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Like its predecessor Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's Twelve is a piffle of a caper, a preposterous plot given juice and vitality by a combination of movie star glamour and the exuberant filmmaking skill of director Steven Soderbergh (Out of Sight, The Limey). The heist hijinks of the first film come to roost for a team of eleven thieves (including the glossy mugs of Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Bernie Mac, and Don Cheadle), who find themselves pursued not only by the guy they robbed (silky Andy Garcia), but also by a top-notch detective (plush Catherine Zeta-Jones) and a jealous master thief (well-oiled Vincent Cassel) who wants to prove that team leader Danny Ocean (dapper George Clooney) isn't the best in the field. As if all that star power weren't enough--and the eternally coltish Julia Roberts also returns as Ocean's wife--one movie star cameo raises the movie's combined wattage to absurd proportions. But all these handsome faces are matched by Soderbergh's visual flash, cunning editing, and excellent use of Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome, among other highly decorative locations. The whole affair should collapse under the weight of its own silliness, but somehow it doesn't--the movie's raffish spirit and offhand wit soar along, providing lightweight but undeniable entertainment. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (197)

Please spare us Ocean's Thirteen
Genre: Comedy, Mystery

Genre Grade: A-

Final Grade: B-

This was a good follow-up to the first movie, although it did not even get close to matching the thrill of it. The story was MUCH weaker in this one, most of it contrived so confusingly that when you find out the outcome you are mad at how they took such an easy way out. You either like the tricks they do in this movie or you feel cheated. Or you feel a little of both, as I did.

I can't say much about the plot because there are so many spoilers, but I will say there is a big surprise with one of the characters from the first movie that is quite funny. Some people hated it (one of the "cheap" moments) but I thought it was great. There are many plot holes but director Soderbourgh keeps you so interested in the characters and flashy style of the movie that you might not even notice them. No other director could get away with it, that's for sure.

There is mild controversy over who, exactly, is Ocean's twelfth member. I honestly can't say 100% for sure because there are three people who could be considered as such. But there is one person who seems a little more likely to be that person because of a certain...event?

In conclusion, I hope that if Soderbourgh decides to give us another helping of this franchise that he gets a much more clever story for Ocean's Thirteen...

The real theft;steal your money with a bad sequel!
Hollywood returns to "independent" type cuts, erroneously assuming that it is the latest cash crop craze.So they hire youngsters to waste film and money shooting scenes that distract from quality dialogue, acting, and storyline.This is an excellent example of how NOT to make a movie.Don't waste your time unless you are a film student wishing to learn from others' mistakes.Not worth the price of popcorn!

Don't Waste Your Money
This movie should never have been made. It was dull and unispiring. The acting seemed forced and rather then everyone playing a part, a few characters were seen through out and nothing more. If you truly liked Ocean's 11 then leave it at that. My personal recommendation is that you do not watch this movie and rather just stick with the first film. You will be better off by far.

Save your money
Wow - what a bad movie. The all-star cast needs to exercice better judgment before accepting parts like these. The favorite side characters you'll remember from the first movie and played by solid/enjoyable actors (Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, etc...) are left with meaningless lines and no part to play. Brad Pitt's on camera eating habits in the first movie were something to smile at, in this one, it's simply annoying. Julia Roberts pretending to be Julia Roberts - what a stretch for the writers! The camera action is exhausting and attempts to add pace to a movie that does not have any. The plot is so twisted, it's unbelievable and ... without any interest. Soderbegh has done some excellent movies - this is probably his worst. Save your money, don't fall for the marketing hype. If you want Clooney at his clever and charming best, get "Out of Sight". If you want some good Soderbergh (nice camera work, interesting cinematography), get "Traffic". And I can't come up with something decent to suggest for Pitt since "Seven" or "Fight Club".

Much better than expected
Quite a few people I know told me the movie wasn't good so I didn't go see it on big screen. Now that I've watched in on DVD, surprisingly I quite like it and actually think it's as good as its prequel [in a different way though].

I like the combination of light action, romance, comedy, and a bit of suspense here. The strongest point of the movie must be a medley of huge stars [Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Garcia, Zeta Jones,Roberts]. Even supporting actors are all first-class! All of them play their parts really really well and even the supporting cast could hold their own against the big actors. It is amazing that you can feel a burst of energy and charms from these people in almost every scence. I actually felt like watching a celebrity party in a way, LOL.

Another thing I like in the movie is the sizzling romance. They didn't even have to use cheap sex scenes to tell the story. The chemistry between Clooney and Roberts is okay and the Pitt-Jones pairing is just incredible.

More good things: neat script with lots of funny quirky lines, good editing and delicious outfitting [but well we all know that Clooney, Pitt, Damon, Zeta Jones, and Roberts would look good even if they wore paperbags!]

Okay, now the weak points: The plot is kinda weak and not very believable. The movie could be confusing at times. I had to watch it twice to pick up some of the details. Also, those who go in expecting series of action would surely be disappointed. There is not a single violent scene in the movie if I remember correctly. The suspense element is not too good either. What else, there is not a whole lot of high tech gadgets for this Ocean's 12. Maybe these are why some people don't like this sequel as much as Ocean's 11.

So to sum it up, I think it's a fun movie if you watch it as a romantic comedy. The movie can't quite boast its action and suspense elements though.

Recommendation: Rent it and you'll get good two hours of entertainment. I bought the DVD just because I like many many funny scenes in the movie and wouldn't mind watching them over and over again.



... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Ocean's Eleven improves on 1960's Rat Pack original with supernova casting, a slickly updated plot, and Steven Soderbergh's graceful touch behind the camera. Soderbergh reportedly relished the opportunity "to make a movie that has no desire except to give pleasure from beginning to end," and he succeeds on those terms, blessed by the casting of George Clooney as Danny Ocean, the title role originated by Frank Sinatra. Fresh out of jail, Ocean masterminds a plot to steal $163 million from the seemingly impervious vault of Las Vegas's Bellagio casino, not just for the money but to win his ex-wife (Julia Roberts) back from the casino's ruthless owner (Andy Garcia). Soderbergh doesn't scrimp on the caper's comically intricate strategy, but he finds greater joy in assembling a stellar team (including Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and Carl Reiner) and indulging their strengths as actors. The result is a film that's as smooth as a silk suit and just as stylish. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (510)

Shallow "Ocean" Needs More Depth.
Steven Soderbergh adds a stylishly slick film to his roster with this re-make of the 1960 rat-pack Frank Sinatra outing. ................ Although the cast was terrific, with dialogue sharply delivered by top billing box office stars, as well as veterans Carl Reiner and Elliot Gould in amusing roles, something is missing within. That something is true character development. Despite all the aforementioned positives, this missing element takes away a dimension from the story. Who are these people? Roberts was married to Clooney before he was sent to prison, but I couldn't find the emotion between them until the very end of the film. There didn't seem to be much fire between Roberts and Andy Garcia's elusive, cold and non-descript character either. Garcia is a favorite of mine, but he doesn't shine with his usual warm, emotional performance here. ................. Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt? I never really got a good idea of any of them. So, despite the fantastic ensemble cast, exciting Vegas atmosphere, intriguing premise and Soderbergh's expert direction, this "Ocean..." left me somewhat dry. ............... While "Ocean's 11" is a movie that will certainly entertain you fleetingly as you view it, the desired effect while we watch, it's not one I'd see again and again. There are films that you know you can view repeatedly without tiring of them, and then some where you say, once IS enough. In my opinion, "Ocean's 11" falls into the latter category. ................ For me, character development is an important factor that makes a film realistic and believable, but if it is not integral for your enjoyment, I would not hesitate to recommend you catch this wave once too, at least for the positives it DOES have going for it.

Take it on its own, it's a very good film.
George Clooney, Brat Pitt, Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Don Cheadle, Elliott Gould, Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Edward Jemison and Shaobo Qin are all brought together in one of the best ensemble cast films I have seen in a long time. That takes care of Ocean's Eleven (Danny Ocean played by Clooney) but they are matched against Andy Garcia & Julia Roberts. Steve Soderbergh (Traffic; Sex, Lies & Videotape) directs a masterpiece of action/drama with some of the biggest names in the business.

The mystique of Vegas, the lure of cash and the romance of life make this a film for everyone. Great dialogue, excellent dramatic shots from Soderbergh and incredible acting by the entire cast put most other crime based movies to shame. Andy Garcia makes you hate him, you feel for George Clooney, but you also see the reasoning in Pitt's character and Reiner's performace is great too.

Anyway, if you enjoy the James Bond movies, the Mission Impossible movies, or any other fun action films, you should give Oceans 11 a chance. DO NOT base your viewing of this on the original Sinatra and the Rat Pack film. The only similarities are the ensemble cast, Vegas Casinos, money and the title of the movie. This is not a remake, it is a reinterpretation based loosely on the original script. At least give it one viewing, you may fall in love.

yet another example............
Hollywood has managed in this film to once again show
how really great it is to be a thief.....And they managed to use, in my estimation, the top worst to do it.
Clooney, who always portrays himself in no matter what role he takes...Pitt who walks thru his role like a zombie throwing in one liners to make it interesting???? And let's not forget the token female, Roberts, who I am still trying to figure out how she can be the most beautiful woman in the world, or is it one of the top five in the world? I forget......
The only redeeming thing about this film was the presence of Garcia and maybe the Las Vegas location. I have no plans to see the sequel as I am sure it will be more of the same humdrum
as this turkey was. To me it was just as boring as the original one only an updated version.

mediocre, boring, pathced
1. Difficult to imagine such boring movie with so many stars. The very presence of Julia Roberts only slowed the action, and took precious time from the main action. Her role was schematic and straightforward: could have used some young, beautiful actress instead, and spend less time on her. At the end, it was not clear to me, why did she have to leave Benedict and return to Ocean. Benedict could have said anything he wanted to Ocean to get his money back.

2. Most of the characters remained obscure and flat. I had to watch it 2 times in a raw to just figure out their faces, but I still have no clue what was their crucial point in the action. Compare to "Sneakers" for example, where all characters were vivid and exactly on their places.

3. Il-logical sequence. Why not use larger O2 cylinder for the chinese guy (what was his name?) and have more time for surprises? Why did they need to introduce the explosives with a trunk and bother with "dying" of the Soul Blum/Zorga, why not simply put them in the container with the chinese fellow? When climbing down the elevator well, where was the elevator cell???
If it was UP, how did they got under it?

4. How easy was to steel the "pinch"!!! Just went there and got it! I want a pinch also. But, even if the pinch did black-out the whole city, how come the electricity came back so soon??? The EM pulse destroys fuses and inegrated circuits. The whole casion going completely black? Highly improbable: This is 21 century, USA guys. Safety comes first: Every public and comercial building has a few light bulbs that never go out. Just for cases like this. Same for the motion detectors in the elevator well: they should be UPS-ed. Unlike the batteries in the remote control triger of Brad Pitt.

5. Illogical: How did they get the porno-adds INSIDE the vault? There were 6 big bags of them, the ones that got blown-up at the end?

6. Who needed to show that a whole minivan can be driven from a distance by a remote control? Why give the terorists (and bank robbers wannabe) ideas they can use literally tomorrow???

All made-up from bits and pieces, turned out into a poorly connected patched movie. Boring and un-impressing.

I wasn't impressed.....
I heard great things about this movie, and it did very well at the box office, but it really wasn't that good. it was definitely confusing. Also, I didn't like how it only had one robbery. In movies like Bandits (which you should go see) there are several robberies. Also, there wasn't much character development. I reccoment Bandits instead. ... Read more

Description

In THE UNTOUCHABLES, federal agent Elliot Ness leads a group of mob fighters with the intent of taking out the infamous Al Capone in 1930's Prohibition-era Chicago.Realizing that practical methods will not work in securing Capone's capture, Ness and his men resort to using even more force in order to take down the Chicago mob boss once and for all. ... Read more

Reviews (131)

Good versus Evil in a deadly dance of operatic proportions.
Sometimes dubbed "the Master of the Macabre," director Brian De Palma is best known for his enactments of the supernatural ("Carrie"), mania ("Dressed to Kill") - and his mob stories. The latter part of his reputation is primarily grounded on four of his movies from the ten-year period between 1983 and 1993: "Scarface" (1983, starring Al Pacino), "Wise Guys" (1986, starring Danny De Vito, Joe Piscopo and Harvey Keitel), "Carlito's Way" (1993, again starring Pacino) ... and "The Untouchables" (1987), featuring an all-star cast including Robert De Niro, Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Andy Garcia and Charles Martin Smith. Among these, "The Untouchables" stands out as the only movie not primarily told from the gangster's but from the lawmen's perspective - but what it does share with all of De Palma's works is an almost voyeuristic appeal to its audience's visual senses; going far beyond the lavish display of film blood it is most often cited for.

Less fact-based than cinematic grand opera par excellence, the movie takes as its premise the end of the career of Chicago's ganglord of ganglords, Al "Scarface" Capone, who (after a few half-hearted attempts to prosecute him for murder had failed due to the unavailability of witnesses) pled guilty, in 1931, to evading federal income tax, and was sentenced to an 11-year prison term and a $50,000 fine. Capone's downfall was brought about by a group of initially 50 but later only nine Treasury Agents, formed in 1929 (not in 1930, as suggested here) with the express purpose of breaking up his operations, and headed by Eliot Ness, whose 1957 book "The Untouchables" posthumously gave new rise to his fame - Ness died of a heart attack without ever having witnessed the full extent of his book's success - and inspired, inter alia, the like-named 1959 television series starring Robert Stack and Brian De Palma's 1987 movie.

Scripted by Pulitzer Prize winner and Chicago native David Mamet ("Glengarry Glen Ross"), "The Untouchables" is not so much a study in character development as based on a western's classic "good versus evil" setup; although that doesn't mean that its protagonists are two-dimensional in any way. On the contrary: Robert De Niro imbues his Capone with a ruthlessness and glib charm very likely matching those of the real "Scarface," who was known for his little hesitation to commit murder and other acts of violence as much as he cultivated a reputation as a savvy businessman and benefactor of the poor, for example by running several soup kitchens. (And yes, all of De Niro's mannerisms are on full display, too; but rarely have they fitted a role as well as here.) Kevin Costner's Eliot Ness may be a little too assertive - Robert Stack once commented, after several conversations with Ness's nearest and dearest, that the real-life Treasury Agent had been described to him as "rather soft-spoken, but very effective and brave" - but mildness is certainly not the principle trait written into the larger-than-life role of the man who "got" Al Capone, and Costner *is* an effective lead; although he is matched (not entirely sidelined, but darn near outplayed) by Sean Connery, who deservedly won an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a National Board of Review Award as the crotchety old-timer Malone who has seen it all, somehow managed to stay both clean and alive, and now lets Ness talk him into becoming his tutor in all things Chicago Gangland. Andy Garcia, in his break-through role, is instantly likable as George Stone, the smart, fast kid from the South Side who doesn't take kindly to put-downs of his origin but can nail a human target with one hand while lying down and holding a baby stroller with the other hand. Charles Martin Smith finally brings humanity and subtle humor to the character probably closest to the real-life "Untouchables," accountant Oscar Wallace, who first has the idea to charge Capone for income tax evasion. Strong performances by Billy Drago as Capone's right-hand man Frank Nitti (who of course was not really thrown off a rooftop by Ness), Richard Bradford as Police Chief Mike Dorsett, Patricia Clarkson as Ness's wife, Jack Kehoe as Capone's bookkeeper Walter Payne and others round out an altogether impressive cast.

Unmistakeably scored by Ennio Morricone (whose style often, and certainly here, doesn't even take a full bar to recognize; and who with an ASCAP Award, a Grammy and a BAFTA Award was the movie's other major winner besides Connery), "The Untouchables" lives off its splendid cinematography, production design - costumes courtesy of Giorgio Armani - and the exquisite timing of its sharp-edged dialogue and editing: Not only is screenwriter Mamet known to have his actors practice their lines according to a metronome; the editing of some of the movie's most memorable scenes has the distinct feeling of a carefully choreographed, veritable ballet. This is particularly true for Malone's death, pointedly set against the aria "Vesti la Giubba" from Ruggero Leoncavallo's opera "I Pagliacci" ("The Clowns"), which is based on a real-life murder and which Capone attends while his lieutenants waylay Malone in his own apartment; and the famous shoot-out in Chicago's Union Station, which turns into a deadly dance of bullets, blood and a baby stroller, shot almost entirely in slow motion.

Paradoxically, the one plot element this movie is most often criticized for - the jury switch at Capone's trial - is one of the few facts that actually did take place (although Capone's attorney would have had to be given the right to conduct a new voir dire). But ultimately, it doesn't even really matter how much of the plot is fact-based and how much fiction: Even if "The Untouchables" doesn't quite reach the mythical status of the "Godfather" trilogy - particularly its Parts 1 and 2 - as the mob movie to end all mob movies, it is one of only a handful other films that at least come close to the proportions of Francis Ford Coppola's epic masterpiece.

"What are you prepared to do?"
Brian DePalma's 1930s gangster film is none-the-less ingenius. Sean Connery deservedly won an Oscar for his moving performace, and the screenplay is fantastic.
Kevin Costner is Eliot Ness, an idealistic crime-fighter who moves to Chicago with his family to fight the infamous gangster Al Capone, brilliantly played by Robert De Niro. Ness enlists the help of Jimmy Malone (Sean Connery), an aging cop who knows how to defeat Capone. also helping Ness are George Stone (Andy Garcia), a young, streetwise cop, and FBI accountant Oscar Wallace (Charles Martin Smith), whose knowledge may help crack open the violent war that has broken out. Chicago gangsters are battling a hapless police force in the Prohabition.
the coolect scene has to be when the "four riders" take on a shipment of alchohol on the U.S.-Canandian border. after their triumphant victory, however, Capone retaliates violently, which leaves our friends - and the audience - in shock and for-lasts the film in tragety.
truly one of the greatest detective/action movies ever made, "The Untouchables" is a modern masterpiece. rent it and then buy the DVD!

Touchable...
This film marks several remarkable firsts: The first true representation of a David Mamet film script (although "The Verdict" in 1980 came first), the leading-man status of Kevin Costner (deservedly so, since despite disasters like "The Postman" and "3000 Miles to Graceland", he's a very good actor with a very impressive resume and an Oscar to boot), Sean Connery's first Oscar win, also very much deserved, and most importantly, the first good film from Brian De Palma. People call films like "Body Double", "Carrie", "Blow Out" and "Dressed to Kill" classics... why they do, I have nary a clue. Those are some of the worst rip-off films in history. His "Hitchcockian" feeling is, to me, straight-up plagarism. He rips off plots and shots that are embarassing mish-moshes of Hitch's best (and worst) stuff. And did you see "Mission to Mars"? I didn't think so. And the only people that I can imagine that liked "Femme Fatale" were fans of the bathroom sequence (If you saw it, you know what I'm talking about). The only other film of his that was worth watching was "Mission: Impossible". But "The Untouchables" is a real work of art. I won't go into plot points, but I'll comment on the film's great points: 1) The dialogue is sparkling. Mamet makes these people real as opposed to just making them standard action caricatures (the young idealist, the grizzled old wise-man, the cocky rookie, and the dorky fifth-wheel). 2) The performances are top-notch. Costner, Connery, Martin Smith, Garcia, De Niro, and an underrated performance from Richard Bradford as Chief Dorsett really help to pull this film off. They give it all they got. They make the tragedy and drama and excitement and horror and triumpth of this film work. 3) The visuals are stunning. Stephen Burum really makes that camera work, especially with those beautiful shots of LaSalle Street. This film is a great revisionist telling of the Eliot Ness vs. Al Capone brawl. The film obviously takess a lot of liberties with history, but they really work, especially with the dispatching of one particularly bad man which in my opinion makes for the MOST satisfying film death EVER. It really makes you happy to watch this guy bite it ("Did he sound anything like THAT?!?"). This is a great film and I could not recommend it more highly. But go ahead and skip the rest of De Palma's 'classics'.

i love the movie and it's series
hello,my name's aaron johnson
the reason i'm writting this review for the untouchables film
is because i've seen it so many times that i enjoy how malone says his famous line to elliot , the one about getting capone
anyway, the whole entire plot is excellent
especially when the federal agents try to stop capone's men in time

the other reason i'm writting in this review , is because i've seen the untouchables tv series
and i'm wondering this very question ;
"when will the untouchables tv series from 1993
be out on dvd"

because i think that people would enjoy the entire [whatever how many seasons it ran for [if it was one or two] of the series

i'm sure a lot of other customers would appreciate the untouchables tv series on dvd

Great gangster cartoon!
The Untouchables tells the story of four policemen who fight Al Capone during the prohibition of the 30's. Don't expect anything like The Godfather though: this movie merely aims at -sometimes cartoonish- entertainment. Don't be surprised with the stereotypical characters and story and the all too colourful 30's setting. It's just how this movie works. Robert de Niro's Al Capone is excellent as the funny bad guy, Kevin Costner and Sean Connery both fit excellently in their roles as two persistent police officers with a mission. Yes, several happenings in the story may be somewhat cliché, but it is nothing less an exciting movie to watch. Executions, shoot-outs, trials and much more: it's all here. It's still better to pinch something well than to invent something badly! ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Great Movie
Coming from an alcoholic family I was able to relate to the children in the movie. I think Meg Ryan played the part perfectly and Andy Garcia did a wonderful job as well. It was a different look at a serious disease, the fact that the mother was an alcoholic.

Meg Ryan (Alice Green) plays a wife and mother of two, who has an out of control drinking problem, that takes her almost dying in the shower to make her realize that she has a problem. Andy Garcia (Michael Green) plays her husband who knows that she has a problem, but just is not ready to face the fact that she needs help or she is going to hurt herself or one of the children.

When Alice finally does get the help she needs, Michael doesn't cope well with the fact that she now has other people to turn to when things get rough. Michael does try to go to a support meeting for family memebers, but just sees it as a bunch of people sitting around feeling sorry for each other. He thinks that things will just 'go back to normal' now that she has gotten help and just isn't that simple.

Although the effects that her drinking had on the kids was not addressed, I felt that it touched most of the bases that a family goes through after recovery.

You will need a box of tissues by your side for this tear jerker.

Riveting movie about the effects of alcoholism
When I first saw the title of this movie, I was thinking that this was going to be a romantic comedy. But, to my surprise, it was so much more.

Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia are good as Alice and Michael Green. I liked the fact that the movie dealt with Alice's alcoholism. She realizes that she has a major problem with alcohol. Eventually, she goes into rehabilitation.

I'm glad that they didn't stop the movie with her coming out of rehab and life will be all wonderful and fuzzy. What happens is that with Alice sober, Michael doesn't have anyone to rescue anymore. It is good to watch how their relationship changes with Alice's new found sobriety. Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia do a great job in showing how alcoholism can effectively mess up a relationship and family.

It's been a while since I have seen this movie, but there are some wonderful supporting performances to mention. Tina Majorino as the oldest daughter, Jess, is astonishing. She shows a lot of emotion for the daughter of an alcoholic. I think that she could have easily been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

Also, Lauren Tom as Amy, the Green's nanny/housekeeper, is incredible. Her character does not really like Michael Green very much. The scene where Michael begs her to come back and help the family is great. Amy definitely does not make it easy for him.

This movie is definitely not light-hearted fair. In fact, I would really not recommend this for children. But, for adults, I recommend this movie because it tackles alcoholism head on, especially with some not so pleasant views of Alice's alcoholism.

Sad and Real. Finally a good portrayal.
No film has shown the damage that alcoholism does to someone in this way. Nobody thinks that even the houswifes and the soccer moms could be effected. The alcoholic in this movie is played by the awesomely talented Meg Ryan, who should've been nominated for her role as the depressed alcoholic mom, Alice. Andy Garcia is also a good choice to play the troubled husband. The movie is very depressing but has a silver lining. Everyone should see this movie at one time or another, it will change your view on this disease.

Its All About Love xoxo
The movie sucks you in and doesnt let go til the end!! It engrosses you in REAL LIFE, it tells a story that you can feel so close to home it brings tears to your eyes more than once. The first time I saw this movie was at a group meeting for alcoholics and the response was breathtaking it touches your soul and makes you feel the love and the pain and every other emotion possible. The title I must admit doesnt draw you to the movie because you figure *Oh just another romance with no point or purpose* but in reality there are both. This movie is one of my all time favorites and I would recommend it to anyone. Its not just a chick flick for all you guys out there:p Never Judge a book by its cover:)

But she tries so hard...
The scenario of a family dealing with a wife being the abuser rather than the husband is not commonly explored, yet this particular plot was ill-conceived, which almost makes it a crime. If a story as important as this can't be told well, it's better not to tell it at all, or the effect is that the viewers are numbed to a reality people should care more about. And when I finished watching this film, I yawned and put in something more gripping, while I should have at the very least been lulled into a few moments of reflection or contemplation.

For the most part, though the screenplay wasn't great, I feel poor casting is responsible for the film's failure. Try as she might, it just doesn't seem Meg Ryan can be taken seriously doing much else than romantic comedy. No, she isn't a bad actress, but the quirky, cute persona is what carries her, and when she attempts to be serious, she comes off as a little witchy and intolerant, not at all sympathetic or likable. In this particular role as the substance-abusing wife and mother, she doesn't inspire sympathy, never expresses any depth of confliction, and never convincingly emerges with dignity, though I suspect it was meant to be an empowering story.

Andy Garcia is "blah" as her husband. Yes, he's suitable as a nice guy who is confused as he both supports her and tries to hold her accountable, but he often comes across less confused and reticent and more wary and aloof as if he's actually secretly distracted by his dealings as a mob flunky or something.

The best performance is by Tina Majorino, who doesn't for a moment look like the spawn of Ryan and Garcia, but who's authentic reactions of fear and confusion when victimized by her mother are heart-rending. Thus to the film's credit, I guess the reality of a child being the most vulnerable victim in situations of substance abuse is demonstrated, but is not a strong enough impression to make this an even moderately impressive film. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Slick and original
A friend of mine told me about "Things to do in Denver..." a few years ago. For my birthday this year I recieved the DVD. While I love all of Quentin Tarantino's films, I don't believe any of his work can live up to a film such as this (with the exception of maybe "Pulp Fiction"). Andy Garcia plays Jimmy the Saint, an ex-mafioso that gets pulled back into the business by The Man With The Plan (Christopher Walken, that's the only name we get). To unfamiliar ears, the story might sound familar and worn out. It is not, in fact screenwriter Scott Rosenberg puts an entirely different spin on the plot, keeping this audience in suspense until the very last closing credit.

This movie works on several different levels. First, the casting was phenonminal. Andy Garcia, Treat Williams, Christopher Lloyd, Bill Nunn, Gabrielle Anwar, William Forsythe and Christopher Walken comprise the ensemble cast. Second, Scott Rosenberg's irresistable knack for clever dialogue and twisted plots will always be a crowd pleaser.

With "Things to do in Denver...", you simply cannot go wrong. Purchase the DVD and let us know what you think. If there were only a few more extras on the disc, I think I might add it as one of my faves.

With more extras, this one would be a slammer!!
You've probably never heard of this movie, and gotten here by mistake. But do yourself a favour, and read on. Please.
This movie is my third favourite movie of all time (1. the crow, 2. Fearless.)
The movie is a classic about a more hidden mafia organisation gone in hiding, and Jimmy 'The Saint' Tosnia (Andy Garcia) trying to live a normal life again. His new found job doesn't really pay as much, and his temptation for one last job with the boss himself "Man with the Plan" (Christopher Walken.)gets the better of him.

What happens next is up to you to find out, but I promise you: Loads of action, drama, humour, and GREAT acting is what you'll experience in this great flick! Christopher Walken gets a role he really shines in, Andy Garcia is nothing else but spectacular, there is even a little extra sparcle when Steve Buscemi enters the scene as assassin Mr. Shhh, and actually EVERYBODY in this movie does a marvelous job in their specific roles giving this movie the "real feel".

The extras are just clips from interviews with the actors. Some of the interviews seem to jump in the middle of a conversation, and it is hard to get to grips with what is actually being said. A more throughout interview with Walken himself, and more of Garcia, would have been preferred. But nonetheless, this is a DVD you can not afford to miss if you call yourself a fan of movies.

GREAT FILM NAMES, GREAT PACE.
They must have liked the script and great characters as Jimmy The Saint, Franchise, E-Z Winn and Mr. Shush. Andy Garcia, Christopher Walken, Steve Buscemi and others decided to forego their usual paydays to act in this now indie classic. THINGS TO DO IN DENVER is a great paced, extremely likeable film. The most fervent work is turned in by Treat Williams, as psychotic Critical Bill, and the major cool, Walken as the wheelchair bound, Man With The Plan (Jenny McCarthy as his nurse). Jack Warden old-pros his way by semi-narrating the tale of a group of misbegotten criminals and their impending doom. I'd buy at the Thick 'N' Rich anyday. Boat drinks all around!

This movie is like a commercial...
all stylish and aimed-to-please, until you realize that you are being had. So much style and so little substance. The only thing going for this flick is the fact that somehow the director/writer has each of these 10 characters legitimately vying for the honor of biggest d-bag to ever grace the screen. That takes some kind of talent at least. If any of these jerks hung out with a mutual friend, you would avoid your friend like the plague. And what's up with these catch phrases? They're obviously meant to be cool, but it would be cooler listening to a group of nerds talk amongst themselves at a pocket protector seminar. "Give it a name?" I can think of quite a few names to give it. And let's talk about the plot. Why's a well-off entrepreneur ex-mobster tough guy need to assemble a 'crew' to threaten a stoner? Can't a mob boss find someone a little more competent? My god, it's so asinine it's cracking me up right now.
If you have any taste, do not believe the close-to-5-star rating. This movie is comparable to thinking you lucked out getting a date with the coolest, hottest person in school only to find out later that evening that they don't wipe properly. It's not what it seems.

Post-Tarantino knock-off, tries too hard, has its moments...
No, you've probably not heard of this movie before. Yes, there is probably a good reason for that (any number of movies like this came out in the year following "Pulp Fiction"). No, this movie is not a waste of your time. Yes, within a few minutes you will have a PERFECTLY clear understanding of the term "wanna-be". And NO, I do not plan on spending the rest of this review writing like this.

An impressive gathering of character actors like this can mean only one thing: "Indie Cred" (or the desperate attempt to obtain it). And making a "stylish gangster movie" is probably the most obvious way to get there. Create some unusual (even disturbing) characters, write some slick dialogue, and add an air of inevitable doom to the atmosphere and you've pretty much captured the elements that made Quentin Tarantino a fortune and has enabled him to squander the talent that he has for the last 10 years.

In this narrative tale (not entirely convincingly told by Jack Warden) we find the typical "trying-to-go-straight" but struggling career criminal (Andy Garcia) being enticed back to work for his former mob boss (Christopher Walken in the first of two memorable roles spent confined to a chair -see "Suicide Kings"). It's a simple job; "encourage" the boyfriend of the boss's son's ex-girlfriend to leave her, hoping that she'll give the boss's son (who is borderline psychotic, by the way) another chance. Garcia hooks up again with the assortment of characters who make up his former gang and everything goes wrong bigtime. Mob boss Walken is not amused, orders everyone killed, and the movie progresses from there.

It's a lot like "2 Days in the Valley", actually...except it's in Denver. And Denver, I have to say, never having been there in person, looks like a charming city.

The real reason to see this movie is to watch The Greatest Pick-Up Line Ever. Andy Garcia delivers it when he meets the hopelessy sexy Gabrielle Anwar, and even though you KNOW it's an obvious line, he pulls it off amazingly well. Definitely worth seeing. Worth owning if you dig the genre. And definitely worth owning if you're a Christopher Walken fan. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A flawed but admirably ambitious gangster movie, Hoodlum aspires to be a kind of Harlem-based equivalent to The Godfather, and while it falls short of that lofty goal it's still got plenty of qualities to make it well worth seeing. It's the first film to tell the story of Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson (charismatically played by Laurence Fishburne), an ex-convict who dominated the Harlem numbers racket during the 1930s and '40s. As he rises to power he gains equally powerful enemies, including hotheaded Bronx gangster Dutch Schultz (Tim Roth) and the suave mobster Lucky Luciano (Andy Garcia). Determined to defend his Harlem turf against these invaders, Bumpy eclipses the "policy queen" Stephanie St. Clair (Cicely Tyson) and becomes a self-styled Robin Hood figure, attracting the attention of a community servant (Vanessa Williams) who must confront the brutality of Bumpy's business. A must-see for anyone who likes gangster movies, Hoodlum is certainly not a masterpiece, but sharp performances and some powerful scenes make it an interesting look at a little-known chapter in criminal history. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Another Great Fishburne Performance!
Among other criticisms of this film was that it was a below average gangster flick, well I didn't see it that way. There was a lot of focus on the characters especially Fishburne's character Bumpy Johnson. Of course the movie highlights his rise in Harlem as opposed to Tim Roth's character (can't spell his name). The dialog was well written, I think that people were not ready for a gangster flick set during the era of Lucky Luciano and the Dutchman, involving a significant number of black characters. Yes I think African Americans were doing something during that time period besides wait for Dr.King to have his "dream". Fishburne played a strong character who took his destiny in his own hands and I think that's really what makes this film highly enjoyable to see.

Performances save un-original "Hoodlum"
Three great actors, Laurence Fishburn, Tim Roth, and Andy Garcia, are what keep this dull and awkward crime drama going. Watching Tim Roth potray the legendary evil Dutch Schultz is amazing. Larry Fishburn is also good as gangster Bumpy Johnson, one of Dutch's biggest rival's in the era in which this film takes place. And although Andy Garcia has a reletively small part, his performance as Lucky Luciano is probably the best offered of that character (at least from what I've seen). Other than that, this is probably the most boring gangster movie i've ever seen. Had it been at least half and hour shorter, it MIGHT have come out lookin' better, but alas, i did not. I wish I could give it Two and a half stars, I think that would be a little more fair, but I had to be fair to anyone curious about this movie, and give it "2".

Could have been great... but fell short.
This had the makings of a great mob movie. Set in the 1930's, depression era, the local boss of number-running, the Queen, is up against an insane competitor. Laurence Fishburn's character, "Bumpy," is recently let out of Sing Sing prison, and comes to help her.
This movie has all the makings of a modern-classic mob-movie; great shoot-outs, a very good plot, character-human analysis (if you get what I mean with that one, cause I don't know how else to put it), and a reason behind the chaos. The one thing that holds it back is the director. It may be his ego, it may just be his peronal taste, but the director kind of blurs plot-links at times with flashy scene-transitions, which annoy and confuse. Many a time he forgot that we were viewing the story through what he was giving us, and didn't already know everything to come, so he jumps around, and things happen that I don't really understand. It's not that I am stupid when it comes to movies, I even understood P.T. Anderson's "Magnolia," which confused many people (man, I seem arrogant there, but it's not that, I am just trying to show that it is a personal-retardation that is holding me back from understanding the movie). I could tell it wasn't the screen-writing, because the scenes not smudged by the director's ego were very good, and very well written.
The acting was powerful, everyone did a very good job in this category, yet Tim Roth (Dutch Schultz in this movie, the rival of The Queen of the numbers) has the same character every time, even if he is good in some, bad in others, but, still very well done. You could feel the emotions potrayed by the characters, and grew to either like or hate them. The special effects in this are awesome, as well. The main explosion in the movie truly had to be the best I have ever seen.

Watch this if you are a fan of mob-movies, otherwise steer clear and go for better ones like "Goodfellas" and "The Godfather."

FABULOUS SETS, SPARKLING CAST, ORDINARY MOVIE.
Hoodlum's sets and costumes are fabulous, the production value is very high, and the movie really conjures up an idea of what life must have been like in 1930s Harlem. I'm no authority, but I wonder if this level of
bright sunlit freshness was an accurate depiction of Harlem.

The movie gets gorier by the minute, until it draws to a very bloody end. Performances are not bad at all. Tim Roth - an actor I don't usually like - puts in a great performance as the psychotic-racist Dutch Schultz. Andy Garcia is excellent as Lucky Luciano. Vanessa Williams does her jig well. But the one performance that stands out is Fishburne's, very controlled and convincing.

The movie is not original after the movies we have been exposed to (good man turns all selfish when he sees the world around him) but it's a pretty decent gangster flick nevertheless if you like this kind of stuff. There's plenty of action -- in all senses of the word.

Hoodlum is enlightening
A great cast of characters, excellent scenes and Lawrence Fishburne exposes the emotions of a gangster. Just totally amazing in my opinion. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Brilliant movie - Insulting visual transfer
Before I review Black Rain, let me tell you that I agree with some of the previous reviewers that the picture quality of this DVD (its better on VHS) is totally unacceptable. When I first watched it, I had to check my cable connections to make sure they weren't at fault. What a let-down. Mr. Scott should be raising hell over this.

With that said, this is one of my favorite action movies. It portrays Detective Nick Conklin (Michael Douglas) as an outgoing, old-school cop who takes moral short-cuts to get the job done. His partner, a relatively new Detective (Andy Garcia) is along for the ride. They have a run-in with a Japanese mobster (Yakuza) named Sato. After arresting Sato for commiting two murders in a New York restaurant, the Detectives are ordered to escort him back to Japan to face charges there. They manage to let Sato escape as he arrives in Japan. A Japanese Detective (Ken Takarara) is assigned to help out the New York Detectives.

Douglas, Garcia and Takarara are excellenty cast in their respective roles. The screenplay is well written. I must say that the cinematography is really good. Japan, the once-conquered nation, is now an industrial powerhouse. But, like the U.S., it suffers from the ills of corruption and violence. Ridley Scott does a great job of showing the tension between the two cultures. The Japanese, "bound by duty and honor", and the Americans, loud and outspoken, are viewed as somewhat obnoxious by their counterparts. The musical score is incredible. Hans Zimmer really brings this movie to life with an array of Japanese and American-themed music that injects just the right amount of tension for the corresponding scene. Brilliantly done.

This movie is 5-Star material, but the DVD version is a huge disapointment. I would wait to see if a special edition DVD comes out (I can only hope) with the video quality this movie deserves.

"It started to rain... Black rain."
Another masterpiece from director Ridley Scott, Black Rain stars Michael Douglas as Nick Conklin, an NY cop who is under pressure from internal affairs and has just had a divorce. Along with him is his happy-go-lucky partner Charlie (Andy Garcia), who loves a good time (it's weird how they call each other "babe"). After arresting Japanese Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) boss Sato (Yusaku Matsuda), they are assinged to return him to Japan. When Sato escapes and humiliates the cops, Nick is determined to bring him in, but has to cope with the strict ways of the Japanese law enforcement. With the help of the by-the-book cop Masahiro (Ken Takakura), Nick vows to bring Sato down. With great supporting actors/actresses, good story, and great action, it's great for any person who likes action or Michael Douglas. It's only real flay is its absurdity, but that's not going to stop you from seeing it, is it?

Culture Clash
Black Rain may not have some of the epic qualities of other Ridley Scott films, like Blade Runner, Gladiator, or even Black Hawk Down, but it is still a solid cop thrller/fish out of water story.

Just as New York detective Mike Conklin (Michael Douglas) faces an investigation for corruption, Japan's yakuza hit man Sato (Yusaku Matsuda) kills two American mobsters in New York, he's then extradited to Osaka to face trial. Conklin and his partner Charlie Vincent (Andy Garcia) are assigned as his escorts back home. Mistakenly turning over their prisoner to yakuza disguised as police, Conklin and Vincent realize, after running down some blind alleys, that they have no chance of finding Sato in the unfamiliar city and enlist the services of Japanese desk cop Masahiro "Mas" Masumoto (Ken Takakura). While relaxing with Mas at a karaoke bar, the cops also get information on the world of the yakuza from Joyce Kinglsey (Kate Capshaw), a high-class bargirl. As they continue the search for Sato, the scrupulous, methodical, and civilized style of Japanese police work rubs the improvisational, rule-breaking Americans the wrong way. All three men must find a way to work together though, to succeed.

Scott certainly knows how to keep the action moving at a nice pace. Douglas is very good playing yet another cop on the edge. A very young Garcia makes the most of a fairly predictable role. Takakura gets along well with his "american" compatriots. His character is as much out of his element, while adjusting to the two westerners, as the two americans are. This makes the film even more fun. Special mention has to be made of the superb photography of future director Jan de Bont, who had just come off of Die Hard, in the movie. The Japan backdrop looks great and is at its grittiest. The film's biggest problem lies within its script. Some of its twists are easy to forecast before they occur. Fortunately though, everything else works pretty well, so as not to bring down the flick.

I like Black Rain a whole lot and would welcome a special edition DVD release of the movie. As it stands right now though, the current disc only has the theatrical trailer, for its bonus material. Since most Ridley Scott films make for great SE DVDs, I'm sure if done right, Black Rain would be as well. Recommended.

A guilt-free pleasure
I'm not sure why this movie is described as a 'guilty pleasure'. I don't feel at all bad about liking it. And I do like it, a lot.

For one thing, I like Michael Douglas. I liked him thirty years ago in _The Streets of San Francisco_, I liked him even better after he turned _One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest_ from a great book and a great stage play into a great motion picture, and I've kept right on liking him every time he's gotten himself cast in a stylish, well-scripted film.

And this _is_ a stylish, well-scripted film. It's every bit as dark as you expect from Ridley Scott, and although there's a fairly well-defined villain, the 'heroes' are morally ambiguous. I like that in a movie.

The reviewers who say Michael Douglas's character Nick Conklin is an 'ugly American' are right, but they seem to have missed the fact that this is part of the point. This film is a fairly ambitious, though not terribly deep, attempt to bring off an East-meets-West theme in what looks superficially like just another buddy-cop movie. The 'black rain' of the title is one of the aftereffects of the nuking of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and it's the symbolic stand-in for the Western 'decadence' bemoaned by the more traditional Nipponese (even the crime bosses).

But that doesn't mean Japan wins the dramatic argument. On the contrary, the Nipponese cop (played with endearing self-effacement by Ken Takakura) learns a few things from his new cowboy friend 'Nick-san' too. (And the karaoke scene with Takakura and Andy Garcia is priceless.)

Kate Capshaw doesn't really need an excuse to appear in a film, and that's good, because here she doesn't really have one. She's an expatriate American who inexplicably keeps turning up at the center of the action. She gives the film a bit of _Casablanca_-like flavor, but it's more a matter of mood than anything else.

I won't tell you anything about the plot except that it involves the Japanese underworld and that it zips along at a fast clip. Don't look away or you'll miss something.

The whole thing is rendered most atmospherically, with the sort of dark and brooding edge that I like in a film (and at which Ridley Scott excels). In general I'm not the biggest fan of Hans Zimmer's scores, but for the most part he's used pretty effectively here.

This is a first-rate action-adventure thriller, and I don't feel the slightest bit 'guilty' for taking a very great deal of pleasure in it.

Perfect Ridley Scott
One of my favorite films--if for no other reason, it is signature Scott. However, it is a very good film all around! Douglas, Takakura and Capshaw were outstanding! Some may not like the genre or Scott, hence, some of the reviews. A caution: Be sure to read the reviewer's comments about the quality of the DVD version on down the list. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Between the politics and love
This a nicely made movie based on the life of Arturo Sandoval, a Cuban (-American) jazz musician. Between his love for jazz and for his wife the great musician is stuck between international politics.

Great Jazz performances (including Dizzy G.) and beautiful photography, Andy Garcia is being a great actor that he is shows a great performance in this movie.

Little bit of propaganda has slided in but the good music makes it possible to stay blind to that aspect.

Entertaining, enlightening drama!
Entertaining, enlightening drama! This artistic production (originally an HBO tele-film) presents a touching love story shown against a colorful visual backdrop set to vibrant music. Great acting! I was an admirer of Andy Garcia's talents prior to viewing this piece, which has only increased my appreciation of his abilities (he is also executive producer). Mr.Garcia's love for Cuba and passion for music (jazz) are present throughout as the story, which is predictable (and told in flashbacks) unfolds. The viewer senses the rising frustration of musician Arturo Sandoval (Garcia) at the conflict presented by his human need to freely express his love (music),which is increasingly blocked by the repressive political regime in power, without losing his lover (who becomes his wife) and son. As political developments occur (which are depicted through newsclips viewed by characters), he sadly concludes that he must leave his native Cuba. Mia Maestro as Mrs. Sandoval, a Cuban supporter of the Castro regime at the beginning (a government employee, in fact) similarly experiences an emotional journey which eventually leads her to realize she must follow her husband (and her heart) by agreeing to defect with him. The complications of carrying out this effort provide the essence of the story. Charles Dutton, as Dizzy Gillespie, plays a colorful character who has a pivotal part as the plot unfolds; Gloria Estefan also appears. The story is more poignant because we know that it is a biography, and that Mr. and Mrs. Sandoval provided technical advice. Thank you to Mr. Garcia and to Mr. Sandoval for giving us this story! The sharp technical quality of the DVD format enhances the colorful recreation of 1970's Havanna (the production was actually shot in Puerto Rico and Miami); the edition also includes interviews with cast members.

An amazing story, incredible music
This movie has all it needs to make it worthy of a spot in your video library. Wonderful characterizations by gifted artists, beautiful staging and scenery, a fabulous soundtrack, and a story that made me wonder, "What do I hold so fundamental that I would be willing to risk everything to keep it?" After renting the video, I recommended it to a jazz-music-loving friend, who, in turn, bought me the DVD for my birthday (knowing he can borrow it!). Watching it again motivated me to splurge on tickets to Arturo Sandoval when he came to our area, which was the best night of music I have ever heard. Each time I watch this movie, the story and the music move me. You will not be disappointed.

Escape to Freedom
FOR LOVE OR COUNTRY is based on the true story of Arturo Sandoval who finally cooperates with the Cuban government and even joins the communist party in order to have the freedom to travel internationally. He was living in a country where there was no respect for human rights, let alone freedom of expression in music.

Arturo Sandoval is one of the most brilliant musicians of our time and is known as a protégé of the great Dizzy Gillespie. He was born in Artemisa on November 6, 1949. Artemisa is a small town on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba.

He realized he was a trumpet player when he was eleven. He began studying classical trumpet at the age of twelve. He is now known as one of the world's most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn. As a Professor, Sandoval has lectured internationally.

Filled with a virtuoso capability, he had an intense desire to share his musical gift with those who share the same love for music. Arturo Sandoval appears on the tracks "Moonglow" and "That Old Feeling" in Rod Stewart's release "It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook." His diverse style can be heard on albums like Gloria Estefan's "Into the Light." He also has made a contribution on albums by Johnny Mathis, Frank Sinatra and Paul Anka.

This movie emphasizes his virtuoso technical ability and his specialty in high notes. He also is shown playing the piano and is known for lyrically improvising a ballad. He also had the privilege of creating and performing the score for this movie. The story of his own life. He explains:

"When the idea for the movie came up, I was happy to be able to tell my story, but even happier to write the film score," he says. "Music for movies has been my life's passion, and this was my first and biggest step in that direction........."

In the movie, Arturo (Cuban-American actor Andy García) is thinking about defecting when he meets Marianela (Mia Maestro). She becomes more important to him than freedom. Their beliefs are on the opposite sides of the political spectrum and yet their love binds them to one another as they try to overlook their political differences.

Marianela represents family loyalty and the way people who live in Cuba really think. It shows how Marianela goes from being completely loyal to a dictator to having her eyes opened to the reality of the situation. She falls completely in love with this talented musician but fears he may leave her like her first husband. Arturo has also been married before and while he is willing to spend his entire life with Marianela, she has her doubts and issues with trust. She has been betrayed by the government she supported.

"What I feel about you. I've never felt it before ... I don't trust it." -Marianela

This movie is at times so romantic. Especially the scene where Marianela and Arturo are dancing and when she wakes him up after he spends the night sleeping on a grave. The scene overlooking the ocean is so pristine.

After performing with the Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music, he was allowed to start a group called Irakere that promoted a combination of Cuban music and jazz. In 1981 he then leaves Irakere to form his own band.

He believes he has a gift to give the world and is fighting a force that threatened to drown his true love, music.

After living with his wife in Cuba and starting a family, he decides it is time to leave. He believes that by defecting to the United States he is rejecting a system that kills confidence and personality. Rejecting a government that controls everything to the point that people lose their desire to achieve.

The government finally tries to control Sandoval's music and his dream for greater artistic expression. While on a European tour, he leaves for a secret meeting at the U.S. Embassy.

Sandoval was granted political asylum in July 1990. Since his defection, Sandoval has increased his classical performances world wide including performances with the National Symphony, L.A. Philharmonic, National Symphony of Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh Symphony.

"This was such a blessing for me. I thank God everyday for being here in this wonderful country and sharing my music. This experience has been very rewarding. I hope that our modest musical contribution here today shows we stand united and strong and that we are America the Beautiful." ~Arturo Sandoval speaking of his opportunity to share his music at the White House

Even Arturo says he would like to go back to visit his homeland, but under a different government.

"Flight to Freedom" was his first recording immediately following his defection.

An emotional movie about the desire to use your God-given talents without repression from those who don't see beauty in the soul. This movie really is about having a dream and finding your true purpose in life. This is a movie about beauty and sadness with a happy ending.

Life is truly a dream for those who are free and yet at times even if you are free, you can feel that you are in a prison of yourself. There are times when a person feels they have so much to give and they can't find an outlet for their gift to the world. In such a case a person can at times risk everything for the freedom of expression and the freedom to grow as a person, as a soul.

If you never follow your dreams, you might not be really free.

A movie about Romance and Freedom everyone should see! Especially romantics and those who love Jazz.

I love you Arturo
This movie is just brilliant I love it. the scene in the club were he is playing with dizzy gilespy is awsome. Salt penuts Salt penuts! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Yawn
This movie got a great credential: Ashley Judd, Andy Garcia & Samuel Jackson. The storyline is what you would expect from Hollywood. Ashley's character is a homicide detective. His father was a detective as well, partnered to Samuel Jackson's character but alas, he committed suicide. Her mum was supposedly killed by her father, according to Samuel's character who is now chief to Ashley's character. Anyhow, despite that Ashley's character is a great detective, she is a fallen angel, who has the propensity to be violent to his suspects & she torments herself by sleeping with men of violent temparement. The movie got excited when all the men she slept with died a violent death. It's the case of a serial killer who attempted to outwit the investigators. Andy played Ashley's character's partner but as any Hollywood movies would have it, the suspicion would lead us to believe that he's the killer. Hollywood has a tendency to think that audience is thick & that the twist is always predictable & somewhat daff. In the end, the explanation given to the deaths of those characters & to tie them to the death of Ashley's character's parents is somehow vague & overly illogical. Anyway, it's just an excuse to get this movie made. Truth to be told, all the actors & actresses in this movie are underutilised. The script could be tighter or better. Give me "Law & Order" anytime. I have just wasted two hours of my valuable time. Forgettable.

not a turkey
My wife and I were lucky enough to see this movie at Mann's Chinese Theater during Oscars weekend while on holiday in LA.

We are both fans of good movies and, quite honestly, this film delivers the goods and sometimes more. It doesn't matter if you can work out the ending in advance, it is an extremely competent piece of film-making. Not an ewigkeitswerk perhaps, but very good all the same

Definitely could have been better
This movie is not a must.wait till u see it on tv

Waiting for the DVD
The movie sounds pretty good, I never listen to reviews from critics; I prefer to form my own opinion. I am a Russell Wong admirer and I really want to see the movie to see him. I do like Samuel Jackson, Andy Garcia and of course Ashley Judd. They are all fine actors. I am very anxious for the DVD to be made available. Thanks

THE TRAILER PROMISED SO MUCH MORE
The trailer promised so much more. How could you go wrong with Ashley Judd playing a cop who bangs every hot guy she meets in the roughest bar in town and then finds them dead as part of her SFPD homicide duties? Well, somehow TWISTED is as good as an ABC Sunday night movie.

Judd is a sex addict and an alcoholic, haunted by the violent deaths of her parents. Her mother was a slut too, and her father apparently killed several of her lovers before wasting his wife and them himself. As her father was also an SFPD cop, this frustrates Judd to no end.

After the deaths of her parents, Judd was taken in by her father's partner, Samuel L. Jackson. Judd drinks, passes out, and finds the bodies of former sex partners. All you have to do is figure out who in her life is killing all her lovers. He also killed her parents. Surprise, surprise.

Enjoyable, because Judd is poetry in motion. Maybe you should wait and rent it when it comes out on DVD in a couple of months. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Sixteen years after Francis Ford Coppola won his second Oscar for The Godfather II (his first was for the 1972 Godfather), the director and star Al Pacino attempted to revive the concept one more time. Despite an elaborate plot that involves Michael Corleone seeking redemption through the Vatican while simultaneously preparing his nephew (Andy Garcia) to take over the Corleone family, the film fails to take shape as a truly meaningful experience in the way the preceding movies do. Still, Pacino is very moving as an elder Michael, filled with regret and trying hard to make amends with his wife (Diane Keaton) and grown children (one of whom is played, and not all that well, by the director's daughter, Sofia Coppola). --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (123)

In no way measures up to Parts I and II, but watchable.
Godfather Part III is in no way comparable to the magnificant Parts I and II.Much of the acting is very sub-par, in complete contrast to the earlier Godfather films.

Nor is the plot particularly compelling.Michael wants to exit the underworld, the rest would be telling.But what really characterizes this film is the poor acting.Even Al Pacino fails to turn in a compelling performance here.Very disappointing.

I gave this one three stars because, well, it is still The Godfather, kind of.I considered two stars, which should tell you something.

The Saga Ends
I never understood the animous of so-called "Godfather" purists directed against this installment of the trilogy.For years Francis Ford Coppola resisted efforts to recruit him to make another "Godfather" film.When he did make one it was on the condition that Michael Corleone dies, the only logical conclusion in continuing this story.The knives were out for the casting of his daughter Sofia in the central role of Mary Corleone.Now I'm not saying that Sofia is a credible actress but her deficiencies, I felt, were covered up by the more accomplished actors in the cast.I'm more outraged that people think she is an accomplished director-screenwriter on the basis of the woeful "Lost in Translation".Yes, there are many ridiculous elements to the film, a ludicrous Vatican bank scandal subplot and Talia Shire's scenery-chewing account of Connie Corleone.That said the positives here outnumber the negatives.First off, Al Pacino's account of Michael Corleone in the twilight of his life is flawless.You can see in his face the realization that he's deluded himself that the family business that he headed was a noble enterprise despite his efforts to legitimize it in the eyes of acceptable society.I also thought there was some discernable chemistry in the scenes he shared with Diane Keaton as Kay.It's kind of ironic that Pacino wasn't nominated for an Oscar for his work here;instead he was nominated for his role as Big Boy Caprice in "Dick Tracy".Andy Garcia is magnetic as Vincent, Sonny Corleone's illegitimate son.Joe Mantegna gives a colorful account of Joey Zaza, a John Gotti type.Look for Catherine Scorsese(Marty's mother) in a small role here.Not to be missed is Coppola's commentary where he vociferously defends the choices he made for this film, in particular his casting of his own daughter.He sounds like an overly protective daddy protecting his baby girl from the knives and daggers directed against her.

Not a good movie...
Overall, this movie could not have been worse. It was long, strung out and only needed to be about half as long as it was.
The casting in this movie is terrible. Andy Garcia trying to play some goofy impression of James Caan (Sonny) was embarrasing at best. Sofia Coppola was simply a terrible choice, her mouth moves in stranger ways than Renee Zellweiger, and she ruins every scene she's in. Pacino essentially never gets into character, he just mumbles through his scenes. Joe Mantenga was an awful choice who brings nothing to the film but a weird, effeminate Italian stereotype. Worst part of the movie? "Connie okays a hit" Excuse me, but CONNIE okyaying a HIT? Oh, Michael, you have fallen from grace. The abusive nature of Italians toward women is a common theme in Puzo's work and this would never have happened. What's next - Mama Corleone and mary start their own family like clemenza and Tessio?
This was a sad excuse for a Godfather movie - if they couldn't do it right, they shouldn't have done it at all - notice how EVERY actor is related to Francis Coppola? Pathetic!

Please, No Godfather IV
I have seen this film several times, all the way through or in parts. Frankly, I have mixed emotions about it because, when discussing it, I want to be fair and focus on it as a discrete film, judging it on its own terms; however, for me at least, that is impossible because it is the third of three Godfather films and its two predecessors are masterpieces. I cannot exclude vivid memories of scenes and even comments from films I first saw 18 and then 14 years before seeing this one for the first time in 1990. OK, that's my challenge. I finally decided to try to rate it on its own terms, hence the Three Stars. What it has going for it includes Pacino's talent, several plausible conflicts, brilliant cinematography, and a tone of melancholy which is consistent throughout the narrative. After years of broken promises to wife Kay (Diane Keaton), Michael has almost completed a process by which to extricate himself and his family from organized crime. However, his marriage has ended, mortal enemies remain such as Altobello (Eli Wallach) and Joey Zaza (Joe Montegna), his negotiations with the Vatican encounter unexpected complications, and finally, his physical health is poor as pressures and tensions in his life intensify. It is no wonder that he suffers a severe heart attack in his kitchen ("Just when I think I'm out....") from which he never fully recovers.

However, the film has several problems. One concerns the lack of a primary plot to give the narrative cohesion. There are hundreds of individual episodes in The Godfather and Godfather Part II (as in other films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago) but they are coordinated effectively. Not so of the episodes in this film. Sofia Coppola's performance as Mary Corleone has been savaged by most critics. In fact, she is reputed to be a late replacement for Wynona Rider, had no prior acting experience in films, and was given a role as trivial as Anne Archer's in the three Jack Ryan films. I will not join others in bashing her. Another of the film's flaws is director Coppola and the three screenwriters' failure to do more with the role of Vincent Mancini (Andy Garcia). So many missed opportunities as Garcia's great talents are under-utilized, especially when on-screen with his obviously exhausted Uncle Michael. The illegitimate son of Santino ("Sonny") Corleone, Vincent is only occasionally allowed to show some of his father's passion, providing energy which this film desperately needs and otherwise lacks.

The jumpy plot and underdeveloped characters are, in my opinion, this film's major weakness but it has several fine moments as when Vincent challenges Zaza, when Michael meets with Cardinal Lamberto (Raf Vallone), the deadly sequence as the performance in the opera house proceeds to its conclusion, and the final scene when Michael reflects upon his empty life. Judged only on its own terms, Three Stars. Let's all hope that there will be no Part IV.

THe Death of Michael Corleone
First of all, it is TRUE that Godfather III isn't NEARLY as good as I or II. But then again, what is? WHen I watch this film, i tried to keep myself from comparing it to the first two because that would be unfair for this, or for that matter, ANY other films. After the religious introduction with Michael receiving honors from the Pope (may John Paul rest in peace) for paying the the man, we have some of the most awkward sequences in the trilogy. One must understand, it's been 15 years between episode II and III; unfortunately, this CAN be clearly seen in the first few scenes with Michael and Kay. THey have aged quite a bit and there seems to be not only distance between the characters, but between the actor and actress as well. Michael has softened quite a bit and seems to be a tired old man who only wants to live out the rest of his life in peace. Then of course, we get Andy Garcia as Vincenzo. I believe that without Garcia stepping in to provide some much-needed energy in the early scenes, i would have given up and slept through the rest of the film. Also, to be quite frank, Joe Montana gave the one of the worst performances as Vincent's antagonist, Joey Zasa, that i've seen in a while (the worst of all time is saved for John Malkovich in "Man in Iron Mask"...i DARE you to watchthat film...i DARE you). Not only is "Joey" seen as a nuisance, but also the man behind Joey.

However, after these horrific opening scenes, we began to see Pacino start to reenter the mind of Michael Corleone. The plot that follows is a bit complicated and confusing, but upon watching this film a few more times, i understood the brilliance of Coppola's screenwriting. Garcia is dynamite in just about every scene, even the ones with the director's daughter Sofia (Mary Corleone). I would agree that she, having such a crucial role in the film, just about dragged the film down with her acting career (notice i only typed acting, not directing, see "Lost in Translation"). But Garcia manages to keep a certain level of charm and believability in their scenes together. Meanwhile, Pacino excels once more as Michael, this time portraying a changed man. Some of the scenes during Michael's trip to Sicily with Kay are quite beautiful visually and emotionally and are reminiscent of the earlier episodes. There is one particular scene with Michael in a garden which I thought was simply a magnificent. This man Michael has done some of the most horrific things a man can do and he has tried to justify them in his conscience by telling himself it was for the good of the family. The tragic part is only AFTER he had lost everything did he realize what a monster he had become. And we can totally see Michael simply being unable to hold these thoughts in any longer and pour them out to a priest. I don't want to give anymore away, but that is a great scene to look for.

And finally, we have the Shakespearian finale. This film is definitely the most operatic of the three and it is both better and worse compared to the first two in that way. Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni is one of the most beautiful operas ever written and I thought it was an excellent choice for this excellent film. Once again, don't want to give too much away, the final scene is as fine a piece of directing and acting as I've ever seen. It is so good, that I think it makes up for the awkwardness of the first few scenes. The final shot will move your heart in a way which only few shots can. We see Michael dancing with all the women in his life that he'd hurt as a result of his involvement in the Mafia; this is shown during a performance (quite fitting) of the Intermezzo of the Cavalleria Rusticana.
Once again, a fine piece of film art that isn't comparable to the first two, but still outstanding on it's own. I believe it IS true that Coppola wanted to name this film "The Death of Michael Corleone" as he SHOULD have. I believe that would have been a wise move because it would draw attention AWAY from comparing this film to the first two, but studio executives had their way; and as most of us know, the rest is history. But I beg you to see this film for yourself rather than listen to all the mindless blathering coming from people who hate this film just because it's popular to do so. This is a beautiful film.
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Reviews (17)

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