Reviews (117)

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan give charming and sweet performances!
I still love this movie! "Sleepless in Seattle" is still one of the best romantic films that I have seen since...ever! The performances in the film were top-notch and the storyline was terrific! To me, this film talks about two things...fate and destiny. "Sleepless" focuses on Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a recently widowed father who, because of the death of his wife Maggie (Carey Lowell), decides to move out to Seattle with his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) to start over again. One night, Jonah calls a talk radio show, who asks Sam to come to the phone and explain everything. So Sam sat down and talked about everything that he and his wife had done over the past few years, how he loved her, and such. Sam's story was such a big hit across America that women have been pouring letters of comfort at Sam's home. The story has also reached the heart of a newspaper writer named Annie Reed (Meg Ryan). Annie is single, lives in New York, and is engaged to a man named Walter (Bill Pullman), who is pretty much allergic to everything. After hearing Sam's story on the radio that night, Annie believes that she and Sam are destined to be together, due to typical Hollywood romance from such films as, for example, "An Affair to Remember". And romantic charm and trouble ensues from there on as, for example, Annie goes to Seattle to sort of "spy" on Sam to see what he is like, especially with his son, etc. "Sleepless in Seattle" marks the second teaming of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan from their first hit, "Joe Versus the Volcano" in 1990, and before they starred a third time in 1998's "You've Got Mail", which is directed by "Sleepless" director Nora Ephron ("This is My Life"). And speaking of the director, she directed this film with a lot of heart, soul, and emotion. Nora Ephron's best work to date! "Sleepless in Seattle" has also the absolute best performances of all time from Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I kind of liked the way that Meg Ryan's hair looked in the film. To me, you don't get to see Meg Ryan with hair like that a lot. I like this film because it is one of those films where two people eventually cross paths continuously, and in the end, they meet each other for the first time and live happily ever after! I really hope that there is a sequel to this film in the making, but if there isn't, then I will still enjoy "Sleepless in Seattle" for years to come!

A Laugh-Out-Loud Funny Charmer
First of all, Sleepless in Seattle IS a chick flick, yes, and there are certainly some stretches of the imagination required as far as plot goes, but the real emphasis is the characters, and that is the strength of the movie...the entire cast is excellent, from Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks to the supporting cast (Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger and Robert Reiner). The story and chemistry is charming, but more than that, the movie is hysterical. Everytime I watch the movie again (I've seen it about 5 or 6 times now) I realize how funny it is...Nora Ephron may be the best current writer of real romantic comedies. There are SO many funny little things scattered throughout the movie...even if you don't like "chick flicks," you should watch it because it's one of the funniest movies ever.

Absolutely wonderful!
I first saw this movie when I was in college with my roomate, who knows all the best movies out there. I absolutely fell in love with it, and I went out and bought it immediately. It's ideal if you are single, it gives you hope for finding that perfect someone :), at least it did for me. If you like You've Got Mail, you'll also like Sleepless in Seattle, or if you haven't seen either, they go perfect together!!

great chick flick for chicks
Tom Hanks stars as recent widower from Seattle who talks to a radio show host about his troubles and Meg Ryan plays a recently engaged woman from New York who develops a relationship with Hank's character. The plot is a bit cheesy as well as the lines, but that is how chick flicks are made--cheesy plots and lines. Though most guys will not like "Sleepless in Seattle" unless they enjoy other "chick flicks," most women enjoy this contemporary classic of long distance romance. If you like the movie be sure to check out the DVD, which has many more added features such as a music video and commentary by the director and co-writer.

Sleepless in Seattle
WOW! I LOVE this movie! It's a favorite of all my families. I think this is a great love story and almost anyone would enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Highly Entertaining--Great Acting
Okay, so Tom Cruise gets a job at a Memphis law firm, right? We've all read the book or seen the movie, so how does one recommend this to one uninitiated?

Cruise puts in a solid performance, again playing his guy-who-doesn't-catch-on-for-a-while character he does so well. Sydney Pollack is a great mainstream director, and he pushes all the buttons, as well as giving us a great cast including Gene Hackman, Holly Hunter, Ed Harris, Jeanne Tripplehorn, David Straithairn, Gary Busey, Hal Holbrook, and Wilford Brimley.

Top-notch acting all around, with especially good turns by Brimley and Hunter, playing against type. Hackman is always good to watch and he does a terrific job of making Avery Tolar a likeable guy in spite of his faults. I suppose the most amazing job was done by David Straithairn, who, with less than ten minutes of screen time, paints an indelible portrait of Ray McDeere, Cruise's convict brother. He is the most likeable character in the film.

The plot is the standard rising-above-conflict stuff. Watch this movie (again) for the performances, or for the fine score from Dave Grusin and try to ignore the changes from the book (which I think were justified in making the ending more cinematic and Hollywood).

Con-Firm Your Plans
The Firm, was the first John Grisham novel, adapted for the big screen. While I must confess, I never have read the book, I think the film is a solid "bubble gum" pot boiler that works very well.

Mitch McDeere, (Tom Cruise) is a young and hungry Harvard Law student, who turns down offers at the top law firms to take a position at a small but wealthy Memphis firm. Mitch grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. He is so taken with his mentor Avery Tolar, (Gene Hackman) his own ambition, and greed, he ignores his wife Abby's (Jeanne Tripplehorn) initial misgivings about the suspicious practices of his new employers. It's only when two of his fellow lawyers die in a mysterious accident that Mitch begins to share her apprehensions. He then launches an investigation into the true nature of the firm and discovers that it is a front for a complex and sinister web of organized crime, that goes to very top of the firm and even includes head Oliver Lambert (Hal Holbrook).

Directed by Sydney Pollack, the film benefits moreso from its all star cast, than it may have otherwise. Cruise proves that he can hold his own with Hackman for sure. Despite the fact that Cruise and Tripplehorn seem sparkless as a married couple, she too, is great in her scenes with Hackman. Pollack knows what works and keeps things at a brisk pace. His skills are evident as he juggles many different subplots that come together in the end nicely. One final comment on the film: Composer Dave Crusin's atypical music score adds just the right touch in setting the scene and giving the movie some flavor.

I don't know what it is about most of the John Grisham legal thrillers, but like most of them, the DVD of The Firm lacks any substantial extras. All you get here are two theatrical trailers--nothing more. A commentary track or a few deleted scenes would have put this product over the top.

The Firm doesn't have as much of a soapbox element as other Grisham stories do..that's ok. It's all for fun. No extras aside--Recommended

NOTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS
With superb acting fome the always good Tom Cruise,Ed Harris,
Gene Hackman,Holly Hunter,e.t.c.I really liked this movie it was
really entertaining and even funny,well when Gary Busey is on
screen as a sleazy P.I with a magnum under his desk shootin at
2 assasin like guys.The movie is all around good and worth a
watch.Don't want to give to much away so rent it,buy it,what ever
just watch it.

Excellent
I first saw 'The Firm' just because it sounded interesting. What I didn't know, though, was that I was in for quite a treat! I enjoyed every minute of this intense thriller, from the beginning until the surprise ending (though I'm tempted to tell what happens, I'll let you find out for yourself!). I tell a bit of the story here, so it is possible they may be regarded as **SPOILERS**, so if you don't want to know anything about the movie, STOP READING.

Tom Cruise shows off one of his best performances as Mitch McDeere, the formally poor boy who goes off to Harvard Law School and graduates cume laude. He goes to many prestigious firms, all of whom want him real bad. One firm, though, Bendini, Lambert, and Locke, strikes his interest. In return for joining, he gets $100,000 per year, and a shiny new Mercedes. He accepts, and he and his wife, Abby (Jeanne Tripplehorn), fly to Memphis, where they get a nice house, with most of it payed for by the firm. The story unfolds, and through the course of events, Mitch learns the dark truth about his firm. . .

The acting is superb in this film. Tom Cruise's performance reminds me of his in 'A Few Good Men'; strong and realistic. Jeanne Tripplehorn is a pleasure to watch as his wife Abby. Gene Hackman plays a surprisingly sympathetic role as a partner in the firm. Holly Hunter (who received an Oscar-nomination for her role) is almost humorous as a southern-twanged secretary-turned victim-turned accomplice. Ed Harris brings his usual fine acting style as an FBI agent, and veteran actor Hal Holbrook plays a grandfatherly lawyer more evil than his attitude would imply. Sydney Pollack's directing is radiant, and the single piano score by Dave Grusin can be both calm and content, then become fast and furious.

In conclusion, 'The Firm' is a fun, fresh thriller, and it should be enjoyed for years to come.

A Firmly Gripping Thriller !
In this screen adaption of one of John Grisham's most thrilling legal novels, Tom Cruise plays a graduating Harvard law student that is recruited by many of the nation's top law firms. He ends up choosing a firm based in Memphis, where he takes his school-teacher wife and shaggy dog to a seemingly perfect life ahead of them both. The trouble begins when Cruise gets suspicious about a murder that has occurred to one of the firm's lawyers. The action then begins there where Crusie enters a world of glitz, money, and not to mention murder in this thrilling film. With the firm hot on his heels in pursuit to silence him, Cruise exposes the truth about the firm's dirty secrets that are sure to be a shocker. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

All I can say is WOW!!!
Well, the first thing anyone that has even watched a Winston Cup race could tell how ridiculous the racing scenes can be. Although the intensity and action is there, you will NEVER see actual drivers 'rubbin' on a real racetrack. But please don't let my previous comments discourage you from watching this film. It is still one of my favorites in my video library. The story follows young open-wheel driver Cole Trickle(Tom Cruise) through his quest to become a Winston Cup legend. Owned by a local car dealer named Tim Daland(Randy Quaid) and having his pit ran by the legendary, and recently retired crew chief Harry Hogge(Robert Duvall). But after a tragic crash during the Firecracker 400 sent him to the hospital, possibly ending his career. Then it follows his journey of finding love with his doctor, Dr. Claire Lewicki(Nicole Kidman)and his painstaking return to win the Daytona 500.

Fix Review
Ok i have not seen the movie here but i just wanted to correct the review posted by amazon.com. The movie Top gun was not about the United States Air Force in any way shape or form. It was Navy all the way

tommy BOY, you're just a pretty boy.
the third in the ' i am sooooo hot and shallow gals ' tom cruise trilogy (top gun and cocktails being 1 and 2 ).
this thing made millions of course. no wonder europeans think us so stupid.

Unrealistic Yet Somewhat Entertaining
First of all, the Amazon.com reviewer must not know anything about racing, as this film has nothing to do with the Indy 500, and neither does NASCAR (except for racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the annual Brickyard 400). That said, the movie, though it features lots of unrealistic driving (err, crashing) scenes and less-than-stunning acting, still isn't the worst way to spend a couple hours if you've got the racing bug. As pointed out by other reviewers, Robert Duvall gives a great performance as Tom Cruise's crew chief who comes out of retirement to bring Cole Trickle (Cruise's character) to the top of the NASCAR ranks. Cruise's own performance is sufficient, given the character, as is Randy Quaid's. Nicole Kidman seemed to be trying too hard to be emotionless in this movie. Maybe the writers/directors told her to, I don't know. The racing scenes where the drivers aren't running each other into the wall are decent enough, and the car sounds are pretty good. If you want a great racing movie, try "LeMans" or (when it comes out on DVD) "Grand Prix." I really wish we had a truly great modern racing movie, especially about Formula One or CART/Indy car racing ("Driven" doesn't count--it sucked). Maybe someday...

Yeah
Dude I have never seen this movie but what i will say is this. The Editor who said Top Gun was a US Air Force movie is an idiot. You obviously did not watch Top Gun because then you would have realized it was a Navy movie. In my book you have lost all credibility, and should lose your job. ... Read more

Reviews (197)

Atmospheric drama; just wish it were longer
This movie plays in the 50's and the atmosphere of that period is brilliantly portrayed. The exaggerated retro-font of the film title is already one indication, and consequently the screen is filled with old-timer cars, typical house interiors and much more that points to the 50's. Some might find the world Haynes creates more like a doll-house: the environment is almost too autumnal and the streetcars are too new. But he nevertheless manages to create a very striking sphere.

But it is the storyline and the characters above all that give this 50's-atmosphere. The -on first sight 'perfect'- couple of Cathy (Julianne Moore) and Frank Whitaker (Dennis Quaid) struggles with taboos from that era: Frank has a coming-out as homosexual, after which Cathy falls in love with the black gardener Raymond (Dennis Haysbert). Cathy discovers her husband kissing in a room with another man, and the mighty gossip circuit of the town soon tells Frank about the adventures of his wife. Not surprisingly, this situation results in trouble for their family.

There is a clear message about the morals of the 50's: Cathy's friends suddenly aren't very good friends anymore as soon as they hear about her friendship with a black person. Cathy herself clearly doesn't feel very much at ease between her friends, while she gets completely in her element when Raymond is nearby. This Raymond is an interesting character, if only because he is played by Dennis Haysbert. While he is here a simple black gardener who meets a lot of racism from his surrounding, the same actor plays the role of the first black president of the USA in '24'! Talk about changes! The character of Raymond may be a little too 'perfect', as others have already pointed out, but it contrasts nicely with the image of gutter rats that is attached to many people in Cathy's social environment.

The cast here does its job very nicely: Moore is great in her performance of a typical 50's woman who slowly becomes more adventurous and 'human'. She plays merely restrained, as if to make her role not too stereotypical. That certainly succeeded. Husband (in the movie) Quaid is another seemingly normal person with unexpected sides (his being gay) and is terrific as a tormented and desperate man. Haysbert makes a very convincing case as the sympathetic gardener, with his seemingly relaxed acting that makes his character Raymond almost cosy. Also, the gossip aunts are irritating to watch and that's exactly how they were meant.

Some could find the film a little too compact, and I certainly wish the director had taken more time to shed more light on the relationship between Raymond and Cathy. Same for the other relationship: Frank's gay mate is a bit cartoonish and this aspect could certainly have been worked out better. The film didn't leave me unsatisfied, far from it, but I think the story would have benefited from a broader, longer approach. But that criticism shouldn't keep you from seeing this very worthwhile and enduring movie. The sometimes 'implied' acting sheds a special light on the dramatic storyline and the atmosphere just breathes the 50's. Certainly recommended.

worth seeing
Sometimes campy in an straight forward way, 'Far From Heaven' can come across as another cheesy take on life in the Eisenhower era and for that reason can instantly turn some people off, like my 65 year old friend i saw this film with who was a 50s housewife. Her take on the film being it was too realistic and reminded her too much of the things she hated most about the 50s: the so called social mores and values one was expected to live up to.

'Far From Heaven' is perfectly shot in brilliant Technicolor with fine attention to detail: excellent costumes, gorgeous sets and beautiful vintage cars. This gives the movie an almost pristine surreal quality that counters the harsh reality of Cathy Whitaker's less than perfect life (Julianne Moore in yet another outstanding performance). Add to this the sometimes over the top "By gosh! By golly!" acting (no doubt done on purpose to further convey the surreal quality of 50s life) and you find yourself immersed in a frighteningly domestic Stepford wife world where housewives dress to the nines and gossip over daiquiris and husbands "work late" at the office.

Cathy sleepwalks through her life aching for something that she can't quite comprehend. Her girlfriends chatter and giggle about how many times their husbands like to 'get into the mood" as she perturbedly stays quiet. When approached by her best friend about speaking to a Black man at an art exhibit she innocently replies: "He has some interesting views on modern art." When she finds her husband kissing another man, she thinks a vacation will solve all that. Cathy is so naive with herself and her surroundings and so intent on living the ideal 50s life that she's nearly oblivious to the changes around her, the changes she is causing and the changes that are waiting for her. When the film ended, I was anxious to know what lay in store for Cathy. Will she find true love and happiness? Will she champion the cause for equal rights? Will she finally become a strong willed and independent woman? Julianne Moore infuses so many subtle nuances into her portrayal of Cathy that although at times you want to slap some sense into her, you can't help but feel her pain, especially when she finally breaks down.

Although the themes explored in 'Far From Heaven' have been tackled before, this film comes across as touching and heartfelt. It's a close call between Julianne and Nicole for this year's Best Actress Oscar. It is also noteworthy to see Julianne's performance as a depressed 50s housewife in 'The Hours' as well.

Kindly Pass the Emetic
For the first hour I thought this was an incredibly beautiful re-creation of an extinct genre. For the second hour I thought this was one of the worst films ever made. The unfortunate thing about this movie is that the glorious first hour is used as a launching point towards what amounts to an unending sermon about political correctness.

Twenty years or so ago a movie like this might have been regarded as cutting edge, and deservedly so. Now, it's just a sorry anachronism, in a double-sense of the word. It's an anachronism not only because it employs a dead genre. It's also OLD-FASHIONED because there have been so many films which have tackled these themes in infinitely more courageous ways. Nowadays, there's nothing daring or interesting about making a film like this. It's just incredily boring.

God, I hated this movie!

Then again, the movie also has my grudging admiration for patronizing, within the time-span of less two hours, three distinct demographical entities: heterosexual upper-middle class whites, blue collar blacks, and homosexuals.

Is there another movie in history that has managed to patronize all three sub-groups within the same film, and yet comes out saying nothing original? While I admit this is genius, it's not the sort of genius I generally admire.

Life is Imperfect
Accompanied by an enchanting score, "Far From Heaven" features exemplary performances by Julianne Moore and Dennis Quaid. Can life really be perfect for anyone? Even for Cathy Whitaker, who seems as if she is living the *perfect* life as a wife to a great husband and a mother to great children. Yet...behind every seemingly unblemished façade lie unrevealed secrets. When Cathy Whitaker's husband is revealed to have homosexual desires, what is she to do? When she develops romantic desires herself for a black gardener, as a white female, what is she to do? Both of the issues of homosexuality and interracial dating were forbidden topics in the 1950's - neither was considered "appropriate behavior." In that sense, this film is not only just about showing the imperfections life itself is composed of, but additionally it is a view of the societal values of that era. As for Cathy, what can she do? She knows that her husband, though he may try to "rid" himself of his homosexual feelings, may not return to her, and she knows that in her world, a romance between a white and a black will be considered unacceptable by both races. Sometimes, life doesn't exactly unfold as we may have planned for it to...and what can we do? 10/10. A.

ANGELS IN WAITING
Director Todd Haynes is to be commended in his approach to FAR FROM HEAVEN. A throwback to the 50's weepers like ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS, BACK STREET and IMITATION OF LIFE, he wisely chose not to parody or ridicule them; he lovingly made this movie in homage to those films. The cinematography is lush and gorgeous; Elmer Bernstein's score is appropriately romantic and melodramatic; it really looks like the fifties.
Julianne Moore's performance is letter perfect: she has the Susan Hayward/Lana Turner style down to a pat, but infuses it with a deep passion and strength. Many times her dialogue with her husband Frank and her children seems so Donna Reedish, but once we understand just how manipulated she has been, we can understand it. Only in her scenes with her gardener, Raymond, do we see the woman Moore could have been.
Dennis Quaid matches Moore's performance with his portrayal of Frank, the husband who is cheating on her---with other men. His internal anguish, guilt, and shame are hidden well at first, but when he breaks down, there is an honest gut-wrenching catharsis.
Dennis Haysbert plays Raymond, the gardener, who uses his quiet strength and empathy to show Moore the true meaning of friendship and love. Of course, in the fifties a romance for these two is unthinkable so we're left with a bittersweet resolution to this.
Rounding out the cast is Patricia Clarkson, who plays Moore's "closest and dearest friend" who is there for her when it comes to adjusting to life without Frank, but cannot tolerate the thought that Moore is having an affair with a black man.
So many reverse standards in this film: for instance, when Quaid hears rumors that his wife is messing around with Haysbert, he is furious...odd isn't it, that it's okay for him to break a sexual taboo, but not her.
FAR FROM HEAVEN doesn't have a crucial showdown scene, and the ending is pretty straightforward and dry, so it's not what one would call a happy ending.
Still, it's a very well made movie and Haynes and crew should be proud of this accomplishment. ... Read more

Description

ARMISTEAD MAUPIN’S FURTHER TALES OF THE CITY is the third installment of Maupin’s classic saga of San Francisco life.Set in 1981, the four-hour miniseries involves the residents of 28 Barbary Lane in a racy and rollicking adventure/mystery that leaps from Golden Gate Park to the home of a Hollywood icon to a remote island in the Alaskan wilderness.As usual in Maupin’s world, romantic entanglements abound. Landlady Anna Madrigal (OLYMPIA DUKAKIS) is stunned by her mother’s sudden arrival.Mother Mucca (JACKIE BURROUGHS) who runs a bordello in Nevada is in town to take care of personal business and meets a man from her past, Royal Reichenbach (JOHN MCMARTIN).When Mother Mucca introduces Anna to Royal, they find themselves in a rivalry over him. Madrigal’s tenants have their own stories from the past to unravel.Michael Tolliver (PAUL HOPKINS) is working at a nursery called "Best Laid Plants."He tries to get over being dumped by his former lover Dr. Jon Fielding (BILLY CAMPBELL) who went off to work on a cruise ship.

Exploring his sexuality full tilt, Michael embarks on a series of sexual escapades involving cowboys, cops and Cage Tyler (JOHN ROBINSON) a closeted movie star. Michael's friend and neighbor Mary Ann Singleton (LAURA LINNEY) is challenged with a relationship problem of a different kind.Her boyfriend and upstairs neighbor, Brian Hawkins (WHIP HUBLEY) who has spent most of his adult life as a womanizer, comes to the realization that he wants to marry her.She, however, is hesitant to take the next step as she is focused on her career.Longing to become a serious reporter, but not given a chance by her station manager, she is forced to work as a daytime host of the "Bargain Matinee" show. Mary Ann’s late boss’ widow, socialite Frannie Halcyon (DIANA LEBLANC) is tormented by her daughter DeDe’s (BARBARA GARRICK) apparent demise in the Jonestown Massacre.Living on Mai Tais and sleeping pills, she refuses to accept that DeDe and her children, Little Anna and Edgar were killed.She seeks advice from psychics to help her find her missing daughter.When a fortune-teller convinces her that DeDe is indeed alive, she asks for the support of society columnist Prue Giroux (MARY KAY PLACE) to make her story public. When Prue refuses to get involved, Frannie calls Mary Ann to share her secret. Since Mary Ann is always searching for a good story, she is eager to meet in hopes of finally getting a break on the evening news.

Meanwhile, Prue meets a mysterious homeless man, Luke (HENRY CZERNY) in Golden Gate Park.Immediately drawn to his intense charm, she falls madly in love with him.Little does she know that she’s opening Pandora’s Box when she attempts to bring him back to society with the help of flamboyant celebrity priest Father Paddy Star (BRUCE MCCULLOCH).Luke’s past is far more sinister than Prue could ever imagine. Then it’s revealed that DeDe Halcyon Day has spent three years in Cuba with her lover Dorothea (FRANÇOISE ROBERTSON) after escaping the massacre in Guyana.She ends up in a camp for gay Cuban refugees in Fort Chafee, Arkansas and finally calls her mother Frannie in San Francisco to tell her that she wants to come home. Through DeDe’s unexpected reappearance and a twist of fate, the storylines begin to intertwine and all of the characters in Maupin’s tales find themselves in the midst of an unpredictable adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A wonderful miniseries in an excellent DVD set!
Further Tales Of The City continues on with the tradition of the 2 previous mini-series - wonderful characters and amazing storylines. To be truthful though the whole Jim Jones storyline didn't quite gel with me - I thought it could have been handled a little better. But what makes this series stand out is the way the subtle changes between the 70's and 80's are illustrated. Further Tales is set in that transition period from loving and caring attitudes towards each other to the greed and emotional corruption of the 80's. Great to see the character of Mother Mucca back as well - one of the best characters TV has ever seen!
This series has been lovingly created and it shows. The characters are all magically relatable in their way, though I did miss Mona.

A special mention needs to be made of the DVD - a whole disc packed with an outstanding set of extras. From interviews, to behind the scenes footage, and much more besides - you really get a indepth look at the making of the miniseries - all TV shows should be released on DVD like this!

Hopefully there will be 'Even Further Tales' for us to enjoy in the future....

"Magical" Ms Madrigal Invites You to 28 Barbary Lane, SF
Olympia Dukakis leads a cast of otherwise little-known actors in this very entertaining serial about life, lust and liasons surrounding the tennants at 28 Barbary Lane in San Francisco of the mid-1970s.

This set keeps going where the "2nd" set left off. A few casting changes were made (some for the better, other...oh, well!). A few facts worth knowing for those who are "jumping in" with this 3rd installment in the series:

The main character, Maryann Singleton, an innocent 20-something Ohio girl escapes the smothering arms of her over-protective parents and becomes the latest arrival at mysterious Ms Madrigal's house of sweet, odd and gorgeous young people. Not only is she (like everyone else) welcomed and accepted, but soon finds herself in a web of weird situations, corporate greed, sexual experimentation, suicide, and other shocking things.

The recurring central focus on homosexuality eventually becomes so nonchallante, that the viewer soon no longer sees this as anything worth talking about. It's almost like watching episodes of "Ellen", "Roseanne" or "Will & Grace", only that any "viewer advisories" seem redundant now (it's about time!).

Tales of the City is a look back at the 1970s decadence we saw in "Studio 54", but otherwise only 'heard rumors about'. This is an honest, unashamed view of the "San Francisco Scene" as experienced by the author/screen writer Amistad Mopin. Along with historically authentic facts and references (The "Jonestown Tragedy" of 1979 is briefly referenced at the end - if you blinked you missed it!) this otherwise mostly ficticious plot makes for fun viewing. The 6 part series nicely fits on this DVD. Have it piece meal or all at once. I think you're gonna like this picture!*****

So-so conclusion
I did enjoy seeing my favourite movie characters again, but the whole Jonestown story seemed to be a bit unconvincing. Still, the cast are brilliant and it was a good way to finish!

Badly mastered DVD
Four starts for the content. Zero stars for the DVD mastering.

Perhaps it's because they tried to stuff more than three hours worth of material onto 1 DVD, but like others, I too was unable to play this all the way through on my DVD player. The problems start right about at the start of episode 4, and just keep getting worse. But perhaps it's just bad mastering, because I had the same problem with the second, extras, DVD, which isn't nearly so full. It's a shame such a wonderful series is marred by a badly mastered disc.

technical difficulties as well
I also went through two copies of the DVD and returned both due to the tale end skipping and not reading on my player. One was purchased through Amazon, another through Borders, both had trouble in the same spot! I love the books, and enjoyed what I saw to the point it fritzed out. I had seen it on Showtime initially and went out and bought the books and the first two series...what a gem. Hopefully I will get lucky on the next purchase. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

fine comedy-drama
Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine star in Carrie Fisher's autobiographical POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE, a funny and chilling expose on Hollywood and celebrity.

Suzanne Vale (Meryl Streep) is a fading screen queen, determined to jump-start her languishing career. Her mother (Shirley MacLaine) is a wisecracking old barb, and knows just how fast Hollywood can chew you up and spit you out.

With a talented supporting cast including Dennis Quaid and Rob Reiner, POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE offers a new, warts-and-all perspective on Hollywood and the "dream factory".

The DVD also includes audio commentary by writer Carrie Fisher, talent profiles and original theatrical trailer.

Carrie Fisher's Magnum Opus
What a revelation. I never knew what a movie could be until this film. Sweet, sentimental, dramatic, heart-wrenching and fall-down funny all in one movie. Meryl Streep shines and is more accessible than ever before. Shirley MacLaine is luminous as ever. Mary Wickes (Grandma) is hilarious and ended a wonderful career with this and "Sister Act," forever cementing herself as a 20th century fixture. Robin Bartlett (Aretha) is also a delight. A wonderfully written and awesomely acted story. Highest of recommendations for one and all, especially anyone who's interested in the "behind the scenes" aspect of Hollywood.

Brilliant!
This movie is simply brillant. The acting, writting, casting, everything.

Funny Stuff!
This is one of the funniest and smartest movies I've ever seen. And an absolutely wonderful performance by Shirley MacLaine. Who knew Meryl Streep could sing? Terrific!

What a riot!
Hilarious! Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine are right on the mark with this sharp and clever story by Carrie Fisher. Both hand in performances that are close to comic perfection. With a star-studded supporting cast, a story we can somehow all relate too despite its Hollywood overtones and low-key hysterics throughout, this is a DVD you'll want for your collection. ... Read more

Description

Mary and Rhoda from television’s The Mary Tyler Moore Show are finally reunited. Mary returns to her native New York City following the death of her Congressman husband in a rock climbing accident.Similarly, Rhoda returns to New York City from Paris where she has just recently left and divorced her husband, Jean Pierre.Both Mary and Rhoda are trying to deal with their college-aged daughters.Mary’s daughter Rose is a student at New York University and Rhoda’s Meredith is pre-med at Columbia.They now face the challenges of motherhood and reestablishing their careers in a very difficult time.Once again, Mary and Rhoda take on these challenges by trusting their intuition with that distinct sense of humor and sophistication they made famous in the original television series. ... Read more

Reviews (117)

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan give charming and sweet performances!
I still love this movie! "Sleepless in Seattle" is still one of the best romantic films that I have seen since...ever! The performances in the film were top-notch and the storyline was terrific! To me, this film talks about two things...fate and destiny. "Sleepless" focuses on Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a recently widowed father who, because of the death of his wife Maggie (Carey Lowell), decides to move out to Seattle with his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) to start over again. One night, Jonah calls a talk radio show, who asks Sam to come to the phone and explain everything. So Sam sat down and talked about everything that he and his wife had done over the past few years, how he loved her, and such. Sam's story was such a big hit across America that women have been pouring letters of comfort at Sam's home. The story has also reached the heart of a newspaper writer named Annie Reed (Meg Ryan). Annie is single, lives in New York, and is engaged to a man named Walter (Bill Pullman), who is pretty much allergic to everything. After hearing Sam's story on the radio that night, Annie believes that she and Sam are destined to be together, due to typical Hollywood romance from such films as, for example, "An Affair to Remember". And romantic charm and trouble ensues from there on as, for example, Annie goes to Seattle to sort of "spy" on Sam to see what he is like, especially with his son, etc. "Sleepless in Seattle" marks the second teaming of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan from their first hit, "Joe Versus the Volcano" in 1990, and before they starred a third time in 1998's "You've Got Mail", which is directed by "Sleepless" director Nora Ephron ("This is My Life"). And speaking of the director, she directed this film with a lot of heart, soul, and emotion. Nora Ephron's best work to date! "Sleepless in Seattle" has also the absolute best performances of all time from Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I kind of liked the way that Meg Ryan's hair looked in the film. To me, you don't get to see Meg Ryan with hair like that a lot. I like this film because it is one of those films where two people eventually cross paths continuously, and in the end, they meet each other for the first time and live happily ever after! I really hope that there is a sequel to this film in the making, but if there isn't, then I will still enjoy "Sleepless in Seattle" for years to come!

A Laugh-Out-Loud Funny Charmer
First of all, Sleepless in Seattle IS a chick flick, yes, and there are certainly some stretches of the imagination required as far as plot goes, but the real emphasis is the characters, and that is the strength of the movie...the entire cast is excellent, from Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks to the supporting cast (Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger and Robert Reiner). The story and chemistry is charming, but more than that, the movie is hysterical. Everytime I watch the movie again (I've seen it about 5 or 6 times now) I realize how funny it is...Nora Ephron may be the best current writer of real romantic comedies. There are SO many funny little things scattered throughout the movie...even if you don't like "chick flicks," you should watch it because it's one of the funniest movies ever.

Absolutely wonderful!
I first saw this movie when I was in college with my roomate, who knows all the best movies out there. I absolutely fell in love with it, and I went out and bought it immediately. It's ideal if you are single, it gives you hope for finding that perfect someone :), at least it did for me. If you like You've Got Mail, you'll also like Sleepless in Seattle, or if you haven't seen either, they go perfect together!!

great chick flick for chicks
Tom Hanks stars as recent widower from Seattle who talks to a radio show host about his troubles and Meg Ryan plays a recently engaged woman from New York who develops a relationship with Hank's character. The plot is a bit cheesy as well as the lines, but that is how chick flicks are made--cheesy plots and lines. Though most guys will not like "Sleepless in Seattle" unless they enjoy other "chick flicks," most women enjoy this contemporary classic of long distance romance. If you like the movie be sure to check out the DVD, which has many more added features such as a music video and commentary by the director and co-writer.

Sleepless in Seattle
WOW! I LOVE this movie! It's a favorite of all my families. I think this is a great love story and almost anyone would enjoy it. ... Read more

Description

This hilariously sexy comedy has critics everywhere standing up and cheering! The irresistible Sarah Jessica Parker (HONEYMOON IN VEGAS, L.A. STORY) stars as a recently engaged young woman about to make a shockingly funny discovery: marriage and fidelity don't always go hand-in-hand, especially in her own family! From then on, it's nonstop laughs as, one by one, she unravels the wild details of their outrageously tangled affairs! Also featuring Antonio Banderas (INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE) and Mia Farrow (WIDOWS' PEAK) in a hot all-star cast -- you'll find MIAMI RHAPSODY sparkles with sunny, sexy comic entertainment! ... Read more

Description

A successful New York psychoanalyst nearing a nervous breakdown and his French neighbor make an overnight decision to swap apartments.Neither one knows the other but find themselves deeply involved in their counterpart's social settings, and the people in their lives are caught in an amusing state of mistaken identity and confusion by the sudden change of enviroments. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A delightful romantic comedy - very feelgood
William Hurt and Juliette Binoche make a very likeable (thought unexpected) duo in this fun, escapist romantic comedy.
The premise for the story is quite far-fetched - a New York psychiatrist (William Hurt) does an "apartment swap" with a Parisian dancer (Juliette Binoche.) Neither gets what they expected, and soon their paths cross in a series of quirky encouters which lead to romance.
Both actors are very likeable in this film, with Juliette Binoche dispaying here usual "zest for life" style which is very endearing - quite reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn.
The dialogue throughout the file is a mix of English and French, which gives it a very enjoyable European/continental flavour - something cosmopolitan viewers will like. It's a movie that is much more "French" than "American" in style - something you'll either love or won't, depending on your personal taste.
If you enjoyed "The Accidental Tourist" or "Forget Paris" you will most certainly find this refreshing and relaxed romantic comedy a pleasure to watch.

Over ambitious film under delivers.
The premise is a little unrealistic, that a uber-psychiatrist would temporarily abandon his Manhattan practice to switch apartments for a month in Paris-a switch with an unknown woman made through the newspaper. Incroyable!

But when you have a chance to make a film with two Academy Award winners, Juliette Binoche and William Hurt, set both in New York and Paris, who would pass the chance? Chantal Ackerman could not, the opportunity to make her first English speaking film a bonus.

The film is a reminder of how difficult it is to cross the pond movie-wise. Nuance and sub-text is awkward or incomprehensible here-the threads on which the movie is woven are frassled.

This artsy little film survives entirely on Binoche's vitality, her French innocence and enthusiasm dominates every negative New York influence her character encounters.

It fails most everywhere else, sadly.

The Big Apple Meets....."La Binoche" ...For Delightful Fun
This review refers to the DVD(Fox Lorber) edition of "A Couch In New York"....

Dr. Henry Harriston(William Hurt) of Manhattan needs a break from his very dependent patients.He's an esteemed Psychoanalyst,works out of his upscale apartment,is compulsively neat, and needs a little change from his hum drum exsistence. Beatrice Saulnier(Juliette Binoche) of Paris could use a bit of a break herself.She's a beautiful dancer,has a long line of admirers who are constantly phoning or banging on the door of her little(no so upscale) loft, is a bit of a slob, and needs some quiet time away from her chaotic life. The Dr. puts an add in the Paris newspaper looking for someone to swap apartments for a while and Voila! the fun begins....

While Henry looses his patience in Paris, Beatrice takes on his patients in New York. But uh-oh..Henry can't take it anymore and decides to beat a retreat home. He is mistaken for one of the patients and has grand time being analyzed by La Binoche.

The film is an engaging, feel good romantic comedy, that will certianly leave you smiling.Mistaken identities lead to some very funny situations as the nuertoic patients now become dependent on Beatrice, and Beatrice tries to cure Henry.

Binoche as always, is enchanting, and Hurt plays it perfectly in this case of opposites attracting. The supporting cast including Richard Jenkins, Paul Guilfoyle, Bernard Breuse and Barbara Garrick are marvelous as patients, friends and jilted lovers of these two.All though there were times where it seemed to move just a little slow,this was a very sweet,light and enjoyable film that kept me smiling throughout.I loved the European flavor, scenery, and the music.

The DVD is a nice presentation in widescreen,sounds great in stereo.The film is in both English and French and has subtitles only during the French dialouge.There is no option for subtitles throughout the film for those that may need them though. There are filmographies of several of the stars and the Director Chantel Akerman, and also a trailer.

I would recommend this to fans of Juliette Binoche,french films, and anyone who loves a good romantic comedy along the lines of something like "Sabrina".

enjoy...Laurie

Disappointing!
Although Juliette Binoche and William Hurt turn out imaginative perfomrances, this movie lacks dimension and reverts to the standard shrink/patient sketches through the middle of the movie that will have you sleeping on the couch. There was just not enough new material in the script to turn this into the comdeic romance that it should have been although it starts and ends well.

This movie is utterly charming and engaging
I love this movie! It's fun. It's pretty. It's charming. The characters are funny and lovable. The scenario is clever and engaging. The mix of French and English is enriching. It couldn't be better. Try it! ... Read more

Reviews (117)

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan give charming and sweet performances!
I still love this movie! "Sleepless in Seattle" is still one of the best romantic films that I have seen since...ever! The performances in the film were top-notch and the storyline was terrific! To me, this film talks about two things...fate and destiny. "Sleepless" focuses on Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a recently widowed father who, because of the death of his wife Maggie (Carey Lowell), decides to move out to Seattle with his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) to start over again. One night, Jonah calls a talk radio show, who asks Sam to come to the phone and explain everything. So Sam sat down and talked about everything that he and his wife had done over the past few years, how he loved her, and such. Sam's story was such a big hit across America that women have been pouring letters of comfort at Sam's home. The story has also reached the heart of a newspaper writer named Annie Reed (Meg Ryan). Annie is single, lives in New York, and is engaged to a man named Walter (Bill Pullman), who is pretty much allergic to everything. After hearing Sam's story on the radio that night, Annie believes that she and Sam are destined to be together, due to typical Hollywood romance from such films as, for example, "An Affair to Remember". And romantic charm and trouble ensues from there on as, for example, Annie goes to Seattle to sort of "spy" on Sam to see what he is like, especially with his son, etc. "Sleepless in Seattle" marks the second teaming of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan from their first hit, "Joe Versus the Volcano" in 1990, and before they starred a third time in 1998's "You've Got Mail", which is directed by "Sleepless" director Nora Ephron ("This is My Life"). And speaking of the director, she directed this film with a lot of heart, soul, and emotion. Nora Ephron's best work to date! "Sleepless in Seattle" has also the absolute best performances of all time from Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I kind of liked the way that Meg Ryan's hair looked in the film. To me, you don't get to see Meg Ryan with hair like that a lot. I like this film because it is one of those films where two people eventually cross paths continuously, and in the end, they meet each other for the first time and live happily ever after! I really hope that there is a sequel to this film in the making, but if there isn't, then I will still enjoy "Sleepless in Seattle" for years to come!

A Laugh-Out-Loud Funny Charmer
First of all, Sleepless in Seattle IS a chick flick, yes, and there are certainly some stretches of the imagination required as far as plot goes, but the real emphasis is the characters, and that is the strength of the movie...the entire cast is excellent, from Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks to the supporting cast (Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger and Robert Reiner). The story and chemistry is charming, but more than that, the movie is hysterical. Everytime I watch the movie again (I've seen it about 5 or 6 times now) I realize how funny it is...Nora Ephron may be the best current writer of real romantic comedies. There are SO many funny little things scattered throughout the movie...even if you don't like "chick flicks," you should watch it because it's one of the funniest movies ever.

Absolutely wonderful!
I first saw this movie when I was in college with my roomate, who knows all the best movies out there. I absolutely fell in love with it, and I went out and bought it immediately. It's ideal if you are single, it gives you hope for finding that perfect someone :), at least it did for me. If you like You've Got Mail, you'll also like Sleepless in Seattle, or if you haven't seen either, they go perfect together!!

great chick flick for chicks
Tom Hanks stars as recent widower from Seattle who talks to a radio show host about his troubles and Meg Ryan plays a recently engaged woman from New York who develops a relationship with Hank's character. The plot is a bit cheesy as well as the lines, but that is how chick flicks are made--cheesy plots and lines. Though most guys will not like "Sleepless in Seattle" unless they enjoy other "chick flicks," most women enjoy this contemporary classic of long distance romance. If you like the movie be sure to check out the DVD, which has many more added features such as a music video and commentary by the director and co-writer.

Sleepless in Seattle
WOW! I LOVE this movie! It's a favorite of all my families. I think this is a great love story and almost anyone would enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Happily Surprised
I was a bit leary of this "mini-series" because I loved the books so much, and this production replaced a couple of the lead stars from the first series. Any disappointment I felt, though, was quickly lost as I fell in love with the characters all over again, and soon forgot about the changes. What a great story with deliciously satisfying surprise turns and twists! The actors obviously relished these roles and put everything into them. Especially terrific about the DVD is the commentary from the author and stars of the series. I found it captivating--couldn't pull myself away from their stories, and can't wait to sit down and listen to them again. There's nothing like this out there. It should be part of your library!

Fun & Exciting Plot Twists at "28 Barbary Lane"
"More Tales of the City" is a fictional, 6-part mini-series exploring the lives of gay and straight residents of a San Francisco apartment house at the address "28 Barbary Lane". A sequel to the original "Tales of the City" 6-part mini-series which aired several years earlier, both are based upon a newspaper serial started in 1976 by Armistead Maupin, who later coverted it into a set of novels. "Tales of the City" is based upon the first novel. "More Tales of the City" is based upon the second novel and continues the lives of the characters brought to life in the first installment.

Returning to the cast from the original "Tales of the City" mini-series are Olympia Dukakis as Anna Madrigal (the landlady of the 28 Barbary Lane apartment house), Laura Linney as Mary Ann Singleton (a career-minded secretary), Barbara Garrick as Deirdre 'DeDe' Ligon Halcyon Day, Bill Campbell as Dr. Jon Philip Fielding and Thomas Gibson as Beauchamp Talbot Day. Replacing former cast members are Nina Siemaszko as Mona Ramsey (searching for her identity), Paul Hopkins as Michael 'Mouse' Tolliver (searching for 'Mr. Right'), Diana Leblanc as Frances 'Frannie' Alicia Ligon Halcyon and Whip Hubley as Brian Hawkins. New to the cast are Colin Ferguson as Burke Christopher Andrew, Swoozie Kurtz as Betty Borg Ramsey and Jackie Burroghs as Mona 'Mother Mucca' Ramsey (a brothel owner).

In this segment, Mona Ramsey is searching for her self identity and doing everything she can to avoid her controlling mother, Betty Ramsey. She leaves San Francisco on a bus and meets 'Mother Mucca' and agrees to work at Mother Mucca's brothel in Neveda as a receptionist. There, she discovers some startling truths about herself, Mother Mucca and Anna Madrigal. In the meantime, Beauchamp is causing problems for his secretary, Mary Ann, and his wife, DeDe, who becomes impregnated by an Asian worker. DeDe's mother, Frances, ventures off to rediscover her sexuality at an exclusive club. While searching for 'Mr. Right', Michael becomes paralyzed and it rekindles his romance with Dr. Jon Philip Fielding. Several things that happen at the end of "More Tales of the City" lead into its sequel, "Further Tales of the City".

It may be true that Nina Siemaszko that Paul Hopkins don't play the roles of Mona and Michael as well as Chloe Webb and Marcus D'Amico from the original "Tales of the City", but the combination of the fun plot twists and other great acting makes "More Tales of the City" well worth watching and owning! I rate this set of DVD's 5 out of 5!

Get "More Tales" While You Can
A must have DVD for any fan of the "Tales of the City" books or mini-series...even if you do not have a DVD player yet! This DVD is hard to come by so grab a copy of it while you can. While some viewers might have some problems with the re-casting of some key roles from the original series (particularly Nina Siemasko replacing Chloe Webb as Mona Ramsey), Armistead Maupin's characters and twisting storylines make it a little easier to accept the new actors. "More Tales" also gives you a chance to see some current TV stars in very different roles -- Thomas Gibson from "Dharma & Greg" and Billy Campbell from "Once And Again." Key holdovers include Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis who, along with Maupin, provide insightful voice-over commentary on this 2-disc DVD set.

An important part to any DVD (or movie) purchase is whether it holds up after repeated viewing and this certainly passes the test. Unfortunately, the original PBS "Tales" is tied up in a legal mess and unavailable on DVD for the forseeable future. Looking forward to "Further Tales" set to air in Spring 2001. It is rare these days for an author to have such creative control over a movie/mini-series project. Maupin's love for these characters (and the actors who play them) is clearly evident. Hopefully, future "Tales" DVDs will have the caring treatment that was put into this set.

Entertaining "Soap Opera" about SF Tennament Life in the 70s
Olympia Dukakis leads a cast of otherwise little-known actors in this very entertaining serial about life, lust and liasons surrounding the tennants at 28 Barbary Lane in San Francisco of the mid-1970s. -- The main character, Maryann Singleton, an innocent 20-something Ohio girl escapes the smothering arms of her over-protective parents and becomes the latest arrival at mysterious Ms Madrigal's house of sweet, odd and gorgeous young people. Not only is she (like everyone else) welcomed and accepted, but soon finds herself in a web of weird situations, corporate greed, sexual experimentation, suicide, and other shocking things. -- The recurring central focus on homosexuality eventually becomes so nonchallante, that the viewer soon no longer sees this as anything worth talking about. It's almost like watching episodes of "Ellen", "Roseanne" or "Will & Grace", only that any "viewer advisories" seem redundant now (it's about time!). -- Tales of the City is a look back at the 1970s decadence we saw in "Studio 54", but otherwise only 'heard rumors about'. This is an honest, unashamed view of the "San Francisco Scene" as experienced by the author/screen writer Amistad Mopin. Along with historically authentic facts and references (The "Jonestown Tragedy" of 1979 is briefly referenced at the end - if you blinked you missed it!) this otherwise mostly ficticious plot makes for fun viewing. The 6 part series nicely fits on this DVD. Have it piece meal or all at once. I think you're gonna like this picture!*****

I wish I lived in the Building
Being a gay person I love this movie. The cast including Olypia Dukakis and Laura Linney among others who I can't remember their names are excellent. I just wish I lived on Barbary Lane. I loved the closeness of the cast (which appeared to be very sincere)The acting was excellent, its a series that you wish continued on after the final scene. Its an excellent series which I would proudly recommend this movie to anyone. I truly love being gay and this series made me even prouder of my sexual orientation. This movie isn't all about the homosexual lifestyle, Laura Linney plays a straight woman who found her love in the building Olympia Dukakis's character owns. There is intrigue, scandal, love and best of all nudity. Great series I wish it was a permanent series. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This first film adaptation of a John Grisham novel is a crackerjackpopcorn movie that satisfies even though it radically changes the last half of the book. The novel's dynamic setup is intact: Mitch McDeere, a hot law graduate (a well-suited Tom Cruise), finds a dream job in a luxurious Memphis law firm. His superiors (Gene Hackman, Hal Holbrook) provide Mitch and his young wife, Abby (Jeanne Tripplehorn), with a house and plenty of money in exchange for lots of work, and maybe something more. Soon FBI agents (including a bald Ed Harris) encircle Mitch, telling him his firm has a sinister secret, forcing Mitch into a heck of a pickle. How Mitch deals with his situation is where the book and movie differ, yet by the time Mitch is running from bad guys with suitcase in hand, the movie delivers Grisham's goods. For Sydney Pollack's film, Mitch is more confrontational and heroic. Plot aside, the care Pollack put into this fair-weather thriller is unimpeachable, as is his cast. There's hardly a better all-star cast in any '90s thriller, from Hackman and Harris in key roles to actors in smaller parts, sometimes with only a scene or two. Standouts include David Strathairn as Mitch's wayward brother, Wilford Brimley as the head of security, film producer Jerry Weintraub as an angry client, Gary Busey as a private investigator, and Holly Hunter in a delicious, Oscar-nominated supporting role as Busey's most loyal of secretaries. The cast seems to have had as much fun making the film as we do watching it. It's slick Hollywood product, but first-rate all the way. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Happily Surprised
I was a bit leary of this "mini-series" because I loved the books so much, and this production replaced a couple of the lead stars from the first series. Any disappointment I felt, though, was quickly lost as I fell in love with the characters all over again, and soon forgot about the changes. What a great story with deliciously satisfying surprise turns and twists! The actors obviously relished these roles and put everything into them. Especially terrific about the DVD is the commentary from the author and stars of the series. I found it captivating--couldn't pull myself away from their stories, and can't wait to sit down and listen to them again. There's nothing like this out there. It should be part of your library!

Fun & Exciting Plot Twists at "28 Barbary Lane"
"More Tales of the City" is a fictional, 6-part mini-series exploring the lives of gay and straight residents of a San Francisco apartment house at the address "28 Barbary Lane". A sequel to the original "Tales of the City" 6-part mini-series which aired several years earlier, both are based upon a newspaper serial started in 1976 by Armistead Maupin, who later coverted it into a set of novels. "Tales of the City" is based upon the first novel. "More Tales of the City" is based upon the second novel and continues the lives of the characters brought to life in the first installment.

Returning to the cast from the original "Tales of the City" mini-series are Olympia Dukakis as Anna Madrigal (the landlady of the 28 Barbary Lane apartment house), Laura Linney as Mary Ann Singleton (a career-minded secretary), Barbara Garrick as Deirdre 'DeDe' Ligon Halcyon Day, Bill Campbell as Dr. Jon Philip Fielding and Thomas Gibson as Beauchamp Talbot Day. Replacing former cast members are Nina Siemaszko as Mona Ramsey (searching for her identity), Paul Hopkins as Michael 'Mouse' Tolliver (searching for 'Mr. Right'), Diana Leblanc as Frances 'Frannie' Alicia Ligon Halcyon and Whip Hubley as Brian Hawkins. New to the cast are Colin Ferguson as Burke Christopher Andrew, Swoozie Kurtz as Betty Borg Ramsey and Jackie Burroghs as Mona 'Mother Mucca' Ramsey (a brothel owner).

In this segment, Mona Ramsey is searching for her self identity and doing everything she can to avoid her controlling mother, Betty Ramsey. She leaves San Francisco on a bus and meets 'Mother Mucca' and agrees to work at Mother Mucca's brothel in Neveda as a receptionist. There, she discovers some startling truths about herself, Mother Mucca and Anna Madrigal. In the meantime, Beauchamp is causing problems for his secretary, Mary Ann, and his wife, DeDe, who becomes impregnated by an Asian worker. DeDe's mother, Frances, ventures off to rediscover her sexuality at an exclusive club. While searching for 'Mr. Right', Michael becomes paralyzed and it rekindles his romance with Dr. Jon Philip Fielding. Several things that happen at the end of "More Tales of the City" lead into its sequel, "Further Tales of the City".

It may be true that Nina Siemaszko that Paul Hopkins don't play the roles of Mona and Michael as well as Chloe Webb and Marcus D'Amico from the original "Tales of the City", but the combination of the fun plot twists and other great acting makes "More Tales of the City" well worth watching and owning! I rate this set of DVD's 5 out of 5!

Get "More Tales" While You Can
A must have DVD for any fan of the "Tales of the City" books or mini-series...even if you do not have a DVD player yet! This DVD is hard to come by so grab a copy of it while you can. While some viewers might have some problems with the re-casting of some key roles from the original series (particularly Nina Siemasko replacing Chloe Webb as Mona Ramsey), Armistead Maupin's characters and twisting storylines make it a little easier to accept the new actors. "More Tales" also gives you a chance to see some current TV stars in very different roles -- Thomas Gibson from "Dharma & Greg" and Billy Campbell from "Once And Again." Key holdovers include Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis who, along with Maupin, provide insightful voice-over commentary on this 2-disc DVD set.

An important part to any DVD (or movie) purchase is whether it holds up after repeated viewing and this certainly passes the test. Unfortunately, the original PBS "Tales" is tied up in a legal mess and unavailable on DVD for the forseeable future. Looking forward to "Further Tales" set to air in Spring 2001. It is rare these days for an author to have such creative control over a movie/mini-series project. Maupin's love for these characters (and the actors who play them) is clearly evident. Hopefully, future "Tales" DVDs will have the caring treatment that was put into this set.

Entertaining "Soap Opera" about SF Tennament Life in the 70s
Olympia Dukakis leads a cast of otherwise little-known actors in this very entertaining serial about life, lust and liasons surrounding the tennants at 28 Barbary Lane in San Francisco of the mid-1970s. -- The main character, Maryann Singleton, an innocent 20-something Ohio girl escapes the smothering arms of her over-protective parents and becomes the latest arrival at mysterious Ms Madrigal's house of sweet, odd and gorgeous young people. Not only is she (like everyone else) welcomed and accepted, but soon finds herself in a web of weird situations, corporate greed, sexual experimentation, suicide, and other shocking things. -- The recurring central focus on homosexuality eventually becomes so nonchallante, that the viewer soon no longer sees this as anything worth talking about. It's almost like watching episodes of "Ellen", "Roseanne" or "Will & Grace", only that any "viewer advisories" seem redundant now (it's about time!). -- Tales of the City is a look back at the 1970s decadence we saw in "Studio 54", but otherwise only 'heard rumors about'. This is an honest, unashamed view of the "San Francisco Scene" as experienced by the author/screen writer Amistad Mopin. Along with historically authentic facts and references (The "Jonestown Tragedy" of 1979 is briefly referenced at the end - if you blinked you missed it!) this otherwise mostly ficticious plot makes for fun viewing. The 6 part series nicely fits on this DVD. Have it piece meal or all at once. I think you're gonna like this picture!*****

I wish I lived in the Building
Being a gay person I love this movie. The cast including Olypia Dukakis and Laura Linney among others who I can't remember their names are excellent. I just wish I lived on Barbary Lane. I loved the closeness of the cast (which appeared to be very sincere)The acting was excellent, its a series that you wish continued on after the final scene. Its an excellent series which I would proudly recommend this movie to anyone. I truly love being gay and this series made me even prouder of my sexual orientation. This movie isn't all about the homosexual lifestyle, Laura Linney plays a straight woman who found her love in the building Olympia Dukakis's character owns. There is intrigue, scandal, love and best of all nudity. Great series I wish it was a permanent series. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hanging Up
You've got to admire a movie that embraces womanhood as so few mainstream movies do, and Hanging Up deserves credit for combining issues of sisterhood and elderly parent care while relying on neuroses to carry its unconventional plot. But you've also got to lament this botched "dramedy" from screenwriting sisters Nora and Delia Ephron (adapting the latter's novel) and director Diane Keaton, who lack a coherent plan for illuminating their trio of female siblings. Despite a sharp focus on Meg Ryan as the middle sister Eve--a capable Los Angeles event planner--the movie never quite seems to know where it's going, and you feel like the best scenes are merely happy accidents. In exploring the foibles of family, Keaton fared better with her earlier film Unstrung Heroes.In addition to directing, Keaton plays the eldest sister Georgia, a celebrity magazine editor, and Lisa Kudrow is kid sister Maddy, a soap-opera actress who's nearly as self-absorbed as Georgia. They leave it to Eve to care for their declining father (Walter Matthau), a retired screenwriter who slips in and out of lucidity and is, at best, a cantankerous curmudgeon whose estranged wife (Cloris Leachman) has long since severed all family ties. This is potent material--at least it could have been--and Ryan admirably struggles to hold the film together. But it's ultimately a losing battle as the movie, so full of cell phones and disconnected people (hence the title), becomes disconnected itself, offering hollow humor and a few memorable moments with characters whose problems are too minimal to worry about. --Jeff Shannon

Sleepless in Seattle
The director and stars of 1998's You've Got Mail scored a breakthrough hit with this hugely popular romantic comedy from 1993, about a recently engaged woman (Meg Ryan) who hears the sad story of a grieving widower (Tom Hanks) on the radio and believes that they're destined to be together. She's single in New York, he lives in Seattle with a young son, but the cross-country attraction proves irresistible, and pretty soon Meg's on a westbound flight. What happens from there is ... well, you must have been living in a cave to have let this sweet-hearted comedy slip below your pop-cultural radar. There's little complexity or depth to writer-director Nora Ephron's cheesy tale of a romantic fait accompli, and more than a little contrivance to the subplots that threaten to keep Hanks and Ryan from actually meeting. But the purity of star chemistry here is hard to deny, and this may be the first film to indicate the more serious and sympathetic side of Hanks that is revealed in later roles. With its clever jokes about "chick movies" and repeated homage to the classic weeper An Affair to Remember, this may not be everybody's brand of amorous entertainment, but it's got an old-Hollywood charm that appeals to many a movie fan. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (2)

1 hit + 1 flop = a poor choice for a double feature!
Why only 2 stars?? 5 stars for Sleepless in Seattle. -1 star for whoever chose to pair it on a double feature release with "Hanging Up". -2 stars for "Hanging Up".

I think they missed the boat on this one. "Sleepless In Seattle" was a fun romantic comedy, and being a classic movie buff, I really loved how they tied in the scenes and story from "An Affair To Remember". After the wonderful performances by Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, I was certainly eager to see Nora Ephron bring them together again in "You've Got Mail"; a sweet, modernized remake of the original "The Shop Around The Corner". Granted, it didn't do as good as "Sleepless", but it sure beat "Hanging Up"! So why didn't they feature "Mail" as the second feature? Let's see.... same lead actors, same director, both parallel previously made films, both did pretty well at the box office... I guess it wasn't obvious enough.

So, unfortuantely they chose to pair "Sleepless In Seattle" with the box office flop "Hanging Up" for this double feature. Just surf over to the reviews for "Hanging Up" and you'll probably ask the same question. Why?

My guess is that they threw these two movies together to bank on the continued success of "Sleepless In Seattle" in an attempt to make up for the financial loss that was suffered on "Hanging Up". But seriously, if you're looking to add a little romantic comedy to your movie collection, save some bucks and buy "Sleepless in Seattle" separately. "Hanging Up" is worth hanging up on! If you really want to see what you're not missing, spend a few bucks and rent it instead.

Sleepless isnt so sleepless, hanging up should have hung up
I found that Sleepless in Seattle is original, well written and funny. Hanging Up was similar comedy but way more worse than Sleepless in Seattle. My advice is: buy Sleepless In Seattle Special Edition, forget Hanging Up. It's not worth it buying one good movie and one terrible one. ... Read more