Reviews (186)

Love the Movie!!! Newer DVD is acceptable quality ...
I have always liked this movie. Sure, the story never reaches its purported climax, but there's a lot of fun getting there ...

Let me address the DVD issue right off: I have (apparently) a remastered version, widescreen, with chapter selection and promotional trailer included. The quality of this DVD is pretty good. I can't remember the exact cinematography but it seems like this is how the movie always appeared. Not top-notch but acceptable. The trailer is not as well preserved but is OK.

(I noticed this on the Rambo: First Blood Part II DVD I just bought ... on that DVD, the trailer is so-so, however the picture on that movie is crisp and very well preserved).

OK, back to the movie. A freak storm catches the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and transports her and her crew back to December 6, 1941 just off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BIG question: Ignore or Intercept the Japanese Navy when it attacks on December 7? ... if you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you here.

There are top-named actors like Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, James Farentino, Katharine Ross and Charles Durning. And there are a few real carrier personnel who weren't professional actors, obviously. But they got to be in the movie and who could blame them? Most people who like this film enjoy the time-travel, naval-combat aspect of it and overlook the occasional potholes in the storyline. Hey, just have fun!

There are some great launch sequences of Naval fighter aircraft, recon birds, tankers and helicopters. And the inflight sequences are pretty good too. You get to see F-14 Tomcats, A-7 Corsairs, A-6 Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, E-2C Haweyes, SH-53 Sikorsky's and more. Plus the carrier crew equip the aircraft with the Mach 4+ AIM-54A Phoenix missiles, AIM-9 Sidwinders and AIM-7 Sparrows for air combat. Great stuff!

Overall the quality of the DVD movie is fairly decent and played well on my 55" big screen and my 27" small screen TV's. If you haven't seen the film, it's similar to "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Michael Pare and Nancy Allen. Enjoy!!

Love the Movie ... Newer DVD is acceptable quality ...
I have always liked this movie. Sure, the story never reaches its purported climax, but there's a lot of fun getting there ...

Let me address the DVD issue right off: I have (apparently) a remastered version, widescreen, with chapter selection and promotional trailer included. The quality of this DVD is pretty good. I can't remember the exact cinematography but it seems like this is how the movie always appeared. Not top-notch but acceptable. The trailer is not as well preserved but is OK.

(I noticed this on the Rambo: First Blood Part II DVD I just bought ... on that DVD, the trailer is so-so, however the picture on that movie is crisp and very well preserved).

OK, back to the movie. A freak storm catches the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and transports her and her crew back to December 6, 1941 just off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BIG question: Ignore or Intercept the Japanese Navy when it attacks on December 7? ... if you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you here.

There are top-named actors like Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, James Farentino, Katharine Ross and Charles Durning. And there are a few real carrier personnel who weren't professional actors, obviously. But they got to be in the movie and who could blame them? Most people who like this film enjoy the time-travel, naval-combat aspect of it and overlook the occasional potholes in the storyline. Hey, just have fun!

There are some great launch sequences of Naval fighter aircraft, recon birds, tankers and helicopters. And the inflight sequences are pretty good too. You get to see F-14 Tomcats, A-7 Corsairs, A-6 Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, E-2C Hawkeyes, SH-53 Sikorsky's and more. Plus the carrier crew equip the aircraft with the Mach 4+ AIM-54A Phoenix missiles, AIM-9 Sidwinders and AIM-7 Sparrows for air combat. Great stuff!

Overall the quality of the DVD movie is fairly decent and played well on my 55" big screen and my 27" small screen TV's. If you haven't seen the film, it's similar to "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Michael Pare and Nancy Allen. Enjoy!!

No, not the album by "Europe"
I first saw this on ABC as a kid, and loved it. Seeing it again now, at 31, I don't find it nearly as interesting but still think it's a fine film. Check out how much young Martin Sheen looks like Charlie Sheen! Watch James Farentino, the TV version of Roy Scheider! And don't miss the surprise ending!

Cinematic experience that will stand its ground...
The USS Nimitz, a nuclear aircraft carrier, is on a routine assignment when the civilian systems specialist Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen) is flown to the aircraft carrier. Lasky's job is to evaluate the efficiency of the commander and crew as he should make recommendations in regards to what changes can be done to save tax dollars. Soon after Lasky's arrival Captain Matthew Yelland (Kirk Douglas) is put in a difficult position as the USS Nimitz is pulled into an outlandish electrical storm that relocates the warship in time. Captain Yelland is unsure about what truly has happened, but when they discover that they are in between the Japanese Naval Force that is about to strike at Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941 they realize they might have a chance to undo history. Final Countdown is an interesting science fiction film that offers some room for thinking, yet it is entertaining as it displays the incredible event of time traveling. An appealing idea together with entertainment, Final Countdown offers a decent cinematic experience, which will stand its ground.

Excellent. Aviation fans take note...
Since so many reviews are already posted, I'll keep this brief. It's nice to see this film get such an excellent DVD release. This movie is great and has aged quite well. The premise of the Nimitz being thrown back into time and given the opportunity to change the course of world history is an intriuging one even today. The Final Countdown boasts some ofthe best aircraft footage ever caught on film, hollywood or documentary. The scene between the Jolly Rogers F-14's and the 2 Japanese Zero fighters is a timeless classic.

The sound is excellent, the transfer is quite good, and the 2 disc set includes very special bonuses for fans of the F-14, or aviation in general. And the bonus disc interviews the Jolly Rogers squadron that flew in the film, worth it if you are an avaiation fan. If not, you might still enjoy it anyways, as they certainly have an entertaining story about one of the cast members! ... Read more

Amazon.com

With a tantalizing "what-if?" scenario and a respectable cast of Hollywood veterans, The Final Countdown plays like a grand-scale episode of The Twilight Zone. It's really no more than that, and time-travel movies have grown far more sophisticated since this popular 1980 release, but there's still some life remaining in the movie's basic premise: What if a modern-era Navy aircraft carrier--in this case the real-life nuclear-powered U.S.S. Nimitz--was caught in an anomalous storm and thrust 40 years backwards in time to the eve of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor? Will the ship's commander (Kirk Douglas) interfere with history? Will the visiting systems analyst (Martin Sheen) convince him not to? Will a rescued senator from 1941 (Charles Durning) play an unexpected role in the future of American politics? Veteran TV director Don Taylor doesn't do much with the ideas posed by this potentially intriguing plot; he seems more interested in satisfying aviation buffs with loving footage ofF-14 "Jolly Roger" fighter jets, made possible by the Navy's generous cooperation. That makes The Final Countdown a better Navy film than a full-fledged time-travel fantasy, but there's a nice little twist at the end, and the plot holes are easy to ignore. James Cameron would've done it better, but this popcorn thriller makes an enjoyable double-bill with The Philadelphia Experiment. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Love the Movie!!! Newer DVD is acceptable quality ...
I have always liked this movie. Sure, the story never reaches its purported climax, but there's a lot of fun getting there ...

Let me address the DVD issue right off: I have (apparently) a remastered version, widescreen, with chapter selection and promotional trailer included. The quality of this DVD is pretty good. I can't remember the exact cinematography but it seems like this is how the movie always appeared. Not top-notch but acceptable. The trailer is not as well preserved but is OK.

(I noticed this on the Rambo: First Blood Part II DVD I just bought ... on that DVD, the trailer is so-so, however the picture on that movie is crisp and very well preserved).

OK, back to the movie. A freak storm catches the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and transports her and her crew back to December 6, 1941 just off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BIG question: Ignore or Intercept the Japanese Navy when it attacks on December 7? ... if you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you here.

There are top-named actors like Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, James Farentino, Katharine Ross and Charles Durning. And there are a few real carrier personnel who weren't professional actors, obviously. But they got to be in the movie and who could blame them? Most people who like this film enjoy the time-travel, naval-combat aspect of it and overlook the occasional potholes in the storyline. Hey, just have fun!

There are some great launch sequences of Naval fighter aircraft, recon birds, tankers and helicopters. And the inflight sequences are pretty good too. You get to see F-14 Tomcats, A-7 Corsairs, A-6 Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, E-2C Haweyes, SH-53 Sikorsky's and more. Plus the carrier crew equip the aircraft with the Mach 4+ AIM-54A Phoenix missiles, AIM-9 Sidwinders and AIM-7 Sparrows for air combat. Great stuff!

Overall the quality of the DVD movie is fairly decent and played well on my 55" big screen and my 27" small screen TV's. If you haven't seen the film, it's similar to "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Michael Pare and Nancy Allen. Enjoy!!

Love the Movie ... Newer DVD is acceptable quality ...
I have always liked this movie. Sure, the story never reaches its purported climax, but there's a lot of fun getting there ...

Let me address the DVD issue right off: I have (apparently) a remastered version, widescreen, with chapter selection and promotional trailer included. The quality of this DVD is pretty good. I can't remember the exact cinematography but it seems like this is how the movie always appeared. Not top-notch but acceptable. The trailer is not as well preserved but is OK.

(I noticed this on the Rambo: First Blood Part II DVD I just bought ... on that DVD, the trailer is so-so, however the picture on that movie is crisp and very well preserved).

OK, back to the movie. A freak storm catches the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and transports her and her crew back to December 6, 1941 just off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BIG question: Ignore or Intercept the Japanese Navy when it attacks on December 7? ... if you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you here.

There are top-named actors like Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, James Farentino, Katharine Ross and Charles Durning. And there are a few real carrier personnel who weren't professional actors, obviously. But they got to be in the movie and who could blame them? Most people who like this film enjoy the time-travel, naval-combat aspect of it and overlook the occasional potholes in the storyline. Hey, just have fun!

There are some great launch sequences of Naval fighter aircraft, recon birds, tankers and helicopters. And the inflight sequences are pretty good too. You get to see F-14 Tomcats, A-7 Corsairs, A-6 Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, E-2C Hawkeyes, SH-53 Sikorsky's and more. Plus the carrier crew equip the aircraft with the Mach 4+ AIM-54A Phoenix missiles, AIM-9 Sidwinders and AIM-7 Sparrows for air combat. Great stuff!

Overall the quality of the DVD movie is fairly decent and played well on my 55" big screen and my 27" small screen TV's. If you haven't seen the film, it's similar to "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Michael Pare and Nancy Allen. Enjoy!!

No, not the album by "Europe"
I first saw this on ABC as a kid, and loved it. Seeing it again now, at 31, I don't find it nearly as interesting but still think it's a fine film. Check out how much young Martin Sheen looks like Charlie Sheen! Watch James Farentino, the TV version of Roy Scheider! And don't miss the surprise ending!

Cinematic experience that will stand its ground...
The USS Nimitz, a nuclear aircraft carrier, is on a routine assignment when the civilian systems specialist Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen) is flown to the aircraft carrier. Lasky's job is to evaluate the efficiency of the commander and crew as he should make recommendations in regards to what changes can be done to save tax dollars. Soon after Lasky's arrival Captain Matthew Yelland (Kirk Douglas) is put in a difficult position as the USS Nimitz is pulled into an outlandish electrical storm that relocates the warship in time. Captain Yelland is unsure about what truly has happened, but when they discover that they are in between the Japanese Naval Force that is about to strike at Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941 they realize they might have a chance to undo history. Final Countdown is an interesting science fiction film that offers some room for thinking, yet it is entertaining as it displays the incredible event of time traveling. An appealing idea together with entertainment, Final Countdown offers a decent cinematic experience, which will stand its ground.

Excellent. Aviation fans take note...
Since so many reviews are already posted, I'll keep this brief. It's nice to see this film get such an excellent DVD release. This movie is great and has aged quite well. The premise of the Nimitz being thrown back into time and given the opportunity to change the course of world history is an intriuging one even today. The Final Countdown boasts some ofthe best aircraft footage ever caught on film, hollywood or documentary. The scene between the Jolly Rogers F-14's and the 2 Japanese Zero fighters is a timeless classic.

The sound is excellent, the transfer is quite good, and the 2 disc set includes very special bonuses for fans of the F-14, or aviation in general. And the bonus disc interviews the Jolly Rogers squadron that flew in the film, worth it if you are an avaiation fan. If not, you might still enjoy it anyways, as they certainly have an entertaining story about one of the cast members! ... Read more

Description

Honored at film festivals the world over and revered by tromites and tromettes worldwide, Terror Firmer is an unforgettable look into the set of one of Troma’s movies of the future! Featuring director Lloyd Kaufman in the role of blind director Larry Benjamin, Terror Firmer tells the story of a low budget film crew trying to make The Toxic Avenger Part IV, only to find themselves stalked by a sexually confused killer!A satirical schock-comic tro-masterpiece, Terror Firmer stands as the tro-magnum opus of blood, breasts, gore, satirical laughs that will stick with you forever! And that’s not even including the extra features!A second disc features the feature length making-of documentary, "Farts of Darkness," which is must-see viewing for anyone interested in making their own damn movie!With over two hours of extra features, Terror Firmer delivers the troma-riffic goods! ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Sick and twisted baaaaby!!
If your looking at buying this movie then you really don't need to read this review. You know exactly who Troma are and exactly what they do. Troma delight in making the sickest, most twisted, perverted flicks that can be put on film.

Terror Firmer is Troma's swansong (though im sure another will rear its ugly mutant head sometime) and easily sits beside "classics" such as, Tromeo and Juliet, Surf Nazis must Die, Cannibal:The Musical and Toxic Avenger. Definately one of thier best. Its gross, its disgusting, its hilarious and I love it!!

This is an excellent 2 disc set that is an easy buy for any fan of gonzo/horror/sexploitation/weirdo movies. ...

TERROR FIRMER: The One Troma Fans Have Been Waiting For!
TERROR FIRMER is one of Troma's newest films to be released and now it's making it's debut on DVD. I can't wait to get it. I haven't seen the movie but I know the straight plot of it: A low-budget independant film crew find themselves being stalked by a maniac killer. There's plenty of nudity, sex, Troma-tic violence, and bad cheesy acting in general...only from Troma, of course! Well, since I'm a big fan of most Troma movies, I'm giving this one 5 stars before I even watch it. Any Troma fan with a DVD player should just pick this one up!

Wheres my damn poster?!?!
Decent flick, but where the hell is the mini poster advertised on the front of the movie?

ioncetookatexantoawedding
this movie is bad even for troma. its not gross or shocking or funny. it's very long, i think about 9 hours. i wasn't offended or entertained, just bored and i got diarhea. troma fans are overwight. i bought this movie and i can't get rid of it. i can't sell it to stoners, give it away to homeless people, or trade it for a banana at lunch. it didn't even come with the free poster promised on the case. also it breaks your dvd players

Terror Firmer
A film writhing in dark humour, gore and a wonderful storyline, Terror Firmer is a must for anyone who loves Troma and anyone who doesn't. The film is one of the best black movies I have ever seen, and I recommend it to you, because it is fantastic and a classic. ... Read more

Description

A surprisingly moving retelling of the Bard's famous romantic tragedy in fine Troma fashion, complete with a Manhattan setting, gratuitous violence, body-piercing, and a hard-driving alternative soundtrack. Winner of the Raindance Audience Award.Tromeo and Juliet features the work of Scooby Doo and Dawn of the Dead screenwriter James Gunn and more tromatic obsessions than one can shake a nipple-ring at!In director Lloyd Kaufman’s hands,Will Keenan and Jane Jensen provide an intoxicating screen chemistry that has garnered critical acclaim from critics everywhere.Featuring All the body-piercing, kinky sex, and car crashes that Shakespeare wanted but never had, Tromeo and Juliet is a modern classic!Features a showstopping turn as Lemmy from Motorhead as the narrator. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

They found a peanut, all right...a peanut of DEATH!
I've always had this fantasy that some thoroughly disreputable quick-buck movie would end up being brilliant. Like, what if some soft-core "Erotic Thriller" ended up having gutsy, breakthrough performances and a riveting plot? What if "Police Academy 12" was Oscar-worthy?

My fantasies came through with "Tromeo & Juliet." The very concept of a punk "Romeo" is brilliant - they conceived this before Baz Luhrmann's movie - but seeing as how this is Troma we're talking about, Lloyd Kaufman could have steered this in a very wrong (read: conventional) direction. Fortunately, they managed to find a young mad genius named James Gunn to write the script, and they found some hungry young acting talent who threw themselves into the project. And Kaufman, perhaps inspired by all this, finally directed like a man more concerned with making a good movie than cashing in on the quick-buck exploitation trends that nearly ruined "Troma's War" and "Sgt. Kabukiman."

Not that "Tromeo & Juliet" isn't a quick-buck exploitation movie. It is. It's also a hilarious and inventive comedy, an art film, a soft-core porno, a gross-out gore flick, a surprisingly moving love story, and - best of all - one of the most oddly faithful Shakespeare adaptations I've ever seen. Amazingly, it's all these things all at the same time, sometimes even in the same scene (check out Murray Que's final scene, in the tattoo parlor). "Tromeo" captures the spirit, the wordplay, and the abandon that so many staid Shakespeare movies completely miss. And it's one of the most energetic and creative movies you're likely to see.

I could gush on and on about "Tromeo," for it is my favorite movie. Now that James Gunn is a big-time - although still delightfully weird - Hollywood writer, I wouldn't be surprised to see a surge in "Tromeo" sales. This is a good thing. "Tromeo" is a completely unique and exhilirating movie, and it deserves a huge audience. It's not for everyone, I suppose (the close-up shot of the nipple being pierced will pretty much clear the room of those who should have stayed away in the first place). But if you like a little trash in your art, or art in your trash, give "Tromeo" a chance.

Oh - and the budget for "Tromeo" was $350,000, or about what it costs to cater lunch for a week on your basic Adam Sandler movie.

Above-Average TROMA effort!
I realize Troma Studios has an extremely loyal, if not large, following and I am about to honk off what few loyalists will read this, but I just don't get it. I know Troma is trying to cater to those who prefer their movie entertainment to whack them in the face with a brick, but I get the feeling watching a Troma-produced movie made in the last few years that they are becoming a parody of themselves.

This is not meant to be a slap at "Tromeo and Juliet," but I can't help but vent about Troma. I don't, and never did, think that doing a "take" (turning your face toward the camera with your mouth and eyes wide open - some people refer to it as "mugging") was funny, and Lloyd Kaufman is the king of this. My feeling is that when I see a "take" in a movie, I am reminded that I'm watching a movie and am not simply a bystander in some characters' lives. I say this fully knowing that Troma-produced movies are not meant to be great art and are made to appeal to a certain viewer - I think he lives somewhere in New Jersey - and God forbid I tell someone what they should do with their money, but they could at least TRY.

The ultimate example of Troma's "love of self" - besides their commercials for their merchandise that show up before AND after each of their movies on the tapes - is the movie "Tromeo and Juliet." Tromeo?!?!?! I thought the world was coming to an end when I saw "The Toxic Avenger" made into a Saturday morning cartoon and then referred to as "Toxie" every time he makes an appearance, but "Tromeo?!?!?!". I always liked "The Toxic Avenger" but with each successive sequel, it got hokier and hokier (is hokier a word?). I respected Troma about 15 or 20 years ago when they were making movies such as "Combat Shock," "Class of Nuke 'em High" and the original "Toxic Avenger" but now it seems they are doing nothing but exploiting their viewers...whose numbers appear to be dwindling. Not that there's anything wrong with capitalizing on an alleged strong point and making money, but "Ars Gratia Artis" (art for art's sake) seems to mean nothing to Troma.

Phew...all that without taking a breath. On to the movie review.

"Tromeo and Juliet"...damn, I can't get past that title...is not a terrible movie. That is, if you like tattoos, body piercing, off-the-wall violence and the 'F' word. I could go on and on about over-the-top acting, stifled camera work (what I could do with HALF that budget!), rubber-mask effects, blah, blah, blah. Other than that, it's pretty good.

The main characters, Will Keenan, who pays Tromeo...Tromeo?!?!?...and Jane Jensen, Juliet, are actually pretty good. Their attraction for each other is actually believable because neither one of them are matinee idols...above average looks, below average IQs, rebellious, etc. Their characterizations, though, by no fault of the actors (we blame the writers for this), are very uneven. One example of this is that Juliet is portrayed as virginal and naive, yet at one point she pleasures herself after calling a 900 number and in more than one scene makes out with the maid, played by Debbie Rochon.

Aaahhh, Debbie Rochon. Rochon has a certain something that I haven't been able to put my finger on. She is very good when it comes to her needing to be sexy, although if the scenes in this movie are any indication, she has shattered a bunch of my illusions (I could never understand why guys get turned on by lesbian scenes). I don't think she is as good when she need to be evil, but she is convincing in straight roles (such as the mom in "Santa Claws") and alluring roles (again, when her character is shooting the strip scenes in "Santa Claws") or when she's scared (as in "Abducted 2"). The one constant about Rochon...she sure is easy on the eyes.

A couple other actors give above-average performances. I'm getting old and my memory is failing so I don't remember their names, but the actor that plays Juliet's father does a commendable job, as does the woman who plays Tromeo's...Tromeo?!?!?!...girlfriend (before he meets Juliet), but when you see her you'll know why I like her performance. Who needs silicone! All the other performances are well over the top and on their way down the other side.

As I said, I will always bring up the positive points of the movies I review, so here goes. The overall tone of the movie is fast-paced and has a lot of energy...a lot of shouting, a lot of arms flailing, and none of that introspective acting that sometimes gets in the way of a performance.

Even with her tattoos, numerous body piercings and the darkening of her eyebrows - which I didn't understand - Rochon is a breath of fresh air - literally. When her character sees that Juliet loves Tromeo...Tromeo?!?!?!...and needs to show a hint of a conscience, she makes it believable and it tugged at my heartstrings...but I was drunk when I watched it...

One last thing about Troma itself. I'm not sure if Lloyd Kaufman thinks people watch Troma movies because of him, but his name is the only credit on the front of the video box (directed by...) and appears on the box more times than the title of the movie! Being in advertising myself, I know the theory behind promotion and selling, but the word "subtle" is not in Troma's vocabulary. OK, one more thing - I don't know why, if they shoot on 35mm, everything looks so grainy. Rent a Panavision.

Well, I think I just killed any chance I might have had of working with Troma.

I can see how someone in their early twenties would love this movie. You know, the more I think about it, perhaps this movie wasn't aimed at my demographic. I should have known better when I saw a soundtrack which included bands such as Motorhead, Superchunk, Ass Ponys and Unsane. It's sad that filmmaking at this level has come down to demographics, isn't it?

classic troma
this is troma at its best.being a troma junkie i found this great as anything the troma boys have done.this movie is the second best troma flick i've seen next to the toxie movies.
its made evan better by the appearance of the man the myth the legend lemy kilmeister of motorhead.
i showed this to my buddy who never saw a troma film and got him hooked on troma.when i read romeo and juliet i was bored out of my mind,and the leo decrappio made me queesy butt this is the best retelling of that snorefest bill shakespear i've seen
so if your a weirdo or just likeoffbeat movies yull love this flick i did and i'm a looney

LOVE MEANS NEVERY HAVING TO SAY A THING
hey:

mr. k. has done it big time with this classic. only kaufman can take on shakespeare and come out a head.

wow.

i dig it like a vegtable.

jack e. jett
the jack e. jett show

a decent film...tromatized!
Tromeo and Juliet was a good flick. I am new to troma films, and this is the first one I viewed. I was pleased with it's bizzaire story line which mimiced shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The violence, nudity, sex (read like a cheap porn, which isnt a bad thing mind you!) and overall wierdness that I had heard about and was expecting from Troma was all there, and I loved every bit of it. If you are new to Troma films, you might want to check it out, and if even if you are a rabid fan, you might want to pick this one. The extras are cool to check out too. Especially the cut scenes. ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Love the Movie!!! Newer DVD is acceptable quality ...
I have always liked this movie. Sure, the story never reaches its purported climax, but there's a lot of fun getting there ...

Let me address the DVD issue right off: I have (apparently) a remastered version, widescreen, with chapter selection and promotional trailer included. The quality of this DVD is pretty good. I can't remember the exact cinematography but it seems like this is how the movie always appeared. Not top-notch but acceptable. The trailer is not as well preserved but is OK.

(I noticed this on the Rambo: First Blood Part II DVD I just bought ... on that DVD, the trailer is so-so, however the picture on that movie is crisp and very well preserved).

OK, back to the movie. A freak storm catches the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and transports her and her crew back to December 6, 1941 just off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BIG question: Ignore or Intercept the Japanese Navy when it attacks on December 7? ... if you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you here.

There are top-named actors like Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, James Farentino, Katharine Ross and Charles Durning. And there are a few real carrier personnel who weren't professional actors, obviously. But they got to be in the movie and who could blame them? Most people who like this film enjoy the time-travel, naval-combat aspect of it and overlook the occasional potholes in the storyline. Hey, just have fun!

There are some great launch sequences of Naval fighter aircraft, recon birds, tankers and helicopters. And the inflight sequences are pretty good too. You get to see F-14 Tomcats, A-7 Corsairs, A-6 Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, E-2C Haweyes, SH-53 Sikorsky's and more. Plus the carrier crew equip the aircraft with the Mach 4+ AIM-54A Phoenix missiles, AIM-9 Sidwinders and AIM-7 Sparrows for air combat. Great stuff!

Overall the quality of the DVD movie is fairly decent and played well on my 55" big screen and my 27" small screen TV's. If you haven't seen the film, it's similar to "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Michael Pare and Nancy Allen. Enjoy!!

Love the Movie ... Newer DVD is acceptable quality ...
I have always liked this movie. Sure, the story never reaches its purported climax, but there's a lot of fun getting there ...

Let me address the DVD issue right off: I have (apparently) a remastered version, widescreen, with chapter selection and promotional trailer included. The quality of this DVD is pretty good. I can't remember the exact cinematography but it seems like this is how the movie always appeared. Not top-notch but acceptable. The trailer is not as well preserved but is OK.

(I noticed this on the Rambo: First Blood Part II DVD I just bought ... on that DVD, the trailer is so-so, however the picture on that movie is crisp and very well preserved).

OK, back to the movie. A freak storm catches the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and transports her and her crew back to December 6, 1941 just off the coast of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The BIG question: Ignore or Intercept the Japanese Navy when it attacks on December 7? ... if you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it for you here.

There are top-named actors like Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, James Farentino, Katharine Ross and Charles Durning. And there are a few real carrier personnel who weren't professional actors, obviously. But they got to be in the movie and who could blame them? Most people who like this film enjoy the time-travel, naval-combat aspect of it and overlook the occasional potholes in the storyline. Hey, just have fun!

There are some great launch sequences of Naval fighter aircraft, recon birds, tankers and helicopters. And the inflight sequences are pretty good too. You get to see F-14 Tomcats, A-7 Corsairs, A-6 Intruders, EA-6B Prowlers, E-2C Hawkeyes, SH-53 Sikorsky's and more. Plus the carrier crew equip the aircraft with the Mach 4+ AIM-54A Phoenix missiles, AIM-9 Sidwinders and AIM-7 Sparrows for air combat. Great stuff!

Overall the quality of the DVD movie is fairly decent and played well on my 55" big screen and my 27" small screen TV's. If you haven't seen the film, it's similar to "The Philadelphia Experiment" with Michael Pare and Nancy Allen. Enjoy!!

No, not the album by "Europe"
I first saw this on ABC as a kid, and loved it. Seeing it again now, at 31, I don't find it nearly as interesting but still think it's a fine film. Check out how much young Martin Sheen looks like Charlie Sheen! Watch James Farentino, the TV version of Roy Scheider! And don't miss the surprise ending!

Cinematic experience that will stand its ground...
The USS Nimitz, a nuclear aircraft carrier, is on a routine assignment when the civilian systems specialist Warren Lasky (Martin Sheen) is flown to the aircraft carrier. Lasky's job is to evaluate the efficiency of the commander and crew as he should make recommendations in regards to what changes can be done to save tax dollars. Soon after Lasky's arrival Captain Matthew Yelland (Kirk Douglas) is put in a difficult position as the USS Nimitz is pulled into an outlandish electrical storm that relocates the warship in time. Captain Yelland is unsure about what truly has happened, but when they discover that they are in between the Japanese Naval Force that is about to strike at Pearl Harbor on December 6, 1941 they realize they might have a chance to undo history. Final Countdown is an interesting science fiction film that offers some room for thinking, yet it is entertaining as it displays the incredible event of time traveling. An appealing idea together with entertainment, Final Countdown offers a decent cinematic experience, which will stand its ground.

Excellent. Aviation fans take note...
Since so many reviews are already posted, I'll keep this brief. It's nice to see this film get such an excellent DVD release. This movie is great and has aged quite well. The premise of the Nimitz being thrown back into time and given the opportunity to change the course of world history is an intriuging one even today. The Final Countdown boasts some ofthe best aircraft footage ever caught on film, hollywood or documentary. The scene between the Jolly Rogers F-14's and the 2 Japanese Zero fighters is a timeless classic.

The sound is excellent, the transfer is quite good, and the 2 disc set includes very special bonuses for fans of the F-14, or aviation in general. And the bonus disc interviews the Jolly Rogers squadron that flew in the film, worth it if you are an avaiation fan. If not, you might still enjoy it anyways, as they certainly have an entertaining story about one of the cast members! ... Read more

Description

A tale of two Toxies!!! Experience the marvelous fun that Fangoria Magazine has dubbed one of the top 13 DVDs of 2003!Citizen Toxie is Troma’s most ambitious and successful movie! When the notorious Diaper Mafia take hostage the Tromaville School for the Very Special, a horrific explosion creates a portal between Tromaville and its dimensional mirror image, Amortville. While the Toxic Avenger (Toxie) is trapped in Amortville, Tromaville comes under the control of Toxie’s evil doppelganger, the Noxious Offender (Noxie). Will Toxie return to Tromaville in time to stop Noxie’s rampage or is he doomed to remain a second-class citizen in Amortville forever? How did Toxie’s wife Sarah become pregnant with two babies from two different fathers? Will Tito, the Retarded Rebel, ever get over his teen angst and become a productive member of society? Citizen Toxie features the most formidable line-up of superheroes ever assembled, including Sgt. Kabukiman NYPD, Mad Cowboy, Dolphin Man, Master Bator and The Vibrator. Auteur director Lloyd Kaufman has also assembled a cast that reads like a veritable reunion of Troma superstars, including Ron Jeremy, Lemmy, Hank the Angry Drunken Dwarf, James Gunn, Kinky Finklestein and many others. Hilarious and shocking; erotic and surprising. Citizen Toxie is full of unforgettable special effects – everyone is calling it a Tromasterpiece! This exclusive two disc DVD collector’s edition features over two hours of extra materials, including "Apocalypse Soon: The Making of Citizen Toxie," a 90 minute documentary that’s almost as entertaining as the feature itself! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Although "clever" isn't the first word that leaps to mind whendescribing Troma Films' Toxic Avenger series, the sequel to their 1985hit has enough laugh-out-loud gags (amidst a barrage of slapstick and bodilyfunction jokes) that should tickle the funny bones of veteran and novice Tromaviewers alike. The Toxic Avenger, Part II finds the chemically alteredcrime fighter depressed about the lack of evil in his hometown of Tromaville.That situation is quickly reversed by the appearance of the dastardlyApocalypse, Inc., which sends Toxie to Japan after his long-lost father whilethey plan to transform Tromaville into a toxic waste dump. Longtime Troma fansmight feel let down by the subdued levels of gore and gross-out humor found inPart II (which is possibly due to the participation of televisionproduction company Lorimar Films). But the zest with which director/Tromaco-chieftain Lloyd Kaufman delivers his lowbrow laughs should allay any cult fan'sconcerns. --Paul Gaita ... Read more

Reviews (11)

My eyes must be dead by now.
Sequel to the cult hit THE TOXIC AVENGER is not that good and funny as the original and mote of the gore that makes this series best has been lef out leting the bed acting and comedy take over. If i was you, i wood look for part 1, but wath the hell, this one is worth a look. A "longer Japanese version" and "a U.S. unrated Director's cut" are said to be available. Let's hope so.

1988. Troma. 96 Mins.

Rated R for Violence, nudity/sexuality and for Comic Mischief.

Go Toxi!
Is it in this one or the first one that he finds a wife? Can it happen to a nicer guy all in one video! Toxi has a wife who is buxom, beautiful and blind, but she doesn't care because she loves him as he fights crime and drinks drano. (Sometimes it gives him a little gas. 'Die sonne sheint...')
If you have the first Toxic avenger, go for the gold and get the sequel. If you're not sorry you bought it the first time, you won't be this time around either.

Stay away!
How do Troma have the nerve to sell this as the Director's Cut? It's missing most of the gore, violence and comedy that can be found in the true uncut version available in Japan. Troma always cram their DVDs with extras, some of them quite good, but that doesn't make up for ripping customers off with a useless version of one of their better films.

Not as good as the first
I saw toxie 1 and thought it was the best then I rented part 2 hopeing it would be as good not a chance.First toxies face looked better in the first and his arms didnt look bubbly just white.Also what happend to all the mindless gore instead they have cartoon violence.The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because the voice sounds better then in the first one and when he was on the toilet.

A Decent Sequel
A fairly good Sequel that has our toxie going to Japan to find his father and then return home to battle the evil Apocalpyse Inc. Not as good as the original but still worth rental fee. This one is toned down a lot more than the original so most of the blood and gore is absent from this film but other than that its a very entertaining movie that is worth a view or two ... Read more

Description

Film producer Sy Lerner makes a bet with a fellow film executive thathe can turn any nobody into a star at the Cannes Film Festival. A New York cab driverthat is visiting the festival is chosen as the test subject to settle the bet. Sy uses his skillsof hype and manipulation to try and turn the cab driver named Frank into a geniusscreenwriter and the talk of the town. Loaded with celebrity appearances, the film takesyou on a surreal trip through the world of the Cannes Film Festival like you have never itbefore. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Hilarious trip to Cannes
I've been to the Cannes Film festival, and this film captures it perfectly - naked women on the beach and blowhards selling films, while celebrities cajole and cavort with each other. If you're a fan of filmmaking, look for cameos from the Director of the Usual Suspects along with Benicio del Toro, Robert Evans and others. The film is laugh out loud funny, and don't know why it took this long to be on DVD. Five stars.

Funny Film, Good Night's Entertainment
Sy is a movie producer who is in Cannes for the festival, as usual. However, he needs for someone else to pay all his bills there so takes a bet, that he can turn a young nobody seen on the beach into a credible writer that he can use to raise ...millions while in Cannes. Not a single word has been written but Sy sees that as no impediment to approaching every star in the universe to become involved in his movie, with virtually all of them saying yes, from Johnny Depp to Dennis Hopper to John Malkovich and so on. A hilarious, droll view at the film world that is light as a souffle. It won't stick with you but it is fun for a night. ... Read more

Description

Cannes, France!The press, the celebrities, the nude beaches…The Toxic Avenger!?!Come along to the Cannes Film Festival with legendary director and head of Troma studios Lloyd Kaufman!In this informative and entertaining "edu-mentary," Lloyd and the Troma Team set out to sell the foreign rights to Citizen Toxie:The Toxic Avenger IV and market in the name of independent cinema.The chaos that ensues will have you in stitches!From battles with Warner Brothers and Jean Claude Van Damme to wars with French police and even each other, the Team tromatizes the riviera and France will never be the same again.Essential viewing for independent filmmakers everywhere, All The Love You Cannes teaches how to do Cannes on no-budget and return with a fistfull of cash from lucrative foreign market sales…and then there’s all the wonderful blood, breasts, and brawling!Features appearances by Quentin Tarantino, Roger Ebert and John Stossel. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Hilarious trip to Cannes
I've been to the Cannes Film festival, and this film captures it perfectly - naked women on the beach and blowhards selling films, while celebrities cajole and cavort with each other. If you're a fan of filmmaking, look for cameos from the Director of the Usual Suspects along with Benicio del Toro, Robert Evans and others. The film is laugh out loud funny, and don't know why it took this long to be on DVD. Five stars.

Funny Film, Good Night's Entertainment
Sy is a movie producer who is in Cannes for the festival, as usual. However, he needs for someone else to pay all his bills there so takes a bet, that he can turn a young nobody seen on the beach into a credible writer that he can use to raise ...millions while in Cannes. Not a single word has been written but Sy sees that as no impediment to approaching every star in the universe to become involved in his movie, with virtually all of them saying yes, from Johnny Depp to Dennis Hopper to John Malkovich and so on. A hilarious, droll view at the film world that is light as a souffle. It won't stick with you but it is fun for a night. ... Read more

Description

Troma studio heads Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz made their directing team debut with this hilarious, raunchy comedy about a women's softball team where anything goes! It's a wild battle of the sexes as the "World Series of Laughs" heats up on and off the softball field. In the small town of Springborn the local all-male baseball team, The Beavers, celebrates each victory by bedding their wives, sweethearts and casual dates. Tired of this chauvinistic treatment, rebellious Samantha (Jenni Hetrick) organizes an all-girl team, the Beaverettes. She forces a battle of the sexes on the baseball diamond, pitting her buxom teammates against the dirty-playing Beavers. As part of Troma Team Video’s "Before There Was Toxie Series,"Squeeze play breaks all the rules and predates the sexy comedies that would follow for years to come.The first of it’s kind, Squeeze Play celebrates America’s two favorite pastimes, playing ball and balling!This DVD comes loaded with an intro and directors’ commentary and production interviews. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

THE SINGLE GREATEST MOVIE EVER !!!
Llyod Kaufman hit the nail on the head with this one. Sure through the years others have tried to make other baseball comedies like that one with Madonna or that Keven Costner (did you know Troma got Costner started in Sizzle Beach)one or that one that just came out this year. But they all are dirt on this movies coattails. I mean none of those inferior imitations have a baseball getting stuck in the crack of someones butt, how can they even compare!

Boob-a-riffic!
There are certain works which transcend aesthetic criticism and become cultural signifiers, archetypal embodyments of the moment that produced them. As American cultural hegemony reached its apotheosis and began to break like a great salty wave, depositing encrustations across the littoral zone of history, a sulbime new art form frothed forth - the 70's boob movie.

Any serious student of this genre would have to brand this movie as one of its most distinguished emanations. The plot - is not important. What is important is that the director of this movie, in a moment of auteurial inspiration, was inspired to include a scene in which a man exclaims "I love you!" to the (authentically) buxom object of his affections and immediately places his head between her breasts and makes a very loud farty sound by pressing them together and blowing.

dumb
Another Troma trauma from the worls cheapest movie studio, a proundly dumb comedy that transfers the battle of the sexes to a softball field. Strictly for the couchbound whose remote controls are broken

one of troma's best
this film is very funny and a must for troma fans. of course,i'ts no toxic avenger or nuke em high. ... Read more

Description

Honored at film festivals the world over, This double disc set of Terror Firmer is the story of a low budget film crew trying to make some art, only to be stalked by a deranged killer. As the insanity increases and the bodies amass every one asks, "Who will be next? And who is the killer?" You will have to watch to find out. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Sick and twisted baaaaby!!
If your looking at buying this movie then you really don't need to read this review. You know exactly who Troma are and exactly what they do. Troma delight in making the sickest, most twisted, perverted flicks that can be put on film.

Terror Firmer is Troma's swansong (though im sure another will rear its ugly mutant head sometime) and easily sits beside "classics" such as, Tromeo and Juliet, Surf Nazis must Die, Cannibal:The Musical and Toxic Avenger. Definately one of thier best. Its gross, its disgusting, its hilarious and I love it!!

This is an excellent 2 disc set that is an easy buy for any fan of gonzo/horror/sexploitation/weirdo movies. ...

TERROR FIRMER: The One Troma Fans Have Been Waiting For!
TERROR FIRMER is one of Troma's newest films to be released and now it's making it's debut on DVD. I can't wait to get it. I haven't seen the movie but I know the straight plot of it: A low-budget independant film crew find themselves being stalked by a maniac killer. There's plenty of nudity, sex, Troma-tic violence, and bad cheesy acting in general...only from Troma, of course! Well, since I'm a big fan of most Troma movies, I'm giving this one 5 stars before I even watch it. Any Troma fan with a DVD player should just pick this one up!

Wheres my damn poster?!?!
Decent flick, but where the hell is the mini poster advertised on the front of the movie?

ioncetookatexantoawedding
this movie is bad even for troma. its not gross or shocking or funny. it's very long, i think about 9 hours. i wasn't offended or entertained, just bored and i got diarhea. troma fans are overwight. i bought this movie and i can't get rid of it. i can't sell it to stoners, give it away to homeless people, or trade it for a banana at lunch. it didn't even come with the free poster promised on the case. also it breaks your dvd players

Terror Firmer
A film writhing in dark humour, gore and a wonderful storyline, Terror Firmer is a must for anyone who loves Troma and anyone who doesn't. The film is one of the best black movies I have ever seen, and I recommend it to you, because it is fantastic and a classic. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A fun little slasher
For a low budget movie, "Bleed" sports a stylish cast, who act fairly well together, an ok script and lots of fun. The movie as a whole isn't the best and the ending was not very satisfying. The killer is someone that you would never suspect because you don't care about them. "Bleed" is however, a bit different than most of your "average" slasher movies. It has horror, and alot of nudity. It is like a porno movie with a really good script (in case you are wondering, a bad script in movieland is the same as a good script in porno land.) There are scenes where people just walk around totally naked for no reason, which isn't at all that bad, as long as they are all female. Overall, bleed isn't totally your run-of-the-mill horror film, it has a pretty good cast, an okay plot, and some stylish directing, but in the end, it fails to overcome it's very low budget feel, as the screen quality and camera work is fairly below-par.

~SCORE~
OVERALL:78/100 C+
CAST:16/20

DIRECTION:15/20
PLOT:14/20
SPECIAL EFFECTS:16/20
FUN:17/20

~CONTENT~
VIOLENCE:7
SEX:8
LANGUAGE:6

Rated "R" for Strong Violence, Sexuality/Nudity, and some Language.

avoid!
This is the stupidist, most low-budget fake-horror movie I have ever partially seen. There's no suspense or mystery, just a lot of sitting around naked. I couldn't even make it all the way through the movie much less halfway. We returned it that same day. Total disappointment. It's not what it seems and don't waste your time or even a penny. We now joke it's the worst movie we've ever rented tied w/ Garden of Evil.

Hit & Miss Horror
"Bleed" has an intriguing premise. A guy tells his new girlfriend about "The Murder Club", of which he and his friends are members. To become a member you have to kill somebody first. Strangely, the girlfriend doesn't appear to be too disturbed by this news and she soon becomes a member by kiling an obnoxious woman in a parking garage.
Predictibly, a masked killer starts bumping off the members of the club one by one. Who could it be?
"Bleed" is far from a perfect movie. There are lots of loose ends that are never tied up by the film's somewhat abrupt conclusion.
However, if you're tired of run of the mill slasher pics(and there are too many to list), you may want to give "Bleed" a chance. It could have been a lot better, but there's much worse out there... believe me I've seen 'em!

Murder and Insanity
A masked killer is doing people in. A crazy woman starts a new job. The Murder Club. These are the elements of a twisted tale of insanity and murder that tries hard but makes little sense.

The movie starts with a pair of gruesome killings (including a topless Julie Strain). We then meet the main character who definitely has a screw loose or two. When she is invited to an uninhibited party, she is told of The Murder Club. Details are given of how each person managed to murder someone. For some reason she is not very bothered by the concept (reasons for this are shown in a flashback with Brinke Stevens).

Who is the killer and what is their motive becomes the main issue after the next killing. The killings then come fast and furious until the final revelation.

Unfortunately we don't find out the reason for the first two murders at the film's opening as they seem to be outside the scope of the motive. We also don't get an explanation for the dreams/flashbacks. Are they a red herring, meant to have been explained, a big mistake, etc.?

I am sure some people with actually enjoy the movie for its violence, nudity and sex but I can't imagine there will be many.

They don't get much worse than this
Bleed is the sort of movie that doesn't even merit the time to type a review. As a public service, however, I will do what I can to deter people from possibly renting this piece of garbage.

The plot is strictly formula slasher flick. The killer walks around with a mask (gosh, how original) and methodically kills people. The whole movie looks like it was made by a couple of amateurs who were given a video camera and decided to recruit their friends. I suppose you could watch this with your own friends and have fun arguments as to whether it was the acting, direction or writing that was the worst; a good case could be made for all three.

I suppose if you like seeing topless women, you might find some virtue in this movie, but you're better off renting a porn flick which will probably even have better production values. I've given one-star reviews before, but most of those movies are virtual Citizen Kanes compared to this one. Actually, this movie aspires to reach the one-star level.

Actually this DVD does have a little worth. If you actually were compelled to buy it (maybe you were related to a cast member), you do have a shiny new coaster for your drinks. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"We're here to save the world from what rock & roll has become," say the two slacker dudes who comprise the "band" Friends Forever. And, as depicted in this documentary, they've chosen a novel method: drive around in a VW bus, find a parking place, and put on a show for the bemused locals right from the back of their vehicle. Drummer Nate and bassist Josh freely admit that they can barely play; indeed, that's the point, as their "music" consists mainly of sound effects and noise and their performances are filled with sound and fury (and smoke and lights) signifying nothing. Whether filmmaker Ben Wolfinsohn's cinema verite (sort of) record of the boys' so-called West Coast tour will prove diverting for the home viewer is all a matter of taste; but at least it's different, and at 80 minutes (plus 40 minutes of extra footage), goodness knows there's a lot of it. --Sam Graham ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Disappointing and annoying
I bought this because of the previews on friendsforeverthemovie.com, but after watching it I realized I'd seen most of the best parts. I wanted to see at least a good 4 or 5 minutes of their act, but all the actual music footage is in tiny 5 or 10-second clips. Meanwhile the viewers are treated to long, unrelated segments about drug-users who eat their own vomit. Granted there are some funny moments, but there are also many moments where Josh and Nate are doing nothing but playing for the camera, trying and failing at being funny. In fact, the guys are most genuine when they're playing and that's another reason why the scene selection was fairly disproportionate. Watch "American Movie" or "American Job" instead for better direction in the same genre.

Isn't life suposed to be fun...
I thought this was an excellent movie about a group of, admittedly crazy people who really love what they do. It is a lot more interesting than any other documentry I've seen about "Modern" music and who can resist a band that uses fireworks as a major part of their act.

Compared to "Spinal Tap"
and one can review their "music" and the overall quality of this "film" using the same comparison: "[fecal] sandwich."

Maximum coolness
The unbelievable thing about this film is that it accuratley captures the struggle to perform entertainments while completely homeless. No easy feat. Why as a homeless person would you even consider providing entertainment for an unintentional audience who ultimatley chastize you? Without this film all the work that goes into these "shows" would exist only as a memory burned into the minds of the few people who looked at it sideway's for 2 minutes. I think a more acurate title for the film would be Mad Max 4 because this act belongs in a post apocolyptic world..
Kunga Legpa

Great piece of work that adheres to the senses and emotion!!
Friends forever combines the true emotion, intelligence and a journey into
the search for creative raw performance and into the lives of two, with a
passion for music and oddity. Thus, capturing every piece imaginable and
providing an abstract canvas of odd characters driving extreme distances to
perform only one show for a few people. Wofinsohn, delivers this emotion by
taking to the road for eight months, documenting their madness and mayhem.
But what's interesting, is how he controls the mood and the consistent pace
so that your emotions are drawn to Josh and Nate. The interest never seems
to retreat from the screen and each chapter has you more involved than the
last.
I found myself very intrigued by Wolfinsohns' work, and am surprised at how
talented his work is, being his first full length feature.
What he seemed to accomplish, is that you don't have to be a music lover
(considering the band's music doesn't really carry a tune anyways)
nor favor documentaries. It's real people and it's talented.......it's how a
documentary should be made.... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Is it wrong to film and broadcast a suicide if the participant has requested it? That's the question posed by this disturbing German horror feature, which presents unflinching images of suicide in a morally thorny storyline. Director Raoul W. Heimrich stars with Yvonne De Bark as a couple who films strangers' suicides and shows them on their Web site (the film's original title was Finalcut.com). The pair wrestles with remaining impassive observers during these intensely intimate (and often gruesome) final moments and the need to get "good footage"--a problem that solves itself when they decide to involve themselves in the suicides. Filmed mostly in a disturbingly voyeuristic POV through Heimrich's camcorder, Suicide ranks with works by fellow German filmmakers Jörg Buttgereit (Schramm) and Michael Haneke (Funny Games) as one of the most challenging horror films in recent years, and should prove difficult to watch for all save the most hardened viewers. Troma's DVD offers the director's cut (in German with English subtitles) as well as more light-hearted "Tromatic" extras (including trailers for Tales from the Crapper and others), which clash with the main feature's oppressively dark tone. --Paul Gaita ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not the usual Troma fare...
Troma, for those who are not familiar with them, are well known for making some of the best bad films around (or at least releasing them, such as the hypnotically bad "BloodSucking Freaks"). That is part of what makes this a little odd. Even reading the description on the case, this seemed like a, well, real movie. How was this going to to work?
Well, the movie is very good. While I am maybe too jaded to find it scary, it was definately disturbing. Without any warning, the movie leads right into the first suicide, and keeps rolling, letting you sort out all the details. While nothing is really built up for suspense, its quiet realism draws you in and manages to unnerve and even shock. I would highly recommend this movie, and will probably lend it to my neighbor once she gets home from her date.
There are some negatives. The ending does seem like an unlikely moment of stupidity. The Troma extras really tempt me to lower the rating, as they are jarring and do not match the movie at all, but take them separately and they are entertaining in the Troma fashion (meaning not necessarily for everyone).
Oh! and they don't warn you that the movie is in German with subtitles. The subtitles are in white, and the backgrounds frequently are light, so the movie becomes hard to read at times.
>scratching head<
Yeah, I am still sticking with the 4 Stars, but on another day, it could be 3 for all the technical and extra stuff that doesn't work as well as they would like.

Dogma 95 Meets German Horror
"Suicide" is the story of a young couple who decide they can make a fortune filming real life suicides. They create a website advertising their services, and then they stage a few suicides to generate response. Their plan works and soon they are filming the real thing. However, the woman will never come along for the shooting. Hmmm...

The entire film is shot on DV from the point of view of the film's documentarian protagonist. The performances are stellar and a very high level of realism is achieved. The style reminds me of Paul Morrisey(sp?) films like "Trash" and Lars Von Trier's "The Idiots." If this is Raoul Heimrich's first feature, it is a promising debut to say the least.

I do have my problems with the ending. It just was not plausible, especially considering the realism of this movie. Ask yourself, "How dumb is this guy?" But overall, this is an interesting and original independent picture. Pick it up. ... Read more

Description

Young Sean McNutt (Will Keenan of Trick) is a love-lorn waiter whose life is spinning out of control. He's slowlybeing driven insane by his beautiful girlfriend who ditches him for a Yuppie; by his parents who want him out of their house; and by his acting career, which is limited to playing a sorry-assed super-hero at kids' parties. What's a luckless guy to do to reclaim his dignity? Sean has aplan... that soon backfires, leading him into S&M, blackmail, torture, bribery, begging, drunken sex, marijuana brownies, a misplaced corkscrew and a can of not-so-tasty shaving cream! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Why on earth does amazon keep recommending such poor movies?
This is not the first film I have bought here that was recommended to me that turned out to be so bad. I think the actor in the main role is kind of charming and engaging, but this film.... Bad script, mediocre to bad acting, no plot development. Doesn't even live up to the quality of the sitcoms on UPN. I wanted to like it. I'm from Philadelphia, and I usually like to see my old city in films.
I suspect the teeny bit of gay content led to the recommendation, as I tend to search out good GLBT themed films. And I like a good indie film. But I am growing very weary of having to settle for mediocrity. This one was worse than most I've seen. I look over my purchases, and I see quite a lot of really good films, shorts collections, and such. And I do rate most of my purchases, so there should be some discretion in amazon's recommendations. Just because other people who made the same purchases bought another product is not grounds for recommendations. My partner has a shorter review of this film, but equally disappointed.

Actors and dialog a working combination
Waiting is a funny real life experience. The actors were believable and made the film move without drag. If anyone that has waited a table in any city, big or small, they have to laugh at seeing things they recognize and have lived through. See it and you'll recommend it to your friends. ... Read more

Description

- Set during the early days of World War II, Underground is an intriguing tale of danger and suspense set in Nazi Germany starring Jeffrey Lynn (Butterfield 8) and Philip Dorn (Spy Hunt).- Celebrated director Vincent Sherman (Backfire, The Adventures of Don Juan, All Through the Night, Mr. Skeffington) lives up to his reputation for directing some of the most memorable films made in the 40’s, 50’s and even 60’s with this story of the anti-Nazi underground and its attempts to usurp the Nazi regime and put an end to its war machine through the broadcast of an outlawed radio program. - Released almost six months before the United States entered WWII, Underground provides an interesting historical perspective of the American take on Germany’s Nazi Occupation before the fighting hit home. - Vincent Sherman at 98 years old, is the oldest living Hollywood director.

DVD Features
Available for the first time eve