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CanMag Holiday Gift List Part 2: More DVD/Video Stocking Stuffers
Published November 7, 2004 in DVD
By Ryan Parsons | None
Some suggestions to put you on the right track for the holidays..
Having problems figuring out how to setup your holiday
list for 2004? This is the second part in a series to help our readers create
a Christmas list worthy of respect. Our first part of the series covered
new movies that can be purchased in time for Christmas [READ
IT HERE]. The second part will deal with movies as well. However, these
films are not new releases and are, instead, must owns. Films are listed
in no particular order. All of these films, with links provided, can be
purchased through Amazon. Films are rated out of five cans.
Always Improve Upon Your DVD Collection [Part II]
The Shawshank Redemption
For myself, I thought this was Tim Robbins
break out role. He was excellent in the role of Andy Dufresne, the
accused murderer of his own wife. Andy must deal with how to 'survive'
in prison and retain sanity while being treated poorly and under constant
threat of security guards and other inmates.
The Shawshank Redemption also features one of the coolest twists
by the end of the film that leaves the viewers in awe.
CanMag Rating:  |
Schindler's List
Another film that gave me a true introduction
to a now huge actor, Liam Neeson. A lot of the younger people out
there have seen Liam Neeson in Phantom Menace is Qui-Gon
Jinn. Liam Neeson will also be seen in the next Batman film.
Another amazing classic by Steven Spielberg.
CanMag Rating:  |
The Lord of the Rings: The Entire Series
I know that most people are pretty excited
for the release of the extended version of the Return of the King
just before Christmas. This is truly one of the greatest trilogy's,
and story, every made.
A must own.
CanMag Rating: |
Star Wars: The Original Trilogy
Do not forget to purchase one of the other
best trilogys ever brought to the screen. The gift set also includes
a fourth disc with previews into Revenge of the Sith and 'making of'
clips. I have recently watched the entire fourth disc for the re-released
trilogy to DVD and have to say that the fourth disc makes the set
worth it.
Besides the fact that Empire Strikes Back is one of my all
time favorite films. That's a shout-out to Irvin Kershner.
CanMag Rating: |
The Godfather Trilogy
Even though part II is the real end of
the 'good' Godfather films, you might as well buy the DVDs
in a set.
The story of Vito Corleone in Godfather II is brilliant.
CanMag Rating: |
Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino again sets his mark
with the release of Pulp Fiction in 1994. Features wonderful character
played by actors such as Bruce Willis, Tim Roth, John Travolta, Samuel
L. Jackson, Ving Rhames, and a young Rosanna Arquette.
CanMag Rating: |
Indiana Jones: The Trilogy
Another trilogy that shows sequels can be
just as good as the original. Even though Temple of Doom was a little
off the mark, it was still more than entertaining. Hopefully we will
see Harrison Ford back again as Mr. Jones.
CanMag Rating: |
Memento
I liked Guy Pearce in L.A. Confidential,
but I loved Guy Pearce in Memento. He was a perfect choice
to play Leonard Shelby, the demented widow suffering from short-term
amnesia attempting to solve the mystery of his wife's murder.
The genius behind the film is the fact that it is told backwards,
so the viewer knows only as much as the protagonist, Leo.
CanMag Rating: |
The Matrix
While the sequels weren't that hot, the original
still kicks ass. Need I say more?
CanMag Rating: |
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
I haven't even seen this film yet. But, judging
by its escalated ratings in movie history [for such a new film], I
have to show some respect already.
It is also rare to find a Carry film that doesn't work.
CanMag Rating: |
The Brotherhood of the Wolf [ Le Pacte des loups]
Now, I am sure not many of our viewers have
scene this awesome French film that not only offers gore, suspense,
action, and some of the best hand to hand fights you will ever see,
but it has no problem throwing up some nudity to boot.
Based on the 18th century legend of a creature who terrorized the
countryside by attacking women and the young. Grégoire de Fronsac
[Samuel Le Bihan], and his companion Mani [Mark Dacascos], are sent
into capture the beast and discover the corruption that lies below.
CanMag Rating: |
Fight Club
If you do not already own this film, you should.
This film takes the viewer on a very unexpected ride that begins with
insomnia and ends with the ultimate twist.
Through out the entrire film I registered that strange things were
going on, but never even considered the switch that was thrown at
me near the end.
CanMag Rating: |
Seven [Se7en]
Another film starring Brad Pitt. This is one
of those true serial thrillers that blows you away with its dark formula
and the evolving plot.
Many of us will never forget what is in the box.
CanMag Rating: |
Requiem for a Dream
For those who enjoyed Trainspotting, should
find some very interesting similarities in Requiem for a Dream starring
Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans.
Always, the number one message is don't do drugs... or you may do
some prostitution [ass to ass] or lose a limb.
CanMag Rating: |
Aliens
While a lot of people call the original Alien
the classic, Aliens has all the entertainment. Aliens, a
product of James Cameron, has cool characters such as Ripley [Weaver],
Hicks [Michael Biehn], Hudson [Bill Paxton], and Vasquez [Jenette
Goldstein]. I still find this to be one of Paxton's best roles. He
offers a good majority of the 'comedy' in Aliens.
CanMag Rating: |
The Professional [aka Leon]
Luc Besson serves up a classic story of a
hitman forced to 'adopt' an orphaned girl whose parents were brutally
murdered by a corrupt DEA officer. Besides some intense action, the
film finds its strength in the more tender moments.
You will laugh and smile as Leon's [Jean Reno] relationship changes
and grows towards Mathilda [a young Natalie Portman].
CanMag Rating: |
Shakespeare In Love
A new approach to the story-telling for the
classic tale, Romeo & Juliet. A wonderful film which
will have you laugh out loud and smile with its brilliance.
Another large perk is that this is one of those rare 'date-movies'
that men will enjoy as much as the women.
CanMag Rating: |
Love Actually
Before I saw this film I thought it was going
to be another quickly thrown together love story featuring Hugh Grant,
of course. However, I was pleasently surprised by the type of love
that is conveyed through out the film. Not only are we dealing with
relationships of man and women, but love that occurs between family
and friends.
This film is a real heart-warmer that also supplies an ample amount
of comedy, plus some nudity, along the way.
CanMag Rating: |
Donnie Darko
A film that makes you watch it at least a
few times to finally start getting it? Sounds perfect to me, and a
lot of other people that have turned this film into a huge cult classic.
A great choice film from Jake Gyllenhaal [Day After Tomorrow].
The film takes multiple approaches to science, time travel, schools,
and God and seems to perfectly fit all the concepts into a well conceived
story. This film makes "Why do you wear that stupid man-suit"
a great question.
CanMag Rating: |
Snatch
Guy Ritchie at some of his best story-telling.
A boxer, a pikie, a head, a manager, a friend, a pawn shop, a Russian,
all seem to come together seemlessly in this humorously dark tale
about a diamond.
CanMag Rating: |
Everybody Loves Raymond: The Complete Second Season
The original classic from Guy Ritchie. You
will see where a lot of Snatch comes from in this film.
An even darker comedy than Snatch with a brilliant mixing
of paths at the end. Instead of a diamond, we got guns.
CanMag Rating: |
Kill Bill I & II
Where Volume I contains a lot of extreme actions,
Volume II puts forth the body of the story. Another masterpiece from
Quentin Tarantino that leaves people debating which film in the series
is actually better.
Kung Fu meets Spagetti Western
CanMag Rating: |
Glory
One of the greatest Civil War movies that
I believe is easily passed up by most. An impressive cast including
Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, Morgan Freeman,
and Andre Braugher. The film gives one look at blacks joining the
Union ranks to fight in the Civil War.
One of the films many strengths is also the impressive original score
laid down by James Horner.
CanMag Rating: |
Unforgiven
Might as well end the list with some of my
favorite westerns. Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven is one of the coolest
looks at men during the era as they try to run and hide from their
past; and maybe who they really are.
A cool film that shows the way of the gun was the only way.
CanMag Rating: |
Silverado
First off, lets mention the cast: Kevin Kline,
Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, John Cleese, James Gammon,
Brian Dennehy, Linda Hunt, and Jeff Fahey.
This film offers up gunfights, race issues, friendship, and family.
Probably Costner's best film.
CanMag Rating: |
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