jimg2000
Santa Clara County Library
jimg2000's Completed Shelf
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Dr. DeathDr. Death, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 28, 2024
The 9th Life of Louis DraxThe 9th Life of Louis Drax, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 27, 2024
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 26, 2024
Added Mar 26, 2024
Нелюбовь = LovelessНелюбовь = Loveless, DVDLovelessLovelessNeli͡ubovʹ
DVD - 2020 | RussianDVD, 2020. Language: Russian
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 26, 2024
The Disappearance of Mrs. WuThe Disappearance of Mrs. Wu, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 25, 2024
Comment:
Fusion of Joy Luck Club (1993) and Joy Ride (2023), an intergenerational grandma-daughter-granddaughter love story that reflects the changing Asian American culture on immigration, racial and sexual prejudices. An excellent load of payoff awaits the audience at the destination of Mrs. Wu's road trip.Fusion of Joy Luck Club (1993) and Joy Ride (2023), an intergenerational grandma-daughter-granddaughter love story that reflects the changing Asian American culture on immigration, racial and sexual prejudices. An excellent load of payoff awaits the…
Quotations
- Your grandfather would find her taste the ocean water saying it had my tears in it. === You know, I want to see the beautiful beach, the waves, the sunset. And my special rock. === What's so funny? -We were just talking about who is more of a dragon lady, me or her. That's a tough one to answer. Your grandfather would find her taste the ocean water saying it had my tears in it. === You know, I want to see the beautiful beach, the waves, the sunset. And my special rock. === What's so funny? -We were just talking about who is more of a dragon…
Eye for an eye : the blind swordsman = 目中无人Eye for an eye : the blind swordsman = 目中无人, DVDEye for an eye : the blind swordsmanEye for an eye : the blind swordsmanMu zhong wu ren
DVD - 2023 | ChineseDVD, 2023. Language: Chinese
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 24, 2024
Comment:
A Chinese version of the Japanese character Zatoichi, a bounty hunter known as Blind Cheng the "knife-catcher" with supreme martial art skills. The story is familiar that Cheng and his faithful horse carrying a large sack come to a small town to collect a bounty and decides to rescue a brutally attacked innocent young woman and help her to find justice and revenge. Though clearly made with bigger production budgets and updated cinematography, the film fails to engage the audience as the Zatoichi films produced in the 1960s.A Chinese version of the Japanese character Zatoichi, a bounty hunter known as Blind Cheng the "knife-catcher" with supreme martial art skills. The story is familiar that Cheng and his faithful horse carrying a large sack come to a small town to…
The Hummingbird EffectThe Hummingbird Effect, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 23, 2024
Comment:
Seen this from pbs recently and good to watch the program again, especially on the nesting segment such as "all hummingbirds build a spongy cup that can expand as the hatchlings grow." While there are plenty of hummingbirds visiting and nesting in our backyard, the closeups and slow motion HD cinematography are priceless.Seen this from pbs recently and good to watch the program again, especially on the nesting segment such as "all hummingbirds build a spongy cup that can expand as the hatchlings grow." While there are plenty of hummingbirds visiting and nesting in…
Quotations
- The diversity: In Costa Rica, the national motto is "pura vida," pure life. And here, life is everywhere. Over half a million species make this small country a biodiversity giant. And it's thanks, in part, to one tiny creature... the hummingbird. Hummingbirds are the impossible incarnate. Masters of miraculous flight... cloaked in otherworldly colors... A glimmer in the green... and they're gone. But their effect lingers... bringing flowers to the fields... and fruit to the forest... where a whole community of creatures enjoys "The Hummingbird Effect." === In Costa Rica, over 50 species of these industrious little birds are key architects of every possible environment... tending to flowers that use their bright colors and elaborate petals to entice the birds. But is it the birds being choosy... or the plants themselves? === Flying through the trees, 400 species of dazzling tropical birds... 10,000 kinds of insects and 16 species of hummingbirds all keep the Osa forests in flower. The diversity: In Costa Rica, the national motto is "pura vida," pure life. And here, life is everywhere. Over half a million species make this small country a biodiversity giant. And it's thanks, in part, to one tiny creature... the…
- Newborns p3 of 3: After three weeks, the hatchlings begin to get restless. A baby mountain-gem tests its wings. It's not quite ready to take the leap. A blue-throated goldentail has just taken her first flight. But her bill hasn't caught up to her body; it'll be two weeks before it grows long enough to feed and pollinate. Even outside the nest, mom comes to the rescue. With all her foraging, mom is feeding more than just her chicks. The ovules of the flowers she visits soon ripen into a spread of seeds and fresh fruit... and when fruit is abundant, it affects every aspect of life in the forest. Tucked into the Tucked into the central highlands is one of Costa Rica's richest and most mysterious environments... the cloud forest. In these mossy woodlands, the sky itself steeps the trees in perpetual fog... ...nourishing one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet. Flowers are always in bloom, and a steady buzz of hummingbirds ensures the trees are heavy with fruit. Newborns p3 of 3: After three weeks, the hatchlings begin to get restless. A baby mountain-gem tests its wings. It's not quite ready to take the leap. A blue-throated goldentail has just taken her first flight. But her bill hasn't caught up to her…
- Newborns, p2 of 3: It's nesting season not just here in the mountains, but across every habitat in Costa Rica. From the high mountains to the lowland forest, every mom-to-be weaves a nest from plant fibers, moss, and even spider webs. A coppery-headed emerald camouflages her nest with a latticework of lichen. The sicklebill makes use of hanging palms near waterfalls. A rufous tail favors a high perch with a good view. But all hummingbirds build a spongy cup that can expand as the hatchlings grow. Once they hatch, mothering becomes a full-time job; the growing chicks need to eat every 20 minutes. Moms of all species harvest food from flowers, filling a special sac in her throat called a crop to carry extra nectar for the babies. It's the first taste of the very syrup that will be the focus of their lives. But the growing chicks also need protein, and she supplements the nectar with a steady diet of insects. Hunting on the wing, these working moms can catch up to 2,000 insects a day. Newborns, p2 of 3: It's nesting season not just here in the mountains, but across every habitat in Costa Rica. From the high mountains to the lowland forest, every mom-to-be weaves a nest from plant fibers, moss, and even spider webs. A…
- Newborns p1 of 3, very interesting: She weighs barely as much as a penny, and feeds in the shrubs on the tiny mountain flowers that suit her miniature bill. But her appetite is anything but small. she has to replenish 12,000 calories a day. The flowers release only a small serving of nectar at a time, to keep her coming back for more. And she has to fight for every drop. ... During mating season, male volcano hummingbirds will ascend as high as 11,000 feet, and perch in the open to attract females with their iridescent gorgets. But after mating, he heads off to more comfortable climates, leaving the female to do the rigorous work of nesting above the clouds. In the branches of a storm-worn shrub, the expectant female puts the finishing touches on her nest, ensuring it can withstand high-altitude winds. She'll lay two eggs the size of jelly beans, and for two weeks, her sole purpose is to incubate the next generation of mountain pioneers. Newborns p1 of 3, very interesting: She weighs barely as much as a penny, and feeds in the shrubs on the tiny mountain flowers that suit her miniature bill. But her appetite is anything but small. she has to replenish 12,000 calories a day. The…
Don McKayDon McKay, Downloadable Video
Downloadable Video - 2009Downloadable Video, 2009
Added Mar 22, 2024
The battle of Shangri-LáThe battle of Shangri-Lá, Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray Disc - 2023 | PortugueseBlu-ray Disc, 2023. Language: Portuguese
Added Mar 22, 2024
Comment:
Somewhat predictable social drama but has enough uncertainty in the story to be engaging till the end. The ending is one of several credible possibilities as well. Worth a watch.
Stupeur et tremblementsStupeur et tremblements, Streaming Video
Streaming Video - 2003 | JapaneseStreaming Video, 2003. Language: Japanese
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 21, 2024
Comment:
A satire and comedy based on the 1999 novel by Amélie Nothomb ... totally unexpected gem with humor sprinkled throughout. Guess I'll have to add the book in English on my reading list. A Belgian woman returned to work and be Japanese as introduced at the start of the film:
I was born in Japan and spent my first five years there. Leaving Japan was a real uprooting for me, a real exile. This first exile marked me so deeply, that on the threshold of my adult life, I decided to come back and live in Japan, hence to work there. I felt I could accept anything in order to reestablish myself in this country, which for many years I thought I came from. This is how I tried to become truly Japanese.
TOKYO -JANUARY 8, 1990A satire and comedy based on the 1999 novel by Amélie Nothomb ... totally unexpected gem with humor sprinkled throughout. Guess I'll have to add the book in English on my reading list. A Belgian woman returned to work and be Japanese as introduced…
Forever YoungForever Young, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 21, 2024
Comment:
The story is a fantasy with fast and loose notions that ponder the possibilities to reset one's biological age, rewrite the past, live young and beautiful forever, i.e. immortal and immune to disease as a vampire but, for better or worse, without the sinister supernatural powers.The story is a fantasy with fast and loose notions that ponder the possibilities to reset one's biological age, rewrite the past, live young and beautiful forever, i.e. immortal and immune to disease as a vampire but, for better or worse, without…
Journey to BethlehemJourney to Bethlehem, DVD
DVD - 2024DVD, 2024
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 20, 2024
Comment:
An entertaining musical version of the Nativity story for the whole family, including pets as Mary's faithful donkey. Enjoyed the songs that are meaningful and fun on how Jesus came to Mary, Joseph and us.
Title card before final credit: "While Taking Some Creative License, The Filmmakers Strived to Remain True to The Message of The Greatest Story Ever Told."An entertaining musical version of the Nativity story for the whole family, including pets as Mary's faithful donkey. Enjoyed the songs that are meaningful and fun on how Jesus came to Mary, Joseph and us.
Title card before final credit: "While…
LeviathanLeviathan, Streaming Video
Streaming Video - 2013Streaming Video, 2013
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2024
Comment:
Not bad but wish the documentary was presented with conventional cinematography than the fixed position web cam like close ups. However, it succeeded to depict the lives of the crew of hard working skillful fishermen on a trawler working day and night in stormy sea.Not bad but wish the documentary was presented with conventional cinematography than the fixed position web cam like close ups. However, it succeeded to depict the lives of the crew of hard working skillful fishermen on a trawler working day and…
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2024
Comment:
Watched the film adapted from this novel set in 1964, fifty years ago when the haunting character, Eileen was twenty-four years old making plans to run away from home and never go back. Amazingly written that the author offers some fragments of her new life after her escape, in truth or fantasy, and provides deeper context in Eileen's "unfit" behavior.Watched the film adapted from this novel set in 1964, fifty years ago when the haunting character, Eileen was twenty-four years old making plans to run away from home and never go back. Amazingly written that the author offers some fragments of her…
Quotations
- Uncomfortable circumstances which are in the film as well. I can feel the madness: Sexual excitement nearly always made me feel sick. At home I could have taken a scalding bath, washed vigorously, but I was far from home. So I opened the car door and leaned out and scooped up a fistful of crystalline snow and stuffed it down the front of my trousers and into my underpants. It was very cold and very painful, but I left it there to melt as I drove. I rolled down the windows. How I didn’t catch pneumonia is beyond me. === The itch in words: At some point I got an itch in my underwear, and since there was nobody to see me, I stuck my hand up my skirt to get at it. As swaddled as they were, my nether regions were difficult to scratch. So I had to dig my hand down the front of my skirt, under the girdle, inside the underwear, and when the itch had been relieved, I pulled my fingers out and smelled them. It’s a natural curiosity, I think, to smell one’s fingers. Uncomfortable circumstances which are in the film as well. I can feel the madness: Sexual excitement nearly always made me feel sick. At home I could have taken a scalding bath, washed vigorously, but I was far from home. So I opened the car door…
BhopalBhopal, DVDA Prayer for Rain
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2024
Comment:
A even-handed docudrama on what could have led to the 1984 methyl isocyanate (MIC or MIS) gas leak disaster from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Such a sorry affair that the multinational corporations and politicians put profits before human life as the epilogue text shows during the ending.A even-handed docudrama on what could have led to the 1984 methyl isocyanate (MIC or MIS) gas leak disaster from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Such a sorry affair that the multinational corporations and politicians put…
Quotations
- Anderson (Union Carbide Chairman) was declared the main defendant om 1992. He remains a fugitive from justice in Indian Court, He now lives in Florida. Seven Indian Carbide staff were convicted of "death by negligence" in 2010. They were fined $2000 each. In 1982, Carbide's auditor warned of the potential of a runaway reaction. The journalist has been recognised with numerous awards. Carbide refused an antidote and maintained that MIC was harmless. Carbide insisted the accident was an act of sabotage by an employee. Around 10,000 bodies were counted the morning after. Compensation: Exxon Valdez Spill -$4 billion estimated. BP Oil Spill - $42 billion estimated. Union Carbide - $470 million. It paid $300 per corpse. Approximately 450 victims visit the local hospital everyday. Union Carbide was taken over by DOW Chemical in 2001. Doe refuses any liability. Union Carbide Corporation never apologised. Anderson (Union Carbide Chairman) was declared the main defendant om 1992. He remains a fugitive from justice in Indian Court, He now lives in Florida. Seven Indian Carbide staff were convicted of "death by negligence" in 2010. They were fined…
Expend4blesExpend4bles, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 17, 2024
Comment:
Only the 4th installment of this franchise that features geriatric but honorable mercenaries, portrayed by favorite action drama stars, in neutralizing villains around the world. Not the best but entertaining enough. On the other hand, think that Arnold made a good decision to sit this one out.
Franchise recap:
The Expendables (2010):
https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S118C302986
Super action film featuring a bunch of tough skilled mercenaries played by the hardest of the bunch: Stalone, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke and Jet Li, with cameos from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. With just a bit of small talks here and there, end to end of bam pow wham slap boom pop crack kapow kaboom ...
===
The Expendables 2 (2012):
https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S118C358138
Once Arnold and Chuck showed up in the movie unexpectedly, the audience knew the plot was just going to be a fun ride ... so forget the plot lines and just enjoy those all-time anti-heroes of the big screen. Too bad Van Damme was picked to be the bad apple.
===
The Expendables 3 (2014):
https://sccl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S118C426568
Decent addition to The Expendables action franchise ... new old guys kept surfacing as friends or foes. Good entertainment.Only the 4th installment of this franchise that features geriatric but honorable mercenaries, portrayed by favorite action drama stars, in neutralizing villains around the world. Not the best but entertaining enough. On the other hand, think that…
BayonettaBayonetta, Blu-ray Discbloody fate
Blu-ray Disc - 2014 | JapaneseBlu-ray Disc, 2014. Language: Japanese
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2024
Comment:
Added Aug 17, 2015 for DVD version:
Didn't know it was an anime adaptation of the game by Gonz. from the description. Anyway, a legend of vixen witch Bayonetta presented with subpar animation and graphic designs. Story was nothing substantial and sound was hohum as well. Nonetheless IMDb gave it 5.9/10 ratingAdded Aug 17, 2015 for DVD version:
Didn't know it was an anime adaptation of the game by Gonz. from the description. Anyway, a legend of vixen witch Bayonetta presented with subpar animation and graphic designs. Story was nothing substantial and…
PriscillaPriscilla, DVD
DVD - 2024DVD, 2024
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2024
Comment:
Biopic that confirms the predictable troubling relationship between the "King of Rock and Roll" Elvis and a small town schoolgirl Priscilla. They first met in 1960 (Elvis at 24 - Priscilla at 14,) married in 1967, separated in 1972, (and divorced on October 9, 1973.) Based on the milestones and experiences in Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir "Elvis and Me." Intriguing coming-of-age story.Biopic that confirms the predictable troubling relationship between the "King of Rock and Roll" Elvis and a small town schoolgirl Priscilla. They first met in 1960 (Elvis at 24 - Priscilla at 14,) married in 1967, separated in 1972, (and divorced on…
ThanksgivingThanksgiving, DVD
DVD - 2024DVD, 2024
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2024
Comment:
After a lengthy intro about a tight knit group of characters doing what they are to do on Thanksgiving, the horror show begins and persists with nonstop over the top gory scenes. Another franchise in the making, believe it.
Silent NightSilent Night, DVD
DVD - 2024DVD, 2024
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 13, 2024
Comment:
A big disappointment for an action revenge film directed by the legendary John Woo. Agree 100% with Dex_A's Feb 29, 2024 comment. Not that it is not worth a watch for Woo, Swedish star Joel Kinnaman (The Informer 2019,) and Columbian actress Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace 2004, for which nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress in the 77th Academy Awards.)A big disappointment for an action revenge film directed by the legendary John Woo. Agree 100% with Dex_A's Feb 29, 2024 comment. Not that it is not worth a watch for Woo, Swedish star Joel Kinnaman (The Informer 2019,) and Columbian actress…
LionessLioness, DVD
DVD - 2008DVD, 2008
Added Mar 12, 2024
Comment:
Low budget, without captions/subtitles, documentary that is told through interviews, hand written journal excerpts and a few short archival footage. The five profiled Lioness are also wives, mothers and daughters, and who have long coped with the demands of military life, especially the sacrifices involved in leaving behind spouses and young children.
Notes:
A. The 5 Lioness
1. Specialist Shannon Morgan, a mechanic from rural Arkansas;
2. Specialist Rebecca Nava, a Hispanic supply clerk with a family history of military service;
3. Major Kate Guttormsen, a graduate of West Point and the group's highest-ranking officer;
4. Captain Anastasia Breslow, a signalwoman whose father's military service influenced her career path; and
5. Staff Sergeant Ranie Ruthig, a Midwestern mechanic, mother and non-commissioned officer.
B. "bonus footage" in Extras worthwhile a watch
-Women in the Military 5min
-Marine Lionesses 4min
-Team Lioness on Capitol Hill 8minLow budget, without captions/subtitles, documentary that is told through interviews, hand written journal excerpts and a few short archival footage. The five profiled Lioness are also wives, mothers and daughters, and who have long coped with the…
ScrapperScrapper, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 12, 2024
Comment:
The man child is a compelling reason that people should pass a parenting test before being a parent. With that said, the twelve years-old Lola Campbell puts on an amazing performance in one of a kind and hope for the best daughter-father dramedy.
PixiePixie, DVD
DVD - 2021DVD, 2021
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Comment:
Jul 28, 2021
Barely watchable crime comedy about a local drug dealer's step daughter, Pixie, who will do anything as a young woman to escape her small Irish town life to attend an Art school in San Francisco. I am with the pundit at RogerEbert:
Rotten Tomatoes 76%
Metacritic 45%
RogertEbert: 1 of 4 starsJul 28, 2021
Barely watchable crime comedy about a local drug dealer's step daughter, Pixie, who will do anything as a young woman to escape her small Irish town life to attend an Art school in San Francisco. I am with the pundit at…
The Snake PitThe Snake Pit, DVD
DVD - 2004DVD, 2004
jimg2000's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Comment:
Sep 19, 2015
Watched this 1948 B&W years ago after the stunning 1975 One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. It was an interesting and memorable film on healthcare for the mentally ill at that time.
Comment: