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This 1970 concert documentary captures Elvis Presley midway through afateful transition, seeking to reclaim his musical primacy after a decade ofself-imposed exile from concert stages. Sidelined by his big-screen career,eclipsed by rock's mid-'60s transformations, the King had begun his return twoyears earlier with the relatively lean attack of his fabled network televisionappearance, '68 Comeback Special. Now the Memphis legend was poised toreposition his performing profile by pursuing the top rungs of headliner statusin Las Vegas, a career choice that seems even more ephemeral in hindsight thanit already did at the time.

Elvis: That's the Way It Is follows the show's genesis from rehearsal tostage, with the performance footage that provides its inevitable climax shotover six nights. The rehearsal footage, expanded for this special edition,offers further proof that Presley's band was simply superb: stripped of theorchestrations and lush choral arrangements that would be grafted onto the stageshow, the sextet sounds both tough and nimble. In performance, we're treated toa mostly riveting glimpse of Presley in top vocal form, poised at the brink ofbombast. This is Elvis before the onset of portentous Richard Strauss overtures,karate kicks, and tossed scarves, kicking off the show with the classic "That'sAll Right." If he risks undercutting the punch of his early songs with self-deprecating clowning, he attacks two Ray Charles classics with gusto. Thespecial edition also boasts digitally remastered visuals, crisply remixed Dolbyaudio, alternate versions that replace the original performances of severaltracks (including the extended vamp of "Suspicious Minds"), a theatricaltrailer, and a new documentary on the restoration of the film. --SamSutherland ... Read more

Reviews (114)

A Dinner Date With Elvis In Vegas
ELVIS: THAT'S THE WAY IT IS is a great documentary about Elvis' classic stage show in Vegas. Actually, there are several parts to it. The first half is devoted to the practice sessions. In July of 1970 we see Elvis at the MGM studios in Culver City with his band (James Burton- Lead guitar; John Wilkerson- rhythm guitar; Ronnie Tutt- drums; Glenn Hardin- Piano; Charlie Hodge- acoustic guitar/vocals, water & scarves) going through various numbers. Elvis had just completed a marathon recording session in Nashville, and we hear Elvis & band honing these tunes for the stage show. Elvis is apparently having a lot of fun, joking around with his friends and musicians. He had an amazing personality & presence that really comes through here. By August 1970, Elvis moved into his residency: the International Hotel (now known as the Hilton). After a few weeks of further rehearsals (he is now joined by backup singers The Sweet Inspirations, Imperials, Millie Kirkham), the Elvis Summer Festival starts. The second half of the film is the stage show, recorded August 10,11 & 12 1970. Elvis sings these songs: THAT'S ALL RIGHT, I'VE LOST YOU, PATCH IT UP, LOVE ME TENDER, SWEET CAROLINE, I JUST CAN'T HELP BELIEVIN, TIGER MAN, POLK SALAD ANNIE, ONE NIGHT, HEARTBREAK HOTEL, YOU'VE LOST THAT LOVIN FEELIN, BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER, SUSPICIOUS MINDS, CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE. It is obvious that Elvis was still passionate about the music. He was in good shape, and still young in appearance. I love those classic white jumpsuits. A few more notes: The opening credits sequence of the original movie was filmed at the Phoenix Coliseum on September 9, 1970. I hope that more footage of this can be found, there does seem to be a bit more excitement going on there than the formal confines of the International Hotel. Check out ELVIS: THE LOST PERFORMANCES for additional footage from this movie, and ELVIS ON TOUR (1972).

The updated 30th anniversary edition contains a lot of alternate footage, which is welcomed, but the new presentation does NOT replace the original 1970 That's The Way It is, which remains the ultimate Seventies Elvis documentary.

Elvis - TTWIS Special Edition Beyond Description!
I first watched the new edit of Elvis - That's The Way It Is On Turner Classic Movies. I also ordered the video from Amazon and had it rush delievered. This movie is so exciting and fresh that it's beyond description. Elvis never sounded better or looked better, and this movie takes advantage of previously unused footage and milks the Elvis experience for everything it's worth (and that's a heck of a lot). Long gone are the previously included interviews and odd fan moments. This movie is pure Elvis. The movie starts with rehearsals and works its way through a Vegas performance. The first 30 minutes are rehearsals and Elvis backstage, providing a glimpse of Elvis rarely seen. Elvis is seen goofing around, and he is seen instructing his band and backup singers in the fashion of a true master. The last hour of the show is an Elvis Vegas performance from start to finish (spliced together from 6 different shows). The Vegas shows culminates in a performance of Suspcious Minds that is alone worth the price of admission. This is a must have. The price is low. The sound and picture quality is excellent, and the editing and production value is first rate. This video is Elvis - the way it really was. Be aware that the TCM tv presentation was in wide screen. The video is available in wide screen and full screen / normal. If you like wide screen be sure to order the correct version of the video package. But either version you get - you will play it over and over and over. It's beyond comprehension! It's so fresh and alive you'll almost forget it wasn't recently filmed. The fade outs and the camera angles are excellent. Hats off to Turner and Warner Brothers for this delightful video!

Turner Travesty
This is a Turner Entertainmnet/AOL/Time/Warner film. It is NOT the MGM film. Turner has destroyed my memory of the original film. There's lots missing, nothing has been added except a (for the most part) horrible sounding soundtrack. A travesty. Stick with the old MGM VHS.

Elvis That's The Way It Is DVD
This Music dvd of the king is fantastic. In the beginning there are some studio takes, and the group from elvis with james burton, john wilkinson, ronny tutt and others are practice for the concert he give in 1970 known as that's the way it is. The concert is flawless, Elvis sings so very good here you should almost forget that it is live recorded. One thing you can say about elvis if you hear this dvd. He was really THE KING

THE GREATEST PERFORMER IN HISTORY
What can I really say about this documentary ?.Just buy it and see for yourself. Absolute magic from start to finish !!!!!!!.Ive never seen such an incredible performance by a singer before.BUY IT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (55)

A MOVIE PARODY THAT MEL BROOKS WILL PROUD OF.
Peter Medak directs this HILARIOUS film about the masked 'ROBIN HOOD' of early California. After his AMAZING success of spoofing 'DRACULA' in "LOVE AT FIRST BITE", George Hamilton returned to portray Johnston McCulley's masked hero. Hamilton plays "DON DIEGO VEGA" the son of the original 'ZORRO'. He also plays "RAMON VEGA/BUNNY WIGGLESWORTH" Diego's homosexual long lost twin brother. After an accidentally fall which gives him a swollen ankle,Diego persuades his brother to take over the role of Zorro, which Diego has adopted from their father, until he heals. George Hamilton is HILARIOUS in his dual role, Ron Liebmann is EQUALLY HILARIOUS in his role of Diego's arch rival. Brenda Vaccaro and Laurn Hutton round out the cast as the female leads.

We named our cat Esteban
We named our cat Esteban because he has the same arrogant attitude that the character Ron Leibman plays. They say that cants can't make expressions but this one sometimes made the same faces. This is one of my all time favorite George Hamilton movies. It is right up there with "Love At First Bite (1979)" that is still available at amazon.co.uk. Lauren Hutton also gets to be a vampire in Once Bitten (1985) ASIN: 0792842421. And Brenda Vaccaro makes you feel sorry for Florinda's situation. Brenda also is a seasoned actress who appeared in several movies before this and later in Ten Little Indians (1989) as Marion Marshall.

Actually the movie follows the original script better than the old TV programs. And I would like to know what the music is that they play in the beginning. This movie is so packed with mirth that you can not convey this by telling the shoreline. One of my favorites is when Zorro makes the sine of the Zee and asks a peasant what that symbol stands for. "Senior that is the sign of a two." "My daughter learned this in the school."

Highly recommended
I love this flick. Saw it in the theatre when it was released. Saw it again a few times on television. Recently purchased the DVD.

I concur with the other reviewers here. Was a bit sad when it ended because I wanted to see more adventures of Bunny Wigglesworth!

Zizzling zorro
My family and I have watched this movie so many times that we can recite word for word. It is a classic. We never tire of it. Unfortunately we have it on the old Beta system and it is not to be found in Australia to purchase. I heard about Amazon and what a wonderful surprise to find it here. We have to go out and purchase a multi region DVD now to play the movie. It will be worth it though. Now I won't have to worry about the poor state of the video at the video shop.
Patricia
Brisbane

Australia

One of the Great Memories of the Eighties
I was four when this film came out. I loved it then and I love it now. It's a true spoof classic up there with Naked Gun and Hot Shots! If you have an ounce of humor in you you won't want to miss George Hamilton twirling both his swords ( no pun intended ). Have fun and get this film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The movie that put the Break into Spring, Where the Boys Are inspired thousands of college kids to seek sun, surf, and even s-e-x on the beaches of Florida. A bevy of co-eds (including foxy Yvette Mimieux and delightful Paula Prentiss, in her film debut) make for Fort Lauderdale, finding fun but also quite a bit of heavy-breathing drama. It's a little like a dressier, glossed-up version of the Problems with Today's Youth movies that were filling up the drive-ins of the era. The movie's actually pretty frank for 1960, although these days the lightweight stuff with Prentiss and Jim Hutton holds up best. There's also Connie Francis, who plays one of the college girls and croons the great title tune (which belongs on anybody's mix tape of classic teen-beach music). The film was remade, with vague Orwellian overtones, as Where the Boys Are 84, a truly dismal effort. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (28)

A Great Old Time Chick Flick!
I admit that I am a fan of old time movies and this one counts as one of my favorites. It takes me back to my younger years and that bittersweet time of finding the right guy with whom to start a relationship with. Four young girls decide to use Spring Break from college to take advantage of the sun and excitment of Fort Lauderdale. Dolores Hart and Paul Prentiss do a fine job as the Beauty/Brains "responsible" girls while Yvette Mimmiuex plays the fresh stars in her eyes, new to the scene girl. She soon learns the hard way that there are decent guys out there and not so decent. Connie Frances plays a athletic-type girl just looking for someone to ask her on a date and charms everyone with her terrific voice and comedic comments. Catching some sun and having the time of their lives, the girls learn many things about themselves and their new found independence. While this movie is not like the movies of today, it still leaves you with a smile and a sigh. Something all us girls can relate too!
The movie sets remind me of times when my friends and I could not wait to get to the beach to catch a tan and check out the guys! Pat on some tanning oil, grab your favorite swimsuit, and round up your girlfriends for some movie fun in the sun.

Good entertainment
I have to admit I liked this movie. Sure, the premise was great, and it looks great too. But that could be said about a lot of movies, and eventually few of them live up to the expectations. This ain't no masterpiece, but it is very funny, has quite a lot of great location shots, especially the last one on the beach (adding a great title tune with great voice, courtesy of Connie), and great scenes like the one where Connie Francis and girlfriend go to the bar and order hot water because they can't afford anything else and slip tea bagas into them, or when all the cast jumps/falls into the saloon acquarium. I was unsure whether Yvette Mimiuex was raped or not because for 1960 I have rarely seen in movies, but after reading some reviews I was right. And the scene where she zombie-walks into traffic is very good (to look at).
All in all, a good movie.

Where the Boys Are" 1960 version
ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES EVER. EXCELLENT CAST, EXCELLENT STORYLINE, EXCELLENT ACTING, EXCELLENT PICTURE, HONEST!!!!!!!!!

Where the Boys Are
"Where the Boys Are" has many things going for it and at the top of that list would be Paula Prentiss who makes her film debut here. In fact, it was her interview in the DVD extras that so enchanted me that it colored the whole film in an even rosier light. She is fun, ebullient, warm, and has nary a bad word for anyone, but she is also so unpretentious and open that it really provided a lot of insight into what it was really like to work on a film, fresh out of college and ironically at a location which she had missed on her own spring break.

The film tells the story of a group of girls on spring break in Ft. Lauderdale and the romances they encounter there, but as one reviewer here pointed out, it's not exactly "Beach Blanket Bingo." There's the fun 60's comic side of the film similar to "Beach Blanket Bingo" and other "madcap" comedies of that era, but there's also a deeper side with some serious issues raised about "date rape." The film is fairly well cast and pleasant to watch. It also has a real jazz score and Connie Francis performing and singing the title tune. Additionally, it's easy on the eye with great, candy-colorful costumes; beautiful on-location scenery including a panoramic shot of Ft. Lauderdale in full swing; a silly climax in a fish tank with the whole cast practically getting wet; and some unusual names for characters.

All in all, I'd say this one is a keeper and a classic in its own right. It may not be quite an "A" picture, so I didn't give it 4 stars, but it is a really fine film of its kind, mixing breezy, silly, 60's comedy with issues that were going to explode in the coming decade. And the stars are just great. I thoroughly enjoyed all the extras -- not only the wonderful, refreshing Paula Prentiss commentaries, but also a documentary that highlighted both Prentiss and Francis interviews. The film manages to address its heavier issues without having the shift in tone sink the picture in any way, so it's done rather seamlessly.

Again, I highly recommend this film and feel it's probably one of the best of the beach flicks.

The sixties begin.
Suntans, first love, jazz, date rape. And all in one film. "Where the Boys Are" ushered in the 60's, perhaps unwittingly, with its portrayal of half a dozen teens on Spring Break and their new attitudes about sex, life, and sex. Dolores Hart (now a Mother Superior in real life) plays a privileged Midwestern girl with very progressive ideas about interpersonal relations, while Yvette Mimieux's tragic character learns the hard way the lessons of promiscuity, at least according to Hollywood at the time. A very enjoyable film, and a nostalgic final glance back at the fading 1950's, as a new generation was about to make its mark on the social mores of Spring Break and the new world of the 60's. ... Read more

Amazon.com

At first glance, this 1991 comedy looks like another formulaic fluff-piece with a standard fish-out-of-water scenario--in this case a hotshot young doctor (Michael J. Fox) whose cross-country drive to become a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon is interrupted when he crashes in the rural hamlet of Grady, South Carolina. But as Fox's character is urged by the folksy locals to stay--an offer made tempting by his romance with a law student (Julie Warner)--this unassuming little movie just gets better and better thanks to a sharp script and a splendid supporting cast. Well, okay ... maybe Woody Harrelson and Bridget Fonda aren't used to the fullest of their abilities, but for the most part this is a charming and surprisingly intelligent comedy that's good enough to compare favorably to My Cousin Vinny, a film with which it shares much in common. Fox has all the right moves to make his character both bullish and ultimately agreeable, and Julie Warner's performance may leave you wondering why this fine actress didn't immediately rise to stardom. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Warm and funny
With its "hardened city boy recognizes what is important in life" plot, as predictable as that might be, I found this movie to be warm, funny, and poignant. It fits my general criteria defining a good movie in that the lead characters were likeable with a good chemistry, the story is sufficient to keep my attention, and it has a happy ending. I have always enjoyed the romantic comedy genre and this movie fits the mold well.

The chemistry between Michael J. Fox and Julie Warner is good and the interplay with the other characters (played by David Ogden Stiers, Barnard Hughes, etc.) is enjoyable to watch. Coupled with the small town setting in rural GA, its simple truths and more relaxed view of life are vaguely reminiscent of the old Andy of Mayberry TV show - and that's not a bad thing.

While not the type of movie that ever receives critical recognition, this movie is simply a pleasure to watch. It does something I find all too rare in the films that tend to be recognized in the "let's-give-ourselves-another-award-for-making-a-deep-dark-and-brooding-film" world of the awards shows - Doc Hollywood left me feeling good and I enjoyed the time I spent watching it. Some would call this solely a "chick flick" but I grade it as a good, light romance for all and a DVD that's a must in your collection for those days when you just feel a desire to watch something "happy".

a gem of a movie
I didn't like Doc Hollywood the first time I saw it in 1991 --- then I watched it again a few years ago and was blown away by the writing, acting and all-around sweet nature of the film.

Dr. Ben Stone is leaving DC for a job doing plastic surgery for celebs in LA when he runs into a picket fence in a small Southern town and has to do 3 days of community service at their clinic as penance. His fancy sports car is totaled anyway and he has to get it fixed. Miffed at being waylaid in such a hokey place, he tries to get through the next few days in time for his new job.

He meets a wide cast of characters -- and to their credit, not everyone in a small town is so gosh-friendly. Some are mean, some are troubled, some are nice -- like any other array of people. Ben meets Lou, a single mother who drives the ambulance, as well as Nancy Lee Nicholson, a confused beauty who wants him to take her to LA.

This movie is great because it is about many people deciding for themselves how they want to live -- whether in a big city or in a small town -- and why they value what they do. It is also about an epiphany for Ben Stone and changing of his ways internally.

Maybe the best "date flicks" I've ever seen.
I normally cannot watch movies on airplanes for some reason. I first saw "Doc Hollywood" on the grueling Boston-LA flight, and it immediately captured and held my interest for the entire flight. More than anything, that fact illustrates that this is a truly engaging flick. This is a genuinely funny movie. One thing that this movie does is lay to rest any doubts anyone might have had about Michael J. Fox's acting ability. In my opinion he turns in a stellar performance, albeit supported by fine jobs by the supporting cast. The part where he finally goes to LA is absolutely hysterical, by the way.

The story is very simple (no spoilers here). The protagonist (Michael J. Fox) is on his way to a job interview for a position as a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. He has an accident in a small Southern town ("Grady") and is sentenced to several hundred hours of community service. The town needs a doctor, and its real purpose is to recruit him as a permanent resident physician. Naturally, Doc meets a nice girl and now the choice is between money as a big-shot LA plastic surgeon and lifestyle in a nice rural setting. There's a lot more. I won't spoil it for you. Doc's slow assimilation into the town of Grady is wonderfully done. This movie manages to be both touching and funny, and I say this as one who is normally not much for comedy or date flicks.

Michael J. Fox shows in this movie that he had the potential to go far, as indeed he did.

One of michael j. fox's best!
The only movie in my belief that surpasses this one is "The secret of my success". If you like a good down home country turned city movie then this one will be a must see over and over!

Feel-Good Movie
If you live in a big city and have also lived in a small town, you'll love this movie. The cast is great. Michael J. Fox and Julie Warner make great movie chemistry. And Julie Warner is awesome, as always. I laughed out loud many times. And the pig is hilarious. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Its about time!
I remember watching this movie on TV when I was a little kid and waiting for it to come back on the next time it played. I LOVE IT! My mom loves it. Its just a fun time with great laughs. I completely recommend it.

Love at First Bite (The Result of all that 1970's Necking)
All Hail, All Hail! At last a 70's comedy worth it's weight in gold stakes! This is, with 'Young Frankenstein', the most perfect Horror spoof and one which, until now, has been unavailable and lost in the vaults. George Hamilton's finest moments (and there are many of them) from, 'Children of the Night, SHUT UP' to 'A quickie? I only indulge in a longie'. The performances in this movie are top rate particularly those of Richard Benjamin and Artie Shaw and shows what can be done with a smart script and intelligent actors.
Do not hesitate to buy this movie; if you don't, Renfield will be round!!!
Joth Gambold (from the UK)

"What is a toilet?"
Dracula has lost his bite with the local villagers; they plan to confiscate his castle to make it a gem for Nadia Comaneci. Being displace he must come to the U.S. where he will meet the reincarnation of his lost love. Unfortunatly for him Van Helsing is also sort of in love with her.

Who gets the girl?

This movie has all the elements of the standard Dracula movies. However they have improved on the story in many ways. George Hamilton is a vampire with a tan. Arte Johnson does a better Renfield then the original. My favorite scene is when Dracula and Van Helsing are trying to hypnotize each other and a waiter walks by. And look for the scene where Sherman Hemsley (Reverend Mike) is saying the eulogy over the misplaced dead swarts saying, "When you are dead. Your are dead."

it looks great
i havent bought this yet but i can tell this DVD will be wonderful i just hope they release it with the dance scene playing the right song "I Love the Night Life" ... Read more

Reviews (23)

suprisingly good
i was flipping throught the channals, on cable, and i got in on the last half of the movie. i remember in the casper comics, wendy is refered to as "wendy, the good little witch". it does not say that she is teen witch. i loved casper the movie. i think the idea is original and fun. im 29 years old and love all types of movies. i fell in love with cathy moriatry (sp) when i saw her in soapdish. (by the way that movie really needs to be on dvd) i was very impressed by the special affects the move had to offer. i really recommend this movie for the entire family.

A Spirited Adventure...
This is an excellent family movie. Casper has been a childhood classic for many-a-year, and always seems to become updated with the times. He is one cartoon character you can't help but love, and could appreciate if he were really to exist. This is like a sequal to the Casper that featured Christina Ricci. Instead, this time around we have Hillary Duff. Ms. Duff plays Wendy, The Good Little Witch. She lives with her aunts, who are essentially more mis-behaved than she is. Due to some "trouble" Wendy doesn't start, the quartet is forced to take a vacation, and do so at the Sunny Brite Resort...the same place Casper and his uncles, The Ghostly Trio, are headed to as well. Eventually Casper and Wendy do meet up and become friends, despite what their guardians have said about the other parties. To try to make a change for the better, a plan is constructed to have the witches meet up with the ghosts. As a result, the friendship is tested, and in the end....well, not to spoil it, but you can probably guess what does happen, as this is a movie for young and old alike. For the most part, this movie is great. It's an amazing feel-good flick that anyone can enjoy. Hillary as Wendy puts the movie in an even better light. I suggest anyone who enjoys good family entertainment check out this movie. Casper movies are always a treat, and it's a wonder who he'll be meeting up with next??

Even worse then A Spirited Beginning
The original Casper movie was a very good movie. It had state of the art effects, great plot, great acting. Then the sequals rolled in. Instead of grabing the original cast and creating a good theatrical sequal they make a A Spirited Beginning. A movie with terrible acting and a story that did not fit with the original at all. The next effort Casper Meets Wendy was even worse. I can't believe they turned Casper into some bad Bewitched spin-off. It doesn't fit in the Casper universe. If that wasn't enough the acting was just as bad as A Spirited Beginning if not worse. When the witches use magic everybody sees nobody cares. Yeah right. When the kids find a magic wand they try to destroy it instead of keeping it. Special effects were terrible you think made years after the effects would be better not worse then the original. They were worse. Much worse. Any enjoyment Hmmmmmmmmmmmm no none. Stick with the original.

Great Halloween Movie...
This movie is so great for Halloween.This moive is also great for the family.Hilary Duff(Wendy)did a great job acting in this plus she's so cute.Go get this movie or watch it on TV it comes on ABC Family sometimes.
Hilary Duff Fans Rule Hilary Duff Haters Drool
Happy B-Day Momma

hilary duff rules!!!!!!!!!!
this is a grrrrrrreat movie! she's a wonderful actress!!! and do NOT listen to the other review that says she stinks, because she rocks! she is a very successful young actress and is admired by millions. she rox! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

OH MY GAWD
If you have any nostalgia at all for the late '70s in all their cheesy glory, buy this video. This film is amazingly, deliciously, jaw-droppingly bad. Mae West strutting her stuff in her 80s is a mere sidelight compared to the completely over-the-top supporting performances by Tony Curtis, Dom DeLuise and Keith Moon.

Tackiness oozes from every frame of this film, but like much of the mainstream sleaze of the late '70s, it's surprisingly good-natured. Sex is seen as just good clean dumb fun, without the dark, violent and repellent overtones that entered the mainstream with the Reagan era and never left us. This film has much more in common with "Three's Company"-style leering than the mean-spirited crudity of say, "In Living Color".

And I haven't even mentioned the musical numbers! Timothy Dalton and Mae sing "Love Will Keep Us Together" (yep, the cheesy Captain & Tennille hit) as a duet. I'm not sure if "sing" is the right word, but it will suffice. Dom DeLuise sings "Honey Pie" (the Lennon/McCartney gem), tap dances atop a grand piano, and briefly dons matador garb when the tune lurches into a Spanish style. Alice Cooper trys his hand at some disco stylings. If that's not enough to get you to buy this video, I give up!

Hollywood History & Glitz!
I own 'Sextette', LOVE IT, and highly recommend it to all,..all that is who have a sense of humor! Miss West made this, her last film, "For the Fans" & she does not fail to deliver. 'Sextette' gets a bad rap from some critics, but then they are not the fans for whom Mae left us this last gem! Buy it, watch it, & be your own critic...you will enjoy it! Mae looks great, certainly not 85!! She is breathtakingly beautiful in the bedroom scene in her powder-blue gown! Thank goodness she did one last Technicolor movie for us fans!! My favorite line is at the end of the gown fitting session, where she purrs, "I'm that gal that works at Paramount all day..,and Fox all night!" There will never be anyone like Miss Mae West again, & Hollywood will never be able to pull off another movie like 'Sextette' again. Lots of great stars, cameos, (even pre-Millionaire Regis Philbin) music, & Mae West - true Hollywood History! Enjoy!!

SEXTETTE: Don't Let This Happen To You!
That Greta Garbo retired from films in her mid thirties did more to keep her memory and "the mystique" alive than anything else she could have done. That Mae West decided to film "Sextette" in the late Seventies, when she was in her mid eighties, is the flip side of Garbo: the Baby-Jane-Norma-Desmond syndrome descended upon a new world with new values. And to pair West with the young Timothy Dalton and expect the audience to take the romance seriously further complicates this already messy film. Part musical, part comedy, part Grand Guignol, this film should be seen for the five-star lesson it presents: know when to gracefully retire, leaving only the fondest of memories, Garbo-like, captured on film forever.

File under "What Were They Thinking?"
Ok, a lot of reviewers seem to love this film, and I must say I enjoyed watching it too...but only due to the constant jaw-dropping horror and surprise I experienced during this unfathomable exercise in "entertainment."
The plot...well, simply it doesn't matter. Suffice to say that Mae West must be well over 80, but she plays a Hollywood sex bomb who has just married for the 6th time. She is greeted by a level of hysteria on arrival in London that rivals the second coming (albeit on a budget). Her new husband is a young Timothy Dalton, long before his James Bond years. The married couple book into a posh London hotel and there are plenty of "laughs" to follow as their planned night of wedded bliss is constantly interrupted by various capers and intruding ex husbands. My reaction to this was..."Thank God for that"! The notion of an 80+ year old woman fighting off the attention of all these 30 something young suitors is plain ridiculous. Its sooo obvious that Mae (game though she is throughout) is simply way too old to make this role believeable. She can barely walk, and her acting consists of little more than creaking around in tight, figure hugging gowns and feathers (mmm...), patting her platinum curls and reading out vulgar double-entendres in answer to any query from a male member of the cast. I don't think she had a single line in the whole film that a) wasn't dirty, and b) contributed something to the plot!
If you can suspend your disbelief about this situation long enough to concentrate on the rest of the film, you'll be blown away by the sheer ineptitude of it, not least of all the musical numbers. At one point, all the staff and guests in Mae's London hotel lobby suddenly break into "Hooray For Hollywood" as she checks in...so wrong, and for so many reasons! Then later, Mae and Dalton enjoy a (barely) sung duet of "Love Will Keep Us Together", and there are many more just as bad. Mae has a few brief solo numbers of her own, and its obvious that she didn't have the energy (or the voice) to pull them off, but they are here all the same. Its all so pitiful and there isn't a shred of irony about it. Some reviewers say the film is tongue in cheek, and is not taking itself seriously. I disagree. The film is obviously intended to be a tribute to the curvaceous charms of its star..it's just 40 years too late! But I'm glad, because the amount of laughs you'll get from watching it are doubled for this very reason. There are loads more howlers that I don't have the space to even go into, but nothing matches the bare-faced inappropriateness of the central issue. So do Mae and Tim ever get it together for a night of passion...? If the idea doesn't turn your stomach, get this DVD and find out!

go for it!
I too expected this film to be a total waste of time, but tomy surprise it's a delicious piece of camp, funny and silly and delightfull....not hard to sit through and with a lot of campy hilarious songs.....ANY fan of Mae west will enjoy this and the ones who don't and complain about it being ridiculous and somehow unbelievable have never ever understood the meaning of camp..or do you think Mae was REALLY being a sex symbol in the 30's ...of course not, she was a survivor who made her life out of parody and high camp humor, she understood this, well into her eighties.....and whatever Tony Curtis says(talk about overblown ego's and growing old DISgracefully THERE!)it doesn't look to me as if she was being wheeled around on the set or had problems with her lines.....by the way, I loved her wig, much more than the ridiculous carpet mister Curtis supports these days! ... Read more

Reviews (44)

time-marking comedy by a master filmmaker
**1/2 Did your mother ever tell you that it wasn't polite to make fun of blind people? Well, apparently, Woody Allen's mother didn't, since this is exactly what he does for a good hour or more in his latest film, "Hollywood Ending." (Or, perhaps, he just doesn't WANT to be polite). Allen himself stars as Val Waxman, a once brilliant film director who has fallen on hard times, partly due to his own temperamental nature and partly to his own tendency for obsessive/compulsive behavior and chronic hypochondria, all of which have made him anathema to Hollywood's major producers. Tea Leoni plays Val's ex-wife, Ellie, who convinces her current fiancé, studio boss Hal (played by Treat Williams), to take a chance on Val and turn a multimillion dollar film project over to the iconoclastic director. All is going well until, right on the eve of production, Val develops a case of psychosomatic blindness, a condition he and a few close allies try to keep a secret during the making of the film. The majority of "Hollywood Ending" revolves around Val's attempts to keep people from finding out the truth and delivering a creditable motion picture to the studio heads at the same time.

In many ways, this pallid comedy combines the slapstick elements of Allen's early works ("Bananas" and "Sleeper") with the cynicism of his later, more mature explorations of modern urban romantic life ("Annie Hall," "Manhattan"). Unfortunately, "Hollywood Ending" winds up as an uneasy hybrid of the two forms, mixing lowbrow comic mugging and pratfalls with the customary angst-ridden dithering that Allen has been indulging in (often quite effectively) for well nigh a quarter of a century now. Well, the bloom is definitely off the rose here. Part of the problem is that Allen's neurotic tics are amusing only when he has some serious points to make under all the humor. In this film, however, he is providing no insights to go along with the chatter so that he comes across as whiney and self-absorbed rather than witty and ironical. Val always seems to be blathering a mile a minute, so much so that we finally just want him to shut up and give us a moment's silence. To make matters worse, the scenes of broad physical comedy - Allen bumping into furniture, Allen breaking glasses, Allen falling off platforms - are not particularly well executed, lacking the kind of adept, split second timing essential to make such scenes comically effective. Thus, the film fails on two levels: both as a work of slapstick and as a verbal comedy of ideas. The film could, potentially, have scored as an acerbic satire on the ludicrous commercial values that define the American film industry, yet even most of these "inside" jokes seem strangely unoriginal and old hat, especially coming from a man as attuned to the industry as Woody Allen.

Although Allen, in his old age, has degenerated into little more than a wan parody of himself, Tea Leoni sparkles as Ellie, creating a character who is simultaneously strong, sensible, insecure and vulnerable. Leoni's performance is, literally, the anchor that keeps this otherwise lighter-than-air trifle from floating away completely. Barney Cheng does a nice job playing a Chinese translator whom Val uses to help him carry off this impossible charade; Mark Rydell provides some memorable moments as Val's helpful agent; and Debra Messing glows as Val's beautiful but bubble headed "significant other," who is far more concerned about losing her part in the movie than losing her role as bedmate to the neurotic director.

It would be unfair, as well as untruthful, to say that "Hollywood Ending" did not afford a couple of pretty impressive laughs along the way. This IS a Woody Allen film, after all. And even Woody on a bad day is better than many of our Hollywood humorists on a good day. But with so many great films in his oeuvre, one naturally goes into this film with high expectations. When a final assessment is made of all of Allen's prodigious cinematic output, "Hollywood Ending" will wind up somewhere very near the bottom of the list.

An exceedingly empty and flaccid Woody film
This film seems to suggest a Woody Allen in his decadent phase. Throughout his long career, he has played opposite a series of brilliant actresses of varying ages. At first, the sight of Debra Messing playing house with Woody in this film is unsettling at best. At worst it illustrates the master filmmakers obsessive and pathetic need to present himself as a viable Romantic-type lead still capable of nailing hot, young chicks. The real problem is that there are very few male leads who Allen can vicariously express his peculiar brand of neurotic narcissistic angst through. We are left with Woody--who still manages to project just enough frail believability so that the story can move on from a rather implausible yet not impossible beginning.

Woody plays a once-great filmmaker, Val Waxman. He's everything a Woody character should be: hypochondriac, paranoid, bitter and caustic. At the start of the film, he's up in Toronto filming a commercial that is very much beneath his stature. The film centers around a basic premise: Val's ex-wife, Ellie, (Téa Leoni) has decided that he is perfect to direct the screenplay she has just finished for her new boyfriend Hal Jaeger's studio. The conflicts are obvious and ripe for comedic exploitation that never really materializes. The tensions between Val and Hal (his new boss and the man who stole his wife) do not exist. Although there are many fine performances, there is little chemistry on screen. Téa Leoni is fabulous, but the screentime she shares with Woody has no fire. There is nothing between the two actors that suggests the supposedly tulmultuous past of the characters. Debra Messing is equally great as Val's latest flame, but she's stuck with an extremely limited role and isn't integral to the plot whatsoever.

Indeed, the plot meanders for quite a while and eventually devolves into a long, torturous episode involving Val's psychosomatic blindess and his attempts to hide it from everyone associated with the studio. Everything else is fitted into that basic premise. It allows for Val and Ellie to spend quite a bit of time together, although the pairing is nothing of note and comes off as rather superfluous to the story as a whole. The bottom line is that this film has no soul. It isn't worthy of Woody Allen at his best and wastes a talented cast.

Hollywood Ending
Hollywood Ending is a likeable Woody Allen comedy about a director making a movie with the involvement of his ex-wife and her new fiancé.

Woody plays his usual character- insecure and self-absorbed. He is a failing filmmaker whose movies are bombing the US. His ex-wife had left him for the studio exec who is financing the picture he's now making. The stress of it all leads to psychosomatic blindness in Allen, who without anyone's knowledge of his condition, attempts to make a film while sightless.

Perhaps the greatest drawback to HE is the casting. Although I love Tea Leoni, she's really far too young to play sixty-ish Allen's ex. In the best of his films, Allen populates them with strong actors and characters that give them depth and complexity. The cast here is simply not as strong as in his other films and it suffers somewhat for it.

And while this isn't any near his Hannah or Manhattan standard, it's still an enjoyable and fulfilling "middle" Woody Allen film.

Fading Charm
Hmmm, I'm not so sure I agree with the Amazon reviewer that Woody Allen 'good-naturedly bites the hand that feeds him'. While the subject of the movie is indeed the film industry, Hollywood Ending is no more a satire of that system than America's Sweethearts was. Both seemed to promise more than they delivered, and neither had the sardonic bite of Blake Edward's scathing SOB. Allen can't or won't muster up that anger, and so Hollywood Ending ends up being nothing more than another vehicle for Allen to display and parody his own neuroses. Granted, there are some very funny lines, but mostly Allen seems pretty self-satisfied at his own cleverness--never more literally than when one character compares directing a film to masturbation. I'm reminded of the Saturday Night Live skits of the Woody Allen fan club in many ways--once you're past the concept, the charm of seeing a Woody Allen caricature fails rather quickly.

A treat for Woody Allen fans
Though I must admit, I was never an Allen fanatic myself; I still enjoyed 'Hollywood Ending'. Probably Allen's best film since 'Deconstructing Harry' at least, 'Hollywood Ending' is a clever zing directed at Hollywood's studios and film producers, in which Allen plays a characters very obviously based on himself, as he happily bites the hand that fids him. Since Woody Allen's characters will always look like Woody Allen anyway, it's nice to see him in this very personal and earnest role. 'Hollywood Ending' is classic Woody Allen, a sure pleaser for fans and also for anyone who enjoys a funny, classy and intelligent comedy.

Woody plays Val Waxman, an eccentric, hypochondriac has-been acclaimed film director, given one last chance to make his comeback; however, on the first day of the shooting, he develops psychosomatic blindness. That is the premise; the rest is terrific physical comedy, with subtle satirical and cynical humor, in the finest Allen tradition. Although all the actors are terrific - Tea Leoni as Val's ex, the wonderful Mark Rydell as his agent, and Mark Webber ('Storytelling') in one show-stopping scene as his son, Scumbag X (don't ask) - but Allen, admittedly not much of an actor himself, steals the show, making it the most Allen-ish movie since 'Harry', yet also one of his most accessible films. Recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

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

Reviews (123)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (2)

Enjoyable,
I've been eagerly awaiting word that this was to be released on DVD...what a cast! John Candy, Jimmy Belushi, Cybill Shepherd, Sean Young, Richard Lewis, George Hamilton (his best comedy role), the great Giancarlo Giannini, even a humorous turn by the director, Eugene Levy (Candy's buddy from SCTV) as a casino cage manager! This one harkens back to the screwball comedies of the forties, and is a real joy. It's a comedic crime caper that unfolds in romantic Rome and exciting Monte Carlo, with loveable characters scrambling to avoid suspicion and arrest by the suitably weighted (yet hilarious) Giannini as "Inspector Bonnard"...and who'd have thought Richard Lewis would hold his own as Sean Young's love interest? As a feuding American couple, Shepherd & Belushi are priceless, as they rediscover their love, by discovering they have larceny in their hearts; and in the end, we finally learn who the real culprits are in one of those "gather all the suspects together in one room and reveal the murderer" scenes (always fun!)...can't tell from the info, but the DVD's "extras" will be probably be few, the picture and sound will be good to very good (MGM puts out good transfers, normally), but unfortunately, it looks like this small gem is not going to get the widescreen treatment it deserves...why a studio EVER releases anything in Pan & Scan is beyond me. But hey, at least it's available, and that's great news for those of us who love this film...and those of you who will now have the joy of discovering it!

crime romp stolen by a dog
This is a funny movie and the actors like John Candy and James Belushi carry off this light hearted farce with style and wit. But what cinched this movie for me and has made it one of my all time favourites, is the star, a minature red dachshund! This little fellow leaves all the humans in the outer. He is the real star. For everyone who loves the weiner this movie is up there with Disney's Ugly Dachshund. Oh and Monte Carlo and the Riviera setting is quite nice too. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

not great but not bad
Joe Pesci, David Spade, and Todd Louiso are the ones who keep this movie interesting and funny. Oh, and the lady who plays the grandmother. Everyone else seems be going through a "bad acting" virus. Veterans George Hamilton and Dyan Cannon just seem like they'e only doing this movie because work for them is hard to come by these days. And who is that John Cusack wannabe who is the star of the movie? This movie would have better off with the real John Cusack. But joe, David, and Todd provide all the comic relief for this dark comedy.
The movie is about a duffel bag switch at the airport, one of which contains 8 heads being delivered for the mob. That says it all right there.
In some stores, this dvd is available for a very good price. If you find it at one of those stores, I definitely recommend this dvd. Fans of Joe Pesci will also be impressed with this dvd.

Great Comedy
8 Heads in A Duffel Bag is definitely not your average comedy, but i think its one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. The plot is a little odd, and at some points slightly weak, but overall it presents a very comical situation. Joe Pesci is fantastic as usual in his role as a retiring mobster. David Spade, although he plays a relatively small role, is also hillarious. I highly recomend this movie, if you haven't seen it yet you're missing out big time.

JOE PESCI IS FUNNY AS ALWAYS
A MOB HITMAN [JOE PESCI] LOSES A DUFFEL BAG THAT CONTAINS THE HEADS OF 8 DEAD PEOPLE AND HE GOES ON A QUEST TO GET IT BACK. GOOD IDEA AND IT WORKS OUT PRETTY WELL. OTHER THAN JOE PESCI, WHO'S FUNNY AS ALWAYS, DAVID SPADE HAD SOME FUNNY MOMENTS AS WELL. IF YOU NEED SOME GOOD LAUGHS, GET THIS MOVIE NOW.

poor
I really didn't like 8 Heads in a Duffel Bag--though the premise is a good one. It's just that Schulman's writing didn't quite work out. The dialogue was stilted and made little sense and there was a little too much ludicrous comedy in the film. Pesci gave a good performance, but far from its best. It was just a poor effort.

classic
i loved this movie but one scene really made me laugh. the scene where the heads were singing mr. sandman. overall it's really funny and completely dark. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Took a Risk, wasnt dissapointed
I took a risk on this one, I love unicorns, and i should not have gotten this but i did...And it was a GOOD CHOICE. Although a little too young for me, it was great for my little cousing (11 years old) she liked it. It is a story of a girl that wishes for a unicorn when her favorite mare is pregnant and the mare gives birth to one. They try to keep it a secret, but that proves more difficult than they expected. Great for children and unicorn lovers. The unicorn is cute although a little odd looking...great glowing effect on its entire body!

Magical
I loved this video. It made me laugh and cry at the same time. The most I liked about it was there was no vulgarity or nudity etc. in it. Joe Penny was wonderful. This was the main reason for buying the video. I am such a big fan of Joe Penny. I think everyone should watch it. The kids would love it. Just fantastic. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Get in line, buddy: who doesn't want to see Jeanne Moreau and Brigitte Bardot costarring as turn-of-the-century vaudevillians who get mixed up with Mexican revolutionaries? This slapstick 1965 movie by Louis Malle came three years before he took off for India to make his famous documentary, Calcutta, and it shows off the carefree side of Malle to rousing effect. The two heroines play song-and-dance women who flirt with the striptease and end up fighting for the cause of Pancho Villa. Great fun, and what a way to see two very different icons of mid-century French cinema. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Des sous-titres ! Que c'est bon !
This is great farce! You'll adore "Team Maria" (Bardot and Moreau), enjoy the often spectacular scenery, and get a real kick out of the bizarre and offbeat moments in this wonderful film. As for me, I highly appreciate the French subtitles. I have a number of French films, and although I understand French quite well, I sometimes miss bits of dialogue. This is the only French language film (though a few words of Spanish and English are uttered, too) I have on DVD that actually provides French subtitles. If you are a student of the French language, this film is a must. And if you are a student of La Bardot . . . eh bien, qu'attends-tu ?

a lighthearted South American revolution
Back in the mid-sixties, French producer Louis Malle hit the idea to couple Jeanne Moreau's great acting with Brigitte Bardot's sex-appeal. It worked, and turned 'Viva Maria' into an international hit.

Having to deal with two such great stars, this vaudeville-comedy cannot avoid being extremely well balanced. In its display of action throughout its story, set and well shot in Mexico. And, above all, balanced in meticulously granting a rightful share of attention to each of its two female leads.

When you're in the mood to watch lighthearted vaudeville, just go ahead with 'Viva Maria'. The movie won't disappoint you.

Almost a Masterpiece
I saw this movie on Turner Classic Movies not too long ago. It was in English. The dubbing was quite good. This was one of the few movies that exceeded my expectations. I usually come away at least somewhat disappointed. Not with this movie. It was very entertaining and I believe a near masterpiece. The reviewer from Michigan pretty much expresses my own sentiments. For her energetic and enchanting performance, Bardot deservedly was nominated for a BAFTA award (British's Oscar equivalent) for best actress in a foreign film.

This movie is highly recommended.

When Brigitte Met Jeanne...
Viva Maria is a wonderfully sexy, screwball, and at times surreal period comedy starring the two great French sex symbols of the sixties - Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau. I must admit that when I first saw the film (when I was young and impressionable) I was primarily attracted to the obvious charms of La Bardot. But now that I am older and wiser (well, older anyway) I can fully appreciate the subtle sensuality of Jeanne Moreau whose gorgeous eyes alone could seduce any man. Together, these two make a formidable team and seem to genuinely spark off each other.

The plot is suitably silly. In some unnamed South American country, Bardot is an Irish (!) terrorist's daughter who has learned all the tricks of the trade before suddenly becoming orphaned. On the run from the authorities, she takes refuge with a motley band of travelling performers whose shows seem to mix circus and music hall. Moreau is a star attraction although she has just lost the partner in her double act. Naturally, the two girls - both named Maria - end up on stage together where problems with the costumes lead to some delightful striptease sequences. The girls are a big hit - no surprise!

The troupe's travels take them to a country in the midst of revolution. Moreau falls for the rebel leader - George Hamilton, of all people, trying hard to look moody and magnificent. When he is killed (sad for Maria, relief for the audience) the two Marias take over leadership of the rebels - inspired by Moreau's zeal and Bardot's technical knowledge of explosives.

The film rattles along at a brisk pace, littered along the way with saucy humour and outrageous sight gags. There is a marvellous supporting cast to jolly things along, chief among them the droll Claudio Brook as the head of the troupe - a crack shot obsessed with developing a gun to shoot around corners. And, as is Louis Malle's habit, there are also some bitingly funny digs at the Catholic Church. This is not a film to be taken seriously, as its many surreal touches prove. For example, the skeleton of a horse and rider. Or the big black border guards who drink tea and speak English with impeccable Oxbridge accents. It says a lot for the ensemble playing that the film is still fun when Bardot and Moreau are not on screen.

But, of course, it's fantastic when they are - Bardot the playful kitten who enjoys sex and explosives equally, and Moreau the slightly more mature cat: sleek, sensuous and seductive. I hate to tell you about the dreams I had for weeks after seeing her love scene with Hamilton - in a prison with him chained to a wall.

Not a great film, perhaps, but certainly superlative entertainment. It would make a great double feature with Philippe de Broca's "King of Hearts". The video version is also extemely well done, with bright yellow easy-to-read subtitles, even if they occasionally clean up the translations.

Viva Bardot! Viva Moreau!

A Titillating Good-Time Romp
A lovely film. Two hours of nonstop, off-the-wall fun. "VivaMaria" recalls the better 70s productions of Roger Corman, because itshares their basic reliance on violence, sex, and titillation forentertainment... without sacrificing quality in story, character, orperformance. It is the closest Louis Malle has ever come to an exploitationfilm, and further proof that Malle was one of the true cinematic geniusesof the 20th century, on par with Fellini and Bergman, and literallyincapable of making a less-than-superb movie.

The first hour of thepicture is more enjoyable than the second, with Brigitte Bardot and JeanneMoreau as vaudevillians who do a series of striptease acts for CentralAmerican audiences, around the turn of the century. As the film progresses,Malle makes the striptease scenes randier and randier, and at one point, wealmost believe that the two actresses will go all the way (Bardot comes soclose that my jaw dropped open). Yet the strongest element of the film --also fully realized during this half --- is its unique, quirky humour. TheCentral Americans' reactions to the Bardot/Moreau circus are a laugh riot,and the sight gags highly original; I've never seen anything like them in amovie before.

The second half isn't bad -- for about thirty minutes, itslows down a bit as Bardot & Moreau become revolutionaries, and Malleshifts to pure action and Peckinpah-style violence -- but even thesescenes, in their own way, are engaging -- and the humor resurfaces in theend of the film, *coupled* with violence, for an incrediblefinish.

Because of the clearly contrived story (the idea of putting twomajor French female sex symbols in a movie that involves strippers andguns), this is the type of film that could've turned into a major flop, yetMalle and his co-screenwriter pulled it off. "Viva Maria"'ssuccess is attributable to strong writing, two splendid lead performances,and, of course, those two elements that never fail to entertain -- sex andviolence.

Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

stunning period drama
Based on Danielle Steel's bestseller, VANISHED is a fine piece of frothy drama.

Marielle Delauney (Lisa Rinna), and her adoring husband Charles are savouring the delights of Paris in the 20's.But an accident that ends in the tragic death of their young son tears them apart.

Marielle moves to New York, under the employ of the dashing Malcolm Patterson (George Hamilton).Soon courtship and marriage follow, but the past still remains to haunt Marielle.

When Marielle falls pregnant, her estranged first husband is shocked and digusted at her, for having a second chance, still blaming her for their son's death.

When her infant son is kidnapped, Marielle learns that her ex has been arrested of the crime.In disbelief she searches for the answer to the disappearance with FBI agent John Taylor (Robert Hayes).

Fine romance, mystery and intrigue, with Lisa Rinna a richly glowing heroine.

Exciting and very touching !
Here you can enjoy Lisa Rinna (known as Taylor from Melrose Place) as the main character and George Hamilton in one of the most exciting and touching novel by Danielle Steel. Lisa Rinna is a very romantic and lovablecharacter who loses her first child by a teribble accident. She can't getover it and so her marriage gets destroyed. She finds another man she fallsin love with and she gets pregnant again. But her past seems to repeat...Watch it and enjoy "Vanished" and you'll find out that you bettertrust nobody ! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Cool film, horrible DVD
I agree with the previous review. This is a very cool film of the early 70's, clearly designed to promote Evel and his planned jump of the Grand Canyon (he had to settle for the Snake River Canyon in Idaho instead.) But this is quite simply the worst DVD transfer I have ever seen. The video quality is terrible. For a few bucks you might consider snatching this up, but don't expect much quality wise. On the other hand, this is my favorite George Hamilton performance, although he doesn't really look like Evel, he really nails the performance. John Milius co-wrote the script early in his career.

Evel Knievel Yes! This DVD No!
I have always liked this movie. It stars George Hamilton in the role of Evel Knievel. Actual Footage of Evel Knievel jumps are included in this biographical story. Perhaps the most famous of his jumps is the one from Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas, it is included here in all of its busted up glory.

The only reason I have not to buy this movie is the horrific transfer to DVD. A bad scratchy print was used, washed out color, no state of the art sound and it is not in the widescreen format. Maybe someday a good transfer will be made, until then I wouldn't get your hopes up on this one!

A True American Hero
This film is a true classic and captures the magic that was Evel Knievel. George Hamilton does a fantastic job portraying Knievel as a larger than life icon--a true American Hero. This is a must see for ALL Knievel or Hamilton fans. ... Read more