DVD Collectors Online

The Preacher's Wife, a review by Rich

8/12

preacher's wife



In this updating of 1947's "The Bishop's Wife," a Baptist preacher unknowingly pays too much attention to his congregation, and not enough to his dedicated wife and son. Enter Dudley, a flirtatious, sharp-dressed angel, to help the couple build a new church and, not incidentally, reignite their marriage. Academy Award Nominations: Best Original Musical or Comedy Score.

A total blind buy but bought for the cast list, it was surprisingly good and a perfect uplifting xmas story. My preconception was that it would be about an illicit affair, and it was headed that way at the beginning, but with a very well-written and thoughtful twist everything turns out fine.
Brilliantly produced parody on all things spiritual and with a genuinely meaningful moral undercurrent, it is definately a keeper. 




(From 25 Days of Christmas on December 9th, 2008)

This Boy's Life, a review by Rich

This Boy's Life



For Toby Wolff and his divorced mom Caroline, 1950s life wasn't all fun and games. These two free spirits and cross-country travellers settle in the Pacific Northwest, where life will be better. They hope.
This Boy's Life, the Wolffs' true story, "is every boy's life," the Los Angeles Times' Kenneth Turan wrote. The dynamic teaming of Robert De Niro (Analyze This, Meet the Parents), Ellen Barkin (The Big Easy, Sea of Love) and Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic, Gangs of New York) sparks this funny, touching slice-of-life drama that pits rebellious teen Toby (DiCaprio) against his tyrannical new stepfather Dwight (De Niro). Directed by Michael Caton-Jones (Memphis Belle, City by the Sea), This Boy's Life is one to remember.

What a tremendous feeling to discover a film in your collection that you continually overlook, to finally view it, and find it is an absolute corker.
Hats off to DiCaprio as this movie shows his true talent as an actor, he actually outshines DeNiro which one can rarely say.
The film itself is a true story, is very moving and at times totally shocking. DeNiro as Dwight the stepfather who bullied and mentally tortured the boy, mostly away from others eyes and ears, is frighteningly menacing and you thoroughly hate this character by the end of the film. Barkin as the desperate mother looking for a normal man is superb, and you ache for her happiness. All of the supporting cast do a great job, Blechman in particular as Tobys friend is a great character.
A frightening depiction of 'family' life that still goes on today, is raised above the average stakes by DiCaprios amazing and moving performance. The fight scene in the kitchen between stepfather and Toby will stay in my mind for a long time. A gem of a dvd to own.
 


**Carla Gugino mini-marathon


(From Riches Random Reviews on August 6th, 2009)

Angel Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

17. Disharmony
Original Air Date: 4/17/2001
While the crew tracks down a cult of vampires led by a former motivational speaker with a wicked pyramid scheme, Cordelia gets a surprise visit from her old high-school buddy Harmony. Unaware her flaky pal's a bloodsucker, Cordy mistakes Harm's strange behavior for lesbianism---until the truth comes out, so to speak, in a call to Willow. Much to the dismay of her co-workers, the ever loyal Cordelia resolves to give her undead friend a chance at fighting for the good guys.

Guest Stars:
Mercedes McNab
Pat Healy
Alyson Hannigan

My Thoughts:
This one is more a fun, comedic episode. And it definitely is funny. Brittany joined me watching this one... and she was laughing so hard she couldn't even breath. It was definitely hilarious seeing Cordelia confusing Harmony being a vampire with being a lesbian. And even more so when she goes on about it to Willow over the phone.

My Rating:

(From Angel Marathon on March 9th, 2010)