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- Review count126
- Helpfulness votes68
- First reviewSeptember 26, 2014
- Last reviewDecember 21, 2017
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- First answerNovember 26, 2017
- Last answerNovember 26, 2017
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![The Descendants [Blu-ray] [2011]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/4818/4818044_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
Great movie, Missleading Trailer
on July 24, 2015
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
Directed by the creator of the Oscar-winning SIDEWAYS, The Descendants starts when Matt King, a "back-up" father (his words) must slow down his career to take care of his two daughters (17 and 11) while his wife is in the hospital in a comma caused by a boat accident. Soon we learn, his wife, spurned by Matt's long absences and indifference, was having an affair. Matt and his older daughter decide to search for this man they never met dragging along the younger girl and the oldest girl's boyfriend, and, of course, the viewer.
The Descendants has many things going for it. George Clooney, for one, beautiful views of two of the islands of Hawaii, a strong story that does not shy away from reality and avoids the sugarcoating so prevalent in Hollywood movies, and great acting from all the actors including the aforementioned Mr. Clooney.
Yet, I cannot say I loved it.
Why? Because it is a realistic take on fatherhood and marriage and, after watching the trailer, I expected something lighter.
This is not the movie's fault. The Descendants is a serious movie and that's perfectly all right. I like serious movies. But not when I am expecting something else.
So, now that you know, please go and enjoy. It's worth seeing. Just don't go for the laughs.
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Book of Life [DVD] [2014]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1238/1238003_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
The 'Dead' have never been more ALIVE
on July 24, 2015
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
Masterfully utilizing the full-palette of exuberant imagination (espousing the fine-Art of Joy in particular!). This Mexican-flavored animated dream-scape (also captured in sharply-vibrant 3-D) is unexpectedly entertaining & multi-layered (in terms of Story). It was written & envisioned by Mexican animator Jorge Gutiérrez, but most of the actual computer-animation work for "The Book of Life" was done by 'Reel FX Creative Studios' (located in Dallas, Texas).
But the main reason I wanted to see this film, was because it had been mentioned that super-creative-auteur Guillermo del Toro (of "Pan's Labyrinth" "The Devil's Backbone" and "Pacific Rim" fame), hand-selected this special animation project to co-produce! I surmised by this, that Gutiérrez's "Book of Life" might therefore share at least some of del Toro's Hyper-imaginative vision (with an intrinsically meaningful modern-day morality-play in the mix, for good measure) ==> and was not disappointed, in the least!
It's hard to say too much about this story, without giving away too much (since it has more than a few twists along the way). But suffice to say that it covers all of the following, and more:
a) the power of friendship, camaraderie, and even true love, that can last a Life-time, and beyond!
b) the unpayable debt, and infinite gratitude we owe to our endlessly long-line of ancestors/antecedents (but for whose grace, none of us would even be here!)
c) the gifts of joyful exuberance brought to our American shores by Latin-Mexican culture ==> who else could turn the potentially somber 'Day of the Dead' into a colorful fun-fest befitting the best Mardi-Gras! (seriously, there were moments in this film where I couldn't help but think that the 'Dead' characters appeared to be having a lot more fun than the 'Living' and were also a lot more charismatic/photogenic?!
Anyway, highly recommended ==> setting a very different (upbeat/uplifting) mood for Halloween!! (these 'Dead' could really cheer our downtrodden-World up, more than a bit!)
note: of course I also very much appreciated the many Musical references masterfully applied throughout this Film (and the proverbial power of 'Guitar vanquishing Sword' during one of the key segments!)
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Book of Life [2 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2014]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1223/1223012_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Breath-takingly Gorgeous with a Dash of Mexican Fl
on July 24, 2015
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
We can all appreciate the brilliant and gorgeous animated films of Disney, Pixar, or Dreamworks, but let's be honest that they all kind of look and feel the same. They're either selling toys or retelling old fairy tales, and while that doesn't diminish how good they are the animated field has been in desperate need of a kick in the pants for a long time. Actually, what it needed was a dash of spice, or in the case of the visually breath-taking The Book of Life, a dash of Mexican flavor.
Directed with obvious passion by Jorge Gutierrez, The Book of Life is a smorgasbord for the eyes, bursting with colors and energy like an overstuffed piñata. It's good to see a film that doesn't try to diminish its Latin heritage, but embraces it in a universal story of love and friendship based on the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, the "Day of the Dead". The story begins simply enough, both narratively and visually, with a museum tour guide (Christina Applegate) introducing a group of kids to a very special exhibit. The story she tells involves powerful gods, best friends, magical realms, and lots of music. It follows the friendship of the passionate Manolo (Diego Luna), the spirited Maria (Zoe Saldana), and heroic Joaquin (Channing Tatum), all of whom are burdened by their families' expectations. Manolo has the heart of a musician but comes from a long line of brave bullfighters, while Joaquin was born to protect the town from a scourge of bandits. Once this part of the story gets into gear, the animation switches to something unlike anything we've seen before, with decorative wooden models reflecting the characters' personalities, and worlds that are never less than festive.
The boys may be pals but they both desire Maria's love, and that's when two scheming gods see fit to make a gamble on the outcome. The villainous Xibalba (voiced by Ron Perlman, confidante of producer Guillermo Del Toro) bets on the brave Joaquin, while his wife La Muerte (Kate de Castillo) chooses Manolo, with control over the "Land of the Remembered" the prize. Fearing he may lose the wager, Xibalba gives Joaquin a special medal imbuing him with courage and invulnerability, which he uses to become a greater hero than his legendary father. Manolo becomes a bullfighter who refuses to kill the animals he faces, bringing shame to the family. When a grown up Maria returns to town, they begin competing for her heart once again, and the gods can't help themselves from meddling.
A fun selection Latin-flavored renditions of Mumford & Sons, Radiohead, and Biz Markie hits give the film a distinct sound, and is a smart way to embrace multiple cultures maximum appeal. You can sense Del Toro's influence in every frame, especially when Manolo is forced to descend into the "Land of the Remembered" and the "Land of the Forgotten"; one a carnivale of colors the other a gloomy wasteland. But the real find here is Gutierrez in his feature debut, and in The Book of Life he's created an animated film with so much passion and soul it deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as The Lego Movie, and at least for me it's even better. You can feel the love for his Mexican heritage in every character, from the luchadore-masked priests to the goofy mariachi bands. There's so much to take in that it's impossible to catch it all at once. Fortunately for us, The Book of Life is destined to go the way of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas as an annual holiday classic.
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Sandlot [20th Anniversary Edition] [2 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD] [1993]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8814/8814689_sa.jpg)
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
This was a great coming of age film that I cannot believe is now 20! My kids had never seen this, so I was excited to share the movie with them. Then loved the part in the movie with the monster dog, but I have to say that there is so much more to the movie than that. The movie is a great balance of humor and topics that kids today can relate to. The movie was well crafted and had a great cast. In watching this again I kind of question "where are they now" for a number of the cast members! This is a family fun movie that your whole family will enjoy, and this is a great commemorative edition to recognize the 20 great years since it first came out.
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Hustler [Blu-ray] [1961]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6366/6366067_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Great because it is the opposite of Color of Money
on July 24, 2015
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
Many people who saw the slick and stylish Scorcese creation Color of Money didn't even realize that Eddie Felson already existed on the silver screen in The Hustler. What many people tell me when they find out and see The Hustler is that either they hated it or loved it. That's because while Color of Money is smooth, slick, smooth, and polished, The Hustler is raw, biting, and powerful and so by definition it is not for everyone. Color of Money is more about visual effects and music, which is classic Scorcese, though there's no real substance. Scorcese himself has said in interviews that movies like Goodfellas were close to his heart, but Color of Money was just a commercialized creation.
The Hustler, on the other hand, really grabs you. First off, as a pool player myself, let me tell you Tom Cruise can't play pool worth a darn, and that lack of authenticity is a glaring weakness to begin with. But just the fact that Newman and Gleason can play pool does not make The Hustler a better movie - it's a masterpiece because it is a gripping tale of human redepmption, of Eddie's battle to separate his pool game from his self-esteem. It's also about one man's passion for the game. How can any pool player forget that soliloquoy by Fast Eddie when he and Sarah go for that picnic, how he talks about how he loves even just the sound of the click of the balls, how the cue has nerves in it and is part of his arm!
Remember that last scene in Color of Money, where young cocky Vincent plays the older, cagier Fast Eddie and Eddie declares "I'm back" before he breaks the balls? Even though the movie ends there, everyone knows Eddie wiped up the floor with Vincent. Vincent's character had talent, but Eddie had character, and that's what beat Fast Eddie time he played Fats.
Bert Gordon: You got talent.
Fast Eddie: I got talent? So what beat me?
Bert: Character.
And that's the way the two movies are too. Color of Money has talent, but The Hustler has character.
The Hustler, on the other hand, really grabs you. First off, as a pool player myself, let me tell you Tom Cruise can't play pool worth a darn, and that lack of authenticity is a glaring weakness to begin with. But just the fact that Newman and Gleason can play pool does not make The Hustler a better movie - it's a masterpiece because it is a gripping tale of human redepmption, of Eddie's battle to separate his pool game from his self-esteem. It's also about one man's passion for the game. How can any pool player forget that soliloquoy by Fast Eddie when he and Sarah go for that picnic, how he talks about how he loves even just the sound of the click of the balls, how the cue has nerves in it and is part of his arm!
Remember that last scene in Color of Money, where young cocky Vincent plays the older, cagier Fast Eddie and Eddie declares "I'm back" before he breaks the balls? Even though the movie ends there, everyone knows Eddie wiped up the floor with Vincent. Vincent's character had talent, but Eddie had character, and that's what beat Fast Eddie time he played Fats.
Bert Gordon: You got talent.
Fast Eddie: I got talent? So what beat me?
Bert: Character.
And that's the way the two movies are too. Color of Money has talent, but The Hustler has character.
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Shrek: The Whole Story [4 Discs] [Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1591/1591279_sa.jpg)
This set includes the first four films in the highly-successful Shrek franchise along with hours of extras.
Customer Rating
4
Almost but not the whole story
on July 24, 2015
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
The Shrek series is overall a fine and entertaining parody of the fairytale genre that cemented Dreamworks' status as the only serious contender to Pixar's reign as the kings of computer animation. I for one think that Dreamworks features for the most part are funnier. The first two features never before released on Blu-ray are a defininate upgrade over DVD. The third entry was a little weak as far as story goes but Forever After was a fine and fitting finale to the series to end on a high note.
However this otherwise great value priced box set is missing one near essential part of the story. Where is the 2008 Christmas special Shrek the Halls? The feature was only 22 minutes long. Why couldn't it have been included as a special feature?Paramount deducted it from the whole story therefore I am deducting one star.
However this otherwise great value priced box set is missing one near essential part of the story. Where is the 2008 Christmas special Shrek the Halls? The feature was only 22 minutes long. Why couldn't it have been included as a special feature?Paramount deducted it from the whole story therefore I am deducting one star.
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Phantom of the Opera [Blu-ray] [2004]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8145/8145312_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
PHANTOM is a solid and spectacular film musical
on June 9, 2015
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
Many people will look at this film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic musical spectacular, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA with mixed emotions. There are people who will be upset that Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, who played the original Christine and Phantom respectively, were not allowed to recreate their signature roles. There will also be people who'll be disappointed that this version is not a literal translation of the stage musical. Finally, we have the critics of both Webber and director Joel Schumacher, who have both been accused of wretched excess in previous projects in their individual careers. Taken as a film version however, this PHANTOM stands the test of time, not only as a wonderful musical film, but as one of the more faithful versions of Gaston Laroux's romance/horror novel.
Starting with a black and white prologue, the film tells the story of budding opera star Christine Daae and the two men who fight for her heart: the noble Viscount who she knew in childhood, and the mysterious Phantom of the Paris Opera House who hides his ugliness behind a half-mask while sponsoring Christine's career. Like the stage production, this film is awash in glorious colors and sets that would put many epics to shame. It's well balanced by solid performances that help propel the romantic, if melodramatic, story along.
Gerard Butler makes for a wonderfully dark and obsessive Phantom, while allowing the character to retain the audience's sympathy. Miranda Richardson is solid as the dour Madame Giry, who knows the Phantom's secret. Minnie Driver easily gets the most laughs as the over-bearing diva, Carlotta. (It's interesting to note that Ms. Driver's singing is dubbed in the film proper, while she actually sings the new closing credits melody "Learn to be Lonely.") Patrick Wilson makes for a stalwart, if somewhat bland, Viscount. But the strongest impression is made by the lovely Emmy Rossum. Only in her late teens when filming, she turns in a fantastic performance with a crystal clear voice that does justice to Webber's score. Joel Schumacher does a strong enough job in directing this film, allowing the music and the screenplay that he co-wrote with Webber to shine.
In the end, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is a delightful spectacle that does justice in its own way to both the stage original and Laroux's book. As such, this is a film I highly recommend.
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Outlander: Season 1, Vol. 1 [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3528/3528139_sa.jpg)
After World War Two, a British nurse and her husband embark on a second honeymoon. On a walk through an ancient ruin on the British Isles, she finds herself transported back to Scotland in the year 1743. Bewildered by her predicament, she is discovered and accused of espionage. Forced into a marriage to a rogue Highlander, she is tormented by their growing love and tries to make sense of being in love with two men from different centuries. This release includes the first eight episodes of Season One and special features such as "The Dresses and Kilts of Outlander" and "An Epic Adaptation."
Customer Rating
5
Fall in love with J&C all over again...
on June 9, 2015
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
Really wonderful series! Amazed by how incredible this production is, the cast is spot on. I'm blown away, never thought an actor or actress could be found that I would appreciate as Claire and Jamie. Caitriona Balfe is brilliantly expressive and delivers Claire's wise cracks with sauce, hard to believe this incredibly talented actress has not been picked up by Hollywood sooner. She's also stunningly beautiful and has a presence that's perfect for the portrayal of our fearlessly strong Claire! Sam Heughan is big muscly and very handsome! His portrayal captures Jamie's leadership qualities, his humor and his gentleness. From Jamie's nervous finger tapping to Claire's glass face book readers will be thrilled to see how closely this series follows the books. Many if not most of the dialog comes straight out of the books. I RARELY like book adaptions but Ron Moore and crew have hit the ball out of the park with this one. I think most book readers and new fans a like will fall in love with the TV version of Claire and Jamie, I know I have.
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Orphan Black: Season Two [3 Discs]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2ece6946-3496-4447-8746-1e4d145478e1.jpg)
The second season of this sci-fi thriller continues to follow orphan Sarah Manning (Tatiana Maslany) throughout a deadly conspiracy after learning that she is not only a clone, but that there are others out there like her - some of whom don't have the best intentions.
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
Orphan Black has many things going for it, original premise, a series of fine directors, a steady bunch of writers who haven't veered off their original course. The filming on location gives it a special visual sense. But, most of all it has Tatiana Mazlany. A 28 year old actress who has talent enough for 11 people. She is simply stunningly brilliant. The role calls for her to assume several identities, some all on screen at once. It must be a terribly strenuous undertaking. Honestly, she is so chameleon like, I actually forget it is the same actress. the make-up department is awesome at subtle differences in her characters, but it really all comes down to her talent. A small supporting cast does fine work. and after, let's see, the 14 episodes I have seen, the writers are doing a great job of keeping me interested. So far there are two seasons of 10 shows each. I believe I read where a 3rd season has been put in the works. I was really just blown away in just the pilot episode.
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Bates Motel: Season Two [3 Discs] [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8267/8267287_sa.jpg)
This bone chilling release from the horror series Bates Motel includes all 10 episodes of the show's first season, following the story of young Norman Bates, who will one day become the deranged killer from the classic film Psycho.
Posted by: kenn
Verified Purchase:Yes
Bates Motel is the next take on the Alfred Hitchcock famous classic film Psycho. What set this apart from the bad countless movies except the groundbreaking original is that it focuses on Norman and his Mother relationship as he is going down that path that makes him into the adult Norman Bates in 1st Psycho movie (played so well by Anthony Perkins).... Freddie Highmore (August Rush, Toast) is the teen Norman Bates who is showing sighs of mental breakdown because he having blackouts that he has no memories of his actions. His Mother is aware of his blackouts,and what he capable of when having one. She sets out to shield him and protect him. Unfortunately she is a women who is unstable with a long history of abuse and traumatic occurrences in her own life. She also a magnet for the wrong people and wrong things. Which just causes Norman abnormal behaviors to get worse. The series is solid in story telling it's cohesive with Alfred Hitchcock vision and is extremely well acted by Vera Famgia and Freddie Highmore The first season was one of the best debut of a Television series in tv history. With both star Freddie and Vera getting praise and Vera a Emmy Nomination for best actress in a Television series. The second season had a hard act to follow. It manages to be even better going deeper into the life of this tragic mother and son...introducing new plot twists . The second season we see Norman trying to make sense of his actions and trying to exert his will more often while pulling apart from his controlling mother with deadly results. If you like dysfunctional family shows (or movies like Donnie Darko, Carrie, Breaking Bad, Nurse Jackie) you will like this series
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
My Best Buy number: 2174337265
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Only at Best BuyStore files securely on this 4TB Western Digital hard drive. It comes several pieces of utility software installed for ease of use, and it backs up files automatically so you don't have to. This Western Digital hard drive is USB 3.0 compatible for transfer rates up to three times faster than compatible drives.
does this have a cooling fan?
Only at Best BuyStore files securely on this 4TB Western Digital hard drive. It comes several pieces of utility software installed for ease of use, and it backs up files automatically so you don't have to. This Western Digital hard drive is USB 3.0 compatible for transfer rates up to three times faster than compatible drives.