Description

Four Academy Awards(R) including Best Picture! The funny, tender story of a feisty Southern lady and her chauffeur, fueled by the starpower of Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman and Dan Aykroyd. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

An Unlikely Pair
This Academy Award winning drama is a touching story about the coexistence of an aging southern woman and her chauffer. Miss Daisy played by Jessica Tandy (Academy Award for Best Actress) is a feisty Jewish woman forced to endure the tragedy of growing older. Her son played by Dan Aykroyd is faced with the dilemma of playing parent to his parent. Morgan Freeman plays Hoke, the black chauffer hired by her son. Set in Atlanta, GA beginning in the late 1940's this film spans 25 years of an unlikely friendship before and during the fight for Civil Rights. A must see classic, this story keeps the audience wondering what will she think of next, and how will he handle it. Skillfully done with everyday events and situations it is certainly deserving of the Best Picture Academy Award.

A Great Tale of an Unlikely Friendship
"Driving Miss Daisy" is one of the best films released in 1989, rightfully winning four Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Makeup. This adaptation of the play version is brilliant. It tells the story, set between 1940's-1960's, of a fiesty elderly woman who's unhappy of growing old. As she meets a man who becomes her driver, the story develops into something special. The combination of stories become increasingly interesting as the two develop a close friendship. Their relationship beats the racist society and the painful past that the man has endured. Through everything, their lives change forever. Her son's frequent visits to her house offer the added entertainment value as it adds to the emotional value. Despite the twenty-five year plot span, the storyline flows smoothly. The warm, loving story offers an unforgettable viewing experience.

Jessica Tandy performs her role as the unhappy elderly woman splendidly. Her every expressed emotion is felt upon audiences. She became the oldest person to win an Oscar, at age 80. Morgan Freeman and Dan Ackroyd's Oscar nominated roles (Best Actor/ Best Supporting Actor) offer the added unique theme to this great film. All other actors also performed wonderfully.

The quality of "Driving Miss Daisy" proves that it's destined to become a classic in the following years. It's sure to continue pleasing audiences for many years to come. Most viewers will have to watch it multiple times to fully understand the movie because of its deep storyline. Afterwards, those who do will be glad they did.

Old Friends.
Lovely is such an old fashioned word, I know. But that's the word that describes this film, for me. The story of the developing friendship over many years between the black chaueffeur and the older Jewish woman is very heartwarming in its simplicity. Jessica Tandy is marvelous as "Miss Daisy" the fiercely independant, irascible widow, whose advancing age requires her son to employ, against her wishes, a driver/companion for her. Miss Tandy, who originated the role of Blanche DuBois on Broadway in "A Streetcar Named Desire", was a wonderful actress. This was one of her last films, and all the skill, sublety, and experience of her life-long craft come together to create a living, breathing "Miss Daisy." Morgan Freeman meets her skill in his portrayal of "Hoag", the accomodating chaueffeur. He has the manner of a certain resignation that an older black man may have felt in the turbulent, prejudiced south in which he lived, yet exudes dignity. He has the manner of "Hoag" down pat, right down to the closed mouth laugh that I have seen in the old black men who hang out on the corner. This is not a caricature, he IS "Hoag." His relationship with Miss Daisy starts out very rocky, to say the least, but, as time passes, their places in each others lives develope into almost a "marriage", with a quiet understanding of, and dependence on, each other. And though Miss Daisy insists she was not prejudiced, and inherently wasn't, it is touching to see her slowly let go of her last universally accepted beliefs of peoples place in society, where the "colored" help were always servants of some sort, and the line was just never crossed. Scenes such as the one where she and "Hoag" are both eating their dinner in the house, she in the dining room, he , alone in the kitchen, express this. The very thought of them dining together, it just wasn't done. As time goes on, and she becomes quietly aware of the similarities of the prejudices against her religion and the prejudices and injustice against Hoags race, the differences that seperate them become insignicant. Dan Akroyd and Patti Lupone are fine as Miss Daisy's son and his typically '50s wife, who admonishes her black maid for the unforgivable sin of forgetting to tell her she was out of coconut for the ambrosia she was serving to her guests... a '50s hostess' nightmare. There are a few moments when their performances threaten to lapse into parody, but one is only aware of this because this is basically a two person play, and the skill and realism of Tandys and Freemans performances just eclipse the others, they are basically props compared to the skill and, yes, sublety of the leads . The exception is Esther Rolle as "Idella" , Miss Daisys black maid. Though her part is small, and her lines few, she manages to convey a resigned dignity also, and her dead-pan delivery of several one liners is very humorous. Miss Daisys affection and respect for Idella is clearly etched upon her face, however, at Idella's funeral. This is just a wonderfully simple, beautiful film. It never treads into being overly sentimental, thanks to the casting of two very special stars. This film took many by surprise by winning the Oscar for best film of the year, proving that a movie with no special effects, and, that actually tells a story, can still move audiences. The final scene, where their years-long friendship comes full circle, will have tears in your eyes, as Miss Daisy conveys the sweet sad wisdom of the old, who know that "all shall soon pass...."

Fascinating, Memorable, Perfect
Not much can be added to the praise of others here, or to the film's enthusiastic reception by the public. I feel that this is one of those rare films that is simply perfect from beginning to end. Even if you don't develop an affection for the characters, and even if you don't care for the story line, it's a stretch to fault this movie in any way. The Special Edition DVD is preferred (not many extras, but those included are worth the effort). After watching my copy 7 times and trying to get really picky with it, I juist can't find anything amiss with Beresford's beautiful production. SO why didn't he win a Director Oscar? Must've been the competition that year, but he certainly deserved to win. Only other disappointment: Freeman nominated, but didn't win. And to think this film was made for less than $6 million, and racked in a fortune and a handful of Oscars!

Freeman and Tandy What a Combo!!
Freeman and Tandy are quite a combo!!

This is a sensitive film that says a lot about humanity.
Compassionate humanism oozes from this movie.
It certainly deserved the Picture of the Year in 1989. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Robin Williams stars as an English teacher who doesn't fit into the conservative prep school where he teaches, but whose charisma and love of poetry inspires several boys to revive a secret society with a bohemian bent. The script is well meaning but a little trite, though director Peter Weir (The Truman Show) adds layers of emotional depth in scenes of conflict between the kids and adults. (A subplot involving one father's terrible pressure on his son--played by Robert Sean Leonard--to drop his interest in theater reaches heartbreaking proportions.) Williams is given plenty of latitude to work in his brand of improvisational humor, though it is all well-woven into his character's style of instruction. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (255)

Dead Poet Society
The title of the film is "Dead Poet Society" It mainly takes place in preparatory school,in the East Coast of the U.S.A.One of the main character is John Keating played by Robin Williams.He is an English teacher.Other main characters are Neil,Todd,Knox and Charlie. Mr Keating moved to Welton Academy. He said "Carpe Diem"(in English,Seize The Day") The boys made the club,Dead Poets Society. They read poetry in cave in the evening. Neil wanted to act in a play,but his father forced him study,so he couldn't obey the order,and at the end of the film,certain tragedy happen...Knox fell in love with Chris who had already her boyfriend.But he got a chance to watch the play with her.Charlie didn't obey shool rules,and the headmaster expelled him.

We particularly likeed the last scene because the students opposed Mr.Nolan,and stood up on their desks in the last scene.It gave us deep impression. We like Charlie.He was daredevil but he always had his will and did as he liked.

The main massage is Seize The Day means to be active and live fully.The themes of this film are education,friendship,freedom and relationship with parents.

The film made us courageous by Mr.Keating's words. We were moved by the last scene.We learned many things.When you become tired of your school life,teacher or friend,We recommend you to see this film.

We learned to Seize The Day.

Question life. Oppose mass-thinking. Carpe Diem
"Live life to the fullest. Leave your mark during the very short term you exist. There's so much to explore, and so much to be. Look at life from all aspects."

I'm normally not a Robin Williams fan, but after having seen this movie, I feel almost obliged to rent/buy a few other movies starring him. Williams simply excels in this movie, along with Robert Sean Leonard (Swing Kids (Which, if you never saw it is a MUST-SEE)) and Ethan Hawk (Gattaca (See this one too!)).

At a private boy's school, a new english teacher, John Keating (Williams) is introduced. His form of teaching completely opposes everything the high-class school stands for (ripping pages out of books, standing on desks, and developing one's own walk). Naturally, the school's administration is less-than-happy with it, but the students love it.

They find out Keating was once part of a secret society: The Dead Poets Society". They quickly form their own, and learn to appreciate the great masters from there. English made from something boring into something great.

Between the lines, the viewer is asked to think out of the box. Don't accept what you're being offered; question it. Why would you settle for anything less than you yourself desire?

You hold the key. Unlock the world today...

Super!! Echt ganz toll!!
Robin Williams takes his 1st stap at a dramtic role with fairly positive results. It's an suggestion to one's inteligence to see these film. More over to see Robin Williams( Mr. Keating) like a doctor in English, when he teaches his class. He doesn't teach normaly. He makes his own thing. I think it is good what he make. This is a film that really does challenge us to live, and move us to seize the moment. The story and the setting of this movie are amazing. I like the atmosphere in the school. It is dark and mysterious like Harry Potter in the castle. The Film have a lot of features. A little bit of romance, action and mystery.
Briefly said: very good film

Dead Poets Society
Dead Poets Society is about a group of boys at Welton Acadamy, a boarding school for boys. The guideline of the school is based on: tradition, honour, excellene and perfection. Everything changed when the English teacher John Keating arrived. He is against the stiffed and one-sided visibility of the school and inspirid the boys to seize the day and to make most of their lives. The resurrecting of the Dead Poets Society, a club where John Keating was in at student, brings about that the boys defy the school, their parents and their present view of life.
In my opinion the film is very dramatically and tangent. On a very impressive way it shows how difficult it is to be faithful to yourself and to stand up for one's beflief. It's marvelous how it is demonstrated that pressure doesn't help to find who you really are. Through the different but also classic characters of the movie you can realize that every individual reacts on a different way to influences. Thereby it shows that everybody needs support and enough freedom to follow his own dreams and to find his own way of living.

CARPE DIEM - SEEZE THE DAY
"Dead Poets Society" was shown in my German English lesson as a teaching device for transcendentalism.

Though I do not believe wholeheartedly in the ideas of transcendentalism, I found "Dead Poets Society" to be one of the most moving films that I have ever seen. As a student, I know what it is like to feel pressure to academically succeed, and through my classmates, I have seen the strain that pressure can put on a parent-child relationship.

"Dead Poets Society" logs the effect of one inspiring teacher on upon a group of boys that have never been given the chance to think for themselves.

One boy, Neal, realizes his dreams to be more than becoming a doctor, but also an actor. His struggle with his father brings him to drastic measures, but he is an admirable character for overcoming his ability to overcome his fear of standing up to his father. Other boys experience trouble and triumph with authority, love, and fear. Their stories are classic, but also portrayed beautifully.

Robin Williams plays Mr. John Keating, the English teacher that inspires the boys of Wellton Academy to think on their own and to seize the day. They re-initiate the Dead Poets Society, a group that Keating was in as a student at Wellton. Through their club, the boys discover the magic of poetry and the power of words. Keating uses famous quotes from Whitman, Thoreau, and other classical thinkers to motivate his students. His charisma and optimistic view of life is uplifting and leaves one inspired for days. Perhaps his outstanding performance is best portrayed in his line, "Life is a play and you may contribute one verse. What will it be?"

The film is well acted and revives memories of one's first experience in standing up for one's own beliefs. I recommend this movie to anyone who finds inspiration in literature, and to every person who wants to make the most of his life. It is teachers like Keating that breed our future philosophers and geniuses. This film is a thank you to every teacher who has unknowingly inspired his or her students to do great things. The final scene when the boys pay tribute to their teacher who is punished for influencing them is enchanting! ... Read more

Reviews (167)

Dynamite Cast + Good Fun = Excellent Film
First off: "Jackie Brown" is not a disappointment. After the surprise success of Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" in 1994, everyone was looking for him to fail on his next attempt. Sorry, friends, but this just isn't the case. In many ways, "Jackie Brown" is a more enjoyable ride. After repeated viewings of "Pulp Fiction" and "Reservoir Dogs," one can easily pinpoint the weaknesses in Tarantino's style. He uses similar references to '70s action and blaxploitation films, he uses relic music hits from the same era, and he even uses similar character names (Marvin with no ear, meet Marvin with no head). The violence is always there, and the incessant use of profanity is always there. But "Jackie Brown" is different from these previous efforts. There's no appearances by either Harvey Keitel or Tim Roth; instead, the film is headlined by the queen of the '70s blaxploitation flicks, the eternally sexy Pam Grier. The supporting cast includes Robert Forster, a staple of cheesy B-movies, Samuel L. Jackson in a return to the world of Tarantino, and the very interesting threesome of Michael Keaton, Bridget Fonda, and the ever-versatile De Niro to round out the cast. So what, besides the cast, makes the film such a knockout? While the profanity level has been toned down, Tarantino's script loses no edge and maintains a constant freshness and sense of humor. Grier has never been much of an actress, but she's always had a certain charm, and she uses this charm effectively in "Jackie Brown." Forster gives his most memorable performance here, playing the role of Max Cherry with complete control and positive cool. Fonda is great as Melanie, and Keaton has a blast playing ATF agent Ray Nicolet, but De Niro steals the show as Louis Gara. De Niro has one of his better supporting roles here, and he makes the most of it. Louis is something of a dimwit, but only De Niro could inject the character with as much humor as he has here. The film, at 154m, is probably too long and overindulgent, but Tarantino presents us with an interesting plot, and some equally interesting subplots to boot. The most effective of these is the relationship that builds between Grier and Forster; there is an attraction there, but the insecurities of each character prevents this from ever reaching a climax. The film is colorful, has solid (but not brilliant) direction, and, aside from some serious lapses in logic, the script flows seamlessly. And guess what? There's no guest appearance by the man himself, who must have realized after "From Dusk Till Dawn" that, while he may be a writer and a director, and actor he is not. "Jackie Brown" reveals the limitations of Quentin Tarantino, but the film is still a riot, and one of the most entertaining of 1997. That's more than I can say for James Cameron's "Titanic," which fails on all levels for me, despite what the critics say. "Jackie Brown" delivers a knockout punch. It's great to see that some Elmore Leonard novels are finally getting the big-screen treatments that they deserve.

Fond-a Weapons
Jackie Brown: rated R, 2 hours and 40 minutes

Jackie Brown is an incredibly well played movie about guns, drugs, and money. Half a million in cash is up for grabs, and the only way to obtain it is by figuring out who is playing whom.
When Jackie (a stunning Pam Grier) is caught at an airport carrying a veritably large sum of money and a bag of crack, the outline of the story is formed. Jackie is held in custody facing possible time in prison, when the deceptive Ordell, played by black talking Samuel L. Jackson steps into the picture. Ordell hires an honest bailbondsman, Max Cherry, to release Ms. Brown. While Ordell takes care of business, we see behind-the-scenes conversations between the spaced out Robert De Niro, as Lewis, and the dim-witted Bridget Fonda, as Melanie, two of Ordell's main connections. Jackie becomes caught between two sides, both with equal objectives. Ray (Michael Keaton), the cop that apprehended Jackie earlier is after small time arms dealer, Ordell, and Ordell is pulling Jackie into his scheme of acquiring the cash. Meanwhile, Lewis and Melanie have their own plans of taking the money. Jackie can't afford to get into any more legal trouble, and if she doesn't cooperate with the man she owes her freedom to, she will be killed, which sets the stage for the perfect swindle.
Quentin Tarantino, creator of Jackie Brown, is master of 'film noir', and adds an interesting perspective to one scene in particular. Jackie is forced by the feds to frame Ordell, and according to Ordell, she is supposed to double-cross them. Caught in the middle, Jackie must fake an exchange of marked bills, in order to seem loyal to both. The switch is shown through three different viewpoints, adding greatly to the effect. The first time, Jackie is shown leaving the bag of money in a dressing room. Next, Lewis and Melanie are shown actually making the exchange, with the real bag of money left behind in the dressing room, and a suspicious Max Cherry watching. Lastly, Max Cherry watches as Lewis and Melanie swap bags, and the actual bag of cash left for him to pick up. By doing this, the big picture is seen through bits and pieces. Tarantino deserves much credit for its ingenious execution, and Jackie Brown in its entirety is recognized as a success, with phenomenal acting by the whole cast, primarily Pam Grier.

Great! Awesome! Fantastic!
Nobody and I mean nobody makes movies like Quentin Tarantino. JACKIE BROWN is one of the greatest movies of all time. Personally, This is my favorite of Quentin Tarantino's films. So get your copy of JACKIE BROWN today!

Not bad, De Niro is fun
Jackie Brown is certainly not Tarantino's best but it is amusing. As in pretty much every movie Samuel L Jackson plays a pretty important part as a gunrunner. He lives in a LA house with the very hot Bridget Fonda. A friend who just came out of jail lives with him and helps him. This is absolutely the funniest character in the movie, played by De Niro. He is a little dumb, lazy and slow but funnily played.

Key to the movie is Pam Grier as Jackie Brown, the smartest person in the movie because she can play both sides, the feds and the criminals and ends up with a lot of dough.

Not a super movie and with 150 minutes definitely too long, but still fun.

Not quite PULP FICTION, but certainly worthy Tarantino
I love Quentin Tarantino. You watch him speak about his art in interviews, and while I realize what I'm responding to might simply be a cleverly-wrought public persona, his energy and enthusiasm for his craft is just so infectious that one cannot help but be energized too. That energy certainly carries over into his movies, and while he may not be the most thrillingly visual director, his undeniable gift for dialogue more than compensates in his films.

PULP FICTION, as of now, is my favorite movie; the dialogue sparkles with wit, and I could hear those lines over and over again without ever getting tired of them. JACKIE BROWN, his follow-up to PF, is just as good as PF, if not quite its superior. Many complained upon its release that this movie was too sluggish and slow-moving (the above Editorial Review calls it "decaffeinated"). Sure, the plot of this movie certainly could become a taut, exciting thriller under another director's hands. But clearly writer-director Tarantino isn't aiming merely for action-movie thrills. He is also focused on his characters, particularly with the two older characters, Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) and Max Cherry (Robert Forster), two characters who have an unspoken attraction to each other that brings an intriguing undertone to a majority of the crime story. If Tarantino takes his time developing his characters and laying out the plot...well, the characters' dialogue is consistently full of life; the characters are interesting (and the performances terrific across the board, particuarly Forster's); and the convoluted plot, when it kicks into high gear, is a source of fascination as well. Watching it, I hardly ever felt that it was too slow for its own good: I was too fascinated by what I was seeing and hearing to notice any possible deficiencies in pacing. (Another Elmore Leonard adaptation, Steven Soderbergh's OUT OF SIGHT, took a similarly leisurely approach to its crime plot, and it worked just as well in that film, too.)

In short, JACKIE BROWN is an underrated Tarantino masterpiece. It may not be quite the film PULP FICTION is (since it had a more palpably energetic feel to it, despite both films' running 154 minutes), but it is certainly a worthy follow-up. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

More ambitious in scope than any of its other animated films (before orto come), Disney's 1940 Fantasia was a dizzying, magical, and highly enjoyable marriage of classical music and animated images. Fantasia 2000 features some breathtaking animation and storytelling, and in a few spots soars to wonderful high points, but it still more often than not has the feel of walking in its predecessor's footsteps as opposed to creating its own path. A family of whales swimming and soaring to Respighi's The Pines of Rome is magical to watch, but ends all too soon; a forest sprite's dance of life, death, and rebirth to Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring too clearly echoes the original Fantasia's Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria sequence. But when it's on target, Fantasia 2000 is glorious enough to make you giddy. Hans Christian Andersen's "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" is a perfect narrative set to Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Donald Duck's guest appearance as the assistant to Noah (of ark fame) set to Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance marches is a welcome companion piece (though not an equal) to The Sorcerer's Apprentice, the one original Fantasia piece included here. The highpoint of Fantasia 2000, though, is a fantastic day-in-the-life sequence of 1930s New York City set to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue and animated in the style of cartoonist Al Hirschfeld; it's a perfect melding of music, story, and animation. Let's hope future Fantasias (reportedly in the works) take a cue from the best of this compilation. The music is provided by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by James Levine, interspersed with negligible intros by Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Itzhak Perlman, James Earl Jones, and others. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (139)

Not the original but well worth your time
Fantasia 1940 isn't simply the greatest piece of animation anyone ever made, it is one of world's greatest works of art. It's illustration of various pieces of classical music was as daring and innovative a move as any artist in any medium has ever made. It's animation was awe-inspiring and it even had a kind of coherence. Fantasia 1940 was almost the world's first animated opera. Fantasia 2000 merely follows in 1940's footsteps, with the aid of computers. It's a sequel and it looks it.

That said, I had a wonderful time watching this. As in the original, some of the segments don't work as well as others. The Beethoven's Fifth segment is a bit of a bore, I thought the Respighi whales piece was excessive, and, given the choice, I wouldn't have included the Sorceror's Apprentice again. But some segments work extremely well. I've never cared much for Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, but its segment here gave me a whole new appreciation of that work. The Carnival of the Animals is hysterically funny, with almost a Chuck Jones feel to it. And Donald Duck is both very funny and very touching in the Pomp and Circumstance.

Following a legend is an impossible task. But Fantasia 2000 is a worthy sequel to its illustrious predecessor.

The Best Movie In The Whole Wide World!
From the animators of The Lion King, Beauty And The Beast and Aladdin comes the critically acclaimed Fantasia 2000. Honoring Walt Disney's hope that Fantasia would become a work-in-progress, Roy E. Disney oversaw this brilliant new film, in which more than 1,200 artists, animators and technicians set striking new images to breathtaking musical scores.

Pines Of Rome A Marvel of 3-D animation in which whales swim among the clouds.

Firebird Suite Exquisite visuals tell a surprisingly uplifting tale of transformation and renewal.

Pomp And Circumstance Donald Duck takes on the challenge of Noah's flood, helping all the animals and his lady love.

Rhapsody In Blue A rich, rhythmic portrayal of New York City citizens throughout their day and in their daydreams.

Piano Concerto #2, Allegro, Opus 102 A brave tin soldier overcomes huge odds to rescue a tiny ballerina from a wicked jack-in-the-box.

Beethoven's Symphony No.5 Abstract images tell the tale of good vs. evil.

Carnival Of The Animals What happens when you give a yo-yo to a pink flamingo?

The Sorcerer's Apprentice Returning favorite from the original in which Mickey gets into magical mischief.

Wow!! So Many Words To Express What I Think!!
At first I kind of thought it was annoying. 'Why do they always have to copy somthing that is such a beautiful thing?' But then I realized, that they did'nt push a side the old Fantasia, but they put it right infront of them and said: We have to be led by this. The goal was be as good as the first one was. And I must say: They actualy got there. They had a wonderful combination of diffarent styles of music, with diffarent types of graphics. Which what made it a wonderful thing to watch. Its just amazing. The people who worked on this movie are really really talented. It is very recommended, and worth watching.

A great followup to a Disney classic.
Alive with music and brilliant animation the new Fantasia2000 film is not an instant Disney classic but it is a definate must see. It is not as good as the original but it is just as vibrant and colorful. This film has something that the original did not have, celebrities. Steve Martin, Better Midler, and Angela Lansbury introduce some of the musical pieces. The animation is really beautiful to watch. I highly reccomend this film.

Great
This is a great movie. There's great music, cool animation, a feast for all of your senses. It's really a wonderful and unique experience, different even from the first Fantasia. It may not be for everybody, though. On discerning reviewer (bra1n1ac) didn't care for it because there were famous actors doing the intros to the pieces. Of course, these ae talented professionals, but if you don't care for good performances then this moght not be for you. Bra1n1ac also claims that this film can never be a masterpiece, so I looked at his other reviews. He gave five stars to Scooby Doo: Zombie Island and Scooby Doo: The Witch's Ghost.

I highly reccommend this movie to everyone, except maybe people who consider Scooby-Doo to be the ultimate animatoin masterpiece. ... Read more

Reviews (503)

Man Out Of Time
It's hard to think of a movie in which the hero ponders a metaphorical crossroads in his life while standing at a literal crossroads. Insipid or inspired? The problem with Robert Zemeckis's visually and viscerally eye-punching Robinson Crusoe ins that you can't say for sure. Could the movie really be as thematically trite as an insprirational office poster? Or is it an admirably stripped- down examination of the ancestral essence of being human?
Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) doesn't worry about such big questions. He's airlifted into Moscow and other emerging capital hot-spots when local operations are absolutely, positivly running from that tireless hunter: time. (It's alerrgorical! Get it?) Summoned on Christmas to make an emergency run, Chuck leaves his fiencee Kelly (Helen Hunt) with the promise that he'll return New Year's Eve. Cue from a "Perfect Storm": Chuck and the FedEx jet crew lose radio contact and crash into the Pacific Ocean in a truly harrowing, you-are-there disaster sequence. This is no film for the squeamish, particularly after Chuck and a few FedEx packages wash up on an unnamed, utterly uninhabited island (Fiji's Monukiri and Mana, actually).
Almost everything, from what Chuck's forced to eat to his horror at consequences of a desert-island toothache, is accompanied by all the blood and guts left over from SAVING PRIVATE RYAN.
Add in Chuck's deteriorating hold on sanity---evinced by the inspired conceit of his relationship with a volleyball on which he has drawn a face---and you have a long middle section of bravura filmaking.
But once Chuck get home, the film turns anticlimatic and emotionally nil, and there's a startling lack of chemistry between Hanks and an unimpressive Hunt.

Cast Away
Cast Away
The first thought I had after seeing this film was whether or not I fully understood all of what I had seen. Posing this question will undoubtedly offer no easy answers, which for a film like Cast Away is probably a good thing. Cast Away begins with Fed Ex Executive Chuck Nolan (Tom Hanks in another stellar performance) explaining to his employee's that quote "We live by the clock". It's Christmas Eve and Chuck is enjoying a good meal with family and friends when his beeper rings and he finds himself forced to go out on a quick job. He tells his beautiful girlfriend Kelly (Helen Hunt) that he will be home in time for new years celebrations. He promises. However a tragic plane crash into the ocean (which is very thrilling and realistic) changes all that. Now Chuck will no longer be living by the clock because he's now got all the time in the world. A trailer that gives away the entire movie ruined cast Away for many people. A spokes man for 20th Century Fox Entertainment said that Cast Away is movie about a man lost at sea and how he deals with coming home to world of change. Frankly I do not see it that way. I am a firm believer that people want to be surprised when they go to the movies. The only other quibble I have about the movie is the ending from which I think we the viewers are left with too many questions. Besides those problems I walked out of the theatre feeling really satisfied with what I had seen. The acting is top flight. The cinematography is excellent and the score is also a plus. One thing to mention to people is that there isn't allot of dialogue in the movie which may turn some people off. However, those people not too fussy may find this film truly riveting. For me it was a breathtaking experience. Review: **** out of five

unwooden Hollywood
Greeting comrads. Whats all can be said. read Yugijouohs' stunning review here in this Amazon customer review section, and you can believe me, he be harsher than I would have been if i talk , but that's repeating, he has said all there is to say! But I'll toss my 2 lira - Helen Hunt is the cats pajamas for ME personally--as opposed to me impersonally haha eddu make funny--and if had known she was not going to appear in Cast Away, I would not have even gone to see it.As mia santa momma said , flattery is no pizza,...but I will smash that rule here. WHENEVER Ms. Hunt is on picture, the movie is EYECATCHING! Again, see Yugijouohs review for more "depth" , I only write to urge you, the last TWENTY minutes of this movie recall the label on minestrone soup cans when i was a boy- Mm Mm GOOD! Probably the best use of digital storage in this crazy filmmaking world. Happily, this is my first positive review on Amazon, and this kind of filmmaking must "be a shining city on the hill" like Ronald Reagan speech! I say, Stay away from bad foreign film, go see Hollywood..(you may learn english)! To say 1 negative thing, the scenery shots ARE boring & Hanks seems a very disengenous man. To believe this movie was hardly "test screened", I love that this type of movie ending is not what world "wants"(?) At most you cant turn your DVD off when Mr Hanks is rescued,the movie would get malto bazillioniano stars I give in the review. This is my best advice.

I shared the same experience as Chuck Noland did...
This movie is very touching, and it's been hard for me to watch it again. Why you ask, because I use to date a girl back in 1996 when she lived here in Fitzgerald, GA. Her name is Kelly aswell. We dated briefly, but that all ending when her dad had to move to Houston, TX because of his job being transfered from the railcart co. here in Fitzgerld, GA, to Houston, TX. Me and her lost contact with each other until 2002, when I was able to find where she was and to finally get in touch with her again. She came back to Fitzgerald and We hugged each other for a long while. She stayed for a day or so here in town with another family member of her's, then they left to go back to Houston, TX. Sadly she started dating someone there in January of 2003. She told me that she did not think she could take having a long distance relationship, which that does make since. She did however came back later that year, but it was different. She saw it as a Friendly visit instead. But we still email each other everynow and then.

I know you could care less about my experience compared to this movie, but anyway Tom Hanks again brings in a great performance in "CastAway", just like he did in "Saving Private Ryan". The only thing I dislike about this movie is that he sounds like he is apologizes for not coming back to Kelly(Helen Hunt). It's not his fault the plane went down and he got stranded on an island, and Kelly(Helen Hunt) should have held out longer to see if he would indid be found. Which he is found and returns to Texas, and to his job as a Fed-Ex worker. But Kelly(Helen Hunt) is now remarried and has a daughter. But the movie does end on a positive note.

I recommend this movie to anyone wanting to see an adventure type movie, after you watch this movie it will make you look at life a different way and to stay close to the love ones you so dearly treasure.

Tom Tanks
Castaway was gravely lacking whether it was a true story or not. I hope it was true because that would at least validate the reason why somebody would put an anti-climactic and obvious-to-the-point-of-silliness story like that on a screen. The only enjoyable parts were where he lost something: Wilson the volleyball and his only companion of four years; blood, in the ocean accident where he tries to row a deflated lifesaver tube towards a light in the distance and breaks his leg open on the coral; his flashlight burning out; his soul-mate re-marrying and starting a new family; etc. It was enjoyable because I wanted him to suffer further. I think sympathetic feelings should only be lent to greatness, like Stalin or the Hindenburg exploding into flames, not to some shlub lost at sea who survives against great odds and endures to what? Saving his life only to give into the convention of letting things be as they are? Of course if there is resistance one shouldn't push and pull, but it seemed the only thing holding him back were the qualms and strictions of leaving well enough alone. Too bad this didn't register in his brain on that island and save the two hours and twenty plus minutes of film. Although there were some amusing parts there was never really any suspense as the viewer knows without any advance warning that he would survive his ordeal no matter the severity or peril he faced. Two stars begrudginly because it was 50 times better than Wendigo and I like to be consistent. ... Read more

Description

Cary Grant is hilarious as a successful New York advertising executive who wants to escape the confines of his family's tiny midtown apartment.So he designs his dream home in the suburbs and discovers the project wasn't as easy as it seemed.The house gets larger.The bills get bigger.The problems just won't go away.Eventually, the whole affair becomes a nightmare-a very funny nightmare-that left audiences laughing in 1948 and will have you in stitches, too.This is the comedic masterpiece that inspired the popular 1987 movie "The Money Pit."It's an adventure in homeowning that strikes a familiar chord with everyone who's ever bought a house.Year: 1948Director: H.C. PotterStarring:Cary Grant, Myrna Loy, Melvyn Douglas ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Very funny...
Often imitated but never quite surpassed, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is a classic comedy about a topic still as current now as it was in the 1940s. Silly but very funny, this movie is really great - featuring the ever hilarious Cary Grant, and Myrna Loy.

Essentially, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House is about a family that decides to move to the country and get away from the overcrowding in the apartment. Instead of making life easier, however, their decision to move causes disaster after disaster. This movie is a hilarious example of how whatever can go wrong will!

Although the topic could have easily degenerated into stupidity, the script, the directing and, most of all, the cast, turn the movie into a classic. The script is witty and very funny, and it is directed with style - but mainly, Cary Grant is terrific! His double takes and reactions will never be equalled...any scene that he is in in pretty much guaranteed to be hysterical. Myrna Loy does a good job of cooling balancing Grant's screwball character, and the supporting cast is good as well.

Anyhow, this is a funny movie for the whole family - it is highly recommended!

Been There, Done That
Cary Grant and Myrna Loy have a very comfortable chemistry together in this comedy about a couple that decides to get out of their cramped city apartment and move out into the country. Through stubborness and sheer ignorance, they end up making a number of expensive errors as they attempt to build their dream house. The story is narrated by their friend and lawyer Bill, well played by Melvyn Douglas, a cynical man who learns it's easier to just let them make their mistakes. Grant is the perfect actor to express the exasperation of the whole process. The man had amazing comedic timing, deceptively making it look easy. The script hits all of the potential problems with building, and the film is smoothly produced. This is the kind of comedy that will appeal to most people, because almost everyone has had the opportunity to experience the joy that is remodelling, landscaping, decorating, or building. There's something in here for everyone to appreciate.

Great movie but...
We were very anxious to get this classic CG movie. but the movie was in black and white. not color as advertized.

The original is the best
"The Money Pit" was based on this movie, but Cary Grant, Myrna Loy and Melvyn Douglas cannot be replaced, even by the talented Tom Hanks.This movie is a classic that is the equal to all the great romantic comedies of our day, including "Sleepless in Seattle", and "You've Got Mail".This movie was made just after the 2nd world war, millions were chasing the American dream of a new home, the baby boomers were on the way, and many must have been inspired by this movie to go after that dream with your heart and not your head.

Grant + Loy = Cinema Magic !
What a wonderful DVD to add to your classic comedy collection ! "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" ( "Mr. Blandings" ) was a very timely comedy in the late 1940s, when many young couples were looking to buy a home. When you buy that first house--be it new or "previously enjoyed"--it's amazing sometimes how many unforeseen problems can arise that result in more and more bills ! I'm sure that, even today, many of us can identify with the hurdles faced by the couple in "Mr. Blandings".

Cary Grant stars as advertising whiz, Jim Blandings. He lives in a cramped New York apartment with his wife ( marvellous Myrna Loy ),two young daughters, and live-in maid ( Louise Beavers ). Tired of battling for time in the bathroom, closet space, privacy etc., he decides to look into acquiring a house, preferably out in the country, away from the Manhattan rat race.
He and his wife are shown an old house in the beautiful Connecticut countryside--and--definitely throwing caution to the wind--and--without consulting his best friend/lawyer ( a droll, sardonic Melvyn Douglas )--they buy the place. It would be unfair to reveal more of the plot--let's just say that the house can be described as a "fixer-upper" !

This is a perfect role for Cary Grant--he is, as ever, suave, charming and funny, as well as embarrassed, befuddled and frustrated when facing one problem after another. His reactions, double-takes and expressions of incredulity are priceless. As Mrs. Blandings, Myrna Loy again proves that she is one of the great leading ladies of film--witty, sophisticated, smart and beautiful--her character is a full partner to her husband, rather than just a "rose in his lapel". By all accounts, Ms. Loy would not have had it any other way.
Melvyn Douglas also registers as the Blandings' lawyer, who--just to spice things up even more--was one of Mrs. Blandings old beaux from her college days. Supporting players are all fine, including "B" movie stalwart, Nestor Paiva, and--soon to be the screen's next Tarzan--Lex Barker.

The DVD exhibits a clear B & W image. Extras include quite a few trailers for other Cary Grant films, two radio shows with Cary, and a delightful, colour Tex Avery cartoon, "House of Tomorrow".

So--take a witty script--sharp direction--add Cary Grant, Myrna Loy and Melvyn Douglas--and you have a real winner. Highly recommended ! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A classic screwball comedy with a supernatural twist, Topper starsthe incomparable Cary Grant and sparkling Constance Bennett as George andMarion Kirby, a fun-loving couple who cap an evening of jazz and champagneby running their car into a tree. They return as ghosts with a mandate toliven up the straight-laced hen-pecked life of bank president Cosmo Topper(Roland Young), who's hungry for just such a shake-up. Before long he'sboozing, dancing, and getting into fights, all of which gives him a rakishreputation--much to the consternation of his wife (Billie Burke, bestknown as Glinda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz). The sequelreplaces Grant and Bennett with Joan Blondell, who can't quite compare,but she's charming in her own way. Topper Returns is a rambunctiousmurder mystery with some gorgeous sets and elegant cinematography--thesequence of Blondell's death and ghostly rise is dazzling. --BretFetzer ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Funny 1937 Original w/1941 sequel now on remastered DVD!!
ARTISAN Home Entertainment brings us a remastered DVD of Hal Roach Studios (who brought us Laurel & Hardy and the Little Rascals in 1920's through the 1930's on the side experimented with full length feature films,greater than 65 minutes in length) original 1937 Topper. In 1937 Hal Roach used trick photography, camera magic and ground breaking FX technology for the amazing ghost creations.

"Topper" with a Star studded cast Cary Grant as Millionaire George Kirby (at his comedic best), Constance Bennett as his wife Marion (a beautifully devine actress), Roland Young as their Banker Cosmo Topper (nominated for Best Supporting Actor as "Topper") and Billie Burke as Mrs. Topper (best known as Glenda the "Good Witch" from the 1939 "The Wizard of OZ"). Included is a very young song writer/singer Hoagy Carmichael.

This wonderfully remastered Black / White Standard Feature DVD is delightful. Worth the price of admission alone but the 1941 sequel "Topper Returns" is also included. Note: a very weak sequel but still a cute storyline featuring Roland & Burke in reprise. A double feature DVD with no extras.

Summary: The jet setting, ever partying Millionaire Kirby's die in an automobile accident on a late night country road. They enter a state of limbo (earthbound ghosts) until they perform a good deed. So they go about trying to free their banker "Topper" from his dull routine high collar lifestyle and make him a jet setting man of high society. This is a great story with ghosts, floating objects and Topper talking to himself. Mrs Topper has the hardest time trying to figure out whats happening to her timid obedient husband. Lots of laughs here. Enjoy.

Hilarious and utterly charming!
As a screwball comedy, Topper has it all: high spirits and hijinks, wonderful acting all around, sharp dialogue, deft physical comedy, and a theme lots of people can relate to. If you're in the mood for a screwball comedy that still has a real message, this is one to watch.

Topper Returns is like an episode of Scooby Doo come to life: spooky mansion, secret corridors, creepy servants, and a masked murderer on the loose. Mix in a hard-drinking ghost, a befuddled detective, a blonde bombshell, and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson of Jack Benny fame, then add a string of razor-sharp one-liners, double-takes, and pratfalls, and you get a recipe for hilarity. Billie Burke, as Topper's ditzy, jealous wife, is even funnier in this one than in the original: she takes blithe cluelessness to a new level!

The special effects in both films are suprisingly good for the era, and the beautiful DVD transfer really brings them to life. Great films!

Well worth the price
Although I don't think Topper with Cary Grant is as good as some of his other B&W comedies, "Bringing up Baby", "The Bachelor and Bobby Soxer" or even "Monkey Business", it is a good old B&W movie to watch. However, I think I like "Topper Returns" even better, "Topper" gets bettter as the movie nears the end, but "Topper Returns" seems to keep laughs coming throughout the picture. I find the scenes with "Rochester" from the old Jack Benny show most memorable, the comments he makes ( he has a very memorable voice) , the way he rolls his eyes and responds to the ghost extremely funny. "Topper Returns" has more people doing the funny scenes, little things throughout the movie.

The picture and sound quality on this DVD seems better on our Hitachi 57S700 better than "Topper Returns" by Alpha Video. We have one of our Dtivos getting every Cary Grant movie for the past few years but never seemed to get Topper. We were at a store and saw "Topper Returns" by Alpha Video. After buying this I decided to buy Topper/Topper Returns here on Amazon, just to get "Topper" with Cary Grant, and glad I did. Once again, for those of you that like old B&W comedies, this DVD is welll worth the Amazon price.

THIS TWOSOME TOPS OUT IN HILARITY!
"Topper" is the supernatural screwball comedy about a pair of fun-loving ghosts who wreak havoc on the life of henpecked banker, Cosmo Topper (Roland Young). Cary Grant and Constance Bennett simply glow as George and Marion Kirby, a couple of devil-may-care free spirits who accidentally kill themselves by wrapping their car around a tree. They return as a couple of blithe spirits, determined to introduce Cosmo to the good life. Billie Burke costars as Cosmo's stuffy and hilarious bubble-head wife. The sequel, "Topper Returns" uses this same premise but replaces Grant and Bennett with Joan Blondell. Although she's amply cast, she doesn't quite eclipse the memory the original. The engaging murder mystery plot of "Topper Returns" with its sumptuous setting and elegant cinematography compensate, particularly the surreal visual splendor of Blondell's haunting death and her ghostly reincarnation.
THE TRANSFER: "Topper" is a little bit worse for the wear than "Topper Returns". This is to be expected since, after years of being a late night television fav', the rights to this classic have fallen into public domain. MGM is credited with originally making this classic. The gray scale is a trifle underexposed on "Topper" well seemingly close to dead on in "Topper Returns." Age related artifacts are more heavy and noticeable on "Topper" as well. Over all, the image has a dated appearance but contrast and black levels are generally good on both movies. Edge enhancement is present slightly on "Topper" only. The audio is mono for both films. "Topper" suffers from slight hiss and popping but "Topper Returns" is generally more natural sounding on the ears.
EXTRAS: None.
BOTTOM LINE: "Topper" is an outstanding Cary Grant comedy with few equals - save "Bringing Up Baby." Perhaps one day we'll see the release of that classic on DVD!

clear DVD from Artisan
This is a good transfer indeed. I know Artisan is hit and miss. This DVD title is clear. The 1st Topper is always my favorite. Why? Cary Grant and Constance Bennett are in it. Wow she has a figure no man today would turn away. And I am a woman saying that.

The second movie has the couple that play the Toppers. But Not the Kirbys. (No Grant and Bennett). he Kirby's haven't been re cast, they aren't in it. It is still an interresting movie though. A comedy/murder movie.

At the price this DVD can be bought at it is a steal. A must get for your collection. ... Read more

Description

It takes a street fighter to clean up the streets. It takes The Mack and his pack to do it right! Packed with raw power, The Mack takes an uncompromising look at big city street life and survival. Don't miss the action because the action never stops! Year: 1973 ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Blaxploitation Classic
The Mack definately belongs in a time capsule for it's 70's clothing and jive-ass dialogue. This is a fun, silly, over the top story of Pimpin' back in the day that somehow is still relevant and popular to this day, particularly in the Hip-Hop community. Max Julien is one laid back cat in the title role and Richard Pryor is in fine manic form as his sidekick. The Player's Ball scene is the highlight to me for the clothes alone. The soundtrack by Willie Hutch is good old school funk. My only real complaint is that it is rather slow and boring in spots. I have to say that after watching this movie several times, I have been inspired to quit my job and pimp out some fine bee-yatches.

"a wad of cash so big your pockets look like they got mumps"
The Mack (1973), probably one of the most referenced movies in the hip hop culture, on appearance has all the qualities of a blaxploitation film, but a closer and thoughtful look might give you a different opinion. Directed by documentarian Michael Campus and starring Max Julien, Richard Pryor, and Carol Speed, The Mack presents a portrait taken in time of a particular lifestyle not many ever get to see.

The movie opens with two men, Goldie (Julien) and Slim (Pryor), involved in a gunfight in a junkyard. Seemingly out numbered, Goldie tells Slim to take off (wouldn't have been my choice as Slim is sporting what appears to be a M16 while Goldie's sporting a handgun). Slim manages to split, while Goldie gets picked up by the police, and subsequently sentenced to five years in a penitentiary. Serving some particular hard time, Goldie gets released, and tries to put the pieces back together. He visits his brother, Olinga, played by Roger E. Mosley (Magnum P.I.), who is involved in trying to educate and empower the community, in a character fashion after Black Panther leader Huey Long. Basically. Goldie is presented with two options; follow his brother in focusing on making a difference through psuedo-political means, or follow the path of the Mack, becoming a flesh peddler, and gaining empowerment through the acquisition of money. Goldie chooses the latter, hooking back up with Slim and taking advice from an older blind man, sort of a Obi Wan Kenobi of the underworld, who shares his knowledge with Goldie on how to deal with women in the Mackin' game, the importance of controlling their minds rather than just their bodies. Goldie soon recruits some ladies of the night, and has to deal with corrupt police detectives, rival players, and various other underworld characters during his meteoric rise (he gets chosen as The Mack of the Year at an annual players ball). As Goldie's popularity, or notoriety, increases, so does the pressures, both internal and external, along with the violence, and begins carrying over into his family, and forces Goldie to decide where it's at...

The Mack certainly does seem to glorify these men who deal in the flesh trade, with their extravagant lifestyles, flashy cars, and great wads of cash, but the glamour is quickly overshadowed by the harsh realities presented as the stories progresses, and just how much one has to give up to be a success in that particular business. There are a lot of laughs to be had here, maybe not intentional, but the film is pretty dated. Between the dialog, stereotypes, and trash-talking criminals, there was an underlying sadness for me in the realness of the disgusting attitudes depicted towards the women, objectified to the point where they weren't even people anymore, merely tools of the trade, a means to obtaining material possessions through the sale of their bodies, and also how many look up to these men, idolizing them, thus perpetuating their activities. Shot on location in Oakland, and featuring actual individuals within the community, the film forgoes the slickness of a Hollywood budget, but gains a real grittiness one wouldn't be able to reproduce on a soundstage. The dialog, a lot of it improvised, and some indistinguishable, only adds to the realistic quality of the film, but also isolates it, in my opinion, within the time period in which it was made. The funniest part had to be when Goldie had his women at a planetarium, using the effects of the simulated stars and a microphone to subliminally enforce his will through their repetition of his player mantras. I did like how the film ended, nicely book ending the beginning, bringing the main character full circle.

Presented here is a very good looking wide screen version of the film, which runs approximately 110 minutes. Special features include an original theatrical trailer, a commentary track featuring star Max Julien, producer Harvey Bernard, director Michael Campus, and actors Richard Anthony Williams, Annazette Chase, Don Gordon, and George Murdok, along with an excellent 38 minute featurette titled Mackin' Ain't Easy, which looks back on the making of the film, detailing all the problems and issues that arose, especially those filming on location within Oakland in the early 70's. To some extent, I found this almost more enjoyable than the movie.

Cookieman108

Give Me A Break?!
I understand why some people are drawn to films from this genre. I appreciate all the many brothers tryin' to perpetrate like they the Mack too. To them I say, "play on, if you know what it means". Films like The Mack echo sentiments of film culture created by certain politics and demographics during certain periods in our country's comparitively short history. With the passage of time, certain words that were once insulting or taboo become cool. With the passage of time, movies "good" parents would not let us watch also may become cool. Regardless of what year it is, or where you come from, this movie sucks! I have seen this movie several times with friends who actually like it, and I have laughed at some of the backward lines, the tripped out clothes, and that cool scene when that guy learns to fly (I'm not giving anything away here, really). This film is like a nice trip going nowhere. Max Julien does his best with the role. He's a believeable pimp. Juanita Moore is a fine actress and plays a believeable mother to his sliminess. However, the sadest thing about this movie is the fact that the actors are really pretty good. It's the movie that sucks. You have to wonder where the good jobs were. Maybe there just weren't any. A better script, a realistic plot resolution, and deeper exploration of the characters and their motives could've made this flick less jive. The budget was probably too small to get Pam Grier to come in and whip some pimpin' fools into shape. Seriously, this just ain't where it's at! ya dig?!

Too much Hype!
I had heard so much about this. Rappers talked about it. Rappers acted like him, but this film is not at all what I expected. Keeping in mind that I saw it on VHS and the quality was very questionable for Blockbuster.

Anyway, this Mack in my mind was to be a powerful pimp who took no s**t. Instead, he is a laughing all of the time, guy who seems to not be concerned with what's going on around him.

I won't go into details as I don't want to waste much more time on a film like this, but it is hard to watch and one of the corniest of the 1970's black films, or films starring more black people than white people, so they are black. I did not want to see this again. Most of those films I keep in my mind with the idea of adding them to the collection, but not this one. This film has too much hype! Where is "Three the Hard Way" on DVD?

Better the second go 'round
This was a popular drinking movie while I was in college and we loved it then. However, 12 years later I decided to check it out again as a 30-something sober man and you know what The Mack is actually a decent movie. It was even better than what I remember from college. This is a classic blaxploitation film, a must see for this genre. ... Read more

Reviews (92)

misinterpreted, by far
I'd like to point out a thing or two about this movie, that most of our "would-be" reviewers, like myself, have missed. First off a grand Excellent performance by the great Peter Sellers. Yes, "Birdie num-num's" and all that aside, he made his character very loveable, as a bumbling East Indian actor, who is mistaken for some acting wizz. Unfortunately for the producers of the in-movie movie, he is not that at all, he is not good with lines, and he does some physical humor and actions that have the movie management up in arms, "who is this guy?". Perhaps the most incredible aspect of this Edwards/Sellers movie is the fact that they were trying to make a political statement at the last half hour of the movie, with the party hostess' hippy daughter and her friends, the elephant, and all that. Yes, I said Peter Sellers was in a politically based movie. One thinks, "poking fun at authority"? Well, yes, what in the world motivated the whole Pink Panther genre of movies? Blake Edwards was a political activist and liked to reflect that at certain points in lots of his movies. All in all, with that in mind, now, watch the movie and understand, and finally you can laugh with the movie. Nothing less than 5 Capitol stars from me. Just a thought!

"Birdie Num Num"
This is one heck of a funny movie. I have seen it a few times and it always cracks me up. Peter Sellers plays an character by the name of Hrundi V. Bakshi, an Indian actor, who accidentally gets invited to a posh, exclusive, Hollywood party and proceeds to inadvertantly make a shambles of the entire affair. There are so many gags in this movie, you really have to watch it more than once to appreciate it. One interesting fact about this movie I recently read..."The Party" was improvised from a 40-page outline. Each scene was shot in sequence, and built upon the previous scene. To aid in this experiment, the film's producers had a video-camera tube attached to the Panavision camera and connected to an Ampex studio videotape machine - allowing the actors and crew to review what they had just filmed. Thus, "The Party" was the first movie ever shot with the now-standard "video assist" system.

If you enjoy the Pink Panther movies, then you will most likely enjoy this. Instead of a bumbling French detective, Sellers portrays a bumbling Indian actor, and look for a great performance by Steve Franken as Levinson, a waiter at the party who likes the drink a bit too much. Also, I though Denny Miller was great as 'Wyoming Bill' Kelso. This was directed by Blake Edwards, and is the only non Pink Panther movie he and Peter Sellers made together. Original music by the Great Henry Mancini. Just a whole lot of fun!

Simply put...The best of Peter Sellers
The first time I saw this movie I was already a Sellers fan. What I liked most was that Sellers talent did not go to waste on meaningless chatter....just 100% PURE Sellers at his best! I purchased the movie at the same time I bought my first DVD player! Better than all of the Pink Panther movies!

my favorite sellers movie
I stumbled upon this movie when I was a freshman in college and walked into a room where everyone was stoned and watching the party. It is simply a riot. One of my all time favorite movies.

Hilarious.
I've seen this movie like 50 times and everytime that I watch it makes me laught out of control.
You may know Peter Sellers from the classic movies "Pink Panther" from the 60's.
"The Party" is about an indian actor (Sellers) that comes to America for a leading role in a movie but he's so clumsy that ruins a whole location. So when the director calls the boss to inform him about the mess that had been made, he writes Hrundi's (Sellers) name in the guest list of a party that he was having at home.
When Hrundi arrives to the party finds out the his white shoes are dirty with car oil so he cleans them in a water canal of the house entry making him loose his shoe. Then he gets bored because anybody knows him, so he starts to talk to the people but they're not interested in him so he explores the house while making disasters. Then he doesn't even have a place in the dinning table and well I can tell you that he goes from that to ruin the master's room bathroom.
Honestly if you buy this movie you won't be sorry AT ALL, it's not very long and you can listen to it in English, French and Spanish. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Eddie Murphy at his best!
Eddie Murphy stars and directed this hilarious film. It has the three most funniest comics ever to grace the stage or screen, Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. Eddie plays Quick a hot tempered enforcer for Pryor's gang. It is set during the dirty thrities, in Harlem and is the funniest movie I have ever seen, the fight between Murphy and Della Reese is great. A must see for all Comedy fans

Absolute garbage
If there has ever been a bigger waste of talent than Harlem Nights, I haven't seen it yet.

This movie is what happens when a big star (Eddie Murphy) is allowed to do whatever he wants by a big movie studio. So, he hires his family, friends and his 2 comedy influences Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor.

They spent millions of dollars on wardrobe for this movie and about 5 minutes on the script. It's like they just made it up as they went along. They wanted to look good but left out the funny. Eddie Murphy should be ashamed of this movie.

So, here is Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx being funny or entertaining. Quite an achievment. What a wasted opportunity.

Effort Doesn't Equal Payoff
Murphy's directorial debut is long on good intentions and short on follow through. Occasional bits and pieces are funny or smart but the overall film is somewhat dull and contrived and not a little meanspirited. Can't say I'm terribly fond of the movie's treatment of women, either.

An all time favorite
Just the interaction between Red Foxx and Della Reese is worth the price of the movie! And the "con" involving the gangster and the hooker had me rolling on the floor. This movie is really funny. I have watched it over and over again...and pick up something new every time. Loved it!

Veiwers choice
This movie never really got the exposure it should have. I will admitt it is one of thos movies you simply must watch more than once because you miss all of the funny lines the first time. I did not care for all of the swearing; It should have been toned down. I feel if it were made today Eddie Murphy would have not had so much profanity in it. I also did not care for Jazzmine Guy as a sex symbol- her pettite frame and previous role as Witney Gilbert on the TV sitcom, made it hard for me to see her as sexy. Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx were right on key. I really liked the clothes of that era and Eddie Murphy did a wonderful job of creating a very nastolgic look back. ... Read more

Reviews (368)

Still Laughing!
This is one of the best comedies I've seen in a long time. It follows the story of Greg Focker ("just like it's spelled" hehe) and his struggle to fit into his girlfriend's family. He decides to "Meet the Parents" to ask if he can marry their daughter, but a twist of hilarious events leads to a great plot and darn funny movie!

Favorite quotes from this film:

"Well, if you're going to have little Fockers running around..."

"You didn't tell me much about your cat-milking days in Motown."

"That was a lot of.... information."

"They'd have to be interesting people, right? To name their son Gaylord Focker?"

Caught your interest? Thought so. Now BUY THIS FILM!

Just so over the top it rocks
The wonderful comic delivery of the mother is brilliant!
If you check your reality at the door you go on an amazing over the top ride!! I Loved the whole idea of pushing reality to the limits. the more I watch it the funnier it gets

Very funny movie!
My two sisters, who are both public school teachers, think that this movie is hilarious. I didn't like it quite as much as they did but I agree that it is very funny. Ben Stiller is a male nurse who goes with his fiance over the Christmas holidays to meet her parents Robert De Nero and Blythe Danner (also known as Gwyneth Paltrow's real life mom). In his eagerness to make a good impression and gain acceptance he suffers through incredible humiliations and misadventures. I love the song "Fool for Love". I don't think that this movie is for everyone because there is definitely an elitist flavor to it so that poor people and working class people are probably not going to enjoy it as much as yuppie types. But on the other hand, people that shop online and read these reviews are probably exactly the kind of people who will enjoy this the most.

Hilarious
This was one movie that kept me laughing and which I really enjoyed. De Niro and Stiller team up and create an atmosphere that is truly comical.

funniest movie i can think of
one of the greatest comedies ... Read more

Book Description

"Bein' a idiot is no box of chocolates," but "at least I ain't led no hum-drum life," says Forrest Gump, the lovable, surprisingly savvy hero of this wonderful comic tale.When the University of Alabama's football team drafts Forrest and makes him a star, that's only the beginning!He flunks out--and goes on to be a Vietnam war hero, a world-class Ping-Pong player, a wrestler, and a business tycoon.He compares battle scars with Lyndon Johnson, discovers the truth about Richard Nixon, and suffers the ups and downs of true love.Now, Forrest Gump's telling all--in a madcap, screwball romp through three decades of the American landscape.It's Gump's amazing travels...and you've got to hear them to believe them. ... Read more

Reviews (484)

The best movie of the 1990s
Forrest Gump guarantees to be one of the greatest movies you ever see.
Forrest is a simple man who lives by his beliefs, and lives by his mother's advice. He talks of his incredible life while sitting at a bus stop in Alabama, of teaching Elvis new dance moves, of bceoming a war hero in Vietnam, and of meeting several Presidents. At the same time, he recollects about his childhood sweetheart Jenny, who is living a horrible life after being abused as a child.
This is a truly inspirational movie, one of humour and light-hearted fun, while looking back at some of America's biggest moments.
Tom Hanks richly deserved Best Actor, as did the film deserve Best Picture, and Forrest Gump is one of the least-challenged Academy Award decisions in recent memory. This film really can say that it will make you laugh and cry, as well as thoroughly enjoying the best movie of its decade.
Forrest Gump is a must have movie, and is one to watch many times!

A Powerful Story Of Love And Adventure
FORREST GUMP is a movie about a backward young boy who grows up to lead a remarkable life while managing to get involved in some of the most important world events of the Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon years. The film is a powerful story of love and adventure-especially love.

Tom Hanks is superb as Forrest Gump. The strong supporting cast includes Robin Wright, Sally Field, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson and a very young Haley Joel Osment.

FORREST GUMP won Oscars for Best Picture, Director (Robert Zemeckis), Actor (Tom Hanks), Adopted Screenplay, Art Direction, Film Editing and Visual Effects. It also received nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Gary Sinise), Cinematography, Sound, Sound Effects Editing, Make-up and Original Score.

Robert Zemeckis will be remembered in addition for his direction of BACK TO THE FUTURE and ROMANCING THE STONE.

The best
Tom Hanks at his best. A very intelligent comedy and one of the best reviews of 20th century America in a very light hearted way. Fully deservant of the shower of Oscars it received. Must have!

THE BEST FILM EVER MADE
The first time I saw this film, I was amazed beyond beleife. Tom Hanks is outstanding as Forest Gump, and every sapporting actor was perfect for the role. This movie has so many memorable lines in it, its almost insane. This movie is almost a modern day Rocky, in which it shows what one man could do with his life, and what we should do with our lives. Easily deserved every reward it got.

the best family film ever
a special guy sits on a bench and tells anyone who will listen about his story book adventure style life.it stars tom hanks.he is abselutely hilarious while simaltaneously being simple and blissfully unaware.the kids can watch it but they should really not look when jennys around.shes a whore and a half.it is easily the best tom hanks movie ever made.this movie is for everybody.if you do not like this movie you need help because something is seriously wrong with you.it is a very emotional movie from watchimg gump struggle to walk as a child up to when his loved ones began dying.if you are the sensitive type,do not forget to take your prozac or youll ball your eyes out.the only chick in it is jenny.she toys with forrests emotions throughout the entire movie and puts out at least 9 or 10 times.there are a lot of people who play thier roles well here.most everbody does well.its one of those movies you have to watch on tape because it never stops being good long enough to stop for a snack or a bathroom break.its that good!if a second one were somehow dreamt up it would be only a shadow of its predecesser.it is long,but an abselute gem in any video library. ... Read more

Reviews (179)

I'll Write A Review You Can't Refuse
Francis Ford Coppola does something with this movie many filmmakers are unable to do. Coppola makes us feel as if we're part of the"FAMILY". We feel as if were behind the scenes watching the Corleone's up's and down's. A one of a kind screenplay written by Mario Puzo and Coppola,and as we all should know by now,the film the based on Puzo's novel. Truly desevering of the Oscars in won. Brando's performance in this movie,is in my opinion,the best of his career. And the same goes with the rest of the cast:Al Pacino,Diane Keaton,James Caan,Robert Duvall,and Talia Shire. Everyone in this movie delivers a powerhouse performances. Many unforge