Buy Trials of Life: Friends & Rivals (1990)

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The "Trials of Life" video series is an excellent education resource for the lay person. The colorful photography and animal interactions bring the videos to life.

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Cheap Chipmunk Xmas (1983)

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I LOVE this movie! My Grandma had this on a record that I would listen to every day in December. My brother and I would also always watch our tape every night the week before Christmas. There are so many great memories attatched to this cartoon.

Alvin's prize possesion is his Golden Echo Harmonica. One day, he's at the mall Christmas Shopping with his brothers and Dave and he goes to the music store and shows his harmonica, the other harmonica that's in the store. He always talks all lovey to his harmonica. He overhears the family of this boy in his class who's always sick. The boy's name is Tommy and Alvin hears Tommy's sister say that if Tommy had the Golden Echo Harmonica she just knew it would make him better. Unfortunately, they can't afford it so they keep walking. Alvin feels horrible! He is so down, even when they are trying to record the Christmas song. He forces Dave to tell them to take a break and he races to Tommy's house and gives him the Harmonica, telling Tommy that he won it because someone entered his name in a raffle. Alvin was feeling very proud of himself and he got back to the studio in time to record the song. While they were at home that night, decorating the tree, Dave gets a call saying Carnegie Hall wants Alvin to play his harmonica on Christmas Eve. Alvin almost has a heart attack because now that he doesn't have his harmonica anymore, he doesn't know what to do. He agrees to play and doesn't tell Dave that he gave the harmonica away because he thinks Dave's feelings will be hurt. Dave gave Alvin the harmonica a long time ago and for some reason he doesn't think Dave will understand why he gave it away. Anyway, he gets together with his brothers and they come up with ways to make money so Alvin can get another harmonica. They get caught in the act of their "Have your picture taken with Santa Claus" plan and Alvin gets in trouble. Alvin has bad dreams all night long and the next day Simon and Theodore pitch in what money they have and Alvin goes to the mall again to see if he has enough for the harmonica, even though he knows he doesn't. While he's at the music store, he meets an old lady who asks him to play for her and she likes his playing so much, she buys him the harmonica. He races to Carnegie Hall and the Chipmunks have a great show and he even does a duet with Tommy. Dave tells Alvin he should have told him what happened at the beginning and they all make up and have a great holiday!

It's a great tale of Christmas miracle's and helping people in need.

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Since I have all their Christmas CDs, I had to buy this. Can't find it in stores around here. It teaches a wonderful lesson to all kids. It's funny and heart warming. It's never Christmas without the Chipmunks. Alvin may be whiney and selfish at times, but he does have a heart. It's a great lesson learned by both adults and kids. The songs, also, are uplifting.

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I haven't seen this one in a while, it is really a very good Christmas cartoon and very touching, it's a shame it's never shown on TV anymore as it's really a lot better than some of the more recent Christmas cartoons and I would love to have this in my collection of Christmas videos and hopefully it will some day be put on DVD.

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Alvin wants a harmonica, and then alvin sees a kid who is sick and he learns that life is important and helps the kid get better. Sweet story brought to you by the chimpmunks.

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Purchased this movie for my kids for christmas. It has since been handed down to my nephew and niece to enjoy.

Cheap The Three Stooges Collection, Vol. 7: 1952-1954 (2009)

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Sony has confirmed that, with the current popularity of 3-D movies, they are going to include 3-D versions of "SPOOKS" and "PARDON MY BACKFIRE" in this set.

This will make up for the fact that 1953 brings about the sad cost-cutting practice of re-releasing an older short with a few minutes of new footage and giving it a new name.

Disc 1

1952

A MISSED FORTUNE a weak re-working of a weak Curly short Healthy, Wealthy & Dumb. The Stooges live the high life on an inheritance.

LISTEN JUDGE One of my favorites from this period. Three electricians are hired to find a short in the Judge's house.

CORNY CASANOVAS The Stooges are all engaged to the same gold-digging girl. Told mostly as three seperate stories.

HE COOKED HIS GOOSE One of their first off-the-mark solo offerings. Larry is a petshop dealer who's seeing Moe's wife while at the same time trying to steal Shemp's fiancée.

GENTS IN A JAM Shemp's rich Uncle Phineas comes to visit the Stooges who are broke and about to evicted. It is a little painful to see Emil Sitka get kicked in the face multiple times. It feels like Jules White duirected it, but he didn't.

THREE DARK HORSES The Stooges get into the political ring as crooked Kenneth MacDonald (later a judge on Perry Mason) hires them to cast the winning votes.

CUCKOO ON A CHOOCHOO One of their wierdest shorts. Only Larry & Shemp are teamed, living in a stolen train car. Moe is the railroad detective hired to find the train car. Shemp spends most of his time dancing with an imaginary girl canary. Larry does his best Marlon Brando impression.

1953

UP IN DAISEY'S PENTHOUSE A re-working of the Curly short "Three Dumb Clucks". Shemp impersonates his dad who is about to marry a golddigger planning to bump him off.

BOOTY AND THE BEAST The Stooges unknowingly help a burglar break into a house. When the boys realize their mistake, they pursue the thief as he makes his escape on a train. The ending uses footage from "Hold That Lion" which includes CURLY's cameo as a sleeping train passenger.

LOOSE LOOT The Stooges subpoena attorney Icabod Slipp to collect their inheritance from their late Uncle, pursuing him to the Circle Follies Theater. This includes attorney's office scenes from HOLD THAT LION.

TRICKY DICKS A top notch detective spoof showing that the writers still have the stuff for a good comedy. The Stooges are detectives put on the trail of killer Slug McGurk. Again footage form HOLD THAT LION makes its way into a new short, this time it is the filing cabinet sequence.

Disc 2 (all matted to look widescreen except "Rip Sew & Stitch", "Bubble Trouble")

SPOOKS! in 2-D, then

SPOOKS! *** 3-D *** As pie salesmen, the Stooges are captured by a mad scientist and his gorilla. Needless to say, the pies come flying directly at us, the audience. (Filmed May 11-14 of 1953 as a widescreen short.)

PARDON MY BACKFIRE in 2-D, then

PARDON MY BACKFIRE *** 3-D *** Dangerous Bank Robbers go to the Stooges auto shop to repair their get-away car, the Stooges hear a radio broadcast about the hold-up & suspect their new customers. This is pure wire-up-the-nose Stooge slapstick. When Moe aims the grease gun at the us, the audience, we get it in the face (well almost). (Filmed 6/30 to 7/6 of 1953 as a widescreen short.)

RIP, SEW & STITCH (re-issue of "Sing A Song Of Six Pants" from vol.5. No change to the story, but some new searching scenes in the shop were filmed using a double for Terry Hargen)

BUBBLE TROUBLE (re-issue of "All Gummed Up" from vol.5 with 4:30 of new footage shot to change the ending. A double was used for Christine McIntyre in the new footage, she quickly runs off-screen never to be seen again for the rest of the short.)

GOOF ON THE ROOF O.K., maybe I have more than one favorite in this set, this is the ultimate slatstick as the Stooges try to hook up a television antenna wire to their friend's TV set. This one suffers some from the letterboxing, I think it was shot for full frame then released with titles formatted for widescreen. (This was filmed from November 17-20 of 1952, before Columbia matted their camera viewfinders for widescreen, which is why this letterboxed presentation looks wrong. It is wrong.)

1954 (all matted to look widescreen)

INCOME TAX SAPPY Yes, it is that time of year again, and the Stooges are ready to help veteran comic Benny Rubin get his tax break. (Filmed from 11/30/53 to 12/2/53 as a wide-screen short)

MUSTY MUSKETEERS (re-issue of "Fiddler's Three" from vol.5 with some new footage at the beginning & end showing the Stooges with their girlfriends.)

PALS AND GALS (re-issue of "Out West" from vol.5. Slight story change with new footage of the Stooges replacing "The Arizona Kid" rescuing the jailed girls, Larry ending up in jail & an escape using a covered wagon.)

KNUTZY KNIGHTS (re-issue of "Squareheads Of The Round Table" from vol.5 with some new footage at the beginning)

SHOT IN THE FRONTIER One of the last good Stooges shorts made. In a spoof of "High Noon" the Stooges have a shoot out with three outlaws who are out to get them. The most memorable gags are the lymricks read out on the tombstones & a strumming singing cowpoke who always hits a bad note.(Filmed from October 25-28 1953 as a widescreen short.)

SCOTCHED IN SCOTLAND (re-issue of "Hot Scots" from vol.5 with a new opening scene of the Stooges getting their assignment to investigate strange goings on in Scotland. A double was used for McPherson in some new castle footage)

There is enough new material here to make this set worth getting. Add to that the inclusion of the 3-D shorts, and you have a "MUST-HAVE" set here. As a devoted Stooge fan I will be getting all 8 DVD sets, but this will be the last 5-star set.

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This two disc set contains the following shorts:

1952

A Missed Fortune

Listen, Judge

Corny Casanovas

He Cooked His Goose

Gents in a Jam

Three Dark Horses

Cuckoo on a Choo Choo

1953

Up in Daisy's Penthouse

Boo ty and the Beast

Loose Loot

Tricky Dic ks

Spo oks

Pardon My Backfire

Rip, Sew and Stitch

Bubble Trouble

Goof on the Roof

1954

Income Tax Sappy

Musty Musketeers

Pals and Gals

Knutzy Knights

Shot in the Frontier

Scotched in Scotland

The shorts Spo oks and Pardon My Backfire will be presented in their original 3D format with a pair of 3D glasses provided in the set.

At this point the Columbia shorts department was really feeling the heat from the competition with television, and the recycling from earlier Stooges comedies became more pronounced as Columbia sought ways to cut the cost of production. However, recycled or not, it's always a pleasure to spend time with Moe, Larry, and Shemp. Shemp died of a sudden heart attack in 1955, so this set will be the last opportunity in this series to enjoy the trio in every short.

The last four shorts starring Larry, Moe, and Shemp were made after Shemp's death and released in 1956 and consisted of recycled material with Shemp in it along with a double of Shemp shown from behind to complete bridging sequences. These last four shorts are Rumpus in the Harem, Hot Stuff, Scheming Schemers, and Commotion on the Ocean. All eight shorts completed in 1957 had Joe Besser as the third member.

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unlike most fans, my favorite Stooge isnt Curly or Moe or Larry...or Joe or Curly Joe...but SHEMP....thats right I said Shemp! So whatcha gonna do about it? Why you! I outta! Ruff Ruff.

The DVD volume has great Shemp shorts and is pretty much to the very end of Shemp.

Great stuff...a must own.

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According to a press release from sony, both the 3-D and 2-D versions of Spooks and Pardon my Backfire will be included, along with viewing glasses! This set will also have several Shemp shorts that have never been on DVD. Goof on the roof, Gents in a Jam, Income Tax Sappy and Corny Cassanovas to name some. Sony has done a great job on all the previous sets, so the picture quality and sound should be great.

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You really have to hand it to Sony! After stumbling in the past with previous Stooge collections, they really got it right this time. 2 discs of 3 Stooges shorts in chronological order and in beautifully restored prints! Now here we are with volume 7. And while the quality of the shorts is going downhill, because the studios were getting away from short subjects, it's still wonderful to see the Stooge collector's appetite for collecting all of the shorts being satisfied.

Can you believe it? We could possibly be watching the shorts with Joe Besser next year! Is this a great country or what?

Review of The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)

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This review refers to the Silver Screen Classics Edition(Republic Pictures)DVD.......

A beautiful sequel to "Going My Way", is now a beautifully transfered to DVD. "The Bells of St.Mary's" is funny, poignant and will tug at your heartstrings.Father O'Malley(Bing Crosby) has now been assigned to a parochial school that is in dire need of repairs. The school has no money and O'Malley's job is to assess the possibilites, of perhaps sending the children to another school.He meets with some tough oppostion though, in the form of one Sister Benedict(Ingrid Bergman). She is the no nonsense type,and right away the two have some very different ideas on what's good for the kids.There is also the problem of a businesman(Henry Travers) who wants the building condemned so he can put up a parking lot for his own employees.Sister Benedict prays for miracle, will she get it?

The story and Ingrid Bergman are charming and delightful and will have you praying with her for that miracle.Bing's beautiful voice graces the film with song and Henry Travers(It's A Wonderful Life) is wonderful as always. It's not too often a sequel equals the original, but with the addition of Bergman, (along with some really adorable kids)and under the direction of Leo McCarey once again, this heartwarming story has accomplished that.

This Silver Screens Classic DVD has done a really nice job with the remastering of this Black and White Classic.The film made in 1945 barely shows it's age. It is a nice clear picture, and the Dolby Digital Sound is good as well. It contains the original Theatrical Trailer, Has French and Spanish language tracks as well as subtitles, and has captioning in English.It also comes with a little brochure with some facts about the filming.If your looking for some great old classics that look great on DVD to add to your collection, this would be a good one.

Happy Viewing......Laurie

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The first time I saw Leo McCarey's THE BELLS OF ST MARY'S was on Christmas Day of 2002 when it aired on TCM. I was blown away from the moment the Main Title rolled across the screen. I've always been a sucker for sentimental movies of the 40s and BELLS fits the bill to the "t". I picked up a copy of the DVD this past holiday season. I've seen the movie complete a number of times and never tire of watching it. This is the epitome of 40's motion picture entertainment.

An excellent cast turn in equally excellent performances. Bing Crosby is Father O'Malley. Crosby is the only actor ever to have been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar twice for the same role, having also played Father O'Malley in GOING MY WAY the previous year. Ingrid Bergman plays Sister Benedict, the Sister Superior of St. Mary's. Henry Travers plays Mr. Horace P. Bogardus... you will recognize him as Clarence from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

The film earned eight Oscar nominations in the following categories: Best Actor (Crosby); Best Acress (Bergman); Direction (Leo McCarey); Editing; Score of a dramatic/comedy picture (Robert Emmett Dolan); Song (Aren't You Glad You're You); Sound Recording; Best Picture.

BELLS won for Sound Recording.

It's a shame BELLS didn't walk away with more Oscars, this truly is a beautiful film and is necessary in any collection. Good for watching anytime, especailly when your spirit needs a lift.

The DVD transfer is outstanding. Picture is (generally) stable and clear throughout. Sound is crisp, with little distortion whatsoever. There is a theatrical trailer included, but no other extras. My only complaint about the DVD transfer... what is up with the gray bar at the bottom of the screen that appears at about the 2nd or 3rd page of the Main Title? It looks like it was digitally superimposed over the film to cover something up, but what and why?

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in any collection. A classic.

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What can I say about this classic film other than that it captures perfectly two of Hollywood's most beloved performers in Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman at the peak of their careers in roles with which they would be forever cherished for. The phrase "they dont make them like this anymore", I feel definately applies to this charming little movie which was a sequel to Bing Crosby's Academy Award Winning role in the previous years classic "Going My Way". Playing the ever resourceful singing Father O'Malley Bing Crosby created the type of character for which he would be always identified with. The great Ingrid Bergman fought long and hard to obtain the plum role of Sister Benedict despite the reluctance of David O. Selznick to loan her for a role which he felt would only require her to sit and listen to Bing Crosby sing. Ingrid apparently said that she would love to be able to do just that and turned in one of her most famous performances as the sensible head nun of St. Mary's School who engages in an affectionate rivalry over the future of the school when Father O'Malley is assigned there to sort out the school's many problems. The two leads deliver first rate performances in the rather leisurely story and with "The Bells of St. Mary's", Ingrid Bergman especially became almost the benchmark for how nuns were to be portrayed in Hollywood for the next 30 years.

We first see Father O'Malley arriving at St. Mary's school in his new appointment where he is to be responsible for looking into the future of the present establishment which from lack of funds is operating in a very run down building and has already been forced to sell off most of the children's playing area to developer Horace P. Bogardus (Henry Travers). He is building a new factory on the site and hopes to buy the rest of the school as well. St. Mary's is run by Sister Benedict(Ingrid Bergman), a nun who believes in the power of prayer to obtain what is needed in life. With Father O'Malley's more practical everyday philosophy on life the two soon become engaged in a battle of wills over what future St. Mary's has. Sister Benedict strongly believes that Mr. Bogardus will eventually donate his nearly completed building to the school whereas Father O'Malley sees the logic of selling off the remaining school grounds. As time goes by a number of people and incidents occur to colour the life of St. Mary's and which allow both Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict to learn more about each others qualities that increase the at times reluctant respect they have for each other. Father O'Malley takes responsibility for the education of a young girl Patsy (Joan Carroll), who is left at the school and who doesn't know who her father is, and he sets out to reunite her shattered family. Meanwhile Sister Benedict takes young student Eddie (Richard Tyler), under her wing and actually teaches him boxing in order for him to be able to defend himself against some playground bullies. Despite the seemingly ongoing hopeless situation St. Mary's is in Sister Benedict's unswerving belief in a miracle occuring finally does happen when through a health scare Mr. Bogardus realises the need to do something for others in order to be liked by people and with some not so gently "persuasion", by Sister Benedict and the other nuns he finally donates the new building to the school and thus St. Mary's is saved from closing. However Sister Benedict's trials are not yet over when her own health begins to fail from over work and it is discovered she is suffering from the early stages of TB. Father O'Malley with his growing respect for the Sister then faces the difficult task of relieving her of her duties at her beloved St. Mary's so that she can recover in a warmer climate from her ailment. At first depressed about being sent away and not informed of her illness Sister Bendict prays hard to find forgiveness in her heart for Father O"Malley's seemingly harsh actions. Only when she is finally saying her goodbyes to the Sisters does Father O"Malley break down and tell her the real reason why she is being sent away and the rift between then instantly disappears. To an obviously relived Sister Father O'Malley then delivers his famous line that if She ever needs anything at all all she needs to do is "Dial "O" for O'Malley".

As beautiful and heartfelt story as you would find anywhere "The Bells of St. Mary's", is a class act from start to finish and while perhaps not as famous as its illustrious "parent", "Going My Way", it has much that is worthwhile. The once off teaming of Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman created great chemistry on screen and they are both incredibly believable in their performances. The film contains a number of truly delightful little scenes that really help humanise the characters such as when Father O'Malley has to content with a kitten playing in his hat while he is giving his welcome speech to the very amused nuns, and especially when Sister Benedict teaches Eddie to box and "coaches", him from the window during a school yard fight. Both performers are perfect here and in the sadder moments such as when Sister Benedict is told she is being sent away these two really show their acting strengths in a scene that could have been simply sentimental with little depth to it but which is turned into a remarkable scene that shows that clergy are people just like everyone else full of many different emotions. Veteran character actor Henry Travers who was so wonderful in countless classic over this decade such as "Mrs. Miniver", delivers another fine performance here as the grumpy Mr. Bogardus who eventually sees the value in living life in the service of others. His scenes with Ingrid Bergman in particular recall his great work opposite that other popular 40's actress Greer Garson in "Mrs. Miniver", and is beautifully multilayered for what could have been just your standard mean old man. Produced and directed by Leo McCarey he leads the film in an at times slow and leisurely pace however that suits the subject matter here as it slowly traces the growing respect that develops between the two sometime rivals Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict. Nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress, the film shows off its expertise in all areas and while at times of course idealised it is a good illustration of much of the largely unacknowledged work carried in schools by the clergy over the decades.

"The Bells of St. Mary's", may appear on the sentimental side to modern movie watches but I appreciate it for the truly great performances by the two leads in their prime and for the sensitive treatment it takes in depicting one woman's great belief in the basic good of others and their ability to do the right thing by their fellow man. For a look into how Hollywood once depicted the varied work of nuns and priests in a dignified manner while still showing them as human beings with feelings, "The Bells of St. Mary's", is unrivalled and is highly recommended viewing. Enjoy.

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"The Bells of St. Mary's" was a shrewd move by Paramount Studios and director Leo McCarey, whose successful prequel film about the likable and practical Catholic priest Father O'Malley, "Going My Way", spawned the 1945 release, which included an additional element that provided the basis for an interesting psychological conflict. Irish Catholic McCarey was impressed by letters he received from movie fans who enjoyed "Going My Way" and suggested that he do a similar film showcasing the role that nuns played in the Catholic world inhabited by Father O'Malley.

Bing Crosby had garnered a Best Actor Oscar for "Going My Way" and McCarey secured the services of the beautiful Ingrid Bergman to play Sister Benedict, the Mother Superior of St. Mary's School. Crosby found himself immediately clashing with Bergman on certain points relating to the parish, but through it all a mutual respect existed between them. Each realized that the other was committed to the best interests of St. Mary's.

Dudley Nichols, a Best Original Screenplay Academy Award winner a decade earlier for the John Ford film about the Irish political conflict starring Victor McLaglen, "The Informer", directed his effort in the script toward presenting Crosby and Bergman in periodic conflict, but learning from those experiences. Much of the contrast, they realize, stems from the way that men and women view situations. One phase of the film showing this difference is when Bergman teaches a young student who has been victimized by a bully how to box as a means of restoring order. She feels a tinge of guilt since the youngster's failure to fight back and receipt of a beating in the process stemmed from his obedience to her stricture against fighting at St. Mary's.

When Crosby pursues a conventional macho posture in extolling the need for protecting oneself and praises the fighting skills of the bully, the nun has had enough. She purchases a boxing instructional book written by former heavyweight champion Gene Tunney and adeptly instructs the obedient youngster in the manly art of self-defense as he ultimately teaches the bully a lesson. Crosby recognizes her teaching skill and becomes cognizant of the strength of her feminine viewpoint.

An area where Crosby and Bergman cooperate is in seeking the answer to the nun's fervent prayer. She believes that of the mortgage holder of their property, Henry Travers, who has built a modern building next door and seeks to use the church property for an employee parking lot, may through prayer and proper persuasion be convinced to give them his modern structure. The result would be a new school and no further need to use the tired current facility.

The effectiveness of Crosby and Bergman stems from their soft sell technique with just the right pinch of Christian charitable thought thrown into the mix. Travers, who cannot sleep nights and experiences heart problems, confides to the priest and nun separately that he wishes he was better liked.

Their soft sell approach in advancing the "It is more blessed to give than to receive" precept along with the accompanying feel good element of charity prompts Travers to see things in a light more favorable to the interests of St. Mary's.

Crosby and Bergman are delights to behold in this feel good film. They provide challenges to each other through disagreement and an effective front when they team up on the issue of greatest importance to them, the welfare of St. Mary's parish.

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The Bell's of St. Mary's is a very fun movie to watch.

It is not one of those stuffy movies, nor is it dry.

It is one that can be safely watched by the whole family unlike most movies.

The Priests & the Sisters friendship is wonderful.

This is one of my all time favorite movies, I'd recommend it to anyone.

Have a great day!

Steve.

Reviews of Evil Bong 3: The Wrath of Bong! (2011)

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After watching Evil Bong 3: The Wrath Of Bong, I have come to the realization that the Evil Bong series is one that if you like one you'll like them all, and if you dislike one you will dislike them all. What I'm getting at is that my opinion for each of the Evil Bong movies is exactly the same. All of them are inconsistently funny, but have enough laughs to warrant a recommendation if you like "late night comedies", as netflix labels them. Evil Bong 3 is about an alien bong that transports anyone who smokes from it to another planet. And you guessed it. All of our stupid heroes smoke from it. There is some alien nudity in this one, as well a few Avatar jokes. Just like the first Evil Bongs, the actor who played Gramps is my favorite thing about it. He is hilarious and has lots of colorful insults. Bottom line: If you like Evil Bong and Evil Bong 2, you should see this one. If you didn't, this one won't win you over. It's more of the same.

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Brett, Bachman, and the gang are back for another far-out adventure in EVIL BONG 3! When an alien bong comes crashing to Earth, it will take the world's strongest-wait... bravest-wait... HIGHEST heroes to stop it! Anyone who smokes from the bong is instantly transported to the creature's homeworld, where hot alien babes work to harvest their seed in order to form an intergalactic army to invade Earth! Hot chicks stealing sperm after you get stoned? This kind of sounds like it should have been called "THE MOST AWESOME BONG EVER" instead! What more could your average pothead ask for than a film that features tons of weed, tons of nudity, and two trippy talking bongs... IN 3-D and Sniff-O-Rama?! Well, it will definitely take a couple of bongloads to get through this boring mess, and the amount you've smoked will determine whether this is the best or the worst movie you have ever seen. Full Moon has always been known for coming up with creative stories and entertaining effects on no money at all, but the low-budget in EVIL BONG 3 is more apparent than ever. Poorly dressed sets, a recycled plot, and lackluster special effects... This is a long ways off from 90's classics like SUBSPECIES or the PUPPET MASTER series. At least August White's script stays consistent with the two earlier entries, providing the same enjoyable characters and inane humor for a few stupid laughs. Pack that bong tight and grab your 3-D glasses if you hope to blast off with EVIL BONG 3!

-Carl Manes

I Like Horror Movies

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All of them suck this one making a new low on sucking worse acting and plot and everything else i can only see out of one eye so i can't see 3d so i see it for what it is trash

Reviews of Prep & Landing / Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice (Totally Tinsel

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Add these to the classics list!!! My kids LOVE these movies and watch them all year long!!! We love them too!

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I loved both of these television specials! I watched them both the night they each aired. I've been waiting to own both of these on disc for a couple of years now. I passed up the Prep and Landing DVD last year in hopes that they would create a disc with both of them. I'm glad I waited! It'll be nice to have both of them on one disc. I also hope that they put a few special features on this blu-ray as well. It would be nice to have a couple "Behind the Scenes" featurettes or something like that. Regardless, these will be nice to have to watch each holiday season!

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Disney spreads their holiday cheer this Christmas by releasing "Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection" on Blu-ray. You get both of these witty and hilarious adventures on one Blu-ray disc with the DVD edition accompanying it as well. If you aren't familiar with "Prep & Landing" I'd say it's time you did so. Santa's little helpers have never been so much fun.

"Prep & Landing" introduces us to Lanny and Wayne. They are part of an elite team of high-tech elves who make houses ready for Santa Claus to arrive. When things go horribly wrong, the hilarious duo must rise above their challenges in order to save Christmas.

In "Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice," Lanny and Wayne come up against a young computer hacker looking to get himself off Santa's Naughty list. Christmas could be canceled forever if the two elves don't recover the classified North Pole technology the boy has stolen.

These two mini-movies are hilarious and entertaining. People of all ages will find something redeeming in the "Prep & Landing" shows. The animation might be different than what we get with Pixar, but the spirit is there. That shouldn't come as a surprise since Pixar's John Lasseter is an executive producer of the films.

The picture and audio quality of the Blu-ray edition is wonderful. Every character and background comes to life thanks to an impressive high-definition transfer. The color palette is vibrant and the 5.1 surround disperses the musical score and sound effects throughout your home theater.

Special features consist of short films like the Emmy-winning "Operation: Secret Santa" and "Tiny's Big Adventure." "Behind the Jingle" introduces voice-actor Grace Potter, who gives us a glimpse into the studio and the making of a "Prep & Landing" mini-movie. There are North Pole commercials, North Pole News, and promotional spots. You can also get information on "Kringle Academy" if you feel ready to enroll.

"Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection" is a perfect gift for any child to unwrap under the Christmas tree. It's perfect for the whole family to enjoy as they come together to celebrate the holiday season. Two great mini-movies, short films, and plenty of fun extras make this a worthwhile purchase for any lover of Walt Disney animation or Pixar.

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This is a really cute "movie" with 2 different stories. However, be warned it is short and we all said "that's it?" when it finished.

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I didn't buy it because I thought the price was a bit much for a short flick but with an added new short for 2012 I'll pay the price with the added bonus of blu-ray + DVD.Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection [Blu-ray]

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Jack the Ripper is perhaps one of the most famous (or should I say infamous) serial killers known. His has indeed become somewhat of a household name that has withstood the test of time. The Whitechapel murders, to this day, remain unsolved, and many people find themselves morbidly drawn to this slew of ghastly occurrences. The Hughes brothers are no different from the countless others who seek to dissect the facts surrounding these heinous crimes, and they approach this fascination with cinematic fervor, creating an excellent movie from the excellent comic book.

There have been countless books, movies, and PBS specials produced that delve into the Jack the Ripper tales and theories. This particular adaptation is the depiction of a detective named Inspector Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp) who is hot on the trail of the murderous monster. Enlisting the hallucinatory effects of absinthe, he can induce visions that aid him in his quests. Throughout his investigation, he gradually begins to fall for one of the Whitechapel prostitutes at risk (Mary Kelly played by Heather Graham), and this serves to up the ante regarding the challenge to find the villain and, furthermore, accelerate his efforts. Sir William Gull (Ian Holm) is a doctor who contributes to Inspector Fred Abberline's profile of the meandering butcher. Add to this an illegitimate marriage and a royal scandal, and this equates to an enticingly dour, moody thriller that one can't help but to enjoy.

The sets on this film are incredible, and included in the two disc edition within the extras existing on the DVD is an intriguing explanation of the recreation of the sets from actual photographs and maps from the period. The props and attire were also quite well done. The acting and casting were superb. The dark lighting created a potently thrilling and disturbing atmosphere, and the excellent cinematography only served to strengthen that sinister ambiance, as well as create an almost overwhelming sense of impending danger. The blood and gore effects are incredible as well, yet they never take precedence over the story line, which is very much appreciated. Though fairly predictable, this film is still an exhilarating, if somewhat fictitious, romp through some dreary and obscure pages in history.

This movie is a must for fans of horror, true crime, and dark thrillers. I very highly recommend this film to those with any kind of brooding fascination for the macabre. Not for the easily disturbed.

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When I had seen the trailers for the film "From Hell" I'd expected it to be good. Was it good? Yes. As good as I hoped it would be? No. But it is still a damned fine mystery-horror-thriller that incorperates romance and drama into the story as well.

The story follows Inspector Fredrick Abberline as he begins his investigation of the infamous Whitechapel murders, perpetrated by the shadowy, never-caught Jack the Ripper. During the course of the investigation, he has precognitive visions that lead him deeper into the mystery, as he tries to save the beautiful prostitutes who are being viciously murdered, and are somehow linked to a massive conspiracy. He even begins to fall in love with Mary Kelly, who would be the Ripper's final victim.

The performance of Johhny Depp as Inspector Abberline is overall an excellent performance from an actor who always takes notoriously quirky roles. Heather Graham came off rather well as Mary Kelly--much better than I thought she would be. Robbie Coltrane plays the part of the Inspector's sidekick, Sgt. Godley, extremely well, and he manages to steal all of his scenes. Another wonderful portrayal is that of Ian Holm as the royal physician Sir William Gull, who assists Inspector Abberline and may have a key to the mystery. Supporting performances are all pulled off very well.

The set design and visual effects are gorgeous and haunting, giving a vivid presentation of 1888 London(the visuals rival even those of Tim Burton). The murders are left more to the imagination rather than being very explicit--but the onscreen gore effects are decidedly gruesome. Even the music by Trevor Jones is haunting in the simple, dark textual feel that it gives off.

The story itself is overall good. The first 3/4ths are quite ingenious, but in the very end of the film is not what I expected and I was a little disappointed in the resolution and conclusion of the tale. The Ripper's identity and motive were excellent, even when kept faceless in the shadows. But the as the climax builds up, it seems to be running out of steam. My only major gripe is how complicated the story gets as it progresses--adding in the conspiracy and the romance, it just seems unable to hold its own weight, building up to nothing. Although this can be accounted by trying to stick close to the source material and history itself, the conclusion is not wholly satisfying.

But overall this is a good movie that will undoubtedly become a favorite among Ripper fans, as well as fans of "Seven" and "Silence of the Lambs". If you can tolerate its massive complexity and the rather limp ending, then you will find this an entertaining and enjoyable--and rather nasty--little pleasure.

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The most important thing you need to know about "From Hell," is that the Hughes Brothers really let you off easy with this one. When you go home after seeing this movie late at night and have trouble getting to sleep, just remember that they could have shown you a lot more, which means you might not have gotten to sleep for a week. I have read Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell's graphic novel "From Hell," and have also spent some time researching the historical record regarding Jack the Ripper, which includes not only autopsy reports but also photographs of the victims. Consequently, I was surprised that the film verion of "From Hell" actually backed off three times from completely grossing out the audience.

First, when the Ripper killed Annie Chapman he draped some of her intestines over her shoulder. The film does not even suggest this happened, beyond the idea that organs have been removed. Second, the night the Ripper claimed two victims, most Ripperologists have surmised that because he was interrupted when he killed Liz Stride, he was really angry when he killed Catherine Eddowes, since he hacked away the bottom half of her face. But when her face is revealed it is just the same as the other victims. Finally, when the doctor begins to describe the final body--usual the very words of the actual report--he stops after having described the position of the corpse. More to the point, he stops before describing what Jack did with her organs. Believe me, you do not need to see this to freak out because just hearing about it would keep you awake all night. Now, to be fair, the dialogue is the same as that scene in the graphic novel; but then Moore and Campbell had already devoted a entire volume to what Jack the Ripper did that night in graphic detail so it did not have to be articulated. But I was all set to hear the one of the biggest audience moans in cinematic history and was somewhat disappointed the Hughes Brothers let everybody off the hook.

Ironically, the Hughes Brothers could legitimately get away with showing us much more blood and guts. After all, the autopsy reports tell us in excruciating detail what the Ripper did to each of his victims and they could simply claim historical accuracy. But instead they pull up short, giving them even more latitude for getting away with what gore they do offer up. However, during Abberline's vision of what will happen to Jack the Ripper's final victim, one of the images that flashes before our eyes is indeed a photograph taken by the police of the mutilated body of Mary Kelly. This only goes to reinforce the great divide that exists between those who have studied the murders of Jack the Ripper and/or read "From Hell" and those who simply know Jack the Ripper killed a bunch of prostitutes in London in the late 19th century and was never caught.

Certainly, the Hughes Brothers do play with us in this film. If you can stomach seeing it a second time, or if you already know who "From Hell" contends is the Ripper, then they are several scenes were Abberline is tantalizingly close to the killer. Of course, they are not alone in such regard; "The Bone Collector" was particularly audacious in offering us a first glimpse of the killer. Moore and Campbell let us know the identity of Jack from before he ever starts his killing spree, but the movie version decides to keep it a mystery and apparently succeeds in surprising those who only know about "From Hell" from the trailer and television commercials.

The Hughes Brothers have described "From Hell" as a "ghetto" film, and certainly the production design stands out in providing a fitting atmosphere for the tale. The events we are watching are not taking place in the London we have come to know from countless Hammer horror films but in what we readily accept as the city's Whitechapel district in the fall of 1888 (with Prague doubling nicely). This is as stylish a slasher flick as you will ever see, with the time-lapse sequence of the discovery of one of the bodies and the revelation of the Masonic meeting beneath the streets of London particularly memorable. Even the lighting works towards the proper atmosphere for the story.

Johnny Depp's performance as Inspector Abberline is nicely understated (the character's psychic visions come from a fake psychic who was in the graphic novel). Unfortunately, Heather Graham is just too darn cute, sticking out from the rest of the totally believable group of prostitutes (Annabelle Apsion, Katrin Cartlidge, Susan Lynch and Lesley Sharp). I had heard that the producers made actually made them shoot a "happy ending" to this film, but fortunately they had the wisdom not to use it. Ripperologists knew going in that this was not going to be the "true" story about Jack, so that additional liberties such as all of the victims hanging out together all the time and the total absence of men in any of their lives, are easily forgivable. What was always impressive about Moore's tale was how he managed to weave so many different elements together into a comprehensive tale, even if it is ultimately suspect. But the film version strips the story down to its essentials and while it is certainly the best Jack the Ripper film made to date, I cannot shake my head and think how much better it could have been by letting the audience glimpse just a little bit more of the true story.

But, oh, boys and girls, "From Hell" could have upset you a whole lot more than it did. If only you can understand how close to the edge of the cliff you were on this one...

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The case of Jack the Ripper has long been, and continues to be, one of the great unsolved mysteries of all time, and as such has been the subject of numerous treatments in film. Of them all, however, none has advanced a more logical or plausible theory in explanation of the who, whys and wherefores of the infamous serial killer than "From Hell," directed by Albert Hughes and Allen Hughes, which attempts to solve the mystery that has by consensus long been deemed "unsolvable." But-cinematically speaking, at any rate-the Hughes Brothers make a decidedly solid case of it.

It's 1888, London; in the Whitechapel district prostitutes are being systematically slaughtered in a precise and grisly manner. Scotland Yard is at a loss to solve or stop the murders, and Inspector Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp) is assigned to investigate. Abberline is somewhat unique in his approach, as he is invested with certain prescient abilities, which he enhances through the use of opium, laudanum and absinthe; not the usual methods employed by the police, but it does effect the desired results.

Abberline discovers a link between the victims, and along the way becomes involved with one of the "girls," Mary Kelly (Heather Graham), who may be in danger because of something she knows. But as Abberline gets closer to a solution, he very well may be in danger also; he knows too much, and there is one, especially, who would find ease if he were to just disappear. And by any means necessary.

The proper atmosphere is, of course, a requirement if one is to tell this story convincingly, and the Hughes Brothers succeed nicely in this regard. But it would be hard to find a movie about the Ripper that did NOT achieve a proper mood; it's kind of a common link that ties all of the previous offerings together, up to and including this one. This film differs from the rest in one important respect, however, and it's a big one-that being the story itself. Whereas the others are good at leading you down the path and taking you nowhere, the Hughes Brothers go out on a limb and actually deliver a satisfying ending, and moreover, one that solves the mystery. It's all speculation, of course, but this film will leave you feeling closer to the truth than ever before. It's well crafted and executed, and they manage to keep the air fairly heavy with menace and suspense, from the beginning right up to the very end, which ultimately defines it as something of a "fable-noir."

Johnny Depp gives a solid, convincing performance as Abberline, who is something of the antithesis of another of his creations, Constable Ichabod Crane, of Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow." It's a challenge for an actor to take on two roles somewhat similar in nature to begin with, and successfully manage to make them quite the opposite of one another in the end, which is what Depp has done with these respective portrayals. The events surrounding Crane may have been dark, but Ichabod was not; here, however, Deep finds a dark side of his character, Abberline, that is as enigmatic as the case with which he is dealing, and it is that to which Depp plays, approaching from the depths and looking up, rather than observing from a position of light, as he did in "Hollow." And it demonstrates that Depp is endowed with that same kind of chameleon-like quality that serves such actors as De Niro and Billy Bob Thornton so well; it's a matter of being able to transform oneself from the inside out, which comparably few actors can do with any real success.

Heather Graham does a good job with her role of Mary; she's convincing for the most part, but there are moments when it's something of a challenge for the viewer to totally believe that she is a "lady of the night." Her appearance seems almost a bit too polished, especially compared to the other girls. It's a minor complaint, however, as overall, though her performance may not necessarily be one of the strengths of the film, it certainly does nothing to detract from the effectiveness of it.

The performance turned in by Ian Holm, on the other hand, is definitely one of the film's strengths. As Sir William Gull, he is quite believable, with a probing portrayal that does much for the credibility of the story.

Also helping things along substantially, are Robbie Coltrane (who has since become known, and will forever after be, "Harry Potter's" Hagrid), as Abberline's colleague, Peter Godley, and Susan Lynch (who previously gave such a remarkable performance as Nora Barnacle in "Nora," opposite Ewan McGregor), as Liz Stride.

The supporting cast includes Ian Richardson (Sir Charles Warren), Jason Flemyng (Netley), Katrin Cartlidge (Dark Annie), Terence Harvey (Ben Kidney), Paul Rhys (Dr. Ferral) and Lesley Sharp (Kate). Arguably the best and, without question the most satisfying of all the "Ripper" movies, "From Hell" is a well made, graphic and thought provoking consideration of the Whitechapel killings, which for quite some time held all of London in the grip of fear and terror. The conclusions offered here may just be as close to the truth as anyone will ever get; in the event that it is pure fiction, however,it is decidedly good fiction that makes for a couple of hours of riveting entertainment and speculation. Be forewarned, this one is not going to be for everyone, as many of the mental, as well as visual images it presents are extremely disconcerting. Definitely not for the squeamish, but for those who are so disposed, this one will prove to be quite an experience. It's the magic of the movies.

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Aside from taking a fresh and unique approach to the old mysteries of Jack The Ripper, From Hell delivers a gracefully languid storyline peppered with brutal killings and interesting musings into an old fashioned culture.

Inspector Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp) has a unique gift, a psychic ability to see murders in his opium dreams. Because of this talent, he is assigned to the case of a brutally murdered prostitute along with his partner, Sergeant Peter Godley (Robbie Coltrane). His suspicions turn away from the local gang of pimps and thugs, and towards a more educated and upper-class perpetrator as more and more girls are methodically butchered.

Abberline wins the confidence of one of the slightly more refined prostitutes, Mary Kelly (Heather Graham), and uses her knowledge of the dead girls to uncover the unlikely murderer.

From Hell definitely has its faults, a sometimes weak script and a far-fetched assumption of the identity and background of Jack The Ripper, but makes up for those faults with its stunning visuals and moody atmosphere.

Using subtle photography rather than graphical violence in the murder scenes, it leaves a lingering taste in one's mouth that is nonetheless bloody and haunting.

Depp plays Abberline with brilliant panache, a man who still cares but is void of the usual emotional swamps most humans swim in, evident in the scene where the coroner is retching but Abberline coldly and methodically examines the mutilated corpse. I love cold characters. Heather Graham is a beautiful woman, but not a very good actress. However, her character of Mary Kelly is probably the best performance she had done, in spite of the weak accent attempted.

There are also interesting notes to study while taking in the lush photography, the realism of the opium dens, the early lobotomies performed, a brief presentation of the Elephant Man, along with the cultural notions of the 1880's that well-bred and moneyed people simply could not be capable of such types of brutality.

The time frame is well done and interesting in that it also exposes the religious persecution of certain sects, not to mention total disregard for the prostitutes and those poor souls considered to be beneath the genteel societies notice or care. One's birth class stands out far above their deeds, and propriety rules the day. And ruling the propriety are a secret sect of Freemasons, answerable only to themselves and powerful enough to stop Abberline's investigation.

Perhaps because I am a very visual person I enjoyed the film more than many others did, but I encourage you to look beneath the slow, still waters of the movie's general flow, and pluck out the tasty treats in the form of interesting notes and speculations, and savor them for a bit. It was really at that point that From Hell went from four to five stars for me.

Languid, graceful, gory, suspenseful, atmospheric, and moody, don't miss out on this great sleeper film. Enjoy!