Reviews (113)

Still no DVD for one of the greatest crime movies in history
This is Friedkin's masterpiece and one of the greatest crime movies of all time, still horribly underrated since its box-office (half-)failure in 1985. It's even more underrated than the (good) novel it's based upon, written by Gerald Petievich, a former FBI special agent. And it's so underrated that there's still no DVD of this film released, despite its high success in VHS. Frankly, I don't understand...

Everything is surprising, everything is amazing in this movie: the first roles played by unknown - but far from bad - actors, the dark atmosphere of L.A., described as a decadent, upside down city, as fake as Masters' counterfeited bills, the haunting soundtrack composed by the Wang Chung band - hear 'City of the Angels', 'Dance all Days' and 'Wait' -, a strong editing by Bud Smith, a great photo by Robby "Paris, Texas", "Ghost Dog" Muller and of course a superb directing, despite the low budget.

As underrated as the movie, William Petersen, in his first leading role (four years after an appearance in Michael Mann's first movie, "Thief"), is perfect as a 'kamikaze' cop, who breaks the law to revenge Jim Hart, his master, partner and friend. His confrontation with great Willem Dafoe, as the charismatic, cool, pervert gangster, is the most interesting aspect of the movie. After "To Live and Die in L.A.", Petersen played Will Graham, the very first 'profiler' in movie history (created by Thomas Harris in his cult novel, "Red Dragon"), facing Hannibal 'The Cannibal' Lecter in Michael Mann's "Manhunter". And after that - and despite his starring status in blockbuster series 'CSI' -, nothing, not one single main part in movies... Can this be explainable? The car chase (the one of the 20th century!) is perfectly shot and edited, with plenty of malice, easily beating the ones in "Bullitt" and "The French Connection". But the most surprising film is that final sequence, showing the main character shot in the face... a unique plan in history.

This is a masterpiece that frankly deserves a DVD release, more than all the zero movies released every year. I got it in VHS and I've been waiting for many years now. But we have to say that William Friedkin doesn't need such a release: the DVD of his "Exorcist", still among the top list about thirty years after the film came out in theaters, seems largely enough...

Such a shame. All we can do is 'Wait', as the Wang Chung band singer says in the end...

It is about time!!! GREAT MOVIE
Richard Chance ( William Petersen), is a member of the Secret Service who loves to live on the edge, and play by his own rules. Eric Masters ( Willem Dafoe) is a master at creating counterfiet cash, and is at the top of the agency's most wanted list for killing Chance's long time partner. Now Chance is willing to do whatever it takes to take Masters down, and the line between cop and criminal is starting to run thin. Both Chance and Masters waver on both sides of the law, as they take us on a cat and mouse chase through the streets of L.A. that is extremely suspenseful and never lets up!

"To Live and Die in L.A.", has to be one of the most suspenseful and action packed crime films that I have ever seen. Director William Friedkin is best known for the films "French Connection" and "The Exorcist". However, this has to be his best film. This is the first crime film that I have ever seen, that deals solely with the Secret Service, and NOT the FBI, CIA, or the police. That alone, makes it original. Not to mention the fact, that this is the only crime film, where the hero of the story has traits of a villan and is vulnerable. Some of Petersen's actions are actually questionable. William Petersen is an outstanding actor , and I have enjoyed all of his films. Secret Serive Agent Richard Chance, is one of his best characters by far because he loves to live on the edge, and plays by his own rules. Willem Dafoe is amazing in everything he does, and Eric Masters is one of his best roles. Masters is the story's villan, who is cold, calculating, highly intelligent, charming, and extremely ruthless! You don't know whether to like the guy, or hate the guy. John Turturo and Dean Stockwell are also both outstanding in their roles. This film also has one of the most surprising and disturbing endings that I have ever seen. The soundtrack is also amazing. It is basically a Wang Chung's Greatest Hits CD. Wang Chung is one of the best 80's groups of all time. Every song used is perfect, and really drives each scene.

In my opinion, it will be extremely difficult to find a crime film better than this one. Everything about it is perfect. The story is EXTREMELY original, the acting is phenomenal, the overall suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the soundtrack is amazing. All I can say, is that it about time that this film was released on DVD. An absolute must buy!!

Living And Dying Again
Director William Friedkin, the man who brought us The French Connection and The Exorcist, fell into a bit of a slump after those box office successes. To Live And Die In L.A. was the shot in the arm he needed. And while the movie is not perfect, it's still very good, and worth your time.

When a notorious, highly sophisticated counterfeiter murders his partner, Secret Service agent Richard Chance (William Petersen) launches a furious vendetta to capture the man responsible. But master counterfeiter Rick Masters (Willem Dafoe) is always just one step ahead of Chance. Clashing with one bureaucratic road block after another, Chance is forced to break the rules in order to obtain enough cash for a sting operation, in the hope of bringing Masters down. The risks he takes soon spiral out of control though, leading to a wave of violence with moral reprecussions, taking Chance down to a morally ambiguous road from which there may be no return.

One of the things that makes To Live And Die In L.A. work is the fact that the hero isn't exactly a saint. In fact, he can be as "dastardly", as the villian of the film, doing things that are just as awful. Petersen goes to those darker places and gives a great perfomance. Based on Gerald Petievich's novel, the script, written by Friedkin and Petievich, allows for plenty of drama and action. As director and the "father" of the modern car chase, Friedkin almost tops the one he crafted for the aforementioned film, The French Connection...Almost.

For its DVD debut, MGM has put together a nice special edition, complete with some fine extras. The talky audio commentary from Friedkin is a good...but I wonder if it wouldn't have turned out better if Petersen sat in for it as well? The 30 minute documentary,"Counterfeit World: The Making of To Live and Die in L.A." is a nice retropective--some info from the commentary is repeated here though. There's also a deleted scene and the very controversial alternate ending, that caused a stir at the time in '85, for all to see in a featurette. A photo gallery and the theatrical trailer top off the bonus material.

As I said at the outset, To Live And Die In L.A., is well worth a look, for both fans and newcomers alike.

DVD Edition leaves out too much of the original! Beware!
Having seen the movie To Live And Die In L.A. many times on VHS, I was very anxious to own a copy on DVD. Clearly the picture and sound quality have been improved.

However, what I did not expect was for the studio to cut out so many important and pivotal scenes that are essential to develop the story and its characters.

They have BUTCHERED this film when they re-produced it on DVD, and I feel like I have been ripped-off.

I sincerely hope the producer and distributors of this DVD are notified of this gross error in judgement and re-edit the film to include the key scenes that were omitted.

It is truely a shame that they have ruined such a terrific movie classic!

YAY
I actually bought my dvd back in January, and it was a case of me walking by telling my friends about this movie (which they had never heard of) and lo and behold, there it was!!! I saw this movie probably a year after it came out and was VERY EXCITED to see it finally released on DVD (i could never find the VHS version anywhere anymore).
This has got to be one of my favorite movies of all time ( i have been a William Petersen fan since this movie and Manhunter) and the soundtrack score just adds to it! I do plan on ordering the soundtrack very soon! This is one of those movies that if you have seen it, you have a great appreciation for it. Too bad it didn't get the respect it deserved for it's time, but for those who do remember it and love it, continue to enjoy it!! I know I will! ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Spend the Weekend with Bernie .. AGAIN :)
I don;t know how to say this in an un-bised way. I am a huge fan of both of these movies. ILOVED THIS ONE it is JUST AS GOOD as the first one! How can I put this. This movie is awesome. I had so much fun laughing at ALL FOUR main charaters get in trouble yet again, because of BERNIE. and he's dead. Or is he? This movie is genius and I wish I could watch both movies every day! You gotta love WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S 2!

Overall, A GOOD MOVIE!
This movie was ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS! I think Andrew McCarthy is very good actor and he backs it up with his performance in this movie. Buy both of the Weekend at Bernies movies if you can. IT's Worth it from all the laughs you will get from it!

LAME
I suffered through this movie at work the other day, because we had some down time, and I didn't have a book with me. It must be a big hit with severe head injury survivors, but I don't know who else would waste their time with this crap.

The movie has two jokes than run the entire length, and neither are funny. Watch Bernie's corpse slam into things, and worse, watch Bernie come to life and dance when music is playing. Ho ho. Perhaps our military would find this film useful in interrogations.

If your idea of great comedy is watching a middle aged man dance the limbo for two hours, occasionally falling down, or banging his head into something, then this movie was made for you.

The opportunity for a good sequel was there.......
....but all hopes were dashed when they said, "Action!"
The first "Weekend at Bernie's" was an absolute hit. A cult classic comedy loaded with humor, crazy situations, and kept the audience involved the entire time. "Weekend at Bernie's Part II" had some great moments, but this movie seemed to go in the wrong direction.
To make a sequel enjoyable, the viewers need more from the first film to make a connection. Only Richard, Larry, and Bernie were back. Where were many of the major characters from the first film?? The mob boss, the girlfriend who was fooling around with Bernie, and Gwen, who was Richard's love interest, should have been back to build the story. Even some of Bernie's beach pals (remember the nut who wanted his car?) could have made cameos.
This time, however, things changed for the worse. Barry Bostwick was essentially the "new" Paulie (who was the hit man in part I) and did a horrible horrible job. Paulie should have returned in some way or form. Can you say prison breakout?
Instead of Richard having a love interest or continuing things with Gwen, this time it was Larry trying to make it with the girl on the island. HUGE mistake, as there was no chemistry or any sense that the relationship might have worked. Larry seemed way to silly to even attempt date or romantic scenes!! Not even close to believable.
I fully agree with one viewer who suggested that Terry Kiser (Bernie), who was hilarious when he was alive, should have been in Part II in a flashback mode or something playing the part of the living Bernie. He was great in the first one and had very little chance to improve the part this time.
The two clowns who were chasing Bernie's body around and carried out the voodoo were terrible. The whole idea of voodoo was super silly, except for it giving Bernie a chance to move around a bit and not be a lifeless corpse the whole time.
Also, the soundtrack for Part II was awful! The first one had great party/beach music. Why not capitalize on that? Who could forget the "some like it hot/cold/never know" song from the first one? Just another example of how the writer-turned-director (he wrote the first and directed this one) helped make this movie tumble.

WAB fans should still see it but true comedy happened in the first film.

BEST MOVIE EVER
I loved this movie. If you really want to see a funny movie you should rent it! ... Read more

Reviews (29)

SHE'S THE DIRECTOR'S SISTER
I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA is one hilarious film; even though many of the jokes fall flat at times, the whole is superlative tongue in cheek satire. A broad humored satire of those wonderful 70's "black exploitation" films, Wayans and crew serve up scene after scene of hilarity. For instance: a sleazy girl is singing a sultry version of "When the Saints Come Marching In," and when Wayans asks who she is, the waitress says "She's the director's sister." (She is!). When ex-football star Jim Brown asks Wayans why he thinks he's qualified to be a black hero, Wayans tells him "I'm an ex football player." When Dawnn Lewis as Wayans' sweetie gets the cramps, she really gets cranky!! John Vernon as Mr. Big spouts off why shouldn't he be in a black exploitation movie, other actors have! There are so many scenes like this that one can't help but laugh and laugh again.
Featuring a cavalcade of black and white actors, including Clarence Williams III, Isaac Hayes, Ja'net Dubois, Antonio Fargas and Steve James, I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA is a hoot to watch!

I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA!
I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA! is a spoof an blaxploitation films of the 1970's. This is the first film written, directed by, and starring Keenen Ivory Wayans. Jack Spade is an Army secretary who returns home to find out that his brother has died of an O.G. (an overdose of gold chains). Jack gathers up an army of some local neighborhood hero's (Bernie Casey, Antonio Fargas, Steve James, Isaac Hayes, and Jim Brown) to help him fight and defeat Mr. Big, the crime lord responsible for his brother's death. This movie has many funny moments, especially one that has Chris Rock making an appearance as a rib joint customer. This is a film for both action and comedy fans! Keenen Ivory Wayans would go on to direct SCARY MOVIE and SCARY MOVIE 2!

hilarious
one of the great films of the 80s (or was it 90s?).

I love Blaxploitation...but this was ok
This film does have some very funny moments like the rib joke but I felt a wee bit let down that the script and story line was not as good as it could have been. It nice to see the old boys back (Hayes,Brown etc...) but where were Pam Grier, Fred Williamson and Richard Roundtree !!....now that would have been excellent. I love Blaxploitation but I wish this was better.

Great Film, Funny as hell
The title caught me, but the film got me hooked. Its all silly. THe plot, the characters, and even the tongue in cheek looks at the camera. But it works. Funnier than Scary Movie and all the other spoofs by the Wayans. You must check out this sh*t, yo. Best scene was with Kung Fu Joe and the cops. I fell off the couch laughing. ... Read more

Description

Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, the moving and inspirational drama Mask, starring Cher, Eric Stoltz and Sam Elliott, is the extraordinary award-winning film based on the real-life story of Rocky Dennis, a disfigured teenager who overcomes pain, loneliness and prejudice through fierce determination, emerging as an outstanding young man and an inspiration to his classmates and teachers.

The Mask DVD includes the Directors Cut of the film, and as a special bonus, the original Bruce Springsteen soundtrack, which was created for the film but never released in theaters.It contains several of his top hits, such as "Badlands," "Thunder Road" and "Born in the USA. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Real and Moving
Mask is one of those rare "true story" movies that remains that way when it hits the big screen. It also houses an absolutely fabulous performance by Cher, as well as by Eric Stoltz.

Mask is about a boy named Rocky Dennis who is well above average in every way. If it weren't for a degenerative disease that horribly disfigured his face since birth, the world would probably see him that way. At first, those that meet him are understandably nervous and scared, but with an airy confidence, he wins his classmates and peers over.

That confidence comes from his mother, played by Cher. She is an attractive, drug addicted single mother with an on again, off again fling with Gar, played by Sam Elliot. Cher convincingly and movingly plays a mother riddled with insecurites, but in love with her son, who represents to her all she wishes she could be. She was born with the huge advantage of being beautiful, she dropped out of school and got pregnant. She lookes at Rocky and sees someone who was born with every disadvantage (a disfigured face and a short life) and who is confident, responsible, hardworking, and happy. He is also valedictorian of his high school class.

Ever since she had Rocky, she has been strong and tough, making it clear that Rocky will not be treated any differently than anyone else. Rocky takes from that confidence and gives it back to his Mom with the way he lives his life...getting up every morning, facing the world, being happy, taking care of himself, and preparing for and dreaming of a future that he may never have. Her hatred for herself is transcended only by her pure love and open admiration for her son.

I have seen Mask a number of times over the years, but I have to say it gets me every time. It is a movie that deals, realistically and truthfully with a disease that seems almost unreal. But the lessons learned and the topics raised have little to do with the "Mask" and more about the connection between a mother and her son.

Will tug at the heart-strings
Even someone with a heart of stone will feel for the characters featured in this film, which is based on a true story.

Both Cher & Eric Stoltz give moving performances, as a biker babe mother 'addicted' to drink and drugs, and a son, who can't get a girl, and is severely facially deformed.

I originally saw this movie quite a few years, and only remembered the scene where he's in high school, and he talks about being from Planet Vulcan.

Of course, the facial disease Rocky Dennis has is fatal, so obviously, you know what the ending will be. And the tears ended up tripping me - this is another film that I can add to my "Films I Cry At" list. My mum grabbed it, as she loves true stories, and it's not a film I will ever watch again - I hate crying at films!!! It's only a story is what I keep getting told, but it doesn't work. But you feel for the characters so much.

The real Rusty Dennis apparently was a consultant to the great Cher on this movie, and is now rumoured to be battling a drink & drug addiction - and can you blame her? The Cher gave when she found Eric Stoltz had died in his sleep, was almost too realistic.

Cher gives a great performance in this movie. It's one of the very rare movies where she isn't wooden - although she does advertise her plastic surgeon a lot. This is a movie to watch purely for Cher, to see her before she overdone the plastic surgery, and is does a farewell tour every couple of years.

Eric Stoltz is unrecognisable in his role of Rocky. He must have had a very boring time sitting for so long in make-up!

A very moving film, and totally worth watching!

I like this movie but it is pretty sad
I think its pretty sad like he dies at the end.Me and my 3 other 11 year old friends watched this movie and we first couldn't look at his face because it looked so weird.And we thought he only had a mask on.But I like this film.His mum has a angry managment and takes drugs.Well but I still recomend this for all ages.

unforgetable
IN 1987 i sat,totally engrossed,watching the heart-wrenching story of a boy suffering with facial deformity, a boy who was not expected to live beyond a teenager. At least that was the write up. What i saw,was not only his torment,but his mothers. Cher played this role so believably i still feel the character when i see her now. Her heartbreak,her own battle with drink and drugs, and her stuborn determination and humour when faced with authority. Also this was the point in time that i fell in love with Sam Elliot,and his voice. The man is a god. His character as Chers biker boyfriend was brilliant. Supposedly tough,but a sweetheart with a reassuring and patient relationship with the young man with dreams for the future. The three of them carried this film through every emotion you could think of. Shock,disbelief,laughter, tears, heartbreak and horror to name a few. Truly one of the most memerable films i ve ever seen. In fact here we are 16+ years on and i can remember it as vivdly as if i'd seen it an hour ago. How long is it since i ve seen it? Well i met my husband in 1988 and some 6 months after he ''borrowed'' the reel from inside the video case and never rebuilt it! The other reel with the film on?????? That was ''placed somewhere safe!'' So, i have looked for a replacement for a long time,and thought i'd found it here. Except i'm in england and your vhs wont play on my vhs. I'll just have to keep digging. In fact ''I COULD DIG SO DEEP I COULD END UP IN F¬`*=^+G CHINA!!!!!!'' Good night x

High schoolers find Mask moving
I recently showed Mask, based on the true-life story of Rocky Dennis, to my high school English class. Even today's teen-agers found the relationship between the disfigured Rocky and his blind girlfriend to be sweetly touching. The two sides of Rocky's biker-chick mother (in an outstanding performance by Cher) led to fruitful writing assignments about a parent struggling with addiction who can also be an incredibly supportive mother to her son. The students were also impressed with Rocky's exemplary personal qualities. Not only was Rocky Dennis an intelligent and sensitive human being who copes with his rare disease with humor and courage, he often has to "parent" his mother, and sets challenging goals for himself despite the death sentence hanging over his head. This film gives a strong message to teens (and adults) that -- despite bad examples sometimes from parents and peers -- having a strong sense of respect for oneself, nurturing long-range personal goals and healthy interests, being kind and decent to others, and maintaining a sense of humor can get us through even the worst challenges life deals us. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Unintentionally Hilarious
This DVD is unintentionally hilarious! Only buy this DVD if you are a fan of bad ninja movies, like me and my friends. This is the perfect DVD to buy and laugh at. American Ninja 2 was pretty funny and put us to tears at one point, but American Ninja 3 was hilarious all the way through. Take note of the bad voice-overs of the children at the beginning of American Ninja 3 obviously done by adults (it's hilarious).

This DVD was great. There were severals scenes we rewinded several times because they were so hilarious, and each time they made us laugh hysterically.

one of the best presents for american ninja fans
american ninja 2 is good in all, and has good fightscenes.
the music is good. the (most) comedy in this film is bad.
american ninja 3 isn't so good in all, the fightscenes arn't so good too, but this movie is darker that the previos.
the details in combination with the music are better than the details in the previos.
some examples: the car at begin, training in the garden, search izumo, infiltrate cobras complex, the all chapter with meditation.
it was very good to hear this film in english.

p.s.
when I was 12 the american ninja films 1-4 became cultfilms.
I wish that mgm press american ninja 4 in full screen on dvd!

Ninjas, ninjas, and then......more ninjas!!
This DVD is one of the best buys in town. 2 classic movies for the price of one? Unheard of! I picked this one up as soon as it was released and I was not disappointed.

American Ninja 2 was one of my childhood favorites, and watching it in DVD format brought tears to my eyes. Dudikoff is the quiet hero, accompanied by Jackson, his muscle bound friend who says awesome one liners that bring a dash of comedy into the mix. Together they battle an army of super ninjas led by an evil ninja master, who in turn is commanded by a rich drug dealer. Same plot as the first film, and just as enjoyable.

American Ninja 3 doesn't have Dudikoff, but is still a great B action flick. The plot is exactly the same as the previous two films, but the action choreography is a little better than its predecessors. Steve James is even more brilliant as Jackson in this film because he gets more of the spotlight than he did in the first two films, and he makes the most of it. The only thing that puzzled me is Jackson's martial arts knowledge...when did he learn to wield double swords?

Both films have predictable plots, corny dialogue, sub-par acting and fighting, but none of that matters with films like this. These elements just make it that much better. These films are meant to be devoid of intellect. It's just purely entertainment, nothing more.

Perhaps it's just nostalgia that is clouding my judgement, but show these films to your kids and they will be ninja kicking you every day for a month. What can beat that?

Perhaps the best deal in DVD history
Putting the second and third installments of the "American Ninja" series on one specially-priced DVD just may have been the best idea that humanity has had since the wheel. These two movies, along with the original "American Ninja" film, represent everything that bad, low-budget action movies should be: negligible plotting, lame dialogue, wooding acting, and plenty of semi-believable martial-arts action. Here, in one sentence, is the plot of both movies: an American martial-arts whiz (played by Michael Dudikoff in the first two movies, and some other guy in the third one), with help from his well-muscled friend Jackson, takes on a sinister tycoon's private army of ninjas. Not that plot really matters, since it's interrupted about every five minutes for a fight scene. Dudikoff and the other guy can't really act, but they can fight, and that's all that really matters. No self-respecting fan of bad action should be without this DVD.

Dudikoff is Back!
Forget "American Ninja 3: Blood Hunt." That's pure trash and it doesn't star Michael Dudikoff. However, "American Ninja 2: The Confrontation," has Armstrong and Jackson teaming up once again to fight ninjas in a bar, on some rocks on a deserted island, in an office building and in an arena! These ninjas are like robots, but they keep getting re-adjustments from the American heroes. Listen to the funny music. Almost immortal. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

G.I. Joe packs a punch and a smile!
American Ninja is basically a star vehicle for Canon films hot young property Michael Dudikoff. While he is no Chuck Norris he has some cool moves and a warm smile. He rescues his Colonels pretty daughter from an ambush of ninja warriors. They escape by jumping in a river. Of course, they both are soaked to the skin but they dry off together in the woods before returning to civilization! Using his own martial arts skills he learned as a child from his foster father, a ninja warrior, he foils dastardly plots that are brewing and gets the girl.

While that sums up the plot, Michael Dudikoff, ably assisted by another rising star Steve James, makes this action movie work well enough to spawn a series of sequals. While no nominations are in order, the movie certainly is more entertaining then many higher budget action films are today. The DVD is in Widescreen with an aspect ratio of about 1:85:1. It includes a trailer sporting a pre-release working title for the film. The VHS editon enhances action in the center of the screen which has its advantages as well. Both releases are Closed Captioned. So make a bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show. Best Wishes, CAL

US armys Joe Armstrong kills a smuggler & hundreds of ninjas
This movie is the chop sockiest ninja flick since Jackie Chans fests. It centers around Joe(The none too articulate Michael Dudikoff),a ninja with amnesia who joined the army after nearly killing someone. After getting into a fight with smugglers,he causes the death of 4 soldiers,(By ninjas)putting his reputation at stake.Joe rescues the colonels daughter and falls in love with her.After scrapping with Curtis Jackson(The too articulate Steve James),a corporal,they become friends.It turns out a smuggling operation is going on,and they want Joe dead for he knows too much. The black star ninja (Tadashi Yamashita) nearly assassinates him on several points. Eventually Joe learns the secrets of his past and.....watch the rest yourself! Its a great martial arts movie,and so was #2. Unfortunetly,3&4 are not worth mentioning. "He possess great skills!" END

Dudikoff, baby!
Our buddies at Cannon figured they should strike while the iron was hot and get a little more out of their successful ninja franchise. Having found success with already established action stars, they tried to make their own in the form of MICHAEL DUDIKOFF-THE AMERICAN NINJAAAAAA! Well, Dudikoff never achieved superstardom, but he'll always be recognized as "Joe". His screen presence isn't bad at all. He's got a boyish look and a rather soft spoken demeanor different from most action tough guys. He plays a soldier who, like Rodney, gets no respect. When he finally beats Steve James(a cool sidekick I might add) in a fight, he becomes rather popular. He takes on an army of evil ninjas that threaten the fate of the world! Ther lead ninja is a mean brute who kills his fellow ninjas during routine practices. This movie's fun.....very fun. Sure it's lame as all hell, but someone must have liked it coz it spawned four sequels.

THIS WAS A GOOD MOVIE, SCREW WHAT THEM CRITICS SAID!
IN THIS CULT CLASSIC, AN ARMY RECRUIT [MICHAEL DUDIKOFF] MUST STOP THE ARMY FROM DOING A MAJOR WEAPONS DEAL WITH SOME RICH BAD GUYS. THOUGH THERE REALLY ISN'T MUCH TO THE MARTIAL ARTS THAT'S DISPLAYED HERE, IT'S STILL A FUN MOVIE TO WATCH, DESPITE THE BAD THINGS THAT ALL THE CRITICS HAVE SAID ABOUT THIS MOVIE AND ITS SEQUELS, I'LL ADMIT IT, I REALLY ENJOYED THIS MOVIE. SCREW WHAT ALL THE CRITICS SAY, GO PICK UP THIS MOVIE NOW. MICHAEL DUDIKOFF AND STEVE JAMES HAVE AMAZING CHEMISTRY. FOLLOWED BY FOUR SEQUELS.

a cult was born
one of the best ninja and action films of the 80's.
michael dudikoff at one of he's best, good fightscenes and fantastic music.
the reason for only 4 stars: it's very tragic thats the film only is in widescreen! ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Gives 80s Teen Movies A Bad Rap
I saw this movie because I love 80s teen movies and I also like Anthony Michael Hall...but I have to say that this movie sorely disappointed me. Though it does have it's moments, it is nothing near some of his other 80s films such as "16 Candles" and "The Breakfast Club." If you're looking for a cheesy but fun 80s movie, try "Love Bites," a very funny and silly vampire movie with Adam Ant.

OK, maybe I shouldn't complain about being disappointed...after all, the premise of the movie isn't very exciting. Johnny is a highschool senior and football star who has all the top football schools after him. Basically the movie is about his visiting the different schools and the various ways they try to "bribe" him to go there. Meanwhile, there is a tiny amount of conflict with his girlfriend, played by Uma Thurman (this is her first role), about his going to State with her. Johnny's friend, played by Robert Downey, Jr., is supposed to add some more comedy to the movie (at least I think so), but he is so bizarre it's hard to even laugh at him.

Basically my problem with this movie is that it really isn't all that funny; and it doesn't have much of a plot. I know, I know, what do you expect, it's a cheesy 80s flick. Basically, I think there are many more great 80s movies out there than this one, even though I do have to admit that seeing AMH in that silly purple outfit is sort of funny.

Classic... but edited!
Hey, I know it's not Citizen Kane, but it was never intended to be. Anthony Micheal Hall is actually the cool guy in this one... enough said. It is truly one of the most overlooked 80's film ever (this and Emilo Estevez's brilliant directorial debut, "Wisdom")and actually contains one of the 3 inspired performances Robert Downey Jr has commited to film (Johnny Be Goode, Less than Zero and Weird Science).
I was extremely glad to see this finally released on DVD, but MGM has mislabled this version as "R" rated. This is a glaring and lazy oversight. This DVD version is actually the "PG-13" theatrical version. Once "Johnny Be Goode" came out on video, it was released with extended footage in an "R" rated version. It contained more nudity and showed a great deal more footage of Johnny's visit with "Ole Tex". I know this sounds crazy but this particular version of the movie helped enhance the other "Ole Tex" candidates roles quite a bit and showed why they backed Johnny's ultimate decision towards the end of the movie.
I believe MGM should correct this lazy mistake by either releasing the actual "R" rated version or re-labeling this version as "PG-13".

warning the DVD movie is censored
I've been a big fan of this movie since it first came out, with that said I give the movie alone a 5 star rating. However, the MGM DVD release is edited, which brings the score way down. There's a scene in the movie where Johnny is playing football to win back his girlfriend from her father, during the game 3 cheerleaders flash the cops to distract them. This has been edited and all that is shown is them starting to lift their shirts then it cuts quickly to the next scene. Now I didn't buy this movie for the nudity but censorship in any form is just unforgivable especially when it's unnecessary because all the other scenes containing nudity (that I can remember) are intact. Though more scenes could have been edited I'm not sure. The DVD extras include only one trailer for the movie, so it's basically barebone which I expected it to be. I still suggest you buy this DVD the quality is excellent just a little warning it's not the original.

so bad, it's not good
A truly horrible film. Not bad in the Ed Wood sort of way which is both horribly bad and so bad it's actually funny, JBG is simply consistently un-entertaining. Johhny (Anthony Michael Hall looking pumped up from his geekier "Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles" days) is a star football player, so good that he's got every college in America lined up to offer him an athletic scholarship. (Though such scholarships probably gave many HS athletes a chance at college that ultimately helped them and proved beneficial to society, JGB pretty much disses them: a hardy team of NCAA investigators is barely able to keep schools from engaging in various unethical recruitment practices; the players themselves, though eagerly sought by schools are all-but entirely discarded by them once their better-playing days are behind them). Johnny promises his girlfriend to join her at a state university, where he'll have none of the perks offered by bigger and richer schools. Nevertheless, he can't resist the partying that the big leagues throw just to convince him to come to their side. Will he fall for the lure of the big school teams?

I remember sitting through this flick with almost nary a laugh. It was supposed to be funny, but it never was. It tried to tackle a serious subject, but it never did (it's as clearly enthralled by the world of college football as "The Program"). You keep thinking that it will develop, but it never will. The only entertaining scene? While sneaking away from the press, Johnny and his girl catch a drive-in movie, which turns out to be the fun/horrible movie that JBG couldn't be, centered around a horrifically and hysterically awful love-ballad. I should have left the multi-plex at that point, and quit while I was ahead.

Great Football Flick
It's a great football story with an excellent ending.
Johnny Walker is a sought after Senior Quarterback who has College Universities looking to sign him to a commitment under "any means necessary", and that means breaking all the rules.
Meanwhile Uma Thurman plays his girlfriend who helps Johnny reach for the stars, but keep his feet firmly on the ground.

The ending has a wonderful message too. ... Read more

Amazon.com

British East Africa, 1923.Harry Rudbeck, an ambitious army officer,wants to build a road to bring the outside world to the backwater town where he is posted.Struggling to find ways around Foreign Service bureaucracy, he relies on his resourceful African clerk, Mr. Johnson.But when Johnson's can-do attitude runs afoul of British law, Rudbeck must make a painful decision.The film is deliberately paced, and the topnotch cinematography, art direction, and soundtrack all conspire to immerse you into the sweltering heat of East Africa.Maynard Eziashi gives winning performance as Johnson, a man so intent on becoming important that it destroys him. Like many of director Bruce Beresford's movies, this is a clear-eyed look at the way a collision of two cultures can lead to tragedy.Rudbeck must ultimately face the fact that his own ambition leads to the death of his friend, and Pierce Brosnan (as Rudbeck) and Beresford refuse to sentimentalize the man at all. Among Beresford's films, this is much closer in tone to Breaker Morant than to the kinder, gentler Driving Miss Daisy. --Geof Miller ... Read more

Reviews (4)

What The Road To Hell Is Paved With
Read Amazon.com's editorial review of this movie for a good overview of its setting. I can only add that the movie is a look at how good intentions can backfire, in this case that of the European view of progress mixing with African tradition like oil with water.

The outcome is tragic, yet the principal characters have nothing but fine motives for what they are about. Culture and other impersonal forces have the final say, and one is left to wonder if progress, or may I say "progress," should be forced on a reluctant people.

Director Bruce Beresford has been rather unfairly criticized for lop-sided portrayals of virtuous native cultures versus corruptive western civilization, but as with his superb "Black Robe" movie "Mister Johnson" shows some of the less flattering sides of primitive societies. Indeed, "Black Robe" set off a minor spate of protest for its unblinkingly frank portrayal of Indian tribes in North America several centuries ago.

Ultimately it's probably safe to say that "Mister Johnson" gives a fairly sympathetic showing of the Africans suddenly entangled in the road project headed up by Pierce Brosnan's character, but does so without truckling. This movie also shows that Brosnan has a broader range than just playing Bond, James Bond.

A Classic Tragedy
This deceptively simple, underrated drama is actually a very good classical tragedy, set in colonial Africa. The protagonist is brought down by his tragic character flaw; the rules of unity are also in evidence. Give it a chance, particularly if you are a student of classical literature.

Okay...
I did find this to be slow-moving, but nonetheless rewarding. So, that's a mixed review! But it was intelligently written, beautifully shot, and well-acted. And I lived in Africa for a year, and saw how some of the Africans really lived in the present, without regard for the future. And it's Mr. Johnson's disregard for the consequences of his actions that does him in. Very true to the African character, I'm afraid (call me a colonially-minded bigot if you want, but that was my experience). So I found the movie true-to-life on that score.

Terrible DVD quality! So-So Film.
This DVD has the worse quality of any DVD in my collection, even though the box reads "guaranteed superior quality". Grainy picture, washed out colors, and sound that plays more through rear speakers are some of the low points. This is the reason for the low rating of 2 stars.

As to the film, it contains beautiful African scenery which makes the poor DVD transfer that much more regretable. The acting is first rate. And the views of West African village society are insightful. However, the storyline is a rehash of the typical British colonial flick...you know, native mistreated by the overlords, gets into trouble and ends up road kill on the imperial super highway. Too bad that the director could not develop the characters better. ... Read more

Description

Bluegrass players, from Bill Monroe onward, incorporated blues licks into their playing. Steve James knows this music and its history well, and he brings it clearly into focus on this fun and funky lesson.

Mandolin novices will start out by learning a basic G scale and how to alter it to create a blues scale. After demonstrating his pick strokes and tremolo technique, Steve dives right into Divin’ Duck Blues by the great Yank Rachell. Steve and John Sebastian, another jug band and blues enthusiast, perform the tune, and then Steve takes it apart, note-by-note.

Steve lays out some of the primary blues chords on the mandolin, showing how it can become a wonderful accompanying instrument with the use of partial chords for rhythm comping. Turnarounds, double stops and variations on a walking boogie-woogie line are all essential parts of a blues repertoire, and Steve shows several of these, including a variation he learned directly from the legendary Howard Armstrong.

From there he launches into some powerful and challenging songs, each one of which shows you something new on the instrument. The Lonesome Train That Carried My Gal Away, from the recordings of Charlie McCoy and the Mississippi Sheiks, is a good-time tune that Steve plays on banjo-mandolin while John accompanies him on 6-string banjo. Big Joe Williams’ Juanita Stomp is played on a "high-strung" mandolin (the lower strings are tuned to octaves) and features a rockin’ blues riff in A. Steve’s raucous original, Saturday Night in Jail, contains double stops, chord comps, blues licks and scales and, as Steve puts it, "fun-lovin’ high-jinks." Steve and John close the lesson with a performance of Shotgun Blues, which Steve plays on an electric mandolin that once belonged to Yank Rachell. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Robert Forester on a "Death Wish"
In the early 80's, there was a sprout of revenge/vigilante films released in America and Italy. I mean we had Death Wish 2, The Exterminator, Rolling Thunder and much much more. Vigilante actually comes out being one of the better of the group. We get the same basic story. A man gets his son murdered and his wife cut up by thugs so he sets out for a "Death Wish" to take them down. Like all the other revenge epics at the time, this is pretty good trashy entertainment. We get extreme violence and some great action, plus a great cheesy performance by Fred Williamson (should we expect anything different?). If you like Death Wish style films, then you must own this piece of low-budget american entertainment. The DVD release of Vigilante is also great. First of all we get the unrated/uncut version of the classic. On top of that we get a superb commentary with the director and almost the entire cast. Also thrown on is every trailer for the film throughout the world, even trailers that portray this film under different titles. Real Awsome! A great DVD package!

An Action Flick that become a Cult Classic.
When a Man (Robert Forster) nearly lost his Wife (Rutanya Alda) by a group of Degenerate Punks but they murder their Only Son. When the law Cannot do nothing about it. He`s forces to Join a Vigilante-Gang Controlled by his friend (Fred Williamson) to Clean Up the Streets of New York City. To Help, the People are Victims or Were Victims by Any Kind, Especially his Revenge for the Death of his Son.

Directed by William Lustig (Maniac, Maniac Cop Trilogy, Relentless) made a Strong Action-Film that is Truly Distasteful for Some Viewers. Lustig`s direction is Surprisingly Good, despite it takes time to the film to get really going. Forster`s Performance is Terrific. Supporting Cast are Good, there`s a Cameo by Cult-Star Legend:Joe Spinell (From the Claustrophobic-Maniac Fame) & Woody Strode as a Prisoner adds life in a Small Role. DVD`s has an good non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer & an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an Commentary Track by Lustig & actors:Forster, Williamson & Frank Pesce. DVD also has Trailers & Production Stills. It`s worth seeing for the Performances of Forster, Williamson is Quite Good also & Especially-Strode`s brief role. Good Music Score by Jay Chattaway (Missing in Action, Silver Bullet, T.V.`s Enterprise). Written by Richard Vetere (The Third Miracle, Which it`s also Based on his Novel). Panavision. Grade:B+.

Exploitation classic heightened by quality performances
Let's get one thing straight. VIGILANTE is not the type of movie that will satisfy those who dislike violent genre films.
It is, however, the kind of picture that will thrill any fan of DEATH WISH, ROLLING THUNDER, THE EXTERMINATOR or any other '70s / early '80s revenge flick that has vigilantism as its main theme.
The acting in VIGILANTE is of a high quality, superb even for an exploitation film. In particular, Robert Forster shines as an everyday working Joe driven to the brink by grief and circumstance. Fred Williamson was never better (and is unlikely to be), while Joe Spinnell steals your attention in his two scenes.
Anchor Bay's DVD release of the film is nothing short of miraculous. The movie has been lovingly restored via George Lucas' THX process and the widescreen presentation looks superb. But the jewel in the crown is the audio commentary. Director William Lustig and the three actors have a whale of a time recounting the film's shoot, and so does the listener.

Where's the climax?
I sat up until 4:30AM watching this movie. The whole movie idea seemed good, and I kept waiting for the climax to come. It never did. This movie had way too many unneccessary parts and it's like they ran out of money or something and just made a hasty ending. I don't get the whole jail part and what purpose it served is beyond me. Even further beyond me is the fact that only about 25% of the movie is acually about the revenge of the husband. Why show and group of guys go around beating up drug dealers and pimps when it serves no real purpose in the storyline? It'd be OK if it had all come together in the end, but it never did. Plus, the acting was not as good as I had hoped. If someone killed my little kid and severely beat my wife I might shed a tear or two. I'd at least be a little more sad. I can't say enough about this movie. Don't waste your time.

Non stop, bad to the bone action!
This is one of those action flicks that punches you right in the stomach. The villians in this movie are so darned nasty, you actually feel physically sick watching them do their dirty deeds. (I did, at least.) This just makes it that much sweeter, though, when Fred Williamson and Robert Forster step to the scene and start whooping tail. Vengence at its finest. If you've got the stomach for serious action and some good old fashioned justice, this flick is for you. Leonard Maltin is a punk. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Robert Forester on a "Death Wish"
In the early 80's, there was a sprout of revenge/vigilante films released in America and Italy. I mean we had Death Wish 2, The Exterminator, Rolling Thunder and much much more. Vigilante actually comes out being one of the better of the group. We get the same basic story. A man gets his son murdered and his wife cut up by thugs so he sets out for a "Death Wish" to take them down. Like all the other revenge epics at the time, this is pretty good trashy entertainment. We get extreme violence and some great action, plus a great cheesy performance by Fred Williamson (should we expect anything different?). If you like Death Wish style films, then you must own this piece of low-budget american entertainment. The DVD release of Vigilante is also great. First of all we get the unrated/uncut version of the classic. On top of that we get a superb commentary with the director and almost the entire cast. Also thrown on is every trailer for the film throughout the world, even trailers that portray this film under different titles. Real Awsome! A great DVD package!

An Action Flick that become a Cult Classic.
When a Man (Robert Forster) nearly lost his Wife (Rutanya Alda) by a group of Degenerate Punks but they murder their Only Son. When the law Cannot do nothing about it. He`s forces to Join a Vigilante-Gang Controlled by his friend (Fred Williamson) to Clean Up the Streets of New York City. To Help, the People are Victims or Were Victims by Any Kind, Especially his Revenge for the Death of his Son.

Directed by William Lustig (Maniac, Maniac Cop Trilogy, Relentless) made a Strong Action-Film that is Truly Distasteful for Some Viewers. Lustig`s direction is Surprisingly Good, despite it takes time to the film to get really going. Forster`s Performance is Terrific. Supporting Cast are Good, there`s a Cameo by Cult-Star Legend:Joe Spinell (From the Claustrophobic-Maniac Fame) & Woody Strode as a Prisoner adds life in a Small Role. DVD`s has an good non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer & an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an Commentary Track by Lustig & actors:Forster, Williamson & Frank Pesce. DVD also has Trailers & Production Stills. It`s worth seeing for the Performances of Forster, Williamson is Quite Good also & Especially-Strode`s brief role. Good Music Score by Jay Chattaway (Missing in Action, Silver Bullet, T.V.`s Enterprise). Written by Richard Vetere (The Third Miracle, Which it`s also Based on his Novel). Panavision. Grade:B+.

Exploitation classic heightened by quality performances
Let's get one thing straight. VIGILANTE is not the type of movie that will satisfy those who dislike violent genre films.
It is, however, the kind of picture that will thrill any fan of DEATH WISH, ROLLING THUNDER, THE EXTERMINATOR or any other '70s / early '80s revenge flick that has vigilantism as its main theme.
The acting in VIGILANTE is of a high quality, superb even for an exploitation film. In particular, Robert Forster shines as an everyday working Joe driven to the brink by grief and circumstance. Fred Williamson was never better (and is unlikely to be), while Joe Spinnell steals your attention in his two scenes.
Anchor Bay's DVD release of the film is nothing short of miraculous. The movie has been lovingly restored via George Lucas' THX process and the widescreen presentation looks superb. But the jewel in the crown is the audio commentary. Director William Lustig and the three actors have a whale of a time recounting the film's shoot, and so does the listener.

Where's the climax?
I sat up until 4:30AM watching this movie. The whole movie idea seemed good, and I kept waiting for the climax to come. It never did. This movie had way too many unneccessary parts and it's like they ran out of money or something and just made a hasty ending. I don't get the whole jail part and what purpose it served is beyond me. Even further beyond me is the fact that only about 25% of the movie is acually about the revenge of the husband. Why show and group of guys go around beating up drug dealers and pimps when it serves no real purpose in the storyline? It'd be OK if it had all come together in the end, but it never did. Plus, the acting was not as good as I had hoped. If someone killed my little kid and severely beat my wife I might shed a tear or two. I'd at least be a little more sad. I can't say enough about this movie. Don't waste your time.

Non stop, bad to the bone action!
This is one of those action flicks that punches you right in the stomach. The villians in this movie are so darned nasty, you actually feel physically sick watching them do their dirty deeds. (I did, at least.) This just makes it that much sweeter, though, when Fred Williamson and Robert Forster step to the scene and start whooping tail. Vengence at its finest. If you've got the stomach for serious action and some good old fashioned justice, this flick is for you. Leonard Maltin is a punk. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Kung fu Hong Kong-style
It's probably a well-known fact that some of the best martial arts movies come from Hong Kong. CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON is a contemporary classic from Hong Kong. Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Chow Yun-Fat are all martial arts legends who have made it big through the Hong Kong cinema. Cory Yuen (aka Yuen Woo Ping) has made himself a household name by staging the karate battles in such outstanding kung fu films as THE MATRIX, CROUCHING TIGER, THE ONE, CRADLE 2 THE GRAVE, THE TRANSPORTER, etc.

Don "The Dragon" Wilson, WKA World Light-Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion, stars in BLOODFIST V:HUMAN TARGET, a movie very much in the tradition of Hong Kong cinema. "The Dragon" plays Jim Stanton, a federal agent hell-bent on breaking up the arms-smuggling ring of Kwon, a nefarious Chinese criminal whose latest deal involves some stolen plutonium. Unfortunately, Stanton is shot in the head and left for dead by some of Kwon's meanies. He awakens in a hospital bed with his memory completely erased. Both Kwon and Stanton's superiors, who believe he's become a double agent, have him at the top of their hit lists, making his "wife" Candy (Denice Duff) his only ally.

There's no denying that HUMAN TARGET's martial arts sequences are lavish and flashy. One of the great things about Don "The Dragon"'s movies is that he's always given worthy opponents to go toe-to-toe with. In HUMAN TARGET, one of them is Steve James, whose been in such karate gems as the AMERICAN NINJA series. I rank him at the same level of all the best opponent's Don "The Dragon" stuck it out with, including Billy Blanks (BLOODFIST), Maurice Smith (BLOODFIST II), Gary Daniels (BLOODFIST IV:DIE TRYING), and Matthias Hues (BLACKBELT).

Still, it's Don "The Dragon"'s movie, all the way, and how better to showcase his astonishing kickboxing abilities than to put him in a Hong Kong-esque kung fu movie?

Out of nowhere!
I had no expectations when I popped in this video, which might be why I absolutely thought it was the greatest film since "Total Recall." Great twists and turns, and "The Dragon" was quite good. I appreciate his realistic fighting style rather than all this "wire work" that is so preposterous in movies like "The Matrix." This film really deserves attention. It is that good. I highly suggest getting this film.

Awesome kickboxing picture!
Move over Steven Segal. This picture has a great plot, filled with turns in the plot that keep you guessing, never knowing who to trust. Denise Duff is quite good in this. Who is she?! Usually, in a kickboxing film you only get long drawn out fights and little story. This film has terrific fights that don't outlast their welcome and a story that really works. Technical credits are solid. Writing and directing are top notch.

A great kickboxing action thriller!
The plot kept me guessing. Loved the twists and turns and the action. Fights were realistic...no absurd acrobatics like other flicks. Acting and tech credits were decent. Directing and writing impressed me. DVD looks fantastic. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

THE SEQUEL'S BETTER
I first rented this when I was about 15 & my mum went apes**t. A movie about a guy who kills people with a blowtorch. COOOOOL! However the blowtorch isn't that big a player in the movie. This is your typical Vietnam vet revenge story ad nauseum. Vet Ginty seeks revenge on the creeps who ripped up his best friend with a clawhammer (Steve James- who briefly adds "life" to the movie). There are some hilariously bad gore scenes, including the decapitation in the opening scene which has to be seen to be believed, and how could I forget the sequence with the meat grinder? I'd advise you not to eat a hamburger while watching this movie. Worst of all though is the godawful country-western song which plays during the opening credits. Yeech!

A Cult Classic
Out of anyone who played in the film I think George did the best job out of anyone; followed by Gintry. Those who've seen the sequel as well will notice what a superior director Glickenhaus was to whoever directing the sequel that he didn't stick around for. Though it is a rather cheaply made film it's still gritty and effective, yet still can't live up to the fame of Bronson's Death Wish, which is the grandaddy of all vigilante flicks bar none.

Not a bad Death Wish knock off!
It has a low budget and a cast of actors that anyone outside of the B Movie fan circles is unfamiliar with but that doesn't stop it from being one of the better revenge movies from the 80's. It's outlined by a simple plotline about a vietnam vet, played by Robert Ginty (the Paperchase guy), whose friend is paralyzed by wild gang members in the New York City wildlands. Fed up with the justice system, he takes matters into his own hands.

The biggest appeal of this movie is the minimalist style of the scenery. It's very gritty and grimy and has all the earmarks of a great grindhouse movie. The violence, which is unfortunately spaced too far apart to be consistent, is unbelievably brutal for an American made movie with an R rating. Also, most of the press from the time pushed the imagery of the flame thrower. While it's an essential element of the sequel, which badly needs a quality DVD release, it only makes an appearance once in this offering.

If you're a fan of cheesy movies and exploitation, don't pass this one up.

we need the sequel on DVD
Exterminator is good entertainment, but Exterminator 2 is more fun. He doesn't just hunt down criminals HE MELTS THEM! He gives vigilante Bronson a run for his money in that one as he leaves charred smokin scum corpses for the cops to find! The idea of a masked vigilante with a flame flower is just too much fun to watch. His nemesis is the evil "X" played be Mario Van Peebles too! Now that Exterminator is on DVD we need Exterminator 2!

we need exterminator 2!!
Exterminator is great, but the sequel was even better! The idea of a vigilante not just killin his victims, but burning them up and leaving their charred smoking corpses behind for the cops was bad *ss! That made him a vigilante that even Paul Kersey would admire. Buy Executioner and then tell Anchor Bay you want the sequel. Hell it's even got Mario Vane Peebles as the Exterminator's nemesis "X"! It's a B-movie vigilante lover's dream! ... Read more

Description

This extraordinary film is based on the real-life story of Rocky Dennis, a disfigured teenager whose face resembles a bizarre mask. Cher plays Rocky's mother, who with uncompromising love and fierce determination helps Rocky overcome pain, loneliness and prejudice to emerge as an outstanding young man, an inspiration to his classmates and teachers. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Real and Moving
Mask is one of those rare "true story" movies that remains that way when it hits the big screen. It also houses an absolutely fabulous performance by Cher, as well as by Eric Stoltz.

Mask is about a boy named Rocky Dennis who is well above average in every way. If it weren't for a degenerative disease that horribly disfigured his face since birth, the world would probably see him that way. At first, those that meet him are understandably nervous and scared, but with an airy confidence, he wins his classmates and peers over.

That confidence comes from his mother, played by Cher. She is an attractive, drug addicted single mother with an on again, off again fling with Gar, played by Sam Elliot. Cher convincingly and movingly plays a mother riddled with insecurites, but in love with her son, who represents to her all she wishes she could be. She was born with the huge advantage of being beautiful, she dropped out of school and got pregnant. She lookes at Rocky and sees someone who was born with every disadvantage (a disfigured face and a short life) and who is confident, responsible, hardworking, and happy. He is also valedictorian of his high school class.

Ever since she had Rocky, she has been strong and tough, making it clear that Rocky will not be treated any differently than anyone else. Rocky takes from that confidence and gives it back to his Mom with the way he lives his life...getting up every morning, facing the world, being happy, taking care of himself, and preparing for and dreaming of a future that he may never have. Her hatred for herself is transcended only by her pure love and open admiration for her son.

I have seen Mask a number of times over the years, but I have to say it gets me every time. It is a movie that deals, realistically and truthfully with a disease that seems almost unreal. But the lessons learned and the topics raised have little to do with the "Mask" and more about the connection between a mother and her son.

Will tug at the heart-strings
Even someone with a heart of stone will feel for the characters featured in this film, which is based on a true story.

Both Cher & Eric Stoltz give moving performances, as a biker babe mother 'addicted' to drink and drugs, and a son, who can't get a girl, and is severely facially deformed.

I originally saw this movie quite a few years, and only remembered the scene where he's in high school, and he talks about being from Planet Vulcan.

Of course, the facial disease Rocky Dennis has is fatal, so obviously, you know what the ending will be. And the tears ended up tripping me - this is another film that I can add to my "Films I Cry At" list. My mum grabbed it, as she loves true stories, and it's not a film I will ever watch again - I hate crying at films!!! It's only a story is what I keep getting told, but it doesn't work. But you feel for the characters so much.

The real Rusty Dennis apparently was a consultant to the great Cher on this movie, and is now rumoured to be battling a drink & drug addiction - and can you blame her? The Cher gave when she found Eric Stoltz had died in his sleep, was almost too realistic.

Cher gives a great performance in this movie. It's one of the very rare movies where she isn't wooden - although she does advertise her plastic surgeon a lot. This is a movie to watch purely for Cher, to see her before she overdone the plastic surgery, and is does a farewell tour every couple of years.

Eric Stoltz is unrecognisable in his role of Rocky. He must have had a very boring time sitting for so long in make-up!

A very moving film, and totally worth watching!

I like this movie but it is pretty sad
I think its pretty sad like he dies at the end.Me and my 3 other 11 year old friends watched this movie and we first couldn't look at his face because it looked so weird.And we thought he only had a mask on.But I like this film.His mum has a angry managment and takes drugs.Well but I still recomend this for all ages.

unforgetable
IN 1987 i sat,totally engrossed,watching the heart-wrenching story of a boy suffering with facial deformity, a boy who was not expected to live beyond a teenager. At least that was the write up. What i saw,was not only his torment,but his mothers. Cher played this role so believably i still feel the character when i see her now. Her heartbreak,her own battle with drink and drugs, and her stuborn determination and humour when faced with authority. Also this was the point in time that i fell in love with Sam Elliot,and his voice. The man is a god. His character as Chers biker boyfriend was brilliant. Supposedly tough,but a sweetheart with a reassuring and patient relationship with the young man with dreams for the future. The three of them carried this film through every emotion you could think of. Shock,disbelief,laughter, tears, heartbreak and horror to name a few. Truly one of the most memerable films i ve ever seen. In fact here we are 16+ years on and i can remember it as vivdly as if i'd seen it an hour ago. How long is it since i ve seen it? Well i met my husband in 1988 and some 6 months after he ''borrowed'' the reel from inside the video case and never rebuilt it! The other reel with the film on?????? That was ''placed somewhere safe!'' So, i have looked for a replacement for a long time,and thought i'd found it here. Except i'm in england and your vhs wont play on my vhs. I'll just have to keep digging. In fact ''I COULD DIG SO DEEP I COULD END UP IN F¬`*=^+G CHINA!!!!!!'' Good night x

High schoolers find Mask moving
I recently showed Mask, based on the true-life story of Rocky Dennis, to my high school English class. Even today's teen-agers found the relationship between the disfigured Rocky and his blind girlfriend to be sweetly touching. The two sides of Rocky's biker-chick mother (in an outstanding performance by Cher) led to fruitful writing assignments about a parent struggling with addiction who can also be an incredibly supportive mother to her son. The students were also impressed with Rocky's exemplary personal qualities. Not only was Rocky Dennis an intelligent and sensitive human being who copes with his rare disease with humor and courage, he often has to "parent" his mother, and sets challenging goals for himself despite the death sentence hanging over his head. This film gives a strong message to teens (and adults) that -- despite bad examples sometimes from parents and peers -- having a strong sense of respect for oneself, nurturing long-range personal goals and healthy interests, being kind and decent to others, and maintaining a sense of humor can get us through even the worst challenges life deals us. ... Read more