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Editor's picks

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  Animal Kingdom

  DVD (Sony Pictures Classics)
  

  Rating (55 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Well-made, depressing Australian crime drama.

  "Animal Kingdom," David Michod's debut feature, is undeniably well-made and compelling, but it's strictly for people who thought "The Departed" was too optimistic. Seventeen-year-old Joshua Cody (James Frecheville), known as J, never had a chance, as "Animal Kingdom" makes plain from the opening shot. Once J's mother dies of a heroin overdose, he has nowhere to go but the home of his "Grandma Smurf" (Jacki Weaver) and uncles, a violent group of career criminals that makes "White Heat" and "Bloody Mama" look like "Mary Poppins." The Codys live in a seedy section of Melbourne in which police and crooks are essentially competing mobs, sometimes cooperating but more often taking hits out on each other. It's a true jungle, just as merciless as the Serengeti and far more corrupt."Animal Kingdom" is essentially the story of how J is sucked inexorably into a life of crime, enhanced by ominous music and portentous slo-mo camera effects. Ben Mendelsohn--playing J's Uncle Andrew,... 4/5 Miles D. Moore (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews, September 12, 2010

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  Survival of the Fittest

  ANIMAL KINGDOM is tough little film from Australia, well written and directed by David Michôd, and acted by a fine ensemble cast of actors. It is a frightening tale of crime and corruption, of one family of criminal sociopaths both pitted against and partnered by the police in Melbourne, Australia. Though the film wanders times, altering past and present in a manner that proves confusing to the whole, the impact in the end is stunning.Joshua "J" Cody (James Frecheville) narrates the film and we first meet this young 17-year-old sitting beside his mother who has just died from an overdose of heroin. In a most detached way he calls his maternal grandmother Smurf (Jacki Weaver) and asks if she remembers him: his mother has been estranged from her family for years. Smurf welcomes his call and complies with his desire to move to her home. And what a home she runs! Smurf's sons are sociopathic criminals on the run from the law (but also involved with the law in the illegal... 4/5 Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews, March 1, 2011

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  Akin to Scorcese but stands on it's own.

  Australia has been a rising force in the international film market. Films such as "Wolf Creek" and "The Loved Ones" prove that Australia can churn out some gritty, violent and disturbing films. "Animal Kingdom" is no exception. This movie is a powerhouse of great film making with intense performances, impeccable direction and a brilliant script. You may find yourself thinking that you've seen this story before, but you've never seen it with the same intensity and emotion."Animal Kingdom" is at it's heart a coming of age story in a crime family. Joshua, played by James Frecheville, is a 17 year old recently orphaned kid who's family is a mixture of drug dealers and bank robbers. Joshua's mother dies in the beginning of the film from a drug overdose and the only option he has is to go live with his grandmother. Jackie Weaver stunningly plays Janine 'Smurf' Cody, the matriarchal grandmother running everything. As Joshua gets situated in his new home he begins to find... 5/5 Patrick Wilkinson - See all my reviews This review is from: Animal Kingdom [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) Australia has been a rising force in the international film market. Films such as "Wolf Creek" and "The Loved Ones" prove that Australia can churn out some gritty, violent and disturbing films. "Animal Kingdom" is no exception. This movie is a powerhouse of great film making with intense performances, impeccable direction and a brilliant script. You may find yourself thinking that you've seen this story before, but you've never seen it with the same intensity and emotion."Animal Kingdom" is at it's heart a coming of age story in a crime family. Joshua, played by James Frecheville, is a 17 year old recently orphaned kid who's family is a mixture of drug dealers and bank robbers. Joshua's mother dies in the beginning of the film from a drug overdose and the only option he has is to go live with his grandmother. Jackie Weaver stunningly plays Janine 'Smurf' Cody, the matriarchal grandmother running everything. As Joshua gets situated in his new home he begins to find... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 22, 2011

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  List Price: $28.95
  

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  Signs & Wonders

  Music (101 DISTRIBUTION)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (4.2/5)

  

  Album of the Year

  There is not a bad song on this album. It is rare that I come across a cd that I want to listen to over and over again. Usually I'll take a song or two and add it to my ipod, but this album has 12 great songs on it- actually 13 (there's a hidden track that is also great). The 1st US single is Tin Man- they have 2 other singles in the UK not counting Tin Man- their 1st single over there was Chalk Stars, and the 3rd one is the title track. Check out their videos on youtube and while you're there check out the promo for HBO's Big Love Season 4 that features another Animal Kingdom song called Bright Lights (see: Big Love "Falling" promo #2). I wouldn't be surprised if all of the other songs wind up being on major movie soundtracks real soon. They have been named the Best New Alternative Band of 2009 by itunes, but have not yet become a household name. That, I hope, will change fast. 2010 should be their year to make it big, and I believe we'll be hearing more from them for years to come. 5/5 Paul Michelsen (United States) - See all my reviews, December 15, 2009

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  Enjoyable and eclectic début album

  Listening to Animal Kingdom's first album, "Signs and Wonders", is a bit like taking a walk down a long and winding lane of musical memories. The light and airy blend of piano and multiple guitars is a mix of early and , while Richard Sauberlich's gentle vocal style, so similar to that of Jon Anderson in his youth, lends the whole enterprise the same feel as early Yes albums, especially "" (although without the orchestral touches). More than anything, though, this album reminds me most of the early albums of the... 4/5 Steve Benner "Stonegnome" (Lancaster, UK) - See all my reviews, October 16, 2009

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  Actually, They're V Good!

  Here is another group of talented young musicians! Actually I didn't know much about this band before, but I just heard their number 'Signs and Wonders' a few times, and I really enjoyed it, and other songs, e.g. 'Tin Man' and 'Two By Two', are very good too! I'm surprised!This is what I thought: the vocalist has a wonderful voice and can reach a very high note, but not necessarily a clear high voice, like Keane, but it is husky, strong and has a very atmospheric quality, which reminds me of Sting and the Police a bit, but it's different.The melodies are really good too, and I can't wait to play this CD in my car (because I'd like to listen to it with the volume level really high!). They use the piano and other sound effects well and create a special melancholic atmosphere.FYI: Their music videos are good too, and you can watch some of them on YouTube, such as the main title 'Signs and Wonders'. I'm glad I got this CD and can certainly recommend it... 4/5 dovefancier (London, England, UK) - See all my reviews This review is from: Signs & Wonders (Audio CD) Here is another group of talented young musicians! Actually I didn't know much about this band before, but I just heard their number 'Signs and Wonders' a few times, and I really enjoyed it, and other songs, e.g. 'Tin Man' and 'Two By Two', are very good too! I'm surprised!This is what I thought: the vocalist has a wonderful voice and can reach a very high note, but not necessarily a clear high voice, like Keane, but it is husky, strong and has a very atmospheric quality, which reminds me of Sting and the Police a bit, but it's different.The melodies are really good too, and I can't wait to play this CD in my car (because I'd like to listen to it with the volume level really high!). They use the piano and other sound effects well and create a special melancholic atmosphere.FYI: Their music videos are good too, and you can watch some of them on YouTube, such as the main title 'Signs and Wonders'. I'm glad I got this CD and can certainly recommend it... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 13, 2009

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  List Price: $27.98
  

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  Strange Attractor - Single

  Digital Music Track (Mom & Pop Music)
  

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  Animal Kingdom [Blu-ray]

  DVD (Sony Pictures Classics)
  

  Rating (55 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Well-made, depressing Australian crime drama.

  "Animal Kingdom," David Michod's debut feature, is undeniably well-made and compelling, but it's strictly for people who thought "The Departed" was too optimistic. Seventeen-year-old Joshua Cody (James Frecheville), known as J, never had a chance, as "Animal Kingdom" makes plain from the opening shot. Once J's mother dies of a heroin overdose, he has nowhere to go but the home of his "Grandma Smurf" (Jacki Weaver) and uncles, a violent group of career criminals that makes "White Heat" and "Bloody Mama" look like "Mary Poppins." The Codys live in a seedy section of Melbourne in which police and crooks are essentially competing mobs, sometimes cooperating but more often taking hits out on each other. It's a true jungle, just as merciless as the Serengeti and far more corrupt."Animal Kingdom" is essentially the story of how J is sucked inexorably into a life of crime, enhanced by ominous music and portentous slo-mo camera effects. Ben Mendelsohn--playing J's Uncle Andrew,... 4/5 Miles D. Moore (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews, September 12, 2010

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  Survival of the Fittest

  ANIMAL KINGDOM is tough little film from Australia, well written and directed by David Michôd, and acted by a fine ensemble cast of actors. It is a frightening tale of crime and corruption, of one family of criminal sociopaths both pitted against and partnered by the police in Melbourne, Australia. Though the film wanders times, altering past and present in a manner that proves confusing to the whole, the impact in the end is stunning.Joshua "J" Cody (James Frecheville) narrates the film and we first meet this young 17-year-old sitting beside his mother who has just died from an overdose of heroin. In a most detached way he calls his maternal grandmother Smurf (Jacki Weaver) and asks if she remembers him: his mother has been estranged from her family for years. Smurf welcomes his call and complies with his desire to move to her home. And what a home she runs! Smurf's sons are sociopathic criminals on the run from the law (but also involved with the law in the illegal... 4/5 Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews, March 1, 2011

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  Akin to Scorcese but stands on it's own.

  Australia has been a rising force in the international film market. Films such as "Wolf Creek" and "The Loved Ones" prove that Australia can churn out some gritty, violent and disturbing films. "Animal Kingdom" is no exception. This movie is a powerhouse of great film making with intense performances, impeccable direction and a brilliant script. You may find yourself thinking that you've seen this story before, but you've never seen it with the same intensity and emotion."Animal Kingdom" is at it's heart a coming of age story in a crime family. Joshua, played by James Frecheville, is a 17 year old recently orphaned kid who's family is a mixture of drug dealers and bank robbers. Joshua's mother dies in the beginning of the film from a drug overdose and the only option he has is to go live with his grandmother. Jackie Weaver stunningly plays Janine 'Smurf' Cody, the matriarchal grandmother running everything. As Joshua gets situated in his new home he begins to find... 5/5 Patrick Wilkinson - See all my reviews This review is from: Animal Kingdom [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) Australia has been a rising force in the international film market. Films such as "Wolf Creek" and "The Loved Ones" prove that Australia can churn out some gritty, violent and disturbing films. "Animal Kingdom" is no exception. This movie is a powerhouse of great film making with intense performances, impeccable direction and a brilliant script. You may find yourself thinking that you've seen this story before, but you've never seen it with the same intensity and emotion."Animal Kingdom" is at it's heart a coming of age story in a crime family. Joshua, played by James Frecheville, is a 17 year old recently orphaned kid who's family is a mixture of drug dealers and bank robbers. Joshua's mother dies in the beginning of the film from a drug overdose and the only option he has is to go live with his grandmother. Jackie Weaver stunningly plays Janine 'Smurf' Cody, the matriarchal grandmother running everything. As Joshua gets situated in his new home he begins to find... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 22, 2011

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  List Price: $34.95
  

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  Animal Kingdom

  Movie
  

  Rating (55 reviews):

  (3.7/5)

  

  Well-made, depressing Australian crime drama.

  "Animal Kingdom," David Michod's debut feature, is undeniably well-made and compelling, but it's strictly for people who thought "The Departed" was too optimistic. Seventeen-year-old Joshua Cody (James Frecheville), known as J, never had a chance, as "Animal Kingdom" makes plain from the opening shot. Once J's mother dies of a heroin overdose, he has nowhere to go but the home of his "Grandma Smurf" (Jacki Weaver) and uncles, a violent group of career criminals that makes "White Heat" and "Bloody Mama" look like "Mary Poppins." The Codys live in a seedy section of Melbourne in which police and crooks are essentially competing mobs, sometimes cooperating but more often taking hits out on each other. It's a true jungle, just as merciless as the Serengeti and far more corrupt."Animal Kingdom" is essentially the story of how J is sucked inexorably into a life of crime, enhanced by ominous music and portentous slo-mo camera effects. Ben Mendelsohn--playing J's Uncle Andrew,... 4/5 Miles D. Moore (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews, September 12, 2010

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  Survival of the Fittest

  ANIMAL KINGDOM is tough little film from Australia, well written and directed by David Michôd, and acted by a fine ensemble cast of actors. It is a frightening tale of crime and corruption, of one family of criminal sociopaths both pitted against and partnered by the police in Melbourne, Australia. Though the film wanders times, altering past and present in a manner that proves confusing to the whole, the impact in the end is stunning.Joshua "J" Cody (James Frecheville) narrates the film and we first meet this young 17-year-old sitting beside his mother who has just died from an overdose of heroin. In a most detached way he calls his maternal grandmother Smurf (Jacki Weaver) and asks if she remembers him: his mother has been estranged from her family for years. Smurf welcomes his call and complies with his desire to move to her home. And what a home she runs! Smurf's sons are sociopathic criminals on the run from the law (but also involved with the law in the illegal... 4/5 Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews, March 1, 2011

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  Akin to Scorcese but stands on it's own.

  Australia has been a rising force in the international film market. Films such as "Wolf Creek" and "The Loved Ones" prove that Australia can churn out some gritty, violent and disturbing films. "Animal Kingdom" is no exception. This movie is a powerhouse of great film making with intense performances, impeccable direction and a brilliant script. You may find yourself thinking that you've seen this story before, but you've never seen it with the same intensity and emotion."Animal Kingdom" is at it's heart a coming of age story in a crime family. Joshua, played by James Frecheville, is a 17 year old recently orphaned kid who's family is a mixture of drug dealers and bank robbers. Joshua's mother dies in the beginning of the film from a drug overdose and the only option he has is to go live with his grandmother. Jackie Weaver stunningly plays Janine 'Smurf' Cody, the matriarchal grandmother running everything. As Joshua gets situated in his new home he begins to find... 5/5 Patrick Wilkinson - See all my reviews This review is from: Animal Kingdom [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) Australia has been a rising force in the international film market. Films such as "Wolf Creek" and "The Loved Ones" prove that Australia can churn out some gritty, violent and disturbing films. "Animal Kingdom" is no exception. This movie is a powerhouse of great film making with intense performances, impeccable direction and a brilliant script. You may find yourself thinking that you've seen this story before, but you've never seen it with the same intensity and emotion."Animal Kingdom" is at it's heart a coming of age story in a crime family. Joshua, played by James Frecheville, is a 17 year old recently orphaned kid who's family is a mixture of drug dealers and bank robbers. Joshua's mother dies in the beginning of the film from a drug overdose and the only option he has is to go live with his grandmother. Jackie Weaver stunningly plays Janine 'Smurf' Cody, the matriarchal grandmother running everything. As Joshua gets situated in his new home he begins to find... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 22, 2011

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  Animal Kingdom

  Music (Milan)
  List Price: $14.98
  

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  Animal Kingdom

  Digital Music Album (Milan Records)
  

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  The Animal Kingdom

  DVD (Alpha Video)
  

  Rating (19 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  Back when talkies had dialogue...

  Nice one. Leslie Howard is a lot more interesting in this than he ever was as Ashley Wilkes. Perenially sympathetic Myrna Loy is sexy and not so nice. Ann Harding and William Gargan are quite solid. The dialogue is snappy and great. The acting is first rate. The conflict itself doesn't have so much merit. This is rather a shallow and quickly told story about a man choosing depth over surface. But still the movie is a lot more vibrant than some of today's fare, at once a little bit thoughtful and entertaining. 4/5 "cloudia" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Animal Kingdom [VHS] (VHS Tape) Nice one. Leslie Howard is a lot more interesting in this than he ever was as Ashley Wilkes. Perenially sympathetic Myrna Loy is sexy and not so nice. Ann Harding and William Gargan are quite solid. The dialogue is snappy and great. The acting is first rate. The conflict itself doesn't have so much merit. This is rather a shallow and quickly told story about a man choosing depth over surface. But still the movie is a lot more vibrant than some of today's fare, at once a little bit thoughtful and entertaining. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 1, 2003

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  I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!

  In my opinion, a great film adaptation of Philip Barry's Play, with a luminous performance by grand actress, Ann Harding; Myrna Loy is excellent too, as Leslie Howard's alluring, sensual and manipulative wife; Leslie Howard's good as usual, and all of them get fine support from Neil Hamilton, Ilka Chase, Henry Stephenson, and especially, William Gargan, who is hilarious as a joke of a butler! (he's an ex-fighter). Perhaps it may be regarded as kind of talky and stagy by today's standards, but anyway it's pretty adult stuff with great dialogues and subtleties, and a great example of what could be done with a fine script and cast, before the Production Code was fully enforced in 1934. 5/5 Fernando Silva "fedo" (Santiago de Chile.) - See all my reviews, August 20, 2002

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  Exceptional Print.

  The Alpha Version of this Historic film, the first shown on the opening night of Radio City Music Hall, is exceptional, and the best Alpha print I have ever seen. This is also a smart, intelligent film. More prints like this one and Millie could give Alpha a better reputation than it currently has. 5/5 Prometheus "diosprometheus" (USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: The Animal Kingdom (DVD) The Alpha Version of this Historic film, the first shown on the opening night of Radio City Music Hall, is exceptional, and the best Alpha print I have ever seen. This is also a smart, intelligent film. More prints like this one and Millie could give Alpha a better reputation than it currently has. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , August 22, 2006

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  List Price: $7.98
  

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  Strange Attractor - Single

  Digital Music Album (Mom & Pop Music)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Amazing single by an amazing band!

  I first heard of Animal Kingdom from the iTunes Single of the Week when they had "Tin Man" up there from their debut album. And while the first CD Signs and Wonders, was good, the new album blows it away. "Strange Attractor" has everything you want in a single. Catchy chorus, upbeat drums, great melodies, and exploding with energy. While The Looking Away has the distinct Animal Kingdom sound, the songs are better crafted than its debut counterpart. Not one bad song on the whole album. While I liked Signs and Wonders, I found myself skipping two or three of the tracks, but not on this one. Do yourself a favor and get this single along with the rest of the album when it's available on Amazon, you won't be sorry. 5/5 Thane - See all my reviews This review is from: Strange Attractor - Single (MP3 Download) I first heard of Animal Kingdom from the iTunes Single of the Week when they had "Tin Man" up there from their debut album. And while the first CD Signs and Wonders, was good, the new album blows it away. "Strange Attractor" has everything you want in a single. Catchy chorus, upbeat drums, great melodies, and exploding with energy. While The Looking Away has the distinct Animal Kingdom sound, the songs are better crafted than its debut counterpart. Not one bad song on the whole album. While I liked Signs and Wonders, I found myself skipping two or three of the tracks, but not on this one. Do yourself a favor and get this single along with the rest of the album when it's available on Amazon, you won't be sorry. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , May 9, 2012

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  Wonders of God's Creations: Animal Kingdom

  DVD (Questar, Inc)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Enjoyable

  My family has enjoyed this video series for years. I was happy to find it in Amazon's Video on Demand. 5/5 Deborah - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Wonders of God's Creations: Animal Kingdom (Amazon Instant Video) My family has enjoyed this video series for years. I was happy to find it in Amazon's Video on Demand. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , July 7, 2011

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  List Price: $14.99
  

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