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Reviews

This brief hand full of songs clocks in at about 45 minutes but will leave you wanting way more. Cozy beats and an off kilter alt-country vibe awaits you in many of the cuts. But what a great way to celebrate there odds and ends. Nothing feels second rate about this collection of flip sides and hard-to-find songs. Left me wanting to search out everything they have done, and that's what a fine CD should do.

When I first listened to this recording, I was not familiar with either Iron & Wine or Calexico. I've since listened to albums from each band on their own, but wind up coming back to this collaboration more often. I like much of the indie/alternative scene, but after a while I get tired of the "we-are-too-clever-and-ironic-for-our-own-good-wink-wink" poses a lot of those bands strike. Not so with these guys: I find myself disarmed by their honesty & straightforward songwriting. The songs are simple but moving, and contain as much pathos as the best poems/novels/stories/etc I've ever read. I know what you're probably thinking: pathos is not a word that gets thrown around a lot in rock music--if ever! But "Dead Man's Will" and "16, Maybe Less" are songs that are so poignant that they feel like they're hitting me right in the gut. Not many songs can do that to this jaded reviewer! An album that can hit me with a one-two punch like that deserves my highest recommendation--and I rarely give 5 stars to anything.

I'm pretty selective in my music purchases. I try to listen to samples. I read reviews. I follow bands I know well and have deep apreciations for. All that being said this cd is a huge disappointment AND I feel deeply mislead by Amazon with these particular reviews. What are you trying to do? Move some product? Your rating system and selected reviews have me quite leery now. Believe me, before I purchase anything else from you I will do A LOT more research. Amazon....I don't trust you anymore.

Two of my favorite artists over the last few years have been Sam beam's Iron and Wine and the Tucson, AZ band Calexico. On IN THE REINS they team up to make some great music that dovetails the strengths of the two artists, while covering their weaker aspects. Calexico has made some breathtaking music by combining eclectic influences such as mariachi music and jazz into their folk-rock stew. Their music resembles the Southwest where they live with a wide open sound. Their cinematic music has a broad enough palette to move in several directions and still retain their distinct personality. If their music has a fault, it's that their lyrics can sometimes fall short of the high standard of their instrumental work. Iron & Wine on the other hand features the great songwriting of Sam Beam. At this point in his career, he delivered his sublime songs in a whispered acoustic manner that reminds one of Nick Drake or early Elliott Smith. If his early work has a fault, it's that it sometimes needs more dramatic arrangements to differentiate one song from the next. By collaborating here, both bands mesh their strengths together. The opening track HE LAYS IN THE REINS gives the full Calexico treatment including a dramatic Flamenco vocal that definitely wakes the listener up. From there, it's highlight after highlight with Beam's delicate songs getting just the right amount of instrumental support to make them shine. Elements of Latin, country and jazz wrap onto the bluesy folk rock songs like a custom velvet glove. I'm sure that the experience of this recording encouraged Iron and Wine to tear down its musical boundaries on the excellent THE SHEPHERD'S DOG which was recorded after this in 2007. This is a definite highlight of both artists' careers; the only drawback is that it's an EP, not a full length release. One can only hope that their paths will cross again.

It really suprised me when I did a generic 'Iron & Wine' search and saw that this album has the same overall rating as most of his others (4.5 stars). I think this is misleading. I suppose it depends on why you like Iron & Wine, because this album is fun and enjoyable to listen to. And I love Calexico so I was excited for the pairing. I DO think they pull off nice melodies and that the album has good range. But what I love so much about Iron & Wine is Sam Beam's lyrics. There is an overload of good musicians these days, but few, if any, touch Beam when it comes to lyrics. I think he easily belongs in a category with Dylan and Cohen. So, with that preface in mind, this album is very lyrically disappointing. The only song, in my opinion, that shows off Beam's lyric aptitude as we've come to expect it is "A History of Lovers." Otherwise I think it's a very dissapointing collection of Beam's writing. If you're looking for a short, relatively good collection from two great bands or if you're looking to complete your Iron & Wine collection, then this album is probably worth it. But, if you're looking to be blown away by lyrics, skip ahead to The Shepherd's Dog, where Beam is back on par.

Reviews

First, I will agree that it is disappointing that the organ used in the recording is electronic rather than a pipe organ. As it was recorded in Symphony Hall, where there isn't one, it just has to do. While it does make that opening chord a little less powerful, Shaw and company make up for it in seconds. The combined choirs (see CD for the list) and the Atlanta Symphony take this piece to another level. Everything is clear and powerful. It is a very impressive display of sheer power that one would want from a Mahler symphony in general, let alone the 8th. While it is true that this was the only Mahler symphony Shaw ever recorded, it is proof that anything that Shaw touched was magic. One of my favorite moments is toward the end when the soprano representing Mary sings for the first and only time. Her voice sounds distant and magical, and the way it is captured in comparison to the rest of the ensemble is brilliant. You simply cannot go wrong with this recording. It is a top-notch performance of a truly powerful masterpiece. 5 stars almost don't seem enough...

While this is my first recording of "Mahler 8th" it is certainly a good way to start. I had heard other recordings of this symphony and was not impressed, but Shaw leading the Atlanta Symphony is certainly one to recommend. Great Sound too!

I couldn't say it any better, i prefer this to the other recording i have (Solti), this sounds much more authentic and might i say at a bargain price. start your exploration of Mahler's 8'th here.

OK, OK, So, I've become a Mahler fanatic! Of the Symphony of a Thousand I have 6 versions: Chailly/Decca; Gielen/Hanssler; Sinopoli/ DG; Shaw/Telarc; Solti/Decca and Wit/Naxos. I would give all a 5 for performance, but for sound I would give all but the Solti a 5 as well. The Solti I would give a 4.5 to for sound. Hey, after all, it's a 1972 analog recording and to a slight degree the sound is beginning to show it's age. The one I turn to most frequently is this, the Shaw/Telarc. I can't say the performance is any better than the others, however the sound is up to Telarc's high standards and it's all on one disc. One thing I've noticed lately about older Telarc recordings is that although when new they may have retailed for around $17 or $18 many of their finest, including this CD, have been reduced to below $10. So, it's a real steal. Likewise the same is true of the Solti. Although the Wit/Naxos is on 2 cd's it too is at a low price. Of course, you have to remember that Naxos is a budget label, but note this: Wit and the National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Chorus always get first-class sound and give first-class performances of anything they do. As far as I know the Sinopoli, another favorite of mine on 2 discs is nla (I just did a search on Amazon and actually found it listed! It's not coupled with the adagio from the Symphony no. 10, run a search under: Mahler 8 Sinopoli). This leaves the Chailly/Decca & Gielen/Hanssler. Both are great performances although the Chailly has a fair amount of reverb in it, which many find slightly objectionable. I recommend it none-the-less. The Gielen has the advantage of Hanssler's fantastic sound plus a filler. Now, my feeling is that when this great symphony appears on 2 discs, Part 1 should be on the first disc and Part 2 on the second. So, where does the filler (Schonberg's "Jacob's Ladder") go? Right where it belongs, as the first track on disc 1. That way you can either listen to disc 1 all the way through, starting with the Schonberg and then the Mahler, or just listen to Part 1 and when over give a few minutes break as you put on disc 2 for the final section of Goethe's "Faust". Next point: If you have no Mahler is your collection complete? Well, if you like the Romantic period of music then the answer is, "No". I probably have more music from this period of composition than any other (Baroque, Classical, etc.) and with my next order to Amazon I will have more Mahler than any other composer. Yes, I'm a fanatic! If you're new to Mahler I would say start with either the 1st or 4th. Both are good entry points into Mahler's sound world with the fourth probably being his sunniest work. If you want to enter whole hog and get all his symphonies in a box set I would go for the Gielen on Hanssler. ClassicsToday gives the complete boxed set their highest rating of 10/10 for sound and performance. I have Gielen's 1st, 2nd "Resurrection", 3rd, 7th, 8th "Symphony of a Thousand" and the Derek Cooke performing version of the 10th. Back to the 8th. Part 1 is based on the Latin hymn, "Veni Creator Spiritus" while Part 2 is a musical representation of the final section of Goethe's Faust. Does it all work? Heck yes, Mahler's genius makes all the complexities sound like child's play. If you look at Amazon's price for the Shaw/Telarc it's now in the budget range, and is in fact the least expensive of all the versions I mention here at $9.98 for the single CD. Now, I do get some criticism for liking the Shaw. There are those who feel that Shaw just isn't as good a conductor of the more serious classical music as the other conductors I mention. To that I say, "Oh Fuddy Duddy!" The only Mahler Symphony I have a problem with is the 6th, the "Tragic". I think that's because it does have a depressing or tragic feeling to it that I, being bipolar, just don't need! But, heck, shucky darns, that doesn't keep me from giving it a run through at least once a month if not more often (I'm determined to keep listening to it until I finally get the hang of it). In this house Mahler probably gets the old platter spinning more than any other composer. Well, I'm just about finished here with the 8th. While enjoying this great work think of how difficult it must have been for the producers & engineers to record a work with such large scale forces: an orchestra of over 100, various choruses totaling almost 900 people (although most recordings scale it down a good deal, but manage to make it seem like there are still a huge number in the various choruses) plus 8 soloists. No matter how you look at it it's a monstrous undertaking. How did Gustav ever create this is beyond me. To those of you, who like me, love classical music just think of how far the recording industry has come in giving us, what today is a tremendous classical output in all genres and forms just in the past 50 years. Think of all the composers who today are, among we lovers of good music, are household names, which 50 years ago were virtually unknown. I believe it was Vivaldi's Four Seasons that wasn't either known or recorded until the 1940's and just look here on Amazon to see a listing they have for this one work. All I can say to Amazon is, "Keep up the good work and great service!" we appreciate it even if we don't say so. Anyway, if this review in anyway seems a bit disjointed it's because I've been battling a bad headache since around 1pm yesterday and didn't get it under control until just a few hours ago (around 3am). Heck, I need some sleep! Mark Zimmerman, the Bipolar Bear! PS: Don't forget to check out the other recordings I mentioned earlier in the review. All are great!

I am a huge fan of Robert Shaw, and Mahler VIII was no exception. I bought this as a learning tool because of a chorus I am in, and I was not disappointed. Not only is it an amazing piece of music, but I was in awe of how precise the entire score was. If you are a Mahler fan, this is a must have.

Reviews

As a big fan of Steelheart, my personal opinion is Tangled In Reins is out of this world. Mike and the guys blow it out of the water in fashion with this one. From start to finish, I absolutely love it. Each track has something that just powers you through to the next one. This should be something everyone needs to hear and have in their collection. Lets take a trip... 1. Loaded Mutha - A good opener for the album. Nice raw sound with a continuous edge, and lyrics that lets Mike flex the pipes. 4/5 2. Sticky Side Up - This is where it goes into the fine fury that is Steelheart. Up and down, and all around. In your face drums, bass and guitars. Mikes vocals always please. Good title as this one sticks with you forever as a favorite! 5/5 3. Electric Love Child - A U-turn for sure. Crunchy with a nice serving of "Hell Yeah". I love this song! Spiraling and twisting with awesome drive. And this one shows you how Mike is an awesome instrument all his own. I never want this song to end! 5/5 4. Late For The Party - Lets have a little fun and get a little funky. A fun song that has a good feel for sure. Awesome "In your face" bass and drums giving you a nice ride, with guitars for gasoline! Party song for sure. "Yeah...gimme dat" 4/5 5. All Your Love - A little slower start that brings you into some of that patented Steelheart sound. Mike lets fly on vocals as this one grabs you and doesnt let go. Some of Mikes best ranges with a cool raw edge. The band lights this one up in style! 5/5 6. Love 'Em And I'm Gone - Bass in your face! Raw edge, that give you a good driving ride. Some great guitar work from all over the place. And who knew Mike could go down low? Ha ha! Another one I dont want to end! 5/5 7. Take Me Back Home - One of my favorite tracks of the album, and one of my all time favorite Steelheart songs ever. It just build and builds and builds and then lets fly. Thumping bass and drums, with guitars driving steady and dragging you down the road. ANOTHER one that...yup, you guessed it...I dont want to end! 5/5 8. Steelheart - UN...BE...LIEVE...ABLE!!!!! What a frenzy of the fantastic. You need an I.V. after this one ends. WOW. I love this song!!!!! High speed chase with 500 miles of open road...then an abrupt slam into the wall! 100/100 9. Mama Don't You Cry - Such a great song. As tender as Steelheart allows, and some fantastic piano work. Mike shows how awesome a voice he has so much on this one. So many bands could learn something from this song alone. Simple, clean guitar that compliments the vocals perfectly. How can someone sing this awesome? Its mind blowing. 5/5 10. Dancin' In The Fire - A fun ride to end a fantastic album. Drive and style, mixed with great vocals. Fun from start to finish and all points in between. 5/5 Many people, critics and fans say that the Seattle bands and its sound were the death of the hair bands. Not for me. Nothing those bands could ever do matched the raw, pure talent of bands like Steelheart, Hardline, Firehouse, Skid Row, Roxx Gang, Scorpions, Faster Pussycat, Ratt, Bang Tango, Kix, Dokken, LA Guns and many more. These are the sounds that can never be matched...ever! People fell for the next new thing, and it up and left them after they ran out of ideas. I will play albums like this, as well as so many others for as long as I live. The guitar work is second to none. Excellent drive with a raw, screaming edge...vocals that belt you in the brain and make you scream for more...bass rhythms that pound you into the ground...and drums that totally rearrange your spine! The best you can get!

I say Yay for Mike Being a long time friend of the band members of the Original SteelHeart AKA SweetCheater........I am glad that their hard work and talent has given them what they longed for........and the recognition they deserve whether it is one of them or all of them Helen

If you had anything to do w/ the 80s, early 90s hair metal scene, this is a must own. A highly underrated band. Milli can hit notes no one even comes close to. Take the songs "Steelheart" or "Sheila"...it doesn't get any better than this. Screaming like a maniac. If these songs don't get you going, give it up. It was a shame that a concert accident halted the momentum of this up and coming band. A great cd for any collection of the genre.

Because I love this band so much, I'm doing a review for all 3 of their albums (this is the second one, see Steelheart and/or Wait for my other two reviews.) Album Name: Tangled In Reins Running Time: 53:34 Band Members: Mike Matijevic- Lead Vocals and Piano Chris Risola- Lead Guitar Frank DiCostanzo- Rhythm Guitar and Talk Box John Fowler- Drums and Percussion James Ward- Bass Now don't be mislead by the title of my review. This album is good but its just not as good as the 1st album was. It was the last CD that the orginal Steelheart recorded and i'm glad they did more then 1 album. I only wish it was the pure magic that was the 1st album. 1. Loaded Mutha -5:42- A decent opening track but doesn't seem fast enough for me. The lyrics and the talk box are pretty cool though. 3/5 2. Sticky Side Up -4:32- Probably my favorite track on the CD. Awesome awesome song. The solo along with Mike's screams is capable of destroying buildings. 5/5!! 3. Electric Love Child -6:26- a decent track over all...its pretty good although slightly annoying..The high point is during the solo listening to Mike screaming along with it 3/5 4. Late For The Party -4:17- Cheesy cheesy song. Not bad though the talk box is pretty awesome. 2.5/5 5. All Your Love -6:53- Some people compare this one to "Angel Eyes" but it doesn't do the same for me. But the lyrics are good and its worth a listen 3.5/5 6. Love'em And I'm Gone -5:38- Nice sleazy sex song. Cool bass line and catchy ass lyrics this is one of the better tracks 4/5 7. Take Me Back Home -4:43- Nice catchy tune that I personally like. 4/5 8. Steelheart -5:44- Ahh the self-titled track that KICKS ASS!!!! God this song is so good its like an orgy of solos and screams. Mike hits his highest (YES his highest) high note ever!! 5/5!! 9. Mama Don't You Cry -5:49- Although this song is very cheesy (piano and children singing) I do like this song alot. The piano although cheesy does sound good and the guitar is very nice. 5/5 10. Dancin' In The Fire -3:49- Cool catchy track. nuff said. 4/5 So yeah although its not as good as the 1st the 2nd album is still a good listen. I dunno if its worth 50$ (current price) but if your a die hard Steelheart fan (like me) its worth getting.

This cd is most definatly just as good as there first album! The selection of songs on this cd are great i love them all! Not much more to say bout this cd execpt go get it! You'll most definatly get your moneys worth!

Reviews

The movies were in great shape for being VHS, and have been looking for it for years since they stopped producing it. Thanks alot for the quick shipping and hard to find product.

Oringinally I watched and taped the program as originally aired on T.V. because I was already interested in all things mystical. I found that I really enjoyed the show. Very disappointed when it was cancelled after only eight episodes. When it came out on video I bought it and finally now own the dvd collection. I kept hoping that they would ressurrect the show, until I read that Mark Frankel had died. I loved his portrayal as Julian Luna and I had thought that he along with Channon Roe (Cash) were hot. Glad that I still have the collection to sit and enjoy.

I'm a huge fan of many vampire legends and retellings. I'm also a hug fan of the Vampire the Masqueraqde universe and still run games in that world every summer. Kindred the Embraced may use much of the jargon and ideas from the game system but it is clear the television producers wanted something more, vampires that were a bit more human and in some ways more powerful. Honestly they could have stuck to the rules and done fine. If you aren't obsessed with the story system though and you can just deal with the new television rules, its good entertainment with a touch of the erotic tossed in for good measure. I really miss ghouls not being a bigger part of the world though. They are so underappreciated.

I recently bought Kindred: The Embraced in regards to remembering a few years back of how fond I was of the mini-series. Watching the series now is kind of funny, because I remember it to be a lot more serious. However, it was a great buy, interesting characters, and they did a great job with working the PC Game. I am sad to see the episodes ending the way it did, and it would have been great if the series continued, because each character had amazing potential, and the stories were just beginning. I hesitated quite a bit thinking if I really wanted to buy. But all in all a great collection, don't think twice to buy...enjoy!

I'm at a loss with words. English is not my native language so just read between the lines.The film is all you can dream of: a capturing plot, action which keeps you from turning your eyes from the screen, the idea itself is fascinating!And actors.The best of all Mark Frankel. He's unbelievable.Demonic Stacy Haiduk. Brigid Brannagh (Welsh). Jeff Kober - my favorite man of the film, can't believe anyone could picture his character so vividly. I don't name others only because don't have much time. And even C. Thomas Howell is not bad. I think tha character himself is not right but not the guy (Howell) himself. After "The hitcher" (with Rutger Hauer) I know what's this man worth. He's incredible.By all means see the film. See and love it! you won't be able not to!

Reviews

This IS a David Hamilton film. He is considered a "notorious" director, but frankly most of his films are so notorious I can barely stay awake watching them. This film has a WWII period setting and it is surprising long on plot for a David Hamilton film (where the "plot" is often just an excuse to get from one naked nubile girl to the next). Still while the very lame ending is true to his usual form, the highest compliment I can pay this film is that it is a typical mediocre French film of that era for most of its running time. Hamilton was considered a great photographer and if you enjoy his typical slather-some-more-vasoline-on-the-camera-lens visual style, you'll probably enjoy this. The Naturist aspect of his film is fitted to his vision, fairly so, however a more realistic and authentic view of nudism is found in the DVDs here on Amazon like Mother Naturists and Rituals of Summer -- the later being a personal favorite.

You cannot take a movie like this very seriously of course... it is only about sex and pretty young people, and abandons any pretense of being about anything else. More movies should go this route, instead of posing with a brittle artsy front like the recent French film, "The Dreamers", that could have been oh-so-sexy, but digressed into insipid melodrama with the neurotic lead female and her brother. This film is just fun, following the sexual shenanigans that take place at a rural French country estate. Expect very attractive young ladies and a naughty script that dares to go almost everywhere. Do not expect wit or anything profound or moving. This is probably more of a "guy" movie. Uncork a bottle of French wine, press Play and enjoy.

A teenage boy is left on a farm during the war when all the men have gone. There are females of every age who are desiring a male's company-any male. The boy finds himself much desired. However, he has a crush on an older teen girl who doesn't seem to like him too much. He has difficulty dealing with this, and all the other attention that comes this way. Since this is a David Hamilton work, there is nudity, but not as much sensuality as his other movies.

This VHS version is dubbed into english, and the quality of the recording is not the best. I would recommend getting Tender Cousins instead (same film but in french with english subtitles).I first saw the french version of this film on cable when I was 15. I was glued to the set - The beautiful young ladies, fantastic cinematography, and wonderful scenery from the french countryside in 1939.The plot is a little thin, namely that Julien, a young maturing lad has just returned home at the family farm, and he starts discovering the ladies, or more appropriately that they start discovering him. However his heart desires his beautiful cousin, and alas she doesn't seem too interested in him, at least not at first.There is quite a bit of nudity in this film, but it is tasteful, albeit often gratuitous. I definitely would give the film 5 of 5 stars, but I gave it 4 because the dubbed voices aren't the best - you'd think that with a french title it would have been in french, but it's dubbed in english.Also, female viewers will probably think the film is stupid because of the gratuitous nudity, whereas most heterosexual men will probably appreciate the film as an art form.

Yes, it is kind of slow and a bit 'corny' in parts but the topic and the videography are sure to please. I wish he'd put this title on DVD. For those with DVD players, I recommend 'Rituals of Summer' DVD available thru Amazon.

Reviews

This movie surprised me. Because Seagal has put on 567 pounds of lard and looks like he would get winded climbing the porch stairs, I didn't expect much from this movie. Boy, was I wrong! Seagal does the usual bone-crunching and throat punching, so that was a good thing but nothing unexpected. Pretending to believe a guy who weighs more than a yak and is older than dirt is capable of such things just adds to the enjoyment and makes one smile. But what propels this movie into the awesome category is his ending hard-guy line which is the greatest piece of dialogue ever written and performed in the history of movies. I won't ruin it for you but suffice it to say my son and I laughed for 2 hours afterward. Buy it just for that one line and you will be saying it non-stop for months (possibly for life). I'm laughing at the thought of it as I type this. Too much!! Seagal rules!!

When Above the Law came out in 1988 I thought we had a new martial arts action star on the horizon. Since then, it seems to me that Steven Segal has just cranked out one dud after another and this is just one more. I wish I had nicer things to say about the actor and his films, but I judge on results and they just aren't there. Save your time, save your money. There are a lot more and a lot better films out there for your entertainment dollar.

This is one of the better "direct to video" efforts from Seagal in recent years. No corny props or annoying voice dubbing. The fight scenes look good and there's a nice balance between shoot-outs and the use of Aikido. No highly obvious stunt doubles as well. Plus, I really like how the movie was filmed - VERY nice camera work on this. And very good use of slow-mow cameras and sound effects. All-in-all a well-shot, produced and directed movie. But, as with most Seagal films, there's always a catch. In this film it is the very bland and unengaged storyline. Crooked cops, Seagal gets framed, blah, blah, blah...However, I did like how at the end of the film, there is no attempt to take him from "bad guy" to "good guy." And I give really high marks for a well-made film. Final Grade: B-

Steven Seagal will never be acclaimed as a great actor,but his films are action packed and exciting.This one was filmed in my hometown of Bridgeport,Ct in 2007 (due to the State of CT giving generous tax credits to movie makers).This one features Seagal as an alcoholic degenerate gambler ex-cop on a losing streak.A benefactor (Lance Henriksen)buys his "markers" and allows the disgraced gambler to "work off" his debt by assassinating various bad guys.Standard Seagal fare here,lots of shooting,car chases,and of course Steven beats up hundreds of guys along the way.Nothing great or original here,but a great 90 min.thrill ride.

Steven Seagal is back again. The man's direct to video output in recent years, has been quite remarkable. This time he is Matt Conlin, an ex-cop with a huge gambling problem. His markers totaling over a million (yeah right), are bought up by a shadowy figure identified only as the 'old man' (Lance Hendrikson), who proposes that Conlin work off his substantial debt, by acting as a hit man. With his back against the wall, Conlin acquiesces, and begins receiving his assignments from Blue (Paul Calderon), who works for the old man. After a couple of very untidy hits, Conlin faces a crisis. His next target is Lt. Steve Shacter (Mark Elliot Wilson), a cop, a friend, and husband of his ex-wife. This is an atypical role for Seagal, who usually plays characters that are independent, and motivated by some moral code. Money rarely is a consideration. Things are different here, where much seems to be about money. Conlin's family figures in the mix, but his priorities appear to be clear, when he cancels a visit with his daughter, so he can go out and kill someone. Troubled by the turn his life is taking (is that a surprise?), Conlin consults his priest (Bernie McInerney), but can there really be absolution for a contract killer? As you might expect, the level of violence is high, with the hits being very up-close and personal. Seagal has a couple of minor fights, but most of the action is gun related, with one big shootout in the street escalating to car chase. The film's finale is a wild shootout in a cemetery, with plenty of flying bodies, and exploding headstones. Conlin takes out a ton of cops, and barbecues a good friend, but somehow escapes doing any time. There's plenty of over the top action, though no one is actually pistol whipped, in this quite twisted film. There is little that is admirable about Conlin, who apparently reconciles with his family, but continues working as a hit man, getting his assignments to kill, while praying in the same church where his priest breathed his last, because of him. It really seems to be all about the money, as Conlin pulls the For Sale sign from his lawn. Presentation is anamorphic widescreen. Extras include some deleted scenes, one being an lighter alternate ending.