Collection ID 780
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Mark Rylance, Domenick Lombardozzi, Victor Verhaeghe, Mark Fichera, Brian Hutchison
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Studio: Amblin Entertainment   Release date: 2015   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, German, Russian (USA, Germany, India)
Summary: In the cold war, a lawyer, James B. Donovan is recruited by the CIA and involved in an intense negotiation mission to release and exchange a CIA U-2 spy-plane pilot, Francis G. Powers. The pilot was arrested alive after his plane was shot down by the Soviet Union during a mission and stays in the company of a KGB intelligence officer, Rudolf Abel, who was arrested for espionage in the US.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 781
Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Mark Rylance, Domenick Lombardozzi, Victor Verhaeghe, Mark Fichera, Brian Hutchison
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Studio: Amblin Entertainment   Release date: 2015   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, German, Russian (USA, Germany, India)
Summary: In the cold war, a lawyer, James B. Donovan is recruited by the CIA and involved in an intense negotiation mission to release and exchange a CIA U-2 spy-plane pilot, Francis G. Powers. The pilot was arrested alive after his plane was shot down by the Soviet Union during a mission and stays in the company of a KGB intelligence officer, Rudolf Abel, who was arrested for espionage in the US.
My Rating:
My Review:

Collection ID 430
Director: David Lean
Starring: William Holden, Jack Hawkins, Alec Guinness, Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald
Genre: Adventure
Studio: Columbia Pictures Corporation   Release date: 1957   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Musical Score (UK)
Summary: British soldiers are forced to build a railway bridge for their WWII Japanese captors, unaware of an allied mission to blow it up.
My Rating:
My Review: How could I not have written a review of this movie (yet)? Definitely one of my favorites. Screenplay (by Carl Foreman and Michael Wilson / They were on a Hollywood blacklist (for being Communists) and couldn't be credited with the writing until many years later (after they had died)) is based on a novel (same name/French language) by Pierre Boulle (Originally received screenplay credit instead of Foreman and Wilson). Directed by David Lean (Great Expectations (1946), Oliver Twist (1948), Hobson's Choice, Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965)). Starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins and many others. Here is one of the finest WWII movies ever made. A must see for military members. The movie is set in Southeast Asia (Burma aka Myanmar). The area is occupied by Japanese forces, and they intend to build a rail-road supply route so they can attack Thailand, India and other countries. In 1943, British POWs arrive at a Japanese POW camp in Burma. The camp's commander informs the prisoners that they will all (regardless of rank) be engaged in manual labor to build a railway bridge over the river Kwai. From that point forward the British POWs and Japanese military members are at odds. The British insist on treatment according to the Geneva conventions and the Japanese insist that they are in charge. It's rough going for the POWs, but eventually the POWs and the Japanese cooperate (to a point), and the bridge is built - But it's a British bridge. Designed by British officers; the construction is organized and led by British officers, built by the enlisted men (occasional help from officers), the bridge is a point of honor among the men - Until it's time to destroy it! Surely you knew? The bridge must be destroyed. The British military isn't going to allow the enemy to make use of the bridge… It's a fantastic WWII drama, filled with tense scenes of British honor and military discipline. Filmed on location in Sri-Lanka, the ever-present jungle adds a level of authenticity which cannot be duplicated on a stage. The direction, acting and editing were superlative. The musical score and composition was perfectly suited to the movie, matching every mood and elevating the film as a whole (To this day, I sometimes find myself whistling the Colonel Bogey March - Typically while I'm at work). There is no mistaking why this movie won seven Academy Awards. The Oscars were well earned. This is one of my all-time favorite movies. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1149
Director: David Lean
Starring: William Holden, Jack Hawkins, Alec Guinness, Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald
Genre: Adventure
Studio: Columbia Pictures Corporation   Release date: 1957   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Musical Score (UK)
Summary: British soldiers are forced to build a railway bridge for their WWII Japanese captors, unaware of an allied mission to blow it up.
My Rating:
My Review: How could I not have written a review of this movie (yet)? Definitely one of my favorites. Screenplay (by Carl Foreman and Michael Wilson / They were on a Hollywood blacklist (for being Communists) and couldn't be credited with the writing until many years later (after they had died)) is based on a novel (same name/French language) by Pierre Boulle (Originally received screenplay credit instead of Foreman and Wilson). Directed by David Lean (Great Expectations (1946), Oliver Twist (1948), Hobson's Choice, Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965)). Starring William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins and many others. Here is one of the finest WWII movies ever made. A must see for military members. The movie is set in Southeast Asia (Burma aka Myanmar). The area is occupied by Japanese forces, and they intend to build a rail-road supply route so they can attack Thailand, India and other countries. In 1943, British POWs arrive at a Japanese POW camp in Burma. The camp's commander informs the prisoners that they will all (regardless of rank) be engaged in manual labor to build a railway bridge over the river Kwai. From that point forward the British POWs and Japanese military members are at odds. The British insist on treatment according to the Geneva conventions and the Japanese insist that they are in charge. It's rough going for the POWs, but eventually the POWs and the Japanese cooperate (to a point), and the bridge is built - But it's a British bridge. Designed by British officers; the construction is organized and led by British officers, built by the enlisted men (occasional help from officers), the bridge is a point of honor among the men - Until it's time to destroy it! Surely you knew? The bridge must be destroyed. The British military isn't going to allow the enemy to make use of the bridge… It's a fantastic WWII drama, filled with tense scenes of British honor and military discipline. Filmed on location in Sri-Lanka, the ever-present jungle adds a level of authenticity which cannot be duplicated on a stage. The direction, acting and editing were superlative. The musical score and composition was perfectly suited to the movie, matching every mood and elevating the film as a whole (To this day, I sometimes find myself whistling the Colonel Bogey March - Typically while I'm at work). There is no mistaking why this movie won seven Academy Awards. The Oscars were well earned. This is one of my all-time favorite movies. I give it a 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 1053
Director: Richard Attenborough
Starring: Dirk Bogarde, James Caan, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Edward Fox
Genre: Action
Studio: Joseph E. Levine Productions   Release date: 1977   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: An historic telling of the failed attempt to capture several bridges to Germany in World War II in a campaign called Operation Market-Garden.
My Rating:
My Review: An epic WWII drama, featuring some rather intense combat scenes and a huge all-star cast (Dirk Bogarde, James Caan, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Edward Fox, Elliot Gould, Gene Hackman, Anthony Hopkins, Hardy Kruger, Laurence Olivier, Ryan O'Neal, Robert Redford, Maximilian Schell, Liv Ullmann and many others. Directed by Richard Attenborough this epic focuses on 'Operation Market Garden' a failed attempt by the Allies to seize control of key bridges in Holland, break through the German lines, and end the war in one decisive campaign. It's heroic and historically accurate (as much so as a theatrical production can be), but it certainly isn't a pro-war movie. There is very little glorification of violence or praise for the victors in this sobering and bloody tale. The movie does an excellent job of revealing the planning, strategy and tactics involved in an operation of this size. At the same time, the characters are driven, focused, yet human. The pacing is slow and drawn out (2 hours 56 minutes), but the editing and direction keep your interest piqued. The camera work (all shot on location) was amazing. The lighting, sound and color exceptional. Extremely well produced. Thankfully it places the focus where it belongs, on the British efforts in this endeavor (followed by the Americans and a Polish contingent). Market Garden was a British operation, and it was British troops that suffered the worst part of this defeat. Yes - Defeat. Here's a slice of real-politic. Not every Allied battle was successful. They didn't simply stroll into Berlin. There were many hard fought battles, but contrary to popular opinion or the history books in a typical American high school - We didn't win every battle. Shooting this picture on location was a stroke of genius. The level of realism and detail is stunning. An excellent score carries the movie through all three hours. In the end, I have no choice in rating this movie anything less than 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 181
Director: Richard Attenborough
Starring: Dirk Bogarde, James Caan, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Edward Fox
Genre: Action
Studio: Joseph E. Levine Productions   Release date: 1977   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, French (USA)
Summary: An historic telling of the failed attempt to capture several bridges to Germany in World War II in a campaign called Operation Market-Garden.
My Rating:
My Review: An epic WWII drama, featuring some rather intense combat scenes and a huge all-star cast (Dirk Bogarde, James Caan, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Edward Fox, Elliot Gould, Gene Hackman, Anthony Hopkins, Hardy Kruger, Laurence Olivier, Ryan O'Neal, Robert Redford, Maximilian Schell, Liv Ullmann and many others. Directed by Richard Attenborough this epic focuses on 'Operation Market Garden' a failed attempt by the Allies to seize control of key bridges in Holland, break through the German lines, and end the war in one decisive campaign. It's heroic and historically accurate (as much so as a theatrical production can be), but it certainly isn't a pro-war movie. There is very little glorification of violence or praise for the victors in this sobering and bloody tale. The movie does an excellent job of revealing the planning, strategy and tactics involved in an operation of this size. At the same time, the characters are driven, focused, yet human. The pacing is slow and drawn out (2 hours 56 minutes), but the editing and direction keep your interest piqued. The camera work (all shot on location) was amazing. The lighting, sound and color exceptional. Extremely well produced. Thankfully it places the focus where it belongs, on the British efforts in this endeavor (followed by the Americans and a Polish contingent). Market Garden was a British operation, and it was British troops that suffered the worst part of this defeat. Yes - Defeat. Here's a slice of real-politic. Not every Allied battle was successful. They didn't simply stroll into Berlin. There were many hard fought battles, but contrary to popular opinion or the history books in a typical American high school - We didn't win every battle. Shooting this picture on location was a stroke of genius. The level of realism and detail is stunning. An excellent score carries the movie through all three hours. In the end, I have no choice in rating this movie anything less than 5 out of 5.

Collection ID 525
Director: Christophe Gans
Starring: Samuel Le Bihan, Vincent Cassel, Émilie Dequenne, Monica Bellucci, Jérémie Rénier
Genre: Action
Studio: Canal+   Release date: 2001   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (France)
Summary: In 18th century France, the Chevalier de Fronsac and his native American friend Mani are sent by the King to the Gevaudan province to investigate the killings of hundreds by a mysterious beast.
My Rating:
My Review: Spectacular. A fantastic foreign flick. This French film is unforgettable. A visually stunning artistic film with compelling characters, a great cast, spectaculer costumes, and a superb setting. The story ties it all together. Part mystery, part love story, part action thriller.

Collection ID 1230
Director: Christophe Gans
Starring: Samuel Le Bihan, Vincent Cassel, Émilie Dequenne, Monica Bellucci, Jérémie Rénier
Genre: Action
Studio: Canal+   Release date: 2001   Rated: R   
Language (Country): English, French (France)
Summary: In 18th century France, the Chevalier de Fronsac and his native American friend Mani are sent by the King to the Gevaudan province to investigate the killings of hundreds by a mysterious beast.
My Rating:
My Review: Spectacular. A fantastic foreign flick. This French film is unforgettable. A visually stunning artistic film with compelling characters, a great cast, spectaculer costumes, and a superb setting. The story ties it all together. Part mystery, part love story, part action thriller.

Collection ID 518
Director: Tom Shadyac
Starring: Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Catherine Bell
Genre: Comedy
Studio: Spyglass Entertainment   Release date: 2003   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: A guy who complains about God too often is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world.
My Rating:
My Review: Outstanding! I laughed my head off. The DVD extra features are also worthwhile. An excellent cast: Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Steve Carell, Lisa Ann Walter. Jim Carrey's character is having a bad day. When he challenges God to do his worst, he's taken up on the offer. Carrey's character is saddled with the responsibility of playing God for a week. What does he do with the power? Watch and see. When Jim Carrey gets free reign with any scene you know it's gonna turn out right. Well directed, well acted, excellent writing. The visual effects were very well done. Steve Carell was awesome in his small role. The movie even ends on the right note. With a bigger message than the yucks shucked out by Carrey and crew. An excellent comedy.

Collection ID 1223
Director: Tom Shadyac
Starring: Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Catherine Bell
Genre: Comedy
Studio: Spyglass Entertainment   Release date: 2003   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: A guy who complains about God too often is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world.
My Rating:
My Review: Outstanding! I laughed my head off. The DVD extra features are also worthwhile. An excellent cast: Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Philip Baker Hall, Steve Carell, Lisa Ann Walter. Jim Carrey's character is having a bad day. When he challenges God to do his worst, he's taken up on the offer. Carrey's character is saddled with the responsibility of playing God for a week. What does he do with the power? Watch and see. When Jim Carrey gets free reign with any scene you know it's gonna turn out right. Well directed, well acted, excellent writing. The visual effects were very well done. Steve Carell was awesome in his small role. The movie even ends on the right note. With a bigger message than the yucks shucked out by Carrey and crew. An excellent comedy.