Description

The Griswold family hits the road again for a typically ill-fated vacation, this time to the glitzy mecca of slots and showgirls, Las Vegas. ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Not as good as its predecessors, yet funny and entertaining.
While National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation remains the funniest of the entire series, Vegas Vacation has a lot of laughs that is sure to please its audiences. This time, Clark, Ellen, Rusty and Audrey are off to Las Vegas, where Clark plans on renewing his wedding vows to Ellen. However, the inevitable temptation to gamble becomes too much for Clark, and he begins to squander all of his money, delving into his savings. Meanwhile, his wife is being courted by Wayne Newton, his son is posing as a married man from Uma, and his daughter becomes a club dancer. And what would a vacation movie be without good ol' cousin Eddie, played by the hilarious Randy Quaid? This time, he's living in a mobile home on a former H-bomb test site, and he offers his help to Clark after he loses all of his money. While it is clear that some of the laughs are missed from th previous films, this one does not fail to please, giving more laughs than you would think and keeping the entertainment alive.

You Can Watch This Movie Over and Over...
Vegas Vacation is probably one of my favorite "Vacation's" there is. This movie takes you on a fun adventure to fabulous Las Vegas for a vacation for the Griswald's. I have never gotten bored with this movie and I can watch it over and over and over.

At first, Audrey and Russ are reluctant to going because "the people are soo fony", but soon they are having the time of their lives. Fuss gets a fake ID and wins about 3 cars. Audrey hangs out with her cousin Vicki (who is a dancer) and Audrey basically changes her whole wardrobe and style.

Ellen falls in love and gets seduced by Wayne Newton. And "Sparky" (Chevy Chase) well... let's just say he's having some trouble at the tables. The entire family have a visit with Ellen's cousins and a family trip to the Hoover Dam.

This is one of Chevy's best! You'll love it!

Special DVD feature's include:
Interactive Menus
Production Notes
Scene Access
Theatrical Trailer
Languages: Engish and Francais
Subtitles: English, Francais, and Espanol

ALWAYS FUNNY
I could watch this 100 times and never get bored of it. I have never seen any of the other Vacation movies but loved this one. It's hilarious from beginning to end. Anyone who is a fan of Chevy Chase will like this movie. It should have a 5 star rating overall.

I wish I could dump barrels of fish guts on Papa Gorgio!
I hate people out of jealousy who hit a jackpot at a slot machine after only their first fews spins when yet they never even played slots before.

Papa Gorgio (Russ Griswold) is this movie wins at least 2 major jackpots at 2 different slot machines on the very first spin! (I mean crap man, now there's a guy that I REALLY hate out of jealousy!)

I am so jealous of those lucky [lady] and SOBs that do it on their very first few spins because I've played those damn machines every month for over a year and a half. I've done over 70,000 unsuccessful spins and have lost quite a bit of money over these many months at those damn machines.. I've still never hit a jackpot.

I really wish I could buy one of those damn slot machines from a US casino like say 'Wild Cherry' or the 'Red, White, and Blue' machine and smash it to pieces with my slegehammer the same way I smashed that 'Slots with Video Poker' VHS. That's how much I hate slot machines and those damn, lucky jackpot winners who do it on their first few spins!!
That jackpot that that occasional lucky male or female (...) wins on their VERY FIRST VISIT in that casino in under 100 spins just devistaes me!!! That jackpot should be mine!

Where the hell's MY jackpot?!?!?!?
I'm WAY OVERDUE for a jackpot!

It's not the original, but it's still damn good
INTRODUCTION:
Vegas Vacation was the fourth film in the Vacation series of films. It had been eight years since the release of the most recent entry in the series, Christmas Vacation. Would the series still be able to impress people, or was it officially doomed? Read on for my review.

BASIC PLOT:
The storyline of the film goes something like this. Clark and Ellen Griswald (once again played by Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo) realize that their children aren't going to be children much longer, and that they should take another vacation to enjoy the remaining time they have together. Their destination? Las Vegas. Once there, Rusty gets a fake ID and wins some cars, Audrey takes up exotic dancing, and Ellen is befriended by Wayne Newton. And what would a Vacation movie be without cousin Eddie? (Randy Quaid reprises that role.) Clark, on the other hand, meets his rival - a blackjack dealer (played by Wallace Shawn), and quickly gambles away thousands of dollars. How will their vacation turn out?

FILM OPINIONS:
This film is not nearly as good as its predecessor, but it's a good film nonetheless. If you like the series, this is worth checking out, but it's not essential. If you're new to the Vacation series, start with the first film - it's the true masterpiece of the bunch.

DVD:
The DVD is severely lacking as far as extras go - this seems to be typical of the Vacation series movie DVDs. We get commentary and trailers, and that's about it. There's really not much other than these things, things that every DVD should have. Still, the actual film is good, and it makes up for this.

OVERALL:
Overall this film doesn't top its predecessor, but it's still damn funny. If you want to laugh, pick it up. You'll be glad you did. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Paul Newman plays a racecar driver, Frank Capua, who steps out of his professionaland personal isolation long enough to marry a single mother, Elora (JoanneWoodward). The two have a brief but happy life together with Elora's13-year-old son, Charley (Richard Thomas), but it comes to an end when Frankgoes back on the racing circuit and Elora assuages her loneliness in the armsof her husband's chief rival, Luther (Robert Wagner). Frank checks out, and Charley travels across the country to find him and effect a reconciliation. Atouching movie (with some good racing footage) by director James Goldstone, Winning is about the real pain of people who have become used to acertain way of safe, arm's-length living, and who have to learn to get beyondit to find redemption in love and faith. Good performances by Newman, Woodward, and Thomas, who makes a terrific impression in one of his earliest roles. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Entertaining Movie, Bad History
Guadalcanal Diary is exactly what you'd expect to come out of Hollywood during the war--high on fluff and propaganda, low on substance. While it's true that some of the events in the film are based on real events, many are not. None of the Japanese attacks, like at the Tenaru and Bloody Ridge, are depicted though they're mentioned in the film. To have included these hair-raising night battles would've made the movie much more realistic and entertaining. With the exception of the ill-fated Goettge Patrol, what you have instead are fictional battles. For instance, the marines never did launch an offensive on the 10 November, the Marine Corps' birthday.

Guadalcanal Diary, however, does create the general feel of what it was like to fight on Guadalcanal, though nobody in this film is ever hungry, sick, or unshaven! You do find an excellent depiction of the Battleship bombardment on 13 October as well as some superb air raid scenes. This movie would have been much better if it was strictly based on the time-frame of the book (late July - 26 September). Too bad the movie didn't depict real battles and real people. It's still fun to watch, though. If you like war movies, you'll like this flick.

A well-made "flag waver", which also entertains.
Set apart by its realistic portrayal of the struggle for Guadalcanal from most other "flag-wavers" made during World War 2, this film is also most entertaining. Marines live and die in this film, and the Japanese also certainly die, as you would expect. The black and white photography and narration by Richard Tregaskis (an actor really) give the film a documentary realism. For civilian audiences, this film must have seemed absolutely real to them. However, while the Marines on the 'canal were literally starving to death for a while, the actors in this film stay remarkably healthy looking. Also, they shave every day. The cast is top notch. You'll recognize many past and future stars from it. Richard Jaeckal (the MP Sergeant in The Dirty Dozen ) started his film career in the movie. Guadalcanal Diary is a fine example of the World War 2 film, made to bolster civilian morale during the war years. It is well worth seeing and owning, as a piece of cinematic history.

"boys with a memory of death in their eyes"
Based on Richard Tregaskis' popular book of his account of the action at Guadalcanal, when the first detachment of U.S. Marines landed in the Solomon Islands in August of 1942, this is a tough and gritty war film with a sturdy ensemble cast, who do a wonderful job of recreating the diverse characters in the story, from Anthony Quinn who dreams of his señoritas, to the young Richard Jaeckel, who is always writing home to mom.
Preston Foster, William Bendix, Lloyd Nolan and Richard Conte are the other actors that contribute to make the film interesting, along with the narration by Reed Hadley which contrasts with the everyday speech of the dialogue and at times is quite poetic.

Enduring the humid jungle, often plagued with torrential rain, and at one point running out of food and needing reinforcements, the narrator says of October 10th, "...for we are tired, after days of heat and rain, dust and disease, mud and malnutrition, weeks of constant fighting...", the film depicts a lot of heroism, the caring for one another, and much patriotism.
The battle cinematography by Charles Clarke is visually exciting, though all very sanitized, as none of the intense fighting is graphic, and one must remember that this is a 1943 film, and the language used is far from politically correct; those who can't put it into historical perspective should avoid seeing it.
Total running time is 93 minutes.

Well staged war movie
This account of the struggle to retake the South Pacific island of Guadalcanal from the occupying Japanese army in World War two is marked by superbly staged battle sequences .It -uniquely for the period -eschews the standard gung ho flag waving that marked most Hollywood war movies of the era (understandably ,in my book given the circumstances)and depicts a very matter of fact view of the average soldier's life in combat situations.
The acting honours are stolen by the under-rated Richard Jaeckel but there is sterling support from reliable performers like William Bendix,Richard Conte ,Lloyd Nolan and the great Anthony Quinn.
A war movie showing rare honesty and integrity .

Just Want To Go Home.
Set in the early days of WWII in the Pacific, the film follows a unit of Marines as they battle everything from disease and treacherous terrain to just being tired of not being at home. The Marines go from one battle to another, fighting to stay alive and keep there hopes up. There is a rogue Sgt. (Lloyd Nolan), a simple cab driver from Brooklyn (William Bendix), and a troubled Marine (Anthony Quinn)! With well done battle's and a outstanding script, this film is considered to be one of the best films done during WWII! If you can put aside that it was made in 1943, and it is not as realistic as it would be today. It is sure to get the message across and deliver the goods. One of the best war films of all time!
Grade:A ... Read more

Reviews (90)

not too scary, more sad
This was a good movie with a good point about the way society doesn't always accept people who are different. But, I was really disappointed. When I read that Robert De Niro was in this movie playing Frankenstein's monster, and that it was a horror movie, I was expecting an entertaining, wild, bloody, eerie, and terrifying horror about a mad monster. But, instead, it was a very sad film. I almost wanted to cry. Just thinking about the scene in which Frankenstein's monster kills a good-hearted woman makes me sad. And, what's so sad is that the monster wasn't truly a monster at heart. He had love inside him, but nobody understood him, so he reacted with violence. The sadness of the film makes it less enjoyable to watch. Overall, it is a good movie though. But, don't watch this film if you are prone to weeping about sad scenes in movies. And, I wouldn't recommend watching this movie if you're looking for a scary movie, because it's not all that scary. If you like science, and you enjoy creating strange experiments, and science fiction, and watching tragedies befall upon good people, I recommend this movie.

A worth-while version
As film adaptions of Frankenstein go, this is more accurate than most. It's good to see the Arctic climax restored, as it is so often omitted. Kenneth Branagh has made a satisfying, staightforward version of the story, thankfully containing little of the wayward characterisation and tricksy camera work which combine to sink Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula. The horror element has been toned down a bit, although the section where Frankenstein ressurects Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) is quite disturbing.

Just a word about the creation scene, which is somewhat different to the 'thunder and lightning' scenario we have become used to. The monster floats in a tank full of amniotic fluid, which Frankenstein moves about the laboratory by means of chains and pulleys. The spark of life is provided by power generated from electric eels. Frankenstein, stripped to the waist, slips and slides on the fluid that has now poured onto the floor, and strikes the monster on the back, in the manner of a doctor slapping a new-born baby. It certainly gives a novel slant to a familiar situation.

Branagh directs and also plays the part of Frankenstein with energy and gusto. Robert DeNiro makes a formidable monster, but also manages to elicit our sympathy for his plight, which is just how it should be. The supporting performances from a host of well known British actors are generally good, perhaps the most interesting being John Cleese. He does well in a straight role as Dr. Waldemann, who takes Frankenstein under his wing at medical school. The comic relief is provided by Tom Hulce as Frankenstein's friend, Henry Clerval.

This is a good and entertaining version of Frankenstein, and well worth a look.

Not an authentic adaptation of the book, but still fun.
"Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" is an incredibly melodramatic adaptation of the book that takes huge liberties with the plot, but I still find it thoroughly entertaining. The movie is perfectly cast, and I think that the embellishments that Kenneth Branagh takes with the story only make the film more enjoyable. Even though I doubt that Dr. Frankenstein ran around without a shirt on as much as Branagh does in the film, most women will probably find it quite enjoyable. Robert DeNiro is amaing in his role of "the creature," and Helena Bonham Carter gives a great performance as Elizabeth. If you're the type of person who detests it when filmmakers stray too far from the text of the book they're adapting, then this film probably isn't for you. If you're a bit more open-minded and are just looking for an entertaining movie to watch, this is a perfect film to add to your collection.

Ingolstadt,?
The scene with the crowd was gathered during the lynching,
did'nt the caption say Ingolstadt and is'nt Ingolstadt in
Germany?

I am wondering why De Niro was talking like an englishman
and the crowd sounded like english too?

Maybe I missing something; should'nt the people so german?
I remember like thirty years ago about you should be true
to your heritage.

Excellnt film!
This is bye far, the best remake of Frankenstein ever. This is better than the Frankenstein sequel's to, well MOST of the Frankenstein sequel's at lest. Comes very close to the perfect book written by Mary Shelley. Some people said this was bad because there was to much drama. Will people stop being Nerd's! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dennis Quaid's delightfully over-the-top performance dominates this 1989 biopic about the life, times, and music of rocker Jerry Lee "the Killer" Lewis. It's all here: his snazzy threads, his devil-may-care Southern charm, his mane of golden hair, his underage girlfriends (Lewis's infamous marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, played here by Winona Ryder, and its effect on his career is a big part of the story), his fascination with "the devil's music" (much to the chagrin of cousin Jimmy Swaggart, portrayed by Alec Baldwin), and of course the classic tunes like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." Director Jim McBride plays the whole thing broadly, for laughs, much like Quaid plays Lewis. The result is tongue-in-cheek entertainment with a strong musical component, made all the more so by the fact that all the singing and playing on the soundtrack is done by Lewis himself. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (41)

I can't believe it's not fiction!
Goodness, gracious.. Great Balls of Fire is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Based on the life of Jerry Lee Lewis, responsible for such classic oldies as (obviously) "Great Balls of Fire," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," it truly keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Dennis Quaid stars as 'The Killer' himself and portrays the ups and downs of Lewis' rocky road to success quite superbly. Staying with relatives, Jerry Lee meets and quickly moves in on his thirteen year old cousin, Myra (played by Winona Ryder, who gives Quaid a run for his money with her own stunning performance), immediately after his first song plays on the radio. People automatically love the song, and so begins the story of unbelievable success, love, and scandals -- every plot twist and turn that you would expect from a soap opera -- but these events actually DID happen! Keeping that in mind throughout the movie only makes it that much better. At times quite serious and dramatic, Great Balls of Fire keeps it just light enough to be absolutely hilarious at just the right times. In addition to the quite intriguing plot, this movie is also an in-depth look into the lifestyle of the fifties and sixties, and how what we don't give as much as a second thought to these days is what made heads spin back then. A definite must-see for fans AND non-fans of Jerry Lee Lewis, as it is a very informative and extremely entertaining movie.

Nice actor performances, GREAT MUSIC ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Well, I gave the movie five stars, because of The Killer's great soundtrack. Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder and the others did a fine job as actors, but I think the movie gives you a wrong picture of Jerry Lee Lewis. I strongly recommend Jerry Lee's soundtrack GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! under Polydor Records...It leaves you BREATHLESS!

Not bad, but then not good
This is okay. Dennis Quaid is rather over the top and Winona Ryder is her usual humdrum self. Looks good and there are some good comedic touches.

However, rather than his career being trashed by the scandal depicted here, in that he marries his 13 year old cousin, and then she gets pregnant, and slaps her about, he should have been jailed. Sorry, distasteful is not the word for it.

The best movie I ever saw
Great Ball's of fire has everything anyone could ever want in a movie! it's got action, drama, romance,comedy and truth. Dennis Quaid is marvelous as 'The Killer' and Winona Ryder was amazing as 'Myra' what make's this movie even better is that it is a true story. I think every one should have this in their collection.

sexy denniis quaid you so fine
I think that this movie was great.and dennis quaid did a grat job as being jerry lee lewis and winnona wryder did an great job as being his cousin but I think that I would have been better because I think that I look better than her. and all she did in the movie was wnine but other than that I loved the movie and that's why I gave the movie five stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A young Jodie Foster stars in this compassionate portrait of four unhappyteenage girls struggling with life in late 1970s Los Angeles. Jeannie(Foster) and her friends all have parents who are either divorced,negligent, or downright abusive. Looking for some kind of point to theirlives, the girls drink, do drugs, sleep around, and fight with theirparents and each other--but Foxes isn't the trashy melodrama youmight expect. The writing and performances are surprisingly good, thoughit's no surprise that Foster (Taxi Driver, The Silence of theLambs) stands out for sheer charisma and depth. Director Adrian Lyne(Fatal Attraction, Flashdance) demonstrates a deft hand forjuggling the girls' multiple storylines. Also featuring Sally Kellerman(M*A*S*H), Randy Quaid (Kingpin, Independence Day),Scott Baio (television's Happy Days), and a brief appearance by avery young Laura Dern (Blue Velvet, Citizen Ruth). --BretFetzer ... Read more

Reviews (20)

This movie is great!
This movie needs to be on DVD. It is essential and underappreciated. I saw it when it first came out when I was in 8th grade and never forgot it. It is a late 70's/early 80's decadent SoCal teen slice of life. They even throw in Scott Baio in Adidas shorts on a skateboard for versimilitude. Jodie Foster is awesome, Sally Kellerman is neurotic and self-centered, Cherie Curie is unforgettable. That party scene-I dug it when I was a kid but today it's every adults nightmare. The soundtrack is perfect--only thing missing is some Cheap Trick!

One of the greatest films of all time!
I can't believe people are only giving this film two stars. In what other film can you see Jodie Foster , overwhelmed with teenage angst, come home from a night on the town and turn up "More than a Feeling" while she sulks on the couch. THIS IS A CLASSIC! Not to mention one of the greatest high school party scenes ever. The song "On the Radio" would mean nothing to me if it weren't for this film. Oh yeah, one more thing The Band "Angel" live in concert, performing their hit "20th Century Foxes"- you've got to watch for yourself, that's all there is to it. Don't rent it, buy it, believe me you'll watch it again & again. You haven't fully exprienced the 70's until you've seen this movie.

Still Relevant Coming of Age Story
This film is an excellent coming of age drama that teens and young adults today will enjoy despite the fact that it was filmed in the late 70's. Jodi Foster has a mom who dates casually and lets her pretty much do what she wants to do. It's obvious her moms house is the cool house because all of her friend "hang" at her house. Each one of the girls has some serious issues that they are dealing with. These girls are going through some of the same things teens today are going through. This movies succeeds where a lot of current films like "Thirteen" fail. It shows, it shocks and there are serious consequences. The DVD doesn't have any extras and the film quality isn't much better than the VHS. What I love most about the story in the film is how the friends really bond together to try to help the one friend who needs help the most.

"We raise our children in love and they grow up in love" is a quote from one of Jodie Fosters instructors at the beginning of the film and it's very fitting to the lives of the main characters.

powerful teen drama
I loved this movie from the moment I saw it for sale at my video store's discard rack ten years ago. I recently received the DVD as a gift and the sound quality is a big improvement over my old vhs copy. I recommend it for performances, the story and the photography. Jodie Foster's monologue toward the end of the film is particularly memorable. Each girl's story line is realistic and the film itself does a good job of capturing teen life in the late 70s before yuppie values took hold. This is NOT a John Hughes film and is a refreshing change for anyone who was subjected that director's teen films in the 80s.

Was it ever good? I think not.
Trials and tribulations of Jodie Foster and her 3 twenty-something year old high school friends...

Jodie gives a fair performance, but the others were substantially less than average. Sally Kellerman as Jodie's mom was pretty good. Laura Dern ("Jurassic Park") was interesting in her small scenes. Randy Quaid as one girl's boyfriend was mediocre (see "The Last Detail" for his excellent role in a good movie.)

Due to music and cultural references, plus the clothes and hair styles, the movie is pretty dated, but that is not a contributing factor to its badness. False dialogue and some typical cliches are factors, however. The partying scenes are also unconvincing, as everyone smokes joints like cigarettes, drinks a lot, and never appears intoxicated.

Director Adrian Lyne has made some good movies ("Jacob's Ladder", "Lolita"). Unfortunately, this is not one of them.

Scott Baio escapes bullies on his skateboard. Need I say more? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Lost treasure of a movie
Enjoyable from start to finish. The acting is superb, top notch and well above standard 60's fare. The visiuals and locales are excellent as well. Highly reccomended.

Classic story-telling in the best English tradtion . . .
It was the mid-summer of 1990-1991, here in Felix Australis. I was on the long trail from Melbourne to Adelaide, driving into the searing heat of a relentess western sun . . .

I stopped at a dusty place by the name of Horsham, the chief town in the middle of the dry, arid, and sun-scorched land of the Wimmera, in western Victoria. I went to the local modern super-market, and happened upon a small heap of discounted books. Being a reader & a book-seller by trade, I turned the stock over and, to my delight, found a hardback copy by Chatto & Windus, London, of Richard Hughes' "A High Wind In Jamaica", among other marvels . . . I had never read it in all my fifty-three years! Three cheers, I thought, for the book buyer in, what seemed to me, this most unlikely place!

Tired as I was, I read avidly into the night . . .

What a marvellous experience in imagination! What superb use of the English language! Even the heat and discomfort of the opressive summer night assisted my entry into the wonderous tropical world of the West Indies & high adventure.

Some years later, I viewed the movie on TV, staring Anthony Quinn, which I found to be an exhilarating representation of Hughes' story. However, I could not find a video anywhere and sadly, gave up the search.

How marvellous to learn that it is now available on DVD!

Full marks to the Screen-writer, the Actors, the Director & the Producer and all those involved, especially FOX! Thank you. Thank you, Thank you . . .

And thanks to Richard Hughes, that genius of English story-telling, as well as to the Editor of Chatto & Windus, way back in 1929, who had the wit to publish it!

Magic!

A work of art
This is a movie that I've been waiting for to be released for years! A truly wonderful piece of cinema, one of those rare examples of a classic work of literature adapted into a marvelous film. The direction by Alexander mackendrick is near perfect; the cinematography by the master D.O.P Douglas Slocombe is masterful - vibrant yet haunting. Most of the filming is shot deck high, as though you are seeing everything through the eyes of the children. The performances are generally top notch (with a couple of exceptions) Anthony Quinn gives his career best with a performance of such depth as the greatly troubled Pirate captain. The child actors are phenominal, particularly ten year old Deborah Baxter playing Emily, such a shame she never really did anything afterwards. The ending is trully gut wrenching and dificult to watch. This is a movie that incites all the emotions. A rich tapestry of life and death that should leave the audience totally satisfied.

The transfer to DVD is impressive: The colours are vibrant and rich, and the print is imaculate and sharp, apart from the first few seconds, where there are the expected dust specks and scratches. The sound isn't too hot; but I seem to remember, it never was.

All in all, Fox have released another fine DVD. Other studios should take note and take as much care as they do. Well done 20th Century Fox!

Overlooked pirate masterpeice
Ahh, after watching the widescreen of this long forgotten gem on cable, we knew that a DVD was inevitable. So this review is based on the Widescreen version shown on Fox.
This is a remarkable story of a group of children who accidentally find themselves aboard a pirate ship. This is not Disney fare - there are instances of brutality, terror, death and injustice - and an ending that is totally honest and devastating.
Beautiful locations, superb photography, gifted child actors. It goes from comedy to suspense to adventure without missing a beat. If you can overlook the awful miscasting of James Coburn, the movie is nearly perfect. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Great actions, but the story...
For Guyver fans like me (I've read the original Japanese comics that the movie was based on), you will probably be satisfied with this film. I mean, the costumes were good (good enough considering it was filmed in 1991, anyway), and the special effects, stunts and actions were great. But if you were looking for a strong storyline, then I suggest you turn to the animated series, which is a replica of the comic books. In my opinion I think the producers paid too much attention in special effects.

As for the acting... well, I almost thought the movie was trying to teach you speak proper English (maybe that was the producers' original intention to ensure its marketability in Japan?). Even the slangs and bad languages used were pronounced ever so clearly, word for word...

And why is Mark Hamil shown on the cover of the video with the Guyver costume, anyway? He's not the Guyver in the movie if I remember correctly...

Having said all this, DON'T miss out "Guyver 2: The Dark Hero". That's how a movie should, in my opinion, really be.

Good enough to see for yourself
I liked this movie because it is one of a kind (knowing that there is a Guyver 2) and it has set a standard for other movies that might be similar to it. If you liked this movie then you should see the second Guyver movie, it is better.

So much potential
Attempting to cash in on the recent success of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the studio imported Japanese manga hero Guyver with high hopes of big draws. The film succeeds on certain points and fails on others.

The first problem is the script. The script went after the parent's wallets and attempted to appeal to kids, yet had probably a bit much graphic violence for parent's tastes.

The music was also an issue. Honestly it sounds like a really bored guy on a Casio. The lightness of the music took away from many scenes.

Jimmy Walker as a Zoanoid? Why the hell did he have to rap? Seemed like he had fun, though.

Some of the Zoanoids looked a bit cheesy too. The lizard bird chick for example resembled a furby.

Mark Hamill must not have known how cheesy the film was going to turn out cause he actually put a lot into it. As much as he could, anyway.

Of course it was mostly based around effects and it didn't disappoint there. The Guyver suit looked great. Though the costumes looked like costumes they were better than many I've seen. Plus there was a robot of some sort of dragon reindeer.

The Gore helped though it made the film seem bipolar. Had they altered the script to be more adult and match the darkness displayed in the directing and tweaked the music so it wasn't so slap-sticky this movie would be perfect. However due to it being simply fun to watch it deserves a 4/5.

Mostly garbage but a few good scenes here and there
But who on Earth is trying to sell this for $35?
I have not seen the Anime version, but I guess it can't be any worse than this.

This movie was mostly terrible.
But they were a few good scenes.
But who on earth is selling this mess for $35!? You have got to be kidding me. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

--Beautiful Story--
IN THIS HOUSE OF BREDE is based on the novel written by that most talented author, Rumer Godden. She's also the author of BLACK NARCISSUS, another great novel that was made into a wonderful film.

This movie begins when an attractive, well-dressed woman leaves her home and travels to an abbey. Phillipa Talbot (Diana Rigg) is a lady who has a successful career and a man who loves her, but is unhappy in that life, and enters the cloistered world of Benedictine nuns.

This is a beautiful production and Diana Rigg gives an outstanding performance as a very worldly and sophisticated person who chooses the religious life. The film is spellbinding and it's one of the few stories that really seem to take you into that unknown world where women become nuns. The relationships among the nuns and postulants were interesting and close friendships were not encouraged since everyone was to be loved equally. This story also shows how committed religious deal with their peers when jealousies arise and personalities are conflicted.

Yes, the book examines the characters more than the film, but that's always the case, and this is a marvelous production

Powerful, engaging drama
Cloistered nuns! Why, my agnostic economist friend wondered, would anyone would make a film about them? No car chases, no special effects, no sex. Only the embers of a childhood crush on Diana Rigg persuaded him lift his eyes occasionally from his laptop and glance at the TV. The glances got longer, and my friend turned the laptop off after ten minutes. He was hooked. "Brede" does that.

The story charts relationships among four women in a Benedictine abbey. Philippa is a widow who has known worldly success and searing pain. Joanna, an angel made flesh, longs for a surrogate mother. Agnes is a shrewd, stern elder. And the newly elected Abbess Catherine must transcend her fears and limitations in order to hold the convent together.

The characters are inexplicably compelling, and their lives are three-dimensional. Like all of us, they struggle through joys, pains, and daily life. Watching them is fascinating, precisely because there are no special effects or car chases to distract us-or them-from the hard, beautiful work of being human.

Honesty requires admitting that the film has flaws. Some of the scenes between Philippa and Joanna edge into melodrama, and no one seems to have the sense to sit Joanna down for a good talk. But these are thorns on a rose.

Don't just take it from me. Take it from my agnostic James Bond fan: "Brede" is worth watching. In fact, he asked to borrow the book!

Book turned into movie
The movie gives a rare glimps into conventual life as it was practiced and still is for many contemplatives. The movie might seem slow to those who prefer movies like Leathal Weapon; however, conventual life is slow and repetative. I would say that the story might have been hard to follow if you never read the book. Even with that said, it is well acted and interesting if you like nuns.

Beautiful depiction of cloistered life!
I have not yet read the book, so cannot compare the film to it. But, on its own, I found it so compelling and beautiful. This is what true devotion to Christ is about--love. And about trying and trying again until one does finally get it right. The nuns were all very real, in their demeanor, in their foibles, in their interactions and in their strivings to live a holy life. I watched "The Nun's Story" shortly after seeing "In This House of Brede" and was disgusted with its unrealistic portrayl of devotion to Christ, allowing selfishness and pride to triumph over self-giving love. "In This House of Brede" shows us a good deal of the beauty of the Catholic Church through the devotion of the religious life.

The book is so much better.
In This House of Brede is a literary gem, and I couldn't wait to see this film, especially since I am a fan of Diana Rigg's...but the film disappoints, and mightily. I understand that not all of Godden's ideas could translate easily into what was a 'movie for television', but the scriptwriter took two of the more fascinating elements of the book - Philippa's memories of her son and the young novice, Cecily, too starry-eyed to understand all she is undertaking, and twists them together into a jarring, uncomforable third character that simply feels too contrived to work. Also, one of the major themes of the book, having to do with Dame Veronica and the abbey debt (and another to do with Dame Agnes' prejudice) are all ignored. What you are left with is a sort of skeletal hinging of atmosphere with very little story. I had hoped for so much more. I really wanted to see these beloved characters come to life. That said, I believe the film was partly on location at Stanbrook Abbey, (Brede is based on Stanbrook and on St. Cecilia's Abbey in Ryde, Isle of Wight) and the interiors are terrific. ... Read more

Description

Randy Quaid (Independence Day) stars in this uplifting, action-packed coming-of-age story about an aspiring racer with a need for speed, a passion for the racetrack and a hunger for victory! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great movie for tweens
This movie was fun, especially for the middle school and elementary set. I believe anyone 15 and under will really enjoy it. Personally, I think this is one of Randy Quaid's best roles. This is one role where he doesn't play a bumbling bafoon (National Lampoon Vacation's cousin Eddie) or a drunk (Independence Day). This role allowed him to show that he can play a serious role and do a good job to boot! Fun action movie for kids, includes many action packed race scenes. Good story line, a family torn apart by the death of Mom, who happened to be partners in professional kart racing with Dad (Randy Quaid). While Dad has fallen into a 4 year self pity rut, his son is getting into trouble with the law in their small town. When professional kart racing returns to their hometown racetrack, Dad and son are able to work together to put the grieving behind them and work together toward a brigh future in kart racing. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Among its many dubious distinctions, Hawk the Slayer is the onlysword-and-sorcery movie to feature Silly-String® as a medieval weapon! Thissplendidly wretched British fantasy also boasts such magical wonders as anautomatic fast-action crossbow and an archer who shoots instantly replenishedarrows in rapid succession, never missing his target! At the lowest ebb of hiscareer, Jack Palance is gleefully hammy as Voltan, the disfigured (i.e.,irredeemably evil) elder brother of Hawk (John Terry), who swears vengeanceafter Voltan kills their father, kidnaps a virginal abbess (Annette Crosbie),and threatens a nunnery for ransom. Add an ultracheesy '80s soundtrack (imagineRick Wakeman playing roller disco) and some respectable British thespians(Patrick Magee, Roy Kinnear, Harry Andrews), and you've got a poor man'sWillow with a dash of Krull, laughably awful and surprisinglyentertaining. Fully aware of its own low-budget absurdity, Hawk theSlayer is a Bad Movie classic, guaranteed to satisfy connoisseurs ofgarbage. (Trivia note: Terry survived his titular heroics and was guest-starringon the popular TV series 24 when this DVD was released in late 2002.)--Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (20)

I don't care what you say!!!
Sure, it's difficult to watch now, but this movie was pivotal in my formative years, having fuelled my love for fantasy as a pre-adoloscent in the early 80s. I will forever champion it in a slagging match, and can't fully understand why some have turned on it as they've matured.
In its time it was GOD, and one can plainly see the inspiration it had on the modern Lord of the Rings films, at least on Legolas' character. Crow, the elf in this film, and his rapid-fire bow work was quite an original concept regardless of how badly it was portrayed. Nowhere in LOTR does Tolkien refer to any of the fast paced archery skills as represented in the LOTR films, so somebody clearly took the quick-shooting elf concept from Hawk. As cheesy as it is here, it is still cool to watch, even though his robotic Vulcan-like performance is dreadful.
For trivia buffs, Annette Crosbie, who plays the Abbess in Hawk, also gave the voice to Galadriel in the 1978 Bakshi animated Lord of the Rings.
Don't misunderstand: I am certainly not comparing Hawk to Peter Jackson's LOTR films. NOTHING compares to those. All I'm saying is that I'm sure this film has given some inspiration to other fantasy filmmakers, with its unquestionably original take on certain concepts.
Many of the actors here are plainly better than the script allows them to be, but Jack Palance is ridiculous as Hawk's older brother (he looks as old as their father), and his casting was completely ludicrous. Also, the film could do without the dwarf, and his demise is proof of that. It was chiefly directed at the Dungeons & Dragons audience, and probably succeeded in winning them over
Ultimately, as with Jackson's LOTR saga, the elf steals the show with his poorly editted dexterous bow work, which is always interesting to watch.
I for one will never call Hawk a "bad" movie. Dungeons & Dragons is a "Bad" movie, and has the dubious distinction of being the first video I ever rented which I simply had to turn off halfway through due to attention deficit (the paint drying on the walls was MUCH more entertaining).
For its time it ruled, and I will always have a soft spot for it. Hawk the Slayer has a certain charm, in its attempt to take itself seriously, which cannot be denied. My rating is primarily based on sentiment rather than the film's place in history, but there's nothing wrong with that. I like it...

Ok lets tell the truth about this film.
I saw Hawk the Slayer about 20 years ago and although I was only 9 at that time I still remember the movie well today.
It was a made for T.V. movie Based on a group of D&D type heros who band together With Hawk to battle his evil one-eyed Brother(Jack Palance) who by the way is in constant pain from a eye wound.- Now as a kid I loved the scenes of the elf character (who looked more like a Valcan from Startrek) jumping over stones and launching from his bow 100+ arrows in rapid succession and the Old man with a rapid fire repeater crossbow doing the same, But as a adult I see the repition of the same scenes spliced in to help cut filming cost. And the great sword fight scenes I now see as slow and clumsy. I will by this DVD however and I know I will love it, Why? Because its a good story and will bring back memories for me and my Wife. But I fear my Sons (9 and 11) will find it corny compared to Lord of the Rings and will not watch it more then once. So I give it 4 stars from me, but I'm pritty sure my kids would give it only 2.

A DnD lovers
Dungones and dragons lovers should love this movie. Even though its older and nothing like Lord of the rings. The way they portray the people and the different races in this movie is the way G. Gygax would have you play his races in the DnD game(my opinion). It has its somewhat corny but funny interactions with the characters. As well as the ever present good vs. evil. The actors play there characters well. And Jack Palance's voice in his character fits it perfectly. Could not have gotten a better person for the part.

Elfs and more Elfs? Oh Yes!
Ok first of all this film is old and the acting is quite wooden at times but it has a great bunch of charaters that wouldn't be out of place in the Lord of the Rings. It also has the best Elf character in any movie of its kind. Retro, cool and very similar to the old Clint Eastwood Cowboy movies of yesterday. The sound track is also retro. If wizards and warriors is your thing then this movie is well worth a look. If this movie had been made for today using blue screen special effects it would well deserve a 5 star rating.

I still remember this 20 years later, OMG!
So one fateful Christmas Eve, it was not a family movie about Rudolph that my family watched. No! We found Hawk the Slayer playing and couldn't keep our eyes off it! Now 20 years later, I'm snapping the DVD up because this is still a great movie. I have never seen a more over the top villain performance than the one of Voltan (Jack Palance). And all the ensemble British actors added their own memorable moments to this movie. I mean, have you ever called someone, "bag of dirt??" And the dwarf's story of Turkels? What about the whispering wizard woman and the gathering of the heroes portion? And when Voltan grieves for his son ("Drogoooooooooooooooooo!"). The one handed man and his machine gun crossbow. Oh and the battles with all the quick lightning firing by the robotic talking elf and one handed man (these are hilarious! You literally see 20 - 30 guys die over the sound of arrows whizzing in about 5 seconds). Oh yes, and when Voltan threatens Hawk outside the church with his angry hate speech. There are so many hilarious moments, they should all add together to make a truly awful film. I mean the soundtrack is a strange disco + moody ditty thing, yet I can hum it 20 years later.

Somehow this movie transcends an obvious fate of oblivion. It has a character all its own and it really really fun to watch. Try and watch it with friends. You will love this movie, just don't laugh too loud so you can't hear what's happening next.... ... Read more

Reviews (76)

Witty and entertaining
(Please note that the DVD version I am reviewing is the Laserlight release that features an additional documentary on the life of Cary Grant as well as an introduction by an even-more-confused-than-usual Tony Curtis.)

With Laserlight you can never predict from the outside case exactly what the quality of the film itself is going to be in. I've watched good quality prints from them in the past, but I've also seen some truly awful releases that aren't worth the plastic that they're pressed on. Fortunately, their version of HIS GIRL FRIDAY is quite excellent, with a crisp picture and a clear soundtrack. Their budget releases are usually worth the risk, and in this case, you end up with a great movie that's quite well preserved and all for a fairly low price.

The movie itself is simply fantastic. The dialogue comes flying at you so fast that'll be afraid to laugh for fear of speaking over the next line. The story itself is also intensely funny, and deceptively dark. What begins as a seemingly light romantic comedy slowly becomes more and more twisted until the final scene, where the reinstatement of the romance subplot reminds us of how far we've come. It's a testament to the skills of the director, Howard Hawks, that the result is not only coherent, but also highly enjoyable. The story flows effortlessly from moment to moment, with each scene being slightly more frantic than the last, yet still together enough to be extremely entertaining.

The acting from the two main leads is also a delight. In the past I had thought of Cary Grant as always playing the same sort of character in every film. Although, you'll see some similarity to other roles that he played, he's incredibly amusing in this film and playing a far more manipulative character than I'd seen him perform. It's a nice change to see the usually easily befuddled Cary Grant actually running rings around the rest of the cast.

As for the DVD extras, they don't distract from the feature, but they won't be the deciding factor in whether you purchase this DVD or not. The included documentary, CARY GRANT ON FILM: A BIOGRAPHY runs about 28 minutes long and consists mainly of random trailers that span Grant's entire film career. It's fairly interesting, although not terribly riveting. The introductory remarks by Tony Curtis are as bizarrely entertaining as always. The film contains Spanish, Japanese and Chinese subtitles, but does not include an option for English, which is a slightly annoying oversight.

In the end, it's not the extras that you should be buying this disc for; it's the wonderful film that's packaged with them. Kick back, relax, and watch the dialog fly across the screen. You'll want to keep the remote control handy so that you can rewind to catch all the great moments that you missed while laughing over them.

which version to buy? There's only one!
OK, we all know that 'His Girl Friday' (aka 'The Front Page') is a terrific movie which belongs in every DVD collection. But there are some really bad, almost unviewable versions out there. Fortunately, I chose the right version, and it's a clean crisp image, tightly-focused sound -- a joy throughout. So if you want 'His Girl Friday', make sure you get the Laserlight DVD version, complete with a Cary Grant biog documentary and an unvelievably hokey intro from Tony Curtis on a bad day. I got the Laserlight disc from Amazon for around $7 -- the really bad dubs other reviewers have complained about from other companies cost more! I've found Laserlight transfers of old films are generally ok -- their cheapie Hitchcock transfers of 'The Lady Vanishes' and 'The 39 Steps' are almost as good as as Criterion in image, though pretty scratchy in sound. For a budget label, they do a good job compared to the absolute garbage put out by Madacy and others. So remember -- 'His Girl Friday' has to be from Laserlight or you're wasting your money and buying something totally unviewable. And no, this is NOT a paid ad! Just trying to steer people towards a good edition of a classic comedy. If Laserlight wants to thank me, they could prepare a DVD edition of my favourite of all Billy Wilder comedies, 'The Major and the Minor' with Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland. Love those 1940s comedies!

brilliant film--dreadful DVD
Don't buy this DVD. The sound quality is terrible--a loud hissing noise overshadows the film's trademark fast, witty dialog. $5 seemed a small investment at the time, but I should have saved my money. Surely someday those who own the rights to "His Girl Friday" will release a DVD worthy of this wonderful classic.

Get The Girl
1940's His Girl Friday is a fast-paced comedy from director Howard Hawks that is has brilliant pacing and performances from Cary Grant & Rosalind Russell. The film is based on the play, The Front Page and had been previously made into a film and those versions concern the professional relationship of two men, Walter Burns & Hildy Johnson. In this version they changed the gender of Hildy to a female and the professional tension of the original is replaced by sexual tension. Though it seems tame today, the erotic electricity & innuendo between Mr. Grant & Ms. Russell was quite groundbreaking for the time. The screenplay has been one of the most influential in film history, with Quentin Tarantino citing it as an inspiration for his script's pacing.

VINTAGE SCREWBALL SPARKLES ON DVD FROM COLUMBIA
"His Girl Friday" is Howard Hawk's inspired remake of the award-winning Broadway play and previous movie release of "The Front Page". It's the story of a rapid fire newspaper editor, Walter (Cary Grant) and his star reporter and ex-wife, Hildie Johnston. Hildie has decided to retire to the country with her soon to be new husband (Ralph Belamy). But when a prison break captures the imagination of a troupe of cutthroat reporters, all rabid for the real scoop, Hildie sets aside marital bliss for one last hurrah behind the desk as a cub reporter.
THE TRANSFER: BEWARE OF THIS DVD! There are no less than 12 bootlegged versions of this film being sold through various vendors on DVD. In all but one case the image quality looks as though the entire print had been fed through a meat grinder. The version you want is the one from Columbia Tri-Star Home Video. Its packaging features a disclaimer that reads "mastered from the original camera negative." This version of "His Girl Friday" exhibits - in short - exemplary video quality. The B&W picture has been completely restored. Age related artifacts are nonexistent. The gray scale, black and contrast levels are perfectly realized. Fine detail will astound. There are no digital anomalies. The audio is mono but very nicely cleaned up.
EXTRAS: This version also includes some very nice - if all too brief - featurettes on the careers of stars Rosiland Russell and Cary Grant and the making of the film. There's also the original theatrical trailer.
BOTTOM LINE: This girl is worth seeking out! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Stylish Courtroom Thriller Has Precision and Poise
When a deaf-mute homeless man is accused of murdering a federal worker in Washington DC, the public defender assigned to the case assumes he is guilty--until she begins to receive tips about the case from the most unlikely of sources: a member of the jury seated for the trial. Any one even remotely conversant with the law will find the story so full of loopholes that it is more than a little ridiculous, but it scarcely matters: the cast carries it off in fine style, playing the script with exceptional precision and poise and generating plenty of suspense along the way. Cher is particularly noteworth as the public defender assigned to the case. Cher? Playing a Washington D.C. attorney? It's hardly typecasting, but once more Cher demonstrates the depth of her talent: not only is she extremely effective, she is completely believable. The same might be said for both Liam Neeson, who plays the deaf-mute on trial, and Dennis Quaid, who plays the smarmy juror who begins to put two and two together; SUSPECT is clearly Cher's picture, but her co-stars are every bit as good as she.

Although it has its share of courtroom pyrotechnics and suspenseful moments, SUSPECT is a surprisingly low-key and all the more successful for it. When all is said and done we like the characters as people, believe in them, and are glad we met them. While it will never compete with the likes of Hitchcock, SUSPECT is a good, solid, and very unpretentious courtroom thriller excuted with a great deal of style. Those whose tastes run in that direction will be very pleased indeed. Recommended.

One of Cher's best!
I actually prefer this film to Witches of eastwick and Moonstruck! Great thriller that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. Cher plays a defense attorney for a deaf/mute & homeless Liam Neeson. Dennis Quaid is on the jury and together, he & Cher must unfold the mystery and prove her client innocent. The ending is extremely suspenseful and will leave you in disbelief. This was during Cher's peak as an actress.

Great twists! Great performances!
Dennis Quaid delivers! As does Cher and Liam! NICE plot, great premise. The viewer gets very invested in the outcome. No gore, but some nice tense moments. Nice chemistry between Cher and Quaid--a surprise there. You will enjoy it.

Above the law
In SUSPECT, Cher plays Kathleen Riley, a defense attourney for the public. When a brutal murder is commited against a Justice Department file clerk, and a homeless man who is deaf and cannot speak is accused of the crime, and Kathleen gets the case. Dennis Quaid plays dairy farm lobbyist Eddie, who is a juror who helps Kathleen with finding evidence. This part of the movie is a little hard to swallow, but the performances make up for it. It's terribly unlikely a juror would become romantically involved with a defense lawyer as well. However the movie was fine otherwise, and one of the last scenes where an unknown assailant chases Kathleen down the hallways of the court house, is quite suspenseful and thrilling. Cher is very believable in this part. Overall, a great flick to rent, very suspenseful and has a surprise twist at the end.

Cher for the defense
This one will hopefully be restocked soon for Cher die-hards who'll find this suspenseful who-dun-it a worthy view. As Washington, D.C. public defender Kathleen Riley, Cher gets appointed by the court to defend a homeless deaf-mute (Lian Neeson, in one of his first substantial roles) accused in the brutal murder of a Justice Department file clerk. Setting out with a presumed guilt for her client, Ms. Riley comes to believe in her client's innocence and sets out to prove it. On the trial jury is dairy farm lobbyist Dennis Quaid who takes a judically improper and unethical active role in proving the defendant's innocence after he develops the hots for the defense counsel. Of course, the likelihood of a juror getting it on with the defense lawyer during trial is ludicrous and, in real life, would probably get both charged criminally and the lawyer disbarred. But the credible acting of the leads helps us to overlook that unlikely scenario and focus instead on who really done it. Anyone with any background knowledge of law, procedure and ethics might wonder about some of the judicial rulings handed down by the trial judge, but they figure significantly in the who and why of who really done it. Cher, by the time she made the film, was firmly established as a leading lady, and she demonstrates here that she can carry the responsibility. "Suspect," despite its unlikely premise, is nonetheless a compelling view, and the solution (and, yes, the defendant is innocent) is a stunner! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

GLOVER'S FILM
SWITCHBACK is a good movie. I felt it had some great suspense scenes and the climax is a different one. Director Jeb Stuart has orchestrated some beautiful snow shots, and utilizes the special effects quite well. The main problem with the movie is Dennis Quaid's performance. I have enjoyed many of Quaid's roles, particularly in "Frequency" and "Innerspace." In this one, however, his stoic, emotionless FBI agent is so wooden and lifeless that I didn't find myself sympathizing with him on the kidnapping of his child nor his quest to find the serial killer. Danny Glover, however, is superb. He demonstrates a wide range of emotions, and even though you know where his role is going to take him, it's a pleasure going along for the ride. The suspense he creates in the scene in the convenience store is acutely eeerie. Jared Leto is okay as the mysterious hitchhiker, but a little more sinister behavior could have enhanced the mystery. William Frichtner as the newly elected sheriff did a commendable job with his underwritten role. (He was also excellent in "Perfect Storm."). This is the first movie I liked R. Lee Ermey. Usually playing the redneck villian, he gets a chance to play a redneck good guy and he seems to relish the change. Ted Levine, the bad guy from "Silence of the Lambs" plays Ermey's deputy with such downhome fervor, he too emerges a winner in the casting department. Basil Polodorous' score was also effective. Not a classic, but it deserved more than it got on its initial release; just wish Quaid had been directed differently.
RECOMMENDED.

WHITE SNOW, RED BLOOD AND GREY KILLER
Directed by Jeb Stuart, co-writer of DIE HARD and THE FUGITIVE, SWITCHBACK is a movie which deserves more than the polite silence surrounding it.

It's winter in Colorado and a FBI agent is tracing a serial killer. He has to cope with his superiors who don't want him anymore to solve this case and with local sheriffs more concerned by their reelection than by the arrest of the killer.

And there's a third guy in the chase who might or might be not involved in this cat and mouse game. You always believe to be a step ahead of the hunter but you soon have to admit that the director plays with your nerves.

Dennis Quaid and Danny Glover are really good in this movie, playing characters of multiple dimensions. There are also a lot of suspense and riveting action.

Too bad that the bonus features are not at the level of the movie.

A not to be put aside DVD.

Above average, but just barely.
A slightly above-average thriller/suspense/chase/adventure type movie. Good acting and coherent plot help to move the story along.

Rental only.

Pretty good, but kinda boring at the same time.
Danny Glover is a good actor, and so is Dennis Quaid, that I will give this fair movie credit for.

The only problem with it was that the killer(Glover) left too many clues after he killed his victims. Like for example, he kept killing them in the same fashion, with that knife in a certain area. A good killer like the one in 'Nightwatch' mixes it up and makes sure to keep his killing technique and who he is totally secret. So anyway, there wasn't THAT much suspense to it, but 'Nightwatch' is a masterpiece on the part about 'who did it?'. It had some exciting chase scenes though and yes, even the acting of that young guy was pretty good.

Overall, this movie was so-so.

Killer leaves trail of clues...
While watching The Bone Collector at a theater recently I was reminded of Switchback and the similar theme of a killer leaving intentional clues and daring the police to find them before they killed again. Although both movies suffered from Hollywood's habit of providing unlikely coincidences I enjoyed both films. Switchback on DVD is close to reference quality with a great picture enhancing the beautiful scenery and tremendous audio provided by the Dolby Digital soundtrack. The fight scene toward the end is particularly exciting with the sound cranked up. The movie's locales are off the beaten track and that alone can sometimes be recommendation enough. See it...at least once. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Scorsese Over All!
I didn't think much of the Woody Allen segment (although he's one of my favorite filmmakers) and I hated the Coppola piece but I'm still giving this one 5 stars because of "Life Lessons" which in the first of three short films in this collection. No other movie that I can think of better illustrates the creative thought processes of the artist (Nick Nolte) or their sense of lonely isolation. He cannot live without women and even hilariously tells his young assistant, and I quote from memory, "I don't know anything about love? I was married and divorced four times before you were even born!" Nolte is tortured by his desires and his isolation but even lust will not allow him to compromise his artistic integrity. When Arquette pleads with him concerning whether she has any talent or not, Nolte refuses to lie to appease her. Instead he elects not to answer her question which infuriates her even more. Although he is downtrodden throughout much of the film the ending is a happy one. I own the VHS and have seen the 40 minutes of "Life Lessons" at least seven times over the years. I highly recommend it.

2/3 of a good film
There are two-thirds of a good movie in this movie, as New York's three most famous directors each contributed a short film about an aspect of New York life. The opening short, "Life Lessons" by Martin Scorsese and starring Nick Nolte and Roseann Arquette is a unforgiving look at the competitive, abusive, almost cannibalistic world of a megalomaniacal painter. I read somewhere that this short is flawed because Nolte's character doesn't change. That is not a flaw; that's the point. The ego of a successful artist, according to Scorsese, will not soften, will not learn what a conscience is, will not admit that there are other artists in his/her world. Even when the artist recognizes talent in someone else, it is quickly dismissed. The ego lords over all.

The final short film, "Oedipus Wrecks" by Woody Allen is typical comic genius. The plot is simple. Woody takes his overbearing mother to a magic show, and the magician makes her disappear. Completely disappear. The magician himself doesn't know how he did it. When mom appears as an apparition in the clouds, and speaks to the entire population of Gotham about her son, the laughs are endless.

In between these two films is one directed by Francis Ford Coppola. I can't tell you what it's about. I have yet to sit through more than ten minutes of it.

They are all good, but...
I cast my vote Woody's way. I just love the interaction between the over-the-top characters, wonderfully portrayed by Allen, Julie Kavner, and yes, Mia is good too -- can't always say that...

The real gem here is one of the final performances by Mae Questel, who once upon a time played "Betty Boop." Soon after this performance she began to decline due to Alzheimers.

This is the zany, neurotic fun that made Allen's early comedies my favorite part of his opus. Once upon a time when I was a teacher, I used "Oedipus Wrecks" with my students as a "visual short story." I had them write the ending of the story before they saw it. We had great fun with it.

Second I'd vote for Coppola's "Life Without Zoe" based, again, on the performances, especially Heather McComb's debut. She hasn't done much of note since, but I really enjoyed her here.

Scorsese's "Life Lessons" felt flat to me, despite Nolte and Arquette, both of whom I usually really like. It seemed talky and more like some of Allen's later work. There is a germ of a good idea here -- sexual obsession versus art and getting on with one's life, but I felt the film just didn't deliver.

I skipped everything but Life Lessons.
But that is an absolutely amazing film. I lived in that world for a very long time, and then got out. The film is dead ON in its presentation of the art world during that era, but what struck me most was the absolute dispassionate fairness with which the two main characters, a famous painter and his young "assistant," are presented.

Here are two people using each other, and at the same time dazzled by each other, each in a completely different way. We are given just a glimpse of the tenderness they must have shared early in their relationship when the dazzlement would have been enough to make them believe that what they felt was love.

The same story could have been told about any of the other NYC worlds where people tend to love mostly their own ambitions and only secondarily the idea of someone else. You get the feeling, watching Nolte, that he's on to himself, but doesn't have a choice. As really none of us does, when it comes to being what we are, and whom we love.

New York, the unperishable
Three directors to approach the diversity of New York.
Scorsese depicts the life of a painter in this city. He is a cannibal and needs to possess a younger woman, slightly artistic to find his momentum and his inspiration. He is the absolute vampire who sucks life out of her till she rebels and goes away, but he needs this resistance for inspiration to work.
Coppola looks at the city through the eyes of a young girl, the daughter of an internationally famous photographer, her mother, and an internationally famous flutist, her father. She lives in that rich world without any parents with her most of the time and finds a