Real Antiques

Posts tagged ‘French Antiques’


K&Company Madeline Double-Sided Specialty Paper Pad, 12-Inch by 12-Inch, 24 Sheets K&Company Madeline Double-Sided Specialty Paper Pad, 12-Inch by 12-Inch, 24 Sheets

Reviews

I really liked this product, in my opinion they're the best paper pads out there for scrapbooks. They are beautiful and I am using them for my wedding album. I would totally recommend it to a friend or someone else.

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Renowned K&Company artist Brenda Walton brings her luxurious, bon vivant inspirations from Europe to you with the Madeline collection. French rococo designs embrace gallant florals, which make for a fetching mix of posh & circumstance...

The Butter Bell Crock, Antique Style Collector's Edition The Butter Bell Crock, Antique Style Collector's Edition

For centuries, Europeans have kept butter fresh on the table, ready to serve - even in hot, humid climates - without worry of butter going rancid. The secret is the way it's stored - not on a side plate or in a butter dish, it is preserved in an earthenware pot...

Madeline 8.5x8.5 Paper Pad Madeline 8.5x8.5 Paper Pad

Renowned K&Company artist Brenda Walton brings her luxurious, bon vivant inspirations from Europe to you with the Madeline collection. French rococo designs embrace gallant florals, which make for a fetching mix of posh & circumstance...

French Ballet Music French Ballet Music

Reviews

Yes, you can hear tape hiss. Yes, you can easily tell that these recordings were made 50 years ago. But why don't conductors record programs like this anymore?! Sir Thomas Beecham died before I was born. This recording is like a time capsule...a glimpse of a better time in the world of classical music. Today, we get CDs crammed with 80 minutes of Massenet or 80 minutes of Debussy or maybe even 80 minutes of Delibes. But there was a time when conductors actually recorded the pieces that inspired them. How wonderful it is to hear these excerpts all in one sitting! It's all French music, but what variety! Of course, Beecham didn't originally plan on all these recordings appearing together on an LP...this is a bit of a reshuffling for the CD era...but Beecham's "lollipops" (as he called them) were well-chosen. He conducts this music like he loves it and he cares about it. You will love it and care about it, too. By the way, don't think that the English are too up-tight to do justice to Debussy's "Afternoon". This version makes a good complement to Stokowski's or other favorites.

A few years back I discovered Delibes' charming music for "Le Roi S'Amuse" on Naxos "Best of French Ballet" album (ASIN B0000013JQ). I'd never seen another recording until I encountered French Ballet Music. Now I'm very happy to have a "fresh" interpretation. Yes, the original recording was done in the late 1950s, and it's not absolutely clean. But Beecham's interpretation is wonderful. He heightens all the contrasts of tempo and dynamic range. When the violins pluck the strings, you feel as if you're sitting right in the section, listening. The Debussy "Afternoon of a Faun" has the same kind of color and drama.As far as the Gounod (Faust) and Massenet music go, I'd look elsewhere. I prefer Bernstein's Gounod (ASIN: B0000027N8). And for Massenet's Cinderella, I like Kenneth Jean's version for Naxos (ASIN: B000069CUZ) because I think the March of the Princesses is a better piece of music than the "waltz" on this CD."French Ballet Music" is very much a "classic" recording: it doesn't sound like anything recorded in the last 10 years. But if you're curious about Beecham as a conductor of ballet music, this is a wonderful sampler.

These selections were recorded from 1957 to 1961. The noise floor is noticable, but acceptable. The Gounod and Massenet selections are recorded in mono; the others are in stereo (this is clear on the CD labeling, but not the Amazon.com description).If these limitations of the source material are acceptable to you, this is a nice album artistically. For perfect recording technology, you will want to look elsewhere.

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Titanic [VHS] Titanic [VHS]

Reviews

I remember when this movie came out, there was a lot of bashing it in the media, with many critics and commentators saying it was a sappy movie made for teenage girls. I almost fell for this and didn't go to see it until it was almost gone from theaters. It was a fantastic movie, in fact, one of the best movies I've ever seen. I just watched it again recently and was once again amazed by this movie. James Cameron is a genius.

One of the greatest romantic adventures of the 1990s, involving passionate romance, intrigue, adventure and danger. This movie both resurrects the Titanic ocean liner and it's fate, and creates a an intricate romance against it's backdrop. Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) is trapped in loveless engagement with the wealthy but arrogant and cold hearted Caledon Nathan "Cal" Hockley (Billy Zane), and is rescued from ending it all by third class passenger Jack Dawson (Leonardo Di Caprio). Against the wishes of Cal and her mother, Rose falls into a passionate romance with Jack, who paints her in the nude wearing the necklace set with a valuable blue diamond called the Heart of the Ocean. This article provides the basis of the framing device as the 101 year old Rose (Gloria Stuart 84 years later explains the story to the treasure hunter Brock Lovett (Bill Paxton) and his team who are exploring the wreck of the RMS Titanic,. Gripping throughout with a phenomenal ending. The captivating Kate Winslet is perfect for the part of the spirited young Rose, and De Caprio provides an energetic and irrepressible hero in Jack Dawson. Spellbinding, gripping and heartbreaking scenes of the disaster itself. Memorable and heart wrenching is the scene of an Irish mother putting her young children to sleep with a bedtime story just before the ship sinks with them. Appearance also by Kathy Bates as the real life heroine of the Titanic Molly Brown. This has captivated millions of viewers with good reason.

This truly is a classic love story, well known all over the world. It shows such deep love and how it's endless, even when faced with death. It starts out when Jack, a rough, poor average young man boards the same ship as Rose, a wealthy and beautiful young woman. At first sight, Jack is drawn to her, but he could never be worthy, not in the eyes of society. Later, as Rose is hating everyone and everything about her aristocrat life, she decides to end it all by jumping off of the boat. Thankfully Jack is there to pull her away and save her. That's when they start spending time together and, soon enough, they fall in love. Rose's parents and Rose's admirer try to tear them apart but Jack and Rose find their own way to each other. The ship hits an iceberg (of course everybody knows that) and goes down, with all chaos running loose and Jack is trapped below, because he had falsely accused of a crime and Rose heroically saves him. Later Rose and jack struggle to stay together and end up in the freezing water. Jack gives Rose the wood to lift her above the water, then freezes to death leaving her just to watch helplessly. She is rescued and lives on. This is a story remembered by Rose in the present and she still loves Jack after all of these years. This is a very moving film and has touched the hearts of many. You really should see it if you have not.

"Titanic" (1997) was the world's top grossing movie until director James Cameron did "Avatar." Cameron also directed this blockbuster. It tells two tragic stories: the story of the ill-fated ship and the story of a doomed shipboard romance aboardship. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson and Kate Winslet as Rose. DiCaprio's boyish looks and slim body opposite Kate's rather chunky, hippy body make him prettier and more lithe than she. Both are captivating. It's probably Di Caprio's best role because it fits his youth and personality. There's some fanciful and improbable stuff going on in the bow of the ship. I've never been on a cruise ship yet where passengers had such access to the bow so they could stand up and act like they're the ship's fugureheads. In an early scene DiCaprio and his buddy are in the bow; how two steerage passengers got access to it is beyond belief. Later there are the famous scenes of the lovers cavorting at the bow. In several early scenes DiCaprio from Steerage seems to have too much run of the ship. The overhead shots of the ship are very impressive: the camera glides over the majestic funnels and decks from stern to bow. The technical features of the movie are quite well done. The ship's architect is aboard as is the president of the company, Ismay, who wants to see the ship break TransAtlantic speed records. The captain does not want to push the engines to capacity especially in iceberg-infested waters. The ship is reliant on two lookouts in the crow's nest to spot bergs. The two lovers, even as the ship is sinking, are pursued by Rose's manic, wild-eyed fiancé (actor Billy Zane) and a gun-toting bodyguard. They're like classic Perils of Pauline villains. (Cameron never strays too far from the roots of cinema even when he's doing his breakthrough technical shenanigans.) Melodrama for sure, but what could have been more melodramatic than an unsinkable liner going down on its maiden voyage? The gutsy, outspoken Unsinkable Molly Brown (Kathy Bates) is aboard. The story is framed by a story within a story with an expedition exploring the ship's remains in the 1980's being the framing story. The centenarian Rose flies out to the discovery ship and relives her love affair. It's a great romantic movie of young love combined with a disaster flick.

This is a movie that I really enjoyed, and it is a movie that I paid attention too. The name of the movie is Titanic, and I love that movie. When I had first seen it with my sister I couldn't stop watching it. When I had to get up and do something I would tell my sister to pause the move so that I wouldn't miss any part of it, but on the other movies I would have said "Let it keep going." The movie is a great movie, and you would love it to if you see it too. So I would like to give you some details about it, and then you will know why I love it so much. Well the charters names are Jack and Rose, and Rose boyfriend, and they're going somewhere, because they're supposed to go get married at some place. That is why they have to travel on the boat Titanic. Jack the boy he is at a place playing cards for a bag of money, and he had won the game, so then he began to run for he could get on the boat. He had made it just in time, and he had got on the boat and ran to the front of the boat, and go closed his eyes, stuck his hands out and he felt like he was flying. While Rose was on a date with her boyfriend, but then she had left and she seen Jack, and Jack had took her to a party. She had a lot of fun, so will Rose start going with Jack and cheat on her boyfriend, but that is all I can tell you if you want to know more go get the movie and watch it. You can tell from this movie is that you can love someone in first sight. This movie is a true story, which had very surprised me when I first saw it. Here is one more detail, at the end of the movie some people will die and some people will stay alive, but please watch the movie for more details and for you can see what happens with Jack, Rose, and Rose's boyfriend. This movie is a great movie, so watch and pay attention to it! By, Zhaneisha Williams

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When the theatrical release of James Cameron's Titanic was delayed from July to December of 1997, media pundits speculated that Cameron's $200 million disaster epic would cause the director's downfall, signal the end of the blockbuster era, and sink Paramount Studios as quickly as the ill-fated luxury liner had sunk on that fateful night of April 14, 1912...

The Green Mile (Collector's Edition) [VHS] The Green Mile (Collector's Edition) [VHS]

Reviews

Paul Edgecomb is a slightly cynical veteran prison guard on Death row in the 1930's. His faith, and sanity, deteriorated by watching men live and die, Edgecomb is about to have a complete turn around in attitude. Enter John Coffey, He's eight feet tall. He has hands the size of waffle irons. He's been accused of the murder of two children... and he's afraid to sleep in a cell without a night-light. And Edgecomb, as well as the other prison guards - Brutus, a sympathetic guard, and Percy, a stuck up, perverse, and violent person, are in for a strange experience that involves intelligent mice, brutal executions, and the revelation about Coffey's innocence and his true identity. "The Green Mile" is a rare gem. This movie is a work of art, at it's very best. The depth of the cast is extraordinary, with all of the players delivering excellent performances. There is a clear sense here that all involved in the production knew that this was something special, and gave it their all. "The Green Mile" is a very touching drama, with the joys and sorrows of the life pictured with great skill. Mesmerizing and thought provoking movie. Enjoy.

This an amazing movie and would recomend it to anyone. My husband has it on VHS, CD'S and now BLU-RAY. We have purchased many movies from Amazon and I am pleased with the price and quality

it was unwatchable.it had pauses in it so it could not be recorded. i did not want to record it.it was a terrible disappointment.

This movie is exceptional both in terms of a moving story line as well as the performance of the actors. I strongly recommend this DVD for anyone who enjoys good movies.

Stephen King movies tend to be really good or really bad. Usually the longer they are, the less they deliver. This film is a little long, but worth every minute in terms of characterization & plot. On another level, I tend to filter out Tom Hanks films (I couldn't get myself to watch DA VINCI CODE until a month ago. A lot of hype for paltry reiteration of "truths" well known & blatant imitation of JFK style. Tom Hanks looking out of it for most of the movie.) Anyway, THE GREEN MILE quickly overcame my little foibles with a very satisfying story & intelligent action & script. Excellent direction too. The horror element is slightly subdued--and that's a good thing too, particulary if you're tired of the horror-of-the-obvious genre. The racial overtones were handled with sensitivity. I'm glad I took the plunge & watched THE GREEN MILE. The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer

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"The book was better" has been the complaint of many a reader since the invention of movies. Frank Darabont's second adaptation of a Stephen King prison drama (The Shawshank Redemption was the first) is a very faithful adaptation of King's serial novel...

The Last of the Mohicans (1992) [VHS] The Last of the Mohicans (1992) [VHS]

Reviews

I gave this movie to my husband for Valentine's day (he told me I scored). I opted for the VHS over the Director's cut DVD after reading several other reviews. This version is the best. It is worth it to get the original theater version.

It's like this; To be a "G"(gangsta) you must own several movies. Scar face, Casino, Good Fellas AND Last of the Mohicans. This movies is so good I could have slapped my my mamma, but she's the one that took me to see it. A bad ass movie.

I thought this was very well made, with exciting action, beautiful scenery, neat sets, and an admirable concern for, if a problematic realisation of, authenticity. My main criticism has to do with the film's attempt to reconcile its search for authenticity with a kind of "Fantastic Three" superhero"ism" that pervades much of the film. There's a bit too much "many Huron and redcoats can die but not the heroes" for much of the film that I found to be inconsistent with an otherwise genuine sort of treatment.

Wow, this movie and Dances with Wolves really bored me. Maybe I just don't like American Frontier movies but I didn't understand this movie at all. I think DDL was way more romantically interesting in My Beautiful Laundrette. I thought DDL and Michael Mann were sure things before I saw this movie.

I love this movie and was excited to find out it was a director's cut until I saw the whole thing. Several of the steamy and clever one-liners have been edited out: "someday you and I are going to have a serious disagreement" and some lines from the scene in the glade in particular. Chingachgook's speech at the end was completely unnecessary, and reeks of Big M Message that the director must think an intelligent viewer won't be able to pick up on independently. I LOVE this movie, and have watched my VHS edition nearly to death, and am actually so disgusted with this version that I haven't watched it once since I bought it (2 years ago).

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An epic adventure and passionate romance unfold against the panorama of a frontier wilderness ravaged by war. Academy Award® winner Daniel Day-Lewis (Best Actor in 1989 for My Left Foot) stars as Hawkeye, rugged frontiersman and adopted son of the Mohicans, and Madeleine Stowe is Cora Munro, aristocratic daughter of a proud British Colonel...

Decorative Nail 7/16 Decorative Nail 7/16" x 1/2" - French Natural

Plain Head DECORATIVE NAIL Head: 7/16"diameter ~ Nail: 1/2"long Steel with French Natural Finish ~ Color matched to D-3593 & D-3595 Nail Trim Sold in Lots of 50

French dark wire vintage style drying rack dryer with 8 branches French dark wire vintage style drying rack dryer with 8 branches

Reviews

I was looking for a way to dry my green bags (for storing veggies)and my food saver bags. All of the bag dryers I saw were not long enough for the large bags. Even tho measurements were given, I was impressed at the length. We mounted it at a slight angle on our kitchen wall high enough so that the arms are over our heads when extended. It works perfectly and looks very nice. By the way, it arrived in record time.

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This is a fun piece and something very difficult to find when looking for the antique ones. This is a typical type of dryer used for small laundry items, indoors usually. When the weather did not allow drying items outside on the line, or simply for drying towels every day, or lingerie for example, this is what was used...

Venice Architectural Ceiling Fan Pull or Light Pull Venice Architectural Ceiling Fan Pull or Light Pull

Venice Architectural Elements Ceiling Fan Pull or Light Pull

Star Wars - Episode II, Attack of the Clones (Widescreen Edition) Star Wars - Episode II, Attack of the Clones (Widescreen Edition)

Reviews

For some reason, many people saw this as an improvement over episode 1. And I kind of understand why. No Jake Lloyd, not nearly as much screen time for Jar Jar, and Obi-Wan becomes more interesting as a character. But in my eyes, so many things were worse this time around. Qui-Gon's gone, and he is one of my favorite Star Wars characters. Darth Maul is dead, and we have a new villian for this movie. Count Dooku. He is played by Christopher Lee, and he is unbelievably bland. I can't put my finger on what's wrong with him, but he just bugged me so much. He does his best worst Darth Vader impression, in my opinion. The main problem I had with this movie, and arguably the worst thing about this trilogy, is Anakin Skywalker. He is simply the worst protagonist I have ever seen in a movie. I couldn't stand him. He's a whiny jerk. Anakin Skywalker is supposed to be a good man who gradually fell to evil, not this little crybaby. Part of this problem was the way Anakin's character was written, and part of it was Christensen's acting abilities. Another huge problem was the love story between Anakin and Padme. It was supposed to be a huge, passionate love story. Instead, it was two irresponsible teenagers getting married behind everyone's back. Their relationship was so contrived and wooden, that that alone makes this one of the worst movies I've ever seen in my life. The movie starts off with the following information. A large group of solar systems have decided to leave the Republic. They want to start their own government. They call themselves the Separatists, and they are led by Count Dooku, a former Jedi. The Republic does not want to allow them to leave. The Senate is debating whether to start a war to keep the star systems in the Republic. In a Democracy. Why would the Senate be trying to force the planets to stay in the Republic? Is it "leave the Republic and die?" They're talking about creating an army to keep the star systems from leaving. Are they actually talking about threatening to kill them if they leave? In a Democracy? Just another example of George Lucas's inept writing ability when it comes to these prequel films. Padme, who is now the Senator of Naboo, is just returning to Coruscant. She is against going to war. Someone is trying to assassinate her, presumably because she is the head of the group who wants to prevent the war from happening. After an attempt on her life, which is prevented through use of a decoy, Chancellor Palpatine suggests that an extra layer of security be added to her, in the form of a Jedi Knight. He suggests Obi-Wan Kenobi, since Padme alreay knows him and it would be easier with someone she already knows. Makes sense. Oh, and of course, Obi-Wan's five-year-old son will accompany him. So now we finally meet a grown Anakin Skywalker. He is supposed to be a great man, at this point. So why is he such a whiny jerk? His first scene has him and Obi-Wan arguing about what they are there to do; protect padme, or figure out who wants to kill her. It seems that, after not having seen Padme for ten years, Anakin still has a crush on her. Some girl he liked when he was a little kid and hasn't seen in ten years. This scene illustrates the two biggest problems I have with the Star Wars prequels. Number one, Anakin, the hero and main protagonist, is a complete jerk. Number two, the romance between Anakin and Padme makes no sense at all. And since they actually try to use this as his primary motivation for turning to the dark side. Hilarious, really. A few scenes and a long, CGI-infused speeder chase later, they deduce that a bounty hunter has been hired to kill Padme. The Jedi council orders Obi-Wan to capture the bounty hunter and discover who he is working for. They decide, geniuses that they are, that Anakin will continue to protect Padme. Even though Obi-Wan warns them that Anakin has an emotional attachment to her. They don't seem to care. The oldest and wisest of all Jedi Knights, ladies and gentlemen. So while Obi-Wan heads to Kamino to try to find this Bounty Hunter, Anakin and Padme disguise themselves as refugees or something, and journey to Naboo. They spend their time there flirting like a couple of immature sixteen-year-olds. Lucas had to get these two to fall in love, so he had to constantly shove it down out throats, because it made no sense at all. And why does she like him at all? Anakin is a jerk to her, and he hates all his authority figures, especially his master. He also makes a bunch of remarks about how Democracy sucks and a dictatorship would be so much better. Later, he and Padme have an argument about how they love each other, but both of them have committed to serve the republic. Anakin is not allowed to marry, so he wants to keep it a secret. Padme responds that they would be living a lie, and that it would destroy them. Later that night, Anakin has a dream about his mother. He decides to go to Tatooine to save her. Why didn't he do that a few years ago? It is never stated that the council wouldn't let him go back to rescue her. So why didn't he just go back? Anyway, he finds out she has been freed, and married to her new slave owner. But she was recently abducted by Tusken Raiders. He goes to the camp, and gets to talk to her for about thirty seconds before she dies, after saying something about being complete or something. Anakin then goes into a rage and kills all the Sand People. The men, women, and children. Our protagonist, ladies and gentlemen. This would have been a good dramatic scene, if this was the first time Anakin had done something evil. But it's not. He's been evil throughout the whole movie. He's not a good man who gradully fell to evil, he's already evil. When he tells Padme about this, she responds "to be angry is to be human." And then she comforts him. I won't even go into the massive problems I have with a girl finding out her boyfriend just committed genocide and then comforting him, as if he's the one who's hurting. While all this is happening, Obi-Wan has been tracking down the bounty hunter. He comes to Kamino to discover that the Kaminoans have been developing a clone army over the last ten years. They claim that it was under the orders of Sifo-Dyas, a Jedi Knight. Obi-Wan tells them that Syfo-Dyas is dead. They tell him that the basis for the clones is a bounty hunter called Jango Fett. Jango Fett says that he has never heard of Sifo-Dyas, and that he was recruited by a man called Tyranus. The Kaminoans have nothing to say to this, and this discrepancy is never really explained. As a side note, I thought th thing with Boba Fett being a clone of Jango Fett was kind of interesting. It ended up being kind of meaningless, since they didn't do anything with it. But still, I'll give a compliment whenever I get the chance. `Cause there's not a whole lot to give a compliment to where this movie is concerned. Obi-Wan reports the situation to the Jedi council. They assure him that they had nothing to do with the army, and that it was unauthorized. Obi-Wan follows Fett to Geonosis, where it is revealed that he is working for the Separatist movement. He is trying to kill Padme so that Nute Gunray will join the Separatists, not because he wants to sabotage her peace movement. Before Obi-Wan can discover more, he is captured. Count Dooku then TELLS HIM that the Senate is under the control of a Sith Lord. And since the chancellor is the one who controls the senate, he is indirectly telling him that the CHANCELLOR IS A SITH LORD!!!! Alas, it takes the Jedi one more movie to discover this. They only discover it because the chancellor tells them. Morons. Anakin is ordered not to go after Obi-Wan. And as we all know, Anakin will follow orders when the plot requires him to. Padme says that she is going to help Obi-Wan, and that he will have to come along if he wants to continue to protect her. What was the point of that interchange between the two of them? Anyway, they get to Geonosis and after a big CGI video-game scene, the two of them are captured like a couple of morons. They, along with Obi-Wan, are sentenced to death. They have a fight with some CGI monsters for a while, until a huge army of Jedi show up. After an even longer CGI fight, the Jedi are beaten and only about twenty or so are left. Just as they are about to be finished off, Yoda arrives with the clone army. The same clone army that the Jedi Council knows were made without authorization and are probably a trap. A third CGI fight starts up, and the clones dominate the droids. Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme see Count Dooku trying to escape. They follow him. Padme suddenly falls out of the ship, and Anakin and Obi-Wan have a long, unnecessary debate about whether to leave her. Obi-Wan wants to pursue Dooku, and Anakin wants to go back to make sure she's okay. The thing is, they could have easily picked her up, and then kept going. Instead, they have a long and tedious argument. Anakin eventually agrees to leave her, and they pursue Dooku. The thing is, this scene was completely unnecessary. Padme is fine, she is found by some clone troopers five minutes later. I think the reason they had this whole scene in there was because they didn't know what to do with Padme during the lightsaber duel. Why didn't they just have Padme get on a different ship than Anakin and Obi-Wan? All this scene served to do was create pointless drama. Obi-Wan and Anakin arrive at the hangar, and a crappy attempt at lightsaber dueling begins. After about two minutes, Count Dooku defeats both of them with ease. Then Yoda shows up. Dooku throws some stuff at Yoda, and that doesn't work, so he shoots lightning at him and that doesn' work. Then they start the fourth CGI action scene that has happened in the last five minutes. When I was a kid watching this, I thought it was a good scene. But now, it makes Yoda seem so much less interesting in my eyes. Yoda is supposed to be a great Jedi, not because he is so good at sword-fighting, but because he is wise and in tune with the force. This scene looks funny, but it does not do the character any justice. Dooku escapes, and the clone war begins. The clone army is brought to Coruscant, and the clone war begins. Anakin and Padme get married in secret, because she loves him despite the fact that he is an evil mass murderer. Attack of the Clones was, at the time, the worst Star Wars movie. The protagonist was a jerk, and this alone is enough to make the movie suck. But that's just one of many problems. The conflict makes no sense. Practically every plot point is silly or contrived. As i said earlier, the good guys are complete and utter morons. But don't worry, it gets a whole lot worse in the next movie.

The DVD arrived promptly and exactly as described. I am very satisfied with this transaction.

This prequel is an step up from the one before, which is damning with faint praise. At least I don't feel I'm having backstory offloaded by the spade-full. And this time I don't feel that Lucas is replaying the greatest hits of the original trilogy. Though it's far from perfect, I was able to sit back and let this one wash the bad taste of Episode I from my mouth. Indeed, the contrast between this film and the original trilogy is very interesting. Where the original trilogy was about a small band fighting on the fringes of society, this is a very urban story, a fight happening at the heart of power. The CGI street scenes create a hectic but claustrophobic feel the original films could never hope to touch. It also isn't nearly as rushed as the first film. Neal Stephenson famously explained his view of the failure of Episode I, that the sci-fi geek stuff had been pinched off into ancillary media like books and video games. Not so here. Unlike the prior film, this one cares enough about the audience to stop and explain what's happening and why it matters. And this movie removes some of the errors of Episode I. Jar-Jar Binks is reduced to a minor supporting role, while Mace Windu gets out of his beanbag chair and actually moves, and Natalie Portman gives up on her lousy fake British accent. Lucas and his actors focus this time on what they're good at, and the movie benefits from it. I still miss the funky retro ethos of the original trilogy. But this one recaptures some of the smart, morally complex desperation that made the original so much worth watching. Not just a commercial for its merchandizing, this is an actual film in its own right, and I can bring myself to watch it more than once. Which is a definite step forward.

Attack Of The Clones' is better than `The Phantom Menace' in two ways: (a) It has a stronger individual story: instead of the dull trade dispute of the first film, the assassination plot against Padme and the buildup to the Clone Wars are actually interesting. (b) It has a stronger connection to the original trilogy: many of the events here clearly foreshadow important plot points of Episodes IV-Vi ; the ascension of Palpatine to Republic leader, the creation of the Clone Army, the beginning of the War, Anakin's relationship with Padme, and the first hint of his descent into Darth Vader. Overall, Episode II is a more entertaining movie than Episode I. The pacing is much better throughout, with a number of excellent set action pieces. The climactic battle and the duel between Yoda and Dooku are the highlights of the entire trilogy. And unlike the intergalactic politics of Episode I, there is a greater focus on plot and character development here. However, problems from `The Phantom Menace' remain. Once again, the film feels quite leaden and forced, as if Lucas was trying too hard to recapture the magic of the original films. The dialogue can be a bit stilted at times, and is laughably cheesy during the so-called `romantic' scenes between Anakin and Padme. And as before, the acting is a mixed bag. Ewan McGregor is beginning to grow into the role of Obi-Wan, there is a good turn from Christopher Lee as Dooku, while Ian McDiarmid once again steals the show as the duplicitous Palpatine. The two leads, however, are let down by the script and turn in ordinary performances. In fact, this movie's greatest achievement might be that it makes Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen look like bad actors. Portman at least had some runs on the board as an actress, but Christensen might find it hard to live down his role as Anakin. The script gives him nothing, making him come across as a selfish, whiny brat, and neither his relationship with Padme nor the emergence of his Dark Side feel very realistic. What should have been the central character in the movie becomes a black hole into which everything else is sucked. Like Episodes I and III, it's nowhere near as good as the original movies, but I'd say `Attack Of The Clones' is the best of the new trilogy.

In terms of acting, plot, dialogue, and special effects, Attack of the Clones is light years beyond The Phantom Menace. Much of the movie focuses on the mystery of the clone army. It ends with a spectacular battle scene - still one of the best sci-fi battles out there. I like a lot about Attack of the Clones, but at the end of the day it just seems like the plot still needed to be worked out. There is a whole mystery about who built the clone army, but this is never fully explained. Also, it's not really clear why the Separatists were building a Death Star. I'm a Star Wars geek and it took me a while to figure these plot twists out. It's certainly not going to appeal to casual fans. Also, while the main actors are fine, the extras are sometimes a bit corny - particularly the Jedi at the end of the movie and the other Separatist leaders. Good, but not quite up to par with Episodes IV and V.

Average Rating:

If The Phantom Menace was the setup, then Attack of the Clones is the plot-progressing payoff, and devoted Star Wars fans are sure to be enthralled. Ten years after Episode I, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), now a senator, resists the creation of a Republic Army to combat an evil separatist movement...

Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World (Widescreen Edition) Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World (Widescreen Edition)

Reviews

My husband and I were both enthralled by Master and Commander from beginning to end. I had forgotten all about it and did not remember whether it had good reviews upon release, but I picked it up at the video store to rent on a whim. We both enjoy English history, sailing and Russell Crowe so I thought it would be worth $4 to give it a look. What a perfect movie night we had. The film is visually breathtaking. The attention to every detail of costume and set design is remarkable. You really do feel as though you were on an early 19th century war ship, creaky, leaky and rum-soaked in the bowels but erudite and elegant in the captain's quarters. Unlike many special effects extravaganzas and costume dramas, this is not a poor-to-mediocre film in a fancy package. The script is witty, the character development is effective, the pacing brisk, and the acting from Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany and the supporting cast reliably excellent. It is fascinating to watch how the ship works. It's really a microcosm of British society at the beginning of its great 19th century imperial expansion (albeit without women), with its class distinctions and power structures. Crowe's character, the ship's captain, represents pragmatic, confident leadership and the conviction that Britain knows what should be done and shall make sure it gets done. Paul Bettany's character, the ship's physician, represents the intellectual curiosity that led to the industrial revolution and the theory of evolution. The battle scenes are engrossing, and with a few exceptions, I don't really care for war movies. Although it's rated PG-13 and some scenes are probably too intense for young children (especially the scene where a child sailor has his arm amputated without benefit of anesthesia), I really did not see anything objectionable for any age group. I'm off to order DVDs for my husband for our anniversary and for my father-in-law for Father's Day. This is a gem of a film.

Seat Sail for an action packed ocean battle thrill rid in Master and Commander. this movie is really good. it's kinda slow but still a good movie to watch. i recommend this movie for everyone of the age 15 and up

I LOVED THIS MOVIE. IT HELD MY INTEREST THROUGH THE ENTIRE MOVIE. WILL PROBABLY WATCH AGAIN.

We purchased a blu-ray player and wanted movies to see the difference from regular DVD. Recently, we had returned from the Galapagos and were eager to see more of its lovely scenery & animals, so purchased this and the blu-ray disc "Galapagos" as test movies. We were not disappointed in the color and clarity of the disc on blu-ray.

I receive an e-mail from amazon advertising delivery before Christmas, so i ordered under this assumption. To my chagrin the product arrived nearly a week after Christmas. So much for a merry Christmas... But it's a great naval movie.

Average Rating:

In the capable hands of director Peter Weir, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a seafaring adventure like no other, impeccably authentic, dynamically cast, and thrilling enough to give any classic swashbuckler a run for its money...

Verbena Panier des Sens French Linen Water, 1 Liter or 33.8 fl oz Verbena Panier des Sens French Linen Water, 1 Liter or 33.8 fl oz

These gentle, natural and softly sensual products are produced in France, using the best quality ingredients and the best quality scents. Treat yourself to a small luxury today. Distilled, gently scented linen water can be used in the iron, or sprayed directly onto any fabric...

French Opera Glasses MOP French Opera Glasses MOP

French Opera Glasses MOP. Mother of pearl, 4" wide.

French Perfume Bottle Signed French Perfume Bottle Signed

French Perfume Bottle Signed. Green Jeweled Top, Cupids on each side. 1 1/8 inch tall.

Golden Eagle GEE408 French Crystal Phone Golden Eagle GEE408 French Crystal Phone

Reviews

I got my phone today and I bought it on the basis of the description, the well-lit professional photo, and the one rave reveiw. I am not thrilled with the phone. The handle is ALL plastic except for the center glass portion. What looks like metal is not. The gold tone is very unrealistic (cheap) looking...I thought I might return the phone, but did not think to check the return policy until AFTER I got the item. The return policy RA hassle, retocking fee, and shipping make it too expensive to return the phone...I had never encountered this with any Amazon sale before...and I have made many, many purchases. Also, there was NO INVOICE INCLUDED with the phone listing any of the particulars of the sale, warranty, contact information, or how to return. I had to go to Amazon to find information. Therefore, I will just use the phone even though I would return it if I could do so without such a financial loss and hassle. I will also be much more careful about buying any product that isn't sold directly through Amazon.com. Above all, I will check return policies very closely in the future. On a positive note, if you want a phone quickly, this company (PricePro) does ship fast and used FedEX. Sadly, that is the only recommendation I can give for this purchase. I hope this helps some others learn to not buy hastily (I usually am a cautious buyer but was feeling some "New Year" excitement and forgot my own rules!)

This is the phone for those who love to sparkle! This phone looks every inch the bees knees. It was bought from the US and arrived very well and safely packaged . It did everything it said on the enclosed instruction and was easy to follow and set up. You need the US to UK adaptor and they only cost around a fiver, and simply plug in. The base of the phone feels solid and weighty, likewise with the beautiful receiver. The only downside, and it's a small one, is the gold colouring seems slighty yellow in tone, silver would be a fabulous idea. When my mother rang me using the phone for the first time, she was extremely pleased with it and she sounded "crystal" clear as a bell!!

Average Rating:

Lead Crystal Round Base Telephone GEE408 This French style phone has a 24% Lead Crystal base and handset with a pretty cut-glass or faceted design. Touchtone dial buttons are arranged in a circle to look like old fashioned rotary...

French Field Glasses/Binoculars French Field Glasses/Binoculars

French Made Field Glasses/Binoculars

French Country Media Cabinet, 1-DOOR/3-DRAWER, ANTIQUE WHITE French Country Media Cabinet, 1-DOOR/3-DRAWER, ANTIQUE WHITE

The French Country Media Cabinet provides an elegant solution to organizing your music collection and equipment. Featuring graceful country styling, a rich finish and dependable materials, this home theater furniture has the quality you've come to expect...

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