High Crimes (2002)

"High Crimes" is Freeman and Judd's best work to date!!
If you liked Morgan Freeman's and Ashley Judd's performances from "Kiss the Girls" almost 5 years ago, then you'll love them again in "High Crimes", a suspenseful thriller of a movie directed by Carl Franklin ("Devil in a Blue Dress"). The suspense of "High Crimes" takes place inside and outside of the courtroom as well...and it never lets up for a minute! The film focuses on Claire Kubik (Judd), a high-powered attorney, and her husband Tom (Jim Caviezel, "The Count of Monte Cristo"), a successful contractor with his own business, who are madly in love and are planning to have a family. But a burglary at their home triggers a chain of events that shatters their world. The FBI agents arrest Tom. The charge: Under his real name, Ronald Chapman, Tom, as a covert military operative, murdered civilians in El Salvador and has been a fugitive for the past 15 years. Tom admits he is Ronald and he was part of a clandestine operation that did result in a massacre for which Tom was blamed. But...

A taut legal thriller
Joseph Finder's bestselling novel comes to life in this well-made, though somewhat predictable, thriller as a savvy and love-struck lawyer is pitted against the military and its covert actions. Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, a lawyer on the way to a partnership until her husband is arrested for a military crime he swears he didn't commit. To defend him, Claire must navigate military law and threats, getting in deeper and more dangerously with every half-truth she uncovers.

The plot has fewer holes than most thrillers, although most viewers will see the "twist" a mile away. And that a law firm would jettison one of its promising stars because her husband was arrested is preposterous. Wouldn't they help in the defense? Still, given the holes in most thrillers these days, these lapses are minor. The acting is solid, with Judd creating a gutsy, smart woman who is capable of both unfaltering love and fury. Morgan Freeman does a fine job with his thin material as a...

Fast Paced And Well Acted
"High Crimes" is based on a book of the same name by Joseph Finder, and is so frequently the case, the book is better than the movie. Which isn't to say that this is a bad movie; in fact, it is a very good one. In today's world, fascinated with trials and the legal system, the emphasis on courtroom events is to be expected, but as a retired lawyer with 30 years in the Courts, I find this aspect a bit ho-hum. But the underlying plot of a military atrocity being possibly covered up by the court martial of a scapegoat NCO is effectively rendered here. Ashley Judd, who I view as a B- level actress does a commendable job as the lawyer wife of the accused ex-soldier. Morgan Freeman, who I rank as an A- actor, and a favorite of mine, is excellent as the alchoholic ex-military lawyer who tries to help defend the accused, played very well by Jim Caviezel.It is a fast paced flic with a surprise twist ending that is a good effort and an enjoyable movie.

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Gold DVD

Late period German Silent movie
The advance look of the German cinema is evident in this production. Not as intense as Metropolis but the story and the execution are well worth the time to watch.

An early sci-fi talkie, mainly of historical interest
This DVD is a presentation of an early sci-fi talkie. I rate it as 4 stars out of 5 for being a good quality video. However, the film has not been restored to pristine condition. The opening credits wobble and there appear to be frames missing here and there in the film. ( The fact that another Amazon product GOLD 1934 Sci Fi Germany. Brigitte Helm with english subtitles is an inferior video of the same film influences me to give the superior product a better than average rating.)

The "extras" on the DVD are not elaborate. It has a contemporary 2 page article in German about the film that mostly consists of photos. It has some printed information that is mostly reproduced in the product description on the current Amazon page.

I'm not rating the product as a financial deal or rating the film as entertainment. The film is mainly of historical interest. Don't expect it to have technology...



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ERock Rocks! Blu-Ray Edition. A Virtual 100 Mile Ride. Indoor Cycling Training / Spinning Fitness and Workout Videos

BiTBoP Technology is a good thing
I ordered this not because I'm training to ride a century, but because I moved to an area that has a limited selection of spinning classes. I don't want to fight for a bike or get up at 5 a.m., so I got my own spinning bike and went searching for a decent DVD. I chose this set for a few reasons: 1) Real-time road footage of a 100-mile (century) bike tour through Colorado helps you visualize and focus. The superimposed graphic dashboard recommends appropriate cadence and resistance level. An aerial map tracks speed and elevation. A graphic of the hill profile gives you an idea of the type of climb you're facing. 2) The set comes with 4 DVDs, so you get variety with your workouts. Stage 1 is a 1-hour ride with rolling hills; Stage 2 is 1.5-hour ride with some more strenuous climbs; Stage 3 is a 2-hour ride with some intense interval-type climbs; Stage 4 is a 1-hour ride with yet more intervals. 3) The audio comes with three options: narration over music, just music, and only the road...

ERocks REALLY does rock!
My husband and I have about seven other of Paul's DVD's for indoor cycling on a trainer. We enjoy all of them and they have greatly improved my cycling ability over this winter. All are a challenge if you use the DVD's correctly. Last week we received the ERock Rocks DVD's. While we have only had the chance to use the first stage DVD we can tell you unequivocally that WE ARE CRAZY ABOUT THESE DVD'S!!! Sorry for shouting but these DVD's are awesome. Paul does commentary throughout the whole ride and gives invaluable tips on training for a Century ride, or improving if you've already done a Century. We learned so much on just the first DVD. We love "riding with Paul" and having him coach us to being better riders. This is unlike any other cycling DVD for your indoor trainer. This is like having your very own coach. We cannot recommend the ERock Rocks DVD's highly enough.

Once again, Paul sets the bar and standard for other cycling DVD's. Great job!!!!

The best!
I have purchased hundereds of items on Amazon but this is my first review, I'm that passionate about these DVDs. I have tried nearly every spinning/indoor workout DVD out there and these DVDs are by far the best. I get tired of having a guy with a stopwatch yell at me - - these DVDs are so much better; I actually get into the rides. The commentary is helpful and the fact that the narrator is actually doing the workout as well makes a huge difference. After trying Erock Rocks! I bought every one of Paul's DVDs - - I'm ready for Fall and Winter training!

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Parental Guidance

Old Age versus New Age Parenting
Being an avid fan of Billy Crystal, I eagerly awaited his return to the silver screen. I was not disappointed. Coupled with another veteran actress in Bette Midler (his doting wife), they made we 'older' parents appear archaic with their 'tough love' approach - (didn't all Baby Boomers experience this as children?). The story goes on to explain how they are 'the only' set of grandparents available, to care for their 3 grandchildren, 12, 8 and 5, much to their daughter's reluctance. Their daughter (played by Marissa Tomei) is all about 'new age' parenting and frowns heavily upon any strayings from her teachings. Therefore laying down her set of rules and opening the door to laughter.

Naturally, things are going to go wrong, as Billy and Bette strive to keep the peace and understand their charges. As not only do the 'Oldies' react to each situation in an uninitiated new age-old age way causing havoc, but are also victims to a completely automated house which initially sees...

funniest movie I've seen in a long time
I saw it the other day, and it was so funny, I laughed so much. It really hit home, about being grand parents. I just loved it.

Crystal and Midler Get on their Schtick and Liven Up This Formulaic Family Comedy
***This review may contain spoilers***

The trailers advertising "Parental Guidance" (hereafter PG) were not only unpromising, but borderline appalling. It emphasized the tired, painful slapstick and saccharine sentiment of so many other formulaic family comedies, that I was determined to avoid it. But, visiting my mother and deciding to take in a movie before lunch at Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, we decided upon PG because it was the only movie that had subject matter my Mom (not particularly keen on hobbits, 40-somethings, or even Lincoln) was interested in. After seeing it, we were pleasantly (if surprisingly) entertained, despite the dilapidated old "Clash of the Generations" plot. Our amusement was largely due to those reliably schticky comedy workhorses Billy Crystal and Bette Midler.

Crystal and Midler play fairly (but not completely) old-fashioned Artie and Diane Decker, parents to Type-A, harried upper-class daughter Alice Decker Simmons (Marisa...

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Possession in Japan

Up There With Other Great Exorcism Films
I've seen plenty of exorcism films, but never one from Asia. A great film with an awesome twist at the end, one you would never expect, and one that I don't think ever done in any exorcism flick. The CGI effects were done just right where it didn't look fake. Plenty of scares and edge-of-your-seat excitement! From Tokyo Shock in widescreen, 2.0 surround, english subtitles.

I didn't care for it.
Possession in Japan is the Japanese take on the Exorcist. The isn't really scary nor is it really suspenseful. It's one of the weaker J-Horror flicks out of Japan. My advice, don't bother with this one.



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Because I Love You

GoodFlick
Good story for Indie flick. Had MenaceIISociety feel. Nice action sequences. Enjoyed the striptease. Loved the Cray dude & Vanilla chick. They were very funny. Vanilla even made me wanna to go pee. Ha! Now that's classic.

Excellent movie
I saw this when it premiered in Houston. I was blown away. The music, the acting, the story. Wow! It was also cool to see Chico Benymon play a bad guy because he's always playing someone goofy like he did in "Half & Half" and "Steppin'". He did a great job, though. I would like to see him in more roles like this. Look out for Tonyai Palmer as Vanilla, too. She was so funny. She has a "memorable" scene in this movie. Also, the director, Joseph A. Elmore Jr., was fantastic. He knows how to write a compelling movie that makes you want more. His style is urban, but it's fresh. For instance, there's a scene where a guy is getting felatio with a gun pointed at him, and the girl is still going in! Who thinks of that? Joseph A. Elmore Jr. does! He's also a joy to work with.

I like
This movie is ok. I enjoyed it. Good story line even though it is too predictable, there was not enough suspense otherwise an ok watch!

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Dose of Reality

Unbelievably Awesome
Saw this film at Cinequest 23 in San Jose. Didn't know what to expect going in to watch the film. I was engaged the whole film and it literally blew my mind. The credits rolled and I just sat in total silence, in shock. I can't say much more than that. Weeks later, and I'm still thinking about this film!

This "Dose" was just what the doctor ordered!
After watching more than 80 films at Cinequest, it's hard to remember everything I took in. One great exception was "Dose of Reality," a thoroughly engaging film that grabs you from the opening scene and never lets up. Featuring top-notch production values and a rock-solid cast, Dose truly stood out at this year's festival. It was no surprise, therefore, that it was brought back for an encore screening on the festival's final day. If it hadn't, there would've been a lot of unhappy festival-goers as I spent several days hyping the film once I'd caught up with it. Without risking the major sin of a spoiler alert, all I will say is that I would put this film's ending right up there with "The Sixth Sense," and that alone should be reason enough to run out and grab "A Dose of Reality" as soon as you can.

I can't wait to see what's next from this talented group of filmmakers.

HE SAID. SHE SAID.
This is basically a three "man" play that takes place inside of a bar. Matt (Ryan Merriman) the bar tender discovers a woman (Fairuza Balk) passed out on the restroom floor. She has apparently been beaten and raped. Tony (Rick Ravanello), the bar manager, is less concerned. He is a two strike ex-con who still snorts drugs.

When Rose comes to, she wants to discover which one of these guys did this to her. She plays mind games with them, antagonizes them and there are things that don't mesh, but too minor to be concerned about as the scene is too powerful and draws you away from the clue. As it turns out, Rose has multiple personality syndrome and moves smartly between characters. The action grows rather intense as we watch this personality driven script which at times is a dark comedy. Rose has two diverse personalities which are as diverse as Matt and Tony.

After an hour into the film, things come together, and then all hell breaks loose as the plot twists and...

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