Paul-Newman Movie Reviews

The first episode I saw of Escaflowne was episode 4 and my first impressions weren't too gr8 but my brother bought this DVD so I decieded to watch it anyway. After we watched the whole DVD I thought too myself "Hey this anime is pretty good after all" so it was this DVD got me into the Escaflowne series. Episode 5 is where Van finds out who his brother is, Episode 6 is when Hitomi meets Milerna and she believes that Allen and her are a couple until the next episode when we find out Milerna is getting married, but not to Allen. Hitomi thinks Allen is available until she is heartbroken from what she see's (it's sad that bit) and to make matters worse, Hitomi is sold off and Van rescues her but then Dilanduo appears, but Escaflowne changes into a dragon and flys them to safety. In episode 8 Hitomi wakes up from a strange dream and near the end of the episode, the angel in Hitomi's dream saves her from near death and so the DVD ends. My fave episode is probably 8 and I recommend this DVD to any1! Go buy it!

It is about a girl (Hitomi) who has been transported to a strange world. In Ep. five Van is captured and you learn a little about his past in his kingdom. You also meet one of his family members. While Van is being held captured the others try to figure a way to save him or if they should leave him and procede with there mission. The four Ep. are packed with action, adventure, and mystery. This is a show that is hard to put down. The characters are well developed (even the "bad guys") You'll find yourself spell bound by this show. There are 26 Ep. in total which are still being dubbed. If you haven't seen the first four you have to watch it, the rest will not make much sence without it. I bought both DVDs and they were great. I suggest that you buy the DVDs (if you can)because they have a better sound quilty and clearer picture. You also don't have to rewind or fastfoward to get to your favorite Ep. My sister and I love the DVDs over VHS. We are still waiting for the next few Ep. to come out to buy. This is a great anime if you like animes. There are mechas, fighting (hand to hand combat), plot, and you can follow what is going to happen. IF you buy any anime buy this. There is no nudity and no rude comments.

One of the things I will probably mention in several of my reviews of this series is that it is really a 'series,' not just a string of episodes with a dramatic ending. Themes and characters are developed over time, story arcs weave together, and each episode builds on the previous. With the kind of production effort that has gone into Escaflowne, success is a forgone conclusion. Not just success, but the kind of richness that makes for greatness.

When Van turns Escaflowne into a dragon and leads off Allen and Hitomi's pursuers it puts him face to face with his brother Folken, who failed the Fanelian test for kingship and fled to the Zaibach Empire. We discover that, as unappetizing as Folken's agenda is, it springs from honorable motives. This dichotomy between to forms of duty will haunt this series, providing as it does the seeds of redemption.

Eventually the flurry of rescues and escapes leads everyone to Palas, the capital of Arturia. But, there is no peace there. The Asturian king is squirming in the grasp of Zaibach and quickly proves his own untrustworthiness. Hitomi discovers that Allen, whom she is falling in love with, has some kind of pre-existing relationship. While this is unclear, Hitomi's confusion over her feelings for a boy back on Earth, Allen and Van is completely apparent. Thus will fate, desire, and duty play repeatedly in these relationships.

Art, animation and music continue to be top grade. I was struck in this DVD with the fine work done to bring Escaflowne to life, reminiscent of Evangelion, but a notch better. The kind of choreography used isn't just a delight to watch, it is expensive to use, underlying Kazuke Akane's commitment again. There is an interview with many of the lead voice stars that, amidst a lot of kidding around, reveals that Akane is not the only one who is determined to make something special of this series.

Eriya and Naria, Folken's loyal feline warriors, try to kidnap Hitomi but their luck intensification fails. This triggers a grand rescue chase to foil the Zaibach Empire. But the tragic results leave Folken convinced that Emperor Dornkirk may have the right idea, but is going about it in entirely the wrong way.

Van finds himself torn between his childhood loyalty to Folken, and his anger over his brother's loyalty to Dornkirk. When Folken arranges a meeting, Van finally sets out to gain revenge for Folken's desertion of Fanelia. But the struggle between Van and Folken ends inconclusively, and Folken determines to turn himself over to Asturia to bring an end to this horrible war. Now the struggle truly begins in earnest.

Another relationship, that between Hitomi and Allen Schezar also seems to be developing cracks, as the young knight reveals his controlling side. Hitomi's is uncomfortable with this but is even more uncomfortable with Van's angry willingness to fight and kill. This triggers a spectacular cliffhanger of an ending sure to please the most jaded of watchers and leave them grabbing for the last DVD in this series.

As you can see, the fact that this series is drawing to an end means that there will be no lack of plot twists. And no lack of shifts in character development either. This is never a simpleminded series, but a complex weaving of the themes of destiny, human nature, war, and the value of relationships and love. It is always reaching beyond the story line for higher values, even as Evangelion did. Whether the story moves quickly or slows down for an introspective moment, it remains compelling.

I have to say, Vision of Escaflowne is one of my favorite series ever. If you haven't seen it yet, you should. It draws you in from the very first episode. The art and animation is pretty. Great music scores. ^_~

While I haven't seen the DVD, I *have* seen the entire series (subtitled), and these episodes are excellent, heck, the entire series is excellent, the music, the storyline, the brilliant animation, the characters, both minor and major contribute to this great series. The dubbing however (i've seen most of the dubbed series) was okay, not excellent like the dubbing in "Please Save My Earth", but it was alright, tolerable. As for what the editorial review says, I don't think Hitomi was being a ditz at all. She saw the good in her kidnapper and offered first aid to her because she's a kind and compassionate human being. Okay, so maybe you wouldn't and shouldn't do that if you were in her situation, then again, who knows. There's always two sides to the coin. But anywho. I highly recommend this series to anyone who's a fan of anime or action/drama/romance type movies.

It's really a shame that more productions like this aren't available. Back in 50's musicals like "Of Thee I Sing" and "Once Upon a Mattress" aired on CBS with stars like Carol Burnett and Carroll O'Connor in major roles. With so much wonderful entertainment virtually lost to new generations, BARNUM was a real treat to behold. Michael Crawford shines as circus flim-flam man P.T. Barnum and proves that he's more than just a great singer, he's a true crowd pleaser. The rest of the cast does a fine job in keeping up with the whole circus atmosphere. It would be nice if they would put the original cast with Jim Dale and Glenn Close (before she was the star she is now) on video so we can see an American production as well. Some of the script changes due to locale tend to water the text down a bit, but not enough to dampen the fun. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves theatre, the circus, Michael Crawford, or to anyone who just wants to watch something "a little different".

I first saw "Barnum" on Bravo back in 1994. I was blown away by it! Michael Crawford was so much fun to watch in the title role. The rest of the cast seemed to be enjoying themselves too. It was, however, 3 years(!) before I was able to get my hands on a copy of the video. The wait was well worth it! I had forgotten about the amazing staging/choreography of this show. If you're into musical theatre or Michael Crawford, then what are you waiting for? Buy this video...you'll be glad you did!

I saw first Barnum on TV at the age of five on Christmas Day, 1990: now, 13 years later, it is still my favourite escapist retreat. Michael Crawford- whether walking the tightrope, sliding down a 60 foot drop, setting fire to himself, or waltzing on stilts- proves once again his immense ability to excel in the most physically demanding roles. He is a fine actor (real tears pour down his face when his beloved, patient Chairy dies) and a tremendous amount of fun! His vocal ability (which surfaces especially on numbers like 'The Prince of Humbug') is undoubted. He makes this show.

Well... him and a terrific, talented cast of singers, dancers and acrobats all rolled into one, and marvellous co-stars: of especial note are Eileen Battye as Chairy and the wonderful Ringmaster. The dialogue is often very funny and sometimes extremely moving, the songs unforgettable, and the colours-- beyond description. This is the story of a wonderful American entertainer; let him live again on your TV screens through Michael Crawford.

Five stars.

Hamha! I think the dvd really rocks. Its not just for pre-school because i'm 11 and i like it loads!!! It has got "Hamtaro"+"The Ham-Ham Clubhouse"+"Calling All Ham-Hams!" on it and is the must have for a ham-lover!

Hamtaro busted into our lives one Saturday Morning and now my kids are freaks about Hamtaro and the ham hams. I think the film is cute and I encourage my 5 year old to watch it often. I would recommend it to any parent to buy for their preschooler. You will be charmed~

This is a good non-violent video for kids.But I'm 12 and I like it.(I also like Arthur on PBS!)

The BBC adaptation is fantastic, with beautiful performances, production quality, and an unerring faithfulness to the book in spirit, word, and deed. If only the tape were as good. Turner Video's done the shoddy trick of putting this three-hour production on a single tape by "recording" it in EP/SLP. As a result, the picture quality, while watchable, leaves a lot to be desired, and the durability of the tape is questionable. I've owned a copy for only a few years, and it's already got rainbowing deterioration.

the borrowers is a very good movie that i like

My name is hannah enos and will tell you about the borrowers.The borrowers is a wonderful family movie that i am sure children and adults alike will like. one of my faviorite sayings on the borrowers is: " human beans are for borrowers, like bread is for butter". the borrowers have great caractores as well as actors and actress. some of them are arrietty(rebbecca callard), homily (penelope wilton), pod (ian holm) spiller, and george.in the first movie the borrowers live under the grandfather clock,(that is why they are called the "clocks")until arrietty befriends a "human bean", then the clock famliy must flee for safety into the world where there are awful things like rats,weasles and crows, plus there are thousands of bugs which homily smiply hates. but then they meet spiller and it may seem all there troubles are over but wait, are they? the only way to is to whatch the "borrowers".

The BBC adaptation is fantastic, with beautiful performances, production quality, and an unerring faithfulness to the book in spirit, word, and deed. If only the tape were as good. Turner Video's done the shoddy trick of putting this three-hour production on a single tape by "recording" it in EP/SLP. As a result, the picture quality, while watchable, leaves a lot to be desired, and the durability of the tape is questionable. I've owned a copy for only a few years, and it's already got rainbowing deterioration.

the borrowers is a very good movie that i like

My name is hannah enos and will tell you about the borrowers.The borrowers is a wonderful family movie that i am sure children and adults alike will like. one of my faviorite sayings on the borrowers is: " human beans are for borrowers, like bread is for butter". the borrowers have great caractores as well as actors and actress. some of them are arrietty(rebbecca callard), homily (penelope wilton), pod (ian holm) spiller, and george.in the first movie the borrowers live under the grandfather clock,(that is why they are called the "clocks")until arrietty befriends a "human bean", then the clock famliy must flee for safety into the world where there are awful things like rats,weasles and crows, plus there are thousands of bugs which homily smiply hates. but then they meet spiller and it may seem all there troubles are over but wait, are they? the only way to is to whatch the "borrowers".

The BBC adaptation is fantastic, with beautiful performances, production quality, and an unerring faithfulness to the book in spirit, word, and deed. If only the tape were as good. Turner Video's done the shoddy trick of putting this three-hour production on a single tape by "recording" it in EP/SLP. As a result, the picture quality, while watchable, leaves a lot to be desired, and the durability of the tape is questionable. I've owned a copy for only a few years, and it's already got rainbowing deterioration.

the borrowers is a very good movie that i like

My name is hannah enos and will tell you about the borrowers.The borrowers is a wonderful family movie that i am sure children and adults alike will like. one of my faviorite sayings on the borrowers is: " human beans are for borrowers, like bread is for butter". the borrowers have great caractores as well as actors and actress. some of them are arrietty(rebbecca callard), homily (penelope wilton), pod (ian holm) spiller, and george.in the first movie the borrowers live under the grandfather clock,(that is why they are called the "clocks")until arrietty befriends a "human bean", then the clock famliy must flee for safety into the world where there are awful things like rats,weasles and crows, plus there are thousands of bugs which homily smiply hates. but then they meet spiller and it may seem all there troubles are over but wait, are they? the only way to is to whatch the "borrowers".

The BBC adaptation is fantastic, with beautiful performances, production quality, and an unerring faithfulness to the book in spirit, word, and deed. If only the tape were as good. Turner Video's done the shoddy trick of putting this three-hour production on a single tape by "recording" it in EP/SLP. As a result, the picture quality, while watchable, leaves a lot to be desired, and the durability of the tape is questionable. I've owned a copy for only a few years, and it's already got rainbowing deterioration.

the borrowers is a very good movie that i like

My name is hannah enos and will tell you about the borrowers.The borrowers is a wonderful family movie that i am sure children and adults alike will like. one of my faviorite sayings on the borrowers is: " human beans are for borrowers, like bread is for butter". the borrowers have great caractores as well as actors and actress. some of them are arrietty(rebbecca callard), homily (penelope wilton), pod (ian holm) spiller, and george.in the first movie the borrowers live under the grandfather clock,(that is why they are called the "clocks")until arrietty befriends a "human bean", then the clock famliy must flee for safety into the world where there are awful things like rats,weasles and crows, plus there are thousands of bugs which homily smiply hates. but then they meet spiller and it may seem all there troubles are over but wait, are they? the only way to is to whatch the "borrowers".

It is incredibly rare to find a film adapted from a play that actually works and remains faithful to spirit of the original story. "The Glass Menagerie" is one of the infinitesimally few efforts that manages to do both. Casting, direction, and acting are superb, with an especially priceless performance by John Malkovich as the poetic but stifled Tom Wingfield. The entire film is worth watching for his "opium den" rant at Joanne Woodward, though the remainder is in no way lacking. This is a much underrated, gut-wrenching, true cinematic treasure.

Although I thought that "The Glass Menagerie" was an exceptional play, I think that the movie version is even better. In my opinion, it is rare when justice can be done to a written work when it is transformed into a movie. So many wonderful classics tend to get botched up by directors that alter the text of the original work and add or delete scenes along the way. Paul Newman, however, has kept "The Glass Menagerie" exactly the way it was written, and I think that is the primary reason why the movie turned out so good. Another reason might be that the cast of this movie seems perfectly fit to fill the roles that Tennessee Williams created. Joanne Woodward is absolutely hilarious as Amanda Wingfield. Not only does she perfectly fit the role of overzealous mother, but she also makes a delightful comedienne as well. I watched the movie right after reading the play, and even though I knew what Amanda was going to say next, I burst out laughing nonetheless. The sheer humor in Woodward's performance is to be commended. John Malkovich also seems cut out for the role of Tom Wingfield. Tom is somewhat of a mystic that enjoys philosophical media such as poetry; the thoughtful expression on Malkovich's face conveys this aura perfectly. The best parts of Malkovich's performance often come when he isn't saying anything at all. The incredulous glances that he gives Amanda every so often add dynamic to the acting and articulate the relationship between Tom and Amanda even better than words can express. Karen Allen's role as Laura Wingfield emphasizes the things about Laura's character that make her so important. In the movie, Allen seems even shyer than Laura is in the script, but this only enhances the meaning of the play. Finally, James Naughton's performance as Jim O'Connor is so romantic that the viewer can't help falling in love right along with Laura. His charm seems to be the "icing on the cake" for the climax of the outstanding script and extraordinary acting. "The Glass Menagerie" movie definitely has a lot of things going for it: Tennessee Williams as the playwright, Paul Newman as the director, and a fantastic set of actors that make the entire production better than even Williams could have imagined. I definitely recommend the movie version of "The Glass Menagerie," especially if you don't have time to read it. It is one of the most enjoyable movies that I have had the pleasure of watching.

I recently graduated just this year, and the year before last, when I was a junior in high school, my English 11 teacher, Mrs. Picklesimer (ha ha laugh if you wish) showed us this video, after us reading the story in our literature books, of course. I loved the movie so much, I asked her to allow me to borrow it and she did, but she had to keep reminding me to bring it back, because I loved it so much! So, thank you, Mrs. Picklesimer (now Ms. White) for showing us this movie.

It is incredibly rare to find a film adapted from a play that actually works and remains faithful to spirit of the original story. "The Glass Menagerie" is one of the infinitesimally few efforts that manages to do both. Casting, direction, and acting are superb, with an especially priceless performance by John Malkovich as the poetic but stifled Tom Wingfield. The entire film is worth watching for his "opium den" rant at Joanne Woodward, though the remainder is in no way lacking. This is a much underrated, gut-wrenching, true cinematic treasure.

Although I thought that "The Glass Menagerie" was an exceptional play, I think that the movie version is even better. In my opinion, it is rare when justice can be done to a written work when it is transformed into a movie. So many wonderful classics tend to get botched up by directors that alter the text of the original work and add or delete scenes along the way. Paul Newman, however, has kept "The Glass Menagerie" exactly the way it was written, and I think that is the primary reason why the movie turned out so good. Another reason might be that the cast of this movie seems perfectly fit to fill the roles that Tennessee Williams created. Joanne Woodward is absolutely hilarious as Amanda Wingfield. Not only does she perfectly fit the role of overzealous mother, but she also makes a delightful comedienne as well. I watched the movie right after reading the play, and even though I knew what Amanda was going to say next, I burst out laughing nonetheless. The sheer humor in Woodward's performance is to be commended. John Malkovich also seems cut out for the role of Tom Wingfield. Tom is somewhat of a mystic that enjoys philosophical media such as poetry; the thoughtful expression on Malkovich's face conveys this aura perfectly. The best parts of Malkovich's performance often come when he isn't saying anything at all. The incredulous glances that he gives Amanda every so often add dynamic to the acting and articulate the relationship between Tom and Amanda even better than words can express. Karen Allen's role as Laura Wingfield emphasizes the things about Laura's character that make her so important. In the movie, Allen seems even shyer than Laura is in the script, but this only enhances the meaning of the play. Finally, James Naughton's performance as Jim O'Connor is so romantic that the viewer can't help falling in love right along with Laura. His charm seems to be the "icing on the cake" for the climax of the outstanding script and extraordinary acting. "The Glass Menagerie" movie definitely has a lot of things going for it: Tennessee Williams as the playwright, Paul Newman as the director, and a fantastic set of actors that make the entire production better than even Williams could have imagined. I definitely recommend the movie version of "The Glass Menagerie," especially if you don't have time to read it. It is one of the most enjoyable movies that I have had the pleasure of watching.

I recently graduated just this year, and the year before last, when I was a junior in high school, my English 11 teacher, Mrs. Picklesimer (ha ha laugh if you wish) showed us this video, after us reading the story in our literature books, of course. I loved the movie so much, I asked her to allow me to borrow it and she did, but she had to keep reminding me to bring it back, because I loved it so much! So, thank you, Mrs. Picklesimer (now Ms. White) for showing us this movie.