Fifth Kyser film a winner
929199
This was the fifth and final RKO film for bandleader Kay Kyser. After a very successful run he went to MGM, who released the pretty bad film SWING FEVER. After that he went to Columbia, who did even worse with him on CAROLINA BLUES. But the first 5 RKO entries are fun to watch, particularly if you're a fan of big band/swing  music and/or radio shows of that era. There's a lot of corny humor, which was big in those days.

In this, Kyser and band (w/ vocalists Harry Babbitt, Ish Kabibble, Sully Mason and new singer Georgia Carroll-later to become Mrs. Kyser) are seen performing in several countries to bring music and silliness to our service personnel during WW2. A great undiscovered swing tune, ROODLE-EE-DOO lifts one's spirits, as does the comic song, I'VE GOT A SECRET WEAPON, featuring Harry Babbitt's 'Little Audrey' falsetto voice, along w/ several cartoon character impersonations. Babbitt and Carroll duet beautifully on CANDLELIGHT AND WINE and Mischa Auer provides comic relief. Marcy McGuire is a teenage spitfire and kind of a female Andy Hardy type. The surprise ending is effective, too. Catch this with the previous 4 Kyser films- THAT'S RIGHT, YOU'RE WRONG, YOU'LL FIND OUT, PLAYMATES, and MY FAVORITE SPY (NOT the Bob Hope movie of the same name)and have a Kyser weekend! C'mon chillen-Yess Dance!
64518
This 5 star film promotes honesty and acceptance of same sex attraction and sexuality, as well encouraging us to be aware of the value of mutual community support, and of organising workers as unions. The cover art and text were "de-gayed" completely for its USA release, however after watching the Blu-ray today, and feeling the same full emotional force as in the cinema, I'm now inclined to think that it is much more important that this film gets into the most homes. The acting, direction, script and editing are all award winning in quality, and the scenery in Wales is breathtaking. Again I was brought to tears in several scenes, and not as a result of any schmaltzy button pushing, but rather at the humanity expressed. The extras include the true story on which this is based, and interview comments from the real characters. All of the extras give us an informed appreciation of the film, and the history it celebrates. The Blu-ray is crystal clear in detail, and with a very dynamic DTS HD Master 5.1 soundtrack which is stunning, engaging and faultless. One the best films I've ever seen, and certainly one of the most heart-warming and rewarding. The soundtrack music is also carefully chosen and the 2CD set is well worth buying (even though the Smiths song "What Difference Does It Make?" didn't make it to the CD).
639140
Mystery Alaska was one of the best comedies to come along in 1999.  In the best ensemble film fashion a truly eclectic cast forms the very core of the story that is Mystery, Alaska.  Hank Azaria turns in a spectacular performance as "the ugly duckling" - a character not too popular who escaped the town for fame and fortune in television sports.  He garners the small town some big time noteriety when the announces that the New York Rangers will challenge a game against the locals pond hockey team.  Typical small town chaos ensues as all prepare for the big event.

Russell Crowe, Burt Reynolds, Lolita Davidovich, Ron Eldard, Colm Meaney, Mary McCormack all turn in fine performances contributing nicely to the oddities inherent in any small town.

While the story can seem a bit forced formulaic, David Kelly's script and Jay Roach's directing bring a freshness and satisfaction that made this one of 1999's best sleepers.

A most watchable feel good movie.
3356073
I caught this movie at the Heartland Film Festival and loved it.  I've watched many independent films at such festivals over the years and this is a standout.  Although movie cynics may find small issue with acting, cinematography, or other film details, this is an outstanding effort for a first film from the cast, crew, screenwriter, etc.  Maggie Baird and Finneas O'Connell are great and I hope another film is on its way from their creative team.  I am still a little bummed that the music from the film is not available for purchase online.
1569298
Great acting an beautifully shot!  One of the better action films I've seen in the past 5 years.
1270409
I gave this film 5 stars because I think it's one the more creative cinematography efforts in the last few years.

Scott Kevan, Director of Photography, is a visionary who will be providing us with a new way of lighting and composing scenes for years to come. Virtually every scene has a special look to it. Take particular notice to the breathtaking color treatments in some takes and I'm sure the scene where Jackson and Harris are talking in the van on a rainy night will stay with you for a while.

Rent this movie and place it at the top of your queue. Let's hope this arrives in Blu-Ray soon!
3834597
A very solid movie!  This one will have you cheering at the end!  Young David Kinemon (Richard Barthelmess) is at that age when he is a boy no longer yet still is not a man.  He lives in pastoral Greenstream safely hidden behind three mountain ranges.  Life is wonderful and David idolizes his older brother Allan (Warner Richmond) who drives the mail hack.

Some escaped convicts hole up on the next farm and leave Davids brother, whose wife just gave birth, a bedridden cripple.  His father (Edmund Gurney) seeking revenge dies of a heart attack.  The family which now faces poverty.  David must step up and defend the familys honor.  In the most touching sequence Mrs. Kinemon (Marion Abbott) persuades David to let go of his anger and tend to the family as that burden is now his.

How will this tragedy affect Davids relationship with sweetheart Gladys (Esther Hulette) who is related to the convicts?  What more can he face?  David does get his chance to prove himself when he meets up with the convicts.  He will no longer be tolable but a man.

This 1921 feature is 94 minutes long and a 14 minute interview with director Henry King (Twelve Oclock High) is included.  Four pages of detailed notes are included on the fold out snap case.  Barthelmess and Hulette did a fine job and Ernest Torrance was a great bad guy.  Film quality and Robert Israels music score are fine.  I highly recommend this one!
1283516
I've seen this film a number of times and really love it. It's really a feel good film, showing what can happen when people put their biases aside. I especially like that it's based on a true story. The actors are wonderful. The story's true. What more can one ask for?!
4495682
I won't go into the storyline; I'm sure there are several other reviewers who might want to elaborate on the plot, performances, etc.  I'll just stick to the fact that we really enjoyed this film and would recommend the DVD to anyone who likes to watch movies with their kids (even repeat viewings).

I took my family to see this movie without knowing much about it and - Wow! What a delight.  In today's culture, it's quite difficult to find entertainment that appeals to both adults and kids.

The Last Mimzy did a great job of carrying us through a roller-coaster of emotions while unfolding an interesting, fun, and memorable storyline.  The special effects are good and the interaction between characters was enjoyable.  It is apparent that special attention and care went into the production of this film.

Looking forward to the arrival of our DVD!

Enjoy  :-)
1979295
The latest film from Mathieu Kassovitz `The Fifth Element', `La Haine' and `The Lookout' to name but a few. He acts, directs, produces and stars in this production and usually with so much control a film suffers but not so in this case. He takes as his subject real events that took place on the French colonial island of New Caledonia back in April of 1998. Kanak separatists wanted to break from mother France and so staged an attack on a gendarme barracks capturing the garrison- some sixty officers. Unfortunately some gendarmes were killed in the assault. The rest were divided into two groups and taken into captivity.

Meanwhile back in France the CIGN have been ordered in to rescue the hostages. They are led by Capitaine du GIGN Philippe Legorjus played by; well yes you guessed it Mathieu Kassovitz. However, once they get there they find that the army have also arrived along with a ton of equipment and the place looks like a preparation for war as opposed to a hostage negotiation. The army are also in command and the CIGN are under their control. Meanwhile back in France the election is on and the two antagonists were Mitterand and Jaques Chirac. There is no appetite for French policeman to be held hostage as this is seen as a vote loser, so the army are under strict orders to end the crisis with all haste and especially before polling day.

The Kanaks are portrayed as having been pushed into a corner by the French and have seen their island ravaged for nickel extraction, they just want independence and do not want violence. What ensues is a story that is hardly well known; I found it hard to find anything about it and very little on the Kanak people themselves. It is though a very good piece of cinema. It has a big budget feel to it and enough action, intrigue and emotion to keep you hooked through-out. Whist I can not attest to the veracity of the film as presented it does make for a very interesting watch indeed. Originally released as "L'ordre et la morale", this is in French with good English sub titles and a run time of 136 minutes. If you like your European cinema to have a bit of action, politics and some historical content with a dollop of moralising, then this is for you.
2821359
This is a dark, mostly, film beautifully filmed and acted. It's also a very quiet and slow paced movie. No action scenes as we know them today. However, the sea, the wind and the waves provide plenty suspense. Other reviewers have given you the story. I would like to concentrate on the beauty of a black and white film. Think of Lost Horizon or the early version of Jane Eyre. The story pulls you in and holds your attention because you want to know what happens. The characters are real people facing a real situation. There is community and caring about your neighbors. Simple celebrations of happy times and support during sad times. I'm glad I happened upon this film.
4892788
This movie brings together three critical elements of a successful film: concept, acting and cinematography.  Nick Cannon gives a superb and believable performance as an aspiring drummer who deals with demons of not being able to read music in the college setting.  Thinking his talent alone can propel him through the music reading requirement is where the movie picks up steam and leaves the station...
The only thing I may have changed was the predictability.  In the final battle, the champions for the past five years go next to last and, of course, the underdog team, covets the final performance.  Maybe a shock to some, there is a tie and the drumlines duel to the death (not really the death, but to determine who the victor is).
A nice concept for sure, Drumline carrys the beat.
3867500
I am now a hard-core Lasse Hallstrom fan.  "Chocolat" and "Cider House Rules" were both top-notch films and anyone who appreciated these two films will love "Shipping News."  Like "Cider" the new film is riveting -- it meanders in completely unpredictable directons, arriving at quite believable and endlessly fascinating destinations.  While watching, I was continually struck by the thought "Man, this is a VERY GOOD film."
  No one can quibble with the wonderful choice of settings, sometimes lush, sometimes stark, always captivating and believable.  The acting is across-the-board excellent.  Cate Blanchett will astonish you!  Julianne Moore is completely breath-taking and never misses a beat.  Kevin Spacey is remarkable, as usual.  There are also innumerable supporting cast members, all of whom are quite effective.
  This film cannot be overlooked for Best Picture nomination! I do not argue with those who rate the film five stars.  I am very stingy with handing out five stars....
445856
one of the greatest films ever made saw it 5 times when I was a kid.great actors and actresses.tremendous special effects.a real winner.
846617
This was one of the most surprising films I have seen in a LONG time.
I truly expected to see a basic action/ black comedy film for a little light Sunday night viewing. 3kings was all that and more.
I thought it was  directed superbly with some of the most creative and unusual visual and  directing effects you will ever see. The return to the village and the  shooting scene in particular were fantastic.
The film touched on some of  the moral issues of the war and asks alot of very profound questions about  NATO involvement.
It is one of the few movies I have seen which doesn't  seem to have a slow bit in it.
3 Kings will make you will laugh, cringe,  think, hold your breath and entertain you and lets face it ...thats why we  watch movies isn't it ?
Essential viweing.
621993
Amelie is the first foreign movie among those I have watched which I think is great. A funny, dramatic and romantic plot. The storyline is not complicated but still very gripping. Excellent photography and film shots. The colors used throughout the whole movie are incredible, making it just like an art film. It is the kind of movie that you want to sit down, relax and watch with your lover. If you haven't watched this movie in the theater, be sure you don't miss it on video.
1811010
This movie was quirky enough that it kept my interest even though you'll recognize the plot very early on. It's the quirks that make this rise above the ordinary. Don't expect much more than some thought provoking moments and some good laughs. I appreciate the inclusion of Asperger's into a movie and portraying it in a realistic and non comedic or tragic way.