Animal Alley 25" Darby Dog
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

A Toys "R" Us exclusive, Darby makes a soft, sweet companion for pet andplush-toy lovers of any age. Floppy ears, deep dark eyes, large tan paws, and acute stubby tail are all covered in the softest light brown fur imaginable.Darby's cuddle quotient goes up even higher, given that he is slightlyunderstuffed for extra "squeezability" when humans need something soft to hug.--Diane Beall ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Darby Dog
I bought this Darby Dog for $20. I was very happy with the price because most items you see today are $20 for a small uselss item. Darby let me use my imagination, I could be his owner, vet or anything else. I love my Darby Dog he babysits my other stuffed animals very well! Great toy!

~A Toys R Us Kid

Perfect for all ages
My 1 year old daughter loves to hug and cuddle this dog, and she is not the cuddly type. It's just so very soft. It's also perfect for my wife to hold on to if she happens to be falling asleep while I'm not in bed.

Soft and cuddly!
My boyfriend gave me this stuffed animal for Valentine's Day.It's so soft and cuddly!When you hold it, it's as if you were holding a real puppy (except that it is very light). And every hug makes you feel sooo good!I love holding it in my arms as I sleep! ... Read more

Asin: B00005JCO6
Subjects:  1. Stuffed Animals    2. Animals    3. Dogs   

Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-4)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (30 July, 2002)
list price: $30.96
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Editorial Review

Young wizard-in-training Harry Potter has had his hands full during hisfirst four years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As if studyingspells and pleasing professors isn't enough, Harry has heard evil voices in thewalls, rescued petrified students, fended off convicts escaped from wizards'prison, and played elaborate and grueling games of Quidditch. Between schoolsessions, he summers with the horrendous Dursleys, who seem to want nothing morethan to crush our hero's spirit. Only time will tell how Harry will manage thecertain dangers and escapades in store for him over the next few years.

The first four titles of J.K. Rowling's phenomenally popular series are nowavailable--in paperback--in a handy boxed set, perfect for the legions ofchildren whose big brothers and sisters have made off with their copies. Theseadventures are surely on the road to becoming classics; don't wait to collectthem! The set includes Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, HarryPotter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner ofAzkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. (Ages 9 and older) ... Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (421)

simply the best...
cant help but to give two thumbs up...it's nice to read a story about a mother's love, great friendship, story with atwist and humor and most especially with a plot and setting that definitely would take your imaginations to the highest level in one package...so hold on to your seats and be ready for the stories that this extraordinaire would leave you spellbound!!!

What can I say?
It's Harry Potter, what can I say?It's the series that got kids reading again.Everyone knows the plot.A boy wizard named Harry grew up with his cruel muggle (non-magic) aunt and uncle after his parents were killed in a car crash. At the age of 11 he's informed that he's a wizard, and that an evil wizard named Lord Voldemort murdered his parents and very nearly killed him.His aunt and uncle dissaproved of the world of magic and tried to keep everything a secret from Harry.He's taken away to live at a castle called Hogwarts, a school for young witches and wizards where he befriends the studious, proper Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasly, a poor boy who lives in the shadow of his brothers Charlie, Percy, Bill, and Fred and George.In book 1, Harry arrives at Hogwarts and finds that someone there is secretly trying to destroy him and is hiding a VERY big secret from the rest of the school.

In book 2, an unknown assailant is attacking students and everyone thinks Harry's doing it.We learn that no less than THREE characters are not what they seem.We are also introduced to Ron's younger sister Ginny, who has a crush on Harry.

In book 3, a murderous madman is on the loose and seems to be coming after Harry. But who, exactly is he?And the very LAST character you'd ever suspect of being evil reveals his true self.

In book 4, Harry is enrolled in the Triwizard Tournament, where three different magical schools select students to compete in daring, dangerous tests of school.Harry also attends the Quidditch world cup with the Weasleys and has a frightening run in with Voldemort and his servant in a graveyard.One character is tragically killed (I actually cried) at Voldemort's hand.

Book 4 is probably my favorite, along with 1, but there's really no such thing as a bad Harry Potter book.The movies are fantastic as well, and the sixth book is due out in a few months.

works of art
These books are the best I've ever read.I'm 25 years old and I find myself anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.After each book you really feel as though you've spent a school year with these characters.They are a must read for any fantasy fan.Surely these books will go down in history as classic works of great fiction.The author truly understands how to develop characters, you will find yourself genuinely caring about what happens to them.Congratulations to the author for creating a series that has been, and I'm sure will continue to be enjoyed by millions around the world. ... Read more

Isbn: 0439434866
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Fantasy    2. Children: Grades 4-6    3. Juvenile Fiction    4. Readers - Beginner    5. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic   

Game Boy Advance SP - Platinum
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (23 March, 2003)
list price: $99.99 -- our price: $99.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: March 2003. As theworld's smallest video-game platform, the Game Boy Advance SP is also the first to use a built-in rechargeable battery.

Many decried the original Game Boy Advance's reflective LCD screen and its reliance on external light sources. The Game Boy Advance SP's main feature--optional backlighting--fixes this complaint nicely, but it's the wealth of other features that makes this system so surprisingly good.

At first look, you might think the SP is a sleek travel alarm clock. When closed, it's just as tall and deep as the original GBA, but only half as wide. Due to its clamshell design, the screen is always protected from everyday scratches. A small button in the center of the console turns on the backlighting element for use in low-light situations, like in a moving car.

The SP comes with a well-designed power adapter that recharges a built-in battery; its prongs fold in for easier storage. Our informal tests found that it takes about four hours to fully charge (you can even play it while it's plugged in and charging), and the battery lasts about 11 hours with the backlighting constantly on--your results may vary. Using the backlighting less often will conserve battery power.

Withseparately soldcables, you can connect the Game Boy Advance SP to other GBAsfor multiplayer gaming (above) or to theNintendo GameCube(below) to access secret levels, exchange data, or use other specialfeatures that vary from game to game.

The quality of the backlighting is very good. It's bright and clear when looking directly at it, but degraded from other angles. This is only a problem for friends who are watching the screen from over your shoulder.

But size, power, and affordability do not come without trade offs. There's no headphone jack here, though Nintendo promises an adapter. The system isn't very loud at its highest volume, and the sound can be turned down to socially acceptable levels. The L and R shoulder buttons are a fraction of the size they were on the GBA, and thus are harder to hit. Also, the reduced size of the SP is slightly less comfortable for adult hands than the GBA, but perhaps more comfortable for smaller hands. The cartridge port placement on the lower part of the console is fine for GBA games, since they are flush with the console body, but older Game Boy Color carts will stick out in a way that takes some getting used to.

Open it up and the hinge will seek out a preferred, pre-set angle (about 150 degrees), though you can open it a bit wider or narrower for your own comfort. The hinge stands up well to lateral pressure, and over all, the SP seems just as rugged as its predecessor--which has proven to be very rugged, indeed. --Porter B. Hall

Unit Specifications

• CPU: 32-Bit ARM with embedded memory
• Memory: 32 KB with 96 KB VRAM (in CPU), 256 KB WRAM (external of CPU)
• Screen: 2.9-inch reflective TFT color LCD
• Display Size: 1.6 by 2.4 inches (40.8 by 61.2 mm)
• Resolution: 240 x 160 pixels in a wide-screen aspect ratio
• Colors: 511 simultaneous colors from a palette of 32,768
• Software: Fully compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color game paks
• Light Source: Front light integrated with LCD
• Size (closed): 3.3 by 3.23 by .96 inch
• Weight: Approximately 5 ounces
• Power Supply: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Battery Life: 10 hours continuous play with light on; 18 hours with light off; 3 hours recharging

... Read more

Features

• CPU: 32-bit RISC-CPU with embedded memory.
• Screen: 2.9" Reflective TFT Color LCD
• Display Size: 1.61" x 2.41"
• Resolution: 240 x 160 pixels
• Color: Simultaneously display more than 32,000 colors.

Reviews (426)

WORTH BUYING???????
The GameBoy SP has it's ups and downs. I like that the price droped to $79.95 or whatever it was. There is one thing I hate about the SP, there arnt that many good games for the thing. There are some I like, like Mario and Metrod. Another thing is that it's not that different frome the GBA. I LOVE THE LIGHT, I DON'T KNOW HOW I LIVED WITH NO LIGHT ON THE GBA. I once bought the GBA SP at GameSpot and I loved it, it kept me happy for a long time but it got boring and I sold it back to GameSpot. But if your into the GBA's and that other Nintendo stuff ye'll love the GBA SP.

Perfect Travel Buddy
Can't complain about the price since I bought the original Gameboy over 10 years ago for close to the same amount.

Pros:
Small dimensions...you can fit it anywhere (pocket, purse, etc.)
Very light weight
Folding design protects the screen from scratches/damage
Able to revive/play my original Gameboy games
Rechargable battery lets you save money on buying batteries
Rechargable battery actually lasts quite a while
Given a light on/off option to save batteries
Lots of really useful accessories in the market--best one I purchased is the AC/DC/Car Adapter
Lights indicate "fully charged" and "low battery"

PERFECT for traveling!

Cons:
Didn't come with a game
Ports in the rear are unprotected (uncovered)
A little too smooth design...makes it slippery
Games are expensive (typical...3-4 games = game console)
Headphone jack should have been a given (Why the adapter?)
Original adapter should have been dual voltage (after all, the GBA is designed for travelling, isn't it?)

Wishful thinking:
Protective rubber around it for shock-proofing and better grip
Adjustable light levels

Much Better Than Gameboy Color!
It's great that they keep improving gameboys! Last year i saved up my money and bought a gameboy, and boy have they improved! If u buy one the screen is lights up, better quality, and smaller games! I highly reccomend it! :) ... Read more

Asin: B000087H7T
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Consoles   

Pokemon Ruby
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (20 March, 2003)
list price: $34.99 -- our price: $31.89
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Pokémon Ruby's updated graphics with weather effects, amazing sound, more than 200 Pokémon with over 100 new species--as well as its faithful adherence to the existing series of Pokémon games--makes for a welcome evolution in the series.

First, the game has a lot in common with Pokémon games Silver, Gold, and Crystal. For example, players can choose to be a boy or a girl trainer, an internal clock sets events at certain times, and you’re the game's handy-dandy Pokédex helps players keep track of the many stats. You're main goal is still to beat all the Gym Trainers and become the Pokémon Master. If you've played the old games, you will be right at home. But not all is the same.

The most obvious change is in the battles themselves. Now that two Pokémon can fight on your side at the same time, you can tag-team them against an enemy by taking advantage of the strengths of your Pokémons while covering their weaknesses. For example, you can now have a water Pokémon watch your fire Pokémon's back.You can also attack more than one Pokémon at a time.

A whole new element to the game focuses on how berries are used in battle. And if you collect enough berries, you can take them to a Berry Blender and make a PokéBlock, which is a little super-charged candy that raises your Pokémon's "Condition" attributes. You can then groom your Pokémon for regional contests and compete for ribbons like "Best of Show," which will unlock additional contests. There's even strategy in how to best use your berries: pick too many and the berry tree will disappear; plant berries, though, and a tree will grow. You can also build a Secret Base in special areas of the game, which you can decorate just like you can your room.

And let us not forget that Pokémon Ruby has a kickin' multiplayer system, too. You can trade Pokémon, and link up to four players for incredible battles. The only downside is that you can't link up with the old Game Boy Color games. --Bryan Karsh

Pros:

• You can control two Pokémon in battle
• Much needed graphic and sound facelift
• Nice multiplayer feature (requires link cable and extra game cartridge)

Cons:

• Can't trade Pokémon with Game Boy Color

... Read more

Features

• Platform: Game Boy Advance
• ESRB Rating: Everyone
• Genre: Action/Adventure

Reviews (283)

Pokemon Ruby
This game is really good for gamers young and old.
The Battling system has really been improved from previous games. Being able to have two pokemon in battle at once is great. The new world of Hoenn is fantastic with something new around every corner. The wild Pokemon do get on your nerves after a while but overall it it a really enjoyable experience. And you get so much satisfaction when you beat the elite four for the first time. Personly I just love to keep going back to fight them.

Its my opinon that to get the most out of the game you will need to trade with Pokemon Sapphire. I bought both and I'm really glad I did.

RUBY ROCKS!
This is what a Poke'mon game should be like.Challenging yet entertaining,Ruby Version is the template other games should use.The bikes were most entertaing and the GYMs were great.Very impressive poke'mon and excellent story.In other words,Ruby Version ROCKS!!Thank you for your time.

fOR THE REVIEW WHO SAYY...
I llllllllooooooooovvvvveeeee Pokemon! Pick Treeko if you want to lose. Pick Torchick if ya want to win, and mudkip , treecko is cool i love more than torchic. ... Read more

Asin: B000084313
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Action    5. Adventure    6. Role Playing Games (Game, RPG, RPGs, CRPG, CRPGs)   

Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire : Prima's Official Strategy Guide (Prima's Official Strategy Guides)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 March, 2003)
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $10.19
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (34)

Almost perfect, but not quite...
First things first, I've never had one of these myself, so I can't give a very detailed description. But someone I know has one, so I still know enough to be worthwhile.
This guide is very helpful. It gives you the location of all the legendary pokémon and a game walk through. Personally, I prefer the pokédex section. It gives you information concerning the pokémon, their evolution and their moves. (which is quite handy when deciding if to let a pokémon evolve or not!)
There is one downside. The publisher omitted to put in pokémon from previous games if their move sets had not been changed. (So it's a little annoying when you're training a pokémon such as vulpix!) But every thing else makes up for that omission. In short, this is great!

RUBY AND SAPPHIRE GUIDE
THE REASON I RATE THIS GAME GUIDE A 5 IS THAT IT HELPED ME GET REGICE, REGSTEEL, AND REGIROCK AND REYQAZA THE STRONG POKEMON ALSO IT TELLS ME HOW TO DO ALOT. CAUSE OF IT I GOT RAQAZA TO LEVEL 97 AND BLAZKEN TO LEVEL 100 BUT HAVEN'T QUIT CAPTUERED LATIOS CAUSE HE KEEPS ON FLEAING BATTLE. ALSO ANOTHER THING NOT COOL IS THAT RAYQAZA CANT ENTER BATTLE TOWER LEVEL 100. SO THEY NEED TO MAKE A FEW ADJUSTMENTS

Very good and detailed...
Cons:

-Fully detailed maps that tell where trainers are, which trainers will be added to your Trainer's Eye, items, and sometimes a number. When you see a number on the map, there will be another number somewhere on the page that tells you what to do there (or what happens, etc.)

-Tells where to find items,tm's and hm's,rare and common pokemon, how and when pokemon evolve, the abilities,attack and tm and hm moves they can learn, as well as "egg moves".

-Complete walkthrough of the game, as well as little side quests such as catching Rayquaza.

-Shows every move's damage, accuracy, pp, and effects, as well as what they do in pokemon contests.

Cons:

-Some ability summaries aren't specific.

(This one might not be a con to some)-It doesn't tell how to catch the Regi pokemon, instead, it just has the braille alphabet to help.

-At first, the part of the guide that shows you when pokemon evolve and when they learn moves MIGHT seem complicated...

Overall:5 stars, it's worth it! ... Read more

Isbn: 0761542566
Sales Rank: 6484
Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Games    2. Computer Books: General    3. Games    4. Video & Electronic - General    5. Video & Electronic - Nintendo    6. Games / Video & Electronic   

American Idol Season 2:All Time Classic American Love Songs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 April, 2003)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $12.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Interested in visiting your favorite contestants from the second season of American Idol? Then this is the album for you, but be forewarned that something is lost in the translation from the small screen to the compact disc. Simon Cowell's scathing comments and Paula Abdul's head tossing add to the human drama; without those visual embellishments, the recorded version falls flat. Sure this is a talented bunch, but the material is mundane, with few of the finalists straying from the traditional arrangements. But when they do, it's sometimes worse. Ruben Stoddard's rendition of the Carpenters hit "Superstar" reeks of misplaced sincerity. The best cut on the disc is Kimberly Caldwell's throaty cover of Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly With His Song," which gives the song some well-needed grit. And while Julia Demato's voice is no match for Etta James's full-bodied version of "At Last," Demato gives the classic a fetching kittenish spin. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Reviews (214)

Love it, love it, love it.
What can I say? Love it, love it, love it.

Easy to like songs, great vocals, well done job all round.

In particular, Kim No. 1 is fantastic in "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and Kim No. 2 was also great in "Killing Me Softly"

Throw in the undisputable greats like Clay and Ruben, with a dash of Trenyce and the rousing group anthems, why, you will be "Overjoyed".

Definitely one to add to your collection.

AMERICAN IDOL Season 2:All-Time Classic American Love Songs
Well 1st off,this c.d. isn't as good as the first seasons,well atleast the solos!
First off:
1.What The World Needs Now Is Love Performed By The American Idol Top 10:It's a pretty good song,better than the original!Doesn't compare to God Bless The U.S.A.
2.Superstar Performed By Ruben Studdard:Great performance!I'm sortof dissapointed that this c.d. used the wrong music on some songs but I actally liked the new music for this song better than the original!But it's great!
3.On The Wings Of Love Performed By Clay Aiken:I love this performance!It's so good!My mom thought it was the original singer when I was listening to it!I would have rather him sang "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"!
4.At Last Performed By Julia DeMato:Woah!This is Julia!She sounds way better on this c.d. than she did live!Way better!But I would have rather heard her sing "Son Of A Preacher Man"!
5.Three Times A Lady Performed By Josh Gracin:Great performance!I love hearing Josh sing this song!It rocks!
6.Let's Stay Together Performed By Trenyce:oh yeah like my favorate song on the c.d.!Trenyce wasn't my favorate but I love this song!I would have had this song tied with I Have Nothing & Have You Ever as my favorate Trenyce songs!
7.Back At One Performed By Rickey Smith:Rickey was a funny guy with a unique voice & I like this performance!It's not my favorate but It's way better than Corey's song!
8.Killing Me Softly With His Sing Performed By Kimberly Caldwell:I hate this song!I think it's so stupid!
9.Open Arms Performed By Corey Clark:I hate this performance!The music & the singer sucks!
10.How Do I Live(Without You)Performed By Carmen Rasmusen:I like Carmen & think that some of her live performances were fairly good!I wish she would've sang "Love Will Lead You Back" because this song isn't that good!
11.Over The Rainbow Performed By Kimberly Locke:OK they should've put her version of this song from her album cause this one sucks with the new music & all that stuff!
12.Overjoyed Performed By Charles Grigsby:Fairly good performance!
13.God Bless The U.S.A.(Proud To Be An American):Way better than the original cause the original singer can't sing!They are so inspiring singing this song!
Buy this c.d. It's worth it!

Good album!
I particularly liked Clay Aiken's powerful "On The Wings of Love" (though I've heard more impressive versions from Asian Songbird Regine Velasquez and international balladeer Martin Nievera for this particular song) and the ensemble song "God Bless The USA" (great harmony, very heartfelt rendition).

The previous comment is hilarious, but yes, it's a relief that there's no squeaking on this album. LOL. ... Read more

Asin: B00008MNYR
Subjects:  1. Baroque Pop    2. Brill Building Pop    3. Dance-Pop    4. Film Music    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. United States of America    8. Urban    9. V/A Compilations   

Thankful
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 April, 2003)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $13.49
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Kelly Clarkson, the toothsome winner of Fox TV's first American Idol competition shows that her prime-time win was no fluke. She blithely skipsthrough octaves and genres like a seasoned pro, belting out power ballads like hooky "Low" and the Diane Warren-penned "Some Kind of Miracle," with the aplomb of Pat Benatar in her prime. Clarkson tackles the neo-gospel "Anytime" without flinching, then shows some dirty street cred as she growls through "Miss Independent," a song she penned with Christina Aguilera. But Miss Independent would be a gross misnomer; despite the fact Clarkson co-wrote four of the album's tunes. Clarkson not only had uber record exec/executive producer Clive Davis at her disposal, but an arsenal of producers and songwriters to make sure she didn't make a creative misstep. Despite Clarkson's sublime vocal talents, excessive gloss at times overwhelms the quirky charm and personality she displayed on Idol. --Jaan Uhelszki ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (965)

I don't mean to complain, but...just kidding! Good debut album
While walking around the mall during break in January, I noticed posters for the upcoming season of American Idol.The caption on one read, "Who will be the next Kelly?"Kelly of course meaning Kelly Clarkson, the winner of the first American Idol.

Her first album Thankful, is a mix of soul-pop and Sheryl Crow/Alanis style alt-rock.Thankfully, pardon the pun, there are five songs I recognize.The first, "The Trouble With Love Is," is a lovely Mariah Careyesque pop-soul piece.It also ended up on the Love Actually soundtrack, whose review prompted me to consider getting this album.But this is my favourite song, as it tells of the age-old troubles of love:"It can tear you up inside/Make your heart believe a lie/It's stronger than your pride."After having my own heart in the shredder in October 2004, I fully agree with:"It'll make you hear a symphony/And you just want the world to see/But like a drug that makes you blind,/It'll fool you every time."

The #9 hit "Miss Independence" is more on the hip-hop/soul side verse-wise, but bursts into a louder alternative sound on the chorus.The title character has the aliases of Miss Self-Sufficient, Miss Don't Let A Man Interfere, but when she falls in true love, that hardened independent streak is pulled out from under her. One of the co-writers of this song was none other than Christina Aguilera.

"Have you ever had a friend that let you down so?/When the truth came out/Were you the last to know?/Were you left out in the cold?" Kelly asks in "Low" a song of betrayal and accusation that veers more towards the Sheryl Crow/Alanis Morissette alt-rock attack."Just Missed The Train" shares the same sound.After hearing these songs and her recent hit "Since U Been Gone," I notice how the harder-edged sound is used in songs of betrayal and anger, while she goes into Mariah mode with the lovey dovey songs.

The rhythm section and sound of "Beautiful Disaster," written by Matthew Wilder and Rebekah Jordan, reminds me of John Waite and Alias-type songs, specifically "Waiting For Love" of the late 80's/early 90's while the title track is an All Saints-type strong R&B number.

The Diane Warren-penned "Some Kind of Miracle" is another Mariah/Whitney type soul ballad with backing drum machine, while "What's Up Lonely" is lush jazz-soul where loneliness is personalized as someone who stares back at one from the mirror and is the one who shares one's pain."Anytime," with its powerful gospel backing and strings, reminds me of "Anytime You Need A Friend" from Mariah's Dreamlover album.Another highlight.

The album ends with the two songs that shot her to fame, the string-laden mix of "A Moment Like This" which is glorious with the gospel-like backing vocals and Kelly's pipes, which give Mariah a run for her money, and has now sadly ended up in the Sandals travel agency commercial.This spent two weeks at #1."Before Your Love" is the other gem here.

Vocally, her soulful pipes don't compare to Mariah or Lara Fabian's, but I give her a B/B+ for results.Small wonder that she changed styles in Breakaway, but that's another review away.A well-done debut album.

Thankful for "Thankful"
I love Kelly's first CD! I love the positivity that's somehow lacking in her second one and a lot of CDs by other female pop stars. She's the first American Idol and she will always be THE American Idol for me. Way to go, Kelly Brianne Clarkson!

My blood boiled after listening to this.
Kelly Clarkson has got to be one of the worst singers of all time. Who thinks that this manufactured pop tart can sing? She was a creation of the British Moron known as Simon Cowell, the same dude responsible for the terrible Spice Girls. Songs like A Moment Like This make my head spin and vomit out blood. I can assure you that in years time noone will remember mainstream anymore.
Mainstream, Your time is over. Legends like Pink Floid, and Moody Blues, and Weird Al rule the airwaves now and forever.
Sincerely,
Jonathon Taylor ... Read more

Asin: B00007GUIO
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop Vocals    5. Teen Pop   

Romy And Michele's High School Reunion: Original Soundtrack
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 April, 1997)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (26)

Great!!
Being that I went to High School during the era their reunion
took place..this CD HIT HOME to me..alot of my favorite
songs of the 80s.

Music had more meaning then and made more sense :)

still makes me laugh and smile
Okay so the movie isn't an epic tale, but, the music is still a quirky pick me up.So, pick it up!

Uhhhh...
Well, first off I would like to say how totally awesome this movie is. And then I will continue to say how this soundtrack, was really good...but...of course there's a but...it could have been better. I would have really liked to have heard "Time After Time". That is the perfict song. I was bummed to learn that the cd didn't have that song, but all in all, it was a great cd. I give it 4 stars... ... Read more

Asin: B000000OKN
Sales Rank: 8545
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Club/Dance    3. Dance-Pop    4. New Wave    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Soundtracks & Film Scores    8. Synth Pop   

Panasonic SL-MP70 Portable CD/MP3 Player
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $59.99
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Editorial Review

Enjoy music with the freedom that comes from MP3 CD playback, extended battery life, and high-powered anti-skip technology. Panasonic's exclusive No-Skip technology helps prevent interruptions from jostling during active use. No Skip's unique construction uses rubber brushings to absorb shock, while an anti-skip mechanism and an anti-skip digital servo further prevent read errors. A 48-second memory reserve provides added back up.

Now, battery changes will be fewer and farther between thanks to Panasonic's PowerLast high-efficiency power system, which combines an efficient motor with low-load circuitry for playback time of up to 48 hours on two AA batteries (during MP3 playback). CD playback abilities include ID3 tag support (displays artist names and song titles with properly formatted sound files); 24-track random-access programming; repeat and resume (which picks up where the unit left off when last stopped); and skip/search and memory/recall. A hold switch prevents accidental starting, stopping, or track skipping during use or transport. The unit boasts a thin design with operation keys and LCD laid out logically on its top cover. ... Read more

Features

• Thin, round-form design for optimal portability with 2-line, 10-character dot-matrix display on top cover
• Plays standard CD, audio CD-R, audio CD-RW, and MP3 CD (supports ID3 tags)
• Hold prevents unintended commands (play, stop, etc.) and resume picks up exactly where the player left off
• Includes stylish over-ear headphones
• Up to 48 hours of MP3 playback from 2 AA batteries (not included)

Reviews (33)

Item worked great for a couple months
Last year I bought this item for my daughter. She listens on her bed in her room and does not carry this item around. We were pleased at first. Within a few months the lid ceased to close properly and she had to listen with the unit flipped upside-down to apply pressure to keep the lid closed. A few months later it became temperamental and skipped and/or refused to play. Bottom line is that in less than a year it became unfunctional in a situation with very little jostling. I would not buy this product again. However, at the same time I bought the PANASONIC RP-HS9 Ear Candy Clip-On Stereo Headphones (Silver), and these are a wonderful and comfortable buy. She loves them.

Problems to be aware of.
I got one of these back when it was a new thing and cost about $60, and I have encountered the following problems:
- Scratches/engraves a ring around my discs at about 75% out from the center.
- Collects internal dust with a surprisingly fast rate compared to the non-MP3 discman I used before.
- Have to remove the disc to change batteries
- It just broke such that the spindle locks up on startup. I don't know if this is common, but it should not occur from normal wear and tear.
- Skips (in MP3 mode) when walking with it in any pants pocket other than top fron of back pockets.

THis is ok
This cd-player is ok, it has live, bass and regular sound, butthe volume cant go so loud. I would recomend a iriver mp3 player or a sony cd player. ... Read more

Asin: B00008IP5P
Subjects:  1. mp-3, mp3 with cd, disc, disk    2. Portable Compact Disc Player (Personal CD)    3. Portable Audio    4. MP3 MP 3 Player    5. CD (Compact Disc) Players combo (combination)    6. MP3 Player (MP 3)   

Panasonic DVD-LA95 9" Portable DVD Player
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
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Editorial Review

Panasonic's DVD-LA95 offers the versatility of a portable DVD player alongside the performance of a sophisticated home-theater component--and you can use it as both. The player handles DVD-Video, high-resolution DVD-Audio, and DVD-RAM playback--as well as standard and recordable CDs, including MP3-encoded discs. Its slender chassis holds a massive, 9-inch widescreen (16:9) LCD screen and a built-in rechargeable battery (good for about 2.5 hours between charges).

Designed to take full advantage of both audio and traditional video DVD formats, the DVD-LA95 delivers the immersive six-channel surround sound of the DVD-Audio music format. DVD-Audio offers super high-fidelity (192 kHz/24-bit) sound, in both multichannel and stereo. Because the DVD-Audio signal is too high-resolution for the digital converters in current surround receivers (and also as an anti-piracy measure), the DVD-LA95 performs its own decoding of DVD-Audio signals, passing high-resolution analog, not digital, audio to your surround receiver. This means you'll need an audio/video receiver with multichannel analog-audio inputs to appreciate this feature.

Audio features include DTS and Dolby Digital decoding with 5.1-channel analog- and digital-audio outputs, built-in stereo speakers, and Dialogue Enhancer for DVD movie viewing (which boosts the center-channel level by 6 dB during playback of Dolby Digital 5.1 discs, since most of the principal dialogue is channeled there). Advanced Surround Sound (VSS) simulates surround effects from any two speakers or from headphones. Other features include chapter preview, high-speed smooth-motion scan in forward and reverse (up to 100 times normal speed), repeat mode, title/chapter search with marker function, skip forward/reverse, auto power off, and resume play.

In addition to playing favorite DVD movie and music discs, the DVD-LA95 also plays video recorded on DVD-RAMs. DVD-RAM lets you record high-quality MPEG-2 video on DVDs, offering fast data transmission, speedy random access to chapters, and rewritability up to 100,000 times. ... Read more

Features

• Multichannel analog and optical digital-audio outputs, built-in DVD-Audio, DTS, and Dolby Digital surround decoding
• Dialogue Enhancer, VSS virtual surround enhance surround sound and stereo listening
• Sleek, lightweight portable DVD-Video and DVD-Audio player with 9-inch LCD screen
• Plays DVD-R, DVD-RAM, CD, and recordable MP3 CDs
• Widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, 2.5 hours battery life from included rechargeable battery

Reviews (38)

broken player rats!
We have had this player for about 2 years and loved it until it broke.We bought the extra battery pack which gave us aproximately 5-6 hours total playing time.It went on a lot of long car rides and plane trips with us.My son at age 6 dropped the player and then we had playing problems.I had a very difficult time getting service information.Finally I sent it to an indepentdent dealer who told me nothing could be done as Panasonic no longer makes the spare part and even if it did it would cost about 400 dollars.The service tech said they only make so many spare parts and when they run out that is it.I think this is shameful for such an expensive product.Buyer beware this product can't be dropped and should not be handled with small children.

THIS DVD PLAYER IS GREAT!!!!!
I BOUGHT THIS FOR MY 12 YEAR OLD SON FOR CHRISTMAS OF 2003.HE HAS HAD IT FOR OVER A YEAR AND USES IT JUST ABOUT EVERY DAY.IT IS GREAT!!IT WOULD BE NICE IF THE BATTERY LASTED A LITTLE LONGER BUT, THAT IS OKAY, AS LONG AS YOU PURCHASE AN INVERTER FOR LONG TRIPS.

Buyer Beware
When my Panasonic, no longer under warranty, needed a repair, I discovered that I had two options, either throw it away or buy a rebuilt player.The problem was a dead backlight, something that should have been a simple repair, but due to way machine is designed turns out not to be. I bought the rebuilt player and that was defective. It does come with a 90 day warranty, but local certified Panansonic dealer won't honor it. And onand on the story goes.

So beware, product was good, but once something happens and you enter the service system, you will experience frustrations. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OP2T
Subjects:  1. dvd-audio    2. 9-inch    3. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)    4. Portable Digital Versatile Disc Player (Personal DVD)   

PANASONIC DYDC95 DVD Car Battery Adapter
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $149.95
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Features

• Compatible with most Panasonic Portable DVD models
• For use in your car to give power to your portable DVD player

Reviews (1)

Wow What a Car Adapter!
I never thought I would write a review for a car battery adapter, but here I am.

This piece of merchandise is great. I used it in several cars on long road trips and each time it worked like a charm. It fits in cleanly to the Portable DVD Player, giving me a few hours of great entertainment. The price is a bit steep, but personally I find it well worth it. If you don't go on many trips though steer clear! You wouldn't want to spend money on something you'd never use.

If you travel a lot, like to watch DVDs on road trips, or just want to enhance your entertainment, then go with this. If not, I suggest buying an AC-Adapter. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Y4RB
Sales Rank: 20319
Subjects:  1. Accessories (Accesssory)   

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Widescreen Edition)
by Daniel Radcliffe Rupert Grint Emma Watson (II)
Director: Chris Columbus
Average Customer Review:
DVD (08 February, 2005)
list price: $19.97 -- our price: $14.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

First sequels are the true test of an enduring movie franchise, andHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets passes with flying colors.Expanding upon the lavish sets, special effects, and grand adventure of HarryPotter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's second year at Hogwarts School ofWitchcraft and Wizardry involves a darker, more malevolent tale (parents withyounger children beware), beginning with the petrified bodies of severalHogwarts students and magical clues leading Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron(Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to a 50-year-old mystery in themonster-laden Chamber of Secrets. House elves, squealing mandrakes, giantspiders, and venomous serpents populate this loyal adaptation (by Sorcerer'sStone director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves), and KennethBranagh delightfully tops the supreme supporting cast as the vaingloriouscharlatan Gilderoy Lockhart (be sure to view past the credits for a visualpunchline at Lockhart's expense). At 161 minutes, the film suffers from lack ofdepth and uneven pacing, and John Williams' score mostly reprises establishedthemes. The young, fast-growing cast offers ample compensation, however, as doesthe late Richard Harris in his final screen appearance as Professor AlbusDumbledore. Brimming with cleverness, wonderment, and big-budget splendor,Chamber honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling's novels. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen

Reviews (690)

More action-packed than the first
So far, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is my least favorite book (I still think it's a great book though!), but the movie was more well-done than the Sorceror's Stone movie.We once again return to Hogwarts and the characters we were introduced to in the first movie, but this time, Harry (with the help of his friends Ron and Hermione) must solve the mystery of why students are turning up petrified.There is another Quidditch match (with a new Slytherin seeker) and many action-oriented scenes, complete with ravenous spiders and a terrifying snake (also known as a basilisk).The children's acting, while improved from the first, still needs some work, particularly from Dan Radcliffe (who plays Harry Potter).
Overall, I really enjoy this movie, though it still seems a little too sugar-coated for me.However, as the books keep getting darker, so too will the movies (as demonstrated by Prisoner of Azkaban).

Columbus Does itAgain!
After the great success of "The Sorcerer's Stone" I was greatly looking foward to seeing "Chamber of Secrets." Chris Columbus once again captured the magical world of Harry Potter. The amazing settings, te characters, and the new creatures was all amazing. He recreated the most amazing scenes from the book perfectly.
Columbus is a great director and he should have directed the thrid movie.

OUTSTANDING!
The film continues to shed light on (the very well known by now) Harry Potter, as he attends his second year at Hogwarts.His powers are growing and so is the mystery surrounding his true purpose in life...
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a highly entertaining, action-packed adventure with strong elements of fantasy, not to mention some very witty humor.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, and the rest of the cast have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are exceptional to say the least!All the actors, without exceptions, give it their 100% and it really shows (the chemistry is AMAZING)! Very well written and very well presented, the movie is without a doubt one that can be watched over and over again.
The concept, the setting, the special effects, and the music, are all EXCELLENT!Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is guaranteed to provide for an evening's entertainment.In addition, it is one of those films that gets you and keeps you thinking long after it's over.In short, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a movie definitely worth watching and one to seriously consider adding to your movie collection!
... Read more

Asin: B00008DDXC
Subjects:  1. Feature Film Family   

Romy and Michele's High School Reunion
by Mira Sorvino Lisa Kudrow
Director: David Mirkin
Average Customer Review:
DVD (25 January, 2005)
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $11.24
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino play ditzy best friends who decide to attend their 10-year high school reunion, but they completely make over their styles and identities first in order to impress the people who tormented them. The two stars keep the film going despite various lapses and potholes in David Mirkin's direction and despite a sneaking sense that the idea can't sustain the length of an entire feature. A midsection dream sequence underscores the latter problem through blatant padding, but Sorvino and Kudrow--both of whom became established stars playing airheads on other projects--are worth the weaknesses. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen

Reviews (138)

addicted to romy and michele!
Wow I had passed this movie up many times in the movie rentral store, but one day I decided to rent it. By the end, I had laughed my a** off and had found a new favorite movie, or atleast in my top five.

It's not just about two dumb girls, it's probably the dumbest girls ever who think that they're getting it and totally cutting edge. They think that their lifestyles are so impressive because they've moved to L.A., but really one is a cashier and the other is unemployed.

They plot out to hit their reunion and blow everybody away by telling them lies about how they are business women who invented post-its! This movie is amazingly funny and so impressice, worth watching! THe acting is great, the music is cool, and the whole movie is so awesome!

Sticky Business
How can you not love this film? The unbelievably lovely and talented Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow play Romy and Michelle, high school galpals for life who decide to attend their ten-year reunion at Sagebrush High in Tucson.

Realizing that their lives aren't so exciting after all (as 28 year old unmarried roommates who work as cashiers when they work at all, and spend most of their nights out clubbing but going home alone together), the girls decide to make themselves over as businesswomen. Romy poses as the inventor of the Post-It Note. (Michelle picked the color yellow.)

It's a neat plan, but of course it gets fouled up by the "A" girls and mean ol' Jeaneane Garofalo who can't say a single sentence without at least three colorful one-syllable words in it. Having been exposed as goofy fakes, Romy and Michelle decide to be themselves (that is, as goofy fLakes), and steal the show.

The plot's more worked over than the girls will ever be (let us hope), and just as slender, but Sorvino and Kudrow are so endearing and obviously had such a good time being silly together on camera that the movie never lags. You just feel good at the end. It doesn't hurt that they are simply cuter than kittens, either.

Sit back and belly laugh!

So F-in funny
This movie is so funny i love it. i love the voice that mira sorvino uses when she talks. my friend mike and i watched it and had a ball.all i can say is I INVENTED POST IT NOTES LOL. ... Read more

Asin: 6305428425
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

Two Weeks Notice (Widescreen Edition)
by Sandra Bullock Hugh Grant Alicia Witt
Director: Marc Lawrence (II)
Average Customer Review:
DVD (14 September, 2004)
list price: $14.97 -- our price: $11.97
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

You'd expect a cavalcade of cuteness from any pairing of Sandra Bullockand Hugh Grant, but Two Weeks Notice admirably avoids the obvious. Youget plenty of Bullock's pratfalls and feisty sex appeal, and Grant's snappycomebacks are never in short supply, but first-time writer-director MarcLawrence (who wrote Bullock's previous hit, Miss Congeniality) adds justenough antagonism to keep this romantic comedy from being a completely foregoneconclusion. Neurotic lawyer, environmentalist, and landmark-preservationactivist Lucy Kelson (Bullock) is determined to thwart the efforts ofbillionaire developer and jet-setting playboy George Wade (Grant); of course,fate brings them together and then rips them apart, just as they're beginning tofeel the panicky pangs of love. A replacement attorney (Alicia Witt) defiesformula by being genuinely sweet, and Lawrence steers clear of the most familiarclichés. It's formulaic anyway, but in Two Weeks Notice it's a comfortingformula, delivered by stars who thrive within their limitations. --JeffShannon ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• Dolby

Reviews (170)

Please!
The idea of the movie is s**pid! That doesn't interest me at all...and the movie was horrible!

Much funnier than I expected
I am no fan of nancy-boy Hugh Grant, so the only reason I see his movies is when women get me in a headlock. Having said that, I also must say I found this movie hysterical. Grant's character offers quip after guip; Bullock is also funnier than I expected. Is it anything great? No. But even if you're not a fan of Grant (which means if you're a guy), you'll still find this one very much worth seeing.

Serviceable
There's not an ounce of surprise in Two Weeks Notice, and I don't understand how the Amazon reviewer could say otherwise.Two gorgeous people completely ill-suited for each other find love while the rich...(here Amazon has inexplicably censored something I said factually about the plot, in what is perhaps an oversensitive bit of compassion for the pitiful plight of the unimaginably wealthy)...--Hugh Grant in a brilliant bit of casting, who would EVER have thought he could have played this part--gets a lesson in morals from clumsy/feisty/uptight Sandra Bullock--how COULD anyone have ever thought SHE'D play against type like this, having done so much Shakespeare?--while Bullock's frost gets thawed by Grant.If you didn't know by the tenth minute into the film this was coming, you need to check your pulse, you may already be brain dead.Even so, it's not a bad movie, and Bullock and Grant have their charm.But as far as I'm concerned, that charm is the only reason to see the film, which is nothing more or less than serviceable. ... Read more

Asin: B00008NRI8
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

Legally Blonde
by Reese Witherspoon Luke Wilson
Director: Robert Luketic
Average Customer Review:
DVD (23 December, 2003)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $11.96
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

If you've ever doubted how much a star can carry a movie, look no further than Legally Blonde, Robert Luketic's pop fluff about a sorority girl who becomes the reigning brain at Harvard Law School. The film tries way too hard to be pop fluff, but thankfully it also understands the comic glories of Reese Witherspoon. As Elle Woods, the supposedly dimwitted heroine, Witherspoon gives a high-wattage performance that somehow comes across as both lusciously cartoonish and warmly human. It's a radiant comic turn worthy of Marilyn Monroe, and Luketic throws the whole movie at her, even though its intentional kitsch and sledgehammer contrivances don't trust you enough to figure out on your own what might be guilty fun about it. It's a lame movie, essentially, that redeems itself by knowing just enough to keep things sunny and moving right along. The film is content to follow several steps behind the regal Witherspoon, carrying her train. You probably will be, too. --Steve Wiecking ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• Dolby

Reviews (507)

too predictable
i enjoyed this film, but it was so predictable that it was boring to watch sometimes. the plot also seemed too ridiculous. WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE ABOUT PINK?! (i hate pink)

great!!!
I love the plot.Its a Feel good movie(i dont even normaly like those!)I tottally lve resse witherspoon

This is like my totally favorite movie!!!
This movie is a lot of fun, and so blonde. I encourage ya'll to see it. ... Read more

Asin: B00005O5CM
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

Bridget Jones's Diary
by Renée Zellweger Colin Firth
Director: Sharon Maguire
Average Customer Review:
DVD (09 October, 2001)
list price: $19.99
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Editorial Review

Featuring a blowzy, winningly inept size-12 heroine, Bridget Jones's Diary is a fetching adaptation of Helen Fielding's runaway bestseller, grittier than Ally McBeal but sweeter than Sex and the City. The normally sylphlike Renée Zellweger (Nurse Betty, Me, Myself and Irene) wolfed pasta to gain poundage to play "singleton" Bridget, a London-based publicist who divides her free time between binge eating in front of the TV, downing Chardonnay with her friends, and updating the diary in which she records her negligible weight fluctuations and romantic misadventures of the year. Things start off badly at Christmas when her mother tries to set her up with seemingly standoffish lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), whom Bridget accidentally overhears dissing her. Instead she embarks on a disastrous liaison with her raffish boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant, infinitely more likeable when he's playing a baddie instead of his patented tongue-tied fops). Eventually, Bridget comes to wonder if she's let her pride prejudice her against the surprisingly attractive Mr. Darcy.

If the plot sounds familiar, that's because Fielding's novel was itself a retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, whose romantic male lead is also named Mr. Darcy. An extra ironic poke in the ribs is added by the casting of Firth, who played Austen's haughty hero in the acclaimed BBC adaptation of Austen's novel. First-time director Sharon Maguire directs with confident comic zest, while Zellweger twinkles charmingly, fearlessly baring her cellulite and pulling off a spot-on English accent. Like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill (both of which were written by this film's coscreenwriter, Richard Curtis), Bridget Jones's stock-in-trade is a very English self-deprecating sense of humor, a mild suspicion of Americans (especially if they're thin and successful), and a subtly expressed analysis of thirtysomething fears about growing up and becoming a "smug married." The whole is, as Bridget would say, v. good. --Leslie Felperin ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen

Reviews (452)

Someone exactly like him
In the tradition of good British romance comedies, in my opinion, even surpasses Four Weddings.I loved this movie, loved the music, loved Colin Firth with his intelligent, aloof ways. All character bits, down to bridget's relations were all great comics.'I like it. Very much. Just as it is...'

Dear Diary
Dear Diary,

Tonight, I went to see 'Bridget Jones' Diary'. I know. I'm a guy and I didn't go with a woman. But I went. I'll confess. I went to one of the most anticipated 'chick flicks' in years without a woman. I don't know. I just feel that the whole 'chick flick', 'guy movie' thing is a disservice. If the movie is good, why shouldn't everyone see it? If the movie is bad, no one should see it. Calling 'Someone Like You' a 'chick flick' does a disservice to females. Does that mean that they like tepid, recycled cr*p? I hope not.

I had a feeling I would like 'Bridget Jones' Diary', which is why I went on opening night, sitting in the middle of hundreds of women with their boyfriends and groups of female friends.

I was surprised by how much I liked it.

Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger) is a young, single woman living in London. At 32, she begins to wonder why she can't have a meaningful relationship. She begins to wonder why she isn't married. Her mother is no help. She attempts to fix Bridget up with Mark D'Arcy (Colin Firth), a former childhood friend. Things don't go especially well and she runs into the arms of her boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Their relationship blooms, hot and heavy, until...

'Bridget Jones' Diary' is certainly not the most original movie in the world. It is pretty evident who Bridget will end up with in the end. One of the things that makes the film great is the journey. Bridget has to deal with Cleaver's boss, an older gentleman who cannot remember her name, a lecherous 'uncle', three friends, a mother and father who are having their own crisis and her own relationships with D'Arcy and Cleaver. There are a lot of funny lines in the film, lines that are that much funnier because they arise from only slightly exaggerated circumstances.

Zellweger is terrific. From the moment she opens her mouth, any doubts about a Texan pulling off a convincing British accent disappear. She becomes a young British woman, and they are very different from young American women. She has the mannerisms, the tastes, the size, the accent of a young British woman. Zellweger received a Golden Globe award for 'Nurse Betty", also a great film, and deserves another one for this role.

Usually, a film with ongoing voice over sort of sends me over the edge. However, the voiceover in 'Diary' is very good. It serves to highlight points in the film, rather than bridge them and make up for a lacking narrative.

Grant plays a character very different from his ultra-romantic, slightly dithering standard (see 'Four Weddings And A Funeral' and 'Notting Hill' for prime examples) and he reveals that he actually has a bit of range.

Firth is a real find in this film. Usually relegated to period British films, Firth portrays a very handsome man who gets on Jones' nerves. His ability to woo Jones' provides for some very romantic moments. Zellweger and Firth are a great, romantic couple. The fact that they have to work for the relationship only adds to the authenticity of the story.

Jones' mum and dad are played by Gemma Jones and Jim Broadbent. Each is a very good actor, but their story seems tacked on and irrelevant. It only serves to draw us out of the main story, rather than compliment it.

The third act has problems. Primarily, it goes on too long. We already know who Jones' is going to end up with, get to the scene in which it happens. The third act reminded me a bit of the television series 'Moonlighting' and the reason the series drove its viewers mad. The series took forever to get David and Maddie together. 'Diary' takes a long time to reach the inevitable.

Overall, Diary, I really enjoyed 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and can't understand this whole 'chick flick' moniker it has received. If a film is good, shouldn't everyone go to see it?

Love that Reindeer Sweater!
In this fast paced, modern age it seems, that society and especially the media have all these requirements and expectations of young single women. They should have a high profile professional job, supermodel looks, be suave, witty and sophisticated...oh and also be able to land that perfect husband and have the perfect 2.5 children by the time the old biological clock goes off. These ideals are all satirized and laid to waste in the hilarious British, romatic film comedy, "Bridget Jones's Diary". In this film we meet Bridget Jones, who hardly meets society'sstandards and ideals. She's somewhat overweight (at least by Hollywood standards) and drinks and smokes way to much! Bridget is terrible at her different jobs in the media profession and has got to be the world's worst public speaker, who often blurts out the most embarassing comments at the wrong time. Too make matters worst, she seems to have no luck in the romance department. Bridget Jones is the kind of gal constantly making memos on how she's going to take the world on and make her life right in the process. Unfortunatly for every giant leap she attempts, there is usually a bannana peel waiting to embarassingly be stepped on. The film's plotline is liberally (and proudly) swiped from Jane Austen's classic novel, "Pride & Prejudice". Two men keep coming and going into her love life. First is her boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) a witty, handsome, but vile Cad, who over and over again wriggles his way into Bridget's bed, only to find a way to break her heart, whenever things get serious. Bridget's other would-be suiter is family friend, Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). He's a bit wooden in personality and even a stuffshirt and somewhat rude. But he's also kind, honest and dependable. Well I bet you can figure out, which guy constantly has Bridget's affections for most of the film! (BIG Hint: Nice guys seem to always finish last!) In the end Bridget goes for the guy, who just loves her for being herself, not for what she's trying to pretend to be. The script by Helen Fielding (based on her book & newspaper columns) and Richard Curtis (the dean of British romantic film comedies) is both witty and enjoyable. All three of the film's lead actors seem to have loads of chemistry together. Texas born, Renee Zellweger pulls off the British accent and totally becomes this modern day every-women, who finds inventive ways to become embarassed at any moment. Hugh Grant, who seems to have made a career out of playing eye lash fluttering, nice guy roles, gleefully takes on the devilish cad of the film with great success. Finally, Colin Firth seems like the only actor, who could play the Mark Darcy role. The movie's writers freely admit that they wrote the part for him based ironically on his own performance in the movie "Pride & Prejudice". The DVD of the film is fine. The picture & sound are sevicable but nothing special. In this collector's addition you recieve a nice behind-the-scenes featurette, that is quite interesting. Also included are deleted scenes, which to be perfectly honest, are as funny as anything from the final film. (This includes a hilarious montage of Hugh Grant's slimey, Daniel being interviewed, while sitting in a bar with a wide variey of seamy looking dates) It's obvious in this DVD edition that some of the extras are being used to hype the film's sequal, "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason". Many of the extras are fine, but not necessary. This is a wonderful romantic comedy, that is most entertaining. Highly recommmended! ... Read more

Asin: B00003CXT7
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

Scrabble Game folio
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (24)

if you like Scrabble ... you should get this
Lots of fun...you can save games from one month to another. You also get quite the reaction when people just randomly see you playing scrabble places.

great idea but extremely frustrating
We recently took the folio version with us to Italy and spend a lot of time crawling on our hands and knees (including in the plane!) looking for "popped out" tiles.Tiles are difficult to inserset, difficult to move around, pop out when you do not want them to, but are difficult to pop out when you want them to.How about a magnetic version?Was one ever made?

fuTILE losses
First off, I love this game.It has usurped my cat from my lap many a time....at first she liked the little clicking noises but now she hears them and curls up close but not on me.

Right away I noticed one 'O' tile that would not click into place unless it was turned on its side.Since it was a manufacturer's error, I figured it would be a simple thing to replace it.Nope.The game store could not help me and the 800 number was literally always suspiciously busy.
Ah, well, I can live with a lazy 'O'.

Then - I went camping and popped an 'N'after darkat Mt. Rainier. The next morning's search was, you got it, futile.Perhaps the chipmunks at Ohanapecosh are still marveling over their find.

Ah, well, it's easy enough to use a placer and stick the 'N' back in the bag after it is drawn once.

9 months have passed and more tiles have jumped ship.I'm getting very good at counting letters after every 5 games or so.Although I've found most errant tiles, right now I am using various little Lego pieces for an 'N, L, C and P'.Idid find the Milton-Bradley website and discovered I can not replace the tiles unless I buy a whole set for $7.95....which I know in this day and age is not all that much to most people, but to me it is.And there is the principle of the thing, the man who made the game was out of work and counting his pennies, and I think he would understand my hesitancy to buy tiles I do not need.

I'll do it, though...and partially rationalize the purchase by estimating that at my rate of losses, I will need to replace and, therefore, use the full set of 100 tiles in 20 to 25 years.I expect to still be alive - I'll take a chance on still being able to see.

My suggestion:Put a cute little bag of , say, 5 blank tiles in with every game.They can be trainer tiles.Then a black marker pen could readily resolve any angst over futile losses.

PSI love my own personal game...it has character., it has color.Maybe I'll wait a bit to order that new set of tiles....
... Read more

Asin: B000063KCJ
Sales Rank: 782

Homer Simpson Collector's Trivia Tin
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

A decade's worth of outrageous story lines, and funny, intelligent writing has garnered a loyal following for The Simpsons--and no character on the show has been more popular than the TV family's patriarch, Homer J. Simpson. But after watching those hundreds of episodes and spending millions of brain cells remembering all that trivia, what are Simpsons fans to do with their extra time? To the rescue comes this Homer-specific trivia game packed in a handy tin case. The questions are divided into five difficulty levels, though even the easy questions presuppose a deep knowledge of Simpson lore. Players will soon discover that in the game's multiple choice questions, the funniest answer is always correct. The directions for actual gameplay can get a bit confusing, and, though the setup allows people of various levels of expertise to play together, this won't be much fun for non-Simpsons fans. Hardcore fans will have a blast just reading the well-researched questions. The collectable tin case, shaped like Homer's head, is eye-catching on a bookcase or shelf, and an included miniposter featuring some 300 characters makes for an attractive wall hanging, too. ... Read more

Features

• The Homer Simpson Trivia Game! Collectable tin is shaped like Homer's head with his handsome face on it! 1,000 questions about Springfield's number one father!
• Everybody knows that Homer has only two hairs on the top of his head (d'oh!) But do you know why he lost most of his hair? Or why his frumpy, old maid of a sister-in-law Selma has no sense of smell or taste?
• No? Well, don't fret like that pansy Flanders! Inside this tin are lots more questions about Springfield's number one father, Homer.
• You can compete with your freinds, or other Simpson fans. See who knows more about Homer (and what's more important than that?) . It's more fun that 'Deviled-egg Nite' at Moes't Tavern!
• And guess what? The game comes with a Simpsons cast poster. Whoo-hoo!

Reviews (11)

Trivia fun, game horrible
With two players, you can't win without the cooperation of the other player.Horribly thought out game.If you can think of a completely different game to play with the trivia cards and burn the directions it could be fun.

Most Esoteric Trivia Game EV-ER....
My mom bought this for me knowing that I am a Simpsons fan and have been for 15 years.However, the questions are completelyobscure and there is no "game" to this game.It is a game only the most extreme Simpsons aficionado could understand, let alone enjoy.If you think you know anything about the Simpsons, don't buy this.You'll just get a little angry about your lack of knowledge as only the "Comic Book Guy" could have any success at this "game".

WARNING-ONLY FOR MAJOR SIMPSONS FAN
This game is fun, will make you laugh, and is a perfect gift....If you LOVE the Simpsons.My family and i have watched the Simpsons since it started in 1989 and even before that as animated shorts on the Tracy Almon Show and despite all the knowledge we had of it we still were not able to make the grade.I would only recommend this if you have most of the episodes almost memorized. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QDS1
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Trivia    3. Board Games   

J-14
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $35.88 -- our price: $14.96
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Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (53)

I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE!
i read this magazine at my friends house once and loved it. it tells all celeberties we like and it has really good articles!!plus it has awsome posters!!!

Good "newspaper/news" for Teens
I love J-14 magazine. I have been reading the magazine for 3 years, since I was 10. It lets us know what is happening out in the celeb world. It is our "newspaper". Teens need to know what the stars are doing; this magazine does just that! Pick up a copy of J-14 today!

Read it at a friends...and liked it!
Hi,
I read this mag. at a friend's house and I think it's pretty cool! some of the articals were downright boring but most were really cool! Also at my age everyone wants to know about the latest celeb. gossip but not the junky britney spears kind of stuff. ya' know...the songs and singers that are hot and stuff! I think it's great that they finally made a mag. for kids about celeb's but without all the inopropriate stuff that parents don't want kids to see! ... Read more

Asin: B00005OM4W
Sales Rank: 156
Subjects:  1. Teens    2. General    3. Periodicals   

Crayola Travel On Case
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (1)

Excellent Combination of Supplies for Creating Art for Kids
This is an excellent collection of easy-to-use art supplies for children. It includes the drawing "tools" my daughters like to use most. This collection empowers children to be creative.

I suggest you buy this Crayola set, a case of cheap paper, a couple rolls of invisible tape, a pencil sharpener, a bottle of Elmer's school glue, and a stapler (for sure). Then give your child frequent access to the supplies to draw pictures and design things. Your child's creativity will emerge on its own.

Highly recommended! ... Read more

Asin: B000066EVO
Sales Rank: 2177