Help! (2007)

The Beatles followed up their debut film A HARD DAY'S NIGHT with this fanciful spy spoof. When Ringo adds a new ring to his collection he's unaware of how important and dangerous this piece of jewelry is. On one hand a religious cult considers it a sacred object and the wearer must become a sacrifice to their gods. On the other hand the ring has magical abilities that hold the key to supreme power. Soon the boys from Liverpool are engaged in a slapstick and madcap chase round the world as a crazed scientist a pack of crooks and several religious fanatics set out to capture the band. Watch for the English Channel swimmer who seems to be perpetually lost and appears in nearly every location. Includes Beatles' hits including "Help!" "Ticket To Ride" "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" and many more.System Requirements:Running Time: 153 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY/SHOWBIZ Rating: G UPC: 5099951034795 Manufacturer No: C9DW-10347 Product Description

It's the Beatles!

There isn't that much left to be said...the Beatles and their songs are what you buy this movie for...it certainly isn't for the acting or the story. It is a bit like watching an extended music video; the songs are draped across the plot here and there, and the plot often is there to support the songs. My 4-year old loves it and dances around and around when the title song comes on, and with a couple of the other songs, and I confess I get up and dance with her. The restoration of this 40+-year old movie is really, really good and as a Beatles fan, I sure appreciate and applaud the work that was done. July 14, 2008

Just Plain Fun!!!

Despite the frivolous, not to say silly, plot, "Help!" is just plain fun; and, if one gets past the frantic antics, it is full of delightful puns and allusions (some are very British). The adorable four are supported by an A-1 cast, including Leo McKern, who puts as much zest into his role as the evil Clang as he does into that of Rumpole. Victor Spinetti (who was also in "A Hard Day's Night"), chews the scenery as the mad scientist, Foot, and he is ably assisted by Roy Kinnear as the dippy Algernon. Eleanor Bron is outstanding as the mysterious Ahme, who, decked out in an outrageous peacock blue turban and plumes informs the lads that there is more to her than meets the eye. Each one of us probably has our favorite scene; mine is one in which Ringo in the cellar is told not to worry about the Bengal tiger; all he has to do to calm the beast is sing the "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony; and then all the Beatles and everyone else in the pub above the cellar belt it out in German! Goofy, but so what? It's fun!

The second disk with the commentary is particularly enlightening. Not only are there the very interesting comments of the director, Richard Lester, but there is also a fascinating explanation by the technicians on the intricacies of restoring the film. Wendy Richard, who plays Miss Brahms, in "Are You Being Served?", talks about the thrill of playing her very first role in "Help!," only to discover at the last minute that the scene had been cut (They show bits and pieces of it).

"Help!" is a film to watch on a summer night when you just want to sit back, relax, and have a good laugh. July 6, 2008

It's really simple.

It's really simple; this is my favorite movie. I've seen it dozens of times. It was unavailable for years, so my husband finally saw it (in 9 or 10? segments) on YouTube. ANYTHING is better than that.

To repeat: THIS IS MY FAVORITE MOVIE. There are already enough reviews here to explain the "why" of it. June 12, 2008

Another Beatles' film

I also saw this film at the theatre when I was young. I also have this in VHS and now in DVD. I'm happy with my purchase of this dvd. It's like watching a long music video but better. Funny as the first movie they made. I also recommend this film to Beatles' fans as it has a lot of action and comedy. Even folks who don't know the Beatles' that well can't help but like this one.
June 12, 2008

A fan

Wots to review? Its the BEATLES!! I'm a long time fan. VHS too worn out. June 10, 2008

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