Reviews

Well - I will not indulge in a long review, as there are many here. Its almost 3 hours but they do not drag and you are left not disappointed. The end is necessary gentle after a sometimes harsh journey through the life of a man, who seems destined for bad look. I was torn between 4 and 5 stars, but decided on 4 as the film is not quite perfect (which is not an insult!). Un Long Dimanche Des Fiances (A very long engagement) I would give 5 because as well as beautifully shot, attractive, well acted and a great story - it left me with a real sensation of it not being able to be improved. Les Miserables, maybe due to its length, or just a few minor things i can not put my finger on, just did not quite make it. But still an excellent film and guaranteed to be better than your average (or even well made) Hollywood flick. Watch it, enjoy it and try not to guess what will happen!

Whomever didn't understand why Belmondo played three or four roles obviously missed the point of the whole movie. This is a touching story, that makes the parallele between the characters from Les Miserables, and the current characters from France during WW2. It is beautifully played, so raw and real. Belmondo, Boujenah, Giraudot, Celarie, Leotard and Rufus all play amazingly. What a cast, and what a director. Thank you Lelouche, for another masterpiece.

I absolutely agree with several of other reviewers. Very few people know about this movie, but those who watch it usually love it. I'm not a movie snob, and i dont usually watch a movie more than once. But I've been searching to buy this movie for many years (On dvd format, since all the vhs recordings seem to be in terrible condition). But i am so happy to discover that Amazon Unbox and Apple Store finally carry it! I must have rented the tape from my blockbuster a dozen times. I was sad when I learned that they got rid of it to make space for other movies! I dont consider myself a Les Miserable nut, but I love the musical and this Movie is simply beautiful. I can go on for ever discussing why, but just watch it. I can't recommend highly enough.

I recently watched this film -- quite by accident -- and have to say I was blown away. Beautiful -- amazingly unique adaptation/use of the novel. One of my favorite films of all-time.

Another French film told well. Nice to see some actors in roles you would not expect. Is a film that will make you feel good.

Reviews

Excellent acting on the part of Gene Hackman. A great deal of suspense throughout. It was a great climax to French Connection I. You can't see the First Part without seeing the Second.

I ordered the french connection,that was scratchy,and at times would not run,having me start all over.I bought the french connection ll,but in blu-ray,that doe's not work in my vcr.My mistake.Gave it to my neighbor.

This review is for the Blu-Ray edition. French Connection II is directed by John Frankenheimer and produced by Robert L. Rosen. It is written by Laurie Dillon, Robert Dillon, and Alexander Jacobs, and stars Gene Hackman (The Conversation, Bonnie and Clyde, Superman series), Fernando Rey, Bernard Fresson, Philippe Leotard, Ed Lauter (The Longest Yard, Death Wish III, Revenge of the Nerds II), and Charles Millot, and Jean-Pierre Castaldi. French Connection II is the sequel to William Friedkin's Best Picture-winning 1971 hit, The French Connection. Gene Hackman once again stars as Popeye Doyle, the hard-headed cop willing to do anything necessary to do the job - even if it's less than desirable. Fernando Rey returns as Charnier, the mastermind behind the French Connection operation that Doyle set out to stop in the original film. Unlike the original French Connection, which was a semi-fictionalized account of factual events, the sequel is entirely fictional and not based on any true events. It picks up where the original left off - with Popeye Doyle narrowly missing the opportunity to get his man. He sets off for France on a hunt for Charnier - the mastermind who got away. And, in true Popeye Doyle style - aims to get his man no matter what it takes. You can't follow up a film like the original French Connection - William Friedkin's award-winning classic. For years I didn't even know a sequel to that movie existed. Needless to say, I approached John Frankenheimer's sequel with skepticism. After all, it was a sequel, which are rarely as good as the original, and it wasn't even based on true events. So, enough idle talk. Is French Connection II a good film? Surprisingly, yes. Not the classic Friedkin's movie was, but a damn good movie nonetheless. Hackman and Rey reprise their respective roles just as well as they played them the first time around. Gene Hackman is one of the greatest American actors that has ever lived, and Popeye Doyle ranks amongst his finest roles. Is there anything this guy CAN'T play well? The supporting cast fares nearly as well, though you're going to miss Roy Scheider, who was the perfect balance to Doyle in the original. Still, the supporting cast is great, and even includes an often-forgotten performance by the underrated Ed Lauter. One of the reasons this doesn't suffer from "sequel syndrome" as heavy as some sequels is because of the quality of its actors and performances. Enough said. The movie gets a very good transfer for its first release on Blu. All in all, I would say the film looks above average as far as movies from the seventies on Blu-Ray go. I've seen better-looking transfers of movies from this era, but I've also seem some that look far worse. Overall, this belongs in the upper group. The filming style used here is very gritty and maintains the feel of Friedkin's film, to a point, but also manages to have a feel all its own due to the exotic locales. Grain is consistent throughout and never a problem. The lossless audio track featured here is a bit unfocused, though certainly far from bad. All in all, this underrated gem of a film gets good treatment in high definition. Unlike the first film, which got the two-disc treatment for its Blu debut, the sequel is only one disc. But fear not, there are still plenty of features. A commentary track recorded a few years back is provided, most likely filmed for an earlier DVD release of the film. It's a nice look into the making of the movie from the crew's point of view. Featurettes focusing on Hackman and Frankenheimer alike appear as well, and while not the most in-depth features, they're still worth checking out - particularly the Frankenheimer piece. Also included is an isolated score track, something any fan of movie scores will enjoy - as Don Ellis did such a good job with the music on this film and the original. A good handful of extras for a film I thought would get the bare bones treatment. An underrated sequel finally gets its dues in high definition. French Connection II isn't the classic its predecessor was, but it doesn't try to be, and perhaps most importantly, it doesn't have to be. It's a good film with its own merits. Any fan of crime drama, seventies cinema, Hackman, Frankenheimer, or the original movie should check this one out. Recommended.

After the thoroughly depressing print on the Blu Ray reissue of "French Connection 1" (see separate review) - it's a pleasure to say that FC2 is an entirely different kettle of fish. From the moment Gene Hackman steps out of the taxi by the closed gates of the beleaguered French cop shop in Marseilles - you notice the clarity - his dapper white shirt - the fish stalls - the painted railings.... Then he pops on his trademark Popeye Doyle porkpie hat - and again - the colour is gorgeous - and it stays that way even in the dark night scenes - fully restored from start to finish. There's little or no scratches, although there is some wobbling of the camera - hand-held scenes - deliberately filmed that way I imagine (like the 1st movie). And as everyone also knows, this is one of those sequels that equals if not tops the original. A fantastic stand alone film - although you do miss the presence of Roy Schreider as a sidekick. And that addiction scene is as harrowing now as it was back then... The extras are the same as the DVD I bought a few years ago, but the colour on this 1080 print is just so sweet to look at - fans will have to own it. Recommended - especially after the depressing experience of seeing the masterful first instalment more Blur Ray than Blu Ray.

Due to the severe camera shake I can only give this one star. I had to look away several times to avoid getting dizzy. Gene Hackman, as always, did a great job.

Reviews

Excellent acting on the part of Gene Hackman. A great deal of suspense throughout. It was a great climax to French Connection I. You can't see the First Part without seeing the Second.

I ordered the french connection,that was scratchy,and at times would not run,having me start all over.I bought the french connection ll,but in blu-ray,that doe's not work in my vcr.My mistake.Gave it to my neighbor.

This review is for the Blu-Ray edition. French Connection II is directed by John Frankenheimer and produced by Robert L. Rosen. It is written by Laurie Dillon, Robert Dillon, and Alexander Jacobs, and stars Gene Hackman (The Conversation, Bonnie and Clyde, Superman series), Fernando Rey, Bernard Fresson, Philippe Leotard, Ed Lauter (The Longest Yard, Death Wish III, Revenge of the Nerds II), and Charles Millot, and Jean-Pierre Castaldi. French Connection II is the sequel to William Friedkin's Best Picture-winning 1971 hit, The French Connection. Gene Hackman once again stars as Popeye Doyle, the hard-headed cop willing to do anything necessary to do the job - even if it's less than desirable. Fernando Rey returns as Charnier, the mastermind behind the French Connection operation that Doyle set out to stop in the original film. Unlike the original French Connection, which was a semi-fictionalized account of factual events, the sequel is entirely fictional and not based on any true events. It picks up where the original left off - with Popeye Doyle narrowly missing the opportunity to get his man. He sets off for France on a hunt for Charnier - the mastermind who got away. And, in true Popeye Doyle style - aims to get his man no matter what it takes. You can't follow up a film like the original French Connection - William Friedkin's award-winning classic. For years I didn't even know a sequel to that movie existed. Needless to say, I approached John Frankenheimer's sequel with skepticism. After all, it was a sequel, which are rarely as good as the original, and it wasn't even based on true events. So, enough idle talk. Is French Connection II a good film? Surprisingly, yes. Not the classic Friedkin's movie was, but a damn good movie nonetheless. Hackman and Rey reprise their respective roles just as well as they played them the first time around. Gene Hackman is one of the greatest American actors that has ever lived, and Popeye Doyle ranks amongst his finest roles. Is there anything this guy CAN'T play well? The supporting cast fares nearly as well, though you're going to miss Roy Scheider, who was the perfect balance to Doyle in the original. Still, the supporting cast is great, and even includes an often-forgotten performance by the underrated Ed Lauter. One of the reasons this doesn't suffer from "sequel syndrome" as heavy as some sequels is because of the quality of its actors and performances. Enough said. The movie gets a very good transfer for its first release on Blu. All in all, I would say the film looks above average as far as movies from the seventies on Blu-Ray go. I've seen better-looking transfers of movies from this era, but I've also seem some that look far worse. Overall, this belongs in the upper group. The filming style used here is very gritty and maintains the feel of Friedkin's film, to a point, but also manages to have a feel all its own due to the exotic locales. Grain is consistent throughout and never a problem. The lossless audio track featured here is a bit unfocused, though certainly far from bad. All in all, this underrated gem of a film gets good treatment in high definition. Unlike the first film, which got the two-disc treatment for its Blu debut, the sequel is only one disc. But fear not, there are still plenty of features. A commentary track recorded a few years back is provided, most likely filmed for an earlier DVD release of the film. It's a nice look into the making of the movie from the crew's point of view. Featurettes focusing on Hackman and Frankenheimer alike appear as well, and while not the most in-depth features, they're still worth checking out - particularly the Frankenheimer piece. Also included is an isolated score track, something any fan of movie scores will enjoy - as Don Ellis did such a good job with the music on this film and the original. A good handful of extras for a film I thought would get the bare bones treatment. An underrated sequel finally gets its dues in high definition. French Connection II isn't the classic its predecessor was, but it doesn't try to be, and perhaps most importantly, it doesn't have to be. It's a good film with its own merits. Any fan of crime drama, seventies cinema, Hackman, Frankenheimer, or the original movie should check this one out. Recommended.

After the thoroughly depressing print on the Blu Ray reissue of "French Connection 1" (see separate review) - it's a pleasure to say that FC2 is an entirely different kettle of fish. From the moment Gene Hackman steps out of the taxi by the closed gates of the beleaguered French cop shop in Marseilles - you notice the clarity - his dapper white shirt - the fish stalls - the painted railings.... Then he pops on his trademark Popeye Doyle porkpie hat - and again - the colour is gorgeous - and it stays that way even in the dark night scenes - fully restored from start to finish. There's little or no scratches, although there is some wobbling of the camera - hand-held scenes - deliberately filmed that way I imagine (like the 1st movie). And as everyone also knows, this is one of those sequels that equals if not tops the original. A fantastic stand alone film - although you do miss the presence of Roy Schreider as a sidekick. And that addiction scene is as harrowing now as it was back then... The extras are the same as the DVD I bought a few years ago, but the colour on this 1080 print is just so sweet to look at - fans will have to own it. Recommended - especially after the depressing experience of seeing the masterful first instalment more Blur Ray than Blu Ray.

Due to the severe camera shake I can only give this one star. I had to look away several times to avoid getting dizzy. Gene Hackman, as always, did a great job.

Reviews

The restored 130-minute version of Two English Girls is something of a misfire but not without compensations. For a director who complained about the overly-literary nature of French cinema, his mise-en-scene is very clumsy here, with excessive use of narration not just to fill in gaps but to tell us the characters thoughts and feelings during scenes where, had he done his job properly, we should know. At times it threatens to become a slideshow accompaniment to a book reading. The plot ambles along directionlessly as Jean-Pierre Leaud's selfish young Frenchman selfishly destroys two sisters' lives without ever finding happiness himself. It's very much fantasy-fulfilment, with the two embodying Madonna and Whore and at times threatens to turn into a distaff Jules et Jim as everyone is oh so civilized about it all. The casting is also problematic. Kika Markham is fine as the free-spirit of sorts, but Stacey Tendeter is less effective as her 'purer' sister and the casting of the minor British roles is haphazard at best - David Markham is fine as a fortune teller, but the next-door neighbour is not exactly a natural actor and one scene features a London Bobby who looks about as English as Raimu on a particularly jowelly day. It's one of those films that always seems to be on for another hour no matter how far into it you get, and it doesn't reward the effort with more than minor pleasures. But it is nice to see composer Georges Delerue in a small role as an estate agent and for all its clumsiness and overlength it has its moments and a mildly affecting ending. It's just a shame getting there took so long. Whereas the US NTSC DVD from Koch Lorber only has a gallery of French trailers from most of Truffaut's films, the extras on the PAL Australian Region 4 DVD stretch to a vintage interview with Truffaut and footage of him shooting the film.

The great films of Truffuat are those where the director's playful stylism is counterweighed by an emotionally attuned surface-layer of depth. "Two English Girls", although very much a beauty, isn't one of those. It's not marked by the virtuoso camera work of early masterworks such as "Shoot The Piano Player", or the astutely awed comedic detail of "Day For Night" or even by a gargantuan performance like "The Wild Child". And missing most, is Truffaut's great talent in invoking a child's world of wonder (so proudly displayed (in his best film) "Small Change")...but it's not all bad. Thankfully, this film has two immediate merits that make it unexpendible: 1) The music by Georges Delerue, who here crafts a score reminicent of late period Mozart; a haunting procession of melopheic still life and graceful sadness, it's without a doubt his finest work made for the filmmaker. 2) Nestor Almendros glorious natural photography. Almendros, along with Sven Nykvist and John Alcott, was one of his generation's giants of cinematography, and like "Days of Heaven" and Almendros' films for Eric Rohmer, the look of this one hasn't aged a day. Truffaut fashioned the film as a sort of reverse-sequel to "Jules And Jim", which was one of his greatest successes. Based on a book by "Jim" author Henri-Pierre Roche, the film's set in an identical period (turn of the century France), and given the familiar plot (a love triange, only this time it's two women to one lucky guy). The man is Claude (Jean-Pierre Leaud, think a Franciese, intellectualized Tom Cruise), who hails from a rich boring family and spends summers as a young man in England as the company of two seemingly puritan sisters, Anne (Kika Markham) and the younger Muriel (Stacey Tendeter). Over time, Claude's parisian-boho morals infume these two women causing each in turn to fall in love with him. Although Leuad is the movie's centerpiece, we never feel like we quite know (or care) for him. Art mingles with life when Claude writes a book called "Jerome and Julian", but I found it nowhere believable that this spoiled, distracted character was the kind of man who could pen a novel. In the end, the performance comes off as unconvincing and a wee bit vague. The same can be said of Markham's Anne. Could such an alluring but strangely very passive woman have three heated love affairs in a tiny stretch of time? Luckily, Tendeter's Muriel makes up for it. Pokerfaced with her eyes hidden behind a jet-black lense set, this stiff, implosive, reprehensibe, timid-yet-outspoken firecrotch is a salad of silent bouts and stubborn fits. And Tendeter, whose lines cross her face with freckled rebellion, fills her shoes like she's trotted this feisty woman's path quite naturally. It helps that Tendeter is given the two greatest scenes in the film, one involving a sensual confession of female masturbation and the other a blood soaked moment when Claude busts Muriel's virginity (a discomforting image in tone with the glass-cutting scene from Bergman's "Cries and Whispers"). But those searching for a return to the whip-panning style of "Jules and Jim" will be sorely disappointed, as "Two English Girls" is more in common stylistically with Merchant Ivory, or a slower, theatrically paced later Truffaut film like "The Last Metro" (not my cup of tea by a longshot). Yet I recommend it for the blissful sound and image and for it's portrayal of a woman who, as a result of betraying her innocence, is touched by acid in the soul. Like Ullmann in "Cries and Whispers" or any of the traitorous medusic nemesi' in the films of Tarkovksy: she's a tarnished, fractured, anguished, bitter, unpleasantly human redhead.

Adapted from a novel by Henri-Pierre Roche (like Truffaut's "Jules and Jim"), "Girls" is an engaging, erotic tale about a uniquely conflicted love triangle, since the English lasses in question are not only rivals for Claude's love but siblings. Truffaut regular Léaud's Claude is endearing, as is Markham's highly artistic Anne. Before his death in 1984, the director restored 20 minutes of footage, and the definitive version is presented here. With its gorgeous coastal settings and a lovely score by Georges Delerue, "Two English Girls" will seduce moviegoers in the mood for love.

I have a great deal of respect for the late director Francois Truffaut as an accomplished filmmaker, screenwriter and actor. TWO ENGLISH GIRLS is one of his lesser known films that I waited many moons to watch. I can see why I did so. I didn't really know the subject matter behind this film, other than that there is a considerably complicated love triangle that arises between a young French man (Jean-Pierre Leaud) and two English sisters (Kika Markham and Stacey Tendeter). Claude (Leaud) awakens such passion in these two [seemingly] Puritanical women, you could cut the sexual tension in their platonic encounters in the English countryside with a knife. While the older sister, Anne (Markham), intends to set Claude up with her younger sister, Muriel (Tendeter), fate has other plans. Ultimately, this is a very tragic story about young love and the grand misdirections it takes between these three people. I will start by saying that the cinematography in this film is gorgeous. The colors look like something out of a French impressionist painting. This wonderfully understated approach allows the subjects (the actors) to really stand out. It is clear what thought Truffaut put into directing the eye to his subjects. The scenery frames his actors for nicely. Secondly, let's talk about Truffaut's actors. The young cast is very physically appealing and their roles are very well-acted. However, I honestly wasn't sold on what the two young English women saw in Claude. His character left much to be desired. In my eyes, he was simply a randy young man who wasn't very good at using his restraint when relating to women. That is my diplomatic way of saying he doesn't know how to keep his trousers on--and it shows in ample evidence, throughout the course of the film. My verdict? This film was very well done, but I reccomend you watch it when you are up for some serious dramatic intensity.

Five stars for the film, four stars because this DVD has no extras. This is among Truffaut's best films, and in some ways, even better than Jules and Jim because Truffaut was older when he made it and was able to deal more complexly with the difficulties of love. The control of the color palette (beautifully shot by Nestor Almendros) and the references to the Bronte sisters add to the beauty of the film. The acting is at times stilted and melodramatic yet somehow this deepens the melancholy of the film. The British actresses give themselves fully to their roles. Leaud could be more expressive but I see why Truffaut used him and in retrospect, I'm glad he did because he connects the film to the director's other work. I would normally rate this film with five stars but the DVD is not an entirely satisfactory transfer and I'm waiting for the Criterion version, with extras. Even the chapter settings on this DVD are inadequate. Please Criterion, put out all of Truffaut's work with the neccessary extras.

Reviews

Well - I will not indulge in a long review, as there are many here. Its almost 3 hours but they do not drag and you are left not disappointed. The end is necessary gentle after a sometimes harsh journey through the life of a man, who seems destined for bad look. I was torn between 4 and 5 stars, but decided on 4 as the film is not quite perfect (which is not an insult!). Un Long Dimanche Des Fiances (A very long engagement) I would give 5 because as well as beautifully shot, attractive, well acted and a great story - it left me with a real sensation of it not being able to be improved. Les Miserables, maybe due to its length, or just a few minor things i can not put my finger on, just did not quite make it. But still an excellent film and guaranteed to be better than your average (or even well made) Hollywood flick. Watch it, enjoy it and try not to guess what will happen!

Whomever didn't understand why Belmondo played three or four roles obviously missed the point of the whole movie. This is a touching story, that makes the parallele between the characters from Les Miserables, and the current characters from France during WW2. It is beautifully played, so raw and real. Belmondo, Boujenah, Giraudot, Celarie, Leotard and Rufus all play amazingly. What a cast, and what a director. Thank you Lelouche, for another masterpiece.

I absolutely agree with several of other reviewers. Very few people know about this movie, but those who watch it usually love it. I'm not a movie snob, and i dont usually watch a movie more than once. But I've been searching to buy this movie for many years (On dvd format, since all the vhs recordings seem to be in terrible condition). But i am so happy to discover that Amazon Unbox and Apple Store finally carry it! I must have rented the tape from my blockbuster a dozen times. I was sad when I learned that they got rid of it to make space for other movies! I dont consider myself a Les Miserable nut, but I love the musical and this Movie is simply beautiful. I can go on for ever discussing why, but just watch it. I can't recommend highly enough.

I recently watched this film -- quite by accident -- and have to say I was blown away. Beautiful -- amazingly unique adaptation/use of the novel. One of my favorite films of all-time.

Another French film told well. Nice to see some actors in roles you would not expect. Is a film that will make you feel good.

Reviews

This colorful Tutu is wonderful. It was well made, came quickly and is great pretend fun for my child. It was a beautiful as the picture on Amazon. Great!!

Reviews

This concise, well-researched and entertaining reference is an engaging and informative way to meet the people behind the origins of some of today's most common words and familiar names. Written in a clear, conversational and often amusing style, it introduces the reader to more than 600 of the lighthearted, silly, fascinating, tragic or unbelievable stories of those who immortalized the names of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Rambo, Vick's Vaporub, M&M chocolate candies, Firestone tires, James Bond and Singer sewing machines, among others. The sources of some well-known eponyms (words derived from people's names) like mausoleum, academics and boycott, are also explained. The book is divided in two sections, "The Names" and "Shorts," according to the length of the treatment given to each word's history, and the entries are presented in alphabetical order, which makes this book perfect for either browsing or consultation. To add to your knowledge of name origins, I would recommend also buying the author's second volume in the series, "The Name's Familiar II." Both are excellent, interesting and fun resources you will keep referring to again and again. --Reviewed by Maritza Volmar

This is one book that is needed on everyones shelf. Truly an entertaining and creative read. Great gift for that hard to buy for person. I was unable to put it down this summer until I realized I was getting a sunburn! Looking forward to a sequel.

This book is an excellent source for classrooms, from English to History to Science. The stories of words is fascinating and a part of our culture. Students find the information interesting and they end up learning along the way. Ms. Lee's presentation style keeps the reader engaged, so they want to keep reading. My students end up talking about what they learned from her book, and look forward to my posting the next story each day. I also enjoy the book on my own as a source of entertainment as well as knowledge. Her writing style is fun and she has obviously done her research. I look forward to her next book.

I met Laura Lee in Michigan when she was doing radio. I knew then that she was going to do great things. She has a great mind for trivia and facts and of course, music. Love her...loved her book. In fact, later I'm ordering 2 more copies.

This is truly a book everyone can enjoy. From the opening introduction, to the very last page, this book is a charmer. It's chocked full of names, stories and origins. It's laid out in easy to follow segments. If you've ever wondered why "hookers" are called that, or how a frisbee came into being, this is the place to find out. There are so many names and subjects, it's impossible for me to do it justice in this mini review. But, the story of Aesop (as in fables) is truly sad, and I'm sure he never imagined how long his name/stories would last.It is wonderfully entertaining and enlightening to learn the lives behind so many of our everyday words, phrases, household items, and even body parts!!I plan on taking mine to work tomorrow, to see who all I can "stump" :-) It makes a great ice breaker or conversation maker for that first date or just fun reading with an old mate or friend. Some stories are very lighthearted, while others are tragic, and still others unbelieveable. But, as they say, "truth is stranger than fiction" (somebody says that don't they? :-)

Reviews

Eddie Campbell and Dan Best team up for a rollicking story that's as fun as a day under the big top--a three-ring gallery of humor and adventure. The creators delve into history in a wonderfully inventive way. Eddie Campbell's work on From Hell speaks for itself, as does most all of his work in this business the past quarter of a century or so. He reaches those wonderful heights again with The Amazing Remarkable Monsieur Leotard, a harried tale of the acrobat who popularized the leotard while traveling the world a century ago. Sprawling in scope (Campbell fans would expect no less), The Amazing Remarkable Monsieur Leotardmarks the lives of several circus performers as they take part in several random historical events. As they fly around (or fly through the air with the greatest of ease), we meet some circus performers who seem somewhat familiar to comics readers (Le Quartette Fantastique, for example). The art is so lush, so gorgeous, that it just may be Campbell's best work ever. The story is fun, gleefully so, and manages to be tongue in cheek without ever crossing the line to excessive cutesiness. There's an optimism that runs throughout The Amazing Remarkable Monsieur Leotard that is infectious and palpable, and that alone makes it worthy reading. That it touches on so many important events in history is an added bonus. -- John Hogan

I've read most if not all of Eddie Campbell's books, from his Deadface and Alec books to his most recent How to Be An Artist and The Black Diamond Detective Agency. I think this is one of his best books. It has all the things I love about his work -- great art, an interesting and amusing story, and a bit of whimsy. It was also touching -- something I wasn't expecting. I hope he does more like this...

I don't have too much to say, I am sick today. But I saw no one had reviewed this and knew that the situation needed to be rectified. This is a really charming and well done book. I could tell you what I thought of the themes and whatnot, but none of you would care to hear any of that, I'm sure. This is good, buy it.

Reviews

Avec de l'émotion intense jusque dans les jeux de mots, la voix éraillée de Philippe Léotard vous guide dans des ruelles sombres maquillées de désespoirs et de déchirures souterrains. L'accordéon de Servain est là pour zébrer la nuit d'intenses éclairs éphémères, pour chercher l'espoir dans les aventures glauques d'une nuit qui ne connait plus le mot FIN. L'épaisseur des textes et la densité de la musique vous étouffent. Les fumées sales saturent l'atmosphère... et pourtant, vous êtes vivant. Triste, détruit, mais vivant. Et, dans l'urgence, vous vous relevez et vous marchez jusqu'à avoir l'idée de chercher une compagne qui vous mènera au bout de votre quête ultime : la première femme-fille de l'Univers... Bonne chance pour cette longue route !

Reviews

I am thin, 60, and getting married for the first time. Since my dress will be form-fitting, I need to ensure a smooth look and was recommended to buy Spanx. My size was sold out in 3 stores I looked at in Toronto so I decided to order them online. Not only did I find them in my size, they were less expensive. I find them a bit tight, even though I went up a size but that's probably because I'm not used to such things.

After several purchases, I'm beginning to feel that the extra $$$ for Spanx is not worth it. I think I'll stick to Flexees.

to any wardrobe! The thing about these panties are: you HAVE to size up. If you are not sizing up, they are NOT going to fit right, or control what you need them to control. I bought one pair - according to the manufacturer's sizing - and quickly found out that they were too small. Tried the next size up, and got the rolling effect. Tried two sizes up and I was in the zone. They squoze in tight though, so I went three sizes up and found the pair for me. Now, I'm not saying that YOU have to go three sizes up to find the right pair for you, but it is doubtful that the right size will be your normal size. I would start two sizes up to be safe. This seems to be the general consensus from everyone that I know that owns a pair of these. Besides, who wants to feel like a stuffed sausage under your clothes?? Final word: buy the right size. Once you find it, you will see that these are a must. Let's face it, this designer found a niche in the market and now everyone is trying to capatilize on her initiative. Most of them do the trick, but how comfortable are you? The feel of these power panties are fabulous, and once you find the perfect size for you, you can be stylish, smooth, AND comfortable in your clothes. I don't leave home without mine!

This shaper is a poor choice for men. It will pull you in a bit, but it is hot, itchy, not smooth, and the waist band consistently rolls down whenever you sit or bend. There's no comfort in the critical areas and it give a uni-butt.

I love the Spanx Power Panties! I bought the size recommended for my weight and it fit perfectly. They made me a size or two smaller and I didn't even notice them all day! Can't ask for any more than that.

Reviews

I ordered this item on Dec. 26 and I finally got the notice from USPS that the item will ship on Jan. 3, an entire week later! They took WAY to long to process my order at Land of Apparel!! Now the leotard won't arrive in time for my trip overseas . .

the shop did a wonderful job shipping my items right away - i had no problems, both items fit great, and the scarf i ordered is so versatile! also, the prices were amazing. thanks!

This leotard is awesome, especially for the price. You can't beat it. The cut of the legs is much more flattering than it appears in the photo. Runs true to the sizing chart. Only problem is no bra or lining so it wouldn't be good for anyone with a large chest. The material is thick though. no show thru, so anyone b cup or smaller should be fine. I am ordering more in other colors!

Reviews

I love the company that makes these. We buy our ballet shoes, leotards, and most of the time the skirts. I really like the feel of this particular leotard, because it is not easy to catch the material as the others that I have purchased. The only advice that I offer is to buy one size bigger. My daughter is six and she is tall and thin so she is in between an xs or s depending on the maker, but this product I should have bought one size bigger. It does fit. Unfortunately it tends to ride because the fit is smaller. Other than that it is a great product.

Being a working mother, I can not afford to take off work every time i need something at a ballet store since they close so early. It is so nice to find a company that sells competitively and size was perfect!