Michael-Douglas Movie Reviews

I have tried to find this movie to show my children and I am in shock that I can not find this great Disney Movie. We went to see these great horses in person and I would like to see the movie as well. As a child I remember it like it was yesterday. Disney needs to bring this movie back for our kids to see. What a great classic.

I loved this movie as a kid and would love to see it again and be able to show it to my family. I remember it being an exciting story of courage, honor and compassion during WWII. It's a shame it is not currently available. How do we convince Disney to produce the video for sale again?

Miracle of the White Stallions is one of my favorite movies!
A must see for horse lovers!
Disney must bring it out again in DVD format!

Only 1942 Hollywood could show an aging songwriter stepping in with a parade and being challenged to sing a patriotic song which he wrote. And George M. Cohan wrote quite a few.

James Cagney's Best Actor performance takes place in flashback in the White House as he is summoned to receive a Medal of Honor for his body of work. He tells his bio to President Franklin Roosevelt, whom he is portraying in his show, "I'd Rather Be Right."

Cohan describes his early life in Vaudeville, travelling America with his parents and sister, and how he matures and partners with producer Sam Harris. His ups, downs and true loves weave the well-explained circumstances of many of his 80 plays and 500 hit songs. In particular, "I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Give My Regards To Broadway," "Mary," "You're A Grand Old Flag," and of course, the rousing WWI anthem, "Over There."

Although Cagney's character is a bit glib and constantly wisecracking, his relationships with family, business associates and competitors are well-defined. And of course, his superb dancing and physical movement may come as a surprise to gangster-movie purists. This is particularly evident in a scene he admittedly ad-libbed near the film's end.

Perhaps with America again at war, a classic film like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is just what we need to enjoy.

Although he will always be well known for his gangster roles, James Cagney's only Academy Award for Best Actor came for his role as George M. Cohan, the hoofer, singer, dancer, actor and playwright portrayed in "Yankee Doodle Dandy". One might suspect that Cagney only won the Oscar because the Academy would never have given it to one of his gangster roles. Or maybe, it was because this film was just what the country needed in the early days of World War II. Or maybe, the academy actually was recognizing Cagney's abilities as an actor. Whatever the reason, Jimmy deserved the award. Who ever knew he could do that kind of footwork and even sing!

Now, let's get to George Cohan, who's "A good friend of my Uncle Sam" and was "Born on the Fourth of July". Because of this, Cohan was immensely patriotic and wrote many flag waving tunes. Many of you are still stumped about his name, but you would probably know his songs if you heard them: "Mary", "Give My Regards to Broadway", "Harrigan", "45 Minutes from Broadway", "Over There" and, of course, "Yankee Doodle Dandy".

The music numbers, since they are stage productions, lack the Hollywoodized touch that's in "Singin' in the Rain". Nevertheless, they are still exciting enough. A great supporting cast assists Cagney, including Walter Huston, Joan Leslie, Richard Whorf, Irene Manning, George Tobias, Rosemary De Camp, Eddie Foy Jr. and Jeanne Cagney (His own sister!). The film's direction was helmed by Michael Curtiz, responsible for such classics as "Casablanca", "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and Cagney in "Angels With Dirty Faces". Curtiz puts into the movie his traditional blend of thrills and fast pace. The screenplay is full of memorable scenes and dialogue, particularly "My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you and I thank you". About the only problems with it are moments of melodrama and how it might trivialize some of the events in Cohan's life. I also did not like how the script skips in telling us how Cohan's mother and sister died. But, with all the virtues of the movie, these problems are minor. It also shows to never learn your history from movies.

The version I watched "Yankee Doodle Dandy" on was the controversial colorized edition created in the late 1980's, one of several movies that received such treatment. The movie doesn't look too bad in color. It's one of a very few movies that can be switched between either version. Nevertheless, if Ted Turner really wanted to see a black and white movie in color, he should have made a remake. Either that or he should have had the cooperation of someone who was involved in the making of the movie. Don't tamper with someone else's work unless you have their discrete!

So, if you happen to see this available for rent or sale at your local video store, don't hesitate (Unless it's in color, that is). Unlike many movies today, this is one you can watch problem free with the whole family.

On a sadder note, Cagney passed away on this day in 1986. Although there have probably been many tributes in the years since, watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and his other films is the only real way to honor him.

this thing is loaded. if you like cagney this is a must have.this has trailers from his movies. top of the world with michael j fox hosting. and many more. this movie has been done to the highest quality possible. it's great. I have 37 cagney films on vhs. and I just wish they would refinsh some more like this.

Only 1942 Hollywood could show an aging songwriter stepping in with a parade and being challenged to sing a patriotic song which he wrote. And George M. Cohan wrote quite a few.

James Cagney's Best Actor performance takes place in flashback in the White House as he is summoned to receive a Medal of Honor for his body of work. He tells his bio to President Franklin Roosevelt, whom he is portraying in his show, "I'd Rather Be Right."

Cohan describes his early life in Vaudeville, travelling America with his parents and sister, and how he matures and partners with producer Sam Harris. His ups, downs and true loves weave the well-explained circumstances of many of his 80 plays and 500 hit songs. In particular, "I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Give My Regards To Broadway," "Mary," "You're A Grand Old Flag," and of course, the rousing WWI anthem, "Over There."

Although Cagney's character is a bit glib and constantly wisecracking, his relationships with family, business associates and competitors are well-defined. And of course, his superb dancing and physical movement may come as a surprise to gangster-movie purists. This is particularly evident in a scene he admittedly ad-libbed near the film's end.

Perhaps with America again at war, a classic film like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is just what we need to enjoy.

Although he will always be well known for his gangster roles, James Cagney's only Academy Award for Best Actor came for his role as George M. Cohan, the hoofer, singer, dancer, actor and playwright portrayed in "Yankee Doodle Dandy". One might suspect that Cagney only won the Oscar because the Academy would never have given it to one of his gangster roles. Or maybe, it was because this film was just what the country needed in the early days of World War II. Or maybe, the academy actually was recognizing Cagney's abilities as an actor. Whatever the reason, Jimmy deserved the award. Who ever knew he could do that kind of footwork and even sing!

Now, let's get to George Cohan, who's "A good friend of my Uncle Sam" and was "Born on the Fourth of July". Because of this, Cohan was immensely patriotic and wrote many flag waving tunes. Many of you are still stumped about his name, but you would probably know his songs if you heard them: "Mary", "Give My Regards to Broadway", "Harrigan", "45 Minutes from Broadway", "Over There" and, of course, "Yankee Doodle Dandy".

The music numbers, since they are stage productions, lack the Hollywoodized touch that's in "Singin' in the Rain". Nevertheless, they are still exciting enough. A great supporting cast assists Cagney, including Walter Huston, Joan Leslie, Richard Whorf, Irene Manning, George Tobias, Rosemary De Camp, Eddie Foy Jr. and Jeanne Cagney (His own sister!). The film's direction was helmed by Michael Curtiz, responsible for such classics as "Casablanca", "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and Cagney in "Angels With Dirty Faces". Curtiz puts into the movie his traditional blend of thrills and fast pace. The screenplay is full of memorable scenes and dialogue, particularly "My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you and I thank you". About the only problems with it are moments of melodrama and how it might trivialize some of the events in Cohan's life. I also did not like how the script skips in telling us how Cohan's mother and sister died. But, with all the virtues of the movie, these problems are minor. It also shows to never learn your history from movies.

The version I watched "Yankee Doodle Dandy" on was the controversial colorized edition created in the late 1980's, one of several movies that received such treatment. The movie doesn't look too bad in color. It's one of a very few movies that can be switched between either version. Nevertheless, if Ted Turner really wanted to see a black and white movie in color, he should have made a remake. Either that or he should have had the cooperation of someone who was involved in the making of the movie. Don't tamper with someone else's work unless you have their discrete!

So, if you happen to see this available for rent or sale at your local video store, don't hesitate (Unless it's in color, that is). Unlike many movies today, this is one you can watch problem free with the whole family.

On a sadder note, Cagney passed away on this day in 1986. Although there have probably been many tributes in the years since, watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and his other films is the only real way to honor him.

this thing is loaded. if you like cagney this is a must have.this has trailers from his movies. top of the world with michael j fox hosting. and many more. this movie has been done to the highest quality possible. it's great. I have 37 cagney films on vhs. and I just wish they would refinsh some more like this.

Only 1942 Hollywood could show an aging songwriter stepping in with a parade and being challenged to sing a patriotic song which he wrote. And George M. Cohan wrote quite a few.

James Cagney's Best Actor performance takes place in flashback in the White House as he is summoned to receive a Medal of Honor for his body of work. He tells his bio to President Franklin Roosevelt, whom he is portraying in his show, "I'd Rather Be Right."

Cohan describes his early life in Vaudeville, travelling America with his parents and sister, and how he matures and partners with producer Sam Harris. His ups, downs and true loves weave the well-explained circumstances of many of his 80 plays and 500 hit songs. In particular, "I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Give My Regards To Broadway," "Mary," "You're A Grand Old Flag," and of course, the rousing WWI anthem, "Over There."

Although Cagney's character is a bit glib and constantly wisecracking, his relationships with family, business associates and competitors are well-defined. And of course, his superb dancing and physical movement may come as a surprise to gangster-movie purists. This is particularly evident in a scene he admittedly ad-libbed near the film's end.

Perhaps with America again at war, a classic film like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is just what we need to enjoy.

Although he will always be well known for his gangster roles, James Cagney's only Academy Award for Best Actor came for his role as George M. Cohan, the hoofer, singer, dancer, actor and playwright portrayed in "Yankee Doodle Dandy". One might suspect that Cagney only won the Oscar because the Academy would never have given it to one of his gangster roles. Or maybe, it was because this film was just what the country needed in the early days of World War II. Or maybe, the academy actually was recognizing Cagney's abilities as an actor. Whatever the reason, Jimmy deserved the award. Who ever knew he could do that kind of footwork and even sing!

Now, let's get to George Cohan, who's "A good friend of my Uncle Sam" and was "Born on the Fourth of July". Because of this, Cohan was immensely patriotic and wrote many flag waving tunes. Many of you are still stumped about his name, but you would probably know his songs if you heard them: "Mary", "Give My Regards to Broadway", "Harrigan", "45 Minutes from Broadway", "Over There" and, of course, "Yankee Doodle Dandy".

The music numbers, since they are stage productions, lack the Hollywoodized touch that's in "Singin' in the Rain". Nevertheless, they are still exciting enough. A great supporting cast assists Cagney, including Walter Huston, Joan Leslie, Richard Whorf, Irene Manning, George Tobias, Rosemary De Camp, Eddie Foy Jr. and Jeanne Cagney (His own sister!). The film's direction was helmed by Michael Curtiz, responsible for such classics as "Casablanca", "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and Cagney in "Angels With Dirty Faces". Curtiz puts into the movie his traditional blend of thrills and fast pace. The screenplay is full of memorable scenes and dialogue, particularly "My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you and I thank you". About the only problems with it are moments of melodrama and how it might trivialize some of the events in Cohan's life. I also did not like how the script skips in telling us how Cohan's mother and sister died. But, with all the virtues of the movie, these problems are minor. It also shows to never learn your history from movies.

The version I watched "Yankee Doodle Dandy" on was the controversial colorized edition created in the late 1980's, one of several movies that received such treatment. The movie doesn't look too bad in color. It's one of a very few movies that can be switched between either version. Nevertheless, if Ted Turner really wanted to see a black and white movie in color, he should have made a remake. Either that or he should have had the cooperation of someone who was involved in the making of the movie. Don't tamper with someone else's work unless you have their discrete!

So, if you happen to see this available for rent or sale at your local video store, don't hesitate (Unless it's in color, that is). Unlike many movies today, this is one you can watch problem free with the whole family.

On a sadder note, Cagney passed away on this day in 1986. Although there have probably been many tributes in the years since, watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and his other films is the only real way to honor him.

this thing is loaded. if you like cagney this is a must have.this has trailers from his movies. top of the world with michael j fox hosting. and many more. this movie has been done to the highest quality possible. it's great. I have 37 cagney films on vhs. and I just wish they would refinsh some more like this.

Only 1942 Hollywood could show an aging songwriter stepping in with a parade and being challenged to sing a patriotic song which he wrote. And George M. Cohan wrote quite a few.

James Cagney's Best Actor performance takes place in flashback in the White House as he is summoned to receive a Medal of Honor for his body of work. He tells his bio to President Franklin Roosevelt, whom he is portraying in his show, "I'd Rather Be Right."

Cohan describes his early life in Vaudeville, travelling America with his parents and sister, and how he matures and partners with producer Sam Harris. His ups, downs and true loves weave the well-explained circumstances of many of his 80 plays and 500 hit songs. In particular, "I'm A Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Give My Regards To Broadway," "Mary," "You're A Grand Old Flag," and of course, the rousing WWI anthem, "Over There."

Although Cagney's character is a bit glib and constantly wisecracking, his relationships with family, business associates and competitors are well-defined. And of course, his superb dancing and physical movement may come as a surprise to gangster-movie purists. This is particularly evident in a scene he admittedly ad-libbed near the film's end.

Perhaps with America again at war, a classic film like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is just what we need to enjoy.

Although he will always be well known for his gangster roles, James Cagney's only Academy Award for Best Actor came for his role as George M. Cohan, the hoofer, singer, dancer, actor and playwright portrayed in "Yankee Doodle Dandy". One might suspect that Cagney only won the Oscar because the Academy would never have given it to one of his gangster roles. Or maybe, it was because this film was just what the country needed in the early days of World War II. Or maybe, the academy actually was recognizing Cagney's abilities as an actor. Whatever the reason, Jimmy deserved the award. Who ever knew he could do that kind of footwork and even sing!

Now, let's get to George Cohan, who's "A good friend of my Uncle Sam" and was "Born on the Fourth of July". Because of this, Cohan was immensely patriotic and wrote many flag waving tunes. Many of you are still stumped about his name, but you would probably know his songs if you heard them: "Mary", "Give My Regards to Broadway", "Harrigan", "45 Minutes from Broadway", "Over There" and, of course, "Yankee Doodle Dandy".

The music numbers, since they are stage productions, lack the Hollywoodized touch that's in "Singin' in the Rain". Nevertheless, they are still exciting enough. A great supporting cast assists Cagney, including Walter Huston, Joan Leslie, Richard Whorf, Irene Manning, George Tobias, Rosemary De Camp, Eddie Foy Jr. and Jeanne Cagney (His own sister!). The film's direction was helmed by Michael Curtiz, responsible for such classics as "Casablanca", "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and Cagney in "Angels With Dirty Faces". Curtiz puts into the movie his traditional blend of thrills and fast pace. The screenplay is full of memorable scenes and dialogue, particularly "My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you and I thank you". About the only problems with it are moments of melodrama and how it might trivialize some of the events in Cohan's life. I also did not like how the script skips in telling us how Cohan's mother and sister died. But, with all the virtues of the movie, these problems are minor. It also shows to never learn your history from movies.

The version I watched "Yankee Doodle Dandy" on was the controversial colorized edition created in the late 1980's, one of several movies that received such treatment. The movie doesn't look too bad in color. It's one of a very few movies that can be switched between either version. Nevertheless, if Ted Turner really wanted to see a black and white movie in color, he should have made a remake. Either that or he should have had the cooperation of someone who was involved in the making of the movie. Don't tamper with someone else's work unless you have their discrete!

So, if you happen to see this available for rent or sale at your local video store, don't hesitate (Unless it's in color, that is). Unlike many movies today, this is one you can watch problem free with the whole family.

On a sadder note, Cagney passed away on this day in 1986. Although there have probably been many tributes in the years since, watching "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and his other films is the only real way to honor him.

this thing is loaded. if you like cagney this is a must have.this has trailers from his movies. top of the world with michael j fox hosting. and many more. this movie has been done to the highest quality possible. it's great. I have 37 cagney films on vhs. and I just wish they would refinsh some more like this.

I decided to watch this movie after reading the book "The Brave Cowboy." I had heard that it was a good adaptation, but what I was not prepared for was the emotionally-charged way in which Kirk Douglas acted the part of Jack Burns. Douglas has repeatedly called this his favorite movie, and in fact it was one which the studio was not going to produce, but which a clause in Douglas's contract allowed him to make. In watching the film, you can definitely see Douglas's love for the part.

Jack Burns is a man from a dying era. Caught in a world of highways, steel-barred prisons, and barbed-wire fences, Burns is unable to adapt himself to modern life, and pays for his failure to compromise his cowboy ideals. Burns is a true cowboy--tough, uncompromising, and good-hearted--but this movie shows that there isn't always a place for such people in today's society. In the ultimate showdown between horse and horsepower, there is little question of which will win.

This movie is splendidly done. The directing and acting is great, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Seeing all that rugged terrain really brings Abbey's novel to life. This is not only one of the few movies that remains true to the book on which it is based, it is also one of the great underrated classics in film.

This cowboy is yet born in the era of jet planes, but with no doubt he's from an older time. Old times were ever better? Frankly I think not, but this is the great merit of this superb movie because masterpieces don't need to be "based in true facts". They can or they cannot, you only need a good moviemaker and excellent actors to achieve a jewel of cinema. The fight of the human cowboy, capable to risk his life for a horse against the inhumane times of machines, the sheriff being unable to recognize him finally because he has done his work professionally but doesn't know really who or how is his prey because never has seen Kirk Douglas so near. Well, this can sound even vulgar, but the film is extraordinary and I suppose made with no much money but lots of real wisdom. This was truly a brave, lonely cowboy, don't put him behind a business desk because I'm sure such men ever will be indispensable for all mankind.

A Kirk Douglas film that has somehow been overlooked. The story of a rebellious cowboy, one not ready to accept the changes to the new west, is filled with drama. It had the looks of an academy award winner. Why this is not on DVD is beyond me. A movie with western overtones, based on character development, and the slow dramatic pace undoubtably cost this film commercial success. As a DVD only collector, I've made an exception here. This is a movie I will watch again, even on a VCR. The ending alone is worth the price of admission.

Miles Kendig (Matthau) is a competent CIA field agent in Germany; his new boss (Beatty) has a Napoleon complex and tapes on almost everyone in the agency. He wants to retire Kendig behind a desk. Kendig shreds his file and goes to Salzburg, visiting Glenda Jackson (an ex-CIA agent) and Mozart. He rejects an offer to work in the field as a Russian agent ("Money is too expensive to be earned that way.") and starts bouncing around the globe, writing "memoirs" that skewer Beatty.

Meanwhile, a younger agent (Waterson), to whom he has been a mentor, is assigned to find and "neutralize" him. (That's how Beatty's character talks all through this classic comedy. Almost every line is classic. Our family favorite is: "Of course it's funny, Leonard." You'd have to see the movie!)

The plot twists keep you engrossed; it takes several viewings to figure out how Matthau accomplishes everything. After that, you come back again and again for the characters, the scenery, the wit, the terrific writing. My husband and I saw it in the theater in 1980 and it is still our favorite comedy.

Bring it back! They don't get any more satisfying than this.

We saw this movie back in the early 1980's and loved it, but by the time we tried to get a copy, it had gone out of print. Many thanks to Criterion for releasing it on DVD! This film is superb, well-written and directed, with a cast of very gifted performers. The actors play their roles to the hilt and have a terrific chemistry onscreen.

The plot is basic revenge, perpetrated on the CIA by one of its top operatives. Walter Matthau plays the amiable Kendig, a man who's served in the field for decades and is an excellent agent. He's smart yet still down-to-earth; his reputation among the underworld of spydom is the stuff of legends. Kendig is respected even by his enemies for his savvy decisions and sense of fair play, and his reluctance to resort to dirty tricks. His new boss, Meyerson (Ned Beatty) resents his underling's popularity and decides to neutralize Kendig's effectiveness by yanking him from the field and assigning him to a desk job as a file clerk.

To say that Kendig despises his new boss would be a gross understatement. A switched file is shredded and Kendig vanishes, fleeing to Austria and his lover Isobel (Glenda Jackson). From there, he nurses his wounds and launches on his vengeance against Meyerson and the CIA by writing a book that reveals the agency's dirty tricks and botched missions. Meyerson is livid and assigns Joe Cutter (Sam Waterston) to put a stop to Kendig by any means necessary, especially assassination. Cutter admires Kendig and is torn by his personal feelings for the man and his desire to serve his country.

The story then twists and turns as Kendig leads his former employers on a huge wild goose chase. He calls them from a phone booth right near the CIA headquarters, hides out in Meyerson's southern house---which is later demolished by the feds themselves---, and feeds chapters of the book to Meyerson to whip him into a frenzy of ineffectual rage. He plans on getting the entire book to a publisher, and his means for doing so and ensuring his own protection from future assassination attempts are ingenious.

We are very happy that this movie was released to the public once again. Matthau is superb as a real man working in an unreal world of espionage. Herbert Lom is great for the role of his KGB counterpart, and Glenda Jackson is both tart and elegant as the enigmatic Isobel, who frankly adores Kendig. Ned Beatty plays the part of the oafish Meyerson to perfection, making the viewer hate him thoroughly. Waterston is in excellent form as the good-hearted and conflicted Cutter, and shows hints of his mildly acerbic wit that would come to fruition in his later role of McCoy. The supporting players are fine, too, and the plot is well-crafted and believable.

The DVD is nicely done. There aren't many extras, but it's beautifully produced and does have a nice feature: an alternate soundtrack that deletes the foul language, so even kids can watch it with their parents. We are pleased with our investment, and highly recommend "Hopscotch" to anyone who enjoys a well-done and stylish comedy. It's also perfect for fans of Walter Matthau!

HOPSCOTCH is one of the best all-time flicks!

I was so happy when my Buffy and Angel Gift Pack arrived- three cassettes! Since I'd only read BTVS books and none of the episodes (no cable), my expectations for these 6 episodes were quite high. Now, all I have to say is: It was everything I hoped it would be and more.

The first cassette contains Episodes 'Surprise' and 'Innocence', and is coloured in red shades. In Surprise, it's Buffy's 17th birthday, and her friends are planning a surprise party. Buffy's feeling far from festive. Her feelings for Angel have become too hot to handle, and her sleep is disturbed by nightmares of his death. In those dreams, Drusilla and Spike are planning a party of their own. When Buffy learns they're assembling the body of a demon called the judge, she and Angel must crash that party to stop the destruction of humanity.

In Innocence, the evil Angelus is back. After one moment of true happiness with Buffy, Angel's curse is broken and he is once again the demonic Angelus. It's now like the old times with Spike and Dru, who have assembled The Judge and plan to destroy the world. But Angelus has his own agenda: to torture Buffy, who had once made him feel human. Meanwhile, Xander comes up with a plan to destroy The Judge, though it' written that 'no weapon forged' can stop the demon.

BTVS Vol. 1 is a great introduction to the B & A Chronicles with an interview with Joss Wendon, the creator at the end of the two episodes. There are sub plots as well, including Xander and Cordelia, and Willow and Oz, as well as the true identity of Jenny Calendar as Yanna from a gypsy tribe.

I still think it's better to get the Gift Pack than the individual tapes because the experience won't be the same. You're worth it so don't cut yourself short.

This video shows the two episodes "Surprise" & "Innocence". In the first, it's Buffy's 17th birthday, when Angel gives Buffy her claddagh ring and they have sex for the first time. In "Innocence", we see the effects of this as Angel reverts to the dark side and snubs Buffy, who is understandably devestated. However, she and her friends still manage to vanquish the Judge, brough forth by Spike & Drusilla, to destroy the world.

The Angelus story arc from the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer that is captured so perfectly in the three volumes of The Buffy & Angels Chronicles begins with the double punch of "Surprise" and "Innocence" and the transformation of Angel into Angelus after his Faustian moment of true happiness. Angel's final tragic confrontation with Buffy in "Becoming, Part 2" had been a long time coming, set up by Josh Whedon the first time the starcrossed lovers met, and confirming once and for all that Buffy is one of the best series on television.

"Surprise," written by Marti Noxon and directed by Michael Lange, is the calm before the storm. On her seventeenth birthday Buffy has been having prophetic dreams again (never a good sign). The Scooby gang learns that Spike and Drusilla are trying to reassemble the Judge, who was dismembered long ago because he cannot be killed "by any weapon forged." We learn that Jenny Calendar is really Janna, a member of the Romany gypsies that cursed Angel and restored his soul. Warned by her uncle that Angel is becoming too happy, Jenny gets Angel to agree to take the arm of the Judge on a long ocean voyage. But when vampires recapture the arm and complete the Judge, Angel and Buffy spend the night together. The episode, in which Angel finally tells Buffy that he loves her, ends with only a hint of what has happened, a subtle change in Angel as Buffy lies sleeping. (Note: There was a scene cut from this episode in which Jenny and Giles talk have a very serious talk about Buffy that you can find in the first volume of "The Watcher's Guide.")

In "Innocence," written and directed by series creator Josh Whedon, Angel has lost his soul and Angelus is back big time, joining Spike and Drusilla in their effort to destroy the world with the Judge. At first Angel just blows off Buffy, but after he attacks Willow and the Slayer forces the truth from Jenny, the truth is out and everybody has to start dealing with the consequences. Angelus decides he is going to torture Buffy the way he did Drusilla before he turned her. Buffy is not the only one with love life complications, as Willow catches Xander and Cordelia kissing and Oz rejects her offer to make out. However, the immediate concern is the Judge, and Buffy gets around the "no weapon forged" rule by adding a missle launcher to her arsenal. Getting a chance to take down Angelus at the end, she makes her point with the toe of her boot rather than a stake. She might regret that decision. (Note: The Judge is played by Brian Thompson, who played the Master's right-hand vamp Luke in the pilot episodes).

The Angelus story arc concludes brilliantly in the two-parter "Becoming" seasone finale. The nice thing about The Buffy & Angle Chronicles is that of the six episodes inbetween these bookend two-parters, they choose the two best--"Passion" and "I Only Have Eyes For You"--for inclusion in Volume 2. Together, the episodes on these tapes represent the heart of soul of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

My twenty something daughter & I both love this movie. It was the first time I had seen Illeana Douglas & John Turturro in a movie, & I loved them both. I've found since then that John Turturro is a chameleon, changing physically with each character. I'll never forget Illeana D. in this role--like one of your reviewers said, it's hard to believe she wasn't singing the songs. I loved the music of all the groups in this movie--wish all of the songs were included on the music cd. The girl who sings "God Give Me Strength" was fantastic! As were all singers in this movie. Matt Dillon, Eric Stoltz, & Bruce Davison were excellent, as always. Christina Pickles & Bridget Fonda were great in their small parts, also as usual. I was disappointed that Leonard Maltin gave this movie only 2 1/2 stars, but he does that for a lot of movies that I like. I watched this movie at late night on HBO or some cable channel about two years ago, & became addicted to it, & guess I also infected my daughter. I have ordered a dvd for both of us for Xmas--am looking forward to seeing all the extras. I thought that Edna served as a symbol of the growth of rock music from the early sixties through the eighties. Also, it showed the treatment of a woman in this industry, although probably not as really hard as it was. And, it showed the relationship struggles that real women go through every day. But, it was the music that makes this movie so great for me, & the portrayal of this music & the music business by the great actors.

'Grace of My Heart' was a wonderful movie, with a poigniant message. It chronicals the life of Edna (Illeana Douglas) through the music that she writes. Illeana Douglas gives a stirring performance, she seems to age along with the character, as if the movie had actually been made over 12 years (the amount of time the movie covers). John Turturro masters his role as Joel, to the point of making you forget he is the same man who played chess in 'The Luhzin Defence' or stuttered on television in 'Quiz Show'. Matt Dillon also creates an unforgetable character.

Grace of My Heart makes you feel all of the right emotions you can feel in a movie: joy, sadness, shock, humor, suspense and also feel content. Its realism is surprising, while its ideal-worldishness is masterful. It blends the shock of the real world with a utopian zest that very few movies can gracefully achieve.

A superbly done movie, that I recommend to everyone that has ever had a dream, and strived for it.

Though this film will probably not have much appeal to anyone under 40, it is a clever and entertaining look at the most exciting and creative period in pop music history. Many 'stars' of this era are parodied here, and those familiar with the music of the 60's will immediately recognize the characters portrayed. The original music is beautiful, and recorded with incredible authenticty. John Turturro is marvelous as the New York hot-shot music publisher, carefully nurturing his latest discovery, a female songwriter (played by Illeana Douglas) who turns out hit after hit and makes a fortune for herself and the publishing company, but wants only to make her own record as a singer. "Denise" finally gets to do just that, but only after losing two husbands and for a short while, her own mind. This is one of just a few films that I watch at least 3 times a year.

My twenty something daughter & I both love this movie. It was the first time I had seen Illeana Douglas & John Turturro in a movie, & I loved them both. I've found since then that John Turturro is a chameleon, changing physically with each character. I'll never forget Illeana D. in this role--like one of your reviewers said, it's hard to believe she wasn't singing the songs. I loved the music of all the groups in this movie--wish all of the songs were included on the music cd. The girl who sings "God Give Me Strength" was fantastic! As were all singers in this movie. Matt Dillon, Eric Stoltz, & Bruce Davison were excellent, as always. Christina Pickles & Bridget Fonda were great in their small parts, also as usual. I was disappointed that Leonard Maltin gave this movie only 2 1/2 stars, but he does that for a lot of movies that I like. I watched this movie at late night on HBO or some cable channel about two years ago, & became addicted to it, & guess I also infected my daughter. I have ordered a dvd for both of us for Xmas--am looking forward to seeing all the extras. I thought that Edna served as a symbol of the growth of rock music from the early sixties through the eighties. Also, it showed the treatment of a woman in this industry, although probably not as really hard as it was. And, it showed the relationship struggles that real women go through every day. But, it was the music that makes this movie so great for me, & the portrayal of this music & the music business by the great actors.

'Grace of My Heart' was a wonderful movie, with a poigniant message. It chronicals the life of Edna (Illeana Douglas) through the music that she writes. Illeana Douglas gives a stirring performance, she seems to age along with the character, as if the movie had actually been made over 12 years (the amount of time the movie covers). John Turturro masters his role as Joel, to the point of making you forget he is the same man who played chess in 'The Luhzin Defence' or stuttered on television in 'Quiz Show'. Matt Dillon also creates an unforgetable character.

Grace of My Heart makes you feel all of the right emotions you can feel in a movie: joy, sadness, shock, humor, suspense and also feel content. Its realism is surprising, while its ideal-worldishness is masterful. It blends the shock of the real world with a utopian zest that very few movies can gracefully achieve.

A superbly done movie, that I recommend to everyone that has ever had a dream, and strived for it.

Though this film will probably not have much appeal to anyone under 40, it is a clever and entertaining look at the most exciting and creative period in pop music history. Many 'stars' of this era are parodied here, and those familiar with the music of the 60's will immediately recognize the characters portrayed. The original music is beautiful, and recorded with incredible authenticty. John Turturro is marvelous as the New York hot-shot music publisher, carefully nurturing his latest discovery, a female songwriter (played by Illeana Douglas) who turns out hit after hit and makes a fortune for herself and the publishing company, but wants only to make her own record as a singer. "Denise" finally gets to do just that, but only after losing two husbands and for a short while, her own mind. This is one of just a few films that I watch at least 3 times a year.