- GUNNIN' FOR THAT #1 SPOT 2 DISC SET (DVD MOVIE)
World War I aviation action gets an impressive digital upgrade in Flyboys, a welcome addition to the "dogfight" sub-genre that includes such previous war-in-the-air films like Hell's Angels, Wings, and The Blue Max. While those earlier films had the advantage of real and genuinely dangerous flight scenes (resulting, in some cases, in fatal accidents during production), Flyboys takes full (and safe) advantage of the digital revo! lution, with intensely photo-realistic recreations of WWI aircraft, authentic period structures, and CGI environments requiring a total of 850 digital effects shots, resulting in an abundance of amazing images, many of them virtually indistinguishable from reality. Unfortunately, the film's technical achievement is more impressive than its screenplay, which conventionally and predictably tells the fact-based story, set in France in 1916, of the daring young pilots of the Lafayette Escadrille, a pioneering French air-combat unit that welcomed American enlistees prior to the United States' entry into the war.
There's a familiar cliché to match every thrilling scene of aerial combat, but director Tony Bill manages to keep it all interesting, from the romance between a young American maverick (James Franco) and a pretty French girl (newcomer Jennifer Decker) to the exciting action in the air, which includes a stock variety of heroes (many of them composites of real-lif! e WWI pilots) and an intimidating villain known only as "The B! lack Fal con," whose Fokker Dr-1 triplane (one of many in the film) recalls the exploits of German "ace of aces" Manfred von Richtofen, the dreaded "Red Baron" of legend. With impeccable production values that will impress even the most nit-picking aviation buffs, Flyboys (like Superman Returns and Apocalypto, also released in 2006) was also one of the first feature films to be shot with Panavision's state-of-the-art Genesis digital cameras, resulting in beautiful images that meet or exceed the visual nuance of film. Flyboys also benefits from painstaking attention to physical detail, making it easier to forgive its shortcomings as a generic and formulaic slice of romanticized history. So while some viewers may have wished for a more realistic and grown-up depiction of the Lafayette Escadrille, it's safe to say that Flyboys will be thrilling its target audience for many years to come. --Jeff Shannon
Extras ! from Flyboys
Director Tony Bill on Filming Dogfight Sequences | ...On throwing away the script for pilot training | ...On the real-life stunt pilot who stars in the film |
Beyond Flyboys
More "War in t! he Sky" Films | SPA124 Lafayette Escadrille: American Volunteer Airmen in World War 1 | More "Military and War" Films |
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FLYBOYS is the true story of young American airmen who were shot down over Chichi Jima. Eight of these young men were captured by Jap! anese troops and taken prisoner. Another was rescued by an American submarine and went on to become president. The reality of what happened to the eight prisoners has remained a secret for almost 60 years. After the war, the American and Japanese governments conspired to cover up the shocking truth. Not even the families of the airmen were informed what had happened to their sons. It has remained a mystery--until now. Critics called James Bradley's last book "the best book on battle ever written." FLYBOYS is even better: more ambitious, more powerful, and more moving. On the island of Chichi Jima those young men would face the ultimate test. Their story--a tale of courage and daring, of war and of death, of men and of hope--will make you proud, and it will break your heart.
First, he bound and beat his girlfriend, a 43-year-old librarian. Then he went after her teenaged daughter--warning her, "Scream and I will kill you both"--before knocking her unconscious. When the teenager awoke, he proceded to rape her. And in a final horrifying act of depravity, he forced the girl to watch as he slit her mother's throat. But the killing didn't stop there. . .
In The Crosshairs Of A Killer. . .
Stephen Stanko was described as "a perfect gentleman" who "seemed so pl! easant. . .and so normal." But behind Stanko's mild-mannered appearance, round spectacles, and quiet intelligence was a coldblooded ex-convict who kept a grisly scrapbook on serial killers--and convinced everyone he was a nice guy--until he killed and killed again.
On The Trail Of A Psycho. . .
A well-orchestrated manhunt caught up with Stanko, who tried to get away with his crimes by pleading insanity. But the jury saw through his ruse and the ruthless killer was sentenced to death.
Case Seen On 48 Hours
Includes 16 Pages of Shocking PhotosIn The Hands Of A Sadist. . .
First, he bound and beat his girlfriend, a 43-year-old librarian. Then he went after her teenaged daughter--warning her, "Scream and I will kill you both"--before knocking her unconscious. When the teenager awoke, he proceded to rape her. And in a final horrifying act of depravity, he forced the girl to watch as he slit her mother's throat. But the killing didn't stop ! there. . .
In The Crosshairs Of A Killer. . .
Step! hen Stan ko was described as "a perfect gentleman" who "seemed so pleasant. . .and so normal." But behind Stanko's mild-mannered appearance, round spectacles, and quiet intelligence was a coldblooded ex-convict who kept a grisly scrapbook on serial killers--and convinced everyone he was a nice guy--until he killed and killed again.
On The Trail Of A Psycho. . .
A well-orchestrated manhunt caught up with Stanko, who tried to get away with his crimes by pleading insanity. But the jury saw through his ruse and the ruthless killer was sentenced to death.
Case Seen On 48 Hours
Includes 16 Pages of Shocking PhotosYou slipped into my life as easily as vermouth into a glass of gin, purrs reclusive singing star Angela Arden, as played by camp icon Charles Busch ("Psycho Beach Party"). Arden is not only haunted by a secret, she's treated like dirt by her louse of a husband (Phillip Baker Hall, "Boogie Nights"), her snoopy maid (Frances Conroy, "Six Feet Under! "), and her petulant daughter (Natasha Lyonne, "Slums of Beverly Hills"). Only her mentally defective son (Stark Sands) and a well-endowed gigolo (Jason Priestley, "Beverly Hills 90210") treat her with love and affection. Is it any wonder she takes drastic action to improve her life? Replete with lurid sex, incestuous overtones, a poisoned suppository, musical numbers, an acid freakout, and black-and-white flashbacks, "Die Mommie Die!" lovingly sends up movie soap operas. The tone is uneven, but Busch skillfully walks a razor-sharp line throughout. "--Bret Fetzer""You slipped into my life as easily as vermouth into a glass of gin," purrs reclusive singing star Angela Arden, as played by camp icon Charles Busch (Psycho Beach Party). Arden is not only haunted by a secret, she's treated like dirt by her louse of a husband (Phillip Baker Hall, Boogie Nights), her snoopy maid (Frances Conroy, Six Feet Under), and her petulant daughter (Natasha Ly! onne, Slums of Beverly Hills). Only her mentally defec! tive son (Stark Sands) and a well-endowed gigolo (Jason Priestley, Beverly Hills 90210) treat her with love and affection. Is it any wonder she takes drastic action to improve her life? Replete with lurid sex, incestuous overtones, a poisoned suppository, musical numbers, an acid freakout, and black-and-white flashbacks, Die Mommie Die! lovingly sends up movie soap operas. The tone is uneven, but Busch skillfully walks a razor-sharp line throughout. --Bret FetzerMommy Silhouette It's A Baby - 20 Personalized Baby Shower Die-Cut Card Stock Tags is the perfect addition to your baby shower. Price: $5.99 - Mommy Silhouette It's A Baby - 20 Personalized Baby Shower Die-Cut Card Stock Tags. We are a one stop baby shower shop that offers everything you need for your party; including baby shower invitations, favors, tableware, games and more!Mommy-To-Be Caucasian - 20 Personalized Baby Shower Die-Cut Card Stock Tags is the perfect addition to your baby shower. Pr! ice: $5.99 - Mommy-To-Be Caucasian - 20 Personalized Baby Shower Die-Cut Card Stock Tags. We are a one stop baby shower shop that offers everything you need for your party; including baby shower invitations, favors, tableware, games and more!Quick and easy way to add a title to a scrapbook page. Made of light- weight, laser cut, brushed metal. Approximate length is 8-1/2-inch.
Stills from Frozen River (click for larger image)
Stills from Frozen River (click for larger image)
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Stills from The Visitor (click for larger image)
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Beyond The Visitor
On Blu-ray | Soundtrack CD | Also directed by Tom McCarthy |
The book behind the Academy award-winning film starring Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.
Opening in theaters November 20, 2009, The Blind Side is a feature movie based on Michaelâs Lewisâs New York Times bestseller, produced by Alcon Entertainment and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The Blind Side tells the inspirational story of Michael Oher, a homeless black teen taken under the wing of the Touhys, a wealthy white Memphis family. Oherâs size and speed on the football field bring him accolades. But learning the gameâs strategy and making it as a student take the help of his new family, coaches, and tutor.