Financial analyst Michael Boll seems to have everything: brains money a socially connected fiancee and a blindingly bright future. Then he meets Alex an impeccably dressed drifter with a fatal charm and an unsatiable appetite for wine women...and danger. Alex befriends Michael and takes him for a walk on the wild side-but Michael soon discovers that there's a terrible price to pay for life in the fast lane because hanging out with Alex...can be murder!
The fifth season was the last series of Ally McBeal, and probably the least satisfying. While always at least slightly entertaining, it was troubled by two conflicting imperatives: first, to steer its neurotic characters and multiplicity of sub-plots towards a coherent and credible resolution; second, to sustain another series of a programme that had, by now, exhausted all the plot possibilities that were remotely believable. The result is a bemusing onslaught of new characters (Ally's Mini-Me Jenny and a barely distinguishable phalanx of lantern-jawed male leads), celebrity cameos (Edna Everage, Christina Ricci, Barry White, Matthew Perry, Jon Bon Jovi), several storylines that would test the credulity of any of the curiously indulgent judges before whom Ally's firm practises (notably the arrival of a 10-year-old daughter that Ally didn't know she had) and one misbegotten attempt to anchor the programme to the real world (the "Nine One One" episode, an unwatchably mawkish allegory about the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States). Granted that Ally McBeal was never intended to be realistic drama, but when the programme spirals entirely off into the realms of the surreal, any possibility of the sort of identification with the characters on which the programme once relied is lost. Though not without its moments, the sudden redemption of Fish, always the best-written character, is deftly handled. Season Five will be of chief interest to adherents who stuck with it through the first four and so wanted to see how it all ends; in keeping with the central character's defining motifs of solipsism and self-pity, it does so with a whimper. On the DVD: Ally McBeal has episode selector on each disc, and a scene selector within each of those. The final disc contains two short and desultory documentaries on the series billed, somewhat hopefully, as "Special Features". A French audio soundtrack is available, as are subtitles in English, French and Dutch. -Andrew Mueller
Alan Masters a brilliant criminal attorney involved with the mafia is chief suspect in his wife's murder investigation. Only one honest cop is determined to see justice done...
A group of young good looking college kids with only one thing on their minds - lust set out on a hayride. They stop to rest at a picnic site which unknown to them was once the setting for barbaric satanic rituals and cannibalism. An accident unleashes sinister forces from a bygone era and a blood-thirsty zombie escapes from his tomb.... and he's hungry!
In 1957 Mary Lou Maloney went up in flames. Now she's back. And she's burning mad. When Hamilton High's Prom Queen of 1957 Mary Lou Maloney is killed by her jilted boyfriend she comes back for revenge 30 years later. Bill Nordham is now the principle of Hamilton High and his son is about to attend the prom with Vicki Carpenter. However she is possessed by Mary Lou Maloney after opening a trunk in the school's basement. Now Bill must face the horror he left behind in 1957.
The Final Countdown: Due to a freak electrical storm the USS Nimitz the world's largest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier is transported back to December 6 1941 in time to head off the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. As the fateful hour grows near the ship's commanders must wrestle with the moral and ethical dilemmas of interfering with the progress of history. Creator Nobel laureate Harry Wolper (Peter O'Toole) is obsessed with a project to recreate his wife from cells he has kept since her death 30 years ago. He needs some assistance so he hires graduate student Boris (Vincent Spano). However Wolper is distracted not only by the attentions of Meli (Mariel Hemingway) but also by his attempts to set up Boris with Barbara (Virginia Madsen) a beautiful medical student. When Wolper's dream is finally destroyed Boris pleads with him to channel his talents into saving Barbara's life. This unique love story is guaranteed to make you laugh and cry.
Too mainstream to be a cult, yet too odd to be totally conventional, Ally McBeal has become one of televisions curios. While its early days saw the show become something of a victim of its own self-conscious stylising, the episodes included on series 4 volume 2 are far stronger in terms of characterisation and plot and the storylines are easy to pick up. Not that the quirks have been exiled--the first programme features McBeal hallucinating about Barry Manilow--rather they have now become part of the overall feel of the show. Despite the attention lavished on both the lead character and the actress who plays her, the show is a real ensemble piece and works best when all the players are together. One of the collection's weakest moments is the episode that sends the usually excellent Richard and John off to LA on their own, an episode which lays threat to a dreaded spin off. While there are annoying moments--could they not have edited out the "previously on Ally McBeal" parts for retail release and why do they never go out with anyone other than work colleagues--with guest appearances from the likes of Sting this is a must for any fan of the series. On the DVD: Sadly, the DVD collection betrays very little thought or effort. The pace of the show is certainly brisk (especially when shorn of the adverts) and the picture quality is equally dynamic, instilling real depth to the many aerial shots of Boston itself. Given that music is such an integral part in the show, it is no surprise that the soundtrack has been given a boost by its recreation in Dolby digital stereo. The interactive menu, however, is clumsy to use and having to work back through the options at the end of each episode quickly becomes tiresome. The complete lack of any extras whatsoever is also a definite minus point.--Phil Udell
Forgotten Sins' is a startling and disturbing drama based on a true story. County sheriff Matt Bradshaw a devout churchgoer and respected pillar of the community stands accused of terrible crimes: sexually abusing his own daughters and organising multiple rapes and Satanic rituals. Matt's reaction to these accusations is almost as shocking - he makes a full and frank confession. Amid an atmosphere of religious frenzy and further accusations of murder and torture the witch hunt begins. Only one man believes in Matt's innocence: eminent psychologist Dr Richard Ofshe (William Devane). He is convinced that Matt is the innocent victim of religious brainwashing and police pressure for a confession. But what chance does Ofshe have of seeing justice done when Matt himself is so utterly convinced of his own guilt?
The first half of Ally McBeal's fourth season starts with that all important question, the one Ally has been waiting for from day one: "Ally will you... move in with me?". As always Ally's romantic dreams never quite become a reality and the series continues within the Grimm Fairy Tale world of Ally's love (and quirky work) life. The most important twist this season occurs in the first episode "Sex, Lies and Second Thoughts"--the departure of Tracy Ullman and Ally's current beau, Brian, to be replaced by the series' new heart-throb Larry (Robert Downey Jr). Initially dating both father and son ("Two's a Crowd") Ally cannot help but become besotted by Larry's charisma; he being a fellow lawyer further seals their bond, that is until Larry's past comes back to haunt him. Other highlights include a quirky romance for John ("Reason to Belive"), a charity auction leading to an all male fan-club for John ("Love on Holiday") and a romantic connection for Mark--though the recipient of his affection may have hidden more than he bargained for. Unfortunately the series was outshone by the real-life drama of Calista Flockhart's and Downey's rocky relationship along with Downey's drugs convictions. Even though he won a Golden Globe for his performance, he ultimately had to be dropped from the series. On the DVD: Not much on offer here for Ally's début into the DVD market. The individual episode menu does offer a language selection of French and English and the subtitles for the Netherlands and French. You also have the option to select chapters from the specific episodes, along with a "previously on Ally McBeal..." for that little reminder of whom Ally is dating now. Although standard for a TV DVD release, the 1.33:1 aspect ratio and 2.0 Dolby sound is disappointing for a television series which offers ground-breaking use of special effects. --Nikki Disney
Follow Ally's trials and tribulations in life through her eyes and caricaturises her personal thoughts and fantasies. Contains the second half of Season One's episodes. The episodes are: 'The Blame Game' 'Body Language' 'Once In A Lifetime' 'Forbidden Fruits' 'Theme Of Life' 'The Playing Field' 'Happy Birthday Baby' 'The Inmates' 'Being There' 'Alone Again' and 'These Are The Days'.
A blend of courtroom dramas and neurotic love affairs create the perfect formula for the second part of the acclaimed Ally McBeal season 2. Ally (Calista Flockhart) continues to suffer in the hands of love and embarks upon a series of doomed love affairs that culminate in an adulterous kiss with her old love Billy (Gil Bellows). The confusion that accompanies her fated love life follows her into the courtroom where not only does she experience bizarre Al Green hallucinations but she also tries to sue God in defence of a little boy with leukaemia (Angels and Blimps). Meanwhile as Ally encounters visions of Al Green in the courtroom an inner Barry White takes over John Cage (Peter Macnicol) leaving him re-energised and finally confident enough to conquer his infatuation with sub-zero Nelle (Portia di Rossi). Enter the magical world of Ally with these essential Season 2 Part 2 DVDs that chronicle the daily traumas of Elaine's (Jane Krawkoski) face bras imaginary extended tongues and rigorous therapy sessions that will leave us all hollering for more. This box set includes the episodes: Angels & Blimps; Pyramids on the Nile; Sideshow; Sex Lies and Politics; Civil Wars; Those Lips That Hand; Lets Dance; Only the Lonely; The Green Monster; and I Know Him by Heart.
At the start of Series Two of the Boston law firm drama, nothing much had changed at Richard Fish's rather kooky establishment. Ally (Calista Flockhart) was still a skinny, whimsical woman-child looking for Mr Right. Billy (Gil Bellows) was still married to Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith), John Cage (Peter McNicol) was still too eccentric to be considered for romantic involvement, Elaine (Jane Krakowski) was still a nosey meddler and Fish (Greg Germann) himself was still looking for ways to make money. Lots of it. Greed prompts him to hire new litigator Nelle (Portia DiRossi), a tall, blonde power-dresser who leaves the other women bristling in her wake. But their antipathy towards their new colleague is nothing compared to the forces of hatred spiky Ling (Lucy Liu) inspires. Before long John (The Biscuit) and Nelle are embarking on a tempestuous romance, Ally is stealing Elaine's new boyfriend before going out with one of Georgia's exes and Billy begins to show the signs of instability which lead to him to bleach his hair blonde in the following season. Ally's outspoken flatmate Renee (Lisa Nicole Carson) got a welcome increase in her time on screen in this second season. Despite the sheer number of episodes David E Kelley and his team turn around each year, this second series consistently provided entertaining viewing to the last, despite--or perhaps because of--some of the characters being so unlikable. The inter-office banter reached new heights of inventive bitchiness, the comic CGI illustrations of Ally's imagination still felt reasonably fresh and the court cases managed to combine oddity with emotional involvement. All in all this group of dysfunctional and rather incestuous workaholics proved curiously engaging yet again. --Emma Perry
Financial analyst Michael Boll seems to have everything: brains money a socially connected fiancee and a blindingly bright future. Then he meets Alex an impeccably dressed drifter with a fatal charm and an unsatiable appetite for wine women...and danger. Alex befriends Michael and takes him for a walk on the wild side-but Michael soon discovers that there's a terrible price to pay for life in the fast lane because hanging out with Alex... can be murder!
In David E Kelley's Boston law drama, Ally McBeal, his lawyers' private and work lives are always inextricably linked. Nobody does anything in the "Cage and Fish" firm without their colleagues knowing about it, including going to the toilet. Kelley is as willing as always to embrace implausible coincidence in his storylines for the pay-off of maintaining the high pace and dramatic neatness. Our anti-heroine Ally McBeal starts her third season with a wet, wordless fling in a car wash with Jason Gedrick, and it's no surprise that Ally ends up facing Gedrick at the altar when a client asks her to be bridesmaid. With the entire firm invited along as guests, can she keep quiet about the groom? Well, you know Ally--she may not have any lasting success in the romance department but it's a subject she feels very strongly about. The third season sees fewer CGI expressions of Ally's thoughts and imagination, but the drama is just as colourful. Billy's increasing concerns over the balance of male and female power manifests itself in his newly dyed blond hair and his hiring of six PVC-clad women to follow him around boosting his testosterone. Other highlights include Ally exploring her lesbian side with Ling, Elaine posing as John's "fluffer" to banish his sexual insecurities and an explosive Thanksgiving party at Ally's. There are plotlines within Series 3 which stretch plausibility, such as finding out that Ally's dad is the man Georgia's been snogging to forget her husband's metamorphosis into a blonde-haired, sexist egomaniac. Ally McBeal does have the tendency to descend into sickening sentimental tosh, like all the "child inside" nonsense in Episode 11, but that aside, it continues to provide escapist entertainment of the first order. --Emma Perry
Be prepared for a very emotional ride as Ally McBeal returns with the conclusion of Season 3. Blending humour and poignant drama Season 3 Part 2 bids a tearful goodbye to Ally’s first love Billy. The episodes commence with Ally’s brazen spirit going to dangerous lengths to capture a man… by purposely crashing her car into his. It would’ve worked if the gorgeous guy in question hadn’t laughed like the sound of “a cow giving birth” (In Search of Pygmies). The team’s frolics continue as Ally wins a contest to become one of Tina Turner’s backing singers for a night (Oddball Parade) has cyber-sex with a minor (Do You Wanna Dance?) and goes kicking and screaming into her thirties with collagen lip implants (Turning Thirty)! Amidst all this grab the tissues as Ally and the crew try to come to terms with the unexpected loss of Billy and new characters and old prove no one can be taken at face value. Season 3 Part 2 brings together all the elements that Ally McBeal is famous for: fun love lust and thoughtful moments that will certainly touch the heartstrings and leave you singing for more. Features the episodes 'In Search Of Pygmies' 'Pursuit Of Loneliness' 'The Oddball Parade' 'Prime Suspect' 'Boy Next Door' 'I Will Survive' 'Turning Thirty' 'Do You Wanna Dance' 'Hope And Glory' and 'Ally McBeal - The Musical Almost'.
Three years ago, Jesse, a seemingly-ordinary boy branded 'The Butcher', committed a gruesome series of murders. Having ended in his capture and execution on death row, Jesse was found guilty on all accounts. Years on, Kate, the boy's mother is determined to prove her son's innocence: how he was not insane, but instead possessed by a terrifying demon. Inviting a film crew into her home, the TV crew start documenting exceptionally strange happenings. Soon enough the truth becomes very clear, as Kate unearths proof of the devil himself.
When serial killers wager war don't let them catch you in their sights.... Who lives and who dies when the hunter becomes the hunted? Meet Aric Blue. He's young. He's handsome. He's successful. He's also a serial killer.... He picks his victims at random taking advantage of the daily patterns to stalk and kill them. He thinks he is the ultimate serial killer. But when he finds his next victim already dead a note on the body reading; 'I've got your pattern' he realizes he
After the surprise announcement of confirmed bachelor Scott friends Jay Dewey and Phil see the wedding as the ideal opportunity to add some more notches to their bedposts. The guys soon realise that it is going to take more than just a smile to get the sexy bridesmaids horizontal.
Dante Hicks is not having a good day. He clerks in a small convenience store and is told to come into work on his day off. Dante thinks life is a series of down endings and this day proves to be no different. He reads in the newspaper that his ex-girlfriend Caitlin is getting married. His present girlfriend reveals to have somewhat more experience with sex that he thought. His principal concerns are the hockey game he has that afternoon and the wake for a friend who died. His buddy Randal Graves works as a clerk in the video store next door and he hates his job as much as Dante hates his.
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