was released in 1984. "The 9000 series is the most reliable computer ever made. No 9000 computer has ever made a mistake or distorted information. We are all, by any practical definition of the words, foolproof and incapable of error."--HAL 9000 (voice of Douglas Rain) "I enjoy working with people."--HAL 9000 "Open the pod bay doors, Hal."--Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea) "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that."--HAL "What's the problem?"--Dave "I think you know what the problem is just as much as I do."--HAL "What are you talking about, Hal?"--Dave "This mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it."--HAL

2010: The Year We Make Contact

2010: The Year We Make Contact

Starring: Lithgow, John Scheider, Roy Balaban, Bob Dullea, Keir Mirren, Helen
Director: Hyams, Peter

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 116

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Peter Hyams' sequel to Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking "2001: A Space Odyssey" opens nine years later as an American team led by space agent Heywood Floyd sets out for Jupiter to find out what happened on the 'Discovery' space ship's disastrous voyage. In order to accomplish their mission, the Americans join forces with a group of Soviet astronauts, even though on earth, the governments of the two super-powers are readying themselves for all-out nuclear war. The two crews try to overcome their differences as they seek answers to the central questions raised in "2001": What is the meaning of the black monolith? Why did HAL 9000 mutiny and will it do so again if resurrected? A team of American and Soviet astronauts travel in search of the lost ship "Discovery" as Cold War strife boils over back on Earth. A breathtaking if far less allegorical sequel to the sci-fi classic 2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY. Academy Award Nominations: 5. Film was also known as "2010" and "2010: Odyssey Two." Shot in Panavision and Metrocolor. Estimated budget $28 million. Began shooting February 7, 1984; completed shooting November 1984. Released in the USA December 1984. Syd Mead was credited as "Visual Futurist." Video Image handled the visual displays and graphics and additional optical effects were by Cinema Research Corporation. Film also includes a clip from Stanley Kubrick's "2001." Additional Visual Effects credits: George Jenson (Art Director); Dave Stewart (Super Panavision 65mm Camera); Conrad Buff (Editor); Neil Krepela (Matte Department Supervisor); Thaine Morris (Mechanical Effects Supervisor); Mark Stetson (Model Shop Supervisor); Mark Vargo (Optical Supervisor); Terry Windell and Garry Waller (Animation Supervisors); Matthew Yuricich (Chief Matte Artist); Randall William Cook (Stop-Motion Animation); Bob Johnston (Miniature Mechanical Effects); Digital Productions (Digital Jupiter Simulation). Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification.

A Bridge Too Far

A Bridge Too Far

Starring: Caan, James Caine, Michael Connery, Sean Bogarde, Dirk Fox, Edward Elliott, Denholm Gould, Elliott Hackman, Gene Hackman, Gene
Director: Attenborough, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 176

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Richard Attenborough's ambitious, all-star adaptation (by William Goldman) of Cornelius Ryan's book, gives an account of the Battle of Arnhem. In 1944, the Allied powers attempt to expedite the end of the war with a costly operation to capture six bridges connecting Holland to Germany ended in Allied defeat. A multitude of notables star in Attenborough's epic. Director Richard Attenborough's ambitious, all-star, adaptation of Cornelius Ryan's book, dealing with the true account of the Battle of Arnhem. In 1944, the Allied powers attempted to expedite the end of the war by planning an ambitious and costly operation (the capturing of six bridges connecting Holland to Germany) that ended up getting bungled by both the Allied and Axis powers. Film was originally rated R by the MPAA, but won a PG on appeal. Color by Technicolor, deluxe prints. Shot in Panavision. Budget estimate $24 million. Additional cast: Peter Faber, Frank Grimes, and Christopher Good. Additional credits: Richard Bamber (2nd unit production manager), Ronnie Sloan (chief hairdresser), John Hilling (wardrobe master), Margaret Levin (wardrobe mistress), Connie Willis (continuity), Steve Lanning, Peter Waller, and Geoffrey Ryan (assistant directors), Dave Waterman and John Partington-Smith (parachute photography), and Joe Caroff (titles). Rated BBFC A by the British Board of Film Censors. DVD Special Features: 8-page Book Featuring Trivia, Production Notes and a Look Behind the Scenes, Theatrical Trailer

A Bug's Life

A Bug's Life

Starring: Louis-Dreyfus, Julia Diller, Phyllis Kind, Richard Spacey, Kevin Ratzenberger, John Harris, Jonathan Foley, Dave Kahn, Madeline Kahn, Madeline Leary, Denis
Director: Lasseter, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 96

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The computer animation crew at Pixar--the creators of TOY STORY--return with another feature rife with stunningly rendered worlds populated by cute critters you can't help but care about. The story is simple--an ant colony led by Flik (Dave Foley) seeks help from a flea circus and other insects in their struggles against the oppressive grasshopper bullies led by Hopper (Kevin Spacey). However, as with TOY STORY, there is as much for adults to enjoy here as there is for the kids. (In fact, the story is loosely based on Akira Kurosawa's classic SEVEN SAMURAI.) And don't miss the wonderful "outtakes" that roll with the closing credits!

A Bug's Life

A Bug's Life

Starring: Diller, Phyllis Kind, Richard Spacey, Kevin Ratzenberger, John Harris, Jonathan Kahn, Madeline Foley, Dave Leary, Denis Leary, Denis Pierce, David Hyde
Director: Lasseter, John

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 96

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A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Starring: Peanuts Gang
Director: Melendez, Bill

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Holidays & Festivals : Christmas
User Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 48

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One of the most endearing of all Peanuts' specials finds Charlie Brown nurturing the thinnest, scraggliest Christmas tree ever. At first the gang makes fun of Charlie for choosing such an ugly tree for the holiday but a timely assist from Linus makes the true message of the season come shining through. Everyone realizes in the end that a little affection can make all the difference in the world... even to a tree. The Gift Set includes a Peanuts picture frame that can be used as a Christmas tree ornament. TM & Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures. Copyright on Peanuts Characters 1950, 1951, 1952, 1958, 1965, 1966 United Feature Syndicate, Inc. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was a winner of both Emmy and Peabody Awards.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Starring: Peanuts Gang
Director: Melendez, Bill

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Holidays & Festivals
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 49

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When Peppermint Patty invites herself and the entire Peanuts gang to Charlie Brown's house for Thanksgiving, the results are all too predictable, but chef Snoopy and pilgrim Woodstock carry the day in this Emmy Award winner. TM & Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures. Copyright on Peanuts Characters 1950, 1951, 1952, 1958, 1965, 1966 United Feature Syndicate, Inc. "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" was an Emmy Award nominee. An Emmy-award winning special, with Charlie Brown in charge of the Thanksgiving dinner where everyone drops by unexpectedly.

A Goofy Movie

A Goofy Movie

Starring: Farmer, Bill Marsden, Jason
Director: Lima, Kevin

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 78

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Disney's lovable, big-toothed mutt takes his son on a road trip in this musical family adventure. They encounter theme parks, difficult bodies of water, Bigfoot and more and learn more about each other through their journey. Gold Collection Edition includes animated short "Calling All Goofs". Color by Technicolor. Rated BBFC U by the British Board of Film Classification. "A Goofy Movie" is full of laughs and silly mishaps. Goofy takes his teenage son Max out in the woods for some fishing, so they can spend more time together. They have a narrow escape when they cross paths with Bigfoot! Max has other ideas: he wants to go to L.A. to see a rock concert so he gets Goofy to hit the road and they travel all the way from the forest to backstage... in the goofiest way possible, of course!

A View to a Kill

A View to a Kill

Starring: Walken, Christopher Jones, Grace Roberts, Tanya Macnee, Patrick Bauchau, Patrick Moore, Roger Fullerton, Fiona Lundgren, Dolph Lundgren, Dolph Brown, Robert
Director: Glen, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 131

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Roger Moore makes his the final appearance as the Secret Service Agent, James Bond in a VIEW TO A KILL. Her Majesty's Secret Service sends Bond to stop Madcap computer industrialist Max Zorin (Christopher Walken) from triggering a massive earthquake in silicon valley and annihilating the global computer market. With the help of geoligist Stacey Sutton (Tanya Roberts), Bond must contend with May Day (Grace Jones) and Zorin’s endless supply of henchmen as he jet sets from Paris to San Francisco leaving a trail of empty martini glasses and broken Q-gadgets behind him. In the 14th installment of the 007 series, director John Glen delivers an unforgettable and dazzling farewell vehicle for actor Roger Moore. Packed full of sex pot debutantes, whizz bang gadgetry and cliffhanger action sequences, VIEW TO A KILL is an unforgettable roller coaster ride.

Air Force One

Air Force One

Starring: Miller, Michael Ray Garrett, Spencer Weintraub, Carl Hall, Philip Baker Latham, Elester Bullock, Donna Levani McManus, Don McManus, Don Morshower, Glenn
Director: Petersen, Wolfgang

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 124

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President James Marshall (Harrison Ford) is one of the most respected leaders in the history of America. When Kazakhstanian separatists commit atrocities on their own people, Marshall authorizes a guerrilla mission to take their leader, General Radek (Jürgen Prochnow), into custody and restore the democratic regime. In his speech afterward, the president vows never to let America hesitate again when dealing with terrorists. However, that's before a group of them, led by the ruthless Korchunov (Gary Oldman) take over his own flight on Air Force One, with his wife and young daughter also on board. President Marshall, a decorated Vietnam veteran, becomes a one-man vigilante force in his efforts to free his family and the other hostages, retake the plane, and thwart the hijackers. Director Wolfgang Petersen's thrilling film is supported by an excellent ensemble cast, which includes William H. Macy, Philip Baker Hall, and Glenn Close as Kathryn Bennett, the vice president who must hold the Cabinet together in Marshall's absence. En route from Russia to the United States on Air Force One, President James Marshall (Harrison Ford), his wife and daughter, and other passengers are taken hostage by a gang of wild-eyed Kazakhstanian separatist radicals led by the cunning Korchunov (Gary Oldman). Fortunately, this Chief Executive is a decorated Vietnam vet who knows his way around hand-to-hand combat and firearms. Bargain? Never! As the president fights to subdue the hijackers and ground the plane, his Cabinet fights to keep the nation together. Theatrical release: July 25, 1997. The film was shot with the cooperation of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of the Army, and the National Guard. The production was allowed to use CNN's actual Los Angeles studio for its mock CNN segments. Director Wolfgang Petersen again uses actor Jurgen Prochnow--the German U-boat captain in his film DAS BOOT--this time as Kazakhstan leader Radek. "Get off my plane."--President Marshall (Harrison Ford) to Korchunov (Gary Oldman)

American Outlaws

American Outlaws

Starring: Farrell, Colin Caan, Scott Larter, Ali Macht, Gabriel Smith, Gregory Yulin, Harris McCormack, Will Bates, Kathy Bates, Kathy
Director: Mayfield, Les

Rating: PG-13
Category: Westerns : General
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 94

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Amazon.com If you're looking for a showcase for emerging Hollywood talent, American Outlaws is just the ticket. Its handsome young stars, playing Jesse and Frank James and gang, crack wise as if they were in a contemporary high school locker room. Combining authentic costumes and sets with stunt work befitting a Jackie Chan comedy, accompanied by an "Old West" soundtrack that's anything but old and only marginally Western, the film yields a few enjoyable highlights. Seasoned genre buffs, however, will cringe at the movie's clash of visual qualities, as well as the dialogue, which, while not as heinous as that in Maverick, is on par with Young Guns in terms of non-period flavor. It's not exactly a testament to the enduring potential of the authentic Western that was realized by Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven, made barely a decade before. With all the light-hearted action and character interplay, it's hard to tell if director Les Mayfield (Flubber) is taking the material seriously, but this much is certain: the Jesse James here (played with effortless appeal by Tigerland newcomer Colin Farrell) and his brother Frank (Gabriel Macht) have almost no connection to historical fact. Nor do their fellow farm-raised gang members, the Younger brothers Cole (Scott Caan), Bob (Will McCormack), and Jim (Gregory Smith). (And Jesse's fiancée, played by Ali Larter, looks like she dropped in from a Gap commercial.) The gang's post-Civil War battle against a ruthless railroad baron (Harris Yulin) and his Pinkerton henchman (Timothy Dalton) seems arbitrary, irrational (since farmers typically welcomed railroads, not fought them), and riddled with clichés, turning the movie's bloodless shootouts into another opportunity for pretty-boy preening. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition.

An American Werewolf in London

An American Werewolf in London

Starring: Naughton, David Agutter, Jenny Woodvine, John Dunne, Griffin Jacobs, Paula Landis, John Dunne, Griffin Naughton, David Naughton, David Mayall, Rik
Director: Landis, John

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Horror : General
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 93

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In John Landis' (THE BLUES BROTHERS, ANIMAL HOUSE) dripping black comedy, two American students (David Naughton and Griffin Dunne) on a European vacation wander into a creepy local pub in Northern England and are quickly thrown out. Stranded and alone in the dark countryside, the pair get lost in their search for warm lodging. Little do they know that they are about to be changed forever by an ancient terror as they walk along the moors on a moonlit night. Only one of the students survives a deadly attack by a supernatural beast--at least he thinks he survived, until the next full moon rolls around. Terrific makeup effects (by Oscar winner Rick Baker), clever editing, and raunchy tongue-in-cheek humor made this suspenseful and thrilling horror effort an instant classic. In this grisly black comedy, David Kessler and Jack Goodman (David Naughton and Griffin Dunne, respectively) are two American students on a backpacking tour of Europe. Wandering the backroads of gloomy East Proctor, England, they find a pub where the unhelpful locals act suspiciously strange. The unsuspecting boys flee the pub in search of lodging after being warned to avoid the moors. Lost in the dark countryside, the pair is attacked by a werewolf. Only David survives, waking up three weeks later in a London hospital. As David begins to regain his memory he is tormented by nightmares and is visited by his dead friend Jack, who warns David that he will turn into a werewolf with the next full moon--and that the only way to lift the curse is to kill himself. Because the town of East Proctor has covered up the real cause of the murder, David is forced to face the truth alone. Finally, he is discharged and taken in by his nubile nurse, Alex Price (Jenny Agutter). As Alex and David begin their steamy love affair, it is only a matter of time before the next full moon comes--when the truth will be revealed. Director John Landis has crafted an entertaining, funny horror story, featuring the terrific combination of Naughton and Dunne and a sparkling rock score in which every song includes the word "moon.". One of the chief successes of the film is the inventiveness of makeup artist Rick Baker, who slowly transforms both Naughton and Dunne into werewolves. Director (Landis's) trademark: SYNW (See You Next Wednesday) can be seen on a poster advertising a porn film in the London T tunnel where the werewolf (Naughton) kills one of his victims. The same porn film is the film being shown and advertised on the marquee at the porn theater in Picadilly Circus, where Naughton meets his zombie friend Jack and the undead victims of his murder spree. Later, Naughton turns into a werewolf in the theater. "I'm not being threatened by a walking meatloaf."--David (David Naughton) to Jack (Griffin Dunne) "Have you ever talked to a corpse? It's boring."--Jack to David

An American Werewolf in Paris

An American Werewolf in Paris

Starring: Delpy, Julie Vieluf, Vince Buckman, Phil Bowen, Julie Cosso, Pierre Lhermitte, Thierry Novembre, Tom Machado, Maria Machado, Maria Basso, Serge
Director: Waller, Anthony

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Horror
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 98

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Ahh, the City of Lights, full of marvels to tempt three boorish American backpackers: the Champs-Elysees, the Left Bank, the racist gangs of disaffected young right-wing lycanthropes. After rescuing a desperate woman from a swan dive off the Eiffel tower, a collegian discovers her scary, hairy secret--too late. The direction emphasizes the cornball humor of its predecessor, "An American Werewolf in London," and a blitzkrieg of computer effects.

Analyze That

Analyze That

Starring: Crystal, Billy Kudrow, Lisa De Niro, Robert Viterelli, Joe Moriarty, Cathy
Director: Ramis, Harold

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 95

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ANALYZE THAT, the star-studded sequel to 1999's smash comedy hit ANALYZE THIS, reunites neurotic mobster Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) with his former psychiatrist Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal). The anxious mob boss is about to finish his prison sentence but he is suffering a nervous breakdown behind bars and the only one who can diagnose his ailments is Sobel. After a string of hysterical tests, the Feds grant Sobel permission to observe Vitti as a patient and, much to the dismay of Sobol's wife Laura (Lisa Kudrow), as a house guest. However, Sobel has problems of his own. He's suffering from a severe identity crisis after the death of his father, and Vitti's presence in his suburban New Jersey home has the psychiatrist acting crazy too. In an effort to straighten Vitti out, Sobel decides that the solution is to find him a real, honest job. Vitti tries his hand at several ill-matched professions, and finally finds his dream job as a technical advisor on a SOPRANOS-like cable television show. Everything is going smoothly until Vitti starts to take the show a little too seriously, calling his former mafia cohorts to the set. A raucous comedic event that uses the chemistry between De Niro and Crystal to great effect, ANALYZE THAT is yet another knee-slapping gem from director Harold Ramis. Theatrical Release Date: December 6, 2002

Analyze This

Analyze This

Starring: Palminteri, Chazz Viterelli, Joe Kudrow, Lisa DeNiro, Robert Shannon, Molly Crystal, Billy Macy, Bill Sabihy, Kyle Sabihy, Kyle Schull, Rebecca
Director: Ramis, Harold

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 104

Color Digital

What happens when the worlds of the Mafia and psychiatry collide? This outrageous farce answers that question, as mob boss Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) and psychiatrist Ben Sobol (Billy Crystal) are forced to work together. When a prominent leader of the New York Mafia suddenly starts having panic attacks, he enlists the help of a New York psychiatrist for a fast cure. The two men suddenly find themselves struggling to understand each other's professional and private lives as they battle the FBI and the impending threat of a Mafia takeover, not to mention an irritable fiancée (Lisa Kudrow) eager to get married. Mob boss Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) is having heart attacks. At least that's what he thinks. When his doctors inform him that he is suffering from anxiety attacks, he is forced to track down a shrink to help him get to the bottom of the problem. Billy Crystal costars as neurotic psychiatrist Ben Sobol, who is manipulated into treating the macho Mafia man, with hysterical results. Just as Ben and eager fiancée (Lisa Kudrow) are about to enter nuptial bliss, they are suddenly faced with a 24-hour responsibility to a mobster who won't take no for an answer. The hilarious hijinks ruin their first wedding and threaten to ruin the relationship as Paul battles his personal demons with the help of the initially unwilling shrink. As the two men's professional and private worlds collide, they are forced to realize their similarities as they join forces to battle the FBI and the impending threat of a Mafia takeover. Director Harold Ramis has crafter an intelligent, witty comedy that shows off the comic instincts of De Niro as never before. "When I got into family therapy this was not the kind of 'family' I had in mind."--Dr. Ben Sobol (Billy Crystal) "What is my goal here, to make you a happy, well-adjusted gangster?"--Dr. Ben Sobol

Anger Management

Anger Management

Starring: Sandler, Adam Allen, Krista Jones, January Loughran, Jonathan Nicholson, Jack Turturro, John Nealon, Kevin Covert, Allen Covert, Allen Fuller, Kurt
Director: Segal, Peter

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 100

Color Mono

ANGER MANAGEMENT, directed by Peter Segal, looks into the life of Dave Buznik (Adam Sandler), an executive assistant at a pet clothing company. The mild-mannered but overly passive Dave is in love with his girlfriend, Linda (Marisa Tomei), yet his anxious personality keeps him from taking things further, both in their relationship and in his career. However, Dave's life takes a strange turn when he is wrongly accused of "air rage" on a flight and sentenced to mandatory anger management classes. Eccentric anger guru Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson) becomes Dave's therapist, but when Buddy abruptly moves in with Dave, the doctor-patient relationship takes an unusual turn. An appropriate pairing of actors with oversized personalities, ANGER MANAGEMENT allows Nicholson to run amuck, while letting Sandler hone the mellower side of his cinematic presence. As Sandler's Dave becomes more bewildered at his predicament, Nicholson's Buddy teeters wildly between wise and rambunctious. Meanwhile, Tomei (who apparently gets more attractive as she gets older) shines in her role as Dave's beloved. Of course, no mainstream Sandler movie would be complete without a number of familiar faces in supporting and cameo roles, and ANGER has them by the boatload. John Turturro steals every scene he's in; Luiz Guzman sports some remarkably unfortunate facial hair; Heather Graham shows up as a brownie-hurling blonde bombshell; and John C. Reilly appears as a bully-turned-Buddhist-monk. And to top it all off, there are cameos by renowned "angry" sports figures Bobby Knight and John McEnroe, as well as the esteemed former mayor of NYC, Rudy Giuliani. Theatrical Release: APRIL 11, 2003

Another Stakeout

Another Stakeout

Starring: Estevez, Emilio Dreyfuss, Richard O'Donnell, Rosie Moriarty, Cathy Mankuma, Blu Farina, Dennis
Director: Badham, John

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 109

Color Digitally Mastered

In this sequel to director John Badham's STAKEOUT, Seattle detectives Chris Lecce (Richard Dreyfuss) and Bill Reimers (Emilio Estevez) are assigned another stakeout operation. When Lu Delano (Cathy Moriarty), an important witness against the mafia mysteriously disappears, the district attorney's office comes up with an elaborate scheme to recover her. Thought to be hiding out with the O'Haras, a local family on a Pacific Northwest island, Lecce and Reimers are assigned to watch over the household. However, they are joined on their stakeout by a new supervisor, federal prosecutor Gina Garret (Rosie O'Donnell) and her "loveable" rottweiler Archie. Posing as an all-American family, Lecce, Reimers, and Garrett move in next door to the O'Haras in a hysterical battle of the wills. Mayhem ensues as the trio attempt to keep their operation a secret and stay one-step ahead of the mafia. Seattle detectives Chris Lecce (Richard Dreyfuss) and Bill Reimers (Emilio Estevez) are back on the beat in this sequel to director John Badham's STAKEOUT. The duo are assigned another stakeout job when an important witness against the mafia mysteriously disappears. But they must learn how to get along with their new supervisor, federal prosecutor Gina Garrett (Rosie O'Donnell) or they risk being discovered in this hysterical madcap adventure. Theatrical release: July 23, 1993. Shot on location in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Madeleine Stowe, who starred in the first STAKEOUT film, makes an uncredited appearance. Chris (Richard Dreyfuss), while standing in front of a line of Garrett's drying panties, repeats: "And I don't like panties hanging on the rod!" This is the famous line he delivered as Elliott in THE GOODBYE GIRL. The film features a cameo by Emilio Estevez's son, Taylor Estevez, as Ronnie Burnside. "Cover me! I'm taking a bath!"--Gina Garrett (Rosie O'Donnell) to Chris (Richard Dreyfuss) and Reimers (Emilio Estevez).

Apocalypse Now Redux

Apocalypse Now Redux

Starring: Brando, Marlon Duvall, Robert Sheen, Martin Forrest, Frederic Albert Hall
Director: Coppola, Francis Ford

Rating: R
Category: War
User Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 202

Color 5.1/SS

Amidst the thousands of pages that have been written about Apocalypse Now since it was released in 1979, one would be hard-pressed to find anyone who held the opinion that the film really needed to be longer, so the prospect of a new cut of Apocalypse that included nearly an hour of unseen footage seemed highly intriguing without sounding like the best idea Francis Ford Coppola has ever had. Apocalypse Now Redux, Coppola's 203-minute reconstruction of his original edit of the film, manages to simultaneously reinforce what was good and what was bad about the original version of the picture. The two major set pieces that have been restored to Apocalypse -- an assignation between Willard (Martin Sheen), Chef (Frederic Forrest), and Lance (Sam Bottoms) and three Playboy bunnies stranded during a U.S.O. tour, and a visit to a plantation run by French emigres De Marais (Christian Marquand) and Roxanne (Aurore Clement) -- don't add much to the film, and while it's fascinating to see the sequences after reading about them for years, the truth is that the film plays better without them (especially the latter, which manages to further muddy the already fuzzy character of Willard during his liaison with Roxanne). The film's pace has always been erratic following the Do Lung Bridge sequence, and if anything, the new version moves with even less grace or consistency. But the many smaller bits of business that have been restored through the rest of the film are welcome, and the new version allows Albert Hall as Chief several superb moments (particularly during the makeshift funeral for Clean, played by Larry Fishburne), reinforcing his character as the only soldier in the film who seems to take his duties seriously, while Martin Sheen and Frederic Forrest both deliver their best screen performances to date. And the newly restored Technicolor dye-transfer prints are simply dazzling to look at; cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's use of color and depth of field were always impressiv Francis Ford Coppola's extended version of his classic '70s opus, Apocalypse Now Redux comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The closed-captioned English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials are limited to a theatrical trailer. Regardless of how one feels about the added scenes, there is little argument that Apocalypse Now has ever looked or sounded this good on home video. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Armageddon

Armageddon

Starring: Thornton, Billy Bob Tyler, Liv Affleck, Ben Patton, Will Willis, Bruce Stormare, Peter Fichtner, William David, Keith David, Keith Stewart, Charles
Director: Bay, Michael

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 151

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

A low earth orbit space station is in the middle of a repair mission with the space shuttle when an unforeseen meteor shower obliterates them both. This sudden event sends fireballs hurtling to Earth and scientists scurrying to telescopes. An amateur astronomer is the first to spy a gigantic fireball headed towards the planet and notifies NASA. Turner (Thornton) informs the president of the asteroid and describes it as being "the size of Texas," a planet-killer. With eighteen days to impact, NASA frantically tries to find a solution but ends up turning to an outside contractor. Harry Stamper (Willis) and his team of ragamuffin roughneck oilmen are called upon to save the planet as only they can. DVD features: Region 1 encoding Keep case DVD Features: Region 1 Encoding; Chapter Search Grossing more than 200 million dollars domestically during its initial box office run in 1998, Bay's loud, fast spectacle is a love-it or hate-it archetype of the big budget studio action film at the century's end. Made with lots of money ($140 million!), a strong cast and tons of special effects, ARMAGEDDON tells the tale of a team of oilmen called in by the president to land on a Texas-sized asteroid approaching Earth and blast it into pieces before it ends life as we know it. Huge plot holes, some of the quickest cutting seen in film, and occasionally unconvincing special effects will not deter those who approach it seeking two and a half hours of full-throttle, flag waving cinematic rush.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Starring: Fox, Michael J. Varney, Jim
Director: Wise, Kirk

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 95

Color Digitally Mastered

Part INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, part 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, ATLANTIS: THE LOST EMPIRE marries mythology, cool futuristic underwater space crafts, and turn-of-the-century adventure for an animated treat. Thanks in part to cowriter Joss Whedon (creator of the edgy BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER series), the film is filled with relaxed wit and more grown-up, pseudo-supernatural perils than some recent Disney films, without being inappropriate for kids. This non-musical extravaganza pits Good against Evil, and pairs a nerdy young scientist-turned-explorer, Milo Thatch (Michael J. Fox), with an independent-minded blond bombshell of a princess, Kida (Cree Summer)--provided Kida's father, the distrusting king (Leonard Nimoy) approves. Milo, a museum curator relegated to menial jobs, is obsessed with the famed lost empire of Atlantis. His grandfather once told him about a mysterious Shepherd's Journal that could help him find the now-sunken kingdom and, with the help of eccentric millionaire Preston B. Whitmore (John Mahoney), Milo and several other funny, quirky crew members set out on a heart-pounding adventure. The crew includes Vinny, a demolitionist (Don Novello, better known as Father Guido Sarducci), Dr. Sweet, the gentle cook (Phil Morris, a.k.a. Kramer's lawyer on SEINFELD), and a paternal but brusque Captain Rourke (James Garner). The plot is intricate and suspenseful, and artist Mike Mignola (creator of the graphic comic book HELLBOY) offers up an intense but beautifully simple animated environment as stunning as Queen Amadala's planet in STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE. With monsters like the vicious Leviathan (a mechanical lobster that guards the gates to the city) adding thrills and chills, who could ask for more? Theatrical release: June 15, 2001

Austin Powers in Goldmember

Austin Powers in Goldmember

Starring: York, Michael Caine, Michael Myers, Mike Green, Seth Sterling, Mindy Knowles, Beyonce Troyer, Verne Wagner, Robert Wagner, Robert
Director: Roach, Jay

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 95

Color Mono

AUSTIN POWERS IN GOLDMEMBER, the third movie in the Austin Powers series, stars Mike Myers in director Jay Roach's James Bond, Sci-Fi, 1970s, funkadelic formula--a hyper-stylized backdrop to what is ultimately Myers' one-man show. GOLDMEMBER is a family affair. Austin has a few unresolved issues with his dear old dad, Nigel Powers (the dead ringer Michael Caine, who is also a good sport), and he hopes to work out some Freudian tension when he's not saving the world from the forces of evil. Myers flexes his actor muscles and portrays a more thoughtful, and--is it even possible--a slightly less geeky Austin in this film. Likewise, even the bad guys show some new personality: Dr. Evil reveals a penchant for talking like a hip-hop, wise-ass homeboy, and the new villain Goldmember (the latest in Myers' repertoire) is an enigmatic amputee with a heart of gold who speaks with a Dutch accent and eats his own peeling skin. If that's not disgusting enough, Fat Bastard, the greasy behemoth from the THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME, appears again in GOLDMEMBER, delving into new and nasty scatological territory. But the joke's on us, because GOLDMEMBER's toilet humor is so extreme that it dissolves into a harmless fit of giggles, keeping viewers laughing from start to finish. Theatrical release date: July 26, 2002. GOLDMEMBER manages to spoof classic films left and right. Some of those referenced include: GOLDFINGER, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, CASINO ROYALE, THE IPCRESS FILE, and THE ITALIAN JOB. Star Beyonce Knowles (of Destiny's Child fame) sings one number in the movie, in which she really belts it out and shows off her talent. Britney Spears makes a cameo in which her head blows up.

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

Starring: Hurley, Elizabeth York, Michael Rogers, Mimi Scott, Donna W. Moore, Barbara Ann Lamontagne, Cynthia George, Brian Wade, Kay Wade, Kay Melocchi, Vince
Director: Roach, Jay

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 87

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY is the first in the comic series starring this bodacious 1960s spy played by the hilarious Mike Myers. Decked out in the gaudiest mod attire--ruffled shirts, tight-fitting candy-colored suits, horn-rimmed glasses, and prosthetic teeth--Austin Powers is anything but subtle. His near-constant exclamations of "Groovy, Baby," accompanied an uncandid flash of his flirtatious smile, only add to his wonderfully exaggerated hipster persona. Plotwise, Austin Powers and his enemy Dr. Evil (also played by Myers) awake from 30 years of frozen, cryogenic sleep to find themselves in the year 1997. A conniving Dr. Evil plots a reign of terror and mass destruction, but finds that his ideas and methods are a bit out of date. Our hero encounters a similar dilemma, realizing that he is definitely behind the times. A series of well-meaning though bumbling efforts to thwart the insidious Dr. Evil keep Austin Powers and his devastatingly beautiful partner Vanessa Kensington (Elizabeth Hurley) hard at work as they travel from London to Las Vegas. With this tongue-in-cheek send up of James Bond spy films and 1960s cliches, director Jay Roach compliments Myer's over-the-top performance with a lighthearted soundtrack, fun photography, and amusingly retro sets.

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

Starring: Graham, Heather Wagner, Robert Myers, Mike Green, Seth Johnston, Kristen Lowe, Rob York, Michael Sterling, Mindy Sterling, Mindy
Director: Roach, Jay

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 95

Color Digital

"I'm bigger than you are, I'm higher up in the food chain... Get in my belly!" (Fat Bastard) In his second screen adventure, groovy superspy Austin Powers (Mike Myers) returns to 1969, where one after another hilarious gag is worked into a silly, stumbling, knee-slapping plot. This time around, Austin Powers' arch-nemesis Dr. Evil (also Myers) is joined by a midget-sized clone of himself, Mini-Me (Verne Troyer). Having successfully stolen Austin's "mojo" (his libido), Dr. Evil can concentrate on his ultimate mission of destroying the world. Meanwhile, Austin, with the help of gorgeous agent Felicity Shagwell (Heather Graham), must now not only contend with Dr. Evil, but also the small but vicious Mini-Me. Also in this installment, Evil's son, Scott (Seth Green), finds out who his mother is, and Mike Myers stars as a third character--rotund and truly disgusting Scotsman Fat Bastard. More raucous fun in the spirit of its 1997 smash predecessor, AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME once again thrills audiences with its inexhaustible humor. Theatrical release date: June 11, 1999. A famously naughty scene sets Austin and Felicity in silhouette where, using a series of conveniently shaped vegetables, they appear to be involved in some kinky activities. While AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY clearly poked fun at James Bond movies, AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME seems to use more STAR WARS-related spoofs. Jerry Springer makes a surprisingly funny cameo appearance.

Back to the Future: The Complete Trilogy

Back to the Future: The Complete Trilogy

Starring: Fox, Michael J. Lloyd, Christopher Thompson, Lea Glover, Crispin
Director: Zemeckis, Robert

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 5 Hours 42 Minutes

Color Digitally Mastered

Robert Zemeckis scored a huge hit with 1985's BACK TO THE FUTURE, a film that became a genuine 1980s classic and began a successful trilogy. Taking the teen comedy a place it had never been before, on a trip to the 1950s via the 1980s, and fusing it with a time travel adventure, the film quickly became a blockbuster and established itself as a high point of 1980s pop culture. This special boxed set contains all three of Marty McFly's and Doc Brown's adventures traveling back and forth between the 1950s, the 1980s, and the 19th and 21st centuries in Doc's customized DeLorean. See individual titles for details.

Bandits

Bandits

Starring: Thornton, Billy Bob Willis, Bruce Blanchett, Cate Jones, January Garity, Troy Slayton, Bobby
Director: Levinson, Barry

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 123

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Following a spur-of-the-moment escape from an Oregon prison, macho ladies man Joe Blake (Bruce Willis) and sensitive, hypochondriac Terry Collins (Billy Bob Thornton) become the best-known thieves in the country. Deemed "The Sleepover Bandits," Joe and Terry add a twist to conventional bank robberies by taking the bank manager hostage the night before the heist and accompanying him/her to the bank first thing in the morning. With the help of Joe's cousin, Harvey J. Pollard (Troy Garity), a simple, aspiring stuntman, "The Sleepover Bandits" rob their way down to southern California with hopes of making it to Mexico. Joe and Terry's partnership and friendship is tested, however, when they each fall in love with Kate Wheeler (Cate Blanchett), an unhappy, unappreciated housewife who deems herself their hostage and ultimately finds herself attracted to both men. Directed by Barry Levinson (DINER, RAIN MAN, WAG THE DOG), this somewhat quirky comedy features fine performances from Willis, Thornton, and Blanchett and is a nice departure from the average buddy film. Levinson's framing of the story through the reports of a true-crime show is particularly interesting.

Batman & Robin

Batman & Robin

Starring: Gorkum, Harry Van Betts, Jack Taylor, Sandra Guber, Elizabeth Glimcher, Marc Leahy, Mark P. McMullan, Jim Leahy, Patrick Leahy, Patrick Moeller, Ralph
Director: Schumacher, Joel

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: All Deals
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 125

Color Digital Stereo

The Caped Crusader returns to battle the abominable Mr. Freeze and green-thumbed Poison Ivy. To save his ailing wife, Dr. Victor Fries turns to a life of crime after a hideous accident makes him unable to tolerate even moderate temperatures, while Dr. Pamela Isley falls victim to mutated plant DNA when things go awry in a jungle laboratory funded by Wayne Industries. Of course, though their interests are diametrically opposed (Freeze wants another Ice Age; Ivy wants to make the world safe for plants), the two villains team up to defeat Gotham's dynamic duo of Batman and Robin, who are joined by butler Alfred's motorcycle-obsessed niece as Batgirl. And when Alfred is diagnosed as having the same terminal disease as Freeze's wife, the trio find themselves not only fighting an altruistic battle, but a personal one as well. A frenetic, colorful, and often overwhelming sequel to "Batman," "Batman Returns," and "Batman Forever." "The Iceman cometh."--Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) "Allow me to break the ice."--Mr. Freeze

Batman Returns

Batman Returns

Starring: Pfeiffer, Michelle DeVito, Danny Walken, Christopher Keaton, Michael Gough, Michael Reubens, Paul Hingle, Pat Murphy, Michael Murphy, Michael Bryniarski, Andrew
Director: Burton, Tim

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: All Deals
User Rating:
Running Time: 126

Color Digital

In director Tim Burton's sequel to his successful BATMAN (1989), the Caped Crusador (Michael Keaton) is pitted against the demented, ravenous Penguin (Danny DeVito), a pitiful, orphaned psychopathic freak who once went on a baby-killing spree, and a "power" hungry capitalist villain Max Shreck (Christopher Walken). As the two criminals plot to gain domination over Gotham City, BATMAN must plot to stop them. In the highly stylized BATMAN RETURNS--complete with dark, Gothic architecture and moody lighting--Batman (and his alter-ego Bruce Wayne) is thrown a third enemy, a terrible distraction: Cat Woman (fearlessly and fabulously played by Michelle Pfeiffer). She is the slinky, sharp-clawed alter-ego of Shreck's secretary Selina. Batman must overcome his own dark past, and his present love entanglements, to rid Gotham of it's evil enemies, this time with even more intricately designed sets and tongue-in-cheek humor, making BATMAN RETURNS an action-packed, but darkly fun adventure. Gotham City is once again under siege, this time by the sinister Penguin. A malformed baby thrown into the sewers to drown, The Penguin survived and decided to exact revenge against the hated metropolis during its grand Christmas celebration. Batman must stop the madman and his band of furry, but deadly, little penguins. To complicate matters, the caped crusader also has to contend with a sexy new vigilante whose moral stance is slightly more ambiguous than his own -- the cruel and sexy Catwoman. Theatrical release: June 19, 1992. Both BATMAN films were based on the popular comic book characters created by Bob Kane for DC Comics, but also on the Batman Dark Knight graphic comic books created by Frank Miller. Estimated budget: $70 million. BATMAN RETURNS grossed more than $265 million worldwide. Christopher Walken's character Max Shreck was named after the actor (Max Schreck, with an "sch") who played the vampire in NOSFERATU (1922). Annette Bening was originally slated for the role of Catwoman. But, due to her pregnancy, she was replaced by Michelle Pfeiffer. BATMAN'S Academy Award-winning production designer Anton Furst committed suicide before work began on the sequel. Bo Welch replaced him and based his designs on Furst's.

Batman

Batman

Starring: Nicholson, Jack Basinger, Kim Palance, Jack Hall, Jerry Keaton, Michael Hingle, Pat Walter, Tracey Williams, Billy Dee Williams, Billy Dee Wuhl, Robert
Director: Burton, Tim

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: All Deals
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 126

Color Digital

Tim Burton's BATMAN, inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, is a Gothic, Wagnerian treatment of the Batman mythos that explains the origins of Batman (Michael Keaton) and his nemesis, the maniacal Joker (a ripe Jack Nicholson). Gotham City is a sunless, ominous haven for criminals, held in the corrupt grip of crime boss Carl Grissom (the ever-magnetic Jack Palance), and terrorized by a sadistic vandal and murderer known as The Joker. But it isn't long before a dark, mysterious caped crusader, who goes by the name of BATMAN, is on their trail and trying to thwart their evil doings. In this darkly entertaining retelling of the Marvel comic classic, ace photojournalist Vicki Vale (warmly and sympathetically played by Kim Basinger) is also on the trail--she wants to find out who Batman really is. Based on the popular comic book character created by Bob Kane for DC Comics; the story and tone have nothing in common with the popular TV series of the 1960s. Imaginative special effects and imposing, Gothic architectural sets dominate this visually graphic, stylish film. Keaton gives a brooding performance as the Caped Crusader and his interestingly understated alter-ego Bruce Wane. But is it Nicholson's Joker that steals the show, with his unnerving, brilliantly maniacal portrayal, especially in the context of his twisted relationship with Grissom's gal Alicia (a lanky, disquieting Jerry Hall). Theatrical release: 1989. It was shot at the Pinewood Studios in England where renowned director Stanley Kubrick shot almost all of his films. The ad campaign and trailers for BATMAN used no tag lines or clips from the film, but instead merely showed the darkly glowing bat logo on a black background. The film was based on the DC comics character but was also inspired by Frank Miller's graphic novel THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, which is about a darker, moodier Batman than the traditional character. BATMAN won an Academy Award for Best Art Direction. The film was released in the United States on the character's 50th anniversary. Actor Robin Williams was reportedly considered for the role of The Joker before it was offered to Jack Nicholson. This was not the first version of BATMAN put on the silver screen: In 1943, Lambert Hilyer directed a 15-episode serialization of the comic strip, followed in 1948 by Spencer Bennet's BATMAN AND ROBIN serial. In 1966, a film based on the 1960s television series was released featuring the show's stars Adam West and Burt Ward. In Great Britain, the release of this film required the introduction of a new British Board of Film Classification rating, BBFC 12. This rating indicates that children under the age of twelve are not allowed to see the film, even with parental consent. Linda Henrikson designed the costumes for Kim Basinger's character; Rick Provenzano was Ms. Basinger's hairdresser; Nick Dudman designed the makeup for the Joker. Estimated budget $30-40 million. In gloomy Gotham City the caped crusader must engage in a battle-to-the-death with the villainous Joker--a madman orchestrating a wave of crime and murder that has paralyzed the town. During the course of the struggle, Batman learns the truth about his own mysterious past, and the role played by the Joker in shaping his life when he was a boy.

Battle of Britain

Battle of Britain

Starring: Olivier, Laurence Howard, Trevor More, Kenneth Caine, Michael Andrews, Harry Shaw, Robert Jurgens, Curt McShane, Ian McShane, Ian Plummer, Christopher
Director: Hamilton, Guy

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Drama : General
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 132

Color Mono

A powerful and colorful portrayal of an understaffed, technically inferior royal air-crew who valiantly holds off the superior forces of the German Luftwaffe. This pivotal battle of World War II could have led to the Germans winning the war. The incredible cast includes Michael Caine, Robert Shaw, Curt Jurgens, and Laurence Olivier. A star-studded re-creation of the epic 1940 battle that took place in the skies over England. Surprised and undermanned, the British forces used determination and guile to fend off a ferocious Nazi air attack in the early days of World War II. If England had lost, the Germans may very well have won the war.

Beach Blanket Bingo

Beach Blanket Bingo

Starring: Funicello, Annette Evans, Linda Lynde, Paul Avalon, Frankie Rickles, Don Walley, Deborah Keaton, Buster McCrea, Jody McCrea, Jody Ashley, John
Director: Asher, William

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 97

Color Digitally Mastered

A marvelous cast (Paul Lynde! Don Rickles! Linda Evans!) is collected in what is possibly the most beloved of the 1960's Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello beach movies. In this installment, Bonehead (Jody McCrea) falls in love with a mermaid, not-so-threatening biker Eric Von Zipper (Harvey Lembeck) terrorizes the beach, Frankie skydives, surfs, and sings some songs, and Annette sings and looks simply smashing in a two-piece. Throw in an appearance from silent screen legend Buster Keaton and a score by lounge music god Les Baxter, and you have a can't-miss time capsule from a simpler, possibly better, time.

Beach Party

Beach Party

Starring: Malone, Dorothy Avalon, Frankie Funicello, Annette Amsterdam, Morey Cummings, Robert Price, Vincent Lembeck, Harvey
Director: Asher, William

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 98

Color Digital

An anthropologist (Cummings) and his lovely assistant travel to the wilds of Southern California's beaches to study the indigenous beach population. In their attempts to study the local population and observe customs and rituals, the two discover that the beach denizens aren't nearly so "wild" as science describes them. The first of the numerous Avalon/Funicello beach movies to depict the social scene of Southern California's beaches and their seemingly constant musical departures. It should be noted that Funicello and Avalon were not from California but Philadelphia, a town not known for its sand or surf.

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast

Starring: O'Hara, Paige Benson, Robby
Director: Wise, Kirk

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 90

Color Digitally Processed

The timeless tale of Belle, the beautiful and intelligent girl kept prisoner in the castle of a mysterious beast who must somehow win her love if he is to regain his princely form. Features the voices of Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury and David Ogden Stiers. Academy Award Nominations: 6, including Best Picture, Best Song ("Be Our Guest"), Best Song ("Belle"). Academy Awards: Best Song ("Beauty and the Beast"). BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a contemporary retelling of the classic French fairy tale. Once upon a time, there was a handsome but heartless prince, whose selfishness caused an enchantress to turn him into a hideous beast. He had only one hope for freedom: winning a woman's love despite his ugliness. The years passed; the Beast remained alone. Then one day, Maurice, a poor inventor, accidentally stumbled upon the Beast's lair. The angry Beast instantly swore to kill him -- until he saw Belle, Maurice's lovely daughter, who had come to to the palace to fight for her father's life. The Beast promised not to harm Maurice on one condition: Belle must stay with him. And so began Belle's lesson in the true meaning of beauty... a lesson that would bring her love and happiness ever after. Theatrical release: Nov. 22, 1991. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the 30th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. The CAV laserdisc is letterboxed, and also includes a short documentary, "The Making of Beauty and the Beast." Both laserdisc formats are available only for a limited time. Lyricist and Executive Producer Howard Ashman died of AIDS in March 1991, before the film opened. "Beauty and the Beast" is dedicated to him. Shot in Technicolor. Rated BBFC U. This film is currently on moratorium.

Bedazzled

Bedazzled

Starring: Hurley, Elizabeth O'Connor, Frances Jones, Orlando Ferrigno, Lou Huss, Toby Shor, Miriam Adelstein, Paul Fraser, Brendan Fraser, Brendan
Director: Ramis, Harold

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 93

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BEDAZZLED is a fiery romantic comedy starring Brendan Fraser as Elliot Richards, a bored and boring computer programmer who is in love with Alison Gardner (Frances O'Connor), a lovely coworker who doesn't even know he exists. In a desperate attempt to gain Alison's affections, Brendan naively strikes up a deal with the devil (Elizabeth Hurley), a seductive and wickedly naughty woman who promises Elliot seven wishes in exchange for his soul. The devil does her best to torture Elliot's poor soul, giving him all seven wishes, each of which in some way goes astray. Elliot is in for the ride of his life as the saucy devil transforms him into a Colombian drug lord, a supersensitive pushover, and an NBA star with more brawn than brains as his wishes become manipulated into one outrageous disaster after another. Fraser is an acting tour de force, deftly playing a wide variety of characters using his comic genius and flair for the absurd, while Hurley is at her stylish and seductive best as the haute couture devilish prankster. Together they ignite the screen with wit, charm, and palpable chemistry. Director Harold Ramis (CADDYSHACK, GROUNDHOG DAY) wrote and directed this hilarious remake of the 1967 movie of the same name directed by Stanley Donen that starred Peter Cook, Dudley Moore, Raquel Welch, and Eleanor Bron. Theatrical release: Oct. 20, 2000.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Starring: Tomlinson, David McDowall, Roddy Jaffe, Sam Lansbury, Angela Weighill, Ian Smart, Roy Ericson, John Forsyth, Bruce Forsyth, Bruce O'Callaghan, Cindy
Director: Stevenson, Robert

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 139

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In England during World War II, three young kids are forced to evacuate their home and move in with the eccentric Eglantine Price (Angela Lansbury). At first the youths are unhappy--until they discover that Eglantine is studying to become a witch. Eglantine teaches the children magic, using her new powers to take them on fantastic, fun-filled adventures, all of which they experience on a flying bedframe. But when the neophyte witch decides to use her powers to help the Brits win the war, will she succeed...or will she just create more havoc? Robert Stevenson directs this delightful Disney film that mixes live action and animation splendidly. BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS is a delightful Disney production that combines live-action and animated sequences. A novice witch aids the British forces during WWII with the help of her young sidekicks. Along the way, they travel to a mystical land inhabited by talking animals where they must take possession of an amulet that holds the key to defeating the bad guys.

Behind Enemy Lines

Behind Enemy Lines

Starring: Hackman, Gene Wilson, Owen Macht, Gabriel Whitfield, Charles Malik Joaquim de Almeida
Director: Moore, John

Rating:
Category: Action
User Rating: 2 Stars
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A television commercial for a Sega game system that aired during the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards landed debut director John Moore a gig behind the camera of this military action thriller. Owen Wilson stars as Lt. Chris Burnett, a naval aviator aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson who's frustrated with the strict "hands-off" political policies that prevent him from experiencing combat against hostile Bosnian forces in his F/A-18 Superhornet jet. Burnett's commander, Admiral Reigert (Gene Hackman), thinks that the brash pilot doesn't have what it takes to be in the millitary, but the eager young officer soon gets the chance to prove his mettle. While conducting a routine photographic reconnaissance over a remote area of the Balkans, Burnett captures grisly images that serve as proof of genocidal crimes, but his plane is blown out of the sky. He's soon pursued on the ground by the forces of Lokar (Olek Krupa), a Serbian paramilitary leader intent on covering up unthinkable crimes, while Reigert defies the NATO orders of his superior (Joaquim de Almeida) and risks his career to mount a covert rescue mission. Behind Enemy Lines (2001), the first of two back-to-back releases starring Wilson and Hackman (the other being The Royal Tenenbaums), also stars David Keith, Gabriel Macht, and Charles Malik Whitfield. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide Twentieth Century Fox's saber-rattling actioner comes to DVD in a fairly solid package. The picture looks great, presented in an anamorphic widescreen transfer, preserving the film's 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The color is crisp and clear, with solid black level and natural-looking tones throughout. The sound is most impressive, being offered in Dolby Digital 5.1. There is great use of surround, most notably during the sequence in which two fighter pilots are forced to eject. Extras are somewhat slim, but what's there is worth having. There are two commentary tracks, the first from director John Moore and editor Paul Martin Smith and the second from producers John Davis and Wyck Godfrey. Additionally, the disc provides a number of extended and deleted scenes. Many of these were cut in order to give the film a PG-13 rating, and a warning from Fox to that effect is provided. Also included is a six-minute featurette and a look at the creation of the aforementioned ejection sequence using storyboards. Lastly, while there is no trailer for the film itself, the DVD does feature a trailer for Steven Spielberg's upcoming film Minority Report. All in all, this is a well-done DVD edition, particularly for the excellent image transfer and muscular sound design. ~ Jeremy Brown, All Movie Guide

Beverly Hills Cop 2

Beverly Hills Cop 2

Starring: Cox, Ronny Reinhold, Judge Murphy, Eddie Ashton, John Reiser, Paul Nielsen, Brigitte Prochnow, Jürgen
Director: Scott, Tony

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 102

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In BEVERLY HILLS COP II, Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley, a resourceful Detroit detective who doesn’t exactly play by the rules. When his friend Andrew Bogomil (Ronny Cox) is wounded in an event related to mysterious "alphabet crimes," Foley hightails it to California and hooks up with officers Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) in an effort to stop the robberies that are creating fear in the city’s businesses and to avenge the attack on his friend. Along the way, their investigation into the crimes leads them to a strip club, the Playboy mansion, and even the racetrack. Director Tony Scott’s (CRIMSON TIDE, TOP GUN) film offers a wild ride as Foley talks his way into and out of various scenarios. Watch for comedian Chris Rock's feature-film debut in his brief appearance as the parking valet and for Paul Reiser as Jeffrey Freidman, Axel’s partner in Detroit. Theatrical release: May 20, 1987. Sylvester Stallone’s ex-wife, Brigitte Nielsen, appears as the cold-as-ice villain Karla Fry. Hugh Hefner appears as himself. In this sequel, Axel returns to Beverly Hills and breaks all the rules while solving a series of mysterious "alphabet crimes" which have sent fear through the city's commercial establishment. "Who the hell are you?"--Harold Lutz (Allen Garfield) to Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) "My name is...Johnny Wishbone. I am a psychic. Yes, my name is Johnny Wishbone and I am a psychic from the Isle of St. Croix."--Axel Foley

Beverly Hills Cop 3

Beverly Hills Cop 3

Starring: Murphy, Eddie Reinhold, Judge Randle, Theresa Elizondo, Hector McHattie, Stephen John Saxon
Director: Landis, John

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 104

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Eddie Murphy is back as Axel Foley, the maverick detective who took Beverly Hills by storm. When a seemingly regular bust in Detroit uncovers a deadly underground operation, Axel heads to Los Angeles to corner the criminal leader. The corrupt headquarters of the killer happen to be Wonder World, an extremely popular Southern California amusement park. Axel enlists the help of old friend Sgt. Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and Jon Flint (Hector Elizondo) to hunt down the criminals, wreaking havoc at the popular park. This third installment of the popular series features some daredevil stunts on the amusement park rides and an action-packed roller-coaster finale. Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back on the beat in this action-packed sequel. In the midst of a car-theft bust in Detroit, the maverick detective and his fellow police investigators uncover an underground conspiracy. When the heartless leader of the undergound operation (Timothy Carhart) kills Axel's boss, Axel follows the clues to Wonder World, a popular amusement park in Los Angeles, to hunt down the killer. Seeking revenge, Axel reunites with old pal Sgt. Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and Jon Flint (Hector Elizondo) of the Beverly Hills Police Department. Wreaking havoc at the seemingly wholesome amusement park, Axel will stop at nothing to uncover the deadly crime ring. John Landis's entertaining romp includes some fabulous daredevil stunts and thrilling trips on the Wonder World rides. With the help of some old and new allies--including a hysterical Bronson Pinchot as Serge, who supplies Axel with some powerful firearms--Axel discovers the real identity of the extremely corrupt killer. With wit and charm and a lot of firepower, Axel Foley reveals the vicious truth lurking beneath the exterior of the popular park. Director cameos in the film include George Lucas, John Singleton, Joe Dante, and Martha Coolidge. "If you have homeless people on your lawn, press 15."--The Beverly Hills Police force information computer to Axel (Eddie Murphy) "You know they don't give out Oscars in prison, right?"--Axel to Timothy Carhart (Ellis Dewald):

Beverly Hills Cop

Beverly Hills Cop

Starring: Eilbacher, Lisa Reinhold, Judge Murphy, Eddie Ashton, John Banks, Jonathan Pinchot, Bronson Cox, Ronny
Director: Brest, Martin

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 105

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Eddie Murphy rose to stardom as Axel Foley, a streetwise and brash young Detroit cop in this comic blockbuster that combined frenetic action, hysterical rough-edged comedy, and a chart-topping rock & roll soundtrack. When his best friend is murdered, Axel heads off to Beverly Hills in an effort to track down the killer. The resulting culture shock is only one of his difficulties: Often operating just outside the law in his determination to capture the murderer, he finds himself repeatedly clashing with the local authorities as well as his supervisor back home. With the help of Beverly Hills detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and his partner, Sergeant Taggart (John Ashton), Axel is able to track down the killer, who turns out to be Victor Maitland (Steven Berkoff), a wealthy, powerful, and respected member of the California community. It is up to Axel to outsmart the evil British criminal, who is protected inside his fortresslike mansion. Featuring hysterical supporting performances from Bronson Pinchot as Serge--an effeminate, thickly accented art gallery clerk--and comedian Damon Wayans, among others, the film is one of the funniest comedies of the 1980s. Theatrical release: December 5, 1984. The film grossed more than $230 million at the box office. Director's cameo: Martin Brest appears as a hotel checkout clerk. Sylvester Stallone was originally targeted for the role of Axel Foley. When he failed to show interest in the project, the producers cast young Eddie Murphy in the part. This choice, of course, changed the emphasis of the film from action to comedy, and the role consolidated Murphy's status as a superstar. After a friend of his is murdered, a big city cop from the east travels to Beverly Hills, California, to hunt down the killer; the cop's streetwise approach gets surprising results. "Heh, heh, heh."--Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy)

Big

Big

Starring: Perkins, Elizabeth Moscow, David Loggia, Robert Heard, John Rushton, Jared Larkin, Samantha Ruehl, Mercedes Lovitz, Jon Lovitz, Jon Redglare, Rockets
Director: Marshall, Penny

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 104

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A boy asks a mechanical swami at a fair to grant his wish to be grown up -- oops! Luckily his best friend recognizes him and helps him get a job at a toy factory where his fresh, uncomplicated innocence wins the president's respect, his colleagues' envy -- and a beautiful woman's love. Academy Award Nominations: Best Actor--Tom Hanks, Best (Original) Screenplay. Shot in DuArt color, release prints processed by DeLuxe. Location shooting was done in Cliffside Park and Fort Lee, New Jersey; New York City and Rye, New York. Saul Bass designed the titles. Estimated budget $20 million. One of four films released between 1987 and 1988 that have a child/adult role-reversal theme. The other three are: "Vice Versa" (Brian Gilbert, USA, 1988); "18 Again!" (Paul Flaherty, USA, 1988); and "Like Father, Like Son" (Rod Daniel, USA, 1987). Previous to this mini-explosion in the late 1980s, there were several other titles that also dealt with the same basic theme. They include the original "Vice Versa" (Peter Ustinov, UK, 1948), which is among the first such films, and "Freaky Friday" (Gary Nelson, USA, 1977) which differs from the rest in that it focuses on a mother/daughter switch. A 13-year-old boy named Josh wants, more than anything else, to be "big". And when he makes a wish on a carnival wishing booth his dreams come true: he transposes into the body of a 35 year old man -- though his mind and spirit remain that of a child. Since he can't really go to school looking like an adult, and his mother doesn't know him in his new guise, he heads to New York with his pal Billy, where they proceed to goof off, play around, and act basically like the kids they are. But when Billy leaves, Josh is subjected to the encroaching needs and responsibilities of adulthood, and he quickly discovers both the pleasures and the problems of being grown-up.

Blame It on Rio

Blame It on Rio

Starring: Bologna, Joseph Caine, Michael Johnson, Michelle Lewgoy, José Harper, Valerie Moore, Demi
Director: Donen, Stanley

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 90

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A much-planned two-family vacation to Rio begins with disaster as one husband, Victor (Joseph Bologna), deals with divorce papers while Matthew’s (Michael Caine) wife decides to vacation alone somewhere else instead, leaving the two men on vacation with only their charming and adventurous teenage daughters. Confronted by so much bare young skin, confused about the state of his marriage, and swept up in the moment, Matthew lets Victor’s daughter, Jennifer (Michelle Johnson), seduce him on the beach. But Jennifer’s constant declarations of love and lust make keeping the affair from Victor difficult and twists Matthew into guilty knots. The surprise appearance of Matthew’s wife (Valerie Harper, magnificent in a rage) reveals another hidden affair and unravels the romantic web crisscrossing between the families. An unraveling marriage and the exotic carelessness of Rio encourages bumbling, middle-aged Matthew (touchingly played by Michael Caine) to take another grasp at life and allow his best friend’s teenage daughter, Jennifer, to seduce him on the beach. But with his best friend in the next room and his own daughter (young but husky-voiced Demi Moore) bunking with Jennifer, how long can Matthew keep the affair a secret? Filmed on location in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. BLAME IT ON RIO is a remake of the 1977 Claude Berri film ONE WILD MOMENT. BLAME IT ON RIO marked the film debut of model Michelle Johnson.

Blue Hawaii

Blue Hawaii

Starring: Winters, Roland Blackman, Joan Archer, John Walters, Nancy McNear, Howard Presley, Elvis Lansbury, Angela
Director: Taurog, Norman

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 1 Hour 41 Minutes

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Elvis Presley stars in this vehicle tailored to his singing talents in a return to musical comedy after several turns in dramatic roles. Chad Gates returns home to Honolulu after a stint in the service. He shows little interest in working for his overbearing parents' pineapple plantation, much to their dismay. Instead, Chad finds a job as a tour guide and thereby gives himself a chance to dance with, and sing to, a variety of Hawaii's most beautiful women. Includes musical numbers such as "Blue Hawaii," "Rock-A-Hula Baby," "Hawaiian Wedding Song" and "Island of Love," as well as the immortal "Can't Help Falling in Love."

Body of Evidence

Body of Evidence

Starring: Dafoe, Willem Mantegna, Joe Madonna Archer, Anne Moore, Julianne
Director: Edel, Uli

Rating: PG-13
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 101

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Rebecca Carlson (Madonna) is on trial for the murder of her wealthy, older lover, whom the D.A. (Joe Mantegna) is convinced died as a result of an intense lovemaking session. It is up to her attorney (Willem Dafoe) to prove Rebecca's innocence, but when he becomes entangled in her web of erotic game-playing, he too is endangered by her passion. An elderly millionaire is found dead in his bedroom, the apparent victim of a heart attack. But the wealthy septuagenarian may have been murdered. His secretary claims this is so, and the police investigation uncovers evidence pointing to the dead man's kinky sexual affair with gallery owner Rebecca Carlson -- a woman who stands to inherit $8 million dollars from the deceased's estate. The District Attorney's office charges Rebecca with murder. The weapon: her own deadly body. Hot-shot Portland defense lawyer Frank Dulaney decides to defend Ms. Carlson, and he's convinced of her innocence, at first. But soon he and Rebecca are sharing handcuffs, dripping hot candle wax on each other's bodies and having sex on car rooftops. His mind clouded by lust, Dulaney continues to believe that Rebecca is innocent of all charges -- until he finds his faith in the fatal temptress shaken by a startling courtroom revelation. Not to be confused with "Body of Evidence" (1988), a television movie starring Margot Kidder, Barry Bostwick and Tony Lo Bianco. Color by DeLuxe. "Can you really screw someone to death?" -- 10 year old Michael Dulaney (Aaron Corcoran) to his father Frank Dulaney (Willem Dafoe) "... have you ever seen animals make love? It's intense, it's violent, but they never really hurt each other." -- Rebecca Carlson (Madonna) "They've taken something great between two people in love and turned it into something dirty." -- Rebecca Carlson (Madonna) "I know I'm irresistible." -- Rebecca Carlson (Madonna) "You will see she is not only the defendant, she is the murder weapon itself." -- Robert Garrett (Joe Mantegna) referring to Rebecca Carlson (Madonna) "... keep your rude mouths shut or get out." -- Judge Burnham (Lillian Lehman) to everyone in the courtroom

Bringing Down the House

Bringing Down the House

Starring: Levy, Eugene Plowright, Joan Latifah, Queen Smart, Jean Martin, Steve White, Betty
Director: Shankman, Adam

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 105

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Peter Sanderson (Steve Martin) is a divorced workaholic L.A. lawyer trying to forget his ex-wife (Jean Smart). Successful but lonely, Peter falls for an online chat buddy and is eager to meet his dream girl, until he meets the real woman behind the screen name and realizes she is nothing like he thought. Instead of a svelte blonde businesswoman he comes face to face with Charlene Morton (Queen Latifah), a sassy African American ex-con who is eager to infiltrate Peter's stereotypically uptight white suburban world. Charlene wants Peter to defend her and prove she's innocent of a crime that she didn't commit but Peter wants nothing to do with the fast-talking homegirl. However, Peter's geeky best friend Howie (Eugene Levy) feels different and begins to woo the voluptuous diva with "hip" street lingo and hysterically deadpan come-ons. Soon enough, Charlene is shacked up in Peter's palatial estate, throwing wild parties, and opening his eyes to life, love and infectious freedom. Steve Martin and Queen Latifah are a fresh and dynamic comic team in this hysterical spin on the black-white buddy comedy that is a mixture of PRETTY WOMAN and THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL AIR. Theatrical release: March 7, 2003

Bustin' Loose (1981)

Bustin' Loose (1981)

Starring: Pryor, Richard Tyson, Cicely
Director: Schultz, Michael

Rating: R
Category: Deals Under $10
User Rating:
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Amazon.com Of all the films in which Richard Pryor was the main star in the 1970s and 1980s, this was one of the only ones to come close to capturing his impishly mercurial stage presence as a standup comedian--and also to aspire to coherency, perhaps because it was cowritten by Pryor and award-winning playwright Lonne Elder III. Pryor plays an ex-convict who gets strong-armed into helping a schoolteacher (Cicely Tyson) drive a busload of physically and emotionally handicapped children across the country. Though there is the kind of irascible adult-cute kid interplay you would expect, Pryor makes it work, even as he finds the heart in a ne'er-do-well who discovers a talent for caring for others. Watch for the scene in which Pryor finds himself face to face with a hooded group of Klansmen and comically finesses the situation. --Marshall Fine

Caddyshack 2

Caddyshack 2

Starring: Stack, Robert Cannon, Dyan Silverman, Jonathan Mason, Jackie Chase, Chevy Quaid, Randy Aykroyd, Dan Merrill, Dina Merrill, Dina Warfield, Marsha
Director: Arkush, Allan

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 99

Color Digital

Although Jack Hartounian (Jackie Mason) has made a fortune as a contractor, he must put up a fight so he and his daughter, Kate, can join the exclusive Bushwood Country Club. More than anything, Kate longs to be accepted by the club's rich members, who include her college roommate, Miffy. However, Miffy's parents, Chandler and Cynthia Young, mount a tough campaign to make sure the Hartounians stay out of their beloved club -- and they succeed. To get revenge, Jack buys the majority of Bushwood's stock and transforms the club into an extravagant park open to all. But the club's members still refuse to leave. Eventually, the confrontation can only be solved with a new money versus old money battle on the links. Color by Technicolor. Released theatrically in USA on July 22, 1988. In this inferior sequel, a construction tycoon is rejectected for membership at the country club. To retaliate for their snobbery, he buys it and turns it into an amusement park. This leads to a confrontation between the slobs and the snobs.

Caddyshack

Caddyshack

Starring: Dangerfield, Rodney Knight, Ted Murray, Bill O'Keefe, Michael Holcomb, Sarah Colomby, Scott Morgan, Cindy Resin, Dan Resin, Dan Murray, Brian Doyle
Director: Ramis, Harold

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 99

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Harold Ramis's directorial debut is a hysterical farce set at the typically hoity-toity Bushwood County club. A send-up of the typical class struggle, it pits the caddies against the establishment with riotous results. This wacky comedy features insanely funny performances from Bill Murray, as the local groundskeeper obsessed with killing off the gophers who are infesting the golf course, as well as Chevy Chase as a wealthy antiestablishment member of Bushwood and Rodney Dangerfield, who shines as a land-shark real estate mogul who couldn't care less about the rules and regulations at the snobby club. CADDYSHACK is number 71 on the American Film Institute's list of America's 100 Funniest Movies. CADDYSHACK was Harold Ramis's first feature-length film as a director. Special Edition Included Bonus Features first time on cassette: an exclusive all-new behind-the-scenes documentary featuring the movie's stars and director, and the Original Theatrical Trailer. This hysterical farce, set against the backdrop of the typically hoity-toity Bushwood Country club, pits the caddies vs. the establishment with riotous results. Danny, a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks, is struggling to make it as a caddy at Bushwood. Terrified of being a caddy for life, he is dying to win the Bushwood annual caddy scholarship and is willing to do whomever and whatever it takes. The caddies carouse, smoke, and curse their way around Bushwood, wrecking havoc on the uptight rules and regulations strictly adhered to by most of the members of the club. Chevy Chase stars as Ty Webb, a wealthy antiestablishment member of Bushwood who tries to convince Danny that there is more to life than playing by the rules. This wacky comedy also features an insanely delightful performance by Bill Murray, as the local groundskeeper who becomes obsessed with killing off the gophers who have infested the golf course, with bang-up results. When Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) comes to town he sets the country club--and Judge Smails, played by the fabulous Ted Knight--on end with his poor taste, bad humor, and big money. The final showdown between the snobs and the slobs is not to be missed. CADDYSHACK is one of the most-quoted comedies of all time, and with good reason. "A flute without holes is not a flute; a donut without holes is a danish."--Ty Webb (Chevy Chase) "Be the ball."--Ty to Danny Noonan (Michael O'Keefe) "You must have been something before electricity."--Al Czervik (Rodney Dangerfield) "I don't think the heavy stuff's gonna come for quite some time."--Carl Spackler (Bill Murray) "It's in the hole!"--Spackler "Gunga galunga."--Spackler

Casino Royale

Casino Royale

Starring: Kerr, Deborah Holden, William Huston, John Cooper, Terence Raft, George Bouchet, Barbara Lavi, Daliah Boyer, Charles Boyer, Charles Allen, Woody
Director: Huston, John

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 137

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This swinging spoof of Ian Fleming's spy hero features an aging James Bond (David Niven), reluctantly dragged out of retirement to chase down the evil crime clique called SMERSH. In order to confound the forces led by the villainous Le Chiffre (Orson Welles), the Secret Service enlists five other agents, also under the name "Bond," and all six converge on the titular casino. Meanwhile, Woody Allen, as the retiring secret agent's nephew, causes havoc at every turn. The gleefully chaotic product of five directors, numerous screenwriters, and the late 1960s in general, CASINO ROYALE revels in its psychedelic spy satire premise. The comedy features a legion of stars in roles both large and small: Niven, Welles, Allen, Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, William Holden, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jacqueline Bisset, Deborah Kerr, and many more. (Apparently, Sellers and Welles despised each other, and Sellers would frequently not show up for his scenes.) Amid the wackiness, there are genuine moments of hilarity, making the film a surreal romp through Bond lore and the more eccentric aspects of 1960s pop culture. This stupendous spoof of James Bond films tells of the super agent's plans for retirement. When he relinquishes his authority to this bungling nephew, the results are disastrous. Theatrical release: April 28, 1967. Shot in Technicolor. The budget for CASINO ROYALE is estimated at around $12 million.

Casper - Special Edition Casper (Widescreen)

Casper - Special Edition Casper (Widescreen)

Starring: Pullman, Bill Ricci, Christina Moriarty, Cathy Idle, Eric Pearson, Malachi Malachi Pearson
Director: Silberling, Brad

Rating: PG
Category: Fully Loaded DVDs : DTS
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 101

Color DTS Surround Sound

Amazon.com This 1995 family film tries to put a fun spin on the story of a paranormalist and widower (Bill Pullman) who moves into a new house with his daughter (Christina Ricci) and meets up with the ghost of a dead little boy. Based on the comic book about Casper the friendly ghost, the film is a dreary series of awkward interactions between live actors and computer effects, and you can almost see Pullman and Ricci reconsidering the project while on camera. A few cameo appearances from uncredited stars help things a bit. But there's no way, based on this film, that one could have guessed that its director, Brad Silberling, would go on to make the exceptional drama City of Angels. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Cast Away (Single Disc Edition) (2000)

Cast Away (Single Disc Edition) (2000)

Starring: Hanks, Tom Hunt, Helen
Director: Zemeckis, Robert

Rating: Unrated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
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Amazon.com essential video Cast Away is a good movie that wants to be much better. While director Robert Zemeckis's earlier film Contact achieved a kind of mainstream spiritual significance, Cast Away falls just short of that goal. That may explain why the film's most emotionally powerful scene involves the loss of an inanimate object, even as it presents a heart-rending dilemma in its very human final act. It's three movies in one, beginning when punctuality-obsessed Federal Express systems engineer Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) departs on Christmas Eve to escort an ill-fated flight of FedEx packages. Following a mid-Pacific plane crash, movie number two chronicles Chuck's four-year survival on a remote island, totally alone save for a Wilson volleyball (aptly named "Wilson") that becomes Chuck's closest "friend." Movie number three leads up to Chuck's rescue and an awkward encounter with his ex-girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt, in a thankless role), for whom Chuck has seemingly risen from the grave. It's fascinating to witness Chuck's emerging survival skills, and Hanks's remarkable physical transformation is matched by his finely tuned performance. With slow, rhythmic camera moves and brilliant use of sound, Zemeckis wisely avoids the postcard prettiness of The Black Stallion and The Blue Lagoon to emphasize the harshness of Chuck's ascetic solitude, and this stylistic restraint allows Cast Away to resonate more than one might expect. Even the final scene--which feels like a crowd-pleasing compromise--offers hope without shoving it down our throats. You may not feel the emotional rush that you're meant to feel, but Cast Away remains a respectable effort. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition.

Cat Ballou

Cat Ballou

Starring: Nardini, Tom Marley, John Denny, Reginald Cole, Nat King Flippen, Jay C. Kaye, Stubby Hunnicutt, Arthur Hickman, Dwayne Hickman, Dwayne Marvin, Lee
Director: Silverstein, Elliot

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: All Deals
User Rating:
Running Time: 96

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Fonda is agreeably peppery as a teacher in the Old West who wreaks vengeance on the men who murdered her father. Marvin enlists as a drunken old gunfighter trying to retain his old glory and also portrays his twin brother, a rustler with a silver nose. A 60s-style genre spoof with enough action to keep it real. Marvin won an Academy Award for his two performances. "Well, the town's got a big outfit movin' in. Build factories. Make a real city out of Wolf City. They want your daddy's water rights. He won't sell them." (Jackson Two-Bears to Cat Ballou) "Sir, don't if I could have just one nip to steady my hand... please?" (Kid Sheleen to Frankie Ballou) "You won't make me cry. You'll never make me cry!" (Cat Ballou to the townsfolk who allowed her father to be killed) "You all say you love me and are beholden to me and 'Take it easy, Cat, we're going to take care of you'... and the first time I ask you to do one little thing for me like rob one little train..." (Cat to her friends) In this spoof of the Western and the Old West, a young schoolteacher, Cat, and her gang wreak vengeance on the men who murdered her father. They hire a drunken old gunfighter, trying to retain his old glory, to help them with the cause. Together they set out to get even with an English lord who's responsible for the death of Cat's parents.

Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can

Starring: Hanks, Tom Walken, Christopher Sheen, Martin Baye, Nathalie Adams, Amy Brolin, James Hughes, Frank John Garner, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Howe, Brian
Director: Spielberg, Steven

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 141

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Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Frank W. Abagnale's autobiography CATCH ME IF YOU CAN follows the cat-and-mouse chase of Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) and FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) as Abagnale travels the world passing forged checks and assuming false identities. Covering the time period from 1963-69, the film leaps from the suburbs of New York to Georgia, Louisiana, Miami, France and the skies of Pan American airlines with Abagnale, who passes himself off as a pilot, doctor, lawyer and socialite, while constantly frustrating Hanratty's attempts to nab the increasingly cunning forger. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN finds Spielberg drawing on the father-son relationship that develops between Abagnale and Hanratty, filling a void left in the lives of each man: Abagnale's strained relationship with his tax-cheat father (Christopher Walken) and Hanratty's never-seen family left behind in the wake of a divorce. As Hanratty pursues Abagnale, their mutual admiration and respect grows, and finally they even come to rely on each other. Theatrical release: December 25, 2002

Chain Reaction

Chain Reaction

Starring: Reeves, Keanu Freeman, Morgan Weisz, Rachel Ward, Fred Kevin Dunn
Director: Davis, Andrew

Rating:
Category: Action
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time:

Color Mono

Just as the university research team is about to prove that their new technique will permit water to be used as a fuel, their laboratory is sabotaged and the lab manager is killed. Eddie Kasalivich (Keanu Reeves) stumbles onto the scene and manages not only to witness the sabotage, but to escape from it. When he tries to talk about it to authorities, he discovers that they think he and the other project survivors committed the crime. In reality, a group of energy companies have conspired with interested parties in the government to completely erase all notion of the existence of a way to use water as fuel. The project sponsor (Morgan Freeman) wants Eddie to turn himself in, but before he can do that, he must find enough evidence to clear himself and his friends. But in order to succeed, Eddie must avoid assassination attempts by the real perpetrators. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide Andrew Davis' Chain Reaction comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Closed-captioned English soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Surround, and DTS Surround, while a French soundtrack has been recorded in Dolby Digital Surround. English and Spanish subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include the original theatrical trailer and a handful of television promotional spots. This disc does a fabulous job of presenting the film, but offers little of interest beyond that. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle

Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle

Starring: Liu, Lucy Mac, Bernie Diaz, Cameron Moore, Demi Wilson, Luke Barrymore, Drew
Director: McG,

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 107

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CHARLIE'S ANGELS: FULL THROTTLE reunites Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu as they once again wage battle against some formidable opponents. This time around the three angels are on a mission to track down two stolen rings that contain encrypted information relating to the Witness Protection Program. Naturally the girls kick some serious butt, often facing some familiar villains in the shape of a returning Crispin Glover (as the Thin Man) and Justin Theroux (as Seamus O'Grady), a former beau of Barrymore's character. To further spice things up, there is an ex-angel, played by a shapely Demi Moore, who is rather keen on getting her hands on the rings, all adding up to lots of thrills and spills for the girls. Director McG returns from the original movie, this time upping the action ante with a series of spectacular stunts and CGI-assisted tricks. Employing a neverending array of celebrity cameo appearances, McG builds on the momentum of the previous movie and neatly balances the combination of comedy set pieces and action sequences. Cast and crew keep their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks throughout, leading to a not-too-serious romp that is a feast for the eyes.

Charlie's Angels

Charlie's Angels

Starring: Barrymore, Drew Liu, Lucy Murray, Bill LeBlanc, Matt LL Cool J Wilson, Luke Rockwell, Sam Glover, Crispin Glover, Crispin Lynch, Kelly
Director: Nichol, Joseph McGinty

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Studio Specials : Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment : Superbit
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 99

Color Digital Stereo

Based on the babe-a-licious show from the 1970s, CHARLIE'S ANGELS is a defiantly goofy action movie featuring plenty of comedy and a strong sense of girl power. Three talented young women work for the mysterious Charles Townsend: Natalie (Cameron Diaz), the bubbly blond science expert; Dylan (Drew Barrymore), the rebellious tomboy; and Alex (Lucy Liu), the tough Angel who has trouble telling her boyfriend that she's a highly skilled secret agent. The Angels are assigned to locate Eric Knox (Sam Rockwell), a kidnapped computer expert whose new software could threaten global security if it were to fall into the wrong hands. The women go undercover to investigate this devious tycoon and are faced with double crosses, explosions, and the mysterious Thin Man. From the acclaimed music-video director McG (Joseph McGinty), CHARLIE'S ANGELS wastes little time on plot, instead presenting audiences with a series of spectacular MATRIX-style fight sequences, car chases, and stunts. Diaz, Barrymore, and Liu as the three Angels give terrific performances worthy of a new breed of female action hero, kicking major butt while remaining lovable and sexy. The movie also stars Bill Murray as the Angels' mentor, Bosley, and John Forsythe as the voice of Charlie. Theatrical release: November 3, 2000. Filmed on location in Southern California. After production ended, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore went skydiving together at Lake Elsinore. CHARLIE'S ANGELS grossed $40.1 million in its opening weekend in theaters, the second largest amount (after TOY STORY 2) for any movie not released during the summer. Based on the popular television show produced by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg, which ran from 1976 to 1981 and starred Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, Shelley Hack, and Tanya Roberts as the Angels. Cameron Diaz said that when she was young, "My sister was Farrah and I was Bosley." Actor John Forsythe performed the voice of Charlie in the original television series and reprises his role in this film. Actress Thandie Newton was originally scheduled to play the third Angel, but delays in the filming of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE II caused her to be replaced by Lucy Liu. CHARLIE'S ANGELS was coproduced by Drew Barrymore's production company, Flower Films, which also produced NEVER BEEN KISSED. Barrymore insisted that the film not rely on traditional gun violence and instead feature martial arts battles. This film is the directorial debut of McG, aka Joseph McGinty Nichol, a music-video director who has worked with such groups as Smashmouth and Sugar Ray. Drew Barrymore was dating Tom Green during production of this film and had previously dated costar Luke Wilson. T.J. HOOKER, the television series mocked briefly in the film, was another television series produced by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg, creators of CHARLIE'S ANGELS. The martial arts sequences in this film were choreographed by Cheung-Yan Yuen, the brother of Wo Ping Yuen, fight choreographer for THE MATRIX. Barrymore and Diaz trained with Yuen for six to eight hours a day, for three months, in preproduction; Liu trained for two months. During production there were reports of trouble on the set between various cast members as well as tension because the script had not been completed. As many as 17 writers contributed to the film's screenplay. The house where a nude Drew Barrymore drops in on a pair of boys is the same house used for Steven Spielberg's E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, in which Barrymore played a little girl. CHARLIE'S ANGELS was named one of the 10 best films of 2000 by Ed Halter of the New York Press. "Good morning, Angels."--Charlie "Good morning, Charlie!"--Angels

Charlie's Angels

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 100

Color Stereo

Chicago

Chicago

Starring: Feore, Colm Zellweger, Renée Zeta-Jones, Catherine Gere, Richard Latifah, Queen Reilly, John C. Baranski, Christine West, Dominic West, Dominic Rivera, Chita
Director: Marshall, Rob

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 113

Color Digital Stereo

This Hollywood adaptation of the classic Broadway musical sparkles with glamour and reverberates with the energy of good, old-fashioned song and dance. As the film leaps into its first riveting act, Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), one half of the famous number she performs with her sister, arrives at the night club late, disheveled, and with blood on her hands. Nonetheless, she goes onstage unhindered and wows the crowd with her shimmying rendition of "All That Jazz." Roxie Hart (Renee Zellweger) a young blond who dreams of someday being famous like Velma, watches from the audience with eyes full of envy. Later, as the cops pick up Velma for the murder of her sister, sending her fame to all-time heights as she becomes a tabloid sensation, Roxie also commits a crime of passion--shooting a lover who falsely promised to secure her cabaret debut. The girls wind up together in jail, where Mama Morton (Queen Latifah), a compassionate guard, is their only hope of redemption; and Billy Flynn (Richard Gere) is the lawyer who can get them out. There, through wonderfully familiar songs like "Razzle Dazzle," "Cell-Block Tango," and "Cellophane Man" Roxie and Velma tell their story of competing for bad-girl celebrity. Director Rob Marshall presents a loveable CHICAGO that shares all the grit and grime of the Bob Fosse Broadway original with phenomenal performances by this grouping of Hollywood stars. The dizzying camerawork and dazzling sets make an easy transition from stage to film. Theatrical release: December 27, 2002

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Starring: Howes, Sally Ann Jeffries, Lionel Hill, Benny Helpmann, Robert Frobe, Gert Justice, James Robertson Van Dyke, Dick Quayle, Anna Quayle, Anna
Director: Hughes, Ken

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 145

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Van Dyke's charming as a daydreaming inventor who fixes up an old jalopy and, with the vivid imaginations of his two children and a lady friend, it is transformed into a flying, floating wonder car that carries them to a magical kingdom. Inspired by an Ian Fleming idea. Shot in 70-M Super Panavision. DVD Special Features: Sing-Along Feature, Production Notes, Behind the Scenes Look, Theatrical Trailer, THX-Certified Release. A widowed inventor saves a racing automobile from destruction, after which the car mysteriously develops magical powers.

Chocolat

Chocolat

Starring: Binoche, Juliette Molina, Alfred Moss, Carrie-Anne Olin, Lena Stormare, Peter Caron, Leslie O'Conor, Hugh Dench, Judi Dench, Judi Depp, Johnny
Director: Hallström, Lasse

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 122

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

It is the late 1950s, but it might as well be the late 1850s in a small French town where everyone behaves as they should (supposedly), and attends church regularly. When a strong North wind blows through town, it brings the vivacious and mysterious Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her young daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol). Vianne is soon the talk of the town: an unwed mother who declines to go to church and opens up a chocolate shop in the midst of Lent. Her good-natured, honorable personality and psychic ability (she can predict what kind of sweets best suit each person, and magically cures each of them of their particular maladies) make her as irresistible as her delectable treats. However, Vianne and her daughter are resented by the conservative mayor, the Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), and by the pious Caroline (Carrie-Anne Moss), who has disowned her own spirited mother (Judi Dench, who plays Vianne's landlady), refusing the elderly woman access to her beloved grandson.This touching fairy tale, based on the novel by Joanne Harris, was filmed on location in rural France. An intelligent, exquisitely filmed fable that deals with the idea of 20th Century paganism rising up against a closed-minded church and a persevering aristocracy, CHOCOLAT is enjoyable, romantic, and entertaining, with affecting performances by both its stars and its supporting actors (Lena Olin and Johnny Depp.) Theatrical release: December 15, 2000 (NY). CHOCOLAT was filmed in France and in Shepperton, England. Actress Lena Olin is married to director Lasse Hallström. Paul Clinton of CNN.com named CHOCOLAT one of the 10 best films of 2000. Robert Nelson Jacobs won the Best Adapted Screenplay award of 2000 from the San Diego Film Critics Society. According to Mitchell Fink of the New York Daily News, Vice President Al Gore saw the film and told Miramax head Harvey Weinstein, "What inspired me about the film is how it infuses a spirit of tolerance with the joy of life. And tolerance, of course, is a message that is especially important for our times."

Christmas Classics (1999)

Christmas Classics (1999)

Starring:
Director:

Rating: NR
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time:

Color Dolby

Amazon.com Sacrificial giving--reminiscent of O. Henry's timeless "Gift of the Magi"--is the theme of this lighthearted Christmas gem ideally suited to young audiences. Jason Alexander (of Seinfeld fame) lends his ever-mirthful voice as Santa's Elf, who narrates the animated tale of a poor family and a father's wish to give his kids a special gift at Christmas "to put a sparkle in their eyes." Even though Mom and Dad (voiced by Shelley Long and James Eckhouse) have sold most of the farm animals to pay off debt, Tommy and Beth are unaware that poverty has struck their household. They are brimming with excitement as they put the finishing touches on a surprise gift for their parents--a one-horse open sleigh to be pulled by Kris, their trusty, talking horse (voiced by Don Knotts). Meanwhile, Dad quietly decides that the only way he can afford to get his children a Christmas present is to sell the family's beloved steed. What looks like an ideal solution brings dismay on Christmas morning, despite the kids' best efforts to put on a brave face in the absence of their gentle gelding. It would take a Christmas miracle to remedy this mishap, not impossible if "you think with your hearts and not with your heads," says Elf. The tender tale is loaded with valuable Yuletide lessons, especially a reminder that the best Christmas presents are often the ones that can't be gift-wrapped. And all ages will enjoy a rousing rendition of the title song at the film's end. --Lynn Gibson --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True

Starring:
Director: Kafka, John

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 73

Color Digitally Mastered

This sequel to Disney's classic CINDERELLA, made over 50 years after its predecessor, picks up where the original left off. Cinderella has married Prince Charming and returned to the palace, her new home, after the honeymoon when she learns that adapting to her lifestyle may be even more difficult than escaping her evil stepmother. Finding herself in the role of Royal Hostess but unfamiliar with the traditions of the Royal Court, Cinderella worries that her provincial manner of entertaining will be inappropriate. However, with the help of some familiar mice and her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella hopes that she can produce a celebration that compliments the sensibilities of her new family. Filled with new music, characters from the original film, and a brand new version of "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," CINDERELLA II is sure to delight a new generation of both children and adults.

City Slickers

City Slickers

Starring: Stern, Daniel Kirby, Bruno Crystal, Billy Wettig, Patricia Walter, Tracey Slater, Helen Palance, Jack Paymer, David Paymer, David
Director: Underwood, Ron

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 114

Color Stereo

When a thoroughly urbanized executive is struggling to find meaning in his life, his two best friends find the perfect cure: a fantasy cowboy vacation. The three friends then rope and ride their way down a trail that leads to a better understanding of themselves and each other. Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, and Bruno Kirby are exceptional as the three fish-out-of-water cowpokes, but Jack Palance steals the show in an Academy Award-winning performance. Shown at the Cannes Film Festival, May 1991. It was also included in the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund, the Malmo Film Days in Stockholm, and the Deauville Film Festival. Shot in Los Angeles, New York, Sante Fe, New Mexico, Durango, Colorado, and Pamplona, Spain. It had an estimated budget of $26 million. The film's production crew included 16 ranchers and 2 livestock coordinators. Three male friends, facing their 40th birthdays and experiencing midlife crises, decide they need time away from their "soft" city lives. Fans of old Western films, particularly John Wayne's RED RIVER, they decide to vacation at a dude ranch, where they will be responsible for a two-week-long cattle drive through the Colorado hills. Along the way the urban cowboys encounter bad weather; macho, gun-wielding ranchers; and pregnant cattle, but they finish the drive with their lives back on track.

Clear and Present Danger

Clear and Present Danger

Starring: Ford, Harrison Dafoe, Willem Archer, Anne Almeida, Joaquim de Henry Czerny
Director: Noyce, Phillip

Rating: PG13
Category: Action
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 141

Color Dolby Digital w/ sub-woofer chan

This is the third film based on Tom Clancy's high-tech espionage potboilers starring CIA deputy director Jack Ryan. Harrison Ford, returning to the Ryan role after his first go-round in 1992's Patriot Games, is assigned to a delicate anti-drug investigation after a close friend of the President (a Reaganesque Donald Moffat) is murdered by a Colombian drug cartel. When Ryan discovers that the President's wealthy friend was in league with the cartel, the President's devious national security adviser (Harris Yulin) and an ambitious CIA deputy director (Henry Czerny) send a secret paramilitary force into Colombia to wipe out the drug lords. The force is captured and then abandoned by the President's lackeys. It falls to Ryan to enter Colombia and rescue them, aided only by a renegade operative named Clark (Willem Dafoe), with both his life and career on the line. ~ Don Kaye, All Movie Guide Phillip Noyce directs the third entry in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series, a reasonably entertaining techno-thriller for those capable of untangling the plot. Harrison Ford once again stars as the CIA analyst, who here is both elevated to director of intelligence and forced to turn operative when he uncovers a questionable presidential directive regarding a Colombian drug lord. Clancy's right-wing fantasy world has been given a slight twist to the left here at Ford's behest, and one guesses that liberal writer Steve Zaillian and Genghis Khan-worshipper John Milius worked separately. Presumably based on some of William Casey's more lunatic schemes while head of the CIA, the film is a festival of double-crosses and backstabbing in the corridors of power, and throbbing action scenes in the Colombian jungle as the superhuman protagonist tries to save the surviving troops from a blown clandestine operation. Noyce keeps things moving at a steady clip, and does a fine job with the complex action sequences, but there are few surprises here beside the script's criticism of unauthorized covert operations. Despite the cardboard nature of the characters, the distinguished cast, which includes James Earl Jones, Willem Dafoe, Harris Yulin, Donald Moffat, and Henry Czerny, adds to the film's quality. ~ Michael Costello, All Movie Guide Phillip Noyce directs the third entry in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series, a reasonably entertaining techno-thriller for those capable of untangling the plot. Harrison Ford once again stars as the CIA analyst, who here is both elevated to director of intelligence and forced to turn operative when he uncovers a questionable presidential directive regarding a Colombian drug lord. Clancy's right-wing fantasy world has been given a slight twist to the left here at Ford's behest, and one guesses that liberal writer Steve Zaillian and Genghis Khan-worshipper John Milius worked separately. Presumably based on some of William Casey's more lunatic schemes while head of the CIA, the film is a festival of double-crosses and backstabbing in the corridors of power, and throbbing action scenes in the Colombian jungle as the superhuman protagonist tries to save the surviving troops from a blown clandestine operation. Noyce keeps things moving at a steady clip, and does a fine job with the complex action sequences, but there are few surprises here beside the script's criticism of unauthorized covert operations. Despite the cardboard nature of the characters, the distinguished cast, which includes James Earl Jones, Willem Dafoe, Harris Yulin, Donald Moffat, and Henry Czerny, adds to the film's quality. ~ Michael Costello, All Movie Guide

Clear and Present Danger

Clear and Present Danger

Starring: Archer, Anne Jones, James Earl Dafoe, Willem Raimi, Ted Almeida, Joaquim de Moffat, Donald Czerny, Henry Yulin, Harris Yulin, Harris Ford, Harrison
Director: Noyce, Phillip

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 141

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Patriotic American Jack Ryan's (Harrison Ford) just been promoted to Deputy Director of Intelligence for the CIA. But before he can adjust to the demands of his position as advisor to the President, Jack's got to investigate a massacre that took the lives of several dignitaries. Probing relentlessly, Jack uncovers the disturbing truth about criminal activities involving an international drug cartel and a close friend of the United States President. Based on Tom Clancy's bestselling novel. Academy Award Nominations: 2. "You play tennis?" -- Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) Shot in DeLuxe color and Panavision. During post-production, five reels of film were destroyed in the LA film lab in the January earthquake. Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company Inc. was responsible for the smart bomb sequence. Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification. Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures Corporation. Tom Clancy's bestseller has Jack Ryan acting as Head of the CIA when his mentor Admiral Greer falls prey to cancer. On his watch, the President of the United States orders a covert operation to attack some South American druglords responsible for a friend's death. Ryan, who swears before Congress not to engage in covert action, must choose between loyalty and integrity.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Starring: Garr, Teri Dillon, Melinda Truffaut, François Kemmerling, Warren Blossom, Roberts Henriksen, Lance Balaban, Bob Guffey, Cary Guffey, Cary McNamara, Pat
Director: Spielberg, Steven

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Studio Specials : Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment : Columbia Classics
User Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 137

Color Stereo

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND is Steven Spielberg's extraordinary film about a man named Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) who becomes obsessed with meeting extraterrestrials after encountering a UFO on an abandoned road one night. Against the wishes of his wife (Teri Garr) and children, Neary, along with another witness to the sighting (Melinda Dillon), travels to a mysterious mountain where the government has built a landing strip hoping to attract the aliens. Director François Truffaut costars as Claude Lacombe, one of the organizers of the project. Spielberg hoped to follow up the huge success of JAWS with a low-budget film that would be an easy shoot, but, thanks in part to the complicated special effects, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS quickly snowballed into being an expensive endeavor but a commercial and artistic success. No one who has seen the film has ever looked at a plate of mashed potatotes the same way again. Theatrical release: November 16, 1977. The film was shot in India, Alabama, and Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND is number 64 on the American Film Institute's list of Americas 100 Greatest Movies. The small, lithe aliens were played by young girls who Steven Spielberg believed were more graceful than boys. A close encounter of the first kind is when a UFO is sighted. Close encounters of the second kind involve the discovery of physical evidence, and close encounters of the third kind are contact with extraterrestrials. Although actor Richard Dreyfuss won the Oscar for Best Actor that year, he got it for THE GOODBYE GIRL, not for CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND. The laserdisc features interviews with Spielberg, composer John Williams, and special effects man Douglas Trumbull, as well as previously edited material. In 1980, Steven Spielberg issued a reedited version of the film entitled THE SPECIAL EDITION. He shortened some scenes and added a sequence at the end showing the interior of the mother ship. Estimated budget: $20 million. When CLOSE ENCOUNTERS was released in 1977, it quickly became Columbia Pictures' most profitable film, eventually taking in $166 million at the domestic box office and $338 million worldwide. Because Spielberg really wanted the story to surprise spectators, he kept a closed set during production and requested that the actors stay mum about the film's content. One working title of the film was WATCH THE SKIES. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND is director Steven Spielberg’s mesmerizing movie about earth’s encounter with spaceships and alien beings as experienced by one ordinary man. Richard Dreyfuss is Roy Neary, a man who, after encountering an unexplainable phenomenon one night, becomes obsessed with discovering more, to the dismay of his wife and family. Legendary French filmmaker François Truffaut plays the head of a government agency hoping to attract the aliens to an isolated mountaintop in this unforgettable sci-fi thriller.

Complete Superman Collection

Complete Superman Collection

Starring: Reeve, Christopher Pryor, Richard Kidder, Margot Hackman, Gene Beatty, Ned
Director: Donner, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 493

Color Stereo

This set contains all four blockbuster SUPERMAN films starring Christopher Reeve. SUPERMAN: The Superman myth is well told, from his birth on the doomed planet Krypton to his childhood in a small Kansas town and beyond, in Richard Donner's smash hit. After he comes of age, young Clark Kent, as his Earth parents have named him, learns the truth of his alien birth on a voyage of discovery to the Arctic. It is there that he learns--through a link to his long-dead birth parents--of his superhuman abilities and his responsibility to preserve and protect "truth, justice and the American Way." Once he adjusts to life in the big city, Metropolis, he discovers that hiding his superpowers as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent isn't easy as he flirts with hard-nosed Lois Lane and battles supervillain Lex Luthor. SUPERMAN II: Once again mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, hiding his identity as Superman, must fight for law and order. This time around, a triumvirate of nasty villains from the planet Krypton break free of their dimensional prison and hightail it to Earth, where they enjoy the same superpowers as Superman. Meanwhile, Lois Lane has discovered that Superman and Clark are the same person, so Superman debates whether to give up his abilities to become a normal man and share his life with Lois. Richard Lester takes the helm for this sequel, which is arguably the equal of the original hit film. SUPERMAN III: Superman matches wits with an evil mastermind and a computer genius who discovers the one substance that can harm the Man of Steel. Combining the known ingredients of Kryptonite with a guess at the unknown, the genius invents a new Kryptonite that doesn't kill Superman--it turns him evil. Meanwhile, a giant computer has been built for the mastermind that becomes self-aware and cannot be shut off. This entertaining combination of spectacular special effects and irrepressible comedy, once again directed by Richard Lester, features terrific madcap turns by Richard Pryor, Robert Vaughn, and Annette O'Toole and yet another majestic score by John Williams. SUPERMAN IV - THE QUEST FOR PEACE: Superman has recognized at last the greatest threat to humanity, and he is out to rid the world of nuclear weapons. But Lex Luthor, now a nuclear arms entrepreneur, creates Nuclear Man--a solar-powered Kryptonia Android and genetic clone whose powers equal (and potentially surpass) those of Superman--to rid the world of the Man of Steel. Christopher Reeve once again dons the Superman costume, this time for director Sidney J. Furie, receiving wonderful support from regulars Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, and Jackie Cooper in addition to newcomers Mariel Hemingway and Jon Cryer.

Con Air

Con Air

Starring: Rhames, Ving Buscemi, Steve Cage, Nicolas Malkovich, John Meaney, Colm Williamson, Mykelti Ticotin, Rachel Potter, Monica Potter, Monica Santiago, Renoly
Director: West, Simon

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 115

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Nothing makes good-guy non-recidivist offender Cameron Poe happier than the thought of returning to society, where his angelic wife and the equally angelic little girl he's never known are waiting. And nothing makes him angrier than the passel of psychopathic murderers and rapists aboard his prison transport plane--especially when, under the direction of ringleader Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom, they revolt and hijack their own plane. Fortunately, our hero's been trained by the Army as an elite one-man-fighting-machine, and a dogged Justice Department agent waits on the ground to help him bring the fanatical fly-boys in for a bloody crash landing--in Vegas! A hyperactive Molotov cocktail blended from the frenetic efforts of high-octane action producer Jerry Bruckheimer ("The Rock"), hipster-schtick screenwriting specialist Scott Rosenberg, and music video director West. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Original Song ("How Do I Live"), and Best Sound.

Confidence

Confidence

Starring: Garcia, Andy Giamatti, Paul Hoffman, Dustin Weisz, Rachel Logue, Donal Chestnut, Morris Guzman, Luis Burns, Edward Burns, Edward G, Franky
Director: Foley, James

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 98

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Ed Burns gives the best performance of his career in James Foley's fast-moving CONFIDENCE. Foley, who directed David Mamet's GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, has learned much from his mentor, making a who's-conning-whom film worthy of the master of the genre. Burns plays Jake Vig, the leader of a small group of con artists who unknowingly steals money from a sleazy but powerful underworld lord known as King. In order to get his dough back, King forces Vig and his gang to pull off a nearly impossible con that could get nearly everyone involved killed. Meanwhile, Vig is being watched closely by a stubbly federal agent who is following the money. Foley has put together a terrific cast, including Paul Giamatti and Rachel Weisz as part of Vig's crew, Andy Garcia as the fed, Dustin Hoffman as King, and Luis Guzman and Donal Logue as two cops on the take. As in Mamet's films, the audience will have to keep guessing whose side the characters are on right up until the final shot, never quite knowing who's conning whom. Theatrical Release Date: April 25, 2003 (NY/LA)

Contact

Contact

Starring: McConaughey, Matthew Woods, James Hurt, John Skerritt, Tom Bassett, Angela Gifford, Dan Lowe, Rob Fichtner, William Fichtner, William Malone, Jena
Director: Zemeckis, Robert

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 150

Color Stereo

Devoted astronomer Dr. Ellie Arroway undertakes an emotional and spiritual journey after receiving the message she's waited for all her life--a mysterious signal beamed in from alien beings, who pass along instructions for building and piloting a craft that will presumably survive the passage from Earth to their home. While struggling to fund her mission, Arroway also struggles with her feelings about the nature of things, particularly after meeting a charismatic New Age believer who questions her disbelief in God. A deliberately-paced, meditative adaptation of the eponymous novel by Ann Druyan and "pop" astronomer Carl Sagan, who died during production. Academy Award Nomination: Best Sound. Theatrical release: July 11, 1997. CONTACT grossed more than $100 million at the domestic box office and more than $170 million worldwide.

Cool Runnings

Cool Runnings

Starring: Doug E. Doug Leon Candy, John Yoba, Malik Lewis, Rawle
Director: Turteltaub, Jon

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies,
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 98

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Inspired by the true story of the first Jamaican Olympic Bobsled Team. The always appealing Candy is the ex-champion who takes on the four islanders who know nothing about the sport and whips them into champions. A concert film of the 1983 Reggae Sunsplash Festival with Third World, Rita Marley, Gregory Isaacs and others. When a fellow competitor trips Derice at an Olympic qualifying track meet, Derice fails to acquire the final points necessary to get to the summer games. To make matters worse, the local board refuses to reinstate Derice. But there's still way for him to make it to the Olympics. After learning about a wacky American bobsledder living in Jamaica -- who had years earlier attempted to recruit Derice's father for a Jamaican bobsled team -- Derice's competitive spirit is renewed. Realizing that bobsledding may be his golden opportunity, he drafts his go-cart driving buddy Sanka, and talks Winter Olympian Irv Blitzer into coaching this offbeat team. Blitzer whips the dedicated athletes into bobsledding shape despite the total absence of snow. Together they're the weirdest outfit at Calgary -- but no one's more fun at the winter games. "Cool Runnings" is based on the true story of the Jamaican bobsled team, who became audience favorites as beloved underdogs in the 1988 Olympic games. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification.

Courage Under Fire

Courage Under Fire

Starring: Glenn, Scott Gilliam, Seth Pinchot, Bronson Washington, Denzel Ryan, Meg Phillips, Lou Diamond Damon, Matt Moriarty, Michael Moriarty, Michael
Director: Zwick, Edward

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 116

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Following the 1991 Gulf War, Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Serling (Denzel Washington) is assigned to review the background of the late Captain Karen Walden (Meg Ryan), who has been posthumously nominated for a medal of honor. While investigating Walden's candidacy, Serling is forced to face his own disillusionment and guilt surrounding the war. As he begins the interviewing process, he uncovers several inconsistencies in the stories told by the late pilot's crew. The three officers, who may or may not have been saved by the captain's actions, all give drastically different accounts of the events leading up to Walden's death. Ilario (Matt Damon) paints Walden as an unselfish, courageous hero, while the surly Monfriez (Lou Diamond Phillips) describes her as a crybaby and a coward. The third soldier, Altameyer (Seth Gilliam), lies dying in an army hospital, mumbling guilty confessions in a medicated haze. Similar to the storytelling technique used in Akira Kurosawa's RASHOMON, director Edward Zwick's COURAGE UNDER FIRE features each officer's account of the fateful incident reenacted onscreen, offering wildly diverse portrayals of Walden. Meg Ryan shines in a role that demands she play one character a multitude of ways. As Serling pieces together the radically different tales of combat, he uncovers the painful truth and simultaneously faces his own pent-up guilt regarding the war. Theatrical release: July 12, 1996. Filmed in Texas and California. COURAGE UNDER FIRE features one of Matt Damon's first major screen roles. The film's multiple-point-of-view concept is loosely based on Akira Kurosawa's 1950 film RASHOMON. Martin Ritt's THE OUTRAGE is also patterned after Kurosawa's classic film. Assigned to investigate and approve a killed-in-action helicopter pilot's candidacy to become the first female recipient of the congressional medal of honor, a disillusioned former Gulf War officer finds inconsistencies in the stories told by the late pilot's crew.

Coyote Ugly

Coyote Ugly

Starring: Banks, Tyra Bello, Maria Garcia, Adam Moynahan, Bridget Goodman, John Weston, Michael Schiavelli, Vincent Perabo, Piper Perabo, Piper Lynskey, Melanie
Director: McNally, David

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 101

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In COYOTE UGLY, an aspiring songwriter, Violet Sanford (Piper Perabo), leaves her small-town home and her supportive father (John Goodman) for New York City in hopes of starting a music career. But life in the big city is harder than she imagined. Feeling defeated, and unemployed, she hears about a job opening at a bar called Coyote Ugly, and persuades the bar owner, Lil (Mario Bello), to give her a chance among the bar's beautiful brigade of bartenders. When Violet arrives for work the bouncer tells her it's a quiet night, but when she goes inside the bar she is hit by a wall of throbbing music and howling men. Two women are atop the bar, pulling a customer back over it, pulling up his shirt, and pouring beer on his chest. Welcome to COYOTE UGLY. How will Violet deal with the bar? How will it deal with her? What of her songwriting plans? Inside this raucous, raunchy movie, coproduced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer (FLASHDANCE), is a sweet romance between Violet and Kevin (Adam Garcia), a refreshing escape from the chaos of the bar. Theatrical release: August 4, 2000. Locations for COYCOTE UGLY included South Amboy, New Jersey; Atlantic Beach, New York; and New York City, New York. Maria Bello (who plays the bar owner, Lil) explains what "Coyote Ugly" means in the live video chat on the official COYOTE UGLY web site. She says, "Have you ever woken up sober after a one-night stand and you find the guy you're laying next to--he has your arm trapped under his body--he is so ugly you'd rather chew your arm off than risk waking him. Like a coyote in a trap. That's 'Coyote Ugly.'" Melanie Lynskey, who plays Gloria Violet's friend from South Amboy, is the young actress from New Zealand who co-starred with Kate Winslet in HEAVENLY CREATURES (1994) and played one of Drew Barrymore's sisters in EVER AFTER (1998). Aspiring songwriter Violet Sanford (Piper Perabo) leaves her home and father (John Goodman) for New York. But all she finds there is rejection. She hears one of a group of beautiful women is leaving her job in a bar called COYOTE UGLY. Violet persuades the bar owner, Lil (Mario Bello), to give her a chance. When Violet arrives, the bouncer tells her it's a quiet night. She goes in. A wall of noise hits her--throbbing music, howling men. Two women are atop the bar, pulling a customer back over it, pulling up his shirt, pouring beer on his chest. Welcome to COYOTE UGLY. It's a Bruckheimer moment. Since Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson produced FLASHDANCE in 1983, there's been a parade of flashy, hyped-up movies showing a world of gleaming polished surfaces--sometimes metal (GONE IN 60 SECONDS), sometimes female flesh dripping with water or sweat (COYOTE UGLY). How will Violet deal with the bar? How will it deal with her? What of her songwriting plans? Inside this raucous, raunchy movie a sweet story--the romance between Violet and Kevin (Adam Garcia)--is struggling to get out. To top it off, there is even a cameo by LeAnn Rimes.

Cutthroat Island

Cutthroat Island

Starring: Davis, Geena Modine, Matthew Langella, Frank Chaykin, Maury Patrick Malahide
Director: Harlin, Renny

Rating: Unrated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 118

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Amazon.com This mega-budget action epic flopped at the box office with a resounding thud, and it probably deserved that fate for not living up to its lavish potential. But Cutthroat Island has had a healthy shelf life on video, and digital video disc can only improve the film's potential as a spectacular guilty pleasure. Geena Davis plays Morgan, the swashbuckling daughter of an aging buccaneer who inherits one-third of a map to a secret pirate treasure. But the map is in Latin, and she needs a lowdown thief and scoundrel (and presumably a Latin scholar), played by Matthew Modine, to translate the map when they obtain the other two pieces. That's when the mayhem begins and the dashing duo race for the treasure against Morgan's scheming uncle (Frank Langella) and a hoard of greedy pirates. With wall-to-wall action ably handled by Davis's then-husband Renny Harlin, Cutthroat Island is more fun than its box-office performance would indicate. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

D3: The Mighty Ducks

D3: The Mighty Ducks

Starring: Nordling, Jeffrey Estevez, Emilio Selby, David Ackland, Joss Kling, Heidi Jackson, Joshua Weiss, Shaun Larusso, Vincent A. Larusso, Vincent A. Henson, Garette Ratliff
Director: Lieberman, Robert

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time:

Color Digitally Mastered

The Ducks get scholarships to a snooty prep school, and now they've got to prove themselves to their fellow students and their new coach. Off-ice pranks give way to on-ice action in this final entry in the against-all-odds hockey saga. In this third installment of the "Mighty Ducks" series, the misfit hockey playing kids are now teens, attending a tony private school on scholarships. However, they have a new coach, as Gordon Bombay has left his post to work for the Goodwill Games. But Bombay, a lawyer, decides to represent his old team when they start losing and the school threatens to throw them out. The teens face another uphill battle when they must play an older, more ruthless team, who are looking to cook the Ducks. Will the school force the team to fly the coop? And can these gutsy young athletes defy the odds and defeat their foes? Released theatrically in the USA October 4, 1996. Color by Technicolor. Jack White served as the hockey choreographer and technical adviser.

Daddy Day Care (Special Edition)

Daddy Day Care (Special Edition)

Starring: Murphy, Eddie Garlin, Jeff Garlin, Jeff Zahn, Steve King, Regina Nealon, Kevin Jeff Garlin
Director: (III), Steve Carr

Rating: PG
Category: Comedy : General
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 93

Color Dolby

Amazon.com There are some good laughs to be found in Daddy Day Care, especially if you're a preschooler with energy to burn. This romper-room comedy shamelessly exploits its high concept idea--dropping Eddie Murphy into a seething den of rugrats--but kids will have plenty of vicarious fun as Murphy and his fellow laid-off colleague (Jeff Garlin) battle unemployment by opening a day-care center in Eddie's home. In partial Witches mode, Anjelica Huston hams it up as a day-care competitor bent on closing Eddie down, while doofus extraordinaire Steve Zahn is recruited as a third partner in "Daddy Day Care," trying his best to entertain a pack of hyperactive kids who've stopped taking their Ritalin. Zahn makes a funny Star Trek fan (even when the script contains bogus Trekkie trivia), and Murphy deserves credit for giving his all in a comedy that mostly squanders his talent. Indeed, is Daddy Day Care a comedy or every parent's nightmare? Daring viewers can decide for themselves. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition.

Dante's Peak

Dante's Peak

Starring: Brosnan, Pierce Hamilton, Linda Hallahan, Charles Heslov, Grant Elizabeth Hoffman
Director: Donaldson, Roger

Rating: PG-13
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 109

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Amazon.com The first of 1997's volcano disaster movies (the second being Volcano) was arguably the better of the two, but both of them made for passable entertainment with some spectacular special effects to serve as icing on the stale cake. After all, Dante's Peak doesn't pretend to be anything more than an updated variation on a whole catalog of disaster movie clichés. Despite all that, it's reasonably enjoyable. It's an added bonus that the script is just smart enough to allow Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton to play their roles with straight faces, never condescending to the audience of the formulaic story. He's a volcano expert from the U.S. Geological Survey, and she's the mayor of a cozy Washington State town perched beneath a volcano that's about to blow. Telltale signs are everywhere, so evacuation must be carried out immediately. Of course, not everybody's eager to leave, and even some of Brosnan's colleagues think his alarm is premature. This sets the stage for massive ash clouds, rivers of raging mud and molten rock, flattened forests, and death-defying escapes by Brosnan, Hamilton, and some (but not all) of her family, friends, and townsfolk. So what if it's all pretty flaky... and can a four-wheel-drive vehicle travel over fire and molten lava without bursting its tires? Don't ask too many questions, and you'll find Dante's Peak to be (if you'll pardon the pun) a total blast. The Collector's Edition DVD includes a documentary about volcanoes, Getting Close to the Show, in addition to behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive coverage of the creation of special effects, and audio commentary with director Roger Donaldson. --Jeff Shannon

Daredevil

Daredevil

Starring: Duncan, Michael Clarke Farrell, Colin Favreau, Jon Garner, Jennifer Ben-Victor, Paul Terra, Scott Pompeo, Ellen Pantoliano, Joe Pantoliano, Joe Orser, Leland
Director: Johnson, Mark Steven

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 103

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The latest Marvel Comics superhero to hit the big screen is Daredevil (Ben Affleck), a man blinded by a radioactive chemical accident as a young boy but left with superhuman senses and agile acrobatic ability. Like his Marvel compatriot Spider-Man, Daredevil attempts to lead a normal life by day as Matt Murdock, a Hell's Kitchen defense attorney. By night Matt becomes Daredevil, a brooding superhero fighting for justice in the dark and squalid New York streets overrun with vermin and criminal injustice. Wearing a red leather suit and mask, Daredevil leaps from high skyscrapers and tracks his enemies with his radar-like vision, punishing those who are guilty but who he cannot tackle in the courtroom. At the center of the city's villainous underbelly is Daredevil's nemesis Kingpin (Michael Clarke Duncan), and his psychotic, knife-wielding deputy-assassin Bullseye (Colin Farrell). Daredevil fights their powerful forces alone, until he meets Elektra Natchios (Jennifer Garner of ALIAS fame), a skilled martial artist and sexy superheroine who is after Bullseye and Kingpin for murdering her father. Sparks fly as the two heroes take on the underlords of crime together in this action-packed adventure fantasy that will surely delight fans of SPIDER-MAN, X-MEN, or BATMAN. Theatrical Release Date: February 14, 2003

Dave

Dave

Starring: Weaver, Sigourney Langella, Frank Kline, Kevin Dunn, Kevin Rhames, Ving Kingsley, Ben Grodin, Charles
Director: Reitman, Ivan

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 105

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A presidential look-alike finds himself in the oval office "filling in" for the president who has fallen ill. Lacking the political savvy of the real president, "Dave" proceeds to govern the country with a refreshingly straight-forward approach. Academy Award Nominations: Best (Original) Screenplay. Alan Simpson who appears in a cameo and Bill Clinton agree that the movie "kind of gives you a warm feeling." -- Jeff Giles, NEWSWEEK 5/10/1993 "I basically make grand entertainments...I hate pretentious filmmaking." Director Ivan Reitman on "Dave." -- Jeff Giles, NEWSWEEK, 5/10/1993 "In `Dave,' he would basically let me do what I wanted...Then he would ask me to do what he saw. Then he would say, `Do what you want.' In those takes after his directon, I could satisfy both of us." Sigourney Weaver talking about director Ivan Reitman. -- Randall Rothenberg, NEW YORK TIMES, 5/2/1993 Judging by their looks, conservative United States President Bill Mitchell and liberal minded temp-agency owner Dave Kovic could be identical twins separated at birth. When two Secret Service agents, at Chief-of-Staff Bob Alexander's request, clandestinely draft Dave into servicing his country by temporarily standing-in for President Mitchell, the carefree humanitarian gladly answers his call to duty. After all, as the President's look-alike Dave has aped austere Mitchell before. Luckily, the plan goes off without a hitch. But in an ironic twist of fate, President Mitchell is incapacitated, leaving Dave in a political hot-spot. Once Dave takes the extraordinary opportunity to implement progressive programs, reduce the national deficit and significantly effect social change, he nearly overturns Mitchell's reactionary administration, even as the very handlers begin conspiring against him. Co-produced by Lights Entertainment and Donner/Shuler-Donner Productions. Original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Actor Frank Langella gained 25 pounds for the role as chief of staff Bob Alexander in "Dave." Senators Paul Simon, Tom Harkin, Christopher Dodd, Alan Simpson, Howard Metzenbaum and Justice Abner J. Mikva made cameo appearances along with "The McLaughlin Group," liberal columnist Michael Kinsley, journalists Nina Totenberg, Eleanor Clift, Kathleen Sullivan, Richard Reeves, and Helen Thomas. Oliver Stone parodies himself as a conspiracy-theorist guest on the talk show "Larry King Live" and entertainers Jay Leno and Arnold Schwarzenegger play themselves. Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification. When the film was released on video in the UK the rating was changed to BBFC 15.

Deep Impact

Deep Impact

Starring: Duvall, Robert Wood, Elijah Leoni, Téa Redgrave, Vanessa Schell, Maximilian Freeman, Morgan
Director: Leder, Mimi

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 121

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When it is discovered that an enormous comet is on a collision course with Earth, a handful of Americans make different preparations for the end of the world. While Leo Biederman (Elijah Wood), the fourteen-year-old amateur astronomer who discovered the comet, deals with the pangs of first love, an ambitious newswoman (Tea Leoni) attempts to reconcile with her estranged parents. Simultaneously, a former astronaut (Robert Duvall) finds himself in the stars once again in an attempt to prevent the catastrophe from occurring. Mimi Leder (THE PEACEMAKER) directs from a script by Bruce Joel Rubin (GHOST) and Michael Tolkin (THE PLAYER).

Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo

Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo

Starring: Griffin, Eddie Bareikis, Arija Forsythe, William Schneider, Rob La Rue, Chi Chi Fehr, Oded O'Grady, Gail Riehle, Richard Riehle, Richard
Director: Mitchell, Mike

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 89

Color Stereo

Schneider is Deuce Bigalow, a bumbling fish tank cleaner. When Antoine, a successful gigolo with a sick fish, has to leave the country for a few weeks, he offers Deuce the opportunity to housesit for him. Predictably, Deuce manages to trash the place and must enlist the aid of pimp TJ (Griffin) to help him pay for the damages. TJ turns him, in a series of absurd preparations, into a prostitute. The subsequent encounters with self-conscious females provide the film with its biggest laughs, and eventual moral: enable a woman to feel confident about herself and she will learn to love you no matter what you look like. The first film from Adam Sandler's Happy Madison production company.

Diamonds Are Forever

Diamonds Are Forever

Starring: St. John, Jill Wood, Lana Gray, Charles Glover, Bruce Dean, Jimmy Cabot, Bruce Connery, Sean Lee, Bernard Lee, Bernard
Director: Hamilton, Guy

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 120

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Superspy James Bond (Sean Connery) gets tangled up in the wild world of international diamond smuggling. But hold on--the mission is not quite so simple as it seems; his chase of the jewel thieves leads him to conspirators with plans for unleashing a nuclear armageddon on an unsuspecting planet. The majority of the action takes place on the gaudy, glittering streets of Las Vegas, as Bond negotiates the grotesque terrain with his customary aplomb and fancy mechanical gadgets. As always, he manages to dally with several sexy bombshells along the way, including the wonderful Lana Wood as Plenty O'Toole. Connery is as suave and entertaining as ever, taking on the menacing Charles Gray, who is trying his hand at playing Bond's archenemy, Blofeld. Look for the car chase down a narrow alley. Sean Connery is back in the seventh Bond film and the first to utilize American locations. James Bond follows diamond smugglers to Las Vegas, where a Howard Hughes-like millionaire appears to be using them in a deadly space weapon. Academy Award Nominations: Best Sound. Shot in Technicolor. Additional cast: Burt Metcalf (Maxwell), Peter Smith (Kidd), Leonard Barr (Shady Tree), Donna Garratt (Bambi), Trina Parks (Thumper), Edward Bishop (Klaus), and Larry Blake (Barker).

Die Another Day

Die Another Day

Starring: Pike, Rosamund Stephens, Toby Yune, Rick Brosnan, Pierce Cleese, John Madsen, Michael Berry, Halle Dench, Judi Dench, Judi Bond, Samantha
Director: Tamahori, Lee

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 132

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

In DIE ANOTHER DAY, the 20th James Bond adventure, 007 (Pierce Brosnan) gets off to a rough start when he's captured and subsequently tortured during an assignment in North Korea. When the suave secret agent is eventually liberated, he embarks on a dangerous mission that involves tracking a terrorist named Zao (Rick Yune) to Cuba, where 007 also encounters Jinx (Halle Berry), a highly formidable and alluring fellow spy. Soon Bond is back in England following a mysterious trail that leads to Gustav Graves (Toby Stephens), a flamboyant diamond mogul. After a rather bloody introduction, Graves invites 007 to Iceland, where he plans to unveil his enigmatic Icarus project. Before long, Bond and Jinx are reunited and battling Graves, Zao, and other villains bent on world domination. With this Bond installment, directed by Lee Tamahori, 007 catches up with the 21st century, and the results are grittier and more explosive than ever before. Although it begins as one of the darkest and most violent Bond films, the intense mood of DIE ANOTHER DAY is also counterbalanced by typically clever and funny moments. Brosnan is in fine form as the iconic hero, while Berry shines as the immediately likeable Jinx. Stephens and Yune are excellent as the two main bad guys, and the rest of the cast--including Judi Dench, John Cleese, Rosamund Pike, and Michael Madsen--provide key supporting roles. With its hi-tech gadgets and special-effects-laden set pieces, DIE ANOTHER DAY clearly has its eye on the future, but in numerous scenes it also lovingly embraces the past, placing the film in the upper tier of Bond movies. Theatrical release date: November 22, 2002. In DIE ANOTHER DAY, Bond drives an Aston Martin V-12 Vanquish. After the movie was released, sales of this car skyrocketed, breaking all records against other Aston Martin models. Halle Berry's Jinx in DIE ANOTHER DAY performs the same seductive scene, emerging from the sea clad in a bikini and knife holster, as Ursula Andress's Honey Ryder in DR. NO.

Dinosaur

Dinosaur

Starring: Sweeney, D.B. Wright, Samuel E.
Director: Leighton, Eric

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 82

Color Digitally Mastered

With DINOSAUR, Disney breaks a new stride in the technological revolution of computer animation: combining computer-animated characters with digitally enhanced live-action landscapes. The effect is literally unbelievable and the clarity, realness, and definition of the pictures easily make the once surprising effects of virtual reality seem like the dark ages. A dinosaur egg is stolen from its nest and passed along by various birds, animals and other predators each hoping to eat it. Fumbled into a community of kind and nurturing lemurs, it cracks open and Aladar, a baby dinosaur emerges. He lives happily and peacefully among the lemurs, who raise him into adolescence. However, when a natural disaster occurs, wiping out the beautiful rainforest that was their home, teenage Aladar joins a dinosaur pilgrimmage--and discovers his true ancestry--in order to bring his lemur family to safety. Far sweeter and much more realistic than recent dinosaur movies like JURASSIC PARK or even classics like THE LAND BEFORE TIME, these new digital dinosaurs are surprisingly human with emotional eyes and expressive voices that make the magic nearly tangible. With DINOSAUR, Disney breaks a new stride in the technological revolution of computer animation: combining computer-animated characters with digitally enhanced live-action landscapes. The effect is literally unbelievable and the clarity, realness, and definition of the pictures easily make the once surprising effects of virtual reality seem like the dark ages. A dinosaur egg is stolen from its nest and passed along by various birds, animals and other predators each hoping to eat it. Fumbled into a community of kind and nurturing lemurs, it cracks open and Aladar, a baby dinosaur emerges. He lives happily and peacefully among the lemurs, who raise him into adolescence. However, when a natural disaster occurs, wiping out the beautiful rainforest that was their home, teenage Aladar joins a dinosaur pilgrimmage--and discovers his true ancestry--in order to bring his lemur family to safety. Far sweeter and much more realistic than recent dinosaur movies like JURASSIC PARK or even classics like THE LAND BEFORE TIME, these new digital dinosaurs are surprisingly human with emotional eyes and expressive voices that make the magic nearly tangible. Theatrical release: May 19, 2000. Although the Dinosaurs are computer generated, the landscapes are real and were filmed in locations such as Hawaii, Florida, Australia, Western Somoa, and Venezuela. The lemur island, where Aladar grows up, was filmed at the Los Angeles Arboretum. The computer experts who worked on the computer animation filled 550 work stations and used 3.2 million processing hours. In total the film took 4 years to make. The final product uses 45 terabytes of disc space, which is equivalent to 45 million megabytes or 70,000 CD-Roms. The movie includes over 1,300 individual effects shots. There are over 30 species of prehistoric represented in the movie, spanning a variety of sizes and kinds of animals. The gliding lizard measures 12-inches tall, while the Brachiosaur is 120 feet long and weighs over 100 tons. Says Thomas Shumacher, president of Walt Disney Feature Animation, "Technically it is not a movie that could have been made until now. Having our own digital studio gave us the ability to create living breathing characters in realistic environments with the kind of detailed articulating facial expressions we needed to tell our story."

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Starring: Martin, Steve Caine, Michael Harris, Barbara Headly, Glenne Barbara Harris
Director: Oz, Frank

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 110

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Brash, small-time con man (Steve Martin) meets fake prince in exile (Michael Caine) in this outrageous comedy of backstabbing, elaborate lies, and dirty tricks as the two men battle for the prime fleecing territory of a European resort. A wager between the two over duping an American heiress out of her money sends the stakes higher, as the loser must leave town. However, a wily swindler also searching for good territory might have other plans for the two men. Master comedy director Frank Oz (BOWFINGER, IN & OUT) sets two con men against each other in a struggle for a French seaside town, the perfect territory for duping gullible and wealthy vacationers. Smooth and complacent swindler Lawrence Jamieson (Michael Caine) is infuriated when clumsy but effective con man Freddy Benson (Steve Martin) encroaches on his hunting grounds. When Benson proves persistent, Jamieson makes him a bet over who will be the first to get $50,000 out of a visiting American heiress, with the loser leaving town. Trademark physical comedy from Martin and Caine’s smarmy and perfectly timed lines fuel the hilarious competition and decisive showdown--which ends as neither man expects.

Disney's Lion King (Special Platinum Edition)

Disney's Lion King (Special Platinum Edition)

Starring: Broderick, Matthew Jones, James Earl
Director: Minkoff, Rob

Rating: G
Category: Kids & Family : Adventure
User Rating:
Running Time:

Color Dolby

Amazon.com essential video Not an ideal choice for younger kids, this hip and violent animated feature from Disney was nevertheless a huge smash in theaters and on video, and it continues to enjoy life in an acclaimed Broadway production. The story finds a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually comes back to reclaim his proper place. Characters are very strong, vocal performances by the likes of Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are terrific, the jokes are aimed as much (if not more) at adults than kids, the animation is sometimes breathtaking, and the music is more palatable than in many Disney features. But be cautious: this is too intense for the Rugrat crowd. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition. DVD features How good-looking is the restoration of Disney's popular animated film? Take a look at the serviceable but dull film clips incorporated in the plethora of extras and compare them to the vivid gorgeousness of the film presentation. This "special edition" also adds a 90-second song ("Morning Report") that originated in the lavish stage musical. To Disney's credit, the original theatrical version is also included, both restored and featuring two 5.1 soundtracks: Dolby Digital and a new Disney... read more

Don't Say a Word (2001)

Don't Say a Word (2001)

Starring: Douglas, Michael Bean, Sean Murphy, Brittany
Director: Fleder, Gary

Rating: R
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 1 Hour 53 Minutes

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Amazon.com Adapted from Andrew Klavan's bestselling suspense novel, Don't Say a Word is a suitable companion to director Gary Fleder's earlier hit Kiss the Girls, with solid performances serving a plot that begins promisingly. The tension starts when the daughter of a topnotch New York psychiatrist (Michael Douglas) is kidnapped by a bitter ex-con (Sean Bean) with an old score to settle. Aided by an unwitting colleague (Oliver Platt), Douglas can save his daughter by extracting crucial information from a traumatized patient (Brittany Murphy), while his bedridden wife (Famke Janssen) and a tenacious detective (Jennifer Esposito) do their part to solve the mystery. Fleder pushes all the routine buttons with effectively somber style, so Don't Say a Word will satisfy anyone with a preference for high-anxiety thrillers, even as it grows increasingly conventional; it's entertaining without being particularly original. It's a by-the-book programmer, just right for rainy-day viewing. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition.

Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)

Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)

Starring: Murphy, Eddie
Director: (III), Steve Carr

Rating: PG
Category: Comedy : General
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Amazon.com It's only a marginal improvement, but Dr. Dolittle 2 defies the odds by rising above its popular 1998 predecessor (and once again, let's not confuse these movies with the earlier Rex Harrison musical). Eddie Murphy cakewalks through his title role with the confident professionalism of a comedian who knows when to share the spotlight--especially when he's being upstaged by a bunch of animals who steal all the punch lines. And once again the movie's aimed at a preteen audience, so many of those punch lines involve flatulence, bodily functions, and frequent use of the word butt. The difference this time: Dr. Dolittle has settled into his talk-to-the-animals routine; his 16-year-old daughter (Raven-Symone) is getting to be a feisty handful (it turns out she's coping with a hereditary gift); and his lawyer wife (Kristen Wilson) is representing him in a trial against corporate villains who want to clear-cut a local forest. Naturally, the local critter mafia (their Don is a beaver... fugeddaboutit!) want Dolittle to fight for their cause, and this involves the successful mating of an endangered bear and a domesticated circus bear who's forgotten all the bear necessities of life in the wild. The bears are voiced by Lisa Kudrow and Steve Zahn, and they almost steal the show, but the whole menagerie (with digitally animated "talking") is equally amusing. Adults might wish that the filmmakers had tried harder to make a truly memorable sequel, but this is a movie for kids, and they're going to love it without quibbling. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition.

Dr. No

Dr. No

Starring: Andress, Ursula Lord, Jack Wiseman, Joseph Kitzmiller, John Lee, Bernard Maxwell, Lois Marshall, Zena Gayson, Eunice Gayson, Eunice Dawson, Anthony
Director: Young, Terence

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 111

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With DR. NO, the first of the James Bond films, director Terence Young and leading man Sean Connery set the precedent for what would become one of the most popular, influential, and long-lasting series ever made. Bond makes his first famous introduction, "Bond, James Bond," in an upscale casino, to a saucy brunette named Slyvia Trench (Eunice Gayson), who he promptly coaxes into a dinner date. Back at Secret Service Headquarters, M (Bernard Lee) assigns Bond to a mission in Jamaica. An agent who was investigating strange activity with nuclear weapons in Cape Canaveral has disappeared, and Bond is to take up where he left off. His contact, CIA operative Felix Leiter (Jack Lord) reminds Bond that his title, "007," means he has license to kill, not be killed. This advice comes in handy in Jamaica as assassins relentlessly emerge from the woodwork, desperately trying to bring Bond down. Bond makes his way to Crab Key Island to find evil scientist Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman), the primary suspect. There he is met with the obstacle of Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress), a deadly beauty who emerges from the sea in a tiny bikini with a knife holster slung about her hips, in one of the most seductive Bond-girl moments of all time. With a striking lack of gadgets, DR. NO is a heartier mystery than subsequent films in the series, providing for some excellent adventures in which Bond must rely on his own clever spy skills to get out of sticky situations. Theatrical release date: May 11, 1963. The character of James Bond comes from a literary series by Ian Fleming. Bond is introduced in the 1953 book CASINO ROYALE. Director Terence Young also helmed James Bond films FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THUNDERBALL.

Drowning Mona

Drowning Mona

Starring: DeVito, Danny Midler, Bette Campbell, Neve Curtis, Jamie Lee Affleck, Casey Ferrell, Will Dobson, Peter Walter, Tracey Walter, Tracey O'Connor, Raymond
Director: Gomez, Nick

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 94

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Director Nick Gomez is known for gritty urban street tales like LAWS OF GRAVITY and NEW JERSEY DRIVE. So while the subject matter of DROWNING MONA isn't necessarily a departure, the film's farcical tone certainly is. During the opening credits, the despicable Mona Dearly (Bette Midler) is seen driving her Yugo into the Hudson River. This sets off an investigation headed up by Chief Rash (Danny DeVito), who quickly determines that Mona was murdered. Now his problem is that everyone who knew the woman is a possible suspect. Her self-described battered husband, Phil (William Fichtner), her unnaturally dumb son, Jeff (Marcus Thomas), and her son's much-abused, good-natured landscaping partner, Bobby Calzone (Casey Affleck) all have motives. Complicating matters, Phil and Jeff were both having an affair with the same waitress (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Bobby is engaged to Chief Rash's lovely daughter, Ellen (Neve Campbell). The comedy has its dark moments--there is a grisly running joke about how Jeff lost his hand--but the energetic cast, the film's colorful palette, and quick pacing help make the film quirky fun. Theatrical release: March 3, 2000. Casey Affleck (Bobby Calzone) is the brother of actor Ben Affleck. Actor Michael Rappaport (who starred in Gomez's ILLTOWN) is thanked in the films closing credits. "Mona Dearly" is an anagram for "Only a dream." Actor Peter Dobson (Feege) played Elvis Presley in FORREST GUMP and Joe DiMaggio in NORMA JEAN AND MARILYN. Producer Al Corley played Steven Carrington on the first season of the television series, DYNASTY. He also worked as a doorman at Studio 54. Actor Paul Schulze (Jimmy D.) made his feature film debut in Gomez's LAWS OF GRAVITY. He also played Father Phil on THE SOPRANOS.

Dumbo

Dumbo

Starring: Holloway, Sterling Brophy, Edward
Director: Sharpsteen, Ben

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Classics : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 64

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Deceptively simple, beautiful, moving, and hilarious, DUMBO is often overlooked when considering Disney's greatest films because perhaps of its lack of extravagance, its brief running time, and its simple story. Baby elephant Jumbo Jr. is delivered by the stork to his elephant mom with much fanfare but soon receives a cold shoulder from the snobby female pachyderms and the rest of the circus due to his oversize ears. When his mother goes on a rampage in order to protect him from some snickering rubes, she winds up locked away. Dumbo is left without a friend in the world until the street-smart Timothy Mouse decides to become his manager and a telephone line full of delightful jive-talking crows convince him he can fly. Highlights include Dumbo accidentally getting drunk and experiencing the surreal musical sequence "Pink Elephants on Parade" and a soundtrack packed with such priceless songs as the Oscar-winning "Baby Mine" and the crow's soulful number, "When I see an Elephant Fly." There's nary an imperfect moment to be found in this raucous, tender, sublime film, which has been delighting audiences for generations. Theatrical release: October 23, 1941. Rereleased in 1949, 1959, 1972, and 1976. DUMBO is the fourth full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. Shot in three-strip Technicolor. The film won the 1947 Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Animation Design. "That's it! Dumbo, you flew! Boy, am I stupid; why didn't I think of this before?! Your ears--they're perfect wings! The very things that held you down are gonna carry you up, and up, and up!"--Timothy Mouse (voice of Edward Brophy) In this classic animated Disney film, a baby circus elephant is cruelly mocked until he realizes that his enormous ears are a blessing in disguise: He can fly. Soon Dumbo becomes the greatest show on earth.

E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (Widescreen Collector's Edition)

E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial (Widescreen Collector's Edition)

Starring: Thomas, Henry Barrymore, Drew
Director: Spielberg, Steven

Rating: PG
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy : General
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Amazon.com essential video Steven Spielberg's 1982 hit about a stranded alien and his loving relationship with a fatherless boy (Henry Thomas) struck a chord with audiences everywhere, and it furthered Spielberg's reputation as a director of equally strong commercial sensibilities and classical leanings. Henry Thomas gives a strong, emotional performance as E.T.'s young friend, Robert MacNaughton and Drew Barrymore make a solid impression as his siblings, and Dee Wallace is lively as the kids' mother. The special effects almost look a bit quaint now with all the computer advancements that have occurred since, but they also have more heart behind them than a lot of what we see today. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition. DVD features Universal pulled a fast one when they placed both the 1982 and 2002 versions of E.T. on this standard DVD release. The result is an excellent two-disc set that contains nearly all of the material on the higher-priced ultimate edition (minus the handsome packaging). On the disc one bonus menu, you must play through the two-minute introduction to see a short on the 2002 premiere of the film that was accompanied by John Williams conducting a live orchestra. There is an option to see the film with... read more

Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands

Starring: Ryder, Winona Wiest, Dianne Price, Vincent Arkin, Alan Hall, Anthony Michael Baker, Kathy Larkin, Bryan Depp, Johnny Depp, Johnny
Director: Burton, Tim

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Drama : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 105

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In Tim Burton's EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, a suburban fairy tale with incredibly imaginative sets, an Avon lady, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest), discovers the half-finished experiment--a man/monster named Edward (Johnny Depp)--of a mad scientist (played magically by Vincent Price) living in the neighborhood's old abandoned castle. The scientist died before replacing the shy man's large shears with real hands. When Peg attempts to bring Edward into her suburban world, to live among her skeptical family (husband Alan Arkin and daughter Winona Ryder) and gossipy neighbors, his hands--dangerous yet capable of creating things of great beauty--make for some awkward, funny, and poignant situations: Edward as a topiary gardener, Edward as a cutting-edge hair stylist. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS is a story about tolerance, difference, and creativity as much as it is a story of a young man's coming of age (the young man in question is, of course, a monster). In the ironically surreal world of Edward's suburban community, he must try to find his place in it, and in the world at large. A fairy tale, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS is a brilliant story of a man-made experiment: a monster with long shears for hands. Edward lives in the dark and forbidding castle, overlooking a brightly colored suburb, until the Avon lady comes calling one day. Her motherly instincts tell her to take this poor, lonely creature home to live with her family. There, Edward goes through a series of growing experiences, some of them funny, some of them frightening, while trying to find his place in the world. The film opened in New York City and Los Angeles December 7, 1990, and was released nationwide December 14, 1990. Filmed in the Land O'Lakes housing settlement, located north of Tampa, Florida. Forty-four of the fifty houses in this area were painted in pastel shades like pink, green, blue, and yellow to give the "previously subdued neighborhood a timeless, classic suburban look." Huge topiary statues consisting of chicken wire and metal frameworks with plastic greens attached and animal-shaped shrubs, meant to be examples of Edward's work, were later added to their front yards. The character of Edward is said by film critics and historians to be a reflection of how director Tim Burton sees himself. The role of The Inventor was actor Vincent Price's last screen role; he died of lung cancer in Hollywood Hills, California on October 25, 1993 at the age of 82. In a film career than spanned 55 years, he appeared in over 100 films, only a fraction of which were either as villains or sinister protagonists in horror thrillers for which he was famous, such as THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM (1961), THE RAVEN (1963), and THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (1964), all of which were based on macabre E.A. Poe stories.

Encino Man

Encino Man

Starring: Astin, Sean Fraser, Brendan
Director: Mayfield, Les

Rating: PG
Category: Comedy
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Amazon.com Brendan Fraser made his film debut in this 1992 comedy that never quite discovers its audience constituency. On the one hand, it features Pauly Shore, which would seem to define the picture's tone and identity accordingly. On the other hand, the film's other leading man is Sean Astin, the earnest star of Rudy, suggesting that Encino Man will have a lot of heart despite its silly premise. But none of that turns out to be true. Fraser plays an unfrozen caveman discovered by a pair of California high school outcasts (Shore and Astin). As the grunting newcomer becomes popular with the other kids, Shore and Astin try to bask in his reflected glow. Fraser, beginning a long movie career playing cartoonish goofballs, works entirely on instinct and earns his laughs. Shore, however, relies on his familiar verbal shtick, and Astin makes a great overgrown puppy pining after a lost girlfriend. Directed by Les Mayfield, who came to this project from his acclaimed documentary, Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse. --Tom Keogh

Enemy of the State

Enemy of the State

Starring: Hackman, Gene Voight, Jon King, Regina Dean, Loren Busey, Jake Pepper, Barry Byrne, Gabriel Caan, Scott Caan, Scott Bonet, Lisa
Director: Scott, Tony

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 132

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Robert Dean (Will Smith) is a labor lawyer who is unknowingly in possession of evidence related to a serious politically motivated crime. Government agents eager to hide their guilt believe that Dean is on to them, and proceed to turn his life upside-down, ruin his reputation, and frame him for various incidents, thanks to the latest in high-tech government surveillance techniques. In an attempt to clear his name and reclaim his life, Dean teams up with the reclusive Brill (Gene Hackman), a former federal employee who has as much high-tech equipment and expertise as the government itself. Hackman's role is an extension of Harry Caul, the character he portrayed in Francis Ford Coppola's brilliant 1974 film, THE CONVERSATION. Smith scores as a man who is desperate to reclaim his identity and prove his innocence. This intense technological thrill-ride from director Tony Scott questions how much access the government should have to the communications of private citizens, and leaves the viewer with the unsettling feeling that Big Brother is definitely watching. Watch for the uncredited appearances of Jason Robards, Seth Green, Tom Sizemore, and Philip Baker Hall. In Tony Scott's ENEMY OF THE STATE, a lawyer unwittingly discovers evidence of a serious politically-motivated crime. Federal agents eager to cover up their crime proceed to turn his life upside-down and ruin his reputation, thanks to the latest in high-tech surveillance techniques. The film features various connections to Francis Ford Coppola's brilliant 1974 film, THE CONVERSATION. Theatrical release: November 20, 1998. Filmed in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland. ENEMY OF THE STATE is closely connected to Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 film, THE CONVERSATION, which also stars Gene Hackman. A past photograph of Hackman's character, Brill, in ENEMY OF THE STATE is actually a shot of Hackman as Harry Caul in THE CONVERSATION. It's implied that they are the same character under different aliases. The film also shares similarities with Wim Wenders's THE END OF VIOLENCE, which shares actors Gabriel Byrne and Loren Dean, as well as a similar techno-surveillance theme. Jason Robards, Philip Baker Hall, Tom Sizemore, and Seth Green make uncredited appearances in the film. It's not paranoia if they're really after you. "Why are they after me?"--Robert Dean (Will Smith) "You have something they want."--Brill (Gene Hackman) "I don't have anything!"--Dean "Maybe you do and you don't know it."--Brill "What the hell is happening?!"--Dean "I blew up the building."--Brill "Why?!"--Dean "Because you made a phone call!"--Brill "If you live another day, I'll be very impressed."--Brill to Dean

Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich

Starring: Eckhart, Aaron Finney, Albert Ferrell, Conchata Roberts, Julia Harrold, Jamie Walter, Tracey Helgenberger, Marg Kennedy, Mimi Kennedy, Mimi Coyote, Peter
Director: Soderbergh, Steven

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 132

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Julia Roberts reaffirms her superstar status with ERIN BROCKOVICH, an inspirational drama that is based on a true story. Roberts plays Erin Brockovich, a twice-divorced mother of three who is struggling to remain afloat. After she is involved in a car accident, she loses what should have been a lucrative settlement. Jobless and pressured, Erin convinces the attorney from her case, Ed Masry (Albert Finney), to hire her as a lawyer’s assistant. She also befriends her neighbor George (Aaron Eckhart), a sexy biker whose dedication to her children appears too good to be true. As Erin settles into her job, she convinces Ed to let her pursue a case that involves the residents of a local community. Apparently, several of the townspeople have become sick with cancer and other diseases. The more that Erin investigates, the more sure she becomes of the guilt of Pacific Gas & Electric Company, an incredibly powerful corporation. Steven Soderbergh shoots BROCKOVICH with a flashy realism that allows Roberts to shine every second she appears onscreen. Theatrical release: March 17, 2000. Shot on location in various California cities (Barstow, Boron, Hinkley, Oxnard, Ventura, and the campus of UCLA). The film grossed more than $125 million at the box office. Both the real-life Erin Brockovich-Ellis and Ed Masry have cameos in the film. Julia Roberts and Erin Brockovich-Ellis did not meet each other until the middle of filming so as not to cause any distractions or forced imitations. However, Erin did spend time on the set; she found the experience of watching her life unfold in front of her "surreal" and "agonizing." The first cut of the film ran 3:15; more than an hour was cut out in the final print. The DVD release includes many of these deleted scenes, with the director talking about why they were cut. Among the scenes cut were shots of Erin taking a picture of the plant; however, that scene still ran in the trailer. Even Soderbergh fave Mike Malone (OUT OF SIGHT, SCHIZOPOLIS) ended up on the cutting-room floor. An entire subplot involving Erin becoming sick was cut from the film. Some of the extras in the crowd during the firehouse speech scene were actual plaintiffs in the case. Also, Judge Leroy A. Simmons plays himself in the film. Beware: Spoiler! Erin's indomitable spirit helped get the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history ($333 million). Paul Tatara and Paul Clinton of cnn.com and Jeff Strickler of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune named ERIN BROCKOVICH one of the 10 best films of 2000; the Las Vegas Film Critics Society named ERIN BROCKOVICH the best film of 2000. Julia Roberts won a People's Choice Award in January 2001 for Favorite Motion Picture Actress. The San Diego Film Critics Society named Julia Roberts Best Actress for ERIN BROCKOVICH, in a tie with Laura Linney for YOU CAN COUNT ON ME; the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the National Board of Review, and the Broadcast Film Critics Association also named Roberts Best Actress. The National Society of Film Critics, the Las Vegas Film Critics Society, the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the Florida Film Critics Circle, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the National Board of Review, and the New York Film Critics Circle named Steven Soderbergh Best Director of 2000. Steven Soderbergh was nominated for two Golden Globes for Best Director, for ERIN BROCKOVICH and TRAFFIC. Susannah Grant and Richard LaGravenese won Best Original Screenplay for ERIN BROCKOVICH from the Las Vegas Film Critics Circle. ERIN BROCKOVICH received Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture--Drama, Best Director--Motion Picture (Steven Soderbergh), Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture--Drama (Julia Roberts), and Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Albert Finney). Julia Roberts won for her lead performance. "I'm smart, I'm hardworking, and I'll do anything. And I'm not leaving here without a job."--Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) to Ed Masry (Albert Finney) "Don't be too nice to me.

Escape to Witch Mountain

Escape to Witch Mountain

Starring: Milland, Ray Pleasence, Donald Albert, Eddie Richards, Kim Pyle, Denver Eisenmann, Ike Barnes, Walter Shaw, Reta Shaw, Reta
Director: Hough, John

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Adventure
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 97

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The ever present versatility of Walt Disney motion pictures is demonstrated in this film about two psychic orphans who head for Witch Mountain to escape evil and find their own identities. When their unusual psychic abilities attract the attention of a greedy industrialist, he tries to capture them for his own profit. But the plucky duo soon escape, intent on finding their real home and discovering the secret to their magical powers. This Disney film was adapted from a novel by Alexander Key. Sequel made in 1978 "Return from Witch Mountain" also directed by John Hough.

Evolution

Evolution

Starring: Moore, Julianne Scott, Seann William Duchovny, David Jones, Orlando Aykroyd, Dan Burrell, Ty Levine, Ted Silverman, Sarah Silverman, Sarah
Director: Reitman, Ivan

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 102

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Director Ivan Reitman (GHOSTBUSTERS, STRIPES, DAVE) turns from ghosts to aliens in this comedy starring David Duchovny, Orlando Jones, and Julianne Moore. When a meteor crashes into the Arizona desert, local community college professors Ira Kane (Duchovny) and Harry Block (Jones) are shocked to discover that it has introduced rapidly evolving aliens to Earth. Although the professors try to keep their discovery a secret, the U.S. military takes over the investigation, sealing off the fantastic creatures and the environment that the aliens have established. But when aliens start popping up on nearby golf courses and in the local mall, it's up to Kane and Block to save the world. With a little help from Allison Reed (Julianne Moore), a clumsy scientist with the Center for Disease Control, and Wayne Green (Seann William Scott), a dim-witted country club pool manager and fireman-wannabe, the two professors devise a plan using an unlikely weapon to kill the alien population before it wipes out the human race. Fittingly, former Ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd appears as the governor of Arizona. Theatrical release: June 8, 2001

Executive Decision

Executive Decision

Starring: Seagal, Steven Berry, Halle Suchet, David Russell, Kurt Leguizamo, John Morton, Joe Platt, Oliver
Director: Baird, Stuart

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 133

Color Digital

An elite military team must board an airborne, hijacked plane to defuse a nerve gas bomb that could wipe out the entire East Coast. The plot follows a "Die Hard" formula, providing competent suspense. A flight en route to Washington, D.C. is hijacked by Islamic terrorists, who demand $50 million and their leader's release. To show that they mean business, the men have smuggled enough nerve gas onboard to wipe out half of the U.S. The government must now make an "executive decision" as to whether to shoot down the plane and sacrifice the passengers, for the sake and safety of America. In the meantime, a gung-ho, multi-ethnic task force is sent into action, led by no-nonsense Austin Travis, and including intelligence analyst David Grant. They attempt to sneak onto the plane in midair, using an experimental aircraft that attaches to the bottom of the jetliner. However, Travis does not survive. Now, The tuxedoed Grant (who's more comfortable behind a desk) must lead the commandoes, and find a way to stop the terrorists -- before it's too late. Released theatrically in the USA March 15, 1996. The film grossed $52.6 million domestically. Color by Technicolor. Directorial debut for editor Stuart Baird. Soundtrack album on Varese Sarabande CDs. Copyright 1996 Warner Bros.

Face/Off

Face/Off

Starring: Travolta, John Cage, Nicolas Allen, Joan Nivola, Alessandro Gershon, Gina Dominique Swain
Director: Woo, John

Rating: R
Category: Action
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 140

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The third of John Woo's American-made feature films, Face/Off stars John Travolta as Sean Archer, an FBI agent obsessed with capturing Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage), a criminal genius who years before killed Archer's son while trying to assassinate the agent. Archer's single-minded pursuit of Troy has caused serious harm to his marriage, but Archer thinks the light may have appeared at the end of the tunnel when a seriously wounded Troy is captured in a bloody shootout. However, it turns out that Troy has planted a time bomb, with a biological payload that could destroy the entire city of Los Angeles -- and Troy isn't about to say where it is. The only other person who knows the bomb's location is Troy's brother, Pollux (Alessandro Nivola), who is no more helpful than Castor. FBI scientists hatch a plan: they have developed an experimental surgery which would allow them to graft Troy's face temporarily on Archer's head and allow him to question Pollux as if he were his brother. But after Archer has taken Troy's face, Troy regains consciousness and forces the doctors to give him Archer's face. Now the criminal mastermind has the FBI at his disposal, and the lawman is underground with few places to turn. Along with Woo's usual elaborately choreographed action scenes, Face/Off features a number of notable supporting performances, including Joan Allen as Archer's wife, Colm Feore and C.C.H. Pounder as FBI scientists, and Gina Gershon as Troy's loyal but long-suffering girlfriend. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide The third time was the charm for John Woo in Hollywood, as his 1997 blockbuster Face/Off reached the passionate intensity of his best Hong Kong works. Anchored by dexterous performances by John Travolta and Nicolas Cage as the face-switching antagonists Sean Archer and Castor Troy, the preposterous story line becomes apt material for Woo to once again examine the intimate bond between cop and villain. Whether literally attempting to blow away the man in the mirror or insinuating themselves into the other's personal life, Travolta and Cage inhabit each other's persona with an adept mix of pathos and glee, rendering the transformation as plausible as it is fun. Woo's virtuoso action sequences, culminating in a dove-ridden church shoot-out reminiscent of The Killer (1989), are replete with his signature balletic slow-motion, razor-sharp editing, and two-fisted gunplay, reaching the emotional pitch of high melodrama with well-choreographed visuals akin to a lethal musical. Hailed for its action pyrotechnics and its strong, high-class cast, Face/Off became a summer hit and Woo's first unqualified American success. ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide The DVD release of John Woo's best Hollywood film is sadly lacking in the special features department; in fact, there is absolutely nothing here aside from the original theatrical trailer. Woo's approach to action filmmaking is radically different than the standard Hollywood formula, and this disc would have benefited greatly from a director's commentary, or at least a "making of" featurette. Technically, however, the disc is superb: the film is presented in anamorphic, widescreen format in the theatrical ratio of 1.85:1, and the transfer is very crisp and clear. There is little to no pixellation, the light colors do not bleed over, and the blacks are deep and rich. The soundtrack is a well-balanced 5.1 Digital mix, and the action sequences give the Surround properties an excellent workout. The .1 track has a good, solid presence that perfectly accentuates the frequent gunshots and explosions. There is a strong focus on the center channel which does a great deal to keep the dialogue separate from the background sounds. Viewers who pick up this disc looking for extras will be disappointed; what they will get is simply a nice transfer of an excellent action film. ~ Andrew Hercock, All Movie Guide

Far and Away

Far and Away

Starring: Kidman, Nicole Cruise, Tom Gibson, Thomas Prosky, Robert Meaney, Colm Babcock, Barbara Prosky, Robert
Director: Howard, Ron

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 140

Color Stereo

Ron Howard’s epic tale tells the story of two Irish immigrants’ quest for land during the 1890s Oklahoma land rush. Tom Cruise stars as Joseph Donnelly, an ambitious young farmer in western Ireland. When a local protest against wealthy landlord Daniel Christie (Robert Prosky) results in the death of his father, Joseph seeks revenge. But his attempt at vengeance is thwarted by Shannon Christie (Nicole Kidman), the landlord's high-spirited and headstrong daughter, who stabs Joseph with a pitchfork. While convalescing at the Christies' manor, Joseph is propositioned by Shannon, who asks him to travel with her to America--where she is determined to acquire some of the free land being given away in the Oklahoma Territory. Arriving in Boston, Joseph acts as protective brother to Shannon in the foreign city streets as they struggle to earn the money to travel out west. Set in Ireland, FAR AND AWAY tells the story of Joseph, a poor tenant farmer determined to bring justice to an oppressive landlord. Instead, he finds himself accompanying the landlord's daughter, Shannon, to America in a quest for land. In the excitement of the Oklahoma land rush, they realize their dreams of land and life together. "Far and Away," was shot with 65m stock with Panavision's new super 70 equipment and was released as a 70mm film. It is the first film in almost thirty years to be made this way. Apparently the new super 70 equipment achieves a normal panavision aspect ratio, one not as wide as the Super Panavision 70 process of thirty years ago. The last film shot on 70mm stock was "Ryan's Daughter," also set in Ireland. This film stock was rendered obsolete for many years, partially because it is very expensive.

Feeling Minnesota

Feeling Minnesota

Starring: Reeves, Keanu Diaz, Cameron
Director: (II), Steven Baigelman

Rating: R
Category: Comedy
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Amazon.com In his debut effort, director/writer Steven Baigleman put together an interesting premise and collected a talented cast to execute it. Unfortunately, he never sets the tone, so we are caught between a wildly black comedy and an emotionally brutal drama. A firmer footing in either genre would have better defined our reactions to it. Keanu Reeves plays Jjaks, a man so badly trod upon by fate that his very name is the result of a typo. He arrives back at his mother's house in a lower working-class Minnesota neighborhood to witness the marriage of his older brother (Vincent D'Onofrio) to an obviously reluctant bride (Cameron Diaz). By the time Jjaks is on his way, he's stolen a car, a dog, and his brother's wife. You have to give Baigleman credit for serving up intriguing characters. Unfortunately, he spins the story in circles instead of moving it along. Reeves and Diaz attempt to leave Minnesota, but never quite make it. Reeves repeatedly returns to a boyhood home he hates, always stumbling into his brother's angry clutches. What does work are the performances. Diaz is both sad and strong as the tough cookie who happens to be the smartest character in the movie. D'Onofrio's stupid nastiness is offset by his crushing love for her and an uncontrollable jealousy of Jjaks. Most surprising is Reeves, who makes us feel for his angry, unhappy loser by revealing flashes of decency under a toughened exterior. --Rochelle O'Gorman --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

Starring: Sutherland, Donald Rhames, Ving Buscemi, Steve Gilpin, Peri Baldwin, Alec Ming-Na David, Keith Woods, James Woods, James Keith David
Director: Sakaguchi, Hironobu

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 108

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Directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi (who also created the best-selling series of video games that inspired the film), the groundbreaking FINAL FANTASY, which stars a startlingly lifelike cast of animated characters, is the first photo-realistic computer-generated feature film ever made. In the year 2065, Earth has been taken over by a race of alien phantoms and transformed into a barren wasteland sprinkled with dome-enclosed barrier cities--the last remaining bastions of human civilization. Dr. Aki Ross (voiced by actress Ming-Na) has teamed up with Captain Gray Edwards (Alec Baldwin) to search for the "eighth spirit," a powerful entity dwelling in an unknown life form somewhere on the planet. It holds the key to perfecting a system of energy waves that will neutralize the phantoms. Ross's opponent is the reckless General Hein (James Woods), who is determined to put a stop to the alien invasion by firing a satellite cannon directly into a nest of phantoms located deep within the Earth, even though this could mean obliterating the planet itself and all life upon it. Theatrical Release: JULY 11, 2001

Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo

Starring: Brooks, Albert DeGeneres, Ellen
Director: Unkrich, Lee

Rating: G
Category: Disney Home Video : All Disney Titles
User Rating:
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Amazon.com A delightful undersea world unfolds in Pixar's animated adventure Finding Nemo. When his son Nemo is captured by a scuba-diver, a nervous-nellie clownfish named Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) sets off into the vast--and astonishingly detailed--ocean to find him. Along the way he hooks up with a scatterbrained blue tang fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), who's both helpful and a hindrance, sometimes at the same time. Faced with sharks, deep-sea anglers, fields of poisonous jellyfish, sea turtles, pelicans, and much more, Marlin rises above his neuroses in this wonderfully funny and nonstop thrill ride--rarely does more than 10 minutes pass without a sequence destined to become a theme park attraction. Pixar continues its run of impeccable artistic and economic success (their movies include Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, and Monsters, Inc). Also featuring the voices of Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush, and Allison Janney. --Bret Fetzer --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition. DVD features It's not that the folks at Pixar are geniuses when it comes to DVDs... well, come to think of it, their fifth DVD set shows these folks are wizards. It's not just that the two discs are packed with watchable extras that hardly reiterate the same information; it's how they are handled--funny, inventive, with a light touch--unlike many PR-driven discs. A good place to start is the filmmakers' jolly commentary track, which branches off into 31 minutes of behind-the-scene stuff, deleted scenes, and... read more

Fleetwood Mac - The Dance

Fleetwood Mac - The Dance

Starring: Fleetwood Mac McVie, Christine
Director: Gowers, Bruce

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Music Video & Concerts : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 116

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A 1997 reunion concert of the quintessential members of Fleetwood Mac (Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Stevie Nicks) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of their classic, multi-million selling album, "Rumours." Filmed in conjunction with MTV over three nights at a sound stage in Los Angeles, the band performs titles from the album, such as "Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)," "Gold Dust Woman," "Dreams," and "You Make Loving Fun" as well as such favorites as "Rhiannon," "Say You Love Me," "Sara," "Landslide," and "Over My Head." This was band's first concert appearance with the classic lineup since 1982.

Force 10 From Navarone

Force 10 From Navarone

Starring: Bach, Barbara Fox, Edward Ford, Harrison Shaw, Robert Franco Nero
Director: Hamilton, Guy

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 93

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The survivors of Navarone have been given a new, and even more difficult assignment - they must destroy a huge bridge located deep in the Balkans. However, in their midst is a traitor who betrays them to the enemy, and nearly succeeds in foiling their plans. Although "Force 10 From Navarone" in not a sequel to 1961's "The Guns of Navarone", it features two characters from the earlier classic. This time the action is set in the Balkans, where the British daredevils are sent to destroy a bridge important to the German offensive. They are led by a young American Colonel and joined by Tito's Yugoslav partisans.

Forrest Gump

Forrest Gump

Starring: Wright, Robin Sinise, Gary Williamson, Mykelti Hanks, Tom Field, Sally Osment, Haley Joel Brisbin, David
Director: Zemeckis, Robert

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 141

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The title character leads viewers through an accidental travelogue of American social history from the early 1960s through the present in this revisionist fable. Vietnam, desegregation, Watergate and more are presented from the perspective of Hanks' lovably slow-witted character as he finds himself embroiled in situations he can't quite comprehend. Academy Award Nominations: 13, including Best Picture, Best Actor--Tom Hanks, and Best Director. Academy Awards: 6, including Best Picture, Director, Actor and Adapted Screenplay. The magical story of Forrest Gump, a sweet-natured idiot savant from rural Alabama. As he goes down the road of life, mouthing pithy and quotable homilies, he encounters luminaries such as John Lennon, Elvis Presley and JFK. But all the while he can't forget one special girl from his childhood... "Now the really good thing about meetin' the President of the United States is the food." "My name's Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump!" -- Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) "Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get" -- Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) Theatrical release: July 6, 1994. FORREST GUMP made more than $325 million at the domestic box office and more than $675 million worldwide. The famous, oft-quoted line said by Forrest Gump in the film: "Life is like a box of chocolates," is a total reworking of the original line in the novel which reads: "Let me say this: bein' an idiot is no box of chocolates." "To make Sinise appear to be a double amputee, the filmmakers relied on a combination of computer artistry, a trick wheelchair that hid Sinise's legs from the knees down and a limber actor... Sinise did suffer a minor leg injury while making 'Gump,' ironically during a scene in which Forrest (Tom Hanks) carries him out of the Vietnam jungle. 'My inner thigh kept bouncing on his shoulder. It was like taking a jackhammer to it,' says Sinise. 'I developed a huge contusion and couldn't bend my leg to get into the wheelchair.'" -- USA TODAY, July 7, 1994

Freeway

Freeway

Starring: Plummer, Amanda Shields, Brooke Sutherland, Kiefer Weiss, Michael T. Witherspoon, Reese Hedaya, Dan Woodbine, Bokeem Bodison, Wolfgang Bodison, Wolfgang
Director: Bright, Matthew

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 91

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A hip, darkly comic on-the-road tale about a young woman who has an unfortunate encounter with a figurative big, bad wolf while hitching a ride to grandma's house to escape her abusive family. Little Red Riding Hood it ain't. Released theatrically in New York City October 18, 1996. Screened at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. Presented by Republic Pictures, Kushner-Locke and Samuel Hadida in association with August Entertainment and Davis Films. An Illusion Entertainment Group and Muse/Wyman production. The Republic Pictures laserdisc version (Cat. #26248) features audio commentary by the director and the original theatrical trailer. Additional cast: Kitty Fox (Grandma). Initially rated MPAA NC-17, but edited and re-rated MPAA R. Produced by Dayton Way Pictures III, Inc. Copyright 1996 Freeway Productions, LLC.

From Russia with Love

From Russia with Love

Starring: Lenya, Lotte Connery, Sean Shaw, Robert Bianchi, Daniela Armendariz, Pedro
Director: Young, Terence

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 115

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Secret agent James Bond battles the all-enveloping tentacles of an international crime syndicate called SPECTRE. The organization's mad plan for world supremacy unfolds with the icy efficiency of a chessmaster's complex strategy, and if they succeed, the antagonism of the cold war will be pushed from deep-freeze to the supernova of atomic oblivion. But our man Bond dispatches sultry spies, madmen, and double agents with the same coolness he displays while downing martinis and making love to beautiful blondes. In this, the second of the series, Bond travels to Turkey to meet a mysterious Russian woman who claims to have fallen in love with his photograph. She offers him a secret translating device if he will join her, although he does not know that she has been put up to the task by Rosa Klebb, formerly of the KGB, who has gone to work for SPECTRE. It's Bond's assignment to get the girl and the machine back to England--and to do it, of course, in style. "Meet James Bond, Secret Agent 007 His Incredible New Women... His Incredible New Enemies... His Incredible New Adventures..."--marketing line for the film Based on Ian Fleming's 1951 novel. The suave agent 007 is the object of an international conspiracy to humiliate the West. They use a voluptuous Russian girl to entice him into their trap. Classic fight scene between Connery and Shaw. Shot in Technicolor.

Funny Farm

Funny Farm

Starring: Chase, Chevy Smith, Madolyn Sullivan, Brad Dixon, Macintyre Gilpin, Jack Maher, Joseph
Director: Hill, George Roy

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 101

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George Roy Hill's FUNNY FARM stars Chevy Chase as Andy Farmer, a big-city sportswriter. Since he and his wife, Elizabeth (Madolyn Smith), are fed up with the tensions of urban life, they decide to buy a house in the country where each of them will be able to work on their book projects in peace. Shortly after they've moved to a spacious farmhouse in a small New England village, Andy begins to realize that his dreams of bucolic nirvana are, in fact, delusions. First the birds sing too loudly, preventing him from concentrating on his work. Then he learns that there's a corpse buried in their garden, not to mention snakes in their lake. They have to make calls from the pay phone located in their kitchen, and the grasping townspeople seem to have their meters running 24/7. To make matters worse for Andy, who can't get started on his book, his wife has sold her children's book, with a squirrel protagonist named Andy, not long after moving into the new house. Hill has toned down Chase's broader mannerisms, adopting the tone of MR. BLANDINGS BUILDS HIS DREAM HOUSE. The film is based on Jay Cronley's novel. A Manhattan sportswriter takes his wife to live in the country, seeking peace to write a novel. Country life isn't nearly as bucolic as the clichés, however, and when his novel stalls, so does their marriage. This underrated film is full of hilarious screen moments. Theatrical release: June 13, 1988. Shooting location: Vermont.

Ghost Dad

Ghost Dad

Starring: Grant, Salim Cosby, Bill Fontaine, Brooke Nicholas, Denise Russell, Kimberly Bannen, Ian
Director: Poitier, Sidney

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 84

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As an overworked widower, Elliot Hopper is on the verge of completing a major business deal when he takes a harrowing taxi ride that ends at the bottom of the river. Now a ghost, he must learn how to be seen and heard so he can take care of his family. Elliot has a high-powered corporate job and a house full of kids to manage all on his own. So when he's caught in a fatal taxi fender-bender it's more than just a travesty -- it's a terrible inconvenience. Death will have to wait until Elliot gets his house, his career and his love-life in order. Cos didn't have much luck with his post COSBY SHOW film career, and GHOST DAD was his last starring vehicle. Rated only slightly higher than his previous big-screen debacle, LEONARD PART 6, GHOST DAD proved once and for all that Cos lost his knack for choosing big screen roles after the early 80s.

Ghostbusters 2

Ghostbusters 2

Starring: Aykroyd, Dan Murray, Bill Weaver, Sigourney Hudson, Ernie Ramis, Harold Moranis, Rick Potts, Annie
Director: Reitman, Ivan

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 102

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Gremlins and goblins fly every "witch" way as America's favorite poltergeist patrol rides again. There's plenty of non-violent fun and guaranteed ghostbumps for everyone. The band of ghost busters are back to save the universe. Having been put out of commission due to a judicial court order, the fearless four pull out all psychic stops to put an end to a demonic river of slime and rescue Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) and her child. In order to achieve this, they must convince New York that all the city's negative energy is feeding the evil spirits in the river, so the city's residents need to resist all negativity!

Ghostbusters

Ghostbusters

Starring: Moranis, Rick Potts, Annie Ramis, Harold Carhart, Timothy Aykroyd, Dan Hudson, Ernie Murray, Bill Weaver, Sigourney Weaver, Sigourney
Director: Reitman, Ivan

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 200

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When Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murrary) and his Columbia University colleagues (Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson) are kicked out of their prestigious academic posts, they start a private practice as professional ghost-catchers. Although the three parascientists are idle for awhile, their television advertisements finally pay off when beautiful Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) contracts them. It seems her apartment has become the entryway for ghastly ghosts and goofy ghouls hellbent on terrorizing New York City. Soon they're going to her rescue, trying to rid the city of the slimy creatures. GHOSTBUSTERS hit US screens in June of 1984 and went on to become one of the most successful comedy films of all time, spawning a sequel and a popular animated series. The screenplay for "Ghostbusters," written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, is said to take its premise from the Michael Winner-Jeffery Konvitz' 1977 feature film "The Sentinel." When Dr. Peter Venkman and his Columbia University colleagues are kicked out of their prestigious academic posts, they start a private practice as professional ghost-catchers. Although the three parascientists are idle for awhile, their television advertisements finally pay off when beautiful Dana Barrett contracts them. It seems her apartment has become the entryway for ghastly ghosts and goofy ghouls hellbent on terrorizing New York City. Soon they're going to her rescue, trying to rid the city of the slimy creatures.

Goldeneye

Goldeneye

Starring: Coltrane, Robbie Karyo, Tcheky John, Gottfried Cumming, Alan Llewelyn, Desmond Baker, Joe Don Bond, Samantha Dench, Judi Dench, Judi Driver, Minnie
Director: Campbell, Martin

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 130

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Directed by Martin Campbell, GOLDENEYE makes the transition to a more modern image for the James Bond series. Bond's out-of-date womanizing is presented with a feminist challenge from the newly cast Judi Dench as an impenetrable M, and Samantha Bond as a wiser and more forthright Moneypenny. The action sequences, replete with helicopter hijinks and copious explosions, are complex and stylish, making the film a polished sensation. This installment in the series introduces actor Pierce Brosnan in the role of suave, debonair, irresistible 007. Despite the end of the Cold War, James Bond still finds himself pitted against nefarious Russians who want to rule the world. This time around, his enemies are a gang of mobsters and former military men who have gained access to the Goldeneye, which can cut off electrical currents in London. Alec Trevelyan (Sean Bean) is the leader, with General Ourumov (Gottfried John) an additional threat. Sizzling Bond babe Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen) is the sleek robber who, with Ourumov, successfully steals the Goldeneye, which the villains plan to use in their quest to control financial markets around the globe. However, this grizzly group of scoundrels is no match for Bond, who constantly outwits their attempts to assassinate him. Bond rescues the tough and lovely Natalya Simonova (Izabella Scorupco), who was caught in Trevalyan's deadly web, and she eventually helps Bond turn the tables on his foes as he uses his quick instincts, innovative weapons, and cool gadgetry to save the day. "I think you're a sexist, misogynist dinosaur, a relic of the Cold War." -- 007's female boss M (JUDI DENCH), to Bond himself (PIERCE BROSNAN). This, the 17th James Bond film, introduces actor Pierce Brosnan in the role of suave, debonair, irresistible 007. And despite the end of the Cold War, Bond still finds himself pitted against nefarious Russians who want to rule the world. This time his enemies are a gang of mobsters and former military men who have gained access to the GoldenEye, which can cut off electrical currents in London. The villains plan to use the GoldenEye in their quest to control financial markets around the globe. Using his wits, weapons, and cool gadgetry, Bond sets out to save the day, stopping for the occasional babe and martini along the way. World theatrical premiere at Radio City Music Hall in New York City: November 13, 1995. The film received its wide theatrical release November 17, 1995. It went on to make over $100 million at the box office, and was the 8th highest grossing film of 1995. The budget for the film was $50 million. Bond drives a BMW Z3, equipped with radar, stinger missiles, and parachute brakes. The enemy, Trevelyan, has two high-tech vehicles: his Tiger helicopter, which resists all electronic signals; and his missile train, which is also his headquarters. The majority of the film was shot in Leavesden, near London. "Goldeneye" was the name of author Ian Fleming's Jamaican home.

Goldfinger

Goldfinger

Starring: Frobe, Gert Blackman, Honor Eaton, Shirley Sakata, Harold "Odd Job" Llewelyn, Desmond Lee, Bernard Connery, Sean Mallet, Tania Mallet, Tania Kwouk, Burt
Director: Hamilton, Guy

Rating: Not Rated
Category:
User Rating:
Running Time: 110

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In James Bond's third cinematic adventure, the dangerously suave spy (Sean Connery) must stop the criminal capitalist Auric Goldfinger (Gert Frobe) from contaminating Fort Knox's gold with atomic radiation. Aiding the villain is the alluring Pussy Galore (Honor Blackman) and the imposing Oddjob (Harold Sakata). Bond, on the other hand, is armed with his trademark charm and, of course, a slew of gadgets, courtesy of Q (Desmond Llewelyn). Encountering the usual bevy of beautiful women and perilous traps, 007 sets out for America to foil Goldfinger's financial fiasco. Based on Ian Fleming's 1959 novel, GOLDFINGER marks the appearance of a more carefree, wisecracking Bond and is widely considered to be one of the best films in the series. In fact, with stylized elements such as the gold-painted girl, the wince-inducing laser beam, Oddjob's razor-sharp bowler hat, and Bond's modified Aston Martin car, the film is quite possibly the most memorable Bond outing, and would be famously parodied decades later in the AUSTIN POWERS series, particularly GOLDMEMBER. Theatrical release: December 25, 1964. Shot in Technicolor. GOLDFINGER is the third installment in the James Bond series. DR. NO and FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE were its predecessors. All of Bond's scenes in America were actually shot at Pinewood Studios in London. Since the actor playing Auric Goldfinger, Gert Frobe, spoke very little English, his voice was dubbed by another actor. GOLDFINGER's title sequence features scenes from the first two Bond films projected onto the gold-painted model, Margaret Nolan. Nolan also plays the character Dink in the film. At the time of its release in 1964, GOLDFINGER entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest-grossing film in history. John Barry's GOLDFINGER theme, sung by Shirley Bassey, broke into the top 10 upon its release in the United States. "Do you expect me to talk?"--James Bond (Sean Connery) "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die."--Goldfinger (Gert Frobe)

Gone in 60 Seconds

Gone in 60 Seconds

Starring: Jolie, Angelina Ribisi, Giovanni Caan, Scott Duval, James Duvall, Robert Cage, Nicolas Fisher, Frances Eccleston, Christopher Eccleston, Christopher Lindo, Delroy
Director: Sena, Dominic

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 117

Color Digitally Mastered

Memphis Raines (Nicholas Cage) is a former car thief who is forced to come out of retirement when his younger brother, Kip (Giovanni Ribisi), is unable to deliver 50 expensive cars to dangerous smuggler Raymond Calitri (Christopher Eccleston). With his brother's life on the line, Memphis must enlist his old car-stealing partners for help in order to pull off the ultimate crime. His team includes his mentor, Otto (Robert Duvall), and an old flame (Angelina Jolie), plus a crew of other colorful characters. Once he gets them all together, Memphis has to do the impossible: organize the theft of 50 cars from all over Los Angeles in a single night, hampered by rivals, security systems, and the best efforts of the LAPD detective (Delroy Lindo) who is out to get him. GONE IN 60 SECONDS is a fun, action-packed movie featuring producer Jerry Bruckheimer's trademarks: a simple, heartfelt story, comedy, spectacular action, an excellent cast of stars and character actors, and an amazing car chase through the crowded streets of Los Angeles. This film is based on the cult classic 1974 movie of the same name, and it's a must-see for lovers of classic cars or action fans of any stripe. Dominic Sena, the director of KALIFORNIA, directed this fast-moving crime-adventure extravaganza. This explosive action-thriller from director Dominic Sena (KALIFORNIA) and writer Scott Rosenberg (CON AIR) features enough car chases for 10 movies. Nicolas Cage plays a reformed car thief who must steal 50 cars virtually overnight in order to save his brother's (Giovanni Ribisi) life. He seeks out Robert Duvall and Angelina Jolie, among others, to do the impossible. Fasten your seat belts for this pulse-pounding thrill ride, compliments of producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Theatrical release: June 9, 2000. The car Memphis Raines refers to as Eleanor is a 1967 Shelby GT 350 Mustang. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer bought the original car used in the film. This film is a remake of H.B."Toby" Halicki's 1974 low-budget movie of the same name, which featured the crashing of 90 cars in the last 40 minutes. Halicki died during filming of a sequel to his original film. The film's cast learned how to break into and steal cars from actual convicted car thieves. By the end of production, star Angelina Jolie boasted she could steal any car in a matter of minutes. GONE IN 60 SECONDS is the third collaboration between star Cage and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, following 1996's THE ROCK and 1997's CON AIR. This film is only the second film made by director Dominic Sena, after 1994's KALIFORNIA.

Gone With the Wind

Gone With the Wind

Starring: Brooks, Rand Crews, Laura Hope Anderson, Eddie Davenport, Harry Darwell, Jane Munson, Ona Hurst, Paul Jewell, Isabel Jewell, Isabel Bond, Ward
Director: Fleming, Victor

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 222

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Hot-tempered, self-centered, part-Irish Southern beauty Scarlett O’Hara, played to the teeth by Vivien Leigh, loves the gentlemanly Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard). Smug, rebellious, honest blockade-running profiteer Rhett Butler, portrayed gracefully and naturally by Clark Gable, loves Scarlett. Ashley, who is also in love with Scarlett, marries his genteel cousin Melanie (Olivia de Havilland) because he believes that their quiet similarities will create a better marriage than Scarlett’s passion. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Rhett and Scarlett at their first encounter and continue throughout Scarlett’s first two marriages. Scarlett and Rhett finally wed, but Scarlett continues to pine for her beloved Ashley. Set against the Civil War and Southern Reconstruction, this tragic love quadrangle offers the burning of Atlanta and fields of wounded Confederates as part of its lush scenery. Meticulous backdrops, glorious sunsets, numerous silhouettes, and the ultrasaturated Technicolor film create a hyperreal vision. The romantic score is every bit as lush and dramatic as the photography, borrowing folk melodies from the Old South to make the tragic war concrete. Heavy nostalgic tones pervade the often witty dialogue and larger-than-life charms and faults of the leads. GONE WITH THE WIND stands among the greatest epic dramas ever filmed. Hot-tempered, self-centered, part-Irish Southern beauty Scarlett O’Hara, played to the teeth by Vivien Leigh, loves the gentlemanly Ashley Wilkes. Smug, rebellious, honest blockade-running profiteer Rhett Butler, portrayed gracefully and naturally by Clark Gable, loves Scarlett. Ashley, who is also in love with Scarlett, marries his genteel cousin Melanie because he believes that their quiet similarities will create a better marriage than Scarlett’s passion. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Rhett and Scarlett at their first encounter and continue throughout Scarlett’s first two marriages. Scarlett and Rhett finally wed, but Scarlett continues to pine for her beloved Ashley. Set against the Civil War and Southern Reconstruction, this tragic love quadrangle offers the burning of Atlanta and fields of wounded Confederates as part of its lush scenery. Meticulous backdrops, glorious sunsets, numerous silhouettes, and the ultrasaturated Technicolor film create a hyperreal vision. The romantic score is every bit as lush and dramatic as the photography, borrowing folk melodies from the Old South to make the tragic war concrete. Heavy nostalgic tones pervade the often witty dialogue and larger-than-life charms and faults of the leads. GONE WITH THE WIND stands among the greatest epic dramas ever filmed. GONE WITH THE WIND is number 4 on the American Film Institute's list of America's 100 Greatest Movies. GONE WITH THE WIND was an original selection to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1989. Margaret Mitchell wrote her only novel between 1926 and 1929 and then let it collect dust for six years before showing it to an editor. By the time of the film's release, Mitchell's novel had surpassed 1,500,000 in sales. The novel swept the nation, and everyone, everywhere, was reading it. Selznick paid $50,000 for the rights to the book. Selznick brought in a number of screenwriters in addition to Sidney Howard to help him get a grasp on the material. Among them were Edwin Justin Mayer, John Van Druten, Ben Hecht, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Jo Swerling. For the part of Scarlett O'Hara, David O. Selznick issued a national talent search. Scores of famous Hollywood actresses tested for the part. Many southerners (and Americans in general) were upset when Selznick cast Vivien Leigh in the role. The very prospect of an Englishwoman playing the part of an American Southern belle was outrageous. But after the film's release most southerners changed their minds. On the contrary, many said, "Better an English girl than a Yankee." The novel was so well known and loved that MGM conducted national polls to determine who should play the leads. Gable was the clear choice for Rhett, while many of Hollywood's top

Gremlins

Gremlins

Starring: Axton, Hoyt Cates, Phoebe Reinhold, Judge McCain, Frances Lee Feldman, Corey Holliday, Polly Miller, Dick Galligan, Zach Galligan, Zach McCain, Frances Lee
Director: Dante, Joe

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Horror : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 106

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Joe Dante's hilariously funny, wickedly scary film is about a loveable, furry little Christmas gift that multiplies into many little Christmas gifts, with savage consequences. Rand Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) is an inventor who hasn't successfully invented anything. But this Christmas he's bringing his family something special--a small, cuddly creature known as a mogwai. The little fella comes with three crucial instructions. He's not to be fed after midnight, he's not to get any direct light and he should never be given so much as a drop of water. If Rand and his son Billy (Zach Galligan) can adhere to these rules they can avoid the otherwise tragic consequences. Unfortunately, the rules are harder to stick to than it seems, and suddenly Billy finds himself with far too many "pets," all with big appetites. It's up to Billy and his girlfriend (Phoebe Cates) to stop the mischievous gremlins before they ruin Christmas for the residents of rural Kingston Falls. GREMLINS features a delightful combination of horror and humor that introduced Gizmo and his wild relatives to an entire generation of young fans. Gremlins created by Chris Walas and creature consultant Jon Berg. In the first scene of the film, Rand Peltzer (Hoyt Axton) walks in front of a broken down American Motors Company "Gremlin", parked in front of the China town shop. The Kingston Falls theatre marquee is showing a double bill, A BOY'S LIFE (working title for producer Steven Spielberg's E.T. THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL) and WATCH THE SKIES (working title for Spielberg's CLOSE ENCOUNTER'S OF THE THIRD KIND.) An evil Gremlin says "phone home" when he disconnects the Peltzer's phone line, this is a reference to the famous line from Spielberg's E.T. THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL. Cameo appearance by Steven Spielberg as the man at the inventor's in the electric wheelchair with a t.v. monitor. Cameo appearance by composer Jerry Goldsmith at the inventor's convention. Cameo appearance by Buggs Bunny cartoonist Chuck Jones, he is the man who looks at Billy's cartoon in the bar. There is a Warner Bros. cartoon playing on the television.

Grizzly Falls (1999)

Grizzly Falls (1999)

Starring: Clark, Daniel Brown, Bryan Jackson, Tom
Director: Raffill, Stewart

Rating: PG
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 1 Hour 34 Minutes

Color Stereo

Amazon.com Grizzly Falls is a gorgeous, hopelessly old-fashioned film that's unlikely to attract the viewership it ought to--none of the characters is particularly witty or clever; special effects, save a few stunts with a bear, are nil; and the irony level is at an all-time low. In other words, prying the kids away from Pokémon to watch this movie may be a challenge, but it's worth the effort. Daniel Clark plays Harry, a lad of around 8 who accompanies Tyrone (Bryan Brown), his thrill-seeking dad, on a mission to the Colorado Rockies, where he intends to be the first to capture a live grizzly. It's the early 1900s, so the means by which Tyrone plans to snare the beast aren't especially humane--at a saloon stop, he hires five tough guys, one with a team of hounds. Then the hunt begins. The hounds' punishing master quickly emerges as a villain; when he and two dogs are mauled by the grizzly, he exacts revenge by caging the bear's cubs. She, in classic righteous-mother mode, retaliates by dragging Harry into the woods. What follows is a desperate chase through beautiful countryside by tireless Tyrone and the blossoming of an impossible boy-bear friendship. Mizzy, as Harry comes to call the bear, protects him from dangers of the wild while leading the boy to her caged cubs, who are traveling east with the ornery houndskeeper. There's a showdown when the animal family is reunited, but Harry and Tyrone extinguish a series of confrontations handily, then move on to cement their own iffy relationship. The surplus of action scenes in this PG-rated movie will wow kids 8 and up, and only jaded viewers will summon the callousness to crack wise about its unapologetic portrayal of blind loyalty and courage at all costs. --Tammy La Gorce --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Hanover Street

Hanover Street

Starring: Down, Lesley-Anne Plummer, Christopher McCowen, Alec Masur, Richard Sacks, Michael Ford, Harrison Wall, Max
Director: Hyams, Peter

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 109

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Written and directed by Peter Hyams (THE HUNTER, END OF DAYS), HANOVER STREET stars Harrison Ford as David, a WWII American bomber pilot who meets and falls in love with a beautiful nurse during an air raid in London. She never tells him that she is married. David is then shot down behind enemy lines while accompanying a British agent into France. In the midst of danger, David then realizes that the agent is his lover's husband. This was one of Ford's first starring roles after becoming a household name in STAR WARS. David Halloran, an American pilot stationed in London, and Margaret Sellinger, a married nurse, fall in love during World War II. Their affair is interrupted when David is sent on a dangerous mission into France with Margaret's husband, a British Intelligence officer. Sound by Dolby.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Starring: Watson, Emma Grint, Rupert Branagh, Kenneth Coltrane, Robbie Isaacs, Jason Harris, Richard Smith, Maggie Radcliffe, Daniel Radcliffe, Daniel
Director: Columbus, Chris

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 161

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Director Chris Columbus recreates the magic of the second book from author J.K. Rowling's best-selling series about a young wizard, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). In this sequel, Harry and his friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the new school year only to be met with a terrifying mystery. An unknown creature, one that supposedly lives in the legendary Chamber of Secrets hidden at Hogwarts, is attacking students in the school, leaving them literally petrified and as cold as stone. Even the professors seem at a loss for how to solve the chilling mystery, leaving it up to Harry and his friends to save the day. Rowling's story translates well to the big screen, with a magical flying car, a giant spider, a house elf named Dobby, and assorted other creatures making their film debuts. Radcliffe continues to charm as the wide-eyed young Potter, and Grint shines as his best friend and sidekick. Kenneth Branagh joins the all-star cast as the preening megalomaniac author and professor, Gilderoy Lockhart. HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS also stars the late Richard Harris, majestic Maggie Smith, and an under-used Alan Rickman.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Starring: Smith, Maggie Radcliffe, Daniel Grint, Rupert Watson, Emma Hurt, John Cleese, John Radcliffe, Daniel Walters, Julie Walters, Julie Harris, Richard
Director: Columbus, Chris

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : Characters & Series : Harry Potter
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 152

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American director Chris Columbus (HOME ALONE) brings the magic of British author J.K. Rowling's beloved best-selling fantasy novel to life in HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE. Eleven-year-old orphan Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) finds his world turned upside down when he discovers that, like his deceased parents, he is a wizard and has been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With fellow first-year students Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) by his side, Harry's adventures begin in the rambling castle that is Hogwarts. Vivid special effects make Hogwarts' magic a reality with paintings that come alive, staircases that move themselves, friendly ghosts, and fast-paced Quidditch (the school sport) matches in which students zoom around on their flying brooms. Mixed in with the miracles of Hogwarts are its dark hidden chambers and secrets, which Harry and his friends encounter as they embark on a quest to keep a treasured powerful object from falling into the wrong hands. Staying true to the book with this film adaptation, Columbus follows Rowling's story to the tiniest detail, making it a special treat for readers who were smitten with the novel. Radcliffe is especially engaging as Harry, infusing him with a believable sense of wonderment. The star-studded cast also includes Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, and Robbie Coltrane.

Her Alibi

Her Alibi

Starring: Selleck, Tom Porizkova, Paulina Farentino, James Daniels, William Hurd Hatfield
Director: Beresford, Bruce

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 95

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Although he's the author of a number of best-selling mysteries, Phil Blackwood (Tom Selleck) hasn't written a book in four years, and his writer's block is becoming painful. In the hope of finding something to spark his imagination, he heads for the local courthouse, where he becomes instantly infatuated with a stunning Romanian woman, Nina Ionescu (Paulina Porizkova), who has been charged with murder. Eager to overlook this possible character flaw, Phil disguises himself as a priest and smuggles himself into the jail, where he offers to let her stay at his house and provide her with an alibi. Once Nina gets out of prison, though, she begins to test Phil's good faith. At his Connecticut house, a group of Romanian spies make several attempts to murder the couple, finally blowing up the writer's house. When a number of the guests at a dinner party they're attending become ill, Phil believes that Nina has tried to poison him and everyone else. Although this proves false, he's still not really comforted by her well-developed skill at knife-throwing. It's been four years since author Phil Blackwood wrote his last murder mystery, and he needs inspiration fast. Luckily, he stumbles across Nina, a Romanian woman who is being arraigned on a murder charge. It's love at first sight for Phil, who gives her alibi--that they are lovers and she was with him on the night of the murder. However, he begins to question his decision to aid her when his life becomes more action packed than his books. Theatrical release: February 3, 1989. Shot in Baltimore, Maryland.

Hercules

Hercules

Starring: Donovan, Tate Woods, James
Director: Clements, Ron

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 93

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A rollicking, tongue-in-cheek Disneyfication of the myth of Hercules. Forget those legendary labors--this teenage Herc's the goofy and lovable adopted scion of mortal parents, toiling on earth to prove himself to Zeus, his Olympian dad. His demi-god gifts score him money, fame, and product endorsements, but he can't attain full deity (or "True Hero") status--and defeat a jealous Hades--without the help of his satyr friend Phil and the true love of beautiful Megara. Features the voices of Tate Donovan, Danny De Vito, James Woods, and more. Academy Award Nomination: Best Original Song ("Go the Distance"). Theatrical release: June 27, 1997. HERCULES is the 35th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus

Starring: Midler, Bette Najimy, Kathy Shaw, Vinessa Parker, Sarah Jessica Thora Birch
Director: Ortega, Kenny

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 96

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The Sanderson Sisters are 17th century witches who were conjured up by unsuspecting pranksters in present-day Salem. The key to their immortality involves three children and a talking cat, who also turn out to be their biggest obstacles. In 1693, the citizens of Salem, Massachusetts go into a frenzy when they discover that 3 among them -- Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson -- are witches. Fearing their pagan villainy, the community agrees to hang the old hags. But head sorceress Winifred vows they'll come back to life one day and seek vengeance. 300 years later, Max, a cynical teenager stuck chaperoning his kid sister as she goes trick-or-treating, is spotted by classmate-dream girl Allison. In order to impress her, Max lures them into the Sanderson sisters' house where they accidentally bring the wretched shrews back to life. The witches now have one night to renew their life force -- or they'll disappear forever. Can the kids stop them from achieving their nasty purposes? As directed by Kenny Ortega, `Hocus Pocus' relies heavily on visual and special effects. For example, the mystical talking cat is computer-generated, and thanks to stylized matte photography, the director was able to pull off a number of other visual illusions. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. Shot in Technicolor.

Holes

Holes

Starring: Weaver, Sigourney Arquette, Patricia Fox, Rick Nelson, Tim Blake Winkler, Henry Fallon, Siobhan Davis, Nathan Voight, Jon Voight, Jon Thomas, Khleo
Director: Davis, Andrew

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 117

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Louis Sachar's acclaimed teen adventure novel comes to dazzling life with this wildly entertaining adaptation. Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf) is an unassuming adolescent whose family has been cursed for generations. One day, after Stanley is falsely accused of stealing a pair of sneakers, he is sentenced to 18 months at Camp Green Lake. But when he gets there, he discovers that this camp is really more like a prison. Under the supervision of the fiery Mr. Sir (Jon Voight) and goofy Dr. Pendanski (Tim Blake Nelson), Stanley and his cohorts must spend each day digging holes in the desert, in order "to build character." Or at least that's what The Warden (Sigourney Weaver) says. When Stanley finally gathers up the courage to escape the camp, he and fellow escapee Zero (Khleo Thomas) stumble across a secret that will expose Camp Green Lake for the evil place that it is, and erase the Yelnats family curse forever. Director-producer Andrew Davis (THE FUGITIVE) performs a miraculous feat with HOLES, crafting a family film that is smart, funny, and engaging. Sachar's story teaches enormously valuable lessons about respect, teamwork, and honesty, making HOLES a must-see for individuals everywhere. Theatrical release: April 18, 2003

Hollow Man

Hollow Man

Starring: Shue, Elisabeth Brolin, Josh Devane, William Dickens, Kim Grunberg, Greg Mitra, Rhona Bacon, Kevin Slotnick, Joey Slotnick, Joey
Director: Verhoeven, Paul

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy
User Rating:
Running Time: 113

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A team of scientists is assigned to a secret government research project to experiment with the possibility of invisibility. When they find that one of their formulas works on animals, Dr. Sebastian Caine (Kevin Bacon) violates the rules of the project and tries it on himself. It works: he becomes invisible, but soon after that the team find that the formula is irreversible. He suspects his colleagues, Linda McCay (Elisabeth Shue) and Matt Kensington (Josh Brolin) of sabatoging him: making him invisible forever, and he decides to seek revenge on them.From the director of BASIC INSTINCT and TOTAL RECALL, Paul Verhoeven, comes this new suspense-filled thriller, full of special effects and technical tricks. Washington D.C. scientist Sebastian Caine (Kevin Bacon) is under contract with the U.S. government to formulate a serum which will render human beings invisible. When his test serum makes a laboratory gorilla disappear and then successfully brings her back, Caine decides that it is time for him to be the next guinea pig. He and his team are ecstatic when the serum work. When the antidote fails to work as it did on the gorilla, however, Caine finds himself in the initially enviable, but ultimately horrifying predicament of being permanently undetectable to the human eye. Faced with the opportunity to perpetrate any crime he desires without fear of apprehension, Caine gives in to his basest desires. But when he learns that his that his ex-girlfriend and assistant, Linda McKay (Elisabeth Shue), is involved with their fellow co-worker Matt Kensington (Josh Brolin), Caine goes over the deep end, and is willing to kill anyone who tries to stand in his way, including his trusted fellow researchers. Director Paul Verhoeven (BASIC INSTINCT) puts a contemporary spin on the classic INVISIBLE MAN tale, turning it into a funhouse-style stalk-and-slash film with some of the most impressive visual effects the screen has seen. IN THEATRES: AUGUST 4, 2000 The 'underground laboratory' set, constructed in Culver City, CA, is among the largest ever constructed. Some of the film was shot atop the U.S. Department of Labor building in Washington D.C.

Hollywood Homicide

Hollywood Homicide

Starring: Ford, Harrison Hartnett, Josh
Director: Shelton, Ron

Rating: PG-13
Category: Action & Adventure : General
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Amazon.com Harrison Ford lends his solid, perpetually disgruntled presence to Hollywood Homicide, an action comedy in which he's paired with the squinty eyes and peaches-and-cream complexion of Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down, O). Radical French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard would appreciate this complete deconstruction of the buddy-cop flick genre; basic cinematic elements (mismatched partners, a hard-ass superior riding them, arguments about who's going to drive, arguments about intuition vs. diligent detective work, the bad cop who killed Hartnett's father, etc.) have been scrambled and slapped together with no concern for coherence, making clear their innately artificial nature. Sex scenes and car chases come out of nowhere and disappear without consequence, providing arbitrary visual stimulus. During shootouts, it's impossible to tell who got killed or why, underscoring a basic doubt about the purpose of making movies like Hollywood Homicide. It's rare for a mainstream movie to be so daringly (if perhaps accidentally) avant-garde. --Bret Fetzer

Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey

Homeward Bound - The Incredible Journey

Starring: Hayes, Robert Griest, Kim
Director: Dunham, Duwayne

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family
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Running Time: 84

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Follow the incredible journey of two dogs and a Siamese cat as they trek across the country to find their owners. Featuring the voices of Michael J. Fox, Don Ameche and Sally Field. Chance, a playful, sometimes troublesome American bulldog, has recently been adopted by a happy family where he makes friends with the family's chummy pets. Together, Sassy the Himalayan cat, Shadow the retriever and Chance live contentedly. But one day the domesticated trio find themselves home alone when their young owners Peter, Hope and Jamie take a short out-of-town trip with Mom and her new hubby. Thinking they've been left behind, the animals make a harrowing journey across the Sierra Nevadas in hopes of being reunited with their long-gone family. "Homeward Bound" is based on the 1963 Walt Disney live action story of to three pets - two dogs and a cat - who make a difficult 250 mile journey across Canada alone to find their homes and their families. In this latest renditon of the pet parable, the trio traverse the Sierra Nevadas to reach home. The animal trainer responsible for the stars is Joe Camp. Camp had to work with a number of animals, as each character was played by several different animals. Color by Technicolor. Rated BBFC U by the British Board of Film Classification.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Starring: Sterling, Mindy Irwin, Bill Shannon, Molly Howard, Clint Tambor, Jeffrey Carrey, Jim Baranski, Christine Momsen, Taylor Momsen, Taylor
Director: Howard, Ron

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 105

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Director Ron Howard casts comedian Jim Carrey in the title role in this live-action adaptation of the famous Christmas tale by Dr. Seuss, giving this rendition of HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS a delightfully manic spin. Carrey is virtually unrecognizable in his elaborate green makeup, but his anarchic comic touch is unmistakable. He manages to fully embody the grumpy title character, while still supplying his own comedic touches, and it is his performance that makes the film a treat for adults and children alike. The candy-colored set design for the town of Whoville and the jubilant score contribute to the overall feeling of innocuous fantasy that the Grinch disrupts with his dastardly deeds. The familiar story of the Grinch stealing every present in town on Christmas Eve has been expanded to incorporate flashbacks to the Grinch's childhood, which serve to explain his hostility toward the Whos. As Cindy Lou-Who, a little girl so sweet she sees goodness even in the Grinch, young Taylor Momsen strikes just the right note of adorable ingenuousness. Howard gets the performance the film needs from her, as her character makes the Grinch's eventual change of heart both believable and touching. Theatrical release: November 17, 2000 Max the dog was found in a pound a few months before shooting. Screenwriters Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman also wrote WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT. "Where Are You Christmas?," cowritten by Mariah Carey and performed by Faith Hill, is featured on the film's soundtrack, along with a rap song, "Grinch 2000," featuring Jim Carrey and Busta Rhymes. Director Ron Howard had to convince the widow of Ted (Dr. Seuss) Geisel to grant him permission to film the beloved children's story. Jim Carrey spent five hours a day in the makeup chair to get into costume. Jeff Strickler of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune named THE GRINCH one of the 10 best films of 2000.

I Spy

I Spy

Starring: Murphy, Eddie Wilson, Owen Cole, Gary Janssen, Famke McDowell, Malcolm
Director: Thomas, Betty

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 96

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When the Air Force's newest stealth bomber--complete with cloaking device--disappears, secret agent Alex Scott (Owen Wilson) is sent to Budapest to find it. To Scott’s dismay, he is teamed with undefeated middleweight champion Kelly Robinson (Eddie Murphy), who is slated to fight in Budapest where suspected Stealth thief, arms dealer and boxing fan Arnold Gundars (Malcolm McDowell) is throwing a party in honor of the boxers. Scott uses cool spy equipment to encourage the egotistical Robinson to work with him. Initially at odds with each other, the two eventually bond as they're chased through Budapest by Gundar's henchmen, using spy tools and street smarts to foil the bad guys. To complicate matters, Scott has a crush on a sexy agent, Rachel (Famke Janssen), who may or may not have her own agenda. Gary Cole plays superstar agent Carlos, the envy of the other agents and the guy with the coolest spy toys. Directed by Betty Thomas (28 DAYS, DR. DOOLITTLE), the film is loosely based on the 1960s television series of the same name starring Robert Culp and Bill Cosby. Theatrical Release: NOVEMBER 1, 2002

Ice Age

Ice Age

Starring: Leguizamo, John Leary, Denis Leguizamo, John Visnjic, Goran Romano, Ray Strong, Tara Bagley, Lorri Entertainer, Cedric the Entertainer, Cedric the Bader, Diedrich
Director: Wedge, Chris

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animals
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 81

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A star-studded cast provides the voices for the prehistoric creatures in this computer-animated feature set 20,000 years ago as the Ice Age approaches. Seemingly anti-social Manny, a woolly mammoth (voiced by Ray Romano), acts as if he just wants to be left alone. When he meets Sid (voiced by John Leguizamo), a sloth, the two become unlikely traveling companions. The plot thickens when the duo finds a human infant and decides to try to return the child to its "herd." Manny slowly but surely reveals his heart of gold, while Sid continues to provide comic relief. Diego (voiced by Denis Leary), a saber-tooth tiger with ulterior motives, soon joins them in their search for the humans. Ultimately, this group of misfits becomes its own herd, learning about friendship and loyalty as they brave snow, ice, freezing temperatures, predators, hail, and even boiling lava pits. All the while, a saber-tooth squirrel, Scat, provides comic relief as he valiantly struggles with an acorn. A well-written, humorous script and endearing characters mesh well with the state-of-the-art technology and effects. Other stars lending their voices to the feature include Goran Visnjic, Jack Black, and Jane Krakowski.

Identity

Identity

Starring: Cusack, John Liotta, Ray Peet, Amanda Hawkes, John Alfred Molina
Director: Mangold, James

Rating: R
Category: Horror : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 90

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Amazon.com With an ace up its sleeve, Identity does for schizophrenia what The Silence of the Lambs did for fava beans and a nice chianti. On the proverbial dark and stormy night, this anxiety-laced thriller offers a tasty blend of And Then There Were None and Psycho, with a dash of Sybil for extra spice and psychosis. Things go from bad to worse when 10 unrelated travelers converge at an isolated motel and proceed to die, one by one, with no apparent connection... until they discover the common detail that's drawn them into this nightmare of relentless trauma. Even as it flunks Abnormal Psychology 101, Michael Cooney's screenplay offers meaty material for a superior ensemble cast including John Cusack and Rebecca DeMornay (who wins the Janet Leigh prize in a bitchy comeback role). Director James Mangold pivots the action around one character (played by his Heavy star, Pruitt Taylor Vince, in eye-twitching cuckoo mode), and half the fun of Identity comes from deciphering who's who, what's what, and who'll be the next to die. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition. DVD features The Identity DVD features are not quite as enticing as they sound. Of chief interest is the extended branched version of the film (available in widescreen only), but there's only one added scene (an interesting but not critical minute-long sequence that would have been the first conference-room scene), and the differences in the alternate ending are so subtle that you'll miss them if you literally blink a few times. There's no question it could affect audience perception, but unlike most... read more

IMAX - Cosmic Voyage

IMAX - Cosmic Voyage

Starring: Freeman, Morgan
Director: Silleck, Bayley

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Documentary : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 36

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This ambitious exploration into science and space gives audiences views of the cosmos that were never imaginable before. Using computer generated graphics and the latest technological advances in cinematography, this program studies the universe and the role of humans occupy in this world. Originally produced for the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum and screened in the IMAX format, this documentary program boasts two of the longest continuous zooms in the history of filmmaking achieved through animation. Also included is a thrilling "Big Bang" simulation. Morgan Freeman hosts.

Independence Day (Single Disc Edition)

Independence Day (Single Disc Edition)

Starring: Pullman, Bill Goldblum, Jeff Goldblum, Jeff Keegan, Andrew Goldblum, Jeff Colin, Margaret Quaid, Randy Loggia, Robert Loggia, Robert McDonnell, Mary
Director: Emmerich, Roland

Rating: PG-13
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 2 Hours 33 Minutes

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Amazon.com essential video In Independence Day, a scientist played by Jeff Goldblum once actually had a fistfight with a man (Bill Pullman) who is now president of the United States. That same president, late in the film, personally flies a jet fighter to deliver a payload of missiles against an attack by extraterrestrials. Independence Day is the kind of movie so giddy with its own outrageousness that one doesn't even blink at such howlers in the plot. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is a pastiche of conventions from flying-saucer movies from the 1940s and 1950s, replete with icky monsters and bizarre coincidences that create convenient shortcuts in the story. (Such as the way the girlfriend of one of the film's heroes--played by Will Smith--just happens to run across the president's injured wife, who are then both rescued by Smith's character who somehow runs across them in alien-ravaged Los Angeles County.) The movie is just sheer fun, aided by a cast that knows how to balance the retro requirements of the genre with a more contemporary feel. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Innerspace

Innerspace

Starring: Short, Martin Ryan, Meg McCarthy, Kevin Schaal, Wendy Picardo, Robert Lewis, Fiona Quaid, Dennis Wells, Vernon Wells, Vernon
Director: Dante, Joe

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 120

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Dennis Quaid stars as Lieutenant Tuck Pendleton, a hell-raising Navy test pilot, in this fantasy-suspense comedy that harkens back to 1966's FANTASTIC VOYAGE. Tuck Pendleton volunteers to be miniaturized in a scientific experiment and fly a capsule injected into a rabbit's bloodstream for top-secret medical research. But after he has been shrunk, some unscrupulous scientists, desirous of selling the miniaturizing process on the black market, break into the lab. In the ensuing chase, Tuck is accidentally injected into the body of unsuspecting grocery clerk Jack Putter (Martin Short). Meanwhile, the villains are in hot pursuit of timid Jack in order to get hold of a missing computer chip that was miniaturized along with Tuck, while Tuck must figure out a way to expel himself from Jack's body and get back to his normal size. Mayhem ensues as Jack, a nervous hypochondriac, is forced to recognize the strange presence in his head and bravely join forces with Tuck and his estranged girlfriend (Meg Ryan) to outsmart and outchase the high-tech thieves. Featuring stunning special effects and visuals from inside the human body as well as a genius and madcap performance from Martin Short at his acrobatic and wild best. Similar premise to the 1966 "Fantastic Voyage," directed by Richard Fleischer.

Inspector Gadget 2

Inspector Gadget 2

Starring: Stewart, French Hendrix, Elaine
Director: Zamm, Alex

Rating: G (MPAA)
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French Stewart takes over the go-go gadgets for Matthew Broderick in this sequel to the 1999 hit. In it, Inspector Gadget has once again fallen out of favor with Chief Quimby after a series of mishaps just as Claw stages a daring prison break. On the run from the law, Claw has hatched a diabolical plan that will go down as the crime of the century just as Riverton's mayor introduces the new G2, an all-robot female crime-fighter who represents the new wave of gadget law enforcement. Seemingly obsolete, Gadget rounds up Brian, Penny, and the Gadgetmobile to catch Claw and prove he's still the number one gadget cop on the force.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Starring: Peanuts Gang
Director: Melendez, Bill

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 50

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All of the Peanuts gang dress up for the enchanting night of Halloween. All, that is, except for Linus, who firmly believes that this year the Great Pumpkin will finally visit his humble pumpkin patch. This classic "Peanuts" tale focuses on the thumb-sucking, blanket-holding Linus, and his touching faith in the "Great Pumpkin." When Linus discovers that no one else believes in the creature, he sets out to prove that the Pumpkin's no myth -- by spending the night alone in a pumpkin patch... The Gift Set of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" (Catalog #83718-001) comes with the Peanuts Paint Set, consisting of 6 watercolors and a brush. "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" was an Emmy award nominee. TM & Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures. Copyright on Peanuts Characters 1950, 1951, 1952, 1958, 1965, 1966 United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

Jackie Chan's First Strike

Jackie Chan's First Strike

Starring: Lau, Jackson Kaczmarek, Kristoff Chan, Jackie Woo, Terry Petrov, Jouri Eaves, John Nonna, Grishajeva Tung, Bill Tung, Bill
Director: Tong, Stanley

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating:
Running Time: 85

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In director Stanley Tong's action-packed film, martial arts megastar Jackie Chan (as a Hong Kong police officer named Jackie) battles on land, in the air, and underwater in his efforts to help both the CIA and a Russian intelligence agency retrieve a stolen Ukrainian nuclear warhead. Sent on an easy tailing job, Jackie gets more than he bargained for and is soon fighting for survival on a frozen mountaintop against gun-toting baddies on skis and snowmobiles. Luckily the chase sends him to warm Australia, but danger still comes at Jackie from all angles--including sharks from below. As with other scintillating Tong-Chan partnerships, FIRST STRIKE features classic Chan-style slapstick comedy and balletic fight sequences, including an unforgettable warehouse brawl in which his only allies are a stepladder and a broomstick. Chan's already incomparable legend as a daredevil stuntman is fortified by a virtually unbroken string of dangerous acrobatics and by the news, upon the film's release, that its star contracted severe hypothermia after filming a plunge into an ice-glutted lake.

Jungle 2 Jungle

Jungle 2 Jungle

Starring: Williams, JoBeth Davidovich, Lolita Allen, Tim Huntington, Sam Short, Martin Stiers, David Ogden Dishy, Bob Mahaffey, Valerie Mahaffey, Valerie
Director: Pasquin, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 105

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When a stuffy New York executive pursues his archaeologist wife through sweltering South American jungles with pen and divorce papers in hand, he discovers the son he never knew he had--swinging from vines with his giant pet spider. Turns out the boy's been raised as part of a jungle tribe, so when the lad and Dad make a trip to the Big Apple, fish-out-of-water hilarity ensues. When a stuffy New York executive pursues his archaeologist wife through sweltering South American jungles with pen and divorce papers in hand, he discovers the son he never knew he had--swinging from the vines with his giant pet spider. Turns out the boy's been raised as part of a jungle tribe, so when the lad and his dad make a trip to the Big Apple, fish-out-of-water hilarity ensues.

Just Married

Just Married

Starring: Murphy, Brittany Kane, Christian Moscow, David Mazur, Monet Kutcher, Ashton Rasche, David Luckinbill, Thad
Director: Levy, Shawn

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 95

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Juggling slapstick comedy with witty dialogue and youthful romance, JUST MARRIED provides an entertaining and optimistic glimpse at young relationships and the struggle to stay in love in a world where everything goes wrong. A chance encounter on a beach brings Tom (Ashton Kutcher, DUDE, WHERE'S MY CAR?) and Sarah (Brittany Murphy, 8 MILE) into each other's lives. They quickly fall in love and agree to get married. Although Sarah's wealthy family does not approve of their daughter's fiancé, Tom and Sarah believe they can sustain themselves on love, and so they take the matrimonial plunge. As soon as they are married, however, things start to unravel--first in their newlywed suite, next on the airplane to their honeymoon in Italy, then in the five-star Hotel Du Rêve in France. Pretty soon the couple is living out a hellish version of Murphy's Law, and divorce begins to look hilariously ominous. When Sarah's old flame shows up at their hotel in Venice to cause further trouble, Tom responds with a jealous outburst that lands the newlyweds in jail. Tom and Sarah survive their misadventures long enough to face the ultimate test of their marriage vows, when each reveals a secret that threatens to spoil their relationship entirely. Theatrical Release Date: January 10, 2003.

K-19 - The Widowmaker

K-19 - The Widowmaker

Starring: Ford, Harrison
Director: Bigelow, Kathryn

Rating: PG-13
Category: Action & Adventure : General
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Amazon.com Based on an incident that was officially suppressed for 28 years, K-19: The Widowmaker is a fine addition to the "sub-genre" of submarine thrillers. The first major American film about Russian cold war heroes, it re-creates the nightmare endured in 1961 by the crew of the Soviet nuclear submarine K-19, when an exposed reactor core nearly resulted in a nuclear catastrophe. Several crewmen died, and K-19's captain (played by Harrison Ford) had to assert his command when near-mutiny favored his executive officer (Liam Neeson). This escalating tension gives the film its potent dramatic thrust, and both Ford and Neeson deliver intense performances while director Kathryn Bigelow (Near Dark, Strange Days) ably controls a sub full of seething testosterone. It's not as viscerally thrilling as the classic Das Boot or U-571, and some K-19 survivors protested the inclusion of inauthentic drinking scenes, but the movie benefits from grand-scale production values, seamless computer graphics, and a compelling real-life twist. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid

Starring: Pullman, Bill Lewis, David Fonda, Bridget White, Betty Platt, Oliver Gleeson, Brendan Salenger, Meredith
Director: Miner, Steve

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Horror
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Running Time: 82

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ALLY McBEAL creator David E. Kelley wrote and produced this smalltown horror comedy with equal parts laughs and gore. When scientists studying beavers in a Maine lake are killed by something mysterious in the water, an investigation reveals a very large crocodile with an insatiable appetite. The cast of characters sent in to try to catch the murderous beast includes a game warden (Pullman), a scientist (Fonda), and a professor with a fondness for the scaly beasts (Platt). Betty White is an elderly local woman who has a knack for disarming everyone with her saucy language.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

Starring: Craig, Daniel Voight, Jon Phillips, Leslie Jolie, Angelina Glen, Iain Taylor, Noah Rhind-Tutt, Julian Barrie, Chris Barrie, Chris
Director: West, Simon

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 100

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Angelina Jolie stars as Lara Croft, a tough, sexy, heavily armed adventurer, in this action film based on the wildly popular video game series of the same name. When mercenaries invade her cavernous, hi-tech mansion and steal an ancient relic, Lara journeys to various international locations, including Cambodia, Italy, and the Arctic Circle, to retrieve the strange object and discover its mysterious properties. As Lara's quest becomes increasingly dangerous, it begins to shed light on the life of her deceased father, Lord Croft (Jon Voight, Jolie's real-life father), and a secretive group known as the Illuminati. Director Simon West's film boasts an energetic techno soundtrack and a charming performance by Jolie, who blasts her way past various monsters, villains, and pitfalls, smirking all the while. (In one of the film's most memorable sequences, she battles dozens of deadly assassins while suspended from a bungee cord in her pajamas.) Perfectly cast as the voluptuous heroine (and sporting a fine British accent), Jolie's commanding presence carries this fast-paced blockbuster, which will appeal to hardcore video game junkies and action movie fans alike. Theatrical Release: JUNE 16, 2001

Le Mans

Le Mans

Starring: Rauch, Siegfried Leigh-Hunt, Ronald Andersen, Elga Merenda, Luc Infanti, Angelo Cecchi, Carlo McQueen, Steve Hamilton, Hale Hamilton, Hale
Director: Katzin, Lee H.

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 108

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An American race car driver (Steve McQueen) returns to competition a year after an accident leaves him badly injured. As he prepares to face his chief rival in the famous Le Mans race, he also begins a new romance with the wife of a driver who died in the same accident that nearly killed him. Often considered the best racing film ever, LE MANS captures on film the personal intrigue and death-defying sportsmanship of the world's most famous and dangerous racing competition. Steve McQueen did most of his own driving on the 8.5 mile course, often exceeding 200 mph. Shot in Panavision. Color by DeLuxe. A race car driver returns to competition a year after an accident leaves him badly injured. As he prepares to face his chief rival in the famous Le Mans race, he also begins a new romance with the wife of a driver who died in the same accident that nearly killed him.

Led Zeppelin - DVD

Led Zeppelin - DVD

Starring: Led Zeppelin Plant, Robert Page, Jimmy Jones, John Paul Bonham, John
Director: Page, Jimmy

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Music Video & Concerts : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 314

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Very few Led Zeppelin performances were caught on camera during the band's life-span, but the footage that has been preserved for posterity is collected here on this 2-DVD set. With a running time of over 5 and a half hours, this collection is the definitive word on Zep's global stage-straddling performances. The footage is taken from London's Royal Albert Hall in January 1970; London's Earls Court in May 1975; Knebworth in August 1979; and Madison Square Garden in July 1973. Guitarist Jimmy Page has taken great care to restore, remix and remaster the sound from these shows, providing a visual and sonic assault that offers indisputable proof of Led Zeppelin's reputation as a rock 'n' roll behemoth! Additional footage comes in the shape of several television interviews, a bootleg shot of the band performing "Heartbreaker," behind the scenes footage from Knebworth, and a whole lot more.

Legally Blonde 2 - Red, White & Blonde (Special Edition)

Legally Blonde 2 - Red, White & Blonde (Special Edition)

Starring: Witherspoon, Reese Field, Sally
Director: Herman-Wurmfeld, Charles

Rating: PG-13
Category: Comedy : General
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Amazon.com The winning comic finesse of Reese Witherspoon drives Legally Blonde 2: Red White and Blonde. It's astonishing that the sequel could possibly be daffier than the first movie, but Legally Blonde 2 leaves reality behind like an unflattering outfit. Unemployed lawyer Elle Woods (Witherspoon) sets off to our nation's capitol to ban cosmetics testing on animals, after discovering that her beloved chihuahua's own mother is being used as a test subject. Washington, D.C., becomes a testing ground for Elle's mettle, as she grapples with callous committees, backstabbing representatives, and devious aides to get her bill considered by Congress, with some help from her sorority sisters and her hairdresser friend Paulette (Jennifer Coolidge, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind). Witherspoon bursts with charisma and dazzles with sheer performing skill; she's the comic heir to screwball comedienne Carole Lombard--which is high praise. Also featuring Bob Newhart and Sally Field. --Bret Fetzer --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition.

Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde

Starring: Garber, Victor Coolidge, Jennifer Wilson, Luke Taylor, Holland Ubach, Alanna Perkins, Osgood Cardellini, Linda Davis, Matthew Davis, Matthew Blair, Selma
Director: Luketic, Robert

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 95

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In the sharply funny LEGALLY BLONDE, Reese Witherspoon gives a glittering performance as Elle Woods, the natural blonde sorority queen who enrolls at Harvard Law School. When she first appears, Elle seems to be no more than the bright cousin of CLUELESS's Alicia Silverstone. Expecting her boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis) to propose, she is mortified when instead he says he needs somebody serious as his wife. When Elle discovers Warner's brother is engaged to a law student, she decides to go to Harvard. She studies for the LSATs, submits a video essay--in which she appears in a sequined bikini--and, miraculously, is accepted. At first, Elle is rebuked by Professor Stromwell (Holland Taylor) and is the target of snide comments from other students. But, gradually, it becomes clear that Elle is no fish out of water--she is smarter, more driven, and more likely to survive in the rarefied Harvard atmosphere than anyone else. Witherspoon gets fine support from Selma Blair as Warner's new fiancée, Jennifer Coolidge as a beautician, Victor Garber as an unscrupulous professor, Ali Larter as a client from Elle's sorority, Holland Taylor, and Luke Wilson as a lawyer fascinated by Elle's unconventional approach. The smart, witty script is by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith. The first-time director is 28-year-old Australian Robert Luketic.

Lethal Weapon 2

Lethal Weapon 2

Starring: Kahan, Stephen Rolston, Mark Goldstein, Jenette Norris, Dean Serrano, Nestor Kensit, Patsy Hines, Damon Ackland, Joss Ackland, Joss Tigar, Ken
Director: Donner, Richard

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 116

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Murtaugh is still the family man. Riggs is still the daredevil, but now he counts the odds before bucking them. This time, they must protect an accountant who has laundered a half billion dollars in narcotics money. He leads them to a murderous syndicate with ties to a foreign power. Along the way, there's a six-story plummet from a window, a booby-trapped toilet, an underwater escape, and more. Academy Award Nominations: Best Sound Effects Editing. This 1989 sequel was followed by a third "Lethal Weapon" film in 1992. All three films have been extremely successful both at the box office and on home video, and all three have starred Danny Glover and Mel Gibson as cops Murtaugh and Riggs. Screenwriter Jeffrey Boam also wrote "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1990). The film cost an estimated $20 million. It was shown at the Norwegian Film Festival in Haugesund. The end credits note that the film is dedicated to Jay Engel. Shot in Panavision. Mismatched cops Riggs and Murtaugh reunite as they set out to apprehend a duo of corrupt South African emissaries. The catch? The bad guys have diplomatic immunity, and the police can't touch them. But Riggs and Murtaugh are expert at bending the rules.

Lethal Weapon 3

Lethal Weapon 3

Starring: Pesci, Joe Russo, Rene Wilson, Stuart Iorg, Jason Kahan, Stephen Hines, Damon Millar, Gregory Chinlund, Nick Chinlund, Nick Trainor, Mary Ellen
Director: Donner, Richard

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 117

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L.A. police detectives Riggs and Murtaugh team up again to track down an ex-cop who has been smuggling guns out of impound back to gangs on the street. Days away from retirement, Murtaugh is reluctantly pushed into action by Riggs. Although "Lethal Weapon 3," with it's images of violent Los Angeles cops, opened on the coattails of the Rodney King beating -- which some thought would hurt its box-office draw -- it went on to become one of the top-grossing movies of 1992. Some critics speculated that audiences enjoy the film's interracial friendship between Gibson's spontaneously unstable Riggs and the restraint of Glover's solidly middle class Murtaugh. Shot in Technicolor and Panavision. Additional credits: Gregory Kent Simmons (assistant director); Controlled Demolition International (structural implosion effects) SEE-ALSO for Best Lead Performer refers to Mel Gibson. SEE-ALSO for Best Supporting Performer refers to British Actor Stuart Wilson, who portrays Jack Travis. Copyright 1992 Warner Bros. In this installment of the popular "Lethal Weapon" series, Riggs and Murtaugh stumble upon a gun racket run by ex-cop Jack Travis (Stuart Wilson). Travis provides Los Angeles' toughest gangs with high tech weaponry, but now (to Riggs' delight) Lorna Cole, an attractive martial-arts trained internal affairs investigator, has been assigned to help the dynamic duo turn mayhem into order. Together, they can manage it -- the hard way.

Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon

Starring: Glover, Danny Busey, Gary Atkins, Tom Gibson, Mel Ryan, Mitchell Love, Darlene Swanson, Jackie Hines, Damon Hines, Damon Smith, Ebonie
Director: Donner, Richard

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 117

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Two tough Los Angeles cops, one who carries a lethal weapon (Glover) and the other who is one (Gibson), are teamed as partners in a highly unusual case involving a massive international ring which has its roots in Vietnam - a place they are both all too familiar with. This film, with its fresh, energetic combination of comedy, drama and action, has managed to spurn three highly successful sequels. "Two cops. Glover carries a weapon... Gibson is one. He's the only L.A. cop registered as a LETHAL WEAPON." -- marketing line for the film.

Licence to Kill

Licence to Kill

Starring: Lowell, Carey Davi, Robert Zerbe, Anthony Soto, Talisa Dalton, Timothy Newton, Wayne
Director: Glen, John

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
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Running Time: 134

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James Bond (Timothy Dalton) returns with a vengeance in LICENCE TO KILL. Having just witnessed his best friend's wedding, Bond is shocked when he learns that ruthless drug runner Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi) has assaulted the couple on their honeymoon, killing the bride. Assisted by the twiggy Drug Enforcement Agent Pam Bouvier (Carey Lowell) and the gadget wizard Q (Patrick Llewelyn), Bond resigns from Her Majesty’s Secret Service and pursues justice on his own. Perhaps the darkest of the 007 films, LICENCE TO KILL, exhibits a previously unseen side of James Bond. Maniacal at times, ex-agent 007, detonates everything in his way on the road to avenging his friend's bride. The 16th installment of the James Bond series, LICENCE TO KILL, veers away from the pick-up artistry and light interlocution of former 007 films. Instead, director John Glen, gives the audience a crystal clear view of the man behind the martini glass. In Timothy Dalton's second James Bond film, he deals with the more modern problem of drug trafficking. When best friend Felix Leiter is attacked and his new wife murdered right after their wedding, by infamous drug lord, Franz Sanchez, he takes it personally and decides to go after Sanchez himself. He is aided by a young female DEA operative, Pam Bouvier, along with some of "Q's" imaginative gadgets. Color by Technicolor; shot in Panavision. Additional credit: Anthony Wayne (production supervisor)

Lilo & Stitch

Lilo & Stitch

Starring: (III), Chris Sanders Chase, Daveigh
Director: Sanders, Chris

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedy : By Theme : Siblings
User Rating:
Running Time: 85

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Far, far away, on an alien planet, a rogue scientist named Jumba has created a bright blue creature called Experiment 626, through illegal genetic research. This new creature loves destruction and chaos; he's considered dangerous enough to be exiled to a deep space lockup. But 626 steals a spaceship and escapes, touching down in Hawaii, where he ends up in a dog pound. He's adopted by Lilo, a spunky young girl, who renames her new pet "Stitch." Stitch turns out to be quite a handful--his destructive impulses are on full display as he trashes Lilo's house, among other naughty acts. Lilo is being raised by her older sister Nani (their parents died in an accident), and they are under surveillance by an evil social worker, Cobra Bubbles, who wants to take Lilo away from Nani. Lilo must tame Stitch, or his bad behavior could be held against Nani by Cobra. Meanwhile, Stitch is being pursued by his creator Jumba, who has followed him to Earth to try to recapture him. But Stitch becomes steadily more thoughtful and well-behaved as he grows to love Lilo and becomes a part of her family. The film's animation is done in the traditional 2-D style, complete with beautifully drawn watercolor backgrounds which give it a dreamy, colorful handcrafted appeal. Theatrical release: June 21, 2002

Logan's Run

Logan's Run

Starring: Jordan, Richard Ustinov, Peter York, Michael Fawcett, Farrah Agutter, Jenny Browne, Roscoe Lee
Director: Anderson, Michael

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating:
Running Time: 118

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In a 23rd-century world of pleasure and perfection, Logan's job is to kill anyone past the age of 30. But when his turn for sacrifice comes (at age 30), he decides to flee the bubble-domed paradise and find a mythical "sanctuary" that lies outside. Ambitious, entertaining science fiction based on the novel by William Nolan and George Clayton. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Cinematography. The year is 2274, civilization exists under a huge dome, and everyone is encouraged to lead a pleasure-filled lifestyle. There's just one hitch: no one is allowed to live past the age of 29. This doesn't sit well with three friends, who decide to escape from their domed (and doomed) existence.

Look Who's Talking Too

Look Who's Talking Too

Starring: Alley, Kirstie Caplan, Twink Shaffer, Paul Gottfried, Gilbert Koteas, Elias Travolta, John
Director: Heckerling, Amy

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 80

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Mikey, now a little bit older, figures he's got it made. His complusive working mother, Mollie wed James, the warm-hearted dad of his dreams. However, his street smart thoughts are soon matched by the irresistible wisecracks of his new baby sister, Julie. Along with her, he also has to deal with potty training and parental wrangling. Color by Alph Cine; prints by Technicolor; shot in Panavision. Began shooting June 11, 1990; completed shooting late August, 1990. Released theatrically in the USA and Canada December 14, 1990. Released on video July 3, 1991. Co-produced by Big Mouth Productions. Damon Wayans replaced Richard Pryor as the voice of Eddie. Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification. This follow-up to the 1989 hit "Look Who's Talking" finds Mikey, the talking baby now a toddler just embarking on the adventure of toilet training. Mikey's accountant mom and her cab driver boyfriend are married and squabbling over their respective careers and differing lifestyles. In the midst of it all they accidentally conceive Mikey's baby-sister Julie whose thoughts are expressed in the voice of comedienne Roseanne Barr.

Look Who's Talking

Look Who's Talking

Starring: Travolta, John Dukakis, Olympia Alley, Kirstie Segal, George Caplan, Twink Vigoda, Abe Mankuma, Blu
Director: Heckerling, Amy

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 96

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A single mother in her mid-30's (Kirstie Alley) sets out to find a proper father for her son. Baby Mikey is determined to make his opinion on the subject known through his actions - he favors an engaging cab driver turned baby sitter (John Travolta). But by the time he learns to talk, it may be too late. An accountant becomes pregnant by her married boyfriend who then refuses to leave his wife and assume responsibility for the child. Left to her own devices, the expectant mother is befriended by the warm-hearted cab driver who races her to the hospital during labor. He quickly falls in love with both her and her precocious infant who comments on the action (including his own birth) omnisciently in the wise-cracking voice of Bruce Willis. Still pining over her businessman ex-boyfriend, the accountant at first refuses the attentions of the cabbie, until, gradually, she begins to see him as more than just a babysitter. Shot on location in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Color by Alpha Cine; prints by Technicolor. Began shooting May 25, 1988; completed shooting July, 1988. Released theatrically in the USA October 13, 1989. Released on video April 11, 1990. The role of Mikey was played by four different babies: Jason Schaller, Jaryd Waterhouse, Jacob Haines and Christoper Aydon. In the French version the Voice of Mikey was done by actor Daniel Auteuil. Amy Heckerling was the director of the teen movie "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" which introduced Jennifer Jason Leigh and Sean Penn to the screen. Estimated budget $8.5 million. Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification.

Looney Tunes - The Golden Collection

Looney Tunes - The Golden Collection

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Amazon.com For years, animation buffs have waited impatiently for the Warner Bros. cartoons to appear on DVD. The Warner shorts never commanded the budgets and prestige of the Disney and MGM films, and won fewer Oscars than they deserved. But decades after the best ones were created, they remain the quintessential Hollywood cartoons: brash, fast-paced, aggressively funny and uniquely American. Virtually everyone in the U.S. under the age of 60 grew up on these films, in theaters and on TV. The 56 cartoons in the set (out of a studio output of over 1,000) were transferred from good prints--which means the viewer can see dust, scratches, and occasional mistakes by the cel painters. The films are all presented uncut, in defiance of the killjoys who have insisted on censoring alleged "violence" in the versions shown on television. Warner Bros. is obviously testing consumer response with this set. Although the erratic selection includes many classics, purists will argue (correctly) that it offers neither a fair representation of the directors' oeuvres, nor anything approaching a coherent history of the characters or studio style. (Nearly half the films were directed by Chuck Jones; only three are by Bob Clampett, and there's nothing by Tex Avery or Frank Tashlin.) But it seems petty to carp about omissions and biases when the discs offer excellent, uncensored prints of some of the funniest films ever made in the U.S.--or anywhere else. (Rated G, suitable for all ages: cartoon violence) --Charles Solomon Description They're the crown princes of animation. They're the international ambassadors of cartoon comedy. They're the fabulously funny friends you grew up with! And now, 56 of the very best animated shorts starring the very wackiest Warner Bros. cartoon characters have been rounded up on DVD for the first time ever in The Looney Tunes Golden Collection! Just barely contained in four special edition discs, each specially selected short has been brilliantly restored and re-mastered to its original, uncut, anvil-dropping, laughter-inducing glory! Featuring some of the very earliest, ground-breaking on-screen appearances of many all-time Looney Tunes favorites, it's an unprecedented celebration for cartoon-lovers eager to re-live the heady, hilarious, golden age of Warner Bros. animation! Sparkling with one unforgettable, landmark animated marvel after another, there's that icon of carrot-crunching aplomb, Bugs Bunny, in a dazzling assortment of his very best classic shorts. Also highlighted in their own delightfully zany series of cartoon gems: the ever-flustered Daffy Duck and eternal straight-man Porky Pig. Plus, all the rest of the beloved Looney Tunes lineup starring in some of the most wildly imaginative cartoon shorts ever created! Including an array of exclusive bonus DVD features from expert commentaries to insights into the evolution of these classic characters, this is the ultimate animated experience for anyone who's ever thrilled to the timeless query: "Ehhh? what's up, Doc?"

Lost in Space - New Line Platinum Series

Lost in Space - New Line Platinum Series

Starring: Hurt, William Oldman, Gary
Director: Hopkins, Stephen

Rating: PG-13
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy
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Amazon.com Packed with more than 750 dazzling visual effects, this $70 million adventure does more (and less) than give the 1965-68 TV series a state-of-the-art face-lift. Aimed at an audience that wasn't born when the series originally aired, the sci-fi extravaganza doesn't even require familiarity, despite cameo appearances by several of the TV show's original cast members. Instead it's a high-tech hybrid of the original premise with enough sensory overload to qualify as a spectacular big-screen video game, supported by a time-travel premise that's adequately clever but hardly original. It's certainly never boring, and visually it's an occasionally awesome demonstration of special effects technology. But in its attempt to be all things to all demographics, the movie's more of a marketing ploy than a satisfying adventure, thankfully dispensing with the TV show's cheesy camp but otherwise squandering a promising cast in favor of eye-candy and ephemeral storytelling. In keeping with the movie's high-tech appeal, the DVD is a feature-packed marvel, including two audio commentaries, deleted scenes, two featurettes covering special effects and the original TV series (featuring complete biographies and episode guides), the original screenplay, and interactive games. --Jeff Shannon

Love Potion #9

Love Potion #9

Starring: Bullock, Sandra Donovan, Tate Midkiff, Dale Mara, Mary
Director: Launer, Dale

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 97

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When Paul, a lonely biochemist, and Diane, a socially inept comparative psychobiologist, come across a gypsy's mysterious potion, they're skeptical. But when chimps respond favorably, the scientists have no choice but to test it on themselves, with hilarious and charming results. Shot in CFI color. The movie title and premise is based on the 1959 song, "Love Potion No. 9". Copyright 1992 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. A geeky biochemist and a nerd psycho-biologist are perfect for each other, but they just don't know it. But a gypsy's gift of a love elixir makes them both irresistible to everyone else. After numerous romantic hijinks, they find paradise with one another.

Love Story

Love Story

Starring: MacGraw, Ali Milland, Ray Marley, John Nype, Russell O'Neal, Ryan Walker, Sydney Daniels, Walker Modica, Robert Modica, Robert Nype, Russell
Director: Hiller, Arthur

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 100

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One of the most popular tearjerkers ever, LOVE STORY tells the tale of Jenny (Ali McGraw), a poor college student from Rhode Island, and Oliver (Ryan O'Neal), a rich law student from Boston, who fall in love while attending college. Despite opposition to their relationship from Oliver's wealthy father, the two get married. After graduation, Oliver takes a job at a prestigious legal firm in New York, and everything seems to be going well for the couple. However, tragedy strikes when Jenny is diagnosed with a fatal illness. As a result, Oliver must face a future without the woman he loves. This timeless film, based on Erich Segal's novel, featured the famous tag line "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Film debut for actor Tommy Lee Jones, who was billed as Tom Lee Jones. Color by Movielab. Although many believe the film was an adaptation of Erich Segal's best-selling novel, this actually wasn't the case. Segal had actually written the screenplay first and then turned it into a book before the film was made. The book was published and became a best-seller before the film was released. A New England college is the setting for this study of a love affair that is tinged with the tragedy of illness. Academy Award Nominations: 7, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor--Ryan O'Neal, Best Actress--Ali MacGraw, Best (Adapted) Screenplay--Erich Segal. Academy Awards: Best Original Score. "Love means never having to say you're sorry." -- Oliver to Jenny (Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw)

Maid to Order

Maid to Order

Starring: D'Angelo, Beverly Sheedy, Ally Shawn, Dick Skerritt, Tom Ontkean, Michael Perrine, Valerie
Director: Jones, Amy Holden

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
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Running Time: 92

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Jessie is a rich, bored, spoiled brat. When her father wishes he never had a daughter, his kooky fairy godmother transforms Jessie into a penniless outsider who is forced to take work as a maid. Worse help is hard to find. Jessie Montgomery is a rich, spoiled brat whose father throws her out of the house after she's arrested for petty crimes. While living on the streets, she meets Stella, her fairy godmother. Through Stella's magic, Jessie is forced to work as a lowly maid for a snobby, filthy rich, self-absorbed couple, in order for her to learn a few things about herself, and her treatment of others.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins

Starring: Van Dyke, Dick Tomlinson, David Johns, Glynis Matthews, Lester Delevanti, Cyril Baddeley, Hermione Dotrice, Karen Garber, Matthew Garber, Matthew Lanchester, Elsa
Director: Stevenson, Robert

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
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Running Time: 139

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A magical, musical nanny brings a breath of fresh air into the stuffy Banks household in turn-of-the-century England. Overstuffed with gaiety, this children's fantasy is filled to the brim with wonderful dance numbers and outrageous songs (such as the seemingly unpronounceable "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"). The film's seamless blending of live-action with animation was a marvel in its day. This is Andrews' film debut and Darwell's last film appearance. Academy Award Nominations: 13, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best (Adapted) Screenplay. Academy Awards: 5, including Best Actress--Julie Andrews, Best Original Score, Best Song ("Chim Chim Cher-ee"), Best Editing, Best Special Visual Effects. Gold Collection Edition features "Hollywood Goes to a World Premiere." Film debut for Julie Andrews, who won an Academy Award for her performance. Author, P.L. Travers, served as a consultant on the film. Additional cast: James Logan, Alma Lawton, and Marjorie Eaton. Additional credits: Dean Thomas (sound mixer), Pat McNalley (makeup); LaRue Matheron (hairstylist); Bill Justice & Xavier Atencio (nursery sequence designers); Hal Ambro (animator); Al Dempster, Art Riley, and Bill Layne (background artists), Nat Farber (dance accompanist). Oscar-winning Disney musical about Mary Poppins, a British nanny with magical powers. She arrives at the home of the Banks family, and with her magical abilities transforms the lives of the entire clan. Mary's strongest influence is over the Banks' children, whom she introduces to a world of fantasy. Film features many classic songs, among them "Chim Chim Cheree." and "Supercalifragilisticexplialidocious."

Maverick

Maverick

Starring: Foster, Jodie Garner, James Coburn, James Greene, Graham Molina, Alfred Gibson, Donal Taylor, Dub Lewis, Geoffrey Lewis, Geoffrey Hedaya, Dan
Director: Donner, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 127

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An updating of the classic Western TV series "Maverick," this comic oater finds our fast-talking, hard-gambling hero surviving many adventures while trying to come up with enough money to play in a high-stakes poker game. Penned by William Goldman with music by Randy Newman. Academy Award Nominations: Best Costume Design. Copyright 1994 Icon Productions. Filmed in Technicolor; in Anamorphic. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. Bret Maverick, that charming, amoral gambler of TV fame, is back, and still wreaking comic havoc wherever he goes. Maverick's out to compete in the Three Rivers Poker Championship, but he's got one small problem: he still needs another three grand for the entrance fee. Soon he's donning disguises, fighting Indians and holding up hooligans... doing anything he must to get that cash.

McLintock!

McLintock!

Starring: O'Hara, Maureen Wayne, Patrick Powers, Stefanie Buchanan, Edgar Van Dyke, Jerry Wayne, John De Carlo, Yvonne Kruschen, Jack Kruschen, Jack
Director: McLaglen, Andrew V.

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: All Deals
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 128

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Wealthy cattle baron G.W. McLintock returns to his brash wife after a two year separation, only to be greeted by fiery accusations of infidelity. She vows to divorce him and the two of them turn the entire town upside down with a town in a hilarious romantic showdown. The notorious "spanking" scene is a cinematic first. MPI Home Video's videocassette #6022 is the "full-length producer's cut" of the film and it is the only version "authorized by the estate of John Wayne." The print for the video was struck from the original negative which was restored under the supervision of Michael Wayne, the film's producer and John Wayne's son. The soundtrack was digitally remastered for stereo. Color by Technicolor. Shot in Panavision. The battle of the sexes goes into full throttle in this madcap Western. McLintock is a successful, hard-drinking, rabble-rousing cattle baron whose town is named in his honor. When Katherine, his estranged wife, arrives back in town to seek a divorce, they immediately lock horns and brawl like two alley cats -- often in public. Besides his hot-tempered wife, McLintock also has to contend with his daughter and her suitors, a confrontation between homesteaders and cattlemen, and the government's problems with the local Comanche.

Medicine Man

Medicine Man

Starring: Connery, Sean Wilker, Jose Bracco, Lorraine Alexandra, Rodolfo de Angelo Barra Moreira
Director: McTiernan, John

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Drama : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 105

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Set in the Venezuelan rain forest, a brilliant but off-beat scientist discovers a possible cure for cancer within the lush Amazon jungle. He and a beautiful fellow biochemist must race against time to unlock the secrets of the cure before greedy developers destroy the forest. Color by Technicolor; shot in Panavision, on location in Brazil and Mexico. Jesus Buenrostro and Marlisi Storchi were the Brazilian Indian art directors; Rita Muritmho was the Brazilian Indian costume designer and Maria Fatima Toledo was the Brazilian Indian choreographer. Copyright 1992 Cinergi Productions Inc. For six years, Dr. Robert Campbell has taken up residence in the Amazon rainforest, where he has researched potential new drugs. But the company that sponsored him begins to worry about what he's been doing for all that time, so they send Dr. Rae Crane, a female scientist, to Brazil to help him in his work -- and more importantly, to check on him. Within minutes, the misogynistic, independent Campbell and the feminist Crane detest and distrust each other. But as Crane begins to look into Campbell's research, she realizes that he's on the verge of finding a miracle drug -- one that could wipe out cancer. He, in turn, also starts to respect her. Just as the two begin to collaborate, however, they run smack into a big problem: the very rainforest that will yield the important medicine is on the verge of destruction -- and the forces destroying it may just be too powerful for Campbell and Crane to stop. Removing himself from modern society, Dr Robert Campbell (Sean Connery), has become a MEDIINE MAN to the people of the Amazonian village which he inhabits. By a freak mishap, Campbell has deduced that the cure for cancer can be derived from a chemical found in a Brazilian flower. Fellow scientist/beauty Dr. Rae Crane tracks down the elusive Campbell in an effort to monitor his progress. The two doctors, although physical attracted to one another butt heads when a villager becomes sick, and Campbell wishes to use only remaining bit of cancer curing serum to save the native’s life. In addition to battling each other, the doctors must contend with a group of loggers who pose a danger to the village. Shot in Mexico and Brazil, Director John McTiernan returns to the jungles he burned in his 1987 blockbuster, PREDATOR, and delivers a scenic psychic thriller. Gone is the gore from McTiernan’s previous films. Instead he has choses a more humanistic topic, conservation, plus, the sparks between actors Connery and Bracco are more incendiary than any machine gun.

Men at Work

Men at Work

Starring: Sheen, Charlie Larson, Darrell Getz, John Hope, Leslie Estevez, Emilio David, Keith Evans, Troy Cameron, Dean Cameron, Dean Putch, John
Director: Estevez, Emilio

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 99

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In a small, casual beachside community, two garbagemen dream of opening a surf shop. But one day, when their load of trash contains the body of the murdered city councilman, their whole world is turned upside down as the greedy, murderous executive, whose company has been dumping toxic waste into the ocean, attempts to make trash out of them too. Brat-pack auteur Emilio Estevez directs himself and his brother Charlie Sheen in this environmentally conscious comedy. Carl and James are two sanitation engineers who enjoy pulling excrement-themed pranks on coworkers and dream of opening their very own surfing goods store. In the meantime, they're happy just to guzzle beers and play Trivial Pursuit. Then one day, while emptying a typical garbage can, they dump out a dead political candidate. And the more they learn about this stiff, the more trouble they're in -- especially after they uncover an illegal toxic waste disposal plot. Now Carl and James must decide whether to contact the authorities or abandon the corpse and go catch some waves. This is the first film to feature thespian siblings Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen. An Epic/Elwes/Euphoria production. Color by DeLuxe. Recorded in Ultra-Stereo sound.

Men in Black II

Men in Black II

Starring: Jones, Tommy Lee Boyle, Lara Flynn Dawson, Rosario Smith, Will Torn, Rip Cross, David Warburton, Patrick Knoxville, Johnny Knoxville, Johnny
Director: Sonnenfeld, Barry

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies,
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 88

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Reuniting director Barry Sonnenfeld with most of the original hit film's cast, MEN IN BLACK II picks up with alien-monitoring secret agent Jay (Will Smith) in a rut. Weary of the isolated life of an MiB operative, Jay continually fires new partners until MiB director Zed (Rip Torn) teams him up with the talkative pug, Frank (voiced by Tim Blaney). Together they investigate an "alien-on-alien" murder witnessed by the lovely Rita (Rosario Dawson), who Jay immediately falls for. The case eventually leads Jay and Frank to track down agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), who now works at a rural post office, completely unaware of his former life. Unfortunately, it's what Kay can't remember that may save the world from destruction at the hands of the shape-shifting alien Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle). As Jay attempts to jog the memory of the reluctant Kay, Serleena takes over MiB headquarters, building up to a big New York City showdown. A fast-paced follow-up to the 1997 sci-fi comedy, MEN IN BLACK II sticks to its guns, offering up more action, aliens, and intergalactic weirdness. This time around Smith and characters such as Frank and the wisecracking worms are the focus, although Jones makes the most out of his screen time with his deadpan persona thoroughly intact. And, as with the first movie, MIB II features plenty of enjoyable scenes, including an underground romp involving a subway-sized alien and Frank the Dog's head-out-of-the-car-window rendition of "I Will Survive." Theatrical Release Date: July 3, 2002

Men in Black

Men in Black

Starring: Smith, Will Fiorentino, Linda D'Onofrio, Vincent Torn, Rip Shalhoub, Tony Fallon, Siobhan Nussbaum, Mike Calderon, Sergio Calderon, Sergio Alexander, John
Director: Sonnenfeld, Barry

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies,
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 98

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In the 1950s a super-secret government agency was formed to monitor and police the activities of extraterrestrial aliens on the planet Earth. Some 40 years later a founding father of the agency, Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), finds himself with a new smart-mouthed partner fresh from the NYPD who is soon dubbed Agent Jay (Will Smith). Their first mission is to save the Earth from destruction by a giant insectlike alien (Vincent D’Onfrio) that, incidentally, drives an exterminator’s truck. Armed with their matching Ray-Bans, skinny ties, and space-age weapons that Jay barely understands--he calls the Neuralyzer the "flashy thing"--the new duo begin another average day of fighting intergalactic terrorists. An amazingly hip and terribly clever movie that riffs on everything from E.T.--THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL to CASABLANCA, this Barry Sonnenfeld film is based on the equally savvy comic book by Lowell Cunningham. Filmed in New York City and in studio (Culver City, CA). Estimated budget: $90 million. The film grossed more than $250 million at the domestic box office and nearly $600 million worldwide. A hilariously stoic top-secret federal agent (Tommy Lee Jones) and his wisecracking partner (Will Smith) don their matching Ray-Bans and skinny black ties and proceed to use all their considerable weaponry and wit to save the world from an undocumented and extremely unfriendly mantislike alien. MEN IN BLACK is a successful, tongue-in-cheek spoof of summer blockbuster alien invasion flicks, based on the comic book by Lowell Cunningham.

Michael Jackson - Video Greatest Hits - HIStory

Michael Jackson - Video Greatest Hits - HIStory

Starring: Jackson, Michael
Director: Landis, John

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Music Video & Concerts : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 75

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In connection with the release of Michael Jackson's "HIStory" album--a compilation of his greatest hits which spans the decades of his diverse, spectacular pop career, this release features Jackson's ten most famous short music films. Along with being one of the most successful pop stars of all time, Jackson also helped to revolutionize the music video art form, hiring Hollywood film directors like John Landis and Martin Scorsese to direct what are essentially short narrative films. Included are the videos for "Billie Jean," "Thriller," and "Bad." Tracks: "Brace Yourself - A Kaleidoscope of Michael Jackson HIStory" "Billie Jean" "The Way You Make Me Feel" "Black or White" "Rock with You" "Bad" "Thriller" "Beat It" "Remember the Time" "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" "Heal the World" "Carmina Burana," "Black or White," and "Remember the Time" produced by Propaganda Films. "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Bad" produced by Optimum Productions. "Rock with You" produced by Jon Roseman Productions. "Beat It" produced by Giraldi Productions. "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" produced by United Sound & Picture. "Heal the World" produced by Pytka. Additional credits: Ute Leonhardt and Steve Lavy (producers "Carmina Burana"); Jane McCann (producer "The Way You Make Me Feel"); Mary Nesign (producer "Beat It"); Suellen Wagner and Vincent Joliet (producers "Heal the World"). Copyright 1995 MJJ Ventures, Inc.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas

Starring: Mouse, Mickey Duck, Donald
Director: Falkenstein, Jun

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 75

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A heartwarming collection of Christmas tales that reunites Mickey Mouse with his beloved friends Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, and Daisy. Features three stories. "Donald Duck: Stuck on Christmas" has Donald's nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie wishing that every day could be Christmas, with unpredictable results. "A Very Goofy Christmas" features Goofy and his son Max waiting for Santa to deliver an important gift. "Mickey & Minnie's Gift of the Magi" features an adaptation of the classic O. Henry story about the true meaning of the holidays. The Gold Collection version features a special music video by SHeDAISY.

Midnight Express

Midnight Express

Starring: Quaid, Randy Hurt, John Hopkins, Bo Kellin, Mike Davis, Brad
Director: Parker, Alan

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Drama
User Rating:
Running Time: 121

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Based on William Hayes's autobiography, MIDNIGHT EXPRESS tells the harrowing story of a young American tourist arrested and sentenced to 30 years in prison by Turkish authorities for trying to smuggle two kilos of hashish out of the country. Billy (Brad Davis), suffering through the harsh realities of the Turkish penal system, sees a glimmer of hope when his father (Billy Kellin) arrives from the States with the intention of securing his son's release. But when that effort fails and the prison's savage environment becomes too much to bear, Billy opts for the only possible solution: breaking out of jail and riding the "midnight express"--prison slang for escape--to freedom. Director Alan Parker (MISSISSIPPI BURNING), aided by Oliver Stone's Oscar-winning script, fastens an unflinching gaze into the darkest recesses of physical and emotional cruelty. Supporting cast members Randy Quaid, John Hurt, and Bo Hopkins give stellar performances, and Giorgio Moroder supplies a jagged yet entrancing soundtrack for a film that is at one and the same time a Kafkaesque nightmare, a riveting exposé, and a testament to the dogged human thirst for dignity. Color by Eastmancolor. The true story of Billy Hayes is revealed in this drama about a young man who is sentenced to 30 years in a Turkish prison for a minor drug offense. DVD Features: Region 1 Encoded English and French Languages/Subtitled Featurette Theatrical Trailer

Minority Report

Minority Report

Starring: Gross, Arye Mapother, William R. Farrell, Colin Morton, Samantha Sydow, Max von Capshaw, Jessica McDonough, Neal Nelson, Tim Blake Nelson, Tim Blake Smith, Lois
Director: Spielberg, Steven

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 146

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The science-fiction thriller MINORITY REPORT, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise, is based on a short story by renowned writer Philip K. Dick. In the year 2054, in Washington, D.C., murder has been eliminated thanks to Precrime, a program that uses the visions of three psychics, called Precogs (an abbreviation for precognitive thinkers), to arrest and imprison would-be murderers before they have a chance to kill. Tom Cruise plays John Anderton, a Precrime enforcer who believes in the system for his own personal reasons--years back his young son was abducted, and he has dealt with the loss by becoming a high-strung Precrime officer. The director of Precrime (Max von Sydow) is eager to take the program national, and feels threatened by an ambitious federal agent (Colin Farrell) who is bent on finding a flaw in the system. When Anderton finds himself accused of the future murder of a man he's never met, his faith in Precrime is instantly shaken. He goes on the run, and is trailed by the relentless Precrime police. In the tradition of BLADE RUNNER (also based on a Dick story), MINORITY REPORT is a dark, brooding vision of the future. Spielberg expertly mixes thrilling chase and suspense sequences (the best of which involves Anderton being pursued by eye-scanning mechanical spiders) and stunning special effects with a challenging look at society's willingness to sacrifice privacy and the notion of free will for convenience and security. MINORITY REPORT is a thought-provoking and exciting film that ranks with Spielberg's best. Theatrical release: June 21, 2002

Monsters Inc

Monsters Inc

Starring: Goodman, John Crystal, Billy
Director: Docter, Peter

Rating:
Category:
User Rating:
Running Time: 93

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Intelligent, funny, adorable, and beautifully animated, MONSTERS, INC. will delight fans of SHREK and TOY STORY, while drawing a new audience of curious, kid-friendly viewers. Billy Crystal and John Goodman make a fiercely funny comedic team as job partners and best friends, Mike (Crystal)--a little green guy with one huge eyeball, and Sulley (Goodman)--a big purple and blue fuzzy guy with dinosaur spikes down his back. Mike and Sully work at MONSTERS, INC., a gigantic corporation that captures the screams of little children and turns them into energy. To make the children scream, the monsters must enter each child's bedroom through the closet door, then deliver a frightening affront. The only problem is, kids aren't scared anymore. And because of this problem, Monsters, Inc. is in a jam. But when one little girl, Boo (Mary Gibbs), follows Sully through her closet door and into the factory, she brings an even more dire issue to the fore: the monsters are actually terrified of children. From Pixar Animation Studios, MONSTERS, INC. is an exciting adventure with a sweet, happy ending. Both the DVD and VHS releases include the animated short FOR THE BIRDS and a home video exclusive performance of "Put That Thing Back Where It Came From Or So Help Me" created by Mike Wazowski. Theatrical Release Date: NOVEMBER 2, 2001

Moon 44

Moon 44

Starring: Eichhorn, Lisa McDowell, Malcolm Thompson, Brian Devlin, Dean Paré, Michael Geoffreys, Stephen Browne, Roscoe Lee Rippy, Leon Rippy, Leon
Director: Emmerich, Roland

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 102

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In the year 2038, the Earth has no natural resources left and mining must be established on other planets. Pirite, a renegade company, is attacking the planetary shuttles with the help of inside information. Agent Stone is dispatched to determine where the leaks are coming from but finds that Pirite is not the only enemy on Moon 44. In the future, as corporations cannibalize each other, the victors grow all-powerful, and take their vicious competitions to the far reaches of space. These companies vie for the opportunities to mine and establish markets on their neighboring planets and moons. The capitalist spirit escalates into a zealous fervor that causes a war between rival multinational corporations. Amid this chaos, a behind-the-scenes agent is dispatched off-world to a darker corner of the universe to locate a person committing sabotage on a particular planet. Additional cast: Jochen Nickel and Mechmed Yilmez. Additional credit: P. J. Mitchell (story). Copyright 1990 Centropolis Film Production.

Moonraker

Moonraker

Starring: Chiles, Lois Kiel, Richard Lonsdale, Michael Clery, Corinne Lee, Bernard Keen, Geoffrey Moore, Roger Llewelyn, Desmond Llewelyn, Desmond Maxwell, Lois
Director: Gilbert, Lewis

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 126

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In the 11th installment of the 007 series, director Lewis Gilbert delivers a visually thrilling progression in filmmaking. Roger Moore returns as dashing secret service agent James Bond. This time around Bond must investigate the theft of a space shuttle with help from beautiful CIA agent Dr. Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles) and sexy Euro supermodel Corrine (Corrine Clery). Agent 007 discovers that genocidal maniac-millionaire Hugo Drax (Michel Lonsdale) plans to poison all of humanity from outer space and repopulate earth with only the most perfectly bred humans. A variety of traps and villains awaits Bond, including the recurring character Jaws (Richard Kiel, also featured in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME). Filmed in such exotic locations as Southern California, Venice, and the Amazon, Gilbert delivers the formula Bond packet of girls, gadgets, and guns. However, he also goes further, sending Agent 007 into space. MOONRAKER takes great risks in blending the spy and science fiction genres. In spite of such an unruly coupling, the film rewards viewers with its finale of climactic plot twists and stellar special effects. Theatrical release: June 1979. Although FOR YOUR EYES ONLY was supposed to be the next Bond film after THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, producer Albert Broccoli chose MOONRAKER as the next installment, due to the success of STAR WARS. Actor James Mason was originally offered the role of Hugo Drax. An evolution in the 007 series, MOONRAKER is the first of the Bond films to use science fiction special effects. Roger Moore reprises his role as James Bond, the charismatic British secret service agent. While investigating the disappearance of a space shuttle, Bond uncovers millionaire Hugo Drax's (Michel Lonsdale) plan to eliminate the human race, and populate the planet earth with ideal superhumans. Catapulted into outer space and assisted by sexy CIA agent Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles), Bond battles for not only his own life, but for the fate of humanity as well. "You know him?"--Dr. Holly Goodhead (Lois Chiles) "Not socially. His name's Jaws. He kills people."--James Bond (Roger Moore) "Why are you so late, James?"--Miss Moneypenny (Lois Maxwell) "I fell out of an airplane without a parachute."--James Bond "Take good care of Mr. Bond. See that some harm comes to him."--Hugo Drax (Michael Lonsdale) "Well, here's to us."--Jaws (Richard Kiel) to James Bond, in his only speaking line

Mr. Deeds

Mr. Deeds

Starring: Turturro, John Sandler, Adam Jacobs, Gideon Ryder, Winona Gallagher, Peter Avari, Erick Buscemi, Steve Harris, Jared Harris, Jared
Director: Brill, Steven

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 97

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Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler) is content to run his pizzeria in the cozy New Hampshire hamlet of Mandrake Falls. His only further desire is to someday see one of his corny rhymes printed in a greeting card. Deeds is awarded much more when he inherits the $40 billion empire of a media tycoon, a distant relative. He is lured to New York City by unscrupulous partners of the deceased where he is prayed upon by greedy stockholders. He also makes ample fodder for tabloid journalists, notably reporter Babe Bennett (Winona Ryder) who poses as a school nurse from Iowa to win Deed's heart and expose him as an idiot to her viewership. Against her will and her own sleazy principles, Babe falls for the charming naivety of Deeds, whose fortune is in jeopardy. Adam Sandler's man-child persona stands in for Gary Cooper in this remake of the 1936 MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN. Sandler and longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy have molded the Frank Capra romantic comedy into a perfect vehicle for its star and a love letter to New York City. Jared Harris as a tabloid TV host and John Turturro as an omnipresent Spanish butler shine in supporting roles. IN THEATRES: JUNE 28, 2002

Mr. Destiny

Mr. Destiny

Starring: Caine, Michael Hamilton, Linda Lovitz, Jon Bochner, Hart McCutchen, Bill Belushi, James Russo, Rene Bernsen, Collin Bernsen, Collin Chaykin, Maury
Director: Orr, James

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 110

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A loser falls into a huge mansion, a beautiful wife, and great wealth after discovering a rich man's filofax, but when it becomes too much for him to handle, he finds getting back his previous life won't be easy. Larry, a businessman, has always been haunted by the fact that he struck out at the state baseball championship game, costing his high school the title. Offered a chance to relive that moment, he gets to see how different his life would have been had he won the game instead. The Asheville, North Carolina, mansion seen in "Mr. Destiny" was also used for the Peter Sellers' film "Being There." Filmed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, beginning March 19, 1990; completed May 13, 1990. Shot in Technicolor; prints by Technicolor. Titles by Saxon/Ross Film Design. Released in USA October 12, 1990. Reviewed in New York Times and Los Angeles Times October 12, 1990.

Mr. Magoo

Mr. Magoo

Starring: Lynch, Kelly Keeslar, Matt Chinlund, Nick Tobolowsky, Stephen Hudson, Ernie Garner, Jennifer McDowell, Malcolm Ferrer, Miguel Ferrer, Miguel Irizawa, Art
Director: Tong, Stanley

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies, Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 88

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Comically myopic hero Mr. Magoo stumbles onto the big screen in this live-action cartoon. After Magoo (Leslie Nielsen, star of AIRPLANE! and the NAKED GUN television series and movies) inadvertently makes off with a priceless gem exhibited at the premiere of a posh museum, he and his bulldog sidekick, Angus, find themselves in the midst of international intrigue. Not only has the jewel been earmarked by slinky cat burglar Luanne LeSeur (Kelly Lynch), it's also prized by the FBI, a Brazilian crime lord, and other sundry parties. Packed with laughs, MR. MAGOO is helmed by action-comedy director Stanley Tong, best known as a directorial collaborator of martial arts megastar Jackie Chan.

Mrs. Doubtfire

Mrs. Doubtfire

Starring: Field, Sally Williams, Robin Brosnan, Pierce Wilson, Mara Fierstein, Harvey Prosky, Robert
Director: Columbus, Chris

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 125

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When an irresponsible and child-like dad is barred from seeing his kids he disguises himself as a woman and applies for the job of housekeeper for his ex-wife. The disguise of a sturdy matron works a beneficial change on him as well -- but how long can he keep this up? Academy Awards: Best Makeup. FoxVideo laserdisc #8607-85 is a Widescreen Collector's Edition of the film. This THX laserdisc includes interviews with cast and crew members, footage cut from the theatrical release, makeup tests, original theatrical trailers, production stills, an alternate audio track commentary, among other supplementary materials. Shot in Panavision. Color by DeLuxe. Title design by Nina Saxon; titles by Pacific Title. Body suits for "Mrs. Doubtfire" were made by Linda Benavente Notaro. Animal action supervised by The American Humane Association. Soundtrack available on Fox Records. Special thanks went to San Francisco Film and Video Arts Commission; the City of San Francisco and the San Francisco Police Department. Post-production sound services by Skywalker Sound; services by The Film Unit & The Post Group; edited on The Lightworks. Bryndon Hasman was Robin Williams' opera coach and Elena Servi was his Italian diction coach. Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification. Copyright 1993 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Available to buy in the UK. An unemployed actor loses custody of his children after his wife leaves him. Desperate to spend more time with the kids, the crafty thespian decides to dress up as a 60-year-old British woman and interview with his ex-wife for a nanny position. He lands the job, but he'll have to give the performance of his life to keep it.

Murder 101

Murder 101

Starring: Corone, Antoni Brosnan, Pierce Young, Dey Taylor, Mark L. Sbarge, Raphael Thomson, Kim
Director: Condon, Bill

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Drama : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 93

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Charles Lattimore is an English professor who specializes in murder mysteries. He gives his students a challenge: "Planning the unsolvable murder." When he arranges an extracurricular meeting with one of his attractive students she turns up dead and he realizes he has been framed for murder. Director Condon later became known for GODS AND MONSTERS. A writing professor who teaches in a small college town begins to suspect that one of his students is applying his creative methods to commit perfect murders. Additional cast: Antoni Corone and Todd Merrill.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Starring: Mandylor, Louis Corbett, John Carides, Gia Fatone, Joey Gray, Bruce Vardalos, Nia Martin, Andrea Kazan, Lainie Kazan, Lainie
Director: Zwick, Joel

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 95

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Toula Portakalos (Nia Vardalos) feels trapped in her large Greek family, where women are expected to do only three things: "marry Greek men, have Greek babies, and feed everyone until the day they die." Rebelling against this fate, Toula quits the family restaurant, goes to college, fixes her hair, and falls in love with Ian (John Corbett), a guy who is way-too-good-to-be-true, and not Greek. This horrifies Toula's Greek culture-crazed father (Michael Constantine) and sets off a major culture clash between her loud, eccentric family (whose activities include roasting whole lambs on the front-yard barbecue spit) and Ian's subdued, overcivilized Anglo-Saxon parents. Based on Vardalos' own autobiographical one-woman play, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING is that rare romantic comedy that has the courage to trust its simple, human story and not resort to overwrought Hollywood sentimentality and phony glamour (all the characters in the film look and act like real people). It's also filled with big, fat, crowd-pleasing laughs, making it a wedding most worth attending. Co-produced by Tom Hanks, the movie is set in Chicago, but was filmed in Toronto. The spirited cast includes Lainie Kazan and Andrea Martin (of SCTV fame) as Toula's mom and aunt.

My Cousin Vinny

My Cousin Vinny

Starring: Macchio, Ralph Pesci, Joe Whitfield, Mitchell Ellis, Chris Tomei, Marisa Gwynne, Fred
Director: Lynn, Jonathan

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 120

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Two carefree pals traveling through Alabama are mistakenly arrested and charged with murder. Fortunately, one of them has a cousin who's a lawyer. When Vinny arrives in Alabama with his leather-clad girlfriend, it's a real shock for all of them! Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress--Marisa Tomei. "A comedy of trial and error." -- marketing line for the film Estimated budget $11.9 million. Shot at the Lee Arrendale Correctional Facility in Alto, Georgia, and in Monticello and Covington, Georgia. Filming began February 11, 1991; completed April 22, 1991. Color by Deluxe. Title design by Saxon/Ross Film Design Inc. Titles and opticals by Pacific Title. Released theatrically in the USA March 13, 1992. Released on video October 1, 1992. Reviewed in New York Times and Los Angeles Times on March 13, 1992. Copyright 1992 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. New York City lawyer Vinny Gambini ventures into the deep South with his loud-mouthed, big-haired girlfriend in tow to free his cousin Bill and Bill's friend after they are mistakenly accused of murdering a convenience-store clerk. Unfortunately, Vinny passed the bar (after 6 failed attempts!) only a few weeks before, and has never even seen the inside of a courtroom. But no Gambini has lost an argument yet.

My Favorite Martian

My Favorite Martian

Starring: Hannah, Daryl Hurley, Elizabeth Shawn, Wallace Walston, Ray Daniels, Jeff Ebersole, Christine Lloyd, Christopher Lerner, Michael Lerner, Michael
Director: Petrie, Donald

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 94

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The 1960s television series is updated for the 1990s in this computer-effects heavy family effort. Television reporter Tim O' Hara (Daniels) thinks he has the story of the century when he stumbles across a real-life Martian (Lloyd). While trying to gain evidence of the landing, however, the alien moves into to Tim's house, posing as his "Uncle Martin." Tim, Martin, and Martin's talking space suit "Zoot" then find themselves trying to avoid the discovery of their secret by an evil scientist. Look for original TV martian Ray Walston in a small role!

My Stepmother Is An Alien

My Stepmother Is An Alien

Starring: Basinger, Kim Lovitz, Jon Aykroyd, Dan Hannigan, Alyson Lewis, Juliette Maher, Joseph Green, Seth
Director: Benjamin, Richard

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 108

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Celeste, a sexy extra-terrestrial spy, is assigned to seduce astrophysicist Steve Mills and enlist his aid in saving her planet. But when Mills' 13 year-old daughter catches her new stepmom snacking on flashlight batteries, Celeste's mission is suddenly in danger. Beautiful alien Celeste arrives on Earth to convince scientist Dr. Steve Mills to continue his experiments, which provide the only hope for her home planet. Much to her surprise, Steve falls for her and they end up married, while Steve's daughter tries to make her blissfully unaware father see that Celeste is indeed an extraterrestrial. Actress Alyson Hannigan's feature-film debut. Screenwriter Jerico Weingrod had intended the film to be a dark allegory about child abuse when he originally pitched the project to Paramount in 1981, but somehow it ended up as a light comedy. Estimated budget $16 million. Shot in Los Angeles, California, beginning February 29, 1988. Color by DeLuxe. A presentation of Weintraub Entertainment Group. Released theatrically in North America December 9, 1988. Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Censors. Copyright 1988 Weintraub Entertainment Group, Inc.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Starring: D'Angelo, Beverly Quaid, Randy Randolph, John Ladd, Diane Marshall, E.G. Roberts, Doris Hickey, William Chase, Chevy Chase, Chevy Galecki, Johnny
Director: Chechik, Jeremiah

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 97

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The third in the series of National Lampoon's 'Vacation' films, this sequel concerns the Griswold family's holiday get-together. This time they're trying to have a picture book, old-fashioned Christmastime--even though all the in-laws are dropping by, including Clark's (Chevy Chase) redneck cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid). Looks like it's going to be a real holly-jolly holiday--if they can make it through. The third in the series of National Lampoon's 'Vacations ' films, this sequel concerns the Griswold family's holiday get-together. This time they're trying to have a picture book, old-fashioned Christmastime -- even though all the in-laws are dropping by, including Clark's redneck cousin, Eddie. Looks like it's going to be a real holly-jolly holiday -- if they can make it through. Budget estimate $25 million. Shot on location in Los Angeles, California; Breckenridge, Frisco and Silverthorne, Colorado in Technicolor using Dolby sound. Began shooting March 27, 1989; Completed shooting June 30, 1989; Released in USA December 1, 1989. Directorial debut for Jeremiah Chechik, who also directed "Benny & Joon" (1993).

National Lampoon's European Vacation

National Lampoon's European Vacation

Starring: Chase, Chevy D'Angelo, Beverly Lively, Jason Lively, Jason Hill, Dana Eric Idle
Director: Heckerling, Amy

Rating:
Category: Comedy
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 1 Hour 34 Minutes

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Amazon.com After winning a tour package in a game show, the bickering Griswald family carve a trail of destruction through England (where they knock over Stonehenge), France, Germany, and Italy. Somehow Ellen (Bevery D'Angelo), the mom, gets kidnapped by gangsters, leading to a car chase that reunites the family, despite their differences. It's hard to believe that National Lampoon's European Vacation is only the second of the Vacation movies; it has the exhausted pallor of the last of a long series of sequels, drained of all zest or original ideas. The charmless smirk of Chevy Chase, mechanical in its idiocy, hangs over European Vacation like a death mask. It's hard to believe that this hack was once the funny and sexy hero of Foul Play. D'Angelo keeps her chin up and gives the movie whatever class it may have; she deserves better. --Bret Fetzer

National Lampoon's Vacation

National Lampoon's Vacation

Starring: D'Angelo, Beverly Coca, Imogene Quaid, Randy Candy, John Hall, Anthony Michael Brinkley, Christie Chase, Chevy Barron, Dana Barron, Dana
Director: Ramis, Harold

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 98

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Join the Griswolds, a typical suburban family, on their summer vacation, a cross-county trip to their favorite amusement park, Walley World. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong in this outrageous farce, featuring the comic genius of Chevy Chase as the desperate dad looking for fun and Beverly D'Angelo as his willing wife. As they wind their way across the country, the Griswolds are forced to survive a series of absurd events and wacky detours. By the time they finally reach the gates of Walley World, they are more desperate for fun than ever. The Griswolds are determined to make it to Walley World, their favorite amusement park, in this riotous story of an average American family on a road trip. From the moment they pile into their beat-up car and set off on their cross-county adventure, everything that can go wrong does. Chevy Chase is sublimely funny as Clark Griswold, the desperate dad determined to have a good time. With his cynical kids (Anthony Michael Hall and Dana Barron) packed into the backseat and his willing wife (Beverly D'Angelo) by his side, he is ready for the trip of a lifetime. Clark has planned the trip down to the minute, including interesting side trips, like looking at the world's biggest ball of twine. As his plans deteriote and one disaster leads to another, the Griswolds run across an insane cast of characters on the highways and biways between Chicago and California, including a zany cousin played by Randy Quaid and an aunt (Imogene Coca) who never quite ends up where she expected. When they finally make it to Walley World, the Griswolds are determined to have a good time, at any cost. John Candy's cameo as a security guard is hysterical. Director Harold Ramis never lets up the pace as the Griswolds' family vacation spirals way out of control. Released in the USA August 1983. The script initially cited the amusement park as Disneyland, but representatives of the park balked, saying that their theme park was open 365 days a year, unlike Walley World. Christie Brinkley made her feature-film acting debut in the film as a woman attracted to Clark (Chevy Chase). "Why aren't we flying? Because getting there is half the fun."--Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) "Sorry, folks, park's closed; moose out front should have told you."--security guard Lasky (John Candy)

Neil Diamond - Greatest Hits Live

Neil Diamond - Greatest Hits Live

Starring: Diamond, Neil
Director: Hemion, Dwight

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Music Video & Concerts : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 60

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The quintessential adult contemporary lounge music star, Neil Diamond inspires passionate feelings from millions of Americans.ON GREATEST HITS LIVE, the superstar performs in an intimate, personal concert, singing hits like "America," "Headed for the Future," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "Heartlight," "I Am...I Said," and other classic songs. In addition, the bonus concept video for "This Time" is included. Live performance taped at the Aquarius Theatre in Los Angeles containing all of Neil Diamond's biggest hist. Tracks include: "America" "September Morn" "Sweet Caroline"

Never Say Never Again

Never Say Never Again

Starring: Von Sydow, Max Connery, Sean Carrera, Barbara Brandauer, Klaus Maria
Director: Kershner, Irvin

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 133

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In this remake and updated version of the 1965 THUNDERBALL, James Bond, who has been primarily teaching for the last few years, is quite happily yanked out of semiretirement to deal with the deadly SPECTRE organization's newest plan for the destruction of the planet. (The Bond story line mimics Sean Connery's semiretirement from the role, which he had last played in 1971's DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.) Agent Number 2, also known as Maximilian Largo (Klaus Maria Brandauer), has managed to steal two cruise missiles armed with nuclear warheads, and Agent Number 1, Blofeld (Max von Sydow), has threatened to explode them in areas with large populations if a huge, and almost impossible, ransom demand from the NATO countries is not met. The film features an excellent gaming battle between Largo and Bond, as well as stunning turns by Barbara Carrera and Kim Basinger. Sean Connery, as suave as ever, returns to the role that made him an international star. This time Bond must stop a power-hungry madman who attempts to extort the world's major governments in a story that revisits THUNDERBALL. Shot in Panavision; color by Technicolor. Additional cast: Pamela Salem (Miss Moneypenny), Milow Kirek (Kovacs), Pat Roach (Lippe), Anthony Sharp (Lord Ambrose),Gavan O'Herlihy (Jack Petachi) and Saskia Cohen Tanugi (Nicole). The film is a remake of an earlier James Bond picture THUDNERBALL (1965). NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN is the first James Bond film for Sean Connery in 12 years.

Nine Months

Nine Months

Starring: Moore, Julianne Arnold, Tom Cusack, Joan Grant, Hugh Goldblum, Jeff Williams, Robin Tutto, Ray D. Fromage, Marty Fromage, Marty
Director: Columbus, Chris

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 103

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Samuel Faulkner's (Hugh Grant) fruitful, happy life completely falls apart when long-time girlfriend Rebecca (Julianne Moore) suddenly announces she's pregnant. The thought of fatherhood and responsibility terrifies Samuel -- who just happens to be a child psychologist. Although he does try hard get used to the idea, the months fly by without a change in his attitude -- clearly, he still does not want a baby. So Rebecca, fed-up with his infantile behavior, walks out on him. Miserable at the loss of his girlfriend, Samuel begins to reconsider his life, and eventually realizes that his existence can only be complete if Rebecca -- and their child -- remain a part of it. Now Samuel must find a way to convince Rebecca that he's not only ready for fatherhood, but for marriage as well... Produced by 1492 Pictures. Released theatrically in the USA on July 12, 1995, "Nine Months" had an opening weekend box office gross of $12.1 million, it went on to gross $69.9 domestically. Color by DeLuxe; shot in Panavision widescreen. Additional credits: Gabriela Vazquez, Eric Tignini, Annie Spiegelman (assistant directors); David Luckenbach (steadicam operator); Ladd McIntosh (score orchestrator); Scott Kinzey (sound recordist). The $14.98 VHS version has been released under 20th Century Fox's "Premiere Series" label. Copyright 1995 20th Century Fox. Samuel Faulkner's fruitful, happy life completely falls apart when long-time girlfriend Rebecca suddenly announces she's pregnant. The thought of fatherhood and responsibility terrifies Samuel -- who just happens to be a child psychologist. Although he does try hard get used to the idea, the months fly by without a change in his attitude -- clearly, he still does not want a baby. So Rebecca, fed-up with his infantile behavior, walks out on him. Miserable at the loss of his girlfriend, Samuel begins to reconsider his life, and eventually realizes that his existence can only be complete if Rebecca -- and their child -- remain a part of it. Now Samuel must find a way to convince Rebecca that he's not only ready for fatherhood, but for marriage as well...

Nothing to Lose

Nothing to Lose

Starring: Robbins, Tim McGinley, John C. Esposito, Giancarlo Preston, Kelly Hall, Irma P. McKean, Michael Oedekerk, Steve Gayheart, Rebecca Gayheart, Rebecca Paulk, Marcus
Director: Oedekerk, Steve

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedy
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 98

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A young man who has learned early in life to fight for what he believes in must take on the city's crime lords single-handedly after they kill his father and the rest of his family. With no one left, he has nothing to lose. After being unceremoniously cuckolded, yuppified corporate flunky Nick fires up his SUV and sallies forth on a reckless ride to nowhere. En route, an equally desperate, chronically unemployed urbanite, T. Paul, ill-advisedly attempts to carjack Nick, only to be pulled inside and brought along on a wild journey that leads from the L.A. slums to the Arizona badlands. "The most dangerous man alive is a man with... NOTHING TO LOSE." -- marketing line for the film Original MPAA Rating: R DVD Features: Region 1 encoding

Ocean's Eleven

Ocean's Eleven

Starring: Clooney, George Pitt, Brad Damon, Matt Cheadle, Don Garcia, Andy Mac, Bernie Roberts, Julia Gould, Elliott Gould, Elliott Reiner, Carl
Director: Soderbergh, Steven

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies, Dramas
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 116

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Loosely based on the 1960 Rat Pack film of the same name, OCEAN'S 11 is a hi-tech crime comedy that features a top-notch cast. Con man Danny Ocean (George Clooney) has just been released from a four-year jail term and decides that his first order of business is robbing three Las Vegas casinos owned by the slimy Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). To pull off this nearly impossible task, he quickly assembles an eclectic crew--including a card shark (Brad Pitt), a pickpocket (Matt Damon), an explosives expert (Don Cheadle), and an aging gambler (Carl Reiner)--and seeks financial backing from a freewheeling casino mogul (Elliott Gould) who holds a grudge against Benedict. However, it soon becomes apparent that Ocean has more at stake than money and his newly found freedom--his ex-wife, Tess (Julia Roberts), just happens to be Benedict's new girlfriend. Can Ocean steal back Tess's heart and more than a hundred million dollars at the same time? Continuing an impressive streak of films that began with OUT OF SIGHT and THE LIMEY and exploded into even wider acclaim and popularity with ERIN BROCKOVICH and TRAFFIC, Steven Soderbergh helms this star-studded caper flick with a strong sense of style and humor. Clooney and Pitt, in particular, have a great rapport and both exude a suave, laid-back charm. Damon, Cheadle, Gould, and Reiner all provide excellent comic turns, while Garcia gives an appropriately sinister performance. The whole glittery package is topped off by David Holmes' engaging score, which ties together the sounds and moods of Hollywood past and present. Theatrical Release Date: DECEMBER 7, 2001

Octopussy

Octopussy

Starring: Adams, Maud Jourdan, Louis Maxwell, Lois Moore, Roger Brown, Robert Wilmer, Douglas Wayborn, Kristine
Director: Glen, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 131

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Agent 007 is as daring as ever in OCTOPUSSY: the 13th installment in the James Bond series. When fellow secret serviceman Agent 009 is murdered over a treasured Faberge egg, the British intelligence sends James Bond (Roger Moore) to investigate. Bond follows the egg to India after it is put up for auction and bought by the wealthy prince Kamal Khan (Louis Jourdan). There he meets the enigmatic and beautiful circus leader, Octopussy (Maud Adams) and discovers that Khan and the maniacal Russian General Orlov (Steven Berkoff) plan to cripple Western Europe with a nuclear explosion and incite a world war. As indicated by its risqué title, OCTOPUSSY is one of the most licentious of the Bond films. Complete with the standard Bond components (sleazy one liners and deafening explosions) it overflows with sexual innuendoes. Maud Adams is the most alluring Bond of starlets to date. Her titillating performance as OCTOPUSSY inspired sexual fantasies in an entire generation of moviegoers. Having worked on a number of Bond films as an editor and director, John Glen delivers insures a Bond film which is pleasing to both the cinematic aesthete and the Bond fanatic. Bordering on the realm of high art, OCTOPUSSY is a cinematic masterpiece. Agent 007 travels to India in search of the killer of a fellow secret agent. There he meets Octopussy, the lovely directress of a huge international crime empire. Color by Technicolor. Shot in Panavision; prints by Metrocolor. Additional cast members: Kristina Wayborn (Magda); David and Tony Meyer (Twins); Vijay Amritraj (Vijay); Suzanne Jerome (Gwendoline); Cherry Gillespie (Midge); Albert Moses (Sadruddin); Michaela Clavell (Penelope Smallbone) OCTOPUSSY is Roger Moore's sixth Bond film. Sean Connery, of course, was the original James Bond for this series. It is the fourth Bond picture produced by Albert R. Broccoli alone, who bought out co-producer Harry Saltzman. OCTOPUSSY was followed by FROM A CIEW TO A KILL and preceded by FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, the latter also directed by John Glen. Acting debut for tennis star Vijay Amritraj. Michaela Clavell is novelist James Clavell's daughter. Maud Adams is the first woman to have two major roles in a Bond picture; she also appeared in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN.

Old Yeller

Old Yeller

Starring: Parker, Fess Kirk, Tommy Corcoran, Kevin York, Jeff Connors, Chuck Washburn, Beverly McGuire, Dorothy Spike Spike
Director: Stevenson, Robert

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 84

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A heartfelt Walt Disney story of a poor 1860's Texas family and the wonderful dog who befriends them. At first, young Travis wants nothing to do with the stray. But Old Yeller quickly proves himself a loyal friend and the two become inseparable pals, sharing joyous experiences and learning valuable lessons. Tommy Kirk's screen debut. Disney classic set in Texas, circa 1869. Old Yeller -- a stray dog -- is brought home by one of the younger members of a backwoods family. The valiant canine later rescues his savior's brother from danger, but the dog becomes rabid in the process. The unhappy family does not wish to keep a rabid dog, and they soon realize that there is only one way to deal with the situation...

Oliver and Company

Oliver and Company

Starring: Lawrence, Joey Joel, Billy Marin, Cheech Midler, Bette Mulligan, Richard Lawrence, Joey Loggia, Robert Gregory, Natalie Gregory, Natalie Midler, Bette
Director: Scribner, George

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animals
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 1 Hour 14 Minutes

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Disney brings Charles Dickens' tale of orphaned pickpockets in the streets of London to the screen with a colorful cast of canine characters. Oliver (voiced by Joey Lawrence) is an orphaned kitten lost in Manhattan until he meets up with the Dodger, a crafty dog with a gang that leads Oliver on a series of colorful adventures. Featuring songs by Billy Joel and Bette Midler. This animated Disney film, loosely based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," revolves around a cute orphaned kitten named Oliver, who is given shelter by a streetwise gang of dogs. A human beggar named Fagin does his best to provide for these homeless (and tuneful) animals. But Fagin has a problem: he owes the wicked loan shark Sykes a lot of dough, and has only three days in which to cough it up. Oliver and the pooches take it upon themselves to help Fagin out of the doghouse. Meanwhile, Oliver is adopted by a lonely (and rich) girl named Jenny -- who Sykes later kidnaps. Can Oliver and his canine cohorts find a way to save both Fagin and Jenny? Theatrical release: November 18, 1988. Rereleased March 29, 1996. OLIVER AND COMPANY is the 27th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. During its initial theatrical release in 1988, "Oliver and Company" grossed $53.3 million domestically. The film was re-released theatrically in the USA in 1996, and grossed an additional $18.5 million. "Oliver & Company" was the first Disney film to use computer animation. Color by DeLuxe; prints by Metrocolor. Additional cast: Carl Weintraub (voice of Desoto) and William Glover (voice of Winston). Additional credits: Jim Mitchell, Chris Bailey and Leon Joosen (story); Samuel Graham and Chris Hubbell (additional story material); Ron Rocha, Rocky Pedilla, Michael Eckhart and Jon St. James (song composers); Doug Krohn (supervising animator); Dan Hansen (art direction); Chris B. Bushman (special optical printing). "Perfect Isn't Easy" performed by Bette Midler. "Why Should I Worry" performed by Billy Joel.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

On Her Majesty's Secret Service

Starring: Rigg, Diana Savalas, Telly Ferzetti, Gabriele Lazenby, George Steppat, Ilse Lee, Bernard Horsfall, Bernard Baker, George Baker, George
Director: Hunt, Peter H.

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 140

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Bond is pitted against Blofeld again, this time infiltrating his installation high in the Swiss Alps. Austalian-born Lazenby amply fills Connery's shoes here, briefly, as he finds himself kilted and surrounded by a gorgeous and sex-starved gaggle of women on retreat. Rigg plays James Bond's love interest who becomes his only wife in the history of the series. Bond (and Connery) returns in: "Diamonds Are Forever." Shot in Technicolor and Panavision. Originally rated M by the MPAA. When the rating was discontinued, the film was re-rated PG. Additional cast: Ilse Steppat (Irma Bunt), Yuri Borienko (Gunther), Bernard Horsfall (Campbell), Angela Scoular (Ruby), and Catherine Von Schell (Nancy). The sixth of the James Bond spy series, and the only one starring Australian star George Lazenby, has 007 once more facing down one of his archest of enemies, Blofeld, whose newest idea for the world's destruction is via germ warfare.

Out Cold

Out Cold

Starring: Alexander, Flex Denman, David
Director: Malloy, Brendan

Rating: PG-13
Category: Comedy : General
User Rating:
Running Time:

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Amazon.com Out Cold, which looks like it would be nothing more than a spectacular series of snowboarding stunts, is actually a homage to Casablanca set on a rustic Alaskan ski slope called Bull Mountain. Rick (Jason London from Dazed and Confused), who hopes to run Bull Mountain, can't forget about Anna, the French girl he romanced while vacationing in Mexico. When a ruthless developer (Lee Majors, star of The Six Million Dollar Man) wants to turn the rough-and-tumble site into a sleek, tourist-friendly resort named Snownook, Rick discovers that Anna is the developer's daughter. Will he be seduced to the dark side by love and ambition? Alongside scenes "borrowed" from Casablanca, there's an abundance of high jinks with Rick's slacker snow buddies, cute girls (including Playmate of the Year Victoria Silvstedt), and some pretty amazing snowboarding sequences. Dumb but good-natured fun, and Majors clearly enjoys himself as the bad guy. --Bret Fetzer

Outbreak

Outbreak

Starring: Spacey, Kevin Russo, Rene Freeman, Morgan Hoffman, Dustin Gooding, Cuba Sutherland, Donald
Director: Petersen, Wolfgang

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Mystery & Suspense
User Rating:
Running Time: 128

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In director Wolfgang Petersen's fast-paced, intelligently written thriller, Dustin Hoffman plays Col. Sam Daniels, an expert on infectious diseases who is called in to study the outbreak of a deadly illness in Zaire. He finds a virus that spreads so quickly it could wipe out an entire nation in just a few weeks, and he believes that it might have spread to the United States. With the help of his ex-wife (Rene Russo), who works at the Centers for Disease Control, Daniels tracks the virus to the quiet seaside town of Cedar Creek, California. His superiors' reticence to help begins to raise questions in Daniels's mind, and he must find a cure before a panicky U.S. army general decides to kill the town's populace in order to save the world. The all-star cast includes Hoffman, Russo, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland, Morgan Freeman, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. When an African monkey gets loose and spreads a lethal virus, government and military personnel move in to try and stop it before the fast-moving disease wipes out the entire U.S. population. Filmed on Kauai, Hawaii, and in California. The film's deadly monkey regularly appeared in the television sitcom FRIENDS as a feisty pet named Marcel. On one episode, when his owner, Ross (David Schwimmer), has to give up the monkey, it's revealed that Marcel is working on OUTBREAK, and the FRIENDS cast go to visit him on the set. Kevin Spacey and Morgan Freeman also appeared together in the acclaimed thriller SEVEN in 1995. The Los Angeles Film Critics Association voted Kevin Spacey the runner-up for best supporting actor for his body of work (SEVEN, THE USUAL SUSPECTS, OUTBREAK) in 1995. The role of Sam Daniels, played by Dustin Hoffman, was originally intended for Harrison Ford. J.T. Walsh briefly appears in an uncredited role as the Chief of Staff. Screenwriter Laurence Dworet made his living as an internist before writing this, his first script.

Outrageous Fortune

Outrageous Fortune

Starring: Long, Shelley Midler, Bette Coyote, Peter Prosky, Robert John Schuck
Director: Hiller, Arthur

Rating: R
Category: Comedy
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 99

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Amazon.com Sometimes a movie works despite all its faults. Outrageous Fortune has a flimsy, formulaic script, so-so production values, and an odd combination of stars, but somehow it's engaging and fun. Shelley Long and Bette Midler play two struggling actresses--one a hoity-toity priss and the other a brassy slob--who learn they've been sleeping with the same guy (Peter Coyote) when he gets blown up in a terrorist assault and they confront each other in the morgue. When they discover that he's still alive, the bickering pair track him down, traipsing across the U.S. in high heels, pursued all the way by government agents, using their dubious acting talents to get them out of tough situations. The absurd plot keeps things moving and director Arthur Hiller (Silver Streak, The Out of Towners) gets cheerful performances out of everyone, particularly the strong supporting cast--including Robert Prosky (Broadcast News, Mrs. Doubtfire) as a pompous acting teacher, comedian George Carlin as a burnt-out would-be Indian, and the underused John Schuck (M*A*S*H, McCabe & Mrs. Miller) as a long-suffering agent. Contrived, cliché-ridden, but just absurd enough to entertain. --Bret Fetzer

Overboard

Overboard

Starring: Hawn, Goldie Russell, Kurt McDowall, Roddy Helmond, Katherine Herrmann, Edward
Director: Marshall, Garry

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 113

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Hawn is a super-rich spoiled brat, over-bored you might say. Russell is a struggling carpenter who should know how to handle brats since he raised four of them. One night Goldie goes overboard on her yacht, loses her memory, and winds up in Kurt's world. Then the sparks begin to fly. Joanna is an obnoxious, wealthy woman, who becomes afflicted with amnesia after she slips off her yacht. Dean Proffitt is the gruff, blue-collar woodworker who recently had a nasty run-in with Joanna. Dean spots the memory-free lass on television, and in an act of vengeance, "comes forward" to declare her as his wife. The once-pampered Joanna is now performing housework and caring for Dean's four uncouth boys! The two eventually fall in love with each other, but when Joanna's real husband shows up (and makes her aware of her riches), whom will she choose? Filmed in Metrocolor, with Technicolor prints, and Dolby sound.

Paint Your Wagon

Paint Your Wagon

Starring: Seberg, Jean Walston, Ray Presnell, Harve Ligon, Tom Dexter, Alan O'Connell, William Baker, Benny Baxter, Alan Baxter, Alan Trueman, Paula
Director: Logan, Joshua

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Musicals & Performing Arts : General
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 164

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Clint Eastwood and Lee Marvin break out of their traditional screen personas in this offbeat western musical comedy with a memorable Lerner and Loewe score. Pardner (Eastwood) and Ben Rumson (Marvin) are two buddies who share everything, including their wife Elizabeth (Jean Seberg), whom they bought at an auction. Together, between bouts of drinking and gambling, the two men are able to transform such activities as hijacking a stage and kidnapping prostitutes into steps toward transforming their mining camp into a boomtown. Directed by Josh Logan (PICNIC, SOUTH PACIFIC). Academy Award Nominations: Best Score of a Musical Picture. Set in No Name City, California during the gold rush, this musical comedy concerns prospectors Ben and Pardner and their unusual nuclear family. The business partners strike a deal to share Ben's wife Elizabeth, whom Ben purchased from a Mormon. But the free-thinking Ben is worried about rivalry over Elizabeth from the town's all-male population, hungry for female company. So he arranges to kidnap a stagecoach full of working girls on their way to a nearby city, and sets up a brothel in No Name. That puts the place on the map and business booms, but competition for gold also grows. Later, needing cash to survive the winter, Ben and an accomplice, Mad Jack Duncan, tunnel under the town's buildings to catch loose golddust falling from the floorboards. But No Name collapses under the strain, and everyone moves on, except for Pardner and Elizabeth. Based on the 1951 Broadway musical of the same name. Agnes de Mille did the choreography. Additional songs: "A Million Miles Away Behind the Door," "There's a Coach Coming In," "The Gospel of No Name City." Actress Jean Seberg lip-syncs the vocals in her songs. Shot on location in Oregon in Panavision. Color by Technicolor. Additional cast: Tom Ligon (Horton Fenty), Patrick Hawley (Ernest Clendennon), Robert Easton (Atwell), Geoffrey Norman (Harry Foster), Terry Jenkins (Joe Mooney), Karl Bruck (Schermerhorn), Sue Casey (Sarah Woodling). Additional credits: Roger Wagner (choral music conductor), Maurice Ayres (special effects), Nelson Tyler (aerial camera), David Stone Martin (titles). "You are hereby granted exclusive title to Mrs. Elizabeth Woodley, and to all her mineral resources." -- Parson (Alan Dreeben Dexter) to Ben Rumson (Lee Marvin) at marriage ceremony

Patriot Games

Patriot Games

Starring: Ford, Harrison Archer, Anne Bergin, Patrick Bean, Sean Thora Birch
Director: Noyce, Phillip

Rating: R
Category: Action
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 116

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In Patriot Games, Harrison Ford plays former CIA agent Jack Ryan, taking over from Alec Baldwin, who had played author Tom Clancy's brainy protagonist in Hunt for Red October. This time around, Ryan foils an attempted assassination, thereby incurring the wrath of maniacal Irish radical (Sean Bean). After several complex plot convolutions (including a nailbiting sequence involving a satellite reconnaissance photograph), the villains seem to be neutralized, and Ryan decides to celebrate the occasion with his wife (Anne Archer) and daughter (Thora Birch), whose own lives have been imperiled throughout the picture. At this point, all logic flies out the window with an unbelievable terrorist assault on Ryan's seacoast home, followed by an even sillier speedboat chase. As stupidly as Ryan behaves in failing to provide adequate protection for his family (is Archer condemned for life to play victimized wives?), the villains are even more foolhardy, with one terrorist virtually begging to be killed by facing down the well-armed Bean and shouting "You're insane!" Author Tom Clancy himself bemoaned the liberties taken with his novel in the final sequences; in addition, Ford is not as ideally suited for the role of Jack Ryan as Alec Baldwin had been. But who cared? Patriot Games made a fortune, and inspired a far better followup, A Clear and Present Danger (1994). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Patriot Games

Patriot Games

Starring: Jones, James Earl Bean, Sean Bergin, Patrick Ford, Harrison Birch, Thora Archer, Anne Walker, Polly Fox, James Fox, James
Director: Noyce, Phillip

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 117

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Ex-CIA agent Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) is forced back into service when he saves the lives of the English minister to Northern Ireland and his family from a terrorist attack, killing one of the perpetrators in the process. The dead man's brother, also a member of an IRA splinter faction, vows revenge on Ryan and his family and pursues them to the United States. Ryan knows it is only a matter of time till he comes face to face with his nemesis... and that only one of them will come out alive. Based on Tom Clancy's bestselling novel. "Not for honor. Not for country. For his wife and child." -- marketing line for the film Prequel to the 1990 film The Hunt for Red October, also based on a novel by Tom Clancy. Hunt starred Alec Baldwin as Jack Ryan and featured Gates McFadden from TV's "Star Trek: the Next Generation" as Cathy Ryan. Baldwin, given the choice of Patriot Games or the Broadway revival of "Streetcar Named Desire," chose "Streetcar." Only James Earl Jones as Admiral James Greer returns in Patriot Games. Harrison Ford returned to star in the next Jack Ryan film as well - A Clear and Present Danger shot in 1993. The film downplays the British-Irish political and social issues raised in the novel and focuses on the threat to the family unit instead. Captain Michael T. Sherman and Lieutenant James E. Brooks served as Navy technical advisors. Patriot Games is the first feature to film inside CIA headquarters. Patriot Games is not to be confused with The Patriot Game, a 1978 French documentary by Arthur MacCaig on the struggle of the IRA to reunite Northern and southern Ireland and free all of Ireland from English rule. Estimated budget $43 million. Shot in Technicolor and Panavision on location in London, England; Washington, DC; Maryland; and Los Angeles, California. Filming began November 2, 1991; completed February 18, 1992. Sound by Dolby (Spectral Recording). Visual effects and video displays by Video Image. Screened at 1992 Venice Film Festival (Venetian Nights). Released in USA June 5, 1992. Released on video November 24, 1992. Reviewed in the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times June 5, 1992. Available to buy in the UK. His days as a CIA analyst behind him, Jack Ryan travels to London to vacation with his family. Outside Buckingham Palace, he is caught in the middle of an attack on a member of the royal family but manages to foil the attempt and dispatch one of the terrorists. The Irish terrorists vow revenge. Based on Tom Clancy's novel. DVD Features: Region 1 Keep Case - Checkpoint Widescreen Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English DTS - English Dolby Digital Stereo - French Additional Release Material: Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical Featurettes - 1. PATRIOT GAMES CLOSE UP Interactive Features: Interactive Menus Scene Selection

Payback

Payback

Starring: Gibson, Mel Henry, Gregg Bello, Maria Unger, Deborah Kara Paymer, David James Coburn
Director: Helgeland, Brian

Rating: R
Category: Crime
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 101

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Porter (Mel Gibson) is pulled into a heist by his old friend, Val (Brian De Palma regular, Gregg Henry). As they're stealing $130,000 in laundered drug money from Chinese Triads, no one is going to call the police. Everything goes smoothly until Porter's wife, Lynn (Deborah Kara Unger), shoots Porter in the back. After Val had shown Lynn a photo of Porter in the arms of another girl (Maria Bello), the two planned the double-cross together to pay off Val's mob debts so he could return to "The Syndicate." They didn't plan well enough, though, because five months later Porter's back, a complete sociopath who wants his $70,000. Brian Helgeland, the screenwriter for L.A. Confidential and Conspiracy Theory, makes his directing debut with this adaptation of the novel The Hunter by Donald E. Westlake writing under the pseudonym, Richard Stark. The same novel served as the basis for John Boorman's Point Blank starring Lee Marvin. ~ Chris Gore, All Movie Guide Based on the novel The Hunter by Richard Stark, Payback holds so much pulp and grit that the celluloid itself seems to be tainted with the story's murky nature. Mel Gibson bulldozes through the film as Porter, a professional thief trying to regain the $70,000 he was betrayed over. The DVD is well-stocked with features that will have viewers rooting for the bad guy in no time. Set-up features for the DVD include Digital Dolby 5.1 or Surround Sound. A French-language option is available, as are English subtitles. The disc also contains a frame-by-frame chapter selection, a short teaser trailer, as well as the original theatrical trailer. The Payback DVD also includes an extensive, interview-packed featurette on what it takes to make the bad guys look so good. In all, this disc gives crime a good name. ~ Christopher Fielder, All Movie Guide

Peanuts:It's The Easter Beagle,Charlie B

Peanuts:It's The Easter Beagle,Charlie B

Starring:
Director: Roman, Phil

Rating:
Category: Kids & Family : Holidays & Festivals : Easter
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Amazon.com The thirteenth installment in the evergreen Charlie Brown animated series, this is a delightful romp through the rites of spring. The running gag that holds this string of episodic misadventures together is Peppermint Patty's futile attempts at explaining how to make Easter eggs to Marcy. Highlights of this rather surreal Peanuts outing include Snoopy's dancing with little bunny rabbits inside a kaleidoscope, Sally heading to the mall to purchase a pair of platform shoes (this video was made in 1974), and Woodstock's lavishly equipped bachelor-pad birdhouse. As with the best of the Peanuts cartoons, this will entertain children and adults alike, and is one of the last of the series to feature a music score by Vince Guaraldi. --Kristian St. Clair --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor

Starring: Garner, Jennifer Hartnett, Josh Affleck, Ben Beckinsale, Kate Gooding, Cuba Baldwin, Alec James, Jesse Voight, Jon Voight, Jon Aykroyd, Dan
Director: Bay, Michael

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 183

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Director Michael Bay (ARMAGEDDON, THE ROCK) uses a tragic romantic triangle to set the stage for the infamous Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in this epic tale of love, loss, and patriotism. When Evelyn (Kate Beckinsale), a beautiful Navy nurse, meets dashing ace Army fighter pilot Rafe (Ben Affleck), the two fall madly in love, only to be separated abruptly when he is called upon to help fight the war in Europe. Unforeseen circumstances lead Evelyn into the arms of Danny (Josh Hartnett), another fighter pilot and Rafe's best friend since childhood. In the meantime, the Japanese military is planning the surprise early morning raid on Hawaii that will pull the United States into World War II. Spectacular special effects vividly recreate the attack in devastating detail as bombs explode, torpedoes shoot through the water, and bullets fly, shaking tranquil Pearl Harbor to its core. Bay deftly captures the patriotism and the loss of innocence of the young men and women who were suddenly thrust into the war. Cuba Gooding, Jr., Jon Voight, Alec Baldwin and Mako also star in this tribute to both the fallen and the survivors of one of the most horrific tragedies ever to occur on American soil. Theatrical release: May 25, 2001.

Peter Pan

Peter Pan

Starring: Driscoll, Bobby Beaumont, Kathryn
Director: Jackson, Wilfred

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
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Running Time: 77

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Join mischievous Peter Pan, the young boy who refuses to grow up, his hot-tempered pixie pal, Tinker Bell and the Darling children as they soar away to the mysterious Never-Never land where childhood lasts forever in this magical, musical adventure. Based on J.M. Barrie's 1904 book. Includes: "You Can Fly--The Making of Peter Pan" featurette Includes: "You Can Fly--The Making of Peter Pan" featurette, "Peter Pan Story" featurette, concept and storyboard art, still frames, and audio supplements Theatrical release: 1953. Rereleased 1958, 1969, 1976, 1982, and 1989. PETER PAN is the 14th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

Phenomenon

Phenomenon

Starring: Kiley, Richard Spiner, Brent De Munn, Jeffrey Sedgwick, Kyra Duvall, Robert Whitaker, Forest Travolta, John
Director: Turteltaub, Jon

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Dramas
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Running Time: 117

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A simple, small-town garage mechanic suddenly develops extraordinary intelligence--including telekinetic powers and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge--which affects his life in unexpected ways. The government wants to investigate him, scientists want to study him, and the townspeople become afraid of him, to the point of ostracism. With the love and support of a young single mother, he is finally able to accept his lot in life. Released theatrically in the USA July 3, 1996. Color by Foto-Kem; prints by Technicolor; in Panavision widescreen. Additional cast: Michael Milhoan (Jimmy); Ashley Buccille (Glory); Elisabeth Nunziato (Ella). Songs include: "Crazy Love," performed by Aaron Neville "Change the World," performed by Eric Clapton "I Have the Touch," performed by Peter Gabriel Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. In a small town an average Joe named George Malley, becomes a different man when he is struck by a bright streak of light on his 37th birthday. George is suddenly a genius, suddenly able to play chess, speak a new language, and read numerous books in a day, amongst other abilities. George is also endowed with telekinetic powers, able to move objects with his mind. Although George's sweet personality remains the same throughout all this, his newfound abilities breed jealousy and insecurity amongst some of his ne'er-do-well buddies. Furthermore, it appears that George's immense intelligence could actually be harming him physically -- and might even shorten his life. "I'll tell you what I think I am.... I'm what everybody can be." -- George Malley (JOHN TRAVOLTA)

Phone Booth

Phone Booth

Starring: Mitchell, Radha Sutherland, Kiefer Farrell, Colin Whitaker, Forest Texada, Tia Holmes, Katie Jones, Richard T.
Director: Schumacher, Joel

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
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Running Time: 81

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Joel Schumacher (8 MM, FALLING DOWN) directs this suspense drama set in New York City's Times Square. A wannabe hotshot entertainment publicist who's more intent on posturing for his unpaid assistant than he is in actually working, Stu Shepherd (Colin Farrell) ducks into a phone booth to make his regular afternoon call to his girlfriend (Katie Holmes). Stu stops in the same phone booth at the same time every day to flirt with the young girl, who does not know that Stu is happily married with no intention of dating her seriously. When Stu says goodbye to his girl and sets down the receiver, he picks up a call from a threateningly sarcastic man with a deep voice. This man seems to have been tracking Stu's visits to this booth every day, and suddenly Stu knows that his secrets are no longer his own. Soon, the caller identifies himself as a sniper and begins shooting. Police are called in, and Stu must use his PR skills in a final test to get out of the booth, alive. This compelling drama, expertly crafted for maximum tension, will keep audiences nervously awaiting its outcome, unable to look away from the screen for even a moment. Theatrical Release Date: April 4, 2003

Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon

Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon

Starring: Pink Floyd
Director: Longfellow, Matthew

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Music Video & Concerts : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 92

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Released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of this classic album, learn how Pink Floyd assembled "Dark Side of the Moon" with the aid of original engineer Alan Parsons. All four band members --Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright-- are interviewed at length, giving valuable insights into the recording process. The themes of the album are discussed at length, and the band take you back to the original multi track tapes to illustrate how they pieced together the songs. With individual performances of certain tracks from Roger, David, and Richard included, this is an essential purchase for any Pink Floyd fans, and a fascinating artefact for rock historians everywhere.

Pinocchio

Pinocchio

Starring: Venable, Evelyn Catlett, Walter Jones, Dick Darro, Frankie Rub, Christian Judels, Charles Brodie, Don Edwards, Cliff Edwards, Cliff
Director: Sharpsteen, Ben

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 88

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Walt Disney's second full-length animated feature is a timeless, breathtakingly beautiful classic. Based on an 1800s story by Carlo Collodi, it stars Jiminy Cricket (voiced by Cliff Edwards) as a vagabond insect who spends a rainy night at the shop of toymaker Geppetto. The Blue Fairy brings a marionette to life after Geppetto wishes on a star for a son, and Jiminy Cricket is appointed the new boy's conscience. He has a devil of a time keeping up as Pinocchio is willingly lured through various forms of temptation, the most frightening of which leads him to Pleasure Island, where he drinks, smokes, and is almost turned into a jackass. This sequence, as well as Pinocchio's brave rescue of Geppetto from the belly of a whale, ranks among the most memorable in the history of animation. With such songs as "When You Wish Upon a Star," this is about as magical as cinema can get, a sublimely beautiful coming-of-age story for all to treasure. The wish of a kindly woodcarver comes true when a puppet he created comes to life. The child, named Pinocchio, means well, but he cannot help lying...and every time he lies, his nose grows bigger and bigger. Theatrical release: February 9, 1940. Rereleased in 1945, 1954, 1962, 1971, 1978, 1984, and 1992. PINOCCHIO is the second full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. The famous story has been remade for TV in 1957, 1968, and 1976 and as GEPPETTO in 2000, starring a singing Drew Carey. PINOCCHIO was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1994.

Point Break

Point Break

Starring:
Director:

Rating:
Category: Action & Adventure
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Point Break is a good example of a wholly flawed piece of filmmaking that still manages to entertain. The screenplay sputters, veers and stumbles for almost two hours, Keanu Reeves gives a god-awful performance, and the film's veneer of a spiritual agenda is almost deplorably laughable. However, there are enough interesting quirks and decent action sequences to make it a howl to watch. Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and the young Tom Sizemore make memorable cameos, and as the lead villain, Patrick Swayze is an over-the-top riot. The film might have worked better had it stayed within the realm of action camp, instead of attempting to be taken seriously: Kathryn Bigelow's screenplay and direction are painfully all over the map. Still, there are some stunning stunts and terrific surfing action, and excellent MTV style camerawork that makes for adrenaline-filled fun -- despite the fact that the film is by and large ridiculous and inane. ~ Mike DiBella, All Movie Guide Point Break is a good example of a wholly flawed piece of filmmaking that still manages to entertain. The screenplay sputters, veers and stumbles for almost two hours, Keanu Reeves gives a god-awful performance, and the film's veneer of a spiritual agenda is almost deplorably laughable. However, there are enough interesting quirks and decent action sequences to make it a howl to watch. Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis and the young Tom Sizemore make memorable cameos, and as the lead villain, Patrick Swayze is an over-the-top riot. The film might have worked better had it stayed within the realm of action camp, instead of attempting to be taken seriously: Kathryn Bigelow's screenplay and direction are painfully all over the map. Still, there are some stunning stunts and terrific surfing action, and excellent MTV style camerawork that makes for adrenaline-filled fun -- despite the fact that the film is by and large ridiculous and inane. ~ Mike DiBella, All Movie Guide

Pollyanna

Pollyanna

Starring: Egan, Richard Wyman, Jane Malden, Karl Menjou, Adolphe Olson, Nancy Crisp, Donald Mills, Hayley Moorehead, Agnes Moorehead, Agnes Corcoran, Kevin
Director: Swift, David

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Disney Home Video : All Disney Titles
User Rating:
Running Time: 134

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In this Walt Disney classic, which earned 14-year-old British actress Hayley Mills a special Honorary Academy Award for best Juvenile Performance, the imaginative, optimistic, and inquisitive orphan, Pollyanna Whittier comes to live with her cold, very wealthy Aunt Polly Harrington in 1912. Despite the many rules and roadblocks to happiness set up by her emotionally repressed relative, Pollyanna constantly searches for the small pleasures that brighten her life, and the lives of those around her. However, when something happens that finally threatens to kill Pollyanna's spirit for good, Pollyanna may need more than good will to overcome some harsh realities. The See-Also, "Same Lead Performer" is British actress Hayley Mills. Shot in Technicolor. Additional cast: Jenny Egan (Mildred Snow); Gage Clarke (Mr. Murg); and Noland Leary (Mr. Thomas). Leon Charles was the dialogue coach. Copyright 1960 The Walt Disney Company.

Presumed Innocent

Presumed Innocent

Starring: Dennehy, Brian Julia, Raul Ford, Harrison Bedelia, Bonnie Scacchi, Greta Winfield, Paul
Director: Pakula, Alan J.

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 127

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PRESUMED INNOCENT is a disturbing murder mystery told in the style director Alan J. Pakula (ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN) enjoys best. Harrison Ford (RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER) plays prosecuting attorney Rusty Sabich, who is deeply shaken by the sudden rape and murder of a colleague and former love interest. Sabich is assigned to the case, which becomes clouded by both personal and political interests that are in conflict. An adaptation of Scott Turow's best-selling novel, the film presents an intense look at the human flaws of ambition, greed and lust. Theatrical release: July 27, 1990. Best-selling novelist Scott Turow, on whose book the film is based, was also an attorney. The film puts Harrison Ford in the part of a potentially not-so-nice guy, which is in contrast to other roles in which he's cast as ethical, dependable, or heroic. This is also true of WHAT LIES BENEATH (2000) in which he plays a husband with a secret. Greta Scacchi's birth name was Greta Gracco. PRESUMED INNOCENT, like most of director Alan J. Pakula’s films is also a complex character study. Based on a best-selling novel by Scott Turrow, the courtroom murder mystery tells the story of prosecutor Rusty Sabich (Harrison Ford) who is accused of murdering his former mistress, the beautiful and ambitious Carolyn Polhemus (Greta Scacchi). All the physical evidence points to him, and Sabich's "golden child" character is in deep trouble. His marriage, too, is in jeopardy as new twists of events leave his wife Barbara doubting Ford’s innocence, and Sabich’s boss Raymond Horgan, who is running for reelection, simply wants the killer caught before his campaign suffers. Ford's performance (somewhat against type based on previous roles) is excellent as the beleaguered attorney who seeks an end to his nightmare, calling acerbic defense lawyer and rival (Raul Julia) to his rescue. Cinematographer Gordon Willis (THE GODFATHER) and Pakula, who collaborated previously on KLUTE, have created a film of shadow and darkness in which great performances keep the audience riveted right up to the unnerving ending.

Pretty Woman (10th Anniversary Edition)

Pretty Woman (10th Anniversary Edition)

Starring: Gere, Richard Roberts, Julia
Director: Marshall, Garry

Rating: R
Category: Comedy : General
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Amazon.com essential video Like a pumpkin that transforms into a carriage, some very shrewd casting (and the charisma of Julia Roberts, in particular) morphed this story of a Hollywood whore into a Disneyfied Cinderella story--and a mainstream megahit. This is the movie that made Roberts a star; the charm of her personality helping tremendously to carry viewers over the rough spots in the script (which was originally a cynical tale about prostitution called 3000--after the amount of money Richard Gere's character pays the prostitute to stay with him for the week). Gere is the silver-haired Wall Street knight who sweeps streetwalker Roberts into a fantasy world of room service at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel and fashion boutique shopping on Rodeo Drive. The supporting cast is also appealing, including Laura San Giacomo as Roberts's hooker pal, Hector Elizondo as the hotel manager, Jason Alexander, Ralph Bellamy, and Hank Azaria. Now, is this something you want your sons and daughters to see? That's entirely up to you. --Jim Emerson --This text refers to the DVD edition.

Quest For Camelot

Quest For Camelot

Starring: Gilsig, Jessalyn Elwes, Cary
Director: Chau, Frederik Du

Rating: G
Category: Kids & Family
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Amazon.com Following their animated/live action hit Space Jam, Warner Bros. jumped into the fully animated feature competition by playing it safe, giving the Arthurian legend a conspicuously Disneyesque facelift. Ingredients from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Pocahontas are evident in the tale of a girl named Kayley (Jessalyn Gilsig) whose father, a Knight of the Round Table, is killed by Sir Ruber (Gary Oldman), a maniacal brute who steals Excalibur and threatens to seize King Arthur's Camelot. Kayley enlists the blind, reclusive knight-aspirant Garrett (Cary Elwes) to brave the Enchanted Forest and retrieve the magic sword, and their adventure is (of course) fraught with danger. Adding extra punch to the movie's commercial appeal, the soundtrack songs are performed by big names like LeeAnn Rimes and Celine Dion. And if that's not enough to hold a kid's attention, there's a two-headed dragon ("we're the reason cousins shouldn't marry") voiced by Eric Idle and Don Rickles. With so much talent involved, it's entertaining but uninspired, although cleverly harmless riffs from Dirty Harry, Taxi Driver, and other movies spice up the adventure with enjoyable pop-culture references. --Jeff Shannon Description A magical feature-length animated adventure brimming with laughter and song! A heroic young girl, a handsome blind hermit and a comical two-headed dragon join forces to recover King Arthur's magical sword Excalibur after it is stolen by an evil enemy.

Quigley Down Under

Quigley Down Under

Starring: Selleck, Tom Rickman, Alan San Giacomo, Laura Haywood, Chris Ron Haddrick
Director: Wincer, Simon

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 120

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Quigley (Tom Selleck) is an American sharpshooter imported from the heat and dust of the Old West to the heat and dust of the Australian outback to fight off rustlers. Upon arrival, he learns he's been hired to kill Aborigines by a heartless rancher, which disgusts Quigley, so he runs off into the bush with a woman he's rescued. The local aboriginals discover him, and help him and the woman survive in the outback long enough for Quigley to return and seek vengeance. The screenplay for "Quigley Down Under" was written in the 1970s as a potential vehicle for actor Steve McQueen. Directors previously linked to the project include Rick Rosenthal and Lewis Gilbert. Estimated budget $20 million; shot on location in Australia, in Panavision. Simon Wincer previously directed the popular television mini-series "Lonesome Dove" (1989). Quigley, a stoic American sharpshooter from the old West, travels to the untamed wilderness of the Australian outback after answering an advertisement calling for a man who's handy with a rifle. Once in Australia, the Yank discovers that he's been hired by a despicable landowner named Marston who (with the government's support) wants him to eradicate the area's aboriginal population. Furious, Quigley throws the wealthy despot out a nearby window -- and thus begins a heated vendetta by the spurned Marston to exact deadly revenge against the principled outsider.

Quiz Show

Quiz Show

Starring: Turturro, John Fiennes, Ralph Morrow, Rob McDonald, Christopher Paymer, David Scofield, Paul Azaria, Hank
Director: Redford, Robert

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 133

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This acclaimed drama, directed by Robert Redford, tells the true story behind the quiz show scandal of 1959. Herbert Stempel (John Turturro), a disgruntled former champion, prompts a congressional investigation into the popular game show TWENTY-ONE with his charge that the current champion, Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes), a handsome professor who has become a celebrity, has been provided with answers by the producers. Rob Morrow stars as Dick Goodwin, the investigator on the case and the author of the book that inspired the film. Based on the book by Richard N. Goodwin, this Robert Redford film tells the true story behind the great quiz show scandal of 1959. As television becomes more popular throughout the 1950s, quiz shows follow suit, attracting compulsive viewers who cheer for the brilliant, intellectual contestants--America’s best and brightest. Herbert Stempel (John Turturro) may be unattractive and abrasive, but in 1959 he is the reigning champion of the game show TWENTY-ONE. When ratings begin to slip, the network decides that it’s time to bring in a more appealing champion and bribes Stempel to answer incorrectly and purposely lose to Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes), a handsome WASP professor who eventually achieves celebrity status and incredible wealth. Feeling bitter and betrayed, Stempel accuses the producers of feeding answers to the quiz show winners, prompting a congressional investigation. As the scandal grows, a different portrait of America emerges--one that shatters the nation's illusion of perfection so prevalent in the 1950s. Rob Morrow stars as Dick Goodwin, the investigator who labors tirelessly to establish the truth and simultaneously develops a respectful friendship with the subject of the investigation, Van Doren. Theatrical release: September 1994. Filmed in the Bronx and Manhattan, NY, and Washington, DC. Ethan Hawke makes an uncredited appearance in the film. Steven Soderbergh was initially slated to direct QUIZ SHOW before Robert Redford took over as director. "I don't defend the practice of rigging quiz shows, but I also don't defend the practice of rigging the movie," says [Don Enright]. "It's being presented as a documentary and sold as one, without any disclaimers; pictures of my dad are everywhere...Does that matter? I don't know...It's not true."--Don Enright interviewed by Susan Spillman, USA Today, 9/7/1994 "Far more than I realized at the time, the producers gauged my strengths and profound weaknesses, treating a kid with kid gloves as they concocted questions that took me incrementally from $64 to $16,000."--Mike Clark on his experience as a 10-year-old contestant on quiz show THE $64,000 QUESTION, in USA Today, 9/14/1994 "I'm just trying to imagine what Kant would make of this."--Charles Van Doren (Ralph Fiennes) "I have flown too high on broken wings. Everything came too easy. That is why I am here today."--Charles Van Doren to a congressional committee

Rambo - First Blood Part II (Special Edition)

Rambo - First Blood Part II (Special Edition)

Starring: Stallone, Sylvester
Director: Cosmatos, George P.

Rating: R
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating:
Running Time:

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Amazon.com After Rocky and its sequels, Sylvester Stallone cast about for another character that would bring him the same kind of box-office hit--and found it in disillusioned Vietnam vet John Rambo in First Blood, a solid little action thriller. So when all else failed, Stallone went back to the same well in hopes of recapturing the same commercial success. Which this film did. But where First Blood was a no-nonsense thriller that pitted Stallone against a worthy (and not necessarily bad) Brian Dennehy, this one is a sadistic chest-thumper in which Rambo gets to go back to Vietnam: ostensibly, he's there to rescue missing POWs, but in fact the movie was a lame excuse for him to refight the Vietnam War--and win. Audiences ate up the cruel Vietcong (and their Russian manipulators) and Stallone's bogus heroics, but it was strictly by-the-numbers action. --Marshall Fine --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Rambo III

Rambo III

Starring: Stallone, Sylvester Crenna, Richard Smith, Kurtwood De Jonge, Marc Spiros Focas
Director: MacDonald, Peter

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 103

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RAMBO III, which could be called "Rambo in Afghanistan," is set in 1988, near the end of the Soviet Union's involvement there. At the beginning of the film, John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) is living a secluded life in a Buddhist monastery in Thailand. When Rambo's close friend and mentor from the American military, Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna), asks for Rambo's help with a top-secret mission in Afghanistan, Rambo declines. Trautman goes in anyway and is captured by a ruthless Russian commander. In response, Rambo leaves his peaceful life, determined to rescue Trautman. Armed with only a handful of glow sticks and a dozen detonators, Rambo travels to Pakistan where he meets with a group of Mujaheddin freedom fighters who agree to lead him across the border into Afghanistan. On horseback, Rambo and the Mujaheddin approach the daunting Afghan landscape--high cliffs, jagged desert mountains, and networks of underground tunnels and caves. But before they even reach the prison where Trautman is held, the Russians head them off in a high-speed helicopter chase through steep ravines. From this point forward, the action never abates. Rambo, whose complexion is a deep crimson throughout the film, scales cliffs with his bare (bleeding) hands, and defies husky guards and scores of heavily armed Russian soldiers. There are many intense parts of RAMBO III, including a disturbing look inside a shop that sells machine guns and prosthetic limbs to mine victims, and several action sequences in which Afghan soldiers use American-supplied shoulder-mount rocket launchers against the Soviets. But perhaps the most memorable scene of the film is a close-up on Rambo, alone in a dimly lit cave, where he removes a bullet from his stomach and then performs a dazzling medical trick with the leftover gunpowder.

Red Dawn

Red Dawn

Starring: Howell, C. Thomas Swayze, Patrick Thompson, Lea Sheen, Charlie Powers Boothe
Director: Milius, John

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 114

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In the heartland of America, Russian and Cuban paratroopers begin to drop outside while classes go on in the high school. When the soldiers begin killing everyone in sight, local teens take to the hills to avoid the new totalitarian regime established in their little town and, as we later learn, throughout the world. As country folk, they are well familiarized with survival tactics and hunting, which allows them to carry out sophisticated acts of military sabotage, upsetting the balance of power in town with their guerilla warfare. What if Cuba and the Soviet Union opted for a conventional invasion of the U.S. rather than a nuclear attack? Then, their troops would have another think coming. Namely a group of high school students turned commandos. These teenagers -- Jed, Robert, Erica, Matt, Toni and others -- one day look outside their classroom windows to see Communist paratroopers descending from the clouds and landing on the soil of their small town. Skilled hunters and tenderfoots alike, Jed and his friends take whatever food and weapons they can find and head for the mountains. It is not long, however, before the enemy soldiers follow their trail, take prisoners, rape women, and execute "subversives." Now the fate of one theater of World War III rests in the rifle-filled hands of America's youth. Additional cast: Doug Toby (Aardvark) and Roy Janson (Morris). The widescreen version contains the original theatrical trailer.

Red Heat

Red Heat

Starring: Belushi, James Schwarzenegger, Arnold Boyle, Peter Gershon, Gina O'Ross, Ed
Director: Hill, Walter

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 106

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A highly disciplined Russian detective (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and a fearless, but undisciplined Chicago cop (Jim Belushi) are one mismatched team hot on the trail of Russia's deadliest drug smuggler throughout the mean streets of Chicago. Viktor, a narcotics kingpin in the USSR, leaves the country and heads for Chicago. Subsequently, Russia's brawniest (and sternest) officer follows him to the Windy City, where he teams up with a loud-mouthed American cop. Together the mismatched, culture-clashing, rule-breaking duo attempt to track down the nefarious Viktor. Copyright 1988 Carolco Pictures Inc.

Return from Witch Mountain

Return from Witch Mountain

Starring: Davis, Bette Lee, Christopher Richards, Kim Eisenmann, Ike Jack Soo
Director: Hough, John

Rating: G
Category: Adventure
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 94

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The Fury meets The Misadventures of Merlin Jones in this comic book sequel to Disney's Escape to Witch Mountain. Reprising their roles as the psychic siblings from another world are Kim Richards as Tia and Ike Eisenmann as Tony. Their Uncle Bene (Denver Pyle) gives the kids a treat by letting them vacation on Planet Earth, and they make the most of it by immediately getting into hot water. It seems that arch-fiend Dr. Victor Gannon (Christopher Lee) and his Bette Davis-like accomplice Letha (Bette Davis), are in the process of testing a mind-control device. They want to see if they can mentally save their cohort Sickle (Anthony James) from plunging to his death from a building. Tony spots Sickle's plunge and telekinetically saves him. When Dr. Gannon sees Tony's powers, he kidnaps Tony, hoping to utilize Tony's otherworldly powers for his own nefarious purposes. Enlisting the aid of a collection of low-life youngsters (Christian Juttner, Brad Savage, Poindexter and Jeffrey Jacquet), Tia uses her powers of telepathy to contact her brother and tries to rescue him from Gannon's clutches. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Return to Me

Return to Me

Starring: Driver, Minnie O'Connor, Carroll Loggia, Robert Hunt, Bonnie Grier, David Alan Richardson, Joely Jones, Eddie Belushi, James Belushi, James Duchovny, David
Director: Hunt, Bonnie

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 113

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A charming romantic comedy about finding love in the most ironic--and unlikely--of places. Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) is mourning the tragic loss of his wife, who nobly agreed to donate her heart to a needy recipient. When he meets Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver), little does he realize that she's the recipient! Eventually, the truth comes out, and Bob must decide for himself which heart it is his heart wants to follow. Originally released theatrically on April 7, 2000 Two bittersweet story lines intertwine to form the light and touchingly ironic romantic story of director Bonnie Hunt's RETURN TO ME. While architect Bob Rueland (a perfectly chivalrous David Duchovny) enjoys wonderful days with his zoologist wife, Elizabeth, having finally found the funding to build an addition to her zoo, a youthful but suffering waitress, Grace Briggs (a darling Minnie Driver), struggles with heart disease. One April evening, Bob and Elizabeth are in a terrible car accident. Elizabeth passes away in the hospital, and Grace, who has been waiting for a heart transplant, receives the donated organ. Therefore, when over a year later, Bob and Grace meet for the first time and fall in love, they have no idea that their hearts were matched once before. RETURN TO ME is a moving tale that seems to touch on nearly every topic: from love and death to family and religion to raising kids and caring for gorillas (no joke), without taking anything too seriously. Carroll O'Connor plays Grace's grandfather--a jolly old guy with a chummy bunch of card-playing Italian friends. In addition, Bonnie Hunt and James Belushi play Grace's best friends, and give hilarious performances as the parents of young kids. This film is an excellent choice for the tender-hearted.

Return to Never Land

Return to Never Land

Starring: Owen, Harriet Weaver, Blayne
Director: Harrowell, Ian

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Adventure
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In this sequel to the 1953 Disney classic PETER PAN, Wendy is all grown up, with children of her own. She lives in London, which, as the film starts, is in the midst of the devastating German bombardments of World War II. The hardships of war have made Wendy's daughter Jane a practical, level-headed girl, with little time for her mother's wild stories of Peter Pan and Neverland. Jane doesn't believe in fairies and fantasy lands. That is, not until Captain Hook swoops down in his computer-animated pirate ship to kidnap her and whisk her away through a spectacular space portal into Neverland. Captain Hook wants Jane as bait to finally catch Peter Pan. The crocodile which plagued Hook in the original film has been replaced by a giant orange octopus. Jane just wants to get back home to London, and decides to help Hook find hidden treasure since he promises to take her home. But in order to finally make it home, Jane must learn to believe in "faith, trust, and pixie dust." This sequel primarily uses traditional animation, in the same style as the original film, although some modern computer animation is also used. Fans of the classic PETER PAN will enjoy visiting Neverland again. Peter Pan is back in this sequel to Disney's beloved original 1953 animated feature. RETURN TO NEVER LAND finds the Darling children from the original all grown up, with Wendy even having a child of her own, a skeptical young girl named Jane. Though her mother has told her stories about Peter Pan's magic, Jane hardly believes them. However, when Captain Hook's pirate ship carries her from London off to Never Land, Jane finds that Peter Pan is no story after all. A spirited sequel to the original, RETURN TO NEVER LAND features all new music and is sure to be a hit with children of all ages. Theatrical release: February 15, 2002

Return to Snowy River

Return to Snowy River

Starring: Burlinson, Tom Thornton, Sigrid Dennehy, Brian Eadie, Nicholas Bryan Marshall
Director: Burrowes, Geoff

Rating: PG
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 99

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Description Australia's breathtaking Victoria Alps set the backdrop for this spectacular epic saga. Tom Burlinson and Sigrid Thornton, two of Australia's brightest film talents, star in a fast-paced, action-packed story of a stormy romance caught up in a violent feud between landowners. Acclaimed actor Brian Dennehy (LEGAL EAGLES, COCOON) gives a gripping performance as the powerful patriarch determined to keep them apart. Visually unforgettable and packed with rugged adventure and masterful stuntwork, RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER is a thrilling and memorable film!

Road House

Road House

Starring: Swayze, Patrick Gazzara, Ben Elliott, Sam Lynch, Kelly
Director: Herrington, Rowdy

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating:
Running Time: 123

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Patrick Swayze stars in this modern-dress western as a tough guy who has poetic instincts and drives a Mercedes. Fresh from earning his doctorate in Eastern Philosophy from New York University, mettlesome loner Dalton (Swayze) finds work as a bouncer at an anarchic road house. Within weeks, Dalton has rid the bar of the ruffians ruining its business and has even struck up a romance with a sexy doctor (Kelly Lynch). Then Dalton bounces the wrong man, who turns out to be one of town crime boss Brad Wesley's henchmen. Wesley first tries to buy Dalton off, but fails. When Wesley learns of Dalton's new lover -- who used to be Wesley's significant other -- Wesley vows bloody vengeance. But Dalton, with his unique mixture of brute force and Zen oneness, isn't about to let his college money go to waste. A man famous for being the best bouncer around is hired to help clean up a rowdy Missouri roadhouse called the Double Deuce. The Double Deuce has another problem besides the rowdy patrons, however, as the town's kingpin and his henchmen eliminate anyone who gets in their way.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Starring: Wincott, Michael Rickman, Alan Slater, Christian Mastrantonio, Mary Elizabeth Costner, Kevin Freeman, Morgan
Director: Reynolds, Kevin

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 144

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A reworking of the legend with a stand-out performance by Alan Rickman as the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Academy Award Nominations: Best Song ("(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams and John Lange). Copyright 1991 Morgan Creek Productions, Inc. and Warner Bros. Inc. "Cancel Christmas!" -- Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) The adventures of Robin Hood after his return from the Crusades. With an indebted Moor by his side, Robin sets out to avenge his father's death and to save the peasants of Nottingham from their crafty, cunning sheriff.

Robin Hood

Robin Hood

Starring: Bedford, Brian Harris, Phil
Director: Reitherman, Wolfgang

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 83

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An imaginative Disney version of the Robin Hood legend. Fun and romance abounds as the swashbuckling hero of Sherwood Forest, and his valiant sidekick plot one daring adventure after another to outwit the greedy prince and his partner as they put the tax squeeze on the poor. Academy Award Nominations: Best Song ("Love"). The woodland creatures of Sherwood Forest retell the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. With the help of a lively ballad, Rooster Allan a Dale recounts the adventures of handsome rogue Robin and his Merry Men, the cowardly Prince John and the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham. Theatrical release: November 8, 1973. Rereleased 1982. ROBIN HOOD is the 21st full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

Robocop

Robocop

Starring: Allen, Nancy Cox, Ronny Smith, Kurtwood O'Herlihy, Dan Weller, Peter Ferrer, Miguel
Director: Verhoeven, Paul

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 103

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Peter Weller stars in this urban sci-fi Western as Murphy, a good cop who literally gets shot to pieces while on duty and winds up reborn as a crime-fighting machine. An ambitious executive (Miguel Ferrer) at OCP, the corporation running the futuristic city of Detroit, fuses Murphy's torso with bulletproof steel limbs and rewires his brain with computer chips so he will have no will of his own. Murphy’s former partner (Nancy Allen) tries to help RoboCop remember his human past, but his circuitry blocks whatever dim memories remain. Luckily, a chance encounter with one of his killers wakes up the human essence in RoboCop, causing him to rebel against his programming and commence on a one-cyborg mission of vengeance that leads all the way to the top of OCP. This second English-language film by Dutch director Paul Verhoeven is unremittingly brutal, darkly comic, and filled with bits of clever satire and pathos. A special highlight is the hilariously incompetent ED-209, RoboCop's main rival in the department of automated law enforcement. Considered by many critics to be one of the best films of its genre, ROBOCOP was followed by several sequels and a 1994 TV series. "I'd buy that for a dollar!"--Phrase from a popular future gameshow "Dead or alive, you're coming with me."--RoboCop (Peter Weller) to a thug "It's just a glitch."--OCP executive Dick Jones (Ronny Cox) to his superior (Dan O'Herlihy) after Jones's ED-209 robotic crimefighter prototype blows away a young employee during a botched product demonstration

Romancing the Stone

Romancing the Stone

Starring: Douglas, Michael DeVito, Danny Turner, Kathleen Arau, Alfonso
Director: Zemeckis, Robert

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 106

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Though she can spin wild tales of passionate romance, novelist Joan Wilder has no life of her own. Then one day adventure comes her way in the form of a mysterious package. It turns out that the parcel is the ransom she'll need to free her abducted sister, so Joan flies to South America to hand it over. Only she gets on the wrong bus and winds up hopelessly stranded in the jungle -- until she encounters Jack Colton, a man who could have stepped straight out of one of her novels. Though Jack's good looks and intrepid moves dazzle her, Joan quickly sees Jack for the cheap opportunist that he is. But he's all she's got, so together they journey out of the jungle, battling mudslides, druglords, crazed treasure-hunters -- and each other. Along the way, Joan discovers she's tougher than she ever thought... tough enough to rescue her sister, and tough enough to fall in love with the troublesome Jack. Shot in Mexico, DeLuxe color; Stereo Dolby Surround. Copyright 194 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation The peaceful existence of romance novelist Joan Wilder is abruptly turned upside down when she receives a map in the mail from her recently murdered brother-in-law. She soon finds herself in the middle of a dangerous jewel-hunt in the wilds of Colombia. Sequel: "Jewel of the Nile." Academy Award Nominations: Best Film Editing.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Starring: Ives, Burl Richards, Billie Mae
Director: Roemer, Larry

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 135

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The modern Christmas classic is brought to life in this stop-motion animated feature. Rudolph is shunned by the other reindeer because of his strange red nose. Rudolph and Herbie the Elf decide to run away and wind up having a series of adventures, meeting the Abominable Snowman and making their way through the Land of Misfit Toys before coming back in time to help Santa on Christmas Eve. A presentation of Broadway Video. Copyright 1964 Videocraft International, Ltd. Music copyright St. Nicholas Music, Inc. The stop-motion animation classic, narrated and sung by Burl Ives, about the little reindeer who saved Christmas from being cancelled.

Sabrina

Sabrina

Starring: Ormond, Julia Kinnear, Greg Ford, Harrison Marchand, Nancy Crenna, Richard Wood, John Dickinson, Angie
Director: Pollack, Sydney

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 127

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Sydney Pollack directs Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond in this remake of the 1954 Billy Wilder romantic comedy. Ford and Greg Kinnear portray a pair of brothers who are both potential heirs to the Larrabee family fortune. David, a dashing playboy, and Linus, a sensible stodgy businessman, both end up vying for the affections of Sabrina (Ormond), the chauffeur's daughter, after she returns elegantly transformed from a sojourn in Paris. Pollack presents an effortless contemporary telling of this classic Cinderella story. Sydney Pollack directs this whimsical remake of the 1954 romantic comedy by Billy Wilder. Greg Kinnear and Harrison Ford deftly portray the two wealthy Larrabee brothers, who end up fighting over the affections of their chauffeur’s daughter. When Sabrina (Julia Ormond) originally attempts to win over David Larrabee (Greg Kinnear), the younger of the two brothers, and the notorious playboy whom her father works for, he barely even knows she's alive. To help get her mind off David, Sabrina's dad sends her on a trip to Paris, where she trains to become a fashion photographer. In Europe, the mousy young girl blossoms into a beautiful woman before returning to the Larrabee estate on Long Island. At first David doesn't recognize the altered Sabrina. Once he does, however, he falls hard, which jeopardizes his impending marriage to Elizabeth, a wealthy doctor. This turn of events greatly concerns his older, more serious brother, Linus (Harrison Ford), who's counting on the marriage to cement a merger between his company and a business owned by Elizabeth's rich father. So Linus decides to woo Sabrina, hoping she'll fall for him and forget his brother. However, the scheme backfires when Linus himself begins to find the charming Sabrina irresistible. Released theatrically in the USA December 15, 1995. The film grossed $53.7 million domestically. "More isn't always better, Linus; sometimes its just more."--Sabrina Fairchild (Julia Ormond) to Linus Larrabee (Harrison Ford) "I know you work in the real world and you're very good at it. But's that's work. Where do you live, Linus?"--Sabrina to Linus "Well, I just don't feel like buying anymore networks this year. There's never anything good on."--Linus Songs: "Moonlight" & "How Can I Remember" by John Williams, lyrics Alan & Marilyn Bergman, performed by Michael Dees. End title version sung by Sting "Call Me Irresponsible" & "High Hopes" by Sammy Cahn & James Van Heusen "Stella by Starlight" by Ned Washington & Victor Young "Protection" by Andrew Vowles, Robert Del Naja, Grantley Marshal, Tracey Thorn, performed by Massive Attack "Love's in Need of Love Today" by Stevie Wonder, performed by Blackstreet "L'Amour est une Étoile" by René Sarvil & Vincent Scotto, performed by Tino Rossi "Les Petites Notes" by Liane Foly, Philippe Viennet, & André Manoukian, performed by Liane Foly "Closer, Together, Now" by Gordon Driver & Jeff Lams "Rapsodie on a Theme of Paganini, 18th Variation" by Sergei Rachmaninoff, performed by The London Promenade Orchestra "Dedicace" by Michel Roger, performed by La Compagnie Jolie Môme "La Vie en Rose" by E. Louiguy & Edith Piaf "I Wish I Were in Love Again" by Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart "Love Letters" by Edward Heyman & Victor Young "Moonlight Becomes You" by Johnny Burke & James Van Heusen "My Old Flame" by Arthur Johnston & Sam Coslow "The Shadow of Your Smile" by Johnny Mandel & Paul Francis Webster "For All We Know" by Sam Lewis & J. Fred Coots "I Remember You" by Johnny Mercer & Victor Schertzinger "Maude's Fanfare" by John E. Oliver "Happy Birthday to You" by Mildred J. & Patty S. Hill "When Joanna Loved Me" Jack Segal & Robert Wells "Ruf a Dabel Le'Yan" by Sidi Kaddour Al-Alami, performed by El Hadj Houcine Toulali "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon (Means That You're Grand)" by Sheldon Secunda, Jacob Jacobs, Sammy Cahn & Saul Chaplin

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town

Starring: Astaire, Fred Rooney, Mickey
Director: Bass, Jules

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 85

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Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney) is a young boy with an immense desire to do good things for others. In his home village of Sombertown, Kris has started a gift factory where he builds toys and gives them to all the local children. But when the evil ruler Burgermeister Meisterburger (Paul Frees) bans toys from the land, Kris is forced to go directly to Mother Nature and beseech her for assistance. With the help of magical elves and several special reindeer, Kris works hard to overcome the Burgermeister and deliver toys to all the children of the world, earning him the name Saint Claus, or Santa Claus. This timeless tale by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin is narrated by Fred Astaire. One of the first Rankin-Bass Christmas specials (it was preceded by THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY in 1968), SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN received acclaim from both children and adults alike and spawned a number of similar films, including THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS and THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS. The movie's detailed, macabre stop-action puppets and gothic tinge were clearly an influence on Henry Selick and Tim Burton’s THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, and it remains an important animated film to the moviemakers of today.

Saturday Night Fever

Saturday Night Fever

Starring: Travolta, John
Director: Badham, John

Rating: R
Category: Drama : General
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Amazon.com essential video Saturday Night Fever is one of those movies that comes along and seems to change the cultural temperature in a flash. After the movie's release in 1977, disco ruled the dance floors, and a blow-dried member of a TV-sitcom ensemble became the hottest star in the U.S. For all that, the story is conventional: a 19-year-old Italian American from Brooklyn, Tony Manero (John Travolta), works in a humble paint store and lives with his family. After dark, he becomes the polyester-clad stallion of the local nightclub; Tony's brother, a priest, observes that when Tony hits the dance floor, the crowd parts like the Red Sea before Moses. Director John Badham captures the electric connection between music and dance, and also the desperation that lies beneath Tony's ambitions to break out of his limited world. The soundtrack, which spawned a massively successful album, is dominated by the disco classics of the Bee Gees, including "Staying Alive" (Travolta's theme during the strutting opening) and "Night Fever." The Oscar^®-nominated Travolta, plucked from the cast of Welcome Back, Kotter, for his first starring role, is incandescent and unbelievably confident, and his dancing is terrific. Oh, and the white suit rules. --Robert Horton

Scooby-Doo

Scooby-Doo

Starring: Lillard, Matthew Cardellini, Linda Gellar, Sarah Michelle Atkinson, Rowan Fisher, Isla Anderson, Pamela Prinze, Freddie Nunez, Miguel A. Nunez, Miguel A.
Director: Gosnell, Raja

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 86

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In this live action rethink of the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon series, director Raja Gosnell puts Fred (Freddie Prinze, Jr.), Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), Velma (Linda Cardellini), and Shaggy (Matthew Lillard) back into the Mystery Machine with a CGI version of the canine title character. After parting ways to protest Fred's self-centered treatment of the Mystery Inc. gang, they are brought back together by Emile Mondavarious (Rowan Atkinson) to help solve a ghoulish mystery at his teen resort and fun park, Spooky Island. Although SCOOBY-DOO is primarily a live action movie, Gosnell keeps the characters and visuals cartoonish at all times. For fans of the series, all of the expected trappings are present (from Fred's ascot to the inevitable "meddling kids" line from the bad guy), but the film also pokes fun at these elements throughout, managing to balance kiddie fun with a more grown-up self-mocking. The CGI Scooby is both convincingly lifelike and clearly make-believe, with action that is more silly than scary so kids and adults can enjoy the film together. Theatrical Release Date: June 14, 2002 (Wide)

Secret of My Success

Secret of My Success

Starring: Fox, Michael J. Slater, Helen Whitton, Margaret Jordan, Richard John Pankow
Director: Ross, Herbert

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 110

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Michael J. Fox stars as Brantley Foster, a Kansas farm boy who's determined to climb New York's corporate ladder in record time by masquerading as an up-and-coming executive, even though he's really the new mail boy. Love and romance doesn't seem to mix with business--no matter how hard everyone is trying. Brantley's plans go horribly awry when he falls for the boss's mistress and the boss's wife--his aunt--falls for him. THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS is similar to Frank Loesser's famous musical HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, adapted by Jack Weinstock, Abe Burrows and Willie Gilbert from Shepard Mead's hilarious novel. Playwright Christopher Durang has a cameo role in the film as an executive. Cindy Crawford has a brief cameo as a beautiful woman on the New York streets. Brantley asks co-worker Fred: "Can you ever get promoted out of the mailroom?" Fred responds: "You can't even get paroled out of the mailroom." Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox) may come from a small Kansas farm, but he believes he's a New York success story waiting to happen. So certain is Brantley about his destiny that he's packed his bags and headed for the Big Apple, vowing not to return until he's realized the American dream of financial prosperity and romantic fulfillment. Once he's settled in the city, Brantley confronts the adversities of a small pest-ridden apartment, a thankless mailroom job, and pervasive street crime. Working in the mailroom of a powerful corporation, he develops a scheme to fulfill his dreams. All it takes is an abandoned corporate office and a change of clothes for Brantley Foster to become Carlton Whitfield, a new high-powered executive with radical ideas and a charming way with the ladies, including Christy Wills (Helen Slater), the boss's mistress. This delightful comedy keeps Brantley on his toes as as he struggles to keep his new girlfriend, his pals in the mailroom, his boss, and the boss's lustful wife from learning the truth as he fights to fulfill his dreams.

Shallow Hal

Shallow Hal

Starring: Paltrow, Gwyneth Alexander, Jason Ward, Susan Knopf, Sascha Viterelli, Joe Gesner, Zen Black, Jack Kightlinger, Laura Kightlinger, Laura
Director: Farrelly, Peter

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 113

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Directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly continue their string of hilarious oddball comedies with SHALLOW HAL. Hal (Jack Black of HIGH FIDELITY) is a "regular guy" who has no luck with women because he only wants to be with women who look like supermodels. Then self-help guru Tony Robbins hypnotizes Hal so that he can see a woman's inner beauty. When Hal meets Rosemary (Gwyneth Paltrow), a Peace Corps volunteer who is smart and funny, he thinks his dreams have come true. Others, like Hal's slimy friend Mauricio (Jason Alexander), see Rosie for what she is, a 300-pound woman, but Hal can only see the beauty on the inside, so to him she looks like Gwyneth Paltrow. Black shines in his first starring role. His engagingly manic energy keeps the film in high gear. Paltrow skillfully plays Rosemary as an obese woman in a thin woman's body. The Farrelly brothers' comedies work so well because they mix off-the-wall humor with characters the audience identifies with and cares about. SHALLOW HAL is outrageous and funny, occasionally exceeding the bounds of good taste, but it's also a touching love story. Fans of Black's band, Tenacious D, will be happy to see bandmate Kyle Gass in a small role.

Shanghai Knights

Shanghai Knights

Starring: Wilson, Owen Gillen, Aidan Chan, Jackie Wong, Fann Jones, Gemma Fisher, Tom Yen, Donnie Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Aaron
Director: Dobkin, David

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 114

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In this entertaining sequel to SHANGHAI NOON, Chon Wang (Jackie Chan) and Roy O'Bannon (Owen Wilson) are reunited on an adventure that leads them to Great Britain. Upon hearing of his father's murder in China at the hands of Englishman Lord Rathbone (Aidan Gillen), Wang leaves his law-enforcing life in Nevada and heads east. In New York City, he tracks down Roy, who now works as a waiter/gigolo. After a close encounter with New York's finest, Wang and Roy travel to London, where they team up with Wang's sister, Lin (Fann Wong), also out to avenge their father's death. Their search uncovers a plot to assassinate the royal family and brings them into contact with many touchstones of turn-of-the-20th-century British culture. A fitting follow-up to Chan and Wilson's first pairing, SHANGHAI KNIGHTS takes the fish-out-of-water element of the original and doubles it, as both Wang and Roy navigate the highs and lows of Victorian London. Chan, as always, astounds with a series of acrobatic fight sequences that involves unusual accessories such as revolving doors, fruit stands, and Chinese vases. And Wilson once again aptly fills the role of the wisecracking opportunist with a conscience who has a wry quip for every occasion. Meanwhile, Fann Wong is luminous as Wang's high-kicking sister; Aidan Gillen sneers superbly as the scheming Rathbone, and Hong Kong legend Donnie Yen makes the most of his small role as Rathbone's co-conspirator. In addition to incorporating Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charlie Chaplin, and Jack the Ripper into the story, David Dobkin's amusing film also features knowing nods to SINGING IN THE RAIN and the Harold Lloyd classic SAFETY LAST. Theatrical release: February 7, 2003

Shanghai Noon

Shanghai Noon

Starring: Wilson, Owen Liu, Lucy Chan, Jackie Yuan, Roger Baez, Rafael Rong Guang, Yu Berkeley, Xander Connery, Jason Connery, Jason
Director: Dey, Tom

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 110

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An action-comedy with a decidedly Western twist, SHANGHAI NOON features more acrobatics from superstar Jackie Chan. Chon Wang (Chan) is a dedicated member of the Chinese Imperial Guard. When the emperor's former captain, Lo Fong (Yuan), oversees an illegal operation that involves kidnapping Princess Pei Pei (Liu) and bringing her to America's wild West, it's up to Chong to save the day. Eventually partnering with the wise-cracking bandit Roy O'Bannon (Wilson), Chong uses his Eastern skills to tackle the wild West. SHANGHAI NOON is an high-kicking adventure with great comic chemistry between stars Chan and Wilson. Jackie Chan takes on the Old West in this campy sendup of some of the greatest Westerns ever made. When Princess Pei-Pei (Lucy Liu) is kidnapped from the Forbidden City in 1881 China, Chon Wang accompanies the three bravest Imperial Guardsmen on a journey to Carson City to rescue her. Along the way he cannot shake train robber Roy O'Bannon (an eminently likable Owen Wilson), who is after the pot of gold the Guardsmen have brought from China to ransom the princess. The film pays direct homage to such classic Westerns as HIGH NOON, HANG 'EM HIGH, THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, BLAZING SADDLES, and, primarily, John Ford's THE SEARCHERS in ways that are charmingly familiar. The film is chock-full of saloon brawls and shootouts that are turned upside down by Chan's martial artistry as he battles gun-toting baddies with his trademark chops and kicks as well as makeshift weapons (including a fabulous horseshoe slingshot). Cowriters Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and director Tom Dey don't leave out a thing--trains are robbed, brothels are visited, whiskey bottles are shattered, horses are jumped onto from balconies, tin cans are shot at, townspeople cheer for a hanging--and our heroes even take a bath that would make Mel Brooks proud. Theatrical release: May 26, 2000. Even before the movie opened, the writers were hard at work on a sequel. The movie was filmed around Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and on location in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. The movie was based on an original idea from Jackie Chan. SHANGHAI NOON was Tom Dey's directorial debut. The film includes Kid Rock's "Cowboy" and Uncle Kracker's "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah." The video for "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" features Owen Wilson and Jackie Chan.

Silverado

Silverado

Starring: Glenn, Scott Hunt, Linda Dennehy, Brian Kline, Kevin Cleese, John Glover, Danny Arquette, Rosanna Costner, Kevin Costner, Kevin
Director: Kasdan, Lawrence

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 133

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As the result of a chance meeting, four cowboys on horseback are drawn together to defeat a corrupt frontier sheriff and his vicious posse. An enjoyable high-spirited western. Starring Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Brain Dennehy and Rosanna Arquette, and written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan (THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST). Academy Award Nominations: Best Sound, Best Original Score. Four cowboys join forces in the Old West to combat injustice in "Silverado", director Lawrence Kasdan's loving ode to the Western. Emmett, a quiet loner, saves Paden from sure death in the desert, where a band of outlaws had abandoned him. They then befriend Mal, a black cowboy who was denied service at a saloon, and all three move on to rescue Emmett's hot-headed brother from being hanged. The quartet finally reach their destination, Silverado, where they must make a stand against the corrupt sheriff and the band of murderous ranchers who have dogged them their entire journey. "Silverado" was produced in ccoperation with the American Humane Association. Additional cast: Marvin J. McIntyre (as Clerk), Brad Williams (Trooper), Bill Thurman (Proprietor), Autry Ward (Hat Thief), Jacob Kasdan (Stable Boy), Rusty Meyers (Conrad), Zeke Davidson (Mr. Parker), Lois Geary (Mrs. Parker), Troy Ward (Baxter), Roy McAdams (Tall Outlaw), Patricia Gaul (Kate), Earl Hindman (J. T.), Tom Brown (Augie), Jerry Biggs (Bartender), Sam Gauny (Deputy Garth), Ken Farmer (Deputy Kyle), Bill McIntosh (Deputy Charlie), Charlie Seybert (Shopkeeper), Jane Beauchamp (Woman Neighbour), Jerry Block (Townsman), Ben Zeller (Townsman), and Ross Loney (Red). Additional crew: David Israel (as location manager), Richard Walden (camera operator), William F. Bennett (Terra-flite operator), Billy R. Brashier (Projectionist), Janet Kusnick (Illustrator), Robert W. Ramage (Special effects), Floyd Van Wey (Special effects), Richard S. Wood (Special effects), Noteworthy Inc. (Music editing), Gene Feldman (Music editor), Erma Levin (Music editor), Stephen Shubin (Wardrobe - men), Le Dawson (Wardrobe - men), Oda Groeschel (Wardrobe - women), Joseph R. Fineman (Sound editor - dialogue), Norman B. Schwartz (Sound editor - post-production dialogue), Dody Dorn (Foley editor), Clifford Latimer (Foley editor), Karen I. Stern (ADR editor), Arvo Ojala (Technical gun coach), and Corky Randall (Livestock ramrod). Filmed on location in New Mexico Shot in Technicolor and Super Techniscope. Sound by Dolby. Opticals by Modern Film Effects. Title design by Wayne Fitzgerald. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. Featurette

Six Days, Seven Nights

Six Days, Seven Nights

Starring: Schwimmer, David Morrison, Temuera Janney, Allison Ford, Harrison Heche, Anne
Director: Reitman, Ivan

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 102

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Tough as nails New York magazine editor (Heche) is surprised when her boyfriend (Schwimmer) pulls the romantic stunt of spontaneously buying tickets for a romantic South Pacific getaway. The trip seems to be shiny and happy until they find out that a grizzled curmudgeonly pilot (Ford) is their sole option for reaching their final destination, the remote island of Marcata. Along the way the bickering couple finds themselves stranded on a desert island, threatened by pirates, and ultimately, falling in love. A fun romantic comedy with good comic performances from Ford and Heche.

Sneakers

Sneakers

Starring: Poitier, Sidney Aykroyd, Dan Redford, Robert Phoenix, River Jones, James Earl Strathairn, David McDonnell, Mary Kingsley, Ben Kingsley, Ben
Director: Robinson, Phil Alden

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 125

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Two politically-minded whizkids pull off a daring computer caper in the Sixties, but, by a serendipitous twist of fate, only one of them gets caught. Twenty years later, the lucky half of that daring duo has set himself up in business as the leader of an oddball group of computer hackers who test security systems for big companies. But when agents from the NSA (National Security Agency) catch up with him, he must agree to send his team on a top secret, i.e. illegal, mission to recapture an invaluable decoding device. This powerful "black box" would allow anyone possessing it, including the Russians, the ability to access or alter whatever information they wanted to -- in the entire cyberspace galaxy. But things are not quite as they appear to be, and our aging hero soon realizes he must look into his own past to unlock the biggest secret of all. Color by DeLuxe; shot in a widescreen process. The "Sneakers" writing team of Phil Alden Robinson, Walter Parkes and Larry Lasker also wrote "WarGames" (1984). Their script for "WarGames" received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The idea for "Sneakers" was first pitched in 1983. At that time Robinson had never directed a feature film, but by 1992, when he was slated to helm "Sneakers", he already had two directing credits under his belt: "In the Mood" (1987) and the surprise hit of 1989, "Field of Dreams". Steve Grumette was credited as Computer Effects Supervisor on the film. One of the last screen appearances for actor River Phoenix, who died in West Hollywood, California, age 23. Former CIA agent John Strauchs worked with the screenwriters through twelve script rewrites, advising them on the most up-to-date technological innovations. He, like the character Martin Bishop, helps business and government secure both premises and computer secrets. He deliberately put mistakes in some of the film's information so as not to help "train" criminals. Two politically-minded whizkids pull off a daring computer caper in the Sixties, but, by a serendipitous twist of fate, only one of them gets caught. Twenty years later, the lucky half of that daring duo has set himself up in business as the leader of an oddball group of computer hackers who test security systems for big companies. But when agents from the NSA (National Security Agency) catch up with him, he must agree to send his team on a top secret, i.e. illegal, mission to recapture an invaluable decoding device. This powerful "black box" would allow anyone possessing it, including the Russians, the ability to access or alter whatever information they wanted to -- in the entire cyberspace galaxy. But things are not quite as they appear to be, and our aging hero soon realizes he must look into his own past to unlock the biggest secret of all. A computer expert heads a team of renegade hackers who test security systems. His past comes back to haunt him when government agents blackmail the "Sneakers" into carrying out a covert operation: track down an elusive black box filled with national security secrets.

Snow Dogs

Snow Dogs

Starring: Coburn, James Greene, Graham Nichols, Nichelle Gooding, Cuba Bacalso, Joanna Doyle-Murray, Brian Walsh, M. Emmet Sisqo Sisqo
Director: Levant, Brian

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
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Director Brian Levant (BEETHOVEN) goes to the dogs again in Disney's SNOW DOGS. Cuba Gooding, Jr. stars as Ted Brooks, a successful Miami dentist who finds out that he was adopted, and has to travel to Alaska for the reading of his birth mother's will. There, he meets the small community of crazies that were his mother's friends. Barb (Joanna Bacalso), a beautiful bar owner, is the most welcoming. Ted learns that he has inherited his mother's property, including her team of rambunctious sled dogs. A crusty old-timer, Thunder Jack (James Coburn), tries to buy the dogs, but Ted decides he will learn how to race a dogsled, and enter the Arctic Challenge, a local race. Handling the mischievous pooches, particularly the "alpha" dog, Demon, turns out to be much harder than expected. Levant keeps the action moving at a swift pace, particularly during Ted's hilariously disastrous first run with the dogs. Gooding clowns like a pro, and Coburn is wonderful as the grizzled dogsled veteran. Kids will fall in love with all the dogs, who are given animated facial expressions. Nichelle Nichols (of STAR TREK fame) plays Ted's mom, and pop star Sisqo plays his best friend back in Miami. Theatrical release: January 18, 2002

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Starring: Stockwell, Harry Caselotti, Adriana
Director: Sharpsteen, Ben

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Classics : General
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Running Time: 84

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Amazon.com essential video One of the brightest nuggets from Disney's golden age, this 1937 film is almost dizzying in its meticulous construction of an enchanted world, with scores of major and minor characters (including fauna and fowl), each with a distinct identity. When you watch Snow White's intricate, graceful movements of fingers, arms, and head all in one shot, it is not the technical brilliance of Disney's artists that leaps out at you, but the very spirit of her engaging, girl-woman character. When the wicked queen's poisoned apple turns from killer green to rose red, the effect of knowing something so beautiful can be so terrible is absolutely elemental, so pure it forces one to surrender to the horror of it. Based on the Grimm fairy tale, Snow White is probably the best family film ever to deal, in mythic terms, with the psychological foundation for growing up. It's a crowning achievement and should not be missed. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition. Additional features Disney figured out that it's not necessarily how many extras a DVD offers, it's how effortlessly the fan can view them. In two "guided tours," a viewer can see a selection of the excellent extras on the history and creation of Walt Disney's crown jewel. Disc 1 has an informative 40-minute documentary, plus karaoke songs, a neat trivia game, and Barbra Streisand's new version of "Some Day My Prince Will Come." Like Fantasia, the commentary track is expertly made up of historical recordings... read more

Sommersby

Sommersby

Starring: Gere, Richard Foster, Jodie Pullman, Bill Jones, James Earl Jones, James Earl Windom, William Bill Pullman
Director: Amiel, Jon

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 133

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A man returning home after six years in the Civil War struggles to reconstruct his life and marriage. His idyllic hopes are shattered when he is accused of not being who he claims. Based on the French film THE RETURN OF MARTIN GUERRE. Filmed in Hot Springs, Virginia and Lexington and Charlotte County Courthouse in DuArt color; prints by Technicolor. Began shooting April 13, 1992; completed June 30, 1992. Released in USA February 5, 1993 at 117 minutes. Released on video August 4, 1993 at 114 minutes. Remake of Daniel Vigne's 1982 French film "The Return of Martin Guerre," starring Gerard Depardieu and Nathalie Baye. Based on an actual incident that occurred in the 16th century. Jon Amiel got his start directing episodes of "The Singing Detective" for British television; he also directed the feature films "Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter" and "Queen of Hearts". Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Censors. A remake of the French film, "The Return of Martin Guerre" takes place in the post-Civil War south. Sommersby is presumed dead, returning to his family two years after the war's end. But the once selfish man who went to battle is now a loving husband and father. His wife falls in love with him anew; townspeople are suspicious, especially one man who is in love with Laurel Sommersby. Can this man really be Sommersby? Or is he an imposter?

South Pacific

South Pacific

Starring: Walston, Ray Hall, Juanita Brazzi, Rossano Nuyen, France Kerr, John Laughlin, Tom Brown, Russ Gaynor, Mitzi Gaynor, Mitzi
Director: Logan, Joshua

Rating: PG-13
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 145

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A Rodgers and Hammerstein classic revolving around a forbidden love affair between a native girl and a young American sailor on a Pacific island during World War II. Songs include "Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy," and "Bali H'ai." Academy Award Nominations: 3. Academy Awards: Best Sound. Filmed in Technicolor. Originally presented Todd-AO and CinemaScope. Estimated budget of $5 million. Location shots filmed in Hawaii. Additional cast members: Floyd Simmons (Harbison); Candace Lee (Ngana); Warren Hsieh (Jerome); Galvan De Leon (Sub Chef); Robert Jacobs (Communications Man); Archie Savage (Native Chief); Darleen Engle (Nurse-Dancer); Richard Cutting (Admiral Kester) Giorgio Tozzi was credited for dubbing in Ezio Pinza's voice. John Kerr's vocals were dubbed by Bill Lee; Juanita Hall's were dubbed by Muriel Smith (uncredited). Hall also appeared in the Broadway production. Additional orchestrations by Bernard Mayers. For the film version a new song, "My Girl Back Home," was added to the original score. Available to buy in the UK. Copyright 1994 CBS/Fox Co. Love blossoms on a paradisical South Seas island during World War II in this splashy screen production of the hit Broadway musical. A Navy nurse falls for a French planter, an American lieutenant woos a fetching native girl and an assortment of sailors lust after female military personnel. All this amorous activity, with the attendant problems of interracial romance, provide fodder for the some of Rodger & Hammerstein's most famous and well-loved tunes, including "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair," "Bali Ha'i," and "Got to Be Taught to Hate."

Space Jam (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Space Jam (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Starring: Jordan, Michael Knight, Wayne
Director: Pytka, Joe

Rating: PG
Category: Comedy : Sports
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Amazon.com Although at first glance it looks like a movie dreamed up by a marketing committee (and in some respects it probably was), Space Jam actually defies the odds against it to become a dazzling display of family entertainment. There's a kind of demented genius to the idea of casting NBA superstar Michael Jordan in a live-action and animated movie costarring the beloved characters from Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes cartoons. They play off each other like seasoned veterans of vaudeville, and Jordan never falls into the kind of awkward, amateurish showmanship that you might expect from a sports idol. He's comfortable in the cartoon land of his costars, who include Bugs Bunny and sexy newcomer Lola Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester & Tweety, Speedy Gonzalez, the Tazmanian Devil, Foghorn Leghorn, and Yosemite Sam. They've all been hijacked to an outer-space amusement park run by the Nerdlucks, who strike a Faustian bargain with the Looney heroes: if Bugs and Co. can defeat the Nerdluck "Monstars" in a basketball game, they'll win back their freedom; if they lose, they'll be doomed to stay there forever as enslaved entertainers. So they kidnap Jordan as their coach and "secret weapon" while the nefarious Nerdlucks suck out the basketball skills from such stellar victims as Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing. It all leads to reckless abandon on the basketball court, and Bill Murray pops in for some hilarious support. Combining traditional animation and computer-generated Nerdlucks with its live-action cast, Space Jam was made in the anarchic spirit of the Looney Tunes cartoons, where anything goes as long as it's funny and off-the-wall (or the ceiling, or the door, or the floor...). Technically astounding, it's also witty enough to entertain adults and kids alike. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the DVD edition. Description His Airness and His Hareness; what a team! Michael Jordan slams, Bugs Bunny jams and a cavalcade of Looney Tunes and NBA stars hoop it up in the rim-rattlin', out-of-this-world, roundball romp: Space Jam.

Spaceballs

Spaceballs

Starring: Candy, John Brooks, Mel Moranis, Rick Zuniga, Daphne Pullman, Bill
Director: Brooks, Mel

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 96

Color Digital

In this spoof of STAR WARS and a handful of other sci-fi flicks from the 1970s and '80s, space-bum-for-hire Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his half-dog/half-man sidekick, Barf (John Candy), must rescue a spoiled Druish princess (Daphne Zuniga) from the evil Lord Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) in time to pay off Pizza the Hut. With SPACEBALLS, director Mel Brooks is at it again, this time with a science-fiction parody with all the blue-screen special effects and weird makeup (though in this film, things are always slightly off-kilter and unpolished). Here, maverick space travelers set out to save the planet Druidia, which is being harassed by the Spaceballs, a sinister group attempting to pilfer Druidia's air resources. Among the many gags and jokes is a hilarious parody of a classic scene from ALIEN. Mel Brooks himself makes one of his funniest acting appearances as Yogurt, a send-up of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK's Yoda.

Speed (Five Star Collection) (1994)

Speed (Five Star Collection) (1994)

Starring: Reeves, Keanu Hopper, Dennis
Director: Bont, Jan de

Rating: R
Category: Action & Adventure : General
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Amazon.com Everything clicked in this 1994 action hit, from the premise (a city bus has to keep moving at 50 mph or blow up) to the two leads (the usually inscrutable Keanu Reeves and the cute-as-a-button Sandra Bullock) to the villain (Dennis Hopper in psycho mode) to the director (Jan De Bont, who made this film hit the ground running with an edge-of-your-seat opening sequence on a broken elevator). This is the sort of movie that becomes a prototype for a thousand lesser films (including De Bont's lousy sequel, Speed 2: Cruise Control), but Speed really is a one-of-a-kind experience almost anyone can enjoy. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition. DVD features Fox puts the pedal to the metal for the two-disc Five Star edition of the high-velocity action hit. Check out the five brand-new production featurettes, especially the behind-the-scenes revelations of the two action highlights of the film--the bus jump and the subway crash--and then get a different angle (actually eight different angles) on the scenes in the multiangle comparisons. The highlight of the dozens of supplements, however, is the commentary on disc 1. Jan de Bont's reflective take is... read more

Speed 2 - Cruise Control (1997)

Speed 2 - Cruise Control (1997)

Starring: Bullock, Sandra Patric, Jason
Director: Bont, Jan de

Rating: Unrated
Category: Deals Under $20
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Amazon.com Anybody seen Keanu? The action star of Speed opted out of this overbearing sequel, which finds costar Sandra Bullock in love with another guy (Jason Patric) and in trouble aboard a cruise ship under the control of a mad extortionist (Willem Dafoe). Speed director Jan de Bont is back at the helm for part 2, but even he seems to have forgotten that what made the first film work was the simplicity of its hook (the bomb, the bus that can't drive below 50 mph, the handful of sympathetic passengers, etc.). Speed 2 is all about hugeness: big ship, lots of places to get into trouble, and so on. Even with an eye-popping, endless finale of the vessel crashing into port (and causing mondo destruction), there is nothing about this movie that is remotely as involving as its predecessor. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the DVD edition.

Spider-Man

Spider-Man

Starring: Dunst, Kirsten Dafoe, Willem Franco, James Robertson, Cliff Harris, Rosemary Simmons, J.K. Nunn, Bill Wakeham, Deborah Wakeham, Deborah Savage, Randy
Director: Raimi, Sam

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 121

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Based on the classic Marvel Comics series, Sam Raimi's SPIDER-MAN deftly details the origin of the web-slinging superhero. When awkward New York City teenager Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) attends a class field trip to a laboratory, he gets bitten by a genetically altered spider while taking photos of his longtime crush, the lovely Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). Soon he discovers this bite has given him remarkable powers--heightened strength, dexterity, and awareness, along with the ability to cling to walls and shoot webs from his wrists. Hoping to win Mary Jane's heart using his new talents, Peter becomes distracted from home life with his doting Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) and Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson), ultimately leading to tragedy--and his new role as the crime-fighting Spider-Man. Meanwhile Harry Osborn (Willem Dafoe), the industrialist father of Peter's friend Norman (James Franco), undergoes a transformation of his own, bringing about the creation of Spider-Man's arch-nemesis: The Green Goblin. In order to save his loved ones--and all of New York City--from the devastating force of the deluded Goblin, Spider-Man must take on the villain in a series of stunning battles. By staying true to the essence of the comic book, Raimi accomplishes the rare feat of crafting a superhero movie with a real heart. Rather than focusing solely on action and explosions, SPIDER-MAN wisely shines the spotlight on the character of Peter Parker, played with perfect bewilderment by Maguire. The special effects, of course, are dazzling, but they are topped by an excellent cast that also includes the radiant Dunst, the menacing Dafoe, the brooding Franco, and the scene-stealing J.K. Simmons as Peter's tough-talking boss. (Raimi fans will notice cameos by the director's brother, Ted Raimi, and EVIL DEAD series star Bruce Campbell.) The result is a charming and amazingly entertaining film unafraid to combine CGI animation with sincere human emotion. Theatrical Release Date: May 3, 2002 (Wide)

Spies Like Us

Spies Like Us

Starring: Chase, Chevy Aykroyd, Dan
Director: Landis, John

Rating: PG
Category: Comedy
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Amazon.com Yet another bad movie in a lengthy string of losers for all three of the principals involved here: director John Landis and stars Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase. Chase and Aykroyd play a pair of bumbling would-be CIA agents who are spotted cheating on the entrance exam. So the CIA decides to use them as bait in a mission to flummox the Russians. Lots of pointless slapstick and mugging, but Landis hasn't made a genuinely funny film since Trading Places. Aykroyd and Chase seem smug and self-satisfied (don't they always?), as though they can rest forever on laurels earned during the 1975 season of Saturday Night Live. Look for a gaggle of film directors (Terry Gilliam, Joel Coen, Costa-Gavras) in cameo roles: that's the closest this film comes to cleverness. --Marshall Fine --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Spy Game

Spy Game

Starring: Redford, Robert Pitt, Brad Bryggman, Larry Dillane, Stephen McCormack, Catherine
Director: Scott, Tony

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 127

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Robert Redford stars as veteran CIA agent Nathan Muir in this thriller from Tony Scott (TOP GUN, ENEMY OF THE STATE). Set in 1991, Muir expects his last day before retirement to be an easy one. Instead, he finds that his protégé, Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt), is being held on espionage charges in a Chinese prison will be executed in 24 hours. A seasoned agent, Muir has played spy games for a long time and quickly realizes that the CIA may not be acting in Bishop's best interest. Even as an agency committee is grilling Muir, he is secretly working to secure his former charge's freedom. Action-packed flashbacks establish the relationship between the two men: their first meeting during the Vietnam War, Muir's recruitment of Bishop following the war, Bishop's training and early missions in Berlin, and an important operation in Beirut. Similarly, the flashbacks trace the evolution of Bishop from an eager, brand-new agent in 1975 to a disillusioned veteran in the mid-1980s who is at odds with his mentor, Muir. This last layer of conflict adds extra suspense to SPY GAME, as Muir must decide whether to help his old friend or take the easy way out. Theatrical release: November 21, 2001

Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams

Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams

Starring: Vega, Alexa Gugino, Carla Banderas, Antonio Paxton, Bill Montalban, Ricardo Taylor, Holland Trejo, Danny Sabara, Daryl Sabara, Daryl Judge, Mike
Director: Rodriguez, Robert

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : Adventure
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Running Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes

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The spy kids are back in this highly inventive sequel to the original smash hit. Once again, cinematic multi-tasker Robert Rodriguez (SPY KIDS 2's director, writer, producer, director of photography, editor, and composer) brings his high-octane, technicolor brand of antics and special effects to the screen. This time the kids are a little older and a lot more experienced as they fight to save the world and secure their reputation as the best in town. After proving themselves as top-notch spies like their parents (Antonio Banderas and Carla Gugino) in the original SPY KIDS, Carmen and Juni Cortez (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) are now at the top of the new OSS kids division. That is, until they meet a new sibling spy team, Gary and Gerti Giggles (Matthew O'Leary and Emily Osment), and their position is threatened. In a race to save the world, the rival spies travel to the Island of Lost Dreams, a world that resembles the Bermuda Triangle, which is populated by fantastical genetically altered creatures, brought to life by the resident mad scientist, Romero (Steve Buscemi). However, on the mysterious island none of the kids' high-tech James Bond-inspired gadgets work, so they must rely on their own cunning and family smarts to save the world. Viewers of all ages will enjoy this delightful sequel full of tongue-in-cheek humor, wacky creatures of all shapes and sizes, and nonstop action. Theatrical release: August 7, 2002

Stakeout

Stakeout

Starring: Estevez, Emilio Dreyfuss, Richard Whitaker, Forest Stowe, Madeleine Quinn, Aidan
Director: Badham, John

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 117

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While on an FBI stakeout, detective Chris Lecce (Richard Dreyfuss) falls hard for Maria (Madeleine Stowe), the woman he's supposed to be watching. Soon he's inside her home enjoying a torrid love affair, while his young partner Bill Reimers (Emilio Estevez), waits across the street, looking through his binoculars and fuming. But the woman's ex-boyfriend (Aidan Quinn), a crazed, escaped convict who is the real object of the stakeout, is on his way back to see her and poses a very dangerous threat to the new couple. Director John Badham's entertaining blend of action and humor highlights the comic timing and chemistry between Dreyfuss and Estevez, who deliver first-rate performances. Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez star as Chris Lecce and Bill Reimers, two Seattle detectives who are assigned to a routine stakeout of a woman's home (Madeleine Stowe) when her ex-boyfriend (Aidan Quinn) escapes from jail and the FBI suspects he will try to contact her. However, while watching over the house Chris falls in love with the unsuspecting woman and risks their jobs, as well as their lives, in this highly entertaining action/comedy by director John Badham. Shot on location in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Estimated budget $14 million. A sequel, appropriately called ANOTHER STAKEOUT, was made in 1993.

Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Widescreen Edition) (1999)

Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (Widescreen Edition) (1999)

Starring: Neeson, Liam McGregor, Ewan Portman, Natalie
Director: Lucas, George

Rating: PG
Category: Star Wars : DVDs
User Rating:
Running Time: 2 Hours 11 Minutes

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Amazon.com "I have a bad feeling about this," says the young Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) in Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace as he steps off a spaceship and into the most anticipated cinematic event... well, ever. He might as well be speaking for the legions of fans of the original episodes in the Star Wars saga who can't help but secretly ask themselves: Sure, this is Star Wars, but is it my Star Wars? The original elevated moviegoers' expectations so high that it would have been impossible for any subsequent film to meet them. And as with all the Star Wars movies, The Phantom Menace features inexplicable plot twists, a fistful of loose threads, and some cheek-chewing dialogue. Han Solo's swagger is sorely missed, as is the pervading menace of heavy-breather Darth Vader. There is still way too much quasi-mystical mumbo jumbo, and some of what was fresh about Star Wars 22 years earlier feels formulaic. Yet there's much to admire. The special effects are stupendous; three worlds are populated with a mélange of creatures, flora, and horizons rendered in absolute detail. The action and battle scenes are breathtaking in their complexity. And one particular sequence of the film--the adrenaline-infused pod race through the Tatooine desert--makes the chariot race in Ben-Hur look like a Sunday stroll through the park. Among the host of new characters, there are a few familiar walk-ons. We witness the first meeting between R2-D2 and C-3PO, Jabba the Hutt looks younger and slimmer (but not young and slim), and Yoda is as crabby as ever. Natalie Portman's stately Queen Amidala sports hairdos that make Princess Leia look dowdy and wields a mean laser. We never bond with Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), and Obi-Wan's day is yet to come. Jar Jar Binks, a cross between a Muppet, a frog, and a hippie, provides many of the movie's lighter moments, while Sith Lord Darth Maul is a formidable force. Baby-faced Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) looks too young and innocent to command the powers of the Force or wield a lightsaber (much less transmute into the future Darth Vader), but his boyish exuberance wins over skeptics. Near the end of the movie, Palpatine, the new leader of the Republic, may be speaking for fans eagerly awaiting Episode II when he pats young Anakin on the head and says, "We will watch your career with great interest." Indeed! --Tod Nelson --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition. DVD features The spectacular DVD release of Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace--arguably one of the best DVDs ever--will go a long way toward making it up to Star Wars fans who were disappointed by the theatrical release. (But, in case you're wondering, there's no option to delete Jar Jar.) The picture and sound are outstanding, it's loaded with bonuses, and even the menus are action-packed fun. Disc One includes the film with a commentary track by George Lucas, producer Rick McCallum, editor Ben... read more

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Starring: Carson, Silas Davies, Oliver Ford Baker, Kenny Lee, Christopher McGregor, Ewan Portman, Natalie Christensen, Hayden McDiarmid, Ian McDiarmid, Ian Best, Ahmed
Director: Lucas, George

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Star Wars : DVDs
User Rating:
Running Time: 142

Color Digital Stereo

In the second installment of the Star Wars series, EPISODE II--ATTACK OF THE CLONES, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is now a teenage Jedi apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor). Together they must protect Senator Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) from a militant group of political activists that is trying to assassinate her. This group is led by the evil Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). Among other troubles, Anakin faces some hard choices as he begins to fall for Padme, knowing this love is forbidden by the Jedi knights' creed. In addition, Anakin begins to show his rebellious attraction to the dark side--which will eventually conquer him, when he becomes the future Darth Vader. The story is set 10 years after STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE, and there are appearances by some of PHANTOM's characters, including Jar Jar Binks. CLONES also brings back familiar faces from the original STAR WARS: the lovable droids R2D2 and C3PO, and Yoda, who plays a key role in this film. Lucas creates an impressive array of beautifully rendered alien planets and beings, sleek spaceships, and dazzling effects; he remains at the head of the class in terms of technical ability and visual imagination. The film's climactic final sequences show the magic with which CLONES' earns its place as part of the beloved STAR WARS series. Theatrical Release Date: May 16, 2002 (Wide)

Stargate

Stargate

Starring: Russell, Kurt Davidson, Jaye Lindfors, Viveca Avital, Mili Diehl, John Rippy, Leon Spader, James Stewart, French Stewart, French Hounsou, Djimon
Director: Emmerich, Roland

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 118

Color Digitally Mastered

In this visually creative space adventure from the team that would go on to give the world INDEPENDENCE DAY and GODZILLA, a timid, glasses-wearing Egyptologist (Spader) uncovers an ancient portal to another planet and is dispatched there forthwith--along with blundering, clodfooted government troops (led by Russell). The downtrodden populace they encounter, ruled by godlike, androgynous King Ra (Davidson, in his first role after becoming a star in THE CRYING GAME), must be led to literacy and freedom; Ra must be defeated; the intellectual must find his machismo; our boys must return to Earth.

Starman

Starman

Starring: Smith, Charles Martin Jaeckel, Richard Phalen, Robert Edwards, Tony Davis, John Walter White, Ted Blocker, Dirk Gainey, M.C. Gainey, M.C. Flower, George
Director: Carpenter, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 115

Color Mono

A departure for director John Carpenter, STARMAN is a gentle, simple film that won accolades from critics and applause from audiences. Jeff Bridges plays the title character, an alien that has come down to Earth on a peaceful scouting mission. When he takes the form of a recently widowed woman's dead husband he unintentionally involves her in his mission. The alien only has a few days to reach a rendezvous point where he will be picked up by his mothership. Along the way he must discover what he can about human beings and our civilization. He finds out plenty very quickly, as his relationship with the young widow grows very strong as they make their way to the rendezvous point. Meanwhile, the FBI is in hot pursuit after it discovers the discarded landing vehicle, and the alien's own health is deteriorating in Earth's foreign atmosphere. The story tells of the struggle for communication, the pain of letting go, and the search for understanding. Jeff Bridges gives an unforgettable performance as the gentle alien trying his best to cope with being a human. With STARMAN, Carpenter proves he is a master storyteller, not just of horror and science fiction, but of subtle, emotional drama as well. Theatrical release: December 14, 1984. Actor Michael Douglas's production company produced STARMAN. A gentle alien lands on Earth and assumes the human form of a Wisconsin woman's recently deceased husband. Eventually, he is assisted by the young woman in a desperate race against time and the FBI to rendezvous with his alien mothership in Arizona. The situation grows more complicated when the woman and the sweet-natured Starman begin to fall in love. In 1977 Voyager II was launched into space, inviting all lifeforms in the universe to visit our planet. Get ready. Company's coming. "I watched you very carefully. Red light stop, green light go, yellow light go very fast."--Starman (Jeff Bridges) to an angry Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen) after he speeds through a yellow traffic light in his first attempt at driving a car "Would you like to know what I find beautiful about your species? You are your best when things are at their worst."--Starman

Stripes

Stripes

Starring: Ramis, Harold Oates, Warren Soles, P.J. Candy, John Larroquette, John Murray, Bill Young, Sean Reinhold, Judge Reinhold, Judge
Director: Reitman, Ivan

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 106

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

When John Winger (Bill Murray) loses his girlfriend, his job, and his apartment, he and his best friend (Harold Ramis) decide to join the Army. Way over their head, they eventually learn the ropes and manage to take a top-secret U.S. recreational vehicle behind the iron curtain on a road trip. Directed by Ivan Reitman (GHOSTBUSTERS, MEATBALLS.) An ITA award winner. "And then, depression set in."--John Winger (Bill Murray) "How ya doin', Eisenhower?"--Dewey Oxberger (John Candy) "Yoou're a lean mean fighting machine!"--Winger to Ox

Supergirl

Supergirl

Starring: Slater, Helen O'Toole, Peter Vaccaro, Brenda Dunaway, Faye Dunaway, Faye Bochner, Hart Vaccaro, Brenda Ward, Simon Ward, Simon
Director: Szwarc, Jeannot

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 138

Color Digitally Mastered

A young woman searching for an orb of immense power travels to Earth, and there instantly acquires super abilities. Standing in her way is an evil and powerful sorceress, who has captured the orb in order to supercharge her black magic. Supergirl Kara must abandon her home planet for Earth in order to recapture the Omegahedron Stone -- the life-force of her land -- from the wicked and powerful Selena. Based on the popular character created for DC Comics. Film debut for actress Helen Slater.

Superman II

Superman II

Starring: Kidder, Margot Hackman, Gene Reeve, Christopher Beatty, Ned James, Clifton Stamp, Terence Cooper, Jackie
Director: Lester, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 127

Color Stereo

Once again mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve), hiding his identity as Superman, must fight for law and order. This time around, a triumvirate of nasty villains from the planet Krypton break free of their dimensional prison and hightail it to Earth, where they enjoy the same superpowers as Superman. Meanwhile, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) has discovered that Superman and Clark are the same person, so Superman debates whether to give up his abilities to become a normal man and share his life with Lois. Richard Lester (A HARD DAY'S NIGHT) takes the helm for this sequel, which is arguably the equal of the original hit film.

Superman III

Superman III

Starring: Pryor, Richard Reeve, Christopher Cooper, Jackie O'Toole, Annette Vaughn, Robert O'Herlihy, Gavan Stephenson, Pamela Camilleri, Terry Camilleri, Terry Stark, Graham
Director: Lester, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 125

Color Mono

Superman matches wits with an evil mastermind and a computer genius who discovers the one substance that can harm the Man of Steel. Combining the known ingredients of Kryptonite with a guess at the unknown, the genius invents a new Kryptonite that doesn't kill Superman--it turns him evil. Meanwhile, a giant computer has been built for the mastermind that becomes self-aware and cannot be shut off. This entertaining combination of spectacular special effects and irrepressible comedy, once again directed by Richard Lester, features terrific madcap turns by Richard Pryor, Robert Vaughn, and Annette O'Toole and yet another majestic score by John Williams. Christopher Reeve returns as the Man of Steel, this time battling maniacal businessman Ross Webster and his computer-expert assistant. Webster hatches a plan to control the world economy and uses Red Kryptonite to split Superman into two beings, one good, one evil...

Superman IV - The Quest for Peace

Superman IV - The Quest for Peace

Starring: Hackman, Gene Cooper, Jackie Reeve, Christopher Kidder, Margot Cryer, Jon McClure, Marc Hemingway, Mariel Hemingway, Mariel Hemingway, Mariel McClure, Marc
Director: Furie, Sidney J.

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 90

Color Stereo

Superman has recognized at last the greatest threat to humanity, and he is out to rid the world of nuclear weapons. But Lex Luthor, now a nuclear arms entrepreneur, creates Nuclear Man--a solar-powered Kryptonia Android and genetic clone whose powers equal (and potentially surpass) those of Superman--to rid the world of the Man of Steel. Christopher Reeve once again dons the Superman costume, this time for director Sidney J. Furie (LADY SINGS THE BLUES), receiving wonderful support from regulars Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, and Jackie Cooper in addition to newcomers Mariel Hemingway and Jon Cryer. The Man of Steel returns for the third time in this sequel, in which he tells the world that he will rid the planet of all nuclear weapons. This does not sit well with Superman's nefarious archenemy Lex Luthor, who has become a nuclear arms dealer. So Luthor creates Nuclear Man, a being with the same powers as Superman, who proceeds to demolish famous sites across the globe. This leads to a climactic fight between Superman and Nuclear Man on the moon--a confrontation that will determine the fate of the planet.

Superman: The Movie

Superman: The Movie

Starring: Kidder, Margot Brando, Marlon Ford, Glenn Stamp, Terence Hackman, Gene Beatty, Ned Cooper, Jackie Perrine, Valerie Perrine, Valerie York, Susannah
Director: Donner, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 151

Color Digital Stereo

The Superman myth is well told, from his birth on the doomed planet Krypton to his childhood in a small Kansas town and beyond, in Richard Donner's blockbuster. After he comes of age, young Clark Kent, as his Earth parents have named him, learns the truth of his alien birth on a voyage of discovery to the Arctic. It is there that he learns--through a link to his long-dead birth parents--of his superhuman abilities and his responsibility to preserve and protect "truth, justice and the American Way." Once he adjusts to life in the big city, Metropolis, he discovers that hiding his superpowers as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) isn't easy as he flirts with hard-nosed Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and battles supervillain Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). The film's all-star cast includes Jackie Cooper, Marlon Brando, Ned Beatty, Glenn Ford, Terence Stamp, and Valerie Perrine, among others, all camping it up wonderfully. This star-packed extravaganza brings the comic book legend to the screen in grand style. It begins with Superman's scientist dad sending the infant superhero down to Earth just as the home planet, Krypton, explodes into a zillion pieces. Taking up permanent residence on Earth, the young Superman grows up into supernormal reporter Clark Kent, wooing winsome colleague Lois Lane and keeping his true identity hidden from the world. But when three villains come up with a dastardly real estate scheme that involves shoving California into the ocean, Clark Kent decides it's time to don his cape and fight the forces of evil. "You've got me? Who's got you?"--Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) to Superman (Christopher Reeve)

Swiss Family Robinson

Swiss Family Robinson

Starring: McGuire, Dorothy MacArthur, James Munro, Janet Hayakawa, Sessue Kirk, Tommy Corcoran, Kevin Mills, John Parker, Cecil Parker, Cecil
Director: Annakin, Ken

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 126

Color Digitally Mastered

Fleeing from Napoleonic oppression, the Robinson family get shipwrecked and marooned on an island inhabited by tigers, elephants and zebras. They soon feel at home, once their majestic tree house -- complete with running water -- is set up. However, the Robinson's must face a danger even greater than nature: treacherous pirates! This home video version of "Swiss Family Robinson" is part of Disney's Exclusive Archive collection. In addition to the digitally mastered film, it includes interviews with actress Dorothy McGuire and director Ken Annakin, the complete syndicated cartoon strip based on the film, the original theatrical trailer, comparisons between the storyboards and the actual film, production photos, and a short film on the film's production, "Escape to Paradise." Filmed in Technicolor.

T2

T2

Starring: Hamilton, Linda Furlong, Edward Patrick, Robert Boen, Earl Morton, Joe Merkerson, S. Epatha Guerra, Castulo Goldstein, Jenette Goldstein, Jenette Berkeley, Xander
Director: Cameron, James

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy : Sci-Fi Action
User Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 2 Hours 32 Minutes

Color Mono

A decade after Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) destroyed the original Terminator, a second unstoppable killing machine (Arnold Schwarzenegger) arrives from the post-apocalyptic year 2029. But this time his mission is to stop an even deadlier Terminator, the T-1000 (Robert Patrick), made entirely of shape-shifting liquid metal and determined to kill young John Connor (Edward Furlong), the future leader of the human resistance. Sarah, John, and the Terminator counter by going after the scientist responsible for developing Skynet, the computer system fated to destroy humanity, leading to an explosive and spectacular clash with the fate of humanity in the balance. Whereas James Cameron's original THE TERMINATOR was a low-budget marvel of efficiency and speed, TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY is an action-packed blockbuster with some of the most amazing stunts ever filmed and ground-breaking, Academy Award-winning special effects. Star Schwarzenegger was paid in the form of a $15 million dollar jet to revisit his most famous role as the Terminator, this time made kinder and gentler against the silent, relentless T-1000. One of the most popular films of the 1990s, James Cameron's action masterpiece is both a thoughtful look at violence in human nature and an exciting, nonstop thrill ride. Shot in CFI color, Eastman film, and Super-35mm which allows a director to use a variety of different aspect ratios from the same camera negative. Technicolor prints. Filmed on location in Fontana, Fremont, Lancaster, Long Beach, Los Angeles, and San Jose, California. Co-produced by Pacific Western and Lightstorm Entertainment. Stand-ins: Peter Kent (Arnold Schwarzenegger), Mary Ellen (Linda Hamilton), and Rhonda Miller (Edward Furlong). Titles and opticals by Pacific Title. The film reportedly cost around $100 million. Pre-sold all over the world and made back most of its money before the film was finished.

Taking Care of Business

Taking Care of Business

Starring: Grodin, Charles Belushi, James De Salvo, Anne Elizondo, Hector Mako Hamel, Veronica
Director: Hiller, Arthur

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 108

Color Digitally Mastered

A convict escapes from prison just to attend the world series. Along the way, he finds the daily planner of a highly organized executive. Now armed with cash, credit cards and the keys to a Malibu mansion, he's having the time of his life while turning his newly acquired one upside-down. Jimmy is a fun-loving, obnoxious, but loveable kind of guy, who's just fled from prison. Spencer is an uptight, anal-retentive, fussy kind of guy, who's just arrived in Los Angeles for a major business meeting. When Spencer loses his daily organizer (which includes such needful items as Spencer's credit cards), Jimmy finds it -- and starts living the high life -- as Spencer.

Tarzan & Jane

Tarzan & Jane

Starring:
Director: Mackinnon, Don

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 70

Color Digitally Mastered

Tarzan, Jane, and friends return in this sequel to the Academy Award winning original. As Tarzan and Jane's one year anniversary approaches, Jane frets over finding the perfect gift for Tarzan. Enlisting the help of the irrepressible Terk and Tantor, Jane recalls the adventures of the past year, from sliding down erupting volcanoes to evading malicious panthers, and dwells on the excitement of the jungle. However, these adventures prove to be just a beginning when Tarzan presents her with a gift that not only exceeds her expectations, but proves just how much he understands her. Featuring new music by Phil Collins and Mandy Moore, TARZAN & JANE is sure to delight fans of the 1999 original.

Tarzan

Tarzan

Starring: Driver, Minnie Close, Glenn Hawthorne, Nigel Blessed, Brian Henriksen, Lance Knight, Wayne Linz, Alex D. Goldwyn, Tony Goldwyn, Tony
Director: Buck, Chris

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 88

Color Stereo

The legend of Tarzan is told in breathtaking fashion, from the loss of his parents in Africa to his adoption by a gorilla mother, Kala, to his rescue of Jane and the revelation that he is a human. Tarzan must decide where he belongs in life, while falling in love and saving his gorilla family from outsiders. An exciting film for the whole family, with songs by Phil Collins. The film's music was nominated for two Grammy Awards and one Golden Globe. Theatrical release: June 18, 1999. TARZAN is the 37th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

That Thing You Do!

That Thing You Do!

Starring: Tyler, Liv Zahn, Steve Embry, Ethan Hanks, Tom Theron, Charlize Ribisi, Giovanni Ellis, Chris Rocco, Alex Rocco, Alex Scolari, Peter
Director: Hanks, Tom

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 108

Color Digital Stereo

A cautionary pop fable following the meteoritic rise of "The Wonders," a fictitious foursome during the early days of pop-rock fandom. When jazz drummer Guy Patterson fills in for a session with a friend's band, a hit single is born and the smalltown boys find themselves riding a rollercoaster of success, guided by the opportunistic hand of a smooth-talking record label agent. Fun, cheerful, and innocent. Hanks' directorial debut. Academy Award Nominations: Best Original Song ("That Thing You Do"). Set in the 1964 and steeped in Americana, this film chronicles the meteoric rise -- and equally quick demise -- of a music group called The Wonders. The talented musicians start out playing in neighborhood joints. That changes after they meet a shrewd record executive, who advises the boys on how to dress, act and sing. Soon their song, "That Thing You Do," hits #1, and the group is on top of the world. Unfortunately, the song is The Wonders's only hit. And that's just one reason why the group's collapse happens so quickly... Released theatrically in the USA October 4, 1996. Shown at the 1996 Toronto Film Festival. Co-produced by Clinica estetico, in association with Clavius Base. Color by DeLuxe. Additional cast: Charlize Theron (Tina) and Chris Ellis (Horace).

The Absent-Minded Professor

The Absent-Minded Professor

Starring: Olson, Nancy Wynn, Keenan MacMurray, Fred Kirk, Tommy Lewis, David Ames, Leon Wynn, Ed Andrews, Edward Andrews, Edward
Director: Stevenson, Robert

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 1 Hour 36 Minutes

B&W Digitally Processed

A distracted professor invents an anti-gravity goo called Flubber that makes anything it's applied to lighter-than-air, including the family flivver and the balls at the school's basketball game. MacMurray couldn't be better in patented Disney fare. Sequel is Son of Flubber. Academy Award Nominations: 3, including Best (Black-and-White) Cinematography. A professor invents an anti-gravity goo called flubber that makes anything it's applied to lighter-than-air. Followed by a sequel, 1963's "Son of Flubber." The Walt Disney laserdisc #028AS is letterboxed to produce a cropped 1.85:1 aspect ratio, falling short of the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Kurt Russell made his first film appearance with a bit part in "The Absent-Minded Professor." Copyright The Walt Disney Company.

The Abyss (Single Disc Edition)

The Abyss (Single Disc Edition)

Starring: Harris, Ed Mastrantonio, Mary Elizabeth
Director: Cameron, James

Rating: Unrated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time:

Color Stereo

Amazon.com essential video Meticulously crafted but also ponderous and predictable, James Cameron's 1989 deep-sea close-encounter epic reaffirms one of the oldest first principles of cinema: everything moves a lot more slowly underwater. Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, as formerly married petroleum engineers who still have some "issues" to work out, are drafted to assist a gung-ho Navy SEAL (Michael Biehn) with a top-secret recovery operation: a nuclear sub has been ambushed and sunk, under mysterious circumstances, in some of the deepest waters on earth, and the petro-techies have the only submersible craft capable of diving down that far. Every image and every performance is painstakingly sharp and detailed (and the computerized water creatures are lovely) but the movie's lumbering pace is ultimately lethal. It's the audience that ends up feeling waterlogged. For a guy who likes guns as much as Cameron (his next film after all, was the body-count masterpiece Terminator 2: Judgment Day), it's interesting that the moral balance here is weighted heavily in favor of the can-do engineers; the military types are end-justifies-the-means amoralists, just like the weasely government bureaucrats in Aliens. --David Chute --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

The Addams Family

The Addams Family

Starring: Julia, Raul Lloyd, Christopher Ricci, Christina Huston, Anjelica Workman, Jimmy Hedaya, Dan Malina, Judith Struycken, Carel Struycken, Carel
Director: Sonnenfeld, Barry

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 102

Color Digital Stereo

When long-lost Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd) reappears after 25 years in the Bermuda Triangle, Morticia (Anjelica Huston) and Gomez (Raul Julia) ecstatically begin plans for a celebration that will wake the dead. Meanwhile, an evil lawyer is plotting ways to get at the ghoulish family’s fortunes--which are stashed somewhere within a secret vault inside the family mansion. Only the Addams’s daughter, Wednesday, played by the brilliant and stunningly stoic Christina Ricci, and the Addams’s detached hand servant, Thing, suspect that something rotten is afoot. But can they prove anything before the vault is found and the Addams family is plunged into poverty? THE ADDAMS FAMILY is not only the cartoon and television family’s film premiere but is also the directorial debut of talented cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld. It has a winningly dark sense of humor that manages to be both lighthearted and macabre. The kooky and spooky Addams family, stars of cartoons and TV, are here in their feature-film premiere. A swindling lawyer attempts to get his hands on the family fortunes by planting an impostor in their midst. As the fiend (Christopher Lloyd) who claims to be their long-lost Uncle Fester attempts to find the location of the hidden vault, Morticia (Anjelica Huston) and Gomez (Raul Julia) plan a fete that will wake the dead, and only Thing and Wednesday (played by the appealingly morose Christina Ricci) begin to suspect that Uncle Fester is acting a little too "normal" to be the real Fester. Certain members of the cast had to withstand two hours' worth of makeup in order to become the assortment of bizarre characters. The film was the directorial debut for Barry Sonnenfeld, who had previously been an Emmy Award-winning director of photography. Cartoonist Charles Addams created more than 1,300 Addams Family scenes. In addition to his serialization in The New Yorker magazine, Addams's work has been shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Fogg Art Museum, and the Museum of the City of New York. The television series based on Charles Addams's work ran from 1964 to 1966 on the ABC network. (THE MUNSTERS also debuted in 1964.) An animated version appeared on NBC's Saturday-morning lineup from 1973 to 1975. Thing prosthetics and puppets were designed and monitored by David Miller of the David Miller Studio. Paul Rudnick did some uncredited rewriting on this film. The film grossed more than $115 million at the box office. DVD Features: Region 1 Encoding Keep Case

The Adventures of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark/The Temple of Doom/The Last Crusade) - Widescreen

The Adventures of Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark/The Temple of Doom/The Last Crusade) - Widescreen

Starring: Ford, Harrison Molina, Alfred Doody, Alison Puri, Amrish Elliott, Denholm Rhys-Davies, John Glover, Julian Allen, Karen Allen, Karen Huy Quan, Ke
Director: Spielberg, Steven

Rating: PG
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time:

Color Dolby

Amazon.com As with Star Wars, the George Lucas-produced Indiana Jones trilogy was not just a plaything for kids but an act of nostalgic affection toward a lost phenomenon: the cliffhanging movie serials of the past. Episodic in structure and with fate hanging in the balance about every 10 minutes, the Jones features tapped into Lucas's extremely profitable Star Wars formula of modernizing the look and feel of an old, but popular, story model. Steven Spielberg directed all three films, which are set in the late 1930s and early '40s: the comic book-like Raiders of the Lost Ark, the spooky, Gunga Din-inspired Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and the cautious but entertaining Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Fans and critics disagree over the order of preference, some even finding the middle movie nearly repugnant in its violence. (Pro-Temple of Doom people, on the other hand, believe that film to be the most disarmingly creative and emotionally effective of the trio.) One thing's for sure: Harrison Ford's swaggering, two-fisted, self-effacing performance worked like a charm, and the art of cracking bullwhips was probably never quite the iconic activity it soon became after Raiders. Supporting players and costars were very much a part of the series, too--Karen Allen, Sean Connery (as Indie's dad), Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri, Denholm Elliot, River Phoenix, and John Rhys-Davies among them. Years have passed since the last film (another is supposedly in the works), but emerging film buffs can have the same fun their predecessors did picking out numerous references to Hollywood classics and B-movies of the past. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

The Adventures of the Great Mouse Detective

The Adventures of the Great Mouse Detective

Starring: Price, Vincent
Director: Michener, Dave

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Disney Home Video : All Disney Titles
User Rating:
Running Time: 74

Color Digitally Mastered

This exciting, fun-filled Disney classic adventure pits legendary mouse super sleuth, Basil, against Professor Ratigan, the world's greatest criminal mind. With the help of Dawson and a sweet little mouse named Olivia, Basil must outwit the ruthless rodent to save all of Mousedom. Features the voices of Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham, Val Bettin, Susanne Pollatschek, Candy Candido, Eve Brenner, Alan Young and Melissa Manchester. Theatrical release: July 2, 1986. Rereleased 1992. THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE is the 26th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

The Alamo

The Alamo

Starring: Widmark, Richard Harvey, Laurence Wayne, John Boone, Richard Avalon, Frankie
Director: Wayne, John

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 162

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

The Duke directs (with the uncredited help of his friend and mentor John Ford) this flag-waving spectacular about the courageous struggle by 182 American heroes to defend a small Catholic mission to the death and eventually win Texas with the help of Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, and Sam Houston. The restored, widescreen edition of Wayne's epic is at the original length and includes the theatrical trailer. Academy Award Nominations: 7, including Best Picture, Best Song ("Green Leaves of Summer"). Academy Awards: Best Sound. This restored version contains extra footage, previously unseen. THE ALAMO is John's Wayne's patriotic, pro-American recounting of the famous siege at a Texas fort. For 13 days in 1836, a group of Americans, led by Sam Houston, fought 7,000 Mexican soldiers to retain control of the Alamo and to wrest Texas from Mexico and make it part of the United States. Film was cut by about 30 minutes after its Los Angeles premiere, and it is that cut version that is available on video. (The original time was 193 minutes, and the video is 161.) Although Wayne directed (this was his first time at the helm), there is supposition that John Ford, who was on the set, might have assisted with some of the filming. There is also a possibility that the final battle scene, which received critical acclaim, might be attributable to second-unit director Cliff Lyons. There is much historical research on the period suggesting that some of the heroes of the Alamo might not have been so heroic--particularly Davy Crockett, who allegedly surrendered, was alcoholic, and beat his wife. The film was shot in Texas, in 12 days, near the actual location of the Alamo, although Wayne had originally thought of filming in Mexico. Shot in Todd-AO; color by Technicolor. Budget estimate $12 million.

The American President

The American President

Starring: Douglas, Michael Bening, Annette Smith, Anna Deavere Sheen, Martin Paymer, David Fox, Michael J. Dreyfuss, Richard Mathis, Samantha Mathis, Samantha
Director: Reiner, Rob

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 114

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Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) is a handsome, youthful widower and a dedicated Democrat raising a teenage daughter. He also just happens to be the president of the United States of America, and a very popular one at that. Unfortunately, he’s also quite lonely, and the life of a president leaves little time for dating. But when he meets luminous lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), he's instantly smitten and impulsively (and somewhat awkwardly) asks her out to a state dinner. Shocked and highly uncertain of what she's getting into, Sydney accepts his invitation, and the courting process begins--to the unrelenting delight of the media. The chief executive's protective staff, however, isn't so sure the romance is a good thing, particularly when political paparazzi capture Sydney spending the night in the presidential bedroom. While intriguing to the press, the affair spells trouble in the form of Republican presidential hopeful Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss), who uses the romance to attack Shepherd's supposed lack of family values and moral instincts. Rumson's ploy works--Shepherd's popularity plummets, weakening his reelection bid, his hand on Capitol Hill, and ultimately threatening his relationship with Sydney. If Shepherd salvages his political career, will it be at the expense of Sydney's love? Theatrical release: November 17, 1995. Filmed in Washington, D.C. and California. Director Rob Reiner and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin also collaborated on A FEW GOOD MEN. Martin Sheen, who plays A.J. MacInernery in the film, would go on to play the president of the United States himself a few years later on the acclaimed TV series THE WEST WING, executive produced and written by Sorkin. Anna Deveare Smith also appears in the presidental comedy DAVE and on THE WEST WING series. Wildwood Enterprises is Robert Redford's production company. Redford had planned to star in the film (originally titled THE PRESIDENT ELOPES) for years, but pulled out after a script rewrite emphasized politics in addition to romance. The White House interior sets in this film were also used in Oliver Stone's NIXON and Mel Brooks's DRACULA: DEAD AND LOVING IT. The film earned $58.5 million at the box office. In director Rob Reiner's THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT, the young, widowed U.S. president--at the peak of his popularity--falls in love with an environmental lobbyist and discovers that mixing his personal life with the presidency isn't as simple as he thought--especially during an election year. "I think it went well. She threatened me, I condescended to her. I think there might be a future there."--President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) "I'm going to get her flowers. Isn't that what men do when they break a date?"--President Andrew Shepherd "That is not what men do. I know no men who do that."--Robin McColl (Anna Deveare Smith)

The Apple Dumpling Gang

The Apple Dumpling Gang

Starring: Bixby, Bill Clark, Susan Knotts, Don Conway, Tim David Wayne
Director: Tokar, Norman

Rating: G
Category: General Children & Family
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 100

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A much-needed hit for the then-flagging Disney company, The Apple Dumpling Gang stars Bill Bixby as Russell Donovan, a slick frontier gambler. In Runyonesque fashion, he is compelled to look after three precocious oprhaned kids. He can't handle the responsibilities alone, so he agrees to an in-name-only marriage to hoydenish stagecoach driver, Magnolia Dusty Clydesdale (Susan Clark). Fortuitously, they discover that a mine belonging to the kids' late father is worth millions. This brings several disreputable characters into the storyline: bumbling "nice" bandits Theodore Ogelvie and Amos (Don Knotts and Tim Conway), and deadly "bad" bandits headed by Frank Stillwell (Slim Pickens). This being Disney Territory, no one is killed, but there's plenty of slapstick nonsense before the forces of Good and True prevail. Based on a novel by Jack M. Bickham, The Apple Dumpling Gang was successful enough to spawn a sequel-not to mention several future screen teamings for Don Knotts and Tim Conway. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The Aristocats

The Aristocats

Starring: Winchell, Paul Baddeley, Hermione Holloway, Sterling
Director: Reitherman, Wolfgang

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 78

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Set in 1910, this Disney animated classic offers plenty of adventure, humor and music (especially performances by Chevalier). After high-society cat Duchess (Gabor) and her three kittens inherit a fortune from their mistress, a greedy butler plots to get rid of them -- and collect the cash himself. The villainous servant kidnaps the entire feline family and takes them far away from their comfortable Paris home. A bunch of animal pals come to the rescue however, and help restore the cats to their proper place. The heroic rescuers include the friendly alley cat Thomas O'Malley, the gallant mouse Roquefort, and the hilarious hounds Lafayette and Napoleon. The last film personally supervised by Walt Disney himself. Theatrical release: 1970. Rereleased 1980 and 1987. THE ARISTOCATS is the 20th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. Additional voices: Lord Tim Hudson; Thurl Ravenscroft; Dean Clark; Liz English; and Gary Dubin. Additional credits: Don Griffith (Layout). Color by Technicolor. The film was shown with the live-action short "Nick, the Orphan Elephant" during its initial theatrical release. The movie cost $4,000,000 to make.

The Bachelor

The Bachelor

Starring: O'Donnell, Chris Zelwegger, Renee Holbrook, Hal Asner, Ed Cromwell, James Edwards, Stacy Ustinov, Peter Cross, Rebecca Cross, Rebecca Esposito, Jennifer
Director: Sinyor, Gary

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 102

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The comic tale of a commitment-shy bachelor who must rectify his ways if he wants to receive a multimillion dollar inheritance from his deceased grandfather. After ruining a genuine proposal with a pathetic statement, Jimmie Shannon's (O'Donnell) girlfriend Anne (Zellweger) leaves him. When he realizes his grandfather's only stipulation, that he get married by 6:05 on his thirtieth birthday, happens to be the very next day, the hunt is on for a bride-to-be. Armed with his friend (Lange) and a ready-to-marry priest (Cromwell), Jimmie spends the next twenty-four hours tracking down his former girlfriends, trying to find a suitable partner. A remake of Buster Keaton's SEVEN CHANCES (1925). DVD Features: Region 1 Encoding Keep Case Chapter Search Theatrical Trailer Cast & Crew Filmography DVD ROM Features: Script-to-Screen Original Website Web Links

The Banger Sisters

The Banger Sisters

Starring: Hawn, Goldie Rush, Geoffrey Sarandon, Susan Christensen, Erika Carey, Matthew Thomas, Robin Amurri, Eva
Director: Dolman, Bob

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 98

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Suzette (Goldie Hawn) and Vinnie (Susan Sarandon) were groupies in their heyday, partying with the likes of Frank Zappa (who dubs them the Banger Sisters), Jim Morrison, and virtually every other rock star and roadie that passed through Los Angeles. Twenty years later, Suzette is a bartender who finds herself too old to stay in the Los Angeles rock scene. Distraught, she heads to Phoenix in search of her former best friend, picking up neurotic and quirky Harry (Geoffrey Rush) at a gas station along the way. But when Suzette arrives in Phoenix, she is surprised to find that her once wild friend may as well be a different person. Married to a lawyer with political aspirations and the mother of two teenage daughters, Vinnie is now LaVinia, a refined, cultured pillar of the community. With Suzette back in town, LaVinia is confronted with her past and finds that she must make peace with it to fully embrace her true self. Hawn and Sarandon are well cast, and Rush is a scene-stealer as a wounded man who finds new inspiration in Suzette. Writer Bob Dolman makes his directorial debut with THE BANGER SISTERS.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Starring: Reynolds, Burt Nettleton, Lois Parton, Dolly Nabors, Jim Corbin, Barry Mandan, Robert Merritt, Theresa Beery, Noah Beery, Noah
Director: Higgins, Colin

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 1 Hour 55 Minutes

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Reynolds is the local sheriff who is more interested in keeping the town's most popular business open than carrying out the letter of the law. Parton is the whorehouse madame who also happens to hold the sheriff's interest. Academy Award Nominations: Best Supporting Actor--Charles Durning. Madame Mona Stangely and her sheriff boyfriend Ed Earl Dodd battle publicity-seeking politicians and the Moral Majority to prevent the closing of the "Chicken Ranch," a notorious Texas whorehouse. Universal produced both the stage and the film versions of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." The stage musical opened in New York in April, 1978, and ran until March, 1982, for a total 1584 performances, not counting its return engagement soon after. Estimated budget: $26 million. Filmed in Technicolor and Panavision.

The Bodyguard

The Bodyguard

Starring: Nixon, Devaughn Houston, Whitney Costner, Kevin Starr, Mike Cobbs, Bill Arana, Tomas Kemp, Gary Richards, Michele Lamar Richards, Michele Lamar
Director: Jackson, Mick

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 130

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A former secret service agent is now a bodyguard for a pop superstar turned actress. In the course of protecting the unpredictable star from a homicidal fan, they develop a trust and love that is rare for both. Screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan. Academy Award Nominations: Best Song ("I Have Nothing"), Best Song ("Run To You"). The William Randolph Hearst estate San Simeon is used for the estate belonging to Houston in the film. Extracts from the films "Yojimbo" (1961) and "Metropolis" (1926) are shown. Shot in Technicolor. A freelance bodyguard, once a CIA agent, is approached by a friend to protect a singer/actress superstar after she starts receiving hate mail.

The Bourne Identity

The Bourne Identity

Starring: Potente, Franka Owen, Clive Damon, Matt Cooper, Chris Akinnuoye Agbaje, Adewale Cox, Brian Mann, Gabriel Stiles, Julia Stiles, Julia
Director: Liman, Doug

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 116

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As THE BOURNE IDENTITY begins, a man who may or may not be Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) is found floating in the Mediterranean Sea and is hauled onto a fishing boat. When the ship's doctor examines the unconscious castaway, he discovers two bullet wounds and an implanted device that displays a Swiss bank account number. With nothing but this code, the amnesiac Bourne travels to Zurich and gains access to a safe-deposit box containing a gun, thousands of dollars in various currencies, and valid passports from numerous countries--each listing a different identity. Within minutes, Bourne is on the run from a seemingly ever-present agency, relying on language and fighting skills he didn't even know he possessed. Offering $20,000 for a ride to Paris, Bourne gains the reluctant help of the nomadic Marie (Franka Potente). Meanwhile, the shadowy organization, headed by a tough-talking bureaucrat (Chris Cooper), sends numerous assassins (including the Professor, played by Clive Owen) after Bourne and Marie. As their situation grows more perilous, the two strangers struggle to find out who Bourne really is and why they are being hunted. Doug Liman's adaptation of Robert Ludlum's best-selling novel is a remarkable exercise in straightforward storytelling, with the director wisely choosing to focus on Bourne and his quest for identity. The fight sequences are thrilling, but never overly glamorized, and the film's pacing is engaging and deliberate. Damon, who displays genuine bewilderment as his character discovers his almost-superhuman abilities, anchors the proceedings with the subtle charm of an unlikely action hero. Potente also shines as Bourne's road companion, a savvy woman who slowly builds an utterly believable relationship with the confused man. Bearing distinct affinity for its European setting and classic Hollywood suspense films, THE BOURNE IDENTITY succeeds as an unusually smart character-driven thriller. Theatrical release: June 14, 2002

The Cider House Rules

The Cider House Rules

Starring: Maguire, Tobey Theron, Charlize Lindo, Delroy Alexander, Jane D, Heavy Baker, Kathy Nelligan, Kate Rudd, Paul Rudd, Paul Culkin, Kieran
Director: Hallström, Lasse

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Drama : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 130

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Amazon.com essential video In adapting his own novel The Cider House Rules for the screen, John Irving sacrificed at least some of the depth and detail that made his humanitarian themes resonate, while the film--directed with Scandinavian sobriety by Lasse Hallström--is often vague about the complex issues (abortion, incest, responsibility) that lie at its core. Allowing for this ambiguity (which is arguably intentional), the film retains much of what made Irving's novel so admired, and like Hallström's earlier feature What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, it's blessed with a generous, forgiving spirit toward the mistakes, foibles, and desires of its many engaging characters. Central to the story (set during World War II) is Homer (Tobey Maguire), a young man raised in a Maine orphanage, where the ether-sniffing Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) rules with benevolent grace while performing safe but illegal abortions. To expand his horizons, Homer follows a young couple (Charlize Theron, Paul Rudd) to do fieldwork on an apple farm, where his innocent eyes are opened to the good and evil of the world--and to the realization that not all rules are steadfast in all situations. By the time Homer returns to the orphanage, The Cider House Rules--which features one of Caine's finest performances--is memorable more for its many charming and insightful moments than for any lasting dramatic impact. Is Homer fated to come full circle in his kindhearted journey? It's left to the viewer to decide. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo

Starring: Caviezel, Jim Harris, Richard Guzmán, Luis Dominczyk, Dagmara Wincott, Michael Frain, James Pearce, Guy McCrory, Helen McCrory, Helen
Director: Reynolds, Kevin

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 131

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In this highly entertaining, beautifully photographed rekindling of the classic French novel by Alexandre Dumas, director Kevin Reynolds choreographs a fantastic adventure replete with breathtaking scenery, fiery swashbuckling battles, lavish costumes, and, above all else, sweet revenge. In 19th-century Marseille, Edmond Dantès (Jim Caviezel) is the optimistic but uneducated son of a sea captain. He cherishes his friendship with the son of a count, Mondego (Guy Pearce), and is deeply in love with his fiancée, Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk). Young Dantès is so innocent and naive that it is positively shocking when Mondego turns on him, accusing him of treason, and having him sentenced to life in the dreary dungeon of Chateau D'If. Years of isolation and torture nearly defeat the revenge-thirsty Dantès, but with the help of invaluable lessons from the Abbé Faria (Richard Harris), his luck slowly changes. An incredible prison break starts Dantès on his way to a new life, and from there Reynolds' COUNT truly takes off. Battles with pirates lead to hunts for sunken ocean treasure, and soon Dantes is living in Marseille as the transformed, newly rich, self-proclaimed Count of Monte Cristo. Installed in a ritzy chateau, he slowly unfurls his excrutiatingly careful plans to exact his revenge on Mondego and all those who ever wronged him. Theatrical release: January 25, 2002

The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course

The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course

Starring: Szubanski, Magda Irwin, Terry Wenham, David
Director: Stainton, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 89

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After having conquered cable television as the world's most hyperactive, animated animal wrangler, Steve Irwin--aka THE CROCODILE HUNTER--takes his hilarious schtick to the big screen. With the help of wife Terri and dog Sue, Irwin embarks on another series of dangerous missions--rescuing snakes, spiders, and baby kangaroos from their current locations and transferring them to safer spots in the Australian Outback. Since this is a feature film, director John Stainton and screenwriter Holly Goldberg Sloan concoct a fictional story to give Irwin's adventure an added kick in the tail. Their concept, a sufficiently outlandish one concerning a shotgun-wielding cattle rancher (Magda Szubanski), CIA operatives, and a missing U.S. government satellite, does the trick quite nicely. The point of this picture, and in fact, the point of anything Steve Irwin-related, is Steve Irwin himself. And with COLLISION COURSE, Irwin proves that his cartoon-like presence is a supremely engaging one, no matter the venue. But Irwin is neither a sensationalist or an exhibitionist. He's a lover of animals as well as nature, and it is this childlike fascination with the earth's deadliest creatures that makes him such a wonder to behold. Crikey!

The Cutting Edge

The Cutting Edge

Starring: Kelly, Moira Dotrice, Roy Sweeney, D.B. Brown, Dwier Dwier Brown
Director: Glaser, Paul Michael

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies, Dramas
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 102

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Straight blades meet toe-picks as a handsome ice hockey player has his professional career cut short from an accident, and then meets a figure skater whose prima donna attitude sends every prospective partner running--and his heart a flutter. The skaters in the film include Tina Muir (Nyman); Christine Hough and Doug Ladret (Smilkov & Brushkin); Krista Coady and Brian Geddeis (Dubois & Gercel); Penny Papaioannou and Raoul LeBlanc (Weiderman Twins); Michelle Menzies and Kevin Wheeler (Yumez & Weaver); Patricia MacNeil and Cory Watson (Nationals Pair #1); Janice Yeck and Scott MacDonald (Nationals Pair #2); Allison Gaylor and John Robinson (Olympic Pair #1); Kim Esdaile and Sean Rice (Olympic Pair #2) and Haley Williams and John Jenkins (Olympic Pair #3). This film is an InterScope Communications production. A rough and tumble ex-hockey player is paired with a frosty ice skater to form a dynamic amateur skating team. A powerful skater he has to put down his stick after an eye injury and learn the grace and discipline of the new sport. Reluctantly, he learns the ropes from his new partner who is a driven perfectionist. Their skating passion turns to romance as they race for the gold. "A love-skate relationship" from film's advertisement.

The Dark Crystal

The Dark Crystal

Starring: Henson, Jim Oz, Frank Goelz, Dave Brian Muehl
Director: Henson, Jim

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 94

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Featuring fantastical puppet flora and fauna from Muppet man Jim Henson, this dark but wonderful children’s movie follows Jen and Kira, two young Gelflings who are the last of their kind, as they try to fulfill the prophecy of the Dark Crystal. Jen’s wise master reveals on his deathbed that only a Gelfling will mend the crystal that cracked 1,000 years ago and placed the land under the dark rule of the evil, selfish Skeksis. To break the prophecy, the Skeksis killed all the Gelflings, and only Jen and Kira escaped their wrath. Now, though, Jen and Kira must journey into the heart of the Skeksis castle to reach the crystal and return the land to its former goodness. Like all good children’s movies, THE DARK CRYSTAL contains enough scary elements to keep the tension tight and the kids enthralled, while the puppet mastery will impress and tickle adults. THE DARK CRYSTAL was the first co-directorial effort of Frank Oz, who went on to direct THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, IN & OUT, and BOWFINGER, among many other comedies. A fantastical, puppet-filled adventure, this tale co-directed by Muppet creator Jim Henson and Frank Oz reveals the story of Jen, a young Gelfling boy chosen by prophecy to mend the Dark Crystal, which broke 1,000 years ago and plunged the land under the dominion of the evil, quarrelsome Skeksis. Fearing the prophecy, whose fulfillment would mean the end of their reign, the Skeksis exterminated the Gelflings--all but Jen and Kira, a girl he meets on his journey to the crystal. Pursued by the Skeksis and their dark creatures, Jen and Kira race to the crystal, even as their time runs out. THE DARK CRYSTAL was co-director Frank Oz's first directorial effort. Co-directors Frank Oz and Jim Henson were famous for playing Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog, respectively, in Muppet performances. Jim Henson and his Creature Shop based the film's characters on designs by fantasy artist Brian Froud.

The Distinguished Gentleman

The Distinguished Gentleman

Starring: Murphy, Eddie Smith, Lane Ralph, Sheryl Lee Baker, Joe Don Victoria Rowell
Director: Lynn, Jonathan

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 112

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A small-time con artist goes big time when he hustles his way to the U.S. Congress. Once elected he reaps the usual benefits, and enjoys the perks of power. However, he decides to clean up the Capitol and ends up doing to Congress what Congress has been doing to its constituency all along. Title design by Dan Perri; Titles and Opticals by Buena Vista Optical. Color by Technocolor. Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification. A corrupt congressman dies and in his place a con-man with the same name attempts to fool the bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. by taking his place, and succeeds in a most surprising manner.

The Emperor's New Groove

The Emperor's New Groove

Starring: Spade, David Goodman, John
Director: Dindal, Marc

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 78

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Kuzco (David Spade) is the young, arrogant emperor of a vast kingdom. For his entire life, he has always had everything his own way. When his adviser, Yzma (Eartha Kitt), decides to usurp his power for herself, she has her servant Kronk (Patrick Warburton) poison Kuzco--but something goes wrong, and instead of dying, Kuzco is transformed into a talking llama. The former emperor winds up in the company of Pacha (John Goodman), a simple peasant just evicted from his land by Kuzco's plans for a new summer home. Pacha and Kuzco grudgingly agree to work together to restore Kuzco to his throne--and back to human form--but a series of wacky misadventures and the schemes of Yzma ensure that their journey will be a treacherous one. With THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE, Disney takes a break from the more serious, epic dramas of recent years in order to focus on nonstop comedy and slapstick dialogue. Featuring a series of hilarious stunts and a quick, lighthearted pace, THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE is a bubbly pleasure for viewers of all ages. The film also features Sting's Oscar-nominated song "My Funny Friend and Me." Theatrical release: December 15, 2000. THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE is the 39th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE originally started as a serious, epic project entitled "Kingdom of the Sun," based on pre-Colombian legends and featuring a full score by Sting. As the film developed it eventually transformed into a lighter comedy focusing on the emperor, originally a secondary character. Six of Sting's songs were dropped from the final film. Much of the dialogue written for the character of Kronk was written specifically for actor Patrick Warburton, even before he was officially cast. For research, the film's creative team traveled to Peru to observe the art and architecture of the ancient Incas. Actors whose characters were cut out of the film include Harvey Fierstein, Carla Gugino, and Owen Wilson. Sting and David Hartley were nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song--Motion Picture for "My Funny Friend and Me."

The Family Man

The Family Man

Starring: Piven, Jeremy Valletta, Amber Presnell, Harve Cheadle, Don Leoni, Téa Cage, Nicolas
Director: Ratner, Brett

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 126

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Nicolas Cage stars as Jack Campbell, a career-driven workaholic who has everything: an exciting job, a Ferarri, a closetful of Zegna suits, and the attention of any woman he wants. His life changes when, after working a full day on Christmas Eve, he intervenes in a convenience store holdup. The apparent criminal, Cash (Cheadle), speaks to Jack in epigrams about his satisfaction with life. When Jack wakes up the next day, he's suddenly living in a New Jersey suburb, where he's married to his college sweetheart (Leoni) and is the father of two children. At first he is aghast, but Jack soon warms to his new life even though he knows that it cannot last. Unabashedly sentimental, the film is also a great comedy, as Cage gives a superb performance that makes the most of his character's obvious disgust with his suburban surroundings and even allows for a few moments of hysterics reminiscent of VAMPIRE'S KISS. Filled with great performances (notably Ms. Leoni's role as Jack's wife), inspired comedy, and a premise that suggests a slightly darker version of classics like A CHRISTMAS CAROL and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, THE FAMILY MAN is an affecting and entertaining holiday film. Theatrical release: December 22, 2000. Filmed on location in Teaneck, New Jersey and in New York City. Nicolas Cage took on the part of Jack Campbell because he felt he needed a comedic role after a string of action films and dramas. The last comedic role he had played before THE FAMILY MAN was in 1994's TRAPPED IN PARADISE, which was also a holiday film.

The Fast and the Furious

The Fast and the Furious

Starring: Walker, Paul Diesel, Vin Rodriguez, Michelle Yune, Rick Brewster, Jordana Rule, Ja Brewster, Jordana Diesel, Vin Diesel, Vin Holden, Beau
Director: Cohen, Rob

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : Crime
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 107

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THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS is a nitro-burning joyride that makes outstanding use of special effects, innovative camera work, and a nonstop throbbing soundtrack. From the opening sequence--a high-speed, high-tech truck robbery--the film never drops below the red line. Roaring along at breakneck speed, Dom (Vin Diesel) and his crew meet on the streets of L.A. each night to show off their high-powered racers. When new guy Brian (Paul Walker) wants to add his fuel to the fire, he can't cough up the cash to race, but offers up his car as collateral. In their tiny jacked compacts, Dom, Brian, and Edwin (Ja Rule) burst into a high-gear race with Brian nearly beating perennial champion Dom. But in the final moments, he loses the race and his car. Brian's debt is quickly cleared, however, when he saves Dom both from the cops and from a potentially violent encounter with Johnny Tran (Rick Yune), a rival gang lord. Dom takes Brian under his wing--a decision that disgusts his gang but delights his sister Mia (Jordana Brewster). The gang never suspects that Brian is not who he seems: he is actually an undercover cop, and though he wishes otherwise, he's there to bust Dom for committing the armed truck robbery witnessed in the opening scenes. Theatrical release: June 22, 2001

The Flamingo Kid

The Flamingo Kid

Starring: Crenna, Richard Elizondo, Hector Dillon, Matt Walter, Jessica Stevens, Fisher Jones, Janet
Director: Marshall, Garry

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 98

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Jeffrey Willis, an 18-year-old from a working class family, gets a job as a cabana boy at an exclusive Rockaway beach club in New York. There he experiences a new world of wealth, snobbery, and leisure. A warm-hearted coming-of-age tale set in the early 1960s. Jeffrey Willis, a working-class kid from Brooklyn, gets a summer job at a glitzy Rockaway beach club. Dazzled by a fast-talking sports car salesman he meets at the club, the impressionable teenager is tempted to abandon the down-to-earth values of his family for the promise of easy money.

The Fox and the Hound

The Fox and the Hound

Starring: Rooney, Mickey Russell, Kurt
Director: Stevens, Art

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 83

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Disney's enchanting tale of an unlikely friendship between a fox cub and a hound pup, released for the first time ever on video. Vocal talents include Pearl Bailey, Mickey Rooney, Kurt Russell, Jack Albertson, Sandy Duncan, Corey Feldman, as well as Pat Buttram and Paul Winchell. In this classic, animated, Disney tale which teaches children, as well as adults, of all ages, about the importance of friendship and loyalty, a fox and a hound become unlikely companions and, even through adversity and separation, defend and protect one another. Theatrical release: July 10, 1981. Rereleased 1988. THE FOX AND THE HOUND is the 24th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

The Frighteners

The Frighteners

Starring: Fox, Michael J. Alvarado, Trini Dobson, Peter Astin, John Hawthorne, Elizabeth Stone, Dee Wallace McCarthy, Julianna Combs, Jeffrey Combs, Jeffrey McBride, Chi
Director: Jackson, Peter

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Horror : General
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 110

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When his hometown is struck by a series of mysterious deaths that appears to be the work of a malicious supernatural killer, a psychic investigator who is able to communicate with the dead attempts to get to the bottom of things and put a stop to the murders. But even with the help of three ghostly friends, he soon discovers that defeating the deadly fiend is a task much easier said than done. With its mix of humor and suspense, THE FRIGHTENERS is spooky good fun from cult horror director Peter Jackson. Offbeat horror director Peter Jackson goes Hollywood with this follow-up to his acclaimed 1994 feature, HEAVENLY CREATURES. THE FRIGHTENERS, part horror-comedy, part supernatural thriller, stars Michael J. Fox as psychic investigator Frank Bannister. Bannister is able to see and communicate with spirits as a result of the trauma of witnessing his wife die in a car accident. Now a series of mysterious deaths in Frank's hometown has left authorities at wit's end. The deaths appear to be caused by heart attacks, but eventually it is revealed that they are actually the work of a menacing, Grim Reaper-like phantom. Bannister becomes a suspect after several deaths occur in his presence, and in order to prove his innocence, he and a team of three friendly ghosts attempt to unravel the mystery surrounding the murderous specter. But what emerges is far more than they bargained for, and soon a psychotic killer's lust for revenge from beyond the grave threatens the lives of both Bannister and his new love interest (Trini Alvarado). THE FRIGHTENERS is a fun and fast-paced cinematic romp with plenty of stunning computer-generated special effects. Theatrical release: July 19, 1996. Although the film is set in California, it was filmed in New Zealand. Peter Jackson had actually sent an outline for THE FRIGHTENERS to executive producer Robert Zemeckis as a proposed episode for the HBO series TALES FROM THE CRYPT. Zemeckis thought the story was good enough to stand on its own and decided to turn it into a feature-length film. Jackson has a cameo appearance as a biker that Michael J. Fox's character bumps into exiting an office building.

The Fugitive - Special Edition

The Fugitive - Special Edition

Starring: Ford, Harrison Jones, Tommy Lee
Director: Davis, Andrew

Rating: PG-13
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
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Amazon.com essential video Do you know anyone who hasn't seen this movie? A box-office smash when released in 1993, this spectacular update of the popular 1960s TV series stars Harrison Ford as a surgeon wrongly accused of the murder of his wife. He escapes from a prison transport bus (in one of the most spectacular stunt-action sequences ever filmed) and embarks on a frantic quest for the true killer's identity, while a tenacious U.S. marshal (Tommy Lee Jones, in an Oscar-winning role) remains hot on his trail. Director Andrew Davis hit the big time with this expert display of polished style and escalating suspense, but it's the antagonistic chemistry between Jones and Ford that keeps this thriller cooking to the very end. In roles that seem custom-fit to their screen personas, the two stars maintain a sharply human focus to the grand-scale manhunt, and the intelligent screenplay never resorts to convenient escapes or narrative shortcuts. Equally effective as a thriller and a character study, this is a Hollywood blockbuster that truly deserves its ongoing popularity. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the DVD edition. Description Catch him if you can. The Fugitive is on the run! Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones race through the breathless manhunt movie based on the classic TV series. Ford is prison escapee Dr. Richard Kimble, a Chicago surgeon falsely convicted of killing his wife and determined to prove his innocence by leading his pursuers to the one-armed man who actually committed the crime. Jones (1993 Academy Award and Golden Globe winner as Best Supporting Actor) is Sam Gerard, an unrelenting bloodhound of a U.S. Marshal. They are hunted and hunter. And as directed by Andrew Davis (Under Siege), their nonstop chase has one exhilarating speed: all-out. So catch him if you can. And catch an 11-on-a-scale-of-10 train wreck (yes, the train is real), a plunge down a waterfall, a cat-and-mouse jaunt through a Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade and much more. Better hurry. Kimble doesn't stay in one place very long!

The Fugitive

The Fugitive

Starring: Jones, Tommy Lee Katsulas, Andreas Krabbe, Jeroen Pantoliano, Joe Ward, Sela Ford, Harrison Moore, Julianne Dean, Ron Dean, Ron Wood, Tom
Director: Davis, Andrew

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 131

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In this near-perfect suspense movie adapted from the popular 1960s television series that starred David Janssen, renowned vascular surgeon Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) has been falsely accused and convicted--on circumstantial evidence--of his wife's (Sela Ward) murder. While Kimble is being transported to prison, another convict stabs an inattentive guard, causing a massive wreck. Kimble escapes but is hunted by tough U.S. marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones). The fugitive from injustice attempts to set the record straight: He transforms himself into a jack-of-all-trades and a man of a thousand faces in a desperate attempt to uncover the truth about his wife's murder and track down the real killer. Spectacular special effects and a pulse-pounding performance by Ford turned Andrew Davis's thrilling film into a blockbuster at the box office, leading to a sequel, U.S. MARSHALS. A doctor wrongly accused of killing his wife escapes authorities, continually eludes a zealous detective, and hunts for clues to solve his wife's murder himself in order to prove his innocence. The bizarre circumstances that led to the death only sweeten the suspense. The FUGITIVE TV series ran from 1963 to 1967. It wasn't until the conclusion of the series in 1967 that Barry Morse's Lieutenant Gerard realized he had been chasing the wrong man. The $2 million "dam fall," as it has aptly been called by director Andrew Davis, took two days to film and was shot by static and aerial cameras. The shot was designed and plotted by stunt coordinator Terry Leonard. The stunt was filmed at the Cheoah Dam in North Carolina. The section of tunnel that opens above the dam was removed from Chicago and placed above the dam so as to give the illusion that it had an outlet directly over top of the dam. Warner Bros. had to pay Alcoa, the dam's operators, a large fee for using the property. The Harrison Ford look-alike dummies were also expensive, ranging in price from $7,000 to $12,000 apiece. Ford apparently didn't want to have stuntmen perform in his place, so he agreed to be in the water for the survival shot that comes after the jump. There were two navy SEALs on the set as consultants. The film's Richard Kimble was originally a fugitive fleeing Wisconsin but the film producer had to make a change when they discovered that Wisconsin doesn't have the death penalty. The final episode of THE FUGITIVE series was watched by more people than any single episode of a regular series in the history of television at the time. The film took in $183 million at the box office.

The Ghost and the Darkness

The Ghost and the Darkness

Starring: Douglas, Michael Kani, John Puri, Om Cele, Henry Wilkinson, Tom Hill, Bernard McCardie, Brian Mortimer, Emily Mortimer, Emily
Director: Hopkins, Stephen

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 110

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Based on a true story, THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS takes place in Africa during the late 1890s and concerns two ferocious lions who killed 130 railroad construction workers in only two months. A pair of courageous men, no-nonsense engineer John Patterson (Val Kilmer) and rugged hunter Charles Remington (Michael Douglas), set out to shoot the creatures, known as the Ghost and the Darkness. Making their task even harder is the two animals un-lionlike behavior--they kill in tandem, attack in the daylight, and show no fear of anything. Soon the hunters become the hunted.... Released theatrically in the USA October 11, 1996. Produced by Constellation Films. Color by Video Lab; prints by DeLuxe; shot with Panavision equipment. Based on a true story, this film takes place in Africa at the turn of the century and concerns two ferocious lions who killed 130 railroad construction workers in two months. A pair of courageous hunters, no-nonsense Col. John Patterson and gregarious Charles Remington, set out to shoot the creatures, known as The Ghost and The Darkness. Making their task even harder is the fact that the two animals are behaving in un-lionlike ways, for they kill in tandem, attack in the daylight, and show no fear of anything, whether it be a force of nature -- or human...

The Goonies

The Goonies

Starring: Brolin, Josh Cohen, Jeff B. Feldman, Corey Astin, Sean Plimpton, Martha Antin, Steve Green, Kerri Quan, Ke Huy Quan, Ke Huy
Director: Donner, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : Adventure
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 114

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A thrill-a-minute adventure film. When brothers Mikey (Sean Astin) and Brand (Josh Brolin) learn that greedy developers are forcing their family to move, they and their friends decide to have one last, precious adventure together. With the help of a treasure map they've found in the attic, the group, known as the Goonies, go in search of buried gold hoping against hope that if they find it, Mikey and Brand will succeed in keeping their home. Shot in Technicolor and Panavision. Budget estimate $19 million. Began shooting October 22, 1984. Released theatrically in the USA June 7, 1985. Released on video March 1986. Reviewed in the Monthly Film Bulletin 11/1985. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Censors. "Sloth love Chunk!" Sloth

The Great Escape

The Great Escape

Starring: Garner, James Coburn, James Attenborough, Richard Donald, James Bronson, Charles Taylor, Jud Pleasence, Donald McCallum, David McCallum, David Jackson, Gordon
Director: Sturges, John

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 172

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John Sturges's dramatization of the true story of a group of British, American, and Canadian POWs who executed a massive escape from Stalag Luft III in Upper Silesia in March 1944, arguably the best World War II adventure film ever made, stars Steve McQueen as the rebellious Virgil Hilts. The German high command has filtered out all the most talented escape artists of the Allies' and placed them in a POW camp specifically designed to foil any unwanted departures. Of course, as soon as they arrive, the prisoners begin work on a series of tunnels under the direction of Roger "Big X" Bartlett (Richard Attenborough). He assigns the POWs to jobs according to their specialties: Bob "Scrounger" Hendley (James Garner) steals necessary items, Eric "Dispersal" Ashley-Pitt (David McCallum) hides the soil being dug from the tunnels, and Danny "the Tunnel King" Willinski (Charles Bronson) and Colin "the Forger" Blythe (Donald Pleasence) have self-explanatory handles. For more than a year, 600 prisoners, most of whom won't be leaving, work toward an escape that will temporarily disrupt the operations of the German army. A host of big-name stars meshes beautifully in this meticulous re-creation of the legendary escape. Although this is a film about courage, Sturges wisely takes a low-key approach, leavened with humor, rather than allowing the cast to indulge in macho antics. However, McQueen's memorable motorcycle stunts could be said to fit in that category. THE GREAT ESCAPE, based on the book by Paul Brickhill, is quite simply one of the grandest war films ever made, featuring many key scenes (McQueen's motorcycle chase, McQueen tossing the baseball against the cell wall, Bronson sliding on his chest in the tunnel) that are unforgettable. Theatrical release: August 8, 1963. Shooting location: Bavaria, Germany. Donald Pleasence, the Forger, was an RAF wireless operator during the war, serving time in a German POW camp after his Lancaster was shot down. Walt Floody, the actual Tunnel King, was a technical adviser on the film. The famous barbed-wire scene that made Steve McQueen's career was done by his friend, stuntman Bud Elkins, with one of the Triumph 600s used in the film.

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors

Starring: Candy, John Faracy, Stephanie Bening, Annette Young, Chris Aykroyd, Dan Prosky, Robert Giatti, Ian Deakins, Lucy Deakins, Lucy Briggs, Joe Bob
Director: Deutch, Howard

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 91

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Two brothers-in-law, whose only shared trait is their intense dislike for one another, set off on a comic misadventure when their two families share a summer vacation home. Additional cast members include Ian Giatti who played Ben. Set design by Sharon Busse. Chet is a father and husband who believes in spending quality time with his loved ones. When vacation roles around, he gathers his gang together and they head for the hills. But as soon as the crew gets comfortable in their cabin, Chet's annoyingly bad-mannered brother-in-law Roman shows up with his spoiled wife and kids for a week-long visit. To make matters worse, Roman brings more than his family -- he brings Murphy's Law with him, as he turns the week into a succession of disasters.

The Great Waldo Pepper

The Great Waldo Pepper

Starring: Svenson, Bo Redford, Robert Sarandon, Susan Lewis, Geoffrey Kidder, Margot Brundin, Bo
Director: Hill, George Roy

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 108

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Following the enormous success of THE STING, George Roy Hill finally had the freedom to make this film about the romance of aviation, which had been a cherished project of his for years. It stars Robert Redford as Waldo Pepper, a former WWI pilot who, in 1926, is barnstorming across the country in a Curtiss JN-4 biplane, doing stunts for a living. He exaggerates his wartime heroics, as much to fulfill his own fantasies as to drum up business, claiming to have engaged in a dogfight with ace German fighter pilot Ernst Kessler (Bo Brundin). His closest friend, Ezra Stiles, is working on the design of a monoplane that can perform the perilous outside loop, which Pepper intends to be the first to execute. With public interest in stunt flying on the downslide, the pilot is forced to partner with good-natured former competitor Axel Olsson (Bo Svenson). But things still remain tough for the pilots, leading them to join a flying circus. When tragedy strikes, Pepper must answer to aviation authorities. The film, well executed on every level, features extraordinary stunt flying, mixing slapstick with a darker drama about the crippling effect of adolescent fantasy. DVD Features: Region 1 Encoding Keep Case Shooting location: Texas. The film was inspired by Hill's lifelong love of flying and admiration for stunt pilots. An accomplished aviator, Hill often flew the camera plane to instruct the pilot and cameraman on how he wanted the scene shot. Actor Edward Herrmann did his own stunt in the performance of the death-defying outside loop, which meant that he had to fly upside down, his head, at one point, six feet from the ground.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Starring: Heston, Charlton Poitier, Sidney Rains, Claude Blake, Bobby McGuire, Dorothy Loggia, Robert Ferrer, José McCallum, David McCallum, David Pleasence, Donald
Director: Stevens, George

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Special Interests : Religion & Spirituality : Christian DVD : Feature Films
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 199

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George Stevens presents his monumental adaptation of the story of Jesus Christ starring Max von Sydow. The film concentrates on the most familiar episodes of the biblical story, including the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, Herod's (Jose Ferrer) decree of the execution of all male children in Judea, and the Holy family's escape into Egypt. It continues as Christ encounters John the Baptist (Charlton Heston) searches for the Twelve Apostles, and raises Lazarus (Michael Tolan), while John the Baptist is executed. It concludes with Jesus' expulsion of the moneylenders from the temple, the instruction of the Apostles at the Last Supper, Christ's betrayal by Judas (David McCallum), the Passion, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. The product of years of research and planning by Stevens, the film features a huge cast of stars, among whom Von Sydow, McCallum, Dorothy McGuire (Mary), Sidney Poitier (Simon of Cyrene), Claude Rains (Herod the Great), Donald Pleasence (The Devil), Martin Landau (Caiaphas), and Janet Margolin (Mary of Bethany), give fine performances. Filmed in Ultra Panavision 70. THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD was originally released with a running time of 225 minutes, but other versions range from 127 minutes to 260 minutes.

The Hot Chick

The Hot Chick

Starring: Sandler, Adam Faris, Anna Keegan, Andrew Lawrence, Matthew McAdams, Rachel Schneider, John Schneider, Rob
Director: Brady, Tom

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 104

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Rob Schneider is the titular chick, Jessica, a stuck-up high school prom queen who wakes up one morning trapped in the body of an unattractive 30-year-old man. Thanks to a curse attached to some ancient earrings, Jessica has changed bodies and now must convince hot chick pals April (Anna Faris, of the SCARY MOVIE series) and Keecia (Maritza Murphy) of her true identity before their long, giggly, underwear-filled sleepovers can continue. Meanwhile, Clive, the displaced male, wakes up in Jessica's body (Rachel McAdams) and quickly parlays his hot new form into a lucrative career as a prostitute/stripper. Along the same lines as DEUCE BIGALOW: MALE GIGOLO and THE ANIMAL, viewers can expect the usual Schneider shenanigans and gross bodily humor. What might come as a surprise is the film's underlying sweet nature. While working to restore her original svelte form in time for the big cheerleader competition, Jessica helps save her parents' fading marriage and develops a sense of compassion for the social outsiders she'd previously scorned. Schneider fans, of course, will mainly appreciate his near non-stop prancing and mincing. Fellow SNL alum Adam Sandler executive-produced, and has an amusing cameo as a dread-locked bongo player. Theatrical release: December 13, 2002

The Hunchback of Notre Dame II

The Hunchback of Notre Dame II

Starring:
Director: Raymond, Bradley

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 68

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A sequel to Disney's 1996 hit, this second installment of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME finds the all-star lineup of voice actors (Tom Hulce, Kevin Kline, Jason Alexander, Demi Moore) augmented by two newcomers: Jennifer Love Hewitt and Haley Joel Osment. Here, Quasi remains the protector of Notre Dame's storied bells, and now rings them with the help of Zephyr (Osment), Esmerelda's and Phoebus's young son. Love strikes Quasi once again when he sees the beautiful Madellaine (Hewitt) at a traveling circus, working as an assistant to Sarousch, an evil magician. Unfortunately, Sarousch has hatched a plan to steal Notre Dame's most famous bell, and is forcing Madellaine to be his accomplice, forcing Quasi to think the worst about her. However, with the help of his gargoyle friends, Quasi attempts to foil Sarousch's plan and discover who Madellaine really is.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Starring: Moore, Demi
Director: Trousdale, Gary

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 91

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The characters in Victor Hugo's 1831 novel about lonely bell-ringer Quasimodo and his adventures with the beautiful Esmerelda come vividly and musically to life--even the stone gargoyles! This updated '90s version features Quasimodo as an awkward youth, a departure from the Hugo text. Featuring the voices of Tom Hulce, Jason Alexander, Demi Moore, Kevin Kline and David Ogden Stiers. Academy Award Nominations: Best Original Musical or Comedy Score. Theatrical release: June 21, 1996. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME is the 34th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

The Hunt for Red October

The Hunt for Red October

Starring: Connery, Sean Baldwin, Alec Glenn, Scott Jones, James Earl Sam Neill
Director: McTiernan, John

Rating: PG
Category: General Thrillers
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 135

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The first of several films based on Tom Clancy's "Jack Ryan" technothrillers, Hunt for Red October stars Alec Baldwin as eccentric CIA analyst Ryan and Sean Connery as Soviet submarine commander Marko Ramius. Ramius sets the plot in motion when he murders his political adviser, burns his orders, and steers his sub Red October towards American waters, hoping to defect. The CIA, aware that the Red October was about to embark on an evasive mission to demonstrate its ability to avoid detection and fire its nuclear missiles upon U.S. installations, believes that Ramius is insane, and that he plans to start World War III. To cover their own behinds, the Russians back up the CIA's suspicion. Only Jack Ryan believes that Ramius' mission is not as apocalyptic as it seems -- and it is Ryan who is assigned to infiltrate the Red October to prove his theory. The sort of film that in an earlier era would have been called a "thinking man's thriller," The Hunt for Red October ushered in a new series of Hollywood-produced post-Cold War adventure films, including 1995's Crimson Tide. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide A contemplative thriller by early 1990s standards, The Hunt For Red October was the first movie based on the successful Jack Ryan novels of Tom Clancy. Robbed of much of the book's Cold War appeal by the time of its release, the movie was nonetheless embraced by American audiences; it was among the ten highest-grossing movies of 1990. It would be director John McTiernan's third major action hit following Predator and Die Hard, and he manages to maintain a high excitement level for the film's 134-minute length. Ultimately, Red October's success might have been due to the sex appeal of stars Alec Baldwin and Sean Connery. This would be Baldwin's first big-budget hit; for Connery, it continued the career upswing that had begun with The Name of the Rose and The Untouchables. Baldwin declined to reprise the Ryan role; Harrison Ford would play the character in Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger. ~ Brendon Hanley, All Movie Guide This reissue, a "Special Collector's Edition," of The Hunt for Red October is a vast improvement, in every way, over the initial release. For starters, the widescreen image (framed at 2.35:1) is anamorphic this time, and the transfer has never looked better. Granted, some grain is evident, especially early in the film, but it's never intrusive. The distinct color patterns are far more clear and the detail more exact. Equally, the blacks are very strong and solid. Also an upgrade is the sound. The earlier disc had a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, but this one includes that and a new DTS track. While the Dolby Digital track is good, the DTS version is noticeably stronger. Basses are deep, and surround effects are utilized in just the correct moment. As for supplements, while this disc is far from supplement heavy, it offers far more than the original disc. Along with the theatrical trailer, also on the first DVD, there is a fine half-hour documentary, covering many elements, from the story to the visual effects. As good as it is, it really begs for more. Also included is a commentary track from director John McTiernan. Despite significant gaps, he does offer some interesting insight into the production, but simply doesn't cover enough ground. Maybe not a perfect disc, this one is such a step up from what was offered initially that it's difficult to find anything to complain about. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide A contemplative thriller by early 1990s standards, The Hunt For Red October was the first movie based on the successful Jack Ryan novels of Tom Clancy. Robbed of much of the book's Cold War appeal by the time of its release, the movie was nonetheless embraced by American audiences; it was among the ten highest-grossing movies of 1990. It would be director John McTiernan's third major action hit following Predator and Die Hard, and he manages to maintain a high excitement level for the film's 134-minute length. Ultimately, Red October's success might have been due to the sex appeal of stars

The Hunt for Red October

The Hunt for Red October

Starring: Baldwin, Alec Glenn, Scott Connery, Sean Jones, James Earl Carhart, Timothy Neill, Sam Curry, Tim Ackland, Joss Ackland, Joss
Director: McTiernan, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 135

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In the tradition of DIE HARD and PREDATOR, Director John McTiernan presents audiences with yet another techno thriller: THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER. Sean Connery plays Captain Marko Ramius, a dissatisfied Russian commander who navigates his submarine towards America in an attempt to defect. Soviet intelligence claims that Ramius is a warmonger and that he plans to launch nuclear missiles at the United States. Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), an iconoclastic CIA agent, believes otherwise: American spies have determined that the submarine is powered by a stealth engine. In order to save the "caterpillar drive" and avoid a nuclear incident, Agent Ryan must board the Red October and assist Captain Ramius in its navigation to U.S. waters. Both murky and captivating, the underwater visual and sound effects are reminiscent of DAS BOOT. Once again Director McTiernan produces a winning film with a jagged plot, a well acted script, and plenty of explosions. While engaging in an intricate series of military exercises in the North Atlantic, the respected captain and selected crew members of a Soviet nuclear missile submarine announce their plan to defect to the USA. The role of Captain Marko Ramius was originally to have been played by Klaus Maria Brandauer. Shot in Los Angeles and San Diego, California; Alaska; Puget Sound in Washington State; Leningrad and Moscow, Russia. Color by Technicolor. Began shooting April 3, 1989. Released in USA March 2, 1990. Approximate budget $30 million, of which Sean Connery reportedly received $4 million. Tom Clancy received $600,000 for the rights to his novel. Among the writers who reportedly worked on the script were Robert Garland, David Shaber, and John Milius. Followed by a sequel, "Patriot Games" (1992), starring Harrison Ford as Jack Ryan. Available to buy in the UK. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. DVD Features: Region 1 Keep Case - Checkpoint Widescreen Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English DTS - English Dolby Digital Stereo - French Additional Release Material: Audio Commentary - 1. John McTiernan - Director Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical Featurettes - 1. BENEATH THE SURFACE Interactive Features: Interactive Menus Scene Selection

The Italian Job

The Italian Job

Starring: Norton, Edward Def, Mos Wahlberg, Mark Green, Seth Theron, Charlize Statham, Jason Sutherland, Donald Franky G. Franky G.
Director: Gray, F. Gary

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 110

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In this wholly refreshing remake of the 1969 crime classic starring Michael Caine and Noel Coward, Mark Wahlberg stars as Charlie Croker, a smooth thief who orchestrates a flawless heist in Venice with the help of his mentor, safecracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland). Together with his cronies--explosives expert Left-Ear (Mos Def), tech whiz kid Lyle (Seth Green), adrenaline junky Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), and the shady Steve (Edward Norton)--Charlie walks away with thirty-five million dollars worth of precious gold bars. But just when the gang appears to be headed to freedom, Steve performs a heist of his own, killing John and running off with the gold, thinking that Charlie and his mates are all deceased. A year later, Charlie has located Steve, who is gradually selling off the gold bars in Los Angeles. With the help of John's beautiful daughter Stella (Charlize Theron), a brilliant safecracker in her own right--as well as those adorable Mini Cooper sports cars--Charlie orchestrates a revenge heist that will teach Steve a valuable lesson about loyalty once and for all. F. Gary Gray's thoroughly entertaining caper film doesn't merely imitate the original, and that is what makes it such a pleasant surprise.

The Italian Job

The Italian Job

Starring: Caine, Michael Coward, Noel
Director: Collinson, Peter

Rating: G
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time:

Color Dolby

Amazon.com essential video Internal countercasting is a big plus in this caper comedy: where else are you going to find Benny Hill and Michael Caine in the same movie? Peter Collinson directs those two as well as Noel Coward, Raf Vallone, Rossano Brazzi, and Irene Handl in a story about the effort to steal gold bullion from the town of Turin. Screenwriter Troy Kennedy Martin eschews heist film tradition by placing more emphasis on the gang's getaway than on the complex robbery itself. The film's main claim to comic fame is a wild chase scene set against an enormous traffic jam. The rest of the movie is less memorable, but that extended action sequence is well worth the wait. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The Jewel of the Nile

The Jewel of the Nile

Starring: Turner, Kathleen Douglas, Michael DeVito, Danny Focas, Spiros
Director: Teague, Lewis

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $10
User Rating:
Running Time: 106

Color Mono

In this sequel to "Romancing the Stone," Joan is kidnapped by a handsome Arab political leader, and it's up to Jack to rescue her. His efforts are further complicated by the fact that he is also being pursued by an angry former partner. Color by DeLuxe; sound Stereo Dolby Surround. Plucky romance novelist Joan Wilder is thrust back into a world of murder, chases, foreign intrigue... and love. This time out she's duped by a duplicitous Arab dignitary who brings her to the Middle East, ostensibly to write a book about his life. Of course he's up to no good, and Joan is just another pawn in his wicked game. But Jack Colton and his sidekick Ralph, old friends from her previous adventures, show up to help our intrepid heroine save the day.

The John Wayne Story - The Early Years

The John Wayne Story - The Early Years

Starring: Wayne, John
Director:

Rating: NR
Category: Documentary
User Rating:
Running Time:

B&W and Color Stereo

From the Back Cover Follow the Duke from the Sagebrush Trail to the Sands of Iwo Jima in this documentary full of blazing sixshooters, interviews, and other highlights, with rare photos and scenes from more than forty movies. Born Marion Morrison in a small town outside Des Moines, Iowa, on May 26, 1907, Wayne embodied the larger-than-life, patriotic heroes of American legend onscreen for fifty years, from 1927 to 1976. His long association with John Ford paid off when "Pappy" directed his breakthrough hit, Stagecoach, after the Duke had spent a decade laboring in the Hollywood vineyards of "B" Westerns and serials. A string of successes followed: Reap the Wild Wind, Flying Tigers, Fort Apache, Red River, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Rio Grande, The Quiet Man, and his Oscar-nominated rose as Sergeant Stryker.

The John Wayne Story - The Later Years

The John Wayne Story - The Later Years

Starring: Wayne, John
Director:

Rating: NR
Category: Documentary
User Rating:
Running Time:

B&W and Color Stereo

From the Back Cover See the legendary John Wayne at his greatest in two-fisted action, interviews, rare photos, and more, in this documentary covering his screen career from Big Jim McLain to his final film, The Shootist. Back in the saddle with Westerns like Hondo, The Searchers, Rio Bravo, McLintock!, and Chisum, he also varied his output in The High and the Mighty, Blood Alley, Wings of Eagles, McQ, and Brannigan. The Duke even directed himself in The Alamo and The Green Berets, and finally won a long-awaited Academy Award as the one-eyed lawman in True Grit, a role he repeated in Rooster Cogburn. See Wayne promoting his protégé, James Arness, in Gunsmoke; making public service appearances for the Red Cross, Christmas Seals, and the American Cancer Society; and receiving his Oscar.

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book

Starring: Elwes, Cary Lee, Jason Scott Headey, Lena Cleese, John Neill, Sam
Director: Sommers, Stephen

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 111

Color Digitally Mastered

A spirited, live-action feature of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale about a boy raised by animals in the jungle only to fall in love with an English girl. This sweeping, inspired and in many ways original movie was filmed on location in India with a cast of 52 trained animals. Live action version of Rudyard Kipling's classic adventure story of Mowgli, the abandoned baby boy, found by a panther, and raised by wolves, who nurture him, keep him safe and love him as one of their own. Color by Technicolor; Anamorphic. Live action remake of the 1967 Disney classic. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. Additional cast: Casey as Baloo and Shadow as Bagheera.

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book

Starring: Harris, Phil Cabot, Sebastian
Director: Reitherman, Wolfgang

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 78

Color Mono

The 19th animated feature produced by Disney studios and the last film supervised by Walt Disney himself. This endearing feature is based on Rudyard Kipling's children's story about a boy named Mowgli raised by wolves in the wilderness of India. During his delightful and scary adventures with a series of wild creatures, Mowgli learns he must leave the jungle and be what nature intended him to be -- a man. Delightful jazz-inspired songs make this a Disney classic. Theatrical release: 1967. Rereleased 1978, 1984, and 1990. THE JUNGLE BOOK is the 19th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures, and was the last film supervised by Walt Disney himself. Filmed in Technicolor. In its original release, "Jungle Book" was shown with a live-action animal film, "Charlie, The Lonesome Cougar." Budget approximately $4 million. The film took 42 months to make. Remade in a live action version in 1994. This film is currently on moratorium.

The Last of the Mohicans

The Last of the Mohicans

Starring: Roeves, Maurice Day-Lewis, Daniel Lewis, Daniel Day Stowe, Madeleine May, Jodhi Means, Russell Meaney, Colm Studi, Wes Studi, Wes Waddington, Steven
Director: Mann, Michael

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 122

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Cora (Madeleine Stowe) and her younger sister, Alice (Jodhi May), both recent arrivals to the colonies, are being escorted to their father, Colonel Munro (Maurice Roeves), by a troop of British soldiers. Along the way they are ambushed by a Huron war party led by Magua (Wes Studi), a sinister warrior with a blood vendetta against Munro. Munro's soldiers are wiped out and Cora herself is nearly killed by Magua but is saved at the last moment by Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis), a white trapper raised by the Mohican tribe. Hawkeye promises to take Cora and her sister safely to their father, and along the way Cora and the intense Hawkeye fall in love. Together they must survive wilderness, war, and the relentless pursuit of Magua. Returning to the theme of a great love threatened by overwhelming circumstances, director Michael Mann hits the mark with an adaptation that captures the essence of the book and its historical details perfectly. Day-Lewis and Stowe are beautiful to watch, delivering moving performances as two people trying to hold on to each other in times of war. In addition, the Native American political activist Russell Means makes an oustanding film debut as Chingachgook, Hawkeye's adopted father and last of the Mohicans. "Stay alive--no matter what occurs--I will find you."--Hawkeye (Daniel Day-Lewis) to Cora (Madeline Stowe) "And you call yourself an Englishman and loyal subject of His Majesty?"--British officer to Hawkeye "I do not call myself subject to much at all."--Hawkeye "What are you looking at, sir?"--Cora to Hawkeye "Why, I'm looking at you, miss."--Hawkeye

The Last Starfighter

The Last Starfighter

Starring: Guest, Lance Stewart, Catherine Mary Snyder, Suzanne Preston, Robert Barbara Bosson
Director: Castle, Nick

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 100

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Teenager Alex Rogan lives and works in the trailer-park that his mother owns. His life consists of contemplating his rather bleak future, and waiting for word on his college loan application to arrive. One night all this changes forever. Alex possesses an extraordinary skill at video games, and when this skill attracts a space-travelling recruiter looking for pilots to protect the galaxy from outside forces, he suddenly finds himself on another planet in the middle of an inter-galactic war. It seems that his game-playing abilities are an invaluable military asset to the embattled "Star League of Planets." "The Last Starfighter" was actor Robert Preston's last film. Star Car was built by Gene Winfield Special Projects. Filmed in Technicolor and Panavision, with a projected aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Teenager Alex Rogan lives and works in the trailer-park that his mother owns. His life consists of contemplating his rather bleak future, and waiting for word on his college-loan application to arrive. One night all this changes forever when his skill as a video-game ace attracts a space-travelling recruiter looking for pilots to protect the galaxy from outside forces.

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

Starring: Benson, Jodi Wright, Samuel E.
Director: Musker, John

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 82

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Mermaids are supposed to stay under the sea, but Ariel, a headstrong teenager, longs to be part of the magical world on land. When she falls in love with a human prince, Ariel strikes a bargain with the diabolical Sea Witch to win the prince's love. THE LITTLE MERMAID is a beautiful splash of art and music that revived the classic Disney tradition. THE LITTLE MERMAID is Disney's animated version of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a mermaid who falls in love with a handsome prince whom she rescues from drowning. Disobeying her father, lord of a great sea kingdom, the mermaid makes a deal with an evil enchantress. In exchange for a pair of legs, the mermaid must sacrifice her exquisite voice to the witch, who, unbeknownst to the mermaid, uses it to beguile the prince into marrying her. Theatrical release: November 17, 1989. Rereleased November 14, 1997. THE LITTLE MERMAID is the 28th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. Alyssa Milano confirmed to Premiere magazine that her body was used as the inspiration for Ariel. Shot in 70mm; color by Technicolor. THE LITTLE MERMAID is the 28th animated feature to carry the Disney name and was originally released in theaters November 17, 1989. David Dunnet was the layout supervisor and Donald Towns was the backgrounds superior. Budget estimate $20 million. Rated BBFC by the British Board of film censors. The original Hans Christian Anderson story, "Little Mermaid," was published in 1836. 25 special effects artists and animators were used to create the special water effects of the film. Over 400 artists and technicians were used to make the film, overall. The making of the film produced nearly 150,000 painted cells, 1,100 backgrounds, 1 million drawings (including sketches, pencil animations, and layouts) and 7,000 feet of hand-drawn film, and utilized more than 1,000 different colors. The two-and-a-half-minute storm scene in which the prince's ship runs aground took eight weeks to choreograph. Two-thirds of the film is set underwater. ***Returned from moratorium status as of 3/31/98.***

The Living Daylights

The Living Daylights

Starring: D'Abo, Maryam Krabbe, Jeroen Baker, Joe Don Dalton, Timothy Rhys-Davies, John Terry, John Brown, Robert Malik, Art Malik, Art
Director: Glen, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 131

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In this installment of the James Bond series, Agent 007 (Timothy Dalton) is assigned to protect a Russian defector (Maryam d'Abo) from the KGB. When the defection proves to be an elaborate ploy, Bond woos her anyway, and together they follow a trail to a crooked American arms dealer supplying weapons to Afghanistan. Dalton finally assumes the role of Bond after refusing it 16 years earlier with DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. The film is loosely based on Ian Fleming's short story. In British actor Timothy Dalton's first outing as James Bond, the intrepid spy once again travels to countless scenic spots, becomes involved with a beautiful woman, and smoothly dispenses with a "supposed" Soviet KGB defector, arms dealers, and Afghan rebels. Visual highlights: a car chase through snowy mountains (featuring Bond's usual, hardy Aston Martin) and a thrilling, dangerous airplane ride. Filmed on the soundstages of England's Pinewood Studios and on location in Gibraltar, Austria, Morocco, the USA, Italy, and England, in Technicolor and Panavision. "The Living Daylights" was the 16th James Bond film in 25 years, not counting the 1967 Bond parody, "Casino Royale." Timothy Dalton was the fourth James Bond, following Sean Connery, George Lazenby, and Roger Moore. Caroline Bliss replaces Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny in this installment. The role was originally written for Roger Moore. Additional credits: Philip Kohler, Sparky Greene, Arno Ortmar, Leonhard Gmur and Denise O'Dell (production manager); Dick Lewzey (music mixer); Alan Killick (music editor); Malcolm Macintosh (2nd unit camera operator); Screen Opticals (title opticals). Additional music credits: Austrian Youth Symphony Orchestra (music performers); Gert Meditz (conductor for the Youth Symphony Orchestra); Stefan Kropfitsch (cellist).

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Starring: Boyd, Billy Monaghan, Dominic Astin, Sean McKellen, Ian Holm, Ian Mortensen, Viggo Wood, Elijah Bloom, Orlando Bloom, Orlando Tyler, Liv
Director: Jackson, Peter

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 178

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With THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, director Peter Jackson has achieved a meticulous and captivating adaptation of the first book of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic fantasy trilogy. The setting is Middle-earth, a mythological land populated by elves, dwarves, humans, and the gentle, diminutive hobbits upon whom the story centers. One hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), unexpectedly comes into possession of an ancient magical ring so powerful it invariably corrupts anyone who wears it. In order to prevent the ring's erstwhile owner, the dark lord Sauron, from reclaiming the ring and taking over Middle-earth, a motley band of comrades set out to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged. Included in the group are Frodo and hobbits Sam (Sean Astin), Merry (Dominic Monoghan), and Pippin (Billy Boyd); the wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen); human warriors Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) and Boromir (Sean Bean); the dwarf Gimli (John Rhys-Davies); the elf Legolas (Orlando Bloom). Along the way, they wage battle with monsters, demons, and Sauron's evil minions, all brought to life by spectacular digital technology. Jackson's grandiose production represents the first of three films that he wrote and directed, derived from Tolkien's beloved novels. Fourteen months in the making, at a cost of $270 million, all three installments were filmed at once in New Zealand where diverse landscapes lend themselves particularly well to the mystical realm of Middle-earth. The next two films, THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS and THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING, will be released in December 2002 and December 2003 respectively. Theatrical Release Date: December 19, 2001 Other elves include Arwen (Liv Tyler), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), and Eldrond (Hugo Weaving), but they are not part of the core band of nine who set out to destroy the ring at Mount Doom.

The Man With the Golden Gun

The Man With the Golden Gun

Starring: Moore, Roger Lee, Christopher Ekland, Britt Adams, Maud Oh, Soon-Teck Loo, Richard James, Clifton Lawrence, Marc Lawrence, Marc
Director: Hamilton, Guy

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 125

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Roger Moore is the ever-debonair 007 in this ninth film in the James Bond series. The super agent is assigned the task of recovering a valuable piece of technical equipment capable of harnessing the sun's energy. Standing in his way are a number of arch-villains. James Bond returns in: "The Spy Who Loved Me." The usual gadgets and stunts take a back seat to humor in this installment of the popular spy series. Superagent 007 is pulled from a missing persons case in order to track down a legendary hit man using custom-made golden bullets to silence his targets. Lately the sniper has been stirring up a lot of trouble on the world scene, and Bond goes after him with an arsenal of wit, innuendo, and double entendres. But once he unearths the murderer's clandestine Hong Kong lair, our hero discovers that the two cases are hopelessly intertwined -- and connected to a dastardly plot for world domination.

The Mask

The Mask

Starring: Riegert, Peter Diaz, Cameron Greene, Peter Carrey, Jim Yasbeck, Amy Jeni, Richard
Director: Russell, Chuck

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 101

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When a no-account bank clerk discovers a curious wooden mask he finds it has some interesting properties; to wit, the mask magnifies the wearer's personality to superhuman proportions--oddly, others seem to find this attractive. The no-longer-nebbischy clerk enjoys his new life considerably, but when he seduces the girlfriend of a powerful gangster, complications result. Academy Award Nominations: Best Visual Effects. "From zero to hero." -- marketing line for the film Boring bank account officer Stanley Ipkiss -- your average pushover nice guy -- is tired of kowtowing to his know-nothing boss and being rejected by attractive women. But just before he decides to end it all, Stanley's transformed from spineless accountant to jiving zoot-suited hellion when he discovers the super-human powers of an ancient wooden mask he finds floating in the river. With the mask, Stanley's got the courage to do everything he's ever dreamed of, including woo blond bombshell Tina Carlyle, a torchy singer at the swanky nightclub Coco Bongo. Too bad Tina's caught up with mobster Dorian Tyrel, a brutal villain planning to rob Stanley's bank and take over the city. Now it's up to Stanley to rid the besieged metropolis of Tyrel. Model Cameron Diaz made her acting debut with "The Mask." This film marks the first time that the Academy award-winning team at Industrial Light and Magic has designed breakthrough special effects for a comedy. The mask was constructed out of latex so that Jim Carrey's natural expressions would come through. "The Mask" was shot entirely on location in Los Angeles. Additional production company: Dark Horse Entertainment. Copyright 1994 New Line Productions, Inc. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. The Special Edition CAV laserdisc (Cat. #3428-LI) contains audio commentary by director Charles Russell, 2 finished scenes that were cut from the movie before release, a trailer and a still-frame gallery of several hundred photos.

The Matrix Reloaded

The Matrix Reloaded

Starring: Fishburne, Laurence Foster, Gloria Moss, Carrie-Anne Pinkett Smith, Jada Weaving, Hugo Bastoni, Steve Bellucci, Monica Bernhardt, Daniel Bernhardt, Daniel Rayment, Adrian
Director: Wachowski, Andy

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy : Series & Sequels : The Matrix
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 138

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Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss), and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) continue their battle against the machines in THE MATRIX RELOADED, the second chapter of Larry and Andy Wachowski's MATRIX trilogy. As RELOADED begins, Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus arrive in Zion with new crew member Link (Harold Perrineau), and discover that 250,000 dreaded sentinels are close to launching a massive attack on the underground haven for the liberated minds of humanity. When Neo seeks advice from the prophetic Oracle (the late Gloria Foster), their meeting leads to a sorely outnumbered fight with Neo's old nemesis, Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving). While the sentinels advance on Zion, various battles within the Matrix continue to escalate, culminating in an extended highway chase sequence involving Morpheus, Trinity, more imposing agents, and two new adversaries--the relentless white-clad Twins (Adrian and Neil Rayment). With RELOADED, the Wachowski brothers delve deeper into both the realm of the Matrix and the apocalyptic, machine-controlled future reality. Initially giving ample attention to both the romance between Neo and Trinity and to the vast underground city of Zion, the film eventually delivers one stunning set piece after another, with the amazing martial arts sequences and jaw-dropping effects of the first MATRIX elevated to even more astounding heights. In addition to the returning cast of Reeves, Moss, Fishburne, Weaving, and Foster, Perrineau and Jada Pinkett Smith make for welcome new additions, and Monica Bellucci offers up an unforgettably sensual appearance. Larger than the original scale on every level, THE MATRIX RELOADED is a thoroughly entertaining sequel that will leave viewers eager for the trilogy's conclusion, THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS. Theatrical Release Date: May 15, 2003

The Matrix

The Matrix

Starring: Fishburne, Laurence Moss, Carrie-Anne Weaving, Hugo Reeves, Keanu Pantoliano, Joe Arahanga, Julian Foster, Gloria Chong, Marcus Chong, Marcus Parker, Anthony Ray
Director: Wachowski, Larry

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 144

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With THE MATRIX, the Wachowskis have established themselves as innovative filmmakers who push the boundaries of live-action films. Like the groundbreaking STAR WARS, THE MATRIX (also the first film of a trilogy) showcases a unique visual style, one the Wachowskis achieved through an array of techniques and digital effects, some never before seen in mainstream Hollywood films. Although computer morphing technology had been used before in films such as THE ABYSS and TERMINATOR 2, the Wachowskis were the first to use "bullet time," a time-bending digital effect that utilizes both computer-generated imagery and still photography. The film itself is a complex story that aspires to mythology, focusing on a computer hacker named Neo (Keanu Reeves) who searches for the truth behind the mysterious force known as the Matrix. He finds his answer with a group of strangers led by the charismatic Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). What they encounter in confronting that truth makes for a lightning-paced, eye-popping thrill ride of a movie. Packed with stunning fight scenes (choreographed by accomplished Hong Kong director Yuen Wo-Ping), astonishing visual effects, quotable lines, and a terrific supporting cast (led by Carrie-Anne Moss, in her first major Hollywood film), THE MATRIX is a bold triumph that raises the bar for all science fiction films. An imaginative hybrid of action, kung fu, and science fiction, THE MATRIX is a hyperkinetic, mind-bending, and visionary spectacle. Keanu Reeves stars as Neo, a disaffected computer hacker seeking the answer to the question, "What is the Matrix?" His search leads him to the elusive Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who begins to enlighten Neo about the illusions of his so-called reality. In accepting the answer Morpheus provides, Neo is hurled into a futuristic world where old realities are shattered, and he must fight for his life, and the future of humanity, against a dangerous group of inhuman government agents. Theatrical release date: April 2, 1999. THE MATRIX won three Academy Awards: Achievement in Film Editing, Sound, and Visual Effects (beating out STAR WARS EPISODE 1: THE PHANTOM MENACE). In each category, the winners quoted a line from the film. The Wachowski brothers got their start at Marvel Comics, where they wrote dialogue for Clive Barker's HELLRAISER. The official website, www.whatisthematrix.com, features a revolving showcase of comic book writers. The actors initially thought combat training would take a few weeks. They eventually trained for more than five months (October 1997-March 1998), primarily because the actors and the Wachowskis wanted to limit the use of stunt doubles in the picture; the directors wanted the audience to see that the actual actors were performing the stunts. Each actor had their own kung fu master on the set. Neo is an anagram for "One." The Wachowskis named Neo’s alter ego Thomas, for the biblical Doubting Thomas. SIMULACRA AND SIMULATION, Jean Baudrillard’s theoretical text concerning culture, reality, and simulation, is the title of the book Neo uses to keep his contraband. Carrie-Anne Moss sprained her ankle during the filming of the federal lobby scene but told no one at the time, even though she was unable to walk the next day. Moss appeared in the 1993 television show MATRIX, about a hit man working for the underworld. A musical theater piece by the Live Bait Theater group in Chicago (the Wachowski brothers’ hometown) called NEO: A MATRIX MUSICAL ran in May 2000. Producer Joel Silver called THE MATRIX "the first film of the new millennium." Talking about the making of the film, Fishburne compared the brothers Wachowski to the Brothers Grimm in their ability to tell fairy tales. Weapons expert Rock Galotti taught the cast how to realistically hold and shoot all the weapons in the film. "What is the Matrix?"--Neo (Keanu Reeves) to Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) "Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."--Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) to Neo "I know kung fu."--Neo to Morpheus and Tank (M

The Mighty Ducks

The Mighty Ducks

Starring: Smith, Lane Estevez, Emilio Ackland, Joss Sommer, Josef Kling, Heidi
Director: Herek, Stephen

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 104

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Gordon Bombay is a hotshot lawyer sentenced to community service after a D.U.I. Conviction. Grudgingly he takes on a sad Pee-Wee hockey team as coach. Sequels: "D2: The Mighty Ducks" and "D3: The Mighty Ducks." Shot in Technicolor. Rated BBFC PG by the British board of Film Classification. Additional cast members include Aaron Schwartz (Dave Karp); Garette Ratliff Henson (Guy Germaine); Marguerite Moreau (Connie); Jane Plank (Tammy); Jussie Smollett (Terry Hall) and Vincent A Larusso (Adam Banks). Copyright Buena Vista Pictures Distribution, Inc. An unruly group of kids needs a coach for their hockey team, and they end with a seemingly heartless exec who's looking to beat a drunk-driving rap by doing community service. After much trial and error, "Coach" teaches the boys that cooperation can help them overcome their opponents' superior skills and expertise. And along the way, their young instructor learns a few things about himself -- like the importance of family and friends.

The Mighty

The Mighty

Starring: Henson, Elden Culkin, Kieran Culkin, Kieran Anderson, Gillian Gandolfini, James Culkin, Kieran Henson, Elden
Director: Chelsom, Peter

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Drama
User Rating:
Running Time: 100

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Amazon.com Caught between the purest of intentions and unimaginative shortcuts to sentimentality, The Mighty is nevertheless rewarding enough to make it worth seeing. Kieran Culkin stars as Kevin, a terminally ill but spirited young boy who befriends a healthy but illiterate social outcast, Maxwell (Elden Henson). They realize that together they are a stronger, braver force than they are as individuals, and the various opportunities they have to confront persecutors and memories of their bad fathers are handled very effectively by director Peter Chelsom (a very original filmmaker who made the terrific Funny Bones). The curious adult casting includes Sharon Stone (a natural scene-stealer even when she doesn't intend it) as Kevin's saintly mother, and Gillian Anderson in a quite-unbelievable supporting role. Chelsom's lapses in judgment are not terribly significant (imaginary appearances by Camelot-era knights on horseback are the most annoying), though one could argue that a plot to kidnap one of the boys is a cheesy way to underscore the kids' redemptive loyalty to one another. Still, all in all, you can laugh and cry at this tale of rare friendship, and admire the sensitive performances by Chelsom's younger players. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

The Money Pit

The Money Pit

Starring: Hanks, Tom Long, Shelley Godunov, Alexander Stapleton, Maureen Joe Mantegna
Director: Benjamin, Richard

Rating: PG
Category: Comedy
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time:

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Amazon.com Steven Spielberg produced this underwhelming 1986 effort at a slapstick spin on Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. The pre-Oscar Tom Hanks stars with Shelley Long as a married couple whose efforts to finish construction on their home are sabotaged by costly and sporadically funny accidents. The unfinished domicile becomes a metaphor for their troubled relationship, as evidenced by Long's character's attraction to a madman violinist (Alexander Godunov). Hanks is the only reason at this point to check this film out. Richard Benjamin (My Favorite Year) directs but with no flair or distinction. --Tom Keogh. --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

The Net

The Net

Starring: McKinnon, Ray Bullock, Sandra Northam, Jeremy Breen, Danny Darga, Christopher Schorr, Daniel Brown, Kevin Amador, Andrew Amador, Andrew Perez, Tony
Director: Winkler, Irwin

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 114

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Angela Bennett (Sandra Bullock) is a beautiful but reclusive computer systems analyst who enjoys her lonely nights surfing the net and entering chat lines. When a friend sends her a disk infected with a curious bug, she is caught up in an internet nightmare when she tries out the new program. The "beta" program gains her access to some of the world's most sensitive databases, but her friend turns up dead and she discovers that her identity has been erased and she has been given a new one which proves her to be a criminal. She must then set out to find who is behind the nefarious plot. Director Irwin Winkler produced such film classics as ROCKY and GOODFELLAS. Color by Technicolor. Released theatrically in the USA on July 28, 1995, the film went on to gross $50.5 million domestically. Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification. Additional credits: Shannon M. Wilson (assistant director); Philip D. Schwartz (camera operator); Joe Quinlivan, Frank W. Schepler (special effects co-ordinators); Todd Aron Marks, Alex Mann, Harold Mann (computer consultants). When computer programmer Angela Bennett boots up some new software, she gets more than she expected -- she gets access to restricted government files. Very soon after, the colleague who had sent her the new program dies in a plane crash. The panicked Angela nevertheless decides to continue as planned and go on vacation to Mexico, where she meets a handsome computer hacker. But her "romantic conquest" cares only about her disc with the top-secret information. By the time Angela discovers his duplicity, and realizes she's in danger, it's too late: her visa is gone, her name and address and credit cards are wiped off the computer, and she's wanted for a number of violent crimes. In fact, as far as the net goes, she doesn't exist at all. Now, Angela must assume another person's name and past if she's ever going to get home and prove her true identity.

The NeverEnding Story II - The Next Chapter

The NeverEnding Story II - The Next Chapter

Starring: Brandis, Jonathan Morrison, Kenny Burt, Clarissa Johnes, Alexandra Martin Umbach
Director: Miller, George

Rating: PG
Category: Kids & Family
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 89

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Amazon.com Filled with a few imaginative moments and a child actor who looks like a miniaturized Sharon Stone, II isn't as neverending as the third headache in the series, but it's not on par with the original. Versions of Atreyu, the brave warrior, Rockbiter, and Falcor, that flying, pink, poodle-dragon, return to travel across the storybook world of Fantasia. This time our protagonist and reader, Bastian, is actually in the story the entire time instead of looking on from outside the pages. The interaction doesn't help, as it's the same crisis and the same story line (well, okay, he is reading the same book), but at least the film is not as unrelentingly melancholy as the first one either. Children may be frightened by the "giants," large dung beetles on two legs, that threaten our heroes. --Keith Simanton --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

The NeverEnding Story

The NeverEnding Story

Starring: Oliver, Barret Hathaway, Noah Stronach, Tami Gunn, Moses Patricia Hayes
Director: Petersen, Wolfgang

Rating: PG
Category: Kids & Family
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 92

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Amazon.com essential video Wolfgang Petersen (In the Line of Fire) made his first English-language film with this 1984 fantasy about a boy (Barret Oliver) visualizing the stories of a book he's reading. The imagined tale involves another boy, a warrior (Noah Hathaway), and his efforts to save the empire of Fantasia from a nemesis called the Nothing. Whether or not the scenario sticks in the memory, what does linger are the unique effects, which are not quite like anything else. Plenty of good fairy-tale characters and memorable scenes, and the film even encourages kids to read. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

The Parent Trap

The Parent Trap

Starring: O'Hara, Maureen Keith, Brian Ruggles, Charlie Merkel, Una Carroll, Leo G. Barnes, Joanna Mills, Hayley Nesbitt, Cathleen Nesbitt, Cathleen Mills, Hayley
Director: Swift, David

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 129

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Two long separated twin sisters meet unexpectedly at a summer camp where their divorced parents sent them. Together they hatch an ingenious plot to reunite their families. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Film Editing. Shot in Technicolor. A couple, planning to divorce, decides that each parent should get one of their twin daughters to raise. 14 years later, the two girls meet at summer camp -- and decide to switch places to see how the other half lives.

The Peacemaker

The Peacemaker

Starring: Kidman, Nicole Iures, Marcel Baluyev, Alexander Medvesek, Rene Werntz, Gary Batinkoff, Randall Haynie, Jim Strobele, Alexander Strobele, Alexander Boatman, Michael
Director: Leder, Mimi

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 122

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Brash Special Forces Intelligence Officer Thomas Devoe (Clooney) teams up with anti-smuggling official Dr. Julia Kelly (Kidman) to track down runaway nuclear bombs which have fallen into the dastardly hands of a Yugoslavian terrorist determined to draw attention to the slaughter in his former homeland by nuking midtown Manhattan. Clooney makes another run at action stardom, this time under the direction of his "ER" producer, Leder. Based on the writings of investigative journalists Andrew and Leslie Cockburn.

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride

Starring: Patinkin, Mandy Kane, Carol Crystal, Billy Sarandon, Chris Elwes, Cary Wright, Robin Savage, Fred André the Giant André the Giant Falk, Peter
Director: Reiner, Rob

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 98

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Director Rob Reiner breathes vividly colored cinematic life into William Goldman’s THE PRINCESS BRIDE, effectively evoking the wondrous, wide-eyed spirit of the witty 1973 novel. When a sick boy (Fred Savage) receives a visit from his doting grandfather (Peter Falk) who intends to read to him from his favorite book, he's not exactly pleased to be extracted from his world of video games. However, his mood quickly changes as he, along with the viewer, is transported to a place out of time--to Florin, a kingdom in the ultimate imaginary land, complete with dashing heroes, cowardly princes, rhyming giants, shrieking eels, rodents of unusual size, fancy swordfights, and yes...even some kissing. The lovely Buttercup (Robin Wright) learns that "As you wish" really means "I love you" when she falls for her charming farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes). While trying to seek his fortune, however, Westley disappears at sea, an apparent victim of the Dread Pirate Roberts, who takes no prisoners. A few years later, Buttercup, engaged to the oily Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), is kidnapped by an oddball trio of rogues--brains, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn); brawn, Fezzik (André the Giant); and sword, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin in a standout performance). As they sail away toward the Cliffs of Insanity, they notice the pursuit of a man in black...and the adventure begins. A clever fairy tale for all ages, THE PRINCESS BRIDE is arguably one of the funniest and most entertaining films of all time. Once upon a time, a feisty old grandfather told his bedridden grandson a tongue-in-cheek fairy tale... In the mythical kingdom of Florin, farm boy Westley rides off one day to make his fortune, leaving his true love, Buttercup, waiting patiently behind. Unfortunately, his ship is beset by pirates, and Buttercup grieves for many years, believing Westley dead. She reluctantly agrees to marry Prince Humperdinck, knowing that she will never love him. Humperdinck has his own plans for the marriage, however--he intends to have Buttercup kidnapped and murdered in order to set off a border war that will strengthen his power. But she is eventually rescued by a mysterious pirate, who turns out to be Westley in disguise. Their reunion does not last long, though, and the pair must face numerous obstacles before they can live happily ever after. Theatrical release: September 25, 1987. THE PRINCESS BRIDE was screened at the 1987 Toronto Festival of Festivals and London Film Festival. Shot at Lee International Studios in Shepperton, England, and in Ireland. Filming began August 1986, and was completed December 1986. Estimated budget: $16 million. Author William Goldman also wrote the screenplay for THE PRINCESS BRIDE. The film features early starring roles for Cary Elwes and Robin Wright. Wright later married actor-director Sean Penn, changing her name to Robin Wright Penn. Christopher Guest (Count Rugen) plays Nignel Tufnel in director Rob Reiner's THIS IS SPINAL TAP. The hat of Marty DiBergi (Reiner) from THIS IS SPINAL TAP appears on the boy's (Fred Savage) bedpost. THE PRINCESS BRIDE features the first (and only) sizeable film role for professional wrestler André the Giant. It's his only major appearance playing a character other than himself. Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits composed the music for the film. "Farm boy, fill these with water...please."--Buttercup (Robin Wright) "As you wish."--Westley (Cary Elwes) "Is this a kissing book?"--Grandson (Fred Savage) to his grandfather (Peter Falk) "I won't be seeing you again, since I'm killing myself once we reach the honeymoon suite."--Buttercup to the king (Willoughby Gray) "Won't that be nice..."--The king, obviously senile "No more rhymes now...I mean it!"--Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) "Anybody want a peanut?"--Fezzik (André the Giant) "Inconceivable!"--Vizzini "I admit it...you are better than I am."--Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), regarding Westley's swordfighting technique "Then why are you smiling?"--Westley "Because I know something you don't know."--Inigo "And what is that?"--Wes

The Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries

Starring: Andrews, Julie Hathaway, Anne Elizondo, Hector Matarazzo, Heather Moore, Mandy Goodall, Caroline von Detten, Erik Schwartzman, Robert Schwartzman, Robert
Director: Marshall, Garry

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 115

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Teen actress Anne Hathaway gives an endearing performance in Garry Marshall's delightful Disney comedy, THE PRINCESS DIARIES. Assisted by such seasoned pros as Julie Andrews and Hector Elizondo (a Marshall regular), Hathaway shines here in her first major film role. She plays Mia, a high school misfit who has resigned herself to social invisibility. Mia and her best friend, Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), are outcasts. While Lilly relishes the role, Mia just wishes a cute popular boy she likes, Josh (Erik von Detten), would notice her. Mia's life changes dramatically when her grandmother (Andrews) contacts her and Mia finds out she is heir to the throne of Genovia, a small European country between France and Spain. The klutzy, socially awkward girl doesn't think she's up to the job, but she agrees to be coached in regal manners by her grandmother before deciding if she wants to become a princess. Marshall (PRETTY WOMAN) is clearly in his element directing this light, charming teen comedy. Andrews, perfectly cast as Queen Clarisse Renaldi, makes her character seem both imperious and caring. Hathaway's performance and the presence of teen pop star Mandy Moore assure that young girls, in particular, will enjoy the film. Theatrical release: August 3, 2001

The Recruit

The Recruit

Starring: Moynahan, Bridget Pacino, Al Macht, Gabriel Farrell, Colin
Director: Donaldson, Roger

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 115

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James Clayton is fired up. A bartender by night and computer hacker in the few hours of daylight for which he manages to leave his water bed, the kid is flying high, on a roll with a laid-back lifestyle that suits him just fine. Played by an agile Colin Farrell, Clayton is also a heartthrob with his five o'clock shadow and chiseled pecks. A cushy job offer from Dell computers peaks his interest in securing a professional career, and at the same moment he meets Walter Burke (Al Pacino), a recruiter from the CIA. Though Clayton's better judgement tells him to stay away from the shady Burke, he is curious to learn whatever he can about his father, who was also a CIA agent, killed in the line of duty. Clayton is sent to an intensive CIA training camp called "The Farm," where he quickly learns the gravity of his decision as he undergoes gruelling tests of physical, mental, and psychological strength. His romantic interest in the gorgeous, tough-as-nails Layla (Bridget Moynahan), a fellow trainee, becomes a weakness as the pressure of the tests steadily increases. Finally, without warning, Clayton is thrown into action as he and Burke go head-to-head in a mission that is more dangerous than either of them realize. With top-notch performances from a sly Pacino and a pumped-up Farrell, THE RECRUIT's best moments come from the intensity resonating between its characters. In addition, the settings and training activities at "The Farm" give intriguing insights into CIA recruitment and initiation. Theatrical release: January 31, 2003

The Rescuers Down Under

The Rescuers Down Under

Starring: Newhart, Bob Gabor, Eva
Director: Gabriel, Mike

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 77

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The world's bravest mice, Bernard and Miss Bianca, answer a call for help from deep in the heart of Australia's vast and unpredictable outback! With a crazy crew of local critters, these top mouse agents rush to the aid of Cody, a young boy struggling to save a magnificent eagle from a ruthless poacher. Meanwhile, Bernard is getting jealous of Jake, a kangaroo mouse who takes quite a liking to Bianca. Theatrical release: November 16, 1990. THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER is the 29th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures. The Rescue Aid Society jumps back in action in this sequel to the popular Disney animated feature. When a deranged Australian hunter takes a magnificent golden eagle and a brave little boy hostage, those darling, daring mice, Miss Bianca and Bernard, take on the dangers of the outback in order to save them.

The Rock

The Rock

Starring: Kelly, Brendan Cage, Nicolas Connery, Sean Harris, Ed Biehn, Michael Bowe, David Forsythe, William Morse, David Morse, David Marcil, Vanessa
Director: Bay, Michael

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 136

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In Michael Bay's THE ROCK, gung-ho general Francis Hummel (Ed Harris), armed with deadly chemical rockets and aided by violent cohorts, takes over the island of Alcatraz, holding 81 tourists hostage. Hummel promises to deploy the missiles over San Francisco if Washington doesn't make amends to ignored combat victims to the tune of $100 million. A cadre of Navy SEALs are dispatched to quell the situation, assisted by the mysterious, macho John Mason (Sean Connery), the only man to ever escape from Alcatraz, who must now help the SEALs break back in. Joining them is mild-mannered chemical weapons expert Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage), who is unaccustomed to such things as guns and military maneuvers. Their high-octane mission is filled with surprises, particularly after Hummel and company quickly annihilate the SEALs--leaving Mason and Goodspeed to save the day all by themselves. Theatrical release: June 7, 1996. Coproduced by Don Simpson-Jerry Bruckheimer Films. Harry Humphries was the technical adviser on the film. This was the last film of high-living producer Don Simpson, who died on January 19, 1996, at the age of 52. Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer, his longtime producing partner, were known for their hugely successful, fast-paced, high-testosterone movies, including TOP GUN, the first two BEVERLY HILLS COP films, DAYS OF THUNDER, CRISOM TIDE and BAD BOYS. Known in Hollywood for his self-indulgent, wild (and self-destructive) lifestyle, Simpson died of an apparent drug overdose. The film is dedicated to him. Although he was one of the film's writers, Jonathan Hensleigh's name is not listed in the credits because of a decision by the Writers Guild of America. That decision made the film's director, Michael Bay, so angry that he wrote an open letter to the guild, labeling its arbitration process "a sham" and "a travesty." "Well, yeah, OK, that's just about the most awful thing I've ever seen."--Stanley Goodspeed (Nicolas Cage), after seeing a villain crushed to death "This isn't about terrorism, this is about justice."--Gen. Francis X. Hummel (Ed Harris), about his reason for taking hostages at Alcatraz "I'm too old for this."--John Patrick Mason (Sean Connery) A mild-mannered FBI chemical weapons expert and an aging prisoner who's the only man ever to have escaped from Alcatraz team up to rescue a group of tourists being held hostage on the Rock. The last film produced by the legendary Simpson-Bruckheimer team, this nonstop action-thriller packs an unrelenting pyrotechnic wallop.

The Rocketeer

The Rocketeer

Starring: Sorvino, Paul Dalton, Timothy Arkin, Alan Keats, Ele Campbell, Billy Connelly, Jennifer
Director: Johnston, Joe

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 109

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In 1936 Hollywood, a young pilot and his mentor friend stumble on a rocket pack. After figuring out how to use it, the pilot becomes a hero, sought after by newspapers, Howard Hughes, the FBI, the Mob and the Nazis. This romantic, old-fashioned film features a sweeping soundtrack by James Horner. Color by Technicolor; shot in Panavision widescreen. Budget estimate $40 million. Additional cast: Tiny Ron (Lothar), John Lavachielli (Rusty), and Eddie Jones (Bigelow). Mark Dindal was the "Nazi animation director." In the tense atmosphere preceding World War II, millionaire Howard Hughes develops the invention of the century: a high-powered mini jet-pack. Nazi agents steal a prototype of the device, but lose it on an isolated airstrip during a frantic chase by feds. Aspiring pilot Cliff Secord accidentally finds the pack, and soon he's zooming through the air, spinning, flipping and crashing into the occasional barn. But when Cliff uses it to rescue an unconscious pilot plummeting to his death, the press dubs him "the rocketeer" and Nazis are hot on his trail. Errol Flynnesque actor and Nazi agent Neville Sinclair hires gangsters to go after him. Devious Sinclair will stop at nothing to secure the invention for the fascists -- including kidnapping Cliff's girlfriend, Jenny. With flair and courage, Cliff dons his rocketeer outfit and saves the free world from the encroaching Nazi menace.

The Saint

The Saint

Starring: Shue, Elisabeth Kilmer, Val Smith, Adam Liggett, Agnieszka Kadanyov, Alexander Tiutin, Alexander A. Kazanskaya, Alla Armstrong, Alun Armstrong, Alun Whitrow, Benjamin
Director: Noyce, Phillip

Rating: PG-13
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Simon Templar (Val Kilmer), AKA The Saint, realizes his skill for trickery during his childhood in a Far East orphanage. He uses his natural born gifts, including a penchant for bizarre and effective disguises, to obtain things for people which they can not obtain themselves. When he is hired by a Russian crime boss (Rade Serbedzija, BEFORE TO RAIN) to use his chameleon-like abilities to lift the secrets of cold fusion from Oxford-based scientist Emma Russell (Elizabeth Shue), he has little idea he might fall in love with his victim--or be double-crossed by his snakelike employer. Based on the character created by author Leslie Chateris, which spawned dozens of novels and a popular 1960s British television series starring Roger Moore.

The Santa Clause

The Santa Clause

Starring: Reinhold, Judge Crewson, Wendy Boyle, Peter Lloyd, Eric Gross, Mary Allen, Tim Krumholtz, David Scott, Judith Scott, Judith Tamada, Paige
Director: Pasquin, John

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 97

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When Santa Claus gets killed in a freak accident after being startled on the rooftop of a house, it looks like Christmas is ruined. But fortunately, just before his death, the jolly, gift-giver passed the torch to ad executive Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), who finishes the job of bestowing holiday cheer on all. When he finally reaches on the North Pole, however, Scott learns that he can't give up the job -- he's become the next Santa Claus. (THAT'S the Santa Clause!). Scott returns home, only to find himself slowly changing into the pudgy, white-haired old man so beloved of children... and to find that everyone around him considers him utterly and completely mad. Feature film debut for TV star and comedian Tim Allen. Additional credits: Chris Danton (unit production manager), Alan Edmisten, Michael Johnson, & Marcel Saumure (assistant directors), Carolyn Soper (visual effects producer), Nikki Amorosino (special effects), and Barry R. Koper (key makeup). BBFC rated U by the British Board of Film Classification.

The Scorpion King

The Scorpion King

Starring: Duncan, Michael Clarke Heslov, Grant Rock, The Johnson, Dwayne Hill, Bernard Hu, Kelly Brand, Steven Brand, Steven Brand, Steven Hill, Bernard
Director: Russell, Chuck

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 92

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Wrestler-turned-actor The Rock gets his first starring role with THE SCORPION KING. A prequel to Stephen Sommers’ wildly successful THE MUMMY (1999) and THE MUMMY RETURNS (2001), THE SCORPION KING tells the action-packed story of Mathayus (Rock), an Akkadian assassin who is the only man strong enough to destroy the vile Memnon (Steven Brand). Memnon, a power hungry warlord, uses the prescience of Cassandra (Kelly Hu), a beautiful seer, to ensure an endless succession of victories. Understanding that to defeat Memnon one must first eliminate Cassandra, Mathayus journeys to Gomorrah to infiltrate Memnon’s palace and kill Cassandra. But when he lays eyes on the sultry beauty, he is unable to take her life. It isn’t long before sparks begin flying and Cassandra is using her powers to aid Mathayus and his cohorts, including the bumbling Arpid (Grant Heslov), and Balthazar (Michael Clark Duncan), a powerful tribe leader who is also looking for a way to end Memnon’s reign. Ignoring a vision from Cassandra that predicts his death, Mathayus charges into battle nonetheless, hoping to silence Memnon once and for all. Playing the sensitive, courageous hero, The Rock proves that his appeal is not only relegated to the small screen. Theatrical release: April 19, 2002

The Son-In-Law

The Son-In-Law

Starring: Shore, Pauly Gugino, Carla Smith, Lane Pickett, Cindy Mason Adams
Director: Rash, Steve

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 96

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A fun and funky college student from the big city is invited by a beautiful straightlaced college co-ed to spend Thanksgiving vacation at her parents' midwest farm. Does he shock them with his offbeat habits or will he win them over? "He's a relative nightmare." -- marketing line for the film It's initially a culture clash of cataclysmic proportions when wild-man Crawl visits the rural midwestern family of his new friend Rebecca. But soon Crawl has become best of friends with Rebecca's family and is right at home on the farm. But Rebecca's old boyfriend Travis is none too pleased with this out-of-town invader, and he's got a few plans that just might spoil Rebecca and Crawl's vacation. Pauly Shore rose to fame on his own MTV show, "Totally Pauly." He is known for having invented a kind of "Wayne and Garth," valley boy-dialect known as "dudespeak." Rated MPAA PG-13, running time 95 minutes. Rated BBFC 12 by the British Board of Film Classification.

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music

Starring: Plummer, Christopher Haydn, Richard Wood, Peggy Andrews, Julie Parker, Eleanor Varden, Norma Menzies, Heather Hammond, Nicholas Hammond, Nicholas Wright, Ben
Director: Wise, Robert

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category:
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Running Time: 174

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Shot in Salzburg against the majestic Bavarian Alps, THE SOUND OF MUSIC is considered one of the greatest screen musicals ever made. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise), the film, based on a real family and their true events, tells the story of a young postulate, Maria (Julie Andrews), who, after proving too high-spirited for the Mother Abess and other nuns, is sent off to work as a governess to seven unruly children. The Von Trapp family is run, in military style, by the seemingly cold-hearted Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a lonely widowed naval officer. Seeing how badly he and his children need companionship, he proposes to the Baroness Schraeder (Eleanor Parker), a calculating, mutual friend of beloved family friend Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn). It is the baroness who soon realizes that it's Maria--with her warmth and love for the children--the captain really loves. It is nearly bliss for the newly formed family who loves to sing together--except for the cloud looming over their beloved Austrian horizon: Hitler is ascending to power, forcing Von Trapp to decide whether to join the Nazi party--which he loathes--or force his family to leave their home forever. One of the most memorable scores ever written (by Rodgers and Hammerstein) and breathtaking performances by Andrews, Plummer, and the seven children mark this classic as one of the world's most favorite films. This classic musical set amid the splendor of Austria's Alps chronicles a young governess's budding romance with her employer and the family's daring flight from Nazi rule. Academy Award Nominations: 10, including Best Actress--Julie Andrews. Academy Awards: 5, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound, Best (Adapted) Score, Best Editing. Much of the footage was shot in Salzburg, where director Robert Wise spent 11 weeks filming against the backdrop of the majestic Bavarian Alps. The performance scene at the Salzburg Festival was shot in the spectacular Felsenreitschule, or the Rocky Riding School. The musical ran on Broadway for three and a half years, starring Mary Martin as Maria. Marni Nixon, who plays Sister Sophia in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, has lent her vocal cords to many film stars. Nixon's singing voice was used in place of Audrey Hepburn's in MY FAIR LADY, for Natalie Wood's in WEST SIDE STORY, and for Deborah Kerr's in THE KING AND I. Her brief role as Sister Sophia in this film marks her first onscreen appearance. "Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens...these are a few of my favorite things."--Maria (Julie Andrews), singing to the children "Do, a deer, a female deer. Ray, a drop of golden sun. Me, a name I call myself. Fa, a long, long way to run."--Maria and the children, learning to sing together "Edelweiss, Edelweiss, every morning you greet me. Soft and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me."--Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), singing to the children (a song now used as the Austrian National Anthem)

The Spy Who Loved Me

The Spy Who Loved Me

Starring: Bach, Barbara Jurgens, Curt Kiel, Richard Munro, Caroline Gotell, Walter Moore, Roger Keen, Geoffrey Llewelyn, Desmond Llewelyn, Desmond
Director: Gilbert, Lewis

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 125

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THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, the 10th film in the James Bond series, ventures not only into the depths of the ocean but into the deep topic of betrayal and morality as well, placing it among the boldest of the 007 films. James Bond (Roger Moore) is coupled with Russian agent Anya "Triple-X" Amasova (Barbara Bach) to recover stolen Soviet submarines from evil oceanographer Carl Stromberg (Curt Jurgens) and his gigantic lackey, Jaws (Richard Kiel). When Triple-X learns that Bond killed her husband on a mission in the Alps, she must overcome her selfish notions of revenge and work with 007 for the good of the world. In addition to the Bond staple of girls and gadgetry, the film features beautifully shot footage of the Austrian Alps, Venice, and the Egyptian pyramids. Furthermore, director Lewis Gilbert uses the film to push the cinematic envelope with stunning underwater action sequences, that leave the viewer gasping for air and a vodka martini--shaken, not stirred. This rousing thriller features Agent 007 teaming up with a seductive Russian agent in an attempt to stop a madman's plot for world destruction. Standing in Bond's way is a giant named Jaws. Theatrical release: August 1997. Filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, under total secrecy, helped light the supertanker scene, since cinematographer Claude Renoir's vision was failing. The supertanker set was built on the largest soundstage in the world, which cost $1 million to construct. "Now I want you to take good care of this equipment."--Q (Desmond Llewelyn) to James Bond (Roger Moore) "Have I ever let you down, Q?"--James Bond "Frequently!"--Q

The Sweetest Thing

The Sweetest Thing

Starring: Applegate, Christina Jane, Thomas Bateman, Jason Blair, Selma Diaz, Cameron Posey, Parker
Director: Kumble, Roger

Rating: PG-13
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 90

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Where can a girl who is usually the heartbreaker find the perfect guy? For Christina Walters (Cameron Diaz), the answer is the San Francisco nightclub where she meets Peter Donahue (Thomas Jane). Unfortunately, their meeting is fleeting and this quintessential hip party girl is left in unfamiliar territory--smitten by a total stranger. Determined to see her best friend happy, Courtney Rockliffe (Christina Applegate) takes Christina on a road trip to Peter's sleepy California hometown in search of the man of her dreams. In the meantime, Christina's roommate, the just-dumped Jane Burns (Selma Blair), engages in her own lusty pursuits. Diaz and Applegate have great chemistry and are utterly believable as best friends. The script by Nancy M. Pimental, who wrote for South Park, blends raunchy humor and sentimentality, both of which are complimented by a healthy dose of sight gags. Directed by Roger Kumble (CRUEL INTENTIONS), THE SWEETEST THING is an amusing--albeit somewhat crude--look at what people will do for love. The film also features Jason Bateman in fine form as Peter's brother, indie queen Parker Posey as a bride-to-be, and a brief appearance by Applegate's real-life husband, actor Jonathan Schaech. Theatrical Release: APRIL 12, 2002

The Sword in the Stone

The Sword in the Stone

Starring: Swenson, Karl Alden, Norman Cabot, Sebastian Wentworth, Martha Sorenson, Ricky Napier, Alan Matthews, Junius
Director: Reitherman, Wolfgang

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating:
Running Time: 79

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This classic Disney feature, based on the children's book by T.H. White, tells the story of Wart, a young boy in medieval England who runs into the eccentric wizard Merlin. The sorcerer decides to give the boy an education, and in the process the two have a series of magical adventures. In London, during medieval times, there was a large stone with a heavy sword imbedded in it. The man who could pull the sword from the stone would become king of England, but no man, despite his strength, was able to complete the deed. However, when a young lad named Wart appears, he just might be able to pull off the impossible.... Theatrical release: 1963. Rereleased 1972, 1983. THE SWORD IN THE STONE is the 18th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney Pictures.

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments

Starring: Baxter, Anne Wilcoxon, Henry De Carlo, Yvonne Anderson, Judith Warner, H.B. Robinson, Edward G. Paget, Debra Foch, Nina Foch, Nina Scott, Martha
Director: DeMille, Cecil B.

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 220

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This spectacular biblical epic from legendary showman Cecil B. DeMille tells the story of Moses from his infancy to the triumphant moment when he led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. The film begins as the pharaoh's daughter (Yvonne De Carlo) discovers the abandoned infant Moses and takes him to the shelter of her family. Charlton Heston stars as the young man raised by the pharaoh as an Egyptian prince. Moses is righteous and kind, the favored successor to the kingdom, which results in the deep-seated jealousy of Prince Rameses (Yul Brynner). Rameses and Moses compete for the throne and the love of the young princess, Nefretiri (Anne Baxter), until Moses learns the truth about his origins and joins the Jewish slaves in their fight for freedom. After receiving the Ten Commandments from God, Moses helps free the Jews from the pharaoh's tyrannical rule, surmounting all obstacles in his way--including the parting of the Red Sea, in one of the movie's most famous scenes. Cecil B. DeMille's extravagant final film--and remake of his silent 1923 version--is a legendary combination of the master showman's love of historical realism, spectacle, lavish scenic design, and dizzying crowd sequences. The exodus alone is a stunning feat of modern cinema, featuring thousands of actors trekking through the arid desert as Pharaoh's chariots chase after them. This 1956 extravaganza is Cecil B. DeMille's remake of his own 1923 film. It was his final film. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1999. The infant Moses is portrayed by Fraser Heston, Charlton's real-life son. In July 1995, the fiberglass tablets (containing the commandments) that Charlton Heston carried in the film were auctioned off for $81,700 at Christie's. Cecil B. DeMille also appears in a brief prologue discussing the film. In HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART ONE, Mel Brooks, portraying Moses, comes down from the mountain with three tablets containing 15 commandments but drops one of them. This Cecil B. DeMille epic tells the story of Moses, from his infancy to the triumphant moment when he led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. The film begins as the Pharaoh's daughter discovers the abandoned infant Moses and takes him to the shelter of her family. Although the Pharaoh raises him as an Egyptian prince, Moses joins the Jews after learning the truth about his origins. After receiving the Ten Commandments from God, Moses helps free the Jews from the Pharaoh's tyrannical rule, surmounting all obstacles in his way--including the parting of the Red Sea, in one of the movie's most famous scenes. "Let my people go!"--Moses (Charlton Heston) to Pharaoh (Yul Brynner)

The Thomas Crown Affair

The Thomas Crown Affair

Starring: Russo, Rene Brosnan, Pierce Leary, Denis Gazzara, Ben Keating, Charles Weaver, Fritz Brosnan, Pierce Margolis, Mark Margolis, Mark
Director: McTiernan, John

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 120

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Thomas Crown (Pierce Bronson) is a self-made billionaire who can buy anything he wants and is irresistible to women. But there are some things that money can't buy. Thomas Crown has run out of challenges. When an alarm sounds at a a world class museum and someone walks out with a priceless Monet, Crown is the last person the New York police suspect. Who would steel something he could easily afford to buy and why would he? But one person suspects him: Catherine Banning (Renne Ruso), the brilliant female investigator hired to retrieve the painting no matter what it takes. Catherine loves the chase as much as he does and she's on to his game. Crown has found his challenge. THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR is based on the 1968 movie with the same title staring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunnaway. Faye Dunaway, who was the female detective in the original 1968 version, plays a psychologist in this version.

The Three Musketeers

The Three Musketeers

Starring: O'Donnell, Chris Platt, Oliver Curry, Tim De Mornay, Rebecca Sutherland, Kiefer Wincott, Michael Sheen, Charlie
Director: Herek, Stephen

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 105

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The Musketeers, 16th Century defenders of the French monarch, have just been disbanded by the duplicitous Cardinal Richelieu. Now only three of them remain--Athos, Prothos and Aramis--to stand in the way of Richelieu who's plotting to overthrow the young King and assume the throne. Barely post-pubescent, His Royal Highness is extremely vulnerable to Richelieu's elaborate political machinations; but fortunately, D'Artagnan, a young man longing to join forces with the Musketeers, happens along. D'Artagnan's worldly idealism and reverence for the Musketeers infuses the trio with a renewed sense of importance as they unite one for all and all for one. The classic adventure tale updated, with soundtrack music by Sting, Bryan Adams and Rod Stewart. "I may not wear a tunic, but I believe I have the heart of a musketeer." -- Chris O'Donnell (D'Artagnan) "All for one... and more for me! -- Cardinal Richelieu (Tim Curry) The Musketeers, 16th-century defenders of the French monarch, have just been disbanded by the duplicitous Cardinal Richelieu. Now only three of them remain -- Athos, Prothos and Aramis -- to stand in the way of Richelieu who's plotting to overthrow the young King and assume the throne. Barely post-pubescent, His Royal Highness is extremely vulnerable to Richelieu's elaborate political machinations; but fortunately, D'Artagnan, a young man longing to join forces with the Musketeers, happens along. D'Artagnan's worldly idealism and reverence for the Musketeers infuses the trio with a renewed sense of importance as they unite one for all and all for one. Shot on Eastmanfilm, Technicolor prints, Panavision equipment, and on location in Austria. The film is replete with real castles and indigenous foliage. Some scenes were also filmed in Cornwall, England. Co-produced by One for All, in association with Caravan Pictures, Wolfgang Odelga Filmproduktion and Vienna Film Financing Fund. Additional credits: Michael T. Ryan (music editor), Adolf Uhrmacher (makeup supervisor), Burke Matisson (title design), and Buena Vista Imaging (titles and opticals). Stunt doubles: Dan Speaker (Charlie Sheen) and Jimmy McConnell (Kiefer Sutherland). This is the 5th film made from Alexandre Dumas' tale. Among the two best known versions are George Sidney's 1948 movie, which starred Gene Kelly as D'Artagnan and Richard Lesler's high-spirted comic romp made in 1973. "The Three Musketeers" was directed by Stephen Herek who also directed "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" and "The Mighty Ducks." This version of "The Three Musketeers" is being called the `Tiger Beat' rendition of a much revived classic because of its youthful stars. But lately this seems to be the norm, as many classics are remade for the younger generation. Take Kenneth Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing," as another example. According to "Premiere" the producers originally approached Brad Pitt for the role of D'Artagnan, but when he declined, producer Joe Roth approached Chris O'Donnell. O'Donnell, whose film credits include: "Men Don't Leave," "Fried Green Tomatoes," "School Ties" and "Scent of a Woman," is the latest addition to Hollywood's brat pack. He supposedly earned $500,000 for the part in "The Three Musketeers." O'Donnell, however, was an outsider among co-stars Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, and Oliver Platt. Kiefer and Charlie worked together previously when making "Young Guns," and Oliver and Kiefer made "Flatliners" together. Charlie Sheen reportedly earned $3.5 million dollars for the part of Aramis. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification.

The Tigger Movie

The Tigger Movie

Starring: Cummings, Jim
Director: Falkenstein, Jun

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 76

Color Digitally Mastered

Tigger, one of the cartoon world's most famous characters, makes the jump to the big screen in THE TIGGER MOVIE. When Tigger doesn't appear to want to help the gang build a home for Eeyore, the donkey, Rabbit suggests he leave them behind and spend some time with other "tiggers." Convinced that he's the only Tigger in the world, he goes on a quest to find out if he is, in fact, an original, eventually learning a very valuable lesson in the process: there's no place like home. Featuring songs by the Sherman Brothers (MARY POPPINS, THE JUNGLE BOOK). Both the VHS and DVD releases include a special music video by Kenny Loggins.

The Time Machine

The Time Machine

Starring: Mumba, Samantha Irons, Jeremy Addy, Mark Pearce, Guy Law, Phyllida Jones, Orlando Guillory, Sienna Mumba, Omero Mumba, Omero
Director: Wells, Simon

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 96

Color Digitally Mastered

This adaptation of the classic sci-fi adventure tale by H.G. Wells, directed by Simon Wells (the great-grandson of the author), stars Guy Pearce as Alex Hartdegen, an absent-minded New York professor preoccupied with what passes for technology at the turn of the 20th century. However, the one thing that can distract him from his calculations is his love for Emma (Sienna Guillory), his bride-to-be. When tragedy strikes and he loses Emma, Alex uses the time-travelling machine that he's built in secret to change the present by going into the past. When that fails to alter fate, he leaps forward in time, eventually landing 800,000 years in the future, an era where humanity has splintered into two races--the docile Eloi and the ferocious Morlocks. There Alex befriends two of the Eloi (Samantha and Omero Mumba) and attempts to help them resist almost certain death at the hands of the Morlocks. Like Pearce's character, this version of the novel is fascinated with technology and uses a daunting array of special effects. The fast-paced film was apparently not made without incident--Wells reportedly had a nervous breakdown during the shoot and was temporarily replaced by director Gore Verbinski (THE MEXICAN) for some scenes. Regardless of production difficulties, THE TIME MACHINE is an engaging spectacle that's anchored by Pearce and enhanced by the commanding appearance of Jeremy Irons. Theatrical release: March 8, 2002

The Towering Inferno

The Towering Inferno

Starring: McQueen, Steve Newman, Paul Holden, William Dunaway, Faye Astaire, Fred McEvoy, Carol Carlena Gower
Director: Guillermin, John

Rating: PG
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 165

Color Stereo

Amazon.com essential video Disaster movies used to work because there was little certainty as to who would survive. Not so in this film, really an amalgam of two original stories, about a group of well-to-do celebrants at the top floor of a skyscraper. Cheapo electrical wiring and bad construction management cause an enormous blaze at the lower floors, steadily rising to consume the revelers. Newman's an architect, McQueen a firefighter, and Fred Astaire a kind old gentleman, for which he was Oscar-nominated. O.J. Simpson plays a security guard who rescues a cat. Now that's a disaster. --Keith Simanton

The Untouchables

The Untouchables

Starring: Costner, Kevin Connery, Sean Smith, Charles Martin Garcia, Andy Robert De Niro
Director: Palma, Brian De

Rating: R
Category: Crime
User Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 119

Color 5.1/SS

Like the TV series that shared the same title, The Untouchables (1987) was an account of the battle between gangster Al Capone and lawman Eliot Ness, this time in the form of a feature film boasting big stars, a big budget, and a script from respected playwright David Mamet. Kevin Costner stars as Ness, a federal agent who has come to Chicago during the Prohibition Era, when corruption in the local police department is rampant. His mission is to put crime lord Capone (Robert DeNiro) out of business, but Capone is so powerful and popular that Ness is not taken seriously by the law or the press. One night, discouraged, he meets a veteran patrolman, Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery), and discovers that the acerbic Irishman is the one honest man he's been seeking. Malone has soon helped Ness recruit a gunslinger rookie, George Stone (Andy Garcia) and, joined by nebbish accountant Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), the men doggedly pursue Capone and his illegal interests. At first a laughingstock, Ness soon has Capone outraged over his and Malone's sometimes law-bending tactics, and the vain mobster strikes back in vicious style. Ultimately, it is the most unexpected and minor of crimes, tax evasion, which proves Capone's undoing. All of the credits for The Untouchables boasted big names, including music from Ennio Morricone and costumes by Giorgio Armani. Director Brian DePalma continued his tradition of including a homage to past masters of the cinema with a taut stairway shoot-out reminiscent of a similar sequence in Sergei Eisenstein's The Battleship Potemkin (1925). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide Brian DePalma's strikingly authentic re-creation of 1930s gangster films and Prohibition-era Chicago is dominated by the performance of Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winner Sean Connery as Jim Malone. Malone's mentorship of Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner), guiding him from his initial, Dudley Do Right-esque altruism to a more grimly realistic law enforcement agent, gives the film its emotional anchor. Costner's white-bread Ness and DeNiro's grandiose Capone pale in comparison to the charismatic Connery. Ennio Morricone's lush score and Stephen H. Burum's classy, high-gloss cinematography may romanticize the oft-gruesome violence, but both are well-suited to the approach taken by screenwriter David Mamet, who attempts to raise the pulp features from the original TV drama to high art. The film climaxes in a Grand Central Station shootout that is DePalma's stylish homage to the "Odessa steps" sequence in director Sergei Eisenstein's seminal Battleship Potemkin. ~ Dan Jardine, All Movie Guide Brian DePalma's strikingly authentic re-creation of 1930s gangster films and Prohibition-era Chicago is dominated by the performance of Best Supporting Actor Oscar-winner Sean Connery as Jim Malone. Malone's mentorship of Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner), guiding him from his initial, Dudley Do Right-esque altruism to a more grimly realistic law enforcement agent, gives the film its emotional anchor. Costner's white-bread Ness and DeNiro's grandiose Capone pale in comparison to the charismatic Connery. Ennio Morricone's lush score and Stephen H. Burum's classy, high-gloss cinematography may romanticize the oft-gruesome violence, but both are well-suited to the approach taken by screenwriter David Mamet, who attempts to raise the pulp features from the original TV drama to high art. The film climaxes in a Grand Central Station shootout that is DePalma's stylish homage to the "Odessa steps" sequence in director Sergei Eisenstein's seminal Battleship Potemkin. ~ Dan Jardine, All Movie Guide

The Witches of Eastwick

The Witches of Eastwick

Starring: Nicholson, Jack Cher Sarandon, Susan Pfeiffer, Michelle Veronica Cartwright
Director: (II), George Miller

Rating: R
Category: Comedy
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 118

Color Dolby

Amazon.com Jack Nicholson was born to play the devil, and in George Miller's adaptation of John Updike's novel he plays it for all he's worth. As a wolfish womanizer summoned by three bored women in a picturesque New England town, he's sating all of his appetites with a rakish grin. Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer play the women who discover their untapped magical powers by accident. The smart and sexy singles, out of place in the conservatism of their village, find happiness, however briefly, in the arms and bed of the libidinous devil, but he's got his own ulterior motives. Miller revels in the sensual display of sex, food, and magic, whipping up a storm of effects that finally get out of hand in an overblown ending. It's a handsome film with strong performances all around, but the mix of anarchic comedy and supernatural horror doesn't always gel and Miller seems to lose the plot in his zeal for cinematic excitement. The performances ultimately keep the film aloft: the hedonistic joy that Nicholson celebrates with every leering gaze and boorish vulgarity is almost enough to make bad form and chauvinism cool. --Sean Axmaker --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz

Starring: Haley, Jack Bolger, Ray Lahr, Bert Garland, Judy Burke, Billie Walshe, Pat Hamilton, Margaret Morgan, Frank Morgan, Frank Blandick, Clara
Director: Fleming, Victor

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : General
User Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 155

B&W and Color Digital Stereo

Amazon.com essential video When it was released during Hollywood's golden year of 1939, The Wizard of Oz didn't start out as the perennial classic it has since become. The film did respectable business, but it wasn't until its debut on television that this family favorite saw its popularity soar. And while Oz's TV broadcasts are now controlled by media mogul Ted Turner (who owns the rights), the advent of home video has made this lively musical a mainstay in the staple diet of great American films. Young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), her dog, Toto, and her three companions on the yellow brick road to Oz--the Tin Man (Jack Haley), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), and the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger)--have become pop-culture icons and central figures in the legacy of fantasy for children. As the Wicked Witch who covets Dorothy's enchanted ruby slippers, Margaret Hamilton has had the singular honor of scaring the wits out of children for more than six decades. The film's still as fresh, frightening, and funny as it was when first released. It may take some liberal detours from the original story by L. Frank Baum, but it's loyal to the Baum legacy while charting its own course as a spectacular film. Shot in glorious Technicolor, befitting its dynamic production design (Munchkinland alone is a psychedelic explosion of color and decor), The Wizard of Oz may not appeal to every taste as the years go by, but it's required viewing for kids of all ages. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Description When a nasty neighbor tries to have her dog put to sleep, Dorothy takes her dog Toto, to run away. A tornado appears and carries her to the magical land of oz. Wishing to return, she begins to travel to the city of Oz where a great wizard lives.

The Woman in Red

The Woman in Red

Starring: Radner, Gilda Le Brock, Kelly Wilder, Gene Grodin, Charles Huddleston, Michael Bologna, Joseph Ivey, Judith Wonder, Stevie Wonder, Stevie
Director: Wilder, Gene

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 86

Color Stereo

In this American remake of the 1977 French farce "Pardon Mon Affaire," Teddy Pierce (Gene Wilder) is a happily married man who gets into hot water when he becomes attracted to a beautiful model (Kelly Le Brock). He begins to pursue the "woman in red" as his married buddies -- who are each unfaithful to their own wives -- cheer him on. Teddy's attempts to woo the model without his family finding out causes some comic confusion -- and making the situation even more chaotic is a female coworker who is attracted to Teddy and begins to pursue him. Also featured is a top-of-the-charts soundtrack performed by Stevie Wonder and Dionne Warwick, including the Academy Award-winning song, "I Just Called To Say I Love You." In this American remake of the 1977 French farce "Pardon Mon Affaire," Teddy Pierce is a happily married man who gets into hot water when he becomes attracted to a beautiful model. He begins to pursue the "woman in red" as his married buddies -- who are each unfaithful to their own wives -- cheer him on. Teddy's attempts to woo the model without his family finding out causes some comic confusion -- and making the situation even more chaotic is a female co-worker who is attracted to Teddy and begins to pursue him. "Pardon Mon Affaire" was the American release title for the film on which "The Woman in Red" was based. The original French title was: "Un Eléphant Ça Trompe Enormement" ("An Elephant Can Be Extremely Deceptive"). Gilda Radner, who plays the role of Ms. Milner, was Gene Wilder's wife.

The World Is Not Enough

The World Is Not Enough

Starring: Cucinotta, Maria Grazia Richards, Denise Carlyle, Robert Marceau, Sophie Llewelyn, Desmond Bond, Samantha Dench, Judi Coltrane, Robbie Coltrane, Robbie Brosnan, Pierce
Director: Apted, Michael

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 127

Color Mono

Complete with ski chases, casino hijinks, high-tech gadgetry, and sultry women, the 19th installment in the James Bond franchise features the increasingly at-ease Pierce Brosnan in his third appearance as 007, in a race to save the world's oil supply. Sophie Marceau (BRAVEHEART) stars as Elektra King, the daughter of a murdered oil tycoon, while Robert Carlyle (THE FULL MONTY) plays one of the most unusual Bond villains ever: Renard, who is unable to feel pain because of a bullet lodged in his brain. Director Michael Apted, known for such films as COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER, was brought in to make the story more dramatic and facilitate the addition of more complex female characters. One of the fruits of Apted's involvement is that M (Judi Dench) gets to move from behind her desk, while curvy Denise Richards (WILD THINGS) gets to show off more than her figure. Dangerous stunt work, exhilarating action sequences, and a rousing theme song from alternative rock band Garbage make this a worthy addition to the 007 series. The film also marks the 17th and final appearance of Desmond Llewelyn as Q; John Cleese is introduced as Q's successor, R. Bond (Pierce Brosnan) must race to defuse an international power struggle with the world's oil supply hanging in the balance. Sophie Marceau is the sultry Elektra King, the daughter of a murdered oil tycoon whom Bond is assigned to protect. Robert Carlyle steps into the villain role of Renard, who can feel no pain, and Denise Richards is nuclear weapons expert Dr. Christmas Jones; John Cleese and Judi Dench also star. This installment is directed by Briton Michael Apted (GORILLAS IN THE MIST). Theatrical release: November 19, 1999. Shot on location in Azerbaijan, Turkey, the French Alps, and Spain. THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH grossed nearly $127 million at the domestic box office and more than $350 million worldwide. Pierce Brosnan wanted Apted to direct because Brosnan wanted to work with more challenging material. One thing that Apted tried to do was to get M more involved in the story. Apted also wanted the the villain to display more vulnerability and be more sympathetic than the typical Bond nemesis. At one point Apted considered having Bond talk about his personal history to Elektra King. However, the producers nixed the idea, explaining that one of the characteristics of Bond is that he never talks about himself. After working to make the female characters (M, Elektra, and Christmas Jones) more three-dimensional, Apted brought in coscreenwriter Bruce Feirstein (author of the books REAL MEN DON'T EAT QUICHE and NICE GUYS SLEEP ALONE) to add some of the more typical macho elements to the film. Employing up to three units operating simultaneously, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH is the biggest production Apted has had to manage, as well as the highest budgeted (it was three times that of EXTREME MEASURES). The Bond franchise has been going on for about as long as Apted's SEVEN UP series, making Apted a contributor to two of the longest running film projects in history. Many of the principal crew members have worked on Bond films before, ensuring continuity between each film. Bruce Feirstein has worked on 3 previous projects; production designer Peter Lamont, 15; stunt coordinator Simon Crane, 3; costume designer Lindy Hemming, 2; casting director Debbie McWilliams, 6; special effects supervisor Chris Corbould, 8; miniature effects supervisor John Richardson, 6; and music composer David Arnold, 1. THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH is the 15th Bond film to be shot at Pinewood Studios in England. Desmond Llewelyn, the only actor who has portrayed Q, died at the age of 85 in a car crash on December 19, 1999. Ever since GOLDEN EYE, Llewelyn had been talking about a way for his character to make a graceful exit from the Bond films. Coscreenwriter Bruce Feirstein explained in SALON, "It became sort of a running joke: Whenever we left a restaurant, he'd stuff a 10- or 12-page handwritten sequence into my pocket, each one detailing a new, ever more elaborate exit for his character." An option for Q to retire

Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends - Thomas' Christmas Wonderland (With Bonus CD Sampler)

Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends - Thomas' Christmas Wonderland (With Bonus CD Sampler)

Starring:
Director: Mitton, David

Rating: Unrated
Category: Music Video & Concerts : Artists : Beatles : Ringo Starr
User Rating:
Running Time:

Color Stereo

Amazon.com Thomas and his train-yard pals wouldn't pout if Christmases on the Island of Sodor were a little less white. In each of the six story stops that make up Thomas' Christmas Wonderland, snow stalls or otherwise threatens to sabotage the perky cargo pullers' holiday plans. Everybody's stuck in Snow, a new story narrated by Alec Baldwin, so Rusty lifts his fellow locomotives' spirits by relating the tale of the year Skarloey was sidelined by an avalanche. In "Thomas & the Missing Christmas Tree," Thomas is enlisted to pick up the village tree when severe snowdrifts leave him stranded on a remote stretch of track. The title character in the "Terence the Tractor" segment teaches a teary-eyed Thomas a thing or two about how his "ugly" Caterpillar wheels come in handy when the uncharacteristically arrogant engine sets off without his snowplow. And in "Special Funnel," Peter Sam is relieved of the other engines' constant ribbing when he's rewarded with a deluxe-model funnel after a monster icicle snaps his formerly wobbly one off. Rounding out this festive feature is "The Snow Song," a musical chug through decked-out village station stops that celebrates the title character's pluck: the little blue train finds his way "Whistle blowing / Yes, it's snowing." Fans of the series ought to waste no time climbing aboard, and newcomers will be relieved to discover a well-rounded introduction to a range of train-yard friends. Ages 3 to 6. --Tammy La Gorce --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Tom Thumb

Tom Thumb

Starring: Sellers, Peter Terry-Thomas Tamblyn, Russ Young, Alan Butterworth, Peter Matthews, Jessie Thorburn, June Miles, Bernard Miles, Bernard
Director: Pal, George

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 95

Color Digitally Processed

This lively musical comedy, adapted from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, will delight adults and children alike. When a woodcutter spares a special tree, the Forest Queen wants to repay his kindness. She bestows a precious gift upon the man and his wife, who have always longed for a child of their own--a wee boy named "tom thumb. Then a dastardly duo plots to rob the village...and the boy no bigger than the size of your thumb becomes a hero, outwitting the thieves and saving the town's riches. George Pal's version of TOM THUMB is a superb adaptation of the timeless children's story about a boy who is only a few inches tall. Russ Tamblyn (later to star as Riff in WEST SIDE STORY), singing and dancing his heart out, plays the title role, with Peter Sellers and Terry-Thomas as the pair of lovable bungling villains. Academy Awards: Best Special Effects. The deliberate lower-casing of the title is correct. George Pal won the Academy's Special Award (plaque) in 1943 for his development of Puppetoons, a novel method and technique for the production of short subjects. He produced the Academy Award-nominated cartoon "The Five Hundred Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins" in 1943. The miniature work in "tom thumb" is based on Pal's Puppetoon figures, and was filmed in Hollywood. Life-size filming took place in London. Tom Howard won the 1958 Academy Award for Best Special Effects. Shot in Eastmancolor. Additional cast: Ian Wallace (The Cobbler), Fred Spielman (song performer), Janice Torre (song performer), Kermit Goell (song performer). Additional credits: Kenneth V. Jones (score composer), Alex Romero (dance choreographer). Donald O'Connor wanted to play the title role, but MGM chose an actor already under contract to them. Previous versions of the tale have been published as "The History of Tom Thumb" by R. Johnson in 1621, and "Le Petit Poucet" by Perrault in 1697. A Galaxy Pictures/MGM production. Released theatrically in the UK December 24, 1958.

Tombstone

Tombstone

Starring: Heston, Charlton Russell, Kurt Kilmer, Val Delany, Dana Elliott, Sam Mitchum, Robert Paxton, Bill Biehn, Michael Biehn, Michael
Director: Cosmatos, George P.

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $20
User Rating: 3 Stars
Running Time: 130

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Arizona, 1879. Legendary Dodge City marshall Wyatt Earp, his wife Mattie and his brothers Virgil and Morgan just rode into Tombstone. These veteran frontiersmen hope to open a small business and settle into a quiet life. But they get more than they bargained for: Tombstone is a lawless municipality inhabited by a bunch of carousing locals. To make matters worse, the entire village is victimized by a gang of infamous outlaws. Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan may be the only formidable force around to confront them head-on. "Tombstone" was written by "Glory" screenwriter Kevin Jarre, who was originally slated to direct. George Pan Cosmatos ("Rambo: First Blood, Part II") replaced him. Kevin Costner was still working on his version of the Wyatt Earp story for Warner Bros. (directed by Lawrence Kasdan) when "Tombstone" was released December 25, 1993. Jarre told reporters that Costner's film was initially slated to "crush my picture." Jarre was afraid his picture wouldn't get made but a William Morris agent got Russell to star in the film (even if Russell was a client of the Creative Artists Agency); after that, the rest of the cast quckly fell into place. Budget estimate $25 million. Filmed in location in Tucson, Arizona, in Technicolor and Panavision. Rated MPAA R, running time 127 minutes. Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification. Arizona, 1879. Legendary Dodge City marshall Wyatt Earp, his wife Mattie and his brothers Virgil and Morgan just rode into Tombstone. These veteran frontiersmen hope to open a small business and settle into a quiet life. But they get more than they bargained for: Tombstone is a lawless municipality inhabited by a bunch of carousing locals. To make matters worse, the entire village is victimized by a gang of infamous outlaws. Wyatt, Virgil and Morgan may be the only formidable force around to confront them head-on.

Tommy Boy

Tommy Boy

Starring: Spade, David Derek, Bo Farley, Chris Dennehy, Brian Grenier, Zach Lowe, Rob Warner, Julie Aykroyd, Dan Aykroyd, Dan
Director: Segal, Peter

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 98

Color Mono

After Tommy (Chris Farley) barely graduates from college, he returns home to the midwest where his father (Brian Dennehy), the owner of an auto parts factory, immediately employs his dumber than dumb son. While Tommy was away at school, his father had fallen in love with a beautiful woman (Bo Derek) and now desires to marry her. During the wedding ceremony, however, Tommy's dad tragically dies from a heart attack, which puts the company's -- and its 300 employees' -- future at stake. It is up to Tommy to use any available intelligence to keep his father's factory from going under. This road comedy uses the seriously comedic chemistry between the late Farley and his SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE buddy David Spade to brilliant effect. Filmed in Panavision; Deluxe. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. After seven years of college finally yields a degree, a dim-witted party animal returns to work at his father's company, only to be forced on the road with an anal-retentive numbers-cruncher to try to save the failing business.

Tomorrow Never Dies

Tomorrow Never Dies

Starring: Pryce, Jonathan Yeoh, Michelle Hatcher, Teri Jay, Ricky Otto, Gotz Baker, Joe Don Schiavelli, Vincent Dench, Judi Dench, Judi Bond, Samantha
Director: Spottiswoode, Roger

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 119

Color Stereo

In TOMORROW NEVER DIES, British super-spy James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) goes after a ruthless media baron, Elliot Carver--an amalgam of Ted Turner, Rupert Murdoch, and Bill Gates--played with feisty aplomb by Jonathan Pryce. Carver's diabolical plan is to instigate World War III so that his empire can obtain exclusive coverage (a la CNN during the Gulf War). This time, 007 must endure the sorrow of love lost as he shares a nostalgic interlude with his ex-lover Paris (Teri Hatcher) who is now married to his nemesis, Carver. He also discovers a worthwhile partner in a female Chinese counterpart, Wai Lin (Hong Kong action diva Michelle Yeoh). Noteworthy for its unabashed commercial product placement, TOMORROW NEVER DIES follows the sharp direction of Roger Spottiswoode.

Top Gun

Top Gun

Starring: Cruise, Tom McGillis, Kelly Pasdar, Adrian Edwards, Anthony Tubb, Barry Gilyard Jr., Clarence Tolkan, James Stockwell, John Stockwell, John Ironside, Michael
Director: Scott, Tony

Rating: PG
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 109 minutes

Color Dolby

Amazon.com essential video Jingoism, beefcake, military hardware, and a Giorgio Moroder rock score reign supreme over taste and logic in this Tony Scott film about a maverick trainee pilot (Tom Cruise) who can't follow the rules at a Navy aviation training facility. The dogfight sequences between American and Soviet jets at the end are absolutely mechanical, though audiences loved it at the time. The love story between Cruise's character and that of Kelly McGillis is like flipping through pages of advertising in a glossy magazine. This designer action movie from 1986 would be all the more appalling were it not for the canny casting of good actors in dumb parts. Standouts include Anthony Edwards--who makes a nice impression as Cruise's average-Joe pal--and the relatively unknown Meg Ryan in a small but memorable appearance. The DVD release has optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, optional French soundtrack, optional Spanish subtitles, and closed captioning. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Total Recall (1990)

Total Recall (1990)

Starring: Schwarzenegger, Arnold Stone, Sharon Stone, Sharon Cox, Ronny Michael Ironside
Director: Verhoeven, Paul

Rating: R
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 1 Hour 53 Minutes

Color Dolby

Amazon.com essential video This science fiction blockbuster from 1990 began its production life as a very different movie than the one that was released. An adaptation of the Philip K. Dick short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale," Total Recall was originally conceived of with Richard Dreyfuss starring as a Walter Mitty-like character who experiences a variety of artificially induced fantasies. The movie we know is a mega-budget action epic set on Mars. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a normal working man who discovers that his entire reality has been invented to conceal a plot of planetary domination. Oscar-winning special effects and violent action propel the twisting plot, in which Arnold manipulates his manipulators in a world of dazzling high technology. Director Paul Verhoeven (Robocop) indulges his usual penchant for gratuitous bloodshed, but the movie has enough cleverness to rise above its excesses. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the DVD edition.

Toy Story 2

Toy Story 2

Starring: Hanks, Tom Allen, Tim
Director: Lasseter, John

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 92

Color Digitally Mastered

In this dazzling sequel to the 1995 blockbuster, Andy heads off to summer camp, leaving the toys behind to fend for themselves. In much the same way Buzz discovered he is a mass-produced product in the first installment, Woody discovers that he is a valuable collectible spawned by a popular 1950s kiddie-puppet TV show, "Woody's Roundup Gang," when he is kidnapped by an evil toy collector, Al McWhiggin. Through Al, who plans to sell him to a Japanese toy museum, Woody is reunited with the toy versions of his TV cohorts--plucky cowgirl Jessie (Cusack), prospector Stinky Pete (Grammer), and trusty horse Bullseye. Woody must choose between seeing Andy grow up and forsake him and living a sterile but eternal life behind glass being admired--but not played with. Meanwhile, the rest of the original toy troupe undergoes a thrilling crosstown adventure to locate their kidnapped friend and restore him his rightful owner. Extremely entertaining, surprisingly touching, endlessly thrilling eye candy for anyone of any age. Golden Globe Winner: Best Motion Picture--Musical or Comedy. Includes outtakes and bonus short, "Luxo Jr.," plus a sneak preview of Disney/Pixar's MONSTERS INC. Randy Newman's song "When She Loved Me" won a Grammy for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. Philip French of The Guardian (U.K.) named TOY STORY 2 one of the 10 best movies of 2000.

Toy Story/Toy Story 2

Toy Story/Toy Story 2

Starring: Story, Toy
Director: Lasseter, John

Rating: G (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Animation
User Rating:
Running Time: 546

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Amazon.com Toy Story There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing, reawakening the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts (namely Knickknack and Tin Toy, which can be found on the Pixar video Tiny Toy Stories) illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humor--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney. Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. --Doug Thomas Toy Story 2 John Lasseter and his gang of high-tech creators at Pixar create another entertainment for the ages. Like the few great movie sequels, Toy Story 2 comments on why the first one was so wonderful while finding a fresh angle worthy of a new film. The craze of toy collecting becomes the focus here, as we find out Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is not only a beloved toy to Andy but also a rare doll from a popular '60s children's show. When a greedy collector takes Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) launches a rescue mission with Andy's other toys. To say more would be a crime because this is one of the most creative and smile-inducing films since, well, the first Toy Story. Although the toys look the same as in the 1994 feature, Pixar shows how much technology has advanced: the human characters look more human, backgrounds are superior, and two action sequences that book-end the film are dazzling. And it's a hoot for kids and adults. The film is packed with spoofs, easily accessible in-jokes, and inspired voice casting (with newcomer Joan Cusack especially a delight as Cowgirl Jessie). But as the Pixar canon of films illustrates, the filmmakers are storytellers first. Woody's heart-tugging predicament can easily be translated into the eternal debate of living a good life versus living forever. Toy Story 2 also achieved something in the U.S. two other outstanding 1999 animated features (The Iron Giant, Princess Mononoke) could not: it became a huge box-office hit. --Doug Thomas DVD features Not only are the folks at Pixar smart, fun filmmakers, they understand the promise of DVD. The Ultimate Toy Box is a scrapbook of "ideas, art, and effort" behind the two landmark films. Both films are presented in their original widescreen (1.77:1) format with commentaries from director John Lasseter and his fellow filmmakers, but the real treasure is the third disc of background information from both movies. This includes the history, story design, animation, music, and publicity of each film.... read more

Tron

Tron

Starring: Boxleitner, Bruce Bridges, Jeff Warner, David Shor, Dan Morgan, Cindy Hughes, Barnard
Director: Lisberger, Steven

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Kids & Family : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 96

Color Digitally Processed

A video game designer trying to prove a big time executive stole his idea is sucked into a corporation's mainframe where programs are personified counterparts of their writers and "users" are subjects of religious faith. A well-crafted and scripted metaphor, "Tron" benefits from breakthrough computer graphic animation. Academy Award Nominations: Best Sound, Best Costume Design. As Disney animated films anthropomorphized animals, giving them the characteristics of humans, "Tron" does the same for things electronic, making the insides of the circuitry of a computer into an entire world. Laserdisc version is the Collector's Edition, from Disney's Archive Collection. The MCP, a master computer program, is appropriating all other programs in order to become the controlling program in the world. To regain access to the computer for users, hacker Kevin Flynn sneaks into the system, but gets himself digitized. Stuck inside the system, he pretends to be a program and manages to help another program, Tron, free the machine from the tyrannical control of the MCP. "The best programmer ENCOM ever saw, and he winds up playing space cowboy in some back room." (Alan, about Flynn) "User requests are what computers are for." (Walter) "Doing our business is what computers are for." (Dillinger) "With the information I can access, I can run things 900 to 1200 times better than any human." (The Master Control Program to Dillinger) "I knew you'd come. They haven't built a circuit that can hold you." (Yori to Tron)

True Lies

True Lies

Starring: Curtis, Jamie Lee Arnold, Tom Carrere, Tia Paxton, Bill Malik, Art Schwarzenegger, Arnold Heston, Charlton Dushku, Eliza Dushku, Eliza
Director: Cameron, James

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 141

Color Mono

Secret agent Harry Tasker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a busy man; when he's not saving the world from terrorists, he's under cover as a boring computer salesman, juggling the everyday needs of his wife, Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), and his daughter. While Harry and his partner, Gib (Tom Arnold), work to stop a gang of international terrorists from getting their hands on missing nuclear weapons, Helen, feeling neglected, begins a covert affair with a sleazy used car salesman pretending to be a spy. When Harry finds out, he decides to give Helen a lesson in spy games, which backfires when the couple is kidnapped and stuck in the middle of an international terrorist crisis. Director James Cameron topped his previous spectaculars with this action-comedy extravaganza (the most expensive film ever made before TITANIC), featuring amazing stunts and special effects. Actual Harrier jets were hired from the U.S Air Force for their sequence, while production dangled from a skyscraper over the streets of Miami for the amazing climax. TRUE LIES is based on a 1991 French spy comedy entitled LA TOTALE! (Translation: THE JACKPOT). Secret Agent Harry Tasker's so deep under cover that while he's out disarming third world terrorists, his mousy wife Helen and rebellious daughter Dana think he's busy selling computers. Bored with her straight-laced husband, Helen flirts with a sleazy used car salesman who's posing as a sought-after secret agent. When Harry learns of Helen's suspicious activities, he creates a phony assignment to keep her occupied. But while he's keeping tabs on his wife, terrorists are keeping tabs on him -- and soon they've found, trapped and drugged the couple. Will the ultimate undercover agent be able to save his family and disband a squadron of fanatical terrorists? "True Lies" is a remake of the 1991 French action farce "La Totale!" starring Miou-Miou. Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification. Copyright 1994 Twentieth Century Fox. "To Cameron, moviemaking isn't just a business, it's an adventure. 'I like to keep challenging myself,' he says, 'so I try different things. And a lot of the things I like to try are expensive. I will say what I say about every budget: the price of a ticket is $7.50, and you're getting a lot of movie for it. End of story." --Richard Corliss, TIME, July 18, 1994

Twister

Twister

Starring: Paxton, Bill Elwes, Cary Gertz, Jami Grenier, Zach Smith, Lois Hoffman, Philip Seymour Ruck, Alan Whalen, Sean Whalen, Sean Thomson, Scott
Director: de Bont, Jan

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : Disaster Films
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 113

Color Digital

An ex-husband-and-wife team of stormchasers rush to be the first to study the dynamics of tornados in America's heartland. The uncredited lead roles are the tornados, created with eye-dazzling computer generated effects. Michael Crichton contributed the fast-moving story. Academy Award Nominations: Best Sound, Best Visual Effects. This special effects-laden blockbuster chronicles one day in the life of a band of gung-ho "storm chasers," who track and follow twisters and tornadoes. The group, led by the gutsy Jo and her macho, soon-to-be-ex Bill, have invented "Dorothy," a tank containing sensors that can provide much-needed info about these mysterious, severe weather conditions. But in order for Dorothy to work, she first must be swallowed by a twister. So Jo, Bill, and the gang put their lives on the line innumerable times, as getting close to the storm means dodging everything from windswept cattle to flying oil tankers. For Jo and Bill in particular, making meteorological history means having firsthand experience of the inside of a twister... Released theatrically in the USA on May 10, 1996, "Twister" created a storm, blowing away the competition with its $41 million gross its opening weekend, breaking box office records in the process. Digitally mastered by THX for superior sound and picture quality. Each Warner Home Video VHS version includes a 30-second public service announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency about preparing for the kind of natural disaster that is depicted in the film. The tie-in represents an unprecedented partnership between the federal government and a major motion picture studio. Color by Technicolor; in Panavision widescreen; in DTS and SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound). Additional cast: Zach Grenier (Eddie) and Scott Thomson (Preacher). Additional credits: Patrick Sullivan (set design) and Stefen Fangmeier (visual effects supervisor).

Two Weeks Notice

Two Weeks Notice

Starring: Witt, Alicia Grant, Hugh Haig, David Klein, Robert Burns, Heather Bullock, Sandra Ivey, Dana
Director: Lawrence, Marc

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 100

Color Digital Stereo

Opposites attract in the directorial debut of screenwriter Marc Lawrence. Determined activist, lawyer, and idealist Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock) has a noble reason for accepting a top position at Wade Realty Corporation. By taking the job, she can save the beloved community center in her Coney Island neighborhood. Along with the job comes the position of personal advisor to her high-maintenance boss, George Wade (Hugh Grant). As the two work together, down-to-earth Lucy becomes utterly indispensable to millionaire playboy George, so much so that he seeks her advice on everything from stationery selection to his divorce settlement to what suit he should wear. When Lucy gives her two weeks notice and realizes that her potential replacement, June Carter (Alicia Witt), has some strong chemistry with George, she has to acknowledge her own romantic feelings for her boss. Likewise, faced with losing the person he relies upon most, George is forced to do some soul searching of his own. Grant is well-cast as freewheeling George, delivering his lines with subtlety and making a potentially irritating character likable and charming. TWO WEEKS NOTICE also stars Dana Ivey and Robert Klein as Lucy's parents. Theatrical Release Date: December 20, 2002

U.S. Marshals

U.S. Marshals

Starring: Jones, Tommy Lee Snipes, Wesley Downey, Robert Jr. Nelligan, Kate Joe Pantoliano
Director: Baird, Stuart

Rating: PG-13
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 131

Color Stereo

Amazon.com An ultimately futile attempt to make lightning strike twice, this so-called spinoff from 1993's blockbuster The Fugitive avoids the label of "sequel" by forging ahead without the first film's star, Harrison Ford. The idea is to showcase the return of Tommy Lee Jones in his Oscar-winning role as tenacious U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard, this time testing his mettle against a covert government operative (Wesley Snipes) accused of murdering two secret service attachés. Unfortunately, Jones and the entire cast have been trapped in a rambling plot, and the underdog status that made Ford such a compelling hero is sacrificed to an evenly matched and eventually tiresome game of cat and mouse, with a villain whose identity is far too predictable. With no dramatic buildup and several superfluous characters to distract its focus, the film's momentum plays out like a rote exercise compared to the high stakes of the earlier film. --Jeff Shannon

Undercover Blues

Undercover Blues

Starring: Quaid, Dennis Turner, Kathleen Overall, Park Ellis, Chris Arnold, Tom Shaw, Fiona
Director: Ross, Herbert

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 90

Color Stereo

Former spies Jeff and Jane Blue (Dennis Quaid and Kathleen Turner) are on joint maternity leave in New Orleans with their infant daughter when they get called to track down international supercriminal Novacek (Fiona Shaw). Novacek, once head of the secret police in communist Czechoslovakia, has gotten hold of explosives so lethal the United States Army won't touch them. The only ones who can stop her are the mom-pop-baby trio.... This fast-paced comedy stars Kathleen Turner and Dennis Quaid as Jeff and Jane Blue, former spies on maternity leave in New Orleans. The quick-thinking espionage professionals are eager to enjoy their vacation and their new daughter, attempting to lead a normal life as a family. When the notorious head of the Czechoslovakian Secret Police, Paulina Novacek (Fiona Shaw), is suspected of being in the New Orleans area, the CIA convinces the suave couple to go undercover on the top-secret hunt. Their investigation turns New Orleans upside down as the Blues are chased by the suspicious local police, a vengeful mugger (Stanley Tucci), and the villainous Novacek's henchmen. The masterful couple prove that they are ruthless spies, as well as doting parents, and are soon up against Novacek herself, who has stolen lethal military explosives. These stroller-toting spies mean business and soon find themselves up against their archrival in a battle of wits that director Herb Ross handles with a fun touch.

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea & Fantastic Voyage

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea & Fantastic Voyage

Starring: Welch, Raquel Pleasence, Donald Pidgeon, Walter Fontaine, Joan O'Brien, Edmond Eden, Barbara Lorre, Peter Avalon, Frankie Avalon, Frankie
Director: Fleischer, Richard

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Science Fiction & Fantasy : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 207

Color Stereo

Includes two films on one disc. In VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA an exploratory expedition to the north pole becomes urgent when the Earth's radiation belts begin to heat the planet to unbearable temperatures, and only Admiral Nelson (Pidgeon) and his crew can save the world. In FANTASTIC VOYAGE a group of scientists are shrunk to microscopic size in order to repair a deadly blood clot in the brain of a brilliant scientist. A pair of rousing science fiction adventures from the 1960s with colorful special effects.

Wagons East!

Wagons East!

Starring: Candy, John Lewis, Richard Greene, Ellen McGinley, John C. Picardo, Robert
Director: Markle, Peter

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 Stars
Running Time: 107

Color Mono

A group of not-so-rough-and-tumble frontierspeople decide they've had enough of the west and hire a broken-down wagonmaster to lead them back east to civilization. This western farce features John Candy's final performance. A band of Old West pioneers decide that they've had enough of these Californian troubles -- no more robbers, no more drunks, no more rustlers -- and hire the bumbling, alcoholic James Harlow to take them back east as soon as possible. Actor/comedian John Candy's last film. "Wagons East!" was dedicated to the memory of John Candy. Copyright 1994 Wagons East N.V. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. Shot in Technicolor. Music performed by the Irish Film Orchestra.

Wall Street

Wall Street

Starring: Sheen, Charlie Sheen, Martin Hannah, Daryl Douglas, Michael Stamp, Terence Young, Sean Spader, James Miles, Sylvia Miles, Sylvia McGinley, John C.
Director: Stone, Oliver

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating:
Running Time: 126

Color Digital Stereo

Oliver Stone opened fire on the greed decade of the 1980s with this morality tale set on Wall Street. It stars Charlie Sheen as Bud Fox, an ambitious rookie stockbroker from a blue-collar background who is magnetized by Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a Mephistophelean superbroker who specializes in corporate takeovers. Despite his initial resistance to Bud's entreaties, Gekko finally takes on the eager beaver as his protégé, schooling him in the kind of slash-and-burn maneuvers that have taken him to the top. This style is far more attractive to Fox than the more prosaic but principled approach to investing preached by veteran Lou Mannheim (Hal Holbrook). And, at first, it's impossible to dispute his preference; as Bud's life moves into the fast lane, he quickly acquires an upscale apartment and girlfiend, interior designer Darien (Darryl Hannah). But when Gekko demands that Bud not only break the law but directly undermine his union leader father, Carl (Martin Sheen), and jeopardize the jobs and lives of his friends and family, he realizes that the cost of success might be more than he's willing to pay. WALL STREET is a riveting, testosterone-fueled tour of the Street's upper echelons, featuring standout performances by Michael Douglas and Martin Sheen. The film began shooting April 24, 1987; completed shooting July 4, 1987. Released in the USA December 11, 1987. Shown at the Berlin Film Festival February 1988. Released on video July 7, 1988. Filmed in New York City and Utah. Estimated budget: $16 million. Stone dedicated the film to his stockbroker father. Shown at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Film Festival in a tribute to Edward Pressman. For maximum authenticity, director Oliver Stone made sure that Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen spent time with numerous brokers and arbitrage experts who were hired as consultants. Sheen also met with a former Wall Street employee who had pleaded guilty to insider trading. Set during the height of the late 1980s insider-trading scandals, WALL STREET stars Charlie Sheen as Bud Fox, an ambitious young broker who falls under the spell of superbroker Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas). Initially awed by the glitz and wealth of the older man, Bud is all too eager follow his commands, especially after enjoying their results. But he soon realizes that he too is merely a pawn in Gekko's game, as he labors frantically to disentangle his loved ones from the consequences of his own ambition. "Greed is good."--Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) "The richest one percent of the country own half our country's wealth: five trillion dollars."--Gordon Gekko

We Were Soldiers

We Were Soldiers

Starring: Mel Gibson
Director: Wallace, Randall

Rating: R
Category: War
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 138

Color Dolby Digital w/ sub-woofer chan

Screenwriter Randall Wallace, a specialist in sweeping historical epics, steps behind the camera for this fact-based Vietnam War drama that reunites him with his Braveheart (1995) star Mel Gibson. Gibson is Lt. Col. Hal Moore, commander of the First Battalion, Seventh Cavalry, the same regiment fatefully led by George Armstrong Custer. As part of the Pleiku Campaign of late 1965, Moore is assigned to an action at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Drang Valley, an area that would come to be known as the "The Valley of Death." Moore soon finds himself and his men contained to an area about the size of a football field, surrounded by more than 2,000 enemy troops and engaged in the first major battle of the war. Heroism becomes the order of the day as men like Moore, chopper pilot Bruce Crandall (Greg Kinnear), and Lt. Henry Herrick (Marc Blucas) refuse to yield, in spite of heavy losses of life. The film co-stars Madeleine Stowe, Chris Klein, Keri Russell, and Sam Elliott. We Were Soldiers is based on the book We Were Soldiers Once...and Young by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore (retired) and UPI reporter Joe Galloway (played in the film by Barry Pepper). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide This unabashedly patriotic, flag-waving war film nevertheless manages to avoid jingoism and present a more-balanced-than-normal view of war by delving into the mind of the enemy and depicting the struggles of wives left behind at home. Screenwriter-turned-director Randall Wallace doesn't always manage to overcome the obviousness and tendency to oversimplify that are his long-running weaknesses, and the humans driving his story should remain a bit more front-and-center than they do once the shooting starts, but he's unarguably adept at mounting complicated, large-scale battle scenes and rendering the confusing action understandable. He also displays a sure hand with his cast, particularly Mel Gibson, who does a laudable job in a stoic, heartbroken role that forbids many of the actor's usual gimmicks and goofy mannerisms. If only there was more of him; once the battle begins, the picture zooms and whip-pans from one character to the next, making it arduous for an audience trying to pin its emotional identification to any one particular person or group. Nevertheless, conveying a tangible, even tactile sense of war's brutal, grim reality has been one of the hallmarks of war films in the late '90s and early 2000s, and in this regard, Wallace's epic is no exception, depicting with shocking persuasiveness the carnage of war (a scene where a young soldier is horribly burned to the point of melting is particularly tough to watch). While it ends up in a place that's somewhat emotionally flat by the time the battle is over, We Were Soldiers is a thorough, competent, and well-produced chronicle of the Vietnam conflict's first major combat. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide

Weird Science

Weird Science

Starring: Le Brock, Kelly Hall, Anthony Michael Mitchell-Smith, Ilan Paxton, Bill Downey, Robert Snyder, Suzanne
Director: Hughes, John

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 94

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Teenage geeks Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) are sick of being ignored by girls, abused by cool guys, and forced to spend their weekend nights watching nerdy old sci-fi movies. Left alone for the weekend, they use Wyatt's computer to create Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), a stunningly beautiful woman with a body that stops traffic, a heart of gold, and a genius IQ. The boys embark on an adventure with their creation, going to bars, driving Ferraris, throwing a killer party, and keeping Wyatt’s psychotic older brother, Chet (Bill Paxton), in check. But in the end, they learn that wearing cool clothes, hanging out with cool kids, and being popular might not solve all their problems. Written and directed by the king of teen flicks, John Hughes, this film was released after SIXTEEN CANDLES and in the same year as THE BREAKFAST CLUB. Like many of his films, Hughes's WEIRD SCIENCE is set in fictional Shermer, Illinois. A young Robert Downey (sans the "Jr.") appears as Ian, a cool kid who takes pleasure in tormenting Gary and Wyatt. When two horny high school computer nerds start practicing pseudo-science in cyberspace, they succeed in creating a beautiful young woman. She's the answer to all their wet dreams. But now that they've got her, they barely know what to do with her. Theatrical release: December 1985. Filmed in Northbrook and Highland Park, IL. Like most of John Hughes's films, the story is set in Shermer, Illinois, a fictional suburb of Chicago. Anthony Michael Hall's character refers to having a girlfriend in Canada. His character in THE BREAKFAST CLUB makes a similar reference.

What Women Want

What Women Want

Starring: Burke, Delta Gasteyer, Ana Holly, Lauren Hunt, Helen Tomei, Marisa Feuerstein, Mark Gibson, Mel Johnson, Ashley Johnson, Ashley Alda, Alan
Director: Meyers, Nancy

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 126

Color Stereo

Director, writer, and producer Nancy Meyers's (THE PARENT TRAP) sophomore directorial effort is a lively screwball fantasy featuring Mel Gibson in his first romantic comedy. Gibson plays Nick Marshall, a high-flying chauvinistic Chicago advertising executive who, like his musical idol, Frank Sinatra, calls women "baby" and believes he has the world on a string. Nick experiences a rude awakening when the creative director position he coveted goes to Darcy Maguire (Helen Hunt), a savvy outsider--and a woman--who intends to aggressively pursue the lucrative women's market. While trying to brainstorm ideas for "feminine" products, Nick experiences a freak accident that gives him the ability to hear women's thoughts. Determined to win back his stolen job, Nick uses his terrifying yet useful new talent to scrutinize Darcy and finds his smart, beautiful rival may not be the "bitch on wheels" he imagined. Meanwhile, he also must maneuver carefully within complex relationships with his estranged teenage daughter, Alex (Ashley Johnson), and a pretty coffee shop waitress, Lola (Marisa Tomei). Once Nick begins to listen to the new voices he hears, his previous worldview is challenged, and he finds that he finally might understand what women want. Theatrical release: December 15, 2000. Director Nancy Meyers has cowritten many well-known screenplays with her husband, writer-director Charles Shyer, including PRIVATE BENJAMIN, IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES, and FATHER OF THE BRIDE. Mel Gibson (Nick Marshall) is also an accomplished director--his film BRAVEHEART won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Helen Hunt (Darcy Maguire) won a Best Actress Oscar for her role in AS GOOD AS IT GETS and five Best Actress Emmy awards for playing Jamie Buchman on the popular sitcom MAD ABOUT YOU. Alan Alda (Dan Wanamaker) won five Emmy awards for portraying Hawkeye Pierce on the beloved television series M*A*S*H, which ran for 11 years. Alda was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1994. Screenwriters Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa are both writers and producers for the popular television sitcom THE KING OF QUEENS.

What's The Worst That Could Happen?

What's The Worst That Could Happen?

Starring: Gasteyer, Ana Lawrence, Martin Leguizamo, John Fichtner, William Ejogo, Carmen Mac, Bernie Miller, Larry Dunn, Nora Dunn, Nora DeVito, Danny
Director: Weisman, Sam

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 1 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 99

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Based on the novel by Donald E. Westlake, WHAT'S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN? is a black comedy in the tradition of GET SHORTY and THE GRIFTERS. The film opens at an art auction in Boston, where suave robber Kevin Caffrey (Martin Lawrence) meets the beautiful, distraught Amber (Carmen Ejogo). Romantic sparks become genuine love in just one night. To prove this, Amber gives Kevin her deceased father's good-luck ring. A few days later, Kevin and his partner, Berger (John Leguizamo), are robbing the beach house of Max Fairbanks (Danny DeVito), an incredibly selfish millionaire. In a sick twist of fate, Max captures Kevin and convinces the police that Kevin's ring is actually his own. With the tables now turned, Kevin must try to get his ring back from Max, at any and all costs. This puts a strain on his relationship with Amber, and at the same time unleashes an outlandish series of events that will eventually bring all of the characters together for one raucous finale. Director Sam Weisman uses a thumping hip-hop score to add freshness to his picture, which features bizarre, outrageous supporting turns from William Fichtner, Larry Miller, Nora Dunn, and Glenne Headly.

When Harry Met Sally...

When Harry Met Sally...

Starring: Fisher, Carrie Crystal, Billy Kirby, Bruno Persky, Lisa Jane Ryan, Meg Steve Ford
Director: Reiner, Rob

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Comedies
User Rating: 4 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 96

Color Stereo

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... tracks a star-crossed pair as they repeatedly drift apart and meet again over a span of 13 years and gradually fall madly, deeply, passionately into friendship, a friendship ever teetering on the edge of love. Harry meets Sally when they share a car ride to New York City upon graduation from the University of Chicago. A few minutes into the trip, the conversation between womanizing, neurotic Harry (Billy Crystal) and driven, equally neurotic Sally (Meg Ryan) becomes heatedly contentious. The question arises: Can a man and a woman be just friends? Harry contends this proposition is impossible, that sex will always come along to screw up the friendship. Sally is aghast and disagrees, proclaiming the idea a distinct possibility. The two part ways rather acrimoniously in New York but before long meet again and eventually decide to indeed be friends. As life’s mysterious coincidences pull Harry and Sally closer together, they share mystical, tender moments, confess secrets to each other, console each other, attend major holidays together, and do all the other things couples traditionally do. The question then reemerges: Can Harry and Sally remain mere friends, or will they--must they--fall in love? And can anyone forget Ryan's classic faking-it scene in Katz's Deli? Director Rob Reiner's WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... is a comedy about the romantic travails of two neurotic New Yorkers who keep running into each other over a period of 13 years and form a friendship that constantly verges on romance. As the two stubbornly resist courting each other, they gradually realize there may be no two people more qualified to be in love in this delightful, anecdotal film. Theatrical release: July 21, 1989. Limited release in New York City, San Francisco, San Jose, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver: July 12, 1989. Released in Los Angeles on July 14, 1989. Shown at the Deauville Film Festival on September 4, 1989; the Tokyo International Film Festival on September 30, 1989; and the London Film Festival November 10-26, 1989. Filmed in New York City, New York; Hollywood and Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Illinois; and New Jersey. Shooting began on August 29, 1988, and was completed on November 15, 1988. Estimated budget between $15 and $17 million. Director Rob Reiner and close friend Billy Crystal were born just six days apart in New York City in March 1947. Screenwriter Nora Ephron wrote the scripts for other films such as SILKWOOD and MY BLUE HEAVEN before going on to direct films such as SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE and YOU'VE GOT MAIL. The scene where Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) spot each other at a bookstore takes place in a branch of the small chain Shakespeare & Co., which was located at 79th & Broadway in New York City. This location was one of many smaller stores which went out of business around the time a Barnes & Noble megastore opened in nearby Lincoln Center. This store and the stores which went out of business around it would be a model for the activity in the 1998 Nora Ephron film, YOU'VE GOT MAIL. The customer at Katz's Deli who wants to have what Sally is having is Estelle Reiner, Rob Reiner's mother and Carl Reiner's wife. "I'll have what she's having."--Deli patron (Estelle Reiner--Rob's mother) after Sally has dramatically faked an orgasm in Katz's Deli

While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping

Starring: Pullman, Bill Bullock, Sandra Gallagher, Peter Mercurio, Micole Boyle, Peter Warden, Jack Johns, Glynis
Director: Turteltaub, Jon

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 103

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Lucy Moderatz, a charming but shy token seller, spends her evenings home alone with her cat and her holidays working for the Chicago Transit Authority -- she has neither family nor boyfriend to keep her company. But she does have a secret crush: sexy Peter Callaghan, a regular customer who has never even given her a second glance. One day, Peter is mugged on the subway platform and falls in front of an oncoming train. The courageous Lucy jumps down onto the tracks and pushes him to safety, but the ordeal leaves Peter in a deep coma. Lucy remains at his side in the hospital until his family arrives -- at which point a confused nurse, who misunderstood one of Lucy's comments, informs the Callaghans that Lucy is Peter's fiancee. And Lucy just can't manage to set them straight. But now she's beginning to fall in love with Peter's handsome and kind brother, Jack, and has one big problem: what will happen when Peter wakes up? When a lonely subway toll-taker is mistaken for a comatose man's fiancee after saving his life, his estranged family welcomes her with open arms. But when a brother becomes suspicious and investigates her claims, she realizes she's "attached" to the wrong brother! Produced in association with Caravan Pictures. Additional credits: Sandra M. Middleton and Aiman Humaideh (assistant directors) Color and prints by Technicolor. Shot on location in Illinois. Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification. Copyright 1995 Hollywood Pictures Company.' The film was a big hit, grossing $81 million domestically, and $100.9 million overseas. The movie's popularity solidified Sandra Bullock as a "bankable" leading actress.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Starring: Hoskins, Bob Fleischer, Chris Cassidy, Joanna Lloyd, Christopher
Director: Zemeckis, Robert

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Comedies
User Rating:
Running Time: 104

Color Digitally Processed

Someone is out to steal "Toon Town" from cartoon characters -- and to get their hands on the valuable property, they have framed its biggest cartoon star for murder. Detective Eddie Valiant comes out of self-enforced "retirement" to solve the case and save the toons in this technically magnificent film. Academy Award Nominations: 4. Academy Awards: Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing. Additional cast members include Morgan Deare (Voice of Gorilla); Tony Anselmo (Donald Duck); Joe Alakey (Yosemite Sam); Wayne Allwine (Mickey Mouse); Tony Pope (Goofy); Cherry Davis (Woody Woodpecker) and Peter Westy (Pinocchio). The time is Hollywood in its heyday, and cartoons are king. But falling star Roger Rabbit's about lose his place as ruler of the empire. Distracted by his wife's alleged infidelities, Roger is one falling anvil away from being fired -- and studio head R.K. Maroon wouldn't mind hastening the process. So the befuddled bunny hires down-and-out detective Eddie Valiant to help him get back the sultry, bosomy Jessica Rabbit. At first Valiant refuses -- he's got his own reasons for hating the 'toons. But when the studio tycoon Maroon is found dead, Roger's one marked rabbit. So Valiant ignores his better judgment and tries to save the harassed hare from a nefarious Judge just aching to terminate him. For Roger's sake, he ventures into a dangerous and tempting space, the place where anything can happen and imagination rules... the magical, maniacal 'Toontown. "I'm not so bad. I'm just drawn that way." -- Voice of Kathleen Turner (Jessica Rabbit). "Do you mean to tell me you could've taken your hand out of that cuff at any time?" -- Bob Hoskins (Eddie Valiant) "No, not any time only when it was funny." --Voice of Charles Fleischer (Roger Rabbit)

Why We Fight World War II - The Battle of China / War Comes to America

Why We Fight World War II - The Battle of China / War Comes to America

Starring:
Director: Litvak, Anatole

Rating: NR
Category: Documentary
User Rating:
Running Time:

B&W and Color Stereo

From the Back Cover Democracy's darkest hour. These acclaimed documentaries were made during World War II, using actual newsreel footage, by three OSCAR winners: producer-director Frank Capra (It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, You Can't Take it with You) of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, composer Dimitir Tiomkin (High Noon, the High and the Mighty, The Old Man and the Sea) and actor-narrator Walter Huston (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre). The Battle of China: The sixth film illustrates Japan's occupation of China, including Madame Chiang Kai-Shek's stirring address before Congress, the rape of Nanking, the great 2,000-mile migration, and Claire Chennault's Flying Tigers. War Comes to American: The final film follows the gradual shift of opinion from isolationism to support for the war, and spotlights Edward R. Murrow reporting from a blitzed London and Charles Lindbergh arguing against helping England.

Why We Fight World War II - The Battle of Russia

Why We Fight World War II - The Battle of Russia

Starring: Veiller, Anthony
Director: Litvak, Anatole

Rating: NR
Category: Documentary
User Rating:
Running Time:

B&W and Color Stereo

From the Back Cover The heroic resistance o the Russian people. These acclaimed documentaries were made during World War II, using actual newsreel footage, by three OSCAR winners: producer-director Frank Capra (It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, You Can't Take it with You) of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, composer Dimitir Tiomkin (High Noon, the High and the Mighty, The Old Man and the Sea) and actor-narrator Walter Huston (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre). The Battle of Russia: Nominated for an ACADEMY AWARD as Best Documentary, the fifth film in the series celebrates the spirit of the long-suffering Soviet people as they heroically repulse the Nazi invasion threatening their homeland. Tracing their history of war with Germany to the 13th century, it depicts the bitter struggles for Moscow, Kiev, Leningrad, and Stalingrad, and the effects of their winters on would-be conquerors from Napoleon to Hitler.

Windtalkers

Windtalkers

Starring: Slater, Christian Beach, Adam Emmerich, Noah Willie, Roger Stormare, Peter Ruffalo, Mark Van Holt, Brian Cage, Nicolas Cage, Nicolas
Director: Woo, John

Rating: R (MPAA)
Category: Dramas
User Rating: 2 1/2 Stars
Running Time: 134

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WINDTALKERS begins quietly--with widescreen aerial shots of clouds that gradually clear to reveal the beautiful mesas of Monument Valley. A bus collects Navajo volunteers Ben Yahzee (Adam Beach) and Charlie Whitehorse (Roger Willie). It's 1943, and the U.S. has developed an indecipherable secret military code based on the Navajo language. Yahzee and Whitehorse are to be trained as code talkers. Then John Woo's Pacific war film erupts into violence, with a savage battle that has one survivor, Joe Enders (Nicolas Cage). Badly wounded and feeling guilty at the loss of his companions, Joe recuperates in Hawaii where he is helped by a sympathetic nurse (Frances O'Connor). Joe disguises his hearing loss and he is promoted as Yahzee's battlefield bodyguard. Ordered to "protect the code at all times," Joe must prevent Yahzee from being captured. At first, Yahzee and Whitehorse, whose bodyguard is Ox Henderson (Christian Slater), are subjected to prejudice--particularly from Rogers (Noah Emmerich). But when the unit is shipped to Saipan, the Marines begin to appreciate the code talkers. Director Woo has created a powerful drama. The visceral battle sequences are strikingly filmed and there is fine acting from Cage, Beach, Willie, Slater, Emmerich, and Frances O'Connor, who portrays the poignancy of love in uncertain times.

Winnie the Pooh - A Very Merry Pooh Year

Winnie the Pooh - A Very Merry Pooh Year

Starring:
Director:

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Kids & Family : Characters & Series : Winnie the Pooh
User Rating:
Running Time: 65

Color Digitally Mastered

Winnie the Pooh and friends celebrate the holidays in this feature length special. After celebrating Christmas in the Hundred Acre Wood, the countdown to the New Year begins while Rabbit succumbs to a case of the winter blues. Seeing the change in their newly grumpy friend, the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood decide on some New Year's resolutions that result in drastic changes. Suddenly, Piglet has a spring in his step and a gleam in his eye, Pooh spends his day in terminal gloom, and Tigger has become as timid as a mouse. Soon, these drastic changes help everyone understand the spirit of the season, and that sometimes the best way to change is to be yourself.

Working Girl

Working Girl

Starring: Ford, Harrison Weaver, Sigourney
Director: Nichols, Mike

Rating: R
Category: Comedy : General
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Color Dolby

Amazon.com essential video Melanie Griffith had a fling with stardom in this Mike Nichols comedy about an executive secretary (Griffith) who can't get her deserved shot at upward mobility in the brokerage industry. Hardly taken seriously by male bosses, things aren't really any better for her once she starts working for a female exec (Sigourney Weaver, never more delightful), a narcissist with a boy-toy banker (Harrison Ford) and a tendency to steal the best ideas from her underlings. When Weaver's character is laid up with a broken leg, Griffith poses as a replacement wheeler-dealer, flirting with Ford and working on a new client who doesn't suspect the deception. Nichols brings a lot of snap and sass to Kevin Wade's smart script about chafing against class restrictions and perceptions. Sundry scenes are played quite charmingly, especially those of Griffith and Ford's mutual pickup in a bar and Joan Cusack's championing of Griffith's crusade. Nominated for Best Picture, Director, Actress (Griffith), and two Supporting Actress awards (Weaver, Cusack); Carly Simon's song "Let the River Run" won the Oscar. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

X-Men

X-Men

Starring: McKellen, Ian Janssen, Famke Berry, Halle Marsden, James Paquin, Anna Stewart, Patrick Davison, Bruce Ashmore, Shawn Ashmore, Shawn Mane, Tyler
Director: Singer, Bryan

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 104

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Based on the long-running Marvel comic book series, X-MEN takes place in the near future, as certain humans are evolving into mutants with special powers. In the Canadian wilderness, a young runaway mutant named Rogue (Anna Paquin) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), a bad-tempered, quick-healing mutant with retractable metal claws, are suddenly attacked by the powerful Magneto (Ian McKellen) and his lackeys. Fortunately, Cyclops (James Marsden) and Storm (Halle Berry), students of the compassionate Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), interfere and bring them back to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Here Wolverine and Rogue learn more about the conflict between Xavier and the militant Magneto, who wants to power a device that will genetically alter humans, with possibly deadly results. Only Xavier's students can stop Magneto's plans. Director Bryan Singer (THE USUAL SUSPECTS) displays his expertise with an ensemble cast, accomplishing a feat by making the first live-action film about an entire group of superheroes. Hugh Jackman's portrayal of the ill-tempered Wolverine is dead-on, while Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen are ideally matched in their Martin Luther King, Jr.- and Malcolm X-like roles. Smart and well-paced, X-MEN towers above most comic book movies. Marvel's classic comic book comes to life in this exciting big-screen adaptation. The story focuses on the efforts of a well-intentioned professor, Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart). By pulling together a group of superhuman mutants, Professor X hopes to prove to the world that these genetically enhanced beings are not the dangerous, evil villains humanity claims them to be. When Magneto (Ian McKellen), an angry mutant, vows to eradicate human existence, it's up to the X-Men to save the day and keep the world united. Bryan Singer's film is a visual feast, containing a host of standout performances, particularly from newcomer Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. The VHS and DVD releases contain 10 minutes of extra footage. Theatrical release: July 14, 2000. Television commercials designed to look like political campaign ads for the McCarthy-like character of Senator Kelly (played by Bruce Davison) began airing months before the release of X-MEN. The spots gave little indication that they were X-MEN movie commercials but urged viewers to "stop the X-Men" and log on to the Mutant Watch Web site. Even the Internet site itself contained made-up "anti-mutant" literature. Director Bryan Singer initially wanted Russell Crowe to play Wolverine. However, Dougray Scott was cast as the clawed hero but bowed out to finish work on MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 2. The role of Wolverine finally went to Hugh Jackman. (Both Crowe and Jackman, coincidentally, are Australian.) Jackman was notorious on the set for getting into his character. In order to create Wolverine's edgy disposition, he often took cold showers. And though the actors got along well, Jackman avoided Tyler Mane (Sabretooth) during shooting to create a sense of rivalry. A total of 700 individual blades made of various materials were used for Wolverine's claws by Jackman and his stunt doubles. X-MEN creator Stan Lee makes a cameo appearance when Senator Kelly emerges from the ocean on a crowded beach. Lee also appeared in MALLRATS, which references characters in X-MEN and other comics. The visor worn by James Marsden in his role as Cyclops apparently impaired his vision so severely that he sometimes had to be led around the movie set. Although Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen were both members of the Royal Shakespeare Company in England, X-MEN was their first film together. However, Stewart and McKellen had briefly acted together in Trevor Nunn's production of the play EVERY GOOD BOY DESERVES FAVOUR. Rebecca Romijn-Stamos had to repeatedly endure more than eight hours of makeup application for her role as the scaly blue-skinned shape-shifter Mystique. Beast, the X-Men's resident blue-furred scientist, was originally set to appear in the movie but was not included in the shooting script. Some of his science-oriente

XXX

XXX

Starring: Jackson, Samuel L. Eve Diesel, Vin Argento, Asia Trejo, Danny Csokas, Marton Everett, Tom Roof, Michael Roof, Michael
Director: Cohen, Rob

Rating: PG (MPAA)
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 124

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

This amped action drama stars Vin Diesel as Xander (aka Triple X), a rebellious extreme sports star with a mission to defy authority and create anarchy. In the dramatic opening scene of the movie, Xander pulls an outrageous serious of stunts with the help of a band of similar-minded jocks, broadcasts the whole event live onto the Internet with a network of strategically placed digital cameras, and then avoids being captured by the squadron of police who pursue him. When Triple X is later taken into custody, Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), a representative from a government agency, hires the chiseled athlete and turns him into a secret agent with a mission to travel to Prague and collapse a dangerous terrorist cell operated by Yorgi (Martin Csokas) and the seductive Yelena (Asia Argento). Triple X is quickly drawn into Yorgi's lair, a stunning chateau situated in the mountains that is equipped with every high-tech modern amenity imaginable, along with a sizeable team of extra-large Slav bodyguards, a laboratory staffed by top scientists, and an always-ready gaggle of gorgeous concubines. Non-stop stunts, pounding hard-core music, elaborate sets, and inventive costumes make this Rob Cohen-directed adrenaline overload a visually exciting, aurally engaging, highly entertaining success. Theatrical Release: August 9, 2002

You Only Live Twice

You Only Live Twice

Starring: Wakabayashi, Akiko Tamba, Tetsuro Pleasence, Donald Llewelyn, Desmond Shimada, Teru Dor, Karin Connery, Sean Maxwell, Lois Maxwell, Lois
Director: Gilbert, Lewis

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Action & Adventure : General
User Rating:
Running Time: 117

Color Digitally Re-Mastered

Sean Connery returns as Agent 007 in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. With the Soviet Union and the United States blaming each other for mysteriously missing space capsules, nuclear warfare between the two superpowers seems imminent. However, Her Majesty's Secret Service suspects the rockets are being held in the Sea of Japan and assigns James Bond to fake his death in order to go undercover. Believed to be dead by the public at large, Bond travels to Japan to track down the missing U.S. and Russian space capsules. Racing against the nuclear clock, 007 discovers that the maniacal Ernst Stavro Blofeld (Donald Pleasence), the luscious Helga Brandt (Karin Dor), and their terrorist organization SPECTRE have planned to incite a full-scale global war. With the help of Japanese agents Aki (Akiko Wakabayashi), Kissy Suzuki (Mie Hama), Tiger Tanaka (Tetsuro Tamba), and a slew of ninjas, Bond must once again save the world from nuclear obliteration. For his first directorial take on a Bond movie, Lewis Gilbert draws on storytelling techniques from his previous films ALFIE and THE 7TH DAWN (quick cuts, long aerial pans), rendering Roald Dahl’s clever script with a fluidity not seen in previous 007 films. Faking his death and going undercover as a Pacific Islander, James Bond must discover who's behind the disappearance of Russian and U.S. rockets in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. Luckily, 007 is aided by Japanese security agents Aki and Tiger in this punchy spy thriller set in swinging Tokyo and the chromatic jungles of Southeast Asia. The film is based on Ian Fleming's novel, YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE. Screenwriter Roald Dahl is most famous for his witty novels, which include WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. Donald Pleasence plays the cat-stroking villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, later parodied in AUSTIN POWERS as Dr. Evil. Charles Gray and Telly Savalas also played Blofeld in 007 films. The title song is performed by Nancy Sinatra. "Oh, the things I do for England..."--James Bond (Sean Connery), as he's about to hop into bed with Helga Brandt (Karin Dor) "James Bond. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ernst Stavro Blofeld. They told me you were assasinated in Hong Kong."--Blofeld (Donald Pleasence) "Yes, this is my second life."--James Bond "You only live twice, Mr. Bond."--Blofeld

Young Guns II

Young Guns II

Starring: Estevez, Emilio Sutherland, Kiefer
Director: Murphy, Geoff

Rating: PG-13
Category: Action & Adventure
User Rating:
Running Time:

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Amazon.com This time around, the Brat Packers (Emilio Estevez, Christian Slater, Lou Diamond Phillips, Kiefer Sutherland) are on the run from the law and making a break for the border. Sutherland is yanked from his school-teaching job back East and extradited for trial, until he's liberated by the other members of the gang. There's a memorable scrap between Phillips and Slater, and a couple of pretty decent firefights, but all in all this is rather forgettable fare. It taps into the futility and camaraderie of classics like The Wild Bunch and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but Sam Peckinpah or George Roy Hill it ain't. Jon Bon Jovi adds to the Rock-Stars-in-the-Old-West feel of this one, rife as it is with non-period dialogue and long, blowy hair. Still, fans of the original movie may find plenty to like in this sequel, even if it comes across as being a bit tired and turgid (notice there never was a Young Guns III). --Jerry Renshaw

Young Guns

Young Guns

Starring: Sutherland, Kiefer Phillips, Lou Diamond Estevez, Emilio Sheen, Charlie O'Quinn, Terry Mulroney, Dermot Siemaszko, Casey Palance, Jack Palance, Jack
Director: Cain, Christopher

Rating: Not Rated
Category: Deals Under $10
User Rating:
Running Time: 1 Hour 42 Minutes

Color Mono

British ranchowner John Tunstall (Terence Stamp) hires six young men to help him tend and guard his ranch. In addition he also teaches them to read and to be civilized, but soon Tunstall is murdered by a corrupt and ruthless competing cattle rancher. The six 'young guns' go seeking revenge and are erroneously branded outlaws by the law, until they can clear their names. The six young guns are played by Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Charlie Sheen, Dermot Mulroney and Casey Siemaszko. Propelled by a rock 'n' roll soundtrack and populated by a handful of hot young Hollywood actors, "Young Guns" is a Western for the MTV generation. Set in 1870s New Mexico, it follows the career of six juvenile delinquents hired to defend the ranch of a British cattle baron. When the rancher is killed by town officials, the boys rebel against the powers-that-be by transforming themselves into a band of outlaws led by none other than Billy the Kid. Estimated budget of $13 million. Additional distributors: Star Production (France); Version International Group (international sales) Filmed in Deluxe color and Panavision in Cerrillos, New Mexico. Began shooting February 8, 1988; completed shooting March 1988. Released in the USA August 12, 1988. Shown at Deauville Film Festival, September 1988. Released on video January 4, 1989. Followed by the 1990 sequel "Young Guns II." Based on a true story.

Zulu

Zulu

Starring: Baker, Stanley Hawkins, Jack Caine, Michael Jacobsson, Ulla Booth, James
Director: Endfield, Cy

Rating: PG-13 (MPAA)
Category: Deals Under $15
User Rating:
Running Time: 138

Color Mono

Based on an actual historic event, this is the story of a group of British soldiers stationed in Africa who are forced to defend their tiny outpost against an attack by powerful Zulu warriors. They are outnumbered 40-1 but are still ready to fight to the finish. Michael Caine is outstanding in Cy Endfield's powerful drama. Narrated by Richard Burton. Filmed in Natal and completed at Twickenham Film Studios in England. Shot in Technicolor and Super Technorama 70. Originally released on video by Charter Entertainment in 1986. First British film production for American impressario Joseph E. Levine. Copyright 1963 Diamond Films, Ltd. First starring role for British actor Michael Caine, born Maurice Joseph Mickewhite March 14, 1933, in Bermondsey, England. Married in 1973 to Shakira Baksh, they have one daughter, Natasha. He has an elder, married daughter, Dominique, born 1956, to his first wife, Patricia Haynes. Additional cast: Ivor Emmanuel (Private Owen), Glynn Edwards (Corporal Allen), Neil McCarthy (Private Thomas), David Kernan (Private Hitch), Peter Gill (Private G12 Williams), Tom Gerrard (Lance Corporal), Richard Davies (Private 593 Jones), Dafydd Havard (Gunner Howarth), Denys Graham (Private 716 Jones), Dickie Owen (Corporal Schiess), Larry Taylor (Hughes), Joe Powell (Sergeant Windridge), John Sullivan (Stephenson), Harvey Hall (Sick Man), Gert Van Den Bergh (Adendorf), Dennis Folbigge (Commissary Dalton), Kerry Jordan (Company Cook), Ronald Hill (Bugler), Chief Buthelezi (Cetewayo), Daniel Tshabalala (Jacob), Ephraim Mbhele (Red Garters), and Simon Sabela (Dance Leader). Additional credits: Jennifer Thompson (assistant editor), Douglas Rankin (production consultant), and Rusty Coppleman (sound editor). Based on actual events, this film takes place in 1879 at Africa's Roarke's Drift, a military post occupied by 97 British soldiers. The Englishmen receive word that they are about to be besieged by 4,000 Zulu warriors armed with spears and even rifles. The soldiers stay and fight the warriors, desperately using everything they can find to withstand the onslaught.

Long List Updated 11 . 8 . 2003

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101 Dalmatians

102 Dalmatians

13 Days

2 Fast 2 Furious

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

2001: A Space Odyssey

2002 Olympic Winter Games, The: Olympic Highlights

2010: The Year We Make Contact

A Bridge Too Far

A Bug's Life

A Bug's Life

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

A Goofy Movie

A Midsummer Night's Dream

A View to a Kill

Air America

Air Force One

Along for the Ride

American Outlaws

American Steam - 4 Pack

An American Werewolf in London

An American Werewolf in Paris

An Extremely Goofy Movie

Analyze That

Analyze This

Anger Management

Another Stakeout

Apocalypse Now Redux

Armageddon

Atlantis: Milo's Return

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

Attack! Battle of New Britain

Austin Powers in Goldmember

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

Back to the Future: The Complete Trilogy

Bandits

Batman & Robin

Batman Returns

Batman

Battle of Britain

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown

Beach Blanket Bingo

Beach Party

Beauty and the Beast

Bedazzled

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Bee Gees, The - One Night Only

Behind Enemy Lines

Beverly Hills Cop 2

Beverly Hills Cop 3

Beverly Hills Cop Collection

Beverly Hills Cop

Big

Blackbeard's Ghost

Blame It on Rio

Blue Hawaii

Body of Evidence

Bond - Live at the Royal Albert Hall

Bringing Down the House

Britney Spears - Live From Las Vegas

Broken Arrow

Bullet Train

Bustin' Loose (1981)

Caddyshack 2

Caddyshack

Cannonball Run

Casino Royale

Casper - Special Edition Casper (Widescreen)

Cast Away (Single Disc Edition) (2000)

Cat Ballou

Catch Me If You Can

Caveman

Chain Reaction

Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle

Charlie's Angels

Charlie's Angels