Sometimes a show cancelled prematurely can still put its competitors to shame. Boomtown was a radical and inventive approach to the ensemble cop show that added up to so much more than just its central gimmick of telling different stories from different perspectives. In fact, after the first few episodes in which the breakneck jumps of viewpoint and the time-frame demanded real attention, it de-emphasised them, while still forcing us to pay attention, making the viewer guess which story we were being told. Devised by award-winning screenwriter Graham Yost and director Jon Avnet, the first series of Boomtown covered a wide variety of cases: everything from baby-stealing to run-ins with the Russian Mafia, from hostage situations in suburban sports stores to rich kids having justice bought for them whether they wanted it or not. It was also the story of its seven central characters: Deputy DA David (Neil McDonough), for example, failing to cope with his growing alcoholism and sense of disillusion, and detective Joel Stevens (Donnie Wahlberg) endlessly reliving the cot-death of his daughter and his wife's attempted suicide. If the show had flaws, they were the slight marginalisation of the central female characters--a crime reporter and a paramedic--and the presence of too many storylines that were as much about teaching the characters a Valuable Lesson as credible crime stories. Nonetheless, it was a stunning show, which deserved a longer life. This complete Series 1 box set at least offers a readily available record of it for those of us who liked it too late. On the DVD: Boomtown, Series 1 DVD box set presents all 18 episodes (a further six were made for Series 2 before the show's cancellation) presented in widescreen 16:9 with the choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0 Pro Logic. The only special features are a trailer and the original series pitch video. --Roz Kaveney
The Glitter of Success Couldn't Hide How They Got There. Three soulful sisters rise out of Harlem to become music's hottest singing group in this rags-to-riches tale of glitz glamour and the high price of fame. Against the vibrant grooves of Curtis Mayfield these divas explode onto the scene with off-the-hook harmonies and a sexy style that catapult them to superstardom - but not every fairytale has a happy ending. When success leads to excess one sister's star will fade while another's will sparkle. Starring Academy Award-winner Irene Cara (Fame Flashdance) Lonette McKee (ATL Round Midnight) Dwan Smith and Philip Michael Thomas this inspiring story of struggle and hope is guaranteed to put a song in your heart.
Single mother Theresa Johnson becomes homeless loses her job and tries to survive with her young daughter Hillary through charities and public shelters.
James Woods doesn't get to play many romantic leads--and he certainly doesn't get the girl in this handsome, if occasionally hollow, remake of Out of the Past. As the mover-and-shaker lover of Rachel Ward, he loses her--if only temporarily--to ex-football star Jeff Bridges. Woods captures the insecurity behind a man of power who understands that the women in his life love his money first. But he also shows us the real tenderness that kept Ward close when money lost its glitter. Bridges is at his best, playing the should-have-been trying to keep his future from repeating his dead-end past. Look for actress Jane Greer (who played the Ward role in the 1947 original opposite Robert Mitchum and Kirk Douglas) in a small role. --Marshall Fine, Amazon.com
The three humanoid motorcyclist mice; Throttle Modo and Vinnie escaped a war on their home planet Mars. They end up crash landing on Earth in the city of Chicago where they meet a charming female mechanic named Charlene Charley Davidson. They discover that the Plutarkians have come to earth to exploit it's natural resources because they have wasted all of their own. They are a smelly humanoid fish-like race that caused massive devastation on Mars which resulted in the death of most of the Martian mice population and the near-destruction of Martian flora and fauna. Two disc set of Season One's first 13 episodes.
Set in the mid-1980s against a backdrop of the rising club scene Glitter is the tale of Billie Frank, a modest young singer with a phenomenal talent just hoping to make it big in New York City. Billie (Mariah Carey) hooks up with super-cool club DJ and producer Dice (Max Beesley) and, as you might guess, hits the big time. But as both her lover and producer, Dice is a bit put out by the label's recommendation that Billie finds a more talented producer, while at the same time her girlfriends are telling her to "kick him to the kerb". So that's the basic gist. Throw in an estranged alcoholic mother and the rags-to-riches story is complete, or sadly not as the case might be. Presumably because the story is an old chestnut that everyone involved knows has been roasted a few too many times already the filmmakers thought it wasn't worth bothering with trying to make the plot even vaguely interesting, and it drags for what seems like days. The two leads are likeable characters, though their performances don't make up for the plodding storyline. Mariah is just Mariah--smiling, singing and equally accomplished at both--whereas Beesley is let down by his shocking American accent. If you like the sound of early US Garage and post-disco dance music then Mariah's soundtrack is a winner (although it got slated) but Glitter isn't even one of those films that's so bad it's good. It's just dull. On the DVD: Glitter comes complete with a redundant director's commentary that attempts to explain events requiring no explanation, a cheesy trailer which is very sparkly, plus bog-standard discographies and filmographies of the cast and director.--David Trueman
Kate Layton the wife of high-flying workaholic Robert throws herself into helping at her daughter's school when she realises that her family is drifting apart. When the music teacher is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition however Kate is forced to take control of the choir. As the two families intertwine Robert comes to discover that there is more to life than money and status.
How you gonna make it right? Available on DVD for the first time! Billy Bob Thornton stars in 'Levity' as Manual Jordan an ex-con recently released from a 21-year jail sentence who is seeking redemption from Adele Easley (Holly Hunter) the sister of the guy he murdered. His mild manner and passivity make him immune to the new freedoms he'll experience outside of jail and so his release seems like more of a punishment than a reward. By a stroke of luck he meets a spiritual man (Morgan Freeman) who runs a soup kitchen and community center. He is given a job as a parking attendant for the nearby nightclub. This job is the catalyst that brings him in touch with a young girl Sofia (Kirsten Dunst) whose difficult home life has turned her into a self-destructive wreck wasting her life on booze and drugs. However her faith is restored by Manual's gentle way of looking out for her. Little by little Manual's goodness - the result of years of guilt spent reflecting on his crime in prison - casts a ray of new light on everyone involved including the young and troubled son of Adele.
Police drama set in the sleazy world of the Metropolitan Police Vice Squad. Award-winning actor Ken Stott (Fever Pitch Shallow Grave) stars in The Vice a hard-hitting drama set in the vice unit of the Metropolitan Police based in the heart of London's West End. Prostitution porography and murder are all part of the workload for the vice team as they investigate the capital's darker secrets. The Vice portrays a city of extraordinary social contrasts moving swiftly from the back streets of King's Cross to the bars of Park Lane hotels. Episode 1: Daughters Episode 2: Sons Episode 3: Dabbling.
The gripping police TV series peeks into the darkest corners of British society as the team led by D.I. Chappel (Ken Stott) aims to uncover the very worst criminals dealing in prostitution and pornography in the London sex trade... Series 1: 1. Daughters (Part 1) 2. Daughters (Part 2) 3. Sons (Part 1) 4. Sons (Part 2) 5. Dabbling (Part 1) 6. Dabbling (Part 2) Series 2: 1. Home Is The Place (Part 1) 2. Home Is The Place (Part 2) 3. Walking On Water (Part 1) 4. Walkin
Earth. Early in the 21st Century. Much has changed since the last Mortal Kombat. A universe that was once balanced by a system based on honour and tradition is now governed by chaos and deceit. Dark forces from sinister realms have begun invading Earth. The only warriors who could possibly meet this challenge are the Defenders of the Realm. The Secret of Quan Chi - Quan Chi a free-roaming sorcerer versed in the dark arts uses an ancient gem to turn our heroes against one another
Workaholic lawyer Robert Layton didn't even know he needed a miracle until it happened. But when it did it transformed his life opened both his eyes and heart to a totally new world and made him realise what matters most in life. The heart-warming - and often heart-breaking - story of how this happened is told in The Christmas Shoes a delightful 'festive season' drama for all the family.
The Grudge (Dir. Takashi Shimizu 2004): American nurse Karen Davis (Sarah Michelle Gellar) living and working in Tokyo is drawn to an odd house and exposed to a mysterious supernatural curse one that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim... Produced by Sam Raimi The Grudge sees Sarah Michelle Gellar changing tack from her 'Buffy' guise in this superior chiller directed by Takashi Shimizu adapted from his
Victim is a powerful powerful thriller about justice, society, self-respect and redemption. It co-stars Ashley Medekwe of CBS series Revenge and 2012 Golden Globe winner, David Harewood.
The stakes are high. The trap is set. There's no one left to trust. Mike Santini (Rob Lowe) is a by-the-book New York detective whose rise to the top has stalled in the aftermath of a bribery scandal. But when he brings in Eddie Myers (Sam Neill) banker for the Mob and key prosecution witness on America's biggest ever money-laundering trial it looks like Santini's career may be back on track. Holed up with Myers in a safe house while the FBI finalise their case Santini is stunne
Hendrix. The man the musician the legend. From his youth in Seattle to his death in London Jimi Hendrix (Wood Harris - Remember the Titans The Siege) was a unique talent who never compromised his dream of making music that brought the people together. Jimi soon finds his own band to play at the hip 'Cafe Wha?' where Jimi meets Chas Chandler a musician and record producer. The pair head to England where his new band The Jimi Hendrix Experience captivates the British music scene. During one incredible performance Jimi catches the eye of manager Michael Jeffrey (Billy Zane - Titanic The Phantom) and soon after they sign a contract. In 1969 Jimi reaches the apex of his career with his classic rendition of the 'Star Sprangled Banner' at Woodstock. Soon however his drug abuse takes it's toll and in 1970 he dies of asphxia while in a barbiturate-induced sleep. In the end his dream did come true... even today Hendrix fans are united around the world by the love of his music.
Clayton, who as a child was exposed by his brutal father to violence, gang culture and ultimately murder, channels his aggression into boxing. However, when the violence of the past threatens his family, Clayton's inner darkness is unleashed.
Animated Classics Double Bill of Mortal Kombat Defenders Of The Realm containing; Overthrown & Kombat Begins Again.
Earth. Early in the 21st Century. Much has changed since the last Mortal Kombat. A universe that was once balanced by a system based on honour and tradition is now governed by chaos and deceit. Dark forces from sinister realms have begun invading Earth. The only warriors who could possibly meet this challenge are the Defenders of the Realm. Overthrown - On the anniversary of her father's death Princess Kitana has planned a rebellion against Shao Kahn. If it succeeds Kitana will reclaim the throne of Outworld - leaving Liu Kang and the MKs. Skin Deep - Kitana is confronted with her past when a handsome young Ninja from Outworld seeks her out. It is clear Kitana once had feelings for him which stirs jealousy in Liu Kang. But the ninja proves to be working for Shao Kahn. Kitana is abducted to Outworld and Liu Kang must follow. Amends - While tracking Kano and the Black Dragon Organisation the MKs discover they have a phantom ally who turns out to be Kabal. Having been disfigured by Shao Kahn Kabal is discovered a freak. Sonya overcomes her own revulsion and then helps the others to see past the ugliness to the man inside. Resurrection - With the help of the Shadow Priests the Emperor Shao Kahn succeeds in resurrecting Shang Tsung. The Emperor then dispatches Shang to Earth Realm armed with the most powerful weapon of them all the Warrior King's Orb of nature!
The Exorcism Of Emily Rose What happened to Emily? Based on a true story. In 1976 the Catholic Church officially recognised the demonic possession of a German college freshman. During her exorcism the young woman died and the priest stood trial for causing her death. Academy Award nominee Laura Linney plays an attorney who defends the priest. The case reawakens her faith. (Dir. Scott Derrickson 2005) Gothika: ""Just because someone is dead doesn't mean they're gone."" A brilliant psychiatrist wakes up as a patient in the very asylum where she worked with no memory of having killed her husband.... (Dir. Mathieu Kassovitz 2003) The Grudge: American nurse Karen Davis (Sarah Michelle Gellar) living and working in Tokyo is drawn to an odd house and exposed to a mysterious supernatural curse one that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim... Produced by Sam Raimi 'The Grudge' sees Sarah Michelle Gellar changing tack from her 'Buffy' guise in this superior chiller directed by Takashi Shimizu adapted from his own Japanese horror classic. (Dir. Takashi Shimizu 2004)
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