Political correctness served with gooey sentimentality.

Ugh! The current self-flagellation so fashionable in N.Z. is brought to its apogee in this movie. Setting aside the fact that the European settlers have nothing to apologise for (the Maoris arguably having wiped-out the aboriginal people when they arrived around a thousand years ago, and quite reasonably don't feel guilty about it)...this film says nothing new. The camera-work is woeful, given the opportunities for beauty. The young lady who stars does a fine job, as do the supporting cast. But the end of the film...the moment when the girl rides the whale...is as mishandled a piece of film-making as you'll ever see. Or to be precise, NOT see. Presumably they didn't have the budget, in which case they shouldn't have embarked on the project. Buy 'Once were warriors' to get the best look at the modern Maori dilemma, or 'Billy Elliot' for a child conquering prejudice, and the redemption of his society. Neither bends the knee to PC, and neither is gooey. More importantly, they are complete films.

Possibly The Best Series Ever!!!

I can't recommened this DVD boxset enough, it is a superb package for all Simpsons fans.
The fifth season really could be the all time best in Simpsons history, this was the golden age of the cult cartoon classic. Episodes like"Cape Feare","The Last Temptation of Homer","Homer the Vigilante" and"Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song" are just laugh out loud hilarious! When you watch these DVDs, there really is little wonder why the Simpsons is still going and as a popular today as it was back when it started. The whole package of the DVD sets are truely fantastic and with so many bonus features chucked in, you'll be entertained for hours.
I recommened this to everyone who has a passion for the greatest cartoon series of all time but be warned, this is a package of which you find yourself playing in your DVD player over and over, again and again.

Pure Fun

It has been 10 years since this film debuted and much has happened to the careers of the two principles in the movie. In addition to Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei, a great performance was placed on screen by Fred Gwynne, known by many for one of the quirkier characters to ever appear on television, Fred Munster. Mr. Gwynne died in July of 1993, and a memorable actor was lost. Marisa Tomei was the big winner in this outing as her performance earned her an Academy Award for her performance as,"Mona Lisa Lise Vito". Add to that name the most intense Brooklyn accent ever placed on screen, and if your curiosity is piqued, this film is for you.

The story is one you have seen at least a dozen times, but the performances, both individually and as a cast, make this familiar theme very entertaining and funny. Joe Pesci is the cousin in the film that is dispatched to Alabama fresh from his successful 6th attempt at passing the bar to try his first case, and a double murder case no less. His character, and yes all of them are used, include Vincent La Guardia Gambini (a.k.a Jerry Gallo/Jerry Callo/Vinny 'Bag of Doughnuts') are worth listing, as again, it gives you a taste of what the film has on offer. The closest he can come to the word youths is utes, and when placed in front of a hanging judge......well you get the idea.

There are no surprises in the film, with the possible exception that the stereotypes of North and South are fairly evenly distributed. The closing soundtrack is also a gem. So if you are looking for a bit of humor that will ask nothing of you, except that you sit, watch and laugh, this is an easy way to pass 120 minutes.

Awesome

Yet another season, yet another dollop of Simpson greatness. Two Bad Neighbours always makes me laugh and if the other episodes were poor this one would be worth it alone - fear not they are all wonderful. Homer the Smithers, Bart on the Road and Much Apu about Nothing are brilliant episodes. Thank you Matt Groening. Life is that little bit sweeter for your brilliant, wonderful television show!

I LIKED THIS COMEDY

Going into this movie I really didn't know what to expect. I mildly chuckled through a couple of trailers but there wasn't anything that blew me away. I was just going to wait and rent it on DVD when it came out but my friend bought me a ticket so I gave it a shot. I'm glad that I got a chance to see this movie. It is by far the biggest surprise I've seen this year.

The main problem hesitation I had going into it was Dane Cook. I love his stand up act and think he's one of the most gifted comedians out there right now. The thing is that doesn't always translate into a good acting career. He hadn't really done anything big up to this point. Just minor roles in films like Mystery Men, Stuck on You, and Waiting. I'm glad to say though that he did an excellent job as the lead character of Zack. He's just one of those characters you instantly like. Throughout the film he did a really good job of being the practical joker but also showing that he cared about those around him.

Also it was good that he had a stellar supporting cast to back him up. Harlan Williams, Andy Dick, and Brian George play Zach's best friends at the store Russel, Lon, and Iqbal. This group stole many of the scenes they were in. Andy Dick especially surprised me because normally he's too over the top and gets on my nerves which wasn't the case this time.

Then there's Tim Bagley who plays the neurotic store manager Glen Gary and Sean Whalen who plays his assistant. At first these two really didn't do too much but as the film progressed they got to have a few shining moments. Especially Glen Gary's interactions with his brother's Glen Ross played by the always funny Danny Woodburn. When Glen Ross showed up I thought they were going to have a bunch of little person jokes made at his expense but I'm glad to say that they played off of it in a very light manner without being insulting.

The main person who made this movie enjoyable for me though was Dax Shepard as Vince the antagonist of the film. To me he was the funniest person in the film. His character was dead on as the guy who loves his job too much and acts superior to everyone around him. His mistreatment of his only worshiper Jorge played by Efren Ramirez and utter hatred of Zack could've been boring and typical but he was too funny. I think a lot of what worked in the movie was the interaction between Vince and Zack. Also Vince's awkward courtship of Amy, played by Jessica Simpson, really made his character enjoyable. Here is a guy who wow's the ladies with his insanely fast check out skills but when faced with a beautiful girl is awkward and says all the wrong things. Their kiss had to be one of the most funniest and uncomfortable I've seen in a movie for a while.

And this leads me to one of the problems I did have with the movie. I don't hate Jessica Simpson, but I'm not singing her praises. She does an OK job as Amy, the girl Zach and Vince are trying to win Employee of the Month to impress enough to go out with them. There was never really a point in the film that made me see why they were trying so hard to be with her outside of how good looking she is. Honestly I never saw any real depth in her character.

To her defense thought I think a lot of it had to do with the plot. Which is to say there isn't a lot outside of the initial premise. Her character was probably the most underwritten. Basically Zack becomes a better employee to try to win the title role and Amy's affection and Vince is trying to do the same and stop Zach by any means. There is the typical neglect of the friends when Zach becomes focused and towards the end it picks up but aside from that there isn't a whole lot.

Normally without a really strong plot I wouldn't enjoy the movie but the characters are really good and the movie probably is the second most memorable film this year behind Clerks II for one liners. The one liners in the film are crowd killers that bring the whole room to laughter. The delivery of these lines are dead on and you'll be quoting them for a long time with your friends.

Overall this movie is much better than it had any right to be. I had hardly any expectations and now I recommend that everyone at least give it a shot. I understand if you want to wait until DVD because going to the movies is so costly these days but when you do have a chance I would see it. It's not the funniest movie this year but it's surprising.

Simpsons Season 1 - Amazing

This is a gr8 season, I know the voices sound different and the animation's very primitive by todays standards but there are a lot of great episodes here. Particularly"Life In The Fast Lane","Call Of The Simpsons","Moaning Lisa"

A Moment Caught

This is the beginning of what we have come to know as the Ealing comedy. A charming story of a group of children who believe their favourite comic is being used by crooks to send secret messages, they set out to foil the villains by planting false clues. All the children are excellent as are the adult cast especially Jack Warner and the marvellously larger than life Alastair Sim.
The real hero of this romp is London. Again and again,the postwar bomb-ravaged city provides stunning scenery and a great stage for the action. The children move through ruins without a thought for danger building dens that any child would envy. It is as though the filmmakers wanted to capture this London before it inevitably disappeared. It is part of the vanished innocence at the heart of the film.
One can watch this film again and again with pleasure.

A fascinating journey from boys to men!

Like other reviewers, having seen City of God I was very interested to see how this series would be. It not only has fast paced story lines but the cinematography is fantastic and you get an amazing insight into life in the favela. The mindboggling thing about all of this is that all the actors are from the shanty towns in Rio and do not have a trained acting background. This is probably what makes this series all the more amazing! I would recommend this without a doubt, if you liked City of God just buy this and don't even hesitate for one second!

One of the truely great seasons!!

I can't recommened this DVD boxset enough, it is a superb package for all Simpsons fans.
The fourth season really was without a doubt, one of the best in Simpsons history, episodes like"Mr. Plow","Lisa's First Word", and"Last Exit to Springfield" and"Marge in Chains" are just laugh out loud hilarious! When you watch these DVDs, there really is little wonder why the Simpsons is still going and as a popular today as it was back when it started. The whole package of the DVD sets are truely fantastic and with so many bonus features chucked in, you'll be entertained for hours.
I recommened this to everyone who has a passion for the greatest cartoon series of all time but be warned, this is a package of which you find yourself playing in your DVD player over and over, again and again.

An awsome follow up

This is the sequel to"Once were warriors" and if you've seen that then you have to see this. It leaves you willing on Jake to do the right thing, to put right the wrongs he had done by his family. This is a must see film if only to realise the plight of the Maori's in New Zealand, down trodden like the Aboriginals in Australia.

More Genius

By the time Season two came about The Simpsons was becoming a huge success. This season ensured it. Riddled with simply brilliant episodes The Simpsons has the ability to make you laugh and cry within seconds of each other. On occassions its truly heart breaking as Homer tries in vain to be a decent father. I cannot give The Simpsons enough credit for just how good it is. This series contains yet another batch of hilarious episodes including Bart the Daredevil where Homer sadly falls victim to more Springfield Medical Emergency staff buffonery, Principal Charming where Principal Seymour Skinner becomes attracted to one of Marge's horrid sisters (this episode contains the side splitting line from Homer -"She's a heffier Marge! Plain and Simple!" Trust me, it will all make sense when you see it! Its just a must, must buy! If you've never watched it before or have and don't own this - Buy it now! It will be the best purchase you've ever made.

Brilliant, Genius, Wonderful

Don't be fooled - The Simpsons has never had a Golden Age, its just maintained its brilliance. This season, number 6 continued that trend with a superlative set of wonderful episodes. Homer Badman being my favourite of the season words fail me to really convey just how brilliant this television programme is. Barts Comet, A Star is Burns (featuring the best black and white seqeuence ever TM in a animated television programme), The PTA Disbands and Lemon of Troy are just a taste of the genius that lay within this wonderful DVD set. Sit back and prepare to laugh.

THE BEST OF THE GENRE

A film guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Yes, some of the production design and special effects look a little rusty but overall this is superior film making. The acting is generally very good and the set pieces fantastic, especially the scene where McQueen is holding onto a fireman on the Scenic Elevator. John Williams contributes a fine score and despite the long running time you will not be bored. Only some clumsy lines in the script and a slightly tedious scene on a damaged stairwell detract from the film.

Rated 15 because of some strong language and some distressing scenes.

The Swarm was producer Irwin Allen's next movie, look out for a Towering Inferno poster in this film.

The 3rd Massive Overpirced Boxset Of The Yellow Faced Disasters!!!

This Is The 3rd Season Of One Of The Greatest Shows Ever Made: The Simpsons. It's Very Very Very Funny Including All 24 Episodes! Loads Of Extras Including 13 Musical Scenes, Easter Eggs,Butterfinger Commercial And Loads More!!!

Brilliant And Exciting

brilliant dvd set very good i would watch every minute of it over and over again its very good and touching if you want some exciting muinutes watch this very very good

Days Of Thunder

Replace the jet fighters of Top Gun with NASCAR racing vehicles and hey presto you have a brand new film! When I found out that not only did Tom Cruise star in both films, but they were both directed by Tony Scott, well that really put the icing on the cake!

Seriously though, Days of Thunder is not that bad a film if you're after a few thrilling action sequences, a throwaway storyline and lots of shots of the gorgeous face of Tom Cruise. If you're after anything more then you might just go away slightly disappointed.

As I say the plot doesn't really merit a mention. Rookie Cruise arrives on the scene with lots of talent but no control. Paired up with fatherly Robert Duvall as the car team's chief they argue and fight and eventually come to love and respect each other. Cruise suffers a bad crash and is tended by Nicole Kidman, cue gratuitous love scenes. Cruise recovers to win the final race of the season seeing off his most hated rival and claiming victory. Finish your pop corn and go home.

There are some redeeming features to the film though. Even the most ardent hater of motor sports will find the race scenes somewhat thrilling and very well filmed. Robert Duvall is always good value for money and he makes another well rounded appearance here, and well, you just can't keep Tom Cruise down. The smile, the teeth, the hair, you just gotta like this guy!

Classic

Thrilling plot, acted out in a way that isn’t too dated given its age; with a great cast and twists and turns around every corner. I originally bought this for nostalgic reasons (in the early days of Betamax, it was one of the few videos that we were able to borrow and we watched it over and over); but the film lives up to those early memories.

Not the best DVD - but a good series

Having watched"Edward & Mrs Simpson" on DVD, it looks initially like it was a straight copy off the ITV tapes. Notwithstanding, it was a very well acted series which showed just how much power the government really had behind the throne in the 1920s and 30s.

Cynthia Harris made a good Wallis but there was no real"chemistry" between her and Edward Fox; no sign of just why she was his great passion. Ending the series when they did, just after the marriage made things feel a bit flat. It would have been good to see how they lived out the rest of their lives as a jet setting dilettante and his wife. Perhaps it was the fact that the 1970s was more restrictive with what could be done in playing out Royal dramas.

Edward Fox made Edward VIII a very believable, sometimes likeable fellow who was quite evidently spoiled. Where he gets told it's either Wallis or the throne, you can imagine him throwing a right royal tantrum behind the scenes.

The DVD quality is alright but showing where the ad breaks were makes for poor quality and in Disc 2 there is a definite break where you see the countdown.

A special feature of the Windsors post wedding would have been interesting for viewers who were not alive around the time the Duke died or when Wallis herself died. A feature on the fantastic jewels she was given would also have been good as this is alluded to in the series when"Chips" Channon and Wallis are discussing a new man at Cartier's.

The sets are so true to the era and the costumes hark back to a very glamorous time prior to World War II. The actress playing the future Queen Mum is very convincing especially with her biting comments about"that woman".

The quality of DVD lets down an intriguing series that is somewhat hard to understand today in our more progressive era - particularly when we know that Camilla Parker-Bowles was allowed in the end to nab her prince. But if it hadn't happened, perhaps the Royal Family as we know it today, would not exist in the format that it does.

Awful Film

I really wanted to like this film. I really did. But it was a task that was not possible.
How anyone could see this film as being a modern classic baffles me. They must either be between the ages of 5-10, really immature, have a terrible sense of humor, or brain dead. Judging by some of the reviews, some people are all 4.
The jokes are not witty (Spider-pig. Is that actually supposed to make people laugh? 10-15 or so writers and they come up with that?!), the characters have changed, the story is shocking, and the film is just generally a horrendous experience.
Many of the people that rate the film highly on the internet claim that others are not intelligent enough to get the jokes. What?! They must beyond stupid to say something like that. The jokes are harrowing.
It hurts me inside to see such a brilliant, witty, groundbreaking show turn into one of the worst things i have ever been subjected to.
The Simpsons is dead, and has been for 5 or 6 years.
People, please stop forcing yourselves to like this film and the new Simpsons. They are awful.