"Director: Harold Becker"

• Mercury Rising | DVD | (04/10/1999) from £5.32   |  Saving you £4.67 (87.78%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Take off your thinking caps and toss 'em in a corner, 'cos you won't need 'em when you're watching this deliriously dumb thriller from 1997. Bruce Willis stars as a demoted FBI agent who comes to the aid of an autistic boy whose mind holds a potentially deadly secret. It seems that by gazing on a puzzle magazine and making order out of a hidden system of numbers, the 9-year-old autistic boy (Miko Hughes) has accidentally deciphered a sophisticated top-secret government code. This makes him the prime target of the ruthless bureaucrat (Alec Baldwin, in one of his silliest roles) and Willis comes to the rescue. This formulaic thriller sets up this plot with a lot of entertaining urgency but you can't give any thought to Mercury Rising or the whole movie collapses under the weight of its own illogic and nonsense. The redeeming values are the performances of Willis, young Hughes and newcomer Kim Dickens as a woman who agrees (perhaps too easily, it seems) to aid Willis in his plot to out manoeuvre the bad guys. Mercury Rising is not a waste of time compared to other formulaic thrillers but its entertainment value depends on how much you enjoy being smarter than the movie. --Jeff Shannon

• Sea of Love | Blu Ray | (26/06/2017) from £9.99   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  After a career slump that plagued him through most of the 1980s, Al Pacino made a stellar comeback in this taut 1989 thriller, playing a weary New York police detective who falls in love with the woman (Ellen Barkin) who is the prime suspect in the murder case he's investigating. Expertly written by Richard Price and directed by Harold Becker, the story is designed to keep its central characters (and the viewer) in a state of constant suspicion and arousal--an emotional combination that sends dangerous sparks flying between Pacino and Barkin. Their chemistry is intense, and their love scenes are some of the hottest of any movie of its decade. But Sea of Love is not merely concerned with cheap titillation. It's a riveting whodunit with scenes of nail-biting suspense and memorable dialogue that make it as interesting to listen to as it is to watch. Barkin had made a similarly sexy impression in The Big Easy, and here she gives one of the best performances of her underrated career, matching Pacino's excellence scene for scene. The ending's a bit of a letdown because the murder solution comes somewhat out of the blue, but it's the acting and suspense that you'll remember most--qualities that make Sea of Love one of the best films of its kind. --Jeff Shannon

• Malice | DVD | (19/02/2001) from £20.00   |  Saving you £-10.01 (N/A%)   |  RRP £9.99

  Movie critic Roger Ebert made this amusing observation about Malice: "This is the only movie I can recall in which an entire subplot about a serial killer is thrown in simply for atmosphere". He's referring to the fact that this hokey but highly charged thriller is so packed with plot twists and red herrings that you'll soon find yourself so confused that you just have to sit back and hope that it will all make sense by the time the credits roll. It never does make much sense, but the movie at least has the look, feel, and twisted momentum of a really good thriller, and the talent on both sides of the camera is pretty impressive. Alec Baldwin plays a hot-shot surgeon who meets up with an old med-school buddy (Bill Pullman), whose wife (Nicole Kidman) has no objections when Baldwin moves into the upstairs room of their New England Victorian home. The situation's ripe for intrigue, suspicion, temptation, emergency surgery, legal proceedings, and just about anything else you'd find in a movie that desperately struggles to out-Hitchcock Hitchcock. Talk about McGuffins--this movie's chock full of 'em! When the plot thickens to the consistency and clarity of quicksand, you can still enjoy the darkly stylish work of master cinematographer Gordon Willis--or you can check out director Harold Becker's more coherent thriller Sea of Love. With Kidman and Baldwin working up a steamy lather, this one's just fun enough to be an agreeable waste of time. --Jeff Shannon

• Al Pacino | DVD | (05/06/2006) from £31.98   |  Saving you £-6.99 (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  A box set of Al Pacino films from Universal featuring: Scarface Carlito's Way Sea of Love and Scent of a Woman. Scarface (Dir. Brian De Palma 1983): In the spring of 1980 the port at Mariel Harbour was opened and thousands set sail for the United States. They came in search of the American Dream. One of them found it on the sun-washed avenues of Miami... wealth power and passion beyond his wildest dreams. He was Tony Montana. The world will remember him by another name - Scarface! Al Pacino gives an unforgettable performance as Tony Montana one of the most ruthless gangsters ever depicted on film in this gripping crime epic inspired by the 1932 classic of the same title. Carlito's Way (Dir. Brian De Palma 1993): Al Pacino is an ex-druglord fighting to escape his violent treacherous past in his crime-action tour de force from acclaimed director Brian DePalma. Sprung from prison on a legal technicality by his cocaine-addled attorney (Sean Penn) former drug kingpin Carlito Brigante (Pacino) stuns the local underworld when he vows to go straight. Taking a job managing a glitzy low-life nightclub he tracks down his onetime girlfriend (Penelope Ann Miller) and rekindles their romance promising he's changed for good. But Carlito's dream of going legitimate is undermined at every turn by murderous former cronies and even deadlier young thugs out to make a name for themselves. Ultimately however his most dangerous enemy is himself. Despite good intentions Carlito's misguided loyalties and an outmoded code of ""honour"" will plunge him into a savage life-or-death battle against the relentless forces that refuse to let him go. Sea of Love (Dir. Harold Becker 1989): Two detectives one from New York the other from Long Island join forces to track down a bizarre serial killer. Convinced of a beautiful suspect's innocence the New York detective starts an affair with her despite hard evidence linking her to the murders. Scent of a Woman (Dir. Martin Brest 1992):Al Pacino won his first Best Actor Oscar for his brilliant portrayal of an overbearing blind retired Lieutenant Colonel who hires a young guardian (Chris O'Donnell) to assist him. It's a heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale of opposites attracting when they embark on a wild weekend trip that will change the lives of both men forever.

• City Hall | DVD | (21/08/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £13.99

  This complex 1996 drama directed by Harold Becker (Sea of Love) attempts to explore big-city corruption and the flexibility of what's right and wrong in the political arena. John Cusack plays the senior aide to mayor John Pappas (Al Pacino), a popular and seasoned politician whose administration is threatened when what seems to be an accidental shooting of a child reveals a nest of corruption and lifelong personal debts. This tests Cusack's loyalty to the man he thought he knew. Pacino turns in a finely textured performance as a man who has his own lofty ideals, but whose pragmatism sets in motion a series of events with tragic results. Cusack admirably captures the essence of someone polished and savvy at his job but must cope with fundamental disillusionment. This political thriller suffers at times from a lack of focus, but still offers an insightful and poignant treatise on the quagmire of politics in the modern age and the human toll it sometimes exacts. --Robert Lane

• Sea Of Love | DVD | (29/03/2004) from £6.09   |  Saving you £13.90 (228.24%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Two detectives one from New York the other from Long Island join forces to track down a bizarre serial killer. Convinced of a beautiful suspect's innocence the New York detective starts an affair with her despite hard evidence linking her to the murders.

• Domestic Disturbance | DVD | (23/12/2002) from £4.19   |  Saving you £11.80 (73.80%)   |  RRP £15.99

  John Travolta stars as a divorced father who discovers that his 11-year-old son's new stepfather is not what he made himself out to be.

• Tom Cruise - All The Right Moves / Legend / T.A.P.S. / Minority Report | DVD | (13/03/2006) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £24.99

  All The Right Moves: Set in a dying mill town in the heart of Pennsylvania Stef (Cruise) dreams of winning a football scholarship to escape from a hopeless future... (Dir. Michael Chapman 1983) Legend: Young Jack (Cruise) lives in a magic forest populated with friendly and exotic creatures. But the delicate balance between good and evil is upset when the Lord of Darkness seizes Jack's beloved Lili (Sara) and a horn from one of the last unicorns thereby gaining con

• The Boost | DVD | (05/04/2004) from £5.38   |  Saving you £7.61 (58.60%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Life in the fast lane can be seductive thrilling intoxicating. But when night falls and the brakes fail sooner or later you're gonna crash. Oscar nominee James Woods and Sean Young star in this gripping story of a loving couple's descent into the nightmare of cocaine addiction. Lenny Brown (Woods) is finally on a roll: recruited to sell real estate to the rich in L.A. he's an overnight success. Suddenly he and his wife (Young) have a beautiful home fancy cars and a ready supp

• Mercury Rising | Blu Ray | (25/10/2010) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £17.99

  Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis) a renegade FBI Agent combats ruthless Federal agents to protect Simon a nine-year old autistic boy who has cracked the government's new unbreakable code. He can read Mercury the most advanced encryption code as easily as other kids read English. This ability renders the new billion dollar secret code vulnerable especially if enemies of the United States should learn of Simons's abilities and capture him. Program Chief Nick Kudrow (Alec Baldwin) orders the security threat eliminated but Kudrow hasn't counted on Jeffries getting involved. As deadly assassins trail them Jeffries quickly realises that no one can be trusted. Now time is running out and he discovers his only hope of survival is using Simon's special ability to bring their adversaries to justice.

• Al Pacino - And Justice For All/Scent Of A Woman/Carlito's Way/Sea Of Love/Scarface/Two For The Money | DVD | (01/11/2010) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £39.99

  Titles Comprise: And Justice For All: In a criminal justice system where criminals go free lawyers and judges make deals as a matter of routine and the innocent sometimes go unprotected young lawyer Arthur Kirkland begins to wonder where the justice has gone. Arthur (Al Pacino in a brilliant Oscar-nominated role is an honest idealistic lawyer who is suddenly under pressure to defend a distinguished judge (John Forsythe) accused of raping and battering a young girl - and whom Arthur knows is guilty. Scent Of A Woman: Al Pacino won his first Best Actor Oscar for his brilliant portrayal of an overbearing blind retired Lieutenant Colonel who hires a young guardian (Chris O'Donnell) to assist him. It's a heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale of opposites attracting when they embark on a wild weekend trip that will change the lives of both men forever. Carlito's Way: The year is 1975 and former gangster Carlito Brigante has just been released from jail after serving the first five years of a long sentence. Carlito's lawyer David Kleinfeld has discovered a loop hole in the law and this time Carlito is determined to go straight. He wants to retire to the Bahamas and set up a small business with his girlfriend Gail. All he needs is a stake. Sea Of Love: Two detectives one from New York the other from Long Island join forces to track down a bizarre serial killer. Convinced of a beautiful suspect's innocence the New York detective starts an affair with her despite hard evidence linking her to the murders. Scarface: In the spring of 1980 the port at Mariel Harbour was opened and thousands set sail for the United States. They came in search of the American Dream. One of them found it on the sun-washed avenues of Miami... wealth power and passion beyond his wildest dreams. He was Tony Montana. The world will remember him by another name - Scarface! Two For The Money: When Brandon Lang (McConaughey) becomes the prot''g'' of sports gambling's power player Walter Abrams (Pacino) he swiftly becomes the golden boy of the high-rolling world for consistently picking football winners. Now with millions on the line he finds himself in a deadly game of con-versus-con with his new mentor.

• Scarface/Carlito's Way/Sea of Love/Scent of a Woman | DVD | (28/07/2008) from £12.97   |  Saving you £27.02 (67.60%)   |  RRP £39.99

  This Al Pacino Box Set features the following films: Scarface: Al Pacino gives an unforgettable performance as Tony Montana one of the most ruthless gangsters ever depicted on film in this gripping crime epic inspired by the 1932 classic of the same title. Scarface follows the violent career of a small-time Cuban refugee hoodlum who guns his way to the top of Miami's cocaine empire... Carlito's Way: Al Pacino is an ex-druglord fighting to escape his violent treacherous past in his crime-action tour de force from acclaimed director Brian DePalma. Sprung from prison on a legal technicality by his cocaine-addled attorney (Sean Penn) former drug kingpin Carlito Brigante (Pacino) stuns the local underworld when he vows to go straight. Taking a job managing a glitzy low-life nightclub he tracks down his onetime girlfriend (Penelope Ann Miller) and rekindles their romance promising he's changed for good. But Carlito's dream of going legitimate is undermined at every turn by murderous former cronies and even deadlier young thugs out to make a name for themselves. Ultimately however his most dangerous enemy is himself. Despite good intentions Carlito's misguided loyalties and an outmoded code of honour will plunge him into a savage life-or-death battle against the relentless forces that refuse to let him go. Sea of Love: Two detectives one from New York the other from Long Island join forces to track down a bizarre serial killer. Convinced of a beautiful suspect's innocence the New York detective starts an affair with her despite hard evidence linking her to the murders. Scent of a Woman: Al Pacino won his first Best Actor Oscar for his brilliant portrayal of an overbearing blind retired Lieutenant Colonel who hires a young guardian (Chris O'Donnell) to assist him. It's a heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale of opposites attracting when they embark on a wild weekend trip that will change the lives of both men forever. Two for the Money: Academy Award winner Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey star in this adrenaline-charged thriller about the sexy high-stakes world of sports betting where fortunes can be made and lost with a flip of a coin. When Brandon Lang (McConaughey) becomes the prot''g'' of sports gambling's power player Walter Abrams (Pacino) he swiftly becomes the golden boy of the high-rolling world for consistently picking football winners. Now with millions on the line he finds himself in a deadly game of con-versus-con with his new mentor. And Justice for All: In a criminal justice system where criminals go free lawyers and judges make deals as a matter of routine and the innocent sometimes go unprotected young lawyer Arthur Kirkland begins to wonder where the justice has gone. Arthur (Al Pacino in a brilliant Oscar-nominated role is an honest idealistic lawyer who is suddenly under pressure to defend a distinguished judge (John Forsythe) accused of raping and battering a young girl - and whom Arthur knows is guilty. Jack Warden co-stars as an eccentric cheerfully suicidal judge who thinks Arthur should play the game. When it comes down to the trial Arthur must choose between the security of his career and his personal integrity. The final explosive courtroom scene is unforgettable!

• T.A.P.S. | DVD | (07/06/2004) from £9.43   |  Saving you £3.56 (37.75%)   |  RRP £12.99

  When their academy's existence is threatened by local developers military cadets take extreme measures to protect their honour...

• Tears Of The Sun/Striking Distance/Mercury Rising | DVD | (20/09/2010) from £3.49   |  Saving you £9.50 (73.10%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Tears of the Sun: Loyal veteran Navy S.E.A.L. Lt. A.K. Waters is sent into the heart of war-torn Africa on a hazardous mission to rescue Dr. Lena Hendricks a U.S. citizen who runs a mission. When the beautiful doctor refuses to abandon the refugees in her care Lt. Waters finds himself having to choose between following orders and the dictates of his own conscience. Together they begin a dangerous trek through the deadly jungle all the while being pursued by a rebel militia group with only one goal in mind: to assassinate Lt. Waters' unit and the refugees in his care... Striking Distance: Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis) is a fifth generation Pittsburgh cop. Formerly a homicide detective he publicly challenged the police department including several of his family members about the identity of the serial killer who took his father's life. Convinced that a newly active serial killer is the same gunman who murdered his father - despite the fact that another man is already behind bars for that crime - Hardy is working out of his jurisdiction to catch the killer. The maverick cop finds himself at odds with his new partner (Sarah Jessica Parker) as he skirts around the system and defies his uncle (Dennis Farina) his father's successor as the Chief of Homicide. A high-powered suspenseful drama with mind-blowing action Striking Distance is Bruce at his wisecracking best. Mercury Rising: Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis) a renegade FBI Agent combats ruthless Federal agents to protect Simon a nine-year old autistic boy who has cracked the government's new unbreakable code. He can read Mercury the most advanced encryption code as easily as other kids read English. This ability renders the new billion dollar secret code vulnerable especially if enemies of the United States should learn of Simons's abilities and capture him. Program Chief Nick Kudrow (Alec Baldwin) orders the security threat eliminated but Kudrow hasn't counted on Jeffries getting involved. As deadly assassins trail them Jeffries quickly realises that no one can be trusted. Now time is running out and he discovers his only hope of survival is using Simon's special ability to bring their adversaries to justice.

• Masters Of Science Fiction - Series 1 | DVD | (25/02/2008) from £7.55   |  Saving you £12.44 (164.77%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Masters Of Science Fiction unites some of the genre's most revered names including John Kessel Robert A. Heinlein Howard Fast Walter Mosley Robert Sheckley and Harlen Ellison.

• Sean Penn Collection - 21 Grams/T.A.P.S./Dead Man Walking/Colors/State Of Grace | DVD | (12/03/2007) from £28.33   |  Saving you £6.66 (23.51%)   |  RRP £34.99

  21 Grams: A freak accident brings together a terminally ill mathematician (Penn) a grieving mother (Watts) and a born-again ex-con (Del Toro) in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's fantastic multi-layered follow up to his debut 'Amores Perros' a gripping story that takes them to the heights of passion the depths of obsession and sees the promise of revenge... Taps: this compelling drama a cadet major (Timothy Hutton) leads his fellow military students in an armed revolt to prevent authorities from turning their school into a condominium complex. His surrogate father who is also the academy's commander (George C. Scott) vows to fight the closing as well. But when an unexpected accident leads to the school's demise military discipline goes haywire and tragedy results. Sean Penn Tom Cruise and Ronny Cox co-star in this thought-provoking film that questions the values and morals of today's society. Dead Man Walking: Inspired by the true story of a nun's relationship with a condemned man this provocative examination of crime punishment and redemption earned Susan Sarandon the 1995 Oscar for Best Actress and Sean Penn an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Sister Helen Prejean (Sarandon) a compassionate New Orleans nun is the spiritual advisor to Mathew Poncelet (Penn) a vicious angry and complex murderer awaiting execution. Her dedication is to help others like Mathew find salvation. But as she attempt to navigate Mathew's dark soul she encounters a depth of evil that makes her question how far redemption can really go. Can she stave off the fateful day of execution long enough to save Mathew or will she discover a truth that will rock the very foundations by which she lives? Colors: In the `hood all that matters are your colors... Academy Award winner Robert Duvall and Sean Penn sink their teeth into grimy hard-edged heart-thumping action in a film that captures the vivid mark that gang life has left upon Los Angeles. Bob Hodges (Duvall) is a seasoned street cop who has learned a lot from long experience while his young partner Danny McGavin (Penn) has learned nothing - and knows it well. Forced to work together in the LAPD's renowned CRASH anti-gang unit they set out to investigate a brutal gang murder. Hated and hunted by both sides the cops soon find themselves trapped in the middle of a turf war. With nowhere to turn they are ambushed double-crossed and shot at in a take-no-prisoners street battle. As the violence escalates these two diametrically opposed men must come to terms with one important fact - to stay alive they must come together! State Of Grace: Having been away for several years Terry Noonan (Sean Penn) is reunited with his gangland friends the ruthless Jackie Flannery (Gary Oldman) and his brother Frankie (Ed Harris) - the Kitchen's most powerful racketeer. Terry grew up in Hell's Kitchen he's streetwise and knows the rules. But returning as an undercover cop to the squalor of his childhood haunts leads him deep into a dark underworld of deceit corruption betrayal and murder. He's been assigned to put Frankie Flannery out of business forever and if he makes one false move he won't even live to regret it...

• Malice | DVD | (02/04/2007) from £33.91   |  Saving you £-20.92 (N/A%)   |  RRP £12.99

  What happens when you open your home to someone who's gutsier than you more devious than you and crafty enough to steal your life right out form under you? Easy-going college dean Andy Safian's (Pullman) quiet New England world has just been terribly disrupted. Two students have been raped a third has been killed and the police are beginning to suspect him! At home bills are piling up his wife (Kidman) is developing severe stomach cramps and the new tenant - a devilishly handso

• Sea of Love | Blu Ray | (02/07/2012) from £10.78   |  Saving you £4.21 (28.10%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Al Pacino gives a powerful, critically acclaimed performance in this highly charged erotic thriller. Veteran New York City Police detective Frank Keller (Pacino) is a workaholic living on the edge. Joining forces with detective Sherman Touhey (John Goodman) to track down a bizarre serial killer, he encounters a beautiful suspect (Ellen Barkin). Convinced of her innocence, Keller enters into a passionate affair, despite hard evidence linking her to the murders. Mounting suspense leads to a surprising conclusion as Keller finds himself caught in an undercurrent of deception, seduction and betrayal.

• Bruce Willis Collection - Mercury Rising/The Jackall/Striking Distance | DVD | (26/12/2006) from £17.95   |  Saving you £-2.96 (N/A%)   |  RRP £14.99

  Mercury Rising: (1998) Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis) a renegade FBI Agent combats ruthless Federal agents to protect Simon a nine-year old autistic boy who has cracked the government's new ""unbreakable"" code. He can read Mercury the most advanced encryption code as easily as other kids read English. This ability renders the new billion dollar secret code vulnerable especially if enemies of the United States should learn of Simons's abilities and capture him. Program Chief Nick Kudrow (Alec Baldwin) orders the ""security threat"" eliminated but Kudrow hasn't counted on Jeffries getting involved. As deadly assassins trail them Jeffries quickly realises that no one can be trusted. Now time is running out and he discovers his only hope of survival is using Simon's special ability to bring their adversaries to justice. The Jackal: (1997) Bruce Willis is The Jackal - the greatest assassin in history - out to eliminate a top U.S. government official. Declan Mulqueen an imprisoned underground operative is the only man who can stop him. Now the Deputy Director of the FBI is taking the biggest risk of all... he's releasing one criminal to stop another in this terrifically explosive totally intrigueing suspense thriller. Striking Distance: (1993) Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis) is a fifth generation Pittsburgh cop. Formerly a homicide detective he publicly challenged the police department including several of his family members about the identity of the serial killer who took his father's life. Convinced that a newly active serial killer is the same gunman who murdered his father - despite the fact that another man is already behind bars for that crime - Hardy is working out of his jurisdiction to catch the killer. The maverick cop finds himself at odds with his new partner (Sarah Jessica Parker) as he skirts around the system and defies his uncle (Dennis Farina) his father's successor as the Chief of Homicide.

• Mercury Rising/The Jackal | DVD | (29/01/2007) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Mercury Rising (Dir. Harold Becker 1998): Art Jeffries (Bruce Willis) a renegade FBI Agent combats ruthless Federal agents to protect Simon a nine-year old autistic boy who has cracked the government's new ""unbreakable"" code. He can read Mercury the most advanced encryption code as easily as other kids read English. This ability renders the new billion dollar secret code vulnerable especially if enemies of the United States should learn of Simons's abilities and capture him. Program Chief Nick Kudrow (Alec Baldwin) orders the ""security threat"" eliminated but Kudrow hasn't counted on Jeffries getting involved. As deadly assassins trail them Jeffries quickly realises that no one can be trusted. Now time is running out and he discovers his only hope of survival is using Simon's special ability to bring their adversaries to justice. The Jackal (Dir. Michael Caton-Jones 1997): Bruce Willis is The Jackal - the greatest assassin in history - out to eliminate a top U.S. government official. Declan Mulqueen an imprisoned underground operative is the only man who can stop him. Now the Deputy Director of the FBI is taking the biggest risk of all . . . he's releasing one criminal to stop another in this terrifically explosive totally intrigueing suspense thriller.