Reviews (35)

True to the Show.
Unlike the 1963 film of the same name, this 1995 made-for-television movie of the classic musical stays true to the source. The film contains just about everything from the stage musical plus three new songs. The acting is great, the songs are a blast, and the settings/scenery capture the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio perfectly.

Tyne Daly as Mae Peterson, George Wendt as Mr. McAfee, and Vanessa Williams as Rose Alvarez are perfect.Jason Alexander is a delight as Albert Peterson, but seemed to have trouble with some of the songs and I therefore liked Dick Van Dyke's Albert from the original film better. Chynna Philips, on the other hand, just doesn't seem believable as Kim: she appeared way too old and just couldn't hit the right notes of her songs. Ann-Margaret was by far the better Kim. Also, I didn't like the fact that Hugo carried a guitar around (too Conrad Birdie wannabee, which Hugo definitely is not) and the scene at the end of the play where Kim announces her engagement to Hugo was cut. Other than that, the film really has no flaws.

This version of BYE BYE BIRDIE is far superior to the original. At just around two hours, it's just like watching the play, but in your own home.

Funny and Entertaining
This 1995 made for TV movie is millions of miles away from the tacky propaganda-filled 1963 film. This version follows the real story and doesn't leave out any key parts or songs. The casting was done well, especially Tyne Daly as Mae Peterson (hilarious) and the actor who plays Conrad Birdie--an amazing voice! George Wendt plays the role of Mr. MacAfee and not only can he sing but is a riot in the Ed Sullivan scene. However, Chynna Phillips is not a great choice for Kim--she looks too old, her singing voice is only so-so (Kim's songs have all been lowered an octave) and the way she interpreted the role made Kim seem snotty. One of the best scenes is when Ursula and co. are doing "Bye Bye Birdie" at the malt shop--their voices and enthusiasm are unbelievable. All in all, it's a great show, excellent viewing for anyone wanting to produce or direct the musical.

Fabulous!
I actually saw this version before I saw the 1963 version, and so I was used to the 1995 one. That said, when I saw the 1963 version, I was appalled. That scrawny teenager for the role of sex-symbol Birdie? Ann-Margaret, on the other hand, actually looked the part of a fifteen year old, as oppesed to Chynna Phillips. Tyne Daly, Vanessa Williams, George Wendt, the man who played Conrad, and the girl who played Ursula far outstripped their predecessors. Jason Alexander was a delight in playing up Albert's neurosis, but he just wasn't as delightful as Dick Van Dyke (but who is, really?). Speaking of delightful, I was pleasantly surprised to see Uncle Arthur from "Bewitched" in the first film. The story line of the 1995 version was also more coherently flowing than that of 1963. I absolutely loved the new songs, especially the one just coming into Sweet Apple, where Rosie and Albert were giving the press the "true" story of where Conrad came from. The big dance numbers were also so much better choreographed and filmed in 1995, particularly the "Goin' Steady" and "Sincere" numbers. To tell the truth, I could not watch all of the 1963 version, where I have seen the 1995 version at least 10 times.

Outstanding
Vanessa Williams and Jason Alexander sparkle! The music is great, particularly Tyne Daly's rendition of "Mothers Aren't Important Anymore." The movie stays with the original story line, which means you get some real depth in terms of the relationship between William's and Alexander's characters. It is funny and clever. My whole family has enjoyed it for years, and still does (my children currently range in age from 14 to 24). IT SHOULD BE ON DVD!!!!!!!!

Bye Bye Bad Movie
Ugh! I know I shouldn't compare this to the 1963 movie, but [this] "Bye Bye Birdie" is inferior to the 1963 "Bye Bye Birdie" of the same name. The older movie has more spunk, character and better singing (Van Dyke, Margret, Rydell and yes, Paul Lynde & Pearson). The actors projected more fun on the screen in the older movie than this one. Arrrgh - Chynna Phillips singing. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A Chicano West Side Story -- entertaining and informative.
Director Luis Valdez has done an outstanding job in bringing us this highly entertaining and informative picture of life in LA in the 1940's. The music, song, dance, and story in itself will make you cry, laugh and want to swing along with the film. Edward James Olmos demonstrates his many talents as he sings, dances, and plays El Pachuco, trying to convince the hero (Daniel Valdez) to use violence rather than intelligence to overcome prejudice by "Anglos" toward the Latin culture. Great theatrical props and settings along with an in-show audience makes you feel truly part of the whole production. Loved it!

Zoot Suit
I saw this on the Independent Film many years ago, very good film, revolves around Gangs but gangs in the 1940's.

Also a film about Latinos (my people) and the problems they face in the inner city.

It's much better than those terrible soap opera's in Mexico, this film is a musical but it's also a drama focusing on different Hispanic characters.

Edward James Olmos career is synomonus with these type of films
most notable "American Me", "Stand and Deliver", "My family"
a great actor who is part of the real population.

Despite the great performances the film does suffer from
its story, you know several hot headed characters with their
attitude and lifestyles are only headed downhill and their
fates are predetermined.

Still "Zoot Suit" is a good film.

Chasing "The Capeman"
"Zoot Suit" was fighting and uphill battle for my appreciation. That's because I wanted it to be something else entirely. You see, I love the idea of filming live theatre. Purists and snobs will tell you that you lose something essential by taping a performance. Namely the immediacy of the live show--the audience's involvement, right there in the moment. But, on the other hand, that loss is inevitable and unavoidable. The camera is by its nature a detached observer. But it freezes in time what would otherwise be lost forever, unless of course it is revived. And revived is the perfect term because the work is on the brink of death until dedicated actors, directors and audiences are once again ready to breathe life into the piece. I have immense respect for the stage, but if I ever have the opportunity to write professionally I hope to start with screen or print because those two media are easily preserved. Which brings me at long last to my point, I rented "Zoot Suit" because it was close in theme to "The Capeman" which I want to see with all my heart. It has been gone from the stage for years, but is preserved in an almost inaccessible archive. "Zoot Suit" is here for all to see, and it is most certainly worth a viewing. It is much better than "West Side Story." Why is it that a play, which was first and foremost supposed to be an update of "Romeo and Juliet" has instead been elevated to being the end-all and be-all portrayal of street-gang life on the American stage? Anyway, rent it, watch it, enjoy it. Keep in mind that all three are separate plays and you will be much more apt to appreciate each in their own right. Just keep your fingers crossed that someone will take a risk and buy the rights to "The Capeman." I know I am.

Una pachanga musical!
Si usted es aficionado a la cultura chicana, la música swing de los años cuarenta, o de los artistas Edward James Olmos o Lalo Guerrero, ¡esta es la película para usted! La pantalla se enciende con una avalancha de música, baile y drama. La cinta lo lleva a experimentar una noche con el Teatro Campesino del dramaturgo Luis Valdez. ¡Luzca su mejor tacuche! ¡Dele brillo a esos calcos! Póngase abusado que la pachanga va empezar. ¡Simón, carnal!

Important historical drama, hampered by stilted production
This re-telling of the so-called "zoot suit riots" that rocked the Los Angeles homefront during World War II gets the facts right, but tells them rather poorly. Part of it is the super-stagey presentation, which basically is a filming of the play this was based on (right down to the shaking props and backdrops) and which takes little advantage of the possibilities of the film medium. Plus, Edward James Olmos is absolutely insufferable as the uber-symbolic Voice of The Barrio, although Daniel Valdez and Tyne Daly (!) are okay in their respective roles as a young man railroaded by the white establishment for a crime he did not commit, and as the commie agitator who comes to his defense. Anyone interested in the time period and in Chicano politics may benefit from watching this -- I rented it while doing some reseach on the "pachucho" R&B music scene -- but in dramatic and filmic terms, this is not a first-rate production. It's hammy and ham-fisted. Latter-day star spotting: El Teatro Campesion veteran Robert Beltran (of future "Star Trek Voyager" notoriety) has a bit role as a modern-day audience member... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Reeve and Arquette really shine.
The plot of this survival movie is adequate. But where the movie really shines is in the relationship between Reeve and Arquette and the changes they inspire in each other. If you are a Reeve or Arquette fan then this should be a must have. If you're not a fan you may well be after watching this film.

It barely flies
If you're a Christopher Reeve fan, you'll like this movie. If not, then you're in for just another "surviving-in-the-wilderness" tale of an American mail pilot in one of the last days of flying before pilots actually carried passengers. Reeve does a good job of portraying Edgar, a former WW1 flight instructor who's trying to overcome the scars of the death of a student. He crashes in the mountains in the midst of a mail run with a brat of a girl played by Arquette. Surviving with little food, plagued by the cold, hunger and a pack of mean wolves, Reeve triumphes in the end. You didn't expect anything less of Superman now didja? ... Read more

Description

Harry Callahan grudgingly teams with a female cop during his pursuit of a band of terrorists. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Welcome, Tonto
This is the third of five "Dirty Harry" films in which Eastwood stars as a San Francisco police detective. By the time the last appeared (The Dead Pool, in 1988), Eastwood had aged and times had changed but Callahan's non-negotiaable values and unorthodox methods had remained essentially the same. What I find especially interesting in this film is the relationship which develops between Callahan and his partner Kate Moore, skillfully portrayed by Tyne Daly. Until now, Callahan has indeed been a "lone ranger," alienated (by choice or circumstance) from his superiors and fellow officers as well as from the criminals whom he pursues with deadly efficiency. Over time, Moore eventually earns Callahan's respect and trust (albeit grudgingly) as they attempt to rescue San Francisco's kidnapped mayor (John Crawford) amidst all manner of mayhem unrelated to that assignment. Credit James Fargo with keeping the narrative flowing smoothly. The supporting cast is solid, notably Bradford Dillman (Captain McKay) and Harry Guardino (Lieutenant Bressler). There is plenty of action, of course, skillfully presented. Despite its lack of much subtlety or nuance, I recommend it to those with a taste for this sort of urban adventure film. Those who enjoy it should also check out Coogan's Bluff and Bullitt (both 1968) as well as The Gauntlet (1977).

Another fine example of why they call him 'Dirty' Harry.
A group of thugs passing themselves off as The People's Revolutionary Army (or something like that) grab a stockpile of weapons and ammunition, killing Harry Callahan's friend and partner in the process. Callahan's new partner is a woman, something he does not particularly agree with, and she can barely keep up as Inspector #71 tears through San Francisco looking for the PRA. The Enforcer (Dirty Harry #3) lacks the grit and energy of the first Dirty Harry and the excessive bullet riddled body count of the second (Magnum Force). In comparison it almost seems sedate, both visually and in terms of its action content. What the movie does offer is a solid, if a bit routine, police action thriller story made better than average by its script. Harry's deathbed visit to the fading Frank DiGiorgio and his snappy relationship with rookie Inspector Kate Moore are both well done. On the action side of things, fans will no doubt enjoy Harry's unique handling of a hostage situation, a foot chase across San Francisco's rooftops, and the kidnapping of The Mayor. Recommended.

Trivia - This is the only film in the series not scored by Lalo Schifrin. He was unavailable at the time. Harry Guardino returns as Lt. Bressler from the first Dirty Harry and Bradford Dillman (playing Captain McKay here) would return as Captain Briggs in the fourth Dirty Harry, Sudden Impact. Albert Popwell makes his third of four Dirty Harry appearances. In the first Harry adventure he is the wounded bankrobber on the receiving end of Harry's famous "Do you feel lucky?" speech. In the second he plays a murderous pimp who gets more than a simple traffic stop. Here is a black militant who agrees to help Harry, for a price. In the fourth he got to play Harry's friend and partner...uh-oh. Sadly he is absent in The Dead Pool.

"Power to the People"
THE ENFORCER is the third entry to the Dirty Harry series. While a good perforance by Eastwood overall, the movie does not quite match up to the Don Siegel-directed original or MAGNUM FORCE, (which I consider his best movie). While THE ENFORCER is not the weakest Dirty Harry movie, it does have the weakest plot. Here Dirty Harry has to save the city of San Fancisco from a group of rebellious punks who are obsessed with heavy artiliary. They call themselves the People's Revolutionary Strike Force, and they are led by Bobby Maxwell, a deranged Vietnam Vet who wants to terrorize the public in exchange for ransom. After slaughtering 2 gas company employees, they break into an artility warehouse to steal the goods. Harry's partner, DeGeorgio arrives on the scene and is killed in the process. While trying to try down DeGeorgio's killer, Harry is assigned a new parter in the form of Kate Moore, (Tyne Daly), a yacking half-pint who wants to impress him in every way possible. Harry doesn't quite agree with the plan, especially when she is on the force just to coincide with the mayor's plans to be "stylish." But Moore turns out to be more valuable then he ever imagined, helping lead him to Maxwell, and saving his life twice along the way.

Of all the Dirty Harry films, this one has the most humor. The comments that Callahan makes at the personel review of Moore are hilarious. We also have him driving a car through a liquor store, (continuing with the traditon of breaking up a robbery). Another funny sequence is when he chases Henry Lee Coldwell halfway across the city and back! He follows him over fences, across rooftops, and through skylights, disturbing a porn shooting in the process! Jerry Fielding took over the musical score here, and as a result, the traditional Dirty Harry theme is nowhere to be found. This is rather disappointing and takes away from the movie's serious potential. Fielding's jazzy them is effective during the chase sequence however. These film does suffer from long sequences that really aren't neccessary. The one that will really make you laugh is when Callahan enters a brothel posing as "Larry Dickman!" Dirty Harry regular, Albert Popwell, shows up here as a leader of a black militant group.

The Revolutionary Strike Force eventually switches gears by kidnapping the mayor for even more ransom. Harry is eventually is led to Alcatraz Island, where the mayor is being held captive. The climax on Alcatraz is exciting, but I wish it didn't unfold so fast. The ending is very sad, although I will not give that away. While THE ENFORCER is not up to par with the first two movies in the series, it is still a solid chapter in the book of Dirty Harry. "Power to the People."

Interesting Film, But Questionable Message
In this interesting Dirty Harry film, Harry and company duel with a weird group of "revolutionaries." While the plot and characterization are compelling, the scenario gives rise to some questions.

How come Dirty Harry never paused from his pursuit of these terrorists, and asked himself, "Why do they hate us?" Harry seemed determined simply to wipe out these terrorists, in a unilateral fashion, as a cowboy would do. He never considered forming a coalition, or dispatching inspectors to monitor the activities of the group -- there was absolutely no mention of the United Nations. Dirty Harry, in his dealings with these terrorists, was at no time compassionate, tolerant, diverse or inclusive. He just seemed to think that killing them was the only way to stop them (which, indicentally, it WAS -- but that's beside the point). Harry did not at any time take into account any specific cultural or religious motivations which might have prompted the terrorists to kill people, and he seemed to have no regard whatever for their feelings.

Shouldn't Harry have been more sensitive, diverse, tolerant, inclusive and compassionate? Isn't that the best way, according to about half the people who participated in a national survey conducted November 2000, to deal with terrorists who want to wipe you out?

It has a certain sense of style.
While not as entertaining as the original Dirty Harry, (what could be?) The Enforcer for me was the reason you went to see Rated R Movies in the first place, violence, dirty language, a touch of skin and oh yeah, violence, whether Harry is driving a car through a store window or chasing a perp across the rooftops of San Francisco, the Enforcer doesn't disappoint. Tyne Daly puts in a solid performance as Harry's uncertain yet unwavering partner who gains not only her own confidence as the story devellops, but his as well. The enforcer also anticipates political correctness almost twenty years before that plague decended on us all. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Real story
The Autumn Heart seems to be a real story that happens to be a movie. Ally Sheedy is extraodinary and intense in her portrayal of an angry, hurt young woman who lives with trauma and a generation of lies from her parent's divorce. This movie is not comfortable entertainment, but is a genuine and meaningful look at relationships, so you definitely have to be in the mood for the movie, but I definitely recommend it. If you haven't seen Ally Sheedy since the 80s you'll be blown away. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Stephen Baldwin plays a detective riding the edge of burnout.His 6-year-old son was accidentally killed a few months ago, and the young Salt Lake City homicide cop is on the verge of becoming a basket case. A string of murders occur on his watch, all with the same m.o., and the pattern begins to look like that of a serial killer.As the detectives track down clues, a web of family neglect, abuse, and revenge begins to reveal itself. Director John Flynn also helmed two great '70s crime movies: the explosive Rolling Thunder (scripted by Paul Schrader) and the sorely underrated The Outfit. Flynn's directorial hand in Absence of the Good shows similarities to the other films; they all deal with emotionally damaged protagonists, and Flynn uses the deadpan tone of their performances to build tension. Like William Devane's character in Rolling Thunder, Baldwin's Caleb Barnes is much more than a grieving, emotionally numb wreck; he's a time bomb waiting for a chance to go off.The script has a painful, personal honesty in the scenes in which Barnes and his wife try to cope with the pain of losing their only child, and what it has done to them as a couple.Flynn also has an eye for taking rural scenarios and making them into white-trash American Gothics, infused with dread and blighted with derelict cars, trash heaps, and dilapidated trailers. Rising far above its made-for-cable origins, Absence of the Good is a first-rate police procedural/crime drama with well-fleshed-out characters and enough unpredictable twists and turns to keep you guessing.--Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (3)

TENSE AND INVOLVING
Stephen Baldwin redeems himself for his lackluster performance in MR. MURDER in this tense, and involving crime thriller. Baldwin plays a cop who has recently lost his son in a tragic accident; his wife (Shawn Huff) is having extreme difficulty in dealing with her guilt and loss. Baldwin plays it stoic, but he too is harboring the pain. When returning to his work, he and his partner (Rob Knepper) are called in on a case involving the hammering deaths of several people, all seemingly not connected. Baldwin, however, believes the culprit is a grown up who wants to revisit his childhood but going to all the places he or she lived. It's a tense, complex plot and well acted. Tyne Daly does her usual good turn as a psychiatrist, and the identity of the culprit is surprising.
Well done and very engrossing.

Hammers: Not just for nails
Absence of the Good is an above average movie in the serial killer genre that has a fairly clever script, good acting, and a strong lead (Stephen Baldwin).

The story centers around Detective Caleb Barnes (Stephen Baldwin) and his struggle to find a serial killer while trying to deal with the untimely death of his son. As the body count begins to climb Barnes finds himself trying to help his wife heal while remaining focused on the case. What follows is a well executed police drama with plenty of action and suspense throughout.

I wasn't sure if this movie was going to be any good when I rented it. I decided to take a chance and was pleasantly surprised. It kept me guessing and had a twist ending that a couch detective like myself had fun solving. I recommend this film.

Spectacular
Absence of the Good is definitely a thriller. If you like movies that keep you on the edge of your seat. While keeping you in suspense then you will love this one! The plot was wonderfully done, and you will never guess who the killer is and will leave you saying WOW! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Good Movie, but Very Depressing
This movie reminds me of tragedies like Hamlet where just about all the main characters die at the end. This movie was a very negative depiction of the illegal gambling/bookie world.

Peter Falk plays this aging bookie, Vinnie who is about to be replaced by this young jerk Tony, who is played by Freddie Prinze Jr. Lauren Holly (Marybeth) and Timothy Dutton (Frankie) are a young married couple with big problems because Frankie is an unemployed drunk with a tendency to make bets that lose him big money. Well, Frankie makes this huge bet that of course loses him like thousands of dollars. Tony contacts Marybeth who is already working like a dog trying to keep her family from bankruptcy and forces her to find a way to make payments on this huge debt and also forces her to have sex with him. I won't totally give away the end, but like I said just about everybody dies.

Freddie Prinze Jr. fans will be surprised to see their cute little good guy romantic comedy star playing a cocaine addict and all around jerk. Although, I thought he did all right pulling off that role. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Want Cagney and Lacey on DVD
This show is a must for release on dvd.I would buy it by season.It is one of my favorite shows of all time.I'm surprised there is no release as of yet.....Thank You Donald Davis,Houston, Tx

I want Cagney & Lacey on DVD and on sale in the US!
I have bought the C&L DVD 1st season dvd set from the UK and it was very difficult and bothersome to try and find a way to watch it because of the regional differences.I loved the show growing up and would very much be interested in purchasing the show on DVD when it will become available.Please hurry and allow the many fans of the incredibly talented cast to see some of their favorite characters as we can only remember them.Thank you. ... Read more