Reviews (373)

We Will, We Will, Rock You!
The vision of a remarkably authentic looking 14th c. tournament audience chanting and clapping to Queen lets you know right off this is *not* a serious historical film but a fantasy set in a land-of-fable fourteenth century complete with punk dressing lady-fairs, disco dancing at banquets and jousting fans who paint their faces with the armorial devices of their favorite champions and do the wave. Geoffrey Chaucer must be spinning in his fancy, Westminster Abbey sarcophagus - or maybe not, his Canterbury tales aren't exactly noted for historical accuracy or logical consistancy either. This movie is eye candy for the ladies: the hero is blond and gorgeous; the villain dark, sinister and gorgeous; the humorous sidekicks are cute and cuddly and the gallant Black Prince noble and beautiful. 'Lady Jocelyn' isn't bad either, and her costumes get progressively more outrageous as the movie goes on. But the best joke is who the *real* Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein was, (yes there was a real one!)

A fun, quirky film
I thouroughly enjoyed A Knight's Tale. It had all of the components one needs for an enjoyable film: action, romance, drama(and not to mention extremely good looking guys) I loved the seventies music mixed with a medievel setting(some people say that that's what ruined the movie for them, but I though it worked) Basically the movie is about a young man(Heath Ledger, gorgeous!) who is a peasant, but dreams about changin his stars. His opportunity comes about when his master dies at a jousting tournament and he has to fill in for him. He meets a writer along the way, none other than Geoffrey Chaucer(played by a hilarious Paul Bettany) who agrees to forge his...papers(I can't remember what they're called), anyway, he enters in a jousting tournament, and what do you know, turns out to be a natural. However, he must compete with Count Adhemar(Rufus Sewell, who is just as gorgeous as Heath and boy, can he play a spectacular villain) for the title and for the princess(played by a stiff as a board Shannon Sossomon) Yeah, yeah, good guy defeats bad guy and gets girl. So it's a little cliche, but it's pure fun. I though the suporrting cast was excellent also. I was rather hoping that Heath would fall for the female blacksmith rather than the haughty princess, but I suppose the masses wouldn't like that as much. Also, James Purefoy who plays the Black Prince is extremely good looking also. There's pleny of eye candy for the girls, and plenty of action for the guys.

Fun, if you still know how to have fun.
A Knight's Tale is what you get when you cross underdog sports drama, comedy, medieval knights, and a healthy dose of Gen X attitude. William Thatcher is a nobody, son of a peasant, fascinated with knights. When the knight he's serving dies before the final round of a joust, William takes a chance and assumes his identity.

The show wastes no time whatsoever getting straight to the fun stuff. The above paragraph is the very first thing you'll see in the movie, and the very next is the movie's first joust set to Queen's We Will Rock You. The twist here isn't just a cheap soundtrack, but the fact that it's interwoven into the movie itself. The jousting audience is more of a football crowd, clapping along to the legendary beat and having fun. The herald trumpet players are even shown to belt a few notes, while the guards step along.

The best example I can think of this previously is Robin Hood: Men in Tights. A Knight's Tale takes it one step farther however by taking it all very seriously. By the end of the show you could almost believe it. Heralds that sound more like boxing announcers, armor with famous looking logos, ultra modern hair and outfits, and even an amazing dance sequence that blends classical with modern set to David Bowie. It's a highlight of the movie and worth watching just for that scene alone.

The best thing I can say about A Knight's Tale is how real it all is, despite it's theme. The modern aspects are blended into the events with real tact, the comedy is honestly funny, and the drama is in no way cheapened by the lightheartedness. It's not exactly Oscar material, but the show has a few honestly dramatic and heart touching moments that are go over extremely well to anyone but scoffing critics.

If you've ever had even a slight fascination with Knights and the joust, give this a watch. It's a great movie filled with all the fun and wit one could ask for. The Gen X attitude may seem like a gimmick, but if you're as tired as I am of lame actors speaking in extremely poor old English, this movie is for you.

Will rock you
This movie was great fun and entertaining. Great film? Nah. Great way to spend an afternoon with some popcorn and Junior Mints? Oh yeah! I enjoyed everything about this movie. I thought it was well cast, well played and well paced.

Fun fluff but poor history
A lot of people seem to like this movie. I can't help but go against the grain here. As an action movie, it seems entertaining enough. As an historical action film, it left me feeling cheated.

The primary reviewer here said: "Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You," you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether." I was one who dismissed it at that point. The "jarring anachronisms" were not only out of place, but they were unneeded and did nothing to benefit the film. The rock music is fine in itself, but did they really have to simulate the crowd dancing to it? Perhaps if they had just had a more "tongue in cheek" approach to this... witness Moulin Rouge and how they played up their use of modern song and dance in the late 1800's. But here the production seems to imply either one of 2 things: you the viewer are either so savvy about historical details that the anachronisms add a light-hearted comic touch, or the producers do not care a whit about how historical details may be judged by the viewer. Had this been a very funny movie I think I could have dealt with it better. ... Read more

Reviews (83)

Funny, funny film with a big heart
"The Full Monty" is one of those rare films that gets comedy and drama JUST RIGHT!! This is the story of Gaz, an unemployed former criminal who is trying to maintain his relationship with his son. When his ex-wife seeks full custody, he must find a way to start raising his support money. He gathers his mates and devises a scheme where they would put on a stripper show. Hilarity ensues.
Robert Carlyle is great in this movie, not nearly as severe and evil as his role as Begby in "Trainspotting." He demonstrates a softer side that allows the audience to root for him. Mark Addy and Tom Wilkinson give strong performances as friends Dave and Gerald, respectively. Dave struggles with his weight and his marriage while Gerald hopes to find a job quickly to pay his wife's credit card bills. These are real life situations these men face. It's all believable and human.
It's no wonder this film was among the five that year nominated for Best Picture. Curses to "Titanic" for being such a big deal! But the Oscars helped more people discover this relatively smaller picture (which I believe is only in terms of budget and gross) and now it has become a kind of cult favorite in the U.S.
One suggestion to American audiences: If you're going to watch the DVD, turn the subtitles on. The accents are thick, so this will help you understand it.

Overlooked British Comedy Is A Real Gem
Last year's cinematic underdog was the real deserving film at the Academy Awards. This comedy about a group of unemployed steel workers who decide to stage a strip show to raise money succeeds because it never lets the comedy mask the real desperation of these peoples' lives. Ostensibly the film is a breeze, the six actors who play the would-be strippers display perfect comedic timing. Robert Carlyle convinces as a scrappy down-on-his-luck ordinary Joe who can't realize he's his own worst enemy. Tom Wilkinson, who plays a laid-off foreman, starts off as a lower-middle class goon but - and to the film's credit - develops into a fully-fledged and sympathetic character. And Mark Addy, as the "fatty" who's thoroughly embarrassed by this scheme mixes toughness and vulnerability well. Far better and cannier than the big-bloated boat epic which swept the awards, "The Full Monty" is a comedy born of resilience in the face of despair. The film never sinks into pathos and clips along like the great old Ealing comedies. It was the best English-language film of 1997. END

I Live in the house where it was filmed!!!!!!!!!!
hey guys! i'm actually from Britain and firstly I'd like to say thanx to every1 who saw the film bought it or loved it! it's nice 2 know that the work of the british film making industry is not going unnoticed overseas!
i loved this film and moved house around a year ago! it wasn't until a neighbour had informed us that our film was actually used in the film and was included in the final cut!
the parts involving my home are quite long ones so watch put for them! here goes:
1, when they're practising in the lounge and are all stood there in their boxers feeling a bit shameful! 2 guys then come in and attempt to reposess his tv! they pick it up and turn round to find the rest of the lads stood there with no clothes on and i believe their words are 'put down and piss off'!
2, the second place where my film is featured is when robert carlyle and the fat guy are stood outside playing with the knomes in their ex-bosses garden! this was again my front garden which i have to admit is now a knome-free zone!
3, the third place where my house is featured is when they are in a bedroom and one of them is laid on a sunbed and i think carlyle enters with a pack of red leather thongs for them each to wear!
i know this isn't really a review so here's a quick synopsis!
the steel industry becomes non existant and all workers are made redundant. in order for carlyle to maintain contact with his son he has to provide for him which involves getting money! however not being work fans he entails his friends and they become strippers in order to make a few bob! the film follows the planning the set backs and they're eventual success! a gr8 film, great plot, great characters, great storyline and no matter how many times you see it you'll always notice something new and it'll never fail to have you in tears! enjoy USA!

Lookin' For Some Hot Stuff
The Full Monty is hard to categorize. It is very funny, yet it is heart-wrenching in places, with great performances by all the actors. So let's not worry about what it is, because it will leave you laughing and smiling for days. Seeing this movie will also boost your optimism and make you charge ahead on those dreams you have had on the back burner. The funny scenes are absolutely hilarious. You will want to watch them over and over.

A motley group of unemployed British steel workers hatches a plan to be male strippers. Gaz, the main character, saw a group of Chippendales dancers pass through town on a one-time show with great success. Although his group lacks the looks and the moves, Gaz is not deterred. His primary motivation for this enterprise is to come up with child support money so he can spend time with his son.

The human interest story is what makes you root for these characters. There is strong language, a scene of attempted suicide, impotence, strong male sexuality, and a homosexual scene. The working-class accents are unbearably hard to decipher for the first fifteen minutes, but you get used to it.

The music is fantastic. This movie is so unique that I wish everyone would see it.

Outstanding in every respect
This is an exemplarary example of the kind of wry, sociologically observant humor that the English do so well (and that we do so poorly, if ever). A brilliant and touching portrait of Sheffield, out-of-work steelworkers, the English working class, gender relations, and much more. I've seen it perhaps a dozen times, and each time I not only have laughed at the same jokes, but have also noticed some nuance that I overlooked before. ... Read more

Reviews (352)

A LOT better than the original
Ok, I'm really getting sick of hearing people flog this movie. The fact of the matter is that it's a lot better than the original in every way. Let's start with the beginning. The original film's first act, yes, the first HALF HOUR is set in a sitting room...with a bunch of people talking. Be careful not to doze off here. Also there is a flashback here, put in for apparently no reason. The scientist, who is never given a name, just wants to see if time travel is possible, that's his only real motivation. Then we are treated to some REALLY godzilla-like special effects and hokey Star Trek: The Original Series sets. When he finds the girl, she has 50s styled hair, speaks perfect english with no explanation whatsoever, and is dumb as a stump. The plot hole here are numerous. Check this out "You mean you have no government?" "No". "You don't work?" "No". If they don't do these things, how the heck do they know what he's talking about? Then the morlocks come bounding out. Remember that old bad monster flick with the guy in the gorilla suit and the deep sea helmet? These aren't far off. Now let's talk about the new movie. Aside from the really annoying "quirk" Guy Pierce comes up with, hanging his mouth open for the entire first act, I liked it. He now has an impotace to change the past, then a motivation to go forth into the future. I loved the broken moon thing, much more interesting than a nuclear attack that sets off a volcano in New York. The Eloi are no longer Star Trek extras, but a real culture. They don't just meander around like zombies but have real tasks to do. When the Morlocks show up, It gets pretty intense. The notion of 3 different kinds was cool. I also liked that Jeremy Irons justifies their behavior. The ending was much better, more fun, and wasn't just some geek professor turning into Rambo and punching out white gorillas.

There Was Potential...
At best, Time Machine was a worthwhile Saturday watch. The effects were top rate and very convincing worthy of even George Lucas' ILM stamp of approval (althought the f/x were done by another company).As a previous viewer commented, it was painful to watch Guy Pearce's performance in some scenes. He either displayed "wooden emotions" or he tried a bit too hard. Also, his appearance looked gaunt and very tired in the first 30 to 40 minutes of the film. The ending or fading out of the film had a sort of Titanic feel with overlapping the past and future together in one particular melancholy scene. Despite the advances in special effects over the past 40 years since the original, the 1960 version will always be the best and is definitely a classic. In addition, the 1960 release produced some very grotesque and terrifying images with regards to the underground dwellers (the Morlocks; who can forget their yellow glowing eyes and savage growls)! However, what was admirable in the new version was the introduction of actor Jeremy Irons' intellectually sinister character role ! To hear him say his lines was like hearing his voice all over again from The Lion King playing the evil Scar. Showing that although the human future race was near extinction the existence of a multi-ethnic population was still possible (unlike the original). What I kept yearning for was more adventuresome exploring by the time traveller before he would finally advance to 800,000 years into the future. Also, it would have been fascinating if the writers or director would have gone the H.G. Wells route where supposedly the time traveller goes so far into the future that the entire planet is near total destruction (possibly leaving the traveler lingering in outerspace). This was the room for potential I was talking about!

better than harry potter and the chamber of secrets
yup this movie is better than harry potter and the chambers of secrets. since that movie didn't have great acting the quiddich game was not appealing.

unbelivable
this movie was unbelivable. since this movie never gets boring.

stunning
this movie i would say is stunning. since this movie has phenomenal action and special effects. ... Read more

Description

Michael Keaton stars as a rock'n'roll dad who gets one last chance to finetune his life -- and prove that "ice" guys finish first -- in this wild, wintry fantasy-adventure frosted with a blizzasrd of special effects! ... Read more

Reviews (42)

JACK FROST DVD REVIEW: A cool movie for families/children!
I remember when I first heard that Michael Keaton and Kelly Preston were going to be in a snowman movie and I was like...why? I was actually expecting this movie to be bad but I was surprised that I enjoyed it a lot! I really liked how they developed the story between father and son and then son losing father. A very touching story that your children will definitely enjoy!

First, the pictures don't do the snowman justice because they really did a good job in the movie making the snow man look good with the use of teaming up with George Lucas Industrial Light and Magic. Awesome!

The video transfer is beautiful and the audio is pretty good considering it's a dialogue movie. As for the DVD, the movie comes with production notes and the theatrical trailer. I wish there was a long featurette and perhaps deleted scenes or something but it's ok... I got more what I expected from this movie.

In a way, I'm kind of happy that Michael Keaton took this role because for a good actor, to make a film for the families/children out there, shows great character.

A cool movie for families to watch together with their children.

I thought that it was very good.
I saw most of this film on HBO and I thought that the film was very good. I don't think that it glorifies death. Who is to say that our relitives don't come back?? It is a movie that deals with a father that dies in an accident. A year later he returns in the form of a snowman. I thought that this movie was sooo good! I thought the film had the right touches of comedy and Drama. I thought that this movie was a wonderful showcase for Michael Keaton. Not only can he be funny and serious, he can also play music too! I thought that this movie should have been treated better. Sometimes we all need magic in our lives. The end scene with the father and son together for the final time had me crying. I think that Jack Frost should have been treated a lot better... Diserves a chance to be seen...

GREAT FAMILY FUN. 16th april 2004.
A great family film for everyone don't hire buy it.

A Different Kind of Warm Fuzzy Movie
I became introduced to this movie when my son brought home a book from school that contained an elementary school-level synopsis of the story. He had me read it to him at bedtime. When I was reading the ending to him, I looked over and saw tears in his eyes. That created the same effect in me and I immediately decided that we WOULD see the movie. It must have been a slow night at the theatre complex because my son and I were the only two watching the movie that night. It certainly added to the special feelings we both had for the movie. Obviously, the VHS was under the Christmas tree next year.

With all that, why did I only rate it 4 stars? Well, as a movie, it doesn't quite earn its' place among the classics. The acting's OK, the storyline is good, the photography, sets and scenery are fine, but it doesn't near the level of a "Wizard of Oz" or "Toy Story". On the other hand, if you're a father with a young son and you're both looking for a good movie to rent on a cold winter's night, I've got a recommendation...

Snowbody Does it Better!
This is one excellent movie.I love it because it's funny,heartwarming wholesome.Michael Keaton is blues musician Jack Frost.One snowy day he gives his son a harmonica as a gift.Later,Jack decides to leave his ban on the road and spend more time with his family.Unfortanately,an accident takes his life.Then his son plays the harmonica and Jack Frost comes back to life-as a snowman!Their father-son relationship will touch your heart and the special effects will make your eyes pop!An absolute must! ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Great Movie But Disappointing DVD.....
Remade many times, Chris Rock's new version of a tale about people allowed a second chance on Earth after premature death is a lighthearted and hilarious film. Some of the new aspects I enjoyed with this remake were the theme of a black man getting a white man's life in his second chance on Earth, the main character's (Chris Rock) life revolving around a career in stand-up comedy and the image of heaven as an exclusive nightclub with an Italian Frank Sinatra wannabe as the boss.

If you're not familiar with Chris Rock you're missing out. Rock is one of the best comedians today but the entire cast gives a wonderful performance with great supporting roles such as Wanda Sykes in the role of a bitter and stubborn maid. "Down to Earth" mixes in a nice romantic tale that leaves you with a happy ending and enjoyable cinema experience. The only negative comment I have about the movie is the short length. The movie lasts 87 minute and seems to end quickly but perhaps thats because it's also a good and deep enough film that you wish it would go on.

In DVD version, the movie is a disappointment. The only additional options included (besides audio setup and scene selection) are a theatrical trailer and a ten minute "Behind the Scenes" clip that resembles something you would see on HBO. Considering the DVD price, if you don't have an objection towards mixing your DVD collection with VHS movies, I'd recommend this movie on VHS if you can find a bargain price for it. Besides the sound/video quality and scene selection option, you're almost buying the same version on DVD that you would on VHS.

Super Romantic Comedy & Minor Flaws
Down to Earth surprised me because I assumed I was getting ready to watch another ignorant black movie and I wasn't in the mood. I was glad to see my first impression was wrong. Down to Earth is a wonderful romantic comedy. Chris Rock does what he does best, keep it funny. He has chemistry with all the characters including Eugene Levy, Chazz Pa(? ) and Regina King.

Lance ( Rock ) is a struggling comedian finally winning his chance to become something great. His life is ended when he's confronted by a lovely vision ( Regina King )while riding his bike. Little does Lance know his number is up and Keys ( Eugene Levy ) is the messenger that takes him up to heaven. Lance is given the option of returning back to earth as a rich white man. The fault with this is that when Lance becomes Charles Wellington, he doesn't KNOW anything about Charles. But shouldn't he know everything if he has BECOME Charles? I guess the filmmakers didn't see the slip-up. Once Lance claimed the body he would have automatically become the dead guy. So why was it he didn't know anything about...himself? Anyway, Charles is a " bastard " to hear Sontee Jenkins tell it. Sontee ( Regina King ) has stolen Lance's heart and the only way he can woo her is through Charles' body. That's when the fun really begins. As predicted, Lance slowly charms Sontee until she falls for him. He also ends up with a shot at playing the Apollo. Everything is where it should be and his life has never been better, except that ( it isn't his life is it?). By the time Lance gets in the true groove of being Charles, the angels find another body. Lance tries to allude them so he can keep Sontee and his newfound good fortune but it all comes to an end. But as all romantic comedies go, Lance ends up getting the girl in an entirely different form.

This was predictable at times. It's a remake of Heaven Can Wait with Warren Beatty. We KNEW Lance would get the girl. We KNEW his dreams would come true. The major faults were stereotypical jokes and behavior against blacks. It wasn't a big deal in this particular film, but it was there and it wasn't needed. This film relies heavily on the differences between the black and white cultures. It does move the film along, but it gets tiresome after the fourth " see-how-we're-different " joke.
The actors give convincing performances. Rock is not my first choice for a romantic lead, but he IS the funniest man in America and he was the hottest comedian in 2001. There is no question why Rock was awarded this film deal. Regina King puts in another great performance. Down to Earth is entertaining but would have been even better with a stronger male lead. But make no mistake, I love Chris Rock.

someone kill me now
dreadful comedy about Chris Rock(Pootie Tang, Lethal Weapon 4) who is a dreadful comedian and he dies and goes to heaven where he meets the gatekeepers, Eugene Levy(American Pie Trilogy, Bringing Down The House) and Chazz Palmenteri(The Usual Suspects, Mulholland Falls) and Palmenteri puts rock into a dead billionares body, where he meets the guys butler, Mark Addy(A Knight's Tale, The Order), his maid, Wanda Skykes(Wanda At Large), a mad woman, Regina Hall or King, one of the 2 and people who killed the guy, Greg Germaan(Tv's Ally McBeal) and Jennifer Coolidge(both Legally Blondes and all 3 American Pie movies). starts off ok but then bellys into a swirl of stupid acting, dreadful comedy and mindnumbing music, leaves you with wanting to kill Rock because he made this movie, kill him and the director. its just blehhh, one of the worst movies of 2001. Greg Cho also stars

Chris Rock playing an old, white billionaire?
Once again, I've discovered that you can't go wrong with a Chris Rock movie. His style and character would make even Titanic hilarious.

In this remake of the 1978 film, Heaven Can Wait, Rock plays Lance Barton, a determined young comedian who's accidentally dragged off to heaven forty years before his time. To make up for the mistake, he's allowed to go back to earth -- reincarnated as Charles Wellington, a fifty-year-old white billionaire. Wellington's family and colleagues are stunned to see the change in him as he becomes more charitable -- and much more attracted to rap music. To their surprise, he even buys a comedy club -- so he can practice his act.

Down to Earth is definitely good for a few laughs. It's worth the rental price just to watch Wellington bustin' a move to Snoop Dogg. And there's even a sweet, romantic side to the movie -- but don't worry... it's easy to ignore.

CHRIS ROCKS!!!!!!! THE MOVIE [IS BAD]
What do you get when you take a legendary comedian like Chris Rock, put him in a movie, and then dump 20 tons of stupid on him?
You get a seriously UNfunny comedy and Chris trying to dig his way out, struggling to breathe all the way. What's sad about this is that Chris' career had been more or less spotless prior to this, thanks to his work on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. This was supposed to be the film to make Chris more accessible to his younger fans, but if theyr'e smart, they'll take one lokk at this and just dispise Chris. I didn't,only because of the funny material he's filled his resume with. The "plot" of the film centers on a comedian,who(unlike Chris)is completely unable to make people laugh. He dies in a truck accident, but later discovers that he was taken up to heaven a split second too soon, so the proper authorities allow him to live out the rest of his life on earth, but apparently, the only body available is a fat, old, rich white dude. Believe me, it's just too hard to believe that this dude's body is the only one available out of 6 BILLION people on earth. Oh sure, you could use the defense that people taken before their time after hogging all the bodies, but just how often are people taken too early. Even more mistifying is why Chris couldn't just hop back into his own body. The only thing worth watching in the movie is Chris, but since he didn't write the material, he's not to blame for the fact that is just plain NOT FUNNY. And that about sums up the movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A Knight's Tale
There's no rule against rock anthems from the 1970s in the soundtrack for a movie about a medieval jousting champion, but if you're going to attempt such jarring anachronisms, you'd better establish acceptable ground rules. Writer-director Brian Helgeland does precisely that in A Knight's Tale and pulls off this trick with such giddy aplomb that you can't help but play along. (Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You," you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether.) Other vintage rock hits will follow, but Helgeland--the Oscar®-winning cowriter of L.A. Confidential--handles this ploy with judicious goodwill, in what is an otherwise honest period piece about a peasant named William (Heath Ledger) who rises by grit and determination to the hallowed status of knighthood.As if the soundtrack weren't audacious enough, Helgeland (recovering from the sour experience of his directorial debut, Payback) casts none other than Geoffrey Chaucer (wonderfully played by Paul Bettany) as William's cohort and match announcer, along with William's pals Roland (Mark Addy) and Wat (Alan Tudyk), and feisty blacksmith Kate (Laura Fraser). Of course there must be a fair maiden, and she is Jocelyn (newcomer Shannyn Sossamon), with whom William falls in love while battling the nefarious Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) on the European jousting circuit. Add to this an inspiring father-son reunion, Ledger's undeniable charisma, a perfect supporting cast, and enough joyful energy to rejuvenate the film's formulaic plot, and A Knight's Tale becomes that most pleasant of movie surprises--an unlikely winner that rises up, like its hero, to exceed all expectations. --Jeff Shannon

First Knight
1995 had already seen the box-office success of sword-wielding heroes in Rob Roy and Braveheart when along came this glossy revision of the Arthurian legend, in which Lady Guinevere (Julia Ormond) is torn between her love for the noble King Arthur (Sean Connery) and the passionate knight Sir Lancelot (Richard Gere). As the story opens, Guinevere's lands are under attack by the evil knight Malagant (Ben Cross), and she must choose between marriage to Arthur and the security of Camelot, or encouraging the affections of Lancelot, who has heroically rescued her from a potentially lethal attack. Anyone looking for meticulous medieval authenticity won't find it here, but director Jerry Zucker (Ghost) keeps the action moving with exuberant spirit and glorious production values. Even if you don't completely believe Richard Gere as a somewhat too-contemporary Lancelot, the performances of Ormond and especially Connery are effortlessly appealing. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (76)

Suspenseful, dark and delightful.
Alex (Heath Ledger) a rebellious priest from a disappearing fringe of Catholicism goes to Rome to determine the cause of the mysterious death of Dominic, his excommunicated mentor. He is accompanied in his quest by Mara (Shannyn Sossamon), a troubled love who just escaped an institution for the mentally ill and by Thomas (Mark Addy), the other living priest of his church. Together and with the help of a Cardinal (Peter Weller) and a murky and devious character named Chirac, he discovers that a Sin Eater, a person capable of absorbing someone else's sins thus granting them entry to the kingdom of Heaven over God's back, was behind the death of Dominic. When the church refuses Dominic a burial in holy ground, Alex, who is supposed to kill the Sin Eater under the Cardinal's suggestion, is instead lured by him to find the truth and understand the meaning of what he does. Then the conflict between Alex's beliefs and desires begins.

This movie has a well-assembled cast (some returning actors from Brian Helgeland's previous movie A Knight's Tale) and great acting throughout, specially from Ledger and Weller. It has a tight-written, coherent script with wonderful character interactions, great moody music and very-well placed and never overdone special effects. The best thing this movie offers though, is a subconscious lingering question about the darkness that surrounds us, be it as sin, demons, or other supernatural beings. In this regard this movie is more suspenseful and scarier than the best of horror movies.

Watch it, pay attention and enjoy.

OUT OF ORDER
Brian Helgeland the director has given us this film, A KNIGHT'S TALE and Mel Gibson's PAYBACK. Helgeland the writer has given us MYSTIC RIVER and LA CONFIDENTIAL. Maybe he should stick to writing, as his screenplay for this movie is so shoddily written, it makes the film incoherent, dull, laughable and ultimately unsatisfying.
Helgeland has reunited three of his stars from A KNIGHTS TALE: Heath Ledger, Mark Addy and Shannon Sossamyn. Ledger and Sossamyn have the looks to be stars; Addy has the buddy support syndrome down pretty pat.
Now, what this film is about ultimately is a person called a "Sin Eater." This mysterious figure eats the sins of those who have been ostracized or condemned by the church, but one never knows whether this is a good or bad character. Helgeland's script also numbs this. The inclusion of the little boy and girl demons is never explained; there are some really dull sequences and the strange bar in the Vatican wholly incredible.
Peter Weller's bald cardinal wants to be Pope is also poorly written and mediocrally performed.
Ledger has one very effective scene that occurs with the apparent suicide of his love. It's the strongest acting moment in the film.
Sossamyn is beautiful for sure, and plays her strange part rather well (why did she try to kill Ledger? It's never fully explained).
Addy and Ledger's chemistry is not as effective as it was in Knight's Tale.
In this time of troubles for the Catholic Church, a film like THE ORDER will certainly not benefit their credence in the religious community. Ledger's fall from grace likewise paints a poor portrait of the clergy.
THE ORDER is not a horrible film, but it's not all that great either.

A Fate Worse Than Death
Writer/director Brian Helgeland and actor Heath Ledger, first teamed up for the enjoyable mideval romp, A Knight's Tale. For their second film together, called The Order, things get a whole lot darker and much less enjoyable.

Father Alex Bernier (Ledger) is a conflicted, rather rebellious priest, who is asked to travel to Rome to investigate the strange death of his mentor. The young priest's investigation leads him to suspect that the death was the work of the Sin Eater, an ancient figure who plays God on earth by absolving the unforgivable sins outside the Church, allowing great evil to go unpunished.

Designed as a thriller, The Order sets up more like the Bible, written in Latin, that you, as the viewer, have to translate in order to understand what's going on. It's a shame that the movie is all atmosphere and no substance. Not even the casting of Peter Weller, who's always good--even if the film is not, can save the movie. Many other faces from A Knights Tale are back, making the film seem like it has potential, but that strategy falls flat too. The thrills and chills are few and far between. I was bored folks.

The audio commentary from Helgeland is ok for what it's worth. But it's hard to relish the making of stuff as much, if the film is sub-par, at best. The DVD extras also include a series of "unrated" deleted scenes that wouldn't have made a difference, if they made it in the final cut. You can also watch a series of dailies, or rough footage, as well. Both the deleted scenes and the dailies are fashioned with optional director's commentary. The theatrical trailer tops off the bonus material on the disc. If you do decide to watch The Order at all, you can do so, in either the full-screen or widescreen formats.

My suggestion: Order up A Knights Tale instead of this rag-tag disappointment.

An actually interesting movie.
Most people did not like this movie, well I understand why. This movie is a bit complecated and artsy so to say :P, but i understood it as a movie in witch you were not supposed to really be scared but instead you should put your self in the shoes of the characters and try to see the world the way they do. Good and Evil nothing more then a bar like place were demons and priests fight, priests with there power of exorcism, and demons with there demonic powers. Its a weird flick ill say that. VERY WEIRD, but i cant deny i dug it.....i mean if you look at it.....in this world of demons vs priests you could say the Sin Eater was like the inbetween guy someone who played outside of the rules, and yet was interesting in the reason for what he did. Nothing more then a man who wants to give redemption for those who cant get it anywere else, In the movie its not Gods fault good people go to hell but its the fault of the church that is not perfect so you could say the sin eater was a fale safe kind of thing for the world.......ok im done sounding like a moron thanks :P

An okay movie!
This is a good movie in a weird way, but most of it is too boring with a stupid plot. You see it once and then you don't want to see it again. If you want to see a movie with very little action and bad acting and special effects, well this is it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kids will enjoy the dinosaurs, gaudy prehistoric decor, and cartoon humor of The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas. The movie begins before Fred (Mark Addy from The Full Monty) and Wilma (Kirsten Johnston from Third Rock from the Sun) Flintstone ever met, back when Wilma was an unhappy rich girl seeking happiness in a less snobby environment. Running away from her smothering mother (Joan Collins!) and an oily suitor, Chip Rockefeller (Thomas Gibson from Dharma and Greg), she winds up at a drive-in restaurant where she meets Betty (Jane Krakowski from Ally McBeal), a waitress who thinks Wilma is actually homeless and invites the runaway to live with her. Our blue-collar heroes, Fred and Barney Rubble (Stephen Baldwin from The Usual Suspects), ask the girls out on a double date, and before long Fred and Wilma bond over bowling. But it turns out that Chip is in debt to a ruthless loan shark and needs Wilma's money, so he invites the couples to his new casino in Rock Vegas, where he plots nefariously to ruin their blossoming love. The plot holds no surprises and the dialogue is clumsy, but there's a blithe dimwittedness to the whole affair that makes it curiously inoffensive. Adults will most enjoy the sly performance of Alan Cumming (Eyes Wide Shut) as the Great Gazoo, an alien sent to Earth to observe human mating behavior. Also featuring Harvey Korman as Wilma's doddering father. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Much better than the first movie
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" isn't what you would expect it to be. Instead of being a sequel to the "The Flintstones," it's a prequel. It shows how Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty came to meet in the first place. Oh yeah, don't forget the well animated Dino. You'll find out some things about Wilma, Barney, and the others that you most likely never knew about, such as Wilma being rich.

If you've ever watched the cartoon series in your life, then you'll already somewhat know how this movie turns out, such as Fred and Wilma being together, but you'll find out a lot of interesting stuff along the way and find out that everything wasn't all smooth sailing for the Flintstones and the Rubbles.

I used to watch the cartoon series of The Flintstones when I was a kid, but I didn't like the movie, "The Flintstones" much at all. "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" is a much better movie than the first one in my opinion. Parts of it are hilarious, and the whole movie is very entertaining. My only complaint is that I sort of doubt that a few parts of the story hold true for a stone age family, such as Mick Jagger being alive and Coca-Cola existing. But there are some of the famous Flintstone antics such as a dinosaur being used as a bridge.

If you've ever been a fan of the cartoon series, and even if you haven't ever been much of a fan, I would recommend watching "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas." It has good acting, it's funny and entertaining, and it has good effects that make it look like a live episode from The Flintstones.

A great time will be had by all...
I was one of the few adults out there who will admit to enjoyed the first flick, but I still stand by that decision. So, I eagerly rushed to the video store to snag a copy of the DVD. I hadn't seen it before viewing it and wasn't really sure what to expect. I shouldn't have worried...the film was great fun.

A little juvenile, a little too silly but what do you expect from a movie based on a cartoon? If you're a fan of The Flintstones tv series or enjoy the work of actors Mark Addy and Alan Cumming you'll be sure to enjoy this flick. The appearance of the Great Gazoo was a nice touch and something well-remembered by this fan. Take a chance...I'm sure you'll love it.

Underrated, Viva Rock Vegas!!!
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" brings the iconic 60's cartoon about the "Modern-Day Stone-Age Family" back to the big screen for a second run. During it's first-run in the theatres people blasted the movie for its changes from the first movie (prequel instead of sequel, B-team cast instead of A-team cast). However, taking a look at the movie on it's own merits you'll find an equally well-done story and rendering of America's favorite Modern-Day Stone-Age Family.

THE MOVIE:

The Story:

Again, this movie is actually a prequel to the first movie as well as cartoon. It tells the story of how Fred and Barney first met Wilma and Betty. Buddies and Rock-Quarry workers Fred and Barney meet Betty and Wilma and engage in a whirlwind romance. Along the way the gang gains a pet dino (Dino) and cross paths with an exiled alien (The Great Gazoo). Things in paradise aren't quite perfect though as Wilma's ex-beau shows up to reclaim Wilma and throw a monkey wrench into the boys' relationship with the girls.

The Cool Stuff:

It's all about the story here and effects here. As in the first movie, Bedrock (and Rock Vegas) are beautifully rendered. All the charm of the cartoons shines through in the film from the way Fred bowls to how he and Barney float into the air when things go right (Yabba-Dabba Doo!!!) all the way to Dino's seemingly perfectly transferred animation from the cartoon to the film. While people lambasted this film, the storytelling is once again done very well. The story is classic Flintstones, Fred does some dumb things to his regret landing him and Barney in trouble, Barney's lovably innocent and the girls, of course, prove they are smarter than the men. The addition of the Great Gazoo to the film is icing on the cake.

THE DVD:

While a little sparse compared to most new release DVDs, there are some nice extras here to enhance your viewing pleasure. Among the goodies included here are:

1. "Making of Feature" - 15 minute feature that talks about, among other things, the making of the Rock Vegas set, the CGI animation and the casting of the actors.

2. Trailers: The theatrical and teaser trailer plus trailers for other movies.

3. Production Notes - more insight into the movie

4. Cast and Crew Bios

THE VERDICT:

Overall this movie was just nice. It may have may have been lambasted or passed by your radar the first time around but if you are looking for a nice rental for the weekend or evening this is your film. The storytelling is very solid and is just classic Flintstones in every respect. In my opinion, the movie is perhaps even superior to the first movie in this respect. All the charm of the cartoon translates perfectly is this movie. The DVD features, while a little sparse, help make this particular DVD a nice addition to your DVD library if you are so inclined to purchase it.

Final Grades:

Movie: 5 stars
Extras: 3 stars

Total: 4 stars

Highly Recommended

"Viva Rock Vegas" See how everyone met and fell in love.
This film is NOT a sequel to THE FLINTSTONES (1994), but a prequel. This story takes place before the story of the first movie. A new cast is in this film telling the story (the movie version) of how Wilma, Betty, Fred and Barney meet each other. When it becomes love at first sight, they all become friends and decide to go to Rock Vegas. Ann-Margret sings "Viva Rock Vegas" to the tune of "Viva Las Vegas". Joan Collins plays the rich mother of Wilma who looks out for best interest. Harvey Korman has a fun role. And Dino is born. Locations include, Malibu, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, California and Blayney Ranch, Palmdale, California. This DVD contains "Spotlight on Location", a behind-the-scenes look of the making of the film. Mark Addy played a wonderful and easier-on-the eye Fred Flintstone.

Mostly [garbage].
Rated 1.5
The actor who played Fred was likeable, but ... dull and unconvincing. The Baldwin brother who portrayed Barney was ideally cast. 'Greg' from 'Dharma & Greg' should've been over-the-top cornball, but he seemed to barely act at all. He seemed like a mildly skewed version of 'Greg', strange that an actor wouldn't want to act completely different. Wilma and Betty are finely casted, though Wilma is a very different from the show. She used to be a 'straight' character, now she's more humorous. Alan Cumming is spectacular as usual, but the script doesn't give him much of anything to do. Joan Collins and Wilma's father, 'Colonel' are perfect.

The SFX are ok, but the script is unredeemably shallow, immature and full of second-rate puns and gags. The biggest payoff is the impressions and the sets, and the original movie had way more of both (along with a decent plot!). The last movie felt like it had a beginning, a middle, and an end, this just slumps the whole way through, but actors help out immensely. I think it tried to be too serious or goofy in scenes. I constantly thought, 'I guess I'm supposed to laugh now' or 'care now'.

I love the surreal nature of having this imaginative world in live action. It sounds strange, but to see Wilma get her pearls is... *weird*. I guess that's where most of my enjoyment comes from, but again, Spielberg did it better.

To put this in perspective, I paid [money] for it and I'm starting to wish I had saved the cash. ... Read more

Description

The Superbit titles utilize a special high bit rate digital encoding process which optimizes video quality while offering a choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. These titles have been produced by a team of Sony Pictures Digital Studios video, sound and mastering engineers and comes housed in a special package complete with a 4 page booklet that contains technical information on the Superbit process. By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added content, Superbit DVDs can be encoded at double their normal bit rate while maintaining full compatibility with the DVD video format. ... Read more

Reviews (373)

We Will, We Will, Rock You!
The vision of a remarkably authentic looking 14th c. tournament audience chanting and clapping to Queen lets you know right off this is *not* a serious historical film but a fantasy set in a land-of-fable fourteenth century complete with punk dressing lady-fairs, disco dancing at banquets and jousting fans who paint their faces with the armorial devices of their favorite champions and do the wave. Geoffrey Chaucer must be spinning in his fancy, Westminster Abbey sarcophagus - or maybe not, his Canterbury tales aren't exactly noted for historical accuracy or logical consistancy either. This movie is eye candy for the ladies: the hero is blond and gorgeous; the villain dark, sinister and gorgeous; the humorous sidekicks are cute and cuddly and the gallant Black Prince noble and beautiful. 'Lady Jocelyn' isn't bad either, and her costumes get progressively more outrageous as the movie goes on. But the best joke is who the *real* Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein was, (yes there was a real one!)

A fun, quirky film
I thouroughly enjoyed A Knight's Tale. It had all of the components one needs for an enjoyable film: action, romance, drama(and not to mention extremely good looking guys) I loved the seventies music mixed with a medievel setting(some people say that that's what ruined the movie for them, but I though it worked) Basically the movie is about a young man(Heath Ledger, gorgeous!) who is a peasant, but dreams about changin his stars. His opportunity comes about when his master dies at a jousting tournament and he has to fill in for him. He meets a writer along the way, none other than Geoffrey Chaucer(played by a hilarious Paul Bettany) who agrees to forge his...papers(I can't remember what they're called), anyway, he enters in a jousting tournament, and what do you know, turns out to be a natural. However, he must compete with Count Adhemar(Rufus Sewell, who is just as gorgeous as Heath and boy, can he play a spectacular villain) for the title and for the princess(played by a stiff as a board Shannon Sossomon) Yeah, yeah, good guy defeats bad guy and gets girl. So it's a little cliche, but it's pure fun. I though the suporrting cast was excellent also. I was rather hoping that Heath would fall for the female blacksmith rather than the haughty princess, but I suppose the masses wouldn't like that as much. Also, James Purefoy who plays the Black Prince is extremely good looking also. There's pleny of eye candy for the girls, and plenty of action for the guys.

Fun, if you still know how to have fun.
A Knight's Tale is what you get when you cross underdog sports drama, comedy, medieval knights, and a healthy dose of Gen X attitude. William Thatcher is a nobody, son of a peasant, fascinated with knights. When the knight he's serving dies before the final round of a joust, William takes a chance and assumes his identity.

The show wastes no time whatsoever getting straight to the fun stuff. The above paragraph is the very first thing you'll see in the movie, and the very next is the movie's first joust set to Queen's We Will Rock You. The twist here isn't just a cheap soundtrack, but the fact that it's interwoven into the movie itself. The jousting audience is more of a football crowd, clapping along to the legendary beat and having fun. The herald trumpet players are even shown to belt a few notes, while the guards step along.

The best example I can think of this previously is Robin Hood: Men in Tights. A Knight's Tale takes it one step farther however by taking it all very seriously. By the end of the show you could almost believe it. Heralds that sound more like boxing announcers, armor with famous looking logos, ultra modern hair and outfits, and even an amazing dance sequence that blends classical with modern set to David Bowie. It's a highlight of the movie and worth watching just for that scene alone.

The best thing I can say about A Knight's Tale is how real it all is, despite it's theme. The modern aspects are blended into the events with real tact, the comedy is honestly funny, and the drama is in no way cheapened by the lightheartedness. It's not exactly Oscar material, but the show has a few honestly dramatic and heart touching moments that are go over extremely well to anyone but scoffing critics.

If you've ever had even a slight fascination with Knights and the joust, give this a watch. It's a great movie filled with all the fun and wit one could ask for. The Gen X attitude may seem like a gimmick, but if you're as tired as I am of lame actors speaking in extremely poor old English, this movie is for you.

Will rock you
This movie was great fun and entertaining. Great film? Nah. Great way to spend an afternoon with some popcorn and Junior Mints? Oh yeah! I enjoyed everything about this movie. I thought it was well cast, well played and well paced.

Fun fluff but poor history
A lot of people seem to like this movie. I can't help but go against the grain here. As an action movie, it seems entertaining enough. As an historical action film, it left me feeling cheated.

The primary reviewer here said: "Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You," you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether." I was one who dismissed it at that point. The "jarring anachronisms" were not only out of place, but they were unneeded and did nothing to benefit the film. The rock music is fine in itself, but did they really have to simulate the crowd dancing to it? Perhaps if they had just had a more "tongue in cheek" approach to this... witness Moulin Rouge and how they played up their use of modern song and dance in the late 1800's. But here the production seems to imply either one of 2 things: you the viewer are either so savvy about historical details that the anachronisms add a light-hearted comic touch, or the producers do not care a whit about how historical details may be judged by the viewer. Had this been a very funny movie I think I could have dealt with it better. ... Read more

Reviews (373)

We Will, We Will, Rock You!
The vision of a remarkably authentic looking 14th c. tournament audience chanting and clapping to Queen lets you know right off this is *not* a serious historical film but a fantasy set in a land-of-fable fourteenth century complete with punk dressing lady-fairs, disco dancing at banquets and jousting fans who paint their faces with the armorial devices of their favorite champions and do the wave. Geoffrey Chaucer must be spinning in his fancy, Westminster Abbey sarcophagus - or maybe not, his Canterbury tales aren't exactly noted for historical accuracy or logical consistancy either. This movie is eye candy for the ladies: the hero is blond and gorgeous; the villain dark, sinister and gorgeous; the humorous sidekicks are cute and cuddly and the gallant Black Prince noble and beautiful. 'Lady Jocelyn' isn't bad either, and her costumes get progressively more outrageous as the movie goes on. But the best joke is who the *real* Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein was, (yes there was a real one!)

A fun, quirky film
I thouroughly enjoyed A Knight's Tale. It had all of the components one needs for an enjoyable film: action, romance, drama(and not to mention extremely good looking guys) I loved the seventies music mixed with a medievel setting(some people say that that's what ruined the movie for them, but I though it worked) Basically the movie is about a young man(Heath Ledger, gorgeous!) who is a peasant, but dreams about changin his stars. His opportunity comes about when his master dies at a jousting tournament and he has to fill in for him. He meets a writer along the way, none other than Geoffrey Chaucer(played by a hilarious Paul Bettany) who agrees to forge his...papers(I can't remember what they're called), anyway, he enters in a jousting tournament, and what do you know, turns out to be a natural. However, he must compete with Count Adhemar(Rufus Sewell, who is just as gorgeous as Heath and boy, can he play a spectacular villain) for the title and for the princess(played by a stiff as a board Shannon Sossomon) Yeah, yeah, good guy defeats bad guy and gets girl. So it's a little cliche, but it's pure fun. I though the suporrting cast was excellent also. I was rather hoping that Heath would fall for the female blacksmith rather than the haughty princess, but I suppose the masses wouldn't like that as much. Also, James Purefoy who plays the Black Prince is extremely good looking also. There's pleny of eye candy for the girls, and plenty of action for the guys.

Fun, if you still know how to have fun.
A Knight's Tale is what you get when you cross underdog sports drama, comedy, medieval knights, and a healthy dose of Gen X attitude. William Thatcher is a nobody, son of a peasant, fascinated with knights. When the knight he's serving dies before the final round of a joust, William takes a chance and assumes his identity.

The show wastes no time whatsoever getting straight to the fun stuff. The above paragraph is the very first thing you'll see in the movie, and the very next is the movie's first joust set to Queen's We Will Rock You. The twist here isn't just a cheap soundtrack, but the fact that it's interwoven into the movie itself. The jousting audience is more of a football crowd, clapping along to the legendary beat and having fun. The herald trumpet players are even shown to belt a few notes, while the guards step along.

The best example I can think of this previously is Robin Hood: Men in Tights. A Knight's Tale takes it one step farther however by taking it all very seriously. By the end of the show you could almost believe it. Heralds that sound more like boxing announcers, armor with famous looking logos, ultra modern hair and outfits, and even an amazing dance sequence that blends classical with modern set to David Bowie. It's a highlight of the movie and worth watching just for that scene alone.

The best thing I can say about A Knight's Tale is how real it all is, despite it's theme. The modern aspects are blended into the events with real tact, the comedy is honestly funny, and the drama is in no way cheapened by the lightheartedness. It's not exactly Oscar material, but the show has a few honestly dramatic and heart touching moments that are go over extremely well to anyone but scoffing critics.

If you've ever had even a slight fascination with Knights and the joust, give this a watch. It's a great movie filled with all the fun and wit one could ask for. The Gen X attitude may seem like a gimmick, but if you're as tired as I am of lame actors speaking in extremely poor old English, this movie is for you.

Will rock you
This movie was great fun and entertaining. Great film? Nah. Great way to spend an afternoon with some popcorn and Junior Mints? Oh yeah! I enjoyed everything about this movie. I thought it was well cast, well played and well paced.

Fun fluff but poor history
A lot of people seem to like this movie. I can't help but go against the grain here. As an action movie, it seems entertaining enough. As an historical action film, it left me feeling cheated.

The primary reviewer here said: "Upon witnessing a crowd of peasants at a jousting match, singing and clapping to the beat of Queen's "We Will Rock You," you're either going to love this movie or dismiss it altogether." I was one who dismissed it at that point. The "jarring anachronisms" were not only out of place, but they were unneeded and did nothing to benefit the film. The rock music is fine in itself, but did they really have to simulate the crowd dancing to it? Perhaps if they had just had a more "tongue in cheek" approach to this... witness Moulin Rouge and how they played up their use of modern song and dance in the late 1800's. But here the production seems to imply either one of 2 things: you the viewer are either so savvy about historical details that the anachronisms add a light-hearted comic touch, or the producers do not care a whit about how historical details may be judged by the viewer. Had this been a very funny movie I think I could have dealt with it better. ... Read more