Mary's Reviews

Excellent

Too brutal for me. Loved the ending(s) but wasn't worth the agony of watching so much brutality to get there

Not really a movie for young kids, however I thought it was an inspiration.

Interesting, but no music. Lots of talking by others, but not the Beatles themselves.

If you enjoy quiet, reflective and thoughtful movies, this movie is brilliant for you. It's tragic, beautiful and heartwarming.

I should have read the synopsis "this program tells her incredible story". It does, but what I was hoping for was to see and hear some of her performances. At best there are a few seconds of performance and a whole lot of people talking about Adele. A very small amount of Adele speaking. This just wasn't what I was looking for, therefore 2 stars. Think she's an amazing singer and hope to find a dvd with her actually singing.

Beautiful. Loved it.

Great. Stuff I've not seen before. Fantastic version of the Beatles "Come Together"

Fascinating and very informative.

Usually really enjoy this kind of movie but found this quite plodding, nothing new. Sadly Whitney Houston lip-synched her songs. There are way better movies of this genre around.

Based on the biographical book by the main character, "Rocket Boys". I love a movie based on a true story, and this is no exception. Very good acting and an inspirational story.

If you like westerns, this is a classic. Excellent, convincing performances by all.

So much to learn from this movie. Beautifully done. Yes it is different, so if you don't like to think or be stirred, then this isn't your kind of movie.

Right up there on my list of beautiful, charming, heartwarming and feel good movies. Great performances and well put together.

I have always loved Talking Heads. They are off beat and quirky, and this movie is off beat and quirky for sure. If you like that sort of thing you'll probably enjoy this. Not everyone's cup of tea but some bits were real treasures.

The best. If all dogs had owners that practised what Cesar Millan teaches us, we'd have no problems.

Light entertainment. OK

Totally absorbed. Fine performances. Enjoyment was probably enhanced by watching the extras before the movie. Watched the extra with Sam Rockwell dancing several times, fantastic.

Excellent. Watch the extras. Having been aware of the genocide in Rwanda I've done my best to read about it and try to understand the ununderstandable. I tried to read the autobiography "Shake Hands with the Devil" of the commander of the UN we see in this movie. It was too harrowing. He's attempted suicide several times because of the helplessness and anger he felt towards the UN, the USA etc.. I see that Quickflix has the documentary of Shake Hands with the Devil, so I've added it to my queue. I live in a rural Australian city of 80,000 people, the people of my city would have been wiped out in 10 days, 8,000 people per day. It's only by accident of birth that we are born in this country, we are lucky aren't we, do we realize on a daily basis just how lucky we are?

Fun, feel good and enjoyed the music too.

I love dogs and really enjoyed this movie. Often with kids movies the acting is pretty ordinary, but this one well acted as well as being fun. A little bit of drama too - a good mix.

Have been fascinated with Charles Darwin for years, and read Origin of the Species over 30 years ago. I was aware of the reaction of the religious right wing "fundamentalists", but did Darwin kill God. Not by a long stretch. For people who believe in God but not religious dogma, Darwin's theory of evolution simply explains the complexity of creation, whether the creator is God or not. In 1992 the Church apologized for their attitude and suffering caused to Galileo who proved that rather than the sun revolving around the earth (the current Church thinking of the time), the earth was just one of the planets rotating around the sun. Galileo avoided punishment for his discovery by leaving the country, however one of his like minded associates was burned at the stake for heresy. This wonderful movie goes into Darwin, the man and his family. I enjoyed it very much.

I thought this would probably be a fairly shallow but enjoyable movie. Very pleasantly surprised. Rarely do you see such honesty. Josh Radnor did a great job of directing and starring in this lovely little gem. Anyway, really enjoyed this.

I was very disappointed. I've liked Harvey Keitel in many movies but in this he just overacted. His character wasn't strong, he was just a bully, absolutely no subtlley, so no guessing. His character attacked, didn't listen and blamed the guy he was investigating for absolutely every atrocity committed during WW2. The two assistants acted very well and the conductor was superb. There wasn't much to question because it was all too obvious. Harvey Keitel's character adopted some of the tactics of Gestapo interrogation. Could have been great, but just wasn't.

Beautiful. Exceptional. Any nature lover will find this a treasure.

Quite dated, but worth a watch. I think I would have found it funnier back in the days when I smoked dope! Still some good laughs

The acting was brilliant, both men and women. The story was good. I thought Duchovny would be the bad guy and Brad Pitt the good guy, the reverse was true, and Pitt played the part of a very sick serial killer so convincingly, I think it's one of his best roles ever. Duchovny didn't gain much insight into the highly disturbed mind of serial killers even thought he asked a lot of questions, this is probably a fault of the script rather than the actor. I have only given this movie two stars, not because it is a bad movie, it was a very good movie, however if you don't enjoy watching brutally dark natures being portrayed, this isn't the movie for you. It wasn't for me, I can watch the news if I want to see brutality.

Truly inspirational, very well acted. Accents were excellent. I am NOT a rugby fan, but the movie really wasn't about rugby but rather about forgiveness, being willing to change, team work, and belief in one's ability to extend beyond what you think you can achieve.

Brilliant. A must see if you love Bob's music. Great interview footage.

Great acting, interesting story. My housemate likes "boy movies" but he was bored and went to bed, I persevered for another hour, then turned it off. Too brutal and dark for me too.

A quiet, thoughtful, well acted movie with a surprise ending. I enjoyed it.

Very entertaining, truly the greatest of the great. Clint Eastwood very knowledgable and cruisy.

Okay, but not very gripping. A bit banal for my taste.

The acting was just shockingly awful from most of the cast, however I enjoyed the story and the dog. I was horrified at the outdated and cruel method of dog training.

Long term fan of "Footrot Flats" so seeing it animated was terrific, lots of fun.

Have seen his movies over the years. Very good documentary.

Enjoyed. Fun and a moral to the story.

Wonderful movie. Writer/director based the story on his own experience.

Funny with some good twists. Had very low expectations so was pleasantly surprised

Very good performances from a pedigree cast.

Unusual, quirky and beautiful

Beautiful.

They must have had so much fun making this movie, and that fun permeates the movie. Nowhere near the laughs and hilarity of "The Princess Bride" but enjoyable. A feel good movie

Magnificent, if you are an Otis Redding fan. Quite a short DVD but jam packed with his best.

Very well done, such a serious subject. I would probably give it 4 stars except I've watched a few too many dramas lately, need some comedic relief after all.

At first I thought "oh no, terrible acting" but hang in there, it gets better. Being a true story, which I was unaware of, made this a movie worth watching. Don't expect the standard of "Saving Private Ryan" and you won't be disappointed.

Most enjoyable.

I didn't look properly, this is a family movie and I was expecting something a lot more deep and meaningful. Good for a kids movie, which I normally enjoy, but honestly I found this very corny. Probably just disappointed from having expectations of a different kind of movie.

Magnificent movie, Sean Penn, Anjelica Houston, Jack Nicholson et al. Very powerful. Thoughtful and poignant. Don't watch if you just want to see blood, guts and action. This is for people who like to think and be educated, as well as entertained. Not everyone's cup of tea. Excellent in my book.

Some good oldies, worth checking out if you like the artists performing.

Very interesting story, well acted etc. etc.. Just a bit maudlin for me.

Dogs are so smart you don't need to pretend they are playing the piano (with fake paws!!!) and other corny stuff in this movie. The dog was really cool, but everything else was very ordinary. Much better dog movies around.

I didn't know what to expect. Yes this movie is quirky, it's also sweet, moving and one of the most enjoyable movies I've seen for a long time. Great to see a stellar cast in roles out of the norm for them. The kids were fantastic too.

Really, really, really bad and corny acting. A sweet story though.

very good

If you like lots of swearing, macho tough guy stuff, violence and shallow plot, then this is the movie for you. A tough boy movie.

Shed a few tears throughout this movie, very moving. Well done, and uplifting.

I normally love kids movies, however I just found this one just noisy. Probably great for young noisy boys.

Very well done, by all, actors and director. I've never been a fan of Madonna, but reading the other reviews decided to give the movie a go. Glad I did. Interesting perspective, loved the parallels, and ..... I won't spoil the ending.

Really enjoyed this. Good family entertainment and an example of good values. Cute dog too.

Great dancing. Bad movie. I tried to watch it 3 times, just in case I wasn't in the mood the 1st and 2nd times, but........

Enjoyed this. Had been warned about the language, and lousy reviews, so was pleasantly surprised. My housemate and I laughed out loud at times.

Interesting enough information but I was really wanting to hear more of Lou's music. There were just snippets of songs. If you want biographical info, then this DVD is good.

I'm an adult and enjoyed this much more than expected. Reckon kids will love it - if they are animal lovers. Good message too

My housemate and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie

Excellent movie. Don't watch if you are depressed though.

If you are a fan of Sarah Brightman in all her styles, you'll enjoy this.

Might have been in the wrong mood, but found this silly, slapslick and shallow

Very well done. Loved the cast and the quality of acting. Although thrillers are not my usual choice of genre, this had great depth to the story.

Loved this. Had goosebumps with the co-operation shown in a truly epic global effort.

Sweet movie. Starts a bit oddly, but get to know the characters, gather the threads of the story, and enjoy.

Not enough of his music for me, just bits and pieces. Having said that, an excellent documentary, what an amazing musical legend, and endearing too.

For animal lovers. Sweet, well done, heartwarming

Rarely do I watch a movie twice, but I'll watch this again soon.

If you love Bob Marley this is an excellent DVD. The special features item is interesting recommended viewing too.

loved it

This is not a "Scary Horror" movie, so if that's a genre you like, then this IS NOT the movie for you. Both my housemate and I were really glad to have seen this movie, based on a true story. An important subject for those who know that education can heal the blight of prejudice and ignorance. Bradley Cooper has clearly chosen to do a movie that reflects his ethics.

Very well done, excellent sound track. A little too maudlin for me.

Gotta be honest, got this movie to see Robert Pattinson. I've enjoyed everything he's done. This movie was really well acted by all, but I just didn't enjoy the tone of the movie. It was hard, cut throat, all about manipulation of people, and that's just not my cup of tea. Is this a good movie, yes I think so, but I just didn't enjoy it.

Read the book about 30 years ago and the movie brought back how great it was. Great message for everyone. Excellent performaances. Only watch if you want to be inspired.

Feel good, based on a true story. Inspirational and heartwarming.

Loved it. Some laughs and meaningful too. Dogs were fantastic.

Inane nonsense. Just not my cup of tea.

Interesting to get Tom's background. Lots of people talking about him. Would have enjoyed much more of his music though.

Quietly sweet, some laugh out loud moments. Enjoyed very much.

Only made it through one and a half episodes then turned it off. We didn't even chuckle, not a single laugh. Neither British nor American humour. Maybe perseverence would pay off like the last reviewer said.

Loved it.

Had me totally absorbed all the way through. Little boy with probable Aspergers played brilliantly, all supporting roles beautifully done.

Beautifully done.

A treasure. The dog is the star.

One of the best documentaries I've seen. Much abused as a child, this man turned his life around and has made a huge contribution to the well being of four legged animals and two legged animals.

An enjoyable movie with fine performances. Not in the same league as "The Valley of Elah" which had such a powerful message, but still worth a look.

Didn't enjoy. Subtitles were too small for me to read comfortably. Ended up turning it off. Looking at the other reviews maybe I should have sat a bit closer to the tele and persevered. Oh well....

So pleased to have watched this unusual, quirky feast.

Excellent. No-one judged, just said it how it is for many soldiers returning from war. Great performances from a stellar cast

Found this to be depressing and not enjoyable. Not my cup of tea, but may be yours. Actually turned it off well before the end, something I haven't done for a long time.

OK. Not great but if you really like country music you'll enjoy this.

Heartfelt performance by one of the best voices in the business. Loved this DVD

Very well done. Don't watch it if you are depressed, it's a tragic story based on real people and events. Amazingly brave journalists, I thank all ethical journalists.

Wonderful. One of the most enjoyable movies I've ever seen and I'm 56 years old!

Nice but not great. Very short. If you want to see some legends in a big concert situation, Live Aid is much more exciting

Excellent movie. I've seen this and heard snippets of this remarkable woman. Claire Danes was incredibly empathic in her portrayal. If you watched the horrifying presentation on Four Courners of the sickening treatment of cattle we send off to Indonesia to be slaughtered in the most terrifying and shameful conditions, in Australian "designed" (designed for pain) equipment, you would have seen Temple Grandin commenting on the cruelty and shocking design. As she says often during the movie, "nature can be cruel but we don't have to be." Julia Ormond was exquisite as Temple Grandin's mother. A must see.

Great energy, music for the soul. Says this is a 3 disc set but only 2 discs sent. Luminaries, as Carlos calls them, include some of the greatest musos in the world.

Really surprised how much I enjoyed this movie considering the sport is so violent. Lots of story and excellent cast

Not into baseball but thought the performances were excellent. Good story

Really well done. Couldn't imagine little kids enjoying it though, quite violent and frightening in parts.

Until I watched this wonderful movie I had thought that the Mau Mau was a terrible group of people creating and causing bloodshed and terror, just for the sheer thrill of it, the bad guys. After watching the movie I decided to do some research. I am 56 years old and have only just realized at least part of the truth, and once again realized how powerful propaganda is. My brother still believes that the Vietnam war was about keeping communism from Australia! That was the propaganda of the time. I'm thankful to this movie for prompting me to go on a journey of discovery. Once again the British were brutal and bloodthirsty in their quest to conquer. A truly inspirational story, well acted with simplicity and great dignity.

Not the best of John Lennon I've seen, a bit too much irrelevant chatter, but well worth the watch.

Delightful

Well acted, good dog story for anyone who appreciates dogs. Enjoyed

Nice enough but not great. The dog seems a token character so don't bother if you love dogs. First scene, the water supply has broken down in the apartment so the girl uses the dog’s water from his water bowl to rinse her hair, leaving the dog without any water to drink while she rushes out to a job interview then lunch! The dog never goes for a walk. A bit corny but a good message of giving.

Great cast and director. Very moving and beautiful.

I had been reluctant to get this movie because I'm just not a fan of Woody Allen films, but this I totally enjoyed. Romantic, feel good, great music and wonderful storyline.

Uplifing, funny, powerful. A great cast of kids.

Who wouldn't love the eye candy, Ryan Gosling and George Clooney? Worth the viewing. Tragic, no-one happy in the end. Compromising one's values and ethics tarnishes the feeling of achieveing one's goals.

Good movie for 9 - 13 year old kids. Nothing earth shattering but a good message.

If you want lots of laughs and action, wrong movie. If you want excellent acting, a slow burning, moving story, some humour and with great flavour, right movie.

If you are a fan of blues music, this movie is for you. If you are a fan of the Blues Brothers movie and/or music, this movie is for you too.

Another Scorcese masterpiece. A feast for the senses. The guest performers were/are all such classics. I also watched several times, both lots of commentaries and then wish subtitles. I've learned that the words I was singing weren't the actual lyrics! Loved it.

A sweet movie for very young kids, 3 - 5 years old.

If you are not an animal lover, then don't bother. However if you do love animals and nature and beautiful scenery, this is a delightful movie. Funny little scene put in there when the baby bear trips on magic mushies!

Lovely movie for a horse crazy young person. Sweet, nothing much to it.

Perhaps not an accurate account of what went on however, sadly, an example of how the we in the world sit back and let atrocities occur, especially in countries which don't have oil, or other commodities we in the west "treasure". War attracts thugs, no matter what nationality, who flock to arenas where they can act out their violent fantasies without fear of retribution. Having said that, often the most difficult and confronting circumstances can bring out the best in humanity. It's all a matter of the choices we make. A thought provoking movie with a powerful message.

If you are a Dire Straits or Mark Knopfler fan, you'll love this. Intimate concert venue, no fuss camera work, and gorgeous music. Plenty of familiar tunes, some with new twists, with some new songs to enjoy too.

Simple fun. Easy to watch.

Really need to be a big sports fan to enjoy this.

Too much jibberjabber and not enough music. I do enjoy when there are interviews and information but the talk in this was just jibberjabber,

Enjoyable. A bit of fun but that's all.

Usually enjoy movies that address serious issues but not rapt with this one. Dull and slow.

I love horses, I love the country, I love feel good movies and I don't mind if the movie is a bit amateur in style if it has all the previous ingredients, but this movie is awful. Really bad acting, achingly slow and I didn't bother to finish watching it. Not a movie kids would enjoy either.

Lighthearted and fun.

Beautifully done, inspiring and intersting

Simple and sweet. Good messages for kids.

A bit juvenile and some stilted overacting but all can be forgiven with Taylor Lautner as eye candy. Worth a watch

If you like Bob Dylan, you'll love this. Pure performance, no chat and great backup musicians.

Excellent performances, thought provoking and entertaining.

I love wolves and rustic stories but this was one of the most amateur movies I've seen. Just bearable. Considering that all the actors gave stilted performances I guess it was just very poor direction.

Delightful

Lovely

Enjoyed this so much that when it got to the end I started it at the beginning again. Great to see how the Coast Guard works, brave people. Kevin and Ashton both perfect for the roles, and lovely eye candy!

Wish I hadn't bothered. A dreary movie, no inspiration, no laughs, very dull.

Loved this. Great music from one of Australia's finest.

My dog died just threeweeks weeks ago and I thought this movie might just be too sad, but it wasn't. I loved it, yes, have a couple of tissues handy, but really and uplifting, funny, romantic and interesting true story. Well done. The "special features" were well worth a look too.

A bit soapy. Ok. Seen it all before.

Interviews with Tina, other musos, a bit of biography and lots of Tina. Fantastic

Don't bother. Loved "Princess Bride" and was looking forward to another brilliantly funny and clever treat, but just lots of off language (lack of language skills???) but got so bored with the inanity of it all I didn't finish watching it. Rarely been so bored.

Very well done Sngmoo Lee. One of the best. Great entertainment

Fantastic rhythm, some pieces I played over and over and a few laughs too. Poetry in tapdance. Great entertainment.

Excellent movie. Probably not for little kids, teenagers plus for sure. I'm 55 and loved it. Great messages. The boy playing the lead was fantastic, great co-ordination and poise. I too hope there is a sequel.

Ryan Gosling beautiful. The complete cast was excellent. Loved the plot and the sensitive unfolding.

Very well done. Big Denzel fan and once again he's magnificent. Important subject.

Very interesting, really well acted and kept me fascinated to the end.

Not much music but lots of interesting information. Worth a watch if you are a Muse fan

Joe Cocker at his most excellent. Saw him live in concert years ago and he's even better now. Can't stop watching it over and over.

A fine cast, spectacular scenery and an interesting storyline. Good viewing.

Good story with a messge. Maybe not for little kids, but then it is rated PG.

Great entertainer, great concert. Pure talent.

Acting was excellent, the boy was outstanding, so was Kevin.

A gem

Intimate performance, beautiful songs and delivery

Thought this might just be a typical "all action, do depth" movie. Was pleasantly surprised.

Clint Eastwood weaves his magic again. Loved it.

LOVE Prince, but this was a bit dull. Ok but not great, I thought.

Thought this would just be a nice feel good movie but pleasantly surprised by the depth and layers to this movie, well acted.

Not for the light hearted. A serious movie, beautifully crafted.

Quirky, beautiful, entertaining, funny, touching and beautiful

Ejoyed this one. Good story, good acting.

If you are a fan of Santana you'll love this DVD. High energy with special guests performing with Carlos Santana. Love to be in the audience, but this is the next best thing.

Didn't enjoy at all. Thought I might have enjoyed the ballet but that was very limited. Usually enjoy Natalie Portman's acting but just thought the whole story was implausible and frankly quite boring.

Sweet

Not a feel good movie but certainly worth watching for excellent acting and direction. Gripping story. Have a happy movie to watch straight after, you'll need cheering up.

A great old fashioned feel good movie. Interesting story and the wolf made it even more enjoyable. Lovely seeing such a young John Cusack.

A must view for animal lovers. Friends, family and practitioners who know any autistic children/adults will gain understanding, compassion and hope.

If you don't already love and respect elephants, you will after watching this family through generations over years and years.

Beautiully done. Quietly and brilliantly acted. Powerful message. I loved it and will be pondering on it for quite some time, maybe until we have a generation that chooses to be great.

Great DVD. I'm going looking to buy a copy. Played it over and over, and danced around the house. Spectacular singing, musicians and show.

Loved this movie. Great to get the story behind the story of Winnie the Pooh. Laughed and cried.

Fabulous, joyous, humorous, poignant and very entertaining. If you enjoy tribal rhythms and showmanship, you'll love this. The live performance is filmed in a theatre with wonderful acoustics. Couldn't watch the documentary due to faulty disc but I've asked for a replacement because I'm sure it will be fascinating.

Loved this movie. Great messages, great dog and a wonderful cast.

Just okay

The last two countries are wonderful viewing, India and Iceland. Glad I persisted because I didn't enjoy the first two at all, Morocco and Argentina, and nearly didn't bother to keep watching. The narrator was very ordinary, just words no heart, and a tedious delivery. I love horses and the episodes on Morocco and Argentina were more of an anthropological exploration of how humans have used horses in their culture. India and Iceland showed these beautiful creatures enjoying their lives.

A must see. One person persisting in his commitment to make a difference. Shocking, inspiring.

Sad, sad, sad. The things we do to one another. Don't know whether to recommend this movie or not. Good movie if you don't already know war is cruel, unnecessary and brings out the worst in humans. Special features probably says it all.

Not a PG movie for sure, EXCEPT if you have child who is not run-of-the mill and feels isolated. Even then, parent/s should watch with the kids for understanding and reassurance. Beautifully acted by the whole cast.

You can learn heaps more about this extraordinary man just having a look at the internet. Sadly, I thought his movie skimmed through without any depth.

Very well done. Acting strong, lots of messages in this movie.

DVD faulty and this almost totally destroyed any viewing pleasure. The first concert I ever saw was Cat Stevens and from what little could be seen on the DVD he's still fantastic, perhaps even more enjoyable because of the depth of the life experiences he's had in the meantime. If the DVD had been fully watchable I'd have given it 5 stars

The bonus features just as good as the movie. Heartwrenching and heartwarming Great for kids and adults. A reminder that we humans don't have to be selfish and stupid, we can change and make better, kinder, wiser choices. Tigers beautiful to watch.

Classic music performed with love and talent by various very talented artists. A great reminder of the practical, profound philosophies of John Lennon. Mostly music with just enough relevant talk and backdrop photos.

Beautifully done. Just got the book from the library, apparently even better than the movie. Definitely worth seeing the movie though.

Great fun. Looks like the whole crew had fun making this and it permeates the movie.

Not for everyone. A slow and thoughful story that stays with you. Beautiful scenery, a family with really inspirational views and sound ethics. Would love to see ten years on to see the results of exceptional parenting.

A trip down memory lane, fantastic music, choreography and dancing. Fosse made a unique contribution to dance and so wonderful to see this documentary that had be dancing, singing and laughing

Stellar cast. Don't think it matters whether one is gay or not, this is a profound movie. Great acting.

Even though this movie may appear to be slow moving, I was totally absorbed from the beginning. Beautifully acted and senstive direction. Also loved the drumming.

If you love dogs and magnificent scenery you'll enjoy this movie very much. Wouldn't recommend it for kids though, life was rough, hard drinking, fighting, dogs attacking dogs and some not so nice characters. I got it to share with the 6, 8 and 10 year old kids I babysit and I'm glad I watched some of it to see if it was suitable and decided that it wasn't. However I enjoyed it heaps.

Beautiful. An inspiration. Good mix of music and talk.

If you enjoy Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds you'll love this. I played it over and over. Very passionate performances.

Highly recommend checking out the special features. Even more interesting and informative than the main feature.

Do not bother. Very disappointing. Poor acting, very poor story line. A no star rating for this movie. Black Beauty is a classic, this show is embarrassing.

Loved this funny, sensitive and romantic movie. An enjoyable opportunity to expand one's understanding of the intrinsic worth of people who experience life at a different frequency.