Description

On the trail of a haunted statue, apprentice mystic Kujaku clashes with asuper-powered warrior that isn’t human! The missing statue hoards a demonic power thatcould destroy the world, and the forces of evil will stop at nothing to snatch it! ... Read more

Reviews (43)

A movie that barely gets off the deadly ground
"On Deadly Ground" is definitely not one of Steven Seagal's best movies. In this movie, he stars as an oil rig worker who is environmentally concerned, and he ends up going against his employer who is searching for him.

"On Deadly Ground" does have a plot, but not that great of one and that's really where the movie suffers. If it would've had a better storyline, it could've been a great movie. The action and fighting sequences in the movie are well done. It also has good special effects. The scenery in the movie is another good thing about it with the snowcapped mountains all through the movie.

All in all, "On Deadly Ground" does have some mildly entertaining action sequences, but overall it's just an average movie. I'd recommend getting other Steven Seagal movies such as either one of the "Under Siege" movies before I'd recommend getting this one.

Seagal to World: "Love nature, or I'll kill you."
Seagal or Van Damme?
That's like asking, spastic colon or dysentery?
Unless you're 9 years old, this is worthless debate. They both appear in terrible movies. Van Damme flexes and kicks people in the head (tossing in the splits at some point) and Seagal squints, runs like a girl, and fights dozens of bad guys who move with the reflexes of a tackling dummy.

What really singles out ON DEADLY GROUND is that a real actor, in this case Michael Caine, appears in the film. Here's a new debate for everyone: which check made Michael Caine feel the most "dirty": ON DEADLY GROUND or JAWS: THE REVENGE?

The one truly inspired moment of this film comes at the very end. After decimating an army of thugs and blowing up an Alaskan oil refinery that resembles an earthbound version of the Death Star, Seagal appears at a press conference to lecture us ON SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT! No kidding. He single-handedly destroys our 49th state and then warns us about the threat of pollution.

If you really want to see an impassioned anti-pollution film featuring a hero of limitid acting range, then seek out GODZILLA VS. THE SMOG MONSTER. The Big G was onto the environment message years before Seagal started polluting the screen.

Packing On Deadly Pounds
After making his most successful film in 1992 (Under Siege) Seagal was then given the power to produce and direct a film. Audiences are still suffering today.

Seagal starred in some quick but competent cop on a mission flicks in the late 80s and early 90s. Then something happened. He got power, and he decided he wanted to make a statement. This is rarely a good idea for actors, specifically action movie stars with ponytails.

In this one, Seagal is fighting the evil oil industry. A massive oil company is up to some shananagins in Alaska, and it's up to Seagal as an EPA agent (with a shadowy background) to stop these injustices.

Seagal's solution to the violence and environmentally unsound practices of the company is to kill a number of people and then cause more environmental damage by blowing up a pricey oil rig. The company is headed by none other than Michael Caine, who is sporting oil-black hair and some ridiculous rubber-face makeup. Caine makes the film worthwhile for those who are morbid enough to watch a fine actor's most shameless hour.

I believe, most of the time, that bad movies are not born but made. Seagal may feel that the oil industry is shafting the people, and he is likely right, but the form his statement takes is ludicrous even if he doesn't realize it. Actually, Seagal probably believes he's making an important statement and serious film (while satisfynig fans) and this sincerity is what makes it all the more laughable.

The film is appalling in most respects, but it offers the violence you came to see. Seagal was just plain fat by this point (though he would, in fact, get fatter) but it doesn't stop him from dispatching all level of minion from Caine.

Seagal finally lost it when he made a speech during the finale that denounced the practices of the oil industry. Honestly, the guy might be sincere, and he actually has valid points (there is doubtlessly shady business happening with respects to oil in the world) but his forum is questionable.

The plot has many holes, the victims have holes, Seagal is fat, there is a spiritual angle that exploits typical conceptions of Eskimos and Native Americans and Michael Caine is priceless.

Simply a must for the bad movie addict, this is astonishingly not even close to Seagal's worse. Now that is a real achievement.

SEAGAL TRYS TO ACTUALLY SERVE A PURPOSE
I ALREADY DIDN'T EXPECT MUSCH OUT OF THIS MOVIE, BEING THAT SEAGAL HIMSELF DIRECTED IT. BUT CMON, THIS WAS STRAIGHT UP TERRIBLE! A MAN MUST STOP AN OIL TYCOON FROM TURNING ALSAKA INTO ONE BIG ECOLOGICAL DISASTER. THIS MOVIE'S BIG ON ENVIROMENTAL MESSAGES, BUT VERY SHORT ON THRILLS. I GUESS SEAGAL TRYED TO DO AN ACTION MOVIE THAT SERVED A PUPROSE, WELL, HE FAILED MISERABLY. I KNOW SEAGAL CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS.

Better than Marked for Death
Without a doubt, On Deadly Ground is Steven Seagal's funniest movie to date. Of course, with his directorial debut, Seagal decided to make a movie completely about his political views. As a result, we find ourselves facing not only a bad action flick, but also a lecture about saving the environment at the end of the movie. Other memorable moments include the famous barfight scene where Seagal beats an oil worker beyond recognition, then poses the philosophical question, "What does it take to change the essence of a man?" After recieving the correct response of "time" from his adversary, Steven pats his new friend on the shoulder and moves on to the next scene. What did I learn from watching this movie? Explosions will extinguish fires, oil rigs would constantly be on fire if it weren't for a special device called a "preventer," and that Steven Seagal can actually make a movie that is funnier than Marked for Death using his own directing talent. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

HOMAGE TO AN IMPORTANT DIRECTOR
I've always liked the movies of Robert Aldrich and I bought TOO LATE THE HERO as soon as it was released on the DVD standard. Anchor Bay presents unfortunately only a trailer as bonus feature but the copy is alright.

Cliff Robertson is the Aldrichian hero by essence ; he is not a coward but he prefers to enjoy the Pacific beaches rather than to take part in combats. He's a pessimistic hero in a pessimistic movie. The initial credits set extremely well the tone of the film with these at first flamboyant american, british and japanese flags that become little by little less colourful, less arrogant until they finally fade into the dusty reality.

A DVD zone Big Bob.

Superbly Acted, Action Movie about Courage and Survival...
It is Spring 1942 and the Japanese are at the Zenith of their expansion of their territories in Asia. A seemingly cowardly American Navy Lieutenant (Cliff Robertson)in the South Pacific is ordered to the New Hebrides to support a British combat mission. On arrival there he realizes that the patrol lead by an idealistic British Captain (Denholm Elliot) to destroy a Japanese radio transmitter is a near suicidal one. Robertson and the patrol's medic (Michael Caine) become reluctant partners in staying alive, although in the end for different reasons.

The movie is hard-boiled, realistic and suspenseful right through the very end. Robertson won an Oscar for his role in "Charly" the year before this movie was made. Others in the cast include Henry Fonda and Harry Andrews.

Michael is COOL, But Cliff is DA MAN!
Seldom have I seen eye-to-eye with Robert Aldrich. His films just usually go places I'm not interested. But as a Michael Caine fan in the Sixties, this was a must-see movie for me. I've seen this movie as a teen and as a middle-aged man, so I feel I have to give it two reviews if you'll bear with me.

At fourteen, I went to see this movie at least twice at the theater. Remember, in those primitive days there was nowhere to rent a movie and most films played only a week or two with very little advance hype. If you were lucky, they might hit the drive-in as a double feature with some questionably linked movie. So there was little to give you any idea if a show was your cup of tea beyond the lobby poster. When you think about it, things were kind of lame and idyllic at the same time. Overall, it was the STAR that was relied on to sell the film. Having Michael Caine sold me on the movie. His cockney character, Hearne made a great anti-hero. The story has a weird twist to it with the "wired" jungle and the Japanese are ruthless, but not caricatures. Another unusual situation is the 1000 or so yards of no-mans-land they have to cross as walking targets out of the base and back into it. At this age, I was mostly interested in whether Hearne/Caine was an irredeemable cad or realist rising to the occasion. The ending left me uncertain and somewhat empty. However, since Michael Caine was sooo cool, I went back to see it at least once again before it shuffled off to 35mm purgatory.

Living in the future now, who would have foreseen that we could buy the friggin' movie and BS about it to the whole livin' world?
Now, as I have watched the movie again in the 21st century, via home theater, DVD, remote control, my own microwave popcorn, and beer fridge I HAVE SEEN SO MUCH MORE. From the grinding down a man endures through the decades, I appreciate each of Cliff Robertson's looks as the SNAFU sets in on him. Just to see the situation register on his face from the time his mission is first explained to him to the bitter end is worth TEN Sean Penn tirades. Cliff, you are a mighty actor! When Robertson/Lawson finally takes over the team-after that nail-biting faceoff with the doomed Hornsby-you see that he is the title character and that combat is all about bloody damn survival. Even the nihilist Hearne is impressed. Aldrich probably owes the stature of this film to the terrific work of his two stars. At near fifty, I still think Mr. Caine is cool, but Cliff Robertson transcends acting here and makes like it's the real f'n deal. The "Patton Syndrome" applies here: if you don't like war movies, you'll like this one; and if you love war movies (especially WWII) what are you waiting for pukebag?! Buy this movie!

And now a spoiler...so don't read if you haven't seen TLTH: It would seem that Lawson does not survive the final deathrun, but pay close attention. Hearne makes it back to safety while Lawson has fallen. After catching his breath and praising his comrade to high heaven, he starts back after him. This is the final shot.
OK, I know we're supposed to assume Lawson is dead, but is he? Just because a man goes down doesn't mean he's mortally wounded. Maybe, just maybe Hearne finds him still breathing. Hey, a guy can hope can't he?

A classic
This is my favorite war movie. I don't know why more people don't know this classic. It is easily one of the best of all time. Lots of action. Cliff Robertson and Michael Caine kick some serious backside in this film.

Hate saved their skins, friendship made them heroes...
What do you know about psychological warfare? Not much I guess.

Well, this is a war movie with a major twist. It's much less about shelling the enemy or just drill some holes in him, but more about "really" to outsmart him.

An American officer, an Interpreter in Japanese, who's a real artist when it comes to avoid the battlefield, is about to get a long awaited leave when he suddenly is tasked to help a bunch of British raiders in their endeavor to capture and destroy a forward listening Japanese outpost.

Through thick and through thin (literally), men who hate each other as well as hating the American officer (played by Cliff Robertson) have to face a common enemy who masterfully hides in the Jungle.

One by one they get hunted down by the Japanese. Nevertheless, the mission succeeds, but now the remaining force has to return to base. Not an easy task, considering that the Japanese made prisoners and are using them as bait while they communicate with the only two remaining raiders (Robertson and Michael Caine). Through a microphone and various loudspeakers scattered throughout the Jungle and by performing a highly skillful and mind-shattering blackmail, they try to lure the two to surrender.

A well timed war drama, masterfully played by all the actors involved figuring Ian Bannen ("The Hill", "The Outrage" etc.), Harry Andrews ("The Hill", "The Charge of the Light Brigade", "Battle of Britain"), Denholm Elliot ("Raiders of the Lost Ark", "A Room with a View"), Ronald Fraser ("The Hill", "The Wild Geese") and Ken Takakura ("The Yakuza", "Antarctica", "Black Rain").

If you like two movies into one: a War Movie and a Suspense Thriller, then the price is really low.

The DVD edition is as one may expect from Anchor Bay. No extras included, except for the trailer, but the movie alone is, in my view, a tiny masterpiece and well worth the effort.

By the way, if you're looking for a similar movie, forget it. It's the only one in its genre.
Think about it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very Entertaining!!
This is a very entertaining movie concerning some inept conmen trying to make the biggest bank heist of the 19th century starring James Caan,Elliot Gould,Micheal Caine,Diane Keaton and others.It's a must see!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Fine Retrospective.
"The Golden Gong" is a British documentary, produced in 1987, about Britain's top film studio for many years, J. Arthur Rank. It is hosted in a wonderfully relaxed and witty style by Michael Caine.

To a great extent, the history of the J. Arthur Rank studios is the history of the British film industry--period. Apparently, Mr. Rank made his millions in the flour-milling business, and in the thirties decided to finance some short, and by all accounts rather dull, "message films". Someone convinced him to start making full-length features that might actually make money. As more films were made, the studio expanded and developed its own stable of British stars.

"The Golden Gong", of course, is the symbol that introduced each Rank film--a muscular young man, striking a huge gong. In Britain, it is as famous as the MGM lion, the Warner Bros. sheild and so on. This program has three major ingredients--clips from many of the movies that were produced under the Rank banner--interviews with a number of the stars, directors and others who worked at the studio--and a thoroughly engaging host in Michael Caine.

As you review the Rank output, you are struck by the variety of films produced--from highly-respected classics like " In Which We Serve ", " Henry V ", "The Lady Vanishes " and " Genevieve ", to more wide-appeal, commercial successes like the "Doctor" series, Norman Wisdom comedies and, of course, the Carry On gang.

Since this program was produced in 1987, a number of the key participants have since passed on--we can be thankful that this was completed before some interviews would have been impossible.
Some highlights--Sir David Lean recalling his early years as a film editor before directing "Great Expectations" ( with Alec Guinness' debut ) and "Oliver Twist"--Stewart Granger freely admitting that some of the costume melodramas that he appeared in during the 40s were awful films--Norman Wisdom recalling his early success in film, expecting that the studio would not keep him for more than five minutes. Finally, there are comments and anecdotes from the actor who, for many of us, was THE British star of the 50s and 60s, Sir Dirk Bogarde. Like Mr. Lean and Mr. Granger, Dirk Bogarde is no longer with us, so these interviews are "golden" indeed !

The story concludes with the guy who basically "saved" British cinema, and made these studios--called Pinewood--still one of the most respected and sought-after in the world. The guy ? Bond--James Bond. As Michael Caine explains though, today ( be it 1987 or 2004 ) movies are international. British films are still being made, but with a world-wide audience in mind.

The quality of the picture on this DVD varies greatly, depending on the film clip that you are watching--none of it is poor enough to spoil your enjoyment though.

I would have given this disc 5 stars, except I would have liked even more films represented, and there are no extras at all. However, if you have a particular interest or affection for classic British cinema, "The Golden Gong" is still a fascinating history. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

George Mihalka should have got...
...the bullet before compromising Michael Caine into this. But, what else could you expect from trash made for TV (sorry for the redundancy).

The movie is ok, but the non-stop background music
My God, what a stupid background music non-stop and so loud to almost cover all the dialogues in this movie. I mean, NON-STOP background music and very unsuitable interpretation of the plot, the scenario, no matter what, when, how, why, that disturbing horrible, got-nothing-to-do-with the movie itself background music just kept going and playing not matter what. Drive me nuts just like the other movie, "the perfect storm", the non-stop, totally unrelated background music just play on, so loudly, so unstopable, drive you nuts! Please, this is not a Cartoon, you don't have to emphasize any movement or whatever with a music to get the dramatic effect. This is movie, folks, the music is supposed to enhance the moment that is needed by employ some sound effect. But how could this old concept of 60' Hollywood musical techs would still so stupidly and so dominantly and, so blindly used to wreck so many supposed to be good movies? Well, Suh, that is beyond my pea brain.

GOOD POST-COLD WAR THRILLER
The BULLET TO BEIJING is an intelligent Ian Flemming-type of spy thriller, except post Cold War.

Filmed around the world by a Canadian-Russian production company, Michael Caine leads a terrific cast of actors who put on a top rate, understated performance. Basically, Caine plays a just forcibly retired British M-1 spook who has been put into a midlife crisis by his scaling down intelligence agency. Looking for work, he winds up in Russia working for former KGB people purporting to save the world from a deadly new bio-toxin which is on its way to North Korea through China. Caine's mission is to stop the toxin from getting there.

There is plenty of intrigue and just about the right amount of sex-by-implication, off camera. Also starring in the movie is Jason Connery (Sean's son) who does a decent job of acting as a young British-Russian agent trying to find his place in the new world order.

While not great, this movie tells its story better than the high priced DIE ANOTHER DAY.
For those wishing to see a good old fashioned spy thriller freshened up for the post-Cold war era, see BULLET TO BEIJING.

This is one sad movie
This movie is little more than a parody of the espionage genre. Ridiculous and extremely confusing plot, stereotypical characters, pitiful screenplay, poorly filmed ... I could go on and on but what would be the use? An example of the pathetic story: Michael Caine and Jason Connery are tossed off a train in the middle of Siberia. After five minutes of walking along the train track they suddenly find themselves in an airport outside a teeming city, where they get the last two seats on an airplane. Then, the airplane runs out of gas and serenely lands in a cow pasture where all the passengers grumpily exit the plane. This was just one of a series of scenes that were not only mindless but unexciting.

This movie was so bad it defies belief! Spend your money elsewhere!

underrated, enjoyable and a sting in the tail
A believable glimpse into the self-serving British beauracracy and the modern Russia.
Caine is Caine - superb. The younger Connery is obviously going places.
An informative romp through Russia with subtle nuances and ultimate treachery in store.
Well worth the few pennies for an excellent product. ... Read more

Reviews (187)

Shark Revenge??
Ellen Brody (Lorraine Gary) is convinced that the same kind of shark that attacked her husband and kids in the past is out to finish her family off in this mediocre third sequel to the 1975 Steven Spielberg classic. When he youngest son, now taking over for his father as sheriff of Amity Island, is killed by a shark while investigating wreckage in Amity Harbor on Christmas Eve, Gary escapes with her other son Mike (Lance Guest) for the Bahamas, and meets up with a congenial local airplane pilot (Michael Caine).

But Mr. Whitey isn't through with the Brody family just yet. The result is a series of admittedly scary but otherwise thoroughly pedestrian shock sequences, topped off by flashbacks experienced by Gary to events that she never even witnessed (!!) and a climax that is both totally unbelievable and rather disgusting.

JAWS 4 does boast a good music score by Michael Small, and is directed well enough by Joseph Sargent, a journeyman director who has made at least two great films prior to this--1970's COLOSSUS: THE FORBIN PROJECT, and 1974's THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE-TWO-THREE. But his cause is hindered by Michael De Guzman's inert screenplay, which simply uses the revenge format as a raison d'etre for the scares and the killings. Like JAWS 3, its immediate predecessor, this film is admittedly watchable. But that is ALL it is.

JAWS4 SWEEEET!!!!!
This was AWWWWWWSOME!!!! No wonder it got a PG13 rating, BLOOOD. New invention, SOME FLASHEY THINGEY.That Jaws in this movie looked scarier than Jaws 1, 2 and ,3! New place, BAHAMAHS BABY!! keep shopping!

Best Michael Caine comment
Cheesy schlock that, like the other sequels, buys into the horror cliches that Spielberg so brilliantly subverted for the first movie (does not the scene in the origninal Jaws where a child and a dog get eaten by the monster in broad daylight at a crowded beach right in front of the hero break every horror movie rule?).

However, it did produce one great moment. When asked by an interviewer about this movie, Michael Caine said, "I have not seen the film, but I hear it is terrible. However, I have seen the house that it paid for, and it is superb."

Amazing, simply amazing.........
....amazing that the great Michael Caine would associate himself with such a dreadful movie. This is among the worst movies I've ever seen.

Please do not buy this movie
Let me start off by saying sorrying if my spelling is incorrect and oh yah this is the most terrible jaws movie I have ever seen and it is a disgrace to the first movie and how dare the women who played Brodys wife could ever sign a contract wanting to be in this movie. Second of all throughout the whole movie the shark is "supposibly" trying to track down the Brody family and trying to eat every one of them like it did to one of Brodys sons in the first scence of the movie. And throughout the whole movie Brodys wife some how has some sort of psychic ability to know if the shark is close or something bad is happening that has to do with the shark its a know doubt one 100% quality corny movie. And another thing when they are killing the shark the shark is making loud moaning noises which really goes to how how much the director knows (hey a little hint sharks don't have voice boxes so they cant make any type of noise what so ever). The movie is terrible so please I beg the people who read this review please and i mean please dont buy this movie it is a huge disapointment to all you shark movie fans because I am a shark movie fan myself but in final words don't by the movie ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Making a game out of real murder...and making it fun.
The idea of a movie with only two actors in it may not sound overly exciting, but when you watch "Sleuth" for the first time, you realize that it couldn't have worked any other way. For many years, "Sleuth" has been one of my favorite movies, and remains so to this day. It is cleverly written and superbly acted by both Michael Caine (my all time favorite actor) and Sir Laurence Olivier.

The tag line "Think of the perfect crime...then go one step further" describes exactly what the movie is all about. Olivier plays Andrew Wyke, an eccentric and revered mystery writer invites Milo Tindle (Caine) over to his mansion over a weekend in order to discuss the terms of his affair with his wife. Wyke is known as a lover of toys, games, and deviously cunning games of trickery that he plays on people. Wyke has known for some time that Tindle has been having an affair with his wife, and that he intends to marry her. Wyke sees an opportunity to unload his wife, without the possibility of her coming back and getting deeper into his pocketbook. Knowing him to be broke, Wyke proposes to Tindle a robbery scheme that will solve both of their problems. Things got a bit awry. What happens next would be criminal to give away, but it is one of the most brilliantly crafted farces I have ever seen in a movie.

"Sleuth" was adapted from the stage play by Anthony Shaffer, and it plays out very much like the play itself. There is one setting, two actors, and lots of dialogue. It works very well, because it wasn't overdone in production. I cannot see how this could have worked with a more elaborate setting or cast. What carries the movie are the performances by Caine and Olivier, which ranks among their personal best (and picking ones from such distinguished careers is hard). Their interaction between each other is riveting, since their characters are so cunning. "Sleuth" was made in 1971, and 30 years on, every aspect of the movie has aged well. It is one of those movies that makes time stand still, and you are unaware that 2 hours has gone by at the end of it. That is the token of a great movie.

The Anchor Bay DVD boasts the best transfer and sound quality of "Sleuth" so far, though the previous versions were also very good (including the VHS, which is rare for older movies). The main supplement is the 20 minute featurette "A Sleuthian Journey with Anthony Shaffer", in which the famous playwright is interviewed on his experiences with the play, the making of the movie, and his interactions with the filmmakers. He is jovial and gives plenty of fun anecdotes throughout the interview. Aside from that, there are talent bios and the usual trailers and TV spots. Considering the age and modest budget, not much in the way of extras should be expected.

"Sleuth" is a rare movie that I can watch over and over again, and I am pleased to see that Anchor Bay did justice to the movie with this excellent (and modestly priced) DVD. An easy purchase for any movie fan.

LABYRINTH MAN
Adapted for the screen by Anthony Schaffer, the author of the play, and directed by one of the legends of Hollywood, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, SLEUTH is the perfect movie for you if you like excellent actors, Laurence Olivier and Michaël Caine for instance, a subtle plot with unexpected twists and a superior cinematography.

I was amazed by the admirable production design of the movie. Laurence Olivier's mansion is a dream come true, every objects appearing on the screen seem to have a priceless value and the rooms, including the cellar, are little museums. Joseph L. Mankiewicz had to nail the audience in some way because SLEUTH is not a play with a lot of characters and could have discouraged the viewer if the director hadn't been such a talent. Another (innocent) trick of Mankiewicz is to film the puppets or the masks as if they were alive, you always have the feeling that the characters are not alone in the mansion.

One can regret that the Anchor Bay DVD presents only a scene access and no english subtitles. The image quality was, in my opinion, rather good, without black or white spots. Sound, on the contrary, could have been better.

A DVD for the smart ones.

"Be sure and tell 'em... it was just...a bloody game."
"Sleuth" stars Michael Caine as the young hair-dresser "Milo Tindle" and Laurence Olivier as an upper-crust mystery writer "Andrew Wyke".

Michael Caine is having an affair with the wife of Andrew Wyke. Wyke invites Milo to his country manor to discuss a plan whereby Milo would "rob" Wyke of some expensive jewels, sell them to a pre-arranged fence in Amsterdam, and get enough money to afford Wyke's wife, thus freeing up Wyke to live with his own mistress (and get the insurance money for the stolen jewels.)

Wyke outlines the complexities of the plan, which involve Milo dressing in different clothes, breaking into the house, blowing up a safe, etc, to make it appear to be a legitimate robbery.

There are many appealing aspects to the movie. First is the character of Andrew Wyke, a famous writer of a series of detective-fiction wherein the main character, Lord Merridew, always outwits the rather bumbling police force to solve the crime. Second is Wyke's hobbies, which run the gamut from an ancient chess-like board game, a jigsaw puzzle that is only a white rectangle, and various assorted collectibles such as a full-sized animated sailor dummy. Wyke's gameplaying attitude is extended to the plan of the fake robbery. The third compelling aspect of the movie is the witty, sparring dialogue between Wyke and Tindle.

Although at first, the two characters try to maintain a slightly forced friendly rivaly, but as the robbery unfolds, it becomes clear that Wyke in fact resents Milo and his wife's affair, and is actually setting up Milo to be killed as a burglar. In a series of plot twists I won't reveal, Wyke humiliates Tindle and sends him away. However, Tindle gets the last laugh, literally, in the end.

A long-time favorite movie of mine, it earned best actor nominations for both Olivier and Caine, and a nomination for director Mankiewicz. The DVD has a 23 minute "interview" by playwright Anthony Shaffer, chapters and a trailer.

St. John Lord Merridew's "Death by Double Fault"
Sleuth is Anthony Schaffer's play of mystery and murder brought to the screen. If you are an Oxford scholar you will have no problem with this film. Others may require a dictionary as this is a very erudite work. You also cannot blink, cough, or let your mind wander for a moment or you will lose your place as to what is happening. I say these things because they are true and because it is one of the most intelligent scripts ever brought to the screen. I can only compare the "Brideshead Revisited" script that was done by John Mortimer to match this production from 1972. Michael Caine was at his best, and although Oliver's performance on screen seems top notch, if you have read anything on the making of this film it was reported that he had trouble learning his lines among other distractions. The SETS on this film are memorable! VERY EXPENSIVE and CUSTOM games are everywhere.The music is VERY atmospheric, from the harpsichord improvs to the old Cole Porter tunes. Unusual in that it features only two men without the mandatory love interest that pervades every American picture but their duels do concern a love relationship with women of mutual acquaintance. Oliver is a mystery writer who has a character, St. John Lord Merridew solve all the plots ala' Hercule Poirot. The play and film are tributes to the classic detective fiction of the golden age of the 1930's. "Where every cabinet minister had a thriller by his beside and all detectives were titled." He uses his talent in mystery to entice and trap Michael Caine (his wife's current lover) in a series of games of death within the mansion meant to scorn and ridicule by upper class methods and put a trumped up pantry boy in his place! Caine turns the tables as Inspector Doppler drops by and makes Oliver believe he is going to jail for murder. Eventually the duels lead Oliver to crack under insults to his manhood and he performs the ultimate deed at the untimely arrival of the real police and sees his world that he created of games end in real life tragedy.

Fun & Games With Two Fine Actors
1972's Sleuth is literally a two-man show, with Olivier and Caine matching each other scene for scene in this lengthy 2-hour, 18-minute story revolving around some rather unusual parlor games.

It's a pleasure to watch these two actors at work (or is it "play"?). I've never enjoyed Mr. Caine more.

It's quite unusual to see a movie with the entire cast comprising just two people! And each of them does a bloody good job of holding our interest till the end.

I would certainly recommend this top-notch tongue-in-cheek murder mystery. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Caine works
A lousy ending detracts from a fine performance by Michael Caine. He is worth your time.

SHINER: Reaching for the Gold Ring
SHINER is the rare movie in which nearly the entire cast have the same unreachable goal: to better themselves at all costs. Director John Irvin does a masterful job of presenting a variety of people, most of whom who ought to know better, who have spent a lifetime in the shadows of their more successful competitors and now struggle to stake out their own claim in a world that prizes only the gold ring of success. Michael Caine is Billy (Shiner) Simpson, a brute thug of a small time boxing promoter who is sure that he has been denied top tier status as a promoter only because of his humble origins. He has the drive to succeed but not the boxing talent. Now, his son, Eddie(Michael Marsden), is ready to fight for the light heavyweight championship of England. Eddie is the ticket that will let Billy pass through the ropes that have heretofore kept him out. Billy is so sure that Eddie will win that he bets his entire stake on a win. Eddie feels the huge pressure of knowing that his father's future rests solely on his fists, and he has to battle his own insecurities that gnaw at him even as he steps into the ring. Martin Landau has a standout role as the American promoter who cannot hide his disdain for the upstart Billy. The tragedy of SHINER is not based on a boxing loss nor would a win by Eddie validate the collective insecure egos of all concerned. The greatness of SHINER lies in its ability to evoke even a wretched sympathy for those who whine about their missed opportunity to hit it big.

Back to the Carter days...
This tough British crime film stars Michael Caine as a violent-tempered boxing promoter, Billy Simpson (nicknamed Shiner) who's betting everything on his son to win an upcoming welterweight match against an American fighter--championed by none other than Martin Landau as an equally tough promoter. Things do not exactly go as Shiner hoped they would....

That's the plot focus but it's really the milieu of the British boxing world and Caine's outstanding performance that drive this baby home. Shiner not only has a violent temper; he's also convinced everyone's out to get him. Invoking the same gritty Cockney accent and gangster manner of the lead in the great 1971 Mike Hodges film Get Carter, Caine goes all out. You can see his whole face contort when he's in a rage (often). Compare this to his performance in The Cider House Rules and you can see the terrific range he has.

The supporting cast is very strong with excellent performances by Kenneth Cranham (from the notorious Hellraiser 2), Frances Barber, and many others. This is a great follow-up to Get Carter and an excellent addition to the director's (John Irvin) body of work. Check out his City of Industry with Harvey Keitel, another terrific tough crime film.

Michael Caine's Performance of a Lifetime
Billy "Shiner" Simpson (Michael Caine) is a shady boxing producer who has managed to arrange an important match between his son "The Golden Boy" and an American fighter.

Billy is on top of the world on the day of the fight--everything he has worked for culminates in this night--in this fight. And when things begin to unravel, Shiner does anything and everything to keep the fight and his vision of life on track.

Michael Caine plays this role as only he can. He is amusing and slightly sleazy one moment and deadly the next. Is he just a proud father who pushes his son, or is his ruthless ambition completely out-of-control? Michael Caine is the master of the "ice-cold glance," (notice how his eyelids actually shift shape)and this film showcases Caine's remarkable talent for moving seamlessly from a jocular role to instant evil.

If you are a Michael Caine fan, you may also enjoy "Get Carter." The original "Get Carter"--not the Stallone remake.

Vintage Caine!
I just watched "Shiner" a couple of days ago and some of the scenes still stay with me. It's a terrific little British gangster movie, with colorful characters and an interesting mix of drama and humor.

Basically, the plot revolves around a small-time boxing promotor with a shady background named Billy "Shiner" Simpson played my Michael Caine. Without giving away too many details, the plot involves a murder mystery and revenge. In this respect, the film is very much like Caine's 1971 ganster film, "Get Carter". The difference is that his character in "Carter" was a young cool, calculating, extremely efficient killer out for revenge. In "Shiner", his character is older, more desperate, and far less efficient. But Michael Caine's performance is a powerhouse. He portrays a man who believes himself to be larger than life and in total control, but is actually as vulnerable as the victims he bullies. The movie revolves around his character and you cannot take your eyes off him. It's a shame that the film went direct-to-video because very few people will see this amazing performance.

As for the other aspects of the film, I have no complaints. The other actor's were ideal for their roles. The jazz-filled soundrack subtly accentuates every scene. And the screenplay is filled with interesting humor and emotion, with a touch of cockney flavor.

The only real problem I have with the DVD transfer is that the audio track wasn't distributed in 5.1 surround sound, as it states on the DVD package, which is a little disappointing...maybe I just got a bad disk. But that is a small quibble considering the rewards of witnessing a great actor doing what he does best! ... Read more

Description

With Tomoko and the mystical Dragon Orb in his possession, Siegfriedvon Mittgard now has everything he needs to become the dreaded Regent of Darkness —or so he believes.As Siegfried prepares to use the Dragon Orb to unlock the darkness,Kujaku must come to terms with his unbelievable destiny and rescue Tomoko. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

A movie that barely gets off the deadly ground
"On Deadly Ground" is definitely not one of Steven Seagal's best movies. In this movie, he stars as an oil rig worker who is environmentally concerned, and he ends up going against his employer who is searching for him.

"On Deadly Ground" does have a plot, but not that great of one and that's really where the movie suffers. If it would've had a better storyline, it could've been a great movie. The action and fighting sequences in the movie are well done. It also has good special effects. The scenery in the movie is another good thing about it with the snowcapped mountains all through the movie.

All in all, "On Deadly Ground" does have some mildly entertaining action sequences, but overall it's just an average movie. I'd recommend getting other Steven Seagal movies such as either one of the "Under Siege" movies before I'd recommend getting this one.

Seagal to World: "Love nature, or I'll kill you."
Seagal or Van Damme?
That's like asking, spastic colon or dysentery?
Unless you're 9 years old, this is worthless debate. They both appear in terrible movies. Van Damme flexes and kicks people in the head (tossing in the splits at some point) and Seagal squints, runs like a girl, and fights dozens of bad guys who move with the reflexes of a tackling dummy.

What really singles out ON DEADLY GROUND is that a real actor, in this case Michael Caine, appears in the film. Here's a new debate for everyone: which check made Michael Caine feel the most "dirty": ON DEADLY GROUND or JAWS: THE REVENGE?

The one truly inspired moment of this film comes at the very end. After decimating an army of thugs and blowing up an Alaskan oil refinery that resembles an earthbound version of the Death Star, Seagal appears at a press conference to lecture us ON SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT! No kidding. He single-handedly destroys our 49th state and then warns us about the threat of pollution.

If you really want to see an impassioned anti-pollution film featuring a hero of limitid acting range, then seek out GODZILLA VS. THE SMOG MONSTER. The Big G was onto the environment message years before Seagal started polluting the screen.

Packing On Deadly Pounds
After making his most successful film in 1992 (Under Siege) Seagal was then given the power to produce and direct a film. Audiences are still suffering today.

Seagal starred in some quick but competent cop on a mission flicks in the late 80s and early 90s. Then something happened. He got power, and he decided he wanted to make a statement. This is rarely a good idea for actors, specifically action movie stars with ponytails.

In this one, Seagal is fighting the evil oil industry. A massive oil company is up to some shananagins in Alaska, and it's up to Seagal as an EPA agent (with a shadowy background) to stop these injustices.

Seagal's solution to the violence and environmentally unsound practices of the company is to kill a number of people and then cause more environmental damage by blowing up a pricey oil rig. The company is headed by none other than Michael Caine, who is sporting oil-black hair and some ridiculous rubber-face makeup. Caine makes the film worthwhile for those who are morbid enough to watch a fine actor's most shameless hour.

I believe, most of the time, that bad movies are not born but made. Seagal may feel that the oil industry is shafting the people, and he is likely right, but the form his statement takes is ludicrous even if he doesn't realize it. Actually, Seagal probably believes he's making an important statement and serious film (while satisfynig fans) and this sincerity is what makes it all the more laughable.

The film is appalling in most respects, but it offers the violence you came to see. Seagal was just plain fat by this point (though he would, in fact, get fatter) but it doesn't stop him from dispatching all level of minion from Caine.

Seagal finally lost it when he made a speech during the finale that denounced the practices of the oil industry. Honestly, the guy might be sincere, and he actually has valid points (there is doubtlessly shady business happening with respects to oil in the world) but his forum is questionable.

The plot has many holes, the victims have holes, Seagal is fat, there is a spiritual angle that exploits typical conceptions of Eskimos and Native Americans and Michael Caine is priceless.

Simply a must for the bad movie addict, this is astonishingly not even close to Seagal's worse. Now that is a real achievement.

SEAGAL TRYS TO ACTUALLY SERVE A PURPOSE
I ALREADY DIDN'T EXPECT MUSCH OUT OF THIS MOVIE, BEING THAT SEAGAL HIMSELF DIRECTED IT. BUT CMON, THIS WAS STRAIGHT UP TERRIBLE! A MAN MUST STOP AN OIL TYCOON FROM TURNING ALSAKA INTO ONE BIG ECOLOGICAL DISASTER. THIS MOVIE'S BIG ON ENVIROMENTAL MESSAGES, BUT VERY SHORT ON THRILLS. I GUESS SEAGAL TRYED TO DO AN ACTION MOVIE THAT SERVED A PUPROSE, WELL, HE FAILED MISERABLY. I KNOW SEAGAL CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS.

Better than Marked for Death
Without a doubt, On Deadly Ground is Steven Seagal's funniest movie to date. Of course, with his directorial debut, Seagal decided to make a movie completely about his political views. As a result, we find ourselves facing not only a bad action flick, but also a lecture about saving the environment at the end of the movie. Other memorable moments include the famous barfight scene where Seagal beats an oil worker beyond recognition, then poses the philosophical question, "What does it take to change the essence of a man?" After recieving the correct response of "time" from his adversary, Steven pats his new friend on the shoulder and moves on to the next scene. What did I learn from watching this movie? Explosions will extinguish fires, oil rigs would constantly be on fire if it weren't for a special device called a "preventer," and that Steven Seagal can actually make a movie that is funnier than Marked for Death using his own directing talent. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's a good thing Sandra Bullock knows her strengths and weaknesses, because without Bullock as star and producer, Miss Congeniality would be an insufferable mess as opposed to being a mildly enjoyable trifle that is custom-made for Bullock's established screen persona. Only Bullock's fans could really appreciate this fluff (even then they'll wish its ripe premise had been more intelligently handled), but it's not without some highlights to accompany Bullock's reliable charms. Here she plays clumsy, nerdy FBI agent Gracie Hart, who is given the horrific pseudonym Gracie Lou Freebush (one example of the movie's juvenile tendencies) when assigned to infiltrate a beauty pageant to investigate threats of a terrorist attack.

Transforming Bullock from frumpy to stunning is a piece of cake (although she gives pageant coach Michael Caine a run for his money), so the movie's premise is trivial at best. More enjoyable is her character's uncouth disdain for pageant contestants and her mistaken perception that they're all a bunch of bimbos. The movie nicely charts Gracie's realization that her own pageant makeover provides a much-needed ego boost. In addition to Caine's effortless scene-stealing, pageant host William Shatner and organizer Candice Bergen are smart choices for comedic support (Shatner's a perfect Bert Parks wannabe), but the movie desperately needs a credible foundation for its comedy to really pay off. Bullock's bureau boss (Benjamin Bratt) is an unconvincing dimwit, and none of the plotting is as smart as say Beverly Hills Cop in combining procedure with laughs. That leaves Bullock to carry the burden of a comedy that just barely works in her favor. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (323)

MINDLESS MERRIMENT
Most reviewers seem to agree that if you suspend your credibility expectations and enjoy this frothy romp for what it is, then MISS CONGENIALITY is okay.I enjoyed watching the film, but didn't laugh as much as I would have expected.Sandra Bullock is a competent actress, smart enough to know what she does well and what her fan base wants from her.Going from the rather unfeminine workaholic nerd to the potentially sophisticated beauty, Bullock works her part heartily and seems to be having a good time.The fellow pageant hopefuls are fun at times, but Cheryl's stupidity (When William Shatner asks her about her ideal "perfect date," she comes up with something like "April 21.") is sometimes too broad.Shatner is fun as the Bert Parks wannabe and Candice Bergen is a scene stealer as the pageant's director with a dark underlying agenda.The movie tries to elevate the necessity for these cattle calls by focusing on the scholarship potential, but MISS CONGENIALITY does little to justify their existence.A fun if forgettable flick!

I LOVETHIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT MOVIE! RECCOMEND IT! ALL THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES WERE GREAT. THAT= AWESOME!

amuzing
this was funny but, it just wasnt that good i mean it wasnt bad, but it was sooo predictable.And if you think abut it the plot is really stupid

Turn off your brain and let yourself be entertained.
This film has a really horrible reputation, but it's actually not that bad. Once you turn off your brain and stop thinking about the story, it's actually quite good entertainment.

If you hate Sandra Bullock, this film will probably do nothing to change your mind, but I watched it with very low expectations, and got a really positive surprise.

Oh, and the scene with the talent show, at which she's wearing a tyrolean style dress and making the glasses sing - it's just worth the entire movie. I laughed so much I thought I might never stop.

Does it merit a sequel?
Sandra Bullock is fabulous in the role of a tomboyish, gritty, somewhat klutzy FBI agent Gracie Hart. The story is almost a "Pygmalion" or "My Fair Lady" as an urbane Englishman (played by Michael Caine) seeks to transform Gracie into a lady. The reason is that there has been a coded warning that the Miss United States Beauty pageant is going to be victimized by a terrorist attack. Gracie, is needed for the purpose of going undercover, thus she is transformed into "Miss New Jersey."

In addition to the My Fair Lady similarity, there is also an element of "Rooster Cogburn." In that movie, John Wayne is a Marshall who has his badge taken away due to screw ups but, alas, he is recruited back when he is needed to solve a crime. So too, Gracie has just been assigned to desk duty after she has screwed up an operation but, after an exhaustive search for someone to go underecover, she is reactivated when she emerges as the only possible agent for the job. She is reluctant to take on this role but, predictably enough, is cajoled into it. Also, predictably enough, she views her fellow pageant competitors as bubble heads and has a rather disdainful attitude towards them but,as she gets to know them and form relationships, her estimation of them rises as she enters into genuine friendships.

Candace Bergen is well cast as a former pageant winner who is now the director of it. She is sweet and proper on the outside but, has a dark and calculating underside. Given both this portrayal and her physical resemblence, she would be perfect if they ever have to cast someone to play Martha Stewart!!

This movie, despite its predictability, is genuinely entertaining. Now that there is a sequel, the question is whether this has been played out to the point where none is merited. Perhaps, I will ultimately see "Miss Congeiality 2" and give my opinion in a later review. But, standing on its own, this DVD is fun entertainment and I enjoyed it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Crappy DVD Transfer
OK, so I wasn't really paying attention when I pre-ordered this movie. I was surprised when I checked the invoice and noticed that the movie cost about 5 USD. However, it is fair to say that even at five dollars this DVD is grossly overpriced.

Why? Because this looks like the worst kind of 4th generation bootleg VHS transfer. The video is crap and the audio is worse. This is, without a doubt, the worst DVD in my library (and it won't be there long). I actually checked the packaging to see if in fact this was a studio release.

If you are an afficianado of Mexican bootleg DVD's then this is for you. Otherwise,ZERO STARS .(...) ... Read more

Reviews (43)

A movie that barely gets off the deadly ground
"On Deadly Ground" is definitely not one of Steven Seagal's best movies. In this movie, he stars as an oil rig worker who is environmentally concerned, and he ends up going against his employer who is searching for him.

"On Deadly Ground" does have a plot, but not that great of one and that's really where the movie suffers. If it would've had a better storyline, it could've been a great movie. The action and fighting sequences in the movie are well done. It also has good special effects. The scenery in the movie is another good thing about it with the snowcapped mountains all through the movie.

All in all, "On Deadly Ground" does have some mildly entertaining action sequences, but overall it's just an average movie. I'd recommend getting other Steven Seagal movies such as either one of the "Under Siege" movies before I'd recommend getting this one.

Seagal to World: "Love nature, or I'll kill you."
Seagal or Van Damme?
That's like asking, spastic colon or dysentery?
Unless you're 9 years old, this is worthless debate. They both appear in terrible movies. Van Damme flexes and kicks people in the head (tossing in the splits at some point) and Seagal squints, runs like a girl, and fights dozens of bad guys who move with the reflexes of a tackling dummy.

What really singles out ON DEADLY GROUND is that a real actor, in this case Michael Caine, appears in the film. Here's a new debate for everyone: which check made Michael Caine feel the most "dirty": ON DEADLY GROUND or JAWS: THE REVENGE?

The one truly inspired moment of this film comes at the very end. After decimating an army of thugs and blowing up an Alaskan oil refinery that resembles an earthbound version of the Death Star, Seagal appears at a press conference to lecture us ON SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT! No kidding. He single-handedly destroys our 49th state and then warns us about the threat of pollution.

If you really want to see an impassioned anti-pollution film featuring a hero of limitid acting range, then seek out GODZILLA VS. THE SMOG MONSTER. The Big G was onto the environment message years before Seagal started polluting the screen.

Packing On Deadly Pounds
After making his most successful film in 1992 (Under Siege) Seagal was then given the power to produce and direct a film. Audiences are still suffering today.

Seagal starred in some quick but competent cop on a mission flicks in the late 80s and early 90s. Then something happened. He got power, and he decided he wanted to make a statement. This is rarely a good idea for actors, specifically action movie stars with ponytails.

In this one, Seagal is fighting the evil oil industry. A massive oil company is up to some shananagins in Alaska, and it's up to Seagal as an EPA agent (with a shadowy background) to stop these injustices.

Seagal's solution to the violence and environmentally unsound practices of the company is to kill a number of people and then cause more environmental damage by blowing up a pricey oil rig. The company is headed by none other than Michael Caine, who is sporting oil-black hair and some ridiculous rubber-face makeup. Caine makes the film worthwhile for those who are morbid enough to watch a fine actor's most shameless hour.

I believe, most of the time, that bad movies are not born but made. Seagal may feel that the oil industry is shafting the people, and he is likely right, but the form his statement takes is ludicrous even if he doesn't realize it. Actually, Seagal probably believes he's making an important statement and serious film (while satisfynig fans) and this sincerity is what makes it all the more laughable.

The film is appalling in most respects, but it offers the violence you came to see. Seagal was just plain fat by this point (though he would, in fact, get fatter) but it doesn't stop him from dispatching all level of minion from Caine.

Seagal finally lost it when he made a speech during the finale that denounced the practices of the oil industry. Honestly, the guy might be sincere, and he actually has valid points (there is doubtlessly shady business happening with respects to oil in the world) but his forum is questionable.

The plot has many holes, the victims have holes, Seagal is fat, there is a spiritual angle that exploits typical conceptions of Eskimos and Native Americans and Michael Caine is priceless.

Simply a must for the bad movie addict, this is astonishingly not even close to Seagal's worse. Now that is a real achievement.

SEAGAL TRYS TO ACTUALLY SERVE A PURPOSE
I ALREADY DIDN'T EXPECT MUSCH OUT OF THIS MOVIE, BEING THAT SEAGAL HIMSELF DIRECTED IT. BUT CMON, THIS WAS STRAIGHT UP TERRIBLE! A MAN MUST STOP AN OIL TYCOON FROM TURNING ALSAKA INTO ONE BIG ECOLOGICAL DISASTER. THIS MOVIE'S BIG ON ENVIROMENTAL MESSAGES, BUT VERY SHORT ON THRILLS. I GUESS SEAGAL TRYED TO DO AN ACTION MOVIE THAT SERVED A PUPROSE, WELL, HE FAILED MISERABLY. I KNOW SEAGAL CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS.

Better than Marked for Death
Without a doubt, On Deadly Ground is Steven Seagal's funniest movie to date. Of course, with his directorial debut, Seagal decided to make a movie completely about his political views. As a result, we find ourselves facing not only a bad action flick, but also a lecture about saving the environment at the end of the movie. Other memorable moments include the famous barfight scene where Seagal beats an oil worker beyond recognition, then poses the philosophical question, "What does it take to change the essence of a man?" After recieving the correct response of "time" from his adversary, Steven pats his new friend on the shoulder and moves on to the next scene. What did I learn from watching this movie? Explosions will extinguish fires, oil rigs would constantly be on fire if it weren't for a special device called a "preventer," and that Steven Seagal can actually make a movie that is funnier than Marked for Death using his own directing talent. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

A movie that barely gets off the deadly ground
"On Deadly Ground" is definitely not one of Steven Seagal's best movies. In this movie, he stars as an oil rig worker who is environmentally concerned, and he ends up going against his employer who is searching for him.

"On Deadly Ground" does have a plot, but not that great of one and that's really where the movie suffers. If it would've had a better storyline, it could've been a great movie. The action and fighting sequences in the movie are well done. It also has good special effects. The scenery in the movie is another good thing about it with the snowcapped mountains all through the movie.

All in all, "On Deadly Ground" does have some mildly entertaining action sequences, but overall it's just an average movie. I'd recommend getting other Steven Seagal movies such as either one of the "Under Siege" movies before I'd recommend getting this one.

Seagal to World: "Love nature, or I'll kill you."
Seagal or Van Damme?
That's like asking, spastic colon or dysentery?
Unless you're 9 years old, this is worthless debate. They both appear in terrible movies. Van Damme flexes and kicks people in the head (tossing in the splits at some point) and Seagal squints, runs like a girl, and fights dozens of bad guys who move with the reflexes of a tackling dummy.

What really singles out ON DEADLY GROUND is that a real actor, in this case Michael Caine, appears in the film. Here's a new debate for everyone: which check made Michael Caine feel the most "dirty": ON DEADLY GROUND or JAWS: THE REVENGE?

The one truly inspired moment of this film comes at the very end. After decimating an army of thugs and blowing up an Alaskan oil refinery that resembles an earthbound version of the Death Star, Seagal appears at a press conference to lecture us ON SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT! No kidding. He single-handedly destroys our 49th state and then warns us about the threat of pollution.

If you really want to see an impassioned anti-pollution film featuring a hero of limitid acting range, then seek out GODZILLA VS. THE SMOG MONSTER. The Big G was onto the environment message years before Seagal started polluting the screen.

Packing On Deadly Pounds
After making his most successful film in 1992 (Under Siege) Seagal was then given the power to produce and direct a film. Audiences are still suffering today.

Seagal starred in some quick but competent cop on a mission flicks in the late 80s and early 90s. Then something happened. He got power, and he decided he wanted to make a statement. This is rarely a good idea for actors, specifically action movie stars with ponytails.

In this one, Seagal is fighting the evil oil industry. A massive oil company is up to some shananagins in Alaska, and it's up to Seagal as an EPA agent (with a shadowy background) to stop these injustices.

Seagal's solution to the violence and environmentally unsound practices of the company is to kill a number of people and then cause more environmental damage by blowing up a pricey oil rig. The company is headed by none other than Michael Caine, who is sporting oil-black hair and some ridiculous rubber-face makeup. Caine makes the film worthwhile for those who are morbid enough to watch a fine actor's most shameless hour.

I believe, most of the time, that bad movies are not born but made. Seagal may feel that the oil industry is shafting the people, and he is likely right, but the form his statement takes is ludicrous even if he doesn't realize it. Actually, Seagal probably believes he's making an important statement and serious film (while satisfynig fans) and this sincerity is what makes it all the more laughable.

The film is appalling in most respects, but it offers the violence you came to see. Seagal was just plain fat by this point (though he would, in fact, get fatter) but it doesn't stop him from dispatching all level of minion from Caine.

Seagal finally lost it when he made a speech during the finale that denounced the practices of the oil industry. Honestly, the guy might be sincere, and he actually has valid points (there is doubtlessly shady business happening with respects to oil in the world) but his forum is questionable.

The plot has many holes, the victims have holes, Seagal is fat, there is a spiritual angle that exploits typical conceptions of Eskimos and Native Americans and Michael Caine is priceless.

Simply a must for the bad movie addict, this is astonishingly not even close to Seagal's worse. Now that is a real achievement.

SEAGAL TRYS TO ACTUALLY SERVE A PURPOSE
I ALREADY DIDN'T EXPECT MUSCH OUT OF THIS MOVIE, BEING THAT SEAGAL HIMSELF DIRECTED IT. BUT CMON, THIS WAS STRAIGHT UP TERRIBLE! A MAN MUST STOP AN OIL TYCOON FROM TURNING ALSAKA INTO ONE BIG ECOLOGICAL DISASTER. THIS MOVIE'S BIG ON ENVIROMENTAL MESSAGES, BUT VERY SHORT ON THRILLS. I GUESS SEAGAL TRYED TO DO AN ACTION MOVIE THAT SERVED A PUPROSE, WELL, HE FAILED MISERABLY. I KNOW SEAGAL CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS.

Better than Marked for Death
Without a doubt, On Deadly Ground is Steven Seagal's funniest movie to date. Of course, with his directorial debut, Seagal decided to make a movie completely about his political views. As a result, we find ourselves facing not only a bad action flick, but also a lecture about saving the environment at the end of the movie. Other memorable moments include the famous barfight scene where Seagal beats an oil worker beyond recognition, then poses the philosophical question, "What does it take to change the essence of a man?" After recieving the correct response of "time" from his adversary, Steven pats his new friend on the shoulder and moves on to the next scene. What did I learn from watching this movie? Explosions will extinguish fires, oil rigs would constantly be on fire if it weren't for a special device called a "preventer," and that Steven Seagal can actually make a movie that is funnier than Marked for Death using his own directing talent. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

One of the greatest love stories ever filmed
Lewis Gilbert's 1983 masterpiece, a sensitive and emotionally-satisfying adaptation of Willy Russel's intelligent and insightful two-character play. Gilbert and Russel would team up again for the wonderful "Shirley Valentine," but their work in this film remains unparalleled. Michael Caine gives one of the most memorable performances in an illustrious career, disappearing into his Frank character, and Julie Walters is magnificent as Rita/Susan. The music by David Hentschel is perfectly appropriate, the cinematography by Frank Watts is inspired, the script is both touching and honest, but the magic of this film is in the interplay between the two main characters. This film captures the journey towards self-awareness embodied in education, as the Rita/Susan character develops from hairdresser to student, intellectual, dilitante, and finally into someone very different than at the start of the film yet still undeniably and uniquely "Rita." The greatest gift one person can give another is the love of learning, and thus I feel this is among the greatest love stories ever committed to celluloid. The ending might be "as inevitable as tragedy," in the words of Willy Russel, but the relationship between Frank and Rita made their emotional journey worthwhile, and we are all the richer for their trip.

Good Reason To Love This Film
One of my all-time favourite films, "Educating Rita" is absolutely brilliant rich in truth, feeling, terrific acting and a wonderfully written script which well-draws the two protagonists together. Julie Walters is excellent as the jaunty yet unfulfilled Liverpudlian hairdresser who desperately yearns for an educated mind and the somewhat underrated actor Michael Caine also gives a good performance as her depressed English tutor who wollows in his own self-pity. In eachother, they find a new lease of life and stike a special friendship which eventually benefits the pair of them. And I simply loved the fact that the writer, Willy Russell, didn't take advantage of the fact that they were good friends of the opposite sex and make them a couple and the way in which we see Rita gradually develop and find herself. Terrific stuff.

An underappreciated gem
Julie Walters and Michael Caine are brilliant in this timeless comedy. The plot avoids the all too easy romantic angle to show the empowering aspect of education in a woman's life. Referring to her future, Rita emphasizes her freedom from anyone else's ability to rule her life, whether husband or teacher, emphasizing, "I'll choose." I wish this was on DVD. The soundtrack by Tangerine Dream is the only thing that really dates it.

Because of this film, I'll never view Mrs. Weasley in Harry Potter the same again. Julie Walters is one of the great masters of character development.

Bittersweet and fuuuneeee!
No one can play a world-weary, boozy burnout as well as Michael Caine. Well, maybe Michael Dougla