Noah-Taylor Movie Reviews
VHS movie reviews for "Noah-Taylor" sorted by average review score:
Mary Cassatt - American Impressionist
Released in VHS Tape by (1999)
Starring: Jonathan Koensgen and Charlotte Sullivan
What is a middle-aged bachelorette to do, circa 1868, when her brother unloads his three rowdy children on her Paris home a few days before her paintings are to be displayed at the prestigious Salon? Glean new inspiration, of course. In this hour-long docudrama, viewers learn a smattering about the life of Mary Cassatt, an American impressionist painter who honed her artistic talents in Paris. Her teenage niece, Katherine, provides the narration and the story frame for this interesting--if somewhat shallow and contrived--look at one of the most famous female painters in history. The pouty Katherine scorns Cassatt's solitary life and boasts about having many rich beaus back home. But as Cassatt introduces the girl to her circle of friends (the likes of Louisa May Alcott and Edgar Degas), Katherine learns to appreciate the artist's dedication to a fulfilling passion other than marriage. But it doesn't stop her from trying to play Cupid, with humorous results. Amy Brenneman (TV's Judging Amy) stars as the fiercely independent but equally compassionate Mary Cassatt. This video's biographical value and its focus on encouraging young females to look beyond boys for a lifetime of happiness make it a great alternative to the standard fairy tale for the 8-year-old and up crowd. --Liane Thomas
Average review score: 
ExcellentI just wish they would offer the American Impressionist series in DVD format.
Gives children insight into politics of late 1800sSuperb, professional production. This endearing cast brings to life an adult storyline that allows for thought and evaluation. It portrays discrimination against women and the social undercurrents of the late 1800s at a level that children can understand. It is altogether authentic, interesting and funny. Our kids commented: "The paintings and actors are fun to see and watch." "I liked it when the kids got into the paint fight." "The costumes and hairdos were great for that time." "It showed me a different world." Most appropriate for 8 to 14-year-olds.
From an artists viewpoint"Mary Cassatt, American Impressionst", a motion picture about the famous artist. What is portrayed here within the picture is a strong woman willing to do the unfamiliar, and and push the line of unconformity. Outside her own country, the United States, and within France, Mary pursues her passion of art. The story starts with interuptions of a brother's family which comes for a month long visit during her need to paint in solitude to compete for recognition. What happens instead is the brother's three children are left and a stray dog completes the disruption, for Mary to deal with. The children don't understand her need to work, as Mary doesn't understand their need from her for proper attention from an adult figure. The story moves into interaction from both sides, the children seeing the need from Mary's solitary life and Mary including them on her social outings, which includes a visit to a local art gallery, where Mary eyes the work of the famous Edgar Degas and makes comment on how great his work is. The children, later overhear Degas positive comments on Marys' work also hanging within the gallery. The children later match-make the two for a dinner complete with the children, flowers and dog. Comments strain the first meeting, but the backdrop is the niece Katherine is also being eyed by the servant to Mary, a young man which has all the finesse of of a courtier, just without the funds, and an attraction is found between the two. A later meeting of Cassatt and Degas, within the studio of Degas, stark and candid comments fly btween the two artists, but not to overpower and sever the two's attraction to each other. We see here the two showing their work, where bruising egos seem to be ok. Another look at a progressing work by Mary spurs Degas into another meeting (lunch) to see how the work continues. At the next meeting Degas speaks of the invitation from the dinner, which Mary deny's making and asks for the slip of paper which Mary immediatly recognizes as Katherine's handwritting. The gig that the two are two of a kind and would likely never work dispenses the romanantic start. The movie moves on to the end of the month with three of Mary's most famous works shown during the time spent with the children. The movie is a part of Degas life not shown in the HBO production "Degas and The Dancer, and a must see for those of his followers too. Both should be included as a set to watch and understand the complexity of artist's and the struggle to be human and paint inspite of the disruption.
Mary Cassatt - American Impressionist
Released in VHS Tape by Steeplechase Entertainment (20 November, 2000)
What is a middle-aged bachelorette to do, circa 1868, when her brother unloads his three rowdy children on her Paris home a few days before her paintings are to be displayed at the prestigious Salon? Glean new inspiration, of course. In this hour-long docudrama, viewers learn a smattering about the life of Mary Cassatt, an American impressionist painter who honed her artistic talents in Paris. Her teenage niece, Katherine, provides the narration and the story frame for this interesting--if somewhat shallow and contrived--look at one of the most famous female painters in history. The pouty Katherine scorns Cassatt's solitary life and boasts about having many rich beaus back home. But as Cassatt introduces the girl to her circle of friends (the likes of Louisa May Alcott and Edgar Degas), Katherine learns to appreciate the artist's dedication to a fulfilling passion other than marriage. But it doesn't stop her from trying to play Cupid, with humorous results. Amy Brenneman (TV's Judging Amy) stars as the fiercely independent but equally compassionate Mary Cassatt. This video's biographical value and its focus on encouraging young females to look beyond boys for a lifetime of happiness make it a great alternative to the standard fairy tale for the 8-year-old and up crowd. --Liane Thomas
Average review score:
ExcellentI just wish they would offer the American Impressionist series in DVD format.
Gives children insight into politics of late 1800sSuperb, professional production. This endearing cast brings to life an adult storyline that allows for thought and evaluation. It portrays discrimination against women and the social undercurrents of the late 1800s at a level that children can understand. It is altogether authentic, interesting and funny. Our kids commented: "The paintings and actors are fun to see and watch." "I liked it when the kids got into the paint fight." "The costumes and hairdos were great for that time." "It showed me a different world." Most appropriate for 8 to 14-year-olds.
From an artists viewpoint"Mary Cassatt, American Impressionst", a motion picture about the famous artist. What is portrayed here within the picture is a strong woman willing to do the unfamiliar, and and push the line of unconformity. Outside her own country, the United States, and within France, Mary pursues her passion of art. The story starts with interuptions of a brother's family which comes for a month long visit during her need to paint in solitude to compete for recognition. What happens instead is the brother's three children are left and a stray dog completes the disruption, for Mary to deal with. The children don't understand her need to work, as Mary doesn't understand their need from her for proper attention from an adult figure. The story moves into interaction from both sides, the children seeing the need from Mary's solitary life and Mary including them on her social outings, which includes a visit to a local art gallery, where Mary eyes the work of the famous Edgar Degas and makes comment on how great his work is. The children, later overhear Degas positive comments on Marys' work also hanging within the gallery. The children later match-make the two for a dinner complete with the children, flowers and dog. Comments strain the first meeting, but the backdrop is the niece Katherine is also being eyed by the servant to Mary, a young man which has all the finesse of of a courtier, just without the funds, and an attraction is found between the two. A later meeting of Cassatt and Degas, within the studio of Degas, stark and candid comments fly btween the two artists, but not to overpower and sever the two's attraction to each other. We see here the two showing their work, where bruising egos seem to be ok. Another look at a progressing work by Mary spurs Degas into another meeting (lunch) to see how the work continues. At the next meeting Degas speaks of the invitation from the dinner, which Mary deny's making and asks for the slip of paper which Mary immediatly recognizes as Katherine's handwritting. The gig that the two are two of a kind and would likely never work dispenses the romanantic start. The movie moves on to the end of the month with three of Mary's most famous works shown during the time spent with the children. The movie is a part of Degas life not shown in the HBO production "Degas and The Dancer, and a must see for those of his followers too. Both should be included as a set to watch and understand the complexity of artist's and the struggle to be human and paint inspite of the disruption.
2Gether - The Original Movie
Released in VHS Tape by Sony Wonder (08 May, 2001)
In a just world, this dead-on parody would be the final, funny word on the boy-band phenomenon. If you love the music of the Backstreet Boys and N'Sync, you'll enjoy 2Ge+her. And if you hate color-by-numbers hits from cookie-cutter musical acts, you'll have even more reason to love this film. Sure it's formulaic--that's the whole point. Take the "mockumentary" format pioneered by Spinal Tap, subtract the decline of heavy metal, add that contemporary Real World/Road Rules sensibility (only seven days to form a hit boy band!), and multiply that by a handful of wickedly funny yet seriously catchy songs, and you've got this movie. It's hard to know if any of the strategically chosen five members--the Rebel, the Heartthrob, the Little One, the Shy Guy, and the chunky, balding Older Brother--ever expected their fiendishly fleshed-out portrayals of some seriously cardboard stereotypes to launch a genuine pop phenomenon. But after the final credits roll, extra footage shows the band's eerily triumphant live appearance on MTV's ultimate boy-band showcase, Total Request Live, and interviews detail the actors' pleased surprise at becoming yet another one of those bands "prepubescent girls throw their retainers at," in spite of such obviously sarcastic songs as "Say It, Don't Spray It." No matter how you feel about today's prefab pop, by the time you've watched this video to its end, you will find yourself humming 2Ge+her's hit single, "U+Me=Us (Calculus)." The level of irony behind it is up to you. --Grant Balfour
Average review score:
I Give the Movie 2 Thumbs Up!This movie is so awsome! I loved it when I first saw it on MTV. It is so funny and the characters are so hilarious! Evan Farmer, Noah Bastian, Kevin Farley, Alex Solowitz, and Michael Cuccione gave a spectacular performance in this movie. My favorite character is QT, and if you watch this movie, I bet you could find out which one is your favorite too. So get this movie and you will experience the world of boy bands. This movie and the band 2gether will always be my favorite of all time, because (Quoted by Michael Cuccione) "There are many boy bands, but none like 2gether."
Much awesomeness!!!I love 2Gether! They are the best boy band ever, even if they aren't really a boy-band! RiP Michael Cuccione!! This movie has got to be the FUNNIEST movie ever. If you like comedies... and are ok with boy-bands, SEE THIS MOVIE!!!! "QT" and Chad are so cute!! C'mon, I know you really wanna buy it. I'm so happy it's coming to video!! It's been on MtV for more than a year!! SEE THIS MOVIE!! I garuntee you'll love it!!!!!!!!!
Whoa!It's an "Awesum" movie!!2gether the movie is one of the BEST movies of ALL TIME!! As stupid as the whole plot is, it's the best parody ever made. If you were old enough to unfourtunatley experience the "Boy Band" phase America went through, you'd appreciate the humor of this movie! Also, if you watched the T.V show when it was on MTV, it was hilarious, I wish they had it on tv still, I fortunatley taped some of the episodes! Noah Bastian(chad a.k.a the shy one)is so Hot! He is hilarious, he has classic lines in this movie that my friends and i always quote! Also, Doug(the older brother type) is hilarious, he's 35 and is in the boy band. They give him braces to make him look younger and its soo funny! Jerry (the Heart throb)is hot, but his character gets jealous way too easily, he's now on "while you were out" as the host. Mickey is the poser,he is a wannabe rapper but is such a softie undderneath it. Jason Q.T McKnight is my favorite next to chad. God bless him.He was hilarious. I just was so sad that they made fun of his disease. Overall, this is one of the most "awesum" movie I've ever seen! BUY IT!! ;)
Safety Last
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Home Video (13 October, 1993)
Starring: Harold Lloyd and Mildred Davis
The best-remembered film by the great silent comic Harold Lloyd is still a hair-raiser. The bespectacled Mr. Lloyd plays an earnest young chap who goes to the city to make his fortune, although $15 a week from a department store is the best he can muster. After a string of ingenious visual gags, the movie climaxes with a wild sequence in which Harold, trying to win a prize by drumming up publicity for the store, arranges for an agile friend to climb up the side of the building. Natch, the friend can't do it, so Harold ascends, inch by white-knuckle inch. The stunt is still one of the great coups in movies (this was before rear-projection or digitally erased safety ropes, remember), and Lloyd beautifully wrings every possible complication out of it. That was Lloyd's approach: a simple character, and endless complications. --Robert Horton
Average review score:
One of the Silent Era's Greatest ComediesAlthough he is generally considered the equal of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd's films are much less widely available--with the exception of SAFETY LAST, which turns up with great regularity at film festivals and on cable television. Like most of his films, SAFETY LAST finds Lloyd struggling to make good in order to win the girl of his dreams (in this case his actual wife, actress Mildred Davis)--and when the big boss offers a thousand dollars for a promotional idea that will draw hundreds to the store, Lloyd suggests a human fly act... but at the last minute circumstances go awry, leaving Lloyd to make the climb himself.
While the first half of the film abounds in brilliant, hilarious sight gags, it is Lloyd's climb up the skyscraper that is best remembered: attacked by pigeons, entangled in a net, running afoul of a mouse, and ultimately hanging from the hands of a clock face hundreds of feet above a cheering crowd. Filmed without stunt-doubles or such devices as rear-screen projection, the squirm effect of the sequence is still tremendous--and the film is all the funnier for it. Always wearing his signature straw hat and round-frame glasses, Lloyd's eager optimism personified the go-getter mentality of the 1920s, when the sky seemed the limit and progress hadn't yet gone on too long. If you are a fan of silent film but have not yet encountered Harold Lloyd, SAFETY LAST is the perfect introduction--and an essential for your collection.
Harold Lloyd hanging off the hand of a giant clockHarold Lloyd stars as an ambitious young man unleashed in the big city. "Safety Last" features Lloyd's most famous stunt, scaling a 12-story building as her frantically hangs on to the hands of an oversized clock, which might be the single most enduring image from the silent era of comedy. Harold leaves for the big city to seek fame and fortune, spurred on by the parting words of his girl (Mildred Davis). Getting a job at a department store, Harold is late for work one day and has to sneak in as a mannequin in a wonderful sequence. Then, when Mildred visits, she mistakenly thinks that Harold is the department manager, an illusion he tries desperately to maintain. When the real manager offers $1000 for a great idea to lure customers to the store, Harold suggests someone climbing the building as a publicity stunt. But when the cops chase off his friend who was to do the climb, Harold has to do it himself. On each floor his buddy has new problems, which force Harold to keep climbing. "Thrill Comedy" does not get any better than this classic sequence. "Safety Last" is the film that reminds us that while there was Chaplin ("The Tramp") and Keaton ("The Great Stone Face"), there was also Harold Lloyd ("The King of Daredevil Comedy"). But today more people remember Cary Grant doing a Harold Lloyd type character in "Brining Up Baby," rather than the original himself. Here is your chance to see one of the great screen comedians. Directed by Fred Newmeyer and Sam Taylor, this 1923 film was added to the National Film Registry in 1994.
Of course........since it's the best of Harold Lloyd AND since it's no longer available in VHS, that makes sense (for the studios who are deeply in love with releasing trash by the hundreds, if not the thousands) it is not yet released on DVD. Are they really so few people liking good movies?????????
Blood In Blood Out
Released in VHS Tape by Hollywood Pictures (02 April, 2002)
Starring: Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, and Benjamin Bratt
Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentleman) directed this 1993 epic about Chicano gang wars in the California prison system and the differing and tragic paths of three boyhood friends. Half-brothers Paco and Cruz grow up with their cousin Miklo in Chicano Los Angeles, and each in turn is influenced by their violent environment and the prevalence of drugs on their streets. Cruz becomes an artist but winds up tragically addicted to heroin, while Miklo serves time for murder and Paco becomes a cop, setting the stage for a confrontation between the two when Miklo is released from prison. The film strives for an epic feel but takes too long to set up its interweaving stories. It is notable, however, for some fine acting on the part of Benjamin Bratt and Damian Chiapa, as well as smaller roles by Billy Bob Thornton, Ving Rhames and Delroy Lindo. Its depictions of life in the California prison system are harrowing and powerful, and serve as the centerpiece of this urban drama. --Robert Lane
Average review score:
A Real Depiction of the Chicano Culture & LifestyleWe live in an entertainment society where the face of a minority tends to represent the face of a drug dealer or a gang member. Although that is a partial truth to a sad reality that many in our families face, this movie finally serves as a proper representation to people from other cultures and from other communities of life in the streets of East L.A. as a Chicano.
Paco Aguilar (Benjamin Bratt) shows the turn-arounds that many in our community have made for many years now, being able to change from a life of gangs and crime to becoming a figure of authority and respect. Cruz Candelaria (Jesse Borrego) shows how the gifts that are within our fellow brothers and sisters can be tarnished by the devils that are within the drugs that reside in our streets. And last but not least, Miklo Velka (Damian Chapa) shoes the struggles that many in people face from being of mestizo blood, which is true to members of mixed race from any background or ethnicity. His fight to belong leads him towards the world that exist in the confines of San Quentin.
Very few movies have given light to the true reality that exists in our beautful culture, and Blood In Blood Out is at the top of that list. I am a 22-year-old Chicano from the streets of Boyle Heights, with a degree from UCLA in Computer Science who has a little of Paco, Cruz, and Miklo within me. I don't care who you are, after watching this movie, you will know that you have a little bit of all three of them in you too. This is a great movie whether you are Chicano/Latino, Anglo, Asian, African-American, or any other race. This belongs in all movie collections of any culturally-concious movie goer, in any format.
Vatos Locos ForeverThis movie has got to be one of the greatest chicano movies ever created. For those who enjoyed American Me, This movie blows that out of the water. The actors in this movie are really heartfelt. Throughout the whole movie your emotions are on a rollercoaster. The movie has some very devasting parts that break your heart, and some parts that keep you on the edge of your seat. The story of three chicano teens growing up, and how a couple decisions changed the paths of their lives. The only bad acting had to be Miklo, but the movie itself makes up for any flaws. This has to be added to any hispanics movie collection. If your not hispanic don't be discouraged, my best friend is white and he can quote every line in the movie. BUY this movie today. Before I go, does anyone know what's the deal with Benjamin Bratt on the back cover? He's holding a girl that is never shown in the movie. Bye
The Greatest Gangster Movie Ever MadeBlood in Blood out is the greatest gangster movie of all time. whoever didn't like this movie is crazy. Damian chapa did a great job as miklo. This movie is hands down the greatest ever!
Sangre Por Sangre
Released in VHS Tape by Disney Studios (18 February, 2002)
Starring: Damian Chapa, Jesse Borrego, and Benjamin Bratt
Taylor Hackford (An Officer and a Gentleman) directed this 1993 epic about Chicano gang wars in the California prison system and the differing and tragic paths of three boyhood friends. Half-brothers Paco and Cruz grow up with their cousin Miklo in Chicano Los Angeles, and each in turn is influenced by their violent environment and the prevalence of drugs on their streets. Cruz becomes an artist but winds up tragically addicted to heroin, while Miklo serves time for murder and Paco becomes a cop, setting the stage for a confrontation between the two when Miklo is released from prison. The film strives for an epic feel but takes too long to set up its interweaving stories. It is notable, however, for some fine acting on the part of Benjamin Bratt and Damian Chiapa, as well as smaller roles by Billy Bob Thornton, Ving Rhames and Delroy Lindo. Its depictions of life in the California prison system are harrowing and powerful, and serve as the centerpiece of this urban drama. --Robert Lane
Average review score:
A Real Depiction of the Chicano Culture & LifestyleWe live in an entertainment society where the face of a minority tends to represent the face of a drug dealer or a gang member. Although that is a partial truth to a sad reality that many in our families face, this movie finally serves as a proper representation to people from other cultures and from other communities of life in the streets of East L.A. as a Chicano.
Paco Aguilar (Benjamin Bratt) shows the turn-arounds that many in our community have made for many years now, being able to change from a life of gangs and crime to becoming a figure of authority and respect. Cruz Candelaria (Jesse Borrego) shows how the gifts that are within our fellow brothers and sisters can be tarnished by the devils that are within the drugs that reside in our streets. And last but not least, Miklo Velka (Damian Chapa) shoes the struggles that many in people face from being of mestizo blood, which is true to members of mixed race from any background or ethnicity. His fight to belong leads him towards the world that exist in the confines of San Quentin.
Very few movies have given light to the true reality that exists in our beautful culture, and Blood In Blood Out is at the top of that list. I am a 22-year-old Chicano from the streets of Boyle Heights, with a degree from UCLA in Computer Science who has a little of Paco, Cruz, and Miklo within me. I don't care who you are, after watching this movie, you will know that you have a little bit of all three of them in you too. This is a great movie whether you are Chicano/Latino, Anglo, Asian, African-American, or any other race. This belongs in all movie collections of any culturally-concious movie goer, in any format.
Vatos Locos ForeverThis movie has got to be one of the greatest chicano movies ever created. For those who enjoyed American Me, This movie blows that out of the water. The actors in this movie are really heartfelt. Throughout the whole movie your emotions are on a rollercoaster. The movie has some very devasting parts that break your heart, and some parts that keep you on the edge of your seat. The story of three chicano teens growing up, and how a couple decisions changed the paths of their lives. The only bad acting had to be Miklo, but the movie itself makes up for any flaws. This has to be added to any hispanics movie collection. If your not hispanic don't be discouraged, my best friend is white and he can quote every line in the movie. BUY this movie today. Before I go, does anyone know what's the deal with Benjamin Bratt on the back cover? He's holding a girl that is never shown in the movie. Bye
The Greatest Gangster Movie Ever MadeBlood in Blood out is the greatest gangster movie of all time. whoever didn't like this movie is crazy. Damian chapa did a great job as miklo. This movie is hands down the greatest ever!
Home Improvement: The Series Finale
Released in VHS Tape by Disney Studios (06 May, 2003)
Starring: Tim Allen
Average review score: 
What a way to go!!!!I live in the UK and ordered this from the US and it was well worth it. This video is perfect for any Home Improvement fan i.e. ME!! or first time viewer alike. I cried buckets and laughed loads. Because over the years I felt as though I really got to know all of the cast, the behind the scenes section was great. And well, what can I say about the episode, its brilliant, its very funny and at the same time equally as sad and every time I watch it I get a lump in my throat. Its the only time I have ever cried watching a video. EXCELLENT!!
Full of laughs!If you haven't seen the final series of "Home Improvement" on television, you have to buy this video. It is once more full of fun and laughs and never-before-seen-bloopers. And finally, you'll see a lot of memories and for once Wilson's face!!!!!! Have fun watching it!
The Best Video everExcellent video!! Enjoyed all the scenes that are in this video cassette. Songs that are in here, are great too.
Almost Famous
Released in VHS Tape by Dreamworks Skg (28 August, 2001)
Starring: Billy Crudup
Almost Famous is the movie Cameron Crowe has been waiting a lifetime to tell. The fictionalization of Crowe's days as a teenage reporter for Creem and Rolling Stone has all the well-written characters and wonderful "movie moments" that we expect from Crowe (Jerry Maguire), but the film has an intangible something extra--an insider's touch that will turn the film into the ode to '70s rock & roll for years to come. We are introduced to Crowe's alter ego, William Miller (Patrick Fugit), at home, where his progressive mom (Frances McDormand, just superb) has outlawed rock music and sister Anita (Zooey Deschanel) has slipped him LPs that will "set his mind free." Following the wisdom of Creem's disheveled editor, Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman in an instant-classic performance), Miller gets on the inside with the up-and-coming band Stillwater (a fictionalized mixture of the Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and others). A simple visit with the band turns into a three-week, life-altering odyssey into the heyday of American rock. Of the characters he meets on the road, the two most important are groupie extraordinaire Penny Lane (Kate Hudson in a star-making performance) and Stillwater's enigmatic lead guitarist (Billy Crudup), who keeps stringing Miller along for an interview. From the handwritten credits (done by Crowe) to the bittersweet finale, Crowe's comedic valentine is an indelible, heartbreaking romance of music, women, and the privilege of youth. --Doug Thomas
Average review score:
Almost a documentary..Roll back the 70s: a teenaged reporter who writes reviews for underground rock-mag Creem gets a sudden break when he's employed by big-league-mag Rolling Stone to go on the road with up and coming Stillwater and deliver a report on them.
During a wild 3 weeks on the road he (and we) sees the inside of rock n' roll of that era. All the elements are there. The 70's looks and attires, the drugs, the music (original songs written among others by P.Frampton and Cameron Crowe), the teeny "rebellions", the inner band strifes,the groupies and the developing rock industry, the then societal pulse, and the overall atmosphere set by the film's main characters, most notably the teen-reporter, star-groupie Penny Lane and of course the band members and last but not least the boy's "crypto-conservative" desperately-trying-to-be-progressive mother.
"Almost famous" is a brilliant film. Before you can even begin to care whether what the film depicts is accurate, you find yourself laughing endlessly, and being "sucked-in" by a story that at times has semi-documentary touches (makes sense, as the story is a semi-biographical account of Cameron Crowe's) and loving the main characters (all charismatic in their own sense).
The film's main "weapon" is its superb humor. I dont merely mean one-liners but the overall feeling it has, you dont only laugh but this movie tends to have a feel-good sense all over it as well. It's supposed to, right? After all, this is the 70s when everything still had a "purpose" or when things seemed to be more upbeat (compare with the prozac ridden 90s and their "nowhere to go from here" sentiment).
All the actors do a terrific job to make the time machine work here. The mother is great in portaying a representative of the mothers generation that first perceived music as an "enemy" and as a gateway to drugs and (oh my god) wild sex. The band members are going from cool to uncool all the time (as real band members very often do) as they try to act like rock stars ("make us look cool, man") and at the same time try to maintain their human nature (...). The teeny reporter (in my opinion the least convincing of the lot) is decent too while the show is stolen by the enigmatic and pivotal character of groupie Penny Lane. She's is the one character that the others actually revolve around like satellites whether they realise it or not and also serves as a solid reminder of that period as well ( or maybe, not only of that period, in fact, why is rock music being mostly made if not to be "cool and get chicks")..
The dialogue is great, the directing is great, the actors do a great job. Anything missing from Almost Famous to keep it from being a classic?? I would think not, but: because of the way this film works and of its very nature ppl will tend to see it as somewhat of a documentary. Is it? Tough question that one.
The rock era of the 70s wasnt a monodimensional one. It wasn't only about bands that were Led Zepellin lookalikes and people who were constantly professing "it's all happening man", and above all things were not always that lighthearted. In fact, a lot of people back then thought that there was a musical revolution going on which was going to -in turn- bring about an overall change of things. Ask anyone who's over 45 whether the music of that era did bring about a revolution and get prepared for some really long discussions with very differing conclusions. Inotherwords, there were very many people around back then who took the whole thing very VERY seriously. Perhaps that is -epidermically- depicted by the rock critic in the film.
It would be unfair though to criticize the film on that premise. After all you cant expect a film to fit in all that in 2 hours. And even if it somehow had done that it could've very easily been boring albeit more accurate.
The fact of the matter is that "Almost Famous" is a wonderful film in very many respects. It goes from hilariously funny to touching with its dripping nostalgia. And yes it does have this "things were better and purer back then" feeling to it, but in the end the way people perceive the times they live in depend on very many different factors.
I've seen this movie twice already and loved it both times and i hardly see how anyone could not love it actually no matter what other thoughts are to be had on the side.
Almost famous is almost perfect
During a wild 3 weeks on the road he (and we) sees the inside of rock n' roll of that era. All the elements are there. The 70's looks and attires, the drugs, the music (original songs written among others by P.Frampton and Cameron Crowe), the teeny "rebellions", the inner band strifes,the groupies and the developing rock industry, the then societal pulse, and the overall atmosphere set by the film's main characters, most notably the teen-reporter, star-groupie Penny Lane and of course the band members and last but not least the boy's "crypto-conservative" desperately-trying-to-be-progressive mother.
"Almost famous" is a brilliant film. Before you can even begin to care whether what the film depicts is accurate, you find yourself laughing endlessly, and being "sucked-in" by a story that at times has semi-documentary touches (makes sense, as the story is a semi-biographical account of Cameron Crowe's) and loving the main characters (all charismatic in their own sense).
The film's main "weapon" is its superb humor. I dont merely mean one-liners but the overall feeling it has, you dont only laugh but this movie tends to have a feel-good sense all over it as well. It's supposed to, right? After all, this is the 70s when everything still had a "purpose" or when things seemed to be more upbeat (compare with the prozac ridden 90s and their "nowhere to go from here" sentiment).
All the actors do a terrific job to make the time machine work here. The mother is great in portaying a representative of the mothers generation that first perceived music as an "enemy" and as a gateway to drugs and (oh my god) wild sex. The band members are going from cool to uncool all the time (as real band members very often do) as they try to act like rock stars ("make us look cool, man") and at the same time try to maintain their human nature (...). The teeny reporter (in my opinion the least convincing of the lot) is decent too while the show is stolen by the enigmatic and pivotal character of groupie Penny Lane. She's is the one character that the others actually revolve around like satellites whether they realise it or not and also serves as a solid reminder of that period as well ( or maybe, not only of that period, in fact, why is rock music being mostly made if not to be "cool and get chicks")..
The dialogue is great, the directing is great, the actors do a great job. Anything missing from Almost Famous to keep it from being a classic?? I would think not, but: because of the way this film works and of its very nature ppl will tend to see it as somewhat of a documentary. Is it? Tough question that one.
The rock era of the 70s wasnt a monodimensional one. It wasn't only about bands that were Led Zepellin lookalikes and people who were constantly professing "it's all happening man", and above all things were not always that lighthearted. In fact, a lot of people back then thought that there was a musical revolution going on which was going to -in turn- bring about an overall change of things. Ask anyone who's over 45 whether the music of that era did bring about a revolution and get prepared for some really long discussions with very differing conclusions. Inotherwords, there were very many people around back then who took the whole thing very VERY seriously. Perhaps that is -epidermically- depicted by the rock critic in the film.
It would be unfair though to criticize the film on that premise. After all you cant expect a film to fit in all that in 2 hours. And even if it somehow had done that it could've very easily been boring albeit more accurate.
The fact of the matter is that "Almost Famous" is a wonderful film in very many respects. It goes from hilariously funny to touching with its dripping nostalgia. And yes it does have this "things were better and purer back then" feeling to it, but in the end the way people perceive the times they live in depend on very many different factors.
I've seen this movie twice already and loved it both times and i hardly see how anyone could not love it actually no matter what other thoughts are to be had on the side.
Almost famous is almost perfect
Very Inspiring: Talented People, Regardless of Age¿ExcelA tale of a young boy, William Miller, who lies about his age and finds a way to interview rockstars for Rolling Stones magazine. Along the way he finds himself immersed ("imbedded"?) into the counterculture of rock n' roll. No longer a journalist, he now is one of the band--sort of. While he does not play with the band, you get a sense that little Miller is overwhelmed with joy at the prospect at following the band into their VIP hideaways--including hotels, houses, bars--everywhere.
The movie also provides an aspiring message to those who aspire to reach the heights of their career--whatever it may be: if you truly have the talent, it really has nothing to do with age or experience. In America, the story tells us, merit is what is important. Who cares if the boy is 15? He's able to carry out the duties of someone twice his age. Yet in our society we typically would choose the more experienced or older person. That is the wrong approach . . . instead, choose the best person for the job. An aspiring movie.
Michael Gordon
Los Angeles
Even more to love!This is the rare instance where the director's post-release tinkering has improved what was already a fantastic film. Watching the "Untitled" cut (Director Cameron Crowe had such difficulty coming up with a title he almost released the film as "Untitled") is like discovering long-lost chapters to your favorite book, or hearing outtakes from your favorite band. The additional scenes bring viewers further into both the hero's home life and the surreal life on the road of a touring rock band. The original cut of the movie is included in the set, but why anyone would want to see it after seeing this film in the longer form is beyond me.
And the extras ... simply the best on a DVD I've ever come across. The commentary with Crowe and his mother is at turns insightful, touching and hilarious. The part where they discuss whether Crowe lost his virginity the same way his alter ego on screen did is worth the price of admission alone. The deleted scenes include one that invites the viewer to cue up "Stairway to Heaven" since that was supposed to be the soundtrack for the scene, but the rights was unavailable. The satisfaction of seeing the characters on screen react to your dubbing is incredible. And there's a bonus CD of songs by "Stillwater," the faux band in the film. The songs are a great pastiche of 70s rock that heighten the believability of the film. You really think you're listening to a great undiscovered band from the time.
As for the movie itself, the original film deservedly won an Oscar for best original screenplay and should have won more. Had more of Kate Hudson's performance as "band aid" Penny Lane been in the movie, she would have an Oscar today. Billy Crudup perfectly personifies both the innocence and the arrogance '70s rockers exuded, while Patrick Fugit's performance captures the uncool kid yearning to be cool we all were at that age.
Put simply, if you even just mildly enjoyed "Almost Famous," you owe it to yourself to give this a spin. It's everything about the movie you liked, raised to a higher level.
Almost Famous
Released in VHS Tape by Dreamworks Skg (28 August, 2001)
Starring: Billy Crudup
Almost Famous is the movie Cameron Crowe has been waiting a lifetime to tell. The fictionalization of Crowe's days as a teenage reporter for Creem and Rolling Stone has all the well-written characters and wonderful "movie moments" that we expect from Crowe (Jerry Maguire), but the film has an intangible something extra--an insider's touch that will turn the film into the ode to '70s rock & roll for years to come. We are introduced to Crowe's alter ego, William Miller (Patrick Fugit), at home, where his progressive mom (Frances McDormand, just superb) has outlawed rock music and sister Anita (Zooey Deschanel) has slipped him LPs that will "set his mind free." Following the wisdom of Creem's disheveled editor, Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman in an instant-classic performance), Miller gets on the inside with the up-and-coming band Stillwater (a fictionalized mixture of the Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and others). A simple visit with the band turns into a three-week, life-altering odyssey into the heyday of American rock. Of the characters he meets on the road, the two most important are groupie extraordinaire Penny Lane (Kate Hudson in a star-making performance) and Stillwater's enigmatic lead guitarist (Billy Crudup), who keeps stringing Miller along for an interview. From the handwritten credits (done by Crowe) to the bittersweet finale, Crowe's comedic valentine is an indelible, heartbreaking romance of music, women, and the privilege of youth. --Doug Thomas
Average review score:
Almost a documentary..Roll back the 70s: a teenaged reporter who writes reviews for underground rock-mag Creem gets a sudden break when he's employed by big-league-mag Rolling Stone to go on the road with up and coming Stillwater and deliver a report on them.
During a wild 3 weeks on the road he (and we) sees the inside of rock n' roll of that era. All the elements are there. The 70's looks and attires, the drugs, the music (original songs written among others by P.Frampton and Cameron Crowe), the teeny "rebellions", the inner band strifes,the groupies and the developing rock industry, the then societal pulse, and the overall atmosphere set by the film's main characters, most notably the teen-reporter, star-groupie Penny Lane and of course the band members and last but not least the boy's "crypto-conservative" desperately-trying-to-be-progressive mother.
"Almost famous" is a brilliant film. Before you can even begin to care whether what the film depicts is accurate, you find yourself laughing endlessly, and being "sucked-in" by a story that at times has semi-documentary touches (makes sense, as the story is a semi-biographical account of Cameron Crowe's) and loving the main characters (all charismatic in their own sense).
The film's main "weapon" is its superb humor. I dont merely mean one-liners but the overall feeling it has, you dont only laugh but this movie tends to have a feel-good sense all over it as well. It's supposed to, right? After all, this is the 70s when everything still had a "purpose" or when things seemed to be more upbeat (compare with the prozac ridden 90s and their "nowhere to go from here" sentiment).
All the actors do a terrific job to make the time machine work here. The mother is great in portaying a representative of the mothers generation that first perceived music as an "enemy" and as a gateway to drugs and (oh my god) wild sex. The band members are going from cool to uncool all the time (as real band members very often do) as they try to act like rock stars ("make us look cool, man") and at the same time try to maintain their human nature (...). The teeny reporter (in my opinion the least convincing of the lot) is decent too while the show is stolen by the enigmatic and pivotal character of groupie Penny Lane. She's is the one character that the others actually revolve around like satellites whether they realise it or not and also serves as a solid reminder of that period as well ( or maybe, not only of that period, in fact, why is rock music being mostly made if not to be "cool and get chicks")..
The dialogue is great, the directing is great, the actors do a great job. Anything missing from Almost Famous to keep it from being a classic?? I would think not, but: because of the way this film works and of its very nature ppl will tend to see it as somewhat of a documentary. Is it? Tough question that one.
The rock era of the 70s wasnt a monodimensional one. It wasn't only about bands that were Led Zepellin lookalikes and people who were constantly professing "it's all happening man", and above all things were not always that lighthearted. In fact, a lot of people back then thought that there was a musical revolution going on which was going to -in turn- bring about an overall change of things. Ask anyone who's over 45 whether the music of that era did bring about a revolution and get prepared for some really long discussions with very differing conclusions. Inotherwords, there were very many people around back then who took the whole thing very VERY seriously. Perhaps that is -epidermically- depicted by the rock critic in the film.
It would be unfair though to criticize the film on that premise. After all you cant expect a film to fit in all that in 2 hours. And even if it somehow had done that it could've very easily been boring albeit more accurate.
The fact of the matter is that "Almost Famous" is a wonderful film in very many respects. It goes from hilariously funny to touching with its dripping nostalgia. And yes it does have this "things were better and purer back then" feeling to it, but in the end the way people perceive the times they live in depend on very many different factors.
I've seen this movie twice already and loved it both times and i hardly see how anyone could not love it actually no matter what other thoughts are to be had on the side.
Almost famous is almost perfect
During a wild 3 weeks on the road he (and we) sees the inside of rock n' roll of that era. All the elements are there. The 70's looks and attires, the drugs, the music (original songs written among others by P.Frampton and Cameron Crowe), the teeny "rebellions", the inner band strifes,the groupies and the developing rock industry, the then societal pulse, and the overall atmosphere set by the film's main characters, most notably the teen-reporter, star-groupie Penny Lane and of course the band members and last but not least the boy's "crypto-conservative" desperately-trying-to-be-progressive mother.
"Almost famous" is a brilliant film. Before you can even begin to care whether what the film depicts is accurate, you find yourself laughing endlessly, and being "sucked-in" by a story that at times has semi-documentary touches (makes sense, as the story is a semi-biographical account of Cameron Crowe's) and loving the main characters (all charismatic in their own sense).
The film's main "weapon" is its superb humor. I dont merely mean one-liners but the overall feeling it has, you dont only laugh but this movie tends to have a feel-good sense all over it as well. It's supposed to, right? After all, this is the 70s when everything still had a "purpose" or when things seemed to be more upbeat (compare with the prozac ridden 90s and their "nowhere to go from here" sentiment).
All the actors do a terrific job to make the time machine work here. The mother is great in portaying a representative of the mothers generation that first perceived music as an "enemy" and as a gateway to drugs and (oh my god) wild sex. The band members are going from cool to uncool all the time (as real band members very often do) as they try to act like rock stars ("make us look cool, man") and at the same time try to maintain their human nature (...). The teeny reporter (in my opinion the least convincing of the lot) is decent too while the show is stolen by the enigmatic and pivotal character of groupie Penny Lane. She's is the one character that the others actually revolve around like satellites whether they realise it or not and also serves as a solid reminder of that period as well ( or maybe, not only of that period, in fact, why is rock music being mostly made if not to be "cool and get chicks")..
The dialogue is great, the directing is great, the actors do a great job. Anything missing from Almost Famous to keep it from being a classic?? I would think not, but: because of the way this film works and of its very nature ppl will tend to see it as somewhat of a documentary. Is it? Tough question that one.
The rock era of the 70s wasnt a monodimensional one. It wasn't only about bands that were Led Zepellin lookalikes and people who were constantly professing "it's all happening man", and above all things were not always that lighthearted. In fact, a lot of people back then thought that there was a musical revolution going on which was going to -in turn- bring about an overall change of things. Ask anyone who's over 45 whether the music of that era did bring about a revolution and get prepared for some really long discussions with very differing conclusions. Inotherwords, there were very many people around back then who took the whole thing very VERY seriously. Perhaps that is -epidermically- depicted by the rock critic in the film.
It would be unfair though to criticize the film on that premise. After all you cant expect a film to fit in all that in 2 hours. And even if it somehow had done that it could've very easily been boring albeit more accurate.
The fact of the matter is that "Almost Famous" is a wonderful film in very many respects. It goes from hilariously funny to touching with its dripping nostalgia. And yes it does have this "things were better and purer back then" feeling to it, but in the end the way people perceive the times they live in depend on very many different factors.
I've seen this movie twice already and loved it both times and i hardly see how anyone could not love it actually no matter what other thoughts are to be had on the side.
Almost famous is almost perfect
Very Inspiring: Talented People, Regardless of Age¿ExcelA tale of a young boy, William Miller, who lies about his age and finds a way to interview rockstars for Rolling Stones magazine. Along the way he finds himself immersed ("imbedded"?) into the counterculture of rock n' roll. No longer a journalist, he now is one of the band--sort of. While he does not play with the band, you get a sense that little Miller is overwhelmed with joy at the prospect at following the band into their VIP hideaways--including hotels, houses, bars--everywhere.
The movie also provides an aspiring message to those who aspire to reach the heights of their career--whatever it may be: if you truly have the talent, it really has nothing to do with age or experience. In America, the story tells us, merit is what is important. Who cares if the boy is 15? He's able to carry out the duties of someone twice his age. Yet in our society we typically would choose the more experienced or older person. That is the wrong approach . . . instead, choose the best person for the job. An aspiring movie.
Michael Gordon
Los Angeles
Even more to love!This is the rare instance where the director's post-release tinkering has improved what was already a fantastic film. Watching the "Untitled" cut (Director Cameron Crowe had such difficulty coming up with a title he almost released the film as "Untitled") is like discovering long-lost chapters to your favorite book, or hearing outtakes from your favorite band. The additional scenes bring viewers further into both the hero's home life and the surreal life on the road of a touring rock band. The original cut of the movie is included in the set, but why anyone would want to see it after seeing this film in the longer form is beyond me.
And the extras ... simply the best on a DVD I've ever come across. The commentary with Crowe and his mother is at turns insightful, touching and hilarious. The part where they discuss whether Crowe lost his virginity the same way his alter ego on screen did is worth the price of admission alone. The deleted scenes include one that invites the viewer to cue up "Stairway to Heaven" since that was supposed to be the soundtrack for the scene, but the rights was unavailable. The satisfaction of seeing the characters on screen react to your dubbing is incredible. And there's a bonus CD of songs by "Stillwater," the faux band in the film. The songs are a great pastiche of 70s rock that heighten the believability of the film. You really think you're listening to a great undiscovered band from the time.
As for the movie itself, the original film deservedly won an Oscar for best original screenplay and should have won more. Had more of Kate Hudson's performance as "band aid" Penny Lane been in the movie, she would have an Oscar today. Billy Crudup perfectly personifies both the innocence and the arrogance '70s rockers exuded, while Patrick Fugit's performance captures the uncool kid yearning to be cool we all were at that age.
Put simply, if you even just mildly enjoyed "Almost Famous," you owe it to yourself to give this a spin. It's everything about the movie you liked, raised to a higher level.
The Truman Show
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (29 June, 1999)
Starring: Jim Carrey and Ed Harris
The whole world is watching--literally--every time Truman Burbank makes the slightest move. Unbeknownst to him, in this hauntingly funny film by Peter Weir, his entire life has been an unending soap opera for consumption by the rest of the world. And everyone he knows--including his mother, his wife, and his best friend--is really an actor, paid to be part of his life. In this intriguing and surprisingly touching 1998 film, writer Andrew Niccol imagines an ultimate kind of celebrity, then sees it brought to life with comic intensity and emotional honesty by Jim Carrey in what may be the performance of his career. Carrey has exceptional support from Laura Linney and Ed Harris, but it's his show, in a portrayal that demonstrates just what kind of range Carrey is capable of. --Marshall Fine
Average review score:
oustanding!Imagine that your whole life is a lie, everyone is watching you everywhere, and the people who you love and with whom you've been sharing your life, including your best friend and your beloved and always funny wife are just actors. The Truman Show's basic idea carries an undoubtful cruel and sad felling, but in the hands of Peter Weir, a talented filmmaker who believes in the humanity and in hope, the film turns out to be an interesting, funny, and entertaining masterpiece, although it has an undeniable sad context. Truman is played to perfection by an actor who I've never thought that he could actually act, Jim Carrey. In this dramatic, powerful and blessed hole, Carrey delivers an excellent job! certainly he deserved the Golden Globe for this breakthrough performance. Carrey builds an ingenuous, good and honest man, making impossible for the audience stop caring and loving him. And during the whole running time of the film, you will find yourself laughing, having a great time and sometimes crying for Truman at each curve his fate takes. The supporting performances stand out for their quality, Laura Linney (from Congo, a great flick about explorers who are hunted down by killer gorillas in a mountain, available at Amazon) offers an unforgetable interpretation, playing with ear-to-ear smiles a cold and cruel actress. It's beyond me the reason why she didn't receive any Oscar nomination, but it's said that Paramount, Truman's studio, tried to nominate her in the Best Actresses Category but the year's other main performances (Cate Blanchet, Fernanda Montenegro) were more applauded, but had they took the Supporting Category, she would be a tough contestant for the Oscar. Ed Harris' Christof is one of those characters that will live forever in the hearts of the audience, and Truman, well, Truman is perhaps the most upright, honest and sweet hero that Hollywood ever conceived. The technical aspects count with curious, never-seen-before camera movements, intelligent and different ways of shooting the scenes and a strong direction by Weir. The Truman Show is available at Amazon, the DVD and VHS include the original trailers and interviews with the cast and director. Own this masterpiece! And don't forget to take a look at Congo.
A modern classicWhat a wonderful motion picture! The Truman Show is a truly memorable movie that straight after viewing, you will want to rewind the tape and watch it all over again. I have watched The Truman Show 3 times now and every time I watch it I spot something different and understand the bits I didn't quite click with before. Even if it was only released in 1998, The Truman Show is going to be a sure-fire classic with the power of longevity. Jim Carrey is stupendous in his best role yet. His character provides comedy Truman starts to crack Jim gives to us what is surely one of the best dramatic male performances of the 1990's. Hooray to the Golden Globes for recognising his performance! Laura Linney is also fabulous in a cheesy, intriguing role as Truman's wife. The Truman Show's script is absolutely brilliant in all manners. It's original, funny, scientific, full of human exploration and totally comfortable with what it's achieving. The direction is focused, the story is endlessly interesting and the plot leads to some of the most daringly amazing situations a human could ever have. A mature movie that mixes all genres together, (think comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, drama, escape...) The Truman Show is the best movie of 1998.
My favorite Jim Carrey movieTruman Burbank ( Jim Carrey) is a television star and he doesn't even know it. When he was a only a baby, he was adopted by a man named Cristof (Ed Harris). Cristof came up with the idea of the Truman Show. The show revolves solely around Truman himself, and the life that he leads. The city that he lives in is constructed specifically for the show, and everone in it is an actor playing a part. Even his wife ( Laura Linney), and best friend Marlon (Noah Emmerich). The world has been watching Truman since he was a baby, and it is the number one rated show in the country. But gradually Truman starts to realize what is going on...
I am a huge fan of Jim Carrey. All of his movies have been entertaining from "The Mask" and "Dumb and Dumber", to his latest film "Bruce Almighty". However, the film that I enjoyed him the most in, concentrated less on the typical slapstick comedy that one has come to expect from a Jim Carrey film, and more on making you laugh through emotion and subtlety. The story itself is highly original and entertaining. The idea of one man being oblivious to the world aroud him is extremely funny. The fact that he is the center of a TV show only makes it funnier. All of the actors do an outstanding job. Of course Carrey steals the show with Truman. The transition from being naive, to a determined man is amazing. He plays both sides so well. Laura Linney is outstanding as his wife. She must put on the happy homemaker facade and pretend to love Truman. The funniest thing about the character is how she must constantly advertise products with everything that she does. Noah Emmerich is great as his best friend Marlon. Watching him try to convince Truman that it is just his mind playing tricks on him is hillarious. Even when a stage light falls from the sky, or it is sunny at 9:00 p.m., him and the rest of the actors try to convince Truman he is seeing things. Ed Harris does a nice job with Cristof considering the limited amount of screen time he had. It is also dissapointing as well. For such an important character, he has very little to do with the overall story. The rest of the actors in the film also do a great job as well.
"The Truman Show" will make you laugh, and keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering if Truman will ever get out. The ending is very satisfying too. This is definately Carrey's best film. He and the rest of the cast does an amazing job, and really makes the film believeable. The DVD is somewhat dissapointing though. I would have loved to seen a making of featurette. Unfortunately, there is just the movie and the trailer. I have never been able to understand why movie studios feel that offering a trailer as a special feature is an added bonus. If you are going to watch the film, then why would you need to see a movie trailer? This is a must own, but go with the VHS!!