Reviews (255)

Not Quite Titanic
Titan A.E. has a lot of to live up to. Recent Disney films, though very cliched, have followed a very straight forward, good conquers all storyline. As a result, these have grossed up and beyond the 100 million mark. So, coming up with a new idea is indeed very risky, especially when you spend 90 million dollars on it, like the makers of Titan A.E. did. The film takes place in the 31st century, the earth has been blown up by an alien race, and humans are now restricted to doing slave work in space and are dying of at a rapid pace. A drifter named Cal, whose father was lead designer of "the titan project", a craft which has the ability to reproduce earth as we know it. Cal (voiced by Matt Damon) soon finds out his destiny and goes on a quest to find the ship. The storyline is a mix of Star Wars and the recent flop Battlefield Earth. Its a shame the movie used cliches of both films, and could never develop the charcters into a group the people would care about. There are certain twists in the movie, but nothing that actually throws you. The animation is probably the only real reason to see this movie. The mix of CGI backgrounds and animation make the movie look outstanding. The developers had the unfortunate privilage of coming off the horrid Battlefield Earth and Dinosaur. If the story was a little more grounded, and the charcters were a little more developed, this could have been a blockbuster film. Unless you are looking for great animation, but shallow plot, stay away from this film.

A Steal From the Budget Bin
I'm always astounded when I see this dvd offered so cheap. It's usually thrown in the same budget bin with really bad movies.

To cut to the chase, the story is ok; not great, but not bad either. What really separates this one into the pile of DVD's that I like to watch are the stunning visuals and the even more stunning (DTS) sound. If you have a home theater, then this dvd will pay for itself in the first few minutes of the movie.

An indicator of the excellent sound on this dvd is that when I finally added a subwoofer to my home theater, the first dvd I put in to try out was Titan AE (and it left my whole family with mouths agape).

The story itself is fine, though it would have been better if it were developed more. There is a good story there, it's just not fully presented. Some of the secondary characters are very forgettable. In other words, it's pretty much on par with most SciFi movies. I could have written this same paragraph about any Star Wars or Star Trek movie. That may not be high praise, but it's no indictment either. It's SciFi; enjoy what it gives you and don't be overly critical.

Not exactly "Titan"-ic...
Although I'm a fan of both "space opera" sci-fi and 'toons geared more towards the older crowd, I didn't find "Titan A.E." to be a particularly interesting or original melding of these two elements. On the story side, I found the whole "boy-man-destined-to-save-humanity" angle that the central character plays a bit derivative of, and not played out quite as well as such previous sci-fi messiahs as the 'Star Wars' trilogy's Luke Skywalker and 'Dune's' Paul Atreides/Muad'Dib. I also would've preferred they put a little more exposition into-- and explained with a bit more detail-- the period between the Earth's destruction and the commencing of the hero's search for the Titan. On the technical end of things: although the folks who put this together made an admirable effort to meld both 3-D computer animation and traditional cel animation together as seamlessly as possible, It rarely ever looked quite right. This lack of cohesion is especially noticeable in one scene where a cel-drawn character is walking down a CGI spiral staircase. Or was he walking UP it? See, the thing looks so odd I couldn't even tell which direction the guy was goin' on the staircase! How's THAT for a case in point, eh? Otherwise, the 'toonage was some of the most detailed and painstakingly-rendered I've ever seen in a non-anime feature.

But even though I found the story and animation less than stellar, I thought some of the deleted scenes in the bonus features section were moderately interesting. A few parts of these scenes were rough-drawn, giving the viewer a little window into the animation process and what the film's producers worked with before adding the finishing touches to the 'toonage. The feature-length commentary track featuring co-directors Don Bluth and Gary Goldman also lets the viewer in on the more technical aspects of producing animated features in general and 'Titan A.E.' in particular. Sadly, I found their commentary so dry that I bailed out on them about twenty minutes into the feature. It also didn't help that they spoke in an almost hushed tone half the time, prompting me to turn the volume up just so I could understand them.

Also included among the special features were the usual trailers and TV spots for the movie, and a behind-the-scenes special on the making of the feature. My viewing of the BTS special made me come to the realization that I've become rather tired of most of these "making-of" featurettes that they throw onto most "special-edition" DVDs nowadays. About halfway through the show I realized I really didn't give two doots about how the animation was done, or the voice actors talking about the complexities of their characters. Immediately after making this realization, I bailed on the special and decided to go do something a little more productive-- like writing this review about the DVD.

And people say I'm a slacker...

'Late

Visuals!
Some of the most beautiful visuals of any movie to grace the screen. Should appeal to fans of Star Wars style action. Too intense for the wee ones though.

Wasted potential
This is what happens when the guy who did "Pebble and the Penguin" ventures into "Heavy Metal 2000" territory.

In the beginning I actually liked this movie. Visuals were nice, and storyline seemed promising: earth has been destroyed and humanity has spread out among the stars while being persecuted by the Drej, a race of pure energy, because they fear what we might become and also the construction of the Titan AE. Yet there were some problems I noticed that put the film on thin ice: cliche, archetype characters. For example: the brave, handsome hero and the tough, independant woman. And of course they hate each other, because after all two people can't fall in love unless they hate each other's guts first.

Things start to go downhill in the storyline though. For example, the Drej are not scary at all, nor are they dangerous. Characters are continually saying through out the film, "You can't defeat them!" Yet through out the film their fighters and ground troops are killed with one shot. And this includes one shot with a PISTOL! I don't care if its a laser pistol, its still a freggin' pistol versus a giant fightercraft.

The plotholes get bigger in the next thirty minutes. Some examples:
1) How did the hero know what the Drej lord was saying? Did he read the subtitles?
2) Do you know the hero breaks out of prison by going through the electric shield door? You're telling me one of the most advanced civilizations in the universe can't come up with a better way to imprison people?
3) Why could the hero fly the Drej plane? Where did he learn to fly it? Did he read a "Drej Plane for Dummies" in a cut scene?
4) The hero and heroine find out the captain is in league with the Drej by peeking through the door. OK...why the hell did he leave his door open if he's talking with his race's archenemy?! Didn't he think that a little bit of secrecy was in order? And then he gets mad at they heard him...he should be mad at himself!
5) So our two main characters just convinced an entire colony of people they didn't know to help build a busted spaceship, make it work, and cheer them on as they left? And how long did it take them to do this because they make it seem like it was less than a few days.
6) They didn't really flesh out why the Drej hated us so much. They keep saying "It's because of what we may become." Well all right, but isn't every race capable of being great? Why doesn't the Drej just kill every one? The Drej's despise of Titan AE seems to hold the answer until it's revealed at the end that Titan AE is meant to rebuild earth after it's destroyed. OK that explains why the Drej want to destroy it...but it doesn't explain why they hate us so much.
7) How did the little annoying green guy survive an explosion point blank?

The turncoating of the captain through out the film was totally unconvincing. He's suddenly gone from the nice, father-like figure to "I AM GOING TO KILL THEM ALL" villain stereotype. Then near the end he suddenly sacrifices his life to let the hero and heroine go, saying, "No! It's better this way!" I seriously doubt they thought that character out, instead going for every side-character cliche in the book.

The voice acting in this wasn't too great either. I wonder why? I wonder who came up with the idea that Drew Barrymore would be a great choice to play an Asian chick. And Jeanine Gerafelo's voice couldn't be any more monotone. I'll admit Nathan Lane's character had some class, although it seemed to add needless humor to a character that becomes serious in the second act, adding yet again more bad character continuity in the film.

This film had a lot of potential considering the basic storyline and the budget/artists involved. Unfortunately, it's marred by the poor script that doesn't take itself seriously at all. It's pretty much over by the end when the hero calls the new Earth "Bob." Wow what a great way to end a movie. I'm surprised Stanley Kubrick didn't have a clown instead of superhuman baby at the end of "2001."

Wait a minute...the writer of the "Buffy the Vamprie Slayer" TV series wrote this? THAT'S YOUR PROBLEM! ... Read more

Reviews (97)

Best Movie Ever
I saw this movie a few weeks ago not knowing beforehand that several members of the State are in it and that Wain and Showalter produced and wrote it. The first time I saw it I thought it was great. Upon second and subsequent viewings I realized that it is the smartest and funniest comedy ever made. Yes, this is just my opinion, but that doesn't make it any less true. Showalter, Black, Marino and Lo Truglio are simply amazing. The rest of the cast is great too, especially Christopher Meloni (sp?) as Gene. Garafolo and Pierce are easily the least funny people in the movie, but even they pull off a few good moments. By the way, if you are stupid (i.e. Roger Ebert) you will probably not like this movie. It will leave you confused and angry. If you are a real person, however, you will want to watch it constantly. Hopefully Showalter and Wain will make another movie soon. Again, funniest movie ever made...

this camp is a little bit coo-coo, if you get my drift
Paul Rudd (Anchorman, The Object Of My Affections), Janeane Garafalo (Copland, Minus Man), David Hyde Pierce(Tv's Fraiser, Osmosis Jones), Michael Ian Black (Tv's Ed, Tv's Viva Variety), Amy Poehler (Tv's Upright Citizens Brigade, Tv's SNL), Christopher Meloni (Tv's Law and Order SVU, Tv's Oz), Molly Shannon (Superstar, Osmosis Jones) and Marguerite Moreau (Queen Of The Damned) head an allstar cast in this satire about life on the last day of camp. The cast do some funny things. Meloni, the camp cook, has an inspiring speech towards the end about wiping mud on his ass and humping a fridge and also when he is talking to canned goods. Pierce and Garofalo are a perfect match for each other. Michael Ian Black has never been more funnier playing a kid who is gay and gets married in the lake and Paul Rudd plays Moreau's jealous boyfriend. Though sometimes crude and tasteless jokes weigh it down, it springs back up with a lot of heart.

A failed attempt at humor
I bought this DVD based on the reviews; unfortunately, it was a big mistake. While two of my favorite actors were in this movie, the humor failed to make me laugh. It was worse than childish and I got only a couple of chuckles from the movie. I would not watch it again and I would not recommend it to anyone. Be afraid, be very afraid---you have been warned.

I'd rather watch reruns of SALUTE YOUR SHORTS!!!
I've noticed that all of the positive reviews here are bashing those of us who find this movie unfunny. I appreciate good, quirky humor and rented this hoping for another PORKY'S or MEATBALLS. I can't believe anyone agreed to produce this movie. Sure, it has a couple of genuinely funny scenes. However, mostly it's just a bunch of unrelated vignettes fueled by no real plot. This movie includes a man humping a refrigerator (this same man talks to a can of mixed vegetables),
a horrible "semi-spoof" of ARMAGEDDON, and pathetic attempts at satirizing 70s and 80s camp movies. The only thing going for this movie is the cast. If you're like me, you'll rent this regardless of what everyone else has to say. I just hope you find it more enjoyable than I did.

All people who bash this movie are dumb.
I'm sorry to say, but everyone who gives this film a bad rating have the sense of humor of an Iraqi camel spider. I'd like to see everyone who gave this movie a bad rating try to make a comedy. I bet their idea of a funny scene would be two men sitting in a library reading and one man starts to speak loudly. This movie is a comedic masterpiece. If I could give it 10 stars I would. I loved every part of this movie. A little warning for those with weak stomachs watch out for McKinley: P. This movie is an excellent buy and I suggest that everyone owns a copy. ... Read more

Reviews (110)

Oh, wow. I loved this movie. I watched it over and over....
This movie is just brilliant! It's amazing! It's about four girls who meet up twenty years later and it's just brilliant! Most of it is set in the summer of 1970, and it's great fun to watch. My favourite character was Samantha, played by Gaby Hoffman at 12 and Demi Moore at 32. I liked the other three as well: Teeny (Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith), Chrissy (Ashleigh Aston Moore, Rita Wilson) and Roberta (Christina Ricci, Rosie O' Donnell). All the actors were great and it's a star-studded cast featuring Janeane Garafolo and Brendan Frasier in cameos. There's only one actress making her debut, Ashleigh Aston Moore, and she gives a stunning performance as 12-year-old Chrissy. You will do anything to get your hands on this video!!!

NOW AND THEN rocks!
I just love NOW AND THEN. It's about four best friends who recall their lives growing up as kids one summer. The film starts out when they are adults, going back to their home, and then it goes into the 60s when they were kids...and then at the end, back to their adulthood. The film is all about what they go through that one summer: hilarious moments, depressing moments, scary moments, and so on. They remember trying to bring back a 12-year-old boy who died and they remember trying to find out how he died. They remember stuff about their families, and they even remember the pranks they pulled on each other and pranks they pulled on a group of neighborhood boys, who also played pranks on them!

NOW AND THEN stars Rosie O'Donnell and Christina Ricci as Roberta, Demi Moore and Gaby Hoffmann as Samantha, Thora Birch and Melanie Griffith as Teeny, and Rita Wilson and Ashleigh Aston Moore as Chrissy. Devon Sawa, Bonnie Hunt, and Brendan Fraser also star in this delightful comedy classic. If you love coming of age films, then I definitely suggest this to your collection. NOW AND THEN is a wonderful film with excellent acting and a terrific screenplay. Go and buy it!

Good for Girls!
In this film four women get together to celebrate the upcoming birth of a new baby and start reminiscing the last summer of thier 'childhood'. In the summer of 1970, the four girls explore the death of a young boy, that died years before they were born. The girls learn more about themselves then anything else. Great performances by the young stars. This is the perfect movie for slumber parties, as long as there is some Kleenex around! This 'coming of age' film is excellent. It makes you really appreciate the friendships that you have, at any age, and that there is nothing better than your own 'girlfriends'! Great film for 'mother and daughter time' for those girls 10 and up!

a really cool movie
i think this movie is really good. and the casting is good too. i really like everything about it especially when the girls are younger discovering heaps of stuff and growing up \, talking about all the things teen girls talk about. so i think this is definitely a girl movie. go see it u will love it.

"Early days of Christina Ricci & Thora Birch"
"Now and Then" is a very great depiction of growing up..
And it features the early days of 2 of now our greatest and most sexiest actresses Thora Birch (here she is a blonde) and my favorite Christina Ricci..They shine as does the other 2 girls in this more then wonderful movie..The movie features a fantastic 1970s Classic Rock soundtrack..It covers all areas of what 70s Classic Rock was..Pick up the cd soundtrack while you are at it along with this dvd..The only downside on this dvd is there is SADLY No Behind The Scenes..I wish they would have behind the scenes and bloopers of this movie would have been great..
And even better would be a reunion of the cast..Coz i am wondering what ever became of the other 2 actresses in this movie with Ricci & Birch..And this too i think they could have casted the "older" versions of the girls better then they did..Rosie O Donnell as the older Christina Ricci in Rosie's dreams..The only one of the "older" versions that is really believable that can really picture is Melanie Griffith as the "older" Thora Birth..But they are not in this movie long thankfully..They are only in start and end with maybe a total time of 5 minutes or a tad more..Not enough to ruin this great movie..The movie focuses thankfully more on Ricci / Birch and the girls..Other then what i just mentioned this is one of the greatest films you will ever see..And if you had been between ages 5 and teen years in the 1970s it will bring back loads of memories..Everything from the opening scene of the girls playing "red rover red rover let (put your name here) come over" to the music to the looks and just things did as a kid and teen in those days..It is reinacted sooooo well that you can't even tell this is a 1995 movie..The sets the feeling is total 70s..It is recreated magnificentally..I am 38 this year *2004* and it brought back many memories for me..Christina Ricci here reminds me sooooo much of My Beloved Mandy when we first met right down to a priceless basketball scene..So this movie has sentimental value to me..Watch this movie maybe it will touch you in that way too..But either way i can guarentee that it will bring back memories..It will be a fun filled viewing exsperiance..A kind of a early teen girl version of Stand By Me..Enjoyable Fun and Wonderful filmed movie adds up fun for all no matter when your generation is.NOT TO BE MISSED
Gets better with every single time you watch it..A must for any fan of the one and only Christina Ricci..If you are a fan of Christina Ricci and you don't have this movie get this movie to prove you are her fan..Christina Ricci Rules...... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ever wonder if there was a class system in the world of superheroes?After all the big names like Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, etc., who were the supporting players? The folks assigned to the less-than-stellar gigs of saving only a small part of the world? According to this intermittently successful send-up of comic book heroism, there are indeed masked heroes who struggle and toil for their moment in the super sun. Based on the Dark Horse comic book series, Mystery Men follows the travails of three B-list avengers--Mr. Furious (Ben Stiller), the Shoveler (William H.Macy), and the Blue Raja (Hank Azaria)--as they fight to make themselves known to the citizens of Champion City, quite difficult to do when the flashy Captain Amazing (Greg Kinnear, never better) takes all the cool gigs and has product endorsements up the ying-yang. According to them, it's all a matter of timing--never mind that Mr. Furious never rises abovea snit, or that the Blue Raja wears green. Their big break comes when Captain Amazing is abducted by the evil Casanova Frankenstein (Geoffrey Rush), and it's up to this motley crew to save Champion City.

Blessed with a wondrously gifted comic cast and full of droll details, Mystery Men struggles in fits and spurts towards its climax. Transcendently witty in parts, it's also woefully sophomoric in others. Literally, this is the kind of movie in which someone gets off a brilliant line and then sits on a fork. Still, when this movie is rolling, it's gleefully on target, thanks primarily to the mordantly cocky Stiller and Janeane Garofalo as a latecomer to the superhero gang; her secret weapon is a bowling ball in which her dead father's head is encased. The comic chemistry between these two is fierce, and when you add the dryly funny Macy and the endearing Azaria (who finally gets a chance to let loose with his comic gifts), it's a hilarious joyride. Too bad that the gas tank is only half-full; this stunning cast deserves a first-rate vehicle. With Tom Waits as a weapons expert, Claire Forlani as the requisite babe, and Paul Reubens as the Spleen, the world's most flatulent superhero. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (192)

a big bag of stinky wind
This movie looked expensive, but it was cheaply done. Poor screenplay, bad timing. No laughs, whatsoever. The entire audience seemed like they were in a coma when I saw this in the theater...

Deserves a goose egg
This was a horrendous flick. Slow moving, delayed punch-lines and waste of money and talent on what was obviously poor direction and/or screenplay. The Oscar goes to the editor who put the trailer together making this appear to be a well-timed comedy. Bravo for talking me out of my $7. What a load of garbage this film was. This is the last time I go to a movie when it first comes out. There was a big reason this was in theaters for less than a month... word of mouth spreads like wild fire. Yuck yuck yuck. I feel like I must warn the world about what a waste of time it is to sit through this torture.

Delightful superhero satire
I rented this video and decided that I absolutely had to buy a copy for myself. This movie is a delightfully satirical sendup of superhero flicks. The story revolves around a group of wannabe superheroes who ineptly try to fight crime only to wind up face down on the floor time and again. Their big chance comes when supervillain Casanova Frankenstein abducts the self-centered protector of the city, Captain Amazing, and they must ride to Amazing's rescue. Unfortunately, they botch the rescue and must fend off Frankenstein and his evil forces on their own. The trio of William Macy (the Shoveler), Ben Stiller (Mr. Furious), and Janene Garofalo (the Bowler) anchor the movie, but they receive excellent help from the rest of the cast. If you have always rooted for the underdog, you will enjoy this movie.

Trashed by Critics Who Don't Understand It
The negative reviews for this movie on this site are just as bad as the negative reviews that were given to this film upon its opening, and apparently, there's a whole bunch of people who try to give support to a negative review for MYSTERY MEN on Amazon (or perhaps it's only three or so people, and one person's voting twice). So allow me to enlighten you.

Let's face facts: This is a movie parodying superheroes. The fact that the description says parody means that it may not be for people who don't read superhero comics. That's already a huge flare signal. Second, the only reason fart jokes and the more juvenile jokes were included were to hold interest from the people who can't understand a joke from a clever line in the film. Someone sitting next to me in the theatre, and as the clever and funny answer as to why Lance Hunt couldn't be Captain Amazing was said, the guy next to me had a rather clueless look on his face. But when the Spleen farted, he went, "Hey! he farted! That's the only joke in here so far and it's dumb!"

Moral of the story? IF YOU KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT SUPERHEROES AND COMIC BOOKS, WATCH IT. IT'S ENJOYABLE. IF YOU DON'T KNOW ENOUGH, SEE IT AT YOUR OWN RISK, OR ASK SOMEONE TO EXPLAIN THE JOKES TO YOU.

Horrendously MISUNDERSTOOD!
Judging from the negative reviews and the people who found them helpful, I have to ask this question: How many of the jokes did you actually understand? If all you could understand were the parts involving fart jokes and sitting on forks, then you're not getting anything from the movie. If you didn't enjoy this, then hey--fine. Go ahead and go back to watching "Seinfeld" or an Adam Sandler film. The jokes in there are about as subtle as a a gasoline truck crashing through your backyard. You'll be able to understand those jokes and be able to laugh. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ah, the sensitive male of the 1990s. He's nowhere to be found in this wan comedy about three divorced dads and the weekend each spends with his kids. It opens with the ritual of the divorced: mothers handing off kids to dads in neutral territory, the local McDonald's. Then the three buddies at the center of this film (Paul Reiser, Randy Quaid, and Matthew Modine) go their separate ways. Reiser is looking for a way to win his ex-wife back (and comes across as a hangdog drip); Modine is the group's womanizer who chases a variety of females, while seemingly ignoring his kid. Quaid has the film's only comedically fruitful role as the group's most cynical member who goes on the world's worst blind date with the hilariously off-the-wall Janeane Garofalo. Harmless, occasionally funny, but unremarkable. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Good movie to just sit back and laugh
If you're an adult with a relationship of more than 12 months under your belt, you'll appreciate this movie.It's a borderline 'chick flick', but it's from a guy's point of view, so it's not too bad.

Used to watch this with a long-term girlfriend in the mid 90's and with buying the DVD I remember why we liked it so much.And why she's an ex-girlfriend.....

Wonderful for famlies with seperated parents
This is a movie that kids from seperated famlies will "get" and love.Boys and girls.A family movie for the not so "normal" family.

Fun, Touching, Love Randy Quaid and Jeanine G.
So glad this movie is out on DVD - it's got all the little warm fuzzies, funnies and poignancy that I love about a movie.Randy Quaid and Jeanine Garafalo are great..they are so funny together!This is definitely a cute movie that I'll enjoy watching over and over again.

The DVD has no closed captions or English subtitles
The Anchor Bay DVD has no closed captions or English subtitles. If you need them, you're out of luck. Too bad; it's a fun movie.

Little known comedy.. dated but very entertaining
I came across this VHS sometime ago and bought it hoping to find an Odd Couple pairing of Paul Reiser and Randy Quaid.I got so much more.This is a hilarious look at fathers and how they struggle to survive after becoming single with children.The movie is incredibly funny and the Jeanenne Garafalo/Randy Quaid date is worth the rental fee itself.The movie is slanted from the perspective of the father but is definitely a romantic comedy that all will enjoy.I have been waiting for this to come out on DVD for some time and will definitely do a release date purchase. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

One Good Cop
When I bought my first DVD player a number of years ago, Cop Land was one of the films that, I thought about buying right off the bat. I was disappointed though, to discover there were no bonus features on the disc, and I didn't get it. Back then, my rule was simple: no bonus material-no purchase. After a long wait, a special edition for the film, is finally here.

Freddy Heflin (Sylvester Stallone) is the sheriff of a place everyone calls "Cop Land"-a small and seemingly peaceful town populated by the big-city police officers he's always admired. Yet something ugly is taking place below the surface. The sheriff is shocked when he uncovers a large and deadly conspiracy among these local residents. He doesn't know who to trust. Gary Figgis (Ray Liotta) and Ray Donlan (Harvey Keitel) try to persuade Heflin that he is wrong. Soon though, he is forced to take action and make the difficult choice between protecting his own and enforcing the law, as Lt. Tilden (Robert De Niro), an Internal Affairs officer, arrives to begin an investigation of his own.

Writer/director James Mangold assembled a top notch cast that can't be beat. Stallone rises to the challenge and gives his best performance since the original Rocky flick--no really, it's that good. The drama and situations are very real. No over the top, super hero heroics are to be had. It's gritty reality is heightened for me even more, due to Mangold's use of many familiar North Jersey locales, as the story's backdrop.

The DVD showcases a 116-minute "Director's Cut" of film. In this cut, 11 minutes of footage is reinserted, not part of the original theatrical version. For the most part, these scenes are rich in character bits and advance the plot only slightly. Still, the 11 minutes are worthwhile. The audio commentary track from Mangold, producer Cathy Konrad, cast members Stallone and Robert Patrick is a solid one, filled with great insight on how the film came together. Aside from the 11 minutes of inserted scenes, there are a few additional deleted scenes complete with opitional commentary from Mangold, about the editing choices he made. The film's climatic shootout and its corresponding storyboards are detailed for viewers. Pretty cool. Rounding out the bonus material is a featurette called "The Making of an Urban Western" All I'll say is the commentary is better.

The special edition of Cop Land is recommended. And it's worth a re-purchase if you already own the movie only disc. ****1/2 stars.

A memorable movie with an even more memorable cast !
The movie Cop Land combines long lost talent in its leading star, Sylvester Stallone; top notch performances from its supporting cast, Ray Liotta, Robert Deniro, Harvey Keitel, and Annabella Sciorra; wonderful cinematography by Eric Edwards; and brilliant direction of James Mangold who later went on to direct such hits as Kate And Leopold, Identity, and Girl Interrupted.

Cop Land is a fictional tale of crime and corruption in a city run and occupied by New York's unfinest cops. Stallone pulls it off excellently as the city's overweight sherrif, Freddie Heflin, who couldn't get into to the force on account of his deaf ear. When the police force covers up a cop shooting that leaves two innocent men dead and stages a hero story, its up to Sherrif Heflin to reveal the truth and bring order to the city known to everybody as Cop Land.

The movie features an outstanding performance by Robert Deniro as an FBI agent trying to uncover the deceptions and opens Heflin's eyes to the corruption around him.

A memorable film with an even more memorable ensemble cast.

Underrated
Great little movie. Amazing cast, great performances. Nicely underplayed. Will be curiuos to see the directors cut with 11 extra minutes added.

A solid cop thriller in the tradition of Sidney Lumet
Cop Land is a homage to police corruption films like Sidney Lumet's Serpico and Prince of the City. In many respects, Cop Land is also a modern western, complete with a High Noon-style showdown. Miramax previously released this film on a movie-only DVD. This new version is a huge improvement but is it worth the upgrade?

Definitely.

"Cop Land: The Making of an Urban Western" is an excellent retrospective featurette. Stallone to be interested in the role but the actor wanted to something different, to go back to his starving actor roots. After him, came De Niro and then everyone else followed.

Next, there is a "Storyboard Comparison" that allows one to watch part of the film's climatic shoot-out simultaneously with the storyboards for it.

There are two deleted scenes with optional commentary.

Rounding out the extras is a solid audio commentary with director James Mangold, producer Cathy Konrad and actors Sylvester Stallone and Robert Patrick. Not surprisingly, Mangold and Stallone dominate this track. Stallone comes across as a very humble and gracious guy. Mangold keeps everyone talking, acting as an informal moderator and asking everyone questions. This is a really good track and definitely worth a listen if you're a fan of this movie.

Cop Land features a killer cast and allows them to flex their acting chops with a top-notch screenplay. This DVD is a definite improvement over the previous bare bones edition and is worth the upgrade. Miramax has finally done this film justice with an excellent special edition.

SLY IS THE BEST!!!!
I AM A HUGE SLY FAN EVER SINCE I WAS A KID, ANY FILM SLY MAKES I MUST SEE WEATHER IT BE SPY KIDS 3 OR THE NEW MOVIE "SHADE" I HAVE TO SEE IT IF SLY IS IN IT. COPLAND IS A WONDERFUL MOVIE AND WHAT IT DID WAS INTREST ME TO BE A DEPUTY SHERIFF MAYBE IN THE FUTURE. SLY ONCE AGAIN DOES A GREAT JOB AS THE DOWN TO EARTH SHERIFF WHO JUST WANTS A LITTLE MORE CREDIT FOR HIS JOB. APART FROM THE GREAT SLY WE HAVE THE GREAT HARVEY KEITEL, RAY LIOTTA AND OF COURSE ONE OF MY TOP 5 FAV ACTORS ALONE WITH SLY WHO IS NUMBER 3 ROBERT DI NERO. THIS IS A GREAT FILM FOR COP LOVERS I THINK ITS ONE OF THE BEST AND REALISTIC FILMS ABOUT BEING A SO CALLED "COP" AND BEING A "SHERIFF". I WOULD RATHER BE A SHERIFF AND WEATHER MOE TILDEN LIKES IT OR NOT FREDDY HEFLIN IS A COP. ... Read more

Reviews (616)

Smith's fun movie shows what he can do with Hollywood budget
Kevin Smith ("Clerks", "Mallrats" and"Chasing Amy") continues to get better with each film. If"End of Days" does not sound like a fun Armageddon-themed film, try Dogma. Dogma is fun, for sure, but not for the easily offended. S those who would prefer not to see angels use profanity, or the wrath (i.e. violence) of misguided angels of death, they should avoid this film like the plague. Chris Rock also makes an appearance as the 13th apostle Rufus, who claims that he was left out of the Bible because he's black. Witty dialogue, plenty of pop culture references (Who's house? Run's house!) and some interesting philosophical questions make for a very entertaining way to spend an evening. The only negative aspects are the bad special effects (in one scene, there is a s--- demon that looks like something from "Jason and the Argonauts".) and a lame ending including an appearance by Alanis Morisette as God. It might've been four, but with the Alanis Morisette appearance, three stars. Josh Bob says check it out as a matinee, or pay full price and leave when "God" arrives ...

Great writing, wonderful cast, bland direction.
Let's be frank: visually, "Dogma" is unimpressive. The special effects look TV-quality, the editing is jerky, the cinematography is bland and Kevin Smith's direction is unispired.

Thankfully, the sins of "Dogma" are far outweighed by its virtues. Smith's script is hilarious, thought-provoking, and ultimately touching. To act it out, he's rounded up a top-notch cast that brings genuine life to their roles.

Brainy bombshell Linda Fiorentino is Bethany, chosen seemingly at random by the sarcastic angel Metatron (Alan Rickman) to work for God. Her mission: to stop a pair of fallen angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) from exploiting a Catholic Church loophole that will get them back into Heaven. If they do, they'll prove God wrong, thus erasing everything He/She has created.

Bethany's reluctant allies in her quest include Chris Rock as Rufus, the unrecorded 13th apostle, kicked out of Earth, Heaven and history for rightly insisting that Jesus was black; Salma Hayek as a Muse with a heavenly body and a brain to match; and everyone's favorite potheads Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith.)

Fiorentino gives yet another great performance, contrasted nicely by Rickman's sad, exasperated angel. Affleck and Damon's menacing twist on their pretty-boy images is genuinely disturbing. Mewes is reliably funny as the imbecilic Jay, and Smith shows perfect comic timing and impressive range as Silent Bob.

The story mostly coasts along on a vast supply of smart-alec wit, but a few scenes rise above the rest: an unnerving parking-garage confrontation between Affleck and Damon, and a quiet lakeside chat between Fiorentino and Rickman. "Dogma" also scores points for keeping most of its script's excessive violence stylishly offscreen.

Bottom line: "Dogma" is not a well-made film, but it is a good one. You will laugh loudly and often, and come away with a greater respect for the power of faith and the importance of believing in something greater than yourself.

Film fans take note: in October 2000 View Askew will release the "collector's edition" of this film, with more than an hour of cut footage and plenty of other extra goodies.

BOLDLY CYNICAL (AND OCCASIONALLY FUNNY) LOCKER-ROOM PRATTLE
As a sweet bite of blaspemy this Kevin Smith stinker may do fine, supported by a star-studded cast and a crunchily inventive premise to sink our collective teeth into the heart of Catholicism.

But it is amusing to see a horde of reviewers call this clever and thoughtful. Sorry folks, the film's troop of eccentric characters do very little to bail it out of its convoluted ramble about theology.

When it comes to intellectual muck-raking, the film with its doozy "loophole" simply drowns under the weight of diminishing returns. Religion is not an intellectual exercise, it's role is to fulfill spiritual, psychological and emotional needs in our lives. A person needs his world to make some sense to them, and religion can comfort with answers that science can not yet provide.

If on the other hand you're game for some tongue-in-cheek degenerative humor (for example, giant monsters of bubbling human excrement) sure, this may be right up your alley. Just make sure you have plenty of time as the circus goes on for a while.

dogma is cosmic law.
two angels,who were kicked out of heaven long ago,find a loop-hole so they may return.they need to go to new jersey.jay and silent bob go with the last zion,the 13th apostle rufis-left out of the bible because hes black,and the muse join forces to prevent this for if the angels get to heaven all creation will go poof!it stars matt damon and ben affleck as the 2 angels.alanis morriseete as god,chris rock is rufis and even george carlin as a bishop in the church.of the jay and silent bob movies it ranks second id say,but a lot of people say its the best also.it is the best religious based movie of all time!however,it will piss off all church goers.no naked chicks in this one either.chris rock,although normaly one of the most obnoxious racist bigots alive,actualy doesnt bitch too much in this one.he does make a good point that if there is a christian god-and lets face it theres probaly not-hes black.why would he be anything else?the world started in AFRica right?i abselutely love this movie!

Didn't live up to the hype
The idea of skewering the Catholic Church is not new. Nor is it particularly "brave", since they're supposed to love their persecutors. I'm still waiting for the "brave" film that skewers, say, militant Islam. Yeah, you kind of lose your courage when you might actually get hurt.

Anyway. The general hype looked promising. A film that pokes fun at Catholicism. I popped in the DVD and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Let's see: there were excrement demons, a black apostle, some homicidal angels ... but where was the satire?

It's a shame. This film would have worked better as a comedy. That is, if the writer/director(s) had said, hey, let's make this humorous. Throw in some jokes, some laughs. After all, they had Chris Rock. The idea of a black apostle is sort of funny; why not make it intentionally funny? They had George Carlin; why not make him say some funny lines? Why not have those two *write* some funny lines?

But no. As it is, I'm not sure what the film really is. The heroine's deadpan, bored delivery might be a clue.

Apparently some viewers thought it was a satire or comedy, but perhaps it's sarcasm. Or just plain meanness, trying to convince others to suffer through this tedious film. Or maybe - maybe they really thought it was funny - no, wait, I'm starting to entertain really wacky thoughts here.

Borrow, don't buy. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Not The Quiet Man, Thank God
Someone called this movie a romantic comedy for people who don't like romantic comedies, and I think that's pretty accurate. The story of a hapless senator's aide (Garafalo) who is shipped to Ireland to search out Irish relatives (bogus or otherwise) of her dim boss, it is refreshingly funny, cynical and lighthearted. While there are, of course, some of the Irish stereotypes and cliches to be found, they are presented in a very sly, acidic, tongue-in-cheek manner, and some of the digs at tourists are particularly funny. The characters are charming, from the matchmaker(s)to the Kelly brothers who run one of the local hotels/pubs. David O'Hara is a find as a romantic leading man--no pretty boy but very sexy--and Jeananne Garafalo makes a great, offbeat romantic foil for him. The scenery is beautiful (it's Ireland, after all) and the dialogue very funny and, at times, touching. Even Murphy, the dog, is funny (note especially the scene in the home of the crusty and anti-tourist Aran Islander). In sum, this movie has some of the best comedic scenes I've seen and some of the most endearing characters as well. Highly recommended for light viewing.

Refreshingly different romantic comedy
The Matchmaker is a romantic comedy with a twist - it has an orginal premise, funny characters, truly comic moments, and the leads look like real people, which only adds to their appeal.

Janeane Garaofalo, as the U.S. Senator's aide visiting a coastal Irish village during their annual matchmaking fair, is funny and caustic. David O'Hara, as the seemingly n'er do well bartender who turns out to have a bit more going for him, is sexy as all get out, without looking anything like a Hollywood pretty boy.

The two stars have great chemistry and timing with each other, and the supporting cast is excellent. The only false notes are sounded by Dennis Leary, who overacts a bit as the obnoxious Senator's aide, and the character of the Senator himself, who is too much of a caricature. Milo O'Shea brings a poignancy to the key Matchmaker role that could have easily sunk into a stereotype.

This film has some very funny moments, with one of the best being a desperate car ride by O'Hara and his brother, both sporting full leg casts and trying in vain to pilot a stick shift.

All in all, you could do worse than to spend a couple of hours with "The Matchmaker". It left me smiling, as well as wanting to see more of O'Hara in future lead roles.

a sweet little sunday afternoon type of movie
having visited Ireland and flown into Shannon airport like Janeane Garofalo does at the beginning of this movie,it is a favorite.the scenery is beautiful,Janeane is adorable. i absolutely love the scene when she judges the singing contest!this movie is something you can simply enjoy-let it take you away to Ireland,its beautiful there!

Worthy of a Deluxe Turbo Tan!!
Bollix to those of you who don't like this movie! It is filled with quirky off center humor and constantly had me asking, "Did I really just hear that?" As a very pale caucasion myself, I related particularly well to the various jokes about the lack of pigment in the Emerald Isle. Anyone who's ever been set up on a blind date will find the matchmaking humor particularly entertaining as well. The charachters are wild and eccentric, but entirely lovable. This is one of those movies that leaves you feeling warm fuzzys, and is not to be missed. Even if you end up hating it, I recommend that you watch it and decide for yourself.

A Disappointment
This movie has beautiful scenery of Ireland but beyond that I can't recommend it. The acting is weak and the story hard to believe. There is a lot of offensive language that isn't really necessary to the story. The film never held my attention but did make me want to visit such a beautiful country. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Cute romantic formula
I didn't know why I liked this movie so much but I think I've figured it out. Janeane Garofalo has such presence on screen that she just shines. And I think that the movie goes to pains to present her as anything BUT unattractive.(She has a brilliant sense of humour, she is adorably cute, she manages to get the lead guy to like her for her conversation alone, she has a great intelligent job, she is a talented musician, she has a good heart and even though it hurts her, she sits back and reluctantly watches her friend take the guy she loves out of her reach) Actually, I got the idea that the movie tried to make Uma unattractive to compromise (she isn't particularly intelligent, picks bad men, doesn't get her dream job or guy and ends up taking the backseat to her shorter, more insecure friend) I think that is a very positive message to everyone - something that other romantic comedies don't do. All these romantic comedies nowadays have the dowdy heroine actually get a physical or social makeover to get the guy (eg. Pretty Woman, She's All That, Never Been Kissed) or are really gorgeous to begin with (Three to Tango, Notting Hill). This sweet, sugary (and genuinely funny) movie is a delight. Ben Chaplin is gorgeous in a nervous jittery way and completely suits the part of the sweet, naive lovestruck Brian. Janeane Garofalo and Uma Thurman as Abby and Noelle respectively complement each other perfectly and both have proved to be more than just ditsy romantic comedy love interests. And one adorable pooch steals the show. I would recommend it for anyone who actually wants a decent romantic viewing with a little emotional reality.

An utterly delightful romantic comedy
Every half decade or so, we get another remake of CYRANO DE BERGERAC. This one, luckily, is one of the very best. Now, I really love this movie, and have seen it with great delight on several occasions, but it is also quite disingenuous. The men who play Cyrano or the Cyrano type character are usually either unattractive or made to be quite unattractive (as in ROXANNE, where Steve Martin is given the prosthetic nose of the ages). But Janeane Garofalo is gorgeous, and has always been gorgeous. Short, perhaps (personally, I love short), and not razor thin like Uma Thurman, but absolutely no one with eyes would ever look at her and think anything but, "Wow!" And the cutest smile this side of Julia Roberts. So, in this sense, the movie cheats. Instead of an unattractive woman playing the Cyrano role, we have an extraordinarily cute one. It is a bit like some of Olivia de Havilland's films, in which she, a remarkably beautiful woman, is supposed to be playing a plain one.

That said, this is a completely endearing light comedy. Garofalo plays a woman who does a radio pet advice show, brought into contact over the air with Ben Chaplin, whose dog has a problem. A comedy of errors ensues, as Uma Thurman pretends to be the off air shy Garofalo. Part of the delight of the film is the way the two women manage to perpetuate the misunderstanding, and the way that Chaplin and Garofalo fall in lover over the phone. This is a formula film, in that you know just about everything that is going to happen in the film from the very beginning, but the film is so fresh and innovative in bringing everything to pass, that it never feels like a formula pic.

Slight correction to the editorial review. I believe that Henry the Dog is a Bull Mastiff, not a Great Dane. One of my best friends has a dog (Bella) who looks exactly like Henry, but who is most decidedly a Bull Mastiff. That's the truth about this particular dog.

A classic casual comedy
This is one of the best comedies i've ever seen, reverse roles, great actors and a perfectly plotted storyline. Romance, comedy, drama, this movie has it all, Uma thurman is great.

THE TRUTH
This with out a doubt has to be one of the best films I have ever seen. The only reason I first watched this was because Jamie Foxx was in it, but I was pleasentlly surprised to see such a good film. Michael Lehmann did a great job directing this film, the film was shot with perfection. Audrey Wells made a right move puting money [ececutive producer] and writing into this film [writer].

The casting for the film was great, all did great jobs on this movie. First off is Uma Thurman who did a great job as the beatifull typical blonde. She is very belivable in this roll, and very lovable at the same time. Next up is Janeane Garofalo who did an excellent job on this film as the typical everyday person. She might be the best person in this film all around, she did a great job. Next up is the very talanted Ben Chaplin, if any one out shines Janeane in this it would be him. I feel he did great in the roll of the missguided lover. He did a great job in this roll, he was perfect for it. Also is the reason I watched, Jamie Foxx delivers with a good performance but he is rarly on screen to deliver a full out classic performance.

The story follows Ben as he is drawn into Janeane threw her voice but when he wants to meet her she brings in Uma as her stand in. When she falls for him the games really begin. I'd rather you see for yourself.

Hilarious!!!!!
This movie truly touches the themes of how the society is focus on the beauty outside, when it's really what it is inside that counts. Janeane garofalo gives an outstanding performance as well as Uma Thurman, a great and funny romantic comedy, that will teach you about the real love, the story based on a radio dj in love with his fan is well done, that doesn't make you believe in one instance that it's unreal....great movie....funny times... ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Surprise! It's Good!
A dark comedy that starts off with a bang -- literally. The beginning is well-written, for it sets the pace for the rest of the movie. It pulls you in and makes you wonder what's going to happen next. A few minutes into the film, however, it starts to show traits of some pointless independent movie. Luckily, it picks up when Janeane Garofalo, the dry and sarcastic FBI agent, steps in. Joaquin Phoenix, whose brilliance as an actor is becoming more evident with every progressive film, turns in a commendable performance. Vince Vaughn provides great comic relief as your stereotypical, insane cowboy. The rest of the cast is also brilliant, however subtle their roles are. Although not perfect, this film has a way of staying with you, with its quirky and fun soundtrack, offbeat performances, fast-paced and intricately woven plot, and desolate country setting. Give this movie a try and you will be pleasantly surprised.

A haunting, dark comedy...
Clay Birdwell (Joaquim Phoenix) is a small-town guy who hates his ho-hum small-town life. In one afternoon all that changes. His best friend Earl (Gregory Sporleder) confronts him, while out target shooting, that he knows Clay's been involved with his wife (Georgina Cates). Earl commits suicide in an attempt to frame Clay for his murder...and with Clay's cover-up of that act, a chain of other terrible killings is sparked, as a charming, cowboy, serial killer, Lester Long (Vince Vaughn) senses an opportunity.

Dead bodies start turning up in "Big Sky Country" (Montana) and, unfortunately all of them, right under Clay's nose. Soon, the FBI turns up as well. Janeane Garofalo is great as the skeptical and sarcastic investigating agent.

This is a very well done dark comedy with a great cast - Vaughn is excellent, so are Garofalo and Joaquim Phoenix. Some great side characters are played by Scott Wilson (Sheriff Mooney), Vince Vieluf (Deputy Barney) and Phil Morris as the silent and brooding agent Reynard. A real keeper.

When Joaquin was the lesser of two Phoenixes
Maybe I was smoking something when commercials for this flick first came out, but I thought it was marketed as a comedy. This is not a comedy. Unless you want to call it a "black comedy" which basically means violence and murder and sex for no reason is funny or absurd. I didn't like this movie at all. None of the characters are likable and the story is unbelievable. This isn't a sleeper, a cult movie, or an art movie. Its just a bad movie. If you want to see an "exploration of violence" type movie, go watch Kalifornia instead. You have been warned.

Funny and Chilling...
Janeane Garofalo is so great in this role, as are all the other actors. I would definately recommend this movie. It has a few slow moments but it has a great plot and a wonderful cast that more than make up for them.

Okay, nothing Like 'WHOA"
... I saw ... they rated it in the top ten movies for the year it was releases, and I saw on here it had nice reviews... The plot sounded nice too. When I saw it, it was almost making me sleep, after finishing the movie, I was like, why did I see this movie. The cast was fantastic, especially Vince Vaughn. The music, enjoyment, and the plot was all pretty much [garbage]. ... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kevin Smith is a conundrum of a filmmaker: he's a writer with brilliant, clever ideas who can't set up a simple shot to save his life. It was fine back when Smith was making low-budget films like Clerks and Chasing Amy, both of which had an amiable, grungy feel to them, but now that he's a rising director who's attracting top talent and tackling bigger themes, it might behoove him to polish his filmmaking. That's the main problem with Dogma--it's an ambitious, funny, aggressively intelligent film about modern-day religion, but while Smith's writing has matured significantly (anyone who thinks he's not topnotch should take a look at Chasing Amy), his direction hasn't. It's too bad, because Dogma is ripe for near-classic status in its theological satire, which is hardly as blasphemous as the protests that greeted the movie would lead you to believe.

Two banished angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) have discovered a loophole that would allow them back into heaven; problem is, they'd destroy civilization in the process by proving God fallible. It's up to Bethany (Linda Fiorentino), a lapsed Catholic who works in an abortion clinic, to save the day, with some help from two so-called prophets (Smith and Jason Mewes, as their perennial characters Jay and Silent Bob), the heretofore unknown 13th apostle (Chris Rock), and a sexy, heavenly muse (the sublime Salma Hayek, who almost single-handedly steals the film). In some ways Dogma is a shaggy dog of a road movie--which hits a comic peak when Affleck and Fiorentino banter drunkenly on a train to New Jersey, not realizing they're mortal enemies--and segues into a comedy-action flick as the vengeful angels (who have a taste for blood) try to make their way into heaven. Smith's cast is exceptional--with Fiorentino lending a sardonic gravity to the proceedings, and Jason Lee smirking evilly as the horned devil Azrael--and the film shuffles good-naturedly to its climax (featuring Alanis Morissette as a beatifically silent God), but it just looks so unrelentingly... subpar. Credit Smith with being a daring writer but aless-than-stellar director. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (616)

Smith's fun movie shows what he can do with Hollywood budget
Kevin Smith ("Clerks", "Mallrats" and"Chasing Amy") continues to get better with each film. If"End of Days" does not sound like a fun Armageddon-themed film, try Dogma. Dogma is fun, for sure, but not for the easily offended. S those who would prefer not to see angels use profanity, or the wrath (i.e. violence) of misguided angels of death, they should avoid this film like the plague. Chris Rock also makes an appearance as the 13th apostle Rufus, who claims that he was left out of the Bible because he's black. Witty dialogue, plenty of pop culture references (Who's house? Run's house!) and some interesting philosophical questions make for a very entertaining way to spend an evening. The only negative aspects are the bad special effects (in one scene, there is a s--- demon that looks like something from "Jason and the Argonauts".) and a lame ending including an appearance by Alanis Morisette as God. It might've been four, but with the Alanis Morisette appearance, three stars. Josh Bob says check it out as a matinee, or pay full price and leave when "God" arrives ...

Great writing, wonderful cast, bland direction.
Let's be frank: visually, "Dogma" is unimpressive. The special effects look TV-quality, the editing is jerky, the cinematography is bland and Kevin Smith's direction is unispired.

Thankfully, the sins of "Dogma" are far outweighed by its virtues. Smith's script is hilarious, thought-provoking, and ultimately touching. To act it out, he's rounded up a top-notch cast that brings genuine life to their roles.

Brainy bombshell Linda Fiorentino is Bethany, chosen seemingly at random by the sarcastic angel Metatron (Alan Rickman) to work for God. Her mission: to stop a pair of fallen angels (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) from exploiting a Catholic Church loophole that will get them back into Heaven. If they do, they'll prove God wrong, thus erasing everything He/She has created.

Bethany's reluctant allies in her quest include Chris Rock as Rufus, the unrecorded 13th apostle, kicked out of Earth, Heaven and history for rightly insisting that Jesus was black; Salma Hayek as a Muse with a heavenly body and a brain to match; and everyone's favorite potheads Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Smith.)

Fiorentino gives yet another great performance, contrasted nicely by Rickman's sad, exasperated angel. Affleck and Damon's menacing twist on their pretty-boy images is genuinely disturbing. Mewes is reliably funny as the imbecilic Jay, and Smith shows perfect comic timing and impressive range as Silent Bob.

The story mostly coasts along on a vast supply of smart-alec wit, but a few scenes rise above the rest: an unnerving parking-garage confrontation between Affleck and Damon, and a quiet lakeside chat between Fiorentino and Rickman. "Dogma" also scores points for keeping most of its script's excessive violence stylishly offscreen.

Bottom line: "Dogma" is not a well-made film, but it is a good one. You will laugh loudly and often, and come away with a greater respect for the power of faith and the importance of believing in something greater than yourself.

Film fans take note: in October 2000 View Askew will release the "collector's edition" of this film, with more than an hour of cut footage and plenty of other extra goodies.

BOLDLY CYNICAL (AND OCCASIONALLY FUNNY) LOCKER-ROOM PRATTLE
As a sweet bite of blaspemy this Kevin Smith stinker may do fine, supported by a star-studded cast and a crunchily inventive premise to sink our collective teeth into the heart of Catholicism.

But it is amusing to see a horde of reviewers call this clever and thoughtful. Sorry folks, the film's troop of eccentric characters do very little to bail it out of its convoluted ramble about theology.

When it comes to intellectual muck-raking, the film with its doozy "loophole" simply drowns under the weight of diminishing returns. Religion is not an intellectual exercise, it's role is to fulfill spiritual, psychological and emotional needs in our lives. A person needs his world to make some sense to them, and religion can comfort with answers that science can not yet provide.

If on the other hand you're game for some tongue-in-cheek degenerative humor (for example, giant monsters of bubbling human excrement) sure, this may be right up your alley. Just make sure you have plenty of time as the circus goes on for a while.

dogma is cosmic law.
two angels,who were kicked out of heaven long ago,find a loop-hole so they may return.they need to go to new jersey.jay and silent bob go with the last zion,the 13th apostle rufis-left out of the bible because hes black,and the muse join forces to prevent this for if the angels get to heaven all creation will go poof!it stars matt damon and ben affleck as the 2 angels.alanis morriseete as god,chris rock is rufis and even george carlin as a bishop in the church.of the jay and silent bob movies it ranks second id say,but a lot of people say its the best also.it is the best religious based movie of all time!however,it will piss off all church goers.no naked chicks in this one either.chris rock,although normaly one of the most obnoxious racist bigots alive,actualy doesnt bitch too much in this one.he does make a good point that if there is a christian god-and lets face it theres probaly not-hes black.why would he be anything else?the world started in AFRica right?i abselutely love this movie!

Didn't live up to the hype
The idea of skewering the Catholic Church is not new. Nor is it particularly "brave", since they're supposed to love their persecutors. I'm still waiting for the "brave" film that skewers, say, militant Islam. Yeah, you kind of lose your courage when you might actually get hurt.

Anyway. The general hype looked promising. A film that pokes fun at Catholicism. I popped in the DVD and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Let's see: there were excrement demons, a black apostle, some homicidal angels ... but where was the satire?

It's a shame. This film would have worked better as a comedy. That is, if the writer/director(s) had said, hey, let's make this humorous. Throw in some jokes, some laughs. After all, they had Chris Rock. The idea of a black apostle is sort of funny; why not make it intentionally funny? They had George Carlin; why not make him say some funny lines? Why not have those two *write* some funny lines?

But no. As it is, I'm not sure what the film really is. The heroine's deadpan, bored delivery might be a clue.

Apparently some viewers thought it was a satire or comedy, but perhaps it's sarcasm. Or just plain meanness, trying to convince others to suffer through this tedious film. Or maybe - maybe they really thought it was funny - no, wait, I'm starting to entertain really wacky thoughts here.

Borrow, don't buy. ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Roll out the Cliche: Big Trouble = Big Laughs
I haven't yet read the Dave Barry novel from which this movie was adapted, yet I enjoyed it very much. Tim Allen plays Eliot Arnold, a former pulitzer prize winning journalist that wrote satirical columns, much like Barry, but is finally fired for overreacting to an order from his editor. He finds himself divorced and stuck in an advertising job that he loathes. On top of that, he can't get the respect of his son.

Rene Russo plays Anna Herk, the house wife of an executive that is embezzeling money from his employer, which earns him the sights of assassins (Dennis Farina among them). Her daughter is targeted by Allen's watergun toting sun in a school game of 'assassin' in which everyone draws names and attempts to 'terminate' their victim. Everyone seems to show up at Herk's house at once and things get confusing.

Before you know it, two dimwits have stolen an atomic bomb, that resembles a garbage disposal, from some Russian arms dealers, and they get tangled up in the plot. Janene Garofalo and Patrick Warburton play unlikely partners with the Miami police department that tag along for the adventure. Throw in some goats, don't ask--just watch, and a call in show that taunts Florida Gator fans after the football team lost, and this makes for an unlikely funny comedy. Barry Sonenfeld, director, did a great job. I highly recommend it.

"Big Trouble" has big laughs
It was sheer bad luck that "Big Trouble" was supposed to be released right around the time of the September 11 attacks. And even afterwards, parts of it (about bombs on planes and airport security) just didn't seem that funny anymore. Even so, it's a hilarious slapstick ride (well duh, it's based on a Dave Barry book)

Eliot Arnold (Tim Allen) has a job he hates, a car his son Matt (Ben Foster) hates, and a loud obnoxious client that everyone hates. A bomb in a footlocker arrives in Miami, in a lowlife bar run by Russian arms dealers. (No I am not making this up) Meanwhile, a pair of assassins called Henry (Dennis Farina) and Leo (Jack Kehler) arrive in Miami to shoot a crooked embezzling foot-fetishist businessman called Arthur Herk (Stanley Tucci). Their assassination plot goes awry when Matt leaps out at Arthur's stepdaughter Jenny (Zooey Deschanel) with a squirt gun, and is promptly tackled by Jenny and her mom Anna (Rene Russo, in a peroxide-blonde wig).

Eliot and Anna immediately are attracted to one another. As Eliot tries to figure out his relationship with Matt, Arthur buys the bomb, but soon the two assassins, two street thugs trying to become kingpins, two deadpan FBI agents, an immigrant maid, a spacey homeless guy and two irritable cops are in the middle of a wild chase over a nuclear bomb. And Miami has about forty-five minutes left...

Confused? Oh yeah. This movie is far from simple, in a slapstick sort of way. The humor is unashamedly stupid, making fun of teens, dogs, hallucinogenic toads, goats, people who smoke a lot in restaurants, newspaper bosses, dumb street thugs, Miami in general, and airline security. (Somehow this last one isn't as funny as it used to be) They even get in a nod to the original author Dave Barry. Most of the violence and romance isn't serious either (like the frantic makeout scene where Anna and Eliot gyrate around his office, spilling hot coffee and breaking knicknacks). The one exception is the adorable romance between sweet-natured bum Puggy (Jason Lee, who looks like Jesus impersonator) and maid Nina (Sofía Vergara), who are so sweet and shy that it brings a tear to your eye.

Tim Allen is hilarious as the ad-agent-turned-national-hero, especially the scene where he chases the airplane down the runway. Rene Russo is also great, balancing out the funniness with serious acting; Ben Foster is great as Matt; Farina and Kehler are a pair of endearingly straightforward hit men who are enjoying the whole fiasco; Janeane Garofalo and Patrick Warburton are great as well, as the cop who focuses on crime and protecting the public, and the other cop who merely wants to sleep with any halfway attractive female. Stanley Tucci is outrageously hateable as Arthur.

There's a lot of sex-related humor (nothing too hideous), plenty of swearing, and the makeout scene. There's also violence, but none of it is gory and some is just absurd (like when Eliot runs the car into the goat). The best scenes are probably when the enormous toad spritzes Arthur in the face. What happens? Watch for yourself! I'm not going to tell you!

And... "She know my name! She knows everything! SHE'S COMING TO TAKE MY SOUL!"

Underrated gem!
A very funny movie that somehow never got the attention it deserved. Interesting plot and great characters.

Funny As Hell
This movie is absolutely hilarious. There are so many characters and sub plots that it's a hoot to see how they're all loosely tied together. Miami Herald writer Dave Barry wrote the book that this film is based on. He's the funniest columnist I've ever read. I guess that's why he's nationaly syndicated now. Check out this cast: Omar Eppes, Stanley Tucci, Tim Allen, Renne Russo, Tom Seizmore, Dennis Farina, Jason Lee, Sofía Vergara, Zooey Deschanel, Jack Kehler and Heavy D. You must not only see this, but own it as well.

As seen on the Discovery channel
This star packed movie is non stop action. You will not find one cliché or un-original thought in this movie. There is no way to anticipate the plot.

Actually it is like reading a Dave Berry novel; that could be because the story was based on one. As with all his works it starts off reasonable builds up to incredulous and then over the top. You are carried along with out even realizing it.

The story starts off with many overlapping threads. We have a young hit man from school out to get a school girl all wet. There is an unscrupulous character (Stanley Ticci) with a graphic (close your eyes) toe (belonging to Sofía Vergara) fetish. The mother (Rene Russo) goes down of the would-be hit man. The television is shot. Nina meets her maker Puggy. The dog finds aromas. Need I say more?

O.K. there is a frog, goats, and a portable garbage disposal.

On a deeper level it is about families and trust. But don't mind that now just sit back and have some fun ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you think Jim Carrey's comedy is an acquired taste, think of The Cable Guy as a potent bottle of bittersweet wine. The film has a lingering aftertaste, but it is just a bit too dark, a bit too extreme to invite another serving. On the other hand, you've got to give Carrey some credit for risking his $20-million paycheck (and a big chunk of box-office revenue) on this black comedy. A needy, psychologically unbalanced cable-television installer (Carrey) forces his friendship upon an unsuspecting bachelor (Matthew Broderick) who has just broken up with his fiancée. The movie gets edgier and more desperate--and in some respects funnier--as Carrey's cable guy gradually goes crazy. Director Ben Stiller manages to pack some pointed social commentary into the movie's many humorous detours.Although it was a box-office disappointment, The Cable Guy is nevertheless a daring comedy for those who have had their fill of Ace Ventura. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (97)

Underrated, funny, disturbing
I'm with most other Amazon reviewers -- I don't know why this movie got such a bum rap from most critics. I think it's because Carrey wasn't doing his usual Ace Ventura shtick which I personally don't care for (was not able to sit through either of the Ace Ventura movies). This movie was very funny, good dialogue, good characterization -- the Stephen character was very real and so was the Cable Guy even though he was nutty. My least favorite scene was the one where he beats up Robin's date. Not because it was violent but because it was pretty pointless, didn't contribute anything to the plot, just not very funny IMO (though I see that some other people disagree). I also thought the karaoke scene dragged on a bit. But the whole Medieval Times episode was a scream! Ditto for the Porno Password scene and the basketball game and the scene where the Cable Guy visits Steve in jail, as well as the Menendez brothers-like trial subplot with Ben Stiller. The way the Cable Guy kept modeling everything in his life on TV shows and movies was an inspired touch -- it may not be terribly profound or original social commentary but it was an interesting way of making the point. Finally, I thought the ending was just perfect. The Cable Guy is being airlifted to the hospital and the paramedic in the chopper says "Hang in there, buddy!." The Cable Guy asks, his eyes lighting up, "Hey! Am I really your buddy?" "Sure you are," replies the unsuspecting paramedic ... and we see the Cable Guy's face dissolve into a demented grin. Wow!

Carrey's underrated masterpiece
"The Cable Guy," as most know by now, was a major departure for Jim Carrey. The rubber-faced goofball of hits like "Dumb And Dumber" and "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" was still present, but he was appearing in a radically different form. With Carrey playing a cable installer fixated on an unsuspecting customer, "The Cable Guy" is easily his darkest movie. However, I've got a soft spot for a good black comedy, and this one is about as black (and as good) as they come.

Although goofy behavior had been Carrey's trademark since his "In Living Color" days (remember Fire Marshal Bill?), "The Cable Guy" was the first movie in which his madcap antics hinted at something dark beneath the surface. Indeed, by playing such a twisted character, Carrey was finally able to let loose and reveal the full range of his comedic gifts (aren't bad guys always more fun?). In contrast to the likes of "Ace Ventura" and "Dumb And Dumber," which were basically just live-action cartoons (albeit amusing ones), "The Cable Guy" provides Carrey with a creepy, unsettling vehicle where he gets to show some real malevolence. When Carrey plays basketball prison-style while Filter's "Hey Man Nice Shot" plays in the background, it's both hilarious and disturbing at the same time. And even when Carrey hams it up, as when he does a vibrato-heavy rendition of Jefferson Airplane's "Somebody To Love" while a group of freaky friends dances around him, there's an undercurrent of the surreal.

In an equally dramatic departure from Carrey's norm, "The Cable Guy" even had a message mixed in with all its weirdness. It turns out Carrey's nameless cable installer, who gets his pseudonyms from old TV shows, was left by his mother to be raised by the TV, and has attachment issues stemming from his inability to relate to others. The plot is set against the backdrop of a former child star's trial for killing his twin brother, and director Ben Stiller (who also plays the murderous brother) takes several opportunities for pointed satire of our TV-addled culture. It's not until the end that the subject is addressed at length, but the pernicious effects of TV are a prominent theme of the movie. When the cable guy laments in his closing monologue that he learned about the facts of life from watching "The Facts Of Life," it's strangely poignant.

And how about a hand for Matthew Broderick as Steven Kovacs, the unfortunate object of Carrey's fixation? It's hard to believe this guy almost faded into obscurity in the five years or so after "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." If not for his classic turn in "Election," I'd say Steven was the role Broderick was born to play. At first Steven just regards the cable guy as a nuisance, but his annoyance over his new friend's increasingly creepy behavior grows as the film wears on until it turns to outright fear and desperation, and Broderick captures it perfectly. Few, if any actors, make a better hapless guy than Broderick, which is especially ironic given that he became a star playing the uber-cool Ferris Bueller.

Watching this movie, it's hard to believe it was such a letdown at the box office. I firmly believe entertainers should be rewarded for taking risks, but apparently Carrey's fans weren't quite ready for him to play such a troubled character in such a dark movie. That's too bad, because those who haven't seen this movie are really missing out. "The Cable Guy" doesn't go down as easy as Carrey's other comedies, but it's a lot more rewarding in the end.

Son of Cable Guy...future spin off?
I really liked this movie. Overall, I didn't find it that dark.
I look at it as a clever vehicle to let Jim Carey do his comedy. Th