For BR & NB fans ..., Dec 1 2003

As to the movies themselves ... well, if you're a fan of what I regard as the best Sherlock Holms/Dr Watson duo, then this is a collection not to be missed. The movies are campy and fun, and provide a great passtime for those rainy Sunday afternoons in front of the fireplace w/ a bag of popcorn. I've always enjoyed Nigal Bruce as the bumbling, vacant-eyed Watson [Watson "it's so simple, a child could see it"; Holmes "not your child"; Watson "huh? I never had a child"] and the cynical, resourceful Holmes. The mysteries themselves are trite and melodramatic -- but then, we're talking about an era in film making when this was the norm.

Seriously, if you have ever enjoyed one of these films, this is the series to buy. Twelve of the movies are already slated to be released (the ones from Universal). Hopefully the first two ('Hound of the Baskervilles' and 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes') will also find their way into this excellent set.

***Cheerfully Recommended ***

Liked the comic? You'll like the movie., Nov 17 2002

The story line is clear and easy to understand. You needn't be familiar with the comic book. Charactors develop naturally and can be sympathized with (or hated).

Special effects are outstanding. Nothing more to be said.

All in all and outstanding movie -- suitable for everyone in the family. I hope that the next movie will be equally as good.

Stongly Recommended.

~Paul~

Can't Get Excited ..., Nov 17 2002

Yes, visually it's stunning -- and some of the scenes are interesting as well. But the film as a whole is diffuse and at times confusing.

The original Star Wars Trilogy led one from one scene to another with a strong sense of what was going on and why. Attack of the Clones just sort of wallows around a bit and seems to take pot shots at the action.

LucusFilms seems to be putting more emphasis on the special effects and computer generated graphics than on the story -- and there is a story to be told here.

Thankfully, not all facets of the film are negative. We do get a view of Anakin Skywalker and see him beginning to turn to the dark side. We get to meet charactors which were first introducted in episode IV, A New Hope ... and see where the death star comes from. So for stage setting, the movie gets a thumbs up. For story line and strong characters, a thumbs down.

Certainly a mixed bag here. I was disappointed, but not devestated. Get it if you're a fan.

Recommended with reservations...

It's a grand, grand, grand, grand movie, Mar 10 2002

It's a classic race by four groups of contestants for a promise of buried money bequeathed them by a dying criminal. The fortune ($300,000 from a Tuna Factory robbery) is buried under a 'big W' in Santa Roseta Park -- a couple of hours away from their present location.

It's a hoot watching the group trying to decide how to split up the money -- observing Sid Caesar and Dorthory Provine locked in the basement of a hardware store and trying to break out -- flying with Buddy Hackett and Mickey Rooney after their pilot (Jim Backus -- the voice of Mr. Magoo) becomes incapacitated -- driving with Milton Berle and Terry Thomas with their views of America (and the ensuing fist fight) ... and it goes on and on.

Baby boomers will especially enjoy the flick because of the nostalgia the big names will recall. But the film will appeal to all ages since the humor is timeless.

If you haven't seen the film and enjoy a good show -- be sure to watch this one. If you've seen it before and want to relive a fine movie, add it to your collection and relive the laughter.

*** Highly Recommended for all age groups **

~P~

Good follow-up to 'Debt of Honor', Mar 10 2002

Our hero, Jack Ryan, now finds himself promoted to the very top position in the United States government -- the presidency. A job he didn't want, circumstances have placed him in the excutive office with a full two thirds of the government apparatis demolished via a terrorist act.

To add to his woe, middle eastern agents have introduced biological warfare into the country -- and one of the secret service men guarding him is a sleeper agent waiting for the proper moment to execute him.

In true Clancy style all these things develop simultaneously and provide an interesting (if rather longish) story. I find it particularly interesting to note that much of the action seems to mirror the real world September 11th terrorist acts (the book was released a couple of years prior to this event). Could it be that the novel was used as a blueprint by real world terrorists or at least provided them the idea? It's an interesting theory. Read the story and make your own determination.

Bottom line is this is an important installment in the ongoing adventures of the (now) legendary Jack Ryan -- one you will want to read and add to the collection. The tale will keep you up late waiting to see how Jack copes with the developing situations though the outcome is never really in doubt.

** Recommended **
~P~

Not exactly your typical Disney, Mar 10 2002

In all truth, this is not a bad movie, just not as good as some of their other titles. For all the advertisement that preceeded the release (both theatrical and the DVD release) I guess I just expected more.

The DVD itself is clean and crisp and contains some bonus material -- something the earlier animated films lacked. Bonus material includes an audio commentary with the producer, deleted scenes, a virtual tour of the CG model of the sub 'Ulyses' and the leviathan, and a guide on how to speak 'Atantean' (useless but interesting).

All in all, one of the weaker titles but still worth a look.

** mildly recommended **
~P~

The Great Race -- it's a Winner!, Mar 3 2002

Set in the early 20th century, the flick concerns an ongoing competion of two dare-devils who continuously try to top the charts. Tony Curtis is 'The Great Leslie', who always wears white, is superbly competent in every thing he tries, and who's shining white teeth sparkle in the sun.

Jack Lemmon portrays the dastardly 'Professor Fate', who is always trying to top (or undermine) the stunts of the Great Leslie ... and who's efforts usually wind up in a farmer's mud pond with his side kick, Max (Peter Falk). "Well, there's another one the Great Leslie can try on for size! ** collapses **"

Natalie Wood is Maggie DuBois, an attractive cigar smoking suffrogette who goal in life is to free women of 'the drugery of being either servants or saints'. "Out of the laundry rooms and off the pedestals!"

After a number of short skits where we are introduced to the players (and the hilarious results), the three become contestants in a vintage car race from New York to Paris via Alaska. One situation after another develops leaving us laughing as Professor Fate tries to win the race his way -- by cheating.

Situations develop in the American West, Alaska, the Bering Sea, Russia, Middle Europe and finally Paris -- and the pie fight has to be on of the best I've ever seen. Timing and situation development is perfect here.

The ending comes as a surprise (sort of) so I won't ruin it here -- see the movie.

This film will make a great addition to your growing library and is suitable for viewing (and enjoyable) by all ages. It's not a terribly deep movie, but it is very, very entertaining as a number of plots develop at the same time.

I haven't seen the DVD yet (as it's not yet released) but look forward to owning it. I do have the VHS version and am wearing it out thru use.

Get it. Enjoy it. "Push the button, Max!"

** Highly Recommended **

~P~

A little disappointing, Feb 21 2002

I'd anticipated owning (and reading) DreamCatcher for some time but hadn't gotten around to buying it. Finally, in view of a lengthy trip in the Far East, I purchased the book for reading while on the plane.

The novel starts off in typical King fashion with introductions to the primary players; Pete, Jonesy, Henry and Beaver. However, the initial sections seem a little diffuse and hard to follow. After the first few chapters; however, the pace picks up -- thankfully.

Much of the book seems to reflect themes of other books or films - notably 'Tommyknockers', 'Alien', and 'It'. Most interesting of all the characters is Kurtz who is introduced later in the story and is a study of a deadly psychopath.

All in all, the book is not bad (after all, it's a Stephan King work, right?), but it's not as good as I had expected. If you're a seasoned King reader, buy it because the author always has interesting twists to write about and will eventually submerge you in the tale. However, if this is to be your first encounter with SK, then try one of his better works first (I'd recommend either 'The Stand' or 'It'). It will keep from turning you off to an excellent writer and storyteller.

** recommended with reservations **

A Vincent Price Film Feast, Feb 21 2002

If you answered yes to any of these, you'll want to own this trio of tales based on the works of EAP.

Price is a 'priceless' actor when it comes to films of gothic horror. Somehow, he can dramatise horror and revultion as no other can -- truly he is a master of the macabre.

The film itself consists of three spooky tales which will enthral the watcher (assuming this is your sort of chosen entertainment). There is virtually no bloodletting in these tales, but they strike a deeper note than Freddy ever has.

Not for younger children unless you want to sit up with them all night for their dreams, mature audiences should find this trilogy great for an evenings diversion.

** Recommended **

A mint? This film is bullion!, Feb 21 2002

Hutton plays a clerk in the Washington mint who inadvertently takes home and destroys $50,000 in his garbage disposal. Somewhat of a playboy and flashy liver, Hutton is closely watched by his boss, "Missing" Link.

Once Hutton discovers that he didn't just grind up some fudge that his wannabe girlfriend gave him, he becomes involved in a plot to reprint (secretly, of course) the 50 grand he lost.

The humor of the movie is watching as more and more people get involved in order to print up the missing money -- and of course, Hutton is under a time limit as the auditors are coming on Monday morning. Naturally, each of the add-ons wants a piece of the action and Hutton must agree to print up extra money for them.

In the way of most movies in the 60's, everything works out in the end...

This may not be a four star show which ranks with the best, but it does feature many famous comedians of it's time -- worth having simply for that. And the situation comedy is most entertaining.

Fun for the family -- a great rememberance of carefree films from simplier times.

** Highly Recommended **

~P~