Reviews (51)

themes counter mediocre acting to produce excellence
Since most of the people submitting reviews here are wrestlers, ex-wrestlers, or are associated with wrestling, it is very easy to have a biased point of view towards this movie. While some people critique the screenplay or acting, those that enjoy it are looking past the acting and into the theme of the movie.

After reading the book, it becomes evident that the movie is quite different. While the book focuses on growing up ("coming of age") and life, the movie focuses more on the wrestling aspect, obviously to appeal to the masses. I'd say the book was more award-winning material, while the movie was more inspirational. Wrestling, although a big part of Louden Swain's life, was not as overpowering in the book. The book was not about wrestling per se, but about life and growing up. The movie concentrated on the wrestling aspect more which makes it an excellent motivator. Despite the sometimes mediocre screenplay, this movie is a classic to wrestlers because it shows that the human spirit will overcome all. It accurately portrays the blood, guts, and tears that accompany an athlete involved in the sport. As another reviewer commented, the "Rocky" for wrestlers. A definite recommendation to all wrestlers.

good movie, bad DVD
I'm really hoping that they re-release this movie soon. In terms of the Rocky-esque movies, this is one of the better ones. I liked it even better the second time around because I noticed just how realistic Modine's performance is not only as a wrestler, but also as a highschooler.

The problem with the DVD is that (1) the transfer is positively awful, (2)it's standard as opposed to widescreen (not a big issue in this case), and (3) there are no features. The main problem, of course, is with the quality of the transfer, which probably looks better on some VHS versions of the film.

Re-release this into a more non-hurried DVD format and this rating will go from 3 stars to at least 4.

"You ever hear of Pele?"
There are a lot of reasons to love this movie - It's a great coming of age tale, a solid 80's high school film - and all the reasons that other reviewers have already shared... but it stands out, in my opinion, for providing the most elegant argument for why we as a society love sports and athletes Towards the end of the movie one of the charachters gives a little pep talk about watching Pele play soccer... "and I tell you I started crying... yeah that's right I started cryin..."

Vision Quest
I absolutely love this movie, despite the wrestling. This movie isn't only about wrestling, it's about coming of age, and the human spirit.

DVD version is much better than VHS
I have looked at some of the reviews on the suggested
bad quality of the picture of the DVD version, but I
feel this current full-screen DVD version of Vision
Quest is still very good and a heck of a lot better than my
VHS store bought version. Yes, a wide-screen and special
edition DVD packed with features and with some restoration
of the original film would be great, but this DVD version
will do until then. Also, for those people who do want
a choice of having the full-screen format you may want to
buy this DVD now because if Vision Quest is ever released
in a new special edition it may be released in wide-screen
only format so this full-screen version may be hard to get
at some point in the future. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

SNOW ESCAPE
What can one say about a movie that offers such gorgeous vistas of the beautiful Alaskan countryside? Admit it - those of us who have never experienced such wonder can only stare in awe at the tremendous power of the avalanche. Add Thomas Ian Griffith's dimples, Caroleen Feeney's birthmark, F. Lee Ermey's continued lack of acting ability; C. Thomas Howell's quick departure, and some adequate special effects, you can't help but be entertained by this cornball thriller. Some cute animals, and a nice turn by Geoffrey Lower as a villain make ESCAPE FROM ALASKA good escapist fare!

Bad special effects
I agree with the reviewer before me. I rented this to watch with my kids one afternoon thinking it would be a great wilderness adventure movie. My kids even kept saying,"Mom, that looks so fake"... they said this many times during the movie. The scenery was pretty but the acting just so-so. I wouldn't recommend this although it had very few cuss words and no sex or voilence. This was a plus since my kids watched it with me.

1.5 for the story idea...
Let me start by saying I rented this from the local video store with high hopes based on the back of the DVD. The story line is very interesting and pulled me in. The scenery was really nice (which gives it the 1.5 stars)

But, and I do mean BUT it was painful to watch! The special effects were so bad that I have seen local kids produce better things. The snow scenes where the avalanche goes through the town were obviously scales as they looked like models.

The premise is that there is a new pipeline being built over the tundra and into Juneau, which is in a valley and the main character thinks that there is just to much chance for something to go wrong and a giant avalanche to bury the town. You see she has a past experience with avalanches as she has lived through one from years ago. So now she is with the EPA and out to stop the project, almost reluctantly with the help of a former friend. There is even a scene with a wild wolf cub... (Cute but not real believable)...

On top of that the acting was just ok. I didn't believe the characters though I have seen some of these same actors in other movies, do well. There were just way to many unbelievable scenes to enjoy the movie.

Don't spend your money on this one if you must then rent it. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

good movie
If you are into survival horror video games you will probably agree with me,that this a good movie.

Better than I thought!
I really thought that this movie would be a total waste of time but surprise! It turned out to be quite entertaining. Hey, it cost less that $1 mil to make so what do you expect? The performances were good and the action sequences were really good for a low budget feature. Jack Gill did a lot with what he had to work with, imagine if he had $10 mil to work with! You should see it, just to check it out!

Ron Pearlman, you have forsaken me!
This movie is like a porno.. but without nudity, and without the good music. It's loose plot follows a body gaurd (Matt McColm) trying to protect his client from... well.... I guess this film. He does a poor job, because she's in it. In the end, they do battle with Ron Pearlman, who's bad for one reason or another. Maybe he's pissed he didn't get paid enough, or maybe he didn't pay the filmakers enough to not be in this film. Either way, he's pissed, and out to destroy the world. The camerawork looks like a guy holding the camera with one hand, and lifting weights with the other. Consquently, the camera is never really steady. If you paid the full amount for this DVD, or for that matter, any amount, I suggest you ask for a refund.

Good action for a low-budget feature
This film is pretty darn good for being a low-budget feature. (under $1mil). The action is quite good and the performances are above average for the usual lower budget films. I would recommend it for all action lovers. It is fast-paced with some humor. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Extremely Sexy Film
The storyline isn't great, but it isn't terrible either. The characters seem convincing enough.

I was actually able to watch the entire film without having to hit the FF button.

There is an extremely sexy lesbian love scene that you just can't miss! Secret Games also comes in an "unrated" version, which is only available on VHS. In the "Unrated" version the sex scenes are longer and more exciting than in the R-Rated version. Very erotic and sexy!

GET IT NOW
More sex scenc and nudity than you can shake a stick at! the woman are amazing, the sex scenc are fantastic, it's so go that you should get two, just in case the first one get worn out! ... Read more