Columbus Day DVD

Advantages: Great special effects
Disadvantages: Slighty immature for adults

...Chris Columbus spins a magic tale from J K Rowlings world wide phenomenon, Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets. Harry Potter, (Daniel Radcliff) unusual boy wizard is starting his second year at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizadary, but there are even more strange things happening. the chamber of secrets has been opened and slytherins monster is wreaking havoc by petrifying studends. nobody knows who or what is responsible so its up to Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) to save the day in this breath-taking film including a flying car, a Giant Basilisk, and the memory of He who must not be named. a great family film, much improved, with unbeliveable special effects and great acting will fill you with mystery, whatever your age... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Visually Stunning, Strong Characters, Excellent Sountrack
Disadvantages: Beginning Drawn Out

...to undertake his voyage to create a quicker trade route to India by sailing west. He encounters skepticism and the very real danger of being labeled a heretic. These are the days of the Inquisition and even the smallest thing could get you burned alive. Columbus is a charismatic person and uses it to his advantage with Queen Isobel, played by Sigourney Weaver (previously seen in Scott's Alien) whom he befriends. This makes him enemies in the Spanish court. Eventually, he sets out in three ships west into the unknown. He needs to use all his charms to prevent mutiny as the crew become increasingly restless as the chance of finding land before supplies runs out becomes ever smaller. The remainder of the film charts the trails and tribulations they find on the island they come across, especially with the natives. The treatment of the natives... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: some of the 'old' cast return
Disadvantages: no Sid or Kenny - hard to compete with their memory

...Carry On Columbus was an attempt to resurrect the spirit & success of the Carry On films, but coming some fourteen years after the last one, it was a case of 'too little, too late'. The story is based around the tale of Christopher Columbus & his discovery of America. Jim Dale pleasingly takes the title role & seeing him in another Carry On role is the best thing about the film. It is a nice touch that many of the 'old' Carry On cast feature in this one - June Whitfield, Leslie Phillips, Jack Douglas, Bernard Cribbins & Jon Pertwee. As for the newcomers, they obviously have a difficult act to follow, as people like Sid James & Kenneth Williams can rarely be imitated effectively. (I would have said never, until I saw 'Cor Blimey' !!) I think Julian Clary & Rik Mayall are the best of the new team, but they do lack the special qualities... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful