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Mel Brooks's 1987 parody of the Star Wars trilogy is a jumble of jokes rather than a comic feature, and, predictably, some of those jokes work better than others. The cast, including Brooks in two roles, more or less mimics the principal characters from George Lucas's famous story line, and the director certainly gets a boost from new allies (SCTV graduates Rick Moranis and John Candy) as well as old ones (Dick Van Patten, Dom DeLuise). Watch this and wait for the sporadic inspiration--but don't be surprised if you find yourself yearning for those years when Brooks was a more complete filmmaker (Young Frankenstein). --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (267)

HEY MEL BROOKS WE DON"T NEED A SECOND SPACEBALLS WE NEED
A FIRST ROBIN HOOD MEN IN TIGHTS. After viewing widescreen,fullscreen of the original dvd and the fullscreen vhs and then the TBS presentation not one of them gives you the complete picture.They all give you different corners WIDE;hides the floor and ceiling.FULL;covers elbows and noses TBS;gives you an extreme view to the far right so you can actually see the princess' OLD NOSE!! (which is barely noticible on either side of the original disc) But of course the left side suffers from lack of attention. I don't care what kind of bonus features you put in, bad picture presentation is BAD PICTURE PRESENTATION. All I had to do was read the picture dimensions on the so called "collectors edition" and I knew this was a waste of time and money. And that's a shame because the movie itself is very good and deserves better treatment than just a reissue of the widescreen side of the original disc and a second disc with a lot of fluff.

Collect what? A forced pre-menu trailer?! Not all bad tho!
This is an A++ movie, but the "special" DVD release is not as special as I had hoped.

Let's look at the bad parts first!

The pre-menu "don't pirate this disc" bit is a new live-action waste of time and seems to run much longer than the old-sk00l FBI warnings, despite the new version being in english only.How much money went into producing that claptrap anyway?The usual English/Spanish/French full-screen blurbs are more than adequate.Save the disc space for a better compression rate (not that this DVD release fails where it counts...).

Along with the new, patronizing, live-action piracy bit is an advert for the remake of the pink panther movie.One I was not able to cirumvent by pressing every menu button on my remote.This does not make for a happy viewer.And not just because it's yet another remake of yet another old movie that trashes the old and can't draw in the viewers at the theatres too, making execs wonder what went wrong as they then proceed to make a remake of another old film...but I digress.I also double-checked the price of the disc and all the blurbs on the box.I didn't pay for a pathetic trailer I can't get around.I paid for a movie.Not extra advertising in every place they can shove it.

Also, for "flubs" I had read "bloopers".Unless I missed a menu, there are no bloopers - which are usually far more interesting than pointing out flubs (production goofs such as pointing out the camera tracks in one scene and a poorly set up mirror in another), most people will find or just not care about.I want actors saying the effenheimer or the sclhizzlebler because they couldn't remember a line correctly!!

On the plus side, the opening menu (disc 1) is HIGHLY entertaining if you let it sit there and just run for a while.

DTS sound is AWESOME too.Alone it's worth the price!Specially in the F/X shots, you'll be blown away by the remix - it is INCREDIBLE and exceptionally well done.

Video quality is excellent for a restored 19 year old film too.

Nice to see the trailers and featurettes; especially when they hadn't been given the restoration treatment.(not being sarky here, it's incredible what they can do to restore and preserve film these days!)

The trivia game seems trivial; very obvious questions and the response sequences are too few to maintain interest.

But all in all, the restoration and enhancement of the video and audio is well worth the price.

As for the movie itself...easily one of Brooks' best works and is a great parody of the original Star Wars series, most of which were good in their own right but this parody of the original trilogy is stingingly funny.

I sincerely hope Brooks does a sequel (prequel) to Spaceballs because the "prequel" SW trilogy is so horrendously awful that any spoof of it would rake in far more money, of that I have no doubt!!

DinkDink,DinkDinkDinkDinkDinkDink !
Mel Brooks's "SPACEBALLS" is one of the funniest movies ever! From my childhood until forever this movie is a classic!

One of my favorite movies
I have watched this movie from begining to end so many times that I have lost count! As a clear spoof of all things sci-fi, Spaceballs goes all the way with the references to all the most popular science movies like Star Wars, Star Trek and even Alien.It's technical crew included many of the greats who worked on the original movies that it spoofs.The story is about Lone Starr and his friend Barf who is a half-man, half dog. (He's his "own best friend".) They are on a quest to rescue a runaway spoiled Druish princess who has come too close to the Spaceballs who are trying to steal the pure air from her home planet, Druidia.It is a great story that stands all on it's own without leaning too heavily on the movies that are beinging spoofed.

We needed more Schwartz in the Collector's Edition!
The movie itself is pure Mel Brooks. I really enjoy how Mel brings hilarious havoc to the sci-fi genre, spoofing movies from Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers to Star Trek and Star Wars.I am surprised that MPAA had originally given this movie a PG rating instead of a PG-13 rating since the movie is heavy on adult humor, language, and sexual innuendos - not exactly what I would call a flick for the whole family.Enough about the movie; this review is about the newly released Collector's Edition (CE), especially the bonus material.

The Dolby 5.1 sound quality has been enhanced compared to the original 2000 DVD release, but I will need to confirm this.I'm glad MGM offers a DTS track on disc 1.I have not yet compared Mel's commentary on the CE to the original release.I did make some limited comparisons of the picture quality: The colors are more vibrant (perhaps too much on the red?) and the picture is clearer to my eyes; the skin tones look correct to me. Since the video presentation is not THX quality, you will see some specks and film blemishes. The aspect ratio on the CE (1.85:1 for 16x9) is the same as the original 2000 release, but on my Sony monitor (4:3) the CE widescreen version is "slightly" zoomed in more than the 2000 widescreen released version.

I am disappointed in the Special Features. Why? For one reason, it does not include Rick Moranis.He is mentioned but is not interviewed at all - how can Mel not include Dark Helmet!In addition, you will not find any behind-the-scenes coverage (other than still photos) such as those found on the 2000 DVD release. Mel did not include any deleted scenes or bloopers (no, the film flubs don't count).However, there is a well-produced 29 minute documentary that includes the other main actors and crew members. You will learn that the actors and crew members had more laughs making this movie than the audience had watching it.If this is true, Mel should have included some of those comical moments in the Special Features.Also missing on this CE is a featurette about special-effects.The conversation between Mel and co-writer Thomas Meehan is rather boring, but the tribute to comical genius John Candy is commendable, touching, and about time.

The CE is a 2-disc DVD set.It is a shame that MGM and Mel could not/would not include more about this classic comedy.Overall I give the CE version a 3/5. The movie gets 4/5! ... Read more

Reviews (36)

A movie that made a big splash
"Splash" was a big hit when it first hit the screens back in the 80's and it's still fairly popular today. A man (Tom Hanks) that has been waiting to find the right woman for a long time finally finds her. But there's one problem that he doesn't understand until he really gets to know her, she's a mermaid (Daryl Hannah). How will a man and a mermaid work it out and stay together?

"Splash" is a real entertaining movie and it's not all drama. It tells a story of true love and it does have a lot of drama in it, but it also has a little bit of comedy to it in some parts, and most of that is credit to one of the best comedy actors ever, John Candy, who plays as Tom Hanks's brother. If you like good movies, I definitely recommend getting "Splash." It's bound to make a big splash while you watch it.

One Of My All Time Favourite Comedys!
I will never forget the first time I saw the movie "Splash". It was in California 6 years ago and I watched the tape with my cousin. I thought it was so creative and the acting was so good. It was also a very humorous and did have a few sad parts in it, but all in all, I still liked it and watched it as many times as I could on TV because it was on alot. I then ended up buying my own copy. Ok, enough about me, let me tell you a bit about the storyline

Tom Hanks plays Allen Bauer, a single bachelor who is looking for a love. After a boating accident, he is rescued by a mermaid (Daryl Hannah) and falls in love with her and names her Madison. For he thinks she is a normal, everyday American woman, he has no clue he is dating a mermaid who has 6 days to have legs and not fins!!! Of course this film has lots and lots of surprises, it never tires me out when I watch it!

What a film! No wonder why it is a classic! Rated PG for Language.

SWEET, FUNNY, ROMANTIC, ORIGINAL, WHAT ELSE CAN YOU ASK FOR?
Usually when I hear "an 80's comedy" I really hear "a silly, gross, stupid comedy"...but not this time my friends, because "Splash" is one of the funniest films of the 1980s. You see, it really has it all: funny jokes, tender moments, romance, an intelligent script, and a very charismatic cast.

In "Splash" we can see a very young Tom Hanks (in his comedic period), a promising Darryl Hannah (she didn't quite reach stardom, but in this movie she is great), a hilarious John Candy (in one of his finest and funniest performances), and Eugene Levy, he plays a wacky and clueless scientist.

"Splash" is a movie that effectively combines comedy with romance and fantasy, perhaps the movie succeeded so well because the people involved in the film were youthful and energetic, and they put their hearts in the making of "Splash". This movie is highly recommendable.

Hilarious romantic comedy
I just watched Splash over the weekend on video, for the umpteenth time and I have to say is one of my all time favourite comedies. It still has me laughing out loud and makes me want to weep over the romantic scenes.

A young Tom Hanks plays Allen Bauer, a fruit wholesaler who has just been dumped by his girlfriend. He goes off to Cape Cod one evening after getting drunk and is rescued by a naked beautiful girl (Daryl Hannah) when he falls into the sea. The naked beautiful girl later arrives in New York at the Statue of Liberty in search of Allen whom she also saved from drowning many years ago when they were children. Allen immediately falls for her and spends the happiest days of his life steaming up his appartment and seeing the sights of New York. The only problem is the naked beautiful girl (now named Madison) is in fact a mermaid but Allen doesn't know this.

She has six whole days to stay with Allen and then she must return to the sea. Allen thinks that Madison is an illegal immigrant and offers to marry her so that she can stay with him. She refuses at first and then accepts his offer but before she can tell him her big secret she is exposed to the whole world by a scientist (Eugene Levy) that she is a mermaid. Allen is shocked and backs away from Madison but later realises his mistake and with his brother (John Candy) and the help of Eugene Levy they save her from imprisonment by the scientists.

John Candy who plays Allen's playboy brother is absolutely hilarious. His character is literally larger than life. The comic timing between Tom Hanks and John Candy is spot on. Daryl Hannah is also great as the mermaid who learns to be human in literally a few days. There are some brilliant laugh out loud scenes such as when Daryl Hannah is at Bloomingdales watching television for 6 hours to educate herself in the English language and when she's in a restaurant eating lobster including the shell. There are some great lines aswell such as when Allen mentions about getting married and having children and Madison innocently asks what kind.

Splash is a timeless comedy and is highly recommended to all those who love a bit of romance along with a good laugh.

Lealing

A "Slash" of a Romantic Comedy!
Here's a true piece of Hollywood Candy, a sweet as they come! An 8-year old boy falls off of a tour boat at Cape Cod and is saved from drowning by what appears to be a little girl mermaid. The boy never forgets about what happened that day, although everyone insists he was hallucinating.

Years later, now a man (and played by Tom Hanks), another trip to Cape Cod brings a dejavu: Hanks falls off of a tour boat and is rescued by an all grown mermaid (played by Daryl Hannah). Could it be the same mermaid that saved him when he was a boy? -- The mermaid has normal legs when kept dry, but once douced with water, the legs turn into fish finns. Hannah is able to conseal her true identity, until a "bad guy" exposes her. There are complications, but eventually everything comes up roses.

One great scene is where the grown up mermaid spends 6 hours in the electronics department of a store, and learns the English language fluently by watching tv non-stop. Cute! -- This film is very entertaining and helps us feel compassion for anyone who is somehow different from what society considers the norm. The somewhat predictable ending is beautiful! Highly recommended, especially to the hopelessly romantic cinema enthusiasts out there!***** ... Read more

Reviews (238)

great satire from the late eighties
Mel Brooks definitely lives up to expectations with Spaceballs. This parody of the Star Wars movies will deliver laughs whether you are a sci fi fan or not. The cast of characters (including Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis...and of course Mel Brooks) closely parallels the familiar cast of Star Wars, but Rick Moranis takes the cake as Dark Helmet, the Darth Vader-like figure. ("And now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.")

Personally, I found this movie amusing at 10, and now at 22 I still think it's wonderful. Most of the other reviews give you an idea of what the movie contains, so I won't get into a long explanation, but I have to recommend this one pretty highly as a great comedy.

Spaceballs
The Planet Spaceball has a problem; They're slowly running out of air. However, they have a plan; Capture Vespa(Daphne Zuniga), the Princess of their peace-loving neighbor planet Druidia, which would force their father, King Roland(Dick Van Patten), to give them the combination to the air shield, which underneath contains 10,000 years of fresh air. Instead, the Princess and her droid Dot Matrix(Voice of Joan Rivers), running away from her wedding to Prince Valium(JM J.Bullock), they find her. After being offered $1 million spacebucks, which they need to pay off gangster Pizza the Hutt(Dom DeLuise), space pirate Lonestarr(Bill Pullman)and his half dog/half man sidekick Barf(John Candy)go to stop the evil Lord Dark Helmet(Rick Moranis)and Spaceball President Skroob(Mel Brooks)and along the way, Lonestarr learns the ways of the Schwartz from the everlasting know-it-all Yogurt(Mel Brooks)

This movie, along with "DRACULA DEAD AND LOVING IT" is Mel Brooks at his best. It's fricking hilarious!! Bill Pullman is great as Lonestarr, a spoof combination of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, Daphne Zuniga gives her all as Princess Vespa, John Candy is hilarious as Barf, Joan Rivers is decent as Dot Matrix, Rick Moranis is downright classic as Dark Helmet, a wimpy puny spoof of Darth Vader(He's the funniest guy on this movie!!!)and the rest of the cast is average.

Highly recommended as one of Mel Brook's best and with lines like "I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate", "You are to refer to me as idiot, not you captain!", you won't stop laughing. So see this film.

AND MAY THE SCHWARTZ BE WITH YOU!!

because good is dumb
although not a mel brooks masterpiece this film does not suffer solely from lack of comedic inspiration. in fact i find it to be one of his best. its main problem, in my opinion, was the shift in audiences. for the most part films such as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein catered to an audience that was, by 1987, much older and focusing on family life. plus, brooks' comedic venom was now aimed at a less familiar target in Star Wars. intially, even i had a hard time time convincing myself it was worth seeing. but after repeated viewings i realized that it was as funny as many of brooks' best. now dont get me wrong, you wont laugh as often as you did for High Anxiety but you'll laugh none the less. sadly, the core players of previous films are missing here (Harvey Corman & Madeline Kahn) and it suffers becasue of it but the times were changing and so were the films. only later on did brooks really get into a stupor with Robin Hood: Men In Tights and Dracula: Dead and Lving It, starring the one dimensional Leslie Nielsen.

The Funniest Movie Ever!!!
Spaceballs, a comic masterpiece directed by Mel Brooks, is one of the funniest movies that I have ever seen. I own the trilogy of Star Wars and I watched every movie in the trilogy before I viewed this movie. After I watched Spaceballs, I found myself in a state of pure laughter as I saw Mel Brooks and John Candy imitating the trilogy of Star Wars. Anyone that wants a good funny movie to view should buy Spaceballs today.

Holy Crap it was good!!
This movie was absolutely crazy and funny!! I couldn't help but laugh the whole way! My favorite moment was the spoofing scene of Alien. Sooo funny. Watch Spaceballs and get ready to laugh hard. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

One of the funniest and darkest comedy/musicals of all time!
There's never been a movie like "The Little Shop of Horrors" before, and there probably never will be. The film it resembles the most is undoubtedly "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," but I find it cleverer, funnier, and more enjoyable than that movie, if still as sick in its own twisted little way.

The movie stars Rick Moranis in the role he was born to play: that of a geeky and timid New York City kid named Seymour, who works at a crummy florist shop way downtown along with Audrey (Ellen Greene), a blonde gal who sounds as if she's sucked in too much helium. Seymour is too shy to confess his love for Audrey, and his only way of dropping a hint is when he finds a mysterious plant at another flower shop and names it Audrey II. "I hope you don't mind," he tells her, and then he drops it by the front window of the store in hopes of drawing customers.

It does. The first customer (Christopher Guest) enters with a cheerfully stupid grin and buys $50 worth of roses. "Do you have change for a hundred?" he asks. They don't. "Oh, well, then I guess I'll just have to buy one hundred dollars' worth!"

Business starts to boom, and the plant starts to bloom, turning into a ferocious man-eater that demands a sacrifice of human blood from Seymour to crave its hunger. After a few weeks, Seymour is bone dry, unable to slice any more fingers open and feed his gargantuan plant. "Feed me, Seymour!" the talking plant bellows.

Audrey has a new boyfriend who has been beating her up. He's a dentist, played by Steve Martin, and as he puts it, "I have a natural talent for causing people pain!" He likes to cause people intense pain, walking through his dentist's office and purposely knocking orderlies in the face with door handles and pulling teeth without applying sedatives. "Wait! I'm not numb!" a customer shouts during an introductory song. "Eh, shut up, open wide, here I come!" his dentist yells, starting to drill away.

Steve Martin has played a dentist since, in the undoubtedly lesser but unjustly bashed "Novocaine" (2001). His outing as a pain-driven dentist in "The Little Shop of Horrors" is ten times better, and Martin is truly the highlight of the entire film, from the point when he is introduced riding his motorcycle to the job with a leather jacket (only to strip it off and reveal a white dentist's coat as he enters his office), to the part where Seymour enters his office with a gun in hopes of killing him and feeding him to his plant. Martin doesn't get what's going on, because he's wearing a comedically oversized laughing gas mask he invented that's making him chuckle like a moron. "What are you gonna do? Shoot me? Ha!" The laughing gas kills him before Seymour musters up the emotional strength to.

Seymour drags the dentist's dead body home, chops him up and feeds him to Audrey II, but this is only the start of his worries, because soon the media frenzy centered around the wonderfully odd plant starts to drive him to insanity, as he desperately tries to juggle between keeping a clean conscience and keeping away the media.

Then Audrey II reveals its true intentions - to take over the world with its offspring - and Seymour decides that it's time to stop Audrey II before it gets too far.

"The Little Shop of Horrors" is such a wonderfully offbeat comedy it's almost impossible to dislike. It's one of my favorite comedies, the type of odd little film that doesn't promise to be very much at all but provides a lot.

Frank Oz directed the film (based on Roger Corman's classic), and it was filmed on a visibly low budget, but that's okay, because it's supposed to be that way. It's part of the fun. All the stages are obviously just that, with poorly painted backgrounds of New York City and the skyline. You can literally see the cracks in the wall where the different stages meet with each other. And it's great! It makes the movie, and the movie knows it isn't anything special. At one point, Audrey has a dream sequence of living in a nice little Brady Bunch home, and we see Seymour cutting the lawn with a lawnmower. It's so cheesy and fake that it barely meets the quality standards of a children's television show - but, once again, it helps makes the movie.

The movie has tons of cameos, too, including James Belushi, John Candy, Christopher Guest, Bill Murray, et al. And if the guest stars, dark humor, and delightful direction don't interest you, perhaps the songs will - because many of them are quite good. The highlight is "Suddenly Seymour," in which Seymour and Audrey have a duet, and Audrey's voice suddenly turns from meek to booming, overpowering Seymour's lyrics and pounding the stage.

This is the definition of a cult film. Everything about it just strikes you as a cult film. But whereas "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is a cult film for - in my opinion - sick people, "The Little Shop of Horrors" is a cult film for people who love comedy. It's all in good nature, with cheery little musical numbers every once and a while that are as funny as the songs in "The Blues Brothers," if not more so. But what makes the film particularly different from the rest is its deliciously dark humor - especially for a mainstream comedy like this. From the plant's adamant bloodlust to the shadowy image of Steve Martin slapping Audrey around behind a backlit stage prop, this is one of the funniest, darkest, and yet also cheerfully lightweight comedies ever.

What a Great Film it Could Have Been
Little Shop of Horrors is the definitive modern musical comedy. The music, as written by Alan Menkin, is melodic and beautiful, with some of the best lyrics in recent memory. The pacing is quick, with sharp directing by Frank Oz and great comedic performances by Steve Martin, Ellen Greene, and Rick Moranis (and the very over-rated Bill Murray, in a painfully extended cameo as a masochistic dental patient). The film knows that it isn't art, or thought-provoking, which is what keeps it from being truly campy. But what prevents it from being great is the extremely controversial, oft-discussed original ending.
In the play, Audrey and Seymour are eaten by Audrey II, and the Greek Chorus sings a cautionary song to the audience. In the movie, Audrey survives, Seymour electrocutes Audrey II, and they all live happily ever after. It wasn't always so, however. Oz had filmed the play's ending, but in test screenings, the audience was angry and appalled, so Oz opted to reshoot the film for the ending as it is.
In 1998. a Special Edition DVD was released with a VERY rough cut of the original ending, but it was pulled from the shelves by the producer after only two days. A second release DVD came out in 2000, sans original ending. The first issue DVD has become a collector's item of the highest degree, often selling at online auction sites for upwards of $100.
Well, I own that first issue DVD, and having seen what the film could have been, I can't rate it higher than 3 stars. In that ending, Audrey's death is handled with dramatic emotion now absent from the film, never playing for laughs. There is a breathtaking Death March (Now available on the New Broadway Cast Album) as Seymour carries her body to Audrey II. Seymour undergoes a psychological spiral within minutes, before being devoured by the plant. And during the finale, "Don't Feed the Plants," many enormous Audrey II's are shown wrecking havoc on a devastated New York City, blowing up cinemas, eating trains, and crushing the very symbol of our country, the Statue of Liberty (sort of). Had this ending been used, the film would have been a memorable masterpiece, but as is, it is merely a forgetable (if enjoyable) musical flop.
It's a shame Frank Oz surrendered his vision to please the people. I can only imagine what the ending would have been like in full technicolor on the big screen.
Let's hope for a 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition DVD in 2006 with a re-edited film containing the original ending, as promised by the producer when he had the disks puled from the shelves.
Little Shop of Horrors is a fun film, if not for younger audiences. If you have 90 minutes to spare and are a fan of musical theatre, check out this modern classic-that-should-have-been, about a singing plant, a daring hero, a sweet girl, and a demented dentist.

Mean, Green and Mad!
Can you imagine Barbra Streisand in this film as Audrey? Although everyone familiar with this movie (and stage musical) immediatly sees Ellen Green in the part, we find out from the documentary on this disc that Babs was offered the role first. Thankfully she wasn't interested.
The film itself is the best stage-to-screen musical adapt. since Grease and none (even Chicago) have since come along to beat it. The music by Alan Menken and the lyrics by the late, great Howard Ashman are fantastically intertwined to evoke laughs as much as the required early-1960's atmosphere. This talented duo went on to score Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and (in part, due to Ashman's death) Aladdin. When listening to Little Shop's Somewhere That's Green it's easy to see where Mermaid's Part of Your World came from.
The cast are uniformly excellent and succeeded in making their parts their own (meaning that any production now seen on stage features clones of Moranis, Green, Martin etc.). Rick Moranis as Seymour seems to have been born to play the part and his singing voice comes as something of a revelation! Green, as I have already said, IS Audrey but Steve Martin just about manages to steal the entire film from all of them in an extended cameo as Orin the sadistic dentist. Other cameos include James Belushi, John Candy and (brilliantly) Bill Murray.
Audrey II (the plant) is a wonder of engineering and puppetry and watching the film now, I couldn't help but think that if this movie was made today Audrey II would be CGI - impact lost! Thank goodness then, that Frank Oz, director and some-time Muppet-man, gathered a group of talented people together to create a truly startling character. Although the character would be nothing without Levi Stubbs so wonderfully providing his voice.
Wisely it was decided to change the ending from the stage shows bleak (and, frankly, poor) conclusion to a more up-beat and 'Hollywood-style' finale. The original ending is glimpsed in the all-too-short deleted scenes section of this disc, as a couple of Audrey IIs attack a building, but it would have been nice to see the scene in tact perhaps with an option to swap it for the actual ending when watching the film. Also the inclusion of 'Mean, Green Mother' really helps the second half of the film which sadly sags in the show due to the absence of such a show-stopping number.
The 'making of' was made of the time and so is light and fluffy. I would have prefered a little more depth on the realisation of Audrey II. The trailers are worth watching - mini masterpieces of campy kitch but Oz's commentary is a little on the ponderous side.
So, in conclusion, the extras are acceptable if a little dull, but who needs extras when the film is as thoroughly enjoyable and toe-tapping as this! Just remember: - whatever they offer you - don't feed the plants.

Fun, Fun and way out fun!
This off beat musical comedy is too fun, too sick and just plan rolicking for words!

The cast is perfectly matched to each character, the do wop Motown ala Crystals combined with Levi's rock out bass as "da plant" draws you onto the screen!

One for today's generation, sophisticates and those who want to really enjoy a musical - when it's over, all you want to say is "Wasn't that a lot of fun!"

Rent it, buy it, but ENJOY it.........

Oz & Corman-Fabulous Musical With TONS OF SURPRISE CAMEOS!
Frank Oz's masterpiece of Roger Corman's B- Schlock Horror movie of the same name. Originally produced off broadway, it had a very successful run. So... What is Hollywood to do but make it into a blockbuster with big name stars and cameos.

Ellen Greene as the plucky Audrey, who also played the part on stage, Steve Martin as the sado-masochistic Dr. Orin Scrivello, DDS, Rick Moranis as the milquetoast Seymour, Vincent Gardenia as the crusty Mr. Mushnik & the voice of Levi Stubbs as the people-eating, mean green mother from outer-space, Audrey II.

Bill Murray has a hilarious cameo as Arthur Denton, the pain loving dental patient. He screams CANDY BAAAAR whilst the dentist inflicts pain upon him! John Candy cameo as the radio announcer, Wink Wilkinson, Jim Belushi as Patrick Martin, Christopher Guest as the first flower shop customer.

Great musical numbers from all, especially Ellen Greene who has one of the best set of pipes EVER!

Great family movie with only mildly irreverent language.

Happy Watching! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bill Murray was heading toward a career peak on the back of comedies such as this one from 1981, the second film in his ongoing collaboration with director Ivan Reitman (the two went on to make Ghostbusters). Murray plays a chronic loser who joins the army and fails to find a fan for his ironic sensibilities in his by-the-book sergeant (Warren Oates). When push comes to shove, however, the smirking hero takes charge of his ragtag unit and turns them into fighting machines, albeit to the rhythm of hit songs by Manfred Mann and Sly Stone. The film is occasionally funny, but it mostly plays like any one of a dozen underachieving comedies featuring players from Saturday Night Live and SCTV. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Classic Bill Murray
If you like Bill- this movie in my opinion is a must own. This is Bill at his best!! I have the older version of this dvd- and this version has more "goods" do I would easily reccomend!!!!!
4 1/2 stars

Not exactly the special edition we were hoping for, but...
If you grew up during the 1980s, chances are you saw or heard of "Stripes." It's one of the pioneers of the bad taste genre -- a bunch of social misfits with bad attitudes take back the power. It started with post-Vietnam films such as "M*A*S*H" and extended into "Animal House" and, by 1981, "Stripes."

Now the film will be coming out on a Special Extended Edition next month (June 7th according to Amazon). The special features are:

-- Available subtitles: English, French
-- Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
-- Features 18 extra minutes, including 6 never-before-seen deleted scenes

-- Hour-long documentary

-- Interviews with Bill Murray and the cast

-- Mastered in high definition

It's worth noting that the interviews with Bill Murray and the cast are part of the documentary, which means the only special features for this disc are:

1. A new transfer
2. An hour-long documentary

For those of us who enjoy this film and have been waiting on the Special Edition for quite some time (it's been rumored for as far back as two years! I actually held off buying the previous disc because I was waiting for an SE), the features here might be rather disappointing.

I expected something like this:

DISC ONE

1. Commentary by Harold Ramis and Ivan Reitman
2. Commentary by Bill Murray (he hasn't spoken to Ramis since the filming of "Groundhog Day," so a commentary together is highly unlikely)
3. New anamorphic widescreen transfer
4. New DD5.1 Surround and DTS 5.1 Surround audio tracks.
5. Teaser trailer
6. Theatrical trailer
7. Talent files
8. Photo gallery

DISC TWO

1. An hour-long documentary
2. Separate reel of new interviews
3. Goofs/outtakes
4. Screen tests
5. John Candy retrospective documentary
6. Original "Making-of" featurette

That was more of what I was expecting from something two years in the making (and perhaps even longer!).

My main worries about this new DVD are:

1. The special features are dire
2. It looks like a typical double-dip rip-off
3. The new artwork is atrocious

I liked the old artwork better.

That said, I am happy at least that the film is coming out on a new DVD and I will purchase it. I'm not obsessed with this film by any means, and in fact I think it loses a lot of steam in the final act once they leave boot camp, and after that it turns into a pretty tiresome action-adventure movie with no laughs until the very end.

But the first 3/4 of "Stripes" is very funny stuff in the typical underdog-film-style. I was at least hoping for a commentary by Ramis or Reitman on the new DVD, but oh well.

what a hoot
i watched this on comcast in demand last night and man was it hilarious!!john candy rules and cover your little children's eyes 'cause there are naked ladies sometimes.

Stripes 5 Stars For DVD (1 Star for Regular TV Broadcasts!)
Just buy the DVD or tape or what have you or try to catch it on the premium cable stations. DO NOT watch STRIPES on COMEDY CENTRAL or TBS or TNT or other network broadcasts because it is always butchered beyond recognition.When shown on COMEDY CENTRAL, there's a commercial every ten minutes and the whole rhythm of the film suffers. Otherwise this is a classic Bill Murray vehicle that's funny from the beginning to the very end.The film features the late John Candy and the late Warren Oats (who is excellent as Sgt Hulka), Sean Young (before she went psycho), and Harold Ramis (Murray's co-star on GHOSTBUSTERS, director of GROUNDHOG DAY). NOTE: Classic Scene(s)- The "Graduation Drill Excercise" with Murray leading the platoon to synchronized perfection; Bill Murray and Harold Ramis leading the platoon to march to the lyrics of Manfred Mann's "DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY"; the "Urban Assault Vehicle"; and Harold Ramis (as Russel) teaching foreignors to speak English.

Classic that remembers funnier than it is while watching it
Stripes is one of those movies that I remember more affectionately than I feel towards it while watching it.I chuckle as I remember Sgt. Hulka, Ox, the fool Stillman, and so forth.There are so many little scenes, such as the beginning cab scene with the old woman wanting to get to the airport and giving the depressed Winger (Murray) a hard time.His defiant parking of the cab in the middle of a bridge, blocking two lanes, and throwing the keys into the river, retain some of the leftover anti-establishment feeling of the 60s & 70s that has become the seeming birthright of all teenagers since.

I love the scene where Winger is shooting baskets in his apartment and puts it through a window out into the street and asks people below for a "little help".They throw the ball back to him through the unbroken window.The scene where the young guys are all telling Hulka about what led them to the army is funny as is Winger's and Hulka's exchange about Hulka being the big toe leading their foot.

And the classic mud wrestling scene with John Candy as Ox.The Murray speech rallying the men the night before graduation and their entrance onto the graduation grounds.

There are so many funny scenes.I am SURE you can think of many more.

Yet, it still never really gels as a movie and it really was never meant to.It seems to me that it remembers funnier that it is in watching it now.The culture has moved on.Remember, this was just after Vietnam and Carter and at the beginning of Regan.Pre-AIDS, pre-fall of the Berlin Wall and the USSR.Clearly, it is a Baby Boomer comedy.

Since so much of this movie, like Animal House and Caddy Shack, have become cultural touchstones, seeing the movie is almost a requirement.However, there are scenes where you will find yourself wondering why the heck THAT was necessary.That effect is a measure of how far we have moved on from 1981. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Vacation paved the way for the John Hughes movie dynasty of the 1980s.Written by Hughes (who would go on to write, direct, and/or produce The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and so on) and directed by Harold Ramis (Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, Stuart Saves His Family), the first Vacation movie introduces us to the all-American Griswold family: father Clark (Chevy Chase), mother Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), son Rusty (future Hughes staple Anthony Michael Hall), and daughter Audrey (Dana Barron).They all pile into the car for a cross-country road trip to Walley World, stopping along the way to view the world's biggest ball of twine. John Candy, Imogene Coca, and Randy Quaid (as yokel Cousin Eddie) pop up along the way.The movie was a big hit, and was followed by several sequels--National Lampoon's European Vacation, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation--but this one is still probably the freshest and funniest of the bunch.--Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (114)

The movie is great but the DVD falls short
I love the National Lampoon's Vacation movie with Chevy Chase and the movie is wonderful and we all know that. My problem here is this 20th anniversary DVD Warner Bros put out First O.K the movie looks great the picture is wonderful and everything that's not the problem it is the real lack of special features that makes me rather dissapointed the best special feature the the commentary it is pretty entertaining there is alot of information that is useful but Harold Ramis who as you hear recorded his away from everyone else probably has the most useful information the others like Chevy Chase Dana Barron Anthony Michael Hall who is basically mute through out the whole darn thing and Randy Quaid and Matty Simmons once in a while come out with some good tidbits but they joke around too much. They talk about that alternate ending when they go to Roy Wally's Mansion instead make him and some people sing and dance for there dime's worth of entertainment and that is how the movie originally ended with no trip ever to Wally World with the Roller Coasters and such and no John Candy in the original ending and they tested the ending with a test audience and they laughed through out the whole film but got Strangly Quiet and never laughed again and just walked out sad. Guess What that alternate ending never made it on the DVD! You think after 20 years with so many loyal fans of this film they would release that ending for at least for interest just to see rare footage of this film. They just drive you nuts here on this DVD all of the special features except the Commentary which is cool everything else stinks. Where is the FEATURETTE? Where is the Making of...? Maybe some outtakes would have made this a bit more cooler and most of all for crying out loud release the alternate ending! What does Warner Bros got to lose! You also get on this DVD this family truckster gallery thing I don't know what else to call it you get this map of that ugly station wagon from the film and you pick highlighted things off of this picture of this wagon and just kind of guess what there going to talk about and it's not that great. I laugh because on that gallery they talk about 10 minutes in different galleries to Christie Brinkley? about her big scene and what she did on her SUMMER VACATION! Also talks to Dana Barron about "Why the heck she was missing from the other films"? also talks to the stunt guy who jumped that ugly station wagon in the desert and there some other stuff like the Theatrical Trailer OOH! and basically that's the movie your best here is the film itself and the commentary other than that it could have been a HECK of alot better maybe they redo the DVD and add better things because what is up with those bits of Chevy Chase Randy Quaid and Matty Simmons sitting with Atari sticks on the couch they act like they had to much to drink they don't make any sense.

The Holiday Road...
It's hard to imagine now, but there was a time when Chevy Chase was cool and funny. In "National Lampoon's Vacation," Chase stars as Clark Griswold, a man determined to drive his family cross-country to see Wally World, "America's Number One Family Theme Park." In the opening scene, Griswold gets stuck with a monstrous (and monstrously ugly) automobile-like contraption dubbed the "Family Truckster."

Unfortunately for him, that's the highpoint of his trip down the holiday road.

Everything that can go wrong does so as the Griswold clan weathers hubcap theft, a sportscar-driving temptress, two deaths and an endless variety of indignities heaped upon Clark himself as the result of his obsessive need to be the perfect husband and father. Chase's wild-eyed expressions as he approaches the brink of insanity are hilarious.

Harold Ramis directs a script by John Hughes (who would later team-up with costar Anthony Michael Hall for a few 80s teen comedies). Beverly D'Angelo tags along as Griswold's long-suffering wife. In-laws and outlaws sharing in the misfortune include Imogene Coca (as cranky Aunt Edna),a hilarious Randy Quaid (they had to bring him back for the last two sequels), a briefly seen Brian Doyle-Murray and swimsuit superstar Christie Brinkley.

This is one of those classic American comedies you really need to have seen by now. It's worth owning inany format. Also watch for John Candy in a brief role near the end... and listen for Harold Ramis' distinct voice (he has one line).All that, and a nude D'Angelo, too; after all, this was the 80s.

The family vacation series of all time
This is one great movie the 1st from the Griswalds all 4 were funny they took a road trip to California.Blah Blah Blah
Yada Yada Yada this was a great movie to see funny Chedder.
Story 10 Acting 10 Directing 9 Action 10 Entertainment 10
Overall=49/50 wich is 98% a lot of laughs in this one

Buy if you like movies this is pretty insane for you.

4.5 stars - a comedy classic
INTRODUCTION:
National Lampoon's Vacation was the first film in the Vacation series of films. For many years, the film has been hailed as a comedy classic. And according to most viewers of this series, the first film is the best one of all. Are they right? And is this twentieth anniversary edition of the DVD a worthwhile buy if you already got the original DVD issue? Read on for my review.

BASIC PLOT:
The storyline of the film goes something like this. A middle-aged man working in the food preservation industry (Chevy Chase) wants to take his wife (Beverly D'Angelo) and children on a road trip to Walley World, one of the nation's biggest and best amusement parks. And he wants to do this in the new car he has ordered. But the vacation turns into a disaster almost instantly - the car company sends him the wrong car, and even once the vacation is in progress, one thing after another goes wrong - with each experience being even more devastating than the last.

FILM OPINIONS:

Anyone who calls this film a comedy classic is right. It's very rare that a film this funny comes along. The acting (Chevy Chase's in particular) is great, and the simplistic storyline prevents things from getting confusing. As has been previously stated, this film predated the Motion Picture Industry of America's PG-13 rating, so even though it's an R rating, it's really not much worse that a modern PG-13 is. If you haven't seen this movie yet, and you're a fan of comedies, what are you waiting for?

DVD:
The so-called "special edition" version of the DVD is a huge disappointment - this is why this set loses half a star. The commentary track is pretty bland, and the "new extras" are pretty much worthless. I recommend getting the original DVD release of the movie, as it is generally priced lower, and NO, you won't be missing anything if you get that version.

OVERALL:
Overall this film is a comedy masterpiece. Sure, the DVD could have been WAY better, but the movie itself more than makes up for this. Movies don't get a whole lot funnier than this one - so what are you waiting for? See it if you haven't yet!

Enjoyable, funny comedy
"Vacation" is an enjoyable, funny comedy that has spawned several sequels, but none have been as good as this one, the original. Chevy Chase is perfectly cast as "Clark Griswald," the determined father who leads his family from Illinios to see an amusement park in California. Along the way they encounter hilarious and sometimes truly bizarre situations. The remainder of the cast, with the exception of Christie Brinkley, are also excellent. I felt Brinkley's appearances in the movie were a distraction from the story, rather than adding to it. One cameo would have been okay, but not more than that.

Despite what you might think, "Vacation" is really not suited for little kids. The film is rated "R" because it has a fair amount of profanity, some of it quite strong, some nudity, and mature themes. ... Read more

Reviews (187)

"I haven't been home in years"
In my opinion this is John Candy's best movie. They should dedicate it to him. Steve Martin does a great job playing the cynic. It will have you crying from hysterical laughter or from tugging at your heartstrings. It starts out with "Neal" played by Steve Martin getting out of a marketing meeting late in New York during rush hour he runs to catch a cab for the airport so he can spend Thanksgiving with his family. With two days to get there you figure he should be plenty early. You aren't counting obstacles like "Del" played by John Candy. While Neal is giving money to a lawyer to buy him out of taking a cab in front of him, Del loads his trunk in it and takes off. The meetings and journey these two have after that is one for the record books. Del does everything he can to get Neal home to his family. They must take a Plane, Pickup Truck, Train, Bus, Rental Car, Semi, and the El to make it to Neal's Chicago Home with a detour to Kansas City. Neal may miss his daughters Thanksgiving Play but he will get a life lesson from Del that is priceless. This is a great one to own on DVD.

Any transportation will do!
Steve Martin and the late John Candy team up for this hilarious comedy PLANES,TRAINS and AUTOMOBILES. There's a cameo by Kevin Bacon who grabs a cab in the heavy New York City traffic. Bacon starred in SHE'S HAVING A BABY filmed around the same time as this film. Neal Page(Martin) is a marketing executive who plans to return home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. Neal grabs a cab,throwing out Del Griffith(Candy) who was about to enter the cab. Salesman Griffith and Page meet in an airport about to fly to Chicago. Massive storms forced the Chicago flight to be canceled so the two end up in Wichita,Kansas. Page and Griffith check in at the Braidwood Inn. They both take out their credit cards to pay,thus their respective cards accidentally end up in the other's wallet! Page and Griffith share a room since it was the only available room left. They sleep together,thus Page becomes annoyed by Griffith's loud snoring. Page became so angry that he impulsively got up and prepared to get dressed and leave. The pair end up in a heated argument over Griffith's behavior and imcompetence. Page's anger subsides so he undresses again and goes back to bed. Come daylight,Griffith is dreaming that he's embracing his late wife. He gently kisses Page's ear and Page is holding Griffith's hand. So Neal and Del make their plans on how to get home safely and quickly. One point in the film shows an angry Neal upset with an agent at a rent-a-car company("YOU CAN GET ME A F---ING DATSUN,A F---ING TOYOTA,A F---ING BUICK,A F---ING MUSTANG! FOUR F---ING WHEELS AND A SEAT!") What happens next? Del shows up in a car he's renting. Incompetent Del finishes smoking a cigarette that when he was about to toss the still-burning butt out the window,it accidentally ended up in the back seat of the car. The car becomes ablaze and even worse,Neal's wallet was in the glove compartment with his credit card back in it. All the glove compartment contents burned in the fire. Now Neal is really furious with Del. Neither had $42.50 to check in for the night at a nearby motel so Neal comes up with $17 cash and a wrist watch. The on-duty manager accepts Neal's alternate payment. When Del comes up with $2 cash and a nicer-looking watch,the manager refuses and "says goodnight". Del is freezing to death outside in his charred rent-a-car until Neal invites him to share his room. Come Thanksgiving Day,despite all the aggravation and struggling,Neal arrives home in Chicago safe and sound. Del is with him. Del confessed that he is homeless and lost his wife. That was why Del said in one scene,"I haven't been home in years." His business of selling shower curtain rings is what is keeping him financially stable and clean. The end theme is "Everytime You Go Away" written by Daryl Hall of the rock/pop duo Hall and Oates and was a minor hit for them and later a bigger hit for Paul Young. This film was directed by John Hughes who also directed SHE'S HAVING A BABY and would later direct CURLY SUE. Listen for an audio excerpt from SHE'S HAVING A BABY. It's an argument between Bacon and Elizabeth McGovern. I dedicate this film to the memory of John Candy who died in 1994 at age 43 of a heart attack.

TOPS!!
Call me silly, but I am 44 and have been watching movies most of my life. This is my #1 favorite movie of all time. It cant compare with the great movies throughout history, but they are not my #1 favorite....this one is. How is that for a review?

That's it?
Just the film? No give-me's? No side dishes? Movie a la carte? No interviews, outtakes... nothing?

Fortunately the movie itself is a decent comedy. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES is a fine film in a long tradition of road films, where the final destination is seemingly impossible to reach (like CLOCKWISE, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, e.g.) Steve Martin and John Candy make a surprisingly good team, and John Hughes lets them cut loose, fortunately. Unfortunately, the ending lurches into the treacly, sentimentality that Hughes just can't seem to avoid. Scratch that last comment, the ending I suppose is okay for this comedy. Give this film a view.

Great John Candy & Steve Martin Movie, but no extras
Let me start by saying that this is one of my favorite comedies of all time. I've loved this movie for years and I can watch it over and over again. I personally don't see how anyone could not like this movie, but you can't please everybody.
During the movie, Steve Martin is trying to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving, but his plane lands in Kansas where he's stuck with Del Griffith (John Candy). They do everything they can to get home, but something always goes wrong. And you will laugh through almost the entire movie.
You've probably noticed that I gave this DVD 4 stars, and not 5. My reason for this: There are no special features. It seems like Paramound is just lazy when they put out DVD's. Almost every DVD I have that has no special features are by Paramount. There had to be interviews with Steve Martin and John Candy when the movie was made, or do some new interviews with Steve Martin and John Hughes. I would like to correct one reviewer about them cutting scenes from the DVD. I assume you are talking about the funny scene on the plane when they are being served their food. This is a scene that was not included in the movie at all, it's just added sometimes to the TV version. But I still think that scene should have been included on the DVD. Not as a deleted scene that you could view by itself, but actually included in the movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

No, this isn't a quickie, direct-to-video sequel, cashing in on thesuccess ofthe 1977 animated hit about adventurous mice, but a full-blown theatricaleffort. This time around, Bernard (voiced by Bob Newhart) is trying topop the question to Bianca (Eva Gabor) when they're summoned to Australia,where a young boy has been kidnapped by a pallid, gray-faced poacher (wholooks like and is voiced by George C. Scott). Wilbur, a chatterbox of an albatross (John Candy, replacing the late JimJordan's character Orville), and Jake (Tristan Rogers), a kangaroo mouse--Bernard is jealous of the dashing rodent--assist the Rescuers in saving theday and imparting a mild environmental message. The film opens with anabsolutely breathtaking aerial sequence--this was made near the beginning ofDisney's animation renaissance--soimpressive it would seem the story, literally, has nowhere else to go butdown, but some smart gags, excellent animation, and rollicking adventuresensue. So why isn't it better known? It had the bad luck to open, in 1990,opposite another kids' film--HomeAlone. --David Kronke ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Disney's Down Under Delight!
This is one of my absolute favorite animated films. I liked it even better than Beavis and Butthead Do America (that's right, I actually said that!)! I really enjoyed the first Rescuers, I give that one 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. But I'd give this one 10 stars if I could!

The Rescuers Down Under was Disney's very first, theatrically released sequel, and I'll tell one thing: it makes all the other recent Disney-made sequels look like crap! Forget Return to Neverland, forget The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea, forget the Jungle Book 2, forget Stitch: The Movie, The Rescuers Down Under is the sequel that you REALLY want! I think it is Disney's best to date, or as Jake, the kangaroo mouse would say: 'Well done, mate!"

PLOT.

When a young, Australian boy named Cody who has befreinded a giant, golden eagle is kidnapped by a greedy, murderous poacher, Percival McLeach, who wants the eagle for himself to sell for a crap-load of cash, a messege is sent to the R.A.S. (Rescue Aid Society), which is a hidden organization of mice who help humans in danger. The top two R.A.S. agents, Bernard (voiced by Bob Newhart) and Bianca (Eva Gabor) are given the assignment to rescue Cody from McLeach's clutches. They fly on the wings of Wilbur, the bumbling, fumbling, chatter-boxed albatross (voiced with vest by John Candy). When they land in the outback, the mice are greeted by Jake, a cunning kangaroo mouse with amazing outback survival skills, who agrees to help them save Cody from McLeach.

COMMENTS.

What the H, E, double hockey stick made the more recent Lilo and Stitch so popular and well known anyhow? Who's idea was it to turn that into a TV series after the straight-to-video Stitch: The Movie? They did the same thing with the Little Mermaid (before the sequel, that is)! They could have just as easily made The Rescuers into a TV program, too! They could have even made Jake, the Australian kangaroo mouse a new member of the R.A.S.!!

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.

I loved RDU so much I decided to buy it on DVD. There is something note about the DVD: it has clearer, more life-like animation that the somewhat foggy VHS version, compare the DVD to the VHS and believe me, you WILL see a differance! You also have a wider perspective of the surrondings, plus the sound has been upgraded. The only downside is: the DVD does not have too many extras. All you get here as extra stuff is a theatrical trailer, foriegn language and subtitle chooser, a quiz game (which is a fun thing to fool around with after the movie), and some stroybook thing. I wish Disney would come out with a special Platinum edtion of this (Platinum editions are always loaded with hours of extras).

OVERALL.

On the overall score, I give the DVD itself at most 3.5 stars. Not the movie, though! The movie alone is worth the purchase! Buy this overlooked, forgotten gem now, without thinking twice! That's an order! And DON'T let the lack of good extras change your mind!

And one more thing: Did anyone else notice that McLeach's looks are based on an actuall person, George C. Scott (that's right, the very same Scott from A Christmas Carol (1984)). He is even voiced by Scott, too!

Brilliant, Non-Musical Disney Animation
THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER will satisfy viewers repeated times. Parents will appreciate the story's emphasis on loyalty to friends, courage in the face of difficulties, and acceptance of responsibility. More importantly, though, parents and children will enjoy the fully realized cast of characters through the talents of animators who effectively realize Eva Gabor, Bob Newhart, John Candy, and George C. Scott as cartoon counterparts.

Disney has also apparently reviewed its pricing and packaging policy. This DVD, at the lower "gold collection" price, includes a read-along storybook and a trivia game. Unfortunately, the "animals of the outback" booklet promised on the packaging is only a pamphlet half devoted to other Disney product. Viewers will also have to jump to the menu immediately upon inserting the dvd in order to avoid a long list of ads for other Disney material. I suppose we pay for the lower-priced packaging by watching the ads. While it would have been nice for Disney to have included a "captions in English" option so children could learn to read as they watch the movie, viewers will get to enjoy the film in its widescreen splendor and see how big a giant eagle looks without its wingspread truncated by the edge of the screen.

Still, this movie will get repeated viewings in your home, and it will deserve them. Were I rating the movie itself, I'd give it four and a half stars; its yet to be fully realized presentation lowers my rating to four stars.

Rubbish
What rubbish.

Way too much violence. Why do kids movies have to be so violent these days? (or when it was made).

Had a few laughs (I'm an ex-pat Australian) but not worth the plastic it was made from.

Certainly not recommended for general viewing as the cover shows.

The animation is far better than the original.
In the sequel to the Rescuers the animation is far better than the original film. This is a perfect example that sequels can be just as good as the originals. The voice casting is back, but this time John Candy comes along, and makes the film even more enjoyable. George C. Scott is a really good villainous character once again. The location is more outrageous and exotic and far more exciting. One of Disney best adventure films. A good reccomendation.

I Grew Up On It, That Should Say Something...
When I was a kid, this was the movie that always touched me... Along with Lady and the Tramp, Dumbo, and The Little Mermaid. I don't know why it's not more well-known. A fast-paced Disney adventure filled with characters that are nothing but lovable. Little kids nowadays are totally spoiled on all the Pixar junk. Getting back to basics like this are what Disney's all about. I wish the company could see that. I'll never remember the computer-animated crap they're going to produce now... It's stuff like this this I'll buy for my children when I grow older. An enchanting story of two adventurous mice out to help children, this one has them traveling to Australia to rescue a little boy and several creatures being trapped by an evil poacher. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out... Go get it, now! ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Good John Candy, but not Great
I thought this movie was pretty good. I am a huge John Candy fan, so I will like pretty much anything with him in it. I don't think he really had a chance to shine in this one.

John Candy works as an air traffic controller. He works too hard and has to take a trip to Florida to cool off. His first day there he becomes arch enemies with the local snob sailboat captain. With a setup like this, it is inevitable that he have to defeat the snob captain in a sailboat race.

This movie is pretty predictable stuff, in my opinion. If you want maximum John Candy try Planes, Trains, and Automobiles or Uncle Buck. If you want a vacation movie, try National Lampoon's Vacation, or another good John Candy flick, The Great Outdoors. I find all of these more satisfying than Summer Rental, but I think Summer Rental is still worth watching.

The Likeable Loser
John Candy has always been an actor who I thought was better as a sidekick than as a lead (e.g. his role as Barf in "Spaceballs"). "Summer Rental" is the one leading role he did that is the exception.

In the movie, Candy plays Jack Chester, a stressed-out air traffic controller who takes his family on vacation to relax. They've rented a house at a beach in Florida. All Jack wants to do is relax and recuperate but everyone from his neighbors to his family conspires to make his vacation even more stressful than his job.

Candy is at his best when he is the likeable victim of life's difficulties. In "Summer Rental" he gets plenty of those difficulties and makes them funnier than most actors can.

Predictable, but Funny and Enjoyable
The plot here really doesn't matter; it's pretty predictable. This is a film that is enjoyable primarily because of the very funny and capable John Candy. Candy plays a harried air traffic controller, Jack Chester, who takes his family to Florida for a well-deserved rest. Of course, everything goes wrong.

Candy is at the top of his game here. He plays a likeable family man who feels that everything that goes wrong is his fault. He tends to take everything personally, and even though sometimes everything just goes wrong, he's not the author of all the mishaps.

He makes a turnaround when he meets the very funny Rip Torn, who plays Scully, a bar owner, sailor, and one-handed guy. The scene where Candy gets drunk and plays a very haphazard game of darts is hilarious (one dart hits the ceiling fan, another a barometer). Scully decides to show Jack Chester that he can succeed, and teaches him to sail. This leads to the climax race against the rich and smarmy Richard Crenna, who has a beautiful boat and a crack sailing team. Chester is in the race of his life, but he has a trick up his sleeve (so to speak).

I'll not reveal the outcome of the race, but suffice it to say, Jack Chester does OK.

Recommended if you want to laugh, enjoy yourself, and have a satisfying film-watching experience. I did.

OUTSTANDING
John Candy does an outstanding job in this movie, playing the part of Jack Chester, a burned out traffic controller who desperately needs a relaxing vacation. Too bad he doesn't get one!
Taking his family to Florida, he does not know the cabin he has rented is right next door to a public walk leading to the beach.
Living in Florida, I certainly know how busy those walks can be, and that only heightened the laughter for me, as Jack had to deal with 'walkers' everyday, who wanted a glass of water or to use the bathroom. Good Lord!
Add to that a budding teenage daughter, a neighbor who wants to show off her new 'breasts' and rich jerks who think they own the Florida beaches (oh yes,I have seen them as well).
This all adds up to a great movie, one that you will watch time and time again. Outstanding!

Summer Rental.
This movie was so funny! This was John Candy's first leading role was in this film by Carl Reiner, in which the comic actor played a stressed-out air traffic controller who takes his family on a Florida vacation and has to deal with arrogant, rich jerks. Candy is good in what is almost a straight part and Reiner keeps the tone in check so his star has an opportunity to show more than one dimension. Summer Rental is great, but it could still be much better. It is so funny, and all the jokes work, and his daughter in this movie is so HOT! You must see this movie. John Candy's just pure funny, an it...that he isn't with us anymore. Oh well at least Jim Carrey is still around. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Cool Runnings warms the heart
I remember seeing this movie in the theatre when it first came out. It's the heart-warming true story behind the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team. After jumping through numerous hoops such as racial discrimination, a coach with a shady past, and a rickety bobsled, they land themselves a bobsledding spot in the Winter Olympics, something Jamaica never had before.
John Candy gives a stellar performance, unfortunately it was one of his last. At times he's comical, while others, more dramatic. He's a character easy to fall in love with. I miss him.
Overall, Cool Runnings teaches the fundamentals of determination and never letting anything come between yourself and your dreams. Even when catastrophy ended the Jamaican's third bobsled run, they still got up and carried their sled across the finish line. Even if their time didn't earn a gold medal, their heart did.

Heart- warming and inspiring...
Bobsled to a Caribbean is like a Yeti to the Sahara desert. Both simply dont exist!. And yet, 4 guys with dreams in their eyes, set out to acheive the unmaginable in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. To represent their country Jamaica in Bobsledding!.

"Cool Runnings" is based on this true story, but with a few changes that needless to say, is aimed at making the movie more dramatic. Leon(Derice Bannock)is an athlete aimed at making amends for his failure to secure a berth in the Jamaican Sprint Team. With no way out, he decides to try Bobsled, a sport no Caribbean in his right mind would even know it exists. Irv Blitzer(John Candy), a disgraced former champion Bobsledder decides to train Leon the intricacies of this "bone-shattering" sport. To compete in the event would however require 3 more bobsledders to make up the team. In comes his best friend Sanka(Doug.E.Doug), the tempermental Yul Brenner(Malik Yoba) and the reserved Junior Bevil(Rawle Lewis). What you end up with is a team of hysterical proportions, but with a heart.

"Cool Runnings" is not so much about the event as it is with the main characters. The Jamaicans are determined to compete in an event that is considered solely the domain of a few Icelandic- Nordic nations. The 4 guys are felt out of place, racialized and ridiculed at the event while the coach(Candy) is humiliated and taunted at every turn by the organizers. The crux lays in how they overcome their hardships and ultimately win the crowd, if not a medal. The movie is absolutely hilarious considering the Jamaicans have never seen snow in real life. The initial training on their island is itself worth every penny you paid to watch this movie. However the movie's main strength is in its moral message. "Believe". The movie is based entirely on this one word.

Leon is superb in his role as the leader who never gives up. John Candy is without doubt an actor with a heart of gold. Every movie he has been involved in, he brings in that 'human element' into picture. He is perfect as the flawed but determined coach. The find of the movie however, is Rawle Lewis as Junior Beville. He has the best dialogues and behind that meek physique ,stands a truly compassionate and competitive character. Sanka is the funny bone whose expressions are enough to spill your guts out while Yul Brenner is a tough but protective fellow who eventually warms up to the team and gets transformed at the end of the event. Ultimately it is the will and the confidence they derive from each other at every turn of the event that makes this movie so heart-warming.

The movie has a nice flow to it and the music is catchy. Jon Tutletaub(Director) puts everyting in the right place and the direction is straight forward but slick. Though some parts of the movie are fictionalized, it is forgivable since the main theme isn't lost. Infact it actually enhances it. I must say that movies like this generally tend to have a predictable ending. You'll know you'll have a happy one at that. But watch Cool Running's final few scenes and the phrase 'finish the race' will take a whole new meaning to you. The ending is inspiring..surprising..simply magnificent. Go watch it.

Hillarious and Inspirational
Everytime I watch Cool Runnings, I still feel the magic and excitement of the first time I watched it. This movie is exceptional. Everything about it works.
The acting is powerful, the story is both exciting and moving, the comedy is fresh and enjoyable, and the soundtrack is perfectly suited to support the mood of the movie.
Cool Runnings is a perfect family film. People of all ages will be drawn to it and enjoy cheering for the Jamaican Bobsled team. There is some mild use of profanity, but it can be overlooked in favor of the moving story, and the morals that children will pick up along with it. Cool Runnings shows the value of pride, tolerance, and persistance.
Throughout the course of the movie we see the team prove to the world through their persistance that they are just as good as any other team, regardless of where they come from. They learn to become a team, learn to take pride in their culture, and do a lot of self discovery.
This movie is one of the few that is sure to touch you and to uplift your spirit.

Teenagers dig this movie!
Catchy music, funny crashes, bar fight, a sledder who pees in the sled because he's so scared, calling each other names like Sanka and Yul Brynner....all make for a great laugh in the eyes of a teenager. I've shown this movie to dozens of teens and it never disappoints. The fact is that it's a true story of people chasing their dream, and it has a perfect blend of silly with poignant and great pace to keep adults and young adults alike INTERESTED and entertained the entire time. Also, it follows real life at the end and doesn't have a bunch of no-name Jamaicans taking the gold at the Olympics....teens expect a Disney ending like that and appreciate seeing, instead, the truth. However, ANYONE who watches it finds themselves rooting for these no-name Jamaicans and kind of wishing they would medal even though, realistically, they have no chance. BUY IT and watch it and show it to others...its timeless themes never go out of date.

One of the Best Movies I've Seen
"Cool Runnings" is one of the best movies I have seen.
The story line, John Candy and the Jamaican Bobsledders,
the switch from warm Jamaica to cold Calgary all make for a
warm and funny movie. I'm going to take the advice of another
reviewer and watch it now to revive the "feel-good" feeling
of the entire movie. A classic to buy and keep. A true
comedy. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Hilarious and lighthearted
Dan Aykroyd and John Candy are hysterical in this lighthearted comedy. Candy and his family go to a cabin in the woods for what Candy hopes will be a relaxing summer vacation. Soon after their arrival, Aykroyd and his family show up uninvited and take over. Over the course of the week, they meet a man who has been struck by lightning 66 times, a 100-year-old man who dies on his birthday yet still comes to the party, and a feisty local girl who toys with Candy's oldest son. Add to this a family of determined racoons with a language all their own ("What do they think we have these wonderfully dextrous fingers for?"), an unwelcome bat flying in the house ("It buzzed me"), a dump full of hungry bears ("Yogi and Boo-boo in the flesh"), and a bald-headed grizzly ("Big bear chase me!") and hilarity ensues. It's a movie you'll want to watch again and again.

ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES
I LOVED this movie and would recommend it to everyone.
John Candy takes his family for a relaxing vaction in the mountains. To his surprise his obnoxious brother-inlaw, played by Dan Aykroyd and his family arrive. They were not welcome visitors.
Poor John tries desperately to have a relaxing time despite a cabin full of unwanted company. Unfortunately everything bad that can happen does. Including in this is another unwelcome guest, this time a bat. I'm telling you, I laughed myself silly over this scene. Perhaps it is because I have had such an adventure and it was much more fun watching someone else go through it. Of course the attack of the bald headed bear has to rank up there as well, as John and his brother-in-law try to protect their family against yet another unwanted guest.
This movie is a laugh a minute and one that will leave you with a giggle in your heart. Feeling down? Get this movie!
Truly a legacy of the one we all will greatly miss, Mr. John Candy.

A Perennial Favorite
We watch this movie at least once per summer while at the lake in Wisconsin. There's nothing like it to make the entire family crack up laughing with nearly every scene. This movie is as much a part of our family summer vacation as the stay in the Northwoods alone.

You can't go wrong with this classic movie, The Great Outdoors.

One big laugh riot
I adore "The Great Outdoors". This is one of my favorite John Candy movies of all time. Yeah it is no Shakespeare but I wouldn't have it any other way. Dan Ackroyd plays the obnoxious brother-in-law who crashes John Candy's family vacation up in the woods at a cozy little resort. Dan brings his neglected wife played by Annette Benning and their identical twin daughters who are bit on the scary side. The results is a non-stop laugh riot. No many how many times I have watched this film, I still find myself laughing uncontrollably, especially when the raccoons comes out at night to raid the trash cans. I loved it when the young raccoon is told what hot dogs are made of. Anyone familiar with Doug Seuss's bears would know that this is one of the films that the late Bart the Bear made as the bald-headed bear. I loved the final interaction between John Candy's character and the bald-headed bear. It is one of the funniest scenes in the film, next to the water-skiing scene. One of the classic moments in the film is when the entire family goes out to dinner and John Candy decides to order the ol' 96er (this enormous chunk of beef). I personally love "The Great Outdoors". It remains one of my favorite movies from the '80s. It is pure physical comedy. There are a lot worse films than this if you ask me, namely Carrot Top's lone film "Chairman of the Board".

A Good Family Movie
This is a pretty good John Candy/Dan Aykroyd movie. While it's not as good as Uncle Buck or Planes, Trains & Automobiles, it's not bad at all. It's a great Summer/Family Comedy. It doesn't make me laugh and laugh, it's just fun to watch. I'll never stop liking it. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

The Whole Charm of John Candy!
When his sister-in-law's father suffers a heart attack and needs to travel, UNCLE BUCK (John Candy ) is called in, the last available person to come and watch the kids. Certainly, an uncle should be able to take off without hitches. But, UNCLE BUCK, is one of those playful adults who has been dances his way out full-time employment and a marital contract with his frustrated girlfriend, Chanice Kobolowski (Amy Madigan). The plot thickens with humor as UNCLE BUCK tries to deal with an snobish teenager trying to undermine every aspect of his life in her home.

This is a comical story and adult guardians and the difficulty of growing up. If you have scene the chopped-up verion on TV, you haven't seen the whole of John Candy. I particularly missed the golf-lessons with Bug.

Look for great performaces by Laurie Metcalf ( Jacky, the sister from ROSEANNE the series), Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffmann, Macaulay Culkin ( from Home Alone. He's about 4 or 5 in this), Amy Madigan, Elaine Bromka, and Jay Underwood.

Buck is.....well, Buck.
John Candy is Uncle Buck. Directed by John Hughes this movie is anything but boring. Buck's sister in law just found out that her father who lives out of town just had a heart attack. Desperately needing a baby sitter fo