Friday, October 11, 2013

Sesame Street: Elmo's Alphabet Challenge



Really cute!
My daughter is 5 and loves this video!! She is crazy about the iPad and in this video Abby gets a new "fly pad". It has segments mimicking angry birds, guitar hero, dance revolution, Mario carts and World of Warcraft. They are angry "words", realm of elf craft, super mustachio brothers. It is hilarious. She watches it twice a day. Does a superb job of using correct phonic pronunciations for the letters in a fun way. My daughter is non verbal autistic, and she says her letters out loud now and looks back to hear you tell her that she is doing a good job. Would highly recommend for anyone with a child with language delays.

Awesome
My 18 month old loves this movie! She now knows the whole alphabet! Very educational. And very cool. It's about video games too.

My son loves this & it teaches sounds/phonics with all the letters
We checked this video out at the local library and he loved it. He was so sad when we had to take it back and none of the local stores sell it. It is a spoof on video games and changes so it keeps their interest/attention. It not only goes through the entire alphabet, it goes through some phonics and the sounds the letters make - so it is helpful for learning.

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The Dictator - Rated



LOL
First of all, I dont see why so many people have given this a bad review... You must know what you are getting into before you watch it. Obviously there will be racy situations, poor judgement, awkward moments, and be offensive. This movie is hilarious (to me) All you people who got offended watching to movie why didn't you just turn it off? Every time I go to the theater to watch one of his movies people always are walking out... I ask myself, why the heck did you come in the first place? Seriously, this movie is not for the easily offended.

"Are you having a boy or an abortion?"
Sacha Baron Cohen does a great acting job in his latest film, "The Dictator." The gags are mostly good and although some are tacky and racist (with a few being crude) it still held my attention on a very rough day for me because it works as a parody of dictatorships. There is little about the plot and the film that I can add to the reviews already posted here; but I can certainly vouch for other reviewers who write that the film is actually pretty good entertainment, a parody and nothing truly offensive even if Sacha Baron Cohen is very daring when it comes to topics for jokes and gags.

The plot is not terribly deep; but it moves along well and you shouldn't get bored. Sacha Baron Cohen (who plays the brutal dictator of the fictional, northern African country named Wadiya) surrounds himself with excellent actors all turning in convincing performances that make the film even funnier. Sir Ben Kingsley plays Tamir, the rightful heir to the dictatorship occupied by his...

Soo funny and satirical!
For what it was, it was hilarious! A complete satire on terrorism and dictatorships. I feel this is a very underated movie and Sacha Baron Cohen has once again proved his comedic genius. This is one for the ages and will go down in history, like Dr. Strangelove. As for all the bad ratings, what can you say, true greatness is often misunderstood by the masses. Artistic Genius!

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The African Lion



Nature by Disney
I have fond memories of seeing the True Life Adventure films on the Disney TV show growing up, as well as in re-release in theatres, and this volume contains one of my favorites, BEAR COUNTRY. The other 3 films are also very enjoyable, with THE AFRICAN LION being a standout. These restored versions are lovely and really allow you to experience nature's majesty.

The extras are also quite good, especially FILMMAKER'S JOURNAL, which features recent interviews with people involved in making these movies. It's really amazing what these people went through to film these adventures.

These films helped form my love of nature as a child. Here's hoping they can still have that affect on kids today.

Olympic Elk is a family classic
My father referred to the classic Disney film "Olympic Elk" for several years. When the video finally became available on DVD, I bought a copy for him, and one for myself.

This film follows the life cycle of the elk which reside in Olympic National Park. The animal photography is excellent, especially considering the time it was produced. The remote setting is stunning. I visited the area with my son in 2007. We saw several elk ourselves, while there. Watching this video brings back special memories of that trip.

Don't miss this classic family film.

The Mother of All Nature Cinematography
The complete Walt Disney "True Life Adventures" series is now available on very high quality DVD. Nothing filmed since comes up to these. Buy them all, and sit down with your family for spell-binding entertainment. My vote for the highlight of Volume 3 is "Bear Country". It is set in Yellowstone National Park, and in addition to the bears, you get to see into the hole of a geyser.

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The Raid: Redemption



Non-Stop Violence And Excitement: Not Much Plot, But A Must-See For Action Movie Ethusiasts
"The Raid: Redemption" is a movie that pulls no punches. Or maybe that's all it pulls. It's been a long while since I've seen a film so relentless, so brutal, and so unapologetically violent. Writer/Director Gareth Evans' film is a non-stop barrage of fisticuffs, shoot-outs, and explosions. It is a well choreographed exercise in action movie mayhem and it succeeds wholly in its intentions. If you want a nuanced screenplay, in-depth characterizations, or an intricate plot--"The Raid: Redemption" might not be your first choice of entertainment. Don't get me wrong, I like and expect those things too. But if you give yourself over to the visceral experience of this down and dirty movie, it provides more thrills and excitement than a slate of Hollywood blockbusters. If you like action films, this micro-budgeted indie flick shot in Indonesia (yes, it's subtitled but, believe me, the dialogue is relatively minimal) has got to be on the top of your must-see list.

Evans...

Must-see for action/martial arts movie fans
Here's some fun math for you...This entire film cost as much to make as ~52 seconds of Transformers 3. I'll say that again. For the same price, you could make either a) the best action flick since John Woo's Hong Kong masterpieces, or b) 52 seconds of bloated PG13 mediocrity. Stunning.

In any case, the second collaboration between Gareth Evans, Iko Uwais, and Yayan Ruhian demonstrates just how far you can take the form. The plot is simple and straightforward, and set up with incredible economy. A few carefully edited scenes and a smattering of dialogue puts all the pieces in place, then it's 90-odd minutes of exquisitely crafted mayhem.

Technically, the film is very well shot. The camera work is both fluid and at times surprisingly creative (they pull off a great drop-down shot early on using one camera but two cameramen). Most importantly though, it's choreographed into the action itself. The camera is the 3rd (or 4th or 10th) player in the fight scenes,...

"You may have noticed we have some guests trawling the halls today..."
Writer/Director Gareth Evans learned his lesson from MERANTAU, his earlier collaboration with former truck driver and now budding martial arts star Iko Uwais. MERANTAU exhibited some first-rate martial arts mayhem but was crippled by Evans' meandering pace and flat explorations of the lead character's culture. In THE RAID: REDEMPTION (or "Serbuan maut") Evans sets us up with everything we need to know about premise and characters within the first five minutes. From then on, brother, it's best that you grab hold of something. Nerves will be jangled and eyes glued and behinds parked precariously on the edges of seats.

Sub-text and this film go together like Merchant Ivory cinema and Uwe Boll. And yet, sometimes, there's something to be said for guerrilla filmmaking. THE RAID: REDEMPTION is strictly no frills, production values-wise. But Gareth Evans makes the most of his shoestring budget and minimalist plot. He turns the focus on the action sequences. You know how, in...

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The Book of Life



Thought Provoking Meditation From Hal Hartley
One of the many speculations about Y2K was that the world was going to end at the stroke of midnight on December 31, 1999. In "The Book Of Life," writer/director Hal Hartley takes a look at the possible ramifications of a new millennium Armageddon, beginning with the return of Jesus to Earth on New Year's Eve, `99. The story examines the task of the Son of God, who must open the remaining three of the seven seals contained in the Book of Life (now contained in a Mac laptop computer), in which there is also the names of the one-hundred and forty-four thousand good souls who will be spared on the last day. Jesus (Martin Donovan), along with Magdalena (P.J Harvey), arrives in New York City to make the preparations necessary for carrying out his Father's will, but he begins to have second thoughts; must he judge the living and the dead? Do they deserve what must befall them? It is a cup He would prefer not to embrace at this particular moment, which gives encouragement to Satan...

Excellent New Years Eve Movie
This is a superb film by Hal Hartley. Part of a European project on views of the millenium, Hartley submits a film that only an American could make. It is very slick, due in part to his use of digital film. The music complements the scenes perfectly (and the soundtrack makes a great CD too!). The movie traces an introspective Jesus on New Years Eve trying to end the world (think of it as the old black and white The Horn Blows and Midnight redone for the 21st century). In presenting the story the movie is a travelogue for NYC- and has an excellent NY feel- from the hotel bar, to the times square music store, to the Russian restaurant (note that the lights say TRUTH and FAITH in Russian) and in the street. It is uniquely American (in the millenium film group) in that it plays off the city, the law, and the business deal to make its point.

This movie humanises Jesus, but at the same time avoids the intentional controversy around, say, a Last Temptation of Christ. In...

The Book Of Life - funny and thought-provoking
It is the rare indie film that a)is funny in a droll way b)is thought provoking c)is especially interesting for biblical scholars d)that is both directed by Hal Hartley and is short and e)manages to squeeze in a Yo La Tengo cameo. Such, however, is Book Of Life, a film that posits a kinder, gentler, Armaggedon. Jesus Christ arrives at the airport December 31, 1999. He's expected to open the 4th-7th seals on the Book of Life, thereby unleashing Armageddon. He begins to have second thoughts, however, as he looks around and examines humanity. This causes trouble with God's lawyers. Besides the uniformly excellent writing, this movie also recalls Michael Almereyda's Hamlet, in that both movies hold special delights for those well-acquainted with the source material. The movie, shot on a digital camera, doesn't suffer for it. For Hartley fans, well worth the investment.

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Jungle Cat



Exciting, educational and highly entertaining!!!
I saw this film several times in 1960. I can't forget it, and really want a copy for my grandchildren. I'm sure they'll like its accurate protrayal of a Jaguar's life in the jungle just as much as I do.

Best Nature Film ever Made
I have seen this film four times in movie theatre in the beginning of 60s and never seen better and more exiting nature adventure film. I would buy it to my children if it would be for sale. If someone know from where I can buy it please inform me Sincerelly Antero Kangas ak@oulu.fi

The Best Nature Film Ever Made
I have seen this film four times at 60s and want to buy it if available somewhere. Absolutely best and most exiting nature adventure film so far.

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Ten Who Dared



Brian Keith in western adventure
STORY: This western adventure is based on the true story of the 1869 scientific expedition of explorer U.S. Major John Wesley Powell (John Beal) travel a thousand miles to map the Colorado River in three boats, including through the treacherous rapids of the Grand Canyon. Civil war veterans of both sides are on the trip, and some old wounds are hard to heal. A nice element of the story is the smaller story of the dog who rescues the major. A group of 10 was formed for the expedition, including Bill Dunn (Brian Keith). The film shows some of the adventure, comradeship and conflict these men faced. Brian Keith is the standout here as the astronomer and is full of personality.

TRIVIA & BEHIND THE SCENES: Directed by William Beaudine. The film was released to theaters on October 18, 1960. The studio was always ahead in cross-promoting their products, and released a behind the scenes feature on the making of the movie to the weekly Disney anthology show that aired October 16,...

Brian Keith in western adventure by Disney
STORY: This western adventure is based on the true story of the 1869 scientific expedition of explorer U.S. Major John Wesley Powell (John Beal) travel a thousand miles to map the Colorado River in three boats, including through the treacherous rapids of the Grand Canyon. Civil war veterans of both sides are on the trip, and some old wounds are hard to heal. A nice element of the story is the smaller story of the dog who rescues the major. A group of 10 was formed for the expedition, including Bill Dunn (Brian Keith). The film shows some of the adventure, comradeship and conflict these men faced. Brian Keith is the standout here as the astronomer and is full of personality.

TRIVIA & BEHIND THE SCENES: Directed by William Beaudine. The film was released to theaters on October 18, 1960. The studio was always ahead in cross-promoting their products, and released a behind the scenes feature on the making of the movie to the weekly Disney anthology show that aired October 16,...

this one misses the boat.
for an adventure movie, this one is a real cream puff. the movie title promises great adventure and some history but ends up being a "looking for benji". boats running the rapids are not bad but cannot save this movie from sinking.

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