Description

Vin Diesel stars as a DEA agent on a deadly vendetta to take down the powerful drug cartel that killed his wife. ... Read more

Reviews (70)

A Man Apart-Not the Best yet Not the Worst
A Man Apart,the new action flick starring Vin Diesel is virtually pointless. This is simply one of those simple, decent action flicks of the year. Vin Diesel with his limited acting abilities plays a DEA agent by the name of Sean Vetter. Vin is working on a big case, capturing a deadly drug lord. After a successful hit on drug deal, Sean's wife is killed. Vetter who only feels vengeance throws away the rule book and searchs for the reasons to the tragic loss. His buddy played by Larenz Tate offer the laughs in this decent film. Fans of most cop movies would judge that this film offers reasonably good plot twists and bloody mayhem in a bad formulaic mix. Though this film is no
where near a work of cinematic art, it can be a bit entertaining.
Director F. Gary Gray creates something here, but had much more success with the recent remake "The Italian Job," now in theatres. A Man Apart is rated R for Strong Graphic Violence, Language, Drug Content and Sexuality. The film consists of bloody though somewhat hard to watch gunfights, a brutal head bashing, mild sexual innuendo and strong profanity. I saw this one in theatres, but it wasn't worth it really. Not really worth getting on Video or DVD unless it's under $$$. See it, if you're just a fan of Vin Diesel, but even Vin can't make this movie worth watching. On Video and DVD, September 2, 2003.

Great Outing by Diesel
Vin Diesel stars as a DEA Agent out for revenge in "A Man Apart" and the results are solid.

THE STORY:

Former gang banger turned DEA Agent Sean Vetter makes the biggest bust of his career taking down the biggest drug distributor on the West Coast. Before he can celebrate his victory his wife is killed in a plot of revenge. Vetter must cope with his lose while setting out to find the people who killed his wife while keeping a new drug lord from taking over the turf.

THE COOL THINGS:

This is your standard macho tough guy "take no prisoners" movie. Diesel's cool "tough guy" persona shines through as he makes the rounds kicking butt and taking names of all the bad guy drug dealers out there. The powerful undertones of loss and companionship as Vetter's boys help him out makes the movie touching as well as a good action flick.

THE DVD EXTRAS:

DVD special fiends are in for a disappointment here as the movie only has 7 deleted scenes (all crappy) and trailers to speak for it. Surprisingly there's no commentary or featurettes to speak of.

THE VERDICT:

"A Man Apart" makes a solid rental for the evening and is definitely worth a watch. As far getting the DVD goes, with no features to speak of this one is probably only worth the pick up by true Diesel fans and collectors.

Final Grades:

Movie: 4 stars
Extras: 3 stars

Total: 3.5 stars

An Flawed Action/Drama.
A Former L.A. Gang Member turned DEA Agent-Sean Vetter (Vin Diesel) is a ideal undercover narcotics officer. Sean's loyal partner Demetrius Hicks (Lorenz Tate). Together, They have succeed in taking down the Mexican Cartel's (Geno Silva) top drug lord. Once the Cartel's is in Prison, a ruthless new trafficker mysterious man named Diablo takes control of the Cocaine Empire. But things changes for Sean, when they murder his beautiful wife (Jacqueline Obradors) in Sean's home. Vowing Revenge, Sean tries to make a deal with the Cartel's and Sets out his harsh brand of street justice.

Directed by F.Gary Grey (Friday, The Italian Job-2003, The Negotiator) made a flawed action packed thriller. Diesel and Tate delivers good performances in the film. Which is a bit of a shame, because Christian Gudegast & Paul Scheuring did still needed work in their writting scirpt. Maybe Diesel's good role is Wasted, because there's not enough pain to feel sorry for Diesel's Character-Sean losing his wife in the film. This is One of these films, where Style over Substance wins this film over. Nothing could top Jack N. Green (Unforgiven) terrific cinematography in this one. DVD has an fine anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) and an strong-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD Extras are 10 Minutes of Deleted Scenes, Theatrical Trailers and DVD-ROM Content. This film was a Box Office Disapointment, this film seems to be better viewing on Video. This film feature also a fine music score by Oscar-Winner:Anne Dudley (The Full Monty). Diesel is also One of the Film's Producers. Filmed in between 2000 and 2001. Super 35. Grade:B+.

Worth owning if a Vin fan, at least one viewing otherwise
This is, as everyone knows, Vin Diesel's proof that he has range and depth with a character emotionally. He himself has said he loves getting in tune with a character. (Obviously moreso with his "Riddick" character of course.) So A Man Apart never seemed to be even hyped so much as a fantastic movie but moreso that Vin Diesel had to be a fantastic actor.

The plot was very tired as everyone has pointed out. There are dozens of movies similar to this. A cop's significant other/child/family was murdered (sometimes, and in this case as well, the main character was supposed to be killed right along with them) ordered by a convict whom this said cop busted in some way. Cop seeks revenge. Cop gets revenge.

A Man Apart is the same way, but carried by a normally rough-and-tumble action star (ironically, even this movie is labeled "Action") showing that he can pull off these extreme emotional stakes. Many thought it would be laughable to see Vin Diesel nearly loose his mind and go on a killing spree to avenge his wife. But like the man or not, he pulled this role off powerfully.

Sean watching his wife die under him while she was smiling through bloodied teeth repeating "I'm okay, I'm fine.." while he couldn't even speak on the phone to the police was wrenching to even watch. The bloodshot eyes (when drinking on the beach behind his house), the few seconds when realization first struck in while crying his wife's name (when Demetrius had to hold him down in his hospital bed), and the "come down" after the purposely insane shootout after he beats the man who actually did kill his wife, cleaning his wedding ring on his hand were undoubtedly the most powerful scenes in this movie. It was impossible not to empathize somehow with Sean Vetter during some points during this film.

If you like Vin Diesel and want to see his range in a not so emotionally strong role, this is a good flick to add to your collection.

The DVD itself was awful, the deleted scenes were up to three minutes max, no behind the scenes or making-of, and no commentary that you would think/hope this kind of movie would have. If you want Vin DVD's that are WELL worth the money, buy XXX and the new unrated directors cut of Pitch Black (that also has many The Chronicles of Riddick extra also), you won't be disappointed.

Worth watching
Rating System:
1 star = abysmal; some books deserve to be forgotten
2 star = poor; a total waste of time
3 star = good; worth the effort
4 star = very good; what writing should be
5 star = fantastic; must own it and share it with others

STORY: DEA agent is out to take revenge on the drug dealers that killed his wife.

MY FEEDBACK:
1) Forget XXX or Fast & Furious, this is a much better Vin Diesle movie (Pitch Black is still his best though). Vin does some decent acting and his general charisma carry a large portion of the movie.

2) Good attempt at developing the relationship of Vin's character with other characters in the movie

3) Not a huge action flick but enough guns to keep this drama moving

4) Some suspension of belief is needed in this movie

5) Seemed the editing didn't explain a plot twist or two but cut things out leaving gaps in the story.

OVERALL: We enjoyed the movie and didn't feel like we wasted out time with it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Con Air is proof that the slick, absurdly overblown action formula of Hollywood mega-producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun, Days of Thunder, The Rock, Crimson Tide) lives on, even after Simpson's druggy death. (Read Charles Fleming's exposé, High Concept: Don Simpson and the Hollywood Culture of Excess, for more about that.) Nicolas Cage, sporting a disconcerting mane of hair, is a wrongly convicted prisoner on a transport plane with a bunch of infamously psychopathic criminals, including head creep Cyrus the Virus (John Malkovich), black militant Diamond Dog (Ving Rhames), and serial killer Garland Greene (Steve Buscemi, making the most of his pallid, rodent-like qualities). Naturally, the convicts take over the plane; meanwhile, on the ground, a US marshal (John Cusack) and a DEA agent (Colm Meaney), try to figure out what to do. As is the postmodern way, the movie displays a self-consciously ironic awareness that its story and characters are really just excuses for a high-tech cinematic thrill ride. Best idea: the filmmakers persuaded the owners of the legendary Sands Hotel in Las Vegas to let them help out with the structure's demolition by crashing their plane into it. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (149)

Buckle Up
Con Air is a blockbuster movie. A film that soars with the best of them. And since it's produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, no wonder it's a hit. Making his directorial debut, Simon West does a terrific job pleasing the crowds of movie-goers. Cameron Poe (played by Nicolas Cage, with a Southern accent and shoulder-length hair) has just been releashed from prison after being convicted of manslaughter in the first degree. After 7 years, Cameron is finally going home to his wife and daughter. Hitching a ride home on the 'Jail Bird,' Cameron is put on a plane with the world's most vicious criminals including Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom (John Malkovich), Diamond Dog (Ving Rhames), Billy Bedlam (Nick Chinlund), and Garland Greene (Steve Buscemi) who "makes the Manson family look like the Partidge family." Within 5 minutes of takeoff, the criminals have already assumed command of the plane, are in possession of all the weapons, and took all the guards hostage. Being the former United States Park Ranger that he is, Cameron Poe decides to try and save the day with the help of on-the-ground U.S. Marshal Vince Larkin (played by John Cusack). Con Air is an explosive film with great special effects, superb acting, and humor on the side. I recommend it for anyone looking for a movie with non-stop action beginning to end.

Con Air
Con Air is a good action film and several things keep it alive. One is acting. John Malkovich is good as Cyrus "the Virus" Grissom, who claims he's killed more people than cancer. John Cusack is in good form as U.S. Marshal Vince Larkin, who owns the plane the criminals take over, named "the Jailbird". Nicolas Cage delivers one of his best performances as Cameron Poe, a decorated military hero who is catching a ride home after being in prison for 8 years for defending his wife in a bar fight. Other good performances were by Steve Buscemi as serial killer Garland Greene and Ving Rhames (Mission:Impossible) as Nathan "Diamond Dog" Jones. The musical score was very good. There are a few plotholes but hey, there aren't too many movies that don't have a few plotholes here and there. Another good thing is action. Most of the action on board the plane is hand-to-hand combat. Probably the best action scene in the movie is where the criminals stop to get a new plane. U.S. troops attack them in a long and great gunfight. The other action sequence is when Cusack and Cage chase Cyrus on motorcycles through a tunnel in Las Vegas. It is very humorous when the plane is crashing and Garland Greene is singing "He's got the whole world in His hands". At the Academy Awards Con Air was nominated for two things:Best Sound and Best Original Song. It did not win either. Though Con Air may be a level below Crimson Tide, The Rock, and Air Force One, it's still a great action film

As Believable As Finding Out "Snow White" Is A True Story
This movie is about as believable as finding that "Snow White" was based on a true story...this movie is so ridiculously stupid that I gave one star. First of all, if Nicolas Cage's character killed someone in self-defense, there'd be no trial, he wouldn't be charged. Second, JOHN MALKOVICH AS A VIOLENT, MULTIPLE FELON? WHO DID HE BEAT FOR THE PART...STEVE URKEL? Then there's John Cusak trying desperately hard to show us that he can act...that he's still got it...but HE NEVER HAD IT! BELIEVE ME, IF THESE FELONS COULD FIGURE A WAY TO TAKE CONTROL OF A PRISON TRANSPORT PLANE USING A PAPER CLIP AND A MATCH, THEY WOULDN'T BE IN COUNTY LOCK UP, THEY'D BE RUNNING THE WORLD. Most of the directing shots are tilted and herendous, the acting is stupid (with Cage's phoney Southern accent), and the fact that Malkovich conviently lands on a conveyer belt that ends up crushing his head is way too unrealistic...ANOTHER THING, MALKOVICH IS ABOUT AS BRUTAL IN THE FILM AS IS WATCHING HIM ACT!

OVER THE TOP AND THEN SOME
For pure adrenalin and testosterone exposure, one can't do much better than CON-AIR. There are a ton of unbelievable action scenes, and that's the key word---unbelievable. One can't say director Simon West didn't keep the action flowing. The finale in Las Vegas is way over the top!!!
Credit the actors for doing something with their roles, especially the brilliant John Cusack who puts his teeth into his meaty role as a US Marshall. Also Colm Meaney as the DEA agent who is obstinate and overbearing, to say the least. There are a nasty set of villains--John Malkovich, Nick Chindlin, Ving Rhames, Danny Trejo, David Chappelle---a nice looking guard played by Rachel Ticotin, another good bad guy played by Mykel Williamson, and Monica Potter does a nice turn as Poe's wife. Nicolas Cage is so bland, saddled with a ridiculous Southern accent, and does so many stupid things, it's hard to see how we can consider this guy that heroic.
But, if you want a two hour roller coaster ride with plenty of guns and action, CONAIR is hard to beat. It also has the Trisha Yearwood version of "How Do I Live," which is worth watching the movie!!!!

Great Flick!
When I first sat down to watch this film I was expecting anything, but when it was over I knew it was one i'd always want to Have! The Story is about a man who has done time in prison for murdering somebody who tried to hurt his wife! And Finally he's going to go home! Tho on his way home he is put onto a plane that seems to have Americas worst criminals in hostory abourd, and the plane is highjacked by them and the plot starts! to take place and unfold, and many storys are told through the way, with some comedy, some action and some fun along with some decent acting for a film of this type!

This movie is worth it in my opinion! But its not to everyones taste, my recomendation is to hire it before you buy it if you can! It does play on personal opinions and tastes! To me its a great movie, but you be the judge for yourself! ... Read more

Reviews (314)

An essential part of the Spielberg canon.
It's easy to see "Catch Me if You Can" as Spielberg Lite. Certainly it's ridiculous to compare it with such grave, portentous films as "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan," and it doesn't call for a fraction of the technical wizardry of "E.T." or the Indiana Jones flicks. Nevertheless, in its sprightly elegance and moments of unexpected poignancy, "Catch Me if You Can" is as fine a movie as Spielberg has ever made. The themes of home and belonging are crucial to Spielberg--"E.T. phone home" could be the epigraph to his entire career. Beneath the cat-and-mouse game played by teenage con man Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) and FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) is an intense longing on the part of both men for human connection, which they find unexpectedly in each other. Setting the action on successive Christmases was a master stroke, casting in bas relief the essential loneliness of both men. "Catch Me if You Can" would make a great double bill with Spielberg's first feature, "The Sugarland Express," another film about an epic police chase and the need for home. Of course you probably won't think about any of this while watching the movie; you'll be too busy laughing at DiCaprio's chutzpah and Machiavellian cleverness, and at Hanks' grumpy, Sad Sack attempts to trap him. The two leads, of course, are wonderful--DiCaprio in particular plays his role the way Yo-Yo Ma plays his cello--but the standout is Christopher Walken as Frank Abagnale Sr., shedding his usual creepy persona in a moving portrayal of a man whose essential optimism is slowly ground into the dirt. Frankly, the film could stand to lose about 15 minutes at the end, but it's built up so much good will up to that point that most audiences won't mind. My guess is that, in retrospectives 50 years from now, "Catch Me if You Can" will be considered among Spielberg's finest.

No-special-effects-Spielberg
"Catch me if you can" is, maybe, Spielberg's first movie not featuring any special effects since Duel. That's good, because the viewer can concentrate in the actors' performance. And that's this movie's main feature.

The story, as everyone may already know, is about Frank W. Abagnale Jr., who left home as a sixteen-year-old and became one of the most successful criminal of all times. What is most interesting, Abagnale was an intelligent felon, his crimes were related to fraudulent checks, identities, etc; he didn't have to murder or kidnapp anyone to be part of FBI's top 10 wanted list.

Abagnale Jr is played by Leonardo diCaprio, acting in a very loose and comfortable way, at times serious, at other times charming, according to the script. Tom Hanks proves his capacity at playing another different character: Carl Hanratty is boring, fatty, charmless, lonely and yet you like him anyway. The duo's relationship is very well portraied in screen. Another good thing is that Christopher Walken's back to a good role as Leonardo diCaprio's father.

This is nice entertainment, and the best part is that it was reportedly an easy and fast film to make, and based on a true story. There are some obvious fictious parts in the movie, but that's for script's sake, so it doesn't ruin the story.

Grade 8.7/10

A good way to pass an afternoon, but just that..
"Catch me if You can" is a disposable movie about the exploits of "paperhanger" Frank W. Abagnale, based on the book of the same name. Frank Jr.(Leonardo DiCaprio in a good role) starts his imposter career while still in high school. Then, he drops out when his father(played subtly by Christopher Walken) has severe financial problems, and starts to learn how to pass off bad checks. He comes up with the idea to pose as a Pan-Am pilot, and uses a new scheme taking advantage of routing numbers. Hoping to find the con-man, is Carl Henrietty(Tom Hanks). There are a few close calls where Carl nearly catchs Frank, and Frank always calls Carl on Christmas(which leads to his undoing). Frank also impersonates a lawyer and a doctor on his crime spree, and meets a woman that he falls in love with(Amy Adams). Frank meets the girl's father(Martin Sheen in a great cameo), who is estanged from her. Frank nearly marries her, and he runs away after he has to tell her the truth. There is a happy ending, as Carl helps Frank to use his abilities to catch other crooks.

Amazing Story!!
I really liked this movie. The story is well spread. There were some parts that could have been taken out, although. I must say that even though Tom Hanks (wonderful actor!!!!!) was conciderd as a main part, personaly I couldnt feel it. To me he seemd to be a part that wasnt so important, even though he was. The acting was wonderful. Every thing was well showed and expressed. Leonardo DiCaprio was excallent in his part ! !
I recommend this movie!!

Catch Me If You Can
This movie is wonderful!I loved every minute of it.Everything from the plot to the dialogue is amazing, but what else would you expect from ann award winning director and cast.Leonardo Di Caprio shines in one of his best pieces of work and in my opinion runs this film.Tom Hanks also does an absolutely great job.Christopher Walken who I enjoy from other movies also rounded out this fun film.The dialogue is smart and witty with great directional views from the one and only Spielberg.The plot is great and represents the actual events wonderfully.This film has a great moral and just makes you feel good at the end.When I watched this film the other day it didn't seem near two hours long.It is worth every cent you pay to buy or see it.I had heard about this film and all the great reviews but I expected it to be boring and uneventful since it took place in the 60's, but I was very impressed and suprised with how touching and smart it really is.The setting and class of the film will impress many.I was suprised at how ritzy and humorous it was at times and definetly think it could be one of the best films of that year and can't wait to see more from the amazing crew.Make sure to check this out if you already haven't.

Frank Abagnale, Jr. (Leonardo Di Caprio) worked as a doctor, a lawyer and as a co-pilot for a major airline -- all before his 18th birthday. A master of deception, he was also a brilliant forger, whose skill gave him his first real claim to fame: At the age of 17, Frank Abagnale, Jr. became the most successful bank robber in the history of the United States. FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) had made it his prime mission to capture Frank and bring him to justice, but Frank is always one step ahead of him, baiting him to continue the chase. Steven Spielberg will direct "Catch Me If You Can," from a screenplay by Jeff Nathanson, based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Frank Abagnale, Jr. and Stan Redding. The film is being produced by Steven Spielberg and Walter F. Parkes ("Gladiator"), with Barry Kemp, Laurie MacDonald, Michel Shane and Tony Romano executive producing. -- © DreamWorks Pictures ... Read more

Reviews (149)

One of Costner's Best Movies
This ranks as one of my favorite movies of all time. You don't have to be a baseball fan to appreciate the nostalgia and warm heartedness this movie brings to the big screen - well little screen in the case of the DVD. It's part ghost story, part fantasy, part nostalgia. It's also about redemption and the fulfillment of dreams.

The story begins when Ray Kinsella, a reluctant Iowa farmer, although he won't admit he's reluctant, starts hearing a voice telling him "build it and he will come." Ray dreams, ponders and finally plows under many acres of his crop to build a baseball field on his farm, against all rational logic. And the magic begins. This magic takes Ray on a strange quest in search of a '60s radical holed up in a New York City apartment writing children's books played by James Earl Jones - to tell why would spoil the movie. But suffice it to say Jones ends up with one of the most memorable "speeches" in the movie about the nostalgia of baseball.

It's hard to really do justice to the plot without spoiling the movie but it will at times give you chills and in the end is very uplifting.

Grand Slam
On the surface, Field Of Dreams, seems like it belongs as an epidsode of The Twilight Zone. The cynic in me takes it one step further, and says, "there's no way I can buy into this sentimental hockum". As I watched the film for the first time, all of those concerns melted away, leaving me with a sense of wonder...normally reserved for children

Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) is inspired by a voice he can't ignore that will take him on a journey that will change his life forever. Supported by his wife Annie (Amy Madigan), Ray begins his special quest by turning a portion of his cornfields into a baseball diamond. Along the way he meets reclusive activist Terence Mann (James Earl Jones), the mysterious 'Doc' Graham (Burt Lancaster) and even the legendary 'Shoeless Joe' Jackson (Ray Liotta).

Adapted from W.P. Kinsella's novel "Shoeless Joe", director Phil Alden Robinson, has created a fine tribute to the sport of Baseball, the fans who love the game, and more importantly, it's a metaphor about father's and sons everywhere. Aside from a handfull of films, I don't really think of Kevin Costner, as a good actor. As Ray though, he gives one of the best perfomances of his career, ideally capturing the sense of wonder I talked about earlier. Of course it doesn't hurt that James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster are there to back you up. Both men add so much to the film, giving a sense of realism and warmth, that may have seemed artificial had lesser actors been cast. As Joe Jackson, Liotta is very effective and I had forgotten just how good he can be in a non gangster/bad guy role. For more on the life of Joe Jackson and the World Series scandal that rocked the sport, be sure to watch Eight Men Out, another winner. Field Of Dreams also boasts one of composer James Hornor's best scores.

I don't really know why I never picked up the Collector's Edition of the DVD. But after watching the Anniversary Edition 2 disc set, all I can say is, I'm glad I waited. The remastered picture and 5.1 sound very clean transfers and work well on either my TV, or, my speaker enhanced PC. The audio commentary with Robinson and the film's director of photography John Lindley is very good. Both men are well spoken, never dull, and clearly respected the source material In keeping with the father/son themes I spoke of, I especially enjoyed "...Passing Along the Pastime" - memories of father and son baseball as recounted by the director, star, and major league baseball players. The newly discovered deleted scenes are mostly throwaway stuff that was wisely cut. I was surprised to learn while watching "The Diamond in the Husks", that the baseball set made for the film still exists, and attracts tourists every year. We also get to visit the Minnesota home town of Moonlight Doc Graham. "A Look Inside Field of Dreams is a new 90-minute documentary on the film and its lasting appeal. Also included is a 48 minute segment of the Bravo channel series "From Page to Screen" on the movie. The "Field of Dreams Roundtable", with Costner and former baseball players, including Bret Saberhagen talk about the state of the game and the film. Trivia buffs will really like the topper to the set, fun facts about America's stadiums.

Field Of Dreams is not your typical "sports" movie. Indeed, it's much more than that...Even though, I never had the chance as kid to pitch baseballs with my dad, the movie allows me to dream that I can...

Sentimental nonsense
Sports fans tend to be both nostalgiac and sentimental and sports movies tend to fall into the same trap. This movie is a perfect example of why sports, and especially baseball, rarely makes for great cinematic subject matter. Corny, predictable and manipulative- perhaps baseball fans might enjoy it, but I can't imagine anyone else sitting through it.

It was you. -- No, it was YOU.
When I attended the Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, we were given one rule: "Never write about Christmas, the circus or baseball." The reasoning was that these three topics were just too ingrained in the American psyche, they were too iconic, and that they had been used too often. Well, I'm glad that Ray Kinsella (author of the book "Field of Dreams") and screenwriter Phil Alden Robinson didn't attend the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

FIELD OF DREAMS is a marvelous examination of America's infatuation with baseball and a moving exploration of family loyalties. Ray (as sensitively played by Kevin Costner) has a loving wife (Amy Madigan, making it look so easy) and a doting daughter, but something is missing. A voice tells him that he must build a baseball field in his corn crop (in Iowa!). When he does, the apparition of Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) shows up to play. What follows is a series of baseball adventures on and off Ray's baseball diamond, as well as in and out of the present day. Eventually, it becomes apparent that what was missing in Ray's life can only be addressed through baseball, and through a cultural icon from his past, played by the ubiquitous James Earl Jones.

When everything is resolved, there's a bit of throwaway dialogue that, in reality, is very moving. "It was you," Ray tells Shoeless Joe Jackson in reference to the voice he'd heard early in the film. "No, it was YOU," Jackson replies, indicating that
Ray's conscience prompted the entire adventure. Don't let anyone tell you that FIELD OF DREAMS is just a baseball movie. That would be like someone telling you that baseball is just a game.

1989 Classic And Kevin Costner's Best Film
On DVD, the movie is loaded with extra features including commentary, interviews, trailer, etc. This was on Channel 7 last week. Kevin Costner stars as a suburban family man who is hearing voices. "If you built it they will come". The voices keep changing their messages and lead him in pursuit of the gathering of baseball legends who have passed away. The goal is to establish a "field of dreams" a baseball park with old pros playing and a magic working on its audience. And it did for many people when this movie was released in 1989. Too many, it was a movie about hope, following your dreams and persistence. Kevin Costner is doing a terrific performance and is perhaps doing his greatest role. He was merely a romantic lead in the early 90's "The Bodyguard" with Whitney Houston and he was not as committed in "Dances With Wolves" which though the right kind of movie for him was not as interesting enough a character as he is in this movie. Other than this movie, his only fine role was in J.F.K. In this film, he plays a dedicated and persistent dreamer who discovers that indeed dreams come true if you hold fast. A great job by all the actors, including James Earl Jones (the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars) as the hermit and elusive author Terrence Mann, who wrote books in the 60's advocating love and peace. He is supposedly modeled after J.D. Salinger. The chemistry between James Earl Jones and Kevin Costner, especially in the scene in which Costner attempts to pursuade him to join him to a baseball game is exceptional. Magical and unexpected things start to happen as the voices carry him onward through his mission, including a trip back in time to 1972. Bring the magic home in this remarkable DVD. It's as much an adult's movie as it is for the whole family. It's almost a Disney film. Five stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A phenomenal hit when it was released in 1989, Field of Dreams has become a modern classic and a uniquely American slice of cinema. It functions effectively as a moving drama about the power of dreams, a fantasy ode to our national pastime, and a brilliant adaptation of W.P.Kinsella's exquisite baseball novel Shoeless Joe. Kinsella himself found the film a delightful surprise, differing greatly from his novel but benefiting from its own creative variations. It is the film that cemented Kevin Costner's status as an all-American screen star, but the story resonates far beyond Costner's handsome appeal. As just about everyone knows by now, Costner stars as Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, who hears the mysterious words "If you build it, he will come," and is compelled to build a baseball diamond in the middle of his cornfield. His wife (Amy Madigan) supports the wild idea, but a reclusive novelist (modeled after J.D. Salinger and played by James Earl Jones) is not so easily persuaded. The idealistic farmer is either a visionary or a deluded fool, but his persistence is rewarded when spirits from baseball's past begin appearing on the ball field. Past and present intermingle in the person of "Moonlight Graham" (superbly played by Burt Lancaster), an unknown player who sacrificed his dreams of baseball glory for a dignified life as a small-town physician ... but what all of this means is unclear until the film's memorably heartfelt conclusion. A meditation on family, memory, and faith, the film balances humor and magic to strike just the right chord of thoughtful emotion, affecting audiences so deeply that the baseball field created for the production has now become a mecca of sorts for dreamers around the world. Universal's widescreen Collector's Edition DVD is a real treat, offering extensive production notes, full-length commentary by writer-director Phil Alden Robinson, and the extensive behind-the-scenes documentary The Making of Field of Dreams. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (149)

One of Costner's Best Movies
This ranks as one of my favorite movies of all time. You don't have to be a baseball fan to appreciate the nostalgia and warm heartedness this movie brings to the big screen - well little screen in the case of the DVD. It's part ghost story, part fantasy, part nostalgia. It's also about redemption and the fulfillment of dreams.

The story begins when Ray Kinsella, a reluctant Iowa farmer, although he won't admit he's reluctant, starts hearing a voice telling him "build it and he will come." Ray dreams, ponders and finally plows under many acres of his crop to build a baseball field on his farm, against all rational logic. And the magic begins. This magic takes Ray on a strange quest in search of a '60s radical holed up in a New York City apartment writing children's books played by James Earl Jones - to tell why would spoil the movie. But suffice it to say Jones ends up with one of the most memorable "speeches" in the movie about the nostalgia of baseball.

It's hard to really do justice to the plot without spoiling the movie but it will at times give you chills and in the end is very uplifting.

Grand Slam
On the surface, Field Of Dreams, seems like it belongs as an epidsode of The Twilight Zone. The cynic in me takes it one step further, and says, "there's no way I can buy into this sentimental hockum". As I watched the film for the first time, all of those concerns melted away, leaving me with a sense of wonder...normally reserved for children

Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) is inspired by a voice he can't ignore that will take him on a journey that will change his life forever. Supported by his wife Annie (Amy Madigan), Ray begins his special quest by turning a portion of his cornfields into a baseball diamond. Along the way he meets reclusive activist Terence Mann (James Earl Jones), the mysterious 'Doc' Graham (Burt Lancaster) and even the legendary 'Shoeless Joe' Jackson (Ray Liotta).

Adapted from W.P. Kinsella's novel "Shoeless Joe", director Phil Alden Robinson, has created a fine tribute to the sport of Baseball, the fans who love the game, and more importantly, it's a metaphor about father's and sons everywhere. Aside from a handfull of films, I don't really think of Kevin Costner, as a good actor. As Ray though, he gives one of the best perfomances of his career, ideally capturing the sense of wonder I talked about earlier. Of course it doesn't hurt that James Earl Jones and Burt Lancaster are there to back you up. Both men add so much to the film, giving a sense of realism and warmth, that may have seemed artificial had lesser actors been cast. As Joe Jackson, Liotta is very effective and I had forgotten just how good he can be in a non gangster/bad guy role. For more on the life of Joe Jackson and the World Series scandal that rocked the sport, be sure to watch Eight Men Out, another winner. Field Of Dreams also boasts one of composer James Hornor's best scores.

I don't really know why I never picked up the Collector's Edition of the DVD. But after watching the Anniversary Edition 2 disc set, all I can say is, I'm glad I waited. The remastered picture and 5.1 sound very clean transfers and work well on either my TV, or, my speaker enhanced PC. The audio commentary with Robinson and the film's director of photography John Lindley is very good. Both men are well spoken, never dull, and clearly respected the source material In keeping with the father/son themes I spoke of, I especially enjoyed "...Passing Along the Pastime" - memories of father and son baseball as recounted by the director, star, and major league baseball players. The newly discovered deleted scenes are mostly throwaway stuff that was wisely cut. I was surprised to learn while watching "The Diamond in the Husks", that the baseball set made for the film still exists, and attracts tourists every year. We also get to visit the Minnesota home town of Moonlight Doc Graham. "A Look Inside Field of Dreams is a new 90-minute documentary on the film and its lasting appeal. Also included is a 48 minute segment of the Bravo channel series "From Page to Screen" on the movie. The "Field of Dreams Roundtable", with Costner and former baseball players, including Bret Saberhagen talk about the state of the game and the film. Trivia buffs will really like the topper to the set, fun facts about America's stadiums.

Field Of Dreams is not your typical "sports" movie. Indeed, it's much more than that...Even though, I never had the chance as kid to pitch baseballs with my dad, the movie allows me to dream that I can...

Sentimental nonsense
Sports fans tend to be both nostalgiac and sentimental and sports movies tend to fall into the same trap. This movie is a perfect example of why sports, and especially baseball, rarely makes for great cinematic subject matter. Corny, predictable and manipulative- perhaps baseball fans might enjoy it, but I can't imagine anyone else sitting through it.

It was you. -- No, it was YOU.
When I attended the Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa, we were given one rule: "Never write about Christmas, the circus or baseball." The reasoning was that these three topics were just too ingrained in the American psyche, they were too iconic, and that they had been used too often. Well, I'm glad that Ray Kinsella (author of the book "Field of Dreams") and screenwriter Phil Alden Robinson didn't attend the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

FIELD OF DREAMS is a marvelous examination of America's infatuation with baseball and a moving exploration of family loyalties. Ray (as sensitively played by Kevin Costner) has a loving wife (Amy Madigan, making it look so easy) and a doting daughter, but something is missing. A voice tells him that he must build a baseball field in his corn crop (in Iowa!). When he does, the apparition of Shoeless Joe Jackson (Ray Liotta) shows up to play. What follows is a series of baseball adventures on and off Ray's baseball diamond, as well as in and out of the present day. Eventually, it becomes apparent that what was missing in Ray's life can only be addressed through baseball, and through a cultural icon from his past, played by the ubiquitous James Earl Jones.

When everything is resolved, there's a bit of throwaway dialogue that, in reality, is very moving. "It was you," Ray tells Shoeless Joe Jackson in reference to the voice he'd heard early in the film. "No, it was YOU," Jackson replies, indicating that
Ray's conscience prompted the entire adventure. Don't let anyone tell you that FIELD OF DREAMS is just a baseball movie. That would be like someone telling you that baseball is just a game.

1989 Classic And Kevin Costner's Best Film
On DVD, the movie is loaded with extra features including commentary, interviews, trailer, etc. This was on Channel 7 last week. Kevin Costner stars as a suburban family man who is hearing voices. "If you built it they will come". The voices keep changing their messages and lead him in pursuit of the gathering of baseball legends who have passed away. The goal is to establish a "field of dreams" a baseball park with old pros playing and a magic working on its audience. And it did for many people when this movie was released in 1989. Too many, it was a movie about hope, following your dreams and persistence. Kevin Costner is doing a terrific performance and is perhaps doing his greatest role. He was merely a romantic lead in the early 90's "The Bodyguard" with Whitney Houston and he was not as committed in "Dances With Wolves" which though the right kind of movie for him was not as interesting enough a character as he is in this movie. Other than this movie, his only fine role was in J.F.K. In this film, he plays a dedicated and persistent dreamer who discovers that indeed dreams come true if you hold fast. A great job by all the actors, including James Earl Jones (the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars) as the hermit and elusive author Terrence Mann, who wrote books in the 60's advocating love and peace. He is supposedly modeled after J.D. Salinger. The chemistry between James Earl Jones and Kevin Costner, especially in the scene in which Costner attempts to pursuade him to join him to a baseball game is exceptional. Magical and unexpected things start to happen as the voices carry him onward through his mission, including a trip back in time to 1972. Bring the magic home in this remarkable DVD. It's as much an adult's movie as it is for the whole family. It's almost a Disney film. Five stars. ... Read more

Reviews (314)

An essential part of the Spielberg canon.
It's easy to see "Catch Me if You Can" as Spielberg Lite. Certainly it's ridiculous to compare it with such grave, portentous films as "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan," and it doesn't call for a fraction of the technical wizardry of "E.T." or the Indiana Jones flicks. Nevertheless, in its sprightly elegance and moments of unexpected poignancy, "Catch Me if You Can" is as fine a movie as Spielberg has ever made. The themes of home and belonging are crucial to Spielberg--"E.T. phone home" could be the epigraph to his entire career. Beneath the cat-and-mouse game played by teenage con man Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio) and FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) is an intense longing on the part of both men for human connection, which they find unexpectedly in each other. Setting the action on successive Christmases was a master stroke, casting in bas relief the essential loneliness of both men. "Catch Me if You Can" would make a great double bill with Spielberg's first feature, "The Sugarland Express," another film about an epic police chase and the need for home. Of course you probably won't think about any of this while watching the movie; you'll be too busy laughing at DiCaprio's chutzpah and Machiavellian cleverness, and at Hanks' grumpy, Sad Sack attempts to trap him. The two leads, of course, are wonderful--DiCaprio in particular plays his role the way Yo-Yo Ma plays his cello--but the standout is Christopher Walken as Frank Abagnale Sr., shedding his usual creepy persona in a moving portrayal of a man whose essential optimism is slowly ground into the dirt. Frankly, the film could stand to lose about 15 minutes at the end, but it's built up so much good will up to that point that most audiences won't mind. My guess is that, in retrospectives 50 years from now, "Catch Me if You Can" will be considered among Spielberg's finest.

No-special-effects-Spielberg
"Catch me if you can" is, maybe, Spielberg's first movie not featuring any special effects since Duel. That's good, because the viewer can concentrate in the actors' performance. And that's this movie's main feature.

The story, as everyone may already know, is about Frank W. Abagnale Jr., who left home as a sixteen-year-old and became one of the most successful criminal of all times. What is most interesting, Abagnale was an intelligent felon, his crimes were related to fraudulent checks, identities, etc; he didn't have to murder or kidnapp anyone to be part of FBI's top 10 wanted list.

Abagnale Jr is played by Leonardo diCaprio, acting in a very loose and comfortable way, at times serious, at other times charming, according to the script. Tom Hanks proves his capacity at playing another different character: Carl Hanratty is boring, fatty, charmless, lonely and yet you like him anyway. The duo's relationship is very well portraied in screen. Another good thing is that Christopher Walken's back to a good role as Leonardo diCaprio's father.

This is nice entertainment, and the best part is that it was reportedly an easy and fast film to make, and based on a true story. There are some obvious fictious parts in the movie, but that's for script's sake, so it doesn't ruin the story.

Grade 8.7/10

A good way to pass an afternoon, but just that..
"Catch me if You can" is a disposable movie about the exploits of "paperhanger" Frank W. Abagnale, based on the book of the same name. Frank Jr.(Leonardo DiCaprio in a good role) starts his imposter career while still in high school. Then, he drops out when his father(played subtly by Christopher Walken) has severe financial problems, and starts to learn how to pass off bad checks. He comes up with the idea to pose as a Pan-Am pilot, and uses a new scheme taking advantage of routing numbers. Hoping to find the con-man, is Carl Henrietty(Tom Hanks). There are a few close calls where Carl nearly catchs Frank, and Frank always calls Carl on Christmas(which leads to his undoing). Frank also impersonates a lawyer and a doctor on his crime spree, and meets a woman that he falls in love with(Amy Adams). Frank meets the girl's father(Martin Sheen in a great cameo), who is estanged from her. Frank nearly marries her, and he runs away after he has to tell her the truth. There is a happy ending, as Carl helps Frank to use his abilities to catch other crooks.

Amazing Story!!
I really liked this movie. The story is well spread. There were some parts that could have been taken out, although. I must say that even though Tom Hanks (wonderful actor!!!!!) was conciderd as a main part, personaly I couldnt feel it. To me he seemd to be a part that wasnt so important, even though he was. The acting was wonderful. Every thing was well showed and expressed. Leonardo DiCaprio was excallent in his part ! !
I recommend this movie!!

Catch Me If You Can
This movie is wonderful!I loved every minute of it.Everything from the plot to the dialogue is amazing, but what else would you expect from ann award winning director and cast.Leonardo Di Caprio shines in one of his best pieces of work and in my opinion runs this film.Tom Hanks also does an absolutely great job.Christopher Walken who I enjoy from other movies also rounded out this fun film.The dialogue is smart and witty with great directional views from the one and only Spielberg.The plot is great and represents the actual events wonderfully.This film has a great moral and just makes you feel good at the end.When I watched this film the other day it didn't seem near two hours long.It is worth every cent you pay to buy or see it.I had heard about this film and all the great reviews but I expected it to be boring and uneventful since it took place in the 60's, but I was very impressed and suprised with how touching and smart it really is.The setting and class of the film will impress many.I was suprised at how ritzy and humorous it was at times and definetly think it could be one of the best films of that year and can't wait to see more from the amazing crew.Make sure to check this out if you already haven't.

Frank Abagnale, Jr. (Leonardo Di Caprio) worked as a doctor, a lawyer and as a co-pilot for a major airline -- all before his 18th birthday. A master of deception, he was also a brilliant forger, whose skill gave him his first real claim to fame: At the age of 17, Frank Abagnale, Jr. became the most successful bank robber in the history of the United States. FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) had made it his prime mission to capture Frank and bring him to justice, but Frank is always one step ahead of him, baiting him to continue the chase. Steven Spielberg will direct "Catch Me If You Can," from a screenplay by Jeff Nathanson, based on the autobiographical book of the same name by Frank Abagnale, Jr. and Stan Redding. The film is being produced by Steven Spielberg and Walter F. Parkes ("Gladiator"), with Barry Kemp, Laurie MacDonald, Michel Shane and Tony Romano executive producing. -- © DreamWorks Pictures ... Read more

Reviews (153)

Not a great but a still strong Horror Flick to the Original.
Five years later, when a sentitive teenager named Jesse (Mark Patton) is now living in the House-where Nancy Thompson used to live (From the original movie) living with his Parents (Clu Gulager & Hope Lange) and his sister (Christie Clark). When his new friend (Kim Myers) finds a diary of Nancy's hidden in his Room, where Nancy used to be in. Finding out horrible, terrible secrets from her Past and Murderer, who used to kill kids in the neighborhood and thier dreams! Now-Jesse is now dreaming about a man named Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), who does always tries to contact him and make him things, that he wouldn't do. Since Freddy wants to use his Body to Control him and Being in the outside world, where he could kill again.

Directed by Jack Sholder (Alone in the Dark, The Hidden, Wishmaster 2) made a worthy follow up to the Original. But the film betrays between the World of Reality and Dreams, which doesn't really put it off and almost losing imaginative premise of the first film. Still, it's still scary and Englund as the film's villian is meancing and frightening. This was also a bigger Box Office Hit than the Original. This Sequel is quite Ambitious, since this film has some Gay Overtones in the Plot. DVD's has anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) and with an strong Digitally Remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Some might call this Worst of the Elm Street films but It's not (depending on some, who seen it). Grade:B+.

decent 4 freddy
little bit scary, little bit funny just like a good freddy movie should be but it was good all together. a decent freddy.

Ooh, scary... NOT!!!
After taking a look at the second entry in the 'Nightmare on Elm Street' canon, I can't say I found it all that scary. Sure there were a few moderately gruesome scenes, but overall I wasn't exactly shocked or all that nauseated by what played out on the screen. 'Course, after enduring many a moment of genuinely hideous over-the-top gore from films like 'Predator', 'Total Recall', and 'Starship Troopers', I guess it was a given I'd be somewhat disappointed by the not-as-meaty stuff shown here.

Adding to this flick's hokiness factor was a subpar makeup job on Robert "Freddy" Englund; the guy's "burn" didn't look nearly as realistic here as it did the first go-'round. It looks like they just threw some semi-jelled rubber cement compound on him, then tried to get around how silly it looked by filming him primarily in shadows or from behind. And don't get me started on those brownish-red contact lenses that try to make him look menacing for the close-up shots of his eyes...

Bottom line: unless you're a 'Nightmare' completist, or you like to laugh at the slasher-horror genre's sillier attempts to scare ya-- which is something I like to do-- 'Nightmare 2' is a skipper.

Sweet dreams...

'Late

err...
this really isnt what i expected...its wierd and not really having a lot to do with Freddy...yea hes in it, but not a lot and its mostly the boy who kills...and this is a slow moving, few scares, ugly chicks, bad acting bore fest...kind of a bad sequal...and theres too much male nudity...

this sequal can be skipped and not missed...what a bad way to have done Freddy

Is one of the best..!! -Even it failed on some levels..
A Nightmare on Elm Street: -Part 2. -Freddy's Revenge..
1985.. -Is one of the best sequel's.. -Even though it
failed on some level's..! -Freddy Krueger made it again
with his chilling scare at us when this monster of a
hit came out..! -I don't give a flying crap of those
bad reviewers ho hated this film..! -Robert Englund..!
May hate this film.. -But he gave it a shot at it..?

Did a great job with his body work in the film..! -I
can see nobuddy can't replace the dude..! -I am in love

with, -actress.. -Kim Myers.. -She is one hot tomallie..?
and kick some ass; -better then..! -Heather Langenkamp..!
Ho give's a flying crap about Heather Langenkamp..! -The
actress is not really a devoted fan of the serie's..?

Kim doe's it all..! -So doe's; -Jesse Walsh..! -Mark
Patten.. -Ho is similar; -of; -Marc Singer.. -And
Kevin Bacon.. -They all look alike..! -In my mind..!
Never mind.. -Patton is a real good sport..? -So is
the guy playing his father..? -Actor; -Clu Galagher..?
The Mother.. -Hope Lange..! -Director; -Jack Shoulder
try's his hard work with this laughible sequal..?

This is the sequal that really made the franchise for
what it is today..? -If you don't like this crap and
don't even bother with it..? -This is a fan's horror
wet dream all around it..! -The movie starts off with
the kids on the buss..? -As they've come home..! -As
Freddy turns into the driver and kill's them in desert
which become hell on earth..?

I like that beginning sequence..! -I've also enjoy the
talk with Jesse Walsh with Lisa as they are in Jesse bed
room talking about the mysterious diary and the death
of the teenagers in the first 1.. -It has everything..!
and par with the original..! -Just like; -"A Nightmare
on Elm Street 3: -Dream Warrior's.." -One of my

Favorite's..! -But I feel kind of sorry for this cup of
tea..! -The writting is o.k.. -The Special Effects at the
pool scene looked liked crap.. -But it made a point in

the movie.. -A mark in the history books..! -Don't pay
any attention of these hatred viewers..! -They all suck..?
they'll burn in hell for what they said about this

Sequal..! ... Read more

Reviews (126)

Exceeded all my expectations
I went into this movie not knowing what to expect. I love Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell, but also realized the subject matter could easily become stale and uninteresting.

I settled in and at the end of the movie I was overwhelmed. This movie succeeds on so many levels. It works as a great comedy, as a wonderful morality play, and as a drama about very bad people doing very bad things.

Nicolas Cage is a con artist with a series of neuroses that keep him constantly on medication in order to function. His partner, Sam Rockwell, is a wise-cracking guy who is instantly lovable as Cage's bad-guy sidekick. The movie focuses on Cage and his attempts to reconcile himself with a past wife and child he left when his wife was only 2 months pregnant. He decides to get in touch with his ex-wife to see if he's a father. He finds he has a 14 year old daughter, who steps into his life to try and build a relationship with him.

The role of his daughter is played beautifully by Alison Lohman. She's funny, charming, and lovable as a girl who has been searching for someone that didn't just look at her as unwanted baggage. Cage and Lohman have very good chemistry as father and daughter. Their relationship is one of the most charming parts of the movie.

To go into the story too much would give it away. And, believe me, to give this movie away before you see it would be a crime. So suffice it to say that it'll surprise you, make you laugh, and make you think all at the same time.

The last scene, in my opinion, makes the whole movie twice as good on its own. It left me with a smile on my face all the way to my car.

Take my advice. Watch this movie, but don't let anyone tell you what happens in the story. Find out for yourself. You'll be MUCH happier that you did. And you'll want to sit through the whole thing a 2nd time (I know I plan to).

Twitchy
For Nicolas Cage fans, MATCHSTICK MEN is a treat diluted only by the knowledge that Cage wasn't even nominated for an Oscar-worthy performance.

Cage is Roy, teamed with partner Frank (Sam Rockwell); both are con artists, or "Matchstick Men". As the film opens, we watch as the two cash in on a scam that enables them to plunder the bank account of an elderly couple.

Roy is also an obsessive-compulsive with phobias for dirt and the outdoors. Without his medication, Roy gets twitchy. One day, he accidentally knocks his pill supply down the kitchen sink. Bad timing, since his psychiatrist drug supplier is out of town. On Frank's advice, Roy visits a new shrink, Dr. Klein (Bruce Altman), to whom he admits a previous marriage abandoned some fourteen years previous when his wife was pregnant. Through Klein's intercession, Roy is put in touch with his teenage daughter, Angela (Alison Lohman), who's always been curious about Old Dad. Indeed, against her Mom's wishes, she appears on Roy's doorstep to spend a long weekend. Roy is alternatively smitten with paternal affection and acute anxiety over the dirt Angela tracks onto his carpet. Klein believes the girl's presence is good therapy.

MATCHSTICK MEN is about scammers and cons, so, by the time the credits roll, you shouldn't be too surprised at the general storyline, which is one oft seen before. What elevates the film is the intensity of Cage's extraordinary performance as the mentally tortured lead. We've watched Nicolas do this previously in LEAVING LAS VEGAS and BRINGING OUT THE DEAD. Cage is apparently not one for whom a role is simply a facade easily sluiced away at the end of the day's shoot. Cage always makes me believe the screen character is himself through to the core, something which either makes the actor one of the most talented in the Biz or a schizo seriously in need of professional help.

The other remarkable performance in this film is that of Lohman. Playing the 14-year old Angela, one is apt to forget, or not believe, that the actress is actually in her mid-twenties. She had me fooled.

MATCHSTICK MEN is perhaps one you'll want to see a second time to locate the key sequence where you yourself were fooled. This is first-rate entertainment.

Smells like gum
I'm going to say this movie did not keep my interest. It was too slow paced, but the movie did have some interesting scenes, but then return to slow Ville again. I did not consider this movie a comedy, even though there were some scenes that were humorous. I considered the movie more of a drama. I thought Sam Rockwell's character was not as developed as it could have been. You knew he was a con artist, you knew he "acted" concerned for Roy's character, but that's all. Nicholas Cage plays Roy, an obsessive compulsive con artist who teams up with his Partner Fran (Sam Rockwell) to con people out of their money. They mostly go after old people who are so naïve they pretty much GIVE their money without asking any questions. Roy can't stand being outdoors and can't stand unorganized dirty rooms as he makes people take off their shoes before entering his house. He has problems keeping the pills that help him deal with his disorders. When he does not take those pills, his ticks, and behavior gets even worse. There is a scene in the movie after he discovers he does not have his pills he cleans his apartment for what seems like hours on end from top to bottom. He cleans every square inch, and even uses a toothbrush to clean small areas that some people would not even bother cleansing. Roy discovers he has a 14 year old daughter named Angela from a relationship he ended years before. When he ended this relationship she the woman was pregnant with his child. Angela wants to get to know her father. They begin to form a relationship that starts off awkward, but eventually turns affectionate. Angela begs her father to teach her how to con, and he agrees. Yet after he shows her the ropes he makes her return the money. Okay nice turn, but again hypocritical being he never returned money to any of the elderly people he conned.

One con goes horribly wrong, and their lives are threatened by a con they tried to bilk. An interesting twist at the end turns everything around and things which appear to be true, suddenly are not true after all. Before the movie ends the con gets conned, and he tries to rebuild his life. The movie had potential, but it just loses in parts before it builds up again. Nicholas having germphobia and agoraphobia was an interesting touch. I thought watching him be compulsive would be annoying, but it was very intriguing. Sheila Kelley's character, the grocery check-out clerk, had such a limited role she might as well not have been there. I thought Alison Lohman played her role well. She had me convinced she was a young 14 year old teenager with her youthful appearance. The movie is not bad, I just did not like the slow pace of the movie.

Matchstick Men
Matchstick Men, a movie by Ridley Scott, is a good example of how the casting of good 'physical' actors combined with a director's masterly affection for his work can make good of what is an un-inspiring screen play. The film is worth seeing as a patent example of Mr Scott's masterly craftmanship, but will not last the test of time as a model of dramatic innovation. The moral and emotional ressurection of the lead character would have been more enjoyable to witness had some insight into the circumstances of his earlier decline been offered. The dynamics of his friendship with his cohort, played beautifully by Mr Rockwell, was regrettably left unexplored.

Did not live up to my expectations
A film by Ridley Scott

With the track record of Ridley Scott in mind (Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, Thelma and Louise, Black Hawk Down), any time the man makes a new movie I am automatically interested in it. He has a history of creativity and excellence in filmmaking and any new movie that he directs is worth giving a chance. It was with high expectations that I went into "Matchstick Men", a story of a con-artist.

Roy (Nicolas Cage) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) are partners in the art of conning people out of their money. As Roy explains in the film, he doesn't steal people's money, they give it to him. They are mainly working small phone scams for smaller payouts (though Roy seems to be well off considering the size of his house), but Frank is looking to get a big score, which Roy agrees to work. Simple enough, but Roy also has some serious issues. He is compulsive (he must turn the locks or open and close doors three times before actually opening the door all the way), somewhat manic, and he has trouble dealing with the outdoors. Neatness/cleanliness is another issue. Roy is a man with tics.

Into this imperfect, but somewhat structured life comes a big change: Roy's daughter Angela (Alison Lohman). When Roy accidentally knocks his supply of medication down the drain, Roy has to start searching for a psychologist who will prescribe some more on short notice. The doctor he does find also suggests that Roy gets in contact with his daughter, whom he has never met. Angela is a breath of fresh air into Roy's otherwise empty life, but it is also causing some conflict into the big con that Roy and Frank are working on.

My expectations may have been too high, because I wasn't overly impressed with "Matchstick Men". For the first half to two thirds of the movie, I just could not engage with the characters. Part of the problem probably lies in the fact that I do not care for Nicolas Cage as an actor. It just seems like he is trying too hard to create a character through personality tics (with the notable exceptions of Leaving Las Vegas, and The Family Man). His characters are just not likeable, or interesting enough for me to engage with, but I understand that this is just a personal perception.

The shining star of the movie is Alison Lohman (also in White Oleander) who was nearly 10 years older than the age she was playing in the movie. She can act and look so young and vulnerable despite being in her mid 20's. The rest of the acting was well done (though I still don't care for Cage), but it didn't all come together like I would have expected. The idea of the "con" runs throughout the entire movie and there are several twists along the way, but this is a fairly lightweight movie up until about three quarters of the way through the movie when it completely changes in tone (and oddly enough becomes a better movie). I hoped for so much more from "Matchstick Men", but I didn't think it lived up to the promise of what it could have been with the talent involved.

-Joe Sherry ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Don't trade in your OLD copies of this movie....!!!
Hi...
this is a great movie..great transfer and great extra features...commentary, roundtable with hall of fame baseball players...bravo special ...current day update on the actual field of dreams location....BUT , and its a big one...it does NOT contain the fabulous hour long making of documentary from the initial release!!! as well as many of the other bonus features....
so.....if you are a fan , you will most likely want both editions...
I don't understand why they couldn't have included the bonus features from the first "collectors" edition to make this the definitive issue...but Like ON GOLDEN POND ...you get a newer edition with great extras which don't duplicate the original....
anyway...just thought I'd warn fans out there who are thinking of "trading up" for the new edition... ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A real feel-good movie
"The Scout" is one of those movies that leaves you with a warm feeling in your soul after the video has been turned off. It is the story of a man who finds a friend and triumphs over his fears.
Al Percolo is a New York Yankees scout who is experiencing the worst luck of his life. When his boss sends him to Mexico on a grudge trip, Al discovers "the greatest ballplayer that ever lived": Steve Nebraska. Al manages to land a deal with Steve, but is fired while telling his boss about his great find. When the pair returns to the United States, Steve is promptly snapped up with a $55 million bid from the Yankees. Despite all his success, Steve's world is anything but the fairytale it appears to be. Steve has dangerous idiosyncrasies and an abusive past, which are uncovered as time goes on.
Brendan Fraser plays the part of the slightly eccentric, slightly insecure Steve Nebraska with astounding depth. Albert Brooks is perfect as the cheeky, unyielding scout.
However, Dianne Wiest is much too abrasive as Steve's psychologist, Doctor Aaron. She cannot decide who her character is. One minute she is speaking gently to Al, the next she is glaring and snapping at him. I'm afraid this psychologist might need a psychologist herself!
Despite the heavy subject material, the movie has its light moments. There are several comedic occasions provided by Steve's singing, and I must say, these points alone are reason enough to see the movie. Of course, there is also the inevitable victory, which makes everything beforehand worth it.
What is really refreshing about this movie is how clean it is. There are less than ten profanities in the entire film, and they are the only objectionable content.
"The Scout" is simply a fine piece of work, and a wonderful trip to take from everyday life.

Its hard to believe this was actually made...
Just so there is no mistake, this is THE worst movie I have ever seen. I have seen a lot of movies. I saw this when it came out. And still, 7 years later it holds this prestigious position. I have to spoil a few parts of this film to make my point. Don't read on if you want to be "surprised" by it.

Lets start with the things that we know about the characters in the film by the end.
Albert Brooks is a washed up Baseball scout until he finds Brendan Fraser. He is really desperate to find his "King Kong" to bring back and show the world. Because of this he plays the mildly pathetic role of the pushy mentor. That's pretty much it for this textbook one dimensional character.
Diane Wiest is the psychiatrist that is introduced to help out Brendan Fraser's character since he has a few "issues". She cares for his well being, well, because she's a doctor. Oh and a woman, so of course she's motherly. Whatever. That's pretty much it for this ( also ) textbook one dimensional character. I think she has about 10 minutes of screen time. I think Steinbrenner had about 10 too.
There is a list of other curious characters that awkwardly stumble in and out of this story but I won't mention them here to save time.
Now lets get to Fraser's character. The things we know ( by the end of the film ) are that he is an inhuman pitcher. He knocks the catchers over with his awesome power. He hits every ball out of the park. He loves baseball. We figure out that he has abandonment issues mostly from the hints dropped early on. He avoids questions about his parents, he freaks out at the airport in New York when he loses sight of Brooks and begs "don't leave me alone again" or something equally obvious. And then of course because Diane Weist tells us this is so an hour into the movie. "He has abandonment issues" I think is her line. "REALLY?" was mine. She also informs us ( and Brooks ) that he had an abusive father with the deeply moving and poetic line "I think he had an abusive father".
Ok now to my biggest problem with the film. The questions that are NEVER answered about Fraser's character.
1. Brooks finds him in Mexico. We never find out why he is living there.
2. His parents are gone. We never find out where or why. No of course we never meet them. That would be to obvious.
3. He hates questions. He freaks out right from the start "I don't like all these questions, I don't like answering questions". We never find out why.
4. Woman walk by him and give him their phone number without ever meeting him. We don't know why. I guess cause he is cute. But this character point is never used again. With the exception of a woman that works for the Yankees who wants to take him home. No nothing ever comes of this. Well maybe it is so that Brooks can deliver the responsible social commentary "You know you need to use protection?". Kill me know.
5. Before he gets signed he says that he has no problem playing in front of people, big crowds or not. When he signs with the Yankees, he freaks out when asked if he is going to pitch this season. "Oh... I .... I don't know about that" he states. WHY?. You never find out. I guess its the abandonment issues. Whatever.
6. And now my favorite character trait. Oh god I love this one. He's really good at doing laundry. That's right. He knows all there is to know about doing laundry.
Laundry my friends.
You know this because he tells you so in one scene. How does he know so much? you ask. That's right, you never find out. Amazing.

This movie actually sucks the quality out of all other movies. It is the movie that I gage all other movies by. In that respect I suggest you see it too. Every thing you see after will at least be better than this one.

A final note, just so you know I'm not the only one that thought this movie stunk. This movie was actually made in 1988 and shelved by Fox. It only saw the light of day because of the baseball strike in 1994 to try to recoup loses.

One of the best movies I've ever seen
I like everything about this movie. It's got comedy, it's got drama, and it's something you can watch with your girlfriend's family without getting embarrassed. I love baseball movies and this is one of my favorites. A lot of celebrity cameos, too: Steinbrenner, Saberhagen, Keith Hernandez, Ozzie Smith and singer Tony Bennett. A good movie for any underdog with major league dreams.

The Scout
Albert Brooks fans will not be disappointed with this one. The irony of it all, which is the classic style of Brooks, is told in a story about a baseball scout (Brooks) down on his luck and banished to Mexico where he finds the ultimate free agent Steve Nebraska (Frasier). One catch - Nebraska isn't all there upstairs. Brooks goes all out to make the impossible possible and learns a greater lessen in the end that the best interest of others isn't served when our own interests are involved. Witty, funny and touching. Classic Brooks!

I would not call this a comedy
Brendan Fraser is great in this movie, but I would not call it a comedy. It is a drama with some funny lines. I don't think a young man seriously disturbed by an abusive background is funny. However, I enjoyed the movie and would watch it again. Tender & touching ... Read more

Reviews (126)

Exceeded all my expectations
I went into this movie not knowing what to expect. I love Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell, but also realized the subject matter could easily become stale and uninteresting.

I settled in and at the end of the movie I was overwhelmed. This movie succeeds on so many levels. It works as a great comedy, as a wonderful morality play, and as a drama about very bad people doing very bad things.

Nicolas Cage is a con artist with a series of neuroses that keep him constantly on medication in order to function. His partner, Sam Rockwell, is a wise-cracking guy who is instantly lovable as Cage's bad-guy sidekick. The movie focuses on Cage and his attempts to reconcile himself with a past wife and child he left when his wife was only 2 months pregnant. He decides to get in touch with his ex-wife to see if he's a father. He finds he has a 14 year old daughter, who steps into his life to try and build a relationship with him.

The role of his daughter is played beautifully by Alison Lohman. She's funny, charming, and lovable as a girl who has been searching for someone that didn't just look at her as unwanted baggage. Cage and Lohman have very good chemistry as father and daughter. Their relationship is one of the most charming parts of the movie.

To go into the story too much would give it away. And, believe me, to give this movie away before you see it would be a crime. So suffice it to say that it'll surprise you, make you laugh, and make you think all at the same time.

The last scene, in my opinion, makes the whole movie twice as good on its own. It left me with a smile on my face all the way to my car.

Take my advice. Watch this movie, but don't let anyone tell you what happens in the story. Find out for yourself. You'll be MUCH happier that you did. And you'll want to sit through the whole thing a 2nd time (I know I plan to).

Twitchy
For Nicolas Cage fans, MATCHSTICK MEN is a treat diluted only by the knowledge that Cage wasn't even nominated for an Oscar-worthy performance.

Cage is Roy, teamed with partner Frank (Sam Rockwell); both are con artists, or "Matchstick Men". As the film opens, we watch as the two cash in on a scam that enables them to plunder the bank account of an elderly couple.

Roy is also an obsessive-compulsive with phobias for dirt and the outdoors. Without his medication, Roy gets twitchy. One day, he accidentally knocks his pill supply down the kitchen sink. Bad timing, since his psychiatrist drug supplier is out of town. On Frank's advice, Roy visits a new shrink, Dr. Klein (Bruce Altman), to whom he admits a previous marriage abandoned some fourteen years previous when his wife was pregnant. Through Klein's intercession, Roy is put in touch with his teenage daughter, Angela (Alison Lohman), who's always been curious about Old Dad. Indeed, against her Mom's wishes, she appears on Roy's doorstep to spend a long weekend. Roy is alternatively smitten with paternal affection and acute anxiety over the dirt Angela tracks onto his carpet. Klein believes the girl's presence is good therapy.

MATCHSTICK MEN is about scammers and cons, so, by the time the credits roll, you shouldn't be too surprised at the general storyline, which is one oft seen before. What elevates the film is the intensity of Cage's extraordinary performance as the mentally tortured lead. We've watched Nicolas do this previously in LEAVING LAS VEGAS and BRINGING OUT THE DEAD. Cage is apparently not one for whom a role is simply a facade easily sluiced away at the end of the day's shoot. Cage always makes me believe the screen character is himself through to the core, something which either makes the actor one of the most talented in the Biz or a schizo seriously in need of professional help.

The other remarkable performance in this film is that of Lohman. Playing the 14-year old Angela, one is apt to forget, or not believe, that the actress is actually in her mid-twenties. She had me fooled.

MATCHSTICK MEN is perhaps one you'll want to see a second time to locate the key sequence where you yourself were fooled. This is first-rate entertainment.

Smells like gum
I'm going to say this movie did not keep my interest. It was too slow paced, but the movie did have some interesting scenes, but then return to slow Ville again. I did not consider this movie a comedy, even though there were some scenes that were humorous. I considered the movie more of a drama. I thought Sam Rockwell's character was not as developed as it could have been. You knew he was a con artist, you knew he "acted" concerned for Roy's character, but that's all. Nicholas Cage plays Roy, an obsessive compulsive con artist who teams up with his Partner Fran (Sam Rockwell) to con people out of their money. They mostly go after old people who are so naïve they pretty much GIVE their money without asking any questions. Roy can't stand being outdoors and can't stand unorganized dirty rooms as he makes people take off their shoes before entering his house. He has problems keeping the pills that help him deal with his disorders. When he does not take those pills, his ticks, and behavior gets even worse. There is a scene in the movie after he discovers he does not have his pills he cleans his apartment for what seems like hours on end from top to bottom. He cleans every square inch, and even uses a toothbrush to clean small areas that some people would not even bother cleansing. Roy discovers he has a 14 year old daughter named Angela from a relationship he ended years before. When he ended this relationship she the woman was pregnant with his child. Angela wants to get to know her father. They begin to form a relationship that starts off awkward, but eventually turns affectionate. Angela begs her father to teach her how to con, and he agrees. Yet after he shows her the ropes he makes her return the money. Okay nice turn, but again hypocritical being he never returned money to any of the elderly people he conned.

One con goes horribly wrong, and their lives are threatened by a con they tried to bilk. An interesting twist at the end turns everything around and things which appear to be true, suddenly are not true after all. Before the movie ends the con gets conned, and he tries to rebuild his life. The movie had potential, but it just loses in parts before it builds up again. Nicholas having germphobia and agoraphobia was an interesting touch. I thought watching him be compulsive would be annoying, but it was very intriguing. Sheila Kelley's character, the grocery check-out clerk, had such a limited role she might as well not have been there. I thought Alison Lohman played her role well. She had me convinced she was a young 14 year old teenager with her youthful appearance. The movie is not bad, I just did not like the slow pace of the movie.

Matchstick Men
Matchstick Men, a movie by Ridley Scott, is a good example of how the casting of good 'physical' actors combined with a director's masterly affection for his work can make good of what is an un-inspiring screen play. The film is worth seeing as a patent example of Mr Scott's masterly craftmanship, but will not last the test of time as a model of dramatic innovation. The moral and emotional ressurection of the lead character would have been more enjoyable to witness had some insight into the circumstances of his earlier decline been offered. The dynamics of his friendship with his cohort, played beautifully by Mr Rockwell, was regrettably left unexplored.

Did not live up to my expectations
A film by Ridley Scott

With the track record of Ridley Scott in mind (Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, Thelma and Louise, Black Hawk Down), any time the man makes a new movie I am automatically interested in it. He has a history of creativity and excellence in filmmaking and any new movie that he directs is worth giving a chance. It was with high expectations that I went into "Matchstick Men", a story of a con-artist.

Roy (Nicolas Cage) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) are partners in the art of conning people out of their money. As Roy explains in the film, he doesn't steal people's money, they give it to him. They are mainly working small phone scams for smaller payouts (though Roy seems to be well off considering the size of his house), but Frank is looking to get a big score, which Roy agrees to work. Simple enough, but Roy also has some serious issues. He is compulsive (he must turn the locks or open and close doors three times before actually opening the door all the way), somewhat manic, and he has trouble dealing with the outdoors. Neatness/cleanliness is another issue. Roy is a man with tics.

Into this imperfect, but somewhat structured life comes a big change: Roy's daughter Angela (Alison Lohman). When Roy accidentally knocks his supply of medication down the drain, Roy has to start searc