Toy Story There is greatness in a film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--you smile at the spell it puts you into and are refreshed, and not a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic" and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing as it reawakens the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humour--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney. Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favourite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar "For the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film". In other words, this movie is great. --Doug Thomas Toy Story 2 John Lasseter and his gang of high-tech creators at Pixar create another entertainment for the ages. Like the handful of other great movie sequels, Toy Story 2 comments on why the first one was so wonderful while finding a fresh angle worthy of a new film. The craze of toy collecting becomes the focus here, as we find out Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is not only a beloved toy to Andy but also a rare doll from a popular 60s children's show. When a greedy collector takes Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) launches a rescue mission with Andy's other toys. To say more would be a crime because this is one of the most creative and smile-inducing films since, well, Toy Story. Although the toys look the same as in the 1994 feature, Pixar shows how much technology has advanced: the human characters look more human, backgrounds are superior, and two action sequences that book-end the film are dazzling. And it's a hoot for kids and adults. The film is packed with spoofs, easily accessible in-jokes and inspired voice casting (with newcomer Joan Cusack especially a delight as Cowgirl Jessie). But as the Pixar canon of films illustrates, the filmmakers are storytellers first. Woody's heart-tugging predicament can easily be translated into the eternal debate of living a good life versus living for forever. Toy Story 2 was deservedly a huge box-office success. --Doug Thomas, Amazon.com
Poltergeist 2 (Dir. Brian Gibson 1986): They're baaaaack! The ghastly ghosts and edge-of-your-seat suspense that made you cringe and cower in the original return in this heart-pounding other-worldly sequel filled with jolting state-of-the-art special effects. The Freeling family may have settled into a new home... but the spirts of the dead have not given up their desire to possess Carol Anne. Led by Kane a demon disguised as a preacher the spirts attempt to convince Carol Anne to join them on ""the other side"". But when the plan fails Kane Unleashes the hellish fury of the Poltergeist on the Freelings.... forcing the desperate family to turn for help to a mysterious medicine man a medium a grandmother and most of all to each other. Poltergeist 3 (Dir. Gary Sherman 1988): They're back... again! And they're still looking for Carol Anne (the late Heather O'Rourke) in this riveting and climactic finale to the Poltergeist trilogy. Sent by her parents to live in a Chicago high rise with her aunt (Nancy Allen) uncle (Tom Skerritt) and cousin (Lara Flynn Boyle) Carol Anne must face demons more frightening than ever before as they move from invading homes to taking over an entire skyscraper! Stigmata (Dir. Rupert Wainwright 1999): A lost soul has just received the wounds of Christ...and a shocking message that will alter history. Stunning performances from Patricia Arquette (True Romance) Gabriel Byrne (The Usual Suspects) and Jonathan Pryce (Ronin) and a cutting edge score by Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins and Elia Cmiral make Stigmata ""a visual and visceral feast. Frankie Paige (Arquette) has absolutely no faith in God. All of that changes when she suddenly begins to suffer the stigmata - the living wounds of the crucified Christ. Frankie's miraculous bleeding comes to the attention of the Vatican's top investigator Father Kiernan (Byrne). But when Cardinal Houseman (Pryce) discovers that Frankie is actually channeling an extraordinary and provocative message that could destroy the Church he's convinced that she - and the force possessing her - must be forever silenced. Determined to stop this deadly conspiracy Kiernan risks his faith - and his life - to save her and the message that will change the destiny of mankind forever.
Toy Story: As six-year-old Andy's favourite toy Woody (Tom Hanks) a take-charge pull-string cowboy is confident in his role as room leader. But after Andy's birthday party newcomer Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) a flashy space ranger with laser action and pop-out wings crash-lands into Woody's world. Buzz instantly wins the admiration of Andy's other toys igniting a rivalry that lands the duo inside the home of Sid - the toy-torturing boy next door. To escape Sid's evil plans Woody and Buzz must work together and realize they've got the perfect friend...in each other! Toy Story 2: A Masterpiece of great story telling 'laugh out loud' humour wonderful music and state of the art animation - Toy Story 2 is great fun from both kids and adults! This enormous box office hit won a Golden Globe award for Best Picture! Toy Story 2 features the original voice cast headed by Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear. Joining them is a round-up of unforgettable new characters including Jessie the cow girl Bullseye the horse and Stinky Pete the prospector. While Andy is away at summer camp Woody is toynapped by Al a greedy toy collector. His best friends including Buzz Mr Potato Head Slinky Dog and Rex set out on a heroic rescue mission to save him. Along the way they meet a whole host of new friends including Jessie the cow girl and Bullseye the horse. Together the Toy Story 2 gang set out to make sure Woody is home safely before Andy returns.......
What made the original Toy Story so great, besides its significant achievement as the first-ever feature-length computer animated film, was its ability to instantly transport viewers into a magical world where it seemed completely plausible that toys were living, thinking beings who sprang to life the minute they were alone and wanted nothing more than to be loved and played with by their children. Toy Story 3 absolutely succeeds in the very same thing--adults and children alike, whether they've seen the original film or not, find themselves immediately immersed in a world in which Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (Don Rickles and Estelle Harris), Ham (John Ratzenberger), Rex (Wallace Shawn), the aliens, and the rest of Andy's toys remain completely devoted to Andy (John Morris) even as he's getting ready to pack up and leave for college. Woody scoffs at the other toys' worries that they'll end up in the garbage, assuring them that they've earned a spot of honor in the attic, but when the toys are mistakenly donated to Sunnyside Daycare, Woody is the only toy whose devotion to Andy outweighs the promise of getting played with each and every day. Woody sets off toward home alone while the other toys settle in for some daycare fun, but things don't turn out quite as expected at the daycare thanks to the scheming, strawberry-scented old-timer bear Lots-o'-Huggin' (Ned Beatty). Eventually, Woody rejoins his friends and they all attempt a daring escape from the daycare, which could destroy them all. The pacing of the film is impeccable at this point, although the sense of peril may prove almost too intense for a few young viewers. Pixar's 3-D computer animation is top-notch as always and the voice talent in this film is tremendous, but in the end, it's Pixar's uncanny ability to combine drama, action, and humour in a way that irresistibly draws viewers into the world of the film that makes Toy Story 3 such great family entertainment. (Ages 7 and older) --Tami Horiuchi
This new film of Leonard Bernstein's music-theatre piece Trouble in Tahiti, produced by BBC Wales and Opus Arte and directed by Tom Cairns, makes a strong case for a neglected work. Bernstein wrote his satire on American materialism in 1952, drawing on elements of opera, revue and musical comedy to tell a story of a marriage that's turned sour amid the trappings of suburban prosperity. The brevity of the piece, which flashes by in 39 minutes, perhaps accounts for its rare appearances, making this version specially welcome. Tom Cairns directs with style and panache, moving the camera effortlessly to and fro between the seven scenes. Amir Hosseinpour's choreography recalls with affection the heyday of the MGM musical then at its zenith. The film opens with a Greek-style chorus singing in scat jazz fashion to a montage of 1950s imagery: flickering television adverts, manicured lawns and white picket fences. Characters within the narrative appear in flash-back in home video footage. This is all highly diverting and possibly a ruse to mask some dramatic weakness in the story written by Bernstein himself. The wife never offers an explanation for her visit to the cinema to see Trouble in Tahiti instead of attending her son's school play, nor do we see the boy again after witnessing his parents having a tiff. The two principals, Karl Daymond as Sam and Stephanie Novacek as Dinah, are well cast and sing in a natural and pleasing manner with clear diction. The scat vocal trio is well matched and the City of London Sinfonia under Paul Daniel catch the spirit of the jazz inflected score as if it were second nature. On the DVD: Trouble in Tahiti is shot in wide-screen, appropriate for the era that gave us CinemaScope. There are subtitles in German, Spanish and French. A full translation in English is printed in the booklet. The extras include an introduction that partly overlaps with "A Very Testing Piece", in which Paul Daniel touches on the parallel with Bernstein's own unhappy childhood. Humphrey Burton in "Not Particularly Romantic" elaborates on this theme and goes on to offer a further fascinating commentary on Bernstein, whom he knew well. --Adrian Edwards
Street slimebag Luke owes a significant debt to the Mexican mob and has just had his final warning. In desperation he comes up with one final scheme to pay his IOU or risk losing his life. He gets together with his tech-geek mate Josh to raise easy on-line money through a reality peep show called 'hotgirlsinahouse.com.' Finding girls off the streets to participate in the 'big brother' style webcast proves easy enough but Luke needs cash up-front for the costs. He accepts a lucrative offer from a local hood to buy credit card information from the website hits as each girl's quirky personalities are streamed for all to see. On-line viewing becomes more sexual hits increase and the website's account grows. Luke leaves cash incentives for the girls to encourage the provocative behaviour and the girls play right into the scheme: fighting with each other by day competing for viewers by night. Hits grow and grow. When the competition amongst the girls turns threatening the web-masters realise they're in over their heads.
The irresistible pairing of Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler is the best reason to see Anger Management, a comedy that might have been subtitled "The Funny and the Furious". Nicholson and especially Sandler have screen personas that partially rely on pent-up anxieties, so there's definite potential in teaming them as a mild-mannered designer of pet clothing for chubby cats (Sandler) who's been ordered to undergo anger management therapy with a zany counsellor (Nicholson) prone to occasional tantrums and devious manipulation. Surely this meandering comedy looked better on the page; director Peter Segal scores a few lucky scenes (particularly Sandler's encounter with a Buddhist monk, played by John C Reilly), but a flood of cameos (Heather Graham, Woody Harrelson, Rudolph Giuliani, and others) can't match the number of laughs that fall flat. As Sandler's understanding girlfriend, Marisa Tomei plays a pivotal role in a happy ending that leaves everyone smiling, with the possible exception of the audience. --Jeff Shannon
During a blazing hot summer day in West London two deluded heroes set out on an impossible mission. Smiggly (writer/director Tucker) is one of life's also rans while Phillip (Holmes) is a well-meaning shelf stacker in a supermarket. Together they plan to avenge the beating that has left Phillip's brother Stevie (Iggulden) badly disabled and brain damaged. Encouraged by Stevie's dad (Bell) they set out on a scheme that sees them encountering a dodgy gun dealer (Grantham) the local
Titles Comprise: Toy Story: As 6-year-old Andy's favourite toy Woody (Tom Hanks) a take-charge pull-string cowboy is confident in his role as room leader. But after Andy's birthday party newcomer Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) a flashy space ranger with laser action and pop-out wings crash-lands into Woody's world. Buzz instantly wins the admiration of Andy's other toys igniting a rivalry that lands the duo inside the home of Sid - the toy-torturing boy next door. To escape Sid's evil plans Woody and Buzz must work together and realize they've got the perfect friend: in each other! Toy Story 2:A Masterpiece of great story telling 'laugh out loud' humour wonderful music and state of the art animation - Toy Story 2 is great fun from both kids and adults! This enormous box office hit won a Golden Globe award for Best Picture! Toy Story 2 features the original voice cast headed by Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear. Joining them is a round-up of unforgettable new characters including Jessie the cow girl Bullseye the horse and Stinky Pete the prospector. While Andy is away at summer camp Woody is toynapped by Al a greedy toy collector. His best friends including Buzz Mr Potato Head Slinky Dog and Rex set out on a heroic rescue mission to save him. Along the way they meet a whole host of new friends including Jessie the cow girl and Bullseye the horse. Together the Toy Story 2 gang set out to make sure Woody is home safely before Andy returns.....
Hitch: In Andy Tennant's delightful romantic comedy Hitch Will Smith stars as Alex Hitchens an urban ""date doctor"" who helps the common man woo the woman of his dreams. Hitch will use any means necessary--dance lessons back waxing--to instill romantic confidence in his clientele. Why? He was once a lonely wallflower himself who learned about love and heartbreak the hard way. His latest project Albert Brennaman (Kevin James) may be his most difficult. Brennaman a junior accountant prone to clumsiness has fallen head-over-heels for one of his clients Allegra Cole (Amber Valleta) a well-known celebrity. To complicate things further Hitch's dating dogma is shaken when he meets and falls for a beautiful gossip columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendes) whose sharp wit easily pierces his cool faade. Conflict arises when Melas uncovers Hitch's true profession and blames him for her best friend being dumped. (Dir. Andy Tennant 2005) Jerry Maguire: Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is a man who knows the score. As a top agent at Sports Management International Jerry is unquestionably master of his universe - until that is he gets a sudden attack of morals and is unceremoniously fired! Hanging on by a thread Jerry is forced to start from scratch supported only be three very unlikely allies- single mother Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger ) her cheeky young son Ray and Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.) a second rank player for the Arizona Cardinals - and Jerry's sole remaining client. (Dir. Cameron Crowe 1996) 50 First Dates: Henry Roth (Sandler) the local marina veterinarian only dates tourists because he's afraid of commitment - that is until he meets Lucy (Barrymore). Unfortunately Lucy lost her short-term memory months ago in a car accident and for her each day is October the 13th. She follows the same routine every day - breakfast at the same restaurant pineapple-picking with her dad and eventually bed time where sleep wipes away her short-term memory. Henry however refuses to be forgotten and as his puppy love matures he embarks on a quest to restore her memory or at least be a part of her everyday routine. But vying for Lucy's attention isn't always easy. Henry explores various approaches before making a video for Lucy to watch every morning reminding her of who she is and what she's doing... (Dir. Peter Segal 2004)
Billy Madison: He's heir to the Madison Hotel millions but the only subjects Billy has studied lately are babes and booze. For him life has been a ten-year party since he left high school: drinking bottomless daiquiris catching rays by the pool pulling moronic pranks and chasing anything in (or out of!) a skirt. (Dir. Tamra Davis 1995): But when Brian Madison informs his goofball son that he plans to turn over his Fortune 500 company to vice president and corporate weasel Eric Gordon Billy makes the bet of his life. He's going back to school - grades 1 through 12 in 24 weeks! - with hilarious results. And this time Mr Madison's cheque book won't be the source of Billy's academic advancement. Can bona fide blockhead Billy clean up his act to win his father's respect the family fortune and the love of his beautiful teacher Veronica? Hey it's worth a shot! Happy Gilmore: Adam Sandler stars in this hilarious comedy that scores a hole in one for gut-busting wit and outrageous slapstick. Happy a raucous hockey player turned golfer sends the sedate sport into overdrive after he becomes a media sensation with his outlandish antics on the links. It's par for the course entertainment co-starring Christopher McDonald Carl Weathers and Kevin Nealon. (Dir. Dennis Dugan 1996) Anger Management: Dave Buznik (Adam Sandler) is usually a mild-mannered non-confrontational guy. But after an altercation aboard an airplane he is remanded to the care of anger management therapist Dr. Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson) who could probably use some anger management himself. Now Dave is really mad! (Dir. Peter Segal 2003)
Mr Deeds (Dir. Steven Brill 2002): Small town guy Longfellow Deeds (Adam Sandler) inherits a billion fortune from his deceased uncle. He promptly moves to the big city where he meets Babe Bennett (Winona Ryder) a tabloid reporter who poses as a small town girl to uncover an expos'' on Mr Deeds. Conniving opportunists attempt to get their hands on his money while Deeds' sincere naivet'' has Babe falling in love with him. Ultimately Deeds comes to find that money truly has the power to change things but it doesn't necessarily need to change him... Big Daddy (Dir. Dennis Dugan 1999): Thirty-two-year old Sonny Koufax (Adam Sandler) has spent his whole life avoiding responsibility. But when his girlfriend dumps him for an older man he's got to find a way to prove he's ready to grow up. In a desperate last-ditch effort Sonny adopts five-year-old Julian to impress her. She's not impressed...and he can't return the kid. Uh-oh for Sonny! Anger Management (Dir. Peter Segal 2003): Dave Buznik (Adam Sandler) is usually a mild-mannered non-confrontational guy. But after an altercation aboard an airplane he is remanded to the care of anger management therapist Dr. Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson) who could probably use some anger management himself. Now Dave is really mad!
A Box Set containing the animated classics: 'Toy Story' 'Toy Story 2' 'A Bug's Life' & 'Monsters Inc.'.
Cars: Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) is a cocky rookie race car. Speeding on his way to a big race he crashes into Radiator Springs destroying lots of the inhabitants' belongings! In order to make up for what he did the raucous roadster is sentenced to community service. Though he will do anything to get away from the work McQueen must learn to respect and bond with the Radiator Springs inhabitants in order to get out of the town and back on the racetrack... (Dir. John Lasseter 2006) Toy Story: As 6-year-old Andy's favourite toy Woody (Tom Hanks) a take-charge pull-string cowboy is confident in his role as room leader. But after Andy's birthday party newcomer Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) a flashy space ranger with laser action and pop-out wings crash-lands into Woody's world. Buzz instantly wins the admiration of Andy's other toys igniting a rivalry that lands the duo inside the home of Sid - the toy-torturing boy next door. To escape Sid's evil plans Woody and Buzz must work together and realize they've got the perfect friend: in each other! (Dir. John Lasseter 1995) Toy Story 2: While Andy is away at summer camp Woody is toynapped by Al a greedy toy collector. His best friends including Buzz Mr Potato Head Slinky Dog and Rex set out on a heroic rescue mission to save him. Along the way they meet a whole host of new friends including Jessie the cow girl and Bullseye the horse. Together the gang set out to make sure Woody is home safely before Andy returns... (Dir. John Lasseter 1999) Monsters Inc.: Monsters Inc. is the largest scare factory in the monster world and the top Kid-Scarer is James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) a huge intimidating monster with blue fur large purple spots and horns known as ""Sulley"" to his friends. His Scare Assistant best friend and roommate is Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) a lime green opinionated feisty monster. And visiting from the human world is Boo a tiny girl who turns the monster world upside down and teaches Sulley and Mike that laughter is more powerful than a scream.... (Dir. Peter Docter David Silverman & Lee Unkrich 2002) A Bug's Life: On behalf of ""oppressed bugs everywhere"" an inventive ant named Flik hires ""warrior bugs"" to defend his colony from a horde of greedy grasshoppers led by Hopper. But when Flik's cavalry turns out to be a motley group of flea circus performers the stage is set for comic confusion...as well as unlikely heroes! (Dir. John Lasseter 1998) Finding Nemo: Nemo an adventurous young clownfish is unexpectedly taken to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to Marlin (Albert Brooks) his worrisome father and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) a friendly but forgetful regal blue tang fish to make the epic journey to bring Nemo home. Their adventure brings them face-to-face with vegetarian sharks surfer dude turtles hypnotic jellyfish hungry seagulls and more. Marlin discovers a bravery he never knew but will he be able to find his son? (Dir. Andrew Stanton & Lee Unkrich 2003) The Incredibles: Bob Parr was once known as Mr Incredible the world's greatest superhero. Fifteen years later Bob and his wife Helen (formerly Elastigirl) have adopted civillian identities and retreated to the suburbs to lead ""normal lives"" with their three children. Now Bob's a clock-punching insurance claims adjuster fighting boredom and an ever-bulging waistline. However Bob is thrown back into the world of super-heroism when he receives a mysterious communication summoning him to a remote island for a top-secret mission.... (Dir. Brad Bird 2004)
Face Off (Dir. John Woo 1997): Oscar-winning superstar Nicolas Cage and screen icon John Travolta battle head to head in 'Face/Off' the ultimate cat and mouse thriller directed by the world's most acclaimed action film director John Woo. To avenge the senseless murder of his son FBI agent Sean Archer undergoes a radical new surgery allowing him to switch faces with the comatose terrorist Castor Troy and assumes Sean's identity the real Sean is thrust into an unimaginable nightmare fighting not only for his life but also those of his wife and daughter! Brilliant performances and mind-numbing visual effects make Face/Off the explosive stylish action thriller you've got to see to believe! Snake Eyes (Dir. Brian De Palma 1998): An explosive highly entertaining action thriller Snake Eyes teams Nicolas Cage with big-screen favourite Gary Sinise. Cage is an Atlantic City cop who along with an arena full of spectators at a championship prize-fight is eyewitness to a political assassination! Determined to quickly solve the crime he immediately launches an intensive investigation... then learns that a search for answers will only uncover yet more questions in an ever-widening web of conspiracy intrigue and danger! Bringing Out The Dead (Dir. Martin Scorsese 1999): Nicholas Cage plays EMS paramedic Frank Pierce. It is the early 1990's and New York has not yet undergone its renaissance of recent years. Surrounded by the injured and the dying Frank is dwelling in an urban night-world crumbling under the accumulated weight of too many years of saving and losing lives. The film follows Frank over the course of fifty-six hours in his life - two days and three nights on the job - as he reaches the very brink of spiritual collapse and redemption.
There comes a time to put away childhood things, but some things won't stay put as Woody, Buzz and co. return for their greatest adventure yet! Packed to the gills with thrills, spills and chills, plus a lot of laughs and a little romance, Toy Story 3 is the family favourite that has it all! The creative minds behind Disney/Pixar's groundbreaking animated blockbusters invite you back inside the toy box for a heartwarming and hilarious movie experience you'll never forget. In Toy Story 3, Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) and the rest of the Toy Story gang return for an all-new adventure, along with a few new faces - some plastic, some plush - including Barbie's counterpart Ken (voiced by Michael Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (voiced by Timothy Dalton) and a strawberry-scented bear named Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear (voiced by Ned Beatty). As Andy prepares to depart for college, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of Andy's faithful toys wonder what will become of them. But, when a mix-up lands them at Sunnyside Daycare, they meet a host of new toys and soon discover a wild new adventure is just beginning. Buzzing with hours of bonus features, including the Pixar short film Day & Night, Toy Story 3 goes to infinity and beyond!
Please wait. Loading...
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy