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Reviews

These are great for teaching a toddler how to use scissors. I bought these to help my 2 year old learn to use scissors. He enjoys the play doh scissors, but I couldn't find a durable pair. These are great! The blue pair cut paper fairly easily, but the red ones are a bit more difficult to use. Both pair are fun to use with play doh. They do not have metal blades and are not sharp. They do not cut skin. They are plastic and a good size for little hands. My son really enjoys playing with these (these are safe but we still supervise him)

My cousin referred this product to me for my 2.5yr old (she has 2 girls, 2.5yrs & 4yrs)... These scissors are wonderful!! My little guy absolutely LOVES them and can use them quite easily!! They are VERY safe (which I love) and do a good job of cutting paper (which he loves).

These scissors are fantastic! They truly do ONLY cut paper. My 2.5 yr old loves the freedom of having his own scissors and they are totally safe for him to cut with. What a wonderful invention...gotta love Melissa and Doug!

MY SON IS 3 NEXT MONTH AND HE LOVE TO PLAY WITH MY REAL SCISSORS AND NOT SAFETY.THATS WHY I BOUGTH THIS LITTLE SCISSOR PERFECT FOR TODDLER!!! CUT THE PAPER ANS NOT HIS FINGERS. LOVE IT!!1

We bought this pair of scissors for our 2-year old who was wanted to use regular scissors for arts & crafts. Being a big fan of Melissa & Doug products we decided on this set of scissors. The fact that the scissors are completely plastic and the cutting surface is not sharp makes it great, especially if you have younger children around. The scissors do a great job of cutting through construction paper, but it will not cut through heavier paper objects like cardboard. You get two pairs of scissors, one which cuts straight and one that cuts a zig-zag pattern. I agree with other reviewers that the zig-zag scissors are a bit tougher to use. Overall if you are looking for a cheap, durable and safe first set of scissors then this set fits the bill perfectly.

Reviews

I love this light. It takes AAA batteries, has two settings for the light, is not too heavy on the book, and covers both pages with the light. I am very happy and I will be ordering more for other members of the family!!

A great light for the money! Lightweight, flexible, sturdy clip and it even has two settings for brightest or dimmer light. I love it, and I'm buying more to use as gifts!

This light works really well with the Kindle 2. It gives off alot of light and clips on easily. I use it at night when I read in bed. I would highly recommend this product.

I love this light. Esp. the 'high' and 'low' beams. Only problem is, I loaned it to my granddaughter to use on vacation, and now I don't think I will get it back!! Oh well, guess I'll order another for ME.

This is my first book light, so I don't have anything to compare it to...but it works just as it should. I'm more than happy with this purchase.

Reviews

In spite of all the reviews, I ordered this item anyway hoping I would be the exception. Not so. Every single piece of chalk was broken upon arrival. The packaging had air pillows in it but they had big rips so they were useless to prevent damage. Will be returning this item!

I received this box of beautiful color pieces and chunks of chalk. Luckily I have small hands and don't mind using the small pieces, but a child would probably be disappointed. No long pieces of chalk. Oh no!

I agree with the other review- there is a coating on the outer part of the chalk that made it hard to write with. My daughter is very determined, so she has either found a way or broken through this outer coating or doesn't seem to care any more. But, it was very cumbersome at first and because this coating is so tough, it actually scratched our chalkboard as my daughter used it. I like that it is non-toxic and dustless but I don't know that I would buy this again. And, I love D&M products, so I'm not sure what's up here. We were lucky to receive all our chalk unbroken and intact! The colors are nice, too.

Not a whole lot to say about Chalk - but it works on his Melissa and Doug double easel, and my son loves being able do do things in different colors.

There was a good selection of colors in the chalk. The only problem we have is with the color "black". It won't come off the board, even with a wet cloth.

Reviews

simply put...i love raffi! I bought it for my 5 month old daughter and she loves it. It will last her for years to come...great songs for any age child. We had this when I was little and I will never forget these songs!

THE CD'S RAFFI IS USING SKIP EITHER FROM THE BEGINNING OR SHORTLY AFTER. HIS MUSIC IS GREAT, BUT THE QUALITY OF THE CD IS P0OR AND VERY DISAPPOINTING.

I have music classes for children ages 2 to 5 years old. I often have 25 of them at a time. When the children hear Raffi"s voice they are captivated and eager to sing along.

raffi does not go out of style....I'm now giving his songs to the children of the children I originally gave his music too. They love him!

My grandchildren request this CD all the time. We also have his other CDs. I am proud to be a fellow Canadian. This entertainer knows that the adults in children's lives need to enjoy the music the children love.

Reviews

This CD works like magic. My 7 month old son HATES taking naps. If you put him in his crib he will scream and scream. When I put on this CD he stops crying by the middle of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and is asleep by "Slow Day". My sanity is restored. Plus it's a CD that I don't mind listening to everyday. I've tried other lullaby CD's and nothing else has worked this well. Thank you Raffi!

It's a great transitional activity after an eventful one. My son is always full of energy. The music is such a calming experience for him and I. My son and I enjoy listening to the CD after the zoo, on a lazy day, or just to past time. I have even gave them as gifts to a few friends.

raffi does not go out of style....I'm now giving his songs to the children of the children I originally gave his music too. They love him!

This CD is great for putting preschoolers to sleep and keeping Mommy entertained too. I usually get really sleepy listening to it.

Raffi has done it again, another brilliant piece of work from this amazing artist! I bought this CD when I was expecting my son, & he has been listening to it at bedtime since we brought him home from the hospital. It never fails, by the 3rd song my son is asleep. He just celebrated his 1st Birthday & this CD is still part of our nightly routine. Beautiful songs in that soft, soothing, familiar voice. A gentle blend of songs that soothe the soul. Blessed Be is a song that will touch your heart. Any home with a newborn needs this calm, quiet CD.

Reviews

I've been exposed to and impressed by many good Canadian bands thanks to the Verge channel on XM radio. I kept hearing great things about BSS, and this album in particular. I was pretty well sold on buying it after hearing 'Swimmers.' I was expecting something really special, Feist, Metric, Kevin Drew, etc....an all star Canadian hipster masterpiece. Instead, I find that about 3/4" of the album is a noncohesive, jumbled up, mess. I don't get it. Why take all that talent and bury it under 25 layers of rapid fire drums, distortian, and musical anarchy? "Hey guys, how abooot this, let's take Emily and Feist's sublime vocals and moostly cover them up with that audio Kevin recorded of the garbage truck back firing whilst driving down the alley, and then submerge it in Foo Fighters like drums?" Most of it sounds like a confusing MGMT/Radiohead/Polyphonic Spree triple decker sandwhich, and it's not good at all. It's border line atonal, and all discussion about criticism, subjectivity, and art aside, people don't like atonal music. Then again, they hit 'Swimmers' out of the park, though I can hear even in that great song traces of the bands(Drew's?) nearly compulsive penchant to dub in sound effects and random noise. I've heard enough of these guys' solo work to understand that they are brilliant, but when all 25 or so of them get together, they seem more intent on experimenting with the collaborative process rather than turning out quality songs.

The record that I ordered came in a timely fashion. The condition of the almost sleeve and the vinyl were superb. Sometimes on Amazon there are those goons that sell a $20 album for $40+....not this seller! The album was fairly priced. Yay capitalism!

Sure this album isn't as noticeable as their last, and yes it is a bit misunderstood in all its washed out production haze, though the way weaker second side really does justify some of the criticism.

You should pursue Broken Social Scene's entire catalog, especially YFIP, but this is an incredible follow-up. The reviews here sum it up pretty well, but for anyone on the fence, just spend 89 cents on 7/4 Shoreline (or find the video). As another reviewer said, it's essentially a perfect pop song.

This has to be one of the most solidly constructed albums I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Yes, it is an experience to listen to. I wasn't a fan of Broken Social Scene until I picked up their self-titled album. I put it on and listened to it straight through without a moment's rest. It feels completely celebratory from beginning to end (especially the final ten minute epic, It's All Gonna Break). There's a sense of chaos and spontaneity to it yet it feels so wonderfully clean and polished. It's a truly rich experience. Whenever I hear something that lands so beautifully on my ear I can't help but wonder how long it will take me to wear it out. I always ask myself how quickly I'll get sick of hearing it. It's been nearly 3 years now and I have yet to grow tired of it. Only two other albums feel this fully realized and well executed...Final Fantasy's Has a Good Home and M. Ward's Transistor Radio. They're most definitely worth checking out...different type of music but definitely modern masterpieces. This album has been a rare treat and I've been a fan of Broken Social Scene ever since. Don't hesitate to give it a listen.

Reviews

Kids can't seem to help but like Blue and all her friends. They are bright and colorful. The songs are interesting and repeated each episode to make it easy for the children to memorize. The arts and crafts on this tape can easily be replicated at home with your own children.

I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of Blue's Clues. However, what is important is that my son is. HE enjoys it and has learned from this video. My son can tell you what colors will mix into what colors (red and white make pink) and it was because of this video. He has experimented and learned other combinations since then. Thanks to this video for stimulating his curiousity about colors and mixing colors. For this reason alone it's worth five stars! However, the whole video is like this, full of learning and great starting points for experimenting and learning more about arts and crafts. Very fun. Enjoy.

I can not say enough about this series. Steve and Blue are wonderful and they really get my daughter thinking. Socks have never been the same since watching this video.

Blue and Steve continue to let kids learn, play and smile in this video

Reviews

I did receive this video on time, however I did not like the video the way it was done was poor and why did they have to ad those two women that messed the video up they had no dancing abilities.

Since this product comes directly from The Art of Exoctic Dancing...Buyer beware. I ordered this product along with two other dvds in their combo pack on December 15, 2009. I am yet to receive anything from them I've called everyday (several times in a day) no answer, I've sent emails no reply. The phone was even off one day. My girlfriends and I were considering taking one of their workshops that is no longer a option. Since I can't get a response on a $56.00 order that has not been honored. My warning is not so much about the product but wheather on not you'll receive it after an order is placed. BEWARE BUYERS

After reading all these wonderful reviews I was expecting something a little more professional in it's taping. As it was, the camera couldn't seem to hold still long enough to show exactly what some of the moves were. It was all over the place. I learned a few moves, but this video seemed more like an infomercial or testimony rather than an instruction video. Too much talking and not enough instruction. Over all, they teach 3 hip roles, but claim to teach 4. The fourth one is the same as the first one, just on your knees instead of standing. I wouldn't have bought the video had I been able to see a preview of it first.

If you're not it's still great because it forces you to concentrate on your body during the movements. It also gives a lot of great advice. These moves are core moves only. If your looking for more, this video is not for you. My favorite part was actually during the credits you are able to view the instructor in action during several clips.

This video / DVD is about the art of sensual erotic dancing. Your boyfriend or husband will be dilighted and this DVD may certainly help you to add a spice to your relationship. (It did add spice to mine). As opposite to instructional videos which are geared to professional exotic dancers who work in strip joints, this DVD is geared toward ordinary women who merely desire to cheer up their boyfriend or husbands. The women portrayed on this DVD range from young to middle-aged (maybe 20 - 50 or even 60 years old). Leah, who was a professional exotic dancer, demonstrates each move and then the participants follow - and you go allong and practice together with them. Each participant also discusses the moves that were easy or particularly challenging for her and what did she do to help her overcome them. Other than spicing up their love life, for most women in this video / DVD, going through the process of learning exotic dancing has contributed to increased level of confidence and self-esteem. A lot of women tend to compare themselves to models and feel bad about their bodies, so one hurdle for a number of women here was to accept that their bodies are OK and to learn to appreciate themselves just the way they are, as well as to deal with the element of shyness. Participants are also lead through a meditation which helps them to relax and enjoy the process, allowing themselves to express the movements that emerge from deep within them spontaneously. While the focus of this video / DVD is to teach you the moves involved in exotic dancing, it's purpose is also to help liberate and unleash your self-expression, honoring yourself and allowing yourself to be and to express yourself, to appreciate and express your feminine side, whether you ultimately choose to dance for your lover or not.

Reviews

Florida legislators believed Florida's schoolchildren were too inactive so they changed P.E. requirements for the state's students, requiring classroom teachers provide the remainder of 170 minutes from the P.E. staff. (They do 80 minutes.) As a second grade teacher, I drew on my background from the 1960's and JFK's desire to get the kids in shape and immediately thought of Meredith Wilson's "Chicken Fat". MY STUDENTS LOVE IT!!!

My children love this video. It is an excellent workout for both kids and adults. The kids learned about this at school and begged me to buy it for home. It was a great investment.

I find this a great way to motivate my kids to learn about health and fitness and exercise. I just let them do the exercise routine at their own pace and they really love it.

I really love this video. It really has it all; a great song to sing along to,great exercises and is so much fun. My kids get home from school and can't wait to watch and exercise to Chicken Fat. It's great to see them have so much fun.

I am so glad I found this video. When I was a kid growing up in Ohio in the 1960's we used to listen to the 45 record of Chicken Fat in Gym class all the time and we all loved it. It was really because of Chicken Fat that I became interested in fitness. Today I own a gym for both children and adults and have begun to use Chicken Fat for my Kid class's and they love it. The Mom's and Dad's join in also so it's a lot of fun. I highly recommend this video to all.

Reviews

Good quality book for the price. I like the lines next to each photo spot to write things and the CD pocket.

I bought the four different colors offered of these. I loved them. I'd like to get more! Definitely worth the price.

The album is greeeeeat! I bought it for my mom, who wanted to brag about her granddaughter, my niece, and wanted an album that would hold AT LEAST 200 pics (she wants to do that much bragging haha). The only con is the fact that it's cloth cover and it's light green so it would get dirty very easily, so my mom left the plastic cover it comes with, which I don't know how long will last, but in the meantime she's doing a whole lot of braggin' haha

Overall I really like this album. At first wasnt so sure as there's no dividers for your pictures. Two go on a page under the plastic. But the pictures once in dont move and the space in between both is good. Becareful lifting the plastic as it can tear a little. I really like the areas on the side where you can write about the pictures, the holders in the back for CDS or negatives and how you can put a picture in the front on the album cover.

Reviews

I LOVE this recipe organizer ! It's full already. I would suggest that you buy extra pages at the same time as ordering the book to save on shipping. You'll need them ! I am famous for asking for recipes from others or for cutting recipes out of magazines. I try them and then if they are "a Keeper" I file them into an organizer. This organizer is perfect in size, and it looks good, too, if you have to put them on a shelf. I was given one book as a Christmas gift but, it wasn't large enough to hold all of my things so I ordered a second one, just for Dessert recipes! I may have to order a third one in the future just for main meal dishes. I'll keep the 1st book for dips, drinks and veggies. The tabs make things easy to find.

I selected this product to replace a previous cookbook I had received as a wedding present 15 years ago. + The cover is a thick, durable vinyl. + The large recipe cards made it easy to fit an entire recipe on the front of a card. - The Cover has an ornamental place setting on the front, which I doubt will last very long with the way we abuse our cookbooks. - It came with tabs, but they are only made of paper. If these ever get wet or any food splashed on them, they would be ruined. - It came with very thin, plastic cover protective sheets. (Our previous one had much thicker plastic pages.) Overall, I was disappointed. If I had a chance to see this product up close before purchasing it, I would not have purchased it. We were really looking to replace our personal family cookbook with an identical product.

Reviews

I purchased this with a mighty bright booklight. Maybe I just got an adapter that is missing a part or something, but there is no way to connect this adapter to my mighty bright booklight which I use with my kindle, both have male plugs. There are no instructions either. I haven't contact the company yet, but the fact that I have to do so is a bother and a black mark on them as far as I'm concerned.

This product does not fit the XtraFlex2! I purchased this to go with:Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Clip-On Light (Kindle Version) Black [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging] because the XtraFlex2 is listed as a compatible item in the product description. However, both the light and this adapter have male ends.

This is not for the UltraFlex 2. I had to talk to MightyBrite to find out that the model wanted is #37372B, and you can't tell on Amazon what you're getting. So get the UltraFlex 2 WITH the adapter. Too bad its black :(

Purchased this adapter because Amazon.com suggested it to go with the Might Bright Pocket Flex light - problem is - there's no place to plug it in on the Pocket Flex!! I'm sure the adapter works just fine....just not with the light I purchased.

I use my Mighty Bright every night. Worth the small investment for this adapter so you don't have to use batteries.

Reviews

I love my light clips on great to my case while i'm reading and the adapter is good but even with out i can carry it anywhere and the plus for me don't need to turn on the room light to read at nights.

Bought this light as a fathers day gift, so far it is working great, it clips on nicely and the light is very clear for reading in bed with the lights out.

This is a great little light. I bought my first one July 2008. I was shocked when it fell apart a few weeks ago. I'm a little careless sometimes and it may have been stepped on accidentally. I'm not really sure, but I'm not going to blame the product. It worked great for nearly two years. I like that it has two settings for brightness. It is convenient to use and carry around. I used it on paperbacks and my kendle. One person said they wouldn't use it for a flashlight. I lived on an island in the Pacific. The electricity went out a lot. I did use it as a flashlight....sort of. At least I was able to see well enough on several occasions to find my candles and my ighter. I always knew where my book and bright light were. I didn't always know where the lighter and candles were well enough to find them in a pitch black house. I bought a kendle light after my old mighty bright broke. Doesn't work near as well for me....so I'm back to buy a second mighty bright. The adapter will be a nice addition. I'm not sure it is really needed though. The batteries really did last a long time.

stop surfing right now, and put this item in your cart. a/c or d/c operation; clips on to book, music stand, anything; has 2 levels of brightness; even lighting; great flex arm. i dropped mine on a cement floor when i moved my music stand too far away from the plug, and nothing happened to any of the parts.

I'm extremely happy with this booklight. I recently bought a second one for my husband. The flexible neck allows you to adjust the booklight to any angle, which helps when using with the Kindle because it does have a slight glare when positioned directly over the page. I recently also purchased an adapter from Sun and Eco Light (highly recommended seller, btw) because the only caveat to the booklight is that, after awhile, the batteries will get low and the light will become dim but it's not noticeable until you find yourself squinting at the material you're reading. I love that it's portable, but when I'm at home and within reach of a power source, the adapter is wonderful. The other downside is the placement of the plug-in for the adapter - it's on the top so it sticks straight up when trying to read. It's not a big issue but it can be distracting. I love that the light itself has "high beams" and "low beams" that you can adjust. Just a well-designed product all around. I highly recommend it for Kindle or any book!

Reviews

As an avid Resident Evil (video games) and Milla Jovovich fan, my 5 stars could certainly be a biased opinion. I enjoyed seeing more of the story, surrounding the games and I really enjoyed the acting on everyone's parts and I enjoyed the action scenes. This movie is far superior to the next movie in the line "Resident Evil: Extinction". That was in one word: Awful. Zombies don't wear jumpsuits! Why are they in jumpsuits!?

It's good with enough action, but I think they went a little overboard with the superpowers. But the additional cast who portray good guys does give it more fun to watch.

WOW! I'm get'n to be a big fan of the Resident Evil Resident Evil - Apocalypse (Special Edition) Series. So far they havent disappointed me. Entertainment in this DVD is worth it. I would want Alice on my side! Go Miljo!

One word, NEMESIS! "Resident Evil: Apocalypse" takes the viewer straight to the world of the "Resident Evil" video games... and it's a TON of fun. Picking up exactly where the first film left off, "Apocalypse" once again puts the viewer in to the extremely competent shoes of our protagonist/heroine: Alice. This time, Alice is a genetically engineered killing machine who makes it her lot in life to kill as many zombies as possible using motorcycles, automatic weapons and even her own fists. From the start, the film takes off at a break-neck pace and simply doesn't let up through it's concise 94 minutes. Many character are added throughout the film (some great, some... not) but if there's one thing this film IS, it's vintage "Resident Evil."

4.5 out of 5 The Umbrella Corporation needs to know what happened at the Hive and why it was sealed up afterward, so a team is sent down there to open it. Unfortunately, when they do, they unleash an army of the undead and the T-virus is unleashed on the world. Alice (Milla Jovovich) wanders the streets of Raccoon City, now under quarantine, blasting the heads off of anything dead that moves. Soon she saves Valentine (Sienna Guillory) and crew and the group is quickly contacted by Dr. Ashford (Jared Harris) whose daughter, Angie (Sophie Vavasseur), is still in the city. Umbrella Corporation scanners show her at the school she attends. The deal: if they save his daughter, he'll guide them out of the city and past the perimeter Umbrella has put up to keep the T-virus in. They have to do this before sunrise otherwise they won't make it out before Umbrella nukes the entire city, erasing any trace that the T-virus existed and reanimated the dead. Oh, and the Nemesis Project is online, and it's on the hunt. Usually sequels fail after the first, or if they succeed, it's only by a small margin. Well, Resident Evil: Apocalypse is even better than its predecessor and brings another haul of thrills and chills along with it. In this one the post-apocalyptic feel hangs thick on the air. Raccoon City is in ruins. Cars are overturned and on fire. Bodies and blood litter the streets. Guns are going off in the distance. And zombies are everywhere. Good and gruesome zombies. (I particularly liked the ones featured in the cemetery; the level of rot and decay on those things was exquisite.) In Resident Evil style, dark things lurk in the shadows and the suspense and tension built in this movie is awesome. I jumped I don't know how many times. Even the parts where you go, "Okay, something's going to pop out . . . NOW!" make you jump. Very cool. The fight between Nemesis and Alice was cool along with her other wheelings and dealings with the undead. Her super solider-esque, Matrix-like fighting techniques was a treat to watch. That scene in the school with all those zombie kids? Truly creepy. Adult zombies got nothing on these little terrors. The movie serves as a nice in-betweener for the first and third. The epic scale of storytelling is terrific, and this is one zombie saga I'm eager to see go on, especially when part four (Resident Evil: Afterlife) comes out in 2011. Recommended. A.P. Fuchs Canister X

Reviews

"First Blood" is the first in the Rambo series. Sylvester Stallone could not have been better in his role as a soldier in a war attempting to reenter American society. He is driven to the extreme by a misguided sheriff in a small town and eventually defends himself against a number of law enforcement officials and the National Guard. In the flames of a burning town, Rambo defines what war can do to a person.

The Vietnam War was a difficult time for our country. Stuck in a war that siphoned off the lives of so many young soldiers, we ended up with nothing more than a stalemate that propped up another corrupt government. Plus, the anti-war venom grew so fierce stateside that when soldiers returned, they were often jeered instead of cheered for their service. This film tells the story of one of those soldiers. For a basic plot summary, "First Blood" focuses on John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone), a returning 'Nam vet who gets hassled by a small-town sheriff (Brian Dennehy) for no more offense than looking like a drifter (with his scraggly beard, beat-up army coat, and knapsack). When the sheriff won't back down and Rambo has some war flashbacks that set him off, it sets up a manhunt in the woods that sees the soldier start picking off the town's policemen one by one in order to "survive". Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna), Rambo's old commanding officer, then shows up to explain to the sheriff what he is dealing with...the best of the best who will never back down. The thing I find truly amazing about this film is that, while it is a "war film" through and through, there are not actually any scenes of warfare involved in the entire 90 minutes. Instead, director Ted Kotcheff takes a much more oblique, psychological approach to the character of John Rambo. Though the audience never knows exactly what Rambo did or saw in Vietnam, by the time the film concludes it is very much apparent the type of man/soldier he was and thus why he "snaps" under pressure from the sheriff. The acting in "First Blood" is also first-rate, with Sly Stallone turning in arguably his best ever on-screen performance, despite not uttering more than a handful of lines the entire movie (though his impassioned plea to Col. Troutman ranks up their with Jack Nicholson's "You can't handle the truth!" speech in A Few Good Men). Dennehy is perfect as the ignorant sheriff that the audience can love to hate and cheer when he "gets his" in the end. Overall, I consider this to be one of (if not THE) best of the "war effects" films ever produced. Current movies like "Brothers" and "Jarhead" have tried to duplicate this type of filmmaking, but have fallen far short of this standard.

A lot of people would likely classify this film as an "action movie." While there is certainly some great action sequences to be found here, it is really so much more than that. "First Blood" is something more than the typical shoot 'em up action epic, as it has the undertones of some very definite political themes and societal messages that most mere "action movies" never do. Aside from Rocky Balboa, John J. Rambo is without question the most iconic character in Sylvester Stallone's long career. And of the two, he is certainly the more emotionally complex. A man of deep loyalties and convictions, he is also easily able to shun aside the moralities of the supposed civilized world and, when provoked, become little more than a killing machine. It is this duality of a man who simply wants a quiet place for himself in the world, yet who is capable of committing some of the most outrageous acts of violence ever seen, that is what make the character so compelling. But it isn't simply Sly's performance as Rambo that gives the film such resonance. Equally adding the this potent dramatic brew are veteran actors Brian Dennehy and Richard Crenna. While Sly spends most of the film running through forests and slogging through tunnels, the interaction between Dennehy and Crenna's characters brilliantly encapsulate the clash of political views at the story's core. As noted the action scenes are very well done here. They almost make you believe that Rambo could single-handedly take down an entire town. They never go too far, or become too outlandish, with things. They keep it feeling just realistic enough to add the much needed tension for the inevitable showdown at the film's end. Adding to this is the stellar musical score by Jerry Goldsmith, which is just the perfect compliment to the story unfolding. It never distracts you from what's occurring on screen and, in fact, enhances the emotions of the situations even more. Just what any good score should do. What more can be said about this film, that hasn't already been said a thousand times before? The film would create a cultural icon that would embody the decade of the 80's, as well as inspire sequel films for over 20 years. But while those sequels would easily up the ante in terms of non-stop action, they would never attain the same level of emotional drama that this film does. "First Blood" was a film that asked a lot of hard questions about a war, and it's aftermath, that had no easy answers. And that, above all else, is what makes it more than merely "another 80's action movie." It makes it a classic!

Why didn't Johnny just pay his parking ticket? Does he think he has some kind of special privileges, just because he's from Idaho? Well, I suppose the traffic police (who were just doing their job) picked on the wrong guy...

First Blood was Slyvester Stallone's first entry into the Vietnam war vet genre. It was note worthy for many reason's. Championing the need to address Vietnam vet problems in a return to society, reducing the intro to the heroes character & leaving the body of the film for the confrontations, scenes well done such as the escape, the hideaway, the sheriff's station & the shooting done around the town of Hope not to mention the great scenes filmed of the Canadian wilderness. John Rambo is a Vietnam vet that can't find a decent job & isn't sure why (as he states "in the field I was in charge of millions of dollars worth of equiptment). Traveling into the northwest to visit an old army buddy he discovers the buddy died from Cancer (agent orange here). Wondering through Hope, Oregon Rambo meets the local Sheriff. He & his office do not like long hair & outta work bums. In other words if you look incompetent, smell incompetent & get tagged incompetent by this power fed country boy. You are open game. He is after all the law & the law overrules all. The target here though is a Green Beret. One of the most highly decorated Green Berets from the Vietnam War. He didn't work as a team. His job was to operate as a lone wolf. Searching for & removing Vietcong leaders wherever they could be found. His survival skills are immense. His reaction to attack is lethal. Green Berets are made & used by the US Government. That's Col. Trautman's entry for this show. Col. Trautman comes out to do damage control on one of the army's rampaging beasts according to the Sheriff. You get to make up your own mind on why Trautman's there though. A strong Vietnam era statement was made by this movie. I remember the talk on the street afterwards. The storyline in the movie is so well handled. I hear stuff like "I read the book & its not like the movie". So- this is a movie review. The plot is good even if there is 6 books or no book. The acting in this show is what put it up for 5 stars from me. Stallone plays the brooding, physically dominant, pool of deep anger that is somehow bewildered & almost innocent so well. Brian Dennehy & Jack Starrett as a Sheriff office tag team are unequalled. Richard Crenna who was a last second replacement plays the role of the Devil's henchman as he did in Body Heat. He was a great late arrival. You even get a part out of David Caruso who is a lot more famous now. Bill McKinney as the State Police Capt. had little to do here but performed well in what he was given to do. 5 STARS for a 1982 film!

Reviews

I'm taking an acting class and this books helps me practice even more acting techniques. I'd love to attend her acting class in New York but this DVD is the next best thing.

Hagen's observations on how we are, do, react goes beyond the interests of actors & directors. She heightens an appreciation of relationship, solitude, the nuances of small moments- which can generate much new thought in other fields, especially teaching. As a teacher, she demonstrates the crucial quality all teachers should emulate: she is a colleague to her students, sharing in the discoveries, alive & curious, humble and vivacious. What a great complement to the murky psychological pretensions of The Method.

The DVDs are fantastic and extremely enjoyable. I would highly recommend these DVDs for every artist interested in acting in the theater. :D

I just started acting class and am hungry to learn the craft. This DVD will really help you learn to focus, center in the character's motivation and identity, learn how to use substitution and emotional and sense memory. If you love Uta's books you will definitely enjoy watching her in action as she coaches and gives feedback to her students. I think you can keep watching this DVD as you grow in the craft and you will see different things as you progress in acting.

Uta Hagen is one of the greatest acting teachers of the 20th century. This DVD really captures her essence, her wit, her technique, and her insight. It truly is a treasure to see her. If you haven't read her book, you'll still get plenty out of it. If you have, you will love it all the greater. To really hear her voice telling all about her exercises and ideals is amazing. Anyone who loves the theatre and wants to be an actor would greatly appreciate, love, and find useful. I implore all of you to buy this!I certainly will use it for a long time to come!