Reviews (317)

Kubrick Addresses The Complexities Of War
The dual nature of man, wherein he is able to embrace both war and peace simultaneously, is addressed by director Stanley Kubrick in the decidedly anti-war film, "Full Metal Jacket," starring Matthew Modine. Divided essentially into two parts, the first half follows raw recruits through basic training at Parris Island, where the effects of what it takes to turn a man into a Marine / killing machine is explored, predominately through the characters of Private "Joker," played by Matthew Modine, and Private Leonard Lawrence (Vincent D'Onofrio), dubbed "Gomer Pyle" by the D.I, Sergeant Hartman (Lee Ermey). It's a hard, stoic study of techniques and motivation that inherently questions the system itself, and is deftly and succinctly illustrated by the results achieved, which are not entirely those desired. It's hard stuff to swallow at times, but engrossing, and Kubrick manages to gradually build the emotional intensity that gives such impact to the climax of this first part, which is without question the strength of the entire film. The second half switches suddenly to Vietnam, where Kubrick takes up his pallet and canvass, and while attempting to paint a realistic portrait of war, instead takes more of a turn away from reality, and the film takes on a sense of the surreal; the result is more reminiscent of the visual artistry of "The Thin Red Line" than of the truly gritty realism of "Saving Private Ryan," and rather than make his statement directly through the use of the story, he uses the movie to stage sequences of events to demonstrate the contradictory nature of war and it's consequences, and man's involvement therein. And while he compares the moral and emotional conflicts with the physical, it is an acknowledgement of an inner struggle devoid of any proffered solution, though delivered quite subjectively. The pace of the film is very deliberate and much of the dialogue has a "staged" sense about it that, rather than underscore the issues being addressed, has more of an alienating effect which serves to neutralize the emotional aspects of what is being presented. The story is told from the point of view of Modine's "Joker" , but though Modine does a passable job, his is a rather unsympathetic character whose purpose it would seem is merely to act as narrator and to serve as the "eyes" of the camera. And, again, it only manages to distance the audience further, as Joker becomes a kind of buffer between the viewer and any sustained level of emotional involvement with the story or any of the characters. Instead of a stirring fulmination against the lunacy of war and man's enablement of it, Kubrick's approach creates more of a sense of rather cold ambiguity. Had Joker (as the lead) been a stronger character, and had the second half of the film been more like the first, instead of nothing more than a series of vignettes, this could have been a dynamic movie; as it is, because of Kubrick's choices, he made a good movie, but not a great one. There are two memorable performances here, one by Vincent D'Onofrio, who did an exemplary job of creating the hapless Leonard; the other by Lee Ermey, as the Gunnery Sergeant who could be the poster-boy for an anti-enlistment campaign. Also worthy of note is the work of Arliss Howard, who brought "Cowboy" so credibly to life. Rounding out the supporting cast are Adam Baldwin (Animal Mother); Dorian Harewood (Eightball); Kevyn Major Howard (Rafterman); Ed O'Ross (Lieutenant Tinoshky); and John Terry (Lieutenant Lockhart). With "Full Metal Jacket," Stanley Kubrick raises issues that are important, and makes some valid points about the causes and complexities of war, and the moral and ethical challenges of those presented with it. Obviously, this was a passionate endeavor; if only he would have allowed more of that passion to make it's way onto the screen. What a movie this could have been.

Great movie,but not my favorite on Vietnam
Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket is a very good movie,but I like others on the subject of Vietnam better.It follows a group of Marine Corps recruits from boot camp to the war in Vietnam.I thought the boot camp sequence was outstanding.Gunnery Sageant Hartman is an unforgettable character,(every time I see R.Lee Ermey in a movie I'm reminded of him)probably the best drill instructor ever in a movie.The rest of the cast was very good,as well,especially Vincent D'Onofrio as Gomer Pyle,and Matthew Modine as Joker.After boot camp the movie shifts to Vietnam,where the action is seen mostly through Joker's eyes.The movie show's some of the horrors of war,but not as well as other Vietnam films such as Platoon and Hamburger Hill.(of course that's just my opinion,you may disagree)I've read that the movie was shot entirely on soundstages in England,rather than on location,and it looks incredible.Overall,while not my favorite movie about Vietnam,it is a very good film.

Fantastic
First of all....many Marines say that the first 30 minutes of the movie about boot camp is THE most accurate depiction of Parris Island in cinematic history. And of course Lee Ermey himself being a former Marine drill instructor tops it all....his profanity laced tirades are totally outrageous.

Second of all, the latter half of the movie deals with a subject not covered in Vietnam movies, a squad getting lost and having to face a lone sniper. Its a radical departure to be sure, but Kubrick in his usual cinematic mastery makes it very gripping.

So if you like Vietnam movies that are a bit different but still as strong as Hamburger Hill and Platoon, check this one out....its fantastic.

full....metal...jacket.
one of my favorite movies kubrick and matthew modaine how better can it get.lol. i suggest this omvie to anyone who likes kubrick, war movies or both for that matter. i also read the book that its based off of "the short timers" by gustav hasford it was really good but i still liked the movie better becasue it had vincent d' onfario and and the segarent(its like blasphemy that i cant remeber his name at this moment) but this movie is great, kind of boring at parts but still its deffinalty worth a watch.

An Near Masterpiece.
When Ordinary People are all Plunged into a Boot Camp Hell Pitbulled by a Leatherlung D.I. (R.Lee Emery) to Prepare for the Vietnam War and the Dehumanizing Process that turns People into Trained Killers.

Produced and Directed by Stanley Kubrick (2001:A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Eyes Wide Shut) made a Savage Vietnam drama with a dark sense of humour. There's terrific performances by Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, Vincent D'Onofrio, R.Lee Ermey, Dorian Harewood, Arliss Howard, Kevyn Major Howard and Ed O'Ross. The first 45 minutes is a Masterpiece and then the last 71 Minutes, the movie turns into familiar territory with dark humour. The film's conculsion is Strong and Satifysing. This newly restored DVD is better than the previous DVD transfer. DVD has an sharp Pan & Scan (1.33:1) transfer and an strong newly remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. This is a Well Made film, which it might be far from some of Kubrick's best films but his elements are here. It's worth viewing. Based on the Novel "The Short-Times" by Gustav Hasford. Screenplay by Kubrick, Hasford and Micheal Herr. Grade:A-. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Dick Wolf (Law & Order) has claimed that Arthur Conan Doyle inspired him to create Criminal Intent. Indeed, the brilliant--if socially awkward--Robert "Bobby" Goren (Vincent D'Onofrio) and cool-headed partner Alexandra "Alex" Eames (Kathryn Erbe) do come across like a modern day Holmes and Watson. Rather than England, however, they're members of New York's major case squad. (Trivia buffs may find it of interest that D'Onofrio played Holmes's arch-nemesis Moriarty in the 2002 made-for-cable movie Case of Evil.) The show, which premiered in 2001, added "criminal" to the successful "law" and "order" equation. Each episode moves back and forth between the efforts of Goren and Eames to track down "the worst criminal offenders" and the efforts of the offenders to evade capture. Thedetectives report to plainspoken Captain Deakins (Jamey Sheridan) and work closely with urbane ADA Carter (Courtney B. Vance).

Criminal Intent could hardly be mistaken for a comedy, but it can be lighter on its feet than Law & Order and Special Victims Unit--even if the crimes are just as grim. The fun comes from watching Goren and Eames do whatever it takes to catch the perps. As long as it's legal--they'll do it. Highlights of the first season include "Jones" with Griffin Dunne (An American Werewolf in London) as a philandering lawyer, "Badge" with Viola Davis (Solaris) as a corrupt ex-cop, and "Phantom" with Michael Emerson (The Practice) as a desperate family man. The last is based on the same real-life case that inspired the critically acclaimed French film Time Out (in the movie and teleplay, the protagonist pretends to work for the UN; in reality, Jean-Claude Romand pretended to be a doctor). Other cases, also often suggested by actual events, concern burglary, forgery, and money laundering--although murder is always mixed up in there somewhere. Featuring guest appearance from Law & Order detectives Green (Jesse L. Martin) and Briscoe (Jerry Orbach) in "Poison" and Lieutenant Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson) in "Badge." --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (22)

a great addition to the L&O franchise
I'm a huge fan of the original Law & Order. Criminial Intent does not disappoint! It's approach is a little different from the original with more emphasis on the police investigative work and the criminals and less emphasis on the legal side. Nevertheless the formula works great. The cast especially D'Onofrio, and the well written stories make Law & Order Criminal an excellent series. I highly recommend the purchase of this DVD collection.

When Law & Order Criminal Intent is good it is Very Good
I expected to enjoy the DVD of the first year and I have very, very much. Not only have I been able to re-enjoy shows that I had seen, but I was agreeably surprised with those that I missed. Without giving away plots, I hope, my favorite was "Poison": The sheer unswavering, selfish, determination of the lady was very interesting and made the show completely entertaining. There were others as well that I had not seen [and there were more than I had realized]. I am very glad that I sent for Law & Order Criminal Intent 1st Year.

GREAT SHOW! BEST SPIN OFF!
Great show with some great performances by Vincent D'Onofrio and the rest. Really great directing.

You've Gotta check it out
BEST SHOW OUT THERE! Loved it. It's a real great work of acting and writing.

Goren, lots and lots of Goren
This Law & Order series is a wee bit different from the others in that it doesn't fit the ensemble approach of the other franchises. L&O: Criminal Intent is about Bobby Goren and how he approaches cases and interacts with his partner, colleagues, and others.

You either love the Goren character or can't stand him. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground. Personally, I fall into the first catagory. Oddly enough, in my family, the men don't particularly care for Goren and the women adore him. I won't speculate on the basis for this pattern.

If you are a fan of L&O:CI, this should be in your library. If you're sweet on Vincent D'Onofrio or the Goren character, you may wear these DVD's out from overplaying. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Way before she grabbed an Oscar nomination for her searing performance as a world-weary prostitute in Leaving Las Vegas, Elisabeth Shue was known as one of the squeaky-clean actresses of the '80s. Having made a splash in The Karate Kid and the '60s-nostalgia TV series Call to Glory, Shue cemented her good-girl reputation with the charming but badly titled Adventures in Babysitting. Set in the John Hughes-style suburbs of Chicago, the titular adventures follow babysitter Chris (Shue), who agrees to watch the Anderson kids (Keith Coogan and Maia Brewton) when her boyfriend cancels their anniversary date. All is quiet on the home front until Chris is called upon to rescue her best friend (Penelope Ann Miller, also doing good-girl duty) from the seedy downtown bus station. She can't leave the kids, and she can't leave her friend alone in the big bad city, so she packs everyone in the station wagon and heads into Chicago. Screwball craziness begins as they encounter car thieves, knife-wielding gangs, gun-toting truck drivers, and, worst of all, Chris's duplicitous boyfriend. It's hardly mature entertainment, but Shue makes it work; when she wins over the audience at a blues club with her improv singing, you'll be won over, too. In his directorial debut, Chris Columbus (who later when on to helm the sap-fests Mrs. Doubtfire and Home Alone) gently skewers the suburbia white-bread mindset of the main characters, and plays up the comedy over the schmaltz with a subtlety of which he now seems incapable; the near romance between Shue and Coogan is played lightly and adorably. Look for brief appearances by art-house faves Lolita Davidovich as a college party girl and Vincent D'Onofrio as an unlikely savior. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (72)

My Babysitter was NEVER this Fun!
Elisabeth Shue is Chris Parker, a normal seventeen year old who begins the night with an ordinary babysitting job, sitting two normal suburban children, Sarah and Brad. After her friend - Brenda (Penelope Anne Miller) -- calls from a bus station in the city (Chicago), stating that she has runaway from home and needs Chris' support, Chris takes off to the city with Brad, Sarah, and Brad's friend, Daryl. What should have been a 30 minute ride to the bus station turns into a run through the city as the group of four encounter car thieves, weird mechanics, and a place where nobody leaves without singing the blues.

Adventures in Babysitting is THE fun movie of the 80s. Well, THE fun movie that doesn't contain little monsters, goonies, or Tom Hanks. As we follow the quartet through Chicago, we are introduced to hilarious scenes and crazy antics as they get themselves in the middle of a car heist, a cheating wife and her enraged husband, and many more. I must say that one of the biggest highlights of the film is the Blues Bar scene where Elisabeth Shue and the kids absolutely have to sing before leaving the bar. It's great.

The films is full of great characters. Elisabeth Shue is vibrant as Chris Parker, the babysitter gal. Her interaction with the kids was great, and she handled her leading status with ease. Maia Brewton is little Sarah who offers a lot of the laughs in the movie. She was awesome - I wonder where she is now? Keith Coogan and Anthony Rapp (Rent! Mark in Rent! I love Rent!) are Brad and Daryl, and both stay true to their roles and make them entertaining. But did anyone else want to occasionally strangle Anthony Rapp for that laugh?! We also see the likes of a young Penelope Anne Miller and Vincent D'Onofrio in cameo roles. Although Miller's role is a bit bigger, and very hilarious.

Although the DVD release is bare, without even a nice trailer to suit a fan, we do get a nicely widescreen anamorphic presentation with nice picture (Although there are signs of an aged film) and good audio.

Adventures In Babysitting is definitely one of my favorite 80s movies. For the fact that it's a great, fun, and crazily adventurous comedy.

Don't Mess With This Babysitter!
In the tradition of the "Goonies," Elisabeth Shue shines in her first starring role as Chris, whose day starts out on a bad note. After her boyfriend cancels their date, Chris decided to babysit for a couple who are in dire need for her services. In care of charges, Brad and Sarah, Chris believes this will be an ordinary job, however trouble comes knocking, first when Brad's pest of a friend, Daryl comes to stay over, and then when Chris' best friend is stranded at the bus depot in downtown Chicago.

What follows are a series of madcap adventures that take these suburban kids into the heart of the city. After their car's tire goes flat, the Chris and the kids must find a way to find their way back home and go help her friend at the same time. However, when they run into a car-theft ring headquarters, their night won't be the same again.

Featuring a wonderful cast including many actors unknown back then (Penelope Ann Miller as Chris' friend; Vincent D'Onofrio as the mechanic, etc.), "Adventures in Babysitting," marks the directorial debut for director Chris Columbus ("Home Alone"; "Stepmom"; the upcoming "Harry Potter" film adaption) who does an excellent job of making this film work. His ability to stretch character limits works well here, as he is able to place the kids in nearly impossible scenarios. The most memorable scene in this film that captures Columbus' imaginative directing features Sarah scrawling the windows of the towering building in downtown Chicago where her father works at night. As she scrawls the windows in fleeing from a member of a car-theft ringleader, she sees her parents at their party from the outside. Who could have thought of such a funny way of seeing your parents at the wrong place and wrong time?

Similar to other amazing average-day adventure films such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and the "Goonies," - "Adventures in Babysitting," is still as entertaining today as it was over a decade ago. Truly this is one of the late 1980's hidden comedic gems.

WHEN THE SHUE FITS
ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING is a wonderfully entertaining film from the late eighties that still resonates almost 20 years later. Chris Columbus (the future director of the first two Harry Potter films) brings us a series of vignettes resulting in Elizabeth Shue's Chris Parker babysitting for the precious Maia Brewton and the mooneyed Keith Coogan. Shue is marvelous; Coogan and Anthony Rapp are delightful; and little Maia is appropriately cute and loveable. Penelope Ann Miller as the nearsighted Brenda is a riot...especially when she picks up a stray "cat" at the bus station.
Of course, the primo scene is the "nobody leaves till you sing the blues" with Albert Collins. Shue's transformation as she gets into the "Babysitter Blues" is priceless.
This is one feel good movie, and in spite of some of its profanity, a film everyone should enjoy.
It's a minor classic to me!!!

Excellent movie...not too many great DVD features, though
This is an 80's classic! I have always loved this movie...and I was pretty shocked when I found out that Anthony Rapp...aka Mark in RENT is in it! That was soo cool, especially since I liked his character alot. If you've never seen this movie, you should check it out, but if you're going to buy it, unless it's to add to your DVD collection, I'd stick with VHS.

stray dog
if i've said it once, i've said it a million times: keith coogan, where are you? this 1987 flick is hysterical! ya think? ... Read more

Reviews (150)

Good Movie about a horrible film-maker
Ed Wood, Jr. is more beloved than reviled as the "creative mind" behind such grade-z movies as "Plan 9 From Outer Space", "Glen or Glenda". Though it's generally accepted that Wood wasn't playing it straight with his horrible scripts ("he's been killed, murdered....and somebody's responsible!"; "Future events like these will affect you in the future!"), unbelievable special effects and nonesensical plots, this film slightly suggests that Wood actually bought into his own nonsense. Here, Johnny Depp (is there anything he can't do?) plays the beloved but infamous Ed, a WWII vet, failed movie maker and transvestite. Playing Ed as if doing an extended Jon Lovitz impression (his lines delivered all high-pitched and non-stop), Depp's Ed is mostly innocuous and guiless (his genuine belief in the implausible predictions of self-proclaimed seer, Criswell, are a hoot) and incapable of seeing his own sheer lunacy. The script uses "Glen" and "Plan 9" as bookends on Ed's checkered career - with the first film marking his collaboration with the then well-faded horror star, Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau), and the second marking a sort of tribute to the star who died before its completion. Director Tim Burton stocks the film with a well-rounded cast - Bill Murray as transvestite "Bunny" Breckenridge, Jeff Jones as Criswell, Sarah Jessica Parker as Ed's long suffering girl friend, Dolores, Lisa Marie as "Vampira" and George Steele as Tor Johnson - that's a lot of fun, but doesn't do much with them. Bill Murray seems at times the saddest transvestite in history, mulling his paltry earnings from Ed's flicks to pay for his "procedure" while Jones' Criswell puts a damper on things when he makes all too clear how he invents his predictions. Instead, Burton's attentions are reserved for Ed and Bela, with Landau turning in a performance that's in turns hysterical (when revealing his hatred for arch-rival Boris Karloff), heartbreaking and terrifying (the forgotten star dies trying to kick a heavy heroin habit). Even so, the script doesn't stay consistent, with the emotional and humours highs isolated in their own scenes. The script reaches a depth of sorrow and horror when revealing Lugosi's profound suffering in de-tox, yet only briefly. (The script dangles the question of how well the dying star recognized the inanity of Woods' work). In other moments, the film hints at other real-life horrors like Ed's war experiences, but much of the film is actually shy of risk. Much of the conflict is between Ed and his backers - mostly evangelicals conned into thinking they were financing a religious picture and slowly realize Ed's true caliber as a film maker. Ed fights back to preserve his artistic vision without having to prove what his vision is or whether he even has one. His flagging self-confidence is restored by a chance encounter with Orson Welles (Vincent DoNofrio, also an underappreciated Hollywood fixture, his lines dubbed by the same guy who voices "Brain" on "Pinky and the Brain"). The more famed director is about to start work on a troubled epic of his own which, though never named, will be instantly recognizable to film students as "A Touch of Evil" ("Can you imagine Charlton Heston as a Mexican Cop?", Welles laments). Plunging ahead, the film works to the climax of Ed's career- the infamous "Plan 9 from Outer Space"! With Ed's trademark horrible special effects, unintelligible plot and insultingly poor script, "Plan" is almost guaranteed cult-status. Burton only recreates some of the scenes, so the last few minutes of the film plays like a montage of SNL skits, with Ed almost crying as he savors each frame. Leaving Ed before the credits roll on his "masterpiece", we never see Ed's lowly ends, his own substance abuse problems or the more clearly horrible films that marked his latter years. Burton never confronts this and misses an ironic motherlode - whether the ridiculous fantasy of Ed's pictures were supposed to be scary, or whether in seeming scary but so ineptly so, they were actually meant to symbolize a safer world than the one he experienced for real.

Plan 10 From INNER Space -- a true American classic!!!!
Yes, Eddie!
Not only Burton's best yet, but one of the finest
American films from the 90's -- or of any decade for that matter.
Cleverly written, lovingly directed, stylishly shot, acted
with empathy, scored and designed with tasteful camp, ED WOOD
is a virtual paen to Hollywoodism (whatever the hell THAT is!).

Just Czapsky's cinematography or Shore's soundtrack alone are
worthy of immense praise. And Tim Burton hits all the right notes flawlessly (for a change). Definitely his Citizen Kane.
Can't praise Depp and Lugosi enough, nor the editing, or....oh, hell! If you have any affection for the 50s, or B-Movies, or Bela Lugosi (God rest his soul), or Maila Nurmi (yum-yum), or angora, or pulp American cinema - meaning REAL American movies - then you should be a fan of this movie, regardless of what you think of Ed Wood's stuff.

Last point.
This movie is overdue for a worthy DVD treatment: docus, bios,
making-of-background -- the whole bit.
Was good enough for an Oscar for Landau, so why are we still waiting?
Yes indeed, pull that (angora) string!

No really this is good, honest
Watching Ed Wood movies and watching Ed Wood there is an alarming thing - Ed Wood's life was better suited to a movie than he was as a director! And as he tried woefully to express this side of his personality to the public with the woeful Glen or Glenda ( " Did you see the movie? Uh huh. Worst movie you saw in your life? OK but how about.....hello hello! )

Johnny Depp is hilarious as Ed and really plays the part extraordinarily well. You almost feel sorry for him as he gets rejected from everyone because he seems to have his intentions right no matter how skewed they end up being.

Of course Ed has a fetish for women's clothing which would make itself known in the film Glen or Glenda but Dolores wouldn't know about this until she read the script. Let's just say she doesn't take to it as well as Ed's rather naive script would like her to be! Although I have to admit that Sarah Jessica Parker is not exactly that easy to like in the movie

Martin Landau is the one who I think plays Bela Lugosi and I have to say that the resemblance is uncanny that you almost feel like singing the line from the Bauhaus song Bela Lugosi's Dead -" Oh Bela, Bela's not dead " indeed!

Bill Murray is fantastic in his role. As ever, he has the best lines in this movie. One of the best roles I've seen him in

I've seen this film - it must be about nearly 7 or 8 times and it's so funny that some of the lines in it are implanted in my head. One that has to be watched for those interested in seeing something a little unusual

My Favorite Movie of All Time
I have watched this movie probably 100 times and can never get enough. I cannot believe it hasn't been released on DVD yet.

The portrayal of Ed Wood is of a guy that never gives up even though he is terrible. Ever the optimist and the king of spin. He gives his pre-released version of 'Glen or Glenda' to a producer. When ED is told it's the worst movie the producer has ever seen---Ed's answer, "My next one will be better!"

When Ed is told that Bela will be kicked out of re-hab due to lack of insurance---Ed goes to Bela and tells him, "The tests all came back great---you can go home now."

Ed is a testament that it is more important to be positive and tenacious----rather than good.

Martin Landau REALLY deserved this Oscar. Like another reviewer said, he becomes Lugosi. I really feel Martin's portrayal of Bela more than I have ever felt any on-screen performance---ever. He brings me to tears almost every time. It's heartbreaking, funny and perfect in every single way.

From getting the whole crew baptized to finance a movie----to parading around the set in a wig and a dress. It's a great movie.

Enjoy!

Release it on DVD already!!
I'd heard good things about Ed Wood from critics, and decided to rent it to see for myself. After all, most of the movies I enjoy the most are movies that are panned viciously by said critics. Guess what? for once, I agreed with the "screen snobs" and enjoyed this movie just as much as the ones normally dismissed by the critics.

Johnny Depp is brilliant as the ever optimistic, supremely untalented Ed Wood. It is strange to contemplate the irony that it took such a top notch director, cast and writer to honor someone like Ed.

Speaking of brilliant, don't miss Martin Landau's Oscar winning turn as Bela Lugosi. By turns hilariously profane and poignantly troubled, Landau earned his Oscar for this part.

I just wish the powers that be at the studios would hurry up and put this gem on DVD so that we can all enjoy it! ... Read more

Description

In the Imperial Valley of Southern California there is a little known body of water 226 feet below sea level, one of the lowest points in the United States. As there is no outlet from this sea, water is being removed only by evaporation, which results in a salinity level more than 25 percent higher than the Pacific Ocean. There is an eerie stillness to this vast sea, and a peculiar density to the water. This lake is the Salton Sea. Set against this remote and mysterious landscape, an unexpected and brutal crime leaves an innocent woman, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, dead at the hands of masked gunmen. Her husband's life is left in ruins, his every waking moment haunted by the recurring imagery of the murder he witnessed, but was powerless to prevent. "The Salton Sea" is a character-driven crime thriller about an unlikely hero entangled in a web of deceit and treachery. Full of unexpected twists and turns, this is a compelling and emotionally-charged story about loss and recovery set to the lonely resonant tones of jazz great Miles Davis' horn. Danny Parker (VAL KILMER) is a man in search of redemption, consumed by a sense of loneliness and alienation. Following the death of his wife (CHANDRA WEST), he is set adrift in a seedy underworld inhabited by an eclectic, and often comical, cast of characters united principally by their choice of drug: crystal methamphetamine. An accomplished jazz musician, Danny is now a low-life "tweaker" in Los Angeles who leads us through a frenzied maze, one from which he must emerge before his tenuous grip on reality snaps for good. In a bold attempt Danny secretly hatches a plan to serve as middle-man in a lucrative drug deal. With the help of his friend Jimmy "The Finn" (PETER SARSGAARD), Danny is introduced to Pooh-Bear (VINCENT D'ONOFRIO), a methamphetamine baron with a penchant for sadistic recreational games, who seals the deal. But in this mad world, nothing - most of all Danny - is what it seems. ... Read more

Reviews (70)

The Salton Sea
Amazon, you need a sixth star to do full justice to this edgy, innovative masterpiece of ensemble acting. That lead actor Val Kilmer can shine so brilliantly amidst the endless stream of first rate supporting actors proves he is not only an actor of supreme ability, but a catalyst who has brought about small miracles in the roles of, among others, Sarsgaard, Wong, D'Onofrio, Plummer, Unger, Guzman --well the list is long and simply mind-boggling. The film was released in only four or five major cities and dropped. How the producers of this film could have been so dense in promoting it is beyond my scope of understanding. No doubt Kilmer will once again be passed over at Oscar time (remember Tombstone? The Doors? How about Heat?) but if making good films is his real source of satisfaction, he should be very proud of this film. His acting depicts a range of human emotions in this film that will leave you breathless.
Do yourself a favor and see this movie. Often.

Highly stylized drivel.
I usually stay clear of anything with Val Kilmer. The trailer for this one looked so good that I had to investigate.

I'm sorry to report that The Salton Sea reeks of many far better films. Trainspotting. Memento. Pulp Fiction. True Romance. Drugstore Cowboy. Boogie Nights.

I don't blame Kilmer. He's actually quite good for once. The problem is a film with little identity of it's own. A film that is little more than half a dozen cool set pieces strung together with a contrived threadbare plot.

Vincent D' Onofrio chews more scenery here than he has in his entire career. Here he plays a menacing drug dealer named Pooh Bear. His nose has desintegrated due to years of drug abuse and he kills enemies by unleashing an oversized rabid badger on their genitalia!

As deliciously wacky as this sounds it's just not enough to carry an entire movie. There is llittle else here besides a few quirky Tarantino inspired characters.

Very few men in their early 40s can wear a mohawk as well as Kilmer. He's surprisingly sexy here.

We also get hipsters like Adam Goldberg, Debra Kara Unger, Glen Plummer, Peter Sarsgaard, Luis Guzman and Anthony La Paglia. All get to utter over-cooked P.T Anderson style dialogue.

The Salton Sea is a terrifc looking film that (like most terrific looking film's) makes very little sense and is utterly forgettable.

Save your money and wait for it's appearance on cable TV.

4 stars (out of 5)
The film opens with the main character (played by Val Kilmer, although I initially guessed that it was Guy Pearce), playing the trumpet while he is surrounded by flames which include burning money. His voice-over narration indicates that he about to die, and that we can call him either Danny Parker or Tom Van Allen. Then we get a quick but very funny and gorgeously shot introduction to the history and manufacture of "speed" (methamphetamine). And then we flash back to the real movie, which starts by showing Danny Parker as a serious drug addict, surrounded by others who are as well. I could say more, but there are a great number of twists and turns in the plot, and you should discover them for yourself.

The cinematography is, as I already indicated, spectacular. The soundtrack, featuring Miles Davis, is excellent. And the acting is very good, with Vincent D'Onofrio being the standout as an absolutely insane drug dealer who is called Pooh Bear because his nose had to be removed after he did too many drugs.

I saw this film at the Camera Cinema Club in San Jose, CA on April 14th where the director (D.J. Caruso) was there to talk and answer questions (although I had to leave early in the question period). He said that a significant influence on him was "Chinatown," because that was the last great Los Angeles-set noir film. He also indicated that the ending, which was a little too upbeat for some, was more dark and ambiguous than other alternatives suggested by the studio.

With the caveat that it is at times violent and/or tense, I would definitely recommend this film.

Didn't like the film
I could not recommend this film. It glamorizes the life of a "tweaker". The acting is very good, but the subject matter is depressing.

Great Portyral of A Speed Freak in a Hollywood Way
This is a absolute gem in the rough. I put this up their with pulp ficition, memento, blow, casino,fear and loathing.

First, if you have not done meth(speed) you will not know how percise this film is. It portrays the scene pretty well and val deos a good job of telling what its like in the first scene. If you havent done meth you probably wont get this movie that well. There is still a great story line, but all a speed freak cares about is, were is that next line coming from and when will it be here. I love movies when the who plot comes together at the end. YOU NEED TO SEE THIS FILM.

I'm not saying you will totally be lost if you have never done meth, but having done the drug myself I can relate to the film A LOT.

Absolutly brilliant film and I love the way it was done and how true it is. Val Kimer can not do a bad movie and I love how he seems to choose the crazy,weird,drug,(...) kind of movies. He totally encompasses his acting ability in each roll he deos. Brilliant.

A+++++. ... Read more

Description

A film that chronicles New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison's investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It explores all the credible assassination theories that have raised the nation's persistent questions, doubts and suspicions. ... Read more

Reviews (228)

Makes You Question Reality
This is the best film you could ever watch about the JFK assassination. The movie compells you to research the events leading up to the conspiracy that ended the life of the 35th President of the United States.

Some people have complained that elements within the "JFK" version of the conspiracy are historically inaccurate and fabricated. This was done on purpose by Oliver Stone so people will look at the real-world evidence for themselves and discover the truth. What is the truth? The truth is that a conspiracy occured on November 22nd, 1963 because there is no way in the entire existence of universe that one man could engineer all the events that led up to Kennedy's assassination.

Those who continue to believe that Oswald did it alone will always be in denial and are forever brainwashed by the Warren Commission. Anybody who watches the Zapruder film and doesn't see the glaring evidence of a gunman on the grassy knoll when Kennedys head falls back and to the left during the head-shot is either ignorant, stupid or both. People who believe that Arlen Specters "magic bullet" can pause, stop, spin and do U-turns in mid-air to make the seven wounds in Kennedy and Connally, will believe the moon is made out of green cheese and walk off a cliff when told to do so.

Two versions of history have been a war with each other since that fateful day in 1963; written history and memorized history.

Written history is designed for those who want to control your thoughts with mind control. Memorized history will always keep your mind free from those who want to control your thoughts.

Oliver Stone's masterpiece
Now that some time has passed and the dust has settled, JFK can be looked at as a movie that is NOT historically accurate portrayl of what went down on that fateful day in Dallas, but rather an engaging, nail-biting thriller.

Whether you agree or disagree with Stone's view, there is no disputing the craftsmenship that went into this film. The use of multiple film stocks that create layers upon layers of interpretation of the events depicted. The editing alone is masterful as Stone juggles many subplots at once. Robert Richardson's cinematography is incredible (there's a reason why he won the Academy Award that year) and has become Stone's signature look.

And there is the cast: Kevin Costner does a fine job as the Gary Cooper-ish Jim Garrison who doggedly pursues his investigation. From here on in, there is a staggering who's who of big name and character actors filling in major and minor roles: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Tommy Lee Jones, Kevin Bacon, Vincent D'Onofrio, Gary Oldman, Joe Pesci, and the list goes on. Everybody does a great job and give the film an authenticity and believability.

This new, 2-DVD set is a HUGE improvement over the old, single flipper-disc. The entire movie (Stone's preferred cut) is now on one side and included is a fascinating audio commentary by Stone who manages to keep it going for the entire running time! His commentaries have always been a real treat to listen to and he does not disappoint on this one.

The highlight of disc two is a nice collection of deleted and extended scenes with commentary by Stone. It's pretty obvious why they were cut but nice that he included them.

This is a DVD that should be in every movie lover's collection. It's an important work and a cinematic landmark. It's influence can be felt in the TV show, 24 and the made-for-TV movie, The Pentagon Papers. I would also recommend picking up the annotated screenplay to the film which acts as the perfect companion to the film.

Shocking and thought provoking
Okay, I have a little trouble with the swearing but guess people can ignore it or get a blocker. That said, this was an outstanding movie and really made you think about the unthinkable. There are coverups that most of us have no clue about.The higher ups regardless of what people may think pull many strings to get done what they want done. Those we have always sought to trust can also be the ones who betray us. War is money and I am convinced, that the murder of JFK was a well orchestrated event. Buy the DVD with the accompaining documentary. It amazes me how some people refuse to believe it. BELIEVE IT. I love America but we are no saints here. Money and power is always a driving force. Don't ever think it can't happen here. Kevin Costner gives a brilliant performance and the impassioned speech in court toward the end of the movie that he gave portraying Jim Garrison drew me in like nothing I have ever heard. Watch "Thirteen Days" first than this one and rethink the situation and see what you come up with.

Scary
Oliver Stone's Director's Cut DVD has an extra seventeen minutes of footage added. This adds to the general suspense of the movie. JFK starts off very slow, like a History Channel documentary, and you think "Bo-ring!" But suddenly, in the whirlwind of dizzying camera shots and angles, you realize you are witnessing dark and distorted history being unearthed. By then you are so deep in, it is impossible to get out.

Kevin Costner is brilliant as New Orleans D.A. William Garrison, the man who brought the only public trial to this date on the JFK assassination. A string of brilliant and well-known actors complement the film. Joe Pesci, Donald Sutherland, Kevin Bacon, Sissy Spacek, John Candy, Ed Asner, Jack Lemmon, and Tommy Lee Jones give the movie so much credibility because their performances are simply so believable, and way out of the usual roles they play. In fact, this whole film represents a role the U.S. player that is far, far out of the role we usually play.

The score by John Williams alternately scares the beejesus out of you, or galvanizes you to action.

Lee Harvey Oswald is Innocent!
"I felt very emotional and very carried away for Mrs. Kennedy, that with all the strife she had gone through...that someone owed it to our beloved President that she shouldn't be expected to come back to face trial of this heinous crime."
-Jack Ruby
He supposedly killed Oswald because he loved our President, yet he has been proven to be a hater of the Kennedy family & has connections to the mafia! Very odd!
The records of the Kennedy Assasination specifically say Kennedy was killed with a "High Velocity" rifle, but the Italian Rifle which Oswald supposedly used in the killing was NOT a High Velocity rifle!!!!
It's pretty SAD that Americans actually accepted the "Official Story" of Kennedy's death. If you take a look at the Zapruder film & slow down the slides, you can actually clearly see that is was "doctored" & that some of the slides were taking out of the original film.
The common people are a bunch of sheep! ... Read more

Description

In Texas in the 1930s, young school teacher Novalyne Price meets a handsome, eccentric and interesting young man named Robert Howard. He's a successful writer of the pulp stories of 'Conan the Barbarian'; she's an aspiring author. A friendship develops into a sort of courtship. Based on a memoir by Novalyne Price. Stars Academy Award® nominee Vincent D’Onofrio and Renée Zellweger (Chicago). ... Read more

Reviews (76)

DVD version is missing 12 minutes of the film
I first saw this film on Showtime(cable TV)and was immediately struck by the chemistry between Vincent D'Onofrio and Renee Zellweger. There is never a slow or dull moment in the movie. You are transported back in time to the 1930s not only by the props, clothes and settings but also by the actions of the actors. They truly capture the era in their portrayals of Robert E. Howard and Novalyne Price, two star-crossed people who wanted to love one another but just couldn't make it happen. This movie has what I would consider to be the MOST PASSIONATE KISS in film history. My spine tingles every time I watch it.
The DVD however, is a disappointment. I don't know who is responsible for re-mixing the film for DVD release but they have OMITTED 12 minutes of the film that really help to tell the story with much more clarity. They have also rearranged some of the scenes to try to camouflage their butcher job. Interestingly enough in the special feature commentary Dan Ireland, Vincent D'Onofrio and a few others begin to comment on an upcoming scene when they realize it is no longer in the picture. They quickly change the subject but not without the viewer picking up on their obvious embarrassment.
The jacket for the DVD shows one of the omitted scenes on the back cover. Personally, I feel that any film that has been remixed, especially when scenes have been deleted for a DVD release, should be labeled as such so the buyer is aware that they are NOT GETTING the same film they may have viewed at the theatre or on TV.
With that said....I would still buy the DVD just for the kissing scene. It is THE BEST!

THE VAGARIES OF GENIUS
Stumbled on this heartwarming gem of a movie by accident and was pleasantly surprised. A simple yet moving tale of true love.

Based on the memoirs of Novalyn Price, veers around her relationship with the creator of "Conan The Barbarian" and "Kull The COnqueror", Bob Howard, who committed suicide. The period is 1930s, location: small-town Texas. Novalyne is a school teacher who wishes to be a published writer, and Howard is already established as a pulp fiction maverick. Both are in their late 20's.

As such, you'd think that's a weak scaffolding to lay a spectacular movie on, but the story tiptoes at a very good pace. The script is honest and addictive, and the chemistry between the two protags has that elusive, seductive charm of lovers without being overly somatic.

If you think you have seen Zellweger's true class as an actress from Bridget Jones or One True Thing, you haven't seen nothin' yet! The lady is marvellous. D'Onofrio does a fabulous job of being the creative mess of a story writer.

What I relished most, apart from the beautiful potrayal of love, was an unspoken grief of being an outlier in society -- the kind of palpable but overt ostracism that "geniuses" face simply by virtue of being extraordinary.

Required viewing for the romantics, and some delectable worthy escapism for others.

Where's the rest of this film? 18 Minutes are missing!
According to the Internet Movie database, the film that this DVD purports to show is 111 minutes long. According to the "technical information" on the left, however, this DVD is only 93 minutes long. What happened to the remaining 18 minutes of this film? This kind of truncation of a good film is as annoying as the dropping of the key final scene in the DVD of "The Big Easy." Columbia Tristar should know better than to offer only about 7/8ths of a film -- particularly a film as good as this one -- and try to pass it off as the whole thing. Because this film is otherwise excellent, it should be shown complete, and I will refrain from buying this truncated version until Columbia Tristar issues it complete.

Real Acting, True Gem for Discriminating Viewers
I cannot imagine imagine how "Shakespeare in Love", Titanic (lousy script, great computers) and even worse, "American Beauty" got Oscars for actors and films etc. while a film like this which requires true acting is overlooked. While pleasing, many could have performed well in the Shakespeare film both drunk and asleep and I would not have bothered with either of the latter. The "Whole Wide World" had next to nothing by way of props or settings, it was essentially a dialogue between two actors who have to carry us the entire time and do so beautifully. My husband said it best, the Academy Awards are political brown nosing nothing more. I guess it must remain a treasure for those capable of seeing the difference.

It is true what everyone says about The Kiss
Incredible movie and it really IS the best screen kiss I have EVER seen. ... Read more

Reviews (194)

This DVD is incredible!
First off, the 5.1 sound is terrific, even the opening credits will blow you away! And the picture has INCREDIBLE color representation. The menus are very fun too, and have very cool graphics. Like a previous reviewer says, the collector series is a better buy than the limited edition, because this one is almost as well loaded and is several bucks cheaper. You'll enjoy this film again and again with the DVD version.

An entertaining sci-fi comedy.
The Plot:When an alien comes downs to earth to steal something extraordinary, something anything you could expect. When special agent named Kay(Tommy Lee Jones) needs a new parner to show him the ropes. When he meets an street smart cop(Will Smith), who has meet an alien. Since Kay has a feeling that the Cop could be a great secert agent, if he gives up the life he has. When the cop decided, then he become Jay(Smith). Jay has become to know every alien life form, which every alien is different. Including some alien are Criminals. When the alien comes down to earth, the alien makes trouble to get and steal something unique, the alien will do anything to get it. When Jay and Kay discover get mixed up by another aliens, including a plot, the coming of the end of the world. Jay and Kay will do anything to stop and save the world, if they could.

This limited edition 2 set DVD, Disc one has a excellent anomorphic widescreen transer(1.85:1) and Pan and Scan in also alivable in this Dual layer DVD. Also a visual commentary by Director-Barry Sonnenfield(The Addams Family 1&2, Wild Wild West) and actor-Jones. Also extra commentary for this editon by the Director-Sonnerfield, Make-up artist-Rick Baker and Industrial Light & Magic team. Also Dolby 5.1 Surround and Dolby 2.0 Surround is in english. Also french Dolby 2.0 Surround track. Disc 2, has a lot of extras like in Deleted and extended scenes, behind the scenes featurettes, edited your own scene and a lot more of extras. This film has a thin plot but it has great winning special make-up effects, Good CGI effects, and wonderful comic performances by Jones and Smith. Grade:A-.

Very funny
I saw when I was younger and I thought it was pretty funny. When I got it for Christmas, Iwatched and it was hilarious! I was so surprised. If you're looking for some laughs, this movie is great! It's not just a sci-fi film.

Smart and Fun.
Aliens are alive on Earth! Disguised as normal people, they live normal lives, for the most part. Like any group of people, um, intelligent creatures, most are good but - there are some bad ones out there. M.I.B. tells the story of Earth's unofficial "alien police" who keep the "bad" aliens in line.

In particular, M.I.B. tells the story of a new potential agent (Wil Smith) on his first case. An assassin alien has come to Earth to kill the prince of an alien empire and steal a rare jewel. Lead by a veteran agent played by Tommy Lee Jones, both agents try to save the prince and capture the assassin.

During the chase, we are treated to the birth of an alien octupus, exposed to amazing technologies, and given "credible" explanation to some of the enduring mysteries of our time. This movie delivers on both the action and comedy fronts. It is funny on many levels, very enjoyable. Usually I like to compare this movie to another because we all have different senses of humor, but it is hard to do here. M.I.B. may not be unique, but I don't know of any films quite like it. Recommended.

Thrilling and Funny
It keep your attention with tommy-lee jones and having will smith there just adds the right amount of comedy. I say anyone over then would like it! It has awsome special affects too! ... Read more

Reviews (194)

A thoroughly enjoyable ride
Loosely based from a 1990 comic book series, this 1997 blockbuster combined eye popping special effects, classic sci-fi fare, and off the wall comedy and featured Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as Agent's J and K respectively. Both of whom are members of the MIB: a government organized secret group who keep the knowledge of extra terrestrial life under wraps while keeping the planet at peace. Director Barry Sonnenfeld handles the film very well and keeps it at a crowd pleasing speedy pace throughout most of it's running time. While it does start to lose steam towards it's climax, where Men in Black shines is with the casting: featuring Linda Fiorentino, Rip Torn, Tony Shaloub, and Vincent D'Onofrio in lively roles, with D'Onofrio being his usual scene stealing self. This Deluxe Edition of the film seems like the umpteenth time MIB has been released on DVD; but out of all the previous editions this seems to offer the most bang for your buck.

Much more fun than I expected
After seeing the previews, I had no desire to see "Men in Black." It just looked silly and didn't make sense. I finally watched it only because my boyfriend had the tape in his collection and I was bored. Boy, did I misjudge this movie! It was ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS!

Part of my problem with the previews is that I wasn't quite sure what the plot was about so let me start there. The "men in black" are part of a special super-secret immigration agency dealing with extraterrestrials. Unbeknownst to the general population, space aliens have been living amongst us for several decades. As long as they behave, they are welcome. If they misbehave, they may be deported or zapped with some pretty fancy weaponry.

Will Smith plays an ultra-hip New York police officer who comes to the agency's attention after chasing down a space alien. Tommy Lee Jones plays his very experienced, suave partner. Jones' dead serious interactions with the panoply of odd aliens is outrageous. And although I'm not a Will Smith fan, I have to admit that in MIB he's just just too cool for words!

MIB is definitely a must for the video library!

Different type of illegal aliens in New York
So much has been written about the brilliance of this gooey sci/fi comedy, that it would be redundant for me to tell you how great it is. But what I enjoyed most about "Men In Black" is that it is such a New York film.

When Will Smith is being oriented to his new job by Tommy Lee Jones, he's informed that many New Yorkers are disguised space aliens. "Like cab drivers?" Smith asks. "Not as many as you think," Jones responds.

The fact that the MIB have a car that can defy gravity is funny enough, but the fact that it needs such a vehicle to fight the perpetual traffic in the Midtown Tunnel is even funnier.

An alien disguised as a dog in an I LOVE NEW YORK tee-shirt is fairly funny. But when it speaks with a New Yawk accent as thick as Bugs Bunny's it makes it funnier.

When the edgar bug alien hauls a mideastern cab driver out of his cab, not funny. When he tosses his wooden-bead back massager at him, funny. But on top of that, when he throws the ubiquitous air freshner out, then its hysterical (without being racist).

The whole concept that the World's Fairgrounds in Queens is a hangar for spaceships is just brilliant. And I've always wondered what that structure at the head of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel was!

Glimpses of the World Trade Center are a little bitter to take, even now. And there is that sense that this film is from an innocent pre 9/11 time but, really, the rest of the movie still rings true of the New York of today.

Good!!
I like this movie because it has a a lot of good scenes where you laugh, the situations are ludicrous just like the aliens. And what about the screen where you can see Steven Spielberg, Sylvester Stallone or Oprah like aliens? And it's full of irony besides good special effects. If you want to have a good time buy this one. By the way, has anybody realized that the green baby alien, that Will Smith has in his arms, has the same face as Jedi Knight Kit Fisto?

Funny and witty!
This movie is a hilarious take on the whole concept of the Earth being populated by extra-terrestrial beings and two agents named Agent K and agent J are assigned on a mission to stop a menacing alien cockroach who is trying to gain a hold of an artifact.

Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are a really hilarious team and their acting is phenomenal! The special effects are also really cool and the alines are so funny.

Go and buy this DVD and get teh Deluxe Edition because it has so much cool stuff on it! Peace out! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A wicked satirical fable about corporate backstabbing--and actual murder--in the movie business, The Player benefits from director Robert Altman's long and bitter experience working within, and without, the Hollywood studio system. Rising young executive Griffin Mill (Tim Robbins) is tormented by threats from an anonymous writer.The pressure and paranoia build until Griffin loses control one night and semi-accidentally kills screenwriter David Kahane (Vincent D'Onofrio), who may or may not be the source of the threats. From that point, Griffin's life and career begin to fall apart. In keeping with the ironic spirit of the film itself, Altman's scathingly funny attack on the moral bankruptcy of Hollywood was embraced by many of the same people it was intended to savage, and restored the director to commercial and critical favor. Michael Tolkin adapted the screenplay from his own novel, and the movie is studded with cameos by famous faces, many of whom appear as themselves. The digital video disc includes a commentary track with Altman and Tolkin, some deleted scenes, a documentary about Altman, and a key to help identify more than 50 of the picture's big-name cameos. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Very Intelligent and Entertaining Thriller
"The Player" is one of those fascinating comedic thrillers with one defined dramatic plot, and various subplots dealing with the movie industry. Player is not a fast paced thriller, but rather an intelligent and laid back story surrounded by Hollywood and the business of film making. Tim Robbins plays Griffin Mill, a studio executive whose main job is to decide which scripts make it to the big screen. When he starts receiving threatening postcards, he suspects they come from a writer whose script was turned down. Hence, he tries to identify the writer in order to pay him off and stop the blackmail. Apparently he found the writer , apparently not. Murder. Whoopi Goldberg's performance as detective Avery, investigating the murder, is simply wonderful and provides humor with her spicy language. For the rest of the plot, you must see the movie. Directed by Robert Altman (Gosford Park), Player's cast include Greta Scacchi, Peter Gallagher, Fred Ward, Lyle Lovett and numerous cameo appearances by familiar faces such as Lily Tomlin, Bruce Willis, Robert Wagner, Susan Sarandon, Julia Roberts, Nick Nolte, Andie McDowell, John Cusack, to name a few. Besides the main plot, this is certainly a good perspective of how decisions are made in Hollywood, and the dynamics and politics of movie making . Player views the "film noir" and independent film making alternatives, and flirts with the concepts of dissociation of the big studios with the artistic ("Ars Gratia Artis") philosophies of the old days, those being replaced with the "money-making-happy-ending" driving forces of modern day Hollywood. DVD version.

Hectic Life of Hollywood Wheeling & Dealing
This film has the most unique opening scene (which lasts about 8 or 9 minutes in a single frame!) I have ever seen in a movie! Tim Robbins plays the role of a producer who "just does his job", which includes brushing off hopeful screen writers and being nasty to his assistants. Little does he know, that others are good at back-stabbing too, and that his name is about to be dropped. All depends on his next project; if it stinks, he sinks! -- A few clever twists, including black-mail and manslaughter, keep the viewer interested, right up to the surprise ending. Watch for Whoopi Goldberg and Lyle Lovitt as police detectives (I couldn't picture either of them in such a role, but they did surprisingly well!). This is a very good film, but I still have a problem with how everything turns out (which I can't dwell on, or I'd spoil it for those who haven't seen it). See for yourself!

Gripping & Hilarious!
Only Robert Altman could make a movie like this. With its huge, sprawling cast of talented actors and famous people dropping by for cameos, Altman has created one of the best Hollywood satires ever made. I think the only other movies gunning for this title would be "The Day of the Locust" and Steve Martin's "Bowfinger."

Recent Academy Award winner Tim Robbins plays a sleazy movie exec who deals with the writing talent. A bunch of mysterious and threatening postcards show up at Robbins's office, and a tense thriller unfolds. Interspersed between the classic thriller elements, Altman stuffs a making-the-movie subplot in there which pokes fun at Hollywood producers and actors, as well as developing a convincing and warm love story. How does he do it? He's Robert Altman, for Christ's sakes. And he does it seamlessly - by the time the movie is over, you're wishing it had just begun.

Altman uses text messages to get points across to the viewer, and the background becomes almost as important and pertinent to the plot as the physical action unfolding before you. Perhaps this is a comment on our celluloid-dampened minds and our inability to see, as it were, the "writing on the wall." For if the characters in this film stopped for a moment and saw where they were, what they were doing, and why, perhaps none of those people would be in trouble. It's a nice jab at our MTV attention spans, and hilarious when foreign films are mentioned Hollywood Types, who immediately clam up and say, "Haven't seen it."

Good times, indeed. You'll have tons of fun just pointing out the celebrity cameos in "The Player." Altman probably did this to give the audience the same awe-struck sensation they would get if they were amongst those power players. You find yourself pointing at the screen and saying, "Hey, that's Susan Sarandon!" or "That's Jack Lemmon playing the piano there!"

So not only is "The Player" an excellent and biting comedy, it's a convincing thriller as well. And nobody could've guessed the ending, which leaves you ... well ... it's difficult to describe how "The Player" ends without giving too much away. So rent it, buy it, spin it on your finger and give props to one of the greatest living American directors.

"IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT, GRIFF..."
This is one of my all-time favorite films, a scathing, paced look at inside Hollywood that deciphers the netherworld of studio execs, producers, directors, actors and, most importantly, those over-abused prostitutes of the industry, screenwriters. Tim Robbins is Griffin Mill - smarmy, corporate and slick as cat manure on a vinyl floor. Robert Altman brought in an array of big names to lend this film their aura. Everybody was in it. Buck Henry pitches the best film idea that never happened, "The Post-Graduate", which is the sequel to "The Graduate".

Grif is getting poison pen mail and he explores it a little too much, leading him to an art house in Pasadena where he accidentally kills a teed-off scribe, then into the man's ice queen girlfriend. Plot twists and studio politics intersect, and Whoopi Goldberg is insane as the cop who knows Grif got away with murder, which he does.

There is no morality, just cold-hearted realpolitik. Do not miss Altman's interview at the end. Like "Sunset Boulevard", this one captivated and irritated this closed industry which still believes its press releases. Robbins is as good as it gets. This is sex and power, the ultimate aphrodisiac.

The plot twist that ends it is one of the best ever devised, with Grif and his blackmailer suddenly co-producers "if the price is right..."

As Matthew says in the Bible, "what does a man profit if he has the world but loses his soul?"

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
...

A Keeper!
This is a great movie! I usually shy away from Tim Robbins' work, ever since "Bull Durham" anyway. His politics are the reason, I cannot stand the sanctimonious "message" movies he and others such as Oliver Stone repeatedly assault the general public with from their pulpits of privelege. All that aside, Mr. Robbins is quite great in this movie, treading the line of being a typical Hollywood ahole yet still evoking sympathy from the audience for his tenuous hold on his studio position. At least that's what I felt. I was glad when he "got away with it". All in all this is a really good movie and it really gives one the sense of being "in the scene" much like a documentary does. My one fault is the way the crowd scenes, such as in restaurants were handled, from a sound standpoint. I'm sure the overlapping dialogue was intentional but it was distracting more than anything. Great Movie...did I say that enough times? And where has Greta Scacchi gone? She is sexy as heck here. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Computer scientist Hannon Fuller (Armin Mueller-Stahl) finds something extremely important. Knowing that he's marked for assassination, he leaves a message in the virtual reality world he's designed, hoping it will be found by colleague Douglas Hall (Craig Bierko). Hall is a suspect in Fuller's murder and indeed finds a bloody shirt in his house, with no recollection of what he did the night before. Hall plunges headlong into Fuller's world (a re-creation of 1937 Los Angeles) to try to unravel the slaying and is soon knee-deep in confusion and trouble. What this film lacks in character depth and plot cohesiveness it makes up for in special effects and high concept. Fans of films like Blade Runner, Dark City, eXistenZ, and even the game Sim City should find this appealing. Of course, there's the question of letting the computers do all the heavy lifting in films while the humans walk through the plot (an all-too-familiar scenario in 1999), but the re-creation of '30s Los Angeles is certainly something to see, pallid script and acting or not. The Thirteenth Floor is a stylish modern-day noir that raises questions about technology versus reality, all the while wrapped up in a murder-mystery story line. --Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (101)

A cult film fave
This is a stunning movie, simply overshadowed by the realease of "Matrix" about the same time. Not that "Matrix" wasn't great, but "Thirteenth Floor" deserved a lot more attention. Maybe just too cerebral for some--this is thought provoking and requires astute attention. While others have mentioned "Dark City" and "eXistenz," this is my favorite of the three. The photography is stunning, the production values make "eXistenz" look like a student film, and 1930's Los Angeles is beautifully realized. The use of color palette to distinguish the different realities is more effective on DVD than VHS tape. Craig Bierko, Armin Mueller-Stahl, and Vincent D'Onofrio (who is unrecognizable from his stint in "Men in Black")are all riveting. I found the ending to be clever, staying true to the theme of the movie while playing out the love affair. This warranted a satisfying second viewing to assure that all the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Give it a try.

I rented it; I bought it!
By the time I had seen this film on video, I had already seen the two films it is often compared to, THE MATRIX and DARK CITY, and although I have enjoyed both of these motion pictures on numerous occasions, I still find that I can always watch THE THIRTEEN FLOOR and get drawn back in.

It could very well be that what other reviewers are critical of about this movie is what actually makes me like it all the more; namely that science fiction that makes up a large part of the story line is not so complicated as to overpower the film noir-like quality this movie also possesses. The plot remains simple yet provocative, particularly after one encounters the plot twist near the end of the movie.

And it is that plot twist that provides one of the reasons why I slip this DVD of this movie into my player twice as often as I do those other two films..... With The Matrix and with Dark City, I am made to question the reality of the environment I live in; with The Thirteenth Floor, I am forced to examine the very foundation of my own existance. Deep concepts indeed...and from such a simple movie too!

Besides that, I loved Fuller's 1937 simulation world, from the slightly sepia cast that colored everything, to the slightly edgy quality of the music in the cabaret (The program, like all computer programs, still had a few bugs in it....).

OK...I will agree that the plot, though simple, still managed to show more depth than any of the characters within it ....and the scene at the very end of the film could have been fleshed out more. BUT with that one star taken away, I still would recommend this movie....

Rent it and see it and find out I mean. Get a copy for your collection when you want to see it again.....I did.

Awesome
Why do people keep saying this is a MATRIX ripoff? This movie is based on the novel SIMULCRON-3 that was written in 1962!!

I think that predates the MATRIX by a few years. Plus, the MATRIX isn't all that original anyway as even communicated by the screen-writers. Can you say PKD?

The movie that keeps you wanting more
If you haven't seen the film then go out and rent it first because it's not for everyone, espicially if your very much a matrix fan because this film doesn't go as deeply as you'd like it.
The reason I gave this film a 4 star is because it's gengre is rarely done well or for that matter done right. Like the matrix, it travels deep into the human mind to create a feeling of unease and distrust. In that I mean that one shouldn't believe what they see all at once until they've seen it all. Although the film doesn't have that element of serious intrigue like the matrix it still in it's own way gives you just what your looking for in terms of a sci-fi film without all the special kick ass moves that matrix is so well known for. Instead the film deals with how a good technological invention can turn deadly then moves into a field of smoken mirrors in which what you've seen has completely changed it's meaning and once again you are forced to replay the story line in your head to understand how it all works.
By the end of the film (which I will not tell you because that would be wrong) you are left with this sense of "awww" in which you think "geeez, I would have never guessed" which is just what the Matrix did for most people. Of course, I shouldn't be comparing two (as far as I'm concerned) completely different types of sci-fi films but these days if you haven't seen the matrix and your interested in this film then go out and rent it. Besides it does you no good to be out of the loop.
Anyway, to get the point across thier are some great performances in this film and often your left wondering where the next plot twist will lie. Although their were other wonderful actors in the film, I loved espicially Vincent D'onofrio just because he's the perfect villian and innocent bistandard all in once. Truely this film is as much a mystery of the sci-fi gengre as the Matrix is to Neo so do try to rent it and if you like it think of buying it. It never hurts to have a wide variety of sci-fi films at home!
Thank you! enjoy!

It was OK
I saw the Matrix and Reloaded before viewing this movie (just to clear the air). I liked it but it was very predictable. One other reviewer mentioned that this film left out the FX in order to be more of a thinking film. Think about what? The Matrix was rich in philosophical, theological, psychological, mathematical, and spiritual content. This movie had dablings, but not much. My wife absolutly HATED this movie. I though it was ok. There was no real "AHA!" moment (though I know where the directors wanted you to say AHA!). Perhaps I'm a bit biased to the Matrix, but this movie did not go as deep and simply skimmed the surface of "what is real". Next on my list is eXistenZ. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I HAVE EVER SEEN...
The first time I saw this movie was when it was in theatrical release, (which lasted about a week). I was in a movie theater in Times Square with a friend, and there were only two other people in the audience. Al Frankin has referred to this movie as a "disaster" because it was pulled from theaters after not even reaching one million dollars. Note to Al: THIS MOVIE IS NOT A FALIURE!

Every detail of this film, from the opening montage to the marvelous acting, (these are TOP NOTCH actors in this film), to the hilarious comedy to the story to the music...everything is hysterical. I only wish they had chosen a different title. Stuart does not save his family, he can only try. The movie should have been called "Stuart Smalley."

I was so astounded by how wonderful this movie was, yet practically no one saw it and Al Frankin calls it a disaster. I honestly, truely, unexagerratedly believe that this movie should have been up for several Oscars, including Best Director and for the supporting cast. The actor who plays the father was especially wonderful. I only hope that more people discover this movie.

When the movie was over in the theater, (I have since seen it again on video several times), the two other people in the audience came up the aisle and also expressed how good the movie was. I wish I could have direct addresses for director Harold Ramis and Al Frankin so that I could write to them and tell them how proud they should be of this movie.

He doesn't really save his family, but...
Sadly, a lot of folks have never heard of this little gem. It had a very short theatrical release but has been gaining a wider audience, largely among members of 12-step programs, through its various video releases.

To describe the story line of this very funny movie would be to sell it short, because the premise doesn't sound like it would lend itself to such a delightful comedy. But the film grabs one's attention from the very beginning with its montage of 50s and 60s family photographs during the opening credits. Are these possibly family photos of the lead actors at an earlier stage of life? When Vincent d'Onofrio's name is on the screen, the guy in the photo looks an awful lot like him. And then we're off and running, with Stuart telling us on his television show that he has just received a sweater that one Melissa D. knitted for him. Melissa is a recovering sex addict and knitting the sweater "gave her something to do with her hands."

From that point on, the pace only rarely slackens, as we are introduced to Stuart's various friends and nemeses, beginning with Roz Weinstock, very possibly the meanest and most sadistic boss since Captain Bligh, and deliciously played by Camille Saviola. Roz has fired Stuart for maligning her on the air, and she is only the first of a series of people Stuart manages to annoy as he lives out his affirmation of "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and, doggone it, people like me." Perhaps not everyone likes him, certainly not the customer in the restaurant (an unbilled role, possibly director Harold Ramis?) who has to wait while Stuart explains his latest predicament to his best friend and Al-Anon sponsor Julia, wonderfully played by Laura San Giacomo.

From there, it is a constant back-and-forth for Stuart between Chicago, where he lives, and Minneapolis, ironically one of the chief centers of recovery programs, and the home of his very dysfunctional family. Stuart's beloved Aunt Paula has died, setting in motion an ever-muddier chain of events that eventually teach Stuart in a big way that the only one he really has the power to change is himself. Nevertheless, the ever-optimistic Stuart continues to offer his gifts to others, some of which are eventually picked up and appreciated.

Just as the setting goes back and forth from Chicago to Minneapolis, so the time frame goes back and forth from the present to the past through black-and-white flashba