Brian Dixon - My DVD Collection and Thoughts about the Plots

Here is a list of my current DVD collection with some thoughts... I will update as I add or subtract from this. If you have any suggestions, comments etc., please let me know….

A Beautiful Mind – Terrific Ron Howard film with Russell Crowe. Story of someone reaching highs, lows, then highs again…
A Mighty Wind – Another great “Mockumentary” by Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy. This time following the Folk music get together. Great song parodies and as always hilarious characters.

Abyss, The – Deep Sea sci fi. Good story. Even better effects..
Aladdin – Classic animated story. Rob in Williams great as the Genie.. Fun flick...
Almost Famous – Semi true story of Cameron Crowe’s experience writing for the Rolling Stone when he was a teenager. He is the Writer/Director..Kate Hudson first big movie. Good music, and fun film..
American Beauty – Kevin Spacey in a midage crisis film. Excellent film. Not a comedy!!
American Pie (2) – Not as good as Number 1, but still has a classic moment or two (glue tube resembling the Vaseline tube).
American Pie (1) – The first of the “trilogy” (I am assuming there is not an “American Divorce”??). A couple classic moments in this…Let’s say boy befriending an apple pie and the seduction of an exchange student going out over the internet.
American Splendor – Paul Giamatti playing Harvey Pikar who became famous after appearing on the Letterman show several times with his comic about his everyday life. I think this was an Oscar performance by Giamatti. Done in a different style that actually incorporates the real Harvey . Funny and touching…
American Wedding – The last of the trilogy. Probably best as they have lost their touch somewhat. Still funny but missing something..
Anchorman – Will Farrel as anchorman Ron Burgundy in 70’s timeframe funny satire. Lots of different appearances..(Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, etc.)
Animal House – A classic with John Belushi, Tim Matheson, yada, yada. Worth watching a couple times a year.
Apollo 13 – Long, Tom Hanks real life space story(not the story of Tom Hanks in space, but he stars and I believe directs). Worth the time.
Aristocrats - Many different comedians giving their take on the "dirtiest " joke. People either love or hate this...I could not have enough and thought wtching the comics go through the process of the telling was hilarious...
Arrested Development – season 1 - One of the most creative shows on Broadcast TV. Produced and narrated by Ron Howard. Starring Jason Batemon. Dysfunctional family of unique characters. Hilarious at times..
Arrested Development - season 2 - One more season of the dysfunctional family
Artificial Intelligence – Spielberg film of robot possibilities in the future. Not great in theaters, but I enjoyed.
Atlantis – O.K. animated feature with voice of Michael J Fox
Austin Powers (1)– International Man of Mystery – First of the series. Mike Myers plays Austin Powers and Dr Evil. Funny with some classic moments.
Austin Powers (2)– The Spy who Shagged Me – Myers plays one more character, Fat Bastard. Heather Graham, yeah baby…Fun film
Austin Powers (3) – Goldmember – Meyers plays 4, now playing Goldmember. Beyonce, yeah…
Bandits – O.K. film with Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton. Best part is most of it was filmed in West Marin and Sonoma …
Basket Case – A “B” classic. Belyle and his brother Dwayne are separated when children. Belyle thrown into garbage. Years later they get revenge on those that separated them. Classic bad acting. Classic bad special effects!!
Batman Begins - Saw this one in the theater and thought it would be good to have in the collection. Christian Bale does an amazing job. I like Tim Burton's Batman, but I think this is the best of the movies. Visually amazing, and good story..
Beauty and the Beast – Classic animated film…
Being John Malcovich – John Cusack while working on the 7 ½ floor finds a portal into John Malkovich’s brain…need I say more…Funny and creative.
Ben Stiller Show, The – The one season of the Ben Stiller show. Had some great moments some leading to future films such as Zoolander.
Best in Show – Another Christopher Guest “Mockumentary”. This time going to a dog show. Funny characters and moments
Better off Dead – Young John Cusack in a funny teen film..
Blair Witch Project – I was surprised to find this pretty scary. Implied stuff. Nothing really graphic..
Brian Regan – I walked on the Moon – My favorite stand-up comic does about an hour..
Bride of Frankenstein – The classic 1933 film
Cats and Dogs – Creative family film with Cats versus Dogs to rule the world..
Chappelle’s Show (season 1) – Season one of Dave Chappelle’s show. Unedited. Not for the family, but some very funny moments.
Chicago – Musical with Rene Zellweger and Richard Gere. Great music and enjoyable movie.
Chicken Run – Claymation Chickens trying to escape from a prison camp. Actually pretty funny.
Chocolat – Great little film about a woman bringing her magical chocolate to a small town,
Christmas Vacation – Chevy Chase slowly getting less funny. This one has a few classic moments (Squirrel in a tree; lighting the house).
Close Encounters of the 3^rd Kind – Can’t look at my mashed potatoes the same. Great Spielberg film. This DVD has an option of playing with live music and an actual crowd.
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon – Own it but have not watched it yet. Waiting for that right day…
Curb Your Enthusiasm – season 1 – My favorite show at the time. This DVD includes the one hour pilot. Show follows Larry David (co creator of the Seinfeld show) George is based on him…Gets into a lot of trouble. It is sometimes hilarious and painful at the same time. This season includes…Pants Tent to Beloved Aunt (included a misspelling…)
Curb Your Enthusiasm – season 2 – More classic moments including “The Car Salesman”, “Shaq”, and “Trick or Treat”.
Curb Your Enthusiasm – season 3 – This is worth it just for “Krazee-eyez Killa”., but the final “The Grand Opening” is hilarious…
Curb Your Enthusiasm - season 4 - Just bought but I lived it!! Some classic episodes...The Car Pool, Survivor...
Dinosaur – Amazing animated feature. Watch on big screen with surround sound. Story is alright.
Dipsea Demon, The – A local documentary about 90+ year old Jack Kirk who ran the annual Dipsea Race in Mill Valley California 67 straight times..
Dirty Dancing – Carol’s video..O.K. film with some good tunes and sweaty bodies…
Donnie Darko – Director’s Cut – I think I may need to watch this another 100 times to start to really get it, but I enjoy it anyway. How could you not enjoy a deformed 6 foot rabbit with info about the world ending??
Dr. Strangelove….The classic with Peter Sellers playing several parts.
Dragon Heart – Interesting and fun to watch film. Dennis Quaid (I have never really cared that much for) is the Dragon slayer and Sean Connery is the voice of the Dragon. Great effects.
Ed Wood – A Tim Burton and Johnny Depp collaboration about the somewhat well known cross dressing “B” movie director..Martin Landau does a great Bela Lugosi.
Eraserhead - An early David Lynch film...Not too many things weird me out, bt this one is definitely up there
Exorcist, The – Still scary as it was yada, yada years ago.
Fantasia – The classic Disney mix of animation and music…Ahead of it’s time and interesting to watch now…
Father of the Bride – Steve Martin plays the great Father figure. Diane Keaton is the mother. Martin Short is the wedding planner…Good film..
Finding Nemo – Fun animated feature with voices of Ellen Degeneres, Albert Brooks, Willem Defore, ….
Frankenstein (original) – The Boris Karloff classic. Still has that eerie feeling with the shadows etc. and implied violence..
French Kiss – Carol’s vid…OK film with Kevin Cline and Meg Ryan. Some funny moments.
Ghostbusters – One of Bill Murray’s first big hits. One of Dan Ackroyds last…Funny movie with a lot of classic moments.
Gladiator – Russel Crowe..If you can get through the violence it is an excellent film. Some amazing scenes and great acting…
Grease – One of Carol’s…uhhhhhhh…some fun tunes…uhhhhh. All I got…
Grosse Pointe Blank – A funny John Cusack film especially for those who graduated in the 80’s. He is a hit man going to his 20 yr reunion. Does not sound like a funny premise, but it is…
Harry Potter – Sorcerer’s Stone – Own it, but have not watched it. Just have not been in that Harry Potter mood…Saw &2 on a flight to Hawaii and somewhat enjoyed. Broomstick chase during major turbulence was perfect..
High Fidelity – Another great John Cusack flick. One of Jack Black’s first. A lot of top five mix lists..Cusack is owner of music store and dealing with a break up..laughter ensues…
Hook – Dustin Hoffman and Rob in Williams in a take on the Peter Pan story. O.K…
How the Grinch Stole Xmas – Animated – best parts – Boris Karloff, the dog, and funky animation…music is cool too..
How the Grinch Stole Xmas – Jim Carrey – Who else could have played this live action Grinch. Good film and dog is major star again..
Hulk – Have to do on big screen with surround sound! Done with a comic book style. Special effects amazing. Story…O.K..
Hurricane, The – Denzel Washington plays boxer Rubin Carter, wrongly accused of murder. Great film.
Ice Age – Another fun animated feature. Main voice is Ray Romano. You know the basic story of some animals returning a baby back to it’s tribe….
Incredibles, The – Probably one of the best animated films there has been. Incredible animation and smart story. DVD has a lot of special features.
Independence Day – O.K. this is mostly for the special effects. Aliens …end of the World..yada yada…Lots of good loud noise and cool effects…Oh yeah there is a movie in there somewhere, but it is secondary…Bill Pullman as President???
Iron Giant – Fun, touching animated feature. As touching as an animated Rob ot movie can be..
Jaws – Classic,classic…Scary …one of Spielberg’s first. Memorable soundtrack. Who does not make the shark music when ever there is a shark sighting, or just swimming slowly in a pool??
Jurassic Park (1) - Cutting edge special effects in this one. Good story. Have to always put the glass of water out on the table…
Jurassic Park (2) – The Lost World – Not even close to the first, but still some fun effects..
Jurassic Park (3) – Better than #2, but not near #1…effects even better than #2.
King Kong (2005)- Fun on the big screen with sound turned up..Three hours long so it could drag a little. Story is the story. As much as I like Jack Black, not sure he was right for the role of the "Director"...Some funky scenes I would not expect from a $300Mil movie, but i say it is worth at least renting...
Kung Pow – Very creative satire on Japanese samurai films. Director/actor Steve Oedekirk is plugged into the films and all dubbed differently.
Little Shop of Horrors (musical) – Rick Moranis stars with the big plant(Audrey II). Small parts by Steve Martin, John Candy and Chris Guest…Fun music and film.
Little Shop of Horrors (original) – With Jack Nicholson..Honestly have not sat down and watched the whole thing yet.
Lord of the Rings (1) – Have not seen yet
Lord of the Rings (2) – See #1
Lord of the Rings (3) – see #2
Lost in Translation – Bill Murray..People seem to either love or hate this. I loved it. Great visually. Terrific acting and story. Leaves some to the imagination…What did he say??
March of the Penguins - Another bird documentary...Interesting what these birds go through to find a mate and to watch over the one egg...
Manster, The – A “B” movie I have not sat down and watched fully.
Matrix – Enjoyed this but probably have to watch another 50 times to get it!!
Matrix Reloaded – Have not watched yet…Waiting to do a Matrix marathon
Mayor of Sunset Strip – Documentary of Rodney Bingenheimer. The “King of Sunset Strip”in LA. He is credited with the fame of many bands, but never achieved major financial success himself. Funy, interesting, and sad at points. DVD has a lot of extra interviews…
Me, Myself, and Irene – Jim Carrey and the Farrelly Brothers. Off the wall and funny (duhhhh). Have to watch deleted and outtakes..
Meet the Fockers – Sequel to Meet the Parents. I thought this one was slightly more funny. Dustin Hoffman and Barbara Streisand play Ben Stillers parents.Lots of funny moments..
Meet the Parents – Ben Stiller with future father in law, Rob ert Deniro. Very funny moments…Lie detector is classic.
Memento – A backwards movie starting from the end. Main character has short term memory loss…Different and interesting if you keep up with it.
Men in Black I – Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in this pretty original flick. Amazing special effects and funny moments.
Men in Black II – As usual, sequel not quite as good as first. Dog is great..
Minority Report – Tom Cruise in a pretty cool futuristic flick about arresting people before the crime is committed. Interesting and great effects.
Mission Impossible II – Tom Cruise is Risky Business guy 20 years later as a spy. Lots of action…action is…..uhhhhhh…There’s lots of action!!
Monsters Inc – Great animated feature. Voices of Billy Crystal and John Goodman.
Monty Python – Holy Grail – Classic comedy…”It’s just a flesh wound..”
Monty Python – The Meaning of Life – Another Python classic….” …a wafer thin mint…”
Moulin Rouge – Visually cool. Another for the big screen and surround sound. Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor do a good job. Music is fun.
Mr Show – Season 1 – David Cross and Bob Oedekirk do some hilarious sketch comedy
Music from the Heart – One of Carol’s. Good movie with Meryl Streep. Plays violin teacher in a low income area. True story and shows how just a little something can make the difference.
Old School – Will Ferrel, Vince Vaughn, and Luke Wilson. Old guys starting a fraternity. Ferrel plays a great part. Some classic moments.
Osbournes, The – season 1 – This is unedited so the beeps are not as annoying, but sometimes you wish the beeps were there. Helps make you feel better about your life!!
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure – I know you are but what am I….This is a classic film and one of Tim Burton’s first (as far as I know no sign of Johnny Depp anywhere).
Pirates of the Caribbean – Johnny Depp does a great job. Fun film and some terrific effects.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles – Steve Martin and John Candy…wow..Very funny film about two strangers hooking up on their travels..several classic moments
Planet of the Apes – This is the Tim Burton/Mark Wahlberg version. Visually cool. Story is pretty much the same old story. Paul Giamatti (Sideways) is Dr Zeus.
Producers, The – original – Mel Brooks film which is now on Broadway and about to come out in film again…This is the classic with Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. Very funny.
Rat Race – The “It’s a mad, mad, mad, world” of the 2000’s. Actually pretty funny.
Reefer Madness (the original) – The evils of Marijuana as understood in the 30’s/40’s.
Remember the Titans - Denzel Washington film about a high school football coach and a season with highs and LOWs. Excellent film.
Reno 911 – season 1 – One of the more creative shows on non-pay TV. A bit of a take on “Cops”. Takes from “Curb…” and Chris Guest films by not having a script and letting the actors go for it…Some good deleted scenes.
Reno 911 – season 2 – Second season gets crazier…
Revenge of the Creature (3D) – This is the sequel to the classic (Creature from the Black Lagoon). DVD is from the Bob Wilkins Creature Features show, with original commercial breaks from show. . Have to wear glasses for the effects…
Riding in Cars with Boys – Carol’s and I have never watched it…Drew Barrymore…That’s about all I know.
Rob in Williams Live on Broadway – Have to admit I have never cared for Rob in Williams as a stand-up, but think he is one of the greatest improvisers. That said, I do not find this all that funny.
Rocky Horror Picture Show, The – The “classic” Midnight cult film. Must have driven up to Petaluma from Novato when in High school at least 50 times to watch this late Friday and Saturday nights. Does lose something watching it in your Family Room instead of a theater with people in costumes….DVD does have an option of watching with the crowd reaction.
Royal Tenenbaums, The – Dry, offbeat film about another dysfunctional family. Gene Hackman, Ben Stiller, Owen and Luke Wilson…Funny.
School of Rock – Jack Black teaching young kids how to be rock stars.Tenacious Teens?? Fun film and the kids are all actually musicians…
Sea biscuit – Kind of the “Rocky” of horse films. Yo, Mr Ed!!. Toby Maguire and the horse play two underdogs coming together for some great successes.
Shallow Hal – Jack Black in a Farrelly Brother film. Some very funny moments. Some maybe offensive…hard to believe with a Farrelly film. Let’s just say…Tony Rob bins…hypnosis..Hal sees the “inner beauty”.
Shark Tale – An OK animated feature. Voices of Will Smith, Jack Black, Rob ert Deniro,
Shrek (2) – Possibly more laughs than the first..addition of Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots..
Shrek (3D) – Short film…Have to wear glasses. Pretty cool until your eyeballs hurt!!
Shrek (1) – The classic animated film. Mike Myers is voice of Shrek. Fun film for everybody.
Sin City – Visually, incredible looking…Film can be pretty intense and I would not recommend for the under 16 crowd. Lots of violence but done comic book style. Shot in Black and White with splashes of color. Some good characters.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow – Old fashioned serial film where the only real thing is the actors. Fun film. Great effects…watch with surround sound…Ewan McGregor and Gwenyth Paltrow…
Sleepless in Seattle – Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are e-mail pals…oh wait, that’s a different one…Anyway this might be considered a “chick flick”, but I would have to say I enjoyed it…Hanks just lost wife…son calls into radio show…rest is history…
Sleepy Hollow – Tim Burton and Johnny Depp again in the classic story. Fun effects..
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Special DVD edition of the Classic Disney animated feature.
Sound of Music, The - The classic Julie Andrews film. Still enjoyable. DVD has option of song lyrics running as subtitles when they sing…
Space Jam - Michael Jordan, Bugs Bunny need I say more?? Actually fun music and pretty entertaining with live action and animation.
Spaceballs – Mel Brooks satire of the Star Wars series. Not one of Brooks best, but still very funny. Rick Moranis, John Candy, Bill Pullman and Mel as Yogurt (get it…Yoda).
Spider Man – First Toby Maguire film with Kirsten Dunst…Great effects and good story
Spider Man 2 – Maybe better than #1…Effects seem more seemless in this where you don’t even think about it..
Spinal Tap, This is – Probably my favorite film. I do not even want to say how many times I have watched this...A “rockumentary/Mockumentary”. The first for Chris Guest and crew… Rob Reiner directs this one…Too many classic moments to list (“These go to 11”; “how much more black…”). Deleted scenes and outtakes are funny…
SpongeBob Squarepants – Christmas – Just take this out at the holidays and play it over and over…When you think of Xmas isn’t the first thing that comes to mind…Spongebob and Patrick??
SpongeBob Squarepants – Lost at Sea – Driving School is classic…
SpongeBob Squarepants – The Movie – Actually saw this in the theater and just had to own it. Any movie where a sponge and a starfish ride on the back of “The Hasselhoff” has to be a part of anybody’s collection…Actually a very entertaining flick for all…
Spy Kids (1) – Fun family/adventure/spy movie
Spy Kids (2) – The follow up to #1 (duhhhh)…Still fun
Spy Kids 3D – As with any 3D movie they seem to try to find more ways of things flying at the screen than writing the actual story. The 3D is fun and story semi – O.K…
Star Wars (1) – The Phantom Menace – The first or fourth depending on how you look at it. Introduces us to Anikin (Darth Vader) as a child. Lots of great effects and the story is good, but drags here and there.
Star Wars (3) - Have not sat down and watched yet
Star Wars (4) – Original – Pulled this out not that long ago and forgot how good and enjoyable this film was. On the new remastered DVD, even better.
Star Wars (5) – The Empire Strikes Back – Been many years since I have seen this and have not pulled out the DVD to watch…Need a good rainy day…
Star Wars (6) – Return of the Jedi – See #5
Stop Making Sense – Talking Heads – Probably one of the best (if not the best) concert films..Watch on big screen and surround. Starts with David Byrne on a big empty stage with a boombox. With each song another band member and stage piece is added…Wish I had seen Talking Heads in person when I had the chance, but this is a pretty good alternative.
Stuart Little (1) – Michael J Fox is the white mouse..O.K. that is enough..
Team America- Makers of South Park do a marionette film on terrorism etc…Why did someone not think of this before? Not quite a family film. Examples: Film opens at a Broadway show called “Lease” (get it?) and the song is “aides”…; Theme song throughout film is “America F__k yeah”; nough said…
Tenacious D – The Master Works - Jack Black and Kyle Gass are this duo that as far as I know started on the Mr Show show….Fun music, but definitely not a family experience…
Terminator 2 – Great effects and fun with the Governator.
Terminator 3 – Probably the best of the three as far as I am concerned…Girl foe..
Titan AE – Cool animated sci fi film…Incredible animation. Seems like you can see the individual strands of hair on people…voices of Drew Barrymore and Matt Damon.
Toy Story – Great animated story with voice of Tom Hanks etc…
Toy Story 2 – Sequel to #1(another duhhhhhh) – I think #1 was slightly better but this one was fun too..
True Lies – Governator and Tom Arnold along with Jamie Lee Curtis. Did not sound very exciting to me…Directed by James Cameron of “Titantic” fame…After watching this, it is one of my favorite spy/adventure/humor films…Tom Arnold was even enjoyable..
Twister – Have this mostly to see the cow going around in hurricane in surround sound..The rest of the movie is aaaaahhhhite.
Waiting for Guffman – A Chris Guest Mockumentary about a town’s 150^th birthday celebration. Follows the making of the show for the celebration. Guest is great as Corky the director. Eugene Levy and Fred Willard also play great parts as does Parker Posey.
What’s up Tiger Lily – One of Woody Allen’s first films, and all he really did is dub a Japanese spy film. Doesn’t sound that great, but he dubs it differently than intended and it is hilarious at times.
Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill - Very interesting documentary of a guy in San Francisco who befriends these unique birds. Story about the guy as much as it is about the birds
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (original) – The Gene Wilder classic. Terrific film.
Winged Migration – Amazing documentary of different bird migration habits…Have to watch the making of part of DVD. Incredible how they filmed the birds in flight etc…
Wizard of Oz – Classic film that you have to watch at least once a year.
Yellow Submarine – The Beatles animated flick. On the leading edge at the time. Many great Beatles tunes.
Young Frankenstein – One of the funniest movies ever. Mel Brooks satire on the Frankenstein story. Peter Boyle (Dad on Everybody Loves Raymond) is the monster. Marty Feldman is classic as Eyegore. Gene Wilder is the Doc..….Watch with Mel Brooks commentary…
Zoolander – Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson compete against each other for best Male model. Subject sounds weird but at times very funny, especially of you like Stiller and Wilson .

RACQUETBALL DVD's and Tapes:

* 2001 John Ellis Vs Mike Guidry(DVD) - Great plays goes down to the wire...

* 2001 Sudsy Monchik Vs Kane Waselenchuk (DVD) - Two great players. One close to retire and the other ready to take over...

* 2002 Cliff Swain Vs Jason Mannino(DVD) - Great play and personalities..

* 2002 Jason Mannino Vs Sudsy Monchik (DVD) - Some amazing rallies in this one..

* 2002 - Women at the US Open(DVD) - Cheryl Gudinas Vs Kerri Wachtel; Jackie Rice Vs Laura Fenton; Cheryl Vs Jackie....

* 2002 Doubles Mike Guidry/Ruben Gonzalez Vs Doug Ganim/Jeff Bell(DVD)...Can you say "jump"!!!

* 2003 Kane Waselenchuk Vs Jack Huczek(DVD) - #1 vs #2....Amazing gets vs immaculate technique.....

* 2004 Jason Mannino Vs Kane Waselenchuk(DVD) - Two of the greatest athletes..(Bonus 2003 match...2 different outcomes)

* 2004 Jack Huczek Vs Cliff Swain(DVD) - "old guy" versus the "kid"...

* 2005 Kane Waselenchuk Vs Jack Huczek (DVD) - In Canada, Kane's home...Could there be an upset?

* 2005 Pro Doubles (DVD) - Swain/Beltran Vs Waselenchuk/Guidry; Huczek/Carson Vs Vanderson/Tucker; Swain/Beltran Vs Vanderson/Tucker....Exciting!!

Tapes:

* 2001 US Open - Swain Vs Ellis; Stockton Ellis Vs Beltran

* 2001 Ellis Vs Waselenchuk

* 2002 Mannino Vs Monchik

hope you like my thoughts, let me know...

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