Reviews (190)

Good premise, poor execution
Though with the talents of Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler, Anger Management is a bad movie. It's plot is pretty straight-foreward, with Sandler as a business man who's rage keeps building up, and he gets mad at a flight attendant on a airplane, and a court forces him to undergo anger management therapy for thirty days. Nicholson, his therapist, decides he needs more, and ends up moving in with him. Sure, these two men are very funny, and this film could be something, but after a while, we get tired of seeing close-ups of Nicholson's scary face for laughs. Although an occasional laugh here and there, this is an un-funny film. After the commercial successes of such films as Big Daddy and The Waterboy, Adam has made Mr. Deeds (did so-so), 8 crazy nights (bad), and this. I expected there to be a lot more people at the theater than there actually were. This film had some cameos, such as Derek Jeter, Rudy Giuliani, John Macenroe, and Bobby Knight. Obviously a film by the producers of "The Animal," and "The Master of Disguise" isn't in great taste. Galaxia (Woody Harrelso) is just gross. It seems that Adam Sandler's career started off slow, got huge, and now is slowly dying. Although different, "Punch-Drunk Love" understood Sandler's strength's and weaknesses. When you have him as an executive producer, then it's just a free for all. Very close to one star. This is the worst film so far this year, and I've seen Bringing Down the House..... God Bless America!

Goosefrabba.........Goosefrabba..........
.......That's the mantra Dr. Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson) teaches the patients in his anger management class to recite to calm themselves down. The joke is that Rydell himself is a seemingly disturbed semi-psychotic. After meeting on an ill-fated flight, helpless schlub Dave Buznik (Adam Sandler) is arrested and sentenced to attend Rydell's sessions, despite the fact that Rydell was the cause of the incident in the first place. After another "Violent outburst", Buznik is given an ultimatum: 24-Hour supervision by Rydell for one Month, or one Year in jail. After a few days, that Year in jail might just start to look good....

Sandler delivers a relatively restrained performance, and Nicholson is more crazy than he's been since The Shining or Batman. He gets most of the laughs, while Sandler plays straight man. As usual, Sandler surrounds himself with some great talent, including Luis Guzman, Harry Dean Stanton, John Turturro, Marisa Tomei, John C. Reilly, and lots of others, including some truly inspired cameos that generate big laughs.

While not gut-bustingly funny, Anger Management was a pretty good film, and the chemistry between Sandler and Nicholson is great; Nicholson can get a big laugh just by arching one of his trademark brows. I could have lived without the sappy finale, and Marisa Tomei's revalation at the end also dampened my enthusiasm a little; I know it's just a movie, but it defied all credibility. Otherwise, Anger Management is a fun way to spend a few hours.

Another standard Sandler comedy
This Adam Sandler flick is actually one of his most accessible. Jack Nicholson and a supporting cast that includes Marisa Tomei, Heather Graham, John Turturro, & Woody Harrelson drive Sandler's character to become so frustrated that he lets out his repressed anger and opens up to his true feelings. The movie follows the Sandler formula of a likable underdog who redeems himself and "gets the girl" in the end. Nicholson is in fine form as the "Anger Management" shrink and NY Yankee fans will enjoy the film's climax at Yankee Stadium. Some parts of the story are pretty silly and pointless, but overall this movie delivers lots of laughs. There is a bit of a dark side to this story, as if this scenario were applied to real life instead of "reel" life people could really get hurt. A person subjected to such an invasive intrusion into their life would presumably become assertive or aggressive much quicker than the character in this film. I consider this one of Sandler's most enjoyable movies, as he is not too over the top or juvenile, and the story and cast work well.

Tension Reliever
I just love this movie. The premise and format is interesting and funny, even after watching it at least 10 times. Jack Nicholson was a perfect fit for the off-the-wall character, Dr. Buddy Rydell, even if Mr. Nicholson felt it a bit of a stretch himself.

I like Adam Sandler's movies anyway, and this one was no different.

Great if your an Adam Sandler fan, OK otherwise
Possible Spoilers Ahead:

I have to admit that I am not a big Adam Sandler fan. However, I saw the trailers and I was intrigued by the thought of Sandler playing a regular guy to an over-the-top Jack Nicholson. About halfway through the movie, I had trouble following the storyline. I think this was due to Sandler playing his mild mannered Dave Buznik character too calm in the beginning. While I understand the concept of a guy who internalizes his anger (which is why he was a candidate for Anger Management classes), even guys who internalize their anger show some frustration when there are problems. I thought Buznik's overly calm reactions seemed unrealistic during the entire flight attendant hostility 'over the headset' episode. I suppose Sandler was trying to go for no reactions at first and building up, over the course of the movie, to more obvious displays of anger (like the fight with his grade school nemesis turned Buddhist monk), but he started out so overly calm at the beginning, it was hard for me to understand whether he was acting or not. While the West Side Story 'I Feel Pretty' bit had some amusing possibilities, the Buznik character started well (frazzled at being forced to stop on the bridge and sing for his bizarre therapist), but the singing soon became too much like Sandler doing his singing bits for SNL, and not Buznik trying to placate his therapist so he could get to work. This may explain why some of the other reviewers gave this movie a thumbs down. I did find the second half more entertaining, mainly because I thought the Buznik character seemed to be reacting in a more realistic fashion to hostility directed at him. I didn't mind the final scene at Yankee Stadium, but I didn't think the cameos from the baseball players were required. While it was nice to see Rudy Giullani, that part could have also gone to someone playing just a regular guy in the stands rooting for the guy to propose to the girl at these sporting events (I didn't think all of the cameos were required - or added anymore laughs to the film).
Overall, this movie has some entertainment value (good as a rental), better for the die-hard Adam Sandler fans. ... Read more

Reviews (90)

Months of checking have finally paid off!
... This is one of those movies that you have to appreciate for it's simplicity and sometimes almost cheesy scenarios. I can't imagine anyone playing these characters other than the people cast. Robin Williams performance as Popeye is reminiscent of the really old B&W Popeye cartoons where half of the time he's mumbling which adds to the comedy. Even the costumes in this movie are semi-cartoonish which cleverly adds to the cartoon-to-live-action transition while reminding us that the silliness is part of the reason we loved the cartoons and characters as much as we did, and still do.
Bravo to Paramount for finally releasing this on DVD for the people like me who have been searching for this classic since I bought my DVD player. I've been checking on a weekly to monthly basis for a long time now, and am estatic to see my searching has paid off.
If you haven't seen this fantastic movie before, or haven't seen it in years, take the time to rent it one more time so you can see what you'd be gaining by ordering or pre-ordering this today!!

Soundtrack by Harry Nilsson
Wonderful movie. It's got a fantastical depiction of Sweethaven with its eccentric characters, and a wonderful ensemble cast. Robin Williams gives a very credible portrayal of Fleischman era style Popeye. He's also incredibly sweet, but not the kind of cloyingly ingratiating sweet Williams is known for in later films.

The best part of this movie are the marvelous songs written by Harry Nilsson. I loved the music from Popeye when I was a kid, and as an adult who has recently re-discovered Harry's music, I'm pleased to see this out on VHS again so I could get a hold of the music in *some* form. If you liked Nilsson's "The Point", then treat yourself to this movie, and if you liked Popeye's music, check out "The Point", they're both absolutely smashing.

"Somebody owes me an apology!"
The "Somebody owes me an apology!!" line by Olive's Dad was the funniest running gag in the movie but then they dropped it about halfway through. Big mistake. Great sets and characterizations hampered by misguided plot and inappropriate musical numbers. Great until about halfway through then it falls apart. Definately woth a watch for the Robin Williams Popeye characterization and the great sets. If you like the look and style of flicks like Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy, give it a rent!!

Great movie
I think Popeye was a great movie, personally. I really enjoyed the songs, sets, costumes, and Robin Williams is perfect as Popeye. I can't wait to own this on DVD, where it can be seen in its original widescreen format with beautifully restored picture and sound.

And a note to vhspreowner - Disney and Paramount have actually had a pretty good relationship, even after Popeye went bust, (Which actually wasn't as bad as many think - it grossed $50 million domestically, making a $30 million profit.) including Paramount's recent collaboration with Disney (through Miramax) to produce The Hours.

The Legend of Popeye: Milestones and More...
In 2004, Popeye will be celebrating his 75th birthday! The anvil armed spinach eater is an icon to Americans (as well as Europeans) everywhere. And if you are like me, an American of European ancestry...

"Popeye the Sailor" was created by E.C. Segar as a character in the black & white (later color), Fleischer Brothers newspaper strip "Thimble Theatre" (which was a comic about The Oyl Family). He later made his debut with his own cartoon short, seen on movie screens everywhere in 1933.

Walt Disney Pictures teamed with Paramount Pictures to create the 1980 live action movie directed by Robert Altman, bringing the comic character turned cartoon star into a living breathing human. The parts of Popeye and Olive Oyl were originally going to be played by Dustin Hoffman and Lilly Tomlin but ultimately went to Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall in perfect casting roles. The entire gang was aboard for the ride (Bluto, Wimpy, Swee' Pea, and all the rest along with plenty of new friends and foes).

Despite Popeye being a Segar/Fleischer creation as well as having later associations with A.A.P. (Associated Artists Productions), Hanna Barbera, Disney & Paramount, Popeye is best known as being a "King Features Syndicate" and will forever be linked to all animators and produces as being King's trademark. In fact, because the exact rights for Popeye were so confusing, he was mysteriously missing from the 1989 cartoon/live action movie "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" as the most notably absent cartoon. Due to fear of being sued, Touchstone Pictures sadly left Popeye out of the film, while every other one of his contemporaries from Mickey Mouse to Bugs Bunny appeared in the famous "Toon Town" scenes. Today, Popeye is alive and well with the King Features clan. Sammy Lerner wrote the famous theme song that has been a staple wherever Popeye has appeared.

Although maybe not quite on the scale of "Pinocchio," Popeye is very popular in Italy where he is nicknamed "Iron Arm." Bill Costello provided the original voice in the cartoon and later in the 1970s, Hanna Barbera is best credited with bringing Popeye back to life in several new shows including an updated version called "Popeye & Son," where Popeye & Olive are married with their own kid (not Swee' Pea).

Perhaps his popularity in Italy and throughout Europe can be linked not so much for Costello's and Barbera's contributions, but to the filming of the movie in Anchor Bay (near the capital Valletta) in Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean, just 60 miles south of Sicily. After filming, it became a hugely popular tourist attraction, and even today movies are filmed there through MFF-Malta Films Facilities ("Troy" starring Brad Pitt just wrapped filming in Malta, Greece, Spain and Italy, and Pitt no doubt will be an even huger figure in Europe now).

Many of the "citizens" of the created town of Sweethaven, especially those who had to do some physical gags, were recruited from European traveling circuses. Most of the cast and crew (about 60% if you read the credits carefully) had Italian surnames! The following is a list of those credits: Richard Libertini (played "Geezil"), Larry Pisoni (played "Chico"), Peggy Pisoni (played "Pickelina"), Carlo Pellegrini (played "Swifty"), Noel Parenti (played "Slick"), Pietro Torrisi (played "Bolo"), Roberto Dell 'Aqua (played "Chimneysweep"), Valerie Velardi (played "Cindy"), Roberto Messina (played "Gozo" and was head stunt coordinator), Sammy Gemette (sound editor), Giovanni Fiore (camera operator), GianFranco Transunto (camera operator), Luigi Bernardini (camera operator), Mauro Merchetti (camera operator), Gian Maria Magorana (camera operator), Lorenzo Battaglia (underwater camera operator), Rudolfo Bramucci (gaffer), Vladimiro Salvatore (key grip), Alberto Emidi (key grip), Tony Maccario (property manager), Alvaro Belsole (construction manager), GianCarlo Del Brocco (makeup), Alfredo Tiberi (makeup), Gilberto Provenghi (makeup), Alvaro Rossi (makeup), Maria Teresa Corridoni (hairdresser), Aldo Signoretti (hairdresser), Gabriella Borzelli (hairdresser), Rita Innocenzi (hairdresser), Rita Galea (publicity), Paulo Lucidi (unit manager), Luciano Tartaglia (accountant), Gaetano Mirante (carpenter), Gugliemo Modestini (painter), Angelo Marta (sculpter), Angelo Zaccaria (sculpter), and last but not least, Mickey Chono (head caterer). Alitalia Airlines was the air transportation company of choice for all involved in the film.

So as you can see, Popeye can quite possibly be considered a foreign film (although it is in English) and the fact that it's popular from the US to Europe-to everywhere in between-is no surprise. It's amazing how many Italians were involved in the creation of the characters as well as the sets. Like Italy, Malta's official religion is Catholic and it's official languages are Maltese (which is a West Arabic dialect with some Italian words) and English. The country has Maltese and English newspapers and is a huge tourist spot for those visiting nearby Sicily and even stands wonderful on it's own. In fact, tourism is the main business in the country's economy and the mild yearlong weather and beautiful seaside villages (as seen in Popeye) are no doubt it's selling points. Just watching the movie makes me want to travel there someday and the beautiful cinematography bring the sailor to life as well as any of the animators who have tried their hand at drawing the famous sailorman.

Popeye has his own video game, his own stamp, a clothing line (and Halloween costume), not to mention his own real brand of canned spinach, the #2 seller in supermarkets everywhere just behind Del Monte. In fact, he is so famous that he has his own statue in Chester, Illinois-which is the birthplace of E.C. Segar. Today, Popeye can be seen on Cartoon Network and read in papers nationwide as well as on the internet. This year marks the 110th birthday of E.C. Segar as well as the 75th birthday of Popeye, and next year, Popeye the Movie will celebrate it's 25th anniversary with a new DVD.

Please send me all of your Popeye questions or comments and to join the Johnny DeCarlo Popeye Fan Club, e-mail me: JohnnyItalian@aol.com ... Read more

Description

Comedy favorite Hugh Grant (BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY) stars as a young man who offends an entire town by declaring their mountain -- a prized landmark -- to be a "hill."But soon he finds the eccentric locals, led by a witty innkeeper (Colm Meaney -- STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION) will stop at nothing to defend their honor! While the townspeople rally around their "mountain," a fiery young woman (Tara Fitzgerald -- SIRENS) charms the puzzled out-of-towner into seeing things their way! You'll be elevated by laughter as the hilarious townspeople rise to the occasion -- and the bewildered visitor stumbles into love when he least expects it! ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Movies that try hard to be funny usually aren't
I guess you have to be a huge fan of British humor. I mean, so huge, that you love a British movie just for being, well, a British comedy. I'm a big fan of Hugh Grant. I enjoyed Notting Hill and I LOVED Four Weddings and a Funeral.
But this movie was a lame duck. It's supposed to be funny that a little town gets all in an uproar over the fact that what they perceive to be their 'mountain' is a handful of feet short of being considered a mountain, by mountain height standards (MHS). So bent out of shape are they, that they keep the mountain measurers in the town, and while they're not looking, the townsfolk pile dirt and grass on top of the hill, because apparently a hill with a 16 foot mount on top of it makes a mountain.
It's a one joke movie where the joke just isn't funny. To please the viewers, they throw in a romance at the end of the movie that doesn't work. She starts off hitting on our hero just to keep him around, but then falls in love with him...but you really can't tell when that actually happened, considering the romance was thrown in near the end of the movie.

The music gets silly at points where you're supposed to laugh. But the dialogue isn't funny, they make fun of Grant for being English (as if that's worse than being Welsh and obsessing over a hill), and it's just hard to keep wondering how long it'll be until this two hours of snoozefest is finished. For a swerve, the picture on the cover of the movie is a more updated one of Grant. They were smart in not showing what he really looked like in the movie on the cover.
The introduction of the movie was awful, but the scenery was pretty.

Definitely rent this one before you decide to buy. Buying this without previously viewing it would be a HUGE mistake.

A movie with heart and fun for Anglophiles and country folk
This movie is a labor of love, as is its topic. This true story, well acted and beautifully filmed, initially stopped me with its music as I surfed past a television broadcast. Within minutes, I was entranced, equally by the fine character acting as by the familiar faces of Hugh Grant and Colm Meaney. In the first 10 minutes, I cancelled all other plans for that evening, and spent my first commercial break calling friends to tell them it was on, then spent my remaining commercial breaks surfing to find it on video.

Movies of similar beauty, heart, and soul include Waking Ned Devine, Fairy Tale: A True Story, Shakespeare in Love, and The Secret of Roan Inish. I'm now buying a copy to give my mother as a gift, and look forward to watching it on our home theater system. A movie of the people, with quiet in-jokes between English and Welsh that seem to elude the Ugly AmeriMalkin.

Spend a couple of hours with the people of Wales, and feel your heart expand with the love and care and fun of this fine film. There aren't enough of such gems available!

Worst evening of my life.
I would have rather spent a full 6 hours of an evening watchign a boring 1-0, 15 inning MINOR league baseball game than have to watch this again. If i had a spoon within reach, i would gouge out my eyeballs instead of having to watch this ridiculous, awful film ever again. Worst.....Film.......Ever!

I love the movie and yet find a satisfactory DVD
A great test of whether you have subtle taste and a real humorous mind: after the first 10 minutes into the movie - once you adjust your ear to the music-like accent and figure out what's going on - you will smile all the way to the end. A fantastic comedy for suited mind.

Warning of the DVD: I bought, exchanged, and finally returned 3 copies of this DVD from various vendors, all of them are defects! If you look at the back side of the DVD, you will see some checker-like patterns on the surface - not as smooth and reflective as usual disk. My player will play partial frames and then stops. I wonder if this particular title is manufactured wrong or bad luck follows me for 3 times. I kept my VHS as a result.

If anyone find or own a good DVD on this title, please let me know from which vendor you bought it - there got to be some good stock on this title. The good movie deserves a better DVD transfer.

The psychological distance between a hill and a mountain
This unassuming film takes place during World War I in a Welsh village when two English cartographers, Anson (Hugh Grant) and the more senior Garrad (Ian McNeice), arrive as part of the war effort to map the Welsh countryside. The villagers are jubilant that they are finally going to be noticed since they have what they call "the first mountain in Wales" within their boundaries. Unfortunately, to qualify as a mountain in the eyes of the British government, the peak must be 1000 feet high and, of course, this one falls just short, much to the outrage and sorrow of the townspeople. To have their mountain reclassified as a hill threatens their regional pride and identity. Naturally, they stubbornly set out to do something about it. In a town with so few surnames that people are designated by profession or personality - Williams the Petroleum or Evans the End of the World - the town has its surprising divisions that first must be bridged.

The charm of this film lies in its gentle good humor and the coziness of the small Welsh community it evokes. Everything about this film is simple - the premise, the characters, the conflict, the resolution - and this lack of complexity allows the determination of its characters to shine through in a way that a more boisterous film would not. Hugh Grant plays his usual awkwardly charming character, fitting for the role but occasionally annoying. Colm Meaney is wonderful as innkeeper Morgan the Goat, and Kenneth Griffith turns in a remarkable performance as Morgan's foil, the elderly but feisty Rev. Jones. Tara Fitzgerald is radiant as the love interest Betty. Ian Hart as Johnny Shellshocked nicely underplays his part as the young man returned from the war with emotional scars.

Indie film aficionados and Hugh Grant fans will probably like this movie more than the average American viewer will. This quiet exploration of the huge emotional difference wrought by a few feet will delight those seeking a feel-good movie without commercial flashiness. Stay away if you are looking for a hilarious romantic comedy because, chances are, you won't find it here. ... Read more

Reviews (150)

The Best of Farley
SNL's Chris Farley and David Spade take their act on the road in the pleasing comedy "Tommy Boy". After seven years of college parties, sweet-natured goofball Tommy Callahan (Farley) returns to take his place along side his father (Brian Dennehy) at Callahan Auto Parts. When his father dies, Tommy and his unwilling co-worker (Spade) hit the road to save the family business. "Tommy Boy" is a very funny and enjoyable road comedy that remains the late comedian's finest and most successful film. The storyline is simple and quite predictable. Chris Farley and David Spade have great comic chemistry and deliver some wildly entertaining antics and gut-busting laughs. The cast also includes Rob Lowe, Bo Derek and Dan Aykroyd. The film is presented in its 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains a colorful video transfer and a simple 5.1 Dolby Digital sound. Its only special feature is the film's original fullscreen theatrical trailer. Despite the poor presentation and the lack of extras, "Tommy Boy" is a worthy addition to any SNL fan and earns a "C+".

Holy Shnikes
"Holy Shnikes"

The movie Tommy Boy was released in 1995 and has a running time of 98 minutes. Peter Segal directed Tommy Boy in association with Paramount Pictures. The film features Chris Farley (Tommy Callahan), David Spade (Richard Hayden),
Brian Dennehy (Big Tom Callahan), Bo Derek (Beverly Barish-Burns),
Rob Lowe (Paul Burns) and Dan Aykroyd (Ray Zalinsky). Tommy Boy is rated PG-13 for sex-related humor, some drug content and nudity. The soundtrack album is available on Warner Bros. Compact discs and cassettes.
Tommy Callahan is a party animal that has just graduated from college, by passing his last class with a D+. Tommy has spent the last seven years at college before returning home to Sandusky, OH to work in his father's auto parts manufacturing plant. Upon returning home, he learns that his widower father is to re-marry and she has a son who will be Tommy's new brother. On the day of the wedding, Big Tom, Tommy's father, dies of a heart attack. Tommy must now learn to run the company and go on this father's sales trip to sell the company's new brake pads. He is paired with Richard,
Big Tom's assistant, for this sales trip. If the two don't succeed in selling enough brake pads, the company will be forced to sell out to a competitor and 300 jobs will be lost. Tommy has a lot at stake if he fails. Tommy's sales pitches initially don't result in any sales until he learns that selling is really about confidence and being able to sell himself. Unbeknown to Tommy and Richard, Beverly and Paul, Tommy's new stepmother and stepbrother, are con artists and are trying to sabotage Tommy's efforts to save the company. Beverly and Paul are really married to each other and stand to inherent the family fortune if the company is sold. Eventually, Tommy and Richard are able to foil Beverly and Paul's plot. Tommy is hailed as a hero for saving the plant and the jobs of its 300 workers.
I give Tommy Boy five stars out of five. I absolutely loved it from start to finish. Chris Farley is a wonderful physical actor and uses his size to his advantage. When paired with David Spade, the two are a perfect comic couple. David has a very dry and sarcastic sense of humor that he unleashes on Farley. Tommy Boy is funny on several different levels that require several viewings to fully appreciate. The sound track is great and has lots of songs that you can sing along with, if you know the words. Tommy saves the company and gets the girl. It doesn't get much better than this.

High Five, here's another one!
Amongst the classics of 90's comedy arrive Wayne's World, P.C.U., Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore...and of course, Tommy Boy. Where would the world of comedy be, without this movie? Well, it'd be a notch down as far as range goes, but other than that, it'd just be missing a great film.

Coming home, fresh, actually well done, from college, Tommy Callahan arrives to his hometown to find everything...the same. His father owns the big ol' auto business and everyone's great, until his father dies. With the town leaping on Tommy's back for safety of their jobs, he must take it to the streets and save the business and become the salesman he was meant to be. This would be a great drama film, but it's a Farley comedy, so expect one wild ride.

The film takes a dive into some of the greatest and most memorable scenarios. From Tommy slamming into doors, burning models, and ruinings cars to the memorable lines and bickering between he and fellow co-star, David Spade. The film also has a fine supporting cast, from Dan Ackroyd, Brian Dennehy, and even Rob Lowe as the antagonist.

I could sit here and point out my favorite scenes, but what good does that do. Anyone knows any impersonation or recreation cannot even equal the amount of good fortune one will have when watching the film, for the first time. All I can say is, this is a fine film. This is comedy when it was still important to introduce bold characters, great storyline, and even some drama to tie in emotional aspects. If it were up to me, this film would be sitting on AFI's shelves. But, it's not...so take my word.

You can get a good look at a bull's---

No wait...

It's your buy.

Most underated comedy of 90's
I love this film. it ishould be a classic. Too bad farley died so young.

funniest movie
I remember when I first saw this movie I laughed my butt off.
And now 9yrs later I still laugh whenever I watch the movie.
I especially love the part when tommy Goes Cow tipping w/ his new step brother. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This sprawling epic of bloodshed and excess, Brian De Palma's update of the classic 1932 crime drama by Howard Hawks, sparked controversy over its outrageous violence when released in 1983. Scarface is a wretched, fascinating car wreck of a movie, starring Al Pacino as a Cuban refugee who rises to the top of Miami's cocaine-driven underworld, only to fall hard into his own deadly trap of addiction and inevitable assassination. Scripted by Oliver Stone and running nearly three hours, it's the kind of film that can simultaneously disgust and amaze you (critic Pauline Kael wrote "this may be the only action picture that turns into an allegory of impotence"), with vivid supporting roles for Steven Bauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Robert Loggia. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (539)

His Name Is Tony...
Actor Al Pacino gives a powerhouse performance in 1983's SCARFACE. Paciino plays Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee hoodlum, who quickly rises to the top of Miami's cocaine industry. On his way to the top, Tony uses any means at his disposal to get there, no matter who he hurts or betrays in the process. Pacino takes hold of the character and never lets you forget that he is "Scarface". The supporting cast is wonderful too. It features Steven Bauer, as Tony's right hand man, "Manny" Ray. Michelle Pfeiffer is Tony's girl, Elvira, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, in a role early in her acting career, plays Gina, Tony's sister.

The hard-edged script for the film is written by Oliver Stone, who holds nothing back, as usual Directed by Brian De Palma, the movie doesn't flinch at all to tell its story. The film remains a favorite of mine and will leave you with quite a lasting impression. A "remake" of 1932's SCARFACE, in name only, the film is nearly flawless.

The "Collector's Edition" contains a feature length retrospective documentary, that is so well done, you almost forget that there is no commentary track. It is very comprehensive and covers all aspects of the film and its place in cinema history. There's also a number of deleted scenes and outtakes that were nice to see. These fine extras add up to one heck of a DVD for one of the best gangster movies ever made. SCARFACE should not be missed and comes highly recommended.

Nothing Succeeds Like Excess
Given the high-power talent behind the camera (Brian DePalma), in front of it (Al Pacino), and at the typewriter (Oliver Stone), SCARFACE should have quite a lot going for it. It does indeed, although I can't quite call this a GODFATHER-type masterpiece for certain reasons.

Ostensibly, this is a reworking of Howard Hawks' classic 1932 gangster pic about Al Capone. This time, the setting is Miami circa 1980, the contraband in question is cocaine, and the lead character, Pacino's Tony Montana, is a Cuban-born criminal who just came off the Mariel boat lift with 125,000 others that Castro let go, twenty percent of whom were known criminals. Pacino gets in on the ground floor with a local drug boss (Robert Loggia) and soon works his way to the top, doing just about everything to tick someone off--associates, enemies, cops, his wife (Michelle Pfeiffer), his sister (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), and the Colombian drug kingpins he has to do business with.

But in his cocaine-fueled journey to achieve the so-called American Dream, he neglects to follow two rules taught to him by Loggia: (1) Don't underestimate the other guy's greed; and (2) Don't get high on your own supply. He finally crosses the line in the end by alienating a Colombian drug boss (Paul Shenar) so much that Shenar sends assassins to Pacino's Miami villa. The result is a horrific and bloody shootout in which most of the assassins are rubbed out, and so is Pacino.

Without a doubt, SCARFACE continues to generate wildly divergent opinions, both pro and con. I for one had some trouble trying to stomach Pacino's Cuban accent at first, but then his ultra-charistmatic performance kicked into high gear, four-letter words and all. The film is very true to its essentials of showing how a certain segment of the Cuban boat people, a very SMALL segment, tried to latch onto the American Dream by trafficking in illegal narcotics and thus earning millions. Probably the most interesting thing about SCARFACE is the political view that Stone espouses in his screenplay: he seems to espouse a very Reaganesque view of the world of the 1980s (virulent anti-Communism; anti-Castro), but in truth he is severely critical of those very same policies that motivated Castro to send the worst of his worst onto American soil and thus accelerate this nation's drug problem.

SCARFACE does have its faults. It requires a lot of patience to sit through with a running time approaching 170 minutes, and I am not all that sure there is enough in there to sustain it for that kind of length. The film continues to be controversial in some quarters for its extreme (as opposed to merely excessive) violence; the chainsaw scene in an apartment, the hanging from a helicopter, and the ultra-gory shootout at the end rank as some of the most violent scenes ever shown on film. Only four other films in history challenge it in this respect: THE WILD BUNCH, SOLDIER BLUE, TAXI DRIVER, and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. Finally, this film set a record for the greatest number of times the "F" word, or variations of it, are used; I lost count at two hundred. This IS a bit much, although it probably fits the reality of the situation it depicts.

On the other hand, DePalma, whose 1976 film CARRIE remains one of the touchstone suspense/horror films of all times, does make quite a lot out of Stone's wild and crazy screenplay--though surprisingly, for the violent scenes, he doesn't use slow-motion or montage that much, which would have earned him favorable comparisons with the legendary Sam Peckinpah. Just as solid is the camera work of John Alonzo, who worked on CHINATOWN and BLACK SUNDAY, among others. Giorgio Moroder's score is pretty good, though I do admit it gets a little cheesy after a while. And Pacino's performance is also high-caliber; just get used to his Cuban accent, and it works very well.

This film comes highly recommended, but with this warning: It is definitely NOT for younger audiences, it is rated 'R' for a lot of good reasons.

Best Movie Ever!!!!!!!!!
This is the greatest movie that was ever created! I could not beleive how great this movie was when I saw it. Not only the movie was great but great actors like Al Pacino. If you have any money don't spend it on anything else than this movie!

WOULD YOU KISS ME IF I WEAR THE HAT!?
This is one of the greatest movies of all time and the AFI top 100 movies of all time refuses to acknowledge it. Al Pacino deserved an oscar for his portrayal of Tony Montana, the movie deserved an oscar for something yet this movie is constantly overlooked by all critics, but the cult following that it has amassed is by far more telling of it's popularity than sheer box office numbers. ask anyone on the street and they'll tell you Scarface is one of the best movies ever made, and if they don't think so they haven't seen it. So sit back, crack some hennessy and alize, light up a cigar, and enjoy one of the best movies ever made!

Classic Gangster Flick
No matter what anybody says, this has to be one of the ten best gangster movies ever made, if not in the top three. If you are a fan of this genre, Scarface is a gourmet banquet of acting, action, dialogue and intensity. And if you don't enjoy this, all I can say is I'm sorry that you're missing out. The only reason I don't give this movie 5 stars is that I don't know what to make of Giorgio Moroder's cheesy sythn soundtrack and disco tunes. If you think in the context of the movie, that 80's Cuban drug dealers might like listening to really bad disco music ("...Rush, rush to the yeyo") then this music works in the confines of the Babylon nightclub along with the bad hair, clothes, Belzer's lousy comedy and the mime. But these songs, if they had to stand on their own outside the movie, would be totally ignored. I wonder if Deborah Harry ( then at the height of fame with her band Blondie) knew when she laid down the vocals for Moroder's muzak that this song was designed as junk to suit the movie or if she thought this might boost her singing career. If you account for the disco muzak as necessary "set dressing" for the Babylon it still doesn't excuse Moroder's cheesy synth soundtrack. How much better this movie could have been if it was scored by an accomplished orchestral composer such as Morricone or Williams. If you want more proof of Moroder's shortcomings check out the soundtrack of Metropolis. ... Read more

Description

Opposites don't just attract - they hilariously banter, fuss, feud and collide when SANDRA BULLOCK plays an activist lawyer and HUGH GRANT is the eccentric tycoon who hires her in this romantic-comedy romp from the writer of Miss Congeniality ... Read more

Reviews (164)

Likable Stars in standard romantic comedy
The romantic comedy genre is pretty generic this day and age and Two Weeks Notice does little to break the mold, but is better than the usual. What praise that can be given to the film is due to the stars, Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, who work well together to salvage what they can from the generic story and lifeless direction. The duo seem have a decent chemistry and the least you can say about them is that they work.

Bullock is Lucy, a liberal legal aide who puts up the good fight for the little guy in the fight to slow development, while Grant plays George, a leader in the high priced NYC development game who the very ideal person Lucy fights against. He needs a new lawyer that happens to be female and a non-bimbo and, as Lucy happens to fit the criteria, they strike a deal in that he'll attempt to save her community center if she'll agree to work for him. They hate each other, of course, and they're falling for each other w/o knowing it, of course, and they get separated just as they are falling in love, of course, and they are brought back together and love meets them in the middle, of course. Aren't clichés lovely?

But at least it meets the minimum requirements that the lead characters be somewhat likable, and they are definitely that. The story is workable at best, but the actors made due with what was available. Romantic comedy fans are sure to love it while the rest of us our sure to make it through without suffering too much pain.

What the hell movie did you guys watch?
I dont know what movie you guys watched but it wasnt the the HG/SB version of Two Weeks Notice. This was a great movie. Plot driven? No. But full of clever on liners and a blossoming affection between George and Lucy thats adorable and infectious. My girlfriend and i still do the "I find you...annoying." line once in a while. Just the other day as a matter of fact. I even watch it occasionally when shes not around. Norah Jones does a great cameo and Georges eccentricities, coupled with Lucy's everything is a cause mindset, is great. They're so opposite its wonderful.

My GOD!!! Have none of you ever been in love???
I'm shocked by the reviews I'm reading of this film! I must say, anyone who's ever been in love with someone, particularly if that person is your best friend, in addition to being your worst enemy, this film will SPEAK to you.

I won't lie that this film falls victim to the formulaic conventions of most romatic-comedies, but the screenwriter presents the characters in such a way that you forgive it all. Both of the primary characters are entirely sympathetic in all aspects, even the rich, handsome, bastardly Grant.

At the end, you adore Bullock for much the reason Grant does. Despite her nerosies and non-sense, her heart is in the right place. And while Grant's character is less-sympathetic, you truly regard him as an unwitting villian... one by way of creation, rather than one by way of nature.

Ultimately, it's a story for adults and an adult love... the sort that smacks you in the face, just when you think that you're too old to fall victim to emotion versus rationale. The scene where they pick through one another's lunches speaks volumes to any person who's ever loved someone they hated. How could you love someone who loves beets? Maybe because they love beets when you don't.

I recommend this film highly for anyone looking for a good laugh and sporadic cry on a Friday night. Overall, lovely, brilliant performances... and a script worth lauding, if for nothing else, because it makes such frustrating characters so entirely human.

Shouldn't a comedy be funny?
I am very surprised by all the good reviews here for this film. I sat there waiting for something to happen, but for the entire thing it was just unfunny. I cared nothing about the characters played by Bullock and Grant. I went in hoping that it would be the caliber of writing of someone like Richard Curtis on Notting Hill or Love Actually (two terrific Hugh Grant films), but this was just a complete waste of time where you want those hours of your life back. I noticed Bullock's name as a producer. I hope this doesn't mean she fudged with the script to make it "funny" in her mind. (Anybody remember when actress Kim Basinger complained that the writer of the script for her film Marrying Man had no conception of comedy and she decided to rewrite it? The writer she was complaining about was Neil Simon.)

Great- even if you don't care much for Sandra
This movie is SO funny! I am not a big Sandra Bullock fan, but nonetheless this was a great show (and if you like her a lot it's probably even better). The writing is extremely funny and Hugh Grant gives his best performance to date. Overall I would rank this as one of the best romantic comedies, right up there with Notting Hill and The Wedding Planner and just below the Princess Bride. My husband liked it too! ... Read more

Reviews (216)

A Gimmicky Love Movie Makes for a Not too Bad Flick!
O.K., Let me start off and say this movie is based on all the "coincidetal" parts in love movies that make females, and some males (I'm a MAN and can admit when I cry), cry.

Yes, this movie is very gimmicky, but that what makes this movie great also. It knows it's very gimmicky and that's what makes this movie, being it's the bases and not to include main plot points.

The story goes like so:

In one magical moment Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) meet unexpectedly and spend a romantic winter day together, although both are involved with other people. At the end of the night Sara decides they must let fate determine if they are meant to be together and disappears without giving Jonathan a way of reaching her. Ten years later, they are both engaged to others but cannot give up the dream that they will meet again. And so begins their journey to find one another worlds apart!

Like I said, very gimmicky, but that's what makes this movie work.

The DVD itself is nothing too special. It has a good anamorphic widscreen presentation, ok audio, and not too many extras besides a few deleted sensces(nothing to go crazy over here) and an On the Set feature.

The romantic comedy of the year!
Everything you've believed about fate may not change once you've seen "Serendipity," which uses just about every trick in destiny's book to its advantage, but that doesn't mean that you won't have a good time. For true romantics and firm believers in fate, this is a sure-fire hit, while those who have no faith in chance will sneer. If you happen to be like me, you will suspend disbelief and accept the movie's reliance on all things coincidental, and just enjoy the movie for what it is: a winning piece of romance, laughter, and warmth.

Underneath the destiny premise is a basic, by-the-numbers plot with trademark characters and subplots. Beginning on a fateful night in New York City (and yes, the Twin Towers have been removed), we are introduced to Sara (Kate Beckinsdale), and John (John Cusack), two single people who spend the evening getting to know one another as they share a dream date of ice skating and coffee at a small restaurant named (of all things) Serendipity.

Just when it looks as if our two smitten kittens have become enraptured with one another, Sara plays hard to get, suggesting that if they really are meant to be together, then fate will take its course in bringing them back to one another. He writes his name down on a five dollar bill, which she uses to buy breath mints; destiny, she explains, will determine whether she gets that five dollars back again or not. She then tells him that she will write her name and number in a book, then sell it to a used book store... you get the picture, and they part ways.

Skip ahead a few years, and our two star-crossed lovers have moved on in life: John is days away from being married, while Sara, who now lives in San Francisco, has just become engaged to a musician of the weirdest sort. Of course, John cannot help but take a peek at every bookstore he walks past, while Sara gives hopeful glances at lingering five dollar bills... you get the picture.

When asked if I liked this picture, I answered with a wholehearted yes. After a summer filled with dead-end blockbusters, stunning suspense tinglers, and fresh comedies, "Serendipity" offers its audience a chance to embrace predictability instead of turning away from it. Every aspect of the plot is easily seen ahead of time by those who know their romantic comedies, but this works in the movie's favor, allowing us to kick back and have a good time without any demands on our mind's thought processes.

This is all made extremely likeable by the charming performances from the two leads, who add a great deal of feeling to their characters. Cusack shows a good amount of emotional capacity, enough so that we are willing to go along with his struggle to find his destined soul mate. Beckinsdale, who is quite becoming of the film, plays Sara's change of heart about fate and destiny to perfection, and then one-ups herself when her character again changes her mind and decides to locate John.

As the movie becomes a will-they-or-won't-they-end-up-together romance, we find ourselves in an arena of familiarity. The story supplies Sara and John each a typical best friend, who provide emotional support, and both of whom play a small key role in bringing the two together. In their search for one another, Sara and John will have so many close calls and near-misses (at one point, Sara steps into a taxi just as John runs behind it) that it makes the whole film seem absurd and ludicrous.

The surprise is, however, that it isn't. "Serendipity" is a refreshing piece of fluff that plays by the rules in all the right ways. The predictability of the material is in the film's favor, making no demands on the audience to sort things out. The story is given a verve and tenacity that sparkles like the snows of the Big Apple, while there is humor and sheer whimsy in every aspect of this fantastic fairy tale of chance. Couple that with some strong, inviting leads, and you have a formula for the most successful romantic comedy of the year.

Serendipity and Stupidity
This premise of this movie is just plain idiotic. Sara poses an almost impossible probabalistic challenge for her lover, Jon, by writing her address in a to-be-sold book. If he succeeds in obtaining this book, "fate" has allegedly worked its magic. The problem with this is that we are living in a probabilistic universe. Just how much "fate" do you need, anyway? Is not the chance of them meeting in the first place a miracle of "fate" in itself? Jon should have, in response, proposed tossing Sara off a skyscraper, leaving to "fate" whether she lives or not. The chances of her having a parachute handy is only marginally more likely than Jon finding her book, and far more likely than her finding sanity.

Connect the dots
OK, so you know how this movie will end. A guy and a girl meet each other under weird circumstances, fall in love and meet years later because they are meant for each other. Like so often.

but it's not bad at all, the clues are very funny and even though it's too absurd it is still funny. A nice 'romantic comedy'.

There are some classic moments that couples must have done before or after seeing this movie. Like connecting the dots (freckles) on a girl's arm... sigh... do soulmates really exist?

I loved it!
This is the best romantic comedy I have ever seen! This is really a one to watch!
This is a movie that really gives you a lovely love feeling inside of you! With the jazz music at the background, and showing the beautiful romantic side of New York makes this the most lovely romantic movie for me! (And of course Kate Beckinsale) The extras on the DVD are very good to give you an inside look of making the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Babs is a great actress
These scenes are so well written - credit to the genius of arthur laurents - that any one of them could be taken out of context and make a great scene for an acting student.

The movie is shot beautifully and the score is a classic. (If a little repetitive at times)

The main reason to see this movie is for the great acting of Streisand and Redford. They are incredible.

Barbara has so many great moments in this - probably the "phone scene" is her best but so hard to choose. She is just great in this movie.

Redford is perfect - saying much more when he is silent than any actor does with dialogue.

The ending scene is a classic of american cinema - so sad and perfect. The most classic goodbye scene since CASABLANCA.

The documentary on this DVD is awesome. The interviews with Barbra, Pollack, the Bergmans, Hamlisch are great. The only disapointment is no Redford. The deleted scenes in this documentary are great and worth seeing.

I highly recommend this DVD.

DVD is Well Done - Looks & Sounds Better Than Ever
Finally! THE WAY WE WERE in widescreen! I think it really makes a difference. I've only seen pan and scan versions on video. It is especially noticeable in the opening credits where names/credits appear on one side of the screen and action takes place on the other side. For the first time we get to see Katie at her typewriter and Katie talking to her teacher.

The rest of the dvd is done just as well. The picture and sound are pristine. The menu screens are classy and easy to use. The bonus trailers from FOR PETE'S SAKE and Streisand's later films are fun to see.

The hour-long documentary featuring interviews with Sydney Pollack and Streisand is very revealing. Pollack seems humble and grateful about the film. Streisand is relaxed and beautiful - again, reflective and humble about the experience as Pollack is. There is even a segment with Marvin Hamlisch on piano playing the different versions of THE WAY WE WERE theme. And Alan & Marilyn Bergman are a hilarious couple!

Sydney Pollack's comments on the extra audio channel are interesting as well. I haven't gotten through the whole movie yet, but so far so good!

The dvd is definitely a must-have for Streisand fans. But even fans of this classic romance will find much to like about the dvd as well.

A classic! A tearjerker! Two treats in one!
I've seen this movie many, many times. I can be brought to tears by watching JUST the last scene. This movie is a true visceral experience.

Characters that could have been stereotyped are incredibly complex and true. And that's a big part of the story. We go through life and label people, yet we just don't know what might truly lie beneath.

Katie and Hubble see what lies beneath. How we don't know. Two soul mates who come into each other's lives but cannot stay. I know all of this sounds sentimental but this is a truly sentimental favorite.

Watch this movie!!

"Katie, it was never uncomplicated."
As stated many times before, THE WAY WE WERE is one of only a handful of romantic blockbusters to actually feature an intelligent script and complex characters. Writer Arthur Luarents' based his screenplay (and subsequent novel) on girl he knew in college, who fought for liberal (and sometimes communist) causes. The film was a surprise box office smash when originally released, and became the fifth-highest grossing film of 1973 and an instant classic. Katie Morosky is a character that Barbra Streisand born play, and she delivers on all accounts. Fierce and determined, yet vulnerable and self-conscious, Katie is a tricky character and Streisand inhabits her so deeply that she seems nothing less than completely believable. Justifiably nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, she was unfortunately robbed of the award.

Redford, who actually turned down the role twice before director and friend Sydney Pollack talked him into taking the part, displays some of the best reflective acting ever seen on the big screen and definitely deserved a nomination as well (he was, however, nominated for Best Actor that year for his light comedic performance in THE STING). The film's enduring popular success with the mass audience is due to the magnetic chemistry between Streisand and Redford and the gorgeous visuals and strong directorial hand supplied by Pollack, however it is the complexity of the romance with politics and the strong characterizations by both leads that continues to make THE WAY WE WERE the best love story for adults.

About the DVD: The picture quality is beautiful, quite possibly the best the film has ever looked. The sound quality is also vastly improved. Pollack's commentary track is interesting, but the 60-minute documentary is the best extra on the disc. Featuring insightful interviews from Pollack, Streisand, and Laurents (as well as composer Marvin Hamlisch and lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman) the documentary is well-produced and entertaining, and it was great to finally see those much-debated deleted scenes.

For such a great film, the dvd should have been much more!
I, like many thousands of others love this movie and could watch it over and over again. What should have been a 25th Aniversary spectacular is a very lack luster. My major complaint is with the 60 minute documentary.
1.Great, we get to see some scenes that were cut that really SHOULD have been put in the film in the first place. How about the rest of the cut scenes? Legend has it that there is much more.
2.Barbara's commentary is good but I really think she could have added a lot more. What about the screen play she supposedly was interested in that was, in essence, a part two of this movie entitled "the way we are"?
3.Redford is absent on the disc because of "scheduling" problems? Or so I have heard....Gee, nobody could have waited even to get 3-4 minutes of commentary from him? Something isnt right.

I also dont think the transfer of this movie came out too well. Not exactly great quality for such an icon. ... Read more

Reviews (149)

An adventure in mediocrity
Better than Little Nicky, far from Happy Gilmore, and on about the same level as The Waterboy, Mr. Deeds is decent, but not all that great. Adam Sandler plays Longfellow Deeds, a good man with a somewhat short temper, but ultimately mild mannered. When it is determined that he is the son of a recently deceased billionaire, he inherits the entire estate. The premise sounds good, and apparently it did before as it is based on the movie, "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town." That however doesn't help this movie. What does push it forward is some good acting, inventive characters, and a decent plot. Sandler has the ability to get more cameos into a movie than I thought physically possible. Al Sharpton, John MacEnroe (forgive the spelling), Rob Schneider, Kathy Bates, and others all wind up in this film and do an excellent job in supporting Sandler. Detracting seriously from the film though is Winnona Ryder. Why on Earth she is still an actress boggles my mind. She plays her part horribly and just sounds so atrocious. Her, and the dips in comedic action pull this film down 2 stars. Overall though it could be worse, given everything it's not that bad. It's an enjoyable film that can be viewed a few times without the effect wearing off.

Good rebound for Sandler after the "Nicky" bomb
I'm not going to compare this movie (tho loosely based) to the 1936 classic with Gary Cooper, "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town". Sure, the basic storyline is the same, but that's it. Cooper & Sander are totally different actors in totally different times. Cooper was a classic actor with a flair for some comedy, where Sandler is a comedian with a flair for some acting. "Deeds" did fairly well at the box office in 2002. Sandler proved there was life after his previous bomb, "Little Nicky". A great cast with Winona Ryder, Steve Buscemi, and John Turturro - stealing the show with his "sneaky" one liners and his incurable foot fetish. You'll recognize some supporting cast members from some of Sandler's previous flicks ("Wedding Singer, "Big Daddy", etc). Tho on the short side of today's movie standards (approx 90 minutes), this film is enjoyable on all levels. Sandler is more of the naive bumbling comedian here (remniscent of his role in "Wedding Singer"), rather than relying on gross humor geered toward the older adolescent male movie watchers. Included on this DVD are the standard feature length commentaries, outtakes & deleted scenes, and miscellanious featurettes. For those Sandler fans, I put this one behind the classics "The Wedding Singer" and "Happy Gilmore"... but well above "The Waterboy", "Big Daddy" and "Little Nicky".

What the.........!?
Here's something you don't see everyday: an expectation that a movie will be good based on who stars in it being completely shafted. Actually, I get that feeling quite a bit, but never like this. Adam has been in some great movies (Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and, despite what everyone else seems to say about it, I loved Little Nicky). However, this movie is complete garbage, and those responsible for this Godforsaken piece of crap should be burned at the stake. I guess this was supposed to be based on an earlier version of this movie (Mr. Deeds goes to town or whatever), and I hope to God that movie is at least 100X better than this waste of space.

Let me get right to the point. This movie tanked from start to finish. Few movies have accomplished this, but this one does so as if doing so is a no-brainer. What I remember of the beginning is lame and boring, the freaks that Adam hangs around must have some sort of mental retardation (if you've seen the movie, you know I'm not talking about stupidity that is funny, but just plain retardation that sucks), and H-O-L-Y CRAP Winona Rider is in the movie; nuff said! The best part of the moive (and I say best only to emphasize how bad this movie is) is when Rider's character kicks the overweight pizza store manager in the crotch, and she says "What are you kickin there for? I ain't got no b*lls!" Geeeezzzzz.......I couldn't even try to laugh at this nonsense; what was Adam thinking? By the way, Adam is very mellow in this movie (except for a couple of scenes where he beats someone up, but it's not even near funny this time), just like in Waterboy, but without the lousy accent (thank God!). He writes poems for greeting cards for Christ's sake!!! How much more of a loser can you be? I guess he's trying to model himself after Jason Biggs (which is about as low as you can go). Just get me a gun so I can put this movie and myself out of our misery!

It's not what you got in the bank.....
Adam Sandler in another formula feel-good romantic comedy. As a simple guy in a New England Hicks-Town, Sandler is loved all the towns-folk for his cheerful disposition and his magical way of always wanting to help people out. When he is snatched away from his little piece of Paradise to accept a 40 billion dollar inheritance from a media tycoon in NYC, a snowball-effect of events starts to roll.

Vaguely similar to Steve Martin's "The Jerk", but sadly quite predictable and far fetched. Many side-gags for pop-culture buffs are included. The best one's are a take on "Mr. French" and references to the Sunday Funny Papers. The frequent "appearing/disappearing act" of the butler character at first is spooky, but works well with the surprise at the end. The final scene (I won't give it away) is a cute way of showing how much Deeds wants to help out the little people. Some of the "cut scenes" are hilarious, although some (like the pizza delivery) are a bit risque. Otherwise, this is safe bet for all ages. A very pleasant film.****

Ratings Comparisons
The original Mr. Deeds Goes to Town was given a three and a half out of four star rating on cable, but this version was only given one star.

This of course does not surprise me. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wonderful film finally available...
In this film we have: The alcoholic son; the homosexual son who is trying to be heterosexual to please himself and his family; the overlooked daughter and her husband with marital issues; the ultra conservative, emotionally unavailable father who is extremely hard on his children; and the mother who cares WAY too much what other people think and would rather hide behind a lie she has known for quite sometime. Not to mention the poor girl who thinks her fiance is straight, has to face her own pain in finding otherwise.
For a TV movie, this film is great. This is about a dysfunctional family. It is not only a "coming out" story, but also about an alcoholic son portrayed by Jim Carrey, who, along with the daughter's husband, seem to be the only people who can see how screwed up the family really is. The gay son, who on this occasion, brings home his new fiance, is forced to come out of the closet. He is so used to trying to put a pretty face on everything and not showing things for what they really are...which he seems to get from his parents. Basically, all at one time the s--t hits the fan, so to speak. It is definitely not an uplifting film, but shows how a dyfunctional family who hides their secrets and refuse to come to terms with their problems, will eventually fall apart and have to find a way to rebuild again, on different terms, through unconditional love and support. This is a wonderful film to show teenage children the dangers of alcoholism, and how important it is to love and support your children unconditionally regardless of their issues and sexual orientation. It can show the catastrophic results that can and usually will occur when people don't face their problems. What should parents care more about, their family image or their children? This would be great to show Jr. High, High School, and College students. I saw it when I was in high school and it helped me tremendously. I then showed it to a friend in college struggling with his sexuality and his religious parents who would not accept him. He came to terms with it as did his parents. They now accept him for who he is. Just goes to show how facing your problems and trying to understand an issue, will only help you and your loved ones in the future.

woah
i just bought a bootleg tape of this a couple weeks ago and now i kind of regret it. ill just say that this movie is surprisingly great for a tv movie and its one of jim carrey's best performances. cant wait to see what special features come with it.

what the... hmmm... now will you lookie at that...
this 1992 made-for-tv movie was excellent, but, who really ever expected to see it anywhere but bootlegged on ebay? i hope to see more details soon, specifically what extras are going to be included. william mcnamara and jim carey (yep, "the" face) were both very good in this dramatic coming-out story. ... Read more

Reviews (112)

Classic!
This epic comedy adventure begins with Pee-Wee getting out of bed and playing with his toys like a normal...whatever he is. He fixes himself and his dog Speck breakfast with a fancy breakfast-making contraption and weighs himself. The scale reads 98 lbs. and gives him the ominous daily horoscope "Don't leave the house today."

Of course, our hero ignores this advice so he can go to the store and pick up the horn for his bike. He parks his bicycle, visits the Magic Shop, then to Chuck's Bike-O-Rama. But when he comes back, his treasured bike has been stolen!

To begin his search for his bike, he sees a fortune teller, who tells him it's in the basement of the Alamo. This starts him on his journey, which has him hitching rides with convicts and phantom truck drivers; working in a restaurant; riding bucking broncos; hanging out with bikers; and finally, ending up at Warner Bros. Studios. He knows that his bike is there, but getting it back won't be easy!

Tim Burton's over-dramatic directing gives the movie a feeling more like a cartoon than a live-action movie, and Reubens' acting is great. The plot is simple yet exciting, since there's always a good joke or something interesting happening. Danny Elfman's lively score for the movie is the perfect accent to the adventure.

This is my pick for one of the greatest movies of all time.

Large Marge Sent Me...
...and she said that if you don't get this feature-packed DVD, you'll be missing out on a real treat! We all know the film is funny and inspired: Mr. Reubens and Mr. Burton made magic on a budget. But this picture holds up like Miss Yvonne's hairdo and the generous additions take full advantage of the DVD format. The commentary by the star and the director is quite casual and down-to-earth. No pretense here. It's as much a treat to hear them covet certain props and reveal which they "kept" after the film as it is to learn how Tim Burton got the director's job. There is also an interesting, informative piece that features production sketches set to commentary from the set designer. Extremely cool. Danny Elfman also talks about his memorable score on an isolated track. The salvaged bits in the "Deleted Scenes" section are a bit rough visually but worthwhile nonetheless. Cool DVD interface, too. Your money will be well-spent on this. Paging Mr. Herman, Mr. Pee-wee Herman...

A one-of-a-kind classic comedy
It is really such a shame about what happened to actor Paul Reubens and his alter-ego Pee-wee Herman. This is an absolutely delightful, one-of-a-kind classic comedy. The follow-up film, Big Top Pee Wee, while it has it's moments, can't possibly even begin to compare. As one film critic said of this film at the time it was released, just leave your sanity at the door and enjoy it!!

Unwatchable
This film made me physically sick. Peewee has a grating personality and the jokes were... well... uninspired at best. Skip it and watch something funnier... like paint drying or the teletubbies.

I must admit, I only got through the first 25 minutes before I had to turn it off. Maybe the last hour transcended the first part, but I wouldn't put a wager on it.

Paging Mr. Herman...
This movie is truly one of my all-time favorites. I love it because I've seen it tons of times and each time I laugh again. Every scene I could easily call my favorite scene. This movie is great for fans of the show. I would recommend this movie to anyone with a sense of humor. ... Read more

Description

See one of America's best-loved comedians at his finest with this side-splitting 7-disc DVD collection! Sixteen hilarious Essanay comedies from the beginningof Chaplin's career, including "His New Job," "The Tramp" and "Triple Trouble", twelvetwo-reel comedies Chaplin made the following year with the Mutual Company, includingsuch classics as "Easy Street," "The Vagabond" and "The Rink." Fully restored andtransferred from premier quality 35mm negatives with new digital stereo scores. As wellas a bonus disc with "Chaplin's Goliath: In Search of Scotland's Forgotten Star," a 54-minute 1996 documentary, traces the fascinating story of Chaplin's "heavy" co-star in theMutual comedies, Eric Campbell, including rare outtakes, screen tests, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

"Clean" Eddie Murphy!
It is extremely rare to use the words "Eddie Murphy" and "clean" in the same sentence, which ring true in "Saturday Night Live-The Best Of Eddie Murphy". After watching Murphy convey such a unique and endearing comical warmth in which he brings to many of his SNL characters, especially in this video, it makes you wonder why Murphy resorts to using rather obscene language and risque adult themes prevalent in many of his stand-up comedy videos, such as "Eddie Murphy:Raw" and "Delirious", which are highly recommended for laughs, even though these are not satisfactory for young audiences to view. If Mr. Murphy cleaned up his act in the language department, he'd still be just as hilarious. On the other hand, if the adult themes and language were excluded entirely, the routines wouldn't be as interesting and much of their viewer appeal would be lost. No need to worry with "The Best Of Eddie Murphy-Saturday Night Live". It's "G" rating means that it's a video the whole family can watch together, although there is a slight possibility that the ethnicity present in certain skits may offend certain people, so it's best to watch this with an open mind and just laugh out loud! The only thing I dislike about this version is due to the fact there are two different skits, one that replaced the jazz skit where Murphy portrays a "Thelonius Monk"-type musician, sporting a clear plastic mask, which I found quite hilarious! Instead there's a drone skit with Eddie dressed up as Gumby, saying the oft-used phrase "I'm Gumby, Dammit!" Somebody please gag me with a spoon! Another skit featured here that wasn't in the original video was a different second skit of "Mister Robinson's Neighborhood" featuring Mr. T. Even though I don't remember the original second skit that was in the original video, I would say the Mr. T skit is/was as equally as funny. The most hilarious skit of the bunch here is definitely the "Jesse Jackson" skit. You'll have to check that one out for yourself! You rarely see any clean, wholesome and comical productions starring Eddie Murphy that are out there, which is why it is necessary to include "The Best Of Eddie Murphy-Saturday Night Live" in your comedy video library. Purchase this rare gem before it is taken out of print!

Funny, yes, but the VHS version from late 80s was better
This DVD has collected most of the best moments compiled on the VHS best-of Eddie Murphy version that came out circa the late 80s, but is missing a few moments that could have easily been fit in.

1) The Eddie Murphy "Ronald Reagan is my father" skit, which has Murphy pleading for his father to return, talking about how the last time he saw him was when he asked him to get some cereal, and he never came back.

2) Where Eddie Murphy interviews Ron Howard about his new movie, but Murphy can't get over that Ron Howard once played Opie on The Andy Griffiths Show, frustrating Howard.

3) Where Eddie Murphy and Stevie Wonder do a commercial for something called similar to Plantation Land, where people can go and pick cotton, being treated like slaves.

4) A talent show at a veterans post, with Tyrone and his Reggae Band, where Eddie Murphy plays the lead singer singing some hilarious lines I probably can't mention here, so I won't, but it would also ruin the humor. but let's just say the crowd is mad, and starts to leave. Murphy manages to both show the honesty in reggae music, and also make fun of reggae itself.

5) Popeil's Galactic Prophylactic, a superstrong condom that can last decades and be passed down generation to generation. ultra-hilarious.

So the DVD version is funny, but it's too bad they couldn't find room for these. rather disappointing. The DVD is still worth getting, but try finding a copy of the videotape.

Comedy At Its Best
After 5 years of classic comedy, "Saturday Night Live" entered a cold streak in 1980. Heavyhitters like John Belushi and Gilda Radner were replacd with Gail Matthius and Charles Rocket, and Jean Domanian (and later Dick Ebersol) replaced the show's guiding force, exceutive porducer Lorne Michaels. The results: bad reviews and the show's worst ratings. The show needed someone to revive the show's magic. Someone who could elicit guffaws in even the worst sketch. They found that in 19 - year old comedian Eddie Murphy.

Murphy's best moments in his 3 - year stint on the show are all on this 28 - sketch set. Whether you enjoy "Buckwheat", "Gumby", or "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood", there'll never be a more comprehensive Eddie Murphy/"SNL" retrospectie. Also, a lot of less popular sketches are here. "Buckwheat Shot" and "Buckwheat Dead" (one of the few 2- part "SNL" skecthes) is among the show's greatest staircal news parodies. Eddie does the Little Rascal flawlessly, while Joe Piscopo does a dead - on Ted Koppell. (Piscopo is actually in most of the sketches, probably because he brough out the best in Murphy). Also, a variety pf his classxci impressions are here: Desmond Tutu, James Brown, Stevie Wonder (the real wonder pops up in the final sketch), Jesse Jackson and others. I wish they'd included his Michael Jackson impression, though. Another plus: Eddie's hilarious Little Richard Simmons, a sidesplitting amalgam of Little Richard and Richard Simmons that most likely inspired Dana Carvey's Carsenio. And the classic short film "White Like Me" is here. The makeup artists did a great job of making Eddie look white.

This dvd is also special because it's Eddie's cleanest material aside from "Shrek" and "Doctor Dolittle". Aside from a few curses, everything here is tame compared to his movies and standup routines. I suggest this dvd for all comedy fans. Also, get the other "SNL" dvs.

Total Ripoff
I agree that this was a total rip off. One would assume that a DVD version of a show would have all the same contents as the VHS version if not more. I was shocked to find out about the missing episodes. Unfortunately I didn't read the reviews before purchasing it so tough luck on my part.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone - get the VHS version if you can.

While we're on the topic of comedy shows. Does wnyone know if Roman Atkinson live will ever be out on dvd?

RIPPED OFF!
I gave this DVD 4 stars the first time it was released and 1 star the second time. I bought it the first time it was released. When I saw the different cover and the words "bonus editon", I assummed it contained the missing episodes fans were requesting that weren't on the first DVD. Wrong. There were too many great episodes missing: "Guy Talk" with Michael Jackson, "Ronald Reagon is My Father", "Cott