Reviews about Movies & DVDs

khotek says "Challenging and easy to follow" about Exhale: Core Fusion Body Sculpt

khotek — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:19:38 GMT

I often feel silly doing workout videos, and just can't handle the annoying peppy voices and jumpy dance moves. The Core Fusion Body Sculpt is not your average workout video, and I LOVE it. The instructors are great, they're easy to follow and you never feel like they're shouting at you like other workout videos. The routine is easy to follow and you can adjust it depending on what level you are comfortable with. Even their voices are soothing and nice to listen to. They focus well on a full-body workout, with stretching before your workout and after you finish each segment. I like that you can choose segments, so you don't have to watch the entire video if you don't want to or if you are short on time. The whole video is only 50 minutes long, and it really works you out. The moves are so simple and look so easy, but you'll really feel the burn. The ab segment is killer, you can really feel it working!

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QueenofScones says "Intense for younger viewers. True to the novel." about A Christmas Carol starring Jim CArrey

QueenofScones — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:36:48 GMT

I was not betting that this movie would be so true to the novel. Most of the book seems ripped right from the pages of Charles Dicken's story. Jim Carrey does an amazing job portraying a good portion of the characters himself without making them too "Carrey-esque". I was surprised at how scary and intense alot of the scenes were. I believe this was justified, however, so that when Ebenezer Scrooge makes his transformation, it is truly a big one. The opening scenes with Jacob Marley's ghost scared me out of my wits (and I'm a 36 year old mom). I kept looking at my kids, two boys, 8 and 9 to see if they were scared. Well, my 8 year old slept through the whole thing (the British dialouge and slow beginning didn't hold his attention), but my 9 year old commented the day after how great the movie was. One thing that can't be denied are the special effects. The 3-D is hands-down the best I've ever seen in any movie. So, as a movie, it was fantastic, imaginative and the...

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javajo says "Don't have a cop for a neighbor!" about Lakeview Terrace

javajo — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:43:46 GMT

This was an excellent film--the characters we're well thought out, but there were still parts you could guess were going to happen.

I love Samuel L Jackson! This man cannot make a bad film. He comes to his character ready to be the person you don't want him to be!

If you're a cop, you probably won't like the movie--it tends to portray law enforcement as either bullies or stupid as rocks; but despite that, there is some reality in the movie--not every law enforcement officer is clean--this one especially.

The couple in the movie alreadly have enough issues; they seem like they aren't going to make it as a couple, but the movie touches on each of the issues and brings them all together to make for a great ending. The father-in-law makes some very sound statements about the problems the couple is facing with their new neighbor, but to quote him would ruin that part of the movie.

This is a must see; even worth the money I paid to purchase it!

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eyeplayclarinet says "Great, fun, and intersctive!" about Crunch Burn and Firm

eyeplayclarinet — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:24:18 GMT

I have really enjoyed this workout tape...It has fun movements and tones you up and has great cardio workouts!

Now you can get a Pilates body faster than ever with this revolutionary workout.

Everyone knows that Pilates is great for creating longer, leaner muscles. But we’ve taken Pilates to a whole new level by adding some unique "Burn & Firm" elements to this workout! We begin with standing Pilates exercises blended with some simple danceinspired moves for a cardio-blasting "Burn" segment. Second, we add light hand weights to gently speed up the total body toning and re-shaping effect of Pilates. That’s where the "Firm"comes in. Don’t worry, this Pilates routine is still low-impact, easy-to-follow, and won’t leave you feeling drained like traditional cardio and weight training. Best of all, because this program multi-tasks, it makes the most of every minute of your workout time. With Burn & Firm Pilates you can finally get that sleek, lean, elegant body fast from a workout...

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ticklemeusilly says "This was an funny entertaining film that I enjoyed watching!" about Cirque Du Freak The Vampires Assistant

ticklemeusilly — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:21:07 GMT

I went to see this film with my Middle school aged daughter since she was very interested in it and it seemed as if it was the safest choice for our night out. I really was pleasantly surprised when I really did end up enjoying it. It was entertaining, and funny. Yes it was entertaining for the audience, but I am used to watching things for this age group and much of it is much less entertaining to me. So I was really surprised to enjoy it as much as she did. It was a cute story. My daughter is already a book reader, and it made her more likely to seek out the series of books that the film is based upon. So I am sure that it may make a kid that is not much of a book reader seek out the book to see if there is more to the story. It would be a neat thing to check out. I have already been online purchasing the books. It turns out there a quite a few, so I wouldn't mind seeing more films like the one that I just saw! It sure beats most of our movie nights! As I said The...

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Juliet1198 says "Both boys have loved this educational DVD!" about Leap Frog: Letter Factory Learning DVD

Juliet1198 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:17:20 GMT

As a parent it seems natural to want educational toys and videos for your kids, but I was skeptical of the Leapfrog Letter Factory DVD when it first came out. There didn't seem to be enough to draw my son in and make him want to keep watching -- BOY was I wrong! I heard over and over from friends about how much their kids LOVED this move, and finally I requested it from our local library. Our oldest son was hooked right away, asking for it any time he was allowed to watch a movie in the house or in the van. It, with out question, helped him to learn the letter names and their sounds. Our second son (4 years younger than his brother) is now equally enamored by this movie, and every friend I've ever recommended it to has had the same experience with their kids!

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CallieN says "Not very entertaining but intense" about taebo

CallieN — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:44:39 GMT

I used TaeBo for awhile because my mom had a beginner video. I can tell you that the beginner video is definitely intense and you do get a good workout in less than thirty minutes. I didnt really enjoy the music that much, it didnt really push me and I felt like the moves were a bit repetitive. Still, it was a good thing to throw in on a day when i wanted A quick workout and at the time it was all that I had. I wouldnt say go buy it but maybe check it out at the library as a way to mix it up. If you are into kickboxing it is a good way to get rid of your aggressions while working out. just envision the jerk from work as your invisible punching bag. LOL, thats better than a real life butt kicking. I liek Billy Blanks, he seems cool and like he does care to help people. And they had different age and shaped people working out which might be inviting to people who dont want to watch a bunch of blonde sticks pretend to "get in shape."

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CallieN says "Very fun and time passes quickly!" about Turbo Jam

CallieN — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:40:12 GMT

TurboJam is a lot of fun and I think it is a great solution for people who are do not enjoy exercise because you feel like you're dancing and the music is great because it keeps you pumped and pushes you forward. If you have had issues with thyroid or adrenal problems this might not be for you because it is high intensity cardio that lasts for a while. I enjoyed the workout a lot and my friend who hates getting up early was even excited about doing it in the mornings with me. I would say you have to be motivated to do it but it is excitng and i did feel like doing as long as I wasnt tired. Chalene is very fun and spunky and she keeps you moving by trying to keep you involved in the process. Also, there are options for less intense cardio that are shown by one of the people working out. So if you are not in great shape you can work up to doing it full out. I think if you dont have medical issues this is a good way to workout and change your life.

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kailuen says "rome wasn't bulit in a day" about P90X

kailuen — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:39:46 GMT

This product is what I expected from the infomercial - the infomercial is a good representation of what you'll get. The DVDs are good, come in a small case (no excess packaging to exaggerate or compensate for lack of real product). The accompanying written materials are good too.
However, I found that I wasn't quite in shape enough when P90X arrived to use it well. I went back and bought Tony Horton's "Power Half Hour" and used that for a few weeks first - had to wake up some muscles I've let go dormant. I've been in good shape most of my life, but kind of got lazy lately - I needed to get a basic foundation before I could jump into the incredible workouts he provides.
Make no mistake; this is a commitment. The workouts are long, and hard, but they are engaging. No geeky cheesy cheerleader pep talks in the DVD, and no arrogant gym rat jerks either. If I win the lottery, I'll try to hire Tony as my personal trainer; he has a good positive attitude, and seems to keep the workouts real with...

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sunninjim says "Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat , Boost Metabolism really works" about Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism (2008)

sunninjim — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:55:31 GMT

Jillian Michaels Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism is a great workout DVD. It will really make you sweat and work out.It was released Feb 3 2009 and I bought this DVD the day it was released. I used it religiously for about 30 days and I did manage to shed about 15 lbs. Now if I only could've stuck with it who knows how much weight I might have lost. LOL Anyway it has routines from beginners to advanced and everythng in between . It can be found on amazon.com now for $9.99 (makes a great stocking stuffer for someone whose into fitness but I definately wouldn't recommend something like this for someone who is needing to lose weight as they might take it as an insult). Anything from Jillian Michaels has got to be good. Afterall she is one of the workout gurus on The Biggest Loser and you know how hard she can make you work out on that show! This is definately no different. I dusted mine off and will be using it again starting tomorrow ( ok maybe not tomorrow but definately within the week).

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junk1564 says "Finally! An exercise video MADE for pregnant women" about Lindsay Brin's Moms Into Fitness Second Trimester

junk1564 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:04:21 GMT

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I wanted to stay in shape but was not sure of what to do. There are differing views out there saying what pregnant women "should" and "shouldn't" do. I wanted to stay in shape, but still be safe for my baby. Lindsay Brin is one of the VERY few people who has made an exercise video for the modern pregnant woman. I like that it is not corny (like the Kathy Smith pregnancy video or all the others made in 80s/90s where the women are wearing leotards and very bright leg warmers doing a very bad aerobic workout).

Lindsay focuses on cardio and toning and even has some safe core exericises at the end. She explains how to properly do the moves and has women doing 2 different levels of exercise so you can alter your workout depending on if you feel tired and have a lot of energy. She also focuses on specific muscle groups that get especially strained in pregnancy: chest, back, legs.

I also love that this is geared specifically for 2nd trimester. As...

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Rocketiger says "Very funny. Great date movie!!" about The Ugly Truth

Rocketiger — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:45:36 GMT

This movie was very comedic with a loving touch. Gerard Butler was fantastic as an eccentric, egotistical, arrogant, love guru and an expert in what men think who has his own infomercial. Heigel was excellent at portraying the no-nonsense, career driven, high strung, and the very perfectionist TV producer whose love life has something left to be desired. As these two are forced to work with one another in an attempt to boost the network's ratings. Admist of their hatred towards each other, they find love right in front of them as Gerard Butler's chracter proposes a very tempting offer to Heigel's character. I couldn't think fo two other actors to play in this movie. This would be a great date night movie to watch with your significant other. Very funny!!! I could not stop laughing. This is a hilarious men vs women movie. Everyone in a relationship should see this movie. Not suitable for children. Adult humor.

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sherri3901 says "A Christmas tradition!" about It's a Wonderful Life

sherri3901 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:42:32 GMT

This Christmas tradition emphasizes the value of family over any material possessions. Watching George as a young child and realizing he had big dreams that would change as he grew older is a good reminder that it's okay to change your dreams, especially when the unexpected happens in life. Knowing that George has made an impact in his small community even when it was not what he had hoped to do is an inspiration for everyone. George even stands up to the "big money" in town and continues to fight for the less fortunate, even when it would have been easier for his family to sell out. The most famous part of this movie -- when George sees the world as it would be without him -- is a wonderful reminder that everything we do has an impact on others, for better or for worse. It's a Wonderful Life is a heartwarming movie and an excellent reminder of the things we should treasure most in life.

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nothingbutaproduct says "I'm surprised to say I loved it" about Hoodwinked! (2005)

nothingbutaproduct — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:22:46 GMT

My husband bought this movie a long time ago and it finally made its way to the DVD player. The kids were watched it but something about it seemed so unappealling. One day I glanced up and noticed Little Red Riding Hood was in handcuffs and I asked my husband, "This is a KIDS' movie?!" Finally, on their 100th time to watch it, I started paying attention. And I found it hilarious and intriguing! It's an interesting take on the old classic Little Red Riding Hood. It's not at all what I expected and I highly recommend it. Anyone could get something from it.

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x3Hikaru says "Has all the best aspects a great movie needs." about Big Fish

x3Hikaru — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:09:25 GMT

Tim Burton has done it again. Although, this film is a bit different from his others. Unlike the normal creepy atmosphere, this story is more 'realistic', In so many words. This 2003 movie, has to be my all-time favorite, by far. I'm a big Burton fan, and I can truly say that with this he has really outdone himself.
    Edward Bloom, the main character, has led an incredible life. He's done courageous and outstanding things, from rescuing a cat from a burning house, to saving a little town from a hungry giant.
    Now an old man, he tells anyone who'll listen the stories of his life. Everyone loves them, & everyone loves him. But unfortunately, after hearing the stories so many times, his only son does not. The two men don't speak for years after an argument, until Edward falls ill. The only thing Will (Edwards son) can do now, is tell the stories exactly as he was told.
    With a great director, writers, actors and an incredible story, Big Fish is one of the best movies I...

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Farn says "If you love innovative, courageous films... see this one." about Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut

Farn — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:17:21 GMT

Donnie Darko is like nothing that ever came before it, although the first time I watched it I was reminded of Jacob's Ladder (another film featuring nesting, unstable realities). It's pointless for me to try to describe the plot, because for me it feels shifting and multilayered. That doesn't mean that it doesn't make sense -- it just means that it's not really linear.

Meanwhile, there are any number of other reasons to love this movie. Here are a few:

Authenticity of voice. The dialogue in this film feels so real that you think you're listening to real people talking, like the best of Robert Altman or William Faulkner.
Breathtaking editing. Again and again, with just a few carefully chosen seconds of film, the geniuses behind this movie create powerful images that fall into place together like crystals in a kaleidoscope.
Unfettered performances. The actors are let loose to do what they do best. And what a cast -- each performance is a gem. Oh, Drew Barrymore!
The archetypal characters,...

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Farn says "This may become your favorite animated film." about Spirited Away - 2001

Farn — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:23:01 GMT

Even people who love animated films may not have seen this movie, because it certainly isn't mainstream cartoon fare and it wasn't heavily promoted in this country. Don't let that stop you. If you're in the mood for something rich and magical, find this and watch it. Here are three reasons why you should:

The artwork! Visually this film is nothing short of a masterpiece, with loving detail crafted into every single frame.

The story, which has an intensity and an authenticity reminiscent of the best American animation of decades past.

The characters. Not only because they are a collection of bizarre entities from a creative imagination, but because they are multidimensional and... believable. Odd to say such a thing about hungry spirits with no faces, or boys who are dragons, or parents who turn into pigs and back again! It is the complexity of the characters that makes them feel real -- their ambivalence, their stubbornness, their changes of heart.

I cannot recommend this film strongly...

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eyeplayclarinet says "Great and fun exercise to get you all toned up!" about Winsor Pilates : Adnvanced

eyeplayclarinet — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:22:16 GMT

I love this work out tape because it provides you with great work out moves that each are targeted to a certain area of your body, and hits every one in twenty two minutes!

The Pilates method was invented in the early part of the 20th century by German athlete Joseph Pilates, who designed a series of mat exercises to help balance the body, improve motion, strengthen, and promote mental and physical harmony. He originally named his technique the art of controlology, control being one of the most important aspects of Pilates. The exercises Pilates developed require intense concentration and centered on a strong abdomen, deep stretching, and focused breathing. Pilates is usually done one on one or closely supervised. Winsor employs over 30 instructors between the two studios, all highly trained in both dance and Pilates techniques. Instructors monitor students on the different equipment making sure their needs are met. Nothing is forced or repetitious. The focus is on learning to engage...

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Farn says "Shakespeare would love Stanley Tucci as Puck." about Midsummer Night's Dream

Farn — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:52:19 GMT

I usually prefer Shakespeare's more somber and serious work... except for Midsummer Night's Dream. When this film became available, I resisted seeing it... there have been several excellent versions over the years, with stellar casts, and I didn't expect that this new one could in any way measure up. To my pleasant surprise, I found it entirely worthwhile, in large measure because of the performance of Stanley Tucci.

Puck -- the fairy king's henchperson, who speaks to the audience and philosophizes -- is among my favorites of all of Shakespeare's characters. Stanley Tucci's Puck was innovative and unexpected, and I loved it. What a pleasure... to think that you know a character well, and then to see a gifted actor show you an entirely different dimension of the character. This Puck was in no way manic or goofy, but instead dry, sly, dignified, and intellectual. Which in my opinion is perfect, considering his function in the play.

Many of the other performances seemed disjointed and forced...

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allysmama says "An out of the ordinary love story, that will make you feel young" about Twilight

allysmama — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:42:17 GMT

This movie is a wonderful love story about two people that in all reality should never be together. Bella Swann (Kristin Stewart) and Edward Cullen (Robert Patinson) meet at Forks High School when Bella moves there from Arizona. Bella is a shy, introvert and when she lays eyes on Edward Cullen, he captures her attention and remains the focus of her thoughts throughout the entire movie. Edward is from a family of "vegetarian" vampires who only survive on the blood of animals. They do not kill humans, because they do not want to be monsters. As Edward fights his "desire" for Bella's blood, he becomes drawn to Bella, the only person whose mind he cannot read. The two of them go through lots of intense situations, generally revolving around Bella's inability to stay safe. This movie draws you in. It made me go back to my high school days and to remember how intense young love can be. I had so much in common with the Bella character, it drew me further into the movie. The...

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