Laughable, but trashily entertaining, Hollywood propaganda about Saddam Hussein's son Uday (Dominic Cooper) and his look-alike Latif (Dominic Cooper): "A true story" based on the book of the same name, Latif Yahia's account on his life as 'The Devil's Double' is, as you may've guessed from the title, somewhat of a biased evaluation. For if we're to take screenwriter Michael Thomas on his word; then Uday was, apparently, a vicious c*** with a penchant for Cohibas, schoolgirls, raping and pillaging. The writers decline to mention whether he ate babies or tore the wings of butterflies but we're led to assume that he did.
Now I'm sure Latif Yahia is a thoroughly decent chap; so it's unfortunate that his story, embellished or not, may be used to try and justify a war that no Iraqi, including Yahia, wanted.
Dominic Cooper plays both roles well though the broad, comic book characterization doesn't leave much room for subtly and nuance: Uday: Bad, Latif: Good, hardly a stretch. And I did have some problems with Cooper's Arab accent which isn't quite up to scratch and often slips into Estuary English. French actress Ludivine Sagnier crops up as Uday's Lebanese lover Sccarab and soon falls for Latif in an absurd romantic subplot that takes us towards a bloody finale en route to 'Desert Shield' and the First Gulf War in 1990.
Gun-for-hire director Lee Thamoroi has been on the commercial merry-go-round since his critically acclaimed debut 'Once Were Warriors' (1994). And though I've enjoyed some of his films over the years (e.g. 'Die Another Day', 'Along Came A Spider') he's an anonymous presence whose racked up some pretty dire movies on his resume. 'The Devil's Double' isn't his worst but then again, he did direct 'xxx2: State of the Union' so that's not saying much.
The film wants to be 'Scarface' meets 'Three Kings' and does, on occasion, succeed in aping the style and narrative structure of both. But there's an unexpected irony here; in that a world partially contaminated by the sadistic policies of demented war criminals like Bush & Blair, may actually see Uday's imagined life of gun toting, drug taking hedonism as something to aspire to rather than reject. The filmmakers also decline to mention that the Anglo-American-Israeli invaders who currently occupy the country have committed more atrocities against innocent Iraqis in eight years, than the U.S. imposed Saddam Hussein regime could manage in twenty. But that would be too close to the truth. And in a world where the aforementioned powers are in terminal decline; some people may still need to believe that in Hollywood, if nowhere else, America can still come out on top.
a rare treat for the kids and adults alike. the film doesn't disappoint and was equal, if not better than the original, which was a high goal to achieve.
A must for pixar fans of all ages
Huge fan of the books. I have found historically that the films aren't as good as the book counter part. However this film is excellent, and thrilling. The last film I found myself looking at the clock all the time. But this one was different, it was dark, gritty and emotional. it seemed like it was such a short movie, the 2hrs flew by. by far the best movie yet.
I am a huge star wars fan, but enough is enough. yes we now have it on blu-ray, but the changes are not needed. When will GL realise that if there were things wrong with it, it wouldn't be this popular. leave it how it was that is what people fell in love with, not with this verision, or the changes in the last DVD incarnation.
However the addition of extra footage is great for the Geeks out there, but will probably be ignored by those that just want the movie.
Lets hope he doesn't bring them all out in 3d next, and then fans have to pay out for another set
Its good, but not as good as the originals back in the day
Every so often you come across a film so well crafted that to give it five stars feels like underselling it: the Coen brothers' 2007 thriller "No Country For Old Men" is just such a film.
Its plot is far from complicated, it boils down to the simple story Llewellyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a man who happens across a large sum of money and finds himself pursued by the man hired to reclaim it.
However, in this case the latter man is no ordinary hired killer, Javier Bardem's Oscar nominated portrayal of Anton Chigurh creates one of the most chilling villains to grace the big screen in quite some time, hunting his prey in a manner both meticulously methodical and unflinchingly ruthless; immediately dispatching of anyone who impedes upon his mission in even the slightest way.
Throughout the film he displays no empathy or sense of morality, he simply has a task he must complete. Bardem's performance is virtually perfect, showing no emotion other than slight amusement at other people's inability to comprehend his view of the world and convincingly portraying a man without a conscience who's sole purpose in life is the destruction of his target.
It's hard to think of anyone else who could've made Chigurh so scary that not a single character would mock his truly horrendous bowl-cut hairdo but Bradem pulls it off.
Chigurh is the film's crown jewel; he cannot be reasoned with or bribed and appears as immune to gunfire as he is to emotional appeals. He is perhaps the personification of death itself. Even seemingly innocuous conversations with passers by and shopkeepers give you the sense that the other person only lives because Chigurh allows it and that one wrong answer will quickly see that change.
Whilst the film's antagonist is undoubtedly its greatest strength, its hard to find fault with any other element of the film. The entire cast is on incredible form; Brolin is an easy to empathise with protagonist, tough and pragmatic, trying to take advantage of a occurrence that could provide a better life for his family (or stealing money from deceased drug dealers and running away if your of a more cynical disposition).
Tommy Lee Jones excels as the local Sheriff, weary of how much more violent the world seems than when his father was in charge and even those with little screen time like Kelly Macdonald and Woody Harrelson give more than solid performances.
The Coen brothers a without question two of the greatest directors of their time, their style and dark sense of humour is unmistakable in all there films and few if any of their works see them on better form than in "No Country For Old Men". There skill as directors is evident throughout, the early sequence in which we watch Moss hunt and discover the money that sets the film's plot in motion is a thing of beauty and a lesson in how to direct, tracking Moss across a desolate landscape, following his progress without wasting a single shot.
However, we see them at the height of their powers when paired with Bardem, their directing talents and his chilling performance give us scenes that couldn't have been more tortuously suspenseful if Hitchcock himself was behind the camera.
"No Country For Old Men" has provided cinema with one of its greatest villains, one of its worst haircuts and one of the best films of its decade.
My little lad loves this film n watches it over n over again would recommend it
This film is just such a lovely, easy to watch Christmas film with old fashioned sweet innocent humour and being in black and white just adds to its charm.
This is perhaps the best star trek movie that was made. It has everything from a dog fight at the end to intrigue and mystery. A truly fitting end to the final voyage of the original series crew. With Sulu on the Excelsior and Kirk and crew making one last adventure for galactic peace its never been a more perilous time. William Shatner, Leanord and Deforest really put in some brilliant acting skills to work on this voyage. The blu ray is amazing quality with the detail amazing you realise that these actors were getting on in age when this was made yet it certainly didnt stop the acting quality. A must have for any star trek fan at a bargain price these days. Must have watched this film a dozen times over the years and it still doesnt get old on blu ray. Enjoy.
Oceanic Flight 815 flying from Sydney Australia to Los Angeles crashes on an island.
Approximately 100 people survived the crash and were forced to make what seems an ordinary island their home.
What first appears to be just another typical stranded on a beach tv programme, quickly turns into something so much more. As the survivors explore they find some things which are of supernatural variety, strange monster and impossible happenings! Just as one questioned is answered, a hundred more will be thrown at you. Deaths occur, lives are in danger, relationships, friendships and even rivalries are formed and so much is discovered such as a hatch built into the ground in the middle of the jungle. You find yourself connecting with the characters when you find out everything about them through flashbacks. Each episode makes you desperate for more, the only complaint I would have about lost is that you will have no social life :')
It is impossible to sum up this show, it could come under so many different things like comedy, tragedy, romantic, sci-fi, thriller, and overall extremely well done by J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Lieber and Damon Lindelof.
Not a program for the easily confused, or someone who enjoys a relaxed program, as this will keep you on the edge of your seat with so many unanswered questions.
You may recognise a few actors from previous tv series, or films, such as Lord Of The Rings, and Ugly Betty. There are also many fresh, talented actors in the show.
Definitely worth watching if you enjoy a laugh.
Not for sci-fi haters :s although it most definitely has nothing like vampires or werewolves, just a few strange happenings such as miraculous healing, etc :)
Rummaging through the bargain bin, you generally expect to find things people have never heard of, things people wish they hadn't heard of, and the odd failed blockbuster. But keep on digging. Because sometimes you find the occasional gem.
I love a good monster movie. I also love a BAD monster movie (admittedly, in a completely different way.) And so when ropey creature-features keep cropping up, I'm always going to enjoy them, no matter what. But one normally knows what to expect. If it's a good one, chances are you've already lived through all the hype. If it's something like 'Shark In Venice', well... OK... great, bring it on!
And then 'Rogue' turns up. What are its credentials? Never heard of it. It's a killer crocodile movie - that's all I need to know. No doubt it'll suck (and, hopefully, chomp!) Great stuff!
Seriously... it's great stuff. It may not be in the same league as 'Jaws', but it's a very, VERY welcome surprise.
The film actually has CHARACTERS. Sure, once the movie's finished, we're hardly going to be getting into any in-depths discussions about them, but if you want to instill fear in the viewer, the viewer's gotta CARE about whoever they're watching. So, believeable characters and good performances... yes, even in a KILLER CROCODILE movie, they MATTER.
Suspense is the order of the day here, and it's cranked up to perfection. Production values are admirable throughout, especially when it comes to the effects. And I say that because, for most of the film, it's what we DON'T see that's most impressive (I'd previously mentioned 'Jaws', remember?)
In these days of CGI this/CGI that, the temptation is to bring everything out into the open for the "ooh"/"aah" factor. And, a lot of the time, we ain't that impressed. If you're looking to actually SCARE people, the route taken in 'Rogue' is the ONLY way to go. And, when our hulking great lizard friend IS on screen... well... you still don't get to gaze at it in all it's CGI glory for too long.
Anyway, there's good CGI and there's bad CGI, and the CGI on display here is indeed top-notch. What we're looking at is a CROCODILE. It moves at the sort of speed you'd EXPECT an exceedingly large crocodile to move at (unlike many of its virtual onscreen contemporaries) and it has WEIGHT (another vital factor the tech boys often get wrong.)
And, like 'Jurassic Park' (which is STILL one of the best CGI movies ever made) not all of the FX shots feature the virtual croc, opting instead for good old animatronics (again, this is a monster movie by people who KNOW how to DO it.)
So, there you go: a damn good film that slithered out in 2007 without the fanfare, presented here on DVD in anamorphic 1.85:1, alongside a 44 minute "making of" documentary (and a quartet of mini-documentaries.)
Next time you're looking in that bargain bin, dig deep. Because 'Rogue' might well be lurking, waiting to be snapped up.
i watched this movie with my brother and my sister and i have to say even though the movie was only rented i wanted to keep it forever. it is the best movie i have ever seen! blu the main charcter is taken from Rio at a very young age then later on he is found by a little girl named Linda. a few years later she and blu are informed that blu is the last male of his species so she and blu must go to Rio to mate blu with jewl the female spoke of earlier. the two are left at a treatment facility in Rio and stolen overnight. thats when it gets intresting but i cant tell you evreything so you will just have to watch it yourself. : )
HAVE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHIN THIS ON DVD BUT I WAS LEFT A BIT DISSAPOINTED DONT GET ME WRONG A FEW GOOD LAUGHS ALONG THE WAY BUT I EXCEPTED MORE FROM THE FILM INFACT SOME OF THE SERIES EPISODES ARE FUNNIER I THINK THEY JUST PUT THIS OUT FOR THE HYPE AND WERE CASHING IN THERE ARE A FEW CRINGE WORTHY MOMENTS ITS WORTH BORROWING OF A FRIEND BUT I WOULD BE A BIT LET DOWN IF I BOUGHT IT
A BIT DISSAPOINTING
Pure class - The plots , the characters and never forget the wonderfull clothes
I believe this dvd set will never age , It is almost timeless
The box set is not the cheapest,when you compare it to other period drama tv
But the proof of the quality is in the watching, as it was on tv all those years ago
Fantastic !!!!!!!
Everyone has one. That one show that gets you like no other. That one show that takes you on a happy trip for a short amount of time each week, that leaves you counting down the stupid, forever-seeming gap until the next episode. That one show that you will not rest until all your friends watch, like, understand, re-watch and truly appreciate its greatness. Everyone has one, or should have one (it's good to like things). For me, that show is Community.
Set in a community college, seven social misfits form a study group for their Spanish class. Pretty simple premise, yes? Yes. But Community isn't confined to a seemingly simple sitcom premise, it pushes the boundaries at every turn and its limitless imagination makes it the most watchable comedy on TV. The line up: Jeff (Joel McHale), a cynical lawyer looking to replace his fake law degree with a real one as quickly as possible; Britta (Gillian Jacobs), a strong, opinionated woman who dropped out of high school because she thought it would impress Radiohead; Abed (Danny Pudi), an undiagnosable pop culture fanatic; Troy (Donald Glover), a former high school quarterback; Pierce (Chevy Chase), a baby boomer who founded the world-famous Hawthorne Wipes; Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown), proud Christian and mother of two; Annie (Alison Brie), straight-A student recovering from a brief addiction to Adderall. The cast is rounded off with Senor Chang (Ken Jeong), the group's unpredictable Spanish teacher and Dean Pelton (Jim Rash), the school's over-enthusiastic leader.
These characters start off as the usual accepted television norms: the smart one, the dumb one, the old one etc. but they very quickly develop into complex, sympathetic characters with real motivations. As the episodes go by we can see the writers skilfully building layers and digging into them for the audience's understanding and appreciation. We see Jeff start the year as a self-obsessed womaniser not looking to make any real connections, but by the time the final episode finishes he is almost a completely different person, as much as he would hate to admit it. It is this dedication to the characters that ensures the audience feels that the show is giving us the respect we deserve.
And it's funny. Really funny. The writers have taken tired TV plots and tropes and turned them into gold, helped by the fact that every actor is pitch-perfect in their performances. Community isn't a show to rest on its laurels however, and it constantly pushes the limits of storytelling within its 22 minute running time. One of my favourite episodes of this first season, 'Contemporary American Poultry', is a terrific parody of mafia movies and yet also manages to be completely passable as a highly enjoyable 20 minute mafia movie. The writers of the show know their pop culture. This is epitomised in the first season's most famous and critically acclaimed episode, 'Modern Warfare', which sees the school's campus transformed into a battle ground for an epic paintball battle. The episode is packed with every action movie staple and cliché, while at first may sound like re-treading old ground, the ingenuity of the writing and the performances of our beloved characters make it seem fresh and earned. It is rare for a comedy show to have such ambition, let alone deliver on this ambition and more. For these reasons, and many more, I believe this to be one of the great television episodes of recent years. And it's not even my favourite episode of Community.
In terms of the DVD, it is a must-buy for Community fans. A huge collection of extras, including cast interviews by series creator Dan Harmon, hilarious outtakes on every disc (seriously, hilarious. The cast has a background in comedy and it shows.) and commentary on all 25 episodes. For die-hards like myself, the commentaries are excellent for analysis and behind-the-scenes information.
The show has just been put on hiatus by NBC as the ratings aren't doing so well. This isn't exactly good news but the show will return to show the second half of its third season in 2012 and a fourth season could still be on the cards. Let me assure you, this decision is based on numbers only, not quality. Community's second season is near flawless and its third season continues to amaze with its ambition. Look at this down time as the perfect opportunity to get caught up. If you're wondering why you haven't heard of such a great show, one reason is that in the UK the first season was shown on VIVA. That's right, the music channel. I don't get it either.
I cannot recommend Community highly enough. Its combination of heart, humour and high concepts make it the most essential comedy around. Watch this season and you'll wonder why you waited so long. Then you'll probably tell two friends to watch. And then they'll tell two friends. And so on. And so on. Here's to six seasons and a movie.
It's been over a decade since we've had a good London gangster movie; for there was a time, not too long ago, where almost every other film had something to do with the British underworld. The last good gangster movie I'm referring to is, of course, Paul McGuigan's 'Gangster No.1' and though writer/director William Monahan's retro 60s pot-boiler is to 'Gangster No.1' what 'Kelly's Heroes' was to 'Overlord', it still makes for an entertaining 90 minutes of cinema.
Colin Farrell is excellent as an ex-henchman recently released from prison and trying to go straight: he gets a job as a bodyguard for reclusive actress on the verge of a nervous breakdown; Kieira Knightly, and the pair soon fall in love. Matters are complicated somewhat by menacing bisexual gangster and underworld kingpin; Ray Winstone who attempts to coerce Colin Farrell back into a life of crime. 'London Boulevard' is clearly influenced by the 1960s art-house movement and you can spot the 'New Wave' and Italian influences a mile off. Monahan makes great use of colour and his cinematography style in some of the interior scenes is a nod to Goddard's DP Raoul Coutard and to Douglas Slocombe's work in films like 'The Italian Job', 'Fathom' and 'The Buttercup Chain'.
Kieira Knightly has nervous and fragile down to a tee and her depiction of a celebrity harassed and frustrated by the trappings of fame is quite good whilst Colin Farrell makes for an understated, cool and charismatic lead, though he could have worked on his accent a little more. Ray Winstone, who'd been coasting his way through a number of Hollywood movies, is back with a vengeance in his best role since 'The Proposition'. Look out for two perversely funny and intense confrontations between Farrell and Winstone which set the screen ablaze: Their meeting in a restaurant and the part where he tries to make Farrell an accessory to murder feature some heavyweight bouts of electrifyingly good acting, and remind you of how great these guys can be when given the right script.
'London Boulevard' is a breezy, well acted and satisfactory London gangster movie with a nice soundtrack and some great performances by Winstone, Farrell and Knightly. It won't revolutionize the genre or make many 'Best Films' lists but its good for what it is. Give it a go.
Watched it from episode one and by the time it closed were not quite sure who had killed off the young lady and still do not know now. Was hoping KILLING 2 series would be made and yes sure enough it was advertised but it has subtitles with it and so I do not watch it. Am hoping the English version will follow soon
Surprisingly enjoyable reboot of author Robert E. Howard's cult character, immortalized on screen by Arnold Sharwarzenegger in the 80s with 'Conan The Barbarian' and its less than stellar sequel 'Conan The Destroyer'. Fans were sceptical from the start, but Hawaiian actor Jason Momoa ('Game of Thrones') is well cast as the Cimmerian savage. And though he's not as awe inspiringly huge as the Austrian Oak, its safe to assume that Momoa isn't a habitual steroid user and was thus unable to achieve the freakishly large physique of his predecessor. 'Conan' follows the classic revenge narrative and sees our barbaric protagonist on an epic journey through the land of Hyboria in a bid to kill the tyrant who massacred his tribe.
Now I've got to give director Marcus Nispal ('Pathfinder') some credit, for he's a taken a lot of flack for this film and some of the criticism seems totally unwarranted; after all, 'Conan' is exactly what one could hope for out of a 'Conan' movie. I wasn't expecting it to be 'Lord Of The Rings' but was still drawn into the unique mythology and intricately designed Hyborian landscapes. For in many ways, this incarnation of Conan is a lot more epic than those that came before and though it drags a little towards the end, still makes for an entertaining, satisfyingly authentic and brutal adventure. Jason Momoa, though lacking the intimidating physical presence of Schwarzenegger, puts in a heroic performance whilst co-stars Rose McGowan, Rachel Nichols, Saïd Taghmaoui et all get into the spirit of things as staple 'Swords & Sorcery' characters: witch, priestess and thief. Not nearly as bad as you've been led to believe, 'Conan' is a decent B-movie that's definitely worth a look.
The graphics are amazing. Watched it all the way through. Eyes glued to the film
Fantastic prequel!
I have watched both these series and they are quite simply unmissable. The first series was exactly what i wanted in terms of action and plot of a disgraced soildier trying to redeem himself. To be honest; I didn't think i was going to like the second series as i had heard it had been made much more of an 'american hero' type series; however the casting was superb and i really enjoyed every minute. I would definatley recommend. A++
When A Taste of Honey premiered as play in 1958 its immediate success was made all the more remarkable by the fact that it was written by a first time writer who was just eighteen years old.
Shelagh Delaney, who grew up in working-class Salford, had come away from seeing a Manchester production of Terence Rattigan's Variations of a Theme - which she found to be so much like the conservative, genteel plays which dominated theatre at the time - convinced that she could write a play which better reflected life as it was really lived.
A Taste of Honey, the story of a teenage girl who falls pregnant after spending the night with a sailor on brief shore leave, was the result of Delaney's effort; a groundbreaking play which was at the vanguard of a burgeoning working-class culture.
In the years which have passed between then and Shelagh Delaney's death earlier this month there has been no need to re-evaluate the qualities of a work which had been so strikingly original and, although completely of its time in many ways, remains relevant still for the timeless nature of a story of people struggling against their fate, of restless people fettered by circumstance, of dreams lost to uncompromising reality and of the ever hopeful prospect of at least finding solace in the companionship of others.
In 1961, three years after A Taste of Honey had premiered in the theatre, Delaney adapted her play into a film script.
Directed by Tony Richardson, the film version has Rita Tushingham in her screen debut playing the lead character of Jo who is left to fend for herself after her mother - played by Dora Bryan - moves in with the latest, in what we can presume is a long line, of lovers.
Jo soon finds herself a job in a shoe shop and a cheap room for rent at 30-bob a week, before striking up a friendship with Geoffrey - played by Murray Melvin in the same role he had originally played in the first theatre production - who, when the reality of Jo's pregnancy looms, provides her only loyal friendship.
Shot on location in Manchester and Salford, the film shows a glimpse of a country - not yet twenty years after the end of the Second World War - on the cusp of immense change. The backdrop is of an old industrial Britain, of tall chimney stacks and derelict buildings soon to be razed to the ground, populated by a British working-class who were not the gormless characters they had so often been portrayed to be but were, in Delaney's own words, absolutely alive and cynical.
It is a wonderful film, worthy of being held among the many other wonderful British New Wave films of its time and ilk; the DVD, released by Optimum Classic, is however pretty basic and offers no additional material, unlike an earlier DVD release by the British Film Institute which is now unfortunately difficult to come by and often prohibitively expensive.
Nonetheless, with or without additional material, the film alone makes this DVD a worthwhile purchase.
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