Len S.'s Reviews

This is not a family-oriented DVD nor is it suitable for those who object to the use of foul language in art.

If you are familiar with the comedy staple that is immortalized in this documentary, you will be thoroughly entertained. Some of America's funniest (and most controversial) comedians share their own tawdry versions of the classic joke, and there is just enough history and analysis between the cameos to warm you up for the next presenter.
Review Date: 7/2/2014

What a journey! From the birth of the sport right up through near-present day, Mr. Burns delves into the myths and legends of our national pastime. While alternating between the history of the game and bios of its most colorful participants, this 10-DVD set is sure to please baseball lovers everywhere.

See what made Babe Ruth a living legend. Find out why Ty Cobb was as hated as he was respected. Watch as Honus Wagner becomes much more than a name from the past: "He used to scoop up a handful of dirt and pebbles every time he fielded a ball, and the pebbles would arrive at first base about the same time the ball did."

Relive the glory days of baseball when backward farm boys with incredible natural talent were all nicknamed "Rube". Learn about "The Splendid Splinter" and his feud with the fans of Boston that lasted long past his playing days. Watch the travails of the Gashouse Gang, the Mustache Gang, the Black Socks, the Miracle Mets and, of course, the Bronx Bombers.

Interjected throughout you'll find tales of childhoods-gone-by and hero worship from some of baseball's great historians, as well as popular figures like Billy Crystal.

The ONLY problem I had with this set was the coverage of 1968. Rightfully centered around Bob Gibson and Denny McClain, they failed to mention that my all-time favorite player, Mickey Lolich, won three complete games and hit a homer on his way to winning the World Series MVP. Lolich beat Gibson in Game 7 on just two days rest.

But with that slight forgiven, this is without a doubt the most enjoyable and enlightening trip through baseball's past. If your favorite thing to hear is "Pitchers and catchers report in two weeks", you absolutely must watch this epic collection.
Review Date: 12/10/2010

If you are offended by profanity in movies, this DVD is not for you.
If you sleep through dialogue and wake up for car chases, this DVD is not for you.
If you are offended by the notion that those that serve you talk bad about you as soon as leave, again, not your cup-o-tea.

Now, if you haven't been eliminated thus far, order this DVD without delay. Kevin Smith truly captured magic in a bottle when he made his first movie starring his high school buddies, a couple of local community theatre actors, a couple of family members and a few customers of the Quick-stop convenience store that serves as the set for 95% of the movie. Smith actually worked as a clerk at Quick-stop by day, and filmed and edited his movie there by night.

This is a movie inundated with intelligent, witty conversations often delivered at rapid-fire pace. Just when you think its getting artsy and uppity, cut to Jay hawking his "wares" to locals or busting a hilarious dance move.

Stealing the show is Jeff Anderson, playing Randal, a wise-cracking video clerk that works next door. Smith wrote the role of Randal for himself, later deciding it would be easier to memorize the lines of another character, Silent Bob.

The entire movie takes place over one day at the store and covers topics like annoying customers (no, not the cat named by Randal), infidelity, true friendship and whether innocent contractors died in one of the Star Wars flicks.

The film is shot in black & white because its all Smith could afford at the time. He rung up some $27,000 on several credit cards to make the movie, taking the chance that it would go nowhere and he would just now be paying those cards off. Well, it indeed went places... IFFN, Sundance, Miramax and finally into the hearts of an ever-growing cult of Kevin Smith fans.

If you've gotten this far and you don't wind up liking this movie, you're either a milk maid, a guidance counselor or a gum salesman. You'll have to watch Clerks to find out what I mean...
Review Date: 12/20/2007

Without a doubt, one of the five best movies I've ever seen. This superbly crafted drama sticks with you for days after viewing. It's chock full of vicarious "Wonder what I would've done?" situations that tend to make the viewer reflect on, and possibly even change, long-held beliefs about subjects as varied as patriotism, love, heroes, and yes, deer hunting.

The movie is just over three hours long, and upon first review you'll probably notice scenes that would normally be cut. But the more I thought about it, I realized that those seemingly mundane scenes served purposes like establishing the sameness of industrial life and the removal of all that is normal when fighting in a foreign country.

So set aside an entire evening for this extravaganza of great actors. From John Savage in the window to Meryl Streep in the stockroom to Robert DeNiro sitting across the table from a "lost" friend played by Christopher Walken, you're going to witness acting at its best. Prepare to be moved. Prepare to trade in your deer rifle for a good camera and a new appreciation of all living things.
Review Date: 12/20/2007

This was one of those rare finds for me. Not expecting too much, I was blown away. This collection of home movies reveals a man with a sheer love for what became known as "Outlaw Country". There are some truly hilarious moments, like best-friend Johnny Cash showing Jack how to properly get in and out of his new low-rider Corvette. Or Johnny riding along his farm, naming off all his crops. You can probably guess what the last, out-of-the-way crop is...

This DVD was somewhat of a "perfect storm" for me, guiding me from one former hero to the next. Porter Waggoner, George Jones, John Prine, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Bono and plenty of Johnny Cash. Each presented in a "don't worry, no one will ever see this" home movie fashion.

If I HAD to pick one bad thing about this DVD, it's that Townes Van Zandt's coverage was limited to a single still shot. But that was more than made up for by watching the DVD extras.

One last thing, I received my copy brand new, still shrink-wrapped. Thanks, fellow SwapaDVD member!
Review Date: 10/12/2020

At once, both enjoyable and depressing. Not as good as his first work about the auto plant closing, but better than the one about gun control. I especially liked the scene with Steve Earle.
Review Date: 5/18/2010

Tobey Maguire really surprised me with this role. I could see him as Peter Parker, just not his alter-ego. Looks like he bulked up a bit preparing for this movie. The special effects are nice as well. Kirsten Dunst does a good job with her role, like always. All around, a good movie for parents and teens to share.
Review Date: 4/21/2010

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