I feel this movie is one of Tarentino's best, and to me worth purchasing
921489
I feel this movie is one of Tarentino's best, and to me worth purchasing.  In addition to the excellent storyline and script, the music is mated perfectly to the action throughout.
4014147
This movie is revealing, hilarious, smart, a little bit madcap and touching all at once. I loved it. It opens up a world I don't know much about and presents characters that I love knowing about. The road trip storyline is almost a romp at times, but the film has emotional depth (the roles are really well-crafted), cultural insights (Mexican immigration), documentary qualities (the perils of border-crossing) and some killer visuals, too. So it's an all-around awesome movie.
958405
For some reason I missed this movie at the theaters, and somehow I managed  to avoid learning about "the surprise ending."  The movie  captured my curiosity quickly and completely, and I agree with someone  else's post here that I had a sense that something was wrong or was  missing--the revelation at the end reveals that something IS missing, and I  think it was a wonderful technique to create a sense of suspense and  curiosity.  The kid (Haley Joel Osment) is really good; it's so rare to see  child actors who are that convincing. There is a scene in a car near the  end where the kid convinces his Mom that he really does "see dead  people," and it's done so well that it reduced the two grown men  watching the movie to simpering crybabies. (It's a very emotional scene,  especially if you've lost a family member any time soon.) I usually see  "surprise endings" coming a mile away, but I missed this one, and  enjoyed the process of its revelation--then the pieces fell together and I  realized why some earlier elements were so off-putting. There are also some  excellent "extras" on the DVD version, including scenes cut from  the final film with explanations why (I'm not sure I agree that some should  have been cut); and some early home-made movies by the director when he was  a kid that are hilarious while still indicating the talent that would bloom  later.
2232856
Incredible movie. I just love Guierllmo Del Torro
4249243
There are not many movies I would be willing to see again.  That is how I judge whether or not it's any good.  I would see this film again.  I may even being willing to purchase it when the DVD eventually comes out.
There are some tough spots in the film,and the humor is often snuck into some dark moments.  If you are looking for racuous laughter it's not here, but true humor that makes you smirk and let out a loud laugh unwittingly, can be found in the Tennebaums.  The disfunction in this family makes me feel so much better about my own family it's worth seeing again.
The bottom line is:  If you are looking for slapstick this is not for you.  If you are looking for some escapism and very good performances from wonderful actors that have a slight edge....you will enjoy the Tennebaums
4348681
I love this film. It is one of my all-time favorite films. I could go on about the greatness of this film, but let me highlight a few things. First, this film is totally beautiful. Second, the directing is solid. Third, the message of the movie is well worth thinking about. I am not surprised that Martin Scorsese made this movie. I watch it with great pleasure. Go out and watch this film.
2312665
I sometimes manage to be among the last individuals on earth to see a blockbuster movie, and such is the case with Shrek.  Having finally seen the film, however, I will certainly echo the high praises it has received from those who have come before me.  Shrek is visually stunning, continuously hilarious, and uplifting in its message.  It's fun for the entire family, appealing to adults and children in equal measure, and it just makes you feel good after the credits roll.  The DVD throws in tons of extras, giving you more Shrek bang for the bucks.
The look of this film is amazing; animation has definitely entered the twenty-first century, and the guys and gals at Dreamworks are forging the way ever onward and upward.  You really have to see the animation in Shrek to appreciate it - I can tell you that it is in stunning 3-D detail, that each character has more incredibly realistic and subtle facial expressions than I do, that you could sometimes swear (especially when watching Princess Fiona) that you are watching real people on the screen, and that Shrek transports you to a world unlike any you have seen before, but that barely begins to describe the animation magic at play here.  The real proof of the pudding is in the details, and you will be amazed at all the subtle nuances you pick up each time you watch the film: you can see the wind in the grass, leaves blowing, dust rising, clothes wrinkling and moving naturally in relation to each character's body movements, hair stirring characters' hair (except for Shrek, of course, who is quite bald - not to mention green and altogether ogrely), etc..  The attention to detail is simply amazing, and I can't help but wonder why this film didn't cost about fifty billion dollars to make based on what I saw.
Of course, the incredible animation would all go for naught without great actors supplying the voices of the characters, and you would have to look long and hard to beat the cast of Shrek.  Start with the two funniest men in Hollywood, Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, as Shrek the lovable ogre and his sidekick Donkey; then throw in Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona and John Lithgow as the bad guy.  Myers and Murphy will keep you in stitches from start to finish.  I won't go into the whole plot of the story here, as I'm sure that information is pretty easy to find hereabouts, but I will say the story is incredibly witty and is truly the stuff that all-time classic films are made of.  While it turns the world of fairy tales on its ear, it does come bearing some important morals, the most important of which is the advice to not judge a person by his/her appearance.  Shrek is much more than a disgusting, disagreeable ogre, and Fiona turns out to be the least typical princess you could ever hope to meet.
The extras on the DVD give you a good idea of the creative process that went into bringing Shrek to life: storyboards of deleted scenes, an HBO special on the making of the movie, technical goofs, and an informative commentary by the filmmakers.  In terms of pure entertainment, you also get the complete extended dance party ending of the film, the means to jump directly to many of the funnier or more visually stunning scenes, music videos from Smashmouth and Baha Men, and a number of silly little games to play.  Consider all of these extras as icing on the proverbial cake, however, as the movie alone packs more entertainment than almost any other DVD you will ever find.
623013
I rate this movie a 4.5 out of 5.0.  Out of the hundred + movies I've bought for my international collection, this is now one of my top 10 favorites.  I normally don't purchase a movie that can't grab me with its reviews, but i'm glad i did.  The storyline fpr this flick is creative, and will make want to watch it all the way through witout a break.  I would've of rated this movie a 5.0, but i felt like a couple scenes could have been extended.  i don't want to give away any of this movie, so i suggest you should see for yourself.  even if you don't buy it now, once you see it you will by it later.
3607552
When I first saw Tortilla Heaven in a theater in East LA, it was clear that it was a family favorite. The Latinos in the audience, seemed to enjoy the villagers in this fable set in the imaginary town of Falfurrias, New Mexico. There is a timelessness of the story that should make it have a long shelf life at your local video stores. The cast is chock full of Latino, mainly Chicano cast. Most notably, George Lopez (George Lopez Show) as a goof ball sheriff, Miguel Sandoval (Medium) as the devil incarnate, Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) as his co-hort, Irene Bedard (Smoke Signals) as a hapless civil service worker, Elaine Miles (Northern Exposure) as a farmer's defiant wife, Lupe Ontiveros (Desperate Housewives) as a henpecking mother-in law, Elpidia Carrillo (Predator) as a strong wife, Alexis Cruz (Shark) as an idealistic young man, Del Zamora (Repo Man) as a henpecked son, Jose Zuniga (Crooklyn) is the maker of the tortilla that is the centerpiece of this comedy. For you see, the tortilla has the burned image of Jesus on it. There is even the legendary Olivia Hussey (Zefferelli's Romeo & Juliet) in a supporting role as a free thinking nudist. The cinematography is outstanding. Music is fine in a funny sort of way. This is funny little sweet movie with heart. I took my nieces and my mother and we all laughed and enjoyed ourselves. My father even chuckled several times and liked the ending very much. I am happy to see this family film, finally come out on DVD. I am on the fan website for Tortilla Heaven, so they have alerted me, that it comes out on DVD soon. We have been waiting to buy this movie and show it to our friends. For a family film, it can't be beat!
3956325
I can't be unhappy while watching this gem, it's hard to describe. But, as a movie about taking chances to improve your life, and a movie about love, it's amazing that it really evokes an emotional response from me.
It feels a lot like that burst of happiness you feel when you are just falling in love.
Hard day at work, this is the prescription for you, I was grumpy last night and popped this in, and found myself grinning several times. Similar feeling when I saw this in theatres.
This is not a movie to miss. It's clever, it's beautiful, and Audrey is amazing in this.
2161644
I first got to introduced to this movie from my high school English teacher and I have fallen in love with it ever since.  The film tells a wonderful story and at the same time is able to drive home social/political issues that are still relevant today, without being too preachy.  There are some really poignant moments in this film but also a good amount of warm-hearted humor in the mix.  The two main characters alone make this movie, and the cinemetography helps capture the beauty of the land.

My only gripe with the DVD is that it doesn't have subtitles, but otherwise, I'm very happy with my purchase.  It might not be Oscar material, but this film is a must-see, in my opinion.
4043924
A very good movie, if you haven't got it, you should add it to your collection.
2223830
I'm always sad when I remember this movie did poorly in the box office. It's such a treat to watch! Engaging and riveting. Music is excellent. Costumes are accurate to the period but also character-appropriate. Characters are well written and their chemistry is marvelous. Cinematography is up to Guy Ritchie standards, which for my tastes, is very good. One of my favorite movies.
4498293
I love this movie, even though--as some reviews have pointed out--it is a violent film at times. But, that is life. You want sanitized? Go to Disney. You want honest? This is your movie. No sugar coating here. A rare fantasy film based upon a real-life, historical time period. Yes, it is brutal, but the underlying message, to me, is that good ultimately triumphs over evil. Amidst the horror of war, the little heroine of this film proves that to be so.

The acting is utterly believable and heart-rending. The effects are amazing, and riveting. I have viewed this movie 4 times, and there is always something new to see. This film is soaked in minute details, such is the care that was put into its production.

Well done, Guillermo del Toro! A film worth owning, and worth repeated viewings.
682528
I've seen this movie several times before purchasing it, so I knew exactly what I was getting. I've also seen all of the Sergio Leone movies, and I consider this the best. The reason is that it is more personal and caring between two individuals who are from entirely different backgrounds, yet seem to bond in a very unique manner. I'ts funny, but also has it's sad moments. I would recommend it highly. You waon't find it in any video rental store, so go ahead and buy your own copy.
1944506
This is one of my favorite movies.  It has the air of older movies, those that had adventure and plot instead of just action.  Yes, it has its share of explosions and gunfire, but with a purpose.

The move is about character, dialog, and plot.  What a unique and rare thing.

Bandaras does a better than good job in the lead, and the secondary actors put in polished performances.

Yes, this is a bit of a Catholic basher as it makes them look scheming so, if you are a catholic you might find that a bit of a turn off, and maybe even offensive.  However, not all of the catholic characters are that way.  I put the catholic part this way, it makes catholics look good, but the catholic church look bad.

I have watched this movie three times now and will watch it again.  It is also a movie I like to share with other people to get their take on it.  Some love it, others don't get it, but so far, no one has hated it.
255948
I can't say that I really understand the meaning of the film, and which of the apparent realities is the "true" reality. What at the end matters to me is the emotional build up that starts slowly and fully develops at some point with a burst (when she talks on the phone with her son while also taking french, for the first time, with him). I will certainly watch it again. This is one of the few movies really worth buying.