Reviews (21)

UNFIT FOR FAMILY VIEWING
I was disappointed with the contents of this movie. The story was entertaining but the vulgarity and swearing was uncalled for. I am sure that the Mountain Men's language left little to be desired but I believe that in this movie it was not needed. There were a couple of sexual oriented scenes that made this movie unfit for family viewing. The era of the Mountain Men is a period in our history that we should be proud of and we should be able to share it with our families. It is hard for a parent to want our our kids to expierence the beautiful scenery and adventure of this movie and not be worried about the next scene. I own other movies of the Mountain Men era and this is the first one that I can truly say is not for family viewing.

A Beginning of Accuracy
The Movie "The Mountain Men" was a great beginning in trying to display some form of Accuracy of the way life was during the fur trade era. I would like it remade with actual Indian actors, and with a longer story line. I agree it could have been made without the swearing even though the Mountain Men of old probably had a foul mouth. However, for home entertainment, it's not necessary. The movie is great at this time for anyone's collection, and until it's redone, or another of better quality is released.

"Sit down, flatlander."
Hawken muzzle loaders. Plugs of chewing tobacco the size of your fist. Buffalo robes. Beaver pelts. Jugs of whiskey.

But enough about last night's party.

Director Richard Lang's THE MOUNTAIN MEN is a rough-and-tumble yarn depicting the fur trapping industry's final days in the pristine splendor of the northern Rockies. Even in such a remote region, the demand back East for top hats made of beaver skin resulted in the virtual extinction of the buck-toothed rodents in their mountain habitats; on top of that, silk hats were rapidly becoming the fashion craze, creating even more of a hardship on the gritty mountain men who trapped along countless streams and rivers, searching for what remained of the elusive beaver population.

It was a hard life, predicated on an individual's ability to survive in a harsh environment based on his wits and his bare hands. Interaction with other people was rare--the need to get along with neighboring Indian tribes a must. And infrequently, perhaps once every two or three years, the trappers would unite at a "rendezvous" to trade their pelts for cash and let off a little steam. To say that such a gathering was rowdy and violent is kind of like saying turtles have shells.

Charlton Heston "shines" (a little mountain man lingo, there) as fur trapper Bill Tyler, a quiet man who only wishes to be left alone so he can find that last valley just teeming with beaver. But there's a problem: while fighting off a band of Blackfoot bent on stealing his horses and supplies he attracts the company of a young squaw (Victoria Racimo) who happens to be married to a chief with a very serious attitude (Stephen Macht). Thus Tyler and his new companion are forced to run, and run, and run some more to escape the warrior's wrath.

While Heston is solid in his role, Brian Keith absolutely steals the show as crusty Henry Frapp. Henry, a friend of Tyler's, is a cantankerous, foul-mouthed, fun-loving old coot who vividly breathes life into the mountain man persona. Keith dominates every scene he's in, and he's fun to watch.

Heck, THE MOUNTAIN MEN is fun to watch. The screenplay, incidentally, was written by Heston's son, Fraser, who obviously did his homework concerning this fascinating aspect of the Old West. Grab a plug of tobacco and enjoy.
--D. Mikels

Baudy and Entertaining
This show has a fairly good story line, fine acting and stunning scenery. I saw this show when it was first released and the one aspect of the picture that I think I loved the most is the dialect. This was the first time I ever heard 'Uncle Bill'(Brian Keith)swear! The movie might not be historically accurate, or maybe it is...I don't really know or care. I grew up in Wyoming, and the way Tyler and Frapp carry on as the grumpy, mangy, grizzled old farts that they are just seemed natural to me. The one scene when Tyler happens upon Frapp in the middle of a frozen lake(Tyler has written off Frapp after seeing him 'killed'and subsequently scalped by Indians) and remarks on the scalping "Well, it sure must have smarted some"...Frapp agrees and displays a broad patch missing hair...Take me Bill Tyler..Take me!!! HEH!!!

Very Entertaining and Instructive....for Muzzleoaders
This movie is very entertaining and very instructive for muzzleloading enthusiasts, who participate in shooting and tomahawk throwing contests at annual rendez-vous. It shows several crucial aspects of that rough life of independent, freedom-loving, beaver trappers, or mountain men. This movie may also help to promote the sale of St. Louis Hawken rifles (Heston = Chairman of the NRA) and to raise the interest in a relatively unknown historical era towards the end of the fur trade, between, say, the Lewis and Clark Expedition by the Corps of Discovery in 1803-06 and the Fall of the Alamo in 1836, a simpler historical period, clearly far before the Civil War and its gutwrenching questions raised by the abolition of slavery, and the following unreal "cowboy" wild west fights between ranchers and settlers, as portrayed by John Wayne. The somewhat flat story of this movie "Mountain Men," of "bad indians" versus "good (white male) beaver trappers," partially fighting about an indian squaw, plays out in the Rocky Mountains near the Grand Tetons (Jackson Hole, Wisconsin), just south of the border between Canada and the USA. Some individual special fights and flights are quite well executed, e.g., a jump from a cliff in a foaming river and the portrayal of very old, but still lascivious "Jim Bridger" in his suit of steel at the rendez-vous is priceless. But, don't go to see the movie for the story, but go to see it for the bawdy and rough life style of these free-spirited mountain men, their muzzleloaders and tomahawks and their acoutrements. That life is far less idyllic and Arcadian than the 1837 drawings of Alfred Miller. See it for the spectacular scenery and vistas of the Rocky Mountain. And, of course, see it for Charleston Heston, as a fairly credible 50-year old "Lion in Winter," who, initially reluctantly, but soon convincingly, hooks up with a "trophy wife" in the form of a pretty indian squaw. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"There's an art to being incidental."
An artful little film. The plot isn't original -- estranged father and son reconciling in the nick of time -- and has been done before and since (Jack Lemmon, "Tribute", "Dad"; Paul Newman, "Harry and Son"; Jackie Gleason, "Nothing in Common"). But director Henry Winkler keeps "Memories of Me" happy-poignant rather than tragic, and earns big kudoes for keeping the runaway talents of Billy Crystal and Alan King on-track as much as he does. Where the film shines are the incidentals that make life good.

Crystal plays the straight man, for the most part (only a few runaway moments), Dr. Abbie Polin, a New York heart surgeon who suffers a coronary while working on some nice lady's heart ("Kansas?"). JoBeth Williams, playing his shikse ladyfriend, Lisa ("Dr. Christian"), goads Abbie into reconciling with the father he'd led her to believe was dead. So Abbie is off to California, where Pop, King as Abe Polin, is "the King of the Extras".

Williams' performance is easily overlooked, but she also has one of the best lines in summing up Abbie's aloofness, "You are great in bed, but then you don't know how to hold my hand." And King hasn't often carried a film to this degree ("Just Tell Me What You Want" being another), but he and Crystal are magic together.

Some highlights: Abbie's trumpeting. Abbie keeping up with the pink-clad jogger. The history of the courtroom wawlah. The singing impression/telegram. Abe calling for a hora on Olvera Street, with mariachis ("Have a tequila!"). Abbie standing in as Abe's agent, and Abe's casting interview. Abe rehearsing his death scene ("You will notice that the picture is slightly askew.").

The DVD transfer is anamorphic but otherwise nothing special. What artifacts and graininess remain aren't distracting. Includes the original full-screen theatrical trailer along with pitches for other MGM releases. A blooper reel, if such could be unearthed for a future repackaging, is for now, alas, sorely missing.

Even so, as Abbie says, "This is an interesting collage."

Don't listen to the naysayers -- this is a gem
Billy Crystal and Alan King turn in memorable performances as an estranged son and father confronting past hurts, who finally learn to appreciate one another and thus, get on with living -- just in time. As you would expect from such comedic giants, the timing, humor and chemistry are excellent. A poignant film that balances a heavy subject with humor and thoughtful perspective.

Commical Yet Dramatic
Looking for a Dramatic movie that has some laughs in it?? No...they don't do dumb things like bumping eachother over the head with bricks...it's the funny things they say. If you are into good commedy, you'll love this movie. Lines such as "My gosh i'm shrinking....when i die you can burry me in a shoe box" is just an example of the laughs and tears this movie has in store for YOU!

A realistic reflection of life as a movie extra and more.
Sorry all, my opinion is jaded as I played a bit part in the film as the TOMATO, yes the tomato. They covered my face with green makeup, my legs with green tights and of course a giant round red tomato suit. Going to the lunchroom (sans the tomato suit) was embarrasing but funny too... Hollywood! Also not that anyone will read this but, Sean Connery was in one scene and off camera he and I were checking out a penny on the ground, I looked at him like "no, you take it" so he did! Said Connery "a penny is still money, right?" Why do I remember this stuff?

So Memories of Me will always be a memory for me. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Save your money
This poor quality flick barely kept my attention. I would list it next to the Ed Wood films. I didn't expect a blockbuster, but a good movie would have been nice. Save your money.

UNDER RATED MICHELLE PFEIFFER MOVIE
Michael Pfeiffer stars in this Hollywood tale of glitz and glamor set in the thirties she plays a rising starlet who is in love with a married man and together display uncontrolable passion. With her career on the line, despite hollywood's gossip and scandall, she chooses to continue her affair. When tragedy strikes she must forever live with overwhelming guilt, feelings of betrayl and heartbreaking lonliness. Pfeiffer delivers a stunning performance in this classic tael of love, passion & scandal.

The Most Divine movie I've ever seen!
I loved Power Passion and murder! I could watch it over and over again. Michelle was absolutely divine. I actually thik it diserves more than 5 stars. Way more.

Tiffany Collinsville IL ... Read more

Amazon.com

At the height of his financial troubles, Burt Reynolds took just aboutany acting job that came along.Some were critically acclaimed projects likeBoogie Nights.And some were like Raven.Burt is the title character, the leader of a special ops team who discovers the decoder he was sent to recover is slated to be sold to U.S. enemies, for the personal enrichment of some top CIA officials.He decides to sell the decoder himself while killing the men who betrayed him, but his former brother-in-arms sets out to stop him.Burt's smart: if you're going to do a low-budget, cookie-cutter, action flick like this, play the villain.It's a whole lot more fun.Even so, he seems to be holding back.He did five films in 1997, the year Raven came out, so maybe he was just tired, butthe trademark boyish grin lacks its usual gleam.Director Russell Solberg is a stuntman who's worked on such films as Tombstone and Die Hard, so at least the action scenes are pretty good. --Geof Miller ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Why was this film necessary?
This is one of those movies that turned up on cable and I couldn't help but watch simply to make fun of. A terrible, predictable, poorly acted, horribly scripted carton of eggs dropped on the floor excuse for a film.

Yes, I can accept it's in the action genre - typically many are challenged - but this used every cliche possible at least twice and was completely uninteresting the whole way through. Yes, there's a handsome male lead who happens to have a gorgeous girlfriend despite the fact that he has a horrible job... and yes, he is an ex-solider trying to hide his past. Yes, they have perfect sex (you know... slow, showing only breast, both looking DEEPLY into each other's eyes... pheh!) Yes, his morally bankrupt former commander comes out of the woodwork (despite being thought dead, oo!) and makes him face his past.

I don't want to give anymore of this less-than-thrilling plot away lest you have any inkling to watch it... but try to find a copy of Boondock Saints (from Canada) or get I Come In Peace with Dolph Lundgren and Brian Benben... they at least have a sense of humor.

Violent, shocking and fast movie!
In 1997, Burt Reynolds was at the peak of his finance troubles, and, taking every role offered, he did five or six movie just that year. Boogie Nights was one of those films he did just for the money but that, by fate's irony, saved his career and made him a movie star again (Reynolds is now finishing an action flick with Richard Dreyfuss, The Crew, produced by Barry Sonnenfeld). Anyway, the other ones are not bad movies. The Hunter's Moon, for example, counted with Reynolds' powerful performance, and with a great cast (including Keith Carradine), Crazy Six had a lot os style and plenty of cool scenes (Albert Pyun, the director of this one, is known for having his own way of making films) and Pups, not yet released in the United States, is an interesting hostage drama. Raven is a low-budget action movie. Jerry Katz, a .k. a . Raven (Reynolds) is a cold and cynical mercenary who has to lead his men into enemies' lines to recover a decoder for the Pentagon. They are betrayed by their bosses, and the mission is damned, a complete fiasco. But Raven scapes, and he wants to set scores. He will do what it takes (including blowing up buildings) to have his personal revenge.Russel Sohlberg did few action movies as a director, but the ones he did as a stunt director were impressive. He is responsible for the stunt scenes in the Die Hard series and many others, so, at least, Raven has pretty good adventure moments. From the begining (where Raven's team have to recoved the decoder and get involved in a gun shooting) to the end, the film is a "tour de force" marked by the extreme violence. Burt Reynolds is terrific as the cynical and violent Raven, he has memorable lines and, although Raven didn't helped to rescue his authority back (what was reserved to Boogie Nights), it is a uncompromising entertainment.

good movie!!
burt reynolds' character was very calculating, but matt battaglia's performance was great. would love to see matt playing the lead in more action/adventure movies.

Burt Reynolds and Krista Allen keep this movie interesting.
If it were not for the talent and beauty of Krista Allen, this movie would be a bomb. Burt Reynolds as the evil commander, makes this one of his best roles in recent memory.

Krista is the best!!!!
Krista Allen is beyond great in this film!!! Her acting is the best I've seen, and she's gorgeous to boot. What a talent!! It's worth watching it just to see this up-and-coming actress!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Interesting movie
I enjoyed the movie, somewhat predictable, but worth a look.

Good, but not Great
It was an okay movie, but I don't think I would want to watch it over and over again. Obsessed with writing a report on sexual fantasies, decent and charming writer, Mark Demetrius, (played beautifully by Vincent Spano) goes about it the sexy way--by doing phone interviews with ladies with erotic stories to tell. His obsession goes from the office to real life and before he knows it, he is entangled in a web of lies, sex, and murder! The plot is fast-paced with one enchanted bad event leading on to a sizzling worse event. And when you think things couldn't get any more twisted, the conclusion blows up in your face.

Lots of mystery and intrigue
I thought this movie was intriguing. Just when you think you know whats going to happen, another twist is thrown your way. It keeps moving, and has an unpredictable ending. I really liked it a lot. Spano, as always, is a great actor and highly underrated. Wish we could see him in films more often. If you don't like intrigue, you will like the "sex" scene. He still has what it takes ladies.

A Complete Waste of my Time
This video was rented to me for free on DVD. It looked like a hardcore, riveting film, but I was sorely disappointed. Why must all of these movies be about sex??!! It wasn't good, it didn't have a very good plot and I almost fell asleep trying to watch it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Save your money
This poor quality flick barely kept my attention. I would list it next to the Ed Wood films. I didn't expect a blockbuster, but a good movie would have been nice. Save your money.

UNDER RATED MICHELLE PFEIFFER MOVIE
Michael Pfeiffer stars in this Hollywood tale of glitz and glamor set in the thirties she plays a rising starlet who is in love with a married man and together display uncontrolable passion. With her career on the line, despite hollywood's gossip and scandall, she chooses to continue her affair. When tragedy strikes she must forever live with overwhelming guilt, feelings of betrayl and heartbreaking lonliness. Pfeiffer delivers a stunning performance in this classic tael of love, passion & scandal.

The Most Divine movie I've ever seen!
I loved Power Passion and murder! I could watch it over and over again. Michelle was absolutely divine. I actually thik it diserves more than 5 stars. Way more.

Tiffany Collinsville IL ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Save your money
This poor quality flick barely kept my attention. I would list it next to the Ed Wood films. I didn't expect a blockbuster, but a good movie would have been nice. Save your money.

UNDER RATED MICHELLE PFEIFFER MOVIE
Michael Pfeiffer stars in this Hollywood tale of glitz and glamor set in the thirties she plays a rising starlet who is in love with a married man and together display uncontrolable passion. With her career on the line, despite hollywood's gossip and scandall, she chooses to continue her affair. When tragedy strikes she must forever live with overwhelming guilt, feelings of betrayl and heartbreaking lonliness. Pfeiffer delivers a stunning performance in this classic tael of love, passion & scandal.

The Most Divine movie I've ever seen!
I loved Power Passion and murder! I could watch it over and over again. Michelle was absolutely divine. I actually thik it diserves more than 5 stars. Way more.

Tiffany Collinsville IL ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Save your money
This poor quality flick barely kept my attention. I would list it next to the Ed Wood films. I didn't expect a blockbuster, but a good movie would have been nice. Save your money.

UNDER RATED MICHELLE PFEIFFER MOVIE
Michael Pfeiffer stars in this Hollywood tale of glitz and glamor set in the thirties she plays a rising starlet who is in love with a married man and together display uncontrolable passion. With her career on the line, despite hollywood's gossip and scandall, she chooses to continue her affair. When tragedy strikes she must forever live with overwhelming guilt, feelings of betrayl and heartbreaking lonliness. Pfeiffer delivers a stunning performance in this classic tael of love, passion & scandal.

The Most Divine movie I've ever seen!
I loved Power Passion and murder! I could watch it over and over again. Michelle was absolutely divine. I actually thik it diserves more than 5 stars. Way more.

Tiffany Collinsville IL ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Save your money
This poor quality flick barely kept my attention. I would list it next to the Ed Wood films. I didn't expect a blockbuster, but a good movie would have been nice. Save your money.

UNDER RATED MICHELLE PFEIFFER MOVIE
Michael Pfeiffer stars in this Hollywood tale of glitz and glamor set in the thirties she plays a rising starlet who is in love with a married man and together display uncontrolable passion. With her career on the line, despite hollywood's gossip and scandall, she chooses to continue her affair. When tragedy strikes she must forever live with overwhelming guilt, feelings of betrayl and heartbreaking lonliness. Pfeiffer delivers a stunning performance in this classic tael of love, passion & scandal.

The Most Divine movie I've ever seen!
I loved Power Passion and murder! I could watch it over and over again. Michelle was absolutely divine. I actually thik it diserves more than 5 stars. Way more.

Tiffany Collinsville IL ... Read more