Rdgz
Johnson County Library
Rdgz's Completed Shelf
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The Heartbreak KidThe Heartbreak Kid, DVD
DVD - 2007 | Widescreen ed..DVD, 2007. Widescreen ed..
Added Jan 22, 2016
Added Oct 30, 2015
Comment:
I thought this was a nice change of pace from the so predictable romantic novels. It has erotic scenes but they are not constant... it is not pornography. Her character is in constant change and trying to assert itself in the face of Gray's overwhelming persona as well as habits.I thought this was a nice change of pace from the so predictable romantic novels. It has erotic scenes but they are not constant... it is not pornography. Her character is in constant change and trying to assert itself in the face of Gray's…
The girl with the dragon tattooThe girl with the dragon tattoo, DVD
DVD - 2010 | SwedishDVD, 2010. Language: Swedish
Added Aug 22, 2015
Comment:
A cultural phenomenon that went around the world. The movie version is all that is advertised... a mystery that is sunk deep in the past and requires amazing ingenuity to discover. Highly recommended.
Fifty Shades of GreyFifty Shades of Grey, DVD
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
Added Jun 15, 2015
Comment:
It is tastefully done if you consider the theme of the book as well as the needed to create these fantasy characters and their unconventional relationship. I would say that while somewhat graphic is no more than other R rated movies. I want to repeat that it is indeed a fantasy and that makes it less threatening to watch than if they had attempted a realistic portrayal of such a relationship. If your taste runs towards the serious and realistic you might think about passing this one up.It is tastefully done if you consider the theme of the book as well as the needed to create these fantasy characters and their unconventional relationship. I would say that while somewhat graphic is no more than other R rated movies. I want to…
The Secret Life of Walter MittyThe Secret Life of Walter Mitty, DVD
DVD - 2013DVD, 2013
Added Sep 09, 2014
Comment:
In order to enjoy this movie you need to transport yourself to the sesibilities of late 1940 America but if you can then it is a treat. Danny Keye is insuperable in one of his signature roles... and a so much better movie than the new one.
From the TerraceFrom the Terrace, DVD
DVD - 2003DVD, 2003
Added Aug 04, 2014
Comment:
This is a remarkable movie that explores the role of men as well as women in middle to upper class society just after WW2 and into the 1950 including the sacrifices both personal and moral that are made to achive them.
Joanne Woodward is an incredibly georgeous sirene that is swept by Paul Newman's character and personal charm. Once married she is neglected so he can pursue his ambitions and slowly drifts into amorality and infidelity.
There are no guilties or saints... just imperfect people. It is a terrific tale.
Paul Newman was an actor who was handsome through out his entire life and I expected him to be so in this movie but the one that surprised me was Joan (his future wife) she was both geourgeous and as the character who has to change the most through out the movie she also had the most challenging part to play... she was phenomenal.This is a remarkable movie that explores the role of men as well as women in middle to upper class society just after WW2 and into the 1950 including the sacrifices both personal and moral that are made to achive them.
Joanne Woodward is an…
The Drowning PoolThe Drowning Pool, DVD
DVD - 2006DVD, 2006
Added Jul 01, 2014
Comment:
This second movie based on the same character is by far the best... it does have a dated 1970's look in certain scenes that you must endure but with patience you work through them and get to see Paul Newman's delivery of some very clever dialogue lines and depiction of some fast paced detective work.
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You will also see a very young Melanie Griffith.
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There is some action in the movie but what really sets these older movies apart from what you se now is the detective work... too many modern movies based on detective characters have more action adventure than they need to develop ambiance or plot.
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The original Harper is not as good despite having an amazing cast that inclided Vivian Leight, Lauren Baccall and Shelly Winters as well as Robert Wagner and of course Paul Newman in the title role... but despite those advantages this one is better.This second movie based on the same character is by far the best... it does have a dated 1970's look in certain scenes that you must endure but with patience you work through them and get to see Paul Newman's delivery of some very clever dialogue…
Heaven Can WaitHeaven Can Wait, DVD
DVD - 1999DVD, 1999
Added Jun 10, 2014
Comment:
This is a remake of the 1941 classic "Here comes Mr. Jordan". It changes the sport from boxing to football and other spins in the plot have been up-dated for relevance but it is the same movie.
Between serious movies Warren Beatty made a couple of really good comedies. This is one of them and "Shampoo" is the other. I strongly recomend them both even if as one other reviewer said they are visually dated.This is a remake of the 1941 classic "Here comes Mr. Jordan". It changes the sport from boxing to football and other spins in the plot have been up-dated for relevance but it is the same movie.
Between serious movies Warren Beatty made a couple…
No Way OutNo Way Out, DVD
DVD - 2000 | Widescreen and standard versions.DVD, 2000. Widescreen and standard versions.
Added Sep 19, 2013
Comment:
This is actually a re-make of “The Big Clock” and part of its flaw is that Costner’s characters relationship to Sean Young’s is made too romantic and honest instead of the other way around like it was in the original. I know that not every movie an actor makes can be good but I was very disappointed with Sean Young’s performance. This movie could have been a lot better.This is actually a re-make of “The Big Clock” and part of its flaw is that Costner’s characters relationship to Sean Young’s is made too romantic and honest instead of the other way around like it was in the original. I know that not every movie an…
The hedgehogThe hedgehog, DVD
DVD - 2009 | FrenchDVD, 2009. Language: French
Added Sep 11, 2013
Comment:
Very sensitive and touching performances by all but in particular by Josiane Balasko (Renee). I can’t recomnd it enough. Narrated largely through the eyes of the two main characters who are both hiding in their small private world; one in her bedroom of her parents large Paris apartment and the other in a library in her small first floor apartment in the same building. Death of one of the tenants brings into the building a Japanese man who gently helps them ease out of the isolation and helps them live again. The only thing that I do not agree with is the ending… do not believe it was necessary or at least it should have not been so precipitous. Could have waited... but even like it is it does teach us not to wait... life is made of emoptions and it is not forever. To seize those opportunities that we all have to live our lives before it is too late.Very sensitive and touching performances by all but in particular by Josiane Balasko (Renee). I can’t recomnd it enough. Narrated largely through the eyes of the two main characters who are both hiding in their small private world; one in her…
Devil in A Blue DressDevil in A Blue Dress, DVD
DVD - 1998 | Widescreenfull screen version.DVD, 1998. Widescreenfull screen version.
Added Jan 31, 2013
Comment:
This is a classic that has not received its due. It is based on a novel by Walter Mosley. The production value is very high and Denzel Washington is outstanding as Mosley’s favorite character, Easy Rawlins. One of the most interesting features of these novels is how they transport you to a minutely detailed and richly described post-World-War-2 Los Angeles and this movie lives up to that expectation. This movie also benefits from a well crafted plot typical of an Easy Rawlings’ mystery: race-centric, violent with a strong narrative structure that draws you into it. // if you are a fan of film noirs or Hitchcock you will enjoy this plot... it has both. A trip to the underbelly of society mixed with an ordinary man who is pushed into extraordinary circumstances by necessity and chance. // I strongly recommend the movie.This is a classic that has not received its due. It is based on a novel by Walter Mosley. The production value is very high and Denzel Washington is outstanding as Mosley’s favorite character, Easy Rawlins. One of the most interesting features of…
Jerry MaguireJerry Maguire, DVD
DVD - 2002 | Special ed.DVD, 2002. Special ed.
Added Jan 10, 2013
Comment:
Probably Tom Cruise's best romantic comedy and one of his best interpretations of a character. He and Cuba Gooding Jr carry the entire movie on their back. The plot and the character development are the key to understanding why this movie is so cautivating. This is the story of two men who are both very unhappy for different reasons and who proceed to mutually support each other in their quest to find that which is missing in their lives. The movie starts with Cruise's character having a flash-discovery of why his professional life is so unsatisfying. He proceeds to precipitate a change that eventually gets him fired from his job and ends his relationship with his girlfriend. He starts a new life with a great deal of struggle but this time knowing who he wants to be professionaly. But his personal life continues to be in disarray. Cuba Gooding Jr's character is the opposite. His personal life is in beautiful balance but his professional life is in shambles. So Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr's characters are both learning from each other and helping each other find in their life what the other has... One trying to find an emotional life and the other trying to re-discover his professional one... can't give out any more of the plot with out ruining the movie experience. It is a must watch with great acting all around. Cuba Gooding Jr won an academy award for his performance.Probably Tom Cruise's best romantic comedy and one of his best interpretations of a character. He and Cuba Gooding Jr carry the entire movie on their back. The plot and the character development are the key to understanding why this movie is so…
Knight and DayKnight and Day, DVD
DVD - 2010DVD, 2010
Added Jan 03, 2013
Comment:
This is one of Tom Cruise’s best romantic-comedy performances… it is really more humor and satire than comedy all of it staged with an un-usual background of mystery and action adventure. // Tom is phenomenal as “Knight”… a clandestine operator that embroils an unsuspecting “June” in a dangerous scheme. Watching the king of action adventure (Tom Cruise) trying to charm Cameron Diaz's character while in a car chase or patiently coaxing her cooperation in the middle of shoot-outs gives the movie a mix of romance, humor and action that is new and different! // Cameron Diaz’s is also outstanding in her role as “June” and is her character who provides balance and development to the plot as she swings from one emotional extreme to another. // In my opinion this is an underrated performance by both actors in an unique style of movie that begs to be watched. Hard to say more without giving away too much of the plot but I would like to end this review by saying that I will rather see this movie than any other typical Tom Cruise’s movie with the exception of "Jerry McGuire". I strongly recommend it.This is one of Tom Cruise’s best romantic-comedy performances… it is really more humor and satire than comedy all of it staged with an un-usual background of mystery and action adventure. // Tom is phenomenal as “Knight”… a clandestine operator…
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, SpyTinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, DVD
DVD - 2002DVD, 2002
Added Dec 17, 2012
Comment:
Alec Guinness is an actor’s actor playing one of the most interesting parts ever conceived in Spy-Fiction or any fiction for that matter. That of an old, retired spy master sacked along with his boss in the midst of a scandal after a mission to uncover a double agent goes wildly wrong. This story is both a mystery as well as a tale of redemption. I have seen many of Alec Guinness movies over the years including comedies, historical dramas, etc and I still marvel at his genius… we simply do not have actors like him any longer.Alec Guinness is an actor’s actor playing one of the most interesting parts ever conceived in Spy-Fiction or any fiction for that matter. That of an old, retired spy master sacked along with his boss in the midst of a scandal after a mission to…
Added Nov 08, 2012
Comment:
This is a phenomenal story told mostly through the eyes of its main character, George Smiley who is played marvelously by Gary Oldman. Smiley is the number two man in British Intelligence, a master spy forced into retirement when a clandestine operation conceived by his boss goes scandalously wrong. Then six months later he is brought back to handle a most delicate and secret of assignment; to capture a double agent. The difficulty in telling the story lies in the fact that its main character is a thinker who operates through remote control and by stitching together unrelated clues and stories. Not a movie for the action adventure viewer but rather for the cerebral type. Gary Oldman carries on his shoulders the bulk of the scenes and handles the short and cautious dialogue of a spy masterfully. The supporting cast is also superb. Highly recommend that you use the subtitles and for those of you who are left wondering I also suggest that you watch Alec Guinness impecable interpretation of the same novel which is less abstract and will clarify the plot to those who have trouble following this version.This is a phenomenal story told mostly through the eyes of its main character, George Smiley who is played marvelously by Gary Oldman. Smiley is the number two man in British Intelligence, a master spy forced into retirement when a clandestine…
The Big LebowskiThe Big Lebowski, DVD
DVD - 2005 | Collector's ed.DVD, 2005. Collector's ed.
Added Sep 22, 2012
Comment:
This movie is a different take on a classic crime thriller type; the mistaken identity.... We have seen classics like Hitchcock’s “north by north-west” and others similar where this theme is explored when a character that is nothing but a common every day person is mistakenly drawn into a crime plot or another equally dangerous environment. But in this instance the character confused is a self-centered slacker who lives for his hedonistic passions: bowling and smoking pot.... We see this thriller mainly through the eyes of its main character played by Bridges. Goodman’s character is also important as he acts as a provocateur without luck.
So how would it be if the innocent bystander drawn into this thriller in a pot smoking slacker? What would it look like? What if the rest of the characters where similarly odd fellows? Well… that is what we have in this picture.
This movie enjoyed great critical acclaim but it is certainly not for everyone… if run-of-the-mill movies still excite you then stay away from this one. But if you are complaining about movies with characters that look alike and predictable plots then look here for something completely different!This movie is a different take on a classic crime thriller type; the mistaken identity.... We have seen classics like Hitchcock’s “north by north-west” and others similar where this theme is explored when a character that is nothing but a common…
DuneDune, DVD
DVD - 1998DVD, 1998
Added Aug 27, 2012
Comment:
Dune is a movie based on a ground breaking science fiction / fantasy book by Frank Herbert. The book was very influential and spawned inumerable copy-cats. Some argue that George Lucas' Star Wars would never have been created with out Dune.... But now to the movie itself... This movie feels more like two disjointed movies... or better said, two disjointed half movies... The first half movie leading up to the Harkonnen’s attack to Arrakis is relatively well done. It illustrates with some decent clarity a very detailed story of political intrigue inseparably fused into the science fiction / fantasy setting that made the original classic famous. It is a complex universe view through the perspective of its main character (Paul) with all details resolved to provide a fantastic yet coherent whole...The scenes follow each other with a certain jerkiness but that is not unusual in movies based on long and well recognized novels where the audience demands that all crucial scenes from the novel be also present in the movie. This obviously makes editing challenging and constrains the ability of weaving the scenes into a smooth narrative. Like I said, this problem is common to other movies based on long novels and is something that I am prepared to accept... Unfortunately the second half of the movie is not done as well; the story starts falling apart immediately after the Harkonnen’s invasion of Arrakis and from there it gets worst... Some of the second half shortcommings could be rooted in budget constrains... the special effects and filming in location, etc. which is expensive and this might have been a factor but certainly it was not the main one... In my opinion the second half suffers from abominable direction that chose to emphasize the fantasy over the plot with the result that the narrative looses coherence and important characters and scenes are presented in a cartoonish fashion... So not very good of a second half. But the first half of the movie is very good and illustrative and I guess that is why I try to watch Dune at least once a yearDune is a movie based on a ground breaking science fiction / fantasy book by Frank Herbert. The book was very influential and spawned inumerable copy-cats. Some argue that George Lucas' Star Wars would never have been created with out Dune.... But…
Wild TargetWild Target, DVD
DVD - 2010DVD, 2010
Added Aug 06, 2012
Comment:
This is another outstanding vehicle for the understated comedic talent of Bill Nighy who shines through out in this “opposite-attract” romantic comedy (“ I have barely known you for an hour and already it would take me three days to list all that I dislike about you!” – Emily Blunt’s character).
It is not a dour or slow movie… to the contrary… every scene has some type of action and you literarily race from one to the next.
I also liked Emily Blunt’s performance but it is really Bill Nighy character and his very original dialogue that gives the movie its character. The supporting actors are also first rate.
Highly recommended!This is another outstanding vehicle for the understated comedic talent of Bill Nighy who shines through out in this “opposite-attract” romantic comedy (“ I have barely known you for an hour and already it would take me three days to list all that I…
The Girl in the CaféThe Girl in the Café, Book
Book - 2005Book, 2005
Added Aug 06, 2012
Comment:
An outstanding movie; for those of you who are bored by the repetitious love stories that come out of Hollywood or the indie movie mills please step in to a true gem. It is hard to describe the meticulous way in which Bill Nighy develops his character throughout the entire screen-play bringing him out of his timid, subservient and comfortable world that has taken him an entire lifetime to build and into a series of situation where he is forced to choose.
The catalyst that moves the plot along is a new relationship with a young woman who acts as an intellectual provocateur who repeatedly challenges him to choose between his feelings for her or the safety of his old-self.
The pace of this comedy is not slow but rather deliberate and requires observation to pick the many nuances that bring about the transformation in Bill Nighy’s character. Highly recommended!An outstanding movie; for those of you who are bored by the repetitious love stories that come out of Hollywood or the indie movie mills please step in to a true gem. It is hard to describe the meticulous way in which Bill Nighy develops his…
Hard EightHard Eight, DVD
DVD - 1999DVD, 1999
Added Jul 30, 2012
Comment:
This is a movie that defies classification. The main characters are imperfect human beings traveling through the seedy corners of society. None of us would ever identify with any of them but yet the movie does make us feel certain sympathy and contempt for one or the other.
I do think it is a very good movie very much worth watching. Not a date movie, not a movie to see with buddies or with a lot of distraction. Rather a contemplative experience.
Samuel Jackson has an important and difficult supporting role that he plays with great credibility; you watch him here and you can then see why he was such a great choice for co-starring in Pulp-Fiction. Really great. Paltrow also is superb playing the extraordinary difficult part the leading lady. My hat off to both.This is a movie that defies classification. The main characters are imperfect human beings traveling through the seedy corners of society. None of us would ever identify with any of them but yet the movie does make us feel certain sympathy and…
Sixteen CandlesSixteen Candles, DVD
DVD - 2003DVD, 2003
Added Jan 05, 2012
Escape From New YorkEscape From New York, DVD
DVD - 2000DVD, 2000
Added Dec 20, 2011
Comment:
Must be seen. The movie has primitive special effects if any but the story and the character are fresh and interesting. Shows how a good and original movie can be done with very little.
There is a sequel but it is not worth watching.
The Accidental TouristThe Accidental Tourist, DVD
DVD - 2004DVD, 2004
Added Dec 06, 2011
Comment:
Excellent movie… these are three great performances by the leading actors and several other very good interpretations by the supporting cast.
You give something up thinking it is not worth keeping and when you see another person pick that which was cast away, mend it and do something worthwhile with it then you want it back.
This type of plot and its subplots require subtle and quiet acting and a sense of time… you can’t hurry a story like this one. It demands to be told in detail.Excellent movie… these are three great performances by the leading actors and several other very good interpretations by the supporting cast.
You give something up thinking it is not worth keeping and when you see another person pick that which…
The Invention of LyingThe Invention of Lying, DVD
DVD - 2010DVD, 2010
Added Nov 26, 2011
Comment:
This is one of the best comedies that I have seen in a long time. It takes at least two viewings to appreciate the sophisticated satire of society crafted by the inimitable Ricky Gervais.
The people who dwell in this fantasy world not only can't lie but they also feel a compulsion to express their unvarnish thoughts AND just as important... they have the ability to believe anything they are told.
You will see here social comments about love, courtship, marriage, religion, work and careers, advertisement, friendship, status, etc. Everything really. Very well done.
The end is almost old fashion with kindness, love and genuine feelings conquering all. I say almost old fashion because there is still a little lying... just enough to keep the lady of the house happy...This is one of the best comedies that I have seen in a long time. It takes at least two viewings to appreciate the sophisticated satire of society crafted by the inimitable Ricky Gervais.
The people who dwell in this fantasy world not only can't…
Pride and PrejudicePride and Prejudice, Book
Book - 2001 | Special ed. widescreen.Book, 2001. Special ed. widescreen.
Rdgz's rating:
Added Jul 30, 2011
Comment:
This is the best and follows the original plot the most faithfully of all the Pride and Prejudice movies that I have seen.
If you are not familiar with the book I suggest the 2006 version with Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley. This last one is not as complete, leaves out importants scenes and simplifies others by eliminating characters, etc. The plot suffers in its development but it is far more dramatic, compact, faster paced and easier to follow.
Having said the above the version that I tend to see over and over is always this one... the Colin Firth and Jennifer E's one ; it is simply an exquisitely made film, dialogue well developed and so true to the book that it always leaves me satisfied.
There is a version that was made in the 1980's that is "tolerable" and one from the 1960's that I have seen in bits and pieces... not great. The 1940 version is in this library but I would not recomend it to anyone other than those with a deep interest in movies who would like to compare how the topic was handled then and now. It is otherwise inferior to either of the two more recent ones.This is the best and follows the original plot the most faithfully of all the Pride and Prejudice movies that I have seen.
If you are not familiar with the book I suggest the 2006 version with Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley. This last one…
Comment: